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      Ex-Tottenham star Nabil Bentaleb, 30, cleared to make incredible return to football just 8 months after cardiac arrest

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      EX-TOTTENHAM star Nabil Bentaleb has been cleared to make a miracle return to football – just months after suffering a cardiac arrest.The midfielder, 30, ended a five-year Spurs stay in 2017. Newcastle signed him on loan from Schalke in 2020.Nabil Bentaleb has been given the green light to play againCredit: GettyAlgeria international Bentaleb joined hometown club Lille two summers ago, but suffered a cardiac arrest last June.He has since been fitted with a defibrillator, and looked after by the same heart specialist who saved the career of fellow ex-Spur Christian Eriksen.Manchester United’s Danish midfielder, who collapsed on international duty against Finland in May 2021, also wears a defibrillator.The French FA’s medical experts have now given Bentaleb the green light to resume his club career.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLille announced: “The French Football Federation’s medical commission has met to determine Nabil Bentaleb’s medical situation, and to decide on his personal and sporting future.”It ruled positively in the light of the player’s latest tests and medical results, and spoke in favour of his return to competitive football.”The Club is delighted to see our player authorised to rejoin his teammates at training from tomorrow onwards.”Nabil, the people of Lille are looking forward to welcome you back at the Decathlon Arena.”Most read in FootballLille president Olivier Letang added: “It’s a real joy to have this news after the long and difficult ordeal that Nabil and his family have been through.”Fear and doubt have given way to optimism and pleasure at Nabil getting his health back.Making the case why Tottenham should stick with Ange Postecoglu despite club in crisis”He can once again do what he loves to do above all else, play football. We dreamt of seeing him back on the pitch – and that dream has now become reality.”Bentaleb made 66 appearances for Tottenham, scoring once, and played in the 2015 League Cup final.He had 15 games on loan to Newcastle before returning to Germans Schalke in summer 2020.The midfielder has won 52 Algeria caps, scoring five goals for the north African side. More

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      Ex-Man Utd star Mason Greenwood welcomes 2nd child with partner Harriet Robson after starting new life in France

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      FORMER Man United star Mason Greenwood is celebrating a brace after becoming a dad again for the second time.The striker welcomed a second daughter with partner Harriet Robson earlier this week.Mason Greenwood now plays for Marseille in France’s Ligue 1Credit: AFPGreenwood and partner Harriet RobsonCredit: FacebookThe couple welcomed daughter Summer in 2023Credit: Social media – Refer to sourceThe couple celebrated the birth of their first child Summer in July 2023.A source said: “They are both delighted with the safe arrival of their second child. They are really enjoying living in France and are enjoying the simple things.“Mason is performing well on the pitch and then he comes home to Harriet and his children. Life is simpler and they have less distractions, which is suiting the both of them.”Yesterday Greenwood posted a picture of Harriet, 23, holding Summer – who were both wearing Marseille shirts with the name “Greenwood” on the back along with his Number 10 – on his instagram page.READ MORE ON GREENWOODHe wrote: “Happy birthday to the best partner and mum we love you”.To celebrate Summer’s first birthday, Harriet posted a video montage of him with his daughter.After her birth, Greenwood had posted a picture of a tiny baby’s hand in his own, with the caption saying: “11.07.23”.University student Harriet had enjoyed a baby shower where she showed off her blossoming bump.Most read in FootballThe Sun reported the couple were expecting in October last year.A source said at the time: “Mason has done a lot of growing up in the last couple of years, especially since he has become a father.Mason Greenwood SIGNS for Marseille as Man Utd release brief statement after transfer“He and Harriet are enjoying life out of the intense spotlight that comes with being a United player and is much more settled off the pitch, which means he can concentrate on his football.”Greenwood, 23, signed a five-year deal with Marseille last July after the French club agreed a £26million fee with Manchester United. Since the move to France, where he earns a reported £70,000-a-week, Greenwood’s form has attracted interest from Barcelona.Before the move he was being watched by Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and at least two Premier League clubs.The forward had spent the previous season on loan at Spanish side Getafe, where he scored 10 goals in 36 games.Greenwood was suspended by United after his arrest for attempted rape, assault and coercive control in January 2022.The charges were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February 2023.READ MORE SUN STORIESMUFC announced their academy player would not be returning to the club on August 21 that year in what was branded a “collaborative decision”.He left on loan to Serie A club Getafe before moving to Marseille.The couple celebrated Summer’s first birthday last JulyCredit: InstagramHarriet posted this snap of a baby football kitCredit: instagramCharges against Greenwood were droppedCredit: EPA More

