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    Aston Villa and ex-England star Tyrone Mings makes return to football after horrifying injury more than 14 months ago

    TYRONE MINGS has made his long-awaited return to football after starting for Aston Villa’s under-21 side.The England international has not featured for Villa since suffering a devastating anterior cruciate ligament injury 14 months ago.Tyrone Mings has returned to football after 14 months on the sidelinesThe 31-year-old has started Villa’s U21s game against NewcastleMings tore his ACL in Villa’s 5-1 defeat to Newcastle on the opening day of last termMings picked up the serious knee injury on the opening day of last season in Villa’s 5-1 defeat to Newcastle at St James’ Park.The centre-back has made strong progress in his rehabilitation considering the nature of the gruesome setback.And after a gruelling year-long absence, Mings has made another huge step forward after starting against Newcastle’s under-21s today.The 31-year-old played the first 45 minutes, with the score at 1-1.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMidfielder Boubacar Kamara also marked his return to the pitch by playing the first half against the Toon’s youth side.Kamara injured his ACL in a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford in February.Unai Emery said last month that he hopes Mings and Kamara will be able to return to his matchday squad after the October international break.Mings returned to full training at Bodymoor Heath last week and will be keen to get stuck into Villa’s success.Most read in FootballMings Instagram post showed as he started getting back to doing mobility workCMidfielder Boubacar Kamara was also back in actionFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe veteran defender told Villa TV last month: “I’m super excited to get back playing, to see what the season holds. “I’m so proud of the players to finish fourth in the Premier League. To be part of it this season will be special.”Prince William wildly celebrates historic Aston Villa win against Bayern Munich Mings would have been disappointed to have missed out on Villa’s historic 2023-24 season, as they defied expectations to finish fourth in the Prem and reached the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League.He also missed out on a memorable night on Wednesday as Emery’s side beat Bayern Munich 1-0 at Villa Park in the Champions League.Pau Torres and Diego Carlos have formed a solid defensive partnership in his absence at the heart of Villa’s defence since.Fans left were taken aback after seeing both the extent and ramifications of Mings’ leg injury in March.An Instagram video highlighted the “muscle wastage” on Mings’ leg, with his right leg looking far thinner than his left.This is a condition known as muscle atrophy, which is the decrease in the size of muscle tissue due to a lack of physical activityREAD MORE SUN STORIESHe underwent surgery and spent three weeks in the USA as part of his rehab programme.He missed the chance to compete for a place in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad.Mings shared video footage of him doing exercise on a machine More

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    Watch hilarious moment Gareth Bale’s golf ball stolen by a DOG as baffled Real Madrid legend watches on

    THIS is the hilarious moment Gareth Bale had his golf ball stolen by a dog.Bale, 35, retired from football in January 2023.Gareth Bale was left stunned as his golf ball was stolen by a dog at the Alfred Dunhill Links ChampionshipCredit: SNSBale took a shot from the rough towards the holeCredit: X formerly Twitter / @DarrenMcRae3 via @DPWorldTourBut a dog could then be seen running towards the ballCredit: X formerly Twitter / @DarrenMcRae3 via @DPWorldTourThe pets owners were audibly ‘mortified’ at the eventsCredit: X formerly Twitter / @DarrenMcRae3 via @DPWorldTourThe dog picked up the ballCredit: X formerly Twitter / @DarrenMcRae3 via @DPWorldTourBefore running back towards BaleCredit: X formerly Twitter / @DarrenMcRae3 via @DPWorldTourTowards the end of his career, injuries meant Bale struggled to get minutes on the pitch, which gave him time to pursue another keen interest of his, golf.And since retiring, the avid golf fan has continued to enjoy his time on the green.However, while starring in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at Carnoustie in Scotland on the DP World Tour, Bale saw his session take a shock turn.As the former Real Madrid and Tottenham star chipped his ball towards the hole out of a rough slop, a dog then appeared and ran towards it after it landed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe dog then picked up the ball before trotting off with its prize, leaving Bale looking on confused as it ran towards him before appearing to drop the ball.People in the background, presumably the dog’s owners, could be heard screaming “no, no” towards the cheeky pup.Reacting to the clip, one social media user said: “You can hear the owners clearly mortified their good boy having fun. Love puppies on the courses.”A second said: “So cute!! I love it.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third said: “I think he just wanted him to have another go.”Another said: “Least he brought it back – good dog.”Watch Andy Murray and Gareth Bale nail putt at Wentworth celebrity Pro-Am before tennis legend’s trademark celebrationA fifth added: “Haha brilliant.”This weeks DP tour event – the second year running Bale has competed in it – feature top ranking golfers including Rory McIlroy, Matt Fitzpatrick, Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton.Bale has been paired with three-time tour event winner Daniel Brown for the event this year. More

