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      How Chelsea star Olivier Giroud, 34, defies his years with a strict diet and tough fitness plan to keep scoring

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      CHELSEA forward Olivier Giroud continues to defy his years.
      The former Arsenal star was the match-winner for the Blues in their 1-0 win against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League – showing astonishing athleticism by scoring with an overhead kick.

      Chelsea forward Olivier Giroud shows off his buff physique on holiday in IbizaCredit: The Mega Agency

      Giroud, 34, is in peak condition thanks to a strict health and fitness planCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Just like the age-less Cristiano Ronaldo, the French World Cup winner has given longevity to his career with a strict diet plan and tough fitness routine.
      And he eats plenty of fruit, vegetables, chicken and fish to maintain his incredible physique, while working overtime in the gym.
      YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT
      Crucial to Giroud’s health and fitness plan is what he puts into his body.
      The 6ft4in striker avoids processed foods, sugar and unhealthy oils – corn, canola, vegetable, and other chemically engineered cocktails.

      He chows down on a variety of breakfasts, including bagels with strawberry jam, egg white and ham omelettes, or brown toast with scrambled eggs.
      For lunch his options feature green Salad with mixed beans, salmon and rice, baked potato with tuna, or even a tuna pasta.
      At dinner, he will have fish (sometimes haddock or tuna steak) with a broccoli, or chicken with green vegetables.

      When it comes to eating, Giroud is very careful with what he puts into his body

      Giroud, on a dinner date with wife Jennifer, avoids processed foods and enjoys lean meats and fishCredit: BackGrid
      Occasionally, he will go for a lean steak – with a mixed salad or steamed vegetables.

      And because Giroud is so incredible active, he will snack regularly during the day.
      Things he eats are dried fruit and nuts, muesli bars, popcorn and banana sandwiches.
      WORKING IT OFF
      Of course, this high-energy diet gives Giroud plenty to burn off when he works out.
      And when he’s not training with Chelsea in Cobham, he is fully utilising his time off to stay fit with a action-packed routine.
      Reportedly, he allows himself just one day off on a Wednesday.
      Weekends, if he’s not playing, he does some cardio exercises and again rests.

      According to his manager Thomas Tuchel, Giroud trains like a 20-year-old

      Dumbbells feature regularly in Giroud’s workoutsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Giroud performs a burpee while training with former club ArsenalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      On Mondays, he’s bench pressing, lifting dumbbells and working his abs using a plate twist.
      Tuesdays, he incorporates mountain climbers into his exercise, as well as squats and reverse grip push-ups.
      Thursday, Giroud will continue with weight exercises, including a series of routines with dumbbells, close-grip EZ-Bar curls and three sets of pull-ups of five reps.
      And for Friday, it’s burpees, a variety of squats, and plyometric lunges. The latter helps develop and improve lower body strength and power, as well as challenge dynamic stability and coordination.
      HIGH PRAISE
      With his stunning strike against Atletico Madrid, Giroud became the oldest player to score in the knockout stages of the Champions League for Chelsea at 34 years and 146 days.
      But that didn’t surprise his manager Thomas Tuchel, who is in awe of his striker’s approach to keeping himself in shape.
      “If you see him on a daily basis, you cannot be surprised. He is totally fit, his body is in shape and his physicality is on top level,” Tuchel said in an interview after the game.

      After a hard training session Giroud takes advantage of an ice bathCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Giroud’s incredible body defies his yearsCredit: The Mega Agency

      The overhead kick winner against Atletico Madrid showed Giroud’s hard work has paid offCredit: EPA

      “He trains like a 20-year-old, like a 24-year-old. He is a guy who has a good mixture of serious and joy in training. He is always positive and it is a big factor for the group.”
      With the Premier League giants holding a 1-0 advantage going into the second leg, you wouldn’t put it past Giroud to add to his tally this season as Chelsea progress in the competition.
      That record will then continue to be broken by this extraordinary athlete.

