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      Football stars who are retiring this summer include Schurrle, Baros, Gomez, Baines and El-Hadary aged 47

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      AND it’s goodbye from them.
      After a stellar career, these 13 footballers are waving farewell to the beautiful game and hanging up their boots.
      There’s been highs, there’s been lows, with many of these names gracing the Premier League.

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      Leighton Baines waved goodbye to Everton last weekendCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      In fact, you’d be surprised to know some of these stars were still playing.
      MILAN BAROS
      At 38 the former Liverpool striker has finally decided he’s hand enough of lacing up his boots.
      The Czech legend was playing for the club where it all started for him – Banik Ostrava – and in the past three seasons managed 20 goals in 63 games.

      Baros, who won the Golden Boot at Euro 2004, also scored 41 international goals for the Czech Republic in 93 matches.
      His best spell in club football was probably at Turkish giants Galatasaray, where he struck 61 times in 116 games.

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      At 38 Milan Baros called time on his career at Banik OstravaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      ANDRE SCHURRLE
      The former German international and Chelsea star is a surprise retiree.
      After all, the World Cup-winner is only 29.

      Schurrle was with Borussia Dortmund, but found himself on the periphery of the first team, and was loaned out to Spartak Moscow last season.
      “The decision has matured in me for a long time,” he said in an interview with German newspaper Der Spiegel.
      “I no longer need the applause. The depths became deeper and the highlights less and less.
      “You always have to play a certain role in order to survive in the business otherwise you will lose your job and will not get a new one. Only performance on the pitch counts.”

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      Andre Schurrle was a surprise retiree at 29Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      MARIO GOMEZ
      Never the most glamorous player, Mario Gomez had his critics.
      Especially when the striker missed a sitter for Germany against Austria at Euro 2008 that led to him being booed by his own fans.
      But Gomez, 35, won German Footballer of the Year with Stuttgart, achieved the treble leading the line for Bayern Munich, where he scored 23 goals in 39 Champions League games.
      On top of that, he also created history by scoring more goals than any other foreign player in a single season for Besiktas.
      His last club was his favourite – Stuttgart – where he scored in his final game as they achieved promotion to the Bundesliga.

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      Maligned striker Mario Gomez scored on his farewell game for StuttgartCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      LEIGHTON BAINES
      The former England and Everton left-back bows out of football in style.
      With 39 goals and a further 37 assists, he has more goal involvements than any defender in Premier League history.
      Baines played 20 minutes of the last game of the season against Bournemouth in a 3-1 defeat.
      At 35, he decided that was it – despite the offer of another contract on the table from Carlo Ancelotti, who wants him to stay on as a coach.

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      Baines played 20 minutes against Bournemouth on the final day of the seasonCredit: AFP – Getty
      GORAN PANDEV
      His country’s greatest ever player, Pandev finished his career at Genoa in Serie, where he scored 26 goals in 130 games.
      The Macedonian’s international record was far more prolific, mind with 34 strikes in 108 games.
      Pandev, 37, enjoyed spells at Italy’s best clubs, including Inter Milan, Lazio and Napoli.
      He won the treble with Jose Mourinho’s Inter in 2010.

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      Goran Pandev finished his career at Genoa after winning the treble with InterCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      MILE JEDINAK
      The former Crystal Palace captain was released by Aston Villa in 2019, after helping them win promotion to the Premier League.
      A year later, he found himself in a coaching job at the same club working with their youth academy.
      But Jedinak, 35, didn’t feel done, and in May of this year said he hadn’t officially retired with A-League team Macarthur FC declaring their interest.
      However, that u-turn didn’t last long with the midfielder announcing his retirement this month revealing it’s “now time for a new chapter.”

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      Aussie Mile Jedinak last played for Aston VillaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      CLAUDIO PIZARRO
      The eldest player on the list, the Peruvian legend is retiring at the grand old age of 41.
      He ended his career at Werder Bremen, where he enjoyed four successful spells.
      Pizarro had one season at Chelsea, but failed to hit the heights in English football as he did in Germany.
      There was also six years with Bayern Munich, where he scored 100 goals in 256 games.

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      Claudio Pizarro had four spells at Werder Bremen before hanging up his boots aged 41Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      GELSON FERNANDES
      A much journeyed midfielder, Fernandes hangs up his boots at the age of 33.
      He played for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Manchester City from 2007-09, who called him the best young player in Switzerland.
      When Mark Hughes took over, Fernandes found himself frozen out of the first team.
      A spell at Leicester City under Nigel Pearson failed to recapture his form.
      But later on, at Rennes and then Eintracht Frankfurt, Fernandes rediscovered some of the sparkle that made him such a promising prospect.

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      Gelson Fernandes had spells in England with Manchester City and Leicester CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      ESSAM EL-HADARY
      The Egyptian goalkeeper, aged 47, holds the record of the oldest player to ever feature at the World Cup, when he appeared for his country aged 45 in 2018.
      But that’s your lot for El-Hadary, who has finally retired after winning 159 caps, eight Egyptian Premier League titles, four CAF Champions Leagues, as well as the African Cup of Nations four times.
      “Football is my second wife and I have divorced it,” El Hadary recently revelaed.
      “I am not returning to play football again, the entire system has errors and club heads attacking each other, and may God be in the help of the players.”

