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    Ten players who returned to former clubs and how it worked out as Man Utd complete Cristiano Ronaldo transfer return

    CRISTIANO RONALDO has agreed a stunning move back to Manchester United. It comes 11 years after he left to join Real Madrid in a then-record £80million move.
    Cristiano Ronaldo has agreed a stunning move back to Manchester UnitedCredit: PA
    From there, he joined Juventus but after three years the legendary forward made it clear he wanted to move on.
    And after initial talks with Manchester rivals City broke down, it gave United the green light to swoop in for the club icon.
    It comes in the same window former United striker Romelu Lukaku also returned to Chelsea.
    With that in mind, we’ve taken a look at TEN players who’ve quit clubs with legendary status, only to return later in their careers.
    But how did they all get on in their second stints?
    ROMELU LUKAKU – Chelsea
    First spell: 2011-2014
    Romelu Lukaku scored on his second Chelsea debutCredit: Getty
    Second spell: 2021-present
    LUKAKU left Stamford Bridge in 2014 without breaking into their first-team and two loan spells away, firstly to West Brom and then Everton.
    After joining Everton permanently, he impressed enough to 2017 snub Chelsea and join United.
    It was mixed results for the Belgian, who left United in 2019 for Inter Milan, a move with rejuvenated his career.
    Lukaku in his second season in Italy helped Inter to a first Serie A title in 11 years, but in doing so attracted attention once again from Chelsea.
    The Blues were searching for a solution in their striker crisis and turned to their old boy.
    Lukaku was convinced to complete his ‘unfinished business’ in Blue and this summer re-signed for £97.5m.
    He made his debut against Arsenal, where he scored the opener to help Chelsea in a 2-0 win.
    DIDIER DROGBA – Chelsea
    Didier Drogba only furthered his incredible reputation at Chelsea with his 2014-15 returnCredit: AP:Associated Press
    First spell: 2004-2012
    Second spell: 2014-2015
    QUITE possibly Chelsea best striker in the Premier League era, Drogba won TEN trophies during his first spell at Stamford Bridge.
    The Ivorian won three Premier League crowns and the Champions League in those eight years – winning the European Cup with his last kick for the club.
    After two years away – at Shanghai Shenhua and Galatasaray – Drogba returned under Jose Mourinho in 2014 and helped the club win yet another league title to further cement his status as a Chelsea legend.

