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    ‘Now everyone’s calling me it…’ – Declan Rice reveals hilarious new nickname he has among Arsenal team-mates

    DECLAN RICE is known as the Horse to his Arsenal team-mates — and he is still hoping to gallop to a famous title success.The £105million star revealed his new nickname as Mikel Arteta’s side prepare for the home straight in this Premier League campaign.Arsenal star Declan Rice revealed his new nicknameRice’s Arsenal team-mates call him the Horse after a series of impressive performancesCredit: GettyArsenal, sweating on the fitness of forward Kai Havertz following a hamstring scare during their Dubai winter training trip, visit Leicester on Saturday.Rice and Co are six points off leaders Liverpool and will be keeping an eye on the Merseyside derby at Everton tonight — the Reds’ game in hand.Arne Slot’s Kop side also face tough matches at Aston Villa and Manchester City this month and Rice feels his fitness and form are ramping up at just the right time.On his new nickname, he said: “It’s positive. Oleksandr Zinchenko started it then Jorginho went with it — now everyone’s calling me it.Read More on Arsenal“I think it’s because they think I can run all day, that I’m athletic, my ability to go again, my sustainability and availability to the team.“Even two days since the last game, I’m running around and they’re thinking I’m a mad man. I don’t mind the nickname but I just have to keep it going.”Only Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has played more minutes than Rice, 26, since August 2022.A toe injury in November kept him out of the only Arsenal game he missed in that two-year period.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe has not had the greatest of campaigns but the midfielder feels good about ending the season on a high.Rice, speaking to Sky Sports, said: “It probably was a slower start for me, coming off the back of the Euros. Because I’ve been so consistent over the last few years. But I’m hitting form and full fitness at the right time. Jamie Carragher points out Declan Rice’s moment of genius after Myles Lewis-Skelly copied Erling Haaland’s celebration“I knew I had to up my game, up my level. Over the last few months, I’ve been watching lots of clips, sitting down with analysts and seeing where I can improve. There’s been a gradual, good increase so I need to keep going.”Rice also revealed that only since he left West Ham and joined Arsenal in 2023 has he been more focused on his nutrition.He said: “I never really took to that side of the game until the nutritionist at Arsenal sat me down, went through it properly and showed me how your body works.“And what you have to be eating and drinking constantly to be at the top of your game.Chasing Liverpool“That’s a really important part and with the number of games we’re playing, it’s probably the most important part. Once we’ve played, it’s how we go again in a few days’ time.“It’s really tough. Every player has a different routine and lives differently. The staff at the club keep us going. You’re away from home a lot — there’s hotels, travel and a lot of away games.“There’s a lot in the mind but when you’re competing for stuff at the top end of the game, it’s about how much you want it.“That’s why I keep myself going and I know it’s the same for my team-mates as this year we want to achieve some really good things.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAs for catching Slot’s side, Rice said: “There’s a long way to go. We can only keep believing, working and having full trust we can achieve great things.“It’s down to us to get that over the line. Big things are coming. We must stay positive and keep going.” More

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    Inside Man Utd star Alejandro Garnacho’s incredible home gym with murals of Cristiano Ronaldo AND Lionel Messi

    ALEJANDRO GARNACHO has been putting in extra work in a bid to stay in Manchester United’s starting XI.The Argentina international returned for the 2024/25 season looking like he’d hit the weights and had eaten all his vegetables over the summer.Alejandro Garnacho has been putting extra work in at his state-of-the-art home gymCredit: INSTAGRAM@GARNACHO7Garnacho’s gym includes a boatload of BLX BOX fitness equipment, including a rack worth nearly £5000Credit: INSTAGRAM@GARNACHO7His gym features an incredible mural of some of the greatest sports stars to have ever livedCredit: INSTAGRAM@GARNACHO7And his bulkier frame has seemingly been forged by extra training sessions in his state-of-the-art home gym.Garnacho has been beefing himself up in an epic personal gym kitted out with BLK BOX equipment.It features a dual adjustable pulley machine with a pull-up bar worth a whopping £4,850 as well as dumbbells galore.Garnacho’s pulley cable machine and rack are red and black, in keeping with the room’s colour theme.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut the incredible bit of kit, which has homage to his stunning overhead kick against Everton in November 2023, isn’t the centre-piece.The gym’s piste-de resistance is its incredible mural of iconic sports stars.Wrapped around the room is a spray-painted tribute to the late Muhammad Ali, basketball legend Michael Jordan and footie legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.Garnacho, however, made sure to include himself in the cool piece of artwork, having an image of himself put between Ronaldo and countryman Messi.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe 20-year-old has also paid homage to himself in his gymCredit: INSTAGRAM@GARNACHO7Garancho’s future at Old Trafford was up in the air shortly after Ruben Amorim’s appointment as manager.He was dropped from the squad along with Marcus Rashford before the Manchester derby last December but has forced his way back into his new manager’s plans.’That is so disrespectful’ says fans as Alejandro Garnacho snaps back in altercation with Man Utd fanAmorim was full of praise for the 20-year-old after United’s Europa League win over Steaua Bucharest last month, saying: “I think he’s not improving under me [because of me].”He changed right away from that game [against] City.”The way he understands things and understands that I just want to help him, I just want to win games.”He changed in everything, the approach when I talk with him, the way he recovers.”He understands sometimes that I’m a different coach, that I’m demanding in my way, sometimes it’s hard the first impact.”It’s a different kind of coach and he understands that it’s never in a bad way.”It’s always for him, but I’m a different person.”I think all the merit is from Garnacho and he is improving.”And we want to continue to improve with Garnacho. “I think he’s improving a lot.”READ MORE SUN STORIESGarnacho has made 36 appearances for Manchester United in all competitions this season, scoring eight goals and providing six assists.The Argentine and his United team-mates will be back in action on Friday night, welcoming Leicester City to Old Trafford for their FA Cup fourth-round clash. More

