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      Ex-Chelsea ace Jesper Gronkjaer reveals brave four-year battle with depression and stress but is now off medication

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      FORMER Chelsea star Jesper Gronkjaer has opened up on his four-year battle with depression and stress.The Denmark winger made 119 Blues appearances, scoring 11 goals, following a £7.8million move from Ajax in 2000.
      Former Cheslea and Atletico Madrid star Jesper Gronkjaer has revealed his battle with depressionCredit: Getty
      Jesper Gronkjaer sped down the wing during his time with ChelseaCredit: EPA
      He left in 2004 to spend a year with Birmingham City, and played for Atletico Madrid, Stuttgart and Copenhagen before retiring in 2011.
      Gronkjaer has since worked as a pundit for Danish TV. However he was diagnosed with depression in 2017, and spent over nine months off sick.
      The 80-cap international has now revealed he has finally come off his medication.
      Gronkjaer posted a picture of his Escitalopram anti-depressant tablets on Twitter.
      The 43-year-old wrote: “Last pill taken 3 3/4 years after the first … hopefully!
      “You were a good support, despite all your side effects, as the stress and depression rumbled away.
      “Although it was never a goal to let you out of my life, I think it is the right time. #depression #stress #burnout.”
      Escitalopram is a powerful drug used to treat anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder or panic attacks as well as depression.

      Gronkjaer previously spoke of his torment in a 2019 Danish TV interview.
      He said: “I didn’t realise I was about to drive over the edge. I got sick with severe stress and burnout.
      “I got extreme headaches, and would stare at the wall. I couldn’t listen to music or watch TV.
      “I had rashes and lost hair, had disturbed vision and was in so much pain.
      “I had to make a clean break with all the work I was part of.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      YOU’RE NOT ALONEEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
      It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
      It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
      And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
      Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
      That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
      The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
      Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
      If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: More

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      Chelsea free transfer ‘tempting’ Sergio Aguero as Man City striker looks to break Shearer’s Premier League goals record

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      SERGIO AGUERO will consider staying in the Premier League as reports suggest a move to Chelsea is on the cards.At the end of the season, the striker will leave Manchester City when his contract expires after a ten-year stay at the Etihad.
      Sergio Aguero currently sits fourth on the all-time Prem scorers listCredit: Reuters
      Alan Shearer leads the way with 260 goals for Blackburn and NewcastleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      A vast array of clubs are linked with an offer, including Arsenal and Chelsea in the Prem.
      Despite turning 33 in the coming summer and a disappointing season in terms of fitness and form, Aguero is said to want a move to a top club.
      Stamford Bridge is described as a ‘tempting’ destination by the Evening Standard, along with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.
      Any club bidding for his services would not have to pay a transfer fee, leading to a sizeable demand in terms of salary – of around £250,000-a-week.
      Chelsea are reportedly in the running for a move at the end of the season, something the player is said to be aware of.
      And Aguero is thought to be highly motivated by the prospect of breaking the Premier League goal record.
      Currently on 181 strikes, he is 79 behind Alan Shearer’s leading tally of 260.
      The Argentine has averaged just over 18 goals per season for City, a ratio which will require around five years to catch the Newcastle legend.
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      Thomas Tuchel talked up Aguero as a ‘world-class player’ when questioned on a move for a forward recently.
      Erling Haaland has also been linked to Chelsea yet the coach opted against confirming his interest.
      He said: “There is big news around [Haaland] and his agent.
      “It seems like they are creating a race for the player and I will fully accept this a player for Borussia Dortmund, a promising player of course.
      “He isn’t our player and is not in our squad. So, we will not comment on anything else regarding Haaland.
      “You can ask about Aguero too but it’s the same answer as Haaland. We have full respect for Manchester City and for Sergio Aguero, who is a big player for them.

      “There are no words needed for me about the achievements of this guy, he is a world-class player.”
      One team who will not be signing Aguero is Manchester United.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed at the weekend that bringing players across the city was not an option, with the player reportedly also not keen.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Pep Guardiola says Man City may not sign new striker despite Sergio Aguero exit More

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      Tuchel says Kepa and Rudiger’s Chelsea bust-up was ‘serious’… but Chilwell and Zouma still make light of it at Cobham

