Julian Alvarez was booed by his own Atletico Madrid supporters during a 2-2 LaLiga draw with Villarreal after attempting to force a club exit.
The hostile reception on Sunday has further intensified uncertainty surrounding the future of the 26-year-old Argentine forward. Alvarez was jeered by fans while warming up and heard whistles when his name was announced among the substitutes, before entering the match as a second-half substitute in the 66th minute.
A section of the home crowd vented their frustration during the game with chants of "Let him leave once and for all, let him leave."
When the final whistle blew, hostility escalated further as Alvarez walked straight to the changing room while his team-mates remained on the pitch to salute the supporters, drawing another heavy round of boos.
The anger from supporters stems from public statements Alvarez made during the World Cup, where he expressed a desire to leave the Spanish club to pursue a new opportunity.
"I try to be an honest person," Alvarez said while representing his nation at the World Cup. "I spoke with the people at Atletico Madrid, and I think the best thing for everyone is a transfer. I want to fulfil my dream."
Fans voice anger over exit request
Alvarez has attracted interest from several major European clubs, including Premier League side Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, with reports suggesting Barcelona is his preferred destination.
Despite his desire to move, his dream has not been fulfilled, and the forward faced the consequences of his words during Sunday's home match.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone revealed that Alvarez heading straight to the changing room at full time was not the player's choice.
"The club staff told me that the club decided Julian should not go over with his team-mates to greet the fans, and that it was not Julian's decision," Simeone said. "The club made the decision to keep him away and have him head to the dressing room."
"No, I'm not in a position to give advice to the fans," Simeone said when asked about the reaction. "I think I need to focus on my work, which is to give my best on the sporting side for the good of Atletico Madrid."
The manager emphasised that unity is essential for the team to achieve success this season. "The only thing I know is that if Atletico Madrid wants to win a title, we have to be united," Simeone added. "We need forwards, and we need important forwards. For that, of course, we all have to work in that direction to give the team what it needs."
Atletico maintain firm transfer stance
Despite interest from suitors, Atletico Madrid have remained firm in their stance that Alvarez is not for sale.
Chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin stated last month that the club would not entertain any offers for the striker, even bids in the region of £170million.
Alvarez has a £428million release clause in his contract, and Atletico have already rejected a £129million bid from rivals Real Madrid.
Late equaliser rescues point
On the pitch, Atletico were forced to play the closing stages with 10 men after defender Robin Le Normand was sent off in the 76th minute.
Manager Diego Simeone had his son Giuliano Simeone to thank for rescuing a point, as the forward scored an 85th-minute equaliser to secure the 2-2 draw.
The result leaves Atletico sitting third in the LaLiga standings with four points from their opening two matches. They travel to face league leaders Sevilla next on Saturday.
