Football features

Subterms

    More stories

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd target Pape Matar Sarr, 18, is the Metz wonderkid who came through the same African football club as Sadio Mane

      by

      FORGET Eduardo Camavinga, it’s Pape Matar Sarr who is the most sought after teen in French football right now.The 18-year-old Metz star, who can play anywhere across the midfield, has plenty of suitors.
      Pape Matar Sarr, 18, is wanted by Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester CityCredit: AFP
      Midfield powerhouse Sarr has exploded on to the scene in French footballCredit: AFP
      Manchester United are the latest club to be linked with the £40million-rated youngster.
      Chelsea, Manchester City, and Real Madrid are also all hot on the trail of the generational talent after he broke through at the Ligue 1 club during the last campaign.
      Back in March, Sarr made his international debut for Senegal as he continued his rapid rise.
      Like Liverpool forward Sadio Mane, he began his football career in the Generation Foot academy – an African football club who has also produced Watford’s Ismaila Sarr and former West Ham striker Diafra Sakho.
      EXPLOSIVE START
      In September 2020 Metz brought in Sarr from Generation Foot on a five-year deal.
      While it wasn’t a headline signing, the Ligue 1 club had hopes high hopes for him.
      Initially, he was sent to play for Metz’s reserves in the Championnat National 2.
      But after just one game in which he stood out head and shoulders above the rest, he was promoted to the first team.
      However, with the coronavirus halting the footballing landscape, Sarr had to wait for his first team opportunity.
      Sarr began his football career in SenegalCredit: Instagram
      Like Sadio Mane, Sarr trained with the Generation Foot AcademyCredit: AFP – Getty
      At just 18 Sarr has established himself in the Metz first teamCredit: Getty
      Back in November, he made his debut against Brest. Just a few months later, he scored his first in the reverse fixture in a 4-2 win.
      He has since established himself as a first team regular – appearing 25 times already for the club, despite his tender years.

      PLENTY OF ATTRIBUTES
      Physically, he was certainly ready for his chance.
      At around 6ft tall, he cuts a gangly figure. But Sarr is tough in the tackle and excels in aerial duels.
      Used primarily as a box-to-box midfielder, he possesses a good shot.
      For a young player, his concentration levels are also excellent which means he understands his defensive duties too.
      Going forward he can score goals and had four to his name last season.
      Metz academy manager Olivier Perrin was responsible in bringing Sarr to the club, after seeing him progress at Generation Foot, where the French coach managed for five years until 2018.
      Perrin told Senego: “I immediately said to myself that he was a top player, with a very high-level (with regards to) reading and analysing the game. He is (like) Miralem Pjanic.
      French coach Olivier Perrin saw Sarr’s potential at Generation Football during his time thereCredit: AFP – Getty
      Sarr has been used a box-to-box midfielder by Metz, but could play anywhere across the midfieldCredit: Getty
      “He can play in a system with two number 10’s, he can be middle and box-to-box, he can be 10, 6, it depends on the coaches.”
      ROOTS IN AFRICA
      Sarr has come a long way since his debut in Senegal’s top flight at the tender age of just 15.
      With Generation Foot, who are a feeder club for Metz, he established himself as one of his country’s most promising players.
      Six U17 caps and three goals followed, before it was clear he was ready for a bigger stage.
      Soon after, he broke into the Metz side his country came calling.
      Sarr made his Senegal debut in an AFCON 2021 qualifier against Congo back in March, and is now a regular international.
      Back in March, Sarr made his international debut for SenegalCredit: Instagram
      Combative Sarr would be a hit in the Premier League due to his playing styleCredit: AFP

      Everything he has done so far in his career, he has done fast. And his current coach Frédéric Antonetti is full of praise for his starlet.
      “Pape Matar Sarr is elegance in the midfield, it’s talent, it’s making others play,” he said.
      And if he decides to make others play on our shores, then we’d be very lucky to have him.
      Rio Ferdinand tips Man Utd to make last transfer and urges Solskjaer to sign ‘perfect’ Saul Niguez or Declan Rice More

    • 188 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Footballers’ mad business ventures, from Cristiano Ronaldo’s hair transplant clinic to Lukas Podolski’s kebab shops

