Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has apologised to Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr for instigating the verbal spat between him and Vinicius Jr.
The incident took place in the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia when Real Madrid beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 in the semifinals. Real Madrid lost to FC Barcelona 3-2 in the final game.
While Vinicius Jr walked off the pitch while getting substituted, Simeone reportedly told the Brazilian winger, “Florentino will get rid of you”.
Simeone was referring to extensive reports that Vinicius Jr is unhappy with his reduce role at the club and the team’s unwillingness to meet his hefty wage demands regarding negotiations on a new contract and is heading for a Real Madrid exit.
However, after getting criticised by Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso for his actions, Simeone has apologised ahead of Atletico Madrid’s game against Deportivo La Coruna in the Spanish Cup on Wednesday. (Click highlighted text to read full story)
“I’d like to apologise to Mr. Florentino [Real Madrid President Florentino Perez] and Mr. Vinícius for what happened. Obviously it wasn’t right to put myself in that position, and I accept, obviously, that I didn’t do the right thing” Simeone said according to ESPN. Scroll down to watch Simeone’s clash with Vincius Jr
Diego Simeone told Vinicius Jr during the game:
“Vini, Vini… Florentino is going to get rid of you, remember I told you!” 😭😭😭
pic.twitter.com/q6Bgz4pg4c— Footy Humour (@FootyHumour) January 8, 2026
