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    ‘I’ll sleep on the floor’ – Premier League rivals stunned after being given double bed to share on international duty

    PREMIER LEAGUE rivals Alex Iwobi and Ola Aina were stunned to discover they were given one bed to share while with Nigeria.The pair have been in fine form this season and were called up for the latest round of World Cup qualifiers.Alex Iwobi was stunned after discovering the double bedOla Aina found the situation hilariousCredit: tiktokThe pair found they had been given one bed while away with NigeriaCredit: tiktokThey quickly began posting about the situation on social mediaCredit: tiktokNigeria’s contingent of English-based players touched down on Tuesday and two were dealt a surprise when they entered their hotel room.Fulham star Iwobi was shocked when he realised there was just one double bed in his room to share with Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina, who found the situation hilarious.Iwobi reacted saying: “Oh my days bro. Surely this can be separated man because bro I’ll sleep on the floor.”Aina could barely stop laughing as he said: “Alex! Alex! Don’t kiss me. Doubled bed!”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans found the situation very entertaining and made jokes in response.One said: “Takes team bonding to a new level 😂”Another added: “Sharing is caring 🤷‍♂️”A third wrote: “Aina’s buzzing 😂”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd another commented: “Those boys dey kill me 😂😂”The issue was later corrected the the players were given individual beds, although they were situated right next to each other.Ex-Arsenal ace Alex Iwobi releases music video for his second single What’s Luv as fans call it ‘great retirement plan’ More

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    I made Champions League debut against Real Madrid and scored winner against Barcelona – now I make a living cutting hair

    DANNY HOESEN made his name with his ability to cut in and finish.Now he is proving his worth with a very different cut and finish.Danny Hoesen scored against Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe has taken on a new career as a barberCredit: MAESONSHoesen is honing his skills away from the football fieldCredit: MAESONSHoesen, 34, enjoyed the best night of his football career when he scored the winner for Ajax in the Champions League against Barcelona in front of Johan Cruyff – in the stadium named after his legendary compatriot.He also played against Real Madrid on his Ajax debut, found the net against Borussia Dortmund and won both the Eredivisie and KNVB Dutch Cup. But after being forced to retire aged just 32 with a hip injury that plagued his career, Hoesen has launched himself into a new job as a barber.The ex-forward is now working part-time at his brother-in-law’s salon Maesons in Utrecht after going through their very own academy to get trained up in his clipping skills.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHoesen told SunSport: “I had no cartilage left in my hip. My level and the pain were getting worse and worse. I couldn’t finish one training session and decided to quit football.“I needed something to do, needed to have goals and was looking to invest. My brother-in-law’s business was a golden opportunity.“In the beginning as a co-owner, I was just in the office trying to understand and help the business but it was kind of boring.“I always enjoy watching the barbers when they cut hair because it looks satisfying. I wanted to try it myself.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I really enjoyed it. There’s not a lot of football players that started doing this.“I never really had that big ego or thought I was bigger or better than anybody else. So the transition for me wasn’t that hard.Football Fixers | Cutting it with Premier League Football Stars“I always had respect for people because every job is hard – especially at the club, even the cleaners or the chefs or physios.”Hoesen played against some of the best footballers of his generation on big European nights with Ajax – including Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar.He named Xabi Alonso as his toughest opponent but reckons a shift at the barbers is even harder work.But getting out of the football “bubble” has been a breath of fresh air for Hoesen, who was on Fulham’s books from 2009 to 2012 but didn’t make a first-team appearance amid his hip struggles and a revolving door of managers.He added: “In the beginning, I was thinking it would be quite easy but you notice it’s hard work because you have customers all day.“If you’re a bit late, then you need to catch up, miss your break and paying customers are waiting. It’s a huge focus.“I said to my brother-in-law, ‘I feel like I played two games.’ I was just completely tired, which is funny because you’re standing still but you also have to realise that every customer comes and wants to tell their story.“So not only are you cutting hair but you’re also talking all the time.“I always say as a footballer, you live in a bubble. You’re only around other football players.“If I stayed working in football, then I would be in the exact same world again with the exact same things. I wanted to do something completely different.Hoesen had a stint with Fulham as a youngster but did not make a first-team appearanceCredit: AlamyHis strike against Barcelona in front of Johan Cruyff proved to be the winnerCredit: GettyThe forward spent six years in America but struggled with his ongoing hip issueCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun GlasgowHe ‘signed’ for his brother-in-law’s barbers in 2024Credit: MAESONS“It’s really interesting hearing other people’s stories as well. That’s probably what I like the most.“It doesn’t matter what you do, you always have something in common with other people: work, relationships, kids or whatever.“I have customers who are lawyers or pilots or in the government. As a football player, you just don’t talk to these people.“I get very positive reactions because for some people this is the closest they will get to a footballer.“Apparently people thought I was very arrogant as a player so it’s nice for me to show people that I’m a normal human being and always was.”Hoesen’s brother-in-law Maeson launched the company and has a long list of footballer clients – plus ex-Prem goalkeeper Michel Vorm as another co-owner – with plans to franchise abroad.Maeson travels to London to cut Jurrien Timber’s hair every couple of weeks, does a few Tottenham players and looks after the Holland national team squad, even flying out to Brazil to keep their fades fresh throughout the 2014 World Cup.When “super nice and relaxed” Timber’s Arsenal played at PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League, the Gunners defender got in touch and his barber sorted out the entire squad’s trims for the 7-1 demolition.Hoesen, though, admits he hasn’t got to the level of being trusted to cut any player’s hair just yet.And part of the reason is because he understands the intrinsic link between footballers and hair.’LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD’He explained: “You’re on TV, a lot of people are watching, so you want to look good. I truly believe in look good, feel good.“So the days before a game, all the players get treatments and ice baths just to feel as good as possible.“You don’t leave one bit behind to have a good game.“Everybody feels better after going for a haircut or a shave. You look in the mirror and you’re happy with what you see and ready.“I do believe it helps confidence on the field for sure.”SunSport quizzed Hoesen on some of the best and worst haircuts he has seen in football.He replied: “It’s funny because like Brazilian Ronaldo at the 2002 World Cup, that was a terrible haircut but it became so iconic. That was cool at the same time.“So sometimes you see that a haircut can be funny or silly and at first people are like, ‘Nah, this doesn’t look good.’ But now everybody over 15 who sees that haircut knows it’s R9.”But while he refused to heap praise on any team-mates for their hair, he was quick to point out two Premier League players for their ability.Hoesen said: “It has always been Mousa Dembele and Christian Eriksen. Those two were pure talent.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Different type of players, but so good. Even in bad moments, those two always wanted the ball.“Sometimes the fans sometimes don’t understand Dembele but if you saw that guy day in, day out in training, how he can handle the ball, that’s something you don’t see a lot.”Hoesen’s brother-in-law Maeson cuts Jurrien Timber’s hairCredit: MAESONSHoesen has not been trusted to do any footballers’ trims yetCredit: MAESONSThe former striker is enjoying being out of the football bubble and meeting new peopleCredit: MAESONS More

