- Alvarez spent two years at Etihad Stadium before surprise switch to Atletico Madrid
- Former La Liga winners spent big to prise World Cup winner away from City
- 24-year-old admits he was in need of a new challenge
Julian Alvarez says he left Manchester City for Atletico Madrid because he needed a new challenge in his career.
The Argentine was expected to build on his impressive first two seasons at City, where he was a key contributor despite having to compete with Erling Haaland for a place up front.
Alvarez scored 11 goals and contributed nine assists in 36 Premier League games last season, also playing a key role in the Champions League by netting five times in seven outings, and he clocked up almost 3,500 minutes of action across all competitions.
But after winning the Premier League in both of his seasons at City, as well as the treble in his first year, Alvarez opted to take up Atletico Madrid's offer of a €95m (£82m) transfer to the Spanish capital – one that delivered City a significant profit on the fee paid to former club River Plate.
"I felt that I needed a change in my career," Alvarez said at his official unveiling. "I needed to look for a new challenge and I believe that this club gives me the tools to give my best.
"I learned a lot there [at City] and I'm grateful for the two years I've been there."
Expanding on why he took up Atletico's offer, the Argentine continued: "I've come here to help the team and to fight for every title.
"I spoke to [Diego] Simeone and he said he wanted me to come here. He said that I was going to help the team and they would enhance my strengths and help me improve on my weaknesses. My aim is to show my best form, help the team win and take Atletico to the highest level."
Alvarez also spoke highly of not only Simeone but Pep Guardiola as well, hailing the duo as two of the very best in the business.
"They [Guardiola and Simeone] are among the best coaches in the world," Alvarez remarked. "I don't feel a superhero for winning the World Cup. I still have a lot to learn and improve.
"I am very happy to be working with Simeone for what he means to this club and for world football."
Alvarez is one of three players Atletico have spent big money on this summer – Robin Le Normand and Alexander Sorloth have arrived from Real Sociedad and Villarreal respectively – and the fee involved in his move has scuppered Conor Gallagher's arrival at the club.
Atleti had hoped to fund Gallagher's switch by selling Samu Omorodion to Chelsea, but the breakdown of that move has seen the English midfielder left in limbo. He could yet join, with a potential return to Stamford Bridge in the offing for former loanee Joao Felix.
As for City, they may need to dip into the transfer market after losing not only Alvarez, but also promising academy graduate Oscar Bobb to long-term injury.
