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      Gary Neville tells Match of the Day legend ‘please stop putting me forward as Man Utd manager’

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      GARY NEVILLE has begged legendary football presenter Des Lynam to stop touting him for the Manchester United job.The former Red Devils defender, 49, briefly went into management after hanging up his boots in 2011. Gary Neville has responded to MOTD legend Des Lynam touting him for the Man Utd jobCredit: RexLynam believes Neville is the man to bring the good times back to Old TraffordCredit: GettyNeville played over 400 times for United, winning eight Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, and three FA Cups.The 49-year-old joined Valencia in 2015 for his first foray into management but endured a dismal time in LaLiga.After winning just 10 games out of 28 at the Mestalla, Neville was sacked and has since carved out a career as a successful pundit. Ex-Match of the Day host Lynam was recently asked who he thought should “save” United from current boss Ruben Amorim’s reign.READ MORE ON MAN UTDLynam indicated Neville would be the best man for the Old Trafford hot-seat as he understands and “loves the club.”Neville responded on Saturday, telling Sky Sports: “Des Lynam was the doyen, the God of hosts and presenters in that era. “Someone with an unbelievable voice, great delivery, great humour. “I always got on with Des but if you could please stop putting me forward as the manager of Manchester United it would be quite helpful. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I understand where you’re coming from – I do understand the club, I do love the club, I do believe I can communicate well. “However, I don’t want to go back into coaching number one. And number two, I don’t believe that I’m the best man for the job by a long way.”Gary Neville to make special request to broadcaster over future plans Neville also revealed his Sky Sports pundits had mocked him over Lynam’s claim.He continued: “It gives my friends and colleagues, particularly Mr Jamie Carragher, the opportunity to giggle quite a bit on a Thursday afternoon when he sees the headline. “I love Des to bits but I’m pretty sure he’s not right on that one. “I feel bad to tell him he’s not right because he’s someone with such vast experience.”Ultimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here.Despite not sharing Lynam’s view on his coaching credentials, Neville did credit the 82-year-old with helping him into punditry.Neville previously told The Overlap podcast: “I love Des Lynam. I met Des Lynam in 2002. “My first ever punditry gig was 22 years ago. I broke my foot before the World Cup in Japan and South Korea and ITV asked me to be a pundit. “I had the most incredible time, it was the moment that I recognised I wanted to go into punditry because of the people I was surrounded by.”The fellow pundits on that panel were Bobby Robson, Terry Venables and Paul Gascoigne. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I totally don’t belong in that panel from the point of view of football greatness and coaching. “What I could give them was the current understanding of what was happening in that [England] dressing room.” More

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      Inside non-league club funded by Bitcoin whose owners are worth 20 times Wrexham bosses – and targeting Premier League

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      A NON-LEAGUE club funded by Bitcoin owners is aiming to reach the Premier League.Real Bedford currently tops the Southern League Central Division One in the ninth tier of English football.Real Bedford are aiming to hit the big time from non-leagueCredit: Instagram @realbedfordThe club is funded by bitcoin millionairesCredit: Instagram @realbedfordDirector Peter McCormack wants the club to merge with Bedford Town FCCredit: BBCThe club is co-owned by Peter McCormack who is aiming to make the club bigger than local rivals.He is keen to see the club overtake Kettering Town, then Northampton Town, MK Dons and then Luton Town.His end goal is to lead the promised land of the Premier League.McCormack wants has made a proposal to merge Real Bedford with Bedford Town FC.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said: “As a proud Bedfordian, nothing would make me happier than seeing our town represented at the highest levels in men’s and women’s football.”We’ve made amazing progress with Real Bedford, but this merger unlocks the potential to achieve something truly special in the town.”I understand that fans of Bedford Town may feel some apprehension, but this only works if we come together to make it a success.”By combining the strengths of both clubs, we’re building a united front that can deliver league football to Bedford.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I’m excited about what lies ahead and look forward to working with everyone to achieve our shared ambitions.”The club benefited from investment from Gemini founders Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss in April 2024.Football stars’ weird phobiasThe club could merge with Bedford Town FCCredit: INSTAGRAM Bedford FCThe pair invested £3.6million into the club in Bitcoin and became co-owners with McCormack.McCormack believes that the investment can help propel the club up the football ladder.He claims that the pair are worth much more than Wrexham’s Hollywood owners, Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.He said: “I think Wrexham’s goal is the Premier League and they are up to League One now and they are backed by Ryan Reynolds and his wealth, but Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss are worth twenty times his net wealth and there are two of them.”He has revealed that the aim of the club is to reach the EFL in the next decade.He added: “The short-term goal was always football league for the men’s side in ten years.”If we go up this year, that will be three promotions in three years, leaving us with three left to do in seven years, and I think that is ambitious, but we think we can do that.”The clubs are still “waiting to hear back” from the FA and Southern League to approve the merger.It would then be decided where the club would be placed in the football pyramid.The legal agreement for the merger must be signed off by the end of March so it can be ready for the 2025/26 season.Bedford Town FC director Jon Taylor has released a statement on the potential merger of the two clubs.He has admitted that joining the clubs could “create something special”.He said: “As someone who has been deeply involved with Bedford Town FC for many years, I am incredibly proud of our club’s rich history and the role it has played in our community.”This proposed merger represents a unique opportunity to build on that legacy and take football in Bedford to the next level.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I understand that this news may raise questions or concerns for our loyal supporters.”However, I truly believe that by combining the heritage and passion of Bedford Town with the innovation and commercial success of Real Bedford, we can create something special.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Inside glamorous life of Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend Ashlyn, who was linked with another sports ace and Hollywood star

