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      in Soccer

      Patrice Evra is football’s king of social media, including kissing a chimp, licking a chicken and taunting England fans

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      HE’S game for a laugh. Patrice Evra, 40, has had us in stitches over the years sharing some hilarious social media posts. Patrice Evra always entertains his nine million followers on Instagram
      The French defender has done everything from getting off with a monkey to feeding a lion. In honour of the funniest footballer on Instagram, SunSport celebrates the veteran star’s best social media moments.
      Keeping it festive
      For Evra the spirit of Christmas is perfectly captured by a dancing reindeer, well if his most recent Instagram post is to be believed!
      The hilarious star dresses up in a reindeer suit and shakes along to the Soca Boys hit Follow the Leader in a brilliant clip.
      He also insists: “If you don’t believe in Santa you must tell your kid mini black Santa is the real one” in the video.
      After getting ‘Rudolph’ dizzy he adds a comical trip to proceedings.

      That time he dressed up as a panda
      Patrice had a novel idea when it came to stamping out racism in football. He dressed up like a panda, danced and delivered a fine speech to his 3.7 million Instagram followers. Evra said: “Be like a panda. I am black, I am white, I am Asian and I am chubby. I am full of love. I love this game, say no to racism.”
      Patrice Evra dressed up like a panda and danced around to combat racismCredit: Instagram @Patrice.Evra
      Patrice Evra dances in a Panda suit and encourages people to say no to racism
      Taunting England
      Singing into some fish and chips and wearing a Gallagher brother wig, Evra joked dinosaurs were alive the last time England won a major trophy ahead the Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark in a hilarious clip back in the summer. He begins by singing along to Fatboy Slim’s 1999 hit Praise You before shouting, “It’s Monday,” down the camera. He continues: “Everyone’s been waiting for this for so long. “Last time England won a trophy, even the dinosaurs were still alive! “Come on chaps! You can do this! Come on!”

      Patrice Evra showed his support for England by singing into some fish and chips

      When he got the seal of approval
      Over the years Patrice’s “I love this game” catchphrase has come in handy for his social media posts. None more so when he bellowed out his mantra as a huge seal was being fed behind him. Cue said seal resting his head on top of Evra’s in the ultimate act of comic timing that couldn’t have been done better than Morecambe and Wise.

      Patrice Evra loved hanging around with a sealCredit: Instagram @Patrice.Evra
      Patrice Evra makes friends with a seal in heartwarming new video
      One Love
      That’s exactly how we felt when we saw Evra’s incredible Bob Marley impression. Wearing the reggae star’s trademark beanie hat with dreadlocks attached, he belted out the Jamaican’s hit, One Love. He definitely left us feeling together and alright after seeing this splashed on social.
      Patrice Evra sang Bob Marley’s One Love on InstagramCredit: instagram
      Patrick Evra sings Bob Marley classic, One Love
      Jeep thrills
      Is there a better way to prove you’ll come back stronger and fitter than ever? We don’t think so. After having his contract terminated by Marseille, Evra took to social media to tell fans he’ll be back. He did it in the most extravagant way with a video that saw him pulling a Jeep.
      Patrice Evra pulled a Jeep to show he would return stronger than ever after his contract was terminated by MarseilleCredit: Instagram @Patrice.Evra
      Patrice Evra vows to come back ‘stronger than ever’ as he pulls JEEP with man on top
      Doing some home chores
      There could be nothing more boring than ironing. But if you do it the way Evra does it, then you’re likely to have a right laugh. The left back treated us to a video of him ironing his Juventus Champions League shirt, while singing along to Barry White. For the record, he sang Can’t Get Enough of Your Love Babe brilliantly.
      Patrice Evra even made boring ironing look entertainingCredit: Instagram @Patrice.Evra
      Patrice Evra posts clip of himself doing the ironing to Barry White!
      Feeding a lion
      He’s so flamboyant, he feeds lions. And he showed his love for his feline friend by giving the cub some milk from a bottle in a video uploaded last year. Evra captioned the vid: “Good night my little friend need some milk. I love this game. #ilovethisgame #goodnight #lion #babywhitelion #positivevibes #milk.” He debuted the lion in 2018, but we haven’t seen it for a while.
      Patrice Evra feeds milk to a baby lionCredit: Instagram @patrice.evra
      Boxer Amir Khan and footballer Patrice Evra feed milk to baby lions
      Evra’s Bank Holiday song
      The former Man United star showed us the way on May 1, 2017 on a Bank Holiday by bursting into song. He chose The Temptations hit My Girl and displayed signs that he could have a future as a pop star. If you’re watching, Simon Cowell look no further than signing this man up.
      Patrice Evra has a talent for singingCredit: Instagram @Patrice.Evra
      Patrice Evra gets into the Bank Holiday spirit as he sings My Girl in his car
      His love of Marvin Gaye
      There’s no doubt about it, Evra is a huge fan of the soul legend. Only last month, he treated us to a bizarre impression of Gaye, wearing a bathrobe, sunglasses and a curly wig. Even more strange was the fact he seemed to have lost one of his £825 shoes while performing Sexual Healing.
      Patrice Evra has a bizarre obsession with Marvin Gaye and dressed up as the singerCredit: Instagram @Patrice.Evra
      Patrice Evra does Marvin Gaye impression in his bathrobe – and one shoe
      Kissing a chimpanzee
      In probably the greatest video any footballer has uploaded to social media, Evra’s kissing chimp moment will live on forever. The full-back can be seen puckering up next to the chimp as he asks the monkey: “You love my game or not? Then kiss me.” Evra jokes: “No tongues,” as the chimp leans in and obliges. It’s comedy gold.
      Patrice Evra loves to monkey around with his chimp pal
      Ex-Man Utd star Patrice Evra puckers up and kisses a chimpanzee More

