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      in Soccer

      I disliked football so much I prayed for injury, says West Ham hero Michail Antonio as he bravely opens up about therapy

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      PREMIER League star Michail Antonio has revealed he is in therapy after starting to hate football.The £85,000-a-week West Ham and Jamaica striker, 34, told how he even prayed he would get injured so he did not have to play.I hated football so much that I prayed I would get injured, revealed Michail AntonioCredit: GettyWest Ham’s then-skipper Declan Rice lifts trophy last JuneCredit: GettyAntonio, who reveals how personal traumas caused his mental anguish, said: “I just started disliking the game. I began therapy because I was really struggling.”The West Ham star says his mental health battles left him unable to celebrate the club’s epic European win last year with team-mates — and he slept instead.In a brutally honest interview, the star says he even hoped for an injury to prevent him from playing.He believes his problems partly stem from being betrayed by school friends and splitting from his wife.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAntonio — who was called up for England before he chose to play for Jamaica instead — says he expects to still be seeing his therapist for another two years because it has changed his life.The London-born star — known for his happy public persona — revealed his mental turmoil in a searingly frank interview with telly presenter Jake Humphrey and author Damian Hughes.He told how everyone associated with West Ham was enjoying wild celebrations last June after they won the Europa Conference League final — their first major trophy in more than 40 years.But Antonio — the club’s all-time leading Prem goalscorer — was so drained by off-field events he fell asleep on the coach back from the stadium in Prague then went to bed in his hotel room.Most read in FootballHe recalled: “I was going through my divorce and stuff, and I honestly couldn’t get my head around it. After we won, the whole team went out, the gaffer went out, got steaming, a couple of boys didn’t sleep for two days, just got drunk for two days — I was asleep on the coach and went back to the hotel.“I was just mentally drained because of everything that was going on outside of my football and then I went back to the hotel and went to sleep while everyone was out partying.”Michail Antonio slept during West Ham’s celebrations after European Conference League triumphIt was six months before he began to appreciate the enormity of the Hammers’ brilliant 2-1 win over Fiorentina. He said: “It wasn’t until probably December where I was in a better place where I was like ‘Oh my God, I’ve won a European championship’.”In an interview available to hear on today’s High Performance podcast, Antonio said it dawned on him he had lost interest in football during a match in December 2022, as his form began to nosedive. He said: “I think we even won the game, but I didn’t have the best of games.“And I was just like to myself, ‘I’m not enjoying football’. During the game, I was like, ‘I’m really not enjoying this’.“I just felt quite negative. I’m a very positive person myself.“I didn’t score from December until I think it was March, April time. And I just felt, like, run- down. And then I went away with Jamaica because I was enjoying football with Jamaica for some strange reason. But I actually prayed for an injury.It’s all those things that spiral through your mind. You’re thinking, ‘Is this the end for me? Is this my football career over?“I was like, ‘I just want to get injured, I want some time off’.“And then I went away with Jamaica and I did my medial (knee ligament, in November 2023).“I was thinking to myself, ‘I’m 33. I can’t afford to be performing this way, otherwise I’m not going to get another contract’.“So, it’s all those things that spiral through your mind. You’re thinking, ‘Is this the end for me? Is this my football career over?’”He said his football problem was primarily down to getting such short breaks from the game he has been involved in for 16 years — and the constant scrutiny. And his troubles were worsened by separating from his wife Debbie Whittle, 34, who he married in 2017.He said: “I just started disliking the game. But because football’s just constant, you’re constantly just in it. As soon as your life depends on it, as soon as you have people constantly berating you and criticising you, it becomes a job.“So, it doesn’t matter how good it is, it doesn’t matter how much you love the game, it becomes an actual job for you.” Antonio said he sought help around Christmas 2022 — seeing a few therapists before he found one he liked.The West Ham star says his mental health battles left him unable to celebrate the club’s epic European win last yearThe striker with the Conference League trophyCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunAntonio said it dawned on him he had lost interest in football during a match in December 2022Credit: instagram/Michail AntonioHe had spoken to club doctors and physios, and West Ham and the PFA also had specialist counsellors available. But he wanted someone independent and so he started paying for his own.The father of four said: “I started therapy because I was really struggling. And how I grew up, it was never a thing. I thought therapy was for crazy people. But therapy changed my life. At first it was awkward, I’m not going to lie. You’re sat in the room, someone was there and goes, ‘How are you?’Michail Antonio’s braveryBy Jack Rosser
      MICHAIL ANTONIO has always been know as West Ham’s dressing room joker, so it is incredibly shocking to hear him talk about such awful mental trauma.
      The 34-year-old is the go to man for a laugh or a great quote around West Ham.
      That the life and soul of the squad was unable to celebrate the crowning glory of his career – winning the Europa League Conference League title in Prague last June – with his teammates shows just how bad things got.
      Most shocking to read is that the striker “prayed” for an injury, given his career has too often been blighted by them.
      Considering all of that, and the fact that Antonio has always been around the macho world of men’s football, it is such a brave thing to reveal and speak up on.
      Football has often shied away from opening up and discussing personal problems.
      Players were traditionally told to brush things off and move on – leaving egos and issues at the door.
      Things are changing, but for many it is not fast enough so Antonio should be applauded and supported – as he will be at West Ham – for speaking up.

