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      Biggest comebacks from British teams in Champions League history, as Chelsea take on Real Madrid

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      CHELSEA face an uphill battle to qualify for the semi-finals of the Champions League.The Blues head to the Bernabeu looking to reverse a 3-1 defeat by Real Madrid on Tuesday night.
      N’Golo Kante and his Chelsea team-mates face an uphill struggle to overturn Real Madrid’s 3-1 leadCredit: Rex
      It really is a mission impossible for Thomas Tuchel’s side, if they want to retain any hope of reclaiming the trophy they won last season.
      But, they should take heart from these amazing comebacks from these British teams in the competition.
      Milan 3-3 Liverpool (L’pool win 3-2 on pens)
      Arguably the greatest ever, and it happened in the final of 2005.
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      Milan raced to a 3-0 lead at half-time, and seemingly had the game won thanks to goals from Paolo Maldini and two from Hernan Crespo.
      However, the Reds weren’t done. Between the 54th and 60th minute the scoreline was level with Steven Gerrard, Vladimir Smicer and Xabi Alonso.
      The match went to extra-time, where Polish goalie Jerzy Dudek pulled off a miraculous double save.
      Liverpool then triumphed on penalties, breaking Milan’s hearts.
      Liverpool’s goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek stops Andriy Shevchenko’s penaltyCredit: Corbis – Getty
      Steven Gerrard kisses the Champions League trophy after the epic comebackCredit: Getty
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      Man Utd 2-1 Bayern Munich
      It’s the stuff of folklore. And another final in 1999.
      After being battered for 91 minutes, Man Utd won a corner – trailing Germans Bayern Munich, who will still rue only being 1-0 up into the dying moments.
      David Beckham whipped in the delivery, Bayern couldn’t clear the ball, it fell to Ryan Giggs whose mis-hit shot found Teddy Sheringham to side-foot into the corner.
      Same idea for the winner. A Beckham delivery was this time met by the head of Sheringham who flicked the ball to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s toe who diverted it into the roof of the net in the 93rd minute.
      As Sir Alex Ferguson said afterwards in his post-match interview. “Football, bloody hell.”
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer completed an amazing turn around against Bayern MunichCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Manchester United and Alex Ferguson celebrate winning the Champions LeagueCredit: Alamy

      Arsenal 2-1 Barcelona
      It goes without saying, Arsenal were up against a very good Barcelona team in 2011 – Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta, Messi, Villa and co.
      Understandably largely outplayed by the better technical side, it would be English grit that would give them a narrow first leg lead.
      Robin Van Persie’s 78th minute near post strike cancelled out David Villa’s first half strike.
      Then a sweeping move ended with Andrey Arshavin sending Arsenal fans into ecstasy.
      Andrey Arshavin completes a sweeping Arsenal move to put the Gunners 2-1 upCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      Arshavin celebrates the memorable comebackCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Ajax 2-3 Tottenham
      After losing the first leg 1-0 at home to an Ajax side who had dumped out Cristiano Ronaldo’s Juventus, the odds were stacked against Spurs in 2019.
      And it got worse in Amsterdam, when the hosts went 2-0 up (3-0 on aggregate).
      Still, no Harry Kane, who was missing through injury, no problem.
      Lucas Moura turned the game on its head with two goals in five mad minutes. Then, six minutes into injury time, the Brazilian completed his hat-trick.
      Lucas Moura’s amazing hat-trick in Amsterdam downed AjaxCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Ajax’s captain Matthijs de Ligt was left stunned by the amazing fightback at full-timeCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona
      In this two-legged semi-final in 2019, the Catalans had one foot in the final after a devastating 3-0 win at the Camp Nou inspired by Lionel Messi.
      But Jurgen Klopp’s side had other ideas, even if their squad was depleted and without talisman Mo Salah and his strike partner Roberto Firmino.
      An early goal from Divock Origi gave them a glimmer of hope, before Georginio Wijnaldum struck twice to bring the tie level.
      Origi would finish the comeback to send the Kop wild.
      “The belief in the changing room is incredible,” captain Jordan Henderson revealed. “We knew we could pull something off.”
      Liverpool’s Divock Origi puts Liverpool 1-0 upCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      The Anfield scoreboard shows 4-0 as Lionel Messi looks dejectedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      PSG 1-3 Man Utd
      The Red Devils were battered by Neymar and Kylian Mbappe at Old Trafford, and were lucky to trail just 2-0 from the first leg from the 2018-19 season.
      When Juan Bernat equalised a Romelu Lukaku strike, United’s heads could’ve dropped. But they didn’t.
      Lukaku added a second before United were awarded a controversial penalty after Presnel Kimpembe was adjudged to have handled a Diogo Dalot shot in the area.
      Step-forward a brave 21-year-old Marcus Rashford, who confidently slammed the ball past Gianluigi Buffon for an unlikely 94th minute winner.
      Marcus Rashford was the match-winner for Man Utd against PSG from the penalty spotCredit: AFP or licensors
      Rashford consoles PSG’s Kylian MbappeCredit: AFP or licensors
      Chelsea 4-1 Napoli
      In 2012 Chelsea were in a chaos similar to where they are now.
      Soundly beaten 3-1 in a last-16 clash in Naples, Andre Villas Boas was subsequently sacked and replaced with Roberto Di Matteo.
      Didier Drogba, John Terry and Frank Lampard all scored to take the game into extra-time.
      Branislav Ivanovic was the hero firing home from Drogba’s cross.
      That year, Chelsea would be victorious and win the competition beating Bayern Munich in the final.
      Clearly, it was written in the stars. Could history repeat itself?
      Branislav Ivanovic scores Chelsea’s fourth in extra-time to complete a famous comebackCredit: Graham Hughes – The Times
      Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard of Chelsea celebrate their team’s unlikely victory after the final whistleCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Hidetoshi Nakata, the David Beckham of Asia, launched luxury sake business worth £2,350-a-bottle

