Julian Alvarez was whistled by Atletico Madrid supporters on his return to action against Villarreal, as talk of a move to Arsenal refuses to go away.
After being omitted from the midweek win over newly-promoted Malaga to build fitness following a post-World Cup final break, the Argentina international was named in Diego Simeone’s matchday squad at the Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
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The striker was booed by the home fans before kick-off and once again upon being introduced to proceedings just after the hour mark as ten-man Atletico were held to a 2-2 draw.
Then following the final whistle, Alvarez appeared to head straight down the tunnel instead of going over to supporters with his team-mates and had a scarf thrown in his direction.
Discussing the situation in the post-match press conference, Simeone revealed it was the club’s decision for Alvarez to not acknowledge the fans.
"The club staff told me that the club decided Julian should not go over with his teammates to greet the fans, and that it was not Julian’s decision,” the Atleti boss told reporters.
"The club made the decision to keep him away and have him head to the dressing room.
"No, I’m not in a position to give advice to the fans. I think I need to focus on my work, which is to give my best on the sporting side for the good of Atletico de Madrid.
"The only thing I know is that if Atletico de Madrid wants to win a title, we have to be united. We need forwards, and we need important forwards.
“For that, of course, we all have to work in that direction to give the team what it needs.”
It remains to be seen if Alvarez has played his final game for Atletico as he had been vocal in his desire to join Barcelona this summer, though the LaLiga champions are said to have now moved on to other targets.
That stance appears to have handed Arsenal hope of a late transfer with saga taking a new twist over the weekend, with suggestions that a blockbuster return to the Premier League is now possible before the deadline.
