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      ‘I’ll never forget that image’ – Theo Walcott reveals how bizarre Arsene Wenger moment convinced him to join Arsenal

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      THEO WALCOTT has revealed how Arsene Wenger convinced him to join Arsenal.Walcott joined the Gunners from Southampton in 2006, before making his debut for them as a 17-year-old.Theo Walcott has revealed how Arsene Wenger convinced him to join ArsenalCredit: PA:Press AssociationWalcott revealed one ‘unusual’ thing he will never forget about Arsene WengerCredit: AFPThe 35-year-old lifted the lid on the deal that took him to North London amid interest from Liverpool, Chelsea and a late offer from Manchester United.Speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, he said: “There was [options for me]. Chelsea, Liverpool, Man Utd came in with a very late bid which I wasn’t aware of at the time.”[But] To be honest my mind was already made up as soon as Arsene Wenger got involved. “I remember going back to his place with David Dein.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”His sofa was a little bit lower than this and his legs were higher than his actual face itself being how tall he was.”(Laughing) I’ll never forget that image it was very unusual.”And Thierry Henry of course was a player that I was really inspired to learn from.”As soon as I had Arsenal involved I just want to go there and play with him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”It was my dream to play with someone like ‘that’ and if you ask any kid if they want the opportunity to play with their star they’re going to do it.”And it was an easy option.” Fans can’t believe Theo Walcott’s ‘shocking’ blind ranking of top 10 Champions League stars and ask ‘is this a prank?’Walcott had the chance to play with Henry for one season before he departed for Barcelona.However, having become one of the main figures at the Emirates, Walcott was still at the club when Henry made his return in 2012.He was substituted off the field moments before Henry’s famous late winner against Sunderland.Walcott scored 108 goals in 397 games for the Gunners overall.He eventually left the club in 2018 to join Everton.After 85 appearances with the Toffees Walcott returned to Southampton, initially on loan in 2020.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe switch was made permanent the following summer, with Walcott starring for the Saints for another two seasons before announcing his retirement.He also earned 47 caps for the England national team, scoring eight goals.Walcott said playing with idol Thierry Henry was a major factor in his decision to join ArsenalCredit: EPATheo Walcott career statsArsenal (2006-2018): 397 appearances, 108 goals, 73 assistsHonours: FA Cup x3, Community Shield x2Southampton (2005-2006 + 2020-21 on loan + 2021-2023): 82 appearances, 10 goals, five assistsEverton (2018-2021): 85 appearances, 11 goals, nine assists More

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      Fabio Carvalho’s dad tells his son to ‘leave this club’ in now-deleted post on Brentford’s Instagram page

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      FABIO CARVALHO’S father has urged his son to leave Brentford following the Bees’ goalless draw with Everton on Saturday.Brentford played out a 0-0 draw with the Toffees at Goodison Park as Thomas Frank’s side extended their dismal away form.Fabio Carvalho has been urged to leave Brentford by his fatherCredit: AlamyThe star’s dad appeared to comment ‘son, you have to leave this club’ under Brentford’s Instagram postCredit: XBrentford have now failed to win in any of their six away games this season, losing five and drawing once.And it seems that the dad of summer signing Fabio Carvalho has had enough as he urged his son to leave the club that he joined just over three months ago.In the comments section of Brentford’s full-time post on Instagram, an account appearing to be Carvalho’s dad Victor wrote: “Son, you have to leave this club”.The comment, which has since been deleted, comes after Brentford forked out £27.5m to lure Carvalho away from Liverpool this summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the 22-year-old attacking midfielder has struggled for regular minutes under Thomas Frank since his move to West London.Carvalho has made just two Premier League starts this season, often being used as an option off the bench by Frank.While Saturday’s draw with Everton was the first time that the Portuguese youth international has failed to get on the pitch whatsoever.Carvalho may be swayed by his dad’s advice with the former Red previously admitting that it was his father that helped convince him to join Brentford in the first place.Most read in FootballCarvalho has made just two starts in the league this seasonFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAfter arriving at the Gtech Community Stadium, Carvalho told the club’s official outlet that his dad had told him to keep an eye on the Bees for a while.He said: “I’ve watched a lot of Brentford, especially when they played against teams in the top six: they always put in a fight and that’s exactly what you want to see.Jamie Carragher slams Mo Salah over ‘selfish’ interview after Liverpool star reveals he’s ‘more out than in'”When I was on the bench for Liverpool for the away game two seasons ago [3-1 win], Brentford were all over us!”But I’ve been keeping an eye out for Brentford; my dad watched the Benfica [pre-season] game because he’s a massive Benfica supporter and said, ‘Look, Brentford have got a good team!’”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Forgotten Arsenal star, 27, returns to squad for Sporting clash 477 DAYS after last appearance

