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      Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner Georgina Rodriguez went from £250-a-week shop girl to Instagram star and top Wag at Man Utd

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      SHE’S one of the most famous Wags on the planet – but Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner Georgina Rodriguez hasn’t always lived a life of riches and luxury. The 27-year-old Spanish model lived in a cramped, shared house and worked as a £250-a-week shop girl before a chance encounter with football legend Ronaldo transformed her life.
      Georgina has gone from a £250-a-week shop girl to one of the world’s most famous WagsCredit: Instagram
      A chance encounter with football legend Ronaldo transformed Georgina’s lifeCredit: Instagram
      Now, she is set for our shores after the five-time Ballon d’Or winner agreed to rejoin Manchester United in a blockbuster move.
      In a candid interview with ITV in 2019, Ronaldo, now 36, described finding “true love” with Georgina after the pair met for the first time at a Gucci store, where she was a sales assistant.
      The Juventus star told Piers Morgan: “She helped me so much. Of course, I’m in love with her.”
      Ronaldo, thought to be worth around £300million, added that it would be his mum Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro’s dream to see him and Georgina walk down the aisle.
      “We’ll be [married] one day, for sure,” he said.
      “It’s my mum’s dream as well. So, one day. Why not? It’s great. She’s my friend. We have conversations. I open the heart for her and she opens the heart for me.”
      Ronaldo becomes emotional during his candid interview with Piers Morgan
      He described Georgina as his “true love”Credit: Refer to Caption
      The footballer also says he’ll marry Georgina one day ‘for sure’Credit: The Mega Agency
      Luxury holidays with four kids
      Today, Georgina has been raising Ronaldo’s four children –  their three-year-old daughter Alana Martina, surrogate twins Eva and Mateo, four, and 11-year-old Cristiano Jr – in Turin, Italy.
      She lives a life most of us can only dream of – holidaying in Ibiza and Iceland, wearing head-to-foot Chanel and Gucci, and enjoying her boyfriend’s mega yacht and fleet of luxury cars.
      She has also stood by Ronaldo after he was accused of raping a model in a Las Vegas hotel room – claims he has emphatically denied and which he will not face any criminal charges over.
      But while Georgina could soon become Mrs Ronaldo, the Wag’s life used to be very different…
      Georgina kisses Ronaldo after a Real Madrid victory – but her life used to be very differentCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Grafting for goals
      The beauty hails from a very humble background, growing up in the tiny village of Jaca, northern Spain, with her Argentine former footballer father, Jorge, and Spanish mother, Ana.
      As a child, she longed to be a ballet dancer. But because her parents couldn’t afford to send her to dance school, Georgina set her sights on a career in fashion retail instead.
      It was clear from a young age that she was ambitious and like Ronaldo – who grew up in a tin-roofed house in Madeira – she did everything in her power to chase her dreams.
      Georgina grew up in a tiny village, Jaca, in the Spanish mountainsCredit: Alamy
      She was desperate to get out of her small town and achieve her dreamsCredit: Instagram
      Living in a cramped house share
      As soon as she was old enough, Georgina moved to Huesca, a small town an hour away, where she got her first job as a waitress.
      However, she soon got bored of the town, and became fed up of living in a tiny home with several other young people.
      Tired of her impoverished lifestyle,  Georgina moved again – this time three hours away to the seaside town of San Sebastian, where she got a job in mid-range shop, Massimo Dutti.
      But despite earning more money, the draw of living the high life saw her make her next big move.
      “I wanted to work in luxury and I understood that for that I had to speak English,” Georgina told XLSemanal. 

      Georgina poses for a typical tourist snap near the London EyeCredit: Instagram
      Nanny in Bristol
      In 2012, aged just 17, Georgina flew to England and got a job as an au pair for a family in Bristol.
      Here, she focused on learning English, earning around £9.50 an hour.
      Once her language skills were up to scratch, she headed back to Spain to pursue her dreams of working in high-end retail in Madrid.
      Georgina lived in Bristol but visited Bath in her free timeCredit: Instagram
      “Love at first sight”
      Georgina finally got her dream job as a saleswoman at Gucci in 2016 – and it was while she was working here that she caught former Real Madrid star Ronaldo’s eye.
      Days later, the pair met again at another brand’s event, where they were able to “talk in a relaxed atmosphere”, outside of a work environment.
      “It was love at first sight for both,” Georgina previously told the Sun on Sunday.
      Georgina finally got her dream job in a designer store in Madrid in 2016Credit: Instagram
      It was “love at first sight” for the coupleCredit: AFP or licensors
      Hounded by fans
      The couple kept their relationship under wraps for the first few months, but once people found out they were dating, football fans started turning up at Georgina’s shop.
      Bosses feared the fans, who were trying to take pictures, would put off their rich clientele, and Georgina was dismissed from her dream job in December 2016 after just eight months.
      Ronaldo’s contacts got her another job in Prada in El Corte Ingles, the famous Spanish department store, where she earned about £1,000 a month plus commission.

