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      Ronaldinho’s son, 19, moves to England with influencer girlfriend as he follows in Barcelona legend’s footsteps

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      RONALDINHO’S son has moved to England and is set to play for Burnley.Joao Mendes, 19, has made a permanent move to the UK with his girlfriend Giovanna Buscacio, 24.Ronaldinho’s son Joao Mendes has moved to England with his girlfriendCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashMendes is following in his father Ronaldinho’s footsteps in footballCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashMendes is set to play for Burnley in the ChampionshipCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashMendes has moved to the UK with his influencer girlfriend Giovanna BuscacioCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashGiovanna has over 131,000 followers on InstagramCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashMendes was pictured with a Clarets shirt in August after reportedly signing with the Championship outfit.Reports now suggest the winger, who could start out in Burnley’s Under-21 side, has now moved to Manchester.The Brazilian has reportedly been living in Manchester since September with his influencer girlfriend with whom he’s been with for two years.Giovanna has over 131,000 followers on Instagram and has been sharing several snaps on social media showing their new life in England.Read More on FootballMendes has been following in his father’s footsteps since the age of 13 when he started playing club football in Brazil.The led the forward to Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy where he played until June.Mendes’ contract with Burnley will reportedly run for the next two years.Ronaldinho, 44, burst onto the scene in the 2002 World Cup when he helped Brazil lift the trophy by beating Germany in the final.Most read in ChampionshipThat led to a lucrative move to Barcelona in 2003 where he amassed a staggering total of 94 goals and 71 assists in 207 appearances.The star forward also won two LaLiga titles, the 2005 Ballon d’Or and the 2006 Champions League during his five-year stint with Barca.Watch as Lamine Yamal, 17, stars alongside Ronaldinho and Barcelona legends in incredible new kit advertThe Brazil legend rolled credits on his 17-year career, which also saw him playing for Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan, in 2015 with 33 goals in 97 caps.Giovanna has already started sharing snaps from their new life in EnglandCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashMendes is set to start playing for Burnley’s Under-21 sideCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashGiovanna shares a series of glam pics on social mediaCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashGiovanna will be rooting for Mendes from the standsCredit: @giobuscacio/Newsflash More

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      I was in prison FIVE times before I turned my life around to become an EFL star… now I’m a full-time church pastor

