The secret to Demba Ba’s success: Syrup addiction

Demba Ba is having a tremendous first season for Newcastle with 15 goals in 19 matches, including the first in their 3-0 win over Manchester United on Saturday. After being passed on by Stoke over injury fears and signed by Newcastle on a free transfer, Ba has been nothing short of a revelation. And the secret behind that revelation is strawberry flavored syrup.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Ba was asked to reveal a secret about himself. "It could be anything," the interviewer says.

"I love syrup," Ba responds with conviction. "Strawberry syrup. It's just like that." He says he has it every day. "When I drink water, I put syrup in it."

"Is that good for you?" the interviewer asks, knowing the answer is obviously no.

"I guess," Ba responds before chuckling a syrupy chuckle.

He's been doing it for 10 years. "It's something I can't live without. It's like an addiction. I swear. Every time my family come over [from France] the first thing I ask them is bring me syrup. That's my secret." He laughs.

OK.