Harry Kane has backed the Daily Star's campaign to have him knighted, saying he would not turn down the honour. The England striker, who won the Ballon d'Or this week as the world's best player, admitted he would be "massively proud" to receive a knighthood but confessed it would feel "weird" to be called Sir.
Kane on the honour
Speaking about his chances, Kane, 33, told reporters: "I wouldn't say no to it, that's for sure. If it happens it'll be incredible, and something I'll be massively proud of. But I don't want to get too carried away."
Asked how it would feel to be called Sir Harry Kane, the former Tottenham forward replied: "It would sound good, but I'd feel weird everyone calling me Sir. So we'll just keep it as Harry for now."
Record-breaking year
The Daily Star has been calling for Kane to be knighted for his years of service and his stellar year for club and country. The Bayern Munich forward has been priced at 3-1 by William Hill to be knighted by 2030.
Earlier this month, he equalled Peter Shilton's record as the most capped England men's player with his 125th appearance against Czech Republic. Kane took less than 12 years from his debut in 2015 to reach the landmark, while Shilton's 125 games came over a 20-year period from 1970 to 1990. Kane is also the Three Lions' record goalscorer.
Downing Street hint
Downing Street recently hinted Kane deserves a knighthood, praising his "extraordinary achievement" as the first English winner of the Ballon d'Or in 25 years. Andy Burnham's spokesperson said: "Seventy years after Sir Stanley Matthews won the inaugural award, it caps a remarkable season and Harry continues to set a brilliant example to young players across the country, and the PM knows the whole nation will be incredibly proud of him. And, hopefully, there's another trophy to celebrate with England before too long."
Asked whether Burnham would like to see Kane receive a knighthood, the spokesperson said: "I think everyone would agree, Harry Kane has given an enormous amount to English football, and this is a very special moment for him and the country, but, as ever, I'm not going to pre-empt the honours process."
