Julian Alvarez Noncommittal On Future With Atletico

Madrid – Julian Alvarez’s two-goal masterclass propelled Atlético Madrid to a swaggering 5-2 Champions League round-of-16 first-leg win over Tottenham Hotspur at the Cívitas Metropolitano on Tuesday, yet the Argentine’s post-match comments overshadowed the triumph as he refused to guarantee he will remain with the club beyond the summer.

When pressed by reporters on whether he will still be wearing red and white next season, the forward replied: “I don’t know, I might be, or I might not. I’m happy. I’m thinking about the day to day.” The ambiguity instantly fuels speculation linking the 24-year-old with a move, most notably to Barcelona.

Coach Diego Simeone dismissed suggestions of unease and urged Alvarez to commit long-term. “Let’s hope he can stay for many years at Atlético Madrid, and we can keep building a team so that important players want to stay,” Simeone said.

While Alvarez hedged, teammate Antoine Griezmann used the occasion to clarify his own future, confirming he will see out the campaign in the Spanish capital. “I’m happy here, I’m enjoying myself a lot,” Griezmann told Movistar. “My idea is to keep going until the end.” The Frenchman, who also found the net against Spurs, has never lifted the Copa del Rey with Atlético and is determined to help the side chase the trophy in the April 18 final against Real Sociedad.

Simeone welcomed the clarity from his veteran forward. “I’m very happy with Antoine’s explanation. He knows his importance in Atlético Madrid history.”

Elsewhere on the night, United States midfielder Johnny Cardoso went the full 90 minutes under the gaze of USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who watched from the stands ahead of upcoming international fixtures.

Atlético will defend their three-goal advantage in the second leg at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 18 March as they look to secure a quarter-final berth and keep alive their quest for European silverware.