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      Forgotten Champions League winner with Chelsea is now successful businessman and even attended Harvard

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      FORMER Chelsea defender Ryan Bertrand has founded and sold a business before even retiring from football.The left-back, 33, started the Blues’ Champions League final triumph 11 years ago as they beat Bayern Munich on penalties to clinch their first ever European triumph.
      Former Chelsea man Ryan Bertrand now plays for LeicesterCredit: Getty
      Bertrand, right, won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2012Credit: Getty
      More than a decade on, Bertrand has played for the likes of Aston Villa and Southampton, but now plies his trade at Leicester.
      And while he is gearing up for a return to the Championship following the Foxes’ relegation from the Premier League, it is off the pitch where he has garnered much of his success in recent years.
      Bertrand started trading as a young 18-year-old at Chelsea – an interest which eventually led him to start his own brokerage in 2015.
      He set up the business – a fintech start-up called “Silicon Markets” – with the idea of “bringing institutional tools to the at-home trader”.
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      And after developing the company, the ex-Blues star sold it to a Malaysian firm.
      But that is not the only venture he has dipped his toe into over the past decade.
      Bertrand also developed an emoji business alongside ex-team-mate John Terry.
      Speaking to Sky Sports in 2021, he said: “Sports is my passion, that’ll never leave, but finance is another one.
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      “As you’re building the blocks towards post-career, you’ve got to re-learn, re-train, help yourself become an expert in something different.
      “It’s those horror stories that have kept me ahead of the game, I’m always thinking forward.”
      Bertrand’s impressive business-savvy attitude led him to complete the Harvard alternative investments course.
      The course, put on by one of the world’s most renowned universities, is something the defender hopes will further his business knowledge.
      He also has plans to take on the FA’s technical director course at some stage – and has one eye on a role on the board of a football club in the future.
      Bertrand, who is set to work under his 21st manager in Enzo Maresca, told The Guardian in 2018: “At first, English managers could possibly fear it [a director of football]. No one is telling me which players to buy, they’d say.
      “But if you look at it, the demands on one human in the modern-day game … you can’t become six of you.
      “There are specialisms – player recruitment, making sure the club’s methodology is being kept from the youth team up.
      “That’s ultimately what the director of football’s role should be.” More

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      Gareth Bale reveals furious Cristiano Ronaldo moment at Real Madrid where he would ‘throw his boots’ after 5-0 win

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      GARETH BALE revealed a furious Cristiano Ronaldo would throw his boots in anger – even after 5-0 wins.The Welsh wizard, 33, spent five years playing alongside Ronaldo for Real Madrid.
      Cristiano Ronaldo used to get frustrated even if his team wonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Gareth Bale revealed the story on the golf courseCredit: YouTube
      And he gave the inside story on what it was like to share a pitch and a changing room with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
      Speaking on Martin Borgmeier’s YouTube channel at the BMW International Open Pro-Am golf tournament, Bale was quizzed on the Portuguese star.
      He said: “He was actually okay. He had his moments.
      “For example, if we win 5-0 and he didn’t score, he comes in and throws his boots like he’s angry.
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      “It’s like your team winning in the Ryder Cup but you didn’t get a point so you are angry.
      “But he was a nice guy, nothing wrong, we didn’t really have any problems.
      “A lot of people could be scared of how he is but if you’re not then it’s fine.”
      Serial winner Ronaldo, 38, has racked up an incredible 31 team trophies and countless individual gongs.
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      He is now seemingly seeing out his career at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia following his dramatic exit from Manchester United.
      Bale, meanwhile, secured his fifth Champions League winner’s medal against Liverpool last year.
      The ex-Tottenham star left Real immediately afterwards, ending his nine-year stint with Los Blancos with 106 goals in 258 games, before a final swansong winning the MLS Cup with Los Angeles FC.
      He added: “I enjoyed Tottenham more because it’s more of a family than Real Madrid and everyone is English.
      “But I enjoyed Madrid more in terms of football.”
      Bale announced his retirement in January following the World Cup in Qatar.
      Since then, he has enjoyed playing a lot of golf.
      And that included securing his very first hole-in-one – which was caught on camera in brilliant scenes.
      The pair spent five seasons together at the BernabeuCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Where Lionel Messi’s 15 wonderkids he thought would be future superstars are now, from Mason Mount to Joao Felix

