Atletico Madrid manager, Diego Simeone, has issued an apology to Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior following their heated exchanges during the Spanish Super Cup clash.
Simeone was involved in verbal confrontations with the Brazilian winger during Atletico’s 2-1 semi-final loss on Thursday, with tensions continuing even after Vinicius was substituted.
The Argentine coach was also seen appearing to suggest that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez would force Vinicius out of the club, a gesture that sparked further controversy.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday ahead of Atletico’s Copa del Rey round-of-16 away fixture against Deportivo La Coruna, Simeone admitted fault and expressed regret over the incident.
“I would like to apologise to Mr Florentino and Mr Vinicius for the episode we saw,” Simeone told a news conference ahead of Atletico’s Copa del Rey last 16 visit to face Deportivo La Coruna on Tuesday.
“It was not good of me to put myself in that position and I accept I didn’t do the right thing.
“Beyond that the team that deserved to win went through, they deserved it.”
Despite the earlier drama, Vinicius went on to score an impressive solo goal in the Spanish Super Cup final, although Real Madrid eventually fell 3-2 to Barcelona.
The Brazilian winger remains under contract with Los Blancos until June 2027, but negotiations over a contract extension have yet to be concluded.
