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    Cristiano Ronaldo said I was the only player better than him – now I want to start career in porn

    CRISTIANO RONALDO once described Fabio Paim as a better player than him – now the Portuguese flop is eyeing a career in porn.Paim, 36, was a team-mate of Ronaldo’s at the Sporting Lisbon academy two decades ago and featured more than 40 times for Portugal’s age group sides.Fabio Paim has revealed he would like to get into the porn industryCredit: InstagramIn a YouTube video he was massaged by women in bikinisCredit: YouTubeThe woman wearing the gold mask is porn star Diana MelanciaCredit: InstagramPaim is enjoying life after serving one year in prison on drug trafficking chargesCredit: InstagramHe was such a promising talent he was paid £4,400 per week when he was just 13, plus a staggering £130,000 annual bonus. Paim even had a four-month loan spell at Chelsea in 2008, but only played for their reserves during his short time at Stamford Bridge.Ultimately, money, fame and a partying lifestyle culminated in him failing to live up to his extraordinary potential.In 2003, Ronaldo said: “If you think I’m good, wait until you see Fabio Paim.”READ MORE ON CRISTIANO RONALDOYet 16 years later, after a disastrous playing career, he was put in prison for a year on drug trafficking charges.Paim watched Ronaldo train from a window in his jail cell, a brutal illustration of their differing fortunes.Now released, he has claimed he is seeking a career in porn as a single man.Paim was interviewed on Tiago Paiva’s YouTube channel where women in bikinis surrounded the topless ex-footballer.Most read in FootballFabio Paim’s failed career in footballFABIO PAIM is the ultimate story of a football career ruined by money.The child prodigy left his four younger siblings and mother aged eight to live at the Sporting academy.He was so good that the club paid him £4,400 per week when he was just 13, plus a staggering £130,000 annual bonus. That weekly wage increased through his teenage years to £5,000, £6,000 and £8,000 before he joined Chelsea on loan aged 20 earning £10,000 per week as well as that mammoth bumper pay packet. Many believed Paim would become one of if not the best players to ever grace a football field, including the man himself and his childhood friend Cristiano Ronaldo.Ronaldo famously said upon joining Manchester United in 2003: “If you think I’m good, wait until you see Fabio Paim.”But these days, Paim’s tale is one of regrets and mistakes and the sad narrative of someone who failed to realise his potential.Read Paim’s full story here.He played for Portugal’s age group sides but never earned a senior capCredit: CollectsHe had an incredibly promising career ahead of him as a teenagerCredit: Getty – ContributorCristiano Ronaldo insisted Paim was better than him back in 2003Credit: GettyAfter going to prison he was forced to watch Ronaldo train from his jail cellCredit: Fabio PaimOne of them included porn star Diana Melancia – who wears a mask over her eyes.As part of the video Paim received a massage from the women as he soaked in the sunshine. Cristiano Ronaldo said I was the only player better than him but I ended up watching him train through my prison windowAnd he was not shy in admitting he wants to pursue a path in the adult entertainment industry.He said: “I would like to act in a porn film.”I’m serious, it would make my dreams come true. I don’t have a girlfriend, I’m single.”Ronaldo and Paim had a social media exchange last year after the failed footballer joked the Real Madrid legend should give him one of his five Ballons d’Or.Ronaldo responded to the story by posting: “Wtf. 👀👀👀 who is this guy?”Paim’s comments came in an exclusive interview with SunSport in the Algarve – where he now resides.Paim stated in the interview his desire to get into pornCredit: YouTubeHe broke down in tears while recalling his time in prison in an exclusive interview with SunSportCredit: SunSportHe said: “I was really special. I must be humble but this is the truth.”Unfortunately back then there was not Instagram or Facebook, nothing was recorded like nowadays but I strongly and honestly believe that until today there was no other like me with the same quality I had.”Cristiano, for all his effort and hard work, went to a level he deserves. “But when I was playing, if I had the same effort and commitment, I would be better than him.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If I speak about technique, I was better. I was a small Ronaldinho. But as we can see, it’s not the technique that leads us to wherever.”But yes at that time I was better than Cristiano. I believe he should give me one of his Ballons d’Or!” More

