Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has sparked fresh controversy after claiming manager Álvaro Arbeloa told him he is now the team's "fourth-choice forward."
The shocking revelation came right after Mbappé was heavily booed by fans at the Santiago Bernabéu during Madrid's 2-0 victory against Real Oviedo.
Mbappé started the LaLiga match on the bench and was introduced as a substitute in the 69th minute for Gonzalo García, who scored the opening goal.
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The French star missed the previous weekend's Clásico defeat against Barcelona due to a hamstring injury but insisted he was completely fit to play.
Mbappé did not hold back when speaking to reporters after the final whistle.
"I didn't play because the coach told me I'm the fourth-choice forward in the squad behind Mastantuono, Vinícius and Gonzalo," Mbappé stated. "I accept it and play the time I'm given. I think I played well. I was ready to start. I'm not angry with the manager. You always have to respect a coach's decision."
However, manager Álvaro Arbeloa flatly denied the claims during his postmatch press conference, suggesting there was a massive breakdown in communication.
"I wish I had four forwards," Arbeloa said. "I don't have four forwards, and I certainly didn't say anything like that to Mbappé. Perhaps he didn't understand me. At no point could I tell him that he's the fourth-choice forward. A player who wasn't on the bench four days ago shouldn't start today. It's not a final, it's not a do-or-die situation."
The tension comes at a difficult time for Real Madrid, who have endured a trophy-less season while bitter rivals Barcelona secured the league title.
Fans have also criticized Mbappé online after he was spotted on a brief holiday while recovering from his recent injury.
Addressing the crowd's hostile reaction, Mbappé noted that it is simply part of being a high-profile player at the club, adding that he will continue working hard to earn his starting spot back.
#RealMadrid #Mbappe #Arbeloa #LaLiga #FootballNews #Bernabeu #MbappeFourthChoice #SoccerDrama
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