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      Chelsea to miss out on David Alaba free transfer with Real Madrid ‘close’ to signing Bayern Munich star

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      CHELSEA look set to miss out on David Alaba as Real Madrid are reportedly ‘close’ to signing him.
      The Austrian superstar, 28, is set to leave Bayern Munich on a free transfer when his contract expires in the summer.

      Marca report that Real Madrid are close to completing a deal for David Alaba

      According to Marca, Real Madrid are keen to seal the deal with Alaba as ‘soon as possible’.
      The La Liga giants have offered him a four-year deal worth around £9million-per-year.
      Madrid are ‘close’ to securing Alaba’s signature despite interest from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United.
      Chelsea were one of four teams tipped to sign the 75-cap Austria international.

      Alaba will leave Bayern Munich in the summer after he refused to extend his contract.
      The defender has scored 32 goals and made 49 assists in 404 appearances for the club.
      Bayern chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge admitted the club tried their best to extend Alaba’s stay.
      Speaking in December, he said: “Bayern did everything we could to try and reach an agreement.

      David Alaba will leave Bayern Munich on a free transfer Credit: Reuters

      “We had a lot of conversations, but we wanted answers from him by the end of October.
      “This didn’t happen and I don’t know if we’ll return to the negotiations.
      “What I want to be clear about is that our offer showed exactly how much we value him.
      “But he didn’t accept it. He’s free to speak to whoever he wants from January 1.”

      Tony Cascarino claims that Frank Lampard can get best out of Chelsea striker Timo Werner by signing Emile Heskey type of player More

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      Arsenal join Tottenham in £45m Marcel Sabitzer transfer race with host of clubs after RB Leipzig midfielder

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      ARSENAL have joined Tottenham in the transfer race for RB Leipzig’s Marcel Sabitzer, according to reports.
      The £45million-rated Austrian midfielder is a target for a host of clubs, though.

      Arsenal have joined rivals Tottenham in the chase for RB Leipzig captain Marcel SabitzerCredit: Reuters

      According to ESPN, Mikel Arteta identified Sabitzer as the creative spark in midfielder he desperately craves.
      The RB Leipzig captain, 26, scored 16 and assisted 11 last season and has three of each so far this term.
      Arsenal have struggled in front of goal so far in 2020-21, managing just 16 goals from 16 matches.
      Only Burnley and Wolves have managed fewer among the sides outside of the relegation zone so Sabitzer could be a valuable addition.

      As revealed by SunSport, the Emirates side are also chasing Joan Jordan from Sevilla to bolster their options in the middle of the park.
      However, the Gunners would need to see off plenty of competition to land Sabitzer’s signature, including from their North London neighbours.
      Spurs’ interest was confirmed by Leipzig’s sporting director Markus Krosche as the Bundesliga outfit fight to keep hold of their man, who has more than 200 appearances for the club.
      Sabitzer has 18 months left on his current contract and his £105,000-a-week wages would appeal to potential suitors.

      Jose Mourinho experienced his quality first hand in the Champions League last season as he scored twice to help dump Tottenham out in the last-16 stage.
      He was named in Uefa’s squad of the season for the 2019-20 Champions League as Julian Nagelsmann’s side reached the semi-finals.
      Leipzig, though, have not given up hope of convincing Sabitzer to stay beyond 2022.
      Krosche told Bild: “We wanted to end the year first, both sides will deal more intensively with the topic in the spring.
      “He has made a great development. It goes without saying that other clubs also notice this.
      “I don’t like singling out anyone individually but Marcel Sabitzer has really developed well.”
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

      RB Leipzig star Marcel Sabitzer breaks down his tips for keeping fit More

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      Robert Lewandowski shows off his incredible 2020 trophy haul while lying in bed after Bayern Munich’s historic year

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      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI is deservedly in the mood to relax – as he showed off his incredible 2020 trophy haul lying in bed.
      The Bayern Munich star, 32, enjoyed a stellar 12 months and took to social media this New Year’s Eve to demonstrate just how successful it was.