      by

      A CAREER in football is gone before you know it.When the glory days are over and the boots are hung up once and for all, a lucky few can turn to a lucrative career as a talking head on TV.
      Lukas Podolski has gone into kebabs to supplement his football incomeCredit: EPA
      Some other brave souls even try their hand at management in a bid to stay in the game.
      But others will look for new and novel ways to keep the bank balance up once the chairman’s cheques stop flowing, including these seven stars who are trying something a bit different.
      From an ex-Arsenal forward owning kebab shops to Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo planning for retirement with a hair transplant clinic, here’s the business launches you never saw coming.
      CRISTIANO RONALDO
      The Juventus superstar is set up for life thanks to a glittering career.
      But, he clearly still has one eye on maintaining his looks – and his extravagant lifetsyle – as he gets older with this business idea.
      Cristiano has two hair transplant clinics, recently opening a new Insparya in Marbella after buying into the company’s Madrid shop in 2019.
      And Ronaldo wouldn’t be shy to undergo a hair transplant, if his thatch started to thin.
      “When I think it’s necessary, of course, I’ll do it,” he revealed.
      “One’s image is an essential tool for being successful. For me, it’s fundamental.”
      Cristiano Ronaldo has invested in the Insparya hair transplant clinic
      LUKAS PODOLSKI
      Ex-Arsenal star Podolski is in the twilight years of his career, recently joining Polish side Gornik Zabrze at the age of 36.
      To supplement his income when he eventually calls it a day, the German star has turned to kebabs.
      He has six shops under the chain name Mangal, with four in Cologne.
      And he expanded to Bonn, where he also has an ice cream parlour, pub and clothes store.
      Podolski now has six kebab shops in his chain MangalCredit: EPA
      Podolski expand his restaurant chain to Bonn and has four in CologneCredit: Instagram @mangal_doener
      MARLON HAREWOOD
      The ex-West Ham centre forward always had a bit of an engine on him as a player.
      Which is funny because now he’s into car customisation with AC13 Premier – delivering bespoke motors to football’s elite.
      His impressive client list includes Harry Kane, Kyle Walker and Andy Carroll among many others in the football world as well as England cricketer Stuart Broad and former super middleweight world champion boxer Carl Froch.
      Marlon Harewood runs a car customisation business
      Harewood has looked after the Premier League’s elite over the yearsCredit: Instagram @ac13premier
      LEE BOWYER
      Fishing isn’t something you’d associate with Birmingham City manager and former Leeds hardman Bowyer.
      But it’s something he loved so much, he thought he’d buy a carp lake for punters to enjoy.
      He opened up Etang De Bows to punters in 2015.
      Following on from its success, he added another site in 2016 with the acquisition of one of Europe’s leading Big Fish venues – Lac Des Lesmont.
      Lee Bowyer runs two lakes in France after falling in love with fishingCredit: Collect
      GENNARO GATTUSO
      There’s nothing fishy about AC Milan legend Gattuso’s side line.
      The ex-midfield general, who recently turned down the Spurs job, opened up a fish shop in 2010 with much fanfare, including guest customers Ronaldinho and David Beckham.
      “Someone might even smile at it, but this fish store is a dream come true for me,” Gattuso proudly revealed.
      “I wanted to become a fisherman when I was a child, but life’s events have later driven me in different directions.”
      It has since become a fine restaurant.
      When Gennaro Gattuso was a kid, he wanted to become a fishermanCredit: Getty
      Gattuso’s fish shop soon became a fine dining experience
      DION DUBLIN
      Musical Dion has had plenty of career changes since he last played.
      After all, he’s a presenter for Homes Under the Hammer and has become an expert about flipping homes over the years.
      But perhaps the greatest thing he ever did was create a new musical instrument.
      Dublin invented The Dube, a percussion instrument that’s even been used by Stevie Wonder.
      Dion Dublin invented The Dube, a musical instrument used by artists including Stevie WonderCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      DANIEL AGGER
      Ex-Liverpool star Daniel Agger always loved tattoos and boasts around 21 on his body.
      So, it was no surprise when he retired from the game he joined forces with his brother in Copenhagen for a tattoo parlour called Tattoodo.
      He also helped launch a company in 2013 called KloAgger, putting £450,000 into a firm that manages sewage systems in Denmark.
      You could hardly say Agger’s career has gone down the toilet.
      Daniel Agger runs a tattoo parlour in Copenhagen with his brother
      In 2013, Agger also launched KloAgger – a company that manages sewage systems in Denmark
      MATHIEU FLAMINI
      Before retiring, Flamini went from pro footballer to environmental entreprenuer.
      The ex-Gunner is a co-founder of GF Biochemicals, the first company in the world able to mass-produce levulinic acid.

      “We founded GFBiochemicals with the ambition of finding sustainable alternatives to oil-based products,” he revealed.
      Flamini is also part of the Environmental Excellence Committee for the candidature of Paris as the location for the 2024 Summer Olympics.
      It has been predicted that Flamini’s company could be worth billions in years to come.
      Since quitting football Mathieu Flamini has become an environmental entrepreneurCredit: Twitter @MathieuFlamini
      Flamini is co-founder of GF Biochemicals and is projected to make billions in years to comeCredit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun
      Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand calls out Graeme Souness for Paul Pogba criticism More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea star Trevoh Chalobah worked as a fashion model before becoming surprise starter in Thomas Tuchel’s first team

