by Atletico Madrid have completed an £82 million deal to sign Argentine striker Julian Alvarez from Manchester City.
Alvarez, who did not play a part in City’s Community Shield win over Manchester United on Saturday, has signed a six-year contract with Diego Simeone’s side.
He swaps Manchester for Madrid after spending two and a half extremely successful years for the Sky Blues, during which he won six trophies and scored 36 goals in 103 appearances.
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Check out some of Julian Alvarez’s best Premier League goals
The 24-year-old joined from River Plate for £14 million in January 2022 and his sale represents a huge win for City.
During his time at City, Alvarez also won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina and the Copa America earlier this year.
The transfer fee of £82 million represents a club record for City. It is the fifth-largest sale to a foreign club in Premier League history.
The sale of Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid is the fifth largest to a foreign club
“Today I say goodbye to this great club with many emotions,” Alvarez said on City’s official website.
“Those were two very special years. During that time I grew and learned a lot – both as a player and as a person.”
“Thank you to the directors and technical staff for your trust and support. Your teachings and vision have helped me a lot to develop.
“To my teammates: Thank you for every moment we shared, for the effort and dedication in every training session and every game.
Alvarez joined City from River Plate for £14 million in January 2022
“I have learned a lot from each and every one of you and I have memories and friendships that will last forever.
“I would like to thank the fans from the bottom of my heart for their amazing support and for making me feel at home from day one. I will always be incredibly proud to have been part of this family.”
“Manchester City will always have a special place in my heart. I wish them every success in the future and will continue to support the club wherever I am.”
Txiki Begiristain, City’s director of football, said: “Everyone at Manchester City wishes Julian all the best in the next phase of his career – it has been a pleasure working with him.”
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“His attitude has been top notch since he first walked through the door here. That’s why he’s improved so much.”
“The trophies he has won speak for themselves – he is a winner. I look forward to watching him develop further as his career progresses.”
Man City games 2024/25: Chelsea first
Champions Manchester City begin their title defence in the 2024/25 Premier League with a trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsealive on Sky Sports on Sunday, August 18th.
City host newly promoted Ipswich Town in their first home game on 24 August before travelling to the London Stadium to face West Ham for their third game of the season on August 31st.
Their first encounter with last season’s runner-up arsenal will take place on 21 September at the Etihad Stadium, with the return match scheduled for 1 February, part of a tricky series of home games against Chelsea (25 January), Newcastle (15 February) and Liverpool (22 February) and an away trip to Tottenham (February 25).
The first Manchester derby against Manchester United will take place on December 14th at the Etihad Stadium, the return leg will take place on April 5th at Old Trafford.
