Champions League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘He wants to fight the world’ – Chelsea stars fear for Mason Mount after series of uncharacteristic flashpoints

      by

      CHELSEA stars fear team-mate Mason Mount’s on pitch discipline is suffering because of his contract stand-off.The frustrated midfielder was booked for the second time in three games during his sub appearance in the dismal defeat at Tottenham on Sunday.
      Mason Mount has struggled to find his best form this seasonCredit: Getty
      He is also suspended for next week’s crunch Champions League last 16 tie at home to Borussia Dortmund.
      Dressing room insiders say they are worried that homegrown Mount is suffering as talks on a new deal with the club have stalled.
      Negotiations are at a standstill and Mount has not played a full 90 minutes for Chelsea in the last eight matches.
      The latest brush with the law was for showing dissent towards ref Stuart Attwell while his boyhood team crumbled against their fiercest opposition at White Hart Lane and were sunk 2-0.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      It is the fourth Premier League booking of a season which started with so much promise for Mount and Chelsea but is now disintegrating fast.
      A dressing room source told SunSport: “You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to make the link between Mason’s frustration and his contract situation.
      “If you are a player that was born and bred at Chelsea and then find yourself on the bench or always among the first players to be subbed it is going to get to you.
      “Maybe he is not playing well. But who is in that team?”
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Mount, 23, is banned for next Tuesday’s return match against Germans Dortmund because has three bookings in the Champions League this season.
      The last was for becoming embroiled in a shoving match having only come on with 19 minutes of the game to go.
      Discussions about a new deal for Mount began before last summer but have dragged on and show no sign of a breakthrough.
      It is a fresh headache for beleaguered Chelsea boss Graham Potter who is trying to manage an mammoth 33-man squad after making eight signings in January alone.
      Form is in critical condition too with the team tenth in the Premier League. They have won only two of the last 15 games and scored one goal in the last six matches.
      Mount has been with Chelsea since he was six years old and has been a key player.
      He provided the assist for Kai Havertz to score the winning goal in the 2021 Champions League final and has won the Club World Cup and Super Cup. He now has less than 18 months remaining on his contract.
      Club chairman Todd Boehly has made an offer of a new one but it was rejected. 
      Read More on The Sun
      Mount is currently paid significantly less than players like striker Pierre-Emrerick Aubameyang, who only joined Chelsea last summer.
      The source added: “At the moment, Mason looks like he wants to fight the world when really he just wants to win things. With Chelsea.” More

    • 288 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      I won it all with Barcelona and starred in the Premier League but now I’m carving out a shock career in new sport

      by

      A FORMER Barcelona star who played with Lionel Messi is now pursuing a different sporting journey.The ex-striker even graced the Premier League for four years in a career that took him around the globe.
      Bojan Krkic won the Champions League twice with BarcelonaCredit: Getty – Contributor

      He won LaLiga four times between 2008-2011 and the Champions League twice in 2009 and 2011.
      After that he joined Ajax on loan for a season where he won Eredivisie before a permanent move to Stoke followed.
      Most recently the 32-year-old played for Japanese side Vissel Kobe, where he was released in December.
      Since then the man in question, Bojan Krkic, has continued to pursue his other sporting love – gravel cycling.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      He revealed it was love at first sight when it came to the sport and he loves to get out on the trail whenever he can.
      Bojan is also part of a new cycling brand called Guava which was founded in Barcelona, with former team-mate Andres Iniesta also a part of the project according to AS.
      Speaking about the new venture, Bojan said: “I think that when I enter this project it will be to stay and that I continue to be linked to cycling.It is a good way to combine sport and social activity.
      “I could participate soon to be in some races. I’m going to prepare for it.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      I have always liked the bike, even as a means of transportation, but for about five years I have loved gravel. Whenever I can, I go out to do my routes.
      “Regarding soccer, it also serves as training, because as it has no physical impact it allows you to travel many kilometers without damaging the body.” More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo told me quitting Liverpool for Bayern Munich was a ‘great step’, says Sadio Mane