      The Bayern Munich star was in top form all year, scoring 45 goals in 41 official appearancesCredit: AFP or licensors

      Posing topless and propped up under his duvet, the Polish striker joked: “Woke up like this – version upgraded,” with silverware surrounding him after posting a similar photo with the Champions League trophy.
      Next to him on the pillow is the famous big ears, sealed in August with a 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain.
      The large gold trophy beside his left shoulder is the DFB-Pokal – the German Cup – which Lewandowski helped seal with two goals in the final against Bayer Leverkusen.
      Bayern’s other team trophies won in 2020 were the Bundesliga, the plate at the bottom of the picture, the German Supercup and the Uefa Super Cup, on the large silver trophies on the left and right respectively.

      His stunning tally of 55 goals in 47 matches in the 2019-20 season – including 34 in 31 Bundesliga matches and 15 in ten in the Champions League – saw Lewandowski pick up his fair share of individual accolades, too.
      Domestically, he was crowned Bundesliga Player of the Year (trophy next to Uefa Super Cup with brown base and golden ball) and Bundesliga top scorer (cannon trophy) as well as winning a host of German awards.
      The golden ball in the glass box is the trophy the ex-Borussia Dortmund man was presented with earlier in December for winning Tuttosport’s Golden Player Award.
      The similar trophy on the left is Lewandowski’s Globe Soccer Award picked up in Dubai after Christmas.

      Lewandowski was unsurprisingly named Uefa’s Forward of the Year, scoring the most goals in last season’s Champions League on Bayern’s way to lifting the trophy.
      That trophy is the small silver Champions League ball above his Bundesliga Player of the Year gong.
      Then come the biggest individual awards.
      Sticking with Uefa, the celebrating headless player trophy was given to their Men’s Player of the Year 2019-20.
      And last but by no means least is arguably The Best of the lot.
      Lewandowski has his right hand on Fifa’s The Best Men’s Player 2020 award as he saw off the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to officially be the No1 male footballer on the planet for this year.

      The only trophy missing for Lewandowski was the Ballon d’Or.
      He was favourite to win the prestigious honour from France Football before the organisers scrapped this year’s award due to Covid-19.
      Including various media gongs, golden boots, personal accolades and team trophies, Lewandowski’s remarkable haul stands at more than 25 different awards in 2020.
      To round it off, a return of 45 goals in 40 official matches across all competitions in the calendar year places him top of the pile in world football (top three tiers) – four ahead of Ronaldo and ten more than third-placed Romelu Lukaku.
      Not a bad 12 months for the striker who almost joined Blackburn Rovers in 2010 before the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud prevented a deal going through.

      Lewandowski was the top scorer in Bayern’s successful run in the Champions League last seasonCredit: Reuters

      Fifa president Gianni Infantino points to The Best male footballer on the planet in 2020Credit: Getty – Pool

      One of the final awards of the year for Lewandowski was the Globe Soccer Best Player of the Year gongCredit: AFP

      The only major award he did not get his hands on was the real Ballon d’Or as the vote was scrapped for 2020Credit: Instagram

      Robert Lewandowski 2020 Awards & Records

      Bundesliga winner 2019-20
      DFB-Pokal winner 2019-20
      DFL-Supercup winner 2019-20
      Champions League winner 2019-20
      Uefa Super Cup winner 2020
      The Best Fifa Men’s Player 2020
      Uefa Men’s Player of the Year 2019-20
      Champions League Forward of the Season 2019-20
      World Soccer Player of the Year 2020
      Globe Soccer Best Player of the Year 2020
      Tuttosport Golden Player 2020
      FourFourTwo Player of the Year 2020
      Footballer of the Year in Germany 2020
      VDV Bundesliga Player of the Season 2019-20
      Bundesliga Player of the Season 2019-20
      Bundesliga top scorer 2019-20
      DFB-Pokal top scorer 2019-20
      Champions League top scorer 2019-20
      Champions League top assist provider 2019-20
      Champions League Squad of the Season 2019-20
      ESM Team of the Year 2019–20
      IFFHS Men’s World Team 2020
      Bundesliga Team of the Season 2019-20
      VDV Team of the Season 2019-20
      Kicker Bundesliga Team of the Season 2019-20
      Bayern Munich Player of the Season 2019-20
      Bundesliga Player of the Month October 2020
      Goal 50 2019–20
      FIFA FIFPro World11 2020

      Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski delighted with FIFA award after outstanding year More

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      Jerome Boateng at centre of Wag war as ex-girlfriend accuses his current partner of stealing Bayern Munich star

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      BAYERN MUNICH star Jerome Boateng has found himself in the middle of a Wag war.
      The 32-year-old’s ex-girlfriend has accused his current partner of stealing him from her.

