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      in Soccer

      10 brilliant players who won the Premier League title but missed out on a winners’ medal, including Gary Neville TWICE

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      MANCHESTER CITY are this year’s Premier League champions with their biggest stars getting a medal around their necks.Jurgen Klopp’s all-conquering Liverpool team were given 40 medals to distribute between their players and staff last season.
      Jordan Henderson lifts the Premier League trophy
      The Reds’ Premier League winning manager Jurgen Klopp gets his medalCredit: EPA
      Under current rules, 23 players are guaranteed medals if they have made five appearances in the league or more – the qualifying threshold for acquiring one.
      But not everyone will make the cut and will just have to go without – just like these past title winners below.
      GARY NEVILLE
      The legendary Manchester United right back has eight Premier League winners’ medals with the club, which is nothing to sneeze at.
      But the Sky Sports pundit could have had 10 in seasons 17 years apart.
      Neville made his debut during the 1993-94 season, but only managed one appearance at a time when you needed 10 league appearances to qualify – a rule that changed in 2012 to five.
      Then, in the 2009-10 season when United were crowned champions, Neville was stuck on four before he retired midway through the campaign.
      Gary Neville has missed out on two Premier League winners’ medalsCredit: Getty – Contributor

      MO SALAH
      The Egyptian forward picked up a medal last season as his goals helped propel Liverpool to glory.
      But having left title-chasing Chelsea halfway through the 2014-15 season for a loan move to Fiorentina, he missed out on another with the Blues.
      Salah had just three appearances to his name, and was ineligible to receive a medal, when he was swapped for Juan Cuadrado.
      Ironically, Cuadrado – a Chelsea flop – DID get one after appearing fourteen times for the club.
      Mo Salah could have had more than one Premier League medalsCredit: Instagram @mosalah
      OWEN HARGREAVES
      Given the former Bayern Munich midfielder’s injury problems, it’s no surprise that Hargreaves missed out on medals at Manchester United.
      The BT Sport pundit also had the misfortune of missing out on a Premier League winners’ medal at Manchester City too.
      He did get one for his star-turn during the 2007-08 season for the Red Devils, but the seasons he missed out were in 2009 and 2011.
      And he only played once for City when they stormed to the title in 2012.
      Owen Hargreaves missed on a Premier League winners’ medal with Manchester United twice, and Manchester CityCredit: Getty – Contributor
      DAVID BATTY
      The former England international and Leeds legend was part of the Blackburn Rovers side that shocked the world to win the Premier League in 1995.
      Although he was an integral squad member, an injury kept him on the sidelines and he played just five times – again, when he needed 10.
      Rovers did offer Batty a winners’ medal, however he declined because he felt he didn’t contribute enough during the season.
      He never won a Premier League winners’ medal after that, finishing runners-up with Newcastle in 1996 and 1997.
      David Batty refused a medal with Blackburn feeling he didn’t contribute enough after getting injuredCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      FEDERICO MACHEDA
      Macheda can, perhaps, count himself a little unlucky not to have one.
      Especially given what he did for Manchester United, when they seemed dead and buried against Aston Villa.
      His winning goal in the dying moments to secure a miraculous comeback and a 3-2 win helped United stay on track to win the Premier League in 2009.
      He played four times that season, scoring twice, but was unfortunate to miss out.
      Macheda would miss out again in 2010-11.
      Despite his heroics, Federico Macheda didn’t get a medal for keeping Man Utd in the title raceCredit: Getty – Contributor
      SCOTT PARKER
      The Fulham manager didn’t quite fit in at the Blues after he was signed by Jose Mourinho from Charlton in 2004.
      And he didn’t get enough appearances under his belt in Chelsea’s 2004-05 title-winning season – managing just four games.
      Parker left West London the following summer, playing for Newcastle, West Ham, Tottenham and Fulham along the way.
      He never got a sniff of a title ever again.
      Scott Parker found himself out of favour under Jose MourinhoCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      NEMANJA MATIC
      It’s fair to say defensive midfielder Matic made up for his early disappointment by winning Premier League winners’ medals in 2015 and 2017 for Chelsea.
      But in his first year with the West London giants, Carlo Ancelotti only gave him two run outs as they stormed to the Double in 2009-10.
      He left Chelsea in 2011 for Benfica, winning the Portuguese league in 2013.
      Matic returned to the Premier League with Man Utd that same year with unfinished business.
      Nemanja Matic missed out on a title medal when Chelsea won the Double in 2010Credit: Getty – Contributor
      WES BROWN
      The United defender won five Premier League titles under Sir Alex Ferguson.
      However, he was limited to just eight appearances in 2008-09 because of injury.
      It meant Brown missed out adding a fifth medal to his collection.
      Two years later, history repeated itself when he missed out on another medal.
      In 2009 Wes Brown missed out on his fifth winners’ medalCredit: PA:Press Association
      MICAH RICHARDS
      In 2012, Richards could do no wrong – helping Man City to their first ever Premier League title.
      The defender was even shortlisted for the club’s Player of the Year award that season – losing in the end to Sergio Aguero.
      But his contribution in 2013-14 was minimal.
      Injury and bad form saw him slip down the pecking order at the club.
      Just two league appearances meant he missed out on a medal, and he was soon loaned out to Fiorentina before he was released in 2015.
      Micah Richards missed out when Manchester City won their first Premier League titleCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      ANDREJ KRAMARIC
      Leicester City made Kramaric their record signing in 2015, splashing £9million on the Croatian striker.
      But, as it turned out, they didn’t really need him.
      A certain Jamie Vardy rose to prominence and kept Kramaric out of the Leicester side, as they miraculously won the Premier League in the 2015-16 season.
      He was loaned out in the January transfer window in 2016 to Hoffenheim, having only appeared twice before then.
      It meant no winners’ medal for Kramaric.
      Leicester City record signing Andrej Kramaric played second fiddle to Jamie VardyCredit: PA:Press Association
      Jose Mourinho says his coaching methods second to nobody in the world More