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    ‘He could have done many things’ – Gary Neville reveals gym run-in with Liverpool star after brutal commentary insult

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Gary Neville revealed he had an awkward run-in with ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius shortly after slamming him with some brutal criticism.Karius, 31, spent six years at Anfield after his arrival from Mainz in 2016 but couldn’t establish himself as Jurgen Klopp’s No1 and that led to loan stints at Besiktas and Union Berlin before his exit.Manchester United legend Gary Neville had an awkward run-in with Loris KariusCredit: Youtube / The OverlapNeville slammed Karius after his performance with Liverpool in the Champions League finalCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe German’s time with the Merseysiders effectively came to an end after the 2018 Champions League final where two major howlers led to goals for Real Madrid who won 3-1 in Kiev.The former Newcastle keeper gave the ball away to Karim Benzema, who opened the scoring, and failed to hold on to a powerful shot by Gareth Bale.However, it was later revealed that the ex-Germany international was playing with a concussion after a collission with Real captain Sergio Ramos moments before Benzema’s opener.Nevertheless, Neville, 49, didn’t hold back on his criticism of Karius as he insisted Klopp’s side would never win the Premier League with him between the sticks – he seemingly didn’t know about the concussion.Read More on FootballA while later, though, the Sky Sports pundit bumped into the German in a gym while visiting Italy and feared an intense confrontation after his fiery assessment of his Champions League final performance.Instead, Karius showed immense class by simply shaking the ex-England international’s hand and greeted him with respect.That left the Man Utd hero with a red face as he immediately felt “guilty” and realised he was too harsh on the keeper.Neville told The Overlap: “Karius, the Liverpool goalkeeper, the young lad – I’ve been quite direct about him for a period of two to three months. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Liverpool were getting closer and better under Jurgen Klopp and I remember saying that they’ll never ever win the league with that guy in the net. “It’s a strong line that to a young goalkeeper. It was probably true in the element of about five months later he made the mistake in the Champions League final.Gary Neville hits out at ‘Moping’ Rashford and Garnacho and has heated argument with Micah Richards live on Sky Sports “I go to Italy to this hotel. I walked into the gym for a session and there was just this big bloke lifting massive weights – it’s Karius! “He could have done many things there and could have had a go at me. It went right through my head on what I said about him, and I know he would’ve known that. “But he shook my hand and said, ‘Nice to see you’ and I felt guilty bumping into someone I’ve given a harsh line to.”Liverpool splashed the cash for a new goalkeeper after the final and bought Alisson for a record £67million fee.The Brazilian helped the Reds win the Champions League in 2019 and their first Premier League title in 30 years in 2020.Karius is currently a free agent after two uneventful years at Newcastle where he amassed only two appearances. More

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    Shamed referee David Coote seen for first time since being sacked as Premier League referee

