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      Where Tottenham’s ‘Magnificent Seven’ are who were signed with Gareth Bale money in 2013, from Soldado to Paulinho?

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      IN 2013, Spurs were forced to blow up their squad following the world-record sale of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid.The Welshman had scored 26 goals in the previous campaign, sweeping the Premier League’s various individual awards ahead of the likes of Luis Suarez and Eden Hazard.
      Spurs recruited the ‘Magnificent Seven’ in the summer of 2013
      Gareth Bale was unveiled at Real Madrid in September 2013Credit: AFP
      But there was a problem – Tottenham missed out on Champions League qualification by a point.
      Daniel Levy was bullish that he could keep his star asset, but Real Madrid turned on their charm offensive and it soon became just a matter of when, not if.
      So Spurs got busy, signing seven new players for more than £100million – as the line went, they’d ‘sold Elvis, and signed The Beatles’.
      But while Bale was off winning Champions League titles with Madrid, Spurs’ new signings were producing contrasting performances.
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      So let’s take a look at what became of the ‘Magnificent Seven’.
      ROBERTO SOLDADO – £26m
      Spurs thought that they had secured a prolific goalscorer in SoldadoCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      Soldado, 37, joined Levante from LaLiga rivals GranadaCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS
      Spaniard Soldado was probably the most exciting of the acquisitions, when he arrived from Valencia for £26m, fresh from wowing at the Confederations Cup and banging in 24 goals in LaLiga.
      Despite no lack of trying, his time at White Hart Lane was a disaster, however, as he only managed seven goals in 52 Premier League appearances – with five of them coming from the penalty spot.
      Levy did manage to squeeze £10m out of Villarreal for his services in 2015, and he has since played for Fenerbahce and Granada.
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      Now 37, he plays for Spanish second division side Levante – where he has 10 goals in 35 games across two seasons.
      PAULINHO – £17m
      The Brazilian struggled to make an impact at SpursCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Paulinho played for Saudi side Al-Ahli after reinventing himself in ChinaCredit: AFP or licensors

