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      I was playing barefoot six years ago after dropping out of school, now I’m starring for Chelsea in the Premier League

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      CHELSEA star Nicolas Jackson is aiming to fire the Blues to glory this season – just six years after he was playing BAREFOOT football.That was back in Senegal, where he grew up with his mother working night and day on a farm to make ends meet.
      Nicolas Jackson has scored four goals in his last two Chelsea matchesCredit: Getty
      The star was playing barefoot in the street just six years agoCredit: Alamy
      These days it is Jackson that is providing for his family after he penned a whopping eight-year deal with the Blues this summer after signing for £32m.
      After a tricky start to life in the Premier League, the 22-year-old forward has scored four goals in his last two matches.
      But being Chelsea’s main striker seemed a lifetime away back in 2017 as Jackson’s footballing fairytale began without him even owning a pair of boots.
      And that led to him honing his skills by playing against his mates without any shoes on after he had dropped out of school.
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      He told The Telegraph: “In Ziguinchor, it was playing on the streets, playing with your friends only.
      “No club, just playing because you love the game. Maybe playing, one euro each, against each other.
      “Having fun, playing without boots. Just barefoot or maybe you borrow someone’s boots to play.”
      He was signed by Casa Sports in his homeland before Spanish side Villarreal swooped to bring him to Spain in 2017.
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      Jackson was initially part of their B side, and had a loan at minnows Mirandes, before he finally earned his chance in the big time.
      He made his LaLiga debut as substitute in October 2021 – but he had to wait almost a year for his first goal.
      Jackson’s first top-flight strike came in a 3-0 win at Real Valladolid in August 2022, and that proved to be a key moment for the four-capped Senegal international.
      He went on to score 13 times in total last season, inbetween a failed transfer due to failing a medical in January, to catch the eye of Chelsea.
      Jackson’s Premier League dream move then came true – but he initially found things difficult out on the pitch this term under Mauricio Pochettino.
      He only scored three times, twice in the league, in his first 13 appearances for the WEst London club.
      Now both he, Pochettino and Blues supporters everywhere are hoping that he has now found top gear.
      Jackson grabbed a hat-trick in the 4-1 win at Tottenham earlier this month before following that up with another goal in the pulsating 4-4 draw with Manchester City that followed.
      He will be looking to continue his red-hot streak when Chelsea travel to Newcastle United this afternoon – only this time he will be wearing his Nike sponsored Mercurial Superfly 9’s on his feet. More

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      Premier League star had sex in toilets before finishing meal at my restaurant, reveals I’m A Celeb star Fred Sirieix

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      I’M A CELEBRITY… GET ME OUT OF HERE star Fred Sirieix has revealed a Premier League footballer once had sex in the toilets of his restaurant.Frenchman Sirieix, 51, is best-known for being the maitre d’ on the Channel 4 show First Dates.
      Fred Sirieix is currently one of the contestants on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of HereCredit: Rex
      He is best-known for being the maitre d’ at the First Dates restaurantCredit: Channel 4
      He recently entered the Australian jungle as part of the latest series of I’m A Celeb.
      But it was in his 2017 book “Secret Service: Lifting the Lid on the Restaurant World” that he revealed the run-in with the Premier League player.
      And while he did not name the individual, he also claimed the footballer returned to the establishment with his wife and urged Sirieix for discretion.
      He said: “I’ve had my own brushes with amorous guests. One evening a very well-known footballer came for dinner with a companion.
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      “He was a Frenchman like me, and a star in the Premier League. Halfway through the meal, he and his companion left the table and went to the loo.
      “Actually, they went to the same loo – the Ladies – and then into the same cubicle.
      “They returned about 15 minutes later and finished their meal. They had certainly worked up a healthy appetite.
      “Funnily enough the footballer had such a fabulous meal that he returned a couple of weeks later. This time he came through the doorway with his wife.
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      “She walked in first, he was behind her, and he looked at me. He raised his two index fingers to his mouth, pleading for a big shush.”
      Sirieix has already made headlines in the I’m A Celeb camp after less than one week on screen.
      A spat between the First Dates man and YouTube star Nella Rose, 26, drew much debate from viewers as she urged him to leave her alone. More

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      Mauricio Pochettino gives himself brutal punishment after Chelsea boss slapped with touchline ban

