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Mawson, Daniels become first English Prem players to join Common Goal

Alfie Mawson and Charlie Daniels have become the first two English players in the Premier League players to join Juan Mata's charity pledge.

Swansea centre-back Mawson, 23, and Bournemouth defender Daniels, 31, are both set to donate at least one percent of their wages to Common Goal and join Mata, Mats Hummels, Giorgio Chiellini and a host of other professional footballers in signing up.

Both Mawson and Daniels have made it to the Premier League after stints in the lower leagues.

Mawson played for Brentford and Barnsley before signing for Swansea in 2016.

Daniels, meanwhile, played more than 100 games for Leyton Orient in League One before helping Bournemouth win promotion to the Premier League in 2015.

Mawson said: "It was only a few years ago that I was playing non-league and helping out my dad at the weekends with his market stall.

"I'm now at a great place and I want to concentrate 100 percent on my football.

"I don't want to cause any fuss or anything, but joining Common Goal allows me to focus on my career while forming part of something that can really help transform lives of those less fortunate. It's a good thing for football."

Daniels added: "I've experienced pretty much everything that you can live as a player in England, maybe that's why I'll never forget where I've come from.

"Football is such an important part of my life, as it is for so many people in this country. It just seems right that our national sport gives something back to society.

"Common Goal is the most effective and long-lasting way for players to make a difference.

"If my pledge can help spread the idea of Common Goal, especially among the younger players, then it will be one of the proudest achievements of my career."

There had been questions about why no other player from football's richest league had pledged to Common Goal following Mata's announcement in August.

Mawson and Daniels are the first to come forward, but the Manchester United player is hopeful more will follow.

Mata said: "I've been speaking to several English players who have shown an interest in Common Goal and it's brilliant that Charlie and Alfie are the first players to make the pledge.

"They are both top Premier League players and their commitment is a great step in the evolution of Common Goal."