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      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo turns 37 on February 5 as Man Utd legend shares birthday with football icons including Neymar & Tevez

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      IF you should happen to have a child born on February 5, go out and buy them a football and a pair of boots immediately…Why’s that you ask? Well, there is a pretty good chance they will go on to become one of the best footballers on the planet, that’s why.
      Cristiano Ronaldo turns 37 today on February 5 – along with a number of other footballersCredit: Reuters
      Neymar joins CR7 in being born on February 5 in a freakish coincidenceCredit: Splash News
      If you don’t believe me, just check out a list of some of the names to be born on the fifth day of the second month…
      For starters, how about Manchester United and Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo?
      The Red Devils icon, 37 today, has won almost everything there is to win in football – the Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, the Champions League, European Championship, the Ballon d’Or, you name it, he’s won it.
      All that to go with a string of stunning partners, babies No5 and No6 on the way, a host of top cars, a modelling career and luxury homes all over the planet – CR7 has done pretty well for himself.
      Then there’s Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil wiz Neymar – who cost a cool £198million – another to born on February 5 and is 30 today.
      But it’s not just those two – Carlos Tevez was also born on February 5 and will celebrate his 38th birthday back in his native Argentina.
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      The Argentine star has played for Manchester City, Manchester United and Juventus in his distinguished career before becoming the highest-paid player of all time, taking home £615,000-a-week in China.
      However, after a dud spell in the Chinese Super League, Tevez returned to boyhood club Boca Juniors but stepped away back in June and remains a free agent.
      That’s already three of the best players on the planet, but there are also stars from years gone by making the list, such as Gheorghe Hagi.
      Likened to a certain Argentinian ace, Hagi was given the nickname “The Maradona of the Carpathians” for his skill.
      Elsewhere a host of current and ex-Premier League also share the February 5 birthday.
      Huddersfield striker Jordan Rhodes, 32, and ex-Manchester United ace Adnan Januzaj, 27, were also born on that day.
      Ex-Man City 25-year-old wonderkid Patrick Roberts – now at Sunderland – and Sheffield United legend Billy Sharp, 36, are just two more.
      Stars born on February 5Cristiano Ronaldo – 37Neymar – 30Carlos Tevez – 38Gheorghe Hagi – 57Adnan Januzaj – 27Patrick Roberts – 25Jordan Rhodes – 32Vedran Corluka – 36Rodrigo Palacio – 40Giovanni van Bronckhorst – 47Billy Sharp – 36

      Carlos Tevez is a third world superstar to share the February 5 birthdayCredit: Getty
      Former Tottenham man Vedran Corluka, 36, and ex-Argentina international Rodrigo Palacio, 40, are just two others to make the list, along with former Arsenal ace and now-Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who turns 47 today.
      But the freaky footballing date doesn’t just relate to players…
      West Ham co-owner David Sullivan, 73, and 53-year-old actor Michael Sheen, who played Brian Clough in the film The Damned United, were also born on February 5… the same as ex-England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson, 74.
      But what kind of sorcery could possibly hand people born on February 5 this fate?
      Well, world-renowned astrologer Shelley von Strunckel claimed this is no mere coincidence.
      She claimed: “Aquarians are geniuses, they think on their feet. They make a decision quicker than anyone else.”
      So there you have it. It’s a done deal: if you’re born on February 5, you’ll become a star…
      Romania legend Gheorghe Hagi was born on February 5, as well as modern-day starsCredit: PA:Empics
      Ex-Manchester United forward Adnan Januzaj is another to be born on February 5Credit: Getty Images More

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      in Soccer

      Newcastle cult hero Ben Arfa set to return to football with Lille on free transfer after six months without a club

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      HATEM BEN ARFA is reportedly on the verge of joining Ligue 1 side Lille following SIX MONTHS without a club.The former Newcastle United midfielder has been a free agent since the expiration of his contract with Bordeaux last summer.
      Former Newcastle ace Hatem Ben Arfa is set to join Lille on a free transferCredit: PA
      The former Toon man has been a free agent since the expiration of his Bordeaux contractCredit: AFP
      But the 34-year-old is reportedly set to resume his career with the French champions.
      On Monday morning, Italian journalist Nicolo Schira tweeted: “Hatem Ben Arfa to Lille as a free agent.”
      Ben Arfa’s representatives entered talks with Lille last week over a short-term deal, with reports claiming his signing was contingent on Yusuf Yazici leaving the club.
      And their interest in the former France international was confirmed late last weekend.
      President Olivier Letang told RMC: “There are still discussions ongoing with CSKA Moscow but we still don’t have an agreement as we speak.
      “Indeed, in the event of a departure for Yusuf, we want to replace him.
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      “Ben Arfa is an available player, he has quality, he’s one of the players potentially of interest to us.
      “The first step, which is an agreement with the Moscow club for the departure of Yusuf, hasn’t been completed, so I can’t tell you anymore.
      “Until things are finalized, anything can happen.”
      Ben Arfa has become somewhat of a journeyman after his release from his Newcastle contract in January 2015.
      Ben Arfa has been a journeyman over the last seven yearsCredit: AP
      The forward has played for FIVE different teams over the last seven years, including Ligue 1 big boys Paris Saint Germain.
      Ben Arfa spent two years at the Parc des Princes before moving to Rennes, a transfer which was followed by moves to Valladolid and Bordeaux.
      Between the five clubs, Ben Arfa has only made a total of 103 appearances.
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      in Soccer

