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    £45m Premier League star reveals he spends summers working as a farmer four thousand miles away

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    MATHYS TEL has revealed his farming pastime — as Tottenham prepare to take on the Tractor Boys.The 19-year-old, signed on loan from Bayern Munich for the rest of the season, was born in Paris but his family hails from Guadeloupe.Mathys Tel has revealed his love for farming with his family in GuadeloupeTel joined Tottenham on a six-month loan from Bayern Munich in JanuaryTel goes over to the French colony in the Caribbean every year to see them.And the striker — whose side face Ipswich at Portman Road on Saturday —  is happy to get his hands dirty helping his grandpa out with growing fruit and vegetables.The France Under-21 star said: “That’s my country. My parents and my sister come from there. I was born in a small part of Paris.“Every year I go — one week, two weeks  — but I need to go there, for myself, for my confidence.READ MORE TOTTENHAM NEWS“Just to see my father happy, my little cousin happy, it brings me a lot of energy.“I help out my grandfather with agriculture.“I take some gloves and big shoes, so that’s good!“It doesn’t matter where I play my football, you have to be humble.  That’s why I go to Guadeloupe to see my family whenever I can.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTel ended up being one of the most exciting transfers of the January window.He completed a deadline-day loan move from Bayern to Spurs, who hold a £45million option to sign him permanently.Spurs fans hold sit-in protest against board and owenrs after Man Utd winGiven Spurs’ horror injury crisis since November – Tel was thrown straight into the deep end in North London.Despite being a Tottenham player for only 21 days, the teen has already played three times.He was subbed on during the club’s 4-0 Carabao Cup second leg defeat at Anfield and started in their 2-1 FA Cup exit to Aston Villa.The forward was then handed a full Prem debut in Tottenham’s 1-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday. More

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      in Soccer

      England’s best keeper grew up helping lambs give birth and spent summer working on FARM – now he’s set for Prem transfer

