Álvaro Negredo has been one of the most outstanding forwards in Spanish soccer in the last two decades. With a career that took him through teams like Sevilla, Valencia, Manchester City, and Almería, the Madrid-born striker recently announced his retirement from soccer at 39 years old. Now, in an interview, he has revealed details about one of the most important opportunities he had in his career: his failed signing with Atlético de Madrid in 2013.
Negredo Was About to Play for Atlético de Madrid
Over the years, Negredo was several times in the orbit of Atlético de Madrid, especially due to the connection with his agent, Juanma López, a former rojiblanco footballer. The moment he was closest to signing with the colchonero club was in the summer of 2013. At that time, the team was looking for a replacement for Radamel Falcao, who had left the team after winning the Copa del Rey.
"I was about to sign for Atlético de Madrid when I left Sevilla, but I ended up going to Manchester City," Negredo confessed in an interview with Cadena COPE. At that moment, Atlético had several names on the agenda to strengthen their forward line, and Negredo was one of the most serious options. Finally, the management signed David Villa, who was key in winning the LaLiga 2013/14 title and in the team's arrival at the Champions League final.
"The Offer Was Good, But in the End, It Didn't Materialize"
Negredo made it clear that AtléticodeMadrid was a real possibility in his career, but he ultimately took another path. "The offer was good, but in the end, it didn't materialize." Instead, the Madrid-born forward signed with Manchester City, where he played for one season and won the Premier League and the League Cup.
Although he never got to wear the rojiblanca jersey, Negredo is still remembered as a high-level forward in LaLiga, where he left his mark with goals and outstanding performances. Now, with his retirement, his story with Atlético remains one of those opportunities that were about to become reality, but fate took in another direction.