      by

      TREVOH Chalobah has come of age and appears to have cemented his place in Chelsea’s first team squad.The utility player has broken through aged 22, and finally seems to have forced his way into Thomas Tuchel’s plans following a man-of-the-match display against Villarreal in the Super Cup shootout win, as well as scoring on his Premier League debut against Crystal Palace.
      Blues sensation Chalobah has appeared in a fashion campaign for Italian leather goods company Valore LondonCredit: Adam Fussell/Valore London
      Fashionable Chalobah shows he’s a trendsetter as a model for Valore LondonCredit: Adam Fussell/Valore London
      The German tactician admitted as much himself, with the ex-England U21 international starring during preseason.
      “He played well against Bournemouth, Arsenal and Tottenham,” Tuchel said after the game.
      “We wanted guys on the field who could play 90 mins. He was one of the first in training, physically strong and deserved to play.
      “It’s quite impressive. He forced his way into our thinking.
      “Let’s see how it goes, he forced his way into our thinking. We still have some days to decide [his future].”
      It’s a future that did look like being away from Stamford Bridge, with suggestions he was about to be sent on loan… again.
      Chalobah has already endured long campaigns with Ipswich Town, Huddersfield Town and French club Lorient.
      The trendy footballer also starred in a fashion campaign for Italian leather goods company Valore London, before his sensational rise.
      Titled ‘Future British Icons’, the photoshoot featured their Blazon monogram collection and showed Trevoh to be a trendsetter.
      Trevoh Chalobah, right, celebrates with Antonio Rudiger after Chelsea beat Villarreal to win the Super CupCredit: Getty
      Chalobah looks to the sky after scoring his first goal for Chelsea on his Premier League debutCredit: Getty
      He and his older footballing brother Nathaniel, now 26, are both graduates of Chelsea’s famed academy, with the elder sibling now plying his trade at Watford.
      The Chalobah story began in Africa.
      SIERRA LEONE TO SOUTH LONDON
      Trevoh was born in Sierra Leone in 1999.
      His family moved to Lambeth, South London when he was six and he soon discovered the beautiful game on his estate, where he and his brother played their football in a cage pitch.
      “Moving here when I was 6 years old, I remember some parts of those initial days but my first real memory is seeing the cage,” he told Gaffer magazine.
      “The park as well, where we used to go and play every day. We met a lot of friends there, a whole host of people who used to love football.
      “We had community centres too and they were a big part of our childhood.”
      At eight, Trevoh joined his brother Nathaniel at Cobham and worked his way up the ranks, before signing a pro contract in 2018.
      Chalobah rose through the ranks at Chelsea alongside the likes of Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori and Ike UgboCredit: Getty
      Sierra Leone-born Chalobah lifts the FA Youth Cup in 2017Credit: Getty
      Primarily playing at right or centre-back, he won the Uefa Youth League and FA Youth Cup alongside Mason Mount as a teenager.
      He has also starred at every level for England from Under-16 to U21 level, and was part of the U19 team that won the European Championships in 2017.

      LOAN STAR
      However, with chances limited at Stamford Bridge it was imperative that Trevoh left West London to get game-time elsewhere.
      For the 2018-19 season, he was loaned out to then-Championship side Ipswich Town.
      He played 44 times for the Tractor Boys, but despite impressing was unable to save the club from relegation.
      The following season, it was in West Yorkshire where Trevoh had his next experience of Championship football with Huddersfield Town.
      It was there he caught the eye of boss Danny Cowley.
      At Huddersfield Town on loan Chalobah impressed boss Danny CowleyCredit: Rex
      Through the years Chalobah has played for every youth level with EnglandCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      “Trevoh Chalobah will be a top player,” he said.
      He added: “He’s a really good learner and is always looking to add to his game.”
      A BRIT ABROAD
      Last season, Chalobah continued his football education overseas with Lorient in Ligue 1 – with a need to test himself at a higher level.
      He appeared to bulk up with extra weight sessions in the gym, which he proudly shows off on Instagram.
      On the final day of the season, Trevoh wrote his name in Lorient’s record books when his goal against Strasbourg earned the club a 1-1 draw, but more importantly saved them from relegation.
      He also had a ‘pinch me’ moment earlier in the season when he came up against the superstars of PSG – who Lorient record a famous 3-2 win over.
      “Being on the same pitch as Angel Di Maria, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe – I’d been watching this team play in the Champions League. To beat them was unbelievable,” Chalobah said.
       “Neymar was playing as a No 10.
      “I had to mark him a lot. Even when I tackled him, it was like: ‘Wow, I tackled Neymar.’”
      Chalobah relished coming up against PSG’s superstars, like Kylian Mbappe while on loan at LorientCredit: AFP
      Extra weight sessions have seen Chalobah bulk up his 6ft 3in frameCredit: Instagram @yungchalobah
      HAVE A WORD
      When Chalobah was just 17, he was visited in the England youth training camp by ex-Blues star Daniel Sturridge, who gave a talk to the youngsters.
      The forward was quick to pass on his experience and advice. It was a message that has stuck for the model pro.
      “Daniel was with the senior England squad but he sat us all down and told us our main aim should be football,” Chalobah told The Athletic.
      “He told us how important sleep is. Instead of going out to parties and things, have the strength to say no. Football has to come first at this time. That’s how he is, he wanted to help us not go down the route some other players.
      “I’ve always kept that in my head, from Chelsea, to my loans at Ipswich and Huddersfield. There are temptations to go out, but you have to have the power to step away.
      “You need to rest for training and to get ready for the game. We are all human beings, sometimes you need to relax but you have to pick the right time. I like going out for meals. I’ve been out clubbing a few times, the cinema, but only at the right moment.”
      Trevoh Chalobah said he doesn’t get swayed by the party lifestyleCredit: Rex
      THE FUTURE IS UNWRITTEN
      After his star show against Villarreal and strike against Palace, Chalobah may have just changed his footballing future.
      It looked like he was headed for a fourth consecutive loan, with competition for places fierce.
      Toni Rudiger, Thiago Silva, Andreas Christensen, Kurt Zouma would all definitely be ahead of him in the pecking order.
      Right-backs Cesar Azpilicueta and Reece James both played in the back three last season and may well be trusted more if it comes to it.

      While, France international defender Jules Kounde is said to be next on Tuchel’s shopping list in s blockbuster £70million deal.
      Whatever the future holds, Chalobah has a lot to offer.
      For Tuchel, trying to fit him into his squad will be a headache he will be happy to have.
      Chalobah has now forced his way into boss Thomas Tuchel’s thinkingCredit: Reuters
      22-year-old Chalobah may have just changed his future at ChelseaCredit: Getty

      Rio Ferdinand backs Chelsea to push Man City for the Premier League title More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Romelu Lukaku out to end Chelsea’s No9 curse, after Higuain, Morata, Falcao, and more all flopped at Stamford Bridge

      by

      WILL Chelsea’s No9 curse now finally end?With Tammy Abraham leaving the Blues for Roma, the famous number that has undone many a world class centre forward at Stamford Bridge is up for grabs.

