Internal Peace? Arbeloa Confirms Federico and Aurelien Apologised After €1M Fine

MADRID: Alvaro Arbeloa has confirmed that Federico and Aurelien apologised following a dressing-room incident at Real Madrid that left Valverde with a head injury and sidelined for up to two weeks. The club also imposed fines of €500,000 on each player after the internal dispute earlier in the week.

The altercation reportedly took place in the buildup to Real Madrid’s LaLiga fixture against FC Barcelona, a match carrying significant title implications. Valverde’s injury has added to concerns within the squad during a critical stage of the season.

Arbeloa Calls for Focus on Football

Speaking to reporters, Arbeloa downplayed the long-term impact of the incident and insisted the matter should now be considered closed.

"The players have acknowledged their mistake, expressed their regret and asked for forgiveness. That’s enough for me. What I’m not going to do is put them in the pillory, because they don’t deserve it," Arbeloa told reporters.

He added that both players should be allowed to move forward with the squad despite the internal setback.

"These two players deserve for us to turn the page, to give them a chance to keep fighting for this club. I’m very proud of them. I won’t allow this to be used to cast doubt on their professionalism. It’s a lie that they are not professional."

Arbeloa also stressed that disagreements inside dressing rooms are not uncommon in elite football environments.

“What happens in the dressing room stays there”

The Real Madrid manager also rejected suggestions of deeper unrest within the squad, citing his own experience as a player.

"I’ve had a teammate who picked up a golf club and swung it at another player. What happens in the Real Madrid dressing room should stay in the Real Madrid dressing room, and that’s what hurts me the most," the 43-year-old said.

He further dismissed claims of player misconduct towards him during a difficult campaign, taking responsibility for recent performances.

“It’s an absolute lie. I’m the one primarily responsible for the fact that we’ve probably not been up to scratch this season,” he added.

League leaders Barcelona now need only a draw on Sunday to secure back-to-back LaLiga titles.