Anthony Gordon has revealed that Mexico boss Javier Aguirre’s foul-mouthed rant was actually a backhanded compliment – and defended new club rival Marcus Rashford as “misunderstood”.
The England winger was on the receiving end of Aguirre’s colourful language during the World Cup showdown in Mexico City, after burning past a full-back with a lightning run down the wing. The now-former Mexico coach told Gordon to “f*** off” in a moment that has since gone viral on social media.
“Anthony Gordon reveals Mexico boss Javier Aguirre's foul-mouthed rant was a 'compliment' and labels Marcus Rashford 'misunderstood'.”
But Gordon, who fronted up to the media this week, took it in good spirits. “I remembered it. It’s a bit of fun,” he said. “With all the heat and tension around the game it was a bit of fun. I’d just run the full-back down the line so it was a bit of a compliment from him. That’s how I took it anyway.”
Aguirre, known as one of football’s great characters, was chatting to Gordon and Jude Bellingham throughout the match. “He seemed like a good guy,” Gordon added. “He was talking to me and Jude throughout the game and there was a lot of tension in the game so to speak to me and Jude, I quite liked it.”
Gordon insisted it’s not the first time a rival manager has tried to wind him up for his pace. “I’ve never argued with a manager,” he said. “Usually they say things like that when you’ve done something good and they give me a compliment or a compliment in not such a nice way like that one. I’ve had it a couple of times.”
The new Barcelona forward, who moved to the Nou Camp in a £70m switch, also opened up about his relationship with Marcus Rashford – a potential club and country rival. Rashford, who wants to stay at Barcelona after his loan spell, was the first to congratulate Gordon on his move.
“He congratulated me as soon as he saw me,” Gordon revealed. “To be honest, he has been really helpful. I am trying to look for a house and he has helped me with things about the club which is helpful as I have not been there yet.”
Despite competing for a starting place for England and possibly at Barcelona, Gordon insists the rivalry is friendly. “It is hard for me because my full focus is here. He has been really helpful. But, yeah, we’re in competition for a place. That’s football. At elite level you’re always going to have that and that usually serves me well, so I’m completely fine with that and I’m sure he is.”
Gordon believes the perception of Rashford is wrong. “He’s a lovely person, very misunderstood I think from the outside,” he said. “Very humble, just quite kid-like. He just loves playing football. You see him, he’s always got a ball doing …”
With both players now vying for minutes under Gareth Southgate and potentially Hansi Flick at Barcelona, the battle for places could define England’s attacking future.