He was one of the brightest young talents in English football but his career was ruined by his addiction to pizza

Once hailed as one of English football's brightest young talents, Nick Powell's career took a dramatic turn for the worse after joining Manchester United. The former Crewe Alexandra prodigy, who was snapped up by the Red Devils for a fee of £7.6 million in 2012, has opened up about his battle with unhealthy eating habits and how it impacted his time at Old Trafford.

A Pizza-Fueled Decline

In an interview with Sport Bible, Powell revealed that his diet consisted mainly of Domino's pizza during his early years at Manchester United. "When I went to United I didn't know how to cook, so I used to have Domino's every day," he admitted. The constant consumption of unhealthy food eventually took its toll on his fitness and performance on the pitch.

"There would be 15 boxes of Domino's stacked up in my apartment," Powell said. "I'd be standing there thinking, 'Oh, well, I better throw them in the bin'." This unhealthy lifestyle led to a significant decline in his form and fitness, as he struggled to establish himself as a regular first-team player at Old Trafford.

The Toll on His Career

Powell's inability to adapt to the demands of Premier League football, coupled with his poor diet, led to a series of loan spells away from Manchester United. After unsuccessful stints at Wigan Athletic, Leicester City, and Hull City, he was released by the club in 2016.

Reflecting on his time at United, Powell said: "As I said, that's laziness. It's not professional. If you're so in love with football and in love with improving, either you pay for a chef or you learn how to cook."

A Cautionary Tale

Powell's story serves as a cautionary tale for young footballers about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. His experience highlights the dangers of neglecting nutrition and the impact it can have on a player's career.