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 house in Los Angeles.
Foster Washington, an American rapper known as Killa Fame, took credit for reuniting Sturridge with his dog, but alleged he was not paid and launched a civil lawsuit. In December 2021, an LA court ordered the ex-Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool star to pay Washington $30,000 (£23,400).
After ignoring the order, Sturridge was called 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 pundit engaged a California-based lawyer to try and resolve the case.
Mail Sport now understands that an out-of-court settlement was finally reached in the summer to end the bizarre five-year saga, with Sturridge paying Washington $20,000 (£15,900). As part of the agreement, neither side acknowledged 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 continuing to try to get money from me, following the theft of my family's dog, Lucci, which happened four years ago.
‘The truth is, I personally paid a reward to the young boy who found him. He was delighted with the reward, as were my family and I to get Lucci home. The person seeking payment is not due any money, I already paid the young boy who found Lucci.
‘I was unaware of the court hearing even taking place. The legal paperwork was sent to the Airbnb property which we had left within 24 hours of the burglary. Therefore, I have not had the opportunity to properly represent myself.
‘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 favour quickly and put an end to the speculative claim for good.’
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 Australia’s A-League in April 2022.
Mail Sport approached Sturridge’s lawyer for comment.
