Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni has apologised after he skipped the club’s Copa del Rey clash with Villarreal to attend an NBA game.

The France international is out injured with a calf injury, and he risked the wrath of the Real Madrid fans, as he opted to watch an NBA game rather than his side’s Copa del Rey tie, which Real Madrid came from behind to win 3-2.

Tchouameni had since issued an apology on social media: “I apologise to my club, the coaching staff, my team-mates and the Madrid fans for my presence at an event at a time when we were […] in the cup.

“I have been attentive at all times to what was happening in Villarreal, but I have not done the right thing. [I am] very sorry.”

Real coach Carlo Ancelotti also said that the matter has ended following his apology: “He apologised publicly – to his teammates and the fans. He’s a young lad and may make mistakes. That’s the end of the matter. We’ll get him back soon, for next week.”