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      Footballers’ amazing body transformations from Ronaldo building mass muscle to Hazard shedding excess weight

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      FOOTBALLERS today will do anything to get an edge over their opponents.And that means more work in the gym, sculpting their perfect bodies and lifting heavy weights to gain extra muscle.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is sculpted like an AdonisCredit: AFP or licensors
      But these stars didn’t always look like body builders.
      In fact, these athletes have enjoyed a remarkable body transformation over the years, even when they can’t train like they’re used to during the coronavirus lockdown.
      EDEN HAZARD
      When former Chelsea star Hazard moved to Real Madrid in a deal worth £130million, Los Blancos were delighted.
      But they wouldn’t have been happy when he turned up to training seven kilograms overweight.
      Even fans pointed out he looked chunky when he reported for preseason games.
      However, during the coronavirus lockdown Hazard took his fitness very seriously.
      “It’s complicated for me. I’m trying not to eat a lot,” he told RTBF.
      “I’m trying not to go into the pantry to eat a lot of buns, but it’s not easy.”
      It appears he laid off the buns –  impressing manager Zinedine Zidane at the club’s training centre with a more svelte figure.
      When Eden Hazard arrived at Real Madrid he was seven kilograms overweightCredit: Twitter @realmadrid
      Hazard impressed Zidane by laying off the buns during the coronavirus lockdownCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      CRISTIANO RONALDO
      As a youngster, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was often called too skinny by his coaches.
      But through the years, Ronaldo went from lanky winger to powerhouse forward thanks to a strict exercise regime.
      “I put it in my mind that my body can improve,” Ronaldo said.
      “With dedication and hard work in the gym I improved a lot on that – at the end of the day it’s down to the person’s mindset.”
      A Pilates-based routine that focuses on resistance work to strengthen his core is also key to his success – reportedly giving the Portuguese star the body of a 23-year-old.
      Ronaldo used to be called too skinny when he was an up and coming youngsterCredit: AFP
      Thanks to a strict diet and rigorous exercise regime Ronaldo has transformed his bodyCredit: Getty – Contributor
      MARCUS RASHFORD
      When Rashford emerged on the scene in 2017 as a fresh-faced 19-year-old, his body was still developing.
      But having Cristiano Ronaldo as a role model at the club when he was a youngster was a big help.
      The striker watched Ronaldo in training closely, adding strength and conditioning work to the technical training he does at Carrington, which has given him a more muscular physique today.
      When Marcus Rashford first emerged on the scene in 2017 he was skin and boneCredit: Reuters
      Today, with added strength and conditioning training Rashford has bulked upCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI
      The Bayern Munich striker has been sensational for the Bavarian giants, and it’s all down to his nutritionist wife Anna.
      Through his diet, as well as rigorous training regime with the Bundesliga side, he is now the perfect specimen.
      “We changed our diet step by step, first cutting out sweets and then milk,” Lewandowski explained.
      “Cows’ milk and soya milk isn’t good for me. Almond milk and rice milk is OK. I don’t really drink alcohol, either. Maybe wine but only sometimes.”
      When he started his career at Lech Poznan Lewandowski was skinnyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Lewandowski now flashes killer abs thanks to a diet enforced by his nutritionist wife AnnaCredit: Instagram @_rl9
      ADAMA TRAORE
      A devastating blend of pace and power, Traore’s game has come on leaps and bounds.
      And social media blew up when snaps of the Wolves winger emerged showing off a raging bicep that would’ve put any Hollywood action hero to shame.
      But despite his rippling muscles, Traore insists he doesn’t do any weight training.
      “My training? I don’t do weights,” he told Spanish outlet La Sexta.
      “It’s hard to believe, but I don’t do weights.
      “It’s genetic. I exercise, but I gain mass very quickly.”
      Spanish winger Adama Traore was a slight winger playing for Spain’s U16 teamCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Today, blossoming at Wolves, Traore is henchCredit: Getty – Contributor
      ADEBAYO AKINFENWA
      You don’t get the nickname ‘The Beast” for nothing, as well as a 98 strength rating in FIFA 20.
      Football’s strongest man Akinfenwa ruffles defenders feathers playing for Wycombe Wanderers in League One.
      To fuel his weights sessions, the striker eats like a beast too, although his weight does go up and down.
      “Breakfast is Weetabix with honey,” he told the Daily Mail.
      “At training there will be some kind of chicken. Our chef personally does chicken for me and that makes me very happy.
      “Then a shake in the afternoon. For dinner, again it’s probably chicken, potato and coleslaw. My partner is half-Nigerian, half-Caribbean so it may be the curry goat, rice and potato. It’s the carbs I need to eat.
      “I throw in the odd Nando’s. Quarter-chicken, medium breast, chips, corn on the cob and five wings. I don’t deviate.”
      Adebayo Akinfenwa had a smaller frame during his time at NorthamptonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Akinfenwa is now nicknamed The Beast because of his enormous size
      HULK
      The aptly named Brazilian striker has always been admired for his physical stature.
      Built like a truck, Hulk is still terrorising defenders back in Brazil for  Atlético Mineiro.
      But there was a time when the former Porto star looked a little overweight, rather than chiselled.
      He has toned up now, and looks fitter than his 34-years suggest.
      At Porto Hulk was a little rounder and squarerCredit: AFP – Getty
      Now plying his trade back in Brazil, Hulk is leaner, more muscular and fit as a fiddle
      SERGIO RAMOS
      The Real Madrid defender’s Instagram account is littered with videos of high-intensity workout videos.
      When he was at Sevilla, he was just a beanpole of a defender. Now, he’s the real deal.
      “My training routines at home are usually focused on functional and isometric exercises, always ending with some cardio work,” he revealed.
      And for Sergio, a healthy breakfast is the perfect to start the day.
      He revealed: “I usually take a coffee, some whole-grain bread with protein like turkey breast or a poached egg, and a piece of fruit.”
      When he began his career at Sevilla, Ramos was a beanpole of a defenderCredit: EPA
      Ramos is now one of the most chiselled footballers around
      GEORGE ELOKOBI
      There’s no doubt about it, Elokobi is hench.
      The former Wolves star, now playing for National League side Maidstone United, was always a crowd favourite because of his size.
      At only 5ft 9inches, he isn’t the tallest. But he earned the nickname of ‘The Body’ at Molineux because he was pure muscle.
      The defender even stripped down to his smalls on the catwalk during a charity fashion show at the club.
      Former Wolves star George Elokobi was nicknamed ‘The Body’
      Elokobi even stripped down to his smalls to show off his six-pack for a charity fashion showCredit: Matthew Ashton
      MARIO BALOTELLI
      The fiery former Manchester City striker was always tall and lean.
      But after celebrating scoring for Italy against Germany in Euro 2012, he was keen to show off a ripped torso as he flexed his muscles shirtless.
      However, the normally fit Balotelli was anything but in 2018 when he returned to training for Nice reportedly two stone overweight when a move to Marseille collapsed.
      He soon dropped half a stone and was back to normal.
      When Mauro Balotelli first emerged on the scene he was leanerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      At Euro 2012 Balotelli flexes his muscles after scoring against GermanyCredit: Corbis – Getty

