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      in Soccer

      Man Utd wonderkid Anthony Elanga idolises Thierry Henry, has already scored his first senior goal and signed bumper deal

      by

      BRILLIANT Anthony Elanga is well on his way to becoming Manchester United’s next youth success story.The Swedish winger, 19, has been tipped to join a Championship side on loan in the January transfer window, with first team experience the goal.
      Anthony Elanga, 19, scored his first senior Man Utd goal against WolvesCredit: Paul Marriott – The Sun
      The Swedish winger scored a bullet header any target man would be proud ofCredit: Getty
      Of course, Red Devils fans will already know about his prowess from last season.
      The flying youngster scored his first senior goal for United with a bullet header against Wolves on the final day of the campaign.
      The youth star has impressed for the Under-23’s again this season, but has found game-time limited.
      However, some fans are calling for him to start ahead of England international Marcus Rashford.
      Elanga made his senior debut against LeicesterCredit: AP
      Elanga has four goals in eight games for the Under-23s this seasonCredit: Getty
      Football is something that is very much in his blood.
      His dad Joseph Elanga was a professional footballer, who earned 17 caps for Cameroon and was called up to the 1998 World Cup squad.
      Anthony was previously handed the prestigious Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award, which has been won by first-teamers Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood in the past.
      While back in March, Elanga was rewarded for his rapid progress with a new long-term deal at Old Trafford.
      Anthony Elanga is the latest promising talent coming through the Man Utd ranksCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      19-year-old forward and Swedish youth star Elanga won the prestigious Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award last seasonCredit: Sportsfile
      KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY
      Anthony’s father Joseph could say he taught him everything he knew.
      But the elder Elanga, now 42, wasn’t a forward like his son. He was a defender, who made a career for himself in Europe – in countries including Greece, Sweden and Denmark, before retiring in 2012.
      His best years were with Malmo from 2000-2005, who he won the Swedish championship with in 2004. He would join the club for one season again in 2010 and win a second league title.
      Joseph was a member of the Cameroon 1998 World Cup squad, but didn’t play a game.
      During his career, however, he did manage to gain 17 caps for his country.
      Joseph Elanga played in Europe for clubs including Malmo and Brondby (pictured here)Credit: Getty
      Elanga Sr played 17 times for Cameroon and was picked for their 1998 World Cup squadCredit: Alamy
      A THREAT UPFRONT
      United’s youth sides are blessed with promising forwards, with the likes of Shola Shoretire, Charlie McNeill and Dillon Hoogewerf all showing they have a bright future in the game.
      Like them, Elanga has the ability to play out wide or though the middle as a No9.
      Predominantly right-footed, he uses his pace and skill to beat his man, often cutting in before unleashing a shot on goal.
      His solo runs are reminiscent of a young Ryan Giggs, who could take three or four players out of a game in one swashbuckling gallop.
      Elanga has been with the Red Devils since the U12s, joining the academy from Sunday League side Hattersley FC.
      In 2019-20, after a prolific season with the U18 side with who he scored seven times in nine games, he was the recipient of the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award
      In March Elanga signed a long-term deal with the Red DevilsCredit: Getty
      Elanga has an eye for goal and was previously named Utd academy player of the yearCredit: Getty
      Predominantly right-footed, Elanga likes to drift to the left and cut in towards goalCredit: Getty

      HOPEFUL FOR THE FUTURE
      Elanga – who scored two goals in five matches for Sweden’s U17s – had excited Solskjaer in training before his first-team debut.
      “He’s got an X factor, some attributes, it’s not like a gift, but he’s got the acceleration, pace, speed, that’s a given for wingers and he’s got qualities I like,” the Norwegian explained.
      “He’s a goalscoring winger, he’s confident, he likes to beat men, right foot, left foot, he’s got a great attitude.”

      Humble Elanga understands he has to work hard to achieve regular first team footballCredit: Instagram anthonyelanga
      Elanga can see a pathway to the United first team after seeing the likes of Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood flourishCredit: Getty
      Elanga is equally as positive for his future, and knows what he has to do to impress his boss.
      Back in November he told PA, “You look at the likes of Mason and Rashy, there is a pathway there.
      “It just shows you that if you’re willing to put the work into it and continue to work hard day in, day out in training there’s a pathway for you there.”
      HEROES IN THE GAME
      In an interview with The Athletic last year, Elanga revealed who he models his game on.
      “Thierry Henry was my idol and I tried to match my game with his,” he said.
      “He was quick. He could play anywhere across the front three – striker, left wing, right wing – and that’s how I want to replicate my game.”
      Solskjaer said Elanga has an X-Factor about him and a promising futureCredit: Getty
      Elanga idolises Thierry Henry and tries to copy his hero’s gameCredit: Getty
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      Manchester United legend Gary Neville caught a glimpse of Elanga in full flight, when he co-commentated on United Under-21s 6-0 win over Salford City in the EFL Trophy last year.
      He said the youngster was a “nightmare to play against” and called his goal “Thierry Henry-esque.”
      If he’s half the player Henry was, United have got themselves a real talent.
      Solskjaer says Man Utd striker Marcus Rashford in doubt for Granada match More

