More stories

  • in

    Ex Spurs striker Harry Kane getting to grips with German life as he dresses in traditional Bavarian outfit

    HARRY KANE is well and truly embracing German culture following his Tottenham exit – by dressing up in Lederhosen.The England international ended his 19-year love affair with Spurs earlier this month with a £104million move to Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.
    Harry Kane has well and truly hit the ground running at Bayern MunichCredit: GETTY
    The former Tottenham hitman has embraced German culture by wearing a lederhosenCredit: GETTY
    Kane took part in an Oktoberfest-themed shoot with Thomas Muller and Alphonso DaviesCredit: GETTY
    The trio were all smiles as they posed for snapsCredit: GETTY
    Kane, 30, is trying his best to fit in Munich and with his new team-mates by learning German.
    And the former Spurs skipper has gone a step further by donning a traditional Lederhosen with some of his new colleagues.
    Bayern shared snaps of Kane wearing a khaki Lederhosen and grey jacket to their official website and Instagram page on Tuesday.
    Kane posed a series of snaps with Alphonso Davies and Thomas Muller, one of which saw the trio smile as they held pints in the air.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Footie fans were quick to comment on the snaps, with one saying: “Suits you, Harry.”
    Another said: “Lookin’ good, Harry!”
    And another said: “Kane looks good.
    One remarked: “Here we go Harry.”
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    Footie fans were quick to comment on KaneCredit: Getty
    Another said: “As an Englishman, it’s both amusing and wholesome to see Kane dressed that way.”
    Kane missed Bayern’s annual Oktoberfest team photoshoot last week due to the birth of his son Henry.
    Bayern players are contractually obliged to wear lederhosen and hold up a beer for their Oktoberfest shoot every season.
    England skipper Kane has well and truly hit the ground running following his blockbuster move to the Allianz Arena.
    Bayern’s new No.9 has found the back of the net three times in three appearances for Thomas Tuchel’s side, scoring once in their season opener against Werder Bremen and bagging a brace against Augsburg on Sunday.
    Kane took to Twitter on Sunday night to say: “A great game today. Obviously to score two goals in front of new fans was a special feeling.
    “So, yeah, I’m feeling good. Lots of improvement to come, but to start the season with two wins is, obviously, a really great start.”
    Kane and his Bayern team-mates will be back in action on Saturday evening, travelling to Borussia Park to take on Borussia Monchengladbach.
    Kane has three goals in three in three Bayern appearances to his nameCredit: Rex More

  • in

    Man Utd could offer Scott McTominay in stunning loan transfer swap for Ryan Gravenberch

    MANCHESTER UNITED are interested in a loan move for Ryan Gravenberch, according to reports.And United academy product Scott McTominay could head the other way in a sensational loan swap – according to Bild’s Christian Falk.
    Ryan Gravenberch is a target of rivals Liverpool and Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    Scott McTominay is set for the exit door at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
    Gravenberch, 21, looks set to leave Bayern after falling down the pecking order at the club.
    The midfielder was usually called upon from the bench by manager Thomas Tuchel last season, and that continued today during Bayern’s 3-1 win over Augsburg.
    Gravenberch came on in the 81st minute of a game that saw Bayern new boy Harry Kane continue his excellent start in Bavaria by scoring two goals.
    After the match however, he poured doubt over his future in a Bayern shirt, saying: “I don‘t know what will happen in the next days,” when asked about his future by Bild.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Gravenberch is also attracting interest from Liverpool with the Merseyside club keen to reinforce their midfield options.
    While Liverpool have already utilised the Bundesliga to reinforce their midfield with the signing of Stuttgart midfielder Wataru Endo, they are understood to still be interested in bolstering their midfield.
    Reports this month suggested that Liverpool sent two officials to Munich to lay the groundwork on a potential deal for the young Dutchman.
    United meanwhile have been tracking Gravenberch for the majority of this transfer window in order to add some much needed balance to a midfield of Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Mason Mount that has thus far failed to click.
    Most read in Football
    It’s understood that the Red Devils are weighting up their options between the Dutchman and Fiorentina captain Sofyan Amrabat.
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
    Amrabat was left out of Fiorentina’s squad against Lecce this weekend but the Italian club’s sporting director last week said so far no bid has been received from United.
    It is understood that Mason Greenwood’s exit from the club has seen a change in transfer policy at United – with Ten Hag favouring signing a new forward over signing a midfielder now that it is clear Greenwood will not be reintegrated into the squad.
    Gravenberch is reportedly desperate to leave Bayern as he looks to secure a starting place in Holland’s midfield at Euro 2024.
    Bayern will ask for around £22million to secure his signature. More

