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      in Soccer

      Paul Scholes tells Ruben Amorim Man Utd are staring RELEGATION in the face unless they make seven new signings

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      MANCHESTER UNITED need to make seven signings or risk relegation, according to Paul Scholes.The Red Devils have endured yet another torrid season with Ruben Amorim so far unable to transform their fortunes.Man Utd need seven new signings or face relegation says Paul ScholesCredit: ReutersScholes raised concerns over some players in the squadCredit: GettyFormer midfielder Scholes has been very critical of several players in the squad and believes United need a revamp to improve results.Scholes, 50, claims United need a whole new spine through their team and could need seven new faces in their squad.He told The Overlap Fan Debate: “There are a few things that are concerning. There’s a lot of stuff he (Ruben Amorim) needs to do, we all know that, especially in transfer windows, but I don’t see a core of players.”When you look at teams, you look right down the spine of a team. Liverpool: great goalkeeper, great centre half, forwards, midfielders, whatever. I don’t think United have any of that in any position.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”I think a new goalkeeper is needed, possibly two centre halves, two centre midfield players, and two centre forwards.”Alright, I’ll go for one centre midfielder and one centre forward, but with a bit of stature, a bit of quality, and really create a spine. When you’ve got that spine right, then you can add bits to it.”Scholes has also questioned whether certain stars are capable of playing in a Premier League-winning side.Even players who have performed well have been scrutinised by Scholes, who took aim at the United defence.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAsked if he rates De Ligt, Scholes said: “Not really. Where are your ambitions? I’m talking about getting a team to win the Premier League.”Are you going to win the Premier League with De Ligt and Yoro as your centre-halves? Is “quite good” good enough for Manchester United?Roy Keane launches incredible blast at ‘shocking and boring’ Man Utd after woeful first half vs Leicester”Even when Lisandro Martinez is fit he’s not good enough to win the Premier League.”With De Ligt, his age and his amount of clubs does concern me. He seems to have got worse as he’s got older. Those clubs have got rid of him for a reason.”[Leny] Yoro is a young player but I haven’t liked what I’ve seen so far. Did you see the Southampton game? Look, he’s a young player and I would keep him in the squad.”Scholes has also expressed concerns over Kobbie Mainoo as he thinks he is lost and managers are unsure of what his best position is.He highlighted a problem with his athleticism, saying: “I think Mainoo is lost. I’ve talked about Declan Rice being lost before – I think Mainoo is lost as well. They don’t know what to do with him.”I don’t think he knows where to play on a football pitch because he’s been played in one of the number 10 positions, he has been played in the two in the midfield, which I can see probably doesn’t suit him because I don’t think the greatest athlete.”He’s a great footballer. I think the No 10 does suit, (but) the false nine, never in a million years.” More

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      in Athletics

      Inside the most brutal race in the world where athletes risk being eaten alive and freezing to death if they stop