      by

      SADIO MANE has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo told him that leaving Liverpool for Bayern Munich last summer was a “great step”.The Senegal superstar, 30, quit Anfield after six years in 2022 having helped the club win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Super Cup and Club World Cup.
      Sadio Mane has revealed what Cristiano Ronaldo told him after he completed a summer transfer to Bayern MunichCredit: Getty
      Ronaldo saw Mane in Mallorca and described the transfer as a ‘great step’Credit: Getty
      He joined German champions Bayern in a £35million transfer, which he says ex-Manchester United star Ronaldo described as a “great step”.
      Mane came across Ronaldo, 38, in Mallorca before this season started.
      Speaking to BILDSport, Mane said: “That says everything about the Bundesliga and underlines what I’ve already said: I think you underestimate the Bundesliga here.
      “The recent performances in the Champions League prove that.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “I met Cristiano Ronaldo in Mallorca before this season after my move was completed. 
      “He congratulated me and told me: ‘A great club. This is a great step for you.'”
      Mane has had a good start to life at Bayern, scoring 11 goals in 24 appearances.
      The attacker made his return to action in the 3-0 win over title rivals Union Berlin at the weekend.
      Most read in Premier League
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      Mane missed last November-December’s World Cup and had missed Bayern’s last nine games due to a leg injury.
      Ronaldo meanwhile, made another career move.
      The five-time Champions League and Ballon d’Or winner left Man Utd before the World Cup after having his contract ripped up.
      Ronaldo then joined Saudi side Al Nassr, where he has scored eight goals in five games.
      The Portugal captain was also named Saudi League’s February Player of the Month. More

    • 138 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Champions League winner looks unrecognisable as he launches own branded wine

      by

      FOOTBALL fans have been left dumbfounded after a former Champions League winner announced his new wine venture – but it had nothing to do with his role as wine salesman.The Czech Republic international started his career with Banik Ostrava before earning a big move to Serie A in 2000.
      A former Czech Republic and AC Milan star has launched a new wine ventureCredit: Instagram @jankul18
      The 45-year-old looks completely unrecognisable from his playing daysCredit: Instagram @jankul18
      The ex left winger joined Italian giants Napoli after impressing for his country at Euro 2000.
      He went on to make 51 appearances and scored eight goals during his two-year spell in Naples.
      That led to a stint on loan at Udinese, which eventually turned into a permanent move and three seasons with the Italian side.
      West Ham had been linked with our mystery ace – but he spent three years with Udinese as a host of Europe’s top clubs started circling.
      READ MORE ON SPORT
      Eventually, in the summer of 2005, he was snapped up by AC Milan and he went on to enjoy huge success at the San Siro after converting to left full-back.
      And the pinnacle was undoubtedly the 2007 Champions League final.
      He started in defence for Milan as two goals from Filippo Inzaghi sealed a 2-1 victory over Liverpool.
      The man we are talking about is none other than the now 45-year-old Marek Jankulovski.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      And he continued to enjoy success at Milan as they lifted both the Fifa Club World Cup and Uefa Super Cup later that year.
      His performances in 2007 also earned him the Czech footballer of the year accolade.
      Jankulovski and Milan then celebrated winning the Serie A title in 2011 but that would prove to be his final campaign at the club.
      He returned to boyhood club Banik Ostrava that summer but the fairytale comeback ended in disappointing fashion.
      Marek Jankulovski won the Champions League with AC MilanCredit: AFP
      He won 78 caps and scored 12 goals for Czech RepublicCredit: AP:Associated Press
      The Czech icon made his debut against Hradec Kralove in October but managed to play just eight minutes after coming off the bench as he suffered a knee injury.
      That turned out to be his last professional game as he announced his retirement due to injury in February 2012.
      The 78-capped national hero did manage to pull on the boots again 12 months later in front of a packed crowd for a farewell match that had been arranged by the club.
      Jankulovski was employed as a consultant by Banik and also started work in his homeland as a pundit for Champions League matches.
      He was then named as Banik’s sporting director in June 2018 but left the role two years later.
      Now he has a new job away from the pitch as he shared his news on Instagram – and his followers could barely believe that it was him as he looks completely unrecognisable from his heyday.
      Standing in front of a huge barrel of wine and holding a bottle of it, he captioned the snap with: “Italy, wine and football.. Introducing WINE LEGEND – Marek Jankulovski. Many thanks to winemaker Fabio for including me in the selected company of champions for whom he exclusively produces wines. Info on where you can order wine will be added soon.”
      Read More on The Sun
      One response read: “He has aged like a fine wine.”
      While another wrote: “It took me a while to work out who this was.” More

