Areola apologises to Madrid fans after Mbappe selfie

After posing for a selfie with Kylian Mbappe following Paris Saint-Germain's rout of Real Madrid, Alphonse Areola issued an apology.

Real Madrid's on-loan goalkeeper Alphonse Areola

Alphonse Areola apologised to Real Madrid supporters after a photograph of him smiling with Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting surfaced in the aftermath of his side's 3-0 Champions League defeat.

Areola, who is on loan at Madrid from Ligue 1 champions PSG this season, said comments on the photo that appeared on social networks upset him and the goalkeeper underlined his commitment to Zinedine Zidane's team following Wednesday's defeat.

In an Instagram post on Thursday, Areola explained: "Dear Real Madrid fans, I feel very sad for some comments on a photo that circulated on social networks.

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Querida afición del Real Madrid: me siento muy triste por algunos comentarios a una foto que circula en las redes sociales. Quiero que todos los madridistas sepan que mi corazón es blanco desde que fiché por este club y no puedo soportar la menor duda sobre mi motivación, mi lealtad y mi implicación por el Real Madrid, nuestro Madrid. La derrota de ayer me ha afectado al igual que a todos los que formamos esta gran familia. Tras el partido tuve un reencuentro con mis ex compañeros y amigos, a quienes no me había dado tiempo de despedirme. Por eso, reitero mis disculpas a los madridistas que se hayan sentido ofendidos, no era mi deseo y espero que todos juntos podamos lograr muchos éxitos Hala Madrid!! @realmadrid #halamadrid

A post shared by Alphonse Areola (@areolaofficiel) on Sep 19, 2019 at 10:25am PDT

 

"I want all Madrid fans to know that my heart has been white since I signed for this club and I can't stand the slightest doubt about my motivation, my loyalty and my involvement with Real Madrid, our Madrid.

"Yesterday's defeat has affected me as well as everyone who forms this great family.

"After the game I had a reunion with my former team-mates and friends, who had not given me time to say goodbye. 

"Therefore, I reiterate my apologies to the Madrid fans who have felt offended, it was not my wish and I hope that together we can achieve many successes."

Areola was on the bench for the game as Thibaut Courtois started midweek, while Keylor Navas – who moved in the opposite direction – kept a clean sheet for PSG.