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    How Arsenal’s DJ brutally trolled Erling Haaland just seconds after Man City thrashed 5-1 at the Emirates Stadium

    ARSENAL’S DJ savagely trolled Erling Haaland after Manchester City’s humuliating 5-1 loss at the Emirates.The Gunners destroyed their Premier League rivals in a match that saw them getting some revenge after losing the title to City by a whisker the previous two seasons.Arsenal destroyed Manchester City at the EtihadCredit: GettyArsenal’s DJ then decided to troll Man City superstar Erling HaalandCredit: GettyThe North Londoners opened the scoring with Martin Odegaard after just two minutes but Man City equalised with Haaland, 24, in the second half.Mikel Arteta’s men then went on full blast as they thrashed the Citizens with goals by Thomas Partey, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Kai Havertz and Ethan Nwaneri.This marked another embarrassing display for Pep Guardiola’s men, whose woeful season continues.However, the Emirates’ DJ decided to pour some more salt in the visitors’ wounds.Read More on ArsenalAnd they targeted Haaland following his confrontation with Arteta in the two teams’ first Premier League meeting at the Etihad in September where they drew 2-2.After a fiery clash in Manchester the star striker was heard telling the Arsenal boss: “Stay humble, eh? Stay humble.”That was after the Spanish tactician was fuming with John Stones’ last-gasp equaliser taking place after the allocated seven minutes of stoppage time.Haaland also had a furious confrontation with Gabriel Jesus and Lewis-Skelly after his comments towards Arteta.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Arsenal DJ never forgot and decided to poke some fun on the Norway international after the final whistle.That is why Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Humble’ hit started echoing around the Emirates.’Bro thinks he’s Kate Abdo’ say fans as David Jones introduces very familiar panel for Sky’s coverage of Arsenal vs CityThis was seen as a direct hit for Haaland after a miserable performance. More

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    Erling Haaland’s dad trolls Arsenal with seven-word post after Man City ace was brutally trolled in Gunners celebrations

    ERLING HAALAND’s dad hit back at brutal trolling from Arsenal with an even icier message of his own.Alf-Inge Haaland saw the Gunners milk a 5-1 win over Manchester City by copying his son’s goal celebrations and posting the picture afterwards.Arsenal taunted Man City by sharing this picture of team-mates hailing Myles Lewis-Skelly after he scored amid a second-half spreeCredit: GettyFans appeared divided over whether Erling Haaland’s dad has helped out his son by intervening online following the 5-1 loss at the EmirateCredit: EPAAwkward, if not angry, feelings between the clubs have run high following a dramatic 2-2 Prem draw at the Etihad last September.Haaland Junior struck first that day but City only rescued a point against the 10-man Gunners when John Stones scrambled an equaliser eight minutes into stoppage time.The Norwegian hitman then inflamed a tense situation by telling Arsenal chief Mikel Arteta to “stay humble”.Gunners defender Gabriel Magalhaes led the animosity that followed.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe said: “It’s a battle, a war. It’s normal to have provocative acts in football, it’s part of the game.”And simmering emotions were ratcheted up when Gabriel hailed Martin Odegaard’s opener on Sunday by rejoicing in Haaland’s face.But the ex-Borussia Dortmund star soared to equalise in the 55th minute.Haaland marked his goal coldly, with a look that bordered on a smirk.Most read in FootballAlf-Inge Haaland hit back after Arsenal crowed on social mediaCredit: EPAJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut the Gunners then netted four more times via Thomas Partey, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Kai Havertz and Ethan Nwaneri to go second in the Prem.And Lewis-Skelly, in particular, taunted Pep Guardiola’s men with the way he lauded his strike.Mikel Arteta issues worrying transfer update with Arsenal desperately scrambling after failed Ollie Watkins bidThe left-back, 18, mimicked a Haaland celebration by sitting on the ground, as if meditating, while his team-mates looked down on him.Defeat left champions City 15 points behind leaders Liverpool.And Arsenal’s media team responded to their side’s thumping victory by sharing a snap of a cross-legged Lewis-Skelly being mobbed.The Gunners added the words: “This team” – along with a clenched fist.Ex-Man City defender Haaland Senior quickly replied: ” «This Team» that wins everything. Ehhhhh, not” – followed by a blue heart.That’s a reference to City winning six of the last Prem titles, whereas Arsena’s last silverware came when lifting the FA Cup in 2020.But fans were split over whether Alf-Inge’s intervention was helpful for his son.One observer posted: “Stay humble has gone crying to his dad I see.”Gabriel couldn’t resist a cheeky encounter with HaalandAnother added: “Watch your boy, he is still eating humble pie.”But some supporters appeared to back Haaland Senior as they mocked the Gunners’ announcement.One said: “That result wins them the social media trophy until Newcastle bounce them out of the only competition they could win this season.”That’s because Arsenal visit Newcastle in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final, 2-0 down from the first leg.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd a few fans were positively delighted by Alf-Inge.One wrote: “Spot on. More a***d about winning made-up social media battles than trophies.”Arsenal fans hadn’t forgotten Haaland Jr’s commentsCredit: PA More

