Football features

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Foods banned by football managers from Antonio Conte axing ketchup to Monster Munch, mushrooms and ice in coke

      by

      GONE are the days when footballers would fuel their bodies gorging on fast food, crisps and fizzy drinks.Now, in the pursuit of athletic perfection, players’ diets are crucial.
      Antonio Conte has banned his stars from adding ketchup to their mealsCredit: Sky Sports
      What they eat is monitored carefully by their clubs, while some even have their own personal chefs.
      And even the managers themselves are taking drastic action – banning players from eating certain foods.
      Antonio Conte is the latest boss to play nutritionist by outlawing ketchup in the Tottenham canteen.
      But what other foods are a massive no-no, according to the gaffer?
      PIZZA
      Shoving a pizza in the oven for 12 minutes is one of the easiest meals you can make.
      But, if you were to offer a slice to Pep Guardiola he would probably throw it back at you quicker than Cesc Fabregas in an Old Trafford dressing room.
      The Man City boss reportedly warned his stars off the Italian delicacy because he felt a diet eating fatty foods wouldn’t help his side win the league in 2016.
      Interestingly enough Claudio Ranieri was the opposite dangling pizza as a carrot for his Leicester stars to keep a clean sheet.
      Pep Guardiola thinks fatty food like pizza should be forbidden amongst his playersCredit: Getty Images
      CHIPS
      Who doesn’t like a portion of chips loaded with salt, vinegar and covered in ketchup?
      Well, David Moyes doesn’t – and his aversion to the potato filler didn’t make him popular at Manchester United.
      Former Red Devils defender Patrice Evra revealed: “I remember one time when the left-back Alex Büttner had a massive plate of chips in the hotel before a game, which the manager objected to and banned.
      “Chips aren’t the best food for a professional athlete so I can understand that, and David had a point, but the story appeared in a newspaper two days later.
      “David was slaughtered in the media for making changes like that and he reacted by letting players eat chips again.”
      David Moyes was aghast when he saw a Man Utd player eating a plate of chipsCredit: Getty Images
      MARS BARS
      The old guard at Arsenal, used to boozy nights and scoffing chocolate on the team bus, were in uproar when their new manager enforced a strict diet.
      Arsene Wenger was, of course, a pioneer in encouraging players to eat the right foods and live a cleaner lifestyle.
      And before his first game in charge of the Gunners, he said ‘non’ to his players enjoying Mars bars.
      It nearly caused a mutiny in the squad, with some stars chanting “we want our Mars bars back” from the back of the coach.
      Arsene Wenger nearly caused a mutiny at Arsenal banning Mars barsCredit: Rex / Getty Images
      TOMATO KETCHUP
      Like Conte, fellow Italian Fabio Capello thinks food should be consumed without any condiments on the table.
      When he was England boss, tomato ketchup, brown sauce and butter were all taken away from the Three Lions.
      It reportedly left a sour taste among the playing staff and their relationship with the ex-AC Milan coach deteriorated.
      But he had a supporter in his methods in Emile Heskey.
      ‘I didn’t mind Capello’s style of management and a lot of the time it comes down to excuses,’ Heskey said.
      ‘That’s my view. If you take butter away from someone and they let it eat them up then that’s their problem. 
      ‘It’s true. That should not be a hindrance to going out there and performing. That’s your problem and it’s just excuses to moan about butter, ketchup or chips.
      Like Conte, Fabio Capello is against tomato ketchupCredit: Getty Images

      ICE WITH COKE
      Eccentric Paolo Di Canio was ALWAYS going to offer us something leftfield as a manager.
      He didn’t like mobile phones in the dressing room, or any of his players singing before a game.
      But he was particularly peeved by some having ice in their cokes.
      “They can cause chemical problems to the liver, to the stomach,” the West Ham legend once revealed.
      “If you have ice with coke you can have indigestion. I know players who’ve had ice with their coke the night before a game and then couldn’t play.”
      Bizarrely, the combination of ice and coke is too much for Di CanioCredit: Getty Images
      CRISPS
      In 2006, Paul Le Guen was hired by Scottish giants Rangers.
      The Frenchman was highly sought-after, fresh from winning three Ligue 1 titles in a row with Lyon.
      When he arrived in Glasgow, he drew up a list of rules which included no Monster Munch for his players.
      Captain Barry Ferguson was aghast, but he soon got his say when Le Guen left halfway through the season.
      He said: “No-one is going to tell me a packet of pickled onion now and again is going to take years off your career. It’s nonsense.”
      Ex-Rangers manager Paul Le Guen caused uproar when Monster Munch crisps were banned for his teamCredit: The Sun

      MUSHROOMS
      Rich in potassium, and a staple in a fry-up, you’d think shrooms would be allowed to be eaten by professional footballers. But think again.
      Legendary Italian manager Giovanni Trapattoni was dead against them, using a press conference to reveal he told his Republic of Ireland players to forget about eating them.
      “I saw the players eating mushrooms before a friendly, and I was stunned into silence for several seconds,” he said.
      “I then told them that mushrooms are banned on matchdays — both for breakfast and for dinner.”
      His reasons. “If they eat mushrooms, I think that maybe the next day they make the players go, ‘ooh-ah,'” Trap continued pointing to his stomach.
      Robbie Keane was later asked if mushrooms gave him an upset stomach.
      “Maybe magic mushrooms,” he replied.
      Giovanni Trapattoni didn’t like his Ireland players eating mushrooms in fear it would give them an upset stomachCredit: Getty Images
      Antonio Conte says he is looking for improvement at Tottenham More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Seven players Man Utd failed to sign, including Ronaldinho and Hazard, and who they bought instead like Bebe and Kagawa

      by

      THE lure of playing at the Theatre of Dreams wasn’t enough to convince these talents their future belonged at Old Trafford.Over the years, Manchester United have missed out on a number of transfer targets during the transfer window.
      England legend Alan Shearer was one of the many stars Man Utd failed to sign over the yearsCredit: Allsport
      It’s meant they have had to change plans and move for someone else.
      But who did the Red Devils fail to sign? And, more importantly, who did they buy instead?
      RONALDINHO/CRISTIANO RONALDO
      After the 2002 World Cup, Ronaldinho was one of the world’s hottest properties.
      Starring at PSG, where United had tracked him, the club were in talks with the great Brazilian.
      But in 2003, he snubbed Sir Alex Ferguson for Barcelona, where he would win the Ballon d’Or.
      Instead, the Premier League giants invested in youth – bringing in Cristiano Ronaldo that same summer. We all know how that turned out.
      Ronaldinho decided to join Barcelona instead of Man UtdCredit: Corbis – Getty
      The same year United bought a teenage Cristiano RonaldoCredit: PA:Press Association
      TOTALLY EPICWELCOME to the downtime goldmine