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    I would hide my injuries from Man Utd team-mates and staff – it was embarrassing and I didn’t want them to see my pain

    PHIL JONES has revealed that he used to hide his injuries from Manchester United team-mates.The former defender, 32, announced his retirement from football in August.Phil Jones retired from football in August this yearCredit: GettyJones, 32, played more than 200 times for Man UtdCredit: GettySince hanging up his boots, Jones has revealed that he consulted therapists and psychologists to work on his mental well-being as he struggled with persistent knee injuries.Jones enjoyed an enviable career at the top of the game; winning a Premier League title, FA Cup and the Europa League – and playing more than 200 times for Man Utd.He suffered terribly with injuries in his latter years at Old Trafford, however, making just six Premier League appearances in his final four years at United.In a heartfelt column for the BBC, Jones lifted the lid on how he didn’t want to share his injury anguish with any of his team-mates.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe revealed: “Unfortunately there were times when I was at United when I did not look for help. My coping mechanism when I had any problems was to stay silent, and that was probably my downfall.”I didn’t open up to anyone, and I would hide my injuries from other players and the staff. I put a shield up so no-one knew what was going on, apart from my close family.”I only spoke about this for the first time on a podcast last week, but one of my lowest moments was when I was trying to play through the pain of my knee injury, when it had got to a point where the doctor had to inject my knee before every game I played so I didn’t feel it.”I was on the bench for a game at Brighton but one of our centre-halves was struggling in the warm-up, so I thought I would be pro-active and get the injection before kick-off.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”It was embarrassing for me because I didn’t want anyone to see that I was struggling, or in pain – I was meant to be a tough guy as a defender, remember – so I went into a cubicle in the changing room just as the manager started his pre-match talk, and got the doc to inject me in there.”Having now hung up his boots, Jones has revealed his desire to go into coaching and management.He spent last season working with United’s Under-18s, and has been going through his various coaching badges.On his managerial ambitions, Jones added: “I am only 32 and I know that I’ve got a long way to go as a coach or manager.”Just because I played for United for so many years, it doesn’t mean I can just walk into a job, but I am determined to get a chance somewhere.”It is something I feel passionate about and I feel I have so much to give with my knowledge about all aspects of the game, plus my drive to succeed even further in football because I missed out on two or three years as a player.”Ten Hag on Phil JonesThe Man Utd boss paid tribute to Jones upon the defender’s retirement in AugustFollowing the news of Phil Jones’ retirement, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was asked about the former defender.The Dutchman, 54, said: “I think he had a great career.”What he achieved; winning the Premier League, winning FA Cup, winning Europa League, be present at two World Cups, massive career at Man United.”So all the credit for his career.” More

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    Chelsea wonderkid Kendry Paez, 17, warned about his off-the-field antics by his national team head coach

    CHELSEA wonderkid Kendry Paez has been WARNED about his conduct off-the-pitch after the teenager was caught partying AGAIN.Paez, who will officially sign for Chelsea in a £17.2m move in May 2025, made headlines in March after his Ecuador team-mates reportedly took him to a strip joint.Chelsea wonderkid Kendry Paez has been warned about his conduct off the field after being caught partying for the second time this yearEcuador manager Sebastian Beccacece said the 17-year-old must learn to handle the pressures of life in the spotlightPaez made headlines in March when he was allegedly taken to a New York strip club by Ecuador team-mates despite being underageEcuador’s national federation threatened to axe several senior stars after videos allegedly showed a then 16-year-old Paez in a New York strip club.His presence raised alarm due to the teenager being a minor, with US law banning anyone under the age of 21 from being present. And now the attacking midfielder, 17, has raised eyebrows again after being caught partying in a nightclub for the second time this year, according to the Daily Mail.The fresh incident has caused Ecuador’s head coach Sebastian Beccacece to offer some timely advice to the teenager.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBeccacece said Paez must learn how to handle his new-found fame as he prepares for a life-changing move to Stamford Bridge.He told Ecuadorian outlet Studio Futbol: “I have experience with him. I rely on that, but I don’t ignore what happens on social networks or at his club.”It’s my responsibility to be aware. But my experience with him has made me empathetic. “He is very talented, and he knows he must learn to handle this, especially now that he is sold to a club and is part of the national team.”Most read in FootballPaez appeared to be alongside those in the New York strip club in MarchVideos showed a number of players visiting the club before their defeat to ItalyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe manager added: “He has been important in day-to-day practices.”He was significant when he came on against Brazil and stood out against Peru, hitting from outside and connecting well with Pervis. Chelsea fans fume after Gent supporters throw chairs and rip down banners from stands in ugly scenes during clash “I would like him to play outside, but he can’t because of age restrictions. But I’m attentive to him, and he has been respectful to us.”Paez will join Chelsea once he turns 18 in May 2025, with many fans believing he is a “Ballon d’Or level player”.Chelsea agreed a deal for the talented youngster from Independiente del Valle in the summer of 2023 when he was only 16. In October last year he became the youngest-ever South American to score in a World Cup qualifier – a goal assisted by future Chelsea team-mate Moises Caicedo. Since being called up to the senior squad in June 2023, Paez has made 15 appearances for the Ecuador national team, scoring twice.Real Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Manchester United, Manchester City and several other European clubs scouted him before Chelsea secured his signature, with Paez continuing to learn English before his arrival.Midfielder Paez is a raising star in Ecuador More

