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    I’m a former Belgium star whose Premier League career was tragically cut short after 3 games – I nearly lost my leg

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    LUC NILIS was one of the first Belgian superstars to grace the Premier League – before his career was tragically cut short.The now 56-year-old was one of the most prolific forwards in Europe back in the 1980s and 90s and enjoyed great success.Former Belgium star Nilis’ career was tragically cut short after his move to EnglandCredit: EPAThis forward played in two World Cups for his countryCredit: ReutersHe suffered a horrific injury after colliding with Ipswich goalie Richard Wright in 2000Credit: Action ImagesHaving made the breakthrough at Winterslag in his homeland, Anderlecht swooped to sign him in 1986 and he spent eight years banging them in for the Belgian giants.Four title successes followed as well as three Belgian Cups as he scored 124 times in 223 league matches for the club.He left Anderlecht in the summer of 1994 to join Dutch big boys PSV Eindhoven, and he topped the Dutch scoring charts in his first season there.Nilis tasted a lot more joy in Holland, winning the Eredivisie twice and the KNVB Cup as part of a deadly strike duo with the original Ronaldo.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHis unselfishness even led to the Brazilian legend naming him as his favourite strike partner years later.Nilis would later partner future Manchester United icon Ruud van Nistelrooy there but opted for his own big move to the Premier League in 2000 as a free agent.However, that switch to Aston Villa turned into nothing short of a nightmare as a horrific injury almost led to him having his leg amputated.Nilis scored on his debut in the Intertoto Cup and followed that up with a strike on his top-flight bow against Chelsea.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut weeks later he was involved in a nasty clash with Ipswich Town goalkeeper Richard Wright.The star suffered a double compound fracture of his right shin, but even worse was to follow.Top ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spotThe injury became infected and he was even told that he might have to have part of his leg removed.Speaking about the ordeal, he said: “It was the worst moment of my life to be told I might have to lose part of my leg – that will live with me forever.“It was such a bad break that it led to complications and it was nearly a disaster.”Fortunately for him that was not required, but the severity of the damage forced him into an early retirement.Nilis is still fondly remembered by Belgian football fans and scored ten goals in 56 matches for his country while also representing them at two World Cups.And even though he was unable to kick a ball again professionally, he is still involved in the beautiful game.He has worked at numerous clubs in various coaching roles in Belgium, Holland, Turkey and was even assistant of Jordan.He then tried his hand at management in 2021 for Belisia Bilzen in Belgium, but that was only for a season.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter a brief spell coaching in Genk’s academy, he is now the striker coach at Belgian outfit Patro Eisden in the second tier.And there is no doubt that he will be tuning in to watch his former Villa team-mate Gareth Southgate’s England take on Belgium at Wembley on Tuesday.Luc Nilis almost lost his leg after the horrific injury became infectedCredit: AP:Associated PressBrazilian Ronaldo loved being his strike partner at PSVCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

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      I was one of first Belgium stars to play in Premier League and scored worldie vs Man Utd before becoming a greengrocer

