A lip reader has worked out what was said between Donald Trump and the Chelsea squad after the US president's controversial appearance at the Club World Cup final yesterday.
The 79-year-old has taken a close interest in the international tournament this summer, in what is a precursor to next summer's World Cup, even inviting the Juventus squad to the White House so he could meet US nationals Weston McKennie and Timothy Weah, even if they found the experience a little weird.
So it was perhaps no surprise that he and Melania decided to head to New Jersey for the final on Sunday 13 July, as Chelsea surprised everyone by defeating the seemingly unstoppable PSG 3-0 after two goals from Cole Palmer and one from new signing Joao Pedro.
Although the half-time show left a lot of viewers disappointed, they were completely baffled when Trump decided to join the Chelsea players on stage as they collected their trophy at the end of the game, and even more so when he didn't leave.
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The US president has already been compared to John Terry, who memorably wore a full Chelsea kit in the 2012 Champions League final despite being suspended for the game, and it seems as if Palmer wasn't too keen on having the man from Home Alone 2: Lost in New York next to him as he won player of the tournament.
In footage of the moment, when Trump remained on stage it appears he said: "What's he doing?"
And now, a lip reader has revealed exactly what they think was said to Palmer, captain Reece James and goalkeeper Robert Sanchez during the trophy celebrations yesterday.
Jeremy Freeman suggests that when Trump presented the individual trophy to English player Palmer, he said: "Chelsea's biggest fan. I'm a big fan of you. So well done you." I wonder if Trump also had him in his FPL team a couple of seasons back?
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Freeman also clarified what was said between Trump and the captain as he decided to stay for the lifting of the trophy.
While Palmer was looking very confused in the background, Freeman revealed James had asked for the president's permission to lift the trophy.
As Palmer reportedly said: "No, no, just wait, wait…wait…wait," James turned to Trump for his approval.
James reportedly said "I can lift?", with Trump responding "Oh we can, good!"
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According to Freeman, Sanchez was more amenable than some of his other teammates to have the Republican leader on stage.
"Please, sir," the goalkeeper said to Trump, according to Freeman, before asking him: "Want us to lift the trophy next to you?"
Topics: Chelsea, Donald Trump, Football, Sport
James Moorhouse