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      THE most brutal race series in the world sees athletes avoid being eaten alive and freezing to death if they stop running.Only the toughest ultramarathon runners in the world compete at the Beyond the Ultimate — Global Race Series.A brutal ultramarathon is the toughest race in the worldCredit: Beyond the UltimateAthletes compete across four different terrains in extreme conditionsCredit: Beyond the UltimateThey have to face up to the wilderness and all the dangers of mother natureCredit: Beyond the UltimateThere is beautiful scenery to enjoy amid the hundreds of kilometres runningCredit: Beyond the UltimateThe amazing competition sees runners take part in brutal 230km races around the globe across four different environments.Each must take a huge rucksack filled to the brim with food, water and clothes while also maintaining a steady running pace in the craziest of conditions.One course, known as the Jungle Ultra, takes place in the Amazon in Peru.It is regarded as the hardest race of all due to the brutal humidity and mud.READ MORE IN SPORTTemperatures in the jungle can reach up to 30 degrees celsius and even requires wading through torrential rivers.Qualified guides and medics are needed to ensure athletes do not succumb to the conditions, with the rainforest host to a number of creepy crawlies and venomous reptiles.Another race, the Mountain Ultra, sees athletes pushed to their limits in Tien Shan, Kyrgyzstan.Featuring a total ascent of 10,500m, unpredictable temperatures range all the way from 30 degrees celsius to just 5 degrees celsius.Most read in AthleticsJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWith a maximum altitude of 10,500m, athletes have to gasp for air.And all competitors are required to first undergo an additional FIVE-DAY acclimatisation trek to get used to their surroundings.Vernon Kay reveals horror injuries after ultramarathon – as Children in Need reveal leaves him ‘speechless’ on stageOne race takes place in the Arctic CircleCredit: Beyond the UltimateAnother sees athletes in the AmazonCredit: Beyond the UltimateThere is plenty of nature about in NamibiaCredit: Beyond the UltimateRunners have to acclimatise to mountain rangesCredit: Beyond the UltimateMeanwhile, the Desert Ultra requires a brutal trek across the unforgiving sands of Namibia.Day-time temperatures can reach a mind-blowing 55 degrees celsius.But athletes needs clothes for all seasons as night-time drops all the way down to just 5 degrees celsius.Sand dunes and barren scrubland await those who dare venture out in the heat.And there is also plenty of wildlife on the loose that pose a serious danger to athletes.With various predators on the loose, runners are even accompanied by experienced rangers tasked with keeping them safe from prying claws and jaws.All three races in the current season have already taken place.Now, there is just one left and it is arguably the most dangerous of all.The fourth and final race is the Ice Ultra, which takes place in Sweden’s Arctic Circle and is mainly spent in darkness due to it just having eight hours of sun a day.Temperatures in winter often drop to below a mind-numbing -40 degrees celsius – a temperature so cold that if you stop, you “freeze to death.”Harry Edwards is aiming the become the youngest athlete to run all four racesCredit: Beyond the UltimateHe has just the frozen tundra of Sweden to conquerCredit: Beyond the UltimateHarry has already taken out the other three racesCredit: Beyond the UltimateHe will have completed all four races within a yearCredit: Beyond the UltimateThere is also the risk of runners bumping into a peckish polar bear along the way.While the terrain is an unforgiving mix of snowfields and Arctic tundra which require specialised boots and poles to cross.More medics and guides are required, with some paths even created to help runners find their way through the thick snow.But lucky athletes could be treated to a night-sky show from the Northern Lights.The race takes place in five stages across as many days.And there is even a Red Jersey Stage which occurs on a hairy 15km frozen LAKE.Only 40 runners are able to take part in the Ice Ultra, with places going for £3,500 and 2026’s event already sold out.It tends to attract seasons ultra runners and those looking for an exciting challenge in an incredible setting. Among the intrepid explorers is British ace Harry Edmonds.The young runner is hoping to break a new record this year.After already finishing the first three races, Edmonds on the verge of becoming the youngest person ever to complete the Ultra series.Aged just 24, he will also achieve the incredible feat of completing all four races in a single year.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s been a remarkable journey for someone who only started running during lockdown.But with dangers afoot alongside the freezing temperatures and hungry hunters, the infamous Ice Ultra will not be a walk in the park.How to train for the Ice UltraAcclimatise mentally and physicallyWith conditions dropping to minus 40 degrees celsius, it’s important not to panic.Short cold exposures like cold showers and ice baths help build mental resilience and confidence.It also helps you physically by remaining calm and making rational decisions, especially when faced with icy winds.Layering and your gearLayer up but DON’T put on too much as this will cause you to overheat.Sweating in sub-zero temperatures is dangerous as wet clothes get chilled.Hypothermia and even frostbite could kick in.Also keep electronics close to your body as they can fail in extreme cold.Eat and drink wellYour favourite snacks could end up freezing in the cold.Test them out by putting them in a freezer to see what works.Also use insulated water bottles and flasks with wide mouths to prevent freezing.Training properlyMake sure to practice with snow shoes and spikes beforehand.Learn how to walk and tread carefully, as in the race there are always hidden dangers under the ice and snow. More

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      in Soccer

      Man City vs Real Madrid: Get £50 in free bets, plus 80/1 Bet Builder tips with Betfred

