In an exclusive interview with Diario AS, Kylian Mbappe cleared up the issue that dominated social media since yesterday, in which he, Vinicius Junior, and Ibrahima Konate drew heavy criticism for not wearing the Ceuta support shirt during Tuesday's Elche-Real Madrid match.
After the recent controversy surrounding three Real Madrid players- Vinicius Junior, Ibrahima Konate, and Kylian Mbappe- after not correctly wearing the Ceuta support shirt that was part of the initial protocol in last Tuesday's match between Elche and the merengues. The French forward came out this Wednesday to address it.
In an exclusive interview with Diario AS, Mbappe said: "I simply think it is good to explain, so that people understand, although, of course, it was a decision by the clubs to wear that shirt, so we, as players, have to wear it. But I think I first have to say that I have all my solidarity with the people of Ceuta and with the victims, since before being a player, I am human.
But I also wanted to make a gesture, a thought for all the immigrants who have lost their lives or who are in hard conditions, so it was a difficult position. In the end, people may think that I am against the people of Ceuta, but no, I am 100% with them. But I also wanted to have a thought for all those people who suffer. I am a guy who wants the best for the world. I always try to give messages of positivity and peace, and that is why I hope this situation gets fixed quickly."
Let's remember that the migration crisis in the autonomous city of Ceuta (separated from Spanish territory because it is in North Africa, near Gibraltar) has made life very hard for locals. This has led to unity across the country in support of compatriots living in the exclave.
That is why the criticism of the Merengue players was too harsh, so it seems like a good detail that the Frenchman at least took the trouble to explain why he did it. However, it's now important that they refocus on what is coming for the team, since the Madrid derby is on Sunday, and not taking the 3 points could be very bad for the Chamartín side.
Because the first-place team in the table, Barcelona, never gets tired of winning, or, better said, of crushing its rivals. On Wednesday, by taking another 7-2 win over Racing de Santander, it firmly secured its place at the top with an impressive goal difference (22), double that of Real Madrid (11). Moving further away in points would be catastrophic, so a victory at the Metropolitano is practically obligatory.
