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      Hugo Sotil dead at 75: Barcelona legend who formed legendary partnership with Johan Cruyff dies after ‘health problem’

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      BARCELONA hero Hugo Sotil has passed away 75. The Peruvian was hospitalised earlier this month after experiencing a “health issue”.Barcelona legend Hugo Sotil has passed away aged 75Credit: Barcelona FCThe Peru international was hospitalised earlier this month but never recovered from his health issueCredit: AFPDoctors placed Sotil in intensive care and did their best to improve his condition.But the former striker was sadly unable to recover and passed away on Monday.Barcelona announced his passing an emotional statement, an excerpt of which read: “On Monday 30 December Hugo Sotil passed away.”Born in Ica in Peru on 18 May 1949, ‘Cholo’ as he was known, was considered one of the best South American players of his generation, and was a from fan favourites at Baraa during his time at the club.READ MORE ON BARCELONA”The striker came to Barça for the 1973/74 season from Peruvian club Municipal de Lima.”Sotil was a vital part of a team that included legends such as Johan Cruyff, [Juan Manuel] Asensi, [Carlos] Rexach and Marcial [Pina].”He became a favourite of the Camp Nou crowd who would chant “Cholooo, Cholooo” in his honour.”A social media post from the club read: “FC Barcelona mourns the passing of Hugo Sotil, who played for Barca from 1973 to 1976, and offers its condolences to his family and friends. Most read in FootballHugo Sotil was part of Barcelona’s successful team of the early 1970sCredit: GETTYHe formed an incredible partnership with the late Johan CruyffCredit: AFP”Rest in peace, Cholo.”Scores of Barca fans responded to the X post to pay tribute to the late Sotil. Ronaldinho scores stunning free-kick aged 44 as Barcelona legend proves he’s still got it in El Clasico Legends game One wrote: “Rest in peace, legend.”Another said: “”He wasn’t just talented on the field with his amazing dribbling and assists, loved by so many. “Rest in peace, Cholo.”Sotil joined Barcelona in 1973 from Peruvian side Deportivo Municipal and won a slew of trophies with the Catalan club. He scored 29 goals in 96 appearances during his four years at the Nou Camp. He formed an incredible partnership with the late Johan Cruyff, which is still talked about to this day.Sotil had incredibly fond memories of his time with the club and the love he received from the Nou Camp faithful. He said: “The love of the people of Barca is unforgettable. READ MORE SUN STORIES”The day I die I hope they bury me in a Barca shirt.”Barcelona will likely pay tribute to the late Sotil when they welcome Valencia to the Nou Camp on January 26. More

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      Dele Alli announces Everton exit in emotional post as he reveals ‘things haven’t worked out as we all would have hoped’

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      DELE ALLI has emotionally announced his departure from Everton.The former Tottenham and England star’s contract with the Toffees expired in the summer but he continued to train with the club.Dele Alli has announced his departure from EvertonCredit: PAThe 28-year-old’s contract with the Merseysiders expired in the summerCredit: GETTYHe continued training with the Toffees but will move on to pastures new next yearCredit: GETTYBut he won’t be penning a new deal with the Merseysiders, revealing on Instagram that he’s currently looking for “some exciting opportunities”.He wrote: “As widely published this week, 2025 may set me on a new path with some exciting opportunities.”Before any of that happens it’s very important for me to make clear how grateful I am of all the fans, staff and players at Everton FC for the support they have given me.”It’s been an incredibly tough journey trying to put the final pieces together to regain match fitness.READ MORE ON EVERTON”And I cannot thank the Everton staff enough for the hard work they have put into this process.”Unfortunately, things haven’t worked out as we all would have hoped and I think it’s the right time for me to turn a new page.”I want to wish everyone at this amazing club the very best of luck and, hopefully, we will see each other again soon.”Alli, who hasn’t played a competitive match in TWO YEARS, joined Everton in January 2020 but was soon shipped out to Besiktas on loan.Most read in SportDele Alli leaves Goodison Park having made just 13 appearances for the clubCredit: PAHe leaves Goodison Park having made a mere 13 appearances.Alli bravely opened up on his mental health struggles in an April interview with Gary Neville, in which he revealed he became addicted to sleeping pills.Dele Alli hailed for opening up on mental health battles as Everton star joins Monday Night Football panelHe said: “Now is the right time for me to tell people what’s been going on.”It’s tough to talk about because it’s something I’ve hid for a long time. “I’m scared to talk about it.”When I came back from Turkey I found out I needed an operation I was in a bad place mentally and I decided to go to a modern-day rehab facility for mental health.”They deal with addiction and trauma. I felt it was time for me.”You can’t be told to go there – you have to know and make the decision yourself or it’s not going to work.”I was caught in a bad cycle and things that were doing me harm.” More

