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    Thomas Tuchel keeps promise and doesn’t sing national anthem before his first England game vs Albania

    THOMAS TUCHEL stuck to his promise of not singing the England national anthem – after vowing to first earn the right.The German takes charge of his first game in charge of the Three Lions against Albania at Wembley.Thomas Tuchel stuck to his promise of not signing the England national anthemAnd Tuchel stayed silent during the national anthem before the match. But it should come as no surprise after the former Chelsea manager – who won the Champions League with the Blues – warned of his intentions. Speaking before the game, he said: “I feel that it is not just a given. You cannot just sing it. That’s why I decided that I will not sing it in my first matches.”I think, first of all, you have a very powerful, emotional and meaningful national anthem and I could not be more proud to be on the sidelines and be in charge of the English national team.READ MORE IN football “It means everything. It means a lot to me, I can assure you, but I can feel because it is that meaningful and it is that emotional and it is so powerful, the national anthem, that I have to earn my right to sing it.”Maybe I have to dive more into the culture and earn my right from you, from the players, from the supporters, so everyone feels like ‘he should sing it now, he’s one of our own, he’s the English manager, he should sing it’.”Tuchel returned to the dugout for the first time since leaving his role as Bayern Munich boss in the summer of 2024. And he admitted before England’s World Cup qualifier: “It’s a big occasion. I’m a bit nervous, but more excited and happy we get the journey going.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEngland ratings vs Albania as Lewis-Skelly enjoys dream debut but Tuchel fails to solve Foden issue By Tom BarclayMYLES LEWIS-SKELLY made history and Harry Kane extended his own record-breaking as England sunk Albania in Thomas Tuchel’s first game.Lewis-Skelly became the youngest player to score on his Three Lions debut and top goal-getter Kane notched his 70th international strike as Tuchel began his World Cup qualifying campaign with a modest 2-0 win.New boy Dan Burn partnered Ezri Konsa in central defence at Wembley, while Marcus Rashford and Curtis Jones were also handed starts.Meanwhile, Tuchel wrestled with the same issue faced by predecessor Sir Gareth Southgate – deciding where to fit in Phil Foden.Left-back Lewis-Skelly, 18, slotted home on 20 minutes following a delightful turn and even better pass from Jude Bellingham.But England stuttered after the break – until skipper Kane classily took down a Declan Rice pass and curved home the clincher.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions in German manager Tuchel’s opening match…Tuchel’s first starting 11 included nine Premier League players with only Kyle Walker and Jude Bellingham playing abroad.And Tuchel told his side: “Bring the energy that we can have and that the Premier League has.Emotional moment Myles Lewis-Skelly’s family spotted going wild in Wembley crowd”Play on the front foot, try play aggressive and attacking football. We need to be aware defensively as they have good footballers.”Tuchel watched on as Myles Lewis-Skelly became England youngest-ever debut scorer while Harry Kane wrapped up a 2-0 win. Thomas Tuchel during his first game in chargeCredit: Getty More

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    ‘It’s harsh’ – Roy Keane calls out Thomas Tuchel just minutes into ITV coverage of his first England game