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      JAMES TRAFFORD has always been good with his hands.Right now they are the most talked about in football, with the Burnley keeper, 22, having not conceded for ONE THOUSAND minutes.James Trafford is currently the most talked about EFL playerCredit: INSTAGRAM @burnleyofficial and @eflTrafford has conceded just nine goals all season, keeping 23 clean sheetsCredit: GettyThe 22-year-old grew up with his family in CumbriaCredit: CollectTrafford was raised and worked on a North Cumbrian family-run farmCredit: CollectThe Burnley stopper – who was at Man City’s academy – spoke exclusively to SunSportCredit: CollectAnd he has only let in NINE goals all season, keeping 23 clean sheets.And tonight, as Burnley host  Sheffield Wednesday, Trafford — the Sky Bet Championship player of the month for January — is aiming for an incredible 12th successive shutout.But those safe hands have been put to other uses — such as being shoved up the backside of sheep or mixing manure  with lime!Trafford was raised and worked on a North Cumbrian family-run farm in the Lake District, where his duties included lambing and mucking out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd he grimaced as he told SunSport: “The first time I did lambing was aged 11. I had to put my hand up them and pull. “That was far too disgusting and, although it was cool to have experienced that, it wasn’t the best thing.“I also had to muck out. We mixed manure with lime to get the right soil pH acidity. And being in the slurry pit was horrible — the stench. “Only last summer I was helping wrap fleeces and clipping sheep.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTrafford — brought up in Cockermouth, where England Test captain Ben Stokes lived during his teens — was even driving tractors on the farm years before he had a driving license.He laughed: “About 14 or 15, way before I was allowed on the roads.” Video emerges of Cole Palmer losing his mind over England starlet James Trafford after Newcastle ‘agree personal terms’Despite his growing reputation as one of Europe’s finest goalkeeping talents, with a host of Premier League clubs hoping to snap him up, the youngster still loves getting his hands dirty on the farm.He said: “I enjoy it. I do it to spend more time with dad because I always go out for lunch with my mum when I go home and he’s always working.“When I was with dad last month, I was bedding up all the sheep and putting hay out for the ones outside.“We’ve always done that. I remember as a kid on the tractor where he’d sit on the seat and I’d be on the arm-rest, and our dog would be down there.”Trafford revealed that, had his grandfather had his way, he would have been a JOCKEY.The 6ft 6in keeper said: “Grandpa Bill, god bless his soul. I have two cousins then my sister and I.  “Grandpa always said, ‘He has to be a farmer’ but he really wanted one of us to be a jockey — but we were all too tall!”Trafford’s dad James Sr has learned to love football for his sonCredit: CollectTrafford told SunSport that he was ‘helping wrap fleeces and clipping sheep’ last summerCredit: CollectTrafford, pictured with sister Charlotte, says his grandfather wanted him to be a jockeyCredit: CollectHis dad James Sr was never a football expert but has been learning through watching YouTube videos and going to his son’s games.Trafford said: “He’s even using  football terminology now and I’m thinking, ‘You haven’t thought about this, you’ve just listened to it and repeating it’. “But dad loves it for me. As long as I’m happy, he’s happy.”Trafford developed a strong work ethic from his years on the farm that stood him in good stead as he progressed through Manchester City’s academy after being signed from Carlisle aged 12.And he went on to play on loan at Accrington Stanley and Bolton, where he won the EFL Trophy by beating Plymouth at Wembley in 2023, before going on to play in the Prem last season after Burnley signed him in a £19million deal.Chelsea and England star Cole Palmer had seen so much of Trafford’s heroics as team-mates growing up at City that he was videoed on the touchline predicting his old friend would save Spain’s late stoppage-time penalty in the Euro Under-21s final in Georgia two years ago.Not only did he dive to his right to keep out Abel Ruiz’s spot-kick, he made an incredible reflex stop from Aimar Oroz’s follow-up.Trafford burst on to the scene after saving Spain’s late stoppage-time penalty in the Euro Under-21s final two years agoCredit: GettyCole Palmer had predicted that Trafford would win the game for EnglandCredit: GettyThat save saw the Young Lions win the trophy — and he became the first keeper in the competition’s history to go through an entire tournament without conceding a goal.And in his recent incredible run, he made TWO late penalty saves in last month’s  goalless draw against Sunderland at Turf Moor.Asked if the double penalty heroics at Turf Moor were among he finest, he said: “All the noise around those saves has been great but there are other things  since  that have brought me more enjoyment. Anyone can save a penalty.”Trafford — who looks set for a summer move to Newcastle — was named in the most recent England squad that faced Ireland and Greece in the Nations League in November.That was after he was in the provisional Euro 2024 squad but was cut from the final party.His call-up came after he was axed by then-Clarets manager Vincent Kompany — but Trafford reckons that made him stronger.He said: “I got taken out the team and it was hard to deal with.“Then I knew I was going away with the national team, I was excited.“When I came back  this season, it was my aim to get into the England squad even though I was in the Championship.”Trafford saved two penalties from Sunderland’s Wilson Isidor last monthCredit: RexThe boyhood Chelsea fan was delighted the FA appointed ex-Blues boss Thomas Tuchel.He said: “He’s a brilliant manager who has won numerous things and got a massive reputation.“He will be the best man to win us the World Cup in 2026.”Former NFL star JJ Watt, at the start of this incredible run, vowed to come out of retirement and play for Trafford’s favourite team, the  Cincinnati Bengals, if he does not concede another goal this season.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere are 13 games left and Trafford said: “When it gets down to single digits he should start worrying!”If he achieves another 13 clean sheets, you can bet Trafford will  continue talking about this season until the cows come home!Trafford progressed through ManCity’s academy after being signed from Carlisle aged 12Credit: Collect More

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      in Soccer

      Iconic former Champions League star, 37, now a CHICKEN FARMER and even has zoo with ferrets and turtles

