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      From begging for McDonald’s burgers to global superstar… How Cristiano Ronaldo is STILL chasing World Cup glory at 41

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      HE is the highest-paid football player in the world, with a net worth of over £229million and a portfolio of luxury properties across six countries.It’s a level of wealth that Cristiano Ronaldo could never have imagined when, aged 12, he relocated to mainland Portugal from Madeira to join the Sporting Lisbon academy.Portuguese goal machine Ronaldo is still banging them in for Al-Nassr in Saudi ArabiaCredit: AFPHis incredible rise comes after begging for burgers as a kid with Sporting Lisbon’s youth teamsCredit: Manuel RochaRonaldo now raises five children with stunning partner Georgina Rodriguez but still finds time to play footballCredit: InstagramRonaldo turns 40 tomorrow but shows no signs of slowing downCredit: GettyThe father-of-five’s humble upbringing was a million miles away from the Hollywood lifestyle he now enjoys, with the star admitting that food and money was scarce when he was a child and that he had to beg for burgers after training.Ronaldo – who turns 40 tomorrow – recalled how free fast food kept him and his friends going, revealing: “Late at night, 10.30 or 11, we are a little bit hungry.“So we have a McDonald’s next to the stadium where we lived.“And we always go to the back door and knocked on the door: ‘Hey, any burgers left?’”Fabio Paim, who was one of Ronaldo’s pals at the Sporting academy, confirmed: “At night we used to go to McDonald’s to pick up the burgers that no one wanted anymore so they weren’t good to sell.“We were there every night.”Ronaldo made an appeal in an emotional interview with Piers Morgan to find the McDonald’s staff who had taken pity on him.He said: “Edna and two more girls, they were unbelievable.“I never found the girls again. They closed that McDonald’s.”But as a result of the publicity, Edna Caldas came forward to say she was one of the workers.Edna said: “This was something that all happened such a long time ago.“I’m really happy at what he’s gone on to become. I never thought he would remember me so many years on.“It shows how wonderful he is that he hasn’t forgotten small things like this from his past.”Cristiano Ronaldo adds stunning £164,000 luxury BMW to £17MILLION car collection as he’s gifted motor by Al-Nassr From such humble beginnings and poor nutrition emerged one of the greatest athletes in sporting history.Pretty much from the day Ronaldo arrived at Manchester United as a skinny 17-year-old to his latest star turn as the £173m-a-year poster boy of the Saudi Pro League, he has devoted himself to self-improvement.Former United team-mate Nicky Butt revealed he and other players would “abuse” Ronaldo at first if he dived in training.But they never questioned his phenomenal work ethic.Butt said: “He was the last to leave the building.“In fact, you couldn’t get him off the training pitch as he worked relentlessly on his technique, as we were all walking off he was carrying a bag of balls to work on those techniques.“We would be having lunch in the canteen or getting ready to go home and you could hear the voice of Sir Alex bellowing across the training fields at two or three o’clock in the afternoon, shouting at Cristiano that it was time to get off the pitch as ‘We have a game in two days – enough now’.”Ronaldo had to leave his own family behind in Madeira when he moved to Sporting’s academy as a kidCredit: CollectRonaldo in 2002 after breaking into the Sporting side as a skinny wingerCredit: GettyHis form saw Sir Alex Ferguson sign him for Man Utd, where he stunned the Scottish manager with his dedicationCredit: AFPHis performances at United helped them win the Champions League in 2008 – and Ronaldo collected his first Ballon d’Or in that yearCredit: AFPA year later, after much speculation, he finally signed for Real Madrid for a then world record fee of £80mCredit: Action Images – ReutersBut at times even Ferguson had to admit he was fighting a losing battle against a player so devoted to getting better.Fergie said: “He sacrificed himself to be the best.“I remember we were playing Arsenal on the Saturday and it was pouring with rain at Carrington.“You know he would always practise after training and I said to him ‘We’ve got a game tomorrow and it’s too wet. The ground is too soft.’“So I went into my office, looked out of the window and what did he do? He went on the Astroturf.“I had no argument. I couldn’t say anything to him. He’s beat me.”To have that mentality he had at 18, he deserves everything he’s gotNemanja VidicWhen Ronaldo arrived at United in 2003, Wayne Rooney was the Premier League’s young superstar and would join him at Old Trafford a year later.But by the time Ronaldo left Old Trafford for Real Madrid in a world-record transfer in 2009, he was the better player, with his first Ballon d’Or already under his belt.Former United defender Nemanja Vidic was in no doubt why the Portugal star went on to become one of the game’s all-time greats – and why Rooney fell short.Vidic said: “You see Cristiano on Instagram, it’s all flashy stuff but he deserves it.”At that age – 18, 19, to 21 – to have that mentality to work hard, not go out, fight for your dream, the way he did it, he deserves everything he got.“For me, Wayne Rooney, he failed in terms of that.”In one moment they are similar, the same. What brought Cristiano Ronaldo much higher was his mentality to change, to work hard, to improve, to have goals.”I’m not saying Wayne didn’t have a mentality, but he played pure on his talent.“He didn’t invest in his body, invest in extra training, the physical side.”Ronaldo with former Man Utd team-mate Wayne RooneyCredit: GettyRonaldo won a host of trophies at Real under Zidane, who called him the best player he ever managedCredit: AFPRonaldo’s incredible stats may never be beatenAt Real, Ronaldo found new levels of achievement and recognition, breaking the club’s all-time goalscoring record, lifting the Champions League four times and winning four more Ballon d’Or crowns as the world’s best player.The Portugal winger claimed the first of his two LaLiga titles under countryman Jose Mourinho.Although the two Portuguese would sometimes clash over Mourinho’s tactical demands, the former Chelsea and Inter Milan boss could only marvel at the player’s dedication under him and throughout his career.Mourinho said: “Cristiano Ronaldo is the epitome of dedication.“His commitment to training is extraordinary. He’s the first to arrive and the last to leave.“He has a professional approach to every aspect of the game, from his physical fitness to his diet.