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      Santos wonderkid Kaio Jorge is following in the footsteps of Neymar and has been been linked with Arsenal and Chelsea

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      WILL Kaio Jorge follow in the footsteps of predecessors Pele and Neymar as a Santos legend?Those who follow the game in Brazil believe the forward, 19, has all the ability to match those luminaries.
      Kaio Jorge is the next Brazilian wonderkid, with big things expected of himCredit: AFP
      Jorge is looking to follow in the footsteps of Santos legend RobinhoCredit: Instagram @kaiojorgeramos
      Already Jorge has been labelled the ‘new Ronaldo’ by the Brazilian press, although his numbers don’t quite match that former wonderkid.
      But the precocious teen has still attracted the interest of Europe’s top clubs thanks to his potential.
      Arsenal’s technical director Edu is reportedly a fan, while Chelsea and Inter Milan have also been linked with a move for the youngster.
      With that kind of interest, it would seem Jorge can be Brazil’s next superstar.
      SANTOS YOUTH PRODUCT
      The 6ft forward is a product of Santos’ famed academy that has produced the likes of Neymar, Gabriel Barbosa and Rodrygo in recent years.
      He signed for the club as a 12-year-old in 2012. Three years later, he was remarkably promoted to the U20 side.
      At 16, Jorge made his debut for the first team, coming on as a second-half substitute for Bruno Henrique in a 1–0 home defeat of Atlético Paranaense.
      In doing so, he became the club’s sixth youngest ever player.
      At just 16 Jorge made his debut for the Brazilian clubCredit: AFP
      The press in Brazil see Jorge as the next superstar to rival talents like Neymar and RonaldoCredit: AFP
      A natural goalscorer, Jorge can operate as a No10, on the flanks or as a centre forwardCredit: AFP
      FUTSAL HELPED HONE HIS SKILLS
      Like many Brazil stars, Jorge’s touch and control were learned on the Futsal pitch.
      He first played for Pernambuco-based club Nautico, where he earned a reputation as a goalscorer.
      Jorge then moved to Sporting Recife, before giving up on Futsal in favour of the professional game.
      Santos’ youth side beckoned.

      Jorge honed his impressive skills playing FutsalCredit: Getty
      Blessed with close control and quick feet, Jorge made the transition to the professional game with easeCredit: AFP
      HIS DAD PLAYED TOO
      Football runs in Jorge’s blood.
      His father, Jorge Ramos was a pro and played centre-forward, so no doubt he would’ve learned something from his old man.
      However, Ramos didn’t hit the heights his son already has.
      Spells at Portuguese second division club Chaves, Sport Recife and now fourth division side Gama were as good as it got professionally.
      In recent years, Ramos turned to coaching lower league teams.
      JACK-OF-ALL-TRADES
      A little like Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, Jorge can operate through the middle or on the flanks.
      Jorge lifts the Fifa U17 World Cup, as well as the top scorer bootCredit: Instagram @kaiojorgeramos
      Chelsea are one of many clubs watching Jorge closely, as a move to Europe beckonsCredit: Instagram @kaiojorgeramos
      As a youth star he operated as a No10 – proving to have a unique ability to thread a killer pass through the eye of a needle.
      Since he made his debut in 2018, Jorge has played in a variety of roles – from centre forward to winger and even a false nine.

      The latter helped him become a Copa Libertadores hit in the 2019-20 season – the same year he exploded on to the scene with Brazil’s U17 team, winning the U17 World Cup and the Golden Boot.
      Domestically, his fine performances led Santos to runner-up – scoring five goals in the competition aged just 18, and a star was born.
      However, can that star shine in Europe? The top clubs believe so, and it may not be long before Kaio Jorge is seen on a bigger stage.
      18-year-old Brazilian striker Kaio Jorge shows off his ripped body as he stays at home for lockdown More

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      Blackburn Rovers star Ben Brereton can help Chile’s golden generation in their World Cup qualifiers and Copa America

