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      Former Champions League star Radja Nainggolan arrested in investigation into cocaine smuggling as police raid 30 houses

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      RADJA NAINGGOLAN has been arrested as part of an investigation into smuggling cocaine, according to reports. The 30-cap Belgian midfielder, 36, joined second-tier Lokeren-Temse in his homeland last Tuesday. Radja Nainggolan was arrested on suspicion of smuggling cocaine days after his Lokeren-Temse debutCredit: RexThe footballer had been open about struggles with drink and smokingCredit: instagram @sena_asbhoelNainggolan marked his debut on Friday by scoring an Olympic goal directly from a corner to rescue a 1-1 draw.However, reports in Belgium on Monday morning revealed the former Roma and Inter Milan star was detained by police as part of an investigation into smuggling drugs from South America via the port of Antwerp.Approximately 30 houses were raided in the areas of Antwerp and Brussels as part of the sting. The Brussels public prosecutor’s office said: “The federal judicial police of Brussels carried out thirty house searches on Monday morning in the context of a file from the Organized Crime department of the Brussels public prosecutor’s office. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The house searches mainly took place in the province of Antwerp and in Brussels.”The investigation concerns suspected facts of importing cocaine from South America to Europe, via the port of Antwerp, and its redistribution in Belgium.”We can confirm that the footballer RN (Radja Nainggolan) was deprived of his liberty in the context of that case. “Given that the interrogations are currently underway, and in compliance with the principle of presumption of innocence, no further comment will be made at this stage.”Most read in FootballGVA in Belgium added that Nainggolan’s lawyer Omar Souidi is on his way to support his client.The report also states that the footballer had his Smart Brabus car towed away amid the house search in Antwerp on Monday. ‘Smashed’ Radja Nainggolan causes stir with Instagram live video of him drinking and smoking on New Year’s EveHis new club confirmed their star signing missed training and will miss Tuesday’s match – but was ineligible anyway because it was a rearranged match from earlier in the season.Lokeren-Temse said: “Since the investigation is still ongoing, the police services do not want to and cannot make any further comment. “They respect the principle of presumption of innocence.”As a club, we agree with this. We can only confirm that the player was absent from training this morning.”Nainggolan, who scored at Euro 2016, has had a chequered career with various controversial moments and has openly admitted his struggles with alcohol and smoking. In 2017, he had his driving license withdrawn after driving at four times the legal alcohol limit. The four-time Serie A team of the year star then made headlines when he went live on Instagram on New Year’s Eve the same year drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes and swearing.The next day he apologised for his behaviour and admitted he “overdid it a bit” and “did not intend to set a negative example”.In 2018, Nainggolan reportedly lost hundreds of thousands of euros at a Monte Carlo casino and then was mugged by thieves who stole passbooks and cheques for €150,000 (£126,000). The midfielder was banned indefinitely by Antwerp in 2022 for vaping on the bench with an e-cigarette – a week after another arrest for driving offences. ‘NOT ASHAMED’Nainggolan had a brief stint at SPAL in 2023 – where he declared he could take to the field after 20 shots the night before.Sporting director Walter Sabatini claimed the midfielder could play after eight shots.But the footballer said: “Sabatini? I called him and told him that eight shots weren’t enough… I can also drink 20 and then I go out on the pitch anyway.“He loves me, he’s always advised me to have a quieter life. He thinks I would have a better career. But I don’t agree, on the pitch I gave it my all.“As a boy I suffered, my family was poor, I made great sacrifices to become a footballer. And now, I don’t give up living, also because nature has given me a body that isn’t affected by the shenanigans I’ve done.“Everywhere I did shenanigans. At Roma I arrived late, there were videos in which I was not very lucid in the evening and then that famous New Year’s Eve at my house…. I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.“Maybe that was the craziest night. Well, my videos drunk, smoking and saying words out of place went around the world. I was attacked by everyone, Roma went on a rampage. And they were right.”On his smoking habits, Nainggolan added during his Roma spell: “I’m not ashamed because I smoke and I’ve never hidden this habit of mine.”I know I should set a good example, I have kids… But I’m just a footballer, I do my job. Everyone knows that I smoke and I can’t hide it, but I’m not ashamed.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIronically, between his time at SPAL and joining Lokeren-Temse this month, Nainggolan played ten league games for Bhayangkara – a team based in South Jakarta run by the Indonesian police. Nainggolan has two daughters, Aysha and Mailey, with wife Claudia Lai, who overcame a cancer diagnosis in 2019.Nainggolan won Serie A with Inter Milan in 2020-21Credit: GettyHe starred for Belgium at Euro 2016Credit: Reuters More

