Philippa Kaur

WORLD CUP winner Gianluca Zambrotta has opened up about suffering from a bone deformity that requires him to undergo surgery.Zambrotta, 48, opened up on his Genu Varum diagnosis, a deformity usually known as Bow Legs that causes the legs to curve outwards at the knees.World Cup winner Gianluca Zambrotta has opened up on being diagnosed with a leg deformityCredit: GettyZambrotta has Genu Varum, meaning his legs bend outwards at the kneeCredit: GettyThe retired right-back had an impressive career that saw him play for Barcelona, Juventus and AC Milan as well as lifting the World Cup as a crucial member of Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning squad.But since hanging up his boots in 2014 as a three-time Italian champion, Zambrotta has had to battle with issues caused by his Bow Leg diagnosis.Now he has revealed that he will have to have surgery to fix the issue after doctors were left shocked that he could even walk.He told Gianluca Gazzoli’s BSMT podcast: “I will soon have surgery on both knees.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I have visited three or four leading surgeons nationwide, and they can’t explain to me how I can have these knees or how I can engage in physical activities like padel, for example.”Adding: “The doctors look at me and ask me how I walk.”Zambrotta explained that doctors will have to cut into his bones in order to perform the operation, known as an osteotomy.”I’ll have to have an osteotomy,” he said. Most read in FootballZambrotta used to play for JuventusCredit: Getty Images – GettyDoctors have been amazed that he can still play padelCredit: Rex”Basically, they’ll straighten my legs by cutting small pieces of bone above and below and inserting plates to try to avoid having to get a full prosthesis now.”Although I’ll have to get one in a few years.”Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promiseZambrotta didn’t have any major injuries or issues throughout his career, but did have three small operations on the muscles around his knees.The Serie A icon – who has called himself a “laboratory model for surgeons” – will eventually have to use prosthetic legs. Zambrotta retired with 98 Italy caps to his name, featuring in three World Cups, three European Championships and one Olympics for the national side.While his club career spanned 19 years and saw him play for Como, Bari, Juventus, AC Milan, Barcelona and Swiss outfit Chiasso.And he even spent a small amount of time pursuing a career in management after calling quits on his playing days.Zambrotta had a brief spell as Chiasso manager between 2014 and 2015, as well as taking charge of Indian side Delhi Dynamos. His last role in coaching was as the assistant manager to Fabio Capello at Chinese club Jiansung FC from 2017 to 2018.Gianluca Zambrotta’s careerA brief look at Zambrotta’s impressive playing career…1994 – 1997: Como1997 – 1999: Bari1999 – 2006: Juventus2006 – 2008: Barcelona2008 – 2012: AC Milan2013: FC ChiassoCLUB STATSMatches played: 611Goals scored: 29Assists: 50INTERNATIONAL STATSMatches played: 98Goals scored: 2Assists: 5HONOURS1 x FIFA World Cup (2006)3 x Serie A Champion (2002, 2003, 2011)3 x Italian Super Cup Winner (2003, 2004, 2012)1 x Spanish Super Cup (2006) More

WAYNE ROONEY is in line for a shock return to management just four months after being sacked by Plymouth Argyle.Blackburn are reportedly considering him as pressure mounts on boss Valerien Ismael.Wayne Rooney is a candidate for the Blackburn jobCredit: GettyValerien Ismael is under pressure after a poor run of formCredit: RexIsmael took over at Ewood Park after John Eustace surprisingly left the club to join Derby in February.But Blackburn have won just one of the Frenchman’s eight games in charge and they have slipped out the race for the play-offs.talkSPORT claim Ismael is under mounting pressure despite him signing a three-year contract just months ago.The Rovers are already weighing up his replacement and Rooney is supposedly on the list of possible candidates for the job.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRooney, who has swapped dugout for punditry so far this year, was axed on New Year’s Eve by Argyle.The Manchester United and England legend guided the club to just four victories from 23 games in the Championship.At the time of his departure, they had conceded more goals (51) and scored the fewest (22) in the division.Rooney started his managerial career at Derby, miraculously saving them from Championship relegation in the 2020/21 season.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut he was unable to do the same the following campaign after they were hit with a huge 21-point deduction for going into administration.Rooney then moved to the States and took charge of DC United before returning home to be Birmingham’s boss.I get the same text from Sir Alex Ferguson every time I get sacked from a job, admits Wayne Rooney But he lasted just 15 games, winning just two, in a nightmare reign.Despite his struggles in the dug-out, Rooney has said he’d be keen to give it another go.He told the Stick to Football podcast that he would open the door to a return – with the right club.And he even admitted he would accept a role as assistant manager.He said: “I’d have no problem dropping into an Under-21 team or going in as a coach.”I’m still young enough to learn and develop. Just having a good group of players who were at a [good] level.”Blackburn strugglesBlackburn are currently tenth in the Championship, seven points off the all-important top six with four games to go.Ismael has blamed injuries for his tough start to life in Lancashire, saying: “When you see the injury, we lost key players, massive players are missing for us. “Ten players are missing. 10 players are missing. It’s just too much.”It was really difficult for us to deal with that. At the same time, you are playing and need to get results and you’re losing players every game, every time. Read More on The Sun”We are not a dead team. We were a team with issues. We tried to deal with our issues. We tried to give our best. “But as I say, you have to stay calm. Focus on your job. Try to find the solution, ride the storm. At some point, you know it will come back. But some ingredients have to be right.” More

