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      Eberechi Eze was rejected by SIX teams including Arsenal as fans admit ‘absolute stinker in hindsight’

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      CRYSTAL PALACE star Eberechi Eze revealed SIX clubs rejected the chance to sign him before his Selhurst Park heroics.Eze, 25, has shone bright in the Premier League with Palace in the last four years and has amassed a total of seven goals and four assists in 26 appearances this season.Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze was rejected by six clubs, including ArsenalCredit: GettyEze now commands an asking price in the region of £70mCredit: GettyEze was also turned down by Fulham, Sunderland, Bristol City, Reading and MillwallThe versatile forward’s impressive appearances have attracted interest from some of the Prem’s biggest clubs, such as Manchester City and Tottenham, ahead of the summer transfer window.And he could go for as much as £70million.However, the two-cap England star wasn’t so spoiled for choice earlier in his career.When starting out as a kid, Eze dealt with a series of rejections from various different teams, including Arsenal.Read More on FootballThe Gunners scouted the attacking midfielder in 2006, when he was playing for Sunday League outfit Bruin at the age of eight.The North Londoners signed the youngster, only to release him as a teenager.And that wasn’t the end of the rejection for Eze.Speaking to the Second Tier Podcast, Eze recalled: “So I started at Bruin, that’s a Sunday League team.Most read in FootballGobsmacked Jurgen Klopp appears to mouth three-letter response as Eze scores Crystal Palace winner at Liverpool”Was there for maybe half a year before getting scouted by a few teams like Arsenal, Chelsea – more London-based teams.”I decided to go to Arsenal, was there for maybe five years, played there then got released.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”Went to Fulham for two-and-a-half years or so, got released from there.”Went to Reading for half a year, got released from there. The went to Millwall for my scholar, was there for two years then got released from there.”Went on trial to a few teams afterwards. Went to Sunderland, went to Bristol City, got released from there – well not released, but didn’t get in.”Then, thankfully to God, I got signed by QPR. They gave me a year contract.”Worked for maybe three or four months, got offered a new contract and from there started to grow, started to get better and improve, play first-team football and from there I got a move to Palace.”Fans couldn’t believe how their favourite clubs missed out on such a talent like Eze, who is poised to make a big money move soon with his Palace contract running until 2027.Eze’s asking priceReports suggest the Eagles won’t let their star man go for less than £70m, especially after he dealt a crushing blow to Liverpool’s title chances by scoring the winner on Sunday’s 1-0 victory at Anfield.One supporter tweeted: “It is MAD how many teams rejected Eberechi Eze.”Another commented: “Can’t forgive Sunderland for this one, absolute stinker in hindsight.”A third wrote: “The thought of Eze and [Palace team-mate Michael] Olise in the same #ReadingFC side is frightening.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThis fan said: “@SunderlandAFC f**k sake lads, dropped a right b*****k there.”And that one pleaded: “Come home to Arsenal.”Eze has stood out in the Premier League these past four years More

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      I cried after conceding 31 goals in heaviest ever Fifa defeat but now I’ve had film made about me by Rita Ora’s husband

