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      Erik ten Hag enjoys three-hour celebratory dinner at Italian restaurant after Man Utd’s epic FA Cup win over Liverpool

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      ERIK TEN HAG headed to his favourite Italian restaurant last night to toast Manchester United’s epic victory over Liverpool.United’s rollercoaster 4-3 victory over their rivals in the FA Cup on Sunday was watched by Sir Alex Ferguson and two other legendary names at Old Trafford.Erik ten Hag was spotted at his favourite Italian last nightCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeHe was joined by agent Kees Vos and other members of his management teamCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeTen Hag spent around three hours at Piccolino after Man Utd’s win over LiverpolCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeHe was all-smiles as he climbed back into his motor to head home after dinnerCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeA  semi-final date with Coventry now awaits as Ten Hag’s side remained in the hunt for silverware.Scott McTominay, who was later caught in a X-rated moment, got the Red Devils off to a flyer but Alexis Mac Allister and Mo Salah put the visitors ahead before the break – with both goals enraging Roy Keane.Substitute Antony struck at the end of normal time to send the clash into extra-time, only for Harvey Elliott’s deflected effort to restore Liverpool’s lead.Marcus Rashford then pounced late on but there would be another dramatic twist in store.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSuper sub, Amad Diallo, fired home after a counter-attack in the closing seconds to win it – only for his celebrations to be cut-short after removing his shirt and getting sent-off as he picked up a second booking.Praise was heaped on Ten Hag after his four tactical changes – including Bruno Fernandes going to centre-half and the angry Antony at left-back – inspired the comeback.There were scenes of joy afterwards, but once the drama had died down and the Dutchman had left Old Trafford, he was keen to celebrate in his own way.He was spotted at Italian restaurant Piccolino in Cheshire with his agent Kees Vos and other members of his management team on Sunday evening.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThey enjoyed a three-hour meal at the establishment before making an exit at 11pm.Ten Hag has been a regular at the restaurant ever since he took over in the summer of 2022.BBC commentator ‘loses all composure’ as he goes wild on-air during Man Utd’s epic FA Cup win over LiverpoolAnd he has not only found comfort there in victory.The ex-Ajax boss went there after he suffered defeat in his first match in charge against Brighton.It is not the first time that the Dutchman has headed to the eateryCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeErik ten Hag pictured celebrating with captain Bruno Fernandes after the final whistleCredit: AFP More

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      Jack Grealish lands massive megabucks deal to become the face of kitchen cupboard staple

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      JACK Grealish has landed a tasty new brand deal – after signing up for a new Hellman’s mayonnaise advert campaign.The Manchester City ace filmed the ad last week with some of his England teammates.Jack Grealish has signed a deal to become the face of a kitchen cupboard stapleCredit: GettyThe Man City winger is now representing Hellman’s MayonnaiseCredit: AlamyInsiders said the mayo ad would air in the run up to the Euros in Germany this summer.A source said: “Jack is a man in demand off the pitch and he’s the star of a new Hellman’s mayo ad.“He took part in a video shoot alongside some other England players in Manchester last week.“The details of the shoot are being kept under wraps but it’ll show Jack and his teammates enjoying a squirt or two of the white stuff.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSJack is a big fan of sauce and last year even got his own brand of Nando’s Peri-Peri sauce at a party.The chain chicken shop created Super Jack’s Sauce for the winger who loves a takeaway after a game,He said last summer he ordered the same Chinese restaurant, Spinningfields’ Wing’s Restaurant, after each game at the Etihad.Jack said: “I love Chinese. After every game, I get one.Most read in Football“I go to Wings’ in Manchester. I usually get a takeaway. I have Singapore chow mein, I have egg-fried rice, I have salt and pepper chips, I have salt and pepper prawns and then curry sauce.Is this the moment Jack Grealish is told of his family’s terror at £1m jewellery break-in raid at his mansion?“Then I just mix it all in and have a big free for all.”Last month Jack, 28, signed a seven-figure-deal to become the new face of Pepsi.He joined the campaign with ex footballer turned actor Vinnie Jones. More

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      Man City star Erling Haaland’s success on pitch fuelled by ‘hat-trick pasta’ dish at favourite Italian restaurant