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      MODEL beauty Ashlyn Castro has turned Jude Bellingham’s head – and already charmed his parents. The American influencer, 27, has enjoyed a string of dates with the Three Lions hero in Madrid. Ashlyn Castro is dating England superstar Jude BellinghamCredit: instagramThe stunning American model hails from Los Angeles, CaliforniaCredit: instagramThe 27-year-old regularly updates her thousands of followers from locations around the worldCredit: instagramBellingham and Ashlyn were snapped enjoying a lunch date in MadridCredit: BackGridAshlyn and Bellingham were snapped heading for a lunch date in the Spanish capital earlier this week. It came after she watched the Real Madrid star from a private box at the Bernabeu alongside his parents Denise, 56, and dad Mark, 48.A model and influencer, Ashlyn hails from Los Angeles, California. She has been linked with a string of A-listers in recent years, including Creed actor Michael B. Jordan.READ MORE ON BELLINGHAMThe pair were rumoured to be dating after cosying up on the French Riviera in 2018.Jordan and Ashlyn were snapped dancing the night away as the pair swigged from bottles of champagne at a St. Tropez club.A year later, she denied online whispers she was dating basketball star LaMelo Ball.The rumour mill went into overdrive after one of Ashlyn’s followers congratulated her on the apparent relationship.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCastro originally liked the comment but later confirmed it was a mistake, insisting she was just friends with the NBA star.Ashlyn enjoys the jet-setting lifestyle and shares her worldwide travels to 154,000 Instagram fans. Fans hail ‘agent Jude Bellingham’ as England star is spotted with Real Madrid transfer target in nightclubWhile her bikini-clad snaps from beaches around the world have amassed thousands of admirers. She has recently posted snaps from high-end eateries in New York, LA and Madrid.The influencer is also a big hit on TikTok, posting regular makeup tutorials and amassing over 1 million likes.Despite her globetrotting lifestyle online, Ashlyn likes to keep her personal life away from the spotlight.After tragically losing her father to Covid in 2021, she wrote on Instagram in a moving tribute: “I’ve never been one to share anything too personal on [social media].”I keep the people I love most closest to my heart, I want to protect them at all costs.”Ashlyn regularly posts content from cities around the worldCredit: instagramBellingham and the influencer have exchanged likes on their respective social mediaCredit: instagramAshlyn boasts over 150,000 followers on Instagram aloneCredit: instagramShe is also active on TikTok, giving makeup tutorials and fashion adviceCredit: instagramCastro watched Bellingham play from a private box at the Bernabeu in midweekCredit: instagramAshlyn grew up in Los Angeles and has previously been linked with Michael B. JordanCredit: instagramBellingham, 21, has been dubbed one of the world’s most eligible bachelors.In the space of four years, the Stourbridge native went from playing in the Championship with Birmingham to lifting the Champions League trophy with Real. He penned a monster £70million contract after joining Real from Dortmund in a £115m deal.Bellingham and England teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold went on holiday to LA after last summer’s Euros.Shortly after, he and Castro began exchanging likes on their respective Instagram pages.The £220,000-a-week midfielder split from Ghanaian model Asantewa Chitty in 2023.He was linked with a “completely smitten” Laura Celia Valk last summer.But the Dutch beauty has since confirmed she is single in a recent Q&A with fans.Bellingham has settled into life in the Spanish capital, living in the exclusive La Finca neighbourhood alongside a host of A-list stars.Properties fetch up to £11million in the area, which offers the privacy that Bellingham craves.Jude’s teammate Kylian Mbappe has also bought in the district, which is guarded by round-the-clock security and infrared cameras.Bellingham’s mum Denise moved over with her boy to get him adjusted to life in Spain. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe explained: “My mum is there to just keep everything neutral really. “Without my mum, sometimes I’d get too low with the lows or too high with the highs and I stay pretty humble because I’ve got her around.”Bellingham has become a superstar since switching Dortmund for Real MadridCredit: Getty More