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      in Soccer

      Finland team FC Santa Claus play in red and white, and have the most famous coach in the world

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      IT’S not like playing on a rainy day at Stoke, but it must be chilly.In 1992, FC Santa Claus – who play their games at Lapland – were formed when Finish teams Rovaniemen Reipas and Rovaniemen Lappi combined.
      FC Santa Claus are a team in FinlandCredit: Instagram @fcsantaclausofficial
      Santa Claus, the club’s boss, shows off his football skillsCredit: Instagram @fcsantaclausofficial
      And they can officially lay claim to being the most Christmassy football club EVER.
      Their honorary boss is Saint Nick, better known as Santa Claus to children around the globe.
      Often, he’s seen at matches and the club’s crest features his image checking his naughty or nice list.
      While their club colours are in honour of their Santa’s famous attire, with red and white home kits and white and green away designs too.
      PART-TIMERS
      FC Santa Claus played their first professional match in 1993, and once reached the heady heights of the Finnish third division.
      Not bad for a side that’s made primarily of part-timers – that’s students and locals who work at the Christmas market or at the post office that receives letters for Santa Claus.
      The club, themselves, realise their status and have gained popularity all around the world.
      And they do their bit for charity – teaming up with UNICEF to donate proceeds from their kits to the organisation renowned for their work for children in danger.
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      The club crest features Santa checking his naughty or nice listCredit: Instagram @fcsantaclausofficial
      FC Santa Claus are made up of students and locals who work at the Christmas market or at the post officeCredit: Instagram @fcsantaclausofficial
      In 1997, they even played against Premier League side Crystal Palace in a friendly that drew 5,000 fans.
      IN THE DARK
      FC Santa Claus play games in Rovaniemi – Lapland’s capital, in an area surrounded by forest, reindeer and the sight of the Northern Lights.
      It could be seen as daunting place to go – football in Lapland is at the mercy of the winter elements, and from October to April it snows, while daylight hours are limited.
      Temperatures can average between 16°C to -3°C.
      Ralf Wunderlich, who runs things on the pitch, revealed his job satisfaction to BBC Sport.
      “If you like Christmas, and I do, then this place is very good – it’s all about Christmas here,” he said.
      “You have some kind of Christmas feeling the whole year without being too much – a whole year of positive feelings.
      “Of course, Santa is not officially in charge, but in the background everyone knows he runs this club.”
      The team plays in Rovaniemi – Lapland’s capitalCredit: Instagram @fcsantaclausofficial

      Temperatures can average between 16°C to -3°C for FC Santa Claus games
      HARD TIMES
      Despite their good intentions, FC Santa Claus have battled on amid financial tribulations.
      In 2012 they were saved from bankruptcy with a last-ditch fundraiser, as well as sponsorship deals with EA Sports and Puma.
      They have since been sponsored by Nike, as they continue to toil.
      But fortunes on the pitch haven’t been as kind as Santa’s present giving.
      The main team in Rovaniemi has always been RoPS – but they suffered relegation from the first division back in November.
      FC Santa Claus are the locals’ second team, and the players who represent them are often those who aren’t good enough to play at a higher level and enjoy the spirit of Christmas.
      After a number of relegations, they played in Finland’s fifth tier last year. This term, they only have a team featuring in an eight-a-side league.
      Wunderlich, however, isn’t deterred. His job is to kickstart a youth set-up and restart the men’s team in the new year.
      The club have run into financial difficulties after a number of relegationsCredit: Instagram @fcsantaclausofficial
      Now FC Santa Claus are an eight-a-side team
      But FC Santa Claus hope to rise againCredit: Instagram @fcsantaclausofficial
      “I like the idea of being Santa Claus’ official club – such a big potential to be cheerful and spread positive messages,” he said.
      “For me it is very important people realise it is not just FC Santa Claus in name but the whole spirit of Santa and values around Christmas.
      “I will do my best to make the whole world understand there is this positive small football club in north Finland representing Santa.” More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd wanted Ronaldo to go to Barcelona instead of Real Madrid in 2009 – meaning he could’ve played with Lionel Messi