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      England legend ‘Razor’ Ruddock reveals Harry Redknapp show saved his life after doctors feared he had two months to live

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      ENGLAND legend Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock has revealed how Harry Redknapp’s show saved his life.The former Liverpool centre-back disclosed that what he initially thought was dementia turned out to be a serious heart condition as doctors feared he had just two months to live.Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock has revealed details about how Harry Redkapp’s show saved his lifeRuddock linked up with his old England team-mates for ‘Harry’s Heroes: The Full English’ in 2019 and it’s sequel a year laterThe ex-England defender ballooned to 27st during the pandemicRuddock, 56, has turned his life around and reduced his alcohol intake as he credits his former gaffer’s TV show ‘Harry’s Heroes’.Speaking to Nigel Farage on GB News, he said: “From when I left school until like 35, every day I was told where I’ve got to be.”What I can eat, what I can’t drink, and all this. And when you’re 35 there was no sort of step back.“There was no help when football finished. I turned into an 18-year-old kid and couldn’t wait to retire at 35 and start drinking and eating what I wanted and then I got 28 and a half stone.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“I did the Harry Heroes TV show. I was feeling dizzy. At the time there was a lot of talk about dementia in football, heading the ball.“So I was going dizzy. So I thought, you know, ‘it’s dementia’. I went to see all the specialists and it was my heart, he said, ‘the way you’re going, you’ve got two months to live’.“Trust me, that changed my life, and then they had to stop my heart, restart my heart. I got a pacemaker. I’ve had the gastric sleeve…because I’d given up on myself, basically.“Without doing that TV show, I wouldn’t be here today.”Most read in FootballNeil Ruddock has shown off his incredible weight transformationThe award-winning documentary series was filmed in 2020.It saw Redknapp tasked with turning a cohort of unfit England football legends from the 1990s into a winning team once more.Neil Ruddock and Paul Merson fall out over the ex-Tottenham star’s drinking habit on Harry’s Heroes: Euro Having A LaughThey included a host of familiar faces – such as David Seaman, Paul Merson and Matt Le Tissier – keen to prove that, even in middle age, they could still cut it on the pitch and beat old rivals Germany.Viewers saw the ex-star players, who came from an era with a more relaxed approach to footie practice and healthy eating, as they adopted a rigorous new training and nutrition regime akin to that of today’s pros.Former Liverpool ace and 2018 King of the Jungle, assistant John Barnes, successfully coached the blokes to a 4-2 victory.’Harry’s Heroes: The Full English’ was filmed in 2020 before Ruddock’s gastric bandNutritionist Luke Worthington did a body mass index with RuddockRuddock, who earned one England cap during his career, memorably told the lads about his heart scare in one of the episodes.Meanwhile, Redknapp managed Ruddock when he played for West Ham in the late 1990s.Asked what advice he would give to anyone else who was worried about their health, he said: “Go and see the doctor. It costs you nothing.“If you’re driving your car and your car makes a noise, you take it to the mechanic and pay to get it fixed.“If you’re not feeling well, go and see the doctor, because men are scared of going to see the doctor. “It’s bad news, and you can’t go out Saturday night and watch football.“Go get yourself checked out. It costs nothing.”Ruddock unveiled his incredible 11-stone weight transformation earlier this year.The 56-year-old began his weight loss journey back in 2021 after meeting TV personality James Argent.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe dad-of-two teenagers had ballooned to 27st during the Coronavirus pandemic, which put his health at serious risk.He made 195 Premier League appearances during his career and played for the likes of Liverpool, West Ham, Tottenham, Southampton and Crystal Palace.In his 17 year career, Ruddock made 355 club appearances and earned one cap playing for England More

