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      Micah Richards stuns Thierry Henry and Kate Abdo by picking Man Utd wonderkid if Premier League had NFL-style draft

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      MICAH RICHARDS stunned everyone when he picked Manchester City’s rising superstar in an NFL style draft. In the midst of Super Bowl fever, Thierry Henry, Kate Abdo and Micah Richards selected their best under-20s Premier League player.
      Micah Richards and Thierry Henry as they make their choice
      Kobbie Mainoo scored the winning goal against Wolves in the 97th minuteCredit: Getty
      After Richards, 35, was reminded that his initial choice, Jude Bellingham, was out of the running as he didn’t play in England, the ex-City player took his time before making an astonishing choice.
      He said: “I’m going with Mainoo, Man United.
      “Start a team like that.”
      Kobbie Mainoo, 18, made his Prem debut just before Christmas and is now established as a key first team player, with Erik ten Hag praising his “incredible” progress.
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      He proved absolutely vital in United’s match against Wolves, where he scored a stunning goal in the 97th minute to secure a 4-3 victory.
      The academy graduate’s talent has even prompted club legend Dimitar Berbatov to compare him to the iconic midfielder Paul Scholes.
      But it was still a bombshell to hear that Richard’s, a former City player, would pick someone from his club’s biggest rivals.
      He wasn’t the only one casting aside his loyalties – United fan Abdo selected a City star herself.
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      She said: “Oh yeah, that’s a nice shout, Micah from Man City! Micah Hamilton.”
      Hamilton turned 20 in November making him not eligible for the draft, but Abdo’s answer stuck all the same.
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      He’s only made two prem appearances, but did get a goal and an assist on his Champions League start when City beat Red Star Belgrade 3-2 in Serbia.
      Thierry Henry’s answer was equally unexpected, although unlike the other two he stuck firmly to his loyalties.
      He said: “I would trust my youth team.
      “Sorry, that is an option also.
      “Why are you upset? Why do you have an academy for?”
      Henry’s experience as a manager shone through with his wise choice.
      The pundit previously was Monaco and Montreal Impact boss and also had a spell as Roberto Martinez’s assistant for Belgium and now coaches France’s Under-21’s. More

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      Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz risks girlfriend’s wrath with shock revelation about former team-mate

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      REAL MADRID hot-shot Brahim Diaz is risking the wrath of his girlfriend – by admitting he talks to Theo Hernandez more than her.Diaz produced a moment of solo magic as Madrid beat RB Leipzig 1-0 in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 on Tuesday.
      Diaz and Luz Mendez together at dinnerCredit: Instagram
      Mendez is a model
      She boosts nearly 35k Instagram followers
      But Diaz claimed he keeps in more regular contact with Milan’s Theo Hernandez
      Diaz copied Jude Bellingham’s iconic celebration to the delight of his team-mates.
      The English midfielder is out with an ankle problem, after scoring two against Girona in LaLiga on Saturday.
      Diaz explained his close relationship with his AC Milan ex-teammates and the respect he shares for the club he won the 2022 Serie A with.
      But his Spanish partner Luz Mendez will no doubt be keen to know who means more to him.
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      Diaz told Sky Sports: “I will always thank AC Milan. I had three fantastic years there. I am grateful to everyone. I will always follow them, even in the future.
      “I often hear from Theo Hernandez, I talk more with him than with my girlfriend.”
      Diaz has been linked Mendez, who was said to be secretly dating a Real Madrid player.
      But the 24-year-old winger prefers to keep his personal life private.
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      She has stunned fans with over 100 posts on Instagram
      The actress is a year older than Madrid man Diaz
      Mendez and Diaz have reportedly known each other since childhood
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      Despite the spotlight, he has managed to maintain a low-key relationship with Mendez.
      Rumours were that the pair had been seeing each other on-and-off since September last year.
      Football’s 10 richest wags including music stars and millionaire models
      Their status has not be confirmed, but Diaz does feature on her story often.
      The 25-year-old, who boasts 35k Instagram followers, and has appeared in numerous TV shows in Spain.
      Passionate about the sun and fashion, she recently stated that she is ‘The luckiest girl alive.’
      Meanwhile, in 19 appearances for Madrid so far this season, Diaz has notched four goals and assisted once.
      He returned there after three years on loan with the Rossoneri.
      Diaz was a product of Malaga and then Manchester City’s youth set-up after moving to the Etihad from Spain at the age of 16. More