  • in

    Man Utd could offer outcast in stunning loan transfer swap for Ryan Gravenberch with Liverpool also hunting Bayern ace

    MANCHESTER UNITED are interested in a loan move for Ryan Gravenberch, according to reports.And United academy product Scott McTominay could head the other way in a loan swap – according to Bild’s Christian Falk.
    Ryan Gravenberch is a target of rivals Liverpool and Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    Gravenberch, 21, looks set to leave Bayern after falling down the pecking order at the club.
    The midfielder was usually called upon from the bench by manager Thomas Tuchel last season, and that continued today during Bayern’s 3-1 win over Augsburg.
    Gravenberch came on in the 81st minute of a game that saw Bayern new boy Harry Kane continue his excellent start in Bavaria by scoring two goals.
    After the match however, he poured doubt over his future in a Bayern shirt, saying: “I don‘t know what will happen in the next days,” when asked about his future by Bild.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Gravenberch is also attracting interest from Liverpool with the Merseyside club keen to reinforce their midfield options.
    While Liverpool have already utilised the Bundesliga to reinforce their midfield with the signing of Stuttgart midfielder Wataru Endo, they are understood to still be interested in bolstering their midfield.
    Reports this month suggested that Liverpool sent two officials to Munich to lay the groundwork on a potential deal for the young Dutchman.
    United meanwhile have been tracking Gravenberch for the majority of this transfer window in order to add some much needed balance to a midfield of Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Mason Mount that has thus far failed to click.
    Most read in Football
    It’s understood that the Red Devils are weighting up their options between the Dutchman and Fiorentina captain Sofyan Amrabat.
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
    Amrabat was left out of Fiorentina’s squad against Lecce this weekend but the Italian club’s sporting director last week said so far no bid has been received from United.
    It is understood that Mason Greenwood’s exit from the club has seen a change in transfer policy at United – with Ten Hag favouring signing a new forward over signing a midfielder now that it is clear Greenwood will not be reintegrated into the squad.
    Gravenberch is reportedly desperate to leave Bayern as he looks to secure a starting place in Holland’s midfield at Euro 2024.
    Bayern will ask for around £22million to secure his signature.
    Scott McTominay is set for the exit door at Old TraffordCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Harry Kane scores twice to equal 20-year record as red-hot start to Bayern Munich career continues

    HARRY KANE bagged his first brace since signing for Bayern Munich as the Bundesliga romped to a 3-1 win over Augsburg.The England international made the move to Germany this summer after a deal worth £104million was agreed between Bayern and Tottenham.
    Harry Kane netted a brace for Bayern MunichCredit: Getty
    Kane’s first goal came from the penalty spotCredit: AP
    Kane also put Bayern 3-0 up as he grabbed his second of the gameCredit: Getty
    Kane, 30, did not score on his debut as Bayern lost the German Super Cup to RB Leipzig 3-0 with fans quick to joke that he may never win a trophy.
    But since the Bundesliga has kicked off Kane has looked settled at the current reigning champions as he netted on his debut against Weder Bremen.
    The former Spurs star has now followed that performance up with a brace in his second league outing.
    To make the goals even more special they came on his league home debut, despite the Super Cup being played at the Allianz Arena.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Augsburg’s Felix Udoukhai put through his own net in the 32nd minute to put Bayern into the leave.
    Kane then doubled the lead from the spot as he smashed the ball into the middle of the goal.
    The penalty came after Joshua Kimmich’s curling effort was blocked by the arm of Niklas Dorsch.
    Kane then grabbed his second of the game as he poked past Finn Dahmen to make it 3-0 to Bayern.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    Augsburg did grab a consolation in the 86th minute as Dion Drena Beljo rounded Sven Ulreich before slotting home.
    The goals also saw Kane become only the third player in Bayern’s history to score three times in their first two games.
    Only Gustav Jung in 1967 and Adolfo Valencia in 1993 managed to do the same.
    Kane has been doing his best to adapt to the new lifestyle in Germany.
    He he has been taking language lessons a couple of times a week and has also picked up his company car.
    As well as driving the Audi, Kane is also obliged to wear a lederhosen during Bayern’s annual Oktoberfest celebrations. More

