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November 13, 2018

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Higuain hit by Juventus nightmare

GONZALO Higuain was so desperate to make his mark against his former team that it proved to be his downfall.

After missing a first-half penalty, Higuain was sent off late in AC Milan’s 0-2 loss at home to Juventus for arguing with the referee following a booking.

“I want to apologize to the team, the fans and the coach for my reaction,” Higuain said after the game. “The referee knows what I told him, and I think sometimes they have to understand the situations. But he made his decision and I want to apologize again.”

Higuain was excited to prove Juventus wrong when it arranged his departure in the offseason to make room for Cristiano Ronaldo, and his mental state had even been questioned by coach Gennaro Gattuso in the buildup to the match.

“When you play against a team where you used to play, the emotions are different, but I take responsibility and it won’t happen again,” said Higuain, reiterating that it had not been his decision to leave Juventus. “I am a very emotional person and player, and sometimes it’s difficult to control my feelings. Sometimes I should react less, but that’s how I am.

“I’m aware that we (players) are also an example to children, and my reaction wasn’t the right one. But we’re not robots.”

Growing frustrated

Higuain had just one shot on target and was clearly growing frustrated even before being shown what he thought was a harsh yellow card by the referee.

The Argentina forward was in tears after then being shown a red card and had to be led away by teammates as well as by Juventus players — including Ronaldo, who scored Juve’s second goal.

Higuain apologized to the referee after the match and was also defended by Juventus players, who said they hoped he wouldn’t face a lengthy ban. “I told Higuain not to go over the top, so as not to risk further punishment,” Ronaldo said. “He was nervous, he was losing. But we absolutely shouldn’t blame him. He didn’t say anything.”

The match highlighted Higuain’s historic weaknesses: missing penalties in big games and losing his temper when things don’t go his way.




 

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