Coach Xavi of Barcelona has expressed regret for his remarks 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 really horrible for Dani” after learning that his former teammate had been arrested on December 30 for allegedly attacking a lady in a Catalan nightclub. The World Cup champion has since admitted that the timing and content of his statement were poor choices, and the former Spain international spoke out in defense of individuals who are victims of “gender-based abuse.”
A day after making his initial remarks on Alves, Xavi told reporters: “I would like to explain something I said yesterday. I believe my meaning was not clearly comprehended. I didn’t speak with enough vehemence.
“It’s a grim and significant topic. I neglected to mention the victims, and I believe that these crimes should all be condemned. regardless of who does them—Dani or anyone else. I regret my misfortune and apologize to the victim as well as the others who were hurt by these rapes and acts of gender-based violence.