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    Mikel Arteta tells Bukayo Saka to jet off on HOLIDAY to help his recovery from hamstring surgery

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    BUKAYO SAKA is spending his rehab from hamstring surgery like any elite professional would.Aside from recovering at home, the Arsenal star has remained a regular face at their London Colney training base after going under the knife just before Christmas Day – even supporting his teammates up close at home games.Bukayo Saka underwent hamstring surgery after a trip to Crystal Palace last monthCredit: GettySaka has been making the effort to support the team during his rehab phaseCredit: GettyHobbling on crutches, Saka was spotted pitch side at the Emirates watching his pals warm up ahead of the North London Derby in mid-week – and is expected to do the same ahead of today’s [SAT] clash with Aston Villa.Arteta admires the commitment, but the Gunners boss has urged Saka to instead use this time to jet off on HOLIDAY, telling the England winger: You need it!After facing Villa, Arsenal have another home game against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League on Wednesday before trips to Wolves and then Girona between January 25 and 29 – a four-day period that could be perfect for Saka to get some much-needed rest in the sunshine.Asked if Saka should take a holiday somewhere nice, Arteta said: “Yeah, he needs to. He is obligated to go! With his girlfriend or his family, he can choose. Or on his own.read more arsenal”But he needs to get away for a few days and refresh. He can still do a lot of things with his rehab because it is the perfect stage. I think it will make him really better.“He has been [around the squad] every single day. There is a moment, especially when we are going to be away for a few days, that he needs to do that. That is very important for him as well.“We need to look after our players.”Ever-present Saka started in all but three of Arsenal’s Prem games last season, as well as starting for England in every game of their Euros journey to the final in Germany last summer.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThis term, he has so far started 16 Prem games, as well as five of their six Champions League league phase matches.On what Saka should send his manager as a thank you for granting some time off, Arteta laughed: “A nice picture – or a present!”What Arteta really wants is one of his best players fit and firing sooner rather than later.Saka is targeting an early March return – perhaps in time for Prem outings against Manchester United on March 8 and Chelsea on March 15.Up until he hobbled off during a 5-1 win at Crystal Palace on December 21, Saka had been instrumental in Arsenal’s attack this term with five goals and 10 assists in the league.Since then, the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri and Raheem Sterling have tried to replicate Saka on the right wing with little success.Jesus could now be crocked for the rest of 2025 with a ruptured ACL suffered in the FA Cup third round defeat to Man United, Nwaneri is recovering from a hamstring strain, Sterling looks shot of confidence or form while Martinelli and Trossard are naturally left-sided players.Why Arsenal were MYLES better than SpursAnd since Saka’s injury, Arsenal have dropped two points to Brighton in the Prem, been knocked out of the FA Cup and face an uphill task to reach the Carabao Cup final after a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in their semi-final first leg.It is why Arteta is hoping to land a new forward during this January window, but there will still be huge pressure on the shoulders of Saka to make an instant impact on his long-awaited return.Whether Arsenal will still be in the title race by then is another matter, despite recently closing the gap on Liverpool to four points, with Arne Slot’s Red still having a game in hand.On Saka’s time away from the team, Arteta continued: “The main part is the psychological part of how they feel emotionally. Because being a long time without doing what you love is not easy.“Your routine changes completely. You are much more isolated because you’re not going to work. That takes a little while to handle and to settle.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So, it’s a moment that if he can have a break as well and enjoy the parts of his life, great.“To be closer to the family, great. To learn about the game, certain aspects that he can still improve and develop.” More

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      Diletta Leotta wows in busty dress and shows off toned figure in bikini in winter photodump as fans say ‘is this legal?’

