Football is meant to unite fans around the globe, even if there is a bitter rivalry in one country. Today, Real Madrid and Barcelona set their differences aside following the tragic events in the Spanish city.
Well-known for their outspoken personalities, some Real Madrid footballers, current and past, shared their voice of support for those affected by the attack on civilians. In fact, Real Madrid's Twitter feed published a quick press release after the news broke out, hoping for a speedy recovery of those injured by the brutal action taken by extremists.
"Shocked by the news coming in from Barcelona. All my support and solidarity to the families and friends of the victims."
Consternado com as notícias que chegam de Barcelona. Todo o apoio e solidariedade a família e amigos das vítimas.
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) August 17, 2017
Thoughts are with everyone in Barcelona tonight
— Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) August 17, 2017
"All my strength and support for the city of Barcelona, especially to the families and friends of those affected. Now, more than ever, I'm with you."
Toda mi fuerza y apoyo para la ciudad de Barcelona, en especial para familiares y amigos de las victimas. Hoy con vosotros más que nunca.
— Álvaro Arbeloa (@aarbeloa17) August 17, 2017
"So sad. All my solidarity to the victims and their families. Lots of strength to the city of Barcelona."
Que tristeza. Toda mi solidaridad con las víctimas y sus familias. Mucha fuerza Barcelona
— Iker Casillas (@IkerCasillas) August 17, 2017
"Say no to terrorism. Say no to the dictatorship of fear."
Barcelona.
— Sergio Ramos (@SergioRamos) August 17, 2017
No al terrorismo. No a la dictadura del miedo.#StopTerrorism
A screenshot of the press release issued by Real Madrid on their website.
FC Barcelona also reacted to the news with a brief tweet.
Deeply saddened by the attack on our city. All our thoughts are with the victims, their families and with the people of Barcelona.
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 17, 2017
Other La Liga clubs reacted to the news with signs of solidarity. For instance, Villarreal decided to postpone the unveiling of Carlos Bacca, which was set to take place today.
"We can't be throwing a party right now. We'll solidarize with the families of the victims" - Fernando Roig, Villarreal's president.
Fernando Roig: "No podemos hacer una fiesta en este momento. Nos solidarizamos con las familias de las víctimas".
— Villarreal CF (@VillarrealCF) August 17, 2017
Here's how other clubs reacted to the news.
"Valencia Club de Futbol wishes to extend its condolences and solidarity to the victims and families of the deliberate attack that took place in Barcelona."
El @valenciacf desea mostrar sus condolencias y su solidaridad con las víctimas y familiares del atropello masivo deliberado en Barcelona
— Valencia CF (@valenciacf) August 17, 2017
"The most beautiful city in the world, our city. We suffer for you and for all the people of Barcelona. Strength and encouragement, Barcelona!"
La ciutat més bonica del món, la nostra ciutat. Patim per tu i per tots els barcelonins. Força i ànims, Barcelona! https://t.co/m45OWrjWgp
— RCD Espanyol (@RCDEspanyol) August 17, 2017
Shocked and saddened by the terrible news from Barcelona; all our support for the victims and their families.
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) August 17, 2017