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      ONE OF the first Belgian stars to grace the Premier League embarked on a very different career as a GREENGROCER after retirement.The 56-year-old is now back on TV screens in his homeland as a TV pundit and may be in action to cover Belgium’s clash away to England at Wembley on Tuesday.Newcastle legend Philippe Albert was one of the first Belgian stars to play in EnglandCredit: GettyHe became a greengrocer in his homeland after retirementCredit: XPhilippe Albert is still fondly remembered on these shores after hitting the big time in the 1990s.He caught the eye after his outstanding performance for Belgium at the 1994 World Cup, where he scored crucial goals against Germany and the Netherlands.Albert left Anderlecht to sign for Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle United after turning down transfers to Italian sides Juventus and Fiorentina.He also revealed that he was a huge fan of Keegan from his Liverpool days and it was a dream come true for him to play under his hero.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd Albert loved being part of Keegan’s attack-minded team – who were dubbed The Entertainers.Despite being a centre-half, he would often be found loitering on the edge of the opposition’s box.However, he hadn’t even made it that far up the pitch when his most famous and magical moment occurred for the Magpies.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERIt was a scintillating day in October 1996 when Manchester United were in the North East.Most read in FootballNewcastle smashed Sir Alex Ferguson’s side and were 4-0 up thanks to goals from Darren Peacock, David Ginola, Les Ferdinand and Alan Shearer when Albert wanted in on the action.Belgium boss reacts after Real Madrid star Thibaut Courtois publicly calls him outWith only seven minutes left, the towering defender picked up the ball 45 yards out, ran forward 10, and chipped it straight over Peter Schmeichel in the United goal to send the Toon Army wild.Unfortunately for Albert he left Newcastle once Ruud Gullit had taken over in 1998 to reunite with Keegan at Fulham on loan.Eventually, he was sold back to Belgium when Charleroi paid £600,000 for him in 1999 and he hung up his boots the following season after a great career that also saw him capped 41 times by his country, with him scoring five times.But rather than embark on a career in coaching, the 6ft 3in ace gave up the beautiful game to start life as a greengrocer back home.Albert told the Guardian: “I would prepare the produce for customers.“I did for 11 years and I didn’t touch the money I earned as a footballer. Up early, finishing late, that’s what I wanted: a normal life. I’m very proud of it.“Otherwise when you stop football, you do nothing. You have no life.”Albert worked as a greengrocer until 2012, when he became a full-time pundit for Belgian TV.He explained to FourFourTwo: “For 11 years, before moving into television, I wanted to experience the real world.“I enjoyed life, going about my business each day just like everybody else. And I love eating spinach, to stay strong, and apples.”Philippe Albert celebrates his incredible strike against Man UtdCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdAlbert is still best remembered for THAT goal against United, and he told the Newcastle Chronicle: “Remember Peter Schmeichel was one of the best keepers in the world.“He used to come off his line a lot. He did it to reduce the angles of attackers.“It was something special for me, I saw him come off his line and I just thought: ‘Why not?’“It was Man United and Schmeichel, and I knew if it came off people would be talking about it for years. If it didn’t work it was 4-0 anyway.“That’s why I tried something you’d consider very special for a defender.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Technically it’s very difficult to score a goal like this – especially for a defender.“I was lucky to score that type of goal.”The former defender pictured in action for Newcastle against WimbledonCredit: REUTERS More

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      Kasper Schmeichel, 37, ‘lined up for Premier League return’ with Leicester rivals as title winner has low buy-out clause

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      KASPER SCHMEICHEL has been lined-up for a shock Premier League return with one of his former club’s biggest rivals.The goalkeeper, who won the Premier League and FA Cup at Leicester City, ended his highly-successful 11-year spell with the Foxes in 2022 to join French side Nice.
      Anderlecht’s goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel could be coming back to the PremCredit: AFP
      But he left them after just one season to sign a 12-month contract for Belgian outfit Anderlecht after his deal in Ligue 1 was terminated.
      Now Schmeichel, whose father Peter earned legendary status playing for Manchester United, could be heading back to England in a shock move.
      That is according to the Daily Mail, who claim that “he has emerged as a potential option for Nottingham Forest if they are able to sign a goalkeeper in January”.
      They state that the 37-year-old “would be open to returning” to our top-flight, despite Forest being East Midlands rivals to Leicester.
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      This update also claims that there “is a relatively low buy-out clause in his contract”.
      And it also adds that “initial discussions between representatives have taken place”. 
      Forest were ready to finish the campaign with Matt Turner and Odysseas Vlachodimos as their two senior goalkeepers.
      However, the recent form of USA international Turner has caused some concerns for new boss Nuno Espirito Santo. 
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      But they must overcome a number of obstacles before they can bring in any new additions.
      Forest are waiting to discover what punishment, which could be a points deduction, they receive after being charged with breaking Premier League spending rules.
      They have signed 43 players since securing promotion 18 months ago and also now they must clear some out before others are brought in.
      They have cancelled Andrey Santos’ season-long loan from Chelsea this month and agreed a £2.6m fee with Flamengo to sell them Brazilian midfielder Gustavo Scarpa.  More