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      FANS’ favourite broadcaster Diletta Leotta presented chills, frills and thrills in a wintry photo feast.The wife of ex-Liverpool keeper Loris Karius somehow managed to look toasty both indoors in just a bikini and outdoors in an unzipped top next to snowy mountains.Fans were impressed by Diletta Leotta’s winter attireCredit: Instagram dilettaleottaShe gave a revealing glimpse of her Xmas decorationsCredit: Instagram dilettaleottaLeotta can get sun to her body at the most unexpected timesCredit: Instagram dilettaleottaFamily scenes have rarely looked cosier than thisCredit: Instagram dilettaleottaOne of the DAZN star’s 9.1millions followers joked “But is all this legal?” as she defied some frosty settings with cheeky snaps.But he might have been referring to the way she outdazzled a shimmering Christmas tree in one photo.Because maybe she went against the spirit if not the ‘Letta’ of the law – by standing right in front of the upright array of baubles in a VERY revealing dress.But one fan appeared sure that admirers were straining to get a proper glimpse at the tree in the background.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe festive follower posted: “There are those who zoomed and those who lie.”Leotta also shared cosy family snaps as well as skiing pics.Another enthusiast called her “the real beauty of the world”.A second tribute was equally as fulsome: “Between you and nature I know no difference.”Most read in FootballLeotta and Karius wed last summerCredit: SplashThis outfit for a Serie A clash drew admiring commentsCredit: Instagram dilettaleottaAnd a third fan appeared to believe the Serie A presenter could solve the global energy crisis.He wrote that due to Leotta “The whole world was buzzing”.Sports presenter and ex-Premier League Wag Diletta Leotta stuns in see-through top for live TV broadcast She is used to making her mark – behind a microphone and online, with striking outfits and defiant comments.She chose a see-through top when fronting DAZN’s coverage of  Inter Milan’s 1-1 draw with Napoli two months ago.And Leotta has attacked sexist attitudes that dogged part of her career.She told F Magazine: “A colleague from Sky Sport told me how people were talking about me.”The worst thing was, ‘You’re only here because of your t**s’.”I had just arrived, I was twenty years old: it hurt like crazy. At home that evening I let out a liberating cry.READ MORE SUN STORIES”That brought out the lion in me, I learned a lot. I got my degree [in law] so that no one could ever say something like that to me again.”And it also means there’s no-one better to judge if her photos are legal!Leotta is a top presenter in the Italian top-flightCredit: RexShe wows viewers with her fashion senseCredit: Rex More

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      Hilarious reason Danny Dyer takes credit for West Ham’s Boxing Day victory revealed after Jarrod Bowen nets winner

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      ACTOR Danny Dyer has claimed credit for West Ham’s 1-0 Boxing Day victory — because scorer Jarrod Bowen was allowed to eat his roast spuds on Christmas Day.Hammers striker Bowen, 28, who has to keep to a strict diet, got the all-clear from the club’s nutritionist before the festive feast at fiancée Dani’s dad’s house.Danny Dyer, pictured with Hammers star Jarrod Bowen, has taken credit for his side’s Boxing Day winAfter getting the okay, he called Dani to inform her famous Dad – who had been planning a special energy-fuelling pasta plate for Bowen.Next day, Bowen scored the 59th-minute winner against Southampton in the Premier League clash.Former EastEnders star Danny, 47, a West Ham fan, told a podcast: “We were a bit s**** — and one man won us that game, full of my potatoes and parsnips.“So in a way I’m claiming that victory because he was full up with my grub. He had the energy, he f*** won us that game because he’s such a hero.”READ MORE ON DANNY DYERDani and Jarrod got engaged on a romantic boat trip in Ibiza this summer.The pair escaped for a minibreak, leaving their one-year-old twin daughters Star and Summer at home with family, along with Dani’s son Santiago, three, from a previous relationship.But when you’re Love Island royalty and your hubby-to-be is a Premier League footballer, curating an intimate guest list isn’t easy. In fact, Dani has admitted that it’s something she’s “found so difficult”.Most read in Football“I would say it’s as intimate and small as it can be,” she shared on Instagram today. “I honestly can see why people elope and then have a big party, because the guest list I honestly found so difficult. Dani Dyer is engaged to Jarrod Bowen“I’m getting married in like five months. “I can’t believe it.“I’m so excited for you all to see.”The footballer with Danny’s daughter DaniCredit: Instagram More

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      Glam footballer Madelene Wright sends fans wild in see-through fishnet outfit as she pulls suggestive pose