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      HIDETOSHI NAKATA doesn’t do things for the sake of it.Japan’s footballing superstar, dubbed the David Beckham of Asia, spent 11 years at the top before ending it all at the age of 29 to pursue a new dream of producing rice wine.
      Retired Japanese superstar Hidetoshi Nakata now has a booming business selling sake
      It wasn’t quite that straight forward, though.
      The midfielder shocked his nation when he retired from football just a few weeks after Japan’s 2006 World Cup came to an end with defeat to Brazil.
      Nakata was his country’s star in Europe after earning a move to the Italian Serie A and impressed at Perugia, Roma and Parma before ending his career with Sam Allardyce’s Bolton.
      “Every country I went to people asked me about Japan but I didn’t know anything about it,” Nakata told CNN.
      Nakata’s rice wine sake costs between £1,570 and £2,350 a bottleCredit: AFP – Getty
      Nakata has even sold a Kit Kat flavoured sakeCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Former Bolton midfielder Nakata is now a sake connoisseurCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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      “That’s a part of my life, so I need to become a better Japanese person.”
      Nakata had left his country at an early age for football so went in search of his roots.. and ended up finding rice.
      He drove to all 47 prefectures in Japan to immerse back in his own culture and came across sake, the alcoholic drink made from fermented rice.
      Nakata went to 200 of the 1,300 breweries in Japan.
      Nakata is known as the David Beckham of AsiaCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Nakata played retired after Brazil knocked Japan out the 2006 World CupCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “Once I started understanding the culture behind sake and the industry, I started to understand the quality of sake and the people behind it, the history behind it,” he said.
      Nakata was so enthralled by the drink he turned it into a business.
      Using his initial, Nakata launched his own label called “N” and chose the Takagi Shuzo brewery in Yamagata prefecture to produce his sake.
      It was unveiled in 2013 and cost between £1,570 and £2,350 a bottle with only 1,000 produced.
      Experts in the sake-sipping industry say it goes well with fatty fish and red meat.
      Nakata was Japan’s footballing superstar who broke into EuropeCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Nakata played for Perugia, Roma, Bologna and FiorentinaCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Nakata battled with Serie A’s best including Edgar DavidsCredit: Reuters
      Brazilian legend Ronaldinho and Nakata battled for both club and countryCredit: Getty – Contributor
      After retiring, Sake visited all 47 prefectures in JapanCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      To the untrained eye, you wouldn’t know it was Nakata’s sake though as it comes in a black bottle without a label.
      And the former footballer wasn’t foolish enough to compete with his fellow countrymen so he only sold in Europe.
      “In Japan, the beer market is growing, and the young generation don’t know about sake,” he said in 2016.
      “They know more about wine instead. The potential of sake outside of Japan is bigger, but there is a lack of information and education.”
      Nakata’s final move was to the Premier LeagueCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Nakata played for Bolton Wanderers in the 2005-06 seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Nakata starred in Sam Allardyce’s midfield at the Reebok StadiumCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Nakata has worked with hundreds of brands to promote sake across the globe, and some were stranger than others.
      In September last year, Nestle announced a partnership with the former footballer to create a Kit Kat sake and opened a pop-up bar in Tokyo.
      There were chocolate bars with sake flavour and rice wines to complement a Kit Kat.
      Nakata has immersed himself in this new world of his, a sake connoisseur bringing a taste of Japan to the rest of the globe.
      “I just do things I have a passion for. Soccer, craft, culture,” he said. “I’m not doing it for money or fame. That’s why, for me, there is no real success or no real fail.” More

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      in Soccer

      Footballers who eat fast food, after Kevin De Bruyne buys McDonald’s for wife and kids following Man City draw

