Maddison 'absolutely gutted' to miss Europa League final
Fri 09 May 2025, 19:00|
Tottenham Hotspur
James Maddison has admitted he is 'absolutely gutted' to be ruled out of the Europa League final but believes it can be a special night for the Club on 21 May.
We booked our place in Bilbao on Thursday night with a resolute, professional display at Bodo/Glimt as goals from Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro finished the job in north Norway to progress 5-1 on aggregate and we now face Manchester United in the showpiece event at Estadio San Mames (8pm UK).
Watch - Ange mentions Madders in dressing room speech
Our number 10 sustained a season-ending knee injury midway through the second half of the semi-final, first leg victory over our Norwegian opponents having earlier put us two up on the night in our eventual 3-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
With a goal involvement in each of our previous four knockout games, the creative midfielder was peaking at just the right time and had been instrumental in our progress through the competition.
After putting us ahead on aggregate in the last 16 decider against AZ Alkmaar with our second in N17, he provided the assist for Pedro’s flicked equaliser to rescue a draw with Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-final first leg before winning the decisive penalty that Dom so cooly tucked away to see off the German side.
Watch - Spurs 3-1 Bodø/Glimt
With the final only a matter of weeks away, Madders stated that had been the team’s objective since the very start and so was understandably devastated to be missing out at such a late stage but is fully backing his team-mates to create something special for this club.
"Gutted. Just absolutely gutted," said the 28-year-old on his social channels.
"We’ve had our sights on that European final in Bilbao from day one of this campaign. So to accept not being able to take part out on that pitch with the boys is really tough to take.
"Injuries are just part of this game that can be so cruel at times. But I truly believe that it can be a special night for my football club. Bring on the 21st. All together. 🤍 #COYS"
We’re all with you and wish you a speedy recovery, Madders.
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