“This relentless pursuit of perfection is what makes him exceptional. I’ve seen very few players with his level of determination and focus.”For him, there is no match more important than the one he’s playingCarlo AncelottiCarlo Ancelotti must have thought he had seen it all in his glittering career as a player and manager.But even he was taken aback by Ronaldo’s commitment to excellence and self-improvement.Ancelotti said: “Although I heard many compliments about Cristiano, I was still surprised.“For him, there is no training more important than the one he’s doing and no match more important than the one he’s playing.“He plays every match as if it was his last. It surprised me a lot.“One late night, we returned from an away game and we all wanted to go back home to sleep except for Cristiano who went to Valdebebas to take an ice bath as a recovery.“I was in total shock as I had never seen this much dedication from a player and couldn’t speak a word.”Ronaldo’s work ethic and dedication even impressed Jose MourinhoCredit: AFP – GettyHis strict diet helps explain why he is in such phenomenal shape as he heads into his 40sCredit: Refer to CaptionRonaldo’s workouts mean he could still be playing at next year’s World Cup – and have helped him become the most followed star on InstagramCredit: Instagram/cristianoRonaldo is a strict teetotaller, having seen the effects alcohol had on his father Dinis, aboveCredit: CollectAncelotti managed Ronaldo in two of the greatest seasons of his career.In 2013/14, he fired Real to LaLiga glory and La Decima, their tenth European title, and in 2014/15 hit 61 goals in 54 club appearances – the highest tally of his career.But perhaps the most telling verdict came from Zinedine Zidane.As one of Real Madrid and football’s all-time greats, and the manager who led Los Blancos and Ronaldo to three Champions League titles in a row, the Frenchman knows a player and competitor when he sees one.Zidane said of Ronaldo: “I think Cristiano is much better, although I had a good career.“There are no more words to define him. What he does every day, every game, is phenomenal.“There have been many players who have made history at this club. But nobody has done what he has – the statistics speak for that.“He is the best player I have had as a coach.”Yet Real allowed Ronaldo to leave in 2018, not long after he had become the first player to win the Champions League five times.The £105m Juventus paid for him was the biggest fee ever for a player over the age of 30.Yet boss Max Allegri detected a deterioration in Ronaldo’s form, urging the club to move him on at the end of his first season despite a Serie A title.One of his plates was quinoa, avocado and a couple of boiled eggs. This guy is in incredible shapeLee GrantIt was Allegri who left, however, and Ronaldo added another Italian championship to his tally of trophies.But after Allegri returned in 2021, the writing seemed to be on the wall. So Ronaldo rejoined Manchester United in the most sensational transfer of the summer.And his ongoing dedication to staying fit and healthy, especially through his diet, made a big impression on the United dressing room.Back-up goalkeeper Lee Grant said: “To give you one instance of the impact he is having on the group, this was Friday night in the hotel.”So, as you guys will be aware, you finish your dinner and usually on a Friday night you’ve got some cheat stuff out. You’ve got some apple crumble and custard or you’ve got a bit of brownie and cream.”I tell you now, not one player touched the apple crumble and custard, not one player went up for that brownie because everybody was sat down.”One of the lads said to me, ‘What has Cristiano got on his plate?’ Obviously it is the cleanest, most healthy plate you can imagine.”Grant added: “I’ll tell you one of his plates – he had several. One of them was quinoa, avocado and a couple of boiled eggs.“This guy is in incredible shape.”Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible lifeAS arguably the greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo lives a life befitting such a superstar.Nothing is too much effort for Ronaldo – who had a £40,000 cryotherapy chamber installed at his homeCredit: InstagramHe even paints his toenails to keep them in top shapeHis regime means he also shares plenty of pics of workouts with GeorginaCredit: InstagramRonaldo has sometimes shared details of the regime that has built and maintained his incredible physique and kept him going into a third decade as a professional footballer.To match a demanding, carefully-tailored set of cardiovascular and strength-building exercises, he has up to six meals per day, with an emphasis on protein, wholegrains and fresh fruit and vegetables, and tries to drink six litres of water while avoiding all alcohol.Ronaldo has a £40,000 cryotherapy chamber at home and has been known to follow a pattern of taking five naps of 90-minutes each, rather than one long sleep.It is literally a head-to-toe approach to health and wellbeing – like other athletes, especially MMA fighters, he paints his toenails to keep out fungal and other infections.Unlike many footballers of his generation, Ronaldo does not have tattoos, a stance that forms part of his efforts to help others’ well-being.He is a regular blood donor and knows that having ink applied under his skin would lead to a delay in him being able to donate.Ronaldo has also given blood and bone marrow since he was 24 after learning that the son of former international team-mate Carlos Martins required regular transfusions.Over the years, the superstar has stepped in to help fund treatment for a number of individuals, including terminally-ill children.He has also handed over cash or donated items for auction to raise money for good causes such as Save the Children and Unicef. In 2017, his 2013 Ballon d’Or trophy raised £530,000 for the Make-A-Wish foundation.But perhaps Ronaldo’s biggest contribution to other people’s health came during the Covid-19 pandemic.Ronaldo, seen here on a summer yachting holdiay with Georgina, has an incredible life away from the pitchCredit: InstagramThe couple travel in style, with private jet their favoured choice of planeCredit: instagramAll those hours in the gym paid off for their trip to St Tropez in the summerCredit: The Mega AgencyRonaldo and Georgina with their five kidsCredit: instagramOne of the hospitals in Lisbon which Ronaldo donated huge sums toCredit: Darren Fletcher – The SunHe and agent Jorge Mendes provided £1million to fund life-saving equipment at hospitals in Lisbon and Porto.Daniel Ferro, president of Lisbon’s Santa Maria Hospital, said: “We were contacted by Jorge Mendes, who volunteered with Cristiano Ronaldo to finance two intensive care units for critical patients suffering from Covid-19.