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      in Soccer

      What happened to the 16 former Sir Alex Ferguson players who went on to become managers including Carabao Cup hero

      by

      SIR ALEX FERGUSON’S 26-year tenure of Manchester United made him one of the greatest managers of all time.The Scot racked up a stunning 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, five FA Cups and four League Cups.
      Sir Alex Ferguson has many disciples in the gameCredit: Getty
      So it’s no wonder that his leadership inspired many of his former players to go into management.
      Michael Carrick is the latest of his ex-players to catch the eye in the dugout as Middlesbrough boss.
      His side are just one match from Wembley after a 1-0 win over Chelsea in their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg on Tuesday.
      Here’s we take a look at those who tried to following in his footsteps – to varying degrees of success…
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Wayne Rooney
      Wayne Rooney was sacked by Birmingham earlier this monthCredit: Getty
      MANCHESTER UNITED’s all time record goalscorer is currently out of work after his disastrous spell with Birmingham.
      He was controversially given the job in October when the club’s new American owners sacked John Eustace despite being in the play-off places.
      However, after winning just two of 15 matches in charge, and the Blues dropping to 20th, Rooney was sacked following the New Year’s Day loss to Leeds.
      Michael Carrick
      While Michael Carrick is enjoying cup success at MiddlesbroughCredit: Getty
      ANOTHER one of Fergie’s disciples managing in the Championship at Middlesbrough – Carrick is known for his brand of attacking football.
      Most read in Football
      He narrowly missed out on guiding Middlesbrough to the Premier League last season when he took them to the play-offs despite the club being 21st when he took over in late October.
      This season, he has overseen a fairytale Carabao Cup run that has left Boro on the brink of a first final in 20 years.
      His side take a 1-0 advantage to Stamford Bridge for the second leg on January 23 as they eye a place at Wembley next month.
      Ruud van Nistelrooy
      Van Nistelrooy is out of work despite a successful spell as PSV managerCredit: Getty
      VAN NISTELROOY had an excellent spell in charge of PSV last season, guiding them to a Dutch Cup victory and finishing second in the league.
      But he resigned in the summer, citing a lack of support from the board over transfers.
      Prior to that he’d worked as an assistant for the Dutch national team having retired from playing back in 2012.
      Gabriel Heinze
      Heinze most recently managed Newell’s Old BoysCredit: AFP
      THE former left-back is something of a cult legend on the United terraces.
      He was most recently the manager of Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina, where he started his career and has previously managed in the MLS for Atlanta United.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
      Solskjaer hasn’t worked since his spell in charge of UnitedCredit: Getty
      ENJOYED three years in charge of United from 2018 until 2021 when he was sacked following a poor run of form.
      Guided United to a Europa League final as well as a second placed finish – their joint highest finish in the league since Ferguson’s departure in 2013.
      History is beginning to look back more kindly on Solskjaer’s tenure given the club’s current struggles under Erik ten Hag.
      Gary Neville
      Neville had an ill-fated spell in charge of ValenciaCredit: Getty
      A STALWART of Fergue’s defence, Neville’s foray into management was less fruitful.
      He won just three of his sixteen league games after surprisingly being made Valencia manager in the 2015-16 season.
      He made a rapid return to punditry following his dismissal.
      Phil Neville
      Phil Neville is back in management at Portland TimbersCredit: Twitter @SkySportsNews
      HAD a semi-successful spell in charge of England’s women team between 2018 and 2021 which ended in dismissal following a run of seven defeats in 11 games.
      His successor Sarina Wiegman took the side to Euro 2022 glory and the 2023 World Cup final.
      Was sacked by David Beckham’s Inter Miami in June but now has another MLS management role as the coach of the Portland Timbers.
      Ryan Giggs
      Giggs is currently out of managementCredit: Reuters
      HAD a spell as player-manager of Manchester United following David Moyes’ dismissal in 2014.
      Took over Wales in 2018 but stepped down in June 2022 after he faced trial over allegations of using controlling behaviour and assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
      Giggs was cleared of domestic abuse allegations.
      He was also cleared of attacking her sister Emma Greville on the same date and controlling or coercive behaviour against Kate over a three-year period.
      The 50-year-old was recently linked with the vacant Salford job before Karl Robinson’s appointment as manager.
      David Healy
      Healy has found success at LinfieldCredit: Pacemaker
      MADE just one league appearance under Fergie after coming through the academy.
      Healy has won five Northern Irish championships and two Northern Irish cups with Linfield.
      Michael Appleton
      Appleton is the current manager of CharltonCredit: Getty
      APPLETON came through the United academy and was limited to cup appearances for the Red Devils between 1994 and 1997.
      He is currently in charge of Charlton Athletic in League One.
      Has also enjoyed spells at Portsmouth, Blackpool, Blackburn, Oxford, Leicester and Lincoln.
      Mark Robins
      Robins narrowly missed out on Premier League promotion last seasonCredit: PA
      ROBINS is widely credited with the goal that saved Fergie’s job in a 1-0 FA Cup victory over Nottingham Forest in 1990.
      Led Coventry to the brink of the Premier League last season, where they lost in the play-off final to Luton on penalties.
      Also been in charge of Rotherham, Barnsley, Huddersfield and Scunthorpe.
      Laurent Blanc
      Blanc recently lost his job as Lyon managerCredit: Getty
      ARRIVED as a 35-year old veteran at United in 2001 having won the World Cup and Euros with France.
      Had a decent start to life as a manager with spells in charge of France and PSG, winning the league three times with the latter.
      But the manager has lost his way recently, and was most recently sacked by Lyon in September.
      Mark Hughes
      Mark Hughes was sacked by Bradford in OctoberCredit: Alamy
      A STALWART of mid-2000s Barclays, Hughes enjoyed good spells in charge of Wales, Blackburn and Fulham.
      He was Manchester City boss in 2008 when the club were taken over by Sheikh Mansour but was dispatched soon after.
      His career has dwindled over the last decade and he was most recently sacked by League Two Bradford City.
      Steve Bruce
      Bruce wants the Ireland jobCredit: PA
      ANOTHER manager who suffered at the hands of a takeover – Bruce was sacked by Newcastle shortly after they were bought by Saudi Arabia.
      An unhappy period as West Brom manager followed on from that.
      Has gone on record saying he would be interested in taking the Ireland job.
      Darren Ferguson
      Ferguson is in his fourth stint as Peterborough managerCredit: Getty
      FOLLOWED his father’s footsteps into management after spending four years in the United first-team.
      Currently on his fourth stint as Peterborough manager.
      Read more on The Sun
      Jaap Stam
      Jaap Stam is currently out of workCredit: Alamy
      CURRENTLY out of work after most recently managing Cincinnati in the MLS in 2021.
      The former defensive colossus, who famously had a huge fall-out with Fergie and was sold to Lazio, previously managed Reading in the Championship. More

