Real Madrid defender after legal battles: "I haven't killed anyone, I haven't done anything wrong"

Real Madrid defender Raúl Asensio has opened up about the most challenging moments of his career following his first-team breakthrough in 2024. The academy graduate addressed several delicate topics, including a drink-driving conviction over the summer, recent tibia surgery, and working under new manager José Mourinho.

The centre-back pleaded guilty to driving under the influence, resulting in an eight-month driving ban and a €14,400 fine.

"It was an extremely difficult moment," the defender admitted to AS regarding the incident and the fierce criticism he received from Mourinho. Asensio accepted full responsibility and backed the Portuguese tactician's firm stance: "I made a mistake. I acknowledged it and I continue to apologise for it. I'm 23 years old, and like any young person, I can make mistakes, but I must realise where I am. I am part of Real Madrid, and something like this can never happen again."

Asensio's drink-driving incident coincided with the conclusion of legal proceedings against him over the alleged dissemination of sexually explicit videos. The case was dropped after the women involved opted not to press charges, though the situation still sparked significant public backlash.

"I haven't killed anyone, I haven't done anything wrong. Beyond that, it was all just due process. My conscience was clear, and that's what mattered most. When I walked out onto the pitch, I was there to play football, not to argue or engage with hostile crowds. I wasn't going to let them throw me off balance.

"In my opinion, you go to a stadium to support and get behind your own team, not to antagonise the opposition. We know Real Madrid face this, as do some of my teammates at certain grounds. If they do it as a tactic to distract Real Madrid, it hasn't worked, because we are the most decorated club in history.

"From a young age, I've been mentally resilient and mature, which helped me handle situations like that well. It was tougher on my family, of course, because it's never easy hearing people say such things about your son.

"Interestingly, after those matches, I'd watch the clips on social media and see what had happened, whereas during the game itself, I hadn't even noticed. I was completely focused on the football. It didn't affect me."

The player revealed that the situation took a personal toll on him, but he remains determined to turn things around. "My dream is to turn the page and win trophies with Real Madrid, hopefully for the rest of my career. That's why incidents like this belong firmly in the past," he stated.

Asensio also shared his thoughts on day-to-day life under Mourinho at the Santiago Bernabéu. Although he watched Mourinho's first spell in charge as a child, the defender has been pleasantly surprised by his approach: "Inside the dressing room, he's a great person and really fun to be around. He enjoys spending time with us, and we love having him. He feels like one of us in the squad."

Addressing the team's current form, the Spaniard urged supporters to stay calm and patient, stressing that the campaign is still in its infancy while acknowledging the high expectations from the fans. He admitted it has been painful watching from the sidelines during his rehabilitation, but promised to give everything for the badge as a proud academy product.

When asked for his Ballon d'Or pick, the centre-back backed teammate Kylian Mbappé: "It would be thoroughly deserved. I see his quality every single day in training. For me, he's the best player among all the nominees and an extraordinary goalscorer."