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      in Boxing

      Frank Bruno admits losing FOUR pals to coronavirus pushed him ‘to the brink’ in fight with bipolar and depression

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      IT was the greatest moment in his life — and one that thrilled millions of Brits.
      Standing in the middle of the ring at Wembley Stadium, Frank Bruno raised his clenched fists to the sky as fireworks exploded.

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      Frank Bruno is facing another heavyweight challengeCredit: Louis Wood – The Sun
      Finally, at the fourth attempt, he had risen from pantomime dame, famous for his ‘Know What I Mean’ catchphrase’, to the world heavyweight champion.
      Yet 25 years on from that iconic night, yesterday’s anniversary was bittersweet for Frank.
      That’s because the 58-year-old, who has been suffering mental health problems for two decades, is trying to cope with a relapse in his battle with bipolar disorder.
      In an emotional interview dad-of-four Frank says lockdown has brought about his new torment. 

      The ordeal has been brought on by the heartbreaking loss of four friends from suspected Covid-19.
      They have been crushing blows which, Frank says, have been tougher than any punches he felt in the ring.
      Among those he has lost are Rupert Doaries, a former member of Frank’s coaching team, Milton Marks, his former accountant, and lifelong pal Mickey Crow.
      In an exclusive interview Frank said: “Today I will be taking some time to think about all of them.

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      It was 25 years ago this week since the legend became heavyweight champion at WembleyCredit: Getty Images

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      The anniversary of his win over Oliver McCall has been bittersweet for Frank BrunoCredit: Getty Images
      “The hardest thing about losing so many friends during lockdown was not being able to go to the funerals and say goodbye properly.
      “The friends I have lost are guys who have been friends for most of my life — and long before I became famous.
      “It’s made me realise just how precious life is and how horrendous this virus has been for many.
      “I can’t lie mentally, the last few months have been really, really tough.
      “There have been some really dark days which have pushed me right to the brink. But I am still here and still fighting and that’s what I will always try to do.”
      Frank remains one of the country’s most loved sporting icons, and he agreed to speak out because he fears many, like him, have struggled with the fallout of the pandemic.
      The ex-WBC king, who has been  previously sectioned, battled through by getting medical advice, leaning on friends . . . and exercising.

      You’re Not Alone

      EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.

      It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
      It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
      And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
      Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
      That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
      The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
      Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
      If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
      CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
      Heads Together,www.headstogether.org.uk
      Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
      Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
      Samaritans,www.samaritans.org, 116 123
      Movember,www.uk.movember.com

      Frank added: “I have learned to live with my illness a lot better now.
      “It will always be there. It’s not like boxing. At the end of the fight you and your opponent shake hands and go your separate ways.
      “But bipolar and depression is there all the time. It’s like the devil on your shoulder. And it can creep up on you — sometimes when you least expect it.
      “I think that’s what has happened in the last few months.
      “I had pneumonia last year which meant I was at high risk when lockdown kicked in so I knew I needed to keep my head down and stay indoors.
      “A few years ago I’d have been too afraid to tell anyone how I was feeling because I’d worry what they’d think.
      “There was such a stigma attached to mental health. But talking openly is something that really helps me and it has been so important during lockdown.”

      Fifty eight year old Frank Bruno shares his daily workout tips to stay happy and healthy during lockdown

      I have learned to live with my illness a lot better now… But bipolar and depression is there all the time. It’s like the devil on your shoulder. And it can creep up on you — sometimes when you least expect it.
      Frank Bruno

      Frank, who has spent years lobbying for mental health reform, warned: “So many people have lost loved ones, people have lost their jobs, so many people have seen their lives completely changed.
      “There was already a big problem before Covid but it is going to be ten times as bad now.
      “Anyone can be affected. It doesn’t matter if you are a dustman or a billionaire. Everyone has mental health.
      “And all too often someone who is stressed, depressed or worse is packed off with a load of pills and not given the right support.
      “It’s important that people know there is another way.
      “I am not very good sitting indoors all day watching Phil and Holly on TV if you know what I mean . . . 
      “I have really missed being able to go out, attending events and just being around people. Being indoors all the time started to have a knock on with my bipolar big time.
      “So I did what I have always done best. I spent a lot of time getting my head down and training really hard.

      “I love the gym so when they started closing them I set one up at home. And I put a punchbag in the garden and just hit my way through it.
      “Training, staying active has been my way of trying to get through all this and defending myself against my bipolar disorder.”
      But one thing Frank has missed desperately is being able to see his fans.
      Before lockdown he had been planning a series of events across the country to celebrate his iconic unanimous points victory over American Oliver McCall at Wembley on September 2, 1995.
      In a poll of most popular Brits that year he only came second to Princess Diana.

