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      Sir Alex Ferguson’s top five ‘Fergie Time’ moments as Man Utd’s legendary boss celebrates 79th birthday

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      HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Sir Alex!
      The legendary Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson turns 79 today, and despite retiring seven years ago his legacy at Old Trafford will never be forgotten.

      Sir Alex Ferguson, who turns 79, won 13 league titles at Man Utd and had his team fighting till the endCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford
      He won the Premier League 13 times with Manchester United, as well as delivered two Champions League titles.
      And they did that in style, often winning games in the final moments or as it became to be coined ‘Fergie Time’.
      But what were the best ‘Fergie Time’ moments that invoked ‘Squeaky bum time’ and had United fans jumping for joy? Let SunSport reveal our top five.

      5. UTD 4-3 MAN CITY 2009-10
      Nothing is better than beating your cross town rivals than nabbing a last-minute winner.
      And Fergie’s men pushed to the final kick of the game in their Premier League match against Manchester City during the 2009-10 season.
      It seemed United would have to settle for a point at Old Trafford, when Craig Bellamy netted an equaliser in the 90th minute.
      However, six minutes into added time Michael Owen popped up with a real poachers effort to secure the three points.

      Michael Owen celebrates winning the Manchester derbyCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      4. UTD 3-2 ASTON VILLA 2008-09
      There’s something about the Theatre of Dreams that evokes real drama.
      And a new leading man was born during the 2008-09 season, with Aston Villa threatening to derail Manchester United’s title bid.
      With 10 minutes to go, Cristiano Ronaldo equalised to ensure a frantic finish at Old Trafford.
      Then, as the clock struck 90 minutes, an unknown 17-year-old by the name of Federico Macheda turned in the box and curled home a stunning winner.

      Federico Macheda’s curling effort kept United’s title aspirations going in 2008-09Credit: Getty – Contributor

      Macheda was an unknown 17-year-old when he netted the dramatic winnerCredit: Getty – Contributor
      3. UTD 2-1 LIVERPOOL 1998-99
      The 1998-99 season was Manchester United’s most successful as a football club.
      They famously won the treble that year, although you might argue luck was on their side in the FA Cup.
      Before THAT semi-final against Arsenal when Dennis Bergkamp missed a last-minute penalty, many will forget they scrapped through against Liverpool in the fourth round.
      Dwight Yorke levelled in the 80th minute with United looking seemingly doomed.
      Then, as a replay loomed, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer popped up with a typical predator’s finish in injury time to send United through to the next round.

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s goal kept Manchester United’s treble dream alive in 1998-99Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      2. UTD 2-1 SHEF WED 1992-93
      It was a game that kicked off the ‘Fergie Time’ saying and sparked famous touchline celebrations from Sir Alex and his assistant Brian Kidd.
      United were trailing Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 with four minutes to play when captain Steve Bruce, who hadn’t scored in six months, headed home from a Denis Irwin corner.
      And Fergie’s team weren’t done yet. As United threw the kitchen sink at the Owls – they secured a winner with ANOTHER Bruce header.
      That confidence booster inspired United to win their last five games and land their first league championship for 26 years. You could argue it also ignited the Sir Alex revolution.

      Steve Bruce celebrates his 96th minute winner against Sheffield WednesdayCredit: PA:Press Association
      1. UTD 2-1 BAYERN 1998-99
      It will always be Sir Alex’s most famous victory, and it couldn’t have been more epic.
      The Scot dreamed of winning the Champions League after dominating domestically.
      And for the majority of their game against German giants Bayern Munich they were completely outplayed.
      However, they hung on in there until the final moments – winning a corner in the last minute and trailing to Mario Basler’s early goal.
      91 minutes were on the clock when Teddy Sheringham swept home an equaliser.

      With the Bayern’s morale depleted, United won another corner minutes later.
      David Beckham whipped it in, for Sheringham to meet the ball with his head and Solskjaer to tap it into the roof.
      United were european champions, and they couldn’t have done it more fittingly… in ‘Fergie Time.’

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer taps home United’s 93rd minute against Bayern MunichCredit: PA:Press Association

      Solskjaer’s goal was one of two in injury time to defeat the GermansCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates with his players after their remarkable win over Bayern MunichCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Man Utd set to hand Mason Greenwood new long-term contract in 2021 after breaking into Solskjaer’s first-team More

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      Man Utd wonderkid Charlie McNeill, 17, was signed from rivals Man City, and scored over 600 goals at youth level

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      MARCUS RASHFORD, Mason Greenwood and now Charlie McNeill.
      Manchester United are rich with youthful strikers set to dominate their first team in years to come.

      Charlie McNeill is already turning heads at Old Trafford since joining Man Utd in OctoberCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      McNeill, 17, was snatched from United’s crosstown rivals Man CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But it’s the new kid on the block, 17-year-old McNeill, who is earning major plaudits.
      A £750,000 signing from crosstown rivals Manchester City, who will be kicking themselves for losing another top talent (think Jadon Sancho), McNeill has already turned heads at Old Trafford.
      In 2018, he inked a six-year deal with Adidas that could net him over a £1million.
      And in his first eight starts for the Under-18s, he’s netted six times – settling into his new surroundings much quicker than imagined.

      But there shouldn’t really have been any doubts that his goalscoring prowess wouldn’t immediately translate with his new side.
      After all, McNeill scored over a staggering 600 goals at youth level.
      ALWAYS A RED DEVIL
      Astonishingly, McNeill has bounced between the Manchester clubs a few times.
      He was originally part of United’s academy and played alongside Greenwood.

