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      Tyler Dibling quit Southampton academy for Chelsea but left after two games… Saints nearly refused to welcome him back

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      TYLER DIBLING left Southampton for Chelsea and was almost refused a return to the South Coast.The Saints winger, 18, has broken through into Russell Martin’s first-team this season and been a bright spark for the struggling Premier League side.Tyler Dibling is starting to make a name for himself at SouthamptonCredit: GettyHe spent a few months at Chelsea in 2022 but played just twice for their academyCredit: Instagram @TylerdiblingHe has started eight of their 14 matches, scoring in their 1-1 draw with Ipswich back in September.Dibling also assisted twice in a 5-3 win over Cardiff in the Carabao Cup.He has spent the last decade of his life as a Southampton academy prospect – but for a few months in 2022.Dibling, who was suspended for Saints’ 5-1 defeat to Chelsea on Wednesday, joined the Blues shortly after going viral for scoring a hat-trick against Newcastle in a Premier League 2 match.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was offered around £3,000 a week to stay at St Mary’s but Chelsea offered more to snatch him away.However, the Exeter-born attacker struggled to fit in at the West London club as he suffered a lack of confidence in the more ruthless environment.And following just TWO appearances for Chelsea’s youth side, talks got underway to bring him back to Southampton.According to The Athletic, some Saints chiefs were concerned about the “message it would send to other academy players who leave Southampton and then decide they prefer their old surroundings” if they were to take him back.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut Matt Hale, Southampton’s academy director at the time, wanted the best players at the club and could see Dibling was one of them.So they offered him a contract on much reduced wages from the offer they submitted prior to joining Chelsea – and he signed it.Southampton manager bust upAnd Dave Horseman, an academy coach at the club at the time of Dibling’s return, praised the teenager’s attitude.He said: “When I knew he was coming back, I sat all the U21s and U18s down and explained what was happening.”When he came back from Chelsea, he went to the U18s. He had to earn the right to come back.”He never moaned, at least not to us, and looking back, when you put the pieces together, he showed he is a strong character.”He had to suck it up and go again, and I am sure Tyler felt awkward as anything when he came back.”Dibling penned a new deal in February 2023 to keep him at the club until 2027.But SunSport has revealed Manchester United and Aston Villa have already sent scouts to watch his last three games.Clubs in Germany and Italy are also understood to be interested.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd he will almost certainly leave if Southampton are relegated this season.Martin’s men sit bottom of the Premier League, seven points adrift of safety after winning just one of their opening 14 matches. More

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      Ex-Premier League ace Tommy Widdrington, 53, suffers two strokes as Strictly star son Kai thanks fans for support