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      MANCHESTER UNITED almost managed to get Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to link-up… for Barcelona.Portuguese superstar Ronaldo shattered football’s transfer record in 2009 when he left Old Trafford to join Real Madrid for £80million.

      Los Blancos had already splashed out on Karim Benzema, Xabi Alonso and Ballon d’Or winner Kaka in response to Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering debut season as Nou Camp chief the year before.
      But they were almost denied the jewel in returning president’s Florentino Perez’s masterplan if Sir Alex Ferguson had got his way.
      The legendary Scot was desperate to avoid losing Ronaldo to Real once he’d accepted that the former Sporting Lisbon winger was set to leave.
      Fergie had even said back in 2008 that he wouldn’t sell Madrid a ‘virus’ let alone his best player.
      And according to Spanish newspaper AS, the United boss realised at the time that Barcelona were the only other club who could afford Ronaldo.

      The 79-year-old apparently contacted the Catalans to encourage a bid but the Portugal captain had already set his mind on a move to the Bernabeu.
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      Guardiola’s most notable signing that summer involved an infamous swap deal with Inter Milan involving Samuel Eto’o and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
      But the acquisition of Ronaldo would have not only ushered in an era of pure dominance for Barcelona, but also have cancelled out his famed rivalry with Messi.
      Whether Manchester City chief Pep could have managed to get the two to play together is up for debate, as he boasted an embarrassment of attacking riches while in charge of Barca.
      While Arsenal legend Thierry Henry flourished for Barca on the left wing, Ronaldo could have occupied the opposite flank to leave Messi in the hole behind Ibra.
      Yaya Toure and Sergio Busquets may have had to share a spot on the substitutes bench, with Spanish duo Xavi and Iniesta holding down the two spots in the middle.
      Messi was asked by Mundo Deportivo last year whether he would pass to Ronaldo if the two were on the same team.
      The Argentine joked: “I guess so, in the end, yes.”
      Cristiano Ronaldo sealed a then-world record transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid in 2009Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      The Portuguese superstar was also offered to Barcelona which would have made him teammates with Lionel MessiCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea star N’Golo Kante could have joined Middlesbrough after supporter spotted him while playing on holiday in 2013

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      N’GOLO KANTE could have signed for Middlesbrough in 2013 had the Teesside outfit listened to the advice of one eagle-eyed fan.Boro supporter Dennis Abbott called on the club to make a move for the Frenchman while he was on holiday in Normandy.
      A Boro fan called on the club to sign K’Golo Kante eight years agoCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Abbott watched Kante play for Caen in 2013 – two years before Leicester poached him from Ligue 1 in a £5.6million deal.
      And, having recognised his enormous talent, he immediately brought the midfielder to Boro’s attention.
      The fan labelled the Frenchman ‘an outstanding creative player’ in a tweet sent to the Teesside club.
      Abbott wrote: “Boro scouts, tell Tony Mowbray to check out Caen midfielder N’Golo Kante before Wenger gets him. Top top player.”
      The club acknowledged Abbott’s comment, saying it had been ‘passed on to scouts’.
      The fan continued: “That’s great. He’s an outstanding creative player, winning plaudits from media & players alike.”
      Rather dismissively, Boro replied: “Thanks Dennis – they’re going to look.”
      Fast forward to the present and Kante has won the 2018 World Cup and is a two-time Premier League winner – while also winning the Champions League last season at Chelsea.
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}most read in football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      He played the key role in Leicester’s miraculous Premier League triumph in 2016 – before moving to Chelsea for £30m later that summer.
      The Frenchman has since then won the Premier League again, the FA Cup and the Europa League title – cementing his reputation as one of the world’s best midfielders.
      And Boro fans are fuming they missed out on such a gem, with one joking: “Dodged a bullet here lads, I’m glad we ended up with Lee Tomlin instead.”
      Another tweeted: “Hey Boro, have ya fired the scouts yet?”
      A third wrote: “Can we get Tony Mowbray’s evaluation at the time?”
      Meanwhile one simply said: “This is mental to be honest.” More

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      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo naps five times a day BEFORE bedtime and lies in foetal position, says superstar’s sleep guru

