
Chris Flanagan
Chris joined FourFourTwo in 2015 and has reported from more than 20 countries, in places as varied as Ivory Coast and the Arctic Circle. He's interviewed Pele, Zlatan and Santa Claus (it's a long story), as well as covering the World Cup, AFCON and the Clasico. He previously spent 10 years as a newspaper journalist, and completed the 92 in 2017.
Latest articles by Chris Flanagan

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou tells FFT he used to be a Real Madrid legend’s chauffeur
By Chris Flanagan published
In an exclusive interview, the Tottenham manager explains how he learned from Ferenc Puskas during his playing days

We asked a 2000s pop princess her favourite football book: the answer is incredible
By Chris Flanagan published
Meet the popstar whose favourite book about football… is about hooliganism

Dean Saunders exclusive: Wales need to adapt playing style without Gareth Bale – and build a statue for him in Cardiff
By Chris Flanagan published
The former Wales striker says Rob Page's men should take a counter-attacking approach without their retired legend

When David Beckham was the most hated man in England – and had the greatest season of his life
By Chris Flanagan last updated
BECKHAM On June 30, 1998, one petulant flick of a right foot changed David Beckham's life. His red card against Argentina sparked outrage across England. Well, everywhere but Old Trafford…

Why Manchester United's poor results may deny Premier League a fifth Champions League spot this season
By Chris Flanagan published
England are currently only eighth in UEFA's rankings – and Manchester United's defeats in Europe are a significant factor

EXCLUSIVE: Declan Rice reveals exactly why he chose Arsenal this summer
By Chris Flanagan published
INTERVIEW The Gunners midfielder tells FourFourTwo what made him take the decision to link up with Mikel Arteta at the Emirates

Declan Rice exclusively reveals what West Ham mentor told him when he left
By Chris Flanagan published
INTERVIEW Arsenal’s £105m signing tells FourFourTwo it will be ‘strange’ when he faces his old club on Boxing Day

EXCLUSIVE: 'I believe we can compete with the best' – Declan Rice says Arsenal can win the Champions League this season
By Chris Flanagan published
The England midfielder tells FourFourTwo why he thinks the Gunners can challenge for the biggest European honours

Ranked! The 100 best football managers of all time
By Chris Flanagan published
RANKED! The 100 best football managers of all time, ever: it's time to honour the best tacticians, tinkermen and master motivators in the history of the game. Buckle up...

Ivan Rakitic admits the motivation to succeed in his first seven months at Sevilla had nothing to do with football
By Chris Flanagan published
Ivan Rakitic has enjoyed two successful spells playing for Sevilla - but his personal life has benefitted greatly while being at the club, too

'Aston Villa have one of the best coaches in the world': Unai Emery's former captain heaps high praise on Spaniard
By Chris Flanagan published
Aston Villa are back in Europe after Emery spent less than a full season in charge, and one of his ex-players believes they've hired an exceptional manager

‘He may be one of the best goalkeepers in history’: Ivan Rakitic on his ‘big friend’ Manuel Neuer
By Chris Flanagan published
The legendary ex-Croatia midfielder played alongside the iconic German early in his career, forming a strong bond

‘England were a little bit surprised’: The secret to Croatia’s 2018 World Cup semi-final victory
By Chris Flanagan published
England seemed destined for the 2018 World Cup final after going ahead after five minutes, but Croatia fought back with superior quality on the night

What is it like to play with Lionel Messi? Former Barcelona team-mate explains why it's 'impossible' to pick just one moment
By Chris Flanagan published
Lionel Messi is still going strong in MLS with Inter Miami at 36 - and it's no wonder, considering the impact he's had on his team-mates during his career

Chelsea tried to sign World Cup finalist who admits he came 'very close' to joining - but believes he was right not to
By Chris Flanagan published
Chelsea are famed for their signing of young players at the moment, but they could've had one of the best in the world years ago

‘The demands are high’: Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher tell FourFourTwo they’re conscious they could be dropped by Sky at any minute
By Chris Flanagan published
Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher are two of the biggest pundits in the business – but they're not immune from Sky replacing them

Bolton Wanderers season preview 2023/24: Why promotion is the only thing that matters
By Chris Flanagan published
SEASON PREVIEW FourFourTwo's Bolton Wanderers season preview 2023/24 – can Ian Evatt progress the Trotters again and find a return to the second tier?

The Klaksvik miracle: how a tiny Faroe Islands town has been united by a shock Champions League win over Ferencvaros
By Chris Flanagan published
FFT was in the North Atlantic to see a community celebrate - with a historic group stage appearance within their sights

'Just sadness' Diogo Jota opens up on his World Cup heartache
By Chris Flanagan published
EXCLUSIVE Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota explains how it felt to be ruled out of Qatar 2022 because of injury

Diogo Jota believes no other footballer could beat him at FIFA - especially not Cristiano Ronaldo
By Chris Flanagan published
EXCLUSIVE In an exclusive interview, the Liverpool forward tells FourFourTwo that he's even defeated eSports professionals

How Luis Diaz joining Liverpool cost Diogo Jota money
By Chris Flanagan published
EXCLUSIVE In an exclusive interview with FourFourTwo, the Portuguese forward reveals he was once his team-mate's landlord

'Did Jurgen Klopp blame me for his hamstring pull? Yes!' Diogo Jota on THAT goal celebration
By Chris Flanagan published
EXCLUSIVE Talking exclusively to FourFourTwo, the Liverpool forward explains what Jurgen Klopp said to him after the dramatic winner vs Tottenham
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