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      Former England U21 star, 27, shares incredible heartwarming video as tens of thousands welcome him for Bangladesh debut

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      FORMER England Under-21 star Hamza Choudhury shared an incredible video of his heroic welcome ahead of his Bangladesh debut.The Leicester midfielder, on loan at Sheffield United, was born in Loughborough and joined the Foxes aged seven in 2005.Hamza Choudhury received a hero’s welcome in BangladeshCredit: https://www.instagram.com/hamzachoudhury/The footballer switched allegiance to represent the Asian countryCredit: https://www.instagram.com/hamzachoudhury/He visited the nation of his mother throughout his childhoodCredit: https://www.instagram.com/hamzachoudhury/Fans produced banners and chanted wildly for their new starCredit: https://www.instagram.com/hamzachoudhury/Choudhury played for England U21s but did not make a senior Three Lions appearanceCredit: GettyHis no-nonsense game and tough tackling earned him a spot in the Young Lions set-up.He made seven U21 caps between 2018 and 2019 and was even linked with a transfer to Barcelona. However, after struggling to kick on and break into the England senior team, Choudhury opted to switch allegiance to the country of his mother.Choudhury – who can speak Bengali – was raised by his mother and stepfather in a traditional Bangladeshi Muslim home and regularly visited the nation throughout his childhood.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe obtained a Bangladeshi passport in August 2024 and Fifa ratified the official change in December. The 2021 FA Cup winner received his first call-up to make his debut for the national team ahead of Tuesday’s AFC Asian Cup qualifier against India.And he received a superb reaction when he touched down in Bangladesh and was presented to fans. In a beautiful video posted on Instagram, Choudhury shared a series of photos from his childhood – including with his family and seemingly visits to Bangladesh.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe then added various clips of his welcome this week with photographers clamouring to get snaps of his arrival, banners, fans waving and blowing whistles in vehicles along the road and thousands of supporters lining the streets.Choudhury, Enzo Maresca’s part-time captain in Leicester’s Championship-winning season last year, took in the adulation of his adoring compatriots as he was covered in orange confetti before being presented on stage.How Newcastle outsmarted Liverpool with Dan Burn and Alexander Isak’s genius tricksThe huge crowd desperately wanted to capture the moment on their phones and some even set flares off.Choudhury put the song To Build A Home over the video and captioned it on social media: “An amazing welcome coming home.. next stop Dhaka,” the capital city of Bangladesh.Fans swarmed the comments section with messages of support.One said: “Well done Hamza. Inspirational.”Another wrote: “Unbelievable scenes.”A third added: “Dear Hamza, you’ve made us dream again. I hope you’ll bring the joy and success we’ve been longing for. Be the torch bearer of our football. Be the leader we always wanted to have. And lead us to the ultimate glory! Bangladesh loves you.”And a final user simply replied: “Wow.”‘JOY AND PRIDE’Choudhury – who is married to Olivia with whom he has three children – previously opened up on his Asian heritage, switching allegiance and what it meant to be the first player to represent Bangladesh in the Premier League. He told Versus: “Bangladesh taught me a lot as a kid, some things I can hopefully pass on to my own children. It’s just about gratitude and treating everyone the same.”England is definitely my home but so is Bangladesh. So, to be able to go back to my country of origin and represent the people I grew up with, it means everything to me – it fills me with so much joy and pride.”Up until I was 16 I went every year with my family, sometimes even twice a year.  I do have a lot of childhood memories from all of those years visiting family in Bangladesh. READ MORE SUN STORIES”As I’ve grown, I’m trying to understand the responsibilities that come with being the first Bangladeshi to play in the Premier League. “Representing not just a minority of people, but a whole country. For me, I’m just proud.”The tough-tackling Leicester midfielder is on loan at Sheffield UnitedCredit: ReutersChoudhury was paraded through the streetsCredit: Bangladesh Football FederationThousands turned out to catch a glimpse of himCredit: https://www.instagram.com/hamzachoudhury/Some even drove alongside him to see the footballerCredit: https://www.instagram.com/hamzachoudhury/Choudhury waved to the thousands who lined the streetsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/hamzachoudhury/Flares were set off as Choudhury was presented to the crowdCredit: https://www.instagram.com/hamzachoudhury/Fans of all ages wanted to capture the momentCredit: https://www.instagram.com/hamzachoudhury/Choudhury was born in LoughboroughCredit: https://www.instagram.com/hamzachoudhury/His mother is BangladeshiCredit: https://www.instagram.com/hamzachoudhury/He was raised in a Muslim household and speaks BengaliCredit: https://www.instagram.com/hamzachoudhury/The dad-of-three cited his love and connection to Bangladesh, where he has familyCredit: https://www.instagram.com/hamzachoudhury/Choudhury looks set to make his Bangladesh debut against India next weekCredit: https://www.instagram.com/hamzachoudhury/ More