      Steve McManaman hails ‘brilliant’ Chelsea star Mason Mount against Atletico Madrid More

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      Man Utd transfer target Benoit Badiashile is France wonderkid, once reprimanded by Thierry Henry for his bad manners

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      YOU always want to be on the good side of your manager.
      But when French wonderkid Benoit Badiashile, 19, forgot his manners in front of former Monaco boss Thierry Henry, he was quickly reminded.

      French wonderkid Benoit Badiashile was wanted by Man Utd last summer

      But Badiashile once upset Thierry Henry when he forgot to tuck his chair in after a press conference

      It all happened in December 2018 at a press conference ahead of Monaco’s must-win match against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.
      Badiashile was sat alongside the Arsenal legend answering reporters’ questions, and when the pair finished they jumped up from their seats to leave the room.
      However, poor Benoit forgot to tuck his chair in and Henry glared at him like a naughty schoolboy until the youngster returned to the table to correct his mistake.
      Since then, Badiashile has risen through the ranks – impressing this campaign under Niko Kovac as Monaco remain in contention for Ligue 1.

      BLOODED BY HENRY
      Despite infuriating his ex-manager, Badiashile was bled into the team by Henry who quickly realised the towering defender’s qualities.

      This season Badiashile has become a key part of Monaco’s defence as they chase the Ligue 1 titleCredit: AFP or licensors
      The 6ft 4in France under-21 international went on to play 26 times in all competitions for the Ligue 1 side as he made his breakthrough in the first team in his debut season.
      And when Henry was fired from the Stade Louis II, experienced manager Leonardo Jardim continued to integrate the prodigy into his side – installing a greater defensive discipline into Badiashile, although his appearances were more limited.
      But this season Badiashile has shone under Kovac.

      BROTHERS IN ARMS
      Born in France, and raised by Congolese parents – Badiashile dreamed of playing professional football.
      But it was his elder goalkeeping brother who made the grade first.

      Henry gave Badiashile his debut for MonacoCredit: AFP or licensors
      Loic Badiashile, 23, is also highly thought of at Monaco – and made his first team debut in a UEFA Champions League qualifier against Fenerbache in 2016.
      It ended in a disappointing 2-1 loss, and it seems that bad results on their debuts runs in the Badiashile family.
      When Benoit was thrown into the side against PSG, the Red and Whites were taught a lesson.
      He was helpless as Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and former striker Edinson Cavani put Monaco to the sword, with the Uruguayan netting a hat-trick.
      CONFIDENCE IN HIS ABILITY
      It was a rude awakening for the teen sensation, but it didn’t destroy his confidence and he showed incredible mental strength to shrug that disappointment off.
      That courageous spirit is just one of Badiashile’s many qualities that have caught the eye of Europe’s top club, including Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
      For his strong frame, his pace and ability to read the game and snuff out danger before it arrives is reminiscent of Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly,
      A powerhouse at the back, he’s tough to get past, but as with most young defenders positionally he can drift away from his man.
      That said, coaches for the French national team believe he’s the next big thing and have high hopes for Badiashile.

      Badiashile is strong, athletic and reads the game wellCredit: Getty – Contributor

      A France under-21 international, Badiashile is expected to become a full internationalCredit: Instagram

      Badiashile could be a big hit in the Premier League if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer decides to sign him from FranceCredit: Instagram

      He’s been capped at under-16 level – all the way through to the under-21’s for France – and is expected to become a full international in time.
      Benoit revealed that Manchester United DID bid for him last summer, however he snubbed a £22million move.
      Don’t bet against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer returning for him this summer.

      Red Devils push Toon closer to drop zone after Manchester United vs Newcastle More

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      Roman Abramovich’s yachts, from Chelsea owner’s new £430m Solaris to one £25m boat he ‘gifted to Vladimir Putin’

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      ROMAN ABRAMOVICH certainly doesn’t do things in halves.
      The Chelsea owner, worth a cool £10bn, is overseeing the development of his latest toy, Solaris – a superyacht that promises to be the most powerful yacht in the world.