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      GOALKEEPER Nicky Salapu has swapped the pain of a 31-0 defeat for the fame of a cult movie – 23 years later.The American Samoa player, 43, was in tears when Australia racked up a record international win in 2001.Nicky Salapu shows the agony as yet another goal flies past the keeper in American Samoa’s record 31-0 loss vs Australia in 2001Credit: AP:Associated PressMovie director Taika Waititi, seen with wife Rita Ora, made Next Goal Wins, a fictional film about the American Samoa teamCredit: GettySalapu looks back on his career with dignity now, having also made the American Samoa squad for the 2023 Pacific Games last DecemberCredit: GettyBut he cried with redemption a decade later when the “world’s worst team” finally registered a victory.Now he’s one of the central figures portrayed in Next Goal Wins – a fictional film from Hollywood A-list director Michael Fassbender, the husband of singer Rita Ora.Looking trim and fit, Salapu still gets stopped in the streets and asked about a loss that was unique for much more than just the scoreline.His international team were forced into a frenzied search for players ahead of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers when Fifa ruled that squad members must have an American passport.READ MORE TOP STORIESThree 15-year-olds were among the youngsters hastily called up, meaning an average age of 18 and Salapu being a wise old head at 20.He told the BBC’S Sporting Witness podcast: “We had to find anyone in two weeks. We ended up selecting kids from high school.”And after his side opened with three heavy defeats – 13-0 to Fifi, 8-0 vs Samoa and 5-0 to Tonga – Salapu was upset Australia went full out.He even claimed, had he been the Socceroos’ coach, he would have told his players to score 20 times then “keep possession until the game is over”.Most read in FootballYet that miserable mauling is no longer the main reason the story of American Samoa football is now so well-known.Dutchman Thomas Rongen became coach in 2011, sparking incredible progress that was shared to a wider audience in a 2014 documentary, Next Goal Wins, and retold in a movie of the same name last year.Rita Ora ditches her underwear in racy see-through Met Gala dress with husband Taika WaititiThe peak arrived when American Samoa followed 38 loses in a row by launching their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-1 triumph over Tonga.Salapu said: “That was the first time I ever cried in soccer since 2001 against Australia.” But his footballing story is not yet over – as he made the American Samoa squad for the Pacific Games last DecemberAnd son Dylan plays for their Under-17s team in midfield.A far cry from 2001 when such a pedigree would have made him a veteran of their senior side…Team-mate Young Im Min consoles Salapu during the 31-0 maulingCredit: GettySalapu suffered the low point of his playing career vs AustraliaCredit: GettyWaititi and Ora are a well-known glam couple in the entertainment worldCredit: Getty More

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      Inside controversial football team who have won every game in their history but are still denied Guinness World Record

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      A FOOTBALL team have been denied the Guinness World Record for successive top-flight victories.Welsh minnows The New Saints clocked up 27 straight wins back in 2016 but recently saw that stunning feat eclipsed.Big-spending Al-Hilal got their name in the book of Guinness World RecordsCredit: ReutersArkadag FC have won every competitive game in their entire historyCredit: AFPSaudi side Al-Hilal, who have former Premier League stars Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ruben Neves in their ranks as well as the injured Neymar, extended that to 34 last month.However, in Turkmenistan in central Asia, Arkadag FC have won every competitive game in their entire history since they were created a year ago.They lifted the Turkmenistan title in December after recording a whopping 72 points from 24 games.They also had seven cup wins too and have six already this term, taking their tally to 37.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut despite that incredible run, the official record still remains over a thousand miles away in the Saudi Pro League.And a spokesperson for Guinness World Records explained the reason why to the Guardian. They said: “There’s relatively little detail available for the Turkmenistan league, less than we want for the kind of due diligence we carry out in our research for this and similar records.“This may also be indicative of a level of governance and competition under what we’d ordinarily look for as well.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“All this being considered, we have confirmed Al-Hilal as the record holder.”Despite having a 6.5m population, the isolated Turkmenistan is one of the most secretive countries on the planet.Eight bizarre football rules you may not knowAnd the way that Arkadag were created could also be a hurdle.Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, the president of Turkmenistan from 2006 to 2022, loved his ‘Arkadag’ nickname, which translated means ‘hero protector’.Prior to handing over power to his son, Serdar, he ordered a city to be built at the cost of $5bn which was named Arkadag.That has a population of 70,000 and in 2023 the football team was created with the best players in the country all signing for them.The league’s transfer window was extended in order to help them secure the influx of stars.They ended their maiden campaign with +66 goal difference – and it is already at +30 after just six games of this term.This fresh report states that Berdymukhamedov is desperate to somehow get his new city into the Guinness World Records somehow.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd he allegedly believes that once they start competing in Asian competitions then it will be impossible for them to continue to be ignored.And, of course, that could also see them eventually go head-to-head with rivals Al-Hilal in a match that could equate to someone’s 0 having to go. More

