Raul Asencio accepts responsibility for driving offence and says Mourinho was right

Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio has spoken publicly about a difficult year involving two off-field incidents, a recent leg operation and his absence from competitive football.

Speaking to Spanish newspaper AS, Asencio said he felt clear of conscience after the legal case that led to him appearing in court.

“I did not kill anyone. I did nothing. Beyond that, it was simply a procedural matter. I had a clear conscience, and that is the most important thing,” he said.

Court case

Asencio was tried alongside three other Real Madrid academy graduates – Ferran Ruiz, Juan Rodriguez and Andres Garcia – over allegations that sexual videos involving two young women, one of whom was a minor, had been filmed and shared without their consent.

Although Asencio was not present when the alleged acts took place, he faced a charge of sharing the videos with a third party.

In July, he reached an agreement with the two women aimed at reducing his responsibility in the case. One of them withdrew her complaint after receiving undisclosed compensation and a formal letter of apology from the player. In that letter, Asencio acknowledged the “mistake” of showing the images.

On 3 September, prosecutors dropped the charges against Asencio and reduced their requests in relation to the other three defendants after both women told the court they had forgiven them.

The defender was cleared in a final ruling. The other three men were each given one-year suspended prison sentences for “exploiting minors in pornographic material” and ordered to attend a rehabilitation course.

Asencio said abuse from supporters had not affected him personally during the case.

“When I went to the stadium, I went there to play football, not to argue with a stand that was hostile towards me,” he said.

He added that the situation had been more difficult for his family, “because it is not pleasant to hear that being said about your son”.

Drink-driving offence

The second incident occurred behind the wheel. On 16 August, Asencio recorded an alcohol reading of 0.90mg per litre in a test in the south of Gran Canaria – approximately four times the legal limit of 0.25.

He was fined 14,400 euros and banned from driving for eight months. Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho also confirmed that the club had opened disciplinary proceedings against him.

Asencio said Mourinho’s response had been justified.

“Mo did not make a mistake. He was absolutely right… I was the one who made the mistake. I admitted it and I still admit it, and I apologised and will continue to do so,” he said.

Asked about the Negreira case involving Barcelona, Asencio replied: “Negreira is still there. And if he is still there, there is a reason for it. But I will not say anything more.”

The Spanish defender also backed Real Madrid team-mate Kylian Mbappe to win the Ballon d’Or and expressed confidence that the club could lift the Champions League at Metropolitano.

“Impossible? On the contrary, it is very likely,” he said.