Atletico Madrid News
RFEF president makes derogatory comment about Atletico Madrid in leaked WhatsApp message
A recent revelation made by El Confidencial has put the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) Luis Rubiales in hot waters. The outlet leaked the WhatsApp messages of the official where he listed Atletico Madrid as one of the teams he dislikes.
In a leaked WhatsApp chat between the official and his father, that dates back to January 2020, the duo listed the La Liga teams that they dislike the most. The conversation began when his father said he dislikes Sevilla and Valencia, to which Rubiales replied,
“For me, in this order, it is Villarreal, Sevilla and Valencia.”
He added, “And the patetico [Atletico], where?”
His father responded by saying, “Not especially. I feel sorry for them because they’re unlucky. I like Gil and I think Cerezo is a bigot.”
It must be noted that the term ‘patetico’ is a derogatory phrase used by the rival fans for Atletico Madrid.
Interestingly enough, it is not the first time Rubiales has found himself amidst massive controversy. Towards the end of the previous season, a series of conversations between him, and Barcelona’s Gerard Pique regarding the Spanish Super Cup were brought to light.
Furthermore, accusations were also made against Rubiales as he allegedly used the RFEF money to sponsor a personal weekend getaway with his team, although the 45-year-old has since denied the claims.
The recent incident involving Villarreal, Sevilla and Valencia has led to the teams demanding an apology from the president. A joint statement made by the clubs read,
“Sevilla, Valencia and Villarreal wish to express our joint condemnation of the RFEF president’s contempt towards our clubs. We urge Rubiales to rectify the situation and to apologise publicly to the three clubs and our fans.”
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid among clubs weighing up a summer move for €20 million Barcelona defender
Having successfully raided FC Barcelona for the signing of Memphis Depay during the January transfer window, Atletico Madrid could look to bring in another player from Spotify Camp Nou come summer.
Indeed, according to SPORT, Atletico are among clubs who are interested in signing Barcelona ace Sergino Dest, who is currently away on loan at AC Milan.
Dest has been out of favour at Barça since Xavi Hernandez arrived at the club back in November 2021. The USMNT right-back was sent out on loan to Milan last summer so that he can play regularly.
The Rossoneri have the option of signing the ex-Ajax man permanently for €20 million, but are unlikely to take it up as the right-back has largely underwhelmed during his time in Italy, playing just 14 games in all competitions.
But, that has seemingly not deterred clubs in La Liga, including Atletico Madrid, who are reportedly willing to take a punt on Dest in the summer.
As things stand, Atletico have Nahuel Molina as their primary right-back, but the Argentine has not been consistent enough in his debut season at the club.
Matt Doherty arrived on a free transfer from Tottenham in January but has only played 12 minutes so far, indicating where he stands in Diego Simeone’s scheme. So, a new right-back might not entirely be ruled out at the Civitas Metropolitano come summer.
Dest, though, is also attracting interest from Sevilla, Valencia and Villarreal, while an unnamed MLS club also want the right-back.
Barcelona, for their part, wish to recoup the €20 million they spent on him almost three years ago, which could become a roadblock for Atletico Madrid if they do indeed pursue the right-back with greater intent.
As things stand, there is just initial interest and there is nothing concrete from Atletico or any clubs. Only time will tell if that changes once Dest returns from his loan spell.
