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      I was playing in NINTH tier after following Saka’s route into football – now I want to upstage Arsenal star at Wembley

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      ANIS MEHMETI is on a mission to follow in Bukayo Saka’s footsteps  — and upstage the England ace at Wembley.Like illustrious Arsenal and Three Lions stars Saka and Raheem Sterling, the Bristol City ace honed his skills on the streets of North London.Anis Mehmeti followed Bukayo Saka’s route into footballCredit: GettyBut the Albania star is now looking to upstage Saka at WembleyCredit: PAAnd now he is dreaming of following the duo on to the biggest stage when England start their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in March.That would see wingman Mehmeti, already capped three times by Albania, complete a remarkable journey from the capital’s cages to Wembley’s iconic arch.Mehmeti, 23, told SunSport: “I learned to play my football on the streets of London since I was three or four.“I grew up on an estate so all I wanted to do was play football in the cages and that’s where I learned to be fearless.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It’s because of that upbringing that I love to play attacking football and take on my opponents.“You’ve got to be brave in those settings and that’s the way I still am and I’m not going to change.“It was the same with the likes of Sterling and Bukayo Saka, albeit in different parts of North London.“But it all boil downs to the same things — loving football and enjoying the game which is the reason we play.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMehmeti thrived under the watchful eyes of his parents, who moved to England some 25 years ago.He added: “It’s a long time ago but we played every day. I still want to play every single day and it would be a dream come true for me to represent Albania against England.Arsenal star Saka stars in touching ad for Persil“I was born in England but my blood is Albanian and I speak Albanian. And I used to visit every summer until I became a pro footballer when you make sacrifices.”Mehmeti could face Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold or Ben White when Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions reign begins. But the Robins man will not be daunted by anyone he pits his wits against. The Islington-born ace said: “I always joke with the lads that, respectfully, I don’t care who’s in front of me.”I don’t want to sound arrogant but I know what I can do and games like England versus Albania are the sort you live for.“It’s exciting Albania have been drawn in England’s group and I’m determined to be part of it.“I’ve played three times for Albania but there’s been a stint where I didn’t get called up over the last year.“That’s frustrating but hopefully I’ll get a chance to play England because you want to test yourself against the best.“I feel ready. I’m feeling sharp. I’ve just got to keep working hard for the team, scoring goals and, hopefully, the Albanian Federation will call.”Mehmeti aims to add to his six goals this term when the Robins visit West Brom tomorrow.He has become a crowd favourite following a £1million move from Wycombe in January 2023 that capped a rise from non-league football.After a youth career at Fulham, Tottenham and Norwich, he dropped down to join Woodford Town in Essex.He said: “I ended up clubless for a while because of Covid.“I always had belief in myself but there’s doubts when it’s five months without a club and you wonder when the next chance will arise.“I played for Woodford in the Essex Senior League which was a lifeline and I always trained hard so I was ready.READ MORE SUN STORIES“That paid off when I got into Wycombe on trial for the B team before I really kicked on.“It’s been a rough ride, and I know there’s going to be more struggles but I’m ready because I’ve never had a straight road in football.” More

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      England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford downs shots and parties in same bar as Lauryn Goodman during wild night out in London