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      ON October 28, 1988, Ricky Junior Otto was sentenced to four years in prison aged 20 — the last of his five jail terms.He accepts he was a thug, bully and out-and-out menace to society — a product of a violent culture which ruled with fear growing up in Hackney, East London.EFL hero Ricky Otto is now a church pastorCredit: SuppliedOtto exclusively revealed how two inmates serving a combined 41 years during his time in Wandsworth changed his lifeCredit: AlamyBut following the time he served at Wandsworth, on this occasion for armed robbery, Otto walked out on January 25, 1990 an entirely different person to the one who arrived.And, remarkably, it was two inmates serving lengthy sentences who provided him with a lightbulb moment that changed his life forever.Now 56, Otto revealed: “It was these two guys — one was doing 24 years for murder, the other 17 for manslaughter.“They had watched me playing football in the gym and realised I had a talent and expressed this in the most incredible way.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“They told me something that day I have never forgotten: ‘Don’t serve the time, let the time serve you’.“From that moment I understood what they meant: ‘Don’t just sit in prison doing nothing but rather start preparing yourself now for when you are released’.“After that I became a gym orderly and started to prepare myself mentally and physically for a life after prison. It was just the kick up the backside that I needed.“When I walked out of Wandsworth in 1990, I knew it was a new beginning — with football being my escape into a new world.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe former winger said: “My immediate thought was to re-engage with my old team-mates who were now playing for amateur side Haringey Borough.“After a few games I got injured and I was sent for treatment at non-league Dartford. I ended up playing four games for them.Leicester City Players Under Fire for Harassing Fan “My performances caught the eye of Leyton Orient management duo Frank Clark and Peter Eustace.“They knew of my past and did not judge me but offered me a week’s trial, which was the opportunity of a lifetime that I’d been dreaming of while serving my time.“The trial was successful and I signed my first professional contract ten months after being released and just a couple of weeks before my 23rd birthday. It was the best birthday present ever!”After playing in the reserves and learning the game, Otto eventually got the chance to make his league debut when he was made sub for Orient’s fourth-tier game at Fulham in 1991, just 15 months after his release.He continued: “It was the last game of the season. I played the last 15 minutes, I should have scored too. But I was on the pitch playing and I had this wonderful feeling of achievement.”The following season he played 32 league games for the O’s, scoring his first goal at Hartlepool in September 1991.Otto said: “It was flattering that Barry Fry — then with Barnet — had watched me play against his side in the London Cup final and was clearly impressed.“When Barry joined Southend in April 1993 he signed me for £100,000. I don’t think I played in a better side at the start of the 1993-94 season.They knew of my past and did not judge me but offered me a week’s trial, which was the opportunity of a lifetime that I’d been dreaming of while serving my timeRicky OttoSunSport“Had Barry not been headhunted by Birmingham I genuinely believe we would have gone on to make the play-offs in what was the Championship at the end of that season.“We had such a wonderful camaraderie, with wins against big clubs with multi-million-pound budgets like Sunderland, Derby, Stoke and Middlesbrough. We were flying!”Otto’s next move was to link up with Fry again at Birmingham — this time in an £800,000 switch to St Andrew’s.His greatest football memories include his stunning equaliser against Liverpool at Anfield in the 1995 FA Cup and playing for City in the Football League Trophy final the same year — when his assist provided the extra-time winner for Paul Tait in front of over 76,000 fans at Wembley.Otto said: “I remember travelling on the coach to Wembley with a sea of Birmingham fans walking towards the stadium.“I had that pinch-me moment where I couldn’t believe I was going to be playing at Wembley.”After Birmingham, Otto played at Charlton, Peterborough and Notts County on loan.It was while he was with County, under Sam Allardyce, that he suffered a cruciate ligament injury which ultimately ended his career.I remember travelling on the coach to Wembley with a sea of Birmingham fans walking towards the stadium.I had that pinch-me moment where I couldn’t believe I was going to be playing at WembleyRicky OttoSunSportHe said: “I did manage to play again but I was never the same player. I’d lost that yard of pace and I always had that twinge of pain when I was playing.”After ten years, he knew his career was over.He added: “Having left school with no qualifications this was a period when I had think what I was going to do for the rest of my life.“Of course, I could have slipped back into my old ways before football but I knew I had to build another chapter to my life.”Instead, he trained as a probation officer, later creating his own consultancy working with offenders and those at risk of offending.Ricky said: “My work has enabled me to engage with some of the country’s most prolific offenders.“Being able to relate to their journey, I am able to use the same old adage that was spoken into my life when incarcerated: Don’t serve the time, let the time serve you.“For nearly 20 years I have primarily worked with adults. However, over the last two years I’ve been working with Walsall Youth Justice Service as a Resettlement Disproportionality Officer.”READ MORE SUN STORIESEven more remarkably, father-of-three Ricky is a committed Christian and, after passing his degree in Theology, is Pastor of ARC Birmingham Church. He is currently studying for a Masters degree.Yet in reflection of his extraordinary 56 years, Otto readily admits: “Without a shadow of a doubt, football saved my life.” More

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      Premier League and Championship clubs considering shock Jordan Henderson transfer – but Saudi deal could cause problems

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      JORDAN HENDERSON’S lack of playing time at Ajax is whipping up interest in England.The former England skipper cannot get regular games in Holland and may be in the market for a return home in January.Jordan Henderson has found game time hard to come by at AjaxSome Premier League clubs have been alerted but leading Championship sides are also considering a loan deal.Hendo, 34, found it hard to come back to England sooner due to  potential tax issues following his spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ettifaq.That may still be an issue for him next year but the midfield general is hoping there is a way of doing it.Henderson emerged at Sunderland, before Liverpool paid around £20million to secure his services in 2011.Read more football newsAnd an emotional return to the Black Cats could be on the cards, with Regis Le Bris’ side top of the second tier.While Henderson’s experience and leadership could prove invaluable to any of the teams under threat of relegation from the Prem.Hendo was named captain of Liverpool in 2015 after Steven Gerrard’s departure.He lifted the Champions League trophy in 2019 – after the Reds defeated Tottenham 2-0.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut it was a year later that he went down in Liverpool legend as he skippered Jurgen Klopp’s side to their first domestic title in over 30 years.After 492 appearances for the Reds, Henderson chose to join the Saudi revolution on an outrageous £700k-a-week deal.Watch Ivan Toney score first goals since Saudi Arabia transfer as £400,000-a-week striker sends reminder to Lee CarsleyBut his stay at Al-Ettifaq lasted less than six months after he terminated his contract with the club to join Dutch giants Ajax.He said at the time: “It was very much a football decision.”Of course I’ve got to make the decision be for me about what’s best for me and my family as well.”I think a lot of people would probably like us to sit here and criticise the Saudi league and everything that went along with that, but that certainly wasn’t the case and that’s something that I’m not going to do.”I’ve got full respect for the league, for any fans of the club, for the people over there who really made us feel welcome. But unfortunately these things in life sometimes just don’t work out in football and in life in general.” More

