Top News

Jamie Carragher issued a grovelling apology to Luis Enrique on live television after he backed Borussia Dortmund against his PSG side two years ago. The Liverpool legend, who previously disclosed that the incident led to Enrique refusing to speak to him or CBS Sports, seized the moment to say sorry after PSG secured their place in a second consecutive Champions League final. A 1-1 draw away to Bayern Munich sealed a 6-5 aggregate victory to set up a final showdown with Arsenal in Budapest later this month.

Following the match, there were farcical scenes as CBS, for whom Carragher was serving as a pundit, landed an unexpected interview with Enrique. The CBS team were quizzing PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi when the Spaniard appeared from the left, greeted by cheers from the panel, which included Thierry Henry, Micah Richards and Clint Dempsey.

However, before discussing the match, Carragher took the opportunity to apologise for his conduct two years prior, which had prompted Enrique to snub a CBS interview.

During the semi-final first leg between Dortmund and PSG, the Liverpool icon had watched the game alongside supporters of the German club, downing pints and even sporting a Dortmund scarf.

When Enrique spotted Carragher wearing his side's opponents' colours following their 1-0 defeat, he promptly declined the CBS interview.

Two years later, the pundit took the chance to mend fences with the Spaniard after igniting the good-natured rivalry.

He said: "Luis, I would like to apologise for my behaviour in Dortmund, for the semi-final. I had a Dortmund scarf on, but sometimes, as we all know, when we have had a few drinks, we get a little bit carried away. So, I apologise.

"We absolutely loved your team, what they did last year and you've been an absolute joy to watch for the last two years in the Champions League. Congratulations for making the final again, well done sir."

Enrique graciously accepted the apology, responding: "Thank you, thank you. You don't have to apologise." He went on to express his pride in his side and acknowledged just how "difficult" the campaign had been.

Following last week's extraordinary nine-goal spectacle in France, Ousmane Dembele's third-minute strike at the Allianz Arena gave PSG the perfect platform in the second leg, leaving Bayern facing a two-goal mountain that ultimately proved insurmountable.

Harry Kane's goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time levelled matters at 1-1 on the night, yet arrived far too late to genuinely threaten the visitors.

Enrique said: "We could leave the match with a lot of intensity. The defence were better than the attack. The character we showed against a team like Bayern is so positive.

"We're so happy to reach a second Champions League final in a row. It was very intense. Very difficult. They play football at the highest level. Both teams are similar; we love to press higher. We are very happy."

The outcome served as an early gift for Enrique, who celebrates his 56th birthday on Friday. He added: "In two days I'm going to celebrate my birthday.

"I'm very happy. We're in the next phase of the competition, the final of the Champions League. We want to give our supporters that kind of gift."

EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page.