Champions League

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      Neymar to be one of only 3 players including Ronaldo to score for two clubs in Champions League final if he nets for PSG

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      NEYMAR can enter the record books as only the third player to score a Champions League final goal for two different clubs tonight.
      Paris Saint-Germain have already set several club milestones en route to a date with destiny against Bayern Munich.

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      Neymar already has three goals in this season’s Champions LeagueCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Sunday’s showdown in Lisbon also represents the sort of individual glory that Neymar left Barcelona to achieve.
      Having found himself stuck in Lionel Messi’s shadow, the Brazilian’s shock switch to Paris was derided by many as a doomed venture.
      Yet the move can finally be considered a true success if he can beat the Argentine to a first Champions League triumph since their crowning together five years ago.
      A goal in Berlin as Barcelona beat Juventus, saw the forward enter an elite set of players to net in the prestigious final.

      And he can go one better with a strike against Munich in Lisbon tonight.
      Only Cristiano Ronaldo and Mario Mandzukic have scored for two different clubs in Champions League finals, since the competition’s rebrand in 1992.

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      As the all-time top scorer in finals, Ronaldo netted for Manchester United in 2008 before moving to Real Madrid, scoring once in 2014 and twice in 2017.
      Mandzukic also found the net in Juve’s defeat to Real three years ago, having helped Bayern in their last title win – over Borussia Dortmund in 2013.

      Neymar can enter that club with a strike tonight while a hat-trick is required to dramatically level Ronaldo in the all-time final scorers’ list.

      Now in his third season with PSG, the 28-year-old’s end of season run in usually takes a turn for the worst in some manner.
      After foot injuries disrupted the final weeks of both of his last two campaigns, the coronavirus pandemic struck in 2020.
      However, with assists in each of Les Parisiens’ wins in Portugal so far, he could be about to step up once again and claim another page in the history books.

      Leipzig 0 PSG 3: Neymar and Co. reach club’s first-ever Champions League final as Di María nets and assists in demolition of Germans More

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      Champions League last eight format with single-game knockouts is ‘more exciting’ and could stay, says Uefa boss

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      UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has hinted the single-game format of this season’s Champions League last eight could be revisited.
      The competition’s usual two-legged knockout stage was changed after the coronavirus crisis forced Uefa to hit pause on the 2019-20 European football season and reschedule the remainder of the tournament.

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      Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin has hinted the Champions League’s single-game format could returnCredit: REUTERS
      The quarter-finals onwards have been played as one-off games in Lisbon and ahead of tonight’s final between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, Ceferin has suggested the format could return in the future.
      He told Reuters: “We were forced to do it but in the end we see that we found out something new.
      “So we will think about it in the future for sure.
      “[There has been] not so much tactics. If it is one match, if one team scores then the other has to score as soon as possible.

      “If it is two legged system then there is still time to win the next match.
      “More exciting matches for sure but of course we also have to think about the fact that we have less matches and broadcasters [can] say €˜you don’t have as many matches as before, this is different€™ so we will have to discuss when this crazy situation ends.”

      Discussions are due later this year over the Champions League’s future structure with the usual format contractually locked in until the end of the 2023-24 season.
      As Ceferin explains, television rights holders for the Champions League would likely take issue with Uefa dropping two-legged ties from the calendar.

      Furthermore, the last eight mini-tournament has been played behind closed doors over the course of 11 days but a similar format with fans present in a single city could be a logistical nightmare.
      Nonetheless, Ceferin remains open to the prospect of a revamp.
      He added: “Look for sure it is a very interesting format. Now, I doubt as much as the calendar is now, that we could do a final eight [tournament], because it would take too much time.
      “But a format with one match and a system like it is now, I think it would be much more exciting than the format that was before.

      “If we would play this system then, but we haven’€™t discussed with anyone its just an idea, we would play in one city.
      “If you play in one city, you can have a week of football or something like that. But it is far too early to think about it.
      “We have seen it as a big success and the viewership over TV has been huge, maybe it also good because it is August and people are at home, some of them at least, but interesting, interesting tournament.”

      Bayern Munich DESTROY Barcelona in masterful Champions League quarter-final in Lisbon More

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      PSG vs Bayern Munich: Live stream FREE, TV channel, kick-off time, team news for Champions League final showdown TONIGHT

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      THE stage is set in Libson as PSG and Bayern Munich face-off tonight for the Champions League title.
      It’s set to be a pulsating game at the Estadio da Luz as the Ligue 1 side look to win Big Ears for the very first time, while the Bundesliga giants are out for a first triumph since 2013.

