Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says Julian Alvarez requested to leave the club following interest from Atletico Madrid.

The Argentine is set to join Diego Simeone’s side in the coming days after City accepted an £81.5m offer for the 22-year-old.

Guardiola had been keen to keep Alvarez but the fee represents a sharp increase on the £17m that City paid River Plate for the striker in 2022.

The Spaniard is unsure whether City will replace Alvarez in the window but he says the he leaves with the club’s best wishes.

“It was a joy to work with him,” said Guardiola.

“I learnt a lot from him and hopefully he can find what he was looking for.”

Pressed on Alvarez’s reasons for leaving, Guardiola added: “He believes his period here must be over so, okay, both clubs arrive to an agreement.”

Guardiola ‘has to decide’ future amid England links

Speaking ahead of his side’s Community Shield fixture against Manchester United at Wembley on Saturday, Guardiola was asked about the possibility of replacing Gareth Southgate as England boss.

The 53-year-old has been linked to the post since Southgate stood down. His City contract expires in 2025 and he has stated his desire to manage an international team.

“I have to decide what I want to do in my life,” said Guardiola.

“If I want to continue here, take a break, train national teams or not. Right now I am here and as you arrive at the competitions my energy rises again, so I am fully excited for the season because I see things that I like here.”

‘It’s better not to think about the schedule’

City are set to take place in the inaugural Club World Cup next summer following the conclusion of the 2024/25 Premier League season.

It means, starting from Saturday’s Community Shield fixture, the club will embark on a 48-week campaign.

Guardiola, who confirmed Kyle Walker, John Stones, Phil Foden and Rodri will all miss the trip to Wembley following their participation in the Euro 2024 final, says there’s nothing the club can do about the fixture congestion.

“We try to give them the best rest possible, as much as possible. We would like to give them more time but it is what it is,” he said.

“Step by step, next game, try to be smart enough, train the right amount of time and be fresh in your mind. Rotate the players as much as possible, game by game and we will see what happen.”