      Adidas signed McNeill to a six-year deal back in 2018Credit: Instagram @charliemcneill9

      Since moving to Man Utd, McNeill has exploded into life in his new surroundingsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      In 2014 he made the switch to Manchester City, where he established himself as one of the most impressive young strikers in European football.
      His record in front of goal was nothing short of amazing.
      For City’s U15s team he scored 110 goals in 72 games – while also registering 38 assists.
      Knowing they had to lure McNeill back, United fought off competition from Juventus and RB Leipzig to bring him back to Old Trafford in October.
      ‘RIDICULOUSLY GOOD’
      McNeill’s start to his second coming at United has been phenomenal.
      According to the Manchester Evening News, they’ve been told by United sources that the hotshot teen has been “ridiculously good” in training sessions.

      In eight starts with United U18s McNeill has six goalsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Man United coaches have said that McNeill has been ‘ridiculously good’ in trainingCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      On his U18 debut his double earned United a 4-0 win over Derby County.
      And in a stunning 4-3 win over Liverpool, he showed how lethal he is in front of goal – bringing a Noam Emeran cross down with one touch before driving a shot into the bottom left corner.
      He’s a man who knows instinctively where the goal is.
      With Greenwood and Rashford working alongside him in tandem, United should be good for goals in years to come.

      Man Utd set to hand Mason Greenwood new long-term contract in 2021 after breaking into Solskjaer’s first-team More

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      Mauricio Pochettino to return to spiritual home at PSG, where he played in dream team with Ronaldinho, Anelka and Arteta

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      THEY say Paris is the city of love, so no wonder Mauricio Pochettino fell for their football team’s charms.
      The former Spurs boss is the hot favourite to replace Thomas Tuchel at PSG, after the German’s dismissal was finally confirmed.

      Mauricio Pochettino is set to return to his spiritual home at PSGCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      As a ball-playing centre half, Poch, now 48, enjoyed his best years as a player at the Parc des Princes as club captain.
      Not only did he rediscover his form and earn a call-up to Argentina’s 2002 World Cup squad, he also played alongside high-profile team mates, including Ronaldinho during a glamorous era for the French giants.
      While they may not have been as successful in terms of winning trophies, they were lauded for their style of play under Luis Fernandez.
      And Pochettino, himself, has made no secret of wanting to manage the side who made him fall in love with the beautiful all over again.

      SPIRITUAL HOME
      Over the years, Pochettino has stressed his desire to return to PSG – his spiritual home.
      In 2016, he flirted with his former employers – revealing it would be his dream job to take the reigns one day, and he remains an avid fan.
      “I’ve always said that I would be pleased to join a great club like PSG,” Pochettino told French radio station RMC.

      Former Spurs boss Pochettino has stressed his desire to return to the Parc des Princes beforeCredit: AFP or licensors

      Pochettino captained PSG and enjoyed some of his best years as a player with the French giantsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “Come to Paris? I hope so. It is true that it would please me. It’s part of my dreams. I try to watch all their matches, especially in the Champions League.”

      Ex-team mate Didier Domi believes appointing Pochettino is a no-brainer saying he “already belongs to the family” at PSG.
      “He ticks all the boxes and has everything to succeed: a good relationship with the players and a good organisation with his staff,” he added.
      “He knows how to manage the pressure and his football ideas stick with Paris. He has all the cards in hand.”
      And as for Paris itself, Poch is said to have loved his time living in France – having been entranced by the rich culture the city thrives on.
      A FORMER HERO
      Like Frank Lampard at Chelsea, Pochettino will be returning to a club who adored him as a player.
      He began his career under the tutorage of Marcelo Bielsa at Newell’s Old Boys, where he won the Argentine Primera Division in the early 90s.
      Then he became a legend at Espanyol, winning the Copa del Rey twice for a club that lives beneath the shadow of their noisy neighbours Barcelona.

      Marcelo Bielsa coached Pochettino with Newell’s Old Boys and Argentina (pictured here)Credit: Reuters

      In 2001 Pochettino began his love affair with PSGCredit: AFP – Getty

      Pochettino played 95 games across three seasons for PSGCredit: AFP – Getty
      But in 2001 he joined PSG for a new challenge at the age of 29 and seamlessly slotted into their defence.
      He captained the side and played 95 games across three seasons and won plenty of admirers for his desire and determination.
      DREAM TEAM
      PSG were glam in the early 2000s, and almost comparable to the team built by current owners Qatar Sports Investments.
      However, they didn’t achieve the success Neymar, Mbappe, Di Maria and Co have had in the modern day.
      During Pochettino’s career with the Parisians he won an Intertoto Cup in 2001 and a runner-up medal in the Coupe de France – but the French championship eluded him.
      Shocking really considering the talent Fernandez had at his disposal.
      Poch enjoyed two seasons playing with Ronaldinho, before the Brazilian moved to Barcelona and became a global phenomenon.
      He played alongside fellow Argentinian Gabriel Heinze – who later starred for Manchester United.

      Pochettino played alongside a young Ronaldinho at PSGCredit: PA:Press Association

      Ex-Man Utd star Gabriel Heinze was one of Pochettino’s former defensive partnersCredit: AFP – Getty

      George Weah and Pochettino jostle for the ballCredit: Reuters

      There was a year each with Nicolas Anelka, Jay-Jay Okocha and Laurent Robert, and two with a teenage Mikel Arteta.
      Captaining all those superstars will certainly put Poch in good stead for managing today’s current crop.
      And just maybe he will finally win a league title with the club he fell in love with 20 years ago. More

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      Messi prefers PSG transfer, and a reunion with Pochettino and friends Neymar and Di Maria, reports from Argentina claim

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      THERE was a blow for Argentina in an intimate interview that Lionel Messi gave to Spanish TV channel La Sexta, filmed before Christmas and broadcast on Sunday.
      Messi made no mention of any plan, or even dream, of rounding off his career back in Argentina with Newell’s Old Boys, his boyhood club in the city where he was born, Rosario.

