Coach Xavi of Barcelona has expressed regret for his comments on Dani Alves in the wake of the Brazilian’s arrest on suspicion of sexual assault.
Xavi claimed to be “in a state of shock” and to “feel very bad for Dani” after learning that his former teammate had been arrested on December 30 for allegedly assaulting a lady in a Catalan nightclub.
Xavi, on Dani Alves:
đź—Ł”I’m surprised, shocked. In a state of shock. It’s a matter of justice and the courts will now decide. I really have no other comments. As for Dani, I feel very bad for him. Shocked. I can’t say more.” pic.twitter.com/w71DsAZhlg
— total Barça (@totalBarca) January 21, 2023
The World Cup champion has now acknowledged that the timing and wording of his comments were ill-judged, with the ex-Spain international speaking out in support of people that are victim to acts of “gender-based abuse”.
What Did Xavi Say?
Xavi told reporters a day after his previous comments on the subject of Alves: “I would like to clarify something I said yesterday.
“I think what I meant was misunderstood. I was not forceful enough with my words.
“It is quite a lurid and important subject. I left out the victims and I think all these acts should be condemned. Whether Dani or anyone else does them.
“I was unfortunate and I apologise to the victim and to the victims of these acts of gender-based violence and this type of rape.
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“Having said that, I am sorry that Dani was able to do this kind of act. I am shocked. All my support to the victim. Yesterday I was not right in my words, there was a lot of criticism and I understand that.
“I feel bad, I really do, I have not had a good day. I know my voice is very important, I am now part of, for me, the biggest club in history and I feel bad about this misunderstanding.
“Maybe I wasn’t too forceful with my words. I am truly sorry.”
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