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      Alvaro Morata reveals depression battle and says ‘I couldn’t lace up my boots, and when I did my throat would close up’

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      FORMER Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata has opened up about his battle with depression.The 31-year-old captained Spain to Euro 2024 glory this summer, but recently admitted he almost didn’t make it to Germany.Alvaro Morata has opened up about his battle with depressionCredit: RexThe striker also revealed he has suffered from panic attacksCredit: GettyMorata admitted he almost couldn’t play at Euro 2024Credit: GettyMorata had received heavy criticism from both fans and journalists in the build-up to the tournament – so much so that it made him want to leave the country.The AC Milan striker experienced some mental health troubles as a result which made him question if he would ever be able to step onto a football pitch again.Speaking to El Partidazo, Morata revealed: “When you have really tough times, depression, panic attacks, it doesn’t matter what job you do, what situation you have in life, you have another person inside that you have to fight against every day and every night.”The Spaniard began doubting his future during the latter stages of his time with Atletico Madrid – just months before Euro 2024. Read More in FootballHe continued: “For me, leaving Spain was the best option; I couldn’t stand it.”I had a really bad time. I thought I wouldn’t be able to put my boots on and go out on the pitch again.”But hey, thanks to a lot of people, from Simeone, Koke, Miguel Ángel Gil last year, my psychiatrist, my coach… we are what you see on TV and on social media but often it’s not real.”You have to give an image because it’s your job. I had a really bad time, I exploded and there came a time when I couldn’t lace up my boots, and when I did I would run home because my throat would close up and my vision would start to blur.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Three months before the Euros I was wondering if I would be able to play another match. I didn’t know what was happening to me but it’s very complicated and delicate.”At that moment you realise that what you like most in the world is what you hate the most, it’s complicated.”Every time I went out with them I always had some episode, sometimes without malice, with people about something that had happened in previous games. “And, in the end, they didn’t want to go shopping either, things that a normal father does with his children. “There came a time when they said so many things to me in front of them that I was embarrassed to be with them. I was an easy joke, a joke to make the person next to you laugh.”Earlier this year, Morata announced that he had split from wife Alice Campello.The couple had been together for seven years and share four children.Morata left Atletico to join AC Milan in a £10.9million transfer in July.The striker has since scored two goals in five Serie A appearances.If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123. More

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      Gareth Southgate breaks silence on Man Utd manager job links as he gives update on future after England exit

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has ruled himself OUT of taking over at Manchester United for at least 12 months.Former England boss Southgate has been a front runner to be the next United choice if the Old Trafford side sack under-pressure Erik ten Hag.Gareth Southgate ruled himself OUT of taking over at Manchester United for at least 12 monthsCredit: AFPBut speaking publicly about his future for the first time since leaving the England job after Euro 2024, Southgate said he has NO intention of taking another coaching job until the back end of 2025 at the earliest.In an appearance at the European Club Association general assembly in Athens, when he was asked about his next potential job, Southgate said: “Firstly I’m enjoying my life…so there’s no rush.“I was 11 years committing myself fully to the FA and I’ve got lots of different experiences.“But I won’t coach in the next year, for sure. I’m certain of that.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I need to give myself time to make good decisions. When you come out of a really big role you need to give your body time, you need to give your mind time.”Southgate made clear he is unlikely to consider another international job – and even that he may look for a role in football OUTSIDE of management.He added: “I’m fortunate that there are lots of different opportunities that are presenting themselves. The business side of football is really interesting.“In my role I’ve dealt with Uefa and Fifa, had to deal with lots of different stakeholders.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“So I’m not just set on being a coach moving forward.Of course I’ve had amazing experiences but to have a project that was from the heart, which it was from the national team, is going to be difficult to find.” Gary Neville tells Gareth Southgate ‘it’s illegal’ again as he repeats fierce criticism of ex-England manager’s tacticsSouthgate went on: “I’m at an age where I want to work with good people.“When you’re younger you probably strive and are a bit more compliant. When you are older you realise the importance of collaboration.“Clubs can only be successful if everything is aligned, right the way through the club.“I also know that maybe the smarter people sit in the boardrooms and the coaches are a little bit more dispensable then you think when you are there.“As a coach you think you’re the most important person. I sat in every boardroom in our country for eight years and realised you’re only a small piece in this whole thing.”Coming just a day after Jurgen Klopp announced his new role at the Red Bull sporting group, Southgate hinted that he might be persuaded by a similar offer.He said: “If you are asking about club football, that’s depending on what that is, what role that is, what that might be.“I’ve been fortunate to work with fantastic players and some of the biggest nights in world football.“You’ve got to have excitement, passion to go to work every day.“That’s unlikely, for me, to be another national federation. Because, again, England was for the heart. I went there originally to help English football, not to become the first team coach.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But, the business of football, the experiences I’ve had working right across the board.“I’m 54 and want to enjoy and be really motivated for the next 10-15 years of my life and the most important thing is to give myself time to make good decisions.” More