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      ‘My family agreed’ – Gianluigi Buffon’s son Louis, 17, explains why he plays for Czech Republic instead of Italy

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      GIANLUIGI BUFFON’S son Louis has pledged to play for the Czech Republic, rather than Italy.His legendary father, 47, played 176 times for the Azzurri and won the 2006 World Cup.Louis Buffon made his first team debut for Pisa earlier this monthCredit: RexLouis, second from right, is the son of legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi BuffonCredit: GettyInstead of following in his old man’s footsteps, however, Louis will represent the Czech Republic, where his mother Alena Seredova hails from.Louis, 17, earned his first team debut for Pisa in Serie B earlier this month, playing under his father’s former Italy team-mate Filippo Inzaghi.The winger has been rewarded with a first call up to the Czech Under-18s squad.His side will face England, France and Portugal during this international break.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSUpon receiving his maiden call-up, Louis explained his decision to the Czech media team.He said: “I was very happy to come to the meeting and curious about the different football culture.”I spoke with my family and together we decided that it would be better for my football career and my development as a player to play for the Czech Republic.”My mother, of course, was very happy, but my father was also excited because it was my first call-up for the national team.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSGianluigi began his relationship with Czech model and TV presenter Alena in 2005.The pair wed in 2011, before splitting up three years later.‘Pack it in and retire’ – Watch Gianluigi Buffon commit biggest HOWLER of 27-year career as fans beg Italy legend to quitLouis was born in Turin and is not fluent in his mother’s language.Although he has vowed to keep working on his linguistic skills.He continued: “I don’t speak Czech very well yet, but as soon as I found out I could come here, I started learning it.”I spend about 10 minutes on Duolingo every day.”Louis could come up against the country of his birth while playing for the Czech Republic.But he claims that he would not treat such a match any differently.Louis added: “I was born and raised in Italy, but I think that in order to be a 100 per cent professional and do my job as well as possible, every match has to be important for me, whether it is against Italy or any other national team.”Louis’ mother is Czech model and TV presenter Alena SeredovaCredit: Getty More

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      Incredible XI of stars Chelsea could sell to fund huge summer striker signing including £72million Kepa Arrizabalaga