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      Now, 25 years on, Frank still gets stopped in the street and asked about that night.
      It was his fourth attempt to win a world title and he said: “It was the best night of my life. I still watch the fight and get goosebumps when I am announced as the winner.
      “I always dreamed of becoming a world champion but you never know with boxing. So to finally do it was the just most amazing feeling.”
      If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 16123. More

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd will NOT give up on £110m Jadon Sancho transfer until winger publicly reveals he wants Borussia Dortmund stay

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will not give up on Jadon Sancho until the England star publicly admits he wants to stay at Borussia Dortmund.
      Sancho, 20, has remained tight-lipped about his future while Dortmund chiefs have insisted he will spend this season in Germany.

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      United are not giving up on their chase to land Jadon SanchoCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      United had put all their efforts into landing Sancho this summer with an offer of £70million up front rising to £110m.
      Personal wage demands had been sorted and the player was ready to make the move back to Manchester where he started his career at The Etihad with City.
      But the Bundesliga side wanted more money up front and United were not prepared to pay it.
      Now the only way a deal will go through is if Sancho pushes for it.

      Otherwise United and Dortmund want him to make a statement about his future.
      United have since turned their attentions to Donny van de Beek who is signing this week in a £40m move from Ajax.
      They are also close to signing a centre-half and looking at a left-back.

      Four Premier League teams crack the top ten highest wage bills in Europe

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      While they want Sancho they know they have a strong front four of Bruno Fernandes in behind Mason Greenwood, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.

      The club still has trust in former Swansea winger Daniel James coming good as well while striker Odion Ighalo remains on loan at the club until the New Year.
      Still manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to boost his squad still further with the increased demands of the Champions League on top of a determined challenge for the title.

      Watch Man Utd star Bruno Fernandes perfect his penalties against Boavista teen keeper in surprise visit to old club More

    • 163 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Harry Maguire insulted Greece in foul-mouthed rant and attacked officers, court statements claim

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      MAN United skipper Harry Maguire insulted Greece in a foul-mouthed rant, according to newly released statements. Maguire, 27, his brother and a pal also allegedly attacked police officers.  He is appealing after being given a 21-month suspended sentence for charges including assault. But in the court statements, officials say the trio “insulted Greece, the Greek […] More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Marcus Rashford ‘haunted’ by sound of his mum crying herself to sleep as she struggled to provide for her family

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      FOOTBALL star Marcus Rashford has told how he is haunted by the sound of his hard-up mum crying herself to sleep as she struggled to provide for her family. The England and Manchester United striker recalled mother Mel’s torment in an emotional letter to MPs as he launched his campaign against child poverty. The 22-year-old, […] More

    • 163 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Jack Grealish reckons England call-up will help lift him to the next level

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      JACK GREALISH has seen first-hand how good Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold are — the hard way.
      Now the Aston Villa ace cannot wait to benefit from having some of the top talent in world football — and the cream of English football — on his side at last.

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      Jack Grealish is ready to star on the international stageCredit: PA

      Grealish had to dig deep to keep his beloved Villa in the Premier League on the final day of a traumatic, Covid-hit season.
      His crucial strike at West Ham on Survival Sunday earned Dean Smith’s side the precious point they craved.
      However, he knows playing for England is a whole new ball game.

      And Grealish is determined to prove he is capable of handling the pressure of having a nation’s hopes on his shoulders — now he has three lions on his shirt instead of one.

      The 24-year-old Villa skipper revealed: “I believe in my own ability and I’m confident I can perform at international level.
      “But I also want to improve and I’m eager to learn what it takes to be a success at this level.
      “If anything, I believe the better the players you play with or against, then the better you will perform yourself. I’ve always believed that.
      “When you look around the England squad, they are not just the best players in the country — they are the best in the world.

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      Grealish believes playing alongside the likes of Kane and Sterling will help raise his gameCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Grealish represented England at Under-21 levelCredit: Rex Features
      “I’ve played against these guys when they’ve been playing for Liverpool, Manchester City and Spurs, with not a lot of success!
      “Now I can’t wait to actually train beside them and, hopefully, team up with the likes of Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling and Trent Alexander-Arnold, rather than trying to stop them.
      “I know I can become an even better player by learning from these amazing players.
      “I want to show the manager what I’m all about, play to the best of my ability and, hopefully, keep my place in the squad.
      “Sure, I had planned and hoped it would happen earlier in my career.
      “Five years ago Roy Hodgson was on the verge of selecting me after I chose to represent England instead of Ireland.
      “But our next games were against the Republic of Ireland and Scotland and it was put on hold. That was frustrating. Now all I want is the chance to show what I can do — it’s the biggest challenge of my career and I can’t wait.
      “Hopefully playing with the best players in the country will bring out the best in me.

