Real Madrid players support Fede Valverde after Baena incident

Fede Valverde remains the centre of attention, with the storm continuing to rage over his alleged punching of Álex Baena after the game against Villarreal. Today, Tuesday, at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground, the player was out in public for the first time since the incident, as he took part in the 15-minute training session open to the media.

What is clear is the Uruguayan is receiving the love and affection of his teammates. Valverde is a much-loved footballer in the Madrid dressing room and both the club’s staff and his fellow players want things to be as normal as possible and for Valverde to forget, as far as possible, about the incident. Kroos, who gave him an affectionate pat on the back, and Lucas, always one of the mischief-makers in the warm-up, spent time joking with him.

Valverde not talking about Baena incident

The Uruguayan was smiling, although no doubt never forgetting the swarm of cameras that were watching his every movement. It’s clear he prefers to walk the way of silence. It is clear there will be no official communications from the player and only his partner, Mina Bonino, who in practice acts as spokesperson for the family, has spoken on social media to defend the veracity of Valverde’s version: that the incident was caused by some unpleasant comments from Baena about the Valverde’s unborn son. The Villarreal player has denied he said such things.

In today’s press conferences, both Alaba and Ancelotti defended their teammate and showed their support. “He’s doing very well, he’s obviously had all the support, he’s trained well, he’s fit, focused for tomorrow,” said the Austrian central defender. The Italian coach praised his human values: “He has trained well and is focused on tomorrow. His human quality is extraordinary. I prefer not to talk about the incident”.