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    Man Utd set to play in colour they’ve never worn before as ‘snowflake’ design ‘revealed’ for away kit

    MANCHESTER UNITED are set to make history by wearing a new colour next season, reports suggest.The design of the Red Devils new away strip for the 2025/26 season appears to have already been leaked. Manchester United’s new kit will see them use a new colourCredit: footyheadlines.comIt will feature a combination of white, light lavender and dark plumCredit: footyheadlines.comAdidas have drawn inspiration from the United away kit from 1990-92Credit: Allsport – GettyKit designers Adidas are set to use a colour the club have not used before.According to FootyHeadlines, the kit will use three colours; white, light lavender and dark plum.The white and light lavender colour will be the main colours of the kit, while dark plum makes up the accents, while the shorts will also come in dark plum.It is said that the kit will also feature a “snowflake” design.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThis is said to be a throwback to United’s iconic light blue, white and red away strip worn from 1990 to 1992.The snowflake design has been used on three previous United kits by Adidas.Those were the 2015/16 third kit, the 17/18 away kit and this season’s away kit.The Old Trafford outfit have used purple kits before for their goalkeeper strips, but never on their main outfield kit.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAdidas extended its kit deal with United in July of last year.The deal saw them sign a 10-year extension to take them to 2035 in a record-breaking deal worth £900million.How would Southgate and Tuchel transform Man Utd flops and who is best for job?This increased from their previous deal worth £750m over 10 years. More

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    Former Stoke flop and two-time Champions League winner makes shock transfer to 10th club of his career

    STOKE flop and two-time Champions League winner Jese Rodriguez has signed for his 10th club to add to his nomadic career.Rodriguez, 31, has been a free agent since January after being released by Brazilian club Coritiba FC.Former Stoke flop Jese Rodriguez has signed for the 10th club of his careerCredit: AFP – GettyJese Rodriguez has signed for Malaysian champions Johor Southern TigersCredit: X formerly Twitter / @OfficialJohorThe two-time champions league winner was teased by the club on social mediaCredit: X formerly Twitter / @OfficialJohorHe was shrouded as a silhouette ahead of an eye-popping backgroundCredit: X formerly Twitter / @OfficialJohorHe was later revealed in the club’s red and blue kitCredit: X formerly Twitter / @OfficialJohorThe Spanish forward has previously starred for Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.He has also turned out for Real Betis, Sporting Lisbon, Sampdoria and Las Palmas among others.However, his latest club has taken him to all the way to Asia, after being announced as a new signing for Malaysian side Johor Darul Ta’zim, otherwise known as JDT or Southern Tigers.Taking to social media, the club unveiled Rodriguez with a dramatic video.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 45-second clip featured a clip of the ace scoring for Real Madrid before transitioning into teasing him wearing the club’s kit.It showed him showing off the blue and red strip before revealing he would wear shirt number 33.Rodriguez was also seen in a black shirt and tie, before ending with him staring down the lens of the camera as it zoomed in on him.JDT are the reigning champions of the Malaysia Super League and sit top of the table this season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThey play at the 40,000 capacity stadium, Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, located in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, in the south of the country.They are the 10th club of his career.Transfer fees could be SCRAPPED forever after Lassana Diarra wins landmark court case against FifaEnglish football fans will best remember Rodriguez from his time on loan at Stoke.While in England he managed just one goal and one assist in 13 games. His accolades include winning the Champions League twice with Real Madrid, the Club World Cup, La Liga, Uefa Super Cup and French League Cup and Super Cup.He has made five appearances for the Spanish national team, scoring twice.During his time unemployed, Rodriguez celebrated his wedding anniversary with stunning wife Aurah Ruiz, who got married in 2022.Taking to Instagram in one post where he shared a picture of their wedding day, he said: “Happy anniversary my baby!READ MORE SUN STORIES”Thank you for giving me happiness and most of all the meaning of knowing and feeling true love.”I love you very much and do not doubt that we will continue to enjoy all this that we have formed so beautifully for the rest of our lives.”Rodriguez played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Real MadridCredit: Getty More