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      Leicester 1 Bournemouth 0: Foxes secure first win of Premier League season to pull clear of relegation zone

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      LEICESTER won their first Premier League game of the season after their return from the Championship.The Foxes were relegated two years ago but came back to the top flight immediately under former boss Enzo Maresca.Leicester won their first Premier League match of the seasonCredit: GettyFacundo Buonanotte scored Leicester’s winner against BournemouthCredit: GettyThe 2016 Premier League champions struggled to hit the ground running under new manager Steve Cooper as they lost three of their first six league matches heading to Saturday’s encounter.However, Leicester finally broke their duck this term with a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth at the King Power Stadium.And it was Facundo Buonanotte who netted the winner for the hosts after just 16 minutes.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      Leeds goalkeeper Ivan Meslier breaks down in dressing room after Sunderland howler cost his team crucial win

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      DANIEL FARKE revealed Illan Meslier was in tears after his howler at Sunderland.The Black Cats took an early lead through Chris Rigg but found themselves trailing in stoppage time after strikes from Joel Piroe and Junior Firpo.Illan Meslier was left distraught after his howler gifted Sunderland a pointThe home side were ecstatic to score an unlikely equaliser at the death in the 97th minuteThe hopeful ball bizarrely bounced under the French keeper to leave Leeds thirdThat looked to be enough to take Farke’s side level on points with Sunderland but that prospect was thrown away right at the death.French goalkeeper Meslier let a hopeful, deflected ball from Alan Browne into the box squirm through him to give the hosts a point.And afterwards his manager admitted: “He is the saddest person in the dressing room, he’s more or less in tears.”Farke then claimed that captain Pascal Struijk saw the ball bounce unnaturally in front of Meslier, which caused it to spin past him.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHowever, the Leeds boss says he was unable to confirm if there was a rogue divot at fault or not. He said: “After such a situation, you don’t need to speak about it – no-one wants to hear any words.“Pascal came over and said he had never seen anything like this. He said it bounced and jumped in the other direction because there was a mark on the pitch.“I can’t tell you if that was the case because I wasn’t on the pitch, but Pascal was probably in the best position to see. If it was this, it was unbelievably unlucky.”Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA win would have taken Leeds level on points with Championship leaders Sunderland, but instead they remain three points behind in third, with Burnley in second.Browne’s ball in went down as an Firpo own goal, but the Republic of Ireland international said he’s “almost embarrassed” to claim it as his own.Ex-Man Utd star Hannibal Mejbri dubbed ‘epic s—house’ after outrageously taunting Leeds fans in tense Burnley winSky Sports co-commentator Don Goodman described the howler as “right up there” in terms of all-time errors.Goodman added: “It’s a gift, it’s a present. You cant legislate for it. If you are Leeds, how on earth can you legislate for something like this?”Sunderland’s manager Regis Le Bris was a little more sympathetic to Meslier, who he coached back in their respective homelands at the Lorient academy.He was spotted speaking to his compatriot on the pitch at full time and said afterwards: “I’m disappointed for him because I like this boy and anyone can make a mistake.“For a goalkeeper, when you make a mistake, the consequences are very important. It happened and we are happy for the final result.” More

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      Sunderland 2 Leeds 2: Watch ‘worst goalkeeping error ever’ by Illan Meslier as opponent left ’embarrassed’ to score