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    ‘S***house’ Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, hits the Erling Haaland celebration after scoring first Arsenal goal vs Man City

    ARSENAL whizkid Myles Lewis-Skelly was on wind-up duties against Manchester City.The talented full-back did Erling Haaland’s meditation celebration after putting the Gunners 3-1 up against Pep Guardiola’s side at the Emirates.Myles Lewis-Skelly was on wind-up duties against Manchester CityLewis-Skelly did Erling Haaland’s celebration after making it 3-1Credit: RexHis team-mates huddled around him as he sat on the turfCredit: GettyGabriel bowed to Lewis-Skelly before Arsenal went on to win 5-1Credit: GettyLewis-Skelly wrapped in a two goal cushion in the 61st minute, with a great strike from his weaker foot – his first Premier League goal.But it was the 18-year-old’s celebration that had Arsenal fans talking before Mikel Arteta’s men went on to inflict a brutal 5-1 defeat on City.Lewis-Skelly hilariously mimicked City striker Haaland’s meditation cele near the corner flag with his back towards the fans.It clearly wasn’t planned as his team-mates huddled around him and laughed before he stood back up again.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSHaaland’s celebration involves him sitting in a meditative pose, reminiscent of the ‘Lotus’ pose from yoga.In this pose, he sits on the ground with his wrists on his knees and his fingers touching his thumb, embodying calm and inner peace.But there was no peace in this game as Gabriel reignited his feud with Haaland after celebrating in his rival’s face at 1-0.Fans were loving the needle shown by teenager Lewis-Skelly, who was only allowed to play after the FA overturned his red card from Wolves last week.Most read in FootballHaaland celebrating with his ‘meditation pose’CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSReacting on social media, one fan said: “Lewis-Skelly!!!!!!!!!! Quality this guy!!!! What a s***housery celebration too!”Another said: “That is ice cold!! 🤣”‘Bro thinks he’s Kate Abdo’ say fans as David Jones introduces very familiar panel for Sky’s coverage of Arsenal vs CityA third added: “Lewis Skelly he’s one our own. The nerve of this kid 😂.”A fourth said: “The shade is real”, while another replied: “So petty. I love the trolling.”Haaland’s dad Alfie hit out at the Gunners after the full-time whistle, he replied to Arsenal’s official X account: “«This Team» that wins everything. Ehhhhh, not.”Lewis-Skelly and Haaland, who scored City’s only goal on Sunday, came to blows at the start of the season.The Norwegian appeared to shout “who the f*** are you” at the left-back, then 17, during a post-match in September.Meanwhile, Lewis-Skelly was memorably booked on the sidelines before his Prem debut against Man City five months ago.He was caught in an exchange of words and referee Michael Oliver had no hesitation in dishing out a booking in the 2-2 draw.Lewis-Skelly saw yellow after a dugout incident in the reverse fixture at the start of the seasonGabriel celebrated in Haaland’s face after Arsenal took the leadDuring that draw at the Etihad back, Haaland netted and then celebrated John Stones’ 98th minute leveller by throwing a ball at the back of Gabriel’s head.At the time Arteta stood up for Lewis-Skelly after the brawl, in which Haaland famously told the Spanish manager to “stay humble”.Arteta said: “He (Lewis-Skelly) is a competitor.“You look at him, in every duel he goes, the way he reacts with his team-mates, you speak to him it’s constantly eye contact. “He’s nudging, he’s asking questions, it’s a special character.