Julian Alvarez teases Manchester City return after personal invitation from Pep Guardiola | OneFootball

Manchester City could welcome back Julian Alvarez sooner than they may have expected, but only for an official farewell to the Argentine international.

The 24-year-old brought an end to his time with the Premier League champions earlier in the summer, seeking out more opportunities in the leading striker role and an overall fresh challenge away from the all-conquering project under Pep Guardiola.

Having attracted widespread interest from across Europe through his representatives, Alvarez turned down tenuous watchful eyes from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea to sign a long-term deal with Spanish giants Atletico Madrid.

While Manchester City almost certainly did not want to part ways with the player, they are never willing to stand in the way of talents searching for new opportunities, providing the buying club put forward a suitable financial proposal.

Etihad Stadium officials were seemingly satisfied with the idea of sanctioning a sale for Alvarez at the €75 million price mark, with a further €20 million in potential add-ons factored in to an overall €90 million package.

Speaking exclusively with ESPN Argentina this week, Julian Alvarez revealed the details of a personal conversation with Pep Guardiola prior to formally leaving Manchester City, in which the striker’s former head coach invited him to return to the club for a proper farewell.

“I couldn’t go to Manchester, but during those days when I was about to sign with Atleti, we spoke with Pep (Guardiola), and I thanked him for the two years, for the trust, for how he treated me, for everything I learned, and for everything I experienced,” Alvarez said.

“He also thanked me because it had been two incredible years. I never caused any problems. And I helped achieve some very nice things at the club,” he continued, as translated by All About Argentina.

“He asked me that if I ever had the chance, it would be nice to visit because it would mean a lot to everyone if I greeted them. So, when I get the opportunity, I might go.”

Former Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan explained a similar point upon leaving the Etihad Stadium on a free transfer for FC Barcelona, suggesting that he would be keen on issuing a proper farewell to the supporters of the club.

Thankfully for both Gundogan and Manchester City’s supporters, that has happened but not in the way that anyone would have expected, with the 33-year-old returning to Pep Guardiola’s side on another free transfer at the end of the last summer market.

Manchester City could yet face off against Atletico Madrid this season, with the UEFA Champions League adding additional games in through a knock-out phase play-off round in the event of failing to make automatic qualification.

The knock-out rounds of the competition will also present a further opportunity for a reunion, with the two sides meeting in previous editions of the tournament and playing out tight and tense affairs both at home and away.