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      Eric Cantona kung-fu kick was crazy… but Premier League stars are now sterile, boring robot clones – let them be human

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      THIRTY years on from Eric Cantona’s kung-fu kick and I can remember it like it was yesterday.I was allowed to watch the highlights the following morning as a six-year-old.Eric Cantona was given his marching orders at Crystal Palace 30 years agoCredit: PAThe Frenchman was goaded by a fan and sensationally karate kicked himCredit: REXThe outrageous incident is still one of the craziest in Premier League historyCredit: AFPIt was just crazy, wasn’t it?After being red-carded at Crystal Palace, the Manchester United maverick copped abuse from home fans as he walked off.His response? He launched himself at one of his tormentors.If anything, Cantona became an even bigger superstar because of it, single-handedly taking the recently formed Premier League to another level in terms of the drama and theatre of it all.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSIt’s infamous. Do you know how angry you’ve got to be to do that?I’m an angry person and during my career I thought about smacking an abusive fan in the stands but never had the guts to do it.And yet here was Cantona – one of the best we have ever seen in the Premier League era, in English football – and he just snapped.I can safely say we will never see anything like that in football again.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSEric Canto’s infamous karate kick was indefensibleCredit: PAIn principle, that is a good thing.You can’t behave like that on a football pitch, no matter how much abuse you’re receiving from supporters – whether racial, homophobic or just downright horrible.Ruben Amorim celebrates Man Utd’s 2-1 win over Rangers We don’t want to see people being assaulted, just like we didn’t want to see Paolo Di Canio at Sheffield Wednesday shove referee Paul Alcock to the ground, in 1998.But there is a part of me that thinks we have gone too far the other way.The players in the Prem now are almost like robots.Why shouldn’t they be able to react like a human, within reason?Instead, they come across as incredibly restrained, watered down, so much so that the game can be a bit sterile.It’s all about preserving the ­business side of things as opposed to entertainment and shock and awe.I used to love watching ‘Premier League Years’, a programme on Sky looking back at old seasons.Paolo Di Canio was banned for shoving a refereeCredit: Sky SportsYou see some of the more recent ones now and even the celebrations are boring.We haven’t got personalities any more … a Cantona, a Di Canio, a Paul Gascoigne.That maverick, rough-around-the-edges type who can make a mistake but we don’t kill them for it.Cantona was rightly criticised and punished for his actions, serving a nine-month ban, but it was also right for him to be welcomed back once he had done his time.Can you imagine if a Prem player did a ­similar thing now?Their career would be over, discarded for good, sponsorship deals ripped up, left in the gutter, labelled a criminal, an animal.In the modern game, there has to be a balance, to encourage individuality without crossing a line.Otherwise, we will just be watching 11 clones against another 11 clones every season.We seem to put massive pressure on players to be perfect in everything they do but no one is perfect.We see so many examples even today of fans going out of their way to discriminate against and antagonise players.This week alone, a teenager has been banned for three years for making racist gestures at a Peterborough match last year.And another has been arrested and released on bail after the wife of Arsenal star Kai Havertz received horrific messages on Instagram.Declan Rice was pelted with plastic cups and other missiles during Arsenal’s Champions League win over Dinamo Zagreb in midweek.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd yet it is footballers who are constantly being told NOT to react.That is not what made the Premier League the best in the world, on and off the pitch.Players are in danger of becoming robots, Troy Deeney believesCredit: REX More

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      Milos Kerkez spends summers fishing in the woods and could be Liverpool’s biggest catch with best pal already at club

