Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has spoken warmly of Julian Alvarez's character after the Argentine forward issued a public apology to the club's supporters in the wake of his match-winning display against Deportivo La Coruña.

Alvarez struck the only goal in a 1-0 win for Atletico, then used his post-match platform to address remarks he had made during the World Cup about his desire to sign for FC Barcelona — a transfer that never materialised after Atletico blocked the move.