Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      I starred for Man City but I now make millions selling Lamborghinis and Ferraris to the rich and famous

      by

      FANS of Manchester City will remember Dutch international Nigel de Jong for his combative nature on the pitch.The midfielder famously committed one of the worst fouls in a World Cup final ever to go unpunished when he launched a karate kick into the chest of Xabi Alonso.
      Nigel De Jong launched Continental Cars in 2007Credit: Instagram @nigeldejong
      The former City star studied for an economics degree while in the Ajax academyCredit: Instagram @nigeldejong
      His business focuses on selling luxury vehiclesCredit: Instagram
      De Jong counts Premier League players and shakes as clientsCredit: Instagram
      De Jong racked up 137 appearances for City after arriving from AC Milan in 2012, winning a Premier League and an FA Cup during his time in Manchester.
      With opposition midfielders letting out a shared sigh of relief when he retired from the game last year, it was interesting to see what his next move in the game would be.
      The Dutchman has made sporadic appearances as a pundit for ITV, often during major international tournaments such as the Euros and World Cup.
      And while he now works as the technical director of the Dutch national team, he still has a very nice side hustle which has been earning him money dating back to his early playing days.
      READ MORE ON SPORT
      De Jong studied for an economics degree during his time in the youth set up at Ajax and has put it to good use ever since.
      While playing for Hamburg in Germany, De Jong founded a luxury car business called Continental Cars in 2007.
      De Jong made it his mission to only sell the finest cars in the world and stocks Bentleys, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Maseratis, Aston Martins, and Rolls Royces.
      During his playing days, he made the most of having access to a clientele of professional footballers and sourced cars for the likes of Arsenal stars Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski.
      Most read in Football
      De Jong became accustomed to success at CityCredit: Getty
      He was part of the first City team to win the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      He’s sold cars to Mesut OzilCredit: Instagram
      And Lukas PodolskiCredit: Instagram
      De Jong credits his business acumen to his grandfather, who was a managing director of Ford in Holland.
      De Jong said: “My grandfather was one of the CEOs of Ford in Holland and I saw closely how he developed himself as a businessman.
      “He was always on time, making sure payments were never late, paying attention to service and giving customers extra, always making sure the company and his family was stable.
      “I looked up to him, and off the pitch, I wanted to be like him. I also think his professionalism is something I carried with me as a footballer too.”
      He emphasised the importance of footballers investing in their education outside of football when he spoke to Joe, saying: “My mother always said ‘football is only part of your life, you have to develop yourself beyond that’ and I felt it was vital for me to do something for myself that wasn’t related to it.
      “Besides being a professional player, I had the dream of owning a company and when I had the money and the expertise, I made it happen.
      “God gave me the talent and the strength to become a football player, which gave me the financial resources and empowerment to improve in other areas.
      “I think it’s so important for football players to be smart with what they do with their salaries, because it can become an investment or be gone before you know it.
      The Dutch FA were so impressed with his business chops that they sought him out to be a technical director for the national sideCredit: Instagram @nigeldejong
      The footballer made millions from his venture alongside footballCredit: Instagram
      He’s encouraged other players to get the same education he did so they can do the sameCredit: Instagram
      He admits there is a temptation for young players to waste their moneyCredit: Instagram
      A sample of some of the brands De Jong has to choose fromCredit: Instagram
      “It is very tempting in our industry to live for now – to buy the expensive cars and live a flashy lifestyle – but you have to plan so you’re able to do that in future too.
      “This is an education players should get from a very early age to help them deal with the money they’ll make.”
      De Jong said not only does he deal with footballers wanting the most luxurious cars, but he has dealt with Middle Eastern Sheikhs that need motors sourced too.
      He said to Voetbal International: “Of course many footballers know where to find us,” he said.
      “But also business people, collectors, and we just have to work hard for it, it’s not that we’ve had success for ten years.
      De Jong forms a business power couple with wife Winonah, 41.

