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      Mark Chapman ‘rules himself out as Match of the Day host’ after Alex Scott says she WON’T take over from Gary Lineker

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      MARK Chapman has reportedly ruled himself out as the new Match of the Day host after fellow pundits pulled out in “solidarity” with Gary Lineker.The BBC said Mr Lineker’s criticism of the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill on Twitter was a “breach of our guidelines”.
      Mark Chapman has reportedly ruled himself out as the new Match of the Day host
      Gary Lineker will step back from presenting duties on Match of the Day until a ‘clear position’ on his social media use is agreedCredit: Splash
      The pundit will now step back from presenting duties on the flagship football show – that he’s presented since 1999 – until a “clear position” on his social media use is agreed.
      Now, football pundit Mark Chapman is thought to have ruled himself out as host of tonight’s show.
      The Daily Mail’s Chief Sports Reporter Matt Hughes said in a tweet: “BBC desperately scrambling to secure a new presenter for Match of the Day, with Alex Scott and Mark Chapman both ruling themselves out following withdrawal of Alan Shearer and Ian Wright as pundits.”
      Chapman joined Alan Shearer, Ian Wright, Jermaine Jenas, Micah Richards and Alex Scott in boycotting Saturday’s episode.
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      Arsenal legend Wright tweeted: “Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I’ve told the BBC I won’t be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity.”
      Mr Shearer, 52, later followed suit, saying: “I have informed the BBC that I won’t be appearing on MOTD tomorrow night.”
      And pundit Alex Scott says she won’t step in to host Match of the Day in place of Gary Lineker after his suspension from the show.
      In a cryptic tweet the ex-Lioness shared a meme of US politician Bernie Sanders saying: “Nah… not for me.”
      Most read in Football
      Footie pundit Micah Richards also backed the boycott.
      It is unclear who will present the show in place of the pundits.
      Mr Lineker sparked a free speech row when he compared the Governments plans to ban migrants arriving on small boats from settling in Britain with “1930’s Germany”.
      It came as he responded to a video on Twitter of Home Secretary Suella Braverman as she presented the Government’s plan.
      The legislation will see migrants swiftly detained and removed to either their country of origin or a safe third state within 28 days.
      Sharing the clip, Mr Lineker said: “Good heavens, this is beyond awful.”
      Responding to another user who described him as “out of order”, he added: “We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.
      “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”
      In a statement earlier, the BBC outlined they had undergone “extensive discussions” with the ex-England star, 62, following the furore.
      While the beeb praised his sports coverage as “second to none” they said he should “keep well away from taking sides” on party political topics.

      The full statement read: “The BBC has been in extensive discussions with Gary and his team in recent days.
      “We have said that we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines.
      “The BBC has decided that he will step back from presenting Match of the Day until we’ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media.
      “When it comes to leading our football and sports coverage, Gary is second to none.
      “We have never said that Gary should be an opinion free zone, or that he can’t have a view on issues that matter to him, but we have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies.”
      Sun columnist Piers Morgan reacted in fury at the “ridiculous” decision to suspend his pal Mr Lineker – accusing the BBC of being “pathetically spineless”.
      The TalkTV’s host fumed: “This is a ridiculous decision and if the BBC really believes its presenters shouldn’t have political opinions then I look forward to them suspending David Attenborough…
      “And Alan Sugar and everyone else who has presented BBC shows but makes public their opinions.”
      Meanwhile, Alastair Campbell – who hosts a podcast run by Mr Lineker’s media firm Goalhanger Podcasts – told Sky News he fears “we’ve seen him on Match of the Day for the last time”
      Read More on The Sun
      Alan Shearer has joined Ian Wright in boycotting Match of the Day tonightCredit: Alamy More

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      Who could replace Gary Lineker as host of Match of the Day from The One Show regular to James Corden

