"It is an incredible loss" – Pep Guardiola speaks out as Julian Alvarez closes in on Manchester City exit

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has claimed that he has nothing but gratitude for Julian Alvarez with the forward reportedly close to joining La Liga giants Atletico Madrid.

According to Sky Sports, the Etihad Stadium club have reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid over the sale of Alvarez. They are set to receive an initial fee of £64 million plus £18 million in potential bonuses from Atletico, who finished fourth in the La Liga table last term.

Ahead of his side's FA Community Shield encounter against Manchester United on Saturday (August 10), Guardiola opined on the Cityzens' potential record sale. The Spaniard said (h/t X/@sistoney67):

"[I have] gratitude for Julian. [We] won everything together. His impact has been massive. It is an incredible loss. But like I said many times, he wants to leave. Wish him all the best."

Alvarez, 24, has helped Manchester City win six trophies since arriving from River Plate for a reported sum of £14 million in 2022. He has registered 36 goals and 18 assists in 103 matches for the Cityzens.

Should Alvarez complete his reported move to Atletico, he could prove to be a fine signing for them. He would emerge as a key first-team starter for Diego Simeone's side, operating all across the frontline.

Emmanuel Petit backs Manchester City ace to win Ballon d'Or award for stellar displays

During a chat with British betting outlet Gambling Zone, ex-Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit was asked if Manchester City star Rodri is a deserving Ballon d'Or candidate. He replied:

"Honestly, I would love it if Rodri won the Ballon d'Or. Based on the history of the Ballon d'Or, I don't believe he will ever win it! It's all based on marketing, stats, things like this. It's not based on the importance of the players during the season and how valuable they are to their teams."

Sharing his thoughts on the 28-year-old midfielder, Petit continued:

"Rodri has been the best holding midfielder in the world for the last couple of seasons. If he were to be recognized with the Ballon d'Or, then he would be winning it for all the players that normally go unrecognized when it comes to individual awards. He would be winning it for all of the defensive midfielders in the world!"

Last term, Rodri contributed nine goals and 14 assists in 50 games for Manchester City, helping the club win three silverwares along the way.

The Manchester City star also helped Spain lift the UEFA Euro 2024 trophy, netting one goal in six outings at the tournament in Germany.