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      FOR plenty of footballers, a strict diet is crucial to how they perform on the pitch.Many boast their own private chefs who rustle up healthy meals.
      Kevin De Bruyne headed to McDonald’s with his family after a Man City gameCredit: TikTok / @kevindebruyne via Instagram
      While when others fine dine, they gorge on fish, salads and high-protein dishes.
      But, every now and again, a footballer will have a cheat day and indulge in some fast food.
      Here’s some footballers who couldn’t resist eating junk.
      Kevin De Bruyne
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Man Utd news .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Ronaldo APOLOGISES for phone incident, Ten Hag’s transfer request – latest
      You could say Man City’s Belgium star earned his fast food fix, following another brilliant performance in the engine room for Pep Guardiola’s side against Liverpool.
      After the final whistle, he took his wife and kids to McDonald’s – documenting his trip on TikTok.
      In the video, he appears to pick up a couple of Happy Meals.
      There is absolutely no confirmation that he pinched a few chips from them.
      Belgium star De Bruyne drops by the golden arches with his familyCredit: TikTok / @kevindebruyne via Instagram
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      Eden Hazard
      Spare a thought for another Belgium star, ex-Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard.
      At Real Madrid he’s constantly faced jibes about his weight, admitting himself he’s partial to the odd bun or two.
      But in 2011, furious about being subbed off by his country during a game against Turkey, he left the stadium and was later seen scoffing a burger.
      The shocking pictures were splashed across newspapers in Belgium causing manager Georges Leekens to dish out a two-game suspension for the star’s unprofessionalism.
      Eden Hazard was subbed against Turkey in 2011 and left the match to eat a burger
      David Beckham
      He may have retired in 2013, but David Beckham shows no signs of letting himself go and remains trim.
      Amazing really considering he loves fish and chips.
      Once, when watching a Champions League match, he shared a plate of food, which had a saveloy, cod and chips, as well as a loaf of bread and big bottle of ketchup.
      Of course, there was no forgetting the curry sauce either.
      David Beckham picks up fish and chips from his local shop in OxfordshireCredit: Instagram
      David Beckham once shared a feast he enjoyed while watching PSGCredit: Instagram
      Cristiano Ronaldo
      CR7 loves pizza. Just ask his mum.
      Last year, Dolores Aveiro revealed on Portuguese TV: “My son also likes pizza. He eats one once a week but afterwards he does loads of sit-ups.”
      In the past, Ronaldo told of how he likes to eat pizza with son Cristiano Jr.
      However, he claimed it’s something that happens only “sometimes” – not to make life boring.
      Cristiano Ronaldo’s mum reveals he binges on pizza once a week, although this photo is a mock-up
      Bate Borisov
      Belarusian side Bate Borisov have won 15 league titles in their homeland, including 13 consecutively.
      They’ve also managed to qualify for the group stages of the Champions League five times, and the Europa League four times.
      How have they done it?
      By sneaking in a Burger King meal on their travels in Europe.
      Bate Borisov’s stars tuck into a Burger KingCredit: Twitter
      Alex Song
      Former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder was partial to a KFC BEFORE he played home games at the Emirates.
      His former team-mate Emmanuel Frimpong made the astonishing claim back in 2018.
      Speaking to The Telegraph about players eating habits, he said: “Then there was [Alex] Song, who used to go to KFC before every home game.
      “On the bus to the team hotel the night before the game, he would be eating chicken nuggets.”
      Alex Song liked to scoff KFC before games with Arsenal, according to an ex-team-mateCredit: Bongarts – Getty
      Rio Ferdinand
      For ex-Man Utd defender Ferdinand, a cheeky Nando’s is his poison.
      He’s even got himself a fancy Nando’s High-Five card which allows the former England star free grub for him and his pals.
      “When I come down to London by train, I always stop in at the Nando’s in Euston for a bite,” he once tweeted.
      While on another visit, he wrote on social media, “OMD this nandos is gonna get destroyed!”
      And back in 2019, Ferdinand and wife Kate hired out a Nando’s in Camberwell, South London for a Christmas feast with their pals.
      Rio and Kate Ferdinand enjoy a meal in Nando’sCredit: @xkateferdinand
      The Nandos Black card is getting a bit of usage, medium spice it is tonight! Then watch the boys hopefully win in Romania, come on the boys!— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) October 18, 2011 More

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      in Soccer

      12 players who have played for rivals Liverpool and Manchester City in the Premier League era from Fowler to Balotelli