      We’ve got a free to enter competition with Pokerstars Casino that will see one lucky Sun reader win a cool £5,000.
      It’s time to win while you wait. Are you in?
      Click HERE to enter. Epic.
      T&Cs apply. 18+ Play responsibly. BeGambleAware.org

      GABRIEL BATISTUTA/RUUD VAN NISTELROOY
      In 2000, Argentina legend Batistuta talked up a move to Manchester United by declaring if he ever left Fiorentina, he would opt for United.
      However, when it was time to put his money where his mouth was he went to Roma instead.
      Fergie decided on Ruud Van Nistelrooy instead, but was forced to wait a season after he wrecked his knee before the transfer.
      The Dutch striker became a club legend, scoring 150 goals in 219 games.
      Gabriel Batistuta teased a move to Man Utd before opting for Roma insteadCredit: Allsport
      United waited a season before signing Ruud Van Nistelrooy, who became a legendCredit: PA:Press Association
      ALAN SHEARER/SHERINGHAM & SOLSKJAER
      Shearer to Man Utd was mooted for years, before he signed for Blackburn and became a Premier League star.
      At Euro 96, he solidified his reputation as one of the best forwards in the world, so naturally the best club in the land wanted him.
      However, the summer he won the Golden Boot at the championships he turned down United again for a move to boyhood club Newcastle.
      Fergie brought in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Teddy Sheringham for a fraction of the £15million outlay the Geordies paid for Shearer.
      The pair would combine in 1999 to win the Champions League with a goal apiece to famously defeat Bayern Munich in dramatic fashion.
      Alan Shearer snubbed United and signed for Newcastle instead in 1996Credit: Allsport
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, third from left, was one of Fergie’s signings that summerCredit: PA:Press Association
      Teddy Sheringham would later join the club before deadline dayCredit: Reuters
      RAUL/BEBE
      Perhaps past his best at 33, Real Madrid legend Raul was offered to United in a stunning deal.
      It was green lit until Fergie had a change of mind and decided to pull the plug on the transfer.
      The ex-Spain star went Schalke, where he scored 40 goals across two seasons.
      United signed Bebe for £7m instead. The Brazilian appeared seven times in three seasons, was clearly well out of his depth, and left the club for Benfica in 2014 at a loss.
      Sir Alex Ferguson pulled the plug on a deal for Spain legend Raul, who later joined SchalkeCredit: Reuters
      Brazilian Bebe was signed instead of Raul for £7m but became a massive flopCredit: Action Images
      EDEN HAZARD/SHINJI KAGAWA
      Come 2012, and it was Lille’s sensation Eden Hazard who was attracting bidders.
      United were priced out the market, with the Belgium playmaker signing for Chelsea in a massive £34m deal.
      Sir Alex, who had also failed to land Samir Nasri for the same reason, slammed agents demanding too much money.
      United spent £12m on Shinji Kagawa, who spent two unhappy years in Manchester before returning to Borussia Dortmund for a fee reported as low as £6m.
      Man Utd were priced out of a move for Eden HazardCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      In came Shinji Kagawa instead, who had two unhappy years at Old Trafford before leaving in 2014Credit: Getty – Contributor
      TONI KROOS/MAROUANE FELLAINI
      David Moyes thought he had landed a marquee signing in Toni Kroos in 2013.
      The German then decided against moving to the Premier League at the last minute and opted to stay with Bayern Munich.
      “Toni Kroos had agreed to come to Manchester United with me,” Moyes told talkSPORT in 2018.
      “I met him and his wife and we agreed it all when he was at Bayern Munich.”
      Unsuccessful attempts to bring Cesc Fabregas and Sami Khedira then followed.
      When it came to desperate stakes, Marouane Fellaini was signed for £28m.
      Six years later, he ended up at Chinese club Shandong Luneng in a £6m deal, after flopping at Old Trafford and never really convincing the fans.
      Toni Kross turned United down at the last minute in 2013Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      David Moyes turned to Marouane Fellaini in a £28m dealCredit: Getty – Minimum Fee
      DAYOT UPAMECANO/REGAN POOLE
      French star Upamecano is one of the world’s best modern day defenders, and is starring for Bayern Munich.
      But United had the opportunity to bring the centre back to our shores in 2015, when he was just 16.
      A bid of £1.6m to club Valenciennes was accepted but negotiations broke down between United and the player’s agent.
      “An intermediary met with us, but there was a difference between the project she presented us and what was actually going to happen,” his ex-advisor Thierry Martinez said.
      “A flat was promised, but that changed to a host family with only six return trips for his parents. When you uproot a player at such a young age, that isn’t enough. I wanted Dayot to have a stable emotional balance off the pitch.”
      United landed 17-year-old Newport County prospect Regan Poole after pulling out of a deal.
      One Europa League appearance later, he was shipped to Lincoln City, where he plays today.
      Dayot Upamecano has blossomed into one of the best defenders in world footballCredit: Getty – Contributor
      After United failed to land Upamecano at 17, they signed Newport County youngster Reegan Poole who made just one appearance for the clubCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Neil Custis says that Manchester United should look to appoint Brendan Rodgers as manager More

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Six amazing moves that never happened because of Wags, after Thomas Muller’s transfer to Man Utd was blocked by wife

