Shunsuke Nakamura States the Obvious

By: Bob | March 7th, 2007

We know that Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura is a big fan of YouTube so undoubtedly he has seen the video of AC Milan striker Alberto Gilardino’s masterful dive against his club in the Champions League more than a few times. With the second leg between the clubs being played today, Nakamura has warned his teammates not to touch, kick or sneeze on the AC Milan forwards.

Said the Japanese international:

“I’m not one to dive, but their strikers will be looking for penalties,” Nakamura was quoted as saying in the Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of the tie which is tipped in AC Milan’s favour after a 0-0 first leg draw in Glasgow.

“If the strikers go past you, all it takes is the slightest touch and they will hit the floor.

“This is where Scottish and Italian football differs. You don’t often see diving in Scotland, and if somebody does the crowd shout ‘cheat’.”

Spoken like a true Scotsman. Meanwhile, Gilardino’s coach at Milan says that his player is sorry for the theatrics and that is team has “always been fair” — the definition of ‘fair’ being wide enough so that it includes Gilardino’s dive, of course.

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Category: Champions League, Scottish Premier League, Serie A, World Football

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Brian

Did Ancelloti actually say AC Milan was fair? Ha... ha ha... ha ha ha ha ha ha ha... *cough* match *cough* fixing *cough* ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.
dahri

Thing is Pippo's so masterful that Nakamura can't guess whether it's a dive or not.
Louis

Please leave Gilardino alone,afterall He's not the first person to dive,and He'll surely not be the last.
Nathan

I love that Gila is the highlight - wait til Nakamura gets a look at Pippo!!!! Now that's a master.
Tab

I wonder if there is a swimming pool in the AC Milan's training facility where they get all their diving practice... :)