Marathe and Radrizzani send messages to Leeds United ace Phillips ahead of England v Italy
Leeds United chiefs Paraag Marathe and Andrea Radrizzani have sent video messages to Kalvin Phillips ahead of England’s European Championship final against Italy on Sunday.
Phillips, 25, has been instrumental in helping England reach their first major final since 1966, starting every single match and completing 120 minutes of the extra-time win over Denmark on Wednesday.
Ahead of the game, Leeds shared a video on their official Twitter account that showed a selection of Phillips’ family, teammates and ex-Leeds players sending their best wishes to the midfielder.
However, Italian businessman Radrizzani didn’t want to wish good luck to the Yorkshire Pirlo – but he is mightily proud.
“Hi, Kalvin. Congratulations, you have had an amazing tournament,” said Radrizanni.
“I did not have any doubt you could perform well as you have with Leeds United.
“I should wish you good luck but obviously, you play against Italy and it’s not easy for me to tell you good luck.
“But I wanted to say I’m so proud of how you’ve represented Leeds United and how you’ve represented Yorkshire in general.”
US shareholder Marathe also issued a video message to Phillips.
He said: “Hey, Kalvin. It’s Paraag here.
“I just wanted to wish you good luck in the Euros final.
“It’s been an absolute treat to watch you play so well for England and making us all proud, making a name for yourself and making a name for our club.”
Do us proud
No matter what happens at Wembley on Sunday, Phillips will go down in history not only at Leeds but also for England.
It’s on the second time the Three Lions have reached the final of a major international tournament and the first time ever in the Euros.
We’ve seen off 2018 World Cup runners-up Croatia, beaten quarter-finalists Czech Republic and Ukraine, smashed past the old foes of Germany and beat an impressive Denmark side.
If we can do that, we can win the entire tournament.
Phillips and Declan Rice have been absolute powerhouses in the middle of the park and are a massive reason as to why England have not conceded a goal from open-play this summer.
Teams are finding it very hard to break us down and we’re also tiring out teams a lot too. Phillips has been vital to that.
Marcelo Bielsa has created one of the best midfielders in the world, in our books.
We just really home you can bring it home, Kalvin.
We’re so proud of you.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have enquired about this £6.4million-rated central midfielder.