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      Premier League icon names surprise EFL star who could be key to shutting down Jude Bellingham in England vs Greece

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      NEWCASTLE cult hero Nikos Dabizas has named a surprise Championship star as the best man to keep England superstar Jude Bellingham quiet when Greece visit Wembley.The Three Lions return to international duty on Thursday to welcome their Nations League group leaders after both sides kicked their campaign off with victories over Republic of Ireland and Finland.Jude Bellingham may start for the first time under England interim boss Lee Carsley against GreeceCredit: ReutersGreece legend Nikos Dabizas believes Cardiff star Manolis Siopis could keep Jude Bellingham quietCredit: GettyDabizas, though, insists Siopis will need help from all of his Greece team-mates to stop BellinghamCredit: SportsfileBellingham, 21, is set to play under interim manager Lee Carsley for the first time since Gareth Southgate’s dismissal as he missed last month’s international break due to a foot injury.The superstar midfielder is expected to start under Carsley, which means Greece manager Ivan Jovanovic will have his hands full in his first big match in charge since taking over in August.However, Dabizas, 51, believes Cardiff ace Manolis Siopis could be the one to stop the Real Madrid star for the Greeks, who have never beaten England in all of their nine matches – losing seven.The Euro 2004 legend claims Siopis, 30, who helped Trabzonspor win their first title in 28 years two seasons ago, could thrive in this unenviable task thanks to his speed, power and stamina.Read More on FootballHowever, the former defender insists Jovanovic shouldn’t rely only on the defensive midfielder to neutralise Bellingham, who registered a staggering 23 goals and 13 assists in 42 games last season with Real.Dabizas exclusively told SunSport: “In terms of direct marking, Manolis Siopis is a footballer who has the necessary combo of speed and power as well as stamina so that for a long period of time in the game to be pressing in his marking [against Bellingham]. “But under no circumstance should we opt for a game of individual marking. That [marking] should be based on teamwork that could create a situation of “delivery-receipt” when a player arrives in your area so that you can face him in your individual marking. “From then on when the opponent moves in a different area then the player who is responsible for that area can take him on. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I believe the three central midfielders will be able to give us that necessary cohesion and with the characteristics that they will have be able to create that concrete midfield both inside and outside our area where most of the game will be played. “But I believe Manolis Siopis can serve very well that part of direct marking in midfield. And it depends of course on what kind of formation Bellingham will be placed on by Carsley because, as we said, he didn’t have him in the previous games. Jude Bellingham follows Cristiano Ronaldo in launching YouTube channel with behind-the-scenes footage of England star”Maybe he will use him in a role on the wings. There’s also Cole Palmer who is doing great things with Chelsea and I believe he will start. He’s taken [Phil] Foden’s place. I believe he will start with Palmer. “The only thing left is to see how he handles [Kobbie] Mainoo’s absence. It’s a puzzle you need to turn around and fill up with the characteristics of the players he has at his disposal. “And what kind of strategy he will choose. But I believe it is very important to have a concrete midfield in the game with England.”Dabizas insists this is going to be a very tough game for Greece, who haven’t qualified for a major tournament in ten years.However, the ex-Leicester ace suggested his country could upset England with the right level of ball possession and adequate transition.Dabizas added: “I believe, first of all, the level of our ball possession will be a very basic criterion in regards to how the game will develop. The higher level of possession we have the better we will be able to absorb pressure from England. “That is the key point. To be able to have high possession percentages so that we can create the necessary conditions in transition as well, because I think it will be difficult to go to game management in a possession-based match with high percentages from our side, and certainly a lot will depend on transition. READ MORE SUN STORIES”That is why I say again, the players’ characteristics are very important so that they can maximise the specific conditions we will have to face in that match.”Ball possession and adequate transition so that we can create conditions to threaten England’s national team.” More

