Atlético Madrid chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín said striker Julián Álvarez is in a very difficult state after being misled by outside suitors. Gil Marín categorically ruled out transferring the player to FC Barcelona.
Speaking in Monaco on Thursday during the UEFA Champions League draw, Gil Marín said the club will not negotiate under any circumstances with Barcelona, accusing the rival Spanish side of behaving unethically.
Gil Marín told television broadcaster Movistar+ that third parties had deceived and confused Álvarez, leaving the player in a complicated situation personally and professionally. He added that Álvarez had missed two consecutive days of training with Atlético.
Álvarez is a World Cup winning forward for Argentina who joined Atlético Madrid from Manchester City. Atlético and Barcelona are traditional powerhouses in La Liga, Spain's premier football division, and regular contenders in European competition.
Barcelona transfer ruled out
Gil Marín noted that he truly regretted the situation because he knew Álvarez as a great person, professional, and footballer who was now completely confused. He expressed a desire for Álvarez to remain at Atlético, and while he did not close the door to a departure if unavoidable, he firmly stated that Barcelona was not an option.
The chief executive emphasised that he had the backing of the club's board of directors and shareholders. Earlier on Thursday morning, Atlético's board of directors met and voted unanimously to support the decision to refuse any sale to Barcelona.
Gil Marín also rejected comments made on Wednesday by Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who reiterated that Barcelona maintained an active offer for Álvarez. Gil Marín stated that in his more than thirty years working in football, his word remained paramount, guaranteeing that Álvarez would not join Barcelona while he led the club.
Barcelona response and Monaco meeting
Barcelona vice president of sports Rafa Yuste responded to the allegations on Thursday while also attending the Champions League event in Monaco. Speaking to Movistar, Yuste warned that Gil Marín's comments crossed a red line.
Yuste defended Barcelona's conduct, stating that the club always acts within established sporting and professional guidelines and maintains a clear conscience regarding its transfer dealings.
Monaco, located on the French Riviera, regularly hosts European football executives for UEFA tournament draws. The public conflict leaves Álvarez's future unresolved as Atlético work to restore stability following two days of missed training.
