Milan’s Cristian Zapata says his performances at the World Cup have silenced his critics and shown he is an excellent player.
The defender played the full 90 minutes in four of Colombia’s five matches in Brazil, helping his country reach the quarter-finals.
Speaking to El Pais today, the 27-year-old revelled in what he describes as ‘revenge’ on his detractors and said he has earned his success through hard work.
Milan’s Cristian Zapata says his performances at the World Cup have silenced his critics and shown he is an excellent player.
The defender played the full 90 minutes in four of Colombia’s five matches in Brazil, helping his country reach the quarter-finals.
Speaking to El Pais today, the 27-year-old revelled in what he describes as ‘revenge’ on his detractors and said he has earned his success through hard work.
“Lots of people said I shouldn’t be starting [in Brazil], but my work and the nine years I have spent in Europe have made me stronger and given me the confidence to fight for a place,” Zapata said.
“I have always shown my qualities. What has happened is a demonstration that I am an excellent player.
“At the World Cup I shut a lot of people’s mouths who were talking behind my back.
“A lot of Colombian journalists said I should be a substitute, this doesn’t annoy me.
“Everything I have done I have earned it by working for many years. Once again I have shown that these people were massively wrong.
“I had my revenge during the World Cup, that was the nice thing. It was the moment to say ‘I am here.’
“And a lot of people stayed silent.”