Atletico Madrid president reveals reason for friction with Barcelona in Alvarez transfer saga: ‘Didn’t do what is normally done’

Atletico Madrid president reveals reason for friction with Barcelona in Alvarez transfer saga: ‘Didn’t do what is normally done’ Barcelona and Atletico Madrid’s relations are currently at an all-time low despite the Blaugrana never having a problem in selling legends to the Madrid-based club in the past. Over the years, several players have made the move from Catalonia to the Metropolitano, but Atletico Madrid seem to have drawn the line at Julian Alvarez. Despite the player being visibly unhappy at the club and keen on a move to Barcelona, Los Rojiblancos have denied the player his dream transfer and remain rigid that they will not speak to Barcelona regarding the transfer. Atletico Madrid President’s remarks Speaking to  El Desmarque  in a recent interview, Atletico Madrid President Enrique Cerezo opened up about Julian Alvarez’s situation to once again reaffirm the player’s commitment to the club. The door is closed now. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) In what can only be called the latest in a long list of public defences, Cerezo firmly stated that Alvarez will ‘always’ remain their player. “After a fairly complicated summer, marked by incessant questions about Julián Álvarez, the fact is he’s an Atlético de Madrid player.” “He’s always been an Atlético de Madrid player. We never had any intention of selling him,” he added. He was then asked if he felt Barcelona had disrespected Atletico Madrid at any point in the negotiations, to which he plainly said, “What I consider is that Barcelona wasn’t up to the circumstances and didn’t do what is normally done in this kind of situation.” Barcelona must move on All this time, it has only been Atletico Madrid’s pride that has inhibited conversations and negotiations with Barcelona for the finances have never been a problem. Time to move on to backup targets. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) Having taken a firm stance of not selling to Barcelona, the club cannot even open up to the possibility now despite knowing well that the player is unhappy in Madrid. On that front, every new public statement that comes out from a club administrator makes the move further impossible as the pride only grows. Deco and Co., at some point, must realise that it is too late. Less than ten days remain in the transfer window, the Catalans do not have long to secure a new striker signing. It is high time Plan B is activated, and it remains to be seen when the club puts it into action.