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    Forgotten ex-Premier League star joins fourth division BASKETBALL team two years after reaching Champions League semis

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    EX-TOTTENHAM star Etienne Capoue has completed a shock career switch to join a BASKETBALL team.Capoue, 36, played for Villarreal in the Champions League semi-final just two years ago.Etienne Capoue won the Europa League with Villarreal but was released this summerCredit: Getty – PoolBut he is currently starring for fourth tier basketball side CB Jovens L’Eliana, but can’t play in official matchesCredit: instagram @ cbjovenslelianaHowever, the midfielder has now sealed a stunning switch to a fourth-tier basketball team.It comes after Capoue was released by the La Liga club this summer, having made 148 appearances over three-and-a-half years with the Yellow Submarine.Capoue is currently training with CB Jovens L’Eliana, who are based in Valencia.The team shared a photo of Capoue following a friendly match after they won 78-70 over CB Morvedre earlier this week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCapoue, capped seven times by the France national team, was all smiles standing in the back row second from left in the team photo.They have less than 2,000 followers on Instagram at the time of writing.Capoue is well-known for his love of basketball and the NBA.The defensive midfielder stands at 6ft 2″, the same as legendary Golden State Warriors shooter Stephen Curry.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, according to Relevo, Capoue does not have a licence, meaning he cannot play in official competitive matches for the team.He has been linked with a return to England in his free agency.Football icons’ strange hobbiesCapoue played 181 games for Watford, whom he joined from Tottenham.He originally joined the North London club as one of the “magnificent seven” signings to replace Real Madrid-bound Gareth Bale.At Villarreal, Capoue also won the Europa League as they beat Manchester United on penalties.Capoue later assisted in their Champions League semi-final clash against Liverpool the following season as they came from 2-0 down in the first leg.But the Reds showed their dominance and ran out 3-2 winners to seal a 5-2 aggregate victory.However, they would lose in the final to Real Madrid.Capoue was one of Tottenham’s ‘magnificent seven’ who arrived to replace Gareth BaleCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe made 181 appearances at WatfordCredit: ReutersWho are these famous footballers? More

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      Basketball star Shaquille O’Neal in talks over stake in legendary Premier League club

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      BASKETBALL star Shaquille O’Neal is in talks about taking a stake in West Ham United.The LA Lakers legend, 52, got the Hammers bug after watching a game last season and has said he is interested in becoming a shareholder.Shaquille O’Neal, who played for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2002, is looking to invest in West HamCredit: LUCY NICHOLSON/AFP via Getty ImagesShaq is said to have got the Hammers bug when he went to watch West Ham playCredit: GETTYA source told The Sun: “Shaq loves British football and he has been talking about putting some serious cash into the club. “He went to a game at the end of the season and loved it. It’s now a case of whether the financials stack up for him. “Shaq is really interested in what deal he could strike.”The Hammers finished ninth in the Premier League last year, a year after winning the Europa Conference League.MORE ON SHAQUILLE O’NEALFans will likely be delighted with some investment after making a £18.3million loss in the 2022/23 season.New boss Julen Lopetegui took over from David Moyes last month. Shaq retired in 2011 and was regarded as one of the best centres in the world.The 7ft 1in ace played for six teams during his 19-year career and is a four-time NBA champion.Most read in FootballOff the field he turned to commentary and previously revealed he harboured a secret passion for British football.In 2016 he backed Northampton Town when they were pushing from promotion from League Two.Shaq, who co-owned a radio show with the Cobblers’ chairman Kelvin Thomas, recorded  a video for the players  urging them to secure  first place.‘I’m jealous of them,’ Shaq says about Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokic as he discusses evolution of NBA centersIf Shaq invests in the Hammers he would be the latest US star to put their fortunes into British clubs.Actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney own Wrexham FC, Anchorman star Will Ferrell is involved at Leeds, and NFL star Tom Brady at Birmingham City. More

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      in Soccer

      Heartwarming moment Gareth Bale makes fan’s day after shock visit to Welsh chip shop

