It's worth remembering that negotiations stalled when the president of the Brazilian club decided not to sign the teenager after pressure from the coach and the fans. He then asked the Rossoneri to increase their bid, so as to minimise the backlash.
Of course we didn't want the match to end like that, given the spectacle it was, but I couldn't leave my teammates in trouble and just stand there. I went to defend my teammates. - Cruzeiro striker Kaio Jorge, explaining his involvement in the brawl after scoring the winning goal.
It was our dream to reach the semifinal or even the final, but she killed our game. I think the Sao Paulo state's soccer federation has to look at matches of this importance and not give it to a woman. It is no good for us to play against Sao Paulo, Palmeiras, Corinthians, and they put a woman to referee a match of this importance.
Sources close to Lingard reveal Corinthians are now one of the leading contenders for his signature and should a move materialise, the Englishman would link up with former Manchester United teammate Memphis Depay at the Arena Corinthians. Corinthians have been champions of Brazil 31 times and their list of illustrious ex-players includes Socrates and Ronaldo Nazario.
There was a moment of showboating followed by several of chaos. Memphis Depay stood with both feet on the ball as Corinthians ticked towards glory in the Paulista A1 final against Palmeiras, sparking a mass brawl that eventually led to a player from each side sent off. The move enraged not only the opposition but also the Brazilian football federation, which responded by suggesting the act was a "provocation to a rival and disrespects the game", one punishable by a yellow card.
"He's got a special talent," said new Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti after giving the 18-year-old a first international start against Ecuador. "He's got character, he's a good person, he's humble, and he seems fine to me, but with a young player we have to be patient and careful."
