David Warner's tribute to Candice and daughters after spray from Mitchell Johnson
The veteran opener is preparing for his final Test series for Australia.
David Warner has penned an emotional tribute to wife Candice and their three daughters as he prepares for his final Test series for Australia. The veteran opener is planning to retire from red-ball cricket after the third Test against Pakistan at the SCG in what will be a fitting farewell in front of his home fans.
Taking to social media on Wednesday, the 37-year-old paid tribute to his "amazing girls" - wife Candice and daughters Indi, Ivy and Isla. "As I reflect on this year in my life, I’m reminded of the immeasurable love and support that each of you brings," he wrote alongside a collection of photos.
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"Your presence in my life is a constant source of joy, strength, and comfort. I am deeply grateful for the countless memories we’ve created and for the unwavering bond that holds us together.
"My wife Candice. Thank you for always supporting me, you are my source of laughter, and my companion on life’s journey. Your love has enriched my life in ways I could never fully express, and I cherish every moment spent with you and the girls.
"May we continue to cherish our family bond, ensuring that our love remains a guiding light in our lives. I love you all so much and can not wait to spend more time together very soon."
Mitchell Johnson's explosive swipe at David Warner
Warner's tribute comes after Candice was caught in the cross-fire when he copped an explosive spray from former teammate Mitchell Johnson earlier this month. Johnson questioned why Warner was still in the Test team at all, let alone being allowed to dictate when and where he would pull up stumps.
Johnson branded Warner "arrogant and disrespectful" and later revealed that his brutal column was sparked by an angry text from his former teammate. Warner messaged Johnson earlier this year in response to comments Johnson made about Candice defending him in the media.
Johnson said it was "weird and cringey" to see Candice constantly going in to bat for her husband, comments which prompted a text from Warner in the aftermath. “I won’t say it because that’s up to Dave to say if he wants to talk about it," the fast-bowling great revealed. "There was some stuff in there, which was extremely disappointing what he said and pretty bad to be honest. That sort of was a bit of a driver (to write the latest column)."
Michael Clarke calls out Mitchell Johnson and Warner
Former Test captain Michael Clarke recently said Johnson and Warner both crossed the line by bringing families into the dispute. “I don’t like seeing families involved,” he said on Sky Sports radio. “When a parent, when a friend, when a partner gets involved, I don’t like that. I don’t like anyone talking about someone’s family or someone else’s partner – and I’m not having a go at Mitch, I’m not having a go at Candice, I’m not having a go at David - it’s just too much.”
Clarke played with both Johnson and Warner during his time as Test captain. He said the beef should never have been aired publicly. “If I get dropped and my dad comes out and says, ‘What a shit selection’. I know he’s only looking after his son, but dad, mate, that’s not helping anyone,” he added.
“He can say it to me, say it to mum, say it to my sisters, say it to our friends at the pub, but you don’t need to be saying that stuff in the media. I don’t mind players having disagreements and not talking and I don’t mind seeing players see life differently and going separate ways. You’d love everyone to be friends, but that’s not the case. I don’t like seeing families involved. It’s too personal for me.”
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