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      Wayne Rooney in for awkward Tom Brady meeting after Man Utd legend’s old tweets emerge

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      WAYNE ROONEY may be in for an awkward meeting the next time he sees Birmingham co-owner Tom Brady.That’s after some of Rooney’s outspoken old tweets resurfaced about how much he dislikes American Football.
      Wayne Rooney wasn’t the biggest fan of NFL in his playing daysCredit: PA
      Brady is the new co-owner of Birmingham CityCredit: Getty
      Rooney was a prolific tweeter during his playing days and one of the pioneers of footballers posting on the platform.
      Many loved his stream of consciousness approach to Twitter which allowed followers to dip in and out of the striker’s mind as he documented every passing thought.
      And among these was the ire he felt for American football and the country’s sports in general.
      Followers have discovered some classics from the archive such as this from 2012: “Trying to watch the Super Bowl Final, how do they call this football. Like watching paint dry. Looking forward to the adverts and music.”
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      He continued his rant by saying: “Seen more guys in studio than the players at the Super Bowl. Zzzzzzz hurry up music.”
      He then expressed that he much preferred rugby league to its American cousin when he wrote: “Rugby league is far better than super bowl. Leeds rhinos to win again. I know its mad but im a rhinos fan.”
      Its awkward for Rooney that he will now call seven time Super Bowl winner and NFL legend Tom Brady his boss after his role in the takeover of Birmingham.
      Brady fronted up Knighthead Capital’s takeover of Birmingham back in August and it is said that he is taking an active role in the day to day running of the club.
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      Wayne Rooney confirmed in his first press conference at the club that he has been in contact with the NFL legend and said: “I have spoken to Tom, he is very ambitious to move this club forward.
      “It’s great to have him here, it’s important for the players to see Tom Brady have an involvement. It’s very clear that Tom is fully involved in the club.”

      Rooney will have the international break to get his players up to speed with his methods and implement his play style at the club.
      His first game is against former Manchester United team-mate Michael Carrick as Birmingham take on Middlesbrough on Saturday October 21. More

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      Wayne Rooney reveals conversation with NFL legend Tom Brady and plans to bring him into Birmingham dressing room

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      WAYNE ROONEY wants NFL GOAT Tom Brady to deliver some team talks and help guide Birmingham to the Premier League.Former England and Manchester United striker Rooney was unveiled yesterday as the new Blues boss on a 3½-year deal following John Eustace’s axing on Monday.
      Wayne Rooney wants Tom Brady to help him guide Birmingham back to the Premier LeagueCredit: PA
      The former England striker was appointed as Birmingham’s new manager earlier this weekCredit: PA
      And Roo wants to tap into the experience and knowledge that retired quarterback Brady brings as a seven-time Super Bowl winner with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
      The Californian, 46, became a minority owner of Brum following their acquisition by US-based Shelby Companies Limited in July.
      Rooney, who spent 15 months as manager of MLS side DC United, had a quick chat with the legendary Brady before arriving at St Andrew’s.
      Asked about that initial conversation between two sporting greats, Rooney, 37, said: “We spoke about the Super Bowl in February.
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      “I went to the one in Phoenix this year and it completely changed my view on the game.
      “I also spoke to Tom about the football club, the role in which he will play.
      “His enthusiasm for it is refreshing.
      “We’re both on the same page. We’re excited for what this club can achieve in the future.
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      Tom Brady became joint owner of Birmingham in the summerCredit: Getty
      “He is one of, if not the greatest athlete of all time!
      “So I’m sure he has a lot of advice and a lot of things which worked for him throughout his career.
      “One of the things I want to do when he is over next is to get him in front of the players and sharing his story.
      “It would be great for me to listen to and I’m sure it will be really inspiring.
      “I’ve had Kevin Sinfield and Tony Bellew, different athletes from different sports, come into my team to discuss their journeys of how they get to  that level.
      “Ultimately, at the end of every talk it comes down to the same thing — dedication, work and desire.”
      Brum were relegated from the Premier League in 2011.
      And when asked if promotion back to the top flight this season was a realistic target, Roo answered: “We will push for it, of course.
      “The players we have brought in over the summer, it’s an ambition of ours.
      “There is a plan in place to reach  the targets we have set to get to the Premier League. It’s a goal, it’s a challenge and something we will push for.”
      It was Saturday, October 19, 2002, that 16-year-old substitute Rooney scored THAT goal for Everton to end Arsenal’s 30-game unbeaten run.
      Over the past 21 years, the Scouser has been a massive part of our sporting consciousness.
      Not only his excellent club exploits at Old Trafford but the fact he played at three World Cups and became England’s record goalscorer with 53 — until he was overtaken by Harry Kane in March.
      Rooney has lived under a spotlight all his adult life but working in the United States’ capital over the past year reminded him how lucky he really is.
      He said: “There’s pressure in everyday life.
      “I’ve just come back from Washington, DC and driving down the street you see people living on the road.
      “That’s pressure to live, eat and get through that day.
      “This is a big responsibility, from the fans, board, owners but I’m confident I can lead this club forward.”
      Many of Rooney’s contemporaries — including the likes of Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand and Jamie Carragher — are earning a decent living talking about football from the comfort of a TV studio.
      But he is not yet ready to swap a tracksuit for a microphone.
      Rooney added: “I love football. The second best thing to being involved in it is watching and talking about it and they’re comfortable doing that.
      “That might be something for me in the future but if I have an opportunity to develop myself and that feeling when you win and you are part of it is  second to none.
      “It’s a desire I’ve had since I was a young kid. I started doing my coaching badges at the age of 19.
      “Then I stopped because of the schedule. I’ve picked it up over the past seven years.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I wanted to push myself to be the best manager I can be. Ultimately, it’s because I love football.
      “The goal for the club, for myself, is to get back to the Premier League.”
      Rooney was in charge of DC United before joining BirminghamCredit: Reuters More

