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      Jose Mourinho’s cars: Tottenham manager owns Jaguar and Bentley, and was gifted a Ferrari by Chelsea owner Abramovich

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      JOSE MOURINHO has been driving football fans round the bend for some time now.
      The Tottenham Hotspur boss has his own personal chauffeur – but the Special One has got a history when it comes to motors.

      Jose Mourinho may not drive himself anymore but the Tottenham boss is mad about cars

      From the car bought for Mourinho by his father to the gift from Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, and the Aston Martin at Inter to the 1996 crash in Barcelona, SunSport takes a look back at Mourinho’s life in cars.
      The Spurs chief, who is a fan of rally driving, has employed his own personal driver as he doesn’t like driving in England.
      When he was Manchester United boss Mourinho was driven every day from the Lowry Hotel to  United’s Carrington Training Base in his own Bentley or Jaguar F-Pace.

      My father bought a Renault 5 for me when I was 18, when I’d just got my driving licence. It was silver.”

      But in 1981, back in his native Portugal, an 18-year-old Mourinho was on the road as soon as he could.

      “My father bought a Renault 5 for me when I was 18, when I’d just got my driving licence. It was silver,” Mourinho said, as quoted by the Telegraph.
      “I was at university in Lisbon, which was about 40 miles away from my house.
      “I later bought a Honda Civic – the first car I bought myself.”
      His dad wasn’t the only person to buy him a car, though.

      Mourinho’s father, Jose Snr., bought him a Renault 5 for his first carCredit: Paris Match – Getty

      The Manchester United boss says he looks for quality rather than flashiness in a carCredit: PA:Press Association

      A Honda Civic was the first motor Mourinho bought himselfCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Fast forward a couple of decades to the February of 2008, just five months after being sacked by Abramovich, and Mourinho had a delivery to his door.
      Outside was a 612 Scaglietti Ferrari worth £250,000, and it was one of just 60 produced as part of the Italian supercar’s 60th anniversary.
      The surprise gift came after Mourinho had told his former boss that if he could have his choice of motors, he would pick the four-seat Scaglietti.
      That may just have been the start of his second coming at Stamford Bridge in 2013.

      Roman Abramovich bought Mourinho a Ferrari five months after sacking himCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Mourinho driving the £250,000 612 Scaglietti Ferrari around MilanCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Abramovich brought Mourinho back to Stamford Bridge in 2013Credit: PA:Press Association
      Before that, Mourinho went to Inter Milan.
      After guiding the club to the Treble in 2010, he thought he would reward himself.
      “It was the best season of my career,” he told The Sun.

      When I bought it I said to my son and to my daughter, ‘That’s not for sale, you must keep it forever.’”
      Jose on buying an Aston Martin Rapide

      “I won every competition with Inter. We did the famous treble — the league, the cup and the Champions League. At the same time I won the first Fifa gold ball for a manager.
      “So, 2010 was the perfect, perfect season and I bought a car, an Aston Martin Rapide.
      “When I bought it I said to my son and to my daughter, ‘That’s not for sale, you must keep it forever’.”
      It is a long way from the Suzuki Vitara he had while an assistant coach to Sir Bobby Robson at Barcelona in 1996.
      But it wasn’t long before that ended up on the scrapheap.

      Mourinho had a crash while working in Barcelona under Sir Bobby RobsonCredit: PA:Press Association

      The Barca coach was in a Suzuki Vitara when he broke ribs and required stitches after the crashCredit: PA:Press Association

      Mourinho is now able to afford much nicer cars, including this Aston MartinCredit: Target
      “I had a crash,” Mourinho recalled. “I went with Bobby Robson to sign a contract in Barcelona in 1996, but drove so as not to be spotted in airports.
      “It was late and when I was driving back to Portugal I fell asleep.
      “I was really lucky – I broke a few ribs and had some stitches in my head, so nothing really big.”
      But that wasn’t the only involvement Mourinho has had with car crashes.
      In 1985, long before Mourinho rose to prominence as a football manager, he was playing for Comercio e Industria in the Sebutal District League.

      Mourinho owns a modest Jaguar F-Pace which he is driven to training inCredit: Cavendish Press

      Rally-driving fan Mourinho says he doesn’t like driving in EnglandCredit: Jaguar
      After a post-training lunch, a team-mate headed to his car to go home.
      As he turned on the ignition the engine exploded, and Mourinho came to his rescue.

