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    ‘I love you,’ says Dele Alli in heartbreaking tribute to George Baldock after former team-mate’s shock death at 31

    DELE ALLI has shared a heartbreaking tribute to close friend and former team-mate George Baldock.Baldock tragically passed away on Wednesday at his home in Greece.Dele Alli has paid tribute to George BaldockCredit: Instagram @georgebaldockBaldock tragically passed away on WednesdayCredit: RexHe was reportedly found dead in a swimming pool after his wife, who lives in England, shared concerns regarding his whereabouts.Thousands of football fans have since flocked to social media to pay tribute to the former Greek international.Clubs and players have also publicly shared condolences.Former Tottenham star Dele posted his own tribute on Instagram following the news of his friend’s tragic death.READ MORE ON GEORGE BALDOCKSharing a picture of himself and Baldock laughing together, he wrote: “I love you! Rest in peace my brother.”The duo played together at MK Dons and formed a strong friendship.Baldock spent eight years with the Dons after making his first team debut in 2010.Some of his time was spent out on loan to Northampton Town, IBV, Tamworth and Oxford United.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe then joined Sheffield United in 2017 and became a fan-favourite, making 219 appearances.The full-back signed for Greek side Panathinaikos this summer.George Baldock cops probe if ANOTHER person was involved in star’s death after finding pool cluesHis last appearance came in a 0-0 draw with Olympiacos on Sunday.The FA will pay tribute to Baldock before tonight’s international match between England and Greece at Wembley Stadium.A period of silence will take place prior to kick-off and both teams will wear black armbands. More

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    Former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny pledges to continue smoking just days after completing Barcelona transfer

    WOJCIECH SZCZESNY has vowed not to quit smoking after signing for Barcelona.The former Arsenal goalkeeper, 34, reversed his decision to retire in order to sign for Hansi Flick’s side.Wojciech Szczesny recently came out of retirement to sign for BarcelonaCredit: ReutersThe goalkeeper will not quit smoking after joining BarcaCredit: SplashDespite re-entering high-level professional football, Szczesny is not about to give up smoking.Speaking to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, he said: “There are things that I don’t change in my personal life and it’s nobody’s business if I smoke.”I believe that it doesn’t affect what I do on the pitch, I work twice as hard.”I don’t do it in front of kids because I don’t want to have a bad influence on them.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS”Sometimes somebody will take a photo from the trees where I have a cigarette, that’s on them, not on me.”If somebody thinks that I will change the way I am in my personal life they can think again because I am who I am. I’ve been this way my whole life.”Szczesny hung up his gloves at the end of last season following seven years at Juventus.But when Barca came calling following the serious injury suffered by their No1 Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Szczesny was tempted out of his brief retirement.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Pole is yet to debut for his new side, with Inaki Pena having started their last four games between the sticks.Szczesny was famously caught smoking in the showers after Arsenal lost to Southampton in 2015.How Arsenal and Liverpool benefitted from VAR failures AGAIN | Ex-Premier League referee reactsArsene Wenger subsequently fined him £20,000 and dropped him from the squad.The homegrown keeper would never play for the Gunners again, joining Juventus in 2017 after a two-year loan at Roma.In 2020, Szczesny opened up on what happened during an appearance on the Arsenal Nation podcast.He said: “Back at that time I was smoking regularly and the boss knew it very well. He just didn’t want anybody smoking in the dressing rooms and I knew that also.”Because of the emotion of the game, I had a cigarette after the game when the team was still in.”I went in the corner of the showers, so it was at the other end of the dressing room and nobody could see me, and I lit one up.”Somebody saw me, it wasn’t even the boss himself, and just reported it back to the boss. I saw him a couple of days later, he asked me if that was true and I said ‘yes’.”He fined me and that was the end of it. He then said, ‘Look, you’re going to be out of the team for a little bit’, but there was no big bust-ups or big confrontations.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I was very professional about it. I was fully expecting to be back in the team a few weeks later but we had a good run of form and David Ospina, who came in goal, played really well for those few games. He stayed in.”That meant I was waiting and trying to win my place back in the team, or trying to convince him that I was still the best goalkeeper at the club by going out on loan. That sounds strange but sometimes it’s the best way of doing it.”Szczesny left Arsenal for Juventus in 2017Credit: PA:Empics Sport More

