Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid CEO comments on racial abuse against Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr
After Atletico Madrid issued a statement condemning the racist abuse directed towards Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr at the Civitas Metropolitano, their CEO, Miguel Angel Gil Marin has spoken out on the matter.
Vinicius was subjected to racist chants outside and inside the Civitas Metropolitano on Sunday on the day of the Madrid derby, which Atleti lost 1-2. The 22-year-old was targeted specifically by a section of home supporters and Miguel Angel Gil Marin has denounced the act.
“I know our fans well and it is unacceptable that someone can think they are racist. Those cries from a minority embarrass us atletico and cannot stain the image of the club, nor the behavior and sentiment of the vast majority.”
The club CEO also responded to the comments made by Spain Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, saying: “I appreciate that you remind us of our obligation, and I am one hundred percent in agreement with your comment.”
At the same time, though, he defended Atletico Madrid, saying: “I must also point out that pursuing these scourges is everyone’s job, not just the club managers. They accuse us when in reality we are also victims.”
He also seemed to be taking a pointed dig at some of the players who came out in support of Vinicius after Atletico Madrid captain Koke had made comments warning him about pulling out his dancing celebrations at the Metropolitano.
“I did not understand the campaign that was created, with exaggerated demonstrations, misrepresenting the statements of our captain, mixing it with a phrase with racist overtones from someone outside our club,” he said.
“That generated a climate of unnecessary and inconvenient tension before a match of maximum rivalry sporty. The time has come to also demand responsibility and professionalism from all those who intervene in the world of football.”
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid, Chelsea contact PSG midfielder’s agent with player set to leave
Atletico Madrid and Chelsea are among the clubs that have made contact with the agent of PSG midfielder Leandro Paredes, who is set to leave this summer.
This claim comes from journalist Martin Arevalo on ESPN, who states that apart from Atletico and Chelsea, an unnamed third club have also established contact with the Argentine international’s representative.
Paredes has been on PSG’s books since January 2019, when he arrived from Zenit St. Petersburg. For a large part of his time at the French capital outfit, the midfielder had been a regular starter in the side.
However, last summer saw Paredes get shipped out on loan to Juventus. He has played 33 times for the Bianconeri this season with a return of one goal and assist apiece.
The Serie A heavyweights, who were recently hit with a 10-point deduction, have the option to purchase him permanently. But, as per the report, his relationship with manager Massimiliano Allegri is not good and a return to PSG is on the cards.
And considering that he is not in the plans back at Parc des Princes either, a permanent departure away seems set in stone for Paredes.
As such, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, and an unnamed club have shown interest in acquiring his services by making contact with the 28-year-old World Cup winner’s agent.
With Koke entering the final phase of his career and Geoffrey Kondogbia expected to leave at the end of the season, the Rojiblancos could do with reinforcements in the centre of the park.
Paredes, who has plenty of experience at the highest level and is known for his aggressive mentality, can be a good fit into Diego Simeone’s setup at the Civitas Metropolitano.
But, with Chelsea also in the picture, things could get tricky for the Colchoneros. After all, Atleti are operating on tight finances and are looking for bargain and free transfer signings in the market with the likes of Marcus Thuram, Jordi Alba, and Raphael Guerreiro emerging as targets.