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO’S secret weapon is that he sleeps five times a day BEFORE bed and snoozes in the foetal position.Sleep guru Nick Littlehales has lifted the lid on the amazing routines behind the Portuguese superstar’s success.
      Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo is said to go for a lie-down five times every dayCredit: Splash News
      Sleep guru Nick Littlehales has revealed all about the five-time Ballon d’Or winners sleep secretsCredit: Reuters
      Littlehales landed one of his first gigs in football when he wrote to Sir Alex Ferguson and offered his services.
      The Manchester United chief enlisted the help of the former bed company director to help with Gary Pallister’s back problem.
      Twenty years on and Littlehales is now helping advise some of the biggest names in world sport.
      Red Devils ace Ronaldo used to need a decent rest after Fergie let United’s stars kick the forward to toughen him up.
      And the 36-year-old proved a sponge for sleep advice when then Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti invited Littlehales to come and work with Los Blancos.
      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was told to take five 90-minute sleeps a day and sleep on fresh sheets in the foetal position.
      During his Madrid days, he was the only player awarded access to their customised sleeping pod at their training centre, meaning that the forward napped alone.
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}MOST READ IN FOOTBALL.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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      Ronaldo also stops staring at screens an hour and a half before bed.
      Research shows the blue light emitted keeps your brain ticking during sleep by suppressing sleep hormone melatonin.
      Speaking to the Independent, Littlehales said: “Anyone who has ever worked with Ronaldo knows that if you have a discussion in the corner of the room, he will come over and ask what you are talking about.
      “I was invited to Real Madrid when Carlo Ancelotti became manager.
      “I was standing on the edge of the training pitch, talking to the Madrid staff, when Ronaldo ran over.
      “He had been training all day and you would have expected him to run straight to the dressing room for a shower but he asked what we were discussing.
      “He was interested in what I was trying to do because as an athlete he has always invested in himself.
      The only thing he is concerned with is: does it work for him?Nick Littlehales
      “From what I have learned from working with him, Ronaldo is not interested in fad diets, he is not interested in copying others.
      “The only thing he is concerned with is: does it work for him?”
      Former Chelsea ace Michael Essien once claimed he needed 14 hours of sleep a day to ensure he was at his powerful and energetic best in games.
      And 15-time tennis Grand Slam winner Pete Sampras would insist on pristine new sheets every night and banned his wife from even touching him once he got into bed.
      But Littlehales says the key to a good night is sleeping in a mattress with just TEN CENTIMETRES of foam. Aside from his work with football and rugby league clubs, Littlehales has also advised golden British cycling couple Laura and Jason Kenny.
      He added: “Why, when you go camping and start sleeping on a thinner mattress, do you wake up feeling fantastic?
      “I’ve been working with Team Sky for a number of years and during every Tour de France, Giro d’Italia or Vuelta a Espana, we go ahead to the hotels making sure the cyclists sleep on exactly the same mattress every night.
      “All you need is ten centimetres of foam.”
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
      Littlehales was previously employed by Sir Alex Ferguson at Man UtdCredit: Getty
      Olympic heroes Jason and Laura Trott are two of his clientsCredit: Getty Images More

