The former Man United player was caught up in the Real Madrid drama as the statement was released.
Drama is once again gripping Real Madrid, particularly around Kylian Mbappe, but a former Manchester United star has been caught up in a training ground incident.
Former Manchester United defender Alvaro Carreras was allegedly hit by Real Madrid team-mate Antonio Rudiger during a heated row behind the scenes in the Spanish capital. Tensions seem to be fracturing Los Blancos’ dressing room.
Kylian Mbappe has found himself embroiled in controversy, reportedly involved in a heated dispute with a member of head coach Alvaro Arbeloa’s backroom staff. However, there is also a separate story of Rudiger and Carreras leaving United in 2024.
It has been claimed that the former Chelsea defender “lost his mind” at Carreras, with Spanish reports claiming the German international has hit a left wing. The incident came amid suggestions that Carreras’ dedication had been seriously questioned by the coaching staff and other figures linked to the club.
When the allegations reached the press, the defender issued a statement in his defence. Carreras said: “In recent days, there have been some insinuations and comments about me that do not reflect reality.
“My commitment to this club and the coaches I have worked with has been, and will continue to be, from day one. Since I have returned, I have always acted with the utmost professionalism, respect and dedication. I have fought hard to fulfil my dream of returning home.
“Regarding the incident with a teammate, it was an isolated matter of no significance that has already been resolved. I have a very good relationship with the entire team.”
Carreras left United to join Benfica in 2024 and then moved to Real Madrid a year later. (Photo: Sopa Images, Sopa Images/Light Rocket via Getty Images)
Athletic reported that Rudiger apologised for the incident and treated several players and their families to lunch as a way to mend fences. While that appears to draw a line under that particular controversy, tensions are still running high inside the dressing room.
Mbappe has since been accused of getting into a heated row with one of Arbeloa’s backroom staff during a training session in April, in which he was acting as a referee. The Frenchman allegedly shouted angry words at the assistant and also sent several insulting remarks his way.
The World Cup winner is currently undergoing a rehabilitation programme for a recently sustained injury. Despite this, he still found himself in the spotlight after being photographed boarding a luxury yacht with his new girlfriend Esther Exposito, just days before his team-mates are due to face Barcelona in El Clasico.
There has been drama at Real Madrid’s training headquarters. (Photo: 2026 Real Madrid)
In response to multiple reports from the Spanish press, Mbappé released a statement to the Associated Press. It read: “Part of the criticism is based on an over-interpretation of elements related to the rehabilitation period, which has been strictly monitored by the club, without reflecting the reality of Kylian’s commitment and the work he does every day for the team.”
At a recent press conference, Arbelova refused to pose for photos of Mbappe and his partner on a yacht. When pressed on the matter, he replied mildly: “Each player, in his spare time, does what he thinks fit; it’s not my concern.”