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      CHELSEA boss Thomas Tuchel has admitted the training ground bust-up between Antonio Rudiger and Kepa Arrizabalaga was ‘serious’.But defender Ben Chilwell attempted to make light of the situation today in training when he jokingly punched Kurt Zouma before the pair had a laugh.
      Ben Chilwell jokingly punched team-mate Kurt ZoumaCredit: Twitter @NizaarKinsella
      The mood at Chelsea still appears to be quite good despite the Kepa-Rudiger bust-up and the thrashing by West BromCredit: Twitter @NizaarKinsella
      Rudiger and Kepa had to be pulled apart during a fiery Easter Sunday session.
      The pair were playing in a small-sided game organised for the players who missed out on Saturday’s 5-2 thrashing by West Brom.
      Spanish goalkeeper Kepa reportedly gave Rudiger ‘a few verbals as the match was going on’.
      They then collided when going for the ball, and ended up in a shoving match before Tuchel dismissed Rudiger to the changing room.
      Tuchel said that the incident was serious but that Rudiger and Kepa would not be punished.
      The Blues gaffer said: “We calmed the situation immediately.
      “They can happen because everyone is competitive in training.
      “They cleared the air and there was nothing left afterwards. They solved it in an honest and humble way.
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      Thomas Tuchel has admitted the training ground fight was ‘serious’Credit: PA

      “For this situation, there will be no punishment.”
      Chelsea’s 14-game unbeaten run in all competitions under Tuchel came to an end on Saturday in a 5-2 thrashing at the hands of West Bromwich Albion.
      But the German insisted there was no panic heading into the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie against FC Porto on Wednesday.
      He added: “We got a big slap in the face, and it was required to remind us how tough it is to keep winning.
      “I have the feeling we can overcome Porto but it will be tough. They are very experienced, but we are strong enough and believe in ourselves.”
      Tuchel confirmed winger Christian Pulisic was in the squad after suffering a hamstring scare against West Brom, while midfielder N’Golo Kante is only fit enough to make the bench.
      Antonio Rudiger was dismissed to the changing roomCredit: Reuters
      Kepa was not backing down against burly centre-half RudigerCredit: PA

      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Marcos Alonso says that Chelsea training ground bust-up between Rudiger and Kepa will happen again More

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      Chelsea verdict: Jorginho finally showed Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel why he can’t be trusted in Blues’ midfield

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      IT has taken a little longer than expected under Thomas Tuchel, but Jorginho has finally shown why he cannot be trusted by Chelsea.The Italian international found himself frozen out at times under former boss Frank Lampard, one of the senior players in exile who Tuchel inherited and brought back in from the cold.
      Jorginho had a horror show against West BromCredit: Mark Pain / Premium Sport
      Since then he has been very much involved, courtesy of an impressive run of results which had seen the German enjoy an unbeaten start to his career at Stamford Bridge.
      But you just knew they myth would be exposed at some point, and against West Brom the 29-year-old finally showed his true colours.
      Make no mistake, Jorginho was the player most responsible for the shambolic performance which threatened to blow the race for the top four wide open again.
      The Blues were completely in the driving seat in the race for Champions League football.
      Not now, and the playmaker was at the heart of the problem.
      For it was his fault Thiago Silva was sent off for two bookable challenges in the opening half hour.
      His fault a West Brom side hanging on to their top flight status by their fingertips were able to take a hold of this match and run out 5-2 winners.
      Jorginho thinks he just has to turn up to shine, thinks he is better than his opponents and doesn’t need to put it in.

      It results in a casual, lazy footballer prone to mistakes and being caught out. And boy was he exposed big time here.
      Barely four minutes were on the clock when his awful pass let Matheus Pereira in just outside the box, forcing defender Silva to take one for the team and bring him down to collect his first yellow card.
      He was all over the place even as Chelsea opened the scoring on 27 minutes through Christian Pulisic, and within 120 seconds had changed the face of the game with another howler.
      It was his stray pass which let in West Brom to attack, forcing Silva into a desperate lunge tackle on Okay Yokuslu to see red.
      You’d have thought that would have been enough to shake any player out of their complacency, but not trusty old Jorginho.
      For when the side were desperately close to getting to the break all square after Pereira’s stoppage time equaliser, the midfielder decided to attempt a ridiculous back header instead of clearing his lines.
      Chelsea were thumped 5-2 by West BromCredit: Reuters
      That let Pereira in to roll home the second goal before the break, leaving his side right up against it.
      His complacent attitude spread across his team-mates, and Chelsea turned up a shocker right at the wrong moment.
      The air of invincibility under Tuchel has been shattered, a major blow in their bid for a top four finish.
      If they want to get back on track, Jorginho should be kept as far away from this side as possible.
      It was a miracle Jorginho lasted until 72 minutes, when Kai Havertz came on with Chelsea down 4-2.
      Callum Robinson’s double in added time capped off a shock 5-2 win, meaning the result will overshadow Jorginho’s horror show.
      Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gives an update on Rashford and Mason ahead of Brighton match More

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      Chelsea player ratings: Christian Pulisic shows his goalscoring instincts but Jorginho has a horror show in midfield