    THIERRY HENRY – Arsenal
    Thierry Henry scored a couple of key goals for Arsenal on his return in 2012Credit: Getty
    First spell: 1999-2007
    Second spell: 2012 (loan)
    ANOTHER star who is quite possibly his old club’s greatest ever striker, Henry left Arsenal after eight years and two Premier League titles, including the 2003-04 ‘Invincibles’ campaign.
    Henry had his head turned by Barcelona in 2007 and would later move to New York Red Bulls, seemingly to wind down his career, in 2010.
    In 2012, he stunned Gooners by returning to the Emirates on a two-month loan deal as cover for Marouane Chamackh and Gervinho – who were both injured.
    Henry scored the winner against Leeds in his second debut in the FA Cup, before also scoring the winning goal in the dying moments of a 2-1 league victory over Sunderland.
    ROBBIE FOWLER – Liverpool
    Robbie Fowler scored 12 goals after re-signing for Liverpool five years after initially leavingCredit: PA:Press Association
    First spell: 1993-2001
    Second spell: 2006-2007
    KNOWN as ‘God’ by Liverpool fans, it’s fair to say Fowler was adored by the red half of Merseyside.
    He broke fans’ hearts by leaving for Leeds in 2001, where he would spend two years before joining Manchester City.
    After being released by City in 2006 following a spate of injuries and a worrying lack of form, Fowler would go on to score another 12 goals for the Reds, including eight in the Premier League.
    GARETH BALE – Tottenham
    Gareth Bale is currently back at Tottenham on a season-long loan from Real MadridCredit: AFP
    First spell: 2007-2013
    Second spell: 2020-2021
    BALE lit up the footballing world at White Hart Lane before becoming the most-expensive player in the world at the time of signing for Real Madrid.
    After huge success early in his Los Blancos career, the Welshman was frozen out under Zinedine Zidane.
    Spurs brought Bale back on loan for the current campaign, but his future in England and Spain remains undetermined with him no focussing on the Euros.
    WAYNE ROONEY – Everton
    Wayne Rooney was Everton’s top scorer during his one season back at the club in 2017-18Credit: Getty
    First spell: 2002-2004
    Second spell: 2017-18
    ROONEY burst onto the scene with a screamer of a goal against Arsenal in 2002 before being snapped up by Man Utd.
    England’s all-time leading scorer enjoyed a glittering 13 years at Old Trafford – including five Premier League titles and one Champions League – before rejoining his boyhood club.
    Rooney was Everton’s top scorer in his sole season back at Goodison Park, but opted to quit to crack America with MLS side DC United in 2018.
    SOL CAMPBELL – Arsenal
    Sol Campbell stunned Arsenal fans by returning to the club following a failed stint at Notts County in 2010Credit: AP:Associated Press
    First spell: 2001-2006
    Second spell: 2010
    CAMPBELL sent shockwaves through North London in 2001 by signing for Arsenal on a free transfer from bitter rivals Tottenham.
    After five years at the club, the ex-England defender spent three years at Portsmouth before moving to Notts County – seemingly in the twilight of his career.
    But Campbell bizarrely quit the Midlands side days after his debut and decided to keep his fitness levels up as he hunted for a new club by training with Arsenal.
    Arsene Wenger saw enough to sign him up, with Campbell playing 14 times during the remainder of the 2009-10 season, before joining Newcastle – where he later retired.
    PAUL POGBA – Man Utd
    Paul Pogba has endured an up and down spell back at Old Trafford since returning from JuventusCredit: AP
    First spell: 2009-2012
    Second spell: 2016-present
    POGBA made just seven first-team appearances for Man Utd having worked his way through the youth ranks.
    Then aged 19, the French ace joined Juventus where he would forge a reputation for being one of the best midfielders on the planet.
    In 2016, United splashed a then-world-record £89m to bring him back to Old Trafford.
    And while his form has been up-and-down ever since, with his stint littered with speculation of a move elsewhere, Pogba has proven that on his day he is unstoppable.

    JERMAIN DEFOE – Tottenham
    Jermain Defoe spent a decade at Tottenham save for one season at Portsmouth in the middleCredit: AP:Associated Press
    First spell: 2004-2008
    Second spell: 2009-2014
    DURING his first spell at Spurs – having signed from West Ham – Defoe became an England regular as he blossomed into a star striker.
    But in 2008, Tottenham sold him to Harry Redknapp’s Portsmouth.
    After just one season, Redknapp was now in charge of Spurs – and he paid double what Pompey had done just 12 months earlier to bring him back to North London in a bizarre transfer swoop.
    Defoe would go on to spend another five years at White Hart Lane, scoring a further 79 goals to end his Spurs career as the club’s sixth-top-scorer ever.
    JUNINHO – Middlesbrough
    Juninho played for Middlesbrough three times, ultimately helping them win the League Cup in 2004Credit: Getty
    First spell: 1995-1997
    Second spell: 1999-2000 (loan)
    Third spell: 2002-2004
    THE Brazilian magician loved Boro so much he played for them across THREE separate stints in his incredible career.
    Juninho helped Middlesbrough reach the FA Cup AND League Cup final in 1997, but would leave to join Atletico Madrid after they were relegated that same season.
    He briefly rejoined on loan in 1999-2000, but was hit by a frustrating injury.
    But Juninho came back fighting fit in 2002, helping the Riverside club win the League Cup in 2004, while also leading them to European football.
    NEMANJA MATIC – Chelsea
    Nemanja Matic returned to Chelsea in 2014 and helped them win two league titles in three seasonsCredit: PA:Press Association
    First spell: 2009-2011
    Second spell: 2014-2017
    CHELSEA signed the Serbian Premier League icon for just £1.5m in 2009.
    But Matic played just three times for the first-team before being loaned to Vitesse Arnhem and then sold to Benfica.
    After three incredible years in Portugal, Chelsea swallowed their pride and splashed out to the tune of £21m to bring him back to West London.
    Matic would go on to help the Blues win two Premier League titles, before the club made a near-£20m profit in selling him to Man Utd in 2017, where he remains to this day. More

