Daniel Sturridge has been forced to pay £22,000 to a guy who found his dog after it went missing

Daniel Sturridge has been ordered to pay Foster Washington, a local musician, £22,400 for discovering his lost pet.

Daniel Sturridge believes the reward has already been given to the correct receiver and that others are ‘trying to benefit for their own personal gain.’

Sturridge has turned to social media to counter reports that he forgot to pay a reward for his missing dog’s safe return.

It comes after a Los Angeles judge ordered the former Liverpool striker to pay local musician Foster Washington $30,085 (£22,400) for helping him discover the lost pet.

Lucci, a Pomeranian, was stolen from a Los Angeles home in 2019, prompting Sturridge to cry for his recovery and post a reward on social media in July 2019.

Lucci was eventually tracked down by local musician Washington, who uploaded photos of the two on social media and helped them reconnect.

However, court documents show that Daniel Sturridge was handed a default judgment after a claim was made that the incentive was not received.

Sturridge, on the other hand, disputes the charges, alleging that others are attempting to benefit for their own personal advantage and that the incentive has already been paid to the proper recipient.

“Just to let you know the reality on xmas!” wrote Sturridge.

Just to let you know the truth on xmas!
I met a young boy who found my dog and paid him a reward which he was delighted with as was I to get my dog back because he was stolen. I took photos with him and we have videos and audio of everything that happened when Lucci was returned.— Daniel Sturridge (@DanielSturridge) December 25, 2021

“I met a little lad who recovered my dog and gave him a prize, which he was overjoyed about as much as I was to get my dog back after he had been stolen.

“When Lucci was returned, I took photos with him, and we have films and audio of everything that happened.”

“Having to relive the events of a heist on Christmas Day is a disgrace.

“Others are attempting to gain advantage for their own personal gain.” Once again, thank you to the young guy. It was 2 1/2 years ago, and it had been a hectic 24 hours. I’m relieved Lucci has returned to our family. “To everyone, love.”

On Christmas Day to have to relive the events of a robbery is shameful. Other people are trying to benefit for their own personal gain. Thank you to the young boy once again. This was 2 1/2 years ago and a crazy 24hrs. I’m very grateful lucci is back with our family. Love to all.— Daniel Sturridge (@DanielSturridge) December 25, 2021

Meanwhile, claimant Washington, whose rapper name is Killa Fame, has been pursuing the matter for over a year and has stated that Daniel Sturridge has “failed him down.”

He told PA, “Hopefully he pays up and doesn’t try to appeal it.” “I’m thrilled; I’ve been fighting this case for over a year and can’t believe it’s finally finished.” “I felt my life was going to get better when we found the puppy.”

Sturridge joined Perth Glory on a free transfer in October, 19 months after leaving Trabzonspor in Turkey.

After receiving a four-month suspension for violating the FA’s gambling policies, the 32-year-old former England striker has been out of the game since March 2020.

Daniel Sturridge announced on Twitter on December 17 that the squad would be quarantined for 14 days in a Brisbane hotel after a teammate contracted coronavirus.

Sturridge’s representatives have been approached for comment.