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      MILOS KERKEZ spends his summers fishing in the woods, but might just be the Premier League’s biggest catch at the end of the season.The eye-catching Bournemouth left-back has been a huge success story on the south coast and has attracted interest from Premier League leaders Liverpool.Milos Kerkez is on Liverpool’s radarCredit: GettyKerez has been a stand out full-back with Bournemouth this seasonCredit: Instagram / miloskerkezofficialThe Serbian-born defender is unlike any character they have seen at Dean CourtCredit: RexKerkez scored the final goal of Bournemouth’s 4-1 demolition of Newcastle at St James’ Park last weekCredit: GettyWhile the Cherries are refusing to sell to anyone this month, there is an expectation that they will bank an almighty profit on the fiery full-back they signed for £14million.Kerkez is a bundle of energy on the pitch and around his teammates.The Serbian-born defender is unlike any character they have seen at Dean Court and is often making the most noise in the dressing room.But that has not come as a surprise given that, when former club AZ Alkmaar qualified for the Europa Conference League he somehow found a megaphone and started celebrating with the fans.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFrom day one the Cherries knew they had a livewire on their hands.Kerkez’s father once revealed that his son can be a difficult character to manage, but boss Andoi Iraola has managed to harness that spirit.The 21-year-old is a constant menace with pace and energy to burn down the left – but still holds a passion for big challenges at the back.It is the ideal mix for any manager in the Premier League.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Kerkez’s sporting talent has been clear from an early age.Initially he wanted to be a professional swimmer before making the decision to go with football at the age of eight, playing in the streets with his two older brothers.Prince William plays football with teens – but barely gets in a touchKerkez is a big character in the Bournemouth dressing roomCredit: GettyThe full-back found a megaphone and started celebrating with the fans at AZ Alkmaar back in 2022Credit: GettyBrother Marko, three years older than Milos, plays professionally for Partizan Belgrade back in Serbia.Having decided to go with football as his pursuit, Kerkez bounced around a number of clubs in his youth.He spent time with local side Vrbas in Serbia before spells in Austria and Hungary with Rapid Vienna, Hodmezovasarhelyi and Gyor.But at 17 things went up a step when Paolo Maldini called.The Italian great, then AC Milan’s sporting director, got in touch to say how much he admired Kerkez and reportedly flew out in a private jet to secure his signature.Kerkez joined the Milan academy for a year and spent time training with the first team.He had no real desire to leave Hungary or Gyor at that time, but could not say no to one of the greatest defenders of all time rolling out the red carpet.Kerez joined the Milan academy for a year in 2021Credit: GettyWhile with Milan’s academy he would face Liverpool youth sides in European games which featured Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah.But despite the plush surroundings of Milan’s Milanello training base, and everything he learned in 12 months there, Kerkez took the decision to move again.AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands were showing an interest and he knew a move there would mean matches – and what a decision it has proved.After just one season in the Eredivisie and Europa Conference League with Alkmaar, bigger clubs came calling again.Lazio and Benfica were both interested in deals, with the Portuguese side thinking they had an agreement in place.But Bournemouth beat them all to it and are now reaping the rewards.Kerkez arrived in the sleepy south coast town aged just 19 and was asked to step into a Prem game straight away following injury to Lloyd Kelly.Iraola knew it was a lot for such a young player, and things did not always go to plan – with wingers played at left-back ahead of him at times during that first term.The Cherries boss worked closely with Kerkez to improve his focus and tactical nous and the young defender credits Iraola with the huge steps he has taken this season.Kerkez credits Iraola with the huge steps he has taken this seasonCredit: ReutersKerkez is best pals with Liverpool star Dominik SzoboszlaiCredit: GettyWhile his career path has been hectic and nomadic, and looks set for another big step in the summer, Kerkez’s down time is often much more relaxed.He likes to leave his phone behind and head off camping and fishing in Serbia with close friends.That might become rather more difficult if he starts spending his weekends bombing up and down the flanks at Anfield.He told The Guardian: “I’ll be alone in a house, maybe with one friend, chill there, chop wood, make fire, camp, fish, that’s it, no phone.”People want you to focus on football, but you need something else because when you come back you’re even more motivated.”His close friendship with Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai could push him towards the league leaders if they come calling again.Szoboszlai called Kerkez his best pal in the Prem and the pair both played for Hungary at Euros 2024.The youngster is also well-known Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, who signed him for Bournemouth.Szoboszlai commented on Kerkez’s social media post after he scored the final goal in Bournemouth’s 4-1 demolition of Newcastle last Saturday.READ MORE SUN STORIESSzoboszlai replied to his compatriot with: “Yes my son ❤”. Kerkez also recently followed Luiz Diaz on Instagram.The left-back has flourished under Andoi IraolaCredit: Getty More

