Real Madrid manager, Jose Mourinho has supported Kylian Mbappé following the controversy over the forward’s remarks about China.

He said both the player and the club handled the matter with class and responsibility.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday ahead of Real Madrid’s match against Racing Santander, Mourinho stated that he felt represented by the responses of Mbappé and the club. He noted that the club had issued an apology to the Chinese people and that nothing further was required from them.

The controversy arose after Mbappé commented on an internet meme that superimposed his face on that of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. The remarks drew criticism in China, leading to apologies from the player, Real Madrid and La Liga.

Mourinho described the incident as a reflection of the risks of making public comments in today’s sensitive environment. He praised Mbappé’s intelligence and maturity, adding that the French star showed real class in the way he accepted finishing second to Harry Kane in the Ballon d’Or voting.

The Portuguese coach also expressed surprise at Jude Bellingham’s 11th-place finish in the award, while congratulating Kane, whom he previously coached at Tottenham Hotspur.