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      SUPER striker Erling Haaland’s hunger for goals is inspired by a lucky “hat-trick pasta” dish he eats at his favourite Italian restaurant.Man City’s 23-year-old Premier League scoring machine regularly tucks into a special of pasta, cream and mushrooms.Erling Haaland’s hunger for goals is inspired by his favourite Italian restaurantCredit: The Mega AgencyErling has eaten at Vero Moderno in Salford, once a week, almost every week, for the last two yearsCredit: Instagram/VeroModernoNordic net-buster Haaland’s meals are cooked for him by Beppe Piccoli, owner of Vero Moderno in Salford, Greater Manchester.The 6ft 4in goal monster has eaten there once a week, almost every week, for the last two years.Beppe said: “When I first gave it to him the very first time I met him, it was before the season kicked off.“I said, ‘When you score a hat-trick on Sunday, please thank Beppe and Vero Moderno’. He scored a hat-trick didn’t he? It was quite funny.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“Then he came back and asked for the same pasta and I said to him, ‘Last time you didn’t thank me. Please do it when you do another hat-trick on Sunday’. Same pasta, another hat-trick.“That’s how everything started with him and we developed a big friendship.“We joke now about the ‘hat-trick pasta’. He’s a world class player, a world class guy. You can’t buy that.”Haaland scored 52 goals in all competitions last season.Most read in FootballSo far this season his tally is 29. And his lucky dish appears to have inspired his team mates — with the likes of Jack Grealish, Ruben Dias and Rodri also hanging out at the same restaurant.Erling Haaland reveals secret talent after childhood vid goes viralCity boss Pep Guardiola even visited last month.Beppe said it all began when the club’s Italian team doctor Max Sala came in for a bite to eat.He said: “I think that’s how it started as they have three Italians working in the medicine department and they were looking for good, authentic Italian food.“They are all very good guys, and very kind and generous customers. They just want to be treated as normal customers and naturally we treat everyone in the same way here.”Haaland previously attributed his goal-mouth success to his dad Alfie’s lasagne, saying; “There has to be something special he adds to it.” More

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      Tyson Fury’s garlic-mad diet revealed as Gypsy King faces race against time to be ready for Oleksandr Usyk fight

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      TYSON FURY will be knocking back extra servings of red meat and GARLIC to ensure he’s fully healed up for his historic showdown against Oleksandr Usyk.The Gypsy King was due to clash with the undefeated Ukrainian for all the heavyweight marbles last weekend before he suffered a HORROR CUT in sparring.
      Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk’s long overdue showdown was postponed to May 18Credit: EPA
      The fight was pushed back after Fury suffered a horror cut in sparringCredit: QUEENSBERRY PROMOTIONS
      An accidental elbow from sparring partner Agron Smakici delayed the fight
      Fury’s nutritionist George Lockhart has put him on a high protein and garlic diet to help heal the gaping woundCredit: INSTAGRAM@TYSONFURY
      An accidental elbow from sparring partner Agron Smakici re-opened the scar tissue left above Fury’s right eye from his 2019 clash with Otto Wallin and rendered him unable to compete.
      Saudi boxing kingpin Turki Alalshikh hastily rescheduled the undisputed showdown – the first in the heavyweight division for nearly 25 years – for May 18.
      Team Fury are pulling out all the stops to ensure the WBC heavyweight king makes the fight, with nutritionist George Lockhart implementing a diet high in protein and garlic to ensure he’s fighting fit for the Riyadh rumble.
      He told Betway: “High protein helps massively as the body needs to recover, rebuild and repair itself.
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      “Lots of protein, lots of water and fluid, and while it’s not sexy that is the type of foods that will help recover a bad cut.
      “A lot of red meats and stuff with iron in it. Not just meats but things with a lot of micro-nutrients in it, including garlic, spinach, carrots, onion, and mix everything together.
      “Garlic is a great source to help you recover quickly as it kills off bacteria and germs in a cut.
      “Like I said red meat is the key source of protein.”
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      Lockhart – the former nutritionist of UFC legend Conor McGregor – is acutely aware of the fact that Fury’s diet won’t solely aid the healing of his cut.
      He admitted: “I’m not one of those nutritionists which says food will solve everything.
      Tyson Fury takes part in gruelling training session ahead of cancelled undisputed Usyk fight
      “But it has a huge impact over time in terms of recovery and injuries of that nature, but the most important thing is time.
      “The doctor said that the cut will heal in three weeks.
      “People don’t realise that the normal person is fine with a cut like this but if you’re going to get punched in the face, it will take a long time.
      “Even May is close for this fight to be happening but I know he wants to take care of business so I think he will get it done.
      “A lot of people don’t realise that when you are injured, your body burns more calories because it is putting a lot more effort in recovering and help with whatever injury it is, including a cut.
      “Healing a cut and a sprained ankle though are two different things.
      Tyson Fury got in a career-best shape for his crack at undisputed gloryCredit: INSTAGRAM@TYSONFURY
      “For inflammation, fish such as wild salmon and omega 3 are key sources of nutrition to overcome an injury like a sprained ankle.
      “You actually need to stay away from red meats and Omega 6.”
      Fury, 35, got into a career-best shape ahead of his now-postponed date with destiny – something Lockhart believes he’ll replicate for the biggest fight of his career.
      He said: “I haven’t spoken to him much recently since the last fight got cancelled.
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      “He looks great and is in amazing shape. I saw the transformation; he’s looking lean and strong.
      “The thing about Tyson is, he is an animal, a beast, and will go in there with the reach, cardio, boxing IQ, power and size so it will be a very difficult night for Oleksandr Usyk.” More