      Roman Abramovich’s new yacht Solaris is currently in developmentCredit: Carl Groll/TheYachtPhoto.com

      The Russian, 54, must love travelling by sea – because he has had a private navy of yachts – with SunSport believing Solaris to be his EIGHTH over the years.
      There’s even one £25million vessel he allegedly gifted to Vladimir Putin, after he was elected as Russia’s president in 2002.
      SOLARIS
      The latest yacht is nearing completion and has cost £430million to build.
      A 460ft beast of the sea, it features eight decks, as well as a helicopter pad.

      The yacht is being built at the Lloyd Werft shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany.
      The shed it is being constructed in is larger than Buckingham Palace.
      Solaris will have 48 cabins, accommodating up to 36 passengers, and a crew of 60.
      It’ll boast two advanced engines to be the most powerful yacht in the world.

      Solaris, costing £460m, will have 48 cabins and can accommodate 36 passengersCredit: Carl Groll/TheYachtPhoto.com
      ECLIPSE
      Roman’s current superyacht, the Eclipse – with all the work that’s been done to it – is said to now be worth £1billion.
      Built in 2010, it was completely rebuilt in 2015 to cater for the high-spec needs of a multi-billionaire.
      Incredibly, the 553ft Eclipse has its own missile defence system – should it come under attack.
      There are 24 guest cabins, two swimming pools, hot tubs, a sauna, and even a nightclub.
      It also boasts a cinema, conference room, children’s playroom, hair salon, and a mini-submarine that can dive to 50m. Yes, that’s right. It’s a yacht that boasts its own submarine.

      The colossal Eclipse sails into New York harbourCredit: Alamy

      The 553-feet long Eclipse boasts its own missile defence systemCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Eclipse has 24 guest cabins, two swimming pools, hot tubs, a sauna and a nightclubCredit: Getty – Contributor

      The Eclipse is believed to be worth £1billionCredit: Alamy
      LE GRAND BLEU
      Worth £135million, Le Grand Bleu was the prize of an alleged bet between Roman and oil tycoon, Eugene Schvidler.
      Eugene won and was handed the keys to this stunning 370ft vessel that has not one but TWO helipads.
      Twenty guests can stay in luxury onboard, and enjoy it’s many amenities.
      Astonishingly, as is the theme with these yachts, there are more boats on board.
      As well as a 73-foot sailboat, guests can also enjoy taking a 68-foot powerboat for a spin. And there are two more boats in its internal garage on top of that.

      Le Grand Bleu, worth £135m, was reportedly lost by Abramovich in a bet with Eugene SchvidlerCredit: Alamy Live News
      SUSSURRO
      Currently available to buy for £16million, the Sussurro is now over 20 years old.
      It was built by Feadship, measures over 163 feet long and boasts six luxury cabins that can house 12 guests.
      Rarely used, it has been reported that the Sussorro was given to Roman’s ex-wife Irina Malandina, as part of a divorce settlement.
      With 15,000 combined horsepower, it is capable of reaching speeds of 46 knots.

      Sussorro can reach speeds of up to 46 knotsCredit: Alamy

      Sussorro was reportedly given to Abramovich’s ex-wife Irina as part of a divorce settlementCredit: Alamy
      ECSTASEA
      Valued at around £110million, the Ecstasea is still one of the fastest superyachts around – boasting 43,000 horsepower and measuring 282-feet.
      Abramovich was the original owner from 2004, before it was sold to Pakistani businessman Alshair Fiyaz in 2009.
      There’s room for 14 guests, can be staffed by a crew of 25, and can be reached by helicopter, which can park on one of two helipads.
      The Ecstasea suffered damage in 2019 when it clipped the Simpson Bay Bridge in the Caribbean island of St Maarten.