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      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE icon Marek Hamsik now runs a chicken farm and a zoo.The Napoli legend made 520 appearances for the club with his distinctive mohawk haircut.Marek Hamsik looks after chickens and has a small zooCredit: AFP or licensorsHe claimed his set-up is like a ‘hotel for chickens’Credit: Instagram / marekhamsik17His wife Martina is behind the ideaCredit: Instagram / marekhamsik17But since hanging up his boots a year-and-a-half ago following a spell at Turkish side Trabzonspor, Hamsik balances being Slovakia’s assistant manager and his love for farming.Alongside his wife Martina and their three kids, the 37-year-old looks after chickens and has small zoo with ferrets and turtles in his homeland.Hamsik told Sport24: “It’s a relatively new hobby of ours. It all started in April last year during Easter, when we ordered hatching eggs, from which we later hatched little chicks. “During that time, we managed to set up and equip the chicken coop.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The coop is custom-made. It is more like a hotel for chickens with built-in heating and ventilation, but also automatic doors that open in the morning so that we don’t have to get up and check on them. “It is truly luxurious and the chickens are perhaps even better cared for than we are.”To date, we have 29 of them, and they lay around two dozen eggs a day. “We have a lot of them and I’m already thinking about opening a store as I take care of the chicken coop with pleasure.”Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHamsik admitted it was his wife’s idea to start the farm and they now have eggs for breakfast everyday.On their animal kingdom, the former midfielder revealed: “Yes, it was her idea. She is a big animal lover in general, which she passed on to the whole family. Football icons’ strange hobbies”If we could, we would have an animal shelter or a small zoo at home. “Although we actually already have one, since we keep three dogs, a cat, the chickens, two turtles, six guinea pigs and two ferrets. “We also had two roosters that hatched with us and we raised them ourselves, but since they are the same blood as the chickens, they couldn’t stay with us.”Away from the animals, Hamsik opened a winery with his dad Richard and he boasts an impressive car collection that includes a Mustang and a Ferrari.Hamsik also runs a winery with his dadCredit: Instagram / marekhamsik17He has a Ferrari in his impressive garageA Mustang is also his pride and joyCredit: Instagram / marekhamsik17 More

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      in Soccer

      I wanted to quit football to be a FARMER after Barcelona transfer turned into a nightmare

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      BARCELONA ace Vitor Roque considered quitting football at the age of 19 and becoming a farmer due to the pressures he encountered at the Nou Camp.Barca signed Roque, 19, from Athletico Paranaense in January for an initial £30million fee but struggled to impress in Catalonia and that led to a loan move to Real Betis.Barcelona ace Vitor Roque considered early retirement due to the pressures at the Nou CampCredit: GettyRoque considered quitting football and moving back to his farm in BrazilCredit: GettyThe striker only managed a mere two goals in 16 appearances with the Blaugrana and played second fiddle to star man Robert Lewandowski.The Brazil international has claimed the fee Barcelona paid, plus his whopping €500m (£414m) release clause, led to some significant pressure and anxiety.So much so, that Roque even considered early retirement to find peace in his farm in Brazil.However, the talented forward found a way to regroup and is impressing at Betis with five goals and one assist in 19 appearances.Read More on FootballRoque told ESPN: “Yes. I thought I want to go to the farm there [in Brazil] and be calm, without anyone worrying me, because sometimes it’s difficult… a lot of pressure. “But it’s just about moving forward, having mental strength, continuing to work with great humility and things turning out well. “Little by little, I am regaining my complete happiness and confidence, too.”I already had a lot of anxiety about making things work out. I think what created the pressure was the price they paid for me, which was a very expensive investment in recent years. Most read in Football”I wasn’t completely ready to resolve the situation or to help the team in the way I wanted, I would have liked to. “I would have to have time to adapt, have time to get used to the players, and the club, and it didn’t turn out the way I liked. Man City manager Pep Guardiola sings song for Barcelona’s 125th birthday”And it serves as a learning experience for the next season.” More

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      in Motorsport

      F1 star brilliantly called out by Jeremy Clarkson show for spending 40 minutes reversing a trailer on TV star’s farm