      But once again, her relationship cost her a job. Customers kept coming into the shop in the hope of spotting Ronaldo – and begged Georgina for selfies.
      It wasn’t long before management and Georgina mutually agreed it was best if she left and stopped working for good.
      Speaking about her experience, she told Spanish outlet, XLSemanal: “I was hiding, but fans were looking for me at the store. They used to call up and ask about me, pretending to be clients.
      “There were always photographers waiting for me. The director told me to go down to the basement because he did not want to see me in the store. I started to be very uncomfortable and then I left.”
      Georgina’s high-profile relationship has cost her a number of jobsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Proud parents
      In November 2017, Georgina gave birth to their first daughter, Alana Martina – and revealed that the football star had spoiled her rotten.
      She told Hola!: “When we got home from hospital, he’d organised a surprise dinner, with all our nearest and dearest. I felt like the luckiest woman in the world.”
      Little Alana Martina joined Ronaldo’s adorable clan – with twins Eva and Mateo having been previously carried by a surrogate mother and Cristiano Jn being born to a mystery mother. 
      Today, Georgina is raising all the youngsters.
      Georgina gave birth to her and Ronaldo’s first daughter, Alana Martina, in 2017Credit: Social Media – Refer to Source
      Ronaldo posted this photo on Instagram, featuring Georgina and his four kidsCredit: Refer to Caption
      “I have always been mature and for me to have four children is not a burden,” she said.
      “I wear it very well and, in fact, I no longer imagine my life without my children. It has definitely brought us closer. We’re happier together than ever. The children are our joy.”
      Ronaldo has famously talked about wanting seven children.
      However, Georgina has different ideas. When previously asked where she saw herself in 10 years, she said: “I do not see myself with more children.”
      The couple are pictured with two of the childrenCredit: Instagram
      Georgina has given up her career to look after the kidsCredit: Instagram
      Georgina loves raising her family
      From selling Gucci to wearing it
      While Georgina used to sell designer clothes to the rich and famous, she’s now wearing them herself – from £1,400 Balmain jackets and £5,000 Chanel handbags to a priceless vintage fur coat.
      They were living in a gated mansion in Turin – similar to the £5 million mansion she and Ronaldo used to share in Madrid (but a far cry from the flat she once lived in with pals).
      Now, they will mostly likely be house-hunting in Cheshire’s Golden Triangle for an abode fit for a king and queen.
      Of course, Georgina is used to travelling in style too – jetting off in an £18 million private plane, sailing on a luxury yacht and driving sports cars like Ronaldo’s flashy Bugatti Veyron.
      Since she began dating Ronaldo, Georgina has become a star in her own right, gracing the cover of various fashion magazinez while amassing 27 million Instagram followers.
      Georgina is often pictured wearing the most expensive designer clothesCredit: Rex Features

      Credit: Refer to Caption

      The Ronaldo clan enjoy their luxury £5.5m Azimut Grande yacht bought in 2020
      A lavish wedding
      If Ronaldo does fulfil his dream to wed Georgina “one day”, it will likely be a very grand affair.
      Wedding expert and founder of Wedding Ideas Magazine Rachel Southwood told Sun Online: “She’ll probably wear a fit and flare dress that hugs her curves and kicks out at the bottom.
      “It will be slinky and sexy but demure all at the same time – probably in lace, but possibly with some extra bling.
      Georgina loves designer clothingCredit: Rex Features
      “I think she will wear a long lace, scallop-edged veil. Something by a designer like Riki Dalal although I suspect it will be completely bespoke, from the head designer at one of the design houses she has worked with.
      “Their wedding will be lavish and include a church service and a huge feast. It will be family-focused with a few big names thrown in for good measure.”
      Rodriguez sparked engagement rumours last year when she showed off a huge ring in an Instagram post.
      They have so far remain tight-lipped over plans but are expected to tie the knot in the near future.
      Georgina Rodriguez showed off a huge ring on her finger during a holidayCredit: Instagram
      Running Ronaldo’s empire
      But Georgina is very keen not to be perceived as a typical WAG.
      She has previously said she has no interest in just shopping and spending Ronaldo’s money – in fact she might take a more active role in managing his vast fortune.
      Georgina and Ronaldo now have four children between them
      Georgina sparked engagement rumours when she was seen sporting a new ring during the 2018 World CupCredit: Getty – Contributor
      While most women spend their pregnancies decorating the nursery, Georgina spent hers studying financial accounting at the Centre for Financial Studies in Madrid.
      Her course, which started in October 2017 and finished the following March, cost her £780 and saw her attend three-hour long classes twice a week.
      According to El Mundo, it included modules on tax matters, legal obligations and wealth management.
      “I loved earning money for myself and I never let myself be helped when someone offered to lend me a hand,” Georgina previously said.
      “I am realistic and if I see that I can buy something not too expensive I do. If I can’t wear a Chanel, I buy a Zara. Why brag about something that does not belong to you?”
      Ronaldo and his family were living in Turin, northern Italy before returning to Manchester United
      Tens of millions in a divorce
      When Georgina and Ronaldo eventually tie the knot, it’s unlikely the model will ever have to return to her shop girl job – even if they divorce.
      Experts say all her financial worries would be taken care of in a pre-nup.
      Head of Family Law in leading Manchester firm, JMW, Elspeth Kinder told Sun Online: “A prenup would make sure it provides fairly for Georgina’s needs and that of their child in the event of a divorce. It would be tens of millions – but it won’t be a half share of everything he’s got- that’s the point of the pre-nup.

