Gabi Fernandez accepts ‘now I have to eat my words’ for calling the Europa League ‘a piece of rubbish’ after Atletico Madrid won it on Wednesday.
Gabi made the scathing remark after Atleti’s 1-1 draw with Qarabag back in October, which effectively ellminated them from the Champions League, but the club captain ended up lifting the Europa League, sharing the honour with Fernando Torres.
“Of course, this victory will help us. For us, winning was very important because it’s allowed us to remain at the top, but if this team have something, it’s the ability to suffer and we showed it here,” he told BeIN Sports after his side’s 3-0 victory over Olympique Marseille in the Final.
“We knew when to kill the game off, and Atletico Madrid showed they were one of the best teams in Europe. Now I have to eat my words about the Europa League. This cup has given us a lot.
“Torres? I found it emotional and I don’t think there was a better way for him to say goodbye to Atletico Madrid, lifting the trophy. He deserves it more than anyone.”
