Julian Alvarez was one of the World Cup’s biggest stars, helping Argentina win the championship in Qatar and establishing himself as a regular starter at Man City, though his success comes with some drawbacks

Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez returned to the Etihadwith a World Cup medal, the freedom of his hometown in Argentina and the promise of a statue to be commissioned in his honour.

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But perhaps the biggest clue that the 22-year-old’s life will never quite be the same is that an online petition calling on him to split up with his long-term girlfriend gathered more than 20,000 signatures.

One angry fan was so upset with YouTube influencer Emelia Ferrero’s refusal to allow a group of admirers pose for a photograph with her beau during Argentina’s manic celebrations that they set-up an appeal imploring Alvarez to end their four-year relationship.

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The couple are still together – but the world has changed for a player who was a relative unknown outside his homeland when City paid River Plate £14 million for his services a year ago.

Alvarez had been given permission by Pep Guardiola to finish his celebrations over New Year back in his homeland. But he surprised City’s staff by turning up for immediately training after World Cup ended