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      OSCAR PIASTRI fell victim to Jeremy Clarkson’s sharp wit after the Aussie F1 star spent 40 MINUTES attempting to reverse-park a trailer.Piastri struggled to grapple with farming machinery during a surprise trip to Clarkson’s farm ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 24.Jeremy Clarkson took the mickey out of Oscar Piastri after the F1 star took 40 minutes to reverse a trailerPiastri currently sits fourth in the F1 standings – but struggled to drive a tractorThe 23-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough year with McLarenPiastri, 23, has excelled for McLaren this season, sitting fourth in the driver standings after winning in Hungary and Azerbaijan, along with five more podium finishes.But he looked like a mere amateur when he got behind the wheel of a tractor in footage he posted on social media on Tuesday.The F1 ace tried and failed to reverse-park a long trailer into a large barn at Diddly Squat’s farm – and Clarkson had a field day while he looked on.The former Top Gear host began: “Behind me in that tractor – if you can see it there – is Oscar.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”We wanted to see if he could reverse that trailer into that slot in the barn.”Clarkson, 64, then turns to ask his pal and Amazon Prime co-star Kaleb Cooper how long Piastri has been trying to pull off the move.Cooper responded: “It’s been 40 minutes now. I thought you told me he was a driver”, as Clarkson burst into laughter.Clarkson joked “Your tractor is going to run out of diesel”, before yelling: “Come on, Oscar!”Most read in MotorsportPiastri had Jeremy Clarkson and his Clarkson’s Farm co-star Kaleb Cooper (centre) in stitches as he tried and failed to reverse-park a trailer in a barnFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Even in the reverse shot (on the phone he’s using to record the clip) I can see he’s c***ed it up.”Piastri saw the funny side of it all, captioning his posts to Instagram and X with the words: “Not sure Piastri’s farm will be happening any time soon.”F1 star Valtteri Bottas completes Ironman triathlon in his own back garden just days after being axed by SauberIn the end, Clarkson and his pals admitted reversing a trailer of that kind was tricky.But Piastri’s own mum even got in on the act of teasing her son. She commented: “Clarkson’s Farm is grandad’s favourite show Osc. He will be so excited to watch this episode.”We just won’t tell him about your trailer-backing skills – or lack thereof.”Clarkson landed himself in hot water with sections of the F1 community earlier this week.It came after he labelled Lewis Hamilton “past his prime” while citing Max Verstappen as possibly the sport’s greatest-ever driver.Clarkson joked that the tractor would run out of fuel before Piastri managed to complete the manoeuvre on his farmHe wrote in his Sun column: “First of all, Verstappen is one of the all-time greats. He may even be the greatest driver we’ve ever seen. “And second, Hamilton is past his prime. He blamed his car for his tail-end qualifying session but his team-mate, George Russell, was on the front row.”Piastri is under intense pressure to perform over the remaining three races of the season as McLaren target the drivers’ and constructors’ titles.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis team-mate Lando Norris currently sits 62 points behind Verstappen in the drivers’ standings, with McLaren top the constructors’ table on 593 points.But Ferrari, who have 557 points and Red Bull’s 544 points mean the constructor’s championship is still up for grabs.Clarkson’s co-host Kaleb Cooper also poked fun at PiastriPiastri’s used to racing F1 cars worth millions More

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      in Soccer

      Jose Mourinho’s daughter Matilde to marry partner Danny Graham in lavish ceremony hosted at Special One’s £2million farm

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      TORRENTIAL rain looks set to put a dampener on Jose Mourinho’s daughter’s wedding in Portugal tomorrow.Matilde Mourinho and her fiancee Danny Graham are set to tie the knot tomorrow at a family farm in Azeitao near the Fenerbahce football manager’s native city of Setubal with 300 guests expected to attend.Matilde Mourinho is set to marry Danny GrahamShe is the daughter of Jose MourinhoCredit: GettyThe manager is thrilled at the prospect of becoming a grandfatherCredit: Rex Features300 guests are expected at the weddingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/matildefmf/The 28-year-old stunning jewellery designer admitted ahead of the ceremony she was hoping for good weather, saying: “Obviously, I don’t want it to rain.”But her wish for her big day looks set to come unhinged 24 hours before she says: ‘I do.’Weathermen are predicting heavy rain and possibly thunderstorms for tomorrow.A yellow weather warning is currently in place for Setubal and the surrounding area.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOn the positive side the sun is expected to shine on the happy couple for the post-ceremony second day of their weekend celebrations at a country estate in Azeitao called the Herdade do Peru.London-based Matilde, who has been dating her partner since 2016, spoke about her hope the rain would stay away on podcast ‘By Annabelle.’She added: “I am so happy at the idea of having all my friends and family together to celebrate in the same place.“It’s non-negotiable that my friends and family are there.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“The day can be as perfect as you dream it can be, but if the people who you would want to share it with are not there, then it’s not worth it.”Tomorrow’s event has been dubbed the wedding of the year by Portuguese press.Jose Mourinho’s daughter Matilde wins award for her jewellery company Mourinho has hinted at getting a tattoo to celebrate having a grandchild when the time comesThe couple have been dating since 2016Credit: https://www.instagram.com/matildefmf/The guest list has not been released for the weddingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/matildefmf/As well as the official ceremony at the Mourinho family’s POUNDS two million home in Azeitao and Sunday’s post-wedding get-together at Herdade do Peru, a pre-wedding dinner for around 80 guests has also been organised for tonight at the pretty town’s Jose Mario da Fonseca Museum House.An official guest list has not been revealed ahead of the wedding.Graham is not to be confused with former Swansea City star Danny Graham.Matilde’s partner is a director and co-founder of a property consultancy company called “Agace and Graham”.She has also found her own success away from football despite the fame of her father.She graduated with a Master’s degree from Condé Nast College of Fashion and Design in 2021.Portuguese TV station CMTV reported earlier this month the Mourinho home in Azeitao is one of several properties he is said to own in Portugal.It had undergone major refurbishments ahead of the wedding so the ceremony could be staged there.The former Manchester United and Chelsea manager has previously spoken about becoming a grandparent.He admitted that he would add to his trophy tattoos with one to celebrate the birth of a grandchild.He said: “This one I promised everyone.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The idea was to get a unique tattoo that only I could have: the three European cups won.”The next one I might get if my son or daughter had a baby girl or boy; it would be a special gift, and a tattoo could be a nice way to celebrate it.”Matilde Mourinho – Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/matildefmf/Credit: https://www.instagram.com/matildefmf/ More