      Roman Abramovich was the original owner of the Ecstasea in 2004Credit: Rex Features

      Worth £110m, Ecstasea is now owned by Pakistani businessman Alshair FiyazCredit: Rex Features
      PELORUS
      So that’s what £270million gets you.
      Built in 2003, the 377-foot long Pelorus was briefly owned by a Saudi Arabian businessman before Abramovich got his hands on it in 2004.
      A year later, he lent it to Chelsea legends John Terry and Frank Lampard for two weeks as a bonus for helping the club win Roman’s first Premier League as owner.
      Then in 2007 he allowed Terry and his wife Toni to enjoy their honeymoon on board.
      However, it was also reportedly handed to Irina in the divorce settlement, who sold it to American film exec David Geffen in 2011.

      Abramovich got his hands on the Pelorus in 2004Credit: Alamy

      Chelsea owner Abramovich on board the cherished vesselCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The boat boasts a speedboatCredit: Alamy
      LUNA
      Currently the second largest expedition yacht in the world, the Luna was delivered to Roman in 2010.
      It boats 10 VIP cabins, that are 100 square metres each, as well as a 20-metre outdoor pool.
      Like the Eclipse, it also has an anti-missile system, as well as bulletproof windows.
      In 2014, it was sold to Azerbaijani billionaire Farkhad Akhmedov for £210 million.

      Luna was delivered to Roman in 2010Credit: Rex Features

      It boasts 10 VIP cabins and an outdoor poolCredit: Getty – Contributor
      OLYMPIA
      When you have a friend who is president of your country and reckoned to be the richest person on the planet, only a yacht will do as a present.
      Which is what Roman allegedly gifted Russian president Vladimir Putin in 2002, when he was elected.
      The Olympia, which has room for ten guests and is 187-feet long, is believed to be worth £25million.

      The details of the transaction, which was said to have been made through an offshore company, emerged after a US Treasury official accused Putin of corruption, nepotism and embezzlement of state funds.
      It was said that yacht’s maintenance and running costs were paid for from the state budget.
      Abramovich’s lawyers said the claims were “unsubstantiated”, however, they did not deny that he had given him the Olympia.

      The Olympia was allegedly gifted to Vladimir PutinCredit: Lilyana Vynogradova More

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      Roman Abramovich’s seven kids and their luxurious lifestyle, from a wild child to the heir to his throne

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      ROMAN ABRAMOVICH is not afraid to splash the cash.
      And, with seven kids, there will be plenty of birthday and Christmas presents the Chelsea owners has to fork out for.

      It’s a family affair for Roman Abramovich when he watches Chelsea at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      At 54, his kids all come with their own likes and dislikes who are likely to inherit daddy’s incredible £10billion fortune.
      But who are they and what do we know about them?
      Starting with the eldest, Anna, 29

      Anna Abramovich is a philosophy graduateCredit: Getty – Contributor

      She caused a stir when she got engaged at 18Credit: Getty – Contributor

      Roman Abramovich’s yacht ‘Eclipse’ sails from Hamburg harbour
      Colombia University philosophy graduate Anna was the first born in Abramovich’s second marriage to Irina, who he divorced in 2007 after 11 years together
      .
      She first hit the headlines when she got engaged at 18 to then-boyfriend Nikolai Lazarev in 2010, while still going to school by helicopter or in a chauffeur-driven limo.

      Roman was said to be upset at the engagement, and the couple split before they married.
      Anna was later seen hanging out with party animal Calum Best.
      Her 18th birthday party reportedly cost six figures, while it’s been said she’s the one that most resembles Roman in personality.
      She now lives in New York.