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      ‘I can’t go on like this,’ Chris Kamara reveals heartbreaking way he disappeared from Sky Sports after health battle

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      CHRIS KAMARA has opened up on the heartbreaking way he was forced to call time on his Sky Sports career.The much-loved football pundit was a mainstay on fans’ TV screens for over two decades, which in itself followed a playing career spanning 20 years.Chris Kamara is making a triumphant comeback to Amazon Prime on Boxing DayCredit: PAIt comes three seasons on from his heartbreaking revelation that he was suffering from apraxiaCredit: RexHis double act alongside Jeff Stelling on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday produced entertainment gold time and time again. However, in March 2022 “Kammy”, as he is affectionately known to many, shared details of the condition he was suffering with, apraxia, a neurological disorder disrupting the transfer of thought from brain to speech.But three seasons on, Kamara is making a triumphant return to TV to reunite with Stelling on Amazon Prime watching Nottingham Forest face Tottenham.In an interview with the Mirror, Kamara opened up on how he was encouraged to open up about his condition and how revealing it to the world changed everything.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “My last game for Sky was at Rotherham against Shrewsbury, and when I got back to the car I knew I had made a complete balls-up of it.”When I checked my phone, on Twitter there were loads of comments with people saying, ‘He must have been drunk’ or ‘has he had a stroke?’ “I rang my therapist and said, ‘This can’t continue. I can’t go on like this.’ And he replied, ‘You can – but you need to tell everyone what’s going on.’“That’s when I resolved to ‘come out’ and it was the moment that changed everything.” Most read in FootballWhile it seemed his TV career was now over, Kamara was recommended a revolutionary treatment in Mexico to help rekindle his spontaneity by Good Morning Britain host Kate Garraway.He continued: “Suddenly people were 100 per cent supportive and there were so many offers of help.’My life was over two years ago,’ says Chris Kamara as he fights back tears on Britain Get Singing”Thankfully, one of them came from Kate Garraway, whose husband Derek had gone over to Monterrey in Mexico for treatment after contracting Long Covid.”She said it had helped to stimulate parts of his brain so he could read again, for example, and she said, ‘Why don’t you give it a go?’ I’ve been over to Mexico three times and it’s made such a difference.”And help it has with Kamara now in line to make an emotional return to our screens in a truly feel-good Christmas story.His efforts to raise awareness of the disorder saw the now 66-year-old awarded an MBE last year for services to football, charity and anti-racism.On his return, he said: “It was surreal to get that phone call from Andrew ‘Buzz’ Hornet, who was one of the first football producers at Sky Sports. “I was on my way to a Paul Heaton gig in Manchester – I’ve known Paul since I played for Sheffield United, he’s a big Blades fan and me invited over to one of his concerts – when Buzz called.”I thought, ‘What does he want? And Buzz says, ‘How do you fancy being reunited with Jeff on Boxing Day?’ Er, yes – in what capacity? ‘Reporting on live football, like you normally do, at Forest v Spurs.’”How could I refuse? It might be one last hurrah for me in terms of covering football on the box, but to work with Jeff again will bring a bit of extra magic to Christmas for me. Help for mental healthIf you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support.The following are free to contact and confidential:Mind, www.mind.org, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Email info@mind.org.uk or call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary).YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too.Rethink Mental Illness, www.rethink.org, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate).Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk, is the a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales.”Of course, I’m not 100 per cent, but I’m 70 per cent better than when I first disclosed my condition in public and I feel like I’ve got the old Kammy back.”Kammy added: “The one thing about my job at Sky that I guarded more than anything was being spontaneous.“I’ve lost that ability in a way but I’m going to try and wheel it out on Boxing Day. “If I started to rehearse lines in my head, or tried to prepare some premeditated lines, then I would be guaranteed to mess it up.”Yet before his apraxia diagnosis, Kamara had feared he could have been another case of an ex-footballer suffering with dementia.He explained: “Doctors asked me how many concussions I had suffered as a player – there were three.”And of course there were dark moments where it messes with your head. “You’re doing these reports live to camera and I know I’m not me any more, but I’m not letting anyone or anybody know what’s going on.”These little voices in your head are asking, ‘Could it be dementia? Could it be Alzheimer’s?’ Now I know the truth, I can handle it. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m working as much as I can, especially to help children with speech and language conditions, and I’ve stopped being a bloke who’s too stubborn to ask for help.“The past of my brain that’s been affected is the one that governs your memory speech fluency, but I can still sing and I can still do a Scottish accent – or both.”Is it ageing or dementia?Dementia – the most common form of which is Alzheimer’s – comes on slowly over time.As the disease progresses, symptoms can become more severe. But at the beginning, the symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for normal memory issues related to ageing. The US National Institute on Aging gives some examples of what is considered normal forgetfulness in old age, and dementia disease.You can refer to these above.For example, it is normal for an ageing person to forget which word to use from time-to-time, but difficulting having conversation would be more indicative of dementia.Katie Puckering, Head of Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Information Services team, previously told The Sun: “We quite commonly as humans put our car keys somewhere out of the ordinary and it takes longer for us to find them.“As you get older, it takes longer for you to recall, or you really have to think; What was I doing? Where was I? What distracted me? Was it that I had to let the dog out? And then you find the keys by the back door.“That process of retrieving the information is just a bit slower in people as they age.“In dementia, someone may not be able to recall that information and what they did when they came into the house.“What may also happen is they might put it somewhere it really doesn’t belong. For example, rather than putting the milk back in the fridge, they put the kettle in the fridge.” More

