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      in Boxing

      Inside world of cigar-smoking drug cheat Jarrell Miller who raps, is heavier than Thor and left Eddie Hearn ‘disgusted’

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      DEONTAY WILDER once revealed he wanted a body on his record, but Jarrell Miller has made a more vicious vow to decapitate his rivals.The two behemoths feature on the same card in the Day of Reckoning, boxing’s most outrageous fight night, put on by the Saudis during Riyadh season.
      Standing at 6ft4 tall and weighing 325 pounds, Jarrell Miller is a beast of a fighter
      Miller is the cigar-puffing villain of the boxing world
      Daniel Dubois and Jarrell Miller square off on December 23Credit: Getty
      While Wilder faces off against Joseph Parker, Miller’s got the more intriguing battle – squaring off against the brawn of Daniel Dubois.
      It’s not the first time the Brooklyn native was lined up to face a Brit.
      Back in 2019, Miller was due to fight Anthony Joshua (who is also involved in the December 23 extravaganza where he will face Otto Wallin) in a clash for AJ’s WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO titles.
      However, the fight was called off at the eleventh hour after the 35-year-old failed TWO drug tests.
      Read more boxing news
      Since then, former kickboxer Miller has rebuilt his career and is still unbeaten in his 27 fights.
      Nasty piece of work
      Hatred for your opponent in boxing is nothing new.
      Ahead of their trilogy fight, Deontay Wilder promised to “legally murder” Tyson Fury.
      Fellow American Miller is, it seems, cut from the same cloth.
      Most read in Boxing
      Back in September, he shared a clip of a training montage that saw him knock his sparring partners down on the canvas.
      Impressive as it looked, it was the cigar-chomping star’s words in the caption for the horror video that offered a bigger chill.
      He wrote: “I’m going to decapitate every man that stands before me.
      “This is not a threat, this is a promise.
      “I said it and so it shall be written.
      “No mercy. No retreat. War.”
      He’s a rapper
      Rappers and boxers are often connected.
      Some use hip-hop stars for their ring walk-ins, think when Stormzy rapped out AJ in his 2015 fight with Dillian Whyte.
      Miller shows off his rapping skills
      50 Cent and Jarrell Miller are friendsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/bigbabymiller/
      Heavyweight Miller shows off his hulking physiqueCredit: https://www.instagram.com/bigbabymiller/
      But Miller takes it to a whole new level.
      The man nicknamed Big Baby, who is pals with 50 Cent, rapped himself into the ring in a recent fight this year.
      Miller took part in an exhibition bout against Antonio Zepeda, which went the distance.
      However, before he took to the ring the 6ft4in orthodox slugger treated a Miami audience to a glimpse of his rap skills.
      Fans online laughed at the amount of time it took Miller to get to the ring.
      But, you imagine he will tone it down in Saudi Arabia.
      Don’t mention drugs
      Although he’s partial to chuffing on a cigar or two, that can hardly be frowned upon
      But in 2019, Miller tested Eddie Hearn’s patience after failing TWO separate drug tests.
      Two months before he was to step in the ring with Joshua, he tested positive for the performance-enhancing Cardarine.
      Anthony Joshua were due to fight one another in 2019Credit: AP:Associated Press
      The fight was cancelled after Miller failed two drug testsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Eddie Hearn was fuming with MillerCredit: Getty
      Then, just a few days later, he tested positive when a human growth hormone was found in his system.
      The latter killed any chance of a fight happening, and Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn was livid.
      He told the Daily Mail: “I can confirm we have been notified of another failed test. I am disgusted.
      “You want to give someone the benefit of the doubt and that was very hard after the first one. To have a second one is disgusting. The sport can have no room for this. 
      “In a way I am happy – it shows the VADA testing works and we have kept him out of the ring.
      “AJ will face any clean fighter and beat him.”
      Miller was slapped with a two-year ban from boxing, and removed from the rankings.
      The likely reunion between Miller and Hearn, who will be in Saudi as AJ’s promoter, could be box office.
      He’s a big lad
      Standing at 6ft4in, Miller is slightly smaller than Dubois – who will have an inch on his foe.
      But, the weigh-in will certainly make interesting viewing.
      When Miller made his comeback last year he topped the scales at a whopping 341 poundsCredit: @juanemorenook
      Miller made short work of Ariel Esteban Bracamonte last year
      While Dubois clocked in at around 233lbs in his last fight against Oleksandr Usyk, Miller will most certainly dwarf that number.
      Last year, ahead of his comeback fight against Ariel Esteban Bracamonte, he cut a completely different figure.
      Miller tipped the scales at an astonishing 341lbs, some two stone heavier than when he was in his prime in 2018.
      He was even heavier than the 335lbs which Hafthor ‘Thor’ Bjornsson came in at for his bout with Eddie Hall last year.
      Miller’s continued to remain heavy in the defeats of Derek Cardenas and Lucas Browne – both disposed by knockout.
      Against Zepeda, in that exhibition fight, he came in at a whopping 325lbs.
      Watch out Jake Paul
      Although Miller isn’t afraid to call out British boxers – he’s tried to lure Fury, Whyte and AJ into the ring previously – it’s YouTuber Jake Paul who he is focused on.
      They have beef, after Paul teased him in the run-up to his brother Logan Paul’s match-up against Floyd Mayweather in 2021, however they have sparred together.
      Jake thought he was Money Mayweather’s bodyguard, before asking him repeatedly: “Do you lift?”
      A bemused Miller laughed off the encounter. However, he has since began a campaign to fight Paul.
      On Instagram, he has tagged the social media star on training videos as he chases that fight.
      All we can say is take cover, Jake.
      Miller, who has sparred with Jake Paul, wants to fight the Problem ChildCredit: https://www.instagram.com/bigbabymiller/
      Following a two-year suspension, Miller sparred with Tyson Fury ahead of his fight with Dillian WhyteCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Gargantuan Miller is nicknamed Big BabyCredit: https://www.instagram.com/bigbabymiller/ More

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      in Soccer

      Where the Premier League’s youngest-ever players ended up, from England star to non-league strugglers