      The car was on fire and Jose pulled him out. It wasn’t about a question of pride, he was just glad to have saved his team-mate’s life.”
      Eladio Parades

      Spokesman Eladio Parades said: “The car was on fire and Jose pulled him out.
      “It wasn’t about a question of pride, he was just glad to have saved his team-mate’s life.”
      Nowadays, Mourinho is mostly seen in the passenger seat of the latest Jaguars.
      He is a brand ambassador for British manufacturer Jaguar who appeared to think they were Mourinho’s official spokesman.

      Mourinho is the face of British car manufacturer JaguarCredit: Jaguar

      He appeared in an advert filmed at the company’s factoryCredit: Jaguar

      Jaguar accidentally broke the news of Mourinho joining Manchester United in 2016Credit: Jaguar
      In 2016, when he was linked with the United job, the sponsor tweeted to congratulate Mourinho for his new role before it was announced.
      Jaguar had let the cat out the bag.
      Given Mourinho’s return to the Premier League with Tottenham, it may not be long before Jaguar is preparing another tweet.
      But wherever he goes, the coach will not be driving himself.

      “I don’t like driving in England,” he once said. “I have to be really focused, to drive on the other side of the road.
      “I enjoy my driving in Portugal. It annoys me that I don’t enjoy it here.
      “I have a driver now, so I can use the phone or watch a movie.”

      How Jose Mourinho could line up Tottenham with Atal, Dybala and Fernandes joining Kane and Son in formidable side More

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      Why football is played over the Christmas period in the UK, from medieval traditions to hard-fought workers rights

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      AFTER enjoying a Christmas day feast, Britain’s best footballers will be gearing up for a busy sporting calendar.
      Normally, teams will play twice in a week – once on Boxing Day and again on New Year’s Day.

      Football fans are treated to a feast of the beautiful game over the Christmas periodCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Sure, it will irk the likes of Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola, who have both been critical of the tradition.
      And with other European leagues taking a winter break and giving players a well-earned rest, you can see their point.
      But why is football played over the Christmas period on our shores? Let SunSport explain.
      MEDIEVAL TRADITION
      Before football was officially created and the FA was formed in 1863, there were variations of the beautiful game.

      In fact, historians can go back to as far as 1170 when medieval football or mob football was played in the streets.
      Often, these games took place over Easter and during the Christmas period.
      Today, because we are such a nostalgic country, you still get these events occurring.
      One is The Kirkwall Ba game on New Year’s Day and another is The Royal Shrovetide village game in Ashbourne, Derbyshire.

      Medieval football dates back to 1170 and took place over the Christmas holidayCredit: Alamy

      The Kirkwall Ba game takes place still today on New Year’s DayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      FOOTBALL EVERY DAY
      In the late 1800s there was a time when football was played nearly every day over the Christmas period, including Christmas day.
      “Football was played on Christmas day because it was a day off and there was a tradition of public working-class events,” history professor Martin Johnes revealed.
      “It was also at times played on Boxing Day meaning two games in two days.”
      That also allowed the working class the opportunity to go to games on one of their few days off and get out of their crowded, cramped homes.
      “For the working class, whose residences were often uncomfortable, overcrowded and unappealing, a rare day free from work was reason to take to the streets, not relax at home,” Johnes said.
      Bank holiday legislation also played an important role.
      “The 1871 Bank Holidays Act gave Boxing day this designation in England and Wales,” Johnes added.

      A crowd of men and boys enjoy a match between Brighton and Crystal Palace on Christmas Day in 1920Credit: Popperfoto – Getty

      Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-0 on Boxing Day in 1956Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      “It had not done the same for Christmas day or Good Friday because they were established days of rest and worship.”
      If Klopp is concerned about today’s crowded fixture list, lucky he wasn’t manager of the Reds in 1913.
      Liverpool played Manchester City at home on Christmas Day, then the return game on Boxing Day, and another match at Anfield against Blackburn on December 27. That’s three games in three days.
      INTEREST DWINDLED
      Christmas day football became a thing of the past by the 1960s with families beginning to come together more.
      The improvement of living conditions had a hand in that, with food, presents and decorations becoming more affordable to the masses.
      “Communal entertainments were clearly on the decline as the festival took greater root in the home,” Johnes divulged.