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      in Soccer

      OnlyFans and football star Madelene Wright stuns in low-cut top as followers hail her as ‘absolutely incredible’

      by

      MADELENE WRIGHT must be dreaming of racking up goals as fast as she does compliments after a gushing response to her new crop-top shots.Fans called the Leyton Orient footballer and OnlyFans star the “cutest angel” and a “beautiful princess”.
      Madelene Wright was described as ‘gorgeous’ in these picsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/madelene_wright/
      Madelene’s new images drew more than 5,000 likes in the first five hoursCredit: https://www.instagram.com/madelene_wright/
      The footballer is posing more indoors now that’s it’s got chillyCredit: INSTAGRAM @madelene_wright
      Madelene can reflect on growing success onlineCredit: INSTAGRAM @madelene_wright
      Madelene, 25, labelled herself “sweet as honey” as she posed in a mini-skirt and high heels.
      And her 331,000 Instagram followers made a bee-line for the “like” button – at a rate of more than one thousand an hour.
      Praise came in from far and wide, including: “Without a doubt, she is very pretty, a top model, greetings from Chile.”
      Typical verdicts sandwiched between declarations of love for the ex-Charlton ace were: “Absolutely incredible” and “You’re just amazing Maddie”.
      READ MORE TOP STORIES
      The model remains a sizzling hit online – after scorching back into action on the pitch.
      Charlton sacked her in December 2020 over X-rated content on Snapchat.
      Madelene finally launched a playing comeback last September with Orient.
      And on her debut she took just nine minutes after coming off the bench to net a brilliant goal.
      Most read in Football
      Madelene’s magical moment clinched a 4-2 FA Cup victory over Cheshunt.
      Since then she’s continued to blend football with her desire to keep earning big from exotic images online.
      The influencer believes she’s picked up more than £500,000, mainly from OnlyFans.
      Inside Madelene’s life as influencer, footballer and OnlyFans star…
      She has a huge following across social mediaCredit: Instagram @madelene_wright
      The Orient player lives a glamorous lifestyle
      She often wows her fans with raunchy picturesCredit: Instagram
      She celebrated her 25th birthday last SeptemberCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wright
      The football also has an OnlyFans accountCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wright
      She claimed to have made over £500,000 from the platformCredit: Instagram @madelene_wright
      She often dresses in revealing outfitsCredit: Instagram
      The footballer has recently signed for Leyton OrientCredit: Instagram/@madelene_wright
      Madelene used to play for CharltonCredit: Instagram @Madelene_Wright
      She has continued her OnlyFansCredit: twitter @MaddieMadelene More

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      in Athletics

      Inside deserted Sarajevo 1984 Winter Olympics stadiums destroyed by the war and never rebuilt including gruesome podium