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      MOST SCHOOLBOYS dream of lining up for their favourite clubs in the Premier League – but not many do it inbetween completing their homework.But every now and then a young gun bursts on to the scene to grace the top-flight.
      Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal holds the record for the Premier League’s youngest playerCredit: Getty
      Jack Robinson was just 16 years and 260 days old when he made his Liverpool bowCredit: Alan Walter – The Times
      Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri made history last season when he became the youngest ever player in the Premier League era.
      But what happened to the rest of those that were given their first taste of the big time while still a kid? Here Sun Sport takes a look at the top ten youngest stars to debut in the Prem.
      10. JACK ROBINSON (16 yrs 260 days)
      The defender became Liverpool’s youngest-ever player in the Premier League when he came off the bench against Hull City in Rafa Benitez’s final match in charge on May 9, 2010.
      A number of loan spells followed at Wolves and Blackpool as did international recognition with England from under-16 to U21 level.
      READ MORE ON SPORT
      But he departed Anfield after making just two more Prem appearances for QPR in 2014.
      He stayed there for four years, with a loan to Huddersfield included, prior to joining Nottingham Forest.
      Now Robinson is back in the Premier League with Sheffield United after helping them to promotion from the Championship last term having moved to Bramall Lane in 2020.
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      9. REECE OXFORD (16 yrs 236 days)
      The now 24-year-old was tipped for major things after captaining England at various youth levels – and he announced his arrival on the big stage in some style.
      Most read in Football
      Back in August 2015 he shone on his senior debut as West Ham won 2-0 at Arsenal, but things soon turned sour.
      Despite penning a long-term contract on his 18th birthday, he was shipped out on loan to Reading before two spells with Gladbach in the Bundesliga followed by another with Augsburg.
      The defender then left the Hammers permanently in 2019 for Augsburg after making just a further seven top-flight appearances, and he remains with the Bundesliga outfit today.
      Reece Oxford hit the headlines after his stunning debut for West Ham at ArsenalCredit: AFP
      8. RUSHIAN HEPBURN-MURPHY (16 yrs 198 days)
      Swindon Town’s 25-year-old forward made his Prem bow from the bench for Aston Villa in a 4-0 win at Sunderland on March 14 2015.
      Having graduated through their academy, he played 13 times more in the league for them inbetween loans at Cambridge United, Tranmere and Derby.
      But the ex-England U20 ace left Villa Park for Cypriot side Paphos in 2020 and scored SEVEN on his debut in a pre-season friendly.
      After five goals in his first campaign, his missed the entirety of the second through injury and was ultimately released last year, resulting in a free transfer to Swindon which has led to eight goals in 32 League Two appearances.
      Rushian Hepburn-Murphy came through the ranks at Aston Villa but is now at SwindonCredit: Getty
      7. GARY MCSHEFFREY (16 yrs 198 days)
      The now 41-year-old has now had a taste of management himself following a one-season spell at Doncaster.
      But way back in February 1999 he made his Coventry debut against local rivals Aston Villa and helped them to a 4-1 win.
      The former left-winger, is a Coventry legend after two spells with the Sky Blues, which were sandwiched between four years at Birmingham.
      He also played for the likes of Nottingham Forest and Leeds before finishing his career in non-league after a spell playing for Doncaster.
      Gary McSheffrey became a legend during his two stints at Coventry CityCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      6. JOSE BAXTER (16 yrs 191 days)
      The attacking midfielder was tipped to potentially be the next Wayne Rooney when he burst on to the scene for Everton and made his debut on the opening day of the 2008/09 season.
      But after just seven top-flight appearances and a loan at Tranmere he headed to Oldham.
      His displays there earned him a move to Sheffield United, and he produced the best form of his career with the Blades in League One before he was suspended after testing positive for ecstasy in 2016.
      Everton offered him a lifeline and a one-year deal after that ban but he was released at the end of the season after not making a first-team appearance.
      Baxter went on to play for Oldham again and then Plymouth before moving to Memphis 901 FC for a year, then he retired aged 29 in 2021.
      Jose Baxter was just 16 when David Moyes gave him his Everton debutCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      5. AARON LENNON (16 yrs 129 days)
      The winger came through the ranks at Leeds and came off the away to Tottenham in a 2–1 loss in August 2003 for his bow.
      Spurs soon recognised his potential and headed to White Hart Lane two years later, where he went on to spend a decade at the North London club.
      Lennon also became an England regular, winning 21 caps, and then signed for Everton after a loan spell there.
      Three years at Goodison was followed by two at Burnley before 12 months in Turkey at Kayseri, but he returned to the Clarets to finish his career and hung up his boots last year.
      Aaron Lennon enjoyed a great career after coming through at LeedsCredit: PA:Press Association
      4. IZZY BROWN (16 yrs 117 days)
      The former England youth ace tragically had his career cut-short through injury and retired in April 2023.
      He made his Prem debut for West Brom 4 May 2013 in a 3–2 home defeat to Wigan.
      Just months later he controversially moved to Chelsea before the forward embarked on a number of loans to Dutch side Vitesse, Rotherham, Huddersfield, Brighton, Leeds, Luton and Sheffield Wednesday.
      After just one top-flight appearance for the Blues, he eventually left permanently in 2021 to join Preston, but he failed to play a single game for them due to injury and he eventually retired.
      Izzy Brown was forced to retire this year due to his injury issuesCredit: Getty
      3. MATTHEW BRIGGS (16 yrs 68 days)
      Briggs was just 16 when he was thrown into Lawrie Sanchez’s Fulham first team away to Middlesbrough in May 2007 and he told Sun Sport how he headed back into school on the crest of a wave.
      But his career at Craven Cottage never really took off and he ventured to Millwall, Colchester, Chesterfield and Barnet before, aged 28, he dropped to non-league with Maldon & Tiptree.
      That led to a brief spell in Denmark as well as playing internationally for Guyana, having turned out for England at various levels up to Under-21, but these days he is lining-up at 32 for Horsham.
      Ex-Fulham starlet Matthew Briggs is now playing non-leagueCredit: Getty
      2. HARVEY ELLIOTT (16 yrs 30 days)
      The now 20-year-old is a first-team regular these days for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool and England’s U21s.
      But it was for Fulham in 2019 that Elliott made his Premier League debut after replacing Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa in a 1–0 away defeat to Wolves.
      He left the Cottagers that summer for Anfield, and after shining on loan at Blackburn in the 2020/21 season, he has collected a League Cup, Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup medal with the Reds.
      Harvey Elliott is a regular for Liverpool now after leaving FulhamCredit: AFP
      READ MORE FROM SUNSPORT
      1. ETHAN NWANERI (15 yrs 181 days)
      The Gunners starlet rewrote history as the Premier League’s youngest player aged just 15.
      And less than 24 hours later, he still handed in his English homework on time, revealed his former schoolteacher to Sun Sport.
      The Arsenal sensation replaced Fabio Vieira in the 92nd minute of the 3-0 win away at Brentford on September 18, 2022 and, at 15 years and 181 days, he smashed the previous record held by Harvey Elliott. 
      He penned a long-term deal with the club over the summer and Mikel Arteta has high hopes for the youngster.
      Here is the top ten in fullCredit: . More

