Manchester United stars Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui have developed a strong friendship through their shared interest in fishing.
The two players made an unexpected visit to a fishing tackle shop last week, still wearing their training uniforms.
Dutch forward Zirkzee, 23, and Moroccan defender Mazraoui, 27, spent approximately an hour at Trafford Tackle & Bait in Stretford, located not far from Old Trafford.
Shop owner Jeff Smith mentioned that he initially didn`t recognize them, but local children buying sweets nearby identified them.
Jeff, 48, told : “They were great guys. They were wearing tracksuits, but since I`m not familiar with United players, I assumed they were from the youth academy.
“They asked numerous questions about local fishing spots and the best equipment to use.”
"They were keen on purchasing rods and reels and also picked up some live maggots for bait.”
The two Manchester United players also happily took photos, much to the delight of the schoolchildren.
One mother commented: “They were both very kind. Some children requested photos, and they were very happy and approachable.”
Mazraoui had previously mentioned that he uses fishing as a relaxation technique during his time at Bayern Munich.
Other football players who enjoy fishing include Manchester City`s Phil Foden, who acquired a property with a private lake to teach his son Ronnie to fish.
Former England goalkeeper David Seaman was advised to take Paul Gascoigne fishing at Euro 96 to help him relax. Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham have also been known to fish.
