Argentine Attacker Forced To Train Alone

Ricky Alvarez has emerged for the first time since the end of the season to announce that he's still working hard for the new season, even though nobody wants to claim him just yet. The 27-year-old tricky midfielder was held in high regard by Inter Milan fans, and they were shocked when he signed for Sunderland on loan last summer, though the financially-troubled fallen giants were keen to rake in as much cash as possible for his sale. However, the Black Cats have not taken up the option to sign Alvarez for a rumoured £7.5m fee which Inter claim was obligatory if the Wearside club remained in the Premier League. Sunderland claim that Inter delayed surgery for the midfielder, causing him to miss out on far more games than he should have. Alvarez took to Twitter to express his stance on the situation, saying: "Entrenando duro y esperando noticias sobre mi futuro. // working hard while waiting news about my future," from his home across in Buenos Aires. The Argentine international made just five starts and eight substitute appearances for Sunderland, so it's understandable that they want out of the deal, though if an obligatory clause was inserted by Inter, it will be hard to challenge. Inter are in the process of speaking to FIFA about the deal, and that could rumble on into the new season as the two sides lock horns. But while fans can endlessly discuss whether he should stay or go, it is Alvarez caught up in the middle of it all, and will no doubt be crushed at missing out on a full pre-season with either side.