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      I was a Premier League star who played more than 500 games – but now I’m a COP armed with gun & driving fast cars

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      A PREMIER League star who has more than 500 games under his belt is now an armed cop who enforces the law.The 54-year-old made a half-century of appearances for five different English clubs across his career from 1995 to 2008.A former Premier League star has left football behind for a life as a copCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe Dutch former star now spends his days solving crimes and catching crooksCredit: YouTubeThe defender competing for the ball against Thierry Henry back in 2004Credit: GettyBut the Dutch footballer has since returned back to his native country as a police officer specialising in forensics.The ex-Prem defender now spends his time catching crooks instead of chasing down strikers.Arjan de Zeeuw, who is best known in England for his spell at Wigan Athletic, has even claimed that his new job is filled with “fast cars and guns”.In a 2020 podcast hosted by his former Latics team-mate Emmerson Boyce, De Zeeuw revealed that he is now living a “boys’ dream”. Read More in FootballHe said: “I still work with the Dutch police force, believe it not as an inspector, or detective as you call it.”Having a medical degree, my first idea was to become a doctor, but at the time the Dutch police were looking for people with higher education to do a fast-track course into the police force.”It sounded a little bit like a boys’ dream – being in fast cars and having a gun and all that stuff and I realised it was still going to take me a long time to become a doctor, whereas it was a much quicker route into the police force.”He continued: “I realised that I loved playing football so much that I didn’t not want to play it and be on the side of the pitch all the time.Most read in Football”I realised I didn’t want to be on the football pitch not playing football, so I thought no, I’m not going to do all the badges and go into management.”I’m just going to get completely out of football altogether.”De Zeeuw hung up his boots in 2009 with ADO ’20 after making a mere 12 appearances. I’m a former Premier League striker but now I’m a COP – I spend my days solving crimes & catching crooksHis stint at Coventry City the year before didn’t quite pan out due to nagging injuries preventing him from securing a regular spot in the Championship side.De Zeeuw is also still into football and manages Vitesse 22 in the Dutch non-league.Back in 2005 he earned a stunning tribute from the then-British Prime Minister Tony Blair.Newcastle fan Blair went on the BBC’s Football Focus to pick out three Prem players – England striker Teddy Sheringham, Fulham stylist Steed Malbranque and De Zeeuw.Blair lasted another two years as PM while the Dutchman carried on playing until 2009, bowing out after a season with Dutch side ADO’20.And Blair said of him: “He’s really strong, never gives up. I could do with him at the whips’ office!”However, before starting his playing career, he completed a degree in medical science, which he is now putting to use in his investigative work.Police work is like football, it’s still very much a team effort.”Arjan De Zeuuw, 54In 2014, he told BBC Sport: “I was looking at something else other than football.”I’ve been in football that long and I thought I just need to look at the world a bit more.”So I tried to get back into my medical studies and I bumped into a friend of mine who was a detective in Alkmaar, where we are now.”Arjan continued: “It’s challenging. The good thing is it’s like football, it’s still very much a team effort.”You’ll hardly ever solve a crime on your own.”However, despite leaving the beautiful game behind as a career, he’s still joined up with the force’s team, who he generously described as “energetic”.He joked: “You have to be careful for your legs with these.”On top of that, he plays for the police’s national team, who qualified for the European final that year.Discussing how his footie skills have kept up, he chuckled: “I’m lacking a bit of speed and a little bit of touch, but the competitive edge is still there.”It’s possible he was just being modest though as he also recalled how his training came in handy when chasing down a suspect.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe ex-Prem defender outlasted him for stamina and made the arrest.He laughed: “I had enough pace to keep up.”Former football stars with interesting jobs
      Mathieu Flamini
      Arsenal’s combative midfielder Flamini, 40, went from pro footballer to environmental entrepreneur as co-founder of GF Biochemicals.
      The company is estimated to be worth £21billion thanks to its ability to mass-produce levulinic acid, which is a fuel made from plant waste that can be used in the creation of plastics.
      Asamoah Gyan
      Better known for his stunning 51-goal haul for Ghana than his two-year spell at Sunderland, the World Cup semi-finalist is on course for a very comfortable retirement.
      Gyan’s business ventures in airlines, real estate, bottled water, boxing promotion, petrol stations and rice and noodles means his net worth is about £17million.
      Robbie Fowler
      Liverpool’s goalscoring legend hung up his shooting boots seven years ago but had already been building a sustainable income away from football long before then.
      He is involved in horse-racing and has owned a sports promotion company since the 1990s.
      But real estate is where Fowler shines as he reportedly owns more than 100 properties and has a net worth of more than £30m.
      Thomas Gravesen
      The Danish hardman delighted Everton fans with his take-no-prisoners approach on the pitch but stopped playing at the age of 32.
      He went on to amass a tidy fortune through clever investments and then boosted his pot up to £100m through poker winnings in Las Vegas. 
      Gravesen, 48, now works back in Denmark as a TV pundit.

