Heartbreak for Milan teenager Francesco Camarda as the goal is ruled out, but he still sets a record

MILAN (AP) – AC Milan teenager Francesco Camarda thought he had become the youngest Champions League goalscorer in history. But then the VAR intervened.

The 16-year-old Camarda threw his shirt off in celebration as he walked away after meeting a Tijjani Reijnders cross late in the year. Milan match against Club Brugge on tuesday He then stood in front of the Milan fans with his hands over his ears before being hoisted onto the shoulders of his teammates.

Camarda’s mother and his girlfriend were seen in the stands wiping away tears.

However, the goal was ruled out by the video assistant referee for offside.

“It was emotional, I think the best feeling of my life, but then the VAR played a trick on me,” Camarda said after the game. “I’m very disappointed, but these are things that happen, especially in today’s football.”

Camarda would have become the youngest goalscorer in the Champions League at 16 years and 226 days. It is subject to Ansu Fatiwho was 17 years and 40 days old when he scored for Barcelona against Inter Milan in 2019.

Instead, he had to settle for a single record: becoming the youngest Italian debutant in the competition when he was brought on in the 75th minute as the San Siro crowd chanted his name.

“The record gives me a lot of pride, honestly, but now it pushes me to give more to improve and make these nights happen more often,” said Camarda, who added that it was “absolutely” the best night of the his career

He was fiercely hugged by his father on the pitch after the match, which Milan won 3-1.

Camarda, who is considered one of Italy’s brightest prospects, holds the record the youngest player in Serie A historyset when he played against Fiorentina last season aged just 15.

He had only played one other game for Milan, also last season.

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