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      ENGLAND goalkeeper Jordan Pickford downed “shot after shot” with party girl Lauryn Goodman and pals during a wild night out.An onlooker said that Pickford, who has two children with wife Megan Davison, was doing “slammer after slammer”.Everton and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford bought shots and partied with Lauryn Goodman during a wild night out in LondonCredit: GettyLauryn has two children with Manchester City and England ace Kyle WalkerCredit: AlamyHe was seen buying drinks for team-mates and Love Island celeb Lauryn, 33, at upmarket hotspot Bagatelle in Mayfair, West London.She has two children with Manchester City and England ace Kyle Walker, who was wed to Annie Kilner.An onlooker said: “Jordan’s missus Megan might not be best pleased to know Jordan was partying alongside Lauryn given her track record with Kyle.“Megan knows Annie too from England games so it was amusing to see him buying shots for people at Bagatelle, including Lauryn.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLEverton stopper Pickford, 30, propped up the restaurant’s bar on Sunday alongside a handful of other Toffees players.The onlooker added: “There was no awkwardness, everyone in the room was having the best night and Jordan later moved on to Mistress of Mayfair with everyone.“Jordan was the life and the soul of the party and was splashing the cash, doing slammer after slammer.”Pickford was in the capital following Everton’s 0-0 draw with Arsenal last Saturday. Most read in FootballThe following day he went to Winter Wonderland before going to Bagatelle.The onlooker said: “He made an absolute wonder save in their match against Arsenal so was clearly in the mood for a celebration.”But a second source added: “Jordan had no idea the shots he bought were drunk by Lauryn. When the players realised she was there, they asked security to move her.”Lauryn was in London to meet MP Peter Kyle to discuss issues around the Child Maintenance Service.Kyle Walker and ex-lover Lauryn Goodman in fresh row over intercom security system at her £2.4m homePickford is married to his long-time partner, Megan DavisonCredit: Alpha PressKyle Walker was married to Annie Kilner when he fathered two children with LaurynCredit: GettyJordan didn’t know he was buying shots for Lauryn, claim teammatesCredit: Getty More

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      Crystal Palace star’s rubbish was fly tipped outside my flat – I was furious & reported him to club

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      A PREMIER League star’s domestic rubbish was dumped illegally outside an apartment block.Furious residents contacted Crystal Palace to report Jefferson Lerma for fly-tipping.Crystal Palace’s Jefferson Lerma has been reported for fly-tippingCredit: GettyThe garbage included broken toys, full carrier bags and dozens of opened parcels and boxes bearing Lerma’s addressThe club investigated and discovered that the Colombian midfielder, 30, had paid for a “legitimate waste disposal service” to dispose of the trash “in good faith”.The rubbish was strewn across the front of garages behind flats in Streatham, South London — nine miles from Lerma’s home.Grainy CCTV images show men arriving in cars with fake number plates to dump the trash.The garbage included broken toys, full carrier bags and dozens of opened parcels and boxes bearing Lerma’s address.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSRecent windy weather spread the rubbish further.Heidi Vella, who lives in the flats, said: “Fly-tipping is illegal and a social blight and so it was a real shock to the residents here to see a Premier League footballer’s rubbish dumped on our property.“A quick look showed it was Jefferson Lerma’s domestic rubbish. Now we want to pursue the ‘man with a van’ so he is dealt with by law.”Lerma signed for Bournemouth for £25million in 2018 and joined Palace on a free transfer last year.Most read in FootballThe club said: “When this matter was drawn to our attention, we immediately arranged for the rubbish to be collected and disposed of correctly.“We apologise for any inconvenience.”Bournemouth target Jefferson Lerma is an absolute beast of a defensive midfielderHeidi Vella, who lives in the flats, said: ‘Fly-tipping is illegal and a social blight and so it was a real shock to the residents here to see a Premier League footballer’s rubbish dumped on our property’Credit: Louis Wood More

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      Shamed referee David Coote seen for first time since being sacked as Premier League referee