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      He was born in Stoke on Trent, he plays for Blackburn Rovers – and Ben Brereton has now received his first international call up… for Chile.But there is nothing forced or artificial about it. Brereton’s mother is Chilean – and that side of the family are understandably very excited to see their relative in the squad that travels to face Argentina on Thursday, and then host Bolivia five days later.
      Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton was a surprise call-up by ChileCredit: Rex
      The Blackburn striker brings two important things to the Chile squad. One is youth. Brereton is 22. Many of his new international team-mates are a decade older.
      Chile still depend on their golden generation, the players who won them their first ever serious silverware with triumphs in the Copa America in 2015 and 16.
      Alexis Sanchez, Arturo Vidal, Gary Medel all came through the Under-20 side of 2007.
      Some are even older, such as the former Premier League pair of goalkeeper Claudio Bravo and left back Jean Beausejour.
      And back in March, in the only game so far under Chile’s new coach, the Uruguayan Martin Lasarte, there was a recall for one time West Ham playmaker Luis Jimenez.
      In his first international for almost a decade, Jimenez scored the opening goal in a 2-1 friendly win over Bolivia, playing as a centre forward in a 4-3-3. Approaching 37, Jimenez is hardly a long term solution.
      Brereton brings down the average age of the squad. And he also adds some physical power to the front line.
      Lasarte was questioned about his new inclusion by the Chilean press, most of whom had barely heard of Ben Brereton.
      Chile’s golden generation won two Copa America titles in a row in 2015 and 2016Credit: EPA
      Brereton will bring height and strength to Chile’s sideCredit: Reuters
      Much of the coach’s response stressed the height and strength of the Blackburn striker – attributes, said the coach, that are in short supply in Chile and are badly needed in the team.
      If Lasarte is going to stick with a 4-3-3 then Brereton would seem to be a good fit for the system. He usually operates wide, but could also fill the centre forward position if needed.
      And should he make a good impression over the next few days, there will be no shortage of opportunities.
      Straight after these two rounds of World Cup qualifiers comes the Copa America – almost certainly in Argentina – and then there are more qualifiers in September, October, November, January and March.
      Indeed, with the pandemic causing a fixture pile up, there could well be a total of 21 international matches to be played in a ten month period.
      On the road to Qatar Chile have lost both of their away games – to Uruguay and Venezuela – and picked up four points at home, drawing with Colombia and beating Peru.
      It is still early days, but at the moment they lie outside the qualifying positions.
      And they are still smarting about failing to make it to Russia 2018, especially as they were reigning South American champions at the time.
      Can Brereton revitalise a struggling Chile side ahead of the Copa America?Credit: Rex

      But in the closing stages of the Russia qualification campaign their results took a dive.
      It seemed that age had caught up with their golden generation. Three years later, little progress has been made.
      A fresh crop of players needs to emerge. The man from Blackburn wants to be part of a revitalised new Chile.
      Lionel Messi agrees two-year Barcelona contract extension More

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      Inside Chelsea’s Wags Champions League celebrations with Thiago Silva’s wife on the pitch and Izabel Kovacic’s lucky hat

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      CHELSEA’s stars secured a memorable Champions League win for the West London club.And then partied through the night in Porto, after beating Manchester City 1-0 in epic night for Thomas Tuchel’s men.
      Goal hero Kai Havertz celebrates winning the Champions League with girlfriend SophiaCredit: Getty
      Izabel Kovacic was delighted for partner Mateo after Chelsea’s incredible successCredit: Getty
      Some of the heroes were joined by their other halves in Portugal – who looked like they were enjoying the party.
      From one Brazilian beauty running on the Estádio do Dragão pitch to another cuddling up next to the trophy, these stunners had their own celebrations too.
      SILVA LINING
      Although her beau was taken off injured, that didn’t stop outspoken Isabelle da Silva from getting onto the sacred turf of Porto’s den.
      The defender’s wife was delighted by the success, running onto the pitch with son Isago and shouting at the top of the lungs in her native Portuguese.
      Dressed in full Chelsea top, Isabelle let out a few “whoops” as she sprinted across the halfway line, while filming herself.
      She also enjoyed a loving moment with Thiago – calling him a champion as he gave her a kiss on the side of her head.
      Isabelle Da Silva made sure she enjoyed her husband’s moment with their familyCredit: Instagram @bellesilva