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      Sky Sports legend Chris Kamara announces shock commentary comeback to reunite with icon after three-year health battle

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      CHRIS KAMARA will make his return to commentary on Boxing Day after a health battle.The former Swindon and Brentford midfielder, 66, left his role on Sky Sports in 2022 after being diagnosed with an underactive thyroid the year before.Chris Kamara will make his return to commentary on Boxing Day after a health battleKamara will reunite with Sky colleague Jeff StellingCredit: TwitterHe developed speech apraxia and the impact on his mental health was so great that he revealed he had even considered taking his own life.Now Kammy has revealed he’ll return pitchside for Prime Video on December 26 alongside his old Sky colleague Jeff Stelling.The beloved TV personality will be covering the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Tottenham at City Ground.He shared on X: “Best phone call ever this afternoon inviting me to do the Forest v Spurs game on Boxing Day – reporting back to the Unbelievable @JeffStelling in the studio.Read More on Football“I thought I was done, so it’s a big thank you Amazon – I’m back.”Chris worked as a presenter and football analyst at Sky Sports from 1992 to 2022 before being forced to quit.His voice is improving thanks to treatment in Mexico.And while he is not yet back to full health, he is on the road to recovery.Most read in FootballKamara said in an interview this summer: “I’ve been there twice now [Mexico]. I’m going back for a third time.”I’ve got the fluency in my speech. The only thing I haven’t got is the speed of old, I know I talk 300 miles an hour before, but I’d like that back if I can. ‘My life was over two years ago,’ says Chris Kamara as he fights back tears on Britain Get Singing”So I’m going back for more treatment.”What is apraxia of speech?CHRIS Kamara has been diagnosed with apraxia of speech – but what is it?Apraxia of speech is a condition which makes talking difficult, with sufferers knowing what they’d like to say, but having trouble communicating their words.The NHS says that the condition can be extremely frustrating for people.They explained: “Frequently the person with apraxia will have difficulties with conversational speech. However they may be good at ‘automatic’ speech tasks such as counting, swearing, repeating rhymes, greetings and farewell.It’s usually caused by damage to the left side of the brain, such as a stroke.The condition does not affect a person’s understanding and the symptoms of the condition can vary occurring to the severity of the disorder. More

