17 June 2023 , 10:16
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Ella Toone has posted an emotional goodbye to teammate and childhood best friend Alessia Russo after it was announced Russo would leave Manchester United.
Toone and Russo are already childhood friends, but cemented their friendship becoming a force to be reckoned with for both Manchester United and England.
Hours after Russo's United departure was announced, Toone posted a sentimental goodbye on her personal TikTok, telling her best friend how much she will miss her.
Her emotional message in full said:
"Away from football, I just wanted to say best of luck to my best friend Alessia, moving clubs. I'm really proud of you and hope you smash it, I'm definitely going to miss you and spending time with you every single day.
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"But I know you'll be great and I know we'll be friends forever. Love ya, miss ya and enjoy it."
Back in December, Toone spoke highly of her best friend and former teammate.
She makes me look good a lot of the time," Toone told Manchester United's official club website. "I know I can fizz it into her and she'll get hold of it.
"I think we've got that relationship on and off the pitch. It helps when you build those relationships off the pitch, it always helps going onto it.
Toone and Russo will link up with one another for England during this summer's World Cup"Alessia is a great player, I know exactly what her strengths are so I work really well with her. We just link up together really well."
For both players, their focus will be on this summer's World Cup with England as she looks to nail down a starting place in the Lionesses' front line at the tournament in Australia and New Zealand. The tournament will begin on July 20, with England's first game against Haiti on July 22.
Russo announced her departure on Friday, before penning an open letter to United fans which read: "Dear United fans
"If I ever picture myself as a little girl, I'm wearing a United shirt with a ball glued to my feet. If someone told that little girl that she'd represent the club one day, create so many memories and score at Old Trafford, I can't imagine how she'd contain the excitement.
"For me, football has always been about the hard yards and about leaving a legacy to be proud of. In all I've done, I've given my best in the hope that one day, I can leave the shirt in a better place for those who come next.
"I am going to miss my teammates, the fans and the staff at the club so much. Thank you to each and every one of you for allowing me to live my dream, it has been a pleasure to wear the #23 shirt."
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