      ALEXIS SANCHEZ
      The Inter Milan striker takes his training very seriously.
      Former Manchester United star Sanchez enjoys working out alone, and shared a video online strutting his stuff at their Carrington training ground to the famous Rocky theme ‘Eye of the Tiger’ in 2019.
      Sanchez has also been seen in the past enjoying sprint drills on the beach. After all, even though it is pre-season you can’t down tools in the summer.
      Standing at 5ft 6in, the former Gunner knows he needs strength as an attribute for his game to thrive. And he looks the business.
      Alexis Sanchez has worked hard on building his muscle massCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Sanchez is happy to share his extra workouts on InstagramCredit: Instagram @alexis_officia1
      Wolves star Adama Traore sported a shirt on Wednesday without the club’s sponsor on the front More

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      Footballers who were wealthy before they began playing, like Vialli, Lampard and the Sultan of Brunei’s nephew

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      FOOTBALLERS today make massive money.With the average Premier League wage now exceeding £50k-per-week, it’s no wonder boys grow up dreaming of making it pro.
      Gianluca Vialli has always enjoyed the high-lifeCredit: Instagram @lucavialli
      However, this lot were already from wealthy backgrounds before they made it to the big league.
      Let SunSport guide you through the football stars that were already swimming in riches and didn’t need the beautiful game.GIANLUCA VIALLI
      Chelsea and Italy legend Vialli was always recognised as a gentleman of the game.
      And it’s probably got to do with his upbringing. He was raised by his father, a self-made millionaire, in a 60-room castle called the Castello di Belgioioso in Cremona, along with four siblings.
      The Champions League and Serie A winner also loves a posh round of golf.
      He took part in the Alfred Dunhill links championship pro-am event, which is one of the richest golf tournaments played in Europe.
      Vialli grew up in a 60-room castle called the Castello di Belgioioso in CremonaCredit: Alamy
      Dignified Vialli had a far from modest upbringingCredit: Instagram @lucavialli
      Gianluca Vialli scores for Chelsea against Nottingham Forest in 1996Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      FRANK LAMPARD
      The ex-Chelsea manager didn’t have to go into football, although it was an easy step for him to make.
      Lampard came from a football family, with uncle Harry Redknapp and dad Frank Lampard Snr showing him the way at West Ham United.
      He intended the posh Brentwood School in Essex that would’ve cost a fortune in school fees.
      There, he scored 11 GCSE’s and could’ve been an accountant, according to a former teacher.
      Frank Lampard went to posh Brentwood High SchoolCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      GERARD PIQUE
      Being half of a celebrity couple (his missus is Colombian singer Shakira), Barcelona defender Pique has made his own fortune.
      However, growing up life was easy for the defender who had a spell in England at Manchester United as a youth.
      He lived a comfortable existence in Catalonia. Dad Joan is a successful attorney and businessman, while mum Montserrat is the director of a hospital in Barcelona.
      Even Pique’s grandfather Amador Bernabeu was minted – as a former director of the La Liga champions.
      Gerard Pique’s dad Joan is a successful attorney and businessman, while mum Montserrat is the director of a hospital in BarcelonaCredit: Alamy
      FAIQ BOLKIAH
      Formerly of Leicester City, currently playing for Portuguese club Marítimo, Bolkiah is the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei, who has a fortune estimated to be worth £15bn.
      His dad is Jefri Bolkiah, a brother of the oil tycoon, so that makes Faiq a member of their royal family and in line to receive a nice inheritance.
      At his 50th birthday, to impress his son, he hired Michael Jackson to play a private gig just for them.