      “The Spanish jurisdiction in divorce is very different to here and tends to be less favourable to somebody like Georgina who comes to a marriage with less money than the other.”
      Yet there’s no sign of trouble on the horizon for Ronaldo and Georgina.
      “Being the partner of someone so famous is not easy but I wouldn’t change it for the world,” Georgina said. “What I feel for him is stronger than anything, any kind of pressure.”
      Cristiano Ronaldo sobs in TV interview as he reveals alcoholic dad never got to see him turn into a star More

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      Chelsea target Saul Niguez’s amazing recovery from horror injury that left him ‘pee blood’ from kidney trauma for years

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      CHELSEA target Saul Niguez put his health at risk to play for Atletico Madrid after suffering a kidney trauma and internal bleeding.The courageous Spain midfielder, 26, has reportedly been offered to the Blues in a loan deal.
      Saul Niguez is being lined up for a loan move to ChelseaCredit: Getty
      In 2015, Niguez suffered a critical kidney injury during a Champions League gameCredit: Getty
      But, after an accidental kick to stomach from Bayer Leverkusen defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos during a 2015 Champions League match, Saul’s career hang in the balance.
      He was forced to wear a catheter to empty his bladder for two years and admittedly ‘p***ed blood’ as he played well beyond the pain barrier.
      Saul recovered from his ordeal to become one of Diego Simeone’s most trusted allies.
      BORN TO BE A FOOTBALLER
      It was Saul Niguez’s destiny to become a footballer.
      His dad, Jose Antonio (better known as Boria) was a legend at Elche in the 1980s.
      So it was natural for Saul to follow in the family business, as have brothers Jonathan and Aaron, who both made it pro.
      However, it was Jose Antonio’s youngest son who appeared to have the most talent.
      Saul was scouted by Real Madrid aged 11, before moving to their crosstown rivals in 2008.
      He made his senior debut two years later in a third division game with the reserves, before appearing for the first team in a Europa League match against Besiktas in 2012 aged just 17.
      Saul’s father Jose Antonio Niguez, better known as Boria, was an Elche legend
      Jonathan, mum Pilar, Saul, Boria and Aaron pose for a family snap
      A bicycle kick in a 4-0 rout of crosstown rivals Real Madrid put Saul on the map in 2015Credit: AFP
      A season-long loan at Rayo Vallecano in 2013-14 established his credentials as one of the more promising players of his generation.
      When Saul returned to the club, Simeone was ready to thrust the exciting talent into his line-up.
      An early standout performance came in the 2015 Madrid derby, when he scored a bicycle kick to set Atletico up for a 4-0 win over Real, after replacing the injured Koke 10 minutes in.
      HEALTH RISK
      On no less than his Champions League debut, Saul’s football career was turned upside down.
      An innocuous clash with Kyriakos Papadopoulos in a game against German side Bayer Leverkusen left him writhing in agony.
      The blow to his chest “destroyed” his kidney, according to Atletico president Enrique Cerezo.
      Astonishingly, Saul carried on but was substituted just before half-time, before his body began to shake, he lost feeling in his legs and arms in the dressing room and was rushed to hospital by ambulance.
      He stayed in a German hospital for four days, while the blood was drained. Within a month, he was back on the pitch.
      Secretly, though, Saul was playing with an internal catheter. Remarkably, something he managed for two years.
      The sacrifice saw him play in huge discomfort, while putting his life at risk for his club.
      “In every training session and every game I p***ed blood,” he revealed.
      A blow to his kidney left Saul writing in agonyCredit: Getty
      Incredibly, Saul continued before he was helped off the pitch before half-timeCredit: Getty
      Saul spent four days in a Leverkusen hospital recovering
      “It was pretty bad, something difficult that people do not know or understand.
      “I was risking my health to put on the club colours, to chase the dream.”
      He later explained to The Guardian: “The catheter gives you functionality but it was sore, you’d feel it running, and I was urinating blood.
      “The problem was when we took it out, my kidney didn’t work properly. I was given options: play for a month, stop for a month … I said: ‘No, no, that’s no good. Put the catheter back in, I can function.’ But they said: ‘Saúl, it’s not that simple.’
      “I was tired of it all and I said: ‘Doc, just take the kidney out. Take it out. I’ll be out for a month, but then I’ll be back again. The doctor was saying: ‘I’m not taking your kidney out;’ ‘Try this;’ ‘Try that.’
      “I said: ‘Yeah, I’ll try things but if they don’t work, then what? More of the same?
      “No. I just want to get back to playing well, feeling well. Forget it all. Be normal. Play football. I can’t be worrying about getting a knock. I just want to play. Take it out.’”
      SOUND ADVICE
      It was Simeone’s former assistant, the hulking German Burgos, who delivered sage advice to Saul and made him think more about his future.
      The Argentina coach, nicknamed El Mono, is a cancer survivor after seeking treatment in 2003 during his playing days.
      Saul played through the pain barrier and secretly wore a catheter for two years on the pitchCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Atletico Madrid’s former assistant manager German Burgos convinced Saul that his health was more important than footballCredit: Atletico Madrid
      “Mono Burgos was so important,” Saul revealed.
      “He came to me: ‘The doctor says you’re talking about taking out your kidney. You’re 22! What are you talking about? Use your head.’
      “I was just thinking about football: take this out and play. I thought: lose a kidney, it’s fine, I’ve got another one.
      “But Mono told me what he went through, he looked me in the eye: ‘Saúl, think about your life.’ I saw. The seriousness, the future.
      “What if you get a problem with the other one? There’s no way out. And we put the catheter back in.”
      Saul’s kidney problems have longtime ceased, and he was an integral part of Atletico’s LaLiga campaign – helping his team reclaim the title.

