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      ‘I got even fitter’ – Ex-Arsenal star Kolo Toure says fasting while playing made him ‘psychologically stronger’

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      FORMER Arsenal defender Kolo Toure says fasting and playing games made him psychologically stronger during the month of Ramadan.It’s that time of the year again when Muslim players in the Premier League will have to abstain from food and water during daylight hours. The period will cover from March 1st to March 30th.Kolo Toure has said he got fitter while fasting and playing football games during RamadanCredit: GettyKolo Toure spent seven years at Arsenal before moving on to Man City and LiverpoolCredit: GettyToure, who enjoyed a stellar Premier League career with Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool, admits he never skipped a day of fasting during his playing days, as it made him stronger despite having to stay away from any form of food and water.He told Sun Sport in an exclusive interview: “The thing is, it’s strange and hard to explain, but it made me feel psychologically very strong, and as the month went on, I got even fitter.”I think it’s very easy now, with all the great support that clubs provide their players-it’s amazing.”Toure, who is now the assistant coach of Manchester City’s under-16 team, also revealed that modernity and the world being a global village have meant Premier League clubs are more accepting of the Islamic holy month and provide support to players.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe added: “Back in the day, it was a bit different because not everyone knew the importance of this month to players, but I get that people are getting used to it now.”For me, I think most Muslim players I played with did it-even when I was coming up at ASEC (Mimosas). For us, it was just who we were, and we had to do it. It became part of us. “It didn’t matter where we played, we just had to do it. I loved this month personally.”Over the weekend, The Football Association’s fifth-round fact sheet stated: “Players observing Ramadan will be permitted a short pause in play to break their fast.Most read in Football”An approximate time was agreed upon when the pause would be made.” with United Manchester United’s Noussair Mazraoui, and Fulham’s Adama Traore benefitting from the rule to break their fast during Sunday evening’s FA Cup 5th round game.In 2022, former Chelsea manager and now England boss Thomas Tuchel revealed he suspected that his midfielder N’Golo Kanté was not at his best because he was fasting.I slide tackled Arsene Wenger and Thierry Henry on my Arsenal trial – I couldn’t believe manager’s reactionTuchel took off the midfielder at halftime in a 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the first leg of a Champions League game.That was the first time the then French midfielder had been substituted at that point.Tuchel said back then: “At the moment, he is fasting due to his religion, due to his belief, maybe another reason.”He is not doing it for the first time, but if you don’t eat during the day for many days, it can have an effect.“He is used to it, but maybe it’s also part of the explanation that he is not at his highest level if you compare it to his influence against Real Madrid last season.” More

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      Dennis Bond dead at 77: Former Tottenham and Watford star dies as tributes pour in

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      FORMER Tottenham midfielder Dennis Bond has passed away at the age of 77.Spurs led the tributes with a statement on social media that read: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former midfielder Dennis Bond at the age of 77.Former Tottenham star Dennis Bond has passed awayCredit: Getty”The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with Dennis’ friends and family at this impossibly sad time.”A boyhood Tottenham fan, Bond grew up in Walthamstow and kicked off his professional playing career with Watford.He made his debut for the Hornets aged just 17 and went on to earn over 100 senior appearances before joining Spurs in 1967.Over his three-year spell at White Hart Lane, Bond made 27 first team appearances, scoring once.He then moved on to Charlton before ending his playing career in non-league.The ex-midfielder officially hung up his boots at the age of 55 after featuring for Boreham Wood, Waltham Abbey and Potters Bar Town.Fans took to social media to express their condolences, with one person writing: “Walthamstow lad. My thoughts with his family and friends.”Another said: “RIP Dennis.”Most read in FootballA third wrote: “Very sad to hear this news.”While a fourth commented: “May he rest in peace.” More

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      Former Man Utd star, 82, wins lottery as he’s left ‘lost for words’ after TV crew surprise him with massive cheque