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      GARETH BALE shared a touching moment with a delighted supporter after visiting a Welsh CHIPPY.Bale, 34, retired from football in January 2023, after appearing at the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.Gareth Bale was asked to go upstairs to the owner’s flat and meet a huge fanCredit: WNSThe heartwarming encounter took place at Big Sam’s chippy in PontyclunCredit: WNSHis busy post-retirement life has seen him compete at various golf tournaments, spend more time in LA, and attend NBA games.But to the delight of local fans, he has travelled back to Wales and picked up a takeaway from a shop just five miles away from his sprawling countryside mansion. Despite his prior athlete status, the Real Madrid icon dropped by Big Sam’s chippy in Pontyclun for a bite to eat with a couple of pals.The shop shared a heartwarming photo on social media of Bale with Raj Aulakh, a member of the owner’s family and an avid football fan.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe caption said: “A Welsh institution visits another Welsh institution!”Today at Big Sam’s we had the absolute pleasure of serving this lovely gent.”Not only was Bale kind enough to take pictures with some of us in the shop, but he also came into the flat to take a picture with Raj.”He couldn’t have been a lovelier bloke and we hope to see him again soon.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERRaj, 39, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, told the Wales Online that the footballer was “genuinely interested” in meeting him.He added: “We were like – ‘you’re having a laugh’. Why would he be in Pontyclun of all places? Watch Neymar leave huge dent in golf course with horrendous swing as fans urge Gareth Bale to give him tips”My sister said ‘it is actually him! It’s either a very good lookalike, or it’s actually him’.”Raj explained his mother didn’t even recognise the former Spurs player immediately, and served him as a regular customer.Just seven days ago, Bale was courtside for the Lakers’ loss to the Golden State Warriors, where he linked up with Stephen Curry post-game. More

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      in Boxing

      Stunned fans tell Apollonia Llewellyn her outfit is ‘not appropriate’ as she shows off plunging cleavage at NBA game

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      BOXING ring girl Apollonia Llewellyn stunned fans with her outfit as she watched an NBA game from Los Angeles. The Instagram influencer took a trip to LA earlier in the month but has recently returned to the UK.
      Apollonia Llewellyn stunned fans with her outfit as she watched an NBA game from Los Angeles
      The Instagram influencer took a trip to LA
      Apollonia showed her support for the LA Lakers
      And it appears Apollonia has posted a throwback as she posed at the Lakers Crypto.com Arena with the caption: “Game day baby.”
      One fan reacted: “Gorgeous.”
      Another added: “Stunningly pretty.”
      One gushed: “OMG! I honestly don’t see how any guy could keep his composure in that arena with you walking around in that red outfit.
      READ MORE ON APOLLONIA
      “HOLY COW WOW!!!”
      But a less approving fan simply commented: “Not appropriate”
      Apollonia – who recently attended rapper Tyga’s 34th birthday in LA – shot to recognition as a member of Misfits Boxing’s fight night team.
      And she often posts glam pictures to Instagram, where she travels the world as part a lavish lifestyle.
      Most read in Boxing
      Apollonia recently revealed to SunSport how she was offered a massive £100,000 to pose nude.
      But she turned down the proposals out of respect for her family, insisting she isn’t money-oriented.
      Dad John and mum Paula approve of her modelling work but she draws the line at nudity, despite being offered huge six-figure sums. 
      Apollonia said: “My mum takes pretty much 90 per cent of those pictures, and I’ve got two brothers who are all for it.
      “My family know I don’t do topless or nude photos. It would be a different story if I did.
      “But my dad is all for it, he says ‘the more publicity you get from a picture, the better so do the riskier stuff.’
      “I’ve been offered £100,000 for nude photos. As much as I support girls who do that, it’s just not for me.
      “People think I would and that I’m money-orientated, but I’m not.
      “I consider what my family think, so those people who make offers like that perceive me in the wrong way.”
      Inside Apollonia’s glamorous life as influencer, ring girl and model…
      Apollonia shot to recognition as a member of the Misfits Boxing fight night team
      Apollonia left very little to the imagination as she ‘brightened fans’ Mondays’ in a skimpy wet T-shirtCredit: INSTAGRAM
      She has garnered her a huge social media presenceCredit: INSTAGRAM @apolloniallewellyn
      Apollonia revealed he ‘idea of happiness’ is being ‘wind swept on the beach’ with this busty snapCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Apollonia has over 570,000 Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellyn
      Apollonia told fans ‘no caption needed’ as she squeezed into this skin-tight see-through playsuitCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Apollonia sent a cheeky message to her fans as she posed in this glamorous see-through numberCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Fans were worried Apollonia’s top had shrunk in the wash as she enjoyed this hearty breakfastCredit: INSTAGRAM
      She has turned down a staggering £100,000 to pose nude beforeCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellyn
      The model insisted she isn’t money-orientedCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellyn
      Apollonia’s followers were in awe of the stunner’s new hairdo as she wowed in a tiny yellow bikiniCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Apollonia shows off her jet setting lifestyle onlineCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellyn
      Apollonia burst out of this tiny silver bikini as she drank her ‘morning juice’Credit: INSTAGRAM More