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      KIERAN TIERNEY is in line to make his first Arsenal appearance for over 15 MONTHS.The Scotland international has endured a torrid run of injuries during his time at the Gunners that has seen him slip off the radar of boss Mikel Arteta – and linked with a move away in January.Kieran Tierney returned to training last week and could start against SportingCredit: PABut he has been named in the playing squad in Lisbon after returning to training last week having been out for two months with a setback in a reoccurring hamstring injury.Tierney’s last outing for Arsenal was in the Community Shield against Manchester City on August 6, 2023, before heading out on a season-long loan to Real Sociedad.Arteta said: “Everybody in the squad is fully fit and available to start the game.“We have Kieran Tierney after a long injury, it’s great news that he’s back, he’s been training with the team and he’s at the level to participate.”READ MORE ON ARSENALAt LaLiga side Sociedad, Tierney made 26 appearances – 17 as a starter – but his minutes were limited by several hamstring injuries.Should he take to the field for Arsenal in Lisbon, it will be his first European game for the club since November 3, 2022 – starting in a 1-0 win over FC Zurich in the Europa League.Tierney’s inclusion could also mean he features in the Prem once more – the last time he started in the English top flight was May 14, 2023 – a 3-0 loss at home to Brighton.It is understood that while the club are pleased to have Tierney available, he is not in Arteta’s long-term plans as he looks to move the Scot on in the next two transfer windows.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal player ratings vs Nottingham ForestBy Jordan Davies, Senior Sports Journalist and Football ReporterARSENAL romped to a 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest – with some standout performers shining.Here, SunSport’s Jordan Davies rates each player…David Raya – 7Very little to do. Collected a few crosses well under pressure and was alert and speedy with his distribution to get Arsenal moving.Jurrien Timber – 7Had the ball in the net and unlucky not to keep it that way as VAR intervened – eventually – to give offside on Mikel Merino in the build-up. A solid display.William Saliba – 8Had a real battle on his hand against another giant of a man in Taiwo Awoniyi, not that it bothered him too much. As always, he was up to the task without ever losing his cool.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7With Forest’s target man focused on Saliba, this was a fairly comfortable afternoon for Gabriel, who didn’t even have any decent set-pieces to attack.Riccardo Calafiori – 7Was a bit vulnerable on the counter in the early stages, perhaps showing his fitness levels are not there just yet after a lengthy spell out with injury.However, he regained his composure and was a rock defending crosses and set-pieces.Jorginho – 6A rare start and did his best to solidify things in midfield, but his needless yellow ultimately saw him subbed at half-time with Arteta not willing to take the risk.Martin Odegaard – 9My word, have Arsenal missed this man. Back in the team and back in the groove, dictating the tempo and providing that creative spark with fluidity and finesse.By the end, Forest’s players looked like they had been beaten to submission.Mikel Merino – 7With Jorginho sitting deeper, the Spaniard had the freedom to play the ‘Rice role’, roaming forward at will, and provided a real attacking intent, driving into the box.Bukayo Saka – 9Showed off his samba hips with some silky dancing between tackles in the box before thumping a stunning effort into the top corner.Forest left-back Alex Moreno had a torrid afternoon, especially after he let Saka cut inside again after the break to tee up Partey’s strike from distance.Gabriel Jesus – 6Still looking for just a third goal this calendar year. Gave his all and had a curling effort go narrowly wide in the first half, but it just isn’t happening for the Brazilian at the moment.A real chance missed to stake a claim in this starting XI.Leandro Trossard – 7Should have put Arsenal ahead inside the first two minutes but scuffed his close-range effort and saw another well saved by Matz Sels before the break.Despite hobbling off for Belgium in mid-week, he looked as sharp as ever.SUBSTHOMAS PARTEY (JORGINHO, 45) – 8Was only on the pitch seven minutes before curling a beauty into the far corner – an inspired substitution.OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO (CALAFIORI, 67) – 6Did what was needed. Positioned himself for inverted passing lanes to get Arsenal out the back with Forest piling pressure on with time ticking away.ETHAN NWANERI (ODEGAARD, 82) – 8More minutes for this impressive academy talent and already has a trademark finish of curling into the far corner with his left foot. He almost pulled this off less than two minutes into coming on.Then, soon after, he slots in from Sterling’s cut-back for his first Prem goal. Memorable.RAHEEM STERLING (SAKA, 82) – 7Really needed to make a difference off the bench to get his campaign up and running, and he did, providing the assist for Nwaneri’s historic goal.JAKUB KIWIOR (TIMBER, 87) – N/ATierney’s return is also timely with Arsenal missing another full-back in Ben White who is expected to be out for months after undergoing knee surgery last week.During this summer’s Euros, Tierney featured for Scotland but was ruled out after a hamstring injury in a group game against Switzerland.Arsenal player ratings: Martin Odegaard a class above as Jorgino hooked at half-time after needless yellow vs Nottingham Forest More

