Chris Flanagan
Chris joined FourFourTwo in 2015 and has reported from 20 countries, in places as varied as Jerusalem and the Arctic Circle. He's interviewed Pele, Zlatan and Santa Claus (it's a long story), as well as covering the World Cup, Euro 2020 and the Clasico. He previously spent 10 years as a newspaper journalist, and completed the 92 in 2017.
Latest articles by Chris Flanagan
'You couldn’t blame Trent Alexander-Arnold if he wanted to play for Real Madrid – I hope he stays, but even with Mo Salah, I would understand if he decided to leave': Former Liverpool defender explains why he’s braced for key Anfield exits
By Chris Flanagan published
Liverpool’s three biggest stars - including Trent Alexander-Arnold - are all out of contract in the summer, with uncertainty remaining over their futures
Arsenal greats Ray Parlour and Paul Merson join Jules Breach for FourFourTwo's 30th anniversary event in London
By Chris Flanagan last updated
It's three decades since FFT began in 1994, so we had a special evening to celebrate, hosted by Classic Football Shirts, with drinks sponsored by Guinness
‘Maybe I’ll be signed by Wrexham, who knows? English football would suit me – if an offer came, I wouldn’t think twice, I’d go immediately’ Euro 2024 cult hero reveals his UK dream
By Chris Flanagan published
After almost joining Luton in 2022, a summer star tells FourFourTwo about his hopes for a January move
‘Ruben Amorim could have waited for Real Madrid and had a better chance to be successful – to have joined Manchester United, he must be convinced in his own ability’ Former Old Trafford coach’s verdict on new boss
By Chris Flanagan published
Ex-Red Devils man explains why Amorim's arrival may be an even bigger risk for the new coach than it is for the club
‘After Manchester City’s recent form, maybe they’re the underdogs against Manchester United!’ Former Red Devils defender on this weekend’s derby
By Chris Flanagan published
Pep Guardiola’s side have won just once in 10 games, leading to hopes on the other side of Manchester that they could be beatable
‘England have the players to win the World Cup – it’ll be tough for Thomas Tuchel to do a bad job, with the squad he has at his disposal’ Former Three Lions winger backs new boss after gentle qualifying draw
By Chris Flanagan published
The German boss begins his tenure in charge with some encouraging fixtures, as England aim to triumph in 2026
‘This is the hardest Manchester derby to call in years – Manchester United shouldn’t be petrified, it feels like Manchester City aren’t in control of any game at the moment’ Former Red Devils striker thinks a surprise result could be possible
By Chris Flanagan published
Ruben Amorim’s first derby as Old Trafford boss comes at a time when their rivals have been wobbling
“Marcus Rashford will always be under scrutiny, he can’t just ask people to shut up, they won’t. He has to show he’s obsessed with football again, the best train more than anybody’: former Manchester United striker issues warning to Old Trafford star
By Chris Flanagan published
The England international has been back among the goals under Ruben Amorim, but has been told he needs to remain dedicated
'Did I sleep with the Ballon d’Or? Kind of... my mum has been inviting everyone to the house, and putting it all over the place!’ Manchester City’s Rodri lifts the lid on life as the best player in the world
By Chris Flanagan published
In an exclusive interview with FourFourTwo, the Spanish midfielder explains what it's been like since winning the prestigious award
'I want to be back on the field this season – winning the Ballon d'Or was like a bottle of oxygen for my rehab' Manchester City star Rodri explains why his award came at the perfect time
By Chris Flanagan published
In an exclusive interview with FourFourTwo, the Spanish midfielder reveals when he's targeting returning to action
‘It was so clear the other guy was winning the Ballon d’Or, so I didn’t expect much, but I thought “It’s a vote, you never know.” Afterwards, friends texted me and said football won’ Rodri speaks out on pipping Vinicius to football's biggest award
By Chris Flanagan published
In an exclusive interview with FourFourTwo, the Spanish midfielder explains why he never gave up hope of triumphing
'Will Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar extend their contracts in Saudi Arabia? We play a facilitating job, but it’s down to the players and the clubs to decide' Saudi Pro League chief reveals how talks will work for out-of-contract duo
By Chris Flanagan published
