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Daniel Sturridge has broken his silence after an arrest warrant was issued by Los Angeles police earlier this week.
Sturridge missed a court session on Thursday after Foster Washington claimed he was owed money. The 34-year-old offered a large sum of money to any individual who would could return his dog that was stolen in 2019 – and the pair were eventually reunited.
The ex-Liverpool star said: "The news yesterday was the first time my family and I heard that someone is continuing to try to get money from me, following the theft of my family's dog, Lucci, which happened 4 years ago.
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“The truth is, I personally paid a reward to the young boy who found him. He was delighted with the reward, as were my family and I to get Lucci home. The person seeking payment is not due any money, I already paid the young boy who found Lucci.
“I was unaware of the court hearing even taking place. The legal paperwork was sent to the AirBNB property which we had left within 24 hours of the burglary. Therefore, I have not had the opportunity to properly represent myself in relation to these false claims.
“With that being said, I have now instructed California lawyers to deal with matters on my behalf. I am confident that this will be resolved in my favour quickly and put an end to the speculative claim for good.”
Sturridge was ordered to pay Washington $30,000 (£24,400) following a default judgment, after the striker didn't respond to the complaint. He was summoned to court for a 'debtor's exam', but he didn't attend the court.
He has now been served a bench warrant – a summons issued by a judge to arrest a defendant and bring them before court – with a new date for a hearing set for 30 November.
- Premier League
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