Real Madrid: Mbappé responds to controversy over Ceuta support shirt

Kylian Mbappé wanted to clarify his gesture after the controversy that arose before the match between Elche and Real Madrid.

The image quickly made the rounds in Spain. Before kick-off in the match that Real Madrid won 3-2 at Elche, the players were given a shirt in support of Ceuta. Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior and Ibrahima Konaté nevertheless wore it only partially, prompting numerous reactions.

Speaking to the Spanish daily AS, Mbappé was keen to dismiss any suggestion of a boycott.

“I want to explain it so that people understand. It was the clubs’ decision to put on the shirt, to wear the shirt. We, the players, had to wear it. The first thing I want to say is that I stand in full solidarity with Ceuta and with all the victims. Because before being a player, I am a human being. But I also wanted to show a gesture and spare a thought for all the immigrants who have lost their lives and who are also living in difficult conditions.”

“I don’t want to rank suffering in terms of priority”

The Frenchman then explained the thinking behind his position:

“It was not an easy position to take, because in the end people might think that I am against the people of Ceuta, but no, absolutely not. I have nothing against them and I support them 100 per cent, with a thought for them. But I also wanted to spare a thought for all the people who are suffering, because ultimately I am a human being and I don’t want to rank suffering in terms of priority.”

Mbappé concluded with a message of calm:

“There are people who are suffering, and it pains me greatly to see that in the world. I am someone who wants the best for the world we live in. I aim to spread a message of positivity and peace, and I hope this will be resolved quickly.”

An XXL start to the season for Mbappé

On the sporting front, the forward has made a particularly impressive start to the season. According to Real Madrid’s official statistics, he has already recorded 8 goals and 2 assists in 7 matches in all competitions. In La Liga, he has 7 goals and 2 assists in 6 appearances, while he has also found the net in the Champions League.

Already heavily exposed to media attention since the start of the season, particularly after being jeered at the Santiago Bernabéu, Mbappé this time chose to respond directly to explain his gesture and put an end to the controversy.

Read also: Real Madrid: Javier Tebas takes aim at Mbappé, Vinicius and Konaté

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

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Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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