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      Wayne Rooney named Birmingham manager after NFL icon Tom Brady lures Man Utd legend back to England

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      WAYNE ROONEY has been appointed as Birmingham City’s new manager.The Manchester United legend replaces John Eustace at St Andrews following his sacking earlier today.
      Wayne Rooney has been appointed as Birmingham managerCredit: Alamy
      Blues co-owner Brady was eager to bring him to the clubCredit: Getty
      John Eustace was sacked on MondayCredit: PA
      Birmingham co-owner and NFL legend Tom Brady had been in regular talks with Rooney over the position in recent weeks.
      The sporting icon believes he will be able to attract big names to the Blues and eventually lead them back to the Premier League.
      He has brought in Ashley Cole and former Manchester United team-mate John O’Shea as coaches.
      Both will retain their positions as coaches in their respective national teams, with Cole England’s Under-21 assistant coach and O’Shea the assistant coach of the Republic of Ireland.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      And his first match in charge will be against another Red Devils pal, Michael Carrick, who is in charge of Middlesbrough.
      The 37-year-old is expected to take charge of his first training session tomorrow.
      A Birmingham statement said: “Birmingham City Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Wayne Rooney as Manager, agreeing terms on a three-and-a-half-year contract.”
      Birmingham chief executive Garry Cook famously tried to sign Rooney for Manchester City from Man Utd in 2010.
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      And now, 13 years on, Cook has finally got his man, albeit in a different capacity.
      On his appointment, Rooney said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Birmingham City Football Club at such an exciting time.

      “It is very clear that they have a plan and are committed to realising their ambition for the club. We are fully aligned on what is expected.
      “I have been building my managerial career, putting myself in challenging environments, to get me ready for this opportunity.
      “It’s a project that gives me a sense of purpose and I can’t wait to get started.”
      Cook also expressed his “excitement” at Rooney’s arrival.
      Fans will be eagerly anticipating the England legend’s first starting XI at St. Andrews and how it may progress in the coming windows.
      Rooney began his managerial career in the Championship with Derby County.
      When he took over at Pride Park in November 2020, the Rams were rock bottom of the table, but they escaped relegation at the end of the campaign under the ex-striker’s guidance.
      Rooney resigned at the end of the following campaign after Derby were relegated to League One and went on to join MLS side DC United.
      Read More on The Sun
      He was in charge of the Washington-based team for 52 games, racking up just 13 wins and 26 defeats.
      Rooney previously managed Derby in the ChampionshipCredit: Getty
      How Rooney’s Birmingham could line up in the future
      More to follow.
      THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY…The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      Harry Kane reveals he may think about retirement and career as NFL kicker in just FIVE years’ time