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      CHELSEA could be forced into selling an entire XI of star players this summer in order to fund a world class striker.The Blues’ desperation for a No 9 has left the club needing to flog players in order to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules.Manager Enzo Maresca is prepared to shift as many as 11 players to get a new No 9Ben Chilwell could be one player leaving Stamford Bridge on a permanent basisCredit: PAWith £1.2billion spent under Todd Boehly since 2022, Enzo Maresca essentially has two separate squads and more players than he can count.But so far Chelsea have avoided Financial Fair Play punishments due to their ability to sell players – such as £60million-plus deals for Mason Mount to Manchester United and Kai Havertz to Arsenal – amounting to decent net sales.And this summer, they have no shortage of options for potential profitable exits – so many that you could practically make an XI out of a sellable list.It’s hard to keep up with who is on the books at Chelsea, with NINE of the XI currently out on loan, but SunSport runs the rule over those who could make way.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSKepa ArrizabalagaKepa Arrizabalaga joined Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao for £72m in 2018.The Spaniard, who is currently on loan at Bournemouth, remains the most expensive keeper of all time.The 30-year-old is reportedly keen to join the Cherries on a permanent basis after starting 22 Prem games this season.But after spending last term on loan with Real Madrid, Kepa will surely have many other suitors, too.Most read in FootballKepa Arrizabalaga is reportedly keen to join Bournemouth on a permanent basisAlfie GilchristChelsea loanee Gilchrist has started 26 of Sheffield United’s 30 Championship games this season.Home-grown talent and an English defender aged 21 is a good combination for getting a decent fee.With Chris Wilder’s side pushing for immediate promotion back to the Prem, the club could move to make Gilchrist’s deal permanent.Alfie Gilchrist has started 26 of Sheffield United’s 30 Championship games this season.Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeTrevor ChalobahFellow Cobham star Chalobah, who joined Chelsea at the age of eight, is said to be seen as “expandable” by the club heading into the summer.Academy graduates represent “pure profit” when it comes to PSR and any sales would go a long way to helping Chelsea get some money in the bank to spend on new arrivals.Chalobah likely had hopes of saving his Blues career when the club recalled him from his loan at Crystal Palace as Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill were out with suspected long-term injures.Axel DisasiChelsea are planning to sell Disasi after sending the Frenchman out on loan to Aston Villa in January. A move to the Birmingham-based club could be an option for the Frenchman should he impress in the remainder of the season. Chelsea are planning to sell Axel Disasi after sending the Frenchman out on loan to Aston Villa in JanuaryBen ChilwellChilwell set Chelsea back a whopping £50m when he arrived from Leicester in 2020 but fitness issues have made him a liability.Maresca said the left-back is “free to leave” when he loaned him to Crystal Palace for the remainder of the season in January.Chilwell, who earns around £200,000-per-week, was widely criticised by a section of the fanbase last season.Renato VeigaVeiga, 21, joined Chelsea from Basel for £11.8m in the summer but was loaned to Juventus at the turn of the year.The Italian side have agreed to cover the Portugal international’s wages and pay a £3.8m loan fee, with no option to buy included in the deal.Veiga has also been linked with Borussia Dortmund as he looks for more minutes to stay in the Portugal squad.Carney ChukwuemekaThe 21-year-old joined Dortmund on loan, with an option to buy, from Chelsea in February and has enjoyed a great start there.The Bundesliga giants would be keen on keeping Chukwuemeka for another loan after this one comes to an end, although this would rely on them qualifying for Europe.’Embarrassing our manager is taking that…’ – Eagle-eyed Chelsea fans fuming after spotting Maresca’s gesture to TimberRaheem SterlingSterling has endured a nightmare stint at Stamford Bridge since signing for £47.5m from Manchester City on a FIVE-YEAR deal in 2022.The 82-time England international joined Arsenal for a season-long loan last summer, with Maresca explaining that he wouldn’t play a minute under his management.With four Prem starts in 29 games this season, Arsenal won’t move to sign Sterling, who bags £325,000-per-week on a permanent deal.Bookies have West Ham and Fenerbahce as the front-runners to take him if he was to leave Chelsea.Arsenal won’t move to sign Sterling on a permanent dealJoao FelixFelix’s £113 million transfer from Benfica to Atletico Madrid in 2019 made him the fifth most expensive football transfer of all time. After a topsy-turvy few years Diego Simeone, Felix joined Chelsea on a brief loan in 2023, before he spent a campaign with Barcelona.His £42.7m sale to Chelsea last summer saw the LaLiga side ultimately accept a devastating financial loss.But within six months of his deal which runs until 2031, Maresca sent him on loan to AC Milan – which has been another nightmare.Felix, 25, has been slammed by some sections of the Italian press after a string of underwhelming performances since January.Joao Felix was shipped out on loan to AC Milan in JanuaryDavid Datro FofanaFofana’s 18 months at Chelsea have seen him feature just four times for the club, while he bags around £30,000 a week.The 22-year-old was recalled from his loan spell with Super Lig side Goztepe after major knee injury left him unable to play until next season.Previous loans at Union Berlin and Burnley previously conjured up just six goals in 32 appearances.Now Chelsea could cut their losses on the £13m man and ensure he is off their wage bill.Armando BrojaChelsea were willing to sell striker Broja last August, before he joined Everton on a season-long loan on deadline day.But bidders might be put off by the Albania international’s ongoing injury problems.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 23-year-old was sidelined for the opening months of the season at Everton as he continued to recover from an Achilles injury, which had scuppered a transfer to Ipswich.Broja was then available for selection for FIVE games before being stretchered off with oxygen during Everton’s FA Cup win over Peterborough. 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      Player who has never played for Newcastle receives Carabao Cup winners’ medal due to little-known rule