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    Neymar ‘set to buy £7million six-acre private ISLAND’ which has four spectacular villas in tropical waters off Brazil

    NEYMAR is set to buy his own £7million private island off the coast of Brazil, according to reports.The Saudi-based forward, who has been linked with a sensational return to former club Barcelona, is said to be closing in on a deal to snap up Japao Private Island.Neymar is set to buy a stunning private islandCredit: LVHThe island boasts four luxurious villasCredit: Private Island IncNeymar is said to be closing in on a £7million dealCredit: Private Island IncThe island is located off the port town of Angra dos Reis in BrazilCredit: LVHNeymar and pals could chill out in a jacuzziCredit: LVHThe six-acre tropical hideaway is located off the port town of Angra dos Reis in southwest Rio de Janeiro state.It is situated in a bay that is home to more than 365 islands, and boasts its own incredible beach.While its grounds feature a main Indonesian-style villa with two master suites and a koi fish pond and three sea-view bungalows.Its Canadian owner is said to have sparked Neymar’s interest after slashing the asking price by more than £3million to get a quick sale.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBrazilian journalist Leo Dias reported overnight that the footballer and well-known Dubai property investor Sheik Muhammad Binghatti have paid more than £40,000 to rent the island later this month in a “test drive” operation.Celebs who have stayed on the island in the past have included Neymar’s ex Bruna Marquezine.The luxury hideaway, which can accommodate up to 10 guests, can only be reached by boat or helicopter.The chopper ride from Rio de Janeiro’s International Airport takes around 35 minutes.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe properties feature pools with a glorious viewCredit: LVHNeymar will take the island “for a test drive” in the coming weeksCredit: LVHThe island features plenty of spaces to hang out with friendsCredit: LVHNo expenses have been spared in creating ultimate luxuryCredit: Private Island IncThe footballer and his pals could dine outdoors with a viewCredit: LVHThe official island website describes it as being “a world of its own”, adding: “In an archipelago of 365 islands, we’ve mastered the art of standing out while blending in.”One recent visitor said in an online review: “The sweeping views of the ocean and the mystical landscape of the island make this an incredibly special place to find some solitude.”Neymar builds go-kart track and artificial lake outside stunning holiday mansion Neymar already owns a six-bed mansion featuring its own helipad, gym, tennis court and jetty – situated an hour’s drive east of Angra dos Reis in the Green Coast paradise resort of Mangaratiba.The mansion is built on a two-and-a-half acre plot in an upmarket gated estate called Portobello and as well as the helipad and jetty, boasts a sauna, massage room, spa and heated jacuzzi – along with an underground cellar with space for 3,000 bottles of wine.Brazilian putlet Em Off reported in December 2021 that the footballer had splashed out more than £2.5million to buy a glass-fronted palace on a private gated residential estate in an area called Alphaville near Sao Paulo.It was described at the time as a seven-bed property with its own squash court, massive swimming pool, panoramic lift between floors and enough space in the garage for 20 cars.Neymar, 32, signed a two-year contract at Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal in August last year after six years with Paris Saint-Germain.Reports earlier this week claimed that Barcelona are considering a shock move for their former forward – if they miss out on signing Manchester City star Erling Haaland first.The island has reportedly had its asking price slashedCredit: LVHIts properties are stunning by day or nightCredit: Private Island IncNeymar will be able to wake up to this viewCredit: Private Island IncThe private island is six-acresCredit: LVHNeymar has played just five times for Al-HilalCredit: AP More

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    Crystal Palace vs Liverpool LIVE SCORE: Latest Premier League updates as Reds look to extend lead at top of table

    LIVERPOOL travel to Crystal Palace for a huge Premier League clash at Saturday lunchtime.The Reds are top of the table going into today’s match, while the Eagles are still searching for their first win of the season as pressure mounts on Oliver Glasner.Kick off time: 12.30pm BSTTV/Stream: TNT Sports 1/discovery+FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below… More