Federico Valverde has ratcheted up the tension ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League final this weekend, claiming Mohamed Salah 'disrespected' the Spanish side.
Salah's Liverpool face Los Blancos in the European showpiece at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday.
After beating Villarreal in the semi-final, the Egyptian had said he would rather play Real than their last-four opponents Manchester City in the final because he wanted to avenge their final defeat against the same opponents in 2018.
Salah told BT Sport in May: 'I want to play Madrid, I have to be honest. City are a really tough team, we played against them a few times this season, but I think if you ask me personally, I would prefer Madrid.
'Because we lost in the final against them, I want to play against them, and hopefully win against them.'
But Valverde told Marca that the forward's comments were disrespectful to the club's badge and its players, and insisted they would serve as extra motivation for the final.
He said: 'Obviously they're words that everyone can take however they want. I'm his opponent and it's like disrespecting the Real Madrid badge, the players...
'The only thing we must do is give our best, try to show why we're in the final and let's hope we can give another trophy to the fans and to Real Madrid.'
The Uruguayan also hailed his side's supporters for helping to inspire the Champions League comebacks against Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester City.
He added: 'The first thing to do is thank the fans, because when the game seems lost, when you can't find spaces, the team isn't feeling good, the fans are always there to support us. That gives us a plus, an energy that you can't explain. The game isn't over until the referee says so.
'The biggest one was against City. It's very difficult to go through again when you're losing in the 89th minute, you blink and you're winning. They're things that don't happen often in life.
'I don't know if it's fear (that opponents feel), or the pressure that the stadium and the fans generate. They know they're playing Real Madrid and they're capable of doing anything, and you can see that. When the coaching staff, the team and the fans feel that, it's like the Bermuda Triangle.'
PanAteLexis
547
Salah disrespects Madrid Mbappe disrespects Madrid It’s like everybody wants to disrespects Madrid 😂😂All football calm down
Nimdkmoruz
148
All FCB fans gonna comment in favor of Liverpool and M. Salah.
Kinginbojan
131
Disrespect?? Does RM put food on his table ?? This Rm team are alwAys full of their self.. how does revenge has to do with disrespect again..
MwesyArsenal
104
That's the kind of mentality that a team should have a Ramos mentality!!! love this fellow Valverde let come 28th do what you do best stop the disrespectful fellow!!! Halla Madrid
Fihacekry
93
It's okay when Real Madrid players talk but it's disrespect when others 🤡
bumeopuy
62
So no one can have opinions in football that Real Madrid don't like??? toxicity and Real Madrid = Fish and water
jasondrx77
47
then you get you're shoulder dislocated and not have revenge 👍🤣
Nimdkmoruz
39
I am Not a Madrid Fan, but Valverde Spoke Well! All La Liga Supporters wish Valverde and Real Madrid to Bring the Trophy to the BEST league in the World !🌎
pukbmrsyz
19
Disrespect?? Does RM put food on his table ?? This Rm team are alwAys full of their self.. how does revenge has to do with disrespect again..
Why are you always available to whine abiut matters that don't concern you? Did you see Barca in this article? This is quite desperate