      “And your natural response is ‘Fine’. So, he’s like, ‘So why are you here?’ I was like, ‘To be honest, like, football, I’m struggling with football, I split up with my missus’.”Antonio, who joined West Ham for £7million from Nottingham Forest in 2015, went on: “My football was always my getaway from anything that happened in my life. My dad died and stuff like that, I went to football, and I could black it out for the two hours that I was there or the four hours that I was there.PROFESSIONAL HELP“But then my life was a bit turned upside-down because obviously I’m splitting up with my missus, my wife, and also, I’m not performing on the pitch and things are just not going well for me.“And then I’m a person where I’d never cry. And as I was talking to him, I just burst into tears. It was uncontrollable. That gave me some type of relief. And then like my chest felt like clear.” He began weekly sessions, which he can see continuing for another two years. But his therapist wants him to eventually cope without them.Antonio said: “What is crazy is I was always portrayed to be a very confident person, then what they’ve taught me was that I was a person that’s basically always set myself targets, always looking for missions because I always need something to be done. I can’t relax within myself.“Because growing up there was a lot of traumas that I dealt with. So, I avoid sitting within myself. And that’s one thing that I learned via therapy because it was true.”He told how he “never could just sit at home”, which “said something about my self-esteem”. He went on: “I’m searching for something. And just to hear that, that set me off. I was in tears again.”My life was a bit turned upside-down because obviously I’m splitting up with my missus, my wife, and also, I’m not performing on the pitch and things are just not going well for me.Interviewer Jake said: “It’s a hard thing to hear though, isn’t it?”Antonio replied: “Massive. Like, I always believed I was the happiest person there is.”Through therapy he has learned that his tough upbringing in South London left him mentally scarred. He said: “There were certain things that happened in my childhood.“Let’s just say I struggled to make friendships when I was in primary school. There was no one that was, I would say, my best friend until I was like 12 and then that person kind of left.“When I was 14, I thought these people were my friends, these guys end up stealing a bike. The people got caught with the bikes.Antonio said he sought help around Christmas 2022 — seeing a few therapists before he found one he likedCredit: GettyThrough therapy he has learned that his tough upbringing in South London left him mentally scarredCredit: Premier League“They grouped up and said ‘Michail did it’. I’ve been friends with them for three years, going to school every day with them, so it just made me mistrust people.”Antonio told Jake and Damian he would never have been able to open up to them before his therapy.READ MORE SUN STORIESWith his mind in a much better place, he said he feels he has three more years left playing and is happy at West Ham, who will soon have a new manager.
      LISTEN to the full interview on the High Performance podcast on all major platforms from today.
      You’re Not AloneEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
      It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
      It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
      And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
      Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
      That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
      The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
      Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
      If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: More

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      in Soccer

      I fled in horror as merciless hooligans stormed Wembley Stadium like ‘zombies’ & hurled glass at my terrified daughter

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      ENGLAND’s outing in the Euro 2020 final was a day that went down in sporting history – but for many, it was for all the wrong reasons. Instead of the nail-biting match – where England lost in a 3-2 penalty shootout to Italy – it was the anarchy and carnage that unfolded at Wembley Stadium that remains in the minds of many.The 2020 Euro final was dominated by scenes of inebriated Brits outside Wembley StadiumCredit: RexScores of ticketless fans ‘punched’ their way through security barriers and guardsCredit: NetflixSome England supporters clashed inside the stadium with the ticketless mobsCredit: NetflixIt followed more than 2,000 ticketless fans storming the ground and thousands more outside – many of whom were drunk and drugged up – causing danger and destruction.Footage from the day, July 11, showed people with injuries from fights and glass bottles being wantonly lobbed into the air, as well as broken traffic lights, lamposts and trees. Baroness Louise Casey’s review into violence at the 2021 final found a “series of near misses” could have led to “significant injuries or even death” and that Wembley’s security had been breached 17 times. Now the Netflix documentary The Final: Attack On Wembley, which airs on May 8, reveals the “carnage and chaos” that unfolded on the day that was compared to “a warzone”. READ MORE ON SPORTThe terrifying scenes, which resulted in 19 police officers suffering injuries and 86 arrests, left many fearing for their safety as they tried to navigate through the inebriated masses.Among them was Gianluca Santoro, an Italian who lives in South London, who was forced to shield his daughter Maya, then 10, from projectiles lobbed at them by England fans.The tennis coach, 51, told The Sun: “I remember walking towards the stadium and the floor was full of broken glass. It was like a bomb had gone off.“I had to stop bottles and cans hitting us with my hands, which was painful, and some were open so the beer was spraying all over us.Most read in Football“I was really scared for my daughter’s safety because the bottles were flying at us from all over the place and people were yelling abuse and swearing at me right to my face.“We found a group of Italians and we all surrounded Maya to create a protective barrier. I took off my rucksack to cover her face and they put jackets and hoodies around her.The Final: Attack on Wembley Netflix Trailer“I felt silly, naive and guilty that I took her but I imagined a different atmosphere, I thought people would be happy to be at Wembley and in the final. I wasn’t expecting so much abuse.” ‘Like a warzone’On the day of the final, there were 67,000 ticketed fans but more than 6,000 others showed up at Wembley Stadium – some arriving as early as 8am, 12 hours before kick-off, to bask in England’s glory. But soon, amid drunkenness and reported cocaine use, “scenes of carnage and chaos” unfolded according to Chris Whyte, Director of Operations at Brent Council.He told the documentary that drinking levels were “very, very high” early on and “bad behaviour… had taken hold” due to a low police presence and security and stewards being vastly outnumbered. Gianluca Santoro had to shield his daughter Maya, then 10, from glass bottles lobbed by England fansCredit: Netflix /Gianluca SantoroInebriated fans climbed on top of traffic lights, buses and lampostsCredit: NetflixCharlie Perry, 25, from Sunbury-on-Thames, became known as ‘a*** flare man’ after this stuntCredit: 2021 Elliott FranksGianluca recalls being ‘really scared’ for his daughter’s safetyCredit: Netflix /Gianluca SantoroMetropolitan Police, who later apologised for the “unacceptable scenes of disorder”, had sent the majority of officers to Central London, where previous antisocial behaviour had taken place.The force’s main deployment was due to arrive at Wembley by 3pm – five hours before kick-off – but were called in early due to the danger presented by fans. It was a scene of devastation. There were broken traffic lights, lamposts, trees. It was just like a bomb had gone off and there was debris everywhere.Carolyn Downs, then Chief Executive of Brent CouncilSocial media footage from the day showed some fans climbing onto traffic lights, lamposts and a bus, others lit flares and several scuffles broke out. “Bottles and cans are sort of crashing down all around, full bottles of beer, empty bottles…” Whyte recalled. “People [were] clearly unaware of and uncaring about where these bottles might land and what damage they might cause…“I’ve got very vivid memories of seeing glass injuries, there was blood and bandages… it did resemble a bit of a warzone.”Carolyn Downs, Chief Executive at Brent Council, added: “[It] was a scene of devastation. There were broken traffic lights, lamposts, trees. It was just like a bomb had gone off and there was debris everywhere.”Onlookers described how security and stewards “didn’t really have a chance” of clamping down on the dangerous behaviour due to the sheer number of people around the stadium. Shameless invadersTo prevent ticketless fans getting in, a security perimeter around the stadium had been set up but it didn’t prove enough. Chris Bryant, Director of Tournaments and Events at The FA, says many of the “thugs” were “putting their own and others’ lives in danger” during their attempts to break in.Among them was England fan Dan, who joined a mob that stampeded their way through security and managed to bypass the turnstiles by hiding behind a ticketed fan.Nearly 90 people were arrested on the day of the finalCredit: NetflixThose without tickets charged through turnstilesCredit: NetflixMobs raced up stairs to get closer to the stadium after evading securityCredit: NetflixDespite the damage caused and the risk to life, the Manchester United fan, from Shropshire, told the documentary: “I’m not ashamed of what I’ve done.”He had taken “what I earn in a month” – around £2,000 – hoping to buy a ticket from a fan, believing “it would be difficult for them to say no” to such a large sum. But when Dan’s offer “fell on deaf ears” and he realised he could end up “not even having anywhere to watch it at all,” he made a drastic decision.We’ve never locked down the turnstiles there’s never been a need to… but I’ve just witnessed something I’ve never seen before.Liam Boylan, Director of Wembley StadiumHaving spotted that Wayne Rooney had entered without having to battle through the crowds, he started to scope out the ground for weak spots.Dan noticed a large crowd gathered at the Spanish Steps and after hearing them yell “Are we ready? Are we ready?” joined the masses who forced their way through security guards and barriers.Liam Boylan, Director of Wembley Stadium, who was watching from the control room, described seeing the crowd “punch their way through” as “antisocial, reckless behaviour turned to violence”.Recalling a steward was knocked down to the ground, he said: “It catches your breath when you’re watching that… [and] thinking, ‘What the hell is going on.’”Dan, who had to do a “roly-poly over the bodies” on the ground, added: “I wasn’t really aware of what was going on around me, violence-wise. “I was so focused on my own little mission, that’s all it was for me, it was just complete desperation to not miss this event.” Later, Dan managed to bypass stewards for a second time by jigging – where someone walks closely behind a ticketed fan to squeeze through a turnstile without paying.One man was kicked multiple times in the head after entering the stadiumCredit: NetflixInside the stadium several fans clashedCredit: NetflixMetal gates were piled up by irate, drunk and drugged up fansCredit: NetflixEuro 2020 final: a timeline of the chaotic events