      Christmas day football became a thing of the past by the 1960sCredit: Popperfoto – Getty

      Today, fans love the busy Christmas period of football Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      “Football shifts just to Boxing day, as Christmas Day becomes more family orientated and more importantly public transport becomes more and more limited.”
      The last Christmas Day fixtures in England took place in 1965.
      Blackburn Rovers beat Blackpool 1-0 in the first division, while Coventry recorded a thrilling 5-3 win over Wrexham in the third division.

      Jurgen Klopp reads out touching letter to Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson during SPOTY More

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      Meet Pedri, the heir to Lionel Messi’s Barcelona throne with 18-year-old an assist king and sending Spanish press wild

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      BARCELONA are a club in transition and 18-year-old Spanish assist king Pedri could be the man to head up a new generation at the Nou Camp.
      The cash-strapped Catalan giants are cutting costs by every means possible and the emergence of young talent, such as Pedri, saves the Blaugrana a fortune in transfer fees on seasoned professionals.

      Pedri could be the future at Barcelona after impressing despite being only 18Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      A boyhood fan of the club, Pedri also trialled for Real Madrid aged 15

      Lionel Messi makes HISTORY! 🚨Goal No. 644 sees him overtake Pele 🙌”Nobody in the history of this wonderful game has ever scored as many goals for the same club as Lionel Messi.” 🗣 pic.twitter.com/jXiXB1aQvI
      — Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) December 22, 2020

      And the prodigious youngster’s outrageous backheel – to assist Lionel Messi’s 644th and record-breaking goal in the 3-0 win over Real Valladolid – gave fans a hint of what is to come.
      As Messi, 33, celebrated the goal that took him past Pele’s record for most scored at a single club with his younger colleague – onlookers could sense a virtual passing of the baton.
      The Argentine superstar had looked certain to leave the club last summer and his future remains unclear with his contract up at the end of the season.
      And many believe Pedri is the player to drive Barcelona forward in the post-Messi era.

      After the game, defender Clement Lenglet said: “Pedri doesn’t have the physique of a top-level athlete, so he plays with his head.”
      Remind you of anyone?
      Despite growing up on the island of Tenerife, Pedri and his family have always been hardcore Barca fans.
      Pedri could have ended up playing against Messi in El Clasico as he trialled with rivals Real Madrid aged 15 – only for Los Blancos to let him slip through their grasp.

      Instead he picked up an offer from Las Palmas, who play out of neighbouring island Gran Canaria, and he thrived in the side’s free-flowing style of play, making his debut at just 16.

      Pedri signed for Barcelona from Las Palmas Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      The youngster made his debut for Las Palmas aged 16 and played the most minutes in 2019-20Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Pedri’s family are big Barcelona fans

      Barca’s current director of football Ramon Planes received a tip from his friend and director of football at Las Palmas, Rocco Maiorino, alerting him to the player’s undoubted talent.
      And Barca didn’t hang around, snapping up the player with a deal for him to arrive brokered in September 2019.
      By the time he set foot in Catalonia in July 2020, he had played the most minutes for second tier Las Palmas in the 2019-20 season.
      The club beat the rest of the world’s top sides to his signature having already started negotiations when he caught the eye with Spain at the Under-17 World Cup in 2019.
      Humble and unassuming, by all accounts, Pedri was an instant hit at Barcelona.

      Pedri will not be waiting long for a senior Spanish international debut after starring throughout the age groupsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Spanish paper Sport raved about Pedri’s connection with Messi

      Mundo Deportivo splashed on youngster Pedri
      A shrewd investment in the region of just £4.5million is set to go down as one of the great bargains in Spanish football.
      After graduating to the first-team this season, playing 14 times in LaLiga with one goal and one assist, Pedri’s release clause has rocketed to an eye-watering £360m. But he will not be going anywhere any time soon.
      The Spanish press have been quick to fan the flames of adulation for a player seen by many as Barcelona’s ‘saviour’ amid a turbulent campaign hit by financial strife and poor form – they are fifth in the league and must overcome PSG in Europe to progress.
      Pedri’s tender age was evident when paparazzi photos of the starlet being taken home in a taxi – not yet having passed his driving test – after making his Champions League debut went viral.
      His stock has risen so much that he is now afforded the luxury of a driver by the club.
      Ronald Koeman and Messi are both said to be big fans of the talented but down to earth star who has featured in three midfield positions behind the striker under the Dutch boss.
      Small in stature, the club used the lockdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic to try and help him bulk up but his reputation needs no such enhancing.