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      FORMER Prem star-turned-manager Tommy Widdrington is recovering well after suffering two strokes last week.The 53-year-old has been supported by his loving family, including his Strictly star son Kai, after being rushed to hospital with a sudden illness on November 27.Tommy Widdrington was rushed to hospital after suffering from two stokesWiddrington has been undergoing scans and tests since as part of treatment for an ischaemic stroke at Southend General hospital.He is now manager of National League side Aldershot Town, having overseen 82 matches since joining them in April last year.His eldest son Kai is a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, while the youngest, Theo, plays for Aldershot.Kai took to Instagram to send a touching message, writing: “Thank you to everyone who has sent their messages of love and support.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA club statement, on behalf of his family, read: “Being of good health prior to Wednesday, and historically in general, his response to this episode and the initial treatment has been very encouraging.”He has made very good progress and is feeling and looking a lot better already.”He returned home late Tuesday afternoon to begin further rehabilitation.”He is very appreciative of all the messages of encouragement he’s received from all corners of the football world.”Most read in FootballIt is not yet known when Widdrington will be well enough to return to the dugout.Kai thanked fans on his Instagram storyTommy Widdrington spent four years playing in the Premier League with SouthamptonHis family added: “He also wants The Shots fans to know he has total faith in the staff and the players in his absence and looks forward to being back in the dugout when he’s deemed fit enough to do so.”The statement continued: “Tommy’s wife, Sharon, and immediate family have of course rallied and will continue to support his recovery and hope and have made this statement in the hope that it will quash any possibility of misinformation being circulated.”Widdrington’s illness came just four days after his side’s 2-2 draw with Dagenham & Redbridge.Aldershot host Wealdstone in the third round of the FA Trophy on Saturday.And in his place, the club will be led by assistants Hugo Langton and Richard Dryden.What is an ischemic stroke? An ischemic stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked, cutting off blood flow and damaging brain cells. Common symptoms of a transient ischaemic attack include your face dropping on one side, not being able to lift your arms, and speech problems.It can also change how you think, feel and communicate. It’s the most common type of stroke.It accounts for about 87 per cent of all strokes.Newcastle-born Widdrington made his name as a midfielder with Southampton, who he joined as a kid in 1987.After making his First Division debut in 1991, Widdrington become a big player for the Saints following their promotion to the Premier League a year later.In total, he netted three goals in 90 games at St Mary’s.Widdrington went on to star at other clubs including Grimsby, Port Vale, Hartlepool and Macclesfield.He retired from playing in 2005 after a second spell at Port Vale.But four years later, Widdrington returned to the beautiful as a manager with Salisbury City.He has since taken charge of Hemel Hempstead, Eastbourne Borough and King’s Lynn – as well as two interim stints at Bristol Rovers.Widdrington has been at current club Aldershot for 21 months, winning 32 of his 82 matches at the helm.The Hampshire-based outfit currently sit 17th in the National League, with just one win in their last five games.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd they’ve conceded the second most goals in the league this season (33), three less than Boston United (36).Son Theo, 25, currently plays for Aldershot, scoring one goal and providing one assist this term.Widdrington scored three goals in his 90 Saints appearances More

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      Ex-Premier League ace and dad of Strictly star Kai Widdrington suffers two strokes as shocked family rallies round

