On August 1, Spanish media outlet Mundo Deportivo reported that Atlético de Madrid is already preparing for their upcoming friendly match. The first one will be against Getafe. Afterward, the team will travel to Asia for new friendlies.
The Rojiblancos will face Kitchee in Hong Kong on August 7 as part of the Asian pre-season. Two other matches were originally scheduled in China, against Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan, but they were ultimately canceled.
The owner of the Hong Kong Premier League club, Ng Kin, stated that the organizer’s contract with Atlético de Madrid stipulates that the players must play unless injured, transferred, dealing with personal matters, or called up internationally. This includes Antoine Griezmann, Koke, Jan Oblak, as well as Rodrigo De Paul and Nahuel Molina, who are also required to play.
In Hong Kong, they are aware of what happened in February last year when Inter Miami played without Lionel Messi. That is why they want to ensure this by including it in the contract.
Furthermore, the owner of Kitchee said, “We have received confirmation from Atlético de Madrid that even if their players reach the finals of Euro 2024 or the Copa América, these players will arrive in Hong Kong on August 5 after a 21-day rest.”
West Media: Contract Constraints! To Avoid a Repeat of the Messi Incident, Atlético de Madrid’s Hong Kong Game Organizer Requires Stars Like De Paul to Play. Author：Sports UEFA.Please indicate the source when reproduced：https://www.sportsuefa.com/football-world/23053.html
