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      Secret behind England and Man City star Jack Grealish’s big calves and why he wears his socks low

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      ENGLAND superstar Jack Grealish has revealed the secret behind his low socks and massive calves.The £100million Manchester City midfielder, 27, has a eye-cathing look on the pitch and has lifted the lid on his style.
      Jack Grealish has revealed the superstitious reason behind his famous low socksCredit: AP
      England ace Grealish has also opened up over his huge calvesCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      On those famous calves, he claimed it is all genetics, saying to the Daily Mail: “I actually don’t do anything. It’s just something that runs in the family.
      “My grandad always had big calves when he used to play football.
      “But I don’t do any calf exercises or calf routines in the gym or anything. Honestly, it’s just something that I’ve had since I was young.”
      And on those well-known low socks Grealish shared that superstition is the reason behind it.
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      He said: “I think I was about 14 or 15 and we were sponsored by Macron at Aston Villa and the socks used to shrink in the wash.
      “In training I couldn’t get them over my calves because the socks were so small.
      “So I started wearing them below my calves in training — and that season I ended up playing really well.
      “So then I started wearing my socks below my calves in games. It was just something that stuck because I’d had such a good season.”
      Fans had their say on Grealish’s calves when he played for the Three Lions in Qatar at the World Cup last year, with one saying: “So like, how big are Grealish’s calves going to get?”
      Another wrote: “Was very into the US-England game until noticing Jack Grealish’s mutant calves, which became my entire focus afterwards.”
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      One declared: “Jack Grealish wears his socks so low cause if he pulls them over his calves he’ll lose circulation to his legs.”
      Another added: “Someone hit me up with Grealish’s calves workout.” More

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      Dramatic impact injuries had on Arsenal and Man City title race revealed by new stats as Man Utd among worst hit

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      ARSENAL players missed more than TWICE as many Premier League matches through injury than Manchester City as they blew the title race.The Gunners finished five points off Pep Guardiola’s City but were top with only a month of the season left.
      Arsenal’s injuries saw their players miss TWICE as many games as Manchester CityCredit: Getty
      New figures have revealed the impact of injuries on the title raceCredit: Rex
      With Manchester United being among the worst hit squads in the leagueCredit: Getty
      Here’s how the crocked table looked
      A new study has revealed the damaging impact of injuries to the North Londoners’ key players when the domestic campaign resumed after the Qatar World Cup finals.
      Data provided to SunSport by PremierInjuries.com shows Arsenal had nine reported injuries from January to May, resulting in 59 GAMES missed and 415 DAYS lost to injury.
      By comparison, champions City’s 14 reported injuries since the World Cup only amounted to 27 games missed and 178 days lost.
      For Arsenal, the longest absence was Egyptian Mo Elneny, unavailable for 137 days and 21 league matches after undergoing knee surgery.
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      French centre-back William Saliba, 22, was arguably the biggest loss in terms of status as he was ruled out of 11 matches from March due to a lower back issue.
      Japanese full-back Takehiro Tomiyasu did not play after a knee ligament injury in the Europa League exit to Sporting Lisbon on March 16.
      Another defender Oleksandr Zinchenko missed four games across April and May due to calf and groin strains.
      And Gabriel Jesus (knee), Gabriel Martinelli (ankle), Eddie Nketiah (ankle), Thomas Partey (hamstring) and Emile Smith Rowe (thigh) were also unavailable at various points.
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      But at City — who claimed a third Prem crown in a row — their medical room did not have the same burden or influx of long-term problems.
      For example, centre-back John Stones missed only five games across 45 days after a muscle injury and then a hamstring strain in January.
      Meanwhile, Chelsea can blame their worst Prem campaign for 29 years on having the worst fitness record of the 20 top-flight clubs.
      The Blues lost 16 times as they finished 12th — their lowest mark since 1993-94 — and had three managers during the 2022-23 season.
      Chelsea, who axed Thomas Tuchel in September and then Graham Potter in April, had a total of 1,579 days lost to injuries last campaign — with 841 of those coming since the World Cup.
      The Stamford Bridge side had 45 reported ‘time-loss’ injuries since August’s opening day — with a whopping 32 of them occurring in 2023.
      Leicester, relegated to the Championship, really suffered when the season restarted after Christmas and had 23 reported injuries, which was the joint-third highest.
      The injury website, founded by Ben Dinnery in 2010, records time-loss injuries when a player misses at least one match.
      Several players had terrible luck, notably Nottingham Forest’s £10million summer signing Omar Richards, who never kicked a ball due to a stress fracture in a shinbone.
      Wolves’ Austrian forward Sasa Kalajdzic ruptured his ACL on his September debut, a 1-0 win over Southampton.
      Figures taken over the course of ten months show that hamstring issues remain the most prevalent among elite footballers.
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      That made for 23 per cent of all the top tier’s time-loss injuries.
      And ACL issues tend to be the most severe with a ‘return to play’ time period being in the region of 275-285 days. More