      Lionel Messi sat down with Spanish TV channel and outlined his future plans in an intimate interview

      This was an idea he once used to float, but it now seems far from his thoughts.
      He came across very much as a man of Barcelona, the city which has moulded him since the age of 13 and which seems sure to be his long term home.
      Indeed, he did mention a rival destination; he has pondered the idea of experiencing life in the United States.
      This revelation sent social media into overdrive.

      Some saw it as a confirmation that his short term future would lie with Manchester City, and that after a spell reunited with Pep Guardiola in the Premier League he could use City’s transatlantic connections to ease his way into Major League Soccer.
      All of this may be true – but it is by no means clear that things will work out that way.
      The reference to the United States was made in passing, and he stressed that there was no plan in place.
      Indeed, his desire to live in the country may have nothing to do with football at all.

      He may imagine it as a place where he can enjoy a kind of anonymity which is impossible in his normal life.
      “There are times when I would like to be anonymous,” he said, “to not have 300 eyes trained on me, to be able to go to the supermarket, the cinema or to a restaurant.”
      Many big name players have enjoyed being able to wander free in the USA, though it is far from clear that someone as prominent as Messi would be able to pass unnoticed.
      There was no clear statement of where his short term destiny might lie. Messi made it clear that he is fully committed to Barcelona until the end of the season.

      Messi could join Mauricio Pochettino at PSG, who is expected to take over the reigns from the sacked Thomas TuchelCredit: EPA
      But he is obviously very displeased with the club’s previous administration, and far from convinced, in their current financial position, that Barcelona can form a team good enough to challenge for the Champions League for a while.
      So what does he want? Is he prepared to be part of a rebuilding process?  He is already carrying out a similar role with the Argentina national team, so why should he do the same at club level?
      He can’t change his country. But in the summer he can choose his club.
      His family would love him to stay. The chance of his old friend Xavi taking over might be an incentive as well – although the financial problems are not going to disappear whoever is in charge.
      The Argentine sports daily ‘Ole!’ believes that Paris Saint Germain are in pole position – and it is easy to see why that view makes sense.
      Messi still has a magnificent range of talents, but at 33 and a half he is in physical decline, losing the kick of acceleration to take him away from markers.
      The draining challenge of the Premier League may well have come a couple of years too late. 
      PSG, on the other hand, can offer him more than a reunion with his great friend Neymar.

      Should Messi opt for PSG he will rejoin pal NeymarCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Messi and Neymar enjoyed a telepathic relationship at BarcelonaCredit: Rex Features

      In France he could coast a little through the league, saving himself for what really matters to him – three or four more attempts at the Champions League and one last crack at the World Cup.
      PSG’s decision to sack coach Thomas Tuchel may be part of the process – clearing the way for Mauricio Pochettino, a fellow Argentine who grew up close to Rosario, came through the ranks at Newell’s and made his life in Europe.
      Fellow Argentine star Angel Di Maria has also done his best to try to entice Messi to Paris.
      The interview with La Sexta makes it less likely that Lionel Messi will be wearing the red and black of Newell’s – but perhaps more probable that he might soon be coached by one of their old boys.

      Lionel Messi arrives home in Argentina for the holidays ahead of transfer speculation More

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      As Wayne Rooney’s son Kai joins Man Utd: Ronaldo, Neville, Zidane, Maldini, and sons aiming to follow in dad’s footsteps

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      WAYNE ROONEY’S son Kai is the latest boy wonder looking to fill the boots of his famous father.
      Proud dad Wazza announced the news this month his 11-year-old had penned a deal with Manchester United as he shared a snap of him and Coleen alongside the boy wonder. 

      Wayne Rooney’s son Kai signed for Manchester United in December 2020Credit: Instagram

      Justin Kluivert, son of Patrick, is one of a group of young footballers aiming to follow in their fathers’ legendary footstepsCredit: Instagram @patrickkluivert9

      But he won’t be the first son looking to fulfill the great expectations they were born with.
      Offspring of legends like Zinedine Zidane and Patrick Kluivert are also looking to make their own way in the footballing world while dealing with the pressure of their iconic surnames.
      And Maxim Gullit, son of Ruud and great nephew of Johan Cruyff, became the latest last year when he came off the bench for Jong AZ Alkmaar for his first taste of senior action.
      Here, SunSport takes a look at the 13 other youngsters aiming to follow in their fathers’ giant footsteps:

      Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, 10

      Cristiano Jr is on the books at Juventus with dad Ronaldo
      Cristiano Jr has a heavy legacy to live up to if he attempts to emulate his five-time Ballon d’Or winning father Ronaldo.
      The youngster is part of Juventus’ academy and has impressed in a number of youth tournaments.
      And Ronaldo, 35, has admitted in the past he would ‘like’ to see Junior follow in his footsteps.
      But the Portugal captain has insisted he will not ‘pressure’ his eldest son into a footballing career.