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      The Man Utd line-up that could win the Champions League next season, with midfield overhaul and lethal Serie A striker

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED could be set for a big overhaul in the summer that could fire them to Champions League success.Erik ten Hag won his first trophy with the club yesterday and he could be heavily backed when the transfer window opens.
      Manchester United could spend big on Victor Osimhen and Declan Rice
      Erik ten Hag could be allowed to spend heavily this summerCredit: Alamy
      Success in the Carabao Cup could provide a platform for a very productive season for United, who are also competing for the title, FA Cup and Europa League.
      But next season they could have another target in mind – the Champions League.
      And to achieve that aim Ten Hag could be given the funds to bring in a top quality striker.
      Wout Weghorst was signed as a temporary solution in January but the Red Devils have since been linked with Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Both would command significant transfer fees with Napoli striker Osimhen believed to have a £107million release clause.
      But the two strikers would guarantee goals – Kane has 20 in all competitions this season while Osimhen has 21.
      United are also planning to bolster their midfield and could finally land Declan Rice this summer.
      West Ham are still demanding a significant fee for the England star, believed to be around £100m, while Arsenal are also threatening to pip United to the midfielder.
      Most read in Football
      Harry Kane is another option for the Red Devils
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      United are also considering a move for the in-demand Jude Bellingham, with Frenkie de Jong a backup option.
      Ten Hag has also been keen to upgrade his right-back since his arrival despite the improved form of Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
      Dutch pair Denzel Dumfries and Jeremie Frimpong have been linked in the past and United could try again for the pair this summer. More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      I’ve won four Champions League titles but winning the Carabao Cup with Man Utd could be better than any of them

      by

      RAPHAEL VARANE has admitted that winning the Carabao Cup with Manchester United could be more rewarding than his four Champions League wins with Real Madrid.The defender, 29, won everything there was to win during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu.
      Varane is eager to win the Carabao Cup with Man UtdCredit: Getty
      The Frenchman won the Champions League four times with Real MadridCredit: Getty
      That includes three La Liga titles, three Spanish Super Cups and four Club World Cups.
      Varane was also part of the World Cup winning France squad in 2018, so he is no stranger to a bit of silverware.
      But, the Frenchman recently admitted that earning success with United has the potential to feel more rewarding than all of that.
      He told Manchester Evening News: “Honestly, it’s better when you’re going up.
      Read More on Man Utd
      “When you are on the top the only thing that can change is to disappoint.
      “You can’t do anything better because you’re already there.
      “When you can grow with the club and the team, that’s a great feeling.”
      Varane also revealed that a win in the Carabao Cup final will only leave the Red Devils hungry for more success in the future.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      He added: “I was speaking with Sergio Ramos about it in Madrid, and when we start winning, we won a lot – but before that it was the same.
      “We went years without at Madrid, it was a very long time, and when we won it changed not the mentality, but the belief. When you win you start to think ‘okay, we did it, so now we can do it again.’
      “It’s about the winning mentality and when you start to win you just want to win and nothing else.
      “It doesn’t mean that when you aren’t winning you don’t want to. But you do believe more that it is possible and sometimes you need a bit of luck as well.
      “And when you are more confident you bring the luck with you. It’s a positive cycle.”
      Man Utd will have the chance to end a six-year trophy drought this afternoon when they take on Newcastle in the final of the Carabao Cup. More

    • 213 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      TV legend John Motson watched football in the pub on night before he passed away aged 77

