The Julián matter was settled at the time

Atlético Madrid president Cerezo says the Julián Álvarez matter with Barcelona is closed and calls on players to settle it on the pitch.

Atlético Madrid president Enrique Cerezo addressed the ongoing narrative around Julián Álvarez ahead of Sunday's La Liga clash with Barcelona at the Metropolitano (21:00 CET). "The Julián matter was settled at the time, we said what we had to say and that's the end of it," Cerezo stated. "Now what he has to do is demonstrate what he has to demonstrate on the pitch."

Cerezo emphasised Atlético's good relations with Barcelona and dismissed further discussion of the transfer saga. He acknowledged the club's supporters might voice their opinion during the match but stressed the matter is resolved from the club's perspective. "The best apology is a goal, or two, and winning," he added.

Regarding the fixture itself, Cerezo described Barcelona as one of Europe's best teams and acknowledged the difficulty of the encounter. He downplayed the significance of potentially moving top of La Liga, noting Atlético have been leaders many times before. The match pits the first and second-placed teams in the division before the weekend's action.