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      Arsenal fans call for Gabriel Martinelli position change after footage emerges of first ever Brazil goal

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      ARSENAL fans have called on Mikel Arteta to change Gabriel Martinelli’s position after he scored his first goal for Brazil.The Arsenal winger netted Brazil’s only goal of the game as they lost 2-1 to Colombia.
      Martinelli celebrates after his strike vs ColombiaCredit: Getty
      Martinelli poked in his first ever Brazil goal

      Luis Diaz starred as he scored a brace with his father, now released after being kidnapped, watching on from the crowd.
      There were emotional scenes as Diaz’s father broke down in tears of pride and relief in the crowd.
      Martinelli’s goal opened the scoring in the fourth minute of the game.
      The winger picked the ball up on the left wing, his usual position for Arsenal, before exchanging a brilliant one-two with Vinicius Jr before finishing as he fell to the ground.
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      With Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah both being sidelined recently, Arsenal fans have been keen to see Martinelli deployed down the middle.
      In response to Martinelli’s goal on Twitter, one fan said: “Mikel needs to play him down the middle already.”
      Another wrote to agree with the poster, saying: “Trossard left wing and Martinelli centre forward.”
      But not all fans agreed with the suggestion with one replying: “This goal didn’t come from him staying at the middle It started from left wing.”
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      Another wrote: “He didn’t play down the middle he was on the left.”
      Martinelli’s position has always been somewhat of a debate.

      The youngster, 22, initially played as a striker when he was being blooded into the team in 2019.
      But Arteta has always favoured playing Martinelli as a left winger as it allows him to make use of both his dribbling and ability to finish when cutting inside. More

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      West Ham to make transfer move for Chelsea flop but face fight with two Premier League rivals

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      A CHELSEA flop is being linked with a sensational return to the Premier League, according to reports.Timo Werner, 27, never really hit the heights after arriving at Chelsea in a £53million deal in 2020.
      Timo Werner has been linked with a sensational return to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      The striker joined the club fresh off the back of a season with RB Leipzig where he scored 28 goals in 34 Bundesliga games and was thought to be one of the best strikers in Europe.
      He was also Germany’s undisputed no9 at the time – but failed to ever hit the heights at Chelsea.
      In his two seasons with The Blues the German scored 23 goals in 89 appearances and appeared to clearly lose confidence in front of goal.
      Werner re-joined Leipzig in the summer of 2022 but the form of his previous spell at the club failed to resurface.
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      The forward scored nine goals in 27 appearances last season and has been relegated to a bench role this year in favour of Slovenian sensation Benjamin Sesko, 20.
      But Werner has now been offered a lifeline according to 90min.
      Fulham and Crystal Palace reportedly lead the chase for the striker with both parties willing to take him on loan.
      West Ham are another possible destination for Werner – with the side being able to offer him minutes in their quest to win the Europa League.
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      The Hammers have recently dropped forward Michail Antonio, 33, and are playing Jarrod Bowen as a makeshift centre forward.
      They could therefore look to bring Werner in as a rotation option.
      Leipzig’s sporting director Rouven Schroder confirmed that the club would be open to parting ways with Werner when asked about his unhappiness at becoming a bench player.
      Schroder said: “Timo Werner is a part of a team that has to face competition. He’s going through a difficult phase, we support him. It’s not always all sunshine and roses.”
      When asked if Werner’s exit could take place in January he said: “We will have players who have something else in mind. We will face that. Quite openly, very clearly. If someone has the idea that they want to do something different, then we will deal with it.” More

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      West Ham stadium owners ‘in advanced talks over name change’ as huge sponsorship deal lined up

