Manchester City's decision to loan Julian Alvarez back to River Plate has been explained by the South American club’s technical secretary.
The 22-year-old, who scored in Argentina's 1-1 draw with Ecuador on Wednesday, was bought by Pep Guardiola in January for around £15m but immediately returned to the Argentine outfit until the end of the season.
It was a move questioned by some, with City boasting just one recognised striker - Gabriel Jesus - in their squad. But it seems Alvarez’s temporary staying-on period at River Plate may benefit City in the long term.
Club chief Enzo Francescoli revealed that he fought to keep the striker at his Buenos Aires side until July, partly to protect him from the cut-and-thrust of European football so soon. READ MORE:Man City told what their summer transfer window priority should be He told domestic sports news outlet La Pagina Millonaria : “For us, it’s better for the player to stay here.
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