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    Weird football transfers from Jesse Lingard’s FC Seoul deal and Alves’ €1 salary… to Bendtner joining Juventus

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    NEVER underestimate football’s ability to shock.Over the years, we have witnessed some weird transfers. Players swapping their glamour days for a runout at Barnet, for example, and more.
    Andy Carroll signed for Reading in a short-term deal last year a surprising moveCredit: JASONPIX
    Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano shocked the world when they signed for West Ham in 2006Credit: PA:Press Association
    Former Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard is unveiled by FC SeoulCredit: AP
    Jesse Lingard struggled to find a Premier League club that matched his ambitions, and ended up at FC Seoul in this year.
    Back in 2021, Dani Alves returned to Barcelona at the age of 38, and will reportedly be paid just ONE EURO a month.
    And who can forget that same year, Andy Carroll coming out of the wilderness to sign for Reading on a two-month contract.
    Here are some of the weirdest transfers we’ve ever come across.
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    JESSE LINGARD
    In the summer of 2023, Lingard’s spell at Nottingham Forest came to an end.
    He trained with West Ham, who he previously enjoyed a loan spell with, after his City Ground departure but then decided to join up with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.
    However, he was unable to sign a contract with them because they had a limit on foreign players in the Saudi League.
    The former Man Utd ace was then linked with a move to Everton and allegedly offered himself to Barcelona but neither move failed to materialise.
    Instead, he penned a two-year deal with FC Seoul reportedly worth £17,500-per-week.
    Ex-Arsenal ace Bendtner opens up on boozy parties, depression and fallout with dad after ‘letting the black wolf rule’
    It is claimed he snubbed 26 clubs to sign for the South Korean outfit.
    NICKLAS BENDTNER
    On the final day of the transfer window in August 2012, Juventus were short of a centre forward.
    But even Arsenal fans, who had grown tired of Nicklas Bendtner’s off-the-field antics, were shocked the Italian giants went for their Danish striker.
    Especially since the previous season he had failed to pull up any trees at Sunderland.
    That didn’t deter Juve gambling on the forward, but injury problems restricted him to just 11 appearances – and he failed to score.
    Unsurprisingly, the Serie A side didn’t take up an option of buying him permanently.
    Arsenal fans were left stunned when Serie A giants Juventus took troubled striker Nicklas Bendtner off their handsCredit: AP:Associated Press
    Bendtner failed to score in 11 games for the club and a permanent move was quashedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    BOJAN KRKIC
    The former Barcelona man was the epitome of the question; can he do it on a rainy Tuesday night at Stoke?
    The simple answer was no, despite Bojan having the benefit of playing for the home side too.
    Mark Hughes concluded the surprise deal for the man labelled the next Messi in 2014 for just £1.8million.
    “Anyone who knows European football will be aware of him as a player and the fact that he sees his future at Stoke City is really exciting,” Hughes beamed at the time.
    16 goals in 85 games later he was sold to MLS side Montreal Impact in 2019.
    Bojan Krcic swapped Barcelona for StokeCredit: Action Images – Reuters
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    STEVEN CAULKER
    Although it was only a loan move, Jurgen Klopp bringing in Caulker at Liverpool from QPR in a January transfer window in 2016 was one no-one saw coming.
    A centre-back who came through the ranks at Tottenham, the one-time England cap managed to play four games for the reds.
    What was even more unbelievable was he was asked to play upfront.
    Sadly, his Liverpool was cut short before a deal could be thrashed out, when Caulker was admitted into rehab with addictions to alcohol and gambling threatening his career.
    Steven Caulker was asked to play upfront for LiverpoolCredit: Reuters
    TEVEZ AND MASCHERANO
    Probably one of the most audacious double-signings in Premier League history.
    No wonder then West Ham boss Alan Pardew had a smile like a Cheshire cat at their unveiling back in 2006.
    The Argentinian duo were plucked from Corinthians, and only stayed with the Hammers for a season with Tevez joining Manchester United and Mascherano signing for Liverpool.
    Tevez would write his name in the history books by scoring the goal that secured the club’s Premier League safety in a 1-0 win over Man Utd.
    Later, Pardew revealed he had only asked his chief executive to buy James Milner and that his Christmas came early.
    Carlos Tevez helped save West Ham from relegationCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    LUTHER BLISSETT
    Cruelly called Luther ‘Miss it’ by away fans, Blissett is a Watford legend and their all-time top goalscorer.
    After winning the First Division Golden Boot in 1983, AC Milan paid £1million to bring him to Italy.
    But Blissett struggled to settle in Italy, scoring just five times in 30 appearances in the club.
    His dietary requirements were also unfulfilled.
    “No matter how much money you have here, you can’t seem to get Rice Krispies,” he said.
    AC Milan gambled on Watford legend Luther Blissett, who failed to settle in ItalyCredit: AP:Associated Press
    EDGAR DAVIDS
    One of the finest midfielders of his generation, it was a shock to see Edgar Davids end up at Barnet.
    After all, this was a former Dutch international who had won the Champions League with Ajax, and played for AC Milan, Juventus, Inter Milan and Barcelona in a star-studded career.
    Still, in 2012 – still living in North London after a spell at Spurs and then Crystal Palace – he became player manager of League Two Barnet.
    However, he struggled to keep his discipline on the pitch – getting sent off three times in his first eight games of the 2013-14 season and picking up a booking in every one of those matches.
    His bizarre managerial career took a new turn when he decided to wear the No1 jersey normally worn by goalkeepers, insisting he was setting a trend for midfielders to don that number. He resigned in 2014.
    After starring at Ajax, Juventus, AC Milan and Tottenham, Edgar Davids opted to end his career at League Two BarnetCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    FERNANDO HIERRO, YOURI DJORKAEFF AND JAY-JAY OKOCHA
    There was no doubt Sam Allardyce had big plans for Bolton Wanderers.
    Although they were in their twilight years, between 2002-2005 Real Madrid legend Fernando Hierro, France World Cup winner Youri Djorkaeff and the remarkably gifted Jay-Jay Okocha all played for the club at the same time.
    Okocha joined from PSG on a free transfer, and soon became a fans’ favourite.
    Djorkaeff scored an impressive 21 goals from 87 games from midfield, initially snubbing interest from Manchester United and Liverpool for three years with the Trotters.
    While Hierro finished his illustrious career playing for Wanderers aged 37, launching long balls from the back.
    Youri Djorkaeff and Jay-Jay Okocha were part of a dream team of foreign signings at BoltonCredit: Reuters
    Real Madrid legend Fernardo Hierro enjoyed his final year as a pro with the TrottersCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    ROBERTO MANCINI
    Mancini enjoyed a stellar career at Sampdoria, where he helped the club win Serie A, four Coppa Italia titles, as well the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
    Three years followed at Lazio, but no one could’ve envisaged what was going to happen next.
    Most read in Football
    Mancini joined Peter Taylor’s Leicester City on loan – making his debut against Arsenal in 2001 at the grand old age of 36.
    However, he failed to complete 90 minutes in his five games for the club.
    His contract was torn up in February, when Mancini decided he wanted to manage Fiorentina.
    Roberto Mancini joined Leicester City at 36 from Lazio, but failed to reach previous heightsCredit: PA:Press Association
    PHILIPPE COUTINHO
    The Villans shocked everyone when they announced the loan signing of Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona in 2022.
    The third most-expensive player of all time uprooted his life in Spain to link up with former Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard in the Midlands.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    And he made an instant impact on his debut as he came off the bench against Manchester United to score a late equaliser in a thrilling 2-2 draw.
    However, over time he looked a shadow of himself and when Unai Emery came to the club he was frozen out of the first team.
    Aston Villa signed Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho on loan from Barcelona in 2022Credit: Getty More

