20 hours ago
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Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso believes the dispute with Vinicius Jr. has been resolved, despite not being mentioned in the Brazilian's public apology.
The Real Madrid winger has found himself at the center of significant controversy over recent days. The Brazilian star reacted angrily to being taken off during the match against Barcelona, allegedly claiming he needed to depart the club.
Following this, he has released an apology; Madrid's game against Liverpool in the Champions League is just around the corner, with Trent Alexander-Arnold set to return to Anfield for the first time since quitting Merseyside for the Spanish capital.
Taking to social media, Vinicius wrote: "Today I want to apologise to all the Madridistas for my reaction when I was substituted in the Clasico.
"Just as I have already done in person during today's training, I also want to apologise again to my teammates, the club, and the president. Sometimes passion gets the better of me because I always want to win and help my team.
"My competitive character stems from the love I feel for this club and everything it represents. I promise to keep fighting every second for the good of Real Madrid, as I have done since the first day."
A significant absence from his statement was Madrid boss Alonso, though the Spaniard maintains there are no problems between them. Speaking during a press conference before this weekend's encounter with Valencia, he said: "Has Vinicius apologized to me?
"We had a meeting with everyone on Wednesday, and Vinicius was impeccable. He spoke honestly and was very good. For me, that settles the matter."
When questioned about being excluded from the winger's statement, Alonso responded: "It was a very valuable, very positive statement. He demonstrated his honesty; he spoke from the heart.
"What he said was the most important thing, and I was very satisfied. I've already said it, I was very proud, and the matter was settled on Wednesday itself.
"We trained well yesterday, I see Vini doing well, and we're all in the same boat and rowing in the same direction.
"It's closed. We have a match tomorrow, and there will be no retaliation against him. I think the team, and everyone, including Vinicius, is focused on what's most important. Everyone wants to be on the pitch. The focus is the same. We want to proceed safely."
Vinicius has already made a superb start to the campaign under new manager Alonso. The Brazilian has netted five goals and provided four assists in just 10 league outings this term.
The 25-year-old presently has fewer than two years left on his deal with the Spanish team.
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