Julian Alvarez joins Atletico Madrid for £82m

Fee represents club record sale for Blues

Julian Alvarez has joined Atletico Madrid in a deal worth around £82m. The fee represents a new record for the club for an outgoing sale, and a healthy profit on a player purchased for just £14m two years ago.

Alvarez has signed a six-year deal that will see him stay at The Metropolitano Stadium until 2030. The Argentinian striker made 103 appearances for the club, scoring 36 goals and winning six major trophies during his time in Manchester.

Alvarez said: “Today I say goodbye to this amazing club, with a lot of emotion. These have been two very special years. During this time, I have grown and learnt a lot - both as a player and as a person.

“To the directors and the technical staff, thank you for your confidence and support. Your teachings and vision have helped me to develop so much.

“To my teammates, thank you for every moment we have shared, for the effort and dedication in every training session and every match. I have learnt a lot from each and every one of you and I remain with memories and friendships that will last forever.

“To the fans, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the great support and for making me feel at home from the very first day. I will always be extremely proud to have been part of this family.

“Manchester City will always have a special place in my heart. I wish you every success in the future and I will keep on supporting the club wherever I may be.”

Director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: “Everyone at Manchester City wishes Julian all the very best with the next stage of his career – he has been a pleasure to work with.

“His attitude has been first-class since he first walked through the door here. That’s why he has improved so much.

“The trophies he has won already tell their own story – he is a winner. I look forward to watching him develop further in the remainder of his career.”