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      in Boxing

      Katie Taylor in danger of LOSING world title after Amanda Serrano win as boxing boss ‘hoping there will be a resolution’

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      KATIE TAYLOR could be in danger of LOSING one of her world titles with a potential rival waiting in the wings.The Bray woman is the current WBC lightweight and super-lightweight champion, retaining the latter against Amanda Serrano.Katie Taylor is the WBC super-lightweight and lightweight world championCredit: GettyCaroline Dubois is interim lightweight championCredit: Instagram / wbcboxingShe has not fought at 135lb since beating Karen Carvajal in October 2022, instead moving up to 140lb to fight Chantelle Cameron.After initially losing to the Brit at the 3Arena, Taylor beat her in Dublin last November to become a two-weight undisputed champion.She was made to relinquish three of her four lightweight straps in the aftermath, and could be made to give up the fourth after beating Serrano.Caroline Dubois in interim champion at 135lbs, with WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman revealing the commission would be contacting the Irish woman’s team to decide what she is going to do.He told Sky Sports: “It has been quite a long time since [Taylor] defended the lightweight [title]. Caroline Dubois is the Interim champion.”Caroline Dubois got an Interim championship so she can make money, she can be a champion and look in the near future for something.”Hopefully there will be a resolution. “We’re going to let Katie Taylor take a very well deserved rest for a week then we’re going to contact them and see exactly what the plans are.”Most read in BoxingA decision is expected at the WBC convention next month.A return to lightweight to fight Caroline Dubois is one of a number of options available to Taylor.Awkward moment Eddie Hearn ‘isn’t welcome’ at Katie Taylor press conference before manager threatens to walk outSpeaking on Off The Ball, her promoter Eddie Hearn revealed that the 23-1 Irish legend remains hellbent on fighting in Croke Park before she retires.Attempts have been made in recent years to bring KT to GAAHQ in recent times but fell through due to finance issues.GOING FOR CROKEThe Matchroom Boxing chief said: “How much have we talked about it over the years and, like if there was ever a time…I’ve actually said this before, to be fair.”But we’re in November now, that gives you enough preparation for a summer event at Croke Park.”Hearn hinted that Taylor may not fight again, and said that it would take “something pretty special and unique” for her to do so.He added: “We’ve just seen the biggest female fight of all time in front of the biggest audience of all time.”It’s like, surely…and I’ll be honest with you, I don’t think it’s 100% guaranteed that Katie Taylor will fight again.”I’m sure she will, but it’s going to take something pretty special and unique.”We had a long call with her last night with (her manager) Brian Peters and she was full of (enthusiasm).”In the training room after (the fight), it kind of felt like if she was to turn around now and say, ‘that’s it for me’.”I’d actually be extremely happy in a way that you could bow out on a night like that.”But then she said, ‘there’s a few things, though, that I’d really like to do’.”I said, ‘what’s that’, and she said, ‘Obviously I’d like to fight at Croke Park and I’d like to fight in Las Vegas.'”There has already been talk of Taylor fighting Amanda Serrano for a third time, despite holding a 2-0 record against her.Then there is Chantelle Cameron, whom Taylor beat to become undisputed super lightweight champion at the 3Arena last November.In the lead-up to Taylor vs Serrano 2, Cameron expressed an interest in fighting the winner, with her series with the Irish woman locked at 1-1.And Hearn said bouts against either at Croke Park or The Sphere in Las Vegas would tempt Taylor more than another trip to the 3Arena or Madison Square Garden.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe continued: “I know there’s been a lot of interest from the Madison Square Garden guys because of the first Serrano fight to do something possibly in the Sphere in Las Vegas, which would be so iconic for her career – and Croke Park.”But I just think if it’s Chantelle (Cameron) back at the 3Arena or it’s Amanda Serrano back at MSG, I’m not sure that’s necessarily going to really excite her in the same way that doing something different would.” More

