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    Former Premier League star, 41, makes major career change after retirement as he becomes professional cyclist

    FORMER Premier League star Jelle van Damme has swapped pitches for pedals by becoming a PROFESSIONAL CYCLIST.The Belgian defender spent two years on Southampton’s books, making nine appearances.Jelle van Damme has switched football for professional cyclingCredit: AlamyVan Damme retired from football in 2020 after a brief stint in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty Images – GettyVan Damme moved to the Premier League for SouthamptonCredit: Getty Images – GettyVan Damme also played for Wolves during his 22-year careerCredit: Getty Images – GettyVan Damme, 41, later played six times for Wolves in late 2010 – scoring once.Capped 31 times by his country, his other clubs include Ajax, Anderlecht, Standard Liege and LA Galaxy. He retired in 2020.Van Damme has since built his amateur interest in cycling up to professional levels – training alongside Belgian superstar Greg van Avermaet.And he plans to compete in a series of events, including Unbound – the World Cup of gravel cycling – in the US later this year.Read More on FootballHe said: “If I could have my time over again I would set out to be a racing cyclist – despite all I have experienced in football.”I think I would succeed given my mindset and personality. I always compare myself to [Belgian pro] Tim Declercq.”I’m not someone who looks to win the races, but a good ‘servant’ who helps my teammates achieve the best possible finish.”My passion for the sport has grown. I have taken on a coach, and I now have full sponsorship.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusives”I want to peak this year at the Unbound event in the US.”I began cycling with my brothers and nephews, doing 40-50km rides, but now I can do 120km distances.Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City star”Just like in football, I can suffer on the bike. I can break down, but I’ll recover quickly. As an athlete I will want more when I see that I’m getting better.”I can be a right bastard at times. I was like that as a footballer, and I’m the same now when I get on my bike.”I think I can ride well, and when I’m in a peloton I am not afraid to throw myself around.”My family group calls me Kamikaze, as I’ll go from zero to flying round bends at top speed.”Once an athlete, always an athlete.”Van Damme was a flop at Southampton, with the Saints relegated at the end of his one full season.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe went on loan to Germans Werder Bremen before returning home to win five trophies with Anderlecht.The Brussels club sold him to Wolves for £2.5million in 2010. However Van Damme failed to settle at Molineux, and left for Standard Liege after just six months.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    ‘Even my translator’s injured’ – Ange Postecoglou’s press conference interrupted by coughing fit amid Tottenham crisis

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU saw the funny side as his press conference was interrupted by a coughing fit.The Tottenham boss, 59, faced the media ahead of his side’s Europa League trip to Hoffenheim.Ange Postecoglou saw the funny side of his team’s injury crisisThe Aussie has 11 senior players missing with injuryCredit: ReutersSpurs are set to face the Bundesliga strugglers without several key men available.Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie, Pape Matar Sarr, Yves Bissouma, Brennan Johnson, Wilson Odobert, Timo Werner and Dominic Solanke are all unavailable due to injury.While Antonin Kinsky, Sergio Reguilon, Yang Min-hyeok and Djed Spence cannot feature as they are not registered in Tottenham’s 25-man Europa League squad.Despite Spurs’ woes, Postecoglou was still able to see the funny side of the situation.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDuring his press conference, the German translator present briefly paused mid-sentence as he began coughing.This led Postecoglou to quip: “We’ve lost the translator as well, even my translator is injured.”Tottenham have plunged to 15th in the Premier League table, with their Aussie boss coming under fire following Sunday’s 3-2 defeat at Everton.They go into this evening’s match ninth in the Europa League league phase – needing to secure a top eight finish to secure automatic progression to the round of 16, thus avoiding two extra matches.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYPostecoglou revealed that he hopes Bissouma and Sarr can return in time for Sunday’s Prem clash with Leicester.He then gave an update on Van de Ven and Romero, saying: “Cuti (Romero) and Micky van de Ven are probably the closest of the long-term injuries to come back next. The rise and fall of Ange Postecoglou as Spurs boss”It was good that Cuti trained with the team today, we didn’t do too much, so he was able to join in.”Hopefully over the next week to 10 days, they are both back in training.”He then added on Romero: “Cristian is training, yes, but he’s not travelled, he’s not playing – it’s probably another week to 10 days for him.”Bentancur has travelled and could feature for the first time since his worrying head injury suffered against Liverpool earlier this month. More