      Jerome Boateng pictured with current partner Kasia LenhardtCredit: Instagram

      Ex-partner Rebecca Silvera accused Jerome Boateng’s new flame of copying herCredit: Instagram

      Former beauty queen Rebecca Silvera did not hold back as she called out Kasia Lenhardt on Instagram this week.
      She revealed screenshots of conversations between her and Boateng as well as her and Kasia.
      And she accused the model of forcing her way into her relationship with the footballer.
      One of her posts read: “But the worst and most painful part is when she started copying me and doing things like me just to taunt and manipulate me and hurt me further.”

      According to Bild, Bayern star Boateng is said to be very disappointed in Rebecca.
      He said: “I don’t comment on private matters and that doesn’t belong in public either.”
      In a bid to make peace, Kasia penned an apology to his ex-girlfriend on Instagram.
      She wrote: “Dear Rebecca, I want to take this opportunity to sincerely apologise to you.

      “It WAS and IS not my intention to hurt you.
      “My actions as a result of a deep injury – these have – as I now understand – unfortunately led to me hurting you again.
      “I respect that you need time to heal. I would like to continue to give this to you.
      “Also I will grow and learn from the mistakes I made.
      “I want US to find our peace and I wish you all the best for the future. Kasia.”
      Rebecca replied: “Thank you Kasia for your ‘heartfelt’ apology.
      “It’s unfortunate it took all of this to get to this point but at least we are here now.
      “Your apology is accepted and I hope this time it’s genuine.
      “Because apologies without changed behaviour is just manipulation. All the best dear, Rebecca Silvera.”

      Rebecca Silvera shared screenshots of her conversations with Kasia LenhardtCredit: Instagram

      Kasia Lenhardt has amassed 141,000 followers on her Instagram pageCredit: Instagram

      Lionel Messi’s stunning wife Antonela works out on exercise bike leaving fans stunned by Barcelona Wag’s amazing shape More

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      Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos among world-class XI of stars out of contract in 2021 who are available on free transfer

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      LIONEL MESSI and Sergio Ramos head the list of world-class names who are now into the final six months of their current contracts.
      And that means we could see some incredible free transfers at the end of the season.

      These players are all out of contract come the end of the season so will be available for free

      Lionel Messi made a dramatic U-turn to see out the final year of his Barcelona contractCredit: AFP or licensors

      Messi threatened to quit Barcelona this summer but decided to honour his deal while Ramos is holding out for more than a one-year extension at Real Madrid.
      But with the likes of Mesut Ozil, Memphis Depay and Sergio Aguero also running down their deals, plenty of clubs will be eyeing up some smart business.
      From January, players whose contracts are expiring will be able to start negotiating with new clubs over free summer moves.
      And could there even be a surprise return to the Premier League in store for Diego Costa after his release from Atletico Madrid?

      SunSport picks out some of the best players available for nothing next summer.
      GK – Gianluigi Donnarumma
      The AC Milan stopper burst on to the scene as a teenager and is still backed to be Italy’s No1 for many years.
      But with just months to go on his current deal, could he be holding out for one of the European superpowers to come calling?
      RB – Eric Garcia
      OK, yes, his favoured position is at centre-back but for this team he is going to have to move across.

      The Manchester City star revealed he will not be signing a contract extension at the Etihad and is expected to rejoin Barcelona after a summer move fell through.
      CB – Sergio Ramos
      Ramos takes the first centre-back spot as one of the greatest in that position over the last decade.
      Captain now Iker Casillas has gone, penalty taker now Cristiano Ronaldo has gone, the Real Madrid icon may no longer be at his peak aged 34 but is still a fine defender.
      Zinedine Zidane insists he will stay but Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Inter Miami or even a reunion with Jose Mourinho at Spurs may all be tempting destinations.
      CB – Jerome Boateng
      On paper, Boateng has enjoyed a stellar career with an FA Cup, eight Bundesligas, two Champions Leagues and the World Cup.
      But even then the German still leaves some unconvinced he is in the top bracket – however, you could do worse for a free agent and that is why Chelsea and Arsenal are linked.