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      Bayern are the underdogs going into the finalCredit: EPA
      Bayern booked their place in the final with a comprehensive win over Lyon, while PSG swept aside RB Leipzig to prevent an all-Bundesliga showdown.
      What time does PSG vs Bayern Munich kick off?
      The game is due to kick off at 8pm BST.
      Benfica’s home stadium Estadio da Luz plays host for the match as it’s due to be played behind closed doors
      What TV channel and live stream is PSG vs Bayern Munich on?
      The game will be shown on BT Sport 1 and BT Sport Ultimate here in the UK.
      Coverage is due to begin at 7pm BST.
      BT Sport customers can live stream by downloading the official app on their mobile, tablet, PC or games console.

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      Can PSG end their Champions League curse and win the French treble?Credit: AFP OR LICENSORS
      How can I watch for free?

      What is the team news?
      PSG will be without Layvin Kurzawa, but Marco Verratti may recover in time for the match.
      Keylor Navas may be a doubt for the game as he nurses a minor hamstring injury, he missed the semi-final but French media have reported that he will return for the final.
      Neymar escaped a ban after ignoring coronavirus protocol at the end of the semi-final against Leipzig by trading shirts with Marcel Halstenberg and should now start.

      Bayern have no players suspended for the game however, Jerome Boateng is a minor doubt.
      In the clash against Lyon, Boateng was replaced by Niklas Sule during half-time however, the defender is expected to be available for the game.

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      Match Odds
      PSG to win – 9/4
      Draw – 29/10
      Bayern Munich to be victorious – 21/20
      Kylian Mbappe To Score 2 or More Goals – 8/1
      *All odds correct from Ladbrokes at time of publication
      What they said
      Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick has promised his side will stick with their high defensive line despite having the pace of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe to contend with tonight.

      He commented: “In our games over the last 10 months we’ve always tried to impose our style on the opposition and always played with a high line.
      “Ultimately we’ve got results doing that, so we won’t change too much on that score.
      “What we’ve noticed firstly is the fact we’ve had this high line, we don’t necessarily want to give too much space to the opposition, but of course there’s quite a lot of space in behind our defensive line.
      “What is important is we can press the opposition when we are in possession, we have to make sure we can cover all that ground when it goes behind.
      “It’s important to cut out those passing lines and not give our opponent space to pass the ball into.
      “They have pace and are a top team with incredible players.”
      PSG manager Thomas Tuchel has also said his team’s approach will not change.
      Tuchel commented: “We always respect the opponents. It’s important to share information and details to my team, to give some solutions.
      “We will do what we did in the past for every Champions League game, as well as in Ligue 1. Bayern have won their past 20 games.
      “They are so strong with all of their individual qualities. They are very intense. They want to play, but there are always spaces to be found.
      “It is so important to find a good mix between playing freely, being confident, and finding key situations and key spaces, and you can only do so if you are free-minded.
      “This is why we won’t be adapting too much. In the end, it is not a game to change a lot of things. Maybe one or two positions, that’s it.” More

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      Man City star Zinchenko’s stunning fiancee savages Pep for Champions League exit saying it was ‘completely his fault’

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      MANCHESTER CITY star Oleksandr Zinchenko’s fiancee has savaged Pep Guardiola for the club’s Champions League exit.
      Sports reporter Vlada Sedan joined the Spaniard’s growing number of critics following City’s shock 3-1 defeat to Lyon.

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      Oleksandr Zinchenko’s fiancee Vlada Sedan has blamed Pep Guardiola for Manchester City’s Champions League exitCredit: https://www.instagram.com/v.lada_sedan/?hl=en

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      Guardiola surprisingly opted to start three centre-backs as City fell at the quarter-final stage for the third successive season Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      The Premier League giants suffered Champions League elimination at the quarter-final stage for the third season in a row.
      City boss Guardiola has often been accused of overthinking his team selection for crunch knockout European games.
      And both Zinchenko and partner Sedan questioned Pep’s tactics against Ligue 1 underdogs Lyon.
      Guardiola’s decision to field three centre backs plus midfielders Rodri and Ilkay Gundogan for the clash backfired as City slipped to a 3-1 defeat.

      Speaking on her YouTube channel, Sedan said: “Perhaps I have no right to say this, perhaps Zinchenko will forbid me. But to put it mildly, and in order not to swear, this is completely Guardiola’s fault.
      “At such a crucial moment, making such an experimental tactic for Man City is a bummer.