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      A TEENAGER who is yet to make his Newcastle debut was given a Carabao Cup winners medal following Sunday’s 2-1 win over Liverpool.The Magpies ended their 70-year wait for a domestic trophy at the weekend by winning the Carabao Cup at Wembley.Sean Neave was on the bench for Newcastle during the Carabao Cup finalCredit: GettyThe 17-year-old was handed a winners medal despite not playing a single minute for the senior teamCredit: GettyDan Burn put his team 1-0 up on the brink of half-time with a composed header before Alexander Isak increased the advantage in the 52nd minute.Federico Chiesa got one back for Liverpool in added time, but it was not enough and Eddie Howe’s side went on to clinch the victory.Academy graduate Sean Neave was on the bench for Newcastle but did not get any minutes.Although he was denied the chance to make his senior debut at Wembley, the 17-year-old still received a winners medal.Read More on NewcastleNeave penned his first professional contract for Newcastle last summer.He said: “Ever since I was young, it’s been my dream to play for Newcastle United so to sign a professional deal here is surreal.”I was really pleased to make my debut for the under-21s as it means next year, I can push on and try to make a few more appearances and hopefully score a few goals.”Making my international debut was a really proud moment for me and my family. Playing for your country is one of the biggest things in football and I’m hoping that, next season, I can gain more appearances for England.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I’m more than happy about my goals this season at under-18 level and I was really pleased to be the top goalscorer at the club.”I’m hoping I can push on, score a few more next season and be up there with the top goalscorers in the league.”Liverpool 1 Newcastle 2: Jubilant Toon finally end 70 years of heartache to win Carabao Cup in week from hell for RedsNeave scored less than two minutes into his Premier League 2 debut in November and is now one of the most highly-regarded young prospects at the club.Meanwhile, goalkeeper Martin Dubravka also received a medal despite not making an appearance.And reports are claiming that Miguel Almiron is poised to be given one despite leaving St James’ Park in January.Almiron made four appearances for the Magpies in the Carabao Cup this season before joining Atlanta United. More

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      Nick Cushing turns focus on WSL clash after Miedema’s Man City brace ends Chelsea’s unbeaten run

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      NICK CUSHING is ready to turn his attention to Manchester City’s WSL test against Chelsea after his side beat them in Europe last night. Vivianne Miedema’s brace sealed City’s 2-0 Champions League quarters first-leg victory, ending the Blues’ 31-game unbeaten run. Nick Cushing guided Manchester City to a hardfought win at Joie Stadium on their return to Champions League actionCredit: AFPTwo second-half goals for Vivianne Miedema sealed City’s quarter-final first leg victoryCredit: AlamyBrazil forward Kerolin impressed for City on her first European outing since joining the club in JanuaryCredit: AlamyThe Netherlands star’s second-half double enabled the Cityzens to avenge their League Cup final loss to Chelsea before their second-leg clash next Thursday at Stamford Bridge. Before then the rivals meet at the Etihad this Sunday at 2:30pm in the top tier. And Cushing is targeting his first match win in the top tier since his Man City return last week. His side are currently fourth in the WSL and 12 points behind leaders Chelsea after losing four of their 16 games this term. Read More Football StoriesThe interim Cityzens boss, who oversaw his first game at Joie Stadium since 2019, said: We wanted to win, we’ve won with a two-goal lead. “We can put that one away now and focus on the league game, because our league position isn’t where we want it and Sunday’s game becomes crucial. “After that we prepare for the Stamford Bridge (reverse Champions League) game. “We know any game against Chelsea is going to be incredibly difficult. Most read in Football”The confidence and belief comes from knowing that we can play whatever game is in front of us.”While striker Khadija Shaw and forward Aoba Fujino joining Lauren Hemp on the Cityzens’ crocked list, Cushing opted to start Miedema on the bench on Wednesday night. His side had three first-half shots on target including 19-year-old Lily Murphy’s low strike close to half-time which prompted a comfortable save from keeper Hannah Hampton. With visitors Chelsea content to soak up pressure, Cushing shuffled his deck bringing Miedema on in the second half.The WSL record scorer rewarded him with a 60th-minute shot into the roof of the net before a late strike with two minutes of normal time left. After the match Miedema said:  “I’m honestly happy that I could come on and help the team. Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor has backed her Blues to bounce back in their WSL duel with City at the Etihad on March 23Credit: Alamy”This is the standard that we need to set ourselves. It gives us a lot of confidence going into the next two games (against Chelsea).”It’s a really special (win). We’ve had a couple of special Champions League nights here this season. “We had the win over Barcelona as well, but this one feels really really good.” More