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      Annie Kilner ‘p***ed off’ at Kyle Walker over shocking gaffe in Italy move – as pair locked in rows over Lauryn Goodman

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      ANNIE Kilner was “p***ed off” at Kyle Walker over a shocking choice made amid his Italy move, a source claimed.The long-suffering wife and mum-of-four was due to fly out to see the England defender, 34, unveiled to the AC Milan fans.Annie Kilner was ‘p***ed off’ at Kyle Walker over a shocking choice made amid his Italy moveCredit: Paul Edwards – Commissioned by The SunThe mum-of-four showed of her new hairdo after she pulled out of joining her hubbyCredit: annievkilner/InstagramKyle, on loan from Man City, reportedly blocked Lauryn from renting the £2.4million Sussex pad he ownsCredit: GettyBut the 31-year-old stayed at home amid a row with Kyle, over his ex-mistress Lauryn Goodman.The footballer’s choice to fly his mates over before Annie is also understood to have fuelled tensions.In reported retaliation, Annie showed off her figure in a silver bikini top while partying with friends instead of jetting out to see her hubby.One source said: “Annie was supposed to go on Friday but Storm Eowyn put it back until Saturday.“Then a row over Lauryn and her future plans blew up and Annie did a full 180.”She was also p***ed off he flew his friends out before her.“So she went on a girls’ night out and posted the pictures as a big ‘f*** you’.”Annie filed for divorce last August and wants half of his £27million fortune.Most read in FootballBut now she is now set to move to Milan with Walker, in a bid to re-kindle their marriage.The hope is to start afresh by moving away from Cheshire – and Lauryn Goodman — the mother of two of his children.Kyle Walker takes England legend’s old shirt number after completing ‘incredible’ AC Milan loan transferThe source added: “Annie still expects to join him and says it’s to keep the family together, but they are still very much heading towards a divorce.”There are those around them that think the distance between them at the moment is the best thing all round. Kyle already seems a lot happier in Italy.”Another source told The Sun: “Annie has made it clear to friends she is making the move to Italy for the sake of her family, telling them, ‘I’m doing it for the boys’.”Getting away from the UK and the noise surrounding Kyle’s sex scandals and drama with Lauryn is what they desperately need. They feel smothered.”It’s been a traumatic 12 months and they now just want to put it behind them and attempt to lead some sort of normal existence for a while.The insider added: “Annie is still intent on going through with the divorce, which Kyle won’t oppose, but the longer they remain together, the more chance they have of eventually reconciling against the odds.“Kyle accepts that he is taking his problems with him and won’t ever escape what he has done.“This is an opportunity for him to get some breathing space and for the couple to work out their next steps.”Meanwhile, friends of the Walker family have expressed concerns Lauryn will follow the footballer for the sake of their kids — Kairo, four, and one-year-old ­Kinara.But a source claimed Annie feels “terrorised” by the long and bitter feud. Kyle allegedly blocked Lauryn from renting out her £2.4million Sussex pad, which he owns, to stop her moving abroad.The insider added: “They could go to the ends of the Earth and still not escape Lauryn.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Because of what he’s done, she is going to be in their lives for a long time to come and there’s nothing they can do about it.“It’s all Annie thinks about. She feels terrorised by it all and worries constantly about what Lauryn is likely to do next.”Annie was due to fly out with their four kids to see Kyle unveiled to the AC Milan fansCredit: GettyFriends of the Walker family have expressed concerns Lauryn will follow the footballerCredit: instagramKylie pictured chatting with ex-AC Milan star Zlatan IbrahimovicCredit: Reuters More

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      Inside Lisandro Martinez and Adama Traore’s heated feud as Fulham star carries on row after defeat to Man Utd