      Sergio Ramos continues to lead by example for Real Madrid with the armband and spot-kick responsibilitiesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The percentage of answers have been round up or down from their decimal points
      LB – David Alaba
      Alaba, meanwhile, has proven his quality time and time again – and in many different positions.
      The Bayern Munich star excelled at left-back for years but has since moved into midfield and centre-back, making it look easy – no wonder the giants are battling it out for his signature.
      CM – Luka Modric
      A serial winner for Real Madrid, ended the Ballon d’Or duopoly and took Croatia to the World Cup final.
      But it looks as though Modric’s nine years at the Bernabeu will come to an end following the emergence of Fede Valverde and others.
      CM – Georginio Wijnaldum
      A critical part of the Liverpool engine room which delivered European and then league success.
      Ronald Koeman taking over at Barcelona and Thiago’s arrival at Anfield led to speculation of a departure this summer – give it to the end of the season and he could well be lining up at the Nou Camp with no new contract signed.
      CM – Mesut Ozil
      Arsenal will be counting down the days until they can stop paying Ozil £350,000 per week, or £50,000 a day, or £2,083 an hour, or £34.72 per minute.
      The German signed his lucrative new deal in January 2018 and has done very little for the club since – and absolutely nothing after the lockdown restart, except offer to pay for Gunnersaurus’ wages.
      Turkey or the MLS both seem like possible destinations.

      Luka Modric became the first player other than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to win the Ballon d’Or since Kaka in 2007Credit: AP:Associated Press

      RW – Lionel Messi
      We almost witnessed one of the most spectacular of all transfers this summer when Messi was ready to walk out on Barcelona after nearly 20 years.
      His loyalty to the Catalan giants saw him perform a U-turn so he didn’t take them to court and instead would honour the final year.
      But it would take a remarkable shake-up for the Argentine to sign a new deal as Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain plot mammoth offers.
      Messi recently said: “I know there are a lot of people at Barca who still love me, but I’m going to do what is best for the club and for myself.
      “I don’t know if I’m going to leave, but if I do, I would like to leave in the best way possible and be able to return to the club in the future.”

      ST – Sergio Aguero
      Aguero is the greatest foreign goalscorer the Premier League has seen, breaking records galore and bagging more than 250 times for City since his arrival in 2011.
      But this season may well be his last if there is no agreement made for the 32-year-old to stay on beyond the summer – and he would not be short of options.
      LW – Memphis Depay
      Remembered by many for his failed spell at Manchester United, Depay reset with Lyon and has proven he is still a top-class talent.
      Like compatriot Wijnaldum, he was close to joining Barcelona in the last window but a deal could not get over the line in time – another impressive campaign in Ligue 1 will ensure the biggest clubs keep an eye out.
      Alternative XI
      Unsurprisingly, there are still a fair few names not getting into that star-studded XI.
      So here is the Alternative XI – and it is pretty strong with experienced internationals, Premier League kings and a World Cup winner.

      Another whole team of out-of-contract talented players could make up a second-string XI
      GK – Marko Dmitrovic
      The Eibar stopper is one of a number from LaLiga out of contract at the end of the current campaign – alongside Rui Silva from Granada and Sevilla’s Tomas Vaclik – with Atletico Madrid potentially eyeing Dmitrovic.
      CB – Romain Saiss
      The versatile Morocco captain has played more than 150 times – across the defence and midfield – for Wolves since his 2016 arrival and has the option of an extra 12 months at Molineux.
      CB – Jonny Evans
      At £3m, Leicester bagged a great deal when they landed the former Manchester United defender, who played in every league game for the Foxes in 2019-20 – don’t rule out a new deal getting signed.
      CB – Shkodran Mustafi
      Mustafi’s Arsenal career looked all over before Mikel Arteta’s arrival and a strong end to the season.
      But will he be needed next season with William Saliba, Gabriel, Pablo Mari, Rob Holding, Calum Chambers AND Konstantinos Mavropanos?
      Talks did take place with Barcelona over a ludicrous signing but surely even that would be a step too far on the list of bonkers Nou Camp transfers.

