England’s Vardy kicks port and snus habits for World Cup

Joe Williams

England and Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy will give up port and snus for the World Cup, but will stick to three cans of Red Bull a day.

Vardy had the backing of the England medical team as he took nicotine pouches – known as snus – to Euro 2016 but the stimulant has become more controversial in football recently and Vardy has kicked the habit.

“I had to kick it because you lot (the press) made a big deal about it, so I don’t think I’ll be getting pictured with them again,” said Vardy.

Asked when he ditched the snus, Vardy said: “Literally, when it started to be plastered all over the papers. They made a big thing of it, I don’t know why. There’s nothing wrong with them, but it will be a big thing again if I’m pictured with them.

“It was a decision I took myself, nobody forced me. I thought I don’t need the hassle and we’re here to concentrate on England. Even if you don’t look at the papers, someone’s going to mention it when you’re picture’s in the paper.

“You end up finding out so what’s the point? Leave yourself to concentrate on football.”

Vardy won’t be giving up his pre-match Red Bull and black coffee routine, though, when he consumes three cans from when he wakes up until just before kick-off.

“The Red Bulls are still there,” Vardy added. “I can’t do no sugar, it doesn’t taste the same. The manager is fine about it. He knows me well and he sees me at breakfast every morning.”

The Daily Telegraph reports that Vardy has also stopped ‘drinking port from a Lucozade bottle on the night before games’.