Julián Álvarez left the field without greeting fans due to 'club decision'

Julián Álvarez, the Argentine forward for Atlético de Madrid, headed directly to the locker room after the team's match against Villarreal on Sunday, bypassing the customary team greeting to the fans. This action was reportedly a "club decision" following the player's return to competition after a thwarted transfer to Barcelona, during which he was met with jeers from the crowd.

Coach Diego Simeone addressed the situation post-match, explaining that club officials had informed Álvarez that he should not join his teammates in acknowledging the supporters. "The club decided that he should not approach to greet the people with his teammates. The decision was not Julián Alvarez's, it was the club's," Simeone stated, clarifying that the club opted to keep him separate to facilitate his departure to the locker room.

As is customary after every game, Atlético de Madrid players, including substitutes, typically complete a lap around the field to thank the fans, starting from the south end where the team's ultras are located. However, Álvarez, who had been booed during warm-ups and again when he entered the field in the 66th minute, did not participate in this tradition. He was directed by the club to go straight to the locker room alone, an instruction given to prevent further aggravation of the fans' discontent.

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The club decided that he should not approach to greet the people with his teammates. The decision was not Julián Alvarez's, it was the club's, which decided to distance him and separate him so that he would go to the locker room.