Ibrahima Konaté explains stance in Ceuta shirt row

Ibrahima Konaté has defended his decision not to wear a Real Madrid shirt carrying a message of support for Ceuta’s residents, saying he did not understand its meaning at the time. Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius had covered the message on September 15, while Konaté did not put the shirt on.

Speaking before Real Madrid’s Champions League meeting with RB Leipzig, Konaté said his attention had been on the match against Elche. He later understood the issue and said he could see both sides. The France international also explained that his parents came from Africa to settle in France, adding that many people share a similar background. He said he preferred to remain between the two positions and insisted he had joined Madrid to play football. In his view, the dispute had been made more serious than it was, while the other players had worn the shirt.

Konaté arrived at Madrid as a free agent last summer after five seasons with Liverpool and has been a regular starter. He has played 10 matches in all competitions this season. Madrid’s immediate schedule includes Leipzig on Wednesday and a Clasico against Barcelona at Camp Nou on Sunday, with the team already six points behind its rival in the league.