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    George Baldock’s life-saving gesture for young fan with heart condition revealed by mum who salutes ‘our Starman’

    A HEARTBROKEN mum has revealed George Baldock’s incredible impact on her young son. The former Sheffield United star was found dead at his Athens home on Wednesday.Former Sheffield Utd star George Baldock was found dead on WednesdayCredit: RexThe 31-year-old had bought Harvey, a young Blades fan, a defibrillator after learning of his heart conditionCredit: X @Marie_LadyBladeHarvey’s mum Marie paid tribute to the ex-Utd star following his tragic passingCredit: X @Marie_LadyBladeBaldock was discovered in his communal swimming pool after his concerned wife had struggled to get in touch with him from England.The 31-year-old spent the majority of his career playing with United in the Championship and Premier League. One Blades fan took to social media to highlight Baldock’s remarkable efforts in helping her young son, Harvey.X user Marie revealed Harvey was diagnosed with a faulty heart valve, resulting in his Sunday league team being forced to fundraise for a new defibrillator.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMarie added that Baldock ‘stepped in” and “bought Harvey a defibrillator outright.”Following news of Baldock’s passing, Marie took to social media to pay tribute to the Greek international. She wrote: “[We] thanked him every time we saw him, but feel we haven’t thanked him enough. “George bought Harvey a defib, which helped him continue to play football and the things he enjoys. Most read in Football”He gave us peace of mind as parents on the sideline!”She added with a heartbroken emoji: “Our Starman.”George Baldock’s heartbreaking summer farewell message to Sheffield Utd fans re-emerges after star found dead aged 31Marie accompanied the message with snaps of Baldock alongside Harvey, including at last year’s Player of the Year awards. She continued: “Thank you George. I’m saying it again! You always replied, ‘No problem’ and always asked how Harvey was getting on. “Last time I saw you at (this years POTYA’s) Harvey’s team had just got promoted and Harvey had taken the winning penalty x.”You couldn’t believe how tall he was x”Dominating Mbappe, Premier League Iron Man, promotion hero: A tribute to George BaldockBy Kostas Lianos, Digital Sports ReporterIT was back in 2019 when Greece legend Vasilis Torosidis – the heir to Euro 2004 hero Giourkas Seitaridis – retired from international duty after 101 caps.A giant void was left behind at right-back, many talented players tried to step up – and none of them could fill those big boots.But, soon enough, I started to hear whispers about a Premier League ace with Greek heritage who’s a starter week-in and week-out…That was none other than George Baldock, born in Buckingham on March 9, 1993, to English parents but qualified for Greece through his grandmother.And what a season he was having. The right-back starred for Sheffield United as they surprised the Prem in the 2019-20 campaign – their first in 12 years – by finishing in the top half of the table.Baldock was among their standout players as he registered a staggering 3,420 minutes played – the joint highest along with the likes of Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk.The defender was keen to make the big step to the international stage with his grandmother’s homeland – and it didn’t take long until he shook hands with the Greek football federation (EPO) chiefs.However, a long and arduous paperwork slog stood in the way – with the then Sheffield United star claiming Covid-19 and Brexit slowed things down.Greece finally got the right-back they were begging for for years as Baldock made his debut on June 2, 2022 in a Nations League clash at Northern Ireland as a late substitute.It didn’t take long until the English-born ace owned the right flank at the back and impressive performances followed.Perhaps none compare to the