      Faiq Bolkiah is a former Leicester City trainee and nephew of the Sultan of BruneiCredit: Instagram @fjbolkiah
      AL-SAADI GADDAFI
      The third son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, Al-Saadi played for Perugia, Udinese and was on the books at Sampdoria.
      In 2011, he retired and became the commander of Libya’s Special Forces and led the army in the Libyan Civil War.
      In 2018, he was cleared of murder charges after he was extradited from Niger back to Libya.
      During his playing days he once employed Diego Maradona as a technical consultant, and Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson as his personal trainer.
      Al-Saadi Gaddafi was the son of Colonel GaddafiCredit: AFP – Getty
      Gaddafi played in Italy before becoming an army generalCredit: Getty – Contributor
      HUGO LLORIS
      The Spurs goalie comes from an affluent background.
      Growing up in Nice in the South of France, his mother was an attorney, while his dad was a banker.
      He took tennis lessons as a kid, and was ranked high in his age range as a youngster. It meant football played second fiddle in his life until the age of 13.
      Lloris famously played through the pain of losing his mum, refusing bereavement leave to play for Nice.
      Hugo Lloris could have been a tennis star instead of a footballerCredit: AFP – Getty
      ROBIN VAN PERSIE
      Wealthy and artisanal, Van Persie’s parents afforded the former Arsenal striker a comfortable life growing up in Rotterdam.
      His father Bob is a renowned artist and sculptor, while his mother Jose Ras is a painter, teacher and jewellery designer.
      Van Persie’s parents split up when he was younger, and he was a troublesome teen.
      His dad expected him to become an artist too.
      Robin Van Persie’s parents were artisticCredit: Instagram @robinvanpersie
      Mother Jose Ras is a painter, teacher and jewellery designerCredit: Instagram @robinvanpersie
      MARIO BALOTELLI
      The fiery Italian wasn’t born wealthy.
      Balotelli originally comes from Palermo and his parents where Ghanaian immigrants.
      But he was adopted by Francesco and Silvia Balotelli family when his mum and dad couldn’t afford him. They were a wealthy pair, who lived in an affluent part of Brescia called Concesio.
      His birth and adoptive parents fought for custody, but it was decided it was in Balotelli’s best interests to stay put.
      Mario Balotelli was adopted when he was a kidCredit: Instagram @mb459
      Francesco and Silvia Balotelli lived wealthily in BresciaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      ANDREA PIRLO
      An elegant footballer and man, Pirlo learned about the finer things in life when he was a kid.
      His dad Luigi set up a steel company in Brescia in 1982, which Andrea still has a stake in.
      The former Juventus star enjoyed an upper class life, which he later put to use in his own way.
      Pirlo, who ended his career in the MLS, also owns his own vineyard, as rich people do.
      Andrea Pirlo learned about the finer things in life as a youngsterCredit: Instagram @andreapirlo21
      Today, refined Pirlo owns his own vineyardCredit: Instagram @andreapirlo21
      PATRICK BAMFORD
      He doesn’t have to play centre forward for Leeds, you know.
      Bamford isn’t your typical footballer, being a skilled violin and piano player and attended fee-paying Nottingham High School, got five A*s at GCSE and went on to study French, history and biology at A Level.
      Bamford was even offered a scholarship at Harvard in the US, who recognised his academic prowess.
      However, he’s not related to JCB founder Joseph Bamford, as was once claimed.
      Patrick Bamford went to private school and was offered a scholarship to HarvardCredit: Instagram @patrick_bamford
      Bamford is a not relative of JCB founder Joseph Bamford as was once claimedCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty
      KAKA
      Most of Brazil’s best footballers lead a life that tells a rags-to-riches tale.
      But former Ballon d’Or winner Kaka is different.

