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      Premier League clubs ‘expected’ to help bail out smaller clubs as fans banned from stadiums until next year

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      MINISTERS “expect” Premier League clubs to help smaller clubs after fans were banned from stadiums until next year.
      Boris Johnson has scuppered plans to get supporters back on the terraces next month.

      ⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

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      Football fans have been banned from stadiums until next yearCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Now the Government has asked the wealthier outfits to step in while it negotiates a wider bailout to the sports industry.
      Clubs in the lower ­leagues face a turbulent financial future as, unlike Premier League giants, they rely on ticket sales.
      Under the PM’s new Covid plans, pilots allowing 1,000 fans into EFL matches are ditched.

      Sports bodies want the Government to support the industry as it did with the arts, which was given access to a £1.57billion package.
      Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden is said to be ­trying to “identify ways we can support sport”.
      Today the Premier League said they were “disappointed” fans would not be allowed in next month and said stadiums were safer than many other public spaces.

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      Boris Johnson has scuppered plans to get supporters back on the terraces next monthCredit: Sky News

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      Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden is said to be ­trying to ‘identify ways we can support sport’Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Sun Says

      RICH Premier League clubs should bail out lower league outfits facing Covid oblivion.

      They are not just the lifeblood of their communities. They and their players are, in part, the lifeblood of the Prem too.
      Some have rich owners, who must dig deep now that they are facing a season without fans. But many teams don’t. 
      It would be a calamity to let them fail through no fault of their own.
      A few, admittedly, are badly run — and the Prem would need strict guarantees on how a £200million donation would be spent by the 72 EFL clubs. 
      Some people will say the Government should step in. But it cannot bail out every industry. That way lies ruin. In football’s case there’s another solution.
      It’s right for wealthy Prem giants to fund a rescue. It’s in the national interest and their own too.

      In a statement they said: “Football is not the same without attending fans and the football economy is unsustainable without them.

      “Last season, Premier League clubs suffered £700m in losses and at present, our national game is losing more than £100m per month.
      “This is starting to have a devastating impact on clubs and their communities.”

      Boris Johnson reveals new restrictions on sporting events
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      in Boxing

      Conor Benn warns social media is a ‘killer’ as he quits Instagram in order to preserve his mental health

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      CONOR BENN walked away from social media at the peak of his pulling power – to preserve his mental health.
      At 23, and in a mandatory position for British and Commonwealth welterweight title fights, he should be loving using Instagram and Facebook to interact with his fans.

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      Conor Benn has taken himself off Instagram to preserve his mental healthCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      But the dark side of this tech phenomenon – the focus of new film The Social Dilemma – has forced the Brit to turn off.
      Getting whacked in hardcore sparring sessions at the talent-packed Tony Sims gym are par for the course – but Benn has limits… 
      After another gruelling workout, the son of boxing legend Nigel warned: “Social media is a killer.
      “It does have benefits but I now feel the bad outweighs the good, especially for mental health and even more so among young people.

      “I am only 23 and I really didn’t realise that young people could even have problems like depression and anxiety.
      “But I feel now that social media is really contributing to that.
      “I have read stories about young kids harming themselves — or worse — because of the pressures and influences of social media.
      “Social media has allowed people to walk right into your front room and smack you in the mouth completely anonymously, without you being able to do anything back.

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      Conor Benn was put through a gruelling session at Tony Sims gymCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

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      Benn is mandatory for the British and Commonwealth title fightsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      “I am not programmed to just take it like that — I’ll take a dig but only if I can give one back.
      “I have stayed off Instagram for four months. I have my accounts, but they are run for me and I feel so much better for it.
      “I just don’t need people blowing smoke up my backside.
      “But I also don’t need people abusing me for no reason and bringing negativity into my life.”
      Benn’s initial leap from amateur obscurity to Sky Sports prime-time – thanks to his legendary father’s fanbase – put some noses out of joint and a target on his back.
      But he is baffled about the stick still aimed his way after 16 exciting professional bouts.
      And Benn wants to warn trolls everyone has their breaking point.

      I have stayed off Instagram for four months. I feel so much better for it.
      Conor Benn

      If the fighting men in the Benn family are emotionally raw enough to cry more than the women, think about how vulnerable other targets are to online bullying.
      He explained: “People just see me as a sportsman. Not as a person with feelings and emotions and personal struggles.
      “I think boxers and fighters are probably even more emotional than normal people in other jobs and walks of life.