A NORWEGIAN club has hogged the limelight… by presenting their man of the match with a DEAD PIG.Fifth-tier Varhaug hosted their top-flight local rivals Bryne in the Norwegian Cup on Sunday.A dead pig was handed out as a Man of the Match award by a Norwegian top flight sideCredit: XSondre Dvergsdal picked up the prizeCredit: WikipediaBryne had caused a stir last month when handing keeper Jan de Boer four trays of EGGS in their own bizarre MOTM award.But Varhaug, based in the same rustic Rogaland area, set out to prove they are the southwestern county’s real “farmers’ team”.And after their 4-0 defeat, officials presented star man Sondre Dvergsdal with a freshly-slaughtered 50lb porker.Manager Sigrid Lode Knutsen said: “We came to the conclusion that we had to go harder than the ‘city dwellers’ from Bryne.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The real farmers come from Varhaug.”Meanwhile, Bryne, Erling Haaland’s former club, have vowed to continue rewarding their own players with local produce.Marketing chief Hagerup Roken said: “It goes without saying that we will hand out raw materials as prizes for our best players.”And keeper De Boer – who looked disappointed when pictured with his eggs award – insisted: “I think it’s fun.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSManchester City superstar Haaland began his pro career with Bryne before leaving for Norwegian rivals Molde in 2017.Dad Alfie also started out with the Eliteserien club, spending 14 years with them before Nottingham Forest signed him in 1993.Sky Sports remove controversial Monday Night Football post after they are hit by backlash from Man Utd fans More

WOLVES boss Vitor Pereira has a new tradition of joining fans in the pub after winning games.The Portuguese was appointed in December and he has brought a winning feeling back to Molineux.Vítor Pereira has begun to visit pubs after winsCredit: XWolves’ 4-2 victory over Tottenham on Sunday was their fourth in a row – their longest top-flight winning streak in 53 years.Pereira, 56, celebrated by joining fans in a local pub where patrons sang his name and posed for photos.The Wolves manager embraced fans and reportedly said: “First points, then pints.”Pereira is now a frequent visitor to the local Wetherspoons, sparking a tradition of visiting The Moon Under Water after picking up three points at home.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter beating Southampton at Molineux, he said of his connection with the fans: “Since the first game, we have this chemistry.”I think I am one of them. I am the guy to finish the game and go to the pub to drink two or three pints with them.”To stay home alone, I don’t like. What is the problem? Nothing.”For me it is very normal, we don’t have a lot of restaurants here, at the pub I can eat a pie with a pint.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSPereira in’t the first football figure to make a trip to the pub.Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have regularly been spotted in local Welsh boozers mixing with fans.Birmingham part-owner Tom Brady was spotted in a Midlands drinking spot surrounded by supporters.And for one manager things went even further, with much-loved ex-Burnley boss Sean Dyche having a pub named after him in recognition of his achievements at Turf Moor. Pereira has overseen a resurgence at Wolves since succeeding Gary O’Neil.He has steered the club away from relegation trouble with eight wins and two draws from 16 Premier League matches.Premier League clash descends into farce as VAR counts number of players More

COLE PALMER has sparked fear amongst Chelsea fans over his Stamford Bridge future with a cryptic social media post.Palmer, 22, took to Instagram to reminisce about last season as he re-shared a video from Chelsea’s 6-0 thrashing of Everton last April.Cole Palmer has sparked doubt over his Chelsea future with a cryptic social media postCredit: RexPalmer re-posted a video of a goal of his from last season with the caption ‘enjoyment’Credit: Instagram @colepalmer10The Blues superstar re-shared a video to his Instagram story that was originally posted by the club’s official account to look back at the win one year on.The 6-0 battering saw Palmer score FOUR times, and Chelsea had re-shared one of his impressive finishes that day.Palmer then posted the video to his story with the caption: “Enjoyment”.Chelsea fans were quick to spiral after the one-word post, suggesting that Palmer was taking a swipe at current boss Enzo Maresca by harking back to the game under former gaffer Mauricio Pochettino.READ MORE ON CHELSEAOne wrote: “Surely this is a dig at Maresca?”While another added: “Is this a sign that Palmer is not enjoying playing under Maresca?”Other feared that it was a sign that Palmer could be ready to leave SW6 after struggling to recreate his form of last season this term.One concerned Blue posted: “If we don’t get an elite coach he’s gone after the Club World Cup in the summer…”Most read in FootballPalmer thrived under Mauricio Pochettino last seasonCredit: ReutersHe has struggled in a more restrictive role under Enzo Maresca this yearCredit: RexJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeAnd a second feared: “Cole Palmer will leave us soon, sad to say”.Chelsea fans and pundits have voiced their concerns over Palmer’s role in the side this season under Maresca, complaining that the England international isn’t being given enough freedom to play his best.Fans beg Cole Palmer ‘never change’ as footage of Chelsea star asking waiter bizarre question emerges That has been echoed by Palmer’s numbers this season.The former Man City midfielder has scored 14 goals and registered nine assists in 37 appearances for the Blues this term, a significant drop from the 40 goal contributions he notched in 45 games last season.While his current form has been almost unrecognisable, failing to find the net in any of his last 14 appearances in all competitions.Chelsea’s struggles have also led to concern that Palmer could leave in search of Champions League football in the summer.Maresca’s side are currently 6th, just one point behind Man City in fifth spot.The Premier League’s top five will all qualify for Europe’s elite competition at the end of the season, but Chelsea will have to battle with City, Aston Villa, Newcastle, Bournemouth and Fulham for one of those final spots.Palmer only just signed a contract extension at the Bridge last July, putting pen to paper on a deal that will keep him at the club until 2033.Palmer had a sensational campaign last seasonThe midfielder hasn’t been able to recreate that form this term More

