NO REPEAT FOR MATT

MATT RYAN is relishing another London experience today but hopes to board the plane home to Atlanta in a better mood than last time.

The Atlanta Falcons quarterback (above) remembers only too well what happened at Wembley Stadium seven years ago when his team went in at half time with a 21-0 lead only to fall apart and lose to the Detroit Lions, 22-21.

And he hopes that a move across town to Tottenham may bring him better luck against the New York Jets.

“Playing at Wembley in 2014 and seeing the gameday vibe – it’s very different,” said Ryan.

“It’s a unique experience and fun as a player. Hopefully we can fly back with a better taste in our mouth than we did in 2014.”

Many players dread the trip to Europe to play a regular season game but Ryan claims to enjoy the challenge and reckons this year in particular will be a release after the Covid pandemic.

“It’s a unique week,” said the 36-year-old. “It’s kind of fun, it changes up the routine for us and gives you a little bit of energy but you can’t let it distract you from getting locked in and making sure you’re ready to go.

“For me, it’s about getting locked in for our plan and getting my body right. For other guys, it is a chance to get out, see the world a little bit. No one has really been able to travel for the last two years. It’s a chance for people to recharge their batteries and see some things.”

And when it comes to seeing things, Ryan has one place on his bucket list.

“There’s a lot of cool places that would be interesting to go play. I love visiting Europe. I’ve been to a bunch of different places that are really cool but I’ve never been to Ireland.