      LUCKY HAT
      Footy fan Izabel Kovacic is always supporting her man, Mateo.
      Her midfield husband didn’t start, but did make an appearance as a second half substitute.
      And the gorgeous model made sure she brought her lucky hat – branded with her children’s brand Lunilou Studios – for the occasion.
      Izabel also draped her hat on the arm of the silverware captioning a photo of Mateo holding it: “My lucky charm.”
      Izabel Kovacic was in party mood after the stunning victory over Man CityCredit: Instagram @izakova
      Kovacic brought along her lucky hat for the proceedings and later draped it on the trophyCredit: Instagram @izakova
      PARTY ON THE PITCH
      Even Thomas Tuchel couldn’t help but share Chelsea’s magical moment with his wife Sissi and their kids, Emma and Kim on the pitch at the final whistle.
      And the gaffer wasn’t the only one who wanted to celebrate with their beloved.
      The usually private Kai Havertz was joined by beautiful girlfriend Sophia Weber.
      Timo Werner and Julia Nagler smiled happily as they held the Champions League trophy.
      Captain fantastic Cesar Azpilicueta grabbed a kiss with his wife Adriana Guerendiain.
      Jennifer Giroud also got in on the act for a photo with the Champions League trophy and her family.
      Captain fantastic Cesar Azpilicueta smiles for the camera with his wife Adriana Guerendiain and their daughterCredit: Getty
      The German contingent Werner and Havertz pose for a snap with the trophy alongside girlfriends Julia and SophiaCredit: Getty
      Eduaord Mendy and his partner get their hands on the cupCredit: Getty
      Katrine Friis shows how proud she is of Andreas ChristensenCredit: Instagram @katrinefogtfriis
      Sissi Tuchel leaps on her victorious husband Thomas TuchelCredit: EPA
      Jennifer Giroud wasn’t going to miss out on the celebrationsCredit: Getty
      THE AFTER PARTY
      The celebrations appeared to continue through the night and even on the team’s plane back to London.
      Willy Caballero and his wife Lucia enjoyed a moment together at the team’s hotel.

      While at some point in the evening, Katrine Friis teamed up with Izabel Kovacic and their partners for a photo op together.
      The next day, Azpilicueta might’ve been forgiven for trading his wife for a morning coffee on his hotel room balcony with the trophy sat next to him.
      But these Wags certainly knew how to have a good time.
      Izabel Kovacic and Katrine Friis enjoyed the after party together with their partnersCredit: Instagram @katrinefogtfriis
      It was family time for Willy Cabellero and his wife LuciaCredit: Instagram
      Skipper Azpilicueta appeared to ditch his wife for a morning coffee in favour of the Champions League trophy
      Marcos Alonso surprises drunk Chelsea fan who’s passed out after Champions League victory More

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      Meet the Chelsea and Man City Wags, as the two Premier League giants prepare to face off in Champions League final

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      THEY are the two best teams in Europe, and they’ll be well supported by these beautiful Wags.Chelsea and Manchester City lock horns in the Champions League final on Saturday evening with a point to prove.
      Sergio Aguero’s Wag Sofia Calzetti will be hopeful her man can lead Man City to their first ever Champions League titleCredit: Instagram
      Chelsea Wag and football fan Izavel Kovacic will be watching all the action on SaturdayCredit: Refer to Caption
      The Blues are desperate to end their season on a high after a disappointing FA Cup final defeat to Leicester City.
      While Pep Guardiola’s men will be looking to add a historic first Champions League title to their swollen trophy cabinet.
      Cheering them on will be these amazing Wags – from a model to a reality TV star and a pop singer.
      SOFIA CALZETTI
      Sergio Aguero’s 24-year-old girlfriend Sofia works as a model.
      They met at a mutual friend’s party in Buenos Aires and have reportedly been dating since 2019.
      The beauty, who has almost half-a-million followers on Instagram, is a brand ambassador for Be Dog and Everlast.
      Sofia Calzetti began dating Sergio Aguero in 2019
      24-year-old Calzetti is a model

