Neal Maupay is on loan at Brentford from Everton

Tue 9 April 2024 10:10, UK

Brentford loanee and Everton striker Neal Maupay has lashed out at the Daily Mail after they cast doubt on the achievements of endurance runner Russ Cook.

Maupay posted on X with his disappointment that the Daily Mail created a minute-long video disputing Cook's record of running the entire length of Africa, less than a day after the 27-year-old finished his 352-day journey.

The Mail's video stated that the World Runners' Association had alleged one of its seven founders, Danish runner Jesper Olsen, was the first to run the entire length of Africa in his 434-day trek between Egypt and South Africa in 2010.

Maupay's assessment was frank, saying: "Less than 24 hours after this man finishes running the full length of Africa. Already the English press are trying to bring him down."

Goodison Park return for pantomime villain Maupay looking unlikely While still on the books at Everton despite playing just twice for the Toffees this campaign before making his season-long loan move to Brentford on September 1, 2023, Maupay's contrasting form at the two clubs suggests that West London will become his permanent home come the summer of 2024.

The Frenchman scored 41 goals in 95 appearances for the Bees before being signed by Brighton, with whom he had three steady Premier League seasons.

However, that consistent form was never seen at Goodison Park, after joining Everton for PS15million in August 2022 [BBC].

Maupay, loaned to Brentford from Everton, is a fan favourite at his clubs, but a pariah at almost all others. His return for the Toffees doesn't make for good reading, with just one goal across 29 games in 2022-23 and another scoreless trio of appearances this season before being shipped back out to Brentford on loan.

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Returning to his former home has re-ignited Maupay's form though, scoring eight goals across 27 appearances in all competitions for the Bees.

His riling up of opposition players and fanbases, most recently taking a swipe at darts prodigy Luke Littler, has increased during this period, suggesting that Brentford is the place where his polarising personality shines the brightest.

In other Everton news, Jarrad Branthwaite has made a brand new transfer admission amid speculation at Goodison Park