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      in Soccer

      Footballers who have taken the Tube, from ex-Arsenal star Mesut Ozil to the German national team and Peter Crouch

      by

      FOOTBALLERS… sometimes they’re just like us.Former Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil showed what a regular guy he was by taking the Tube for a sightseeing tour before he left our shores for Turkey.
      Mesut Ozil isn’t the only footballer to take the TubeCredit: Instagram @m10_official
      But the German star isn’t the first footballer to brave the rush hour crowd and take a trip on the London Underground.
      Messrs Dier, Eriksen and Zaha have all charged up their Oyster cards and got on a train.
      And there’s an honourable mention for former Spurs manager Christian Gross who bragged about getting the Tube to his first press conference as Tottenham boss.
      A pioneer in these circles.
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      The German national team
      Per Mertesacker looks thrilled to be on the London UndergroundCredit: Handout – Getty
      Before they played England in an international friendly at Wembley back in 2013, Per Mertesacker, Mats Hummels and manager Joachim Low tried the underground.
      They ventured on the Bakerloo Line, talking to other commuters and did their best to fit in with the locals.
      They said they did it to escape the congested streets of London, and the German FA were delighted it was their first time on the Tube
      Apparently, they changed at Baker Street, had a nosey at the Sherlock Holmes museum before heading to the Metropolitan Line to get to Wembley Park.
      The German national team went to Wembley Park for a friendly against EnglandCredit: Handout
      The German national team changed at Baker Street to take in the Sherlock Holmes museumCredit: Handout – Getty
      Christian Eriksen and Eric Dier
      Because it’s always best for footballing team-mates to travel in pairs.
      Former Spurs star Eriksen and his pal Dier were snapped a day after celebrating a 4-1 win over Sunderland in 2016 on the Tube.
      They seemed in jovial spirits as they joked with each other and passengers, happily posing for snaps.
      No word on where they got off, but they were enjoying some downtime before a crucial game against Leicester.
      Eric Dier and Christian Eriksen share a laugh on the London UndergroundCredit: Twitter
      Wilfried Zaha
      The Palace winger uses his dazzling feet to good effect on the pitch, so he definitely should’ve paid attention to those ‘Mind the Gap’ announcements.
      After a game against Manchester City in 2016 at the Etihad, Zaha was seen completing the final leg of his journey home on the Tube.
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      Better still, he even wore his full kit – just so he couldn’t be missed.
      And like a seasoned traveller, he had some headphones on and wasn’t ready to talk to any other commuters, preferring to keep to himself.
      Wilfried Zaha kept his headphones on during his London Underground rideCredit: Twitter
      Juan Mata
      You would’ve thought they’d lay on a car…
      Before Spanish international Mata joined Man Utd, he was snapped getting on the Tube to get a connecting train to Manchester in 2014.
      But he clearly wasn’t a Tube regular, oh no, no, no, because he was wrapped up far too warm. Everyone knows how sweaty you can get underground. He should’ve ditched the hat!
      Juan Mata took the Tube before heading to Manchester to sign for UnitedCredit: Twitter
      Joey Barton
      He’s just a regular Joe now…
      The former Man City midfielder turned manager showed he’s just like one of us when he was pictured getting on the train back in 2014.
      One keen fan decided to share his snap on Twitter, telling the world Joey was ‘slumming it’ but we think it’s commendable.
      However, not too sure of the John Lennon-style breton cap though.
      Joey Barton tried to go inconspicuous on the Tube by wearing a hatCredit: Twitter
      Peter Crouch
      There would definitely be far more comfortable ways for the big man to travel!
      ‘Crouchy’ was spied squeezing his 6’7″ frame into a carriage shortly after announcing his missus Abbey Clancy was expecting their third child.
      Trying to go as incognito as possible, Peter wore a baseball cap over his face and a white shirt to seem like an every man.
      It was a busy Friday night, but that didn’t stop Peter enjoying his ride though on the Northern Line.
      Peter Crouch stood out like a sore thumb when he took the trainCredit: Splash News
      Hatem Ben Arfa
      When the Frenchman was plying his trade at Newcastle United in 2014, he thought he’d give the Tube a go.
      Shortly after wearing the black and white of the Toon, he topped up his Oyster card and touched into the Underground.
      One eager fan managed to get a snap with his hero, even calling the midfielder a ‘#toplad’ for his efforts. Ben Arfa doesn’t look that thrilled to have been spotted though.
      Hatem Ben Arfa looked thrilled to be recognised by a fan on the London UndergroundCredit: Twitter
      Marc Albrighton
      When the Leicester City wide man was at Aston Villa, he made one young fan’s day by posing for a snap.
      Albrighton was travelling on the Tube, presumably the District and Hammersmith and City lines, after a game against West Ham United.
      Good on Albrighton for happily smiling for a photo, as well as taking the Tube like a normal fan in 2012.
      Marc Albrighton made a young fan’s request a dream on the TubeCredit: Twitter
      Joe Ledley and Martin Kelly
      Palace full-back Kelly and former Eagle Joe Ledley took on the commoners route by going underground.
      The pair were tickled pink when they were spotted and snapped sat down on the Tube in 2015.
      But by the looks of Kelly attentively gazing at the Underground map, he needed to have a good look to see where he was going.
      Martin Kelly and Joe Ledley found something to laugh about on the TubeCredit: Twitter
      Vlad Chiriches
      You would never recognise him…
      The former Spurs centre-half could’ve gone completely unnoticed on the Tube if one eagle-eyed fan hadn’t sneaked this picture.
      Casually dressed in a hoodie and jeans, with his earphones plugged into his ears, Chiriches seemed at ease on the train in 2014.
      In fact, we’ve never seen him look so comfortable in North London.
      Vlad Chiriches blended in on the TubeCredit: Twitter
      Lewis Holtby
      While on loan at Fulham, the German midfielder endeared himself to The Cottagers faithful by taking the Tube home after a game.
      After all, he just starred in a 1-0 win over Newcastle back in 2014 and wanted to share a snap of himself being a regular punter.
      Lewis Holtby gave Fulham fans cheer by taking the Tube home after a winCredit: Twitter
      Christian Gross
      The modern day Tube pioneer.
      When Christian Gross took up his post at Tottenham Hotspur in 1997 he decided he would take the Tube to his press conference.
      Proud of his efforts, he then told a pack of journalists (proudly flashing his travelcard) and calling it ‘the ticket of his dreams’.
      A year later he was sacked, but we’ll never forget that moment.
      Christian Gross flashed his travelcard as the ‘ticket of his dreams’Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Oriol Romeu
      A cheeky pretender to the crown…
      The Southampton midfielder had a pop at Mesut Ozil’s Tube snap by posting his own on Instagram.
      Romeu even slyly captioned the pic, where he looked moody, “Doing Ozil’s things” with a winking face emoji, as well as a train emoji.
      Maybe Romeu had the hump because no one recognised him?
      Oriol Romeu poked fun at Mesut Ozil when he took the TubeCredit: Instagram
      Roberto Mancini
      When our SunSport reporter Gary Stonehouse spotted Italy boss Roberto Mancini on the Tube, he couldn’t wait to get a snap.
      We spied the Italian don heading to Wembley for his former club Man City’s semi-final clash with Arsenal.
      Mancini posted for pictures with fans, telling one he wanted to be Arsenal manager next season. He also gave our Gary some great Tube banter.
      SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse poses with Roberto Mancini on the TubeCredit: Twitter More