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    ‘Devoted’ football fan, 63, suddenly died at ground while watching his favourite team as heartbreaking tributes pour in

    A DEVOTED football fan has died suddenly at the ground while watching his favourite team play.Heartbreaking tributes are pouring in for Alec Lumb, 63, a fierce Pompey supporter and “proud” Royal Navy veteran. Alec suddenly died at the ground while watching his favourite teamCredit: GofundmeThe ‘caring’ dad was a Pompey supporter since the age of eight when his dad took him to his first football matchCredit: FacebookFlowers and cards have since been laid by the statue of former footy player Jimmie Dickinson in memory of the dadCredit: RexAlec, from Gospel, Hampshire, tragically died of what is believed to have been a heart attack at the Portsmouth and Middlesbrough game on Saturday, January 18.The family man was described as “very caring” and a “lovely person”, who would always help people out whenever he could. Portsmouth Football Club honoured the fan with a photo of him up on the big screen and a note which said: “Remembering Alec Lumb”.This was followed by a round of applause by the whole stadium.Read more on SportA fellow fan and friend posted: “Alec Lumb what a send off… and the boys did you proud on the pitch for the second time in five days… “I held it together for the minute’s applause but when the players ran over to Sharon Jayne after scoring the second the tears were welling up for you.”Flowers and cards have since been laid by the statue of former footy player Jimmie Dickinson in memory of the dad. His partner of 15 years Sharon said she noticed Alec was slumped in his seat when the players came out onto the pitch.Most read in FootballShe quickly performed CPR on him and alerted paramedics to the incident. Players stopped the game and signalled to the referee and medical staff who treated Alec in the stand.But despite everyone’s best efforts Alec tragically passed away soon after.The cause of death hasn’t been confirmed but the family believe it was due to cardiac arrest. He left behind Sharon, his daughters Hannah and Rebecca, step-daughters Lauren and Shannon – and brother and sister, Ian and Sue. Sue said the family were incredibly touched by the support they’ve received, which has included a whopping £8,900 in donations.Despite the emotional turmoil of losing her elder brother she said she took comfort in the fact he died doing what he loved.Shortly before the game he posted on Facebook about his excitement.She told The News: “He was in his favourite place when it happened. I saw his post on Facebook that he was at the match and that was probably the last thing he ever wrote. He was so pleased to be there.”Alec’s devotion to Pompey began when his dad started taking him to games at the age of eight. The passion for his football team was so strong, his whole family began supporting Pompey too.The 63-year-old dad was also a Navy veteran, having served for 25 years.Sue, who works at Navy HQ, recalled her emotional first day back at work, as lots of people shared fond memories of her brother.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn their heartwarming tributes, colleagues referred to Alec as a caring and lovely man, adding he would always help others. Sue said: “Loads of people came up to give me hugs, It’s a good job I had a box of tissues on my desk.”Portsmouth Football Club honoured the fan with a photo of him up on the big screenCredit: Rex More

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    Man City CONFIRM £64m transfer of Omar Marmoush as Pep Guardiola’s struggling side take January spending over £127m

