Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde says he had no other option but to bring down Alvaro Morata late in his side's Spanish Supercopa win over Atletico Madrid.
Valverde scythed down Morata as the Atletico striker ran free with just a few minutes of extra time remaining and earned a straight red card, but his action denied the Rojiblancos a clear scoring opportunity and Real went on to claim the trophy with a 4-1 win on penalties.
"I have said sorry to Morata," Valverde revealed after the game. "It's not good what I did, but it was all I could do. I'm very happy for the title, but I have that slight thorn in my side."
The Uruguayan added that he had the support of his team-mates and even Atletico coach Diego Simeone.
"My team-mates congratulated me when I came off the pitch," he said. "My team-mates and the coaching staff have supported me. Simeone came over too and not anybody would do that."
The 21-year-old was also named as the MVP by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and received the award from Spain coach Luis Enrique after the game in Saudi Arabia.
"I'm very happy," he said. "What's happening to me is very special. I'm in an moment that's incredible. And on top of that, I'm going to be a father."