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd the celebrations on Sunday continued after Kai Havertz, who missed a sitter in the first-half, made it 4-1 in the 76th minute.Ethan Nwaneri then scored a screamer with the final shot of the game and rivalled Lewis-Skelly for teenager of the night.Arsenal player ratings vs Man CityARSENAL stunned Man City 5-1 at the Emirates on Sunday evening.It was an incredible result against their rivals of recent years.Here, we take a look at how the Gunners rated…David Raya – 7/10Had very little to do in the first half but made a brilliant save in the 22nd minute to deny a goalbound header from Josko Gvardiol. Made another stunning save two minutes from the half-time interval, stopping a deflected Savinho shot from close range. Powerless to stop Erling Haaland’s 55th-minute header from briefly levelling the scores.Jurrien Timber – 6Didn’t offer his usual attacking threat going forward but was solid defensively. Picked up a pointless yellow breaking up a harmless counter-attack in the 24th minute. Almost scored late in the second half.William Saliba – 5Didn’t have much to do in the first half but won all his aerial battles in the first 45 minutes. Marshalled the defence well early in the second period but was embarrassingly outjumped and outmuscled by Haaland for City’s equaliser – a major flaw of his that continues to be exposed.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Like his defensive partner, he was seldom called into action in the first half. Dominant in the air in his battles with Haaland, who he trolled after Odegaard’s goal.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8Continues to endear himself to the Emirates faithful with composure and tenacity beyond his years as he brilliantly floated between left back and midfield. Put real daylight between the two sides with a thumping finish just after the hour mark. This young lad is a real bright prospect for both the Gunners and England.His trolling of Haaland by copying the Norwegian’s ‘Lotus’ celebration went down a storm with fans.Thomas Partey – 7Steady in the heart of midfield and broke up play well when required. Fired the Gunners back into the lead in the 57th minute with a deflected shot from outside the box.Martin Odegaard – 7Was in the right place at the right time to benefit from the aftermath of an uncharacteristic Manuel Akanji error and break the deadlock. Was at the heart of everything good the north Londoners did going forward.Declan Rice – 6Combative, as always, in the middle of the park and played a role in the home side taking the lead, teeing up Havertz who squared the ball to Odegaard.Leandro Trossard – 6Was particularly lively on the left in the first half, giving Matheus Nunes a real run for his money. His end product, however, wasn’t the best.Gabriel Martinelli – 6Lively on the right wing in the early goings. Found the back of the net in the fifth minute after some beautiful play from Odegaard but was needlessly offside. Forced a good save out of Ortega with a rasping effort in the 68th minute.Kai Havertz – 6Lively early doors, testing Stefan Ortega with a tame shot in the first minute. Teed up Odegaard for a tap in a few moments later. Missed a golden opportunity to double the lead in the 25th minute, dragging the ball wide with the goal at his absolute mercy. Made amends for his howler by finishing an even harder chance in the 76th minute. He well and truly needed that as he looked absolutely devoid of confidence.SUBSEthan Nwaneri – 83 (on for Trossard) – 7Put the cherry on top of the cake with an outrageous effort in second-half stoppage time.Mikel Merino – 83 (on for Odegaard) – 5Raheem Sterling – 89 (on for Kai Havertz ) – N/ARiccardo Calafiori 89 (on for Lewis-Skelly) – N/ARead more on all the latest Arsenal news. More