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      HARRY KANE admits he could retire from football in five years’ time to become an NFL kicker.The England captain made the shock revelation just a month after joining Bayern Munich from Tottenham in a £104million transfer.
      Harry Kane has opened the door to an NFL switch in five years’ timeCredit: Getty
      Kane has got off to a flyer in Bavaria, netting eight goals in just six Bundesliga games.
      His latest effort came from the penalty spot as Bayern battled back for a 2-2 draw against RB Leipzig on Saturday
      But Kane, 30, is already thinking about life after he hangs up his boots.
      The World Cup Golden Boot winner is a huge fan of American football.
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      Former Spurs star Clive Allen enjoyed a late spell in the sport and has since urged Kane to follow in his footsteps.
      The Three Lions skipper previously revealed he would be interested in making the switch to NFL as a kicker.
      And Kane has now set a timeline for a move to happen, reckoning he’s got at least five more years in football before making a potential switch.
      Kane told ESPN: “Yeah the NFL thing, a lot of people have talked to me about that.
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      “I’ve said it’s something that I’d like to explore at a later date.
      “But I think it all depends on where I’m at in my career, whether I’m happy to continue playing football. There’s a lot of questions marks.
      “So it’s something that’s in the back of my mind but still a long, long way away so again it’s not something I’m thinking about right now.
      “I guess time will tell and in life sometimes things just play out how they’re supposed to play out.
      “We’ll see in five, six, seven years where I’m at and where I want to be and what I want to do and I’ll make that decision then.” More

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      in Soccer

      I’m a former Tottenham goal-machine who made it big in the NFL… Harry Kane should follow me into American Football

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      CLIVE ALLEN made it big in the NFL after ending his football career.The former England striker had an impressive career, including a prolific spell with Tottenham.
      Clive Allen played in NFL Europe after retiring from footballCredit: Getty
      Harry Kane has been urged to take up American football by AllenCredit: Getty
      Allen scored 84 goals in 135 matches for Spurs between 1984 and 1988.
      After retiring, though, he briefly transitioned to American football as a specialist goal-kicker.
      His change of sport even saw him star for the London Monarchs during the 1997 NFL Europe season.
      Allen has since urged fellow former Spurs goal-machine Harry Kane to follow in his footsteps.
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      He told the Daily Star in 2019: “Former strikers are the ones that can do it well.
      “Kane has a great interest in it and I wouldn’t be surprised if in years to come he’ll be kicking an NFL football.
      “Knowing Kane – and having worked with him – I know all about his mentality and attitude.
      “I’m sure he could adapt his style to do the job and I wouldn’t put it past him being very successful at it.
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      “It’s also not got the physical demands of soccer – kicking at least – so players can go on a little longer.”
      Kane has made no secret of his love for the NFL and has attended games in the past.
      He even revealed earlier this year that he wants to become a kicker in the league once his playing days are over.
      Speaking to Good Morning America, the Bayern Munich striker admitted: “It’s something I want to definitely explore.
      “I know it will be a lot of hard work. I’m not expecting to just walk up and start kicking field goals.
      “It would be a lot of practice, a lot of hard work. But yeah, it’s something I’d love to do.
      “The NFL is something I have been following for about 10 years now, and I love it, so I would love to give it a go.”
      Kane has expressed a desire to become an NFL kickerCredit: Reuters More

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      in Boxing

      I served four years in the military before playing American football… but I gave up my NFL dream for boxing aged 30

