Juventus midfielder Pavel Nedved was distraught after collecting a second-half booking in last night’s Champions League semi-final victory over Real Madirid, that will rule him out of the final on May 28.
The Czech midfielder was already on one booking, before last night’s game and an innocuous foul on Steve McManaman eight minutes from the end of the game resulted in another caution and meaning Nedved will be unable to face Milan in the final.
“I am so disappointed,” the Czech international said.
“I won’t play in the final and I am so sad I could die. I made a mistake. I am delighted for the team but in Manchester I will be in the stands and I am not used to being there. I just want to say that I will spur on my team mates until they win.”
Nedved, who has been instrumentall in Juve’s success this season, has been tipped as a possible European Player of the Year.
“I wasn’t thinking about the Golden Ball award I was only thinking about that cup with the big handles which I so wanted to take in my arms at least once in my career,” said the former Lazio midfielder.
Juve coach Marcello Lippi said his team would dedicate any success to Nedved.
“We will dedicate any win in the final to him. I am very, very saddened that such an unselfish player as he, who has had such a great Champions League campaign, will miss the match that he wanted so much to be involved in,” Lippi said.