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    Former Man Utd star Raphael Varane retires aged 31 and rips up contract after just two months at new club

    FORMER Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has retired from professional football.The 31-year-old left Old Trafford to become a free agent in July and subsequently joined Serie A side Como.Former Man Utd star Raphael Varane has retiredCredit: GettyThe defender made just one appearance for new club ComoCredit: GettyBut having made just one appearance for his new team, he is now hanging up his boots.In a statement on social media, he wrote: “They say all good things must come to an end.”In my career I have taken on many challenges, rose to occasion after occasion, almost all of it was supposed to be impossible. Incredible emotions, special moments and memories that will last a lifetime.”Reflecting on these moments, it is with immense pride and a feeling of fulfilment that I am announcing my retirement from the game that we all love.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDVarane recently suffered a severe knee injury and was left out of Como’s Serie A squad as a result.The injury prompted his decision to retire.However, the World Cup winner has confirmed that he will remain at the club in some capacity.Varane spent three years at Man Utd after joining in a £42million transfer from Real Madrid.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSVarane’s retirement statement in full”They say all good things must come to an end.”In my career I have taken on many challenges, rose to occasion after occasion, almost all of it was supposed to be impossible. Incredible emotions, special moments and memories that will last a lifetime. Reflecting on these moments, it is with immense pride and a feeling of fulfilment that I am announcing my retirement from the game that we all love.”I hold myself to the highest standard, I want to go out strong, not just holding on to the game. It takes a big dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instinct. Desire and needs are two different things. I have fallen and risen a thousand times, and this time, it’s the moment to stop and hang my boots up with my final game winning a trophy at Wembley.”I have loved fighting for myself, my clubs, my country, my teammates and the supporters of every team I have played for. From Lens to Madrid to Manchester, and playing for our national team. I have defended every badge with everything I have, and loved every minute of the journey. The game at the highest level is a thrilling experience. It tests every level of your body and your mind. The emotions we experience you cannot find anywhere else. As athletes, we are never satisfied, never accepting of success. It is our nature and what fuels us.”I have no regrets, I wouldn’t change a thing. I have won more than I could have even dreamed of, but beyond the accolades and trophies, I am proud that no matter what, I have stuck to my principles of being sincere and have tried to leave everywhere better than I found it. I hope I have made you all proud.”And so, a new life begins off the pitch. I will remain with Como. Just without using my boots and shin pads. Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon.”And so, a new life begins off the pitch. I will remain with Como. Just without using my boots and shin pads. Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon.”Thank you, football.”With love, Rapha.”During that time he made 95 first team appearances and scored two goals.The most successful period of his career came with Los Blancos in Spain.Man Utd wages 2024-25 revealedVarane made 360 appearances for Real Madrid during his 10-year spell with the club.He also won three La Liga titles and four Champions League titles.The centre-back retired from international duty back in February 2023 having been capped 93 times by the French national team.He said: “Representing our great country for a decade has been one of the greatest honours of my life.”Each time I wore this special blue jersey, I felt immense pride. “The duty to give everything, to play with my heart and to win every time we entered the field.”I have been considering this for several months and have decided that it is the right time for me to retire from international football.”Raphael Varane won four Champions League titles with Real MadridCredit: Getty Images – GettyRaphael Varane career statsRC LensAppearances – 24Goals – 2Real MadridAppearances – 360Goals – 17Man UtdAppearances – 95Goals – 2ComoAppearances – 1France national teamCaps – 93Goals – 5Club Honours:4x Champions League3x La Liga4x Club World Cup3x Spanish Super Cup3x UEFA Super Cup1x Spanish Cup1x FA Cup1x Carabao CupInternational Honours:1x World Cup1x Nations League More

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    ‘What a b***end’ – Micah Richards fumes at fan after shock question that leaves him stunned