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      in Soccer

      14 Man Utd legends as managers who have been sacked 17 times, and the ONE ex-star who has been a major success

      by

      PARK JI-SUNG is taking his first steps into management – but he might want to rethink his plans.The Manchester United legend has taken steps into coaching in England, by taking on a role with QPR’s Under-16s.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer isn’t the first ex-Man Utd star to be given his marching orders as a boss
      Park Ji-sung is the latest former Red Devil to go down the coaching routeCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The Times
      Many who played under legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson made a foray into management, however most ended up flopping.
      Although, there’s one who was a major success…
      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER
      THE super-sub was brought off the bench once again when things went wrong under Jose Mourinho.
      After a great start, he was given the job permanently.
      But a lack of trophies and with the side in dire straits earlier this season, he was regretfully given the boot.
      He didn’t fare much better when he was manager of Cardiff, although did enjoy some success in his native Norway with Molde where he won the league twice and the cup.
      VERDICT: A FLOP ON THESE SHORES
      GARY NEVILLE
      ASTONISHINGLY, after working mostly as a TV pundit and co-owner of Salford City, the ex-right-back was handed the reigns at Valencia in 2015.
      It was an appointment that lasted a meagre 28 games.
      The biggest low including a 7-0 drubbing to rivals Barcelona.
      “I never should have said yes to the job,” Neville said in 2019. “I wasn’t qualified for the job and didn’t wake up every morning and think about coaching.
      “There was already far too much going on with the Sky stuff, writing articles for a newspaper and doing all the stuff in Manchester with Salford.”
      VERDICT: FLOP DEBUT BUT TIME TO PROVE US WRONG
      Gary Neville famously flopped as Valencia boss
      STEVE BRUCE
      A FORMER United captain, Bruce is now somewhat of a journeyman manager.
      He’s managed 10 clubs, including Wigan Athletic twice. Major honours have escaped him though, with FA Cup runner-up at Hull City in 2014 perhaps a highlight.
      Most recently, he was the brunt of Newcastle fans who lambasted his tactics.
      His first sacking came at Huddersfield in 2000. Since then, he’s been fired from jobs at Aston Villa and the Toon.
      VERDICT: FLOP – MOST OF THE TIME
      Steve Bruce was recently sacked by Newcastle
      PHIL NEVILLE
      NEVILLE’S first taste of being boss came with England’s lionesses.
      In 2018, he led the women’s team to glory in the SheBelievesCup.
      However, a year later finishing fourth in the World Cup seemed to be a bit of a disappointment.
      After stepping down from his role with the Three Lions, he was appointed as boss of David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
      However, they finished fourth from bottom in the MLS Eastern Conference and failed to make the play offs.
      VERDICT: FLOP SO FAR
      Phil Neville is proving to be a dismal appointment for Inter Miami
      RYAN GIGGS
      IN 2014, after David Moyes was fired, Welsh legend Giggs was hired as United’s interim manager – winning two of his four games in charge.
      Following a stint as Louis Van Gaal’s assistant, he took on the Wales national job in 2018 – leading his country to qualify for Euro 2020.
      But in 2020, he was forced to take gardening leave.
      VERDICT: TOO EARLY TO CALL
      Jury’s out on Ryan Giggs’ career as a manager
      ROY KEANE
      AS a leader on the pitch, Keane appeared to be management material.
      And things seemed to get off to a good start with Sunderland, who he helped gain promotion to the Premier League.
      However, he stepped down in 2008 amidst a player mutiny and a dismal run of form.
      Worse was to follow at Ipswich Town, where Keane was sacked when The Tractor Boys dropped to 21st in the Championship in 2011.
      VERDICT: FLOP
      Roy Keane was sacked by Ipswich Town in 2011
      JAAP STAM
      STAM played in the same sides as Keane, and himself was a tough competitor.
      Most recently, he was dismissed as boss of MLS team FC Cincinnati having won four of just 25 games.
      Before that, he handed in his resignation with Feyenoord bosses after 4-0 thrashing to rivals Ajax.
      On our shores, Stam is remembered for his time at Reading. He enjoyed a successful first season, leading the Royals to the play offs.
      However, it went downhill the following year. One win in 18 league matches was enough for Stam to be given his marching orders.
      VERDICT: FLOP
      At Reading Jaap Stam was given the bullet following a dismal run
      BRYAN ROBSON
      CAPTAIN Marvel has had a 17-year career as a manager, taking in jobs with the likes of Middlesbrough, Bradford City, West Brom, Sheffield United, Thailand, and then Thailand’s U23s.
      His most successful period came at Boro, who he helped gain promotion. Between 1994-2001, Robson also led the club to three Wembley cup final appearances, although they lost each one.
      A stint at Bradford City saw Robson officially sacked for the first time after just 28 games in charge and a winning percentage of just 25 per cent.