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      Essam El-Hadary holds the record for oldest player at a World Cup aged 45Credit: AFP – Getty
      ARITZ ADURIZ
      Like a vintage wine, Aduriz got better with age.
      The Athletic Bilbao forward has ended his career at the age of 39.
      His most prolific season playing for the Basque club came when he was 35 in 2015-16 season, when he scored 36 goals in 55 games.
      Needing a hip replacement, Aduriz knew his days were numbered.
      He barely played this season, making 17 appearances and scoring just once. That winner, though was an 89th minute winner against Barcelona.

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      Aritz Aduriz had his best season in football at 35 before hanging up his boots at 39Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      DAVID N’GOG
      N’Gog was set to be a Liverpool legend when he put the gloss on a 2-0 win over Manchester United in 2009.
      At 20-years-old he had the world at his feet, but it didn’t seem to work out for the French prodigy at Anfield.
      Spells at Bolton and then Swansea didn’t bring out the best of him, but at Reims he showed the magic was still there with 10 goals in 48 games.
      However, his career petered out playing in Greece, Scotland, Hungary, and finally Lithuania, where he’s retired aged 31.

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      Former Liverpool striker David N’Gog retires at 31 last playing in LithuaniaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      BRUNO SORIANO
      The Villarreal captain spent his entire career at the club, playing 424 times for the Yellow Submarines.
      But Soriano hadn’t played since May 2017, after suffering with a serious knee injury.
      However, lockdown gave him more time to plot his return, and miraculously he returned to the team playing the final two minutes against Sevilla in June.
      And for old time’s sake, Soriano, 36, even managed a booking.
      After the game, he was given a standing ovation by his team-mates.

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      Villarreal captain Bruno Soriano returned after a three year injury lay offCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      ✊ @Eng_Villarreal club captain Bruno Soriano returned to the field this evening after an injury nightmareIt had been 3 years, 1 month and 1 day 😱This is the reaction he received from his team mates post match 🙌Inspirational 👏👏pic.twitter.com/23WNO5ipuJ
      — Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) June 22, 2020

      LOIC PERRIN
      It wouldn’t have been the best way to have been remembered.
      But Saint-Etienne defender Loic Perrin, who spent his entire career with the club, caused fury last week when he scythed down Kylian Mbappe with a horror tackle.

      The PSG superstar left the pitch hobbling, and is set to miss their next Champions League tie.
      Perrin was dealt with seeing red, and that was his last game for the club.
      He hangs up his boots at 34.

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      Loic Perrin bowed out the game with a red card after a cynical foul on Kylian MbappeCredit: AP:Associated Press More

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      Former Man City striker Santa Cruz leads the ex-Prem players starring in Paraguay, but Adebayor had his contract torn up

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      FORMER Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz was on target for Olimpia at the weekend.
      It was a goal that makes him the top scorer in the first national league to get going in South America since the coronavirus enforced shutdown in March.

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      Roque Santa Cruz, at 38, is the leading scorer in ParaguayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Paraguay was wisely playing behind closed doors even while Europe was still staging matches with full stadiums.
      The outcome of its caution is a virus death toll of just 41, allowing them to restart the football championship last Tuesday.
      The local league is much more interesting than might be expected from a poor country with a population of little more than 7 million.
      OLIMPIA LEAD THE LEAGUE
      There is the rivalry of the traditional big two, Olimpia and Cerro Porteno. And over the last 20 years Libertad have emerged as a major force.

      Coached by one time Oxford United boss Ramon Diaz, they are the current league leaders.
      These teams are usually competitive in continental competitions.
      Olimpia have three times been South American champions, and before the shut down both they and Libertad had made a good start to this year’s version of the Copa Libertadores, South America’s Champions League.

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      Former Oxford United boss Ramon Diaz has led Olimpia to the topCredit: AFP or licensors
      And as a show of the surprising strength in depth of the Paraguayan championship, in the qualifying rounds of the Libertadores little Guarani eliminated Brazilian giants Corinthians – at best the fourth Paraguayan team getting the best of the biggest club in the biggest city of the continent.

      Another small but traditional Paraguayan club, Nacional, reached the final of the Libertadores six years ago.
      ADEBAYOR DIDN’T LAST LONG
      The South American adventure of Emmanuel Adebayor proved a short one. He was signed at the start of the year to partner Santa Cruz in the Olimpia attack.
      But he only played four games before the shutdown, when he headed back to Togo.
      The loss of revenue caused by the stoppage has made him too expensive, and his contract has been torn up.
      But there are other names that might be familiar to Premier League fans. At centre back for Olimpia, though he was dropped after a poor performance last Wednesday, is Antolin Alcaraz, once of Wigan and Everton.
      At the age of 40, former Sunderland defender Paulo Da Silva still gets a game for Libertad, and his one time Stadium of Light colleague Cristian Riveros broke forward from midfield to score a cracker for Nacional at the weekend.