    MANCHESTER CITY have completed the signing of Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush in a deal that could be worth £64 million.The 25-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt star has been one of the stand-out players in the German league this season.Omar Marmoush has excelled in the Bundesliga this seasonCredit: GettyHe has signed a four-and-a-half year deal at the Etihad and Pep Guardiola hopes he will fill the gap left by Julian Alvarez – who left to join Atletico Madrid in the summer.City will pay an initial £59 million for Marmoush – while his former club could net another £5 million in add ons.And it takes the spending of the champions this window to more than £120 million – following the arrivals of Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis earlier this weeks.Marmoush – who is an international team-mate of Mo Salah – has scored 37 goals and made 20 assists for Frankfurt since he joined them in summer 2023.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Guardiola will be desperately hoping he can help to get his team back on track after a nightmare couple of months for them.Marmoush said: “This is a day I will never forget. To sign for Manchester City – one of the best teams in the world – is an amazing feeling.“With Pep, his technical staff and the world-class facilities here, players have everything they need to become better. That was really enticing for me when I had the chance to come here.“And I cannot deny I also want to win trophies. City have been the most successful club in England for many, many years, so I know I am joining a winning environment and winning culture.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY“I really am looking forward to getting going, meeting the other players and showing the Manchester City fans what I can do.”Director of football Txiki Begiristain said: “He has all the attributes a top-class attacker requires.Omar Marmoush shows his goal scoring skills at Eintracht Frankfurt training “He has outstanding pace and awareness, and he is exceptional in front of goal. He can also play a number of different positions, which is a really valuable asset.“He’s had an outstanding season, and every time we have watched him, he has influenced matches.”City’s January spending may not be finished yet as they still would like to sign a defensive midfielder to cover for the injured Rodri. More

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    Champions League club send Micah Richards shirt with very cheeky nickname on the back thanks to his Brest obsession

    FRENCH club Brest sent Micah Richards a shirt with a VERY cheeky nickname on the back.Their gift came after Richards went viral for revealing his obsession with the Ligue 1 outfit in November.Micah Richards received a brilliant gift from French side BrestCredit: CBSPresent Kate Abdo presented Richards with his presentCredit: CBSThe former Man City ace and CBS colleagues Kate Abdo, Jamie Carragher and Thierry Henry made some hilarious puns on Brest’s name during their Champions League coverage.And Richards was left squirming as he declared: “You’re trying to get me sacked!”But the pundit’s backing of Brest in Europe has seen the French side send him a gift.The present was unwrapped live on air during last night’s broadcast.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt turned out to be an official Brest home jersey, leaving Richards delighted.And his smile got even wider when he saw the cheeky nickname that had been printed on the back.Host Abdo first said: “I think it’s fair to say you singlehandedly put Brest on the map this season in the Champions League.“You’re a big fan of theirs and they’ve wanted to show that they’re a big fan of yours so they’ve sent us a little note.”Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe note read: “Dear friends of CBS, many thanks for your close attention to Brest’s performances since the start of the Champions League.“We all enjoy watching your many laughs on the studio. So we’ve made a special shirt for Micah.Micah Richards is banned from analysing Brest during CBS Sports broadcast His shirt featured a very cheeky nicknameCredit: CBSRichards was delighted with his present on CBSCredit: CBSThierry Henry also got a shirt – minus the nicknameCredit: CBS“We could couldn’t resist giving a Stade Brestes shirt to our legend Thierry Henry, to whom we send our warmest greetings.”Abdo then handed one jersey to Henry, which bore his surname on the back.Richards then received his shirt, which had a rather cheekier message on the back.Instead of having his surname, it instead read: “Brest Lover.”But Richards was delighted and quickly pulled his shirt on.He then said: “From the CBS family, I want to say thank you for the shirt, I really appreciate it.“You’re doing an excellent job in the Champions League this season, long may it continue.”Richards then joked: “What happens when they play Nice?”It prompted fits of laughter from Abdo and Carragher, but Henry had heard enough and jokingly stormed away from his seat before pretending to read some notes in the corner.Fans were certainly delighted by the segment.One said: “I’m sure Micah loves it.”Another declared: “Best football show in the world by far.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “These people are crazy.”Another added: “This is how a show should be presented, allowed to be yourself, chill and laugh.” More

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    Why Glazers ‘feared a MUTINY from Man Utd stars’ as reason club never visits US city on pre-season tour revealed

