The former sports director of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, Albert Luque, has finally spoken out after the highly publicized ‘Rubiales case’ and the controversy surrounding his kiss with Jenni Hermoso. In a recent interview with Cadena Ser, Luque reflected on the ordeal, expressing his relief at being absolved of the charges, at least for now, as the prosecution has requested a retrial. The case, which also involves former national team coach Jorge Vilda and ex-marketing chief Rubén Rivera, has been a significant talking point in Spanish football.
Luque’s experience during the trial has been a defining moment for him, forcing him to reevaluate and mature as a person. He confesses that he wouldn’t have wished the ordeal on his worst enemy, but it has taught him a valuable lesson. The former director also touched on his relationship with Jenni Hermoso, stating that she was a close friend and that he would have acted in the same way if he had to do it all over again. He explains that his intentions were pure, and he was only trying to help mediate a situation involving two friends, Luis and Jenni.
The prosecution’s request to repeat the trial has left Luque feeling somewhat uncertain, and he hopes that the matter can be resolved sooner rather than later. He emphasizes that he wants to put the past behind him and focus on football, a sentiment that many fans can undoubtedly relate to. Luque also discussed his friendship with Jenni, highlighting the various ways in which they had supported each other over the years. He attributes their close bond to the numerous shared experiences and mutual connections, including his long-time manager, who had helped Jenni with her affairs.
Regarding the alleged offense of coercion, Luque maintains that he never intended to exert any pressure on Jenni and that their friendship was genuine. He believes that the media frenzy surrounding the case has blown the situation out of proportion, making it more complicated than it needs to be. Luque also addressed the actions of Luis Rubiales, acknowledging that while he has made mistakes, everyone is prone to errors. He stopped short of justifying Rubiales’ behavior but emphasized the importance of learning from mistakes and moving forward.
In a candid moment, Luque revealed that he had considered Zinedine Zidane as a potential replacement for De la Fuente if things hadn’t worked out. This bombshell would have made Zidane the first non-Spanish manager in the country’s history. Luque’s admiration for Zidane’s ability to manage high-profile players and his experience in handling complex team dynamics is evident, and it’s intriguing to think about how this could have played out.
The situation with Jenni has clearly taken a toll on Luque, who has faced difficult questions from his children and sleepless nights. Despite the challenges, he remains resolute, stating that he has a clear conscience and harbors no grudges. Luque’s relationship with De la Fuente has also been a subject of interest, with the two having had their fair share of disagreements. However, Luque is adamant that he would have stuck with De la Fuente as the national team coach if given the chance again, highlighting the importance of resolving differences behind closed doors. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is certain – Albert Luque’s story serves as a reminder that even in the cutthroat world of professional sports, personal relationships and friendships can play a significant role in shaping our experiences.