It must be recognized that Atlético has a sense of virality. His “false announcements” published yesterday addressed to the stars of FC Barcelona (Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Pedri) quickly made the rounds on social networks. A stroke of genius for some, bad wit for others, the objective was achieved. The capital club sent its message to Barça, but also to other clubs on the continent, either to alert them to the Blaugrana methods or to prevent them. They will not be intimidated and they too are capable of striking.
Atlético wanted to denounce what it considers to be Barça’s dirty tricks to try to recruit Julián Alvarez using false information disclosed through some sympathetic media. The tone is certainly ironic and light, humorous, but above all conceals a very serious matter. “This may seem like a joke or a little funny, but it’s very serious. We have been very angry with FC Barcelona for some time», we explain on the side of the Colchoneros in Mundo Deportivo.
Atlético can’t stand Barça’s attitude anymore
Already yesterday evening, they justified themselves in a press release. “In recent months, we have suffered a campaign of harassment and demolition against one of our players. Self-serving leaks, “fake news”, continuous lack of respect, the culé version of the machine to invent stories, calls before direct confrontations… But of course, it would not occur to us either to have the vice-president of referees on our payroll or to resort to political favors to register players. RESPECT and VALUES“.
These attempts at destabilization could well cost the Catalans dearly. Certainly, the Argentine striker, who does not wish to extend a contract running until 2030, has made Barça his priority but he is not the only one to decide. According to our information, Atlético will refuse Barça’s first offer of around €100 million. A second is already in preparation. The door is open for at least €120 million but the preference of the selling club is obviously abroad. Strengthening a direct competitor in La Liga is not ideal, even more so if relations are tense, and have been for years.
“We are very angry and this was our way of showing it»
There had already been the Griezmann affair when the Frenchman was on the verge of joining the Culés. Negotiations took place directly with the Frenchman, without the agreement of his employer. Atlético de Madrid had threatened Barça to take the matter to UEFA. The Matelassiers denounce the same methods with the Spider, mentioning telephone calls before the double confrontation in the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. These attempts todestabilization for months (…) it’s over. We are very angry and this was our way of showing it“.
