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    ‘I’ve quit football at 22 to become a churchgoer, I don’t want to play on Saturdays because it’s my day of rest’

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    TOP-FLIGHT champion Silvan Wallner has quit football aged just 22 in favour of going to church every Saturday.The defender won the Swiss league title with hometown club FC Zurich two years ago.Silvan Wallner has quit football due to his religionCredit: RexWallner has ten youth-level caps for Switzerland and was tipped to break into their senior side.He landed a move to Austrian Bundesliga side Blau-Weiss Linz in September, penning a two-year deal.But he has now ended his contract by mutual consent after putting faith ahead of football.Wallner insisted: “I am a devout Christian and I read the Bible. I make my own decisions about my life.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I wish to follow Jesus Christ, and as a result, the biblical day of rest has become important to me.”As a footballer this means that I no longer want to play professionally on Saturdays.”This is my personal conviction, which I have reached in the last few days.”I am not yet a member of any church.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I want to thank with all my heart all the officials, staff and players at Blau-Weiss Linz.”I also say a big thank you to all the people who have accompanied and supported me in my sporting career.”Football stars’ weird phobiasWallner had made just five appearances for Linz, who sit midway in Austria’s 12-team top-flight.He came through FC Zurich and played 49 senior games for the Swiss Super League club.Wallner is a believer in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, who observe Saturday not Sunday as the day of rest.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      I’m a former Premier League star who became an Evangelist – I’m keeping myself in church all the time

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      FORMER Premier League star John Mensah has swapped penalties for pulpits … by becoming an EVANGELIST.The ex-Ghana international captain spent two top-flight seasons on loan to Sunderland between 2009 and 2011.Former Premier League star John Mensah became an EvangelistCredit: PA:Empics SportThe ex-Ghana captain spent two top-flight seasons on loan to Sunderland between 2009 and 2011Credit: EPACentre-back Mensah made 35 Black Cats appearances, scoring once against Manchester City before rejoining parent club Lyon.He shone at two World Cups and his other clubs included Genoa and Rennes.Mensah, 41, hung up his boots in 2016 after a spell with Swedish side AFC Eskilstuna.He has since kept a low profile, devoting himself to spreading the gospel at a church at Kasoa, near Ghana’s capital Accra.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMensah said: “My church is the Resurrection Power New Generation Church.  I’m just worshipping there.”But I keep my faith in God Almighty to worship Him well, advise my people, and do evangelism to help others know God very well.”I’m just keeping myself in the church all the time.”Since I am no longer on the field, that’s how I’m keeping myself cool.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Having retired from the game, I think it is time to spread the word of God to others.”Mensah won 86 caps for Ghana’s Black Stars, appearing at the 2006 and 2010 World Cup finals.Sunderland fans ranked him among the club’s best Premier League defenders of recent times.However, then-boss Steve Bruce declined the option to sign him on a permanent deal amid concerns about Mensah’s injury record. More

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      Secrets to England star Marc Guehi’s meteoric rise – from church on Sunday to Three Lions legend he idolised as a kid