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      in Soccer

      Jamie Carragher slams Mo Salah over ‘selfish’ interview after Liverpool star reveals he’s ‘more out than in’

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      MOHAMED SALAH has been branded as “selfish” by Jamie Carragher after saying he was “more out than in” with his Liverpool future.The Reds’ Egyptian king conducted a rare interview in the mixed zone after his match-winning brace against Southampton on Sunday that sent Liverpool eight points clear at the top of the table.Jamie Carragher has slammed Mohamed Salah as ‘selfish’ after his contract commentsCredit: Sky SportsSalah said he was ‘more in than out’ regarding his Liverpool futureCredit: GettyHe said he was ‘disappointed’ to have not received any contract offersCredit: XSalah, whose contract at the club expires in the summer, was asked about his future but revealed he was disappointed he had not received any contract offers.He said: “Well, we are almost in December and I haven’t received any offers yet to stay in the club. I’m probably more out than in.”I’m not going to retire soon so I’m just playing, focusing on the season and I’m trying to win the Premier League and hopefully the Champions League as well.”I’m disappointed but we will see.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football following the interview, Kop icon Carragher said he was “disappointed” in the 32-year-old for his comments.He said: “Of course, there’s been discussions. “Right now, there’s obviously a big difference in valuation, how Salah and his agent value themselves, in terms of length of contract, and how Liverpool do. “So the reason Liverpool wouldn’t have offered a contract yet is because Mo Salah will turn it down. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”They’re still in talks, I’m desperate for them to meet in the middle. “But I must say, I am very disappointed with Mo Salah. That interview last night… Mo Salah admits he’s ‘more OUT than in’ as he piles pressure on Liverpool to offer him a new contract”Liverpool have Real Madrid in midweek and Manchester City next weekend. That’s the story for Liverpool right now. “And Mo Salah, we’re aware – certainly the local reporters near the club – that in seven years he’s stopped in the mixed zone twice. “That’s absolutely fine. “But he stops for the third time away at Southampton on the back of winning Liverpool the game and putting that out.”If he continues to put comments out or his agent continues to put cryptic tweets out, that is selfish. “That’s thinking about themselves and not the football club.”Salah has 12 goals in 18 games this season.Transfer interest in Salah is thought to be high, particularly from teams in the Saudi Pro League which previously saw a bid of £150million rejected.Having joined Liverpool from Roma in 2017, he has scored 223 goals and 99 assists in 367 appearances.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is one of three major Liverpool stars out of contract next summer alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk.The England international has remained quiet over his future amid interest from Real Madrid, while the Dutchman revealed talks over a new deal had recently started.Five Mo Salah strops at LiverpoolFive times things have got heated during Mo Salah’s Liverpool career.West Ham 2 Liverpool 2 – April 28, 2024Salah gets into a heated argument with Klopp as he refuses to shake the manager’s hand before coming on at the London Stadium.Liverpool 3 Sheffield United 1 – April 4, 2024Salah shakes his head as he is subbed off during Liverpool’s 3-1 win over the basement club.Chelsea 1 Liverpool 1 – August 13, 2023Salah storms off the pitch after being replaced on 77 minutes on the first day of the season.Brighton 1 Liverpool 1 – November 28, 2020Salah throws his arms up in the air and barely looks at Klopp after being subbed off. Brighton go on to equalise with a last minute penalty.Burnley 0 Liverpool 3 – August 31, 2019Salah gets in a public spat with Sadio Mane after failing to pass to the winger. Team-mate Roberto Firmino says the row had been brewing for some time.Read the full article from Jack Rosser More