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      Man Utd fans say Erling Haaland is ‘haunted by Keane’ as he s***houses young Red Devils supporter who asked for pic

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      ERLING HAALAND insisted on covering up a Manchester United badge as he took a picture with a young fan.The Manchester City superstar has been back in Norway on international duty.
      Erling Haaland posed with a young fanCredit: TV 2 Sport via Twitter
      The Manchester City star then covered up his United badgeCredit: TV 2 Sport via Twitter
      Haaland, 22, then grinned for the cameraCredit: TV 2 Sport via Twitter
      Not wanting to disappoint his legion of young fans, the 22-year-old stopped to take some pictures with wide-eyed youngsters.
      When a Man United supporter wanted a snap, however, Haaland cheekily had a condition.
      As the snap was about to be taken, the striker covered the United badge on the kid’s replica shirt.
      Speaking in Norwegian, Haaland then said: “Get yourself a new shirt.”
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      He grinned as he subsequently walked off.
      As a clip of the exchange went round social media, United fans online had plenty to say.
      Referencing former Red Devils skipper Roy’s infamous challenge on Haaland’s father Alf-Inge, one tweeted: “Keane haunts him to this day..”
      While a second moaned: “He’s a clown.”
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      Roy Keane committed an infamous foul on Haaland’s dad Alf-IngeCredit: PA:Press Association
      And a third blasted: “Everything about them is just awkwardly weird.”
      While another pointed out: “shows despite Haaland’s success at city Manchester United is still the most loved club in his country.”
      Haaland was in action twice for Norway during the international break.
      He netted a penalty against Scotland on Saturday, only to watch on in horror from the bench after being subbed as Steve Clarke’s men came roaring back to snatch all three points in the closing stages.
      The Man City star bagged twice as they beat Cyprus 3-1 in Oslo last night, although they still trail the Tartan Army by eight points at the halfway stage of their Euro 2024 qualifying group.
      Haaland was gutted after his side’s defeat to Scotland on SaturdayCredit: Kenny Ramsay More

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      N’Golo Kante surprisingly hits out at ‘rumours and lies’ in farewell letter but Chelsea fans praise ‘world class’ note

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      N’GOLO KANTE has hit out at “rumours and lies” in his Chelsea farewell letter.The Frenchman has left the Blues after seven years at Stamford Bridge to join Al-Ittihad.
      N’Golo Kante has signed a four-year deal with Al-IttihadCredit: Instagram
      Kante, 32, has penned a four-year, £86million contract to move to the Saudi Pro League.
      After his free transfer was confirmed, Kante posted an emotional letter to his Instagram page.
      The midfielder thanked fans, team-mates, managers and staff for his many successes in West London – while also taking a cryptic swipe at “rumours and lies” faced during his time with the Blues.
      He wrote: “Goodbye Chelsea.
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      “The time for me has come to open a new chapter in my career.
      “But before that, it is so important for me to say thank you to the great and beautiful family of Chelsea.
      “Fans, players, managers, medical staff, board members, all those who have been with me during these last seven seasons in this legendary club.
      “Only good memories, great victories and memorable titles won by your side.
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      Kante, 32, posted this message for fansCredit: INSTAGRAM / @nglkante
      “From the bottom of my heart, thank you very much, I will never forget you.
      “And of course last but not least, I thank my family, my friends, who have always been on my side in good and bad times.
      “Without forgetting my agent, Karim as well as my advisers Rachid and Driss who have given me such a precious support since my beginnings and have been a major part in my success.
      “These past times have not been easy for us and our family, but we were able to stay united to face rumours and lies.
      “See you soon for new adventures on the pitch with Al Ittihad and the French National Team.
      “N’Golo.”
      Upon Kante’s Stamford Bridge departure being confirmed, co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said: “N’Golo’s impact and influence during his time at Chelsea cannot be overstated.
      “His tireless performances in midfield contributed to several trophy wins and has guaranteed him a place in the club’s history. We wish him well as he embarks on the next chapter in his career.”
      Kante joined Chelsea in a £32m deal in 2016 after playing a major role in Leicester’s historic title win the previous season.
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      He went on to play 269 times for the Blues, winning the Prem, Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup.
      The 2018 World Cup winner will play alongside former France team-mate Karim Benzema at Al-Ittihad.
      The Frenchman played an integral role in Chelsea’s 2021 Champions League winCredit: EPA More