      Pedri has struck up a great connection with Lionel MessiCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS

      Slight Pedri is doing extras to bulk up his physique

      Barcelona legend Lionel Messi collects record 7th Pichichi Award More

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      What footballers eat on Christmas day ahead of a busy sporting calendar, from porridge, yoghurt and protein shakes

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      SPARE a thought for footballers at this time of the year.
      It’s one thing enjoying the lavish lifestyle that comes with being a multimillionaire professional sportsman but when it comes to Christmas it’s about as much fun as sitting in the cupboard under the stairs.

      Cristiano Ronaldo may not be feasting on Terry’s Chocolate Orange for breakfastCredit: Instagram

      Christmas and New Year is virtually the only time in the calendar year when the average Joe can feel superior to the professional player.
      We can eat, drink and be merry.
      And they can’t.
      Typically, most clubs will play on Boxing Day so that not only means training (and maybe even travelling) on Christmas Day but also refraining from most of the things that ordinary folk enjoy, apart, perhaps, from long-standing family disputes.

      Theo Walcott could be among the players letting themselves go with a protein shakeCredit: Instagram

      A picture of the kind of food that many footballers fuel themselves withCredit: Instagram @johnterry.26
      Now, move away from the mince pies and let’s look at what a typical Christmas day might look like for a professional player…
      WE WAKE UP TO: A few segments of Terry’s Chocolate Orange, a couple of glasses of Buck’s Fizz and some predictably disappointing presents.
      THEY WAKE UP TO: Take your pick from porridge, grains and eggs every which way you can. Fresh fruits like pineapple can also help recovery from exertion and injury too.
      It’s all about preparation for the training session ahead.

      Fruit, vegetables, nuts, protein foods are staple of a footballers’ dietsCredit: Instagram @johnterry.26

      Yes, most clubs train on Christmas Day morning. Compliments of the season to you too gaffer.
      Now pass the Coco Pops.
      WE SNACK ON: Heroes, Celebrations, Roses, etc. Maybe an After Eight too. Oh, and some posh crisps.
      THEY SNACK ON: High-protein snacks are always on the menu so homemade flapjacks, with the fat and sugar levels reduced, are always a good option.
      Fourteen sweets from the Quality Street tin aren’t.
      Like James Milner, oatcakes can also do a job, as can mixed nuts and seeds.

      Lionel Messi enjoys a coffee and croissant for breakfast with a trophy for companyCredit: Instagram

      Mario Gotze and his dog don’t seem too interested in a massive plate of sushiCredit: Instagram
      WE LUNCH ON: Roast turkey, pigs in blankets, roast spuds and all the trimmings, followed by Christmas pudding, cheese and biscuits, all washed down washed down with fine wines and maybe a glass of port to finish.
      THEY LUNCH ON: The same as us but only much, much, much less.
      They will not need to loosen their belts after dinner.
      Depending on when they’re playing over Christmas they’ll also need to think about their carbohydrate intake too.
      Footballers need about 7g of carbohydrate per kilo of body weight but that doesn’t mean they can hog the roasties, OK?
      If they have a longer trip for their Boxing Day game, they may have to meet up with their team-mates and travel to some soulless hotel in the middle of nowhere staffed by people who’d rather not be there to have their Christmas dinner.
      “We’d have turkey when we got to the team hotel,” recalls arsenal legend Ian Wright,” but we just had to have bucketloads of broccoli!”
      WE DRINK: Buck’s Fizz, a couple down the local, wine over lunch and some spirits we’d never ordinarily touch during the rest of the year.
      THEY DRINK: According to research, the average person in the UK has their first alcoholic on Christmas Day at 9.05am.
      Footballers are not average.

      Footballers won’t be tucking into festive favourites like usCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      PSG star Neymar and his son enjoy a breakfast bowl of cerealCredit: Instagram @neymarjr

      Ian Wright recalls eating “bucketloads of broccoli” on Christmas DayCredit: Gary Stone -The Sun
      Water is the staple tipple for them, although maybe they’ll have a smoothie packed with superfoods like blueberries, not least because they boost the immune system and act as anti-inflammatories in a way that avocado never can.
      Isotonic drinks and fruit juices may also make a appearance. Very festive.
      WE END THE DAY WITH: Several glasses of Baileys, a couple of mince pies and a snooze on the sofa.
      THEY END THE DAY WITH: An early night, perhaps preceded by some Greek yoghurt.
      It’s a great source of probiotics, protein and calcium and can aid recovery. And is infinitely preferable to another game of charades.

      Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s home with huge Christmas tree and Santa Claus as Georgina Rodriguez gets into festive spirit More

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      Footballers pay up to £30,000 on hair transplants, including Man Utd icon Wayne Rooney, David Silva and Andros Townsend

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      IF you watched Manchester City’s David Silva in the 2018-19 season, you might just have noticed the continued and unexpected growth of his hair.
      Having started the season with a shaved head, the Spanish maestro quickly boasted the kind of full and luxuriant head of hair rarely seen outside of the world of Action Man.

      City star David Silva has been spotted recently with a thicker head of hairCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Photo from November 2017 shows David Silva’s new hairlineCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Has he had a bit of help up top?
      Well, if he has he won’t have been the first player to do it.
      Join SunSport in unveiling footballers who have been vain enough to do something about being follically challenged.
      WAYNE ROONEY

      Wayne Rooney started going bald at 25Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      He decided to do something about it, admitting having a hair transplantCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Wayne Rooney shows off his new look in 2013Credit: PA:Press Association

      Just to confirm to all my followers I have had a hair transplant. I was going bald at 25 why not. I’m delighted with the result.
      — Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) June 4, 2011

      Possibly the most famous of all modern day hair transplants, Wayne Rooney’s ongoing battle with his barnet has occupied many column inches over the years.

      To his credit, the current Derby boss Rooney has never hidden the fact that he’s undergone several procedures in his bid to beat his baldness, spending a reported £30,000 in the process.
      In 2011, for example, he took to Twitter to proudly declare the start of his treatment and to show the results of the surgery.
      He’s also said to use hair thickening sprays too. And it’s still not working.

      STEPHEN IRELAND

      As a youngster coming through Man City’s ranks, Stephen Ireland’s hairline was highCredit: Manchester City FC – Getty

      However, in around 2006 his hair appeared bushierCredit: Manchester City FC – Getty

      Now, Stephen Ireland’s accepted his baldnessCredit: 2018 AMA Sports Photo Agency
      Where do you start with Stephen Ireland’s hair? Or lack of it.

      In his early days as a professional, it was clear he was thinning on top but then around 2006-07, his hair suddenly sprung into life.
      At the time, rumours abounded that it was actually a wig, rather than a transplant.
      But in 2008 the plot, unlike his hair, thickened when he turned out for Manchester City with his head completely shaved.
      Now without a club, the 32-year-old opts for the bald but bearded style, a look which makes his head look upside down.
      ANDROS TOWNSEND

      In 2015, while sat on the bench at Spurs, Andros Townsend’s hair looked like it was on the way outCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Far forward four years and his afro is like a Leylandii hedgeCredit: Getty – Contributor
      This was Andros Townsend in 2015, sat on the bench for Spurs.
      Fast forward three years and his hair has not just returned it’s growing like a Leylandii hedge.
      He’ll need planning permission soon.
      DIMITAR BERBATOV

      Dimitar Berbatov’s baldness was clear in her elder years at Man UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Today, Berbatov’s barnet is thicker and darker than everCredit: Getty – Contributor
      When he was a player for Spurs and Manchester United, the Bulgarian striker became known as one the earlier pioneers of the Alice band.
      But by the time he joined Monaco in 2014 he didn’t really have any need for it.
      Check him out now though – what a transformation.
      Time to dig out the Alice band again.
      ANTONIO CONTE

      Antonio Conte going thin up top during his playing days at JuventusCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has now a full head of hair… againCredit: PA:Press Association
      Former Chelsea and Juventus manager Conte is such a perfectionist he has had THREE hair transplants.
      He underwent two less than successful procedures in his native Italy after retiring as a player.
      Eventually he got his barnet back when he flew to Vancouver, Canada, to the famous Hasson and Wong clinic.
      This time the surgery worked, and he still has the full head of hair he dreamed of, despite spending two seasons at Chelsea.
      ASHLEY BARNES

      Ashley Barnes has been open about having a hair transplantCredit: Getty – Contributor

      However, it’s not quite as impressive as Barnes might’ve hopedCredit: Getty – Contributor
      In September 2017, the Burnley striker opened up about his decision to have a hair transplant, blaming jibes form his team-mates and the fact that he hated seeing his balding pate on Match of the Day.
      “You see a little island and you think, ‘Woah, I didn’t think I was that bad,” he said.
      “I thought something needs to be done.”
      So he went for it. Even now, it’s not entirely obvious that it’s worked. Hope he kept the receipt.
      DAVID PLATT

