Bernardo Silva gave a blunt response after his challenge left Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard furious and nursing an ankle problem during Norway's defeat to Portugal on Sunday. Silva simply said, "It's football, my friend," after the incident.
Odegaard hobbled out of the stadium following the match, having required treatment after the full-time whistle. The former Manchester City star's challenge came after Odegaard had released the ball, with Silva lashing out at the back of his leg.
Odegaard's furious reaction
Odegaard was incensed and visibly confronted his former Premier League rival, making his anger known the next time the pair found themselves close together on the pitch. The 27-year-old was left with no choice but to limp off the field when the final whistle blew.
After receiving treatment, Odegaard paused to speak to Norwegian broadcaster TV2, giving a damning verdict on Silva's challenge. "It doesn't belong on a football field," he said. "It's a shame that people do that."
"A head fog from him"
"It's a head fog from him," he added. "Just kicks me down long after I've played the ball away. I don't understand what he's doing." Odegaard declined to repeat what he had shouted at his opponent. "I don't think we should do that on TV," he added.
Despite the discomfort he was feeling, Odegaard remains hopeful that the knock will not rule him out of action. "I hope not," he said. "But I got a knock on my ankle there, so it probably won't be good tonight."
Wider reaction and match details
The incident sparked outrage amongst Norwegian broadcasters as well. "Look at Bernardo Silva. It's completely unnecessary, it's ugly," commentator Simen Stamso Moller said.
Mikel Arteta will be hoping he hasn't got another injury concern to deal with after Germany forward Kai Havertz was forced to pull out of international duty. Odegaard's frustrations were made worse by Norway's defeat. Joao Felix got the opener in Oslo before Manchester City star striker Erling Haaland equalised in the 51st minute. Goncalo Ramos swiftly responded to put the visitors back in front just three minutes later. Cristiano Ronaldo remained an unused substitute.