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      I worked as a McDonald’s cleaner but lasted just TWO DAYS – now I’m tearing it up in the Premier League

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      SPURS ace Dejan Kulusevski plans to become a dab hand in the kitchen — but he was not even trusted with fast food as a teen.The Sweden midfielder, 23, went on work experience at McDonald’s as a cleaner when he was 15 — but he lasted just two days.
      Dejan Kulusevski lasted two days working in McDonaldsCredit: Tottenham Hotspur
      But now he is tearing up the Premier League at TottenhamCredit: Getty
      Now he is trying cooking at home, and it is proving far more successful than his first-ever job.
      Kulusevski said: “I did work at McDonald’s! It was my first job. My best friend, his father worked there. I worked there for two days and didn’t go back. So it was a good week off!
      “I was just doing the cleaning there and they did not let me touch the food.
      “I like meat and I  am learning, looking at YouTube.
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      “I don’t like numbers so I  don’t like recipes — trying to make things up.
      “I love everything in life so it is fun to improve with everything.”
      Kulusevski also lifted the lid on what life is like under manager Ange Postecoglou.
      Kulusevski told SunSport: “He gets angry for sure.
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      “There have been a couple of half-times when he thinks we’re not doing enough, playing safe and not pushing enough to win the game and then he lets us hear it.
      “He goes really, really mad. But we always play better afterwards so it works!
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      “It is not fun but it is part of the job, you cannot always just give love to players sometimes you have to be hard on them like parents do. It is not scary because it helps us in the end.”
      There is no denying it has worked. Only Manchester City and Liverpool have won more than Spurs’ 16 points from losing positions this season.
      Postecoglou has players and supporters on side like no manager since Mauricio Pochettino in North London, there are no longer protests or toxic chants if Spurs are struggling late on in a game – only hope.
      His arrival has sparked a huge change of mood and culture at the club after the brutal messages and frustrating football from the likes of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.
      Kulusevski was called upon to sell the club to new signing and fellow Swede Lucas Bergvall a few weeks ago, and spoke in glowing terms about the club.
      Bergvall, who also spoke to Postecoglou, ended up choosing Spurs over Barcelona.
      He said: “I met him and it was nice to see him because I know him a bit. I told him the truth, the same as what I tell everyone. How good this club is and the plans for the future.
      “I didn’t want to tell him which club to join because that is hard, but it is the first time I’ve played with a Swedish player.”
      Kulusevski has been a key player for Spurs this season
      Kulusevski also acknowledges that the sales pitch may well have been different a year ago.
      The winger added: “Yes, it has changed at the club, absolutely.
      “It has been a fantastic change and now it feels like the club is going on the right path and we are doing the right things.
      “We are more focused on better things. It is a different mentality, we have to improve.
      “It is not about we have to win otherwise it’s a catastrophe, it is about improving every day and if things are going to happen they will happen. It is more about the positive things.”
      It certainly helps that Postecoglou plays the style of football that Kulusevski has loved since he was a boy.
      The self-confessed football “nerd” who grew up playing Fifa all night and playing front-foot football during the day, loves the philosophy.
      And having considered a coaching career of his own, it is one he would stick to.
      The former Juventus man took time to help out with Tottenham’s Under-14s this week and paid a surprise visit to the club’s Spurred 2 Coach programme this week.
      The Foundation initiative helps young adults without coaching qualifications take the first steps towards earning FA badges and Kulusevski surprised last weeks participants by taking part in a training session with them in the shadow of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
      He said: “I love teaching kids as they make you so happy. I would like to train kids in the future.
      “I played like that as a child.
      “When I grew up, we kept the ball on the floor and wanted to have possession, we didn’t want to be afraid of anybody.
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      “That is exactly the same things as we are doing now. For a player to play this style is a blessing. It is brave and the most important in life is to not care about mistakes.
      “As a coach I would not care about mistakes. I would just want my players to feel free to express their talent as every man and woman has talent.”
      Kulusevski has been helping young adults start their coaching coursesCredit: Tottenham Hotspur More

