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      in Soccer

      Sweden Euro 2020 star Alexander Isak’s family fled Eritrea for a new life, he’s now a £60m transfer target for Arsenal

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      IN 2018, Alexander Isak went on a discovery mission.The 21-year-old Sweden star, who has shone at Euro 2020, travelled to Eritrea in East Africa.
      Sweden star Alexander Isak has starred for his country at Euro 2020Credit: Getty
      Isak visited Eritrea, where his parents fled because of a long civil warCredit: Instagram @alex_isak
      Against Slovakia at the Euros Isak was awarded man-of-the-matchCredit: Getty
      Alexander Isak in action with Poland’s Jan BednarekCredit: Reuters
      There, he took in his surroundings, visited a football school and tried to get a better understanding of his roots.
      Years earlier, his mum and dad left war-torn Eritrea in search of a better life.
      They emigrated to Solna, a suburb outside of Stockholm, where Isak was born.
      It was there where the forward, who has been compared to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, was moulded into the promising youngster he is today – with Arsenal reportedly readying a £60million bid for the talent.
      BACK TO ERITREA
      Three years ago, Isak was invited to Eritrea by Ambassador Zemede Tekle, the Commissioner of Culture and Sports of the country.
      He had been back briefly as a young kid, but not since his epic rise in the game.
      Although he grew up as a Swede, the 6ft 4in striker has always been loyal to his Eritrean culture.
      During his stay, he took in a grass-root projects in Asmara before watching a game between aspiring footballers at a local stadium.
      Isak was impressed with what he saw, and it reminded him of his own upbringing.
      Isak was born and bred a Swede, but is steeped in Eritrean cultureCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Ambassador Zemede Tekle, the Commissioner of Culture and Sports of Eritrea, poses with Izak during his visit to the countryCredit: Instagram @alex_isak
      “I like that the kids are training and building their future,” he revealed.
      “I did the same when I was young; we were many kids on the same pitch. This is an interesting project and it’s nice to see where the kids develop and be guided.”
      MOULDED IN SWEDEN
      In the 1980s, his father Teame, a teacher, wanted a brighter future for his prospective family.
      Eritrea was embroiled in a long civil war that was fought between competing organisations for the country’s liberation.
      Teame and his wife decided it was time to leave their country behind, and they were welcomed to Sweden with open arms.
      Alexander was born in 1999 in Solna, where he ended up training with local team AIK aged six.
      There he encountered coach Nahom Ghidey, who also came from an Eritrean background.
      Eritrea endured a long civil war that was fought between competing organisations for the country’s liberationCredit: EPA
      Nahom Ghidey was Isak’s favourite coach and they shared a special bond over their Eritrean origin
      “We had a special bond, because we are both of Eritrean origin,” Ghidey said.
      “Eritreans are proud, strong and patriotic people, and that background was influential. His father, Teame, is a teacher and Alexander has always received a lot of love and support from his family.”
      BREAKTHROUGH AT AIK
      At the tender age of 16-year-old Isak made his breakthrough with AIK – making his debut in 2016 in a Swedish Cup tie.
      He would score in his 15-minute cameo, and later would become the youngest scorer for AIK in league history at the age of 16 years and 199 days by netting against Östersunds FK in a 2-0 win.
      On his 17th birthday, a double against AIK’s arch-rivals Djurgårdens IF saw former team-mate Chinedu Obasi pay him the ultimate compliment, albeit with some pressure put on his young shoulders.
      “(He’s) Sweden’s new Zlatan Ibrahimović”, Obasi declared in an appraisal that alerted Europe’s top clubs.
      It was only expected that Isak would move on for a bigger challenge.
      Isak celebrates scoring for AIK aged 16 years and 199 daysCredit: Getty
      Isak has been compared to Sweden legend Zlatan IbrahimovicCredit: EPA
      WELCOME TO DORTMUND
      In 2017, Isak was signed by Borussia Dortmund – a club renowned for rearing the stars of tomorrow.
      The transfer was said to have cost around £8million – a record fee received by an Allsvenskan club.
      Before he joined the Bundesliga giants, it was reported that he turned down Real Madrid.
      “I had some offers on the table but thought Dortmund was the right place for me to develop as a young player,” he explained.
      “I want to make the next step, get some playing time and hopefully help the team.”
      But Isak found it difficult to settle in North Rhine-Westphalia in his two years at the club, who went through four managers during his time there.
      In 2017 Isak moved to Borussia Dortmund and it was supposed to be the making of himCredit: Getty – Contributor
      However, he failed to impress coaches including Thomas TuchelCredit: Getty
      Thomas Tuchel, Peter Bosz, Peter Stoger and Lucien Favre all favoured other strikers and Isak found himself further down the pecking order, before he was demoted to the reserves playing against fourth tier opposition.
      He needed a change.
      REVITALISED IN NETHERLANDS
      In early 2019, desperate for first team football, Isak was loaned out to Dutch side Willem II.
      It was in the Netherlands where he found his swagger again.
      He helped the club reach the Dutch cup final for the first time since 2005 by scoring the equaliser and then the winning penalty against AZ Alkmaar in the semi-finals of the KNVB Cup.
      And he broke some records along the way. He became the first player ever to score three penalties in an Eredivisie match, in a 3–2 win against Fortuna Sittard.
      Then, he became the first foreign-born player in the Eredivisie to score 12 goals in his first 12 league games.
      In a loan spell with Dutch side Willem II Isak rediscovered his formCredit: Getty
      Isak became the first foreign-born player in the Eredivisie to score 12 goals in his first 12 league gamesCredit: Getty
      LALIGA STAR
      Real Sociedad took a punt on Isak after Dortmund made him surplus to requirements ahead of the 2019-20 season.
      A transfer fee of £9million was enough to twist the Germans’ arm, and he signed a five-year deal worth a reported £19,000-a-week at the Estadio de Anoeta.
      It’s in LaLiga where he has continued to impress. In his first season, he earned the plaudits for scoring twice and creating another in a 3-1 win over Real Madrid in a Copa del Rey quarter-final.
      Three days after that coming-of-age performance, he scored a winner in the in the Basque derby against Athletic Bilbao – earning the adulation of the fans.
      More joy would follow – collecting his first piece of silverware in his debut campaign, again at the expense of Athletic Bilbao, who Sociedad beat in the Copa del Rey final 1-0.

