José Antonio Camacho commented on the dispute over Kylian Mbappé's remark about Mao Zedong during an appearance on Cope radio's "El Partidazo de Cope" and offered advice on how Real Madrid and the player should respond. GOAL said Camacho was analysing the escalating row between Beijing and the Real Madrid and La Liga star.
Camacho recalls his time in China
GOAL said Camacho led the Chinese national team between 2011 and 2013. Camacho said: "They always tell you that you have to adapt to their rules, their way of working, and everything they do. They believe they are the masters of the world in everything, and that is not an easy matter."
He added: "Logically, I would often tell them yes, I am trying to adapt, but they too have to understand that the Chinese national team does not play against other Chinese players, but against other national teams. So, it is they who have to adapt a little. They do not fully understand these things."
Meetings with officials
GOAL said Camacho said he held regular meetings with high-level officials, chief among them the Chinese sports minister.
Advice for Real Madrid and Mbappé
GOAL said Camacho urged Real Madrid and Mbappé to hire competent lawyers at once. GOAL also said Camacho warned that the Chinese side will not hesitate to escalate.
Camacho said: "They cut ties immediately, and you will have to deal with FIFA or UEFA or any other relevant body. When I was a coach there, they invested with enormous intensity in football, they wanted things to move extremely fast. And when they get bored, they abandon everything."
Mbappé's apology
GOAL said Mbappé branded Mao Zedong a "dictator" in reply to a sarcastic post. GOAL said Mbappé issued an official apology.
Mbappé said: "My comment was regrettable, and I now realise that it offended many."
