Wayne Rooney: HALF-PRICE CHICKEN SALAD AND SPAGHETTI

Not only does Wayne Rooney like his grub, he loves a bargain too. When Wazza and his missus Coleen popped out for some scran at their local Gusto restaurant in 2009,

Rooney went for a £5.95 chicken salad starter and £8.95 spaghetti bolognese.

The Man United striker then produced a half-price voucher when the bill arrived, which may explain why he came close to quitting Old Trafford before getting a pay rise in 2010.

Ashley Young: CURRIED GOAT

In 2008 Aston Villa released a cookbook revealing their players favourite dishes.

It turns out sought-after winger Ashley Young is a curried goat man, while his former team-mate Gareth Barry rates the traditional Sunday roast. Meanwhile, sweet-toothed striker John Carew opted for the humble apple crumble.

Tom Huddlestone: TOMATO SAUCE

Under Juande Ramos’ regime, Tottenham’s Tom Huddlestone was forced to give up his favourite condiment. “I miss ketchup with my chicken,” said Huddlestone, reflecting on the Spanish gaffer’s strict dietary regime. Judging by his physique, Huddlestone didn’t end up missing it too much.

JIMMY GREAVES: PIE AND MASH WITH BLACKCURRANT CRUMBLE AND CUSTARD

One of the greatest goal scorers in English football history had a pre-match diet that wouldn’t go down well with the likes of Arsene Wenger. Before games Greavsie would head off “to Moody’s Cafe in Canning Town where we would order our pre-match meal of roast beef and Yorkshire with all the trimmings or pie and mash followed by blackcurrant crumble and custard.” Legendary.

ALAN SHEARER: CHICKEN AND BEANS

Match of the Day pundit Shearer was actually nicknamed after his favourite meal while at his first club, Southampton. Chicken and beans was his name and that was the pre-match nosh Shearer credited with fuelling the goals that took Blackburn to the 1995 Premier League title. Lest we forget, Shearer celebrated that title success by going home to creosote his garden fence. Chicken, beans and creosote: the cornerstone of any good championship triumph.

Rio Ferdinand: NANDO’S

When he’s not tweeting about Nando’s, Rio can often be found wolfing down food from the Portuguese fast food joint. “When I come down to London by train, I always stop in at the Nando’s in Euston for a bite,” confirmed Ferdinand. “OMD this nandos is gonna get destroyed!” was one of his more recent tweets. Presumably Wayne Rooney supplies him with money saving vouchers, too.
Cristiano Ronaldo: GRILLED CHICKEN AND AVOCADO SALADUnlike his former teammate Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo prefers a healthier option when it comes to his pre-match meal. The Juventus forward is known to indulge in a grilled chicken and avocado salad, packed with protein and good fats to keep him energized on the pitch. Ronaldo understands the importance of fueling his body with nutritious food to maintain his high performance levels.Lionel Messi: ARGENTINE BBQArgentinian superstar Lionel Messi enjoys a taste of home before taking to the field. His favorite pre-match meal is a traditional Argentine BBQ, known as “asado.” This hearty feast includes various cuts of meat grilled to perfection, along with chimichurri sauce and grilled vegetables. Messi finds comfort in the familiar flavors of his homeland, providing him with the sustenance he needs to showcase his incredible skills on the pitch.Virgil van Dijk: GRILLED SALMON AND QUINOALiverpool defender Virgil van Dijk is committed to maintaining a balanced diet to support his performance on the pitch. His go-to pre-match meal is grilled salmon served with a side of nutritious quinoa. Van Dijk understands the importance of incorporating lean protein and complex carbohydrates into his diet to ensure he is at his physical peak during games. His dedication to healthy eating reflects his commitment to excellence on the football field.Kevin De Bruyne: SPAGHETTI CARBONARAManchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne opts for a classic Italian dish to fuel his performances on the pitch. His favorite pre-match meal is spaghetti carbonara, a rich and creamy pasta dish that provides a comforting source of energy. De Bruyne appreciates the indulgent flavors of the dish, allowing him to enjoy a moment of relaxation before the intensity of the game. His choice highlights the importance of finding balance and enjoyment in one’s diet to support overall well-being.Sergio Ramos: PAELLAReal Madrid captain Sergio Ramos embraces the vibrant flavors of Spain with his favorite pre-match meal, paella. This iconic dish features a delicious combination of rice, seafood, and a variety of spices, creating a flavorful and filling meal. Ramos takes pride in showcasing his Spanish heritage through his culinary choices, paying homage to the rich tradition of Spanish cuisine. His love for paella reflects his connection to his roots and provides him with the energy he needs to lead his team to victory on the pitch.