Max Verstappen has admitted it was “painful” to see his beloved PSV get knocked out of the Champions League by Rangers.
The Formula 1 world champion watched on as compatriot Gio van Bronckhors masterminded a 1-0 second leg win in the Philips Stadion to send the Ibrox club through to the lucrative group stage at the expense of Ruud van Nistelrooy’s men. Antonio Colak ’s second half strike was enough after the sides played out a 2-2 draw in Govan last week. Many made PSV favourites to progress, but Rangers produced a fantastic display to ensure they joined city rivals Celtic in tonight’s group stage draw in Istanbul.
Verstappen was actually born in Belgium, the country of his mother’s birth, while his father is Dutch, and he competes under the Dutch flag when behind the wheel. He’s previously spoken of his love of PSV, notably when reacting to Lewis Hamilton potentially buying Chelsea ahead of their summer takeover. The Red Bull driver insisted his allegiance to the Eindhoven club meant he would never buy Ajax, so couldn't understand why his Arsenal-supporting rival would bid for the Blues.