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      Man City star James McAtee, 19 – related to England 1966 hero Alan Ball – was spotted by Guardiola BEFORE he became boss

      by

      PEP GUARDIOLA knows talent when he sees it.Before the Manchester City boss took over the Etihad, he secretly visited their youth academy and spied on a 13-year-old James McAtee.
      Pep Guardiola first spotted James McAtee’s talents when he was just 13Credit: Getty
      Wowed by what he saw, he immediately turned to his coaches with a question.
      “Who’s that?” the maestro manager enquired nodding towards the bright talent.
      Some six years later, Pep handed the midfielder his full debut.
      However, instead of wearing blue the teenaged, dubbed a David Silva clone by Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, could have been playing in red for crosstown rivals Manchester United.
      UNITED MISSED THE BOAT
      Before he hit his teens. McAtee trained with the Red Devils aged 11.
      Alongside older brother John, now a pro at Grimsby Town, he had someone to look up to as he learned his craft.
      But, when John was released by the club the family made the decision to also pull James out of their academy.
      City immediately pounced, sensing the prospect’s ability from an early age, as well as a sporting heritage that runs through his family.
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      His dad, also John, played rugby league for St Helen’s.
      While mum Gill’s uncle was England World Cup winner Alan Ball.
      Since his cross-city move, James McAtee hasn’t looked back as he’s climbed through the youth ranks.
      This season, he’s starred for the U23’s this season – scoring 12 goals in 13 games.
      That prompted Guardiola to hand him his first senior debut against Wycombe in the EFL Cup back in September.
      Then in November, he made an impressive cameo against Everton for his first Premier League appearance.
      World Cup winner Alan Ball (carried on the shoulders of Jackie Charlton) is a family relationCredit: AFP
      McAtee has been called ‘Salford Silva’ by his team mates at CityCredit: Rex
      Back in November, McAtee appeared for City against Everton in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      SALFORD SILVA
      Dubbed ‘Salford Silva’ by his team mates, McAtee boasts similar characteristics to the legend from Grand Canaria who played for the club for 10 years.
      Some of those skills, his close control, nimble feet, and constant probing of opposition defences were on display against the Toffees, which saw ex-Manchester United star Gary Neville wax lyrical about the boy wonder.
      “It’s not an academy, it’s a cloning system,” Neville said after seeing McAtee and Cole Palmer impress.
      “They’re like clones, they’re all the same.
      “It’s almost like David Silva’s left them all behind!”
      It’s a reason why Guardiola was so quick to find out who he was back in 2016.
      And something he also did with Phil Foden, who has become the beacon for youngsters to emulate at the Etihad.
      Gary Neville poses with a young McAtee before calling him a David Silva clone
      Phil Neville also saw a young McAtee impress at youth level
      BUT HIS FUTURE IS UP IN THE AIR…
      However, as his McAtee’s ambition – he won’t rest on making the odd FA Cup or League Cup appearance.
      Several clubs have reportedly declared their interest in taking the youngster on loan, including Premier League Southampton and promotion-chasing AFC Bournemouth.
      But, it is believed City are unsure about letting him go elsewhere. They share a theory that his development would be best served training with first team stars.
      Although, with his contract expiring in 2023, there is a fear that McAtee could leave the club for good.
      Astonishingly, Manchester United have been linked with taking him back.
      Could it be that McAtee ends up strutting his stuff at the Theatre of Dreams? Whatever the stage, he appears ready for a starring role.
      Ambitious McAtee could head out on loan in JanuaryCredit: Rex
      With his contract expiring in 2023, City will be desperate to tie up McAtee to a longterm dealCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Football’s biggest bromances, from Rice and Mount to Messi’s emotional note when Suarez left Barcelona

