A week ago, Fiorentina striker Albert Gudmundsson was acquitted in the Reykjavík District Court of sexual assault on a woman. The fact dates back to the summer of 2023, the striker played for Genoa. The case was dismissed after investigation, then reopened on appeal by the accuser. Icelandic law provides for up to 12 years in prison for any sexual intercourse without consent: “Like I said, it’s been a tough year to deal with mentally, but I think pressure, anxiety, and negativity are things that each of us goes through throughout our lives. The important thing is to learn from your experiences and believe in your values. I’m 27 years old and I’ve been through a lot: obviously it’s been difficult, but it’s important to stay positive. I have also read many books on growth mindset and recommend everyone to do so. I know my value and my principles, I have nothing to fear. I learned that my family and friends are everything to me, I will be forever grateful to them“, he said.
The Icelandic national team suspended him as a precautionary measure. Despite these accusations, the 27-year-old sent a message to women victims of assault: “Even though there is one woman who falsely accused me, I hope this does not harm other women who are actually victims of violence. I have always been calm. I don’t care about anything else because I am very happy with my life. I have a beautiful family, I have two beautiful children, I have very attentive and loving parents, I have wonderful friends. From my mother, I took mental strength, always concentration, but also kindness, gentleness. She is an example, a source of inspiration. Like my father, a television sports commentator. Maybe I’ll follow in his footsteps once my career is over, who knows», he concluded in the interview granted La Repubblica. As a reminder, the Icelandic striker, who confirmed to be in contact with his federation to be reinstated soon, was bought for 28 million this summer by Fiorentina from Genoa.
