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      ‘I had family members die due to drugs’ – Robbie Fowler lifts lid on infamous ‘coke’ celebration in Merseyside derby

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      ROBBIE FOWLER has lashed out at the “bitter Blues” who made his life a misery by spreading cruel rumours that he took drugs in his free-scoring Anfield pomp.The Liverpool legend launched an emotional attack on Everton fans as he revealed the secret heartache behind one of the Premier League’s most infamous celebrations.Robbie Fowler performed his infamous celebration during a Merseyside derby in 1999Credit: Getty Images – GettyFowler, now 49, received a hefty fine for his celebrationCredit: Getty Images – GettyGoal machine Fowler opened up while recalling the pretend coke-snorting celebration in front of Toffees supporters after netting in a 1999 Mersey derby.Police officers intervened to keep the peace among furious fans after Fowler knelt to the ground and pretended to hoover up the by-line in a bid to have the final word.But he ended up copping a four-match ban and £32,000 fine from the FA  — and had his wages docked by Liverpool.And the former England striker admits he is still hurt by the scurrilous rumours.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith Arne Slot’s Prem pacesetters facing an Everton side revitalised by David Moyes at Anfield on Wednesday night, memories will come flooding back of Fowler’s antics.But the background to the slur would make the rumour-mongers wince, as the ex-player explained at An Evening with Robbie Fowler in Congresbury, Somerset.He said: “I was accused of being on drugs for a number of years, which was ridiculous because I’m genuinely anti-drugs.“And even nowadays I still get a little bit of stick about being on drugs, being on cocaine or whatever.Most read in FootballFowler has lifted the lid on his infamous celebrationCredit: Getty“But I’m very anti-drugs and I’ve even had family members who have passed away through drugs so this was all very difficult to take.“For me, it’s been completely wrong that I had to put up with these accusations because they were completely unfair.Trent Alexander-Arnold has agreed terms on a move to Real Madrid this summer, according to reports “I was even having people writing on the wall outside our home that I was a smackhead or I was this or that. So, it got to a point where it was all really embarrassing.”He is particularly upset that his late dad Robert Snr, who died in 2017, was forced to face malicious rumours.Fowler, who turns 50 next Wednesday, added: “I’ll always remember my dad came up to me once and put me on the spot. He said, ‘Look son, I’m hearing all sorts of rumours that you’re on drugs, so tell me, are you or not?’“I said, ‘Dad, I really can’t believe you’ve asked me that’ — and he apologised and said he’d never ask me that question again.“This dragged on for a number of years until I finally thought, what can I do to combat it and stop the rumours?Next thing I was on my hands and knees to ram the rumours down their necks.Robbie Fowler“I knew the rumours were coming from Everton fans, so I thought to myself, next time we play them, if I score I’ll rub salt into wounds with a bit of mimicking.“And it all fell into place. I scored a penalty right in front of them and next thing I was on my hands and knees to ram the rumours down their necks.“Unfortunately, the whole thing ended up costing me £64,000. That’s a lot of money these days — but back then in 1999 it was a f***ing hell of a lot of money.“It was just me getting my own back after getting so much stick from Everton fans.“I wanted to wind them up. Do I regret it? No, I don’t. But I do regret the reaction it stirred because some people thought I was endorsing it by treating it lightly.“It wasn’t to do with endorsing drugs at all — it was just to get back at those Everton fans.“Would I do it again? If someone else was to pay my fine — yes, of course.”Fowler scored 183 goals in 369 Reds games and netted six times against their neighbours from across Stanley Park, including two in that 3-2 win that sparked uproar.’I GREW UP AN EVERTONIAN’But it could have been an entirely different story had the Toxteth lad chosen Everton over Liverpool where he honed his craft under record marksman Ian Rush.“In terms of childhood heroes, I loved strikers like Marco van Basten who was unbelievable but can’t look any further than Ian Rush,” continued Fowler, nicknamed ‘God’ on the Kop.“I grew up an Evertonian and you were supposed to hate Rushy because of the amount of goals he scored against Everton.“But I appreciated good football and appreciated Rushy because he was brilliant. He was always helpful to me as I came through the ranks.Read More on The Sun“I know that they all are now, but I was never a bitter Blue. And I’m proud of my little place in derby and Anfield history.“I got the last derby goal in front of the old Kop (in 1994) and it was the winner (in a 2-1 victory) which made it extra special.” More

