Federico Valverde has finally addressed reports surrounding his alleged altercation with teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni at Real Madrid CF training.
In a lengthy statement shared via his Instagram story, Valverde admitted there were heated disagreements between the pair during training sessions but denied claims that they physically fought each other.
According to the midfielder, tensions escalated due to exhaustion, frustration, and the emotional pressure of a disappointing season.
“Yesterday I had an incident with a teammate during a play in training, where the fatigue from competition and frustration make everything escalate,” he wrote.
Valverde explained that disagreements in dressing rooms are normal and are usually resolved internally, but claimed the situation was quickly leaked and exaggerated because of the attention surrounding Real Madrid.
He further revealed that he suffered a forehead injury after accidentally hitting a table during another argument, which required a hospital visit.
“At no point did my teammate hit me, nor did I hit him,” he clarified, dismissing widespread reports of a physical fight.
The Uruguayan international also apologised for the incident and admitted the pressure of Real Madrid’s season had emotionally affected him.
“We wasted another year, and I didn’t want to make posts on social media when the only response I needed to give was on the field,” he stated.
Valverde confirmed that medical advice will prevent him from featuring in the upcoming El Clásico against FC Barcelona, saying the decision hurts him deeply because of his commitment to the club.
Despite the controversy, he insisted he would continue to support Tchouaméni and the team.
“And if I have to defend him in a stadium, I will be the first to do so,” he added.
