Inter Milan star tells PSG fan 'I'll beat the s*** out of you' after UCL jibe
Inter Milan were crushed 5-0 in the Champions League final by Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month, as Francesco Acerbi suffered one particularly embarrassing moment
Francesco Acerbi threatened to 'beat the s***' out of a Paris Saint-Germain fan who goaded the Inter Milan star about the teams' Champions League final clash. Acerbi's Inter were hammered 5-0 by PSG in Munich on June 1 and now both teams are competing at the Club World Cup in the United States.
During the closing stages of the one-sided final, 37-year-old Acerbi was embarrassed by PSG forward Bradley Barcola, whose fancy footwork left the Italian defender dazzled. The moment was widely shared on social media and one fan in Seattle took his torment a step further.
During a meet-and-greet event, the fan - who was wearing a PSG shirt - reminded Acerbi of the humiliating moment. The ex-Lazio defender sought the help of a translator, who sternly told the fan in English: "You must be serious with him."
Just a few seconds later, Acerbi made his feelings clear. Fuming in Italian, he said: "I'm serious. Don't make fun of me - I don't like it. I'm crazy, I'll beat the s*** out of you."
Acerbi quickly moved on, posing for photos with more respecting fans. It's not the first time the veteran centre-back has been embroiled in controversy this month.
Despite Italy playing two crucial World Cup qualifiers earlier this month, Acerbi turned down a call-up for his national team. He accused manager Luciano Spalletti, who's since been sacked, of disrespecting him.
Acerbi posted on social media: "It's not a decision I have taken lightly. However, I believe that in light of recent events the conditions aren't there today for me to go forward with serenity.
"I demand respect. If that respect is lacking from those who should lead the group, I prefer to step aside. I won't stay where I'm no longer truly wanted and it's clear I'm not part of the coach's project."
Acerbi's focus shifted to helping Inter against Japanese side Urawa Reds in their second match of the Club World Cup on Saturday. He'll also be looking to impress new manager Cristian Chivu.
Ex-Inter defender Chivu has taken over from Simone Inzaghi, who left San Siro for the riches of Saudi Arabian heavyweights Al-Hilal shortly after the Champions League final. Former team-mate Javier Zanetti, who's now the vice-president of Inter, commented: "The Champions League final marked the end of a chapter, and now a new one begins.
"That's football - constant perseverance, belief in hard work and a project. And we're on that path now. We have great confidence in what Cristian Chivu can bring. I know him personally - we were team-mates - and I can say he's a wonderful person. We know he'll do a great job here. This Club World Cup is a great test for all of us."
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald Scotland
30 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola would consider managing in South America
Guardiola has not necessarily got any plans to leave the Etihad Stadium – and has two years remaining on his contract – but did not reject the idea when asked ahead of City's clash with Al Ain in Atlanta. South American fans have brought colour to the Club World Cup (Derik Hamilton/AP) The Spaniard said: 'Why not? Many, many good things in all history that happen in football – many, many good things – come from South America. 'You know, from Brazil – especially Brazil – Colombia, Argentina, Uruguay. I would say all the countries, many, many good things. 'The greatest players come from there, and after most of them come to Europe because of the opportunities economically and prestige. 'They're incredible. I love, love, love it when you're in this tournament and you play South American teams. 'This culture, the way their fans live every single action is what it is all about. We have to live this competition.' Guardiola has made clear he is taking the current tournament very seriously. City side opened their campaign at the expanded global event in the United States with a comfortable 2-0 win over Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca on Wednesday. They return to action – and can secure a place in the last 16 – when they take on Al Ain of Abu Dhabi in Atlanta on Sunday night (2am Monday BST). The event has so far received a mixed reception, and there are concerns over how it could impact the start of the 2025-26 season, but Guardiola is determined not to hold anything back. He said: 'Once we are here, I want to be doing the best. I want to enjoy that moment here. 'We can say it's annoying coming here but the other side is like, well, it's one time every four years that we are here and I want to be back. You have to win big prizes to be here. 'I want to arrive in the last stages – I want to go there. That's the truth, I've said it many times. It is an honour to be here.' Ilkay Gundogan has been linked with a move away from City (Mike Egerton/PA) Guardiola has said that he would like to trim his squad for the next Premier League campaign and there has been speculation linking former captain Ilkay Gundogan with Galatasaray. The 34-year-old rejoined the club last summer after a one-year spell at Barcelona. Guardiola said: 'No news, good news. I don't know anything, I didn't speak with him. If he will not be part (of the squad), he would not be here. 'At the same time, we have – right now – too many players. Step by step maybe a few players are going to move. 'But, right now, Ilkay is absolutely part of my mind and the team.'