      This is completely Guardiola’s fault. At such a crucial moment, making such an experimental tactic for Man City is a bummer.
      Oleksandr Zinchenko’s fiancee Vlada Sedan

      “I have no right to criticise, but why play three central defenders when the players themselves take their heads.
      “I simply have no words, because to have such a line-up… look what players play at Man City, what a bench. Literally few clubs in the world can boast such reserves.”

      Zinchenko proposed to Sedan inside the 70,000-capacity Olympic Stadium in Kiev last year in front of a heart-shaped display of red roses.
      It came after the 23-year-old celebrated Ukraine’s qualification for the now-postponed Euro 2020.
      There were rumours the pair were dating after he planted a kiss on her face on live TV following Ukraine’s 5-0 win over Serbia last year.
      But Zinchenko has found less success on the pitch in recent times after falling out of favour at the Etihad.

      Zinchenko announced his engagement to Sedan last year

      He hilariously interrupted her live broadcast to celebrate Ukraine’s qualification for Euro 2020
      The full-back has only started once since his mistake led to defeat at Southampton, and was an unused substitute against Lyon.
      And he is unlikely to be back in Guardiola’s good books after agreeing with partner Sedan that City were tactically inept in Lisbon.
      He said: “There are many footballers with great experience. They are well aware that with such tactics there will always be a lack of one player in front.
      “In the first half, Lyon played very organised at the back. They were almost all behind the ball line.
      “And we have three central defenders in static position with the ball – they start all attacks, and two central midfielders go down to them to take the ball, because there are no zones to find a pass line. We have five people just off the game.”

      Zinchenko was also asked what Guardiola said after the game, and revealed the Spaniard did not even go to the dressing room.
      He added: “Guardiola didn’t even enter the locker room, and didn’t say a word after the match.
      “What can you say if everything is clear anyway?”

      Man City suffer shock 3-1 defeat to Lyon in Champions League quarter-final after brace from substitute Moussa Dembélé punishes Pep Guardiola’s tactical gamble More

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      Neymar has chance to jump out of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s shadow as PSG face Bayern, claims Owen Hargreaves

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      TONIGHT is the night for Neymar to emerge at last from the shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
      That is the verdict of former Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves, who would naturally prefer his old club to see off Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Paris Saint-Germain in Lisbon.

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      Neymar will lead the line for PSG against Bayern Munich
      But Hargreaves reckons the Brazilian has a real opportunity in the Champions League final to prove he can succeed Ronaldo and Messi as the best player in the world.
      The BT pundit said: “He’s probably the most talented player on the pitch. I don’t think anybody disputes that.
      “In pure talent, not many can touch Neymar. There’s only really Messi and Ronaldo.
      “That is what has maybe at times, not frustrated people . . . but because he is so gifted, you expect him to produce it all the time.

      “He has the talent to be the best player in the world.
      “I think that is probably what the idea was in going to PSG — the show was going to be his. Then Mbappe came out of nowhere and almost got ahead of him.
      “It’s a huge stage for him. This is what he has dreamed of.”

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      Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated European football in the last decade
      Thirtysomethings Messi and Ronaldo, for all their brilliance, were not able to make up for the shortcomings of Barcelona and Juventus when it came to the crunch in the Champions League.

      But during the Lisbon mini- tournament, Neymar has shown signs that he has the maturity and the work ethic to help turn underachieving PSG into winners at last.
      Hargreaves says the stars could be finally aligning for the striker, now 28, to put his and the French giants’ mark on a big occasion.
      Former Manchester United ace Hargreaves said: “The one thing you could say about Cristiano and Messi is, as good as they were and still are, their application to work and improve and be consistent is off the charts.
      “Neymar, on his day, is probably the best player in the world — but sometimes it’s not there. You don’t really get that with Ronaldo.
      “Even when Juventus went out — what is he, 35? — he was still head and shoulders their best player.
      “Maybe it takes time. If you want to be the best player in the world, a lot of people are going to have an opinion on that.

      Neymar, on his day, is probably the best player in the world — but sometimes it’s not there. You don’t really get that with Ronaldo.
      Owen Hargreaves

      “Maybe it takes being 27 for you to realise ‘I’m running out of time’ and a coach to come in at the right time, in Thomas Tuchel, to say, ‘Look, this is it, this is the blueprint’.
      “You look at Liverpool, it’s not a coincidence they win the Champions League and then the Premier League.