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      FORMER Prem star-turned-manager Tommy Widdrington is recovering well after suffering two strokes last week.The 53-year-old has been supported by his loving family, including his Strictly Come Dancing star son Kai, after being rushed to hospital with a sudden illness on November 27.Tommy Widdrington was rushed to hospital after having two stokesWiddrington’s son Kai is a pro dancer on Strictly Come DancingHelen Skelton and Kai Widdrington pose during Strictly Come DancingCredit: GettyHis wife Sharon has been at his bedside as she spoke via a club statementWiddrington has been undergoing scans and tests since as part of treatment for two ischaemic strokes at Southend General hospital.He is now manager of National League side Aldershot Town, having overseen 82 matches since joining them in April last year.His eldest son Kai is a professional dancer on Strictly, while the youngest, Theo, plays for Aldershot.Kai took to Instagram to send a touching message, writing: “Thank you to everyone who has sent their messages of love and support.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDespite his dad’s ongoing health battle, Kai was strong enough to bag himself a Guinness World Records certificate following an intense showdown in the annual Pro Challenge this week.He beat Neil Jones to the most Cha Cha Cha Time Steps executed in half a minute.Meanwhile, Widdrington’s family have promised to “rally around” the patriarch. An Aldershot club statement, on behalf of the family, read: “Being of good health prior to Wednesday, and historically in general, his response to this episode and the initial treatment has been very encouraging.Most read in FootballKai thanked fans on his Instagram storyTommy Widdrington spent four years playing in the Premier League with Southampton”He has made very good progress and is feeling and looking a lot better already.”He returned home late Tuesday afternoon to begin further rehabilitation.”He is very appreciative of all the messages of encouragement he’s received from all corners of the football world.”It is not yet known when Widdrington will be well enough to return to the dugout.His family added: “He also wants The Shots fans to know he has total faith in the staff and the players in his absence and looks forward to being back in the dugout when he’s deemed fit enough to do so.”The statement continued: “Tommy’s wife, Sharon, and immediate family have of course rallied and will continue to support his recovery and hope and have made this statement in the hope that it will quash any possibility of misinformation being circulated.”Kai finished eighth in Strictly last yearMeanwhile, son Kai was not paired with a celebrity contestant for the current 2024 series of Strictly and has only appeared in group performances. Speaking to the Daily Star, Kai shared: “Everyone wants to get a celebrity. Unfortunately it wasn’t my time this series.“Two boys couldn’t have one this series and sadly I am one of them. Some of us don’t get partners and that’s the way it is.”He added: “Let’s see what happens next year. Hopefully I’ll get one then.”He was partnered up with Angela Rippon in 2023The Strictly curse struck again when Kai and ex-girlfriend and fellow show dancer Nadiya Bychkova called time on their relationship in July.The ex-couple are being plagued by rumours that things are frosty after reportedly refusing to stand next to each other on screen.A source told The Sun: ‘It’s painfully obvious Nadiya and Kai are in the awkward post-break up phase and struggling to be near one another.”When the pair are in the Clauditorium, they’re always on opposite sides. Although they may have big smiles on their faces when the cameras are running, it’s been very tense between them.”Following Nadiya and Kai’s split it was reported bosses at Strictly were considering banning workplace romances due the tension backstage between the exes.Strictly dancers Nadiya and Kai called it quits in JulyMeanwhile, dad Widdrington’s illness came just four days after his side’s 2-2 draw with Dagenham & Redbridge.Aldershot host Wealdstone in the third round of the FA Trophy on Saturday.And in his place, the club will be led by assistants Hugo Langton and Richard Dryden.Newcastle-born Widdrington made his name as a midfielder with Southampton, who he joined as a kid in 1987.After making his First Division debut in 1991, Widdrington become a big player for the Saints following their promotion to the Premier League a year later.What is an ischemic stroke? An ischemic stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked, cutting off blood flow and damaging brain cells. Common symptoms of a transient ischaemic attack include your face dropping on one side, not being able to lift your arms, and speech problems.It can also change how you think, feel and communicate. It’s the most common type of stroke.It accounts for about 87 per cent of all strokes.In total, he netted three goals in 90 games at St Mary’s.Widdrington went on to star at other clubs including Grimsby, Port Vale, Hartlepool and Macclesfield.He retired from playing in 2005 after a second spell at Port Vale.But four years later, Widdrington returned to the beautiful game as a manager with Salisbury City.He has since taken charge of Hemel Hempstead, Eastbourne Borough and King’s Lynn – as well as two interim stints at Bristol Rovers.Widdrington has been at current club Aldershot for 21 months, winning 32 of his 82 matches at the helm.The Hampshire-based outfit currently sit 17th in the National League, with just one win in their last five games.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd they’ve conceded the second most goals in the league this season (33), three less than Boston United (36).Son Theo, 25, currently plays for Aldershot, scoring one goal and providing one assist this term.Widdrington scored three goals in his 90 Saints appearances More

