Real Madrid forward, Kylian Mbappe has defended his decision to partially cover a pre-match shirt supporting Ceuta, saying he wanted to express solidarity with both the Spanish territory and migrants who have died or are living in difficult conditions.

Mbappe, alongside Real Madrid teammates Vinicius Junior and Ibrahima Konate, rolled up the shirts before Tuesday’s La Liga match against Elche, obscuring the message “Todos somos Caballas”, which translates to “We are all Caballas”, a reference to people from Ceuta.

Speaking about the incident, Mbappe said he fully supported Ceuta and its residents but also wanted to acknowledge the suffering of migrants.

The France international said his position was motivated by his belief that humanitarian suffering should not be treated differently based on who is affected.

He said he had “nothing against” the people of Ceuta and supported them completely, adding that he also wanted to remember migrants who had lost their lives or were facing difficult circumstances.

“I’m a young man who wants the best for the world we live in,” Mbappe said, adding that he hoped to promote “positivity and peace” and see the situation resolved quickly.

More than 100 people died during a large-scale attempt by migrants to enter Ceuta from Morocco in July, while thousands crossed into the Spanish enclave.

According to figures cited by Ceuta’s mayor, at least 72,000 migrants crossed into the territory on July 30 and 31, with many making the journey by swimming around the border fence.

Although most of those who crossed were subsequently returned, reports said as many as 5,000 remained in makeshift camps or on streets and beaches in the territory.

The influx has also generated tensions within the local community, with some residents raising concerns about safety. There have also been reports of shelters being destroyed and aid deliveries to migrants being obstructed.

Mbappe said the decision to cover part of the shirt was difficult but maintained that his intention was to communicate a message of peace and positivity.

Real Madrid had previously shown support for Ceuta before their Champions League fixture against Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu on September 8.

During that match, supporters in the south stand held up cards displaying Ceuta’s coat of arms, while fans throughout the stadium joined the gesture with applause.

Tuesday’s incident, however, highlighted different responses among players and clubs to the campaign. While players at several other La Liga matches wore the shirts with the message fully visible, Barcelona did not participate in the initiative.