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      Football legend Gary Shaw’s will revealed after star died aged 63 ‘banging head while getting out of cab on night out’

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      FOOTBALL legend Gary Shaw left nearly £300,000 after he died without writing a will.The Aston Villa striker, who died last September aged 63 after banging his head while getting out of a taxi, had no children, no siblings and never married.The former striker was part of the Villa side that won the First Division and the European CupCredit: GettyGary Shaw later worked as a club ambassadorCredit: RexHe did not draw up any wishes for his net worth when he passed.It means the European Cup-winning ace’s entire estate will be managed by a lawyer for the benefit of Michael Measey – believed to be one of Shaw’s friends or relatives.His estate was valued at £297,000 but £10,000 was deducted for fees, funeral costs and legal bills.Thousands of people a year die intestate, meaning they have no will, and their estate is typically passed by a court to either their spouse or closest living blood relative.Read more on Gary ShawThe High Court signed off his estate on February 10 and Michael Measey was named as administrator.Shaw rose through the ranks at his boyhood club and netted 79 goals in 213 games for Villa from 1978 to 1988.He scooped the Professional Footballers’ Association Young Player of the Year in 1981 and European Young Player of the Year in 1982, the year his side won the UEFA Cup.He was so well-liked that when Villa beat Barcelona to win the European Super Cup, Diego Maradona asked for his shirt.Most read in FootballThe Argentine great sent one of Barca’s staff to Villa’s dressing room with his shirt, with orders to bring back Shaw’s jersey as a swap.But Villa’s kit man refused the deal because the tops were too expensive to give away.The former England Under-21s striker also played for Blackpool, Walsall, Kilmarnock and Shrewsbury Town.Ron Greenwood named Shaw in his preliminary squad for the 1982 World Cup in Spain but axed him from his final selection.England were dumped out after goalless draws with Germany and Spain, and Shaw never earned a full international cap. After retirement, he worked as a statistical analyst and was a club ambassador at Villa Park meeting fans in the ground’s hospitality section.He sold his tranche of trophies and medals to a private buyer in 2018.The ace had been out drinking with friends on September 5 and was found by a neighbour collapsed on the pavement near his house at 1am the next morning, an inquest heard.It’s believed he fell and hit his head, causing a fatal injury.A coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death.He was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital but died from his injury 11 days later with his family by his side.Crowds assembled at the stadium in October to pay their respects before his funeral at Sutton Coldfield Crematorium, where the service was held.INQUESTBirmingham Coroner’s Court heard how the 63-year-old former footballer was found collapsed in the street by a neighbour after he had fallen and hit his head on a kerb.After the accident on September 6 last year, he passed away surrounded by his family 10 days afterwards.The inquest was told Shaw had been for a night out at the Jam House in the centre of Birmingham and was put in a taxi by friends at around 1.30am.However, as he exited the cab, he fell and hit his head on a kerb before being found by a neighbour in the early hours.They then phoned an ambulance and the 1982 European Cup winner was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital.However, his condition deteriorated and he died ten days later on September 16 after suffering the “severe head injury”.Birmingham Coroner Louise Hunt recorded that Shaw died as a result of an accident.She said: “Mr Shaw had been out for the night drinking with friends on September 5.”In the early hours of September 6 and made his way home in a taxi.”He was found collapsed on the pavement outside his home address having fallen and hit his head.”He was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital where he was found to have a severe head injury as a result of the fall which resulted in his death on September 16.”Philip Cutler, his brother-in-law, said in a statement how Gary had been out for the evening at the club.He confirmed that Gary was put into a taxi by friends at 1.30am and after getting out of the taxi, fell and hit his head on the kerb, rendering him unconscious.Philip said it was then sometime between 2am and 3am he was found and an ambulance called.A doctor said in a statement Gary had suffered an extensive and diffused head injury and that no surgical intervention was possible.He was then stabilised and put on the critical care unit.The doctor added Gary had a CT scan on September 9 which showed a deterioration in the brain, and his death was a result of a severe head injury caused by the fall.He also said that hypertension was a contributory factor, and a toxicological report showed that the ex-player had an alcohol reading of 221 milligrams per 100 millilitres.After his death, ex-Villa and England star Jack Grealish led tributes, writing: “RIP Gary Shaw. What an absolute legend and an unbelievable player.“Sending all my thoughts and prayers to his family and loved ones”.Match of the Day host Gary Lineker added: “Very sad. RIP Gary”.A Villa club statement read: “Gary was one of our own, a talented striker who delighted supporters with his goalscoring exploits which helped fire Villa to success in the 1980s.”Individual accolades would also follow for a player who was idolised by many on the terraces.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He passed away peacefully earlier today surrounded by his family, who asked Aston Villa to release a statement on their behalf. “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Gary’s family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time.”Shaw died 11 days after sustaining a head injury in a fallCredit: Rex More