    MICAH RICHARDS labelled a fan a “b***end” after being left stunned by a shock question.The former Man City and England star lined up for the Rest is Football podcast with pals Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer this week.Micah Richards labelled a fan a ‘b***end’ for a cheeky questionCredit: GettyAlan Shearer and Gary Lineker were also on the Rest is Football podcastCredit: PAThe team got stuck into several weighty issues including Rodri’s injury blow for City.And they also pondered whether it made Arsenal the favourites for the title after consecutive 2nd place finishes.But the final question from a fan left Richards fuming.The supporter cheekily asked whether any of them had ever backed off towards the end of the season to prevent an injury ahead of a major tournament.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the question was only directed towards Lineker and Shearer, leaving Richards perplexed.Lineker first said: “I don’t know why just Gary and Alan, this should apply to all three of us. I think it’s a slight subtle dig at Micah’s career.“He says ‘have you ever stopped giving your 100 per cent by the end of a season being afraid of getting an injury and not getting called up for a Euros or World Cup?’”Richards responded: “Wow, he’s just excluded me from the conversation! Basically he’s called me lazy and not good enough to play for England!Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“What a b***end! I’m joking, I’m joking.”Lineker added: “I think the answer to his question is a conclusive no!”Watch awkward moment for Micah Richards as Jamie Carragher tells Peter Schmeichel ‘secret role’ he had in son’s careerThe trio also discussed Rodri’s injury blow and Arsenal’s title hopesCredit: ReutersEarly in the podcast, the trio discussed Rodri’s potential ACL injury blow and Arsenal’s fresh title hopes.Lineker said: “It’s a huge blow to Man City. He’s arguably the most important footballer City could lose, along with Haaland.“You can see the difference. All competitions since 2019/20 without Rodri, 45 games and win rate is 64 per cent.“With Rodri, 270 games and win rate is 73 per cent.“That’s quite a big difference, plus 48 league games on the run with Rodri City have not lost.”Richards noted: “He’s the best holding midfielder in world football. It’s been a bit of a masterstroke getting Gundogan back.“But it’s a huge miss. He controls the tempo of matches and not a lot of players can do that.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Yes it makes it more balanced in terms of Arsenal winning the league. “I don’t think it makes them favourites but it’s 50/50 now.”Arsenal ratings vs Man CityTEN-MAN Arsenal came desperately close to beating Man City.Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta’s men, John Stones popped up in the 98th minute to score an equaliser with the match ending 2-2.Here’s how the players rated…DAVID RAYA – 9Well beaten for Haaland’s opener but continued his impressive start to the season with some super second half stops – notably from Haaland and Gvardiol. RICARDO CALAFIORI – 8A full debut the Italian won’t forget. Didn’t get close enough to Savinho for the opening goal but made amends with his stunning long range curler to level it.GABRIEL – 9Planted one header over but made no mistake with his second one just before the break to score for the second straight weekend.WILLIAM SALIBA – 8Clattered by Haaland early on and lost the Norwegian for City’s goal – but dusted himself down and led the rearguard action for the visitors superbly.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Asked to play an unfamiliar role on the right but did a great job for his boss keeping the livewire Doku quiet – and did fine when Pep changed it around too.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Caused Walker plenty of problems in the first half. Played the ball back for Calafiori to score and teed up another great chance for Trossard.DECLAN RICE – 7Helped Arsenal work their way back into the game after early onslaught – and protected the back four so well when City were camped on the edge of the box.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Quick thinking from free-kick led to equaliser – also involved in the collision with Rodri that changed the course of the game.BUKAYO SAKA – 6Always a threat with his corners – not least when Arsenal got their second. Subbed at the break to make way for an extra defender.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Steered good chance over. Booked for pulling back Savinho then a second yellow for barge on Silva and then delaying the restart. Stupid from the Belgian.  KAI HAVERTZ – 7Early collision with Rodri and caused a few problems in the first half but then had to focus on helping his 10 man team out defensively.SUBSWHITE – 7(For Saka 46) – Thrown on to shore up the defence at the break – and did exactly that.KIWIOR – 6(For Calafiori 74 )– Gave the Italian a rest for the final few minutes and kept it tight.JESUS – 6(For Martinelli 87) – Some good pressing against his old team in the closing minutesLEWIS SKELLY – 6(For Timber 90) – Good experience for the youngster but was bizarrely booked before even coming on for his debut.Click here to read more on Arsenal. More