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      Benn believes boxers are even more emotional than normal peopleCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

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      The Brit doesn’t want to surround himself with negativityCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      “We are just wired differently and process things differently. My old man is so emotional. His whole career was driven by emotion and I am very much like that myself.
      “My dad cried more than my mum and he is a hard man.
      “And no matter how many times you say, ‘it doesn’t get to me’, if you really keep prodding and poking and hurting someone, you will get to them.”
      Conor was relieved when his 56-year-old father’s comeback was cancelled due to injury at the end of last year.
      Despite backing his Australia-based old man 100 per cent to scratch the itch, he dreaded the thought of him getting hurt.
      But it sounds like The Dark Destroyer — a two-weight world champion — has taken out his frustrations on Conor’s soft furnishings during lockdown. Conor added: “My dad flew over from Australia to do a tour around England.
      “He was due to stay at my house for ten days but then lockdown kicked in and he ended up here for four months!
      “I should have charged him for damages, let alone rent.

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      “You wouldn’t believe the amount of things that he manages to break, from door handles to putting scratches on the floor.
      “He caused absolute murder but it was wonderful getting to spend so much time with him — it’s time I really miss now we live so far apart.
      “He’s planning to come back soon. He usually only gives me a few days’ notice to get ready. He tells me to get his bed ready and then the next minute he’s at the door.”

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      John McGinn slams ‘ghost goal’ critics who say Aston Villa would be in Championship but for controversial tech blunder

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      JOHN McGINN slammed the cynics who claim Aston Villa survived last season only because of the biggest high-tech cock-up in Prem history.
      And he says there is no way tomorrow’s teatime clash with Sheffield United should be billed as a ‘ghost-goal’ grudge game — because Villa would have stayed up anyway.

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      John McGinn has slammed critics who claimed Aston Villa should be in the ChampionshipCredit: Aston Villa FC

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      Relegated Bournemouth complained that Dean Smith’s side stayed up because of Sheffield United’s ‘ghost goal’Credit: AFP

      Chris Wilder’s Blades were denied a stonewall goal at Villa Park last season, in the first Premier League match after lockdown, because of a bizarre goal-line technology blunder.
      Oliver Norwood’s free-kick was fumbled over the line by Villa keeper Orjan Nyland.
      Yet the Prem’s Hawk-Eye system — previously thought infallible — suffered  a spectacular malfunction.
      Referee Michael Oliver pointed to his watch to indicate it had not buzzed and so the ball could NOT have crossed the line — even though it was clear to the naked eye that it had.

      The game finished goalless, handing Villa a valuable point.
      Now McGinn has spoken for the first time about the controversial moment, shooting down claims — led by relegated Bournemouth — that Villa would be back in the Championship if  Norwood’s goal had stood.
      As he prepared to cross swords with the Blades again, the Scotland midfielder said: “I don’t feel embarrassed by that goal at all.
      “Why? Because we had so many other bad VAR decisions which went against us last season.

      I don’t feel embarrassed by that goal at all. Why? Because we had so many other bad VAR decisions which went against us last season.
      John McGinn

      “There was a ‘Without VAR’ league table compiled which showed where every club would have finished last season without new technology.
      “It showed we would have finished three places higher, which made me chuckle a bit. That incident made me feel like it was about time a VAR decision went our way.
      “Sheffield United obviously won’t agree but we could list so many bad VAR decisions which went against us.
      “I should have got a penalty against Spurs on the opening day last season. Henri Lansbury’s goal against Palace should have stood
      “That was in the space of the first six weeks of the season.
      “Fortunately, against Sheffield United the decision went for us. But over the entire season the bad decisions outnumbered the good ones for us.”

      Sheffield United were denied a stonewall goal at Villa Park last season

      Referee Michael Oliver pointed to his watch to indicate it had not buzzed
      McGinn, 25, bristles at suggestions Villa only avoided the drop because of that crucial point they pocketed.
      He added: “People can’t say that with any certainty. Even if we had gone in behind at half-time, who’s to say we wouldn’t have adopted different tactics?
      “We could have put on another striker, really gone for it and won the game.
      “Likewise, at West Ham on the final day of the season a draw ended up being enough to stay up.
      “But if we had needed a win we would have gone out with that target in mind.
      “When we returned from lockdown our approach was spot-on. Our target was to stay in the league and we achieved that. We would have done that whether that goal stood or not.”