      IZABEL KOVACIC
      Gorgeous Izabel is the wife of Chelsea’s midfield maestro Mateo Kovacic.
      Labelled Croatia’s answer to Shakira, the 28-year-old is the founder and owner of a successful range of organic and eco-friendly baby products Lunilou.
      Since 2015 she has run the company – which sells baby moccasins, pillows and other accessories – alongside her older sister, Ivana Lucic.
      And cheering the players will be their Wags, who will be hoping their fella can be the match-winner.
      Chelsea Wag Izabel is a successful businesswomanCredit: Alamy
      The 28-year-old beauty is the wife of Chelsea midfielder Mateo KovacicCredit: Refer to Caption
      TAYLOR WARD
      Man City ace Riyad Mahrez could make the move into reality TV once his football career ends.
      For the Algerian superstar dates stunning Real Housewives of Cheshire star Taylor Ward, 23.
      She is famously the daughter of former footballer Ashley Ward and reportedly once dated Mahrez’s team-mate Aguero.
      Riyad Mahrez dates reality TV star Taylor WardCredit: Instagram
      Ward has appeared on Real Housewives of Cheshire and is the daughter of Ashley WardCredit: Social Media – Refer to Source
      ISABELLE DA SILVA
      Outspoken Blues defender Thiago Silva’s wife isn’t afraid to voice her opinion about her hubby’s team-mates.
      After Timo Werner’s woes in front of goal continued in the 1-1 draw with Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final, she was vocal about the German’s poor finishing.
      In a series of now deleted videos on Instagram, she lambasted the ex-RB Leipzig star.
      But when he made up for it in the second leg, Isabelle, 34, was quick to give Werner the thumbs-up.
      34-year-old Isabelle da Silva is the wife of Chelsea star Thiago Silva
      Isabelle was recently vocal about Silva’s team-mate Timo Werner’s poor finishing
      APRIL IVY
      Colossal Manchester City centre half Ruben Dias might be singing when he’s winning… with his other half.
      April, 21, is a pop star in her native homeland of Portugal – and once scored a No1 hit with her single “Be Ok” in the Portuguese iTunes chart.
      Recently, he revealed that she jokes about his football obsession and the fact he loves going to watch so many matches.
      Ruben Dias dates beautiful Portuguese pop star April IvyCredit: Instagram @aprilivymusic
      Ivy scored a No1 hit on the iTunes chart in her homelandCredit: Instagram @aprilivymusic
      SOPHIA WEBER
      The German brunette is childhood sweetheart of Kai Havertz.
      Sophia prefers a low profile and deleted her social media to remain private.
      However, Havertz sometimes gives us a glimpse into their private life. And they both appear to be Harry Potter fans, dressing up in character for a party.
      Sophia Weber and Kai Havertz are childhood sweetheartsCredit: Facebook
      The pair are fans of Harry PotterCredit: Facebook
      MICHELE LACROIX
      Michele is the wife of Man City’s talisman Kevin De Bruyne.
      Born in Gent, Belgium she began dating the playmaker in 2014 and their romance went from strength-to-strength.
      De Bruyne admitted he chatted Michele, 27, up on Twitter, after she liked one of his tweets.
      27-year-old Michele Lacroix is the wife of Man City ace Kevin De BruyneCredit: Instagram @lacroixmichele
      De Bruyne revealed he chatted Michele up on TwitterCredit: Instagram @lacroixmichele
      CHLOE WEALLEANS-WATTS
      Stunning model and pop star Chloe, 21, is believed to be in a relationship with Mason Mount, according to The Express.