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      in Boxing

      I’m nicknamed ‘farm boy’ for very specific reason… but now I’m set to make my professional boxing debut

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      BOXING star Edward Hardy balances haymakers and hay bales.The 22-year-old competes in his first professional bout against Engel Gomez tonight in Sheffield.Edward Hardy launches his pro career in Sheffield tonightCredit: BBCThe boxer works as a farmer when he is not in the ringCredit: BBCThe two-time amateur national champion reckons his work on the farm makes him a better boxerCredit: BBCHe has been nicknamed ‘The Farm Boy’Credit: BBCHardy trains at Sheffield’s Steel City GymCredit: BBCYorkshire-born Hardy has risen through the amateur ranks and is a two-time national champion.And the secret to the fighter’s success is his work on the family farm.The super bantamweight is a fourth generation farmer and has been nicknamed “The Farm Boy” – even having the slogan written on his shorts.His barn doubles up as a gym and a place to keep all his machinery, with Hardy confident that he punches above his weight due to his efforts on the land.READ MORE IN BOXINGHe told the BBC: “It keeps me fit when I am going round the yard. “I’m working, I’m busy and active so it gives me that physical strength over an opponent who is just training.”But despite launching his pro career, Hardy has no plans to ditch his double life, saying: “I want to be a professional boxer and work my way up to the top, winning many titles.”But I also want to keep farming as well because I enjoy it, it is my passion and I have been brought up with it. Hopefully I can keep it working side-by-side.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHis father James got him into boxing at the age of eight and he calls Ricky Hatton his biggest inspiration.Hardy gets a few hours off his shift every day to head to Sheffield’s Steel City Gym or to use the makeshift one on the farm.Inside Tyson Fury’s Morecambe mansionHe revealed: “We have got a pull-up bar in one of the sheds, a rope dangling from one of the ceilings and a few old tyres to do my strength and conditioning – they weigh a bit.”I’ll be doing a job, pull off for a few sets of pull-ups, then carry on.”Hardy has turned pro after missing out on a place at the Paris Olympics with Team GB.’Are you not entertained? I’m a gladiator’ – What Dubois and Joshua said after brutal fightDANIEL DUBOIS annihilated Anthony Joshua’s dream of becoming a three-time world heavyweight champion, writes Wally Downes Jr.Joshua was floored FOUR times as Dubois landed an astonishing fifth-round knockout in front of a record 96,000 Wembley crowd and millions of TV viewers to retain his IBF belt.AJ, 34, never recovered after being downed in the first round of last night’s Battle of Britain showdown as a huge Dubois right-hand haymaker caught him flush on the chin.Here’s what they said after the fight:DANIEL DUBOIS“Are you not entertained? I’m a gladiator, a warrior to the bitter end. This is the biggest win of my career. I couldn’t let this opportunity go and now I want to go to the top level of this game.“I’ve been on a roller-coaster ride and this is my time. I’m not gonna stop until I reach my full potential.”ANTHONY JOSHUA“As p***ed off as I am, it is what it is.“I had a sharp, fast opponent and there were a lot of mistakes from me. Credit to my opponent and his team.“We rolled the dice and came up short. You know I’m p***ed but I’m going to keep cool and give respect to my opponent.”FRANK WARREN (DUBOIS’ PROMOTER)“It was a phenomenal fight, like  Hagler v Hearns.“A brilliant fight and everybody has seen a champion’s performance tonight.“Daniel has shown his courage, his skills.“AJ caught him with a shot towards the end and I was worried, but what a fabulous, fantastic fight.”EDDIE HEARN (AJ’S PROMOTER)“AJ shipped a huge right hand  in the first round and  was fighting on heart.“He hurt Daniel at the end of the fourth and then again in the fifth, but got greedy and walked on to a right hand and that’s all she wrote.“I’m sure Anthony will exercise the rematch clause.” More