      New £97.5million singing Romelu Lukaku is expected to be handed the No9 shirt
      Chelsea’s new signing Romelu Lukaku follows a string of expensive flops
      New £97.5million signing Romelu Lukaku is expected to be handed the shirt, although it’s worth saying Abraham didn’t do too much wrong in it.
      However, plenty of big-name buys before him have struggled in the Premier League era.
      And some of them weren’t even forwards.
      CHRIS SUTTON, 1999-2000
      In 1999, Sutton moved to West London from Blackburn for a then mega £10million.
      He had made a name for himself at Norwich, then won the title with Blackburn so he had pedigree.
      However, he struggled with the burden of the price tag and style of play – scoring just three goals in 39 games.
      Sutton was sold the following summer to Celtic for £6m, where he found his form again.
      Chris Sutton was an expensive mistake by ChelseaCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      MATEJA KEZMAN, 2004-2005
      It was the year Chelsea won their first Premier League title, but it wasn’t because of this Serbian forward.
      In truth, Kezman had some big boots to fill in Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink when he arrived from PSV in a £6m deal.
      But after he tore shreds out of defences in the Dutch league, he couldn’t repeat that feat on our shores.
      Four goals in 25 games later he was sold to Atletico Madrid.
      Mateja Kezman couldn’t replicate the form he showed at PSV for ChelseaCredit: PA:Press Association
      KHALID BOULAHROUZ, 2006-07
      Perhaps Chelsea were trying to break the curse at this point, or take the pressure off their strikers.
      But in 2006 they gave Dutch defender Boulahrouz the No9 shirt, following his £9m move from Hamburg.
      Nicknamed ‘The Cannibal’, he failed to dislodge John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho.
      Injuries didn’t help his cause, and he made just 20 appearances before he was loaned out to Sevilla.
      Khalid Boulahrouz made just 20 appearances for the BluesCredit: Reuters
      STEVE SIDWELL, 2007-08
      The ex-Arsenal trainee was a strange signing by the Blues.
      After four years impressing at Reading, he was snapped up by Jose Mourinho on a free transfer.
      Michael Essien and Frank Lampard were the midfield pair the Special One would turn to, which meant Sidwell made just 25 appearances before he was sold to Aston Villa.
      The No9 shirt was free again for a new incumbent.
      Steve Sidwell failed to establish himself at Stamford Bridge after Jose Mourinho signed himCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      FRANCO DI SANTO, 2008-09
      It was Argentine youth prospect Di Santo who had the shirt (and dreams) pinned on him when Sidwell departed.
      A £4m signing from Chilean side Audax Italiano, the centre forward just couldn’t find his striking boots.
      He made 16 appearances, mostly as a sub in fairness, but never looked like scoring.
      Di Santo was sold to Wigan, a season after a poor campaign with Blackburn on loan.
      Argie Franco Di Santo failed to score in 16 games for ChelseaCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      FERNANDO TORRES, 2011-15
      Chelsea fans will argue his goal against Barcelona in the Nou Camp to seal a spot in the final of the 2012 Champions League was worth his £50m transfer fee alone.
      But for some reason, the Spain legend could never really get going in a Chelsea shirt.
      And it wasn’t English football that was a struggle – because over four years at Liverpool he scored 81 goals in 142 games.
      However, 45 strikes in 172 games for the Blues was a poor return for ‘El Nino’.
      Fernando Torres couldn’t replicate the form he showed at Liverpool at Stamford BridgeCredit: Reuters
      RADAMEL FALCAO, 2015-16
      After a disastrous spell at Manchester United, Chelsea knew they were taking a gamble on Falcao.
      The Colombian striker arrived on loan with the idea of making the move permanent from Monaco in 2015.
      Struggles with his fitness and the pace of the game saw him restricted to just 12 games.
      Worse still, he only managed one goal.
      Radamel Falcao was a disaster during his loan at Chelsea – scoring just once in 12 gamesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      ALVARO MORATA, 2017-18
      Another huge fee was shelled out for Spain striker Morata, who arrived in 2017 for £60m.
      A lot was expected of the ex-Real Madrid star, who managed 15 goals in his first season.
      Morata even tried to change his shirt number to 29, but things got even worse in his second campaign with the club when he scored just five Premier League goals.
      The striker returned to LaLiga with Atletico Madrid with his tail between his legs in 2019.
      The expectation on Alvaro Morata’s shoulders was too much for the Spaniard who floppedCredit: Getty – Contributor

      GONZALO HIGUAIN, 2019
      It was Maurizio Sarri’s dream signing – and a striker he knew how to get the best out of after managing the Argie at Napoli to great success.
      But the Higuain who scored 91 goals in 146 games in Naples three years prior was a shadow of his former self in England.
      Fears over his fitness and pace ended up to be true.
      And despite scoring a brace in his third game against Huddersfield, he couldn’t replicate his goalscoring form from his Serie A days.
      Six months, 19 games and five goals later, he returned to Juventus. Ironically, his boss was Sarri again.
      Gonzalo Higuain struggled for fitness during his time in West LondonCredit: Reuters

