Bernardo Silva has dismissed Martin Odegaard's complaints over a late challenge, insisting his tackle is merely part and parcel of the game. The midfielder caught the Arsenal captain with a late challenge that required treatment during Portugal's Nations League win over Norway.
Odegaard left furious after stoppage-time challenge
Odegaard was left incensed after being caught by Silva and departed the Oslo stadium with a limp following the stoppage-time incident. The 27-year-old Gunners skipper had already released possession when Silva came in from behind.
The Arsenal midfielder unleashed a furious outburst at his opponent when they next crossed paths on the pitch. Yet, when questioned about Odegaard's reaction and the distress he had caused the Norwegian midfielder, Silva offered a minimal response.
"It's football, my friend," the Real Madrid midfielder told journalists as he departed Ullevaal Stadion.
Odegaard hits back at Silva's dismissal
Odegaard disagreed with his opponent's take and was left frustrated with the challenge that saw him require treatment before departing the stadium.
"It doesn't belong on a football field," he said. "It's a shame that people do that."
"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 reveal what he said to Silva in the aftermath of the challenge, probably suggesting the nature of his language. "I don't think we should do that on TV," he said.
Ankle worry and Portugal victory
The Arsenal captain is keeping his fingers crossed that he has avoided a significant ankle problem following the challenge.
"I hope not," he said. "But I got a knock on my ankle there, so it probably won't be good tonight."
City stars Erling Haaland and Ruben Dias were both involved in the match with the former getting on the scoresheet in defeat. Dias got the last laugh, however, with strikes from Joao Felix and Goncalo Ramos earning the victory.