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      IN 2020, Lionel Messi picked out 15 young stars to watch – but where are they now?The Argentina World Cup winner, 35, named his favourite wonderkids for a Topps ‘Lionel Messi Designed Set’ card pack.
      We look at how the 15 youngsters Messi picked out as ones to watch have fared in the year that followedCredit: Reuters
      Messi selected a hatful of young English talent among his crop – with no fewer than FOUR Three Lions stars making the grade.
      But the 15 youngsters have endured very different years since Messi’s announcement.
      Take a look at where they are now.
      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD
      Alexander-Arnold has struggled a bit for consistency since his epic riseCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      MESSI got a first-hand view of the Liverpool right-back’s talent in the 2018-19 Champions League.
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      Alexander-Arnold, 24, was in blistering form as the Reds thumped Barcelona 4-0 in the second-leg of their semi-final clash – and even took the corner leading to Divock Origi’s winning goal to send them to the final.
      Still Liverpool’s No1 right-back, Alexander-Arnold has faced criticism over his defensive ability in the last few seasons.
      However, he reinvented himself in midfield for England in the recent win over North Macedonia.
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      HOUSSEM AOUAR
      Houssem Aouar excelled for Lyon in his first full seasonCredit: AFP or licensors
      LINKED with a move to Arsenal, Aouar captained Lyon and has already won caps for France.
      Technically superb, the versatile midfielder, 24, was expected to complete a big-money move to another of Europe’s giants in 2021.
      However, a loss of form and questions about his temperament emerged and he failed to make the World Cup squad.
      He recently signed for Roma on a free transfer, where he will play next season.
      FRENKIE DE JONG
      Frenkie De Jong is still waiting to find his top form at BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      A former team-mate of Messi, the Argentine knows all about De Jong.
      The Dutchman, 26, moved from Ajax following their run to the 2018-19 Champions League semi-final.
      While De Jong is yet to replicate his top form at the Nou Camp – time is certainly on his side.
      Man Utd thought so, anyway, and were desperate to sign him last summer. However, he snubbed their offer – preferring to stay at Camp Nou.
      MOUSSA DEMBELE
      Moussa Dembele moved to Atletico Madrid on loan in 2021Credit: Alamy Live News
      THE French striker, 26, joined Atletico Madrid on loan from Lyon with a view to a permanent move back in 2021.
      But, he failed to impress Diego Simeone – and was soon back to France.
      The ex-Fulham and Celtic forward was rated one of Europe’s most-sought-after stars after a sensational three-year spell in France.
      Dembele has scored 70 times in 172 matches in all competitions for Lyon.
      JOAO FELIX
      Joao Felix is slowly starting to find his feet at Atletico MadridCredit: Reuters
      ANOTHER Atleti forward, Diego Simeone added Felix to his squad for a record £113million in 2019.
      But the 23-year-old has failed to live up to the hype expected of him.
      A poor return of 34 goals in 131 games and has meant Simeone is ready to cut his losses.
      Man Utd are one of the clubs that have been linked with the fallen wonderkid.
      A loan move last season to Chelsea in January, where he scored just four goals in 20 games, won’t have helped his cause for a future move.
      PHIL FODEN
      Phil Foden has been in exceptional form for Man CityCredit: AFP
      THE Manchester City star, 23, is making a name for himself across Europe.
      As well as Messi, Foden has garnered praise from the likes of Arsene Wenger.
      Under Pep Guardiola, Foden has flourished and become a full international.
      The clamour for him to be England’s main man at the World Cup was too much for Gareth Southgate to resist – and he inspired the Three Lions to a 3-0 win over Wales.
      KAI HAVERTZ
      Kai Havertz has struggled mightily since his £70m move to Chelsea last summerCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group
      AFTER Messi’s comments, Havertz teased clubs across Europe by showing off his unquestionable talent at Bayer Leverkusen.
      After Chelsea opted to splash £70m on the midfielder/forward, Havertz, 24, was expected to take the next step.