      8.00AM – Fans begin to arrive at Wembley, 12 hours before kick off. Some head to pubs, others surround the stadium. Many do not have tickets. 
      10.00AM – One London Underground official claims to have “never seen drunkenness like this so early on in the day”. Stewards and security staff report high levels of drug use.
      11.30AM – Met Police Service (MPS) Silver Commander requests officers are sent to the stadium earlier than their deployment time. One officer has been punched in the face. Crowds gather at the Olympic steps, near Olympic Way.
      12.00PM – Fans climb onto the roof of a bus on Fulton Road, near the stadium. It’s considered the first “red flag” for those on the ground. Officers, requested at 11.30am, arrive and rescue the stranded bus.
      1.00PM – Flares are set off, fans climb traffic lights, lamposts and trees, and bottles are “getting chucked into the air”. Half an hour later British Transport Police deploys officers from Central London.
      2.30PM – 175 Met Police Service officers are deployed. Fireworks, smoke bombs and glass bottles are being thrown on Olympic Way. 
      3.00PM – Volunteers and council workers are withdrawn for their safety. An additional, 50 public order officers and 100 specialist officers from the MPS Territorial Support Group arrive.
      4.00PM – Police stop barriers being kicked down at Bobby Moore Bridge, near Olympic Way. Police advise ticketless fans not to travel to Wembley. Every 15minutes, an extra 3,000 fans arrive at Wembley Park Underground Station.
      4.30PM – The Outer Security Perimeter (OSP) entrances open. Police fear swathes of unticketed fans “will try to push onto the concourse”. It’s feared the OSP fence will not hold.
      5.00PM – Doors and gates are open. Within minutes a first person has been detained for ‘jigging’ – closely following behind a ticketed fan to gain entry – at Gate A.
      5.30PM – One group has breached the Spanish steps. The Safety Officer has locked all turnstiles. “Loutish” behaviour and “hand-to-hand combat” with “groups of 40-50 men at a time” occurs. MPS sends more reserves to Wembley, making a total of 553 officers.
      5.45PM – Violence erupts outside a Co-op on Olympic Way. One police officer is attacked. The crowd fails to smash the shop’s windows. Soon, turnstiles are unlocked due to concerns over crowd density. 
      6.30PM – A fence line has been knocked down, allowing crowds to breach Club Wembley’s outer security perimeter. Police and stewards battle to stop a group entering through a disabled pass gate at Gate M. Several more gate invasions follow including 90 people storming an emergency fire door. Police are deployed to all turnstiles. 
      7.30PM – Crowds attempt to breach more gates. During one, multiple fans are trampled amid a stampede of 100 unticketed fans. Police are dispatched to the bottom of the Olympic Steps when a fence collapses. 
      7.55PM – A large group charges at the Olympic Steps Outer Security Perimeter as England’s national anthem plays. Police wield batons and ‘fast walk’ to force them back. By 8.02pm, when Luke Shaw scores for England, crowds charge an outer gate near the South West Ramp.
      9.15PM – Urgent repairs have been called for on emergency exit doors at Turnstile G due to breaches.
      10.00PM – Fans continue to look for points where they can break in as extra time begins. 
      10.50PM – Fire doors at Gate G are breached for a third time – around 30 people enter. Two minutes later, exit doors are opened for fans to leave the stadium. By 10.54pm, Italy has beaten England on penalties. Fans outside the stadium start to leave the area.
      12.30AM – Portable toilets have been pushed over on Olympic Way. Railway officials report having protected Italian fans. The beginning of a five-day clean-up operation begins, as 31 tonnes of rubbish – 10 times the normal amount – is removed. 

