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      How England boss Thomas Tuchel turned big-money Chelsea star from flop into ‘Europe’s best defender’

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      NEW England boss Thomas Tuchel turned Antonio Rudiger into the best-centre back in Europe during their time together at Chelsea.Chelsea gave Roma £29million for Rudiger in 2017 but the Germany international endured a difficult first few seasons in West London.Thomas Tuchel made Antonio Rudiger into the best-centre back in EuropeTuchel and Rudiger won the Champions League and Fifa Club World Cup togetherRudiger, 31, won the FA Cup under Antonie Conte and the Europa League under Maurizio Sarri before his fortunes took a downward turn.The defender began to struggle for game time under Frank Lampard in the Chelsea legend’s first managerial stint at Stamford Bridge.He played just nine games in all competitions in Lampard’s six months, behind first- choice duo Kurt Zouma and Thiago Silva.Lampard’s former assistant Jody Morris has since tried to clear things up after revealing that Rudiger “wasn’t fit” for most of Lampard’s first reign.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut Rudiger was attracting interest from clubs looking to take him on loan in January 2021, until Lampard was sacked and Thomas Tuchel stepped in.Tuchel immediately reinstalled his countryman to the starting XI.The former Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund defender was instrumental in Chelsea’s Champions League success at the end of the 2020/21 season.Morris told talkSPORT: “When we first went in there, Rudiger had a serious injury and he wasn’t fit for a large spell.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Has Rudiger played to the level that he played under Tuchel anywhere else? I’m not sure. Previously to us going in there, never.”But I get that because even from watching the games after we left, Rudiger, I don’t think there was a better centre half in Europe after that.Watch Antonio Rudiger bring back iconic Chelsea chair celebration in wild scenes after Real Madrid win vs Bayern MunichRudiger was instrumental in Chelsea’s Champions League win over Man City in 2021Credit: GettyBut Morris was keen not to place the blame on Lampard.He added: “But I think you can always get those types of players that excel under a new manager, a new system.”I think the fact that he moved into a back three allowed for three centre halves to come in and Rudiger was absolutely outstanding.”Not just from a defensive aspect, actually, going forward, I thought he has a few roaming runs, but I’m not sure we see that level of performance previously or maybe since.”Rudiger memorably went unpunished for body-checking Kevin De Bruyne in Chelsea’s 1-0 Champions League final win, as the Man City superstar was subbed off with a facial injury, as post-match tests revealed a fractured nose and eye socket.But Chelsea failed to persuade the German to sign a new contract during the following season, as he joined Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer of 2022.And just as well, as Tuchel would be sacked from Chelsea just a few months later in September 2022.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has made 118 appearances for the Spanish club, winning LaLiga and the Champions League last term.His Los Blancos contract ends in June 2026.Antonio Rudiger won his second Champions League title with Madrid in MayCredit: Sunday TimesForgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel. More

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      David Coote booted off Uefa match list and facing sack after vid of him calling Jurgen Klopp a ‘German c***’ leaked

