Online Reporter
WANTAWAY Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez was BLOCKED from greeting the home supporters after their LaLiga opener as he desperately tries to leave the club.
The striker, who was booed before, during and after the game, has been linked with moves to Spanish giants Barcelona and Premier League champions Arsenal throughout the summer.
Alvarez had a torrid time throughout Atleti’s 2-2 draw with Villarreal, with the red and white faithful quite clearly not accepting him.
Following the clash, his team-mates showed their appreciation for the fans while he walked down the tunnel alone.
Diego Simeone said: “It was a club decision to not let Julián Álvarez go over with his teammates to greet the fans.”
Amid transfer rumours, Alvarez was named on the Atleti bench.
But when the stadium announcer read out the subs, the Argentinian’s name was met with deafening boos, whistles and jeers.
It seems that Alvarez’s antics have not pleased the Atleti support. Later on when he came on, he was met with even more aggressive boos from the stands.
Supporters also reportedly chanted: “Get out of here, tell him to get out of here.”
And he seemed to grant their wishes after the game, as under strict club orders, he left his team-mates to clap the fans.
Earlier in the summer, it was city rivals Real Madrid who were in for the former Man City man, as they bid £130million for the star.
This led to Atleti publicly trolling their enemies on social media. Throughout the saga, Barca have been the team linked most, following the exit of Polish superstar Robert Lewandowski.
But as the transfer window edges closer to slamming shut, it appears that Mikel Arteta‘s Arsenal are locked in a battle with Barcelona for Alvarez’s signature.
Reports out of Spain recently suggested that the Gunners are willing to swap star Swede Viktor Gyokeres plus cash for Alvarez, despite the big striker only joining from Sporting last summer.
And following Arsenal’s convincing 3-0 win against newcomers Coventry on Friday night, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville made a point of the impact Alvarez could have on the already-stacked Gunners squad.
It is believed Alvarez prefers Barca and is yet to be sold on a return to the Premier League – Sun.
