Arbeloa: "He understood perfectly what was required of him"

Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has commented on reports that forward Kylian Mbappe underwent the wrong knee surgery at the club.

"In recent days, Mbappe has clearly stated that the information that has emerged is absolutely untrue. However, in my opinion, it is time to stop discussing Mbappe's knee condition and focus on his goals, in particular the goal he scored for the national team. Let's hope that he can also score for us, returning to the level of play that he has already shown and which he undoubtedly has. We want to talk about his skill and the enormous contribution he has made to our team.

Is Mbappe upset about not starting for the derby? No. In the two months we have been working together, our communication has always been direct and open. The decision not to start against Atletico was based on common sense. No problems, no complaints.

 "He understood perfectly what was required of him and was always ready to give everything for the good of the team. In turn, he always showed deep respect for all my decisions. I never had the slightest disagreement or reason for dissatisfaction with him. He is always ready to carry out any of my instructions. It is a great honor for me to work with a player of his level, who is also endowed with such a rare quality as modesty," Arbeloa said in an interview with the club's official website.