Real Madrid star Federico Valverde claimed he had the “support of the club” in the immediate aftermath of his altercation with Aurelien Tchouameni that left him requiring hospital treatment.
The incident occurred in early May following a disagreement at the club’s training ground with Uruguay international Valverde suffering a cranioencephalic trauma, a form of concussion.
Madrid took a dim view of the fracas and fined each man €500,000.
Valverde, speaking about it for the first time, claimed both the club and fans were supportive during a difficult time.
After arriving in Uruguay to start preparations for the World Cup, he said: “I had the support of many people, the affection of all the Real Madrid fans, the support also of the club. There are times when you have to overcome these minimal obstacles within football, in life.”
Valverde even claimed there would be benefits from it, adding: “All this will lead me to be a better captain in the coming years and hopefully I can continue defending Real Madrid.”
With Tchouameni also named in the France squad, there is the chance the two will come face to face in opposite colours during the World Cup.
What Real Madrid said at the time of the clash between Valverde and Tchouameni
At the time of the clash, Madrid were beset by rumours of dressing room disagreements with this the most high profile.
A club statement read: “Real Madrid announces that, after the events that prompted the opening yesterday of a disciplinary file on our players Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni, both have appeared today before the before the investigator assigned to the case.
“During this appearance, the players have shown their total regret for what happened and have apologised to each other.
“Likewise, they have transferred their apologies to the club, their team-mates, the coaching staff and the fans, and both have made themselves available to Real Madrid to accept the sanction that the club deems appropriate.
“Given these circumstances, Real Madrid has decided to impose a financial sanction of €500,000 on each player, thus concluding the internal investigation.”