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      Erling Haaland announces new venture as Man City star plugs ice cream with his name and face on it

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      ERLING HAALAND is making moves in the frozen food trade as he announces a new brand of ice-cream with his face on it. The Manchester City star has proven he is not just a goalscoring sensation but also an ice-cream connoisseur.
      Erling Haaland sits with his legs very wide open as he takes a seductive bite of his ice creamCredit: X @ErlingHaaland
      The ice cream itself appears to resemble an almond magnum laced with caramelCredit: X @ErlingHaaland
      The 21st-century Viking has treated fans to a tantalising trailer in which he lounges with his legs wide open in front and seductively chomps into an ice cream.
      The packaging features the blond icon flaunting his winning pose beside his signature and a picture of the ice cream.
      City fans will be gutted to see that the stunning new product, released on February 19, will only be available in Norway.
      The 23-year-old’s new venture has certainly sent fans wild, with one commenting on X: “We will be buying.”
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      But the sight of their golden boy cramming his face with sugar sent some people into a worried frenzy.
      One said: “Don’t take too much sugar bro It’s not good for footballers.”
      And another said: “Is that healthy for a footballer.”
      A frozen mixture of sugar and cream certainly seems a long way off the Norwegian’s usual diet of heart, liver and water that has first passed through a complex filtration device.
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      In a documentary about him, Haaland said: “I am concerned with taking care of my body.
      “I think eating quality food that is as local as possible is the most important.”
      Erling Haaland gives up on winning second Treble in shock interview after brace for Man City against Everton
      The promotion of an ice-cream does seem a little out of line with this philosophy.
      But he has previously revealed he is partial to junk food and allows himself one enormous kebab pizza a year.
      And it is not the first time Haaland has flirted with the frozen foods sector.
      During City’s treble celebrations the star blew fans away when he began serving them slushies and treats from inside a food van.
      The health issue was not the only thing raising eyebrows amongst fans.
      Haaland’s bold choice of sitting position also set some X, formerly Twitter, users off, with one urging him to ‘close your legs.’
      Another said: “wtf is sitting position tho Erling.” More

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      I’m a former Premier League and Germany star – now I run one of London’s most famous French restaurants