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      A FORMER Manchester United star was “lost for words” after winning a £400,000 lottery jackpot.Cliff Bull, 82, was just 15 years old when he signed for the Red Devils in October 1957.Former Man Utd star Cliff Bull has won a £400,000 lottery jackpotCredit: SWNSHe was signed by Sir Matt Busby at just 15 years oldCredit: PAThe promising winger was picked up by legendary United manager Sir Matt Busby.And the deal saw Bull leave school before relocating to Manchester in January 1958.But tragedy struck just 10 days later when the Munich air disaster occurred, killing eight of the ‘Busby Babes’ and leaving Busby, who thankfully made a full recovery, at death’s door.Bull was not on board the flight.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBull spent just two years at United before having a brief spell at Nottingham Forest as a string of serious knee injuries severely limited his playing time.But after 26 operations – leaving him with two artificial knees – Bull retired from football before retraining as a plumber.However, 65 years after being signed for United by Busby, Bull is now counting the cash.The ace was surprised with a massive cheque by a TV crew after winning in the People’s Postcode Lottery.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBull received £400,000 from a total share of £3.2million after his Nottinghamshire postcode hit the big time.And the doting family man is now planning on taking his loved ones on a mega holiday.Luke Littler reveals how he found out about Man Utd defeat after missing penalty shootout for UK OpenBull quit school as he prepared to become the latest ‘Busby Babe’Credit: GettyThe Munich air disaster occurred just 10 days after Bull officially joined UnitedCredit: CollectHe said: “I’m absolutely staggered, I’m still lost for words. It opens up so many possibilities.“I’m overwhelmed to be quite honest. It’s beyond what I could ever have dreamt.“I can pay for a holiday for all of the family. That would be my dream for all of us to go away, which at the last count was 22.“This would make me very happy.”Bull also paid tribute to late wife Jeanette, adding: “The overwhelming disappointment is she’s not here to see it, but she’s a big part of this.”Reflecting on his time at United, Bull noted: “I was 15 when I signed for Manchester United, and I signed the papers in Matt Busby’s office.“My mum always used to say that ‘one of the greatest kicks I’ve had in my life was being able to kiss Matt Busby’.” More

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      Fans can’t believe state of Premier League away dressing room that is ‘worse than Sunday League’

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      FANS were left astonished after getting a glimpse of the away dressing room at Newcastle’s St James’ Park.Brighton dumped the Toon out of the FA Cup yesterday courtesy of Danny Welbeck’s dramatic winner late in extra time.Brighton celebrated in the St James’ Park away dressing roomFans were surprised to see how small the facility isFollowing the match, Seagulls’ social media channels posted a video of their players celebrating their triumph.In the short clip, Brighton stars can be seen jumping up and down in the dressing room.The low-ceilinged, cramped space barely seemed to fit them all as they bounced around.Upon seeing Brighton’s video, one fan wrote on social media: “Surely that’s not the away dressing room at St James? You see better facilities in Sunday league, seriously.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile a second commented: “Jesus Christ that’s woeful.”Although a third countered: “Basically no away dressing room is particularly nice.”Another added: “Why would you want your away dressing room to be elite? Surely you’d want it as uncomfortable as possible.”Newcastle chiefs have been mulling over potentially building a new stadium to replace their iconic home.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBrighton dumped Newcastle out of the FA CupCredit: GettyA final decision is expected soon on the £1.2bn project.Chief Commercial Officer Peter Silverstone said: “We’re at that point where we’re deciding ‘Is it best to renovate and re-invigorate St James’ Park?’Premier League stadium given subtle makeover during international break”Which is renowned as one of the most atmospheric stadiums in the country.”Or build a new stadium as these projects have shown and other clubs in the Premier League have done.“That is a decision which will be made relatively soon. What’s clear is we need to satisfy that demand.”Every week we have a very intense fanbase which is determined to come and watch Newcastle but can’t.“So you start with the fans and how we can service most of them and then look into what’s the best option from that.”Newcastle could build a new stadium adjacent to their current homeThe Toon could instead opt to expand their current home More

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      England manager Thomas Tuchel parties with ex-Chelsea stars including Mason Mount, Jorginho and Reece James in reunion

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      THOMAS TUCHEL reunited with his Chelsea Champions League winning squad including Mason Mount and Jorginho. The German famously led the Blues to their second European cup in 2021 before leaving the club just a year later. England manager Thomas Tuchel reuniting with JorginhoCredit: InstagramMason Mount and ex-Chelsea team-mate JorginhoCredit: InstagramMount, Trevoh Chalobah, Jorginho, Reece James and Ben Chilwell reuniteCredit: InstagramJorginho with fiancee Catherine HardingCredit: InstagramJorginho lets out a big grinCredit: InstagramThe couple pose with some friendsCredit: InstagramCatherine shared the snaps onlineCredit: InstagramBut now he is back in England as Three Lions boss where he prepares to work under some of the same stars again. And Tuchel was pictured linking up with his former players in a social media post shared by Jorginho’s fiancee Catherine Harding. In one snap, Jorginho has his arms around former manager Tuchel, who is posing in a navy outfit and a cap on. Other photos show Jorginho with James, Ben Chilwell, Mount and Trevoh Chalobah in a reunion picture that sent Chelsea fans wild. READ MORE ON CHELSEA One said: “Tears in my eyes man.”Another added: “I miss this squad!”One beamed: “This is a beautiful sight.”Another said: “We miss them.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTuchel has visited several stadiums in England ahead of his first set of official games in charge – against Albania and Latvia in March.And as revealed by SunSport, he held talks with exiled Arsenal defender Ben White over a return to international football. ‘I’m getting emotional’ – England manager Thomas Tuchel’s comments on Cole Palmer leave Chelsea fans close to tearsChelsea skipper James is currently fit after lengthy spells on the sidelines this season amid a hamstring injury. And Chilwell could now fight for a place in Tuchel’s squad after securing a loan from Stamford Bridge to Crystal Palace.Chalobah is also back at Chelsea after his loan to Palace was cut short – but the centre-back is only now returning from a slight back problem. Mount meanwhile has been out since December after suffering a thigh injury with his England hopes taking a huge blow. Tuchel is preparing for life as England managerCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea snap up Arsenal star Gabriel’s cousin in £11.5m transfer from Corinthians

