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    ‘This is gonna make Messi s*** his pants’, says Will Ferrell during announcement of LAFC’s new kit

    FOOTIE-MAD Will Ferrell took a hilarious shot at Lionel Messi during LAFC’s kit launch.The Hollywood superstar appeared in a glossy video to reveal his team’s new home shirt.
    Will Ferrell starred as LAFC’s kit manCredit: X formerly Twitter / @LAFC
    The Hollywood icon scrubbed a football boot with a toothbrushCredit: X formerly Twitter / @LAFC
    Ferrell revealed the stunning new kitCredit: X formerly Twitter / @LAFC
    And the actor couldn’t hide his excitementCredit: X formerly Twitter / @LAFC
    The launch poked fun at Inter Miami superstar Lionel MessiCredit: Reuters
    In a video posted to social media, Ferrell played the role of hapless LAFC kit man.
    After caressing a shin pad and scrubbing a boot with a toothbrush, Ferrell was informed that the launch would be that day.
    The 56-year-old subsequently held up the smart black shirt with gold trim, treating it with awe.
    In an amazing outtake, Ferrell could be seen saying: “Black. The grit of the city. Battle-hardened. Golden, like my favourite graham-based cereal. A bounty from Olympus! Hallelujah!
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    “This is gonna make Messi s*** his pants!”
    Fans absolutely loved the cheeky reference to LAFC’s Inter Miami rival.
    One responded: “This is hysterical!”
    While a second gushed: “I love Will!!!”
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    A third swooned: “We need more Will, this is gold.”
    And another added: “Wait, Will Ferrell dishing out assists? Talk about kicking it up a notch! Kits gonna sell like crazy now, don’t ya think?”
    Fans demand Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami contract ‘terminated ASAP’ after spotting what he did during loss to Vissel Kobe
    Ferrell is a big football fan and took part in Soccer Aid in 2012.
    He eventually bought a stake in LAFC in 2016 ahead of their MLS launch.
    During his Soccer Aid appearance, Ferrell forged an unlikely friendship with Manchester United legend Roy Keane while playing for the Rest of the World team.
    While visiting the Etihad last season for Manchester City’s clash with Aston Villa, Ferrell embraced his old buddy Keane.
    Back in 2012 Ferrell, who starred in 2005 football film Kicking and Screaming, explained how his friendship with Keane began.
    He said: “No one told me ahead of time you’re not supposed to go up and hug Roy Keane, and that’s the first thing I did.
    “I walked up, hugged him, picked him up, and gave him a big old wet kiss on the cheek.

    “He said ‘nice to meet you too’…
    “He waved at me at breakfast on Friday morning, I believe he was waving at me. I believe it was really positive.”
    Ferrell reunited with old pal Roy Keane last seasonCredit: Getty More

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    David Beckham’s Inter Miami ‘screwed’ ahead of new MLS season with ex-Premier League star to be part of mass exodus

    DAVID BECKHAM’S Inter Miami are allegedly “screwed” ahead of the new MLS season.And a host of stars are reportedly available for transfer as they desperately look to get with the league’s strict salary structure.
    David Beckham could be facing some tough times at Inter MiamiCredit: Getty
    Signing Lionel Messi may mean Inter Miami will have to ship other talent outCredit: Alamy
    Inter Miami have become the American top-flight’s premiere franchise following the arrivals of superstar Lionel Messi and his ex-Barcelona team-mates Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
    However, owner Beckham and the rest of the club chiefs need to make major adjustments in order to meet MLS rules.
    The Athletic states that they must come up with more allocation money and could have to shift a number of salaries in order not to breach the requirements.
    They claim that a source informed that DeAndre Yedlin, Sergii Kryvstov, Gregore, Jean Mota, and Robert Taylor are all available for transfer in order to meet roster regulations.
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    And Inter Miami are also allegedly willing to terminate Coco Jean’s contract if a transfer or trade is not agreed by the deadline of February 20.
    That has left them considering any potential sale for players on large salaries at the club.