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      VENUES used for the Sarajevo 1984 Winter Olympics have been left in ruin.The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina hosted the games between February 8 and 19 in 1984.
      Sarajevo played host to the 1984 Winter OlympicsCredit: Getty
      The tournament happened eight years before the Bosnian WarCredit: Getty
      Many of the venues were left in ruin by the conflict
      This Sarajevo ski jump venue is wreckedCredit: Reuters
      The majority of the venues were built for the Games before they were awarded.
      In total, there were nine venues including the Bjelašnica mountain which was used for the Alpine skiing.
      The Igman mountain and Jahorina ski resort were also used.
      In terms of buildings, there was the Skenderija II Hall for ice hockey, which housed 8,500 people.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      There was the Trebević Bobsleigh and Luge Track which saw up to 11,500 people visit.
      The closing ceremonies, figure skating and ice hockey final took place in the Zetra Ice Hall which had a capacity of 15,000 spectators.
      The Winter Games were considered as a success.
      In 2019, Bosnian Nedzad Fazlija, 55, a five-time Olympian shooter said: “Sarajevo was a very successful host of the Winter Olympics.
      Most read in Athletics
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      Nedzad Fazlija considered the Winter Games in Sarajevo a successCredit: Getty
      “We are one of the few that can boast of being an Olympic city. We are very proud of that, we appreciate it, and we are grateful that we were entrusted. A huge number of volunteers were engaged in preparing everything. Everyone was proud.
      “This atmosphere, which ruled for the Games, created something that we call the Olympic spirit, which has remained to this day. We built facilities, but the most important profit is the Olympic spirit. It drives and motivates people to get involved in sport, to train, or just to be fans.
      “A lasting benefit is that the spirit is transmitted from generation to generation. Almost every child practised some sport. The Olympic spirit creates new athletes, new recreational players.”
      However, just eight years after the event the Bosnian War broke out and ran for three years between 1992 and 1995.
      The war was a part of the breakup of the state of Yugoslavia and led to the deaths of around 100,000.
      During the conflict, most of the venues from the Winter Games were destroyed and none of them were rebuilt.
      On average, the city was shelled 329 times a day including the track which once had the world’s best athletes on it.
      Sarajevo’s bobsleigh track became disused and was later spoiled with graffiti.
      The bobsleigh track is covered in graffitiCredit: AFP – Getty
      Plans to reconstruct the track were scrappedCredit: AFP
      One of the ski jumping venues is abandonedCredit: AFP – Getty
      The bobsled run on Mount Trebević is derelictCredit: Getty
      The track, used for both bobsleigh and luge, was called “safe, quick and technically interesting,” and required “extreme concentration and technical knowledge”.
      At the time, it was the fastest and steepest in the world at 1,300 meters and held 30,000 spectators.
      When the war broke out the Olympic track became a concrete trench and an artillery stronghold, as holes were drilled in to use in the war.
      The conflict continued to see the trench used in warfare as it was in a prime location, looking down on the city of Sarajevo from the mountain top.
      There have been plans to renovate the track in recent years following an extensive demining operation.
      But in 2019 it was cancelled due to the massive cost of fixing the critical infrastructure.
      There is still some hope as in 2022 the government of the Sarajevo Canton picked a team to develop a plan for reconstructing the facility as part of Barcelona’s potential 2030 bid.
      The Spanish city has been twinned with Sarajevo since 2000.
      The medal podium was used as a place for executions during the warCredit: Getty – Contributor
      A hotel was turned into a prison before being abandonedCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The venues are unrecognisableCredit: AFP – Getty
      The Olympic accommodation for athletes and a hotel were also left in ruins.
      During the war, it became a prison for Bosnian Muslims.
      One of the more grizzly scars from the war is a podium from the Winter Olympics that later became a place of execution for the imprisoned.
      The ramps for the ski jumping events have also been ruined as a result of the war.
      Sarajevo took a lot of damage during the war and reminders of the conflict are all around the former sporting venues.
      Fazlija added: “Sarajevo was in the longest siege in the modern history of war.
      “The first objects destroyed in Sarajevo were Olympic facilities.
      “It was very difficult to live in the city, to cope without water, food, warmth.
      “For sport, of course, it was not a good time. But the Olympic spirit of the city gave people the strength to endure another day, another week, another month.
      “The people helped each other as they could.
      “It drove people to clear the ruins, repair buildings, roads and infrastructure. Sarajevo was progressing every day, and life returned to the city.”
      In 2014 the Sarajevo Olympic Museum opened inside the Juan Antonio Samaranch Olympic Hall.
      The exhibits showcase artefacts from the games while the Olympic rings can still be seen around the city.
      In 2019 the region played host to the European Youth Olympic Winter Festival.
      This included eight sports and had 1,200 volunteers and 900 athletes heading to the area.
      Read more on The Sun
      As a result, the Bjelašnica ski resort was revitalised and will continue to benefit the locals.
      The Zetra Olympic Hall has also been the recipient of a reconstruction. More

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      in Soccer

      Meet Tottenham new boy Radu Dragusin who snubbed Chelsea, has sport star parents and whose Wag is a glam architect