      The German star blew hot and cold for the Blues, showing glimpses of his talent – but never on a consistent level.
      This summer, Arsenal have taken a punt on Havertz who will hope to rediscover his form at the Emirates.
      LUKA JOVIC
      Luka Jovic tried to rekindle his form back at Eintracht FrankfurtCredit: EPA
      SIGNED by Real Madrid from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2019, Jovic’s career has really stalled.
      The Serbian, 25, scored just twice in 21 LaLiga games before being shipped back on loan to Frankfurt last year.
      Jovic scored twice off the bench in his first game back in the Bundesliga – but didn’t exactly pull up trees.
      Los Blancos cut their losses in the summer – flogging him to Fiorentina where he scored 13 goals in all competitions last season.
      JOSHUA KIMMICH
      Joshua Kimmich continues to prove he is one of the best players in the worldCredit: AFP
      HARDLY a wonderkid at the time of Messi’s revelation – Kimmich was already 25. He’s now 28.
      The German feels like he’s been around for a decade already and is easily one of the best players on the planet.
      The versatile star can play in midfield or at right-back and has already won 79 international caps, while helping Bayern Munich to a famous Treble last season.
      Kimmich was part of the Bayern team who trounced Messi’s Barcelona 8-2 in the Champions League quarter-final, even getting on the scoresheet.
      KYLIAN MBAPPE
      Kylian Mbappe is arguably the best striker on the planet at presentCredit: AFP or licensors
      QUITE possibly the best striker on the planet right now, Mbappe has scored a sensational 212 goals in 260 league games for Paris Saint-Germain.
      The 2018 World Cup winner, 24, was set to move to Real Madrid last summer, but snubbed the LaLiga giants for a bumper £300million contract with the French club.
      However, he has now revealed he won’t be extending his contract beyond 2024 and has reportedly agreed a contract with Real Madrid.
      EDER MILITAO
      Eder Militao is yet to earn himself a regular spot in the Real Madrid XICredit: Getty Images – Getty
      HAVING moved to Real Madrid from Porto in the summer of 2019, huge things were expected of the Brazilian, who was handed a SIX-YEAR contract.
      Militao, 25, has shown flashes of talent after breaking into the first team.
      But Militao can’t dislodge Thiago Silva and Marquinhos in the Brazilian national team.
      MASON MOUNT
      Mason Mount has been in superb form for a struggling Chelsea this seasonCredit: Tom Jenkins/ The Guardian
      A FUTURE Chelsea – and possibly even England – captain, Mount has been superb for the Blues.
      Mount, 24, bizarrely seems to split fans – but has shown grit, determination and extraordinary talent in a struggling Chelsea team.
      The midfielder has gone from strength-to-strength since Messi comments.
      It’s expected Mount will go on to forge an incredible partnership with the likes of Declan Rice, Jack Grealish, James Maddison and Phil Foden for England in what’s increasingly looking like another ‘Golden Generation’.
      Although, Chelsea seemingly see him as surplus to requirements – as they negotiate a move away from Cobham to Man Utd.
      BENJAMIN PAVARD
      Benjamin Pavard is a key member of Bayern Munich’s rampant squadCredit: EPA
      MESSI was never going to leave the Bayern Munich man out of his list.
      After all, Pavard, 27, scored the goal of the tournament as France knocked Argentina out of the 2018 World Cup at the last-16 stage with a sensational strike in a 4-3 win.
      The versatile defender is now a regular in the Bayern XI, playing 162 Bundesliga games since joining from Stuttgart in 2019.
      CHRISTIAN PULISIC
      Christian Pulisic needs to fully recover from his injuries to show his true talentCredit: PA
      DESPITE struggling with injuries, Pulisic has shown fans – and Messi – just what he can do.
      Chelsea always seem to look more dangerous with the American, 24, in the team.
      Pulisic also led the USA’s charge in Qatar admirably at the World Cup last year.
      JADON SANCHO
      Sancho starred at Borussia Dortmund, but has struggled since moving to Man UtdCredit: EPA
      OF all the players on Messi’s list, Sancho has arguably been the most disappointing
      The Man Utd star, 23, was the subject of the longest-running transfer saga ever, seemingly in 2021.
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      Sancho eventually joined in a deal worth a staggering £73million.
      Back in January, he admitted to having to overcome “physical and mental” issues. More