      The 303 singer reportedly met the Chelsea star in 2017 and they soon started dating.
      Chloe shared a picture of them together on holiday in Dubai and Mount let it slip he was spoken for in a hilarious call with a veteran Chelsea fan.
      However, the pair like to keep their romance off social media and rarely share snaps together.
      Chloe Wealleans-Watts is the reported girlfriend of Chelsea playmaker Mason Mount
      Wealleans-Watts is a model and a pop star in the girl band 303
      Man City vs Chelsea FREE – Live stream, TV channel and kick-off time for Champions League Final More

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      Meet the Chelsea and Man City Wags, as the two Premier League giants prepare to face off in the Champions League final

      by

      THEY are the two best teams in Europe, and they’ll be well supported by these beautiful Wags.Chelsea and Manchester City lock horns in the Champions League final on Saturday evening with a point to prove.
      Sergio Aguero’s Wag Sofia Calzetti will be hopeful her man can lead Man City to their first ever Champions League titleCredit: Instagram
      Chelsea Wag and football fan Izavel Kovacic will be watching all the action on SaturdayCredit: Refer to Caption
      The Blues are desperate to end their season on a high after a disappointing FA Cup final defeat to Leicester City.
      While Pep Guardiola’s men will be looking to add a historic first Champions League title to their swollen trophy cabinet.
      Cheering them on will be these amazing Wags – from a model to a reality TV star and a pop singer.
      SOFIA CALZETTI
      Sergio Aguero’s 24-year-old girlfriend Sofia works as a model.
      They met at a mutual friend’s party in Buenos Aires and have reportedly been dating since 2019.
      The beauty, who has almost half-a-million followers on Instagram, is a brand ambassador for Be Dog and Everlast.
      Sofia Calzetti began dating Sergio Aguero in 2019
      24-year-old Calzetti is a model

      IZABEL KOVACIC
      Gorgeous Izabel is the wife of Chelsea’s midfield maestro Mateo Kovacic.
      Labelled Croatia’s answer to Shakira, the 28-year-old is the founder and owner of a successful range of organic and eco-friendly baby products Lunilou.
      Since 2015 she has run the company – which sells baby moccasins, pillows and other accessories – alongside her older sister, Ivana Lucic.
      And cheering the players will be their Wags, who will be hoping their fella can be the match-winner.
      Chelsea Wag Izabel is a successful businesswomanCredit: Alamy
      The 28-year-old beauty is the wife of Chelsea midfielder Mateo KovacicCredit: Refer to Caption
      TAYLOR WARD
      Man City ace Riyad Mahrez could make the move into reality TV once his football career ends.
      For the Algerian superstar dates stunning Real Housewives of Cheshire star Taylor Ward, 23.
      She is famously the daughter of former footballer Ashley Ward and reportedly once dated Mahrez’s team-mate Aguero.
      Riyad Mahrez dates reality TV star Taylor WardCredit: Instagram
      Ward has appeared on Real Housewives of Cheshire and is the daughter of Ashley WardCredit: Social Media – Refer to Source
      ISABELLE DA SILVA
      Outspoken Blues defender Thiago Silva’s wife isn’t afraid to voice her opinion about her hubby’s team-mates.
      After Timo Werner’s woes in front of goal continued in the 1-1 draw with Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final, she was vocal about the German’s poor finishing.
      In a series of now deleted videos on Instagram, she lambasted the ex-RB Leipzig star.
      But when he made up for it in the second leg, Isabelle, 34, was quick to give Werner the thumbs-up.
      34-year-old Isabelle da Silva is the wife of Chelsea star Thiago Silva
      Isabelle was recently vocal about Silva’s team-mate Timo Werner’s poor finishing
      APRIL IVY
      Colossal Manchester City centre half Ruben Dias might be singing when he’s winning… with his other half.
      April, 21, is a pop star in her native homeland of Portugal – and once scored a No1 hit with her single “Be Ok” in the Portuguese iTunes chart.
      Recently, he revealed that she jokes about his football obsession and the fact he loves going to watch so many matches.
      Ruben Dias dates beautiful Portuguese pop star April IvyCredit: Instagram @aprilivymusic
      Ivy scored a No1 hit on the iTunes chart in her homelandCredit: Instagram @aprilivymusic
      SOPHIA WEBER
      The German brunette is childhood sweetheart of Kai Havertz.
      Sophia prefers a low profile and deleted her social media to remain private.
      However, Havertz sometimes gives us a glimpse into their private life. And they both appear to be Harry Potter fans, dressing up in character for a party.
      Sophia Weber and Kai Havertz are childhood sweetheartsCredit: Facebook
      The pair are fans of Harry PotterCredit: Facebook
      MICHELE LACROIX
      Michele is the wife of Man City’s talisman Kevin De Bruyne.
      Born in Gent, Belgium she began dating the playmaker in 2014 and their romance went from strength-to-strength.
      De Bruyne admitted he chatted Michele, 27, up on Twitter, after she liked one of his tweets.
      27-year-old Michele Lacroix is the wife of Man City ace Kevin De BruyneCredit: Instagram @lacroixmichele
      De Bruyne revealed he chatted Michele up on TwitterCredit: Instagram @lacroixmichele
      CHLOE WEALLEANS-WATTS
      Stunning model and pop star Chloe, 21, is believed to be in a relationship with Mason Mount, according to The Express.

