Former AC Milan winger Junior Messias has revealed what Zlatan Ibrahimovic said to him after the Brazilian scored a late winning goal against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Speaking to La Repubblica (via Milan News), Messias talked through what was one of the greatest moments in his career as a player who spent much of his time playing in the lower Italian divisions.
Milan were in the same Champions League group as Atletico Madrid and on Matchday Five, they went to the Spanish capital knowing that three points would give them a great chance of progressing.
It was a tight game after a disappointing campaign for the Rossoneri, but Messias got on the end of a Franck Kessie cross in the 87th minute to head in the only goal of the game, and his first-ever Champions League goal.
Unfortunately, Milan still ended up finishing bottom of the group on four points, which also contained Liverpool and FC Porto.
“At the Metropolitano, a stadium that is a jewel. If we didn’t win, we were out: I entered in the 78th minute and scored a header three minutes from the end. I got past two opponents and spread it towards Theo Hernandez, who gave it deep for Kessie to slot in, and on the cross I was in the right place. I’ll remember that goal for the rest of my life and the Milan fans won’t forget it either. At the end of the match I was crying: from Uisp to the decisive goal in the Champions League, a dream!” Messias said.
Messias then explained that the goal even moved Ibrahimovic on an emotional level, but he knew that the Swede would kill him if he revealed too many details.
“Ibrahimovic came to hug me: ‘Don’t do that, otherwise I’ll cry too’. But let’s not say that Ibra was moved otherwise he’ll kill me… Those who don’t know him can’t imagine what an extraordinary character he is. Great humanity and incredible sympathy,” Messias said.
Great moment that will stay with us. Your journey is a good testimony for all big dreamers Messias. Thanx for you contributions to the red and black.