      McGinn insists there is no reason for any bad blood to exist between the Blades’ players and Villa.
      He said: “I don’t think the Sheffield United boys will hold a grudge against us. I think they will accept it as water under the bridge.
      “We have a good relationship with their players and the bottom line is it wasn’t our fault. It was a malfunction between the referee, VAR and the Hawk-Eye system.”

      Sheffield United robbed of goal vs Aston Villa with Hawk-Eye ‘not working in first half’ and ‘only flashing at half-time’ More

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      in Soccer

      Dele Alli told quitting Tottenham after Gareth Bale transfer would be a ‘cop out’ by Glenn Hoddle

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      GLENN HODDLE has told Dele Alli that quitting Tottenham would be a “cop out”.
      Dele’s future at the club is in doubt because of his struggle for form and the arrival of Gareth Bale.

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      Dele Alli might not be as suited to counter-attacking play as Gareth Bale and needs to focus more on keeping the ballCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Defender Sergio Reguilon has joined Spurs old boy Gareth Bale in arriving from Real MadridCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Spurs legend Hoddle admits Jose Mourinho’s counter-attacking style does not suit Dele but insisted leaving is not the answer.
      Hoddle, 62, said: “That is the easy way out. That’s a cop out. He and Jose have to talk about it and he needs to adjust his game.
      “The manager picks the teams and the way you are going to play. You have to adjust to that.
      “I think he is capable of that but don’t down tools, pick up your tools and add to them.

      “Become a better player in a different way. I think that’s what he will do.”
      Dele was one of the first names on the team sheet under former boss Mauricio Pochettino.
      But after initially impressing Mourinho, he has fallen out of favour and was struggling for game time even before the signing of Bale.

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      Hoddle said: “The way Spurs are looking to play doesn’t quite suit him.

      “If you are going to counter, you are going to be deep in the pitch and you break from there.
      “When Poch had the team, it was more a team that had possession, pressed high up and got crosses in and possession in wide areas, so he could time his runs.
      “When you are playing on the counter, you haven’t got a chance to time it, you have to go from a deep position.
      “He is going to have to adjust his game quite a bit. He has got to retain the ball better.

      We forget how young he still is. This is a tough spell he’s in, he’s just got to dig deep.
      Glenn Hoddle on Dele Alli

      “I think he loses his confidence when he loses the ball.
      “You have got to keep it simple but he has got to tell himself ‘I am a goal machine’, get in the box and score.”
      Hoddle believes it is far too early to write off Dele, who is still only 24.
      He added: “We forget how young he still is.
      “This is a tough spell he’s going through, he’s just got to dig deep.

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      Glen Hoddle believes Gareth Bale could transform Spurs but still hopes Dele Alli does not leaveCredit: Rex Features
      “I hope he comes through it and comes out of it a better player.”
      Hoddle reckons Bale is ideally suited to Mourinho’s tactics and could be the X factor that brings a long-awaited trophy to Tottenham.
      Former playmaker Hodd said: “Jose is getting a great player, if he can keep him fit.
      “And I think he wants to counter, to bank up and defend quite deep and counter teams.

      “There’s no better player than Bale in the side to do that.
      “Hopefully, if we get enough football out of him and keep his body right, it will turn into  silverware as well.”
       The BT Sport Monthly Pass lets you watch BT Sport for a simple monthly fee of £25 with no contract. Customers can watch all BT Sport Premier League  fixtures for the next 30 days, including Southampton v Spurs from 11.30am today. For more info, visit bt.com/ monthlypass

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      Man Utd looking to offload Sergio Romero after keeper’s heartbreak at Europa League snub

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are looking to find keeper Sergio Romero a new club after his Europa League heartbreak.
      The Argentinian, 33, was upset about being overlooked for the semi-final defeat by Sevilla.

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      Romero could be on his way out of Man Utd after his Europa League snubCredit: Rex Features

      He is now considering his future away from Old Trafford, sources close to the keeper have told SunSport.
      Romero has been an understudy for several seasons but felt his big chance of fame was snatched away from him when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer recalled David De Gea.
      Now South American insiders claim ex-Sampdoria star Romero wants to go to a new club and play.
      And United chiefs are open to him leaving and currently working on the idea.

