Phil Neville ‘almost clipped’ son Harvey following his response to Jordi Alba at Inter Miami
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Phil Neville had to convince his son Harvey to give up his shirt number to Jordi Alba.
The Barcelona legend followed former teammates Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets to Inter Miami, signing a two-and-a-half year deal at the end of July.
Since the trio's arrival, the MLS side have won all their games under new manager - and former Barca manager - Gerardo 'Tata' Martino.
Inter Miami's sudden influx of fans and media attention following Messi's move makes Neville's days as manager feel like another lifetime.
It was only just under three months ago the ex-Man United and Everton star was sacked by his former teammate and lifelong pal David Beckham, with Miami sitting bottom of the Eastern Conference.
But Neville is still attached to the club thanks to his son, 21-year-old Harvey, who still plays for them and has had an interesting conversation with the new arrivals.
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Speaking to Taylor Twellman's Offside podcast, he said: "About a week ago my son came home, he had taken the no.18 [shirt] because it was a number I had in my career and Harvey took it.
"He came home and said 'dad, Jordi Alba wants my No 18'. I was like 'what did you say? I hope you said yes' and he was like 'well...' and I almost clipped him round the head!"
It was a light hearted comment from Neville, who was highlighting the contribution Alba has made to the game compared to his son's burgeoning one.
"This is Jordi Alba - give him your number and clean his shirt every day!" Neville joked.
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"I said if I was you I would ask him to sign his first shirt 'to Harvey, from Jordi Alba'."
Alba did end up getting his wish in the end and now wears no.18, whilst Harvey has been handed the no.20.
Inter Miami next face Nashville in the Leagues Cup final this Sunday, with Alba, Messi and co given the chance to win their first piece of silverware at the club.
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