Euro 2024 qualifier against France in June 2023 when Baldock did the unthinkable and kept Kylian Mbappe quiet for 104 MINUTES, despite being injured and playing through “unimaginable” pain.I still remember speaking to then-Greece manager Gus Poyet about his player’s stunning performance, and I will never forget the big smile the Chelsea legend had on his face.Poyet reminded me of a proud father as he took me through the injury hell the full-back endured before squaring up against perhaps the world’s best player for his country.A beaming Poyet told me: “Against the Republic of Ireland [three days beforehand] – and now that it is finished I can say it – after 20 minutes he had a very bad twist in his ankle, very bad. He was very close to come out. I asked him, ‘Can you hold until half-time?'”At half-time his ankle was very, very swollen. He asked for a strapping and he asked me for five minutes. Give me five minutes and we’ll let you know. And he had an unbelievable second half running up and down and being outstanding.”You don’t imagine the ankle after the game. You don’t imagine the ankle the day after, after the flight to France. Black and blue – swollen. And a day-and-a-half later you need to play against Mbappe.”Ninety per cent of people will think, no chance. And I keep talking to him, individually. And he keeps saying to me, ‘Coach I’m gonna be there no worries’.”And he didn’t play 20 minutes, he didn’t play 60 minutes, he played 104 minutes because the referee gave 14 minutes of injury time against Mbappe.”It’s easy to understand how loyal Baldock was to every team he ever played for during his 15-year career, just by looking at his stats.The Greek ace started his career at MK Dons in 2009 where he amassed a staggering 125 appearances throughout an eight-year stint that also saw him playing on loan for Northampton Town, Tamworth, IBV and Oxford United.The defender joined Sheffield United in 2017 and registered a whopping 219 appearances in seven years that also saw him helping his team achieve two Premier League promotions.Baldock’s work ethic and commitment was no different in Greece as he proudly stated two years ago: “To play for the national side is a great honour and a lot of pride involved for me and my family.”Representing my country through my late grandmother, it’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I love the country and I will fight for every success”Baldock never played for England at any level, but he always competed like a lion and he proved it on Sunday in his last ever match when he started for Panathinaikos, whom he joined in the summer, against eternal rivals Olympiacos in perhaps the most intense derby in Europe.He served his team with honour as he helped them pick up a valuable point in a goalless draw against their in-form foes, who had just played their best game of the season with a 3-0 win over Braga in the Europa League a few days earlier.He only managed 12 caps for Greece before his sudden and tragic death at the age of 31 on Wednesday in Athens.But his fighting spirit and charisma at right-back with the white and blue, as well as his remarkable run in the Premier League and the Championship, show that he is leaving a legacy behind for many Greek and English fans to look up to.Baldock played over 200 times for Sheffield Utd between 2017 and 2024.He left the club over the summer to join Panathinaikos in the Greek Super League. The Blades put out a statement on Wednesday, writing: “Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock.”The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with supporters, staff and team-mates who pulled on a red and white shirt alongside him.”The sincere condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United are extended to George’s family and friends.”READ MORE SUN STORIESEngland face Greece on Thursday night in a Nations League clash at Wembley. Baldock, who won 12 caps for Greece, is set to be honoured before the contest. More