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      MADELENE WRIGHT swapped OnlyFans for OnlyFins as she wore fishnets to prove the 10th day of Christmas isn’t too late for a stocking thriller.And while Santa is enjoying downtime after all his sleighing, the footballer is still busy slaying – with fans loving her latest pictorial gift.Madelene Wright set fans a cheeky poser to go with her cheeky pose as she asked them a huge questionCredit: X formerly Twitter / @WrightMadelene_Christmas might be behind us but Wright’s followers reckon there’s no harm in looking back as she wore an elf outfit for the festive periodCredit: X @WrightMadelene_She keens fans guessing with her outfitsCredit: X formerly Twitter / @WrightMadelene_This dress drew gasps from her followersCredit: X formerly Twitter / @WrightMadelene_The Chesham United player also popped a big question alongside the snap of her in a see-through outfit with only her hands protecting her modesty.She asked her social media followers: “Do you find natural women attractive?”That query sparked a wide variety of responses but with one thing in common – because Wright’s admirers all raved over her photo.But one fan appeared more interested in horticulture than haute couture.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpotting a large green protuberance directly behind Wright, he enquired: “What’s that plant called in the background?”It certainly wasn’t a Christmas tree – suggesting the former Charlton and Orient ace has put the festive period behind her, having earlier posed in rather minimalist elf garb.Wright shared an array of festive snaps in stockings and suspenders.That helped boost her Instagram following beyond 321,000. Most read in FootballShe played for Charlton and Orient before joining CheshamCredit: InstagramBut it was joining OnlyFans in 2021 that transformed her financial fortunes.She’d just been sacked by Charlton after being seen inhaling nitrous oxide at a party and drinking behind the wheel of her car.Glamorous footballer Madelene Wright sends fans wild in corset and short black dress as they brand her ‘unbelievable’But that notoriety boosted her profile when she set up an account on the adult subscription website.Madelene now claims she earns more than £500,000 a year from OnlyFans.Maybe it shows a “natural” approach to life is good for your elf…A glimpse into the life of the OnlyFans star…Wright regularly posts colourful snapsShe often wows her fans with raunchy picturesCredit: InstagramMadelene has over 300k followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @madelene_wrightShe recently celebrated her 25th birthdayCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wrightThe footballer also has an OnlyFans accountCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wrightShe claimed to have made over £500,000 from the platformCredit: Instagram @madelene_wrightThe footballer has recently signed for Leyton OrientCredit: Instagram/@madelene_wrightShe has continued her OnlyFansCredit: twitter @MaddieMadeleneShe often dresses in revealing outfitsCredit: InstagramMadelene used to play for CharltonCredit: Instagram @Madelene_Wright More

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      Kyle Walker ‘takes swipe at ex Lauryn Goodman’ with pic after refusing to give her kids Xmas gifts despite £27m fortune

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      KYLE Walker has seemingly hit back at his ex Lauryn Goodman amid a row over Christmas presents for their kids.The influencer was reported to be “utterly furious” with the father of her two children after he missed them off his Christmas list for the second year in a row.Kyle Walker has posted a festive family photo with wife Annie KilnerSome saw it as a swipe as Lauryn Goodman amid a row about Christmas presents for his two kids with herCredit: Instagram @lauryngoodman91Lauryn revealed that her son and daughter with Walker received nothing from their dad for the big dayCredit: InstagramBut sources close to the footie star accused her of using the row for publicityCredit: GC ImagesWalker, who fathered a son and a daughter with Goodman over the course of a lengthy, on/off affair, had promised to “do the right thing” this year, according to sources.But young Kairo and Kinara apparently didn’t receive anything from their dad come the big day.One source said: “All of their mutual friends have talked to Kyle.“They feel really upset for the children and for Lauryn who is always trying to do right by their kids.READ MORE ON KYLE WALKER“They were hoping Kyle would put aside his differences for the sake of the children.”But to leave them with nothing to open for another year is just really sad.”Lauryn even shared an exchange with a fan on social media in which they suggested Walker’s wife Annie Kilner was behind the decision.Walker and Annie spent Christmas day together despite her filing for divorce from the Man City star earlier this year.Most read in FootballNow, though, Walker has taken to his own Instagram page and seemingly addressed the bitter row.The defender posted a festive family photo to his Instagram story, featuring himself, Annie and their four kids all in matching pyjamas.Kyle Walker and ex-lover Lauryn Goodman in fresh row over intercom security system at her £2.4m homeThe children’s faces were all obscured by white heart emojis, while the snap was captioned “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year”.Some viewers perceived this as a swipe at Lauryn, with a source close to the Three Lions man adding: “He provides for the children financially.”He’s never been a part of Lauryn’s Christmas celebrations with the children.”There’s no reason this year would be any different.”And another insider told Mail+: “It feels like Lauryn is relentless in dragging this story into the spotlight.”She seems to be trying to use Kyle and the family to keep herself relevant. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Kyle and Annie would love for things to die down.”He feels that he cannot send gifts or Christmas wishes because he fears Lauryn will use any contact at all to shove herself forward in the media.”Annie and Kyle spent Christmas together despite her filing for divorce earlier this yearCredit: InstagramWalker fathered two kids with Lauryn during a lengthy affair which has spilled over into a public feud between her and AnnieCredit: Splash More