      De Zeuuw says he still enjoys playing football from time to timeCredit: BBCDe Zeuuw made over 500 appearances for five different English clubs between 1995 and 2008Credit: Getty More

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      I was a football champion but quit to be a Buddhist monk – I packed everything up for a simpler life in Thailand

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      A FORMER football gave up the sport he loved to become a Buddhist monk in Thailand.Kevin Lidin played in Italy’s Serie C for Paganese Calcio 1926 and AC Pisa after playing in his native Sweden during his youth.Kevin Lidin quit football to become a monkCredit: InstagramHe now lives in Thailand where he is a Buddhist monkCredit: InstagramThe former midfielder won the Serie C play-offs with AC Pisa in 2019Credit: InstagramLidin, right, is a big proponent of yogaCredit: InstagramLidin teaches about the importance of giving backCredit: InstagramHe even managed to get his hands on a trophy during his time at Pisa, winning the Serie C play-offs with Pisa in 2019.But injuries forced Lidin to retire in 2021 so he decided to quit his flash lifestyle, which included trips to Dubai, in favour of becoming a monk.He began to go on meditation retreats to Thailand and took up yoga, becoming an instructor in tourist hotspot Ko Pha-ngan.The Swede even modelled for clothing brand Teddy Stratford last year and quit alcohol in his pursuit of finding “true happiness”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLidin believes that can be found by not intoxicating oneself and not overconsuming on “easy products” like social media or unhealthy foods.He advises his almost 11,000 Instagram followers not to be impressed by money, degrees and titles and to instead mediate and take control of their physical health.Lidin wrote last year: “In 2021 my professional football career ended due to injuries.”I started to ask myself what happiness is and what the purpose of life is.Most read in FootballFootballers who became priests/monks

      Taribo West – Nigeria and Inter Milan star became a pastor and found his own church called ‘Shelter in the Storm Miracle Ministries of All Nation’
      Philip Mulryne – Ex-Man Utd, became a Catholic priest
      Gavin Peacock – Played for Chelsea and Newcastle before becoming a pastor in Canada
      Bruce Dyer – Ex-Crystal Palace star and first £1million teenager. He became a pastor and set up the evangelical fellowship ‘Love Life UK Church’
      Alan Comfort – Ex-Leyton Orient, became a CofE reverend
      Chase Hilgenbrinck – Ex-MLS star became a Catholic priest

      BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”Most people will never ask themselves this question, the ones who do often believe that becoming financially free or famous will mak them happy. “After studying the science of happiness, becoming a moink and practising yoga I found the answer of what happiness is. I learned how to get it and how to keep it.”Above all he teaches people to “not take life too seriously”, while he still finds time for his first love football by incorporating a ball into his yoga exercises.Lidin, right, also teaches people how to reach happinessCredit: InstagramHe quit football in 2021 due to injuriesCredit: Instagram More

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      Inside Wrexham’s wild dressing room celebrations as stars scoff Madri on pitch and Ryan Reynolds reduced to tears

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      WREXHAM stars wildly celebrated achieving promotion to League One.The Welsh club completed their second promotion in as many years with a thumping 6-0 win over Forest Green Rovers.Wrexham stars were guzzling beer after gaining promotionCredit: X @Wrexham_AFCThe celebrations continued into the dressing roomCredit: X @Wrexham_AFCPlayers sang promotion songsCredit: X @Wrexham_AFCMore beer was sprayed by the players in the changing roomCredit: X @Wrexham_AFCRob McElhenney (L) and Ryan Reynolds (R) both took to social media to celebrateCredit: AFPWrexham have accumulated 82 points and to seal one of the three promotion spots in League Two.Stockport have also earned their spot in England’s third tier for next season, and need one more win to secure the title.But second place is more than enough for the Red Dragons, who went ahead through Elliot Lee before star man Paul Mullin doubled the lead.Forest Green defender Ryan Inniss put through his own net to make it three and Mullin struck again before half-time.READ MORE WREXHAM NEWSWith the result in the bag, Ryan Barnett and Jack Marriott rounded off the scoring to make it an emphatic six.While the dominant victory on its own was not enough to achieve promotion, MK Dons’ 4-1 defeat at the hands of Mansfield meant Wrexham’s League One spot was confirmed.And, at full-time, party mode was activated as stars could be seen celebrating on the pitch.Lee was one of the stars that could be seen scoffing a bottle of Madri lager on the pitch.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSManager Phil Parkinson was serenaded by fans as he lapped the pitch applauding.The rest of his team-mates joined him as they sprayed the beer in jubilation.Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson soaks up applause after winning promotion to League OneThe celebrations continued into the dressing room as the team was filmed singing “We are going up” with more beer being sprayed.Co-owner and Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds took to social media following the result.Reynolds admitted that he was in “tears of joy” at the promotion.He posted: “A few years ago, if you told me I would be crying tears of joy over a football match taking place in North Wales, you would be Rob McElhenney.”Congrats to Wrexham and to my co-chairman in crime. Double up the town! This is the ride of our lives.”He continued: “My soul feels like it’s left my body.”Unbelievable moment for the town, the club and the hundreds of people behind the scenes doing the hard stuff.”While co-owner Rob McElhenney also tweeted after the result as he wrote: “No words.”Last year, Wrexham won promotion from the National League and the players were rewarded with a trip to Las Vegas.The club’s highest finish in the English Football League was 7th in Division Two in 1998.How Ryan Reynolds has been watching Wrexham games in styleCO-OWNER Ryan Reynolds hasn’t been able to make it to Wrexham in recent weeks due to filming commitments.
      But that hasn’t stopped him from watching his team in style.
      Streaming the match on a laptop or even a TV was not grand enough for the Deadpool star as he worked on the set of his latest movie.
      With a giant green screen behind him, he could not resist broadcasting Wrexham’s recent game on to the huge projector.
      Reynolds and his crew watched on as the Welsh side notched their 23rd win of the season against Crawley Town.
      He looked enamoured as the game played on behind him while surrounding by various pieces of Hollywood machinery.
      And Reynolds captioned the moment: “Watching the Wrexham game at work: new level unlocked.”
      It’s not clear what project Reynolds was working on at the time, with the actor currently developing several new movies including sequels to smash hits Free Guy and Red Notice. More

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      My Ballon d’Or winning ex-husband was too perfect so I divorced him reveals stunning model who married superstar player