      by

      FOOTBALLERS are constantly on the move, having to upheave their families.Some will even go abroad and have to settle on foreign shores unknown to them.
      Jack Rodwell revealed his move to Western Sydney Wanderers was inspired by his wife, but some Wags have scupper their partners’ transfersCredit: Getty
      Jack Rodwell has just signed for Western Sydney Wanderers, a move that he admits was inspired by his Aussie wife.
      But what about Wags who have scuppered their partners’ transfers?
      Here’s six who were told to stay put by their other halves.
      THOMAS MULLER TO MAN UTD
      Ex-Man Utd boss Louis Van Gaal revealed how Thomas Muller’s wife Lisa got in the way of a proposed £84million move to Old Trafford back in 2015.
      The anecdote, that German outlet Bild learned from a new book called Bayern Insider, even explains that a £16million-per-year pay packet wasn’t enough to sway the professional equestrian’s decision.
      “In 2015 it would have been possible if his wife had been a little more open to a transfer abroad,” Van Gaal said.
      “At least that was the reason Thomas gave my assistant Marcel Bout, who had had all the conversations with him, why the transfer had been rejected.”
      Lisa Muller blocked Thomas’ move to Man Utd because she didn’t want to go abroadCredit: Instagram @lisa.mueller.official
      MAURO ICARDI TO NEWCASTLE
      In the Icardi household you get the feeling it’s his wife Wanda who wears the trousers, except when she’s sharing racy content on Instagram.
      Famously, anyone who wants to deal with the PSG forward has to go through the Argentinian beauty, who is his agent.
      Newly moneyed Newcastle thought they’d chance their arm with an offer for the out-of-favour forward recently.
      Wanda was reportedly having none of it. “Leaving Paris is not in Mauro and Wanda’s plans, it’s the last thing they want,” a source told Gazzetta dello Sport.
      “I don’t see Mauro joining another club soon.” Certainly not for Tyneside, anyway.
      Wanda Icardi doesn’t want to swap Paris for TynesideCredit: Social Media – Refer to Source
      OLIVIER GIROUD TO EVERTON
      The summer of 2017 gave Olivier Giroud and his wife Jennifer something to think about.
      With an offer on the table from Everton, where he would get more game-time after losing his first team spot at Arsenal, his future was in the balance.
      But then-manager Sam Allardyce revealed his French fancy wasn’t interested in shifting her possessions to Liverpool.
      “He [Giroud] doesn’t want to move north of London, I don’t think. Or his wife doesn’t. It is very important to the wives you know,” said Allardyce.
      “Normally they are the bosses, I say that with experience.”
      Arsene Wenger later stuck up for Giroud and denied this to be the case.
      Jessica Giroud said ‘Non’ to a move to EvertonCredit: Getty – Contributor
      LEWANDOWSKI TO PSG
      Before the French club added Neymar and Kylian Mbappe to their side, it was Robert Lewandowski who was reportedly a primary target in 2017 to lead their line.
      But, speculation surfaced that stunning nutritionist Anna didn’t want to go to Paris and he stayed with Bayern Munich.
      The Polish striker quashed the rumours, but did admit contact with a Ligue 1 team.
      “Yes, I have already had the opportunity to sign with clubs in France in the past,” Lewandowski told Telefoot.
      “My wife does not want to go to Paris? No, I’ve never heard anything so stupid. That has nothing to do with this, sometimes there are many parameters.”
      Robert Lewandowski shot down rumours wife Anna was against a move to PSGCredit: Getty – Contributor
      SERGIO RAMOS TO MAN UTD
      The Spanish veteran appeared destined for the Theatre of Dreams last summer, before he eventually settled for PSG.
      A mega salary of around £15million-per-year for two years was, perhaps, a bigger catalyst.
      However, it also appeared Manchester didn’t appeal to gorgeous TV presenter Pilar Rubio.
      Instead, the French capital offered her and their four sons a better life.
      Sergio Ramos was convinced by Wag Pilar Rubio that Paris was better for their familyCredit: Getty – Contributor
      ZIDANE TO MAN UTD
      Even managers have to listen to their wives.
      Zinedine Zidane has been linked with a move to Manchester United to replace beleaguered boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the Old Trafford hotseat.

      Although, that might not appeal to his dancer missus Veronique, who could stand in the way of any move.
      According to the Daily Record, Zizou is interested in the job. But there’s one stumbling block in the way.
      The report insists his Veronique isn’t keen on living in Manchester, and would prefer her husband to take a longer break. Code for: ‘We’re not going there!’
      Replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Man Utd might not happen for Zinedine Zidane, if wife Veronique has anything to do with itCredit: EPA
      Man Utd ‘working to persuade Zinedine Zidane to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’ with Brendan Rodgers also in contention More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Meet Faiq Bolkiah, the richest footballer in world, whose uncle is Sultan of Brunei, and is heir to £13bn fortune

      by

      MEET the world’s richest footballer Faiq Bolkiah, the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei.Faiq Bolkiah, 23, now plays in Portugal for Maritimo, following an unsuccessful spell on our shores with Leicester City.
      Faiq Bolkiah is the richest young footballer in the world and was formerly of Leicester CityCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Faiq Bolkiah is the nephew of the Sultan of BruneiCredit: Instagram @fjbolkiah
      The dynamic winger is one of the heirs to Hassanal Bolkiah’s £13billion fortune.
      That dwarfs the worth of the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi – making Bolkiah the wealthiest living footballer.
      His dad is Jefri Bolkiah, a brother of the oil tycoon, so that makes Faiq a member of their royal family.
      But that hasn’t stopped Faiq from shunning his family’s billions to pursue a career in football.
      Let SunSport introduce you to the man who really doesn’t need to work for a living.
      Competition was fierce for him in his youth days…
      After playing youth football for AFC Newbury, Faiq signed a one-year deal with Southampton’s famed youth academy in 2009.
      He didn’t quite turn enough heads to secure a full-time contract and went on trial at Arsenal in 2013, playing for the Gunners in the 2013 Lion City Cup.
      Faiq Bolkiah could have lived in a palace like the Sultan of BruneiCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Faiq Bolkiah was once on Chelsea’s booksCredit: Chelsea FC
      Faiq Bolkiah playing for Leicester City’s reservesCredit: Getty – Contributor
      A Rolls Royce like this could have been a chariot for Faiq BolkiahCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Faiq got himself on the scoresheet in that tournament against a Singapore youth selection.
      Alerted to his availability, Chelsea then swooped and offered him a two-year deal in 2014. But he left Stamford Bridge in December, 2015 to sign for Leicester in a three-year deal.
      He captains his international side…
      Despite not playing a professional game in England yet, Faiq has pulled on the international shirt of Brunei six times, finding the net once.
      Faiq Bolkiah has captain the Brunei international football teamCredit: Getty – Contributor
      He even captained the side in the 2017 Aceh World Solidarity Tsunami Cup.
      Incidentally, he was born in Los Angeles, so he could’ve represented the United States. But he was loyal to his family and stayed close to his roots.
      Faiq Bolkiah was loyal to his family and turned down a chance to play for the USCredit: AFP – Getty
      Faiq’s dad is quite the character…
      He may have an innocent demeanour, but his father Jefri Bolkiah was known as the playboy of the Brunei royal family.
      Jefri reportedly lived quite the life of excess, reportedly blowing around £10billion in 15-years as head of the Brunei Investment agency.
      At one point, he was said to be spending £35m a month on cars, watches, erotic white gold pens and up to a £1m a hit on karaoke parties with a swarm of beautiful women.
      Jefri Bolkiah celebrates his birthday with his sonCredit: Instagram @fjbolkiah
      Jefri Bolkiah was the playboy of the Brunei royal familyCredit: Rex Features
      Faiq Bolkiah might have had an easier life and lived like a prince if he wasn’t a footballerCredit: 1998 Julian Parker
      Faiq Bolkiah’s cousins enjoy a lavish lifestyle in their own countryCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Jefri was also believed to have owned 2,300 cars at the height of his wealth, including a fleet of Bentleys, Ferraris and Rolls-Royces.
      However, his pride and joy is a yacht inappropriately called ‘Tits’ which had tenders called ‘Nipple 1’ and ‘Nipple 2’.
      Faiq Bolkiah stands to inherit a boat called TitsCredit: Big Pictures
      The Tits has tenders called Nipple 1 and Nipple 2Credit: Big Pictures
      Jefri wasn’t afraid to embrace erotica either, once commissioning artist J. Seward Johnson to create a £500,000 sexually-explicit statue of himself and his ex-fiancee.
      Amusingly, he once splashed around £5million on a rug that was woven with gold thread and jewels.
      A £5m rug bought by Jefri BolkiahCredit: PA:Press Association
      A set of erotic pens in white gold owned by Jefri BolkiahCredit: PA:Press Association
      An erotic watch owned by Jefri Bolkiah made of white gold and platinumCredit: PA:Press Association
      Michael Jackson was on speed dial when he needed him…
      Being a rich kid has its perks, especially if you’re Faiq.
      When dad Jefri wanted to celebrate his milestone 50th birthday, he also wanted to impress his then 7-year-old son.
      Michael Jackson performed a private concert for Faiq BolkiahCredit: Getty – Contributor
      So what did he do? He only flew in the ‘King of Pop’ Michael Jackson to perform a private concert for him and his family.
      Jefri paid Jacko around £12.5 million for the privilege, which was chump change for the Brunei royal family.
      The privilege of having Michael Jackson perform privately cost Jefri Bolkiah £12.5mCredit: Reuters
      Faiq Bolkiah has shunned a throne like the Sultan of Brunei for a rainy night in LeicesterCredit: AFP – Getty
      Making sure Michael was suitably catered for, Jefri also built an entire stadium for the occasion.But Faiq is determined to shun his riches to make it as a professional footballer…
      “I’ve played football since as early as I can remember and from a young age I’ve always enjoyed going out on the field and having the ball at my feet,” he once said in a rare interview.