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      CHELSEA are set to sign Arsenal star Gabriel’s cousin, according to reports.The Blues have struck an £11.5million deal with Corinthians for wonderkid Denner Evangelista.Denner Evangelista is set to move to Chelsea when he turns 18Credit: Instagram @denner_evangelistaHe is Arsenal star Gabriel’s cousinCredit: GettyThe 17-year-old will sign a whopping seven-year contract and make the move to Stamford Bridge when he turns 18 next year.Denner, who is an attacking left-back, is yet to make a senior appearance for Corinthians.But the teenager caught Chelsea’s eye in the prestigious Copinha event involving some of the best youth sides in Sao Paulo.Denner registered three goals and one assist in the tournament.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBy moving to London, he follows the same path as his cousin Gabriel.Brazilian media report that Denner is related to the Arsenal centre-back and he is understood to have attended one of his matches last year.Corinthians wanted to keep Denner at the club and begin to integrate him with the first-team.But having failed to agree an improved contract with the player, they decided to cash-in.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSCorinthians have negotiated a 15 per cent sell-on clause to profit from any future sale.Denner joins a long list of South American youngsters who have joined Chelsea.Cole Palmer branded ‘gift that keeps on giving’ after Chelsea star reveals his meal deal sandwich Brazilian duo Andrey Santos, 20, and Deivid Washington, 19, are both out on loan at Strasbourg and Santos respectively. Meanwhile, 17-year-old pair Kendry Paez and Estevao Willian are both set to join Chelsea at the end of the season.Estevao has hit 30 goals and assists for Palmeiras this season, becoming the first to reach the milestone since Neymar in 2010.Argentine defender Aaron Anselmino, 19, is another on Chelsea’s books and he was recently recalled from a loan spell at Boca Juniors. More

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      Kai Havertz spotted in knee brace with crutches as injured Arsenal star continues ‘road to recovery’ after surgery

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      KAI HAVERTZ has been pictured wearing a knee brace after suffering a season-ending injury.The Arsenal star picked up a hamstring problem last month and has since undergone surgery.Kai Havertz wore a knee brace as he posed for a photo with a friendCredit: @homme_xy_senyoIt was the same knee support seen in the photo after his surgeryCredit: https://x.com/kaihavertz29Havertz posted a picture from his hospital bed sporting a knee brace and he was seen with it on again as he posed for a photo with a friend.He also remains on crutches, with them placed next to the German forward in the snap captioned “road to recovery”.The photo was uploaded by his pal Senyo, who runs a male grooming business and a barber shop in London’s iconic Portobello Road.Senyo has a relationship with several past and present Chelsea stars.READ MORE ON ARSENALHis Instagram shows him giving the likes of Mason Mount and Enzo Fernandez a trim.He charges £65 for a haircut and a £250 call out service if you want to save a journey to his shop.Havertz sustained his hamstring strain during Arsenal’s warm weather training camp in Dubai on February 12.He underwent surgery a few days later, writing on social media: “The last few days have been tough to process both physically and mentally.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”But yesterday was a good day. A successful op.”Thanks for all the messages of support over the last few days, it’s really helped.Ian Wright fears three Arsenal superstars could run down contract, including Saka “I’m now focused on my journey to full fitness and giving all the support I can give to the team in the background.”Arsenal have struggled without Havertz leading the line after failing to score in a 1-0 loss to West Ham and 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest.Liverpool have played an extra game but are now 13 points clear at the top of the table. More

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      I’m Premier League star who’s been a fisherman longer than a footballer, I changed position overnight because of Ronaldo