“There are fans, monitors, infusion pumps, beds … all the equipment that constitutes an intensive care unit equipped to provide care to a Covid-19 patient.”Ronaldo also persuaded his Portugal team-mates to donate 50 per cent of their bonus for qualifying for Euro 2020, which was postponed until 2021 because of the pandemic, to Covid-19 relief.Ronaldo’s commitment to his and others’ physical well-being is linked to harrowing experiences with his close family.Father Dinis was an alcoholic who died from liver failure in 2005 at the age of just 52.Older brother Hugo, 10 years his senior, suffered from addiction to drink and drugs but got sober with the help and support of Ronaldo.Their mum Dolores, who has twice overcome breast cancer, said: “Cristiano has seen what drink and drugs can do to people close to him.”And it’s part of the reason why he’s become who he is today.”Ronaldo now has a family of his own. Cristiano Jr was born in 2010, with his mother’s name kept secret at her request.The 14-year-old is attempting to follow in his father’s footsteps, scoring goals for fun in Al Nassr’s youth academy.And it is often speculated that Ronaldo may hold off retirement until he can share a pitch with his eldest child.In 2017, twins Eva and Mateo came into the world through a surrogacy arrangement. Later the same year, Ronaldo and glamorous partner Georgina Rodriguez welcomed their first child together into the world, Alana.Tragedy struck in 2022 when Georgina gave birth to more twins and the boy sadly did not survive.Ronaldo was back at United at the time and received a touching tribute from Liverpool fans during a match between the bitter rivals days later – a mark of his status and impact on the game.Surviving Bella, Ronaldo’s youngest, will celebrate her third birthday in April.Ronaldo and Georgina, 31, are among the most photographed and best known people on the planet, thanks to huge social media followings and high-profile roles and endorsements.Ronaldo himself is by far and away the world’s most popular figure on Instagram, with an incredible 647million followers and counting – over 140million clear of old rival Lionel Messi in 2nd.But even at 40, dad-of-five Ronaldo still sees his future on the pitch.He continues to play football and score goals for Al Nassr and Portugal, long after team-mates like Rooney, who is nearly 10 months younger, hung up their boots.And Ronaldo is still eyeing up one last go at winning the World Cup in 2026, when he would be 41.Although CR7 is mocked for a perceived obsession with his image, there is no doubt that his devotion to his body has given him a career unprecedented in football.Not bad for a kid who once relied on hamburger hand-outs.Ronaldo could go out with the ultimate bang – by helping Portugal win the World Cup next yearCredit: Kenny RamsayBLINDING DATERONALDO shares his birth date, February 5, with a host of footballing namesNeymar – (born 1992)Carlos Tevez – (born 1986)Gheorghe Hagi – (born 1965)Adnan Januzaj – (born 1995)Patrick Roberts – (born 1997)Jordan Rhodes – (born 1990)Vedran Corluka – (born 1986)Rodrigo Palacio – (born 1982)Giovanni van Bronckhorst – (born 1975)Billy Sharp – (born 1986) More

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      Arsenal vs Man City needle and aggro is just what the Premier League needs… mutual respect is a crushing bore

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      THIS is what the public wants.Grudge matches, aggro, needle, spite, petty vendettas and schoolboy antics.Erling Haaland has a long-running feud with Gabriel – and it’s brilliantCredit: RexThe fighting spirit between the likes of Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira had fans lapping it upCredit: AlamyThe idea of not just beating the other lot but absolutely rubbing their noses in it.Watch a top Premier League match as a neutral and, while you might admire world-class talent or wonderful goals, what really seizes your attention is s**thousing, showboating, hatred, ridicule and utter disrespect.Sunday at the Emirates — Gabriel v Erling Haaland, Myles Lewis-Skelly v Haaland, everyone v Haaland — was a throwback to Keane-Vieira and Fergie-Wenger. The peak of the United-Arsenal enmity. Arsenal versus Manchester City, satisfying the bloodlust of the masses in peacetime.Read more SportThe dislike was clear and obvious, Arsenal’s desire for revenge — after an explosive end to their 2-2 draw at the Etihad in September — was palpable.Sure, it was mainly playground stuff — Gabriel screaming in Haaland’s face after Arsenal’s opener, Lewis-Skelly copying the Norwegian’s goal celebration, everyone calling Haaland a “c*”.It was trivial, foul-mouthed pantomime. But it was a hell of a lot of fun.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSGabriel went early against Haaland and might have ended up looking foolish.And there may be future recriminations for Lewis-Skelly — an inexperienced rookie refusing to “stay humble” and giving it to an established great.Piers Morgan leaves voice-note for ‘Mr Humble’ Erling Haaland after Arsenal win But one thing is for certain, the viewers lapped it up.For several years now, the English top-flight has become too nicey-nicey. Even high-stakes title showdowns have come with too much tiresome mutual respect.There is a time and place for mutual respect — and that is  post-retirement.Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger gush about each other in their pipe and slippers and it is heart-warming.And Gabriel Clarke’s “Keane & Vieira: Best of Enemies” was  one of the finest TV sporting documentaries, as two great warhorses relived the Premier League’s most engrossing on-field rivalry with a grudging sense of affection after both had hung up their knuckle-dusters.Myles Lewis-Skelly scored a beauty – then copied Haaland’s celebration in a real brutal dig at the strikerCredit: GettyBut mutual respect in the here and now is a crushing bore.The entire nation stopped to watch Fergie’s United against Wenger’s Arsenal — not just because they were the best teams in the country but because they genuinely loathed one another.Tunnel rucks, pizza- slinging, on-field brawls and  Martin Keown’s scary-monster taunting of Ruud van Nistelrooy. Were you not entertained?Great managerial feuds — such as Fergie v Wenger, Wenger v Mourinho and Mourinho v Benitez — are a thing of the past. Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta — former  colleagues and still, to some extent, friends  — have not engaged with any of it.But that doesn’t matter.Press conference barbs and managerial mind games are just words. On-field antipathy offers true theatre.Haaland pointed out to rival Gabriel that he’s ‘never won this’ as he pointed at the Premier League logoCredit: RexSunday wasn’t perfect. In terms of enmity, as well as the 5-1 scoreline, it was too  one-sided — more hounds-against-fox blood sport than a heavyweight boxing slugfest.Haaland is from streetfighting stock — his father Alfie’s age-old feud with Keane is  legendary and Haaland senior had a post-match online jibe at Arsenal while his son pointed to the champions badge on his City shirt after the final whistle.But Haaland aside, City looked like the victims of a mugging. They didn’t expect it and they didn’t truly get it.While they were being humiliated by Arsenal’s players and supporters, City didn’t collect a single yellow card.Even during an era of four straight titles, and six in seven seasons, of financial envy and of  Premier League charges claiming 130 breaches of PSR rules, City’s players aren’t used to being truly disliked by fired-up rivals.Many might have been left surprised that Gabriel and Haaland managed to see out the 90 minutesCredit: GettyMartin Keown loved winding up the likes of Ruud van NistelrooyCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdGuardiola doesn’t welcome it because the levels of desire Arsenal showed can skew a game of football, adding a chaos factor which can negate his status as football’s greatest thinker.When the clubs next meet, should the lawyers allow it, it will be intriguing to see whether City engage or attempt to rise above the needle.The atmosphere at the Emirates has improved since Arteta lifted Arsenal into title contention.But it has rarely been the bearpit of Sunday — with the beastly Haaland baited relentlessly.It was like those legendary visits by Wenger’s Arsenal to face Tony Pulis’ Stoke at the Britannia — always  red-letter dates for fight fans.Between 2008 and 2014, Arsenal visited eight times, losing five and winning only once.The clash of styles and oceans of bile made those extraordinary occasions — with Arsenal usually beaten up and mocked mercilessly by a team Wenger accused of “rugby tactics”.Chelsea versus Spurs became a genuine grudge match — among players not just rival supporters — climaxing in the 2016 Battle of Stamford Bridge when the Blues clinched the title for Claudio Ranieri’s Leicester in a 2-2 draw dripping with malevolence.Such occasions are increasingly rare. Managers are more respectful and players more polite, while rules and refereeing approaches have — rightly or wrongly — softened the game.But for global audiences, Sunday at the Emirates  was a reminder that spite and menace can provide entertainment and fun.Surely, we need more of this. So who is joining me in urging the FA to start up a Disrespect campaign?Arsenal player ratings vs Man CityARSENAL stunned Man City 5-1 at the Emirates on Sunday evening.It was an incredible result against their rivals of recent years.Here, we take a look at how the Gunners rated…David Raya – 7/10Had very little to do in the first half but made a brilliant save in the 22nd minute to deny a goalbound header from Josko Gvardiol. Made another stunning save two minutes from the half-time interval, stopping a deflected Savinho shot from close range. Powerless to stop Erling Haaland’s 55th-minute header from briefly levelling the scores.Jurrien Timber – 6Didn’t offer his usual attacking threat going forward but was solid defensively. Picked up a pointless yellow breaking up a harmless counter-attack in the 24th minute. Almost scored late in the second half.William Saliba – 5Didn’t have much to do in the first half but won all his aerial battles in the first 45 minutes. Marshalled the defence well early in the second period but was embarrassingly outjumped and outmuscled by Haaland for City’s equaliser – a major flaw of his that continues to be exposed.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Like his defensive partner, he was seldom called into action in the first half. Dominant in the air in his battles with Haaland, who he trolled after Odegaard’s goal.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8Continues to endear himself to the Emirates faithful with composure and tenacity beyond his years as he brilliantly floated between left back and midfield. Put real daylight between the two sides with a thumping finish just after the hour mark. This young lad is a real bright prospect for both the Gunners and England.His trolling of Haaland by copying the Norwegian’s ‘Lotus’ celebration went down a storm with fans.Thomas Partey – 7Steady in the heart of midfield and broke up play well when required. Fired the Gunners back into the lead in the 57th minute with a deflected shot from outside the box.Martin Odegaard – 7Was in the right place at the right time to benefit from the aftermath of an uncharacteristic Manuel Akanji error and break the deadlock. Was at the heart of everything good the north Londoners did going forward.Declan Rice – 6Combative, as always, in the middle of the park and played a role in the home side taking the lead, teeing up Havertz who squared the ball to Odegaard.Leandro Trossard – 6Was particularly lively on the left in the first half, giving Matheus Nunes a real run for his money. His end product, however, wasn’t the best.Gabriel Martinelli – 6Lively on the right wing in the early goings. Found the back of the net in the fifth minute after some beautiful play from Odegaard but was needlessly offside. Forced a good save out of Ortega with a rasping effort in the 68th minute.Kai Havertz – 6Lively early doors, testing Stefan Ortega with a tame shot in the first minute. Teed up Odegaard for a tap in a few moments later. Missed a golden opportunity to double the lead in the 25th minute, dragging the ball wide with the goal at his absolute mercy. Made amends for his howler by finishing an even harder chance in the 76th minute. He well and truly needed that as he looked absolutely devoid of confidence.SUBSEthan Nwaneri – 83 (on for Trossard) – 7Put the cherry on top of the cake with an outrageous effort in second-half stoppage time.Mikel Merino – 83 (on for Odegaard) – 5Raheem Sterling – 89 (on for Kai Havertz ) – N/ARiccardo Calafiori 89 (on for Lewis-Skelly) – N/ARead more on all the latest Arsenal news.Go for MylesENGLAND have been struggling to find a decent left-back in recent years.So, even though he’s just 18, played only ten Premier League matches and never won an Under-21 cap, Myles Lewis-Skelly (right) should be in  when Thomas Tuchel names his first starting line-up against Albania next month.Myles Lewis-Skelly has played himself into England attentionCredit: RexWood’s Goal-DCHRIS WOOD’S hat-trick in the 7-0 rout of Brighton