      The 303 singer reportedly met the Chelsea star in 2017 and they soon started dating.
      Chloe shared a picture of them together on holiday in Dubai and Mount let it slip he was spoken for in a hilarious call with a veteran Chelsea fan.
      However, the pair like to keep their romance off social media and rarely share snaps together.
      Chloe Wealleans-Watts is the reported girlfriend of Chelsea playmaker Mason Mount
      Wealleans-Watts is a model and a pop star in the girl band 303
      Man City vs Chelsea FREE – Live stream, TV channel and kick-off time for Champions League Final More

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      Meet Arsenal target Emi Buendia’s Spanish Wag Claudia, who is mother to his two children and enjoys luxury holidays

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      COULD Arsenal be set to up their Wag game?The Gunners are reportedly hot on the trail of Norwich star and Argentinian international Emi Buendia.
      Meet Emi Buendia’s stunning Wag ClaudiaCredit: Instagram @greengagew
      Credit: Instagram @greengagew
      The 24-year-old playmaker was the star of the Championship, as the Canaries earned promotion to the Premier League at first time of asking, after getting relegated the season before.
      And Mikel Arteta is set to test the Norwich’s resolve with a £40million bid fo their talisman.
      Should he be successful, joining Buendia on a new journey will be wife Claudia, 26.
      The Spanish beauty shares her glam lifestyle with her followers on Instagram, including amazing trips abroad.
      The blonde stunner is also mother to Buendia’s two children.
      MYSTERY GIRL
      Not much is known about how Emi and Claudia met or when.
      But, judging by her Instagram, it was before 2018 when the talented midfielder played his football in Spain for Getafe.
      They recently welcomed their second son, Giovanni to the family back in March.
      The couple also have another boy called Thiago.
      Gorgeous Claudia is originally from SpainCredit: Instagram @greengagew
      The 26-year-old stunner met Buendia when he played for GetafeCredit: Instagram @greengagew
      Claudia is a mum-of-twoCredit: Instagram @greengagew
      Baby Giovanni was born back in MarchCredit: Instagram @greengagew
      WAG LIFE
      Looking fashionable is important to Claudia, who loves designer clothing.
      On social media, she regularly shares photos wearing expensive threads.
      And she’s not afraid to go casual either in sporty loungewear, and seems to be a gym bunny.
      On Instagram, she shares various photos working out.
      Wag Claudia loves fashion and dresses up regularly for her Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @greengagew
      She has over 5,000 followers in Instagram who are enchanted by her lifestyleCredit: Instagram @greengagew
      A keen gym bunny, Claudia regularly likes to workoutCredit: Instagram @greengagew
      Claudia enjoys a garden workout with Buendia and son ThiagoCredit: Instagram @greengagew
      FANCY HOLIDAYS
      Like any respectable footballer and Wag, Emi and Claudia love to travel.
      And they haven’t let a global pandemic get in the way of having fun abroad.
      Back in August, they spent some time in sunny Formentera and Ibiza.

