Douglas Luiz mocked Rio Ferdinand in the wake of Aston Villa qualifying for the Champions League.
Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-0 Tuesday night defeat to Manchester City sealed Aston Villa’s place in next season's Champions League, with Unai Emery’s side now five points clear of Spurs in fourth with just one game remaining.
It’s a far rosier picture than three months ago when a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United saw Villa fall a point behind fourth-placed Spurs and sit just five points ahead of Erik ten Hag’s men, who were then sixth.
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At the time TNT Sports pundit and former United defender Ferdinand tweeted at Luiz’s expense.
After Luiz made the score 1-1 at Villa Park, Scott McTominay netted a later winner, which prompted Ferdinand to share a photo of the Brazil international’s celebration alongside the caption: "U ok @dgoficial."
Three months later, upon Villa sealing Champions League football, Luiz posted: "I just came here to find out if @rioferdy5 is okay?"
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Ferdinand was quick to respond, sharing a photo of himself lifting the European trophy from his time at United alongside the caption: "Congrats @dgoficial… Champions League football thoroughly deserved next season."
Villa players and staff discovered City had beaten Tottenham during their end-of-season awards ceremony.
“It’s a very special day today,” Villa boss Emery told club media once the news was confirmed. “It’s our dream, it was our dream when we started the season to be here.
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“Of course, I’m very, very, very happy and very proud of you (the supporters), the players and everybody. I want to enjoy it more and, next year, now the new challenge starts for us.
"To build again a team, being strong and being strong to go and always increase our level. This is our objective and always it’s trying to enjoy with you, the supporters; you are the heart of the club."
Topics: Aston Villa, Champions League, Manchester United, Rio Ferdinand, Tottenham Hotspur, Unai Emery
Chris Byfield