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      Meet Britain’s richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is on verge of buying Man Utd and already owns Nice

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      BRITAIN’S richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe – worth a staggering £15billion- and his Manchester United takeover is set to be announced TODAY.The billionaire businessman wants in after the Glazer family put the club up for sale – as long as it’s for the right price.

      Getty – Contributor

      Britain’s richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, wants to buy Man Utd United announced last year that the Glazers were “looking to explore strategic alternatives” for the club.
      Ratcliffe, 70, is a lifelong Red Devils fan and it was revealed in the summer he was interested in taking over the club.
      He is now planning to formally launch his bid to take over the club.
      A spokesperson said: “If the club is for sale, Jim is definitely a potential buyer.
      “If something like this was possible, we would be interested in talking with a view to long-term ownership.
      “This is not about the money that has been spent or not spent.
      “Jim is looking at what can be done now and, knowing how important the club is to the city, it feels like the time is right for a reset.”
      Back in April 2022, Ratcliffe put in an offer for Chelsea after speaking with former Blues chairman Bruce Buck, when sanctions placed on Roman Abramovich triggered a fire sale.
      Ratcliffe is a petrochemicals tycoon who at his peak was worth around £21BILLION.
      He runs multi-billion-pound chemicals giant Ineos, which owns French club Nice, Swiss side Lausanne, plus a third of Formula One team Mercedes. More

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      What is the biggest win in Premier League history?

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      THE Premier League has seen its share of ruthless results.Manchester United showed how lethal they can be by putting Southampton to the sword in Tuesday night’s 9-0 win.
      The scoreboard spells out Southampton’s misery in their 9-0 defeat to Manchester UnitedCredit: AP:Associated Press