      Since his ordeal, he has also vowed to give back to the game by setting up Club Costa City – a centre that’ll pride itself on grooming the stars of tomorrow, while giving them a good education and lessons on nutrition.
      Whatever happens next in Saul’s life, you can bet he will tackle it head on.
      A move to the physical Premier League certainly won’t deter Simeone’s warrior in the middle of the park.
      Saul now plays catheter free and his kidney problems have ceasedCredit: Rex Features
      Last season Saul was an integral part of Atletico’s LaLiga winning side and celebrated landing the title on the pitch with Wag Yaiza and their son
      Rio Ferdinand tips Man Utd to make last transfer and urges Solskjaer to sign ‘perfect’ Saul Niguez or Declan Rice More

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      Footballers who met their idols when they were kids, from Kane’s encounter with Beckham to Neymar with Ronaldo

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      THEY were young lads who wanted to be just like their heroes too.Before they made it, these footballers just wanted to emulate the players they watched on the TV and pretended to be in the school playground.
      David Beckham and a grinning Harry Kane smile for the cameraCredit: Getty Images
      So it’s no wonder the moment they were sidled up to their favourite player they asked for a snap as a keepsake.
      SunSport has rounded up the best footballers as kids coyly posing next to their idols.
      See Danny Welbeck looking in awe of United hero Rio Ferdinand, Kane embarrassed to be the next to David Beckham, while Jesse Lingard has his hair ruffled by Cristiano Ronaldo!
      Rio Ferdinand and Danny Welbeck
      Danny Welbeck idolised Rio FerdinandCredit: YouTube
      When Danny was a promising youth player at Man United, the starlet hoped he could emulate hero Rio and play in the first team.
      The former England centre half was always there on the training ground giving youngsters advice, Danny once revealed.
      And this image was taken in 2003 when the ex-Arsenal forward was just 12-years-old.Cristiano Ronaldo and Jesse Lingard
      Cristiano Ronaldo was impressed by Jesse Lingard’s skillsCredit: YouTube
      When Ronaldo signed for United in 2003, Jesse was part of the famed Red Devils youth set-up.
      The Portuguese forward paid a visit to the training ground to rub shoulders with the kids and he found Jesse there.
      He was obviously impressed by the 11-year-old, patting his head for good measure.
      Bobby Charlton and David Beckham
      A young David Beckham shakes hands with Bobby Charlton in 1986Credit: John Jones
      You can’t get better than meeting ‘Mr. Manchester United’ can you?
      In 1986 one England great met a future England legend and created this pictorial masterpiece.
      Becks knocking about with Bobby must’ve given him the needed desire to make it. And check out his haircut!

      Fernando Torres and Koke
      Fernando Torres and Koke (second from the right) became teammatesCredit: Twitter
      Amazingly, these two ended up being teammates at Atletico Madrid.
      When Fernando Torres was a teenage sensation for Los Rojiblancos, Koke was just 9-years-old.
      The former Liverpool striker happily posed for a snap with the Atleti youth team that featured the midfield schemer and Spain international.Thierry Henry and Kylian Mbappe
      Kylian Mbappe looks delighted to be snapped with Thierry Henry
      The comparisons between the two have already been made, but we wonder if Thierry saw them in the youngster at the time?
      Who knows, but Mbappe looks delighted to have his picture taken next to his idol.
      Sadly, there’s no date on the photo, so we can’t tell how old it is. But Mbappe and Henry both look young!Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Davy Klaassen
      Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Davy Klaassen would one day play against each other in the Champions LeagueCredit: Twitter
      It seems like years ago that Zlatan was at Ajax.
      But when Davy was 11-years-old he grabbed the Swedish striker for a photo op.
      Incidentally, the two played against each other in a Champions League tie in 2014 between PSG and Ajax.
      Unbelievably, they were both on the scoresheet that day too.Ronaldo and Neymar
      Neymar is the heir apparent to RonaldoCredit: Social
      When the heir apparent meets the king, but either of them doesn’t know it yet.
      Everyone wanted a picture with the Brazilian hotshot then, so teenage Neymar must’ve been the envy of his pals with this snap.
      Neymar has gone through a few haircuts since then and is now the pin-up of Brazil.
      David Beckham and Harry Kane
      Harry Kane met David Beckham when he was 12-years-oldCredit: Getty Images
      When Becks launched his own football academy, Spurs star Harry was one of its stars.

