Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has publicly apologised to Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr for comments he made during their Spanish Super Cup semi-final last week.

The incident occurred from the touchline, where Simeone reportedly suggested that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez might consider offloading the 25-year-old Brazilian winger. Vinicius, whose contract runs until summer 2027, had helped Real Madrid secure a 2-1 victory over Atletico in the semi-final before the team lost 3-2 to Barcelona in the final in Saudi Arabia.

---

Simeone Takes Responsibility

Speaking after the match, Simeone said:
“I would like to apologise to Mr Florentino and Mr Vinicius for the incident they witnessed. It was wrong of me to put myself in that position, and I accept that it was wrong. The team that wins deserves to go through; they deserved to go through.”

Simeone also appeared to exchange words with Vinicius when the winger was substituted after 81 minutes. When asked if his actions had crossed a line, Simeone added:
“I apologise, but I do not ask for forgiveness. I have nothing more to add.”

---

Context

The Spanish Super Cup has seen intense rivalries this season, with Vinicius Jr scoring in the final against Barcelona, even though Real Madrid fell 3-2. Simeone’s comments were widely criticised, and his apology is seen as an attempt to ease tensions between the two clubs and their players.