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      ‘Best Champagne’ in the Premier League revealed as sacked chief hopes for European reunion with new club

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      SACKED Leeds chief Victor Orta hopes to draw Newcastle in the Champions League with Sevilla next season… because the Magpies have the best champagne.Orta joined the Spanish side as director of football after being axed by the Whites in May following a string of transfer gaffes.
      Victor Orta hopes Sevilla draw Newcastle in the Champions LeagueCredit: AFP
      He has replaced Aston Villa-bound Monchi.
      Sevilla are in pot one for the upcoming season’s Champions League draw, which takes place in August, due to them winning the Europa League.
      They could face Newcastle, who are in pot four following a 20-year absence from the competition.
      Orta spoke to Newcastle’s transfer chief Dan Ashworth over Zoom at the Sports Data Forum.
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      He admitted he wants the Toon to end their 54-year trophy drought.
      He said: “Dan, I have two wishes for you. One, we cross paths in the Champions League because the suite of your chairman has the best champagne in England by far.
      “I want to come back.
      “Secondly, last year was the Carabao Cup final (defeat against Manchester United). This year, I hope there’s a trophy for Newcastle because you deserve it.” 
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      Orta worked at Leeds for six years, helping the club gain promotion to the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa.
      He was slammed by fans after sacking the popular Argentine and bringing in the likes of Jesse Marsch and Javi Gracia.
      Orta signed the likes of Brenden Aaronson, Dan James and Georgino Rutter for big money, all of whom struggled to make an impact at Elland Road.
      The 44-year-old returns to Sevilla, where he worked as a technical director from 2006 to 2013. More

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      Chelsea hero Malouda names Mbappe’s next club, predicts Pochettino’s debut season and reveals how Arteta can use Havertz