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY and Liverpool are fighting on three fronts.Dominant in the Premier League, where they face off this weekend, they will go toe-to-toe in the FA Cup semi-final and could face off against each other in the Champions League showpiece in Paris at the end of May.
      Current Man City star Raheem Sterling also played for LiverpoolCredit: Getty
      But, there was a time when they weren’t such fierce rivals.
      And, believe it or not, players either transferred between the two clubs, or at least played for both.
      SunSport looks at the 12 pros who starred for both sides in the Premier League era.
      Raheem Sterling
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Man Utd news .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Ruben Neves is Ten Hag’s top transfer target EXCLUSIVE, Darwin Nunez scouted
      A man who delivered impeccable service to both, Sterling was nabbed from QPR by the Reds in a deal worth around £600,000, although a huge sell-on fee was reportedly included.
      The winger would star under Brendan Rodgers before a contract dispute would see him force a move to Man City for £50million.
      Sterling has blossomed into one of his generation’s best players under Pep Guardiola – leading England to the final of the Euros last year.
      He has also won the Premier League three times.
      Sterling made his name in the Premier League with the RedsCredit: PA:Empics Sport
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      Kolo Toure
      Now first team coach at Leicester City, and a former Arsenal defender, Toure has been well-travelled on our shores.
      He signed for Man City, as the revolution under Sheikh Mansour was beginning, in 2009 for £15million, and would win the league with the club in 2012.
      After 102 appearances he signed for Liverpool in 2013 on a free transfer, but never won any major honours.
      He was released in 2016 after 71 appearances and snapped up by Celtic, where he would win a league and cup double.
      Kolo Toure would win the league with Manchester CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      At Liverpool, Toure didn’t win any major honoursCredit: Action Images – Reuters

