Premier League winner with Man City would 'hide in the showers and smoke' at half-time in games

A former Manchester City and Real Madrid star would hide in the showers and smoke at half-time, according to one of his former team-mates.

Today’s footballers tend to operate at peak physical fitness. The elite hire private chefs to monitor their diets, only drink alcohol in the off-season and have certainly never had a cigarette pass their lips.

But not 21-cap Spain forward Alvaro Negredo, should his former team-mate Patrick Bamford be believed.

Negredo only spent one season at Manchester City, but it was a relatively successful one.

The Spaniard netted 23 times from 48 appearances in all competitions, helping City to a second Premier League title in three years.

It appears Negredo enjoyed a more relaxed lifestyle off the pitch, however.

Speaking to comedian Joe Wilkinson on BBC Five Live, Bamford, who played with Negredo for a season at Middlesborough claimed: “Do you remember Alvaro Negredo? Unbelievable player.

“His left foot was ridiculous. But I remember one time, I don’t know whether it was in the cup, but it was in a small changing room.

“And at half-time - he’d normally do it anyway - but he’d gone off and hid in the showers to have a fag.

“Obviously in the small changing room, it’s just filtering straight back into the room.”

Since departing City in 2015, Negredo has gone on to play for Valencia, Middlesbrough on loan, Besiktas and Al Nassr.

At 38, he continues to ply his trade with La Liga side Cadiz, suggesting that the alleged cigarettes haven’t shortened his career in any way.

Across 11 La Liga seasons, he has amassed totals of 354 matches and 128 goals for Almería, Sevilla, Valencia and Cádiz.

Negredo's representatives have been contacted for comment on the matter.