BRANISLAV IVANOVIC has opened up about his infamous, brutal interview with Geoff Shreeves of 2012, revealing the exact reason he was left looking so heartbroken.
During the 2011-12 season, Chelsea reached the final of the Champions League after a thrilling 3-2 aggregate win over Barcelona.
Ivanovic was left heartbroken after Shreeves informed him he’d miss the final after picking up a yellow cardCredit: Sky Sports
Moments earlier, Ivanovic had been celebrating Chelsea’s aggregate win wildlyCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
The Blues won the first leg 1-0 at Stamford Bridge but slipped 2-0 down after just 43 minutes at the Nou Camp.
Ramires scored a stunning goal to put Chelsea ahead on away goals, before Fernando Torres provoked an incredible ‘goalgasm’ reaction from commentator Gary Neville with a 91st minute tie-clincher.
But it wasn’t all fun and games on the flight home, with Ivanovic told he would miss the final after picking up a yellow card during the game by Geoff Shreeves, who was conducting the post-match interview.
Shreeves later became known as the ‘man who shot Bambi’ such was the heartbreak on the Serbian’s face.
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But Ivanovic – now back in the Premier League with West Brom – holds no ill will against Shreeves.
The ex-Chelsea defender told The Times: “Honestly, I was in shock about the whole situation.
“Our coaching staff and Roberto Di Matteo [the manager] did not tell us before the game who was in the danger zone.
“When I got booked, after the game I was only thinking about the final.
“When Geoff surprised me, I wasn’t even thinking in my head about the final, I was celebrating the semi-final and a big victory.
“I looked strange in that moment.
“Even when I got into the dressing room I was celebrating and happy.
“I realised probably on the bus when I calmed down and found out.
“I looked on my phone and I found I couldn’t play in the final.
“But I don’t have any problem with Geoff, I spoke with him and it was all right, I was fine.”
Over eight years since the interview, Shreeves revealed his relief after he was let-off by Ivanovic.
Shreeves tweeted: “The only verdict that matters is in. I am NOT GUILTY!“
Chelsea would go on to beat Bayern Munich in the final on penalties, with Ivanovic forced to watch on from the sidelines.
Chelsea legend Ivanovic drops and breaks the Russian Cup after Zenit’s victory in the final over FC Khimki
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