      David James
      It’s fair to say James provided a stellar service to both clubs.
      He was snapped up by Liverpool from Watford in 1992 for £1million and appeared 277 times for them – winning the League Cup in 1995.
      After spells at Aston Villa and West Ham, where he would begin to establish himself as England’s No1, he signed for Man City for an undisclosed fee to replace David Seaman in 2003.
      A century of appearances later he moved to Portsmouth, where he would win the FA Cup and become a hero.
      David James appeared 277 times for LiverpoolCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      In 2003 James had a spell with Man CityCredit: PA:Press Association
      Steve McManaman
      McManaman came through the ranks at Anfield to become a legend – making 364 appearances and scoring 66 goals.
      It was just a pity he played during their famous ‘Spice Boys’ era, otherwise he might’ve had more medals to show other than an FA Cup and League Cup.
      Still, a move to Real Madrid allowed Macca to win LaLiga and the Champions League twice.
      He moved to Man City in 2003, however niggling injuries saw him labelled one of the club’s worst ever free transfer signings by Manchester Evening News. He appeared just 44 times and failed to break his duck.
      Steve McManaman was a legend at LiverpoolCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      McManaman’s best years were behind him when he joined CityCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Mario Balotelli
      The enigma that is Balotelli was loved by the fans at Man City, but loathed my management for off-the pitch antics.
      The man, famous for asking ‘Why Always Me’ on a T-shirt after scoring in the Manchester derby in response to his critics, signed for City in 2010 for £20million.
      He would win the FA Cup in 2011 and the Premier League in 2012, but ultimately prove to frustrate and was sold to AC Milan.
      Balotelli would return to our shores in 2014 – signing for the Reds for £16million to replace the departing Luis Suarez.
      But, it proved to be a disastrous move – and he would score just four goals in 28 games before departing for Nice.
      Now 31, he plays for Turkish side Adana Demirspor.
      Mario Balotelli frustrated coaches at Man CityCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Balotelli returned to England with Liverpool but was a flopCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Robbie Fowler
      ‘God’ as he was affectionately christened by the Kop was another who came through the ranks at Anfield.
      He scored 183 goals in 369 games across two spells at Liverpool – winning various trophies, including the FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup, and Super Cup.
      But before he rejoined Liverpool in 2005, there was a spell at Man City that began in 2002 when he joined from Leeds for around £6million.
      Injuries were his biggest problem, although he did manage a 12-goal season in 2004-2005.
      Robbie Fowler, nicknamed God by the Anfield faithful, scored 183 goals for the RedsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Injuries didn’t help Fowler at City as he struggledCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Nicolas Anelka
      Bursting on to the scene with Arsenal as a teenager, Anelka would move to Real Madrid, flop, then go to PSG to discover his form.
      In 2001, Liverpool got the French striker on loan – but he didn’t do enough to convince manager Gerard Houllier to offer him a permanent deal.
      Man City, though, thought they could get a tune out of him in 2002 – paying £13million for his services from.
      And they weren’t wrong – across three seasons he scored 45 goals in 103 games.
      Nicolas Anelka returned to England with Liverpool on loan but didn’t do enough to earn a permanent move from PSGCredit: Getty
      Anelka rediscovered his form at Man City, scoring 45 times in 103 gamesCredit: Getty
      James Milner
      Mr Reliable – Milner never let Man City down and continues to be Liverpool’s unsung hero at 36.
      It was at the Etihad he starred at from 2010 to 2015, making 203 appearances, following a £26million move from Aston Villa.
      The midfielder would win the Premier League twice, as well as an FA Cup before embarking on a new challenge with Liverpool, who scored a bargain free transfer.
      Milner has been instrumental in Liverpool’s recent successes, adding another Premier League title and a Champions League medal to his honours.
      Steady James Milner won two Premier League titles with Man CityCredit: AP:Associated Press
      At 36 Milner shows no signs of slowing down at LiverpoolCredit: Getty
      Dietmar Hamann
      The German midfielder, famous for scoring the last goal at Wembley before it was demolished and rebuilt, clocked up 280 appearances for Liverpool from 1999-2006.
      In that time, he won a Champions League and UEFA Cup, as well as the FA Cup and League Cup twice.
      At 33, perhaps past his prime, he joined City and gave them good service with 71 appearances across three seasons.
      Today, Hamann is a media commentator.
      Dietmar Hamann was an incredible servant for the Reds from 1999-2006Credit: PA:Press Association
      Hamann joined City at 33 with his best years behind himCredit: PA:Press Association
      Craig Bellamy
      In 2006 Bellamy agreed a deal to Liverpool for £6million, after a brilliant campaign with Blackburn.
      His time at the club was blighted by scandal, when he was involved in a fight with team-mate John Arne Riise.
      When Riise went to his hotel room before a crucial Champions League match with Barcelona, Bellamy followed him and attacked his team-mate with a golf club.
      Bellamy would go on to score in that game and celebrate enthusiastically by swinging an imaginary golf club.
      In 2009, following some time with West Ham, he was reunited with Mark Hughes at Man City in a £14million deal.
      But, competition for places saw him frozen out and loaned to Cardiff City.
      Incredibly, he would return to Anfield in 2011 for one season as a squad player under Kenny Dalglish.
      Craig Bellamy had two spells at LiverpoolCredit: AFP – Getty
      Bellamy was frozen out at Man City with competition for places fierceCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Daniel Sturridge
      Man City fans never got to the see the best of Sturridge.
      He came through the youth ranks and was the club’s Young Player of the Year, but when his contract expired in 2009 he moved to Chelsea.
      Sturridge failed to make the grade at Stamford Bridge, and a loan to Bolton helped him discover his form.
      In 2013, he joined Liverpool in a £12million move and his career exploded.
      Partnering Luis Suarez, the pair were lethal. Sturridge would fly in his first full season with the club – scoring 24 goals in competitions.
      Injuries took their toll, and his form soon dipped.
      He was released in 2019, and signed for Turks Trabzonspor after a betting scandal in which he allegedly asked his brother to put a bet on him joining Sevilla.
      Today, Sturridge plays his football in Australia for Perth Glory.
      A youth product at Man City, Daniel Sturridge left the club for Chelsea as a youngsterCredit: Getty
      Sturridge played his best football at LiverpoolCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Albert Riera
      Perhaps the forgotten man, Spanish midfielder Riera had a loan spell at Man City in 2006.
      However, he didn’t pull up any trees – scoring once in 19 games and returned back to parent club Espanyol.
      Liverpool were impressed though, and on transfer deadline day paid £8million to sign him.
      Unhappy with the club, he ended up getting suspended after voicing his displeasure with boss Rafa Benitez’s management style.
      .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The 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      In 2010, he signed for Olympiacos for £5million and won the Greek title. He would then become a hero at Galatasaray, winning the Turkish league twice.
      Riera is now Gala’s assistant manager.
      Albert Riera’s loan spell at Man City convinced Liverpool to sign himCredit: PA:Press Association
      After a fall out with boss Rafa Benitez, Rieira was soldCredit: Action Images – Reuters More

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      14 ex-Man Utd stars as managers who have been sacked 17 times, and the ONE legend who has been a major success

