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Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has revealed he thanked Samuel Eto'o for his sportsmanship after the 0-0 draw in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The Barcelona attacker was caught by Ferdinand inside the area during the second half of the Camp Nou stalemate.
United's captain on the night revealed he feared not only would a penalty be given but the referee would send him off, ensuring he would miss the all-important second leg at Old Trafford next week.
"It did surprise me, especially in today's game, because a lot of players make a meal out of challenges," conceded Ferdinand.
"I lost my feet and slipped into him. If he had gone over, it would have been a penalty and a red card.
"So I thanked him afterwards for his good sportsmanship, which you don't often see."
Eto'o, meanwhile, is confident Barca will finish the job at Old Trafford by scoring a crucial away goal.
"It's a good result as away goals count double and, if we score, they'll have to score two," he reasoned.
"They are the ones who have the problem and we'll show that at Old Trafford."
The Barcelona attacker was caught by Ferdinand inside the area during the second half of the Camp Nou stalemate.
United's captain on the night revealed he feared not only would a penalty be given but the referee would send him off, ensuring he would miss the all-important second leg at Old Trafford next week.
"It did surprise me, especially in today's game, because a lot of players make a meal out of challenges," conceded Ferdinand.
"I lost my feet and slipped into him. If he had gone over, it would have been a penalty and a red card.
"So I thanked him afterwards for his good sportsmanship, which you don't often see."
Eto'o, meanwhile, is confident Barca will finish the job at Old Trafford by scoring a crucial away goal.
"It's a good result as away goals count double and, if we score, they'll have to score two," he reasoned.
"They are the ones who have the problem and we'll show that at Old Trafford."
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