      He was raised by father Bosco Izecson Pereira Leite, who was an engineer, while his mother Simone dos Santos was a school teacher.
      It has been reported that Kaka lived comfortably, and wasn’t raised in poverty like many of his teammates for his country.
      Brazilian legend Kaka lived a comfortable existence growing upCredit: Instagram @kaka
      Kaka’s father Bosco Izecson Pereira Leite was an engineerCredit: Instagram @kaka
      Ref books Brazilian legend Kaka before taking a selfie with him during star studded charity match More

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      in Soccer

      The most dramatic final days in Premier League history, from Aguero’s last-minute winner to Everton beating the drop

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      THE Premier League is the most exciting competition in the world.And come the final day of the season, there’s plenty of permutations that can happen.
      Man City famously won the Premier League on the final day of the season, which can give us some amazing dramaCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      For example, with this campaign who will make the Champions League spots?
      And who will earn a Europa League spot?
      These questions have been answered before in seasons past, as well who have become champions or been relegated from the top flight.
      SunSport takes a look at the most dramatic final days in Premier League history – starting off with, perhaps, the most astonishing.
      AGUER-OOOO
      It looked like they had blown it.
      Manchester City needed to beat struggling QPR in 2012, and they looked like they made a real pigs ear of it when they went 2-1 down to the West Londoners with 25 minutes to go.
      Two minutes into injury time, Edin Dzeko netted an equaliser to give Roberto Mancini’s side hope – although they still needed three points to draw level with Manchester United to win the league on goal difference.
      In the 94th minute, Mario Balotelli made a nuisance of himself in the penalty area and the ball broke to Sergio Aguero who burst onto it and fired home past Paddy Kenny.
      Cue Martin Tyler’s legendary commentary and the little Argentinian whipping his top off and running a lap of the Etihad spinning it around his head.
      Aguero’s 94th-minute winner beats QPR and wins the Premier LeagueCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Manchester City win their first Premier League crown in 2012Credit: AFP
      THE GREAT ESCAPE
      In 1994, Everton’s proud record of never being relegated from the top flight was under serious threat.
      The Toffees welcomed sixth-placed Wimbledon to Goodison Park knowing that even a win might not be enough.
      Swindon were already relegated, but Oldham, Sheffield United, Ipswich Town, Southampton and Everton all went into the final weekend with their fate undetermined.
      Oldham needed a win, but their 1-1 at Norwich meant they went down. Ipswich managed to snatch a draw at title-chasers Blackburn and survived by the skin of their teeth.
      While Southampton stayed up thanks to a 3-3 draw at West Ham.
      Everton trailed 2-0 early on, but showed heart and determination to come back and win 3-2 with a winner from Graham Stuart.
      Elsewhere, Sheffield United (after leading 2-1 at Chelsea) fell to a 90th minute winner from Mark Stein. Everton were safe by one point.
      Graham Stuart celebrates giving Everton a 3-2 lead in a crucial relegation battleCredit: Rex
      Gary Ablett, left, and Graham Stuart celebrate Everton’s 3-2 win over WimbledonCredit: Getty
      LASAGNE-GATE
      Tottenham and Arsenal will be vying for North London bragging rights at the end of this campaign.
      And they did the same on the final day of the 2005-06 season. Spurs needed to match Arsenal’s result at home to Wigan for their trip to West Ham.
      The night before the game, Tottenham opted to say in a hotel and tucked into a lasagne for their evening meal.
      Players were reportedly up through the night being sick, with manager Martin Jol desperate to get the game called off by the FA.
      Worried about a points deduction, the game was played and Spurs woefully fell to a 2-1 defeat.
      Arsenal won 4-2 and qualified for the Champions League at Spurs’ expense.
      Later that month, an investigation into the food at the Marriott Hotel by the health authorities was carried out, who found no problems.
      A statement read: “None of the results or findings indicated that food poisoning was the cause. The likely cause of illness suffered by the Tottenham Hotspur FC staff and players was from a viral source.”
      Martin Jol’s Tottenham fell to lasagne-gate on the final day of the season at West HamCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Thierry Henry celebrates firing Arsenal ahead and into the Champions League on the final dayCredit: EPA
      WEST HAM AGAIN
      In 1995, Blackburn Rovers – with Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton in tow – were doing their best to hand the title to Manchester United.
      Their form in the title run-in was atrocious, in their four games before the final match of the season against Liverpool they lost two.
      Sir Alex Ferguson’s side had forced their way back in the reckoning – and knew a win at West Ham, coupled with Rovers losing at Anfield would gift them the title.
      Liverpool kept their end of the bargain – beating Blackburn 2-1 thanks to a 90-minute goal from Jamie Redknapp.
      But, try as hard as they may, United couldn’t find a winner past the Hammers, despite a few scrambles in the box in injury time.
      Blackburn were champions – by one solitary point.
      Blackburn Rovers celebrate winning the title at Anfield, despite losing 2-1 to LiverpoolCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      Former Manchester United captain Steve Bruce is left devastated at Upton ParkCredit: Allsport – Getty
      RELEGATION AND A TITLE FIGHT
      At the bottom, Roy Hodgson’s Fulham were ready to complete Mission Impossible in the 2007-08 season, especially after three wins in a row against Reading, Manchester City and Birmingham.
      On the final day, they had a difficult trip to Fratton Park against Portsmouth needing a third win away to ensure safety – something they’ve never done in their entire Premier League history.
      With the game heading for a 0-0 draw, a Jimmy Bullard set-piece landed on the head of Danny Murphy who headed home.
      They held on for a 1-0 won, staying up by virtue of a better goal-difference than Reading by just three goals.
      At the top end, the title race went down to the wire between Chelsea and Manchester United.
      Danny Murphy and Jimmy Bullard celebrate saving Fulham after the final whistle at Fratton ParkCredit: PA:Press Association
      Man Utd won the title on the last day of the season in 2007-08Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      United knew a win at Wigan would guarantee the title headed to Old Trafford.
      Cristiano Ronaldo settled their nerves early with a first half strike, and with news that Chelsea were winning their game at home to Bolton they needed to a second.
      Cue Ryan Giggs to make things easier with the cushion of a 2-0 lead – while the Blues’ misery was complete when Matty Taylor scored a stoppage time equaliser for Wanderers.
      Tottenham fans argue with stewards and refuse to leave as they protest after final home game of the season More

