Yeah, you know how corrupt politicians always admit their wrongdoings after they've been caught.. It's the same here..
This lie of his is like hot air.. What else could he have said? Actions speak for themselves and basically no one will admit to something as dirty as this, even if the evidence is bullet proof like in this case. Admitting it simply brings harsher consequences then a lie.. So they just chose the most obvious excuse, so that at least his supporters and atletico supporters have something to delude themselves with, in case they need it..