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      FOR Spurs it promises to be a Rad signing.Tottenham have agreed a deal to bring the “Romanian Van Dijk” Radu Dragusin to the Premier League for £21.5million from Italian side Genoa.
      Radu Dragusin has agreed to join Tottenham in a £21.5m deal
      Standing at 6ft3in, Dragusin is a hulking presence at the backCredit: instagram @radudragusin5
      Dragusin is supported by his stunning Wag Iona StanCredit: instagram @radudragusin5
      Heading in the opposite direction is forgotten man Djed Spence, as Ange Postecoglou also closes in on a swoop for German forward Timo Werner.
      Dragusin could have been a star on our shores sooner – snubbing Chelsea as a teenager to sign for Juventus.
      He comes from sporting stock – with both his parents elite sports stars in their homeland.
      Meanwhile his glam girlfriend Iona Stan is an aspiring architect who is living the dream life of a Wag.
      Read more football news
      Start big
      Standing at 6ft3in with a striking top-knot and goatee beard, Dragusin cuts an imposing figure.
      It was in his blood to be an athlete, both his parents were involved in professional sport.
      Dad Dan played volleyball for Romania, while mum Svetlana also represented her country in basketball.
      But it was a cousin who introduced a young Radu to football.
      Most read in Football
      He joined local side Sportul Studentesc before moving on to Regal Sport Bucharest who have an affiliation with Atletico Madrid.
      But the LaLiga side missed the boat on the centre-half, who moved to Italy in 2018 to link up with Juventus and their academy.
      Chelsea and PSG were also interested, but the Serie A giants moved fast to secure the talent – paying around £215,000 to secure the services of the then Romania U16 captain.
      “My brother called me and told me there’s a good young player [in Romania] and I sent him to see with his own eyes,” Florin Manea, the agent who brokered the transfer, told TMW.
      “He confirmed that initial impression by telling me he is a star, so I quickly reported to Juventus.
      “After about an hour, Matteo Tognozzi, Juventus’ chief scout, called me to say that Radu impressed everyone. Other teams were interested too, but the Bianconeri really wanted him.
      “He asked me, ‘Where can I become a great central defender?’ Chelsea wanted him too, but that’s why he chose Juventus.”
      Dragusin worked his way up the ranks at JuventusCredit: AP
      Centre back Dragusin idolises Juve legends Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo BonucciCredit: Getty
      Following the legends
      In 2020, Dragusin told Juventus TV: “I am inspired by Van Dijk, as well as Bonucci and Chiellini.”
      It was the latter two that he would get the opportunity to learn from in Turin.
      After making his way through the youth ranks, he was called up to the first team for a game against Lazio.
      A month later he made his debut in a Champions League tie against Dynamo Kyiv, coming on as a second half substitute.
      But, despite signing a four-year contract and being highly thought of, he consistently found himself on the fringes of the first eleven.
      Loan spells at Sampdoria and Salernitana hindered his progress, which convinced the Old Lady to offer Dragusin to Serie B side Genoa with an obligation to buy at the end of another loan.
      It was that move at the start of the 2022-23 season that would be the making of him.
      Starring role
      Dragusin took all the plaudits as Genoa gained promotion from Serie B.
      Incredibly, he missed just 45 minutes of a tiring campaign – contributing to his club’s impressive defensive record of conceding the second least in the division.
      After leaving Juventus, Dragusin became a key player for GenoaCredit: Getty
      Dragusin celebrates winning Serie B with IonaCredit: instagram @ioanastan_
      And he managed to find the net four times, as his aerial prowess proved to be a threat from set-pieces.
      His impressive form alerted Romania boss Edward Iordănescu, who called him up to the international set-up for all of his nation’s Euro 2024 qualifiers.
      It would prove to be a successful period for Romania, who topped their group over favourites Switzerland.
      With Dragusin at the heart of the defence, the Romanians conceded just five times in their 10 games.
      Starring in Serie A
      The stopper has continued to progress with his side cementing their place in Italy’s top flight.
      His development has been aided by coach Alberto Gilardino, a once prolific marksman for Parma, AC Milan, and Fiorentina.
      Dragusin said: “Gilardino has given us a lot confidence in our abilities, he told us to play with heart and give everything on the pitch.”
      Stopper Dragusin has proven to be one of Serie A’s most impressive competitorsCredit: Getty
      Dragusin celebrates scoring against Inter in Genoa’s final game of 2023Credit: Reuters
      That was in evidence in Genoa’s final game of 2023, before the winter break.
      The underdogs secured a vital point against Inter Milan to move seven points clear of the relegation zone.
      It was Dragusin who displayed that fighting spirit, netting an equaliser.
      Beautiful missus
      Away from the pitch, Dragusin is ably supported by his stunning girlfriend, Iona.
      Not much is known about how the pair met.
      However, they both appear on each other’s Instagram pages from 2021.
      She is an inspiring architect, who is studying at The Ion Mincu University of Architecture and Urban Planning in Bucharest.
      When she’s not, she is living the life of a football Wag.
      On game day, you will find her cheering on her beloved in the stands.
      Gorgeous Iona lives the life of a WagCredit: instagram @ioanastan_
      Iona is Dragusin’s biggest fanCredit: instagram @ioanastan_
      Brunette beauty Iona is studying to be an architectCredit: instagram @ioanastan_
      Iona will be a big fan of London’s architecture when she moves to our shoresCredit: instagram @ioanastan_
      The artsy brunette looks and plays the part, dressing in designer fur coats and taking luxury holidays.
      Read more on The Sun
      Their next port of call is London, where she will be able to indulge her love for shopping and iconic architecture.
      While Dragusin’s game under Postecoglou will, no doubt, continue to improve. More

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      in Soccer

      Franz Beckenbauer was a German football machine whose off-field disgrace couldn’t overshadow his greatness on the pitch

