Brazilian wideman Vinicius Junior was once again the key to victory at the Etihad Stadium as Manchester City halted a run of consecutive Champions League defeats against Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Donnarumma took exception to Vinicius’ celebration (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma told Vinicius Junior to “let everyone love you” after his controversial celebrations at the Etihad Stadium. The Brazilian winger was once a key figure in Real Madrid’s Premier League campaign.
He scored the second goal for the Spanish team, sealing their place in the Champions League quarter-finals. The second goal was scored from a penalty kick in the 93rd minute. However, Vinicius’ celebration did not turn out to be particularly good. He stood in front of the home fans and pointed to the name on his shirt.
Donnarumma approached Vinicius during the celebration and revealed the reason. “He’s a champion and he deserves everyone’s love. I told him that.
“He’s had two great matches and I think a player like him should be loved by everyone. He’s a champion so he should try to be loved by everyone.”
Vinicius, 25, has scored four goals and provided five assists against Manchester City in his career. He then explained why he decided to celebrate in front of his home supporters.
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“The last time I was here, the Manchester City fans were making fun of me. I didn’t mean any disrespect to the City fans, but it was a way of proving myself to them.”
Apart from the celebrations, Vinicius was key to Real Madrid’s 5-1 aggregate victory following their 3-0 success at the Bernabéu. And although City’s hopes are fading, all it can claim is domestically produced silverware.
City are currently nine points behind Arsenal in the Premier League title race. And while Donnarumma knows Josep Guardiola’s side have work left to do to save their season, they have a great chance of facing the Gunners in the Carabao Cup final.
Vinicius Jr. celebrates in front of his home fans (Image: Getty Images)
He added: “I think it was a decisive decision to send him off, but that’s how football is and incidents happen, especially in the Champions League.”
“I’m proud of my teammates. We played a great game and it would have been different if it was 11-on-11.
“It’s a big disappointment, but we have to bounce back because we have to bring home the Carabao Cup on Sunday. It’s also about the national team and we have to get Italy back to the World Cup.”
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