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      ‘It’s not normal, I don’t know if it’s ever happened in history,’ says Spain boss as Euro winner reveals contract woes

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      SPAIN’S manager insists his contract situation is “not normal” after winning Euro 2024.Luis de la Fuente stepped up from his national team’s Under-21s boss to take over from Luis Enrique as the senior gaffer in December 2022.Luis de la Fuente is astonished he has not sorted an improved contract despite winning Euro 2024Credit: GettyDe La Fuente successfully ensured Spain qualified for the Euros, winning seven of their eight matches to book their spot in Germany.His initial contract took him up to the end of the summer tournament.However, he put pen to paper on a new deal at the beginning of June until the 2026 World Cup.But despite leading Spain to Euro 2024 glory – beating England 2-1 in July’s final in Berlin – De La Fuente has still not been rewarded with an improved contract with no pay rise or extension.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLReports suggest the Spanish FA and De La Fuente’s representatives are in talks to seal a new deal to take him through to Euro 2028 where he will try and defend the title. But for now, the manager is stunned by the lack of progress – and suggested Enrique would not be treated in the same way if he had led Spain to the major honour. De La Fuente – who won two LaLiga titles and the Copa del Rey as a left-back with Athletic Bilbao in the 1980s – said: “It’s not normal for a European champion to be without a contract. “I don’t know if the same thing would have happened with Luis Enrique.Most read in Euro 2024FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I’ve had offers, as is normal. “What’s not normal is that the current European champion, I don’t know if it’s ever happened in history, is without a contract. Alvaro Morata throws cup at fan during Spainb’s trophy parade after Euro 2024 win”I have the same conditions as when I was promoted from the U21s.”It would have been fair if I had signed the contract already.”Spain beat Germany and France before downing the Three Lions at Euro 2024.In their two matches since being crowned champions, La Roja drew 0-0 with Serbia then beat Switzerland 4-1 despite playing with ten men for 70 minutes.They face Denmark on Saturday in their next Nations League fixture before hosting Serbia on Tuesday. De La Fuente led his country to glory in Germany, beating England in the finalCredit: Reuters More

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      Cole Palmer: Chelsea star named England Player of the Year despite just TWO career starts as fans say team-mate ‘robbed’

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      FEW players have amassed such staggering stats in the Prem so quickly as Cole Palmer.And now it can be said few have won such a prestigious honour at international level from such little action.Cole Palmer took the Three Lions’ individual award for 2023-24Credit: GettyPalmer’s peak England moment so far was a goal as sub in the Euro finalCredit: GettyChelsea’s attacking midfielder has been named England player of the year – after just two starts since his Three Lions debut in November 2023.Many fans found the award jaw-dropping – reckoning runner-up Jude Bellingham or third-placed Bukayo Saka should have won it.Yet the honour, for 2023-24, was decided BY SUPPORTERS.Palmer has won nine caps – including five off the bench at the Euros when playing just 145 minutes in Germany as England reached the final.READ MORE TOP STORIESHis peak moment so far was a spectacular strike off the bench in that showpiece clash, an equaliser that offered brief hope before Mikel Oyarzabal fired a deserved late winner for Spain.In all, for the Three Lions, Palmer has scored twice in nine matches, albeit seven of those appearances coming as sub.In contrast, Arsenal winger Saka has been a consistent menace for England, while Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham often reached lofty heights in the past year, despite a mixed Euro 2024. However, at Prem level, Palmer has notched 28 goals and 17 assists in 58 matches.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat includes a blistering start to this term, netting six times and teeing up five goals in seven games.It means Palmer’s England nomination has divided fans – many believing the 22-year-old should have been used more by now-departed England boss Gareth Southgate, but also wondering how their fellow supporters rewarded him above big-name regulars.Dominic Solanke handed first England call-up in seven years as Lee Carsley leaves Jarrod Bowen and Harry Maguire out One said: “Bukayo Saka was robbed. What did Cole Palmer do that Saka didn’t?”Another wrote: “How is this possible when he didn’t even start in any single match in Euros??? England led by politics and PR games again.”A third posted: “Weird as he barely played at the Euros. I’m not saying Palmer isn’t a good player but for a year we’ve had the Euros he can’t be the POTY when Southgate rarely played him.”And a fourth insisted: “Saka did a better job than Cole Palmer, he should be getting the men’s Player of the Year Award for 2023-24. If for any reason Saka wasn’t the right person, the next persons that come to mind are Bellingham & Harry Kane. This is ridiculous.”But a few fans looked to the Palmer who could be set for a wonderful winter at club and international level – rather than the one who had to rely on England cameos over the last 12 months.Such supporters argued he was “the best player in the world!!!!” and a “Generational talent”. More