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      Champions League 2023-24 prize money revealed with Man City on course to shatter record earnings

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      MANCHESTER CITY hope to be the first English club to pocket £100 million in UEFA prize money this season by defending the Champions League crown.And with television cash added in, that could rise to a record-smashing whopping £128 million if they lift the trophy at Wembley on June 1. 
      Man City could pocket over £100m if they win the Champions League again this seasonCredit: AFP
      Pep Guardiola’s men picked up around £85 million from the organisers by lifting the trophy for the first time in Istanbul in June.
      But if they go all the way and retain their title on home soil it will be worth substantially more.
      While UEFA’s cash pot for the competition remains at a total £1.73bn, favourites City are in line to take their biggest share yet.
      And if Guardiola’s men, who have a 100 per cent winning record from their first seven games this season, can be Euro kings for the second year running, the Etihad side will crush the current record European earnings tally.
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      City banked around £12 million from winning all their six group matches against RB Leipzig, Young Boys and Red Star Belgrade.
      The holders will be expected to complete the job against FC Copenhagen next month and book a place in the quarter finals – which is worth a further £9 million.
      There is another £33 million on offer if they can negotiate their way through to the showpiece final for a third time in four years.
      Lifting the trophy is only worth a further £3.8 million – the same amount they earned from winning the Super Cup in August.
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      Man City’s potential UEFA earnings
      City also earn slightly more than £28m from Uefa’s controversial “10 year coefficient table”, as they take the fourth-largest share behind Madrid, Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
      Television money will boost their earnings till further – meaning they would eclipse the record £116 million Real Madrid picked up when they beat Liverpool to lift the crown in 2022.
      Phil Foden brutally trolls Micah Richards live on TV over £600-a-week barber trips and reveals how much his trim costs
      The maximum City can win is a stunning £128 million.
      But with Manchester United and Newcastle both having been knocked out in the group stage, City are now guaranteed a minimum £127m for going all the way – and that would require them beating Arsenal in the final.
      Midfielder Phil Foden believes the holders have the squad to become the first team since Real Madrid to defend their crown.
      He said: “I look around the changing room and still see the determination and hunger – so I don’t see why not. We’ve got the squad to do it.” More

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      Uefa set for major rule change amid fears both Man Utd and City will NOT be able to play in Europe

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      MANCHESTER rivals United and City will both be allowed to play in Europe next season – as Uefa is rewriting its multi-club ownership rules.Current Uefa regulations state that no individual or entity “may have control or influence over more than one club participating in a Uefa competition”.
      Uefa is set to change its rules on multi-club ownershipCredit: Reuters
      Pep Guardiola’s side are the figurehead of the City Football Group, which includes shock La Liga contenders Girona.
      Newly confirmed United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos group also own Nice, who are second in France’s Ligue Un.
      Current rules are based on defending the “integrity” of competitions, so that clubs under common ownership cannot manipulate results to the benefit of one or the other.
      But Uefa general secretary Theodore Theodoridis confirmed Europe’s top brass are actively discussing a rules revamp for next season that would give both City and United the green light come what may – and access to £100m-plus in potential prize money.
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      Theodoridis said: “It’s a difficult issue and there are continuous discussions, with club representatives and with European Club Association representatives as well.
      “We have to decide what we must do moving down the line because there is a change in our competitions.
      “There are some clarifications to be done on the rules because now there will be no feeding between the competitions, where clubs can drop down from the Champions League to the Europa League, for example.
      “Right now, because of the feeding system, there is an even bigger issue.
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      “So we are trying to look at that and at the same time to speak to the clubs.
      “Soon we will be coming up with the changes and you will be informed – because we have to adapt to the post-24 format as well.”
      Under the current regulations, United would have to finish higher in the Prem than Nice did in France to be allowed to play in the Champions League, with the French side then not being allowed in any competition.
      If they finished lower in the Prem, United could only play in Europe if they qualified directly for a specific competition – by their final league position or winning the FA Cup.
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      Even if Girona stay second in Spain – they are five points ahead of third-placed Barcelona – City would be sure of taking part in the competition next season by retaining the trophy or winning the Prem for a record fourth year running.
      But the proposed changes – expected to be confirmed at the next meeting of Uefa’s ruling executive committee in Dublin in May – give United a potential £100m carrot for creeping into the top four.
      And that would even be available for a fifth place finish if English teams progress deep in Europe to take one of the two extra Champions League slots in the expanded 36-team competition for the best performing nations each season. More

