Pep Guardiola reveals what Julian Alvarez said to him in private talks to force Atletico Madrid transfer

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed what Julian Alvarez said to him in private to force his move to Atletico Madrid.

Alvarez is set to join Atletico Madrid after City accepted an offer worth £81.5 million, the club's record sale.

The 24-year-old will reportedly fly to Madrid on Sunday to undergo a medical on Monday and sign a five-year contract.

While City will make a healthy profit on the £14m they spent on Alvarez in 2022, the Premier League champions were not looking to sell the Argentina international.

Alvarez played a key role in City's historic treble winning 2022-23 campaign, and he continued to make important contributions last season.

Despite scoring 36 goals and providing 18 assists in 103 outings for Pep Guardiola's side, Alvarez often found himself pushed out of the starting XI for the biggest games by Erling Haaland.

While speaking to the media on Friday ahead of Saturday's Community Shield match at Wembley, Guardiola revealed that Alvarez told him he wanted a new challenge.

"He said to me he wants a new challenge, he feels it's what he needs to do," the City manager said, as reported by The Athletic's Sam Lee.

Julian Alvarez- Getty

"Last seson he played a lot, at some moments with Erling [Haaland], but I understand in certain moments he didn't play.

"I said to the club many times, at the end the club has the end decision. But I say that contracts can be broken, if you are not happy why should you be here?

"He believes his period here must be over so OK, both clubs arrived at an agreement and that's all."

Guardiola also praised Alvarez for the huge contribution he made in just two seasons.

"I want to say my gratitude for Julian, we won everything, his contribution has been massive," he said.

"He was incredibly loved by the team for his behaviour but if he wants to leave, a new challenge - Atletico is a top club - then if you want to leave it's OK. We wish him the best. I learned a lot from him, hopefully he can find what he was looking for."