Sturridge pays £16,000 to settle 5-year feud with rapper who found his stolen dog | All Football

Daniel Sturridge has paid £16,000 to settle his long-running legal dispute with a rapper who claimed he was owed a reward for finding his stolen dog.

In July 2019, the former England striker publicly offered a reward for the safe return of his pet Pomeranian, Lucci, after it was taken from his home in Los Angeles.

Foster Washington, an American rapper known as Killa Fame, took credit for reuniting Sturridge with his dog, but claimed he was not paid and launched a civil lawsuit. In December 2021, a court in LA ordered the former Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool star to pay Washington $30,000 (£23,400).

After ignoring the order, Sturridge was summoned back to court in September 2023 but failed to attend his hearing, leading to a warrant being issued for his arrest, as first reported by Mail Sport.

Following our story, the Sky Sports commentator hired a California lawyer to try and resolve the case.

Mail Sport now understands an out-of-court settlement was finally reached in the summer to end the strange five-year saga, with Sturridge paying Washington $20,000 (£15,900). As part of the agreement, neither side admitted liability, fault or wrongdoing.

The 35-year-old’s last public comment about the row with the rapper came following our exclusive report of his arrest warrant.

In October 2023, Sturridge wrote on social media: ‘The news yesterday was the first time my family and I heard that someone is still trying to get money from me, following the theft of my family dog, Lucci, which happened four years ago back. .

‘The truth is, I personally paid a reward to the young boy who found it. He was delighted with the prize, as was my family and I to have Lucci home. The person seeking payment is not owed any money, I have already paid the young boy who found Lucci.

‘I was not aware that the court hearing was even taking place. The legal paperwork was sent to the Airbnb property we had left within 24 hours of the burglary. Therefore, I have not had the opportunity to properly represent myself in relation to these false allegations.

‘With that being said, I have now instructed California lawyers to deal with matters on my behalf. I am confident that this will be resolved in my favor quickly and put an end to the speculative claim forever.’

Sturridge has worked as a pundit on Sky Sports’ Premier League coverage since the start of last season. He never officially retired from football but last played for Perth Glory in the Australian A-League in April 2022.

Mail Sport has contacted Sturridge’s lawyer for comment.