Jorge Valdano referred to the complicated moment that Julián Álvarez is experiencing at Atlético de Madrid. The former Argentine footballer focused on the distancing that has occurred between the forward and the fans of the Spanish team after his departure did not materialize and the repeated boos received at the stadium.
To explain what he perceives, Valdano recalled a phrase from Julio Cortázar. He remembered that the writer argued that “when one says they are leaving, it means they have already left.” He added that, if one looked at Álvarez's face, it was clear that he had already gone. The same was true when looking into his eyes.
Valdano's reflection arises from the statements that the forward himself made during the 2026 World Cup. At that time, Álvarez expressed that the best thing for everyone was a transfer and that he wanted to fulfill his dream. Rumors of a possible departure were rampant.
However, the Madrid club closed any possibility of a transfer and the player remains part of the squad. That decision did not calm the atmosphere. On the contrary, the tension grew in the last match of the second round of LaLiga against Villarreal.
