Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo has explained why he wears a gum shield during matches.
The 30-year-old Japan international was a a £12million arrival from Stuttgart and quickly attracted attention, but not because of his displays on the pitch.
Premier League fans soon noticed that he was wearing a gum shield, something normally worn in sports such as rugby to protect the teeth.
And Endo has revealed that there is more to it than simply looking after his nashers.
He told Sky Sports: 'when I was in Germany I met a Japanese dentist.