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      WHEN he was a lad, England ace Marc Guehi loved playing the drums at church.His religion was so important to him that he didn’t play football on Sunday.As a youngster, religion was so important to Marc Guehi, he would go to church on Sundays and not play footballCredit: GettyMarc (circled) aged around seven, celebrates a trophy with South London club Cray WanderersMarc, left, celebrates England U17s World Cup in 2017Credit: Getty – ContributorYet at just 23, the Crystal Palace captain didn’t miss a beat as the Three Lions won their first game in the Euros and he continued to establish himself as a fixture in the heart of the defence.After England’s warm-up stinker against Iceland, his faultless and composed display in the 1-0 win against Serbia eased fans’ nerves after Harry Maguire missed out on the 26-man squad. Marc still attends church and family is hugely important to him. This has made him respected and reliable both on and off the pitch and has helped put him on the path to success.His drive to succeed started early. Marc’s school motto was “Be The Best That You Can Be” and he took it to heart.READ MORE ON MARC GUEHIHe was a very quiet boy and comes from a religious family. They are a very tight unit.Steve Owen, coached Marc from the age of five in South LondonThe Crystal Palace ace was born in Abidjan, the largest city in the Ivory Coast, West Africa, but moved to England aged one.His dad John, 52, became a minister at a church in Lewisham, South East London, where Marc played the drums.Steve Owen, 65, who coached him from the age of five with Cray Wanderers, in Sidcup, South East London, before Marc moved to Chelsea’s youth system, said: “Marc was in a younger group but I used to sneak him in to play with older boys aged six.“He was a left-sided centre-back like he is now, and not many players got past him. He wasn’t a flair player, but was solid in everything he did.Most read in Football‘Amazing dedication’“He was a very quiet boy and comes from a religious family. They are a very tight unit.“I still speak to his dad occasionally. He was always the one to take Marc to training, from when he was at Cray to Chelsea.Wyett ratings England v Serbia“Marc was never late once, he was always early. His dedication for such a young kid was amazing.“He is still very regimented in what he does and I think that is down to his background.”Marc, whose full name is Addji Keaninkin Marc-Israel Guehi, moved to Chelsea’s academy at the age of eight and idolised club legend John Terry throughout his youth.He worked his way through the ranks and played in two Carabao Cup matches for the Blues before two loan spells at Swansea City.In 2021, the muscly 6ft defender — who is not on social media — signed for Palace for £18million on a five-year deal and has become one of the Premier League’s most highly-regarded young defenders.Steve, who scouts for Chelsea’s academy, said: “When Marc was at Chelsea he came to Cray to do a presentation for the lads. He is a role model to everyone at our club. Seeing him at the Euros is fantastic, it’s a dream come true for any young footballer.”As well as his no-nonsense defending, he is superb on the ball, with the ability to dribble past opponents and launch attacks.And despite his quiet nature, he is also a natural leader, becoming Palace’s youngest captain in ten years when he wore the armband for the first time in 2022. He is now the Eagles’ permanent skipper.Marc also captained England under-17s in the Euros in 2017, when they lost the final on penalties to Spain.Later that year he scored in the final of the under-17s World Cup, starring alongside fellow Euros team-mates Phil Foden and Conor Gallagher, in a 5-2 win, again against Spain.He has maintained his friendship with Conor in the England camp in Blankenhain, where in downtime they compete against each other in games of Mario Kart, basketball and table tennis.Conor said: “Me and Marc go way back. We both joined Chelsea academy, we would’ve been seven or eight years old.“We played with England together growing up, we went to Swansea together, Crystal Palace . . . so yeah, pretty much anywhere I’ve gone he’s kind of been following me.“He’s a great friend of mine and he’s a top player as well.”Marc’s leadership skills were clear at school, where he was a “responsible person” who acted as a role model to other pupils.Marc’s old headteacher Edward Dove, of Marvels Lane Primary School in Lewisham, said: “Marc was with us for five years and he was a great kid. We have been following him with interest and pride.“It’s not often you get a club captain at such a young age.“That’s got something to do with his values, which hopefully we played a little part in.“He embraced our motto of ‘Be The Best That You Can Be’. He always knew he was part of a team. He was a great role model.“Marc hasn’t forgotten his roots. He has come back to visit us twice, after the under-17s won the World Cup and when he joined Crystal Palace.“He has got great values which he seems to have maintained.”Living with parentsAs of last October, Marc was still living with his parents and sisters Lois, 21, Joelle, 16, and 12-year-old Shirel. He said previously: “It’s actually hard to put into words what my mum and sisters have done for me, because anything I say wouldn’t actually justify what they’ve done.“I’m just so grateful to have them in my life.“My sisters and I have always been close.“We are all fortunate because not everyone has that and I’m very aware of it. I’m just glad we’ve grown up together.”“God first” was the rule in Marc’s house growing up, which is why he would never play football on a Sunday until he began pursuing it as a career — and it is now paying off.With two years left on his £50,000-a-week deal with Palace, he is being touted with a £65million move to Prem giants Liverpool, among others.I still go to church on Sundays when I can and it’s played a big part in both my football and my life in general, with my morals, my values and who I put my trust in.Marc GuehiHe has won 12 senior England caps and is in line for another in today’s match against Denmark, with a win putting the Three Lions through to the Euros knockout stage.And he will have Man United’s Maguire, 31, worrying about getting back into Southgate’s starting 11 if he keeps up his perfect performances.Marc has said: “My dad was a minister, so faith is massively important in my life.“I still go to church on Sundays when I can and it’s played a big part in both my football and my life in general, with my morals, my values and who I put my trust in.“My faith is something I value very highly in my life, for sure.“Church was also where I used to play the drums. We didn’t have a set at home so it was the only time I could play.“It was nice to just be free and enjoy it and it was an enjoyable part of growing up.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’m not up there with the greatest drummers in the world but I’d like to think I’m OK at it.”If England are to win this year’s Euros, after losing in the final in 2021, they could do worse than follow the beat of Marc’s drum . . .Marc making his name at Chelsea’s academyPutting in the hours of training in GermanyCredit: GettyDespite his quiet nature, he is also a natural leader, becoming Crystal Palace’s youngest captain in ten yearsCredit: Getty More

