Iker Casillas on the Julian Alvarez whole saga, making Real Madrid the laughing stock: “I’ve always spoken with honesty because I love this club deeply. I owe Florentino Pérez part of my career, but love for Real Madrid means I can’t stay silent when things feel wrong. This whole situation with Julián Álvarez is embarrassing, it makes us look like a laughing stock. For months, everyone knew Álvarez was Barcelona’s main target as they hunt for a new striker. Then, suddenly, with real competition in the presidential elections, Florentino comes out promising a massive €150 million ‘Galáctico’ signing to fire up the fans. Leaks start flying about Olise, Vitinha, or João Neves, names that actually fit what the team needs. Madridistas get excited, as they should. Instead, what do we get? An official statement claiming this wonderful relationship with Atlético Madrid, but that our €150m bid for Álvarez was rejected. Come on. Most fans aren’t buying it because Julián doesn’t align with our biggest priorities on the pitch right now. We were expecting a move for someone essential, not this. Sources close to the club and the timing of it all make it hard not to see this as a coordinated move. Florentino meets his campaign promise of a big bid, Atlético uses it to scare off Barcelona’s pursuit, and both clubs come out ‘winning’ while Barça takes the hit. Whether the offer was fully serious or part of a bigger game, it leaves Real Madrid looking reactive and distracted rather than focused on strengthening our own squad. Florentino has done great things for the club in the past, but moments like this are why many questioned his reelection. The club of our history, the one that intimidates Europe with football, not statements, deserves better than these kinds of maneuvers. We need decisions that put Real Madrid first, always. No more games.”