      by

      RUUD VAN NISTELROOY is taking his first steps into management as boss of PSV Eindhoven.The Manchester United legend, 45, will take charge of the Dutch giants from next season, after coaching the clubs youth side.
      Ruud Van Nistelrooy will take over the reigns at PSV from next seasonCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Many who played under legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson have made a foray into management, however most ended up flopping.
      Although, there’s one who was a major success…
      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER
      THE super-sub was brought off the bench once again when things went wrong under Jose Mourinho.
      After a great start, he was given the job permanently.
      But a lack of trophies and with the side in dire straits earlier this season, he was regretfully given the boot.
      He didn’t fare much better when he was manager of Cardiff, although did enjoy some success in his native Norway with Molde where he won the league twice and the cup.
      VERDICT: A FLOP ON THESE SHORES
      GARY NEVILLE
      ASTONISHINGLY, after working mostly as a TV pundit and co-owner of Salford City, the ex-right-back was handed the reigns at Valencia in 2015.
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      It was an appointment that lasted a meagre 28 games.
      The biggest low including a 7-0 drubbing to rivals Barcelona.
      “I never should have said yes to the job,” Neville said in 2019. “I wasn’t qualified for the job and didn’t wake up every morning and think about coaching.
      “There was already far too much going on with the Sky stuff, writing articles for a newspaper and doing all the stuff in Manchester with Salford.”
      VERDICT: FLOP DEBUT BUT TIME TO PROVE US WRONG
      Gary Neville famously flopped as Valencia boss
      STEVE BRUCE
      A FORMER United captain, Bruce is now somewhat of a journeyman manager.
      He’s managed 10 clubs, including Wigan Athletic twice. Major honours have escaped him though, with FA Cup runner-up at Hull City in 2014 perhaps a highlight.
      Most recently, he was the brunt of Newcastle fans who lambasted his tactics.
      His first sacking came at Huddersfield in 2000. Since then, he’s been fired from jobs at Aston Villa and the Toon.
      VERDICT: FLOP – MOST OF THE TIME
      Steve Bruce was recently sacked by Newcastle
      PHIL NEVILLE
      NEVILLE’S first taste of being boss came with England’s lionesses.
      In 2018, he led the women’s team to glory in the SheBelievesCup.
      However, a year later finishing fourth in the World Cup seemed to be a bit of a disappointment.
      After stepping down from his role with the Three Lions, he was appointed as boss of David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
      However, they finished fourth from bottom in the MLS Eastern Conference and failed to make the play offs.
      VERDICT: FLOP SO FAR
      Phil Neville is proving to be a dismal appointment for Inter Miami
      RYAN GIGGS
      IN 2014, after David Moyes was fired, Welsh legend Giggs was hired as United’s interim manager – winning two of his four games in charge.
      Following a stint as Louis Van Gaal’s assistant, he took on the Wales national job in 2018 – leading his country to qualify for Euro 2020.
      But in 2020, he was forced to take gardening leave.
      VERDICT: TOO EARLY TO CALL
      Jury’s out on Ryan Giggs’ career as a manager
      ROY KEANE
      AS a leader on the pitch, Keane appeared to be management material.
      And things seemed to get off to a good start with Sunderland, who he helped gain promotion to the Premier League.
      However, he stepped down in 2008 amidst a player mutiny and a dismal run of form.
      Worse was to follow at Ipswich Town, where Keane was sacked when The Tractor Boys dropped to 21st in the Championship in 2011.
      VERDICT: FLOP
      Roy Keane was sacked by Ipswich Town in 2011
      JAAP STAM
      STAM played in the same sides as Keane, and himself was a tough competitor.
      Most recently, he was dismissed as boss of MLS team FC Cincinnati having won four of just 25 games.
      Before that, he handed in his resignation with Feyenoord bosses after 4-0 thrashing to rivals Ajax.
      On our shores, Stam is remembered for his time at Reading. He enjoyed a successful first season, leading the Royals to the play offs.
      However, it went downhill the following year. One win in 18 league matches was enough for Stam to be given his marching orders.
      VERDICT: FLOP
      At Reading Jaap Stam was given the bullet following a dismal run
      BRYAN ROBSON
      CAPTAIN Marvel has had a 17-year career as a manager, taking in jobs with the likes of Middlesbrough, Bradford City, West Brom, Sheffield United, Thailand, and then Thailand’s U23s.
      His most successful period came at Boro, who he helped gain promotion. Between 1994-2001, Robson also led the club to three Wembley cup final appearances, although they lost each one.
      A stint at Bradford City saw Robson officially sacked for the first time after just 28 games in charge and a winning percentage of just 25 per cent.
      At West Brom he pulled off the great escape, with his side bottom of the Premier League at Christmas.
