Real Madrid star apologises to fans amid uncertainty around his future

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has put out an apology message on social media after petulance led to his sending off in Los Blancos' UCL clash against Benfica. 

The 25-year-old was sent off late into the game, as Los Blancos suffered a 4–2 defeat to their Portuguese rivals, which condemned them to the playoffs, having started the game week in one of the top eight places, which guaranteed automatic qualification for the knockout stage. 

The Brazil international received consecutive yellow cards for persistent dissent. Raul Asencio had been sent off four minutes earlier; Real Madrid were losing 3–2; hence, a frustrated Rodrygo talked himself into two yellow cards in succession. 

Minutes after the Santos academy graduate was sent off, Anatoliy Trubin, Benfica’s goalkeeper, scored a late goal to seal a 4–2 victory for Jose Mourinho's side.

Hence, Rodrygo took to social media to apologise, saying, “Yesterday I let myself get carried away by the moment when claiming the time losses.”

“It's not my way of doing things. I'd never been sent off while playing against Real Madrid, and I'm aware of the consequences. I apologise to the fans, to the club, to my teammates, and to the coach. We will continue united and fighting for this badge and for this Champions.”

Meanwhile, the winger's future at Real Madrid is marred with uncertainty. He has lost his starting role at the club and is expected to be sold in the summer, with Los Blancos expected to go through a rebuild in the summer.