Maupay responds to Walker's claims that he taunted City star about his children

Neal Maupay has opened up on recent clashes with Premier League stars that have seen him become the pantomime villain of the division.

Maupay has become somewhat synonymous with winding up fellow pros in recent weeks, first clashing with James Maddison in Brentford's defeat to Tottenham at the end of January.

He then angered Kyle Walker, and was accused of talking about the full-back's family on the back of news he had fathered a second child with a different women to his partner.

The forward was slammed for his actions but has insisted he has never crossed a line, denying the allegations around his supposed comments to Walker in his side's 3-1 defeat to the Champions on February 5.

Speaking to The Times, Maupay claimed 'everyone would laugh' if they knew what he really said to Walker, and insisted he is 'just having fun' with his on-field antics.

'I didn't think I should have to defend myself for something I didn't do,' he said of the clash with Walker. 'The people who know me, they know I wouldn't say something like that, but it is a bit unfair because if I don't talk then people will think I'm guilty.

'I'm not going to say [what he said], but, if you read my lips properly and find out, everyone would laugh.

'People say footballers are boring, then all of a sudden a player does this and everyone goes, "Why, Neal? He's the most disliked player. Blah blah blah". For me, football is a game, it's entertainment. I'm just having fun and, on the pitch, I'm trying to do everything to win. If I can say something that puts you off or makes you overthink and make a mistake, I'll do it.

'People don't realise how much tension and emotion is involved at the highest level. I think it works quite well and if I can get a reaction, great.

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