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      Erling Haaland ‘laughed and walked off’ when Gibraltar captain asked for shirt to give to his son

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      NOT many footballers would turn down swapping shirts with Erling Haaland – let alone one playing in the SEVENTH tier of English football.Yet Hednesford Town striker Reece Styche delivered that extraordinary snub to the planet’s hottest prospect in Oslo last week.
      Norway international Erling Haaland score a hat-trick in the 5-1 win against Gibraltar last weekCredit: AFP
      Gibraltar international Reece Styche scored in the World Cup qualifier in OsloCredit: Getty
      The 32-year-old Gibraltar international scored the best goal of the night – despite Haaland hitting a hat-trick in Norway’s 5-1 win.
      But no Gibraltar player rocked up to ask Haaland for his shirt at full-time – and Brummie-born Styche says there was no chance they would begging for it.
      He told SunSport: “None of us wanted Haaland’s shirt, so we snubbed him. Last March, our skipper Roy Chipolina asked for Haaland’s shirt when we met in Gibraltar.
      “Norway won 3-0 but Haaland never scored, was substituted after an hour and was in a bit of a mood.
      “After they’d both done TV interviews, Roy said to him: ‘My little boy’s a massive fan of yours, do you mind swapping jerseys?
      “Haaland just looked at him, laughed and walked off! He can buy a lot of things – but he can’t buy class – perhaps the media hype has gone to his head.
      Hednesford Town ace Styche found the back of the net just before half-time against NorwayCredit: Reuters

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      “He had the chance to make a little kid’s day, month, year, whatever and he said no. So no-one wanted his shirt in Oslo.
      “Maybe he kept it to mark his hat-trick or gave it to a Norwegian fan because it was their first home match with supporters after Covid.”
      Borussia Dortmund hitman Haaland, who faces Besiktas in the Champions League tonight, is wanted by Manchester City next summer.
      He may be heading for the big time but Styche admits representing 195th ranked nation Gibraltar means the world to him.
      He added: “I’ve represented Gibraltar 16 times and we don’t receive caps, like the home nations.
      Haaland has banged in eight goals in six games for Borussia Dortmund this campaignCredit: Reuters
      “So I don’t need Haaland’s top as a memento. My goal is down in history and I’ll always have the memories stored in my head.”
      Styche struck two minutes before half-time with a brilliant flick into the top corner, for his record-equalling third goal for his country.
      “I remember vividly looking at the screens after 34 minutes and saying out loud: ‘Don’t let this opportunity pass you by Reece.’
      “Five minutes later Haaland made it 3-0. But four minutes after that our press won the ball back and I always knew I was going to dink the goalkeeper to score.”
      Styche, who is an accountant for Bromsgrove-based Safety Technology International, dreams of playing for Gibralter against England at Wembley one day.

      He already has an England C shirt which he won against Portugal when he was playing for Wycombe Wanderers.
      Now, he plies his trade in the Southern Premier Central League and followed up scoring against the Norwegians, by being blanked out by Barwell in front of 405 fans for Hednesford 72 hours later.
      He added: “It brings you back down to earth but that’s my bread and butter. International football is just a ridiculous privilege I have and I’ll never take it for granted.”
      Watch Erling Haaland score insane rocket volley in Norway training with fans in awe of Borussia Dortmund superstar More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Erling Haaland ‘laughed and walked off’ when Gibraltar captain asked for his shirt to give to his son