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      Man Utd forced to make change to ticket sales that is ‘unheard of’ as hated price hike ‘backfires massively’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have prompted further backlash after tickets for Saturday’s clash with Nottingham Forest were spotted on OPEN SALE.The move comes amid growing resentment among fans after the Red Devils raised the price of tickets for members to £66.Tickets for United’s match against Forest at Old Trafford were put up on open saleIt followed fans protests against the decision to increase ticket prices to £66Supporters held up banners with the phrase: ‘Stop Exploiting Loyalty’But perhaps United’s plan to scrap concessions for children and pensioners has been hit with the most controversy.Tickets returned by season-ticket holders are typically sold to members via the club’s website.But the site had availability for the general public on all four sides of Old Trafford on Wednesday.United have since confirmed that the Forest match has been sold out.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut the fact that they had to resort to an open sale is seen as significant.A spokesman for the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust told The Mail: “Tickets for league home games have been gold dust for decades.”But fans have a limit and the fact Forest tickets are on open sale should make the club see that £66 tickets are a step too far. “It’s time to reverse the decision and make sure Old Trafford remains as full as ever.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFans vented their anger at the Glazer family and minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe during Sunday’s 4-0 win against Everton.There are now fears among United’s 55,000 season-ticket holders that a hefty price hike is likely for them next season too.Ruben Amorim reveals four Man Utd stars who have a ‘time limit’ as he discusses squad issues There were even protests before the Everton game, with a banner raised reading “Stop Exploiting Loyalty”.And a survey of 4,000 supporters by MUST revealed that 68 per cent will attend fewer games.A spokesman for protest group The 1958 said: “It’s unheard of for a Premier League game to go on open sale through the club.”It just doesn’t happen – this has backfired massively.”SunSport have contact United for comment.Despite the backlash, United chiefs have defended their decision in a statement, despite already saving fortunes by making a host of staff redundant. It read: “As a club, we have been focused on cost saving to put us on a stronger financial footing.What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. “This means having to make very hard decisions, including a significant reduction in our staff numbers. “It also means looking for opportunities to increase our revenues so we can continue to invest in football and infrastructure. “We have now sold over 97 per cent of tickets this season, many of which were at a discounted rate. “We are implementing some policy changes for matches that have already sold out, where only small numbers of tickets will be released.”READ MORE SUN STORIESFans affected have been emailed by club chiefs, with several expressing their dissatisfaction on social media.One post read: “Absolute waffle from United in that email about the ticket price rises, they can butter it up anyway they want, but there is and never will be any excuse for charging children £66 to watch a football game at Old Trafford.”Man Utd ratings vs ArsenalRUBEN AMORIM lost his first game since taking charge of Man Utd after a 2-0 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates.See how the players rated…ANDRE ONANA – 5He was let off early in the game after a stray pass saw Gabriel Martinelli put the ball in the net before the linesman raised his flag.Failed to command his area as 5″10 Jurrien Timber leapt highest to rattle the back of his net, before the ball floated to the back post for Arsenal to score their second set piece.DIOGO DALOT – 6Flashed a shot just wide at the end of the first half when he did eventually get forward.Not bad defensively but more dangerous going forwards.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Formed a good partnership with Maguire in the first half, and fans will be hoping he is okay after suffering a slight knock.Needed to be a more commanding figure in the box to stop being dominated by The Gunners at set pieces.HARRY MAGUIRE – 7Was actually very impressive in the first half, with a solid showing.Not at fault for Timber’s header hitting the back of the net, before he was replaced by Leny Yoro.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Playing as a left-sided centre-back he looked fairly comfortable, which is a credit to the Moroccan’s versatility.That said, he still looked better off in the role that Malacia, then Dalot occupied tonight as a left-wingback.TYRELL MALACIA – 3Noticeably looked extremely physically weak up against Bukayo Saka on the left-hand side, before being booked for a kick out at Kai Havertz.Offered nothing going forward and his link-up with Garnacho was practically non-existent. Hooked at half-time for the far more threatening Amad.MANUEL UGARTE – 5Another one who was booked in the first half, he failed to establish any kind of presence in the game and on the ball, looked pretty woeful.Cleared a Joshua Zirkzee header off of his own line to stop Arsenal from doubling their lead early in the second half.BRUNO FERNANDES – 4This game was crying out for Bruno Fernandes to stamp his authority on it, and it seemed he just couldn’t quite get his foot on the ball to do so.Played a deeper role today, next to Ugarte, which meant we didn’t see any of his attacking spark.MASON MOUNT – 3Mason Mount at right wing was an experiment tried and failed at Chelsea, which Amorim tried again tonight.He was often lost in the half-space, meaning he was essentially useless going forwards. Hooked in the second half after a fairly abysmal showing.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 5A very quiet first half, only brightened by one half-decent cross, was met by a second half where he was quickly subbed for Marcus Rashford.Quiet.RASMUS HOJLUND – 6Battled well with the physical presence of William Saliba early on, but his side failed to create him any kind of chances.Cut a frustrated figure for most of the match, and rightly so. There will be no point signing Gyokeres if they can’t create anything for him to score.SUBSAMAD (TYRELL MALACIA, HT) – 5Was more direct and definitely an improvement on Malacia, albeit on the opposite flank.However, still wasn’t able to be the difference which Ruben Amorim would’ve been looking for in this one.MARCUS RASHFORD (MASON MOUNT, 72) – 5Having been electric on the whole under Amorim, he wasn’t able to provide any kind of spark against an opponent which has been one of his favourites in recent years.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (ALEJANDRO GARNACHO, 72) – 4After an impressive display last time out, he failed to offer anything to his side going forward today.The closest he came to scoring was a dangerous header which almost saw him get an own goal on the scoresheet.LENY YORO (HARRY MAGUIRE, 72) – 6Looks like a pretty good defender on the whole, a tough game for a young centre-back, but he didn’t look out of place whatsoever.ANTONY (RASMUS HOJLUND, 79) – 5Played his part in a clever free-kick routine at the end of the game, before fluffing his lines and finding the gloves of David Raya. More

