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Spain forward Ferran Torres distanced himself from the political connotations of donning a "Make Spain Great Again" cap, insisting he put on the red hat purely as a "funny" gesture to mark his nation's World Cup victory.
Torres has been basking in the glory of netting the decisive goal for Spain in a rather uninspiring World Cup final against Argentina on July 19. The Barcelona forward was at the heart of La Roja's title celebrations in Madrid, strutting around with a hat most widely associated with U.S. President Donald Trump.
The "Make America Great Again" slogan is closely tied to President Trump, who even publicly endorsed Torres for sporting the polarizing red cap. The World Cup hero, however, was eager to distance himself from the political baggage those four words carry.
"Yeah, it was a funny moment because it was not about politics because honestly, I don't know about politics," Torres said in an interview on CNN. "It was just to be able to see Spain again on the top, winning the World Cup.
"It was just to have fun with my friends, with my family and nothing about politics."
What Did President Trump Say?
Torres's remarks came a week after President Trump commended the 26-year-old World Cup champion at the White House. The American leader, like much of the general public, interpreted the red hat as a show of support.
"Well, he's a great player and he was wearing, essentially, a 'Make America Great Again' cap. So it was a nice tribute and I think he meant that very nicely. We appreciate it," Trump said.
"I saw him wearing the, essentially, 'Make America Great Again' hat, and I know that he meant it as a very great compliment and we appreciate it."
Torres was swift to clarify he had no intention of it being a "tribute," yet that narrative will continue to shadow the Spaniard, much as it does U.S. men's national team star Christian Pulisic, who previously celebrated a goal by mimicking President Trump's viral dance.
The face of the USMNT offered a strikingly similar defense to Torres: "I just thought it was funny."
Torres's Barcelona Future Remains Uncertain
Amid World Cup festivities and holidays, Torres has been making the media rounds, soaking up the attention that comes with scoring the winning goal for his country. The Spain international has faced repeated questions about his future in Catalonia, yet remained as guarded as ever when speaking to CNN.
"Right now, the only thing I know is that on Aug. 12 I have to be there and train with [Barcelona]. So we'll see what happens," he said on Monday.
Torres's deal with the reigning Spanish champions runs out at the end of next season, and contract extension talks have made little progress. The striker has been linked with a high-profile switch to Paris Saint-Germain, which would leave Barcelona with only 18-year-old Hamza Abdelkarim as the club's sole natural center forward.
"You never know, because in football everything can change in a minute. I have to be prepared for everything."