Manchester City are gearing up for their crucial UEFA Champions League semifinal showdown with Real Madrid, with Kyle Walker being the Cityzens player to face the media in the press conference for this second-leg tie.
And as expected, the English full-back was asked about Vinicius Junior, the exceptional winger whom he battled with in the first leg. Walker is regarded by many as one of the quickest and best full-backs in recent years and thus his battles with world-class wingers often take center stage.
The former Tottenham ace praised the Brazilian and hailed his undeniable talent. However, Walker also joked about his interactions with the South American sensation and revealed the funny backstory behind their full-time hug at the Bernabeu following that thrilling 1-1 draw.
According to Walker, he made sure to send a warning shot at Vinicius Jr. after the Real Madrid superstar attempted a rainbow flick against him. Here's what the full-back had to say:
"I went to hug him because he tried to rainbow flick me and so it was kind of more like 'please don't try that again' because I don't want to be a meme.
"But I think boxers, they fight, they have a good battle, and then they shake hands after. That's the level of respect I do have for him. It was the same with any other player that I feel when it's a good game, you go and give them that level of respect because they deserve it.
"Please don't try that again."
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Kyle Walker talks about his chat with Vini Jr after the #UCL semi-final first leg between Real Madrid and Man City... pic.twitter.com/6UsMIvq4sx
No but we had a good battle, I have a lot of respect for him, it when it has been a good game, a good a battle, and at the end of it, you show your respect. When the whistle goes tomorrow though, that goes out of the window, and it's dog eat dog."
Sadly, the discussion surrounding Vinicius Jr. wasn't all positive. Walker was asked whether he thought the Brazilian is provocative, which has become a heated topic surrounding the winger amidst all the racist abuse he has suffered.
The Selecao ace has sadly fallen victim to racism several times in Spain but there are those who attempt to excuse the horrible discrimination, arguing that the 22-year-old brings it upon himself due to his antics on the pitch.
However, Walker brushed that aside, stating that the Spanish Primera Division attacker is a talented kid who simply fights for his team, and just like every other professional, does everything in his power to help his club win games.
I wouldn't say provocative. But he is a very good player, he does what he needs to do in order to help his team. I try not to get involved with players trying to wind me up, and trash-talking."
"If he's going down easy and asking for yellow cards, it's part and parcel of the game. You're gonna get it, but let's not take his football away from him. He's a top player."
The game is currently tied at 1-1, meaning both sides will have to win at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday in order to qualify for the final due to the abolishment of the away-goal rule. Vinicius Jr. will be crucial for Ancelotti's men as the Brazilian will have to deliver a top-class performance in Manchester if Los Blancos wish to progress.