The other half of the modern Bernabéu midfield block has finally spoken. Just days after Federico Valverde broke his silence by labeling their explosive training-ground clash a “small obstacle,” Aurélien Tchouaméni has given his first public version of the event that shook the capital.
Speaking from Clairefontaine during a press conference for the French national team as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup, the 26-year-old midfielder vehemently hit back at the media storm, claiming the entire narrative had been warped into something unrecognizable.
“A lot of nonsense was said,” Tchouaméni stated directly to the gathered press. “Obviously things happened, but it was blown out of proportion because it came out in the media. I read that there had been a fight and that I had punched him… That’s not what happened.”
Extinguishing the Fire Ahead of the World Cup
The incident, which resulted in severe internal financial fines, disciplinary proceedings from the club, and Valverde spending time in the hospital with a head injury, had been framed by Spanish media as a near-irreparable dressing room fracture.
Yet, much like Valverde’s diplomatic response earlier in the week, Tchouaméni was eager to showcase a unified, professional front. The Frenchman insisted that their common sporting objective completely overrides any localized friction.
“Fede and I have the goal of winning titles with Real Madrid. There are no problems with Valverde right now,” he admitted, effectively signaling an armistice as both players head across the Atlantic for the World Cup.
Addressing the PSG Triumph and Mbappé’s Leadership
Beyond the internal Madrid controversy, Tchouaméni took time to address the fallout of last night’s Champions League final in Budapest, which saw Paris Saint-Germain retain their European crown against Arsenal.
While offering a professional nod to the champions, he didn’t hide his sporting allegiance: “I congratulate PSG on their Champions League triumph, although I would have preferred Real Madrid to win it.”
The midfield anchor was also full of praise for his domestic and international teammate, Kylian Mbappé, who is tasked with leading Les Bleus out this summer as they look to build on their status as heavyweight tournament favorites.
“He is a leader on and off the pitch. He is our captain and the one who sets the example for us. He fulfills his role very well,” Tchouaméni emphasized, reinforcing the ironclad hierarchy within the French camp.
RMxtra Verdict: The Diplomatic Cool-Down Mourinho Needed
With both players now on the record, it is abundantly clear that Real Madrid’s PR machinery has done its job. Having both Valverde and Tchouaméni publicly downplay the hospitalizing clash as “nonsense” and a “small obstacle” is the best possible news for incoming manager José Mourinho.
The media circus wanted a full-blown civil war, but the players understand that under Mourinho, public drama is a one-way ticket to the bench. By quashing the rumors of a violent fistfight, Tchouaméni has cleared the air, ensuring that when the pair reunite at Valdebebas for pre-season in July, the focus will be strictly on restoring Madrid’s domestic dominance rather than settling personal scores.