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      Liverpool and Everton release joint statement slamming sick abuse towards Abdoulaye Doucoure as police launch probe

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      LIVERPOOL and Everton have released a joint statement slamming vile racist abuse aimed at Abdoulaye Doucoure.The midfielder was involved in a post-match bust-up with Curtis Jones after celebrating Everton’s 98th minute derby equaliser in front of travelling Liverpool fans.Liverpool and Everton have released a joint statement condemning racist abuse of Abdoulaye DoucoureCredit: GettyDoucoure was sent off for brawling with Curtis Jones after Everton’s late derby equaliserCredit: AFPIt sparked a mass brawl as teammates from both sides rushed in to the fray.And both Doucoure and Jones were shown straight red cards by referee Michael Oliver.However, Doucoure was subjected to disgraceful racist abuse in the wake of the game.It’s led to Liverpool and Everton putting aside their rivalry to condone the sick behaviour while offering their unconditional support to the midfielder.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA joint statement read: “Liverpool FC and Everton FC are aware of – and condemn in the strongest possible terms – racist abuse received by Abdoulaye Doucoure following Wednesday night’s Merseyside derby.”Such abuse is reprehensible and will not, and should not, be tolerated.”Together, the two clubs will work with Merseyside Police, who are conducting an investigation with the aim of identifying the individuals responsible.”We also encourage people who witness or experience online abuse to report and highlight it to the social media platforms on which it appears.Most read in FootballEverton and Liverpool stars sent off in post-match brawl as police intervene with Slot seeing red for handshake stunt”We must all, including the social media companies, take a zero-tolerance stance. Platforms need to take accountability and action to ban such abusers.”Racism and hate has no place online, in our stadiums or in our communities.”Doucoure and Jones weren’t the only ones to receive red cards after the Merseyside derby.Liverpool boss Arne Slot and No2 Sipke Hulshoff also received their marching orders from Oliver.Slot approached the ref to have a few words and shake his hand.But as the pair shook hands, Oliver quickly reached into his pocket before producing a red card for the Dutchman.Arne Slot was sent off after the final whistleSlot could yet be in charge for Liverpool’s next match against WolvesCredit: GettyThe manager was also seen berating an assistant referee.The Premier League then revealed on their website that Slot will face two matches away from the sidelines as a result of the incident.The Reds boss is said to have used “offensive, insulting, or abusive language”.But just an hour later, the Premier League’s statement on Slot’s ban had been deleted.If Slot is banned for two games, he will be in the stands for Liverpool’s home match with Wolves on Sunday and their trip to face Aston Villa on February 19.However, it’s understood that the FA still needs to review Michael Oliver’s post-match report.They then have to decide on one of three options: whether to charge Slot, remind him of his responsibilities or take no further action.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt means there’s a possibility the Liverpool manager and his assistant could be in the dugout for the game against Wolves.If both Slot and Hulshoff are banned, former Everton star Johnny Heitinga could the nod to lead Liverpool. More

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      Virgil van Dijk swipes at Everton with brutal ‘cup final’ dig live on TV after last-gasp equaliser in Merseyside derby

