Pep Guardiola has confirmed that forward Julian Alvarez is set to leave Manchester City for Atletico Madrid.
The Argentinian striker is set to join the Spanish club in a deal potentially worth £82m.
Alvarez has been at Manchester City for two seasons, and scored 11 Premier League goals in 36 games last season.
And City boss Guardiola revealed that the 24-year-old told him he wants a new challenge.
On his impending exit, Guardiola said: “I don’t know. I know he wanted a new challenge. He felt or feels that is what he has to do.
“I understand in certain moments, important moments, maybe he thought he was going to play. I respect that a lot. The decisions of the players, I said many times, I am a part of the club but the club has the final decision.
“A contract can be broken, if you are not happy why should you be here? When you believe happiness is around another corner, you have to go there to take a look.
“He believes his period here is over and okay. Both clubs are in agreement.
“His contributions have been massive…he is incredible. But, like I said many, many times with players, if he wants to leave and wants a new challenge I let him. It is a top, top club in Spain and in Europe.
“Why should he stay here if he doesn’t want to stay? I learned a lot with him and I hope he can find what he is looking for.”
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