Martínez backs Álvarez after Barcelona move falls through
Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martínez says he contacted Argentina teammate Julián Álvarez after his proposed move from Atlético Madrid to Barcelona was not completed.
Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martínez has offered support to Julián Álvarez after the Argentina forward remained at Atlético Madrid when a proposed move to Barcelona failed to materialise.
Martínez said he sent Álvarez a message during what he described as a difficult period. The Spanish transfer window closed without an agreement, leaving the 26-year-old to continue his career in Madrid.
“Beyond the fact that we play the same position and compete for a spot on the national team, he’s a friend,” Martínez said, according to an account by Mundo Deportivo reproduced by Yahoo Sports.
The Inter captain was speaking before his side’s Champions League meeting with Real Madrid. He said the situation had been complicated for Álvarez and wished him well.
Barcelona’s interest and Álvarez’s reported desire to make the move did not result in a transfer. Martínez said the final decision rested with Atlético and its president, while expressing hope that his teammate would continue performing at a high level.