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    ‘So terrible even Pep’s disappointed’ – Fans react to Havertz’s shocking sitter miss after Man City’s kamikaze defending

    FANS joked that Pep Guardiola was disappointed after Kai Havertz’s shocking miss against his Manchester City side.Havertz missed an absolute sitter to double Arsenal’s lead during their Premier League clash at the Emirates, which ended in a 5-1 win to the Gunners.Kai Havertz missed an absolute sitter to double Arsenal’s lead against Man CityCredit: Sky SportsDeclan Rice won possession back and guided the ball towards Havertz on the edge of the areaCredit: Sky SportsThe 25-year-old somehow rolled it wideCredit: RexPep Guardiola had his head in his hands after Havertz missed the chance to put Arsenal 2-0 up against his sideMartin Odegaard punished a Man City mix-up to put Mikel Arteta’s side 1-0 up inside two minutes.And more kamikaze defending from the Citizens saw calamity at the back just over 20 minutes later.Stefan Ortega fed Mateo Kovacic on the edge of his own box but Declan Rice brilliantly pressed and won the ball away from the Croatian.A loose ball fell to Havertz in acres of space but the German international fluffed his lines after taking a touch and lining himself up.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSThe 25-year-old somehow rolled it wide from 15 yards, with the goal gaping and covered his face with his shirt in shame.The camera panned to Guardiola on the touchline and the Spaniard was seen dropping to his knees.And fans have had a field day online.One joked: “Even Guardiola is angry that Havertz missed the open goal!”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArsenal player ratings vs Man CityARSENAL stunned Man City 5-1 at the Emirates on Sunday evening.It was an incredible result against their rivals of recent years.Here, we take a look at how the Gunners rated…David Raya – 7/10Had very little to do in the first half but made a brilliant save in the 22nd minute to deny a goalbound header from Josko Gvardiol. Made another stunning save two minutes from the half-time interval, stopping a deflected Savinho shot from close range. Powerless to stop Erling Haaland’s 55th-minute header from briefly levelling the scores.Jurrien Timber – 6Didn’t offer his usual attacking threat going forward but was solid defensively. Picked up a pointless yellow breaking up a harmless counter-attack in the 24th minute. Almost scored late in the second half.William Saliba – 5Didn’t have much to do in the first half but won all his aerial battles in the first 45 minutes. Marshalled the defence well early in the second period but was embarrassingly outjumped and outmuscled by Haaland for City’s equaliser – a major flaw of his that continues to be exposed.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Like his defensive partner, he was seldom called into action in the first half. Dominant in the air in his battles with Haaland, who he trolled after Odegaard’s goal.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8Continues to endear himself to the Emirates faithful with composure and tenacity beyond his years as he brilliantly floated between left back and midfield. Put real daylight between the two sides with a thumping finish just after the hour mark. This young lad is a real bright prospect for both the Gunners and England.His trolling of Haaland by copying the Norwegian’s ‘Lotus’ celebration went down a storm with fans.Thomas Partey – 7Steady in the heart of midfield and broke up play well when required. Fired the Gunners back into the lead in the 57th minute with a deflected shot from outside the box.Martin Odegaard – 7Was in the right place at the right time to benefit from the aftermath of an uncharacteristic Manuel Akanji error and break the deadlock. Was at the heart of everything good the north Londoners did going forward.Declan Rice – 6Combative, as always, in the middle of the park and played a role in the home side taking the lead, teeing up Havertz who squared the ball to Odegaard.Leandro Trossard – 6Was particularly lively on the left in the first half, giving Matheus Nunes a real run for his money. His end product, however, wasn’t the best.Gabriel Martinelli – 6Lively on the right wing in the early goings. Found the back of the net in the fifth minute after some beautiful play from Odegaard but was needlessly offside. Forced a good save out of Ortega with a rasping effort in the 68th minute.Kai Havertz – 6Lively early doors, testing Stefan Ortega with a tame shot in the first minute. Teed up Odegaard for a tap in a few moments later. Missed a golden opportunity to double the lead in the 25th minute, dragging the ball wide with the goal at his absolute mercy. Made amends for his howler by finishing an even harder chance in the 76th minute. He well and truly needed that as he looked absolutely devoid of confidence.SUBSEthan Nwaneri – 83 (on for Trossard) – 7Put the cherry on top of the cake with an outrageous effort in second-half stoppage time.Mikel Merino – 83 (on for Odegaard) – 5Raheem Sterling – 89 (on for Kai Havertz ) – N/ARiccardo Calafiori 89 (on for Lewis-Skelly) – N/ARead more on all the latest Arsenal news.A second said: “Even Pep can’t believe Havertz missed that.”A third added: “Havertz’s miss so terrible even Guardiola was disappointed 😂😂.”The sitter looked like it could prove costly, with Erling Haaland equalising for the visitors in the 55th minute.However, the Gunners went on to win 5-1 over their bitter rivals.Striker searchArsenal’s need for an out-and-out goalscoring striker has been well documented this season.Arteta is desperate to bring in a forward before Monday’s deadline, after having a £60m bid for Ollie Watkins rejected by Aston Villa.The Spaniard needs to bolster a squad that has suffered big injuries in attacking areas to the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka.Last month, Havertz was subjected to vile abuse from a selection of Arsenal fans after missing several chances in their FA Cup third round defeat to Manchester United.Havertz covered his face after denying his side a 2-0 leadCredit: Getty More

