Declan Jones-Cordoba

Writer at @thecountersport/Sport Journalist/A Mexican-Englishman @LJMU Graduate/AVFC supporter

[You Yeltz! @YouYeltz]

Great to see the Guatemalan lads over here and a big thanks to Alvechurch FC for use of the pitch

[Daz Hale BBC Radio WM @DazHaleWM]

The commentary of Emi Buendia’s winning goal yesterday for #AVFC

A ⁦⁦@miketaylorsport⁩ masterclass

[Ghana Lions AVFC @AvfcGhana]

It will not cost you anything to retweet. I don't know Arsenal. I know Villaaaaaa

[John Townley @johntownley11]

Fascinated to find a microwave in Go Ahead Eagles' history cabinet…

#AVFC

[Dilly Hussain @DillyHussain88]

Maccabi Tel Aviv fans in Athens last year.

Keir Starmer, the entire British class and the mainstream media have chosen racist Israeli hooligans over their own citizens and local residents of Birmingham.

The level of gaslighting is bonkers.

[أنس الشريف Anas Al-Sharif @AnasAlSharif0]

This is my will and my final message. If these words reach you, know that Israel has succeeded in killing me and silencing my voice. First, peace be upon you and Allah’s mercy and blessings.

Allah knows I gave every effort and all my strength to be a support and a voice for my people, ever since I opened my eyes to life in the alleys and streets of the Jabalia refugee camp. My hope was that Allah would extend my life so I could return with my family and loved ones to our original town of occupied Asqalan (Al-Majdal). But Allah’s will came first, and His decree is final. I have lived through pain in all its details, tasted suffering and loss many times, yet I never once hesitated to convey the truth as it is, without distortion or falsification—so that Allah may bear witness against those who stayed silent, those who accepted our killing, those who choked our breath, and whose hearts were unmoved by the scattered remains of our children and women, doing nothing to stop the massacre that our people have faced for more than a year and a half.

I entrust you with Palestine—the jewel in the crown of the Muslim world, the heartbeat of every free person in this world. I entrust you with its people, with its wronged and innocent children who never had the time to dream or live in safety and peace. Their pure bodies were crushed under thousands of tons of Israeli bombs and missiles, torn apart and scattered across the walls.

I urge you not to let chains silence you, nor borders restrain you. Be bridges toward the liberation of the land and its people, until the sun of dignity and freedom rises over our stolen homeland. I entrust you to take care of my family. I entrust you with my beloved daughter Sham, the light of my eyes, whom I never got the chance to watch grow up as I had dreamed.

I entrust you with my dear son Salah, whom I had wished to support and accompany through life until he grew strong enough to carry my burden and continue the mission.

I entrust you with my beloved mother, whose blessed prayers brought me to where I am, whose supplications were my fortress and whose light guided my path. I pray that Allah grants her strength and rewards her on my behalf with the best of rewards.

I also entrust you with my lifelong companion, my beloved wife, Umm Salah (Bayan), from whom the war separated me for many long days and months. Yet she remained faithful to our bond, steadfast as the trunk of an olive tree that does not bend—patient, trusting in Allah, and carrying the responsibility in my absence with all her strength and faith.

I urge you to stand by them, to be their support after Allah Almighty. If I die, I die steadfast upon my principles. I testify before Allah that I am content with His decree, certain of meeting Him, and assured that what is with Allah is better and everlasting.

O Allah, accept me among the martyrs, forgive my past and future sins, and make my blood a light that illuminates the path of freedom for my people and my family. Forgive me if I have fallen short, and pray for me with mercy, for I kept my promise and never changed or betrayed it.

Do not forget Gaza… And do not forget me in your sincere prayers for forgiveness and acceptance.

Anas Jamal Al-Sharif
06.04.2025

This is what our beloved Anas requested to be published upon his martyrdom.

[Declan Jones-Cordoba @_DeclanJC]

@FootyScran Got this taco hotdog? (Pølse) & coke for the amazing price of kr65 (£4.73) at @ValerengaOslo

[Declan Jones-Cordoba @_DeclanJC]

@teoskalstad It may be because he's Danish & not Norwegian.

[Ryan Dilks @RyanDilks1]

What a pass by this seagull 🤣🤣

[Aston Villa @AVFCOfficial]

Remembering lifelong Aston Villa fan and legendary writer and poet, Benjamin Zephaniah 💜💙

[Sky Sports Cricket @SkyCricket]

Joe Root becomes England's leading Test-match run scorer 👏

[Declan Jones-Cordoba @_DeclanJC]

That Sunday 6th was special as I not only celebrated my 23rd birthday, but rather me also celebrating becoming a Villa fan. That Sunday made it my 50th game. I've been to the Villa.

I couldn't wish anything better than that. #UTV #AstonVilla @AVFCOfficial

[Declan Jones-Cordoba @_DeclanJC]

On October 6th of 2001, I was born, just hours before David Beckham scored his iconic free kick against Greece.

Growing up in Mexico, I played football like everyone else. However, I never liked it. Not until October 2nd, 2018.

[Declan Jones-Cordoba @_DeclanJC]

I had just arrived just arrived back to the UK, and that's when I went to the first Aston Villa game that I can say I remember, as part of my pre-Birthday present by part of my dad and his mate.

Aston Villa ended 3-3 against Preston. From there on, I have been hooked since.

[The Counter Sport @TheCounterSport]

ARTICLE | The Premier League returns this weekend and @_DeclanJC is back to preview all of the fixtures and give you our journalists predictions for each game.

https://t.co/gqGJQuZYtJ

[The Counter Sport @TheCounterSport]

PODCAST | Will Liverpool keep top spot? Could this be Ten Hag’s last game for Man United?

Find out our thoughts as @dtimson03 is joined by @KevBann & @_DeclanJC to preview the upcoming games this weekend.

#PremiereLeague #LFC #MUFC #Football #TenHag

https://t.co/kRvNJtpPGa

[The Counter Sport @TheCounterSport]

ARTICLE | Another game week, another round of Premier League predictions.

@_DeclanJC has all you need to know ahead of this Premier League gameweek

#PremierLeague #EPL

https://t.co/EzaSpufpSk

[The Prince and Princess of Wales @KensingtonRoyal]

The last time @AVFCOfficial won in the top European competition, it was the month before I was born. Let’s hope tonight is the first step towards another European adventure!

My thoughts this evening are also with Villa legend Gary Shaw’s friends and family following his passing yesterday.

#UTV

W

[We Are Villans🦁 @WeAreVillans_]

Moment of the night.
Beautiful. RIP Gary Shaw 🍻

#astonvilla #garyshaw #iantaylor #villansontour

[The Counter Sport @TheCounterSport]

ARTICLE | Champions League football returns tonight and @dtimson03 takes a look at the weeks biggest fixtures as well as detailing how the competition will be different from this year

#ChampionsLeague

https://t.co/qBUXGh9kYE