      Tuchel says Romelu Lukaku transfer is good for Timo Werner More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Man Utd star Ramon Calliste was called ‘the next Giggs’, but now owns luxury watch business making £5m a year

      by

      BIG things were expected of Ramon Calliste.  The former Man United starlet was labelled the next Ryan Giggs and trained with the first team alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.
      Ramon Calliste is owner of Global Watches, a company that rakes in around £5m a year
      Delivering a bespoke service, Global Watches sells high-end time pieces
      However, when it didn’t work out at the Red Devils the former Welsh wizard moved onto Liverpool and became their top scorer in reserve football.
      Frustrated with his lack of first team opportunities, and taking on advice from then-Wales manager John Toshack, he moved to Scunthorpe in 2006.
      But in a cruel twist of fate during his first preseason game Ramon dislocated his ankle, cracking a bone and severely damaging his ligaments.
      After bouncing around at a few clubs, including Farnborough and Cambridge City, Ramon was conscious that the horror injury meant he’d never return to the same level again.
      TIME FOR CHANGE
      He turned his attentions to watches, and in 2013 launched Global Watches – a company that sells high-end timepieces, including Rolex, Audemars Piguet and Hublot.
      Ramon’s business is now making around £5MILLION-per-year, selling products to footballers, celebrities and other high-rollers.
      “When I realised football wasn’t going to give me the life I desired, it was about setting up something else and moving fast,” Ramon, 32, told SunSport.
      “I started to get involved in watches through contacts I had in the world of football.

      Global Watches lists timepieces for tens of thousands of pounds
      With a base in North London, business is booming for Global WatchesCredit: Global Watches
      “Once I saw it could become a viable business, I set up Global Watches in 2013 and it’s become a really strong company that’s now turning over millions.
      “The idea is to keep it growing and hopefully sell the company in five or ten years time, just like Watchfinder did recently.”
      BACKED BY FOOTBALLERS
      Ramon admitted that he was a complete novice when it came to setting up a business.
      But it helped having a contacts book of footballers, who valued his trust because of his past playing career.
      “Running any business is very difficult,” Ramon said.
      “When you’re dealing with high-value goods, there’s a lot of compliance and regulations to bear in mind.
      “We do everything by the book here and it’s very important to be clear on what you’re doing.
      “I was lucky it was very lucrative from the beginning. Some watches we sell can go from £250,000.
      Limited edition and rare Richard Mille watches can be found at Global WatchesCredit: Instagram
      Former footballer Ramon Calliste launched Global Watches in 2013Credit: Global Watches
      Global Watches sell pieces for as much as £250,000Credit: Global Watches
      “Having my footballing history has also helped.
      “I dealt with footballers in the beginning, selling them watches and I already had that trust there.
      “Even today, clients come online and they see it’s me and they feel comfortable buying from me.
      “There might be other companies that are stronger than mine, but because I played the game it does help the business.
      “We have a bespoke service where we go out to the clients, and it’s not just footballers.
      “We started with an office in Mayfair. Now, we’ve got a shop front in North London.
      “When you can take your inventory to a room of footballers, perhaps ten millionaires, that’s better for all concerned.
      “They prefer that service and it’s an easier chance to sell goods
      Ramon Calliste was able to use his footballing contacts to ensure Global Watches started off successfully
      .
      Didier Drogba is just one of many satisfied clients that have bought watches from Global WatchesCredit: Instagram, @globalwatches
      “I have a great relationship with the players and make sure they are looked after.”IT’S A BIG EARNER
      On a regular day, Ramon revealed he sells watches from around £50,000-£70,000.
      Occasionally, he gets a £150,000-£250,000 sale in a market where clients can make money from pieces that are collector’s items.
      “They appreciate, watches have become commodities,” Ramon said.
      “It’s nice for my clients to make money if they’ve bought a watch from me, if they want to sell the watch in the future.
      “I see myself as a consultant. I know watches inside out and try to advise them on what to buy.
      “So sometimes when my clients come to me with what they’ve want, I will tell them straight if it’s a good or bad idea.
      “I don’t want any of my clients to lose lots of money, when they come to sell their timepiece.”
      Some watches are collector’s items that appreciate with age, Global Watches owner Ramon Calliste revealedCredit: Global Watches
      Ramon Calliste hopes to make Global Watches a world-renowned brandCredit: Global Watches
      Going forward, Ramon hopes to open more stores to ensure Global Watches becomes a worldwide renowned name.
      He’s also looking at getting into the property business and hopes to retire by the age of 50.
      BOY WONDER
      Looking back at his football career, Ramon spoke of how it all began without any regrets.
      “I was watched by Man United scout Tony Hopkins for two years when I was at a high school in Cardiff.
      “Originally, I signed for Coventry, but I didn’t feel happy there.
      “I got picked for the Wales under-19s aged 13, and Coventry stopped me from playing.
      “I found out that was because someone could’ve poached me if they’d saw me play and I impressed other scouts.
      “I got out of that contract, went back to school and then I was off to Manchester United in 2000.
      In 2000, Ramon Calliste signed a deal with Manchester United
      A promising talent, Welshman Ramon Calliste was once compared to Ryan GiggsCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      “When I got to Old Trafford I met Sir Alex Ferguson, which was an incredible experience.
      “Seeing everything for the first time, I went into the famous room where everyone meets him.
      “It was a special, I wasn’t fazed by much when I was young, but he had the aura of a great man.”
      ROONEY, RONALDO AND BALE
      Ramon didn’t play for the United first team, but he got his chance to train with some of their superstars.
      “We didn’t always train with the first team, but sometimes we’d have five-a-side games.
      “I aspired to train with them permanently, and it was amazing when I did get the opportunity.
      “I trained with Rooney and Ronaldo, which was a big deal.”
      He also saw Gareth Bale’s potential first-hand and knew straight away the Real Madrid winger was a star in the making.
      While he didn’t always train with the first team, Ramon Calliste did occasionally play alongside Wayne Rooney and Cristiano RonaldoCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      But now, Ramon Calliste would rather shift watches over playing football
      “I remember seeing Gareth Bale when we had an under-21 Wales training session at Wrexham’s training ground.
      “I didn’t really know who he was at the time, but knew he was at Southampton.
      “But after training we were having a kickabout and I could see him practising free kicks.
      “You could see from that moment that he was a special player. It was great to play alongside him and some other of the world’s great players.”
      INJURY WRECKED HIS CHANCE
      After Ramon was released from Old Trafford, he starred for Liverpool’s reserves.
      He was their leading goalscorer in the 2005-2006 season, but left for Scunthorpe for first team opportunities.
      “It wasn’t initially what I wanted to do, but Toshack told me I needed to play competitive football if I wanted to break into the Wales first team.
      “I thought, let’s do this and took a contract. Preseason I got injured straight away and I never really recovered from it.”
      Global Watches are hoping to expand by launching more shops around the UKCredit: Instagram, @globalwatches
      Ramon Calliste has no regrets that his football career was cut short by injuryCredit: Instagram, @globalwatches
      Ramon’s horrendous dislocated ankle injury with ligament damage and broken bone to boot still plagues the entrepreneur.
      “I have trouble with that ankle today,” he revealed.
      “I see a specialist regularly and I’m probably going to have to have another operation.
      “If I would’ve had the injury at Man United and Liverpool, I might have been alright.
      “But because I had the treatment at Scunthorpe, I don’t think I got the right medical attention.”
      In 2009, Ramon had decided he’d had enough. Spells at Cambridge City and West London Saracens in the Middlesex County Football League followed.
      Man United released Ramon Calliste when his contract expired in 2005Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Ramon Calliste in action in a reserve game against Liverpool at Man United’s Carrington Training GroundCredit: Getty – Contributor
      HE LOST HEART
      But by his mid-2os, his heart wasn’t in it.
      “To come back, I would’ve had to look at going into semi-pro.
      “That just wasn’t for me. From being the creme de la creme at the top and then being at the bottom of the chain, it wasn’t something that’s in my genetics.
      “If I wanted to be involved with something, I want it to be the best. I thought, at that point football was just a distraction and I needed to build a real life.
      “In the end, football just wasn’t meant for me. With all the ability I had, it just wasn’t my destiny.
      “I wouldn’t have met my wife, I wouldn’t have met my children because I wouldn’t have come to London at the time I did. That alone is the most important thing for me.
      Setting up Global Watches was Ramon Calliste’s destiny
      Global Watches has given former footballer Ramon Calliste a life he couldn’t have had playing the gameCredit: Global Watches

