Aston Villa reached a remarkable feat on Tuesday. Following Tottenham's 2-0 defeat at home to Manchester City, the Birmingham side officially qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in 41 years.
The last time Villa qualified for Europe's premier club competition was way back in 1982-82 when the tournament was known as the European Cup, thus ending what has been a fantastic season for Unai Emery's side with a bang.
However, while the club and its fans were celebrating this achievement, one key player made sure to reignite a hilarious feud. That man is star midfielder Douglas Luiz, who has been at the heart of Villa's midfield. The Brazilian aimed shots at Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to troll the former center-back.
The 26-year-old, who has been linked with Premier League giants Arsenal, took to X, writing: "I just came here to find out if Rio Ferdinand is okay?"
I just came here to find out if @rioferdy5 is okay?
— Douglas Luiz (@dgoficial) May 14, 2024
In response, Ferdinand congratulated the Selecao ace and his club after they secured UEFA Champions League football but posted a picture of him lifting that trophy along with the tweet.
Congrats @dgoficial… Champions League football thoroughly deserved next season https://t.co/LatJN9vXML pic.twitter.com/AqDRBbobhq
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) May 14, 2024
The pair endured a back-and-forth on social media earlier this year when Manchester United beat Villa back in February, with Rio mocking Luiz after the Brazilian midfielder celebrated his opening goal by doing a shimmy in front of United's Raphael Varane. The Red Devils ultimately came back to win 2-1, with Ferdinand later writing: "'U ok Douglas Luiz?"
U ok @dgoficial pic.twitter.com/iZkusVqWlv
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) February 11, 2024
Luiz brushed aside the Premier League icon's dig, stating that it was merely carnival time in his home country but the midfielder has gotten the last laugh. While his team secured a top-four finish, the Red Devils languish in eighth and are fighting tooth and nail to qualify for the UEFA Europa League.
Ten Hag's men face Newcastle on Wednesday and need to win this fixture if they wish to qualify for the Europa League through the league. Qualification through the FA Cup remains an option but with Manchester United facing Manchester City in the final on May 25th, a win at Wembley appears unlikely.
Emery's side, on the flip side, face Crystal Palace this weekend on the final day and can rotate knowing nothing is on the line for the Lions.