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      Al-Hilal planning sensational triple transfer swoop for ex-Chelsea flop Alvaro Morata and two Premier League stars

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      CHELSEA flop Alvaro Morata is the latest player being targeted by the Saudi league.Al-Hilal have opened talks with Atletico Madrid for the forward, 30, for a transfer said to be worth £20million.
      Morata won the Nations League with Spain on SundayCredit: Getty
      Al-Hilal in particular have not been afraid to splash the cash as part of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund’s funding of the league.
      The club look set to pay a whopping £47m for Wolves’ Ruben Neves and around £25m for Chelsea’s Kalidou Koulibaly.
      Morata would be set to earn a massive wage if he was to sign for the Saudi club.
      According to The Daily Mail, the striker would earn £40m-a-year which translates to £923,000-a-week.
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      Morata’s signing would be regarded as a major coup for the Saudi game.
      Aged 30, he is not over the hill, and started for Spain in their Nations League final victory over Croatia on Sunday.
      Having played for Real Madrid, Juventus, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid he has played for some of the biggest clubs in the world and has won almost all there is to win at club level.
      He experienced a disappointing return this season, scoring just 13 times and contributing two assists during 36 LaLiga games.
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      Morata’s departure to the Saudi league would see him follow in the footsteps of a number of Chelsea stars set to swap West London for the Middle East.
      Chelsea have used the Saudi League as a means to get rid of several cast-offs.
      As well as the £25m fee they will receive for Koulibaly, 32, they have also been able to command an £8m fee for Hakim Ziyech, 30.
      Kante has also left the club for Al-Ittihad on a free transfer which will see him earn £21.5m-a-year.
      The club are also working to find deals for Callum Hudson-Odoi and Romelu Lukaku in the Saudi league. More

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      West Ham fans BANNED from Europa League after leaving Fiorentina player bloodied with missile in final

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      WEST HAM fans have been banned from the club’s first Europa League away game next term after the missile throwing which marred their Conference League triumph.Hammers players pleaded with supporters to calm down following the first half incident in the match in Prague.
      Cristiano Biraghi had his head cut open when he was struck by two hard plastic beer cupsCredit: Rex
      Blood is seen coming from the injury sustainedCredit: Reuters
      Fiorentina defender Cristiano Biraghi had his head cut open when he was struck by two hard plastic beer cups while he was also hit by a disposable vape.
      UEFA announced a throw into the incident the day after the final.
      And European football’s governing body has hit the Hammers hard with a fine as well as the travel ban.
      Uefa announced: “The control and disciplinary body decided to ban West Ham United FC from selling tickets to away supporters for its next two Uefa competition matches.
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      “The second of which being suspended for a probationary period of two years as from the date of this decision, for throwing of objects.”
      West Ham were fined £43,000 for the incident, plus a further £6,900 for the invasion of the pitch by virtually the entire bench including David Moyes as they celebrated Jarrod Bowen’s late winner.
      The Londoners face heading into the season without captain Declan Rice, who is linked with Arsenal and Manchester City.
      But manager David Moyes appeared to suggest he will continue with the club, having led them to silverware for the first time since 1980.
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      He said: “I hope we can continue to make progress.
      “I think we have done over the last two or three years and last night was progress because we won a trophy. It was massive for us to win a trophy.
      “It’s very hard to compete at the top end every season but all you can do is try your best every season and that’s what we do – and next season that’s what we’ll do.”
      Declan Rice with West Ham manager David MoyesCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea’s huge transfer clearout means just THREE of their 2021 Champions League winners could be left next season