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      Inside Michail Antonio’s incredible rise from non-league and plans to go into showbiz as star recovers from car crash

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      MICHAIL ANTONIO is recovering in hospital following surgery to a broken leg after a horror car crash.The West Ham star, 34, had to be cut free from his £260,000 Ferrari FF which was ripped apart when it hit a tree in Theydon Bois, Essex, on Saturday.West Ham ace Michail Antonio has been candid about his struggles away from footballCredit: ReutersAntonio came through the ranks the hard way – playing non-league footballCredit: The Wimbledon GuardianAntonio had a miraculous escape after crashing his FerrariCredit: UKNIPAntonio had a miraculous escape from the incident, and his club have commented on his well-being.A club statement read: “West Ham United can confirm Michail Antonio has undergone surgery on a lower limb fracture following a road traffic accident on Saturday afternoon (7 December 2024).”Michail will continue to be monitored in hospital over the coming days.”Everyone at the Club wishes Michail a speedy recovery and wishes to express its sincere gratitude to the football family at large for the overwhelming support shown since yesterday’s news, as well as extending a heartfelt thank you to the emergency services and first responders who attended to Michail in the immediate aftermath of the incident, and the medical team who continue to aid him in his recovery.”Read more football news”The Club will provide further updates when appropriate.”The outpouring of love from the football community has been massive, with Antonio recognised as a big character in the game.The Wandsworth-born forward started from humble beginnings – playing for non-league Tooting & Mitcham United.Away from football, a game he’s not always liked, he has his own BBC podcast alongside fellow Premier League star Callum Wilson called The Footballer’s Football Podcast.Most read in FootballWhen he retires from the game, Antonio has ambitions to get into showbiz.I disliked football so much I prayed for injury, says West Ham hero Michail Antonio as he bravely opens up about therapyIncredible riseAntonio’s story in football began with Tooting & Mitcham United in 2008.Despite the team only competing in a regional league, Antonio went on to climb his way up the football pyramid.After impressing rather swiftly that year, he was offered a trial at Reading – some five divisions up – and Alan Pardew duly snapped him up.However, he later revealed he got kicked out by Tooting, after he refused to sign a contract. He then went to AFC Wimbledon who wouldn’t stump up his registration fee, so he returned to Tooting.Speaking to Gary Lineker and Micah Richards on the Rest Is Football podcast, he said: “Before I actually signed for Reading I got kicked out of Tooting and Mitcham.”They kicked me out because I refused to sign a contract.“I was like: ‘If someone comes in for me I don’t want to be tied down. I want to be able to go and not you out price me’.”“So they [Tooting] kicked me out of the club and I ended up going to AFC Wimbledon.”Then AFC Wimbledon refused to pay £7 for my registration fee, and told me to pay it. And I was like: ‘I ain’t paying seven quid!’Since 2015, Antonio has been a key figure for West HamCredit: GettyAntonio snubbed playing for England in favour of Jamaica, where his parents were bornCredit: GettyBehind his biggest success, Antonio was struggling with his divorceCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sunread more sport features“So I ended up going back to Tooting and Mitcham, signing the contract, getting paid, and within like five games of signing my contract, I signed for Reading.”Following spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest, in 2015 he was plucked from the Championship in a £7million deal by West Ham who were then coached by Slaven Bilic.He’s been there ever since, winning a player of the year award, twice being named Premier League player of the month and lifting a European trophy.Mental health strugglesAntonio, who snubbed England to play for Jamaica where he’s been capped 21 times, has been very open with his struggles mentally in recent times.On the pitch, he scored success with the Hammers – lifting the Europa Conference League in 2023.However, off it his private life was in turmoil. He divorced wife Debbie, who has been by his bedside since his car crash, around the same time as the most glittering moment of his career.”I was going through my divorce and stuff, and I honestly couldn’t get my head around it,” he told the Original Penguin X Campaign Against Living Miserably Under The Surface podcast.”After we won, the whole team went out, the gaffer (David Moyes) 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.”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”.’Antonio struggled mentally after divorcing his ex-wife DebbieCredit: instagramThat moment might not have happenedBefore that, Antonio was struggling with being a footballer and contemplated quitting the game.He recalled a moment he laid in bed alongside Debbie, the mother of his four children, and began to weep.He said: “I don’t like showing emotion and I like dealing with things, but tears were just falling from my eyes in bed.”My Mrs was laying next to me in bed and I didn’t say anything, just tears falling – she looked up and said, ‘Are you alright?’ and I said ‘Yeah, I’m fine’, but she said ‘You can’t be fine, you’re crying’, and I just said ‘I don’t know if I want to play football anymore’.”Antonio continued: “Me talking to my Mrs, my brother and my agent took a bit of the weight off me, enough for me to keep going to training and stuff like that…”That’s entertainmentAntonio was recently asked by Gary Lineker on the Rest is Football podcast what he would like to do when he retires from the game.”I want your job!” he joked before revealing his future ideal role.He continued: “To be fair I don’t want to go into punditry, I want to go into entertainment.”So more on the basis of A League of Their Own, Play to the Whistle… I want Micah’s job!”READ MORE SUN STORIESWith that, he drew more laughter from Lineker and Richards.As such an infectious personality, it’s certainly a career path Antonio would be well suited to.Away from football, Antonio is interested in breaking into the world of entertainmentCredit: GettyAntonio has previously appeared on Sky’s A League of Their OwnAntonio also has his own podcast called Footballer’s Football Podcast with Callum Wilson More

