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    Former Bayern Munich star who collapsed in tears after epic 1999 Man Utd comeback looks unrecognisable 26 years on

    A FORMER Bayern Munich star looked unrecognisable as he appeared at a special event last night.Bayern put on a lavish bash to celebrate the club’s 125th birthday.A former Bayern Munich star beams at last night’s eventThe German giants invited 650 guests to the event, hosted at Munich’s Paulaner Nockherberg.Several famous guests attended, including plenty of Bayern stars past and present.From the current crop, Harry Kane and Manuel Neuer rocked up.While club legends including Philipp Lahm were also in the building.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn addition to Lahm, an ex-Bayern centre-half attended the event.The popular Ghanaian, now 48, played 277 times across a 12-year span with the Bundesliga giants.He won six league titles, four domestic cups and the 2001 Champions League during his stint.Several fans in England, however, will unfortunately remember him from the 1999 Champions League final.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Bayern Munich star was devastated upon the final whistleCredit: PA:Empics SportThe defender couldn’t believe his side let their lead slipCredit: PA:Empics SportSamuel Kuffour was picked up by referee Pierluigi CollinaCredit: Rex FeaturesFollowing Bayern’s late collapse to Sir Alex Ferguson’s Treble-chasing Manchester United, Samuel Kuffour was devastated.In now iconic images, Kuffour could be seen falling to the ground in floods of tears following Bayern’s late defeat.Ruben Amorim brings up Marcus Rashford as he vows to talk to Garnacho after Man Utd star stormed down tunnelThe Germans had led 1-0 for almost the entire match, courtesy of Mario Basler’s sixth minute goal.But stoppage time strikes by Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer turned the game around.With anguish etched across his face, Kuffour had to be picked up by referee Pierluigi Collina.Last night, he thankfully appeared to be in much better spirits.Appearing at the event, he beamed while wearing a sharp suit and glasses.Having tended to have very short dark hair as a player, Kuffour now sports a white hair and beard combo.READ MORE SUN STORIESSince hanging up his boots, Kuffour has worked as a pundit for South African channel SuperSports.He has also been involved in the Ghana national team at an executive level.Harry Kane beams on the red carpetCredit: FC BayernGiovane Elber, left, current boss Vincent Kompany, middle, and Mark van Bommel, right, pose for a snapCredit: FC BayernJoshua Kimmich attended alongside girlfriend Lina MeyerCredit: FC Bayern More

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    Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal live stream: How to watch huge Premier League clash TONIGHT

    ARSENAL and Nottingham Forest both look to keep the pressure on Premier League leaders Liverpool.Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are storming towards the Champions League, currently third in the Prem.Chris Wood has helped Forest in their quest for Champions League footballCredit: GettyMikel Arteta’s Arsenal have struggled to kick on from recent seasons this yearCredit: Ian Kington / IKIMAGES / AFPAfter narrowly avoiding relegation in recent seasons, many at the City Ground would never have believed the triumphant upturn in form 12 months ago.For the first time since they gained promotion to the Premier League, Forest are looking up – not down, and see Arsenal six points ahead of them in second.The Gunners are experiencing terrible luck with injuries – but their apparent refusal to reinforce in attack over the past two windows has come back to bite them.NOTTM FOREST VS ARSENAL LIVE – LATEST UPDATESRead more FootballForest are experiencing nothing of the kind, and Chris Wood will be hoping to make it a night to forget for Gabriel and William Saliba.The Kiwi striker is mixing it up with the likes of Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak in the Golden Boot race – but is still quite a way off Mo Salah.Wood and Co hold a narrow three-point advantage in the race for the Champions League.There are a handful of teams – including Manchester City and Newcastle – who are ready to pounce if Forest lose ground in their bid for the Champions League.Most read in FootballHow to watch Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal and is there a live stream?ALL of the Premier League games between Tuesday, February 25 and Thursday, February 27 are LIVE in the UK.Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal will be live on TNT Sports 2.The game will also be available for stream on Discovery+.Alternatively, follow along with SunSport’s live blog.Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal kick-off timeNottingham Forest vs Arsenal will kick off at 7:30pm GMTAction from The City Ground is available LIVE on TNT Sports 2 or for streaming on discovery+ More

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    Rio Ferdinand continues row with Jamie Carragher as he joins Boris Becker in sticking boot into Liverpool legend