      “You have to go through a hell of a lot of steps to get through life. I don’t regret anything that happened to me in football, I learned a lot.
      “I still have great friends from that world, but it wasn’t to be.”
      Visit the Global Watches website here
      Football fans love Maria Liman – here is why More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Erling Haaland’s Premier League title dream with Leeds Utd, after dad Alf-Inge starred at Elland Road

      by

      HISTORY remembers the Haaland name with a wince.That eye-watering tackle from Roy Keane on Manchester City’s Alf-Inge Haaland in 2001 saw the surname go down in legend, linked with pity and pain.
      Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland is a target for Europe’s top clubsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Leeds legend Alf-Inge Haaland is Erling’s fatherCredit: Refer to Caption
      But that has quickly been forgotten about. Now Alf-Inge’s son, Erling Haaland is the hottest striker in Europe and tracked by a number of clubs, including Chelsea.
      The Borussia Dortmund striker, still only 20, has been one of the Bundesliga’s most-feared marksman after signing from Red Bull Salzburg for £18m in 2020.
      In one and a half seasons he scored 57 goals in just 59 games, which is why teams are willing to pay over £100million to secure his services.
      Few can forget his debut – coming on as a second half substitute against Augsburg and scoring a hat-trick within 23 minutes.
      He’s only the second player in Dortmund history to score three times on his debut – the other being Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
      But that’s nothing for the hulking great teen, who first hit the headlines when he struck NINE goals in one game at the Under-20 World Cup for Norway in 2019.
      Haaland is the hottest property in world football right nowCredit: Getty
      This summer a transfer scramble is expected for Haaland’s signatureCredit: https://www.instagram.com/erling.haaland/
      Norway pummelled Honduras 12-0 with Haaland’s treble hat-trick seeing the nation go out on a high as they finished third in the group and were eliminated.
      Blessed with power and pace, he may still be far from the finished product — yet his appearance suggests he is already there.
      A giant of a man at 6ft 4in, the Yorkshire-born forward has already bulked-up and uses his size to his advantage, bullying and bashing his way past defenders.
      HAAL OF FAME
      But to think of Haaland as a traditional bulldozer would be a mistake.
      Roy Keane caught Alf-Inge Haaland on the knee with this horrendous challenge in 2001Credit: Sky
      Haaland joined Dortmund in 2020 for £18mCredit: AFP
      On his debut against Augsburg Haaland scored a hat-trick in just 23 minutesCredit: AFP or licensors
      At 6ft 4in Haaland is built like a battering ramCredit: AP:Associated Press
      He possesses a classy touch and clinical finish, a style that has seen Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who coached the prospect at Molde, compare him to a former Old Trafford favourite.
      Solskjaer said: “He will be at the top of the game for sure. He reminds me of Romelu Lukaku.”
      At around the same age, Lukaku made the move to the Premier League when he joined Chelsea.
      Haaland could be given a similar opportunity soon.
      Manchester United were aware of Haaland’s talents when he played at Molde, and regularly sent scouts to check his progress.