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    ‘My answers wouldn’t be long enough’ – Cole Palmer rules out punditry as he reveals shock job he wants after retiring

    CHELSEA star Cole Palmer revealed the hilarious reason why he will never become a pundit.Palmer, 22, has established himself as one of the best young players in the world ever since his £42.5million move to Stamford Bridge from Manchester City in 2023.Chelsea star Cole Palmer insists he will never become a TV punditCredit: RexPalmer claims his answers would be too short to be a pundit and thus would rather be a scoutCredit: X @SkySportsPLThe star winger has since amassed a staggering total of 39 goals and 21 assists in 70 appearances with the West Londoners.The England international keeps going from strength to strength as he looks to win titles and cement his legacy.Of course, Palmer doesn’t think at all about retirement amid his young age and continuous success.But the Chelsea star knows already that he probably doesn’t have what it takes to become a pundit.Read More on ChelseaThat is because of his laconic and blunt nature that sees him avoiding long conversations with his short and cold answers.The ex-Man City star explained that he would have very little to say compared to the likes of Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher.Palmer told Sky Sports: “I don’t think my answers would be long enough to be a pundit.”Instead, the versatile forward surprisingly sees himself working in the background after retirement – potentially as a scout.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPalmer added: “I don’t know what I’ll do. Might be a scout.”The Chelsea star has already registered a whopping 14 goals and six assists in 25 appearances across all competitions.Jack Grealish’s reaction to Cole Palmer becoming a manager says it all as he and Maguire apologise to Chelsea starAnd Palmer has yet to compete in Europe with manager Enzo Maresca opting against including him in his Conference League squad for the League Phase. More

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    Arsenal vs Man City referee appointment lacks common sense – Gunners fans are right to be unhappy, says ex-Prem ref

    THE appointment of Peter Bankes for the power-keg Premier League showdown between Arsenal and Manchester City lacks common sense.Gunners fans are up in arms because Bankes is from Merseyside and has an affiliation with the Liverpool County Football Association.Arsenal face Manchester City in a crucial Premier League clash at the EmiratesCredit: ALAMYPeter Bankes has been appointed the referee for the matchCredit: REXGunners fans are up in arms as Bankes is from Merseyside and has an affiliation with the Liverpool County Football AssociationCredit: GETTYAnd I believe the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) have brought undue pressure on Bankes and themselves with the appointment for today’s Emirates clash with Arsenal vying with Liverpool in the title race.In the wake of Michael Oliver receiving death threats and abuse after he wrongly sent off Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly in the 1-0 win at Wolves last weekend, refs’ chiefs have made an unnecessary appointment.They are not helping themselves.The game is big enough because of the huge rivalry as outlined by Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSBut the appointment will only increase the pressure on Bankes.I would never question the integrity of any match official.But if anything happens then Bankes will be in the firing line.Arsenal fans are already fuming over Oliver’s decision to dismiss Lewis-Skelly.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut VAR Darren England and then the PGMOL were more to blame.England should have intervened at Molineux and then there was no reason for the PGMOL to back a decision which was clearly incorrect.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta heaps praise on ‘calm and composed’ youngster Ethan Nwaneri for Champions League victory The statement to support the red card only inflamed the situation.I saw Gary Neville accuse Mikel Arteta of fuelling Arsenal fans’ growing hostility towards referees but I disagree.If Prem officials got decisions right on a consistent basis then the majority of supporters would have no complaints.MARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one. More

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    Inside the rise of Savinho with Man City star so talented that under-14s coach was SACKED for leaving him on the bench

