No footballer bigger than the game — Le Clos

An ardent Manchester United fan, ace swimmer Chad le Clos has his own prescription to put the Red Devils back on top. “I think the solution for Manchester United is quite simple. Just get rid of [Paul] Pogba, or for that matter any other player who doesn’t want to play,” Le Clos told in jest on the sidelines of the Daman DXB SwimFest held yesterday. “If any of the players has a bad attitude then I would get rid of them. Seriously, I like Pogba. But if there is an attitude while playing then I wouldn’t care if he is Pogba or even the best player in the world. No one is bigger than the game. [Alex] Ferguson got rid of [David] Beckham at a time when he [Beckham] was at his best. Why not think of a similar situation if it will help Manchester United?” he queried. Le Clos’ love for United stems from his dad Bert presenting him with a No. 7 shirt after visiting Old Trafford in 1995. headed towards the next Olympics, Le Clos is clear of his goal as he targets Tokyo 2020.

The South African, who alternates with his training between Turkey [at Ukrainian businessman Konstantin Grigorishin-funded ‘Energy Standard’] and Italy, wants to use Dubai as a final step before heading to Hangzhou.

One of the most telling images of the swimmer during the 2012 London Olympics was Chad’s tearful father Bert narrating the success story of his son after the swimmer had defeated Michael Phelps for the 200m butterfly gold. His mother Geraldine had been diagnosed with cancer in 2010 and subsequently in 2016, Bert too underwent surgery.

“My family has been my rock and shield all through. I have got amazing support from all of them, and through the sickness we have come even closer,” he said.