takes the 33-year-old journeyman to 17 Premier League goals this season — and propels the Nottingham Forest striker  into Golden Boot contention.Look back over the 33-year history of the competition and the list of each season’s leading scorers is largely a who’s who of its greatest strikers.The most surprising previous winners — none of them all that surprising — include Jamie Vardy, Son Heung-min, Dion Dublin and Kevin Phillips.So if Wood pips Mo Salah (21) and Erling Haaland (19) to take the prize, the Kiwi would be the unlikeliest of the lot.Chris Wood cannot stop scoring for Nottingham ForestCredit: GettyReady Eddie?IT’S ludicrous this week’s Carabao Cup semi-final second legs are a month after the initial matches — due to the ever-sprawling nature of Uefa club competitions.But the flipside is the Newcastle-Arsenal tie — which appeared a dead rubber after Eddie Howe’s team won 2-0 — now looks very much ‘game on’ after they lost twice at home and Arsenal demolished Manchester City.Tomorrow could be squeaky bum time on the Tyne.Dunk and diveMUCH mirth and mockery of Lewis Dunk after the Brighton man netted his seventh Premier League own goal — only Richard Dunne has scored more.Yet own goals are usually worthy attempts to stop certain goals.Dunk, like Dunne, is an old-school, body-on-the-line defender, willing to take one for the teamREAD MORE SUN STORIESAmorim’s Messiah complexTHE concept of Ruben Amorim being Manchester United’s last great hope is a compelling one, embraced by most fansBut it has given the Portuguese a messiah complex, thinking he’s a genius who sees things mortals can’t imagine . . . Kobbie Mainoo at centre-forward in a 2-0 home loss to Palace. 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      Marcus Rashford says he can win Champions League after ending Man Utd misery and leaving Amorim’s blundering revolution

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      MARCUS RASHFORD “can hurt teams” and help Aston Villa WIN the Champions League.In his first interview since leaving Manchester United to join the Midlanders on loan, the England forward revealed he is targeting the biggest prize in club football.Marcus Rashford has made a shock loanCredit: GettyRashford will wear the No 9 shirt — vacated by £70million Al-Nassr signing Jhon Duran — as he aims to revive his career under Unai Emery.He said: “Being back in the Champions League is hugely exciting. It’s the biggest competition for a club to be involved in, and they’re  always great nights.“We want to get as far as we can and if we don’t aim to win it, then we’re never going to win it.“I’m sure it will be a great experience for me playing for Villa in the Champions League.Read More Football“I know I can hurt teams and, when I’m at my best, decide football games.“That will be my  only goal, to help the team win more games, more points and hopefully create history.”Rashford has  12 goals and three assists in 33 appearances for United in Europe’s elite competition.And Rashford will team up with Villa’s Paris Saint-Germain loanee Marco Asensio when they return to Europe in a last-16 tie next month.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRashford, 27, said: “I’ve played a fair amount of games in the Champions League so I feel like I’m experienced and know how to handle those situations.“It’s my first time playing for another team but it’s been excitement, rather than being scared.Inside Marcus Rashford’s demise from one of football’s biggest stars to £60m benchwarmer“It’s an ambitious time for this club and a great opportunity for me to  help them keep pushing forward.”Villa are not paying a loan fee but have agreed to stump up at least 75 per cent of Rashford’s £325,000 weekly pay packet. That could hit 90 per cent if bonus targets are hit.Rashford can sign permanently this summer for £40m.He last played on December 12 and was accused by  Ruben Amorim of lacking effort in training.The 60-cap Three Lions ace believes he can take his game to a new level under intense Villa chief Emery.Rashford has left a Man Utd full of despairCredit: GettyRashford, who could make his Villa debut at home to Tottenham in the FA Cup on Sunday, added: “He’s a top manager and what he’s done with the club is unbelievable.“It’s the constant ambition that’s attractive. They are a club that’s in a good position in the league and they’re pushing to get higher.“We have a good, ambitious manager and great talent in the squad. I’ve had to choose somewhere  I feel my style of football is suited to, and  help them and help me rediscover and improve as a player.“I want to make the most of my time.”Asensio, a Champions League winner at Real Madrid, cannot wait to link up with Emery.The winger, 29, said: “Unai’s had a great career, he’s a top coach, he’s been key in me being able to come here because of his idea of how he wants to play football.“I love it, it suits me perfectly.”“I’ve got experience in these types of Champions League games. They are games that are decided based on small margins.”Villa are also set to agree a loan deal to take Chelsea outcast Axel Disasi for the remainder of this season.Emery feared he had missed out on the 26-year-old France international defender.Blues were not keen to strengthen a direct Champions League rival and wanted him to go to Spurs instead.However, the  £38.8m buy from Monaco in August 2023 dug his heels in.READ MORE SUN STORIESVilla are set to pay a £5m loan fee to land the centre-back, who starred for France at the 2022 World Cup.Meanwhile, Villa defenders Kosta Nedeljkovic, 19, and Sil Swinkels, 21, have gone to RB Leipzig and Bristol Rovers in respective loan deals.Ruben Amorim has so far looked powerless to stop United’s slideCredit: Getty More

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      Iconic former Champions League star, 37, now a CHICKEN FARMER and even has zoo with ferrets and turtles

