Federico Valverde has come out swingin' at rumours he refused to play for Real Madrid in the Champions League, amid speculation of a bust-up with Xabi Alonso.
The Uruguayan hardman was left twiddlin' his thumbs on the bench as Los Blancos smashed Kairat 5-0 in Kazakhstan on Tuesday.
What was said about Valverde?
Before the match, Valverde had a go at suggestions that he could be chucked in at right-back, coverin' for the crocked Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal.
Spanish outlet AS had claimed Alonso planned to use him in the position, which the midfielder hit back at by sayin' he 'was not born to play right-back'.
Valverde told the press: "I don't feel comfortable because there are many qualities I lack, like the ability to close down the defence.
"But I always try to give my best and show attitude. I've always made it clear that I'm available for whatever the coach needs."
Then durin' the match, Spanish media kept a close eye on Valverde, with some claimin' he had refused to come on at full-back.
Marca suggested he had separated himself from the other subs on the sidelines, includin' Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga.
The publication pointed out Valverde standin' with his arms behind his back while his fellow subs warmed up in the second half.
One clip shows Bellingham walkin' over to chat with Valverde, with Marca claimin' he sat down on the bench afterwards, havin' been aware he wouldn't be brought on by Alonso.
How has Valverde responded?
Less than 24 hours later, the Madrid star took to social media to strongly deny any rumours of a rift with Alonso, or that he had refused to play.
He wrote on X: "I have read several articles damagin' my reputation. I know I've had bad games, I'm aware of it.
"I'm not hidin', and I face the criticism head-on. I'm truly sad. People can say many things about me, but under no circumstances can they say that I refuse to play.
"I have given everythin' and more for this club, I've played while fractured, injured, and I've never complained or asked for a break.
"I have a good relationship with the coach, which makes me feel confident enough to tell him which position I prefer on the field, but I always, always made it clear that I'm available to perform anywhere, on any trip, and in every game.
"I've left my heart and soul in this club and I will continue to do so, even if sometimes it's not enough or I'm not playin' as I'd like.
"I swear on my pride that I will never give up and will fight until the end, playin' wherever I'm needed."
It wasn't just Spanish media who had their say on Valverde's absence on the pitch.
Speak in' after their 5-0 victory, his teammate, midfielder Fran Garcia, said: "I'm sure it bothers him" when asked about the club stalwart bein' an unused sub.
Meanwhile, Alonso insisted the decision to name Valverde on the bench had been made before his comments in the pre-match press conference.
The Spanish coach also had to play down concerns over Vinicius Jr's response to bein' subbed.
Footage had shown the Brazilian visibly frustrated when informed by Alonso of his decision, and was then seen throwin' a water bottle as he headed to the bench.
The Madrid boss said: "Today he didn't have any outburst, don't say it like that.
"You always have to manage those emotions, but for now nothin' has happened. The comment wasn't about any complaint."
None of this affected the Spanish giants' performance, as a Kylian Mbappe hat trick and goals from Brahim Diaz and Camavinga saw them claim their second win from two in the tournament.