      Another that arrived off the back of a stellar Confederations Cup, Spurs fans thought they were getting ‘the Brazilian Frank Lampard’ when Paulinho arrived in N17.
      Initial performances were steady, with a late back-heeled winner at Cardiff prompting pandemonium among the travelling supporters.
      Things went downhill very quickly, however, with Paulinho being red carded in Andre Villas-Boas’ final game in charge, before becoming a nervous wreck barely capable of completing a five-yard pass by the end.
      He was offered a career lifeline by Chinese Super League giants Guangzhou Evergrande, where he became a big star – via a very strange, if not totally unsuccessful year at Barcelona.
      Paulinho, 34, linked up with Saudi side Al-Ahli but signed a deal with Corinthians in 2022.
      VLAD CHIRICHES – £8m
      The Romanian struggled to cut down on his mistakes at TottenhamCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The Sun
      A considerably scarier-looking Chiriches playing for Sassuolo in Serie ACredit: Reuters
      Fans were excited at Chiriches’ arrival, as they thought they’d unearthed a hidden gem from Steaua Bucharest, with a penchant for playing the ball out from the back.
      And while he was very laid back, it often proved to be to the team’s detriment, as his casual style tended to gift opponents easy goals, while leaving fans’ hearts in their mouths.
      Like Soldado and Paulinho, Chiriches lasted two seasons at the Lane, before being shipped off to Napoli.
      The Romanian managed just 48 appearances across four seasons at San Paulo, before joining Sassuolo on loan two years ago – before making it permanent for just shy of £10m.
      Last summer, he was snapped up by Cremonese – and at 33 still plays in Serie A.
      NACER CHADLI – £7m
      Chadli became a useful player in his three years at SpursCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      One of the more successful acquisitions of that summer, Chadli became a popular figure at Spurs despite an underwhelming start.
      The Belgian joined from FC Twente, having scored against Tottenham home and away in the 2010-11 Champions League campaign.
      But it was not until his second season that he really began to shine, scoring 13 goals as Mauricio Pochettino began to transform the club’s fortunes.
      He left for West Brom in 2017, eventually joining Istanbul Basaksehir in 2020, via stints at Monaco and Anderlecht.
      This season, the Turkish team have loaned the now 33-year-old to Belgium side KVC Westerlo.
      ETIENNE CAPOUE – £9m
      Etienne Capoue struggled to make a big impact at SpursCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Capoue helped Villarreal beat Manchester United in the Europa League finalCredit: Getty – Pool
      Neither wildly awful nor outstandingly memorable, Capoue is possibly the most forgettable player of the seven.
      With Sandro having regressed due to knee injuries, Capoue initially seemed to be the perfect foil for Mousa Dembele in his place.
      But the Frenchman fell out of favour despite steady performances, although was hung out to dry following a few awful displays as a makeshift centre-back.
      He lasted one season beyond Pochettino’s arrival in 2014, before joining Watford.
      Capoue made 11 outings in the Championship in the first half of the 2020-21 season, before signing for Villarreal in the January transfer window.
      And his impact was immediate as he helped the Spanish side beat Manchester United in the Europa League final – the club’s first major trophy in their history.
      While he was also crucial in their Champions League run last season to the semi-final.
      CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – £11m
      Eriksen was a talismanic figure at Tottenham for more than six seasonsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Eriksen is now starring for Man UtdCredit: Getty
      Without doubt the most successful acquisition of that summer, Christian Eriksen was an outstanding, indispensable member of the squad for six years, before eventually departing for Inter Milan in January 2020.
      A bargain at £11m, the Dane papered over cracks during Tim Sherwood’s tenure, pulling out a brilliant goal or moment of genius time and time again to dig the team out of trouble.
      He then became vital to Pochettino’s side, so much so that they struggled to adapt whenever he was absent.
      Eriksen admitted his desire to ‘try something new’ after losing the 2019 Champions League final and joined Inter six months later.
      The playmaker helped Inter win the Serie A title last season, but his playing career hung in the balance after he suffered a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020.
      However, he returned to the Premier League last season on a short term deal with Brentford.
      His excellent performances earned Eriksen a move to Man Utd, where he has enjoyed a stellar season.
      ERIK LAMELA – £30m
      Lamela joined Spurs just two days before Bale’s move to Madrid was confirmedCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      Erik Lamela became the last of the ‘Magnificent Seven’ to depart North London for Spain.
      Argentine Lamela, 30, actually had a bizarre start at Spurs, starting just three league matches in his first season before disappearing back to his homeland following a back injury early on in Tim Sherwood’s tenure.
      He returned following his compatriot Pochettino’s arrival, wrestling for a starting berth before sustaining a troublesome hip injury in October 2016 that would keep him out for 13 months.

      Lamela again recovered and returned to action – chipping in with 255 appearances before joining Sevilla in a swap deal with Bryan Gil heading in the opposite direction.
      His most memorable moment will be his ‘rabona’ strike in the 2-1 defeat against Arsenal, with his strike winning the Premier League Goal of the Season award. More

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      Fifa reveal The Best award nominees with Lionel Messi in but Ronaldo SNUBBED – and a shock Premier League star included