      At West Brom he pulled off the great escape, with his side bottom of the Premier League at Christmas.
      The following year, though, they were relegated and Robson left by mutual consent.
      He also sacked by Sheffield United in 2008. He hasn’t managed anyone since the Thailand job ended in 2011.
      VERDICT: FLOP
      Captain Marvel Bryan Robson endured 17 years in management but hasn’t been in a job since 2011
      MARK HUGHES
      LIKE Robson, Hughes appeared to be tailor-made to be boss – doing decent jobs with Wales and Blackburn.
      That scored him a big job at Manchester City in 2008, who were then taken over by Sheikh Mansour two months after he arrived.
      However, after spending a fortune, including signing the disastrous Robinho for £32million, he was sacked after 18 months with nothing to show but a 10th place finish.
      After a bust-up with Mohamed Al-Fayed, he resigned as Fulham boss 11 months after his appointment – with Al-Fayed labelling the Welshman a ‘strange man’.
      Sackings at QPR, Stoke and Southampton then followed.
      Officially, he’s the most sacked out of the United legends.
      VERDICT: BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT AFTER WALES AND BLACKBURN JOBS
      Mark Hughes has been sacked four times – more than any other ex-Man Utd star
      PAUL INCE
      ‘THE GUVNOR’ has been out of a job since 2014, since leaving Blackpool, where he was once handed a five game ban for berating an official in the tunnel.
      In the lower leagues, Ince did a stellar jobs at Macclesfield Town in a player-manager role, before then getting Milton Keynes Dons promoted to League Two and winning the FA Trophy.
      In 2008, however, when Blackburn Rovers asked him to make the step up to the Premier League, Ince proved to be out of his depth.
      After three wins in 17 games, he was given the bullet.
      VERDICT: FLOP
      Paul Ince couldn’t hack it in the Premier League as a boss
      PAUL SCHOLES
      WITH one of the greatest football brains in the modern era, Scholes was surely going to make a decent coach?
      Maybe too soon to tell. He spent just 31 days at crisis club Oldham between February and March 2019, until walking away following a disagreement with the owners.
      “In the last week there was a couple of issues with a couple of players,” Scholes revealed in a chat with BT Sport in 2019.
      “Experienced pros that I felt didn’t deserve to be treated the way the club wanted to treat them.
      “I didn’t need the hassle of that. I really like the players, really respected them and would have done anything for them. But once I get told ‘don’t play him’, that’s when it is time for me to go…
      “That only happened once, but that was the end of it. There were subtle hints along the way, but that was the end of it.”
      VERDICT: TOO EARLY TO CALL
      Paul Scholes spent just 31 days at crisis club Oldham
      GORDON STRACHAN
      THE Scot spent five years at Coventry City, mostly doing his best to avoid relegation.
      Eventually, his luck would run out in 2001 when the club were demoted from the Premier League.
      He was sacked the following season after a poor start in the First Division.
      Within weeks, Strachan was back – this time in the Southampton hot seat. He resigned as Saints boss in 2004, after wanting to take a break from football
      At Celtic he was victorious – winning three league titles in a row. But in his fourth season, the Hoops lost out Rangers and he handed in his resignation in 2009.
      His time at Middlesbrough was forgettable. With the club languishing in 20th position, he commendably tore up his contract and refused compensation.
      For his last act, Strachan walked away from the Scotland job after failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
      VERDICT: MIXED BAG
      On our shores, Gordon Strachan struggled at Coventry City and Middlesbrough
      WAYNE ROONEY
      Manchester United’s all-time top scorer, Rooney is the most recent former Red Devil star to try his hand at managing after being hired in 2020 by Derby County.
      But it’s been a tumultuous time for the club, who are in dire financial trouble.
      They narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of last season, but it looks highly unlikely they will be able to repeat that feat – after they were docked 21 points for financial irregularities and sit rock bottom of the Championship with four points and 22 games played.
      Hard to judge Rooney on this though, given his hands are tied.
      VERDICT: TOO EARLY TO TELL
      Wayne Rooney’s first foray into management at cash-strapped Derby can’t be judged
      LAURENT BLANC
      The exception to the rule, Laurent Blanc is one of the world’s leading managers and has been linked with the Old Trafford job.
      Currently in Qatar with Al-Rayyan, the France World Cup winner has won all his trophies in his homeland.
      He landed the title with Bordeaux in 2009, then won three successive championships with PSG, as well as two French Cups and three French league cups with the latter in just three years.
      The only blot on his copybook, perhaps, was his time as France boss, who he could only lead to a quarter-final of Euro 2012 before standing down.
      But, he’s never been sacked.
      VERDICT: HIT
      Laurent Blanc is the exception to the rule, enjoying success as a boss More

