CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín says the club will protect the Argentina forward and help him fulfil his potential despite growing speculation

Atlético Madrid chief executive officer Miguel Ángel Gil Marín has launched a firm defence of Julián Álvarez, promising continued support for the Argentina forward while criticising the advice surrounding his professional career amid renewed speculation over his future.

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Speaking to EFR, as reported by Fabrizio Romano on Friday, August 21, 2026, Gil said Atlético would continue protecting Álvarez and helping him reach his full potential as the Spanish club seeks to remain competitive among Europe’s elite.

“We are going to help Julián Álvarez, and we are going to continue to take care of him so that he can give us his full potential, because we need him to continue competing among the greats of Europe,” Gil said.

The Atlético chief executive also expressed concern about the guidance Álvarez had received in recent months, suggesting that the 26-year-old forward had not been surrounded by the best professional advisers.

“We must understand that Julián has not had the best advisors about his professional career in recent months,” Gil said.

His remarks come against a backdrop of continued interest in Álvarez from leading European clubs, keeping his long-term position at Atlético under scrutiny.

Gil, however, made it clear that Atlético does not intend to allow rival clubs or external interests to dictate its sporting strategy.

“We cannot allow other clubs to decide what we have to do, mark our sports strategy and disrespect us,” he said.

The comments underline Atlético’s determination to retain control over decisions involving one of the most important players in its squad.

Since arriving in Madrid, Álvarez has been viewed as a central figure in Atlético’s attacking plans, with his technical quality, movement and ability to operate across the forward line making him a significant part of the club’s ambitions.

Gil also sought to turn attention away from external pressure and towards unity within Atlético, arguing that collective strength would be crucial to the club’s ability to compete at the highest level.

“That is precisely what they are looking for: to divide us. It is clear that we are not as powerful as they are, but we have values,” Gil said.

“We athletes are not going to allow them to contaminate us. Atleti is strong when we are all together.”

The unusually direct intervention from Atlético’s chief executive gives a clear indication of the club’s position.

Rather than allowing transfer speculation to define the conversation around Álvarez, Gil has presented the forward as a player Atlético intends to develop, protect and rely upon.

For Álvarez, the message offers a strong show of institutional backing at a time when decisions surrounding his career are attracting increasing attention.

Also read: Arsenal eye summer move for Atletico’s Julian Alvarez

Atlético’s immediate priority appears to be keeping the Argentina international focused on his football and ensuring that outside interest does not disrupt the club’s sporting plans.