      David Platt sported a visible bald patch during his coaching days at Man CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Now a club consultant for Serie B side Palermo, Platt’s hair transplant has taken years offCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Maybe it was the pressure of trying to coach Mario Balotelli at Manchester City that made David Platt’s hair fall out?
      It may, of course, just been genetics.
      Platty is clearly enjoying life now all his hair has come back. Mind you, that was because he had a hair transplant in 2016.
      “I’ve struggled with male pattern hair loss for many years, and eventually got to a point where I decided it was time to address it,” he said.“I’m thrilled with my new look and really impressed with my new hairline.”
      DAVID BECKHAM

      There’s no proof that David Beckham had a hair transplantCredit: Getty – Contributor

      But Becks’ hair is today fuller and thickerCredit: Getty – Contributor
      We have no proof that David Beckham, a man known for his luscious locks, has been follically challenged.
      But try finding a picture of him not wearing a hat in the latter part of 2018.
      Then ask yourself how he can go from this to this in a few short months?
      Of course, it may just be daily doses of kelp!

      David Beckham talks about his early days growing up in Salford More

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      Meet FC Santa Claus from Finland, who play in red and white, and have the most famous coach in the world

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      IT’S not like playing on a rainy day at Stoke, but it must be chilly.
      In 1992, FC Santa Claus – who play their games at Lapland – were formed when Finish teams Rovaniemen Reipas and Rovaniemen Lappi combined.

      FC Santa Claus are a team in FinlandCredit: Instagram @fcsantaclausofficial

      Santa Claus, the club’s boss, shows off his football skillsCredit: Instagram @fcsantaclausofficial

      And they can officially lay claim to being the most Christmassy football club EVER.
      Their honorary boss is Saint Nick, better known as Santa Claus to children around the globe.
      Often, he’s seen at matches and the club’s crest features his image checking his naughty or nice list.
      While their club colours are in honour of their Santa’s famous attire, with red and white home kits and white and green away designs too.

      PART-TIMERS
      FC Santa Claus played their first professional match in 1993, and once reached the heady heights of the Finnish third division.
      Not bad for a side that’s made primarily of part-timers – that’s students and locals who work at the Christmas market or at the post office that receives letters for Santa Claus.
      The club, themselves, realise their status and have gained popularity all around the world.
      And they do their bit for charity – teaming up with UNICEF to donate proceeds from their kits to the organisation renowned for their work for children in danger.

      In 1997, they even played against Premier League side Crystal Palace in a friendly that drew 5,000 fans.

      The club crest features Santa checking his naughty or nice listCredit: Instagram @fcsantaclausofficial

      FC Santa Claus are made up of students and locals who work at the Christmas market or at the post officeCredit: Instagram @fcsantaclausofficial
      IN THE DARK
      FC Santa Claus play games in Rovaniemi – Lapland’s capital, in an area surrounded by forest, reindeer and the sight of the Northern Lights.
      It could be seen as daunting place to go – football in Lapland is at the mercy of the winter elements, and from October to April it snows, while daylight hours are limited.
      Temperatures can average between 16°C to -3°C.
      Ralf Wunderlich, who runs things on the pitch, revealed his job satisfaction to BBC Sport.
      “If you like Christmas, and I do, then this place is very good – it’s all about Christmas here,” he said.
      “You have some kind of Christmas feeling the whole year without being too much – a whole year of positive feelings.
      “Of course, Santa is not officially in charge, but in the background everyone knows he runs this club.”

      The team plays in Rovaniemi – Lapland’s capitalCredit: Instagram @fcsantaclausofficial

      Temperatures can average between 16°C to -3°C for FC Santa Claus games
      HARD TIMES
      Despite their good intentions, FC Santa Claus have battled on amid financial tribulations.
      In 2012 they were saved from bankruptcy with a last-ditch fundraiser, as well as sponsorship deals with EA Sports and Puma.
      They have since been sponsored by Nike, as they continue to toil.
      But fortunes on the pitch haven’t been as kind as Santa’s present giving.
      The main team in Rovaniemi has always been RoPS – but they suffered relegation from the first division back in November.
      FC Santa Claus are the locals’ second team, and the players who represent them are often those who aren’t good enough to play at a higher level and enjoy the spirit of Christmas.
      After a number of relegations, last year they played in Finland’s fifth tier. But this year they only have a team featuring in an eight-a-side league.
      Wunderlich, however, isn’t deterred. His job is to kickstart a youth set-up and restart the men’s team from January.

