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      Harry Kane claims players are being ignored over burnout fears as Thomas Tuchel shares break concerns

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      HARRY KANE claims the world’s top stars are being ignored over burnout fears.England captain Kane faces another summer without a proper break as Fifa’s month-long Club World Cup starts five days after the Three Lions’ friendly with Senegal on June 10.Harry Kane has expressed concerns about player burnoutCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel is also concernedCredit: PAThe Bayern Munich striker, 31, is one of at least a dozen England stars who are due to play in the revamped £600million 32-team tournament in the US — with boss Thomas Tuchel also  concerned.Players’ unions, including the PFA, have filed a legal complaint against Fifa over the tournament amid  welfare worries.But Kane said: “There’s nothing we can really do about it. I don’t think the players are listened to that much, if I’m honest.“We’re getting used to it but it’s another summer where you do not have a break.  There are arguments from the clubs — to generate more money.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“But there’s also a player welfare point where there’s only so much you can do without more injuries. It is a really hard balance.”Kane, who had less than four weeks off after Euro 2024, previously urged Prem chiefs to bring back a winter break to combat the crazy calendar.While Manchester City’s Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, 28, warned stars were close to going on STRIKE before his heartbreak ACL injury in September.He insisted: “Someone has to take care of us. We are the main characters of this sport.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRodri’s City team-mates Manuel Akanji and Bernardo Silva, Liverpool keeper Alisson and Aston Villa boss Unai Emery have also pleaded for a reduction in the number of games.City and Chelsea are England’s representatives in the Club World Cup, while Kane’s Bayern and Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid will also take part.Harry Kane scores from a distance in Bayern Munich training And Kane added: “If we get to the Champions League final on May 31, you’ll go straight into England then straight into the Club World Cup. So there won’t be any time.”England boss Tuchel also expressed his fears about the tournament, which runs from June 15 to July 13.Tuchel’s side face Andorra in a World Cup qualifier on June 7, then Senegal three days later.And the German boss admitted: “I am worried about the players being able to have a break.“I am not so concerned about the amount of games they play, I am more concerned they never have a real break of four weeks. That’s the problem.”PFA chief Maheta Molango wants players limited to a MAXIMUM of 60 games per season.And Tuchel added: “The Fifa June window is not ideal for anyone, especially the players. Maybe Fifa can put this window somewhere else for the benefit of players.”Rodri previously claimed that players could go on strikeCredit: Getty More

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      Six players to watch from Baller League as former Team GB Olympics ace is hailed by Shearer after stealing show

