I Moved To Be The Best Version Of Myself – Says Julian Alvarez

Argentine forward, Julian Alvarez, wanted a change in his career and become the best version of himself after a short but trophy-laden spell at Premier League club Manchester City and he said on Friday he was excited about starting a new challenge at Atletico Madrid.

Alvarez signed a six-year contract with Atletico on Monday. While financial details of the deal were not disclosed by either club, British media reported that the transfer was worth around 75 million euros ($82.46 million) plus 20 million euros in potential add-ons.

His departure set a new record for City, surpassing the £50 million ($64.5 million) Chelsea paid for England winger, Raheem Sterling in 2022.

Alvarez won the Premier League twice during his two-year stay at City, having joined from Argentine side, River Plate in 2022, as well as the Champions League, Club World Cup, Super Cup, and FA Cup all once.

He is also a World Cup winner and twice Copa America champion with Argentina.

“I felt I needed a change in my career, looking for a new challenge and I feel this is a club that gives me the space to have my best version as a footballer,” Alvarez told reporters at his presentation ceremony as a new Atletico player.

Alvarez, who scored 36 goals in 103 appearances for City, expressed readiness to fully commit to Diego Simeone’s team.

“I’d like to play., I’m always available in any position,n and as long as I’m on the pitch to help the tea,m I’ll be happy,” he said.

“You always dream of winning; you like to win and compete. I don’t feel like a superhero for winning the World Cup… I’m here to do my bit and to fight for all the competitions.

“My objectives are to try to achieve my best version and to grow as a person as well as to help win.”

Atlet, who secured a fourth-place finish in the La Liga season, began their new campaign with an away match against Villar on Monday.