Atletico Madrid chief: Julian Alvarez will 'never, ever' be sold to Barcelona

Atletico Madrid came out swinging on Thursday against Barcelona's pursuit of Julian Alvarez. Miguel Angel Gil Marin, the club's chief executive, accused the Catalan side of a lack of ethics and transparency, and declared that the Argentina forward would "never, ever" wear the Blaugrana shirt. The blistering response came just one day after Barcelona president Joan Laporta admitted his club remained "very interested" in signing the World Cup winner.

• Gil Marin accuses Barcelona of dishonesty and rules out any negotiations for Julian Alvarez.
• The executive says the Argentine striker is confused and going through a difficult time personally and professionally.
• Atletico's board of directors unanimously backed the decision not to sell the player to Barcelona.
• Arsenal have also been linked with the former Manchester City forward, but Atletico's priority is keeping him in Madrid.
• Barcelona vice-president Rafa Yuste called Gil Marin's words a lack of manners and respect.

Gil Marin's explosive response to Barcelona over Julian Alvarez

Speaking to Spanish broadcaster Movistar Plus, Gil Marin did not hold back in his criticism of Barcelona's hierarchy. "The truth is that it outrages us even more; we are repulsed by the dishonesty, the lack of ethics, transparency and professionalism, and we can only insist that we will not negotiate with Barcelona under any circumstances," he said. The executive stressed that he has the full backing of shareholders and directors to maintain this hardline stance.

Earlier on Thursday, Atletico's board of directors had already unanimously ratified the club's position on the 26-year-old striker. Club sources said there was "zero consideration" given to a transfer before the summer window closes on Tuesday.

What Laporta said that triggered Atletico Madrid's fury

Gil Marin's reaction stems directly from comments made by Joan Laporta on Wednesday. The Barcelona president publicly acknowledged his club's strong interest in Alvarez, a statement that set alarm bells ringing at the Metropolitano. For Atletico, Laporta's words are part of a strategy designed to unsettle a player who has already expressed a desire to move on.

Gil Marin was particularly scathing about what he sees as an attempt to manipulate the footballer. "There have been people who have set out to deceive and confuse him, and I'm very sorry about that," he said. The director made no secret of his concern for Alvarez's mental state amid the ongoing speculation.

Julian Alvarez's situation: jeers, doubts and a dream to chase

Julian Alvarez is going through a rough patch at Atletico Madrid. Last Sunday, during the 2-2 home draw with Villarreal, sections of the crowd at the Metropolitano booed the striker after he had stated his intention to leave the club. While on international duty with Argentina over the summer, the forward revealed he wanted to "fulfil my dream" by departing Madrid.

Gil Marin showed empathy toward the player, even as he made clear his desire to keep him. "I know him and we've been working with him for some time. He's a great professional and footballer, but he's very confused and going through a very difficult time, both personally and professionally," he explained. "Our intention and my personal dream is for him to stay with us, to remain at Atletico."

Arsenal also monitoring Julian Alvarez's situation

Barcelona are not the only club showing interest in the Argentine international. Arsenal have also emerged as a potential destination for the former Manchester City man, who knows English football well from his time at the Etihad Stadium. However, Gil Marin made clear exactly where Atletico's priorities lie.

"To compete amongst the greats, you need great players, and Julian is one. If he believes that staying at Atletico is no longer feasible, we will look for an alternative, but it will never, ever be Barcelona," he stated. The message could not be clearer: any exit route for Alvarez will avoid strengthening a direct LaLiga rival.

Barcelona vice-president Rafa Yuste hits back at Gil Marin

Gil Marin's words quickly drew a response from the Barcelona camp. Rafa Yuste, the club's vice-president, described the Atletico chief's comments as "a lack of manners and respect." Speaking to Movistar, Yuste added that "with those words, they've crossed a red line," setting the stage for renewed tension between two clubs who will meet again in LaLiga this season.

Barcelona beat Athletic Club in home opener as Rodri makes debut

While the Julian Alvarez saga dominated headlines, Barcelona got the job done on the pitch in their first home game of the league season. Hansi Flick's side beat Athletic Club 2-0 at Camp Nou, with Raphinha opening the scoring in the first half and Fermin Lopez sealing the win late on. The match also marked the debut of Rodri, who came on as a substitute for Raphinha.

The Spanish midfielder, a marquee signing for Barcelona, was upbeat after his first appearance. "Happy to play my first match. It is important for me to regain my rhythm and adapt to this great team. It has been a long summer... I'm very happy, I am where I wanted to be. Now we have to work," he told Dazn. Flick handed Anthony Gordon his full debut and rotated his side after the opening-day 5-0 win over Elche.

Frequently asked questions about Julian Alvarez's future