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      INCREDIBLY just THREE of Chelsea’s Champions League winners from 2021 could remain at the club next season.The Blues famously beat Manchester City 1-0 in Lisbon to lift the iconic trophy for the second time.
      Chelsea won the Champions League with this starting XI in 2021Credit: AFP
      But little more than a year later, the manager for that memorable night, Thomas Tuchel, was harshly sacked.
      And now barely any of the Kings of Europe heroes are left either in a dramatic two years for Chelsea.
      Todd Boehly bought the club in May 2022 and continues to oversee a major overhaul of the playing squad – splashing out more than £600million on transfers last season.
      But with the waves of new players coming in, plenty of others have passed through the Stamford Bridge exit door – or could be about to as part of the clearout of the bloated squad and to avoid FFP breaches.
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      Edouard Mendy started in goal in the final but is on the brink of joining Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia.
      Of the three centre-backs, Antonio Rudiger was released and joined Real Madrid last year while Cesar Azpilicueta is a transfer target for Tuchel’s Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.
      Thiago Silva is staying put for at least 12 more months at Chelsea while wing-backs Reece James and Ben Chilwell remain key cogs.
      The entire midfield and attack, though, have either been sold or look set to move on.
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      Jorginho signed for Arsenal in January while his midfield partner from that night, N’Golo Kante, secured a free transfer to Al-Ittihad that will see him get paid a whopping £86m.
      Timo Werner returned to RB Leipzig last summer while matchwinner Kai Havertz is strongly linked with following Jorginho to the Emirates for £65m after agreeing personal terms.
      Mason Mount, meanwhile, has rejected all contract extensions and could be about to head to Manchester United.
      Amazingly, 11 of the 12 subs could also be playing their football away from Stamford Bridge in 2023-24.
      Willy Caballero, Marcos Alonso, Andreas Christensen, Kurt Zouma, Emerson, Billy Gilmour and Olivier Giroud have all already left.
      Mateo Kovacic is close to completing his switch to Manchester City while Hakim Ziyech is another man heading to the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr.
      Callum Hudson-Odoi was loaned out last year and could be targeted by a Saudi outfit, too, while Christian Pulisic is surplus to requirements and will likely move on.
      That leaves Kepa Arrizabalaga as the only substitute seemingly with a future at Chelsea after winning his place between the sticks back from Mendy – although even he is not guaranteed to stay if Boehly signs another goalkeeper.
      The likes of Hakim Ziyech, Mateo Kovacic and matchwinner Kai Havertz could all leave this summerCredit: Reuters More

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      Man Utd legend Silvestre lists the five key attributes Chelsea’s Mason Mount would bring as club launch transfer bid

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Mikael Silvestre has listed the five key attributes Mason Mount would bring to the club.The England international is a target for United, who have launched yet another bid to sign him from Chelsea.
      Mikael Silvestre has listed the attributes Mason Mount would bring with himCredit: Getty
      Manchester United have launched another bid to sign Mason Mount from ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Mount remains a key transfer target for the Red Devils, despite their improved £50million offer being rejected.
      Silvestre is excited by the prospect of Mount joining his former club, even if a deal is yet to be struck.
      The Frenchman believes he will bring a series of attributes with him, including versatility, finishing and mobility.
      Silvestre also feels Mount loves to play in between the lines and can both receive and make precise passes.
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      He told FourFourTwo: “Versatility is his obvious quality.
      “I’ve been following him since his loan to Vitesse Arnhem, and there was laughter when he broke into Chelsea’s first team.
      “He’s a very interesting player, very mobile and loves to play in between the lines, receiving and making precise passes.
      “He’s a good finisher as well and is a player in his prime. I think he would be an immediate reinforcement for United and would fit into Erik’s philosophy as well.”
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      Chelsea are said to be “trying to comply with Mount’s wishes”, with the player keen on a move to Old Trafford.
      However, the Blues also value the 24-year-old at £70million, despite him entering the final year of his deal after contract talks collapsed. More