Inter Milan star tells PSG fan 'I'll beat the s*** out of you' after UCL jibe
Inter Milan were crushed 5-0 in the Champions League final by Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month, as Francesco Acerbi suffered one particularly embarrassing moment
Francesco Acerbi threatened to 'beat the s***' out of a Paris Saint-Germain fan who goaded the Inter Milan star about the teams' Champions League final clash. Acerbi's Inter were hammered 5-0 by PSG in Munich on June 1 and now both teams are competing at the Club World Cup in the United States.
During the closing stages of the one-sided final, 37-year-old Acerbi was embarrassed by PSG forward Bradley Barcola, whose fancy footwork left the Italian defender dazzled. The moment was widely shared on social media and one fan in Seattle took his torment a step further.
During a meet-and-greet event, the fan - who was wearing a PSG shirt - reminded Acerbi of the humiliating moment. The ex-Lazio defender sought the help of a translator, who sternly told the fan in English: "You must be serious with him."
Just a few seconds later, Acerbi made his feelings clear. Fuming in Italian, he said: "I'm serious. Don't make fun of me - I don't like it. I'm crazy, I'll beat the s*** out of you."
Acerbi quickly moved on, posing for photos with more respecting fans. It's not the first time the veteran centre-back has been embroiled in controversy this month.
Despite Italy playing two crucial World Cup qualifiers earlier this month, Acerbi turned down a call-up for his national team. He accused manager Luciano Spalletti, who's since been sacked, of disrespecting him.
Acerbi posted on social media: "It's not a decision I have taken lightly. However, I believe that in light of recent events the conditions aren't there today for me to go forward with serenity.
"I demand respect. If that respect is lacking from those who should lead the group, I prefer to step aside. I won't stay where I'm no longer truly wanted and it's clear I'm not part of the coach's project."
Acerbi's focus shifted to helping Inter against Japanese side Urawa Reds in their second match of the Club World Cup on Saturday. He'll also be looking to impress new manager Cristian Chivu.
Ex-Inter defender Chivu has taken over from Simone Inzaghi, who left San Siro for the riches of Saudi Arabian heavyweights Al-Hilal shortly after the Champions League final. Former team-mate Javier Zanetti, who's now the vice-president of Inter, commented: "The Champions League final marked the end of a chapter, and now a new one begins.
"That's football - constant perseverance, belief in hard work and a project. And we're on that path now. We have great confidence in what Cristian Chivu can bring. I know him personally - we were team-mates - and I can say he's a wonderful person. We know he'll do a great job here. This Club World Cup is a great test for all of us."
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