      De Jong at the launch of one of his wife’s collectionsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      De Jong’s collection would be the envy of any petrolheadCredit: Instagram
      Winonah runs her own fashion label named WINONAH which launched in 2015.
      The former midfielder now invests in other businesses with high potential.
      Speaking to Bundesliga.com he said: “Some people say footballers are thick and not bright enough to be entrepreneurs.
      “But when I see that a company has potential, I move the borders and go all the way for it.”
      De Jong now works as the Dutch national team’s technical directorCredit: Getty More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Three ways Chelsea could fit Nkunku into team with £52m star on verge of long-awaited return from injury

      by

      CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU is close to finally making his Chelsea debut.The £52million signing from RB Leipzig is yet to kick a ball in a competitive game for the Blues after suffering a knee injury in pre-season.
      Christopher Nkunku will provide Chelsea with a selection headache when he returns from injuryCredit: Getty
      Mauricio Pochettino certainly missed Nkunku’s goals as Chelsea struggled early on.
      But the Blues appear to have clicked into gear, scoring eight times in their previous two games against Tottenham and Manchester City.
      And it remains to be seen whether Nkunku slots straight into the starting XI when he gets the green light to play.
      His return to the fray could see Pochettino handed a selection dilemma too.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      Conor Gallagher has emerged as a key figure alongside Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo.
      Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer are proving their worth alongside Nicolas Jackson up top.
      Expensive wonderkids like Mykhailo Mudryk are also knocking on the door, and there could yet be a new striker arriving in January.
      Here, SunSport’s Anthony Chapman looks at three ways Jackson can fit into Chelsea’s team…
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS

      4-2-3-1
      Should Pochettino with his usual system, Nkunku would be best suited slotting in as a No10.
      Stand-in skipper Gallagher would therefore be the likely candidate to drop out of the side.
      And it could make Chelsea more vulnerable to counter-attacks.
      But Nkunku’s presence alongside Jackson in the final third would work great in games where Chelsea have the lion’s share of the ball.
      And it would also allow him to continue his fine goal-scoring form after hitting 58 goals in his final two seasons at Leipzig.

      4-3-3
      This system would see Nkunku deployed as the main striker at the expense of Jackson.
      Gallagher can come back into the side to shore up midfield.
      And the added protection could provide playmaker Enzo Fernandez with a more advanced role.
      However, it would mean Chelsea lack a real physical presence up top.
      And Nkunku may also be forced to come deep to link up the midfield with the attack.

      5-2-3
      Poch loved this formation at the start of the season and continued using a variation of it until Ben Chilwell’s injury.
      Nkunku could come in as a supporting forward alongside Jackson, with the width from the wing-backs allowing him to drift between lines with ease.
      The shape could even see him sit in the hole behind Jackson and Sterling.
      But Nkunku would also be expected to get to the byline to avoid overcrowding the centre of the field.
      And after his knee injury, the Frenchman may not be the fastest down the wing any longer. More

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd and Liverpool target Andre Trindade ‘set to sign for Premier League rivals in days’

      by

      FLUMINENSE star Andre Trindade is set to join Fulham after being targeted by Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal, reports suggest.Andre has been a top target across the Premier League since last summer but the Brazilian giants refused to sell him before the end of Copa Libertadores.
      Fluminense star Andre Trindade has been linked with Man Utd, Liverpool and ArsenalCredit: AFP
      However, Andre looks set to move to Fulham instead “in the coming days”Credit: AFP
      The midfielder went on to help Fernando Diniz’s side win their first ever Libertadores title earlier this month and that could finally clear the way for a move to England.
      According to Canal do Nicola, Fulham could be the ones to land the Brazil international.
      The Cottagers stole a march on their Premier League opponents and Andre could put pen to paper “in the coming days” after the international break.
      Marco Silva’s side pose as “big favourites” to sign the 22-year-old and have already bid £26.2million.
      Read More on Football
      Fluminense are “pleased” with Fulham’s offer and the Brazilian has given his seal of approval as he “likes the project” at Craven Cottage.
      However, this is not a done deal and United, Liverpool as well as Arsenal could come back for Andre.
      Reports previously suggest the defensive midfielder verbally agreed to move to Anfield.
      The Reds’ boss Jurgen Klopp is looking to add even more quality to his midfield despite the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo last summer.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Arsenal are facing the prospect of losing Thomas Partey in January with Juventus pushing for a deal and will need reinforcement as they push for their first Premier League title since 2004.
      And United are searching for a No6 to cover for Casemiro but it seems like they will instead focus on a new striker and centre-back in January.
      Fulham are very keen on Andre as they see him as the perfect successor to Joao Palhinha.
      Silva worries Bayern Munich could come back for Palhinha in the New Year.
      Fulham were even among the clubs who sent scouts to the Copa Libertadores Final and watch Andre in action. More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City star Bernardo Silva reveals he’s already plotted out future transfer… and it’s NOT to Barcelona