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    Lauren Hemp ready for ‘tough tasks ahead’ after Manchester City’s ‘statement’ win against Barcelona

    LAUREN HEMP insists Manchester City have made a statement with their gritty 2-0 win against Barcelona in the Champions League.  The City ace praised defender Naomi Layzell’s goalscoring display during the defeat of the contest’s winners before their return to WSL action on Sunday.Lauren Hemp and her team-mates will aim to maintain their unbeaten run in the WSL as well as Europe when they visit Liverpool nextCredit: AlamyCity summer signing Naomi Layzell impressed during the team’s 2-0 win against Barcelona playing out of position as a full-backCredit: GettySpain’s top-flight leaders, who Cityzens boss Gareth Taylor described as the best side in the world, fell to their first loss in the tournament’s group stage on Wednesday.A prodded finish from Layzell, her first in a Man City shirt and in the contest, gave Taylor’s side the lead in the first half.And that opener, assisted by Vivianne Miedema’s flicked header, was followed by Khadija Shaw rounding Barca goalkeeper Cata Coll late in the game to slot home to secure the points.The result saw the three-time Champions League winners beaten for the first time ever in the competitions group stage and for the first time this season. Read More Football Stories And Hemp and her team-mates maintained their unbeaten run across all contests before their WSL clash with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.Hemp said: “Hopefully that puts a statement out on a good start in the group stages.”It was a great win. I thought in the first half, we dominated, possession. “And we created a lot of chances and in the second half, but it looked a bit different.Most read in Football“I felt like we defended so well, put our bodies on the line. “We’ve still got to play them again. It’s going to be a tough task going to their place.”City, who take on Austrian team SKN St Polten in the tournament next Wednesday, handed a group stage debut to centre-back Layzell.The England Under-23s central defender, signed from Bristol City in August for a record fee, played as a full-back in the Joie Stadium duel. The Wednesday night game was the defender’s first time playing in the tournament’s group stage.  It also came almost five years on from Layzell making her debut appearance in the WSL for the Robins against the club she would eventually join this summer. And the player, who went off injured after appearing to her roll her ankle, rewarded boss Taylor’s faith by helping her club shut out some of the most lethal attacking talents in EuropeThese included Ballon d’Or winners Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas and Barca striker Ewa Pajor. Hemp added: “She’s done so well since she got here. I’m proud of her.”Not only did she score, but she defended so well, kept the ball most of the time and topped it off with a goal which was amazing and we’re all so happy for her.”Man City will take on Austria’s top-flight leaders SKN St. Polten in their second Champions League group stage game on October 10Credit: AlamyChelsea narrowly defeating Real Madrid in their group stage opener one night before Man City’s victory, made it good week for English clubs going up against two of the best sides in Spain’s top tier.READ MORE SUN STORIESOn her side’s chances of going all the way in the contest, Hemp said: “Every game is going to be different.   “We know there are so many tough tasks ahead of us. We’re just going to take it one game at a time. More

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    Premier League legend calls for Man Utd directors to be ‘ARRESTED’ for selling fans’ favourite in transfer window

    PREMIER LEAGUE legend Paolo di Canio has criticised Manchester United’s decision to offload Scott McTominay.The Red Devils sold McTominay to Serie A giants Napoli in August.Scott McTominay has impressed since joining NapoliCredit: GettyPaolo Di Canio thinks Man Utd chiefs should be ‘arrested’ for selling the midfielderCredit: SplashThey earned £25million from the move, which helped fund a deadline day deal for top summer target Manuel Ugarte.But ex-Prem star Di Canio believes Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co made the wrong decision.In a recent interview with Il Mattino, he said: “I would go to Manchester United to arrest all the directors – how can you give away McTominay?”Following the midfielder’s departure, United boss Erik ten Hag revealed he did not want to sell him.Read More on Man UtdThe Dutchman explained: “It is a little bit mixed, I am very happy for him but it is mixed because I wouldn’t prefer to lose him.”He is Manchester United in everything, he was so important for Manchester United.”He was here for over 22 years but unfortunately it is the rules.”Homegrown players bring more value and that is not the right thing to do but for everyone, for all parts, it is a good deal. Scott is happy with it, and Napoli and us.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSince joining Napoli, McTominay has scored two goals in five appearances.Meanwhile, United are struggling in the Premier League.Man Utd board’s EIGHT-HOUR London crunch talks and what it means for Erik ten HagThe Red Devils currently sit 14th in the table with just eight points from seven games.It has been their worst-ever start to a Prem season. More

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    Who was George Baldock?

