Vinicius Junior has issued an apology following his reaction to being substituted during Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Barcelona.
The Brazil international was visibly angered by the decision to to withdraw him during Sunday’s El Clásico, storming straight down the tunnel.
It has been reported in various outlets that the winger threatened to leave the club as he left the pitch, stating to head coach Xabi Alonso: “Me? Coach? Coach, me? It’s always me. I’m leaving the team. It’s better I leave.”
He later returned to the bench and was involved in the on-pitch scuffles that clouded the end of the game. The 25-year-old clashed with Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal, earning a yellow card, and has now issued an apology.
“I have a message to all Madridistas, especially those who came to Bernabeu and supported us passionately,” he told Real Madrid TV.
“This is how the Clásico is; there are many things happening on and off the pitch. We try to maintain balance, but that’s not always possible. We didn’t want to offend anyone, neither the young players nor the fans.
“We know that when we step onto the pitch, we have to play our role, and that’s how it was today. Hala Madrid”.
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