Alvarez has been linked with Barcelona.
Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo is convinced Julian Alvarez wants to play at Atletico Madrid amid speculation over his future.
The former Manchester City striker is in poor form and has not scored since the December 9 win over PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League. His last league goal came on November 1 against Sevilla.
Despite his drought, Alvarez has been continually linked with a move away from the Metropolitano.
A move back to the Premier League is seen as a possibility for Alvarez, along with a potential switch to Barcelona, who Atletico face in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey on Thursday.
Barca defender Ronald Araujo stoked the flames ahead of that fixture by stating his desire to see Alvarez join the Blaugrana.
Speaking to reporters before the official directors’ lunch ahead of the Copa clash, Cerezo reacted to Araujo’s comments.
“Araujo can say whatever he wants, but I don’t think Araujo is anyone at Atletico Madrid to say anything,” Cerezo said.
“Araujo is a good defender, and tonight, let him concede goals, and you’ll see how we forgive him for everything.”
Pressed further on the speculation surrounding Alvarez, Cerezo made it clear he expects the Argentina international to remain with the Rojiblancos.
“It harms the player, it harms us and it harms everyone, especially when we don’t know anything,” Cerezo added.
“The players play where they want and Julian wants to play at Atletico de Madrid. I am totally convinced.”
Alvarez is under contract until 2030, having joined from City in a deal worth up to €95 million (£81.8 million) in 2024.
He scored 29 goals in 57 games in all competitions last season, but has found the net just 11 times in 32 appearances so far this campaign.
Cerezo, though, is hopeful that the stage of a semi-final clash with Barca could inspire Alvarez to turn his form around
“I have all the faith in the team, because it is a good team,” he said.
“In addition to that, Julian is having a bad season, things aren’t going the way he wants, nor how we all want things to turn out. But there will come a day when things will go well, which can be tonight.”
Asked if Alvarez will stay with Atletico for many seasons, Cerezo responded: “I think so, and I’m not lying to you.”
Atletico have not won a major trophy since beating Barcelona and Real Madrid to the LaLiga title in 2021.
They will be favourites to win the Copa should they beat Barca over two legs in the semi-final. Real Sociedad lead Athletic Bilbao 1-0 from the first leg of the other last-four tie. Atletico have not won the Copa since 2013.
With Atletico 13 points behind Barca in LaLiga, the Copa likely represents their best hope of glory this season.
On the prospect of winning a trophy, Cerezo said: “We would like to win something, the Copa can be a solution. LaLiga, although we are far away we can still play a good role.
“In the Champions League there are still two games to play to get into the round of 16. I don’t give up LaLiga. I don’t give up anything until it’s not mathematically.”