      Isak celebrates winning the Copa del ReyCredit: Instagram @alex_isak
      Isak, currently playing his football with Real Sociedad, has been linked with a move to ArsenalCredit: Getty

      Last season, Isak was more prolific with 17 LaLiga goals to his name, as the finishing aspect to his game has developed.
      There was another record broken too. In a 4-0 win over Deportivo Alaves, Isak became the first Swedish player to score a La Liga hat-trick since Henry “Garvis” Carlsson did the same for Atletico Madrid in 1949.
      Should Isak make the move to the Premier League, expect this brilliant youngster to break even more records. More

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      in Soccer

      Gareth Bale boasts multimillionaire Madrid lifestyle, featuring £6.5m home, £230,000 Ferrari and golf on doorstep

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      HE really does have the life of Riley.Gareth Bale, 31, currently starring for Wales at Euro 2020, has a life to envy in Madrid.
      Gareth Bale’s home is closer to his favourite golf than to both the Bernabeu and Real Madrid’s training ground
      Gareth Bale was frozen out at Real Madrid by now-departed boss Zinedine ZidaneCredit: EPA
      And although it appeared his career at the Bernabeu was over, new manager Carlo Ancelotti has appeared to offer the winger an olive brance after Zinedine Zidane’s departure.
      He lives in a stunning £6.5million home, has a car collection that features a Ferrari, Mercedes, and Audi, as well as a stunning golf course on his doorstep.
      HOME
      Bale lives in the exclusive La Finca neighbourhood, home to Madrid’s wealthiest.
      Boss Zidane is, perhaps unfortunately, a neighbour, team-mates Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema are nearby, while Cristiano Ronaldo used to live there.
      Bale’s home itself was rented by Real Madrid legend Kaka before he moved on to pastures new.
      Bale rents a £6.5million home in the La Finca neighbourhood Credit: Solar Pix
      Bale often shares glimpses of the property on social media
      The property has a swimming pool
      Originally, Kaka rented Bale’s current home
      And it’s a wonder of modern architecture, created by Joaquin Torres and worth in the region of £6.5million.
      Bale is said to pay £10,000-per-month in rent to stay in the Pozuelo de Alarcón part of La Finca, in this amazing 1,500 square metre property that is built on two-storeys.
      It boasts four bedrooms, an indoor pool, gym, two utility rooms, several terraces and porches, as well as a six-car garage.
      CARS
      Said to earn £600,000-per-week before tax, Bale has plenty of change left over from his rental property.
      And through the years, he has added some of the best cars a footballer can drive.
      Alongside a £165,000 Mercedes SLS AMG, Bale has been seen riding in a £152,000 Bentley Continental GT, a £156,000 Lamborghini Huracan, as well as a £230,000 Ferrari GTC4Lusso.
      With Real Madrid’s players getting a pick of Audi motors thanks to a huge sponsorship deal, the winger also treated himself to a £65,000 Audi Q7 50 TDI last Christmas.
      Bale’s car collection includes this amazing Mercedes SLS AMG worth £165,000
      This £156,000 Lamborghini Huracan also belongs to Bale
      Most recently, Bale treated himself to a new AudiCredit: Darren Fletcher – The Sun
      Bale knows how to live the high-life in Spain
      GOLF
      After all, that handicap won’t improve itself.
      Bale has been accused of caring more about golf than playing for Real Madrid.
      In his grand estate in Glamorgan, Wales he built a three-hole golf course that are replicas of the 12th at Augusta, Royal Troon’s Postage Stamp and the tricky par-three 17th at Sawgrass.
      To feed his golf fix in Madrid, Bale belongs to the members-only Ciudad Grupo Santander.
      A golf course co-designed by Seve Ballesteros, it stretches out to nearly 7,500 yards from the back tees.
      For a special day out, he will drive to the Real Club de Valderrama in San Roque, Andalusia.
      When he takes a holiday, Bale makes sure he picks a retreat with a golf course.
      His preferred choice is the five-star Finca Cortesin in Marbella that boasts an 18-hole course, as well as two outdoor pools and a private beach club with infinity pool, restaurant and bar.
      Rooms are priced at around £900-per-night.
      Bale has been accused of caring more about golf than Real Madrid
      Bale belongs to the members-only Ciudad Grupo Santander in Madrid
      Whenever Bale picks a holiday he makes sure there’s a golf course on site
      CHILDHOOD SWEETHEART
      While his loyalty to Real Madrid has been questioned, his love for childhood sweetheart Emma Rhys-Jones, 29, has never been in doubt.
      The pair met at Whitchurch High School and began dating in the early noughties.
      In 2016, they got engaged, but their romance has had its difficulties.
      Her dad Martin was released from prison in June after being imprisoned for fraud for six months in the US.
      Emma banned him from a wedding that was initially scheduled for 2018, after he moved in with a florist half his age, Alina Baranova. 
      While other members of her family including her aunt Jane Burns have been embroiled in a violent drugs feud.
      Emma Ryhs-Jones is Bale’s childhood sweetheart Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      Bale and Rhys-Jones married in 2016
      With such an incredible lifestyle in Madrid it’s easy to see why Bale doesn’t want to leaveCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      In 2019, Gareth and Emma married in a hush-hush ceremony at a five-star hotel on a Majorcan island in front of just 60 guests.
      Guests were told of the location only 24-hours before the big day, and were asked to hand in their mobile phones to security guards as they entered the hotel.
      With his life set in Madrid, you can see why he doesn’t want to leave.
      Gareth Bale will STAY at Real Madrid in £60m stand-off because he has not forgiven club for stopping his move to China More

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      in Soccer

      Seven Man Utd flops who were a success after leaving including Romelu Lukaku, Memphis Depay and Wilfried Zaha