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      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE icon Marek Hamsik now runs a chicken farm and a zoo.The Napoli legend made 520 appearances for the club with his distinctive mohawk haircut.Marek Hamsik looks after chickens and has a small zooCredit: AFP or licensorsHe claimed his set-up is like a ‘hotel for chickens’Credit: Instagram / marekhamsik17His wife Martina is behind the ideaCredit: Instagram / marekhamsik17But since hanging up his boots a year-and-a-half ago following a spell at Turkish side Trabzonspor, Hamsik balances being Slovakia’s assistant manager and his love for farming.Alongside his wife Martina and their three kids, the 37-year-old looks after chickens and has small zoo with ferrets and turtles in his homeland.Hamsik told Sport24: “It’s a relatively new hobby of ours. It all started in April last year during Easter, when we ordered hatching eggs, from which we later hatched little chicks. “During that time, we managed to set up and equip the chicken coop.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The coop is custom-made. It is more like a hotel for chickens with built-in heating and ventilation, but also automatic doors that open in the morning so that we don’t have to get up and check on them. “It is truly luxurious and the chickens are perhaps even better cared for than we are.”To date, we have 29 of them, and they lay around two dozen eggs a day. “We have a lot of them and I’m already thinking about opening a store as I take care of the chicken coop with pleasure.”Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHamsik admitted it was his wife’s idea to start the farm and they now have eggs for breakfast everyday.On their animal kingdom, the former midfielder revealed: “Yes, it was her idea. She is a big animal lover in general, which she passed on to the whole family. Football icons’ strange hobbies”If we could, we would have an animal shelter or a small zoo at home. “Although we actually already have one, since we keep three dogs, a cat, the chickens, two turtles, six guinea pigs and two ferrets. “We also had two roosters that hatched with us and we raised them ourselves, but since they are the same blood as the chickens, they couldn’t stay with us.”Away from the animals, Hamsik opened a winery with his dad Richard and he boasts an impressive car collection that includes a Mustang and a Ferrari.Hamsik also runs a winery with his dadCredit: Instagram / marekhamsik17He has a Ferrari in his impressive garageA Mustang is also his pride and joyCredit: Instagram / marekhamsik17 More

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      What Arsenal’s win over Man City means for title race as Premier League supercomputer predicts final table

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      ARSENAL’S vengeful demolition of Manchester City might not mean much for the Premier League title race come May.That is according to the latest supercomputer predictions.Arsenal battered Manchester City 5-1 at the Emirates on SundayCredit: GettyThe Gunners moved six points behind Prem leaders LiverpoolCredit: AFPGabriel screamed into Haaland’s face at 1-0Credit: RexThe Gunners put in a superb performance over hapless City as they ran out 5-1 winners in a spiky showdown at the Emirates on Sunday.Erling Haaland cancelled out Martin Odegaard’s opener before Thomas Partey hit and teenagers Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri scored either side of Kai Havertz. But the goals told half the story as Gabriel screamed into Haaland’s face at 1-0 and Lewis-Skelly brutally mimicked the Norwegian’s meditation celebration.Haaland bit back by showing the home fans his golden Prem badge on his City shirt, before dad Alfie trolled Arsenal on X.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe win has Arsenal fans dreaming of a title push as they moved within six points of Prem leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand against Merseyside rivals Everton pending.But the CasinoHawks’ number-crunching machine thinks Arne Slot’s side will run away with the Premier League.The AI calculator believes Liverpool win finish a huge NINE points above Mikel Arteta’s chasing men in a boring two-horse race.It is predicted that Liverpool will win 29, draw six and lose just three to finish on 93 points – six shy of Jurgen Klopp’s title winning 2019-2020 season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile Arsenal are forecast to lose two more games and finish second for the third consecutive year.And the AI boffins have Nottingham Forest finishing third to record their best-ever Prem finish on 74 points, 10 behind Arsenal. Mikel Arteta enjoyed every minute of Arsenal’s thrashing of Man City It comes after Forest smashed Brighton 7-0 on Saturday, as Chris Wood’s goal tally hit 17 after bagging a hat-trick.Meanwhile, seven-time champs City, who are suffering by their standards, are set to finish inside the top-four and qualify for the Champions League next season. That would be Pep Guardiola’s lowest-ever finish in the English top-flight since he took over the reigns at the Etihad nine years ago.But rivals Manchester United have it far worse after losing 2-0 to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Sunday.The miserable Red Devils are predicted to finish 12th after equalling a humiliating 132-year home record.That would be the lowest the iconic club have EVER finished in the league since its inception in 1992.Meanwhile, Bournemouth and Newcastle are set to beat Chelsea for Europa League qualification, as the Blues might be forced to play Conference League football for consecutive seasons.Fulham (61) take eighth with Aston Villa (61) ninth, both ahead of Brentford (50) and Brighton (48).While Tottenham, who finished fifth last year before being decimated by injuries this term, could finish a lowly SIXTEENTH, and one point behind Everton.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut it spells good news for Leicester fans as Wolves, Ipswich and Southampton are predicted to be relegated.The Saints are set to finish on 18 points and overtake Derby’s embarrassing, record-low tally of 11 points from the 2007-08 season.The AI computer has Tottenham finishing 16thCredit: PAArsenal player ratings vs Man CityARSENAL stunned Man City 5-1 at the Emirates on Sunday evening.It was an incredible result against their rivals of recent years.Here, we take a look at how the Gunners rated…David Raya – 7/10Had very little to do in the first half but made a brilliant save in the 22nd minute to deny a goalbound header from Josko Gvardiol. Made another stunning save two minutes from the half-time interval, stopping a deflected Savinho shot from close range. Powerless to stop Erling Haaland’s 55th-minute header from briefly levelling the scores.Jurrien Timber – 6Didn’t offer his usual attacking threat going forward but was solid defensively. Picked up a pointless yellow breaking up a harmless counter-attack in the 24th minute. Almost scored late in the second half.William Saliba – 5Didn’t have much to do in the first half but won all his aerial battles in the first 45 minutes. Marshalled the defence well early in the second period but was embarrassingly outjumped and outmuscled by Haaland for City’s equaliser – a major flaw of his that continues to be exposed.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Like his defensive partner, he was seldom called into action in the first half. Dominant in the air in his battles with Haaland, who he trolled after Odegaard’s goal.