      Ex-Wolves boss Nuno Espirito was said to be interested in signing Faiq BolkiahCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “My parents have always been supportive in helping me to achieve my dreams of being a footballer.
      “They trained me hard both psychologically and physically through my childhood years, so I have to say they are my role models.”
      Faiq Bolkiah turned his back on a lavish lifestyle full of goldCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Sultan of Brunei has an estimated worth of £22bnCredit: Reuters
      Faiq Bolkiah insists his family have had a big influence on his careerCredit: AFP or licensors
      With determination like that, he could be a big hit in Portugal.
      However, not all is lost.
      After all, if it doesn’t work out for him, it’s not as if he’s got nothing to fall back on.
      Leicester winger Demarai Gray scores with ‘unsavable’ shot for England U21 vs Latvia U21 More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd’s Class of 92 kids, from Neville’s son at Inter Miami to Scholes’ netball-mad daughter and Beckham’s clan

      by

      MEET the kids of Manchester United’s Class of 92, who are branching out for themselves.The offspring of the likes of Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Phil Neville and more are making their own waves in life.
      The Class of 92 before they starred for Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      Diving into the worlds of modelling, music, football and even netball, these fearless children refuse to rest in the shadows of their famous fathers.
      Forget the Red Devils, here’s what their Little Devils are doing instead.
      PHIL NEVILLE
      HARVEY, 19
      Like his dad, Harvey plays full-back and can operate in midfield.
      He played his youth football with Manchester United, Manchester City and Valencia, before moving to Miami when his dad Phil scored the Inter Miami job.
      After impressing for parent club Fort Lauderdale, Harvey has been promoted to Inter’s first team for next season.
      The emphasis next season, after missing out on the playoffs, will be on youth.
      Harvey Neville in action for Fort LauderdaleCredit: Getty
      Dad Phil Neville has promoted son Harvey to the Inter Miami first team squadCredit: Getty
      DAVID BECKHAM
      CRUZ, 16
      The youngest boy of the Beckham clan, Cruz seems to have inherited mum Victoria’s genes for singing.
      Tipped to be the next Justin Bieber, his proud mother often shares clips of him performing on social media.
      Famously, he has already had one hit single – If Every Day Was Christmas, which peaked at No7 in 2016.
      Recently, he teased fans by releasing a clip recording in the studio.
      Cruz Beckham is a wannabe pop star tipped to be the next Justin BieberCredit: instagram.com/victoriabeckham
      Cruz recently teased fans by releasing a clip recording new music in a studioCredit: instagram
      ROMEO, 19
      Following Harvey into the Inter Miami first team could be David Beckham’s son, Romeo.
      He trained for a season at Arsenal’s academy, until he was released a season later.
      After momentarily quitting football for tennis, for which he trained with Andy Murray, Romeo returned to football in 2020.
      Currently, the forward is playing for Fort Lauderdale, who he has played six times for without scoring.
      Romeo Beckham is making his name for himself at Fort Lauderdale
      Andy Murray trained Romeo when he considered getting into tennisCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      BROOKLYN, 22
      The eldest of any child from the Class of 92, the weight of expectation on Brooklyn’s shoulders was massive being the first son of Becks.
      But, he shunned sport after initially dabbling with football and appeared on the front covers of fashion magazines, including L’Uomo Vogue and  T:The New York Times Style Magazine.
      However, its in fashion photography Brooklyn has grown – shooting campaigns for Burberry and releasing his first book, What I See.
      In 2020, he also announced his engagement to Hollywood actress Nicola Peltz. While most recently, he signed a reported £1million deal to become the face of Superdry.
      Brooklyn Beckham is making waves in the fashion worldCredit: Getty
      As a photographer, Brooklyn has been asked to do campaigns for Burberry and shot his own bookCredit: Instagram
      Brooklyn got engaged to American actress Nicola PeltzCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      ROBBIE SAVAGE
      CHARLIE, 18
      Although dad Robbie didn’t have much of a career at United, there is a genuine feeling Charlie Savage might.
      Like his father, he’s a central midfield player – but that’s where the similarities end.
      Rather than being a ball-winner, he’s technically a better player.
      This season, Charlie has appeared seven times for the U23’s, and is a Wales U19 international.
      Charlie Savage is embarking on a football career and is on Man Utd’s booksCredit: Getty
      Dad Robbie Savage never played a first team game at Old Trafford
      PAUL SCHOLES
      ALICIA, 20
      The glam daughter of ex-Man Utd playmaker Scholes, Alicia has forged a career for herself in netball.
      She recently signed for London Pulse, after stepping down from Manchester Thunder.
      Alicia has also featured for England’s U21 team – sharing the same competitive sporting spirit as her dad.
      Last month, a video of Scholes biting on her toenails went viral and shocked fans.
      The daughter of Paul Scholes is a netball starCredit: taken from instagram/alicia scholes
      Alicia with her proud mum, Claire Froggatt and dad ScholesCredit: Instagram / @paulscholesaaa
      ARRON, 21
      Paul’s oldest child, Arron famously had a brush with the law in 2019.
      He was found guilty of punching a former school pal outside a pub in Oldham.
      However, he was spared time in jail and forced to pay a fine of £150 to the injured party.
      Arron is a footballer too, and plays for ninth-tier Chadderton FC in the North West Counties League.
      Arron, far right, had a brush with the law in 2019Credit: Getty