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      LIONEL MESSI is one of 14 players nominated for Fifa’s The Best award – but Cristiano Ronaldo has not made the cut.Seven clubs are represented on the shortlist with Paris Saint-Germain boasting the most stars.
      Lionel Messi could win another award after scooping the World Cup Golden BallCredit: Getty
      Cristiano Ronaldo has not made the shortlist for the first time everCredit: PA
      Neymar and Mbappe have been nominated for the awardCredit: AP
      Four PSG players could win the award including Messi, who is amongst the frontrunners.
      He has hit form for his club this season with 13 goals and 14 assists in 20 games.
      But it is his World Cup win that could clinch The Best award for Messi, who scored six goals in seven games for Argentina in Qatar.
      Messi was recognised as the best player at the World Cup with the Golden Ball award and he could claim his second The Best Fifa award when the winner is announced on February 27.
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      The 35-year-old has only won the award once since its inception in 2016 and another win would see him equal Ronaldo’s record of two.
      The former Manchester United star has not made the shortlist of candidates for the first time ever following his dreadful start to the season.
      The 37-year-old veteran has been replaced with younger stars as Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez is surprisingly nominated for the first time.
      He also impressed in Argentina’s World Cup win and has been selected alongside City team-mates Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland, who has scored 27 goals this season.
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      Real Madrid also have three players nominated following their Champions League win last year – Karim Benzema, Vinicius Jr and Luka Modric.
      PSG trio Neymar, Achraf Hakimi and Kylian Mbappe are also shortlisted, with the latter another favourite for the award.
      Elsewhere, Bayern Munich forward Sadio Mane, Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski and Mo Salah of Liverpool have a shot of winning.
      There is also one England player nominated – Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham. More

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      When will Joao Felix make his Chelsea debut and can he play in the Champions League?

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      CHELSEA completed the loan signing of Joao Felix in the January transfer window and fans will be excited to see their new man in action.The Portugal star left Atletico Madrid until the end of the season, with a loan deal confirmed.
      Joao Felix completed his move to ChelseaCredit: Getty
      However, it is unclear as to where his long-term future lies as Chelsea have no option to purchase at the end of the loan deal.
      Despite this, the 23-year-old will be keen to impress at Stamford Bridge and SunSport have all the information ahead of his debut.
      When will Joao Felix make his Chelsea debut?
      Felix signed for Chelsea on Wednesday and the Blues were looking to register him in time to face Fulham.
      Joao Felix has already taken part in Chelsea trainingCredit: Getty
      Graham Potter’s side take on Marco Silva’s Fulham at Craven Cottage on Thursday, with Felix having the potential to make his debut then.
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      Speaking after Felix’s signing, as quoted by Chelsea news outlet Absolute Chelsea, Potter discussed the potential date of his debut.
      “It was nice to get him training today,” the head coach revealed, “but we are still waiting on confirmation (of registration) for him to play (against Fulham).”
      Joao Felix will be hoping to help Chelsea improve their formCredit: Getty
      If the Blues registered him in time, by midday on Wednesday, he will be available to play against Fulham.
      If not, he will be in line for his debut against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
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      Can Joao Felix play in the Champions League?
      Felix joins Chelsea having already made five appearances in the Champions League this season.
      His Atletico Madrid side went crashing out of the competition, but he now joins Chelsea who face Borussia Dortmund in the round of 16.
      The Portugal star already appeared to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League this seasonCredit: AFP
      Felix IS available for Potter in a major boost to his side due to a change in UEFA rules in recent years.
      The rule, which was changed in 2018/19, state that the Blues can register a maximum of three new players during the January transfer window, and Felix is likely to be one of these.
      Chelsea have until February 2nd to submit their final squad for the tie against Borussia Dortmund. More

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      Chelsea-bound Christopher Nkunku will not play until end of February as his recovery from knee injury drags on

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      CHELSEA-BOUND Christopher Nkunku will not play until the end of February at the earliest as his recovery from a knee injury drags on.The France striker and his club Red Bull Leipzig have targeted the Champions League last 16 clash with Manchester City on February 22 as his comeback date.
      Christopher Nkunku is set to sign for Chelsea in the summerCredit: AFP
      But after suffering an injury prior to the World Cup, his return date has now been revealedCredit: AFP
      Nkunku remains in Paris undergoing treatment for the problem which he picked up just before the World Cup and which stopped him from joining the eventual finalists in Qatar.
      Chelsea and Leipzig have yet to formalise the £53 million deal which was triggered by the Premier League side meeting the player’s buy-out clause in his contract.
      The date with City is only a loose target with some people fearing Nukunku’s return may come as late as March to ensure his injury is fully fit again.
      Chelsea have been pursuing Nkunku for some time and even arranged a secret medical for him in early September as they looked to get ahead of their rivals.
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      He was named in Didier Deschamp’s provisional 25-man squad for Qatar but had to withdraw after getting hurt in a collision with Eduardo Camavinga while training at France’s national team HQ in Clairefontaine near Paris.
      Chelsea are eager to add firepower to boss Graham Potter’s squad having struggled with forwards in recent seasons.
      Belgium star Romelu Lukaku lasted just a season before being sent back to Inter Milan on loan.
      Veteran Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is struggling to make an impact after signing in the summer.
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      Germany striker Timo Werner lasted only two seasons before he returned to Germany.
      Chelsea have won just once in the last seven matches.
      Here’s how Nkunku performed for RB Leipzig before his injury More