      Joe van der Sar, 22

      Joe van Der Sar, left, is son of Man United legend Edwin
      Joe van der Sar is the son of legendary father Edwin.
      Joe began his career at Man United, where his dad starred for six years, and then moved on to Noordwijk before signing for Ajax in 2013 where Edwin is CEO.
      These are giant gloves to fill and the expectations are high. He’s now back at Noordwijk aiming to work his way to the top.
      Maxim Gullit, 19

      Maxim Gullit, left, is son of Chelsea icon Ruud, right, and great nephew of Johann Cruyff
      Son of Ruud and great nephew of Johan Cruyff, Maxim Gullit could hardly hope for better footballing genes.
      Maxim, a defender and son of Estelle Cruyff, predominantly played for AZ’s Under-19 side in 2018/19 – but was handed an Easter treat – being called up a level.
      The talented teen came on for the final 19 minutes of the AZ second team’s clash with champions Twente in the Netherlands’ second tier and helped his side keep a clean sheet.
      He has since gone on to become a regular for their Under-21 side this season, while he made his debut for the first team in the Europa League against HNK Rijeka in the Europa League in October.
      Zidane (Luca, Enzo & Theo)

      Zinedine Zidane has three footballer sons but Luca, left, was handed a Real Madrid debut by his dad in March last year
      Zinedine Zidane has three sons aiming to follow in his giant footsteps.
      Midfielder Enzo, 25, was most recently at Almeria, and 18-year-old Theo is looking to develop in Real Madrid’s academy.
      Goalkeeper Luca, 22, made two appearances for Los Blancos, but he left in search of game time.
      He is now at second-tier side Rayo Vallecano.
      Gudjohnsen (Andri Lucas, Sveinn Aron & Daniel Tristan)

      Eidur Gudjohnsen has three sons aiming to make it in football including Andri Lucas, left, at Real Madrid
      Former Chelsea, Tottenham and Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen has one son at Real Madrid, one son at Barca and another in Italy.
      Sveinn, 22, and the spitting image of his father, is on loan at Danish outfit OB from Serie B side Spezia while younger brother Andri Lucas is in the big time at the Bernabeu.
      The 18-year-old, who is starring for Iceland’s U19s, joined Real’s La Fabrica academy in Valdebas last summer while 12-year-old Daniel Tristan is in Barca’s Infant B.
      Eidur famously came on for his father, Arnor, while playing for Iceland, in 1996.
      Tyrese Campbell, 20

      Stoke’s Tyrese Campbell, left, is son of former Arsenal, Everton and West Brom striker Kevin
      Stoke’s young star Tyrese Campbell made a huge breakthrough last season – appearing 33 times in the Championship for the Potters.
      The forward, who joined Stoke from Man City’s academy in 2016, is son of former Arsenal, Everton and West Brom striker Kevin Campbell.
      Tyrese scored his first goals for Stoke in the FA Cup last season before being loaned out to League One Shrewsbury for the remainder of the campaign.
      He bagged five goals for the Shrews, and managed nine in the Championship and now regularly starts for the Potters.
      Harvey Neville, 18

      Harvey Neville, left, has good family genes with father Phil, right, and uncle Gary ex Man United players
      With TWO Manchester United Treble winners as father (Phil) and uncle (Gary), plus England’s netball head coach for an aunt (Tracey), there was little chance of Harvey going into auditing.
      Harvey, who plays in midfield or on the wing, began his career at United before moving to rivals City where he won the Premier League International Tournament as an Under-13.
      He moved to Valencia when his father and uncle took charge of the first-team before returning to Old Trafford in 2018.
      Maurizio Pochettino, 19

      Tottenham’s Maurizio Pochettino, left, was (almost) named after his father Spurs boss Mauricio
      Definitely a name that Tottenham fans can immediately warm to, Maurizio is the offspring of former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino.
      And the Argentine youngster, described as a wide player with an eye for goal, has continued to play for the Lilywhites last term – despite his dad getting the sack in November 2019.
      He even signed a new contract with the club earlier this year.
      Justin Kluivert, 21

      Justin Kluivert, left, is already showing the talents of his father Patrick who was a Barcelona striker
      The name may have got him noticed but it is Justin Kluivert’s talent that has seen him thrive at such a young age.
      Son of Patrick, left winger Justin was nurtured by the Ajax academy and is now starring in Serie A for Italian side Roma after signing in 2018 for £14.9million.
      Manchester United were also believed to be after the youngster – who bagged five goals and two assists last campaign.
      He is currently on loan at RB Leipzig, where he has enjoyed a return to top form.
      Daniel Maldini, 19

      Daniel Maldini, left, is following in the footsteps of father Paolo, right, and grandfather Cesare at AC Milan
      The Maldini dynasty continues, with Daniel following in father Paolo and grandfather Cesare’s footsteps in Milan.
      Daniel operates at the opposite end of the pitch to his father and has displayed his talents as a second striker.
      The talented teen made his first-team debut against Hellas Verona in Serie A – becoming the third generation of Maldini’s to play for AC Milan.
      Giovanni Simeone, 25

      Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone’s son Giovanni, left, is a winger at Italian side Fiorentina
      Son of Atletico Madrid boss Diego, Giovanni is one of the few in this group to have already established themselves.
      Usually deployed as a second striker, Giovanni has broken into the Argentina team where he has been capped on five occasions.
      He joined Cagliari in the summer after a successful loan spell where he has scored five goals in six Serie A matches.
      Erling Haaland, 20

      Former Man City man Alf-Inge Haaland, right, has a son Erling, left, who is starring at Dortmund

      Erling Haaland, son of Man City’s Alf-Inge whose career was ended after a horror tackle from Manchester United legend Roy Keane, is one of Europe’s hottest properties.
      The 20-year-old was mentored by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Molde, before smashing in the goals for RB Salzburg.
      The hulking centre forward then rejected interest from the Red Devils and moved to Borussia Dortmund in January, and he has not stopped scoring since.
      Sydney van Hooijdonk, 20

      Sydney van Hooijdonk, left, could be on the move to a British side in January
      Son of former Nottingham Forest striker Pierre, the 20-year-old has been in fine form for NAC Breda in the Dutch second tier this season.
      The towering centre-forward has chipped in with eight goals and two assists in 12 outings.
      And football fans could see him in the UK in the New Year with Forest, Swansea and Sheffield Wednesday all keen on signing him.