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    FC Twente boss reveals key tactic he hopes can lead Dutch side to shock victory against Man Utd in Europa League

    FC TWENTE manager Joseph Oosting has revealed how he plans to upset Manchester United at Old Trafford.Oosting and his players travel to England today to face United in the Europa League.FC Twente manager Joseph Oosting has revealed he plans to hurt Man UtdCredit: GettyErik ten Hag admitted he is a fan of FC TwenteCredit: ReutersHowever, they do not plan to roll over for Erik ten Hag’s side.Twente want to get the most out of the match by hurting United on the transition by playing at the highest tempo.Discussing his game plan ahead of the clash, Oosting said: “I always believe in opportunities. If we dare to play, we can also create opportunities. Especially in the transition, we can hurt Manchester.”That is easier said than done but the will is definitely there.Read More in Football”We played games against Red Bull [Salzburg] that you learn from.”Everything goes at the highest tempo, whether it is on the ball or in defence.”You have to be top in everything and we need everyone to be there. I think we have also made progress in that.”We have respect for Manchester United, but we also have the full conviction and the will to get the most out of the game.”Most read in Europa LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMan Utd boss Ten Hag – who showed ahead of tonight’s game that his touch hasn’t left him – highly regards FC Twente having come through the club’s academy as a player before making 234 appearances for them.He said: “I would have preferred to play against somebody else. It’s not nice to hurt something you love.Man Utd Player Ratings vs Crystal Palace”Of all the teams, Twente is the team I follow the most.”I watch them as a fan, as a supporter, not as an analyst. It’s a different way of watching their games.”Twente brought me a lot, I was put through their academy, so for me a great deal of history there.”The Dutchman went on to admit that he is not a fan of the new Europa League format, adding: “There are too many games, too many competitions, it’s clear.”The players are overloaded, this is not good for football. Maybe it’s good for commercial.”As a club alone we can’t change this. It’s about clubs and players and coaches.”We have to work on this to improve the game and find the right balance. We are professional and revenues have to come, but we have to balance it out.”Man Utd ratings vs Crystal Palace as Andre Onana saves the day for wasteful Red DevilsMANCHESTER UNITED were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace as they missed a flurry of first-half chances.Erik ten Hag shocked fans this afternoon when he left Marcus Rashford out of his starting XI.And the Red Devils failed to make a breakthrough – dropping two more points.Here, SunSport’s Jordan Davies delivers his Man Utd player ratings…ANDRE ONANA – 8/10Had one save to make just before half time – a comfortable one from Eberechi Eze.And then, a worldie double save to keep out Eddie Nketiah and Ismaila Sarr, rivalling the one made by Arsenal’s David Raya in mid-week.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 7One of United’s most consistent performers who continues to impress week by week. Strong in the tackle and great positioning to stop Palace counters.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 7Lost an early duel with Jean-Philippe Mateta which put the Frenchman in but it was pulled back for a foul. Blamed his boots and changed them moments later.Unlucky with a brilliant header from a corner that was somehow kept out by Dean Henderson and made a superb last-ditch tackle to stop Eze in the second half.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6Another player who came close to scoring but for the brilliance of Henderson, swivelling and turning in the six-yard box with a stabbed effort.Lucky not to be sent off for a ridiculous two-footed lunge that narrowly avoided contact with Daichi Kamada.DIOGO DALOT – 7Played as a left winger for most of the first half, such was United’s dominance.Brilliant pick out only for Garnacho to hit the crossbar.KOBBIE MAINOO – 7Covered ground well and linked defence with attack. Drifted forward more in the second half without seriously threatening.An insane Cruyff piece of skill in the second half was worth the admission fee alone.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 6Kept things ticking over and picked some nice passes at times but his lack of pace and physicality was evident.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Tenacious in ensuring Palace’s midfield could not get a foothold in the game and grazed the top of the bar with a volley into the ground just before the half hour mark.Was United’s most creative player on the ball and should have had one goal to his name at least.AMAD DIALLO – 6Showed glimpses with some darting runs but never possessing the intent and aggression to force anything meaningful from it.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 7Had a personal battle with Henderson, one that he ultimately lost.Early chance to show it was the right call to start ahead of Marcus Rashford squandered – put through by Zirkzee but 1v1 effort palmed away by Henderson.Smacked the bar in a similar position from Dalot’s through ball and came close to knocking one in from close range.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 6Linked up well with Garnacho, dropping deep and slipping the winger in that should have led to the opener. Headed wide from a Diallo corner just before the break.Rightly subbed off on the hour mark as his influence waned.SUBS:MARCUS RASHFORD (ZIRKZEE, 61) – 6Did very little to convince Erik Ten Hag to throw him back into the starting XI, but was barely given the service either.MANUEL UGARTE (ERIKSEN, 76) – 6United certainly appear calmer and more solid with him at the base of their midfield.RASMUS HOJLUND (DIALLO, 76) – 6Still getting minutes back into his legs after returning from injury, but this is one of his more forgettable cameos. More

