Julian Alvarez breaks silence on Manchester City future and discontent at ‘being left out’ of ‘important matches’ | OneFootball

Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez has broken his silence on his Etihad Stadium future, and the events that have led to ongoing uncertainty this summer.

The former River Plate striker has been consistently linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium this summer, with some reports pointing towards a desire to establish himself as a first-choice striker at the top of European football.

Despite registering his most minutes in a single campaign for Manchester City last season, Alvarez found himself contributing in an attacking midfield role for the most-part under Pep Guardiola, recording his most productive output in front of goal in the process.

However, it was ultimately Erling Haaland who got the nod to lead the line for Manchester City when fit, and the back end of the season saw a steady reduction in Julian Alvarez’s game-time – an issue that has this week been drawn upon by the player himself.

Speaking whilst away with the Argentina under-23 squad at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, the Manchester City striker has admitted his discontent at being ‘left out’ of ‘important matches’ by Pep Guardiola last season.

“Last season, I was one of the players with the most minutes on the team,” Alvarez said. “But it’s true; in the end, you don’t like being left out of important matches, you want to contribute.”

However, the 24-year-old has gone on to clarify that he is yet to think about his Manchester City future, having been on international duty since the end of the 2024/25 club season with Argentina at Copa America and now in Paris.

“I haven’t stopped to think clearly about what I’m going to do,” Alvarez admitted, as translated and relayed by All About Argentina on X. “When this is over, I’ll take my time to think about what I want for myself. We’ll see what comes next.”

Alvarez has been linked with several moves away from Manchester City this summer, with interest from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea having been reported in some quarters of the European media.

However, it has been Atletico Madrid who have been the most intent in their admiration for the player, with the 24-year-old understood to be viewing the potential of a move to the Spanish capital fondly.

It has previously been reported by the English media that Julian Alvarez does want to leave Manchester City this summer, whilst both the striker and his family would ‘welcome’ a move to a city with a warmer climate.

It remains to be seen whether Atletico Madrid will be able to finance a move at the demands of Etihad Stadium officials, who are believed to be seeking a transfer fee north of €70 million before the inclusion of any performance-related bonuses and add-ons.