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      PLAYING for Manchester United can be a heavy burden for some players, even the very best.And many find their way again after moving away from Old Trafford to the frustration of supporters.
      These former Man Utd stars flourished away from Old Trafford
      These seven did especially well after leaving the Premier League giants behind.
      From a Uruguayan legend to a Dutch star who’s just earned a transfer to Barcelona, here’s the flops for whom life got much better after leaving United.
      ROMELU LUKAKU
      The Belgium centre forward is definitely the one that got away.
      Often, Lukaku was deemed not good enough by supporters who felt he was overweight and cumbersome.
      However, he now cuts a more shredded figure at Inter Milan, where a new diet and fitness regime has seen the striker lose 16lbs and get into the best shape of his career.
      Lukaku also rediscovered his goal touch and has 64 strikes in his two seasons at the San Siro.
      Romelu Lukaku lost his way at Old Trafford and was criticised by supportersCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      After shifting over a stone in weight, Lukaku is one of Serie A’s most feared strikers at InterCredit: AFP
      MEMPHIS DEPAY
      In 2015, United splashed £25million on the Dutch star on the insistence of Louis van Gaal.
      But Depay looked lost at sea on our shores, playing 53 times and managing just seven goals.
      Two seasons later he was sold to Lyon for £20million, where he rediscovered his form.
      This summer, after scoring 76 goals in 178 games, he is back on the big stage again and has joined Barcelona on a free transfer.
      Memphis Depay struggled for goals at Old TraffordCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      After moving to Lyon, Depay has re-emerged for club and country – recently signing for Barcelona
      ANGEL DI MARIA
      It’s not uncommon for Argentinian stars to lose their way at Old Trafford – with Juan Sebastian Veron also struggling on our shores.
      Di Maria was a marquee signing in 2014 for a British transfer record fee of £60million.
      In his only season, he managed just four goals in 32 games and soon fell out of favour with boss van Gaal.
      A year later he was sold to PSG for £40million, where he has scored double figures in goals in five of his six seasons with the French club, as well as been integral in four Ligue 1-winning campaigns.
      Angel Di Maria was a marquee signing for the Red Devils costing £60mCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      After his Manchester United nightmare, Di Maria found his feet at PSGCredit: AFP
      WILFRIED ZAHA
      In 2013, United moved to sign Zaha from Crystal Palace for £15million – in what was Sir Alex Ferguson’s final acquisition for the club.
      A year later he found himself out of favour under new boss David Moyes and was loaned out to Cardiff City.
      Zaha would later say he never felt he was given a fair chance at Old Trafford.
      He was loaned to the Eagles, who eventually bought him back for £10million – and he’s gone on to become one of the Premier League’s biggest danger men.
      Wilfried Zaha argued that he didn’t get a chance at Old TraffordCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      After returning to Crystal Palace in 2015, Zaha became one of the Premier League’s best playersCredit: Getty
      DALEY BLIND
      A lot of Blind’s problems at Old Trafford stemmed from where managers thought he should play.
      Was he a left-back? Should he play in a midfield holding role? Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho just couldn’t work him out.
      In 2018, the Dutch international returned to Ajax, where he has won two league titles and contributed to the club’s brilliant Champions League run in 2019… playing at centre back.
      And at the Euros, he has starred for the Netherlands.
      Daley Blind struggled in various positions at Manchester United, including left-back and in midfieldCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      At Ajax, as a ball-playing centre half, Blind has impressedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      DIEGO FORLAN
      At the time, Forlan was a costly £7million buy for United in 2002.
      However, in his first 13 Premier League games and five Champions League games he was ridiculed for failing to hit the back of the net.
      United sold him to LaLiga’s Villarreal, where he was an instant hit scoring 25 league goals and winning the Spanish Golden Boot trophy and the European Golden Shoe in his first season.
      He would repeat that trick in 2009 at Atletico Madrid – scoring a sensational 32 goals in 33 games.
      In his first 18 games with the club, Diego Forlan failed to score for Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Forlan found his shooting boots in LaLiga, first with Villarreal and then with Atletico Madrid
      RADAMEL FALCAO
      The Colombian striker, now 35, is currently starring for Galatasaray, where he has 20 goals in 40 games.

      At Old Trafford, on loan from Monaco, he really struggled with just four goals in 29 games, although a serious knee injury and a struggle to initially return to fitness hindered him.
      After his Manchester United nightmare, a poor spell at Chelsea followed.
      But a return to Monaco helped Falcao find his Midas touch again. He scored 70 goals in his last three seasons with the French giants before continuing his rejuvenation in his twilight years in Turkey.

      Radamel Falcao’s loan move to Manchester United was a disasterCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Returning to Monaco was Falcao’s saving grace and he scored 70 goals in three seasons with the club after spell in EnglandCredit: Reuters
      Souness says Bruno Fernandes ‘would not have lasted five minutes in my dressing room’ after Man Utd star’s moaning More

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      in Soccer

      Bukayo Saka was model student with A* GCSEs who snubbed Chelsea for Arsenal and is England’s new hero at Euro 2020