      It’s the not the first time the Red Devils have been in ninth heaven, thrashing Ipswich Town in 1995. Southampton also have previous when it comes to shipping in nine goals in a game.
      And while an encounter between Portsmouth and Reading in 2007 is the highest scoring Premier League game of all time, a 7-4 win for Pompey, we’re celebrating biggest winning margins.
      Here’s seven mega wins that have stayed in the memory.
      MAN UTD 9-0 IPSWICH TOWN, 1995
      Incredibly, United scored six times in an astonishing second half against strugglers Ipswich during the 1994-95 season.
      Andy Cole was in prolific form, netting five of the nine as Sir Alex Ferguson looked on in glee.
      But United finished runners-up to Blackburn that season, predictably Ipswich finished rock bottom and were relegated.
      Andy Cole celebrates his second goal in the 9-0 rout of IpswichCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      SOUTHAMPTON 0-9 LEICESTER, 2019
      Under Brendan Rodgers Leicester City have been championed for their free-flowing football.
      And with Jamie Vardy in their side, they’re always going to score lots of goals.
      The former England international netted a hat-trick as they thrashed the Saints 9-0, while Ayoze Perez also shared the match ball with his fellow forward.
      Jamie Vardy was in inspired form in Leicester’s 9-0 win over SouthamptonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      TOTTENHAM 9-1 WIGAN, 2009
      Like Andy Cole, Jermain Defoe put in a five star (or goal) performance against the Latics.
      Amazingly though, all his five goals were scored in the second half of Wigan’s embarrassing 9-1 defeat at White Hart Lane.
      Luck for Wigan they finished six points clear of relegation, if they were level their goal difference would’ve cost them because it was the worst in the league thanks to this defeat.
      Tottenham destroyed Wigan in 2009Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      NEWCASTLE 8-0 SHEFFIELD WED, 1999
      This wasn’t even in the era of Kevin Keegan’s entertainers either.
      But they did have a steady hand in Sir Bobby Robson, who loved building an attacking team.
      And with Alan Shearer leading the line, they thrashed a sorry Owls team – with the England legend scoring five times.
      Alan Shearer scored five times against a sorry Sheffield Wednesday team in 1999Credit: PA:Press Association
      CHELSEA 8-0 WIGAN, 2010
      Like Southampton, Wigan have a penchant for a Premier League tonking.
      And this 8-0 capitulation happened remarkably the same season they lost at Spurs 9-1.
      A Didier Drogba hat-trick, two from Nicolas Anelka, and one each from Frank Lampard, Salomon Kalou and Ashley Cole bumped up the scoreline as the Blues lifted the Premier League title.
      Ashley Cole, one of Chelsea’s scorers in the 8-0 rout of Wigan, lifts the Premier League title after thrashing the LaticsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      SOUTHAMPTON 8-0 SUNDERLAND, 2014
      This must’ve sent those stalwart Mackem fans on the Sunderland Till I Die documentary potty.
      But at least it reminds them they were a Premier League outfit once upon a time.
      Southampton stuffed them 8-0 under Ronald Koeman, and ended up recording a decent campaign finishing 7th and qualifying for the Europa League.
      Jacks Cork beats Vito Mannone of Sunderland to score the third goalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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      MAN CITY 8-0 WATFORD, 2019
      In what was a football masterclass from Pep Guardiola’s side, the Hornets were torn apart by a rampant City in 2019.
      Inside the first 18 minutes, they were 5-0 up – with Kevin de Bruyne pulling the strings.
      It was Watford’s biggest defeat in English football.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      A season earlier, don’t forget, they were ripped apart again by City in the FA Cup final losing 6-0.
      Watford’s stars were left humiliated after an 8-0 beating at Manchester CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Strangest cars footballers drive from Djibril Cisse’s snakeskin Cadillac to Stephen Ireland’s bizarre fleet of motors

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      THEY really, really simply cannot help it, can they?We all know footballers are paid ridiculous money in the modern game.
      Former footballer Stephen Ireland is a serial offender when it comes to car crimes
      And, put simply, sometimes footballers have so much they don’t know what to do with it all.
      And that has led to some rather outlandish decisions in the garages over the years.
      Case in point, these car-lovers who seem to deliberately do their best to ruin their class motors with the oddest customising imaginable, or they just have rather unique tastes.
      The likes of Mario Balotelli, Stephen Ireland and Djibril Cisse have all committed crimes against cars.
      But who do you think is the worst offender?
      Join SunSport in giving you the definitive run-down of footballers’ most astonishing-looking cars.
      Let’s start with Stephen Ireland…
      The ex-Stoke City midfielder has always been a little out there with his car choices, as you can see.
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      A pink-trim Ranger Rover did little for his street-cred, while his blue and white resprayed Audi R8 (when he played for Manchester City) was flashy.
      What made his R8 even more ridiculous was its Superman petrol cap! Why?
      He once bought his wife, Jessica Lawlor a £260k Bentley too, paying £1,000 to have the iconic ‘B’ motif on the bonnet changed to her initials.
      The car also featured red leather seats with ‘To Jess, Love from Stephen’ written in stitches on them, as well as hearts stitched on the headrests.
      Over the years, Ireland has splashed hundreds of thousands on garish motorsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The ex-Stoke City midfielder loved customising his carsCredit: Cavendish
      Ireland once got his missus a special £260k BentleyCredit: Eamon and James Clarke
      The trouble with El Hadji Diouf…
      The notorious Senegal star regularly found himself in hot water, whether it was with managers, referees or even the authorities.
      On the pitch, he liked to stand out from the crowd, showing off silky footwork with some crafty step-overs, sometimes bamboozling defenders.
      Off the pitch, he was equally as flamboyant and his gold-plated Cadillac Escalade was an ultimate statement of wealth.
      You could say he acted as inspiration for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who covered his Lamborghini in a gold wrap.
      El Hadji Diouf’s gold-wrapped Escalade was a fright for sore eyesCredit: Alamy
      On the pitch, Diouf was just as controversialCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Go, Go Power Ranger…
      Former Newcastle star Nile Ranger wasn’t afraid to wear his colours on his car.
      He had his own customised Range Rover in white with a black strip running through the middle of it. But that wasn’t why it was offensive to the eye.
      The fact the bad boy swapped out ‘Rover’ on the bonnet for his own surname was a bit too much to take for us.
      Nile Ranger wasn’t afraid to wear his colours on his carCredit: Rex Features
      Ranger’s customised Range even had his name on it
      The gall of Gallas…
      When you’ve got an amazing car – in this case a Mercedes McLaren SLR – its beauty speaks for itself.
      But if you’re ex-Arsenal and Chelsea star William Gallas, you’ll want to add your own personal touch to proceedings.
      He had his £200k-plus car wrapped in chrome, making it look more like a disco ball. What was he thinking?
      William Gallas had his car wrapped in chrome like a shiny disco ball
      Gallas committed a serious hate crime against his Mercedes McLaren SLRCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Must train harder…
      When David James was at Portsmouth, then-manager Tony Adams made a rule that the worst trainer in the squad had to drive a 1992 Robin Reliant the next day to training.
      The ex-England goalie was reportedly behind the wheel most days because he was terrible.
      And over the years, Pompey’s pros threw money at the vehicle to customise it – once making it look like Mr T’s A-Team van!
      When David James was at Pompey he had to drive the club’s Robin ReliantCredit: The Digital South
      Balotelli has balls…
      The controversial Italian striker once asked, ‘Why Always Me?’ on a hidden shirt revealed after he scored against Man Utd for his old club, City.
      And when he was in Manchester, he loved going out – and whether or not he was trying to be inconspicuous with his camouflage Bentley, we don’t know.
      But the garish sight certainly meant he stood out from the crowd.
      It is unclear if Balotelli still owns the garish Bentley after he sold off a load of his supercar collection including a Lamborghini and Ferrari.
      Mario Balotelli’s camo Bentley always caused a stir in ManchesterCredit: Splash News
      Wayne Rooney’s first car…
      Since then, he’s definitely had an upgrade, eh? Over the years, we’ve seen Roon driving a Range Rover, a BMW i8 and even an Audi Q7.
      But when he was a whipper-snapper at Everton, the then-teenager invested in his first car.
      Rooney kept it sensible, getting himself a reliable Ford Ka – the sports model, need we add. Note the personalised reg plate.
      Wayne Rooney’s first car was a Ford Ka
      And finally…
      Djibril Cisse has always been a man who has been out there with his fashion choices.
      The ex-Liverpool striker, who is now a DJ, had a snakeskin wrap on his Cadillac Escalade that took pride of place in his car collection.
      But that wasn’t his ultimate statement of individuality.
      On his Chrysler he had a painting of his daughter, Ilona front and centre on the bonnet.
      As touching a sentiment as it is, it wouldn’t have done much for its re-sell value.
      Djibril Cisse got his Escalade decorated with a snakeskin interiorCredit: YouTube
      French star Cisse also had this paintwork of his daughter on his Chrysler
      Cisse is a big fan of customising his cars
      And Cisse also has a rather unique taste in motors unlike any other footballerCredit: Northpix – England More