    RIO FERDINAND fired more shots at Jamie Carragher after tennis icon Boris Becker blasted the Liverpool legend.Carragher has faced the heat after giving his reasons for why he thinks the Africa Cup of Nations is not a “major tournament”.Rio Ferdinand has somewhat reignited his row with Jamie CarragherCredit: GettyFerdinand chimed in and backed Boris Becker’s criticism of CarragherCredit: GettyThe Liverpool legend has been in the eye of a storm this weekCredit: GettyCarragher, 47, spoke on Sky Sports after Liverpool’s 2-0 win at Manchester City and appeared to suggest that playing at Afcon worked against Mo Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.The former centre-back hinted that Salah can’t win a major tournament – in his eyes, the Euros, Copa America, or the World Cup – for which Egypt are not heavily fancied.But that opinion brought him criticism from the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Micah Richards, and Ferdinand – the latter of which Carragher called a “clown” this week.And now three-time Wimbledon champion Becker has joined the pile-on regarding a separate issue. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSCarragher had weighed in on Vincent Kompany’s tenure at Bayern Munich after the German side squeezed past Celtic in the Champions League play-offs last week, after beating the Scottish champs 3-2 on aggregate.The pundit said: “Bayern have not convinced me at all yet. “Now they are playing against Leverkusen, who dominated Bayern in the Bundesliga recently. It’s a 50-50 tie.”In the end, I’m predicting Leverkusen to advance. If Kompany does not win, there will be many question marks about his appointment.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Because the league is expected and the Champions League is the icing on the cake of a season. They have to reach at least the semi-finals.”But Becker, a Bayern fan who has been a board member, hit back: “There haven’t been any questions regarding the appointment of Kompany! ‘Oh, God… did he say that?’ – Pep Guardiola left in disbelief at Jamie Carragher’s ‘not nice and not true’ claim”In fact, Bayern just said domestic title is the most important trophy this year and are happy with the work of Kompany! Jamie is NOT well informed at all.”And Ferdinand couldn’t resist capitalising on his former rival’s woes.The Manchester United legend simply replied to the tweet and said: “Boris… he’s having a bad couple weeks. Let him off”.Ferdinand and Carragher’s clash has centred around the latter’s take on the Afcon, which has made huge headlines.Carragher was pulled up live on air by Sturridge and Richards for saying: “I think the problem is the fact Salah is with Egypt.”And he’s probably not playing in the major tournament as such, or maybe got a great chance of winning, I think it’s either the Champions League or the major tournament.”Richards hit back: “Just to say, Afcon is a major tournament because a lot of people are at home saying ‘they aren’t taking it serious’. Afcon is a big tournament, just so you know.”Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher landed in hot water over comments regarding the Africa Cup of NationsFerdinand, 46, caught wind of Carragher’s statement and argued that this sort of thought process is “ignorant”.Carragher heard what Ferdinand had to say on Instagram and hit back with a fiery response in the comments’ section.The Liverpool great branded his fellow Premier League hero a “clown” as he insisted his words were taken out of context.Carragher responded: “I didn’t say that, you clown. Stop playing to the gallery like you always do.”Plenty of people have agreed with Carragher – including Joey Barton, who issued an impassioned video defence of his take.Ballon d’Or winners have often tasted glory in either the Champions League or an international tournament – typically the Euros or Copa America. No African star has won the gong since George Weah in 1995, while Sadio Mane finished second in the 2022 edition.Meanwhile, Carragher also got on the bad side of Pep Guardiola last week.The Manchester City boss fumed at “not nice” claims Erling Haaland ducked the club’s blockbuster Champions League second-leg because he was scared of Antonio Rudiger.Carragher implied the Norway ace wanted to avoid Real’s fit-again centre-back Rudiger, 31.Speaking as the pundit on CBS, he said: “It’s Rudiger-itis is it? Is that what we’re saying here?”READ MORE SUN STORIESAhead of City’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday, Guardiola shook his head in disbelief when told of Carra’s stunning comments.He said: “Oh, God. Did he say that? Jamie Carragher said that? Oh God. Don’t laugh. I don’t know why he makes that suspicious, you know that? More

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    Zinedine Zidane makes £4MILLION investment in new sport as Real Madrid legend contemplates next move