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      Man Utd legend Roy Keane rules out Patrick Vieira and Steven Gerrard when naming toughest ever opponent

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Roy Keane has revealed the toughest opponent he ever played against during his glittering career.Keane, 53, came up against some of the greatest players of the modern era.Manchester United legend Roy Keane revealed his toughest ever opponentCredit: X/itvfootballKeane had some unforgettable classhes with Arsenal legend Patrick VieiraCredit: GettyKeane also collided with Liverpool icon Steven GerrardCredit: GettyBut Zinedine Zidane stands out as Keane’s hardest ever opponentCredit: GettyThe iconic midfielder’s intense clashes with Arsenal hero Patrick Vieira are the stuff of legend.The Republic of Ireland great also got to face Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard when he was coming up in the Premier League.But the popular pundit ultimately went for Ballon d’Or winner Zinedine Zidane.Keane told ITV: “I’d probably say… Not gonna say Vieira, not Gerrard…Read More on Man Utd”Truthfully, Zidane would probably be the toughest opponent. Big, strong boy.”Technically brilliant, very aggressive, scored on the big occassions.”So Zidane would have been the toughest I’ve played against.”Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordKeane and Zidane, 52, collided in the middle of the park five times in the Champions League when the former played for Man Utd and the latter competed for Juventus as well as Real Madrid.Most read in FootballThe Irishman won two of those encounters, including the 3-2 win at Juve in 1999 during United’s Treble run in what was one of his greatest individual performances.Roy Keane shakes head and gives brutal side-eye at Ian Wright’s antics live on ITV during FA Cup coverageZidane emerged victorious from another two with a score of 1-0 with the Bianconeri away in 1996 and 3-1 with Real at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2003. More

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      Jurgen Klopp ‘could poach Premier League manager, 50, as RB Leipzig look to replace sacked Marco Rose’

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      JURGEN KLOPP could be set to hire his first manager at RB Leipzig in his new role at Red Bull.Klopp, 57, began his job as Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull on New Year’s Day, just six months after rolling credits on his glittering nine-year stint as Liverpool manager.Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp could be set to hire his first manager at RB LeipzigCredit: GettyGlobal Head of Soccer at Red Bull Klopp is targeting Crystal Palace boss Oliver GlasnerCredit: RexAnd the legendary German tactician could go back to the Premier League to find a new manager for Leipzig, who now have Zsolt Low in charge on an interim capacity after Marco Rose’s dismissal on Sunday.According to Sky Sports, the Bundesliga giants are keeping tabs on Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner ahead of the summer transfer window.However, it seems like Glasner, 50, wasn’t the first choice and Leipzig turned their attention on him after Sebastian Hoeness extended his stay as Stuttgart manager.The same source claims there has already been contact between the German outfit and the Austrian tactician’s camp.Read More on FootballHowever, if the ex-Eintracht Frankfurt boss wishes to leave Palace then the Prem outfit will require a transfer fee.That is because the Europa League winner’s contract doesn’t run out until 2026.Nevertheless, there is said to still be an “exit option” for Glasner this summer.And Klopp may have a lot of help from Leipzig’s managing director of sport Marcel Schafer, who knows the Eagles’ boss very well from their time working together at Wolfsburg.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSGlasner turned Palace’s fortunes around upon his arrival in February last year.The Leipzig target took them from Premier League relegation strugglers to a strong side that took points off the big hitters.Ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp talks about his new role at Red Bull Glasner counts a total of 24 wins and 13 losses in 49 matches with the Prem side.They also face Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-final at the end of the month after a brilliant 3-0 win at Fulham on Saturday. More