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO must fork out thousands of pounds as an apology for copping a touchline ban today.Chelsea’s boss is taking out his entire squad and staff for dinner after picking up three yellow cards for unruly behaviour this season.
      Mauricio Pochettino will take his players and staff for dinner as punishment for his touchline banCredit: PA
      Pochettino’s admission comes after he ‘fined’ Nicolas Jackson for getting suspended by sending the striker on a lengthy cross country run.
      Pochettino said: “He knows why he had to run. And for me, I am going to pay for a dinner. I am going to pay for a dinner because I get suspended now and I cannot run. 
      “I would prefer to pay. I am taking the players and the staff. It will be a lot.”
      Pochettino is banned from the dugout at St James’ Park having been cautioned in games against Brighton, Burnley and most recently the 4-4 draw at home to Manchester City.
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      Chelsea’s Argentine coach lost his rag over a free-kick decision in the final minutes and marched onto the pitch to confront ref Anthony Taylor.
      Jackson sat out one match for picking up five yellow cards earlier in the season but Pochettino chose to hurt his player in the legs rather than the pocket.
      Jackson said: “One day I was running and I didn’t know why. Maybe that was it. I was dead that day, I think that was my punishment, 
      “They just called me out to run. It was laps, it was really hard, the intensity, then I was lying down when I finished.
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      Pochettino has not been hit with a touchline ban since 2019 when manager of Tottenham – picking up a £10K fine in the process.
      Yesterday, he joked: “If Nicolas told you then he knows. He knows why.”
      Pochettino swiftly apologised and admits managers need to show more respect to officials. But he also says coaches should be more involved in rule changes and given more time to take them on board.
      He said: “We understand perfectly that their job is really tough. But the problem is, sometimes you get frustrated during the game, because of the VAR or things.
      “And you cannot go and complain to the referee or the VAR. That is a problem. 
      “I am going to try to control my emotions more but I think it’s because of that. But all of the coaches respect referees because they are in a very difficult situation.
      “Even in training sometimes when we have to decide whether it’s a foul or not a foul, it’s not easy
      “We are frustrated because we were talking in the last managers meeting that the coaches need to be more involved in these decisions.
      “And to work together. It’s not arriving the week before the start of the season to be told: “The new rules are this and this… Ok, what do you think?” 
      “Nothing – because you already made the decision! It’s not only one coach that thinks like this.”
      Pochettino is banned from the touchline against Newcastle after being cautioned three timesCredit: PA More

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      Troy Deeney: Jack Grealish has become predictable – Prem has wised up to him but Liverpool clash will be different

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      JACK GREALISH has become predictable, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.Manchester City are a largely predictable team to play against under Pep Guardiola – they press high, keep possession around the edge of the box and look for cut-backs and late runs.
      Manchester City and Jack Grealish have become predictable, claims Troy DeeneyCredit: Getty
      The easy thing is highlighting that. The hardest thing in the world is stopping it, and Jack is no different.
      When he is on it, cutting inside playing those one-twos, he is unstoppable.
      The difference between last season and this season is the efficiency, and Jack has to hold his hands up on that one. His injuries have not helped, but he just looks a bit off it.
      There was always going to be a hangover after that Treble season, and you can’t expect him to be as good right now as he was.
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      Jeremy Doku has come in and has now got that fire in his belly and motivation to keep Jack out of the team.
      If Jack was playing the way he was at Aston Villa, people would still be saying he is world class by a country mile.
      But because he is in such a good team, if his standard goes from 9/10 to 8/10 then people react, and say he isn’t doing what he needs to.
      He is becoming a victim of his own success, and those analysing him are falling victim to the moment, but Jack has had to change under Pep.
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      Some will say he’s changed for the worse. He no longer takes people on for fun, looking for the pass inside instead.
      But, I actually see it as a compliment from Pep. He thinks Jack is smart enough to do that.
      If you are a Mykhailo Mudryk and rely heavily on your pace, if you asked him to do what Jack does, it would go the other way. Mudryk is fast, just kick it and run.
      Jack still has the ability to take people on, but Pep thinks he is good enough to play those intricate passes.
      SunSport columnist Deeney claims Man City are dealing with a post-Treble hangoverCredit: Getty
      Jack could probably be more selfish on the ball at times, but you can’t be selfish in a Pep team. If you are, you don’t play.
      Let’s not forget, Jack is having to create and dominate in a side missing their best player – Kevin De Bruyne.
      Last season, De Bruyne would get Jack the ball early a lot to allow him to attack. They’ve struggled to do that this year, especially with Ilkay Gundogan gone too.
      It is a mini rebuild and Jack is struggling with that, and that’s no slight on him.
      De Bruyne is one of the best players I’ve ever played against, and he takes the focus and pressure off of players around him.
      It just goes to show, even with City’s squad depth, take out a world class player and they cannot replicate it. Take Bukayo Saka out for Arsenal and replace him with Reiss Nelson, you see a big difference.
      Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp could give Man City a completely different gameCredit: EPA
      People have wised up to Jack as well. Teams have tweaked their game to stop him. Jack has pace but he is not a speed merchant, so full-backs stay wide and invite him inside to pounce on him or foul him. So, Jack has to adapt.
      It will be slightly different against Liverpool. They will press high and really go for it, and give Jack a lot more space to show what he can do, whether that is from the off or off the bench.
      An interesting thought is whether Jack would actually suit Liverpool’s fast-paced countering style more, but the Reds can be just as predictable.
      We all know how Jurgen Klopp plays, and I don’t think Jack is fast enough to even start for Liverpool right now.
      Speaking of speed, Liverpool have one of the best centre-back partnerships in world football in Ibrahim Konate and Virgil van Dijk, and they will pray Erling Haaland is not fit to start.
      At times, City just need one pass, and it isn’t to Jack. One goal-kick from Ederson beating the high press towards the most prolific goal scorer we have ever seen.
      It is a puzzle people struggle to solve – press or sit back – and they know Haaland needs one chance and he will score. World class defenders still have no idea how to stop Haaland. More

