‘Lottery winning’ EPL footballer fears fans` backlash

London: A top footballer from the Premier League has won 125,000 pounds in Lottery, but the star player has requested anonymity to avoid getting abused from fans. The player, who is said to be a household name who plays for a top club, won the six figure sum before Christmas according to a football website.

The player matched five numbers and the bonus ball and is said to have collected his cheque this week, no doubt a drop in the ocean compared to his top-flight salary, the Daily Mail reports. But the footballer has guaranteed his anonymity thanks to a non-publicity clause offered to all winners by the National Lottery. A National Lottery spokesman said it would be unable to provide any details for the winner until and unless they themselves decide to reveal their name. It is not the first time that a top flight star has been linked with the Lottery, Ashley Cole and his then wife Cheryl Cole starred in an advert for the draw back in 2006, but there is no suggestion that Cole is the Premier League winner. ANI