Rio Ferdinand mocked Alvaro Morata over his passionate celebration following Atletico Madrid’s stunning Champions League victory over Liverpool.
Liverpool’s hopes of winning back-to-back European titles were ended by Atletico on Wednesday night, with the Spanish side winning 3-2 at Anfield to clinch a 4-3 aggregate victory.
Jurgen Klopp’s side levelled the tie when Georginio Wijnaldum headed home shortly before half-time and found themselves in front in extra-time when Roberto Firmino scored his first goal at Anfield this season.
But Atletico scored three late goals through Marco Llorente and Morata to knock out Liverpool and book their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
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Morata’s celebrations into a pitch-side camera caught the attention of the BT pundits, with Gary Lineker suggesting the former Chelsea striker was ‘over-excited’ following the win.
And Manchester United legend Ferdinand added: ‘I wish he had that energy when he was in England… Jesus.’
Ferdinand was pointing to Morata’s disappointing spell at Chelsea before he joined Atletico on loan in January 2019. The 27-year-old will sign a permanent deal with the Spanish club in July.
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On Liverpool’s exit from the Champions League, Ferdinand said: ‘The resilience and characterfrom Atletico is phenomenal.
‘They hung on, defended for their lives. Their defenders were magnificent. And then they had the cutting edge when they needed it.
‘If you haven’t got a top goalkeeper you get punished at the top level. We’ve spoken about that in the past with Liverpool and it’s reared it’s head again tonight.’
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