      by

      BERNARDO SILVA has revealed where his future transfer lies and it’s not at Barcelona.The Manchester City star plotted to continue his career at his boyhood team as he confessed he “wants to return to Benfica”.
      Bernardo Silva has revealed he wants to return to BenficaCredit: Alamy
      Having been heavily pursued by the likes of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, Silva committed his future to City by signing a new contract until 2026.
      However, with a £50million release clause that can be activated next summer, the 29-year-old revealed he wants to go back to his roots.
      Silva said Benfica will be a natural step in his career as he feels he has unfinished business with the Primeira Liga side.
      He told CNN Portgual: “I want to return to Benfica. If the club wants me at the time, obviously things will happen.”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The Portuguese star made his debut for the Lisbon side when he was 19 -years-old and went on to win the domestic treble in the 2013-14 season.
      But after his year-long loan at Monaco Silva was forced out of the Portuguese club and sold for £13.7million to the French giants in 2015.
      Despite the bitter exit Silva went on to say he is “incapable” of representing rivals Porto or Sporting CP because of his love for Benfica.
      He added: “I was incapable of playing for FC Porto or Sporting. It’s not going to happen.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      In 2017 Silva headed for the Premier League and signed a £43.5million deal with Manchester City.
      Since he arrived at the Etihad he has become a key member of Pep Guardiola’s team and assisted the Cityzens to historic Trebel glory last term.
      Silva has made 319 appearances and scored 58 goals across seven seasons at Man City.
      And to strengthen Guardiola’s side Silva hopes to work his Portuguese magic to recruit Benfica wonderkid Joao Neves.
      The 19-year-old has impressed both City and rivals Manchester United as Silva expresses the club’s desire to sign his Portugal teammate.
      Silva is trying to help City land Benfica wonderkid Joao NevesCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Kyle Walker ‘broke’ unofficial England rule in first game as captain after taking over from Harry Kane

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY star Kyle Walker “broke” an unwritten rule while captaining England.Walker wore the Three Lions’ armband on Monday for the national team’s final Euro 2024 qualifier against North Macedonia in Skopje, with Harry Kane on the bench.
      Kyle Walker was England captain in North Macedonia and carried the team pennantCredit: Getty
      Walker ‘broke’ an unofficial England rule by handing the pennant to Rico LewisCredit: EPA
      Harry Kane would often pose with the England pennant during the team photoCredit: Rex
      Walker filled in for Kane as England captain against North MacedoniaCredit: Getty
      As skipper, the full-back was responsible for the team’s pennant flag as he carried it out to the pitch while the two teams made their way out from the tunnel.
      Kane would also pose with the pennant during the team’s pre-match photo before swapping it with the opposing captain.
      However, Walker opted for something different as he decided to instead hand it over to City team-mate Rico Lewis, who was making his England debut.
      The 33-year-old stood behind Lewis and looked quite proud of his 19-year-old team-mate.
      Read More on Football
      That proved to be a good luck charm for the versatile ace, who started at left-back.
      That is because the youngster’s first ever senior cap ended with him being voted Player of the Match.

