Spain striker Borja Iglesias is prepared to reluctantly shake hands with Donald Trump at the World Cup final to avoid controversy...and a jail sentence. Trump is expected to emerge from the shadows at this summer's tournament and attend the final in New Jersey as European champions Spain face holders Argentina.
The President has not shown up at any matches so far but is set to present the trophy to the victors on Sunday. Spain are aiming to capture the World Cup for a second time and ahead of the match, Iglesias acknowledged he faced a 'complex conflict' over meeting Trump during the trophy ceremony.
"There's a protocol and a commitment to fulfill out of politeness , even though what my gut tells me to do differs from what I should do," he said.
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"I like people who fight for progress and for fundamental values to be upheld, and I think Trump struggles with that."
The striker has now provided additional insight into that potential encounter but confirmed he will shake hands with the President.
"I don't want to go to prison,' Iglesias told Spanish press. "I hope to greet him at a time when we are all very happy, and that it passes very quickly and I can forget about it.
Trump is expected to attend the World Cup final on Sunday -Credit:Pool, Getty Images
"I don't think this is the time to create controversy. People know perfectly well what I think. I would love to do many things, but the reality is that even if people think I am all-powerful, I don't have that much power to tackle certain things."
Iglesias has seen limited action at this summer's tournament but has never shied away from speaking out on numerous on-field matters in recent years.
He has consistently raised the issue of homophobia and thrown his support behind pro-Palestine protests. The striker also condemned former Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales after he was convicted of sexual assault for kissing a player following the Women's World Cup final three years ago.
Borja Iglesias is part of the Spain squad at the World Cup
Iglesias' remarks come on the heels of Spanish legend Joan Capdevila publicly appealing to Trump for assistance after being denied a visa to attend the final.
The 2010 World Cup winner indicated he was refused entry after participating in a match in Iran, writing: "I NEED HELP. They just told me that I can't travel to the final with my kids because my ESTA has been denied.. "Can anyone help me with this?
You have no idea how excited I was to be there with all my 2010 teammates and this team to cheer them on. ""I can't believe they're not letting me into the USA... and that I'll miss a moment like this with my kids who love soccer so much.
If anyone knows how to fix this, I'll be grateful to you for life. ".
