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Ex-Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny admits he’s ‘lost the battle’ with smoking

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Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has opened up about the dangers of smoking, admitting he has struggled to overcome what he calls a “very negative” habit.

Szczesny, who came out of retirement to join Barcelona last October after Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s season-ending injury, has quickly become a fan favorite.

Supporters have affectionately nicknamed him ‘Szczesny fumador’, which translates to ‘smoker Szczesny’. Despite the humor behind the nickname, Szczesny recently issued a serious warning to young people about the risks of smoking.

In an interview with ESPN, the 35-year-old emphasized the importance of setting a positive example. “There are some parts of the game where I believe I can be a perfect example for young people or, in fact, for my teammates,” Szczesny explained. “And there are some things in my career that you better not follow.

In a few aspects, I fail at being an example, but I try to be the best version of myself and give the correct example to my teammates and young kids who watch us. But mentioning the subject of smoking, please do not follow me and don’t do it.”

Szczesny was candid about his long battle with smoking. “I’ve lost the fight. When I was very young, I created a habit that is very negative for me, and I know it is. I just lose against it. So for anybody watching: don’t do what I did,” he urged.

Throughout his career, Szczesny’s smoking habit has been well-known. One of the most notable incidents occurred in 2015 when he was fined and dropped by then-Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger after being caught smoking in the dressing room following a 2-0 defeat to Southampton. Reflecting on the event during an appearance on the Arsenal Nation podcast in 2020, Szczesny shared more details about what happened.

“Back at that time I was smoking regularly and the boss knew it very well. He just didn’t want anybody smoking in the dressing rooms and I knew that too,” Szczesny recalled. “Because of the emotion of the game, I had a cigarette after the game when the team was still in. I went to the corner of the showers, so it was at the other end of the dressing room where nobody could see me, and I lit one up.

Somebody saw me, it wasn’t even the boss himself, and just reported it back to the boss. I saw him a couple of days later, he asked me if that was true and I said, ‘Yes’. He fined me and that was the end of it.”

Szczesny admitted there were no major confrontations with Wenger afterward. “He then said, ‘Look, you’re going to be out of the team for a little bit’ but there were no big bust-ups. I was very professional about it,” he explained.

Despite expecting to return to the starting lineup a few weeks later, he found himself sidelined as David Ospina, who replaced him, performed exceptionally well.

As a result, Szczesny had to consider going out on loan to prove himself again, something he described as a difficult but sometimes necessary step in a footballer’s career.

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FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why

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FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here's why

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.

As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.

Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.

In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.

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New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)

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New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage

The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.

Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.

The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.

Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.

This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.

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Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job

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Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job

Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.

The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.

According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.

His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.

Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.

Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.

United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.

De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.

The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.

Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.

“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.

“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.

“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”

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