Thousands of Manchester City fans turned up to welcome their new summer signings at the Etihad Stadium on a baking hot Sunday afternoon.Goalkeeper Stefan Ortega Moreno and star man Erling Haaland were joined on stage by Julian Alvarez, one of the most gifted young forwards in world football.Kalvin Phillips, City’s other £42 million signing, missed the presentation due to illness.As you can imagine, Haaland received a rapturous reception from the City fans.The Norway international, who scored 86 goals in 89 games during a two-and-a-half-year spell with Borussia Dortmund, was the most sought-after young forward on the planet but it’s City who won the race for his signature.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 10: Erling Haaland of Manchester City smiles during the Manchester City Summer Signing Presentation Event at Etihad Stadium on July 10, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Has Julian Alvarez signing for City gone under the radar?
However, the signing of Alvarez has gone a little under the radar.
The Argentina international scored 18 goals in 26 games for River Plate this year, including a remarkable double hat-trick against Alianza Lima in the Copa Libertadores in May.
City secured a £14.1 million deal for the 22-year-old in January before loaning him back to River until the summer.
But he’s now with his new teammates as preparations begin for the start of the 2022-23 season.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 10: Stefan Ortega, Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez of Manchester City are seen on stage with their squad numbers during the Manchester City Summer Signing Presentation Event at Etihad Stadium on July 10, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
While his arrival has undoubtedly been overshadowed by Haaland, Alvarez may have been hoping for a slightly better cheer from fans outside the Etihad on Sunday.
A video from the presentation is currently doing the rounds on social media and rival fans are mocking their Man City counterparts.
Watch it here:
Let’s check out some of the reaction:
Harsh on the Man City fans?
In fairness, some of those City fans may not know all that much about Alvarez at this stage and that’s understandable.
Unlike Haaland, the South American hasn’t been playing Champions League football for the past few seasons. He’s not a household name in England just yet.
It doesn’t mean City’s fans won’t give him their full support when he turns out at the Etihad this season. Of course they will.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 10: Julian Alvarez of Manchester City acknowledges the fans during the Manchester City Summer Signing Presentation Event at Etihad Stadium on July 10, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
What did Julian Alvarez say at Man City presentation?
"Manchester City has a lot of history with Argentinians before but I came here to create my own history, my own path," Alvarez said, per City’s official website. "In Argentina we are used to interest from Europe. It’s our dream to play there because they are the best leagues and clubs.
"City is one of the best clubs. so I was very excited (when I learned of the move). I worked very hard and I am very excited to be here now.
"I can play in different positions. In the centre or in wings. I feel comfortable playing close to the box because it helps me score goals, but I like to assist my teammates.
"I want to play and contribute. I want to win trophies, the Premier League and Champions League.
"I’m going to give my best to adapt as soon as possible and contribute and play as soon as possible."
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 10: Julian Alvarez of Manchester City acknowledges the fans during the Manchester City Summer Signing Presentation Event at Etihad Stadium on July 10, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
On not getting the No. 9 shirt, Alvarez added: "To me the number doesn't matter. I just want to play my game and I’m not worried which number I’m wearing.
"Number 19 is the number that I like, it was the birthday of my grandmother.
"Erling is a great player, scores a lot of goals and has been an important player at his other clubs.
"I can play in the middle and on the wings, I think I can be a good player here."