    ZINEDINE ZIDANE has made a £4MILLION investment into a new sport project.The Real Madrid legend has been out of work since leaving the club as manager in 2021.Zinedine Zidane has invested in a padel centre in FranceCredit: SplashZidane, 52, has often been tipped with a return to management, with the likes of Manchester United and France suggested as options.But after winning three Champions League and two LaLiga titles he seems no closer to coming back to the dugout.The Frenchman is still busy away from the pitch and, according to Padel Paper, is taking a dive into a new sport.The outlet claims that Zidane has made a huge £4m investment into a new padel centre in France.READ MORE ON SPORTThe centre will feature 13 padel courts as well as two five-a-side football pitches and a beach volleyball court.Construction is expected to get started in early 2026.It will be built in the Aix-en-Provence with a second base also opening 50km west in Istres.Toulouges will be the fourth centre that Zidane has built.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe has also got a hosting centre in Turin thanks to his ties to Juventus from his playing days.Racket sport padel originated in Mexico and has become hugely popular in recent years.Arsenal wonderkid Miguel Azeez stars opposite Zidane, Beckham and Pogba in Adidas Predator ad Zidane won three Champions League titlesCredit: GettyCristiano Ronaldo has enjoyed playing padelCredit: Instagram @cristianoCristiano Ronaldo has bought a racket centre in Lisbon after gaining interest.Swedish legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic has also opened the doors to a centre in his homeland.Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has admitted he is “addicted” to the sport.He told Wilson: “Padel is, besides football, the best game I’ve ever played.”I’ve only known it in the last five years or so, but since then, I’m really addicted to it.”You make big steps in a short period of time. It’s really fun to play.”Jurgen Klopp has called it the ‘best game’Credit: xZinedine Zidane’s managerial careerZinedine Zidane began his career in management in June 2014 when he was appointed coach of Real Madrid’s B team.Zizou spent 18 months in charge of Real Madrid Castilla before being given his shot at the big time following the sacking of Rafael Benitez.Zidane, 51, took charge of the first team in January 2016 and guided them to a second-place finish in his maiden season at the Bernabeu helm.But he went one better in the Champions League, sealing Real’s 11th European Cup triumph with a shootout victory over Atletico Madrid.The former Los Blancos star went one better in the league in the 2016-17 season, in which they also won the Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup.A second successive Champions League triumph also followed, with Real beating Italian giants Juventus at the Principality Stadium.He would create history the following season by becoming the first manager to win the tournament three times on the bounce.A 3-1 win over Liverpool saw Real become the first team to win Europe’s elite club competition three times in a row.Zidane announced his resignation five days after the final, insisting the club needed a “change” of direction.He would return to the Bernabeu in March 2019 following Santiago Solari and Julen Lopetegui’s short reigns.A return to the summit of Spanish football would follow in the 2019-20 season, in which Real also scooped the Spanish Super Cup.Zidane would leave the Bernabeu again in June 2021 after overseeing Real’s first trophyless season in 11 years.Zinedine Zidane’s Honours:- La Liga: 2016–17, 2019–20- Supercopa de España: 2017, 2019–20- UEFA Champions League: 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18- UEFA Super Cup: 2016, 2017- FIFA Club World Cup: 2016, 2017 More

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    Most transferred-out player this week a strong option for Gameweek 26 — transfers can be reversed!

    CONSIDER this a timely reminder that Dream Team managers can reverse their transfers any time before the deadline.Morgan Rogers (£3.8m) is currently the most transferred-out player this week despite the fact he appears to be a strong option for Gameweek 26.Rogers is not injured, far from it…Credit: Dream TeamThe Aston Villa midfielder picked up a minor injury against Chelsea last weekend and was considered a doubt for his side’s trip to Crystal Palace on Tuesday night.However, not only was Rogers named in the starting line-up at Selhurst Park, he scored a classy goal as part of a 10-point return.It was a sobering night for the Villains as they succumbed to a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Oliver Glasner’s side but a 12th goal of the season for their skilful No27 should prompt thousands of overzealous Dream Team bosses to rethink their strategy for the upcoming Gameweek.There’s no doubt Rogers’ availability question mark was a significant factor in his popularity drop but Tuesday night’s events have changed the outlook dramatically.Rogers is in line to start against Club BruggeCredit: GettyFar from a player to ditch ahead of Gameweek 26, the 22-year-old appears to be an easy hold.Unai Emery’s side are one of only two teams (Manchester United being the other) set to play twice this coming Gameweek, although rotation is to be expected against Cardiff in Friday night’s FA Cup fifth round fixture.Even if Rogers doesn’t feature at all against the Bluebirds, he is virtually guaranteed to start against Club Brugge in the Champions League on Tuesday night.And given five teams will blank in Gameweek 26 around some unpredictable fixtures in the FA Cup, keeping hold of Dream Team’s sixth-best midfielder seems sensible.Most read in FootballLooking further ahead, Villa are one of just six teams with two fixtures in Gameweek 27: Brentford (a) and Club Brugge (h).Villa have two fixtures to fulfil in Gameweek 26Credit: RexHaving been a bit-part player in the second half of 2023/24 following his arrival from Middlesbrough, Rogers has become one of Emery’s most trusted regulars this season.Among outfield players, only Youri Tielemans (£4m) has played more minutes for Villa in the Premier League at this stage of the campaign.Rogers has amassed 215 points via 19 goal involvements.He’s also registered more successful dribbles (83) than any other player in the game, his main source of bonus points.His disciplinary record is a worry as only Crystal Palace’s Will Hughes (£3m) has received more yellow cards this season but his strengths far outweigh his weaknesses.Rogers shouldn’t even be among the top five most transferred-out players for Gameweek 26, let alone number one. More

