Love Island’s ‘Muggy’ Mike Thalassitis has quit football.
The 24-year-old hunk – who used to play semi-professional – has decided to turn his back on his soccer career for the time being because he wants to focus on showbiz now that he’s joined the forthcoming series of ‘Celebs Go Dating’.
Speaking to The Sun newspaper, he said: "I’ve sacked it off.
"I’m so looking forward to a winter without having to wake up in the freezing cold and go and play football for £300 a week. I’m done with it.
"I might eat my words because everything goes quiet for me I might have to go back and beg for a contract. But I’m hoping I can keep things going. Keep the wave going."
The womaniser landed himself in hot water over the summer when he jetted off to Majorca, Spain, to film ‘Love Island’ without asking his football manager first.
Margate Football Club’s manager Steve Watt said at the time: "I wouldn’t say I’m fuming to be honest.
"The disappointing factor is he hasn’t let me know. It’s not an ideal situation for me… I’d have appreciated at least a call to say he would be going on the show.
"He’s very easy on the eye Thala. At this level as a manager you’ve got to take into consideration that the football isn’t their first income. You’re dealing with players who’ve got labourers jobs, plasterers jobs, whatever jobs. He’s seen it as an opportunity, like he says, he can’t turn down. But the disappointing thing is that he didn’t pick the phone up and let me know.
"It’s laughable. I didn’t think I’d be sitting in this position with one of my players going onto a TV show and potentially missing preseason."
Mike Thalassitis quits football
