Because of Yamal: Ballon d'Or nominations land Monchi in trouble with Espanyol fans

He opened the door of anger upon himself!

Monchi, the sporting director of Espanyol, was forced to apologise to fans of the Catalan club after airing his opinion around a week ago on the candidates for the Ballon d'Or.

Asked to name his pick, Monchi went for Barcelona star Lamine Yamal despite the fierce rivalry between the two sets of fans. He had a broader point in mind, one he explained before issuing the apology.

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Monchi told Cadena SER: "I was asked to choose between Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal, so I chose Yamal because he is the Spanish option."

"This stirred up some controversy among our fans. If anyone was upset, I apologise," he continued.

"Of course, as an Espanyol fan, I could have chosen someone else. I did not mean to cause offence. I know what it means to be an Espanyol fan. I have felt that I belong to them from the beginning, and if anyone felt offended, I apologise," he added.

He signed off by underlining his pride in the club: "It was like wearing the Spanish flag."