CRISTIANO RONALDO’S girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez has shared a picture of a stunning ring amid marriage talk surrounding the couple.Ronaldo and Georgina have been together since 2016 and have two daughters together, Alana, seven, and Bella, two, while she is also the stepmother of the Al-Nassr star’s other three kids.Cristiano Ronaldo’s girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez shared a stunning ring to her Instagram pageCredit: instagram @georginagioThe couple have been dating since 2016 and have two children togetherCredit: https://www.instagram.com/georginagio/?hl=enRonaldo has previously referred to Georgina as his ‘wife’ but the couple are not marriedCredit: GettyBut taking to Instagram, where she has just shy of 66 million followers, she showed off a rectangular, translucent stone.She captioned the picture with the words: “And keep evil away from us, Amen,” in Arabic, while the 31-year-old also appears to have the same line tattooed on her.Despite the glamorous ring on her finger, Georgina and Ronaldo are not officially married.Former Real Madrid and Manchester United star Ronaldo, 40, has previously appeared to hint that the couple are hitched.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAt the 2024 Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai in December, he said: “‘It’s a big pleasure to win this trophy. My oldest son is here, my wife [Georgina] is here.”Meanwhile, during a game of Mr and Mrs on his YouTube channel, Ronaldo also referenced Georgina by the same title.Indeed, on her reality TV Show, I Am Georgina, the 31-year-old revealed how her friends often tease her about her and Ronaldo’s relationship status.She said: “They’re always joking about the wedding. ‘When is the wedding?’ Most read in Football”Since Jennifer Lopez’s song ‘The Ring Or When’ came out, they started singing it to me. And well, this is not up to me.”However, officially they remain long-term partners rather than husband and wife.Cristiano Ronaldo reveals he is a playable character in new Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves game Speaking in March, Ronaldo revealed the reason why he and Georgina have not officially tied the knot, though admitted he is sure it will happen eventually.He told Netflix: “I always tell her, ‘when we get that click.’ Like everything with our life, and she knows what I’m talking about.”It could be in a year or it could be in six months or it could be in a month. I’m 1,000 per cent sure that it’ll happen.”Ronaldo and Georgina have both been busy pursuing business ventures away from the pitch.Georgina headed to Paris Fashion Week in March as she stepped out for the Ludovic de Saint Sernin Fall RTW 2025 fashion show.Meanwhile, Ronaldo bizarrely revealed himself to be in a new street fighter style fighting game, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves.Inside the glamorous world of Georgina Rodriguez…Georgina lives a life to be enviedCredit: InstagramThe stunning partner of Cristiano Ronaldo offers insights into her world using her social channelsCredit: instagram @georginagioShe has over 65 million followers on InstagramCredit: InstagramShe met Ronaldo whilst working as a shop girl at DiorCredit: The Mega AgencyShe is now the mother to his five children, two of which Georgina is the maternal motherCredit: EPAGeorgina now resides in Saudi Arabia follower her partner’s move to the countryCredit: Georgina Rodriguez/instagramGeorgina loves luxury holidays and can often be seen on mega yachtsCredit: Instagram @georginagioBoats are a big love of hersCredit: Refer to CaptionShe travels almost exclusively by private jetCredit: Georgina RodríguezThe Argentine beauty is a regularly at the Venice film festival where she can be seen turning headsCredit: GettyGeorgina is loved by fashion magazines for her sense of styleCredit: AlamyShe models for a range of companiesCredit: georginagio/InstagramRodríguez has modelled for PrettyLittleThing lingerieCredit: InstagramGeorgina’s love of travel is something she regularly shares on her social channels, including this trip to IbizaCredit: Instagram, @georginagio More