Don't make him angry! One-time Chelsea target Hulk casts doubt over Zenit future with strop at late substitution
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UPDATED:
00:25 GMT, 5 December 2012
They say you shouldn't make Hulk mad for fear he might turn green and rip his clothes off.
But that was the risk Zenit St Petersburg manager Luciano Spalletti took during his side's Champions League win over AC Milan. And it could spell the end of a desperately disappointing stint in Russia for the Brazilian.
The powerful striker was substituted with 10 minutes left at the San Siro but greeted his boss' decision with a monstrous strop which left Spalletti fuming.
Scroll down for video of the exchange between Hulk and Spalletti
Temper temper: Hulk refused his manager's handshake and then gestured angrily towards him after being substituted late on in Zenit's win at AC Milan
After first ignoring his manager's offer a handshake, Hulk then made a crossing action with his arm repeatedly, suggesting that he would not tolerate any more at the club.
Spalletti responded with a cutting stare, shake of the head and finger waving while the player continued his protests.
And afterwards, the player said: 'If situation with Spalletti is not solved, in January I will leave .'
Hulk has endured a torrid time at Zenit since his 39.5million switch from Porto in September.
His arrival sparked an angry reaction from the first team squad, angry at the wages being lavished upon the 26-year-old. So unpopular was the move that captain Igor Denisov went public and earned a demotion to the youth team.
The episode in Italy could reignite Chelsea's interest the player, who was tracked closely by the Premier League giants before he opted for Russia.
Hulk, who also interested Tottenham during the summer, moved to Porto from Japanese side Tokyo Verdy in 2008, grabbing 54 goals in 103 league matches. He has 13 Brazil caps.
Tough times: Hulk is having a torrid spell in Russia since his 39m switch
Zenit's 1-0 win secured a place in the Europa League.
Manager Spalletti said: 'The lads played well and deserved to win even though it was a bit of a nervous game. I'm happy to have qualified and happy with tonight's game as in the past two years we haven't won away from home, even when we've played well.
'I'd like to say a huge thank you to our fans tonight, as even I was stunned at the number who were here. Their number and enthusiasm tonight gives us extra responsibility.
'We have to work hard for them as they deserve it. Maybe a draw would have been a fairer result as we had to defend a lot, but we have to be happy, we're through. We'll try to do better.'