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      Chelsea’s Academy Player of the Season Tino Livramento is pacy attacking full-back, who has captained England youth team

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      MASON Mount, Reece James, Billy Gilmour and now Tino Livramento.All of these exciting young stars are recipients of Chelsea Academy Player of the Year Award, with the latter crowned this year’s winner for some outstanding displays for Chelsea’s U23 team.
      Chelsea youngster Tino Livramento is the club’s latest Academy Player of the YearCredit: Getty

      18-year-old Livramento is a pacy full-back, in the mould of Cafu, who is earning rave reviews from the coaching staff in Cobham.
      A regular in the Andy Myers’ U23 team, the attacking defender has also impressed first team boss Thomas Tuchel, who named the Croydon-born youngster on the bench against Arsenal and Manchester City.
      And it is fully expected that he will push Cesar Azpilicueta and Reece James for a starting berth next term.
      BLUE SINCE A BOY
      The South Londoner has been with the Blues since he was just eight years old and has risen steadily through the ranks.
      But it’s during this campaign Livramento has really stood out at right wing-back for the development squad.
      Despite only turning 18 in November, the speedster has appeared 20 times in the Premier League 2.
      His gallops forward have also led to six assists and two goals.
      And he’s certainly competitive, with four yellow cards and one red to his name already.
      Livramento is a pacy full-back with bags of potentialCredit: Getty
      In his 20 Premier League 2 games Livramento has provided six assistsCredit: Getty
      Livramento also knows how to find the net, scoring twice this campaignCredit: Getty
      EARNED A PROMOTION
      Back in January, Livramento was promoted to first team training before an FA Cup tie against Morecambe when Frank Lampard was boss.
      But new manager Thomas Tuchel didn’t want to stand in the way of the exciting talent’s progress.
      The German has continued Lampard’s philosophy of giving kids the experience of mingling with the senior stars.
      In terms of playing time, his game might be best-suited for Tuchel’s 3-4-3 system with a pushed-up high right wing-back.
      This season Livramento has been promoted to first team training and has impressed Thomas TuchelCredit: Getty
      Livramento was included in the matchday squad against ArsenalCredit: Getty
      THE FANS ARE CALLING FOR HIM
      With Chelsea still not mathematically sure of a top-four finish for Champions League football next season, it seems unlikely that Livramento will appear for the Blues in their final game away at Aston Villa.
      But that hasn’t stopped Chelsea’s supporters from begging Tuchel to give him his bow.
      Having been on the bench against both Arsenal and Manchester City, he could find himself involved in the matchday squad.
      And because of his physicality and pace, he certainly won’t look out of place on the pitch.
      CAPTAIN IN THE MAKING?
      Chelsea are famous for grooming future captains at the club – just think John Terry.
      And in Livramento, they could have another leader in the ranks.

      Livramento has captained England’s U17 team and could be a future leader for the BluesCredit: Getty

      The England youth star, who has appeared for the Three Lions at U16 level all the way through to U19, has captained his country.
      Given his meteoric rise, could we see Tino leading his club at Stamford Bridge?
      Don’t best against it.
      Chelsea’s Billy Gilmour discovers he’s in Scotland’s Euro 2020 squad More

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      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo’s amazing car collection worth £17m after splashing out on a limited edition Ferrari Monza worth £1.4m

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO has not let coronavirus dampen his love of cars.The Juventus superstar, who reportedly splurged £8.5million on a limited edition Bugatti Centodieci – of which only ten have been made, has added another addition to his incredible car collection.
      Ronaldo is believed to be one of 10 people lucky enough to buy the incredible Bugatti Centodieci, which costs £8.5m
      The amazing Bugatti is truly a one of a kind motorCredit: Bugatti

      Ronaldo has reportedly spent £1.4m on an amazing Ferrari MonzaCredit: Alamy
      Ronaldo, 36, was spotted taking a tour of Ferrari’s Maranello company, where he posed for a picture with a F1 car and ordered himself a Ferrari Monza worth £1.4million.
      That puts his car collection now at a staggering £17million – with Bugattis being his favourite.
      Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo has a Bugatti Chiron and a Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse as part of his huge hoard.
      He has ‘CR7’ embroidered on the headrests of his other two Bugattis and recently fuelled speculation he is set to leave Juventus by loading the luxury motors onto a lorry and having them shipped to Spain.
      This latest model he bought is believed to be a tribute to the legendary Bugatti EB110 – Centodieci is Italian for 110.
      The Centodieci boasts an 8 litre W16 engine, with special models having 1600hp – some 100hp more than the Chiron and, overall, three times the price of that model.
      It can do 0-62mph in just 2.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 236mph.
      The Portuguese superstar has supercars likes Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Rolls Royces, admitting to Piers Morgan in an interview he likes to have two of everything.

