REAL MADRID fans are demanding a STATUE of Federico Valverde after clinching the Spanish Super Cup on penalties minutes after the midfielder’s shocking red-card tackle denied Alvaro Morata a winner for bitter rivals Atletico.
But Valverde later apologised after he was even named MAN OF THE MATCH – despite scything down goalbound ex-Chelsea striker Morata deep into extra time in a 0-0 draw before Real won the shootout 4-1.
Federico Valverde produces one of the most cynical tackles seen for many years, earning a red card as he chopped down Alvaro MoratoCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde must have known he would be sent off for his foul on Alvaro MorataCredit: Reuters
Real supporters swarmed onto social media to hail Valverde’s cynical actions as “his red card won us the tie”.
But the Uruguayan himself said: “I apologise to Alvaro Morata. I know it’s not good what I did but I didn’t have any other option.”
Many fans urged club chiefs to build a sculpture “in front of the Bernabeu” honouring Valverde.
And he even smiled broadly when picking up the trophy and his best-player gong.
Real’s beaten neighbours were made to suffer even more as one supporter tweeted: “They got Fede Valverde out of his early shower and handed him the official man of the match trophy in front of the Atlético players and fans… What a man!”
Some fans saluted Valverde’s overall contribution – as a starlet shining in his biggest game so far.
‘MIGHTY BALLS’
One praised him for having “mighty balls for a 21 year-old. Glad Zidane took a chance on him over Ceballos etc…”
Many also claimed he “sacrificed himself” for the team.
This tweet summed up that verdict “These types of challenges when you trophies. When you take one for the team. Who knows what would have happened. Bravo, Federico Valverde.”
But as Real fans continued to call for a statue of the former former Penarol star, Atletico followers might feel he has carved out a rather different name for himself – in the history of horrible tackles.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