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      in Motorsport

      F1 fans shocked as ‘national treasure’ Martin Brundle is brutally snubbed by NBA legend live on Sky Sports

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      WHEN it comes to Formula One grid walks in the USA, you can put good money on there being an interesting interaction between Martin Brundle and a celebrity.And that was the case once again ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
      Martin Brundle was snubbed for an interview by Shaquille O’NealCredit: Sky Sports F1
      Brundle is no stranger to awkward interactions on his gridwalksCredit: Rex
      Max Verstappen claimed victory at the circuit after saying it was the “National League” of race tracks.
      But ahead of the race Sky Sports F1 reporter Brundle, 64, was doing his best to get some interviews for the broadcaster.
      A host of celebs were at the show event, including the likes of David Beckham, Brad Pitt, Rihanna and Veronika Rajek.
      However, when it came to NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, Brundle was brutally snubbed on the grid.
      READ MORE IN F1
      As Brundle arrived next to one of the Red Bull cars the former F1 driver tried to hail the 7ft 1in basketball icon.
      However, O’Neal – known as Shaq – did not play ball with the request despite a member of the Red Bull crew saying yes to giving an interview.
      As Shaq, 51, tried to walk away from Brundle, the reporter remarked: “I don’t think he’s up for it, I’ve wasted my long microphone cable.”
      Shaq then moved to the front of the car to take a photo with more of the Red Bull crew, including Team Principal Christian Horner.
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      As he then came back towards Brundle, Shaq once again dismissed any chance of an extended interview.
      Instead, he said into the microphone: “Lewis Hamilton baby.”
      Brundle finally quipped: “That’ll cover it.”
      Fans online praised Brundle for his attempt despite the awkward exchange and slammed Shaq for his unwillingness to talk.
      One fan said: “Martin Brundle is a national treasure.”
      A second said: “Shouldn’t be down on the grid unless you’re willing to talk.”
      A third said: “Not Shaq shouting this after taking pics with the whole RB team including Horner.”
      Another said: “Martin rocks. Poor form Shaq.”
      While a fifth added: “Another gem 🤣.”
      This season alone has seen Brundle cross paths with Cara Delevingne, Machine Gun Kelly and Anthony Joshua in awkward exchanges.
      This season’s Miami GP struck a particularly hilarious tone, with interviews including Beckham, DJ Khaled and a blunder with Patrick Mahomes.
      Previous years have seen Brundle interview Pep Guardiola, Megan Thee Stallion and Pitt with not much success.
      The F1 season will conclude at next weekend’s Abu Dhabi GP.
      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

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      in Boxing

      I was a chubby pro basketballer before body transformation made me a ripped pro boxer

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      NAPHTALI NEMBHARD has completed his transformation from chubby pro basketballer to ripped professional boxer.The 27-year-old Sheffield ace was a fleshy, hard-grafting court ace for the Sheffield Sharks and Derbyshire Arrows before fancying a sexy six-pack for a holiday.
      Naphtali Nembhard won his professional boxing debut in his Sheffield hometown complete with six-packCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      As a kid on the basketball court he struggled to keep his weight downCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      The southpaw knew – after a childhood combining his favourite sports – that dedicating himself to boxing was the only way to get a toned torso.
      And in 2017 he went to the Bramall Lane home of his beloved Sheffield United to watch local hero Kell Brook bravely lose to Errol Spence Jr, he was hooked on swapping hoops for the hurt business.
      On last Friday night in his hometown, he finally made his pro bow outpointing Vasif Mamedov, to complete his turnaround.
      The Yorkshire hulk explained to SunSport: “I was always a chubby kid when I was young and when I got to university and started playing basketball more seriously, they told me to get in shape.
      READ MORE BOXING
      “I boxed a bit when I was younger and was always a fan. 
      “When I was in school my friends were all boxers but I was just fat and didn’t like getting hit. 
      “I only really started boxing training again as an adult when I wanted to get a six-pack for a holiday.
      “I was going on holiday to America and I wanted to impress people, I did get that six-pack too, thanks to the boxing training.”
      Most read in Boxing
      Nembhard wants to box like Sheffield ring legend Prince Naseem Hamed – one of the most brilliant showmen the sport has ever seen.
      But his childhood friends are baffled as his basketball style was much more journeyman brawler than Harlem Globetrotter baller.
      “I am small for a basketball player,” he said. “I am only 6ft 1in. It’s tall for a middleweight boxer but not for a basketball player.
      “As a basketball player I was gritty, aggressive, hard-nosed and used to guard against the opposition’s best player, be a nuisance to him and push him around. I was a very defensive player.
      “My friends who have seen me play basketball and box are confused because my styles in both sports are the polar opposite.
      “I still have that grit when it comes to training but in the ring I like to be more silky, show more finesse. My favourite boxers were always flashy and showboaters so I try to emulate that.”
      Naphtali Nembhard didn’t like getting punched in the face as a kid but now fights for money as an adultCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Sheffield super-sportsman Naphtali Nembhard has been a hit at basketball and now boxingCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk More