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

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

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      I went from the Prem to prison ‘hell’ filled with shower stabbings and cockroaches but now I’m eyeing an FA Cup shock

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      NILE RANGER sat in prison with his gut churning after eating half-cooked chicken and watching cockroaches crawling through cracks in the walls of his cell.The ex-Newcastle striker, 33, was banged up at Pentonville in north London in 2017 after pleading guilty of committing online banking fraud.Nile Ranger spoke exclusively to SunSportCredit: Jon BondHe was a promising Premier League starCredit: GettyHe helped Newcastle win promotion from the Championship in 2010 and went on to play in the Premier LeagueCredit: AFPBut things spiralled out of control and saw Nile end up in prisonCredit: Jon BondHe had conspired to swindle more than £2,000 from a woman two years earlier.It completed a fall from grace for a highly-promising player who made 26 Premier League appearances for the Geordies before nose diving down the leagues.Ranger swapped training and playing alongside stars such as Michael Owen, Fabricio Coloccini and Andy Carroll for mixing with criminals who boasted about such things as tossing an unfortunate soul into a car boot after cutting their fingers off!But on Sunday he will be back on a football field with Southern Premier Kettering hoping to create some FA Cup magic as they host League Two Doncaster — having scored the winner in the previous round to topple League One Northampton.READ MORE FOOTBALLTo say Ranger is the ultimate model for any young professional NOT to follow is an understatement.He told SunSport: “It was bad in prison, full of wrong ’uns, and no place to be if you’ve got your head screwed on.“I had mine on compared to those people. I had just been silly, unruly and lacked discipline.“There was this guy who told me he had put someone in a car boot and chopped off their fingers.Most read in FA Cup“I heard people planning murders and armed robberies when they got out.“There were prisoners getting stabbed in the showers and drones flying in drugs and mobile phones. It was hell.”Bizarre moment man dressed as Elsa from Frozen sings Let It Go karaoke on pitch ahead of FA Cup first-round clashAlthough sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court to serve eight months inside one of Britain’s most notorious jails, Ranger was released after 10 weeks for good behaviour — although he had to wear an electronic tag to make sure he was not up to no good.Ranger said: “There were cockroaches coming through the gaps of the cell walls and door.“We had to block those with towels and if you killed a cockroach others would appear from eggs they laid. There were mice running about as well. It was disgusting.“The food was appalling. The chicken I’m certain wasn’t properly cooked.“I was locked up 23 hours a day — using the hour outside my cell to exercise and shower.“Some of the guards were arrogant — trying to make me feel small. They were jealous because I was a footballer. But I didn’t rise to it.”I focused on getting out and thought, ‘I’m only going to be here for two or three months and playing football again.’“I was at Southend and they were still paying my wages while in prison so that was always on my mind when the guards were belittling me.“I felt the sentence was unfair. People have done far-worse and only got suspended sentences.