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      THOMAS HITZLSPERGER has changed tracks since retiring from football in 2013.The former German international made his name at Aston Villa and VFB Stuttgart in his playing days.
      Thomas Hitzlsperger owns a French restaurant in LondonCredit: Youtube @WestHam
      He spent four years at Aston VillaCredit: Getty
      The midfielder was also a fan favourite at West HamCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Hitzlsperger, 41, made over 100 Premier League appearances in his career, as well as earning 52 caps for Germany.
      The midfielder turned out for clubs such as Lazio, Everton and West Ham.
      Hammers fans fondly remember him despite only playing 13 games for the club in the 2010/11 season.
      Since retiring, the German has worked in football as the CEO of Stuttgart but has also ventured into business outside of football.
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      Hitzlsperger has moved into the food industry and is the owner of one of the oldest French restaurants in London.
      He started working with Soho venue L’Escargot after the pandemic after being approached by the management.
      He told IronCast: “That started ten years ago, I went in and I loved it there.
      “Sometimes, you go into restaurants or places in general and think there is something about this that I really enjoy.
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      “So I kept going back and still loved it. I got to know the management and when Covid hit, people reached out to me and asked if I wanted to get involved with the restaurant.
      “I had just left Stuttgart and I thought ‘why not’.
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      “I learned a lot at Stuttgart in my role as the CEO and other different roles and that was the next step up.
      “In this industry, I love food, I love being in London, it was already a big brand so I was tempted to just do it to see how good I can be in this industry.
      “It is really hard work, but I love it and really enjoy.
      “There are some West Ham fans that have been there and I love it when it is buzzing.
      “I hate it when it is quiet and I am looking to avoid that as best as I can.”
      L’Escargot is described as a “Soho institution” and won the Travellers Choice award in 2023.
      It has been visited by celebrities such as broadcaster Rylan Clark and snooker star Stephen Hendry.
      It was also a favourite of Princess Diana who was one of its most famous regulars.
      Hammers school
      Hitzlsperger has also done a course at Boston’s Havard Business School and was joined by another West Ham hero, Mark Noble.
      He added: “Nobes [Mark Noble] and I went to Boston Harvard Business School, we didn’t know and only realised when I saw a list of people attending.
      “We had four days together and did all those case studies.
      “It was just inspirational, the group of people and the way they talk about former athletes and what they do after their career.
      “This had a huge impact on me. I thought why not own parts of a company so then I am responsible and there are no excuses anymore.
      “I just want to run a business where it is down to me whether it is successful.”
      Hitzlsperger became one of the highest-profile footballers to come out as gay in 2014.
      Since then, he has insisted that a lot has happened to help people as clubs take it more “seriously”.
      He said: “In the last ten years so much has happened that often people say to me nothing has happened since I have come out.
      “No other few players have come out, I think that is correct.
      “But in terms of the fans and awareness, clubs take it so seriously now when they talk about diversity and inclusion.
      “That is down mainly to the fan clubs who have had a really huge voice.”
      “For me it was an interesting journey, I felt it was the right to speak up and say something publicly.
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      “Between then and now I just feel more engaged and I just feel like I have a duty to speak up regularly and support people because I have been helped.
      “Unfortunately there are not many players at the top level.” More

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      Sir Keir Starmer branded ‘pie snatcher’ after warning football fans to watch what they eat

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      SIR Keir Starmer was branded a ‘pie snatcher’ after warning football fans to watch what they eat to help the beautiful game go green.The Labour chief says there are “little things” supporters can change with their travel and eating plans as part of a veggie food push.
      Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has been branded a ‘pie snatcher’ after warning football fans to watch what they eatCredit: Jonathan Brady / PA Wire
      The Labour chief says there are ‘little things’ fans can change with their travel and eating plans as part of a veggie food pushCredit: Getty
      But senior Tories seized on the comments telling him to keep his hands off their half-time pies as he made the comments ahead of his team Arsenal beating Liverpool 3-1 yesterday.
      It comes as Labour donor and Forest Green Rovers chairman Dale Vince calls on environment issues to be part of the new football regulator’s remit.
      Sir Keir told Sky Sports: “I think what can happen with football is, if you get a campaign and it sort of surfs the wave, it can really take off.
      “If you look at some of the work that was maybe done in relation to racism. That really caught the imagination of fans. 
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      “And now it is really rare actually in the stands to hear much racism.
      “I’m not saying it’s gone away completely.
      “If the same can happen on sustainability, capture the imagination, little things that fans can do, whether its travelling, eating, whatever it is. I think this is good.”
      But  Cabinet Office Minister Esther McVey, said:  “I know Labour is being bankrolled by vegan and net zero extremist Dale Vince.
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      “But I am not sure Keir Starmer’s desire to turn every club into Forest Green Rovers puts him in touch with most football supporters.
      The so-called Minister for Common Sense added: “If Keir thinks telling football fans to give up their half-time meat pies is a vote winner I think he is badly mistaken.”
      Eighty-five of the country’s top clubs signed up to the Green Football Weekend with plant-based burgers and pies offering a veggie match day experience for fans.
      Figures show that if football fans ate one veggie meal a day it would save the equivalent carbon of taking 5.5 million cars off the road.
      Tory MP Jonathan Gullis said:  “What fresh hell is this from Sir Keir?!
      “His idea to spend £28 billion extra every year on green projects with no plan of how to pay for them is madness.  Now he’s acting as a pie snatcher!
      “Sir Keir may love scoffing tofu but footy fans don’t need pious lectures from an holier-than-thou vegetarian about match day nosh. Keep your hands off our meat pies Sir Keir.”
      A Labour source insisted: “Football legends from Peter Crouch to Jamie Carragher back this important campaign. Football fans will surely be devastated to learn that the Tory Party do not.” More