Nigel De Jong's kung fu kick to Xabi Alonso's chest in the 2010 World Cup final has become one of the lasting images of that match and even helped spawn a new term for getting viciously assaulted (DE JONG'D!). Now, the Netherlands and Man City midfielder speaks out about that wicked moment and the aftermath of what he claims was an accident. Because he was so focused on the ball and not the guy he was kicking in the chest.
From Soccernet:
De Jong told De Volkskrant: "At no time did I see Xabi Alonso because I was focused only on the ball. Actually, when I think back about it, it was not good at all. Of course the referee (Howard Webb) should have shown a red card for the foul. That is obvious."
The incident left De Jong fearing for his safety.
"I had the feeling that there were people who wanted to harm me," he said. "I've been public enemy number one on many occasions. Honestly, people treated me like a war criminal. It was an unpleasant sensation."
You know what else is an unpleasant sensation, Nigel? Getting a boot to the chest. Or having your leg broken by an awful challenge. Or losing a chunk of your career because you had your leg broken by an awful challenge. Also: Having a spider climb up your back. That just feels creepy.
Photo: Getty Images
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