      In 2005, he got to meet Becks when he was just 12-years-old and he looks chuffed to bits.
      We wonder if David remembers this moment as well as Harry?
      Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe
      Kylian Mbappe was a Cristiano Ronaldo superfan and had his posters on his bedroom wall
      Featuring twice on the list, the French teenager showed why he’s a total superfan of football.
      Mbappe had pictures of Ronaldo on his bedroom wall when he was a kid with pipe dreams of becoming professional.
      When he was 14-years-old all his dreams came true when he met the Real Madrid ace.
      Robin Van Persie and Jordy Clasie
      Jordy Clasie grabs Robin Van Persie for a photo opCredit: Twitter
      When the former Arsenal striker was a hot prospect at Feyernood in 2002, Clasie was coming through the ranks at the Dutch club.
      The ex-Southampton midfielder was only 11-years-old when this photo was taken alongside his hero.
      Little did he know then, he’d play in the Premier League just like the Holland striker.
      Real Madrid ‘make £137m move for Kylian Mbappe’ as superstar tells PSG he wants out after Lionel Messi transfer More

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      Football’s most controversial transfers ever, including Cole and Tevez, as Cristiano Ronaldo is offered to Man City

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      FORMER Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo could be set to join noisy neighbours Manchester City.Reports claim that the Portuguese star, 36, has been offered to the Premier League champions, who are desperately seeking a striker after Harry Kane agreed to stay at Tottenham.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is being sensationally lined up for a move to Manchester CityCredit: PA
      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been made available by Juventus, and he is said to be seeking £510,000-per-week to move to the Etihad.
      And if Ronaldo gets his wish, he could join these controversial stars who upset the apple cart by joining their fierce rivals.
      Tevez, Man Utd to Man City
      With the Argentinian owned by a third party – agent Kia Joorabchian’s Media Sports Investment company – Tevez was technically on loan to Manchester United for two years.
      The Red Devils dallied on a permanent deal, which allowed crosstown rivals Man City to swoop in 2009.
      A billboard was then erected in Manchester facing in the direction of Salford with Tevez on a blue backdrop with the slogan ‘Welcome to Manchester’.
      The whole matter left Sir Alex Ferguson incensed. “Stupid and arrogant,” he said of the poster. “A small club with a small mentality,” he labelled City.
      Man City put up this poster in Manchester after signing Carlos TevezCredit: PA:Press Association
      Sir Alex Ferguson was livid after Tevez left United for CityCredit: AFP
      Campbell, Spurs to Arsenal
      Kane can count his lucky stars it’s not the Gunners trying to lure him away from Spurs.
      In 2001, Sol Campbell’s contract with Tottenham was set to expire and was considering his options.
      Few could believe the England legend would end up at arch-rivals Arsenal, after admitting he was seeking Champions League football.
      It was “the ultimate act of betrayal”, according to the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust said.
      In 2001, Sol Campbell shocked English football when he left Tottenham for ArsenalCredit: PA:Press Association
      Campbell feels the brunt of Spurs fans at White Hart LaneCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Cole, Arsenal to Chelsea
      What goes around comes around in football, they say, and Ashley Cole leaving Arsenal for Chelsea was one Gunners fans STILL haven’t got over – often referring to him as ‘Cashley Cole’.
      Chelsea and Jose Mourinho were accused of tapping up the ex-England left-back, when the pair met at a hotel restaurant to discuss a potential move.
      At the time, Cole was disgruntled with a contract offer he’d received – famously admitting “I nearly swerved off the road” with the £55,000-per-week deal on the table.
      All parties were fined for the tapping up incident, but that didn’t stop Cole from making his move a year later.
      Months later at Stamford Bridge, Arsenal fans showered the pitch with fake bank notes with Ashley Cole’s face on.
      Arsenal fans throw fake bank notes with Ashley Cole’s image on them onto the pitch at Stamford BridgeCredit: PA:Press Association
      The notes featured Cole’s face as well his famous quote from his bookCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Figo, Barcelona to Real Madrid
      The Real Madrid presidential elections of 2000 brought arguably the most astonishing transfer in Spanish football history.
      With Florentino Perez trailing in the polls, he launched an audacious bid for Barcelona talisman Luis Figo.
      He offered the Portugal legend a guaranteed £1.6million if he lost the election, but if he won Figo would have to either move to Los Blancos or pay £19million in compensation.
      Figo took the bait, and when Perez was voted in the £38million release clause was met and the winger joined Real.
      When he returned to the Nou Camp in 2002, he was met with a hostile reaction, as well as a pig’s head that was thrown onto the pitch.
      Barcelona fans burn a poster of former hero Luis Figo at the Nou CampCredit: AP:Associated Press
      A pig’s head was thrown onto the pitch when Figo returned to the Nou CampCredit: Diario AS
      Keane, Man Utd to Celtic
      When Roy Keane made himself an enemy in the eyes of Sir Alex Ferguson, there was no going back.
      First, he reportedly argued with Fergie over the quality of the set-up at the Portuguese resort United were enjoying a preseason training camp at in 2005.
      Then, he blasted team-mates Rio Ferdinand, John O’Shea, Alan Smith, Kieran Richardson and Darren Fletcher in an interview with MUTV.
      The explosive clip was never aired, but the damage was done. Keane was granted a free transfer – joining boyhood club Celtic.
      Roy Keane signed for boyhood club Celtic after an infamous fallout with Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Getty
      Baggio, Fiorentina to Juventus
      The Diving Ponytail joined Juventus from Fiorentina in 1990 for a world record £8million fee.
      But despite the huge cash windfall, Viola fans were fuming and they stormed the club’s offices – forcing president Flavio Pontello to hide in the stadium.
      Amazingly, the riots saw 50 fans injured, while nine were arrested.
      What happened next was even better. When the two played each other the following season, Baggio refused to take a penalty claiming Fiorentina keeper Gianmatteo Mareggini would know how to save it.
      After he was substituted from the pitch, Baggio then picked up a Fiorentina scarf thrown at him and later revealed “his heart was purple”.
      Roberto Baggio swapped Florence for Turin, but later revealed his heart was purpleCredit: Getty
      Cruyff, Ajax to Feyenoord
      Forever the darling of Ajax fans, there was a time when Johan Cruyff threatened his reputation with them.
      After giving them the best part of his football career, the Dutch club’s board felt the Netherlands legend was finished at 36 and refused to offer him a new deal.
      Dutch legend Johan Cruyff won the double with Feyenoord after Ajax released him in spiteCredit: Getty

