Julián Álvarez said he would “apologise to the fans” after the Argentine forward scored the decisive goal in Atlético Madrid’s 1‑0 win over Deportivo de Coruna, a result that keeps the club only two points behind league leaders Barcelona as the next Clásico looms. The goal, netted in the 48th minute, snapped an eight‑month La Liga drought for Álvarez and was his first league strike at the Metropolitano since November 2025.
The forward’s comments came after he admitted during the World Cup that he had expressed a desire to leave Atlético for Barcelona. In a statement to Movistar, Álvarez explained that his remarks were “a mistake in terms of how I expressed myself and the timing.” He added that he understood the anger of the supporters, who had been generous to him since his arrival, and pledged to “get to work and give everything I’ve got.” The apology was met with mixed reactions; while many fans welcomed the gesture, some remained skeptical and continued to voice their disapproval.
Álvarez’s bid for a move to Barcelona had been followed by an injury‑plagued start to the season, and he has often been booed or whistled by Atlético supporters. Despite this, the Argentine striker said he is feeling better physically and mentally, noting that a positive mindset translates into performance on the pitch. “When you feel good in life, it shows on the pitch,” he said, adding that he is working on improving and that the club needs him at his best.
Atlético manager Diego Simeone praised the apology, calling it “not easy” and expressing happiness that Álvarez feels “a great sense of peace.” Simeone stressed that the club’s ambitions require the striker’s full commitment, saying, “If the club wants to reach the heights the fans dream of, we need Julián Álvarez to be at his best.” The team will face Barcelona in the upcoming Clásico, where the result of this match could prove pivotal as both sides vie for the top spot in La Liga.