  • in

    Why Liverpool’s £60m transfer’s secret weapon is his tiny feet – after his dad ‘deliberately stopped them growing’

    LIVERPOOL star Dominik Szoboszlai’s secret weapon is his tiny feet – that his dad reportedly tried to stop from growing.The Hungarian international joined the Reds for £60million from RB Leipzig this summer.
    Dominik Szoboszlai’s dad tried to stop his feet from growingCredit: EPA
    Zsolt Szoboszlai coached his son using unique methods
    Szoboszlai starred in the Bundesliga, scoring 20 goals and 22 assists in 91 matches as he helped the club win two domestic cups and qualify for the Champions League twice.
    His coach as a youngster was his father Zsolt, who played as a professional in Austria and Hungary.
    Hungarian footballers idolise Ferenc Puskas.
    He scored 84 goals in 85 games for his country while also helping them make the World Cup final in 1954.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Puskas also netted 242 goals in 262 games for Real Madrid and is widely-regarded as one of their best ever players.
    The legend, who passed away in 2006 aged 79, stood at 5ft 7in and had a low centre of gravity, powerful things and tiny feet.
    Coaches in Hungary often try to model players based on Puskas and Szoboszlai’s father apparently went to extreme lengths to try to shape him into the perfect player.
    The Athletic report that Zsolt forced his son to wear boots that were too small in attempt to stop his feet growing.
    Most read in Football
    Szoboszlai’s stats last season
    And it may have worked as Szoboszlai stands at 6ft 1in tall, but supposedly has just UK size seven feet.
    The 22-year-old possesses a powerful long-shot and good technical ability suggesting maybe having small feet is the key.
    Zsolt implemented other unique ideas to help his son grow into one of the most exciting young talents in football.
    The family did not have a garden when growing up and Szoboszlai trained indoors at times.
    He was made to slalom dribble between water bottles positioned around the house and if he knocked one over he would have to start again.
    Szoboszlai was also made to play on the pitch while holding golf balls so he learnt how to win the ball back without pulling shirts or committing fouls.
    Liverpool’s new boy cites his father as “the biggest influence on my life” and thanked him for helping his career. More

  • in

    Inside Harry and Kate Kane’s glitzy life in ‘Germany’s Hollywood’ – from restaurant serving £450 caviar to glam WAG pals

    IT’S been dubbed Bavaria’s Beverly Hills due to its luxurious mansions and high-end restaurants – and now it could be the new home of the Kane family. Harry and Kate, who have just welcomed their fourth child Henry, have reportedly been scouting properties and schools in Grünwald, Munich, where mansions cost up to £18million.
    Harry and Kate Kane look set to move to the stunning, leafy suburb of GrünwaldCredit: Getty
    The couple welcomed their fourth child Henry Edward Kane this weekCredit: Instagram
    Grünwald, which means “green forest”, is a picture-perfect spot with stunning forest walks, an exclusive golf course and plenty of lush restaurants nearby which offer caviar for £450 a pop.
    It’s also a hotspot for some of Harry’s new teammates at Bayern Munich, after he completed a £104million move from Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month. 
    £10k per night hotel
    While finding a new pad, Harry has been staying in Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski, which is one of Munich’s most prestigious and exclusive hotels.
    The five-star resort, located in Maximillian Strasse, is popular with celebrities and footballers and costs £10,000 per night to stay in one of their suites.
    READ MORE ON HARRY KANE
    It’s believed Kane’s suite has a separate living room, two bathrooms kitted out with plush Carrara marble, silk curtains, six televisions and a range of designer furniture. 
    The hotel has a luxury spa, three award-winning restaurants and a rooftop pool that boasts views of Munich. 
    Harry is currently staying in the five-star Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski hotel, in MunichCredit: Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski hotel
    The plush spot boasts pools and stunning views of MunichCredit: Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski hotel
    £18m mansions
    Located 7.5 miles (12km) southwest of central Munich, Grünwald is a popular spot for Bayern players due to being just a 15-minute drive from the club’s training ground.
    The secluded and sleepy town, known as the “Bavarian Hollywood”, is Germany’s wealthiest municipality and unsurprisingly comes with a hefty price tag to live.
    Most read in Bundesliga
    It’s claimed that Bayern has already found a place for the Kanes – should they choose to live there – and local estate agents have revealed what they may go for.
    A source told MailOnline: “Grünwald is the Bavarian Beverly Hills. It’s the home of the rich and famous and offers the very best in luxury mansions. 
    Grünwald has 11,000 residents including several Bayern Munich starsCredit: Alamy
    There are a number of sports cars that line the streets in GrünwaldCredit: Chris Eades
    Just one of the sprawling properties in GrünwaldCredit: Chris Eades
    “I can assure you that the Kane family will be in one of them and will enjoy their new life here.” 
    The source believed the family would move into a 12-bed home, which had both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a wine cellar, a home cinema and a wellness area. 
    But should that not fit the bill, there are numerous high-end properties for the Kane family to consider. 
    At the top end is the Meleven development, which is described as “an art lover’s home” online and listed for a whopping £18million. 
    The eight-bedroom mansion has its own “small sandy beach”, breathtaking views of the bay Liscia di Vacca and stunning interiors including floor-to-ceiling glass.
    There’s also the luxury home of ex-Bayern defender Jerome Boateng, which boasts 10 bedrooms, a heated swimming pool and a well-stocked wine cave.
    According to Bild, the property is on the market for £10million – despite being bought for £6.4million back in 2016.
    Another among the current listings is a £7.6million  Bauhaus villa, which has a home cinema, sauna, jacuzzi and sprawling gardens.
    There’s also a six-bed villa, which is on the market for £5.5million and has features including open fireplaces, an indoor pool, sauna and spa.
    £450 caviar & pick ‘n’ mix sushi
    The area has a wealth of trendy restaurants and workers say they are loved by current and former Bayern stars. 
    They include Chang, a Michelin guide-listed Asian restaurant, which offers pick ‘n’ mix style sushi for £100, caviar for £450 and ribeye steak for £40.
    Another Bayern star hotspot is H’ugo’s, which specialises in truffle pizza and pasta.
    But should Kane fancy more traditional Bavarian meals – including pork knuckle and schnitzel – it can be found at Alter Wirt and Forsthaus Wornbrunn.
    MailOnline reported that the average price of a meal is £50 per person, a litre of beer costs nearly £10 and snacks are close to £10.
    Bayern Munich stars donned traditional clothing for Oktoberfest back in 2018Credit: AFP or licensors
    And it seems the WAGs aren’t against lapping up the Bavarian spirit eitherCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Aside from upmarket restaurants, Grünwald is but a short distance away from the celebrations for Oktoberfest, which take place in central Munich. 
    The 16-day festival brings in more than six million visitors to the city every year including an array of Bayern stars.
    In recent years, the team has donned traditional Lederhosen alongside their wives and girlfriend to lap up the Bavarian spirit. 
    Celeb pals
    Grünwald is home to 11,000 people and among them are a number of former and current Bayern players and their glamorous other halves.
    Among the current squad living there are Alphonso Davies, Matthijs de Ligt, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Benjamin Pavard and Leroy Sane.
    And Harry’s wife could very easily find herself a new group of WAG pals including Anika Bissel, 22, who is a professional handball player.
    She’s the partner of Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Peter Neuer and could bond with personal trainer Kate through their love of sports.
    There’s also Leroy Sane’s wife Candice Brook, a US model, TV personality and singer, and Mathea Fischer, the partner of Leon Goretzka.
    Lisa Muller is among the many WAGs Kate could cosy-up toCredit: Social Media – Refer to Source
    Grünwald’s Bel Hair and Spa is reportedly loved by WAGsCredit: Chris Eades
    Harry could soon settle in thanks to a nearby exclusive golf clubCredit: Instagram
    Additionally, she could befriend Lisa Muller, who has been married to Thomas for 12 years and loves horses.
    Should Kate fancy a bit of TLC, she will be able to pamper herself at the local Bel Hair and Spa.
    It’s a popular Bayern WAGs spot, where a wash, cut and blow dry costs £50 and a range of beauty treatments start at £300.
    And for Harry, when he’s not training or enjoying the area’s breathtaking walks, there’s also the exclusive Munchener Golf Club.
    £975-per week schools 
    There are plenty of International schools for the Kanes to choose from for their new little one, including the International Preschool Munich, which has fees of up to £975 per week. 
    The Bavarian International School in Munich-Schwabing describes itself as the “school of the future, today”. 
    The website continues: “Top international teachers there make learning fun and joyful for the 250 children from over 30 nations.”
    Read More on The Sun
    There’s also the Munich International School, which would set them back £7,500 a year.
    And should Harry’s children wish to follow in his footsteps by playing football, German legend Lothar Matthaus coaches the youth teams at local club TSV Grünwald. More

