Atletico Madrid legends weigh in as Julian Alvarez pushes for Barcelona move: ‘Can’t find a player like him these days’
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The growing uncertainty surrounding Julian Alvarez’s future continues to dominate headlines in Spain, with the Atletico Madrid striker’s desire to join Barcelona becoming one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer.
While Atletico’s hierarchy has repeatedly insisted that the Argentine is not for sale, the speculation refuses to die down.
AdvertisementAdvertisementFor now, Barcelona remain strongly linked with the forward, and reports surrounding his wish to leave the Metropolitano have only intensified the debate.
As a result, several respected figures connected to Atletico Madrid have publicly addressed the situation, offering a more understanding perspective on Alvarez’s position despite the club’s firm stance.
Atletico teammate shows understanding
It must be remembered that Atletico president Enrique Cerezo recently made his frustration clear regarding the endless questions surrounding Alvarez’s future.
However, not everyone associated with the Madrdi-based club has approached the topic with the same rigidity.
Julian Alvarez continues to be linked with Barcelona. (Photo by Marcos Brindicci/Getty Images)
AdvertisementAdvertisementOne of those is Marcos Llorente, who admitted that his close relationship with Alvarez makes him view the situation from a personal standpoint rather than a purely sporting one.
“Because of the relationship I have with Julian, I want him to do whatever makes him happiest or brings him the most joy. As a friend, I’ll support him.”
Godin and Forlan’s verdict
The discussion has also drawn reactions from two of Atletico Madrid’s most respected modern-day figures: Diego Godin and Diego Forlan.
Neither former star openly encouraged Alvarez to leave, but both acknowledged the realities of modern football and the importance of player commitment.
Notably, Godin highlighted the importance of a player’s desire to remain at the club.
“Fernando Torres said it the other day. At Atletico, you have to want to stay. Not just stay, but want to stay. I hope Julián stays.
Forlan has offered his opinion on Alvarez’s links with Barcelona. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
“I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I hope he wants to stay. He is a brilliant player.
“You can’t go out and find a player like Julian these days. I don’t know what sort of fee it would take…”
Meanwhile, Forlan admitted it would be a significant loss if Atletico were to part ways with the Argentine striker, while also recognising the professional realities players face during their careers.
AdvertisementAdvertisement“It’s a shame, but people have to understand that we’re professional players. It would be a shame (if he left), but someone else will come along.”
In conclusion, Forlan praised Alvarez’s development in recent years, adding,
“I’ve been watching him since he was at River Plate and then at Manchester City, and here he’s grown and improved a lot.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