      by

      THESE are the ballers who became bezzies.While there are relationships in any team, from centre-back partnerships to strike duos, this lot took things much further.
      Childhood friends Mason Mount and Declan Rice have emerged as one of football’s biggest bromancesCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Here, SunSport rounds up football’s biggest mates.Messi & Suarez
      In the summer of 2020, Uruguay ace Luis Suarez said an emotional goodbye to his team-mates and cleared out his locker in the dressing room after six seasons at the Nou Camp.
      He was joined by an emotional Leo Messi, who slammed the club’s treatment of his pal in the past, to wish Suarez all the best at rivals Atletico Madrid.
      Messi even took time to share a snap of the pair together one final time in the dressing room, and you can bet there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
      He captioned the photo: “I was already getting the idea but today I entered the locker room and the card really fell.
      “How difficult it is going to be not to continue sharing the day to day with you, both on the pitch and outside. We will miss you so much. It was many years, many mates, lunches, dinners … Many things that will never be forgotten, every day together.
      “It will be strange to see you with another shirt and much more to face you. You deserved to be fired as what you are: one of the most important players in the club’s history, achieving important things both as a group and individually.
      Lionel Messi poses with Luis Suarez in the Nou Camp dressing room one final timeCredit: Instagram
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      “And not to get kicked out like they did. But the truth is that at this point nothing surprises me.
      “I wish you all the best in this new challenge. I love you very much, I love you very much. See you soon friend.”
      Later that summer Messi shocked the world by announcing he wanted to quit the club himself. Eventually he stayed, but left a year later anyway when Barcelona could not afford to pay his wages.
      Lingard & Rashford
      FROM quirky handshakes to holiday snaps, the two Manchester United stars regularly give the world an insight into their bond through social media.
      Jesse Lingard once said he saw Marcus Rashford, five years his junior, as a little brother in the United squad.
      Jesse Lingard sees Marcus Rashford as like his little brother and nicknamed him ‘beansprouts’Credit: Instagram @marcusrashford
      He has nicknamed him ‘beansprouts’ and says their friendship stemmed from defending him during a feisty Manchester derby in 2016.
      “He got into a little bit of beef and I had to be there for him, and from then it’s carried on and I’ll always be there for him no matter what,” Lingard said.Lovren & Salah
      FOR Dejan Lovren and Mohamed Salah, there was an instant connection.
      When Salah arrived at Liverpool in 2017, the two men discussed their tough upbringings and, from there, they were virtually inseparable.
      Lovren revealed: “From day one, we felt this connection.
      Dejan Lovren and Mohamed Salah had an instant connection at LiverpoolCredit: PA:Press Association
      “We have been talking a lot, we were talking about private things and we have a similar background, a tough life from the beginning.
      “And then with his normality, how he can talk to you and when you see how he thinks… we are good friends, coffee, jokes!”
      Lovren has since moved on to Zenit Saint Petersburg.Alli & Dier
      WHEN Dele Alli signed for Tottenham from Milton Keynes Dons in 2015, he quickly bonded with his fellow newbie.
      Eric Dier had signed from Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon and the two quickly formed a friendship that culminated in appearing alongside each other on the Gogglebox sofa.
      Dele Alli and Eric Dier became close mates at Tottenham and ended up on Gogglebox togetherCredit: Channel 4
      The Channel 4 programme gave fans an insight into their friendship as the pair bickered over a cuppa tea on telly.
      But they’re not afraid to talk about their bond either, with Dele once saying: “Love’s a strong word but we do really like each other.”Pogba & Lukaku
      IF it wasn’t for Agent Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku wouldn’t have ended up at Manchester United.
      In the summer of 2017, when the Belgian was choosing between a transfer to Chelsea and United, he was holidaying with Pogba in an LA mansion.
      There was little doubt where he would end up.
      Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku holidayed together in LA before the Belgian signed for Man United
      After that, the two superstars were virtually inseparable, hanging out, playing basketball and sharing private jets.
      The bromance was brought to an end in 2019 when Lukaku switched to Inter Milan, although he now finds himself back in the Prem with Chelsea.
      Aubameyang & Lacazette
      THEY were always Gunner be mates.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signed for Arsenal in January 2018 and immediately struck up a friendship with fellow striker Alexandre Lacazette.
      Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have formed a partnership both on and off the pitch at ArsenalCredit: Reuters
