Pep Guardiola breaks silence on Julian Alvarez’s club-record transfer exit

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has addressed the imminent exit of striker Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid.

The 53-year-old has publicly addressed the exit of the 24-year-old for the first time, after Alvarez agreed a club-record departure from the Etihad Stadium to Atletico Madrid, following weeks of uncertainty surrounding the Argentine’s future.

Alvarez is set to complete a €95 million exit from Manchester City to La Liga, with Atletico Madrid agreeing an initial €75 million transfer fee, plus €20 million in add-ons with the Sky Blues.

The Argentina international departs east Manchester despite signing a new contract last year, and having only moved to Manchester City in 2022 from River Plate for £14 million.

Alvarez, who has made 103 appearances for Manchester City, registered 32 direct goal involvements for Guardiola’s last season, and has netted 36 goals for the Blues since his debut against Liverpool in a FA Community Shield clash.

The 24-year-old’s last Manchester City goal came during a crucial 0-4 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage in May, with the victory propelling the Blues to a record-breaking fourth consecutive Premier League title.

Speaking ahead of Manchester City’s FA Community Shield clash against Manchester United at Wembley Stadium, Guardiola said: “First of all I want to say my gratitude for Julian, we won everything, his contribution has been massive. He was incredibly loved by the team for his behaviour.

“If he wants to leave, a new challenge, Atletico is a top club, then if you want to leave it’s ok. We wish him the best. I learned a lot from him, hopefully he can find what he was looking for.

“I don’t know the reason why, he said to me he wants a new challenge, he feels it’s what he needs to do. Last season he played a lot, at some moments with Erling [Haaland], but I understand in certain moments he didn’t play.”

“If you are not happy, why should you be here? He believes his period here must be over so ok, both clubs arrived at an agreement and that’s all.”

The striker, who won the Copa America with Argentina this summer and FIFA World Cup in 2022, has won six trophies with Manchester City, including two Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.