Comments attributed to Geoffrey Kondogbia regarding Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been “categorically” denied by Valencia.
The French midfielder helped Los Che to a 2-2 draw with Real Madrid on Sunday, with the hosts forced to come from behind to take a point at Santiago Bernabeu.
After that encounter, Spanish publication Sport carried a quote from Kondogbia which he was alleged to have been made on his way through the media mixed zone.
With a journalist said to have asked the 24-year-old about “the best player” being missing, in reference to Real star Ronaldo serving a five-match ban for pushing a match official, Kondogbia was reported as saying: “I didn’t know Messi played for Madrid.”
Valencia have now moved to clarify that such words were never uttered.
With the “non-existent statements” denied, Kondogbia is now free to continue adjusting to his new surroundings in Spain.
He was making his debut against Real, having agreed a loan switch from Inter which includes the option for a permanent move to be made next summer.
The France international was among the goals at the Bernabeu, but a brace from Marco Asensio allowed the hosts to snatch a share of the spoils.
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=640&quality=60)
