Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has spoken out regarding the recent reports of a dressing-room dispute at the Spanish club, firmly denying the serious claims made in the media.
"Certain things have happened, and everyone has seen how it has been portrayed. But the situation has been exaggerated far too much. At Real Madrid, every incident attracts huge attention. Still, a lot of baseless stories have been circulated in the press," Tchouameni said during a press conference at the French national team's World Cup training camp.
In early May, an intense argument reportedly occurred during Real Madrid’s training session between Tchouameni and fellow midfielder Fede Valverde. The confrontation escalated to the point where Valverde had to be taken to the hospital with a head injury. According to the club’s official statement, the Uruguayan sustained the injury accidentally after bumping his head on a table.
Tchouameni later dismissed the rumours of a physical fight: "I’ve read that there was a fight and that I supposedly hit him. That’s completely false. I won’t elaborate further on the matter."
Following the incident, Tchouameni publicly apologised to Real Madrid supporters. Valverde also confirmed that his teammate had never struck him. However, the club imposed a fine of €500,000 on each player for their involvement in the dispute.
Reiterating his position, Tchouameni played down the controversy around the alleged dressing-room row, saying: "There are absolutely no issues at all."
"What matters most is that the club knows exactly what happened," he continued. "A lot of things occur inside the dressing room that the media never learn about. That’s just part of football, and life goes on."
The 26-year-old midfielder also emphasised that there is no lingering tension between him and Valverde, despite earlier media claims suggesting that one of them could be forced to leave Real Madrid in the summer to maintain harmony within the squad amid reported ego conflicts.
"Fede and I share the same objective: to win trophies with Real Madrid. There’s absolutely no problem between us," Tchouameni clarified. Looking ahead to a possible World Cup encounter with Valverde’s Uruguay, he added: "Of course, I’ll want to win with France when that time comes. But personally, there’s nothing wrong between Fede and me."
Tchouameni and the French national team, Les Bleus, are set to kick off their World Cup campaign on 16 June against Senegal, with Norway and Iraq also placed in their group. Meanwhile, Valverde’s Uruguay will take on Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde and Spain in their group-stage fixtures.
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