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      THE HEATED feud between Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez and Fulham ace Adama Traore continues.Martinez, 27, and Traore, 29, locked horns in Sunday’s Premier League clash between United and the Cottagers at Craven Cottage.Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez and Fulham ace Adama Traore extended their rivalryCredit: APMartinez trolled Traore in August when he overpowered him in their first meetingCredit: PATraore caught wind of Martinez’s comments and vowed revengeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/adamatrd37/It was the second meeting between the two teams after August’s Prem opener at Old Trafford that saw Man Utd prevail 1-0 thanks to Joshua Zirkzee’s winner.Martinez and Traore were locked in some intense challenges on the pitch during that season opening fixture.At some point the centre-back’s 5’9″ frame somehow managed to overpower his heavyweight Fulham opponent.The Argentina international went on to rub it in with a cheeky statement during a post-match interview.Read More on Man UtdMartinez, who’s nicknamed ‘The Butcher’, said: “I sent him back to the gym. I learned from the first one where he killed me, I killed him back. He is difficult to play against and I learned from the first situation.”Traore caught wind of the Argentine’s comments and hit back on social media.The winger posted a pic of himself training and tagged Martinez with an ominous warning and a winky-face emoji.Traore posted: “Don’t worry we will meet again.”Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesThe ex-Wolves star kept his promise as he got the better of some intense challenges with Martinez during Sunday’s meeting.Things looked at risk of boiling over when Martinez went in two footed on his much larger opponent.Fulham boss Marco Silva regrets ‘cruel’ loss to Man Utd Bizarrely, it was Martinez who crumpled to the floor following the dangerous tackle.Traore took a swipe out of the defender on social media after the match by sharing a cheeky snap.It showed the forward walking back to his half with the Man Utd ace left on the floor writhing in pain following the clash between them.Traore posted the following casual caption on Instagram: “Tough loss. We deserved more, but we will keep working hard and improving.”Nevertheless, Martinez got the last laugh during the latest chapter of their saga as he scored the winner on 78 minutes to lead United to an important 1-0 victory in west London.Martinez celebrates after his winning goal gave Man Utd a 1-0 winCredit: GettyMAN UTD PLAYER RATINGS: Maguire puts in superb defensive display but Garnacho caught running into blind alleysMANCHESTER UNITED secured a hard-fought three points against Fulham.Lisandro Martinez’s deflected strike proved to be the difference in what was the Red Devils’ only shot on target all game.Harry Maguire impressed but Alejandro Garnacho once again failed to impress in what could have been his Man Utd farewell amid rumours linking him with Napoli and Chelsea.Here is how SunSport rated the individual performances.Andre Onana – 7Good save low down to his left to keep out an Alex Iwobi shot early doors.Other than that he was barely tested but no glaring errors mean it is a step in the right direction for the Red Devils No1.Diogo Dalot – 6Had a difficult time in the first half up against Iwobi who was Fulham’s main attacking threat.Switched to the left flank in the second half and supported Garnacho without posing much of a threat.Matthijs de Ligt – 8Another strong showing at the back from the Dutchman. Without his support for Dalot, Fulham may have created a goal down United’s right-hand side.Harry Maguire – 9A superb defensive display from the England star who has been one of United’s best players since Amorim took charge.Pulled off a brilliant header at the back post to deny Rodrigo Muniz a certain goal.Lisandro Martinez – 8Superb last-ditch tackle to prevent Emile Smith Rowe from shooting as he burst through on goal.His goal had a big slice of luck as it was deflected past Bernd Leno but credit to him for having the audacity to shoot.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Solid at the back and tried to get forward when he could. United looked more balance with him on the left and Dalot on the right, although the pair swapped at half-time.Manuel Ugarte – 6Showed some nice touches and was a bit of a menace in the middle – in a positive and negative sense. Kept a close eye on Smith Rowe and allowed him no time on the ball.Booked for a foul on Adama Traore and was taken off shortly afterwards with an injury.Bruno Fernandes – 5Not at his best. Barely saw the ball in the first half and was not very effective when he did get it.Amad Diallo – 6Looked bright on the ball and United’s only real outlet going forward.He worked tirelessly and pressed really well – his hard work paid off when he found the back of the net in stoppage time but his effort was chalked off.Alejandro Garnacho – 3Was cautious on the ball and ran into blind alleys too often. Final ball let him down on the rare occasion he did manage to beat a defender.Rasmus Hojlund – 4His hold up play is nowhere near good enough for this system or for a club like United.He was too gung-ho at times and his erratic nature meant linking up with Amad and Garnacho proved difficult.Hauled off before the hour mark which says it all about his performance.Subs:Leny Yoro (for De Ligt, 58mins) – 6A more assured display given his shaky start to life in the Premier League.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 58mins) – 5Like Hojlund he had a difficult time holding the ball up but United improved with him on the pitch.Toby Collyer (for Ugarte, 76mins ) – 6Solid display again from the youngster who was often in the right position to clear, including one on the line to stop a Joachim Andersen header from going in.Kobbie Mainoo (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Provided energy in midfield and shored things up alongside Collyer.A brilliant one-two with Amad set up the winger to score before VAR ruled Amad offside.Tyrell Malacia (for Mazraoui, 80mins) – 6Brought on in an unfamiliar right wing-back role but did what was needed to see out the clean sheet. 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      Fans spot Barcelona star’s stunned reaction to Lamine Yamal’s ‘downright unfair’ skill against Valencia