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      SHAMED ref David Coote was seen yesterday for the first time since he was sacked.The 42-year-old wore a hoodie and tracksuit bottoms for a visit to the gym.Shamed ref David Coote was seen yesterday for the first time since his sacking, as he was pictured heading to the gymCredit: BackGridThe loss of Coote’s career is set to cost the glum-looking ref £1m over the next few years in loss of earningsCredit: BackGridReferees body, The PGMOL sacked Coote on Monday after probing his rants and drug use, based on evidence from The SunCredit: PADespite having no games to officiate, Coote enjoyed a weights and cardio session.Coote has been lying low near his Midlands home since a video emerged of him calling ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a “German c***”. He was then filmed snorting white powder at Euro 2024.Referees body the PGMOL, who examined evidence provided by The Sun, sacked him on Monday following a probe into his sweary rants and white powder abuse.READ MORE ON DAVID COOTEThe Sun also told how he allegedly arranged a drugs party during Tottenham’s Carabao Cup win over Manchester City on October 30.Coote was then the subject of a new probe over allegedly issuing a yellow card to order. A separate independent Football Association investigation is ongoing.The loss of Coote’s career is set to cost him £1m over the next few years in loss of earnings.Most read in FootballThe top-flight ref was filmed snorting white powder at Euro 2024The former ref was looking glum as he made his way to and from the gym sessionCredit: BackGridDespite having no games to officiate, the 42-year-old enjoyed a weights and cardio sessionCredit: BackGridCoote sent messages arranging a drugs party in a Travelodge for after a cup game between Tottenham and Manchester CityCredit: BackGridCoote has been lying low near his Midlands homeCredit: BackGridThe shamed ref, seen here getting into his car after his gym outing, has also been the subject of a new probe over allegedly issuing a yellow card to orderCredit: BackGridMoment scandal-hit Prem ref David Coote snorts white powder in shocking video during Euro 2024 More

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      Cole Palmer launches bid to trademark shivering goal celebration in move which could make him millions

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      GOAL machine Cole Palmer is set to make an ice little earner — by trademarking his shivering celebration.The Chelsea and England scoring sensation, 22, has made moves to own the term “Cold Palmer”.Cole Palmer is set to cash in on his on-field success by trademarking his shivering celebrationCredit: GettyPalmer debuted the celebration last December in a 3-2 win at Luton Town, inspired by ex-Man City teammate Morgan Rogers, aboveCredit: GettyPalmer’s celebration sees him rub his hands over his arms to mimic shivering when he scores for club or country, aboveCredit: ReutersDocuments reveal he wants to use it to flog products including booze, diet drinks, food, clothes, toys, aftershave, cosmetics, razor blades and even cars.His application to the Government’s Intellectual Property Office even includes a video of his celebration.It sees him rub his hands over his arms to mimic shivering when he scores — which he does regularly, with 11 Premier League goals so far this season.Palmer, who also starred for England in Euro 2024, first did it last December during Chelsea’s 3-2 win at Luton Town.READ MORE ON COLE PALMER He got the idea from former Manchester City academy teammate Morgan Rogers, who performed it after scoring for Middlesbrough.He told his pal, now at Aston Villa, that he would do it too — and now he’s set to be the latest footballer to get a trademark. Manchester United star Eric Cantona is regarded as being one of the first, registering the chant “Ooh, ahh Cantona” in 1997.Fellow Red Devils stars David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo have since followed suit with a raft of registrations, including their shirt numbers. Most read in FootballBecks has trademarked his surname as well as DB07 and DB23, while Ronaldo’s intellectual property portfolio includes his name plus CR7.Palmer’s move is just his latest bit of business, after he was signed up to be one of the faces of Burberry’s new range of clobber. Cole Palmer labelled ‘aura personified’ as Chelsea ace stars in nine-minute Burberry ad without saying a wordHe features in a video in which he wears a £2,500 duffle coat for a solo fishing trip.Fans lapped up the poker-faced star’s performance, even though he just sits on the bank and does not say a word.Days after the new range was launched, the cashmere and wool coat was sold out.The campaign, called “It’s Always Burberry Weather”, also features Crystal Palace and England footballer Eberechi Eze, actor and Man United fan Barry Keoghan and Oscar-winning film star Olivia Colman.I’M A CELEBRATE-YOTHER trademarked celebrations include ex-Wales star Gareth Bale’s. He ringfenced his “heart” gesture and shirt number.Man United’s Marcus Rashford registered his “finger to head” move while France’s Kylian Mbappé did the same with his crossed arms.Over a decade ago, Gareth Bale trademarked his heart gesture and squad number with the ‘Eleven of Hearts’ brandCredit: AFPManchester United star Marcus Rashford registered his ‘head space’ celebration after hitting the net in January 2023Credit: GettyKylian Mbappé, now at Real Madrid, trademarked his arm-crossed goal celebration, securing global rights to its imagesCredit: Getty More