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      HE WAS known as Der Kaiser.The ultimate German footballing machine.
      Beckenbauer pioneered the sweeper positionCredit: Rex
      Later in life he was banned from footballing activities – but that did not overshadow his greatness on the fieldCredit: AP
      A World Cup winner as player and manager.
      The heartbeat of the Bayern Munich side that dominated Europe in the mid-70s, who invented a new position on the pitch – and then tried to make “soccer” work in the USA.
      One of the first ex-players to move into the realm of the suits, the movers and shakers.
      But whose life ended in off-field disgrace.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Banned and shunned – and accused of being one of the worst double-dealers in Fifa’s cluttered field – even before ill-health and dementia claimed him as a victim through his later years.
      Yet for most who loved football, it is the image of Franz Beckenbauer the player, the graceful, insightful, elegant swan of a booted hero, not the grasping anti-hero, which will always remain.
      A symbol of Germany’s move from a pariah nation to Europe’s most powerful footballing force.
      The man whose friendship with Bobby Charlton, forged on the field of combat, lasted for years. Enduring and deep.
      Most read in Football
      And with his passing, just a few months after Charlton himself died, another of the links with English football’s greatest day has broken, leaving just half a dozen of the men who were on the Wembley turf on July 30 1966.
      In Germany, unsurprisingly, the response to the news of Beckenbauer’s death at the age of 78 was a deep mourning.
      Bild, the country’s top-selling paper, said: “Germany says goodbye to its greatest footballer.
      “World champion as a player in 1974 and as a coach in 1990.
      “The creator of the summer fairy tale in 2006.”
      Lothar Matthaeus, Beckenbauer’s skipper in that 1990 triumph, added: “The shock is deep, even though I knew he wasn’t feeling well.
      “Franz’ death is a loss for football and for Germany as a whole. He was one of the greatest, as a player and a coach but also off the field.”
      That is true and while the image of Der Kaiser was tarnished by his flaws, the beauty of its initial incarnation will remain far longer.
      POSTAL WORKER DAD
      Born to a Munich postal worker and his wife, just four months after the collapse of the Nazi regime and the end of World War Two in Europe, the schoolboy Beckenbauer was a fan of 1860 Munich.
      But a tear-up with the 1860 centre-half – Beckenbauer was a centre-forward at the time – in a local youth tournament saw him decide to join Bayern at 14 instead.
      Four years later, he was banned from the West German youth set-up because his girlfriend was pregnant, only for the national team’s assistant manager Dettmar Cramer to intervene on his behalf.
      By 1965, he was part of the emerging new Bayern side, team-mates including Gerd Muller and Sepp Maier and soon a full international, making his debut in the decisive World Cup qualifying win in Sweden.
      It was enough for coach Helmut Schoen. From then on, Beckenbauer was a certainty, and ever-present – a captain in waiting.
      Despite playing as a deep-lying midfielder, Beckenbauer scored four goals, including the Goodison semi-final winner over the Soviet Union, to earn his side their Wembley date.
      But Schon and Ramsey, wily foxes both, recognised the same thing, sending Charlton and Beckenbauer out to nullify each other.
      It worked, for both. But England and Geoff Hurst danced away with the trophy.
      1966 REVENGE
      Four years later, Beckenbauer and Germany got revenge in Leon, the Bayern man beginning a comeback from two down as he drove an angled shot past Peter Bonetti.
      That World Cup win did not come, though, not yet, with Beckenbauer playing the latter stages of the 4-3 extra-time semi-final defeat by Italy with his arm in a sling, after Schon had used both his allowed substitutes.
      By then Beckenbauer had become “Der Kaiser” – The Emperor – although his claim that it came about because he posed in front of a bust of former Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I might not have been entirely true.
      No matter. He was Der Kaiser, unquestionably, the ball-playing libero – an attack-minded sweeper who came out from the back to make the play.
      Captain of Schoen’s side as they demolished the Russians to win the Euros in Brussels in 1972 and having led Bayern to the first of three straight European Cup triumphs when he lifted the World Cup in his home city a few weeks later.
      Even after he pulled up the drawbridge on his West Germany career after 103 caps to join New York Cosmos, there was a final hoorah as he played two seasons at Hamburg, adding a fifth Bundesliga crown.
      His ascent to the managerial role was no surprise. Nor was the success, beaten only by the Diego Maradona-inspired Argentina in 1986, it was the South Americans who were vanquished in the repeat match-up in Rome four years later.
      A return to Bayern as boss saw more silverware before Beckenbauer, the grand old statesman, became the German FA’s vice-president, asked to lead their bid for the 2006 World Cup.
      Which is where things became more murky.
      While the 2006 tournament was a huge success, it later emerged the “summer fairy tale” had been won on the back of an illicit deal which saw £1m enter his bank account from South Africa, while he also earned £3m from a covert sponsorship deal.
      And Beckenbauer was also a member of the Fifa executive committee which awarded the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar respectively in 2010.
      Read more on The Sun
      Documents later suggested he had received £3m-plus from Russia while he voted for Qatar despite being an ambassador for Australia’s bid.
      Yet what matters, far more, is the legacy on the pitch. Der Kaiser represented an ideal. Even if he could not always live up to it.
      He won the World Cup as Germany manager in 1990Credit: AFP
      His death has plunged Germany into national mourningCredit: Rex
      Beckenbauer helped popularise football in the US by moving to the New York CosmosCredit: Rex
      His later life was dominated by scandal owing to his dealings with FifaCredit: EPA More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Alisha Lehmann and Douglas Luiz’s romance, from sour break up to rekindling love on New Year’s Eve