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      Eden Hazard’s amazing car collection, as free agent rides Audis, an Aston Martin, Mercedes cars worth over £500k

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      HE’S just as sleek off the pitch as he is on it.Eden Hazard, 32, is now a free agent after having his Real Madrid contract torn up.
      Eden Hazard always hits top gear off the pitch with his £500k car collection despite his struggles on itCredit: Rex
      A true ‘Petrol Header’, Eden Hazard owns a couple of AudisCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The Belgian playmaker left Chelsea for the Bernabeu in 2019 to bank around £416,000-a-week with the Spanish giants.
      However, he failed to ignite LaLiga like he did with the Premier League, and has been tipped for a move to Saudi Arabia and the MLS.
      Last weekend, he was spotted watching his beloved Blues at Stamford Bridge, as they took on Liverpool. But there is no suggestion of a return.
      In the meantime, Hazard can enjoy his impressive car collection he’s amassed through the years.
      As you can imagine from one of the best players on the planet over the last decade, Hazard’s garage is full of incredible cars.
      He has been spotted in various rides over the years, including a Mercedes Benz AMG GTR, Audi R8 V10, BMW X6, Audi RS4 Avant, Range Rover, Aston Martin Vanquish and Mercedes C Class.
      But how much are they all worth?
      Join SunSport in totalling up the numbers, that’ll leave you green with envy:
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      The Audi R8 V10 that’s part of Hazard’s collection is worth £110kCredit: Handout
      Audi R8 V10
      Able to hit a top speed of 205mph, Hazard should never have been late to the Madrid training ground driving this car.
      Brazil star Neymar also owns an R8, so Hazard’s in good company.
      Price: Around £110k
      BMW X6
      A stylish and reliable SUV, the classic number ten often took his X6 for a spin on match day.
      As a family man, this roomy ‘Beamer’ is also perfect to drive around his missus, Natacha Van Honacker and their four kids for a day out.
      Price: From £60k
      The BMW X6 is the perfect family car for Hazard, a dad of fourCredit: Handout
      Audi RS4 Avant
      A regular standard among footballers, including Real Madrid and Barcelona’s elite – who have deals with the car giants – Hazard loves the Audi brand.
      Price: From £60,290
      Range Rover Sport
      A Range Rover… every footballer should own one and most of them do.
      Hazard’s preference is the sport model because it’s comfortable and the ideal ride for when he finishes training and can stretch his legs.
      Should be more than enough room for his 5’8″ frame.
      Price: From £60,760
      Hazard scored himself another Audi when he joined Real Madrid
      The Range Rover Sport is Hazard’s preference when leaving training
      The most expensive car in Hazard’s collection is the classy Aston Martin Vanquish worth £199,950Credit: Paul Tonge – The Sun
      Is classy Hazard pondering what motor to get next?Credit: Reuters
      Aston Martin Vanquish
      A classy gents’ car, the Vanquish is the most expensive motor in Hazard’s collection.
      James Bond star Daniel Craig once owned a limited edition version, which was sold at an auction for £344,000.
      Price: From £199,950
      Mercedes C-Class
      The luxury C-Class has been part of the German brand’s make-up since 1993.
      It was also one of the first cars Hazard rocked up in when he signed for Chelsea from Lille back in 2012. Needless to say, he’s moved on since.
      Price: From £32,260
      Cool Hazard is a motor car enthusiast
      The cheapest car in Hazard’s collection is a £32k C-ClassCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Hazard’s AMG GTR reaches a top speed of 197.6 mphCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Felipe Massa strikes a pose with car aficionado, Hazard
      And finally, Mercedes Benz AMG GTR
      Perhaps the best-looking in his collection, Hazard has a AMG GTR which has a horse power of 430 kW and top speed of 197.6 mph.
      Former Aston Villa and Man City ace Gareth Barry once had one once upon a time too.
      Price: From £99,245
      That gives us a grand total of £622,505 – over a half million pounds worth of cars! Now, that’s nothing to be sniffed at. More