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      CHELSEA legend Florent Malouda insists it is “only a matter of time” until Kylian Mbappe joins Real Madrid… but could still move to the Premier League at some point.Mbappe has informed PSG he won’t trigger the option to extend his contract until 2025, which means he will be a free agent next summer and the French champions are not keen to lose him for nothing.
      Florent Malouda believes Kylian Mbappe will join Real Madrid if he leaves Paris Saint-GermainCredit: Getty
      Malouda, though, believes Mbappe could join the Premier League at some pointCredit: Getty – Contributor
      This stunning development has put Europe’s top bidders on high alert with Manchester United linked with an interest for the star striker who may cost more than €250million (£216m).
      However, Malouda believes Real are the France international’s likeliest destination if he decides to depart from Parc des Princes but it will all come down to a project that fulfils his ambitions.
      That is why the former winger believes the only Premier League team that could attract Mbappe is Manchester City as he aspires to win the Champions League in the near future.
      Malouda told SunSport, via Genting Casino: “For me, it is only a matter of time before he plays for Real Madrid. He has that desire to wear the white shirt because he liked the team when he was young. Eventually, I think he will try the Premier League, but right now, I don’t see any team apart from Manchester City that would attract him. It is not the right time for him to come to the Premier League.
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      “Everybody associated with PSG and France would love him to stay, but his priority is the sports aspect and the project. He wants a competitive project and PSG have to do their part. Kylian could play for any club in the world. This isn’t about money. He is looking for greatness and wants to find a club that can match his talents and give him the opportunity to win the Champions League.
      “He had the opportunity to go to Madrid and he extended his contract, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he found an agreement with PSG in the future. I would be very surprised if he left this summer. I think from his point of view, everything has always been clear: he wants PSG to give him a project that can fulfill his ambitions.”
      Malouda retired in 2018 after a celebrated career that saw him spend six years at Chelsea after his arrival from Lyon in 2007 and went on to win the Double in 2010 as well as the Champions League in 2012.
      The former France international still watches his former club and insists new manager Mauricio Pochettino will have his hands full after a disastrous campaign that saw the Blues finishing 12th.
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      The 43-year-old expects Pochettino to be under immense pressure and is adamant he can only hit the ground running if he wins over the dressing room.
      Malouda added: “He needs to rebuild a lot of things. He needs to rebuild an identity and a culture. He has already been studying what happened at Chelsea last season and has been talking to people at the club.
      “There were a lot of problems at the club last season, and you could tell that something was very wrong, the results and where Chelsea finished the league confirm that. He is the leader now and he needs to demonstrate that leadership from the first day. There are so many people that will be looking towards him, the players, the staff, the fans. They want to see Chelsea back at the top. He has to lead them with confidence.
      “He will understand the size of the job that he is taking on and he will know that he will be under pressure almost immediately. He has been doing a huge amount of work behind the scenes and he will know that having a good pre-season is the first step in the journey.
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      Malouda predicts Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino will be under tremendous pressureCredit: Getty
      “To get off to a good start, he will have to get the players on his side. He will need to completely believe in his methods and the targets that he will set. It’s a huge job, and he has experience, but he will need his players to support him and give everything from the first match of the season.”
      Pochettino has started by offloading players from Chelsea’s bloated squad and one of the club’s most notable departures is Kai Havertz, who joined London rivals Arsenal after a £65m deal.
      Malouda believes Havertz’s move to the Emirates signals at a new strategy by the Gunners with manager Mikel Arteta opting for players with experience of winning trophies, like Gabriel Jesus.
      The Frenchman doesn’t expect the Germany international to play as a No9, like he did last season for the West Londoners, but could instead feature as a “supporting attacking midfielder”.
      Malouda believes Kai Havertz will play as a “supporting attacking midfielder” at ArsenalCredit: https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1674138215266111501/photo/1
      Malouda said: “I think this is part of Arsenal’s strategy. They are looking to bring players into their squad that are a certain age with the experience of winning trophies.
      “You must also think that Mikel Arteta has a development plan for Kai Havertz and he will know exactly how he will use him to make Arsenal better. I think this is a signing that is similar to when Arsenal bought Gabriel Jesus last summer.
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      “I definitely don’t see him as a number nine. I see him as more of a supporting attacking midfielder who can play around the striker. He has the ability to make long runs and he is comfortable arriving in the box and timing his runs well. I think he needs to create things in the midfield.
      “I’m sure his game will be more suited to Arsenal than at Chelsea because Arsenal play with a lot of interchanging and movement between positions.” More

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      Man City star’s son racks up 1 million Instagram followers in 24 hours after cute Champions League final celebrations