      Join SunSport in revelling in just some of Ronaldo’s collection that a £500,000-per-week salary affords.MERCEDES G-WAGON BRABUS, £600,000
      What do you buy your boyfriend if he has everything?
      Well if you’re Georgina Rodriguez you get a massive, gift-wrapped Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
      The gorgeous former shop assistant made sure CR7’s had the best 35th birthday ever – gifting him a stunning Mercedes G Wagon Brabus that can cost as much £600,000.
      And the brilliant SUV can reach top speeds of 137mph.
      Cristiano Ronaldo was the lucky recipient of a Mercedes G Wagon Brabus for his 35th birthdayCredit: Instagram @georginagio
      BUGATTI CHIRON, £2.15MILLION
      In 2017, Ronaldo’s need for speed saw the mercurial forward splash the cash on a stunning silver Bugatti Chiron.
      Incredibly, it can reach speeds of 260 mph, and does 0-60 in just under 2.5 seconds, not that Turin will allow him the opportunity to drive it that fast with the city’s busy traffic.
      As we said, he likes two of everything – and this was the second Bugatti he bought, although he has denied buying a third  – the Bugatti La Voiture Noire – which was reckoned to be the most expensive car in the world EVER at £9.49million, and was snapped up by a mystery buyer last year.
      The 36-year-old loves posting images of his cars to social media, including the Bugatti ChironCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      BUGATTI VEYRON, £1.7M
      Only 450 Veyron 16.4 Grand Sports were built, so of course Ronaldo wanted a slice of that rarity pie.
      It cost him £1.7m, and will only increase in value as the years go by.
      The Portuguese legend bought the car as a treat after winning Euro 2016 with his country.
      In terms of performance, it does 0-62 mph in 2.6 seconds, and has an outer skin completely made of carbon fibre.
      Cristiano Ronaldo poses outside his former Madrid home on his £1.7m Bugatti VeyronCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      LAMBORGHINI AVENTADOR, £260,040
      Simply because a Bugatti Veyron won’t fulfil Ronaldo’s love of fast cars, in the same year he bought that motor he splashed on a Lamborghini Aventador.
      Made in 2011, it’s the most celebrated model by the Italian car designer – and owned by footballers all over the world, not scared of the outlandish price.
      Ronaldo celebrated his purchase on Instagram in 2016, with a picture with the caption: “Bom dia (good morning)”.
      Ronaldo has a matte-black Lamborghini Aventador worth over £200kCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      Ronaldo loves having two of every brand and has a separate LamborghiniCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      ROLLS ROYCE CULLINAN, FROM £330,000
      Last year Ronaldo added a Cullinan to his collection, having previously owned a Rolls Royce Phantom worth around £363,000.
      Showing his loyalty to his new employers, CR7 even personalised the interior with black and white leather.
      Standing at five metres long, the Cullinan boasts a V12 engine and a horse power of 571.
      It is the only SUV Rolls Royce have ever produced.
      Ronaldo arrives anywhere in style with his Rolls Royce among the collectionCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      CHEVROLET CAMARO, £35,000
      Maybe he learned something from Sir Alex Ferguson about American cars, after all the former Manchester United boss drove a Chevrolet to training when he was Red Devils manager.
      A more economic motor than others in his garage, the Camaro has a 6.2-litre V8 engine that delivers 453 horsepower.
      It’s cheaper than anything else he owns, and was bought in 2016 as a family car.
      Ronaldo arrives at his old Madrid home in his white Mustang convertibleCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      FERRARI F12 TDF, £350,000
      In 2017, Ronaldo bought an F12 TDF – another collector’s item with only 799 made in the world.
      It is certainly one of the favourites he owns, and is zippy with a top speed of 211 mph, and capable of doing 0-62 in 2.9 seconds.
      Needless to say, pet-friendly Ronaldo won’t let his pooches in though.
      The Portuguese superstar’s red Ferrari may not be the most appropriate car for his dogsCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      The Ferrari F12 is one of Ronaldo’s favouritesCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      Ronaldo poses on the boot of one of his white FerrarisCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      RANGE ROVER SPORT, £100,000
      A staple for every footballers’ garage, the Range Rover Sport is the ultimate SUV for the rich and famous.
      The model that Ronaldo drives is, of course, is the special edition, SVR.
      It’s Ronaldo’s go-to motor when he drives to the Continassa training ground in Turin.
      Ronaldo’s garage has also includes a giant Range RoverCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      MERCEDES AMG GLE 63, £127,000
      In 2016 Ronaldo filled his garage with supercar after supercar.
      His AMG GLE 63 was a gift to himself for Christmas, and some present it is.
      The SUV has a 612 horse power engine, and it can reach a top speed of 155 mph.