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      Fans fear ‘dangerous precedent set’ as top-flight match to be REPLAYED after ‘significant VAR penalty error’

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      FANS fear a “dangerous precedent has been set” after a top-flight match in Belgium was ordered to be REPLAYED following a “significant VAR penalty error”Anderlecht beat Genk 2-1 in December’s controversial game, netting a 91st minute to seal all three points.
      Anderlecht vs Genk will be replayed after a major VAR errorCredit: AFP
      Genk should have been allowed to retake a penalty before they went on to loseCredit: Getty
      However, the game was overshadowed by a bizarre penalty incident in the first half.
      Genk had the opportunity to go ahead, but Bryan Heynan saw his spot-kick saved by Anderlecht goalie Kasper Schmeichel.
      Team-mate Yira Sor then pounced on the loose effort before firing it into the net.
      But VAR recommended Nathan Verboomen disallow the effort.
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      Replays showed that Sor was inside the box when Heynan took his penalty.
      And the goal was subsequently ruled out, with Anderlecht getting a free-kick.
      However, VAR failed to spot in the same replay that two Anderlecht players had also encroached while the penalty was being taken.
      Under the laws of the game, Genk should actually have been allowed to re-take their spot-kick.
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      And a football disciplinary body has now ruled that Anderlecht and Genk must replay the match in full following the error.
      The Disciplinary Council for Professional Football made the decision following an appeal by Genk, who are fifth in the Belgian Pro League and eight points behind second-place Anderlecht.
      Referee chiefs had already dismissed the idea of a replay, but that has now been overturned.
      A statement from the DCPF read: “The Disciplinary Council for Professional Football has ruled that the Anderlecht – KRC Genk match at the end of last year should be replayed.
      “The Disciplinary Council initially declared itself competent to rule on the matter. This overturned the earlier decision of the Professional Referee Department not to replay the match.
      “The Council then followed KRC Genk’s argument that the match officials misapplied the rules at the penalty phase in question. KRC Genk hopes that a date will be found soon to replay the match.”
      However, fans fear the move could set a dangerous precedent across European and world football.
      Several Premier League games have seen controversial VAR decisions this season, most notably Tottenham’s win over Liverpool which had a legal goal disallowed.
      One said: “Insanely dangerous precedent.”
      Another declared: “The basic concept of VAR was to minimise human errors.”
      One noted: “If it happened here there would be three games replayed every week.”
      Another yelled: “Might get refs to buck up their ideas.”
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      One chimed in: “If this happened in the Prem the season would never end.”
      Another added: “Anderlecht to beat Genk through a 91st minute winner again.” More

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      Alexis Mac Allister’s brother Kevin sent off for ‘piggybacking’ rival as fans say ‘have you ever seen a better tackle?’