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    Embarrassed Kate Abdo covers face on live TV as she says Arsenal legend was her celebrity crush

    KATE ABDO was left red faced after revealing her childhood celebrity crush as none other than Arsenal legend Ian Wright.The presenter was hosting the broadcaster’s Champions League coverage alongside Micah Richards, Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher.Kate Abdo was left red faced after revealing her childhood celebrity crushCredit: CBSCarragher, Henry and Richards were all left shocked with Abdo’s revelationCredit: CBSThe latest clip to come off the CBS production line shows the pundits each discussing their old celebrity crushes.As ever, the much-loved quartet had provided some unexpected, but hilarious, answers.Carragher, Henry and Richards pressed Abdo for her puppy love, before she blurted: “I already said, Ian Wright!”The trio of former footballers were left genuinely shocked, causing Abdo to squirm in her chair and hide away behind her cards in embarrassment.READ MORE ON ARSENALAn animated Richards kept repeating: “You didn’t say that! Hold on.”Carragher added: “Wait. I thought he was your favourite pundit.”While Henry – who fans have long joked has a crush on Abdo – simply gasped: “Wow. Now we know”.The pick of the bunch from the three pundits came from Carragher.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Liverpool legend’s answer of Sheila Grant from 80s TV show Brookside was met with a fit of laughter from others in the studio.Richards went with American actress Jessica Alba and said he might dive into her DMs now that she’s split from husband Cash Warren.Watch Arsenal legend Thierry Henry’s hilarious reaction after being called out by boxing champ Oleksandr UsykArsenal legend Ian Wright was Abdo’s celebrity crushCredit: GettyHenry picked Daisy Duke, who is a fictional character, played by Catherine Bach, from the US series The Dukes of Hazzard.Abdo tied the knot with former pro US boxer Malik Scott in an intimate wedding ceremony last September.Last year, Carragher’s awkward “loyalty” joke caused carnage.The incident occurred during coverage of Arsenal’s Champions League clash against Porto at the Emirates in March 2024.In a skit involving a Gunners shirt, Abdo stated that she wouldn’t wear it because she is “loyal” to Manchester United.Carragher then made a quip about her Scott, saying “not to Malik”, prompting her to ask: “Why would you even ask that?”Fans cringed and hit out at the former Liverpool defender for his ‘unfunny’ comment which uncomfortably missed the mark.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Abdo patched things up soon after and accepted Carragher’s apology after initially “feeling hurt” by it.Abdo subsequently addressed the incident live on TV 24 hours later, delivering an hilarious ‘brotherly’ put-down to Carragher.Sheila Corkhill (second right) is a fictional character from British soap opera Brookside, played by Sue Johnston More

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    I woke up in hospital after gruesome injury… and phone call from Sir Alex Ferguson speaks volumes about the man he is

    A FORMER Manchester United ace opened up about an incredible gesture Sir Alex Ferguson made at a dark time when he thought his career was over.Ferguson, 83, is considered by many as the greatest manager of all time having won 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups and two Champions League trophies during his 17-year reign at Old Trafford.Sir Alex Ferguson was praised by one of his former Manchester United hopefulsCredit: GettyPhilip Mulryne revealed an amazing gesture he received from Ferguson after he left Man UtdCredit: PA:Empics SportSir Alex also gets credit for turning some of United’s greatest young prospects into legends, including David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and the famed Class of 92.One of Man Utd’s lesser-known academy graduates who got an opportunity to shine under Fergie is Philip Mulryne.Mulryne, 47, joined the Red Devils’ academy at the age of 14 and made his senior debut under the Scottish great on the final day of the 1997-98 campaign.The former midfielder, though, never managed to earn a permanent spot in the first team and that led to a mere five appearances until his move to Norwich a year later.Read More on Man UtdBut a year after joining the Canaries, the ex-Northern Ireland international suffered a devastating leg break which put his career at serious risk.As he was lying on a hospital bed agonising about his future, the phone rang, and it was Ferguson reaching out to him and offering him the opportunity to rehabilitate at Old Trafford.The footballer – who has since become a priest – returned to Old Trafford for a celebration of the club’s academy and shared his incredible story to an audience of current United hopefuls.Mulryne said: “I just want to say, as a testament to the club and what he [Ferguson] did, first of all he gave me my debut.Most read in Football“But a year after I signed for Norwich, I broke my leg. It nearly ended my career.“I woke up in hospital that night and the first phone call I got was the gaffer, offering that I could come back to the club for all my rehabilitation, and I had left the club a year.Ruben Amorim blames results on the pitch for Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s brutal Man Utd cuts “That was unbelievable for me and that was testament to the personal element to the club, not just the on-the-field, off-the-field attention to the person. “That’s a wonderful testament to the club and the people in it.” More