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      Jack Grealish: I’ll be honest with you… I didn’t agree with Gareth Southgate’s shock Euro 2024 decision

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      JACK GREALISH is on a mission to prove a point with England after his Euro 2024 “devastation”.The Manchester City winger felt Gareth Southgate was wrong to leave him out for the tournament in Germany.Manchester City star Jack Grealish disagrees with his England omission at Euro 2024Credit: ReutersFormer England manager Gareth Southgate left Grealish out his squadCredit: AlamyGrealish had the summer free after missing out on Euro 2024Credit: https://www.instagram.com/jackgrealish/Grealish, with partner Sasha Attwood, was devastated to miss out on Euro 2024 with EnglandCredit: instagram/@sasha__rebecca’Interim boss Lee Carsley recalled Grealish last month and started the £100million man – who has just announced he has had a baby girl with partner Sasha Attwood – in wins over Republic of Ireland and Finland.Asked about his Euros axe, Grealish said: “I will be honest with you – I didn’t really agree with it.“You can imagine how I was absolutely devastated. It was one of the most difficult periods of life in terms of football.“It was difficult to just watch the games, especially for someone like me who watches so much football.Read More on Football“I have won a lot of stuff now so, you asked me should I have gone, yes, I still think I should have, but obviously it wasn’t meant to be.“I felt like I didn’t have the best season. If you look at some players in my position, for example Phil Foden, Anthony Gordon, Jarrod Bowen, they scored a lot of goals.“But I know that my game is not just about goals. I give so much more to the team than goals.“You need a bit of a balance in every position on the pitch and I class myself as quite an experienced player now.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I’ve played in a lot of big games — Champions League finals and FA Cup finals.”Grealish, 29, scored in the 2-0 win over Ireland in Dublin and hopes to feature against Greece in the Nations League at Wembley on Thursday.Jack Grealish opens up on ‘one of the worst summers of my life’ after scoring against England over former side IrelandThe three-time Premier League winner is feeling “a lot of love” playing for Carsley — a fellow Brummie.And Grealish believes the former Three Lions Under-21s boss has all the qualities to land his new job on a permanent basis.He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “He played me in both games and hopefully I repaid him by scoring in Dublin. It was nice to play in the No10 role.“I wanted to come here and train well and play well. I thank the manager, Lee Carsley, for giving me that chance and having that trust in me. It’s really meant a lot.“Throughout my career, when I’ve played under managers that have shown a trust in me and communicated with me the way he has in the past two camps, it has really helped me.“I’ve felt a lot of love from the manager.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It makes me feel that the manager really does rate me and I can’t speak highly enough of him since I’ve been here.“He gets across to us how he wants us to play and how he wants me to play personally. The younger lads with him at the Under-21s said he is like a proper father figure.”Grealish struggled to watch football during his Euro 2024 omissionGrealish trained hard during the summer to get his England place backGrealish and Sasha announced the birth of Mila this week More