      by

      LEGENDARY football commentator John Motson spent his final night watching a football match and enjoying a pint at his local pub, the landlords have revealed.Motson – who passed away at the age of 77 on Thursday – was at The George in Little Brickhill, Milton Keynes, watching Manchester City’s Champions League clash with RB Leipzig on Wednesday night.
      Broadcasting legend Motson passed away on ThursdayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      He spent his final night at his local pubCredit: The George – At Little Brickhill
      He had become a regular at the village pub when he moved to Buckinghamshire and established a close friendship with landlords Simon and Louise Babikian.
      And Mrs Babikian has revealed that he spent his final evening enjoying the football with his friends.
      She told the BBC: “Wednesday evening, the night before he passed, he came into the pub to watch his football match and sat with his mates having a beer and talking us through the game, as he would most evenings.
      “He seemed to really enjoy himself.”
      Read More on John Motson
      Mr Babikian, who watched the match with Motson, added: “He was a true gentleman, a true friend to many people in the village.
      “He always had something very diplomatic to say about the game. He was very unbiased and just a true fan of the game and most sports.
      “My memory will be him saying goodnight, how he’d see us at the weekend and he might come in the day after for the United game. He just loved every team and everybody.”
      Mr and Mrs Babikian also told of how many of the local villagers came to the pub after Motson’s death was announced, adding: “I think this was his special place.
      Most read in Football
      “But what is quite funny, is many different people from different generations might not recognise him until he spoke.
      “Once he spoke, he had such an iconic voice and was so pleased to meet people that recognised what he’s done for the world of broadcasting.”
      Motson, who was also known as Motty, commentated on more than 2000 matches on TV and radio throughout his incredible career, including 29 FA Cup finals, 10 World Cups and 10 European Championships.
      And the news of his death sent shockwaves across the football community.
      Some of the sport’s biggest names were quick to pay tribute to ‘the voice of football’.
      Gary Lineker tweeted: “Deeply saddened to hear that John Motson has died.
      “A quite brilliant commentator and the voice of football in this country for generations. He’ll be very much missed. RIP Motty.”
      Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler said: “John was the standard-setter for us all.
      Read More on The Sun
      “We basically all looked up to him – his diligence, his dedication, his knowledge. He was a very serious broadcaster but he was a real fun guy to be around.”
      And Clive Tyldesley wrote: “As a teenager I just wanted to be John Motson. Nobody else.” More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League Unrecognisables XI: From the aspiring monk who became an agent to the Swedish Master Chef winner