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      FULHAM frontman Rodrigo Muniz has been fishing longer than he has been a striker.And the two skills go hand in hand for the Brazilian, who heads for the local lagoon rather than the beach when he goes home.Rodrigo Muniz has a surprise love for fishingCredit: Instagram @r.munizThe Fulham frontman has compared fishing to scoring goals in the Premier LeagueCredit: Instagram @r.munizMuniz spoke to SunSport ahead of facing Man Utd in the FA Cup fifth roundCredit: Darren FletcherMuniz celebrated his winner at Wolves on Tuesday night by pretending to reel in a rod.And ahead of the FA Cup fifth-round trip to Manchester United, he said: “I tried fishing in England… but it was too COLD.“My mum and dad used to go almost every weekend. I loved it and I still do.“You go there, you sit and relax, and when you get the bite from the fish, you feel, ‘This is really exciting’. And you have to take your chance — just like a striker.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMuniz is making a big splash now but dad Alexandre was once the local celebrity in their Brazilian hometown of Sao Domingos do Prata.Factory worker Alexandre had a sideline in Axe — a style of music particularly associated with Carnival season.Muniz Jr, 23, recalled: “Everybody in town would tell me, ‘Your dad is a really great singer’.”But Alexandre was also an avid football fan who coached his son.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMuniz recalled: “When I was eight, Ronaldo came back to Brazil to play for Corinthians. “I remember watching him on the TV and my dad said, ‘Look at the striker, he is the biggest star of the club because he scores goals, the centre of attention’.I experienced the poshest, most exclusive stand in the Premier League and it was like no other“I was a midfielder but the next day I had training and I said to my coach, ‘Now I am a striker.’”Muniz adopted Samba Boys legend Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic as his idols and, aged 14, moved hundreds of miles from home to join Desportivo Brasil, a club near Sao Paulo.His mum Luzia, a school cook, had to talk him out of leaving after the first week. But the goals soon flowed and continued after he earned a move to the youth set-up of Brazilian giants Flamengo.Muniz had to wait for chances in the senior side because Gabriel “Gabigol” Barbosa and Pedro were top dogs. But he still attracted attention with his contribution to the club, winning three trophies.Muniz cites Ronaldo as his idolCredit: Getty Images – GettyFulham boss Marco Silva convinced him to choose FulhamCredit: GettyA personal phone call from Fulham boss Marco Silva helped decide his next move. Fellow Brazilian Richarlison had become a Premier League star under the Portuguese at Watford and Everton.Muniz revealed: “Marco Silva said, ‘Look at Richarlison now’, and said he wanted to do not exactly the same with me, but very similar.“I didn’t play a lot in Flamengo but he believed in me. I had offers from Saudi Arabia, Atletico Madrid and other clubs.“But Marco really wanted me to play for him and, after that call, I decided to go to Fulham.”The patience Muniz learned from fishing stood him in good stead once more.In his first season in England, 2021-22, he watched and learned from Aleksandar Mitrovic as the Serb banged in the goals that earned Fulham promotion from the Championship.In his second season, Muniz had an underwhelming loan at Middlesbrough. But midway through last season, everything clicked.Muniz is a devout Christian and he said: “Fishing helped me but what helped me more was the Bible, because there are a lot of examples in there of patience.“When I was in Flamengo, I told myself, ‘Now it is Pedro and Gabigol time, my time is coming’. When my time arrived, I scored goals and came here. My third season in England was really good… it was my time.”Muniz scored eight goals in eight league games in February and March 2024 — and became the first Fulham player for 14 years to be named Premier League Player of the Month.He wept when Brazilian team-mates Willian and Andreas Pereira presented him with the trophy.And on Boxing Day last year, Muniz moved Fulham fans to tears by scoring the stoppage-time winner that earned their first victory over neighbours Chelsea at Stamford Bridge since 1979.He revealed: “A woman came up to me and said, ‘I was here when we won 45 years ago and I am here now, thank you so much.’  Then she started crying. I felt really happy.”Muniz has had to be patient again for much of this season with in-form Raul Jimenez being Silva’s first-choice frontman.But Muniz started at Wolves on Tuesday and scored a sumptuous winner in the 2-1 victory.His last three league goals have all been decisive in 2-1 victories — with that strike at Chelsea and at Newcastle last month — and has also scored three times in Fulham’s two FA Cup wins against Watford and Wigan. In the fifth-round Red Devils clash, Silva’s side will try to repeat last season’s 2-1 league win which was the club’s first triumph at Old Trafford for 21 years.Muniz loves a big stage, having already scored at Anfield, the Etihad, Stamford Bridge and St James’ Park this season.And he once struck twice for Flamengo at the legendary Maracana Stadium, including a bicycle kick.Muniz said: “I feel much better than last season. I have more confidence, even though I have not played a lot, and I am in the best shape since I came here.“I was 20-years-old when I scored that goal in the Maracana.“If I can score any goal at Old Trafford I will be very happy.  But if it happens like in the Maracana it will be even better.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe highlight of Muniz’s fishing career was landing a massive “tambaqui” back home a couple of years ago.But reeling in fallen giants United would be his biggest catch yet in England.Muniz scored in the 2-1 win over Wolves on TuesdayCredit: Getty More