      Philippe Coutinho still wears lucky bracelet Lionel Messi gave him three years ago as he shows it off in Villa unveiling

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      PHILIPPE COUTINHO still wears the lucky bracelet Lionel Messi gave him three years ago at Barcelona. Messi was first given the bracelet by journalist Rama Pantarotto after missing a penalty in Argentina’s 1-1 draw with Iceland in June 2018.
      Philippe Coutinho still wears the lucky bracelet Lionel Messi gave himCredit: Getty
      The footballing legend then kept it, wearing it around his ankle, which stunned Pantarotto when they met again after Argentina beat Nigeria that same month.
      The lucky charm had belonged to Pantarotto’s mum but Messi was about to gift it to Coutinho, who at the time was struggling for form at Barca in 2019.
      And it appears even now, the Brazilian forward treasures the bracelet as he wrote it at the unveiling of his loan move to Villa.
      He will link up with former Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard, the current Villa manager.
      Gerrard, 41, said: “He is a fantastic talent, we are lucky to have him and at the right time he will be unleashed.
      “His name alone inspires people, what he has done in the game inspires people. I have no doubt at all we will see the real Philippe Coutinho in time.
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      “I don’t buy into this ‘he never had the best time at Barcelona’. This is a kid who has won leagues at Barcelona and won the Champions League at Bayern.
      “He is hungry to play. If we can get him feeling good and the confidence back, Phil Coutinho is still inside Phil Coutinho.”
      Coutinho, 29, is also joined by ex-Barca left-back Lucas Digne, 28, in arriving this month.
      Gerrard confirmed the pair are both available to play against Manchester United at home on Saturday.
      He said: “They’re available. Philippe’s trained for three days now with no issues.
      “We obviously have to build his match sharpness and match fitness up. Lucas is slightly different.
      “He’s been involved in group training for quite some time and he’s been available for Everton before he arrived.
      “They’re both available for selection with the group and they’re both in a good place but, obviously, decisions will come off the back of information we’ve had of both players over the last couple of days.”
      Philippe Coutinho training with Aston VillaCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Meet Newcastle transfer target Hugo Ekitike, the highest scoring teen in Europe and compared to Mbappe and Trezeguet

      by

      IF Kylian Mbappe joining Newcastle looks a stretch too far, the Magpies could be closing on the next best thing in French wonderkid Hugo Ekitike.With Callum Wilson injured for the next two months following a calf tear, Eddie Howe is desperate to land a new striker before Saturday’s huge relegation clash against Watford.
      Ekitike is the top teenage scorer in any of Europe’s top five leagues with eight goals in 17 gamesCredit: Getty

      And they are pushing to complete a £30million move for exciting Stade Reims youngster Ekitike, 19, who has been compared to both Mbappe and David Trezeguet.
      West Ham, Brighton and Brentford are also interested in the hot prospect making waves across the English Channel.
      So, who is the young star a host of Prem clubs are battling it out for?
      A graduate of the French club’s academy, Ekitike has exploded onto the scene this season after making his debut in August following a six-month loan spell at Danish club Vejle Boldklub at the beginning of 2021.
      He already has eight goals – and two assists – in 17 games for the mid-table Ligue 1 side, making him the top scoring teenager in any of Europe’s top five leagues.
      Ekiteke’s stunning impact has already seen him likened to Mbappe, who lit up the French league as a teenager with Monaco before joining PSG in 2017.
      Mbappe bagged 15 goals in his first season as Monaco won the title, with Ekitike already mustering over half of that tally.
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      Ekitike’s form since exploding onto the scene this season has seen him compared to PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe
      Mbappe scored 15 goals in his first breakthrough season with Monaco, with Ekitike already mustering half of that tally
      And the youngster admits that he is looking to emulate the PSG striker himself, both on and off the pitch.
      He recently said: “Over the last few years, he is the player I watch the most, who inspires me, and not necessarily only on the pitch.
      “That’s what it means to be a top-level player and that’s what I aspire to become.”
      Taller than Mbappe at 6ft 2in, Ekitike likes to drift over to the left from the middle and shoot on his right foot à la Thierry Henry.
      But comparisons have not stopped at Mbappe with Ekitike reminding former France midfielder Johan Micoud of Juventus legend Trezeguet, who won both the World Cup and Euros with Les Bleus.
      Micoud said: “It’s been a very long time since I’ve seen a player with a style such as his.
      “The way he moves and the way he runs reminds me of a great player, David Trezeguet.”
      Former France midfielder Johan Micoud has likened Ekitike to World Cup and Euros winner David Trezeguet More