      by

      THE Premier League has had its share of players who have been distinct for their performances on the pitch and their looks off it.But there are some ex-stars from the biggest clubs who fans would struggle to recognise at all today.
      Many Premier League stars look unrecognisable from their playing daysCredit: Getty
      There are those who have traded long, flowing hair for hipster beards, and one who has even ditched his crop for dreadlocks.
      This is our Premier League Unrecognisables XI.
      Goalkeeper: West Brom (2004-07), Man Utd (2007-12)
      This ex-Man Utd goalkeeper looked fit as a fiddle at the Qatar World Cup, but barely recognisable from his playing daysCredit: Getty
      This Polish goalkeeper stood out for his bleached blonde hair during his playing days.
      But at the Qatar World Cup he was rocking a new, and far tidies, brunette look.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      He joined West Brom from Hertha Berlin in 2004 and enjoyed three solid years in the West Midlands.
      He then signed for Man Utd in 2007 after a successful loan spell.
      Though appearances proved sporadic for him, he did achieve three Premier League titles and a Champions League win in 2008, as well as famously saving a penalty against Arsenal on Debut.
      The goalkeeper left Man Utd in 2011 and would continue a successful career in the Championship with Watford, Brighton, Wolves and Birmingham before retiring in 2019.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Since retiring, he says he still supports Man Utd and has a season ticket at Old Trafford.
      Have you guessed who it is yet? The answer is Tomasz Kuszczak.
      Tomasz Kuszczak had bleached blonde hair during his time at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
      Left-back: Arsenal (2006-11), QPR (2011-16)
      Arsenal fans will do well to work out who this dreadlocked former defender isCredit: Instagram / @armandtraoreofficial
      This left-back spent four years at Arsenal with the likes of Thierry Henry and Cesc Fabregas but only made 13 Premier League appearances.
      In a remarkable change of look, he is now rocking dreadlocks.
      The Frenchman played more times for Portsmouth during a loan spell in 2008 than he ever did for the Gunners.
      He was also able to enjoy a loan to Italian giants Juventus in 2010.
      It was after leaving Arsenal that he would begin to secure himself first team football, as he played 87 Premier League games for Queens Park Rangers, scoring two goals.
      Championship spells with Nottingham Forest and Cardiff followed before his retirement in 2020.
      You must have had the memory of an elephant if you got this one. The answer is Armand Traore.
      Armand Traore looked very different playing for Arsenal in 2010Credit: Getty
      Right-back: Arsenal (2000-04), Fulham (2004-09)
      This ex-Arsenal defender has worked as an assistant at RB Leipzig and Galatasaray since retiringCredit: Getty
      This German made just one appearance for Arsenal, in a League Cup defeat to Sunderland in 2002.
      But that wouldn’t stop him enjoying a long, fruitful career in the Premier League as he moved to Fulham.
      He would make 125 Premier League appearances at Craven Cottage before moving on in 2009.
      Spells at St Pauli and 1860 Munich would follow before he hung up his boots in 2015.
      However, he would stay in football to become assistant at RB Leipzig and then Galatasaray.
      The answer is Moritz Volz.
      Moritz Volz in his playing days at FulhamCredit: PA:Press Association
      Centre-back: Newcastle (1994-99)
      This Belgian looks nothing like the man who scored one of the greatest Premier League goals against Man UtdCredit: https://twitter.com/AndyKerrtv/status/1602713816613240840?s=20&t=4TTrBEKvWIumGWN7y6KW5Q
      An easy one for any true Geordie.
      A goalscoring Belgian centre-back who joined from Anderlecht in 1994.
      He netted eight times in 96 Premier League appearances for the Toon, with the most famous being an incredible left-footed lob in a 5-0 win over Man Utd.
      He is now working as a pundit for Belgian TV and owns his own fruit and veg company.
      The answer, of course, is Philippe Albert.
      Philippe Albert will always be known on Tyneside for his lob against Fergie’s Red DevilsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Centre-back: Man Utd (1994-2003)
      A steward once stopped this Man Utd legend going on the Old Trafford pitch as he had no idea who he wasCredit: Instagram / @davidmay04
      This boyhood Man City fan would become a stalwart under Fergie as he won two league titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League.
      Following a move from Blackburn in 1994, he made 85 Premier League appearances.
      He would leave in 2003 after nine years and move to Burnley.
      In 2006, he retired after two years with non-league Bacup Borough.
      The defender admits that his post-Man Utd days were tough, even telling a United podcast that he went on a 12-day binge and shared a £200 bottle of champagne with a tramp after leaving Old Trafford.
      And despite all his achievements at United, he was briefly blocked from entering the Old Trafford pitch for a half time show as a steward didn’t know who he was.
      We assume Man Utd fans will do better. The answer is David May.
      David May is a former Champions League winner with UnitedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Left-wing: Man Utd (1998-2001), Everton (2001-02), Charlton (2002-03)
      From Champions League winner to Swedish Master Chef. It’s hard to see which is the greater triumphCredit: Sweden’s Master Chef via Instagram / @jesperblomqvistofficial
      Champions League winner, cult hero and… Master Chef.
      This former winger won the Swedish edition of the show earlier this year.
      And with his own pizzeria in Stockholm, he may one day end up better known for his flair in the kitchen than on the wing.
      Back in 1998, he joined from Parma as a backup to Ryan Giggs and scored his only goal for Man Utd in a 4-1 win at Everton.
      Far from just earning a Champions League medal though, this winger actually started in the final and missed a golden chance in the clash with Bayern Munich before being replaced by Teddy Sheringham.
      The rest, as they say, is history.
      The answer is Jesper Blomqvist.
      Jesper Blomqvist posing with Sir Alex Ferguson after signing for Man UtdCredit: PA