    HE is the shining light whose midweek heroics stopped a dismal season from turning into a total disaster.A rare bright spark in the Etihad gloom, as Pep Guardiola’s serial winners struggle to keep their campaign on an even keel.Manchester City ace Savinho has stood out at the EtihadCredit: AlamySavinho is now a regular with the Brazil national teamCredit: AFPSavinho was ‘snubbed’ by an Atletico Mineiro coach, who was firedCredit: SuppliedAnd rated such a standout talent back home that — even in a nation boasting the likes of Vinicius Jr and Endrick — many are hailing him as Brazil’s  standard bearer of the future.Not bad going for the skinny South American who arrived at Manchester City in the summer as a £21million snip in an era of eye-watering fees — and a near-unknown to plenty of fans.Yet, while others were in the dark, Guardiola always knew Savinho would be a gem. A kid tipped for greatness from the day he walked into Atletico Mineiro as a 12-year-old.His off-the-bench role in rescuing City’s Champions League assault — he scored one and made another in the must-win game against Club Brugge — was just one more notch on the belt.Read More on FootballFor Savinho has been the headline act at every level  since his first steps with Mineiro, who immediately realised they had an uncut diamond on their hands.Which makes it even more amazing to learn, just two years into his footballing education, he was once left to rot on the bench by a coach who could not see what all the fuss was about.Savinho was only 14 and Mineiro’s top brass were so petrified their priceless jewel may slip through the net that the man responsible had to go. Immediately.Leaving him out was the football equivalent of turning down The Beatles — and even now the man who took him to the club shakes his head in disbelief.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJoao Paulo Alves de Paula was Savinho’s first coach at Mineiro and they are still so close that he stays with the City star when he comes to visit.Joaozinho, as he is known, recalls that jaw-dropping first sight of the lad — and the similar amazement when he could not get a game.Man City boss Pep Guardiola looks forward to the return of injured players to help Champions League campaign He revealed: “Savio was in a group of 20 kids and the only one we picked. He was only 12, a year younger than the others but overwhelmingly the best.“Back then Atletico Mineiro did not have an Under-12s, so he was against older kids from the start. And he stood out above everyone.“When I saw him on trials day I almost fell over. His technical ability and dribbling were extraordinary for a child of that age. I was so excited to see him with the ball at his feet.Savinho helped to save Man City from Champions League disaster against Club BruggeCredit: Getty“Over the next three years he took huge strides, made decisions in seconds and finished like an adult — all with boundless confidence and a smile.“But it wasn’t all a walk down the red carpet because when Savio moved to the Under-14s, the coach just didn’t like him.“He kept leaving him on the bench. He barely played and when he did, it was at left-back. My hair was standing on end.Coach ‘snubbed’ Savinho“Savio can play on either side but he’s a winger. I couldn’t believe what the coach was doing.“That mistake, that lack of judgment, could have cost Savinho his football career and seriously damaged the club.“So, with such crazy things and  wrong decisions, the coach was fired  and I took over the Under-14s. The smile was back on Savio’s face.”And that smile has rarely been off the face of the Brazilian since.Former Argentina boss Jorge Sampaoli gave him a debut at 16 and within two years the City Football Group had signed him.He was initially placed with Troyes but, after loans at PSV Eindhoven and Girona,  Savinho moved to the Etihad in a deal worth £33.6m in July last year.Brazil debut vs EnglandA Brazil debut came against England in March, ten caps have followed and at Christmas he had a starring role — including a first City goal — in getting the champions back on track.Then, with their Euro hopes on the line as Brugge held a half-time lead, Pep turned to Savinho to save the day and was rewarded with a second-half rescue act.Even Guardiola, not given for singling out players, highlighted his Brazilian star — and Joaozinho reckons he will get even better under the Spaniard.He added: “If he has no serious injuries, Brazil will be world champions with Savio in the team.“The team is going through big changes and Savio will be their leader, no doubts.“He is in great hands with Guardiola as his coach and I’m certain he is going to become a huge star of both the Premier League and Brazil.”Savinho also believes he will flourish under Guardiola.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “I scored plenty of goals at Girona, they demanded a lot from  me. Here, Pep is also very demanding.“I’ve been working on my finishing. As a forward, I can’t simply expect our striker to score all the goals.” More

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    Kyle Walker pictured reuniting with wife Annie & four kids after flying to Italy to watch him play for AC Milan