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      BALLER League UK kicked off on Monday night – and delivered on everything it had promised. With huge names like John Terry, Jody Morris, Jens Lehmann, Gary Lineker, Chunkz, The Sidemen, Alan Shearer and more involved, the pressure was on to deliver on debut night. Marvin Sordell impressed Alan Shearer with a hat-trickChelsea legend John Terry is managing the 26ersCredit: PAEx-Watford and Burnley forward Sordell caught the eyeWith the rules being hugely different to normal football, it was spectacular to see how the players took to the format.Some really stood out, even among talents from the football league and ex-Premier League players like Ciaran Clark and Marvin Sordell. It was Angry Ginge’s ‘YANITED’ who ended the night at the top of the tree.But there were a host of players who impressed from each game.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSunSport’s Lloyd Canfield has noted down the ballers to watch…Game One: Mo Mahyoub – YANITEDPK Humble will take the headlines in this game, with his performance bringing the dancing, the skills and the entertainment to the pitch alongside the first goal of the tournament.But it was Mo Mahyoub who stole the show for YANITED on night one. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe attacker was on fire with electric feet, and scored a beauty at the near post, just kissing it before hitting the back of the net. It was a brace for Mo on the night before you knew it, and he was awarded the Man of the match too. Fans baffled as Mark Goldbridge ‘chats up Alisha Lehmann’ on Baller League live watchalongHe is going to be a threat in this league, and it was evident he has shone previously at academies like Man City and Man Utd as well as becoming Manchester’s 1v1 ‘Top Baller’ champion. Serious tekkers. Game Two: Declan McCarthy – MVPs UnitedAlisha Lehmann’s MVPs United took the win over Clint419’s FC R.T.W, and it was no doubt down to their sensational goalkeeper. A good link-up up top provided them with goals, but it was a stunning triple save from McCarthy that really blew me away. Michael Ndiweni scored but it was his keeper Declan McCarthy who shoneCredit: PAAlisha Lehmann is in charge of MVPs United along with Maya JamaCredit: Sky SportsFormer Newcastle striker Michael Ndiweni is not to be sniffed at, and neither is ex-Manchester United midfielder Josh Harrop, but the man in net managed to deny them both numerous times. He was a great stopper, but in this format you also have to be great with your feet, and he had it all. Game Three: Michael Folivi – SDS FCComing up against a side managed by John Terry and Jody Morris would strike fear into some forwards.Not Michael Folivi.The ex-AFC Wimbledon frontman looked more than comfy on the ball, showed off no better than when he strolled forward from the penalty line to stroke the ball into the top right corner when the pressure was on.The 27-year-old is up against some elite forwards in this competition, but for my money he is one of the very best involved. Expect to see more from the lethal striker for SDS FC, who looked like one of the best teams on the night.Micah Richards was a big-name observer at the Copper Box ArenaCredit: PAGame Four: Michael Hill – Santan FCMichael’s footballing pedigree, being formed at academies like Chelsea and Fulham was evident from the get go as he took on a Prem defender with 200 caps in Ciaran Clark. The midfielder was the ‘Starlight’, always in the right ‘Location’ to put the ball in the back of the net in what was a crunch ‘Clash’ for Dave’s side. Working perfectly in the ‘System’, defenders will be having a ‘heart attack’ seeing him line up against them next week. There really were ‘No Words’ that would do his performance justice, with a clean touch and tidy finish making it clear why his gaffer gave him the nickname KDB previously. Game Five: Toby Bull – M7 FCMiniminter’s M7 FC clutched up with a win against Chloe Kelly’s Wembley Rangers, with another goalkeeper proving one to watch in this game. The ex-Brighton stopper, who was in their matchday squad for a win over Manchester United in 2022 now plays for Lewes FC – and is still only 21. Let me tell you this kid made some exceptional saves, with two big ones springing to mind, palmed onto the post and bar. In what was such a tight game his performance was vital, and was another stopper who looked relaxed and composed with the ball at his feet. If I was Todd Boehly at Chelsea, I’d be taking a look that’s for sure. Game Six: Marvin Sordell – Depotrio FCBeing a striker selected for the team by Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer can either bring you extreme pressure or extreme confidence. For ex-Prem baller Marvin Sordell, it was the latter. A debut hat-trick bought critical acclaim from Newcastle legend Shearer, and it was more than deserved.When the 1v1 wildcard was called, it was he who stood up, lobbing Henri Lansbury and watching the ball loop into the back of the net as well as keeping it out of his own. READ MORE SUN STORIESA sublime performance from the Kettering Town forward who previously represented Bolton, Burnley, Watford and even Team GB at the Olympics showed that this is far from the end of his journey. An experienced attacker in these tight games will bring an air of calmness to his side which may just prove vital as we progress through the league.  More

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      ‘I couldn’t believe it’ – Ronaldo still stunned by how Brazil team-mate drank his £8,000 bottle of wine