      Lewis was hard done by a harsh penalty decision as a VAR check determined he fouled Bojan Miovski by simply tapping his face as he headed the ball away.
      That led to a spot-kick that saw Enis Bardhi opening the scoring after getting the rebound from Jordan Pickford who saved his first effort.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      However, Lewis fought back and helped England pick up a 1-1 draw thanks to an own goal by Jani Atanasov.
      Walker played on the other side at right-back and played the full 90 minutes.
      Kane came on from the bench on 58 minutes as he replaced Ollie Watkins and contributed to Atanasov’s own goal. More

    • 263 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      England international Tyrone Mings to give injury update after being ruled out for year as Villa fans say ‘I feel sick’

      by

      ENGLAND star Tyrone Mings is planning to give fans an injury update following his severe knee issue.The Aston Villa defender suffered a ruptured ACL during the club’s first game of the Premier League season against Newcastle back in August.
      Tyrone Mings is set to be out for the remainder of the seasonCredit: Getty
      Mings was stretched off in pain with his leg in a brace and he is set to miss the rest of the campaign.
      In a cryptic Instagram post, the 30-year-old revealed he would give supporters further information later today.
      He posted a picture of himself sat with his head down as he wrote: “Grateful for all your support. I’ll share an update with you all later today.”
      It led to much speculation and some fans are fearing the worst.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      One said: “If the update from Mings isn’t a positive update and he informs us of the one thing we are dreading it will genuinely ruin my whole year. I FEEL SICK.”
      More were left on tenterhooks, adding: “Mings’ story is worrying me.”
      A third commented: “You bet I’ll be a nervous wreck waiting for Mings to share his injury update with us later today. Just hope it’s a positive update. We’re all behind him.”
      More reacted: “I need Tyrone Mings to be doing okay because if he’s not I’m not.”
      Most read in Football
      Taking a look at the Aston Villa centre-back’s social media page, all of his posts but one have been deleted.
      Only a picture of him being stretched off versus Newcastle remains.
      Mings is a fans’ favourite at Villa Park, who has captained the team several times.
      He has played 166 times for the club and he has been capped 18 times by England.
      Meanwhile, Villa also could be without Emi Buendia after he suffered knee ligament damage. More

    • 313 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Our dad is Man Utd icon and Treble winner – now we’re following in his footsteps and one of us even played for the club

