Sport Features

FOOTBALLERS… sometimes they’re just like us.Former Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil showed what a regular guy he was by taking the Tube for a sightseeing tour before he left out shores for Turkey.
Mesut Ozil isn’t the only footballer to take the TubeCredit: Instagram @m10_official
But the German star isn’t the first footballer to brave the rush hour crowd and take a trip on the London Underground.
Messrs Dier, Eriksen and Zaha have all charged up their Oyster cards and got on a train.
And there’s an honourable mention for former Spurs manager Christian Gross who bragged about getting the Tube to his first press conference as Tottenham boss. A pioneer in these circles.The German national team
Per Mertesacker looks thrilled to be on the London UndergroundCredit: Handout – Getty
Before they played England in an international friendly at Wembley back in 2013, Per Mertesacker, Mats Hummels and manager Joachim Low tried the underground.
They ventured on the Bakerloo Line, talking to other commuters and did the best to fit in with the locals.
They said they did it to escape the congested streets of London, and the German FA were delighted it was their first time on the Tube.
Apparently, they changed at Baker Street, had a nosey at the Sherlock Holmes museum before heading to the Metropolitan Line to get to Wembley Park.
The German national team went to Wembley Park for a friendly against EnglandCredit: Handout
The German national team changed at Baker Street to take in the Sherlock Holmes museumCredit: Handout – Getty
Christian Eriksen and Eric Dier
Because it’s always best for footballing team-mates to travel in pairs.
Former Spurs star Eriksen and his pal Dier were snapped a day after celebrating a 4-1 win over Sunderland in 2016 on the Tube.
They seemed in jovial spirits as they joked with each other and passengers, happily posing for snaps.
No word on where they got off, but they were enjoying some downtime before a crucial game against Leicester.
Eric Dier and Christian Eriksen share a laugh on the London UndergroundCredit: Twitter
Wilfried Zaha
The Palace winger uses his dazzling feet to good effect on the pitch, so he definitely should’ve paid attention to those ‘Mind the Gap’ announcements.
After a game against Manchester City in 2016 at the Etihad, Zaha was seen completing the final leg of his journey home on the Tube.
Better still, he even wore his full kit – just so he couldn’t be missed.
And like a seasoned traveler, he had some headphones on and wasn’t ready to talk to any other commuters, preferring to keep to himself.
Wilfried Zaha kept his headphones on during his London Underground rideCredit: Twitter
Juan Mata
You would’ve thought they’d lay on a car…
Before Spanish international Mata joined Man United, he was snapped getting on the Tube to get a connecting train to Manchester in 2014.
But he clearly wasn’t a Tube regular, oh no, no, no, because he was wrapped up far too warm. Everyone knows how sweaty you can get underground.
He should’ve ditched the hat!
Juan Mata took the Tube before heading to Manchester to sign for UnitedCredit: Twitter
Joey Barton
He’s just a regular Joe now…
The former Man City midfielder turned manager showed he’s just like one of us when he was pictured getting on the train back in 2014.
One keen fan decided to share his snap on Twitter, telling the world Joey was ‘slumming it’ but we think it’s commendable.
However, not too sure of the John Lennon-style breton cap though.
Joey Barton tried to go inconspicuous on the Tube by wearing a hatCredit: Twitter
Peter Crouch
There would definitely be far more comfortable ways for the big man to travel!
‘Crouchy’ was spied squeezing his 6’7″ frame into a carriage shortly after announcing his missus Abbey Clancy was expecting their third child.
Arsenal star Mesut Ozil becomes London tourist for the day as he takes tube on day off-
Trying to go as incognito as possible, Peter wore a baseball cap over his face and a white shirt to seem like an every man.
It was a busy Friday night, but that didn’t stop Peter enjoying his ride though on the Northern Line.
Peter Crouch stood out like a sore thumb when he took the trainCredit: Splash News
Hatem Ben Arfa
When the Frenchman was plying his trade at Newcastle United in 2014, he thought he’d give the Tube a go.
Shortly after wearing the black and white of the Toon, he topped up his Oyster card and touched into the Underground.
One eager fan managed to get a snap with his hero, even hashtag calling the midfielder a ‘#toplad’ for his efforts.
Ben Arfa doesn’t look that thrilled to have been spotted though.
Hatem Ben Arfa looked thrilled to be recognised by a fan on the London UndergroundCredit: Twitter
Marc Albrighton
When the Leicester City wide man was at Aston Villa, he made one young fan’s day by posing for a snap.
Albrighton was traveling on the Tube, presumably the District and Hammersmith and City lines, after a game against West Ham United.