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      RONALDO has a vintage reason for remembering a jaw-dropping incident with a team-mate.The former Barcelona and Real Madrid striker played alongside Vampeta for both Brazil and Inter Milan.Ronaldo has told of his shock when his pal opened some special wineCredit: GettyVampeta had an unusual reaction to spotting the bottleCredit: AP:Associated PressAnd even though the midfielder played only eight games for the Italians, he still made a special mark on Ronaldo – or at least his wine collection.The 98-cap legend had spent 10,000 euros – about £8,000 – on a bottle of Petrus wine.Arguably the most famous ‘plonk’ in the world, the brand from Bordeaux originated in the 18th century.Petrus wine takes three or four decades to reach its best – but Vampeta needed just a few seconds to do his worst!READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRonaldo, 48, told Brazilian podcast Charla what unfolded when the 51-year old saw the bottle.He said: “I bought a bottle of Petrus wine. I brought it home more for its symbolic value, being the most famous wine in the world. “I had no intention of opening it because the bottle dated back to the year of his birth – 1500.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”They had told me it hadn’t even been a good year! Most read in Football”Well, Vampeta opened it, took some plastic glasses, poured it, drank it and made a disgusted face saying, ‘It’s damn hot, is there ice in it?'”Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City starIf that wasn’t enough for poor Ronaldo to deal with, he explained that Vampeta wasn’t quite finished.The ex-PSV Eindhoven hero added: “Then he started putting an ice cube in each glass.”And I couldn’t believe it because, as I said, it was just a wine for display.”There was no suggestion Vampeta was aware of the wine being so special.And it’s also unclear what Ronaldo meant by the date “1500”.That’s because the earliest trace of the Petrus vineyards in Pomerol, Bordeaux, appears to be the 1750s.Interestingly, however, the 19 years of especially fine vintages for the elite brand include 2000… the year Vampeta was making his own unique contribution to its history! Wine connoisseur Ronaldo twice won the World Cup with BrazilCredit: AFP More

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      Man Utd and Arsenal in transfer battle for two Olympiacos wonderkids but face fight with host of European giants

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Arsenal are keeping tabs on two Olympiacos wonderkids ahead of the summer transfer window.Both teenage sensations are part of the Greek giants’ exciting new generation that won the Uefa Youth League with the Under-19s last season.Manchester United and Arsenal are keeping tabs on Olympiacos wonderkid Babis KostoulasCredit: GettyChristos Mouzakitis is also being eyed by Man Utd and Arsenal along with a host of European giantsCredit: GettyBabis Kostoulas and Christos Mouzakitis were among the main protagonists of that historic triumph that saw them become part of the first ever Greek team to win a European title, shortly before the seniors conquered the Europa Conference League.Both of them were quickly promoted into Olympiacos’ first team under manager Jose Luis Mendilibar last summer.Highly-rated forward Kostoulas, 17, has so far amassed a total of six goals and two assists in 33 appearances with the Piraeus outfit this season.And rising midfield star Mouzakitis, 18, has registered two goals as well as four assists in 30 appearances across all competitions.Read More on FootballSunSport understand that their ongoing rise to prominence has led to interest from Man Utd and Arsenal, but both Premier League giants are facing competition from a host of European rivals.The pair are also being monitored by Aston Villa, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Juventus.Tottenham, Chelsea and Bayern Munich are reportedly keen on Kostoulas, while SunSport can reveal that the Greece Under-21 international – soon to be a senior – has received interest from Spain.We can also report that Brighton, Wolves, Villarreal and Atletico Madrid are eyeing Mouzakitis.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordThe midfielder stood out during the international break as he made his first ever start with Greece in Scotland and helped his team climb up to League A in the Nations League with a stunning 3-0 win.Kostoulas missed out on a call-up by manager Ivan Jovanovic due to a hamstring injury he suffered three weeks ago.’He’s got a sense of humour’ – Sky Sports panel in stitches after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s stunt in live TV interviewBut he is in contention for Sunday’s crunch derby against rivals Panathinaikos. More

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      Man Utd make contact with Olympiacos over wonderkid also chased by Arsenal but pair face stiff transfer competition

