Atlético Madrid chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil has launched a scathing attack on Barcelona president Joan Laporta, accusing him of creating a “personal circus” over the club’s reported pursuit of striker Julián Álvarez.
Gil insisted Atlético have no intention of selling the Argentine international this summer, regardless of the size of any offer.
Speaking about the transfer speculation, Gil revealed he had personally contacted Laporta to make the club’s position crystal clear.
“I spoke to Laporta personally. I told him: ‘Please, just let it go. We do not want to sell Julián Álvarez, and we are not going to sell him. Stop insisting,'” Gil said.
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Despite that conversation, the Atlético chief claimed the Barcelona president continues to fuel speculation for publicity.
“He keeps this situation alive because, in part, he enjoys it. He is frivolous and loves maintaining this relationship with the fans and the media. But he knows perfectly well that Álvarez will not be playing for FC Barcelona next season.”
Gil admitted Álvarez had been “poorly advised” since the end of last season but expressed complete confidence in the striker’s professionalism and commitment.
“The truth is that we know Julián. We’ve worked with him over these past two seasons, and we have absolutely no doubts about his character or his professionalism,” he said.
“I believe every Atlético Madrid fan’s dream, mine included, is to see Julián scoring goals for Atlético Madrid and winning trophies with Atlético Madrid. I truly believe that’s exactly what’s going to happen.”
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Reaffirming the club’s stance, Gil said Atlético had already informed the player, his representatives and Barcelona that the forward is not available for transfer.
“My position is clear, the club’s position is clear. We’ve made it known to the player, his representatives, and the president of Barcelona.”
The Atlético CEO went even further by declaring that no amount of money would tempt the club into selling the Argentine.
“We didn’t accept an offer of €100 million, and we won’t accept one of €150 million or even €200 million.”
“We do not want to transfer him.”
Gil also responded to Laporta’s recent remarks suggesting Barcelona’s offer was not unlimited.
“I recently heard the president say that the offer he made to Atlético Madrid wasn’t unlimited. My only response is that our answer is unlimited.”
With Atlético drawing a firm line under the speculation, Gil made it clear the Spanish giants see Álvarez as central to their future and have no plans to negotiate his departure under any circumstances.