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      I’m a former Chelsea star who became a Match of the Day pundit – but I quit it all to become a pastor

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      FORMER Premier League star and pundit Gavin Peacock now works as a pastor.The 56-year-old played for the likes of Queens Park Rangers, Bournemouth, Newcastle and Chelsea.Gavin Peacock used to play for Chelsea and NewcastleCredit: Phil Shephard-Lewis – The TimesHe is now a pastor in CanadaCredit: Phil Shephard-Lewis – The TimesPeacock hung up his boots at the end of his third spell at QPR in 2002 and landed a job as a pundit for the BBC.He appeared on Match of the Day, Radio 5 Live, presented a Football Focus feature on religion in the game and even hosted an episode of Songs of Praise.But after Euro 2008 punditry duties, he quit it all to follow his dream of becoming a pastor.Peacock was a devout Christian during his playing days and was interested in leading a church after studying theology on the side of his media work.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTherefore, the ex-midfielder packed his bags and moved to Canada to undergo a masters course in divinity at Ambrose Seminary.He now lives in Calgary and is a pastor in the area.Peacock said in an interview with QPR: “I have always spoken about my faith in Jesus Christ but never sensed a call to full-time ministry until six years ago.”This call was affirmed by the church and I began to preach. It was then that I felt compelled to pursue vocational ministry. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I had been working for the BBC on Match of the Day and Football Focus as well as being sent to World Cups.”It was all going very well. So when I gave everything up, it did surprise a number of people. Ex-Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas refers to himself in third-person 6 times and says ‘my name is great’ in weird speech”It’s been the hardest few years of my life – but coming away from the UK has given me some anonymity. “Here in Canada, they consider me a preacher, not a footballer or pundit.”Peacock played 105 times for Newcastle, scoring 16 goals in the 1991/92 season and winning their Player of the Year award.He was then signed by Chelsea for £1.5m and was the Blues’ top scorer in the 1993/94 campaign as they made the FA Cup final, losing to Manchester United.Gavin Peacock was Chelsea’s top scorer in the 1993/94 seasonCredit: Richard Pelham More

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      I earned millions in the Premier League and was Thierry Henry’s ‘toughest opponent’ – but I quit and now I’m a pastor

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      A FORMER Premier League star now works as pastor in Nigeria.Taribo West was a tough tacking defender that stood out on the pitch thanks to his unique hairstyles.
      Taribo West used to play for AC and Inter MilanCredit: AFP
      The Nigerian defender now works as a pastorCredit: AFP
      West was named as one of Thierry Henry’s toughest opponentsCredit: Getty
      The left-back was one of the best around in the late 1990s, winning the Ligue 1 title with Auxerre in 1996.
      He then went on to play for both AC and Inter Milan before turning up for a spell in the Premier League with Derby in 2000.
      Not many got the better of Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, but West was someone he hated playing against.
      The Frenchman previously revealed that he was one of the toughest opponents he ever faced.
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      Henry said: “At Auxerre they did man-marking. He followed you everywhere, even in the dressing room.”
      But West now follows God rather than the best attackers in the world.
      The 49-year-old is a Christian and claims he used lucky charms throughout his time as a footballer.
      After retirement, he says rather than going head-to-head against a winger, he met God “one-on-one” and was convinced his purpose was religion.
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      West founded a church in Lagos in 2014 and now works as a pastor.
      On his career change, he said: “Why would I switch from being a footballer to becoming a pastor? I saw God one-on-one. That’s where my transition started; From the field to the pulpit.
      “We were celebrating. In the middle of that, a woman stumbled into me and said: ‘Sir, please may I know your name?’
      “I said: ‘I am Mr No Name’. She said: ‘May I know where you live?’ I said: ‘I live nowhere.’ She left with annoyance.
      “In the twinkle of an eye, I just heard an audible voice and it came like a slap. It said: ‘Switch, turn.’ I turned.
      “It said: ‘Look at the woman. Look for her now and call that woman and apologise to her. I said that to you.’
      “That can only be a voice from God.
      “So I switched, like a Robocop, I start searching for the woman, and when this sister came all the way from America, she told me a lot of prophecies.
      “And she told me in the next one or two years; I would open a church. All the prophecies she gave me came to pass.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Before finding God, football was his savoir, admitting he would’ve become “one of the bad boys in town” after an abusive childhood had it not been for the beautiful game.
      The Olympic gold medal winner in 1996 is now determined to help young people in Nigeria as a coach and through religion. More