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      LIVERPOOL captain Virgil van Dijk belittled Everton with a cheeky dig following the Merseyside derby.The Dutch defender took aim at Everton and Abdoulaye Doucoure after a full-time bust up took place at Goodison Park.Virgil van Dijk spoke to TNT Sports after the gameCurtis Jones was involved in the post match scrap with Doucoure at Goodison.Credit: ReutersVan Dijk had words with the match officials at full-time after controversial decisions were made during the game.Everton equalised late in stoppage time to salvage a point in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park before The Toffees move into their new stadium in the summer.James Tarkowski’s equaliser in the eighth minute of stoppage time caused tension after five extra minutes were initially awarded in the 90th minute.The drama boiled over once the full-time whistle was blown with players from both sides clashing as Everton celebrated a draw.Doucoure and Curtis Jones were both shown red cards for their part in the post match clash.Read more on footballArne Slot was also sent off after words with Michael Oliver at full-time, along with his assistant Sipke Hulshoff.Speaking live to TNT Sports in a post match interview a frustrated Van Dijk said: “We all know this is their cup final”, suggesting that the match was the biggest of Everton’s season.While Van Dijk’s comments may have ruffled some feathers, it was a huge game for Everton as the final Merseyside derby at their famous ground.The occasion saw fans swarming the streets with banners before kick off and produced one of the best derby day atmospheres in recent memory that exploded when Tarkowski equalised.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSVan Dijk continued: “A lot of battles. Very disappointing to concede in the last second of the game, or even over extra time, but it is what it is.”It isn’t easy to accept it, especially in the manner how, but we take it and move on.David Moyes says ‘boiling hot Goodison Park deserved drama’ in final Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton “I think the referee had a big part in the game today in terms of certain challenges were given as fouls and similar weren’t.”Speaking on the post match incident involving his teammate, Van Dijk added: “I think Doucoure wanted to provoke our fans, I think, that’s what I saw.”Curtis didn’t think that was the right thing to do and then obviously you know what happens when there is a little tussle.”The result meant Liverpool couldn’t take full advantage of their game in hand over second place Arsenal, but they still sit seven points ahead of the Gunners.As for Everton, David Moyes’ unbeaten streak in the league extends to four games with the point moving them up to 15th and ten points clear of the relegation zone.James Tarkowski’s volley at the death earned Everton a point in their final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.Credit: Getty More

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      Footballer, 18, who was part of special Bayern Munich squad tragically left brain dead after knee to head in match

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      A FORMER Bayern Munich youth star has been left brain dead at the age of 18, according to his brother.Defender Guo Jiaxuan was reportedly struck in the face by a knee during a training match in Spain last Thursday.Guo Jiaxuan has been left brain dead after being struck in the face by kneeCredit: Jam PressGuo had been playing in a game against Spanish side RC Alcobendas at a camp organised by the Beijing Football Association.Guo, an academy recruit of Chinese Super League (CSL) club Beijing Guoan, represented Bayern’s World Squad in 2023.His brother tragically revealed on social media that Guo had suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage following an accidental collision. The haemorrhage took the form of a stroke caused by bleeding on the brain.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHis sibling wrote on Chinese platform RedNote : “During training, he was rushed to hospital after being hit in the head by another player’s knee.”From the interpreter, I learned that the doctor at the hospital said my brother had too much bleeding in his head and that there was little hope of survival.”The hospital was going to remove his life support tubes.”The post said that a Spanish doctor told the family that Guo was at one stage clinically dead as a result of a lack of oxygen in his brain.Most read in FootballGuo’s father arrived in Spain on Saturday and reportedly refused the doctor’s suggestion to turn off his son’s life support.His family are seeking to bring him back to China for further treatment.A staff member from the Beijing FA noted that “they are fully committed to ensuring his treatment.”Following the match last week, RC Alcobendas offered a message of support for Guo and his family.A club statement read: “We want to express our deep concern for the player from the Beijing FA delegation who suffered an accident during the friendly match played this morning against our first team.”We send all our support to him, his family and his team at this difficult time. We sincerely wish your speedy recovery.”Guo was the only Chinese player selected for Bayern’s World Squad two years ago.The squad was part of an international project by the German giants aimed at developing promising players from around the world.The talented footballer was born in Beijing in 2006 and has represented China’s under-17s. More

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      My dad’s a Premier League legend and Chelsea icon, now I’m making my own way in football

