Godin points to Antoine Griezmann’s return from Barcelona as the clearest comparison. The Frenchman had to work hard to win back Atletico supporters, and Godin believes Alvarez faces a similarly demanding road.
“It cost Antoine an enormous amount of effort, and with Julian, we'll see,” the former Atletico defender said.
The comparison is significant because rebuilding trust at the Metropolitano cannot be achieved through one statement or a short spell of good form. It requires consistency, visible commitment and the patience to absorb a hostile reaction when performances fall below expectations.
Godin has not questioned Alvarez’s ability. He described him as a “fantastic player” and a “great guy”, while arguing that the forward made an error in his dealings with the club and its supporters.
“The fans' anger is completely understandable,” Godin said. “We all get that someone might want to leave, but it's about how you leave, the way you go about it. I think we all agree that he messed up.”
That leaves Alvarez with one practical route back: contribute whenever he is selected. Goals, work rate and decisive performances will not erase the controversy overnight, but they can gradually change the conversation.
Atletico fans are unlikely to demand instant remorse alone. They will want to see the kind of effort that makes the shirt feel important again, especially in difficult matches when patience is already thin.
The next storyline will be Alvarez’s reception at the Metropolitano and whether his performances can begin turning suspicion into belief. Godin’s warning is clear: restoring the relationship may be possible, but it will take sustained effort.