Injured Barcelona star fails to go incognito as he takes budget flight with fans to Champions League semi-final vs Inter
AN injured Barcelona star failed to keep their identity hidden as they took a commercial flight with fans.
The first leg of the clash ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, but with Barca boss Hansi Flick left without a host of stars through injury the second leg at the San Siro.
However, one of these names made sure they would not miss the chance to support their team-mates, Jules Kounde.
The Frenchman suffered a distal hamstring injury in the first leg of the clash against Inter, just days after he scored an extra-time winner in the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid.
And ahead of his sides do-or-die semi-final match in Italy, Kounde caught a commercial flight from Barcelona to Milan alongside supporters to make sure he was present to watch on.
Kounde attempted to keep his identity hidden by wearing a hood and sunglasses.
But his gambit failed as he was recognised by travelling Blaugrana supporters.
He was greeted by cheers as he retrieved his bag from the overhead storage, to which he eventually responded with a wide smile and tapping his hand to his chest.
In the absence of the 26-year-old, Flick selected former Manchester City defender Eric Garcia to play there.
Before his injury, Kounde had missed just one game for Barca this season – when Flick left him out for the win over Mallorca before the Copa del Rey final.
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He joined the club in 2022 in a €50m (£41.85m) deal from Sevilla.
Despite predominantly playing at CB for his old club, he has mostly played right-back at Barcelona.
He has scored seven goals and added 18 assists in 141 games.
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