Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone apologized to Vinicius Junior, the Real Madrid winger

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has apologized to Vinicius Junior for his behavior towards the Real Madrid winger during the Spanish Super Cup semi-final.

Simeone made comments to the 25-year-old Brazilian winger from the touchline, with the Argentine reportedly suggesting Real Madrid president Florentino Perez would get rid of him.

Vinicius, whose contract extends until 2027, helped his team beat Atletico 2-1 in the semi-finals last Thursday before Real Madrid lost 3-2 to Barcelona in the final in Saudi Arabia.

Simeone said: “I would like to apologize to Mr. Florentino and Mr. Vinicius for the incident they witnessed.”

“It was wrong of me to put myself in that position, and I accept that it was wrong. The team that wins deserves to qualify, they deserved to qualify.”

Simeone appeared to exchange words with Vinicius when the striker was substituted after 81 minutes.

In response to a question whether his behavior exceeded the limits, Simeone added: “I apologize, but I am not asking for forgiveness. I have nothing to add.”