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      I had talks to leave Man Utd and play in Spain – you can’t question Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid transfer, says Rooney

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      WAYNE ROONEY has told Trent Alexander-Arnold: Spain would be a good move for you.England full-back TAA’s Liverpool contract is up this summer with the 26-year-old set to leave Anfield for Real Madrid.Wayne Rooney has revealed he almost left Man Utd to play in SpainCredit: GettyLiverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold looks set to leave the club to join Real MadridCredit: GettyAnd Rooney revealed he was also once tempted to make a similar switch.The ex-England captain and Manchester United forward told BBC Sport: “Because it is Real, I don’t think you could question it as a career move.”Real are the biggest club in the world.“It would be a massive opportunity and I’d understand if he felt it was too good to turn down. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”Liverpool are his boyhood club,  but sometimes you have to make these decisions.”When I told Manchester United in 2010 I did not want to sign a new deal and put in a transfer request, Chelsea, Real and Barcelona came in for me.”I was ready to play in Spain and some talks did take place.”A deal with Real looked more likely for a couple of days. Most read in Football”But it was Barcelona I thought about the most and how I might fit into their side alongside Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Sergio Busquets.”In the end I decided to stay at United but Barca had an incredible team and any player would have loved to have played in it.Wayne Rooney furious at what Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo did before FA Cup tie “Real are the same now with Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr, so it must be appealing to Alexander-Arnold.”Spain would be a really good move for him.”TAA has faced a fans’ backlash over the transfer.Rooney added: “The fact he would be going on a free transfer has upset them but that is down to Liverpool as well as Alexander-Arnold.”Referencing his own Merseyside exit, he continued: “It was a completely different situation for me when I left my boyhood club, Everton, to join United in 2004. What happened to the Englishmen who joined Real Madrid?TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD looks set to join Real Madrid this summer and will join an exclusive club to pull on the famous white jersey.So had did those who came before him get on?LAURIE CUNNINGHAM (1979-1984)Real Madrid splashed out £950,000 to sign Cunningham from West Brom in 1979.As one of the “Three Degrees” alongside Cyrille Regis and Brendon Batson, Cunningham had left an unforgettable mark at the Hawthorns.The left winger became an instant hit in the Spanish capital, scoring twice on his debut.Cunningham helped his side to the LaLiga title in 1980, and played in the European Cup final against Liverpool the following year.Following a loan spell with Manchester United, Cunningham moved to Marseille in 1984.Having played for Leicester, Charleroi and Wimbledon, Cunningham returned to Madrid with Rayo Vallecano in 1988.The following year he tragically died in a car crash in the city aged just 33.STEVE MCMANAMAN (1999-2003)Like Alexander-Arnold is set to, McManaman left boyhood club Liverpool for the bright lights of Madrid in 1999.A silky winger, McManaman proved to be a hit in Madrid.The Bernabeu crowd immediately took to their new English hero, with his floppy hair and nonchalant flair.McManaman helped Real win six trophies in four years, and scored his side’s second goal in their victorious 2000 Champions League final.He went on to leave Madrid in 2003, spending the final two years of his career with Manchester City.After hanging up his boots, McManaman worked as a pundit for Setanta Sports, BT Sport and ESPN.Now 53, he can