      Arkadiy, 27

      Arkadiy is the heir to daddy’s £10billion fortuneCredit: Corbis – Getty

      A keen football fan, Arkadiy is often seen at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty – Contributor

      He reportedly tried to buy a stake in CSKA Moscow and was interested in FC CopenhagenCredit: PA:Press Association
      As some families choose to do, it will be the first male in this household that’s the heir to the kingdom.
      Like Anna, Arkadiy is the son of Roman and first wife Irina, and he’s done very well for himself independently of his father.
      He is the founder and owner of ARA Capital, that manages assets including major stakes in e-commerce and gas, oil company Gazprom Neft.
      A regular at Stamford Bridge, Arkadiy also has his eyes on owning his football club – reportedly failing in a bid to own stakes in CSKA Moscow. He was also once said to be interested in Danish side FC Copenhagen.
      Sofia, 26

      Sofia Abramovich is said to be the ‘Wild Child’ of the familyCredit: Instagram @sofiaabramov1ch

      She’s happy to flaunt herself on social mediaCredit: Instagram @sofiaabramov1ch

      Sofia shows off her lavish lifestyle on InstagramCredit: Instagram @sofiaabramov1ch

      On board a private yacht is where Sofia seems happiestCredit: Instagram @sofiaabramov1ch

      Sofia graduated from Royal Holloway universityCredit: Instagram @sofiaabramov1ch

      The party girl of the family studied management and marketingCredit: Instagram @sofiaabramov1ch

      And she is also keen on showjumpingCredit: Instagram @sofiaabramov1ch
      The reported ‘Wild Child’ of the family, Sofia loves sharing her glamorous life on Instagram, flaunting her wealth whenever she can.
      Her 18th birthday party included a performance by pop band McBusted, and was held at a nightclub at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge.
      She regularly parties with her celebrity friends the Beckhams and the Ramsays, and often heads off to the exclusive £3,000-a-night hotel the One & Only Reethi Rah in The Maldives
      Sofia graduated with a degree from Royal Holloway in management and marketing, which seems ideal for somebody like her who has marketed herself so well.
      She also has three horses called Dora, Billy Fraulein and Zanzibar, and has represented Russia in showjumping competitions.
      Arina, 20
      It seems that anything Arina wants, she gets!
      She’s also one who caught the showjumping bug, and excelled in competition thanks to a horse called Pringle.
      Roman reportedly splashed around £50,000 to buy Arina the Roan Gelding who won first prize in her class at the International Horse Show at Olympia in December back in 2013.
      She reportedly wants to emigrate to Australia to enrol into a zoology faculty.
      Ilya, 18
      The second oldest boy in the Abramovich dynasty, Ilya was the last child born to both Irina and Roman before their marriage collapsed.
      Rumour had it that the oil magnate wanted Ilya to go to prestigious school Eton, but that never materialised.
      However, his studies would’ve been interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.
      It’s unknown about his plans for university.
      Aaron, 11 and Leah Lou, 7

      Abramovich had five children with his second wife IrinaCredit: AFP

      Abramovich’s sixth and seventh child, were both born in Manhattan, New York.
      Roman regularly visits and has kept a cordial relationship with Dasha, according to reports.
      They were born out of Roman’s third marriage to model and art collector Dasha Zhukova, which ended in 2017.
      Aaron, who was once seen seen wearing a Chelsea shirt with Morata on the back, and Leah Lou live with their mother in the Big Apple, attending a private school in the city. More

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      Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone could have been ideal for Champions League opponents Chelsea, he’s Premier League ready

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      WITH his black on black on black look, Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone looks like he has come to the touchline straight after doing a gig with The Stranglers.
      But he also disproves the claim that there are no more heroes any more – in the eyes of Atletico supporters, at least.

      Diego Simeone has been a revelation as Atletico Madrid for the decade with the LaLiga sideCredit: Reuters

      Twenty five years ago he was the midfield lifeblood of an Atletico team that won the league and cup double.
      Towards the end of the season there was a chance that Atletico could clinch the league title on a day when they had no game, as long as other results went their way.
      Simeone was the only one who did not want results to go their way. He wanted to win the league on the field, in front of the club’s fans. Nothing else would do.
      During his long international career with Argentina, Simeone was not the most popular room-mate. Others preferred to switch off from football.