Good on Albrighton for happily smiling for a photo, as well as taking the Tube like a normal fan in 2012.
Marc Albrighton made a young fan’s request a dream on the TubeCredit: Twitter
Joe Ledley and Martin Kelly
Palace full back Kelly and former Eagle Joe Ledley took on the commoners route by going underground.
The pair were tickled pink when they were spotted and snapped sat down in their full sports regala on the Tube in 2015.
But by the looks of Kelly attentively gazing at the Underground map, he needed to have a good look to see where he was going.
Martin Kelly and Joe Ledley found something to laugh about on the TubeCredit: Twitter
Vlad Chiriches
You would never recognise him…
The former Spurs centre half could’ve gone completely unnoticed on the Tube if one eagle-eyed fan hadn’t sneaked this picture.
Casually dressed in a hoodie and jeans, with his earphones plugged into his ears, Chiriches seemed at ease on the train in 2014.
In fact, we’ve never seen him look so comfortable in North London.
Vlad Chiriches blended in on the TubeCredit: Twitter
Lewis Holtby
While on loan at Fulham, the German midfielder endeared himself to The Cottagers faithful by taking the Tube home after a game.
After all, he just starred in a 1-0 win over Newcastle back in 2014 and wanted to share a snap of himself being a regular punter.
He wrote for the caption: “What a Relief!! Very happy to have won today:-))) as u probably notice “smile””Still.. Next Station, Home!;-))))) Thx for The brillant Support, amazing Spirit at craven cottage!” Legend.
Lewis Holtby gave Fulham fans cheer by taking the Tube home after a winCredit: Twitter
Christian Gross
The modern day Tube pioneer.
When Christian Gross took up his post at Tottenham Hotspur in 1997 he decided he would take the Tube to his press conference.
Proud of his efforts, he then told a pack of journalists (proudly flashing his travelcard) and calling it “the ticket of his dreams.”
A year later he was sacked, but we’ll never forget that moment.
Christian Gross flashed his travelcard as the ‘ticket of his dreams’Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Oriol Romeu
A cheeky pretender to the crown…
The Southampton midfielder had a pop at Mesut Ozil’s Tube snap by posting his own on Instagram.

Romeu even slyly captioned the pic, where he looked moody, “Doing Ozil’s things” with a winking face emoji, as well as a train emoji.
Maybe Romeu had the hump because no one recognised him?
Oriol Romeu poked fun at Mesut Ozil when he took the TubeCredit: Instagram
Roberto Mancini
When our SunSport reporter Gary Stonehouse spotted Roberto Mancini on the Tube, he couldn’t wait to get a snap.
We spied the Italian don heading to Wembley for his former club Man City’s semi-final clash with Arsenal.
“Legend” Mancini posted for pictures with fans, telling one he wanted to be Arsenal manager next season.
He also gave our Gary some great Tube banter.
SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse poses with Roberto Mancini on the TubeCredit: Twitter More

FIRST team places at Chelsea are hard to come by, so it’s no surprise over-eager stars might let their competitive streak get the better of them.Antonio Rudiger and Kepa Arrizabalaga were reportedly ‘pulled apart’ during an Easter Sunday training session, when the German centre half was said to have gone in late on the Spaniard.
Chelsea goalie Kepa was left furious after a late tackle by Antonio Rudiger in trainingCredit: Getty
Rudiger was sent home by manager Thomas Tuchel after he was pulled apart from team-mate KepaCredit: Getty
The towering defender was sent home early by manager Thomas Tuchel, and it’s the first time tempers have flared on a training ground – as these cases show.
STERLING VS GOMEZ
Gareth Southgate already had enough on his plate without this food fight.
England’s preparations for their Euro qualifiers were hit by friendly fire as Raheem Sterling and Joe Gomez clashed in the canteen back in 2019.
Manchester City star Sterling was dropped for the Montenegro clash after the canteen bust-up, which happened after Liverpool beat City in a title showdown.
The winger admitted later that “emotions got the better of him” and apologised in the fight that left the Reds defender with a scratch under his eye.
Gomez recently opened up about the difficult time he had, but said things between the two were now better.
Joe Gomez shoves Raheem Sterling during Liverpool’s win over CityCredit: Getty – Contributor
NEYMAR VS SEMEDO
As the phrase goes; don’t poke the bear.
In his first training session at Barcelona, an eager-to-impress Nelson Semedo was the unfortunate recipient of a nutmeg from Brazilian trickster Neymar during a keep-ball session.