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      IT was a performance where Bukayo Saka came of age on the biggest stage.Arsenal fans will tell you how impressed they’ve been with the 19-year-old since he’s broke into the Gunners team in 2018, not just with his all-action displays but also his maturity.
      Bukayo Saka delivered a coming-of-age performance at the Euros against Czech RepublicCredit: Reuters
      After the game Saka clutches his man-of-the-match trophy for his performance against Czech RepublicCredit: Getty
      Arsenal star Saka was born in West London and rose through the ranks with the Gunners from the age of seven
      Against Czech Republic in the Euros, the talented winger produced a man-of-the-match display that’ll surely give manager Gareth Southgate a selection headache ahead of the Three Lions’ last-16 tie next Tuesday.
      Saka was born and raised in Ealing, West London, where he was taught the importance of being grounded and humble by his Nigerian immigrant parents.
      It’s a trait that has served the teenager well as he rapidly ascended through the Arsenal ranks, with coaches comparing him to Cristiano Ronaldo.
      He attended Greenford High School, where he juggled football with his education.
      And the now-poster boy for New Balance blitzed through his studies – leaving with four A*s and three As in his GCSE’s.
      ‘ADDS TO HAPPINESS’
      The name ‘Bukayo’ originates from the Yoruba tribe who are found in southern Nigeria.
      Ironically, it translates to ‘adds to happiness’, which is exactly what Saka has done for Arsenal and England fans since he exploded on the scene.
      It all began for the forward at the Premier League giants’ Hale End academy at the age of seven before signing for the club at nine.
      His father, a Newcastle fan who loved Alan Shearer, took Bukayo to his first match when he was eight at St James’ Park, and he simply fell in love with the game.
      Saka’s rise has seen him become a poster boy for New Balance
      Arsenal nurtured Saka’s talent as he rose through the ranksCredit: Getty
      As he progressed through the ranks in North London, he struck up a relationship with his idol Freddie Ljungberg while they worked together in the U15s.
      There was talk of him pursuing his career elsewhere, with the likes of Spurs and Chelsea hoping to lure the youngster away from Arsenal.
      But they stood no chance of taking him away from his first love.
      “I had invitations from Spurs, Chelsea, Fulham and Watford but the only choice was Arsenal,” explained Saka.
      “I enjoyed the way that they played so the choice was easy for me.”
      Saka was compared to Portuguese superstar Ronaldo by coaches and was clearly a talent set for the top.
      But he remained hard-working with the advice of his father ringing in his ears, and never got carried away with his success.
      “He’s a massive inspiration for me,” Saka has said of his dad in the past.
      “From when I was young, he always kept me grounded, kept me humble.”
      MODEL STUDENT
      Saka’s former teachers at Greenford High School paint a picture of a modest and exemplary pupil who was full of talent.
      Saka’s former teachers, including Mark Harvey (to his right) and Dipesh Patel (next to Harvey) spoke of Saka’s modesty
      At Greenford High School Saka’s signed England and Arsenal shirts hang on a hallway
      “He was quite a role model student to be honest with you,” PE teacher Mark Harvey revealed to talkSPORT.
      “He was a model student and academically sound across the board. He was very, very good at PE, a naturally talented sportsman.
      “No matter what sport he played he’d always be very good at it. He had quite a small social group of friends, a close knit group of boys who are all still close now.
      “But he was really pleasant student who was perceived well by his staff.
      “Every single day you saw Bukayo, you saw he was active in some way shape or form.”
      Saka’s former football coach at Greenford High School, Dipesh Patel has spoken of pride at his student’s rapid rise.
      “We are all so proud of him,” he told Goal.
      “We always knew he was amazing. But we obviously couldn’t have expected him to have had the last year-and-a-half that he has had, breaking into the Arsenal team, being such a massive player for them and then getting into the England squad.
      “It’s just incredible the rise he has had.”
      Appearing for England at the Euros has made Saka’s school proudCredit: Getty
      Bukayo Saka at Greenford High School: always ready to learn, so respectful towards staff and peers, wonderful family and top grades. Such a proud night! #bbcfootball #LearningToSucceed— Greenford High School (@ghsofficial) June 22, 2021

      Modest Saka shows off his darts skills during a media day at St George’s ParkCredit: Reuters
      Saka starred in Patel’s school football team – helping them win the Borough Cup final.
      Patel revealed how he was awe-struck by his ability at a young age.
      “The first time I saw him it was just ‘wow’,” said Patel.
      “He was very special. In his first year we lost in the Borough Cup final, but the next year we won it all.
      “We won the Ealing Borough competition, the league, the cup and then we won the County Cup.
      “For our school that was a first and maybe a last. It was incredible. It just had such a positive impact on our school and Bukayo was key to that.
      “He just gave us that extra edge with his quality, especially in some of the tighter moments. But It wasn’t all about him. He was always such a massive team player.”
      HAILED BY A LEGEND
      If it wasn’t his teachers, it was Arsenal legends who were touting Saka for the top.
      Not only did he have Ljungberg championing his cause, he also impressed Thierry Henry, who briefly spent time as an academy coach with the Gunners.
      “You could see that he wanted to run at people,” Henry said.
      “He always wanted the ball and he was brave on the ball.

      In 2018, Saka broke into the Arsenal first teamCredit: AFP
      France and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry was awe-struck by Saka’s abilityCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      By 2019 Saka had become an Arsenal regular and firm fans’ favouriteCredit: Reuters
      Saka shows off the FA Cup trophy he won with Arsenal in 2020Credit: Getty
      “It was too early to tell [how good he would be], but when I saw him breaking into the first team after I’d left, I was like wow. It’s amazing.
      “I always liked the attitude of the kid and the commitment. What I like about him is that he cares about his club and he will do whatever to make sure that the team wins. You have to respect that.”
      Saka made his competitive debut for the club in 2018 in the Europa League against Vorskla Poltava – coming on as a 68th minute substitute for Aaron Ramsey.
      In January, 2019 a Premier League debut came against Fulham in a 4-1 win – appearing off the bench in the 83rd minute.
      His introduction made history as Saka became the first player born in 2001 to play in a Premier League match.
      ACCOLADES KEEP COMING
      In what has just been a tough season for his club, Saka has shone bright.
      It was no wonder the Arsenal faithful voted him as their Player of the Season – winning a unanimous 51 per cent of the vote.
      With seven goals and 10 assists in his 46 appearances, he carried his club at times.

      The accolades keep coming for Saka, who shows off his London Football Awards Young Player of the Year AwardCredit: Arsenal Football Club
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has praised Saka’s intelligenceCredit: Getty
      Gareth Southgate now has a selection headache after Saka’s star-turn against the CzechsCredit: Getty
      Boss Mikel Arteta has repeatedly praised Saka for his performances, especially his “intelligence” that makes him unique on the pitch.
      “We talk about physicality, we talk about spirit, we talk about technique. But the brain is the one that makes all the decisions,” Arteta told Sky Sports.