regularly be seen on TNT Sports’ football coverage, especially when Liverpool or Real Madrid are playing.DAVID BECKHAM (2003-2007)In 2003, Real Madrid made Manchester United superstar Beckham their latest Galactico.Golden Balls joined a squad boasting the likes of Ronaldo, Raul, Zinedine Zidane and Roberto Carlos in the Spanish capital.Despite his love for high-end fashion and the celebrity lifestyle, Beckham became much beloved in Spain for his incredible work rate, professionalism and of course, quality.Despite boasting a star-studded squad, the fabled La Decima – a tenth Champions League triumph – eluded Real Madrid during his four-year stint.He didn’t leave empty-handed, however, winning the LaLiga title in 2007 before leaving for LA Galaxy.Since Beckham hung up his boots in 2013 he has continued to have several endorsement deals; including the likes of Adidas, Armani, Pepsi and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Beckham, 49, also owns MLS side Inter Miami, and played a big role in their groundbreaking deal for Lionel Messi in 2023.MICHAEL OWEN (2004-2005)Like McManaman before him, Owen quit Liverpool for Real Madrid.But the former Ballon d’Or winner endured a frustrating season at the Bernabeu, finding himself stuck behind Ronaldo and Raul.Twelve months on from Owen’s £8million switch, Real Madrid doubled their money by flogging him to Newcastle.Owen then spent three years with Liverpool’s rivals Man Utd, before one final year at Stoke.Immediately after hanging up his boots, Owen signed up to be BT Sport’s primary co-commentator upon the channel’s launch.In addition to his punditry work, the former striker has enjoyed several other ventures.Owen, 45, has his own clothing range with Peacocks, while he also appeared on The Masked Singer.JONATHAN WOODGATE (2004-2007)Woodgate endured one of the most infamous debuts of all time after switching Newcastle for Real Madrid in 2004.The luckless defender went through injury hell following the £13.4m transfer, having to wait 17 months before playing his first game.Just 25 minutes in, the England international headed into his own net. Things then got even worse when he was sent off just after the hour mark.Woodgate played just 14 times that season, before a loan move to Middlesbrough effectively ended his Real Madrid career.After signing permanently for Boro, Woody earned a move to Tottenham in January 2008. He won the League Cup barely a month later, and remains the last Spurs player to score a winning goal in a cup final.Following spells with Stoke and back at Middlesbrough, Woodgate retired in 2016.He has since gone into coaching, managing Boro and Bournemouth.Woodgate, 45, returned to Middlesbrough once again in 2022, where he works as a first team coach under Michael Carrick.JUDE BELLINGHAM (2023-present)England superstar Bellingham sealed a blockbuster £115m transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023.The move has been a resounding success, with the midfielder immediately excelling in Spain.Bellingham scored on his debut, and went on net five times in his first four LaLiga matches.The image of the 21-year-old with his arms outstretched has quickly become an iconic one.Birmingham’s finest has already won LaLiga and the Champions League during his young career.And with Alexander-Arnold soon to be alongside him, Bellingham will feel that he can add plenty more to his already impressive trophy tally.”I did not want to leave them when I did – I was devastated – but I would have moved on at some point, to try to better myself and win some trophies.”That’s another reason why Liverpool fans might wonder why Alexander-Arnold might leave now, because he is already doing that with them. “But, again, it comes back to experiencing a different culture.”Read More on The Sun”And Rooney’s old team-mate Rio Ferdinand told Kop fans: “This kid  has been one of your best players. “You should be clapping him off and saying, ‘Well done’.” More

