MADRID (AP) — Real Madrid has commenced disciplinary proceedings against defender Raúl Asencio following his conviction for driving under the influence (DUI), as announced by head coach José Mourinho on Thursday.
Mourinho stated, “While the proceeding is open I see him as a Real Madrid player.” He noted that Asencio is currently sidelined due to an injury, which will keep him out of action for several weeks. This situation allows Mourinho to temporarily avoid addressing the disciplinary issues surrounding the player.
Asencio, who is 23 years old, has not yet made an appearance this season due to a muscle injury. His recent legal troubles stem from a DUI incident earlier this month, for which a Spanish court imposed a fine and suspended his driving license.
In addition to the DUI case, Asencio is also facing separate allegations regarding the unauthorized distribution of a sex video earlier in 2023. The court proceedings related to this matter are expected to take place this week, adding further complications to the young player's career.
Mourinho expressed his disappointment regarding Asencio's situation, emphasizing the importance of professionalism for Real Madrid players. He remarked, “He’s an exemplary professional. While he was fit, nobody trained harder or better than him. Now he’s the first to arrive and the last to leave.” However, he also stressed the significance of maintaining a positive image, stating, “A Real Madrid player is a Real Madrid player 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 12 months a year. Everything you do off the field is still about Real Madrid. It still damages the prestige of a club that is untouchable. I’m not happy, and everyone makes mistakes, but accumulated mistakes are different.”
This incident serves as a reminder of the high standards expected from players at prestigious clubs like Real Madrid, where the impact of off-field behavior can resonate throughout the organization and its fanbase. As the club navigates this disciplinary case, the focus will remain on how Asencio responds to these challenges and whether he can return to the pitch to contribute positively to the team.
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