Port Vale striker Tom Pope had another pop at Manchester City centre back John Stones after he scored in his side’s 4-1 loss at the Etihad Stadium in the FA Cup third round.
Pope tweeted his negative opinion of Stones last summer following the England defender’s poor performance in the Nations League semi-final loss to Netherlands, saying: “Just watched the highlights of the England game! I know I’m a league 2 player, I know he plays for England, I know he’s on £150k a week, I know he’s a million times better player than me but I’d love to play against John Stones every week! I’d get 40 a season!”
(Image: REUTERS)
Pope had the opportunity to prove his point when he went up against Stones on Saturday, and although his side couldn’t manage to produce a huge shock against the champions, the journeyman forward got his moment in the sun in the first half when he headed home to score his side’s equaliser.
And he took to social media again afterwards the game and tweeted: “Sorry I can’t reply to everyone it’s gone mental! I’d just like to say I was completely wrong and bang out of order to say I’d score 40 a season… it’s more like 50. Enjoy your weekend.”
Fans reacted with delight to Pope’s post, with one replying “HAHAHA Spurs Official sign him please,” while another added “England call up for you in my opinion.”
(Image: Pete Stonier / Stoke Sentinel)
In the end Pope’s goal was a mere consolation for Vale as strikes from Oleksandr Zinchenko, Sergio Aguero, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Phil Foden ensured it was a comfortable day at the office for City.
Their manager Pep Guardiola praised Pope after the game, however, saying: “When Port Vale get contact with Tom Pope and run, they are a danger. In the second half, we created a lot of chances so we are into the next round.”