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      Owen Hargreaves backed Neymar to jump out of Messi and Ronaldo’s shadow
      “You never saw Mo Salah as a pressing machine when he played at Roma. Klopp has made all the boys buy in.
      “I think for Neymar, the penny has dropped. For the first time, I’ve seen him actually pressing, working back, not floating. You’ve got to credit Tuchel for that.”
      But for PSG to complete an unprecedented quadruple of all three domestic trophies and the Champions League, Tuchel will have to overcome the Bayern Munich juggernaut steered by fellow German Hansi Flick.
      Hargreaves makes his old club favourites but says Neymar and Mbappe, within Tuchel’s team framework, can hit Bayern where it hurts.

      Ex-England star Hargreaves said: “Normally Neymar does something outrageous and special. But if he can be a team player and work hard, then Bayern give everybody a chance.
      “Paris Saint-Germain will get chances. I think Neymar just needs to be sensible and work hard and be part of that team.
      “If they can win it 30 yards from goal, he can work his magic. He’s more than capable, he takes your breath away with what he can do.”

      BT Sport to show Champions League final live stream on YouTube for FREE for fifth year running
       WATCH the Uefa Champions League final exclusively live from 7pm on BT Sport 1. Watch for free on the BT Sport app, btsport.com and on YouTube. More

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      PSG vs Bayern Munich FREE: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Champions League final

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      BAYERN MUNICH gear up to face Paris Saint Germain in the Champions League final.
      The Germans booked their place in the final with a comprehensive win over French side Lyon, while PSG swept aside RB Leipzig to prevent an all-Bundesliga showdown.

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      Bayern are the underdogs going into the finalCredit: EPA
      This will be Bayern’s first time in the final since 2013, where they beat Dortmund at Wembley.
      PSG on the other hand are fighting to make history as a win would secure them the French treble after they won the Ligue 1 title and their domestic cup as well.

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      Can PSG end their Champions League curse and win the French treble?Credit: AFP OR LICENSORS
      When is PSG vs Bayern Munich?
      The game is due to kick off at 8pm BST on Sunday, 23 August.
      Benfica’s home stadium Estadio da Luz plays host for the match as it’s due to be played behind closed doors
      What TV channel is PSG vs Bayern Munich on?
      The game will be shown on BT Sport 1 and BT Sport Ultimate here in the UK.
      Coverage is due to begin at 7pm BST.
      Where can I livestream the game for free?

      What is the team news?
      PSG will be without Marco Veratti and Layvin Kurzawa.
      Keylor Navas may be a doubt for the game as he nurses a minor hamstring injury, he missed the semi-final but French media have reported that he will return for the final.

      Neymar is not suspended but he could face a ban after he ignored coronavirus protocol at the end of the semi-final against Leipzig by trading shirts with Marcel Halstenberg.
      He may have to face a period of self-isolation but no word has been given on his status yet.
      Bayern have no players suspended for the game however, Jerome Boateng is minor doubt.
      In the clash against Lyon, Boateng was replaced by Niklas Sule during half-time however, the defender is expected to be available for the game.

      Match Odds
      PSG to win – 9/4
      Draw – 29/10
      Bayern Munich to be victorious – 21/20
      Kylian Mbappe To Score 2 or More Goals – 8/1
      *All odds correct from Ladbrokes at time of publication More

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      Thomas Muller is football’s funniest man, from pranking Bayern Munich team-mates to fooling around with his horse, Dave

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      STAND up for the funniest man in football…
      When Thomas Muller isn’t banging in goals for Bayern Munich, the German forward is making us laugh.

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      Thomas Muller loves to play the class clown at Bayern MunichCredit: Instagram @esmuellert

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      Muller has signed a contract extension that will keep him at Bayern until 2023Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Earlier this year, Muller, 30, put pen to paper on a two-year contract extension that’ll keep him at Bayern till 2023.
      And he immediately played a starring role as the Bundesliga champions reached the Champions League final – where they will take on PSG looking for their first European trophy since 2013.
      On signing the new contract, Muller revealed: “This club is not just any old employer for me. It’s my passion.
      “I’m happy that I’ll be here for two extra years, and I’ll give everything on and off the pitch.”

      And you don’t doubt that. Married to professional horse trainer Lisa, he also owns a nag called Dave, loves dressing up in Lederhosen and is always clowning around.
      If that’s not enough, he’s calls himself the title of managing director of carrots because of his horse stable, and his madcap antics keep him and his teammates entertained.
      HE LOVES FANCY DRESS
      Come October, and those brilliant pictures Bayern Munich share of their players enjoying the annual Bavarian beer festival, look out for Muller.
      You’ll find him dressed to the nines in traditional Lederhosen, pretending to down beers and joshing with his team-mates.

      He’s always got a smile on his face and isn’t afraid to dance Gangnam Style. See below!
      And since we’re speaking of beer, Thomas once poured a cold one over German TV presenter Markus Othmer after winning the 2014 title.

