The world champion speaks for the first time about his incident with the Argentine following the 2026 World Cup final Ayala: “It was more of a shove than a punch. If I see Olmo in person, I’ll apologize to him.” Dani Olmo has spoken for the first time about the incidents that followed the final against Argentina. After the final whistle, Nahuel Molina sparked the confrontation by striking Rodri, even though the Manchester City midfielder had done nothing to provoke the Atlético Madrid player. Rodri confronted him over the incident, and that was when the chaos began. As the scuffle unfolded, the Argentine players lost their composure, triggering a minor altercation that ended with several unsporting gestures. One of those incidents involved the Barcelona player, who had been calmly watching the melee unfold. However, Roberto Ayala approached Eric García and Olmo and struck the Barça midfielder without provocation. “It was more of a shove than a punch. It was a reaction to something that was said,” the Argentine claimed. Although that was his version of events, Olmo has now contradicted his account in an interview with Diari de Terrassa. Olmo was unequivocal and measured when addressing what happened. “Someone who claims to be sorry but justifies throwing a punch by saying it was a response to something that was said probably isn’t truly sorry,” the Barcelona player said. And he has a point. Ayala blamed his reaction on remarks he claimed to have heard from Olmo—remarks that, according to the Spaniard, were never made. “He isn’t telling the truth because I didn’t say anything to him, so I don’t need an apology from him. What truly defines us is not the mistake itself, but having the courage to take responsibility for it,” Olmo added when asked about the punch he received. After that response, the player sought to play down matters unrelated to Spain and his own role, emphasizing that he wants the team to be remembered for setting an example and displaying sporting values. “I want people to be proud of how we competed, how we won and, above all, how we behaved,” Olmo stated firmly. Finally, he reflected on the importance of showing younger generations how to conduct themselves in both victory and defeat. “Football’s enormous influence means that players are role models for children and future generations, and that carries a great responsibility,” the world champion concluded. Beyond the controversy, Olmo also highlighted the key to Spain’s success. “The group—the collective always comes before individual players,” said Olmo, describing the national team as a great family and a true unit rather than a side built around one major star. He also stressed the importance of the work carried out by the entire staff and delegation, particularly regarding physical preparation. “Hard work—there is no other way. You have to work hard to achieve your goal,” he said. At no point was effort negotiable for any member of the national team. Dani Olmo on the key to Spain’s World Cup triumph “And hard work does not involve only the physical side. Everything you do away from training is crucial: nutrition, rest, recovery, mental preparation, match analysis and healthy habits,” the footballer concluded. That was how Spain earned the second star it now wears with pride and passion.   submitted by   /u/valdeGTS [link]   [comments]