One of the legends of Atlético Madrid, Paulo Futre, has sent a message to Julián Álvarez after he decided to remain at the club following the closure of the European transfer market, despite his interest in a move to Barcelona. In a video shared on his social media, Futre aimed to bridge the gap between the Argentine forward and the fans, following the tensions generated by the failed transfer attempt.
In the recording, Futre drew from his own experience at the club to establish a parallel with Álvarez’s current situation. He recalled that he was not originally a fan of Atlético either, but over time he developed a strong bond with the institution, even showing a tattoo in honor of the club. “Julián, I was not born an Atleti fan. I am Portuguese, I arrived at 21 years old as a European champion and later a Ballon d’Or runner-up. I was a wild horse and this wild horse has fallen in love with this unique badge,” he stated in the video.
Paulo Futre arrived at Atlético Madrid in 1987, after being a European champion with Porto. In his first year in La Liga, he finished second in the Ballon d’Or voting, just behind Ruud Gullit. During his time with the club, he participated in over 200 matches, scored 52 goals, and won two Copa del Rey titles, in 1991 and 1992, with an iconic goal in the final against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu, a memorable moment in his career.
Futre expressed confidence that Álvarez would develop a similar relationship with the club’s supporters: “I am convinced, Julián, that you will also fall in love with this unique fanbase and this great club.” The message intensified towards the end, where he emphasized, in his opinion, the only way to restore the bond with the fans: “Forgiveness is not with words, it’s with goals,” he stressed. “I have no doubt that you will give your all and sweat the jersey until the last drop for this badge. ¡Aúpa Atleti, Julián! Let’s go, champion!”.
This message came after a complicated transfer market for Álvarez and the management of Atlético Madrid. During the 2026 World Cup, held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the forward expressed his desire to join Barcelona, causing a conflict with the Spanish club, which reiterated that it would not negotiate with its La Liga rival. The main shareholder, Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, expressed his wish for Álvarez to stay at Atlético, stating that if his continuity was incompatible with his sporting situation, the club would consider a transfer, but under no circumstances to Barcelona.
Álvarez rejected an offer from Arsenal, which Atlético accepted, due to his unwillingness to return to the Premier League. With no viable options to continue his career, his stay in Madrid became the only alternative after the transfer market closed. The tension generated by the conflict was also reflected in his relationship with the fans, as in the only match where he was called up, against Villarreal, he was met with boos. Subsequently, he was not included in the team for the match against Sevilla and faced difficulties training due to a physical ailment. After clarifying his immediate future, Álvarez rejoined the squad and began a process of sports reintegration, with the expectation of being called for the match next Saturday against Athletic Bilbao, although he is likely to start on the bench.
Source: www.infobae.com