      Fernando Ovelar scores first goal aged just 14 years and nine months for Cerro Porteno in Paraguay’s Superclasico More

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      Seven players whose biggest mistake was leaving Barcelona including Bravo and Neymar as Messi considers transfer exit

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      LIONEL MESSI isn’t the first Barcelona star to think the grass is greener away from the Nou Camp.
      The Argentinian legend appears to be at the end of his tether with the struggling Catalans.

      Messi during the time before Neymar left for PSGCredit: AFP

      Not only has he admitted it would be very difficult for Barcelona to return as the world’s best, Messi, 33, has spoken about his admiration for ex-boss Pep Guardiola, as he continues to be linked to Manchester City.
      PSG are also said to be considering launching a bid for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner to partner him up with former team-mate Neymar.
      But, as these seven names ended up proving, it doesn’t always work out if you leave Barça.
      NEYMAR
      PSG (AUGUST 2017)
      Although Neymar left Barcelona because he wanted to be the main man elsewhere, and was tired of living under Messi’s shadow, it hasn’t worked out for him entirely at PSG since his world record move.

      The project that was sold to him by president Nasser Al-Khelaifi was that the French giants could be Champions League winners and he was going to be part of a side that would dominate Europe for years.
      However, it hasn’t quite worked out that way – the closest coming last season when they fell at the last hurdle against Bayern Munich.
      Injuries haven’t helped Neymar’s cause, and he is said to be hankering for a move away to add another Champions League medal to accompany the one he won at Barcelona in 2015.

      A second Champions League winners’ medal has eluded Neymar since leaving BarcelonaCredit: AFP or licensors
      CLAUDIO BRAVO
      Manchester City (AUGUST 2016)
      The Chilean shotstopper made 75 appearances in three seasons with Barcelona.

      However, in his final year Marc-Andre ter Stegen was preferred and Bravo was dropped.
      He joined Guardiola at Manchester City in a £17million deal, but from his debut against Manchester United when he made a gaffe to gift City’s rivals a goal he received widespread criticism.
      Bravo has since joined Real Betis, where he’s trying to rebuild his career.

      Chilean shotstopper Claudio Bravo appeared 75 times for Barcelona in three seasonsCredit: EPA
      BOJAN
      Roma (JULY 2011)
      When Bojan arrived on the scene at Barcelona he was touted as the next wonderkid to rule the Nou Camp for years to come.
      He even broke Messi’s record of youngest player to ever feature in a LaLiga game at 17 years and 19 days.
      But after finding himself frozen out the team with the likes of David Villa, Pedro and Messi preferred, he was sold to Roma.
      There were loans at Milan and Ajax that failed to bring out the best in Bojan before he moved to Stoke and continued to flatter to deceive.
      Today, he plays for Montreal Impact in MLS.

      Bojan broke Messi’s record of youngest ever player to appear in La Liga for BarcelonaCredit: Reuters
      VICTOR VALDES
      Manchester United (JANUARY 2015)
      Another former Barcelona goalkeeper, Valdes was part of the Barcelona side that swept all before them.
      He played 535 games for the club, winning LaLiga six times and three Champions League titles.
      But when his contract expired in 2014, he decided he wanted a new challenge and signed for Manchester United.
      There he played just twice, suffering the indignity of being loaned out to Standard Liege.

      Victor Valdes won six La Liga titles at BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      HRISTO STOICHKOV
      Parma (JULY 1995)
      The Bulgarian legend won the Ballon d’Or as a Barcelona player in 1994.
      Recognised for his bullish style, he scored goals for fun – 108 in 214 games in all competitions for the Spanish giants.
      He helped the club win four LaLiga titles in a row, as well as the European Cup in 1991 in one of the greatest periods for the Catalans.
      But he was sold to ambitious Parma for £10million in 1995, where he struggled for form – scoring only seven times in 30 games.
      He returned to Barcelona a year later, however he was a shadow of his former self.

      Hristo Stoichkov is an all-time great at Barcelona, but he flopped when he left for ParmaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      DECO
      Chelsea (JUNE 2008)
      The Portuguese playmaker was a cult figure at Barcelona after signing from Porto.
      He was runner-up to Andriy Shevchenko for the 2004 Ballon d’Or, and named Barca’s player of the season for 2004-05.
      A year later, Deco helped his team win the Champions League – winning the Uefa Best Midfielder Award.
      However, the wheels fell off when he left for Chelsea for £8million, especially when boss Luiz Felipe Scolari was sacked and Deco was dropped for his poor form.

      Deco won the Champions League with Barcelona in 2006Credit: AFP

      PATRICK KLUIVERT
      Newcastle United (JULY 2004)
      In 1998, Kluivert began his love affair with Barcelona – rejoining his old mentor Louis van Gaal, who gave him his debut at Ajax.
      And he was top scorer for the club for three of the six seasons he spent in Spain.
      But in 2004 Kluivert tried his hand at the Premier League and moved to Newcastle.
      In truth, he struggled and scored just six times in the league before he was released on a free after one season.