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      Meet Newcastle new boy Harvey Barnes’ influencer Wag Naomi Dann who met the winger at school and models sports wear

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      SHE’S certainly ready for the Toon.Naomi Dann, 25, is the beautiful influencer Wag of Newcastle United new boy
      Meet stunning Wag Naomi Dann
      Dann dates Leicester City ace Harvey Barnes
      Naomi is Barnes’ childhood sweetheart
      Naomi helped Barnes celebrate his big-move to Newcastle
      The ex Leicester ace, 25, signed a five-year deal with the Toon after Eddie Howe’s completed a £38million move.
      Immediately, he was thrust into the action for his debut against Aston Villa in a friendly on Sunday that ended 3-3.
      And no doubt he would’ve been cheered on by the love of his life, Naomi, who is his childhood sweetheart.
      The pair met when they were both 13 at school, and their romance has stood the test of time as Harvey became a Premier League star and England international.
      Read more Newcastle news
      BURNLEY LASS
      Like Harvey, Naomi, also 25, was born and raised in Burnley.
      They were introduced by mutual school friends when they were just teenagers.
      Blonde beauty Naomi is from Burnley like Barnes
      Naomi met Barnes when she was 13
      The glam couple were introduced by school friends and have been together ever since
      Naomi shows off her bikini body on holiday in Ibiza
      As Harvey worked hard to become a professional footballer, Naomi went to university
      In 2020 Naomi graduated from university
      While Harvey was working hard to break into Leicester’s first team, Naomi went to university.
      She graduated in 2020 and is now an influencer.
      Naomi is the youngest of two sisters, Beth and Emily.
      SHE’S EXPECTING
      Currently, Naomi and Harvey are expecting their first child together.
      The pair revealed they were to become proud parents back in April.
      And recently, Naomi has been showing off her growing baby bump on glam trips abroad.
      She shared a snap with the winger on Instagram to her 6,000 followers of the pair posing in front of a swimming pool.
      And she captioned the photo: “Last holiday together before we become mum & dad.”
      Barnes and Naomi share the happiness on Instagram and her baby bump
      Naomi, who recently turned 25, is excited to become a mum for the first time
      FIT AMBASSADOR
      Naomi is a keen gym bunny, which will help in losing the baby weight.
      And she has used her influencer status on Instagram to promote InstaFit.
      Naomi is a keen gym bunny
      Since graduating, Naomi considers herself as an influencer
      Naomi works hard on her fitness to be bikini-ready
      Naomi is also an ambassador for InstaFit

      Most read in Football
      The online brand offers workout tips, how to live a healthier life, as well as sells sportswear.
      Read More on The Sun
      Naomi has been instrumental in helping the brand grow – modelling some of the range and sharing photos on social media as a proud ambassador.
      We couldn’t think of anyone better. More

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      TV presenter and Arsenal fan Nicole Holliday gets regular marriage proposals from fans and reveals favourite interview

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      WITH her girl-next-door looks, Nicole Holliday often has Gunners fans’ pulses racing.The 31-year-old TV presenter from Highbury, North London is a freelance presenter for Arsenal – delivering their Media Player interviews with their talented stars during match days and beyond.
      Gorgeous presenter Nicole Holliday works for Arsenal’s video outputCredit: Instagram @nicolehollidayx
      The stunner was also part of their Facebook Live match day team, warming us up online before the main event kicked off up until 2019
      Since her time with the Gunners, she has become a radio presenter for talkSPORT, as well as works on entertainment show Unmuted for Sky Arts.
      She has branched out further in recent times, working with BBC Sport on the cricket and Sky Sports.ARSENAL THROUGH AND THROUGH
      A devout Gooner, Holliday is a fanatical fan – regularly cheering on the Arsenal on social media.
      She told SunSport how she scored her dream job.
      “I had been making some videos on YouTube after Arsenal games, kind of like match reviews, and I think one of the producers came across them and messaged me asking to come in for a meeting,” Nicole revealed.
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      The sexy host appears on Arsenal’s website and on their social media pagesCredit: Instagram @nicolehollidayx
      Holliday often sets Gunners fans’ pulses racingCredit: Instagram @nicolehollidayx
      She just loves the buzz of reporting liveCredit: Instagram @nicolehollidayx
      “It all happened quite quickly and pretty out of the blue. I’d been working as a presenter in entertainment for a couple of years. but hadn’t crossed over into sport yet. The football videos were more of a passion/hobby thing!
      “I was so nervous initially because I knew how amazing an opportunity it would be.
      “I was born and raised in North London. I come from a family of Gooners, so they were all so excited too.
      “The weirdest thing was getting used to sitting next to legends like Nigel Winterburn and eating pizza whilst watching games.”
      She’s interviewed Arsenal legends, including Santi CazorlaCredit: Instagram @nicolehollidayx