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    Chelsea target Saul Niguez’s amazing recovery from horror injury that left him ‘pee blood’ from kidney trauma for years

    CHELSEA target Saul Niguez put his health at risk to play for Atletico Madrid after suffering a kidney trauma and internal bleeding.The courageous Spain midfielder, 26, has reportedly been offered to the Blues in a loan deal.
    Saul Niguez is being lined up for a loan move to ChelseaCredit: Getty
    In 2015, Niguez suffered a critical kidney injury during a Champions League gameCredit: Getty
    But, after an accidental kick to stomach from Bayer Leverkusen defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos during a 2015 Champions League match, Saul’s career hang in the balance.
    He was forced to wear a catheter to empty his bladder for two years and admittedly ‘p***ed blood’ as he played well beyond the pain barrier.
    Saul recovered from his ordeal to become one of Diego Simeone’s most trusted allies.
    BORN TO BE A FOOTBALLER
    It was Saul Niguez’s destiny to become a footballer.
    His dad, Jose Antonio (better known as Boria) was a legend at Elche in the 1980s.
    So it was natural for Saul to follow in the family business, as have brothers Jonathan and Aaron, who both made it pro.
    However, it was Jose Antonio’s youngest son who appeared to have the most talent.
    Saul was scouted by Real Madrid aged 11, before moving to their crosstown rivals in 2008.
    He made his senior debut two years later in a third division game with the reserves, before appearing for the first team in a Europa League match against Besiktas in 2012 aged just 17.
    Saul’s father Jose Antonio Niguez, better known as Boria, was an Elche legend
    Jonathan, mum Pilar, Saul, Boria and Aaron pose for a family snap
    A bicycle kick in a 4-0 rout of crosstown rivals Real Madrid put Saul on the map in 2015Credit: AFP
    A season-long loan at Rayo Vallecano in 2013-14 established his credentials as one of the more promising players of his generation.
    When Saul returned to the club, Simeone was ready to thrust the exciting talent into his line-up.
    An early standout performance came in the 2015 Madrid derby, when he scored a bicycle kick to set Atletico up for a 4-0 win over Real, after replacing the injured Koke 10 minutes in.
    HEALTH RISK
    On no less than his Champions League debut, Saul’s football career was turned upside down.
    An innocuous clash with Kyriakos Papadopoulos in a game against German side Bayer Leverkusen left him writhing in agony.
    The blow to his chest “destroyed” his kidney, according to Atletico president Enrique Cerezo.
    Astonishingly, Saul carried on but was substituted just before half-time, before his body began to shake, he lost feeling in his legs and arms in the dressing room and was rushed to hospital by ambulance.
    He stayed in a German hospital for four days, while the blood was drained. Within a month, he was back on the pitch.
    Secretly, though, Saul was playing with an internal catheter. Remarkably, something he managed for two years.
    The sacrifice saw him play in huge discomfort, while putting his life at risk for his club.
    “In every training session and every game I p***ed blood,” he revealed.
    A blow to his kidney left Saul writing in agonyCredit: Getty
    Incredibly, Saul continued before he was helped off the pitch before half-timeCredit: Getty
    Saul spent four days in a Leverkusen hospital recovering
    “It was pretty bad, something difficult that people do not know or understand.
    “I was risking my health to put on the club colours, to chase the dream.”
    He later explained to The Guardian: “The catheter gives you functionality but it was sore, you’d feel it running, and I was urinating blood.
    “The problem was when we took it out, my kidney didn’t work properly. I was given options: play for a month, stop for a month … I said: ‘No, no, that’s no good. Put the catheter back in, I can function.’ But they said: ‘Saúl, it’s not that simple.’
    “I was tired of it all and I said: ‘Doc, just take the kidney out. Take it out. I’ll be out for a month, but then I’ll be back again. The doctor was saying: ‘I’m not taking your kidney out;’ ‘Try this;’ ‘Try that.’
    “I said: ‘Yeah, I’ll try things but if they don’t work, then what? More of the same?
    “No. I just want to get back to playing well, feeling well. Forget it all. Be normal. Play football. I can’t be worrying about getting a knock. I just want to play. Take it out.’”
    SOUND ADVICE
    It was Simeone’s former assistant, the hulking German Burgos, who delivered sage advice to Saul and made him think more about his future.
    The Argentina coach, nicknamed El Mono, is a cancer survivor after seeking treatment in 2003 during his playing days.
    Saul played through the pain barrier and secretly wore a catheter for two years on the pitchCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Atletico Madrid’s former assistant manager German Burgos convinced Saul that his health was more important than footballCredit: Atletico Madrid
    “Mono Burgos was so important,” Saul revealed.
    “He came to me: ‘The doctor says you’re talking about taking out your kidney. You’re 22! What are you talking about? Use your head.’
    “I was just thinking about football: take this out and play. I thought: lose a kidney, it’s fine, I’ve got another one.
    “But Mono told me what he went through, he looked me in the eye: ‘Saúl, think about your life.’ I saw. The seriousness, the future.
    “What if you get a problem with the other one? There’s no way out. And we put the catheter back in.”
    Saul’s kidney problems have longtime ceased, and he was an integral part of Atletico’s LaLiga campaign – helping his team reclaim the title.

