Flamini got harshly criticized by Harry Redknapp for leaving Corluka badly injured the last time out. But ahead of Wednesday’s Tottenham Hotspur vs AC Milan match, Flamini has hit back at the Spurs boss.
According to the Milan defensive midfielder, Harry Redknapp’s “leg-breaker” comments may even be meant to distract the Rossoneri as Tottenham aim to go past the UEFA Champions League’s Last 16 stage at all cost. The Sun reported ex-Arsenal player Mathieu Flamini as saying:
“During my four years in the Premier League, I never injured an opponent. I was never sent off in England. Never. I am a defensive midfielder, so of course I am in the 'tough' area of the pitch.
“But this was the first time a player was injured by a challenge I made. I am not a dirty player. I didn't have a bad intention.
“Everything I do, it's always on the ball. You can see I'm going for the ball not for the man. I didn't mean to go with two feet. I shouldn't have, but I didn't mean to.
“I'm not saying I was in the right but let's not make such a fuss. I'd never injured anybody before. It's really tough to hear that I went for the guy and I went to break his leg. Not at all.
“I've seen what was said. I have a lot of respect for Mr Redknapp. But I think he's been very clever to make a big story out of that. Everyone can focus on that and forget about the second leg.”
AC Milan are in serious danger of crashing out from the UEFA Champions League against competition debutants Tottenham Hotspur. And whereas the English club will be without the crocked Corluka on Wednesday, Mathieu Flamini has faith in the Rossoneri’s fate in the tournament.
“Tottenham have only a one-goal lead and it will be a tough game in London. But, to be honest, I am very confident,” Flamini stated before concluding:
“And after the way we played in the second half, I believe we will go there and qualify for the next round.”
“During my four years in the Premier League, I never injured an opponent. I was never sent off in England. Never. I am a defensive midfielder, so of course I am in the 'tough' area of the pitch.
“But this was the first time a player was injured by a challenge I made. I am not a dirty player. I didn't have a bad intention.
“Everything I do, it's always on the ball. You can see I'm going for the ball not for the man. I didn't mean to go with two feet. I shouldn't have, but I didn't mean to.
“I'm not saying I was in the right but let's not make such a fuss. I'd never injured anybody before. It's really tough to hear that I went for the guy and I went to break his leg. Not at all.
“I've seen what was said. I have a lot of respect for Mr Redknapp. But I think he's been very clever to make a big story out of that. Everyone can focus on that and forget about the second leg.”
AC Milan are in serious danger of crashing out from the UEFA Champions League against competition debutants Tottenham Hotspur. And whereas the English club will be without the crocked Corluka on Wednesday, Mathieu Flamini has faith in the Rossoneri’s fate in the tournament.
“Tottenham have only a one-goal lead and it will be a tough game in London. But, to be honest, I am very confident,” Flamini stated before concluding:
“And after the way we played in the second half, I believe we will go there and qualify for the next round.”
