Angel Cabrera's first words at 2025 Masters Tournament: "Why not?"

Angel Cabrera says he deserves to be at the 2025 Masters. 

The disgraced golfer is playing in the major for the first time in six years since being released from prison for domestic violence offences. 

Cabrera was found guilty in 2021 of numerous charges against two former girlfriends. 

He was released in August 2023 after serving 30 months in South American prisons. 

On the eve of the 2025 Masters, Cabrera told reporters through a translator that he understands if people think he shouldn't be here this week. 

But he added: "I won The Masters, why not?" 

Of his critics, Cabrera said: "I respect their opinion and everybody has their own opinion."

Cabrera has been handed a 15.59pm BST tee time on Thursday alongside former LIV Golf recruit Laurie Canter and American Adam Schenk. 

He was pictured at the past champions' dinner on Tuesday served in honour of Scottie Scheffler. 

Cabrera was grinning from ear-to-ear as he stood for the annual photograph in-between Mike Weir and Hideki Matsuyama. 

"There was a stage in my life of four, five years, that they weren't the right things I should have done," Cabrera said. 

"Before that I was okay, so I just have to keep doing what I know I can do right."

What have Augusta National said about Cabrera playing this week?

Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley has not spoken or been asked about Cabrera's inclusion yet. 

Ridley is due to hold a press conference on Wednesday where he is sure to be asked about the topic. 

Despite Cabrera's convictions, Ridley said before the 2024 Masters that the Argentine was 'one of our great champions'. 

He added that Cabrera would be welcomed back. 

"I wasn't the devil"

Cabrera has given a few interviews since his release from prison. 

He spoke to Golf Digest and the DailyMail. 

Cabrera told GD that he wants forgiveness from his two victims.

"I am repentant and embarrassed," Cabrera said. 

"I made serious mistakes. I refused to listen to anyone and did what I wanted, how I wanted and when I wanted. That was wrong. 

"I ask Micaela for forgiveness. I ask Cecilia for forgiveness. 

"They had the bad luck of crossing paths with me when I was at my worst. I wasn't the devil, but I did bad things."

Cabrera is now re-married and has a son called Felipe.