Kostas Manolas showed why UAE club Sharjah were so keen to sign him after displaying quick reflexes during a photoshoot alongside a lion.
The former Napoli and Roma defender signed for the Adnoc Pro League side last week ahead of Wednesday's transfer deadline for foreign players and took part in the elaborate shoot as part of his official unveiling at the club.
In a video that has now gone viral, the Greece international can be seen kneeling uncomfortably next to the lion while the shot is set up before jumping to his feet and backing away after seeing the animal make a sudden jolt towards him.
Thankfully, the lion was attached to a metal chain but that didn't stop Manolas from climbing over the "caution" tape that was placed next to him as a prop.
The 31-year-old became Sharjah’s third high-profile signing of the summer following the arrivals of Bosnian midfielder Miralem Pjanic from Barcelona and Spain striker Paco Alcacer from Villarreal.
Signed on a free transfer from Greek club Olympiacos, Manolas agreed a two-year contract with the six-time UAE champions with the option to extend for a further season.
Sharjah have begun the new Pro League season in fine form, winning their opening three matches. They next face Khor Fakkan at home on Saturday.
Miralem Pjanic signs for Sharjah - in pictures
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Farage on Muslim Brotherhood
Nigel Farage told Reform's annual conference that the party will proscribe the Muslim Brotherhood if he becomes Prime Minister.
"We will stop dangerous organisations with links to terrorism operating in our country," he said. "Quite why we've been so gutless about this – both Labour and Conservative – I don't know.
“All across the Middle East, countries have banned and proscribed the Muslim Brotherhood as a dangerous organisation. We will do the very same.”
It is 10 years since a ground-breaking report into the Muslim Brotherhood by Sir John Jenkins.
Among the former diplomat's findings was an assessment that “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” has “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
The prime minister at the time, David Cameron, who commissioned the report, said membership or association with the Muslim Brotherhood was a "possible indicator of extremism" but it would not be banned.
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What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Sunday's games
All times UAE:
Tottenham Hotspur v Crystal Palace, 4pm
Manchester City v Arsenal, 6.15pm
Everton v Watford, 8.30pm
Chelsea v Manchester United, 8.30pm
Polarised public
31% in UK say BBC is biased to left-wing views
19% in UK say BBC is biased to right-wing views
19% in UK say BBC is not biased at all
Source: YouGov
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