      Haaland was a target for Man Utd who have missed out on him twiceCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Haaland was born in Yorkshire as his father Alf-Inge played for LeedsCredit: Instagram @erling.haaland
      Erling Haaland has been stand-out performer for Dortmund scoring 57 goals in all competitions since his arrivalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      They once saw Haaland score every goal in a 4-0 win, but have missed out on signing him twice.
      First, he moved to Red Bull Salzburg in 2019, then after banging 29 goals in 27 games in Austrian football – Dortmund had seen enough to pip Solskjaer to his signature.
      However, the prospect of Haaland ending up on the red side of Manchester may be uncomfortable for his dad who spent three years at City.
      Up to now, the youngster has tread a similar path.
      Haaland began his career in the same place as Alf-Inge, with Norwegian side Bryne FK who play in the nation’s second tier before moving to Molde.
      And his next move could be to the Premier League, and if he wants to appease his dad, he’ll be leading the line at Elland Road.
      “The dream is to win the Premier League with Leeds,” Haaland once told Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten.
      Haaland is a powerful striker with a classy touch and clinical finishCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Haaland’s dad Alf-Inge in action against his nemesis Roy KeaneCredit: PA:Press Association
      Haaland dreams of winning the Premier League with LeedsCredit: Instagram
      Usain Bolt trains with Norwegian side Stromsgodset as he is desperate to play professional football More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Romelu Lukaku’s inspiring story from tough childhood growing up in social housing to record Chelsea transfer

      by

      REBORN Romelu Lukaku has finally made the move back to Chelsea from Inter Milan.The Belgium star, 28, was desperate for a move to Stamford Bridge this summer and made the switch on Thursday for a club record fee of £97.5m on a reported contract of £325,000-per-week.
      Romelu Lukaku has completed his £97.5m move to Chelsea
      The Belgium forward has returned to Stamford Bridge and has unfinished business with the clubCredit: Instagram @romelulukaku
      Lukaku is said to have inked a contract worth around £325,000-per-week
      Lukaku believes he has unfinished business in the Premier League, after failing to establish himself in West London first time round.
      The powerful centre forward has rejuvenated his career in Serie A – scoring 64 goals in two seasons to become one of the world’s most feared strikers.
      He’s come a long way since his tough childhood growing up in Antwerp, Belgium.
      When his father was sentenced to 15 months in jail for assaulting a woman and keeping her in the boot of his car, a claim he strenuously denied, the family were forced to live in social housing.
      It was left to mum Adolphine to support the family, who took on cleaning jobs to make ends meet.
      LUKAKU’S TORMENT
      Lukaku is believed have a fortune of around £40million today.
      However in 2013, his life was very different. His dad Roger was alleged to have assaulted a former lover and kept her in the boot of his car, although he accused her of lying.
      He was sentenced to 15-months inside for failing to attend his trial, but claimed he missed his summons because he had moved to a different area of Brussels and wasn’t registered at his new address.
      Roger was forced to retire as a professional footballer and the family were left broke with their bread-winner locked up for 15 months.
      The Lukakus were moved from their home to social housing in Antwerp, where they were stuck without electricity and slept on the floor.
      Romelu’s dad Roger Lukaku was sentenced to jail after allegedly assaulting a womanCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Lukaku endured a tough childhood and was raised by his motherCredit: Twitter @RomeluLukaku9
      Adolphine Lukaku, right, took on various jobs to support her family when her husband was sent to prisonCredit: Rex
      Today, Lukaku leads a very different life thanks to a glittering football career
      “When my father stopped playing we landed in a hole financially. People left us to fend for ourselves, and I have always kept that in my mind,” Lukaku said.
      “Everything changed for us inside two months. I remember everything – I was five or six, had just begun playing football, and then my dad retired.
      “We didn’t have a TV or even electricity at home. We were then evicted from our flat, and we moved to Antwerp.
      “In the beginning we didn’t even have curtains on the windows. We slept on the floor, with my mum, brother Jordan and me upstairs and my dad on the ground floor.
      “I had to stop playing football, as my father wasn’t able to drop me off for training.
      “My mother became diabetic, and her health was not good. I went to live with my aunt for a while until my mum returned home.
      “My mother is the boss. I make decisions about my football career without asking her, but she is my source of inspiration for everything else.
      “She worked her fingers to the bone for us. Despite her illness she would work as a cleaner in homes and cafes.
      “Jordan and I used to get the bus to training with Rupel Boom, and then go on to where she was working in Antwerp. We’d mostly help her move tables in the cafes she cleaned.
      “On my sixth birthday I told her I would play for Anderlecht, so I could help her with money.”
      A BOY’S PROMISE
      Lukaku was adamant he would do anything he could to support his family.
      He played for local team Rupel Boom, before moving to Lierse and then Anderlecht in 2006.
      Lukaku towers over a referee and opposition player before a youth gameCredit: Social media
      Many people watching Lukaku at youth level didn’t believe his age because of his sizeCredit: Social media
      Lukaku poses with brother Jordan, who is also a professional footballer at LazioCredit: Twitter @RomeluLukaku9
      Although he moved around as a youngster, one thing that was a constant was he was always the biggest player on the pitch.
      His agent Mino Raiola revealed how people watching him at youth level didn’t believe he was his age and his mum used to bring his birth certificate to youth games.
      “I was talking to his mother. Eventually she went to youth matches with birth certificate,” Raiola said in an interview back in 2017 to Swedish newspaper Expressen.
      “She always ended up with other parents who did not think he was 12 or 14 years old. It was always a fuss that he scored three or four goals.
      “He was bigger and physically strong, yes. But they screamed that it was not in the right age.
      “So she took the birth certificate. He was born in Belgium, but they spread false reports he been born in Africa. ‘Here it is’, she said.”
      A STAR IS BORN
      A talent beyond his years, Lukaku became a regular for Anderlecht at just 16 – scoring 41 goals in 98 games for the club.
      Chelsea splashed £17million on the teenager and signed him up on a five-year contract.
      But with Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou and Daniel Sturridge all vying for a starting place in the side, Lukaku found first team opportunities hard to come by.
      Despite the Blues winning the Champions League in his debut campaign, he was left disheartened by his own personal involvement.
      As a youth star at Anderlecht, Lukaku was primed for the first teamCredit: Instagram @rlukaku9
      Lukaku exploded onto the scene at 16 at AnderlechtCredit: Reuters
      In 2011, Lukaku signed for Chelsea in £17millionCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      As a bit-part player Lukaku became frustrated at Stamford BridgeCredit: A
      “It wasn’t me, but my team that won,” he said refusing to hold the trophy on the Allianz Arena turf after the famous penalty shootout win over Bayern Munich.
      It would be elsewhere in England he would find success.
      A LOAN TO PROVE HIMSELF
      Chelsea were, at first, reluctant to lose Lukaku and insisted he went on loan to gain valuable first team experience. And he thrived away from SW6.
      He ended the 2012-13 campaign with West Brom with a respectable 17 league goals.
      Then at Everton, he followed that with a decent 15 strikes – helping the Toffees finish fifth and record their highest ever Premier League points total, 72.
      It was no surprise that manager Roberto Martinez paid Chelsea £28million to make the deal permanent.
      In his next three seasons, Lukaku would go on to score 20, 25 and 26 goals to cement his reputation as one of the Premier League’s top marksman.
      Of course, a move to the Premier League’s most successful club was round the corner.
      At West Brom on loan Lukaku showed his qualitiesCredit: AFP
      The goals continued to flow at Goodison Park in an Everton shirt after he signed for the Toffees on a permanent dealCredit: Action Images – Reuters

