After the last round of the Premier League, a competition that will play its final round next Sunday, Aston Villa secured their historic return to the UEFA Champions League after four decades of absence. One of the great protagonists of the team, of course, was the Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz, a key figure in Unai Emery’s team.
To celebrate this qualification for the Champions League, the midfielder used his social media to send a “venomous” message to a Manchester United legend, Rio Ferdinand, who had previously criticized and mocked him for a celebration carried out in a match against the Red Devils.
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Douglas Luiz remembered Rio Ferdinand after qualifying for the UCL
It was matchday 24 of the Premier League, Aston Villa was hosting Manchester United at home. The visiting team started winning thanks to a goal from Rasmus Højlund, but the game was tied 1-1 after a great goal from Douglas Luiz (40′), who celebrated by doing a little dance and kneeling in front of his rivals.
Unfortunately for the Birmingham team, Manchester United would end up coming back and winning the match thanks to a last-minute goal from Scott McTominay (86′). After the match, the Red Devils legend, Rio Ferdinand, mocked Douglas Luiz’s celebration by posting the following on his official Twitter account “X”:
“Are you okay? @dgoficial (Douglas Luiz’s Twitter account)” along with an image showing the Brazilian celebrating. Douglas was quick to give him a dry but accurate response: “I’m fine, thanks. It’s Carnival time in Brazil.”
I’m good, thanks
it’s just carnaval time in Brazil 🇧🇷 https://t.co/ncErg0oMV2— Douglas Luiz (@dgoficial) February 12, 2024
Douglas Luiz did not forget this provocation from Ferdinand, and after securing his team’s access to the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian returned the favor to the English defender, tweeting:
“Just passing by to see if @rioferdy5 (Rio Ferdinand on Twitter) is doing well.” This response did not go unnoticed, as it quickly went viral, being seen by around 6 million people according to the platform’s metrics.
I just came here to find out if @rioferdy5 is okay?
— Douglas Luiz (@dgoficial) May 14, 2024
Rio Ferdinand’s response
Those who play with fire, get burned. That is a lesson that Rio Ferdinand knows very well. Therefore, after receiving that response from Douglas Luiz, the veteran English defender did not miss the opportunity to respond to him, elegantly congratulating him on his qualification, but reminding him that he already knows what it’s like to win a Champions League:
“Congratulations, Douglas Luiz. Well deserved, you will participate in the UEFA Champions League next season.” This, with a photograph showing the English player lifting the heavy and iconic trophy.
Congrats @dgoficial… Champions League football thoroughly deserved next season 🤝🏽 https://t.co/LatJN9vXML pic.twitter.com/AqDRBbobhq
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) May 14, 2024
Remembering Zagallo
Sambafoot Series launched a new documentary about the football legend Zagallo. Known as ‘Velho Lobo‘ and as superstitious as it gets, Zagallo helped shape what Brazilian football is nowadays — as a player and as a coach.
Binge the episodes available on Sambafoot’s Youtube channel. Stay tuned for upcoming releases as we keep telling this legend’s life story.