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      in Soccer

      I loved basketball and Arsenal as a kid – it’s a dream to be playing in the Premier League against the Gunners

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      BOURNEMOUTH’S ‘top dog’ basketball player Antoine Semenyo wants to slam-dunk his beloved Arsenal.The Ghana forward, 23, is on standby to start against the Gunners today, with the Cherries’ leading striker Dominic Solanke struggling with an ankle injury.
      Antoine Semenyo celebrates scoring for Bournemouth at Anfield and hopes there is more to come as he settles into Premier League lifeCredit: Getty
      Our graphic of Semenyo mocked up playing basketball, his favourite sport growing up
      And Semenyo, a £9million signing from Bristol City in January, is  desperate to get a three-point shot at the team he followed as a kid.
      He said: “It’s a dream playing against the team you support when you are young.
      “It will be nice playing against them but you have a job in hand and we want to win the game.
      “I feel like I am building all the time in the Premier League but I wouldn’t say I am there yet.

      “There are still many more games to be played and many more goals to be scored.
      “So  I am  just keeping my head down and I’ll  keep working hard, and hopefully I will have many more starts and many more goals.”
      Semenyo was always on the  basketball court in his school days but eventually opted for football.
      He explained: “It is  a funny one because one of my friends who I used to go to school with said to me, ‘It’s crazy you play football  as you love basketball’.
      Most read in Football
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      “I was just good at the sport, nothing more than that, but life is  football now, isn’t it?”
      And the Chelsea-born star has not completely turned his back on  basketball and loves beating  team-mates on  NBA computer games.
      He said: “I’ve just come off the PlayStation and playing NBA with Brooksy (David Brooks) and Tavs (Marcus Tavernier).
      “You get some time off the pitch and we play each other and we enjoy it. We all love it and, yes, but I am the top dog!”
      The Cherries are 17th in the table and still seeking their first Premier League win under new Spanish gaffer Andoni Iraola.
      But they have secured three creditable draws against West Ham, Brentford and Chelsea.
      Semenyo said: “I don’t think this group is hurting but it is  just frustrating because we haven’t been playing badly.”
      The striker made a rare start on Wednesday night in the 2-0 Carabao Cup third-round win over Stoke.
      But he was replaced at half-time by Solanke, who notched his fourth goal of the season before going  off injured.
      One of the highlights of Semenyo’s season so far was scoring at Anfield in last month’s 3-1 defeat at Liverpool.
      When we win, it’s like a big celebration and you know you are going to be bombarded  — but it’s a nice feeling.Semenyo on Ghana
      And although the Cherries supporters  have not seen the best of him yet, in Ghana it is a very different story — because he is mobbed wherever he goes in his homeland.
      In March, he scored his first  competitive   international goal in a 1-0 victory over Angola.
      And this month he set up Ernest Nuamah’s late winner against  Central African Republic, which secured Ghana a place in next year’s Africa Cup of Nations.
      So even though Semenyo can walk around Bournemouth virtually unnoticed he describes the attention he gets in Ghana as “really crazy”.
      He added: “I tell you, the fans out there are passionate.
      “Football means everything to them and we are playing for them, for us and for our country.
      Semenyo (right) with Thomas Partey, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Fatawu Issahaku and Tariq Lamptey in Ghana’s World Cup squadCredit: Getty
      “When we win, it’s like a big celebration and you know you are going to be bombarded  — but it’s a nice feeling.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “It’s online, it’s on the streets and you can be in your hotel, just  sitting around, and five or six people will run at you.
      “When you are out there, it’s really crazy — but you just embrace it.” More

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      in Soccer

      World Cup’s sexiest fan Ivana Knoll joins no bra club in revealing outfit as she hugs NBA legend Shaq