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      MANCHESTER CITY and Real Madrid meet at the Etihad tonight in a mouth-watering first leg clash in the Champions League play offs.So our team of betting experts have selected a Bet Builder for the top-flight encounter, which Betfred have priced up at a stunning 80/1!Not just that! New Betfred customers who register an account with Betfred and stake a tenner on football will receive £50 in sports free bets!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*Man City vs Real Madrid tipsOur Bet Builder selections: Over 4.5 goals, Kylian Mbappe to score, Matoe Kovacic and Aurelien Tchouameni to be carded at 80/1. ADD TO YOUR BET SLIP HERE!Back our 80/1 Bet BuilderHere’s why we’ve made those selections..Over 4.5 goals: Last three Madrid visits to the Etihad have brought 13 goals – including a 1-1 draw in there. Madrid’s defensive crisis followed by City’s weakness at the back means best form of defence attack – and both attacks aren’t bad.Kylian Mbappe to score: Frightening pace in the Madrid front three and Mbappe’s can punish City. Slow start to Madrid career but now scored in six of last eight games – scoring nine in that time including in Madrid derby at weekend.Mateo Kovacic to be carded: Midfield battle is huge and City likely without the ball more than they’d usually be. Booked in two of his last three home starts as he continues having to try and fill Rodri void. Aurelien Tchouameni to be carded: Will again provide cover for those missing defenders and will be tested at points. Pace and power of Haaland to cause issues, as will new boy Omar Marmoush. Booked in last Euro away game.Back our 80/1 Bet BuilderRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.Most read in Football More

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      in Soccer

      Man City vs Real Madrid: Get up to £40 in free bets to spend on football with talkSPORT BET

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      MANCHESTER CITY host Real Madrid on Tuesday night in a mouth-watering first leg of their Champions League play-off.And brand new talkSPORT BET customers can claim up to £40 in free bets when they register an account and stake at least £20 on the huge European tie.Man City vs Real Madrid: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim here*Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim talkSPORT BET offertalkSPORT BETVisit the talkSPORT website HERE*Create an account and Opt In to this promotion via the OFFERS tabMake a depositPlace your first bet up to £40, minimum £20, on any football market, at odds of Evens or greaterYou must do this within 7 days of registrationOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with up to £40 free bets based on your first betFor example, if you stake £20, you will receive 4 x £5 free betsIf you stake £40 you would receive the full 4 x £10 free betstalkSPORT BET: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim Here*Man City vs Real Madrid: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim here*What’s the offer?Brand new talkSPORT BET customers can claim a welcome bonus of up to £40 when they register an account.How to claim?Simply visit the talkSPORT BET website on your mobile device and create an account. Opt in to this promotion via the OFFERS tab and then make a deposit via debit card or Apple Pay.Stake £20 or more on any football market at odds of at least Evens. Remember, you must do this within 7 days of opening your account.What happens next?Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with up to £40 free bets based on your first bet bet.For example, if you stake £20, you will receive 4 x £5 free bets. If you stake £40 you would receive the full 4 x £10 free bets:On settlement of your qualifying bet, your account will be credited with the following:£10 free bet – Bet Builder (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)£10 free bet – Correct Score (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)And the following free bets, which will be credited 24 hours after the first bonus funds:£10 free bet – To Win and Both Team to Score – 90 mins (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)£10 free bet – Acca 4+ selection (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)You can read the full breakdown of free bets and more on how to claim talkSPORT BET’s welcome offer here**18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile device, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsiblyRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      in Soccer

      Man City vs Real Madrid prediction: Free betting tips, odds and Champions League preview for play off first leg

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      THE new Champions League format promised huge clashes earlier on in the competition and they certainly deliver that when Manchester City and Real Madrid meet on Tuesday.The pair flopped in the league phase, finishing outside the top eight and setting up this huge play-off clash for a spot in the last-16.So SunSport have enlisted the help of their betting experts to preview the European showdown and select the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereNew sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesManchester City vs Real Madrid previewThe new format has thrown up a blockbuster clash and neither Manchester City nor Real Madrid would want this so early.City’s wretched form since that Spurs defeat in the League Cup in October likely makes them underdogs to progress here.They needed Kevin de Bruyne and Phil Foden to come off the bench to progress in the FA Cup at League One Leyton Orient at the weekend.The rather embarrassing scenes of the pair playing for time and taking the ball into the corner shows how fragile the side is at present.So it’s a good thing for them that Madrid arrive with a defensive injury crisis which was furthered at the weekend.Madrid arrive without Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vazquex AND Eder Militao, with a new-look, makeshift back four set to play.However, they will still have a dynamic front line which is bound to cause this shaky City defence issues.It’s the fourth straight European competition that these sides have matched up in, with Madrid winning on penalties after a 4-4 score on aggregate in last season’s quarter finals.City had beaten them 4-0 and 4-3 on their previous two visits to the Etihad. With attack the best form of defence, those high scores could come into play again here.First scorer and correct score predictionsCorrect score: 2-2 at 9/1 with Betfred – HEREFirst scorer: Vinicius Jr 13/2 with talkSPORT BET – HEREMan City vs Real Madrid latest oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.How to claim..William Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Man City vs Real Madrid predictions and tipsTchou are ya?This back four are going to be seriously tested, particularly against a Man City team who have to come out and go for it at home you’d think.That could put all sorts of pressure on Aurelien Tchouameni, who has filled in there plenty of times but it’s still not completely natural for him.The physical battle with Erling Haaland will test him, as will the likely speed out wide. Booked in last European game at Brest.Aurelien Tchouameni to be carded at 3/1 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1x £10 Free Bet on Football, 1x £10 Free Bet on Horse Racing, 2 x £10 Free Bet Builders. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. Full T&Cs apply.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      in Soccer

