Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says Julian Alvarez asked to leave the club because he wants a “new challenge”, amid interest from Atletico Madrid.
The Argentina forward, 24, is set to join Diego Simeone’s side in the coming days after City accepted an £81.5m offer.
Guardiola had been keen to keep Alvarez but the fee represents a sharp increase on the £17m City paid River Plate for him in 2022.
The Spaniard is unsure whether City will replace Alvarez before the transfer deadline but says he leaves with the club’s best wishes.
“It was a joy to work with him,” said Guardiola.
“I learnt a lot from him and hopefully he can find what he was looking for.”
Pressed on Alvarez’s reasons for leaving, Guardiola added: “He believes his period here must be over so both clubs arrive to an agreement.
“He’s incredibly loved by the team for his behaviour but like I said many times for many players, he wants to leave and have a new challenge.”