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    Dream Team managers must be aware of double headers and blanks ahead of Gameweek 26

    GAMEWEEK 25 is not done yet with a full round of Premier League fixtures still to come but Dream Team managers should already have one eye on Gameweek 26.That’s because the upcoming Gameweek features both double headers and blanks, creating an imbalance that can be worked to one’s advantage.Fernandes will be busy while Mbeumo restsCredit: Dream TeamGameweek 26 features seven FA Cup games and six European fixtures spread across the three Uefa competitions.The two teams still active in the cup and Europe are Aston Villa and Manchester United.Therefore, the Villains and the Red Devils are the only two sides with TWO fixtures in Gameweek 26.Unai Emery’s side will host Cardiff on Friday night before flying to Belgium to face Club Brugge in the Champions League round of 16.Amid a busy spell for Villa, extensive rotation is probably to be expected against Championship opposition in the fifth round of the FA Cup.It would be a surprise if popular assets such as Morgan Rogers (£3.8m), Ollie Watkins (£5.2m) Youri Tielemans (£4m) and Lucas Digne (£3m) were given substantial minutes against the Bluebirds.Will Watkins feature against Cardiff on Friday night?Credit: GettyEven so, Villa’s relatively favourable European match-up means their best performers are certainly viable.As for Man United, their double header comes in the form of Fulham (h) and Real Sociedad (a).Most read in FootballNot even the most partisan members of the Old Trafford faithful will be feeling particularly confident during this increasingly disappointing campaign but Bruno Fernandes (£6.2m) continues to thrive in Dream Team nonetheless.The Portuguese playmaker earned 16 points against Everton at the weekend to take his overall total for the season to 260.At the time of writing, only Mohamed Salah (£8.3m) and Erling Haaland (£8.1m) are above him in the rankings.Fernandes banked 16 points at Goodison ParkCredit: PASuch is Fernandes’ importance to Ruben Amorim’s side, he will surely be required to start both fixtures in Gameweek 26.Dream Team’s leading midfielder is therefore an excellent option at this point in time, despite his team’s broader struggles.Some gaffers might be able to identify another Man United player with the potential to cash in against Fulham and Real Sociedad but we certainly wouldn’t feel confident putting any other names forward at this stage.In contrast to the double headers, the following teams will all BLANK in Gameweek 26: Brentford, West Ham, Everton, Southampton and Leicester.Mbeumo is the fourth-most selected midfielder in Dream TeamCredit: RexFirst and foremost, this should prompt Bryan Mbeumo’s (£4.7m) owners to take action.The Bees’ talisman has scored 15 goals on his way to 243 points in what has been a sensational campaign to date but he’ll be watching the cup action from his sofa this weekend.Jordan Pickford (£4.1m) ranks fourth among Dream Team goalkeepers at present but he too is without a fixture in Gameweek 26.As are in-form forwards Beto (£2.7m) and Jarrod Bowen (£5.4m) – Dream Team bosses keen on these tempting differentials should keep their powder dry for now.The other 13 teams have one fixture each, split between the FA Cup and the European competitions.Liverpool travel to PSG in Gameweek 26Credit: GettyGAMEWEEK 26 FIXTURES:FRIDAYAston Villa v CardiffSATURDAYCrystal Palace v MillwallBournemouth v WolvesManchester City v PlymouthSUNDAYNewcastle v BrightonManchester United v FulhamMONDAYNottingham Forest v IpswichTUESDAYClub Brugge v Aston VillaPSV v ArsenalWEDNESDAYPSG v LiverpoolTHURSDAYAZ Alkmaar v TottenhamReal Sociedad v Manchester UnitedCopenhagen v ChelseaREAD MORE SUN STORIESMake sure you take the schedule into consideration when making your transfers for Gameweek 26.The fact Fernandes plays twice while Mbeumo is without a fixture could result in some decisive swings in Mini Leagues worldwide. More