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      PETR CECH’s daughter is following in her father’s footsteps after she made her national team debut.The Chelsea legend played in England for a decade and a half while also playing in goal for the Czech Republic for 14 years.Petr Cech’s daughter is following in his footstepsCredit: ReutersAdela Cechova made her debut for the Czech Republic Under-17 sideBut the 42-year-old’s daughter, Adela Cechova, has now taken the next steps in following her father’s career.On Tuesday the 17-year-old made her debut for Czechia’s Under-17 national team.She starred off the bench in a 3-0 defeat to Mexico in the MIMA Cup being held in Spain.The tournament will also see Cechova taking on England and Scotland before the end of the current international break.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Cechova is a defender rather than a goalkeeper like her father.Her coach, Daniel Smejkal, says of her: “She’s a promising defender.”Now we are taking her with us to Spain to train so that we can get to know her better.”Cechova wears the number 21 on her back.Most read in FootballShe has also kept her club football routes close to home, playing for Chelsea’s local rivals Fulham.Tonight Cechova will have the chance to help her nation get a win on the board when they face England, before another opportunity presents itself against Scotland on Saturday.Premier League legend makes professional ice hockey debut at 41 years old after joining championsCech actually missed the birth of his daughter on January 23, 2008, because he was with the Chelsea team for a League Cup semi-final tie against Everton.Chelsea would win the tie 2-1, although Cech did not play in the game – not even being named on the bench – with Hilario deputising in goal as picked by Avram Grant.On missing her birth, Cech told People Magazine: “It was the best day of my life and at the same time the saddest.”I was happy to be a father and proud of my wife, but sad to have missed the birth.”My daughter decided she would come in the middle of the night without me being able to do anything, so I had to wait glued to the phone.”Cech, who now plays ice hockey, has two children with his wife Martina.They have a boy, named Damian, who is following more directly in his father’s footsteps, being a goalkeeper with the Under-15s at Fulham.According to Czech outlet iDNES.cz, Cech does not want either of his children to play for Chelsea.The publication explains: “She will always be ‘Cech’s daughter’, but I don’t think he will push her up.”Quite the opposite, because he doesn’t want any of his children to play for a Chelsea team where he is a legend.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Playing with the national team is a new football and life experience for her.”Both of Cech’s children are kept away from the media spotlight in general and are said to be reluctant to give interviews.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson, 83, set for shock return to dugout after Man Utd legend ‘immediately’ accepts offer

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      SIR Alex Ferguson is weeks away from making a shock return to the dugout, according to his former player.The legendary British manager retired from Manchester United in 2013 after a glittering 26-year career at Old Trafford.Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly set to return to the dugout next monthCredit: AlamyFormer United star Giuseppe Rossi is holding a farewell match in Italy next monthCredit: EPARossi announced the retirement game on WednesdayBut Ferguson will reportedly return to the technical area on March 22 to help coach at a game in Florence.Former Italy international Giuseppe Rossi, 38, has organised a farewell match to honour his retirement next month.The ex-Fiorentina star’s “last dance” will be at the Stadio Franchi Stadium and has been dubbed ‘Pepito Day’.Due to his successful spell in LaLiga, the former striker earned the nickname ‘Pepito Rossi’, a reference to namesake Paolo Rossi.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe latter was nicknamed ‘Pablito’ following his goalscoring performances in Italy’s victorious 1982 World Cup campaign in Spain.And Rossi – who has a close relationship with Ferguson – revealed that the Scottish icon, 83, will be back in the dugout for his farewell.Rossi said: “Ferguson will be there as a coach. He was my first coach, I signed when I was 17. “I only did three years with him and played little, but he immediately said yes and this shows what kind of person he is.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I did little at United but he treats me like Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored 1000 goals.”Ferguson gave Rossi his debut in senior football at United in 2004, before he went on to score four goals across 14 appearances in all competitions.Sir Alex Ferguson joins Man Utd players past and present to honour Denis Law at Old TraffordFerguson gave Rossi his senior debut in 2004Credit: Getty – ContributorFerguson is Britain’s most successful managerCredit: GettyRossi was loaned out to Newcastle and Parma between 2006 and 2007, before joining Villarreal permanently in 2007.Despite his love for Florence, Rossi’s most prolific years came with the LaLiga side, scoring 82 goals and provided 25 assists in 192 appearances.He then moved to Fiorentina from 2013 to 2017, notching 19 goals in 42 games, before being loaned out to Levante and Celta in 2016.The Italian announced on Wednesday that many of his ex-Fiorentina team-mates and some Serie A legends would play in the farewell game.Luca Toni, Antonio Cassano, Sebastien Frey, Borja Valero and Gabriel Omar Batistuta will be among the former players taking part.The teams haven’t been decided yet, but they will be made up of former stars.Meanwhile, it won’t be the first time Ferguson has returned to the dugout for a one-off occasion. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Scot oversaw United legend’s 1999 reunion match against Bayern Munich legends at Old Trafford in 2019.The home side stormed to a 5-0 victory, with David Beckham, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Dwight Yorke, Nicky Butt and Louis Saha on the scoresheet. More