      by

      BOTH are at top of their game and both are lucky in love AGAIN.Alisha Lehmann, 24, is one of the stars of the WSL – gaining traction as a social media influencer and international women’s footballer for Switzerland.
      Football’s sexiest couple Douglas Luiz and Alisha Lehmann are seemingly back together
      Stunning Alisha has become a sex symbol outside of football
      Douglas Luiz is one of Aston Villa’s starsCredit: Rex
      While Brazilian midfielder and Arsenal target Douglas Luiz, 25, has been one of Aston Villa’s standout performers in a campaign that has seen Unai Emery’s outfit become unlikely Premier League title contenders.
      They made a glam pair until a sour break up in 2022, reportedly because of her raunchy calendar, saw them part ways.
      However, they rang in 2024 TOGETHER – celebrating their reunion with a loved-up Instagram post.
      It appears that the beautiful game now has its beautiful couple once more.
      Read more Alisha Lehmann news
      How they met
      They play for the same club, and are blessed with good looks, so you could be forgiven to think Alisha and Douglas met on a photoshoot to launch Aston Villa merch.
      But that wasn’t the case here.
      They like to let their hair down when they’re not working hard on the pitch and embrace the Birmingham nightlife.
      One evening, in a Midlands hotspot, their paths crossed.
      Most read in Football
      She was recently single, following a split from fellow Switzerland star Ramona Bachmann and open to love.
      Instantly, Alisha and Douglas clicked.
      They bonded over football and soon became inseparable.
      And they were sure to let their audience know.
      Insta love
      Smitten Alisha took to Instagram to share her news with her then five million followers (she has 16 million today) in 2021.
      She uploaded a boomerang on her Instagram story that showed her and Douglas sharing an intimate moment.
      He reciprocated by reposting the short and sweet clip on his own story adding the caption: “Princess”.
      It was then they became football’s sexiest couple.
      There were reports that their relationship might provide a distraction on the pitch.
      That was nonsense, though. Both continued to thrive, happy with the support they gave one another.
      Alisha and Douglas went Instagram official in 2021
      Their romance played out in front of their followers’ eyesCredit: INSTAGRAM @alishalehmann7
      On the defensive
      Alisha and Douglas continued to serenade each other online over the coming year, as their love played it out in front of our eyes.
      Selfies together and loving messages to each other were regularly appearing on their social media feeds.
      She soon gave up her rented penthouse apartment to move into his £1.5million five-bed house in Sutton Coldfield.
      Then, Douglas played the role of protective boyfriend.
      One particular incident showed loyalty and respect to his stunning partner.
      In 2022, South American TV host Milton Neves, 72, felt the wrath of the Brazil international.
      He tweeted a clip of Alisha scoring and celebrating a goal by jumping and turning her back.
      The video appeared to zoom in on her bum during the goal celebration in a game against Man City, which her team won 4-3.
      Aston Villa ace Alisha celebrates scoring for her clubCredit: Getty
      A disrespectful video of Alisha was shared by a Brazilian TV journalist
      Douglas Luiz leapt to the defence of his girlfriend and called out the sexist clip onlineCredit: Rex
      The sexist post ends with the question: “Without rewinding the video what number was on her shirt?”
      Neves posted the video alongside a caption: “Watch and comment.”
      Furious Douglas launched an attack on the presenter – calling his fellow countryman “disrespectful”.
      “You’re old, years in soccer and you post a video that does not respect women’s soccer or the player herself, who is also my girlfriend,” Luiz said on Twitter, now known as X.
      “You have not learned what respect is, that’s bulls***.”
      Sex symbol
      Alisha slowly become a pin-up outside of her glittering career.
      Her good looks landed her modelling shoots and notoriety.
      She celebrated her beauty – showcasing her incredible and athletic body wearing sexy bikinis in glamorous locations -and captured her fabulous lifestyle on Instagram.
      Alisha also became a fashion icon, revered for her sense of style – taking that on to the pitch by donning false eyelashes and make-up.
      Soon Alisha became a fashion icon off the pitchCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      She shares her glam outfits on Instagram to her 16 million followersCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7
      Beautiful Alisha shows off her stunning bikini bodyCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      Femininity is important to Alisha on the football pitchCredit: Rex
      Quite rightly, she was unapologetic about her appearance.
      “The message I want to give to people [is] that you can literally be however you want and still play football,” she told The Times.
      “Use make-up or do the things you like, do your nails, do your eyelashes, and still play football. It’s not a side you have to pick.
      “It’s really important that no one changes because people tell you to. When I was younger a lot of people told me, ‘Oh, you can’t wear make-up. You can’t wear your lashes when you play’. At one point I thought, ‘Why not?’ It’s normal and it doesn’t hurt anyone if I do it.
      “I feel like we should see this as normal. Because I’m someone that likes it a lot. I want to look really feminine. It’s my passion.”
      Trouble in paradise
      However, by November 2022 cracks in the romance of Alisha and Douglas began to appear.
      As we exclusively revealed, they called off their relationship after several heated arguments about the release of her 2024 calendar.
      A source close to the pair said: “Douglas was completely smitten with Alisha. When she first arrived, he was like, ‘Who is this girl?’.
      “He quickly asked her out and they became a footballing power couple. They were so loved up.
      Alisha’s glam lifestyle began causing rifts between her and DouglasCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      As Alisha became more in-demand, she and Douglas parted waysCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      “But, sadly, as Alisha became more in demand off the pitch, the cracks started to appear in their relationship.
      “When asked to do a calendar, she jumped at the chance to show off her sexy side but he was not happy.
      “He didn’t think it was something she should be doing. They rowed a lot and in the end Alisha simply had enough.”
      Water under the bridge
      Simply put, you can’t keep these two apart.
      The festive period has a habit of bringing out the romantic side in us all.
      Alisha and Douglas are clearly suckers for it too.
      It appears that they have rekindled their love – if a set of snaps together celebrating New Year’s Eve is anything to go by.
      She gave fans a glimpse of how she celebrated the arrival of 2024, pictured alongside loved ones and a host of white balloons.
      And in a couple of the images was her former beau.
      One showed the pair gazing into each other’s eyes while smiling.
      Alisha and Douglas recently appeared to be back together in this posed snaps with loved onesCredit: Instagram
      Love is well and truly back in the air for football’s sexiest coupleCredit: INSTAGRAM @alishalehmann7
      Another saw Luiz placing a hand around Lehmann’s waist.
      Lehmann added the caption: “Happy 2024 🎉♥️.”
      Read more on The Sun
      And Luiz responded: “I love you ❤️.”
      Football’s sexiest couple are, thankfully, back. More

