“They told me” – Manchester City star reveals impact of former defender on transfer decision

Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez has revealed the impact that former players had on his decision to move to the Etihad Stadium.

The 24-year-old has made 85 appearances and won five trophies including the Premier League and UEFA Champions League since moving to Manchester City from River Plate in 2022, and has played a vital role to Pep Guardiola’s side this season.

Alvarez has been directly involved in 25 goals in 32 appearances, stepping up in the absence of both Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland throughout the opening months of the 2023/24 campaign.

The Argentina international moved from South America to the Etihad Stadium for £14 million and was rewarded with a new one-year contract extension last year, after success with both Manchester City and at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Alvarez is the latest Argentinian to enjoy success at City, and is looking to win his second Premier League title this season with the Sky Blues.

The striker was 21-year-olds when he agreed to move to the Premier League, and has revealed that three former Argentinian’s played a huge role in his decision to sign for Manchester City.

Speaking to Manchester City’s official website, the striker has revealed the impact Sergio Aguero, Nicolas Otamendi and Pablo Zabaleta had on his move to the club.

“I was able to talk with Kun (Aguero), with Otamendi, and they told me a bit about the club, giving me more information about the world of Manchester City,” revealed Alvarez.

“It’s really nice to have this recognition from the fans towards us, the Argentines, a bond which actually extends to all the players here.

“I remember that when I arrived, he [Zabaleta] travelled with us on the pre-season tour, I was able to share some Argentinian mate, have a bit of a chat with him. He told me a bit about what Manchester City is, about everything he had experienced.

“And I also noticed he is a great person who always wants the best for everyone around him.”

The 24-year-old could feature for Manchester City at Bournemouth this weekend, with Guardiola’s side looking to move to within one point of Liverpool at the top of the table with a win at the Vitality Stadium.

Alvarez scored during a 1-4 win at Bournemouth last season, helping City to an historic 200th Premier League away victory.