Atlético Madrid fans burn Julián Álvarez jersey after transfer comments

A group of Atlético Madrid fans burned and stomped on a Julián Álvarez jersey following the Argentine player's statements about wanting to leave the club. Videos circulating on social media show fans calling the player a "traitor" as they set his shirt ablaze and then trampled it on the ground.

The anger from the fans comes after Álvarez, who was part of the World Cup-winning squad, expressed his desire for a transfer. "I don't know what's going to happen. I think it's not the time to talk about this, but I can't hide or pretend to be distracted. I try to be an honest person, I spoke with people from the club, with those I should have spoken to. The best thing for everyone is a transfer. I want to fulfill my dream," he stated in the mixed zone after a match.

Adding to the fans' frustration, Álvarez is reportedly in advanced negotiations with Barcelona, a rival club. He has reportedly reached a positive agreement with Barcelona officials regarding his contract, but the more complex part, the transfer fee agreement between clubs, remains. Barcelona has reportedly made an offer of 100 million euros, which Atlético has not yet responded to, despite the player's release clause being a staggering 500 million euros.

Adding another layer to the transfer saga, Real Madrid has also entered the picture. Club president Florentino Pérez reportedly made a 150 million euro offer for Álvarez, which Atlético immediately rejected. It is speculated that Real Madrid's interest might be a strategic move to complicate Barcelona's negotiations. Atlético Madrid has so far remained firm in their stance, refusing to discuss selling the player, whom they consider essential to their sporting project.

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I don't know what's going to happen. I think it's not the time to talk about this, but I can't hide or pretend to be distracted. I try to be an honest person, I spoke with people from the club, with those I should have spoken to. The best thing for everyone is a transfer. I want to fulfill my dream.