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      ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER’S brother has been sent off for a bizarre moment during the Brussels derby.Kevin Mac Allister was playing for his club Union SG against local rivals Anderlecht in the quarter-finals of the Belgian cup.
      Kevin Mac Allister was sent off for a bizarre challenge in Union SG’s clash with AnderlechtCredit: Rex
      Kasper Dolberg was through on goal for AnderlechtCredit: X/ RTLsportsbe
      Mac Allister jumped on the striker’s back to prevent him from scoringCredit: X/ RTLsportsbe
      The Argentine was taking no chances in allowing Dolberg to get a shot awayCredit: Rex
      Mac Allister’s attempt to mount Dolberg’s back brought him to the ground and he was dismissed as a resultCredit: AFP
      With both Union SG and Anderlecht located in Belgian capital Brussels there is often drama when the two meet.
      And with the high stakes of the cup it appears that Kevin Mac Allister, 26, lost his head and made a rash decision.
      The Argentine was shown a straight red card in the 32nd minute of the cup clash when he appeared to jump on the back of Anderlecht striker Kasper Dolberg.
      Dolberg was running through on goal when Mac Allister felt he had to intervene to prevent what would have been a clear goal scoring opportunity.
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      The defender’s intervention worked out well for his side as Anderlecht were awarded a free-kick instead of a penalty following the incident.
      Fans were quick to react to the unusual sending off on social media with many joking that it was a superb intervention.
      One wrote: “Have you ever seen a better tackle?”
      While another added: “An absolutely elite red card for Kevin Mac Allister against Anderlecht this evening.”
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      A third joked: “Leave him alone he just wanted a Piggyback!”
      And a fourth chimed in writing: “11/10 foul. No notes.”
      Union SG may feel that it was the correct decision after all as they still managed to win the game 2-1 without Mac Allister on the pitch.
      An early goal from Dolberg could have been the difference between advancing to the next round of the cup or being knocked out.
      Union SG will now play Club Brugge in the semi-final of the competition next month.
      Although with his suspension, Kevin Mac Allister could be watching that one from home alone.
      Kevin Mac Allister is the brother of Liverpool and Argentina star AlexisCredit: Rex More

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      Kasper Schmeichel FLOORS team-mate in incredible way in training after ex-Leicester keeper links up with Denmark squad

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      KASPER SCHMEICHEL left his team-mate red-faced after producing an incredible piece of skill in training.The former Leicester star linked up with the Denmark squad for the October international break ahead of Euro 2024 qualifiers against Kazakhstan and San Marino.
      Kasper Schmeichel produced an incredible piece of skill in Denmark trainingCredit: Rex
      During a game of foot tennis Schmeichel performed an overhead kickCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyL0d0IKIpR/
      The shot ended up hitting his team-mateCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyL0d0IKIpR/
      Leaving him rolling on the floorCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyL0d0IKIpR/
      And the goalkeeper literally left his team-mate red-faced after a stunning piece of skill in training.
      In a video shared to social media, Schmeichel and his fellow goalkeepers were practising their headers and volleys with a game of foot tennis.
      As the ball was headed to his side of the net, Schmeichel’s partner passed the ball high in the air back towards the net.
      The 36-year-old then performed a stunning bicycle kick to get the ball over the net.
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      However, his kick went straight towards his opponent, appearing to hit them in the face and seeing them crumple to the floor in shock.
      Fans were left stunned by the overhead kick, with one writing: “Air Schmeichel 👏.”
      A second said: “When Giroud can take the box, Kaver can also play Giroud,” a reference to ex-Arsenal and Chelsea ace Olivier Giroud playing in goal for AC Milan over the weekend.
      A third commented: “Kasper 😱 Amazing.”
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      After leaving Leicester, Schmeichel headed to Ligue 1 side Nice.
      However, he left the French outfit – owned by prospective Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe – after just one season.
      He now plays for Belgian side RSC Anderlecht after reportedly taking a huge pay cut which is said to be 26 TIMES less than his wages were at Leicester.
      Schmeichel has played 95 times for the Danish national team.
      Denmark are joint top of their Group with Slovenia. More

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      Kasper Schmeichel on ‘unusually low salary’ at Anderlecht as he earns ’26 TIMES less than Leicester wages’