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      THOMAS TUCHEL’S unbeaten start as Chelsea boss ended in stunning fashion. The Blues were beaten 5-2 at home to West Brom, with Thiago Silva’s sending off the catalyst to the Blues woes.
      West Brom stunned Chelsea 5-2Credit: AFP
      Doubles from Matheus Pereira and Callum Robinson and a Mbaye Diagne goal left Chelsea shocked.
      Christian Pulisic’s opener and Mason Mount consolation made the result slightly more respectable.
      Here Jack Figg rates Tuchel’s performers.
      Edouard Mendy – 5
      Composed as ever on the ball and given barely anything to do before picking the ball out of his net twice before half time.
      Caught off his line for the second and lobbed, but was not given much chance for the Baggies’ other three.
      Cesar Azpilicueta – 5
      Nothing the experienced skipper could do to prevent Chelsea from succumbing to a first defeat under new boss Tuchel.
      The Spaniard will have to pick his players up ahead of their Champions League tie with Porto.
      Thiago Silva was shown redCredit: Reuters
      Thiago Silva – 3
      Another nightmare playing against the Baggies, following his horror debut in September, where he gave the ball away for the opening goal.
      This time, two fouls and two bookings and the Brazilian was sent off, ending his return to the squad in disastrous fashion.
      Kurt Zouma – 5
      Preferred over Antonio Rudiger, the Frenchman started the game well. But could only watch as Pereira snuck behind him for West Brom’s first goal.
      Had a golden chance to pull one back with 15 minutes to go, but blazed it over after a corner fell to him in the box.

      Reece James was a constant threat for ChelseaCredit: AFP
      Reece James – 6
      A constant threat in the first half bombing down the right and also coming centrally to give space for Ziyech on the wing.
      Even with a man down the wingback gave Chelsea hope of pulling a goal back, providing crosses into the box.
      Marcos Alonso – 5
      As ever the Spaniard was excellent going forward, making runs towards the back post, but going back he leaves Chelsea’s left hand side so exposed.
      Hit the post with Chelsea 2-1 down, as Sam Johnstone fumbled a catch but Alonso was off balance when he swung his right boot at the ball.
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      Jorginho – 3
      Looked sloppy from the get-go, passes all over the place and most vitally conceded possession too often.
      He lost the ball before Silva’s second yellow, and also for West Brom’s second goal. Miracle he survived more than 45 minutes.
      Mateo Kovacic – 7
      The Croatian gives Chelsea a lot going forward, picking up the ball and driving but couldn’t provide a final product.
      Looked to be Tuchel’s most promising player even when they were down, with forward passes and runs.
      Mateo Kovacic was a bright spark in an otherwise miserable game for ChelseaCredit: Reuters
      Hakim Ziyech – 6
      Looked to be getting on the ball early on, drifting inside and providing width on the right.
      But he has Silva to thank for his early substitution, having been replaced by Andreas Christensen.
      Chrisian Pulisic – 7
      Lively from the off and showed great instincts to follow up on Alonso’s free-kick to open the scoring.
      Sacrificed at half time for Mason Mount, much to the frustration of the American who is fighting for his place in the starting 11.
      Christian Pulisic opened the scoringCredit: Reuters
      Timo Werner – 5
      A threat when running in behind, but was not getting the service required. Despite his pace on the ball, with it the German is less comfortable.
      Provided another assist, this time for Mount as he cut it back to the midfielder who grabbed one back.
      SUBS
      Andreas Christensen (for Ziyech 34 mins) – Was closest to Pereira who raced through on goal for West Brom’s second.
      Mason Mount (for Pulisic 45mins) – Instantly gave Chelsea more going forward and Werner put his goal on a plate for the midfielder.
      Kai Havertz (for Jorginho 72 mins) – Too little too late for the German to make an impact.
      Mason Mount taps home a consolationCredit: PA More

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      How Chelsea could line up vs West Brom with Werner keeping place despite Germany howler and Thiago Silva in contention

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      THOMAS TUCHEL is weighing up several injury risks ahead of Chelsea’s game with West Brom.The Baggies travel to Stamford Bridge for a 12.30pm kick-off on Saturday before Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Porto.
      How we expect Chelsea to line up versus West Brom
      With that trip to Portugal on the horizon, Chelsea could decide to play it safe with a number of players.
      Thiago Silva has not played since early February and appears to be nearing a return.
      Fans were excited by the 36-year-old Brazilian posting a picture of himself training on Instagram in the week, with the caption: “Happy to be back doing what I love.”
      Given his long spell out, Silva may be given a start against West Brom to build his sharpness ahead of Porto.
      N’Golo Kante and Jorginho are on the way back from shorter absences, providing Tuchel with another headache.
      Having suffered a hamstring tweak on France duty, Kante may be held back along with his midfield partner, who hurt his knee in training.
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      There are also questions over whether Mason Mount, Kai Havertz and Antonio Rudiger will play after featuring heavily in World Cup qualifiers.
      Tammy Abraham is out while he recovers from an ankle injury.
      SunSport revealed on Friday that the striker is targeting the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City on April 17 for his comeback.
      His absence should provide Timo Werner with an opportunity to re-find his form following a horror miss for Germany.
      Olivier Giroud, Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic are all vying for a start but Callum Hudson-Odoi is unlikely to be given the nod.
      The winger hurt his shoulder during England Under-21s’ unsuccessful European Championship group stage campaign.
      A linen-up if Thiago Silva isn’t risked but Mason Mount and Jorginho are