The defender hated being mugged off by his team-mate and the pair locked horns before Sergio Busquets and Samuel Umtiti intervened.
But Neymar was livid, he threw his bib off and stormed away from the training ground.
A few days later, the forward was packing his bags for PSG.
When Neymar nutmegged Semedo in training the pair squared up to each other
CARROLL VS TAYLOR
6ft 4in Andy Carroll certainly looks like someone you wouldn’t mess with.
But when his former Newcastle team-mate Steven Taylor started texting his ex-girlfriend back in 2010 without telling him all hell broke lose.
Carroll confronted the defender after flying into a rage and threw a fist at Taylor’s jaw, ruling him out for the rest of the season.
Rather than condemn Carroll for his actions, Magpies fans sided with their top goalscorer when they learned what Taylor had done.
Newcastle still won the Championship title that year without their key centre half, so no harm was done in the end.
Andy Carroll chinned Steven Taylor after he found out his team-mate was texting his ex-girlfriendCredit: Getty
HARTSON VS BERKOVIC
One of the most infamous training ground brawls of all-time.
Back in 1998, burly Wales legend John Hartson and Israel international Eyal Berkovic bit at each other during a warm-up game.
After the midfielder hit out at Hartson, the burly centre forward retaliated with a powerful kick to Berkovic’s jaw.
“If my head had been a ball, it would have been in the top corner of the net,” Berkovic said.
But on reflection, Hartson wasn’t proud of that moment – calling it the most shameful thing he’s ever done during his career.
He was fined £20,000 at the time and given a three-match ban.
John Hartson booted Eyal Berkovic in the face during a training session tussleCredit: Sky
Berkovic and Hartson made up and the Welsh forward said he regrets the incident bitterlyCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
MITROVIC VS KAMARA
And they say yoga is meant to have a calming influence on the soul.
Tempers flared at Fulham when Aleksandar ­Mitrovic and Aboubakar Kamara got into a fight during a team yoga session in 2019.
Then-manager Claudio Ranieri was left stunned as team-mates rushed in to separate the fiery pair.
It was said to have started because Mitrovic thought Kamara was being disrespectful to the yoga teacher.
The incident happened just weeks after Kamara wrestled the ball off Mitrovic when Fulham were awarded a penalty against Bournemouth in a crunch game.
Kamara missed, and that’s when the alleged bad blood began.
Aleksander Mitrovic was annoyed by team-mate Aboubakar Kamara during a yoga sessionCredit: PA:Press Association
The incident came just weeks after Kamara wrestled the ball off Mitrovic when Fulham were awarded a penaltyCredit: Reuters
LJUNBERG VS MELBERG
Swedish stars Freddie Ljungberg and Olof Melberg were already used to kicking lumps out each other in the Premier League, so why they did that again while training for their country we don’t know.
But when the former Aston Villa defender put in a robust challenge on the Arsenal legend, the winger didn’t take kindly to it and pushed Melberg.
The incident threw Sweden’s 2002 World Cup preparations into chaos, and caused uproar in the camp.
Four years later, the pair were at it again – arguing over tactics for Sweden’s opening match against Trinidad and Tobago at the 2006 World Cup, which ended in a goalless draw.
Ljungberg said that the two had avoided a violent confrontation this time round and the Swedish FA called it a “short, hot dispute.”
Olof Melberg and Freddie Ljungberg got in a set-to as Sweden prepared for the 2002 World CupCredit: AP
BALOTELLI VS MANCINI
He tried as hard as he could, but Mancini struggled with his fellow Italian at Man City and could never tame him.
But Balotelli didn’t exactly make it easy either.
When the striker flew into a late and unnecessary tackle on Scott Sinclair, his boss was livid.
Mancini grabbed Balotelli and tried to drag him off the playing field, much to the astonishment of the rest of the City players.
It was the second incident involving Balotelli on the training ground after he got in a scuffle with Micah Richards two years earlier.
A month after the incident Balotelli was sold to AC Milan, although Mancini did include the explosive forward in his first Italian squad years later.
Roberto Mancini had to drag Mario Balotelli off the training pitch after a nasty tackle on Scott SinclairCredit: Zenpix Ltd
Mancini was at the end of his tether with Balotelli, who he later sold to AC MilanCredit: Zenpix Ltd
IBRAHIMOVIC VS ONYEWU
If this was a boxing contest, it would certainly have been in the heavyweight division.
When Taekwondo black-belt Zlatan was at AC Milan, he got into a spat with 6ft 3in American defender Oguchi Onyewu.
“It was like life and death,” the Swede wrote in his autobiography.