      The Romero development will impact on Dean Henderson, who last month signed a mega new five-year deal on £120,000 a week.
      He could be loaned out if the Red Devils have cover and a club would pay his wages.
      United’s transfer team had been looking for possible European clubs who were after a top keeper like Henderson for a year.
      But now those plans have all been put on hold.

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      SunSport told you how Romero – who pockets £70,000 a week – was the Premier League’s highest benchwarmer last season.
      He made £3.64m despite not playing a single minute in the top flight.
      Everton had been looking at a move for Romero, according to reports, because he wanted to put pressure on Jordan Pickford.

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      in Boxing

      Joshua Buatsi delighted to be back in the saddle as he targets Anthony Yarde and Callum Johnson

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      JOSHUA BUATSI will race through the gears on his boxing comeback after 13 months out, with two fellow Brits in his crosshairs.
      The 27-year-old light-heavyweight gets back in the saddle on October 4 in a tune-up bout against Marko Calic.

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      Joshua Buatsi returns on October 4 in a tune-up bout against Marko CalicCredit: Richard Pelham – The Sun

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      The cycling nut wants to overtake Callum Johnson and long-time rival Anthony YardeCredit: Richard Pelham – The Sun

      But the two English rivals the cycling nut wants to overtake are Matchroom stablemate Callum Johnson and long-time rival Anthony Yarde.
      The competition with 29-year-old Yarde — who boxes on a rival TV network under promoter Frank Warren — is on the backburner until one of the Londoners lands a world title.
      But 35-year-old Johnson, who challenged bravely for a world title at the end of 2018, is one Buatsi wheelie fancies.
      The Anthony Joshua-managed ace said: “The Callum Johnson fight would be easier to make as we are in the same weight class, promotional team and country.

      “Just by being in this sport I think we all make it clear that we want the best fights but there is always more to it sadly.
      “I watched the first couple of rounds of Anthony Yarde’s recent fight and then just got on with my evening but it was good he got back to winning ways.
      “It’s hard to say if we will fight, we both want to, but the politics can make it difficult.
      “I know it is the main fight that people want to see so, if the two promoters can come together and get to an agreement, I am sure us two fighters will take it on.”

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      When gyms were closed for the Covid-19 lockdown, Buatsi hit the steepest hills in London and KentCredit: Richard Pelham – The Sun

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      He raced Team GB heavyweight star Cheavon Clarke on two wheelsCredit: Richard Pelham – The Sun

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      When gyms were closed for the Covid-19 lockdown, Buatsi hit the steepest hills in London and Kent to race Team GB heavyweight star Cheavon Clarke on two wheels.
      Typically he gave his new hobby 100 per cent and had to be reminded to swap the helmet for a sparring headguard once he could get back to the day job.
      Buatsi added: “Boxing is my bread and butter. I am not a professional cyclist and a couple of people reminded me of that so as soon as the gyms reopened I got back to the grind.
      “I had fun beating Cheavon in every race but I was happy to get my career back on track.”

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      Leeds plot second Dan James transfer raid as they offer Man Utd speedster regular games

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      LEEDS are planning a second attempt to sign speedy Welsh winger Dan James.
      The 22-year-old was unveiled by the Yorkshire giants in January 2019 but his switch from Swansea collapsed on transfer deadline day.

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      Man Utd youngster James is wanted by Leeds after dropping down the Old Trafford pecking orderCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He eventually joined Manchester United for £18million in June last year.
      James — who played the first half of last night’s 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace — wants to give it a go at Old Trafford but has dropped down manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s pecking order.
      And James could again be tempted by a move to Leeds, either permanently or on loan.
      The Elland Road outfit think they can snatch him from the Red Devils for around £12m plus add-ons.

      James would add even more firepower to their exciting attack – which for the second time in a row scored four goals, most recently in a 4-3 win over Fulham after the 4-3 defeat to Liverpool in their season opener.
      A loan deal could also work but Leeds know James – whose struggles against Palace showed the need for United to sign Jadon Sancho – could be a big hit and his value might soar after this season.
      Coach Marcelo Bielsa has been a long-time admirer of James and wants extra pace and variety in his front line.
      Meanwhile, the Argentinian has brought in a surprise rule about his squad and their loan policy.

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      Several of the younger Elland Road players have been wanted by other clubs but Bielsa will not let them go until he has cover.
      Midfielders Jordan Stevens and Robbie Gotts, both 20, are cleared to leave but only when another player arrives for Bielsa’s demanding training sessions.
      The legendary boss must have the full number available for his preparations and will not let himself be caught short as he wants the whole of his squad to follow his precise instructions.