    • 288 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      I played with Gareth Bale and in Premier League and all EFL divisions but now want to lead Gillingham to FA Cup shock

      by

      JONNY WILLIAMS has gone to three major tournaments, deputised for Gareth Bale and played with and against some of the world’s greats.The midfield playmaker also can boast he has competed in all four of this country’s top divisions.
      Jonny Williams and Gareth Bale in training for Wales
      Williams is now plying his trade for League Two club Gillingham
      And today he hopes to add another chapter to his football story by helping League Two club Gillingham topple Premier League strugglers Sheffield United at Priestfield.
      Williams, 30, hung up his boots for Wales only last March.
      And when he returned home last summer to Kent, the county of his birth and upbringing, it dawned on him what an incredible adventure he has been on.
      From playing in the top-flight after winning promotion at Wembley with Crystal Palace to helping his country reach the Euro 2016 semi-final, he had a whirlwind start to his career.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Then he helped Charlton climb into the Championship in 2018, played at the delayed Euro 2020 tournament before being selected to go to last winter’s World Cup in Qatar despite being a League Two player at Swindon!
      He told SunSport: “I pinch myself at times. I’m moving into a new home back in Tunbridge Wells, sorting through boxes and seeing memorabilia of things I did.
      “Going to the Euros and a World Cup were things I could’ve only dreamed of.
      “My only goal as a kid was to play one senior game for Crystal Palace so to go to those tournaments and score twice for my country, as well as win two Wembley play-off finals, were incredible life experiences.” 
      Most read in Football
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      Williams made his international debut by coming on as a half-time sub for the injured Bale against Scotland in 2013 before deputising for the Wales legend four days later.
      And the Gills midfielder played during what was a golden age in Welsh football.
      He said: “Aaron Ramsey and Bale were not just world-class as players — but as people too. 
      “They set the tone for the rest of the group and what followed. There were no egos because that wasn’t the way we were going as a nation.
      Williams in action against England at Euro 2016 in France
      Our man Justin Allen caught up with Jonny Williams at Gillingham
      “The two let their feet do the talking because they’re natural-gifted footballers blessed with unbelievable talent with and without the ball.
      “And the desire to improve and work hard in training set the tempo for the rest of us. 
      “When I was very young, Craig Bellamy was the same — he led by example. 
      “It makes you understand and learn quickly what needs to be done if you want to play for Wales. I was fortunate enough to have those boys to look up to.
      Aaron Ramsey and Bale were not just world-class as players — but as people tooJonny Williams
      “They always spoke to everyone, players and staff, with respect. I know it should be a given in life but sometimes in football it’s not and I’ve had team mates who struggle with that.
      “I learned massively from Gareth and Aaron — from when I was playing in the Premier League to when I was in League Two, they still treated me the same as they did Wayne Hennessey.
      “And the squad had some great professionals in it. The other ones that stood out for me were Joe Allen, who got into the Euro 2016 team of the tournament, and Ben Davies.
      “It’s Ben’s 12th season playing for Wales and to stay at that level for that length of time you’ve got to be a top footballer.
      Williams played during a golden era for Welsh football
      The midfielder prepares to warm up at the Qatar World Cup last winter
      “I’m sure once Aaron comes to the end of his time, Ben will be the natural leader to step in because he’s great in the dressing room as well.”
      Bale announced his retirement from all football following the World Cup in Qatar and a glittering career that took in Southampton, Tottenham and Real Madrid.
      And Williams said: “I’m sure he’d have loved to have won the Premier League — but with five Champions League titles and all his Wales achievements I don’t think he’ll have any complaints.
      “I still keep in touch with those two. Aaron’s close to returning from injury with Cardiff. I’ve not spoken to Gareth for a couple of months but he’s probably busy playing golf with that spare time he’s now got!”
      Today’s opponents Sheffield United evoke some fond but also emotional memories for Williams.
      Former Blades player and manager Gary Speed was the man who first promoted him into the Wales squad — and nurtured the then rookie before tragically taking his own life in 2011.
      Williams said: “Gary was a phenomenal bloke in the short time I spent with him. 
      “He was a Premier League legend and I’d seen many of his games as a kid — and in the Wales team as well as I was making my way through the youth ages, watching him playing in the senior set up.
      Gary Speed gave Williams his first Wales senior squad call-up before losing his life in tragic circumstances
      “To this day, we don’t know why he took his life. We’ll be asking for years why? 
      “I remember walking out of church that Sunday morning learning he had passed away. It was tragic news. 
      “I’ll be forever grateful for him giving me that senior call up and showing that belief in me as a 17-year-old to work alongside the likes of him, Craig Bellamy, Danny Gabbidon and all the Wales superstars coming through at the time.
      “He took me out for a coffee or hot chocolate in St David’s in Cardiff — and told me straight away, ‘You’re good enough to be here, don’t just think this is a token call-up. You’re playing at a good level, you’ve been playing well and I want you in the senior team. Just enjoy the experience and playing with these players — and this is the start of your future.’
      “Not many managers would’ve done that. I was only a teen but he sat me down and took 15 to 20 minutes to get to know me as a person. I didn’t get much time with him in the end but those small moments I’ll remember forever.”
      Today he potentially faces his former Wales team-mate Rhys Norrington-Davies, who came on as a late sub at Man City for his first outing for FOURTEEN months after being sidelined with a career-threatening hamstring injury.
      And Williams said: “Rhys is so talented and deserves to be in the Premier League. I hope he can kick on.
      “I was gutted for him missing the World Cup because he’s so good around the dressing room too. 

