Official Statement from the National Team Players
Álvaro Morata, César Azpilicueta, Rodrigo Hernández, and Marco Asensio, captains of the national senior team, appeared before the media on Monday to read a statement on behalf of the entire team. The text is as follows:
Once in Las Rozas, the national team players want to emphasize several issues regarding recent events that have harmed the image of Spanish football:
- First and foremost, we want to convey, once again, our pride and heartfelt congratulations to the women's national team for winning the World Cup in Sydney. It's a historic milestone filled with significance that will mark a before and after in Spanish women's football, inspiring countless women with an invaluable triumph. Therefore, we want to express our regret and solidarity with the players whose success has been tarnished.
- We want to reject what we consider unacceptable behavior on the part of Mr. Rubiales, who has not lived up to the institution he represents.
- We firmly and unequivocally stand on the side of the values that this sport represents. Spanish football must be a driving force for respect, inspiration, inclusion, and diversity and must set an example with its behavior both on and off the field.
- Starting today, we face a crucial training camp for the future of Spanish football on our path to qualify for Euro 2024 with two matches against Georgia and Cyprus. We would like to focus on sporting matters from now on, considering the importance of the challenges ahead.