    ROY KEANE has called out Thomas Tuchel for his brutal verdict on Gareth Southgate’s England at Euro 2024.Just minutes before Tuchel took charge for the first time on Friday night, ITV pundit Keane suggested the German had gone too far.Roy Keane told Ian Wright and Co Thomas Tuchel might have been over the topCredit: RexNew England chief Tuchel bawled out instructions against AlbaniaCredit: RexThe new Three Lions’ boss brought back Marcus Rashford in the World Cup qualifier against Albania at Wembley.Myles Lewis-Skelly and Dan Burn made their debuts, with Liverpool’s Curtis Jones also starting.The intriguing new look follows Tuchel claiming Southgate’s men lacked “hunger” and “excitement” last summer – despite reaching their second Euros final in a row.Manchester United legend Keane appears to believe the ex-Chelsea chief had a point – but might have gone over the top.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former midfield hardman said: “It seems a bit harsh on Gareth – but I know where he’s coming from.”Southgate stepped down shortly after a 2-1 defeat against Spain in the Euro 2024 final and three years after losing to Italy at the same stage following a shootout.Tuchel, who officially replaced the Englishman in October, had no qualms this week in delivering a ruthless assessment on the Three Lions’ performances in Germany last summer.Questioned by ITV about what the Three Lions had lacked in the last Euros, he replied: “The identity, the clarity, the rhythm, the repetition of patterns.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSEngland ratings vs Albania as Lewis-Skelly enjoys dream debut but Tuchel fails to solve Foden issue By Tom BarclayMYLES LEWIS-SKELLY made history and Harry Kane extended his own record-breaking as England sunk Albania in Thomas Tuchel’s first game.Lewis-Skelly became the youngest player to score on his Three Lions debut and top goal-getter Kane notched his 70th international strike as Tuchel began his World Cup qualifying campaign with a modest 2-0 win.New boy Dan Burn partnered Ezri Konsa in central defence at Wembley, while Marcus Rashford and Curtis Jones were also handed starts.Meanwhile, Tuchel wrestled with the same issue faced by predecessor Sir Gareth Southgate – deciding where to fit in Phil Foden.Left-back Lewis-Skelly, 18, slotted home on 20 minutes following a delightful turn and even better pass from Jude Bellingham.But England stuttered after the break – until skipper Kane classily took down a Declan Rice pass and curved home the clincher.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions in German manager Tuchel’s opening match…”The freedom of player, the expression of player, the hunger.”They were more afraid to drop out of the tournament, in my observation, than having the excitement and hunger to win.”And asked what England had most needed, he said: “Excitement.”The view that people feel that the team’s to beat. That we arrive with a group to beat.”That we know already when we arrive, once we qualified, everyone knows this is the team to beat.” More

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    ‘Not going to happen’ – Ryan Giggs sceptical about Man Utd’s new stadium plans

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Ryan Giggs says the club’s new ‘circus’ stadium is “not going to happen.”The Red Devils revealed images and graphics of the 100,000-seater super-ground they are planning to build near Old Trafford.Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs doesn’t appear keen on the new stadium designCredit: PAGiggs doesn’t believe Man Utd’s new stadium will look the same as the designsCredit: AlamyAn Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force – organised by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe – confirmed plans to demolish United’s legendary stadium and build a brand new home on adjacent land.They are hoping their new home will be up and running in five years’ time.Architects at Foster and Partners, who will be designing the project, said the stadium would feature an umbrella design.And that got some fans talking on social media as several believe that tent surrounding the stadium makes it look like a “circus”.Read More on Man UtdAnd Giggs didn’t seem too excited about it either when discussing it ahead of the inaugural gala dinner for Foundation 92, an independent charity that was founded by the Class of ’92.In fact, the legendary winger, who attended along fellow Class of ’92 star Nicky Butt, predicted the “New Trafford” stadium won’t look exactly as the graphics suggest.Giggs told the Manchester Evening News: “I think everyone, if it was possible, would like to keep the stadium as it is. “What they’ve done at the Nou Camp, what they’ve done at the [Santiago] Bernabeu. If that isn’t possible, then the next best thing is a new stadium.Most read in Football”Man Utd has always been at the forefront of technology, about having the best facilities, having the best stadium, having the best fan experience and we fell behind with that.”As well as on the pitch, off the pitch, we fell behind with a lot of things. Paul Scholes says ‘it’s about time Manchester United caught up'”The design is not going to look like that, I don’t think. I think when you see buildings and it gets the headlines and it’s that sort of shock. “But if it is going to be a new stadium, which it looks like, it needs to be the best. Hopefully we get the best players on the pitch as well.”Giggs added when asked about the “circus” design: “I don’t think it’s going to happen!”United believe they can continue to use Old Trafford — their home for the past 115 years — until the new stadium is ready.I think everyone, if it was possible, would like to keep the stadium as it is.Ryan GiggsNothing has been decided regarding their existing ground but ideas about scaling it down and using it for youth and women’s games are now considered unlikely.Architects involved in the project anticipate it could be bulldozed within a year of the final game.United chief executive Omar Berrada confirmed that a final decision regarding Old Trafford has yet to be taken but stressed it’s “unlikely” they will keep it in operation.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More

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    ‘He gets lonely’ – West Ham cult hero Dimitri Payet accused of cheating on wife with stunning Brazilian lawyer