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    F1 hit by travel chaos with teams left without CARS days before Chinese Grand Prix as FIA release statement

    FORMULA ONE teams have been hit by travel chaos days before the Chinese Grand Prix after technical issues in Melbourne.Several teams including McLaren, Red Bull, Mercedes, Aston Martin and Williams have been hit by the problem, leaving them without their cars for the second race of the season, according to F1 insider Kym Illman.Teams have been hit by travel chaos before the Chinese Grand PrixCredit: SplashTeams affected include Williams, McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull and Aston MartinCredit: AFPWith the quick turnaround between the Australian and Chinese Grand Prix, teams would have expected car parts to arrive on Monday evening or Tuesday morning after being shipped out on Sunday.However, technical issues have delayed the arrival of some car parts.Illman reports the teams were told their parts would arrive at 10am on Wednesday morning, but have now been told they will not receive them until 4 or 5pm.This means that teams have seen around 30 hours of their preparation time to get the cars ready for the first session of the weekend wiped out.READ MORE IN F1The freight transport issues have also hit the sport’s tyre supplier, Pirelli.The FIA released a statement ahead of the weekend – which will see the season’s first Sprint Race – providing a one-time-only concession on the curfew of the fitting schedule of cars.It said: “Due to the logistical challenges for the official tyre supplier resulting from delays in freight arrival, specially the requirement to revise the fitting schedule for Wednesday, the following concessions will be made.”On the Wednesday, and for this event only, the curfew period will be reduced by a period of five and a half (5.5) hours for a maximum of six (6) operational personnel for the sole purpose of tyre preparations post tyre fitting from the tyre supplier.”Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIllman reports that members of the crew have been waiting around in hotels away from the track, effectively with the days off, as they wait for the parts to arrive.Delays in car parts arriving are not uncommon in F1 but, with a tight schedule to fit into, time is of the essence if the issue is not to impact heavily on the likes of Lando Norris or Max Verstappen.Behind the scenes in Australia GP paddock including F1 star Lewis Hamilton’s new Ferrari baseLewis Hamilton’s Ferrari team were not mentioned in the report but could have still seen parts delayed. Hamilton was set for a meeting with his engineer this week to better understand each other after the Brit had an X-rated blast down his radio following a Ferrari strategy blunder.Free Practice 1 for the race weekend will commence at 3:30am UK time on Friday.Sprint qualifying will then start at 7:30am.Saturday will see the Sprint Race start at 3am before qualifying for the feature race begins at 7am.The lights then go out for Sunday’s feature race at 7am.Norris took the chequered flag in Melbourne with Verstappen second and George Russell third as six cars crashed out of a chaotic wet race. More