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      THESE are some of the potential candidates that could eventually host Match of the Day after the BBC decided to pull Gary Lineker off air.The former England striker hit the headlines after he compared new immigration legislation to 1930s Germany.
      The BBC have pulled Gary Lineker off the airCredit: Getty
      That has led to people speculating as to who will step in as hostCredit: BBC
      In a major U-turn, the broadcaster announced Lineker would be suspended from his presenting duties after previously saying he would face no disciplinary action.
      They added that the suspension will remain in place until an agreement is reached on his social media use – which could potentially mean it is for the long-term.
      Attention quickly turned to who could replace him in the MOTD hot-seat.
      However, for the time being there will be NO HOST.
      READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER
      The BBC made that decision after numerous contenders ruled themselves out of the running in a show of solidarity with Lineker.
      Here, we take a look at those who could eventually end up replacing Lineker…
      JAMES CORDEN
      The Brit currently hosts the hit Late Late Show in America and is also set to stay Stateside to film his CBS chat show until next year before leaving the post following eight years in the job.
      Corden has previously presented the sports-based panel show A League of Their Own and is no stranger to football with the star being a huge West Ham supporter.
      Most read in Football
      He was tipped as a contender to replace Lineker last year, with Lineker even tweeting the ‘eyes’ emoji in response to the story.
      James Corden would be a left-field choiceCredit: Getty
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      ALEX SCOTT
      The former Lionesses star, 38, began her media career while still playing football, appearing on programmes such as Soccer AM and also had other minor roles at BBC Sport, BT Sport, and Sky Sports.
      She started co-presenting on Match of the Day Kickabout after retirement and then made history as a pundit at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first female football pundit at a World Cup for the BBC.
      In August 2019, Scott was announced as the new co-host of Sky Sports’ Goals on Sunday alongside Chris Kamara and has been a regular presenter on the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards while she is also a frequent guest presenter on The One Show.
      However, she says she won’t step in to host Match of the Day in place of Lineker after his suspension from the show.
      In a cryptic tweet she shared a meme of US politician Bernie Sanders saying: “Nah… not for me.”
      JERMAINE JENAS
      The 40-year-old former Premier League star regularly works as a pundit and commentator for BBC and BT Sport.
      Jenas began co-presenting The One Show on BBC One with Alex Jones and became one of its permanent hosts the following year.
      Last year he also performed the role of “Draw Conductor” for the 2022 FIFA World Cup draw.
      But Jenas also tweeted on Friday: “Been on air with the one show. I wasn’t down to be doing match of the day tomorrow, but if I was I would of said no and stood with my fellow pundits and @GaryLineker.”
      Jermaine Jenas has plenty of TV hosting experienceCredit: Getty
      MARK CHAPMAN
      The much-loved “Chappers” already has huge experience and has performed the role temporarily before.
      He also has experience of presenting but has hosted Match of the Day 2 on BBC One and Sky Sports’ coverage of the EFL Cup – but he now too is understood to have declared that he is standing with Lineker.
      MARK POUGATCH
      The 55-year-old also has huge experience in radio and television broadcasting.
      He is currently the Chief Sport Presenter for ITV Sport and fronts their major football and rugby coverage. 
      He is also the sideline reporter for Stan Sport’s UEFA competition coverage. 
      MANISH BHASIN
      Another well-known face and potential candidate for the job.
      He is a sports journalist and presenter broadcasting for Premier League Productions as the face of the Premier League’s global coverage to over 700 million viewers.
      And he also already works for the Beeb too.
      ALAN SHEARER OR IAN WRIGHT
      The two former England internationals are both regular pundits on Match of the Day and have been for years.
      They are close friends with Lineker, which could potentially be an issue.
      Wright announced that he would refuse to be on Saturday’s show after the news broke regarding Lineker.
      And that stance was swiftly followed by Newcastle legend Shearer, who tweeted: “I have informed the BBC that I won’t be appearing on MOTD tomorrow night.”
      GABBY LOGAN
      The Welsh presenter is a former international rhythmic gymnast who represented Wales and Great Britain.
      Read More on The Sun
      She hosted Final Score for BBC Sport from 2009 until 2013.
      And she can always be relied upon to step up for duty should the occasion arise.
      Logan hosted Final Score for BBC Sport from 2009 until 2013Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Ian Wright is refusing to appear on the show as an act of solidarityCredit: Getty More

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      Alex Scott reveals she WON’T step in as Match of the Day host in cryptic tweet hours after Gary Lineker pulled off air

