Kyle Walker has revealed that Vinicius Jr’s attempt to “make a meme” out of him was behind his embrace of the Real Madrid winger.
The pair are set to clash again this week when Manchester City host Real in the Champions League semi-final second leg, with the score level at 1-1.
At full-time of the game in Madrid, Walker was spotted by television cameras walking up to Vinicius with arms outstretched and a big smile, hugging him in what became something of an iconic image of sportsmanship.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s second leg at the Etihad Stadium, the 32-year-old explained that he was joking with the young Brazilian about his attempt to “rainbow flick” the ball over his head.
RESPEITO ACIMA DE TUDO! 👏👏👏 Vini Jr. foi pra resenha com o Walker depois de ter dado uma trabalheira na marcação pro defensor do Manchester City. ISSO É CHAMPIONS! 🥰 #CasaDaChampions pic.twitter.com/qUntNEf25M
— TNT Sports BR (@TNTSportsBR) May 9, 2023
“I went to hug him because he tried to rainbow flick me,” Walker told reporters.
“I was like, ‘Please don't try that again and make me a meme’.
“Boxers have a battle and shake hands after. You give the level of respect because they deserve it.
“Carrying a massive club over the line in the Champions League, you show your respect. Tomorrow night, I'll give him the respect he deserves at full-time but before that is dog eat dog.”