      “‘B’ makes a lot of good decisions because he is such an intelligent player who can read situations. After that, of course, he has the ability to execute them the right way and that’s obviously a big quality.”
      It’s a quality that England gaffer Gareth Southgate recognises, who has already given Saka five starts for his country.
      Amazingly, he’s won the Man of the Match award three times.
      The question will remain all week; will he earn another in the last-16 clash? Well, he hasn’t harmed his chances so far. More

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      in Soccer

      Hunky Czech hero Patrik Schick idolised David Beckham and almost quit football to be a model like his sister

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      CZECH Republic poster-boy Patrik Schick has turned heads for his football ability and good looks.The 25-year-old Bayer Leverkusen striker earned the plaudits for his stunning 50-yard strike against Scotland at the Euros.
      Handsome Patrik Schick has been one of the stars of Euro 2020Credit: AP
      Schick, pictured with beautiful wife Hana, considered ditching football for a modelling careerCredit: Instagram @schickhana
      But the hotshot forward, looking to down England on Tuesday, considered quitting a career in football to be a model.
      It was while at Sparta Prague as a teen that Schick was swayed by the allure of the catwalk.
      Instead, it’s a career-path his beautiful sister Kristyna has followed travelling to modelling assignments around the globe for various fashion campaigns.
      IDOLISED BECKHAM
      Although Schick has been compared to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the 6ft 3in star was obsessed by David Beckham as a kid.
      Growing up in Prague, where both Czech legends Pavel Nedved and Tomas Rosicky emerged as heroes for Sparta, it was pictures of the Manchester United legend that adorned his bedroom wall.
      Then, when Cristiano Ronaldo came on the scene, it was another Red Devils star who captured Schick’s imagination.
      It’s poetic that with three goals already to his name at Euro 2020, he is level with the Portuguese legend at the top of the scoring charts.
      Schick is top of scoring charts at Euro 2020 alongside his idol Cristiano RonaldoCredit: AP
      Schick tried to model his game after both of his idols and was talent-spotted by Sparta Prague scouts aged 11.
      However, it was away from the famous Czech team he would make his name.
      BOHEMIAM RHAPSODY
      Schick made his debut for Sparta aged 18, but with competition for places it was deemed best for his development that he was loaned out.
      For the 2015-16 season, he crossed town to join Bohemians 1905, where he impressed coach Roman Pivarnik.
      “He was eager to work on himself, very clever and polite,” Pivarnik told the MailOnline.
      “But he had his own opinions and was not shy to express them. Finishing was his strength, so he should focus on that.
      “I told him he needs to be tougher when he presses. In youth football he wasn’t interested in playing without the ball.
      Schick has been praised in the past for his excellent hold-up playCredit: Getty
      Patrick Schick’s amazing goal against Scotland
      “We had an argument about that and I put him on the bench. Once, I had to raise my voice in the dressing room.
      “He stayed silent but he didn’t take it as an insult. He had amazing strength. He thought about it and then put in work. He returned to the line-up very quickly.”
      HEY GOOD LOOKIN’
      With his chiselled good looks, Schick did toy with the idea of quitting football before his emergence at Bohemians.
      And it wouldn’t be inconceivable to imagine strapping Patrik fronting a campaign for Dolce & Gabbana or channeling Zoolander at Milan Fashion Week.
      But, with his football career taking off, sport came first.
      His sister Kristyna, 26, however IS a model.
      Standing at 5ft 10in tall, the brunette stunner was on the books of NEXT Model Management.
      Kristyna Schickova is the model sister of Czech hotshot Patrik SchickCredit: Instagram @kristynaschickova
      The 26-year-old brunette beauty is 5ft 10in tallCredit: Instagram @kristynaschickova
      Schickova worked on fashion campaigns in LA and New YorkCredit: Instagram @kristynaschickova

      She spent time in LA, worked on campaigns in New York, before returning to Prague.
      Kristyna now runs her own fashion boutqiue, Be S.CHIC.K.
      A MOVE TO ITALY
      Ironically, Patrik Schick did end up in fashionable Italy… not for being handsome, but for his football ability.
      In 2016, Sampdoria paid £3million for his services and he turned out to be one of the bargains of the season.
      He scored 11 times in 32 matches, but only 14 of those appearances were starts.
      His debut campaign in Serie A alerted the big boys, and Juventus reportedly triggered a £25million clause in his contract.
      However, Juve pulled the plug on the dream move after he failed two medicals.
      Schick was a hit at Sampdoria in Serie ACredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Juventus pulled the plug on a deal for Schick after he failed a medicalCredit: LaPresse
      PHANTOM HEART CONDITION
      Before he could pen-to-paper to play for Italy’s then-champions, doctors raised concerns of Schick having a possible heart condition.
      An inflammation in his ticker was enough to dissuade Juventus from concluding a deal.
      Further medical tests would prove the target man was free of any cardiac problems.
      Two months after his proposed move to Juventus fell through, Schick completed a £4million loan move to Roma with a £15million obligation to buy, if he proved to be a success.
      He has no regrets that a move to the Old Lady didn’t come to fruition.
      “Do I wonder what might have been? No, I’ve already closed it out,” he told Czech newspaper Lidovky.
      Schick did move to Roma after his failed Juventus moveCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Despite his failed medical at Juventus, Schick doesn’t look back with regretCredit: EPA
      “I never looked back at it, it wouldn’t be worth it. I was glad to move to Roma and I had no regrets that Juventus didn’t work out.
      “After the first round of medicals I knew there was a heart problem. They told me right away.”
      LOVE OF HIS LIFE
      Away from football, Patrik places his trust in the love of his life, Hana.
      The pair were longterm partners, before they tied the knot in a fairytale wedding in 2019.
      The ceremony took place in a castle, where everything was decorated with pink flowers.
      Hana Běhounková is Schick’s wifeCredit: Instagram @schickhana
      Like Schick, Hana is also from the Czech Republic
      The happy couple welcomed their first child, Victoria into the world in 2020Credit: Instagram @schickhana
      She has been his confidant and was always a regular at the Stadio Olimpico.
      Last year, they welcomed their first child – a girl they named Victoria.
      STILL PROVING HIMSELF
      It didn’t work out for Schick in the Italian capital, although he was often deployed in a wide role.
      Eight goals in 58 games saw him surplus to requirements and for the 2019-20 he was loaned out to RB Leipzig.
      In Germany, he rediscovered his form alongside prolific goalscorer Timo Werner.
      Schick flopped at Roma and had to rediscover his form in GermanyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Centre forward Schick looks like a striker reborn at the EurosCredit: AP