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      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua vs Otto Wallin lifestyles compared with AJ worth £200m while rival fosters dogs with banker girlfriend

      by

      IT is the boxing event of the year.Riyadh Season has thrown up a fight card to remember – with Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder on the same bill for December 23 and the Day of Reckoning.
      Anthony Joshua has amassed a wealth of £200millionCredit: PA
      In comparison, Otto Wallin’s biggest pay day was £300kCredit: Getty
      AJ and Wallin face off in the Day of Reckoning in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on December 23
      Sadly, they won’t be fighting each other. AJ has instead been paired up against Otto Wallin.
      Infamously, the Swede gave Tyson Fury a run for his money – taking him all 12 rounds before judges called a tight fight in the Gypsy King’s favour – despite the Brit suffering an awful cut.
      Outside the ring, Joshua, 34, and Wallin, 32, live very different lives.
      The British boxer is estimated to be worth over £200million, while Wallin’s estimated to have made around £1million over the course of his career.
      Read more boxing news
      Joshua boasts an enviable lifestyle, while Wallin’s is paired down.
      Cars
      Thanks to his partnership with Jaguar Land Rover – which is rumoured to be worth £790,000 a year – AJ rolls round London in his choice of a fleet of luxury wheels, including a customised white Jaguar XJR, worth £93,000.
      His favourite motor is his personalised black Range Rover, which he says “looks very professional and sets a standard”.
      He has come a long way since buying his first car aged 17 – a second-hand Vauxhall Astra that cost £1,500.
      Most read in Boxing
      That said, he loved it – calling the motor a “stable, sturdy car.”
      But AJ isn’t that flash in comparison to other boxers.
      There’s no Ferraris or Lamborghinis in sight with his car collection.
      In any case, he was happy to buy his old gym in North London a new minibus.
      Still, his motors dwarf anything Wallin seems to have in his garage.
      A look through his Instagram reveals very little other than a sponsorship with Volvo.
      He has been spotted driving their stunning S90 model, that starts at £63,000.
      While Otto also posed in front of a XC60 priced from £52,000.
      Both big lads, both prefer roomy SUV’s.
      Joshua is sponsored by Jaguar Land Rover
      He once bought a minibus for his old gymCredit: Social Media refer to Source
      Wallin is sponsored by Volvo
      Wallin hops into a £63k S90
      Generous souls
      Underneath the tough guy exteriors, both AJ and Wallin are incredibly generous.
      For Wallin dogs are well and truly his best friend.
      He takes great pride in offering his time to foster K9’s, alongside girlfriend Leilah Diong.
      Most recently he took to Instagram to celebrate the adoption of a pitbull terrier who was in his care.
      With playful video of the pooch’s adorable moments, he wrote: “After fostering King for almost 4 months he’s found his forever home and has been adopted!! It’s the best feeling ever to know @leilahnoelle and I saved him from being euthanized. We’re so happy and excited that he’ll get to live his best life now after going through some very tough times.
      “If you’re ever considering fostering – DO IT. This was our 3rd foster and they all have got happy homes now. Nothing beats the feeling of helping an animal in need. Big thanks to @nycacc and everybody that’s ever shared King! We’re so grateful.”
      AJ’s biggest soft spot is for his mum, Yeta and after his Olympic heroics in 2012, he generously bought his mum a home in North London.
      He credits Yeta for his success, after she got him on the straight and narrow following a rebellious period in his youth.
      In his spare time, Wallin fosters dogs before they are adopted
      Recently, Wallin took a shine to pitbull King
      Anthony Joshua dotes on mum YetaCredit: INSTAGRAM/ANTHONY JOSHUA
      AJ bought his mum a home in North London

      🥊ANTHONY JOSHUA VS OTTO WALLIN: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF THRILLING SAUDI CLASH🥊
      His parents split when he was 12 but he’s still close to his dad, Robert, too.
      AJ also bought a £500,000 penthouse in North London, for his ex-girlfriend and son JJ’s mum, Nicole Osbourne, despite them splitting up.
      Girlfriends
      AJ has always remained tight-lipped about his romances, insisting he would rather concentrate on his career.
      However, he did claim that presenter Laura Woods was once his dream date.
      In a recent interview with Louis Theroux, the heavyweight boxer revealed he was single and that any prospective date should be warned he still lives with his mum.
      Wallin is more lucky in love.
      He met JP Morgan banker Leilah Diong in 2020, and the two have been inseparable ever since.
      They keep their relationship to themselves, with Wallin sharing a glimpse of his love life on Instagram.
      Leilah’s Instagram account though is kept to private.
      Wallin is reportedly engaged to banker Leilah Diong
      Diong and Wallin began dating in 2020
      Anthony Joshua is happy to remain singleCredit: Splash
      The couple attended a pal’s wedding earlier this year and celebrated an anniversary at a steakhouse in New York City.
      Otto and Leilah are believed to be engaged.
      When it comes to holidays…
      With such a vast wealth at his disposal, AJ is well-travelled.
      When he isn’t training, AJ enjoys exotic holidays with his family and friends, with his Instagram showing him in Dubai, Jamaica, Miami, Paris and plenty more glam trips.
      However, he is quite frugal with how he travels.
      AJ is sponsored by US sportswear giant Under Armour – who provide him with a private jet, as well as paying him a seven-figure salary.
      Often, trips are sponsored by countries and resorts who want the privilege of having the sporting icon spotted hitting their hottest tourist spots.
      It helps that he reaches 16 million followers on Instagram, so is one of sport’s biggest influencers.
      On the other hand, Wallin squeezed a summer holiday to the Turkish Riviera.
      He shared a video on social media on board a private yacht, where he could be spotted shadow boxing.
      Should Wallin win in Riyadh, expect that yacht to become a lot bigger.
      AJ and his entourage have use of a private jet thanks to his Under Armour sponsorship
      Anthony Josua enjoys jet-set holidaysCredit: Mega
      Boxer Joshua spent time in Ibiza topping up his tanCredit: Instagram / @anthonyjoshua
      Otto Wallin shared a holiday he took to Turkey where he hired a yacht
      Wallin lives a more low-key live than his rival Joshua More

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      in Soccer

      I’m schoolteacher to Arsenal star who made Premier League history… he handed in his homework the next day without a word

