Gudjohnsen offers sympathy

07 May 2009 13:59
Eidur Gudjohnsen admits he felt sorry for Chelsea after helping Barcelona end the Blues' European dreams. The Iceland international was part of the Barca squad which booked a place in the UEFA Champions League final with a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday. Gudjohnsen was awarded a late cameo appearance against his former club and admits he had mixed feelings at the end of a dramatic contest. Andres Iniesta's late leveller sent Chelsea packing on the away goals rule, but the Blues were incensed at the final whistle as they felt Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo did them no favours. Gudjohnsen claims he was unable to celebrate his side's success with vigour as his ex-team-mates vented their anger towards the match officials upon the final whistle, but he believes that Barca were deserving victors over the course of the two-legged tie. "It's difficult. It's an awkward sensation and I didn't want to celebrate because a lot of the boys were my brothers for six years," he said in the Evening Standard. "But obviously I'm very happy for my team-mates: it's a great moment. Football is a harsh game and Chelsea have felt that. "It's difficult to say if we were the best team. They say you make your own luck and the way we played with 10 men (following Eric Abidal's dismissal) was impressive." Barcelona will now face Manchester United in the final on 27th May, with the Catalan giants looking to make amends for their last four exit against the Red Devils in last season's competition. Argentine superstar Lionel Messi is expecting another epic contest when the two sides meet again in Rome and hopes Barca's attacking flair will see them come out on top. "Hopefully, we can see Barcelona's good football again. It will be a final between the two best teams in the world," he said. Meanwhile, Barcelona president Joan Laporta believes his side's success against Chelsea was a moral victory for the 'beautiful game'. "We had a moment of good luck but it was also justice. It's clear that football loves the beautiful game," he said. "We have demonstrated that football can be based on skill and spectacle, the two things that Barca represent."

Source: SKY_Sports