Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Raul Asencio breaks his silence after acquittal in case: ‘Now it’s my turn to speak…’
Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio has spoken publicly for the first time since being acquitted in the case involving the distribution of a video containing sexual content involving minors.
The Spanish defender was acquitted by the court earlier today after he issued an apology to the victims while also paying compensation.
This comes at a time when the La Fabrica graduate is also under the scanner after being convicted for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Asencio addresses the case publicly
Asencio has now issued a statement on social media following his acquittal in the trial over the distribution of the video.
The two victims formally forgave the four Real Madrid players who had been prosecuted, including Asencio.
The defender used his statement to respond to comments made by his manager, José Mourinho, and made clear that he now wants to have his say both on and off the pitch.
“Now it’s my turn to speak, and not only on the pitch, but also away from it,” Asencio wrote.
Asencio explained that the months-long process had been difficult, particularly as reports and opinions about him were published before the courts had reached a decision.
“Today, after a long period of silence and respecting a legal process in which I always had faith, I can say that I have been ACQUITTED. I believe the time has come to share a few words.
“Over these past few months I have experienced a difficult situation and, at times, I have had to see information and opinions about me published before the Justice system had ruled.
“I understand and respect the work of the media in reporting and expressing opinions, but I also believe it is important to remember that behind every story there is a person and a family who live with the consequences of everything that is published.
“I have always trusted that justice would eventually put things right. Today there is a judicial ruling that speaks for itself, and I accept it calmly and with the satisfaction of being able to close a chapter that has been extremely important to me.”
Asencio thanks those who supported him
Rather than focusing on the criticism he received, Asencio said he wanted to remember the people who stood by him throughout the process.
“I don’t want to hold on to the noise or the difficult moments. I prefer to remember the support of the people who stood by me and trusted me throughout this time.
“I want to sincerely thank my family, my friends, my agent, my lawyers and everyone who supported me and gave me strength when I needed it most.”
“I also want to thank Real Madrid and everyone at the club who showed their confidence in me and allowed me to continue working, developing and enjoying what I love most: playing football.
“Throughout this process, I tried to stay away from it all, work and keep moving forward. Today I can do so with the peace of mind that I always believed in the truth.”
Asencio also addresses the drink-driving incident
The Real Madrid defender also referred to the separate drink-driving incident for which he was punished, while the club is also investigating the matter.
“I also want to address an incident involving drink-driving. I am deeply sorry for what happened and I fully accept responsibility. It has been an experience from which I have learned, and I am absolutely clear that it will never happen again.
“Now I want to look ahead, keep working, keep developing and focus on what I love most: playing football.”
Asencio called on those who had spoken about him during the case to give the court’s decision the same level of attention.
“To those who spoke about me during these months, I only ask that now the Justice system has given its ruling, this part of the story can also be told with the same attention.
“I don’t want to get involved in controversies or look back. I want to close this chapter with respect, with my head held high and with a great desire to move forward.
“Now it’s my turn to speak. And I completely agree with my coach: not only on the pitch, but also away from it.
“Hala Madrid. Let nobody have the slightest doubt,” he concluded.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid rejected €35 million Galatasaray offer for 23-year-old midfielder – report
The last week of the summer transfer window at Real Madrid ended with little activity beyond the signing of Sergio Martinez and the departures of several more academy players, including David Jimenez and Manuel Angel.
Jose Mourinho had considered his squad complete for some time, and the club ultimately backed his decision.
There was, however, considerable speculation surrounding several players, particularly Eduardo Camavinga, whose performances have declined significantly over the past two years.
Now, it has emerged that the French midfielder could have left the Spanish capital club following a late approach from Galatasaray.
Galatasaray’s €35 million offer rejected
Italian journalist Michael Pavese of TuttoMercato (h/t Defensa Central) claims that Galatasaray offered Real Madrid €35 million for Camavinga.
The proposal was immediately rejected by the club, who considered the figure insufficient for a 23-year-old midfielder contracted until 2029.
It must be noted that Premier League clubs had indicated earlier in the summer that they could be prepared to pay around €50-60 million for Camavinga.
Real Madrid, for their part, were open to offers, but only in the region of €70 million or more.
Galatasaray’s offer, in that regard, was half of what Los Blancos were looking for, leading to an immediate rejection from the club.
Camavinga wants to stay, has Mourinho’s backing
Real Madrid had doubts about Camavinga’s recent form, but the lack of a sufficiently attractive offer, combined with the player’s desire to remain at Valdebebas, ultimately led the club to keep him.
The Merengues continue to rate the midfielder highly, particularly given how young he was when he joined and the progress he initially made.
His recent decline has been a concern, but the club opted to respect his decision and support him through his lean patch.
Camavinga, for his part, has remained determined to stay in Spain despite the uncertainty surrounding his position in the squad. The midfielder has also made it clear that he is excited about working with Mourinho.
The Portuguese coach, for his part, has shown confidence in Camavinga despite not guaranteeing him regular minutes this season.
Mourinho handed Camavinga his first start of the campaign against Malaga and the player responded with an encouraging performance.
“Today a player who isn’t very loved played a great game, and that’s Camavinga,” the manager said after the game.
For now, the Galatasaray approach has come and gone, while Camavinga remains at Real Madrid with Mourinho determined to help him rediscover his best form.