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      KAKA’S ex-wife has revealed she split with the superstar because he was “too perfect”.The former Brazil and Real Madrid star married childhood sweetheart Caroline Celico in 2005.Kaka and his ex-wife Caroline Celico split in 2015Credit: Getty – ContributorCaroline said she split from Kaka because he was ‘too perfect’Credit: instagram @cacelicoShe was married to Kaka for ten years and has two kids with the former footballerCredit: instagram @cacelicoShe is now married to Eduardo Scarpa JuliãoCredit: instagram @cacelicoThey were married for just under ten years before divorcing in 2015.The ex-couple had two children together but Caroline was not happy and has now revealed she felt something was missing.She said: “Kaka never betrayed me, he treated me well, he gave me a wonderful family, but I was not happy, something was missing. “The problem was, he was too perfect for me.”READ MORE WAGSThe Brazilian socialite joined Kaka’s church after they married and she later became an Evangelical pastor but quit in 2010.She then launched the charity Horizontal Love, which provides supplies for food, hygiene, construction and education to Brazilian NGOs.Caroline, 36, married Eduardo Scarpa Julião in 2021 and the couple are now expecting their first child.Kaka also found love again with partner Carolina Dias he began dating in 2017.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe pair got engaged earlier this year with the former Ballon d’Or revealing his joy at the next step in their relationship.He announced the news on social media saying: “You made me the happiest man on earth! SaltBae poses with World Cup winner Kaka to promote newest venture”I promise to give you back and make you the happiest woman in the world. I love you.”The pair also have a one-year-old daughter named Sarah.Kaka had a decorated career which saw him win nine major trophies, including the World Cup with Brazil in 2002.He also won Serie A and the Champions League with AC Milan, as well as La Liga with Real Madrid. More

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      I’m a former Man Utd star – now I’m living a new life as a fashion stylist for Chelsea flop Tiemoue Bakayoko

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      FORMER Manchester United star David Bellion has opened up on his unusual second act after retiring from football.Bellion played under Sir Alex Ferguson at United between 2003 and 2006, making 40 appearances for the Red Devils.David Bellion is a former Manchester United strikerCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe went on to become a fashion stylist after retiringCredit: GettyThe former forward earned a £3million move there after impressing at Sunderland between 2001 and 2003.The Frenchman managed eight goals and three assists during his 40 appearances at United.He went on to play for West Ham, Nice, Bordeaux and Red Star Paris before retiring from football in 2016.It was at Red Star where he began developing his love of art and fashion, and he became the club’s creative director upon retiring – developing the club’s connection with the art world.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt’s after retiring that he also began working as a fashion stylist, and he’s responsible for many players’ greatest fits.In an interview with French GQ, he spoke about his love of styling and how he has worked with former Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko.Chelsea shelled out £40million for Bakayoko in 2017 after he impressed with Monaco, but he failed to capture the form he’d exhibited previously.Moves to AC Milan and Napoli followed before he joined Lorient, where he currently plies his trade.Most read in FootballBellion has styled for the likes of Tiemoue BakayokoCredit: https://www.instagram.com/bakayoko_official14/CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBellion revealed his love of fashion goes back to when he was playing at United, saying: “When I got out of training, I went to stores just to look at the clothes. Sometimes I didn’t buy anything.”I am a great romantic and I embrace it perfectly in my way of seeing things, of speaking to people. I have a bit of a childish side. I don’t have a very developed competitive spirit, more of an obsession with beauty.”Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer windowHe also revealed how deep his love of fashion runs compared to football, saying that appearing in French GQ gives him “as much pleasure as signing for United.”Speaking to SunSport in 2018, Bellion explained his love of art.He said: “I didn’t grow up with a lot of art. I am from a modest family.”But from young I was very, very particular in the things I liked, in everything I wanted to have.”I think I always had a good eye for something that looked different or ‘edgy’. I always wanted the trainers that nobody else had.” More