Manchester City fullback Yan Couto is currently being slammed by the Brazilian media, and we’re here to explain why.
It all started at the weekend, when the player took part in a press conference at the national team camp. There, he was asked about if he had any players he looks to as inspiration for the right-back position.
“My idol is Daniel Alves, there’s no way it could be anyone else. I grew up watching him on TV, he’s an idol for a lot of people, he’s made a beautiful history with the national team, with the clubs he’s played for. He’s a reference point, not least because of his style of play, his height. He’s also a reference defensively, I think I can be more aggressive and more complete,” he said at the time.
Well, Dani Alves is currently in prison due to a sexual assault case in Spain. Even though he still awaits trial, his constant changing of versions of events, and the evidence collected by local authorities, mean his case isn’t looked at confidently and he hasn’t been released on bail.
That’s why the Brazilian media went heavy on the Manchester City player, with most pundits claiming that’s not the type of idol he should have, let alone speak about it at a press conference. Few people tried to separate the player from the man.
That was enough for Yan Couto to share an apology today. As published by Globo Esporte, he put out an official statement.
“When I referred to Daniel Alves as an idol, it was in the football sense, which I thought I had made clear, but because I was nervous about my debut for the national team and having had the opportunity to play alongside so many incredible players, I made a huge mistake by not specifying and leaving it up to everyone’s interpretation.
“I want to make it clear here that I totally repudiate any kind of violence and crime, especially against women (…) I sincerely apologise to everyone who was offended by what was said. That was never the intention and it won’t happen again.”
That wasn’t enough to make the situation stop, though. UOL columnist Milly Lacombe now comes up with a piece which says his response “is as grotesque as his mistake”.
“Yan, my dear, come back here: you haven’t apologised. You just took the wrong and the offence in your stride.
“Daniel Alves has been in prison for eight months on rape charges. Do you know why he’s been in prison for almost a year without a trial? Because the evidence of the crime is abundant. It should be enough for you to choose another idol. Or at least lie publicly about having another idol.”
Yan Couto was bought by Manchester City back in 2020. He’s currently having a two-year loan spell with Girona, and is supposed to return to Pep Guardiola’s side at the end of this season.
The Spanish club are having a great season in La Liga, currently standing in 2nd place, and that’s where he drew the national team’s attention for his international debut.