“I reckon the judge had already decided while having dinner with his wife the previous evening he was going to lock me up.”Kept messing upRanger concedes he screwed up and wasted his incredible talent. Had he applied himself he could have had a good Premier League career.But he kept messing up — despite countless chances.Just shortly after signing for Southampton from Crystal Palace as a kid, he was banged up for 11 weeks in a young offenders institute for being involved in an armed robbery.The Saints stuck by him then but lost patience after he stole his entire academy team’s kit and a box of chocolates from the kit lady.He explained: “I don’t know why I took the chocolates but we had been told we could have some of the kit. The season had finished and Southampton were getting us new ones.“I had friends at home in North London who loved football so I took everything, all the kit and boots. I was caught on camera and Southampton terminated my contract.”Ranger helped fire Kettering into the FA Cup second roundCredit: PAYet Ranger landed on his feet when Newcastle snapped him up and despite breaking into the first team and helping them win promotion from the Championship in 2010 and going on to play in the Premier League, he pressed the self-destruct button with a series of disciplinary problems.He also had such a gambling addiction that the club got him banned from every casino in Newcastle. He was constantly late for training or did not show at all.Kevin Keegan got so fed up with him when he started training with the first team, he told Ranger: “I’m going to pull out and sell your gold tooth if you’re late again because your wages will not be enough to cover the fine.”Chris Hughton, who had a summit meeting with Ranger and his mum, and Alan Pardew, who banished him to train with the academy team until he sorted out his time-keeping, both tried in vain to save his career before the latter decided to let him go.Swindon, Blackpool and Southend (twice) all took punts but to no avail — and after a spell with National League club Boreham Wood he crashed out of the game for 20 months before joining Kettering in September.When he was a promising 18-year-old at Newcastle he was earning almost £10,000-a-week — and admits he would be penniless today if it was not for his beloved mum Karen.He said: “When I was making the money I was, I didn’t appreciate it and was spunking it.“My mum sorted out some property investments. I should’ve done way more. Had she not done that, I’d have nothing now.“I’ve a bit of money to live on but cannot live a lavish lifestyle.”Mum has always looked out for me and out of everyone I’ve upset with my actions she’s the one I regret hurting the most — along with all my family.”Celebration promiseRanger believes he has matured since becoming a dad. He has a three-year-old son Aziel and while he has since split from the mother, insists he prioritises being a good dad.And while the striker knows seventh-tier Kettering is a world away from the level he reached, he still believes he can play in League One or Two.But right now he wants to help the Poppies win promotion this season and help youngsters not make the same mistakes he has as well as inspire criminals serving time to mend their ways.He said: “Prison is supposed to be a place where they rehabilitate you. I didn’t see any of that happening. In fact, jail can make people worse.“I accept I’m not a good football role model — but I am a role model, one who made lots of mistakes, but who can teach people what NOT to do.“I’ve already done a talk to some youngsters at an academy. I’ve been invited to schools and prisons. I’d like to use my experience to help others.“But right now my focus is on enjoying the last part of my career and hopefully creating another FA Cup shock.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Ranger has promised to do one thing on live TV if he scores against Doncaster.He said: “I have a tattoo on my lower lip of a smiley emoji. I am going to run to a TV camera and show my happy lip!”He’s vowed to show off his tattoo if he scores this weekendCredit: Jon BondTV viewers will get a close up view of his ‘happy’ lip tattooCredit: Jon Bond More