The rivalry between and Barcelona has as soon as once more spilled away from the pitch after feedback made by Actual Madrid president Florentino Perez created large dialogue throughout Spanish soccer.
Throughout a prolonged public look earlier this week, the Madrid president made a controversial declare relating to league titles he believes slipped away from his membership through the years.
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“I’ve received seven Champions Leagues and 7 La Liga titles out of 14, however I might have received all 14 La Liga titles as a result of the remaining had been stolen from me,” .
These feedback reached Barcelona’s dressing room, and has develop into one of many first Barça gamers to publicly react.
What was stated?
Talking throughout an interview on , the Barcelona midfielder initially tried to downplay the state of affairs and keep away from turning the talk into a bigger confrontation.
“Sure, we’ve seen it like everybody else, however we at all times concentrate on what’s occurring right here,” he defined.
Fermin Lopez reacted to Perez’s feedback. (Photograph by David Ramos/Getty Photographs)
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Nevertheless, the midfielder later expanded on the subject and strongly disagreed with the concept that Barcelona’s league successes got here unfairly.
“Everybody has their very own view of issues. I don’t suppose it’s proper to say that have stolen seven league titles as a result of that they had , and Xavi.
“It’s unimaginable. Nor can we care. We’re on our personal path; we don’t care what occurs outdoors Barça, we’re very targeted on our personal enterprise.”
The Barça midfielder was requested to elaborate on the matter, to which he added,
“I don’t thoughts as a result of everyone seems to be entitled to their opinion, however I don’t suppose it was proper to say that.
“We’re very targeted on what’s occurring at Barça, who’re going via an excellent spell. I’m positive the trophies will come, and we’re very pleased with what we’re doing.”
Addressing the rivalry
Fermin Lopez reaffirmed his dedication to Barcelona. (Photograph by Angel Martinez/Getty Photographs)
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The midfielder additionally addressed the rivalry between the 2 golf equipment and insisted that pressure and frustration are merely a part of elite soccer competitors.
“The rivalry is identical as a result of I believe it’s at all times existed, simply as we’re their rivals.
“I don’t suppose we like them getting upset about these items both, as a result of I consider that’s simply soccer. We don’t disrespect any participant or workforce.
“I can’t perceive it, however in the long run, it’s regular to be indignant once you lose. However once they win, they’ll do the identical and we’ll settle for it.”
The interview ended with maybe his clearest assertion of all when he was requested about strategies that his energetic enjoying type might go well with Actual Madrid.
“I’m a Barça man via and thru; it’s unimaginable for me to go to Madrid – I’ll at all times be a Barça man,” he concluded.