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      Emmanuel Adebayor played just four games before his contract was torn upCredit: AFP or licensors
      PARAGUAY 2010
      All of these players were important members of the Paraguayan national team squad that did so well in the 2010 World Cup.
      They reached the quarter finals, where they lost to Spain – but they gave the eventual champions perhaps the toughest knock out game they experienced in that run of three consecutive tournament wins, with South Africa 2010 flanked by two triumphs in the Euros.
      That last eight match a decade ago may even have turned out differently had big striker Oscar Cardozo not missed a penalty.
      His aim was better at the weekend, glancing home a header and setting up the winner as Libertad beat San Lorenzo 2-1.

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      Players from the heroic 2010 Paraguay World Cup team are still heroes in their own league todayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      CONOR MCGREGOR INSPIRED
      The Paraguayan league, though, is not just an elephants’ graveyard. Alongside the veterans are some emerging young talents.
      The stand out from the two rounds since the restart has been Isidro Pitta, a well built striker who plays for Sportivo Luqueno.
      With his ginger hair Pitta is an unlikely Paraguayan. Powerful and well built, there is something of Irish mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor about him.

      It is a comparison that Pitta seems keen to play up.
      He has scored three goals since the restart, and celebrates them by moving towards the camera with McGregor’s trademark floppy armed walk.
      Isidro Pitta is a fitting symbol for a league that keeps punching above its weight.

      Adebayor karate kicks opponent in head and gets sent off as goal drought at new club Olimpia goes on More

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      Man City target Ferran Torres has been compared to Spain legend Joaquin, and is the natural replacement for Leroy Sane

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      THEY only recently parted with Leroy Sane, but already Manchester City look like they’ve found a ready-made replacement.
      Pep Guardiola’s side have been linked to a move for Spanish wonderkid Ferran Torres, 20, who has reportedly agreed a five-year deal at the Etihad.

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      Manchester City are reportedly closing in on Valencia winger Ferran TorresCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The Valencia star has been called the complete winger in the Spanish press.
      Able to play on both sides and being gifted with both feet, Torres is renowned for his pace and acceleration.
      And with an eye for the pass, he could also fill the void left by the departing David Silva with his intricate play on the edge of the opposition box.
      Meet the man they’ve labelled the ‘next Joaquin’ overseas.

      BREAKOUT SEASON
      While Valencia have disappointed this campaign, finishing ninth in La Liga and getting eliminated in the last 16 of the Champions League by Atalanta, Torres has been their one bright spark.
      This season he cemented his place in Los Ches’ starting eleven, operating from both flanks.
      And with injuries to Portuguese talisman Goncalo Guedes, Torres has become the main man.
      The numbers don’t quite back up his importance to the Valencia side – four goals and five assists in 34 La Liga games.

      But his performances have drawn suitors including Manchester United, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus in the past 18-months.

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      Winger Torres is the ideal replacement for Leroy Sane Credit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Torres has been on Valencia’s book since he was six

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      He hails from the Valencia area originally

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      Torres rose through the ranks at his boyhood club
      LOCAL BOY
      Torres grew up in Foios, Horta Nord, in the Valencian Community.
      He began training with his boyhood club from the age of six, slowly working his way up the ranks.
      In 2016 he made his debut for the reserves coming on as a substitute in a 2-0 Segunda División B home loss against Mallorca B.
      Impressed by his progress, Barcelona and Real Madrid began hovering over the talent a year later.
      Realising they had a gem on their hands, Valencia tied Torres up to a new contract with a £25million release clause.
      If the big teams wanted him, it was going to cost them.
      TOO MUCH TOO YOUNG?
      Torres’ ascension into first team football has been as rapid as the player himself.
      In November last year, he made his 50th La Liga appearance for the club – becoming the youngest Valencia player to play 50 league games at the age of 19 years and 324 days, breaking the 40-year old record of Miguel Tendillo.

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      Torres became the youngest ever Valencia player to reach 50 games for the clubCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      His form has seen him linked with the likes of Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid
      There’s no doubt the burden of responsibility has been placed on his young shoulders by one of the most successful teams in Spanish football.
      And comparisons to Spain legend Joaquin will also put pressure on Torres.
      A price tag of £87million has been mentioned in the past, but reports suggest Man City will be paying a lot less than that figure due to Valencia’s financial woes.
      PLENTY OF ATTRIBUTES
      So, what are Man City getting for their money – a fee said to be in the region of £36million plus add-ons?
      A modern winger, who is equally as comfortable drifting in-field as he is hugging the touchline, Torres has been praised for his work-rate, essential for a new recruit working under Guardiola.
      His raw pace, knocking the ball ahead of a full-back and winning the foot-race, is just one of his many tricks.
      The adept dribbler has also been praised for his vision, finding team-mates with passes not many players can see.