      That was their second holiday of the year – having enjoyed a Winter break in Dubai in February.
      Six months prior they were topping up their tans in Miami too.
      Perhaps their next destination will be London this summer.
      Claudia lives an envious Wag lifestyleCredit: Instagram @greengagew
      Claudia tops up her tan on board a boat in FormenteraCredit: Instagram @greengagew
      Blonde bombshell Claudia could light up the EmiratesCredit: Instagram @greengagew
      Will Emi and Claudia make the move to London this summer?Credit: Instagram @greengagew
      Norwich’s Emiliano Buendia works out at home during lockdown More

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      Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy was on the dole at 22 and almost quit football after snub by a League One club

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      CHELSEA goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is winning his fitness battle ahead of the Champions League final.The giant Senegalese, who stands at 6ft 6in tall, returned to first-team training on Wednesday to give his side a welcome boost before they face Manchester City on Saturday.
      Edouard Mendy is winning his fitness battle ahead of the Champions League final and is back in trainingCredit: Getty
      Mendy has enjoyed a remarkable career turn-aroundCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The £22million signing was a doubt after injuring his rib in the 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa on the final weekend of the Premier League season.
      But now it appears he’s ready to feature between the sticks in Porto.
      This season, Mendy has been in sensational form since his move from Rennes – in what has been a remarkable turn-around in the life of the 29-year-old stopper.
      It was only seven years ago that Mendy, the cousin of Real Madrid star Ferland Mendy, was unemployed after his contract expired with French fourth tier side Cherbourg.
      And after a deal with a League One club collapsed, it appeared his days as a professional footballer were over as he signed on the dole.

      ON THE SCRAP HEAP
      Mendy was just 22 when his deal with Cherbourg expired.
      Wanting to take on a new challenge, he was offered contracts by other clubs.
      But it was the temptation of moving across the Channel to an unknown League One side that seemed the most attractive.
      The player’s former agent gave him assurances a deal was done, however Mendy soon discovered the job offer didn’t work out.
      Mendy was unemployed at 22 after being released by a fourth division French clubCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      With his future up in the air, Mendy contemplated quitting the game
      It left the promising talent club-less, unemployed and queuing at the job centre.
      Away from the game for the year, Mendy was forced to consider quitting football to do something else.
      He collected the dole – just to make ends meet.
      “For a football player or anybody else, being unemployed is like getting slapped across the face,” Mendy told So Foot magazine.
      “Repeated failures leave marks on you, and you start thinking that maybe you are not made for it.”
      REDEMPTION
      With his confidence severely dented, Mendy returned to the club where it all began for him as a youth player, Le Havre.
      He trained religiously for a year, unpaid, until a former team-mate told him that Marseille were looking for a goalkeeper to replace reserves Julien Fabri and Brice Samba, who were sent out on loan.
      Mendy scored a trial with the 1993 European Cup winners and was signed as a fourth choice keeper.
      There, he worked with French international Steve Mandanda and played in the B side.
      Mendy has blossomed into a Senegal international
      Standing at 6ft 6in tall, Mendy is a commanding presence in his own boxCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “I reached a new level in Marseille,” he revealed.
      “I trained with the pros throughout the year, which you normally would not expect as a No. 4 keeper.
      “It was proof that I performed well and made all the efforts required. It was a rewarding year.
      “Training alongside players like Lassana Diarra, Abou Diaby… and winning duels against Steven Fletcher or Michy Batshuayi brought a lot to me.”
      MAKING OF THE MAN
      In search of regular playing time, Mendy moved to Ligue 2 outfit Reims in 2016.
      It was time for him to finally make his breakthrough in the game.
      When first-choice keeper Johann Carrasso was sent off, Mendy got his opportunity.
      Seven games and three clean sheets later, a star was born.
      Mendy became first-choice in 2017-18, and helped the club gain promotion to Ligue 1.
      RENNES TO CHELSEA
      It was only in summer 2019 that Mendy signed for Rennes for a fee of £3.5million.
      Mendy signed for Chelsea for £22millionCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Chelsea legend Petr Cech reportedly recommended Mendy to the BluesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      This season in England Mendy has established himself as Chelsea’s No1Credit: Getty
      And his rise has been rapid.
      He helped his new club finish in the top three in France’s Ligue Un last season.
      More importantly, Rennes qualified for the Champions League thanks to his exploits.

      Commanding between the sticks, late-developer Mendy has continued to blosoom at Chelsea.
      In his 31 games in the Premier League, he kept 16 clean sheets in a promising debut season.
      His presence will be (literally) enormous for the Blues in Porto this weekend. More