      Manchester clubs have the worst net spend in the past decade by some distance
      RM – Florian Thauvin
      The French wide man did not enjoy his best football during a spell at Newcastle but, back at Marseille he was enjoying his football until a cruel ligament injury which ruled him out for almost the entire 2019-20 season.
      CM – Riqui Puig
      Another graduate of the famous La Masia academy at Barcelona, Puig looked destined to follow the footsteps of Andres Iniesta and Xavi – but it has not quite worked out for him just yet, especially under Koeman, and he could be let go with Arsenal or Leeds keen.
      CM – Julian Draxler
      The German midfielder’s Paris Saint-Germain career never really took off as many expected following his 2017 arrival from Wolfsburg but aged 27 he will be confident of further success.
      LM – Danny Rose
      England’s No1 left-back for many years saw his career spiral downwards when Jose Mourinho arrived at Spurs and he needs to find a new club while he can still do a job.
      The 30-year-old walks into a fair number of Premier League sides – rather than just the Spurs U23s he has turned out for this term.

      Jonny Evans and Andros Townsend will both be hoping to sign new deals before the season endsCredit: PA:Press Association

      Danny Rose needs to leave Tottenham to get his career back on trackCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      CAM – Angel Di Maria
      Not many players can boast a CV of clubs like Di Maria.
      But now well into his 30s, he will do well to earn another contract at Paris Saint-Germain and will need to be playing to get back into the Argentina fold ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
      ST – Arkadiusz Milik
      He may have already racked up more than 50 Poland appearances but it appears Spurs-target Milik is unwanted at Napoli. Turning 27 in February, he still has plenty to offer.
      ST – Diego Costa
      And last but by no means least is Costa. The fiery front man banged in 59 goals in 120 Chelsea appearances before returning to Atletico Madrid in 2017 – before ripping up his contract to leave for nothing.
      Goal-shy Arsenal and Wolves, who are without Raul Jimenez, are among the early favourites to land the Spaniard.

      The arrival of Luis Suarez saw Diego Costa leave Atletico Madrid – could a return to the Premier League be on the cards?Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Man Utd star Paul Pogba confirms he’d like Real Madrid transfer ‘one day’ but insists he’s happy at Old Trafford More

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      Erling Haaland names three best defenders he’s faced and reveals Man Utd boss Solskjaer was one of his childhood heroes

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      ERLING HAALAND has named Sergio Ramos, Virgil van Dijk and Kalidou Koulibaly as the three best defenders he’s faced.
      In a wide-ranging interview on his career so far, the Borussia Dortmund star also hailed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as one of his childhood heroes.

      Erling Haaland has revealed his picks for the three best defenders in the worldCredit: Reuters

      The Borussia Dortmund star also named Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as one of his childhood heroesCredit: PA:Press Association

      Haaland, 20, burst onto the European stage last year with his performances for Red Bull Salzburg earning him a move to the Bundesliga.
      The Norwegian recently revealed the seven strikers in world football that are better than him including Harry Kane and Timo Werner.
      And in an interview with local press in Norway, Haaland has lifted the lid on the defenders he has found the most difficulty playing against.
      He said: “I think the best three central defenders in the world are Sergio Ramos, Virgil van Dijk and Kalidou Koulibaly.

      I think the best three central defenders in the world are Sergio Ramos, Virgil van Dijk and Kalidou Koulibaly
      Erling Haaland

      “All three are very physical, but also very intelligent on the pitch.”
      Haaland encountered all three centre-backs during a three-month period playing for former club Salzburg back in 2019.
      The forward faced Real Madrid captain Ramos in a 1-0 pre-season friendly defeat before his side were drawn in the same Champions League group as Liverpool and Napoli.
      Although he bagged four goals in four games against van Dijk and Koulibaly, Haaland’s side ended up with three defeats and one draw to ultimately finish third in Group E.

      The Norway international also touched on his compatriots whom he idolised as a child which included Manchester United boss Solskjaer.
      The pair ended up working together at Molde with Haaland consistently linked with following the Red Devils chief to Old Trafford.
      He added: “As a child, I watched John Carew a lot, I also followed Solskjaer and John Arne Riise.”

      Erling Haaland ruled out for rest of year after suffering hamstring injury in bitter blow for Borussia Dortmund More

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      Tottenham flop Christian Gross named Schalke manager in desperate bid to save Bundesliga basement boys from relegation

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      CHRISTIAN GROSS is taking up the reigns of struggling Schalke as they battle to avoid the drop from the Bundesliga. 
      And the former Tottenham boss, who was once given the chop by the Spurs, will have his work cut out with his side having failed to win their last 29 games. 

