The Spaniard was involved in a heated confrontation with Roberto Ayala (who amazingly has the nickname El Raton) after the World Cup final. Now Dani Olmo responds directly to Argentina’s coach’s apology – and categorically rejects it.
Olmo and Ayala got into an exchange of words after the latter raised his hand to the Barcelona star’s neck amid the chaos that unfolded after the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. The scenes were marked by ugly episodes: Argentina’s Leandro Paredes appeared to take a stranglehold on Spain’s Eric Garcia and throw Gavi to the ground, while Nahuel Molina punched Spain’s captain Rodri. Thiago Almada was also involved in the clashes.
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Enzo Fernandez had been sent off earlier in the game after picking up his second yellow card for a foul on Spain centre-back Pau Cubarsi. In addition, Argentina was heavily criticized for several of the players turning their backs on the Spaniards while lifting the World Cup trophy.
FIFA has since opened an investigation into the unpleasant scenes, and Spain’s national team manager Luis de la Fuente described Argentina’s behavior as “intolerable”.
Ayala apologized – Olmo denies
Last Wednesday, Ayala made a public apology to Olmo in an interview with Valencia Capital Radio. At the same time, he denied that he had beaten the Spanish international.
“Of course I’m sorry. Given my position, I cannot allow an emotion – or whatever I may have received from the other party – to affect my mood or actions,” Ayala said.
“For me, we have to set a limit and leave it at that. It was more of a push than anything else; It was not a battle, as it is portrayed. It was a reaction to something he said, but that’s it. If I see him, I will of course apologize to him personally.
“He’s lying,” says Olmo
Olmo, however, refuses to accept the apology. In an interview with the Spanish channel Diari de Terrassa, he hits back hard and accuses Ayala of lying.
“Someone who apologizes, but at the same time justifies a blow by claiming that it was a response to a comment, is hardly sincerely sorry – because he is lying,” says Olmo.
“I didn’t say anything to him, so he doesn’t have to apologize.
Olmo emphasizes how important it is to act with integrity when millions of people are watching:
“What really defines us is not the mistake, but the courage to admit it with humility, honesty and dignity. When my kids, my family, and all the fans watch the game, I want them to be proud of how we competed, how we won, and, above all, of our behavior.
“We players are role models for children and new generations, and that entails a great responsibility. But luckily, what really matters is that we experienced an incredible championship. The world saw it, and we are world champions after countless hours of hard work,” Olmo concludes.
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