Paraguayan goalkeeper Gill holds no grudge against Mbappé

Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill has publicly stated that he harbors no ill feelings towards French star Kylian Mbappé, despite the forward not shaking his hand following their World Cup round of 16 match. Gill, who returned to Paraguay with his teammates after their elimination, told reporters, "The truth is, I have no grudge against him. On the contrary, I just wanted, as I said the other day, I wanted to congratulate him." He described Mbappé as an "excellent player" and wished him "all the luck in the world."

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The truth is, I have no grudge against him. On the contrary, I just wanted, as I said the other day, I wanted to congratulate him.

Gill admitted that his subsequent action of throwing the ball in Mbappé's direction was a reaction in the "heat of the moment." He reflected, "One doesn't realize what they do. Afterwards, when I cooled down, I said, 'Why did I do that?'" The 26-year-old goalkeeper, who plays for Argentine club San Lorenzo, emphasized his positive outlook, stating, "I don't wish anyone ill; on the contrary, all the luck in the world."

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I don't wish anyone ill; on the contrary, all the luck in the world.

Reflecting on Paraguay's performance in the World Cup, Gill expressed pride in his team's resilience. "That's Paraguay, it's tough, gritty, that's the Guarani blood that runs through our veins... Even though we were eliminated, we held our heads high," he asserted. He believes the Albirroja proved to be a "very uncomfortable" opponent for other teams, indicating they are "destined for great things." Paraguay's return to the World Cup after a 16-year absence saw them advance from Group D to the knockout stage, where they were eventually defeated by France.

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One doesn't realize what they do. Afterwards, when I cooled down, I said, 'Why did I do that?'