      RYAN GIGGS
      ZACH, 15
      The youngest on our list, and perhaps with the toughest boots to fill, is aspiring footballer Zach, who is on Manchester United’s books.
      His dad Ryan played 963 times for the club – winning 13 Premier League titles, as well as the Champions League twice.
      Back in October, Zach made his bow for the U18’s in a Premier League Cup game against Wolves.
      However, he’s not a flying winger like his old man. This Giggs is a natural centre back and can play either full-back positions.
      Zach Giggs in action for Wales U16’sCredit: Sportsfile
      Zach, who is on Man Utd’s books, has a long way to go before emulating his famous father’s careerCredit: Reuters
      LIBERTY, 18
      Ryan’s glam daughter, 18, was born from his marriage to Stacey Cooke, who now dates The Wanted’s Max George.
      She is a typical teenager, who loves bowling with pals and fancy holidays in Ibiza.
      Giggs is very protective of his daughter, and once revealed he feared she had got a last-minute ticket to the Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena in 2017, where 22 people were killed after a terrorist attack.
      Fashionable Libby shares her lifestyle on Instagram, where she has almost 5,000 followers.
      Liberty Giggs shares her glam lifestyle on Instagram to her thousands of followers
      Victoria Beckham shouts at David as he cuts off their son Cruz ‘singing like an angel’ More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m A Celebrity star David Ginola dazzled on the football pitch, but died for eight minutes after a severe heart attack

      by

      FRENCH fancy David Ginola will be the football fans’ favourite in I’m A Celebrity this year.The ex-Spurs star, 54, will be braving the elements and creepy-crawlies at Gwrych Castle, North Wales, in the new series that kicks off on November 21.
      Former footballer David Ginola is ready to appear on this year’s I’m A CelebrityCredit: PA
      In the 1990s, Ginola was one of the heartthrobs of the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But that shouldn’t be too difficult for the former Premier League star, who was used to evading the English game’s hatchet men.
      Ginola starred at Newcastle, Spurs, Villa and Everton on our shores, once scooping both the PFA and Football Writers’ awards for player of the season.
      In the 1990s, he was recognised as one of the pin-ups of the game – scoring off the pitch with L’Oreal, for who he proudly became an ambassador after reportedly replacing Hollywood actress Jennifer Aniston in the role.
      However, in 2016 Ginola’s life was threatened by a heart attack that left him dead for eight minutes.
      He was revived by a defibrillator and rushed to hospital for a quadruple bypass operation.
      That same year, he would find love with model Maëva Denat – who is 22 years his junior.
      In 2018, at the age of 51, Ginola became a father again to their daughter.
      BLESSED BALLER
      Skilful, but often misunderstood, Ginola was your classic maverick footballer.
      He was called the best in the world by Dutch legend Johan Cruyff, another master on the pitch.
      The elegant winger began a career in England with Newcastle, who paid PSG £2.5million for his services in 1995.
      Ginola first starred at Newcastle UnitedCredit: Action Images
      French winger Ginola’s best years were with SpursCredit: Reuters
      In his later years, Ginola was once called fat by a former managerCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He was an integral part of Kevin Keegan’s ‘Entertainers’ who finished second in the Premier League in the 1995-96 season, their strongest league finish in decades.
      But it was at Tottenham where he showed his real brilliance, winning both the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year awards in 1999.
      It was at Spurs he won his only piece of English silverware – a League Cup medal.
      His time with Aston Villa wasn’t so well regarded, with boss John Gregory calling him too fat to play.
      Famously, he proved his manager wrong – whipping his top off and flashing his abs after scoring his first goal for the club.
      Ginola retired from football in 2002, following a spell at Everton, aged 35.
      HAIR MODEL
      As footballers became celebrities thanks to the growth of the Premier League and its foreign imports, handsome players like Ginola reaped the benefits.
      In the mid 90s, he was often seen at glam parties mingling with supermodels, including Kate Moss at the Cannes Film Festival.
      The poster boy of the beautiful game even appeared on the catwalk as a model for Nino Cerruti’s spring/summer collection in 1996.
      During his heyday, Ginola was invited to the best parties and mixed with models like Kate MossCredit: Reuters
      In 1997, Ginola became the face – and hair – of L’OrealCredit: The Advertising Archives
      But it was his turn as an ambassador for hair giants L’Oreal in a 1997 TV ad that had his female following fawning adoration.
      He was the first man to be hired by the French company in the role.
      And he replaced Friends star Jennifer Aniston as face of the brand – spilling the great line, “L’Oreal, because I’m worth it”.
      CHEATING DEATH
      Ginola’s love of red wine, cheese and red meat has led his partner Maëva to say he eats ‘like a Viking’.
      It was a diet that nearly cost the bon vivant his life in 2016.
      During a charity match in Mandelieu-La Napoule, southern France, Ginola collapsed as he was running, falling face first into the turf.
      Motionless, he was attended to by paramedics who discovered that he had swallowed his tongue and suffered a cardiac arrest.
      “My heart stopped for eight minutes at least”, he told The Sun exclusively back in 2017.
      “There was no pulse. I was dead. Then the air ambulance arrived and they hooked me up to a defibrillator.”
      Ginola has a love of wine and had a poor diet before his heart attackCredit: PA:Press Association
      In 2017, Ginola suffered a serious heart attack and was dead for eight minutes before a defibrillator restarted his pulseCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Ironically, Ginola was a guest for the Newcastle vs Spurs game earlier this season, where a fan suffered a heart attackCredit: AFP
      After four electric shocks, Ginola’s pulse began again.
      He was rushed to hospital, where doctors performed a six-hour quadruple bypass operation that saved his life.
      Most recently, David was a guest in the studio for Sky Sports’ coverage of Newcastle’s game against Spurs at St James’ Park, when the match was stopped after a fan suffered a heart attack.
      Notably moved by the situation, Ginola admitted it brought back “weird memories” for him as the situation unfolded.
      However, he delivered an honest and frank discussion about his own experience, while urging the public to learn CPR.
      IN LOVE AGAIN
      Ginola, who also appears on TalkSPORT, reportedly left his wife Coraline of 25 years for his current partner, the stunning model Maëva.
      Before it was announced they were split, he was seen walking with his arm around the French beauty, who is 22 years his junior, in Paris.
      In 2018, they welcomed a baby into their world, and David has played the role of doting dad, often seen carrying his daughter in his arms around London.
      Ginola also has two children from his previous marriage, son Andrea and daughter Carla, who is a model back in France.
      Although Maëva has concerns about his well-being, with a defibrillator on set should the worst happen, she is convinced Ginola will be fearless when it comes to the horrendous tasks that await.
      “There is almost nothing that scares David, not even death,” she told The Sun.
      Ginola has found love again with French model MaëvaCredit: Alamy
      Stunning Maëva is 22 years younger than Ginola
      When it comes to I’m A Celeb, Ginola will be fearlessCredit: Handout
      “He is a force of nature and will go outside bare-chested when it is snowing.
      “He doesn’t feel the cold and he loves the wind and rain. He is incredibly strong and says I make him feel young again.
      “We love playing backgammon, but David always wins. You can’t play a game with him because he has to win and he always wins. 