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      FOOTIE pundit Alex Scott appeared to say she won’t step in to host Match of the Day in place of Gary Lineker after his suspension from the show.In a cryptic tweet the ex-Lioness shared a meme of US politician Bernie Sanders saying: “Nah… not for me.”
      Alex Scott says she won’t step in to host Match of the Day in place of Gary Lineker after he was suspended from the showCredit: Getty
      The ex-Lioness shared a meme of US politician Bernie Sanders saying: ‘Nah… not for me’Credit: Twitter/AlexScott
      Gary Lineker will step back from presenting duties on Match of the Day until a ‘clear position’ on his social media use is agreedCredit: Splash
      The BBC said Mr Lineker’s criticism of the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill on Twitter was a “breach of our guidelines”.
      The pundit will now step back from presenting duties on the flagship football show – that he’s presented since 1999 – until a “clear position” on his social media use is agreed.
      Ms Scott joined fellow Match of the Day hosts Alan Shearer, Ian Wright, Jermaine Jenas, Micah Richards and Mark Chapman in boycotting Saturday’s episode.
      The show’s commentary team are also standing down, with commentators usually heard on football broadcasts outside the UK expected to be shipped in.
      Read More on this story
      Mr Lineker sparked a free speech row when he compared the Governments plans to ban migrants arriving on small boats from settling in Britain with “1930’s Germany”.
      It came as he responded to a video on Twitter of Home Secretary Suella Braverman as she presented the Government’s plan.
      The legislation will see migrants swiftly detained and removed to either their country of origin or a safe third state within 28 days.
      Sharing the clip, Mr Lineker said: “Good heavens, this is beyond awful.”
      Most read in Football
      Responding to another user who described him as “out of order”, he added: “We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.
      “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”
      In a statement earlier, the BBC outlined they had undergone “extensive discussions” with the ex-England star, 62, following the furore.
      While the beeb praised his sports coverage as “second to none” they said he should “keep well away from taking sides” on party political topics.

      The full statement read: “The BBC has been in extensive discussions with Gary and his team in recent days.
      “We have said that we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines.
      “The BBC has decided that he will step back from presenting Match of the Day until we’ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media.
      “When it comes to leading our football and sports coverage, Gary is second to none.
      “We have never said that Gary should be an opinion free zone, or that he can’t have a view on issues that matter to him, but we have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies.”
      Sun columnist Piers Morgan reacted in fury at the “ridiculous” decision to suspend his pal Mr Lineker – accusing the BBC of being “pathetically spineless”.
      The TalkTV’s host fumed: “This is a ridiculous decision and if the BBC really believes its presenters shouldn’t have political opinions then I look forward to them suspending David Attenborough…
      Read More on The Sun
      “And Alan Sugar and everyone else who has presented BBC shows but makes public their opinions.”
      Meanwhile, Alastair Campbell – who hosts a podcast run by Mr Lineker’s media firm Goalhanger Podcasts – told Sky News he fears “we’ve seen him on Match of the Day for the last time.”
      Alan Shearer has joined Ian Wright in boycotting Match of the Day tonightCredit: Alamy More

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      I look forward to BBC suspending David Attenborough and Alan Sugar after taking Gary Lineker off air, Piers says

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      PIERS Morgan has blasted the BBC’s “ridiculous” decision to pull Gary Lineker off Match of the Day.The corporation said Mr Lineker’s criticism of the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill on Twitter was a “breach of our guidelines”.
      Piers Morgan has blasted the BBC’s ‘ridiculous’ decision to pull Gary Lineker off Match of The DayCredit: PA
      Gary will step back from presenting duties on Match of The Day until a ‘clear position’ on his social media use is agreedCredit: Splash
      The pundit will now step back from presenting duties on the flagship football show – that he’s presented since 1999 – until a “clear position” on his social media use is agreed.
      Piers blasted the BBC’s decision to suspend his pal.
      He fumed: “This is a ridiculous decision and if the BBC really believes its presenters shouldn’t have political opinions then I look forward to them suspending David Attenborough…
      “And Alan Sugar and everyone else who has presented BBC shows but makes public their opinions.”
      Read More on this story
      Sir David Attenborough has criticised the Government’s environmental record while Lord Sugar urged Brits to back the Tories in 2019.
      In a later Tweet, TalkTV’s Piers accused the BBC of being “pathetically spineless” over the decision.
      Mr Lineker sparked a free speech row when he compared the Governments plans to ban migrants arriving on small boats from settling in Britain with “1930’s Germany”.
      It came as he responded to a video on Twitter of Home Secretary Suella Braverman as she presented the Government’s plan.
      Most read in Football
      The legislation will see migrants swiftly detained and removed to either their country of origin or a safe third state within 28 days.
      Sharing the clip, Mr Lineker said: “Good heavens, this is beyond awful.”
      Responding to another user who described him as “out of order”, he added: “We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.
      “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”
      In a statement earlier, the BBC outlined they had undergone “extensive discussions” with the ex-England star, 62, following the furore.
      While the beeb praised his sports coverage as “second to none” they said he should “keep well away from taking sides” on party political topics.
      The full statement read: “The BBC has been in extensive discussions with Gary and his team in recent days.
      “We have said that we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines.
      “The BBC has decided that he will step back from presenting Match of the Day until we’ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media.
      “When it comes to leading our football and sports coverage, Gary is second to none.
      “We have never said that Gary should be an opinion free zone, or that he can’t have a view on issues that matter to him, but we have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies.”
      Following the BBC’s suspension of Mr Lineker, Match of the Day co-host Ian Wight said he will boycott Saturday’s episode in “solidarity”.
      He tweeted: “Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I’ve told the BBC I won’t be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity.”
      And Alan Shearer shortly followed suit, tweeting: “I have informed the BBC that I won’t be appearing on MOTD tomorrow night.”
      Alex Scott later declared herself out of the race with a cryptic tweet of US politician Bernie Sanders saying: “Nah… not for me.”
      And pundit Micah Richards backed the boycotters – saying he’d do the same if he was asked to host.
      Jemaine Jenas also ruled himself out of presenting duties.
      Mark Chapman – who presents Match of the Day 2 on Sunday – also said he would not stand in.
      Read More on The Sun
      And Steve Wilson, one of the flagship footie show’s commentators, said him and his colleagues will not be heard in Saturday’s episode. More