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      in Soccer

      PSG could target Cristiano Ronaldo in sensational transfer to link up with Lionel Messi if he quits Man Utd

      by

      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN are reportedly lining up a sensational move for Cristiano Ronaldo that would see him link up with rival Lionel Messi at the Parc des Princes.The Manchester United superstar returned to Old Trafford after 12 years away last summer and has already notched 14 goals in 21 appearances.
      Cristiano Ronaldo has held crisis talks over his Old Trafford futureCredit: EPA
      Lionel Messi moved to PSG from Barcelona last summerCredit: Reuters
      But his efforts have not been enough to stem the tide of shocking results as the Red Devils sit seventh in the Premier League.
      SunSport revealed the 36-year-old has held crisis talks with agent Jorge Mendes about his future in England.
      And reports in France claim PSG are ready to pounce if the forward signals it’s time to move on.
      Any move to the French capital would see Ronaldo team up with Messi in a duo that most football fans would never have dreamed of seeing.
      The pair have 12 Ballon d’Or trophies between them and spent years facing off as rivals at Real Madrid and Barcelona.
      But PSG are set to need reinforcements up front this summer with wonderkid Kylian Mbappe almost certain to join Real – perhaps as early as this month.
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      Ronaldo is not the only megastar striker being linked with a move to Ligue 1.
      Dortmund goal-machine Erling Haaland has been touted as a potential replacement for Mbappe.
      PSG would have to battle the likes of Barcelona, United and Man City for the 21-year-old’s signature.
      Bayern Munich talisman Robert Lewandowski is another name in the mix, with the Poland international reportedly ‘keen to move’ from Germany.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi ruled out of PSG’s trip to Lyon as he continues to recover from Covid after recording negative test

      by

      LIONEL MESSI will miss Paris Saint-Germain’s clash with Lyon this weekend – despite no longer having Covid.The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner tested positive for the virus last week after a trip back home to Argentina.
      Lionel Messi tested positive for Covid-19 during a recent trip back to ArgentinaCredit: AFP
      The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner returned a negative test this weekCredit: AFP
      But the 34-year-old won’t be available for PSG’s trip to Lyon on SundayCredit: Reuters
      The 34-year-old returned to Paris this week after producing a negative test but won’t be part of PSG’s squad for their trip to Lyon tomorrow.
      A club statement read: “Lionel Messi will continue his post-COVID individual protocol in the coming days.”
      Messi’s positive Covid test came after he was spotted singing and dancing with his wife Antonella at a party in their homeland.
      Argentine DJ Fer Palacio was snapped with Messi at a New Year’s Eve party and was accused of giving the former Barcelona man the virus.
      Palacio took to social media to defend himself and deny giving the superstar Covid, posting a negative test to his social media.
      He wrote: “I’ve just got up and seen I’ve got a lot of messages and am trending on social media because Messi tested positive for Covid and people are saying I gave it to him.
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      “I’ve got loads of private messages and people have even gone as far as calling me an assassin.
      “I had done a Covid test yesterday because I have to travel to Uruguay tomorrow and I haven’t got Covid.
      “I’ll show you all now.”
      Prior to his denial of any wrongdoing, Palacio posted a snap of himself and Messi to Instagram.
      He wrote: “I made the greatest dance.
      “Thanks to the whole Messi family for the invitation.”
      Lionel Messi and wife Antonella were recently back in Argentina celebrating the festive period
      According to to reports, Copa America winner Messi is set to resume training with his team-mates after completing his individual Covid protocols.
      It’s unknown whether he’ll be available for the visit of Brest next Saturday.
      Messi has made 16 appearances for Ligue 1 giants PSG since his move to the Parc des Princes last summer, scoring six goals and providing five assists for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
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      Real Madrid ‘make £41.75m Mbappe transfer offer’ and look to steal PSG striker cheap as contract runs down