Reuters
32 minutes ago
- Reuters
Tudor dismisses end-of-season fatigue narrative, Juventus primed for Club World Cup challenge
PHILADELPHIA, June 21 (Reuters) - Juventus manager Igor Tudor played down suggestions that his team are showing signs of end-of-season fatigue, insisting his players are motivated and ready to compete as they prepare to face Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca in the Club World Cup on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field. Juventus opened their campaign with an emphatic 5-0 victory over UAE's Al Ain, and a win against Wydad would secure their progression to the next stage. Such a result would set up a highly anticipated Group G showdown with Manchester City on Thursday, likely to determine the group winners. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Tudor said he sees no signs of lethargy in his squad. "I don't see any signs of fatigue in the team; on the contrary, I see a lot of enthusiasm," he said. "It's a pleasure to see them enjoying playing together. They started the last match like it was a final. There's more confidence in them now, not just a little but a lot more. They're enjoying what we're building together, and that's a fantastic thing." Tudor, who took over in March following the dismissal of Thiago Motta, has overseen a remarkable turnaround at the Turin club. Juventus were floundering outside the Serie A top four and had been eliminated from all cup competitions when Tudor arrived. However, under his guidance, the team suffered just one further league defeat, finishing fourth to secure Champions League qualification. Reflecting on his tenure thus far, Tudor expressed pride in his players' professionalism and commitment. "I have great professionals who've been available from the first day to the last," he said. "There's been a lot of work behind the scenes, but we've also developed a better understanding of the game and what I ask of them as a coach." Despite the strong start in the Club World Cup, Tudor urged his squad to remain focused. "Juventus should be ambitious, but we must stay humble and work hard with our heads down," he said. "I always tell the players to focus on training and take each match as it comes. Maybe I bore them by saying it, but that's the mindset we need." Juventus' clash with Wydad Casablanca will be a key test of their progress under Tudor, with the Italian side looking to maintain momentum ahead of the knockout stages of the tournament.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Hansi Flick set for crisis talks with Barcelona star after £21m transfer
The future of Barcelona star Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been plunged into uncertainty after they completed the signing of fellow goalkeeper Joan Garcia for £21million Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is set to hold crisis talks with captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen amid suggestions that he's being forced out. Barca have just paid £21million to sign Joan Garcia from local rivals Espanyol, with the highly-rated Spaniard expected to be installed as Flick's new No.1 goalkeeper. Barcelona have also offered Wojciech Szczesny a two-year contract extension which the ex-Arsenal shot-stopper has reportedly accepted. That leaves Ter Stegen, 33, third in the goalkeeping pecking order and up for sale, having been sidelined for most of last season with a serious knee injury. Turkish giants Galatasaray have been linked with a move but Ter Stegen isn't planning to leave. That could all change after talks with his manager, though. Catalan outlet Sport report that Barcelona chiefs are counting on Flick to hold a frank conversation with Ter Stegen about his third-choice role if he stays. The former Borussia Monchengladbach star, who joined the La Liga champions in 2014, isn't happy about how the club handled the signing of Garcia, as they didn't consult him before announcing the transfer earlier this week. Speaking at the beginning of this month, Ter Stegen was somewhat bullish about his future. At the time, Garcia was still an Espanyol player and Szczesny was making up his mind on whether to go back into retirement. "I'm not worried. I know that I will be at Barcelona next year," Ter Stegen told reporters. "I haven't spoken to Hansi and there hasn't been any contact in the last few days because I don't see any reason for that at the moment. "No event has occurred that justifies the conversation. Honestly, the focus is here now [international duty with Germany ]. It's a situation that has arisen now. "But I have to say that this is common. Barcelona is probably one of the biggest clubs in the world and there is always competition, no matter the circumstances. That's why it's natural that Barcelona always seek to develop and improve, and that's clear to me. I will always try to do my best." Ter Stegen has enjoyed 11 trophy-laden years at Barca, famously helping them win the treble in his first season. The Germany international has six La Liga titles to his name, although it was academy graduate Inaki Pena and emergency signing Szczesny who mostly wore the gloves during this year's triumph, with Ter Stegen having ruptured his patella tendon in September. Garcia's arrival changes the dynamic of Barcelona's goalkeeping department and the 24-year-old wants to make the No.1 shirt his own. "I'm very happy, culers," he told fans after signing a six-year contract. "I'm really looking forward to sharing great moments with you." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