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      Tottenham could face old rival Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Champions League as 41-year-old returns to AC Milan training

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      AC MILAN striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has returned to training more than one month before their Champions League last-16 first-leg against Tottenham.The 41-year-old has been sidelined since undergoing knee surgery last summer.
      Zlatan Ibrahimovic has not scored in three games against TottenhamCredit: AFP
      But after some time in America – which involved training and check-ups as well as a holiday – he has now returned to Milan where he will continue his rehabilitation.
      According to Tuttosport, Ibrahimovic was present at the San Siro on Sunday to watch his side draw 2-2 with Roma.
      And now he is focused on being available for the Spurs tie in the Champions League.
      The seven-time European champions will host Antonio Conte’s men on February 14, before travelling to London for the return leg on March 8.
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      AC Milan have not reached the quarter-finals of Europe’s premier club competition since 2011/12 when they beat Arsenal 4-3 in the last-16, before losing to Barcelona in the last-eight.
      Ibrahimovic has faced Tottenham on three occasions in his career, but never scored.
      He played every minute of the Champions League last-16 tie between AC Milan and Spurs in 2011 – which Tottenham won 1-0 thanks to a Peter Crouch goal at the San Siro.
      The Swede then faced the Lilywhites once while at Manchester United and helped beat them 1-0 thanks to a Henrikh Mkhitaryan goal.
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      Ibrahimovic has not given any indication he is considering retirement despite turning 41 in October.
      He contributed valiantly to AC Milan’s Serie A title triumph last season, scoring eight goals in 23 appearances.
      But Stefano Pioli’s men face an uphill battle if they are to retain the Scudetto this time around.
      Napoli have a seven-point lead at the top of the table, although they did lose their first league match of the campaign away at Inter Milan on January 4. More

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      Man Utd Treble winner looks unrecognisable with long hair and beard after retiring and opening up a pizzeria

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S famous Treble-winning triumph from the 1998-99 season will go down as one of the club’s greatest ever achievements.Sir Alex Ferguson led his Red Devils to the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in a remarkable fortnight nearly 24 years ago.
      Blomqvist was a part of United’s legendary Treble-winning teamCredit: Reuters
      He now looks totally different – here he is with fellow ex-Man Utd player Mikael SilvestreCredit: Instagram @jesperblomqvistofficial
      The names that immediately spring to mind from that side are the likes of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Teddy Sheringham, David Beckham, Roy Keane and Paul Scholes.
      But one man who many may have forgotten is Swedish midfielder Jesper Blomqvist.
      He made 25 Premier League appearances in that momentous season and also collected an FA Cup winners medal despite being an unused substitute in the final.
      Blomqvist then started the Champions League final against Bayern Munich before being taken off for Teddy Sheringham – who would go on to score the equalising goal.
      Shortly after United’s European triumph Blomqvist suffered a serious knee injury and never played for the club again.
      And Man Utd fans may find it incredibly difficult to recognise him these days as he looks completely different to when he was gracing the Old Trafford pitch more than two decades ago.
      Blomqvist is rocking a ponytail, beard, and does not possess the vibrant blonde hair he once had as a player.
      What’s more, after a brief attempt at management, he has now found a new passion as he runs his own pizzeria.
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      Ferguson signed him from Parma ahead of the 1998-99 campaignCredit: PA:Press Association
      Blomqvist now looks a much-changed man 22 years on from that iconic Man Utd seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      He now has his own pizzeria having gone into the industry after a brief stint managing in football
      Speaking to The Telegraph about his new life previously, he said: “I have to say it is tough when people ask me in the beginning, ‘What are you doing?’ And I say, ‘I have a pizzeria’. It was tough that people look down at you.
      “Then I have to explain it’s the best pizzeria! Now I don’t care. People seem to be saying, ‘Are you down there? Have you lost all your money?’ I couldn’t care less.
      “I can understand it and feel it myself. It’s not a problem. It’s just me who has to work with myself. Footballers have been very spoiled. It’s very easy to lose perspective and to get carried away and this money can destroy players.
      “It’s the way it is, you have to learn to handle it and it’s difficult. I am so happy I was brought up in the north of Sweden where you keep your feet on the ground and you have to work hard.”
      Blomqvist, 48, also explained why he decided to pack in management after just two years – where he coached Swedish sides Enkoping and Hammarby IF.
      “Putting the team in front and not taking into consideration the human being behind the player – for me, that was the toughest challenge,” he added.