      Holliday also hosted Sky One show What’s Up TV on which she interviewed singer FergieCredit: Instagram @nicolehollidayx
      CAPTAIN FANTASTIC
      Being a lifelong Arsenal fan, Nicole’s pinch me moment came when she was asked to interview legend Tony Adams.
      “He has to be my favourite interview,” she said.
      “He was wearing the most incredible suit and was so lovely and funny. I never really get nervous during interviews but it was quite surreal sitting there having a chat with him.
      “Jens Lehman is really funny too, he has a lot of stories! All the guys are great to be honest, it’s always a real pleasure interviewing them.
      Her favourite Gooner to interview was Tony AdamsCredit: Instagram @nicolehollidayx
      As a presenter, Holliday packs quite the punchCredit: Instagram @nicolehollidayx
      And she’s often stopped by Arsenal fans in the street looking for a photo opCredit: Instagram @nicolehollidayx
      Holliday said she loves getting recognised in the streetCredit: Instagram @nicolehollidayx
      “I’ve probably interviewed Rob Holding the most. He is hilarious and great fun to work with.”
      CAN I MARRY YOU?
      Because of her high-profile job, Nicole is often stopped on the street by Gooners asking for a photo-op. Some even ask for her hand in marriage.
      She told us: “I love meeting Arsenal fans out and about. It’s not an everyday occurrence, but I’ve been asked for photos a few times and then we’ll always have a chat about the footie afterwards.
      “I’ve always found everyone to be super respectful and sweet. But you do get the odd marriage proposal on Instagram. It’s all very flattering though!”
      With her girl next door persona, Holliday has become a firm favourite on InstagramCredit: Instagram @nicolehollidayx
      She has amassed over 76,000 followersCredit: Instagram @nicolehollidayx
      RAMSEY MOMENT
      No stranger to a blooper, Nicole recalled a moment she embarrassed former Arsenal favourite Aaron Ramsey during one particular interview.
      LATEST FOOTBALL FEATURES
      “Most of the Arsenal interviews I’ve done are live, so of course you never know what can happen in those scenarios. But sometimes you do have to be careful with your wording.
      “I did embarrass Aaron Ramsey once though by showing him an old social media profile that had a picture of him as a teenager with a bit of a dodgy haircut.
      “He found it funny though and we ended up having a chat about all his past questionable hairstyle choices.”
      She is often getting proposed to on social media by Arsenal fansCredit: Instagram @nicolehollidayx
      Holliday said she finds it very flattering that Arsenal fans ask if she’ll marry themCredit: Instagram @nicolehollidayx More

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      in Soccer

      The worst bust-ups between players and managers, including Fergie and Beckham, Keane and Mourinho and more