      Cruyff was furious. So mad, in fact, he signed for their bitter enemy Feyenoord, who he then led to the double and won Dutch Footballer of the Year.
      “I wanted to take my anger out on Ajax via Feyenoord after the club had thrown me out with the rubbish”, he later admitted in his autobiography.
      Cristiano Ronaldo ‘wants stunning transfer to Man City’ as Man Utd icon eyes Juventus exit with Harry Kane move stalling More

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      Chelsea star Jorginho was taught how to play football on the beach by his mum, before starring for club and country

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      TO MOST, the sandy beaches and blue waters of Imbituba in southern Brazil offer a peaceful paradise – but for the midfield maestro Jorginho they are the roots of his footballing education.The Chelsea star was instrumental in helping Italy win the Euros, while his rejuvenation under Thomas Tuchel led the Blues to a famous Champions League win over Premier League rivals Manchester City.
      Chelsea star Jorginho poses with the Champions League trophyCredit: Getty
      Jorginho capped a wonderful season off by winning the Euros with ItalyCredit: Getty
      Jorginho, second left, was taught to play football by his mother on the beaches of BrazilCredit: Facebook / Jorghino Frello – Official / https://www.facebook.com/jorginhofrellooficial/
      So, it’s with no surprise that the incredible playmaker is the favourite to land the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award ahead of team-mate N’Golo Kante and Belgium ace Kevin de Bruyne.
      But, it’s actually is mum who Jorginho credits for his amazing rise.
      “My mother played football so I learned a lot from her,” Jorginho revealed in 2013.
      “She still plays today and understands a lot. She would take me to the beach with a ball and I would spend the whole afternoon doing technical work in the sand.”
      Jorginho’s mother Maria Tereza Freitas wanted her son to be prepared for anything and everything in the game. She wanted him to be one step ahead of his opposition.
      “I was raised to face problems,” he said — and there were plenty of them on his path to stardom.
      But despite that preparation, Jorginho cannot have forecast his parents’ separation at the age of six.
      From then on, Maria was both provider and trainer.
      She would spend most of her day working as a cleaner to put food on the table and earn enough money to buy her son boots and a ball, while taking him to play for his local team Bruscão.
      The bond between them was so strong that the memory of having to move 180 kilometres away from her and home at the age of 13 still upsets him today.
      “If I talk about it, I feel a lump in my throat,” Jorginho, now 29, said.
      Brazilian-born Jorginho’s parents separated when he was six and his mother raised him on her ownCredit: Facebook / Jorghino Frello – Official / https://www.facebook.com/jorginhofrellooficial/
      The midfielder played for local teams before moving 180km from home as part of a football factory projectCredit: Facebook / Jorghino Frello – Official / https://www.facebook.com/jorginhofrellooficial/
      Along with 50 other boys, the youngster was selected as part of a project formed by Italian businessmen in Guabiruba to create the next wave of brilliant Brazilians.
      Yet it is far from the state-of-the-art facilities of Chelsea’s academy in Cobham.
      Jorginho remembers the ice-cold baths. He can’t forget the windowless digs, nor the monotonous meals that rarely changed.
      But it was worth it in the end.
      After two years, he was one of a select few chosen to join Verona, then in the second tier of Italian football.
      Jorginho’s first deal at the club was far from lucrative, though. While the agent took £27,000 from the transaction, the emerging midfielder had just £18-a-week to live on.
      A large chunk of that went on keeping in touch with his mum, who managed to convince him to continue his football education after he threatened to quit.
      At first, the young boy struggled to fit in to his new surroundings. He couldn’t live in a boarding school with his other team-mates.
      Instead, Riccardo Prisciantelli, the former chief executive of Hellas Verona, gave Jorginho to a trusted priest and he lived in a convent.
      Jorginho learnt from a young age to play football thanks to his mother MariaCredit: Facebook / Jorghino Frello – Official / https://www.facebook.com/jorginhofrellooficial/
      Mother and son have a close bond that meant parting at the age of 13 was even harderCredit: Facebook / Jorghino Frello – Official / https://www.facebook.com/jorginhofrellooficial/
      Jorginho, circled, was one of 50 boys selected to be part of a project by Italian business menCredit: Facebook / Jorghino Frello – Official / https://www.facebook.com/jorginhofrellooficial/
      “I could not do anything,” he said. “I used five euros for mobile credit, bought hygiene products, which was 15 euros, and the rest was used online to talk to my family.
      “It was like that for a year-and-a-half.
      “In the second year, I trained with the professionals and when I met the Brazilian goalkeeper Rafael Pinheiro, who is almost a brother to me, I told my story and he did not believe it.
      “From there, he did not let me miss anything.”
      From his early days at Verona, Jorginho earned himself the nickname ‘The Wolf of the Future’.
      Prisciantelli told the MailOnline: “Everyone recognises the determination of a lion, to me he is a wolf.
      “He works three times as hard on the pitch and harder than anyone else.
      “Every night tears fell in that dark and sad room (with the priest). But I know that he never gave up.
      “I bought some equipment to set up a small gym at the sports centre. He would arrive at dawn and keep going until we allowed him to leave.”
      After a successful loan spell with Serie D side Sambonifacese, Jorginho returned to Verona and excelled, making his first-team debut as an 18-year-old in September 2011.
      Jorginho’s big break came at Verona in Italy but his first contract saw him earn £18-a-weekCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Jorginho proved to be a prominent part of the side that was promoted in 2013Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Sarri developed Jorginho’s skills at Napoli but said his best asset is his speed of mindCredit: Getty – Contributor
      He was a key figure in their promotion-winning side in 2013 and earned a move to Italian giants Napoli six months later.
      During his time at the Stadio San Paolo, Jorginho learned about Chelsea after rooming with Nathaniel Chalobah, the former Blues midfielder on loan to Napoli in 2015.
      For three years, Jorginho worked under former Blues boss Maurizio Sarri in Naples – and they were briefly reunited in West London.
      The Italian coach knew his qualities well.
      “Jorginho is not a physical player, he is a technical player,” Sarri said.
      “The most important quality is that he is very quick in the mind.”
      Sarri left the club in 2019, and Jorginho could have been forgiven for thinking his time in West London might’ve been up.
      Worse still, with new boss Frank Lampard at the helm, he found himself frozen out of the first team.
      For Lampard he was just a bit-part player, and when the club legend was sacked in 2021 his former player stuck the boot in.
      “Look, I’ll be really sincere here on Lampard,’ Jorginho told ESPN Brasil.
      “I believe, given he was a legend at the club, he skipped some steps necessary for learning before moving to a big club.
      “He came to a club where he is a legend, without having experience at other clubs. I think he came too soon, skipped a few steps ahead and wasn’t ready for a job at this level, to be honest.”
      Frank Lampard failed to get the best out of Jorginho and used him as a bit-part playerCredit: AFP
      Under Thomas Tuchel, Jorginho has become a player rebornCredit: AP