      10 goals in 28 games alerted Bayer Leverkusen to his services, who were happy to shell out £25million to sign him in 2020.
      He has continued to prosper in Germany, although is aware he needs to add more goals to his game.
      It might just be that his goalscoring turn at the Euros will give him the confidence to become a more lethal predator in the box in years to come. More

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      in Soccer

      Failed Tottenham wonderkids who couldn’t reach the heights, including Ceballos, Bostock, Lancaster and more

      by

      TOTTENHAM youngster Ryan Sessegnon had been tipped to be the ‘next Gareth Bale’ last season after he scored on his first start for the club.But he quickly failed to live up to the hype in England following his move from Fulham and tried to kickstart his career at Hoffenheim last season.
      Ryan Sessegnon failed to live up to the hype at SpursCredit: Getty – Contributor
      But Sessegnon isn’t the first Spurs ‘wonderkid’ who has struggled to hit the heights.
      Here’s six Spurs youngsters who failed to set North London alight.JOHN BOSTOCK
      Bostock was tipped for greatness after becoming Crystal Palace’s youngest ever player when he made his debut aged 15 in 2007.
      A year later, Spurs fended off interest from Barcelona and Arsenal to sign the box-to-box midfielder, who seemingly had the world at his feet for £700,000.
      The move infuriated then-Palace chairman Simon Jordan, who revoked Bostock and his step-father’s season tickets.
      But, as fate would have it, Jordan need not have worried. Bostock’s development stunted after unsuccessful loans at Brentford, Hull, Sheffield Wednesday, Swindon, and then Toronto FC.
      A move to second division side Royal Antwerp reignited his passion for the game in 2013, and he then bounced to OH Leuven, Lens, Bursaspor and Toulouse.
      In 2019 Bostock returned to our shores, still only 29, on loan at Nottingham Forest. Now he’s at Doncaster Rovers.
      John Bostock infuriated Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan when he moved to Spurs in a £700k dealCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Now 29, Bostock plays for Doncaster RoversCredit: Getty – Contributor
      CAMERON LANCASTER
      In 2012 Lancaster was reckoned to be Spurs’ best youth player in a team that also had Harry Kane in.
      The centre-forward even got a debut before the England hotshot against Wigan that same year.
      However, it all turned sour for Lancaster after a series of injuries hampered his progress, including snapping his groin to the bone and tearing his ACL.
      In 2014, he was released by Spurs and signed by Stevenage. Then a move to St Albans City followed, where he continued to struggle.
      A year later, he was enjoying his football in America playing for Louisville City in the USL Championship.
      After rediscovering his scoring boots, finding the net 36 times in 79 games for them, he was signed by Nashville Soccer Club in 2019, who make their MLS debut in 2020.
      After a loan spell at Louisville City, Lancaster joined the club permanently at the end of last season, ready for the 2021 campaign.
      Cameron Lancaster was rated as a better prospect than Harry KaneCredit: Corbis – Getty
      Lancaster now plays his football in America after two serious injuriesCredit: Getty – Contributor
      CRISTIAN CEBALLOS
      Arsenal aren’t the first club in North London to have a Ceballos on their books, you know.
      Back in 2011 Tottenham took a punt on a Christian Ceballos, also an attacking midfielder, who was formerly at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy.
      By the age of 15, Ceballos had become a YouTube sensation after a video of him ball-juggling with Ronaldinho went viral.
      But he was released by Barcelona, and after an unsuccessful trial with Chelsea was snapped up by Spurs.
      Ceballos failed to make a first-team appearance for the Premier League giants and was sold to Charlton where he flopped.
      After a three-year spell at Belgium team Sint-Truidense V.V., Ceballos, now 28, moved to Qatari side Al-Wakrah in 2019.
      Spanish midfield maestro Christian Ceballos came from BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Ceballos flopped at Spurs and now plays in Qatar for Al WakrahCredit: Getty – Contributor

      DORIAN DERVITE
      In 2006, when Martin Jol was Tottenham boss, he added Dervite to his squad.
      Signed from Lille, the 6ft 4in defender was a France under-18 international and tipped to become one of the leading centre-halves of his generation.
      Sadly for Dervite, he only made one appearance – in a League Cup tie against Port Vale alongside Michael Dawson in the heart of Tottenham’s defence – before injury curtailed his career.
      Surgery on his knee kept him out of the game for several months, but a loan spell at Southend United gave him renewed hope when he was voted second in a player of the season poll by their fans.
      But top-level football alluded him, and spells at Villarreal B, Charlton, Bolton and Charleroi followed.
      He’s was plying his trade for NAC Breda, now in the Dutch second division before moving to Cypriot minnows Doxa Katokopias and then to Belgian side Renaissance Mons 44, who were reformed this summer after being declared bankrupt in 2015.
      Dorian Dervite was rated as one of the best young defenders of his generationCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Dervite played for NAC Breda in the Dutch second division before spells in Cyprus and BelgiumCredit: Getty – Contributor
      TERRY DIXON
      Between 2004-08, Tottenham had high hopes for Republic of Ireland forward Dixon.
      That’s why they stood by the youngster after he suffered three crippling knee injuries before the age of 18.
      But it wasn’t to be, and he was picked up by West Ham after Spurs released him.
      A year later his contract was terminated by the Hammers when he failed to break into their first team.
      Since 2011 Dixon has stopped at Stevenage, Ware, Tooting and Mitcham United, Bradford City, Halifax Town, Dover Athletic, Dunstable Town, and Berkhamsted without leaving his mark.
      He’s been at Aylesbury United since 2014, and is still only 31.
      Three serious knee injuries before the age of 18 saw Terry Dixon fail to live up to his hypeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      JONATHAN BLONDEL
      In 2002, Belgium midfield schemer rejected Man Utd’s advances after Sir Alex Ferguson earmarked him as one for the future.
      A few months later, in came Spurs who swooped for the-then Belgium under-19 star who was one of the most coveted young footballers on the planet.
      A good passer of the ball with excellent vision, Blondel suffered with the physical rigours of the British football.
      At only 5ft 8in and of slight build, he was often bullied out of reserve games and was deemed surplus to requirements within two years, playing just twice.
      However, Blondel did kickstart his career back in Belgium with Club Brugge, and ended up making 266 games for the club. He retired at 31 in 2015, but didn’t quite achieve what was expected of him in the game.
      Jonathan Blondel snubbed Man Utd to go to Spurs insteadCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Blondel ended up playing 266 times for Club Brugge before retiring at the age of 31Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Biggest boot deals in football ever, from Neymar’s record-breaking agreement with Puma to Ronaldo’s contract with Nike