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    Arsenal star Ben White should be slapped with two-year England BAN after ‘spitting dummy out’, slams Three Lions icon

    CHRIS WADDLE has demanded that Ben White is slapped with a two-year England ban for “spitting his dummy out”.The Arsenal star has ended his international exile after walking out of Gareth Southgate’s World Cup camp in 2022 for “personal reasons”.Ben White should be banned from playing for England for two YEARS, Waddle claimsCredit: GettyChris Waddle feels the right-back should be punished for ‘spitting his dummy out’Credit: Hulton Archive – GettyWhite’s last England game came three years ago.And although injury has ruled him out of Thomas Tuchel’s first squad, the right-back is firmly in the German’s plans after the pair held peace talks.However, former Three Lions star Waddle reckons White should not be allowed to waltz straight back in.He feels the Arsenal ace made his own bed by refusing to play under Southgate.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd nobody should be able to pick and choose when they represent their country on the pitch.Waddle, who won 62 caps, told 10bet: “No, I wouldn’t bring Ben White back in. He said he didn’t want to be picked again.“He spat the dummy out, didn’t he? So now he’s alright to play. So, he wants to pick and choose his England career?“Listen, you would never say you never want to play for England.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates“I would never have said that. I would have played if I was 50. So, modern day players who say that, I’m not being picked, so don’t pick me again, all of a sudden become available.“For the time he didn’t play, he didn’t want to play, I would say, ‘Well, we’ll give you the same ban’.Dan Burn eyes World Cup after finally breaking into the England squad White is back in England’s plans after talks with Thomas TuchelCredit: GettyMikel Arteta has hailed White for being ‘brave’Credit: Getty“So if it was a year or two years, then I’d consider you in two years’ time. For me, you should never say no.“Now, OK, if you don’t get on with the manager and you don’t like the style of play, you wouldn’t be picked anyway. But when you get a late call-up, you don’t say no.”Waddle’s comments come days after Tuchel revealed White’s England U-turn.The gaffer said: “He loves to be back in the squad but it is too early now for him given the seriousness of the injury.”I am delighted that he is back in back-to-back trainings. We are monitoring the process.”Now it is a question of getting more minutes and he has every chance and he wants to be back.”Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hailed White as “brave” for telling Tuchel he wants to play for England again.Arteta noted: “What Ben did was very brave and not a lot of people would have done it. I was very involved in [White refusing to be called up].“I know how Ben felt and it was very clear for me the reason why he made that decision.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It wasn’t about [letting his country down]. It was about facing the situation and saying, ‘I can’t handle it now and I am not the best person to represent the country the way I feel right now’.“So it was completely the opposite. What a lot of people would do is hide in that environment.” More

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    Liverpool legends vs Chelsea legends: Date, time, TV, live stream for huge charity match at Anfield with Gerrard & Zola

