June 9th 2024.
Neal Maupay wants to clarify that he has no ill feelings towards James Maddison, despite a recent incident that may have suggested otherwise. The Everton striker, who had been playing on loan at Brentford last season, found himself in hot water after copying Maddison's signature darts celebration during a Premier League match against Tottenham in January. Maddison and the Tottenham squad were understandably upset, and things only escalated when Maupay took to social media to compare their careers, claiming that he had more goals and fewer relegations than Maddison.
The tension between the two players seemed to have died down, until Maddison released a heartfelt statement following his exclusion from England's Euro 2024 squad. In response, Maupay posted a photo of himself holding darts with a big smile on his face, reigniting the feud. But when asked about it in a recent interview with talkSPORT, Maupay was quick to dismiss any animosity towards Maddison, saying, "You need to ask him. From my side, I've got no problem with him or anyone."
Maupay went on to explain that he sees football as a game, and he enjoys having a bit of banter and fun with his friends. He also clarified that his celebration against Tottenham was not pre-planned, but rather a spontaneous decision in the heat of the moment. "I score and celebrate with whatever is going through my mind," he said. "I don't have one celebration, so I do a bit of everything."
The Frenchman also found humor in the reaction from the Tottenham players, who took his celebration as a personal attack. "How do you take a celebration so personally?" he laughed. "Before that game, I was cool with everyone and with Maddison. He grabbed me straight away as I was coming back from the goal and he was so p*****. I was like 'relax, it's just a celebration'."
Maupay believes that people shouldn't read too much into his actions, as he sees it all as harmless fun. He also doesn't understand why the Tottenham players were so bothered by it, saying, "You've got bigger things to worry about than my celebration. Just enjoy it." He even encourages his teammates to join in on the banter, saying, "I like to give something, but I can receive as well."
As for Maddison's omission from England's final Euro 2024 squad, Maupay says he has no doubt that Maddison will bounce back and continue to have a successful career. "I know when I do things like that and we lose the game, they will come for me. That's fine, I can take it," he said. "For me, football is a game and growing up I did the same stuff. I don't want to stop now." He also reminds everyone that just because he's a professional footballer, it doesn't mean he can't have a little fun and be himself.
In conclusion, Maupay wants to make it clear that there are no hard feelings between him and Maddison. He sees it all as a bit of friendly competition and banter, and he hopes that everyone can just enjoy the game without reading too much into things. As for England's Euro 2024 squad, Maupay believes that they have bigger things to worry about than his celebration, and he wishes them all the best as they prepare for their first game against Serbia next Sunday.
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