“I head-butted him, and we flew at each other. We wanted to tear each other limb from limb. It was brutal.
“We were rolling around, punching and kneeing each other. All the time, I was thinking: ‘s***, my chest hurts,’ so we had it checked out.”
Zlatan broke a rib in the tussle, while Onyewu was sold at the end of the season without making a single appearance for the Italian giants.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic broke a rib in a tussle with American defender Oguchi Onyewu at AC MilanCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Oguchi Onyewu was sold by AC Milan after his fight with IbrahimovicCredit: Keith Campbell – The Sun Glasgow
BARTON VS DABO
Well before Barnsley boss Daniel Stendel was allegedly on the receiving end of a Barton headbutt that knocked his two front teeth out, the former Man City midfielder aimed a dig at his fellow pro.
When Ousmane Dabo pushed Barton during a training session, the now Fleetwood Town manager let him know he wasn’t happy about it.

A flurry of punches left Dabo with a black eye and a damaged retina.
An official complaint was filled and Barton was given a £3,000 fine, as well as a four-month suspended jail sentence.
The FA also fined Barton £25,000 and he was handed a six-match ban.
Ousmane Dabo and Joey Barton didn’t always see eye-to-eye at Man CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Barton was handed a suspended four-month suspended jail sentence for assaulting DaboCredit: PA:Press Association
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FORMER Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe is the hot favourite to take the vacant Celtic manager’s post.The Scottish club, who have also been linked with former Manchester United legend Roy Keane, have held secret talks with the English boss, after he met kingmaker Dermot Desmond.
Eddie Howe masterminded a miracle at Bournemouth and is now the hot favourite for the Celtic jobCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The 43-year-old tactician performed miracles on the South Coast with the Cherries, taking them from near-League Two oblivion to the Premier League in two spells with the club on a limited budget.
The modest manager credits his mum Anne for being his biggest inspiration as she supported him through his dream of making it in the professional game.
She even played in goal while her two sons fired shots at her and practiced in the park.
Anne passed away in March, 2012 following a short illness, which Eddie admitted made him take stock of his life and return to Dean Court after a short stint at Burnley.
The calm and assured gaffer is very loyal to his family, having once signed his now-retired half-brother Steve for Bournemouth in 2010.
He also had to conquer the bitter disappointment of his playing days being cut short by a serious knee injury when he was just 29-years-old.
However, that didn’t stop the grounded Amersham-born coach from rising to the top, sometimes against all the odds, to be touted as a future England coach.
PLAYING CAREER
Eddie began his footballing career with Bournemouth, making his debut for the south coast side at the age of just 18.
Three years later and he was surprisingly called up into the England set-up for the Toulon Tournament alongside the likes of Frank Lampard, Jamie Carragher and Emile Heskey.
Over the years, Eddie Howe earned the respect of peers like legendary manager Arsene WengerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
As a promising player, Eddie Howe was picked to play for England’s under-21sCredit: PA:Press Association
What was most surprising about his selection was he was the only League One player selected in the squad.
In 2002 Harry Redknapp signed the ball-playing centre-half for £400k and he seemed destined for the big stage.
But in only his second game for the club against Nottingham Forest, Eddie suffered an injury that was going to affect his life forever.
After jumping to head a ball clear, he heard a click in his left knee. It turned out that he dislocated his knee cap and chipped a bone under the knee.
It meant that the joint was never the same.
He had two two operations, but doctors failed to discover he had a micro-fracture and he still felt pain when trying to run.
Howe visited knee-specialist Dr. Richard Steadman, the man who rebuilt the knees of Alan Shearer and Ronaldo, who told him he would be able to play again but not at the same level.
Howe told the Telegraph: “At the end, I was a shadow of the player I had been.
“I was very keen to finish while people remembered me for the player I was rather than the player I had become.
Eddie Howe suffered a serious knee injury when he was just 24-years-oldCredit: PA:Empics Sport
Eddie Howe knew he would never be the same player again after his knee injuryCredit: PA:Empics Sport
“It was really tough, because the biggest challenge I found when I came back was that I wasn’t as effective.
“I had lost a lot of my attributes that made me the player I was: my pace, my turning ability, my jump.
“I wasn’t very big for a centre-half so I had to jump well and that was one of my strengths.
“When I came back I was jumping about two feet lower. I struggled with my identity and I lost what I was.
“Everyone forgets very quickly what you were and judges you on what you are – and I wasn’t very good. I found that period of my career very, very difficult.”
He went to Swindon on loan in 2004, but didn’t get a game. Then a successful loan spell at Bournemouth the same year gave him renewed hope.