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      Grealish starred as he helped Villa ensure Premier League survivalCredit: AFP or licensors

      “Some of the guys in the squad made the breakthrough at 18 and 19 — I’m 24 but I’m desperate to learn and improve.”
      Grealish famously switched allegiance from the Republic of Ireland to England at Under-21 level after being voted Ireland’s Under-21 Player of the Year.
      It was a controversial and difficult choice but one the kid from Solihull knew, deep down, he had to make.
      He said: “The first time I walked into the England dressing room and saw my name on the back of my shirt — and the three lions on the front — it was like a dream come true. I’m English, my parents are English. It was a proud moment for me.
      “As a kid I used to look up to Wayne Rooney who was my hero growing up.
      “My first dream was to play for Villa — the next dream was to play for England.
      “The strange thing is, as I played a lot I’ve never actually been to an England game as a fan.
      “I have no idea if I will be selected this time around. But if I am lucky enough to be called on, I’ll give it everything I have and try to learn from the experience.

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      Gareth Southgate initially left Grealish out of his England squadCredit: PA:Press Association

      “It would be nice in a full stadium under different circumstances.
      “But the prospect of walking out at a full Wembley Stadium later in the season is something to hopefully look forward to.”
      Despite operating in midfield at times, Grealish was Villa’s top scorer with eight top-flight goals and romped the club’s and supporters’ player-of-the-season awards last term.
      A national debate has raged about exactly where his best position is and feelings run high on whether Grealish is a left winger, a No 10 or an out-and-out midfielder.
      Yet the Villa star says he is willing to become a Jack of all trades to help England and insists he does not mind where Gareth Southgate wants him to perform — he just wants to play.
      With England facing Iceland on Saturday, Grealish said: “I just want to get my head down and work hard.
      “I’m proud of the fact I can play in different positions — left wing, midfield or No 10. I’ll wait and see what happens.
      “It’s been a long time coming but this is something I’ve always wanted to do — represent my country to the best of my ability.”
      Grealish knows there is one patriotic England fan who will love it when he finally pulls on a senior England shirt — Villa’s most famous fan Prince William!

      The Premier League opening day fixtures for 2020-21 have been revealed

      Fans have joked HRH may have pulled a few strings and Grealish admits he was given a huge lift last year when he received a note from Villa’s top VIP punter.
      He said: “After the incident when I was attacked on the pitch against Birmingham, I received a postcard from Prince William with some kind words of encouragement.
      “It was totally unexpected and hand-written too. I appreciated the gesture and know he will be delighted — like the rest of Villa’s fans — at the prospect of me doing my best for England.”

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      in Soccer

      Aston Villa set to land Ollie Watkins in £22m transfer as Brentford sign replacement Ivan Toney

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      IVAN TONEY has signed for Brentford in a £4.5million move from Peterborough — paving the way for Ollie Watkins to make a £22m switch to Aston Villa.
      SunSport exclusively revealed the Bees were on the verge of signing 24-year-old Toney last month — a deal which could rise to £9m in bonus-related clauses.

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      Ollie Watkins is set to join Aston Villa after three years with BrentfordCredit: Rex Features

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      Renowned lower-league goal-getter Ivan Toney is stepping up from Peterborough to Championship side BrentfordCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And the striker — who scored 24 goals for Posh last year to win League One player of the season — trained with his team-mates yesterday after clinching a five-year deal.
      Brentford boss Thomas Frank said: “He fits what I want in a striker.
      “He is a goalscorer, he gets into good positions in the box, he is good playing on the last line, and will contribute to our link-up play.”

      Toney was linked with numerous top sides, including Celtic, Brighton and Anderlecht — but the promise of consistent first team football at the top of the Championship swayed him.

      Watkins looks likely to move to the Prem with Villa, who are keen to get the deal done in time to prepare for the September 12 start.

      Forward Watkins hit 26 goals to drive Brentford to the play-off finals in the last campaign, but is hoping to score goals in the top flight this month.
      Villa boss Dean Smith is trying to drive through a deal for Watkins who would pick up £70,000 a week in wages.
      Sheffield United and newly-promoted Fulham are also interested in Watkins.

      Aston Villa offer Jack Grealish bumper £100k-a-week new deal More

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      in Soccer

      Jack Grealish says ‘I’ve waited 5 years for my call-up.. now I’ll make sure that I stay here’

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      JACK GREALISH finally got his England call-up then vowed to make sure he never misses another squad.
      Gareth Southgate picked the Aston Villa ace for the first time after Marcus Rashford and Harry Winks withdrew from the Nations League double header in Iceland and Denmark.