      Aubameyang remembers: “I came to Arsenal and there he was. It was good to see him. It was love at first sight!”
      Their bond off the pitch helped them on it, with the duo helping the club win the FA Cup in 2020.
      However, it appears the best buds could be destined to go their separate ways with Lacazette out of contract in the summer and Aubameyang out of favour with boss Mikel Arteta over disciplinary issues.
      Mount & Rice
      IT was in Chelsea’s academy, at the age of seven, that Mason Mount and Declan Rice began their friendship.
      Both families holidayed together and travelled Europe, watching the boys play for the Blues, and their bond endured Chelsea’s decision to release Rice at the age of 14 – which made Mount’s mum cry.
      Childhood mates Rice and Mount have gone on holiday together for many yearsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/masonmount10/?hl=en
      Now the two midfielders have been able to team up again while playing for their country after being selected by Gareth Southgate.
      And Mount provided the most hilarious video when he surprised a sleeping Rice while they were on holiday together.
      Kolasinac & Ozil
      IF any star has proved their bezzie loyalty it’s Sead Kolasinac to Mesut Ozil.
      In the face of knife-wielding moped thugs, Kolasinac leapt from Ozil’s car and defended his pal with whom he had formed a strong bond.
      Sead Kolasinac and Mesut Ozil became best buds at Arsenal while their wives have connected tooCredit: Instagram/ m10_officia
      Sead Kolasinac fought off moped muggers armed with a knifeCredit: Enterprise News and Pictures
      German Ozil vowed to take Kolasinac under his wing when he arrived at Arsenal in 2017, and since then the two men — and their wives — have become best friends.
      In the summer of 2019, both couples got married and attended each other’s wedding while the two men dyed their hair blonde after losing a bet.
      Fabregas & Suarez & Messi
      IT is the friendship group football fans would dream to be a part of.
      Messi, Suarez and Cesc Fabregas, who all met at Barcelona, have formed a small clique of some of the world’s greatest footballing talent.
      Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas, Luis Suarez and their wives have become close friends and regularly holiday togetherCredit: Instagram @antonelaroccuzzo
      With their respective partners ⁠— Antonella Roccuzzo, Sofia Balbi and Daniella Semaan ⁠— all friends as well, the group regularly holiday together in giant luxury villas and yachts.
      There was even a suggestion in 2017 that the group racked up a £32,630 bill during a dinner on the Spanish island of Ibiza.Firmino & Coutinho
      THEIR time together at Anfield was relatively short but extremely sweet.
      Fellow Brazilians Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho formed a formidable partnership in Jurgen Klopp’s fierce attack.
      Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino formed a close bond while at Liverpool togetherCredit: Instagram, @roberto_firmino
      So it came as a blow to Firmino when Coutinho made the £142million switch to Barcelona in January 2018.
      Firmino said: “He made his decision to join Barcelona, but every time we play for the Seleção we have a chat and maintain that friendship.
      “He’s an exceptional guy – one of the best friends football has given me.”
      With Coutinho having returned to the Premier League with Aston Villa, expect to see the pair sharing much more time together again.
      Nolan & Carroll
      WHEN Andy Carroll was bailed for an assault charge in 2010, he turned to his best mate Kevin Nolan.
      Having become close friends at Newcastle, Nolan allowed his pal to live with his family on two conditions — reading Peppa Pig to his kids and being in bed by 11pm!
      Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll are such good mates that Nolan let Carroll live with himCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      But it still came as some surprise when the former Liverpool striker named Nolan in his dream 5-a-side team alongside superstars such as Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez.
      Nolan responded by saying: “Well, me and Andy are mates so he’s looking after his mucker!”And when bromances go bad… Owen and Shearer
      A lethal strike partnership, the darlings of England’s first-team, whose relationship spiralled from good mates to a public spat.
      Michael Owen’s autobiography Reboot: My Life lifted the lid on a bitter feud that began during his time at Newcastle.
      The two English heavyweights went toe-to-toe on Twitter after Owen’s book claimed Alan Shearer had questioned his professionalism at St. James’ Park.
      Shearer took aim at Owen by highlighting his hefty wages at Newcastle before Owen shot back by questioning Shearer’s loyalty to Newcastle.
      Let’s hope the other bezzies in this list aren’t slinging mud at each other in ten years’ time.
      Alan Shearer and Michael Owen’s friendship has fallen apart and spiralled into a public spatCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Chelsea star Mason Mount scares life out of snoozing Declan Rice on Dubai holiday More