      ‘Massive crush’Near the Club Wembley entrance, groups of ‘30 to 40 people’ were collectively barging into metal railings and tipping them over in a bid to get closer to the stadium. Former rugby union star Ugo Monye, who observed the chaos, recalled: “There was an avalanche of people coming through.” He said observers were “terrified” and had to shield themselves from projectiles, adding: “The chaos and carnage was happening all around us.”Meanwhile, Bryant and his colleagues reconstructed the metal barriers only for others to be knocked down further away.  He said: “It did feel like whack-a-mole for the best part of 45 minutes.”Amid the chaos, Boylan says the decision was made to “lock down the turnstiles” – preventing fans with tickets, as well as those without, from entering the ground. I’ve never seen anything of that sort in my life. This horde of zombies come running in, falling over, people trampling over them. It was madness.Taz, Wembley Security GuardHe said: “We’ve never locked down the turnstiles, there’s never been a need to… but I’ve just witnessed something I’ve never seen before.”Security guard Taz says he knew “something bad must have happened” for them to take such drastic action and while waiting for the turnstiles to reopen received a barrage of abuse.He recalled being told: “When I get in I’m going to f*** you up,” along with racist abuse.Soon after, the turnstiles were reopened for “the safety of the majority” after concerns there could be a “massive crush”.Downs, who was at the south side of the stadium, said: “It felt really scary. This could really end up being quite serious. I just kept thinking, ‘Please don’t let anyone get hurt.’” After the turnstiles opened, more ticketless fans began forcing their way in. Some broke in through fire escape doors, which had been deliberately opened from the inside, and others forced their way through gates.Large barriers were knocked down by ticketless mobs trying to get into the stadiumCredit: NetflixWembley security guards were praised for their braveryCredit: NetflixMakeshift medic stations had to be erected to treat spectators with glass injuries from thrown bottlesCredit: NetflixSecurity guard Taz said: “I’ve never seen anything of that sort in my life. This horde of zombies come running in, falling over, people trampling over them. It was madness.“If I had thrown myself in front of all those people I probably would not be sitting here today.”While Taz focused on trying to close the fire escape doors, ticketed and unticketed fans clashed.  Boylan added: “There was a conflict between those people that have got in legitimately and those people that have got in illegally… there are scuffles, fights and all sorts of stuff breaking out.” Social media footage revealed brutal scenes including one fan being kicked multiple times in the face and several others being punched. Seat thief laughedHaving an extra 2,000 people illegally in the stadium meant many fans, some of whom had paid thousands to watch the game, struggled to get to their seats.Kevin, from East London, who forked out £1,000 for two tickets, recalled being laughed at after confronting someone who had nicked his seat.You look at what could happen if England win and the safest outcome is England losing.Liam Boylan“He turned to his mate and goes, ‘Oi, these two paid for their tickets!’ and he started laughing,” Kevin said.“He and his friend described how they had a minibus of 10 or 12 of them who had come down with the intention of breaking in and they all managed to.” Shortly before kick off, the turnstiles were locked down again and police dressed in riot gear lifted their batons and “walked with purpose” at revellers outside the stadium.They created a perimeter around Wembley, which prevented further ground invasions but didn’t help to disperse the crowds, as hoped. Officials compared scenes to ‘like a warzone’ due to the amount of debris and broken glass around the stadiumCredit: ReutersSome fans arrived at Wembley Stadium at 8am – 12 hours before the match was due to beginCredit: GettyFor Boylan, his focus was on the 67,000 fans inside the stadium and he admits hoping that England would lose in order to keep fans safe. He feared more of the unruly mob outside would try to break in, especially when exit doors opened before the end of the match.Recalling his fear, he said: “I’ve got this blue line with 6,000 people out there, if they see that doors are opening and then they hear the roar going up because England have won, are they coming inside?“This lot are not England fans, this lot are not football fans, I don’t know what they are. They’re just a bunch of people that are going to punch their way through.“You look at what could happen if England win and the safest outcome is England losing.” Boylan admits he was overwhelmed with “relief” after England lost 3-2 on penalties and those outside the stadium finally started to walk away from the ground. ‘Perfect storm’Reflecting on the day, he said: “I never ever want to go through what I faced on that day again… I’m not still fully over it because it hurt, it really, really hurt. We saw things that we’d never ever seen before.” Baroness Casey’s review would later conclude there was “a perfect storm of lawlessness” on the day of the final – caused in part by it being a major event after coronavirus lockdown restrictions had been relaxed. It praised the bravery of stewards and police officers as well as staff from Brent Council, the FA and Wembley in what was described as “extraordinary aggression”. Metropolitan Police later apologised for the ‘unacceptable scenes of disorder’Credit: NetflixIn addition to 67,000 ticketed fans, thousands gathered around Wembley StadiumCredit: NetflixFA CEO Mark Bullingham said: “No event is set up to deal with such disgraceful behaviour from thousands of ticketless fans. Collectively we must never allow this to happen again.”Some of the ticketless fans were prosecuted. But it’s likely many do not regret their actions – including Dan.He told the doc: “I’m not ashamed of what I’ve done. In 2020, we were all locked away in our homes couldn’t go anywhere, could only go outside for a little bit of exercise and the whole time we’re doing that, the leaders of our country were partying.“How can I feel like I’ve done something wrong? To witness England [potentially] winning their first trophy since 1966, I wasn’t missing that for nobody.” As for Gianluca, while the finals were far from the day he envisaged with his daughter, he says it made her appreciate her Italian heritage more. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe says: “I often think they did me a favour. Maya, whenever she talks about something related to Italy, she says, ‘But daddy, we Italians, us Italians’. For me it was more than football.”The Final: Attack On Wembley, which was filmed by Rogan Productions, is available to watch on Netflix from May 8. More

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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury pals say star ‘needed someone with him 24/7’ in height of depression and reveal horror chat before famous win