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      Andy Carroll reveals he gets £16 easyJet flights from best pal pilot as he goes back and forth from Bordeaux to London

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      ANDY CARROLL has revealed that he takes £16 easyJet flights back and forth from Bordeaux to London.The former England striker, 35, quit British football for a new life in France last year.Andy Carroll now plays for Bordeaux in the French fourth tierCredit: AFPAfter a season at Ligue 2 Amiens, Carroll signed for fallen giants Bordeaux in the fourth tier.The ex-Newcastle and Liverpool star is loving his fresh start across the Channel.With five children back in England, Bordeaux having regular flights to and from London appealed greatly to Carroll when making his decision to move.”My best friend is a pilot with easyJet,” Carroll told The Times. “So I’m on staff travel and I get flights for 19 euros (£16).”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Geordie was a hometown hero with Newcastle after coming through the Toon academy before moving to Anfield in January 2011.Carroll’s £35million Liverpool switch made him the most expensive English player of all time at that point.Having arrived on Merseyside with an injury, and having been quite happy at Newcastle, Carroll found the adjustment difficult.”It wasn’t easy, I was still young,” he admits. “I stayed in a hotel and I hated it. I went on my own and I stayed there on my own.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I didn’t know anyone. I was in the room all day every day and I was driving myself mad.”I was injured when I signed so my connection with the team was non-existent. I was like, ‘I didn’t want to come here and no one speaks to me.’ At 21 I was depressed.”Andy Carroll ‘playing 5D chess’ as former England star steals show on debut after dropping down to fourth tierCarroll went on to move to West Ham, before eventually returning to Newcastle in 2019.Following two seasons back at St James’ Park he dropped down a division to Reading, where he began to rediscover his love for the game.Despite his achievements at the top level, Carroll doesn’t have a big ego, and is quite happy being one of the lads at fourth-tier Bordeaux.He even enjoys cooking for his team-mates, and reveals that he will be serving up a treat for them again soon.Carroll said: “I might go for a Christmas theme or do a proper old-school Whitley Bay fish and chips, with homemade beer batter and tartar sauce. I really enjoy cooking.”I went for lunch with eight of the lads today at a little Thai restaurant, and they’re a great group. One of them speaks good English, but they were mainly French speakers. I can understand a lot more than I could. The players here are helping me.”Carroll, 35, has been made to feel welcome in FranceCredit: AFP More

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      ‘They’ll sack him.. this can’t continue’ – Ange Postecoglou warned he is on brink of Tottenham axe

