Kylian Mbapp\u00e9 has said he remains fully committed to his recovery from a hamstring injury after \u00adfacing \u00adcriticism for travelling to Sardinia with the actor Ester Exp\u00f3sito last weekend. Spanish media and Real Madrid supporters have questioned Mbapp\u00e9\u2019s dedication to his team before Sunday\u2019s cl\u00e1sico with Barcelona.<\/p>\n
Mbapp\u00e9\u2019s representatives issued a statement on Tuesday denying any wrongdoing: \u201cPart of the criticism is based on an over-interpretation of elements related to a recovery period strictly supervised by the club, \u00adwithout reflecting the reality of Kylian\u2019s commitment and the work he puts in every day for the team.\u201d<\/p>\n
Some Madrid fans believe Mbapp\u00e9 is saving himself for France\u2019s World Cup campaign. An online petition has been circulating on social networks, urging Madridistas to call for Mbapp\u00e9 to be sold. \u201cIf you believe change is necessary, do not remain silent: sign this petition and defend what you believe is best for the future of the club,\u201d it reads.<\/p>\n
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Photos of Mbapp\u00e9 alongside Exp\u00f3sito were posted on social media as Madrid were preparing for the league match against Espanyol last weekend. Real won 2-0 and head coach, \u00c1lvaro Arbeloa, later insisted that \u201ceach player does what they consider appropriate in their free time\u201d and that it was \u201cnone of my business\u201d. However, several of his comments were perceived as indirect criticism of Mbapp\u00e9, whose 41 goals in 41 matches makes him Madrid\u2019s leading scorer this season.<\/p>\n