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      ‘She squeezed my breasts and I took off almost all my clothes’ – Wag Diletta Leotta reveals airport security trauma

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      DILETTA LEOTTA has lifted the lid on a traumatic travel experience she described as “incredible torture”.The TV presenter has claimed she was left feeling “embarrassed” after an invasive security check at a German airport.Diletta Leotta has revealed her ‘traumatic’ travel experience in a German airportCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaThe Dazn Serie A presenter revealed how a policewoman overdid it during a security checkCredit: GettyLeotta was returning from watching husband Loris Karis star for SchalkeCredit: AFPLeotta, the wife of former Liverpool star Loris Karius, explained she was returning to Italy after watching her partner play for Bundesliga 2 side Schalke.As reported by Bild, she told Radio 105: “I had to go back to Italy, and as I was going through the metal detector, a policewoman came and wanted to check me.”At one point, I took off almost all my clothes. I was wearing almost nothing under my arms and told her, ‘Look, I have nothing under my arms’. “But she insisted on tickling me under my arms, which was incredible torture. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”She also told me to take off my shoes and tickled me under my feet. “It was traumatic because my brother held me like that (with his arms raised) and tickled me under the armpits. “He was really strong. He tickled me all over my body and I used to wet my pants.”Leotta, 33, had been juggling her career working as a presenter on Dazn for Serie A games with travelling to see Karius.Most read in FootballKarius, 31, joined Schalke in January and has played in each of their last four games, with Leotta regularly in attendance, including the German’s debut when he was mobbed by team-mates.However, she admitted her job would make it difficult to attend matches all the time.Ex-Premier League star Loris Karius marries sports presenter Wag Diletta Leotta in star-studded Sicily wedding She told RND: “I was in Gelsenkirchen for the match against Preussen Munster two weeks ago and saw a packed stadium with over 60,000 people, just like the following week in Berlin. “It was a surprise to experience this fascinating second division with an incredible fan base. “Of course, I’m attending a Serie A match almost every week, which will make it difficult to come more often – but whenever I have time, I’ll be happy to come back.”The couple met in late 2022 and have enjoyed a whirlwind romance since, welcoming a daughter named Aria in August 2023. More

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      Surprising reason why tall footballer are more likely to receive yellow cards, according to experts

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      REFEREES are more likely to dish out yellow cards to footie players who are taller than them, experts have found.And they reckon it is a classic case of “short man syndrome”.Referees are more likely to dish out yellow cards to footie players who are taller than them, experts revealedCredit: GettyPlayers taller than the referee have 9.4 per cent more fouls given against them and are 7.2 per cent more likely to get a card.Players who are shorter are 12.3 per cent less likely to be done for a foul and 16.5 per cent less likely to get a yellow.The team at Germany’s University of Hagen ­analysed 2,340 games in the Bundesliga.They said: “This bias is consistent with the ­Napoleon complex, where shorter individuals show compensatory behaviours for lacking social dominance through height.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFrench general ­Napoleon, only 5ft 6in, told a rival: “You may be taller, but I am greater.”Earlier in the week Premier League referees’ huge pay packets were revealed – and it showed they are among the country’s top earners.Their salaries appeared to reflect their growing status in the game and the increasing pressure they are under every week as billions watch worldwide.Figures provided by chief refereeing officer Howard Webb in a meeting of the 72 EFL clubs revealed what kind of money the Prem’s officials are pocketing, as reported by The Times.Most read in FootballThey showed that the average salary for a Premier League referee is between £170,000 and £180,000.While the top referees are earning around £250,000 per year.Never-before-seen moment in English football as referee speaks to crowd to confirm why Spurs goal ruled out vs LiverpoolOfficials are paid their salary at a base rate, which is then boosted by performance bonuses and match fees.That base rate ranges between £72,000 and £148,000, and varies according to experience and seniority in the role.Senior officials, such as Anthony Taylor and Michael Oliver, are likely to earn around £250,000 a year from their Premier League roles.6ft7inch striker Peter Crouch, pictured with Stephen Gerrard, would be more likely to get booked than a smaller player, experts say More

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      Jurgen Klopp makes first sacking in Red Bull job and could turn old Premier League rival for vacant role