    Since his ordeal, he has also vowed to give back to the game by setting up Club Costa City – a centre that’ll pride itself on grooming the stars of tomorrow, while giving them a good education and lessons on nutrition.
    Whatever happens next in Saul’s life, you can bet he will tackle it head on.
    A move to the physical Premier League certainly won’t deter Simeone’s warrior in the middle of the park.
    Saul now plays catheter free and his kidney problems have ceasedCredit: Rex Features
    Last season Saul was an integral part of Atletico’s LaLiga winning side and celebrated landing the title on the pitch with Wag Yaiza and their son
    Rio Ferdinand tips Man Utd to make last transfer and urges Solskjaer to sign ‘perfect’ Saul Niguez or Declan Rice More

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    The sad story of ex-Chelsea wonderkid Per Weihrauch, who was forced to retire and was later found dead at just 32

    PER Weihrauch should have been heralded as one of the world’s best players in the game today.The talented Dane had the world at his feet and starred at youth level for Ajax and Chelsea.
    Danish wonderkid Per Weihrauch was destined to be a football great before injury robbed him of a careerCredit: Getty
    Aged 32, Weihrauch was found dead at his home last year
    However, he had his career cruelly robbed from him through injury.
    At 19, Weihrauch was told by a specialist that he should forget about a career in football and accept an insurance payout.
    Try as he might, the winger didn’t give up on his dream and returned to Denmark, where he played on a part-time basic.
    But it was never enough to get back to the level he had promised.
    Last year, aged just 32, Weihrauch was found dead at his home. This is his tragic story.
    LOCAL TALENT
    As a teen, Per was one of the leading lights of his generation.
    He was coached by Brentford boss Thomas Frank and his assistant manager Brian Riemer at local club Hvidovre IF.
    Riemer told The Athletic: “Per had the full package.
    “He liked to come inside from the wing position in a 4-3-3, but he could also play as a striker.
    At 17, Weihrauch was considered as one of the best young in Europe
    Brian Riemer, left, and Thomas Frank worked with Weihrauch when he was a promising talent in DenmarkCredit: PA
    “Good physique, intelligent, great shooting ability, great first touch, good in the box, great heading ability.
    “He was one of those players who could create something for a team-mate or do it on his own. He was a fantastic talent.”
    It wasn’t long before the Europe’s top clubs registered an interest. Atletico Madrid, Ajax, Chelsea, Manchester United and more were desperate to sign him to their academies.
    A NEW EXPERIENCE
    To continue his football education, Per went to Ajax – famed for bringing the best young Danish players through, including Jan Molby, Soren Lerby and Christian Eriksen.
    But it ended up being somewhat of a nightmare for the wonderkid, who struggled to settle.
    He then got what appeared to be a fairly normal hamstring injury on tour, but under pressure to show his ability he played on and made it worse.
    “What I miss the most are friends and family,” Weihrauch told Danish newspaper Lokalavisen – hinting about his loneliness in Amsterdam.
    “After training here, you can’t just go home to see one of the boys.
    “Of course it’s hard sometimes, especially when you’re injured. Then it’s boring to sit down here alone.
    “You’re here to play football — and that’s the only thing you can’t do when you’re injured. Then the days can get long inside a gym.
    “But every day I get up and I look forward to going to training, so it was the right decision (to join Ajax).”
    Injuries took their toll, though. With his contract expiring, it looked unlikely it would be renewed by the Dutch club.
    ‘COME TO CHELSEA’
    In 2006, fellow Dane Frank Arnesen, who knew Per from his time at Ajax, brought Weihrauch to Cobham.
    It was there he impressed Brendan Rodgers – Chelsea’s then-youth coach.
    “I remember Per so clearly,” Rodgers revealed.
