Top Real Madrid prospect bitten on head
Real Madrid wanted Brazilian teenager Vinicius Junior to gain experience in its B team. He got more than he expected when he was bitten on the head.
The 18-year-old Vinicius, for whom Real Madrid paid $52 million U.S. last year, was bitten after a scuffle in a youth team derby against Atletico Madrid on Sunday.
Vinicius and Atletico captain Tachi got tangled up on the ground after a ball dispute, with the Brazilian underneath. After he tried to get up, Tachi became upset and bit Vinicius on the back of his head. A shoving match ensued with other players, and Vinicius and Tachi were issued yellow cards.
Tachi apologized Monday.
“I’m not proud of what happened, and it does not reflect who I am as a player,” the defender said on Atletico’s website. “This action does not represent the values that the club promotes in the academy and I know that it is not an example for the younger boys. At the end of the game I talked to Vinicius, we hugged each other and everything ended there. I have to learn from a situation like this and move forward.”
He said it “was a shame” the incident got so much attention after a good match which ended 2-2.
Vinicius scored both goals for Real on Sunday, including a stunning right-footed shot that curled into the top corner.
The speedy forward, bought from Flamengo, is known for his nifty dribbles. He’s been compared most often to former Brazil and Real player Robinho. DENMARK: A pay dispute has left the Danish national soccer team without a coach and possibly without some of its best players. The players had offered, via their union, to extend their present contract by one month, but the Danish federation rejected the offer. Denmark coach Age Hareide has reportedly returned to his native Norway and his deputy, Jon Dahl Tomasson, could also be sidelined ahead of upcoming matches against Slovakia and Wales. SPAIN: Brazilian legend Ronaldo took over as the majority stakeholder in recently promoted Spanish club Valladolid, saying he is bringing his soccer expertise to help the team succeed. Ronaldo now owns 51 per cent of the shares of the club. He will preside over the board of directors while Carlos Suarez will remain club president, a job he held before Ronaldo’s arrival. The former Brazil striker said “transparency” and “competitiveness” will be part of the basis of his management. Financial details were not immediately available.