    LIVERPOOL legends welcome Chelsea legends to Anfield for a huge charity match this Saturday!Steven Gerrard is CONFIRMED to represent the Reds this weekend as the legendary Merseyside icon returns for another emotional meeting with his adoring fans.Steven Gerrard will lead Liverpool Legends in a charity match against Chelsea Legends at AnfieldCredit: ReutersMarking 20 years since Liverpool vs Chelsea in the Champions league semi-final in the 2004-05 season, the game sparks a reminder on a storied rivalry. That campaign was unforgettable for both clubs, with Chelsea winning the league for the first time in 50 years and Liverpool lifting the Champions League – after a controversial Luis Garcia goal.There will also be Champions League-winning managers in BOTH dugouts.Rafa Benitez takes charge of the Reds, who took the crown in 2005, and Roberto Di Matteo – who lead Chelsea to the European Cup in 2012 – is in for the Blues.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLProceedings from the game will support LFC Foundation’s health programmes, targeting negative health statistics across the Liverpool City Region.Matt Parish, LFC Foundation chief executive, said: “Last season was our best Legends game yet [for] funds raised.””The funds raised enable us to support even more children, young people and families in our community and beyond.”For the first time for Liverpool or Chelsea there will also be a women’s star on the teams.Most read in FootballNatasha Dowie, who won two WSL titles with Liverpool, and Katie Chapman – who lifted the WSL with Chelsea and Arsenal and won 94 England caps.When is Liverpool Legends vs Chelsea Legends?Liverpool Legends vs Chelsea Legends will take place on Saturday, March 22.The match will kick off at 3pm GMT.Anfield will host the match.Is Liverpool Legends vs Chelsea Legends on TV?LFCTV members will be able to watch the fixture as part of their subscription.The channel is available as an add-on with other TV packages.The game will also be held via pay-per-view for £5.99 on the Official Chelsea App and Chelseafc.com.Coverage starts at 2pm.Alternatively, SunSport will blog all the action as it happens.Who is playing in the match?The teams confirmed so far are below, although there are often late changes in charity matches.LiverpoolSteven GerrardSami HyypiaMartin SkrtelDjimi TraoreDjibril CisseFabio AurelioRobbie KeaneJay SpearingIgor BiscanDirk KuytBjorn Tore KvarmeMohammed SissokoGregory VignalFlorent Sinama-PongolleSander WesterveldJerzy DudekDavid JamesNatasha DowieRafa Benitez (manager)ChelseaGianfranco ZolaCarlo CuiciniEidur GudjohnsenRamiresJohn Obi-MikelGary CahillFlorent MaloudaRyan BertrandJimmy Floyd HasselbainkJesper GronkjaerJody MorrisFrank SinclairKatie ChapmanRoberto Di Matteo (manager)READ MORE SUN STORIESWhat is the match raising money for?One hundred percent of the proceedings will be support the works of LFC Foundation, Forever Reds, Chelsea Foundation and Chelsea Players Trust.Previous Legends games at Anfield have raised over £7.5 million with a goal to increase the number of people supported from 127,000, to 500,000 people a season by 2030.Where can I get tickets for Liverpool Legends vs Chelsea Legends?Tickets for the charity match are sold on the Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC websites.Tickets will be sold online only.Adult tickets are available for £29, £19 for concessions and £9 for juniors. More

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    Man Utd star Rasmus Hojlund breaks silence on emotional hug with legend Peter Schmeichel before ending goal drought

    MANCHESTER UNITED star Rasmus Hojlund has broken his silence on his emotional hug with Peter Schmeichel.Hojlund, 22, went 21 games without scoring before finally netting in the 3-0 win over Leicester.Rasmus Hojlund has broken his silence after breaking his goal droughtCredit: RexPeter Schmeichel was seen hugging Hojlund after he blanked against ArsenalCredit: XHojlund has revealed how his compatriot has helped him deal with his formCredit: GettyTwo games before he ended his drought, a 1-1 draw with Arsenal, Hojlund was seen hugging Red Devils icon and Danish compatriot Schmeichel outside of Old Trafford following the game.The ex-Atalanta star, who cost an initial £64million to sign, responded following the hug with a notably improved performance midweek against Real Sociedad, where he led the line well and provided an assist for Diogo Dalot.However, he finally got himself back on the scoresheet against the Foxes when he was played in behind the defence by Bruno Fernandes in the first half.The Dane took the ball down and ran towards the penalty area before firing a shot across goal and into the bottom left corner on his weaker right foot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHojlund has now opened up on how Schmeichel has helped him work through his drought by lending an ear throughout the season.He told Danish outlet Tipsbladet: “Peter helps me occasionally and listens to how I’m feeling – both when things are going well and when things are going badly.”I wouldn’t call him a father figure, but he helps a lot because he’s been through it before.”He knows what it means to play for Manchester United as a Dane. It’s nice to have someone to spar with on that front.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”It’s also a bit about finding your own path. “Christian also helps me and the others, but if there are people who come and want a little help, I’m available, both for everyone here and Patrick [Dorgu] and Chido [Obi-Martin].”Paul Scholes says ‘it’s about time Manchester United caught up’Man Utd have now won two games in a row and are unbeaten in 90 minutes in their last seven games – the exception being losing to Fulham on penalties in the FA Cup.Ruben Amorim’s side face Nottingham Forest on their first game back after the international break.United could be in line for a triple injury boost with Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo and Leny Yoro all in line to return to the squad, while Mason Mount could also play his first minutes of 2025.However, United are now reportedly set to be without youngster Ayden Heaven for up to six weeks after he was stretchered off against Leicester.Man Utd ratings vs LeicesterMANCHESTER UNITED leapfrogged Tottenham into 13th in the Premier League by beating Leicester.Rasmus Hojlund was left to run in behind and shoot low into the bottom corner from an angle to open the scoring on 28 minutes.The Danish striker had not found the net since December 12 – a run of 21 matches.Alejandro Garnacho saw a goal chalked off for offside but there was no taking his snap-shot finish off him on 67 minutes.And skipper Bruno Fernandes rounded off the comfortable 3-0 win in style in the closing stages.Here’s how SunSport’s Graham Hill rated the Man Utd stars. More