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      Jack Grealish has earned his first call-up to the England squadCredit: The Mega Agency

      The playmaker, 24, switched his allegiance from Ireland to England five years ago but had been repeatedly snubbed by boss Southgate.
      In an exclusive interview with SunSport, Grealish said: “I don’t want to be on the outside looking in again. But I know for that to be the case I’ve got to make a good impression.
      “It’s been a long time coming but this is something I’ve always wanted to do.

      “I thought it was going to happen five years ago when I took the decision to play for England. I’m so pleased it’s finally happened.

      “My plan has always been to just get in that England squad for the first time, then make sure I do enough to stay in there.
      “The hardest thing is getting your first call-up.
      “Once you are in the squad, it’s up to you to make sure you either do enough in the training sessions or games.”
      Grealish inspired Villa to survival on the final day of the Premier League and only Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne created more chances than him last season.

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      Grealish represented England and Ireland at youth levelsCredit: Rex Features

      But the Brummie, due in court in November after crashing his car during lockdown, was omitted from the original 24-man squad and it seemed he had little future under Southgate.
      Wolves defender Conor Coady and Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles were also called up on Saturday.
      Grealish, who played for the Republic of Ireland’s junior sides, added: “Some of the players in the current squad have been around the England camp for many years.
      “You just expect them to be there — and that has got to be the aim for every player.
      “When I was first on the fringes of the Aston Villa team my target was to get in and stay in. So that is now the same with England.
      “I don’t know if I will get the opportunity to show what I can do on the pitch.
      “But if that doesn’t happen then I’ve got to use every training session to show what I’m capable of and I’m confident of doing so.”
      Southgate defended his decision not to initially include Grealish seven days ago.

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      Southgate initially left Grealish out of his England squadCredit: PA:Press Association

      He said: “With Jack, the simple answer is Mason Greenwood. He’s competing against Greenwood, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Raheem Sterling.
      “I know Villa have played him as an eight, I don’t see him in that role for us. He could play as a ten but we haven’t played with a ten.”
      Grealish got his chance after Manchester United striker Rashford failed to recover from an ankle problem and Tottenham midfielder Winks was also ruled out.
      Southgate feared he would lose more players as five had tested positive for coronavirus last week. But he was relieved yesterday as players reported at St George’s Park after another round of testing.
      England will spend this week at the Staffordshire base before flying to Iceland on Friday.

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd legend Ryan Giggs backs Dan James to bounce back next season after hitting form with Wales

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      RYAN GIGGS is adamant Dan James can rediscover his best form at Manchester United – by shining for Wales this week.
      James, 22, made just one Premier League start following lockdown and that was United’s returning game at Tottenham on June 19.

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      Daniel James slipped down the ranks at Old Trafford as Mason Greenwood enjoyed a stunning breakthrough – but can regain his progressCredit: Reuters

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      Ryan Giggs believes Wales winger Daniel James has the perfect attitude to take big steps forward when he returns to Man UtdCredit: AFP or licensors
      Red Devils’ boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer appeared to lose faith in James, whose Old Trafford career started with a bang, scoring three goals in his first four games.
      James has just scored once more in his next 42 club games and he spent most of the season resumption on the bench following the emergence of Mason Greenwood. 
      But Giggs believes Wales’ Nations League double-header against Finland and Bulgaria can be just the tonic for flying winger James to regain his confidence ahead of the new season when United kick-off against Crystal Palace on September 19.
      Giggs said: “Sometimes the players that don’t necessarily play all the time for their clubs, it gives them a chance to get some minutes, try and get some form to go back to their clubs and show them what they can do.

      He was not playing regularly near the end of the season but in the long run that can help and improve you.
      Ryan Giggs on Daniel James

      “Perhaps DJ is in that camp. United start a week later but DJ will turn up fit and raring to go, I’m sure.
      “He’s a player I know well. He had a really good start to his United career but he was not playing regularly towards the end of the season but sometimes in the long run that can help and improve you.
      “DJ has always been great when he has come into camp.”
      Giggs gave ex-team-mate Solskjaer a glowing reference before United signed James in a £15million deal from Swansea last summer.

      The Wales boss had already handed the wideman his international debut in a friendly defeat against Albania in November 2018.
      But the Old Trafford legend believes James has the right mentality to bounce back and showcase his talents at club level once again.
      Giggs will need James to be at his best after the Dragons chief suffered four withdrawals to his squad on Sunday night; Aaron Ramsey, David Brooks, Ashley Williams and Tyler Roberts.

      Giggs added: “His rise has been pretty quick over 18 months, two years.
      “He was out of the team. You might not like it and you might want to be involved. You can have a different perspective of things.
      “Knowing Dan, the way that he is a professional and wants to improve, trains well and his attitude I am sure he will be better for it.” 

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