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      Lauryn Goodman seen for first time since Kyle Walker did NOT give their two kids Xmas presents – despite £27m fortune

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      LAURYN Goodman put on a brave face as she was seen for the first time since Kyle Walker failed to send their two kids Christmas presents.Despite his £27million fortune, the Manchester City footballer snubbed son Kairo and daughter Kinara for a second year.Lauryn Goodman carries daughter Kinara as she holds hands with son Kairo on a walkCredit: SplashKyle Walker snubbed the two children he fathered with LaurynCredit: GettyThe family pushed on after Kyle failed to get them Christmas presentsCredit: SplashLauryn managed a smile despite a difficult ChristmasCredit: SplashThe Sun told how the father of six promised friends he’d do the “right thing” by his estranged kids, but left Lauryn disappointed once again.It comes six months after their courtroom showdown over Lauryn’s ‘childcare’ demands – where she was accused of using the England footie ace as an “open-ended cheque book”.Over Christmas, doting mum had been “feeling the humbug spirit”, sources said – but she was today spotted smiling out on a stroll, holding hands with Kairo and carrying Kinara with the other.Wearing just a cardigan and jeans on a mild December day, Lauryn managed a smile as she pushed on to put her troubles behind her.READ MORE ON KYLE WALKERShe played with her animated one-year-old Kinara in one picture and in another sweetly pulled up Kairo’s jacket as it slipped off his shoulder.One insider said previously about the father of her children: “All of their mutual friends have talked to Kyle.“They feel really upset for the children and for Lauryn who is always trying to do right by their kids.“They were hoping Kyle would put aside his differences for the sake of the childrenMost read in Football“But to leave them with nothing to open for another year is just really sad.”Lauryn became pregnant while Kyle was on a break from his wife Annie in 2019 and Kairo was born the following year.He and Annie – who he shares four children with – rebuilt their relationship and got married in 2021.Kyle Walker will spend Christmas Day back with estranged wife Annie Kilner after they agreed to put the turmoil of their divorce to one side for the sake of their kidsLauryn and Kyle briefly rekindled their relationship before Kinara was conceived.Lauryn broke the news of her second child with Kyle on December 27 in a text to then-pregnant Annie — leading to a huge public feud.Kyle later admitted he’d lied to both women and moved out of the family home in Cheshire.Annie filed for divorce this October and is preparing to seek half his fortune.Full list of Lauryn Goodman’s outrageous ‘childcare’ demands to Kyle Walker in court battleINSTAGRAM influencer Lauryn Goodman was blasted for using England footie ace Kyle Walker as an “open-ended cheque bookHer full shopping list of ‘childcare’ demands she wanted her ex to pay for can be revealed – including £30,000 for aircon and a gardener budget.£30,000 Air conditioning£31,200 Astroturf pitch£20,000 Furnishing fund£70,000 Car allowance every three years£14,750 per month/£150,000 a year in child maintenance for both children£3,900 per month childcare costs for Kinara of 30 hours per week at £30 an hour£30,000 Car for the nanny, to be replaced every three yearsA bespoke wood and glass baby gateA gardener at a cost of £28 per hour – “The lawn mower is heavy”£171.81 per month for two mobile phones – one for family, one for friendsAn iron – “I do have a steamer but it leaks”£800 Water filters£2,000+ Garden furniture£1,499 Garden chairs and table£6,250 Wardrobes£2,149 Outdoor lighting£9,000 Blinds£1,619 Oven£996 Bar stools£15,396 sofas£3,925 Sofa bedsWHAT HE’S PAID FOR ALREADY£1,059,717 for his and Lauryn’s legal fees£2.4 million house in Sussex for Lauryn£9,188 per month child maintenance for Kairo£7,000 per month child maintenance for Kinara£245,000 Lauryn’s legal fees for financial hearing relating to Kinara 2024£48,000 new wardrobes at Lauryn’s home£52,164 new blinds and curtains£9,115 CCTV cameras£5,651 burglar alarm£30,000 ‘Wish list’ for Kinara£27,000 ‘Maternity’ nanny for Kinara£16,678 to secure the nanny£5,590 per month for childcare costs£10,000 property management fund£75,000 furnishing fund£28,000 replacement gates for the house£10,000 Kairo’s fourth birthday party£73,000 Premium bonds and an ISA for Kairo£40,840 To clear some of Lauryn’s debtsHowever, she allowed Kyle to spend a couple of hours on Christmas Day with her and their four sons before going to training.Manchester City played against Everton on Boxing Day, but left fans disappointed with a 1-1 draw.Animated Kinara pointed to the sky as the family enjoyed their walkCredit: SplashKyle with his estranged wife AnnieLauryn pulled up Kairo’s jacket as it slipped off his shoulderCredit: SplashHe missed out son Kairo and daughter Kinara for a second year — despite promising friends to do the ‘right thing’Credit: Instagram @lauryngoodman91She leaned in to nuzzle noses with one-year=old KinaraCredit: Splash More