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      Torres boasts blistering pace

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      Manchester City could be getting a bargain if a deal is pushed through

      “He’s powerful, quick, steady with the ball at his feet and strong in the air,” Valencia academy director of recruitment Jose Gimenez said.
      “He’s unpredictable. When he’s running with the ball at his feet he can go on inside or outside his man because he is two-footed. He can cross, finish and shoot.”
      Sounds tailor-made for Manchester City, as they plot adding to their squad to regain the Premier League crown from Liverpool.

      Man City willing to splurge £300M on transfers this summer as they target Ake and Torres to dethrone Liverpool More

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      Neville, Zidane, Gullit, Maldini, and their 11 sons aiming to follow in their legendary fathers’ footsteps

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      THEY were born with great expectations.
      Offspring of legends like Zinedine Zidane and Patrick Kluivert are looking to make their own way in the footballing world while dealing with the pressure of their iconic surnames.

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      Justin Kluivert, son of Patrick, is one of a group of young footballers aiming to follow in their fathers’ legendary footstepsCredit: Instagram @patrickkluivert9
      And Maxim Gullit, son of Ruud and great nephew of Johan Cruyff, became the latest last year when he came off the bench for Jong AZ Alkmaar for his first taste of senior action.
      Here, SunSport takes a look at the 11 youngsters aiming to follow in their fathers’ giant footsteps:
      Joe van der Sar, 22

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      Joe van Der Sar, left, is son of Man United legend Edwin
      Joe van der Sar is the son of legendary father Edwin.
      Joe began his career at Man United, where his dad starred for six years, and then moved on to Noordwijk before signing for Ajax in 2013 where Edwin is CEO.

      These are giant gloves to fill and the expectations are high. He’s now back at Noordwijk aiming to work his way to the top.
      Maxim Gullit, 19

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      Maxim Gullit, left, is son of Chelsea icon Ruud, right, and great nephew of Johann Cruyff
      Son of Ruud and great nephew of Johan Cruyff, Maxim Gullit could hardly hope for better footballing genes.
      Maxim, a defender and son of Estelle Cruyff, predominantly played for AZ’s Under-19 side last season – but was handed an Easter treat – being called up a level.
      The talented teen came on for the final 19 minutes of the AZ second team’s clash with champions Twente in the Netherlands’ second tier and helped his side keep a clean sheet.

      He has since gone on to become a regular for their Under-21 side this season.
      Zidane (Luca, Enzo & Theo)

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      Zinedine Zidane has three footballer sons but Luca, left, was handed a Real Madrid debut by his dad in March last year
      Zinedine Zidane has three sons aiming to follow in his giant footsteps.
      Midfielder Enzo, 25, is currently at Almeria, on loan from Aves, and 18-year-old Theo is looking to develop in Real Madrid’s academy.
      But it is goalkeeper Luca, 22, who could go furthest after his dad handed him a Bernabeu debut in March last year. There was a win for Zinedine, but no clean sheet for Luca – who’s not had another appearance.
      He has spent this season on loan at Racing Santander in the Spanish second tier.
      Gudjohnsen (Andri Lucas, Sveinn Aron & Daniel Tristan)

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      Eidur Gudjohnsen has three sons aiming to make it in football including Andri Lucas, left, at Real Madrid
      Former Chelsea, Tottenham and Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen has one son at Real Madrid, one son at Barca and another in Italy.
      Sveinn, 22, and the spitting image of his father, is at Serie B side Spezia while younger brother Andri Lucas is in the big time at the Bernabeu.
      The 18-year-old, who is starring for Iceland’s U19s, joined Real’s La Fabrica academy in Valdebas last summer while 12-year-old Daniel Tristan is in Barca’s Infant B.
      Eidur famously came on for his father, Arnor, while playing for Iceland, in 1996.
      Tyrese Campbell, 20

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      Stoke’s Tyrese Campbell, left, is son of former Arsenal, Everton and West Brom striker Kevin
      Stoke’s young star Tyrese Campbell has made a huge breakthrough this season – appearing 33 times in the Championship for the Potters.
      The forward, who joined Stoke from Man City’s academy in 2016, is son of former Arsenal, Everton and West Brom striker Kevin Campbell.
      Tyrese scored his first goals for Stoke in the FA Cup last season before being loaned out to League One Shrewsbury for the remainder of the campaign.
      He bagged five goals for the Shrews, and managed nine in the Championship this season.
      Harvey Neville, 18

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      Harvey Neville, left, has good family genes with father Phil, right, and uncle Gary ex Man United players
      With TWO Manchester United Treble winners as father (Phil) and uncle (Gary), plus England’s netball head coach for an aunt (Tracey), there was little chance of Harvey going into auditing.
      Harvey, who plays in midfield or on the wing, began his career at United before moving to rivals City where he won the Premier League International Tournament as an Under-13.
      He moved to Valencia when his father and uncle took charge of the first-team before returning to Old Trafford in 2018.
      Maurizio Pochettino, 18

