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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’.
      Hitzlsperger: Why I decided to reveal I’m gay
      “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

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      Football’s weirdest pre-match meals including Jamie Vardy’s omelette, Gareth Bale’s baked beans and Paul Scholes

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      PREMIER LEAGUE legends have served up fireworks on the pitch – and choose some real bangers when it comes to odd pre-match meals.You might think Jamie Vardy going from skittles and Vodka to Red Bulls, double espresso and omelette would take some beating…
      Gareth Bale believed in a ‘mountain of baked beans’Credit: YouTube @ SKS Tube Sports
      Paul Scholes added a couple of Turkish Delights to his beansCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Jamie Vardy went from Skittles and Vodka to loads of Red BullCredit: PA
      And you’d be right!
      But Gareth Bale, Paul Scholes, Pascal Gross and Andy Carroll are juicy contenders for top honours in our list of munching madness.
      It also appears many of football’s stylists believe a good old-fashioned British favourite gets them blazing out of the blocks early doors.
      To amend a childhood proverb, their motto seems to be: “Baked beans are good for your art – the more you eat the better you start.”
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      JAMIE VARDY
      The late-developing Leicester striker, 37, who went on to win 26 England caps, is undoubtedly the one to beat at the top of the dining table.
      And it’s hard to say it better than Vardy himself when describing how his pre-match routine graduated from Skittles, Vodka and a penchant for drinking Port from a Lucozade bottle.
      He said: “Three Red Bulls, a double espresso and a cheese and ham omelette is what makes me run around like a nut-job on a match day.”
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      And if you are not quite convinced that combination would meet the approval of a  sports nutritionist, then how about Vardy’s meticulous timetable for consuming it all on match-day….
      The 2016 Prem winner explained: “I wake up in the morning and then [have a] Red Bull. 
      “Literally I get out of bed, get the kids up and downstairs, get their breakfast sorted and then I’m straight into the Red Bull.
      “After that we meet at the stadium for pre-match and while I’m getting changed I’ll have a coffee – it’s better than taking ProPlus. 
      “Red Bull, coffee and then when we get over to the pre-match lounge, I’ll have my cheese and ham omelette with another can of Red Bull.”
      GARETH BALE
      The Wales legend raised eyebrows at Tottenham with his eating habits ahead of kick-off.
      The now-retired winger is one of the few players Real Madrid stars have compared favourably to Cristiano Ronaldo for pure athleticism.
      So perhaps his choice of “cuisine” is not to be scoffed at.
      Former Spurs team-mate Jermaine Jenas revealed the golf-crazy star’s ample eating.
      Jenas told TNT Sports: “The only meal I remember looking at and thinking why and how was Gareth Bale.
      “He used to have like five slices of toast and a mountain of baked beans.”
      PAUL SCHOLES
      The Manchester United legend added a strange twist to traditional nosh.
      The ex-England midfielder, now a pundit, went from box to box with his all-round skills.
      But before kick-off he’d go from chocs to chocs in a curious mix of sweet and savoury food.
      Appearing on the Back of the Net podcast, Scholes told presenter Gabby Logan: “Beans on toast, always, try to have it all the time. 
      “I always had a Turkish Delight as well, the night before the game.
      “It was a bit of a superstition, weird that. Two Turkish Delights and a cup of tea, but I’d always buy a packet of three and leave one.”
      ANDY CARROLL
      The giant frontman, 35, has been accused of having no nutritional nous at Newcastle – when he tucked into Yorkshire puddings and gravy before matches.
      The ex-Liverpool and England ace who is now with Amiens, admitted horrifying a Toon fans’ favourite with his heavyweight pre-loading.
      Andy Carroll’s pre-match roast horrified Newcastle team-mate Kevin NolanCredit: Graham Hughes – The Times
      Carroll said: “This one time Kevin Nolan rang me up and said, ‘Will you pick me up cos my car’s not working… where are you?’ 
      “I said I’m just having a Sunday roast and he went mental, screamed at me on the phone, ‘Are you joking?’ and I told him I’d done that forever.”
      PASCAL GROSS
      Brighton’s ex-Tottenham full-back Pascal Gross is one of those players who in one sense eats quite normally… until you discover how he puts all the ingredients together.
      The four-cap German, 32, limbers up conventionally with rice, chicken and olive oil – only to turn bizarre by topping off the combo with Weetabix”
      WAYNE ROONEY
      The Man Utd and England icon is chewing over his managerial future after being sacked by Birmingham.
      So perhaps he might return to the high-carb comfort food he used to down before playing matches.
      The Everton all-time great, 38, once told FourFourTwo his pre-match ritual included Coco Pops and a banana.
      GARY NEVILLE
      The pundit has become a successful pundit and entrepreneur since his days at right-back for the Red Devils and the Three Lions.
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      But despite his sophisticated credentials, Nev gives Rooney a run for his money in terms of his simple intake before matches.
      The recent Dragons’ Den debutant made “spaghetti with sauce, yoghurt and Ribena” his pre-match cuisine.
      Ex-Man Utd and England team-mates Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney both had what might be considered child-like eating habits before gameCredit: Reuters More