      by

      NOT many footballers would turn down swapping shirts with Erling Haaland – let alone one playing in the SEVENTH tier of English football.Yet Hednesford Town striker Reece Styche delivered that extraordinary snub to the planet’s hottest prospect in Oslo last week.
      Norway international Erling Haaland score a hat-trick in the 5-1 win against Gibraltar last weekCredit: AFP
      Gibraltar international Reece Styche scored in the World Cup qualifier in OsloCredit: Getty
      The 32-year-old Gibraltar international scored the best goal of the night – despite Haaland hitting a hat-trick in Norway’s 5-1 win.
      But no Gibraltar player rocked up to ask Haaland for his shirt at full-time – and Brummie-born Styche says there was no chance they would begging for it.
      He told SunSport: “None of us wanted Haaland’s shirt, so we snubbed him. Last March, our skipper Roy Chipolina asked for Haaland’s shirt when we met in Gibraltar.
      “Norway won 3-0 but Haaland never scored, was substituted after an hour and was in a bit of a mood.
      “After they’d both done TV interviews, Roy said to him: ‘My little boy’s a massive fan of yours, do you mind swapping jerseys?
      “Haaland just looked at him, laughed and walked off! He can buy a lot of things – but he can’t buy class – perhaps the media hype has gone to his head.
      Hednesford Town ace Styche found the back of the net just before half-time against NorwayCredit: Reuters

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      “He had the chance to make a little kid’s day, month, year, whatever and he said no. So no-one wanted his shirt in Oslo.
      “Maybe he kept it to mark his hat-trick or gave it to a Norwegian fan because it was their first home match with supporters after Covid.”
      Borussia Dortmund hitman Haaland, who faces Besiktas in the Champions League tonight, is wanted by Manchester City next summer.
      He may be heading for the big time but Styche admits representing 195th ranked nation Gibraltar means the world to him.
      He added: “I’ve represented Gibraltar 16 times and we don’t receive caps, like the home nations.
      Haaland has banged in eight goals in six games for Borussia Dortmund this campaignCredit: Reuters
      “So I don’t need Haaland’s top as a memento. My goal is down in history and I’ll always have the memories stored in my head.”
      Styche struck two minutes before half-time with a brilliant flick into the top corner, for his record-equalling third goal for his country.
      “I remember vividly looking at the screens after 34 minutes and saying out loud: ‘Don’t let this opportunity pass you by Reece.’
      “Five minutes later Haaland made it 3-0. But four minutes after that our press won the ball back and I always knew I was going to dink the goalkeeper to score.”
      Styche, who is an accountant for Bromsgrove-based Safety Technology International, dreams of playing for Gibralter against England at Wembley one day.

      He already has an England C shirt which he won against Portugal when he was playing for Wycombe Wanderers.
      Now, he plies his trade in the Southern Premier Central League and followed up scoring against the Norwegians, by being blanked out by Barwell in front of 405 fans for Hednesford 72 hours later.
      He added: “It brings you back down to earth but that’s my bread and butter. International football is just a ridiculous privilege I have and I’ll never take it for granted.”
      Watch Erling Haaland score insane rocket volley in Norway training with fans in awe of Borussia Dortmund superstar More

    • 125 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Football legend David Seaman catches seagull by mistake while fishing

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      FOOTBALL great David Seaman has revealed he caught a seagull by mistake while fishing.The former England and Arsenal goalkeeper hooked the bird when it flew down and tried to steal his bait.
      David accidentally hooked the bird when it flew down and tried to take his bait
      David Seaman was a legendary goalie for England and ArsenalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      David, 57, told the Radio X podcast: “I threw my bait out.
      “Then all of a sudden a seagull came down and grabbed my bait.
      “It started to try and take off with it.
      “I had to reel it in, get it into my net, take the hook out and let it go.
      “I also caught about four fish in an hour.
      “But, yeah, I caught a seagull as well.”
      David was made an MBE after winning 75 England caps in a career lasting from 1981 to 2004.
      He lives by the Kennet river, which flows into the Thames.
      And he declares: “I love my fishing.”

