Premier League

ERIC DIER has admitted that he has “lots of regrets” and wishes that he had “done more” for Dele Alli.Dier and Alli forged a close friendship during their time at Tottenham together.Eric Dier spoke about his friendship with Dele Alli in a conversation with Gary NevilleDele Alli opened up about his childhood during an emotional interview last summerDele and Dier became close friends during their time at TottenhamCredit: Getty Images – GettyAlli joined up with Spurs in 2015, a year after Dier signed from Sporting Lisbon.The duo played together for six-and-a-half years, before Alli left for Everton in January 2022.Last summer the former England star, 27, made a series of heartbreaking revelations while chatting with Gary Neville.They included being sexually abused by a friend of his mum aged six.READ MORE DELEIn addition to dealing drugs from the age of eight, and entering rehab for six weeks last year after becoming addicted to sleeping pills.Last summer a tearful Dier, 30, revealed his anguish at what his close pal had been though.Now appearing on The Overlap, presented by Sky Bet, Dier said of Alli’s interview last summer: “It’s difficult for me to talk about Dele.”I speak to him all the time, every week, obviously it was just very difficult to watch.Most read in Football”I don’t know if I’ve ever seen the whole video, I’ve seen bits of it but it’s difficult for me to watch, he said some nice things about me, but it works both ways – he’s also been a great friend to me.”It annoys me a little because people after that interview would talk to me, but he’s been a great friend to me as well – Dele is a special person.Everton star Dele Alli reveals he was ‘sexually abused when he was six by friend of his mum’”I remember, I was getting married and knew that he was in America, in rehab, and I spoke to him a few times and said that there would be no problem if he couldn’t come and he was almost insulted, he came and was there for me – that’s the type of friend he’s been to me. “I’m disappointed that I didn’t do more, in many situations that I look back on I wasn’t aware of the full picture and there’s a lot of things – I was that annoying older person, I would always be on his case so he would hide things from me.”Or tell me something but give just 20 per cent of it – I have a lot of regrets and there were certain times that I wish I did more.”Alli and Dier both represented England at Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup.While the latter also made the Three Lions’ squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Alli scored 67 goals in 269 appearances for Tottenham before joining Everton two years ago.He has played 13 times for the Toffees in what’s been an injury-plagued spell at Goodison Park.Last season he made 15 appearances for Besiktas during a loan spell, scoring three goals, but returned after suffering with a serious thigh injury.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is yet to feature for Everton this season, with his contract set to expire this summer.Dier, meanwhile, left Spurs in January after nine-and-a-half years in North London, reuniting with Harry Kane at Bayern Munich.Dier and Alli played together at Tottenham between 2015 and 2022Credit: Rex More

ERIK TEN HAG insists he is still the right man to take Manchester United forward.The Dutchman believes he can recapture their former glories, despite escaping for the second time in a row what could have been humiliation by Liverpool at the weekend.Willy Kambwala wants to become a rock at the back for Manchester UnitedCredit: AlamyHowever, Erik ten Hag might not be United boss long enough to see it happenCredit: GettyAnd teen Willy Kambwala revealed his “passion” is to become a rock at the heart of United’s defence after making just his second start of the season against their bitter rivals.United trailed 1-0 at half-time on Sunday but fought back to take a 2-1 lead before Mo Salah’s 84th-minute equaliser from the penalty spot.Ten Hag was pleased with the second-half performance, declaring it “another signal and message for the future,” before adding, “the team and squad have high potential.”Yet the Old Trafford chief sounds more and more like he has his finger stuck in a leaky dyke and does not think it is going to hold.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSComeback or not, United still threw away a lead for the third time in eight days following their 4-3 defeat to Chelsea and 1-1 draw with Brentford — both deep into injury time.The gulf between Ten Hag’s side and a Champions League place is as wide as the North Sea.And his body language suggests he expects to be crossing it to go back to Holland with his P45 this summer.Players, even under-performing ones like most of Ten Hag’s desperately dysfunctional bunch, do not take kindly to being called “stupid”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERYet that is exactly how he described them for chucking away seven points, allowing Brentford to equalise in  the first of those games before the  collapse at Chelsea, which was thanks to goals in the 100th and 101st minutes from Cole Palmer.There was a pleading reminder that injuries to defenders have consistently undermined results, pointing out he had been forced into 27 rearguard changes this season.Scott McTominay reveals two strict rules implemented by Erik ten Hag at Man UtdTen Hag said: “When we get players back we will be better. The future will be very good.”Even if he really does want to stay at Old Trafford, it is doubtful Sir Jim Ratcliffe will let him.More likely the Red Devils’ billionaire new part-owner will have heard Jurgen Klopp’s throwaway line after his latest visit to the Theatre of Dreams.His assessment of United was no doubt laced with bitterness, having left in frustration again following last month’s 4-3 FA Cup defeat — when United nicked victory from the jaws of defeat in extra-time.Inside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United…
Asked if he would be supporting them when they host title rivals Arsenal on May 11, the German gruffly declared if United play like they did against his side, he was “100 per cent sure” the Gunners would win.Centre-back Kambwala was a rare positive for United, with the 19-year-old the latest academy graduate to be brought through by Ten Hag.And he is determined to become a regular starter, just like Kobbie Mainoo, 18, and Alejandro Garnacho, 19.READ MORE SUN STORIESKambwala said: “I’m so proud of how we fought together. I know what I need to do — I need to give everything to leave everything on the pitch.“That’s what I Iike to do. It’s my job, my passion. Hopefully, there is more to come in the future.”Ten Hag has handed Kambwala six Premier League appearances since giving him his debut in DecemberCredit: Reuters More

