Ayala on Olmo incident: 'It was a push, I will apologize'

Roberto Ayala, assistant coach for the Argentine national team, has spoken out about an incident that occurred at the end of a final match in New Jersey. The former Argentine defender clarified the situation involving Spanish player Dani Olmo, stating it was a push following an intense verbal exchange, not a punch as some media outlets reported.

“

Of course I regret it. Because of my position, I cannot allow my emotions or accept my behavior changing. I'm sorry, but for me. The rest of the things remain as they are. End.

Ayala acknowledged the seriousness of the moment and expressed his regret. He revealed his intention to contact Dani Olmo directly to offer an apology for the heated exchange. Ayala emphasized that his role requires him to maintain composure, but admitted his behavior changed in the heat of the moment.

"Of course I regret it. Because of my position, I cannot allow my emotions or accept my behavior changing. I'm sorry, but for me. The rest of the things remain as they are. End," Ayala stated in a radio interview. He reiterated that it was more of a push than a punch, a reaction to something the opponent said.

“

It was more of a push, not a punch as they write. It was a reaction to something the opponent said. If I meet Dani Olmo, of course I will apologize to him in person.

Ayala added that if he encounters Dani Olmo, he will certainly apologize in person. He stressed that his intention at the end of the match was to separate players, but acknowledged that things escalated due to heightened emotions. He accepted responsibility, stating, "It's not an excuse for what happened and I shouldn't have done it."

“

When the match ends, my intention was to separate, but then things happened with the pulsations at a thousand. It's not an excuse for what happened and I shouldn't have done it.