      Right-wing: Man Utd (2003-08), Burnley (2008-11), Bolton (2011-14)
      This former Man Utd ace (right) rocks a bearded look today and is well known for dating a Hollyoaks starCredit: Instagram / @chriseagles.33
      An impressive academy prospect who was a member of the Man Utd squad that won the Premier League and Champions League in 2008.
      He made six league appearances for the Red Devils and went on to enjoy a very fruitful top flight career with Burnley and Bolton.
      These days, the former flyer is maybe better known for his relationship with actress Jennifer Metcalfe.
      And he proved to be a very lucky man when the Hollyoaks star took him back after he was banned from driving after being found shoeless having drunk three times over the limit.
      The name you are looking for is Chris Eagles.
      Chris Eagles at Man Utd during his playing daysCredit: PA:Press Association
      Central midfield: Man Utd (1998-2001), Middlesbrough (2001-04), West Brom (2004-10), Fulham (2010-11)
      This ex-Old Trafford star was known for his curly hair during his playing daysCredit: Instagram/@jonogreening29
      This Man Utd star was noticeable for his distinct curly hair when he came through the academy.
      But he would stand out even more today after being seen with a long hipster beard.
      After leaving Man Utd in 2001 with a Champions League winners medal he would go on to enjoy a long and distinct career at the highest level.
      Though never quite making the England squad, he was part of United coach Steve McClaren’s Middlesbrough squad as they won the League Cup in 2004.
      And from there he would go on to enjoy six years as a key man for West Brom.
      Spells at Fulham, Nottingham Forest, Barnsley, York City and Tadcaster Albion would follow before he hung up his boots in 2017.
      But he has since got into management with Scarborough Athletic, who he guided to promotion to the National League North last season.
      The man behind the beard is Jonathan Greening.
      Jonathan Greening now manages Scarborough AthleticCredit: Getty
      Central midfield: Blackburn (1998-2003, 2007-15), Birmingham (2003-07)
      This midfielder (right) used to be known as “the New Gazza”. He is pictured here working in construction with former team-mate Garry Flitcroft.Credit: Paul Cousans – The Sun
      This former England international spent the best part of two decades at the highest level.
      Coming through the Blackburn academy in 1998, he enjoyed five years at the club with his form so impressive that he played for England against Portugal in 2002.
      Once dubbed “the New Gazza”, he would make a move to Birmingham in 2003 where he struggled with injuries.
      In 2007, he would return to Blackburn, where he would thrive for a further eight years, before moving to Oldham and retiring in 2016.
      He has had a variety of different professions since hanging up his boots.
      Coaching appears to have been his first passion as he managed Oldham Athletic and Barrow, while also taking roles at Blackpool and back at Blackburn.
      However, at one point he also became part of former Rovers star Garry Flitcroft’s eco-construction company, Flitcraft.
      He might not be quite as well known as Gazza, but Blackburn fans are sure to get this one right. It’s David Dunn.
      David Dunn made one appearance for EnglandCredit: PA:Press Association
      Striker: Sheffield Wednesday (1996-99), Aston Villa (1999-2000), Bradford (2000-02)
      Once Paolo Di Canio’s partner in crime, this sharp-looking assistant manager used to have a more rebellious lookCredit: Alamy
      In 1996, this Inter Milan striker, famous for his flowing long hair, made the bizarre move to Sheffield Wednesday.
      In his three years with the Owls, he would be upstaged at times by fellow Italian Paolo di Canio, but he was no less effective as he won the Fans’ Player of the Year award after finishing top scorer in 1999.
      A move to Aston Villa would follow after a contract struggle at Hillsborough.
      A season later he moved to Bradford City where he would become a club legend on and off the pitch.
      Despite Carbone’s memorable goals, the Bantams were relegated in 2001 and fell into financial trouble.
      Then in 2002 he endeared himself to the Valley Parade faithful when he forfeited £3.2m after being told the club would fold if they continued to pay him £40,000 a week.
      He said in 2013: “I hadn’t earned anything like the amounts on offer in the Premier League today and I had a young family.
      “But when I thought about it, there was only one choice I could make. I couldn’t be the person who put Bradford City out of business.”
      Now, however, he looks every bit management material as he rocks a stylish beard and short grey hair in his role as Azerbaijan assistant.
      The man you are looking for is Benito Carbone.
      Benito Carbone saved Bradford City from going out of business by forfeiting £3.2m in wagesCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Striker: Chelsea (2004-05)
      He might look more like a fisherman now, but he was once one of Europe’s hottest attacking talentsCredit: Social media
      Before he rocked the fisherman look, this Serbian striker arrived to huge fanfare at Stamford Bridge after firing 35 goals to win PSV the title and guiding Guus Hiddink’s side to the Champions League semi-final.
      Such was the faith Jose Mourinho had in him that he was handed the Chelsea number nine shirt.
      However, he would go on a grim run of just four goals in 24 appearances.
      Moves to the likes of Atletico Madrid, Fenerbahce, PSG and Zenit St Petersburg would follow his departure from West London in 2005.
      But only his spell at Fenerbahce, where he scored a goal every other game, could truly be described as a success.
      Covered in religious tattoos, the devout Orthodox Christian once said he harboured dreams of becoming a monk.
      However, fate would give him a different, and less sanctified, role for him.
      Read More on The Sun
      He would become one of the Balkans’ most influential football agents, representing, among others, perennial Man Utd and Arsenal transfer target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
      Mateja Kezman is the man the Lazio midfielder will be looking to to get him a top move.
      Mateja Kezman considered becoming a monk, but is now an influential football agentCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Our Premier League Unrecognisable XI More