Man City star admits he misses team-mate Pep Guardiola let go after £81million ‘mistake’

Bernardo Silva has made a heartfelt admission about the departure of his former Manchester City teammate, Julian Alvarez. The Portuguese midfielder confessed that he misses Alvarez greatly, reflecting on how the Argentine’s exit has left a noticeable void within the squad. Alvarez, who was a key member of City’s attack, was sold to Atletico Madrid in a move that some now regard as an £81 million mistake.

The 25-year-old forward played an instrumental role in Manchester City’s success, helping them secure multiple Premier League titles and a historic Treble. Despite his contributions, Alvarez often found himself being utilized in various attacking positions rather than his preferred central striker role. This was largely due to the presence of Erling Haaland, whose goal-scoring prowess made him the focal point of Guardiola’s attacking setup.

While Alvarez’s versatility was seen as an asset, it also limited his chances of starting consistently in a team packed with world-class talent. The Argentine forward, keen on playing regularly in his favored role, opted for a move to Atletico Madrid under the guidance of Diego Simeone. His decision has since proven fruitful, as he has flourished in La Liga, demonstrating the same qualities that made him a standout performer at City.

Guardiola’s decision to allow Alvarez to leave was not one taken lightly, but it has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike. Some believe City underestimated the impact of losing a player of Alvarez’s caliber. His ability to score crucial goals, provide assists, and adapt to different roles made him a valuable asset, and his absence has been keenly felt.

Silva, who shared a close bond with Alvarez, expressed his regret over the transfer. He praised the Argentine’s work ethic, technical ability, and positive influence within the dressing room. According to Silva, Alvarez was not just a great player but also an exceptional teammate who contributed to the squad’s morale and unity.

During his tenure at Manchester City, Alvarez made 103 appearances, scoring 36 goals and registering 18 assists. Despite often playing second fiddle to Haaland, he maintained an impressive goal-scoring rate. His knack for producing big moments in crucial matches added another dimension to City’s attacking play, making him a reliable option when called upon.

Guardiola has since acknowledged that Alvarez’s departure might have been a mistake. While City boasts an abundance of attacking talent, none have been able to fully replicate the Argentine’s unique qualities. The decision to sell Alvarez was influenced by the player’s desire for more playing time, yet the club now faces the challenge of replacing his impact.

City’s attack has shown signs of inconsistency this season, with moments where they’ve struggled to break down deep-lying defenses. Although they brought in new signings like Savinho and Omar Marmoush, neither has managed to provide the same level of effectiveness as Alvarez. Guardiola, known for his tactical adaptability, has been forced to tweak his approach in the absence of the Argentine’s versatility.

Alvarez, meanwhile, has hit the ground running at Atletico Madrid. After a steady start, he has found his rhythm, particularly in the Champions League, where he has netted six goals. In La Liga, he has also been a key figure, scoring 16 goals and providing three assists. His performances have helped Atletico maintain a strong title challenge, sitting just one point behind league leaders Real Madrid.

The growing success of Alvarez in Spain has only intensified the debate surrounding City’s decision to sell him. Fans have questioned whether the club acted too hastily in letting him go, especially considering his ability to perform in high-stakes situations. As City continues to battle for silverware, the absence of a player with Alvarez’s knack for decisive moments has become evident.

Beyond his contributions on the pitch, Alvarez’s departure has also affected the dressing room dynamic. His infectious energy and strong relationships with teammates played a significant role in fostering a positive team atmosphere. Silva’s comments highlight how much he was valued beyond just his footballing skills.

The situation has raised broader concerns about Manchester City’s long-term squad planning. While they remain one of the strongest teams in Europe, questions linger over whether they have done enough to maintain squad balance. The departure of key players like Alvarez and Cole Palmer has left gaps that have yet to be adequately filled.

Looking ahead, Guardiola faces a crucial period where he must find solutions to compensate for the loss of Alvarez. The emergence of young talents like Oscar Bobb and James McAtee could provide a temporary fix, but the club may need to dip into the transfer market to find a more permanent replacement.

As the season progresses, City will need to adapt quickly if they want to remain at the top. They have already shown resilience in difficult moments, but the absence of Alvarez remains a talking point among fans and pundits alike. Whether they can navigate through the challenges without him will be a major test for Guardiola’s managerial acumen.

For Alvarez, his move to Atletico Madrid appears to be a step in the right direction. He has been thriving under Simeone’s tactical system, proving that he is capable of leading the line for a top European club. His continued success is a testament to his quality and determination, leaving Manchester City to wonder whether they let go of a player who could have been a long-term asset.

In conclusion, Bernardo Silva’s comments serve as a reflection of the impact Julian Alvarez had at Manchester City. His absence has left a noticeable gap both on and off the pitch, and as City continues their campaign, they may come to regret the decision to sell him. Whether they can recover from this loss remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Alvarez’s legacy at the Etihad Stadium will not be forgotten anytime soon.