FORMER Manchester United star Tom Cleverley has revealed his heartbreak after fans started a petition to BAN him from playing for England.
The 35-year-old is now manager of Watford after a glittering midfield career.
Cleverley played 79 matches for United, winning a Premier League title.
And he also turned out for clubs including Watford, Leicester, Aston Villa and Everton.
Cleverley’s time at United also saw him win 13 England caps between 2012 and 2013.
But some supporters were not keen on seeing him represent the Three Lions.
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One even created an online government petition, urging others to sign so that Cleverley would be banned from playing for England at the 2014 World Cup.
The petition, which was rejected and is now archived, read: “Tom Cleverley, owner of 13 England caps, has been regularly selected by Roy Hodgson in his squads without possessing any genuine qualities whatsoever.
“We believe for the reputation of this proud footballing nation that he should be prevented from attending this summer’s international showcase.
“Whilst England are considered to disappoint at major tournaments, further embarrassment could be avoided by not having his inept performances undermine the rest team’s efforts.”
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Cleverley was not selected for the tournament in Brazil, which saw England finish bottom of their group.
And he has now revealed how much the petition hurt.
Cleverley claims it was a “difficult process” knowing that he was not a fan favourite.
And he admits he would not want his son to ever go through a similar experience.
The Hornets gaffer told The Telegraph: “It’s something as a parent I wouldn’t want to see my son go through… to fulfil his dreams and get knocked down quite hard.
“I massively respect the players who have gone through that process (criticism) and still come out at the top: Raheem Sterling, Harry Maguire.
“To play for United, the biggest club in the country, to play for England, and then for a petition to come out to get you out of the squad.
“That’s a pretty difficult process for a 23-year-old to go through.”
Tom Cleverley’s career stats
Club career
- Man Utd, 2008-2015: 79 games, 5 goals
- Leicester (loan), 2008-2009: 15 games, 2 goals
- Watford (loan), 2009-2010: 35 games, 11 goals
- Wigan (loan), 2010-2011: 25 games, 4 goals
- Aston Villa (loan), 2014-2015: 37 games, 3 goals
- Everton, 2015-2017: 42 games, 2 goals
- Watford, 2016-2023: 146 games, 8 goals
- England, 2012-2013: 13 games, 0 goals
- Trophies: Premier League, Community Shield x2 (Man Utd); League One (Leicester)
Managerial career
- Watford, March 2024-present: P27 W12 D6 L9
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