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      Man City break Champions League record as Pep Guardiola’s romp to dominant 3-1 win over Copenhagen

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      MANCHESTER CITY set a new Champions League record following their 3-1 win over Copenhagen on Tuesday.The treble winners took control of the last-16 tie thanks to goals from Kevin de Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden.
      Man City broke a Champions League record on WednesdayCredit: AP
      City have set the longest streak by any English side in the competition’s historyCredit: AP
      De Bruyne broke the deadlock in the 10th minute with a composed strike into the bottom-left corner.
      Magnus Mattsson then equalised for Copenhagen after capitalising on a rare error from Ederson.
      But Silva fired his side back into the lead on the brink of half time before Foden sealed the win in added time.
      City have now won nine straight games in the Champions League, setting the longest streak by any English side in the competition’s history.
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      Speaking after the match, Pep Guardiola said: “I know how difficult it is. People believe it is easy. Ask United and Bayern. It’s a really tough opponent.
      “We made perfect concepts today. My job is to warn the players, the attributes they have. We behaved with character and personality, patience.
      “Everyone was at a top level. It’s not decisive, a good result. Hopefully we can make the quarters.
      “Copenhagen are so compact. These type of games you expect the transitions where you suffer. Slow it down in this incredible stadium with the crowd behind. Make 1,000 goals, don’t allow them to score a goal.
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      “The stadium goes down. We have to find the spaces in the next leg. I saw the United games and how difficult it was for them.
      “I knew it, the players knew it. They follow us and play for that way.”
      Phil Foden brutally trolls Micah Richards live on TV over £600-a-week barber trips and reveals how much his trim costs
      Man City face Copenhagen again in the second leg on March 6 at the Etihad Stadium. More

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      Farce over ‘crazy’ disallowed Champions League goal as even Real Madrid star says RB Leipzig strike should have counted

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      TONI KROOS shockingly admitted that Leipzig’s disallowed goal should have stood in Tuesday’s first-leg Champions League tie.Real Madrid ran out 1-0 winners in Germany, after a wonder goal from Jude Bellingham replacement Brahim Diaz.
      Sesko’s early header was controversially ruled out in Tuesday’s tie with Real Madrid
      But Toni Kroos acknowledged that the goal should have stood
      Both fans and footballers were left perplexed with the confusing refereeing decision inside three minutes.
      Benjamin Sesko found the net with a header, but the goal was disallowed due to a slight nudge from Benjmain Henrichs on goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. 
      It was initially deemed that Sesko was offside, but the defender was then somewhat harshly penalised for colliding with the goalkeeper.
      Leipzig then went onto dominate the chances in the first half, before former Manchester City star Diaz’ brilliantly worked strike in the 48th minute.
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      But Madrid’s legendary midfielder has even confessed that Leipzig were hard done by.
      Kroos said: “I think in the end he called offside because it got in his way.
      “But the goalkeeper couldn’t reach the ball and that’s why the goal had to be given. You can’t argue any other way.”
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      Referee and analyst Mateu Lahoz added: “It’s crazy to disallow the goal for that. This is not football.
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      “Leipzig’s goal should have gone up the scoreboard. We have to be honest. 
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      “If this happens to a Spanish team we would put our hands on our heads.”
      Fans also took to social media to express their bewilderment at the goal being chalked off.
      One wrote: “Leipzig have been robbed.”
      Another said: “How is he interfering?!”
      However, Thierry Henry had a different outlook.
      He told TNT: “The disallowed goal was the correct decision. I first thought it was a goal, but on the replay, you can see it is not. As a player, you are told if you are offside don’t get involved.
      “He involves with Lunin, even if the push is little and he was offside.” More

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      Phil Foden brutally trolls Micah Richards live on TV over £600-a-week barber trips and reveals how much his trim costs