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU has been warned he’ll be SACKED if he doesn’t turn things around at Tottenham in the coming weeks.Spurs have won only ONE of their last six matches in all competitions, a run which has included embarrassing home defeats to Ispwich and Bournemouth.Pressure is beginning to mount on Tottenham manager Ange PostecoglouCredit: REXSpurs have won only one of their last six games in all competitionsCredit: GETTYPostecoglou was involved in a fiery exchange with a Spurs fan after Thursday’s defeat to BournemouthJamie O’Hara of Tottenham Hotspur (Photo by AMA/Corbis via Getty Images)Credit: GettySeveral of the Tottenham faithful turned on the Aussie gaffer after Thursday’s 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth, effing and jeffing at him after the final whistle.And former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara reckons owner Daniel Levy will wield the axe if he doesn’t steer the ship back on course in the next few weeks.The talkSPORT pundit said: “Daniel Levy won’t stand for this. I’m telling you now, he will sack him.”If he thinks he can go this all the way through the season and keep defending like this, keep having set pieces like this, he will get sacked.READ MORE ON”Daniel Levy is all about Champions League football, Europa League minimum.”If Spurs are tenth in the table after Christmas, they’ll sack Ange. I’m telling you, they’ll sack him.”This can’t continue. I know everyone loves Ange, you know, in terms of like the attacking football.”I can’t, I’m getting bored of watching this. I’m getting bored of watching this.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERStalkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara is getting sick and tired of Spurs blowing hot and coldCredit: Twitter / @talkSPORTPostegoclou’s troops showed glimpses of their potential late last month when they trounced defending Premier League champions Manchester City 4-0 at the Etihad.O’Hara is sick of his former side blowing hot and cold, adding: “I’m tired of being a Spurs fan. It’s hard work.Ange Postecoglou ‘determined to get it right’ after Tottenham lose at Bournemouth “One minute you’re up, then you’re down, then you’re up, then you’re down.”And you know what? It’s just, it’s painful. “We are painful to watch because you know there’s a big performance in there because we’ve seen it.”Aston Villa. Man City. You go away from home, then you get beat by Bournemouth.”Tenth-placed Tottenham will look to get back to winning ways on Sunday afternoon, welcoming hosting title-chasing Chelsea. More

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      ‘Who the f*** do you think you are?’ Man City told after ‘making outrageous bid for Lionel Messi by accident’

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      FORMER Manchester City assistant Mark Bowen has revealed the club once lodged an “accidental” £35m bid for Lionel Messi.And the offer got City’s new ownership in hot water with Barcelona’s president who told the Prem side, “who the f*** do you think you are?”Mark Bowen has revealed the club once lodged an ‘accidental’ bid for Lionel MessiLionel Messi was slowly becoming the best player in the world back in 2008Bowen served as Mark Hughes’ assistant manager at a number of clubs and followed his countryman to City in 2008 following Sheikh Mansour’s takeoverBack in 2008, flushed with cash from their new Abu Dhabi backed owners, City were spending money for fun. During that summer, they brought in Vincent Kompany, Pablo Zabaleta, Tal Ben Haim, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Brazilian striker Jo.But they were still keen to land a marquee name – which eventually saw them break the British transfer record for Robinho from Real Madrid for £32.5m. However, there was a point during that summer that the Cityzens were just throwing out bids here, there and everywhere.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd this approach led to a “messy” mix-up which saw City chastised by Barca president Joan Laporta for their accidental £35m Messi bid.Bowen told the ‘Business of Sport’ podcast: “So Garry Cook [Ex-Manchester City CEO] had said to Mark Hughes, right, the owners, they want to make a statement. They have to make a statement straight away, you know.“So we played in the Man City Academy’s Golf Day, and we were on the buggy going around, and almost every 10 minutes, Mark’s phone was going bing, bing, bing.”And at one time we had £30m plus, circa £30m for Dimitar Berbatov, for Robinho, for Franck Ribery, because they were just chucking out to these clubs in Europe, £35m, £30m, to see which one would bite, right?Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”So while all this was going on, Cook’s in London, he’s got different people on the board who are in there, and you’re all chasing around, ringing this, ringing that.”All of a sudden they get this thing through from Barcelona, from Laporta, who basically goes online and in the media saying, ‘who the f*** do Man City think they are, they’re taking the p***'”.Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez’s sons playing in same Inter Miami team as incredible video shows wonderkids in action Robinho was Man City’s first marquee signingHe continued: “So what’s happened here? Well, apparently Man City have offered £35m for Lionel Messi. “Now at the time, believe it or not, it wouldn’t have been a ridiculous thing to say because people were talking at the time about Ribery and Messi, which is the better of the two, whatever.”We get to the bottom of it, true story. So they were kicking off going, what actually happened were all the people in this office and somebody had turned around, probably Cook and said this is getting messy.”So somebody has literally sent an offer to Barcelona for Lionel Messi, we are interested in Lionel Messi. The president’s come back and gone, ‘you think you can buy Lionel Messi off us?'”Robinho’s signing had come out of the blue and the Brazilian made an infamous gaffe on arrival after calling his new club Chelsea.And his reason for signing remains unforgettable: “Yes, I thought I was joining Manchester United.”I was misled by all involved. I wasn’t aware there was another Manchester club.”He made 41 appearances for City before being loaned out to Santos for a season before joining AC Milan.Cook also penned deals for Wayne Bridge, Craig Bellamy, Shay Given and Nigel de Jong.READ MORE SUN STORIESHughes’ No.2 Bowen played in the Premier League for Tottenham Hotspur, Norwich City, West Ham and Charlton. More