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      KASPER SCHMEICHEL has reportedly taken a huge pay cut with his new club Anderlecht. The Leicester legend was left unemployed after he and Nice agreed to rip up his contract with hours remaining of the transfer window.
      Kasper Schmeichel has reportedly taken a huge pay cut with his new club AnderlechtCredit: Getty
      And it did not take him long at all to find a new home with the 36-year-old joining Belgian side RSC Anderlecht.
      The Purple and White have signed Schmeichel on a one-year contract that will see him at the club until June 2024.
      But according to Nieuws Blad, Schmeichel will only be on wages of £4,000-per-week.
      During his Leicester days, the keeper made 26 TIMES more than that on £107k-a-week before leaving for the French league.
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      After joining Nice, he still took a pay cut to be on £35k-per-week but it only lasted one season.
      In Belgium, the stopper is believed to be in line for match bonuses but his base salary is unusually low.
      Schmeichel left Nice after losing his place as the first choice goalkeeper to Marcin Bulka who the club signed from PSG.
      The Dane made an astonishing 479 appearances for Leicester, helping them achieve the impossible by winning the Premier League in 2016.
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      He also won the FA Cup and the Community Shield with the club and will be hoping he can replicate his trophy successes in Belgium.
      Anderlecht finished in 11th place in the Belgian Pro League last season and will be looking to improve with their new addition this term.
      And they are off to a good start after winning four of their opening six games and sitting in second place in the division as things stand. More

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      Man Utd line up England keeper in summer transfer as De Gea replacement but want under-fire Spaniard to stay

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have lined up England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford if David de Gea leaves the club, according to reports. After 12 years at Old Trafford, De Gea’s contract with United is set to expire at the end of the season.
      David de Gea’s contract at Man Utd will expire at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
      Jordan Pickford has been identified as the club’s new goalkeeper targetCredit: Getty
      The Red Devils are said to have offered new terms to De Gea with a significant wage cut.
      It is understood club bosses want to keep the Spaniard on reduced terms rather than lose him entirely.
      However, Erik ten Hag has set about trying to identify to a new No1 in order to turn the team into genuine title contenders.
      And according to the Daily Star, Ten Hag has identified Pickford for this position.
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      The 29-year-old sealed a contract with Everton running until 2027 earlier this season.
      But with the Toffees thrust into a relegation battle, Pickford would be expected to leave in the event of relegation.
      Even if Sean Dyche manages to guide the team to safety, United will still try to tempt the England No1 with a bigger wage package.
      The Star’s report states Anderlecht keeper Bart Verbruggen has also been sounded out by Ten Hag.
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      Bart Verbruggen has also been identified as a targetCredit: Rex
      The 20-year-old Dutchman has enjoyed a breakout season, earning his first call up to the Holland national team during the most recent international break.
      Six foot four inch tall Verbruggen has kept eight clean sheets in 17 Jupiler Pro League matches this season.
      De Gea’s latest error at West Ham left fans raging that they would “riot if he signs a new deal.
      And reports earlier this week suggested De Gea and United had reached an agreement to cut his wages by as much as £175,000-per-week. More

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      Watch Kylian Mbappe’s wonderkid brother Ethan, 16, copy PSG star’s iconic celebration after scoring for youth team

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN superstar Kylian Mbappe’s brother Ethan made the rounds on social media with his recent goal and celebration.The 16-year-old also plays for PSG in their Under-19 side and has followed them to Amsterdam for the Future Cup tournament.
      Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe’s brother went viral
      Ethan Mbappe scored a beautiful goal and copied his brother’s iconic celebration
      Kylian Mbappe has created one of the most popular celebrationsCredit: AFP
      The midfielder played with the reserves against Anderlecht and even found the back of the net with a shot that his older brother would be proud of.
      The Frenchman got the ball on the left where he was totally unmarked and curved in a clinical shot with his left foot that hit the goalkeeper’s bottom right corner.
      The teenager then went viral as he copied Kylian’s iconic celebration by crossing his arms with his hands under his armpits.
      The Montreuil native was then joined by team-mates who celebrated passionately around him.
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      Fans took to social media to praise Ethan’s goal and issue some cheeky comparisons to his superstar brother.
      One fan tweeted: “Like old bro like little bro.”
      Another commented: “Literally Mbappe’s trademark finish.”
      A third posted: “There is another one.”
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      This fan said: “Better than his brother.”
      And that one stated: “@todd_boehly get it done.”
      Ethan has amassed and goal and two assists in seven appearances with the Under-19s and also played with the seniors during a friendly in December against Paris FC. More