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8Continues to endear himself to the Emirates faithful with composure and tenacity beyond his years as he brilliantly floated between left back and midfield. Put real daylight between the two sides with a thumping finish just after the hour mark. This young lad is a real bright prospect for both the Gunners and England.His trolling of Haaland by copying the Norwegian’s ‘Lotus’ celebration went down a storm with fans.Thomas Partey – 7Steady in the heart of midfield and broke up play well when required. Fired the Gunners back into the lead in the 57th minute with a deflected shot from outside the box.Martin Odegaard – 7Was in the right place at the right time to benefit from the aftermath of an uncharacteristic Manuel Akanji error and break the deadlock. Was at the heart of everything good the north Londoners did going forward.Declan Rice – 6Combative, as always, in the middle of the park and played a role in the home side taking the lead, teeing up Havertz who squared the ball to Odegaard.Leandro Trossard – 6Was particularly lively on the left in the first half, giving Matheus Nunes a real run for his money. His end product, however, wasn’t the best.Gabriel Martinelli – 6Lively on the right wing in the early goings. Found the back of the net in the fifth minute after some beautiful play from Odegaard but was needlessly offside. Forced a good save out of Ortega with a rasping effort in the 68th minute.Kai Havertz – 6Lively early doors, testing Stefan Ortega with a tame shot in the first minute. Teed up Odegaard for a tap in a few moments later. Missed a golden opportunity to double the lead in the 25th minute, dragging the ball wide with the goal at his absolute mercy. Made amends for his howler by finishing an even harder chance in the 76th minute. He well and truly needed that as he looked absolutely devoid of confidence.SUBSEthan Nwaneri – 83 (on for Trossard) – 7Put the cherry on top of the cake with an outrageous effort in second-half stoppage time.Mikel Merino – 83 (on for Odegaard) – 5Raheem Sterling – 89 (on for Kai Havertz ) – N/ARiccardo Calafiori 89 (on for Lewis-Skelly) – N/ARead more on all the latest Arsenal news. More

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      How Arsenal spent ENTIRE Man City clash winding up Erling Haaland – from brutal celebrations to grabbing shorts

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      ERLING HAALAND might remember the day he reached 250 club goals in precisely the opposite way he’d like to.Blame Arsenal for that, with a tireless display of winding-up the Manchester City striker that went far beyond their 5-1 victory.Erling Haaland and Gabriel were up close and often personalCredit: RexHaaland bagged a landmark goal – but was almost debagged by GabrielCredit: GettyBrazilian star Gabriel thought he was a roaring success in taunting HaalandMan City’s Matheus Nunes finally took issue with GabrielCredit: RexSuch a dire loss was only the final insult for the 24-year-old, who won the Prem title and Golden Boot in his first two seasons at the Etihad.Haaland’s “Stay Humble” message for Gunners boss Mikel Arteta last September ignited discontent between certain players at both clubs.And you didn’t have to read between the lines on Sunday to see which two players had claimed the lead roles.Arsenal centre-back Gabriel had gone into the match saying: “It’s a battle, a war”.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSAnd judging by his efforts almost every time he came up against the Norwegian, it was also combat he took personally.When Martin Odegaard rammed the Gunners in front after just two minutes, Gabriel roared with joy right in the face of Haaland.Many viewers were impressed with the calm way the former Borussia Dortmund hero dealt with that – as he virtually ignored the Brazilian.Myles Lewis-Skelly then showed that Arsenal believe you are never too young to goad the goal GOAT.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe 18-year-old swerved in a classy third goal and sunk to the grass for what fans labelled a a “s***house” Haaland-style celebration.The defender sat with his arms out and eyes closed – while team-mates lauded him from above.Arsenal player ratings vs Man City – articleMeanwhile, Gabriel continued his series of niggly encounters with Haaland – sometimes appearing to push him away off the ball.The two exchanged words at one moment, with the forward responding by smiling.And Gabriel’s worst moment – or best, depending how you look at it, arrived when the Gunners were 4-1 up.Myles Lewis-Skelly mimicked a Haaland celebration with his goalCredit: GettyGabriel turned it into a tug of war at one stageCredit: RexMany fans were impressed Haaland didn’t appear to look back in angerCredit: GettyThe 27-year-old was on the ground when he reached out to tug down at Haaland’s shorts from behind.Again the City man, this time quite literally, appeared to take the matter in his stride.He glanced round to see what was happening but carried on walking away.Unfortunately for Haaland, Sunday meant could also be seeing the back of his third Prem crown in a row.Fourth-placed City are now 15 points adrift of leaders Liverpool.There was friction on the final whistle too, but this time Gabriel was initially on the receiving end as City’s Matheus Nunes gave him an ear-bashing, with Arteta restraining his man. Needle from Gabriel, yes. Haaland is an adult.Fan’s verdictSome fans reacted to the Gunners merciless treatment of Haaland by warning him: “If you talk the talk you have to walk the walk.”Another suggested: “The Prem has missed something like this.”And a third argued: “As it should be. A defender should rattle strikers and that’s what big Gabby is doing.”But others praised Haaland for appearing to keep his composure.Sky Sports posted a clip of a string of incidents involving the 6ft 4ins ace and his man marker, adding the words: “It’s safe to say there was a bit of needle between Haaland and Gabriel today…”But one fan posted: “Needle from Gabriel, yes. Haaland is an adult.” READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, the mature performance as a team came from Arsenal, with City gifting the Gunners their opener then collapsing in the last 34 minutes.Poor Haaland had to grin and bear all that too.Haaland and Gabriel grabbed the limelight in one sense at leastCredit: GettyGabriel turned into the quiet one when Nunes badgered him at the endCredit: RexArsenal manager Mikel Arteta stepped in as Gabriel reacts to NunesCredit: PA More

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      How Arsenal’s DJ brutally trolled Erling Haaland just seconds after Man City thrashed 5-1 at the Emirates Stadium