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      ETHAN NWANERI rewrote history as the Premier League’s youngest player aged just 15.And less than 24 hours later, he still handed in his English homework on time.
      Ethan Nwaneri made his Premier League debut aged just 15Credit: Getty
      The footballer was a pupil at St John’s Senior School in Enfield, North LondonCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
      Elle Bewley taught Nwaneri for GCSE EnglishCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
      The Arsenal sensation replaced Fabio Vieira in the 92nd minute of the 3-0 win away at Brentford on September 18, 2022.
      At 15 years and 181 days, he smashed the previous record held by Harvey Elliott. 
      Nwaneri stepped on to the Gtech Community Stadium pitch just before 2pm on that memorable Sunday.
      By 9am on Monday, though, he gave his weekend work to Elle Bewley at St John’s Senior School in Enfield without a mention of his record-breaking exploits the day before.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Bewley told SunSport: “It was a surprise. The head of English messaged me to say Ethan is on telly and just made his debut. 
      “I am quite ignorant when it comes to football but my husband was really impressed! 
      “I’m not joking, he just walked into school on the Monday, gave me his homework, sat down and got on with it. No discussion, no distraction. Nothing.”
      St John’s Head of PE Jason Hodgson, who picked Nwaneri for the school’s football scholarship programme, remembers the big moment vividly. 
      Most read in Football
      He said: “It was crazy. I’m mad on fishing and I was at a lake listening on talkSPORT. 
      “I was shouting, ‘Get him on!’ The older fishing guys were asking what was going on. I said, ‘My boy’s on the bench for Arsenal, I want him to get on.’ 
      “I was buzzing. Playing for Arsenal at 15… mental isn’t it? 
      “Obviously, the whole school loved it. He was in as normal on Monday, straight back to lessons with no special treatment. Football is secondary here.
      “We set out to be a safety net for boys who are trying to be pro footballers but we know that only 0.01 per cent make it and the rest don’t.”
      Nwaneri’s behaviour on that whirlwind Monday came as no surprise to his teachers.
      Ms Bewley taught him for GCSE English, with Macbeth, Jekyll and Hide, An Inspector Calls and a poetry anthology all on the syllabus. 
      She continued: “What stands out about Ethan is that he was never boastful. I never heard him speaking about football. 
      He donated a signed shirt and boots to his old schoolCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
      The teenager excelled on the pitch and in the classroom (bottom row, right)Credit: Jamie McPhilimey
      The teenager came on for Fabio Vieira in the 3-0 win at BrentfordCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Nwaneri signed his first professional contract in 2023Credit: Getty
      “For our GCSE spoken language endorsement, I even urged him to do it on football because they choose a topic they’re really passionate about. 
      “He could have taken an easy way out but chose not to and did it on conspiracy theories. He went off and did the research.
      “Ethan was very much an all-round student, very intelligent. He’s a really responsible young man. 
      “Quite often Ethan chased us for extra revision and did extra papers at home.”
      Nwaneri was clearly as committed to performing in the classroom as he was on the pitch before finishing Year 11 in the summer.
      Alexander Tardios, headteacher at the £16,500-a-year selective school, said: “The boy scored 98 per cent in the school entrance exam, his speciality is mathematics.
      “He is a very academic boy. He could easily end up at King’s College or UCL.
      “Once Ethan was at London Colney training with the Arsenal first team. There was meant to be a second training session but it didn’t take place. 
      “He booked himself an Uber to St John’s, sat his mini-tests then went back to London Colney. I’ve never seen a boy that would do that but Ethan Nwaneri is special.”
      TESTING CONDITIONS
      It was not just Nwaneri taking his education seriously, but his parents too.
      Tardios claimed Ethan’s dad said that if his son didn’t perform in his end-of-year exams, he was going to stop him from playing for England.
      Ironically, Nwaneri ended up sitting some of his GCSEs in Hungary while away representing the Young Lions at the Under-17 Euros. 
      Playmaker Nwaneri scored the winner in England’s opener against Croatia, setting them on their way to topping Group D before a quarter-final defeat to France.
      An England coach even helped with revision in between training and matches, with the pupil taking one maths test the morning after a game. 
      Science teacher and Arsenal fan Theo Vrionides said: “I didn’t contribute anything to him being a star. Maybe I can say some of the physics could come into it! 
      “He’s obviously determined to succeed and I think he will. Expectations are high. 
      Nwaneri represented his school football teamCredit: St John’s Senior School
      Jason Hodgson is the Head of PE and selected Nwaneri for a scholarship at the schoolCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
      Theo Vrionides taught Nwaneri for physics in Year 11Credit: Jamie McPhilimey
      Alexander Tardios is headteacher at the £16,500-a-year selective schoolCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
      “It would be great to see him line up with Bukayo Saka. It is a nice feeling to actually know Ethan and say we’ve had some contribution as teachers.”
      Now with his school education behind him and full-time focus on football, Nwaneri will be gunning for more success after signing a professional contract under Jack Wilshere at Arsenal and starring for England at the U17 World Cup in Indonesia. 
      Hodgson has seen his fair share of quality young footballers, including 11-year-old goalkeeper Sammy Thompson, who is already training with Tottenham’s U21s. 
      The Head of PE, though, insists “animal” Nwaneri stands out above the rest after witnessing him tear countless opponents to shreds.
      That included an outrageous piece of skill for one of his five goals as St John’s were crowned Enfield Borough champions.
      And Hodgson believes Nwaneri can team up with Jude Bellingham to lead England to glory.
      I honestly believe Ethan will play for England… we’ve got to win something in the next ten yearsJason Hodgson, Head of PE at St John’s Senior School
      He added: “I’ve been teaching 25 years and coaching a lot longer than that, Ethan is the best kid I’ve ever seen by a country mile. 
      “He was ridiculous. We went to a school in East London: kick-off, Ethan got the ball, scored, repeat. Their manager asked me to take him off so I did at 8-0.
      “His year group wasn’t that good but he played with the year above to win the cup. 
      “There is literally no point playing at his age, he was too good even at Arsenal. You can’t get the ball off him. The kid’s amazing. 
      “This must be what Bellingham was like. I think he’s got that potential. It is awesome. 
      “I honestly believe he will play for England, he is going to be the next Saka and Bellingham. I’m hoping to get tickets for the 2026 World Cup.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I’m so excited for England, we’ve got to win something in the next ten years surely.
      “Ethan, work hard, play hard. You’re going to have a lot of money! Keep yourself grounded.”
      He is now fully focused on football after finishing schoolCredit: Getty
      The rising star is part of the Young Lions England set-upCredit: Getty
      Nwaneri is being mentored and coached by Jack WilshereCredit: Getty
      He took some of his GCSEs while at the U17 Euros with EnglandCredit: Getty
      Nwaneri in action at the U17 World Cup in IndonesiaCredit: AP
      The playmaker scoring against PSV in the Uefa Youth LeagueCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Inside incredible journey of former Welsh lifeguard who is now aiming to manage 170th-ranked Fiji at first World Cup