    “He was a very, very talented young player right out of the Ajax mould. He was a winger, but he was strong physically.
    “He could play in a number of positions, he could play wide on either side or he could play as a striker or a No 10. He was very gifted on the ball, fast.
    Weihrauch joined Chelsea at 17
    Brendan Rodgers called Weihrauch a big talentCredit: Getty – Contributor
    “He came in at 17 and he was already above the youth team. He went straight into our reserves and you could absolutely see his undoubted natural ability and, obviously, his work rate.
    “He wanted to work, wanted to run. Amazing ability on the ball to beat a man. He wasn’t a small winger, he was a good size — the build of a midfield player — and such a big talent.”
    THE INJURIES FOLLOWED HIM
    Despite a fresh start in London, Per couldn’t escape his injury problems.
    On Chelsea’s part it was a gamble. But one that didn’t pay off.
    Frank Arnesen said: “We knew about the injury problems he had, but we wanted to give him a chance.
    “If he could get back to his true level, he would be a great player. He played some games, did well, but then, unfortunately, he got injured again.”
    A scan showed scar tissue around his hamstring. He was told the only thing for it was rest, then after it has healed he would be able to build up the strength in his leg.
    If he didn’t, his career would be over.
    “Sometimes it’s unfortunate that the body just can’t cope with the intensity of training and the work,” Rodgers told The Athletic.
    Frank Arnesen, far left, wanted to give Weihrauch a chance but injuries took their tollCredit: Getty – Contributor
     “And that was clearly the case with Per. It was nothing to do with talent — he was a hugely talented player.
    “He could have gone on and been a really top player, because he had the game for it, but he just couldn’t build up the rhythm and consistency.”
    IT’S OVER
    Weihrauch went to Finland for an operation that was hoped would fix his injury problems.
    However, it didn’t work. After seeing various specialists, the answer was the same.
    His hamstring wouldn’t be able to survive the hardship of the modern game.
    He was advised to retire and accept a minimal insurance payout for loss of future earnings.
    Per was still only 19 at this point.
    MAKING A COMEBACK
    Desperate not to give up the ghost, Weihrauch returned to his first club Hvidovre in 2009.
    Soren Lerby, left, was Weihrauch’s agent and Frank Arnesen, right, brought him to Chelsea
    Despite much fanfare about his arrival, he was unable to aid the club’s dream of returning to the Danish top flight.
    Both parties decided it was impossible, but an offer from amateur team FC Copenhagen gave him hope.
    Per played to around 70 per cent of his abilities, when he got the chance, and he told Ekstra Bladet in 2009, “It is definitely my goal to get my career going. I’m hoping for a new professional contract.”
    But a new contract never came. Again, forced out of training for a year he realised now it was time to give up on a playing career.
    He found a new life as a scout, working with his long agent Soren Lerby who managed clients including Pierre-Emile Højbjerg.
    Then, after returning to college and finishing his studies, he managed to score a job at Nordea in the financial sector of a bank in Denmark.
    However, the disappointment of a promising career ending prematurely was perhaps too much to bare.
    His death came as a surprise.
    “Sadly, I lost contact with him over the last years,” Riemer said.
    You’re Not AloneEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
    It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
    It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
    And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
    Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
    That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
    The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
    Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
    If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:

    CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
    Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
    Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
    Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
    Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123
    Movember, www.uk.movember.com
    Anxiety UK www.anxietyuk.org.uk, 03444 775 774 Monday-Friday 9.30am-10pm, Saturday/Sunday 10am-8pm

    “My impression is that he seemed to withdraw himself. Not many who knew him from his football days had contact with him in the last year or so.”
    Riemer continued: “It’s difficult to talk about, even now. I try to stand back from the situation and I think to myself, ‘Per, why didn’t you call me? I would have done anything to help you’.
    “But it was too late. I don’t think he felt he had the strength left.”
    Contact the Samaritans
    If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, contact The Samaritans on 116 123. They are available for free at anytime.
    Or email https://www.samaritans.org/

    Chelsea fans give their condolences to Michael Ballack after death of star’s teenage son Emilio in Portugal quad bike accident More

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    Nadia Faccenda, fiancee of Chelsea’s new keeper Marcus Bettinelli, models lingerie and starred in BBC drama Clique

    TO be a Chelsea Wag, you have to be top of your game.From models to entrepreneurs, it helps to fit into your West London surroundings if you’ve got a bit of glam about you.
    Meet Nadia Faccenda, the latest edition to the Chelsea Wag familyCredit: Instagram / @nadiafaccenda
    Faccenda is engaged to Chelsea new boy Marcus BettinelliCredit: Instagram / @nadiafaccenda
    Brunette beauty Faccenda is a model and actressCredit: Instagram / @nadiafaccenda
    Lucky for stunning Nadia Faccenda, the girlfriend of Chelsea summer signing Marcus Bettinelli, she has it in abundance.
    The 24-year-old beauty from Scotland has modelled for the likes of Pretty Little Things, Debenhams, Ultimo and ASOS.
    While in 2017, she made her acting debut on BBC drama Clique playing a lesbian love interest.
    MODELLING IN GLASGOW
    The amazing brunette was scouted at a charity fashion show put on by a family friend by Colours modelling agency aged just 15.
    “I went into the agency in a T-shirt and pair of pumps and they signed me there and then. It was the best thing I ever did,” she revealed.
    From there, she appeared in photoshoots with leading fashion labels.
    Nadia featured as a regular lingerie model for Pretty Little Things, Debenhams, Ultimo and ASOS.
    The London-based beauty is also signed up to Duo Model Management.
    Stunner Faccenda is originally from ScotlandCredit: Instagram / @nadiafaccenda
    Nadia has modelled for the likes of Pretty Little Things, Debenhams, Ultimo and ASOSCredit: Instagram / @nadiafaccenda
    At the age of 15 Nadia was scouted by Glasgow agency ColoursCredit: Instagram / @nadiafaccenda
    24-year-old Nadia is now based in LondonCredit: Instagram / @nadiafaccenda
    PASSION FOR ACTING
    Although her looks have got her far, it’s on TV and film Nadia is desperate to excel.
    She graduated from Motherwell College after studying acting and performance.
    And in 2017, she made her big break on the small screen.
    Faccenda appeared in BBC Three drama Clique, a thriller from Skins writer Jess Brittain.
    She played the role of a lesbian lover of one of the show’s main protagonists.
    It was an experience Facenda enjoyed every minute of.
    “It was an unbelievable experience and, now that I’ve had a taste of it, I want more,” she told the Daily Record.
    “I play Zoe, the girlfriend of Louise Taggart. She’s one of the students in the clique and is played by Beauty and the Beast actress Sophia Brown. The cast were fantastic and we had lots of fun.”
    Nadia is an acting and performance graduate of Motherwell CollegeCredit: Instagram / @nadiafaccenda
    Sporty Nadia maintains her amazing lingerie body with a strict fitness regimeCredit: Instagram / @nadiafaccenda
    In 2017, Nadia made her TV debutCredit: Instagram / @nadiafaccenda
    Nadia appeared in BBC Three drama CliqueCredit: Instagram / @nadiafaccenda
    For now, Nadia is happy to play the role of footballers’ WagCredit: Instagram / @nadiafaccenda
    Back in May, Nadia flashed a sparkler and revealed she got engaged to Bettinelli in MykonosCredit: Instagram / @nadiafaccenda

