Donnarumma claims Vinicius deserves love from all after fan celebration dispute

Gianluigi Donnarumma has wondered why Vinicius Junior chose to celebrate his goals against Manchester City on Tuesday right in front of their supporters, stating that a talent like him ought to be adored by all.

The forward from Brazil netted a brace to help Real Madrid claim a 2-1 win at the Etihad Stadium, sealing a solid 5-1 aggregate success that propelled the 15-time European kings into the Champions League quarter-finals.

For his first strike from the spot, he made a pretend sobbing motion, seemingly nodding to a sign held up by City followers in Real's February trip there, which said 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out'.

This was a dig at Vinicius's apparent frustration over missing the 2024 Ballon d'Or to City midfielder Rodri.

However, it was his late second goal celebration that truly irked Donnarumma, as the City keeper went over to Vinicius while he faced the home crowd and tapped his shirt name.

Speaking on the matter later, Donnarumma remarked: "He is a winner and deserves admiration from everybody. That is what I said to him.

"He delivered two superb performances, yet a player of his standing should win hearts everywhere. He ought to aim to be cherished by all since he is a true champion."

Manchester City spent much of the match with ten players following the dismissal of skipper Bernardo Silva for intentionally blocking a Vinicius effort.

Erling Haaland found the net as City unleashed 22 attempts, but a turnaround never seemed realistic, leaving them little time to regroup before facing Arsenal in Sunday's League Cup decider at Wembley.

"The red card proved crucial, though that is football for you, full of key moments, particularly in the Champions League," Donnarumma added.

"I am delighted with my colleagues, we put in a strong showing, and with full numbers on both sides it might have gone another way."