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      Former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka shows off dramatic new look as he and family go skiing during Christmas holiday

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      GRANIT XHAKA has shown off a dramatic new look during a family skiing holiday.The former Arsenal star took to the slopes during the Bundesliga’s winter break.Granit Xhaka showed off a new look while on holidayCredit: Instagram / granitxhakaThe midfielder has gone for a buzzcutCredit: Instagram / granitxhakaXhaka, 32, left the Gunners in 2023 for Bayer Leverkusen and has become one of the side’s key players.He played a crucial role in the team winning the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal last term.This included a run of 51 matches unbeaten under manager Xabi Alonso.But unlike Arsenal, Xhaka gets the festive period off work due to the winter break in Germany.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe midfielder has taken the opportunity to go on holiday with their pregnant wife, Leonita, and their two daughters, Ayana and Laneya.They visited the Arosa Kulm Hotel and Alpin Spa in Switzerland and enjoyed some time trekking on the slopes.He shared snaps from the trip on Instagram with the caption: “Family Time is the Best Time.”However, Xhaka looked nearly unrecognisable with his new haircut, which can be seen in the pictures.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Swiss international has clipped most of his hair off as he has gone for a buzz cut.Fans have been left shocked by the bold new look as they reacted in the comment section.Chrissy Teigen in sweary rant at British ‘knbs and tts’ after backlash over mistaking major error after watching Arsenal playXhaka is currently starring for Bayer LeverkusenCredit: RexOne posted: “Xhaka buzz cut before GTA 6.”A second commented: “They aren’t ready for buzzed Xhaka.”A third wrote: “Just when he couldn’t be more intimidating in midfield.”A fourth said: “Looking good Granit.”Xhaka will return to action with Leverkusen on January 10 against Borussia Dortmund.It will have been five weeks since their previous game, which was a 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the DFB Pokal.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Man City love rat Kyle Walker did not give Christmas gifts to his children with Lauryn Goodman despite £27m fortune