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      in Soccer

      Jurgen Klopp’s most explosive bust-ups from rows with BT Sport’s Des Kelly to grudge against referee Paul Tierney

      by

      JURGEN KLOPP is no stranger to an explosive bust-up.The Liverpool manager was at it again on Sunday as he clashed with referee Paul Tierney.
      Jurgen Klopp was involved in his latest bust-up on SundayCredit: AP
      He was booked by Paul Tierney for his behaviour on the touchline at TottenhamCredit: AFP
      First he was shown a yellow card for his reaction to Harry Kane not being sent off for a dangerous tackle.
      And then after the match he raged “what’s his problem with me”.
      Here, SunSport takes a look at the German’s biggest rows from calling out BT’s Des Kelly to his bust-up with a sweary Frank Lampard.
      PAUL TIERNEY
      Klopp lost his cool as a number of key decisions went against Liverpool during the 2-2 draw away at Tottenham.
      After Harry Kane escaped a red card for a wild lunge on Andy Robertson and Diogo Jota’s penalty appeals were waved away, the German went ballistic on the touchlines.
      Ref Tierney showed him a yellow card with Klopp then sarcastically bowing – and avoiding an immediate second yellow.
      Robertson was later sent off for a swipe on Emerson Royal and Klopp confronted Tierney at full-time.
      He told the official: “I don’t have a problem with referees, only you.
      “Anyone who has played football knows you can’t stop there to win a penalty.”
      The German sarcastically bowed to Tierney after being shown the yellow cardCredit: Getty
      He approached the officials on the pitch at full-time following the 2-2 drawCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
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      And after the match the Liverpool boss said to Sky Sports: “It is always helpful when you play football yourself. When you see the situation back (Jota’s penalty appeal), the VAR is there. Why is he stopping? I don’t understand.
      “The draw is fine. We are not crazy enough to think we cannot draw at Tottenham but these situations are crucial.
      “I have no idea what his [referee Paul Tierney] problem is with me.
      “I was a bit more emotional in the game but he gives me a yellow card but it is not allowed in a situation like this? He comes over and gives me a yellow card but I’d have preferred the right decisions on the pitch.
      “But just an objective ref who sees the situations and judges them. He told me he thinks he stops on purpose. It is incredible. He had the best spot on the pitch and doesn’t give it. You will have to ask him what his problem is with me.”
      DIEGO SIMEONE
      Atletico lost a dramatic Champions League encounter to the Reds, who picked up a late 3-2 win at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in October 2021, and Simeone stormed down the tunnel after the full-time whistle.
      Klopp stood furiously outside the tunnel, seemingly bemused by Simeone’s decision to ignore his handshake. Two HUGE VAR calls went against the Argentine’s side as Liverpool took the three points.
      But Simeone insisted the snub was nothing personal as he “never shakes hands after a match”.
      The 51-year-old added that next time he saw Klopp he would definitely extend his hand.
      However, when the sides met at Anfield a few weeks later, Simeone snubbed Klopp AGAIN.
      Jurgen Klopp was not happy when Diego Simeone refused to shake his hand after Liverpool beat Atletico MadridCredit: BT Sport
      The Atletico boss ran straight down the tunnel at the end of his side’s 3-2 defeatCredit: BT Sport
      Jurgen Klopp gesticulated down the tunnel after SimeoneCredit: Rex
      DES KELLY
      Klopp and BT Sport reporter Des Kelly have developed a comical rivalry in recent seasons.
      One of their first clashes came in November 2020 after Klopp blasted Kelly’s employers BT Sport for scheduling his team to play on Saturday lunch time after a Champions League game midweek.
      Klopp labelled it criminal but Kelly hit back and suggested Klopp was “aiming at the wrong target” and said “having a go at the broadcaster isn’t going to change anything”.
      A similar situation occurred when Klopp’s team played Watford at 12.30pm after an international break.
      And rounding on Kelly again, the German said: “Who had the idea to bring us at 12.30pm? Was it Watford?
      “If [BT Sport] wouldn’t have said it we would’ve had to reply. Ah yeah thank you for your help, really, thank you, thank you very much.”
      Jurgen Klopp and BT Sport reporter Des Kelly have developed somewhat of a comical rivalry in recent seasonsCredit: The Times
      SADIO MANE
      There have been a few incidents involving the stern-faced Senegalese.
      The forward famously threw a strop at the end of a 1-1 draw with Chelsea in 2017.
      Mane’s tantrum came after coming on just one minute before injury-time — and he let his boss know exactly how he felt before storming down the tunnel.
      And there was more of the same from the former Southampton man earlier this year when he refused to shake hands with Klopp at the end of a 4-2 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
      Klopp later explained it was because he dropped Mane in place of Diogo Jota shortly before the game with little explanation.
      But studio pundits Roy Keane and Graeme Souness took exemption to the Senegal international’s display and called it ‘disrespectful’.
      Klopp has also been involved in some frosty exchanges with Sadio Mane after matches
      SEAN DYCHE
      Klopp and Sean Dyche angrily clashed in the Anfield tunnel as tempers boiled over at half time between Liverpool and Burnley in January.
      The Reds chief was quizzed about the incident after the defeat and replied: “If he’s not talking about it, I will not talk about it. But I didn’t start it.”
      It was not the first time the pair had crossed swords having gone head-to-head after a game in December 2018.
      Dyche whispered something to Klopp making him visibly confused after the match.
      But the Clarets boss insisted he only told Klopp “well done” after Liverpool nicked a stoppage time win.
      And their most recent encounter came in August when Klopp called Burnley’s players wrestlers and Dyche hit back by criticising the German for ‘name-checking’ members of his team.
      “If he’s not talking about it, I will not talk about it.” 🤐Jurgen Klopp wasn’t giving anything away from his half-time confrontation with Sean Dyche, but revealed that he ‘didn’t start it’. 👀 pic.twitter.com/B0E7xkpBD9— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 21, 2021

