Marseille’s Neal Maupay takes a swipe at Everton | OneFootball

“I was maybe born a pain in the arse,” Neal Maupay (28) told L’Équipe earlier this month. The Frenchman has perhaps become more renowned for his shithousery than his work on the pitch in recent years with a spate of incidents, both on and off the pitch, earning Maupay a certain reputation.

He likes trash-talking and likes to get under his opponent’s skin, as he did with James Maddison, imitating the England international’s darts-throwing celebration. However. there was an element of friendly fire on Sunday night. In the wake of Everton’s 2-0 loss at home to Nottingham Forest, Maupay took to social media and said, “Whenever I’m having a bad day I just check the Everton score and smile.”

It was an inflammatory remark, even more so given that he still remains under contract at Everton until 2026. The Frenchman, who has just one goal in 31 appearances for the Toffees, is currently on loan at Olympique de Marseille, where he has two goals in 12 games.

OM have the option to make the deal permanent for around €5m. One thing looks certain, however, Maupay is unlikely to play for Everton again; that bridge has been burnt.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle