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      I’m an ex-Premier League star who was accused of kidnapping a PENGUIN – now English clubs want me as their transfer guru

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      EX-PREMIER LEAGUE ace Lutz Pfannenstiel has been targeted by West Ham and his former club Nottingham Forest as their next sporting director.Pfannenstiel had a short stint in the Prem having played for Wimbledon and of course Forest during a globetrotting career that saw him working in every single continent – even Antarctica.
      West Ham and Nottingham Forest eye Lutz Pfannenstiel as their next sporting directorCredit: Bongarts – Getty
      Pfannenstiel used to play in the Premier League as a goalkeeperCredit: PA:Press Association
      Pfannenstiel was previously quizzed about a missing penguinCredit: Alamy
      The German is now enjoying plenty of success in the US as the sporting director of St Louis City SC with his work leading the MLS club to the top of the the Western Conference table.
      According to Bild, West Ham and Nottingham are keeping tabs but will have to work hard to convince him to leave America as he has big plans in Missouri.
      The former goalkeeper has had quite an eventful life that has seen him spend 101 days in a Singapore jail when he was accused of match fixing.
      Not long after, the now 49-year-old was declared dead on the pitch when his lungs collapsed following a collision during a game in England.
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      Pfannenstiel was also quizzed by police over a stolen penguin in Germany back in 2017.
      Amazingly that was not the first time the former Germany Under-17 international was accused of the same crime.

      The former Hoffenheim scout confessed in his autobiography The Unstoppable Keeper to “borrowing” a penguin from a New Zealand beach during his time with Dunedin.
      Pfannenstiel said: “The police phoned me about a stolen penguin. They had received an anonymous tip-off that I might be involved.
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      “But it wasn’t me. I urge the thief to return the penguin, as this is no joke. I know it well from the sins of my youth.
      “In 2003 I took a penguin home from its colony and put it in my bathtub.
      “But I returned it inside two days after my club chairman explained penguins were a protected species.
      “Besides, my housemates were not delighted, as it stank like a fish factory. I did not steal it – I just borrowed it.”
      His fundraising efforts in recent years have seen him live in an igloo as well as persuading the late great Diego Maradona to play a charity game in Antarctica. More

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      I was axed by Fulham for being too small and quit pro football.. now I’m 6ft 6in and have battled Rooney, Zlatan & Bale

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      FOR the majority of footballers, the route to the top is simple.Scouts swarm parks across the country and invite the best of the best to join their academy.
      Jack Elliott is one of the MLS’ biggest stars, but his road to the top from his youth in Surrey has been far from the normCredit: Getty
      Jack Elliott has battled against the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic during his careerCredit: Getty
      Wayne Rooney is another big-name star to have been marked by Jack ElliottCredit: Getty
      After a decade or so in the youth ranks, they’ll get their big break… if they’re up to it.
      But for Jack Elliott, his road to the top has been an altogether different story.
      While most talented youngsters are spotted around the age of eight, Elliott was cherry-picked by Fulham aged 12.
      After just a single season, the budding centre-back was released for being too short.
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      Elliott bagged a trial at Crystal Palace, but the Eagles turned down the chance to sign him.
      So, like all football-mad teenagers, the defender played for his school, turned out for a Sunday League side and enjoyed a five-a-side kickabout with pals at the local Powerleague.
      By his own admission, he was forced to learn how to play against bigger opponents due to his slight nature – but claims that’s made him a better player today.
      Aged 15, almost miraculously, Elliott grew an entire FOOT in a single summer.
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      Despite that, it seemed far too late in the day to try to break back into the academy game.
      At the age of 17, Elliott was at school preparing to go to university to study geography.
      But, he was still playing football – and one night saw the trajectory of his life change – as he turned out for Old Wilsonians for their Surrey Premier Cup quarter-final against against Walton Casuals.
      Elliott’s side lost that cold evening, being dumped out on penalties.
      Yet this wasn’t to be the end of his journey… in fact, it was only the beginning.
      That night, Elliott played alongside team-mate Dan Stratford – who was a coach at West Virginia University in the USA.
      Stratford had invited the university’s head coach Marlon Blanc to watch the game.
      So impressed by Elliott’s performance despite defeat, Blanc sensed an opportunity.
      The head coach asked Elliott to snub his uni plans in the UK and accept a scholarship to play under him in West Virginia.
      College soccer – like with all American sports – is the main route to the pro game.
      Jack Elliott has gone on to become one of the top players in the MLS and dreams of earning an international call upCredit: Getty
      Jack Elliott went toe-to-toe with Gareth Bale in last year’s MLS Finals – scoring an 127th-minute equaliser to force a penalty shootoutCredit: Reuters
      Suddenly Elliott’s dream of making the big time was back – five years on from his Fulham axe.
      Elliott battled searing 35C heat in summer training but stuck it out to play 68 times across three years for West Virginia University before being invited to attend the MLS Draft Combine – a chance to show his skills for every team’s scouts, coaches and owners.
      The defender, now a soaring 6ft 6in, entered the MLS draft and was taken with the 77th pick by the Philadelphia Union, who’s reserve team was now being coached by Blanco.
      Elliott was nominated for the league’s Rookie of the Year award after forging a supreme centre-back partnership with Arsenal star Auston Trusty – currently on loan at Birmingham.
      His very first match was up against Barcelona and Spain legend David Villa and he’s gone on to face the likes of Wayne Rooney, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Gareth Bale since.
      In fact, it was Bale – in his last-ever club game – who scored a 127th-minute equaliser in the MLS Finals to send the game to penalties, with his LAFC ultimately edging out Elliott’s Philadelphia Union.
      Elliott had scored a 123rd-minute goal for what appeared to be the win, only for Bale’s even later heroics.
      Now aged 27, Elliott is still going strong at Philadelphia Union – with ten goals from defence in 163 games.
      The defender even has international aspirations now after his sensational form in the States… but not for England.
      Born in England to Scottish parents, Elliott told The Athletic: “Scotland would be a dream for me.
      “I’ve been brought up that way and it would be something amazing (to get a cap).
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      “There have been rumours here and there, but nothing concrete, so hopefully I’ll get a chance at some point, but I’ll just keep working and see where that goes.”
      Either way, he’s a long way from the Surrey Premier Cup now… More

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      Lionel Messi could make shock MLS transfer with ‘all 29 clubs willing to cover £900,000 wages to dodge league’s pay cap’

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      LIONEL MESSI could complete a shock move to the MLS this summer, according to reports.The 35-year-old has just three months remaining on his current contract with Paris Saint-Germain.
      All 29 MLS clubs want to contribute to Messi’s wagesCredit: Getty
      He is yet to agree terms for a new deal but has the option to stay in France for another year.
      Messi has been linked with several clubs since the start of the year, including Inter Milan and Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
      He has also been tipped to make a triumphant return to Barcelona where he won four Champions League titles and a whopping 10 LaLiga titles.
      However, according to Spanish outlet Sport, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner could be heading stateside.
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      All 29 MLS clubs have discussed a unique structure that would see Messi join the league.
      Every club has committed to funding a percentage of the forward’s £900,000-a-week salary in the hope that his presence in the league will attract huge commercial benefits.
      MLS chiefs also hope that he will bring increased viewing figures ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
      If he does decide to make the switch, Messi will have the opportunity to choose which club he joins.
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      But, various reports have suggested that he currently prefers to stay in Europe.
      Messi, who won the World Cup with Argentina in December, has scored 18 goals in 32 appearances for PSG so far this season. More

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      Arsenal fans love it as Martinelli cracks Ted Lasso joke while Turner teaches him and Nketiah about MLS ahead of US tour

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      ARSENAL fans loved it as Gabriel Martinelli cracked a Ted Lasso joke to American goalkeeper Matt Turner.As part of an MLS promotion, the US international goalkeeper has been teaching Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah about his home league ahead of the Gunners’ summer tour.
      Gabriel Martinelli made a Ted Lasso jokeCredit: Twitter
      American Matt Turner took the quip in his strideCredit: Twitter
      Arsenal will take on an MLS All-Star team in Washington DC on July 19.
      And Martinelli, 21, hopes that there will be a special guest.
      Turner introduced the forward duo to Audi Field, where the All-Star game will take place.
      The 28-year-old said: “You’re looking at Audi Field, and lucky for us we’ll have the chance to play there in the MLS All-Star game on Apple TV.”
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      Nketiah, 23, then said: “The stars are really aligning for us, innit.”
      And Martinelli added: “Does it mean Ted Lasso will be there?”
      To which Turner replied: “I know a few people, I’ll see what I can do.”
      Hit TV series Ted Lasso is currently in its third season and is an Apple TV original, the same platform that broadcasts all MLS matches.
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      Eddie Nketiah also appeared in the advertCredit: TWITTER
      Hit Apple TV show Ted Lasso is currently in its third seasonCredit: AP
      It sees fictional American coach Lasso move to Premier League strugglers AFC Richmond, joined by his ever-wise assistant Coach Beard.
      Despite the interaction being staged, Arsenal fans loved Martinelli’s quip.
      One wrote: “Does it mean Ted lasso will be there lmao 😭😂😂 I love gabi man”
      A second tweeted: “Great ad 😃”
      While a third commented: “The Ted Lasso comment freaking love it 😂😂😂”
      And another added: “They should make Ted Lasso a coach for MLS team.”
      The actual coach of the MLS team will be England and Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney.
      Wazza, 37, has been in charge of DC United since July last year – but has only won three of his 18 matches in charge,
      Wayne Rooney will manage MLS All-Stars against ArsenalCredit: Alamy More

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      Arsenal set to face MLS All-Star XI managed by Wayne Rooney as Man Utd legend ‘lets slip’ details of match

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      ARSENAL will take on a team of MLS All-Stars ahead of the 2023-24 season, reports suggest.The Gunners currently sit eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table with 10 games left to play.
      Arsenal will face the MLS All-Stars in JulyCredit: Reuters
      Rooney will coach the best of the MLSCredit: Reuters
      This season they have been highly regarded as one of the best teams in Europe with the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka receiving praise from some of the world’s top managers.
      But while Mikel Arteta and his team continue to chase the domestic title, club chiefs are already putting plans in place for the summer.
      According to The Athletic, Arsenal will face the MLS All-Stars in a pre-season friendly ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.
      The match is set to take place on July 19 at Audi Field in Washington D.C.
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      And Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney is set to take charge of the MLS team.
      Rooney, who has managed D.C. United since July, reportedly announced the news inadvertently during a fan event on Thursday.
      However, an official announcement is yet to be made.
      Prior to the Coronavirus pandemic, the best of the MLS would join forces on an annual basis to take on some of the biggest teams in Europe.
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      The MLS All-Stars have previously faced the likes of Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Roma, Man Utd, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
      But, the annual event was cancelled in 2020 when the world was sent into lockdown as a result of the pandemic.
      With travel restrictions still in place in some areas in 2021 and 2022, the MLS superstars took on a team of Liga MX All-Stars twice in consecutive seasons.
      But with everything now back to normal, this summer will mark the return of Europe’s elite.
      Arsenal previously faced the MLS All-Stars in 2016.
      The Gunners won 2-1 with Joel Campbell and Chuba Akpom bagging the goals. More

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      Barcelona offer Sergio Busquets new deal aged 34 as midfield legend mulls over FIVE free transfer offers

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      BARCELONA have offered veteran Sergio Busquets a new deal amid a host of clubs being interested in his signature, according to reports. Busquets, 34, is set to leave Barcelona when his current contract expires at the end of the season.
      Sergio Busquets has been offered a new contract by BarcelonaCredit: AP
      However, the Blaugrana have offered him a year-long extension according to Mundo Deportivo.
      Although this would see his current wage significantly reduced.
      The outlet also reports as many as FIVE clubs are interested in signing the midfielder at the end of his current deal.
      Inter Miami’s interest is well known, with manager Phil Neville openly declaring the Major League Soccer Franchise’s intention to try and sign Busquets and other major stars such as Lionel Messi.
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      Another North American team, Toronto FC, are another team interested in Busquets, according to Mundo Deportivo.
      The report adds interest from three teams in Saudi Arabia who also want to sign Busquets for free.
      These being Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr, Al-Shabab and title rivals Al-Halil.
      The three teams are second, third and fourth respectively in the Saudi Pro League.
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      Busquets is a product of Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy, having made his breakthrough to the first team in 2008.
      He has gone on to make well over 700 appearances, winning a plethora of trophies, including three Champions League and eight La Liga titles. More

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      Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney closing in on transfer for Nottingham Forest’s Lewis O’Brien at DC United

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      DC UNITED are closing in on the signing of Nottingham Forest star Lewis O’Brien, according to reports. The MLS side are managed by Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney.
      Lewis O’Brien is close to joining DC United on loanCredit: Getty
      Wayne Rooney is in charge of DC UnitedCredit: Reuters
      O’Brien looks set to join the team on loan until the summer.
      Various reports suggest that the 24-year-old has flown to the United States to undergo a medical and the transfer is expected to be completed once the visa process is finalised in a few weeks.
      O’Brien looks set to join the Washington-based outfit after a January move to Blackburn collapsed in dramatic fashion.
      The EFL blocked the transfer on deadline day, claiming that Rovers had not submitted the relevant paperwork in time.
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      O’Brien was left out of Nottingham Forest’s 25-man Premier League squad as they expected his departure.
      The midfielder joined from Huddersfield in the summer for a fee of around £10million.
      He has played 17 times in all competitions for Steve Cooper’s side this season, scoring one goal.
      DC United finished bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference last season but are off to a better start this term, picking up four points in their opening three games.
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      O’Brien will have new ex-Premier League team-mates like Christian Benteke and Mateusz Klich in America.
      Former Man Utd and West Ham star Ravel Morrison is still at the club but was cut from the team after not being registered in the squad for the new MLS season. More

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      Wayne Rooney shares loved-up selfie with Coleen after Man Utd legend’s wife jets out to see him in Washington

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      WAYNE ROONEY has shared a loved-up selfie with wife Coleen after she jetted out to the US to visit him.The pair have been living separately after Rooney took charge of MLS outfit DC United last July.
      Coleen flew out to Washington DC to visit husband Wayne RooneyCredit: Instagram / @waynerooney
      The pair have lived separately since Rooney took charge of DC United last July
      Coleen is living in the UK with their four childrenCredit: Instagram
      But they have been re-united in Washington DC this week and are enjoying each other’s company after months apart.
      Wazza, 37, shared a smiley selfie with Coleen, who wore huge sunglasses.
      He captioned the post: “Great week with @coleen_rooney 😁”
      Coleen decided to stay behind in the UK with their four children when Rooney took the DC United job.
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      She previously joined the former England star in the US capital when he played for DC, but revealed she “cried every weekend” due to homesickness.
      Coleen also complained about the lack of activities on offer in the city, highlighting the lack of soft plays for her kids, who she mostly took to the park.
      However the 36-year-old did not want to stand in her husband’s way and gave him her blessing to take the job.
      It was a bold move from Coleen after Rooney got into trouble on a few occasions in his previous spell stateside.
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      Rooney was arrested in December 2018 for being drunk at Dulles airport.
      In February 2019 he had a boozy night out with a barmaid while on a training camp in Florida.
      He was also pictured outside a Hooters bar, famed for their sexy waitresses in revealing clothes.
      Coleen has a wealth of experience dealing with her husband’s discrepancies and that may be why Annie Kilner reached out to her for support after hubby Kyle Walker was accused of flashing in a bar last week.
      A source said: “Annie reached out to Coleen for a shoulder to cry on. They’re friends.
      “Coleen feels sorry for Annie because people like them seem to get laughed at for having hope in their relationships.
      “Coleen knows what it is like to be at the centre of a storm. She also knows what it’s like to be on the receiving end of Becky’s tongue.” More