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea signing Kai Havertz out to kick Liverpool’s ass after campaigning against cruelty to donkeys

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      KAI HAVERTZ loves donkeys and has campaigned against cruelty to animals.
      But on the pitch he is aiming to kick ass like childhood hero and former Chelsea star Michael Ballack.

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      Kai Havertz loves donkeys and has campaigned against cruelty to animals

      Havertz has already rescued or sponsored a number of donkeys but that is just the start.
      The Blues’ £62million summer signing said: “From my first years, my favourite animal was always the donkey.
      “It was always a dream for me some day to have one.
      “It’s a good opportunity to help save donkeys from the butcher or the circus or things like that.

      “It will be a big project for me in the next few years.
      “I think animals are very important for us, for the world, and I do my best for them to have a better life.
      “Of course, football is, for me, very important. But to be honest, there are many more important things in life than football.”
      Havertz plays the piano to relax and comes across as not your average 21-year-old.

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      Chelsea boss Frank Lampard with Havertz in training

      In choosing to leave Bayer Leverkusen for the Premier League and Chelsea, rather than join Bayern Munich like so many top young German stars do, he has also broken the mould.
      Havertz said: “Of course, it’s a very big step. But I like to do things that not everybody will do.
      “For me it’s very exciting to learn another league and to learn another culture.
      “The career is not that long, maybe ten to 15 years, and I try to have a new goal.
      “My goal was to play in the Premier League and I am very thankful I am here.”
      Chelsea fans once more have the personal touch of Frank Lampard to thank for the club’s success in beating the likes of Manchester United to Havertz’s signature.
      As was the case with his fellow German international Timo Werner, Havertz was impressed by Lampard’s enthusiasm — although his childhood affinity for Chelsea meant the boss did not have to sell the club too hard.

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      Havertz is aiming to kick ass like childhood hero and former Chelsea star Michael Ballack

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      Ballack during a visit to Chelsea’s training ground
      Havertz said: “Of course the coach has a big impact on my decision.
      “For me, it was always important that a club comes to me or my agent and says, ‘You are the player and we want you and we’ll do everything for you, so please come to us’.
      “That was the first thing that I had in mind when I signed for a new club. For me, Chelsea is the perfect club.
      “Of course, we had in the last years some conversations with other clubs as well and I think that’s normal.
      “But in the end Chelsea give me everything.
      “I’ve loved Chelsea my whole life. I always watched the team as a kid so it was not a very tough decision for me.
      “It’s a big project here. I love to play with young players as well.
      “Maybe it needs a few games to play good football but I’m looking forward to it.
      “I’ve been here for just seven days. I think it will be good in the next few weeks and months.”

      Chelsea fans will hope Havertz can match or exceed the achievements of Ballack, who won a Premier League title, three FA Cups and a League Cup while at Stamford Bridge.
      It is little wonder that Ballack is one of Havertz’s idols.
      The former Germany captain also played for Leverkusen before moving to Bayern, then Chelsea and then back to Leverkusen in the year when Havertz joined the club’s youth set-up.
      In playing style, they are cut from the same cloth — what the Germans call an ‘Alleskonner’, a player who can do everything.
      Havertz said: “Michael Ballack was always a hero when I was younger.
      “I liked him as a player very much. He played in my position.
      “He was a midfield player who wanted to score many, many goals.
      “I try to score goals like him. He was always a very big player for me.”

      “My goal was to play in the Premier League and I am very thankful I am here.
      Kai Havertz

      But another of Havertz’s childhood heroes did not have such a happy time in the Premier League.
      Big Dutch striker Erik Meijer moved from Leverkusen to Liverpool in 1999 but failed to make his mark.
      After a loan spell at Preston, Meijer returned to Germany for a late renaissance.
      Havertz, who was born in the cathedral city of Aachen, said: “Erik Meijer was one of my idols as a kid because he played for Alemannia Aachen.
      “I think I was at every home game with my father and brother.
      “He was always the hero and star in the team. He scored very many goals. I liked him as a player.
      “He was a very good striker. He played in my childhood team so it was very nice to see him play.
      “I know he played for Liverpool but I think I made the right decision to play for Chelsea.”
      This afternoon Havertz will try to show the Premier League champions just what they missed out on — by making asses out of them. More