      Patrick Kluivert never rediscovered his goalscoring form once he left BarcelonaCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Lionel Messi arrives home in Argentina for the holidays ahead of transfer speculation More

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      Top sports stars with world’s worst tattoos including Beckham, Sancho, Bellerin, Dele, Hart and a Tokyo 2020 howler

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      THEY say money can’t buy you taste.
      And for all the millions today’s top athletes make – whether it be footballers or any other sports star – it appears that mantra has never been more true than when applied to tattoos.

      Goalkeeper Joe Hart is the latest footballer to get an eyesore of a tattooCredit: Refer to Caption

      Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart proved that with the massive block of ink across his right shoulder.
      And not even the unofficial King of Cool David Beckham is immune to an occasional style blunder.
      Here’s a look at some of the worst around.
      Dele Alli

      Dele Alli has a tattoo of Bamm Bamm from the Flinstones on his forearm
      Look past the gold bling and you will see Spurs star Alli’s permanent tribute to Bamm Bamm from the Flinstones.

      A somewhat unconventional choice, Alli – whose first name is Bamidele – is thought to have got it because his nickname is Bam Bam.
      David Beckham

      England Becks has an intricate grouping of planets inked on his headCredit: Rex Features
      A fashion icon the world over and hugely admired midfielder, we’ll let Becks off for this one given he’s barely put a foot wrong in the past, apart from that sarong, those cornrows and that all-leather get-up…
      Beckham, 45, has more than 40 tattoos but this one is probably the strangest, not least because of where it is.
      Derlys Ayala
      Olympic runner got Tokyo 2020 tattooed on his calf – before the Games was postponed by a year due to coronavirus.

      The 30-year-old qualified for Tokyo after finishing fifth overall in the Buenos Aires Marathon in September 2019.
      Ayala – who represented Paraguay in the 2016 Olympics in Rio in the marathon where he finished in 136th place – got the Olympics rings plus the date and location inked on – but now he will need to change the 0 to a 1.

      Sergio Aguero

      Man City’s Sergio Aguero isn’t quite sure what his Lord of the Rings tattoo saysCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Those are not hieroglyphics down the prolific striker’s forearm but the Elvish language from Lord of the Rings.
      Aguero must be a pretty big fan of the film, then, huh?
      Er, no. But he must at least know what it means? Nope – he hasn’t even seen the movie.
      Nicolas Otamendi
      Most people get tattoos of the things that are most important to them – family members, dates and religious symbols.
      Former Man City ace Otamendi, though, clearly loves watching TV so much and has inked stars from hit shows Breaking Bad, Peaky Blinders and Vikings on his back.
      At the top of his back, the Benfica defender, 32, has Walter White, the main character in Breaking Bad, while lower down there is an image of Peaky Blinders hero Thomas Shelby.

      Nicolas Otamendi showed off his impressive tattoo collection after the full-time whistle in MilanCredit: Rex Features

      The main characters from Breaking Bad – Walter White – and Peaky Blinders – Thomas Shelby – feature on the Argentinian’s back
      To the left appears to be Ragnar Lothbrok from Vikings.
      They make up what is an impressive collection including a pocket watch, a lion, a bear and the more regular tatts such as names of some of his family members.
      Jadon Sancho

      Jadon Sancho sporting his new tattoos at training for his club Borussia Dortmund
      It’s easy to make the link between rapid England winger Sancho and his tattoo of Sonic the Hedgehog.
      After that, things become a bit of a stretch.
      Having the Simpsons daubed on his arm can perhaps be likened to his Dortmund side’s famous Yellow Wall – if you were really trying.
      But Spiderman? There’s only so much Cartoon Network one man can need.
      Hector Bellerin

      Hector Bellerin has the word ‘two’ tattooed on his leg to match his shirt numberCredit: Getty – Contributor

      When he’s not flaunting questionable clobber at fashion shows, Bellerin likes to pose in retro-style photos, get tattoos and play football.
      Here, he dedicates his commitment to the Arsenal cause by getting his shirt number permanently etched on his thigh.
      Erik Lamela

      Lamela has a tattoo of a dog on his thighCredit: Reuters
      Dodgy tattoos have no allegiance and could not care less about who rules North London.
      Lamela’s tattoo proves just as much, with it coming on his thigh – like Bellerin’s – and being just as bad. Although plus points for it being a lovable dog.
      Artur Boruc

      Words cannot do justice to just how bad the Bournemouth keeper’s monkey tattoo isCredit: Willie Vass
      Just awful.
      No. Not even doing a ‘monkeying around’ pun for this.
      Eljero Elia

      Eljero Elia spelled Feyenoord incorrectly and got the date of his Cup final win as May 24 rather than April 24Credit: Instagram

      Former Liverpool defender Daniel Agger talks about the many tattoos that cover his body
      Spell the name of your club incorrectly? Check. Get the date wrong of the final you played in and won? Check.
      Feyenoord winger Elia had a stinker with this tattoo back in 2016, but got it corrected to display the correct details.
      Uros Vitas

      Vitos’ inking was a nice thought… but should have remained just a thought
      Fair play to Serbian defender Vitas for showing off the love of his life, Andrijana, in tattoo form.
      Shame it looked so horrendous.
      Marcelo Brozovic