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      in Soccer

      Ruben Amorim ‘could move to Ten Hag or Pogba’s old homes’ with Man Utd boss living in hotel with £2000-a-night suite

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      RUBEN AMORIM could move into the old homes of either Erik ten Hag or Paul Pogba.The new Manchester United manager is currently staying in a £2,000-a-night suite at the Lowry Hotel in Salford.Ruben Amorim could move into Erik ten Hag or Paul Pogba’s old homesCredit: GettyHe is currently living at the Lowry HotelCredit: Lowry hotelJose Mourinho stayed at the hotel during his tenure as Man Utd managerCredit: Lowry hotelRooms at the hotel cost up to £2,000-a-nightCredit: Lowry hotelThe hotel is rated five starsCredit: Lowry hotelIt is a short drive from Old TraffordCredit: Lowry hotelAmorim, 39, took charge of his first game as Manchester United manager against Ipswich Town.Marcus Rashford gave the Red Devils a perfect start by scoring after just 81 seconds.But despite the new lease of life, the Tractors Boys still pegged them back to a 1-1 draw at Portman Road. But Amorim did not have a cosy home to return to as he is staying at the five-star Lowry Hotel.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe hotel is a short drive from Old Trafford and is the former home of Jose Mourinho, who stayed there for the duration of his two-and-a-half-year reign as manager.However, Amorim is keen to settle into a home and avoid the hotel charges that Mourinho racked up.It is reported that he is already house hunting for a place that can be home to his wife Maria João Diogo and two sons.Potential options could be the old houses of his predecessor Ten Hag or former Red Devils star Pogba.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA source told the Daily Mail: “Amorim wants to get his family over and set up their own home.”The Hale and Bowdon area has been mentioned where his captain Fernandez lives and many of the players. It is just a short drive to the training ground.Roy Keane tells fan ‘I’ll wait in the car park’ after furious pitchside confrontation following Ipswich vs Man UtdAmorim is already house hunted despite the luxury padCredit: Lowry hotelThe hotel has hosted many celebritiesCredit: Lowry hotel”He could move into Ten Hag’s old place or even Paul Pogba’s place. But he is in the Lowry for the moment.”He has walked round the city a bit and had a coffee in a few of the cafes.”Perhaps he’ll bump into Pep Guardiola or even a few City players who have places nearby.”The hotel has played host to celebrities such as boyband Take That, Kylie Minogue and Ariana Grande.It was even the first in the country to offer in-room facial treatments to guests.The hotel has 165 rooms and is regularly used by the club, which reserve dozens of rooms before games.Amorim needs A LOT of time on training pitch to fix Man Utd… unfortunately he won’t get it, writes Charlie WyettIN theory at least, the only way is up for Manchester United, writes Charlie Wyett.We are nearly a third of the way through this Premier League season and it is still staggering to see United lurking in 12th place.They have managed just four wins with a goal difference of 0. Only Everton, Crystal Palace and Southampton have scored less.It is certainly not a false position and a point at Ipswich illustrated the massive job that Ruben Amorim faces.United’s fans sang the name of their new manager throughout the game.They also gave the players rapturous applause on the final whistle and although this was an improvement on some of the performances this season, the bar has been set pretty low.The club’s optimistic supporters will see that their team is only six points off the top four.  Ultimately, though, it is difficult to see United even reaching last season’s final position of eighth as they look worse.United’s patched-up defence will improve – and a three-man formation at the back will help them – but you have to wonder where the goals are going to come from. Marcus Rashford struck after 81 seconds and then went missing for the rest of his 68 minutes on the pitch.Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee were also introduced in that double change midway inside the second half but added absolutely nothing. What a terrible couple of signings they have proved to be and United’s fans would swap both of them for Ipswich’s Liam Delap.Amorim did not celebrate the Rashford goal and paced around his technical area throughout looking uneasy.Each time there was a break in play, he called over players for instructions.Alejandro Garnacho headed over to the touchline on a couple of occasions while there were also words for Diogo Dalot, Casemiro and Jonny Evans.Amorim, a manager with infectious enthusiasm, will be hopeful he can get his message across to all of the players in the next few weeks.But the problem for the Portuguese coach is that this was the first of 10 games in the space of 33 days.What he really needs are spells on the training ground without a midweek game but he does not have that luxury. More