      by

      NOBODY is bigger than the club.Romelu Lukaku’s fate at Manchester United was reportedly sealed when he fell out with assistant manager Mike Phelan in 2019, and was immediately shipped off to Inter Milan on transfer window day.
      Romelu Lukaku was shipped out to Inter Milan after a bust-up at Man UtdCredit: Getty – Contributor
      David Luiz was accused of thinking he was bigger than Chelsea by Andreas Christensen after sealing his move to Arsenal in a sensational £8m deal in the same year, which the Blues later denied.
      And in recent times, we’ve seen Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang escorted out of the Emirates after falling out of favour with Mikel Arteta. Mesut Ozil’s fate also went the same way.
      It shows that often players often fall out with their clubs, managers and team-mates in the high-pressure of professional football.
      SunSport presents seven of the best bust-ups involving the stars… kicking off with a Man Utd legend:
      FERGIE/BECKHAM
      Sir Alex Ferguson wasn’t one to suffer fools gladly.
      Paul Ince, Roy Keane, and Jaap Stam were all first teamers who upset the hard-nosed Scot and found themselves heading for the exit door.
      However, Fergie’s most high-profile bust-up with one his stars came in the shape of poster-boy David Beckham.
      As he revealed in his autobiography, the Red Devils legend was furious at his side’s FA Cup exit to Arsenal in 2003 and singled Becks out for his poor performance in the dressing room.
      He claimed he had noticed the England legend’s energy levels weren’t what they were and told him in no uncertain terms his mind wasn’t on the game.
      The pair had a row and Fergie kicked a boot that slapped Becks in the face and cut his eye.
      Less than half a year later, Beckham was headed to Real Madrid after Fergie washed his hands with him.
      David Beckham and Sir Alex Ferguson clashed in 2003Credit: Reuters
      Beckham was left with a nasty gash above his eye when Ferguson kicked a boot at his headCredit: Rex Features
      KEANE/MCCARTHY
      In truth, Keane could have an argument with his kitchen sink, as he has proven in more recent years while working as a Sky Sports pundit.
      But in the build-up to the 2002 World Cup, Keane voiced his issues with Republic of Ireland being based in Saipan, including the training pitch and travel arrangements in an explosive interview with the Irish Times.
      Mick McCarthy blasted Keane for his behaviour, so the fiery midfielder unleashed his own form of hell.
      “Mick, you’re a liar… you’re a f****** w*****. I didn’t rate you as a player, I don’t rate you as a manager, and I don’t rate you as a person. You can stick your World Cup up your a***,” he said.
      “The only reason I have any dealings with you is that somehow you are the manager of my country. You can stick it up your b*******.”
      Keane was sent home from the World Cup in disgrace, chased by reporters who wanted quotes as he walked his dogs.
      Roy Keane was sent home from the 2002 World Cup after a row with Mick McCarthyCredit: Reuters
      SOUNESS/BELLAMY
      When the fiery pair were at Newcastle, they didn’t always see eye-to-eye.
      And after Bellamy was substituted in a game against Charlton, he swore at his boss before leaving the pitch.
      Souness revealed in his autobiography: “At our next team meeting, he was sitting in the front row and, as I was talking, he kept shaking his head. ‘What is it that you are not agreeing with?’ I said.
      “Before he could answer me, I added: ‘Can we just go back over the past seven days of your life? You have told John Toshack he’s not getting the best from you with Wales, because he’s not using you in the correct position.
      ‘You have told our chairman that St James’ Park doesn’t suit Craig Bellamy and then, on Saturday, you called me a f***ing p**ck.’
      “That’s when I physically got hold of him and asked him to come into the gym with me. I walked out of that meeting and thought: ‘What am I doing? Is this the job for me?’”
      Just a few months later, following an incident where Bellamy feigned injury not to play a game on the wing, the Welshman was sold.
      Craig Bellamy swore at former Newcastle boss Graeme Souness when he was subbed offCredit: Reuters
      SHEARER/BARTON
      When Alan Shearer was tasked with trying to keep Newcastle United up with eight games to go in 2009, he had to manage the unmanageable Joey Barton.
      Shearer recalled a conversation he had with Barton prior to a trip to Anfield, where the hot-headed midfielder would get stick.
      His player assured him he’d be able to handle it.
      But… “We were getting beat 3-0 and we were just about to take him off and he scythes Xabi Alonso down just in front of the Kop. Straight red card, suspended for the rest of the season,” Shearer recalled.
      “He let me down, he let the club down, and then I just thought it was my time to say a few home truths in the dressing room.”
      Barton was duly suspended for the last three matches, the Geordies were relegated and it was Shearer who lost his job.
      Remarkably, Barton stayed to play in the Championship.
      Alan Shearer had to manage the unmanageable Joey Barton during his brief tenure as Newcastle bossCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Joey Barton’s red card at Newcastle was the last straw, although Shearer was the one sackedCredit: Getty
      LAWS/BONETTI
      Ivano Bonetti won Serie A with both Juventus and Sampdoria before he took his silky skills to Grimsby Town in his twilight years.
      It’s fair to say, The Mariners had never witnessed such a footballing talent at their club.
      And it was the fans who brought him to the club, raising half the transfer fee with Bonetti paying the rest.
      However, manager Brian Laws wasn’t impressed by his player in one game, laying down the law about his lack of effort in an epic post-match dust-up.
      The argument culminated in Laws throwing a plateful of chicken legs (yes, you heard that right) and shattering Bonetti’s cheekbone.
      The two kissed and made up in public, however Laws was soon forced out the club.
      Brian Laws and Ivano Bonetti kissed and made-up after the manager threw a plate of chicken wings at his faceCredit: Action Images
      POGBA/MOURINHO
      In today’s game, player power has become paramount.
      And French World Cup winner Paul Pogba and ‘The Special One’ Jose Mourinho were two egos ready to butt heads.
      Their frosty relationship came to a head when Pogba questioned the Portuguese’s tactics and was stripped of United’s vice-captaincy in a draw against Wolves.
      “We are at home and we should play much better against Wolves. When we are at home we should attack, attack, attack. That’s Old Trafford. We are here to attack,” Pogba said.
      “I think teams are scared when they see Man United attacking and attacking. That was our mistake.
      “Maybe the attitude should be better and we should play better because, again, we are at Old Trafford and we should just attack and press like we did against Tottenham, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal last season.
      “When we play like this it’s easier for us.”
      Mourinho was the fall guy, and Pogba is still at Old Trafford – although their war of words was still continuing last month prior to Jose’s axing at Tottenham.
      Paul Pogba and Jose Mourinhos egos often clashed at Man UtdCredit: AFP or licensors
      DI CANIO/CLARKE
      Not the most high-profile, but explosive all the same.
      Di Canio was always going to struggle keeping his emotions in check as a football manager.
      But just a month into his stint at Swindon Town an argument after a League Cup clash with Southampton with Leon Clarke was caught on camera.
      The Italian grabbed at his striker’s shirt as he walked off the pitch, and as the two made their way down the tunnel they got into a tussle.
      Clarke never played for Swindon after that and was sent on loan to Chesterfield just a week later.
      Fiery Paolo Di Canio was always going to get into bother as a football managerCredit: Sky Sports More

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      in Soccer

      England’s Under-17 European Championship winning team from 2010 and where they are now, including an ex-Man Utd star