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      Tottenham’s Maurizio Pochettino, left, was (almost) named after his father Spurs boss Mauricio
      Definitely a name that Tottenham fans can immediately warm to, Maurizio is the offspring of former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino.
      And the Argentine youngster, described as a wide player with an eye for goal, has continued to play for the Lilywhites this season – despite his dad getting the sack in November.
      He even signed a new contract with the club last month.
      Justin Kluivert, 21

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      Justin Kluivert, left, of Roma, is already showing the talents of his father Patrick who was a Barcelona striker
      The name may have got him noticed but it is Justin Kluivert’s talent that has seen him thrive at such a young age.
      Son of Patrick, left winger Justin was nurtured by the Ajax academy and is now starring in Serie A for Italian side Roma after signing in 2018 for £14.9million.
      Manchester United were also believed to be after the youngster – who has five goals and two assists so far this season.
      Daniel Maldini, 18

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      Daniel Maldini, left, is following in the footsteps of father Paolo, right, and grandfather Cesare at AC Milan
      The Maldini dynasty continues, with Daniel following in father Paolo and grandfather Cesare’s footsteps in Milan.
      Daniel operates at the opposite end of the pitch to his father and has displayed his talents as a second striker.
      The talented teen made his first-team debut against Hellas Verona in Serie A – becoming the third generation of Maldinis to play for AC Milan.
      Giovanni Simeone, 25

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      Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone’s son Giovanni, left, is a winger at Italian side Fiorentina
      Son of Atletico Madrid boss Diego, Giovanni is one of the few in this group to have already established themselves.
      Giovanni, a forward, is on loan at Cagliari from Italian side Fiorentina, having developed at River Plate before spending a year at Genoa.
      Usually deployed as a second striker, Giovanni has 11 goals so far this season – as well as breaking into the Argentina team last season.
      Erling Haaland, 20

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      Former Man City man Alf-Inge Haaland, right, has a son Erling, left, who is starring at Dortmund

      Erling Haaland, son of Man City’s Alf-Inge whose career was ended after a horror tackle from Manchester United legend Roy Keane, is one of Europe’s hottest properties.
      The 20-year-old was mentored by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Molde, before smashing in the goals for RB Salzburg.
      The hulking centre forward then rejected interest from the Red Devils and moved to Borussia Dortmund in January – banging in an astonishing eight goals in his first five appearances.

      Erling Haaland in angry bust-up with Kevin Vogt during Dortmund loss to Werder Bremen More

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      Maradona’s No10 at Napoli, Bobby Moore’s No6 at West Ham and more footballers who have had their squad numbers retired

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      CLUB legends deserve respect.
      That’s why their teams have retired these star players’ squad numbers – never to be worn again.

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      Jude Bellingham’s No22 jersey has been retired by Birmingham CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Jude Bellingham became the latest footballer to be given the honour, after breaking through at Birmingham City to sign for Borussia Dortmund in a £25million deal.
      And the 17-year-old joins a list of accomplished performers he would love to emulate.
      DIEGO MARADONA NO10
      Not just Napoli’s greatest ever player, but arguably the greatest of all-time, Maradona defined the No10 jersey.
      He delivered two Serie A titles for the Italian giants, the only championships they have ever won, during a glittering seven-year career in Naples.

      His famous No10 shirt was retired in 2000.
      Interestingly, Argentina also tried to retire his No10 international top in time for the 2002 World Cup, but had their request rejected by Fifa.

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      Maradona was arguably the greatest NO10 of all timeCredit: Getty – Contributor
      BOBBY MOORE NO6
      The West Ham and England legend has been called the best defender to come from our shores.
      So it was fitting in 2008 that the Hammers decided they would retire their captain’s No6.

      The last player to wear it was Matthew Upson, who took the No15 on the 50-year anniversary Moore made his West Ham debut.

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      West Ham captain Bobby Moore’s NO6 was retired by West Ham in 2008Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      PAOLO MALDINI NO3
      AC Milan’s No3 shirt has remained dormant since Maldini’s last game for the club in 2009.
      And why not, considering the iconic defender won Serie A seven times and five European Cup/Champions League titles during his time there.
      The one club man does have one special request though where the shirt could become unretired.
      Should one of his sons emerge through the ranks and into the first team, he will be offered the opportunity to wear the No3. No pressure then.

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      Paolo Maldini’s NO3 is only available to his sonsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      JOHAN CRUYFF NO14
      In 2007, in honour of the late Cruyff’s 60th birthday, Ajax retired his famous No14 jersery.
      The purveyor of ‘Total Football’ was an innovator on the pitch – winning the Ballon d’Or three times.
      The late Dutch winger also played for Barcelona, who considered retiring the No14 jersey.
      However, because he played in various squad numbers they changed their minds.

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      Johan Cruyff’s famous NO14 was retired by Ajax on his 60th birthday
      MARC-VIVIEN FOE, 23
      Tragedy can also bring hero status.
      In 2003, Cameroon legend Foe was playing for his country against Colombia in the Confederations Cup when he collapsed in the centre circle.
      Despite the desperate attempts of medics to revive him, he died of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy at hospital.
      Manchester City duly retired his No23.