    SHAMED ref David Coote was seen yesterday for the first time since he was sacked.The 42-year-old wore a hoodie and tracksuit bottoms for a visit to the gym.Shamed ref David Coote was seen yesterday for the first time since his sacking, as he was pictured heading to the gymCredit: BackGridThe loss of Coote’s career is set to cost the glum-looking ref £1m over the next few years in loss of earningsCredit: BackGridReferees body, The PGMOL sacked Coote on Monday after probing his rants and drug use, based on evidence from The SunCredit: PADespite having no games to officiate, Coote enjoyed a weights and cardio session.Coote has been lying low near his Midlands home since a video emerged of him calling ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a “German c***”. He was then filmed snorting white powder at Euro 2024.Referees body the PGMOL, who examined evidence provided by The Sun, sacked him on Monday following a probe into his sweary rants and white powder abuse.READ MORE ON DAVID COOTEThe Sun also told how he allegedly arranged a drugs party during Tottenham’s Carabao Cup win over Manchester City on October 30.Coote was then the subject of a new probe over allegedly issuing a yellow card to order. A separate independent Football Association investigation is ongoing.The loss of Coote’s career is set to cost him £1m over the next few years in loss of earnings.Most read in FootballThe top-flight ref was filmed snorting white powder at Euro 2024The former ref was looking glum as he made his way to and from the gym sessionCredit: BackGridDespite having no games to officiate, the 42-year-old enjoyed a weights and cardio sessionCredit: BackGridCoote sent messages arranging a drugs party in a Travelodge for after a cup game between Tottenham and Manchester CityCredit: BackGridCoote has been lying low near his Midlands homeCredit: BackGridThe shamed ref, seen here getting into his car after his gym outing, has also been the subject of a new probe over allegedly issuing a yellow card to orderCredit: BackGridMoment scandal-hit Prem ref David Coote snorts white powder in shocking video during Euro 2024 More

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    Tyson Fury receives ominous body transformation warning from ex-world champ as do-or-die Usyk rematch nears

    TYSON FURY has been warned his drastic body transformation for his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk could work against him.Photos emerging from Fury’s training camp appear to suggest he’s carrying more weight for next month’s do-or-die Saudi showdown.Tyson Fury renews his rivalry with Oleksandr Usyk on December 21Credit: PAThe Gypsy King looks to be carrying more weight for the boutCredit: INSTAGRAM@KEVINLERENABut former Brit world champ Duke McKenzie has warned Fury carrying too much size could work against himCredit: GETTYThe Gypsy King may have decided to come in heavier in order to rough Usyk up in their Riyadh rumble.But former Brit world champion Duke McKenzie reckons the added size could end up working against the Wythenshawe warrior.He told GiveMeSport: “If he puts on more weight and thinks to himself ‘I’m going to bully Usyk this time, I’m going to go in and walk him down, I’ll be able to take his shots because I’m that much bigger’, it’s not going to work for him.”He’s going to be slower, he’s going to be more predictable, he’s going to get hit more and a lot sooner…READ MORE ON FURY VS USYK 2″Usyk wins the rematch all day long, I can’t see how Tyson Fury beats him.”Fury’s lifestyle outside of the ring is also a concern for former three-weight world champ McKenzie: “He [Fury] doesn’t live, eat, walk and talk the sport.”But you’re supposed to, in-between fights is where fights are won and lost.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”We know Fury blows up, puts on a load of weight between fights and then he has got to get rid of all that weight again.Most read in Boxing”Now, they’re trying to tell us that Fury is going to be bigger and better. Bigger and better isn’t going to beat Usyk. It’s really not.”Usyk Vs Fury 2 Launch Event entrancesMcKenzie reckons Fury doesn’t stand a chance of knocking slick southpaw Usyk out, adding: “This guy is unbeaten, so you have to look for chinks in his armour.”Has this guy got a bad engine? Does he get cut? Does he go down?”Does he have to get up off the floor to win fights? “Usyk doesn’t have to do any of them, he’s never shown any vulnerability.”Fury, 36, suffered a split decision defeat to Usyk in their first desert dust-up in May, in which he was knocked down in the ninth round.And he’s adamant he won’t let the Ukrainian hear the final bell, saying: “I’m going to roll the dice and it’s going to be you or me.Tyson Fury has vowed to be killed or be killed in his rematch with Oleksandr UsykCredit: GETTY”Best foot forward and swing away.”I’ve never been afraid to get knocked spark out. I’ve always put it on the line every time.”He continued: “There’s no secret! I’m going in there to knock you out. Because I don’t think I’m going to get a decision no matter what I do.”I don’t think I’m going to get a boxing decision.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So I’m going to have to take it out of the judges’ hands like I did in America that time [against Deontay Wilder].”And I’ve got to get him out of there. Hand on heart, I have to get him out of there to see victory.” More

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    Misfits Boxing star Swarmz in stunning FIVE-STONE weight loss after ditching cheeseburgers for healthy diet