      David Seaman claims Arsenal should sign Wilfried Zaha and recall quality Mesut Ozil who team are crying out for More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Boxing

      Frank Bruno turns down £100,000 to fight Evander Holyfield because he could go blind

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      FRANK Bruno has turned down a lucrative offer to fight Evander Holyfield – because he could be blinded if he steps back in the ring.Retired World Champion Bruno was offered £100,000 to take on the legendary American – who returned to boxing last night against former MMA star Vitor Belfort after a 10-year absence.
      Frank Bruno fears he could be blinded if he steps back in the ringCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspaper Ltd
      Evander Holyfield has returned to boxing after a 10-year absenceCredit: Getty
      But Frank, 59, told the Sun on Sunday he had ruled out becoming Holyfield’s next opponent because one more punch in the face could blind him.
      Frank, who retired in 1996, said: “The eye injury I sustained all those years ago in my last fight against Mike Tyson means I risk losing my sight if I ever box again.
      “So, even though I am fit and in great shape, I’ve had to say thanks but no thanks. You can’t put a price on your health.”
      Holyfield, 58, reigned at heavyweight and Cruiserweight and famously had his ear chomped by Mike Tyson in a 1997 bout.
      Instead of taking him, Frank – who has battled mental ill health since retirement – is now focusing on throwing a glitzy bash to celebrate turning 60 in November.
      The dad-of-four is throwing a ball to raise cash for his charity, the Frank Bruno Foundation, which helps people suffering mental health woes.

      A string of celebs and retired boxers – including Ricky Hatton, Jonny Nelson and his partner Kirsty Gallagher – are expected to attend the Frank Bruno Diamond Ball on November 12 at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes, Bucks.
      Bruno is also auctioning off the canvas from the Wembley ring where he became a World Champion against Oliver McCall in 1995 in front of a delirious crowd.
      Frank Bruno sustained an eye injury in his fight against Mike TysonCredit: Getty
      Frank added: “We’re hoping to raise lots of money so my Foundation can help the rising numbers of people going through tough times. Helping others as well as staying fit and healthy is now my biggest fight. I’ll leave climbing back through the ropes to some of the other old geezers.”
      A string of retired fighters have returned to the ring in recent years.
      Last year Bruno’s former foe, Tyson, 55, took on Roy Jones Jr, 52, in a fight that ended in a draw.
      Earlier this year it was reported that ex-World Champion Lennox Lewis, 56, was also eyeing his own return against Tyson.

      Fifty eight year old Frank Bruno shares his daily workout tips to stay happy and healthy during lockdown More

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      in Soccer

      Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo planning his own ready meals range

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      FOOTBALL superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is planning his own ready meals range.The Portuguese ace — now back at Man Utd for a second stint — has trademarked his idea.
      Football ace Cristiano Ronaldo is planning his own ready meals range which he has already trademarkedCredit: Getty
      The star posted a gorgeous start of school picture of his son ­Cristiano Jr, 11, four-year-old twins Eva and Mateo and youngest Alana, threeCredit: instagram
      His legal team filed documents with the UK’s Intellectual Property Office to protect the Cristiano Ronaldo name and his CR7 logo on a number of food lines.
      The ready meals include: “Prepared dishes consisting principally of meat; Prepared entrées consisting primarily of seafood; Prepared meals consisting primarily of fish; Prepared meals consisting principally of vegetables; Prepared meals containing principally eggs.”
      Surprisingly, the application also covers putting his trademark on carrots.Ronaldo, 36, is known to be health-conscious and snubbed a bottle of Coke from the tournament’s sponsor at the Euros in favour of water.
      But his trademark application also covers treats such as ice cream, yoghurts, chocolate, bakery goods and cereal bars, plus tea and coffee.
      Corn-based snack foods, grain-based snack foods and rice-based snack foods are also covered.
      His application has been approved and the protection will run for the next ten years before another needs to be submitted.

