Álvarez apologises to Atlético fans after World Cup comments

Julián Álvarez apologised to Atlético Madrid supporters for comments made during the World Cup about wanting the club to sell him, saying he had been wrong in both his wording and timing. He spoke after scoring the winning goal in Atlético’s 1-0 victory over Deportivo La Coruña on Saturday, as his recent performances have improved after a difficult start to the season. Álvarez told Movistar he understood why supporters had been angry and said he would have felt the same as a fan. He thanked them for their support and generosity, and expressed gratitude to teammates who had backed him during the period of tension. The Argentina international said he was feeling better physically and on the ball in recent matches, and was working to improve. His apology followed a period in which he had been jeered by some Atlético supporters after his World Cup remarks became public. Atlético also drew 1-1 with Stuttgart in the Champions League during the week, with Álvarez scoring the Spanish side’s goal. He had also assisted Alex Baena’s late winner in a 1-0 league victory over Espanyol on October 17, according to one account. Together, those contributions have helped raise his profile on the...