      RED MISSED
      It took £75million plus add-ons to take Lukaku from Goodison Park to Old Trafford in 2017, as he looked to fill the departing Wayne Rooney’s shoes.
      But, from the offset, many pundits seemed unconvinced Lukaku was the right fit for Manchester United.
      This was even after he scored twice on his debut against West Ham in a 4-0 win, and netted 10 goals in his first nine appearances for the Red Devils – breaking Bobby Charlton’s record of nine in his first nine games.
      His first touch was often questioned by fans, who just didn’t take to him.
      Effectively, not feeling loved might’ve been the nail in the coffin for his United career.
      Despite scoring 42 times in 96 games, Lukaku was told to pack his bags after the club accepted an offer of around £74million.
      On his way out of the club, Manchester United legend Gary Neville questioned his professionalism and said he was overweight.
      Although, he has always listened to the advice of Chelsea legend Didier Drogba when it has come to managing his career.
      Lukaku began his Man Utd career in explosive fashion – scoring 10 times in his first nine gamesCredit: Reuters
      Towards the end of his stay at Old Trafford, Lukaku was slammed for being overweightCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has always been a soundboard for Lukaku
      REINVENTION
      Determined to prove the doubters wrong, Lukaku arrived at the San Siro on a mission.
      He accepted that he was top-heavy and listened to the club’s medical staff who devised a strict diet regime for him to follow.
      Incredibly, he dropped a stone, began to look sharper and more importantly scored more goals than ever.
       “Since I joined Inter I have changed my diet and I can say that I have never felt so strong,” he revealed.
      “My diet consists of salads for lunch, a lot of chicken breast, Shirataki pasta.
      “I don’t change my way of eating much, for how we play we must have a very strong physique, we run a lot: since I have followed this lifestyle I feel better on the pitch, I feel more reactive and faster.
      “I love carbohydrates and I love potatoes, sweet potatoes and black rice, but I don’t eat a lot of pasta.
      At Inter Lukaku has rediscovered his formCredit: EPA
      Leaner Lukaku shed a stone and is now sharper than everCredit: AP
      Shredded Lukaku has continued to train hard all summer to maintain his new physique

      “I’ve always been an explosive player with muscles but Italy took me to another level. I have never felt so strong. I have reached another level, physically and mentally.”
      Chelsea might not have got the finished product when they bought a teen Lukaku back in 2011.
      But now he appears ready to end the club’s dreaded No9 curse.
      Romelu Lukaku releases statement to say that he is happy to be returning to Chelsea More