Alvarez apologises for Barcelona comments

MADRID: ⁠Julian Alvarez gave Atletico Madrid supporters a winning goal and ​an apology on ​Saturday, sealing a 1-0 victory over Deportivo La Coruna before seeking forgiveness for declaring his desire to play for Barcelona.
The Argentine striker scored for the second successive match as Atletico moved within two ⁠points of LaLiga leaders Barca, then addressed the ⁠comments that had soured his relationship with fans at the Metropolitano.
'I'd like to apologise to our fans for what I said at ‌the World Cup; it was ​a mistake in ⁠terms of how I said it and ​the timing,' Alvarez told ‌Spanish broadcaster Movistar Plus.
'I understand why the fans are angry. If I were ​a fan, I'd be angry too. Especially given how they've supported me since I arrived.'
Alvarez said during the 2026 World Cup that he 'wanted to fulfil his dream' of playing for Barcelona, ‌triggering a transfer dispute that stretched through pre-season ​and the summer window as Atletico refused to sell to ​their ‌rivals.
Regularly ⁠booed at home this season, Alvarez received a standing ovation from some supporters after Saturday's goal.
'I hope that ​with hard work and humility I can ⁠turn this ​situation around,' he said.
'I've been feeling better in recent matches - both physically and on the ball. I want to help the team and give my best.'
Second-placed Atletico ​have 25 points. Real Madrid, third with 21, ​visit Barcelona at Camp Nou on Sunday for the season's first Clasico.
 — Reuters