      “He is not afraid of insects or bugs. I scream if I see a spider and he will jokingly scream at me and ask, ‘Why are you screaming like that?’ The only thing he is afraid of is sharks but he wants to dive with them to conquer his fear.”
      With the show set in Wales, not Australia, David might not encounter any sharks.
      But you can bet he will make for an entertaining, sophisticated, and debonair I’m A Celeb contender.
      Even if that means taking an age in the shower looking after that barnet.
      I’m A Celebrity 2021 FULL line up confirmed as David Ginola, Emmerdale’s Danny Miller and Frankie Bridge sign up More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Brit footballers who tried to crack Serie A include Beckham, Gascoigne, Souness, Smalling, Ramsey and now Abraham

      by

      TAMMY ABRAHAM is the latest British footballer to have a crack at Serie A.The forward completed a £34million switch to Roma from Chelsea in the summer, linking up with former Blues boss Jose Mourinho.
      Tammy Abraham has completed a £34m move to Roma from Chelsea
      The England international is believed to be on £80,000 a week for five years – the same as he was on at Chelsea.
      And it is understood Chelsea inserted a £68m buy-back clause into the deal – which can be triggered in two years’ time.
      Here SunSport examines the British players who have have walked the path before Abraham by trying to boss Serie A.
      FIKAYO TOMORI
      Tomori joined AC Milan on loan in January as he looked for more regular football having been frozen out by Chelsea.
      Milan made the deal permanent in June – paying the Blues £24m for the centre-back.
      The 23-year-old impressed in his first five months at the San Siro, where he made 22 appearances and even scored a goal.
      His early-season form in 2021-22 earned him a recall to the England senior squad, too.
      Fikayo Tomori has been with AC Milan since January and made the move permanent in June