      In came no-nonsense Thomas Tuchel, who restored Jorginho to his starting line-up understanding his qualities on the pitch and helped him rediscover his form at the tail-end of last season.
      It not only helped the Blues lift their second Champions League title, but also benefited Italy at Euro 2020 who overcame England in a tense final in a penalty shootout – with Jorginho one of the stars of the show throughout the tournament.
      Jorginho, himself, has his mother to thank for his success. The beaches of Imbituba will always be a classroom to them. But now, you can say, Stamford Bridge is certainly his stage. More

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      in Soccer

      The sad story of ex-Chelsea wonderkid Per Weihrauch, who was forced to retire and was later found dead at just 32

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      PER Weihrauch should have been heralded as one of the world’s best players in the game today.The talented Dane had the world at his feet and starred at youth level for Ajax and Chelsea.
      Danish wonderkid Per Weihrauch was destined to be a football great before injury robbed him of a careerCredit: Getty
      Aged 32, Weihrauch was found dead at his home last year
      However, he had his career cruelly robbed from him through injury.
      At 19, Weihrauch was told by a specialist that he should forget about a career in football and accept an insurance payout.
      Try as he might, the winger didn’t give up on his dream and returned to Denmark, where he played on a part-time basic.
      But it was never enough to get back to the level he had promised.
      Last year, aged just 32, Weihrauch was found dead at his home. This is his tragic story.
      LOCAL TALENT
      As a teen, Per was one of the leading lights of his generation.
      He was coached by Brentford boss Thomas Frank and his assistant manager Brian Riemer at local club Hvidovre IF.
      Riemer told The Athletic: “Per had the full package.
      “He liked to come inside from the wing position in a 4-3-3, but he could also play as a striker.
      At 17, Weihrauch was considered as one of the best young in Europe
      Brian Riemer, left, and Thomas Frank worked with Weihrauch when he was a promising talent in DenmarkCredit: PA
      “Good physique, intelligent, great shooting ability, great first touch, good in the box, great heading ability.
      “He was one of those players who could create something for a team-mate or do it on his own. He was a fantastic talent.”
      It wasn’t long before the Europe’s top clubs registered an interest. Atletico Madrid, Ajax, Chelsea, Manchester United and more were desperate to sign him to their academies.
      A NEW EXPERIENCE
      To continue his football education, Per went to Ajax – famed for bringing the best young Danish players through, including Jan Molby, Soren Lerby and Christian Eriksen.
      But it ended up being somewhat of a nightmare for the wonderkid, who struggled to settle.
      He then got what appeared to be a fairly normal hamstring injury on tour, but under pressure to show his ability he played on and made it worse.
      “What I miss the most are friends and family,” Weihrauch told Danish newspaper Lokalavisen – hinting about his loneliness in Amsterdam.
      “After training here, you can’t just go home to see one of the boys.
      “Of course it’s hard sometimes, especially when you’re injured. Then it’s boring to sit down here alone.
      “You’re here to play football — and that’s the only thing you can’t do when you’re injured. Then the days can get long inside a gym.
      “But every day I get up and I look forward to going to training, so it was the right decision (to join Ajax).”
      Injuries took their toll, though. With his contract expiring, it looked unlikely it would be renewed by the Dutch club.
      ‘COME TO CHELSEA’
      In 2006, fellow Dane Frank Arnesen, who knew Per from his time at Ajax, brought Weihrauch to Cobham.
      It was there he impressed Brendan Rodgers – Chelsea’s then-youth coach.
      “I remember Per so clearly,” Rodgers revealed.
      “He was a very, very talented young player right out of the Ajax mould. He was a winger, but he was strong physically.
      “He could play in a number of positions, he could play wide on either side or he could play as a striker or a No 10. He was very gifted on the ball, fast.
      Weihrauch joined Chelsea at 17
      Brendan Rodgers called Weihrauch a big talentCredit: Getty – Contributor
      “He came in at 17 and he was already above the youth team. He went straight into our reserves and you could absolutely see his undoubted natural ability and, obviously, his work rate.
