Gio Reyna wound up deleting a congratulatory comment aimed at Jude Bellingham in the wake of the Champions League final after fans hit out.
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Reyna congratulated Bellingham & MadridFan backlash was considerable Some called for USMT star to be soldWHAT HAPPENED?
After Madrid won the Champions League for a record-etxending 15th time in Bellingham's first season, the England international posted in celebration on Instagram. Reyna, still a Borussia Dortmund player, responded to it in the comments, replying with three white heart emojis. Yet the message did not go down well with Dortmund fans, and following the outcry, Reyna decided to delete the comment.
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Dortmund fans didn't take kindly to seeing their player effectively celebrating Madrid's win.
On X, Trafalgar Law wrote: "Gio Reyna" alongside two clown face emojis.
Another user, BVB Anarchy, said: "Sell Gio Reyna immediately for this d*ck riding alone."
AR Momonga commented: "I been Gio Reyna's biggest supporter for ages sad I gotta turn on him now, but such is life, hope we sell him this summer [sic]."
USMNT X's message was "Gio Reyna on Instagram" followed by crying and laughing emojis.
"I don't want to see Gio Reyna play for this club ever again," was the firm stance taken by X user sBVB.
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
While Madrid celebrated, it was of course Dortmund who were the losing finalists at Wembley. Reyna spent the second half of the season on an unsuccessful loan at Nottingham Forest, but he played twice for BVB in the Champions League group stage before Christmas and is still under contract at the club until 2026. The American is only seven months older than Bellingham and they were close during the latter's spell at Dortmund which ended last summer. But, in this instance, Reyna may have misjudged the situation, seen by fans as prioritising his friend over his own club.
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR REYNA?
Reyna is probably in need of a fresh start. After recovering from an injury ravaged 2021-22 campaign, he had started only five Bundesliga games in 18 months prior to joining Forest on loan. His disappointing form there will do little to convince coach Edin Terzic that he should be reintegrated at Dortmund. The 21-year-old will be with the USMNT at the Copa America on home soil this summer, which stands to be a huge opportunity to put himself in the shop window for a potential transfer.