      by

      THE name Solskjaer instantly takes plenty of football fans back to a dramatic night at the Nou Camp in 1999.Teddy Sheringham had just equalised for Manchester United against Bayern Munich in injury time of the Champions League final.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer fired Manchester United to the Treble in dramatic scenesCredit: PA
      And then up stepped Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with his 93rd-minute winner to complete the Red Devils’ historic Treble and etch himself into footballing folklore. 
      Now his kids are hoping to do the same by forging their own careers in the beautiful game.
      The bar, though, is remarkably high.
      Solskjaer, the son of a Greco-Roman wrestling champion, developed in the Clausenengen academy and broke into the senior squad aged 17 before heading to Molde.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      But just a year later, in 1996, the striker signed for Manchester United for just £1.5million. 
      The ‘Baby-Faced Assassin’ went on to make 366 appearances over the next 11 seasons – although he missed the entire 2004-05 campaign through injury – and scored 126 goals. 
      The 67-cap Norway international won six Premier League titles under Sir Alex Ferguson as well as two FA Cups.
      After hanging up his boots in 2007, he went into coaching with the United youth team before a miserable stint as Cardiff City manager sandwiched between two successful spells at Molde.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Then in December 2018, Solskjaer returned to Old Trafford as caretaker manager, replacing the sacked Jose Mourinho.
      After a red-hot start, he was given the job on a permanent basis, reaching the Europa League final before his dismissal in November 2021. 
      Ironically, though, Solskjaer managed AGAINST his own son as Noah Solskjaer made his senior football debut.
      The then-19-year-old came on in a pre-season friendly between Kristiansund – the hometown of both him and his dad – and United in 2019. 
      Solskjaer Jr, who started out at Clausenengen just like his old man, was released in 2021, though.
      And he is now playing in midfield for fourth-division Spjelkavik in Norway. 
      Noah has also proven he is not afraid to speak up for himself – with a cheeky dig at his dad and also bravely taking on Mourinho with a cheeky quip about his dad’s parenting. 
      Noah Solskjaer made his senior debut in a pre-season friendly for Kristiansund against UnitedCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Solskjaer was the Red Devils manager when Noah got on the pitchCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Karna Solskjaer played for Manchester United to become the first father-daughter duo to represent the clubCredit: Getty
      The youngster revealed his idol is not Solskjaer Sr… but his former team-mate Wayne Rooney.
      And he models his game on another ex-Red Devils man in Michael Carrick.
      He said: “I have a small role model in Michael Carrick. In the beginning I started up front, but the longer it has gone on I have gone further back in the side.
      “I’m now more of a No6 in midfield than a No10. It would be nice to get in the game. After seeing such big games, I’ve got used to it.”
      But Noah is not the only child of Ole and Silje who has inherited the footballing gene.
      Youngest Elijah was in the Manchester United academy when Ole was first-team boss.
      But daughter Karna was the one who wrote history when she made her debut for Manchester United Women in January 2022.
      The striker came off the bench in the 88th minute of the Women’s FA Cup win over Bridgwater United to replace Ferreira Fuso – with her proud parents watching from the stands. 
      That saw Ole and Karna become the first father and daughter pair to play for Manchester United. 
      Karna also helped the Red Devils win the 2022 WSL Academy Cup at St George’s Park but left in 2022 to sign for Norwegian third-tier side AaFK Fortuna.
      Solskjaer pictured carrying Noah after Brooklyn Beckham’s birthday partyCredit: PA:Press Association
      Solskjaer retired in 2007 as he struggled to recover from a long-term knee injuryCredit: Reuters
      The Norwegian returned to Old Trafford as manager in December 2018Credit: Getty
      Ole and Silje watched on as proud parents when Karna made her debutCredit: Twitter More

    • 150 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona identify Tottenham midfielder as transfer replacement for Gavi after season-ending injury

      by

      BARCELONA are eyeing Tottenham ace Giovani Lo Celso as Gavi’s replacement ahead of the January transfer window, reports suggest.Barca lost their star midfielder for the rest of the season after he suffered a heavy knee injury while on international duty with Spain.
      Barcelona are eyeing Tottenham ace Giovani Lo Celso to replace GaviCredit: Alamy
      Barcelona ace Gavi has been sidelined for the rest of the season due to a knee injuryCredit: Rex
      And the Catalans are now rigorously searching for the right person to fill in for the 19-year-old wonderkid, who will be out for nine months.
      According to the Standard, Barca are keeping tabs on Lo Celso ahead of the winter market.
      However, Spurs are not keen to sell the midfielder, even though he has dramatically fallen down the pecking order with only three substitute appearances in the Premier League this season.
      That is due to a recent injury crisis that has hit Ange Postecoglou’s side.
      Read More on Football
      Lo Celso is expected to return to Postecoglou’s starting line-up on a regular basis until at least January following James Maddison’s ankle injury.
      Maddison is expected to be sidelined until the New Year and thus Tottenham will reject any approaches for the Argentine.
      The 27-year-old is expected to get even more opportunities after the England international returns.
      That is because Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr will be away on international duty for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Bissouma will be playing for Mali while Sarr will be representing Senegal from January 13 with the competition coming to a close on February 11.
      Barcelona have been keeping tabs on Lo Celso since the summer and faced competition from Atletico Madrid as well as his former club Real Betis.
      The Spanish champions’ manager Xavi is thought to be a major admirer of the Tottenham ace.
      However, the Argentine is expected to stay in North London until June and could return to action on Sunday against Aston Villa with Bissouma suspended. More