    This report also added that a high-ranking sporting executive at a different club said: “They are screwed. Trust me.”
    The specific amount that Inter Miami needs to raise has not been disclosed.
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    Inter Miami may be able to benefit by selling some of their players abroad with the fees then being converted into allocation money.
    Inter Miami kick-off the MLS campaign on February 21 against Real Salt Lake – who have just signed Matt Crooks from Middlesbrough.
    Fans demand Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami contract ‘terminated ASAP’ after spotting what he did during loss to Vissel Kobe More

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    Premier League star’s Wag has nose broken after being hit by husband’s team-mate’s wayward shot

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST goalkeeper Matt Turner’s wife Ashley Herron revealed she suffered a broken nose due to a team-mate’s wayward shot.Ashley followed Turner to the UK after he was signed by Arsenal in 2022 from New England Revolution.
    Ashley Herron is married to Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matt TurnerCredit: Instagram @ashhhlynnne
    Ashley followed Turner to the UK after he initially joined ArsenalCredit: Instagram @headdturnerr
    Ashley has shown immense support to Turner throughout his careerCredit: Instagram @ashhhlynnne
    The American also moved with her beau when he signed for Forest this past summer transfer window.
    And the former NFL cheerleader continually supports him from the stands, so much so that she is even willing to put her own safety at risk.
    She recently attended a match where she had a front-row seat close to the action.
    But all the “glitz and glamour” went out the window after Gonzalo Montiel fired a powerful shot that missed the target but smacked her in the face leading to a broken nose.
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    Ashley told talkSPORT: I’ve got a broken nose right now because I went to a game and got hit in the nose.
    “It happened during the warm up. It was Montiel. I don’t think it’s glitz and glamour.”
    Ashley is a former NFL cheerleader who showed off her dancing skills at Super Bowl LII.
    She also gained her Masters degree in business management from Harvard University.
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    The mother of two met Turner in the US during his time at the MLS and they moved across the pond when she was eight months pregnant.
    Ashley added: “I don’t think I was necessarily prepared for the intensity of the Premier League. We came from MLS and obviously that’s not as high profile.
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    “This league is just developed in people’s blood and it’s a beautiful thing.
    “The pressure for the players and their families is something I don’t think you can prepare for.
    “You have to just go through the journey and experience it and that’s where you really learn the ins and outs of everything.
    “We moved over to Arsenal when I was eight months pregnant and I had to move before Matt finished up his season. I came to the country without a place to live.
    “It’s definitely different but I wouldn’t trade it for the world because I feel like Matt and I have grown closer for this experience.
    “It doesn’t make things easier not being able to have your family next door to call on and we’re grateful we have a very supportive family but that was definitely difficult.”
    Ashley revealed she broke her nose while watching Turner from the standsCredit: Instagram @ashhhlynnne
    Ashley was hit in the head by a wayward shot by Gonzalo MontielCredit: Instagram @ashhhlynnne
    Ashley followed Turner to England while she was eight months pregnantCredit: Instagram @ashhhlynnne More

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    My dad was a deaf footballer and I have epilepsy but I’ve scored against Man Utd and now I’m going to play against Messi

    A FOOTBALL star who has epilepsy and whose father represented Great Britain’s deaf team has just secured a dream move that will see him come up against Lionel Messi.Matt Crooks will be aiming to put the Argentine superstar to sword just like he did the icon’s great rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
    Matt Crooks’ dad was a deaf footballer and he also has epilepsyCredit: Getty
    The star has just left Middlesbrough to make the move to the MLSCredit: PA
    The 30-year-old was unveiled as MLS side Real Salt Lake’s new signing yesterday after he joined them for an undisclosed fee from Middlesbrough.
    The 6ft 4in midfielder departs Boro as a huge fan favourite following his two-and-a-half years at the Riverside.
    He made 115 appearances for the club, scoring 23 times, including a famous strike against Manchester United.
    The Leeds-born ace grew up supporting the Red Devils, but his equaliser in the FA Cup back at Old Trafford sent the fourth round tie to penalties, which Boro went on to win 8-7, after Ronaldo had earlier missed a spot-kick.
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    Crooks penned an emotional farewell after his exit was confirmed, saying: “Only six months ago, I described this place as home and that it will remain.
    “But life is short and we only get one go at it, and to have the chance to experience football and life in another country with my family was one I was keen to take up.
    “Under each manager came different challenges and plenty of positions, yet all provided me with memories which I am sure I’ll be able to look back on fondly. Reading at home, United away, Spurs at home, Chelsea at home. Fantastic.
    “Good luck to everyone involved with the club for the rest of this campaign, I’m sure the lads and staff will give everything ’til the season ends.”
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    He played in various positions under several different managers at Middlesbrough, but he is looking forward to being deployed as a No10 out in America – and facing one the greatest ever in that position too.
    Crooks said: “MLS is getting a bigger name and a better reputation.
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    “Obviously with the likes of Messi and what have you coming over, that’s really enhanced the sport over here. I’m just looking forward to it.
    “I wouldn’t say I’m a Salt Lake or an RSL professor just yet, but I’m looking forward to getting to know more. That’s what I’m coming over for.
    “I think my role will be as one of the 10s. I think you’d like me to be in that 10 role.”
    Crooks’ journey to America has been incredible off the pitch as well as on it.
    As a player, he started at Huddersfield Town before having spells at Halifax, Hartlepool, Accrington, Rangers, Scunthorpe, Northampton and Rotherham before Boro.
    Away from the turf, the popular player with epilepsy, overcame the loss of a long-time footballing friend as well as growing up in a family where both his parents were deaf.
    Speaking previously to BBC, he said: “My dad is proud to be deaf, my mum is proud to be deaf, but I’m the same way about epilepsy in a way.
    “It’s a dangerous condition and can have serious consequences, but it’s part of me and part of who I am so I should embrace it and not live in fear of something happening.”
    He is not the only member of his family with an impressive sporting career.
    His father Dave represented Great Britain in football at four deaf Olympics and amassed a collection of one gold, a silver and a bronze medal.
    Crooks said: “My dad doesn’t forget to remind me about it.
    “He did a good job of making the most of what he had, even if it held him back in other parts of his life, he still made sure sport was a big part of his life and that’s something I get from him.
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    “It’s classed as a disability, but I’ve never looked at it and thought they’re disabled, they’re just deaf and it’s a different world to the hearing world. It’s not something to be looked down on.”
    Crooks is also involved in two charities, The Peter Doody Foundation – which aims to normalise epilepsy – and the Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust – where he is the vice-chair and trustee, in honour of his late ex-Huddersfield team-mate.
    The much-loved star famously scored for Boro against Man Utd at Old TraffordCredit: Getty More

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    Footie star reveals team-mate puts butter in his coffee as fans gasp ‘send him straight to jail’

    FOOTBALLER Dax McCarty horrified fans by revealing that one of his team-mates puts butter in his coffee.The MLS star, 36, joined Atlanta United from Nashville during the off-season.
    I have a teammate who shall not be named who adds butter to his coffee. He says I can’t criticize until I try it but I don’t want my breakfast to end up on the table so let’s ask the masses. Is this ok behavior or does he need to be taken straight to jail? pic.twitter.com/HMhJnot6v0— Dax McCarty (@DaxMcCarty11) February 12, 2024

    Dax McCarty has played 466 times in MLSCredit: Getty
    After arriving at the club’s facility for training, McCarty spotted one of his new team-mates’ bizarre habit.
    Taking to social media, the 13-cap USA international wrote: “I have a teammate who shall not be named who adds butter to his coffee.
    “He says I can’t criticize until I try it but I don’t want my breakfast to end up on the table so let’s ask the masses.
    “Is this ok behavior or does he need to be taken straight to jail?”
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    McCarty accompanied his post with a picture of his team-mate’s coffee, featuring two chunks of butter.
    The midfielder received a resounding answer to his question from revolted fans online.
    One wrote: “Lock him up.”
    While a second simply commented: “Jail.”
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    A third said: “Tell him in the south, the butter goes on everything else but the coffee.”
    And a fourth demanded: “drop the name, Dax.”
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    Although another added: “I’ve heard from coffee aficionados that raw butter is great in coffee. I haven’t been bold enough to try it.”
    Despite demands from fans, McCarty did not name which team-mate was drinking coffee with butter.
    The veteran has played in MLS since 2006, twice being named an All-Star and winning two Supporters’ Shields.
    He was also part of the victorious US national team that won the Concacaf Gold Cup in 2017. More

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    Sheffield Wednesday look to capitalise on deadline day paperwork error to secure transfer of MLS star

    SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY will make a new Duncan McGuire bid if they stay in the Championship.The Orlando striker, 23, flew in from the USA for talks with the Owls on the last day of the window, but then opted for Blackburn instead.
    Sheffield Wednesday will come back for Orlando City star Duncan McGuireCredit: Getty
    Blackburn almost signed McGuire during the January transfer windowCredit: Getty
    That deal collapsed after a paperwork error and McGuire is back in the MLS — but Wednesday and Blackburn are still keen.
    Rovers owners Venky’s, meanwhile, held a summit at which it was expected chief exec Steve Waggott would get the axe — but he survived.
    Secretary Ian Silvester could go after the McGuire cock-up.
    Blackburn fans slammed club chiefs after their failure to land McGuire during the January transfer window.
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    This comes after the Championship side sold star man Adam Wharton to Crystal Palace on deadline day following a £22million deal.
    The Rovers hierarchy explained the situation with a lengthy statement.
    It read: “Duncan McGuire’s proposed loan move to Blackburn from MLS side Orlando City has not been approved by the EFL to date due to the registration documents being submitted after the 11pm transfer deadline.
    “All of the necessary signed paperwork had been completed prior to 10pm on Thursday February 1st, however due to an administrative error, the forms were not processed within the prescribed time.
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    “Detailed discussions with legal representatives and the relevant football authorities have taken place over the past few days to try to reach an urgent and positive resolution to the matter.
    “The club’s lawyers have prepared the required papers and sent to the EFL Board, who will consider the case on Thursday February 8th.
    Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozers
    “Orlando City have allowed McGuire to remain in the UK, pending the EFL Board’s decision.
    “He will return to the United States, where he will re-join his club ahead of the start of the 2024 MLS season, should his registration not be approved.
    “Should the appeal be refused then Blackburn will attempt to reach a pre-contract agreement with Orlando City over the coming weeks to enable the player to officially join the club on a permanent basis when the 2024 summer transfer window opens.” More

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    FIFA cult hero and ‘career mode legend’ Luis Muriel joins ninth club of his career in £2million transfer

    IT’S a done deal for FIFA legend Luis Muriel, who has joined Orlando City in a £2million transfer from Atalanta. The MLS club has signed him in an permanent transfer which kicks in immediately, and the Colombian will soon travel for his medical.
    Luis Muriel has joined Orlando City in a £2m transfer.Credit: Getty
    Muriel was a star of FIFA 13,but he’s still going strong
    Orlando City will be the ninth club of Muriel’s long career, which has included Sevilla, Fiorentina, Lecce and Granada. 
    At 32 years old, he has 45 caps for his country and is not looking like slowing down, having more than proved himself in recent years in Serie A with Atalanta. 
    In his overall 184 appearances for the club, he’s scored 68 goals and registered 28 assists. 
    40 of these goals and 10 of his assists came in just his first two seasons from 2019-2021.
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    The arrival of such a high class player in the MLS has sparked huge excitement among fans, who raved about the move on X, formerly known as Twitter.
    One referring to him as a ‘career mode legend’.
    Another said: “Massive signing.
    “Before, players like this would be going to Brazil, Mexico, or Argentina if they’re leaving Europe.
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    “Now they’re coming to MLS.
    “Seems like times are really changing.”
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    Muriel became a FIFA 13 cult legend after his card showed some seriously impressive stats, with 89 for pace and 86 for dribbling.
    He was called a ‘cheap beast’ and ‘FIFA legend’ and some even reckoned he was the best FIFA 13 player out there.
    His strength as a centre forward is an exciting prospect for Orlando, who already have Uruguayan international Facundo Torres up front.  More

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    Tottenham legend Hugo Lloris ‘bagged £2m golden handshake from Daniel Levy’ before MLS free transfer

    HUGO LLORIS was reportedly handed a settlement worth up to £2million after leaving Tottenham last year.The goalkeeper, 37, joined MLS side Los Angeles FC on a free transfer in December after falling out of favour in North London.
    Hugo Lloris agreed a £2million settlement with Tottenham before leavingCredit: Getty
    However, he secured a “golden handshake” just before making the switch.
    According to the Daily Mail, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy negotiated a settlement for the remaining six months of his £100,000-per-week contract.
    Lloris had been at Tottenham for over 11 years before moving to the MLS.
    He made 444 appearances for the Lilywhites during his time in North London and kept 151 clean sheets.
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    After announcing his departure, Lloris told Spurs fans: “I just wanted to say thank you for all your support since day one.
    “It has been a great privilege to be one of you and one of your captains for many years.
    “I think it’s the end of the chapter, but you will always be in my heart.
    “Spurs will always be a special place for me and all of my family and on behalf of them as well I would like to say thank you for all the memories that we had together, all the emotions that we went through and I just want to wish you the best.”
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    Lloris made his final Tottenham appearance during the club’s 6-1 defeat to Newcastle last April.
    He was exiled by Ange Postecoglou following the manager’s arrival last summer and failed to break back into the starting line-up.
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