‘Best Defender in the World’: Giorgio Chiellini Admits Former Real Madrid Star Sergio Ramos’ Foul on Mo Salah Was a Masterclass
Follow Us
Juventus legend Giorgio Chiellini, in his autobiography, has claimed to be the ‘best in the world’ Sergio Ramos’ disastrous tackle on Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah was a ‘masterstroke’.
Sergio Ramos, in the 2018 UEFA Champions League Final in Kyiv, injured Liverpool forward in Real Madrid’s 3-1 victory over Jürgen Klopp’s side which became one of the main reasons that helped Los Blancos to claim a 13th European triumph. The 34-year-old Spaniard threw all his weight onto Salah’s shoulder as they tangled and crashed to the turf, resulting in the Reds’ stalwart being forced off the field due to injury. But Chiellini has insisted he was showing the dark arts of defending and his ‘devilish wit’.
“They say he’s impulsive, not tactical at all, that 8-10 goals are conceded each season through his mistakes, that he’s very technical and that he could be a striker, which is the opposite of me.
“However, he has two characteristics that almost no one else has. He knows how to be decisive in big games, with interventions that go beyond any logic, that even cause injuries with an almost devilish wit.
“The one on Salah in the 2018 Champions League Final was a masterstroke. He’s always said that he didn’t do it on purpose, knowing that nine times out of ten, falling as he did and by not letting go, he risked breaking his opponent’s arm.”
Also read: REPORT: Dortmund’s offer to Triple Erling Halaand’s Release Clause
Chiellini on Real Madrid’s defense in Ramos’ absence
The Juventus captain has called the other Real Madrid defenders ‘schoolboys’ during Ramos’ absence from the team.
“The strength he transmits through his presence alone is incredible. Without Ramos, some champions like Varane, Carvajal and Marcelo seem like schoolboys. They suddenly regress. Real Madrid becomes a defenceless team.
“With him at the Bernabéu, you can be sure that the Spaniards wouldn’t have lost to Ajax by three goals. I’d bet any money on that.”
Chiellini also recalled Real’s 4-1 defeat at home to Ajax back in 2018 and believes Ramos’ absence played a key role in the Dutch side’s emphatic victory.
“After the first match, they gave him a two-game ban because he was honest: he said that in life you have to choose and had looked for a card to wipe his record before the quarter-finals,” the Italian wrote.
“With him at the Bernabéu, they can be sure that they would not have lost by a three-goal margin. I’d bet whatever you want.”
Sergio Ramos has moved away from Real Madrid to French giants PSG last summer, after having failed to negotiate his desired two-year deal with Real Madrid offering just one year. He has been suffering from a crucial injury for the past few seasons and has not been available during most of the season so far.
However, PSG would love to have his influence in the team as much as possible as they look to secure the much-awaited European glory.
Also read: ‘Grown Man Playing in a Teenager Body’: ESPN Analyst Heaps Massive Praise on FC Barcelona Youngster
Stay Updated!
Sandipan Roy
(207 Articles Published)