      FRANK LAMPARD
      In one of Klopp’s more feisty encounters, he was reportedly told to ‘f*** off and sit down’ by then-Chelsea boss Frank Lampard.
      The ex-England midfielder lost his cool with Klopp and his assistant Pep Lijnders after the referee awarded the Reds a free-kick which led to their second goal in a 5-3 thriller last July.
      Klopp fired back by saying the former midfielder ‘has a lot to learn’.
      Lampard has since admitted he regretted the bust-up and confirmed there was no bad blood between the pair.
      But he did call the German a ‘hypocrite’ just two months later after the Liverpool boss criticised Chelsea’s spending.
      Frank Lampard and Klopp clashed on the touchline at Anfield with the Blues boss labelling the Liverpool staff ‘arrogant’
      ARSENE WENGER
      Klopp slated Arsene Wenger for not getting the best out of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2017.
      The Liverpool boss said he found it ‘unbelievable’ the Ox’s attacking talents were not used to the full by the Gunners’ chief.
      That had come after Wenger said Klopp and his fellow Prem managers had been ‘disappointing on all levels’ the year before.
      And needle between the pair emerged again in 2020 when Liverpool blew the chance to match Wenger’s Arsenal in going unbeaten in the Premier League.
      Rather than sympathise with the Reds, Wenger said he was ‘very satisfied’ to see them lose 3-0 to Watford.
      JOSE MOURINHO
      Where to start with these two?
      A famous early clash occurred in January 2017 when the two squared up to each other on the touchline in a 1-1 draw between Liverpool and Mourinho’s Manchester United.
      Fans then suggested Klopp had got Mourinho the sack for the third time in December 2018.
      Their rivalry continued after Mourinho took charge at Tottenham as the Portuguese took aim at Klopp’s touchline ‘behaviour’ after Spurs lost at Anfield in December 2020.
      He said: “The best team lost and [Klopp] disagreed but that’s his opinion.
      “By the way, if I behave on the touchline like he does then I’m not there.
      “Come on, that’s animated. Do you want to take the table with the time from the fourth official? I’m saying for some reason I’m different and I’m sad.”
      Klopp and Jose Mourinho have had many heated exchanges during their Premier League encounters
      Jurgen Klopp reacts to Liverpool’s dramatic win in Madrid More

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      in Soccer

      Man City star Kyle Walker has highest estimated energy bill thanks to £3m mansion, pool, fish tank and waterfall

      by

      KYLE WALKER has the highest estimated energy bill of all footballers thanks to his luxury £3million home, according to research.The England defender boasts a swanky Cheshire pad featuring a pool, fish tank and waterfall.
      Kyle Walker pays more than any other footballer for his energy bills at an estimated £16,200 per year
      Paul Pogba is paying a small fortune on bills at his home, including to light his indoor football pitchCredit: Instagram @paulpogba
      And according to research from Uswitch, Walker pays an estimated £16,200 per YEAR just on energy bills.
      The Manchester City star’s massive pad features six bedrooms, a football-themed games room and a hot-tub.
      All in all, Walker pays roughly 15 TIMES the national average on his gas and electricity bills, according to the study.
      Fortunately for the former Tottenham star, he earns a staggering £110,000 per week, meaning he can pay off his annual energy bill with almost a single day’s work.
      Walker’s team-mate for club and country, John Stones, comes second in the list.
      The Three Lions ace pays around £15,900 a year thanks to his sauna, cinema, leisure complex and heated indoor pool which costs £5,000 per year alone.
      Manchester United team-mates Paul Pogba and David De Gea come in third and fourth respectively.
      Pogba pays an estimated £14,300 per year on amenities such as his indoor football pitch with electronic scoreboard and LED lighting.
      De Gea’s amenities including his pool force him to pay roughly £14k per year on billsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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      De Gea shells out roughly £14,100 annually thanks to his outdoor pool, gym, cinema, tennis court and electric security gates.
      United and England star Jesse Lingard completes the top five at £14,000, with his indoor pool and cinema the biggest energy-guzzlers.
      Harry Kane, Gareth Southgate, Marcus Rashford and Gareth Bale all pay over £10,000 per year for their energy, the study predicts.
      And Jordan Pickford completes the top ten at £9,400 per year.
      Among former stars, England’s all-time top scorer Wayne Rooney leads the way with a £15,900 yearly bill thanks to his orangery, bar, TV room, snooker room, cinema and wine cellar.
      That’s more than David Beckham (£11,400) despite the Three Lions legend’s plunge pool, steam room and sauna.
      England ace Teddy Sheringham reveals what REALLY happened behind the scenes at Euro 1996 More