    FORMER West Ham hero Dimitri Payet has been accused of cheating on his wife with a Brazilian lawyer.Social media star Larissa Ferrari claims to have had a seven-month relationship with Payet after he “got lonely” following a move to Rio de Janeiro club Vasco da Gama.Larissa Ferrari says Dimitri Payet was always ‘affectionate’Credit: Instagram @larissaferrarifFerrari is a lawyer who is also popular on InstagramCredit: Instagram @larissaferrarifEx-midfielder Payet and wife Ludivine wed nearly 20 yearsCredit: AFPThe ex-France midfielder, 37, joined the Brazilian top-flight club in April 2023 on a two-year deal.It’s understood his French wife Ludivine Payet, the mother of his four children, travels out from France to visit him every three months.He credited her with easing his worries over joining a team so far away.However, Ferrari has posted a lengthy message online suggesting she has become entangled with the former Lille star since meeting him last September.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe mother of two, who regularly posts glamorous photos, says their friendship only became physical after she split from her former husband.The 28-year-old wrote: “One thing I want to make clear is that it was never about money. There was no need for it. “There’s not much I can say because there’s no explanation or anything to justify it.“But one thing I want to make extremely clear is that it was never for money, not before, not now. In fact, the last time I went to Rio, I went by bus.”Most read in FootballFerrari said she often stayed at Payet’s homeCredit: Instagram @larissaferrarifFerrari has 45,000 followers on Instagram, where her profile states she is a “lawyer and broker in training”.And she added: “Our intention, initially, wasn’t for us to become so attached to each other, but we ended up getting very involved.I’m Arsenal’s biggest fan but people want me banned because I turn up to stadium in nothing but body paint“We got very close because I got divorced and he gets lonely a lot too.“With so much closeness, the meetings became more frequent.“I would go to Dimitri’s house every 12 days or so, and stay for three or four days.”Ferrari suggested it had been “impossible” for them not to become attracted to each other.She said: “He has also always been very affectionate towards me, both in person and through messages. “And with so much affection exchanged, it was impossible not to become attached to each other.”Ludivine caught the eye of supporters at Euro 2016Credit: Getty ImagesHowever, she revealed she would quit social media for a while to “have some peace” and speak only with her true friends.Payet joined West Ham on a five-year contract in June 2015.But he angered Hammers’ fans by the way he returned to Marseille after the January transfer window in 2017, saying he was homesick.The playmaker had been shortlisted for the PFA player of the year award in 2016 and took top place in the London Football Awards for Premier League players the same year.Payet has been married to Ludivine for nearly 20 years.  And shortly after he switched from Marseille to Vasco, he was quoted as saying: “She said, ‘Go ahead. Come on, I’ll take care of everything. I’ll look after the children’.“If I’m here today, it’s thanks to her. I know she did it out of love and she knows I love football. READ MORE SUN STORIES”She’s the one who made it possible for me to live here.”Ludivine was a popular Wag at Euro 2016, often pictured glamorously in the stands.  More

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    ‘I don’t talk bulls***’ – Nicky Butt tells Sir Jim Ratcliffe his Man Utd title masterplan ‘ain’t gonna happen’