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      OLYMPIACOS wonderkid Babis Kostoulas is being eyed by Manchester United and Arsenal amid a stunning breakout season in Greece.Kostoulas, 17, burst onto the scene last term when he led the Piraeus outfit’s Under-19s to the Uefa Youth Cup.Manchester United made contact with Olympiacos over Arsenal target Babis KostoulasCredit: GettyKostoulas also received interest from Spain after Premier League, Bundesliga and Serie A linksCredit: APThat made Olympiacos’ youth team the first ever Greek club to win a European title shortly before the seniors made history by conquering the Europa Conference League.The versatile forward was quickly promoted to the first team under manager Jose Luis Mendilibar and earned a place in the starting line-up.The Greece Under-21 international, who will soon be joining the senior national team, has so far amassed a total of six goals and two assists in 33 appearances with Olympiacos this season.That has led to interest from several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Aston Villa.Read More on FootballUnited have even made contact with the Greek giants, who are not keen to sell their most promising prospect this summer.Man Utd and other interested Premier League sides face competition from Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and AC Milan.SunSport also understand there is interest from Spain for Kostoulas.This comes after last month’s reports suggesting Real Madrid are keeping tabs on the Greek teenage sensation.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordSunSport can’t confirm any interest from Real but the striker has certainly turned heads in LaLiga.Kostoulas was set to join Greece during the current international break for the Nations League play-offs against Scotland.’He’s got a sense of humour’ – Sky Sports panel in stitches after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s stunt in live TV interviewHowever, the youngster didn’t make the cut due to a hamstring injury he suffered three weeks ago in the Europa League’s Last 16 first leg against Bodo/Glimt.However, SunSport understand the rising star will be in contention for Sunday’s crunch play-off derby against rivals Panathinaikos at Georgios Karaiskakis. More

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      England 3 Latvia 0: Reece James spares Tuchel’s blushes as Three Lions labour to win over minnows ranked 140th in world