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      Croatia vs France: Get £50 in free bets for Nations League quarter final with Betfred

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      CROATIA and France go toe-to-toe in the first leg of their Nations League quarter final.And brand new Betfred customers can claim a fantastic £50 in free bets and bonuses when they sign-up and stake a tenner on the international encounter.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereCroatia vs France: Get £50 free bets HERE*How to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*Croatia vs France: Get £50 free bets HERE*New to Betfred? Then you can claim this incredible offer.Simply visit the Betfred website using this link HERE* and register a new account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Then you just need to deposit and stake £10 on any football market at odds of Evens or greater.When that first bet has settled — win or lose — Betfred will credit your account with the following free bets;3 x £10 to use on any Sportsbook Markets2 x £10 to use on Accumulators (4+ selections)Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices. For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.*New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply. More

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      Italy vs Germany: Get £40 in free bets on the Nations League quarter final with BetMGM

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      ITALY host Germany in the first leg of their Nations League quarter final this Thursday.And bookmakers BetMGM are offering brand new customers a cool £40 in free bets when you register an account and stake a tenner on the mega match-up.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..BetMGM £40 welcome bonusVisit the BetMGM website HERE*Select SPORTS OFFER on the websiteRegister a new account – No Promo Code necessaryOpt in for this promotion by depositing and placing at least £10 on football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free betsItaly vs Germany: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here*Not got a BetMGM account? No problem!This offer is just for you, and it’s incredibly easy to claim!Simply register a new account, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on football at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater. This must be done within seven days of opening your account with the bookmaker.Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free bets!Italy vs Germany: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here**BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1x £10 Free Bet on Football, 1x £10 Free Bet on Horse Racing, 2 x £10 Free Bet Builders. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices. For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

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      Chelsea’s Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo signings confirmed in unorthodox announcement as EXACT transfer fees revealed

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      THE exact transfer fee – including the costs of agents – that Chelsea will pay to sign Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo has been revealed.Selling club Sporting Lisbon announced the deals in a statement which also detailed how much the fees would come to.The exact fee Chelsea will pay to sign Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo has been revealedCredit: RexChelsea will pay up to £44m for 17-year-old QuendaCredit: GettyMeanwhile, Essugo will cost £18.7mCredit: GettyThis was a very different move to the way deals are typically announced with clubs often calling the fee “undisclosed”.The Portuguese giants revealed the double deal was worth just under £62.4m (€74.5million).Broken down for the two players, Chelsea have paid more than double the fee for Quenda than Essugo.The 17-year-old, one of Europe’s most sought after talents and previously linked with reuniting with Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, was reported as a shock move last week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChelsea will pay £42.6m up front for the winger, with a further £1.1m in potential add ons.However, the Blues will not see their new star in action until at least 2026 after an agreement was struck to leave the teen on loan in Lisbon.Meanwhile, the deal for Essugo, currently on loan at Las Palmas, has seen Chelsea pay a flat £18.7m (€22.27m).The defensive midfielder will remain on loan in Spain before linking up with Chelsea in the summer. Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeThat means he could make his debut for the club during the inaugural Club World Cup.The statement also added fees for intermediation services in the deals were worth £3.7m for the pair of them – £2.8m (€3.35m) for Quenda and £838,000 (€999,700).’This is a joke’ – Danny Drinkwater reveals moment he was told he had ONE HOUR to leave Chelsea More