Anthony Gordon ready to sign anything Javier Aguirre wants after World Cup prank

Anthony Gordon says he will sign “anything” Javier Aguirre asks for after the new Valencia manager joked about a light-hearted exchange between them during the 2026 World Cup.

Gordon, who plays for Barcelona, was standing near the touchline during the match between Mexico and England when he playfully told Aguirre: “Fuck you.” The Englishman responded with a smile.

After being appointed Valencia manager, Aguirre described the moment as “random silliness”. He said he wanted to print a photograph of the incident and ask Gordon to sign it for his children.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of an Aston Villa match, Gordon said the exchange had been well received and quickly spread.

“I think it was a great interaction. The idea was very well received and it spread like wildfire,” he said. “It was really enjoyable and there was no malice in it at all, just a passing joke.”

Gordon said the contrast between the tension of the match and the players’ brief moment of humour made the incident particularly memorable.

“What made it even better was that there was all this pressure, tension and hostility on the pitch, and then we shared that joke between the players as if we were playing in the park,” he added. “It was a really funny moment. He seems like a very nice man.”

Asked about Aguirre’s request for a signed photograph, Gordon replied: “I’ll sign anything he wants!”

The Barcelona player also reflected on England’s 2026 World Cup last-16 meeting with Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, describing it as the best match of his life.

“It was the best of my life,” Gordon said. “We had heard so much about the altitude, the stadium and the atmosphere.”

He recalled the noise generated by the Mexican supporters, particularly during their national anthem.

“I still believe the loudest noise I have ever heard in my life was when they sang their national anthem,” he said. “That moment will stay in my memory forever, as will the way we won, even though we were playing with 10 players.”

Gordon also highlighted the circumstances surrounding England’s winning penalty.

“And the way we got the penalty while we were playing with 10 men,” he added. “There were intense emotions, and that moment will remain etched in my memory forever.”

England won the match 3-2 and went on to claim the bronze medal at the World Cup. It was the Three Lions’ first medal since winning the tournament in 1966.