    THE world has been left in shock following the tragic death of former Premier League ace George Baldock.Wembley are set to hold a minute’s silence for Baldock ahead of England’s match against Greece tonight.George Baldock last played for PanathinaikosCredit: EPATributes have been paid for ex-Sheffield United star George BaldockCredit: GettyAnd the players will wear black armbands in tribute to George who sadly died on Wednesday.Here is what SunSport know about George Baldock.Who was George Baldock?Born March 9, 1993, George Baldock was raised in Buckingham, England.Baldock was of Greek descent through his grandmother and was eligible to represent Greece at an international level as well as England.Read more on George BaldockHe started his footballing career playing for Milton Keynes Dons’ academy team while older brother Sam Baldock played for the senior side.George made his first-team debut for MK Dons on May 1, 2010 in the League One clash with Brighton & Hove Albion which ended in a 0-0 draw.Baldock then joined Northampton on a month’s loan over a year later but June 13, 2017, George made his big breakthrough by signing for newly promoted Championship side Sheffield United.George Baldock spent seven years at Sheffield UnitedCredit: APAnd then in 2019, Baldock helped the Blades secure promotion to the Premier League following a 12-year absence.Most read in FootballThe full-back went on to represent Sheffield United for seven years making more than 219 appearances before his contract would expireThen on May 29, 2024, Baldock joined Greek side Panathinaikos on a three-year contract, making his debut in the Europa League third qualifying round at home to Ajax.What happened to George Baldock?George Baldock was tragically found dead in his swimming pool on Wednesday, October 9, 2024.The former Sheffield United defender was discovered at his home in Greece, where he played for Panathinaikos.Greek media report his wife, who lives in England, was trying to track him down but she couldn’t contact him and started to worry.She then informed the owner of the house in Glyfada, Athens, to check the property, where he was reportedly found dead in the swimming pool.Police are now investigating and were pictured outside his home later in the evening.Family statementBaldock’s family later released a statement following the devastating news.It read: “We can confirm that George has sadly passed away. As a family we are in shock at this terrible loss. We ask please that the media respect our privacy at this time.”While club Panathinaikos added: “We are shocked, we are shocked by the loss of our George.”The family of Panathinaikos mourns his untimely death. We stand with the family and loved ones of George Baldock.”The Blades also paid tribute to Baldock in a statement that read: “Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with supporters, staff and teammates who pulled on a red and white shirt alongside him.”The sincere condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United are extended to George’s family and friends.” More

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    Scotland match stopped for FIFTEEN MINUTES as ambulance forced to drive to pitch after horror injury

    SCOTLAND under-19’s friendly clash with Hungary was delayed for more than FIFTEEN MINUTES.That’s after one of Hungary’s players sustained a horror injury and required lengthy treatment on the park.A loose ball led to a tough tackleCredit: YOUTUBE/SCOTLAND NATIONAL TEAMThe Hungary player was left writhing in agonyCredit: YOUTUBE/SCOTLAND NATIONAL TEAMMedics rushed on as teammates looked on concernedCredit: YOUTUBE/SCOTLAND NATIONAL TEAMA stretcher was called forCredit: YOUTUBE/SCOTLAND NATIONAL TEAMAn ambulance drove right to the side of the pitchCredit: YOUTUBE/SCOTLAND NATIONAL TEAMThe Hungary player was rushed off of the parkCredit: YOUTUBE/SCOTLAND NATIONAL TEAMIt’s the first of two back-to-back matches with the Hungarians for Neil Macfarlane’s under-19 side.The games will warm the Scots up for their European Championship qualifier with Wales next month.Scotland struck early with Aberdeen kid Alfie Bavidge, who’s on loan at Ayr, opening the scoring nine minutes in.But Hungary quickly levelled through Matyas Vidnyanszky five minutes later.That’s how the scoreline remained when horror scenes unfolded in the 50th minute of the match.Torino’s Tamas Galantai received possession in a defensive area and was immediately under pressure.Galantai let the ball run across him to escape the attentions of one player, with Gabriel Forsyth bearing down from where the ball was heading.The Scotland midfielder then came charging in with a full blooded challenge.Most read in FootballThe Norwich midfielder got a huge touch on the ball but his momentum took him crashing into Galantai at full speed.The Hungary player immediately writhed around in agony as the referee raced in to brandish a yellow card to Forsyth.Steve Clarke is dealing with injury chaos for Scotland’s return to Nations League action as Bill Leckie and Roger Hannah ask if it’s time toGalantai’s concerned teammates immediately called for medical assistance, with some looking visibly shaken with their heads in their hands.After the Hungary medical team raced onto the park, the Hungary players formed a circle around Galantai.A stretcher was immediately brought on and Galantai was given lengthy treatment on the pitch.After a ten-minute delay, an ambulance drove to the side of the pitch with blue lights flashing.The stricken player was then carefully lifted onto a stretcher and taken to the ambulance.Play resumed following a FIFTEEN MINUTE delay with the ambulance STILL by the side of the pitch.18 minutes after the injury, the ambulance left the University of Debrecen Stadium.The game itself looked destined for a draw until Celtic’s Mitchel Frame struck an 89th minute winner.READ MORE SUN STORIESOur New YouTube ChannelSubscribe to our new Scottish Sun Sport YouTube channel for all the latest football news, views and amazing moments.We’ve got every major development covered from Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Hibs, Aberdeen and the rest of the Scottish Premiership.Plus we have TWO brilliant new podcasts to watch every week…MONDAYGo Ballistic with Roger Hannah and special guest Kris Boyd will dissect all the weekend action and deliver their no-holds-barred reaction.WEDNESDAYRobert Grieve and Bill Leckie chew over the tastiest topics in Scottish football and offer their unique takes in their Coffee Club.FRIDAYGo Ballistic is back with Roger Hannah and top tipster Jim Delahunt looking ahead to the weekend games and analysing the biggest talking points.Subscribe now and don’t miss a thing. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Premier League Wag reveals how she ‘SPLITS THE BILLS’ with footballer boyfriend in hilarious video

