World Cup winning midfielder Xabi Alonso has rubbished reports Real Madrid players have been ordered to keep quiet in a bid to keep the peace in the build up to the Copa del Rey final.
Media reports had suggested the squad had been told to bite their tongues following Pepe’s outburst over the treatment of Iker Casillas in the latter stages of this season.
Since speaking out, Pepe has found himself out of the Madrid squad, with Jose Mourinho opting not to pick him for the last two La Liga games.
Speaking to the club’s official website following the 1-1 draw with Espanyol, Alonso is quoted as saying: “Everyone can say what they want to and there is nothing to be scared about.”
He also took the opportunity to congratulate Barcelona on winning the title, and admitted Los Blancos’ challenge never really got going following an indifferent start to the campaign.
“Our poor start to the season has meant that we could not fight to the end,” he stated.