    RAPPER Swarmz has lost a sensational FIVE-STONE after ditching cheeseburgers for a healthy boxing diet. The recording artist was thrust into the influencer boxing scene in August 2022 when he fought superstar KSI on two weeks notice.Rapper Swarmz has lost five stone since boxingCredit: ReutersHe is now ripped at 12st 5lbSwarmz weighed 17st 6lb when he first walked into the boxing gym – now he is fighting at 12st 5lb. The singer returns on Thursday in Qatar against boxer Luis Pineda – the man KSI beat also beat on the same night as Swarmz’s debut. And he told SunSport in Doha: “I’m always prepared, ready, coaches are always training me. “This was a last-minute fight but I’m always ready, stay ready, born ready.READ MORE IN BOXING”I feel like boxing itself mentally makes you disciplined and since I started boxing, I bang out gym everyday. “My occupation before this was music and I do gym more than music now. I feel like it’s in my blood now.” Gone are the days of a Big Mac and fries for Swarmz, who now lives off a slither of salmon and vegetables.He said: “Diet’s been good. Now I’m used to it, it’s my sixth fight. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”When I first started, not gonna lie it’s very hard to try block out cheeseburgers and stuff like that.” But he said with a grin: “Sometimes you can eat bad… but you’ve gotta work harder in the gym!” Swarmz has been rapping since 2017 but reveals just his two years in boxing has been way tougher. He said: “It’s not even a question. I’ve done football as well, boxing is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. “It takes long to learn, I’ve only been in it two years, I’m gonna learn more along the way but it’s been a great journey.” Misfits Boxing star Salt Papi was fighting BLIND before £6,000 eye surgery and opens up on THREE STONE transformation More

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    Tyson Fury teases drastic body transformation ahead of Usyk rematch in hint at new game plan

    TYSON FURY looks on course to be significantly HEAVIER for his do-or-die rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.The Gypsy King renews his rivalry with the slick southpaw in a second successive Saudi showdown next month.Tyson Fury renews his rivalry with Oleksandr Usyk on December 21Credit: GETTYThe Gypsy King suffered a split decision defeat in their undisputed showdown in MayCredit: GETTYFury tipped the scales at 18 stone, seven pounds for the pair’s first meetingCredit: GETTYBut he looks to be significantly bigger for the do-or-die rematchCredit: INSTAGRAM@KEVINLERENAFury suffered a split decision defeat in the pair’s Riyadh rumble in May, in which he was almost knocked in the ninth round.The 36-year-old has been hard at work in the gym since suffering his first professional defeat.And he looks to be significantly bigger for his second desert dust-up with the undefeated Ukrainian.Fury gave his 6.9 million Instagram followers a sneak peek at his physique for the fight by posting a snap of him tensing in the ring after a hard workout.READ MORE ON UYSK VS FURY IIHis accompanying caption read: “Friday be like!!!”Sparring partner Kevin Lerena, however, gave fans a further glimpse at Fury’s fight frame.The South African heavyweight shared a post-sparring snap of himself and the Wythenshawe warrior to his own Instagram.And Fury looked to be carrying significantly more mass on his frame than he did for his May melee with two-weight champion Usyk.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBoxing fans were quick to comment on both pictures, with one saying: “He looks heavy.”Another said: “In excellent shape. Wilder 2 vibes.”Tyson Fury responds to pleas to remove dad John from his training teamFury let out a war cry in this pictureCredit: instagram @tysonfuryAnd another said: “My word. Fury looks massive.”One remarked: “He is huge.”Another chimed in: “Damn he’s HUGEEEE!”Fury could be plotting to come in heavier than the whopping 18 stone, seven pounds he weighed in May in order to implement a more physical fight on Usyk.Tying up, clinching and making the former cruiserweight king carry his weight, as he did in his historic 2015 win over Wladimir Klitschko, could be a viable route to victory against the unified heavyweight king.Tyson Fury has vowed to exact his revenge on Oleksandr UsykCredit: GETTYFury hurt Usyk in the seventh round of their meeting and is confident of exacting his revenge in their second dance.He roared on Instagram: “Four weeks to go, ’til the biggest fight of the year.”The biggest fight in boxing, me and Usyk.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And I’m coming in hot. I’m coming in HOT! “Can’t wait. 21st of December, the belts are going to be mine again.” More

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    Marcus Rashford takes up new sport to keep in top condition for Man Utd

    FOOTBALLER Marcus Rashford is fighting fit — after taking up boxing and mixed martial arts.The Manchester United and England striker, 27, has been working out in a boxing gym.Marcus Rashford is taking up martial arts to get in peak conditionCredit: GettyHe has also had sessions with a trainer who specialises in Muay Thai, a form of martial arts favoured by cage fighters.Rashford was left out of the England squad for this month’s Nations League games. Instead, he went to New York and watched a UFC cage fight and basketball game.A source said: “Marcus has really started to get into fighting in recent years. READ MORE MARCUS RASHFORD“He’s always enjoyed watching boxing with his mates but he’s also developed an interest in MMA as the sport has become more popular.“The club know and have no problem with it.“They just think it’s great extra fitness training.”Rashford is hoping to win the favour of new head coach Ruben Amorim, who backed his recent trip to New York.Most read in FootballThe Manchester United forward is looking to impress his new bossCredit: PAHow Ruben Amorim will resurrect Marcus Rashford’s Man United career with subtle position change More