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    Fans left stunned that Real Madrid star Endrick escaped red card after kneeing opponent in the groin

    FANS are up in arms after Real Madrid star Endrick escaped a red card after appearing to knee an opponent in the worst place possible.The wonderkid has made a big impact since arriving in the summer.Endrick escaped a red card after a coming together with an Alaves defenderCredit: https://x.com/patrifactorFans believe he should have been sent offCredit: https://x.com/patrifactorHe became the youngest Real Madrid player to score in the Champions League with a rocket on his debut against Stuttgart.Days later he won a controversial penalty in the last minute against Espanyol, falling in the corner of the box despite most of the contact being made before he entered the area.Now fans have been left stunned once again after Endrick avoided a red card as Real beat Alaves.Carlo Ancelotti’s side were cruising 3-0 at the time of the incident and on the attack.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEndrick began to make a run into the box anticipating a cross and then had a coming together with Alaves defender Santiago Mourino.The Brazilian appeared to kick out his left leg to make contact with Mourino’s groin, and he was yellow-carded for the action.But fans believe he should have been sent off with one saying: “That should’ve been a straight red, not just a yellow.”Another added: “Clearly a violent act.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHow Kylian Mbappe’s incredible seven-year body transformation propelled skinny teen into world’s best playerBy Etienne FermieKYLIAN MBAPPE has entered his physical prime as he has FINALLY rubber-stamped his free transfer move to Real Madrid.The 25-year-old has grown from a boy to a man in Ligue 1, first with Monaco and then with current side Paris Saint-Germain.Mbappe debuted for Monaco as a skinny 16-year-old in 2015.He even featured as a scrawny youngster against Tottenham at the old White Hart Lane that year, before fans realised what an icon he would become.The following season, Mbappe really rose to superstardom as Monaco reached the Champions League semi-finals.In a throwback snap shared earlier this week, an 18-year-old Mbappe could be seen chatting to a reporter after grabbing a Champions League brace against Borussia Dortmund in April 2017.Read more on Mbappe’s incredible rise on and off the field.And a third wrote: “I watched it and was shocked, that’s a straight red.”Alaves manager Garcia Plaza fumed over the decision after the match, with his side pulling back two goals in a 3-2 defeat.’It’s not fair’ says Jude Bellingham as Real Madrid and England star admits fear for younger brother JobeHe said: “It’s a clear red, nobody can say it wasn’t. If the referee didn’t see it, that’s what the VAR is for. “Maybe they got more yellows than they should have, but for Endrick, it’s a red.”Real Madrid will reportedly speak to Endrick about his behaviour to avoid a repeat of the incident in the future. More