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      Meet Man Utd coach Mitchell van der Gaag who almost DIED in dugout and will replace Erik ten Hag on touchline vs Everton

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      MITCHELL VAN DER GAAG will replace Erik ten Hag on the touchline against Everton.The Manchester United coach is set to take the manager’s place in the dugout at Goodison Park on Sunday.
      Mitchell van der Gaag will take Erik ten Hag’s place on the touchline against EvertonCredit: Getty
      Ten Hag will serve a one-match touchline ban after picking up his third yellow card of the season against Luton before the international break.
      His assistant Van der Gaag is poised to lead the United bench in his absence.
      The Dutchman will be supported by Eric Ramsay, Steve McClaren and Benni McCarthy in the dugout.
      Van der Gaag joined United last summer, following Ten Hag to Old Trafford after serving as his assistant at Ajax.
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      He has previously been a manager himself, taking charge of clubs in Portugal, Cyprus and the Netherlands.
      Meanwhile, he spent two years with Motherwell as a player and was a Dutch youth international.
      However, he suffered a heart scare back in 2013 whilst managing in Portugal, almost dying in the dugout during a match.
      The then manager of Belenenses collapsed during a 1-0 win over Maritimo.
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      Van der Gaag almost died in the dugout after collapsing during a match in 2013Credit: Getty
      Van der Gaag required required two shocks from a defibrillator to save his life and immediately took a break from football.
      Speaking at the time, he explained: “I’m alive today, it was a very violent thing that happened.
      “I have a heart problem, some time ago, before arriving at Belenenses.
      “I have a pacemaker and defibrillator. On Saturday during the game I felt bad and received two shocks and the unit saved my life.
      “I have to leave work, because life is more important. Now my doctor is my coach.”
      Ten Hag brought Van der Gaag with him to United last summerCredit: Getty More

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      Troy Deeney: Ramsdale’s dad has absolutely KILLED him with Arsenal comments – it could backfire badly

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      UP until this week, I thought Aaron Ramsdale would be OK against Brentford.I was confident he would have a strong game and put himself in contention again.
      Aaron Ramsdale is set to start for Arsenal against Brentford on SaturdayCredit: PA
      It will be the goalkeeper’s first Premier League start since SeptemberCredit: Reuters
      But that was before I heard his dad speak. 
      It has made the situation ten times worse.
      This was going to be a free hit for Aaron, and as a father, if you want to then speak after that game when your son has played well, that’s fine by me. 
      Apply the pressure to Mikel Arteta.
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      Yet he has now put his lad under the microscope even further with his comments criticising Mikel for his decision making.
      Now Ramsdale is starting for Arsenal against Brentford as David Raya is ineligible to play against his parent club.
      And Aaron will have to have the perfect game, be good with his feet, take crosses and make two or three good saves.
      If I am Brentford, I am putting the first couple of crosses right under the bar and saying to Aaron: ‘Let’s have a go’.
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      Those comments from his dad have absolutely killed him.
      I hope it doesn’t backfire badly. More

