Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappé breaks silence on Ceuta shirt controversy

Kylian Mbappé, the Real Madrid striker, has clarified the reasons behind his teammates' partial wearing of a shirt in support of Ceuta before their match against Elche. The French forward emphasized that this gesture was not intended to reject the people of Ceuta, but rather to express solidarity with both the city's residents and the migrants who have tragically passed away.

According to Mbappé, the idea to wear the shirt was proposed by the clubs, and the players were expected to follow suit. He reiterated his full support for Ceuta and all the victims, stating that before being a player, he is a human being. The striker also wanted to pay tribute to the migrants who have lost their lives and those still enduring difficult circumstances.

Acknowledging the complexity of the situation, Mbappé admitted that it was a challenging position for him. However, he firmly denied any opposition to the people of Ceuta, reaffirming his unwavering support for them. He explained that his decision was meant to spare a thought for all those suffering, not to express any animosity towards the city's inhabitants.

The controversy arose before Tuesday's match when the three players partially donned the shirt, covering the message "We are all mackerel," a reference to Ceuta's inhabitants. The slogan was completed with the phrase "Our city, our homeland." Elche, the home team, initiated the gesture and it was subsequently accepted by Real Madrid. LaLiga president Javier Tebas later criticized the three players for not wearing the shirt properly.

Mbappé insisted that his intention had been to convey a broader message of solidarity, emphasizing his commitment to promoting positivity and peace. He concluded by expressing his hope for a swift resolution to the controversy.