      by

      FILL YOUR BOOTS!Neymar has signed a world record Puma boot deal, following his exploits for PSG in leading the French giants to their first ever Champions League final.

      He leaves his rivals in his wake, signing a contract worth a world-record £23million per year.
      But who else makes a fortune wearing sponsored boots? Let SunSport give the biggest footwear deals in the game, and what these stars earn per year.
      1. NEYMAR, £23M
      The enigmatic Brazilian forward dropped Nike to join rivals Puma and was rewarded with the largest individual sports sponsorship contract in history.
      It’s not known how long the deal will last, but his previous agreement with Nike was for 11 years and was worth half of his new Puma deal.
      Neymar posted on social media: “I grew up watching videos of great football legends such as Pele, Cruyff, Eusebio and Maradona, who each played in Puma.
      “For these reasons, from today onward, I have the honour to unite with the brand that helped the biggest legends of football become what they are.”
      Neymar recently signed the biggest boot deal in historyCredit: Reuters
      2. MESSI, £18M
      The second footballer to become a billionaire (the first was Cristiano Ronaldo), Messi is now into the second spot on the best boot deals of all time.
      In 2017, the Barcelona legend signed an extension to his boot deal with adidas – giving him a lifetime contract with the company.
      He was the first footballer to release a sub-brand of adidas boots – the adidas Messi.
      As the years pass, and when Messi finally hangs up his boots, that could be just as lucrative for the forward as the Air Jordan brand Nike created for Michael Jordan.
      Lionel Messi has a sub brand of boots available through AdidasCredit: Facebook
      3. RONALDO, £15M
      As Nike’s prize asset, Ronaldo is their top earner.
      However, Neymar’s contract now dwarfs his by £8m.
      But Ronaldo can take comfort his deal will pay out more than Neymar’s – being reportedly worth £780m over a lifetime.
      CR7 is only the third athlete to sign a lifetime deal with Nike, along with Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
      Cristiano Ronaldo has a lifetime deal with NikeCredit: Rex Features
      4. MBAPPE, £14M
      Nike’s poster-boy, in 2019 Kylian Mbappe was subject to a bidding war between with his current sponsors and adidas.
      He penned a 10-year deal worth around £140m, which is believed to be active as long as he plays in a top league.
      The PSG superstar was reportedly buoyed to join Nike, following in the footsteps of his idol Ronaldo.
      He is the one who could challenge Neymar’s position at the top in years to come aged just 22.
      Kylian Mbappe has the potential to be football’s biggest earner in years to comeCredit: Splash News
      5. BALOTELLI, £5M
      In 2014, Italian golden boy Mario Balotelli was on top of his game against for AC Milan.
      A key member of the Italian national team, he was the country’s best hope of glory.
      So when his contract with Nike expired, Puma swooped with a 10-year deal worth around £5m per year.
      Now at a crossroads in his career, he’s not as marketable as he once was.
      Mario Balotelli receives £5m-per-year from Puma for wearing their bootsCredit: EPA
      6. BALE, £4M
      The Welsh wizard, who spent last season on loan at Spurs, earns around £18m per year from Real Madrid.
      And he has exclusive sponsorship deals with the likes of EA Sports, Lucozade and adidas, to name just a few.
      It’s his contract with the German sports manufacturers that is his most lucrative, however, earning Gareth Bale around £4m per annum.
      It’s certainly enough to keep Bale in golf clubs.
      Bale is still contracted to wear Adidas bootsCredit: PA:Press Association
      7. GRIEZMANN, £3.5M
      In 2015, Antoine Griezmann extended his boot deal with Puma to the tune of £3.5million-per-year.
      In that time, he became a global superstar – leaving Atletico Madrid for Barcelona in a deal worth around £108m.
      In 2019, to celebrate Griezmann’s 10-year anniversary with Puma, they released his special boot – a limited edition Future 4.1 NETFIT Grizi priced at £229.
      He was one of Puma’s headline players until Neymar came along.
      Antoine Griezmann is one of Puma’s headline playersCredit: Reuters
      8. POGBA, £3M
      The Manchester United midfielder is well worth his £3m per year fee adidas pay him.
      Not only does he appear in almost every TV ad the brand brings to our screens, he’s also on every poster advertising the latest Predator boots.
      His 10-year deal worth around £30m doesn’t expire till 2024.
      Pogba was another Nike were desperate to add to their roster.
      Paul Pogba is a poster boy for Adidas
      9. VERRATTI, £2.5M
      The PSG midfielder’s contract with Puma expired in 2017, at which point Marco Verratti wore blacked out Puma evoTOUCH boots in training.
      Eventually, he signed a massive deal with Nike – lacing up a pair of the Hypervenom Phantom III’s.
      It’s not known how long the deal is. However, £2.5m is not to be sneezed at.
      Puma pay Marco Verratti £2.5m to wear their boots alongside PSG team-mate NeymarCredit: Icon Sport – Getty
      10. SALAH, £2.5M
      The Liverpool forward has become one of the most marketable faces in the game, especially in Africa and the Middle East.