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      Nicolas Jackson apologises to Chelsea fan he taunted as striker vows to follow Cristiano Ronaldo

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      CHELSEA ace Nicolas Jackson has apologised to the fan he rowed with during the defeat to Brentford.The Blues lost 2-0 to the Bees at Stamford Bridge last month following goals by Ethan Pinnock and Bryan Mbeumo.
      Chelsea ace Nicolas Jackson has apologised to the fan he rowed with against BrentfordCredit: Getty
      During the Premier League clash, Jackson approached his manager Mauricio Pochettino on the touchline to receive instructions.
      A home fan was then heard yelling towards the striker: “Hey Jackson, wake up! Why don’t you score a goal?”
      The Senegal international, who struggled to hit the target during his first months at Stamford Bridge, reacted unfavourably as he appeared to put his finger to his mouth as if to silence the fan.
      Pochettino also didn’t take kindly to that remark as he was heard yelling towards the home crowd: “Support the team!”
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      However, Jackson has apologised to the supporter as he admitted he let himself get too frustrated.
      The 22-year-old conceded that he’s still learning to adapt to a bigger club following a four-year stint at Villarreal.
      Jackson’s goalscoring instincts were also criticised by former strikers Alan Shearer and Peter Crouch.
      However, the Senegalese star insists he won’t address them and will instead follow Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo’s example by letting his talent do all the talking for him.
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      Jackson told The Telegraph: “To the fan, I have to say sorry. I never had this before.
      “At Villarreal, you play without so much pressure because it’s a different team, but I know it comes from a good place.
      “Normally, I don’t talk to fans or get distracted by what they say. I don’t know what came over me. It must have been frustration.
      “It’s not a small thing, everybody at the game expecting you to do what they want you to. It’s because they love you, not because they hate you. They want you to make them happy. Now I know that.
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      Jackson vowed to let his talent do the talking from now on, just like Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Rex
      “I was in Villarreal, but it was a different environment. You don’t have these kinds of things there. In Chelsea, it’s different.
      “Cristiano would score 30 or 35 goals a season and people would criticise him. You’d never hear him talk about it, he’d just respond with a celebration.
      “So it doesn’t affect me. I’m learning from him, I’d never answer back to criticism. I know what I can do, I believe in myself.” More

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      Pep Guardiola sensationally claims he’d STAY if Man City got relegated to League One but old words come back to bite him

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      PEP GUARDIOLA has claimed that he would STAY at Manchester City even if the club faced relegation to League One.The treble-winners are in danger of facing a huge punishment if they are found guilty of breaching Financial Fair Play rules.
      Pep Guardiola claims he would remain with Man City if the club faced relegationCredit: PA
      City were charged with 115 FFP breaches earlier this year, but claims suggested that it could take up to four years for the investigation to conclude.
      However, following Everton’s shock 10-point deduction for breaking profit and sustainability rules, Premier League officials could potentially settle on a punishment as soon as next year.
      Some reports have even suggested that the reigning Premier League champions could face relegation.
      But Man City boss Guardiola has claimed that he will likely stay at the Etihad – even if his team are relegated all the way down to League One.
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      The Spaniard said: “You are questioning like we have been punished. And in the moment we are innocent until guilt is proved.
      “I know the people want it. I know, I feel it. I will wait. Wait and see it and after the sentence has been done we will come here and explain it.
      “But absolutely I will not consider my future (if) it depends being here or being in League One. Absolutely.
      “There is more chance to stay if we are in League One than if we were in the Champions League.”
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      Guardiola’s recent comments appear to contradict what he originally said about his future when Man City were first charged.
      In February the City boss said: “I said to our people, ‘Tell me’ about the suspicions. I looked at them and believed them 100 per cent from day one so I defended the club because of that.
      “I did say, ‘If you lie to me, the day after I am not here. I will be out and you will not be my friend any more’.
      “I like to represent a club that is doing things properly. In the end it’s not about winning the Champions League or Premier League, it’s about always doing it well, for our people and our fans.”
      Chelsea are also in danger of receiving a punishment for FFP rule breaches.
      The Blues have admitted to breaking rules during the Abramovich era — but hope the fact a new regime is now in place will protect them. More