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      I played with Gareth Bale at Tottenham and couldn’t believe his pre-match meal… I tried it once and it did not go well

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      JERMAINE JENAS has revealed Gareth Bale stunned Tottenham team-mates with his choice of pre-match meal.And the pundit explained why trying it himself backfired.
      Gareth Bale was no ‘has-bean’ in his first spell at Tottenham – but perhaps his pre-match meal should have been, according to Jermaine JenasCredit: Getty
      Ex-Spurs, Newcastle and England ace Jenas ‘struggled’ with what to eatCredit: Getty
      Jenas bemused many viewers during TNT Sports’ coverage of Brighton’s 0-0 draw with Wolves by discussing food habits.
      And Bale’s choice remains his most memorable match-day munching moment – for all sorts of reasons.
      Brighton’s ex-Spurs full-back Pascal Gross sparked the conversation before kick-off on Monday night with his own revelation to the broadcaster about his pre-game eating.
      Gross said he opts for rice, chicken and olive oil …. topped off by Weetabix!
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      TNT commentator Adam Summerton called that “quite the combination” as the pundits returned to the debate at half-time.
      Jenas suggested: “I bet that’s just a superstition as well.
      “There would have been one day where he had a bit of Weetabix as an extra and prob scored two goals and got an assist and thought that’s it, he has the formula.”
      And when Summerton asked for the ex-England midfielder’s own selections back in the day, he replied: “I always struggled to eat.
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      Bale and Jenas were Spurs’ team-mates from 2007-13Credit: AP:Associated Press
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      “I just had a big bowl of cereal and just drank a lot of Lucozade I think. Night games was a lot easier pasta and chicken.”
      Then came Jenas’ Bale tale.
      He explained: “The only meal I remember looking at and thinking why and how was Gareth Bale used to have like five slices of toast and a mountain of baked beans. 
      “I tried it once, it didn’t go well for me.”
      But viewers seemed to think the main “cereal” offender was Jenas – for talking about food rather than football.
      One claimed: “Discussing how many baked beans Gareth Bale used to eat has to be an all time low.”
      Another posted: “Jenas talking about liking cereal, absolutely amazing commentary once again.”
      And a third viewer admitted just how surprised he was by the conversation.
      He said: “Well, learning about Gareth Bale liking baked beans on toast wasn’t in my commentary bingo card.” More

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      Arsenal fans left fuming after club’s bar charges eye-watering price for a sandwich

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      MIKEL Arteta’s Arsenal have been given a thrashing by supporters for charging £27 for a sarnie, chips and drink.A fuming fan posted a snap of what looked like miniature slices of bread inside a cardboard tray served up in the Emirates.
      Arsenal supporters were shocked after one fan said that a steak sandwich with chips and onion rings cost £27 with a drinkCredit: Supplied
      They wrote: “Steak sandwich with chips and onion rings at Arsenal. £27 with a drink…”
      It left others gobsmacked, with one hitting out: “If that steak ain’t a grass-fed ribeye, then it ain’t worth it.”
      Another asked: “Does it come topped with gold leaf?”
      One raged: “That symbolises all that’s wrong with the game.”
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      A steak sandwich alone at the Premier League club’s Royal Oak bar will set fans back £17 — and a small portion of chips costs another £4.50.
      Some chewed over the choice of food, with one saying: “I’d rather have a pint and a pie instead… Football belongs to the working-class people.”
      Two seasons ago Gunners fans were cheesed off after being rinsed for £19.95 for a pizza, and £18.05 for a burger and chips.
      And things will only get dearer.
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      Last week it was forecast that the price of a pint at a Premier League ground is set to hit £13 by 2030.
      The average across all 20 Prem teams this season is £5.76. But researchers reckon it will reach £9.57 in a few years — with £13.12 the highest.
      Arsenal and West Ham are the clubs tipped to top the table for beer prices.
      The Sun contacted Arsenal FC for comment. 
      Arsenal is also one of the clubs tipped to top the table for beer prices at a Premier League groundCredit: Getty More

