Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of Argentina striker Julian Alvarez from Manchester City for £82 million.

Alvarez, who was not involved in City’s Community Shield win over Manchester United on Saturday, signed a six-year contract with Atletico Madrid.

Diego Simeone’s side announced the signing on Monday.

“Julian Alvarez, World and American champion with the Argentine national team, signs a contract for the next six seasons,” the club stated.

Speaking on the move, Alvarez said: “Today I say goodbye to this amazing club, with a lot of emotion.

“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 have helped me to develop so much.

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

Atletico Madrid agree record €95m fee to sign Alvarez from Man City

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

“To the fans, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the great support and for making me feel at home from the very first day. I will always be extremely proud to have been part of this family.

“Manchester City will always have a special place in my heart. I wish you every success in the future and I will keep on supporting the club wherever I may be.”

The 24-year-old striker trades Manchester for Madrid after two-and-a-half wildly successful years in sky blue, during which he collected six trophies while netting 36 goals in 103 appearances.

Having arrived from River Plate in a deal worth £14 million in January 2022, the forward’s sale represents a huge profit for City.

During his time at City, Alvarez also won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, as well as the Copa America earlier this year.

The £82 million fee makes it a club-record sale for City. It is the fifth-biggest sale to a foreign club in Premier League history.

“Everyone at Manchester City wishes Julian Alvarez all the very best with the next stage of his career – he has been a pleasure to work with,” City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, said.

Champions City will start their 2024/25 Premier League title defence with a trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on Sunday, August 18.

The Star