Laporta delivers a harsh verdict on Atlético!
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has launched a scathing attack on Atlético Madrid’s stance during the summer negotiations over the transfer of 26-year-old Argentine forward Julián Álvarez.
Details: According to the Catalan club chief, Barcelona acted strictly within the bounds of professional ethics and held direct talks with Atlético CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín. However, the Madrid club refused to do business and stood firmly by its position.
“Atlético showed their true colors. They acted as if they were the aggrieved party, even though there was no basis for their position. We held direct talks with Gil Marín. He told me that Julián would not leave because they had no alternative to replace him. After that, Atlético behaved completely improperly. We heard rumors that they were ready to sell Álvarez to any club in the world, just not Barça — and in the end, that is exactly what happened. But all of that is in the past now; we are completely satisfied with our team.”
Despite the Catalan club’s interest and the player’s own desire for a change of scenery, the Madrid side categorically blocked a potential transfer to their direct La Liga rivals. Álvarez continued to play for Atlético Madrid.
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Álvaro Hernández
Dailysports's expert