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      PHIL Foden’s four-year-old son Ronnie has become a social media sensation thanks to his Champions League final celebrations – amassing an incredible 1m Instagram followers in just 24 hours.Ronnie Foden delighted City fans by dancing on the pitch with his dad and other City teammates including Erling Halaand and Jack Grealish after the Blues completed the treble in Istanbul earlier this month.
      Phil Foden’s four-year-old son Ronnie has become a social media sensation thanks to his Champions League final celebrations
      Ronnie Foden celebrated with his dad and mum, Rebecca, as City won the Champions League Final in IstanbulCredit: Rex
      Now Ronnie – nicknamed “El Wey” which means “The Dude” in Spanish – has been given his own social media page.
      And his adorable posts have already led to a huge following.
      One sees Ronnie dancing on a table in a £200 designer Off White hoodie while in another he build sandcastles with his England ace dad while on holiday in Mykonos.
      A source said: “Ronnie is a real extrovert and loves all the razzmatazz that comes with being the son of one of the most famous footballers in the world.“
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      He is a very happy kid and loves watching his dad play footy.”
      In comparison Wayne Rooney’s son Kai has built up 120,000 Instagram followers since starting his account in April 2022 while Romeo Beckham has 3.6m.
      His older brother Brooklyn has more than 15m. More

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      Incredible Scott Carson record convinced Man City stars they ‘couldn’t lose’ Champions League final, jokes Gundogan

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      ILKAY GUNDOGAN knew Manchester City “couldn’t lose” the Champions League because of… Scott Carson.Gundogan, who just left the Premier League winners for Barcelona as a free agent, captained City to a stunning Treble triumph last season.
      Ilkay Gundogan has left Manchester City for Barcelona after winning the TrebleCredit: AP
      Gundogan knew Manchester City would win the Champions League because of Scott CarsonCredit: Getty
      The midfielder shone bright in the final when the Citizens beat Inter Milan 1-0 at Istanbul’s Ataturk Stadium.
      That was the same venue for Liverpool’s 2005 comeback win over AC Milan, where Pep Guardiola’s reserve keeper Carson was a sub.
      And Gundogan, whose grandfather was from Turkey, said: “I couldn’t have dreamed of a better ending than having the final in Istanbul.
      “When we got on the bus over to the hotel, I was sitting near Scott Carson.
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      “He said, ‘Every time I come to Istanbul, I leave with a Champions League trophy’. With Scott in the squad, we couldn’t lose!”
      Gundogan arrived at the Etihad on crutches in 2016 but departed feeling like he is “flying in the clouds”.
      The German — Guardiola’s first signing at City — admits telling his gaffer he was leaving is one of the hardest calls he has ever made.
      Eyebrows were raised when Gundogan joined City from Borussia Dortmund for £20.4million when he was struggling with a dislocated knee.
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      Seven years, 304 appearances, 60 goals, five Prem titles, four League Cups, two FA Cups, one Champions League and “hundreds of unforgettable moments” later, the Treble-winning captain leaves a bona fide City legend.
      Gundogan, 32, insists it was “Barcelona or nothing” after sealing his move, 16 days on from lifting the Champions League trophy.
      And he said: “None of this would have been possible without Pep.
      “There are times he is so demanding of how we play and so intense that it can be a bit difficult, mentally.
      “But once everyone gets on the same page it almost feels effortless.
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      Carson’s record on Champions League Finals motivated Manchester CityCredit: Getty
      “One of the hardest calls I had to make was to Pep, telling him I was going to leave. All I could do was to say ‘thank you’.
      “When I hurt my knee at the end of the season with Dortmund and I had to get surgery, I was so worried City would pull out of the deal.
      “But Pep called me and said, ‘Don’t worry, it doesn’t change anything. We want you here. We will wait for you no matter how long it takes’.
      “I can only imagine what the fans thought when this guy with the funny name arrived for a lot of money and he was limping around on crutches at the unveiling.
      “Well, all I can say is . . . I came here limping on one foot but I leave like I am flying in the clouds.”
      A midfielder of impeccable timing, Gundogan saved his best for when it mattered most. His two goals off the bench in May 2022 completed a dramatic final-day comeback against Aston Villa to pip Liverpool to the title.
      Carson was in the squad when Liverpool won the Champions League in 2005Credit: PA:Press Association
      And he scored six goals in his final seven games for City last term — including a double in the FA Cup final win over rivals Manchester United.
      Even when they were eight points behind Arsenal in the title race, Gundogan “knew we would win the league”.
      Since Gundogan’s Dortmund side lost to Bayern Munich in the 2013 final, the midfielder admits the Champions League had been his “obsession”.
      He added: “It seriously haunted me for ten years. Every decision I made in my career since that has been about lifting that trophy. That’s why I came to City.”
      Chelsea pipped City in the 2021 final before Gundogan was left sulking in his room after being benched in last year’s semi-final defeat to Real Madrid.
      So what changed? For Gundogan, it was not all about the signing of goal machine Erling Haaland.
      Speaking to the Players’ Tribune, he continued: “I really have to credit our wives and partners for bringing us a lot closer together this season.
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      “They organised barbecues in their group chat and it made a big difference.
      “This has been the closest team I’ve ever been part of, and that’s part of why we lifted the Champions League.” More