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      ILLAN MESLIER dropped an almighty clanger as Leeds blew two points at the death against Sunderland.Daniel Farke’s side looked set for a comeback victory thanks to Junior Firpo’s first goal in 18 months.Illan Meslier didn’t know where to look as Sunderland celebrate their giftCredit: PAMeslier somehow let Alan Browne’s gentle flick squirm inThe keeper couldn’t believe his mistake, nor could fans or playersCredit: PAThe Black Cats celebrated as Meslier reacted to his errorCredit: RexHis last strike was in the Premier League, and this looked like going a huge way towards helping them return to the top flight.That was until disaster struck for the French stopper in the 97th minute after sub Alan Browne’s tame headed flick from a long punt forward from Anthony Patterson.It bounced straight towards Meslier, but amazingly he allowed it to go straight through his hands and legs to gift his former Lorient coach Regis Le Bris a point.Fans on social media mocked the blunder – labelling it “the worst goalkeeping error ever” and “atrocious”.READ MORE TOP STORIESAnd Browne said: “I’d turned away, I thought the lads would be going mad then the keeper chucked it in the net.“I’m almost embarrassed but I’ll still claim it, too right.“Whether we deserved it or not I’m not sure. They really came at us after we scored but we had a couple of spells in the second half.“We didn’t really create the chance that we needed but luckily I came up with the goods.”Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe power of Sunderland’s own promotion push had threatened to go off the Rigg-ter scale as they exploded into life and took the lead inside the opening ten.Jobe Bellingham, whose rocket on Tuesday downed Derby, had already come close before another talented teen made the breakthrough.EFL star banned for eight matches for biting Liverpool legend Ian Rush’s nephew FANS’ VERDICT ON MESLIER ‘HORROR SHOW’FANS were as stunned as players by Illan Meslier’s costly last-gasp cock-up.The Leeds keeper was lambasted after Alan Browne’s soft headed flick crept in off the Frenchman’s hands to rescue a 2-2 home draw for Championship leaders Sunderland.One viewer posted: “Oh wow that is atrocious.”A second fan dubbed it the “worst goalkeeping error ever”. More jibes followed, including: “What a horrible show from Meslier” and “wopper”.Amongst the cruellest verdicts was: “They need to send him to League Two.”  And one observer recons he knows how Meslier made his terrible slip-up.He wrote: “You can see he was planning to fall on the ball once he’s caught it and takes his eyes off it.”Trai Hume’s cross from the byline was eventually met by Dennis Cirkin at the back post.Meslier made a brilliant flying save to deny him, but the goalie could do nothing to stop 17-year-old Rigg from slotting home the rebound.It was a roar as loud as that from the red end of Wembley 51 years ago when Ian Porterfield famously secured the FA Cup for the Black Cats against the same opposition.But just like Don Revie’s great side back then, going on to win the First Division title the following year, Daniel Farke’s current crop were far from down and out.Leeds looked shattered after Meslier handed Sunderland a pointCredit: PAThe German opted for Joel Piroe, who had two goals in his last three outings, he repaid that faith as Sunderland’s lead lasted barely 13 minutes.A block from the unfortunate Bellingham fell to Wilfried Gnonto out right, and Piroe managed to peel off his marker to nod in, albeit with a hint of offside.Regis Le Bris’ young guns had not conceded at home all season and they were no longer rocking, instead they were creaking, as the visitors began to turn the screw.Largie Ramazani almost headed Leeds ahead but Sunderland retaliated.They appeared to be getting their second wind as Bellingham was denied a certain goal when his strike was deflected wide but the momentum was halted by the half time whistle.And the wind was knocked well and truly out of their sails only 11 minutes after the restart.Ramazani started it, amidst screams for handball, by teeing up Junior Firpo to charge forward.The defender played a one-two with Gnonto and swept home like a seasoned striker for what looked to be the winner – until Meslier’s howler kept them three points behind the leaders. Sunderland boss Le Bris said of Meslier: “I’m disappointed for him because he’s a nice boy. Anyone on the pitch can make a mistake.”And Leeds’ Daniel Farke commented: “I’ve worked in professional football for 30 years but it’s the first time I’ve experienced that.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Normally the goalkeeper takes the ball, clears it and the referee blows the final whistle and the game is won, but not this time.”You don’t have to speak to him [Meslier] about it right now, you wait until the dust has settled but we were fantastic in the first half after going behind.” The Black Cats celebrate as Meslier reacts to his errorCredit: RexJunior Firpo rejoices after putting Leeds 2-1 up, only to suffer late anguishCredit: Rex More

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      Leicester fan’s fury after cheeky players message daughter-in-law.. even before big games