      by

      REAL MADRID are claimed to have made a cut-price offer to Paris Saint-Germain for Kylian Mbappe.Italian football agent Giovanni Branchini claims Real hope a £41.75million bid will secure Mbappe – just six months after a £150MILLION offer was rejected.
      Kylian Mbappe is thought to be a top transfer target for Real Madrid this yearCredit: Zuma Press
      Mbappe, 23, who moved to the French giants from Monaco in 2018, has emerged as a top summer transfer target for some of Europe’s biggest sides.
      His contract expires in June and he is now free to negotiate with non-French clubs to move on a free transfer.
      It is thought Liverpool are among the giants competing to sign the forward, who has informed PSG of his intent to leave the club this summer.
      But Spanish giants Madrid are claimed to want to acquire the striker before the summer to avoid a bidding war.
      Branchini told Gazzetta Dello Sport: “It depends on PSG now, as Real Madrid have gone back in for Mbappe by offering 50m euros (£41.75m) a few days ago.
      “I don’t know how this will play out. It seems to me that this move from Florentino Perez is worth watching closely.
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      “It would be a shame for a player like Mbappe to move for free in the summer. I don’t know what they think about this in Paris.”
      France World Cup winner Mbappe has racked up 18 goals and 13 assists in in all competitions this season.
      PSG, who face Lyon next in Ligue One, are reported to have turned down multiple bids from Carlo Ancelotti’s club for their star striker.
      And the France ace, who is free to enter talks with Real and other sides, claims he is happy to see out the rest of the season in Paris.
      In December, Mbappe told CNN: ‘I’m at PSG, I’m really happy. I will finish the season (here), 100 per cent.
      “I’ll give everything I have to win the Champions League, the league and cup and to give all the pleasure to the fans because they deserve it.
      When quizzed on his decision to tell PSG of his wish to leave, the forward added: “I was honest. I gave a feeling, I gave what I have in my heart,”
      PSG are set to go head-to-head with Madrid in the round 16 knockout stages of this term’s Champions League.
      France’s top tier leaders are targeting their first-ever win in the competition after finishing runners-up in the 2019-20 tournament.
      Mbappe said: “We have to be ready. It’s time. It’s the most important part of the season.
      “Of course, we want to step up now. It’s been two years we do final, semi-final, but now we want to win.”
      Mbappe is free to speak with other clubs with his PSG contract expiring this summerCredit: Zuma Press More

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      DJ forced to deny giving Lionel Messi Covid after receiving death threats following encounter with PSG star

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      AN ARGENTINIAN DJ has gone to the extraordinary length of posting his negative Covid result online – after being blamed for Lionel Messi’s coronavirus.Fer Palacio said he took the decision after being called an “assassin” by social media haters.
      Lionel Messi is reported to have tested positive for Covid-19Credit: Reuters
      DJ Fer Palacio shared proof of his negative Covid test result on his Instagram page after receiving death threats
      And ESPN reports the musician, who denies infecting the Argentina star, had received death threats from trolls online.
      Some accused him of being responsible for the playmaker getting coronavirus.
      Messi’s club Paris Saint-Germain confirmed on Sunday morning he was one of the team’s four footballers that had tested positive for Covid.
      The 34-year-old dad-of-three is now in quarantine at his home in his native city of Rosario after he was forced to miss his flight back to Paris and extend his stay in his homeland.
      The seven-times Ballon d’Or winner jetted to Argentina on December 23 to spend Christmas and New Year’s Eve with his family.
      Messi and his wife were filmed singing and dancing at a private party last week after returning to Argentina for the festive season.
      The same night the footballer met famous Argentinian DJ Fer Palacio after hiring him to perform at the bash.
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      The DJ said on his Instagram on Sunday: “I’ve just got up and seen I’ve got a lot of messages and am trending on social media because Messi tested positive for Covid and people are saying I gave it to him.
      “I’ve got loads of private messages and people have even gone as far as calling me an assassin.
      “I had done a Covid test yesterday because I have to travel to Uruguay tomorrow and I haven’t got Covid. I’ll show you all now.”
      He finished his selfie video by blowing a kiss to all those who were “insulting him” before posting his negative PCR test.
      And he shared the result which featured his full name of Fernando Palacio on his Instagram so his one million followers could see it.
      Messi is currently waiting to get the all-clear before leaving Argentina and returning to FranceCredit: Splash
      The result was dated January 2. It is not yet clear if Messi alone or his wife Antonela Roccuzzo as well has tested positive for Covid.
      Neither has updated their social media accounts at the time of writing.
      Messi is one of four PSG players reported to have tested positive for Covid after the winter break.
      Other stars from the French side who returned positive test results are Juan Bernat, Nathan Bitumazala and Sergio Rico.
      And a member of staff is thought to be isolating after being confirmed as having the virus.
      PSG say Messi will remain in Argentina until he tests negative and will then take a flight back to Paris to rejoin his teammates.
      After performing for the playmaker last week, DJ Palacio posted a selfie with the football star and wrote: “I made the greatest dance.
      “Thanks to the whole Messi family for the invitation.”
      The PSG star had returned home to Argentina during the winter breakCredit: Instagram / @leomessi More