      Ronaldo, worth more than £350million, already has a clothes brand and hotel empire. Meanwhile, his fiancée Georgina Rodriguez has posted a gorgeous start of school picture of his son ­Cristiano Jr, 11, four-year-old twins Eva and Mateo and youngest Alana, three.
      All of them were uprooted to the UK from Italy when the striker transferred.
      Cristiano Jr, who previously starred for Juventus’ youth squad, was born in America in 2010, believed to be by a surrogate mother.
      Ronaldo then announced in June 2017 that he had fathered the twins via a surrogate mother again, also in the US.
      The same year, Argentinian model Georgina gave birth to daughter Alana. Ronaldo ended his last stint with Man Utd in 2009.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirms Cristiano Ronaldo will play against Newcastle as he praises ace’s discipline More

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      in Soccer

      Manchester City ace Riyad Mahrez hit with driving ban for doing 120mph on motorway

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      MANCHESTER City ace Riyad Mahrez has been hit with a driving ban for doing 120mph on a motorway.The Blues’ winger, 30, was caught speeding on the M6.
      Riyad Mahrez has been hit with a driving ban for doing 120mph on the M6 motorwayCredit: Getty
      The football ace was fined £2,500 and handed a 56-day ban by magistratesCredit: Cavendish
      It has emerged that Mahrez was fined £2,500 and handed a 56-day ban by magistrates.
      He was at the wheel of his grey £100,000 Audi RS6 — which has a top speed of 189mph — when he committed the offence.
      The Premier League winner was clocked while travelling southbound near junction 11 for Cannock, Staffs in May last year.
      Mahrez pleaded guilty to speeding in November and was punished by magistrates in Staffordshire on July 3.
      It is the second time the divorced dad-of-two’s driving has fallen foul of the law.
      He moved to Manchester City — whose fans’ anthem is Blue Moon — for £60million in 2018.

      He has has won seven trophies while at the Etihad Stadium.
      In 2016, while at previous club Leicester City, he received a six-month road ban for driving at 77mph in a 50mph zone.
      He admitted failing to give his details to police on three occasions and was fined £900 — which his lawyer said he would be able to pay straight away.
      The £160,000-a-week footballer was also given six points on his licence which, due to the fact he already has nine points, meant he was above the 12-point threshold that triggers a ban.
      In 2019, his Bentley SUV was clamped outside a Manchester restaurant after it was found to be untaxed.
      He previously won the Premier League in 2016 with Leicester, whose late owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha gifted him a £100,000 BMW i8 as a thank you for helping net the title.
      Algerian Mahrez is engaged to influencer Taylor Ward, the daughter of Real Housewives of Cheshire reality TV star Dawn Ward.
      Man City stars ‘don’t give a s*** about other teams’ matches’, says Mahrez who claims some pals play just for cash More

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      in Soccer

      Ex-Newcastle United star Danny Guthrie made bankrupt after failing to repay £100,000 loan from a pal

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      FOOTIE’S Danny Guthrie has been made bankrupt after failing to repay a £100,000 loan from a pal.The ex-Newcastle United midfielder, 34, borrowed from businessman Chris Heath to help buy a house.
      Ex-Newcastle United midfielder Danny Guthrie has been made bankrupt after failing to repay a £100,000 loan from a palCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      A charge was placed on the property meaning if he sold it Chris would get his cash back.
      But Chris says a lawyer made an error meaning the charge was useless — and Guthrie never repaid him. Chris then petitioned for bankruptcy.
      Stoke-on-Trent county court issued the order in July meaning Guthrie, who now plays in Iceland, is bankrupt.
      Chris, from Broadway, Worcs, said: “I feel very let down. We met a few years ago through mutual contacts at charity events and got on well.
      “He seemed a decent guy and I was happy to lend him the money.
      “I asked him numerous times to repay the bridging loan but he refused so I had no choice but to make him bankrupt. I’m now hoping the administrators will repay me.”