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      DAVID COOTE has been booted off UEFA’S match list as the fallout grows from his astonishing video rant at Jürgen Klopp.The Premier League ref faces the sack after being captured on film calling the former Liverpool boss a “German c***” among other things.He admitted the viral video of him slamming Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool is of himCredit: XDavid Coote has been booted off of Uefa’s match list following the leaking of his Jurgen Klopp rant videoCredit: ReutersDavid Coote takes on the fourth official role at the San Siro for a Champions League gameCredit: AlamyHe was immediately suspended by his bosses at the PGMOL and now Europe’s governing body are taking similarly strong action.Coote is a VAR specialist for Uefa and was involved in Champions League action only last week when Dutch side PSV Eindhoven beat Girona 4-0 on November 4.Coote was down to work at one of Uefa’s Nations League games taking place during this current international round of fixtures.  But he has now been removed.RAD MORE IN FOOTBALLEurope’s refereeing chiefs have followed their English counterparts and Coote will not be appointed to any UEFA matches for the foreseeable future.The PGMOL have launched an investigation into the sensational footage which emerged online on Monday afternoon.Coote is seen sitting with a male friend also labelling Klopp an “arrogant c***”.Coote has not denied the authenticity of the footage but says he “cannot recall” recording the footage which is several years old.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe goes on to dismiss Liverpool as ‘s***’ and says he had  ‘no interest in speaking to somebody as f****** arrogant’. I do my best not to speak to him. My God… German c***. F*** me.”Coote has history with ex Liverpool boss Klopp.They clashed after Burnley drew at Anfield in July 2020 when the football season was extended due to COVID.Coote was criticised as being too lenient. Premier League referee David Coote SUSPENDED as video appears to show him calling Klopp a ‘c***’ in anti-Liverpool rantKlopp said at the time: “The referee let lots of challenges go.”Nottinghamshire official Coote’s career as an official faces ruin as his comments about Liverpool and Klopp will be viewed as evidence that he had an axe to grind with the Anfield club.Coote, a Prem ref since 2018, has been involved in a number of controversies involving Liverpool and their title rivals as both a referee and VAR over recent seasons.That includes a Marcus Rashford goal way back in 2019 which saw Divock Origi seemingly fouled in the build-up – but VAR Coote did not intervene.He was also at Stockley Park when Jordan Pickford crunched Virgil van Dijk, rupturing the Liverpool defender’s ACL – but again Coote did not step in as the Reds did not even get a penalty.And he was once again the VAR when he denied Klopp’s side a penalty last season despite a clear handball from Martin Odegaard at Anfield.READ MORE SUN STORIESA PGMOL statement on Monday said: “David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation.”PGMOL will be making no further comment until that process is complete.”Coote insists he does not remember making the comments about KloppCredit: ReutersShocking David Coote video in fullFirst videoFirst man: “What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm Liverpool were s***.”First man: “What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “C***, absolute c***.”First man: “Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown.”Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me – and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant.”So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner.”First man: “James Milner, he gets on with James Milner.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “You can see me there with mask on.”First man: “Mask on, obviously.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two meters apart.”First man: “We have to social distance.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me.”First man: “Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers.”Second videoSecond man (allegedly Coote): “Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously.”First man: He’s a Premier League referee, let’s not f***ing ruin his career.”Like let’s face we’re good blokes but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad. Also he’s a f***ing legend.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “So, yeah.”First man: “So lets not ruin his career.” More

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      Legendary Champions League stadium unrecognisable as rival fans ‘get backache just looking at’ 104,000-seater rebuild

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      ONE of Europe’s most beloved football stadiums is currently undergoing a facelift – and fans are not best pleased.The iconic Nou Camp stadium in Barcelona closed in June 2023 ahead of a complete redevelopment.New images of the redeveloped Nou Camp have been revealedCredit: XFans don’t seem to be pleased with the seatsCredit: XIt was completely demolished to make room for a new £1.25billion stadium that will have a capacity of 104,000.Barcelona have since been housed at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium around five kilometres away.Club officials are hoping to move back into the Nou Camp within the next few months.But the stadium will not be fully complete until 2026.Read More in FootballSome new images of the development were shared on social media last week, but fans were far from impressed.One of the biggest complaints was the apparent lack of padding on seats.One person took to X to write: “What sh***y seats. Low cost seats with 100% comfort 😂 or you get a cushion or your butt will get square 😂.”Another commented: “I got a backache just looking at those seats.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile a third simply said: “Horrible.”The stadium improvements are set to earn Barcelona an additional £25m in revenue each year.Inside iconic abandoned stadium that hosted England matches before falling into disrepair when club went bust Hansi Flick’s side currently sit top of the La Liga table, six points ahead of close rivals Real Madrid. More

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      Ballon d’Or judge RESIGNS after admitting he didn’t vote for Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr due to ‘technical error’