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      I used to play for Man Utd before becoming a priest – football and religion have a lot in common

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      A FORMER Manchester United footballer swapped Fergie for the clergy – and warned fans not to turn supporting their team into a religion. The Northern Irishman, now 44, spent seven years at Old Trafford, coming through the academy to make a handful of first-team appearances under Sir Alex Ferguson.
      This former Manchester United player is now a Roman Catholic priestCredit: Inpho – For The Times
      He was ordained in 2017 and now serves in CorkCredit: Collect
      He made his debut in October 1997 but struggled for game time due to the abundant quality up front and in midfield.
      His only Premier League appearance for the club came on the final day of the 1997-98 season as United beat Barnsley to finish second behind Arsenal.
      The player joined Norwich in 1999 but just as his first-team career was finally taking off, he suffered a broken leg.
      However, the 27-cap Green and White Army international battled back and was a key part of the promotion-winning side in 2003-04.
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      He went on to have spells with Cardiff and Leyton Orient before retiring in 2009 aged 31 after a short stint at King’s Lynn.
      And rather than taking the traditional route into coaching, the footballer stepped away from the game altogether and trained to be a Roman Catholic priest.
      He once earned £600,000 per year as a pro player but revealed he got “bored” of “the money, the cars, the nightclubs and the attention of women”.
      The mystery footballer who traded the pitch for the pulpit is Philip Mulryne – or to give him his full title, the Reverend Father Philip Mulryne.
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      Fr Mulryne, who grew up in West Belfast, was ordained a priest for the Dominican Order in 2017 and is currently based at St. Mary’s Priory Church in Cork.
      Speaking in 2021, he said that sport was a “wonderful vehicle for teaching great virtues” but should be kept in perspective and not treated as a religion despite some crossover.
      Fr Mulryne added: “Even the word religion comes from the Latin Religare – to bind, to rebind yourself.
      “That’s what we are doing when we practice our religion towards God. We bind ourselves to God and Him to us.

      “In a sense, people bind themselves together into a particular club and so it is a form of worship in some way.”
      Peter Crouch played alongside Mulryne on loan at Norwich as they helped the Canaries into the Premier League and recalled enjoying a fair few nights out with the former Red Devils prodigy.
      Maybe it was hanging out with me in those giddy months that convinced him he needed a fresh directionPeter Crouch on Philip Mulryne
      The BT Sport pundit wrote in his new book How to Be an Ex-Footballer: “I’m pleased for Phil.
      “As we qualified for the Champions League, and unleashed a hell called Gareth Bale upon Maicon, Phil was moving to the Pontifical Irish College in Rome and studying theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University.
      “Not once did he ever talk about religion to me. Looking back, maybe I should have asked him.
      “Maybe — and this is a possibility I don’t like to entertain — it was hanging out with me in those giddy months that convinced him he needed a fresh direction in his life.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Mulryne is not the first Premier League footballer to take on a role within the church after hanging up their boots.
      Ex-Chelsea and Newcastle man Gavin Peacock relocated to Canada in 2008 to study theology and is now a pastor at Calvary Grace Church in Calgary.
      Philip Mulryne made one Premier League appearance for the Red DevilsCredit: PA:Press Association
      Fr Mulryne went through training after retiring aged 31Credit: PA:Press Association More