Some of the league's biggest stars see their deals expire this summer – FFT heard from the division's CEO, on the prospects of them staying and others arriving
'LGBTQ+ fans will be respected at a World Cup in Saudi Arabia, everyone is welcome' 2034 tournament bid chief's promise
By Chris Flanagan published
Ahead of the country being awarded the tournament next month, FFT spoke to the bid CEO about some of the important issues that have been raised
Happy 30th anniversary, FourFourTwo: The story of the ‘quite remarkable’ football magazine
By Chris Flanagan published
Three decades ago when FourFourTwo launched, no-one imagined it would lead to an all-nighter with Delia Smith, being abducted by an Israeli taxi driver and sending Bobby Robson bottles of HP Sauce through the post. We speak to every previous editor, to hear the full story of the ‘quite remarkable’ football magazine
‘If I thought I was out of contention for the England squad, I’d tell you, but I don’t. If moving to Saudi Arabia has damaged my chances though, I can’t really change that’: FourFourTwo hear from Ivan Toney in Jeddah
By Chris Flanagan published
Former Brentford striker Ivan Toney gave a rare interview to the media, ahead of Al Ahli’s derby clash with Al Ittihad
‘Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk coming to join me in Saudi Arabia? I don’t know - it’s not my problem!’ Former Liverpool star teases his ex-Anfield team-mates leaving Merseyside
By Chris Flanagan published
One of the Liverpool duo's former Anfield pals has been asked about their potential move to the Saudi Pro League
‘The ball came to Ian Durrant, and Graeme Souness smashed him. Durranty said ‘Is that your best?’ Souness said ‘No, this is’ – bang! Then we were all into it, a good old-fashioned scrap!’: Ally McCoist on the training ground fights that were ENCOURAGED
By Chris Flanagan published
Former Rangers and Scotland hero Ally McCoist tells FourFourTwo about the day when a five-a-side match got out of hand
‘If England appointing a German boss is a major concern, the lack of black managers should be too – people are only interested because it's affecting white English managers, let's not pretend’: John Barnes gives his views on the Thomas Tuchel debate
By Chris Flanagan published
The former Three Lions winger says a lack of diversity should get just as much attention as a lack of English bosses at the top level
‘He doesn’t get the respect his talent deserves, he’s got everything you’d look for in a striker – if I could pick anyone for Chelsea to sign, I’d pick him’: Glen Johnson names the star that he’d love the Blues to recruit in January
By Chris Flanagan published
The former Stamford Bridge defender knows exactly who he'd like to see his old club sign
"Winning the Champions League was like Denmark in 1992 – nobody put a lot of money on us, but when it's only one game, anything can happen': Former Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool forward on his European heroics
By Chris Flanagan published
Striking great tells FFT how he's now trying to help boost his old club's profile around the world
Liverpool will get Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk to sign new contracts, it’s just a matter of time: Former Reds striker explains why he’s confident all three stars will stay at Anfield
By Chris Flanagan published
An ex Liverpool forward is not concerned over the future of some of the club's best players
Derby County's shocking 2007/08 revisited: the Premier League's worst ever season, told by those who were there
By Chris Flanagan last updated
Derby County endured misery, torment and torture during the 2007/08 season, with no Premier League side having come close to their dismal, record-breaking campaign
Ex-Arsenal hero Theo Walcott names the underrated Gunners player that he’s a ‘big fan of’
By Chris Flanagan published
One player has caught the eye of a former star early in the season – and it may not be the person that you expect
Padbol? Jorkyball?! The surprise investment Theo Walcott has made after retirement
By Chris Flanagan published
The former Arsenal and England winger explains to FFT about the hybrid sports he's now passionate about
They’ve missed him for his legs, energy levels and work rate, they need the whole team to be like that: Lee Sharpe pinpoints the one player that Manchester United have suffered without
By Chris Flanagan published
The Red Devils have been inconsistent again this term – speaking to FFT, a former hero explains which player's absence is felt
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