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      Former Premier League star, 41, makes major career change after retirement as he becomes professional cyclist

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      FORMER Premier League star Jelle van Damme has swapped pitches for pedals by becoming a PROFESSIONAL CYCLIST.The Belgian defender spent two years on Southampton’s books, making nine appearances.Jelle van Damme has switched football for professional cyclingCredit: AlamyVan Damme retired from football in 2020 after a brief stint in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty Images – GettyVan Damme moved to the Premier League for SouthamptonCredit: Getty Images – GettyVan Damme also played for Wolves during his 22-year careerCredit: Getty Images – GettyVan Damme, 41, later played six times for Wolves in late 2010 – scoring once.Capped 31 times by his country, his other clubs include Ajax, Anderlecht, Standard Liege and LA Galaxy. He retired in 2020.Van Damme has since built his amateur interest in cycling up to professional levels – training alongside Belgian superstar Greg van Avermaet.And he plans to compete in a series of events, including Unbound – the World Cup of gravel cycling – in the US later this year.Read More on FootballHe said: “If I could have my time over again I would set out to be a racing cyclist – despite all I have experienced in football.”I think I would succeed given my mindset and personality. I always compare myself to [Belgian pro] Tim Declercq.”I’m not someone who looks to win the races, but a good ‘servant’ who helps my teammates achieve the best possible finish.”My passion for the sport has grown. I have taken on a coach, and I now have full sponsorship.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusives”I want to peak this year at the Unbound event in the US.”I began cycling with my brothers and nephews, doing 40-50km rides, but now I can do 120km distances.Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City star”Just like in football, I can suffer on the bike. I can break down, but I’ll recover quickly. As an athlete I will want more when I see that I’m getting better.”I can be a right bastard at times. I was like that as a footballer, and I’m the same now when I get on my bike.”I think I can ride well, and when I’m in a peloton I am not afraid to throw myself around.”My family group calls me Kamikaze, as I’ll go from zero to flying round bends at top speed.”Once an athlete, always an athlete.”Van Damme was a flop at Southampton, with the Saints relegated at the end of his one full season.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe went on loan to Germans Werder Bremen before returning home to win five trophies with Anderlecht.The Brussels club sold him to Wolves for £2.5million in 2010. However Van Damme failed to settle at Molineux, and left for Standard Liege after just six months.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      ‘Devoted’ football fan, 63, suddenly died at ground while watching his favourite team as heartbreaking tributes pour in

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      A DEVOTED football fan has died suddenly at the ground while watching his favourite team play.Heartbreaking tributes are pouring in for Alec Lumb, 63, a fierce Pompey supporter and “proud” Royal Navy veteran. Alec suddenly died at the ground while watching his favourite teamCredit: GofundmeThe ‘caring’ dad was a Pompey supporter since the age of eight when his dad took him to his first football matchCredit: FacebookFlowers and cards have since been laid by the statue of former footy player Jimmie Dickinson in memory of the dadCredit: RexAlec, from Gospel, Hampshire, tragically died of what is believed to have been a heart attack at the Portsmouth and Middlesbrough game on Saturday, January 18.The family man was described as “very caring” and a “lovely person”, who would always help people out whenever he could. Portsmouth Football Club honoured the fan with a photo of him up on the big screen and a note which said: “Remembering Alec Lumb”.This was followed by a round of applause by the whole stadium.Read more on SportA fellow fan and friend posted: “Alec Lumb what a send off… and the boys did you proud on the pitch for the second time in five days… “I held it together for the minute’s applause but when the players ran over to Sharon Jayne after scoring the second the tears were welling up for you.”Flowers and cards have since been laid by the statue of former footy player Jimmie Dickinson in memory of the dad. His partner of 15 years Sharon said she noticed Alec was slumped in his seat when the players came out onto the pitch.Most read in FootballShe quickly performed CPR on him and alerted paramedics to the incident. Players stopped the game and signalled to the referee and medical staff who treated Alec in the stand.But despite everyone’s best efforts Alec tragically passed away soon after.The cause of death hasn’t been confirmed but the family believe it was due to cardiac arrest. He left behind Sharon, his daughters Hannah and Rebecca, step-daughters Lauren and Shannon – and brother and sister, Ian and Sue. Sue said the family were incredibly touched by the support they’ve received, which has included a whopping £8,900 in donations.Despite the emotional turmoil of losing her elder brother she said she took comfort in the fact he died doing what he loved.Shortly before the game he posted on Facebook about his excitement.She told The News: “He was in his favourite place when it happened. I saw his post on Facebook that he was at the match and that was probably the last thing he ever wrote. He was so pleased to be there.”Alec’s devotion to Pompey began when his dad started taking him to games at the age of eight. The passion for his football team was so strong, his whole family began supporting Pompey too.The 63-year-old dad was also a Navy veteran, having served for 25 years.Sue, who works at Navy HQ, recalled her emotional first day back at work, as lots of people shared fond memories of her brother.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn their heartwarming tributes, colleagues referred to Alec as a caring and lovely man, adding he would always help others. Sue said: “Loads of people came up to give me hugs, It’s a good job I had a box of tissues on my desk.”Portsmouth Football Club honoured the fan with a photo of him up on the big screenCredit: Rex More