      “I tend to look more at the human being. Ferguson was good at that. When it comes to winning games you can’t care about the human being.
      “You have to be ruthless and sometimes I missed that. That’s my nature and it is hard to change.”
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      Blomqvist was back in a United shirt last summer.
      He joined up with several other familiar names to line-up for Man Utd Legends against their Liverpool counterparts – but they suffered a 3-1 defeat to the Reds. More

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      Gareth Bale retires as most decorated Brit in Champions League history as top five are revealed

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      GARETH BALE has retired from club and international football as the most successful Brit in European Cup history.The Welsh winger made the announcement on social media as he ended his career aged 33.
      Gareth Bale is the most successful British player in European Cup/Champions League history
      Bale scored a vital goal in his first Champions League final victoryCredit: Reuters
      Bale earned his fifth Champions League medal last year as Madrid beat LiverpoolCredit: The Times
      Bale enjoyed a brilliant career in which he was a star in North London for Tottenham, but it was following his move to Real Madrid that he stamped his name in football’s history books.
      The winger helped Madrid win five Champions League titles during his time in Spain.
      This record means that he is the most successful Brit in the competition’s history.
      Here are the five most successful Brits in the European Cup/Champions League
      5. Terry McDermott (3 trophies)
      The midfielder was part of the Liverpool squad that dominated football in the late 1970s and 1980s.
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      He won the competition three times, with his first two victories coming in 1977 and 1978.
      McDermott then won his third European Cup in 1981.
      4. Phil Thompson (3 trophies)
      The 68-year-old was also in the team with McDermott that won three European Cups.
      He captained Liverpool to their victory against Real Madrid in 1981.
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      3. Ray Clemence (3 trophies)
      Goalkeeper for the legendary Liverpool side, Clemence made an important save in the 1977 final against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
      He denied Ulrich Stielike in the second half with the scores at 1-1, before the Reds went on to win the tie 3-1.
      2. Phil Neal (4 trophies)
      Liverpool’s most successful Champions League player, Neal won the tournament on FOUR different occasions.
      He won it in 1977, 1978, 1981, as well as in 1984, as the full-back helped the Reds beat Roma on penalties at the Stadio Olimpico in the Italian capital.
      1. Gareth Bale (5 trophies)
      His most memorable final came against Liverpool in 2018, as he scored a brace to help Real Madrid to victoryCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Bale won the prestigious competition five times with Real.
      His first win came in 2014 as he scored Madrid’s go-ahead goal in extra-time as they beat city rivals Atletico 4-1 at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon.
      Bale then scored in the shootout of the final in 2016, a repeat of the 2014 final against Atleti.
      Madrid and Bale retained the Champions League for the following two years.
      In 2017 they thrashed Juventus 4-1 at the Millennium Stadium.
      The following year was be Bale’s final, in which he scored a superb double against Liverpool during Madrid’s 3-1 win in the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv, which included a spectacular overhead kick.
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      Bale collected his fifth Champions League medal last year as Madrid once again beat Liverpool in the final.
      However, the Welshman had to watch from the bench as Brazilian Vinicius Jr scored the only goal of the game. More