      He is sponsored by Adidas, alongside lucrative deals with the likes of Pepsi and Vodafone in Egypt.
      It sees Mo Salah wear the X18 football boots, and get paid extremely well for it.
      That endorsement generates £2.5m per year.
      Mo Salah shows off his Adidas boots in training Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd More

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      in Soccer

      From Beckham to Maldini, the footy legends who have managed to keep incredible body physiques after retiring

      by

      AFTER decades of training hard and watching what they eat – and drink – it must be tempting for footballers to hit McDonald’s and the off licence after hanging their boots.But this lot have proven it is possible to avoid the temptation of making up for lost time at the takeaway.
      David Beckham still looks in elite shape despite retiring nearly a decade agoCredit: Splash News
      Beckham looks as good now as he did in his heydayCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      From David Beckham to Paolo Maldini, check out the former football stars who maintained their elite physiques when their career was long-gone…
      DAVID BECKHAM
      BELIEVE it or not, Golden Balls retired from football with his swansong spell at Paris Saint-Germain SEVEN years ago.
      Despite that, Becks, 46, has kept a footballer’s frame.
      Now owner of MLS side Inter Miami and a part-owner of Salford City alongside his Class of 92 pals, Beckham is still very much involved in football.
      Beckham is still a very marketable name too, regularly popping up in adverts an even movies, including a role in The Man From U.N.C.L.E. in 2015.
      PAOLO MALDINI
      Paolo Maldini shirtless at the beach in MiamiCredit: Splash News
      Maldini arguably looks stronger now than he did as a playerCredit: Getty – Contributor
      NOW aged 52, Maldini is still in tip-top shape.
      The AC Milan legend spent his whole career at the San Siro and is arguably the best defender of all time.
      But despite retiring in 2009, Maldini has kept fit by turning his hand to professional tennis, competing at the Aspria Tennis Cup in Milan in 2017.
      Maldini is now back at AC Milan, working as technical director.
      RIO FERDINAND
      Rio Ferdinand looks stronger than ever despite retiring five years agoCredit: Instagram
      Rio Ferdinand has certainly bulked up since his playing days endedCredit: Getty – Contributor
      THE Manchester United and England legend hung up his boots in 2015 and has remained fighting fit ever since.
      In fact, Ferdinand was linked with a career in boxing at one stage, before pulling the plug after failing to obtain a licence.
      Now most often seen as a pundit, Ferdinand is still in elite shape – and would prove more than a handful for most strikers.
      GARY LINEKER
      Gary Lineker has still kept his shape despite approaching 60Credit: Splash News
      Lineker looks as good now as he did at Italia 90Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      HE may be well-known for his “other career” selling Walker’s crisps, but it would seem Lineker stays clear of the spuds.
      The Match of the Day host looks in fine shape aged 60.
      Lineker is regularly spotted hitting the beach in just his swim-shorts, looking as fit as he did in his 20s.
      ROBERTO MANCINI
      Roberto Mancini looks as slim and suave as ever now aged 55Credit: Splash News
      Roberto Mancini appears to have only got better with ageCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      ANOTHER regularly spotted soaking up the sun is Italy boss Mancini.
      At the age of 56, Mancini is still in remarkable shape.
      And to think he hung up his boots nearly 20 years ago…
      ZINEDINE ZIDANE
      Zinedine Zidane is still lean as ever, despite retiring 14 years ago
      Zidane looks as in shape as he was as a playerCredit: AFP
      THE ex-Real Madrid boss could still probably get a game for Los Blancos now aged 48.
      Zidane quit the game after his infamous headbutt in the 2006 World Cup final.
      But since then he’s forged a career as one of the world’s top bosses – and clearly does his cardio along with the squad.
      FRANCESCO TOTTI
      Francesco Totti still looks lean and mean having retiredCredit: Instagram / @francescototti
      Francesco Totti is in as good shape as he was when he was a player at RomaCredit: AFP or licensors
      INREDIBLY, Totti spent 25 years in the Roma first-team squad.
      After hanging up his boots in 2017, you couldn’t blame Totti for taking it easy and enjoying the incredible food Rome has to offer.
      But instead, the 44-year-old still looks in incredible shape.
      ANDREA PIRLO
      Andrea Pirlo still looks as cool as ever now aged 42Credit: Splash News
      Andrea Pirlo looks to be in good shape even having hung up his bootsCredit: Getty
      THE coolest man in football may no longer play, but he’s still uber-cool.
      The Italian ace never relied on his physicality on the pitch, but he still looks in fine shape.
      Aged 42, Pirlo is working towards earnings his Uefa Pro Licence coaching badges – and can still easily rock that beach look.

      ANTONIO CONTE
      Antonio Conte is still happy to channel his inner-Daniel Craig aged 51Credit: Xposure
      Antonio Conte’s hair has certainly improved since giving up footballCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      MUCH like Mancini, Conte couldn’t resist stripping down to his Speedos while Italy boss.
      In 2015, Conte was spotted emerging from the sea like Daniel Craig in his first James Bond run-out, Casino Royale.
      Now in charge of Inter Milan via Chelsea, Conte looks fighting fit at the age of 51 – and with a thicker head of hair, to boot.
      GRAEME SOUNESS
      Graeme Souness still appears to be in great shape at age 68Credit: The Mega Agency
      Souness was a fiery midfielder during his playing days at LiverpoolCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      THE Sky Sports pundit is regularly in the news – mainly for lashing out at Paul Pogba, if the Twitter warriors are to be believed.
      But aged 68, the former Liverpool star looks in remarkable shape.
      Souness has managed to keep away the gut so many develop after their playing career… and he quit nearly 30 years ago.
      ROBBIE SAVAGE
      Robbie Savage is still in good shape despite working as a pundit these daysCredit: The Mega Agency
      Robbie Savage was another fiery on-field character during his playing daysCredit: PA:Press Association
      HAVING officially retired in 2011, Savage still looks in top shape aged 46.
      But, Savage did dust off the boots earlier this season to play for Stockport Town.
      Savage is best-known these days for his broadcastings gigs for BT Sport and the BBC.
      Napoli star Matteo Politano shows off incredible leopard tattoo covering his whole back after mammoth session in chair More