The signing of Julián Alvarez by Atlético de Madrid has been one of the major moves in the market. The Argentine forward explained in an interview with Infobae the reasons that led him to leave Manchester City. Among them, he highlighted Simeone's persistence, but also the influence of Giuliano, who played a key role in his decision.
The Role of Giuliano Simeone in His Signing
Although Cholo's figure was decisive, Giuliano Simeone, the son of the red-and-white coach, also had a crucial role in Julián Alvarez's arrival at Atlético de Madrid. "We shared at the Olympic Games and from the first day I arrived in France, he was constantly pushing me until, well. It was a bit there and a bit after the Olympic Games that I made the decision," confessed the Argentine striker.
The role of Giuliano Simeone was key in the operation. This, along with the idea of having more prominence in a team that competes at the highest level, were key factors for Álvarez to decide to switch from the Premier League to LaLiga.
Simeone, Key to Convincing Julián Álvarez
Beyond Giuliano's work, Diego Simeone had an essential role in the negotiation. The Atlético de Madrid coach was in direct contact with the player before the Olympic Games, and his persistence ended up convincing him.
"Cholo talked to me in the days leading up to the Olympic Games, convinced me, told me a lot of things about the club, not just for now, but for the years to come. And, well, I liked that," revealed the forward. Simeone presented him with a long-term project, where Julián Alvarez would be a key player in the red-and-white scheme. This confidence, along with the guarantee of having more minutes in important matches, ended up being decisive.
His Departure from Manchester City: More Minutes, More Prominence
Atlético de Madrid offered Julián Alvarez something he couldn't find at Manchester City: continuity in key matches. Although he won all possible titles with Pep Guardiola's team, the forward wanted a more prominent role.
"One wants to play the most important matches. In the Champions League final, I didn't come in. In the semifinal, I played a short time, and those kinds of matches I would have liked to play. That's partly why I was thinking about the change," he explained.