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      David Moyes refuses to rule out sensational return to West Ham for third spell with Julen Lopetegui on the brink of axe

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      DAVID MOYES has refused to rule out a return to West Ham under the right circumstances. The Scottish manager left the London club last summer, being replaced by Julen Lopetegui in the hopes of him engineering a more positive style of play.David Moyes could return to West Ham under the right circumstancesCredit: AFPJulen Lopetegui is on the brink of being axed after losing seven of his opening 14 league gamesCredit: PAHowever, seven defeats in the opening 14 Premier League games have left the Spaniard on the brink of the axe.Moyes has spent two previous spells at West Ham, landing the club a historic Europa Conference League trophy during his second.And with Lopetegui on the brink, a remarkable third spell at West Ham is possible in the right circumstancesThe 61-year-old has told Hammers owner David Sullivan he is available for work but is happy to wait for the right opening.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSunSport exclusively revealed how Lopetegui’s future rests on the outcome of the clash with Wolves on Monday evening.Gary O’Neil in the other dugout is also thought to be on the brink, seeing the game dubbed “El Sackico”.Wolves have also made an approach for Moyes as they eye a replacement for O’Neil.But Moyes has told Wolves chiefs he is not interested in discussing a move while they still have a manager in place.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAlthough there are severe doubts over Moyes’ willingness to take the job even if it was vacant.In all, Moyes has managed 261 games at West Ham across two spells firstly from November 2017 to May 2018 and then from December 2019 to June this year.Awkward moment new BBC MOTD favourite upsets David Moyes with comment live on TV as he gives deadpan response More

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      West Ham ace Michail Antonio’s first words after horror car crash revealed by dog walker who found stricken star

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      DAZED Prem star Michail Antonio asked a witness who rushed to help after his horror crash: “Where am I? What’s going on? What car am I in?”The West Ham striker, 34, was last night recovering from surgery to a broken leg.Michail Antonio asked a witness who rushed to help him moments after his horror supercar crash: ‘Where am I? What’s going on? What car am I in?’Credit: GettyMichail had a miraculous escape from his horrific supercar smash — suffering just a fractured legCredit: UKNIPMichail’s Ferrari FF hit a tree in Theydon Bois, Essex, on SaturdayCredit: GettyHe was trapped for almost an hour in the mangled wreckage before being airlifted from the scene in Theydon Bois, EssexCredit: UKNIPHe had to be cut free from his £260,000 Ferrari FF which was ripped apart when it hit a tree in Theydon Bois, Essex, on Saturday.Antonio had a miraculous escape from his horrific supercar smash.Witnesses told how the stricken West Ham ace was in a highly confused state.The driver’s side was ripped apart and the impact is believed to have sent Michail flying across to the passenger seat.Read More on SportHe was trapped for almost an hour in the mangled wreckage before being airlifted from the scene.Last night he was recovering from surgery on a lower limb fracture in a London hospital.Samuel Woods, 34, was driving home after walking his dog in Epping Forest when he saw what he thought was a dumped car by the roadside.He pulled over and rushed to help when he saw a man inside who looked “in big trouble”.Most read in FootballSamuel, a carer from Regent’s Park, told The Sun: “I said to him ‘hello’ to see if anyone was alive.“I heard sirens and told him that help was on its way.West Ham star Michail Antonio injured in horror crash in Ferrari as club reveals he’s ‘stable’ in hospital“He was so disorientated. He said, ‘Where am I? What’s going on? What car am I in?’“The paramedics got there really fast. I couldn’t believe what happened. The car smelt of petrol.”Samuel, who does not follow football and did not recognise the star, went on: “I looked at him and thought, ‘He’s in big trouble’.“I just said, ‘You’ve had an ­accident’. He didn’t reply. He was looking around trying to make sense of what I just said. He was sitting in the passenger side.”Witnesses told how the stricken West Ham ace was in a highly confused state after his £260,000 Ferrari FF hit a treeOther drivers also reported seeing smoke pouring from the wreckage — near to the home of West Ham owner David Sullivan.One motorist, who passed by the scene just minutes after it happened, told The Sun: “I could see the car was a total mess.“Because there was smoke coming out of the car people were too scared to approach it I think.”Thousands of fans sent prayers and good wishes after news of the crash emerged.I said to him ‘hello’ to see if anyone was alive. I heard sirens and told him that help was on its waySamuel WoodsA West Ham spokesman said yesterday: “Michail has undergone surgery on a lower limb fracture following a road traffic accident on Saturday afternoon. Michail will continue to be monitored in hospital over the coming days.“Everyone at the club wishes Michail a speedy recovery and wishes to express its sincere ­gratitude to the football family at large for the overwhelming support shown since yesterday’s news.” The club also extended a “heartfelt thank you to the emergency services and the medical team who continue to aid him in his recovery”.Michail’s ex-wife Debbie travelled from her home in Manchester to be by his bedside.Teammates past and present also sent goodwill messages to the popular star, including Declan Rice, who said: “Thinking of you and your family brother. Prayers to all of you.” Maxwel Cornet wrote: “With you brother.”He was so disorientated. He said, ‘Where am I? What’s going on? What car am I in?’ The paramedics got there really fast. I couldn’t believe what happened. The car smelt of petrolSamuel WoodsThe Ferrari FF was the fastest four-seat car in the world when released in 2011.It can reach 208mph and go from 0 to 62mph in 3.7 seconds. Michail crashed a £210,000 Lamborghini into a garden wall on an icy road on Christmas Day 2019.He joined West Ham from Nottingham Forest in 2015 for £7million and has become the East London club’s top Prem scorer, with 68 goals in 268 games.READ MORE SUN STORIESMichail, who also hosts BBC’s Footballer’s Football podcast alongside Newcastle’s Callum Wilson, was picked three times for England squads but never played.In 2021 he switched allegiance to Jamaica, where his parents are from, and has won 21 caps.West Ham issued a health updateCredit: XAntonio’s £260,000 Ferrari FF was the fastest four-seat car in the world when released in 2011Credit: Supplied More