      Brozovic’s weird hand tattoo is one of a kindCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Inter midfielder Brozovic got this ‘epic Brozo’ tattoo to match his equally epic celebration whenever he scores.
      Not only is it in a peculiar position on the top of his hand, he also opened a bar in his native Croatia with the name Epic Brozo and, yep, you guessed it, an image of the winking face.
      Amato Ciciretti

      How will Amati Ciciretti’s social media tattoo have aged by the time he’s 50?Credit: Twitter
      He is the journeyman Italian on loan to Ascoli in Serie B, but Ciciretti must be social media famous to go to the lengths of having his Twitter handle tattooed on his calf?
      Surprisingly, no. Instead, the 26-year-old has just 2,374 followers, has tweeted just 31 times and his last came almost two years ago. Any regrets, Amato?
      Nile Ranger

      Nile Ranger is among the footballers with the world’s worst tattoosCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Nile Ranger got his surname tattooed across his headCredit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun
      Perhaps it was just in case he forgot. Nile Ranger – or, as the tattoo would suggest, Nile Ranges – went through the unnecessary pain of having his surname printed above his eye.
      To be fair to the man who has a smiley face tattooed inside his mouth, there wasn’t much space left on the rest of his body.
      Layvin Kurzawa

      The belly-button should have one job, and one job onlyCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Not quite as bad as Boruc, but here’s another footballer who mistook the belly-button’s purpose for postnatal artwork.
      Paris Saint-Germain’s left-back needs to keep his shirt on with the terrifying face on his stomach.
      Daniele de Rossi

      Italian midfielder sent a message to opponents with his calf tattooCredit: AFP
      At first glance, the Italian’s calf looks more like it should be placed outside the gents’ loo.
      Instead, De Rossi’s hazard warning tattoo backs up his hardman image as the tough-tackling midfielder snapping at opponent’s ankles.
      Marko Arnautovic

      Marko Arnautovic could not quite decide which font to haveCredit: Getty – Contributor
      A message of motivation is blazoned across the West Ham forward’s stomach.
      The problem is Arnautovic seemed as certain about the font he wanted for the tattoo as he was about which club he’d be playing for in January.
      Mauro Junior

      An iconic image with a motivational message?Credit: Getty – Contributor
      There was, perhaps, an oversight when PSV’s young midfielder got a famous image tattooed down his left forearm.
      Some will see King Arthur attempting to pull the legendary sword from a stone. Others? Well, we’ll leave that to you..
      Ricardo Quaresma

      Chelsea flop Ricardo Quaresma has some questionable facial tattoosCredit: —
      Is there something the former Porto and Chelsea man needs to tell us?
      In most quarters, teardrop tattoos tend to signify the amount of people the wearer had killed in prison.
      Quaresma’s short stay at Stamford Bridge didn’t include much lethal work.
      Jay Bothroyd

      Do you love it or hate it?Credit: Twitter
      On first look, the former England striker appears to have a random arsenal pictured down his ribs.
      Tilt you head slightly and the weapons just about spell out the word ‘love’. Awe?

      Harry Redknapp calls Raheem Sterling’s M16 assault rifle tattoo a ‘bad move’ More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Mauro Icardi’s wife Wanda Nara’s amazing life including sex tape denials and love triangle with her ex Maxi Lopez

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      IF THERE is one person who calls the shots in where Mauro Icardi plays next, then it is his stunning wife and agent Wanda Nara.
      The Paris St Germain striker, who moved from Inter Milan for £54m in the summer of 2020, is a huge football name but it’s his wife Wanda who grabs all the headlines.

      She recently vowed to take legal action against a comedian for making crude jokes about her riding a horse naked.
      Not afraid to make the big decisions in what is predominantly a male industry, Wanda is the most controversial WAG on the planet with sex tape rumours, naked photos and allegedly cheating on her ex-husband footballer in order to woo Icardi.
      Oh, and the two were team-mates at the time.
      Argentinian Wanda is no shrinking violet who sits in the shadows of her man’s career.

      She famously caused a huge rift in her home country after seducing Icardi, 27, while she was still married to his Argentinian teammate, Maxi Lopez, 36.
      Widely regarded as one of the most powerful women in football, agent Wanda oversees her husband’s career.

      Wanda is expected to ruffle a lot of feathersCredit: Instagram
      One former footballer explains to Sun Online: “Argentina is arguably the country most passionate about football, so when Icardi hooked up with his national teammate’s wife, and moved their three kids in with him, fans were disgusted and it’s caused problems ever since.

      “Wanda isn’t well liked in the country, but she doesn’t care.
      She loves showing off her glamorous life – she posts naked pictures of her surrounded by her designer shoes and bags in her walk-in wardrobe and travelling by private jet.
      “If they move over here in January, she’s going to ruffle a lot of feathers with fans and fellow WAGS.”
      Here, Sun Online takes a closer at the blonde beauty.

      Wanda Nara lives in Paris with her husband IcardiCredit: Instagram

      Mauro Icardi’s wife Wanda Nara sends social media into frenzy with stunning lingerie video
      Nude pictures and a ‘sex tape’ scandal
      Sexy Wanda often posts provocative belfies and topless shots to her 5.9 million Instagram followers.
      Many are taken in their mansion, where she surrounds herself with designer clothes and fast cars.

      Wanda is happy to flaunt her curves on social mediaCredit: Instagram

      Icardi is partial to posting scantily-clad images of his wife to his 6 million Instagram followers, too.
      These include some rather explicit swimwear shots taken while the pair enjoyed themselves on a romantic getaway to the Seychelles.

