Ivan Toney thinks Arsenal players are 'cringey' for still caring about his Twitter joke from last year

Ivan Toney has joked Arsenal players are 'a bit cringey' for continuing to use his Twitter post from last year as motivation against Brentford.

The striker went viral last August after describing Brentford's 2-0 victory over the Gunners as a 'nice kickabout with the boys'.

Amazon's recent 'All Or Nothing' documentary focused on Arsenal revealed manager Mikel Arteta used that tweet as motivation prior to the reverse fixture in February.

Arsenal would win that game 2-1, which saw Alexandre Lacazette tweet the same message and Emile Smith-Rowe get in on the fun too.

Sunday's 3-0 victory over the Bees saw defender Gabriel once again repeat the message while away supporters inside the Gtech Community Stadium chanted 'Ivan Toney, a stroll in the park!'

What does Toney make of all this now, over a year on? You get the feeling he's quite tired of it.

The 26-year-old is on international duty with England for the first time and when asked about the saga in a press conference on Tuesday, he replied: "I think once was funny, the second time was a bit cringey!

"Nah, listen, I bit my tongue. I wanted to reply, I wanted to nibble, but fair play they played very well.

"They are a different Arsenal side from what we played before. They are going very well so fair play to them. They are going well."

Toney has scored five goals in seven Premier League games this season and earned a place in Gareth Southgate's Three Lions squad.

Interestingly, he's never represented England at youth level which would dampen the spirits of most players. Not Toney, though.

"I never doubted it. I have full confidence in myself, I feel like I have to keep working hard and it makes it that much sweeter when you get the chance," he continued.

"I never played for any of the ages groups, I’ve gone straight into the senior squad. It’s a great achievement, I’m very proud and I wouldn’t have wanted it to go any other way.

"This is my opportunity now. I’m excited and confident for it and I’m very hungry.

"I’ve been working for this moment and it’s here now. I’m not going to let it go by me. I’m going to take it with both hands and make the most of the opportunity I have."

SPORTbible Stories is the brand-new podcast from the SPORT team at LADbible. The first episode features a chat with former Burnley manager Sean Dyche as he opens up on his departure from Turf Moor, what the future holds and the amazing story of the spin wheel for fines while in charge of the Clarets. You can watch the first episode here.