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      TYSON FURY “needed someone with him 24/7” at the height of his depression after predicting his mental health battle. Fury pulled off a stunning upset in 2015 to take Wladimir Klitschko’s unified heavyweight titles.Wladimir Klitschko was stunned by Tyson Fury in 2015Credit: Rex FeaturesFury suffered from depression after beating KlitschkoCredit: –But he had to relinquish them just a year later after suffering from depression and substance abuse. Fury ballooned up to 30 STONE and has been open about battling suicidal thoughts during the dark period in his life. It meant close friends – like boxer Isaac Lowe – kept a close eye on the struggling Gypsy King at all times. Lowe, 30, said on an episode of Fury Uncovered: “Someone had to be with him 24/7. More or less all the time.READ MORE IN BOXING”You can be the richest man in the world, you can have everything.”But if you’ve got horrible thoughts going through your head, you’re better being with someone.”Fury told anyone who would listen for years prior that he would defeat Klitschko – and that he could already see his mental breakdown coming.Strength and conditioning coach Kristian Blacklock said: “Before he fought Klitschko, I asked him specifically, ‘What are you going to do when you win’?Most read in Boxing”And he said, ‘I’ll be miserable.’ I said, ‘Aren’t you going to go on holiday, with your family, with your kids to celebrate?’ “He goes ‘nah, I’ll probably be really depressed’. It was like his ultimate goal in life, obviously he’s achieved it, where do you go from here?”Fans torn as Tyson Fury posts training clip three weeks ahead of Oleklsandr Usyk fight and boasts ‘Wish it was tonight’Fury did eventually return to the ring in 2018 and remarkably challenged Deontay Wilder for the WBC title the same year. It ended in a controversial draw which set up a classic trilogy between the duo which Fury, 35, ended with two stoppage wins and the belt.The heavyweight now returns in the biggest fight of his career on May 18 against Oleksandr Usyk, 37, in Saudi Arabia. It is set to crown the first ever four-belt heavyweight undisputed champion.But Fury’s brother Tommy – a 10-0 fighter himself – insisted his sibling has already won his biggest battle. Tommy, 24, said: “I think the biggest fight that Tyson has ever won and will ever win in his whole entire life is that fight against mental health.” Fury facing off with Oleksandr UsykCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Ex-England and Liverpool star Stephen Warnock reveals he contemplated suicide and fell into a ‘rut’ after retiring

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      EX-ENGLAND defender Stephen Warnock has revealed he considered suicide after retiring as a player.The former Liverpool star says he got into a “rut” and lost his marriage, even briefly losing contact with his children.Stephen Warnock struggled to find a ‘buzz’ or ‘excitement’Credit: Times Newspapers LtdWarnock won his second and last cap against France in November 2010Credit: RexWarnock turned for help to a trainee counsellor – and now tells that friend “all the time he saved my life”.The ex-Aston Villa left-back, 42, amassed more than 550 career games.He played twice for the Three Lions and made Fabio Capello’s 2010 World Cup squad.Yet Warnock felt “like a failure” as he slipped down the leagues.READ MORE TOP STORIESAnd after quitting playing aged 35 in 2018 he became “massively depressed for years”.One reason was life lacking the “buzz” of being on the pitch.Another factor was financial stress caused by an “ill advised” investment.Warnock, now a TV and radio pundit, told Sky Sports: “I looked back on my career and thought I was a failure. I thought I’d had a terrible career.Most read in FootballWarnock was with first club Liverpool from 2002-2007Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd”Going to Liverpool, then going to Blackburn, to Aston Villa, then to Leeds and I just continued to go down. I always remember thinking I’d let myself down there.”The 2016 League One winner with Burton added: “After you retire, I think people come out [of football] and just think life’s going to be okay. England’s Best and Worst Kits”But it’s about what’s going to give you that buzz, what’s going to give you that excitement in your life. “If you find that quickly, you’re okay, but you’ve got to find it.”Warnock then explained how a chat with an old friend changed things.He said: “I’d contemplated taking my own life at one stage. “I was in so much of a rut, I just thought I was done until I phoned him. I tell him all the time he saved my life.”He added: “Then I started engaging more with my kids, they could notice a difference in me.”And I started to get a sense of looking back on my career and not being disappointed in it. It put a positive spin on it, made me realise what I’d achieved in my career.”Warnock played for 10 teams in all between 2002-2018.He won the Uefa Super Cup with his first club Liverpool in 2005 and picked up a Club World Championship runner-up medal the same year.Warnock also earned a runner-up gong with Villa following the 2-1 League Cup final loss in 2010 to Manchester United, for whom Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney overturned James Milner’s early opener.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was twice club player of the year – for Coventry in 2003-4 and Blackburn five seasons later.HOW TO CONTACT SAMARITANSIf you need support, you can call Samaritans on 116123 in the UK. More

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      Dele Alli hailed for opening up on mental health battles as Everton star joins Monday Night Football panel

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      FANS hailed Dele Alli for opening up on his mental health battles as he joined the Monday Night Football line-up on Sky Sports. The 28-year-old Everton midfielder bravely opened up about his childhood trauma including being abused and selling drugs during an interview with Gary Neville last July.Dele Alli opened up on in a brave interview with Gary Neville but has been injured sinceCredit: GettyThe star was a guest on Sky Sports’ Monday Night FootballCredit: Sky SportsThe ex-MK Dons and Tottenham ace also revealed that he went to rehab for a sleeping pill addiction as he heartbreakingly broke down in tears.Everton fans unveiled a flag at Goodison Park as the football community quickly rallied to support the former England international.Dele, who has been sidelined with a muscle injury all season, has now revealed how much he was surprised by the reaction to his tell-all interview.Speaking on Sky Sports’ MNF alongside host David Jones and Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher ahead of Everton’s trip to Chelsea, he said: “I’m doing really well, it’s been nearly a year now.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“I’m feeling good, obviously injured which is disappointing. I think when I did that interview that I’d said it was the best I’d felt at that time, obviously coming out of rehab and getting ready to be back playing.“It’s been tough but it’s a journey I’ve been on and I’m enjoying it and just waiting to get back now.“The reaction and support that I got was obviously overwhelming. It was amazing to see how many people that did help and I’m definitely very proud of it.”Dele last played for Besiktas in February 2023 while on loan from Everton.Most read in FootballHe has only made 13 appearances since swapping Tottenham for Merseyside in January 2022.Dele’s contract runs until June 2025 and he admits he is “excited” for next season already as he targets a return to first-team action after injury.Eric Dier says he ‘has lots of regrets’ and admits to being ‘disappointed he didn’t do more’ to help Dele AlliHe added: “It’s been a long journey with the injury, a lot of ups and downs, but it’s something that I’ve learned a lot from and helped me grow even more as a person.“I’ll forever be thankful to have this opportunity to really get to know myself.“I think the pain of the injury is something I can really channel to really motivate me.“Obviously, after the interview people were asking when me I was coming back to football thinking I was just taking a break, but it is just an injury.“It’s one I’m hopefully getting to the end of – I can see the light and I’m excited.”His career in numbers:
      MK Dons – 2011/15
      88 apps 24 goals
      Tottenham – 2015/22
      269 apps 67 goals
      Everton – 2022-
      13 apps 0 goals
      Besiktas – (loan 2022/23)
      15 apps 3 goals
      England
      37 caps 3 goals