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      Steven Gerrard’s personal touch of signing ex-team mate Philippe Coutinho could reap benefits for Brazil and Aston Villa

      by

      THE personal touch – that’s why Philippe Coutinho has joined Aston Villa on loan.Even late last week some thought that this deal would not go ahead – that he would stay at Barcelona on his fat contract, or that if he came to England there were bigger clubs than Villa in the hunt to take him.
      Philippe Coutinho’s loan signing for Aston Villa could reap benefits for club and countryCredit: PA
      But the personal touch swung the day – in two ways.
      The first personal touch came from Brazil coach Tite, one of Countinho’s biggest admirers. Last November he called the player up to the squad for World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina. He did not play.
      There was next to no chance of him playing. That was not the point. Coutinho was at a low ebb at Barcelona. On form he had no real right to be in the squad. 
      But on ability he has every chance of making a contribution to the World Cup at the end of the year – if he can get his form and confidence together, and if he can get himself playing on a regular basis.
      And if this is not happening at Barcelona, then it should happen somewhere else. That call up from Tite was a nice example of the personal touch – it was a way of sending a message encouraging Coutinho to fix himself up with another club.
      But where?
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
      It was here that Villa were holding the best cards. There was the sale of Jack Grealish, who, so far at least, has not been adequately replaced by Emanuel Buendia.
      This is a team with an enticing Coutinho-shaped hole in it. He is almost guaranteed to get a regular game.
      And then, most important of all, there is the comforting presence of Steve Gerrard on the touchline. Coutinho and Gerrard were team-mates at Liverpool.
      The current Villa boss saw his new player at his best. Gerrard knows what Coutinho can do – and knows what Coutinho needs in order to produce it. And that boils down to lots of love.
      It is worth remembering that Coutinho arrived at Liverpool for a token fee because Inter Milan had effectively given up on him. The Italian club had a long term relationship with Coutinho, signing him from Vasco da Gama in Brazil a couple of years before they could take him across the Atlantic.
      INTER’S FRUSTRATIONS
      But after a few years in Milan, Inter reached the point of frustration with him when they decided to cut their losses.
      He had been trumpeted as the new Brazilian wonderkid – the Brazilian national team had a quick look at him as early as 2010, when he was just 18. But he had not delivered, and they let him go to Liverpool for a song.
      This was Inter’s loss and Liverpool’s opportunity. Because the evidence was there.  Coutinho had enjoyed one successful spell on loan – at Espanol, where the coach was Mauricio Pochettino.
      It is no surprise that Coutinho suddenly flourished. Pochettino was a brief Baloo to Coutinho’s Mogli. The coach gave the player the bare necessities of the introvert – endless love and understanding.
      Liverpool had watched and learned, put an extended arm round Coutinho’s shoulder and reaped the benefits. Gerrard was a senior pro at the time, and was part of the process.
      Now in his new function he has to do something similar – save Coutinho from a Barcelona move that was never likely to work, cure him of his trauma and create the environment where his player can produce his exciting best.
      If it all comes together as it did at Anfield then Villa will benefit, Brazil will benefit – and so will football fans all over the world.
      Steven Gerrard and Coutinho are reunited after starring at LiverpoolCredit: PA More

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      in Soccer

      Premier League stars who were Serie A flops, like Philippe Coutinho, Thierry Henry, and Dennis Bergkamp