      Wayne Rooney tipped for return to management with British giants after Man Utd legend ‘puts himself out there’

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      WAYNE ROONEY has been tipped for a return to management. The Manchester United legend was sacked by Plymouth in December after just seven months in charge. Wayne Rooney has been tipped for a return to managementCredit: GettyRooney – who retired in 2021 – has also had coaching stints with Derby, DC United and Birmingham previously. And despite losing his fourth coaching job in two years, the ex-England captain has not ruled out a return to management. It comes as former Scotland midfielder Derek Ferguson backed Rooney as an outsider to replace under-fire Rangers boss Philippe Clement. And the Scottish Premiership winner even claimed Rooney could sensationally team up with Steven Gerrard in the Rangers dugout. READ MORE IN football Ferguson, 57, told Ibrox News: “I quite like the fact that Rooney has put himself out there in terms of managerial jobs, albeit it’s not worked for him. “Imagine Gerrard coming back to the club as manager and Rooney as his assistant. Something crazy like that, you know?“The likes of Gerrard and Rooney, they’re football men. The one thing they have instantly is respect with the players.“Players will listen to guys like that, who have been there and done it. So who knows? Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It would be surreal, but nothing surprises you in football. I quite like the sound of that.”Gerrard’s first job as manager was with Rangers – from 2018-2021 – winning the league title in his final season. ‘It must be embarrassing,’ says Wayne Rooney as he opens up on seeing Marcus Rashford on visit to CarringtonHe then went to Aston Villa and most recently Al-Ettifaq in 2023 – since leaving the Saudi side in January. Rangers manager Clement is under pressure as the club sit second in the table – 13 points behind leaders Celtic.Rooney meanwhile told the Stick to Football podcast that he would open the door to a managerial return – with the right club. And he even admitted he would accept a role as assistant manager. He said: “I’d have no problem dropping into an Under-21 team or going in as a coach. “I’m still young enough to learn and develop. Just having a good group of players who were at a [good] level.”Rangers manager is under pressureCredit: GettyDerek Ferguson suggested Rooney as a contender for the Rangers job More

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      in Boxing

      ‘I can’t match that’ – Mike Tyson doesn’t hesitate when asked who was most powerful puncher in boxing

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      MIKE TYSON is regarded by many to be one of the most ferocious punchers of all time.But the boxing legend humbly admits he’s NOT the hardest hitter to have graced the heavyweight division.Mike Tyson is viewed by many to be the hardest puncher in boxing historyCredit: GETTYIron Mike knocked out all but two of his opponents on his way to winning the WBC strap in 1986Credit: GETTYBut the boxing legend insists he’s not the hardest puncher the sport has ever seenCredit: AFPIron Mike knocked out all but two of his 28 opponents during his incredible run to the WBC heavyweight title in 1986, which he won at the tender age of 20.The power he displayed in his destructive highlight reel gave his diehard fans hope he could knock out Jake Paul in his ring return last November.Tyson has long taken great pride in his crushing body of work but is adamant the power he showcased paled in comparison to one of his predecessors.When asked to name the hardest-hitting heavyweight ever, he told Fight Camp: “[It’s George Foreman].READ MORE ON MIKE TYSON”I can’t match somebody’s power who’s that big and that much man.”Only thing that allowed me to be exciting was that I did it faster than the other guys.”Foreman stopped all but one of his 38 opponents on his way to winning the unified heavyweight titles against Joe Frazier in 1973.The Olympic gold medallist was renowned for decimating his opponents with ferocious hooks, particularly to the body, after putting them on the back foot.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMike Tyson believes George Foreman is the heaviest hitter in boxing historyCredit: GETTYFormer heavyweight champ Foreman packed a nasty wallopCredit: GETTYThat strategy, however, failed him in October 1974 when fought Muhammad Ali in the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’, which he lost via an eighth-round TKO.Like Foreman, power came naturally to Tyson – who still, to this day, is the youngest heavyweight champion in history.’I’m kind of depressed a little’ – Boxing legend Mike Tyson’s alarming confession one month on from Jack Paul fightBut the 58-year-old insists: “Nothing about me was natural.”Only my desire to win was natural, I had a great teacher.”Only you can do that. You’re born with it but somebody has to elicit that.”Tyson suffered a unanimous decision defeat in his controversial crossover clash with Paul last November.He refused to rule out the prospect of lacing up his gloves again but was quickly OVERRULED by his wife, Lakiha. More