      After seeing how upbeat the ace was tonight, fans soon jumped on social media to hail Dele.One wrote: “Not optimistic, but how lovely would it be to see Dele back playing regularly again next season.”“Seeing Dele Alli on #MNF talking about his mental health, I really do think he’s showing money isn’t everything,” declared another.A third commented: “Nice to see our boy dele on Monday night football. Be nice to see him play again after all he has been through.”As a fourth said: “Ahhh, Dele Alli on Monday Night Football… still love the guy.”Fans loved seeing the ace with a smile back on his faceCredit: GettyMeanwhile, Everton will save £10m through Dele’s appearance on Monday Night Football.In doing so, he will save his club from having to pay Tottenham a fee as part of his January 2022 move.Alli joined Everton two years ago on a free transfer with a series of appearance-based add-ons.As part of the deal, Everton would have to pay Spurs £10million if Alli made 20 Premier League appearances.READ MORE SUN STORIESWith Everton having just seven matches remaining this term and Alli’s contract expiring in the summer, his appearance on Sky Sports means he cannot end the campaign with any more than 19 league appearances for the club.As a result, he will save Sean Dyche’s side £10m. More

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      I’ve struggled since school with self-confidence and doubt – now I want to help people over mental health, says Bridge

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      FORMER England defender Wayne Bridge is helping lead the charge to encourage football fans and other people to talk to each other.The left-back, who had spells at Southampton, Chelsea, Man City and five other clubs, is involved with the #TalkMoreThanFootball campaign which has been launched by Three UK, Samaritans and Chelsea.Wayne Bridge, with wife Frankie, revealed he has struggled with self-confidence and doubt as he launches a new campaign to promote mental health awarenessCredit: MegaBridge, 43, helped launch the campaign at Stamford Bridge ahead of Chelsea’s thrilling 4-3 win over Manchester United. A video featuring Blues stars Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson – as well as footballer-turned-Hollywood-star Vinnie Jones – was played on the big screens at the ground before the match. Bridge told SunSport: “I was on SAS Who Dares Wins, it was the most open I’ve been and to be honest I didn’t even know I was being filmed. “I got called into the doctor’s room with Ant Middleton and they were really inquisitive with me. “I started crying, I’d struggled since school about feeling stupid, feeling dumb – really struggled with that.”After my career I was at a dinner with Glenn Hoddle and someone asked a question about me. “And he said I didn’t realise how good I was, that I struggled with self-confidence. “He got someone into the club to speak to me, told the players to encourage me and get round me, do visualisation and breathing techniques.Most read in Football”Glenn was ahead of his time with that because he brought stuff in to get players to talk more about what they want from each other.”But it wasn’t until much later when I look back at that now and go ‘I was struggling a bit’. “I didn’t really pay attention to it until retiring if I’m honest.”Bridge won 36 caps for England and played for eight clubs, including Chelsea and Man CityCredit: ReutersThe campaign comes as new research of 2,000 football fans shows that:
      Two-thirds have struggled with their mental health
      One in three have never spoken about it
      Only 6% of fans talk about mental well-being with other people they watch of play sport with
      The research also sought to find why people aren’t reaching out and showed:
      27% said seeing more famous people regularly talking about mental health would help
      65% would like to know how to broach the subject
      62% would like a prompt to talk about it more regularly.
      Bridge added: “It’s great with Vinnie Jones being so open about it. He’ll help more people than he realises. “The more people that do come out and talk about it, they are helping people. It makes people feel more comfortable doing it.”Someone is always going to say something and have a dig about them because that’s the world we live in, but they will be helping people.”I think it’s really hard for someone to open up, it’s not easy. “The more people talking about it, being open about it, helps loads. It will help someone.”And if you need it then seek professional help. “I had it when I did I’m a Celeb and I’ve stayed in contact with the woman from there who’s definitely helped me.”It’s not just football either, we want to help everyone. We want people to use that passion and not just talk football but open up as well.” Vinnie Jones is fronting the campaign alongside Chelsea stars Cole Palmer, Robert Sanchez, Nicolas Jackson and Alfie GilchristVinnie Jones, who made his name playing for Wimbledon’s ‘Crazy Gang’ and has recently starred in hit Netflix show The Gentelmen, said: “I grew up in an era when mental health wasn’t even a thing, yet it’s something I struggled with without realising.”Now I want to empower men and women to talk about it.”To those of us that love football – we need to use those connections we have made to talk about more than just football.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If I can do it, then you can too.”●      Three UK, Chelsea FC and Samaritans want football fans to #TalkMoreThanFootball in emotive campaign to tackle mental healthYOU’RE NOT ALONEEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
      It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
      It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
      And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
      Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
      That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
      The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
      Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
      If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: More

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      in Motorsport

      My brother Lewis Hamilton made £24m while I sat crying & eating pot noodles as gambling debts forced me to sell my car