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      Gareth Bale retires aged 33 as Real Madrid, Tottenham and Wales legend calls time on glittering 17-year career

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      GARETH BALE has retired from ALL football aged just 33. The Tottenham and Real Madrid legend made the shock announcement on his social media accounts today.
      Gareth Bale has announced his retirement from footballCredit: Getty
      His final game was against England at the World CupCredit: Getty
      The 33-year-old was named PFA Players’ Player of the Year twiceCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Bale won the MLS Cup with Los Angeles FC last yearCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      His final professional goal was a penalty against USA at the World CupCredit: Getty
      The Welshman is one of the most decorated British footballers ever.
      He has won five Champions League trophies, all with Madrid, while he also lifted three La Liga crowns, three FIFA Club World Cups, three Super Cups, the Supercopa de Espana and the Copa de Rey during his time in Spain.
      He posted on social media: “After careful and thoughtful consideration I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football.
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      “I feel incredibly fortunate to have realised my dream of playing the sport I love.
      “It has truly given me some of the best moments of my life.
      “The highest of highs over 17 seasons, that will be impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter has in store for me.
      “From my very first touch at Southampton to my last with LAFC and everything in between, shaped a club career and I have an immense pride and gratitude for.
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      “Playing for and captaining my country 111 times has truly been a dream come true.
      “To show my gratitude to all of those that have played their part along this journey feels like an impossibility.
      “I feel indebted to many people for helping to change my life and shape my career in a way I couldn’t have ever dreamed of when I first started out at 9 years old.
      “So, I move on with anticipation to the next stage of my life. A time of change and transition, an opportunity for a new adventure…”
      Bale came through the ranks at Southampton before joining Tottenham as a 17-year-old.
      He spent six years in North London, playing more than 200 times and was named PFA Players’ Player of the year twice.
      In 2012-2013 he scored 26 goals in all comps, which earned him a move to Real Madrid, who paid Spurs a world-record fee of more than £80m for his services.
      And despite a love-hate relationship with the Madrid supporters, he won an incredible SIXTEEN trophies in eight years.
      Bale left last summer and enjoyed a brief stint with Los Angeles FC in preparation for the World Cup.
      His standout moment came when he scored a dramatic last-gasp extra-time winner in the MLS Cup final, with his side winning the trophy on penalties.

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      Bale also played at two European Championships and one World Cup for Wales with his final competitive game proving to be the 3-0 defeat to England on 29 November.
      He finishes as the Red Dragons’ all-time top appearance marker with 111 caps.
      His 41st and final international goal was the penalty in their World Cup opener against USA.
      He also wrote a message to Wales fans in particular.
      Bale said: “My decision to retire from international football has been by far the hardest of my career.
      “How do I put into words the way I felt every single time I put on that Welsh shirt?
      “My answer is that I couldn’t possibly do any of those things justice, simply with words.
      “But I know that every person involved in Welsh football feels the magic and is impacted in such a powerful and unique way, so I know you feel what I feel, without using any words at all.
      “I am honoured and humbled to have been able to play a part in the history of this incredible country, to have felt the support and passion of the red wall, and together have been to unexpected and amazing places.”
      Two of his former clubs Southampton and Tottenham have reacted to his announcement.
      Boyhood club Saints said on Twitter: “Here’s to you, @GarethBale11 😇 Congratulations on an incredible career ❤️.”
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      They followed it up with a second tweet that said: “Generational talent ✨ One of our own 😇.”
      Meanwhile, Spurs said: “Thank you for everything, @GarethBale11 💙 Congratulations on an incredible career.” More