      The following year, though, they were relegated and Robson left by mutual consent.
      He also sacked by Sheffield United in 2008. He hasn’t managed anyone since the Thailand job ended in 2011.
      VERDICT: FLOP
      Captain Marvel Bryan Robson endured 17 years in management but hasn’t been in a job since 2011
      MARK HUGHES
      LIKE Robson, Hughes appeared to be tailor-made to be boss – doing decent jobs with Wales and Blackburn.
      That scored him a big job at Manchester City in 2008, who were then taken over by Sheikh Mansour two months after he arrived.
      However, after spending a fortune, including signing the disastrous Robinho for £32million, he was sacked after 18 months with nothing to show but a 10th place finish.
      After a bust-up with Mohamed Al-Fayed, he resigned as Fulham boss 11 months after his appointment – with Al-Fayed labelling the Welshman a ‘strange man’.
      Sackings at QPR, Stoke and Southampton then followed.
      Officially, he’s the most sacked out of the United legends.
      Now, he’s at Bradford City resurrecting his career.
      VERDICT: BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT AFTER WALES AND BLACKBURN JOBS
      Mark Hughes has been sacked four times – more than any other ex-Man Utd star
      PAUL INCE
      ‘THE GUVNOR’ has been out of a job since 2014, since leaving Blackpool, where he was once handed a five game ban for berating an official in the tunnel.
      In the lower leagues, Ince did a stellar jobs at Macclesfield Town in a player-manager role, before then getting Milton Keynes Dons promoted to League Two and winning the FA Trophy.
      In 2008, however, when Blackburn Rovers asked him to make the step up to the Premier League, Ince proved to be out of his depth.
      After three wins in 17 games, he was given the bullet.
      VERDICT: FLOP
      Paul Ince couldn’t hack it in the Premier League as a boss
      PAUL SCHOLES
      WITH one of the greatest football brains in the modern era, Scholes was surely going to make a decent coach?
      Maybe too soon to tell. He spent just 31 days at crisis club Oldham between February and March 2019, until walking away following a disagreement with the owners.
      “In the last week there was a couple of issues with a couple of players,” Scholes revealed in a chat with BT Sport in 2019.
      “Experienced pros that I felt didn’t deserve to be treated the way the club wanted to treat them.
      “I didn’t need the hassle of that. I really like the players, really respected them and would have done anything for them. But once I get told ‘don’t play him’, that’s when it is time for me to go…
      “That only happened once, but that was the end of it. There were subtle hints along the way, but that was the end of it.”
      VERDICT: TOO EARLY TO CALL
      Paul Scholes spent just 31 days at crisis club Oldham
      GORDON STRACHAN
      THE Scot spent five years at Coventry City, mostly doing his best to avoid relegation.
      Eventually, his luck would run out in 2001 when the club were demoted from the Premier League.
      He was sacked the following season after a poor start in the First Division.
      Within weeks, Strachan was back – this time in the Southampton hot seat. He resigned as Saints boss in 2004, after wanting to take a break from football
      At Celtic he was victorious – winning three league titles in a row. But in his fourth season, the Hoops lost out Rangers and he handed in his resignation in 2009.
      His time at Middlesbrough was forgettable. With the club languishing in 20th position, he commendably tore up his contract and refused compensation.
      For his last act, Strachan walked away from the Scotland job after failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
      VERDICT: MIXED BAG
      On our shores, Gordon Strachan struggled at Coventry City and Middlesbrough
      WAYNE ROONEY
      Manchester United’s all-time top scorer, Rooney is the most recent former Red Devil star to try his hand at managing after being hired in 2020 by Derby County.
      But it’s been a tumultuous time for the club, who are in dire financial trouble.
      They narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of last season, but it looks highly unlikely they will be able to repeat that feat – after they were docked 21 points for financial irregularities and sit rock bottom of the Championship with four points and 22 games played.
      Hard to judge Rooney on this though, given his hands are tied.
      VERDICT: TOO EARLY TO TELL
      Wayne Rooney’s first foray into management at cash-strapped Derby can’t be judged
      LAURENT BLANC
      The exception to the rule, Laurent Blanc is one of the world’s leading managers and has been linked with the Old Trafford job.
      Currently in Qatar with Al-Rayyan, the France World Cup winner has won all his trophies in his homeland.
      He landed the title with Bordeaux in 2009, then won three successive championships with PSG, as well as two French Cups and three French league cups with the latter in just three years.
      The only blot on his copybook, perhaps, was his time as France boss, who he could only lead to a quarter-final of Euro 2012 before standing down.
      But, he’s never been sacked.
      VERDICT: HIT
      Laurent Blanc is the exception to the rule, enjoying success as a boss More

