On the eve of the Copa Libertadores final, striker Luiz Henrique, from Botafogo, sent a message to Hulk, from Atlético. After the victory against Palmeiras, in the Brazilian Championship, Glorioso’s number 7 recalled the interview with the athletic idol minutes after the duel between the teams last week, at Independência, in Belo Horizonte.
In an interview with TV Globo, Luiz Henrique apologized to his opponent and praised Hulk on the field.
“I’m super calm. I apologize to Hulk, I respect him a lot. He’s a high-level player, as am I too. So, we have to respect each other”, he said.
“On the field, sometimes our heads are full. But I want to apologize to him. Let’s move forward and hope we can have an incredible game on Saturday. May the best win”, continued Luiz Henrique.
Remember the controversy
Last Wednesday (20), after a goalless draw between Galo and Botafogo, in the 34th round of the Brasileirão, Hulk stated, in a conversation with coach Artur Jorge, that Luiz Henrique had told goalkeeper Matheus Mendes that the Atlético team was “sucks”.
“Firstly, he (Luiz Henrique) has five games for the national team and thinks he is a star. He didn’t win a damn thing. He said at halftime of the game (that Atlético are a shit team)”, revealed Hulk in images captured by Globo.
“He told our goalkeeper here that our team is shit. He took five shots for the Seleção. I spent seven years in the national team. He has to run a lot and be respectful”, added the Galo striker.
In addition to Hulk’s statement, Luiz Henrique was sent off after the final whistle for throwing a bottle at a security guard who worked at Independência. As a result, the Botafogo winger was absent from the team in the draw against Vitória, at Nilton Santos, in Rio, in the 35th round of Series A.
Libertadores Final
With spirits high, Atlético and Botafogo will decide the Libertadores title on Saturday (30), at 5pm (Brasília time), at Mâs Monumental de Núñez, in Buenos Aires.
While Galo seeks its second continental championship, Glorioso tries to win the cup for the first time.
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Right, listen up you lot, because this is a big one. We’ve got ourselves a proper South American ding-dong coming up. Atlético versus Botafogo, the Copa Libertadores final. You wouldn’t want to miss it for all the tea in China.
But before these lads get stuck into each other on the pitch, let’s have a little rehash of the pre-match shenanigans, shall we? It’s been more dramatic than a Benny Hill chase scene.
So, young Luiz Henrique, Botafogo’s hotshot striker, had a little pop at Hulk, Atlético’s, well, Hulk, during their last encounter. Apparently, Luiz Henrique whispered sweet nothings like “You lot are rubbish” to the Atlético keeper. Now, I don’t know about you, but I think that’s a bit rich coming from a bloke who’s played five minutes for Brazil compared to Hulk’s seven years of international glory.
It’s like a bloke who’s just learnt to ride a bicycle telling Chris Froome to “give it a rest, mate, cycling’s easy”.
Hulk, predictably, wasn’t having any of it. He was spitting feathers, saying Luiz Henrique should “run a lot and be respectful”. Fair play, Hulk. Sometimes a little humility goes a long way, especially when you’re facing a man mountain with a mean right foot.
And then, to top it all off, Luiz Henrique throws a bottle at a security guard like a petulant child. Look, lads, if you can’t handle the heat, get out of the kitchen, or in this case, the football pitch.
Anyway, all this passion and drama means we’re in for a cracking final. It’s like watching a Shakespearean play, only with more shouting and less tights.
Atlético, the seasoned veterans, looking for their second Libertadores title, versus Botafogo, the underdogs, hungry to finally lift the trophy.
Who’ll come out on top? Well, I wouldn’t bet against Hulk. He’s got the experience, theillas, and a right good temper.
But Luiz Henrique, if you’re reading this, for goodness sake, keep your bottle to yourself. This ain’t the World Cup Final, mate, it’s just football.
Enjoy the game, folks. It’s gonna be a cracker. And
remember, when in doubt, just kick the ball.
On the eve of the highly anticipated Copa Libertadores final, Botafogo striker Luiz Henrique publicly addressed a recent controversy involving Atlético’s towering figure, Hulk.