      “He wanted to work, wanted to run. Amazing ability on the ball to beat a man. He wasn’t a small winger, he was a good size — the build of a midfield player — and such a big talent.”
      THE INJURIES FOLLOWED HIM
      Despite a fresh start in London, Per couldn’t escape his injury problems.
      On Chelsea’s part it was a gamble. But one that didn’t pay off.
      Frank Arnesen said: “We knew about the injury problems he had, but we wanted to give him a chance.
      “If he could get back to his true level, he would be a great player. He played some games, did well, but then, unfortunately, he got injured again.”
      A scan showed scar tissue around his hamstring. He was told the only thing for it was rest, then after it has healed he would be able to build up the strength in his leg.
      If he didn’t, his career would be over.
      “Sometimes it’s unfortunate that the body just can’t cope with the intensity of training and the work,” Rodgers told The Athletic.
      Frank Arnesen, far left, wanted to give Weihrauch a chance but injuries took their tollCredit: Getty – Contributor
       “And that was clearly the case with Per. It was nothing to do with talent — he was a hugely talented player.
      “He could have gone on and been a really top player, because he had the game for it, but he just couldn’t build up the rhythm and consistency.”
      IT’S OVER
      Weihrauch went to Finland for an operation that was hoped would fix his injury problems.
      However, it didn’t work. After seeing various specialists, the answer was the same.
      His hamstring wouldn’t be able to survive the hardship of the modern game.
      He was advised to retire and accept a minimal insurance payout for loss of future earnings.
      Per was still only 19 at this point.
      MAKING A COMEBACK
      Desperate not to give up the ghost, Weihrauch returned to his first club Hvidovre in 2009.
      Soren Lerby, left, was Weihrauch’s agent and Frank Arnesen, right, brought him to Chelsea
      Despite much fanfare about his arrival, he was unable to aid the club’s dream of returning to the Danish top flight.
      Both parties decided it was impossible, but an offer from amateur team FC Copenhagen gave him hope.
      Per played to around 70 per cent of his abilities, when he got the chance, and he told Ekstra Bladet in 2009, “It is definitely my goal to get my career going. I’m hoping for a new professional contract.”
      But a new contract never came. Again, forced out of training for a year he realised now it was time to give up on a playing career.
      He found a new life as a scout, working with his long agent Soren Lerby who managed clients including Pierre-Emile Højbjerg.
      Then, after returning to college and finishing his studies, he managed to score a job at Nordea in the financial sector of a bank in Denmark.
      However, the disappointment of a promising career ending prematurely was perhaps too much to bare.
      His death came as a surprise.
      “Sadly, I lost contact with him over the last years,” Riemer said.
      You’re Not AloneEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
      It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
      It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
      And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
      Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
      That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
      The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
      Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
      If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:

      CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
      Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
      Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
      Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
      Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123
      Movember, www.uk.movember.com
      Anxiety UK www.anxietyuk.org.uk, 03444 775 774 Monday-Friday 9.30am-10pm, Saturday/Sunday 10am-8pm

      “My impression is that he seemed to withdraw himself. Not many who knew him from his football days had contact with him in the last year or so.”
      Riemer continued: “It’s difficult to talk about, even now. I try to stand back from the situation and I think to myself, ‘Per, why didn’t you call me? I would have done anything to help you’.
      “But it was too late. I don’t think he felt he had the strength left.”
      Contact the Samaritans
      If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, contact The Samaritans on 116 123. They are available for free at anytime.
      Or email https://www.samaritans.org/

      Chelsea fans give their condolences to Michael Ballack after death of star’s teenage son Emilio in Portugal quad bike accident More