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      A BALLON D’OR judge has resigned after admitting he FORGOT to vote for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr.Vinicius, 24, was considered the favourite to win the esteemed award last month in Paris but missed out to Manchester City star Rodri.Ballon d’Or judge Juha Kanerva resigned after admitting he forgot to vote for Real Madrid star Vinicius JrCredit: X/KanervaJPVinicius was considered a favourite to win the Men’s Ballon d’OrCredit: GettyManchester City star Rodri won the Ballon d’OrCredit: RexThat led to a furious response from Real who boycotted the event and refused to send any representation in France claiming they were disrespected.According to The Mail, only three out of 99 journalists from different countries – with Syria abstaining – did not include the Brazil international in their top 10 picks for the Men’s Ballon d’Or.One of them was Juha Kanerva, who works for Finnish publication Ilta-Sanomat – the other two were Bruno Porzio of El Salvador and Sheefeni Nikodemus from Namibia, according to France Football.According to Marca, Kanerva picked Rodri as the winner followed by City star Erling Haaland and England international Jude Bellingham.Read More on FootballBut he admitted that he forgot to include Vinicius in his top 10 due to a “technical fault”.And now the journalist has announced that he will be stepping down from his position as a Ballon d’Or selector.Kanerva tweeted: “This was my technical fault, for which I take responsibility. “I am leaving my place as Ballon d’Or selector.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReal released a furious statement before the awards explaining the collective boycott.The reigning Spanish and European champions stated: “If the award criteria doesn’t give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to [Dani] Carvajal as the winner.Rodri and Harry Kane lead footy stars and Wags arriving for lavish Ballon d’Or ceremony despite Real Madrid ‘boycott'”As this was not the case, it is clear that Ballon d’Or-Uefa does not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected.”Ballon d’Or 2024 results1: Rodri, Man City and Spain2: Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid and Brazil3: Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid and England4: Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid and Spain5: Erling Haaland, Man City and Norway6: Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid and France7: Lautaro Martinz, Inter Milan and Argentina8: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona and Spain9: Toni Kroos, Real Madrid and Germany10: Harry Kane, Bayern Munich and England11: Phil Foden, Man City and England12: Florian Wirtz, Bayer Leverkusen and Germany13: Dani Olmo, Barcelona and Spain14: Ademola Lookman, Atalanta and Nigeria15: Nico Williams, Athletic Bilbao and Spain16: Granit Xhaka, Bayer Leverkusen and Switzerland17: Federico Valverde, Real Madrid and Uruguay18: Emi Martinez, Aston Villa and Argentina19: Martin Odegaard, Arsenal and Norway20: Hakan Calhanoglu, Inter Milan and Turkey21: Bukayo Saka, Arsenal and England22: Antonio Rudiger, Real Madrid and Germany23: Ruben Dias, Man City and Portugal24: William Saliba, Arsenal and France25: Cole Palmer, Chelsea and England26: Declan Rice, Arsenal and England27: Vitinha, PSG and Portugal28: Alejandro Grimaldo, Bayer Leverkusen and Spain29: Mats Hummels, Roma and Germany30: Artem Dovbyk, Roma and Ukraine More

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      Jude Bellingham posts X-rated rant on Instagram after ending Real Madrid drought, blasting: ‘Giving up is not an option’

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM went on an X-rated rant on social media after ending a six-month goal drought.Bellingham, 21, netted in Real Madrid’s 4-0 win over Osasuna, with his first-half strike seeing him lob the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.Jude Bellingham launched into an X-rated rant after ending his Real Madrid goal droughtCredit: GettyThe midfielder had already assisted Vinicius Jr. before the Brazilian went on to score a hat-trick.The emphatic win ended a nightmare week for the Spanish giants on a high following the humiliating 4-0 defeat to Barcelona during El Clasico and 3-1 defeat to AC Milan in the Champions League.Bellingham had reacted angrily by kicking a water bottle when he was substituted in the 74th minute of the latter.But after getting his goalscoring tally for the season underway, Bellingham posted a defiant message on Instagram, slipping in some X-rated language in the process.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former Borussia Dortmund and Birmingham star said: “Even in s*** times, giving up is not an option. “Madridistas, thank you for your incredible support in the good moments and the bad ones.”While Bellingham has taken 14 games to get up and running this season, by contrast he scored 23 goals in his debut season.His goalless period has coincided with the arrival of superstar Kylian Mbappe.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSpeaking on CBS Sports, Thierry Henry explained how he thought Bellingham was doing too much trying to support frontman Vinicius and Mbappe.Henry said: “It’s always Bellingham trying to make the run, trying to make the team play, running in behind, trying to break the line.How to cure England’s Bellingham, Foden and Palmer headache”I think there is a little frustration. Your nine isn’t going, and your 10 is going. I know it can happen sometimes, but not all the time. Every single time.”I know he (Mbappe) is not a [natural] number nine and that this maybe is not what he likes to do.”Do you think he (Bellingham) likes to make those runs, try and stretch the team? He’ll do it because he has to do it, because his desire speaks, his will speaks.”You don’t win games like that. You don’t win games with your 10 breaking the line, coming back, trying to bend his run, trying to defend, trying to go the other side.”On his angry reaction to his substitution, he added: “I would have been upset too. I saw him kicking a bottle. I would be upset also, of course.”His return to goalscoring ways on the pitch comes after Bellingham seemed to drop a hint about his relationship status off of it.Bellingham was seen liking Instagram posts of model Laura Celia Valk.The Sun exclusively revealed in April that the pair had begun dating.In the summer, Bellingham faced claims that the relationship was a “publicity stunt” – with the pair having not been seen together in public.But the midfielder does follow Laura on Instagram.Earlier this week, Laura posted a photodump, which included a snap of herself in a pink corseted dress.READ MORE SUN STORIESSpotting Bellingham’s like, one fan commented: “Hey Jude Bellingham.”While a second added: “Jude liked it”.Bellingham has been seen liking the posts of model Laura Celia Valk, who he was rumoured to be dating earlier this yearCredit: Instagram / @lauraceliav More

