James Maddison makes quip while celebrating Tottenham Hotspur's Europa League victory in full kit - 'I didn't want to do a John Terry'
Published 22/05/2025 at 08:20 GMT+1
James Maddison was seen celebrating Tottenham Hotspur's UEFA Europa League final victory in full kit despite missing the match through injury, but claimed he had to in order to "get the medal". The 28-year-old joked that he "didn't want to do a John Terry" after the defender famously appeared in full kit following Chelsea's UEFA Champions League success in 2012, despite being suspended.
Maddison makes John Terry quip after picking up medal in full kit
Video credit: TNT Sports
James Maddison joked that he "didn’t want to do a John Terry" after being told he had to wear his full kit to collect a UEFA Europa League winner’s medal, despite missing the final through injury.
Tottenham Hotspur ended their 17-year wait for a trophy on Wednesday as they beat Manchester United 1-0 in Bilbao, and the England midfielder joined in the celebrations in a full Spurs strip despite his absence from the matchday squad.
The move was reminiscent of Terry’s after the 2012 UEFA Champions League final when the Chelsea captain was seen in a full kit at the full-time whistle, despite missing the match through suspension.
Discussing his decision to change into the Spurs strip, Maddison told TNT Sports: "They said I had to, to get the medal.
"I didn’t want to do a John Terry when he went on with full kit and shin pads, but what a special feeling."
Maddison was ruled out of the European showdown after picking up a serious knee injury in the first leg of the semi-final against Bodo/Glimt.
The injury, which is suspected ligament damage, is expected to rule the 28-year-old out for up to three months, meaning he could miss the start of pre-season.
However, the midfielder was able to get over the "pain" of missing the final after seeing his team clinch a special victory against United.
Maddison said: "Winning makes it all alright. The pain of not being able to play is not being able to affect and help the team.
"But if we win anyway, I know I’ve played a big part in the lead-up and I deserve this just as much as all of us, but it was not being able to affect it that affected me the most, but pure adulation now."
- ‘They’ve shut a lot of people up’ – Bale, Ferdinand hail 'loveable, humble' Postecoglou
- Shaw fumes after ‘damaging’ loss to Spurs - 'Are we good enough for Man Utd?'
- Postecoglou on vindication for second season trophy claim – ‘It wasn't me boasting’
The victory sees Spurs qualify for next season’s Champions League, but Maddison believes ending the 17-year trophy drought is the most important achievement for the club.
He said: "Now's not the time to be thinking about that, it's a brilliant achievement and one of the ways you can qualify for the Champions League.
"But it's more winning the trophy and giving these fans something to shout about because they've had years and years of pain, and now they can enjoy it."
Stream the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Thoughts?