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      ‘This relationship isn’t working’ – Glamorous BBC and BT Sport presenter ‘breaks up’ with ‘toxic’ Tottenham

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      TV presenter Reshmin Chowdhury has announced she’s broken up with “toxic lover” Tottenham.Sympathy and advice poured in from fans when the glamorous BBC and BT Sport broadcaster decided “the relationship isn’t working” following Spurs’ Champions League exit.
      Reshmin Chowdhury gave Spurs another chance but reckons they let her down as the exited the Champions League with barely a fightCredit: Twitter
      Harry Kane and Co were booted out of Europe and then dumped by ReshminCredit: Alamy
      Rueful Reshmin untied the Tott after Antonio Conte’s men made little effort to impress her in Wednesday’s 0-0 home stalemate with AC Milan.
      Shakespeare would surely have argued: “Better to have loved and drawn than never to have loved at all.”
      But the result sent Harry Kane and Co crashing out at the last-16 stage 1-0 on aggregate.
      Londoner Reshmin, 45, even revealed she had briefly dumped Spurs over the weekend when they lost 1-0 in the Premier League at Wolves.
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      But early in Wednesday’s woeful display she posted optimistically from the stands: “Tottenham – the toxic lover I took a break from last Saturday.
      “I needed space. But he’s already pulled me back in. Can he keep me after tonight?”
      However, after seeing her hopes of being charmed back wither and die, she wrote: “Spurs and I are taking an extended break.
      “This relationship isn’t working. Nothing is working. At least your comments kept me entertained! Thank you and goodnight.”
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      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      One fed-up fan responded: “I think I’ll join you too. Spurs are hazardous to your health.”
      Another added: “I’ve had to go for a drink on my own to calm down. I know we don’t win stuff but not giving it a go is unacceptable in my book.”
      A third moaned: “It’s so depressing watching us at the moment.”
      But a few supporters reckon Reshmin still has the hots for the Totts.
      One wrote: “Extended break…until the weekend?”
      And if she does keep a fire burning for Tottenham, some supporters suggested she should look on the bright side.
      One fan said: “Try supporting a team that is not 4th or in the Champions League. It’s not the end of the world. There’s still football on a weekend/Monday.”
      But if Reshmin does try to go cold turkey, another supporter had a helpful tip.
      Read More on The Sun
      They suggested: “If there’s ever a Spurs game on TV find a movie that’s 90-95 minutes. My go-to will be American Pie, more entertaining and will have a better time.”
      Antonio Conte’s men slumped out of Europe with a drab draw vs AC MilanCredit: Alamy More

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      Ronaldo’s saucy partner Georgina Rodriguez shows off stunning figure ahead of new Netflix series