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      A LEICESTER City fan has complained to the club after some of its stars cheekily contacted his pretty daughter-in-law on social media.The woman, 29, told friends one player who got in touch just before a big game “should be training” rather than messaging her.A Leicester City fan has complained to the club that some of its stars are getting a kick out of contacting his pretty daughter-in-law on social mediaCredit: TwitterThe Foxes are winless after last season’s promotionCredit: PAThe players are understood to have noticed her after she shared dozens of snaps on social media of her in a Leicester stripThe players are understood to have noticed her after she shared dozens of snaps on social media of her in a Leicester kit.Winger Abdul Fatawu, 20, sent her a blue heart symbol last Saturday — hours before the Foxes played at Arsenal in the Prem.His team, without a win so far this season, went down 4-2 after conceding two late goals, with the Ghana star making a late substitute appearance. It led to the woman, who we are not identifying, asking her pals: “Why is he messaging me this? He should be training.”Read More on SportThere is no suggestion anything inappropriate has occurred but the scale of the friend requests has irritated the fan. She fears Leicester’s millionaire aces have shared her online profile and are seeing who can befriend her first as some sort of “dressing room banter”.The woman told pals midfielder Hamza Choudhury, 27, also on the bench last Saturday, has contacted her on Instagram four times.She has also been approached online by two who recently played for the club but are now elsewhere. Most read in FootballHarry Souttar, 25, on loan at Sheffield United, and Man City ace Callum Doyle, 21, loaned to Leicester last season, are thought to be among a number of players to send her a single friend request.The woman — a teacher — even claims that on one day in May, she received four friend requests in the same minute from four players linked to the club at some point.Leicester City Players Under Fire for Harassing FanShe told pals on social media: “Honestly wtf”. And a friend replied: “You’re the talk of the dressing room.” A family source said yesterday: “There’s obviously no problem with attempting to follow someone; that’s social media. But she is clearly the subject of conversations among the players.“Seeing as they haven’t won all season, you’d hope they’d have better things to do.“We love Leicester City and don’t want them to become Pester City.”The Sun is aware of correspondence between the woman’s family and the club — promoted to the Premier League after winning the Championship last season.Her father-in-law said: “She’s a massive Leicester fan, so I can only assume she has caught the eye through that.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s making her pretty self-conscious, especially as she’s in a relationship with my son.”It is understood that Leicester City are happy there has been no inappropriate messaging.Harry Souttar is understood to be among a number of players to send her just one friend requestCredit: GettyAbdul Fatawu sent her a blue heart symbol last Saturday — hours before the Foxes played at Arsenal in the PremCredit: GettyCallum Doyle is also understood to have sent her a friend requestCredit: GettyThe woman told pals midfielder Hamza Choudhury has contacted her on Instagram four timesCredit: Getty More

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      Wayne Rooney signs Leigh Anne Pinnock’s husband in Plymouth free transfer after Little Mix star’s ‘it’s been hell’ swipe

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      ANDRE GRAY has signed for Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth Argyle on a short-term deal.The striker, 33, has penned a contract until January at Home Park.Andre Gray has signed for Plymouth Argyle on short-term dealCredit: Instagram / only1argyleWayne Rooney has added the striker to his squad ahead of Saturday’s clash with BlackburnCredit: RexHe had been a free agent after leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-Riyadh in the summer.Gray, who has three goals in 13 caps for Jamaica, could make his debut at home to Blackburn on Saturday subject to international clearance.The Pilgrims moved for the former Watford man with Muhamed Tijani likely to be out until the New Year following a hamstring injury sustained at Burnley on Tuesday.Reacting to the signing, Rooney said: “Once we knew the severity of Muhamed’s injury, we moved quickly to bring in a striker to replace him.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Andre is a striker of real quality and has played and scored goals at the highest level.”He will provide competition in forward areas as we head into a busy period of the season and I am really happy to have him here.”Gray, who is married to singer Leigh Anne Pinnock, returns to England for the first time since leaving Vicarage Road two years ago.During his time 10-month spell in Saudi Arabia, he and Leigh Anne were forced into a long-distance relationship which she described as “hell”.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe couple would only see each other for a few days a month during his time in the Middle East.Back in May, she explained: “We have a long distance relationship. He lives in Saudi, he plays football there.’Absolutely love this!’ – Watch Wayne Rooney go wild as his Plymouth side win first league game with 93rd minute strike”So for the last two years we’ve been apart, basically, seeing each other for maybe two days a month. It’s been hell to be honest.”And Pinnock appeared to give Gray an ultimatum to move back to the UK once his contract in Saudi Arabia was up.When asked if the striker would remain abroad, she said:  “I can’t do it anymore. I can’t do it. I think we have to wait and see.”The former Little Mix star also referenced their struggles with the distance again at her first solo gig in June.Gray had been a free agent after leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-RiyadhCredit: Instagram / only1argyleHis wife Leigh Anne Pinnock described their long distance relationship as ‘hell’ during his time in Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyColeen Rooney, who still lives in Chester while husband Wayne coaches in Devon, has also opened up on the difficulties of a long-distance marriage.Gray previously scored 56 goals in 146 Championship appearances for Brentford, Burnley, Watford and QPR.Those came either side of more than 100 Premier League matches for the Clarets and Hornets. More