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      Jude Bellingham ends Real Madrid goal drought as ‘world class’ Vinicius strike vs Osasuna finishes horror week on a high

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM finally got himself off the mark for Real Madrid this season and ended a horror goal drought.The England star was involved in the humiliating 4-0 El Clasico defeat with Barcelona last weekend before he was hooked as Madrid fell to a 3-1 defeat to AC Milan in the Champions League.Jude Bellingham ended his six-month Real Madrid goal drought in a 4-0 win for Real MadridCredit: GettyBellingham lobbed the goalkeeper to put his side 2-0 upCredit: GettyHe reacted angrily by kicking a water bottle when he was substituted in the 74th minute of the latter.However, the 21-year-old finally had something to smile about as Los Blancos cruised to a 4-0 LaLiga win over Osasuna.And the game came with personal vindication as he brought an end to a six-month goal drought.Having already assisted Vinicius Jr for 1-0, Bellingham had raced through on goal with a late curved run down the middle when Raul Asencio played an exquisite pass over the top into his path.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBellingham then lobbed the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper to score his first goal of the season after 13 games.By contrast he scored 23 goals last season after a transfer from Borussia Dortmund as Madrid went on to win the La Liga and the Champions League.His goalless period has coincided with the arrival of superstar Kylian Mbappe.Speaking on CBS Sports, Thierry Henry explained how he thought Bellingham was doing too much trying to support frontman Vinicius and Mbappe.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHenry said: “It’s always Bellingham trying to make the run, trying to make the team play, running in behind, trying to break the line.”I think there is a little frustration. Your nine isn’t going, and your 10 is going. I know it can happen sometimes, but not all the time. Every single time.Moment Jude Bellingham video chats sick child in hospital after ex-team-mate calls him out of the blue”I know he (Mbappe) is not a [natural] number nine and that this maybe is not what he likes to do.”Do you think he (Bellingham) likes to make those runs, try and stretch the team? He’ll do it because he has to do it, because his desire speaks, his will speaks.”You don’t win games like that. You don’t win games with your 10 breaking the line, coming back, trying to bend his run, trying to defend, trying to go the other side.”On his angry reaction to his substitution, he added: “I would have been upset too. I saw him kicking a bottle. I would be upset also, of course.”The Osasuna win saw Vinicius Jr grab a hat-trick, including one featuring a peach of a pass from goalkeeper Andriy Lunin as he set the Brazilian forward away on a counter-attack after retrieving the ball from a corner.However, Madrid suffered injuries to Rodrygo, Eder Miliato and Lucas Vazquez before half-time, adding to a list already containing Aurelien Tchouameni, Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal and David Alaba.The win moves them six points behind league leaders Barcelona, who will play Real Sociedad on Sunday.His return to goalscoring ways on the pitch comes after Bellingham seemed to drop a hint about his relationship status off of it.Bellingham was seen liking Instagram posts of model Laura Celia Valk.The Sun exclusively revealed in April that the pair had begun dating.In the summer, Bellingham faced claims that the relationship was a “publicity stunt” – with the pair having not been seen together in public.But the Real Madrid midfielder does follow Laura on Instagram.Earlier this week, Laura posted a photodump, which included a snap of herself in a pink corseted dress.READ MORE SUN STORIESSpotting Bellingham’s like, one fan commented: “Hey Jude Bellingham.”While a second added: “Jude liked it”.Bellingham has been seen liking the posts of model Laura Celia Valk, who he was rumoured to be dating earlier this yearCredit: Instagram / @lauraceliav More