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      Manchester United on hunt for food safety officer after serving 30 guests raw chicken

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      MANCHESTER United are on the hunt for a food safety officer just weeks after 30 guests were served raw chicken at Old Trafford.The club was handed a 1 out of 5 food rating after dozens consumed food not fit for human consumption at an event on November 21 last year.
      Manchester United are on the hunt for a food safety officer after serving 30 guests raw chickenCredit: Getty
      The dangerous food was served after 300 pieces of chicken were cooked for the event, but only three trays – each of which had around 15 pieces of chicken – were probed to check they were cooked properly.
      That meant 17 trays containing around 255 pieces of chicken – were not checked and the temperature was not recorded as required before they were served.
      United, which described it as an “isolated incident”, is now trying to hire a food safety officer on a 12-month contract.
      The job ad states the successful candidate will be expected to “elevate the standards and exceed expectations in a bustling department”.
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      It adds: “Your role goes beyond routine tasks – you’ll be a crucial player in ensuring the safety and excellence of our culinary offerings during high-profile conference events and lively match day business.”
      Responding to the club’s food hygiene rating being downgraded in December, a spokesperson said: “Manchester United has one of the largest and most experienced food and beverage operations in world sport, with more than 250,000 people dining at the stadium restaurants and over 300 external events successfully delivered each year.
      “Everyone at the club is determined to regain our 5-star food hygiene status as quickly as possible.
      “To support that objective, we are conducting an independent food audit to identify any further opportunities for improvement.”
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      Wolves Women’s team wiped out with ‘food poisoning’ with derby clash against West Brom called off

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      WOLVES WOMEN’s Challenge Cup clash with West Brom has been postponed due to an outbreak of food poisoning.Dan McNamara’s troops were set to take on the Baggies in the semi-final of the tournament on Sunday afternoon.
      Wolves Women were due to take on West Brom in the semi-final of the Challenge Cup on SundayCredit: GETTY
      But the match has been called off after 11 Wolves players were struck down with food poisoningCredit: GETTY
      But the match has been postponed after 11 players were struck down with food poisoning.
      An excerpt of a club statement read: “Wolves Women’s Birmingham Challenge Cup semi-final with West Bromwich Albion on Sunday has been postponed due to illness within the Old Gold camp.
      “Dan McNamara’s side have been unable to train this week due to an outbreak which has affected the large majority of players and staff members.”
      Wolves’ academy manager of operations Laura Nicholls has blamed the outbreak on a dodgy meal they had after their match with Reading last Sunday.
      She said: “Unfortunately, following the FA Cup victory at Reading on Sunday, a high percentage of our squad have fallen ill which we’ve aligned to the post-match food they received because it’s also affected Reading.
      “14 of the playing staff and four of our coaching staff have been affected.
      “Unfortunately, we’ve not been able to train this week or complete any preparation.
      “We spoke with the County FA to get some support to cancel the game because we need to put the health of the players first.
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      Wolves have claimed post-match grub after their FA Cup win over Reading is to blame for the outbreakCredit: GETTY
      “We’re all really disappointed. Sunday was a fantastic victory for us and we wanted to take that momentum into another high-profile game – a Black Country derby in the semi-final of the Challenge Cup which we want to retain.
      “We won the competition last year and it’s something we’re keen to progress and do well in.”
      Members of staff have also been hit for six.
      Nicholls added: “Originally we had 10 or 11 who reported they were ill on Monday and Tuesday.
      “Then we had four or five more since then across the players and staff.
      “We’ve even had some today and I know Reading are in a similar situation where it’s taking a bit of time for some people to see the effects and some of the effects have been quite dangerous so it’s important we put the health of the players first.”
      Both teams are currently in discussions over a new date for the fixture.
      Nicholls said: “We’ll work with West Brom to find a date that works for both of us alongside our league fixtures.
      “It’s a really high-profile game and I know the fans of both clubs will be disappointed that they’ve not been able to come and support.
      “From our perspective, we’ll make sure we get a date agreed with West Brom as soon as possible, get that publicised and give everyone the chance to attend and cheers both teams on.”
      West Brom confirmed the postponement of the match on their website.
      Their statement read: “Albion Women’s Birmingham County FA Challenge Cup semi-final clash with Wolves has been postponed.
      “The fixture was due to be played at the New Bucks Head on Sunday, January 21 – but has now been postponed due to illness in the Wolves camp.
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      “A new date for the game will be announced in due course.”
      SunSport have contacted Reading for comment. More