      Last year, though, Wanda was subject of rumours when an audio sex-tape was sent around on WhatsApp.
      Italian news outlets reported it was between Wanda and Icardi’s teammate Marcelo Brozovic – she denied it.

      She is known for posting revealing selfiesCredit: Instagram
      She retorted: “I am a mum and I live for my five children, I am always with them. Then I am the wife of Mauro.
      “I live a normal life, I work and I take care of my children so think for yourself rather than write nonsense stories about my life.”

      She has denied that a rumoured sex tape is of herCredit: Instagram

      Inviting her lover on holiday with her husband
      Icardi says Wanda first got with him on a holiday with her, ex Lopez, and their three children, Valentino, nine, Constantino, eight, and Benedicto, six in 2013.
      In his autobiography, Sempre Avanti, Icardi reveals: “We texted many times. She wrote to me: ‘Mauro, we are going for a ride to the Aeolian Islands with Gonzalo Bergessio and his wife. Why don’t you come with us?’
      “While I was alone on the second floor of the boat, lying on the couch and listening to a bit of reggae, Wanda all of a sudden came and sat beside me, without any embarrassment. At that time her relationship with Lopez was ending.”

      The trio used to holiday together before Wanda left Lopez for IcardiCredit: Instagram
      However, Wanda says Icardi seduced her after her marriage ended.
      “After the divorce, I had gone back to live in Argentina and already had the kids registered for the new school year. I had to come back to Milan to finalise some paperwork and he offered to lend me his car, leaving me the keys to his house, too.”

      “He asked if I wanted to have dinner with him, but the fridge was empty. I knocked up some pasta and the rest just happened spontaneously.”She also claimed her husband was to blame, saying at the time: “It’s been three months since my husband had sex.
      “Maxi has neglected me. Although I’ve been living in luxury, I am also living with hidden pain.”

      She is now married to Icardi, who is six years her juniorCredit: Instagram

      She said she left Lopez as he was neglecting her sexuallyCredit: Instagram
      The ultimate betrayal of friendship
      Series A’s Sampdoria match against Inter Milan in April 2014 was dubbed “The Wanda Derby”.
      Their relationship had just come to light – and Lopez was playing for Sampdoria.

      It was viewed as a massive betrayal when Wanda seduced her then-husband Lopez’s team-mate IcardiCredit: Getty – Contributor

      An Inter Milan match was nicknamed ‘the Wanda Derby’ as her husband played against her exCredit: Instagram
      Icardi was booed by fans and Lopez refused to shake his hand.
      Wanda and Lopez had begun divorce proceedings in December 2013, when reports surfaced it was partly due to her relationship with Icardi.
      It was considered the ultimate betrayal of friendship. Icardi is nine years Lopez’s junior and had been taken under his wing when he first moved to play in Italy.

      Wanda and Icardi married in 2014Credit: Instagram
      In May 2014 Icardi married Wanda in Buenos Aires in front of just 12 guests – none of his teammates attended.
      First the wife, then the kids
      Unashamed, the new couple wrote gushing tributes to each other on social media.
      In June 2014, five months after Wanda left Lopez, tensions worsened when Icardi tweeted a picture of a new arm tattoo he had of Wanda and Lopez’s three children, captioned “I love these three little angels.”

      Lopez has been left seething at Icardi publicly tweeting about his childrenCredit: Instagram
      Unsurprisingly, Lopez seethed, saying: “I can understand that, being a public figure, he publishes photos. But I’m not comfortable with my kids being in those photos.”
      Icardi and Wanda have gone on to have two young daughters of their own, Francesca and Isabella.

      The couple have gone to have kids of their ownCredit: Instagram
      The ‘most explosive WAG in football’
      While most WAGS are secondary to their fella’s career, Wanda at the forefront of Icardi’s – in 2015, he sacked his agent of 10 years, hiring Wanda instead.
      She is believed to be behind his increasing salary demands and draws up his contracts.

      Wanda is known for being an explosive WAG who drives her husband’s careerCredit: Instagram
      But there’s vast speculation that Icardi hasn’t been called up by Argentina due to the furore over how he and Wanda got together.
      But he has been since.
      And during his second clash, against Uruguay in September 2017, Wanda travelled to the game via private jet, and demanded to be seated in a box.
      She was “forced” to sit in the stands and reportedly had a tantrum about it..

      She has a love of travelling on private jetsCredit: Instagram

      Wanda lives a luxurious lifestyleCredit: Instagram
      Despised by their home country
      Even Diego Maradona has been incensed by Icardi and Wanda’s personal life.
      Last year, with rumours of Icardi being called up to World Cup, Maradona called Icardi a “piece of sh*t” and an “embarrassment”.

      Even football legend Diego Maradona has blasted the pairCredit: Instagram
      “[Icardi] knows how to (have sex with his friend’s wife). He does that very well.
      “He can find his friend’s house easily, he doesn’t need a GPS for that.”
      Yet, Wanda and Icardi remain unapologetic.

      Icardi says his wife means ‘everything’ to himCredit: Instagram
      Icardi has even called Lopez “ignorant” and says: “As long as my footballing career goes on, I hope to achieve it by her side because she truly deserves it for the sacrifice she’s made of being so far from her family, so far from Argentina and to be by my side here, raising our children and being happy in Milan.”

      Wanda also won’t be pushed out of the limelight.
      She recently riled fans by claiming Icardi was “on par with Cristiano Ronaldo”, and was also accused of instigating tension before the infamously violent Boca Junior versus River Plate clash by wearing River colours. More