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      GEORGINA Rodriguez gives an insight into her wild side ahead of her new Netflix series.The model, partner of Cristiano Ronaldo, wore a pink, animal print bikini in a new photoshoot.
      Stunning Georgina Rodriguez wore a pink, animal print bikini in a new photoshoot
      The second series of Georgina’s show, Soy Georgina, will follow their new life together in the Middle East
      Georgina, 28, moved to the UAE from Manchester with Ronaldo after he was sacked from Manchester United and signed a £177million deal with Saudi football club Al Nassr.
      She has been dating Georgia, Ronaldo, 38, since 2017, and the second series of the show will follow their new life together.
      Ronaldo’s debut season in Saudi Arabia has seen the Portuguese mega-star net 7 goals in his last 8 games.
      Just four days after his 38th birthday, Ronaldo scored twice in each half to help Al Nassr defeat Al Wehda 4-0 in a Saudi Pro League game.
      READ MORE ON RONALDO
      Ronaldo shares two children with girlfriend Georgina and has a brood of five in total. 
      The Manchester United stars eldest is 12-year-old son Cristiano Ronaldo Jr – who has already starred for his father’s club at youth level.
      In June 2017, Ronaldo then welcomed twins – Eva and Mateo – into the world after a surrogate mother allegedly gave birth to them in the United States.
      A month later, Ronaldo confirmed in an interview that he and Georgina Rodriguez were expecting their first baby together.
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      When asked by Spanish news outlet El Mundo whether the player was “happy” to have another child on the way, he replied: “Yes, very much.”
      In 2017, Ronaldo confirmed in an interview that he and Georgina Rodriguez were expecting their first baby together More

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      ‘I fulfil one of my dreams’ – Lionel Messi lands new role outside of football

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      LIONEL MESSI is set to star in his own animated television series.The PSG star has agreed a deal with Sony Music Entertainment, according to Deadline magazine.
      Lionel Messi will be in an animated television seriesCredit: Getty
      The project will be part of Messi’s post-football adventure after he retires from the game.
      Messi revealed that the opportunity to be in an animated series is one of his “dreams”.
      He told the magazine: “Since I was a child, I have always liked animated series and my children are big ‘fans’ of animated characters.
      “Being able to participate in an animation project makes me happy because I fulfill one of my dreams.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “I would like to thank Sony Music for joining this project and we hope that everyone will like the result, especially the girls and the boys.”
      Fernando Cabral, EVP, Business Development, Latin-Iberia Regional, Sony Music Entertainment added: “It is a privilege for Sony Music to collaborate with Lionel Messi on this project to showcase the power and lessons of sports in partnership with the greatest football player of all time and one of the greatest athletes in history.
      “We look forward to bringing this heartwarming and humbling series to screens for audiences of all ages around the world.”
      Not a lot has been confirmed about what the show will be about with those in charge keeping the plans under wraps.
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      However, it is known that the series will revolve around an Argentine child playing a video game and it will be aimed at younger audiences.
      Messi has already entered the digital world as he is a regular on video games.
      The World Cup winner is of course on football games such as FIFA 23 and Pro Evolution Soccer.
      But he has also appeared on Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.
      Messi has appeared in Call of DutyCredit: Instagram / @leomessi More

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      ‘I looked ridiculous’ – Match of the Day host Gary Lineker reveals he couldn’t raise eyebrow on TV after botox blunder

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      GARY LINEKER has revealed that he will never get a facelift after botox left him unable to raise his eyebrows while on television.The Match of the Day host has opened up on how he stays in shape and tries to look younger.
      Gary Lineker was left unable to move his eyebrow live on TVCredit: Getty
      The 62-year-old chatted to fellow BBC presenter Gabby Logan on the MidPoint podcast, coming clean about his botox blunder.
      Lineker said: “I don’t mind a bit of pampering, massages. I quite like a facial or a head massage – I love a head massage.”
      The ex-England striker was asked if he would ever consider a facelift and, without hesitation, he declined.
      Lineker continued: “A facelift? God no. No.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “Why? I did Botox once as well, years ago, and I just looked ridiculous.
      “I couldn’t raise my eyebrow. I went on telly to give it a little look on camera, but it wasn’t moving.”
      The former Leicester, Tottenham and Barcelona man prefers to hit the gym to keep up his good looks rather than getting injections.
      Lineker said: “I always do the gym on Monday mornings. I work out three or four times a week and do pilates as well.
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      “I think the older you get the more you need to do, really. I think it’s quite easy in mid-life to just give up when you start seeing the waistline expand a little bit.
      “It’s funny I hate training. I’ve never liked it in my entire life, but I like it even less when I miss it because I think it’s important.
      “But I do love the feeling after, in the shower, thinking you’ve actually done it.”
      “The problem with training [as a footballer] was that I don’t think it was particularly thought out very well. I think it’s probably changed now.
      “I was a striker, so I wanted to practice and wanted to train the things that would hone my skills.
      “So I wanted to practice finishing every day and was perfectly happy doing hard fitness training, but most of it was five-a-side with little goals and it seemed pretty pointless.
      “Even doing a shooting session, they’d get the whole team to do it, you’d get one shot every ten minutes. Complete waste of time.” More