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      SITTING inside a dirty room, unwashed and slurping a Pot Noodle, Nicolas Hamilton broke down in tears before his computer screen. The 32-year-old – the half-brother of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis – had frittered away thousands on gambling in a six-month binge and spiralled into a deep depression that left him on the brink of suicide.Lewis Hamilton helped to inspire his half-brother Nicolas to get into racingCredit: Instagram / @lewishamiltonNicolas says he and Lewis remain each other’s ‘No1 fans’Credit: GettyThe 32-year-old made history at the 2015 BTCC racing against able-bodied driversCredit: SWNS:South West News ServiceWhat started as a £2 bet on Arsenal scoring developed into an “all-consuming” addiction to online casinos and blackjack that rarely saw him leave his room in 2017.Two years earlier Nicolas, who has a form of cerebral palsy, had made history as the first disabled driver to go up against able-bodied racers in the British Touring Car Championship. He was forced to sell off his “pride and joy”, a midnight blue Mercedes C63 gifted to him by Lewis, to settle a hefty tax bill that he couldn’t afford due to his gambling and “naivety” about finances.In his memoir Now That I Have Your Attention, Nicolas speaks out about that dark time, which left him on the verge of ending his life.READ MORE ON SPORTHe wrote: “I felt so ashamed, using this amazing gift to pay my tax bill. “It felt like I had practically stolen the money from my brother and I have never forgiven myself for that.“It destroyed me. I got a real wake-up call. I had no way of going forward because I’d lost everything. “I was stuck. I had a balcony at my flat and I was thinking what would I do if I just jumped off it.”Most read in Motorsport Inside glamorous life of Lewis Hamilton’s brother Nic with racing career and Instagram model girlfriendNicolas’ struggles came three years into Lewis’ racing career with Mercedes, in 2017, when he was paid £24million a year – not including funds from sponsorships and endorsements.Yet he felt unable to confide in his half-brother, or his parents, and relied on daily calls to Samaritans over a difficult two-week period. Nicolas has since overcome his addiction – even able to take a trip to Las Vegas casinos recently without having a flutter – and says he’s grateful that “gambling is no longer an issue”.Recalling his difficult moments, he told The Times: “I wanted more of the winnings – and the losing didn’t really deter me. It just got me in a cycle.Nicolas followed half-brother Lewis into racing but says he is always ‘compared’ to the F1 world championCredit: InstagramNicolas was diagnosed with a form of cerebral palsy at 18 months oldCredit: InstagramIt was Lewis who recognised Nicolas’ talent on a driving simulatorCredit: Instagram“I couldn’t stop thinking about it — I just wanted to go back to my computer. The whole day would go quite easily. “I could see it was a problem but I was too far in. I was scared to stop. I’d lost so much money that I felt like, if I stopped, I was in a hole that I wouldn’t get out of.” After admitting all to his parents, Nicolas says they were “supportive” and “felt sorry for me”. He’s never spoken to Lewis about selling the Mercedes, which was bought for him as a surprise 24th birthday present.’Lewis spurred me on’Overcoming gambling addiction was just one of many struggles Nicolas has battled throughout his life.In 1992, he was born two months premature and spent the first six weeks of his life battling to survive in intensive care. At 18 months old, Nicolas was diagnosed with spastic diplegia, which affects his balance and muscle movement in the lower half of his body. Doctors predicted he would never be able to walk or run.Even at my most vulnerable moment, when I was in the midst of experiencing the scariest, closest-to-death moment of my life, people will still compare me with himNicolas HamiltonGambling addiction: five warning signsIS someone you know gambling more than they can afford to lose? Are you concerned they may be addicted? If so, read GamCare’s list of five signs to take note of.

      1) Being withdrawn – Have they stopped socialising? Addicts can lose interest in their usual activities or hobbies. Often they choose not to spend time with family or friends – in favour of staying at home – and when they do they may constantly check their phone.  
      2) Mood change – Are they acting differently? There could be noticeable changes in their mood and behaviour, which could include looking worried, agitated or upset for no apparent reason. 
      3) Sleeping problems – Do they constantly seem tired? Chasing losses and losing money can cause sleeping issues. Anxiety or constant worry can lead plays to be up at all hours. Some gamblers play during the night, which can disturb their sleeping pattern. 
       4) Financial concerns – Has money gone missing from bank accounts or are they regularly short of money and need to borrow money? This could be a sign. Some feel pressure to take out loans to generate income. 
      5) Lying – Do they lie about what they do with their time? Many feel expected to provide for others. If they are hiding a gambling addiction they may be scared of their problem being found out and feel very low wrongly believing they have let people down. 
      Do these warning signs apply to your loved one? GamCare runs the National Gambling Helpline. Freephone 0808 8020 133 or talk via web chat at: www.gamcare.org.uk. They provide information, advice and support for anyone affected by gambling. Advisers are available 24/7, every day of the year. 

      The disability meant much of his teens was spent in a wheelchair, which led to bullying from classmates.He recalled them mimicking him while he attempted to walk with mobility aids and try to tip him over while in his wheelchair.Nicolas told The Independent: “I didn’t have a voice or a purpose in school – a disabled boy and only person of colour in my school… kids did not want to be my friend. I was getting pulled back in my wheelchair and wasn’t able to fend for myself.”Growing up, he had a strong bond with Lewis – admitting they “were super close” – and says his sibling would encourage him to take part in sports.Nicolas said: “We used to go outside and play basketball. He didn’t treat me any differently, so we would still run races, which I obviously wouldn’t win. “It never upset me. It actually spurred me on to either run faster or become more mobile. I don’t think that was his plan but it was the effect he had on me.” Lewis encouraged Nicolas to learn wheelchair ‘tricks’ to deter bullies from picking on himCredit: InstagramLewis in 2017 when he earned £24m a year with MercedesCredit: AlamyNicolas set a personal best last year, placing sixth in a BTCC raceCredit: AlamySimilarly, his parents instilled resilience, regularly telling him to “brush yourself off” after falls while walking and encouraging him to be independent and strong. Legs ‘like mush’At 16 years old, Nicolas’ life changed forever after a rude interaction in 2008 that encouraged him to work even harder than before to no longer need to use his wheelchair. He was travelling abroad to watch Lewis in a race with his mum when a lady at an airport check-in counter, refused to address him directly and instead spoke to his mum.“She just asked my mum whether I needed assistance or help,” Nicolas recalled during an interview with The Independent last year. Lewis has never put a penny into my motorsportNicolas“I had all the hormones of a teenager wanting to be a man. I was growing a beard. I wanted to talk to girls and go to the pub.“But I’d become lazy and I was in a wheelchair because it was easier for me. It was hard work to walk around. “Able-bodied people weren’t looking at me in the way I wanted to be perceived. That was when I got out of my wheelchair. And I haven’t been back in.”Nicolas starting regular strength training and physio to help him walk – despite it causing neck, back, pelvic and muscular pain – and says before his legs “were like mush”. He told The Times: “Pain will always be a part of my day. I do not take anything for it. I learn to deal with it.”At 16, Nicolas says his legs were ‘like mush’ but now he can walk unaided and no longer uses his wheelchairCredit: GettyHe’s focused on motivational speaking alongside his racing careerCredit: InstagramLewis celebrating with Nicolas at the Brazilian F1 Grand Prix back in 2008Credit: Getty’Bankrolled’ furyNicolas was encouraged to go into racing by his brother at 18 after noticing he was “good on a simulator” and says he “planted the seed in my mind”.In 2011, he made his racing debut at the Renault Clio Cup in a modified car and four years later, became the first disabled driver to compete in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). Despite his personal achievements, Nicolas has regularly been compared to his famous brother including after a near-fatal crash in 2011 after he hit a tyre barrier at 100mph on the racecourse at Thruxton Circuit, in Hampshire.While being pulled out of the car, which had smoke coming from the bonnet and engine, he recalls a marshal telling him: “Oh dear, Lewis isn’t going to be impressed with this, is he?”Nicolas, who described it as “the most insensitive comment”, added: “Even at my most vulnerable moment, when I was in the midst of experiencing the scariest, closest-to-death moment of my life, people will still compare me with him.” It has been really hard being related to Lewis and trying to carve my own career in motorsportNicolasIn April last year, Nicolas recorded his best finish to date – sixth place during a BTCC race at Donnington Park – which helped to silence the critics who said he was only driving because of his famous brother. “To come across the line with that result, after everything I’ve been through – best day of my life,” he said. “To finally shut the critics up on 23 April was the best thing I could ever wish for. It was a load of relief and a lot of weight off my shoulders.”Nicolas has faced nepotism comments, online trolling and bullying throughout his racing career due to beliefs that his famous sibling helped him financially or with connections. Last year, he defiantly stated: “Lewis has never put a penny into my motorsport.” And has since addressed it in his memoir. Nicolas’s memoir Now That I Have Your Attention comes out this monthCredit: InstagramHe described Lewis as ‘the best human being to ever sit behind the steering wheel of a car’Credit: GettyHe wrote: “I know pretty much everyone presumes that Lewis bankrolls me in my motorsport career, that he pays for everything and provides endless opportunities because of his wealth and success in the sport, but it’s just not true; it is also something that I would never want or accept.”Nicolas revealed his father Anthony financially supported his first season as a driver but since then, he has had to find the funds himself.To do so, the 32-year-old has taken on a number of jobs including working for racing video games companies, where he spends up to eight hours analysing virtual cars.Nicolas is also a public speaker – working for nine different UK agencies – and has other one-off gigs including representing MGM as an ambassador at last year’s Las Vegas Grand Prix.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 He remains passionate about racing and hopes to someday compete again after parting ways with Team Hard last year but first, he has to raise the money to compete. Nicolas explained: “I’d love to be back on the grid and I think I deserve to be but I’ve got to find half a million pounds.”Despite being compared to his F1 racing champion brother, whcih he calls “hard”, there is no sibling rivalry.Instead, Nicolas credits Lewis – who he describes as “the best human being to ever sit behind the steering wheel of a car” – as someone who helped to make him the man he is today. Nicolas adds: “He’s still a massive reason why I’m as strong as I am and why I’m out of my wheelchair. I’m still his No 1 fan…READ MORE SUN STORIES“But it has been really hard being related to Lewis and trying to carve my own career in motorsport.”Nicolas Hamilton’s memoir, Now That I Have Your Attention: 7 Lessons In Leading A Life Bigger Than They Expect, comes out on April 11 and is available to preorder. More

