‘The moment he’s going through isn’t easy’: Martinez on Alvarez’s struggles
Julian Alvarez is going through a difficult period at Atletico Madrid, and his Argentina teammate Lautaro Martinez has revealed that he reached out to offer his support amid the uncertainty surrounding the striker’s future.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Inter Milan’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid tonight, Martinez was asked about Alvarez’s situation after the Argentine forward expressed his desire to leave Atletico Madrid during the transfer window.
“I spoke with him, sent him a message, and showed him my support,” Lautaro said.
Although the two forwards have competed for a place in Argentina’s attack, Martinez emphasised that their relationship goes far beyond football.
“Beyond the fact that we share the same position and competed for a spot on the national team, he’s a friend,” he explained.
Lautaro admitted that the situation Alvarez finds himself in is far from easy, particularly after his future became one of the major stories of the transfer window.
“The situation he’s going through isn’t easy, but the decision is his club’s,” the Inter captain added.
Martinez also took the opportunity to praise his fellow Argentine and remind him of his quality.
“I wish him all the best and hope he gets well soon and continues to show what he has shown so far, that he is one of the best players in the world,” Lautaro said.
I spoke with him, sent him a message, and showed him my support. Beyond the fact that we share the same position and competed for a spot on the national team, he’s a friend. The situation he’s going through isn’t easy, but the decision is his club’s. I wish him all the best and hope he gets well soon and continues to show what he has shown so far, that he is one of the best players in the world.
Alvarez’s difficult situation comes after a frustrating start to the new campaign. The 2022 World Cup winner recently featured in Atletico Madrid’s 3–0 defeat against Athletic Bilbao in La Liga. He began the match on the bench before being introduced in the second half, but he was unable to change the outcome as Atletico suffered a heavy defeat at San Mames.
The match came after weeks of speculation about Alvarez’s future. The Argentine reportedly wanted to leave Atletico Madrid during the transfer window, with Barcelona interested in bringing him to Catalonia. However, Atletico rejected the offer and maintained its firm stance that the striker would not be allowed to leave.
With Alvarez under contract until 2030, the Madrid club ultimately decided to keep him. As a result, the forward will remain at Atletico and continue his career under Diego Simeone despite the difficult circumstances surrounding the failed transfer.
The situation has also created tension between Alvarez and some Atletico supporters, with fans expressing their frustration toward the striker during the recent period of uncertainty.
Rather than allowing the situation to affect his preparation, Alvarez has intensified his physical work. Since his contract extension was confirmed, he has reportedly been undertaking double training sessions as he looks to regain his best form and reach peak condition for the challenges ahead.
Now, Atletico must quickly put their defeat against Athletic Bilbao behind them and turn their attention toward Europe.
On Wednesday, Atletico Madrid will travel to Anfield to face Liverpool in their opening match of the 2026–27 Champions League campaign.
For Alvarez, the game could represent an important opportunity to leave the transfer drama behind and begin writing a new chapter with Atletico Madrid.
After a summer filled with speculation about his future, the Argentine now has the chance to let his performances on the pitch speak for him once again. And with the backing of a close friend and national-team teammate like Lautaro Martinez, Alvarez will hope to rediscover the form that established him as one of the best forwards in world football.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments