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      Porto 1-0 Arsenal LIVE RESULT – Gunners have it all to do after Galeno fires hosts to Champions League last last 16 win

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      ARSENAL have been stunned in their Champions League last 16 first leg courtesy of Galeno’s stoppage-time strike.It seemed as if the Gunners were going to escape Portugal with a goalless draw.
      However, Galeno’s sublime effort means the Gunners will need to score a minimum of two in the reverse fixture.

      RESULT: Porto 1-0 Arsenal
      Live stream: discovery+
      TV channel: TNT Sport 1
      Porto starting lineup: Diogo Costa; Mario, Otavia, Pepe, Wendell; Nico Gonzalez, Varela; Conceicao, Pepe, Galeno; Evanilson
      Arsenal starting lineup: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Rice, Odegaard, Havertz; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli

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      Refocus needed to use defeat as springboard
      You learn more from defeat than you do victory.
      The result in Portugal tonight could prepare Arsenal more for the remainder of the season.
      With a big game against Newcastle on the weekend, Mikel Arteta will be looking for his team to bounce back with a win.

      Copy linkCopiedLessons to be learnt for Gunners
      They were heavy favourites to win this leg in Portugal but it has not gone according to plan for Mikel Arteta.
      Arsenal will still be heavily fancied to progress to the quarter-finals with home advantage in the second leg.
      However, this has been a harsh lesson this evening.
      Read the full match report here.
      Copy linkCopiedBoss focussed on improving team focus
      The Arsenal manager spoke about where he felt this game was lost in Portugal this evening:
      We lacked threat. We lacked aggression in the final third. These are things we are going to have to better in the second leg. We know them now and what to expect.Mikel ArtetaArsenal
      Copy linkCopiedGunners left wanting in Europe
      Lately in the Premier League, Arsenal have not been able to stop scoring 11 goals in their last two games.
      Leandro Trossard played down the middle today, but Mikel Arteta’s side seemed to be lacking that focal point in the final third.
      All too often he drifted into areas where he cannot hurt the opposition leaving Arsenal looking blunt in attack.

      Copy linkCopiedNorwegian pipeline shut off in Portugal
      Martin Odegaard was rendered ineffective by Porto this evening.
      When he did have the ball, he was unable to thread passes into dangerous areas to create chances for The Gunners.
      If Arsenal are on form, it tends to be because the Norwegian midfielder is pulling the strings in the middle.
      However, this evening Porto have shown that if you stop Odegaard, you stop Arsenal.

      Copy linkCopiedFT: Porto 1-0 Arsenal
      We had our second shot on target in this game after 94 minutes.
      Not that Porto will care as they saw it bend into the corner of the goal.
      Arsenal go back to dominating possession and having no penetration in the final third to do anything with it.

      Copy linkCopiedFT: Porto 1-0 Arsenal
      The referee brings the game to a close.
      Arsenal have lost their first game of 2024.
      Porto’s fans erupt as they hear the final whistle.
      Scenes.
      Copy linkCopiedPorto 1-0 Arsenal
      90+4. What a strike from the Porto playmaker.
      From about twenty yards out, he shifts it from under his feet and bends one into the top corner.
      In addded time, we finally have a shot on target and what an important goal it could be for Porto.
      Copy linkCopiedGoal – Galeno (Porto)
      Copy linkCopiedPorto 0-0 Arsenal
      90+2. Saka goes down as he cuts inside and wins his side a free-kick.
      Odegaard and Rice stand over the ball.
      Gabriel comes over to tell them what he wants from this.
      Rice puts it straight on Gabriel’s head and he balloons it over the bar.
      Maybe they should have told the outspoken centre-back what they expect from him too.
      Credit: Reuters
      Copy linkCopiedPorto 0-0 Arsenal
      90. White is penalised for a clumsy foul in the final third.
      It gives Porto the chance to punish them late on now.
      Yet again, it is a terrible delivery, nowhere near any of their own players.
      We are going to have four additional minutes.
      Copy linkCopiedPorto 0-0 Arsenal
      88. Saka whips in Arsenal’s ninth corner of the game.
      Yet they are still to register a single shot on goal.
      We have seen some great games in the Champions League this season, this is not one of them.
      Copy linkCopiedPorto 0-0 Arsenal
      86. If the score remains like this, you would have to say it is a better result for Arsenal than it is Porto.
      We will have a straight shootout in North London.
      Arsenal force a corner, with the Porto players are protesting that decision to the referee.
      Copy linkCopiedPorto 0-0 Arsenal
      84. It has been another ‘invisible man’ performance by Kai Havertz this evening.
      Porto are bringing on Martinez and Borges.
      Looking for some impetus in the final stages of the game.
      Copy linkCopiedPorto 0-0 Arsenal
      82. There will be no need for either keeper to throw their gloves away after this game, that is for sure.
      If they were to sell them online, it would be the epitomy of a ‘like new’ posting.
      Neither side seem able to string a series of passes together at the moment.
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedPorto 0-0 Arsenal
      80. We are into the final ten minutes of the game now.
      There won’t be much added time at the end of this one.
      Not like the Premier League, where there could be another twenty minutes left at least.
      Copy linkCopiedPorto 0-0 Arsenal
      78. Odegaard comes forward and feeds the ball to Saka.
      The Arsenal winger can make no progress and passes it all the way back to the halfway line.
      Arteta’s side manage to force another corner.
      Copy linkCopiedPorto 0-0 Arsenal
      76. Jorginho gives the ball away and Porto can break.
      Arsenal try and get numbers behind the ball.
      The hosts pass it all the way back to the defence and look to start again.
      Copy linkCopiedPorto 0-0 Arsenal
      74. Trossard is coming off for Jorginho.
      Quite a negative substitution by Mikel Arteta.
      Striker for a defensive midfielder, shutting up shop it seems.
      Copy linkCopiedPorto 0-0 Arsenal
      72. Rice floats in another corner but Costa does well to punch clear.
      Arsenal recycle the ball and try to knock it long towards Rice.
      Once again, the keeper comes to collect making it look easy.
      Copy linkCopiedPorto 0-0 Arsenal
      70. Pepe is having a great game at the back for Porto.
      He is showing that age is but a number tonight.
      The veteran centre-back has bossed Havertz, Martinelli and Trossard.
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedPorto 0-0 Arsenal
      68. Porto have a horrendous record in North London.
      Whether that plays on the mind of the manager as the game goes on will remain to be seen.
      They will have wanted some sort of a lead to take to The Emirates.
      Copy linkCopiedPorto 0-0 Arsenal
      66. Another big chance for Porto goes begging.
      As Pepe does well getting to the byline he cuts it back to Evanilson.
      Just as he looks to pull the trigger, Rice gets a foot in the deflect the ball wide for a corner.
      Copy linkCopiedPorto 0-0 Arsenal
      64. Still plenty of time left in this game for some action.
      Not sure whether these two teams are cancelling each other out or not.
      Saka comes forward down the right but Wendell cuts out the pass.
      Copy linkCopiedPorto 0-0 Arsenal
      62. Porto come forward and are looking dangerous but lose the ball.
      Martinelli cuts inside towards goal but is too easily dispossessed.
      Sums up the evening for The Gunners’ attack.
      Copy linkCopied More

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      Champions League giants’ €1billion new stadium design ‘looks just like shopping centre in Southampton’, joke fans

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      REAL MADRID’S new stadium design has been compared to a shopping centre in Southampton.The Santiago Bernabeu underwent £780million-worth of renovation works before being unveiled in September.
      The Santiago Bernabeu has been compared to a shopping centre in SouthamptonCredit: Alamy
      Westquay shopping complex bears a striking resemblance according to rivals fansCredit: Alamy
      As part of the redevelopment, a retractable roof and new pitch were added.
      The exterior of the stadium was also given a fresh design, but supporters are not convinced.
      Curved slats have been added around the outside of the Bernabeu to allow natural light through and onto the planned terrace area.
      However, rival fans have compared the design to that of the Westquay shopping centre in Southampton.
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      One supporter wrote on X: “I was taking it as a joke but they have been copied from this shopping centre in Southampton.”
      Another added: “The worst thing is that the shopping centre is cooler than the stadium.”
      A third fan also joked: “This is much prettier than the can of sardines they made.”
      The Bernabeu was also compared to a printer, with one fan commenting: “Congratulations on having the largest printer in the world.”
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      Southampton’s Westquay shopping centre cost £295m and was originally opened in 2000 after years of planning.
      Further construction took place between 2016 and 2017 to add Westquay South, which features the curved exterior compared to Real Madrid’s stadium.
      Real Madrid team bus involved in crash on way to face RB Leipzig in Champions League clash
      The area features 21 restaurants, a bowling alley, arcade and cinema.
      The curved slats are part of a £780million renovation of the BernabeuCredit: Getty
      Westquay South has a similar look after redevelopment work between 2016 and 2017Credit: Alamy More

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      How Arsenal lined up last time they made Champions League quarters with Bendtner and star who called himself a ‘waster’

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      ARSENAL return to Champions League action against Porto this evening.The Gunners will be looking to start the knockout campaign as they mean to go on with a win ahead of next month’s second leg at the Emirates.
      Arsenal last reached the Champions League quarter-finals in 2010Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      However, fortune has not been on their side in previous years.
      Arsenal last featured in the Champions League seven years ago, when Arsene Wenger was still in charge.
      They were knocked out in the round-of-16 following a humiliating 10-2 defeat on aggregate to Bayern Munich.
      That was the seventh successive season the Gunners failed to get past the first round of the knockout stages.
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      During that time they were also knocked out at the hands of Barcelona, Monaco and AC Milan.
      In fact, the last time Arsenal qualified for the Champions League quarter-finals was back in 2010.
      They booked their spot in the final eight against Porto 14 years ago following a 6-2 win on aggregate.
      After losing 2-1 in the first leg, the Gunners bounced back to win 5-0 at the Emirates Stadium.
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      They had a completely different squad back then, with the likes of Nicklas Bendtner, Abou Diaby and even Sol Campbell lining up.
      SunSport look at how Arsenal lined up ahead of that 5-0 second-leg win over the Portuguese giants.
      Heartwarming moment Arsenal star’s daughter HUGS the TV as dad makes rare appearance off the bench
      GK – Manuel Almunia
      Almunia was between the sticks for Arsenal on the night after taking over from Lukasz Fabianski.
      Manuel Almunia kept a clean sheet against PortoCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He captained the side and managed to keep a clean sheet to send the Gunners through the the quarter-finals.
      After leaving Arsenal in 2012 he joined Watford and went on to spend two years at Vicarage Road before retiring.
      RB – Bacary Sagna
      Sagna spent seven years with Arsenal after joining in 2007 and became a fan favourite – until he joined Manchester City.
      He made one of 284 appearances against Porto in the Champions League round-of-16 second-leg and played alongside two Invincibles.
      CB – Sol Campbell
      One of the Invincibles in question is, of course, Campbell.
      Sol Campbell scored during the first leg and kept a clean sheet in the secondCredit: AP:Associated Press
      He joined Arsenal in 2001 and spent five years at Highbury before leaving in 2006.
      He went on to play for Portsmouth and Notts County before returning to the Gunners for a six-month period in 2010.
      Campbell scored a crucial away goal during the first leg against Porto and helped to keep a clean sheet during the second.
      CB – Thomas Vermaelen
      The defender took the No5 shirt from Kolo Toure when he arrived in 2009 and quickly established himself as a key first team player.
      He finished his first campaign with eight goals to his name and went on to spend four more years with Arsenal before joining Barcelona.
      He then went on to play for Roma and Vissel Kobe for retiring in 2022.
      How Arsenal lined up against Porto in 2010
      LB – Gael Clichy
      Clichy is the other Invincible from Arsenal’s 2003-04 squad to have featured in that round-of-16 second-leg.
      He spent eight years with Arsenal and made 264 appearances before joining Man City.
      CM – Alex Song
      Song joined Arsenal in 2006 and was viewed by many as the next big thing.
      However, he owned up to being a “waster” during his time in north London.
      Alex Song featured in the gameCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He said: “Most footballers live beyond their means. I was at Arsenal for eight years but only began to earn a good living in the last four.
      “That was because my salary went up a lot – but also because I came to realise what a waster I was.
      “When I first joined them I was getting £15,000 a week. I was a young lad, and I was ecstatic.
      “I wanted to rub shoulders with the big boys. I could shop wherever I wanted and have crazy nights out.”
      He went on to add: “During my entire time at Arsenal I couldn’t even save £100,000, while people thought I must be a millionaire.
      “When Barcelona offered me a contract, and I saw how much I would earn, I didn’t think twice. I felt my wife and children should have comfortable lives once my career is over.
      “I met Barca’s sporting director, and he told me I would not get to play many games. But I didn’t give a f*** – I knew that now I would become a millionaire.”
      CM – Abou Diaby
      Diaby was tipped for greatness when he arrived at Arsenal, but a significant part of his career was hindered by injuries.
      The midfielder was one of the first names on Wenger’s team sheet whenever he was fit.
      However, severe injuries such as an ankle fracture and ACL tear as well as calf problems and hamstring issues limited his potential.
      RM – Samir Nasri
      Nasri scored Arsenal’s third goal during their match against Porto back in 2010 following an impressive solo run.
      Samir Nasri scored a great goal during the gameCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He was arguably in the form of his life during his time in north London, but moved on to Man City with Clichy in 2011 and is now on the bad side of many Arsenal supporters.
      LM – Tomas Rosicky
      Like Diaby, Rosicky’s Arsenal career was also marred by injuries.
      However, he provided fans with some memorable moments during his time at the club – including two north London derby goals.
      His time with the Gunners came to an end in 2016 and he was given a guard of honour.
      FW – Andrey Arshavin
      Arshavin was Arsenal’s record signing upon his arrival.
      Like Rosicky, he provided fans with some unforgettable moments including a four-goal haul at Anfield.
      He returned to Russia to sign for Zenit St. Petersburg after leaving the Gunners 2013.
      FW – Nicklas Bendtner
      Every football fan would’ve heard of this player at one point or another.
      He is widely considered a Premier League cult hero with 47 goals and 22 assists in 171 appearances.
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      Nicklas Bendtner scored a hat-trickCredit: Reuters
      Bendtner joined Arsenal in 2005 and spent nine years at the club before joining Wolfsburg.
      He was a hero for the Gunners against Porto in 2010 after scoring a hat-trick in the second leg. More

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      Inside 12-man dressing room split at Bayern Munich after Tuchel is axed – with Harry Kane’s side revealed

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      BAYERN MUNICH are in a 12-man dressing room split as Thomas Tuchel’s time at the Bundesliga giants falls apart.Tuchel has announced he will leave the club at the end of this season after a disastrous run of defeats.
      Thomas Tuchel will leave Bayern Munich in the summerCredit: AP
      The Bavarian side’s season is crumbling after three straight losses has left them eight points behind Bundesliga frontrunners Bayern Leverkusen and facing a potential exit from the Champions League.
      A 3-0 defeat in Leverkusen was followed by a 1-0 loss to Lazio last week, and they then suffered a shock 3-2 defeat away at VFL Bochum on Sunday. 
      Xabi Alonso is now understood to be Bayern’s top candidate to take over in the summer.
      And German outlet BILD has reported the dressing room at the Allianz Arena is divided as six players support the boss while the others are anti-Tuchel.
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      With fans wondering which side Harry Kane falls on after Tuchel revealed he was unhappy with the performances at Bayern, SunSport takes a look inside the divide…
      Anti-Tuchel
      According to BILD, the big name that stands out on this list is Bayern Munich icon Thomas Muller.
      The 34-year-old has spent his entire career at the German giants and in public has been very supportive of Tuchel.
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      But behind closed doors it’s a different story as the vice-captain does not fit Tuchel’s game plan.
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      This term Muller’s playing time has gone down and has been left out of the squad’s starting XI more.
      Harry Kane sets ANOTHER record at Bayern Munich after bagging 24th league goal of the season
      Another star on the list is Joshua Kimmich whose relationship with Tuchel began to fall apart after the manager wanted to bring in a new No6 in the summer.
      The 26-year-old did not start against Leverkusen and was subbed off after 63 minutes against Bochum.
      And his team-mates had to hold him back after being involved in a spat with assistant boss Zsolt Low.
      Other stars falling into the anti-Tuchel box are Serge Gnabry, Leon Goretzka, Matthijs De Ligt and Mathys Tel.
      Thomas Muller is one of the players against Tuchel because of reduced game timeCredit: Rex
      Joshua Kimmich is also reported to be against the manager over a transfer talk in the summerCredit: EPA
      Pro-Tuchel
      Luckily for the boss, he still has players who back him.
      And for them, they probably remember that before the three defeats, Bayern Munich had only lost two Bundesliga games this term and were unbeaten in the Champions League.
      Harry Kane is one who stands by the manager after being persuaded to join the German side after Tuchel visited his house last summer.
      While his performance against Leverkusen was labelled as a “catastrophe” by BILD he has had a remarkable term overall.
      Harry Kane supports Tuchel who persuaded him to join Bayern in the summerCredit: EPA
      The England captain has scored 29 goals this term and now holds the record of most goals scored by a Bayern player in their debut season.
      Meanwhile, alongside Kane is captain Manuel Neuer who stands by Tuchel who stood by him during his time on the sidelines over a leg fracture.
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      Newbie Eric Dier is grateful to have been given a spot by Tuchel and has already made more appearances for Bayern (five) than he did all season for Spurs (four). 
      Leroy Sane, Jamal Musiala, and Raphael Guerrero complete the list of those in support of the boss.
      Captain Manuel Neuer also backs Tuchel because he stood by him during his injuryCredit: Rex
      Eric Dier is grateful for Tuchel giving him a chance at BayernCredit: Getty More

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      Napoli vs Barcelona – Champions League LIVE SCORE: Italians face Spanish giants in first game after Mazzarri sacking

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      NAPOLI host Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.The Italians sacked manager Walter Mazzarri on Monday with Francesco Calzona replacing him.
      Napoli will be hoping to kick off the post-Mazzarri era with a huge win against a Barcelona side that has had an underwhelming season so far.

      Kick off time: 8pm GMT
      TV/Stream: TNT Sports 2

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      Bayern Munich already line up next manager after agreeing to part ways with Thomas Tuchel in summer

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      XABI ALONSO is being lined up to replace Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich.Tuchel will leave the German giants at the end of the season after a disastrous run of fixtures.
      Thomas Tuchel is set to leave Bayern Munich at the end of seasonCredit: Reuters
      Alonso is the top managerial target for a host of top clubsCredit: Reuters
      Xabi Alonso and Thomas Tuchel embraced before their 3-0 title showdownCredit: EPA
      The German’s long-term position became untenable following three consecutive defeats – a first for Bayern since the Pep Guardiola days of 2015.
      His side was dismantled 3-0 by Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen last week, which threatened to end their 11-year reign as Bundesliga champions.
      They were then beaten 1-0 by Lazio in the Champions League last-16 first leg in Rome.
      The pressure increased on Tuchel after Sunday’s 3-2 loss at bottom-half Bochum left his side eight points behind Alonso’s Bundesliga leaders.
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      Alonso is now understood to be Bayern’s top candidate to take over in the summer.
      Facing a first trophyless season in 12 years, Bayern’s primary plan was to reach the end of the campaign with Tuchel and assess the situation.
      But it was confirmed on Wednesday that Tuchel will in fact leave at the end of this campaign.
      The former Chelsea boss said: “We have agreed that we will end our working relationship at the end of this season.”
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      In 44 matches as manager so far, he has won 28, drawn five and lost 11.
      Leon Goretzka has compared Bayern’s recent downturn “a horror movie that doesn’t stop.”
      Alonso,42,is in cruise control at the top of the league and is unbeaten in all competitions.
      The German giants will have to fight off some serious competition from Liverpool in order to employ his services.
      The Spaniard was tipped to replace Jurgen Klopp after the Reds manager dropped the bombshell that he would be leaving the club at the end of the season. 
      Leverkusen chief Simon Rolfes claims he is “sure” Alonso will stay with the club despite interest from both sides.
      If they fail to nab Alonso, Bayern will consider three-time Champions League winner Zinedine Zidane.
      Meanwhile, rumours swirled that former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could come in as interim boss. More

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      Porto vs Arsenal: Get £20 free bets and £10 casino bonus with BoyleSports plus huge Saka price boost

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      BOYLESPORTS have a tremendous new customer offer ahead of tonight’s huge Champions League game when Arsenal visit Porto.BoyleSports are offering punters a sensational £20 in free bets PLUS an extra £10 casino bonus, when they stake a tenner.
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      Lionel Messi’s Barcelona replacement hits back after being named one of Premier League’s worst ever forwards

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      LUUK DE DONG has hit back at his critics after being named as one of the Premier League’s worst ever strikers. Back in the second half of the 2013/14 season, De Jong had a brief 12-game loan spell with Newcastle where he failed to score.
      Luuk de Jong has hit back at his critics after he was told he was named among the worst strikers in Premier League historyCredit: Getty
      De Jong had a goalless 12-game loan spell at Newcastle in 2014Credit: Getty
      De Jong has been on fire in the Champions League this season
      A decade on from then and he was told about him being ranked at No75 in a 2017 list of “the biggest flops”.
      In an interview with The Guardian, De Jong could not help but laugh at his ranking.
      Biting back, he said: “Really? When I only played 12 matches and not all of them from the start?
      “And not in my position, either? Oh well, that’s the football world, you know. I was young.
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      “I think I am better armed now to take on Premier League defenders.
      “It’s about your response to adversity – that makes the difference.”
      De Jong, 33, has come a long way since then, scoring for PSV in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Borussia Dortmund for starters.
      His pedigree in European competitions speak for itself, with 12 goals in 38 Champions League games and 17 in 48 Europa League games.
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      Former Tottenham star Rafael van der Vaart also names him as the best header of the ball in Europe.
      Opta stats backing up that claim, with 77 goals being scored with the 6′ 2″ forward’s head including 13 of the 27 strikes the PSV captain has this season.
      I’m an ex-Premier League star who plays with Lionel Messi – but I’m richer than him at just 23 despite his $650m fortune
      De Jong puts this down to his upbringing – by Dutch international volleyball player parents who played with him in the garden or at the beach – which helped with his sense of timing.
      The Dutchman has also featured for Barcelona for one season, scoring seven goals in 29 games.
      But he admitted his time there was “strange” due to him being labelled as Lionel Messi’s replacement following the Argentine’s move to Paris Saint-Germain.
      He said: “That was very strange. Of course I was not brought in as his direct replacement.
      “No one can replace that man. I came there as a target man. But I was actually sitting at his place in the dressing room. That was nice.”
      One of the crowning moments of his career came after he was told he could leave the Camp Nou by Xavi, who had replaced Ronald Koeman after he signed De Jong.
      De Jong said: “After that I scored some important goals, mostly headers. At one point they sang my name at Camp Nou at every corner or free-kick.
      “You wouldn’t think it gets better than that. I am very proud of that.”
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      Good times come with the tough however, and De Jong has credited his mental strength as part of the reason he is now the “best version of himself”.
      He said: “I never gave up. I always kept working hard and I think I am the best version of myself now.”
      De Jong arrived at Barcelona and was labelled as Lionel Messi’s replacementCredit: Getty
      De Jong scored seven times in his sole season with Barcelona and revealed he sat in Messi’s old seatCredit: Getty More