      He wanted to watch game after game, refining his knowledge, honing his skills for the coaching career to come. And he has enjoyed an extraordinary decade in charge of Atletico.
      His side have consistently punched above their weight, week after week competing with Real Madrid and Barcelona as if there was no financial chasm between them.
      His team have won the league – and despite a recent wobble, are well in the race to win it again this time. They have won the cup. They have claimed two Europa League titles.
      All that is missing is the Champions League – and they have reached two finals. That dream still remains.

      Simeone could have been ideal for a Premier League manager’s roleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Now they stand between Chelsea and a place in the quarter finals of this year’s Champions League. Perhaps it is a pity that he is not coaching the other side.
      The fact that Diego Simeone did not play in the Premier League is surely one of football’s missed opportunities. It would surely have worked. 
      Simeone was in the great box-to-box tradition of the British midfield. He was versatile, dynamic, skilful and fiercely, fiercely competitive.
      He would have been the type of player loved by fans of his own club- and grudgingly respected by supporters of the other teams.
      And he would certainly have enjoyed the atmosphere inside English stadiums – which, especially back in the mid 90s, would have reminded him a little of his native Argentina.
      And after playing for a club and building a relationship with its fans and its history, he would later be inclined to return as a coach – just as he has done with Atletico Madrid.
      It could have happened. He was still only 26 at the time that England hosted the European Championship – a key moment in spreading the word that the Premier League was on the rise as an interesting destination.

      As a player, Simeone was a combative box-to-box midfielder who starred for clubs including Lazio, Inter Milan, and Atletico MadridCredit: EPA

      Simeone’s passion on the touchline will be evident on Tuesday when Atletico Madird take on Chelsea in the Champions LeagueCredit: Reuters

      Two years earlier at Tottenham his compatriot Ossie Ardiles had spent a lot of money on glamorous strikers. It might have been better had he used his contacts to make Tottenham a stop off point for Argentine midfielders – like Simeone.
      In 1997 Chelsea brought across the Uruguayan midfielder Gus Poyet from Spain. He was a success – and Simeone was cut from a similar mould and was probably an even better player.
      But it did not happen. And now, on Tuesday, in his black suit, shirt and tie, Diego Simeone will be Chelsea’s implacable opponent.

      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel left fuming over ‘reckless’ tackle on Tammy Abraham More

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      Man Utd wonderkid Shola Shoretire, 17, makes long-awaited debut vs Newcastle after snubbing Barcelona and Juventus moves

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      THE buzz around Shola Shoretire extended far beyond Old Trafford.
      The Manchester United wonderkid, 17, was being courted by the likes of European giants Barcelona and Juventus before he signed his first professional deal with the Red Devils recently.

      Shola Shoretire replaced Marcus Rashford for his debutCredit: PA:Press Association

      Shola Shoretire came on as a sub against NewcastleCredit: PA:Press Association

      Mason Greenwood warming up with Shola ShoretireCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with Shola ShoretireCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Shoretire was then fast-tracked to the first team and added to the club’s Europa League squad ahead of their tie against Spanish side Real Sociedad.
      He sat on the bench against Sociedad in Europe but his patience prevailed as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer brought him on against Newcastle in the league, handing the youngest his pro debut.
      Shoretire replaced Marcus Rashford with just a minute to go but got a sense of the big-time at Old Trafford.
      His rapid ascension through the youth ranks has United big-wigs purring that the Nigerian-born star could be the answer to the club’s problems out wide after missing out on Jadon Sancho.

