MADRID (AP) — Spanish club Mallorca stopped midfielder Dani Rodriguez without pay and took his captain after veterans publicly complained after complaining that they had not played in a team match against Real Madrid in which their families were present.
Mallorca A statement has been issued On Wednesday, Rodriguez said he was “suspended from his mission and pay,” and the club said he “stolen his captain instantly.”
Rodriguez was an unused replacement Malorca’s 2-1 defeat to Madrid Saturday at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. After the match, the 37-year-old player posted a photo of his family on Instagram at the stadium.
He said he traveled to Madrid as he was “excited” to see his father play at the Bernabeu.
“Important lessons and advice for them: Don’t expect anything from someone who lacks respect for effort, culture and hard work, especially recently,” writes Rodriguez. “Don’t expect anything in return. Do it for yourself and your passion.”
He then followed the post in an open letter issued by Spanish media, where he said he respected the decision by coach Jagoba Arrasate and was not upset because his children were unable to see him play.
“What I can’t accept is a lack of respect for commitment and dedication,” he said. “It hurts when a player who just arrived has the opportunity to defend this jersey with sweat and dedication in just one training session and play in front of a teammate who has always placed the club above everything else.”
Rodriguez clearly mentioned the recently signed Jan Virgiri. He was selected by Araseto in the 87th minute and entered the match.
“I hope that Yang will be successful here and that together we can all help him,” Rodriguez said. “But when something like this happens, it sends a terrible message to the locker room. Work, dedication, loyalty isn’t important. That’s what made me mad.”
Rodriguez said he wrote to get things done because his family was ” going through tough times.”
Rodriguez has not made a public statement since Mallorca announced the suspension.
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