ARSENAL star Gabriel Jesus has revealed he cannot remember the last time he played without pain.The 27-year-old has been sidelined with injury on three separate occasions this season.Gabriel Jesus is playing through painCredit: GettyJesus has been injured in three spells this seasonCredit: RexHe had surgery on his knee after the World Cup in 2022Credit: @dejesusoficial – InstagramJesus missed the start of the campaign with a knee problem.At the end of October, the striker was back in the treatment room again after suffering a hamstring strain.And most recently, Jesus was absent for five games in February with another knee injury.Since signing for Arsenal in the summer of 2022, the Brazilian has had a stop-start spell after picking up an injury that required knee surgery at the World Cup in Qatar.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOpening up on his recent battles, Jesus said: “I’m just trying to get fit and help Arsenal as much as I can.”Unfortunately, I’ve had some problems this season and I hope next season I don’t have those.”Sometimes I feel it (pain in his knee). I don’t remember the last day I played football without pain so I cannot complain. “I’m just trying to recover well and then that’s it. Mentally I try to keep strong in my mind.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERJesus has played 28 times in all competitions this season, scoring eight goals.He will be hoping to start in the Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich tomorrow.Watch Gabriel Jesus struggle to walk in knee brace as Arsenal star posts injury update video in the gymAnd he has a good record in Europe this term, already hitting the back of the net four times. More

CASEMIRO has admitted his tough season at Manchester United has kept him up at night.The 32-year-old has struggled with injuries and a lack of form this term, with the Red Devils set to miss out on Champions League qualification.Casemiro has had sleepless nights over Man Utd’s poor formCredit: GettyPressure is mounting on Erik ten Hag with his side 11 points behind Aston Villa and Tottenham in the battle for fourth.And recent late heartbreak in the 1-1 draw to Brentford, 4-3 capitulation against Chelsea and 2-2 thriller versus Liverpool has led to Casemiro having sleepless nights.Not competing for titles has also frustrated the midfielder, who won three LaLiga crowns and five Champions Leagues at previous club Real Madrid.Casemiro told ESPN Brasil: “It’s difficult. This is the point that bothers me most about not fighting for titles – being 20 points behind first place. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Sometimes I can’t even sleep to try to think about doing something different. It’s reality. “There’s no point in thinking about the title or Champions League places, we need to think about each game.”We need to think about the day-to-day, we had the opportunity to score nine points in the last few games and we scored two. We were upset. “We have to think game by game and focus on the next match against Bournemouth.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERMan Utd were fortunate to be 1-0 down at half-time to Liverpool but responded after the break via sensational goals from Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.Casemiro was pleased with the team’s performance despite failing to see out the game for three points.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer windowHe added: “The game was very fast-paced and well played. A classic. “We were playing against one of the leaders of the competition and who is going through a good moment. We responded well.”Both teams had opportunities. At home we are strong, but we played against a great team.”Casemiro, who was signed by United for a £70m in the summer of 2022, could leave the club at the end of this season.New chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe could look to cash in on him amid reported interest from Saudi Arabian clubs.Inside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United… More