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      Declan Rice has swaggered to the top with a smile on his face… now he faces intriguing battle against the best

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      THERE are certain people that you come across in football and you know instantly who they are, what they’re about and what the trajectory of their life is going to be.Anyone who has worked or grown up with Declan Rice knows that he has always been destined for the top.Arsenal star Declan Rice is on his way to superstardomCredit: GettyRice is facing his biggest challenge against Man City star RodriCredit: GettyTroy Deeney has been very impressed with Rice’s performances for Arsenal and EnglandCredit: APWhen he was at West Ham, he was a centre-half who played in midfield purely to help out and ended up excelling.The way he used to listen and learn from his old captain Mark Noble and be a student of the game was second to none.And because of that, whenever I interacted with him on a football pitch, I never felt the need to be disrespectful towards him because there was just a pure will to win.We would tell each other to “do one” every now and again, but then I would get these weird moments when he would do something special and I couldn’t help but say: “Good touch, mate”.Read More on FootballHe had this joyful atmosphere around him which you can see in all of his interviews, even now at Arsenal. You never see him get in trouble, being outlandish, but he has that jokey personality.He is still quite kiddish at 25, yet with a very serious body and mind in terms of being the best player he can be. When he was announced as England captain against Belgium, there was no outrage, no shock or surprise or: “Why him?” It was more a sense of: “Yeah, that makes sense”.There is no doubt in my mind that he is in line to take the armband for his country full-time after Harry Kane moves on, alongside his midfield partner Jude Bellingham.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThose two can drive standards but in the new school way.They are able to do that, want to kill each other on the pitch, and as soon as it’s over they can smile, shake your hand and say: “Good game mate. You alright?”Arsenal star Declan Rice handed custom gift by Frank Lampard to mark his 50th England capThey can go back to their normal personality which is juvenile and fun.The days of your Roy Keane types, intimidating people who were the same on the pitch as they were off it and in life, are long gone. It was very difficult to get any fun out of him.As a captain, if you keep barking at someone with no praise, then they will eventually snap. I’ve heard from people who played and worked with Keane that they were always working to get his approval or a nod, and rarely got it.I compare it to basketball with Michael Jordan and LeBron James — both men ridiculously good. Jordan had this fear factor and wanted people to be scared. LeBron knew he was better than you but still wanted to be your mate.Looking back, Keane needed to be that Jordan character in order to be the best version of himself. Now, as a pundit and an ex-pro, he is a good laugh and is more relaxed. In a weird way, I am probably the last of that old school type. With these young players now, it is a new generation, and they are more jokey. Rice’s biggest challenge yetDeclan does those Muller Rice TV adverts. He appears on A League of Their Own. You see clips of him singing and dancing in and around training. That’s just who he is.Look at Tottenham’s James Maddison. He is hell-bent on winning but he plays with a smile on his face. He interacts with the crowd. It’s the new way and it’s cool. It’s a good way.When they need to work, they work. But then they realise they have the best job in the world and they need to enjoy aspects of it.Declan must be enjoying himself at Arsenal. He practically runs games for them, and has his biggest test yet against Manchester City’s Rodri on Sunday.They are both in the top five best holding midfielders in the world, and all Rodri has over Declan right now is that he has won it all and has scored in big, big moments.Declan has scored a few last-minute winners for the Gunners, but nothing compared to scoring a career-defining winner in a Champions League final, something Rodri did for City last June.READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal go into this City game top but need a win – a buffer – heading into the final stretch, and I only say that because of what happened last year and how they lost it.Mark my words, City and Liverpool will not drop many points between now and the end of the season, so what a chance it is for Mikel Arteta’s side to take a chunk out of one of their rivals. More