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      in Soccer

      Former Premier League star signed contract then ripped it up just 20 minutes later in classy gesture

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      JAMES COLLINS has revealed how he signed a contract with a Premier League club — only to rip it up 20 minutes later in a classy gesture.The Wales icon, 41, spent 14 of his 20 professional careers playing in England’s top flight for West Ham and Aston Villa.James Collins signed a deal with a Premier League club before ripping it up 20 minutes laterCredit: XThe incident occurred after Collins left West Ham in 2018Credit: Getty Images – GettyAfter starting in the lower divisions with Cardiff, Collins joined West Ham in 2005.He played 65 times for the Hammers before joining Villa in 2009.But after 108 games, Collins returned to West Ham in 2012 and became a stalwart in defence with 149 outings.He was released in 2018 after his contract expired.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd that opened the door to a sensational return to Aston Villa.Dean Smith had just taken over as manager and offered a short-term deal to Collins, who had already been training at the club to maintain his fitness.Delighted with the outcome, the centre-back eagerly penned his documents before joining teammates for his first official training session.But after neglecting to warm up, Collins immediately suffered an injury as he popped his calf while sprinting.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe veteran knew it would keep him out for several months — nearly the same amount of time as his Villa deal.And in a heartwarming gesture, Collins went straight up to Smith before insisting his recently-penned contract be ripped up.Football icons’ strange hobbiesCollins had already spent time at Aston Villa earlier in his careerCredit: GettyIt saw Collins miss out on a dream return to Villa Park, with the defender eventually joining Ipswich before retiring at the end of the 2018/19 season.Collins told Peter Crouch’s podcast: “You’re only going up there to train. Dean Smith gets the job, JT goes in with him.“So I spoke to JT, he said ‘carry on coming up and we’ll have a look at you’. “I felt good doing a bit of training, they offered me a contract. It was going to be a two, three-month contract.“This is how mad it is as a footballer. I had to sign it on the Thursday to be on the bench for the Saturday.“I signed it Thursday about 10.20am. I’m signing it, stuff like that, so by the time I’ve signed and gone out for training, the boys have started their warm ups and they’re on the sprints.“So I thought me being old, I’ll go straight into the sprints. I did a sprint and popped my calf.I thought I can’t sign a four-month contract and be injured for two of themJames Collins“I’ve just signed this contract for Villa, so I went over to Dean Smith and JT and went, ‘boys I’ve just popped my calf’.“Because I’ve done my calf so much I knew it was quite bad. I went running quick and ripped the contract up because I knew I would only sign for three, four months.“I did love my time at Villa and they were really good to me. But I thought I can’t sign a four-month contract and be injured for two of them.“I was technically a Villa player. I went to Smith, ‘look, I can’t do that to you because I could be out for two months’. READ MORE SUN STORIES“I ran back in to the secretary and said, ‘have you sent that contract off yet?’ She went, ‘no’, so I went ‘we’re going to have to rip it up, I’ve just pulled my calf’.“I could have sat there, I knew my calves could have been two or three months, their contract wasn’t (long) so I said, ‘let’s rip it up, I can’t do that to you’. Then I went, got fit and ended up at Ipswich.”James Collins’ football careerCardiff, 2000-2005: 86 games, 6 goalsWest Ham, 2005-2009: 65 games, 2 goalsAston Villa, 2009-2012: 108 games, 6 goalsWest Ham, 2012-2018: 149 games, 7 goalsIpswich, 2018-2019: 6 games, 0 goalsWales, 2004-2016: 51 games, 3 goalsTrophies: League One play-offs, FAW Premier Cup (Cardiff) More