    For now, Nadia is happy to play the part of footballers’ Wag.
    She began dating Bettinelli in 2018, and back in May the pair got engaged – with the romantic keeper popping the question during a break away in Mykonos.
    It seems that she’s a keeper too.
    Tuchel reacts to Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Arsenal in the London Derby More

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    Chelsea ‘agree personal terms with Jules Kounde on five-year contract’ with Kurt Zouma transfer exit key to negotiations

    CHELSEA have reportedly agreed personal terms with Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde on a deal until 2026.It was claimed on Sunday how the Blues were preparing a bid for the 22-year-old who boasts a £68million release clause in his contract.
    Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde has reportedly agreed personal terms with ChelseaCredit: Getty
    German gaffer Thomas Tuchel has made bringing in a defender a priority this summer, but knows he must offload a centre-half in order to sign one.
    And it is understood that Kurt Zouma could be heading out of Stamford Bridge to join West Ham after they met his £26million asking price.
    Commenting on the potential deals, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed Chelsea just need to now agree a fee with Sevilla over Kounde.
    He tweeted: “Jules Kounde has an agreement on personal terms with Chelsea until June 2026 since weeks.
    “He’s ready to join if the two clubs reach an agreement but he’ll be respectful with Sevilla, not forcing his move.
    “Zouma to West Ham, key to proceed. Talks ongoing on personal terms.”

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    Before adding: “The agreement between West Ham and Chelsea for Kurt Zouma is not a problem.
    “Chelsea are prepared to sell as they want to sign Kounde as priority. Spurs are not in the race.”
    The Champions League holders have only made one major signing this summer in Romelu Lukaku for £97.5m.

    But they have recouped a whopping £93m in player sales, with the club offloading the likes of Tammy Abraham [£34m], Fikayo Tomoro [£25m] and Marc Guehi [£18m].
    And they stand to earn more should they sell Zouma, along with youngster Ike Ugbo, who has been linked with a move to Genk for £4m.
    Meanwhile full-back Davide Zappacosta is set to join Serie A side Atalanta on a permanent deal after two loan spells away.
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    Tuchel reacts to Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Arsenal in the London Derby More

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    Meet stunning Chelsea TV presenter Olivia Buzaglo, who is the daughter of an FA Cup legend and stood up for Timo Werner

