Kylian Mbappe has spoke to AS after he and two Real Madrid teammates decided against displaying a shirt relating to Ceuta.
Before a 3-2 win over Elche, both sets of players were given a shirt that read: ‘We are all Ceutans’ followed by ‘Our City, our homeland’.
Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Ibrahima Konate rolled theirs up to obscure the messages.
The message referred to the ongoing migrant crisis in the Spanish enclave.
Since a media storm, Mbappe decided to clear things up.
Mbappe speaks out over Ceuta shirt controversy
He told AS: “I want to explain it clearly so people understand.
“It was the clubs’ decision to include the shirt, to wear it. We players had to wear it.
“The first thing I want to say is that I have complete solidarity with Ceuta and all the victims.
“Because before being a player, I am human. But I also wanted to make a gesture and express my thoughts for all the immigrants who have lost their lives and who are also living in difficult conditions.
“It wasn’t an easy position, a difficult one , because in the end people might think I’m against the people of Ceuta, but no, absolutely not. I have nothing against them, and I support them 100%.
“But I also wanted to think about all the people who are suffering, because ultimately I’m human, and I don’t want to prioritise suffering.
“There are people who are suffering, and it makes me very sad to see that in the world. I’m a guy who wants the best for the world we live in.
“I intend to send a message of positivity and peace, and I hope this gets resolved quickly.”
Real Madrid’s infamous Ultras Sur then put out a statement over the incident.
Real Madrid ultras demand apology
They wrote: “Although the group always stays out of controversies involving players who care little or nothing about our crest and values, we feel compelled to speak out regarding what happened yesterday.
“It is completely unacceptable that players who wear our badge and receive their salaries from the members’ money should allow themselves the luxury of disrespecting Spanish citizens who are suffering the consequences of an invasion.
“We are certain that any Madridista and any Spaniard is ashamed of the image presented by these three individuals. Sadly, it does not surprise us at all that the president of our club has chosen to look the other way.
“Therefore, we demand a public apology from these players, and if none is forthcoming, the resignation of Florentino Pérez, whom we hold responsible for the loss of our club’s values and dignity.
“You can lose matches, titles, and money. But when you lose your values and allow this, you lose the generation that was meant to carry on your history.”
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