    MANCHESTER UNITED stars were stopped from ever visiting the Glazer-owned Tampa Bay Buccaneers over fears of a MUTINY, it has been claimed.The Red Devils have been owned by the Glazer family since an £800million ($984m) leveraged buyout in 2005, leaving the club with a huge level of debt.The Glazers have owned Man Utd since 2005Credit: GettyBut Man Utd have not been allowed to visit their sister team Tampa Bay BuccaneersCredit: GettyIt has been revealed this is down to owners fearing a ‘mutiny’ among playersCredit: GettyTampa opened a £57m new training centre in 2022Credit: GettyThe Florida-based American family are also the owner of NFL franchise the Buccaneers.Man Utd have often toured around the US for pre-season, but have never been near Tampa.However, it has now been revealed United were stopped from visiting their sister team over fears it would spark a player revolt.ESPN’s Mark Ogden explained it was believed if players from United saw the training facilities in Tampa they would then rebel due to their own relatively poor facilities.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOgden told the Football Reporters podcast: “I was told a story by somebody who worked at United, and it’s the elephant in the room that we haven’t really discussed: It’s the Glazers. It’s the Glazer family and their ownership of the club.”I asked this person, I said, when United go to America, why do they never go to Tampa? “Arsenal will do a link-up with the LA Rams or with whoever [owner Stan] Kroenke’s team are. Liverpool did it with FSG in Boston, they spent a lot of time there. “United have never gone anywhere near Tampa, where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that the Glazers own in the US (are). Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”I was told it’s quite simply because the owners didn’t want the United squad to see how good the Tampa Bay facilities were. “They didn’t want them to see the training ground because the training ground at Tampa is meant to be state-of-the-art. Reasons to be positive under Ruben Amorim”The stadium is a top stadium. The Glazers have put a lot of money into the facility at Tampa and if the players had gone to Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ training ground and realised what they had and what United don’t have, there might have been a mutiny at the club.”Tampa opened a state-of-the-art £57million ($70m) training facility in 2022.Man Utd’s own Carrington training complex is finally undergoing some much-needed TLC of its own in a £50m project.But this only came after the issue was highlighted by superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, claiming the club had not evolved since he first left to join Real Madrid in 2009.In his infamous 2022 bombshell interview with Piers Morgan, he said: “The progress was zero. Since Sir Alex left, I saw no evolution in the club. Nothing had changed.”He [Ferguson] knows better than anybody that the club is not on the path they deserve to be. He knows. Everyone knows.”The people who don’t see that… it’s because they don’t want to see it. They are blind.”I think the fans should know the truth. I want the best for the club. This is why I came to Manchester United.”But you have some things inside that don’t help [us] reach the top level as City, Liverpool and even now Arsenal.”A club with this dimension should be top of the tree, in my opinion, and they are not, unfortunately.”The architectural team responsible for the new Wembley Stadium and Lusail Stadium in Qatar, Foster + Partners, is in charge of making the new facilities.Over the summer, minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said: “We want to create a world-class environment for our teams to win.”When we conducted a thorough review of the Carrington training facilities and met with our men’s first team players, it was clear the standards had fallen below some of our peers. “This project will ensure Manchester United’s training ground is once more renovated to the highest standards.”However, Ratcliffe and his lieutenants now running the football operations at the club drew criticism as they decided to prioritise the men’s team by moving them into the newly-built women’s training facilities.The women’s team were in turn moved into temporary buildings despite the £10m facilities being purposely built for them and the academy teams.Figures revealed last year that the much-maligned Glazers had invested just £45m ($55m) of their own money into the club since their takeover two decades prior. READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, 2021 figures revealed that more than £1BILLION ($1.23bn) had been lost by the club through dividends payments, interest payments and debt repayments.And it was not until the arrival of the Ineos group that plans to upgrade the club’s stadium were finally put in place, with the plan currently torn between an Old Trafford upgrade or a new build.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. More

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    Jamie Carragher reveals his wife told him he ‘went too far’ with ‘awful’ joke live on TV