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      FOOTIE ace Kyle Walker did not send Christmas gifts to his two kids with Lauryn Goodman.The Man City star, 34, worth an estimated £27million, missed out son Kairo and daughter Kinara for a second year despite promising friends he’d do the “right thing”.Lauryn Goodman feels let down by Kyle Walker, say mutual palsCredit: AlamyWalker missed out son Kairo and daughter Kinara for a second year — despite promising friends to do the ‘right thing’Credit: Instagram @lauryngoodman91Annie and Kyle spent Christmas Day together despite her filing for divorce in OctoberCredit: InstagramA source close to Kyle said: ‘He provides for the children financially’Credit: AlamyIt has left Lauryn feeling the humbug spirit, say sources.One said: “All of their mutual friends have talked to Kyle.“They feel really upset for the children and for Lauryn who is always trying to do right by their kids.“They were hoping Kyle would put aside his differences for the sake of the children.Read More on Sport“But to leave them with nothing to open for another year is just really sad.”Chaos broke out last Christmas between Lauryn, Kyle and his then- pregnant wife Annie.Lauryn broke the news of her second child with Kyle on December 27 in a text to Annie — leading to a huge public feud.Kyle later admitted he’d lied to both women and moved out of the family home in Cheshire.Most read in FootballAnnie filed for divorce this October and is preparing to seek half his fortune. It comes after The Sun revealed Kyle spent a couple of hours on Christmas Day with Annie and their four sons before going to training.Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner files for divorce and gears up to fight for star’s £27m fortuneLauryn became pregnant while Kyle was on a break from Annie in 2019 and Kairo was born the following year. He and Annie rebuilt their relationship and got married in 2021.Kyle and Lauryn stayed in touch, started to spend time together and had days out with Kairo, and then briefly rekindled their relationship before Kinara was conceived.The source added: “Kyle told mutual friends that the kids would get gifts this year. “They still believe he will do the right thing and some will be delivered in the New Year to show them Kyle does care.”A source close to Kyle said: “He provides for the children financially.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He’s never been a part of Lauryn’s Christmas celebrations with the children. “There’s no reason this year would be any different.” More

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      Troy Deeney: Being a footballer around Christmas might be the most depressing time of your life – it’s torture

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      BEING a pro footballer around Christmas might be the most depressing time of your life.I’m not asking for huge amounts of sympathy.Footballers do not get time off during ChristmasCredit: AlamyBrighton and Hove Albion were visited by the GrinchCredit: Instagram @officialbhafcWe are very privileged people who get paid extremely well, so I don’t expect the tiny violins to be coming out.But it is not an easy time. Your whole family is buzzing — the Pringles are out, the wine, the beers.So many things that you would normally enjoy but just know you cannot do it.I remember as a footballer having Christmas dinner and knowing we were playing a game the next day.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLI would have to ask for a third of what I would normally stuff on my plate.Now I am retired — my first Christmas away from the game for nearly 20 years — I asked my family to give me a third more than I can even stomach.I was so excited and loved it.But as a professional player, you would be counting how many potatoes you have eaten.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThen the club nutritionists would be on to you.I used to have to jump in the gym straight after my turkey dinner. ‘Who do you think you are’: Sir Alex Ferguson reduced Cristiano Ronaldo to tears after ‘ripping in’ to Man Utd iconCody Gakpo was one of the scorers on Boxing DayCredit: AFPWho are these famous footballers?Usually, if we had an away game on Boxing Day, we would have to train in the late afternoon or early evening on Christmas Day — and then it was straight to wherever the hotel was.I’d get up in the morning on Christmas Day, do stuff with the kids, have a light breakfast, probably run a 5k on the treadmill, then the family came over to have dinner but you are always watching the time.Let’s say we had dinner at 1:30pm.I would then get on the scales at 2:45pm and I am two kilos over. So, I have to jump in the sauna for 20 minutes.Then it is in the car, down to training, weigh yourself again and into a hotel with 20 other lads who also don’t want to be there.You’re looking on your social media and everyone is posting videos of themselves enjoying some drinks, opening presents, spending time with their kids. It really hits you.By the time Boxing Day comes around, everyone is in the mindset of, ‘Thank God that’s over’.I always tried to have a bigger dinner that day to make up for what I missed.For me and my family, our Christmas Day would be on the 27th, so you could enjoy yourself and have a few days resting before the New Year games.As players, we were generally well behaved during those periods.Sometimes at Watford, depending on the manager we had, we would have to come in for training at 8am on Christmas Day, so everyone would be home by midday.Get in, get out.There used to be a rule whereby you then did not have to report until Boxing Day morning.But that was stopped after a few players would turn up with red eyes after staying out until 2am.Those Christmas Day morning sessions were the worst, because my kids would wake up all excited wanting to open their presents and I would have to say: “No, wait until dad gets home!”It’s torture.And even when I got home, I would have to eat, shower, have a little nap and then drive back to the hotel for 7pm.When I first met my wife, she thought I would only train a couple of times a week and then play on a Saturday.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe then got the biggest shock of her life. My life was so regimented, even at Christmas.Look, it’s part of the gig. You’re paid to put up with it but it was a mental strain at times, especially with kids and those who were really family-orientated. More