      Between the posts, Edouard Mendy is set to be fit despite sitting out Senegal’s matches.
      The goalkeeper underwent dental surgery but should replace Kepa Arrizabalaga following the Spaniard’s runout versus Sheffield United.
      West Brom are hoping to receive a clean bill of health for the game but are without Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Conor Gallagher talks about his rise to the Premier League More

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      Romelu Lukaku ‘available for £102m’ as Chelsea, Man City and Barcelona eye transfer for Inter Milan star

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      INTER MILAN value Romelu Lukaku at £102million, with Barcelona considering him as an alternative to Erling Haaland, reports say. Lukaku, who arrived from Manchester United for £73million in 2019, has scored 19 goals in 26 league games this season, as Inter top Serie A.
      Inter Milan value Romelu Lukaku at £102m, reports sayCredit: Getty
      Corriere dello Sport says Romelu Lukaku is valued at £102m
      But behind the scenes, the club are battling financial losses, which could force the them into transfer sales in the summer.
      According to Corriere dello Sport, Lukaku has been handed a £102m price tag, should he be sold.
      Feloow forward Lautaro Martinez, 23, is another with an uncertain future, as Inter look to balance their books.
      Barca, Chelsea, and Manchester City have all been linked with Lukaku and Borussia Dortmund star Haaland.
      But Lukaku, 27, is a far more affordable options, with Haaland, 20, valued at £150m.
      The Norwegian’s release clause in 2022 allows him to leave for only £65m, but it does not guarantee he will stay.
      If Barca – also facing debts of £1BILLION – cannot afford Haaland this summer or miss out, Lukaku is their second choice.
      Current manager Ronald Koeman worked with the Belgian at Everton, and would like to bring him to the Nou Camp, Mundo Deportivo report.
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      City are also on the hunt for a new striker, following the news club legend Sergio Aguero, 32, will leave at the end of the season.
      And Chelsea – where Lukaku was signed to from 2011–2014 – are also rumoured to be looking for another goal scorer.
      But Italian press suggest Lukaku would opt against moving back to the Premier League.
      It comes following speculation Haaland is also favouring Barca or Real Madrid over England’s elite.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds More

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      Man Utd, City and Chelsea dealt bitter transfer blow as Erling Haaland ‘only wants move to Barcelona or Real Madrid’

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      ERLING HAALAND only wants a move to Real Madrid or Barcelona, Spanish reports say. It would come as a massive transfer blow to Chelsea, Manchester United and City, who are all linked with the Borussia Dortmund striker.
      Erling Haaland only wants a move to Real Madrid or Barcelona, Spanish reports sayCredit: Getty
      Mino Raiola and Alfie Haaland were in Spain to speak with rivals Barca and Real Madrid
      Haaland’s agent, Mino Raiola, and dad, Alfie, were in Spain on Thursday to speak with rivals Barca and Real Madrid.
      And according to Catalunya Radio, Raiola told Nou Camp president Joan Laporta, the Dortmund forward is only interested in a move to LaLiga.
      But, it is claimed Laporta also explained they prefer to sign the 20-year-old next season due to his release clause.
      Haaland is available for just £65million in the summer of 2022 per the stipulation.
      But any side looking to sign the Norwegian in the next window can be expected to pay close to £150m.
      Barca are currently battling huge financial debt, believed to be in the region of £1BILLION.
      It leaves them at a disadvantage to Real Madrid, who have the funds to facilitate a deal.
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      But it is believed the Spanish champions are also eyeing a move for PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe, 22.
      Raiola and Haaland Sr are now expected to meet with Premier League clubs in the coming days.
      United were linked with Haaland in 2019, with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer even meeting with the goal machine.
      But he was unable to convince him to make the move to Old Trafford, despite the pair working together at Molde.
      City are on the hunt for a new marksman following the news club legend Sergio Aguero, 32, will leave at the end of the season.
      Chelsea spent close to £150m on attacking talent last summer, but owner Roman Abramovich is rumoured to be a massive admirer of Haaland.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Erling Haaland’s dad and agent land in Barcelona and whisked off to transfer meeting with president Joan Laporta More