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      Champions League giants announce plans for 60,000-seater ‘world’s best stadium’ with site on racecourse identified

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      A CHAMPIONS LEAGUE giant has announced plans for a new 60,000-seater stadium.Paris Saint-Germain could be set to leave the iconic Parc des Princes for a “truly great stadium”.The club currently play at the Parc des Princes in Paris but the city Government will not let them buy itCredit: ReutersNasser Al-Khelaifi wants the club to play in a more modern stadiumCredit: SplashOne option could be to build a stadium on the Saint Cloud RacecourseCredit: AlamyThe Ligue 1 champions have looked at three sites that the club could move to.This includes the Saint-Cloud racecourse, but this option could be complicated due to the limited resources available to manage fans.It is less than three miles from PSG’s current home.The club has also looked at the Montigny-le-Bretonneux, which is a commune in the south-western suburbs of Paris.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe move there would be more significant as it is 15 miles away.The furthest site away from the Parc des Princes is the land in Poissy of Stellantis.This would be further afoot for PSG at 18 miles away.Club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has insisted that PSG is “behind” their European rivals.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We are Paris Saint-Germain. A football club [that]… we need to a truly great stadium.”The best stadium in the world. We need to for Financial Fair Play. Former top flight stadium left abandoned and overgrown just two years after club last played a game there”All the other European clubs have constructed bigger, more modern stadiums. We are behind everyone.”Al-Khelaifi has also revealed that the Paris city government will not let the club purchase the rented Parc des Princes.He added: “It is the city [Government] that has already decided that for us”They won’t let PSG buy the Parc des Princes, which is rented.”AI’s impression of what the new PSG stadium could look likePSG has played at the Parc des Princes since 1973, one year after the current version of the ground was opened.A move to a 60,000-capacity ground would allow nearly 12,000 more fans into games compared to the max 48,583 at the current ground.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Michail Antonio suffers wardrobe malfunction as West Ham star’s request for special kit modification backfires

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      YOU might not think a West Ham player could complain about it being “tough at the top”.But Michail Antonio would disagree – and now has the proof.Michail Antonio pointed out his problem to the West Ham dugoutCredit: GettyAntonio went back on with a new version of his special topCredit: AFPThe striker was involved in an unusual shirt change during the Hammers’ shock 2-0 win at Newcastle.And the reason for his mishap was even more odd.Toon chief Eddie Howe no doubt tore a strip out off his home team as victory would have lifted them from tenth in the Premier League to fifth.But it was Antonio who managed to rip his uncomfortable top.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt all stems from the Jamaica star alerting West Ham back in the summer that his shirt was too tight at the top.And rather than tough it out, it’s understood he asked the club to put a slit in his collar.The Hammers agreed – meaning the 34-year-old has played the campaign in a customised shirt.However, not only did the top tear at the front at St James’ Park, it opened up right down to the chest.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAntonio had to point out the damage to his bench – before being kitted out with another personalised shirt.His old one had come apart much like Newcastle’s defence did at times – as West Ham slightly eased the pressure on boss Julen Lopetegui.Michail Antonio slept during West Ham’s celebrations after European Conference League triumphThe Spaniard insisted he has blocked out all the talk over his future.However, he must have been feeling a little bit hot under the collar.Fortunately for Lopetegui, Tomas Soucek headed a tenth-minute opener and Aaron Wan-Bissaka clinched victory soon after the break.The Hammers remain 14th in the Prem but now have a six-point cushion from the relegation zone.Ex-Manchester United right-back Wan-Bissaka has only ever scored three goals – but two have come at Newcastle.Lopetegui said: “We are happy. I think that we played well.”We played with one identity and we were able to overcome a very good team. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I believe in the future. This team is going to be able to do the things and show the style as a team.”Antonio played the first 75 minutes as the Hammers stunned NewcastleCredit: GettyLewis Hall tries in vain to get shirty with AntonioCredit: AFP More