Atletico Madrid are not letting up on their online war with Barcelona over their interest in Julian Alvarez.
After making a series of funny social media posts hitting out at Barcelona, Atletico have now dropped another statement, categorically stating that they are not joking.
“It may seem like a joke or humour, but this is very serious. We’ve been very angry with FC Barcelona for quite some time. It was done ironically to hold up a mirror to the Catalan club and show what they’re doing,” the statement says.
“Fabrizio Romano’s messages, news from Barcelona journalists, situations where Cerezo goes to Barcelona for lunch and gets ambushed with inappropriate questions about negotiating with Laporta over Julián, questions directed at our players in the mixed zone”
"A dinner is organised in Barcelona, and El Chiringuito is tipped off so they can go and film Juanma López leaving the restaurant.
"An offer is leaked and said that it has been sent, but nothing has arrived here at Atlético. This is OVER. We’re very angry, and this was our way of showing it.
"What’s clear is that Atlético holds all the cards. The player is protected by a €500 million release clause and has a long-term contract until 2030.
"We’re delighted with him. He has a long contract, he’s fully protected, and we’re counting on him for next season.
"For now, the club has not considered breaking relations with Barcelona, but it has made it clear that it will not tolerate any more situations of this nature involving its players.
"Julián cannot be signed through a fixed fee paid over several years plus add-ons. It’s €500 million in cash that would have to be deposited at La Liga headquarters.
"If Barcelona had done things the proper way, the agent would have nothing to do with it. But if you bypass the club, then you’re not doing things as you should.
"Agents live from this. It’s normal; it’s what they usually do because it’s A their job. THE PROBLEM IS BARCELONA," the statement ends.