Sports

Chris Smalling never intended to hurt Lionel Messi, says Jose Mourinho

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Editorial use only Mandatory Credit: Photo by Paul Currie/BPI/REX (10196917ag) Lionel Messi of Barcelona is caught in the face by Chris Smalling of Manchester United resulting in him having a bloody nose Manchester United v Barcelona, UEFA Champions League Quarter Finals, First Leg Football, Old Trafford, Manchester, UK - 10 Apr 2019 — Smalling struck Messi in the face (Picture: Rex Features)

Jose Mourinho insisted there was no intent from Chris Smalling to injure Lionel Messi after the pair clashed in the Champions League.

Messi was left bloodied and bruised by Smallings flailing arm in the first half of Manchester Uniteds clash with Barcelona.

Smalling protested his innocence, but United certainly benefited from the accidental collision as Messis energy dropped considerably after reviving treatment.

It's nothing. I dont think Smalling has that intention: Jose Mourinho talks Lionel Messi injury in Champions League QF tie

MORE HERE: https://t.co/lPyIQM6pnq #UCL #MUNBAR #MUFC #Barca pic.twitter.com/h8WrpwxklV

— RT Sport (@RTSportNews) April 11, 2019

United managed to keep Barcelona at bay for much of the game and Mourinho was impressed with his former sides aggression.

I dont if they did or if Messi decided to be quiet, Mourinho told Russia Today.

I think a little bit of both. United was positively aggressive. That situation with Smalling and Messi was nothing.