      by

      SERIE A is still proving to be a difficult league for Premier League stars to prosper in.Sure, Romelu Lukaku, Ashley Young and Chris Smalling have cut it in Italy in recent years.
      Christian Eriksen is a shadow of the player he was at Spurs at InterCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      However, we’ve seen plenty who have flopped in Italy, despite being a consistent performer on our shores.
      Here’s seven that failed to make the grade.
      THIERRY HENRY
      Arsenal’s all-time leading scorer, Henry enjoyed his best years playing in North London.
      But before he graced the Premier League with such finesse and skill, the French World Cup winner had trouble finding his feet at Juventus.
      With much expected from him after a £10.5million move from Monaco, where he shone, Henry scored just three times in 19 games.
      He played at wing-back, wide midfield, but was never utilised right until Arsene Wenger turned him into one of the greatest forwards of his generation.
      Thierry Henry struggled to make his name at JuventusCredit: AP:Associated Press
      DENNIS BERGKAMP
      Another Gunners hero, the non-flying Dutchman was recognised as one of Europe’s best players in the early 90s at Ajax.
      So it was no surprise he moved to Inter Milan and Serie A, which was then seen as the greatest league in the world for £7.1million from Ajax in 1993.
      However, the move was a disaster for Bergkamp, who was played out of position.
      Instead of the deeper role that he became known for, he was a target man and expected to be a goalscorer.
      One media publication, who had a regular feature called ‘Donkey of the Week’ that shone the spotlight on the worst Serie A performer, even changed the name of that award to ‘Bergkamp of the Week’.
      Some 74 games and 22 goals later he was off to Arsenal for £7.5million in 1995.
      Dennis Bergkamp lost his mojo at Inter MilanCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      PHILIPPE COUTINHO
      At Liverpool Coutinho became one of the most feared midfielders in the country.
      His goals and vision often stole the show, earning him a £142million move to Barcelona.
      But, when Brendan Rodgers brought him to Anfield for the sum of just £8.5million, he wasn’t exactly highly thought of in Italy.
      He struggled to break into Inter’s team, and in 2012 was loaned to Espanyol, where he played under manager Mauricio Pochettino.
      By 2013, he was at Liverpool – and the rest is history.
      Philippe Coutinho was deemed surplus to requirements at InterCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      DES WALKER
      For Nottingham Forest, Sheffield Wednesday and England, Des Walker was a rock at the back.
      A solid reader of the game, he could head the ball, he was a clean tackler, quick, and a difficult customer to come up against.
      In Serie A, however, where defence is king – Walker’s attributes suddenly got lost.
      It might’ve been because the £1.5million Sampdoria signing was played at full back by manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.
      After one season and thirty games, Walker returned to England in 1993.
      Des Walker’s days at Sampdoria were a disaster, despite him getting his hands on a trophyCredit: Popperfoto – Getty
      JOE HART
      Now rebuilding his career in Scotland with Celtic, it all went wrong for Hart when Pep Guardiola became Manchester City manager.
      Frozen out by the Spanish boss, who wanted a goalie who was better with his feet, the England stopper was loaned out to Torino.
      First, Hart had the indignity of having his name spelled wrong on the team-sheet.
      Then, he conceded one of the most comical goals ever after a team-mate’s pass landed in a puddle leading to an Empoli goal.
      It’s easy to forget that Hart has 75 England caps, is still only 34, and before he was discarded by City was recognised as one of Europe’s finest young goalkeepers.
      Joe Hart’s loan spell at Torino was filled with calamitiesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      AARON RAMSEY
      The Welsh midfielder, on a whopping £400,000-per-week, has flopped at Juventus since arriving in 2019
      Injuries and loss of form have seen Ramsey score just six times for the Turin club in three seasons.
      A far cry from his days at Arsenal, where he was renowned for his swashbuckling runs into the box.
      He managed 64 strikes for the Gunners during his career, and has been touted for a return to the Premier League.
      Aaron Ramsey has failed to justify his £400,000-per-week wages at JuventusCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      IAN RUSH
      Liverpool’s all-time top goalscorer with an incredible 346 goals in two spells with the club, Rush played for Juventus in between.
      But the 1987-88 season was awful for the Welsh striker, who struggled to unlock tight Italian defences.
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      Normally used to scoring 30-plus goals a season, Rush managed just seven league goals in 29 games.
      Although he was “homesick at times,” Rush claims moving to Italy was one of the best things he ever did.
      After his spell abroad, Rush never did hit the 30-goal landmark in a season again.
      In his one season in Italy Ian Rush managed just seven Serie A goals for JuventusCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      Meet new Man Utd CEO Richard Arnold, who was university pals with Ed Woodward and once called squad ’25 George Clooneys’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have confirmed the departure of executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.Woodward will leave the hot seat on February 1 after 16 years at the club and is set to be replaced by Richard Arnold, who will take on the role of chief executive officer.
      Richard Arnold with Ed Woodward, who he is set to replace at Man UtdCredit: The Times
      The accountant, 50, will be the first CEO since David Gill stepped down from the role in 2013.
      Arnold told United’s website: “I am honoured to have the chance to serve this great club and its fans. I am determined to return that honour in any way I can.”
      Arnold will move from his role as managing director to a more senior position, but who is he?
      University pals
      Bizarrely, before they both worked for the Red Devils, Arnold and Woodward met at Bristol University.
      Arnold graduated with a degree in biology in 1993. Then, in 1996 he got a qualification in Chartered Accountancy, which later helped him score his first job at United.
      Prior to his arrival at Old Trafford, Arnold worked for technology company Global Crossing Europe Ltd and international sales company InterVoice, where he worked as deputy managing editor.
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      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
      Ahead of the 2007-08 season, Richard was appointed as the club’s commercial director.
      It was dream job and one that he rose to the challenge of – taking on the responsibility for the management and growth of the club’s sponsorship business, retail, merchandising, apparel and product licensing business, and digital media business
      Arnold was instrumental in the signing of a number of lucrative sponsorship contracts, including a world record seven year £450million kit sponsor deal with Chevrolet in 2014, and a £750million sports equipment deal with Adidas over 10 years in 2015, the most valuable in sporting history at the time.
      That prompted the-then commercial director to say Manchester United boasted “25 George Clooneys” in their squad, because of their marketing appeal.
      He backed Solskjaer
      Like Woodward was, Arnold was always a firm believer in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign.
      In March last year, despite not winning any trophies for the club, he claimed the now ousted Norwegian had brought “phenomenal success” to the Premier League giants.
      “Ole is the ultimate exemplar of someone in United who has tremendous character, incredibly well connected with the culture & history of the club,” Arnold said.
      “No one in the world is happier than me with the phenomenal success he’s bringing.”
      But when Solskjaer was sacked, he opened up about his final days at the club.
      “Out of respect for Ole, we did not approach other managers before he left,” he said.
      Woodward and Arnold were university pals before working for UnitedCredit: PA
      Arnold will now be pulling the strings in the transfer market after securing impressive commercial deals for the clubCredit: PA
      The club then bided their time before appointing German tactician Ralf Rangnick as temporary boss.
      He added: “Our plan then was to appoint an experienced interim manager and Ralf was our clear first choice.”
      Arnold will now be tasked with backing Rangnick with star signings.
      United fans will hope he is as successful in the transfer market as he was in marketing the club to investors. More

