Raul Asencio says justice has ‘put things right’ after Las Palmas ruling

Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio has spoken publicly for the first time since being cleared in a case involving the circulation of a sexually explicit video, saying a court ruling has allowed him to close a difficult chapter in his life.

The case took a new turn after the two young women who appeared in the video told the court they no longer wished to pursue the four players accused in connection with it. Following their decision, prosecutors withdrew the allegation against Asencio relating to the disclosure of secrets and breach of privacy.

Asencio appeared before the court alongside three former Real Madrid academy players – Ferran Ruiz, Juan Rodriguez and Andres Garcia. The four men faced proceedings at Criminal Court number five in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, where the two women confirmed that they forgave the defendants.

That decision enabled prosecutors to drop the charge relating to the publication or distribution of intimate images and videos without the consent of those involved. The withdrawal did not affect separate allegations concerning child pornography against Ruiz, Rodriguez and Garcia.

Asencio was not charged with those offences.

The allegations relate to the recording of a sexual video involving a minor. One of the girls was 16 at the time of the events in 2023. The source article states that charges relating to that offence cannot be dropped simply because the victim withdraws a complaint or grants forgiveness.

In a formal statement released on Thursday after the ruling, Asencio said: “Today, after a long period of silence, and out of respect for judicial proceedings in which I have always believed, I can say that I have been acquitted.”

He added: “I believe the time has come to share a few words with you. During these months, I have gone through a difficult situation and, on some occasions, I have had to see information and opinions about me published before the courts had issued their ruling. I understand and respect the work of the media, and its right to report information and express opinions, but I also believe it is important to remember that behind every news story there is a person and a family living with the consequences of everything that is published.”

Asencio said he had always trusted the legal process to establish the facts.

“I have always trusted that justice would ultimately put things right. Today, there is a court ruling that speaks for itself, and I accept it with peace of mind and relief because I am now able to close a chapter that was very important in my life,” he said.

“I do not want to prolong the discussion about the noise or the difficult moments. I would rather remember the support of the people who stood by me and believed in me throughout this period.”

The Spanish defender also thanked Real Madrid for continuing to support him.

“I would also like to thank Real Madrid and everyone at the club for the confidence they have shown in me, and for allowing me to continue working, developing and enjoying what I love more than anything: playing football,” he said.

Addressing those who had discussed the case publicly, Asencio added: “To those who have spoken about me during these months, I ask only that, now the ruling has been delivered, this part of the story is also reported with the same care. I do not want to enter into any controversy or go back. I want to close this chapter with respect, with my head held high and with a strong desire to move forward.”

Asencio is also dealing with a separate matter after being convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol. He expressed regret and accepted responsibility for that incident.

“I also want to address an incident involving driving under the influence of alcohol. I deeply regret what happened and take full responsibility for it. It was an experience from which I learned, and I am completely certain that it will never happen again,” he said.

Asencio concluded by saying he wanted to concentrate on his football and future improvement.

“Now I want to look ahead, continue working and developing, and focus on what I love most: playing football. Now it is my turn to speak. I completely agree with my coach, Jose Mourinho: ‘Not only on the pitch, but off it too.’ Hala Madrid. There is no doubt about that.”