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      World Cup winner opens up on shock health battle with rare exercise ‘addiction’ bigorexia as he admits ‘I am sick’

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      WORLD CUP winner Bixente Lizarazu has lifted the lid on his battle with bigorexia, admitting: “I am a sick man”.The former France star won a host of trophies with Bayern Munich, and also played for Bordeaux, Athletic Bilbao and Marseille.Bixente Lizarazu won the World Cup and Euros with FranceCredit: GettyLizarazu has revealed he is ‘sick’ with a rare conditionCredit: GettyLeft-back Lizarazu helped Les Bleus win the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, playing in both finals.But the 54-year-old has now opened up on suffering a rare mental illness that compels people to exercise too much.Also known as muscle dysmorphia, bigorexia makes sufferers think their bodies are too small and weak.They also only eat foods they believe will boost their muscles.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe condition can lead to depression, thoughts of suicide and steroid misuse if left untreated.Lizarazu has been heavily involved in surfing, jiu-jitsu, cycling and other sports since quitting football 18 years ago.The 95-cap international told French media: “I am sick. I am 54-years-old now, but I still have to feel like a professional athlete even now.”Physical exercise is my passion and it does me good. Most read in Football”It has been my compass throughout my life and has helped me find my balance.”But I have bigorexia. It’s fair to say I exercise to excess.Football teams that controversially changed their badge”Anyone with the condition who stops training from one day to the next risks falling into depression.”I need to work hard, wear myself out and release the entire mass of energy I have within myself.”But this sickness is preferable to other forms of addiction. I just have to know how to manage it.”Lizarazu has been with his current partner, actress Claire Keim, since 2006.He added: “She met me while I was still a footballer, so luckily she accepts my addiction to sport.”Even though it it healthy, it takes up a lot of time.”READ MORE SUN STORIESLizarazu won the Champions League and six Bundesliga titles with Bayern.He also helped Bordeaux climb from France’s second division to become Intertoto Cup winners and UEFA Cup finalists.Lizarazu won six Bundesliga titles at BayernCredit: GettyHelp for mental healthIf you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support.The following are free to contact and confidential:Mind, www.mind.org, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Email info@mind.org.uk or call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary).YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too.Rethink Mental Illness, www.rethink.org, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate).Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk, is the a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales. More