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      Arsene Wenger changed my life with two-minute meeting and life lesson – I’ll never forget that conversation

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      EMMANUEL PETIT has revealed the major impact a brief training ground conversation with Arsene Wenger had on the rest of his life.Wenger brought his fellow Frenchman to Arsenal in the summer of 1997 from his former club Monaco for a fee of £2.5million.Arsene Wenger brought Emmanuel Petit to Arsenal along with Marc Overmars in the summer of 1997Credit: PAWenger knew his country from his time in charge of MonacoCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDA conversation he had with a teenager Petit still lives in the retired midfielder’s memoryCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDThe pair, however, were already well acquainted as Wenger handed the defensive midfielder his professional debut with the Ligue 1 club.A teenage Petit shone in that match against then big boys Sochaux but cut a dejected figure in training the following day.Sensing something was up, Wenger pulled him for a chat – in which he gave the future France star a life lesson he’d never forget.During an appearance on That Peter Crouch podcast, Petit said: “After that game, I was man of the match but the following day at the training session, it was a beautiful day on Sunday morning, and I was not happy at all.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”And I was very quiet, I didn’t talk to anyone. I knew I did something good the day before but for my first game, I should’ve been proud of it.”But I was not happy at all and he asked me to have a meeting with him for a couple of minutes on the pitch.”And he looked at me and he said, ‘Manu, if you want to discover what kind of player you can be on the pitch, you must discover what kind of human being you want to be in this world.'”And he said, ‘If you are able to open your eyes, you will see the beautiful things in the world. Most read in SportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”There is not always bad things in the world.”‘There are beautiful people and beautiful things. You just have to see and to look at [them] the right way.Football fans say ‘I’m dying of cringe’ as Arsene Wenger DANCES on stage at live Fifa Club World Cup draw”So he taught me lessons, but he was supporting me all the time.”And he looked at me and he said, ‘That’s why I want you to go outside after the game.”‘I want you to socialise with people to open your heart and your mind to people and you will discover the world is bigger than what you think in your head.'”So I said, ‘Why are you asking [this] from me?’ He said, ‘I want you to go to nightclubs, I want you to have drinks.”‘I want you to see girls or boys whatever you want. “‘I want you to live your life to understand what kind of guy you can become and then I can help you to become a better player.’Emmanuel Petit will never forget that conversation he had with Arsene WengerCredit: REUTERS”So I said, ‘Gaffer, you ask me to go t nightclubs?’ So he said, ‘I trust you because we know everything behind players.”‘We don’t have a spy at the club. We know because it’s a small town. We know exactly what’s going on in Monaco.”‘And we know that every single when you finish your training session you go back home.”‘Every time you finish the game you go back home. You don’t have a life. You live alone in the dark.'”READ MORE SUN STORIESPetit would go on to make 118 appearances for Arsenal over a three-season period, in which he won the double with the North Londoners in the 1997/98 season.He’d also make 63 appearances for his country, whom he scored for in a successful 1998 World Cup final against Brazil. More