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      Marc-Vivien Foe’s NO23 was retired by Man City after his sudden passingCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      PELE NO10
      It’s fair to say NY Cosmos were put on the map by Pele.
      Brazil’s greatest ever sports star played in the North American Soccer League from 1975-77 – scoring 64 goals in 107 games – in his twilight years.
      That encouraged the Cosmos to retire his No10 shirt at half-time during his last game with the club.
      Pele has been credited with increasing the interest of football in the States.

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      Pele wore the NO10 during his twilight years at NY CosmosCredit: Getty – Contributor
      FRANCO BARESI NO6
      Maldini isn’t the only AC Milan legend to have his shirt number retired.
      His old defensive partner Franco Baresi was also given the honour, after winning Serie A six times and three European Cup/Champions League titles across a 20-year career.
      Baresi’s jersey was retired in 1997, after his last game for the club.
      Two years later, he was named AC Milan Player of the Century.

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      When Franco Baresi retired in 1997 Milan retired his NO6Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      EMILIANO SALA NO9
      The Argentine striker tragically died in an airplane crash after agreeing a deal with Cardiff City in 2019.
      The football world grieved, while his former club Nantes knew what the most fitting tribute would be.
      They retired his No9 jersey, after 133 games for the Ligue 1 brought 48 goals.

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      Nantes retired Sala’s NO9 after his tragic death in an airplane crashCredit: Icon Sport – Getty
      CARL IKEME NO1
      The Wolves No1 played 191 times for the club between 2003-2018.
      But in 2017, Ikeme was diagnosed with acute leukemia.
      A year later, after being in complete remission, he hung up his gloves.
      In his honour, Wolves retired their No1 jersey.
      And that’s why Rui Patricio wears No11.

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      Ikeme’s NO1 jersey was retired by Wolves in 2018Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      HENRIK LARSSON NO17
      Arguably, the greatest Swedish player of all-time.
      Former Manchester United player Larsson is a legend at Helsingborgs, where he enjoyed two successful spells from 1992-93 and 2006-09.
      He wore the No17 jersey up until his retirement in 2013.
      To celebrate his incredible career, Helsingborgs retired his number soon after.

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      Henrik Larsson is a Helsingborgs legendCredit: Johan Persson
      ROGERIO CENI NO01
      Brazilian goalie Ceni played over 1,200 times for Sao Paulo in a career that began in 1990 and ended in 2015.
      What was more remarkable was his goalscoring record – famous for taking set pieces, he scored 131 goals.

      He had a unique squad number too – No01 – a purposefully inverted No10.
      The No1 isn’t off limits, though.
      Legend.

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      Ceni wore the NO01 jersey, an inverted NO10Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Meet Leeds United’s stunning Wags, including an ‘undercover Disney princess’, a hot model and a friend of Lewis Capaldi

      by

      NO one is happier for Leeds United’s promotion heroes than these stunning lasses.
      The Yorkshire giants ended 16 years of hurt by FINALLY getting promotion to the Premier League.

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      Leeds United’s Wags have hit the big timeCredit: Instagram
      And these strikers will be cheering them on against the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal next season.
      From an ‘undercover Disney princess’ to a leggy model and a mate of Lewis Capaldi’s – Marcelo Bielsa’s men are well represented.
      Meet Leeds’ Wags…
      POPPY WELLER
      No relation to Paul (we checked), Poppy is the beautiful partner of full back Luke Ayling.

      The glamorous blonde plays the role of supportive Wag by regularly retweeting club news about the former Arsenal trainee.
      And when the pair enjoy all the trappings of football fame – dining out at swanky restaurants in Leeds city centre.
      Ever the fashionista, Poppy also loves to hit Harvey Nichols to shop for designer clobber.
      She is Premier League-ready.

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      Poppy Weller’s partner is Luke Ayling

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      Blonde beauty Weller is a fashionista who loves shopping in Leeds city centreCredit: Instagram
      DEBBIE DOUGLAS
      The wife of Barry Douglas, Debbie describes herself as a business owner on her social media accounts.
      But what stuck us more was the term ‘undercover Disney princess’ also in her bio.
      We’re not sure what that entails, but all throughout her Instagram page and her adventures with Barry are various Disney references.
      They are often seen taking in the sights of Yorkshire with their young son Kaidyn.

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      Debbie Douglas describes herself as an ‘undercover Disney princess’Credit: Instagram

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      Debbie’s partner is Leeds hero Barry DouglasCredit: Instagram
      YASMIN FORSHAW
      A proud mum, with another baby on the way, Adam and Yasmin Forshaw have lots to celebrate.
      They share similar hobbies, with Yasmin once sharing a photo online enjoying some rowing.
      And they also have like music tastes, in particular, crooner Lewis Capaldi.
      The pair met him backstage after a gig and struck it off immediately.
      Maybe Capaldi’s second team (after Celtic) is Leeds?

