At the press conference prior to the match between Atlético de Madrid and Manchester United, Enrique Cerezo, president of the club, called on the fans to suspend any criticism directed at Julián Álvarez. The manager explained that the Argentine striker needs the support of the fans to continue with his recovery process and, hopefully, score his first goal with the red and white shirt.
The president of the club, also known for his career in the film industry, recalled that the player has suffered a series of setbacks, among which the poor management of his representative, Fernando Hidalgo, and the failed transfer attempt to FC Barcelona stand out. “I don't know if Julián has broken up with his agent, but if he has, he will have his reasons,” Cerezo commented, without officially confirming the breakup. The president added that the club is working to make the forward once again the figure that world football expects of him.
Cerezo stressed the importance of the public providing the “affection” and “applause” that the player needs to overcome the “trouble” he has had with his representative. “We are recovering him so that in the next matches he will be the figure of world football that we all expect,” he stated, emphasizing that the institution is in the line of support and that the objective is to achieve a quick and complete recovery.
The president also took advantage of the occasion to send a message of solidarity to comrade Koke, whose relative, Ana Merodio Borja, died on Tuesday, October 13. "A hug for him and his family, so that in the coming days he can recover as best as possible. It is a great loss," said Cerezo, showing the human character of the club in difficult times.
With the match scheduled for the weekend, Atlético de Madrid prepares to face Manchester United while the club remains hopeful that Julián Álvarez will return to the court strongly and without the complications he has recently faced. The fans, according to the president's words, should focus on the player's performance and not on the external issues surrounding him.