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Football

04th Jul 2023

Paddy Kenny shares Eni Aluko DMs allegedly sent after criticism over Declan Rice claim

Callum Boyle

‘Think I’ve upset her’

Former Ireland goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has leaked a series of Instagram messages allegedly sent to him by former England international, Eniola Aluko.

Aluko was criticised on social media after claiming that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta asked Pep Guardiola to get Manchester City to put in a bid for Declan Rice to help the Gunners in their pursuit of signing the midfielder and that the Premier League champions were never truly interested in him.

City eventually pulled out of the deal and Arsenal went on to agree a £105m deal with West Ham, with official confirmation of the move yet to be announced.

Explaining her theory on talkSPORT, she said: “I think what’s going on is [Mikel] Arteta has picked up the phone to Pep and said, ‘Listen, Arsenal are going to do the incremental bid approach, if you put a higher bid in, that will push my owner.’”

Kenny was one of many who responded to the claim, saying: “Never heard owt like it in my life. How does she get airtime?? Biggest load of bull I’ve ever heard,” and since then, has shared a number of messages sent by Aluko after his response.

He captioned the post: “Someone is rattled and comes across very big time,” as well adding on the screen: “Think I’ve upset her,” followed by three laughing react emojis.

In her messages, Aluko said: “Hi Paddy, can’t say I’ve ever seen you as a pundit get airtime. There’s probably a reason for that.

“Disagree respectfully but coming for former players who have been pundits at the highest level for 10 years makes you look jealous and bitter mate.

“Not a great look.”

She then proceeded to send a video link and added: “Brilliant punditry talking about getting stoned. Amazing use of your airtime. Sorry what podcast was this?

“”Let me know when you’re on talkSPORT, ITV, BT, Amazon – I’ll tune in and see how you use your ‘airtime’.”

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The FootballJOE quiz: Were you paying attention? – episode 10