      The club have run into financial difficulties after a number of relegationsCredit: Instagram @fcsantaclausofficial

      Now FC Santa Claus are an eight-a-side team

      But FC Santa Claus hope to rise againCredit: Instagram @fcsantaclausofficial

      “I like the idea of being Santa Claus’ official club – such a big potential to be cheerful and spread positive messages,” he said.
      “For me it is very important people realise it is not just FC Santa Claus in name but the whole spirit of Santa and values around Christmas.
      “I will do my best to make the whole world understand there is this positive small football club in north Finland representing Santa.”

      Man Utd legend Paul Scholes’ son Arron scores a screamer just like his old man for ninth-tier Chadderton More

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      Lionel Messi equalled Pele’s record for goals scored for one team, but will pundits question Barcelona legend’s legacy

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      LIONEL Messi’s 643rd competitive goal for Barcelona should not have been something as banal as a penalty.
      And so the Valencia keeper saved his kick on Saturday, allowing the ball to be played back in for Messi to score at the far post with a close range header – a more fittingly unusual way of celebrating a milestone.

      Lionel Messi scored his 643 goal for Barcelona against Valencia Credit: Reuters

      Messi has now equalled Pele’s record for the amount of goals scored for one team in competitive matches.
      Pele managed 643 for Santos in his native Brazil between 1956 and 1974. Messi has spent a decade and a half matching his achievement in Catalonia.
      It is a mistake to judge the greatness of players of this calibre just by statistics. If football was just numbers then it would be bingo.
      Pele’s advocates do him few favours by harping on about the more than 1000 goals that he scored – even if friendly matches back then were frequently given much more importance than they are today.

      His genius emerged in the way that, time after time, he stepped up on the big occasions – from the World Cup quarter final against Wales back in 1958, when up in the stands the 1938 idol Leonidas was demanding on radio that he be dropped from the team, all the way to Mexico 70, with plenty of high points in between.
      From the perspective of today, many of Pele’s competitive goals for Santos may not look like big occasions.
      The majority came in a local competition, the championship of Sao Paulo state.
      While there were quick national tournaments from the late 50s, a genuine Brazilian Championship did not get underway until 1971, just too late to see Pele at his best.

      Messi heads home against Valencia after initially missing his penaltyCredit: AFP or licensors

      A scoreboard congratulates Messi’s remarkable achievement that matches Pele’s goalscoring recordCredit: Reuters
      Context, though, is key. Brazil is huge – a country the size of a continent.  Sao Paulo is one of 27 states that make up Brazil – and, with Rio de Janeiro, it is the traditional stronghold of the Brazilian game.
      In Pele’s day, Brazilian football was not an export industry – as the presence of Pele proves. Almost all of the best Brazilian players earned their living in Brazil, along with some big names from other South American countries. 
      The likes of Corinthians, Palmeiras, Sao Paulo and some of the other clubs could count on team line ups at least as strong as many of the opponents Messi has faced in La Liga.
      And if it is all too easy to see the past from today’s perspective and under-value the achievements of Pele, then it is entirely possible that something similar might happen to Messi.
      Let’s fast forward a few decades and imagine that the big clubs have managed to force through their dream of a European Super-League. There will be regular clashes between the giant clubs, which will be judged as the supreme test of quality.
      From that point of view, many of the national leagues may come to be seen as largely irrelevant to the pursuit of true greatness – much as people today tend to look back on the domestic achievements of Pele.
      The pundits of 2060 may be quick to dismiss the importance of Messi’s goals against the likes of Levante and Getafe.

      Pele’s goalscoring record is often undervalued by punditsCredit: Rex Features

      Let’s fast forward a few decades and imagine that the big clubs have managed to force through their dream of a European Super-League. There will be regular clashes between the giant clubs, which will be judged as the supreme test of quality.
      From that point of view, many of the national leagues may come to be seen as largely irrelevant to the pursuit of true greatness – much as people today tend to look back on the domestic achievements of Pele.
      The pundits of 2060 may be quick to dismiss the importance of Messi’s goals against the likes of Levante and Getafe.

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