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      RED BULL LEIPZIG are searching for a new manager after Jurgen Klopp gave Marco Rose the boot. Klopp began his role as Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull on New Year’s Day. Jurgen Klopp has made his first sacking since being named Red Bull’s Global Head of SoccerCredit: AFPLeipzig coach Marco Rose was given his marching orders on SundayCredit: RexThe popular German left his role as Liverpool boss last summer after nine years on Merseyside.He won the Premier League and Champions League with the Reds, as well as two League Cups and an FA Cup. But it hasn’t been an easy first months for the 57-year-old back in his native Germany.Leipzig sacked head coach Rose after Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Borussia Moenchengladbach.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe loss left RB sixth in the Bundesliga and three points outside of the Champions League places. Rose had been in the role since September 2022.He twice qualified for the Champions League and won the German Cup.But a run of just two wins in 10 games meant he was shown the door by Klopp. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMarcel Schafer, Leipzig’s managing director for sport, said: “We have believed in our co-operation with Marco and his team for a very long time and, up to now, tried everything to turn things around together.”Given the development and the continued lack of results, we’re all firmly convinced that we need new impetus for the remainder of the campaign in order to achieve our aims for the season. Moment Jurgen Klopp had penalty meltdown at David Coote before video that’s likely to KO referee’s career”We’d like to thank Marco and his coaching team for the past two and a half years, the success we enjoyed together and their commitment to the club.”Leipzig could now target Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, according to The Mirror. Klopp is a big fan of the Austrian, but will likely have to wait until the summer to make an approach. His role with Red Bull sees him oversee the management of Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, two clubs in Brazil and a third-tier Japanese side.But he has all but ruled out a return to the dugout, claiming he is “done” with management.Klopp said last October: “I will not be the coach of a Red Bull team. That is a clear commitment.”As much as you can give a guarantee, I will not be a coach at all. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I am probably the only person in this room who will be asked, ‘Where are you in five years?’ I don’t have a clue.””But I will not be a replacement of one of the Red Bull coaches. I hope we can create a structure where these questions will not come up at all.” More

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      Trent Alexander-Arnold raking in millions off the pitch as Liverpool star’s sports firm posts huge profits