      Guthrie began at Liverpool FC.
      In 2012 his wedding to Rebecca Middleman erupted in a brawl with cops called three times.
      The Sun contacted him for comment.
      Businessman Chris Heath, who lent money to Danny, here playing for Blackburn Rovers, said ‘I asked him numerous times to repay the bridging loan but he refused’Credit: Action Images – Reuters
      Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy charged with four counts of rape and sex assault ‘against three women’ More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo flies to Manchester by private jet and sets up home in stunning multi-million pound mansion

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      FOOTBALL idol Cristiano Ronaldo flew in by private jet for his Manchester United return — and set up home in a stunning multi- million pound mansion.The Portuguese superstar’s plane touched down at the city’s airport at 5.40pm on Thursday after travelling from Faro.
      Cristiano Ronaldo has touched down in Manchester after arriving by private jetCredit: Splash News
      Ronaldo has set up home in a new seven-bedroom mansion
      He was met on the runway by United officials and a security team and whisked away to a seven- bedroom countryside hideaway.
      The luxury property boasts a high-tech fitness complex complete with pool and jacuzzi — allowing Ronaldo to work on his fitness ahead of his Old Trafford homecoming next Saturday against Newcastle United.
      A six-strong security team has accompanied him and is patrolling the property, which the club has rented after they pulled off his stunning £12.85million transfer.
      Ronaldo, 36, will spend five days in quarantine before going to United’s Carrington training ground to meet his new team-mates on Wednesday.
      A source told The Sun the Ronaldo effect had already touched Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s trophy-hungry squad.

      He said: “The players are so excited about the arrival of Ronaldo.
      “He has delivered a simple message to them which is ‘We need to win the league’.”
      Ronaldo arrived in Manchester 24 hours before his partner Georgina Rodriguez, 27, posted a series of photos on Instagram of her and their four children travelling by private jet.
      The pictures carried a heart emoji above the Manchester location tag.
      She also posted a snap of a “welcome” Cadbury’s chocolate bar bearing the Manchester United logo.
      Yesterday Ronaldo’s minders were pictured collecting a meal for him at a restaurant in Alderley Edge, Cheshire.

      A source said: “Ronaldo and his family are very excited to be moving back to the UK.
      “He loved his time in Manchester and Georgina previously worked in the UK as a nanny before moving to Spain and meeting him.
      “They know all about the weather, but they also know how welcoming Brits are and look forward to their children experiencing UK life.”
      United announced they had agreed transfer terms for Ronaldo — dubbed “The Second Coming of Crist” — on August 27 after his former boss Sir Alex Ferguson, 79, personally telephoned him.
      It had looked like Ronaldo could have been on his way to rivals Manchester City but United boss Ed Woodward sanctioned a two-year deal for the star, who will earn around £450,000 a week.
      Ronaldo then showed off his wow factor on Wednesday when he scored twice including a 96th-minute winner in a World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland.
      United first signed Ronaldo after the Red Devils played his boyhood team Sporting Lisbon in a friendly in August 2003.

      The club splashed out £12million and immediately handed Ronaldo the iconic No 7 shirt.
      He become a fan favourite during a six-year stint at the club in which he won the Premier League three times, the Champions League, the FA Cup, the League Cup twice and the Fifa Club World Cup.
      He scored 118 goals in 292 games before leaving in 2009 to join Real Madrid for £80million.
      He spent nine seasons in Spain before moving to Juventus in Italy in 2018.
      Ronaldo — dubbed CR7 — has already told of his happiness at reclaiming the club’s No 7 shirt and declared: “I’m really glad and looking forward to starting my first game.”
      Big wait to land 7 shirtBy SARAH RIDLEY
      HUNDREDS of supporters queued outside the shop at Old Trafford yesterday hoping to buy the new Ronaldo shirt.
      Smiling Jemma Sharples and her son Ethan were among those lucky enough to bag one of the No 7 tops.
      The club website is warning of a wait until November to buy some shirts with Ron’s name on because of the high demand.
      Adidas says the pandemic has led to factory closures in Vietnam where many are made.

      Ronaldo jetted into Manchester by private jet on Thursday nightCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      The mansion Ronaldo is staying in is set up to help him maintain his fitness
      Ronaldo’s family flew in on Friday to join him in Manchester
      Ronaldo is signing for the red side of Manchester after City attempted to buy him
      Georgina Rodriguez shared a welcome present from Manchester United
      Ronaldo hopes to make his second Manchester United debut next Saturday against Newcastle
      Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed as number 7 with new Man Utd shirt More