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      PHIL FODEN cheekily trolled Micah Richards over his £600-a-week haircut habit after starring in Manchester City’s latest win.The England ace, 23, has been in red-hot form for Pep Guardiola’s side.
      Micah Richards commented on Phil Foden’s haircutCredit: X formerly Twitter / @CBSSportsGolazo
      The pundit, 35, asked Foden where he gets his barnet choppedCredit: X formerly Twitter / @CBSSportsGolazo
      Kate Abdo was left stunned by Foden’s responseCredit: X formerly Twitter / @CBSSportsGolazo
      Jamie Carragher and Richards laughed along with the Man City starCredit: X formerly Twitter / @CBSSportsGolazo
      After adding another goal to his tally during City’s 3-1 win over Copenhagen, Foden stopped to chat with CBS Sports’ Champions League crew comprising of Kate Abdo, Micah Richards, Jamie Carragher and Thierry Henry.
      After chatting about the game, Richards pivoted to Foden’s barnet.
      The former City ace, 35, asked: “Before you go, who’s your barber?
      “Because your trim’s looking kinda fresh I’m not gonna lie.”
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      Foden quipped back: “I’ve heard you pay a lot for your trim.”
      Richards stunned Henry last year by revealing that he has his hair cut three times a week at £200 a pop.
      It was even revealed that Richards jetted his barber out to Qatar for the World Cup.
      Following Foden’s remark Carragher howled with laughter, before Abdo asked: “How much do you pay for yours?”
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      Down-to-earth Foden replied: “Twenty quid from the local.”
      An incredulous Abdo responded: “No, you do not pay twenty quid!”
      Pep Guardiola’s reacts to Manchester City’s Champions League win over Copenhagen
      But Foden insisted: “I swear! Obviously I sort him out sometimes but I go to the same barber from the age of eight.”
      Richards then cheekily cut in: “Did he slip when he went to your eyebrows?”
      Foden has scored eight goals and laid on a further seven assists in 23 Premier League appearances this season.
      He recently netted a stunning hat-trick against Brentford, and contributed a goal and an assist against Copenhagen last night.

      Asked if he’s ever felt more vital to City’s success, Foden told the CBS Sports team: “I don’t think so. It’s the most run of games I’ve probably had in a City shirt.
      “When you’re playing every game I think you can get a lot of rhythm. I’m feeling good this year and I’m helping the team the best I can.” More

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      Watch ‘inhuman’ Erling Haaland leap 7ft 6in in air for insane Cristiano Ronaldo-like flying kick against FC Copenhagen

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      ERLING HAALAND left fans’ jaws on the floor by leaping 7ft 6in into the air for Manchester City last night.The 6ft 4in star lined up against Copenhagen in the Champions League.

      Erling Haaland rose 7ft 6in into the air for an acrobatic effortCredit: Getty
      Cristiano Ronaldo scored an amazing goal against Juventus in 2018Credit: EPA
      Haaland, 23, didn’t get on the scoresheet as his side ran out 3-1 winners.
      But he still managed to take fans’ breath away.
      Rising to try and meet a cross, Haaland jumped an astonishing 7ft 6in into the air.
      He connected with the ball, but wasn’t quite able to convert the shot.
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      Haaland’s effort was likened to Cristiano Ronaldo’s astonishing goal for Real Madrid against Juventus in 2018.
      On that occasion, the Portuguese superstar rose 7ft 8in to convert a remarkable overhead kick from Dani Carvajal’s cross.
      Ronaldo received acclaim from fans of Juventus, who he would go on to join later that year.
      Foreshadowing his move, he said at the time: “It was an unbelievable moment. I have to say thank you a lot – grazie – to all supporters of Juventus.
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      “What they did for me was amazing, I’m so happy.
      “Thank you to all of them. This has never happened in my career so far.”
      Erling Haaland gives up on winning second Treble in shock interview after brace for Man City against Everton
      Ahead of last night’s game, Haaland was told to “relax” by his boss Pep Guardiola.
      And while he didn’t score, City fans loved their striker’s acrobatic exploits.

      One wrote on social media: “literally how?”
      While a second gushed: “brother was levitating.”
      A third swooned: “he was floating.”
      And another added: “In a league of his own.”
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      Haaland has scored 73 goals in 79 appearances since joining City from Borussia Dortmund.
      He is the Premier League’s top scorer this season with 16 goals – despite having missed nearly two months through injury. More