    EVEN heckling Chelsea fans can’t put Blues TV presenter Olivia Buzaglo off her stride.The pretty brunette, who also works with Premier League Productions, was hosting an open day for Chelsea fans at Stamford Bridge, when one supporter let his feelings known about Timo Werner during an interview.
    Olivia Buzaglo hosted an open training day for Chelsea supporters at Stamford BridgeCredit: Instagram / @oliviabuzaglo
    Gorgeous Buzaglo kept her calm when a fan heckled Timo WernerCredit: Instagram / @oliviabuzaglo
    With the chats going out over the Bridge’s PA system – and audible to the players – the supporter delivered a harsh message to the speedy striker.
    He said: “Listen, I’ve got a word. Let’s have it. Get Werner out the club.”
    As he was met with boos from the crowd, Olivia kept proceedings calm telling her audience to “forget that” as she continued to quiz the supporters.
    Her ice cool reactions might’ve been something she inherited from her dad.
    Tim Buzaglo was a FA Cup hero for Woking after scoring a hat-trick against West Brom in a famous 4-2 win in a 1991 third round tie.
    CHELSEA IN HER BLOOD
    Olivia always dreamed of going into sports journalism, and is a die-hard Chelsea fan.
    She began blogging for now defunct magazine Shoot, before scoring a job at Premier League Productions.
    In 2016, she began with the non-affiliated Chelsea FC Fan TV on YouTube, recording live segments at Stamford Bridge or videos discussing main talking points.
    A huge Chelsea fan, Buzaglo went to last season’s Champions League finalCredit: Instagram / @oliviabuzaglo
    Buzaglo hosts The Weekend Preview by Premier League ProductionsCredit: Instagram / @oliviabuzaglo
    Olivia cuddles up to the Premier League trophyCredit: Instagram / @oliviabuzaglo
    It was a dream come true to work for Chelsea for glam BuzagloCredit: Instagram / @oliviabuzaglo
    It got her noticed by Chelsea TV, who soon welcomed her to their TV studio at Stamford Bridge and had her co-hosting a matchday show.
    In the meantime, Premier League Productions also promoted her to hosting duties alongside Clinton Morrison and Robbie Savage, where she has worked on The Weekend Review.
    But it’s with the European champions she’s her happiest. And Olivia hosted the club’s open day with fans that was spoiled by one fan hurling abuse at German forward Werner.
    She later tweeted: “(Had) The best time co-hosting Chelsea’s open training.
    “Lovely to speak to everyone there (even if there was one idiot that tried to ruin it). Hope you all had as much fun as I did.”
    FAMOUS DAD
    Football bragging rights in the Buzaglo family, though, might still go to Olivia’s dad, Tim.
    A livewire striker, he played his career in non-league after a stint in cricket representing Gibraltar’s national team.
    However, he wrote his name in FA Cup folklore when he was part of a team that was responsible for one of the most famous giant-killings of the 1990s.
    Buzaglo netted a hat-trick against West Brom in a stunning 4-2 win at the Hawthorns.
    Woking FC icon Tim Buzaglo is Olivia’s dadCredit: Rex
    Buzaglo scored a hat-trick against West Brom in a 1991 FA Cup third round for the non-league sideCredit: Rex Features
    After the game, fans lifted him aloft on their shoulders to celebrate their victory.
    They were drawn against Everton, with the tie switched to Goodison Park.
    Although they fell to a 1-0 defeat, they left with their heads high for a spirited performance.
    COULD’VE BEEN A FOOTBALLER
    Although broadcasting is now her forte, Olivia could’ve followed in her father’s footsteps.
    A forward like dad, she starred for Maidenhead, QPR and Watford at youth level.
    Her record at York Road of 45 goals in 39 games showed how prolific she was.
    “I ended up joining Maidenhead because I played a friendly against them when I was playing for my team and I knew a couple of their players,” she said.
    “Actually I had no intention of joining them but I must’ve scored in that game and one of their girls asked me to play in a friendly for them.
    Olivia poses with Brazil legend RonaldinhoCredit: Instagram / @oliviabuzaglo
    TV host Buzaglo loved playing football as a youngsterCredit: Instagram / @oliviabuzaglo
    Football’s loss is TV’s gain, as Olivia continues to excel as a hostCredit: Instagram / @oliviabuzaglo

    “I did and my manager at the time wasn’t happy! So I left and went to join Maidenhead instead. I only really played locally when I was younger. I played for a team called Knaphill and absolutely loved it.
    “Then I played for Maidenhead, played a few games here and there for QPR and then got asked to play for Watford. But I had to make a choice between working in football and playing it and I chose working.”
    What was football’s loss, is TV’s gain… and we’re sure you will find a few Chelsea fans who agree.
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