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      GERALD WASHINGTON left behind a life in the military and dreams of the NFL to start chasing a boxing career at the age of 30. Now 41, the former world title challenger remains a fixture in major heavyweight fight nights.
      Gerald Washington had NFL hopesCredit: Getty
      But he turned to boxing instead aged 30Credit: Getty
      He returns at the O2 Arena on Saturday night against Derek Chisora as his remarkable life tale readies for another chapter.
      Washington told SunSport: “I’ve been riding a beautiful wave of life.
      “I turned professional, worked my way up to fight for the heavyweight championship of the world.
      “Was I ever expecting that in my life, to be able to start at 30 and be able to fight for a championship? No.
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      “But I was able to and I’m still in the game, competing at the highest level.
      “I’m grateful to be here and it’s going to be an exciting fight on Saturday.”
      Washington enlisted into the US navy at 18 and served four years.
      He worked as a helicopter mechanic, stationed in San Diego, California and also served on a support and rescue squadron.
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      Washington credits his time in the military for helping pave the way for what was to come later on in his life.
      He said: “I was in during 9/11, it was a very hectic time, a lot of chaos going on.
      “It was a very disruptive time in the world in that particular time when I went in.
      “But I was able to learn a lot, take a lot of life experiences from that and I was able to apply that to my life.”
      Washington was then recruited to play college football and was an NJCAA All-American tight end. 
      From there he spent time with the Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills practise NFL squads – before realising his future lied in the ring.
      He said: “After I went to college, I signed with the Buffalo Bills in 2009.
      “I was able to go over there to OTAs (organised team activities) and stuff like that.
      Gerald Washington trialled in the NFLCredit: Instagram @gwgallonegro
      “But soon after that I started boxing, doing some training and I decided that I wanted to pursue boxing instead.
      “I liked the one-man aspect of it, everything falls and ends on me on the work that I put in and I was willing to work.
      “I chose boxing, I boxed as a kid and I’m glad and grateful that I was able to grow into this beautiful body of mine, 6’6 and 250lb.”
      Washington boxed briefly as a boy with ten amateur bouts to his name but he realised his talent and passion for the sweet science in sparring.
      He revealed: “Boxing was always in my heart.
      “I played football because I was able to run fast and have fun with it. But boxing was my sport, that was always in my heart.
      “I grew up watching Julio Cesar Chavez, I watched Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson, I grew up watching a lot of the greats and I always wanted to go out there and see what I could do.
      “When I was doing football training, I started boxing, I sparred a couple of time put a couple of guys down and I felt what it felt like to be in the ring and I wanted to do it more.”
      Deontay Wilder beat Gerald Washington in 2017Credit: (AP Photo/Albert Cesare)
      Washington had four more amateur bouts before turning professional at 30, winning his 2012 debut by KO.
      Just 20 fights and five years later, he found himself challenging for Deontay Wilder’s WBC belt.
      It ended in a fifth-round stoppage loss and Washignton would go on to become one of the most recognisable faces in the division.
      He faced Jarrell Miller, Adam Kownacki and Anthony Joshua’s Saturday night opponent Robert Helenius.
      And he also sparred the likes of Wladimir Klitschko, AJ, Wilder, Oleksandr Usyk and even Chisora, who he fights on Joshua’s undercard.
      Helenius, 39, has filled in for Dillian Whyte, 35, who was taken off the bill due to a failed drug test.
      Washington was considered but later overlooked as a substitute – although the American vowed to get his chance eventually.
      He said: “We were ready to go. We’ve been working for a long time now and we was ready to go to put it together.
      “But, they chose Robert Helenius and we’ll get him next time.”
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      Deontay Wilder with former opponent Gerald WashingtonCredit: @gwgallonegro
      Anthony Joshua with former sparring partner Gerald WashingtonCredit: @gwgallonegro
      Derek Chisora fights Gerald WashingtonCredit: Getty More

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      I’m Britain’s most loyal football fan… I haven’t missed a game in 50 years & it ended my marriage – I have no regrets

