Fiorentina midfielder Marcos Alonso has explained the goal celebration that infuriated Torino supporters during Sunday’s 3-1 defeat to the Granata.
The Spaniard opened the scoring at the Stadio Olimpico and his celebration – which involved mimicking a bullfighter – was interpreted as a mocking gesture due to the bull being the symbol of the Turin-based club.
“The celebration was for Joaquin”, said Alonso to Radio Onda Cero, in reference to his former team-mate who is known as ‘el Matador’.
“It was risky in front of so many Granata fans. I didn’t mean to offend anyone but amid all the excitement, I didn’t realise I was in the wrong corner of the ground.
“With Joaquin’s departure, we lost a great player.”
The gesture was seen as an embarrassment to la Viola, whose Ultras share a strong bond with the Toro faithful, and the wing-back was keen to turn his focus to his side’s objectives for the new season.
“We don’t think about long-term goals, we just focus on one game at a time,” added Alonso.
“We are working well with [coach Paulo] Sousa and I think we have a squad that is capable of Champions League qulaification.”
Alonso has scored in each of the Gigliati’s two fixtures this season while Joaquin returned to Real Betis following a tense stand-off with the Tuscan club.