      by

      ROB SHERMAN knows a thing or two about the beach after his time as a champion lifeguard on the Welsh west coast.But he is certainly not taking things easy in his new role as the national football team manager of Fiji – 10,000 miles from home.
      Rob Sherman is the new national team manager of FijiCredit: www.phototek.nz / Fiji Football Federation
      The ex-footballer, left, with his brother Stuart on the Welsh surf lifesaving tour of Australia in 1982Credit: Rob Sherman
      Fiji have never played at a World Cup but could benefit from the extra qualifying spot for OceaniaCredit: www.phototek.nz / Fiji Football Federation
      The 63-year-old took over as head coach in July.
      As well as his remit to develop the beautiful game in the beautiful South Pacific country, Sherman has strong ambitions of leading the nation ranked 170th out of 207 in the Fifa rankings to their first World Cup.
      Those chances were boosted by Oceania now getting 1.5 qualifying spots, up from 0.5 for Qatar 2022, which will see one country from the federation guaranteed a place at the 2026 tournament and another entering an inter-continental play-off.
      New Zealand are the dominant team, reaching South Africa 2010 before losing play-offs for the last three World Cups.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      But Sherman, who will get a first proper chance to assess his squad in their Pacific Games opener against Northern Marianas Islands in the Solomon Islands on Saturday, believes Fiji can spring a surprise when qualifying gets underway in September 2024.
      Asked whether the Bula Boys can book a spot at United States, Canada and Mexico 2026, Sherman told SunSport: “The extra qualifying spot raises the ambition of all the nations but in particular Fiji. 
      “The ideal is to win the one slot, that’s not beyond the realms if I’m honest. But at the very least an inter-continental play-off raises the profile of football in the region and if you do make the World Cup then happy days. 
      “Personally, qualifying would be a real moment of actualisation. I’ve coached since I was 17.
      Most read in Football
      “Because I didn’t make it as a player, being a decent coach has been my way of compensating – so getting Fiji to the World Cup would be a moment of great satisfaction.
      “Getting to the world’s biggest sporting event would be huge for all Fijians across the world.
      “Fiji are very competitive within Oceania. 
      “New Zealand are the top-ranked country with lots of professional players. Then it’s the likes of the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Tahiti, Papa New Guinea, Vanuatu and ourselves.”
      Sherman, whose son Drew was the youngest international manager when he took charge of the Cook Islands aged 28, is based in Christchurch, doing his job remotely before flying the three-and-a-half hours to Fiji for camps. 
      However, he is unable to select some players due to strict Fijian government laws regarding passports. 
      Anyone applying for a Fijian passport for the first time after turning 18 needs to spend five years living in the country, thus ruling out a host of talent abroad with a Fijian grandparent, for example, who would be eligible under Fifa legislation.
      Many of the stars in the Fiji team play in the amateur national league and have regular jobs, from police and army to labouring. 
      FIJI’S FITNESS FIX
      Therefore improving fitness levels is a key priority for Sherman and his backroom team including ex-Premier League goalkeeper Les Cleevely, especially after the “jaded” Under-23s team lost 9-0 to New Zealand in September’s Olympic qualifying final.
      And he sets a high standard having completed an Ironman in 2000, the year after running the New York Marathon. 
      Born and bred in Aberystwyth, Sherman has always prided himself on his ridiculous fitness levels and even represented his country at THREE different sports – plus played off a single-figure golf handicap.
      Football was his primary sport, playing for the Wales Under-18s after being scouted to join Cardiff City as a teenager. 
      He was also an accomplished athlete, holding the national junior 400m hurdles record, as well as competing for his country at the surf lifesaving championships, too.
      But his football career spiralled downwards thanks to a rotten stroke of bad timing at Cardiff.
      On a Tuesday in November 1978, Jimmy Andrews told Sherman he would get his debut on the Saturday – but the manager lost his job on the Thursday.
      Sherman never played for the first team.
      Sherman, far left, representing his country in the beach sprintCredit: Rob Sherman
      The former footballer played for Wales Under-18sCredit: Rob Sherman
      Sherman, bottom row second right, lines up with his Red Ravens team-matesCredit: Rob Sherman
      Sherman held the 400m hurdles junior national recordCredit: Rob Sherman
      The ultra-fit athlete has also completed a triathlon, marathon and IronmanCredit: Rob Sherman
      The national team is unable to select certain players who live abroad due to strict Fijian passport rulesCredit: www.phototek.nz / Fiji Football Federation
      A brief stint under John Toshack at Swansea followed but his playing days “faded out” and he turned to coaching full-time, migrating with his wife to New Zealand in 2007 when he was headhunted to be technical director of the football federation.
      Sherman, who has coached at three Women’s World Cups and helped Canada win Olympic bronze in 2012, was also technical director of Australia and Wales, training many of the Dragons’ ‘Golden Generation’ that reached the Euro 2016 semi-finals. 
      The Welshman said: “There was a series of things at Cardiff, I was asked to do something and refused, a legal matter, and I never had a look in after that.
      “I was lucky enough to go to Swansea but a little bump in the journey became a mountain. I was damaged goods from a mental perspective. 
      “Ironically I coached my son’s team when he was about seven and realised how little I knew. That was the catalyst and I re-did my coaching awards. I’m in it for the player, not for me. 
      “I patrolled the beaches as a lifeguard in my hometown. I was British beach sprint champion. It’s essentially a 100m sprint, the idea being you get to patients quickly to improve rescue efficiency. 
      The athletic potential of Fijian players is enormous… Oceania is untapped for its talent due to the geographyRob Sherman
      “I did it until I was 16, then had four years without it then the Welsh Championships were in Swansea. We didn’t have a game so I went and won. The following year I was out of football so it was a nice diversion.”
      But super-fit Sherman knows the journey for Fiji to the World Cup is a marathon not a sprint, especially when rugby is the country’s beloved No1 sport.
      Fiji beat England at Twickenham in August then stunned Australia at the Rugby World Cup before losing a tight quarter-final to the Red Rose in France. 
      Sherman is determined to use the Flying Fijians’ success as inspiration for his Bula Boys and believes that can unlock a huge new scouting market for top clubs.
      The head coach added: “The athletic potential of Fijian players is enormous.
      “In terms of inspiration, the rugby performances have shown there are no limitations and there is massive opportunity. 
      “Obviously, rugby is their favoured sport, regularly playing against Australia, New Zealand, South Africa. That illustrates the difference, they are professional players and many play in Europe. 
      Read More on The Sun
      “This is the long-term objective for football. South America and Africa have a traditional yield for scouting whereas Oceania is untapped for its talent due to the geography.
      “Through a World Cup or exposure of a good qualifying campaign, some very talented players could get opportunities in professional football, maybe in Australia or directly to Europe.”
      The U23s reached the Olympic qualifying final while the U20s went to the 2023 World Cup in ArgentinaCredit: www.phototek.nz / Fiji Football Federation
      Fiji’s rugby team stunned Australia at the World CupCredit: AFP
      Sherman coached a number of players in Wales’ team that reached the Euro 2016 semi-finalsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Sherman led Llantwit Major FC to the Corinthian Cup in his first coaching roleCredit: Rob Sherman
      Sherman did not make a first-team appearance for CardiffCredit: Rob Sherman
      Bad timing meant Jimmy Andrews never gave Sherman his Cardiff debutCredit: Rob Sherman
      Sherman represented Wales in three different sportsCredit: Rob Sherman
      Sherman in action on his debut for hometown club Aberystwyth Town as a 16-year-oldCredit: Rob Sherman
      The Welshman has been director of football for three different countriesCredit: Rob Sherman
      Taking Fiji to the World Cup would be a ‘moment of great personal satisfaction’Credit: Fiji Football Association More

