Alvarez wants to 'leave a mark' at Atletico Madrid

Julian Alvarez hopes to "leave a mark" at Atletico Madrid as he brushed off questions over his future.

Alvarez joined Atletico in a big-money move from Manchester City in 2024, and has since scored 40 goals in 79 appearances across all competitions.

The Argentina international enjoyed a fine start to this season, though he has only scored twice in his last eight games.

Atleti face Atletico Baleares in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, and when asked if he has considered his future in the Spanish capital, Alvarez explained he is instead focusing on leading Diego Simeone's team to titles.

He told Panini Cromos: "With Atletico, obviously I'd like to win those titles. Why? Because the feeling of lifting a trophy is very beautiful, and I also want to leave a mark at the club.

"The truth is I feel very good [at Atletico]. They made everything very easy for me. Also, having many Argentine team-mates helps a lot in day-to-day life.

"I felt that I was going to have my space, that I'd be able to develop to find my best version and, well, I think that I've grown a lot, both as a player and person, and I'm on that path of always wanting more."

After winning nine Copa del Rey titles in a 37-year span between 1960 and 1996, Atletico have only lifted the trophy once in the last 28 editions (in 2013), in Simeone's first full season as head coach.

Atletico sit fourth in LaLiga, nine points behind leaders Barcelona.

Simeone was asked if he is considering any moves in the January transfer market, or if he will allow players to leave in search of regular minutes.

"There's always some restlessness among players and their representatives," Simeone said.

"It's their time to work. With a World Cup in between, there will be players who always want to show themselves, although nothing guarantees they'll play elsewhere."