There was some concern for Enrique Cerezo, the president of Atletico Madrid, as he got flustered over Julian Alvarez.
Cerezo has had to deal with offers from Barcelona and Real Madrid for the Argentine who has done very little to distance himself from an exit.
Real put out an unprecedented official statement announcing a €150million bid, which many took as Florentino Perez fulfilling an election promise while knowing it would never be accepted.
Some have worried about Perez’s suitability, but 78-year-old Cerezo’s will surely also come into question as he called Alvarez by the wrong name four times.
Atleti’s president gets Alvarez’s name wrong
Questioned by the media at Sports Summit Madrid, the flustered executive said: “Yes, Real Madrid’s offer from Florentino arrived, and you already know what was said to Real Madrid.
“You keep repeating this, and one gets tired of it. Julian Lopez is an Atletico player.
“Whoever wants Julian Lopez should come, look at the contract, and if they’re interested, they can take him; and if they’re not interested, they won’t.
“It seems to be the big story of the summer. You all know exactly how the situation stands.
“He’s an Atletico de Madrid player, and I believe he will remain an Atletico de Madrid player.
“And if not, anyone who wants him can come and see the contract. We have no knowledge of anything, I’ll say it again.
“We have no knowledge of anything; we have a contract with the player, and if anyone wants him, let them come, talk to us, and we’ll show them the contract. And if they’re interested, they’ll leave.
“Enough of this Julian Lopez saga. Julian Lopez is an Atletico de Madrid player. Is that clear? Well, that’s it. The day he isn’t, you’ll know.”
Well no, it’s not that clear.
Not just because of Cerezo’s confusion, but also with the player refusing to commit, and by all reports his agents are offering him around.
On top of that, Cerezo has far less power at the club since it became majority owned by American investors Apollo earlier this year.
Reliable reports add that both they and sporting director Matheu Alemany are keen on a sale for over €150m as it would allow them to rebuild the squad for the new season.
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