      The skilful attacker’s game has also been compared to African football legend Jay-Jay Okocha, who graced Premier League pitches with Bolton Wanderers in the early 2000s.
      WHAT’S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT?
      The diminutive teen, comfortable with both feet, can play out wide and through the middle.
      It’s testament to his ability that United were already confident he has the ability to succeed at the highest level by eyeing him for a deal before he turned 17.
      Shoretire, pronounced Shor-ay-ti-reh, joined Manchester United’s youth set up at the age of nine from Newcastle and has continued to blossom.

      In last season’s FA Youth Cup, he fired United into the semi-final scoring at Old Trafford in the 2-1 defeat of Wigan Athletic.
      Incredibly, earlier that day he was studying for his GCSEs at school.
      “He was at school today, all day! Then he came over to Old Trafford to play,” Under-18 coach Neil Ryan revealed.
      “It’s incredible really. Different day for him compared to other players.”

      First team star Aaron Wan-Bissaka puts Shoretire through his paces ahead of the Europa League tie against Real SociedadCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Starlet Shoretire has been added to Man Utds Europa League squadCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Shoretire is one of a number of promising United youngsters coming through the ranksCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Blessed with quick feet, Shoretire has been likened to Jay-Jay OkochaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      UEFA YOUTH LEAGUE HISTORY
      Shoretire appeared at the Milk Cup in Northern Ireland at the age of 13 in 2017. And in 2019 he made history.
      Aged just 14 years and 314 days he came on as a sub in United’s 2-1 win over Valencia, and became the  youngest player to appear in the UEFA Youth League – a competition reserved for Under-19 teams.
      “We want to keep them humble, hard-working,” Ryan explained.
      “It’s not just the coaching staff who do that, there are a number of staff throughout the academy, right throughout the place, feeding the same messages. It’s what we pride ourselves on.
      “When you see the professionalism of the likes of Marcus Rashford, he’s the shining example. Scott McTominay, so on. These boys are products of the academy and the staff who work with them. They are our examples.
      “Good players can enjoy the big stage. [Shoretire] is a really exciting player. He’s evolving and developing, can play a number of different positions, he showed a great maturity I thought.”

      In 2019 Shoretire made history as the youngest ever Uefa Youth League playerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Shoretire was born in NigeriaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Shoretire celebrates scoring at Old Trafford in the FA Youth Cup against WiganCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      NIGERIA OR ENGLAND?
      With the stage set, Shoretire has joined first teamers Rashford and McTominay in training at Carrington ahead of the Europa League fixture against Real Sociedad.
      Should he grasp his opportunity, like fellow youngster Mason Greenwood has, international honours will surely come to.

      But a tug-of-war between Nigeria and England will ensure for which country he represents.
      Although he was born in Africa, Shoretire has been invited to join England’s youth set-up in the past.
      At the age of 17, with the world at its feet, decisions on who he could play for can wait for now. His first step is to conquer United. More

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      Brighton sensation Tariq Lamptey was born with his rapid speed says former youth coach, who played him as a striker

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      BRIGHTON sensation Tariq Lamptey was born with electric pace which he showed at the tender age of just five, according to a former coach.
      The 20-year-old right wing-back has thrived with the Seagulls under the stewardship of Graham Potter, after ditching Chelsea in 2020.

      Tariq Lamptey began playing football with Larkspur Rovers in West London aged 5Credit: Run Durrant

      Lamptey was clocked at running at 22.8mph – making him the fastest player in Europe this seasonCredit: PA:Press Association

      And the Arsenal target’s blistering speed has been his biggest weapon – clocking 22.8mph in a sprint against Newcastle back in September that officially makes him the fastest player in Europe.
      But that wasn’t a surprise to Ron Durrant, chairman of Larkspur Rovers of West London, where Lamptey began playing his football.
      As an ambitious four-year-old, he first caught the eye of the Northolt side’s coaches with his boundless enthusiasm for the game.
      Then, when he was old enough, the young boy was thrown straight into the U6 team, where he scored goals for fun – always outrunning his opponents to score.

