Liverpool news: FSG break silence as Federico Chiesa statement issued | Football | Sport
Federico Chiesa has pulled out of international duty. (Image: Getty Images)
The international break will feel somewhat longer than a fortnight for Liverpool supporters following another setback in the Premier League. The Reds suffered a 2-1 defeat at Brighton on Saturday, marking their staggering 10th league loss of the campaign.
Whilst the reigning league champions remain in contention for Champions League qualification for next season, they now trail fourth-placed Aston Villa by five points, who returned to winning form against West Ham at the weekend. With the likes of Everton, Manchester United, Chelsea, Brentford and Villa still to feature in their final seven league fixtures, Liverpool will need to reverse their fortunes rapidly if they wish to participate in Europe’s premier competition.
Ahead of the two-week break, Express Sport examines John W. Henry’s return to social media and Federico Chiesa’s statement following his international return.
John W. Henry breaks social media silence
The Liverpool owner is not particularly active on social media, but the 76-year-old billionaire took to the X platform for the first time in five years to send a message to a Boston Globe reporter, the newspaper Henry has owned since 2014.
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Dan Shaughnessy, a Boston Red Sox columnist for the paper, reversed his criticism of NESN, a television network that is 80 per cent owned by Fenway Sports Group, after acknowledging he misunderstood a story. Responding to the reporter’s post, Henry simply stated: “Historic.”
Whilst it remains unclear what the businessman intended by his comment, it’s possible that he was making light of the reporter changing positions.
Henry’s wife, Liza Pizzuti, is an active user of social media. Last October, she shared a post on Instagram to commemorate the 15-year anniversary of FSG’s ownership at Liverpool. Part of her message read: “My first tweet about LFC 15 years ago was asking this amazing community about what songs I needed to learn for my first trip to Anfield.
John W. Henry has spoken out on social media. (Image: Getty Images)
“In our 15 years together, we have shared our own painful moments, epic comebacks, heart-breaking tragedies and new historic triumphs. We made new legends, and added new stories to the historic lore of this world-famous club. And we collected some lovely new silver of all shapes and sizes.”
Federico Chiesa statement
Federico Chiesa hasn’t enjoyed much fortune since his transfer to Liverpool, and this appears set to continue after he withdrew from the Italy squad days after receiving his first call-up to the national team in nearly two years.
The 29-year-old was selected by Gennaro Gattuso for the World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland on Thursday and a potential play-off final fixture against the victors of Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
However, the winger has pulled out of the squad due to fitness issues that have hindered his development since his move to Anfield in 2024. The Italian FA issued a statement that read: “Federico Chiesa was assessed on arrival at the Federal Technical Centre and deemed unavailable for the next two matches.
“In agreement with his club, he has left the squad. Bologna winger Nicolò Cambiaghi has been called up as his replacement.” Chiesa previously instructed Gattuso not to pick him unless he was “100 per cent”.
The forward has yet to turn out for his nation since his £10million transfer to the Reds from Juventus, with his last appearances for Italy occurring at Euro 2024.