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      Fans fear for England star’s Champions League medal after he is spotted with Salt Bae on holiday

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      FANS were all left saying the same thing after Phil Foden was spotted alongside Salt Bae.The celebrity chef sparked controversy at the Qatar World Cup final after entering the pitch following Argentina’s shootout win over France.
      Phil Foden posed alongside Salt BaeCredit: Instagram @philfoden
      Foden helped Manchester City complete the TrebleCredit: Getty
      But fans warned Foden following Salt Bae’s actions at the World Cup finalCredit: instagram
      Salt Bae – real name Nusret Gokce – was seen snatching the Jules Rimet to perform his trademark sprinkle, biting a winner’s medal and pestering stars including Lionel Messi for a selfie.
      The 39-year-old subsequently landed himself a ban from other major sporting events as Fifa launched its own investigation into how he was able to gatecrash the final.
      Despite this, he was spotted in attendance at the Champions League final in his homeland of Turkey earlier this month.
      And weeks after Manchester City’s Treble achievement, Foden was spotted posing for a picture alongside the viral chef.
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      The pair could be seen holding up three fingers together, gesturing the three trophies won by City, with Foden captioning the post: “Nice to see you my friend 🤝.”
      However, fans rushed to the comments to warn Foden, 23, about a potential ulterior motive.

      One fan quipped: “Surprised he didn’t rip the Champions League trophy out of your hands in Turkey!”
      A second fan remarked: “Did he also touch the Champions League trophy?”
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      “He wants to carry the Champions League cup💀,” declared a third.
      A fourth joked: “Now he is going to steal your Champions League medal.”
      While another fan scoffed: “Did he charge you 69 grand to sprinkle salt over his fillet?”
      Despite his less-than-glowing reputation among sports fans, Salt Bae defended his actions in Qatar, but admitted he was embarrassed by the incident.
      In an interview with The Times, he said: “It was a combination of my love of Argentina and my excitement.
      “I love Argentina, I’ve lived there. I went to support them. Many of [the team] have come to the restaurant. I didn’t feel a stranger.
      “It was a special moment. I can’t do anything about the reason I was there, but I would never, ever step on the World Cup pitch again.
      “There were two billion people watching the World Cup… how many people are speaking about me? Five billion. The whole world.
      “I didn’t go on the pitch with the purpose of advertising, I just felt like it. Then it was a bit of a surprise.
      “There were at least another 1,000 people on the pitch but when they show the video they make out it was just me.
      “I never, ever wanted to overshadow anything. I didn’t like the attention. I didn’t kick anyone, steal anything.”
      Salt Bae’s restaurant empire stretches across the globe, with his Nusr-Et chain in London once being the second most expensive place to eat in the world.
      But many have slammed the food for being “overpriced”, with punters being charged £1,000 gold-plated steaks and $99 (£78) milkshakes.
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      This included food critics at his recently closed burger chain dubbed the “worst restaurant in New York City”.
      Regardless, the food influencer has amassed a whopping 52.3million followers on his Instagram account – just over two million shy of Foden’s and Man City’s accounts together which add to 54.5m. More