      AARON RAMSEY
      Ramsey’s Italian job could be over.
      The former Arsenal midfielder, who joined Juventus in 2019, is being linked with a moved back to the Premier League – with the likes of  Newcastle, Wolves and Tottenham said to be in the hunt for the Wales star’s services.
      He hasn’t quite hit the heights in Serie A as he did with the Gunners on our shores, and he’s certainly not the first British footballer to try and crack Italian football.
      Aaron Ramsey has failed to light up Serie ACredit: Getty Images – Getty
      ASHLEY YOUNG
      In January 2020, Young left Manchester United for Inter Milan, in what seemed quite a strange move.
      In the twilight years of his career (he’s now 36) the winger turned full-back didn’t appear to have much left to offer.
      However, he enjoyed a renaissance in Milan under Antonio Conte – helping end the club’s long wait for the Serie A title.
      He moved back to Aston Villa in the summer of 2021.
      Ashley Young’s Inter Milan won the 20-21 Serie A titleCredit: Getty
      CHRIS SMALLING
      Smalling, 31, enjoyed a successful loan at Roma in the 2019-20 season, so the club decided they had to retain his services.
      They even paid Manchester United a whopping £14m to secure a deal for the centre-back.
      However, last season his fitness was called into question.
      He suffered with knee and thigh injuries and even had food poisoning, which saw him play just 21 games.
      And this season things are not much better, missing much of the season with a hamstring problem.
      Chris Smalling has had mixed fortunes at RomaCredit: EPA
      RAY WILKINS
      To consider Butch’s success, you need only look back to 2018.
      His premature death, at the age of 61, saw former clubs Chelsea and Man Utd go into mourning and pay tribute to their former midfielder – and AC Milan were no different.
      Team-mate Franco Baresi held up a Milan shirt with Wilkins’ name on the back and laid a wreath while the players wore black armbands at the San Siro.
      Wilkins spent three years in Milan and set a British record when he moved from Old Trafford in 1984 for £1.5m.
      Former Chelsea and Man United midfielder Ray Wilkins was a huge success at AC MilanCredit: Getty – Contributor
      “It was an immense time for me,” Wilkins recalled.
      “The game was played more like an international than a league game, like a game of chess where you had to pit your wits against the best.”
      Despite not winning a trophy in his three years at the club, Wilkins was one of the big success stories of British exports to Italy.
      Milan’s website remembers him as ‘a serious and meticulous professional’ known for his ‘exemplary correctness’ and ‘extraordinary tactical intelligence’.
      Franco Baresi paid tribute to Wilkins at the Milan derby after his death in AprilCredit: Getty – Contributor
      PAUL INCE
      The Guv’nor spent two years on the blue and black side of Milan.
      Like Wilkins, Ince is remembered as a success for his time at the San Siro after making a £7.5m move from United in 1995.
      But Ince’s start in Italy wasn’t quite so smooth as there were rumours of a return to the Premier League just five months after arriving.
      Ince, who lived by the picturesque Lake Como, later revealed that he may well have gone back to England had Roy Hodgson not taken charge.
      The England international brought energy to the Inter midfield alongside Nicola Berti as the two men dominated the centre of the park.
      Paul Ince had a difficult start at Inter but is still adored by fansCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Ince is remembered as a hero by the Inter fans, especially after helping the club reach the Uefa Cup final in 1996.
      Sadly for the England man, it ended with the all-too-familiar feeling of defeat in a penalty shoot-out.DAVID PLATT
      If it wasn’t for that stunning volley in extra time of England’s Italia 90 quarter-final, Platt may have never made the move.
      The following year he was signed by Bari from Aston Villa in a deal worth £5.5m and immediately immersed himself in the Italian culture.
      “I wanted to become an Italian, speak like an Italian, to live and eat like an Italian,” Platt once said.
      It took just a few months for him to be fluent in the language.
      Despite Bari being relegated, Platt was a success in the side and earned a move to Juventus.
      His stay in Turin wasn’t so fruitful and he ended up joining Sven Goran Eriksson at Sampdoria where he enjoyed his best period, with 17 goals in 55 appearances.
      Platt was so highly regarded, he ended up returning to be the club’s manager in 1998, but that didn’t work out quite so well.
      David Platt immersed himself in Italian culture after joining Bari in 1991Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Platt played for three Italian clubs and his biggest success came at SampdoriaCredit: Getty – Contributor
      PAUL GASCOIGNE
      Mainstream English interest in Serie A began with Gazza.
      His £5.5m move from Spurs to Lazio saw millions of English people follow the Italian game and led to coverage on Channel 4.
      Gazzetta Football Italia was born out of the England man’s move.
      Gascoigne is remembered fondly in Italy and his iconic celebration, with arms outstretched after scoring an 89th-minute equaliser against rivals Roma, will never be forgotten.
      But Gazza’s time in Serie A saw him struggle with injury problems.
      In three seasons at Lazio, he managed to play in only 47 games and score just six goals.
      Failing to learn the language saw Gazza struggle to settle and he ended up moving to Rangers in 1995.
      Recently, however, he kept a host of young Italian fans riveted by his antics in their version of I’m a Celebrity.
      Paul Gascoigne made Italian football popular among the English but his time in Serie A was plighted by injuriesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      DAVID BECKHAM
      Becks loved Milan so much he went there twice.
      Two years after leaving Real Madrid for LA Galaxy, the former England captain headed on loan to the San Siro and was a hit in the red and black of AC Milan.
      Beckham was back on the continent and competing at the top again but his sojourn was seen as a money-maker in Milan.
      Then vice-president Adriano Galliani said: “Football today is about full stadiums and sponsors, and superstars like Beckham fill them up. With him, Kaka and Ronaldinho, it will be a dream team.”
      It was a star-studded squad but they won nothing.
      Beckham scored twice in 18 appearances in his first season but played just 11 games the following campaign.
      David Beckham was on loan at AC Milan twiceCredit: Getty – Contributor
      ASHLEY COLE
      A contender for the Premier League’s greatest left-back, it didn’t quite work out for Cole in Rome.
      The former Arsenal and Chelsea man’s most memorable moment from two years at Roma was actually off the pitch.
      A team photo appeared to show Cole physically separate from his team-mates, with subsequent stories of how he was isolated.
      In an interview with Soccer AM, Cole explained the snap: “I’m on the end [of the line] and my friend next to me Urby Emanuelson was stood next to me – but he leaned forward.
      “I’m so hot and tired and stood there like this [Cole slumps]… I had friends there, I had great friends.”
      Cole’s contract at the Stadio Olimpico was terminated by mutual consent in 2016 after just 16 appearances for the club.
      Ashley Cole’s time at Roma is memorable for this incredible team photo
      Ashley Cole’s contract at Roma was terminated by mutual consent in 2016Credit: Reuters
      JOE HART
      It was meant to be his revival.
      After being dropped by new Man City boss Pep Guardiola, England’s former No1 headed to Torino on loan to revive his career.
      But the move didn’t go so well.
      In Hart’s first game he was blamed for Atalanta’s equaliser when his punch from a corner fell to an opponent who scored.
      And it all ended in acrimony when Torino’s president criticised the keeper for his performances and mentality.
      Urbano Cairo told Tuttosport: “There’s too much being said about Hart.
      “Since this has been happening, his performance levels have dropped. This is already the third time we concede a goal this way and that’s a bit too much.”
      Joe Hart tried to revive his career with a loan move to TorinoCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      GRAEME SOUNESS
      Rewind three decades and Graeme Souness’ move to Sampdoria saw the club rise to a greater status in Italy.
      The Scot marshalled the midfield and dominated each game in his two years at Samp in the mid-80s.
      Unlike many of the Brits abroad, Souness lifted the Coppa Italia in his first season at the club with a win over AC Milan after he’d scored in the first leg.
      Souness remembered Samp as a welcoming club.
      He told Football Italia: “We had a great President in Paolo Mantovani and he treated everyone like his own son. It’s a lovely club in beautiful city.
      “I was lucky enough to be there and I can honestly say it was one of the best times in my career.”
      Graeme Souness thrived in Italy and won the Coppa Italia in his first year at SampdoriaCredit: Getty – Contributor
      LEE SHARPE
      After struggling with injuries, Leeds boss David O’Leary loaned Sharpe out to Sampdoria.
      The former Man Utd midfielder was joining David Platt – the club’s boss – and looking to revive his career.
      But an issue with Platt’s coaching badges meant he was replaced by Luciano Spalletti, and Sharpe’s opportunities nose-dived.
      “I’d had a while out with a cruciate knee injury,” Sharpe said.
      “I wasn’t properly match-fit. So they put me on a training programme and in matches I was getting half an hour here and an hour there.
      “But after four or five weeks Platty ran into difficulty because he didn’t have his coaching badges and it all fell away really.”
      Lee Sharpe’s loan move from Leeds didn’t work out after a change of managementCredit: Reuters
      IAN RUSH
      Did he say it or didn’t he?
      The prolific Welsh striker’s two years at Juventus are remembered for a controversial quote that Rush denies ever saying.
      “I couldn’t settle in Italy, it was like living in a foreign country,” he was claimed to have said.
      Speaking to FourFourTwo in 2016, Rush said: “I didn’t actually say Italy was ‘like living in a foreign country’.
      Ian Rush’s time in Italy is remembered for a controversial quote he claims he never saidCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      “No one has ever seen a direct quote from me saying that. I’m blaming Kenny Dalglish.
      “When he re-signed me, a reporter asked me, ‘Why have you come back?’ Kenny quipped: ‘He said it was like playing in a foreign country.’ He’s got a lot to answer for!”
      Rush was welcomed to Turin by 5,000 adoring fans but went on to score just seven goals in 29 appearances.
      He remembered the Old Lady as ‘the right club at the wrong time’.
      Tammy Abraham talks about joining new club Roma in £34m transfer from Chelsea More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Weirdest football transfers from Carroll’s two-month Reading deal and Alves’ €1 salary… to Bendtner joining Juventus