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    Arsenal hero Ian Wright blasts muddy pitch where Gunners’ fell to a first-leg Champions League loss to Real Madrid

    IAN WRIGHT branded Real Madrid’s pitch a “f***ing disgrace” as Arsenal’s Champions League bid got stuck in the mud.The Gunners icon said the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium’s surface was worse than the Pride Park pitch, where Chelsea beat Manchester City in Saturday’s League Cup final. Ian Wright was appalled by the condition at Real Madrid’s home ground where the Spanish club hosted their Champions League duel with ArsenalCredit: SportsfileThe wet conditions on the pitch left players covered in mud during the quarter-final first-leg clashCredit: GettyArsenal hope to overturn a 2-0 deficit when the team’s meet next Wednesday in the second leg at the EmiratesCredit: GettyGoals from Real strikers Linda Caicedo and Athenea del Castillo saw Arsenal fall to a quarter-final first-leg defeat. The drenched pitch at the rain-soaked Alfredo di Stefano Stadium, left the Gunners’ women stars and their opponents splattered in mud with some players slipping due to its conditions. In the second half Madrid midfielder and ex-Chelsea ace Melanie Leupolz went off after hurting her knee she attempted to clear the ball up field. In an Instagram video, Women’s Super League ambassador Wright said: “It’s a f***ing disgrace, the pitches these girls have to play on.” Read More Football Stories Light wind and rain had been forecast in Spain’s capital ahead of yesterday’s game. However conditions were very wet ahead of the 5:45pm kick-off. Arsenal boss Renee Slegers said: “We knew the condition of the pitch. “We had a plan for it but then it’s always hard because over a season and over time you work on things and you have an identity the way you want to do things. Most read in FootballRenee Slegers has backed Arsenal to turn things around in their decisive second-leg quarters clashCredit: Getty“So then reality comes and these conditions come and all of a sudden you need to do things differently so that’s hard.”Arsenal will battle to try and overturn the deficit in next Wednesday’s second leg at the Emirates.Slegers added: “We’re all confident we can do something against them at the Emirates because it’s only half time.” More

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    Sir Gareth Southgate fears boys are watching too much porn instead of ‘expressing their emotions’

    SIR GARETH SOUTHGATE fears boys are falling into unhealthy habits because they lack role models.The former England manager spoke about the troubles affecting boys, including isolation and a fear of failing.Gareth Southgate fears young boys are falling into unhealthy habitsCredit: TikTok/oliviadangerculpoHe believes many are turning to dangerous influencers due to an absence of effective role models.Southgate, 54, wants to encourage boys to try and fail as he feels overcoming a difficult experience is integral to growth.Currently, he feels too many find themselves in positions where they face adversity alone, and pick up bad habits after turning to alternative sources of influence.He said in a lecture for the BBC: “These are callous, manipulative and toxic influencers, whose sole drive is for their own gain.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”They willingly trick young men into believing that success is measured by money or dominance, that strength means never showing emotion, and that the world, including women, is against them.”Too many young men are isolated. Too many feel uncomfortable opening up to friends or family. “Many don’t have mentors – teachers, coaches, bosses – who understand how best to push them to grow. And so, when they struggle, young men inevitably try to handle whatever situation they find themselves in, alone.”Young men end up withdrawing, reluctant to talk or express their emotions.Most read in Football”They spend more time online searching for direction and are falling into unhealthy alternatives like gaming, gambling and pornography.”Southgate wants young boys to face challenges in adolescence so that they have experience in overcoming difficult situations for when they inevitably face tough moments in adulthood.From Gareth Southgate receiving a knighthood to Keely Hodgkinson’s MBE, all the stars who got gongs in New Year honoursHe continued: “In my opinion, if we make life too easy for young boys now, we will inevitably make life harder when they grow up to be young men.”Too many young men are at risk of fearing failure, precisely because they’ve had so few opportunities to experience and overcome it. They fail to try, rather than try and fail.””If I’ve learned anything from my life in football, it’s that success is much more than the final score.”True success is how you respond in the hardest moments.” More