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      ARSENAL’S DJ savagely trolled Erling Haaland after Manchester City’s humuliating 5-1 loss at the Emirates.The Gunners destroyed their Premier League rivals in a match that saw them getting some revenge after losing the title to City by a whisker the previous two seasons.Arsenal destroyed Manchester City at the EtihadCredit: GettyArsenal’s DJ then decided to troll Man City superstar Erling HaalandCredit: GettyThe North Londoners opened the scoring with Martin Odegaard after just two minutes but Man City equalised with Haaland, 24, in the second half.Mikel Arteta’s men then went on full blast as they thrashed the Citizens with goals by Thomas Partey, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Kai Havertz and Ethan Nwaneri.This marked another embarrassing display for Pep Guardiola’s men, whose woeful season continues.However, the Emirates’ DJ decided to pour some more salt in the visitors’ wounds.Read More on ArsenalAnd they targeted Haaland following his confrontation with Arteta in the two teams’ first Premier League meeting at the Etihad in September where they drew 2-2.After a fiery clash in Manchester the star striker was heard telling the Arsenal boss: “Stay humble, eh? Stay humble.”That was after the Spanish tactician was fuming with John Stones’ last-gasp equaliser taking place after the allocated seven minutes of stoppage time.Haaland also had a furious confrontation with Gabriel Jesus and Lewis-Skelly after his comments towards Arteta.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Arsenal DJ never forgot and decided to poke some fun on the Norway international after the final whistle.That is why Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Humble’ hit started echoing around the Emirates.’Bro thinks he’s Kate Abdo’ say fans as David Jones introduces very familiar panel for Sky’s coverage of Arsenal vs CityThis was seen as a direct hit for Haaland after a miserable performance. More

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      Newcastle 1 Fulham 2: Toon dealt major blow in Champions League hunt as visitors battle from goal down to snatch victory

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      NEWCASTLE completely blew it and threw away the lead to lose to Fulham.Eddie Howe revealed his “desperation” to take the club back to the Champions League pre-match but those hopes suffered a crushing blow with this 2-1 loss.Fulham dealt Newcastle a severe blow to their Champions League hopesCredit: GettyNewcastle ace Jacob Murphy opened th scoring for NewcastleCredit: RexFulham star Raul Jimenez equlised against NewcastleCredit: ReutersFulham star Rodrigo Muniz turned the match on its headCredit: ReutersAnd a second-straight home defeat was the worst possible preparation for the Magpies ahead of their Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg against Arsenal.However, Fulham’s second-half fightback has them dreaming of Europe once again after Rodrigo Muniz came off the bench to win it.Newcastle looked to be cruising to an eighth league win out of nine after Jacob Murphy had given them a half-time lead.Instead, a sloppy display after the break cost them as Raul Jimenez levelled before the Brazilian’s late dagger through the heart.Read More on FootballIt had all started so well for the Magpies and things could have been much different if top scorer Alexander Isak had his shooting boots on.Murphy’s early cross would usually have been bread and butter for Isak, but the in-form Swede’s air-kicked attempted volley let the visitors off the hook.Fulham, though, still failed to clear properly and within seconds another ball was whipped in that Bruno Guimaraes headed over.Isak’s next meaningful involvement was being the victim of a clothesline after cutting past Joachim Andersen, earning the Danish centre-half the game’s first booking.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAntonee Robinson soon joined him for tugging back Guimaraes to stop a breakaway and when Anthony Gordon blazed after a one-two with Joelinton frustration was starting to grow.Finally, in the 28th minute, we had the game’s first shot on target when Bernd Leno saved Fabian Schar’s effort.Footage resurfaces of what Eddie Howe said about England job as he is tipped to succeed Gareth SouthgateAdama Traore headed wide as Marco Silva’s men provided a warning of their own but the deadlock was almost broken in spectacular fashion when Sandro Tonali’s thunderous 30-yeard half-volley smashed the back off the bar.And the woodwork was still shaking when the goal eventually came moments later as Gordon charged forward down the left and his low cross deflected straight into the path of the onrushing Murphy to slam home.Now the whole place was rocking as the Toon smelt blood, and full-back Tino Livramento found himself through for a second but was denied by a great save courtesy of Leno’s leg.It remained just Murphy’s goal at the break with the away side still yet to test Martin Dubravka.However, within moments of the restart, Emile Smith Rowe twice forced the Slovakian keeper into action.Calvin Bassey headed over as their fast start continued and almost the whole of St James’ held its breath before letting out a sigh of relief when Jimenez’s low shot towards the bottom corner was deflected just the wrong side of the post.Fulham comebackA goal was coming, the whole of Tyneside could feel it, and it deservedly went the way of Fulham following a brilliant counter just after the hour.The West Londoners charged forward in numbers after stealing possession deep in their own half as the Toon defence desperately tried to backpeddle.Traore found Robinson from the left at the back post as the skipper put it first time back into the box for Jimenez to pull the trigger and find the net, albeit with the help of a deflection of Murphy, to wrongfoot Dubravka and make it all-even.Suddenly, the usually bouncing black and white cauldron had turned into an arena of nerves, and the game remained on a knife edge.Isak, who had been off it all day, almost produced a spark of magic when he curled one off the angle of the post and bar from the edge of the area.But, the late twist was to come up the other end courtesy of a former Middlesbrough man.Andreas Pereira swung a free-kick into the near post that fellow sub Muniz flicked past Dubvravka to win it.READ MORE SUN STORIESFulham are now back looking up the table after bouncing back from last week’s loss to Manchester United.While Howe must lift his troops to defend their 2-0 advantage against the Gunners and seal a date with destiny at Wembley. More