I already wrote about this topic the day after the derby victory against Inter, but evidently a refresher is needed. After all: repetita iuvanti. The protagonist is, for a change, Rafael Leao, accused by some – and I stress ‘some’ – of not celebrating Gabbia’s goal due to disappointment at the substitution, as shown in the couple of seconds in Dazn’s ‘BordoCam’.
The video is not publishable
In fact, the Portuguese celebrated a lot and was absolutely one of the most active after the final whistle. I have a video in my gallery, but, due to copyright regulations, I can’t publish it anywhere. I can therefore tell you, as I did in Monday’s article which I am reposting below: “At Mariani’s final whistle, Leao, who had already been standing for a couple of minutes in front of Fonseca’s bench, sprints towards the Curva Sud and begins to jump and celebrate with vehemence. Then he runs to hug Abraham, who was celebrating with the same verve as the Portuguese. The two continue: Abraham’s unbridled celebration, Leao imitates him, showing his attributes to the rushing Torriani. Then, the number 10, goes to greet one by one: first Fofana, then Thiaw, then he tugs on Chukwueze and lifts him up to carry him under the Curva, to which he throws more punches of jubilation for the victory. Then hugs again: with Pulisic, with Okafor, with Emerson Royal. Finally, another look at the Curva, with his arms raised to the sky and his fists clenched in happiness”.
Leao’s reply
Yesterday, on social media, the Portuguese posted a story that, in my opinion, is aimed at extinguishing the futile criticisms on the situation just described: “They want to take the smile off my face, but they don’t know that it is my strength.” That’s exactly how it is. I can assure you that, after the derby victory, Leao was one of the happiest and smileiest. There is evidence. It’s useless to criticize things that don’t exist.