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      in Soccer

      ‘I begged mum to change my name to Ronaldo’ – Meet Chelsea talent Harvey Vale, 18, who starred for Blues in Carabao Cup

      by

      HARVEY VALE has crept into Thomas Tuchel’s thoughts during the club’s Carabao Cup run.The 18-year-old Chelsea wonderkid made his second appearance for the Blues in the 2-0 win against Spurs, just weeks after making his debut in the quarter-final against Brentford.
      Chelsea wonderkid Harvey Vale wanted to change his name to Cristiano Ronaldo as a kidCredit: Getty
      Vale played his second game for the Blues against Spurs in the League CupCredit: Getty
      But, if he had it own way, instead of having ‘Vale’ on the back of his shirt he would have preferred ‘Ronaldo’.
      The teenager begged his mum to change his name to copy the Man Utd legend when he was a kid.
      Vale has made his own name recognisable, though, with the Blues academy team – starring for the U18’s and U23’s.
      Ronaldo obsession
      Like many boys his age, attacking midfielder Harvey looked up to Cristiano Ronaldo.
      He so obsessed by the Portuguese superstar, he asked his mum if he could change his name to ex-Real Madrid forward.
      “In football, [my idol] was definitely Cristiano Ronaldo,” he told the Chelsea website.
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      “When I was younger, I begged my mum to let me change my name to Ronaldo, but looking back I’m glad she didn’t let me!”
      In stature, Vale is similar in height and physique to his hero.
      He joined Chelsea from Fulham – where he once played a game in goal – at the age of 13, and has risen through the youth ranks.
      This season, he has been a revelation for the U23’s – with Tuchel keeping close tabs on the talent.
      Because of his outstanding form and development this term, his coaches have raved about him.
      That’s led to the German tactician including the youngster in first team training sessions.
      Vale has been training with the Chelsea first teamCredit: Getty
      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has been impressed by what he’s seen of ValeCredit: Rex
      Born natural
      His flawless technique has already drawn plaudits from top performance coach Tom Joyce, who worked with Vale in 2021.
      “He’s a natural baller and makes it look easy,” Joyce revealed.
      “He’s dedicated and a really hard worker.
      “When I teach him something new, or get him to perform a drill, he won’t stop until he’s got it right. He’s determined, and I like that in an athlete. He’s got great passing accuracy and an unbelievable shot, too.
      “He’s a hard worker, so he just needs to stay consistent, put in the work behind the scenes and gain every advantage he can.
      “I believe Harvey will soon follow Tino in making regular Premier League appearances, as he (Livramento) has shown he is capable of making the transition from the U23s. It has been exceptional.”
      Vale is a natural baller, according to a former coachCredit: Rex
      Contract expiring
      Vale has 18-months left on his contract, with Chelsea hopeful his future can be resolved.
      According to reports, the reason why a deal has stalled is because of the on-going Covid crisis rocking the football world.
      Talks have been going on for some time, though, with neither party in a rush to finalise proceedings and a resolution on the cards.
      However, the West London side will be wary after promising youngsters Marc Guehi and Tino Livramento departed from the Bridge.
      They certainly won’t want to lose Vale, another gem from their famed academy set-up.
      Vale flies into the tackle on his Chelsea debut against BrentfordCredit: Reuters
      With his contract expiring in 18 months, Chelsea will be hopeful he signs a new dealCredit: Getty More