OFFICIAL: Atlético Madrid Announces The Signing Of 2022 World Cup Winner Julián Álvarez From Man City

Atletico Madrid have officially announced the signing of Julian Alvarez from Manchester City for a total sum of £82m including add-ons.

The Spanish LaLiga's side pay an initial £64.4m (75m euros) with a further £17.1m (20m euros) in potential add-ons for the Argentina striker.

Alvarez passed the medical examination at the Centro de Medicina Deportiva de Alto Rendimiento Vithas - Invictum of the Hospital Universitario Madrid Arturo Soria.

Afterwards, the Argentine international striker signed his new contract at the club's offices at the Cívitas Metropolitano and got to know the home of all the Atleti fans.

He put pen to paper on a six-year-deal which will keep him at the Wanda Metropolitano until 2030. He will wear the No. 19 shirt for the club, and set to replaces the departed Alvaro Morata in Atletico's forward line after the Spain captain joined AC Milan.

The 24-year-old's departure is a club-record sale for Premier League champions Man City, eclipsing the £50m they received from Chelsea for Raheem Sterling in 2022.

They paid Argentine side River Plate £14.1m for Alvarez in January 2022.

Alvarez was the top scorer in the Argentinian league in the 2020/21 season with 18 goals. He finished his time at River Plate with 54 goals and 31 assists in 122 games.

He won the treble (Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League) during his debut season at Man City.

In total he won two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one Champions League, one Club World Cup and one UEFA Super Cup.

The versatile attacker who is quick, skilful and has a great ability to link up with his teammates, and also capable of operating as a playmaker departs Manchester having scored 36 goals, 18 assists in 103 appearances accross his two seasons with the Cityzens.

Last season alone, he made 54 appearances across all competitions for Pep Guardiola's side, netting 19 times.

Speaking on his departure, Alvarez said City will always "have a special place" in his heart.

"Today I say goodbye to this amazing club, with a lot of emotion," he told the club's website.

"These have been two very special years. During this time, I have grown and learnt a lot - both as a player and as a person.

“To the directors and the technical staff, thank you for your confidence and support. Your teachings and vision helped me develop so much.

“To my team-mates, thank you for every moment we have shared, for the effort and dedication in every training session and every match.

“I have learnt a lot from each and every one of you and I remain with memories and friendships that will last forever.

“I will always be extremely proud to have been part of this family."

City director of football Txiki Begiristain added Alvarez has been "a pleasure to work with".

"The trophies he has won already tell their own story - he is a winner," said Begiristain

"I look forward to watching him develop further in the remainder of his career."

Following City's penalty shootout victory against Man United in the Community Shield last Saturday, Pep Guardiola's side will start their Premier League campaign with a trip to Chelsea on Sunday.

Alvarez, a full international with his country, made his official debut for Argentina's senior national team on 3rd June 2021, lifting the Copa América trophy the following month, before winning both the CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions and the Qatar World Cup in 2022. 

He netted four times at the World Cup, as Lionel Scaloni's side secured a third World Cup triumph for Argentina.

Just last month, he won the second Copa America of his career and scored twice in the competition, finding the net in the 2-0 group stage win over Canada, and again in a victory by the same scoreline against the same opponents in the semi-finals.

He also immediately represented his country at the just concluded Paris 2024 Olympic Games. To date, he has earned 36 caps for Argentina, scoring nine goals and providing one assist.

Alvarez registered two assists in four appearances before a quarter-final exit at the hands of host nation France.

🕷️ Welcome, Araña! ❤️🤍 pic.twitter.com/a0G7MBh8iE

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) August 12, 2024 

Alvarez  had been linked with a move away from the Premier League champions throughout the summer and was keen on a new challenge. He has now got his wish, and will link up with compatriot Diego Simeone in Madrid.

Atletico Madrid visit Villarreal on 19 August on the opening weekend of the La Liga season.