With just minutes to go in the Olympic football final, Brazilian defenders Juan and Rafael were involved in a furious argument following a mistake by the Manchester United defender.
The duo, both of whom are 21, showed the frustrations of a team unable to fulfil what was regarded by many as their destiny, to win Olympic gold.
Speaking post-match, Juan downplayed the incident, insisting he and Rafael have put the incident behind them
“It was just something in the game. I had just made effort to steal the ball and he lost it, but this happens," Juan told Globo Esporte. “They are game situations. We were hot-headed, but I have apologised and everything is resolved."
Despite the team failing in their ambition to win gold, the Inter Milan believes that the experience will serve them well going forward.
“It was our objective [to win gold] and I think that a silver medal, despite coming second, was important for us. Let"s see what will happen going forward."
Juan will now return to the San Siro to decide upon his immediate future, with a lack of first-team football in danger of hindering his future national team chances.
It is likely that the young centre-back will now spend the season on-loan, with Torino a rumoured destination for the 2012-13 campaign.
