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Ex-footballer granted freedom of city

A former Southampton footballer who ran and cycled to every Premier League and Championship stadium in two weeks has been granted the freedom of the city.

Francis Benali, who made more than 300 appearances for Southampton FC, ran a marathon and cycled 75 miles (120km) each day for a fortnight in October.

The city council unanimously approved a motion giving him honorary freedom of the city at a special meeting earlier.

Benali, 47, described receiving the honour as "a complete surprise".

"It's just wonderful to be thought of," he added.

The honour was awarded in recognition of Benali's fund raising achievements for charitable causes, as well those as a player and coach at Saints, the authority said.