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      FANS were left in awe by Lamine Yamal as he nutmegged a Valencia defender with an audacious piece of skill.The Barcelona winger helped his side to an incredible 7-1 win to maintain pressure on league leaders Real Madrid.Lamine Yamal was closed down by two Valencia wingersHe feinted a check back before flicking the ball through the defender’s legsFans were left in awe at his skillTeam-mate Fermin Lopez was left impressed by the nutmegYamal, 17, produced an assist in the match along with the most eye-catching moment.The winger attacked the box down the right flank but came up against two Valencia defenders.So he stepped over the ball and dummied to cut back, only to flick the ball through the defender’s legs before bursting into the box.As soon as he pulled off the skill his team-mate Fermín López put his hands to the back of his head in shock.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans found the reaction amusing with many left in awe at the nutmeg, which Barcelona’s social media team called “downright unfair”.One reacted saying: “Fermin is Lamine biggest fan lol.”Another added: “Fermin is all of us 😂😂”A third wrote: “A lot of kids are going to fall in love with football because of Lamine Yamal.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd another commented: “What a baller.”Yamal has been in fine form for Barcelona this season with nine goals and 12 assists in all competitions, and found the net in Barca’s 5-2 Supercopa win over Real Madrid earlier this month.Horror moment Barcelona star finds his tooth on the pitch after losing it in battle with Real Betis defender More

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      Fans spot classy gesture from Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson to Man City newbie Abdukodir Khusanov after horror debut

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      NICOLAS JACKSON was seen making a classy gesture to rookie Abdukodir Khusanov following a horror start to his debut.The Chelsea forward was lining up against the newly-signed Manchester City defender.Man City newbie Abdukodir Khusanov had a horror start to life in EnglandBut fans saw Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson comforting the 20-year-oldAnd the Blues star helped his side get off to the perfect start during Sunday’s Etihad clash as he pounced on an error by Khusanov.The 20-year-old, signed from Lens for a fee in the region of £34million, miscued his jump to clear an aerial ball after grappling with Jackson.As the ball bounced behind him he then ran back towards his goal and inexplicably tried to head it back to his goalkeeper, only for the header to be underhit.This then allowed Jackson to nab the ball back before squaring it for Noni Madueke to put Chelsea ahead after just three minutes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMere moments later Khusanov was involved in another flashpoint as he gave the ball away before clattering Cole Palmer outside the area and being given a yellow card as a result.The Uzbek defender appeared to be quite emotional following his baptism of fire at the Etihad.During the free-kick, Jackson – who had his own struggles when initially arriving in England – was pictured attempting to comfort the defender. Fans picked up on the kind gesture on social media.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSOne fan said: “Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson tried to comfort Khusanov last night, this is such a lovely gesture.”A second said: “Well played to Jackson, understands this is a hard league and this lads got it stacked against him. He’ll do well I’m a fan of him already.”Chelsea player ratings vs Man CityA third added: “Respect button checked.”Another said: “Good man.”However, some fans could not help but reminisce of times past when such emotion would have been exploited.One fan said: “I miss Diego Costa in situations like this.”A second said: “This is why he will never be elite. He’s not a killer. The mentality is not right. You do this after the game.”A third added: “Utter woke nonsense, should’ve whispered ‘Barclays heritage’ in his ear.”Khusanov recovered to have a solid debut aside from his horror introduction to Premier League life as he was replaced by John Stones in the 54th minute. Pep Guardiola insisted the error was “the best lesson you can take”, when talking to reporters after the game.Fortunately for him as well, City managed to recover to win the game as Chelsea’s own Robert Sanchez was involved in a huge howler of his own between the sticks to gift Erling Haaland a goal.Fellow debutant Omar Marmoush – signed from Eintracht Frankfurt for around £59m – impressed and had the ball in the back of the net, only for it to be ruled offside.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe result moved City back into the top four, while Chelsea dropped to sixth place.City need to win against Club Brugge on Wednesday or face going out of the Champions League in the league phase. More

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      Chelsea ‘revisit talks with Bayern Munich to sign Mathys Tel’ and Nkunku could go the other way in swap transfer