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      Thomas Muller loves dressing up during OktoberfestCredit: Getty – Contributor

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      Thomas Muller enjoys Oktoberfest with wife Lisa MullerCredit: AFP – Getty
      [embedded content]

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      Thomas Muller drenches TV presenter Markus Othmer in beerCredit: Getty – Contributor

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      Thomas Muller does love to waste a good pintCredit: Getty – Contributor
      HORSING AROUND
      A notorious prankster, Muller doesn’t have a horse called Star or Spirit or Lucky… he’s opted for the common human name Dave instead.
      His missus has her own stables, which Muller calls himself the managing director of carrots at because Bayern permit him from riding.
      Muller regularly attends events his dressage rider other half competes in and loves spending time with Dave.
      “I come here to watch if everything’s fine,” he once replied when asked why he loves horses.
      “And for the carrots. I’m the managing director of carrots! I watch the dogs. Sometimes I help a little bit but it’s her business.
      “I enjoy it a lot. They make me feel comfortable, the attitude and what they look like and (the way they) live their lives.
      “It’s fun. It’s easy to relax around horses.” Absolutely a-neigh-zing.

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      Thomas Muller loves to horse around with his nag DaveCredit: Instagram @esmuellert

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      Thomas Muller regularly attends equestrian events in Munich with DaveCredit: Rex Features

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      Lisa Muller rides Dave at the Munich Indoors FEI Horse Show Jumping eventCredit: Rex Features
      FORGET THE TRANSFER TALK
      Thomas knows the best way to avoid those pesky transfer rumours… and it’s a take on the old mobile phone trick.
      Celebrities around the globe know the best way to avoid questions from reporters when leaving an airport is to pretend you’re on a call.
      Thomas took that one-step further, fooling us into thinking his passport was his mobile when he walked through a Munich terminal.
      Reporters tried to ask if he was moving to Manchester United, but Muller couldn’t hear them with his passport pressed up against his ear.
      Brilliant stuff from the German.

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      Thomas Muller found a novel way of avoiding questions from reportersCredit: Sky Sports

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      Thomas Muller avoided answering rumours he was moving to Man UnitedCredit: Sky Sports

      Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller scores delightful chip against Borussia Dortmund

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      Thomas Muller is the joker in the pack at Bayern MunichCredit: Instagram @esmuellert
      HE KNOWS HIS AUDIENCE
      The jester of Bavaria knows exactly how to get a crowd going – and we mean that literally.
      The scene was set, it was a crunch Champions League quarter-final tie against Porto in 2015.
      Needing a 2-0 win, Bayern dismantled the Portuguese giants 6-1 in a thrilling blowout to win 7-4 on aggregate.
      Afterwards, the players saluted their faithful fans who were in fine voice.
      Realising his opportunity, Thomas ran straight into the crowd and grabbed a megaphone from one of the fans.
      He led the celebrations and chants, much to the delight of the home crowd and his teammates couldn’t hide their smiles.
      He’s repeated the trick since, doing the same against Juventus in 2016 following an impressive win.

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      Thomas Muller grabs the mic to serenade the home fans after beating PortoCredit: Getty – Contributor

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      Thomas Muller leads the Bayern Munich faithful with a songCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Thomas Muller welcomes baby foal called Gameday as Bayern Munich star’s horse stable continues to grow
      A COMEDIC TROLL TO HIS TEAM-MATES
      The prankster once teased Mario Gotze during a TV interview for wearing the wrong jersey the last time he won a Bundesliga before joining Bayern.
      He purposefully fell over during a pre-orchestrated free kick routine for Germany.
      And Muller also told a reporter he would wipe his backside with his Golden Boot trophy following Germany’s 2014 World Cup win.
      If you’re still not convinced of his comic prowess, watch the video below.

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      Thomas Muller enjoys playing pranks on his teammatesCredit: Instagram @esmuellert
      [embedded content]
      BUT THEY’RE NOT ALL WINNERS…
      Muller was in jovial mood after Bayern Munich’s thumping win over Barcelona.
      But his attempt at a joke left the assembled media unamused.
      Speaking after his side’s triumph, he said: “We at Bayern have Robert LewanGOALski.”
      Seemingly confused that journalists weren’t rolling in the aisles at his brilliant play on words, he repeated: “You know, Robert LewanGOALski.”
      But as much as Muller thought it was a side splitter of a pun, he didn’t quite get the reaction he wanted with the room remaining deathly silent.

      Thomas Muller cracks awful Robert ‘LewanGOALski’ joke after Bayern win More