  • in

    I’m a former Bayern Munich star but now I’ve swapped the Bundesliga for bedpans by working in a retirement home

    FORMER Bayern Munich star Dennis Grassow has swapped the Bundesliga for bedpans – by working in a RETIREMENT HOME.The ex-defender, 51, helped Bayern win a German Cup tie 16-1 in 1997.
    Dennis Grassow enjoyed a 19-year playing careerCredit: Getty
    Grassow also played for FC Cologne and Unterhaching in the German top flight.
    Spells at lower-league sides Darmstadt and Regensburg before Grassow retired in 2009.
    The Berlin-born ace switched careers in 2012, and has since worked at an old people’s home in the Munich suburb Taufkirchen.
    Grassow told German publication Merkur: “I am happy and proud that I was once part of Bayern’s Champions League squad.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    “But I am happy in my current job, and I do it with a passion. I am a ‘maid of all work’ at the home.
    “I’ll clean toilets, straighten pictures and fix dripping taps. I live in a similar room to the residents, and sometimes they’ll come in by mistake.
    “I have built relationships with many of them, but have seen some die. Sad moments like those happen in an old folks’ home.
    “I ended my playing career at 37. I had not been earning millions, and there I was without a nest egg.
    Most read in Bundesliga
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
    “I tried to get into youth coaching, but it was not so easy. I had to make a difficult decision to do something different.
    “I was out of work for a year before I discovered my new career due to a lucky coincidence.
    “I took my car to the garage to be repaired, and by chance met the home’s then director who was also getting his car fixed.
    “He told me they were looking for a new technician. I got the job – and I’ve now been there for 11 years.
    “Some people might think it a comedown for me to be doing my current job.
    “But I don’t care at all what others think. I believe in what I’m doing.” More

  • in

    Bayern Munich fan suffers burn injury in Harry Kane’s debut after ultras sneak in flares

    A BAYERN MUNICH fan suffered burn injuries during Harry Kane’s Bundesliga debut against Werder Bremen after ultras sneaked in flares.During Friday night’s Bundesliga curtain raiser, groups of Werder Bremen and Bayern Munich fans managed to smuggle pyrotechnics into the ground.
    A Bayern Munich fan has suffered burn injuries during their match against Werder BremenCredit: Getty
    Groups of ultras smuggled in pyrotechnics and set them alight during the gameCredit: Reuters
    It is not the first time there has been crowd issues regarding flares in the Bayern Munich and Werder Bremen fixtureCredit: EPA
    The drama occurred during Harry Kane’s Bayern league debutCredit: Getty
    Flares were set off at the start of the second half by the home fans before Bayern supporters followed suit just a few minutes later.
    The fiery affair, which police are now investigating, isn’t the first time there has been trouble with flares between these two teams.
    Last season’s clash in May led to another police investigation with around 100 ultras under the microscope.
    During that match all seven rows underneath the away fans had to be completely cleared for safety reasons.
    READ MORE ON HARRY KANE
    Friday’s game was just as crazy on the pitch as it was in the crowds with Bayern ending up 4-0 victors.
    Harry Kane made his Bundesliga debut on the night following his mega £104million transfer from Tottenham Hotspur.
    And there was no messing about from the England captain who assisted Bayern’s first goal which was buried by Leroy Sane.
    He then went on to double Bavarian’s lead with a league debut goal in the 74th minute as his deflected shot snuck past Bremen goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
    Unfortunately it didn’t all go to plan for Kane as he was then taken off in the 84th minute with what looked to be cramp.
    After his exit Bayern comfortably finished the job with another goal from Sane and fourth from Mathys Tel.
    Kane netted his first goal for the Bavarians on his league debutCredit: Getty More