    KYLE Walker is reunited with estranged wife Annie and children after they jetted into Italy to watch him make his debut for Italian giants AC Milan.The former Manchester City skipper, 34, is widely expected to make his bow in the Milan derby against arch rivals Inter on Sunday.Kyle Walker reuniting with a meal with his familyCredit: BackGridThe defender looked in great spirits with his familyCredit: BackGridThey were seen enjoying MIlanCredit: BackGridAnd model Annie, 31, will be in the iconic San Siro stadium to support him as he begins the next chapter in his glittering career.He also has the support of England legend and former Milan favourite David Beckham who sent him a message congratulating him.Becks, who scored twice in 33 games for the Serie A giants after joining on loan in 2009, urged him to “keep going”.And the doting dad was beaming as he was reunited with Annie and the kids in Italy.Read More in FootballLoyal Annie jetted in with their four kids – Roman, 12, Riaan, nine, seven-year-old Reign and baby Rezon – on Friday afternoon after a turbulent week.They boarded a £50,000 private jet flight from Manchester Airport and flew into Milan before being reunited with the England full-back.Annie wheeled baby Rezon in a pushchair after they touched down before a delighted Kyle held the toddler in his arms and waved to fans.The family were snapped together at the five-star Melia Milano hotel where Kyle has been staying since joining the Rossoneri.Most read in FootballHis three older kids were dressed in matching £135 Fear of God tracksuits and were even pictured talking to Kyle’s new boss, Sergio Conceicao.Kyle collected the family’s suitcases from the blacked out Mercedes people carrier and took them into the lobby.The Three Lions ace laughed and joked with the kids inside as they checked in moments later.A source said: “He was clearly overjoyed to see them all.“It means the world to him that they’ll be there in the stadium to watch him make his debut for AC Milan.Kyle Walker takes England legend’s old shirt number after completing ‘incredible’ AC Milan loan transfer“It’s a huge moment for him and the family. The kids are so excited.“Their struggles are well documented but they’ve put it to one side for now to enjoy this moment as a family.”They later enjoyed a meal together in front of a huge TV screen showing the latest match.His mum and dad are also expected to be in the stadium today to watch him make his debut.Kyle signed a loan at AC Milan until the end of the season after dramatically telling City he wanted to quit.He flew out of the UK just over a week ago before being unveiled to the fans.He then watched his new teammates fight back to clinch a stunning 3-2 injury time win against rivals Parma.On Sunday he will pull on the iconic shirt for the first time – bearing the same number 32 as Becks – as his new side take on city rivals Inter.Kyle said he was persuaded to join by fellow Englishman and Milan striker Tammy Abraham who has also joined on loan.And he specifically requested his squad number – revealing: “I chose number 32 for David Beckham.”Speaking ahead of his much-anticipated debut he added: “The Milan fans here are incredible. And hearing them sing … it will be emotional.”Kyle is the fourth Englishman now at the Rossoneri, joining on-loan Roma striker Tammy and more former Chelsea players – Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.Sources said he was desperate to escape the UK after he confessed to fathering a second child with his ex-mistress, Lauryn Goodman, 34.The scandal has dogged the player for over a year.He was kicked out of the family home in December 2023 and Annie, heavily pregnant with Rezon at the time, vowed it would be the last straw and filed for divorce last August.In an exclusive interview with The Sun, the footie ace apologised publicly and begged for forgiveness.Walker was seen smiling broadly as he reunited with his familyCredit: BackGridWalker’s family arrived on a private jet to join him in ItalyCredit: BackGridWalker could make his debut tomorrowCredit: BackGridAnnie and her kids jetted out to see the footy starCredit: BackGridWalker also revealed he had come close to signing for the then German champions Bayern Munich in a £15million move.In a candid interview, Kyle confessed: “Now you know the reason why, because I tried to escape.“Did I want to leave City? No, of course I didn’t.“We’re the best team in the world at the minute, but for me it was a chance to get away from England and the media I was going to get.“I was acutely aware the clock was ticking. I came very close to moving. We were having conversations. “The numbers were there. I was going to a great club, a massive club. But in the end I couldn’t go.“There is pain and emotion at the moment but I can go to the house, pick the kids up, take them to school, I can take my little lad to football.“I can do the normal stuff that makes me feel normal.”NEW BEGINNINGS Walker’s loan move to AC Milan is expected to be made permanent in the Summer – bringing an end to his eight year career at the Etihad.He has won 17 major honours with City since his £50million move from Tottenham in 2017.His accolades include six Prem titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and the Champions League.The £150,000-a-week full-back was tipped for a move to the Saudi league to join Cristiano Ronaldo and Co.But Kyle is said to be desperate to become the first ever black player to reach 100 caps for England – he currently has 93.READ MORE SUN STORIESTo reach the milestone, he would need to be on the plane for the World Cup next year.A source said he refused to give up on that dream and chose AC Milan in the hope that it will boost his chances.Annie on arrival in Milan at their hotelCredit: BackGridWalker enjoying some quality timeCredit: BackGridThe defender is having a change of scenery in ItalyCredit: BackGridKyle Walker is preparing to make his AC Milan debutCredit: Getty More