Manchester City fans were last night heaping praise on Geronimo Rulli, after he came in clutch against Manchester United in the Europa League final.
The star was the hero of the hour for Villarreal in Gdansk, saving David De Gea’s spot-kick in the penalty shootout, after he had converted one himself.
Rulli’s save meant that Villarreal won the competition for the first time in their history.
It was arguably a just result in the end, with City’s bitter rivals just not offering enough on the night.
Barring Edinson Cavani and Scott McTominay, the Red Devils were very poor.
They finish the 2020/21 season trophyless, and City fans have taken great satisfaction from Rulli breaking United hearts.
The 29-year-old stopper was actually once a City player, signing for the club for £4 million back in 2016 (Guardian), the same time as Pep Guardiola.
But he never made a first-team appearance, heading out on loan to Real Sociedad straight away before turning the move permanent in January 2017.
Despite his very, very brief time at the Etihad Stadium, City fans have been showering the praise on the Argentine, lapping up the fact he’s denied United silverware:
We sold Rulli to Villarreal so he could win the final against United 😂
— 𝙽𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝙼𝙲𝙵𝙲 🇦🇷🇧🇷 🦈 (@NickMCFC1894) May 26, 2021
Geronimo Rulli!
Ex Manchester City player. Pep’s done it again!!— Aaron (@AzMCFC) May 26, 2021
Gerónimo Rulli once a Blue always a Blue.
Good morning 💙
— garry huggies (@MCFCHeisenberg) May 27, 2021
City legend gerinomo rulli saving the last pen is poetic
— Harry (@mcfc_hf) May 26, 2021
RULLI CITY LEGEND
— Reece (@MCFC_ReeceV3) May 26, 2021
No way City really ruined United season they came runners up in the league to us, got knocked out the league cup by us, Former city player Iheanacho scored 2 to knock them out the FA cup, former City player Angelino helped RB knock United out the UCL and Rulli saved the final pen
— Max🇧🇼 #FreeHaaland (@MCFC_MG7) May 26, 2021
RULLI USED TO PLAY FOR MAN CITY YOU LOVE TO SEE IT
— Sebas (@MCFC_Sebas) May 26, 2021
Pep sold Rulli to Villarreal only for him to save the deciding pen, and beat Manchester United to the Europa League title
The genius has done it again pic.twitter.com/RgYz0bRZFt
— MCFC Mads🇧🇻 (@McfcMads) May 26, 2021
Geronimo Rulli once a blue💙
— LeoBMCFC (@LeoMCFC9320) May 26, 2021
