Resigned, disappointed and without mincing words: this was Mbappé after Real Madrid’s victory over Oviedo this Friday, which marked his return to the pitch after a hamstring injury. And that’s how he made statements about the club’s current situation and his career.
Key details
Starting with his injury recovery, Mabppé regretted not being able to play against Barcelona. “I always like them,” he said, before facing the many whistles he received at the Bernábeu. “I can’t change the minds of people who are angry. I don’t have to take this personally. The life of a Real Madrid player is the life of a famous player like me. They are not happy. It’s the only way to understand the whistles.”
One of the biggest reasons for criticism from fans was the trip Mbappé took to Italy while recovering from injury. «I had authorization from the club», he explains, «I was not the only player from the club who was not in Madrid».
The Frenchman also explained that he “was ready to start” against Oviedo, but that didn’t happen due to Álvaro Arbeloa. «I’m very well, 100%. I didn’t play because I’m the fourth striker in the coach’s squad. I accept that and play as long as they give me. I assisted Jude Bellingham and you always have to be positive”, he pointed out.
However, minutes later, Arbeloa himself denied his player’s statement.
“I wish I had four strikers. I don’t have four attackers nor did I say such a thing to Mbappé. He must have misunderstood me. I don’t really know what to tell you. At no point was I able to tell him that I was the fourth striker. I had a conversation with him before the game. I don’t know what he could have interpreted”, said the coach.
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