Grin of the week

"IT'S going to be like living in a goldfish bowl, and if he doesn't adapt it will drive him mad

"IT'S going to be like living in a goldfish bowl, and if he doesn't adapt it will drive him mad. If he turns down a media interview they will turn on him the moment he has a bad game. He could end up a prisoner in his own home. The fans will turn quickly as well because they are aware of how much he is being paid. They can become very violent, at times it's madness."

Apart from all the above, former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland striker Michael Robinson, now working as a TV pundit in Spain, predicts Steve McManaman will have a lovely time at Real Madrid, who he will play for next season. Good luck Steve lad, sounds like you'll need it.

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Mary Hannigan

Mary Hannigan

Mary Hannigan is a sports writer with The Irish Times