Roberto Gomez Criticizes Barcelona's Conduct in Julian Alvarez Saga
Spanish pundit Roberto Gomez has launched a fierce attack on Barcelona over their conduct in the Julian Alvarez saga, while also accusing Real Madrid of a serious misstep in allowing Rodri to slip to their great rivals.
Speaking on La Tribu on Radio Marca, Gomez admitted he was struck by Rodri’s unveiling as a Barcelona player. The midfielder, fresh from winning the World Cup with Spain, revealed during his presentation that Real Madrid had held talks with him before he chose the Catalan giants.
For Gomez, that was the crux of Madrid’s error.
“I believe Real Madrid made a grave mistake in letting Rodri leave, because he would have given the midfield a major boost,” he argued, insisting that the club had let an elite talent escape. He went even further in his praise, calling Rodri “a world champion, a wonderful player, indeed the best,” and adding that “we have always valued his level, and I wish him every success in his new phase.”
If Rodri earned admiration, Barcelona’s transfer department did not.
Gomez turned his fire on the Catalan club over their pursuit of Julian Alvarez and, in particular, their dealings with Atletico Madrid. While underlining that the Argentina forward has every right to decide his own future, the journalist condemned the way Barcelona approached the negotiations.
According to Gomez, the Catalans operated in the shadows.
“Barcelona (manoeuvred) behind Atletico’s back, and in a very despicable manner. This is unacceptable in football,” he said, his tone sharpening as he described their behaviour. He did not stop at a single accusation, branding the club’s conduct “arrogant”, “conceited” and “condescending”.
The contrast with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez could not have been clearer in Gomez’s eyes. On this front, he offered rare, unqualified approval.
“The only person who acted properly in all of this is Florentino Perez,” he claimed. As Gomez told it, Perez first spoke directly with Alvarez and then informed Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo, respecting the relationship between the clubs.
In a transfer market where every move is scrutinised and every word weighed, Gomez has drawn his own battle lines: Barcelona under fire for their methods, Real Madrid criticised for their judgement, and Julian Alvarez standing at the centre of a storm that shows no sign of dying down.