In what became known as the “Eddieshare” scheme, Bournemouth’s fans pulled together to raise money to pay the £21,000 transfer fee needed to sign him.
Eddie repaid their faith by playing for a further three seasons, before he decided it was time to call it a day at 29 – no longer able to play through the pain barrier.
Eddie Howe was re-signed by Bournemouth after the fans donated money to the clubCredit: PA:Empics Sport
Eddie Howe knew his playing days were over and he went into coachingCredit: PA:Empics Sport
CATCHING THE COACHING BUG
During this time Eddie was cutting his teeth coaching the reserve squad, but in September 2008 he was let go when first team manager Kevin Bond lost his job.
Weeks later, Eddie was back at the club he loved and working with the youth set-up thanks to Jimmy Quinn, who reintroduced the aspiring manager to the fold when he was appointed boss.
Then, Quinn was fired from the top job in December and Howe became caretaker manager during the interim.
Despite losing his first two games, Howe was hired permanently in early 2009 and became an overnight success.
The club managed to overturn a 17-point deficit and survived relegation from League Two.
The following season Howe inspired his charges to promotion to League One, guiding them to eight wins from their first nine games.
It was no surprise that mother Anne was there on the terraces, cheering Eddie and his team on.
After all, she divided her time between Dean Court and Scotland, where Eddie’s half-brother Steve made his name at Dundee, Aberdeen, Falkirk and Partick Thistle.
Eddie Howe was appointed Bournemouth boss when Jimmy Quinn was fired in 2008Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Steve Lovell played under half-brother Eddie Howe at BournemouthCredit: PA:Press Association
Eddie Howe managed to overturn a 17-point deficit to save Bournemouth from League Two relegationCredit: PA:Press Association
BOUGHT HIS HALF-BRO
It did become easier for her though when Howe bought his brother to Bournemouth on a free transfer in 2010.
In 2011, Eddie’s future was subject speculation with plenty of clubs coveting the promising coach.
He joined Burnley, but his world was rocked a year later when his beloved mum Anne passed away.
Howe was living over 250 miles away in Manchester at the time, and he couldn’t carry on at the Clarets.
He returned back to Bournemouth in 2012. Three years later he got them promoted to the Premier League.
He told Bournemouth’s Daily Echo:  “My mum’s death certainly changed my perspective on a lot of things – on life, my career and everything.
“When something like that happens, it makes you re-evaluate and realise what’s really important.
“It was incredibly difficult to deal with and still is. When you lose someone you love so suddenly, it is very hard to take.
Eddie Howe had a brief spell at Bournemouth from 2011-2012Credit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
Eddie Howe quit Burnley after his mum Anne Howe passed away in 2012Credit: Getty Images – Getty
“But when you can’t grieve properly because you are so far away and detached, it is even harder to deal with.
“That is why coming back to this area and to this football club was a real comfort to me.
“It certainly had a big impact in my personal life and made me a lot happier off the pitch. I was closer to people who had been affected and could also help them.
“There were two totally different sides to coming back – the football part and the family side. They are totally different and there were more reasons to me coming back than I could ever talk about publicly.”
Eddie Howe returned back to Bournemouth and led them to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty
DEDICATES IT ALL TO MUM
Eddie realises that he is where he is today because of how he was brought up by his mum, who he’s incredibly thankful for.
He told The Telegraph: “I do think the way I was brought up by my mum and the foundations she set me played a big part.
“Most people will say that your parents and your childhood experiences are so important.
“I certainly believe that to be the case for me. I was given some very good advice. I was brought up in a loving family and it has made me very focused on my work.
Eddie Howe believes he is where he is because of his upbringingCredit: Getty – Contributor
“Her passing away has fired me to try to achieve more in memory of her.
“She lived for her kids, really … growing up in a house full of boys with football always around.
“Steve and I were football mad and certainly inspired each other to play.
“It’s usually the dads who are out in the park kicking ball around until late but it was really me with my brothers.
“It was very much us with our mum, walking the dog or watching or sometimes acting as a goalkeeper!
Eddie Howe’s half brother was a striker who played on the south coastCredit: PA:Press Association
Eddie Howe’s success saw him linked with both the Arsenal and England jobs in the pastCredit: Getty Images – Getty

“She would support us in whatever we wanted to do and sometimes that was making the numbers up.
“She is a big inspiration in my life because I want to carry on the good start she gave me. I want to make sure I don’t put that to waste.”
It’s fair to say that Eddie has done far from that, which is why Celtic could do far wrong but appoint this Mr Nice Guy.
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