    MANCHESTER UNITED icon Nicky Butt has slammed the club’s long-term plan for success, claiming the proposed masterplan “ain’t gonna happen”.Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Ineos and the club as whole have outlined ambitious plans to bring success back to the red side of Manchester in the near future, claiming the club will be Premier League champions once again by 2028.Nicky Butt has slammed Man Utd’s long-term plan for successCredit: GettyThose plans, which have been labelled as ‘Project 150’, coincide with the club’s 150th anniversary and also include the ambition to be competing for a fourth European Cup by that point too.However, Butt has suggested that the idea of United becoming one of the top teams in Europe again in the space of three years is unrealistic and unachievable.Speaking at The Champions for Children Gala Dinner, according to The Times, he said: “If I’m being honest — and I don’t like to talk bulls***— that ain’t going to happen.“There’s a long way to go for that. What gets me is when people talk about getting to where they want to be — everyone expects other clubs to sit still but they’re going to go forward as well.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Newcastle, Liverpool will get better, [Manchester] City will definitely get better, Chelsea are getting better, Arsenal are getting better every year. And then obviously, there’s lots of smaller clubs as well.“The most important thing is starting on the right foot and hopefully get this season put to bed, because it’s been a disaster.”And hopefully we get some plans in place for the stadium, get some new recruitment in, and give Ruben Amorim the right tools to try and at least get a decent team on the pitch.”Man Utd have had an atrocious campaign this season and currently sit 13th in the Premier League, while they were already dumped from the FA Cup and League Cup.Most read in FootballManchester United have had a terrible season on the pitchCredit: PAJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordThe abysmal form has come in the same season as huge budget cuts, backlash from fan groups, big name departures and now increased ticket prices.Man Utd announced a five per cent increase in the cost of adult season tickets, as well as turfing out a few hundred season ticket holders from their usual seats to make way for a new hospitality area behind the Old Trafford dugout in the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand.Paul Scholes says ‘it’s about time Manchester United caught up’Club legend Ryan Giggs, who also attended the Gala Dinner, has lambasted the United hierarchy for their decision to move fans on from those seats, claiming friends of his “don’t know where they’re going to go” after 25 years in the same spot.He slammed: “Man Utd is special because of what we’ve done on the pitch over a number of years, but the fans have always made the club.“My mates have been [behind] the dugout for 25 years and they’re getting turfed away. “They don’t know where they’re going to go. That’s the experience that I’ve had firsthand of friends just wondering where they’re going to be. It’s difficult.“They’ve got their names on their seats. They’ve been there 25 years and they’re having to move. It’s tough to see the club in this sort of situation.”Butt weighed in on the changes too, adding: “There are a lot of things I think they’re doing wrong, but we all know that and it’s sad to see.”Because I’ve loved Manchester United since I was six years of age and it’s not the Manchester United that I know and loved.“I find it bizarre how the ticket prices keep going up. They can’t keep going up. Something’s got to stop, something’s got to give. “They’ve not got the added fallback of winning loads of medals. I see where it’s coming from. They are trying to balance the books, but they’re punishing the wrong people, in my eyes.”Ryan Giggs has said his friends don’t know where to sit after season tickets were moved to make way for hospitality seatsCredit: GettyMan Utd confirmed plans to turn seats behind the dugout into a hospitality experience areaCredit: AlamySir Jim Ratcliffe has spearheaded huge cuts at Old Trafford since his arrivalCredit: PAMinority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe revealed earlier this month that United were going to “run out of cash by the end of 2025”, had it not been for increased prices and huge cuts across the club.United announced that 200 staff members are set to be made redundant this year, after over 250 were let go in 2024.While other budget cuts have included ditching the annual Christmas party, taking away free lunches for staff and removing Sir Alex Ferguson from his paid role as an ambassador.Despite the huge cuts and concerns for finances at the club, United have still announced plans to build a brand new 100,000-seat stadium to replace Old Trafford.The project is thought to cost around £2BILLION, and designs have featured a circus tent-like design after architects were consulted to mock up some images of the new home of the Red Devils.But Giggs doesn’t even think the club will stick to their plans to keep the tent look for the stadium.He said: “I think everyone, if it was possible, would like to keep the stadium as it is. What they’ve done at the Nou Camp, what they’ve done at the Bernabeu. “If that isn’t possible, then the next best thing is a new stadium. Man United has always been at the forefront of technology, about having the best facilities, having the best stadium, having the best fan experience and we fell behind with that.”As well as on the pitch, off the pitch, we fell behind with a lot of things. The design is not going to look like that, I don’t think. “I think when you see buildings and it gets the headlines and it’s that sort of shock.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But if it is going to be a new stadium, which it looks like, it needs to be the best. Hopefully we get the best players on the pitch as well.”Probed further on the circus designs, he said: “I don’t think it’s going to happen!”Man Utd revealed plans for a new 100,000-seat stadiumThe stadium features a circus tent-like designCredit: AFPThe project is expected to cost £2billion More

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    Marcus Rashford STARTS for England in Thomas Tuchel’s first-ever XI with Dan Burn also named against Albania