      Williams with the Wales team after being knocked out of the 2022 World Cup
      “Football can be a cruel sport but I’m sure he would have had his friends and family around him to get him through that period and now he’s back fit and he’s got the opportunity to play in the top division.”
      And Williams himself still has plenty of ambitions going forward in his club career.
      Read more on The Sun
      First he hopes to cause an upset today and then his next goal is clear: “To win promotion.
      “I’ve gone to the Premier League and Championship — and now I want to complete the hat-trick set and get Gillingham back into League One where they belong.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Inside ‘hour by hour’ fight to save Michael Schumacher’s life 10 years ago as docs lowered body temp & operated on brain

      by

      MICHAEL Schumacher’s life was hanging by a thread 10-years-ago as medics tried desperately to keep him alive after a tragic skiing crash that left him with horrific brain injuries.The F1 legend was given the best possible treatment as he was put into a medically induced coma, had his body temperature lowered and underwent hours of tricky operations on his brain.
      Michael Schumacher was left fighting for his life a decade ago today after a tragic skiing accident that caused major brain injuriesCredit: AFP
      The F1 icon was airlifted to a specialised hospital in Grenoble and taken straight to intensive care for life saving treatmentCredit: Reuters
      In the 10 years since the horror accident Michael’s family have kept as much as possible secret from the outside worldCredit: EPA
      The spot in the French Alps ski resort of Meribel where Schumacher took a fall and hit his head on a boulderCredit: AFP
      Yesterday in 2013, the retired seven-time world champion, and his then 14-year-old son set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel.
      Footage from his helmet camera revealed he was not travelling at excessive speed when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow.
      He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two and left him needing to be airlifted to hospital for two life-saving operations.
      The racing legend’s health reportedly deteriorated fast as he was being carried away and is thought to have lost consciousness before being intubated to keep him breathing.
      READ MORE ON SCHUMACHER
      After he was wheeled into the intensive care unit, Professor Jean-Francois Payen said it was a case of working “hour by hour” as the team took three key measures to save the then 44-year-old’s life.
      The racing icon was put into a medically induced coma to reduce the inflammation around his brain and allow for him to be operated on.
      Doctors lowered his body temperature to 34-35C when he was in the coma, slowing his metabolism down.
      He then underwent two operations to remove blood clots and save his life by releasing pressure built up in his head.
      Most read in Motorsport
      At one point his family were told to brace themselves for the worst case scenario as the situation was much worse than originally believed.
      A senior German journalist was even reported as saying: “The family has been told that only a miracle can bring him back now.”
      At the time, medics said Schumacher was likely to stay in an induced coma for at least 48 hours as his body and mind recovered.
      But the coma ended up lasting 250 days – more than eight months.
      After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva to get further treatment.
      Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status.
      Only small amounts of information have been released including reports that Schumacher was in a wheelchair but can react to things around him.
      In 2019, it was said that Schumacher was set to undergo breakthrough stem cell therapy in a bid to regenerate and rebuild his nervous system.
      Renowned France cardiologist Dr Philippe Menasche, who had operated on him previously, was set to carry out the treatment that would see cells from his heart go to his brain.
      Following the treatment at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris, he was said to be “conscious”, although few other details were given about his state.
      The doctor made it clear that any and all details of Schumacher’s treatment would remain “secret” for medical confidentiality.
      It’s reported Schumacher has received medical care costing as much as £115,000-a-week as his family, friends and pals all hope he can continue to recover from his horror ski crash.
      He is also being looked after by an expert team of 15 doctors and a team of masseurs with his loving wife Corinna by his side.
      Schumacher hasn’t been seen since the accident or even heard from.
      However in April 2023, a German magazine ran a tasteless AI-generated “interview” with the stricken driver pretending to speak with him.
      Die Aktuelle’s front cover showed a photo of him smiling, with a headline promising: “Michael Schumacher, the first interview”.
      But in fact the chat was written with an artificial intelligence tool and the family threatened legal action leading to Die Aktuelle’s editor being sacked.
      Since the accident, German author and journalist Jens Gideon has been probing the horrific accident and gave two potential reasons as to why the crash happened and had such dire consequences.
      The first was the lack of snow on the ground, which meant it was extra dangerous to ski as the rocks were exposed.
      And the second was because Schumacher was conscious after the initial fall so first responders didn’t realise just how serious his condition was rapidly worsening.
      Read more on The Sun
      A local ski instructor who saw the crash said Schumacher seemed responsive after the accident so was taken to a hospital in Moutiers.
      When the helicopter eventually landed it was immediately decided that it should take off again and fly to the bigger, more specialised hospital in Grenoble as his was clearly in danger of losing his life.
      Michael’s wife Corinna is part of an inner circle of family and close friends who are the only people allowed to see MichaelCredit: Rex Features

      The Schumacher family were reportedly told that only a miracle would bring Michael back as his brain injuries were so severeCredit: Netflix More