      Ronaldo has one of the most impressive car collections in footballCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      MCLAREN SENNA, £1MILLION
      A car made as a dedication to the legendary Brazilian racing driver Ayrton Senna, it would’ve set Ronaldo back around £1million – with only 500 models ever made.
      So enamoured by its performance on Top Gear, former presenter Jeremy Clarkson said of the McLaren Senna it has ‘rewritten the supercar rule book’.
      Powered by a twin-turbo charged V8 engine that produces 800 horse power, it can hit 0-62 mph in just 2.8 seconds.
      Mikka Hakinen is another sports star who owns one of these beauties.
      Ronaldo’s six years in Manchester saw him take a liking to McLarensCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT, FROM £151,000
      Ronaldo is believed to have started collecting cars from around 2009, when he was a Manchester United star.
      He had a penchant for Bentley Continental GTs in those early days, and collected several during his time at Old Trafford.
      Ronaldo’s was the GT Speed model, which was naturally the most expensive version ever.
      The interior was lush, filled with magnolia leather.
      And because it was a convertible, Ronaldo was often spied with the roof down – even in rainy Manchester.

      Ronaldo began to have a collection of supercars during his time at United, including this Bentley convertibleCredit: Cavendish
      Ronaldo’s car collection is worth around £17mCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      Cristiano Ronaldo ‘splashes out £8.5million on limited edition Bugatti Centodieci’ – with just ten models ever created More

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      in Soccer

      Sheff Utd’s Daniel Jebbison was scouted by the Blades at a UK Football Trials event in 2018 and is now an Arsenal target

      by

      SHEFFIELD United’s teen Daniel Jebbison is being raved about as the next big thing, but he could’ve been one who slipped through the net.The 17-year-old Canadian exploded onto the scene on his full debut by scoring the winner against Everton at Goodison Park last weekend.
      Daniel Jebbison celebrates his first ever Premier League goal for Sheff Utd against EvertonCredit: PA
      But in 2017, a future in football looked unlikely when his family relocated from Ontario to England, as his English mother moved for work.
      A year later, Jebbison took part in the UK Football Trials – an event that’s attended by scouts from all over the country searching for a talent that may have been missed.
      There, a Blades scout found the tall, athletic forward, offered him a trial and soon he was signed on a pro contract as he rose through the ranks.
      His epic rise has seen the youngster linked with Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal.
      LEARNED TO PLAY IN CANADA
      Jebbison got his football education in Oakville, a small town of around 200,000 people in the Greater Toronto area.
      He began playing for semi-professional club ANB Futbol from the age of six.
      However, in 2017 – with his mum scoring a job in the UK – the family left Canada behind.
      The Jebbison family moved to the UK from Canada in 2017 – a year before Daniel signed for the BladesCredit: Instagram / @danjebbison
      Jebbison could’ve slipped through the net after leaving his native CanadaCredit: Instagram / @danjebbison
      Jebbison was without a club – and any dreams of football stardom appeared to be squashed.
      That is until fate handed him a lucky break.
      UK FOOTBALL TRIALS
      In 2018, Jebbison attended a UK Football Trials event in Birmingham that would change his life.
      He was joined by his older brother, Micah who also showed promise as a footballer.
      Daniel revealed in a Q&A on the UK Football Trials website: “I chose to attend your event because I really wanted to play football at a higher level and I knew I had an opportunity with you.”
      After attending the UK Football Trials event in Birmingham in 2018, Jebbison was scouted by Sheffield UnitedCredit: Rex
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      And it proved to be a big success.
      Ash Foyle, Sheffield United’s former Head of Academy Recruitment, explained: “We sent a scout down to UK Football Trials and he was impressed with the two brothers so we got them in to the academy.”
      But only one would make it.
      PUT THROUGH THEIR PACES
      The pair were invited to a six-week trial with the Blades, followed by two academy matches shortly after.
      Unfortunately for Micah, it was deemed a step too far. But for Daniel the sky was the limit.
      Blessed with pace and athleticism, Jebbison gave Everton a torrid time at Goodison ParkCredit: Getty
      Jebbison’s drive and determination helped him reach the topCredit: Instagram / @danjebbison
      Foyle said: “Dan played in the UDAN tournament and did really well, he created a few goals and showed enough pace and athleticism for us to sign him.”
      Jebbison inked a deal in 2018, and his drive and determination has seen him get a first-team opportunity merely four years after arriving on our shores.
      “When I found out they wanted to sign me, it felt amazing and I just wanted to push even harder and go even further in my career,” he said.
      CAPPED BY ENGLAND YOUTH
      In recognition of his excellent form for the Sheffield United, four goals in as many games in the Youth Cup, and one in two U23 games, a chance at international arrived back in March.
      Jebbison debuted with the England U18s in a 2–0 win over the Wales U18s in a friendly.
      Discussing his call-up, he revealed: “I felt amazing. I felt so honoured and I am so thankful.”
      Jebbison is now an England youth internationalCredit: Rex
      Sheff Utd teen Jebbison made his international debut against Wales in a 2-0 friendly win back in MarchCredit: Getty

      And it was an experience he loved every minute of and won’t forget.
      “The training with England was short, sharp and they pushed us to keep fit and not fatigue,” Jebbison told UK Football Trials.
      “When I first stepped onto the pitch in the England kit I felt amazing. I was focused and ready to give it my all. I enjoyed every last second.”
      Everton v Sheffield United as it happened More