Mbappé had earlier alleged that Argentine winger Prestianni called his Real Madrid teammate Vinícius Jr a ‘monkey’ in Portugal.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappé has warned Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni against joining his teammates for the UEFA Champions League (UCL) play-off tie at the Santiago Bernabéu in Spain.
He gave the advice while speaking with TNT Sports ahead of the return leg of the European encounter, following the first leg which ended 1-0 in favour of Madrid in Portugal.
The French international’s comments followed an incident during that match on Tuesday night, in which his teammate, Vinícius Júnior, alleged that Prestianni had racially abused him.
While backing Vinícius Jr’s claim, Mbappé noted that he heard the Argentine winger use the word ‘monkey’ against his Brazilian teammate five times.
Recounting the event in the stadium’s mixed zone, he noted: “He (Prestianni) put his shirt over his face to say that Vinícius Jr is a monkey, five times. I heard it; there are Benfica players who heard it too. From that point, all that you saw happened.”
ALSO READ: ’I heard it’ – Mbappe insists Benfica’s Prestianni racially abused Vinicius Jr
Prestianni, however, responded on social media to deny the claims, saying his words were misunderstood.
Meanwhile, UEFA has issued an official statement regarding the racial abuse incident, confirming they are investigating the matter.
The European football governing body stated that they have appointed an “Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector” to investigate what occurred during the match.
However, while speaking during his latest interview, Mbappé insisted that a player who behaves in such a manner does not deserve to be at the best stadium in the world.
“I think Gianluca Prestianni shouldn’t come to the Bernabéu, which is the best stadium in the world. He doesn’t deserve it; he shouldn’t play,” he said.