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD scored a huge win off the pitch – banking £8.5million from his sponsorship and image rights deals.The Liverpool defender – who’s almost certain to join Real Madrid this summer – has assets worth £8,577,321 in his sports firm All Star Sports Ltd.Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has banked £8.5m from his sponsorship and image rights dealsCredit: PAAlexander-Arnold is strongly linked with a move away from Liverpool with Real Madrid very interestedCredit: GettyTAA, 26, has £2,417,770 in cash and shrewdly pumped £2,503,550 into “listed investments and bonds”.The England star launched his image rights firm aged just 18.His company’s latest annual accounts show assets increased £1.9m.That is on top of his £180,000-a-week Liverpool pay, boot deal with adidas and Calvin Klein modelling contract.Read More on FootballThis comes amid intense reports suggesting Alexander-Arnold has agreed to join Real on a five-year contract worth £240,000 per week.It’s reckoned the right-back will pocket an annual salary worth £13m.That breaks down to around £240,000 a week – a tasty rise on his weekly salary at Liverpool.However, the full-back is also set to take home a lucrative signing-on fee as he will be a free agent in June when his contract runs out.Most read in FootballWhile the star can also boost his pay packet with a series of performance-related bonuses.The defender has won every trophy available for his boyhood club and looks set to win his second Premier League title with the Merseysiders.Top 10 highest paid footballersAlexander-Arnold has amassed a total of three goals and seven assists in 39 appearances this season.What happened to the Englishmen who joined Real Madrid?TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD looks set to join Real Madrid this summer and will join an exclusive club to pull on the famous white jersey.So had did those who came before him get on?LAURIE CUNNINGHAM (1979-1984)Real Madrid splashed out £950,000 to sign Cunningham from West Brom in 1979.As one of the “Three Degrees” alongside Cyrille Regis and Brendon Batson, Cunningham had left an unforgettable mark at the Hawthorns.The left winger became an instant hit in the Spanish capital, scoring twice on his debut.Cunningham helped his side to the LaLiga title in 1980, and played in the European Cup final against Liverpool the following year.Following a loan spell with Manchester United, Cunningham moved to Marseille in 1984.Having played for Leicester, Charleroi and Wimbledon, Cunningham returned to Madrid with Rayo Vallecano in 1988.The following year he tragically died in a car crash in the city aged just 33.STEVE MCMANAMAN (1999-2003)Like Alexander-Arnold is set to, McManaman left boyhood club Liverpool for the bright lights of Madrid in 1999.A silky winger, McManaman proved to be a hit in Madrid.The Bernabeu crowd immediately took to their new English hero, with his floppy hair and nonchalant flair.McManaman helped Real win six trophies in four years, and scored his side’s second goal in their victorious 2000 Champions League final.He went on to leave Madrid in 2003, spending the final two years of his career with Manchester City.After hanging up his boots, McManaman worked as a pundit for Setanta Sports, BT Sport and ESPN.Now 53, he can regularly be seen on TNT Sports’ football coverage, especially when Liverpool or Real Madrid are playing.DAVID BECKHAM (2003-2007)In 2003, Real Madrid made Manchester United superstar Beckham their latest Galactico.Golden Balls joined a squad boasting the likes of Ronaldo, Raul, Zinedine Zidane and Roberto Carlos in the Spanish capital.Despite his love for high-end fashion and the celebrity lifestyle, Beckham became much beloved in Spain for his incredible work rate, professionalism and of course, quality.Despite boasting a star-studded squad, the fabled La Decima – a tenth Champions League triumph – eluded Real Madrid during his four-year stint.He didn’t leave empty-handed, however, winning the LaLiga title in 2007 before leaving for LA Galaxy.Since Beckham hung up his boots in 2013 he has continued to have several endorsement deals; including the likes of Adidas, Armani, Pepsi and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Beckham, 49, also owns MLS side Inter Miami, and played a big role in their groundbreaking deal for Lionel Messi in 2023.MICHAEL OWEN (2004-2005)Like McManaman before him, Owen quit Liverpool for Real Madrid.But the former Ballon d’Or winner endured a frustrating season at the Bernabeu, finding himself stuck behind Ronaldo and Raul.Twelve months on from Owen’s £8million switch, Real Madrid doubled their money by flogging him to Newcastle.Owen then spent three years with Liverpool’s rivals Man Utd, before one final year at Stoke.Immediately after hanging up his boots, Owen signed up to be BT Sport’s primary co-commentator upon the channel’s launch.In addition to his punditry work, the former striker has enjoyed several other ventures.Owen, 45, has his own clothing range with Peacocks, while he also appeared on The Masked Singer.JONATHAN WOODGATE (2004-2007)Woodgate endured one of the most infamous debuts of all time after switching Newcastle for Real Madrid in 2004.The luckless defender went through injury hell following the £13.4m transfer, having to wait 17 months before playing his first game.Just 25 minutes in, the England international headed into his own net. Things then got even worse when he was sent off just after the hour mark.Woodgate played just 14 times that season, before a loan move to Middlesbrough effectively ended his Real Madrid career.After signing permanently for Boro, Woody earned a move to Tottenham in January 2008. He won the League Cup barely a month later, and remains the last Spurs player to score a winning goal in a cup final.Following spells with Stoke and back at Middlesbrough, Woodgate retired in 2016.He has since gone into coaching, managing Boro and Bournemouth.Woodgate, 45, returned to Middlesbrough once again in 2022, where he works as a first team coach under Michael Carrick.JUDE BELLINGHAM (2023-present)England superstar Bellingham sealed a blockbuster £115m transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023.The move has been a resounding success, with the midfielder immediately excelling in Spain.Bellingham scored on his debut, and went on net five times in his first four LaLiga matches.The image of the 21-year-old with his arms outstretched has quickly become an iconic one.Birmingham’s finest has already won LaLiga and the Champions League during his young career.And with Alexander-Arnold soon to be alongside him, Bellingham will feel that he can add plenty more to his already impressive trophy tally. 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