Luis Muriel admits he was not originally meant to take the Atalanta penalty against Sturm Graz, but he wants to ‘keep playing until I turn 50!’
The Colombia international was a surprise starter in Austria this evening and made the most of the opportunity, bagging a first half brace to give his team a 2-1 lead.
However, the 10-man Austrians still managed to snatch a 2-2 draw.
“The fact we had the advantage both on the scoresheet and in terms of men, it is a real shame to concede the equaliser,” Muriel told Sky Sport Italia.
“It was a great performance until that, we were in complete control and we drop two points that would’ve pushed us towards qualification.
“This was definitely a wasted opportunity, when you are a man up and finish that way, it leaves a bitter taste in the mouth.”
There was some confusion when Atalanta won that penalty on the stroke of half-time, as at first Teun Koopmeiners stepped up, but then Muriel rushed over and whispered something in his ear.
The Dutch midfielder then left the ball to Muriel, so who was meant to take it?
“Koopmeiners is top of the list, but I asked the bench and they said I could take it. I had also asked Koopmeiners first if it was alright.”
Muriel had been on the verge of leaving Bergamo this summer, as his contract is running down and he was pushed down the pecking order by the arrival of Gianluca Scamacca and El Bilal Toure, but the 32-year-old has no intention of going quietly.
“I know a lot was said in the media, but I don’t think the exit was that close. I spoke to the coach, he said he wanted me to remain in the squad and I never felt otherwise.
“I know that I have to work harder than I did last season to earn my place. I still feel young, even if I am over 30. I told my wife that I want to keep playing until I turn 50!
“I told the coach, I still have a lot to give to this team.”