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      Yasmin Forshaw loves rowingCredit: Instagram

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      She is expecting her second child with Adam ForshawCredit: Instagram

      ASHLEIGH BEHAN
      If you’re dating Yorkshire’s answer to Andrea Pirlo, you’ve got to be something special.
      And Ashleigh will turn heads everywhere she goes when she hits a hotspot with beau, Kalvin Phillips.
      They’ve been spied at the York races together, have taken trips to London, as well as a city break to Reykjavik, Finland.
      Well turned out Behan is also a make-up artist – listing her services for weddings, commercial and fashion magazine photoshoots in the Leeds area.

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      Ashleigh Behan dates Kalvin PhillipsCredit: Instagram

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      Behan is a make-up artistCredit: Instagram
      MICHAELA IRELAND
      Patrick Bamford is a model pro… and so is his Wag.
      Brunette beauty Michaela has legs for days and the camera just loves her 5ft 10in frame.

      That’s why she has modelled for the likes of Pretty Little Thing and Missy Empire.
      During the coronavirus lockdown, she bunkered down with Leeds’ leading scorer.
      She has supported Bamford all season with positive tweets, and will be a welcome addition to the Premier League.

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      Patrick Bamford’s missus Michaela is a modelCredit: Instagram More

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      The amazing players who won the Premier League title but missed out on a winners’ medal, including Gary Neville TWICE

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      LIVERPOOL’s brilliant title-winning team will be awarded their medals and get the opportunity to lift the Premier League Wednesday night.
      And the Reds will be given 40 medals from the Premier League to distribute between their players and staff.

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      Liverpool’s Premier League winning team gets clapped onto the pitch against previous champions Manchester CityCredit: Reuters
      23 players are guaranteed medals, having made five appearances in the league or more – the qualifying threshold for acquiring one.
      But not everyone will make the cut and go without – just like these past title winners below.
      GARY NEVILLE
      The legendary Manchester United right back has eight Premier League winners’ medals with the club, which is nothing to sneeze at.
      But the Sky Sports pundit could have had 10 in seasons 17 years apart.

      Neville made his debut during the 1993-94 season, but only managed one appearance at a time when you needed 10 league appearances to qualify – a rule that changed in 2012 to five.
      Then, in the 2009-10 season when United were crowned champions, Neville was stuck on four before he retired midway through the campaign.

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      Gary Neville has missed out on two Premier League winners’ medalsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      MO SALAH
      The Egyptian forward is guaranteed a medal, having starred 32 times for Jurgen Klopp’s men this term.
      But having left title-chasing Chelsea halfway through the 2014-15 season for a loan move to Fiorentina, he missed out on another with the Blues.

      Salah had just three appearances to his name, and was ineligible to receive a medal, when he was swapped for Juan Cuadrado.
      Ironically, Cuadrado – a Chelsea flop – DID get one appearing fourteen times for the club.

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      Mo Salah is now guaranteed a winners’ medal with LiverpoolCredit: Instagram @mosalah
      OWEN HARGREAVES
      Given the former Bayern Munich midfielder’s injury problems, it’s no surprise that Hargreaves missed out on medals at Manchester United.
      The BT Sport pundit also had the misfortune of missing out on a Premier League winners’ medal at Manchester City too!
      He did get one for his star-turn during the 2007-08 season for the Red Devils, but the seasons he missed out were in 2009 and 2011.
      And he only played once for City when they stormed to the title in 2012.

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      Owen Hargreaves missed on a Premier League winners’ medal with Manchester United twice, and Manchester CityCredit: Getty – Contributor
      DAVID BATTY
      The former England international and Leeds legend was part of the Blackburn Rovers side that shocked the world to win the Premier League in 1995.
      Although he was an integral squad member, an injury kept him on the sidelines and he played just five times – again, when he needed 10.
      Rovers did offer Batty a winners’ medal, however he declined because he felt he didn’t contribute enough during the season.
      He never won a Premier League winners’ medal after that, finishing runners-up with Newcastle in 1996 and 1997.

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      David Batty refused a medal with Blackburn feeling he didn’t contribute enough after getting injuredCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      FEDERICO MACHEDA
      Macheda can, perhaps, count himself a little unlucky not to have one.
      Especially given what he did for Manchester United, when they seemed dead and buried against Aston Villa.
      His winning goal in the dying moments to secure a miraculous comeback and a 3-2 win helped United stay on track to win the Premier League in 2009.
      He played four times that season, scoring twice, but was unfortunate to miss out.
      Macheda would miss out again in 2010-11.

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      Despite his heroics, Federico Macheda didn’t get a medal for keeping Man Utd in the title raceCredit: Getty – Contributor
      SCOTT PARKER
      The Fulham manager didn’t quite fit in at the Blues after he was signed by Jose Mourinho from Charlton in 2004.
      And he didn’t get enough appearances under his belt in Chelsea’s 2004-05 title-winning season – managing just four games.
      Parker left West London the following summer, playing for Newcastle, West Ham, Tottenham and Fulham along the way.
      He never got a sniff of a title ever again.

