Forward Luis Adriano, known to Russian fans with Spartak, Shakhtar and Milan jerseys, celebrates his 36th birthday today. The Brazilian has had enough team and individual success:
-
Top scorer in Shakhtar history, with whom he was the champion of Ukraine six times;
-
Russian Champion in the 2016/17 season;
-
UEFA Cup Champion (2008/09);
-
The fourth player to score three hat-tricks in UEFA Champions League history;
-
He scored five goals in a Champions League match. Only Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland can boast such a feat.
However, there was one episode that caused the loudest scandal in a football player’s career. Defending Shakhtar’s colors at the end of 2012, Adriano violated the principle of fair play in the Champions League group stage match against Denmark’s Nordsjaelland (5:2).
In the 26th minute, the Brazilian player, instead of returning the ball to his opponents, ran half the field past the confused defenders, went around the confused goalkeeper and scored into the empty nets. Shakhtar did not celebrate the goal. For several minutes, a deafening whistling sound was heard in the arena.
The football player later said, “I have never had such a negative experience. I hope not. I am sorry that this incident happened to him and that it negatively affected Shakhtar’s image.”
After the intense criticism that hit Adriano in the press and social networks, even Shakhtar head coach Mircea Lucescu had to apologize.
“I didn’t see the start of the moment. Only Adriano scored. He said he saw the ball at his feet – the striker’s instinct worked. Then we wanted to let the opponent score in response, Stepanenko just blocked it. Then the tough martial arts started. We lost the fight and Nordsjælland scored a second time. The opponent deserved a goal,” said Lucescu.
The UEFA Disciplinary Committee has launched an investigation into the incident. Shakhtar’s striker has been suspended for one match and ordered to spend a day”at the service of the football community“.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Greatest Goal! He flew over the arena and shone “old man” Buffon: video
Source: Ria
With a passion for storytelling and reporting, I am an experienced writer and Editor with a focus on sports. As an Author at News Unrolled, I write engaging stories on the latest developments in the world of sports. My articles have been featured on numerous global media outlets and my work has been highly praised by renowned editors.