      Schalke will be hoping Christian Gross will help them end their 29-game winless run in the BundesligaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Gross, 66, who said he would be retiring from management in May, will take charge of the rock-bottom German side until the end of the season. 
      And the former Swiss midfielder, who led Basel to four titles in Switzerland, will be in the dugout when Schalke face Hertha Berlin in January. 
      Gross, whose most recent job was as gaffer of Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli, is well known amongst Tottenham fans for his ill-fated stint at the club just over two decades ago.
      The former Switzerland international took charge in November 1997 – famously brandishing a London Undergound ticket – following the resignation of Gerry Francis and with the club flirting with a relegation spot.  

      However, Tottenham, who suffered defeats to Chelsea and Coventry, found themselves 17th with three games remaining in 1997-98 before securing a 14th place finish. 
      And Spurs’ poor start to the following season would lead to Gross getting the sack in 1998 before being replaced by former Arsenal chief George Graham. 
      Schalke, who have not won since January, believe Gross’ previous Bundesliga experience makes him the right fit. 
      The Swiss manager led Stuttgart to a sixth-place finish in Germany’s top-tier in 2010, after taking over as manager when the team were 15th in December 2009. 

      Christian Gross spent one season at Tottenham before being sacked by the club in 1998Credit: PA
      Gross said: “I want to feel the players’ enthusiasm at all times. 
      “We need to have a good atmosphere in and around the team to be successful again. I will give everything so that we can accomplish our goals together.”
      Jordan Schneider Schalke’s Head of Sport added: “The next five months will be all about managing to stay in the Bundesliga. 
      “Christian Gross has shown in both Germany and England that he can successfully take on challenges like this.”

      Schalke are currently bottom of the table in the Bundesliga after picking up just four points in 13 gamesCredit: Pacific Coast News
      Gross will be the fourth coach Schalke have had in what has been a troubling season so far.
      The former Basel boss’s predecessor David Wagner was replaced by Manuel Bahm at the end of September.
      Following Bahm’s sacking club icon Huub Stevens took charge of Schalke’s last two games of 2020.

      Jonjoe Kenny talks about his experiences at German club Schalke More

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      Classy Chelsea star Kai Havertz sends every Bayer Leverkusen player and staff personalised shirts for Christmas

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      KAI HAVERTZ has sent every Bayer Leverkusen player and staff personalised shirts for Christmas as a thank you for the support he was given during his time at the club.
      The 21-year-old sent his former team-mates, non-playing staff, club employees and club workers a personalised Chelsea shirt.

      Kai Havertz will never forget his time at Bayer Leverkusen or the people he met along the wayCredit: PA:Press Association

      He also sent a a box with the Chelsea logo on the front alongside his initials “KH”.
      Inside the boxes were cards thanking them for their support during his time at the club where he started his career.
      Managing Director of Sport at Leverkusen and former German footballer, Rudi Voller praised Havertz for his classy Christmas gesture.
      Voller told BILD on Sunday: “I was very happy about it and thanked him.

      “That’s Kai, he is and will remain a boy in our club.”
      Sporting Director Simon Rolfes echoed Voller’s comments and praised Havertz’s character.
      Rolfes said: “That shows Kai’s character. It just has style and class.”
      Havertz left his boyhood club for Chelsea in the summer for £75.8million, joining fellow countryman Timo Werner.

      Havertz joined Timo Werner at Chelsea in the summerCredit: Getty Images
      It hasn’t been an easy start to life in the Premier League with the German international admitting the switch has been “difficult”.
      Speaking in an interview with for Chelsea’s website, Havertz said: “It was difficult for me, especially because the Premier League is a completely different league. It’s more intense and I noticed that in the first few games.
      “It has gone pretty well for me recently but I think there is also still a lot of potential upwards. I want to exploit that in the next few weeks and months.
      “The intensity in the duels and the runs is much higher. It’s a completely different league and the games are very exhausting.
      “The Bundesliga isn’t worse but I noticed differences. It seems to me like there aren’t any average or bad players here – everybody is at a very high level.”
      Despite Havertz moving onto the next stage of his career, it hasn’t changed the love he has for his old club.
      In his farewell message he said the club helped him become a “person with values”.

      Havertz said: “As a little boy, I grew up here with a dream.
      “Here I have not only become a professional and national player, but above all a person with values.
      “Here I have made friends for life who will be with me for a long time. Bayer 04 have supported me unconditionally from day one.”
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Chelsea boss Frank Lampard thinks that new signing Kai Havertz can play in any position More