    A PREMIER League Wag has given her fans a cheeky insight into her spending habits.Sophie Lawlor, the long-term girlfriend of Everton’s Jake O’Brien, left fans in hysterics with a viral TikTok. Sophie Lawlor, girlfriend of Everton’s Jake O’Brien, has revealed their spending arrangementsCredit: TikTok/Sophie LawlorThe loved-up pair have been together for over five yearsCredit: Instagram @sophielawlorrSophie is popular on TikTok where she shares updates on her life as a Prem WagCredit: Instagram @sophielawlorrLawlor broke down the pair’s spending after O’Brien got his big break in the Premier League over the summer. The 23-year-old centre-back joined Sean Dyche’s Toffees in a £17million switch from Lyon.Sophie and Jake have been an item for over five years, with the footy ace regularly appearing on her socials. The makeup artist boasts over 16,000 followers on TikTok, recently giving her fans an inside look into being a Prem Wag. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLawlor captioned the viral vid: “Here’s how we split bills as a couple who lives together.”She went on to detail the things she shells out for, saying: “I pay for rent, gas and electric, council tax, car insurance, car fuel, dog food, food shop, girly things and travel.”But in a twist to end the video, Lawlor had her fans on strings with a cheeky final message.She added, alongside a snap of O’Brien at his Everton unveiling: “He gives me the money to pay for it all.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne fan laughed in response: “This is amazing.”Another said: “Just need Dyche to play him now.”Premier League icon Nikos Dabizas names surprise EFL star who could be key to shutting down Jude Bellingham in England vs GreeceAnd a third joked: “You’ll have to start coughing up when Everton go down this season.”O’Brien has struggled to break into the first team on Merseyside since his arrival in July.He has appeared just once in the Premier League, along with two cup starts. She boasts over 16,000 followers on the social media siteCredit: Instagram @sophielawlorrIrish defender O’Brien penned a four-year deal with Everton over the summerCredit: Instagram @sophielawlorrHe has struggled to break into the first team on MerseysideCredit: GettyA no-nonsense centre-half, O’Brien began his career at Cork City and was formerly on the books at Crystal Palace. After penning a four-year deal with the Toffees, he said: “I’m buzzing and so happy to have signed.”I’ve been dreaming of this kind of move in the Premier League, with such a historic club. It’s a very exciting move for me.”Lawlor, a makeup artist, met O’Brien when the pair were teenagers in CorkCredit: Instagram @sophielawlorrThe pair recently moved back from France after O’Brien left LyonCredit: Instagram @sophielawlorr More