FORMER Premier League star Magnus Hedman has revealed his relief after almost going blind in one eye.The Sweden international keeper enjoyed four top-flight seasons with Coventry.Magnus Hedman came close to losing his eyesightThe former Chelsea ace was forced to undergo emergency surgeryHedman joined the Blues under Jose MourinhoCredit: PA:Press AssociationHedman later came out of retirement to join Chelsea, but never played for the Blues before leaving in 2007.The 51-year-old also spent three seasons with Celtic between 2002 and 2005.Capped 58 times, Hedman now works as a mind coach in Sweden.But he underwent surgery in a Solna hospital on Sunday after losing the sight in his right eye.Doctors found the ex-player had suffered a detached retina.Hedman admitted: “If I hadn’t gone in as an emergency, it would have been over.”It started when I saw lightning. I thought it would just go away, but it was like I had a curtain covering my retina.”The hospital took me in right away.  I had to lie down without a pillow for a day, then had surgery on Sunday morning.Most read in Football”If I hadn’t gone in I would have gone blind.”It was important not to get stressed. It is scary, and I thought about losing my sight.Mauricio Pochettino refuses to kiss Chelsea badge or ‘do stupid things’ on touchline”But I told myself: ‘Stay calm – you’re in the right place now.'”They called in the anaesthetist straight away. He came in on the Sunday, and I joked that I’d messed up his weekend.”The vitreous body becomes softer and more fragile the older you get. If you get a blow in your eye it can also have an effect, and I’ve had a few during my career.”If you don’t act quickly, and the retinal detachment goes over the macula, then you’re screwed.”You realise that things can change very quickly. Vision is a big part of life.”Hedman paid tribute to the staff at the St Erik’s eye clinic in Karolinska University Hospital.”They explained things to me all the time, and really took care of me. I am extremely grateful.”It’s important to say that – as usually you read a lot of s*** about the Swedish health care system.”In 2019, Hedman bravely told SunSport of the drugs battle that led him to contemplating suicide.Recounting the experience, which happened in 2011 – four years after he left Chelsea – he said: “I’d gone home and Googled the best ways towards suicide.“I was stood on the balcony for hours, 12 floors up, thinking about jumping. Then I had a phone call from a friend that dragged me into the city centre to meet at their house, so I never took that step.”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:

Having been offered speed by a pal, Hedman found himself on a slippery slope.He explained: “I thought I could just try it — but I got addicted straight away and was that way for four years.”Hedman went on to add: “The drugs helped me feel calm and not have to worry so much — but it ruined my life in other aspects.“I now realise that when I gave up football I had just replaced it with something else, which is very normal for an addicted person.”Having fallen to his lowest ebb, Hedman was introduced to a mental health specialist named Mia.After being taken to a recovery centre, the former goalkeeper spent a month weaning off drugs.READ MORE SUN STORIESReflecting on his experience after a number of years sober, he said: “It’s always good to speak to friends — but they are not psychologists.”It’s best to speak to someone you don’t have a connection with, someone professional.”If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123. More

DIRK KUYT has staked his claim to become a future Liverpool manager – by leading his new club to promotion after just three months.The Dutch striker spent six years at Anfield, scoring 71 goals in 285 games before leaving in 2012.Dirk Kuyt led Beerschot to promotionCredit: GettyD’Margio Wright-Phillips scored to help the club to promotionCredit: AFPKuyt took charge of Belgian side Beerschot – Sheffield United’s sister club – in late December.The 43-year-old has now led the Antwerp outfit back to the top flight after a two-year absence.They won 2-1 at Oostende on Sunday to seal promotion, with goals from Ian Wright’s grandson D’Margio Wright-Phillips and former Stoke and Bolton winger Thibaud Verlinden.Beerschot need just one point from their two remaining games to seal the second division title.Read More on FootballIt is a personal triumph for Kuyt, whose first management job with Dutch side ADO Den Haag lasted just five months before he was sacked in November 2022.The Holland international is set to be offered an extension to his contract, which runs out this summer.Kuyt said: “I will look to the future. I want to develop as a coach, but that could be with Beerschot.”The potential here is huge. There is still a way to go, but the club is back at the top level once more.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKuyt is a Liverpool iconCredit: Action Images – Reuters”It has been a tough challenge. Promotion was a must, there was no plan B, but no one expected us to go up.”Everyone at the club has overachieved – players, staff and management. I am proud to be part of it.”Jurgen Klopp manages to savage both Man Utd and his own Liverpool team with astonishing comment about ArsenalKuyt is not in the running to replace Jurgen Klopp, who will leave Anfield at the end of the season.Liverpool are already said to have a number one target and will reportedly meet his agent on Tuesday.Beerschot share the same owner as Sheffield United in Saudi prince Abdullah bin Musaid Al Saud. More