Former footballer comes under fire after ridiculing Andy Murray’s tearful press conference

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Andy Murray looking up

Former footballer Alan Brazil has come under fire after criticising Andy Murray for shedding tears in a press conference that saw him confirm he is close to retiring from tennis.

Ex-Scotland, Manchester United and Tottenham striker Brazil was unimpressed by Murray’s heart-wrenching appearance before the media in Melbourne, as the Scot confirmed next week’s Australian Open may be his final tournament.

“Give us a break, come on,” declared Brazil on his talkSPORT breakfast show. “He’s playing tennis for God’s sake. I’m not having the bubbles, the tears. The pain, the pain, the pain.

“What were the tears? Come on! I don’t recall (Novak) Djokovic or (Roger) Federer crying their eyes out. I admire what he has done, but I don’t want tears.

“If he’s in pain, go to a proper specialist and get it sorted. I’m not having this. Anyone can play tennis. I’m more agile than he will ever be. Don’t get married and don’t have a kid if you want to be a sportsman. I put this down to being a father, having a kid. Your life changes.

“Andy has just got to say; listen the body doesn’t work any more. I’ve got married, I’ve got a kid, see ya. Lovely.”

Brazil’s rant produced a predictably hostile reaction from admirers of Murray, who was won three Grand Slam titles, two Olympic Gold medals and the 2015 Davis Cup and is widely respected as Britain’s greatest tennis player of all-time.

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