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      BRITAIN’S most loyal football fan who hasn’t missed a match for 50 years says he has no regrets – despite his obsession costing him his marriage.Birmingham City supporter Rob Shannon has watched his side more than 2,300 times in a row – first going to see them beat Derby County in 1974.
      Dedicated Birmingham City fan Rob Shannon has not missed a match since 1974Credit: SWNS
      But he admits the Championship football club could be to blame for his divorce from his ex-wife, who was a fan of their West Midlands arch rivals Aston Villa.
      Rob said: “She used to say, ‘You love Blues more than me’.
      “I always joked, ‘I love Villa more than you’.”
      The dad-of-two, 64, loyally follows the Blues both home and away – having attended his first game as a four-year-old boy during the 1962-1963 season.
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      He has seen them play in all four league divisions – including several stints in the Premier League – as well as all League Cup and FA Cup games over the past half a century.
      Only the Covid-19 pandemic kept him away from their St Andrew’s home ground, when lockdown restrictions forced football clubs to play behind closed doors.
      He said: “My mum and dad took me down when I was a boy around the 62-63 season and I’ve loved going ever since.
      “It’s become a bit of an obsession – I just follow them through thick and thin, although it’s been more like thin and thin.
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      “People say you must have seen all the ups and downs and I joke it’s mostly downs for Blues.”
      Stand-up comedian Jasper Carrott, another Birmingham City fan, has previously joked: “You lose some, you draw some.”
      Yet Rob, from Sheldon in Birmingham, did get to enjoy a day of glory at Wembley for the match he says is his most cherished.
      City, then managed by ex-Scotland international Alex McLeish, clinched a surprise last-minute 2-1 victory over Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal in the 2011 Carling Cup final.
      Rob said: “My favourite game was without a doubt the Carling Cup final – it was the best day of my life, and the European games that followed were really special too.
      “But any game that we beat the Villa is also my favourite.
      “I’ve also seen a couple of wins at Anfield and Old Trafford, which doesn’t happy very often for us.”
      His favourite player was former Birmingham and England striker Trevor Francis, who became Britain’s first £1million footballer when moving to Nottingham Forest in 1979.
      Rob was saddened by Francis’s death last month at the age of 69 at his home near Marbella in Spain.
      Rob said: “I was devastated when Trevor Francis passed away.
      “I got to know him and his sons – he is still my favourite player.
      “I’m proud to now volunteer at the club as part of their Former Players Association – I get to arrange for ex-players to come back to the club for games.”
      He is also an admirer of ex-City star and England international Jude Bellingham, who came through Birmingham’s youth ranks and this summer joined La Liga giants Real Madrid for £115million from Germany’s Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund.
      Rob named his son Andrew, 32, after the club’s St Andrew’s stadium – and even once discharged himself from hospital to attend an away game at Swansea City.
      He now hopes the club can return to the Premier League having been away since relegation in 2011.
      American NFL legend Tom Brady sprang a surprise last week by revealing he has become one of the club’s joint owners.
      Brady, recently rumoured to be dating Kim Kardashian, has “entered into a partnership” with Birmingham’s new owners Knighthead Capital Management LLC.
      Rob said: “There have been some good times really but it has been a bad few years – although the new owners sound like they really mean business and are very ambitious.
      “Getting the likes of Tom Brady on board can only be a good thing so I think the future is bright and I certainly have no intentions of stopping.
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      “I’d resigned myself to the fact I would probably never see Blues in the Premier League again but hopefully we can get back there under these new owners.
      “It’s the hope and anticipation that kills you, though – but I guess that’s what being a football fan is all about.”
      Rob’s most cherished memory is of Birmingham winning the Carling Cup in 2011Credit: SWNS
      He was club mascot for a match as a seven-year-old, leading the team on to the fieldCredit: SWNS
      Rob’s home in Birmingham’s Sheldon district is packed with Blues memorabiliaCredit: SWNS
      Rob got on well with Birmingham legend Trevor Francis, who died last monthCredit: SWNS
      A more recent favourite has been England international midfielder Jude BellinghamCredit: SWNS More

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      in Soccer

      Gisele Bundchen shows off her incredible abs as ex Tom Brady invests in Birmingham City

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      GISELE Bundchen doubles up her denim after being unveiled as the face of Colcci’s latest fashion campaign.The Brazilian model wore hot pants and a jacket with a white crop top and also showed a pair of thigh-high denim boots.
      Gisele shows she suits blue in new modelling shots for fashion firm ColcciCredit: Capture Media Agency
      Gisele’s ex Tom Brady has emerged as a shock investor in Birmingham CityCredit: Instagram @bcfc
      Gisele, 43, was unveiled as the brand’s latest big name signing yesterday after working with them on and off for over a decade.
      It was her first big job after her ex-husband, NFL player Tom Brady, revealed he was the co-owner of Birmingham City.
      Worth a reported £400million, Brady will work directly with the club’s board after “entering into a partnership” with new owner Knighthead Capital Management LLC.
      The ace, who recently retired from NFL after a stunning 23-year career and seven Super Bowl wins, admitted he has got “a lot to learn” about the English game.
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      Since their split last year, Tom, 46, has now moved on with supermodel Irina Shayk.
      Gisele said of their split: “Sometimes you grow together; sometimes you grow apart.
      “When I was 26 years old and he was 29 years old, we met, we wanted a family, we wanted things together.
      “As time goes by, we realize that we just wanted different things, and now we have a choice to make.”
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