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      in Motorsport

      Inside Jenson Button’s life married to ex-Playboy model Brittny Ward, driving two £2m cars and splashing £123m fortune

      by

      AS one of the voices of Sky Sports’ F1 coverage, Jenson Button is still earning a pretty penny in retirement.But it was as a driver where he earned an astonishing net worth, believed to be in the region of £123million.
      Jenson Button lives a life to envyCredit: Instagram
      Over the years Button has amassed a fortune worth £123mCredit: Instagram
      Button is married to the stunning ex-Playboy model Brittny WardCredit: brittny/Instagram
      His most famous moment on the track came during the 2009 season, when he raced for the Brawn GP team.
      That incredible year is the subject of new Disney documentary Brawn: The Impossible Formula 1 Story which is narrated by Hollywood superstar Keanu Reeves.
      Button was crowned word champion, cementing his name in the annals of motorsport.
      Away from sport, Button knows how to live a life of luxury and spend his vast fortune.
      Read sports lifestyle news
      After a failed first marriage, he is now settled down with the stunning American Brittny Ward who posed for Playboy.
      They live in Los Angeles in a home he reportedly splashed £5million on.
      That’s after he flipped another property in the City of Angels for £4.7million, as well as a Palm Springs mansion for £2million.
      And did we mention he drives TWO cars worth £2million…
      Most read in Motorsport
      Property tycoon
      Button has made a pastime out of buying homes over the years.
      At the turn of 2023, he purchased a stunning Santa Monica pad costing around £5million.
      The Spanish Revival bungalow boasts four bedrooms and three bathrooms, and is the perfect spot for Brittny and their two children, Hendrix and Lenny.
      That came 12 months after he bought a fixer-upper in California’s mountainous region between Calabasas and Malibu for £4million.
      In 2020, they reportedly sold a massive six-bedroom home in Bel Air for around £9million.
      The ex-Brentwood mansion Button sold for £4.7mCredit: refer to caption
      Brittny and Jenson have made money flipping housesCredit: refer to caption
      Brittny and Jenson live in a Spanish Revival bungalow
      Happy family – Button and Brittny show off son Hendrix and laughter Lenny
      Showing their love of flipping homes, his incredible Brentwood home, which featured five bedrooms, a pool and spa was also flogged for £4.7million.
      The couple also listed their four-bedroomed Palm Springs house for £2million, while Button’s wife Brittny said they have another home in the Californian desert.
      Brittney, who has now turned her hand to interior design, said: “Between my design career and Jenson’s busy work schedule, on top of our family life, we don’t have time to manage two homes in Palm Springs. We are so sad to say goodbye, but we know whoever is lucky enough to purchase the property will be very happy there.”
      Cars
      It’s no surprise Button is a car enthusiast, after his career as professional race car driver.
      He is believed to have a car collection to die for – from modern supercars to classic motors.
      The most expensive are his Lotus Evija hypercar and McLaren P1 GTR, that both cost a cool £2million.
      Button also invested in a Bugatti Veyron – but recalled having to sell it when it became a problem.
      He told GQ magazine: “I had a problem on a circuit with it once.
      “Then on Kensington High Street it just got stuck in neutral and I was stranded.
      “Quite embarrassing, but then again I owned a Bugatti and the people laughing at me didn’t. There are two ways of looking at it.”
      Button has a £2m McLaren motorCredit: Instagram
      The Ferrari F40 was Button’s dream car growing upCredit: Alamy
      Button also has a £2m Lotus EvijaCredit: Getty
      Button revealed problems he had with a Bugatti VeyronCredit: Getty
      In his garage, there’s also an iconic 1950’s Jaguar C-Type, 19780 Pontiac Trans-Am and a number of classic Ferrari models including his favourite car growing up, the F40.
      He said: “The car that meant so much to me as a child was the F40, because I had three things on my bedroom wall: Bart Simpson, Pamela Anderson and the Ferrari F40.
      “I looked for a year and found a few low mileage cars, but they were all in bad condition.
      “I eventually found one that was completely original with more miles on it. The thing to look out for on an F40 is the roof – if you can see the weave, it’s the original paint.”
      Model wife
      Last year, Button and Ward said their ‘I do’s’ in a glitzy ceremony in California.
      They finally got to walk down the aisle after two weddings were postponed, once due to Covid and another time when Brittny fell pregnant.
      The nuptials were held at the exclusive Kempa Villa in Palm Desert.
      Guests included Hollywood actress Renee Zellwegger and Brit racing driver Chris Buncombe.
      The pair got together in 2016, a year after Button split from first wife, model Jessica Michibata.
      They have two kids together – a boy called Hendrix and girl they named Lenny.
      Jenson and Brittny met in LA through mutual pals, but she confessed she had no clue who he was.
      “I had no idea what he did for a living or even what Formula 1 was; I think it was kind of refreshing, the fact I had no idea who he was made it different for him,” she added. “He could just be himself and not have to worry.”
      Button is married to stunning model Brittny WardCredit: Instagram
      Ward has posed for Playboy magazineCredit: Girls On Swim
      Button and Ward married last year in Palm Dessert
      Button has spoken about his pride in Ward’s interior design career
      Brittny was once an Octagon girl in the UFC, before starring in Playboy magazine in 2015 as Miss January in a 10-page spread.
      She then set up a swimwear brand called Girls on Swim.
      Read More on The Sun
      But most recently, she has been focused on interior design and architecture.
      Speaking about her new chapter, he said: “So proud of my wife @brittnybutton, her architecture and interior design career is still in it’s infancy but you wouldn’t think so looking at the quality of her work. Absolutely beautiful design and as she says it’s all about the fine details!” More