Following Botafogo’s victory against Palmeiras in the Brazilian Championship, Luiz Henrique, wearing the number 7 jersey for Glorioso, recalled a heated exchange with Hulk immediately after their teams clashed last week at Atlético’s Independência stadium in Belo Horizonte.
In an interview with TV Globo, Luiz Henrique extended a sincere apology to his adversary, highlighting his respect for Hulk’s exceptional talent on the field.
“I’m super calm. I apologize to Hulk, I respect him a lot. He’s a high-level player, as am I too. So, we have to respect each other”, he stated.
“On the field, sometimes our emotions run high. But I want to apologize to him. Let’s move forward and hope we can have an incredible game on Saturday. May the best team win”, continued Luiz Henrique.
The Seeds of Controversy
The tension between the two star players stems from a goalless draw between Atlético and Botafogo in the 34th round of the Brasileirão last Wednesday.
Following the match, Hulk, in a candid conversation with Atlético coach Artur Jorge, revealed that Luiz Henrique had allegedly made disparaging remarks about Atlético, telling their goalkeeper Matheus Mendes that the team was “shit.”
“Firstly, he (Luiz Henrique) has five games for the national team and thinks he is a star. He didn’t win a damn thing. He said at halftime of the game (that Atlético are a shit team)”, Hulk disclosed in footage captured by Globo.
“He told our goalkeeper here that our team is shit. He took five shots for the Seleção. I spent seven years in the national team. He has to run a lot and be respectful”, Hulk added, emphasizing his own extensive experience.
Adding fuel to the fire, Luiz Henrique was shown a red card after the final whistle for throwing a bottle at a security guard at Independência. Consequently, he missed Botafogo’s subsequent draw against Vitória at Nilton Santos in Rio de Janeiro during the 35th round of the Brasileirão.
The Stage is Set for the Final
With spirits running high after Luiz Henrique’s apology, Atlético and Botafogo prepare to clash in the Copa Libertadores final on Saturday at 5pm (Brasília time). The grand stage for this epic showdown will be the Mâs Monumental de Núñez stadium in Buenos Aires.
Atlético, aiming for its second continental crown, will face a determined Botafogo side eager to lift the coveted trophy for the first time in their history.
What was Luiz Henrique’s response to Hulk’s allegation that he called Atlético “rubbish?
## A Heated Final: Luiz Henrique Apologizes to Hulk
**Interviewer:** Luiz Henrique, tensions are running high with the Copa Libertadores final just days away. You recently found yourself at the center of some controversy with Atlético’s Hulk. Can you shed some light on that?
**Luiz Henrique:** Look, emotions were running high during and after that game against Atlético. I want to make it clear that I respect Hulk immensely. He’s a phenomenal player, a legend.
Things got heated in the moment, words were said, and I regret any disrespect I might have shown. I am apologizing to Hulk for that. What happened on the field stays on the field. Let’s move forward and focus on this incredible finale.
**Interviewer:** Hulk made some strong comments suggesting you told their goalkeeper the Atlético team was “rubbish.” What’s your response to those allegations?
**Luiz Henrique:** I understand Hulk’s reaction. It’s never good to hear those kinds of comments. But I want to emphasize that I never intended to disrespect him or Atlético as a whole. Football matches often ignite strong passions, and things can get said in the heat of the moment.
**Interviewer:** This final is a massive occasion for both teams. Atlético, chasing their second Libertadores title, and Botafogo, hoping to make history with their first. What’s your mindset going into this match?
**Luiz Henrique:** The atmosphere is electric. We have worked so hard to get here, and we are determined to give our all. It’s going to be a true battle, and I know both teams will be fighting tooth and nail for victory. But I believe we have the quality and the hunger to make history.
**Interviewer:** any last messages for the Botafogo fans?
**Luiz Henrique:**
To all the Glorioso fans out there, thank you for your unwavering support. Let’s hear you roar loud and proud on Saturday. This is our moment! Come on Botafogo!
