Atletico Madrid have announced the signing of Julian Alvarez from Manchester City, in what is a club-record sale for the Premier League champions. The 24-year-old joins for a fee reported to be in the region of £75 million including add-ons, and replaces the departed Alvaro Morata in Atletico's forward line after the Spain captain joined AC Milan.
Alvarez was part of the Argentina squad competing at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, having been included in the squad which won this year's Copa America.
Alvarez registered two assists in four appearances before a quarter-final exit at the hands of host nation France. He leaves City after scoring 36 goals in 103 appearances across all competitions, and with a winners' medal haul that includes two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one UEFA Champions League, one Club World Cup and one UEFA Super Cup. The striker made 54 appearances across all competitions for Pep Guardiola's side last term, netting 19 times.
His last goal for the club came in a 4-0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage on May 11.
"Today I say goodbye to this amazing club, with a lot of emotion," Alvarez told the club's official website. "These have been two very special years. During this time, I have grown and learnt a lot - both as a player and as a person.
“To the directors and the technical staff, thank you for your confidence and support. Your teachings and vision have helped me to develop so much.
“To my team-mates, thank you for every moment we have shared, for the effort and dedication in every training session and every match. I have learnt a lot from each and every one of you and I remain with memories and friendships that will last forever.
“To the fans, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the great support and for making me feel at home from the very first day. I will always be extremely proud to have been part of this family."
“Manchester City will always have a special place in my heart. I wish you every success in the future and I will keep on supporting the club wherever I may be.”
Alvarez also scored twice in Argentina's victorious Copa America campaign, finding the net in the 2-0 group stage win over Canada, and again in a victory by the same scoreline against the same opponents in the semi-finals.
He also netted four times at the 2022 World Cup, as Lionel Scaloni's side secured a third World Cup triumph for Argentina.