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      David Beckham secretly visited beloved Man Utd receptionist in ‘incredibly emotional moment’ before she died

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      DAVID Beckham paid a secret visit to Man United’s beloved receptionist Kath Phipps before she died.He was among a host of club legends to pay heartfelt tribute to Kath, 85 — an Old Trafford employee for 56 years.David Beckham made a personal visit to see beloved Manchester United receptionist Kath PhippsCredit: Beckham/NetflixAfter her death was announced, Beckham shared a picture holding Kath Phipps’ hand as a tributeCredit: InstagramKath worked for United for 55 years and joined when Sir Matt Busby was managerCredit: ReutersAlongside a photo of them holding hands, Becks, 49, wrote: “I moved up to Manchester at 15 and Kath made a promise to my mum and dad, ‘I’ll look after your boy for you, don’t you worry’.“And from that first day till the last day I spent with her, that’s exactly what she did.”Becks added on Instagram: “Old Trafford will never be the same without your smile as we walk through those doors. We love you.”Becks travelled to her home two weeks before she passed away. READ MORE DAVID BECKHAMA source told The Sun: “David made it his mission to go to see Kath at home.“It was an incredibly emotional moment.”In Netflix series Beckham, she said she found bullets in letters sent to him after his 1998 World Cup red card.After Kath’s death was announced on Thursday, ex-Old Trafford star Wayne Rooney called her the club’s “heart and soul” while his team-mate Rio Ferdinand said she was “incredibly selfless”.Most read in FootballUnited fan Kath started out as a switchboard operator for the club in the 1960s. Latterly, she was receptionist at the Carrington training complex.Man Utd’s much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps dies aged 85 as tributes paid to ‘heartbeat of United’She said last year: “I don’t think I’ve had one cross word with anybody in all the years I’ve been here. “I look forward to coming in and having a smile on my face every day.”David Beckham posted an emotional farewell to Kath on social mediaCredit: InstagramKath was pictured welcoming billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe to Manchester United earlier this year More