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      ‘Got to be higher than that’ gasps Jack Grealish after seeing England team-mate Ebere Eze’s EA FC 25 rating

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      JACK GREALISH was left in shock after Eberechi Eze revealed his rating on EA FC 25.The Crystal Palace midfielder is one of the most exciting players in the Premier League.Eberechi Eze is rated 81 on EA FC 25Credit: YouTube @EnglandJack Grealish was shocked by the ratingCredit: YouTube @EnglandEze, 26, impressed last season with the Eagles and earned his spot in England’s squad at Euro 2024.His performances for the South London side did see him get an upgrade on his rating from EA FC 24.The previous edition of the game saw him rated 79 overall, but he has had a plus-two upgrade.Eze is now rated 81 overall however it is lower than his two England international team-mates Grealish and Declan Rice.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe trio took part in a video showcasing their new cards while on international duty.Rice and Grealish were fairly happy with their cards, rated 87 and 84, respectively.However, when Eze revealed his card, there was a clear disappointment.The Man City star gasped: “Nah, it has got to be higher than that. You should be higher than that bro.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEze was less surprised as he said: “I expected it. It is what it is.”Fans also disagreed with the playmaker’s stats on the game as they commented on the video.The 25 top-rated footballers in EA FC25One posted: “Eze with less than 87 dribbling?”A second wrote: “78 pace for eze seems criminal. Bro put Casemiro into the Saudi league with one sprint.”Eze has already scored once in the Premier League this season for Crystal Palace.He was denied a wonder goal against Brentford due to an “awful refereeing decision” according to fans.Eze is not the only player to be unhappy with his rating as Richarlison hit out on social media over his “s**t” card”. More

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      Anthony Gordon set to make Newcastle transfer U-turn after telling England team-mates at Euro 2024 he was leaving

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      NEWCASTLE are on the verge of tieing down Anthony Gordon to a new long-term contract – despite the star telling England team-mates at Euro 2024 he was heading to Liverpool.The 23-year-old moved to St. James’ Park in a £45m deal from Everton in January 2022 and has become a key man in Eddie Howe’s side.Liverpool and Arsenal eyed Anthony Gordon but he is set to stay putCredit: RexHowever, with his contract due to expire in 2026, pressure was mounting on Toon’s sporting director Paul Mitchell to sort out the winger’s future.The chief’s relationship with Howe has been the subject of much speculation since he failed to land any top transfer targets this summer.But the head coach will be delighted to discover that Gordon and the club are close to agreeing terms on an extension.Talks have intensified over recent weeks and Sun Sport understands that the final few details of the package will be completed shortly.READ MORE TOP STORIESIt comes after Gordon’s head was turned while on England duty at the Euros as he nearly returned to Merseyside to join Liverpool – the club he supported as a boy.The Magpies were desperate to meet PSR regulations at the end of June and there were talks over a potential £100m move to Anfield.Newcastle eventually sold Yankuba Minteh to Brighton instead but that was only after sources informed us he had told a number of people in the Three Lions camp that he was heading to the Reds.But the North East club want to reward him for his performances and secure his future, especially with Arsenal also interested in him.Most read in FootballThe Magpies aim to sort out a new Gordon deal to end speculationCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd Gordon himself is keen to put pen to paper and focus all of his efforts on trying to get Newcastle back into Europe.Howe stressed the importance of Mitchell sorting out Gordon’s contract last week, saying: “I think having your players secure in their futures is key to their performances. Newcastle star reveals gruesome scars after horror injury as he’s pictured back at work“You don’t want the transfer speculation or the contracts potentially running into shorter terms because I think that it distracts and rarely benefits the player or the club.“So, my wish is that players are always focussed on their performances and that the outside distraction is minimal.“Our best way to do that is to get them secure and happy but of course there is a balance because with wage structures and PSR we can’t be reckless with what we do either.“So we have to get those calls right but, of course, getting those players to play at their best levels will have a dramatic effect on our season.“I think that if there are issues with either player, or any player, then of course communication and resolving any issues is really important.” More