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      REECE JAMES saved Thomas Tuchel from a seriously uncomfortable night by bending home a David Beckham-esque free-kick on his England return. And referee Orel Grinfeeld rescued Jude Bellingham from disgrace as he allowed the Real Madrid Galactico to escape a needless second yellow card. Reece James scored a stunning free-kick to break the deadlock for England against LatviaCredit: PAJames’ goal was compared to David BeckhamCredit: GettyHarry Kane scored again as he doubled the score after the breakCredit: GettyEberechi Eze put the cherry on top after scoring off the benchCredit: PAAs England laboured against the 140th best national team in the world and the Latvia penalty box resembled an extension of the London congestion zone, Chelsea full-back James ended years of injury torment with a spectacular 25-yard opener. James had been Tuchel’s man of the match with an outstanding marking job on Raheem Sterling when his side defeated Manchester City in the 2021 Champions League Final. But since then he has suffered an extraordinary run of injuries and had not started a match for England since September 2022. Yet James lit up Wembley with a dead-ball effort which out-bent Beckham and rivalled the famous ‘banana kick’ effort by Brazilian superstar Roberto Carlos back in 1997. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLate strikes from Harry Kane and Eberechi Eze gave the scoreline a respectable look. But it might have been very different had Bellingham received his just desserts for a stamp before half-time and a reckless lunge after the break. There have long been fears of Bellingham’s frustration boiling over, earning him a sending off in an England shirt – and this was as close as we’ve come. The Brummie was dismissed for swearing at a ref while playing for Real against Osasuna last month – and this was a serious let-off. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThat second ‘bookable’ offence was ludicrous as it took place just outside the Latvian and could have proved costly with England just 1-0 up at the time.  There were four changes from Friday’s routine defeat of Albania – Morgan Rogers given a full debut in place of Curtis Jones, with Jarrod Bowen replacing the underwhelming Phil Foden on the right flank.I plucked Thomas Tuchel out of his job working in a bar in Stuttgart before he became England boss, reveals Man Utd flopIn defence, Tuchel selected two of his Chelsea old boys – Marc Guehi, who he sold to Crystal Palace, as well as James.England had never previously played Latvia but our Lionesses defeated their women 20-0 and on balance of play, this was almost as one-sided.Still, this was a ‘top-of-the-table’ clash given that Latvia’s little-hopers had defeated the no-hopers of Andorra 1-0 on Friday.In case you weren’t excited enough by that prospect, there were massive orange fireworks and a rendition of a drum-and-bass tune called Thomas Tuchel’s Army, which doesn’t sound as if it is going to catch on.While Latvia is crying out for more NATO military presence in case of Russian aggression, there were dozens of British servicemen in the Wembley centre circle wobbling a giant flag.From the start, it was one of those qualifying fixtures which resembled not so much a football match as an obstacle course with Latvia largely impassive and sitting deep.Which made it all the more surprising when the first goalscoring chance went to the visitors.A speculative ball down the right caused a bizarre mix-up between Guehi and Jordan Pickford but Vladislavs Gutkovskis shot into the side-netting.Pickford was winning his 75th cap, drawing level with Gordon Banks and Joe Hart, leaving only Peter Shilton ahead of him in terms of England keepers.But, like his panicky collision with Dan Burn against Albania on Friday, this wasn’t his finest hour.Soon, though, England were peppering the Latvian goal. From a Declan Rice corner, Bellingham’s header cannoned off Marcus Rashford’s back and Ezri Konsa’s follow-up effort was pushed over by Krisjanis Zviedris.Kane headed over from a James centre when he ought to have scored and Bowen might have had a penalty when Zviedris brought him down while trying to collect a cross – but VAR said ‘no’.Rogers was lively on his first England start and Rashford was looking a little more menacing than he had against Albania, again without end product.But there was heavy traffic inside the Latvian box and, as the shots rained down, more ricochets than tin-pan alley.The answer to all these bodies in the way was to wallop one over their heads from 25 yards – and James duly did so.Myles Lewis-Skelly was fouled and James stepped up to fire home with power and what the pros like to call ‘swaz’.Just before the break, Konsa needed treatment after a spiteful barge from Gutkovskis and Rogers had a snap-shot well saved.It was unconvincing again and at the interval, Tuchel asked Rashford and Bowen to switch wings.Then came Belingham’s moment of madness. Booked for a lunge on Dmitrijs Zelenkovs before half-time, he leapt in on Raivis Jurkovskis near the corner and caught the Latvian’s leg.It looked to be a clear yellow-card offence but Israeli ref Orel Grinfeeld showed clemency.Tuchel sent on Eberechi Eze for Bowen as the paper planes began to rain down on the Wembley turf.Kane drilled one narrowly wide but it was becoming a tough watch before Kane put the result beyond doubt with England’s second, and his 71st in international football.Foden had just replaced Bellingham when Rashford and Rogers combined on the right and Rice made an artful run to square low for Kane to tap in.READ MORE SUN STORIESThen Eze jinked down the left and cut inside before his shot took a massive deflection off Antonijs Carnomordoijs.All’s well that ends well but there is little doubt that Bellingham dodged a bullet. More

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      Man Utd target Jarrad Branthwaite ‘considering Everton future’ after being left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad

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      MANCHESTER UNITED target Jarrad Branthwaite is said to be considering his future after being snubbed for Thomas Tuchel’s maiden England squad.Branthwaite, 22, made his one and only Three Lions cap to date in international friendlies last March under Gareth Southgate.Jarrad Branthwaite is said to be considering his future at EvertonCredit: AlamyIt comes after Thomas Tuchel snubbed him for his maiden England squadCredit: GettyThe Everton centre-back was a surprise omission from England’s Euro 2024 squad and had to watch from home as the squad limped its way to the final before being beaten by Spain.Branthwaite had then missed the Autumn Uefa Nations League fixtures under interim boss Lee Carsley due to a groin injury.He said his exclusion last summer had given him motivation to get back into the senior team.However, new boss Tuchel did not name him for World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia, instead being picked by Carsley in the Under-21s.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe exclusion has prompted Branthwaite to further consider his future with Everton, according to Sky Sports.Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham and Manchester United are all keen on his signature.But SunSport’s Man Utd files revealed the Red Devils will only make a move for him if they qualify for the Champions League next season.The only realistic route into the competition for Ruben Amorim’s side will be through winning the Europa League.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBranthwaite is valued at more than £50million by the Toffees, and he is understood to be determined to pursue any move that would allow him to play in the Champions League.This would in turn further add to his case to return to the England senior team.I plucked Thomas Tuchel out of his job working in a bar in Stuttgart before he became England boss, reveals Man Utd flopHe confirmed to BBC Sport that he was one of 55 individual players Tuchel had spoken to on the phone.On the ex-Chelsea boss, Branthwaite said: “It is nice to have that connection with the new manager and to know he is watching you play and lets you know how you have done.”England ratings vs Albania as Lewis-Skelly enjoys dream debut but Tuchel fails to solve Foden issue By Tom BarclayMYLES LEWIS-SKELLY made history and Harry Kane extended his own record-breaking as England sunk Albania in Thomas Tuchel’s first game.Lewis-Skelly became the youngest player to score on his Three Lions debut and top goal-getter Kane notched his 70th international strike as Tuchel began his World Cup qualifying campaign with a modest 2-0 win.New boy Dan Burn partnered Ezri Konsa in central defence at Wembley, while Marcus Rashford and Curtis Jones were also handed starts.Meanwhile, Tuchel wrestled with the same issue faced by predecessor Sir Gareth Southgate – deciding where to fit in Phil Foden.Left-back Lewis-Skelly, 18, slotted home on 20 minutes following a delightful turn and even better pass from Jude Bellingham.But England stuttered after the break – until skipper Kane classily took down a Declan Rice pass and curved home the clincher.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions in German manager Tuchel’s opening match… More

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      ‘It had eaten away at me’ – Franck Ribery reveals he nearly lost his LEG after horrific infection left him in A&E

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      FRANCK RIBERY feared losing his leg as he lay in hospital during the 12 “scariest” days of his career.Footballers often speak of painful moments in terms of missed chances, failed transfers or unfulfilled dreams.Franck Ribery ended his career at Salernitana in October 2022 after the most traumatic time of his 18-year careerCredit: GettyRibery’s peak years came at Bayern, including Champions League gloryCredit: PA:Empics SportAnd yes, they sometimes also speak of frustration over injuries when pondering their low points.But for French legend Ribery there is no doubt what counts as the worst time of his two decades at the very top. It came as he wound his career down at Salernitana, with a particularly unlucky finale to 13 months at the Italian club in 2022.Ribery had what should have been a pretty routine operation to insert a metal plate into his knee.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut although it went well, he told L’Équipe his knee then “had no more cartilage”And after that his situation plunged perilously.The former Bayern Munich winger, 41, went back to have the plate taken out about five months after his initial surgery.But Ribery had picked up an infection and soon discovered how frightening the scenario had become.Most read in FootballThe ex-Marseille and Fiorentina hero explained: “I took tablets for two months, the plate was removed but the infection had eaten away at me.”It was so bad that I had holes in my leg. I had contracted Staphylococcus Aureus.Franck Ribery trains with Bayern Munich “I was in the emergency department in the hospital in Austria for twelve days. “I was really scared. They could have cut off my leg.”In the end, Ribery recovered well enough to continue life as normal.And the traumatic time surely put into perspective the fact it confirmed his playing days were over at the age of 39.In all, Ribery won a then-record nine Bundesliga titles in 12 years at Bayern, also lifting the Champions League crown in 2013.He picked up 81 caps and a runners-up medal at the 2006 World Cup.And how about these for individual stats – 176 goals and 211 assists in 784 matches. More