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      Scott Parker found himself out of favour under Jose MourinhoCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      NEMANJA MATIC
      It’s fair to say defensive midfielder Matic made up for his early disappointment by winning Premier League winners’ medals in 2015 and 2017 for Chelsea.
      But in his first year with the West London giants, Carlo Ancelotti only gave him two run outs as they stormed to the Double in 2009-10.
      He left Chelsea in 2011 for Benfica, winning the Portuguese league in 2013.
      Matic returned to the Premier League that same year with unfinished business.

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      Nemanja Matic missed out on a title medal when Chelsea won the Double in 2010Credit: Getty – Contributor
      WES BROWN
      The Manchester United defender won five Premier League titles under Sir Alex Ferguson.
      However, he was limited to just eight appearances in 2008-09 because of injury.
      It meant Brown missed out adding a fifth medal to his collection.
      Two years later, history repeated itself when he missed out on another medal.

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      In 2009 West Brown missed out on his fifth winners’ medalCredit: PA:Press Association
      MICAH RICHARDS
      In 2012, Richards could do no wrong – helping Manchester City to their first ever Premier League title.
      The defender was even shortlisted for the club’s Player of the Year award that season – losing in the end to Sergio Aguero.
      But his contribution in 2013-14 was minimal.
      Injury and bad form saw him slip down the pecking order at the club.
      Just two league appearances meant he missed out on a medal, and he was soon loaned out to Fiorentina before he was released in 2015.

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      Micah Richards missed out when Manchester City won their first Premier League titleCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      ANDREJ KRAMARIC
      Leicester City made Kramaric their record signing in 2015, splashing £9million on the Croatian striker.
      But, as it turned out, they didn’t really need him.

      A certain Jamie Vardy rose to prominence and kept Kramaric out of the Leicester side, as they miraculously won the Premier League in the 2015-16 season.
      He was loaned out in the January transfer window in 2016 to Hoffenheim, having only appeared twice before then.
      It meant no winners’ medal for Kramaric.

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      Leicester City record signing Andrej Kramaric played second fiddle to Jamie VardyCredit: PA:Press Association

      Ally McCoist says Liverpool failing to get 100 points should not detract from winning the Premier League More

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      Man Utd new boy Alvaro Fernandez Carreras, 17, was schooled by Real Madrid and idolised Brazil legend Marcelo growing up

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      THE emphasis is on youth at Old Trafford, as their latest signing proves.
      This week, Manchester United swooped to sign Real Madrid starlet Alvaro Fernandez Carreras on a four-year deal.

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      Alvaro Fernandez Carreras has signed for Man UtdCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The left-back became a free agent on June 30 after he failed to agree an extension with Los Blancos.
      It’s the second Spanish full-back the Red Devils have added to their youth ranks – following the capture of Barcelona wonderkid Marc Jurado for £1.5million back in June.
      And Carreras, 17, is equally as highly thought of in his homeland.
      A NEW DAWN
      The explosive full back, who bares an uncanny resemblance to Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos, left the La Liga champions with a heavy heart.

      But the chance to move to the Premier League to aid his development was an offer too good to refuse.
      He said: “It was not an easy decision and I only have words of thanks, after having belonged to the White House these past 3 years, I have made the decision to leave this great club.
      “I wanted to thank all my teammates, and the entire coaching staff Real Madrid, for making me a better person and footballer.
      “It has been a real pleasure to wear this shirt, and represent this shield, it is time to say forever and take another path in my football career, take a step forward towards my dream, thank you Real Madrid!”

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      Carreras, 17, was schooled by Real MadridCredit: Instagram

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      The left-back models his game on Brazilian legend MarceloCredit: Instagram
      MAJORCA-BORN
      Carreras was plucked from Deportivo La Coruna’s youth set up in 2017, where the Majorca-born talent spent five years developing his game.
      Before that, he was with another local team Racing de Ferrol – from 2007 to 2012.
      However, it was at Real Madrid his ability gained most traction, with United jumping at the opportunity to snap up the 6ft 1in defender.
      He was a regular at Under-15, 16 and 17 levels, before moving to Manchester.

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      Carreras grew up in MallorcaCredit: Instagram

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      The Spaniard revealed it was a dream to move to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      WHAT TYPE OF PLAYER IS HE?
      Keeping a close eye on Real Madrid legend Marcelo, Carreras has modelled his game on the Brazilian international.
      And the club’s official website gives an indication into the type of player United are getting.

      “Alvaro plays left-handed as his idol: Marcelo.
      “He is a quality defender and good at taking the ball from behind. He stands out technically and for his intelligence on the field. He is difficult to beat one on one.”
      Another talented youngster blossoming with the club, the future’s most certainly bright at United.

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      Carreras will be joining his new Man Utd team-mates from next seasonCredit: Instagram

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      Carreras is a pacy full back difficult to beat on a one-on-oneCredit: Instagram More