    • 175 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Meet Asantewa Chitty, the stunning Instagram model who has charmed England sensation Jude Bellingham

      by

      MEET Asantewa Chitty, the Instagram beauty who is being courted by England sensation Jude Bellingham.SunSport exclusively revealed the midfielder, who plays in Germany, is smitten with the model.
      Meet Instagram model Asantewa Chitty who has caught the eye of Jude Bellingham
      Chitty shows off her stunning bikini body
      Social media influencer Chitty is said to be very keen on the England ace
      A source revealed that the Borussia Dortmund ace thinks she is “gorgeous”.
      While, Chitty is equally interested.
      The insider added: “She is also very keen on him.
      “She is excited to see where this goes.”

      But who is the stunner that could be joining England’s Wags in Qatar for this year’s World Cup?
      She’s Insta famous
      Although she’s only posted 18 images online, Chitty (who calls herself santchitty on Instagram and Twitter) has amassed almost 10,000 followers.
      Her account is awash with lifestyle snaps showcasing a love for fashion.
      She lists ‘Art’ on her account as something that means a lot to her.
      Chitty appears well-travelled, sharing numerous snaps on foreign shores.
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      But she remains coy about the destinations she travels to and never discloses them online.
      However, she’s quick to show off her abs and bikini body in a series of pics on Instagram.
      And of course, she follows Jude on the social media platform.
      Chitty might be headed to Qatar with England’s Wags
      Beauty Chitty has amassed almost 10,000 followers on Instagram
      Chitty rocks streetwear fashion
      TikTok
      Amazingly, it’s Chitty’s TikTok videos that are more popular.
      She has amassed over 330,000 likes in clips ranging from hotel visits to London and shopping trips to Zara.
      Chitty also loves to soundtrack her life to various R&B hits, showing sass as she lip syncs along to the music.
      But, she is yet to share any content with Bellingham.
      With their relationship being in the early stages, we might have a wait on our hands to see them as a double-act.
      On TikTok Chitty has over 330,000 likes for her videos
      Selfies like this fill Chitty’s Instagram page
      A keen shopper, Chitty likes to buy clothes from high-street chain Zara
      Glam Chitty appears ready for Wag status More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Meet Margaux Alexandra, the stunning Wag of Man Utd legend Patrice Evra who is a model and 14-yrs his junior

      by

      ON April 30, Patrice Evra will step into the boxing ring for the first time in an exhibition fight.The Man Utd and France legend, 40, is set to face YouTube boxer Adam Saleh at the O2 in London.
      Meet Margaux Alexandra, the stunning fiancée of Patrice EvraCredit: Instagram @margauxalexandra
      Gorgeous Margaux is a Danish modelCredit: Instagram @margauxalexandra
      Patrice Evra and girlfriend Margaux have dated since 2020Credit: Instagram @margauxalexandra
      And likely to be cheering him on ringside is his beautiful fiancee, Margaux Alexandra.
      The 26-year-old stunner is a Danish model and social media influencer.
      Despite an age gap of 14-years, the pair have been inseparable since getting together in 2020.
      Last year, they welcomed a baby son together they called Lilas.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}DRAW DAY .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}England set to find out whether they’ll be in nightmare group with Germany
      Happy Evra after
      Before Evra found love with Margaux, he was married to long-term partner Sandra.
      However, their romance was rocked by cheating allegations.
      Evra was accused of fathering two children with Las Vegas-based doctor, Gabriella Birley, who he reportedly had a secret romance with.
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      His marriage was rocked again when he was said to have cheated on Sandra with Margaux.
      Evra moved out of the Paris home he shared with his ex-wife and their two children Lenny and Maona.
      Soon, he and Margaux were officially an item.
      ‘Universe, my everything’
      The pair showed off their love on Instagram and were seen hitting holiday destinations together, and partying on a private yachts.
      By November, 2020 the pair announced their engagement.
      He took to social media to share his happiness.
      He captioned a photo of Margaux showing off her ring: “It’s been more than a YEAR we are together, I mean since you stole my heart.
      “After the second time we see each other I told you you going to be my wife for the rest of my life.
      “I can’t live without you now, even when you’re next to me I miss you!
      Margaux Alexandra was alleged to have been Evra’s mistressCredit: Instagram @margauxalexandra
      Alexandra is 14-years Evra’s juniorCredit: Instagram @margauxalexandra

      “You think I was crazy when I asked your hand only after 3 months we meet… I wish to all the men to love their women the way I love you.
      “It’s just amazing, I can’t describe it, you are my universe, my soul, my peace you make me realise being soft its strength not weakness.
      “I feel more safe when you hold my hand. Happiness, it’s a choice! I choose you for the rest of my life my little mushroom.”
      Evra also gave her a glowing reference in a chat with GQ magazine.
      He revealed: “Finally, I am with someone where I can be myself and open myself up. And I don’t feel like crying is a weakness, but actually that it’s a strength.” 
      Family of three
      Two months after they revealed they were engaged, Margaux and Evra told their social media followers they were expecting their first child together.
      Lilas Latyr was born in May 2021, much to the delight of couple who once again shared their news on Instagram.

      Since meeting Evra, Margaux is living the high-life and attending events including F1Credit: Instagram @margauxalexandra
      Last year Evra and Margaux welcomed baby boy Lilas into the worldCredit: Instagram @margauxalexandra
      Margaux Alexandra, Patrice Evra girlfriend/partnerCredit: Instagram @margauxalexandra
      Alongside a photo of him holding his baby boy, he wrote: “Special moments skin to skin with our son Lilas Latyr Evra aka mister “I love this game”.
      He added: “I can’t describe how lucky, blessed and proud I’m of Margaux. You were powerful not because you weren’t scared but because you went on so strongly despite your fear. You’re my rock my universe my everything!”
      And as he steps into the ring for the first time, it’s Evra who will need no fear going in. More