Real Madrid striker’s response follows backlash over a trip to Italy with his girlfriend
Kylian Mbappe has insisted he remains focused on recovering from a hamstring injury after drawing criticism for a recent trip to Sardinia with actor Ester Exposito.
The Real Madrid forward has faced questions from Spanish media and supporters over his commitment in the lead-up to Sunday’s clásico against Barcelona.
Mbappe’s representatives responded on Tuesday, stating: “Part of the criticism is based on an over-interpretation of elements related to a recovery period strictly supervised by the club, without reflecting the reality of Kylian’s commitment and the work he puts in every day for the team.”
The reaction has extended to supporters, with an online petition circulating that calls for the player to be sold. It reads: “If you believe change is necessary, do not remain silent: sign this petition and defend what you believe is best for the future of the club.”
Images of Mbappe and his girlfriend Exposito circulated on social media as Madrid prepared for their league match against Espanyol last weekend. Madrid won the game 2-0, with head coach Alvaro Arbeloa saying afterwards that “each player does what they consider appropriate in their free time” and it was “none of my business”.
Mbappe remains Madrid’s top scorer this season with 41 goals in 41 appearances but the club’s campaign has been so underwhelming that it was labelled “an intolerable failure” by club president Florentino Perez after they were knocked out by Bayern in the Champions League quarter-finals to all but guarantee a second successive season without silverware.
In the La Liga title race, Madrid are trailing Barcelona by 11 points with four matches remaining and the Catalans can seal the title if they avoid defeat in Sunday’s high-profile meeting.