      by

      NEVER underestimate the power football has to surprise.Over the years, SunSport has seen it’s fair share of weird transfers. Players swapping their glamour days for a runout at Barnet, for example, which you’ll see as you read on.
      Andy Carroll has signed for Reading in a surprising moveCredit: JASONPIX
      Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano shocked the world when they signed for West Ham in 2006Credit: PA:Press Association
      And then there are some who the so-called big clubs take a punt on – swooping on an unsuspecting ‘smaller club’ to make an odd signing.
      This week, Dani Alves has returned to Barcelona, at the age of 38, and will reportedly be paid just ONE EURO a month.
      While Andy Carroll has come out of the wilderness to sign for Reading on a two-month contract.
      Here are some of the weirdest transfers we’ve ever come across:
      NICKLAS BENDTNER
      On the final day of the transfer window in August 2012, Juventus were short of a centre forward.
      But even Arsenal fans, who had grown tired of Nicklas Bendtner’s off-the-field antics, were shocked the Italian giants went for their Danish striker.
      Especially since the previous season he had failed to pull up any trees at Sunderland.
      That didn’t deter Juve gambling on the forward, but injury problems restricted him to just 11 appearances – and he failed to score.
      Unsurprisingly, the Serie A side didn’t take up an option of buying him permanently.
      Arsenal fans were left stunned when Serie A giants Juventus took troubled striker Nicklas Bendtner off their handsCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Bendtner failed to score in 11 games for the club and a permanent move was quashedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      BOJAN KRKIC
      The former Barcelona man was the epitome of the question; can he do it on a rainy Tuesday night at Stoke?
      The simple answer was no, despite Bojan having the benefit of playing for the home side too.
      Mark Hughes concluded the surprise deal for the man labelled the next Messi in 2014 for just £1.8million.
      “Anyone who knows European football will be aware of him as a player and the fact that he sees his future at Stoke City is really exciting,” Hughes beamed at the time.
      16 goals in 85 games later he was flogged to MLS side Montreal Impact in 2019.
      Bojan Krcic swapped Barcelona for StokeCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      STEVEN CAULKER
      Although it was only a loan move, Jurgen Klopp bringing in Caulker from QPR in a January transfer window in 2016 was one no one saw coming.
      A centre back who came through the ranks at Tottenham, the one-time England cap managed to play four games for the reds.
      What was even more unbelievable was he was asked to play upfront.
      Sadly, his Liverpool was cut short before a deal could be thrashed out, when Caulker was admitted into rehab with addictions to alcohol and gambling threatening his career.
      Steven Caulker was asked to play upfront for LiverpoolCredit: Reuters
      TEVEZ AND MASCHERANO
      Probably one of the most audacious double-signings in Premier League history.
      No wonder then West Ham boss Alan Pardew had a smile like a Cheshire cat at their unveiling back in 2006.
      The Argentinian duo were plucked from Corinthians, and only stayed with the Hammers for a season with Tevez joining Manchester United and Mascherano signing for Liverpool.
      Tevez would write his name in the history books by scoring a goal that secured the club’s Premier League safety.
      Later, Pardew revealed he had only asked his chief executive to buy James Milner and then his Christmas came early.
      Carlos Tevez helped save West Ham from relegationCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      LUTHER BLISSETT
      Cruelly called Luther ‘Miss it’ by away fans, Blissett is a Watford legend and their all-time top goalscorer.
      After winning the First Division Golden Boot in 1983, AC Milan paid £1million to bring him to Italy.
      But Blissett struggled to settle in Italy, scoring just five times in 30 appearances in the club.
      His dietary requirements were also unfulfilled.
      “No matter how much money you have here, you can’t seem to get Rice Krispies,” he said.
      AC Milan gambled on Watford legend Luther Blissett, who failed to settle in ItalyCredit: AP:Associated Press
      EDGAR DAVIDS
      One of the finest midfielders of his generation, it was a shock to see Edgar Davids end up at Barnet.
      After all, this was a former Dutch international who had won the Champions League with Ajax, and played for AC Milan, Juventus, Inter Milan and Barcelona in a star-studded career.
      Still, in 2012 – still living in North London after a spell at Spurs and then Crystal Palace – he became player manager of League Two Barnet.
      However, he struggled to keep his discipline on the pitch – getting sent off three times in his first eight games of the 2013-14 season and picking up a booking in every one of those matches.
      His bizarre managerial career took a new turn when he decided to wear the No1 jersey normally worn by goalkeepers, insisting he was setting a trend for midfielders to don that number. He resigned in 2014.
      After starring at Ajax, Juventus, AC Milan and Tottenham, Edgar Davids opted to end his career at League Two BarnetCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      FERNANDO HIERRO, YOURI DJORKAEFF AND JAY JAY OKOCHA
      There was no doubt Sam Allardyce had big plans for Bolton Wanderers.
      Although they were in their twilight years, between 2002-2004 Real Madrid legend Fernando Hierro, France World Cup winner Youri Djorkaeff and the remarkably gifted Jay-Jay Okocha all played for the club at the same time.
      Okocha joined from PSG on a free transfer, and soon became a fans’ favourite.
      Djorkaeff scored an impressive 21 goals from 87 games from midfield, initially snubbing interest from Manchester United and Liverpool for three years with the Trotters.
      While Hierro finished his career playing for Wanderers aged 37.
      Youri Djorkaeff and Jay-Jay Okocha were part of a dream team of foreign signings at BoltonCredit: Reuters
      Real Madrid legend Fernardo Hierro enjoyed his final year as a pro with the TrottersCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      ROBERTO MANCINI
      Mancini enjoyed a stellar career at Sampdoria, where he helped the club win Serie A, four Coppa Italia titles, as well the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
      Three years followed at Lazio, but no one could’ve envisaged what was going to happen next.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
      There are some quality players up for grabs for nothing

      Mancini joined Peter Taylor’s Leicester City on loan – making his debut against Arsenal in 2001 at the grand old age of 36.
      However, he failed to complete 90 minutes in his five games for the club.
      His contract was torn up in February, when Mancini decided he wanted to manage Fiorentina.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Roberto Mancini joined Leicester City at 36 from Lazio, but failed to reach previous heightsCredit: PA:Press Association

      Top clubs could be BANNED from foreign transfers due to ESL with visas stopped More