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      in Soccer

      I’m a former Premier League star – now I own a luxury hotel where guests experience one of nature’s most amazing sights

      by

      WHEN Hermann Hreidarsson thought about a retirement plan, there was only one thing he wanted to do.The former Portsmouth FA Cup winner and Iceland legend, now 49, wanted to break into hotels.
      Ex-Premier League ace Hermann Hreidarsson set up the Stracta Hotel in 2014Credit: www.stractahotels.is
      The stunning retreat in Iceland boasts views of the famous Northern Lights
      For his first foray, he teamed up with ex-Chelsea star Eidur Gudjohnsen to launch a hostel in Reykjavik in 2011.
      Then in 2014, the same year he hung up his boots after a stint at Fylkir in his homeland, came a bigger project.
      He launched the four-star Stracta Hotel, some 60 miles from the capital as a retreat for those looking for a place to relax and enjoy nature’s beauty.
      Nearly 10 years later, it is still going strong and is seemingly the perfect spot to witness the Northern Lights, with punters rating it four of five on TripAdvisor.
      Read more football news
      Accommodation
      Hreidarsson was born in the remote Vestmannaey Islands, so his sense of adventure for the great outdoors knows no bounds.
      He and his father plan on building even more hotels in Iceland’s most scenic regions for guests to explore the country’s vast natural sights in the future.
      But it’s the Stracta Hotel that is currently drawing all the plaudits.
      It boasts a total of 148 rooms, including standard double/twin rooms and superior double/twin rooms.
      Most read in Football
      They also have studio rooms with their own kitchenette, two bedroom apartments with cooking facilities and a private hot tub, as well as deluxe suites that also come with their own private jacuzzis.
      Rooms start at around £127-per-night and can be as much as £500-per-night for the superior accommodations.
      On site, there are plenty of relaxing spa options as you would expect from a winter destination.
      Wander into the hotel gardens and you will discover the hotel saunas and communal hot tubs.
      On the ground floor, you’ll discover the reception desk imprinted with a reminder you are “Next Door to Nature”.
      A bar, as well as the Bistro restaurant which offers lunch and dinner is also conveniently close by.
      You can chow down on burgers costing around £20 or a hearty steak of the day that will set you back about £42.
      Ice cream, chocolate brownies, and traditional Icelandic skyr cake are also available for roughly £12 for dessert.
      Three-course meals are prepared at the Gardur restaurant, which are a reasonable £50-per-head and can feature lamb fillet.
      Rooms at the Stracta Hotel start at around £127-per-nightCredit: www.stractahotels.is
      In the gardens you will find saunasCredit: www.stractahotels.is
      The Stracta Hotel has plenty of dining spaceCredit: www.stractahotels.is
      Punters can enjoy excellent food at the Stracta HotelCredit: www.stractahotels.is
      Visitors can enjoy some gym time at the Stracta HotelCredit: www.stractahotels.is
      Guests are greeted at reception with a sign ‘Next Door to Nature’
      READ MORE SPORT FEATURES
      But, although you can be well fed and rested, there’s just so much more to do and see.
      Looking for adventure
      The Stracta is perfectly placed to see the world’s greatest wonders.
      There’s the incredible Eyjafjallajökull ice cap, which you’ll get perfect views of..
      While it may be the volcano that no one can pronounce properly, it’s famous for bringing Europe to a standstill when it erupted in 2010 – sending ash cloud hurtling across the continent.
      In terms of activities, the hotels provides plenty to keep the most active happy.
      You can visit the man-made Caves of Hella, which are said to date back over a thousand years – with some believing they came before the settlement of the Nordic Vikings.
      The phenomenon that is the Northern Lights, which are best seen between the winter months of September- April, can also be seen from the gardens while relaxing in a hot tub.
      For those wanting to channel their inner Sir Ranulph Fiennes, there are glacier and ice cave tours to venture on, as well as buggy/ATV trips across the black sand beaches and over the sand dunes of south Iceland.
      Visiting the Caves of Hella is a must
      Activities including kayaking are available
      Nature’s beauty is close by to the Stracta Hotel
      Guests will be captivated by the sights, including the Skógafoss waterfall
      The Northern Lights are best seen between September to April
      Kayak tours are operated from nearby Stokkseyri, some 24 miles away which offer spectacular surroundings.
      Horseback riding is available, while helicopter tours are also a must.
      Football legend
      Before he became a hotelier, Hreidarsson starred in the Premier League for Crystal Palace, Wimbledon, Ipswich Town, Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth.
      The defender, who earned 89 international caps, played for 15 seasons in English football and managed 332 Premier League appearances.
      It was at Portsmouth where he became a cult hero in their 2006 FA Cup run.
      In recent years, Hreidarsson has turned to coaching. He teamed up with former team-mate David James as his assistant at Indian Premier League side Kerala Blasters in 2018.

      Hermann Hreidarsson became a cult hero for Portsmouth in their 2006 FA Cup runCredit: PA:Press Association
      Hreidarsson lifts the FA CupCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Then he joined up with another ex-team-mate Sol Campbell at Southend, but was relieved from his duties at the end of the 2019/20 season after the side’s relegation from League One.
      Since 2021, Hreidarsson has been head coach of top-tier side IBV Vestmannaeyjar. More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea wonderkids who never made the grade and what happened to them including Charly Musonda and Josh McEachran