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      CHELSEA are set to revisit talks with Bayern Munich to sign Mathys Tel, according to reports.The Blues showed an interest in the forward earlier this month but were told Tel wanted to stay at Bayern.Chelsea are interested in signing Mathys TelCredit: GettyChristopher Nkunku could join Bayern Munich in exchangeCredit: AlamyHowever after failing to feature in the last three matches the Frenchman could be available for a move with time running out in the transfer window.Chelsea are set to try again to see if Tel has changed his mind, according to the Daily Mail.They could even offer Christopher Nkunku as part of the deal with Bayern interested in the out of favour forward.Nkunku has made just three Premier League starts this season and could be allowed to leave on loan.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLManchester United are also keen on the French international.It has been rumoured Nkunku could move to Old Trafford on loan as part of a deal that would see Chelsea sign Alejandro Garnacho.United have reportedly slapped a £55million asking price on the head of the 20-year-old, who Blues boss Enzo Maresca is open to signing.He said: “We pay attention [to the market] if something can happen.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But 10 days to go, we didn’t do anything, just we called back Trev [Chalobah].”We’ll see in the next 10 days if something is going to happen.”Fan spot classy gesture from Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson to Man City newbie Abdukodir Khusanov after horror debut More

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      Aston Villa boss Emery reveals he wants to bring former Tottenham flop back to Premier League for reunion

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      UNAI EMERY wants a reunion with versatile Villarreal defender Juan Foyth at Aston Villa.Ezri Konsa is Emery’s only fit senior centre-back.Aston Villa boss Unai Emery wants a reunion with one of his former Villarreal acesCredit: ReutersEmery is keeping tabs on Villarreal ace Foyth during the January transfer windowCredit: RexFoyth struggled to stand out at Tottenham before moving to VillarrealCredit: GettyVilla were chasing a central defender having sold Diego Carlos to Fenerbahce, while Tyrone Mings suffered a knee injury against West Ham on Sunday.Foyth, 27, won the Europa League under Emery and with crocked Villa centre-back Pau Torres in 2021.But the ex-Spurs and Argentina right-back has been hit by injuries over the past two seasons.Emery said: “Juan is one player that can unite and play with the qualities and the performance we want to add.”Read More on FootballFoyth kicked off his senior career at Argentinean giants Estudiantes in 2016.The versatile full-back’s impressive performances caught the eye of Tottenham, who signed him a year later.The right-back, who can also play at centre-back, struggled to stand out at Spurs as he only managed 32 appearances and that ultimately led to a loan to Villarreal in 2020.The defender shone bright with the Yellow Submarine, who signed him on a permanent deal a year later.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFoyth has since amassed a total of four goals and six assists in 120 appearances across all competitions with Villarreal.The Argentina international has also registered 18 caps after making his senior international debut in 2018.Prem ace arrested on pitch in front of shocked teammates on suspicion of making sex tape without consentMeanwhile, Midfielder Emi Buendia, 28, has signed a one-year contract extension to stay at Villa until 2027. More

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      Football host Jeff Stelling opens up about daughter’s battle with anorexia

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      FOOTBALL host Jeff Stelling has opened up about his daughter’s battle with anorexia.He said Olivia, 21, got “skeletal” from the mental health condition and spent months in hospital.Jeff said he faced the “heartbreaking” sight of girls in wheelchairs with no energy to walk.In 2023 Jeff, 69, told how “a friend” was struggling, and his comments went viral. He said Olivia was now happy for him to say it was her, and is doing well as a student.Dad-of-three Jeff has spoken to Parliament on the issue and said: “The reaction was astonishing.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said the numbers who relapse is “horrific”, adding: “If they relapse two, three or four times . . . they say they’re going to provide a pathway, in other words we’re not going to try and save you we’re going to try and help you die.”Last year Stelling promised go one step further than Gary Lineker if his beloved Hartlepool get to the Championship.The departed host memorably presented Match of the Day in his PANTS after Leicester won the Prem in 2015-2016.But that is nothing compared to the lengths talkSPORT host Stelling is prepared to go.Most read in FootballAsked whether he would emulate Lineker: “I would host talkSPORT breakfast without my pants in order for Hartlepool to get into the Championship.“League Two would be fine, never mind the Championship.”Fans have ‘tears in eyes’ as Sky Sports icon Chris Kamara reunited with old pal Jeff Stelling on shock commentary returnFootball pundit Jeff Stelling has opened up about his daughter’s battle with anorexia More