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    Man Utd fans hail boss Erik ten Hag for having ‘a better touch than Hojlund’ after spotting mad ball skills in training

    FANS declared Erik ten Hag has “a better touch than Rasmus Hojlund” after the Manchester United boss was filmed showing off his skills on the training ground.Ten Hag has been preparing his side for tonight’s Europa League opener against FC Twente, a team he made 234 appearances for as a player.Erik ten Hag showed off some audacious ball skills in trainingMan Utd fans were left seriously impress by his techniqueAnd after Saturday’s disappointing 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace, the Red Devils are hoping to bounce back with an emphatic win.United’s players were put through their paces at Carrington yesterday as they got ready for tonight’s home game at Old Trafford.But at one point during the session, Ten Hag broke with tradition.Instead of keeping an eye on his stars, the Carabao Cup and FA Cup winner decided to have a go himself.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTen Hag grabbed a football and proceeded to juggle it around, showing off his fancy footwork to onlookers.He did a number of keepy-ups before floating the ball high in the air and resting it on his foot.And United fans were left blown away with Ten Hag’s secret techniques.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne said: “Better first touch than Hojlund.”Most read in FootballAnother declared: “Better control than Lukaku.”Is Man Utd star Harry Amass the next Luke Shaw?One noted: “Finally Ten Hag ball.”Another added: “Maybe he’s a better player than manager.”Ten Hag is expected to make several changes to tonight’s team, with Hojlund pushing for a place after returning from injury and Marcus Rashford hoping to start after being left out against Palace.Pundit Jamie Redknapp claimed “something must have happened” for Ten Hag to make the huge decision.But United’s manager hit back at Redknapp after the game, saying: “I heard already speculation from some pundits. That is crazy.“I would almost say that, as a person, you are not OK when you bring such speculation if you don’t know. This has nothing to do with it.“I’m very happy with Marcus, with everything. With his defending part, offensive, he scores in this moment, he performs very good.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So there is nothing to do with it that he was on the bench, just rotation.“We have many games to cover. We have more than a starting 11 of players. If the players perform, we will give them their chances.” More

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    Shocking moment idiot pitch invader stopped from confronting Leicester boss Cooper by being tackled to ground by player