      by

      CHELSEA have developed a reputation for bringing through top-quality youngsters over the years.Since Roman Abramovich’s takeover in the early 2000s, a host of superstars have been brought through their ranks.
      Chelsea have brought through some world class talent but also some forgotten starsCredit: Getty
      They have included the likes of John Terry, Reece James, Mason Mount, Conor Gallagher, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Fikayo Tomori and many more.
      But what about those that are forgotten about after just a short stint in the first team?
      Many Blues hopefuls promise a great deal but are barely given a sniff of action before being moved on.
      Here are some of the Chelsea wonderkids that failed to live up to expectations at Stamford Bridge.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      GAEL KAKUTA
      Gael Kakuta eventually exited Stamford Bridge back in 2015Credit: Action Images – Reuters
      The name will remain synonymous with off-field controversy at Stamford Bridge, but Kakuta was once the brightest young thing at the club.
      Chelsea were hit with a 16-month transfer ban by Fifa in 2009 for allegedly inducing Kakuta to break his contract with French club Lens in 2007.
      The move appeared to be worth it as Kakuta won Academy Player of the Year, finished top scorer for the youth side and won the U19 European Championship with France.
      When he made his first-team debut in 2009 after a four-month ban from Fifa, a Mail on Sunday article was headlined: “Chelsea’s new wonder boy worth all the fuss.”
      Most read in Football
      A decade later, Kakuta signed with French club Amiens in what is the 13th professional club of his career and he returned to Lens after impressing on loan there.
      He went out on loan to six clubs during six years with Chelsea’s first-team before eventually moving on to Sevilla.
      There were a couple of years in China and a return to Spain before he switched to France.
      Embarrassingly, Kakuta was embroiled in a court case in 2014 when a broke former footballer masqueraded as him to fund a luxury lifestyle.
      Medi Abalimba was jailed after racking up huge bills in hotels and nightclubs pretending to be the ex-Chelsea star.
      JOSH MCEACHRAN
      Josh McEachran did not live up to the hype at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Back in 2010, a 17-year-old McEachran emerged as the brightest young talent in the Chelsea academy.
      The Blues fought off the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United to sign the teenager.
      McEachran was expected to evolve from starlet to star at Chelsea and, in turn, be the successor to Frank Lampard’s crown in midfield.
      Then England U21s boss Stuart Pearce said: “He’s got a really outstanding talent, similar to Jack Wilshere, and it bodes well for England.
      “If Josh and Jack were wearing Spanish shirts, you would revere them.”
      The arrival of Andre Villas-Boas to Stamford Bridge in 2011 brought an end to McEachran’s progression and he sought opportunities on loan.
      He was sent out to five clubs in three years, from Watford to Wigan, but struggled to settle at any.
      In 2015, he broke free of Chelsea’s loan army and joined Brentford on a permanent deal, a move which had highs and lows until his release in the summer of 2019.
      McEachran went on to join Birmingham City but only played eight Championship matches before he signed for MK Dons and then Oxford.
      BERTRAND TRAORE
      Bertrand Traore left Chelsea for LyonCredit: AP:Associated Press
      The repercussions of Traore’s move to Chelsea in 2013 were felt at Stamford Bridge during Lampard’s reign.
      Lampard’s inability to make any signings upon taking over was due to the Blues being slapped with a transfer ban linked to Traore’s arrival back in 2013.
      His move to Chelsea was one of the key components in Fifa’s evidence as part of an investigation into the club’s signing of foreign players under the age of 18.
      Fifa said it found breaches in 29 cases out of the 92 investigated.
      In the end, Traore played just 16 times for Chelsea and departed for Lyon in an £8.8m move in 2017.
      And in France, he impressed scoring 21 goals in 87 games for the club.
      His return to form earned Traore a move back to the Premier League with Aston Villa in 2020.
      SLOBODAN RAJKOVIC
      Slobodan Rajkovic departed Chelsea back in 2011Credit: Getty
      When a 16-year-old Rajkovic signed for Chelsea in 2005, it was seen as a giant coup.
      The centre-back, tipped to succeed John Terry in defence, had spent the previous summer at Arsenal’s youth camp.
      The majority of Europe’s big beasts were looking to sign the talented defender, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, Inter Milan and Monaco.
      A work permit stalled Rajkovic’s progression at Chelsea so he was sent to Holland on loan, to PSV, Twente and then Vitesse Arnhem.
      Villas-Boas gave the Serbian centre-back his first start for Chelsea, in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Wycombe Wanderers in 2011.
      The same year Rajkovic was sold to Hamburg in a £1.8m deal.
      His career never really ignited, making just 42 appearances for the German side in four years.
      Rajkovic spent three years with Italian club Palermo but was released after they finished bottom of Serie B.
      The boy once wanted by all briefly plied his trade in Russia with FC Lokomotiv Moscow but his contract was terminated by mutual consent.
      He then returned to his homeland to play for TSC Backa Topola, before he joined Hungarian side MTK Budapest.
      DOMINIC SOLANKE
      Dominic Solanke ended up finding success at BournemouthCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      Jose Mourinho made it clear how much potential Solanke had at Chelsea.
      Back in 2014, in his second stint as Stamford Bridge boss, Mourinho named Solanke in a list of players who would be representing their countries in a few years.
      The now-Roma boss said: “In this moment, we have players who will be Chelsea players. And when they become Chelsea players, they will become England players, almost for sure.”
      Quite understandable given Solanke’s success in the youth ranks.
      He was England’s Youth Player of the Year in 2014, Chelsea’s Academy Player of the Year the following season and earned his first-team debut aged just 17.
      Solanke was the prolific goalscorer who helped Chelsea to successive FA Youth Cups in 2014 and 2015, as well as a Uefa Youth League.
      But, at the age of 19, Solanke opted for a new beginning having not seen first-team opportunities come his way.
      He headed for Merseyside with Liverpool where he made 21 appearances in Jurgen Klopp’s first-team but only scored on the final day of the 2017-18 season.
      Bournemouth forked out a whopping £19m for him in 2019.
      READ MORE SPORT FEATUREs
      ISLAM FERUZ
      Islam Feruz left Chelsea in 2019Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      Liverpool star Andrew Robertson once described Feruz, his then team-mate at Celtic, as the ‘golden boy’ of Scottish youth football.
      Feruz was plucked away by Chelsea in 2011, aged 15, to be another star at the club’s Cobham academy.
      But such promise didn’t translate into success for the striker as he was sent out on loan to Crete, Blackpool, Hibernian, Royal Excel Mouscron and Swindon Town.
      And when his contract at Chelsea came to an end in 2017 he was released.
      Over five years as a Blues player, having been sent on as many loans, Feruz made just 20 professional appearances and scored no goals.
      Chelsea deemed the striker, once the darling of Scottish youth football, to have lost his potential.
      He joined Radnicki earlier this year after a six-year hiatus from the game.
      KENEDY
      Kenedy is now back in Brazil having failed to make it at Chelsea
      The winger arrived in West London as a teen from Fluminense in August 2015 and soon scored his first goal for the club in the League Cup at Walsall in a 4-1 win.
      Later that season in March he needed just 39 seconds to break the deadlock in another win at Norwich and ended up making 15 Premier League appearances for the club.
      Hopes were high that his development would continue with a loan spell at Watford but he only managed to make one league appearance in a dismal stint at Vicarage Road.
      Kenedy then headed to Newcastle in what turned out to be an 18-month loan in January 2018 and he did gain some top-flight experience with 38 Prem appearances.
      Unfortunately for him that spell also led to him making history during a poor display against Cardiff.
      He became the first player since 2010 to play a full Prem first half without completing a single pass before his stoppage time penalty was saved by Neil Etheridge.
      Toon failed to make that move permanent and he then spent two seasons in Spain on loan at Getafe and then Granada.
      The Brazilian returned to his homeland on loan at Flamengo, before he signed for Real Vallodolid in 2022.
      CHARLY MUSONDA
      Charly Musonda played just seven games for ChelseaCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Charly Musonda spent five years at Chelsea before he broke through and made his debut under Antonio Conte in the 2017 Community Shield against Arsenal – which the Gunners won on penalties.
      He went on to play seven times for the Blues – all of which came in the 2017/18 campaign.
      But Musonda departed Stamford Bridge in 2022 when he signed for Levante where he spent one season.
      He then joined Greek outfit Anorthosis on a three-year deal after Levante terminated his contract.
      BILLY GILMOUR
      Billy Gilmour won the Champions League at ChelseaCredit: PA
      Billy Gilmour was once tipped to be a star of the future in West London.
      He featured 22 times across the Blues’ two seasons between 2019 and 2021.
      And at the end of that spell he became a Champions League winner under Thomas Tuchel.
      However, he was then farmed out on loan the following season as he made 28 appearances for fellow Premier League side Norwich.
      Read More on The Sun
      And he departed Chelsea on a permanent basis in 2022 when Brighton signed him on a four-year deal.
      Gilmour went on to help Roberto De Zerbi’s men clinch European football for the first time in the club’s history. More