      by

      ENGLAND fans might remember 2010 as the year the Three Lions crashed out of the World Cup in the last-16 to Germany on the back of a highly contentious no-goal decision.But that same summer, the Young Lions were victorious at the Under-17 European Championships in Liechtenstein.
      Jack Butland recently signed for Rangers from Crystal PalaceCredit: PA:Press Association
      England’s youth team fought back from a goal down to beat a Spain team featuring the likes of Paco Alcacer and Gerard Deulofeu 2-1 in the final.
      Many of the players in the squad from that day were tipped for big things in the future.
      However, despite their early promise, the starting XI have mostly flopped at senior level. We take a look back at the starters from that May day in 2010 and where they are now.JACK BUTLAND
      Heralded as a potential goalie legend, Butland started off his career at Birmingham before moving to Stoke City in a £3.5million deal.
      He made his full debut for England in a 2012 defeat to Italy – and is still to this day the youngest goalie to ever play for the Three Lions.
      In 2015, he was handed the No1 jersey by Mark Hughes when Asmir Begovic left for Chelsea.
      However, a series of injuries to a bothersome ankle hampered his progress.
      Still only 30, Butland has move to Rangers in Scotland after a spell at Crystal Palace.
      LATEST FOOTBALL NEWS
      BRUNO PILATOS
      Originally a promising Middlesbrough full-back, Pilatos signed for Swedish side Ytterhogdal in 2016 after failing to secure first-team football.
      He was released again in 2017, and in 2018 spent two months in Scotland with Livingston FC, according to his LinkedIn page.
      Pilatos was last known to be plying his trade for non-league Bishop Auckland.
      LUKE GARBUTT
      Predicted to be the heir to Leighton Baines, Garbutt was an attacking left-back in a similar mould to the Everton legend.
      But he failed to establish himself with the Toffees, and was sold to Blackpool in 2020.
      He also had several loans with Ipswich Town – and has enjoyed loan spells at Fulham, Wigan and Oxford United in the past.
      Garbutt now plays his football for Salford City.
      Luke Garbutt failed to make the grade at EvertonCredit: Dave Pinegar – The Sun
      NATHANIEL CHALOBAH
      When Chalobah was starring at centre half for England’s U17 team he was a promising Chelsea starlet, alongside brother Trevoh.
      In 2012 he enjoyed a loan at Watford, impressed at Middlesbrough and Reading, which led to a move to Napoli.
      Five years later, upon his return to the Blues, he was sold to Watford.
      Chalobah was signed by Fulham in 2021, before moving to West Brom in the January transfer window.
      Nathaniel Chalobah struggled with injuries at WatfordCredit: PA:Press Association
      ANDRE WISDOM
      The central defender managed to make 22 appearances with Liverpool, often at right-back.
      But it was always going to be a big ask to break into a Reds side brimming with talent.
      He was playing in the Championship with Derby from 2017 after impressing on loan there during the 2013-14 season, but quit the club in 2021 and has been a free agent since.
      Andre Wisdom has been playing in the Championship with Derby since 2017Credit: JOHN CLIFTON
      CONOR COADY
      Coady failed to make the grade at Liverpool.
      However, at Wolves he became a steady Premier League player and captained the side.
      In August 2020 he was called up to Gareth Southgate’s England senior side and went on to be part of the Euros squad.
      Last season, he was loaned out to Everton where he helped the side avoid relegation on the final day of the campaign.
      Leicester recently splashed £7.5million on the centre back, as they look to bounce back from relegation.
      Conor Coady is now captain at WolvesCredit: PA:Press Association
      WILL KEANE
      The Manchester United starlet played three times at Old Trafford, but was never good enough to make the grade.
      Most of his career has been spent plying his trade in the Championship with QPR, Sheffield Wednesday, Preston North End, before he signed for Hull and Ipswich.
      He now plays for Wigan. He has also made himself available for the Republic of Ireland.
      Former Man Utd starlet Will Keane reps Ireland nowCredit: Rex Features
      ROSS BARKLEY
      The cream of the crop after breaking into the Everton side as a teen, Barkley showed flashes of brilliance that saw him compared to Paul Gascoigne.
      Sadly, he never managed to sustain his form with the Toffees, and a move to Stamford Bridge in 2018 for £15million was seen as a chance for him to start afresh.
      He didn’t live up to expectation at Chelsea, and was shipped off to Aston Villa on loan.
      With Dean Smith’s side, the 29-year-old did show glimpses of the old magic, but that failed to earn him a permanent move.
      Nice bought him last year, but he was released by the French club at the end of June.
      Ross Barkley moved to Chelsea in 2018 for £15millionCredit: Alamy Live News
      JOSH McEACHRAN
      Chelsea product McEachran was dubbed a class outfit at youth level for the Blues because of his brilliance on the ball.
      The tidy midfielder managed to play 11 times for the West Londoners, before he was sold to Brentford in 2017 for £750,000. In 2019, he moved to Birmingham for a free transfer.
      He was released at the end of the January transfer window in 2021 and had a spell at Milton Keynes Dons.
      This month, McEachran signed for Oxford United.
      Josh McEachran played 11 times for the BluesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      BENIK AFOBE
      The former Arsenal starlet was once targeted by Barcelona before committing a deal as a youngster with the Gunners.
      Following a series of loans, most successfully at Wolves when they were in the Championship, Premier League Bournemouth paid £10million for Afobe’s services.
      He failed to live up to standards of the top division, and was loaned out to Turkish club Trabzonspor.
      He has since gone on to play for DR Congo, but a spell at Millwall couldn’t reignite his career.
      Afobe has since set up home in Dubai, where he plays for Hatta Club.
      Ex-Arsenal starlet Afobe has found goals hard to come by at the top levelCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      CONNOR WICKHAM
      After showing promise with Ipswich in the Championship, the powerful centre forward signed for Premier League Sunderland in a deal worth £12million in 2011.
      In his four years with the Black Cats he struggled for goals – scoring just 15 times in 91 games.
      In 2015, Crystal Palace signed Wickham for £9million – but a serious knee injury put pay to his progress in South London.
      His fall from grace has now seen him play for Milton Keynes Dons, then Forest Green Rovers and recently Cardiff City until the end of the last campaign.
      Connor Wickham celebrates scoring for Crystal PalaceCredit: PA:Empics Sport More