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      in Soccer

      I worked as a farmer until I was 25, now I’m looking to knock Man Utd out of the FA Cup

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      WILL EVANS is the cowboy who aims to shoot down Manchester United.Newport County forward Evans was raised on a 3,000-acre farm high in the Mid-Wales hills, where dad Martin tends to 2,500 head of dairy cattle.
      Newport’s Will Evans was working on his dad’s farm while making his way in footballCredit: Huw Evans
      He is set to face Manchester United in the FA Cup fourth round later this monthCredit: Huw Evans
      The Exiles will be bullish ahead of meeting the Old Trafford giants – nobody more so than Evans, who netted the third goal in their 3-1 third-round replay win over Eastleigh.
      That was his 18th goal of the season and he has more than Red Devils trio Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial COMBINED this term.
      So nobody would blame him for milking it if he scores against Man Utd, especially given his less conventional route into football.
      The late starter sees things differently from the average pro after spending five years in higher education before joining Newport in May 2022.
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      The Cardiff Met University, graduate has a degree in sports coaching and is a qualified teacher.
      After leaving university, Evans, 26, played for Bala Town in the Cymru Premier League and scored twice for Wales C against England, prompting Newport to make their move.
      He said: “While I was playing for Bala, I was working on the farm.
       “It was part-time football so the game had to come second. I’d be up at 4.30am milking cows or out working on a building site on the farm land or working alongside my brothers and my dad. That felt normal.
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      “My background surprises a lot of people in football. When I first told them I was a farmer it got a couple of laughs because people didn’t believe me.”
      And his background has already stumped one Man Utd forward.
      He explained: “We had Charlie McNeill on loan from Manchester United last season and he couldn’t believe what a farmer was, never mind playing alongside one!
      “Hopefully, I’ve got a long time to go as a player. But after that I’d definitely be interested in staying in football in some way.
      “Having been a student at university, now I’m a student of the game.”
      Impress against United, and the farmer’s lad could land a big mooooove.
      Evans has already scored 18 goals so far this seasonCredit: Alamy
      Evans used to wake up at 4.30am to milk the cowsCredit: Huw Evans More

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      in Soccer

      I’m a Premier League star and champion of Europe – but I almost became a FARMER and still train on potato fields

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      FOOTBALLERS tried many different things to keep in shape during the pandemic, but Jarrod Bowen trained on a FARM.Bowen has become a hero at West Ham since he joined the club from Hull City in January 2022.
      Jarrod Bowen trained on a farm during the pandemicCredit: Getty
      He won the Conference League with West HamCredit: Getty
      The forward scored on his first start for the club in a 3-1 win over Southampton.
      Bowen, 27, would have to wait a while for his next as the Covid-19 pandemic put a stop to football across Europe.
      During the break from football, he maintained his fitness by training on a farm.
      Bowen claimed that the ground on a farm has helped him with muscle injuries.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “It’s a bit like running on sand, but a bit thicker.
      “I’ve found it really good for muscle injuries and, because I’ve had weak ankles, to work on them and stabilise them.
      “But also because it is really tough to train on because you feel so slow, when you go running on the grass you feel like you’re a sprinter.
      “It’s been my training method for years with my old man.
      Most read in Football
      “He is pretty old school, he doesn’t want me to just go running round a normal field doing football runs, he wants me to run around a potato field with weights in my arms.”
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      Bowen also admitted that after rejection from clubs such as Aston Villa, Tottenham and West Brom he came close to quitting football.
      If he had he would have opted for a career in farming.
      He added: “Maybe in another life I could have been up all night on the farm. The way of life back home is very country-orientated. There’s a lot of farms.
      “There’s a lot of routes you can go…and football isn’t usually a route you go down.
      “I used to go to the farm with grandad. Now it’s my uncle who owns one. I’d like a farm but when I speak to him, it’s too much hassle.
      “The thought of it, ‘oh yeah, I want a farm to do things’, is better than the actual reality.”
      Luckily for West Ham, Bowen did get his break at non-league side Hereford and then Hull City.
      Bowen became one of the top performers in the Championship which saw the Hammers swoop in with a £25million offer.
      Read more on The Sun
      Since joining the East London outfit, Bowen has become one of the star players and scored the winning goal in the Europa Conference League final last season.
      The forward has also earned a call-up to the England team and made his debut against Hungary. More