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      Jose Mourinho ‘identifies shock Premier League manager’s job he is ready to take straight away’

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      JOSE MOURINHO has taken talk of a Prem return to a new level.The Fenerbahce chief blasted Turkish football last week and is reportedly targeting one high-spending English club in particular.Jose Mourinho is eyeing an English top-flight returnCredit: AFPMourinho fancies making waves in the Premier League once more after landing in hot water in Turkey.The ex-Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham chief has been banned for one match as well as fined after scorching comments about officials and fighting “the system”.The Portuguese 61-year-old suggested the Turkish League “smells bad”.He also questioned why international fans would watch it when there are exciting alternatives such as the Prem.READ MORE TOP STORIESNow The Guardian reckon the two-time Champions League winner is paying extra attention to one Prem team.It’s reckoned the former Real Madrid and Inter Milan manager has been eyeing the situation at Newcastle.St James’ Park chief Eddie Howe is under pressure as the club’s Saudi owners are itching to qualify for the Champions League football.Howe has eased the short-term strain on his position with victories over Chelsea and Arsenal.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut ahead of Sunday’s trip to third-placed Nottingham Forest, Newcastle still sit just 11th.It’s understood Mourinho met Newcastle chairman Yasir al-Rumayyan socially at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in March.Jose Mourinho jokes that he could become Millwall manager as he says ‘it’s just across the bridge from my house’And The Guardian say the three-time Prem winner has “maintained the connection” since then.Mourinho’s recent outbursts included a frank admission he was keen to boss again in the Prem – albeit at a STRUGGLING team.He said: “So you find a club in England from the bottom of the table (that) needs a coach in two years, I’m ready to go.”Ironically, Mourinho appears to have grown ever more outspoken since picking up a red card against old club United last month.He was banished for his touchline antics in a 1-1 Europa Conference League draw at Fenerbahce.Now it appears he’s eager for a chance at another United in England – with the Magpies potentially becoming his first swoop on the North East. More

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      ‘Cristiano Ronaldo got quicker, stronger and learned after being humiliated by AC Milan.. that game changed his career’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Cristiano Ronaldo’s career changed forever and put him on the path to superstardom after a disastrous performance against AC Milan in 2005.Ronaldo, 39, joined United in 2003 at the age of 18 from Sporting Lisbon and struggled to adapt to the Premier League due to his lack of physicality and end product.Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo’s career turned after a disastrous display at AC MilanCredit: GettyMan Utd greats Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt were frustrated with Ronaldo at firstCredit: PA:Press AssociationBut Scholes and Butt insist the Milan humiliation is what put Ronaldo on the path to superstardomCredit: GettyFellow Man Utd greats Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt still remember CR7’s rough start to life at Old Trafford that “frustrated the life” out of them and other esteemed team-mates.And there was one Champions League match against Milan at the San Siro that saw the star forward getting dominated by Gennaro Gattuso and Paolo Maldini so much that his peers lost their patience.The Red Devils suffered a heartbreaking elimination in the Last 16 as they lost 1-0 across both legs.According to Scholes and Butt, though, one good thing came out of it was the wake-up call Ronaldo desperately needed to turn things around.Read More on Man UtdThe Portugal captain got bigger, quicker, stronger and smarter, which eventually led to him winning the Ballon d’Or with United and four more at Real Madrid.Scholes told Butt on the Football’s Greatest Eras podcast: “I always remember a game at AC Milan and he frustrated the life out of me.”We were playing them away. But Gattuso kept running over to him and taking the ball off him and it was doing my head in. “He was playing against Maldini anyway, but Gattuso just kept coming over, taking the ball off him, taking the ball off him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”We were having a right go at him. ‘Look, you’ve got to pass the ball, pass the ball before he gets to you. It’s quite obvious what’s happening’. “And I think it was after that game that he realised and he thought, ‘Right, that’s the game, that’s the biggest stage, and I wasn’t quite up to speed’.Cristiano Ronaldo breaks young fan’s phone with wayward penalty and sends him collapsing to floor “Now, whether he thinks that or what, I don’t know, but he wasn’t game intelligent enough. “But I think from that point on, he just excelled. He got bigger, he got quicker, he got stronger and he learned more.” More