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      THE WORLD CUP’s sexiest fan Ivana Knoll stunned as she posed with NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal.The Croatian beauty posted an Instagram posing with the 7ft1 former LA Laker in Mykonos alongside the caption: “@shaq doesn’t fit in the photo.”
      Ivana Knoll is a regular at high-profile sporting events and attended the Champions League final in JuneCredit: Getty
      The Croatian partied with Shaq last nightCredit: Instagram @knolldoll
      She has gained 3.3 million followers off the back of being dubbed ‘The World Cup’s sexiest fan’Credit: Instagram @knolldoll
      Sporting Croatia’s signature tablecloth red and white, she has become a regular at gamesCredit: instagram @knolldoll
      Knoll was wearing an eye-catching black outfit that left very little to the imagination as she posed with the former centre.
      In a second picture, Shaquille O’Neal could be seen lifting a woman above his head.
      O’Neal, 51, was on the Greek party island as part of his post-basketball career as a DJ.
      Despite being one of the most recognisable stars on the planet, O’Neal DJs under the pseudonym ‘DJ Diesel’.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Ivana Knoll shot to fame during the 2022 Qatar World Cup as ‘Croatia’s sexiest fan’.
      That soon led to her being dubbed ‘the sexiest fan in the world’.
      She is a regular at football’s biggest events, attending both the Champions League Final and Nations League final last year as well as the World Cup.
      The ‘Knoll Doll’ visited London last yearCredit: Splash
      She posed by a number of iconic British landmarksCredit: Splash
      Knoll has been enjoying a holiday in MykonosCredit: Instagram @knolldoll
      Knoll now boasts 3.3 million followers on Instagram after first coming to the attention of fans during the 2022 World Cup.
      Most read in Football
      She’s used her platform to meet a number of celebrities and regularly posts them on her feed.
      Last month, she posed with Erling Haaland as the City star holidayed in Ibiza.
      This year she has also posted selfies with Drake and Jamie Foxx. More

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      in Soccer

      Kylian Mbappe breaks silence over £259m Al-Hilal transfer after NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo’s cheeky tweet

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE has broken his silence over Al-Hilal’s world record £259million bid.Paris Saint-Germain have accepted the Saudi Pro League side’s offer, which would blow the record £198m paid for Neymar out of the water.
      Kylian Mbappe is the subject of a world-record bid from Al-HilalCredit: Rex
      Giannis Antetokounmpo joked that Al-Hilal should sign him insteadCredit: Getty
      Spanish outlet Relevo claim that Mbappe is “reluctant” to move to Saudi Arabia – despite reportedly being offered up to £11.6m a week to join Al-Hilal.
      Following news of the Saudi side’s offer, NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo joked that they should sign him instead.
      Posting a smiling selfie to social media, the two-time MVP wrote: “Al Hilal you can take me. I look like Kylian Mbappe.”
      The PSG forward saw the funny side, responding to the Milwaukee Bucks star’s tweet with 13 laughing emojis.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Mbappe was put up for sale by PSG chiefs after making it clear that he will not sign a new contract.
      The forward’s deal has reached its final 12 months, with club bosses convinced that he has already agreed to join Real Madrid in 2024.
      Should Mbappe opt to join Al-Hilal, PSG would stand to make a nearly £100m profit on the £162m they paid for him in 2018.
      Mbappe returned to PSG for pre-season training earlier this month, but was left out of Luis Enrique’s travelling party for the pre-season tour of Japan and Korea.
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      Giannis’ tweet seemed to amuse Mbappe
      The Ligue 1 champions are determined not to lose their star man on a free transfer, with club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi encouraging Mbappe to seriously consider offers this summer.
      It’s claimed that the French icon would be willing to sit out of the entire season in order to leave Parc des Princes on his terms.
      PSG believe that Mbappe wants to see out his current deal in France in order to bag a huge bonus – before picking up a staggering £150m signing on fee with Real Madrid.
      His refusal to sign a new deal and supposed willingness to sit out of the season is viewed as a “betrayal” of PSG and their supporters.
      In addition to Real Madrid, Mbappe has also been linked with Manchester United, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Tottenham.
      Although reports claim that he is “completely uninterested” in joining the latter.
      French paper L’Equipe claim that Barcelona are keen on Mbappe – but cannot afford to pay a transfer fee.

      They add that Xavi’s side could look to offer players in part-exchange for the forward.
      Should Mbappe move to the Saudi Pro League, he would join the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic at Al-Hilal – who are also chasing Aleksandar Mitrovic.
      Antetokounmpo isn’t the only NBA player to have commented on the money being offered for Mbappe.
      LeBron James, who will earn around £41.5m next season, posted a gif of Forrest Gump running, captioned: “Me headed to Saudi when they call @RichPaul4 & @mavcarter for that 1 year deal!”
      Read More on The Sun
      While wantaway Portland Trailblazers star Damian Lillard wrote: “1 year 776mm? Wtf lol …”
      Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, who recently penned a four-year £78m deal, added: “They got basketball leagues too right? I don’t the ink on my contract has dried up yet.”
      LeBron James noticed the huge money offered to Mbappe More