Man City star Jack Grealish reacts to Julian Alvarez’s message after controversy
Man City star Jack Grealish reacted to Julian Alvarez’s message after Atletico Madrid were dramatically knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid on Wednesday.
Supporters at the Etihad Stadium were shocked when the Argentine made his £81million move to the La Liga giants in the summer [BBC Sport], leaving just two years after arriving from River Plate.
With 11 goals and nine assists in 36 league matches during the 2023/24 campaign, he was an incredibly important player for Pep Guardiola‘s side, but he had already conquered everything in England.
It has been suggested that fellow striker Erling Haaland regrets signing his mega-deal at Man City, with the team seriously struggling in all competitions.
Finishing in a top-four spot in the Premier League is the main ambition, having been knocked out of the Champions League, and Alvarez has now joined them out of the competition.
The Argentine missed an unfortunate penalty in a shootout on 12 March, seeing his effort controversially overturned by VAR after hitting both feet, with Diego Simeone‘s side cruelly knocked out by their biggest rivals.
Jack Grealish sends support after freak Julian Alvarez moment
Taking to Instagram [13 March], Alvarez wrote: “It hurts to be left out after giving it all on the pitch and fighting until the last minute. We didn’t get it, but this team showed character, dedication and heart.
“Thanks to our fans for always being there, encouraging non-stop and making every match special,” with the post liked by Grealish and Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister.
Aston Villa star Emi Martinez went one step further, commenting: “Let’s go, mate”.
Pep Guardiola preparing for further Man City squad overhaul
Football Insider verdict
Alvarez’s exit last summer was just the start of what could be a mass exodus at the end of the season, with multiple of the veterans being linked with emotional exits.
While Kevin De Bruyne could sign a new deal at Man City, John Stones, Mateo Kovacic, Grealish and Ederson are just some named who could be leaving once the transfer window closes.
| Man City winter signings | Transfer fee (FotMob) |
| Nico Gonzalez | £50million |
| Juma Bah | £5million |
| Omar Marmoush | £62million |
| Vitor Reis | £29million |
| Abdukodir Khusanov | £33million |
City already splashed out a considerable amount on Nico Gonzalez, Juma Bah, Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov in the winter window but that just be the start of a complete overhaul.
Many of Guardiola’s current players are coming to the end of their careers in England, proven by the team’s performances on the pitch for the majority of the campaign.