      “He was five when he joined us in our nursery set-up,” Ron, age, told SunSport exclusively.
      “But I remember first seeing him play a year before that in a park where we used to train when he was just four.
      “Tariq would be kicking a ball around with his dad next to us, but at the time he was too young to join us.
      “He kept coming back every week, until the coach who ran the nursery allowed him to join in.

      “Eventually, when he was old enough, he was able to train with us full-time and play games.”
      Durrant took Lamptey under his wing when he coached Larkspur’s U6 team.

      For Larkspur Rovers Lamptey played upfront and scored lots of goals

      For the 2006-07 season Lamptey was crowned Larkspur Rovers Player of the YearCredit: Ron Durrant

      When he was eight, Lamptey was scouted by Chelsea after starring with Larkspur Rovers
      Even at that age, Ron couldn’t believe how fast the kid was and was impressed by his determination to become a professional footballer.
      “I took over the under-6 team, and Tariq came into our age group.
      “He played with us for a couple of years, and he trained with us twice a week.
      “Tariq had that lighting pace that you just can’t teach. I think he was born with it!
      “Being that fast at that age can mean you stand out, because not many kids of that age group are that quick.
      “And when you play in small-sided games it gets you noticed, especially back then when the pitches the kids played on were bigger.
      “Tariq would play upfront for us and chase everything down. He might have 20 chances in a game and score 10 of them, but he created so many because of his pace.
      “The ball would get knocked through and Tariq would come out of nowhere and just race through on goal to score.

      Even at such a young age Lamptey was blessed with lightning pace

      Lamptey, second from the left on the front row, with his Chelsea team mates in his youth days
      “I think he scored 30 or 40 goals for us one season. He was so far ahead of anyone else.
      “He was also willing to work hard, he was always at every training session and was never late.”
      In 2008, Lamptey joined the youth academy at Chelsea aged eight after training with other clubs, including Tottenham.
      Ron acknowledged that Lamptey’s father Ahmed played a vital role in his son’s success story.
      “Tariq’s dad certainly deserves credit because he did the mileage – taking his son all over London to different clubs and training sessions.
      “It was clear Tariq really wanted to be a footballer, and he never missed an opportunity to train.”
      Although Lamptey was training with Chelsea, he never forgot his roots.
      His appetite for the game would see the Blues youth star return to Larkspur in his teens and play in tournaments for them in the summer.

      At a young age Lamptey showed the dedication needed to be a footballer
      Durrant revealed: “When he had a break at Chelsea and had six weeks off before preseason, Tariq used to come to us to train – when he was around 14, 15, 16.
      “He also played a couple of tournaments for me, just to make up the numbers, and he was head and shoulders above everyone else.
      “He’s a local lad to Northolt and has always had an affinity with the club. He had to take it easy so he didn’t get injured, but he was still miles better than anyone else playing at half pace.”
      Last year, Lamptey shot a promo for Adidas, in which he returned to Larkspur and supplied the club with new kits.
      “Grassroots football definitely shaped me into the player I am today,” he says in the clip that was shown on Sky Sports.
      Durrant is proud of the part he played in Lamptey’s journey in becoming a Premier League star.
      “If I’m ever telling anyone a story, I can always say that one of my players used to play for Chelsea, now plays at Brighton and has represented England at youth level,” he said.
      “It’s a feather in the cap of Larkspur’s cap and the coaches here, and we’re really proud of him.

      Last year Lamptey left Chelsea for first team football at BrightonCredit: Paul Hazlewood

      The right wing-back has been sensational for Graham Potter’s side this seasonCredit: Getty – Pool

      “He’s a great lad with a first class attitude. I remember in the first lockdown we had last year I was walking with my dog, I looked up and saw Tariq running with his brother and we waved at one another.
      “It was funny to see him as a Premier League player just jogging around Northolt to keep fit.
      “That shows what kind of a guy he is and how determined he is to succeed. He’s not afraid to put in that extra bit of work to push himself further and is a model pro.”

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