    JAMIE CARRAGHER apologised to Micah Richards after his wife told him he “went too far” with a cruel joke.The pundits were back on CBS Sports last night to cover another evening of Champions League action.Micah Richards got ‘cooked’ over his new haircutCredit: X @CBSSportsGolazoJamie Carragher shook his hand to say sorry for mocking his new lookCredit: CBSCarragher’s wife Nicola told him he ‘went too far’ when teasing RichardsCredit: @nicolacarragherOn Tuesday’ show, Richards showed off his new haircut as he swapped his usual trim for a shorter and cleaner cut.The former Manchester City star said: “I look fantastic don’t I? I just thought new year, new me.”But Carragher was having none of it and brutally replied: “It doesn’t suit you. I’m saying that as a friend.”After seeing a split screen of his new and old hair, the former Liverpool defender added: “I mean, honestly, you look awful. You look so cool on the other one.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe also claimed the hairdo “looks like you’ve got a hat on”.Reacting on last night’s show, Richards said: “I got cooked yesterday. You ruined my confidence yesterday, Jamie.”Carragher then revealed his wife told him off for teasing his colleague, revealing: “My wife, Nicola, my gorgeous lovely wife, said last night that I went too far.”Presenter Kate Abdo hilariously chimed in: “It was the hair extensions wasn’t it?”Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSCarragher burst into laughter, replying: “It was nothing to do with you.”He then shook hands with a smiling Richards to apologise, who said: “Thank you, Nicola. I love you.”‘It doesn’t suit you’ says brutal Jamie Carragher as fans join CBS Sports panel joking about Micah Richards’ new hairdoAnd the ex-England players were friends again as they hit the dance-floor to Saturday Night Fever later in the show.Both showed off their moves while talking through the permutations of the Champions League table going into the final matchday.Liverpool sit top after beating Lille 2-1 thanks to a Mo Salah goal, who according to Carra, is “slicker than John Travolta’s hair”.He also joked “are Man City staying alive” after their 4-2 defeat to PSG last night that leaves them in danger of elimination.Carragher and Richards danced to Saturday Night FeverCredit: CBS More

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    Vinicius Jr lined up for world record-shattering £296m Saudi transfer following controversial Ballon d’Or snub

    VINICIUS JR is reportedly being lined up for a world-record £296million move to Saudi Arabia after his Ballon d’Or snub.The Real Madrid superstar, 24, has emerged as a target for three Middle Eastern giants amid doubts over his long-term future at the Bernabeu.Vinicius Jr is being lined up for a world-record £296million move to Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyVinicius Jr joined Real in 2018 from Flamengo for £40million, a year after penning a contract with the Spanish giants.He’s since scored 101 goals in 291 games while winning three titles and two Champions Leagues.But Vini was left deeply upset last year when it emerged he had missed out on the latest Ballon d’Or award.The winger was strong favourite to land it thanks to his domestic and European trophy wins.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYet it emerged on the day that Man City’s Rodri had pipped him to the post.It prompted an outcry from Vinicius Jr’s club Real, who snubbed the ceremony.But despite their support, Give Me Sport claims Vini could soon end up leaving them for pastures new.It’s reckoned Saudi pay masters are ready to spend £296m on Vinicius Jr this summer, with Al-Ahli the most likely destination.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Saudi club already boasts ex-Premier League stars including Ivan Toney, Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino.But Al-Nassr, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, and Al-Hilal — who reportedly want to replace Neymar with Liverpool’s Mo Salah — have also shown interest.Humiliating moment Ballon d’Or favourite Vinicius Jr is sat down by teen in futsal leaving Real Madrid star on his bum As it happens, Neymar still holds the current world record transfer fee for his £200m switch from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.Real have no intention of selling Vinicius Jr, even though his exit would allow struggling Kylian Mbappe to play off his favoured left-hand side.And the Brazilian will have a big decision to make if a Saudi bid does emerge for him at the end of the season. More