The Getafe full-back, Endika Río, explained in the interview with “El Larguero” on Cadena SER why he approached the Athletic defender, Yuri Rodríguez, at the end of the SanMamés match. The match ended 4‑0 in favor of the Basque team and, after the final whistle, the two players greeted each other and hugged on the grass.
The reason for this gesture dates back to the 2022-23 season, when the then Real Madrid player, with whom Río had shared the field, made a tackle that caused Rodríguez to fracture his fibula. The injury forced Yuri to spend more than two months out of action. Río recalled that, at that time, he apologized to the player and that, during today's game, he spoke with him again to express his regret and admiration for his career. “I told him I was sorry, that I admired him a lot and that I hoped nothing would happen again,” he said.
The match was also marked by tension between the fans. Río denounced the insults he received from the stands at LaCatedral, calling them “ugly” and stating that, although he did not hear them, he felt them. The League has taken note of the situation and has denounced the behavior of the fans.
During the meeting, Rio also met with former teammates from the Spanish team, including Unai Simón, who received the Yashin Trophy on Monday. The full-back highlighted Murgia's emotional intervention in London, describing it as “fantastic” and “that makes your hair stand on end.”
The hug gesture between Río and Rodríguez became a symbol of reconciliation and mutual respect, underlining the importance of sportsmanship and friendship in football. The two players, both veterans, showed that, despite rivalries, they share a deep respect and appreciation for each other's work and career.