    MARCUS RASHFORD has been named in Thomas Tuchel’s first-ever Engand starting 11. Rashford – on loan to Aston Villa from Manchester United – was recalled to the squad for the first time since March of last year. Marcus Rashford has been named in Thomas Tuchel’s first-ever Engand starting 11Credit: GettyAnd Tuchel has started the winger on the left of a front three including Phil Foden and Harry Kane against Albania at Wembley. There was also a first England cap for Newcastle defender Dan Burn. Burn scored in Newcastle’s 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Liverpool – handing the club their first piece of silverware since 1955. He partnered Kyle Walker, Ezri Konsa and Myles Lewis-Skelly in England’s backline.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDeclan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Curtis Jones made up Tuchel’s midfield for the 2026 World Cup qualifying match. Rashford and Jordan Henderson both missed out on England’s Euro 2024 squad that reached the final but lost to Spain last summer. But the Villa star was rewarded for his recent run of form. Tuchel said: “I had the feeling that we need to reward him now, we need to feel him, he needs to be close to me, that he does not fall back into old routines. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“He stepped up his game impressively [at Villa] against the ball. This is the most important point for him – the intensity after ball loss. “The tracking back on the side. The sprinting. The hunting down. Making sure you’re in position.“That he can bully defenders, we know all that … we forgot a little bit about it but we know it. He is a ­complete package. “But at the same time, we want to make sure that he stays on track.”Tuchel watched on as Lewis-Skelly became England youngest-ever debut scorer while Kane wrapped up a 2-0 win. England star Miles Lewis-Skelly hilariously reveals he mistook Uber Eats driver for Thomas Tuchel in awkward phone call More

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    Stuart Pearce, 62, returns to talkSPORT for first time since health scare for England vs Albania

    STUART PEARCE has welcomed his return to talkSPORT after a health scare – and couldn’t have chosen a bigger game!The ex-England defender, 62, looked delighted to say he was “back on commentary” for the Three Lions’ opening World Cup qualifier against Albania – Thomas Tuchel’s first match in charge.Stuart Pearce looked excited to be at England vs AlbaniaThomas Tuchel arrived to oversee his first England gameCredit: GettyEarlier this month, Pearce had a medical emergency on a flight back from Las Vegas.The pundit described having chest pains, with doctors needing to “stick a tube” down his throat and “reboot” his heart”.TalkSPORT posted a clip of Pearce at Wembley as he explained he was “really looking forward to the game”.The former West Ham star added: “New manager in post, hopefully a high-octane performance by England, a victory to get us off and running in this campaign.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe father of two spent five days in hospital following his health issue on a Virgin Atlantic flight to Heathrow.After his hospital stay, he told talkSPORT duo Jim White and Simon Jordan that he “felt brilliant in myself”. Pearce was put on a monitor on the transatlantic plane after sweating profusely and suffering acute pain.First aiders treated him as his partner watched on.Most read in FootballPearce went on talkSPORT earlier this month to say he was feeling betterPearce will be giving his verdict on an England team with debutants Dan Burn and Myles Lewis-Skelly plus Aston Villa loanee Marcus Rashford starting.Fans of Manchester City and Nottingham Forest had come together with an emotional message of support for their former left-back two weeks ago.They stood for a round of applause in the third minute of their Prem match before displaying a banner.Meanwhile, “Get well soon Stuart” was displayed on the City Ground big screen. More

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    The Secret Footballer is back exclusively on SunSport – and he’s going in two-footed

    THE Secret Footballer is back – and he’s going in two-footed.The former Premier League star is teaming up with The Sun to reveal the shocking, scandalous or just plain silly stories that football doesn’t want you to know – and that made him a publishing phenomenon.The Secret Footballer will wear a mask in order to protect his identityBut instead of written columns and books, TSF will be delivering his trademark exclusives, insights and strong opinions face to face on video.His actual face and voice will be disguised by state-of-the-art prosthetics and technology, in order to preserve his anonymity and allow him to go on lifting the lid on what’s really going on behind the scenes.Apart from the mask, though, there will be no filter – just an unmissable, unique take on the game that his fans, old and new, will love.Resurrected and revamped for the digital world, TSF will be the voice of reason in a sport driven mad by egos, money and its own self-importance.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Sun will publish three new videos a day from The Secret Footballer across our Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube accounts.And we will have one groundbreaking exclusive a week on the website.In addition to incredible daily videos posted across social media, fans will also be able to tune in to all the best bits every single week in our YouTube round-up.TSF told SunSport: “I’m an ex-Premier League player. I’m the inside man. I’m the game’s voice of reason and its voice of truth.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”I won’t be afraid to speak out.”I am The Secret Footballer. Accept no substitutes. Follow me on The Sun Sport.”How Tuchel will excite England fans by unleashing high press football More