    LEICESTER boss Steve Cooper escaped a confrontation with a pitch-invader thanks to a player stepping in to floor the intruder.A seething fan emerged from the away end, ran across the pitch and appeared to be heading for Cooper when he was knocked to the deck.A fan ran onto the pitch and made a gestureCredit: ReutersHe was then tackled by Walsall’s Dave OkagbueCredit: PAHe was then taken away by securityCredit: RexSteve Cooper is under pressure at Leicester after just seven gamesCredit: GettyWalsall star David Okagbue tackled the man before stewards intervened and escorted him out of the ground.The incident took place 16 minutes from full-time as the Foxes were locked in a goalless stalemate with League Two Walsall.The minnows forced a penalty shootout but lost 3-0 on spot-kicks.Cooper insisted afterwards: “I didn’t really see it. But I obviously heard the chanting in the crowd and I’ll own that. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”You’ll never hear me showing any disrespect towards the fans’ opinion of you. That’s what a supporter is, he needs to support his club in how he sees fit.”I’ve obviously got to build some credit here with the supporters and earn the right to do the job. But I knew that anyway.”It’s things like that will make me even more determined to do well because I’m desperate to do that. I’ve absolutely no problem with it.”Earlier, furious Leicester fans chanted: “Cooper, Cooper sort it out,” as the Premier League side struggled to make any impact against Mat Sadler’s Saddlers.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWalsall had already knocked out League One pair Exeter City and Huddersfield Town to reach the Carabao Cup third round for the first time in nine years.And the high-flying League Two outfit made it clear they weren’t about to sit back and admire their Prem opponents.Eight bizarre football rules you may not knowStrapping Saddlers defender Okagbue set the tone, sending Bobby Decordova-Reid crashing into the advertising boards within two minutes, much to Hamza Choudhury’s annoyance.Leicester’s mood certainly didn’t improve during a frustrating first-half in which they enjoyed 73.9 per cent possession, yet they didn’t manage a shot on target until four minutes before half-time.Even then it was a tame attempt as Facundo Buonanotte’s diving header from Boubacar Soumare’s cross deflected off Odsonne Edouard and landed tamely in Tommy Simkin’s gloves.In contrast it took a fine reflex save from Danny Ward to keep Leicester on level terms after 17 minutes.Nathan Lowe’s dangerous cross from the right just evaded Albert Adomah but dropped perfectly for Charlie Lakin whose volley was brilliantly beaten out by the Wales international.And the Foxes survived another major scare within two minutes of the restart.Abdul Fatawu gifted the ball to Lowe who set up Albert Adomah in front of goal but the former Aston Villa ace screwed his shot hopelessly wide with Ward’s goal at his mercy.Leicester fans’ patience had worn thin and they chanted: “Cooper, Cooper, sort it out.”The Welshman sent on Jordan Ayew for the ineffective Edouard and Fatawu fired into the side net then slashed a shot wide.Danny Ward was Leicester’s spot-kick king again as they side scraped through against Walsall on penalties.The Wales international saved all three Saddlers penalties, diving to his right to deny Taylor Allen, Okagbue and Liam Gordon.Meanwhile, Ricardo Pereira, Conor Coady and Oliver Skipp all kept their nerve to show their opponents how it should be done as they converted their efforts.Cooper tried to turn unease from the crowd into a positive in one sense as he said: “It’s maybe nights like this that you can look back on a form a strong relationship – that’s my objective. ” really want to do well for this club. I’ve bought into what it stands for and the people who work here on the football and non-football side are so well-natured I really want to do well. “I take that responsibility seriously. That extends to the supporters as well.”And of the vocal criticism he added: “It just makes me more determined.”I see the guys working so hard. No one said it was going to be easy. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’s not that often you see a newly-promoted team come into this league and hit the ground running and sail away in the Premier League. “It’s going to be a challenging season. It always is when you get promoted from the Championship. No one is up for it more than me.” More

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    Pep Guardiola spotted giving Phil Foden on-pitch coaching session AFTER Carabao Cup game with animated discussion

    PEP GUARDIOLA gave Phil Foden an on-field coaching session – AFTER Manchester City’s win over Watford.Goals from Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunes helped City into the next round of the Carabao Cup against the Championship side.Pep Guardiola gave Phil Foden an on-field coaching session after Manchester City’s winCredit: PAThe Etihad boss could be seen pointing directions and instructions to FodenCredit: PAThe incident followed after a 2-1 win over WatfordCredit: PATom Ince grabbed a late consolation to give the Premier League champion’s a scare – but they held onto victory. Foden was tasked with leading the line for City and he was involved in an animated conversation after the final whistle with Guardiola. The Etihad boss could be seen pointing directions and instructions to Foden while putting his arm over the England international. It is not the first time the Spaniard has done so having given Erling Haaland an earful last season before half-time at Burnley. READ MORE IN football City have been handed a major headache with midfielder Rodri suffering a serious knee injury in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal. He could be ruled out until the end of the season with Guardiola faced with finding a replacement. Nunes was handed a shot in the game against Watford having endured an underwhelming 13 months since making a £53million move from Wolves.And after Nunes grabbed a goal, Guardiola said: “He has special qualities few players have, unique. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”With space in transition he’s unbelievable. I’m pleased for him and the goal. Still he has things to read and it’s not easy to adapt. “I’m really pleased for him, he’s a lovely guy and lovely guys always deserves good things.”Matheus Nunes scored against WatfordCredit: AP More