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      WEST HAM’S stadium could be set for a stunning name change.That’s with the arena’s owners in advanced talks with insurance giant Allianz over a huge sponsorship deal.
      West Ham’s London Stadium could be set for a name change with Allianz in advanced talksCredit: Alamy
      The Hammers have been playing at the former Olympics ground since 2016Credit: Getty
      The Hammers left Upton Park for the London Stadium in 2016.
      Based at the Olympic Park in East London, it was previously used for the 2012 Games in the capital.
      And since making the move, West Ham have transformed into one of the Premier League’s top sides.
      David Moyes led the Irons to glory in last season’s Europa Conference League.
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      But West Ham could soon find themselves playing under a different name at the 62,500-seater stadium.
      The Telegraph claims the London Legacy Development Corporation, who own the London Stadium, are in advanced talks with Allianz over a sponsorship deal.
      The German company is thought to be ahead of ticketing firm Stage Front.
      And it could see the London Stadium renamed, as well as the surrounding 560 acres that make up the capital’s Olympics legacy.
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      West Ham could receive a cut should the deal between LLDC and Allianz exceed £4million.
      In that case, it would be a 50/50 split with the stadium’s owners.
      Allianz already has a number of top clubs under its wing.
      Bayern Munich, Juventus, Nice and Minnesota United all have long-term deals with the group.
      West Ham are currently ninth in the Premier League table after five wins in 12 games.
      Their last match saw them run out 3-2 winners in a dramatic home game against Nottingham Forest.
      After the international break, they travel to struggling Burnley before making the trip to Backa Topola in the Europa League. More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson’s role in Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Man Utd takeover revealed ahead of staff overhaul

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE is reportedly expected to take advice from Sir Alex Ferguson when he reshapes football operations at Manchester United.The Ineos chief is on the verge of confirming the acquisition of his 25 per cent stake in the club.
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to lean on Sir Alex Ferguson for advice one he buys a 25 per cent stake in Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      Ratcliffe wants to re-shape football operations at UnitedCredit: AFP
      He will take over control of the football structure and is set to make sweeping changes.
      CEO Richard Arnold stepped down from his position this week and Ineos Sport guru Jean-Claude Blanc is expected to take over.
      And Ferguson is expected to assist Ratcliffe by providing advice and guidance over some matters, according to The Telegraph.
      Fergie could help Ratcliffe pick a new director of football with incumbent John Murtough expected to leave along with director of football operations David Harrison.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      A number of names have been linked to the director of football role including Dougie Freedman, who is understood to be close to Ferguson.
      The Crystal Palace chief used to be a neighbour and the Scots have remained friendly.

      Freedman also has a successful track record in south London having found and signed the likes of Marc Guehi, Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise for the Eagles.
      AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini is also understood to be in the running for the job.
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      While Atalanta Head of Recruitment Lee Congerton and Atletico Madrid’s Andre Berta are reportedly under consideration.
      However United might have to wait until January to make any change because there will be a six to eight week wait from the takeover being announced to Ratcliffe’s deal being given the all clear from the Premier League. More

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      Brighton chief reveals Roberto De Zerbi replacement plan as Seagulls boss linked with Real Madrid and Man City jobs

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      BRIGHTON CEO Paul Barber revealed the club have a replacement plan lined up in case manager Roberto De Zerbi leaves.De Zerbi has taken the Seagulls to new heights since replacing Graham Potter at the helm last year, leading them to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League and straight to the Europa League.
      Brighton have a succession plan lined up for manager Roberto De ZerbiCredit: Getty
      Brighton want to hold on to De Zerbi, whose contract runs out in 2026Credit: Rex
      The Italian tactician’s impressive work at the Amex, though, has attracted interest from his home country, with Napoli and AC Milan keeping tabs.
      The 44-year-old has also been linked with some of Europe’s biggest clubs, such as Real Madrid and reports even suggest Manchester City have identified De Zerbi as Pep Guardiola’s eventual replacement.
      Brighton want to hold on to their boss for as long as possible, with his contract running out in 2026 – but Barber insists the Premier League outfit have a succession plan in place just like they did when Potter left for Chelsea.
      He told talkSPORT: “Good players and good staff will always be looked at by competitors, and we’re prepared for that, we’re realistic about that and we try to plan for those eventualities.
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      “When we unfortunately lost Graham Potter to Chelsea it was a difficult period, because you don’t want to lose your head coach one month into the season.
      “We always have a small list of coaches that we would look to move to if we had to, Roberto was top of that list.
      “So far things have worked really well, we’re enjoying what Roberto is doing for us and what this squad of players is delivering.
      “Roberto has done a fabulous job and I don’t think anyone in world football hasn’t seen the way he plays and the way we play.
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      “The biggest conundrum with our model is the better we do, the more vulnerable we become, because people look at what we’re doing, how we’re doing it, the people who are doing it for us, and they want them.
      “We’ve seen that many, many times, whether it’s Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool, Moises Caicedo and Graham Potter to Chelsea, Yves Bissouma to Tottenham, and staff we’ve lost along the way as well, Dan Ashworth to Newcastle – it’s on and off the field.

      “But I take that as a big compliment to the progress we’re making and it’s incumbent on me to make sure we’ve got succession plans in place to manage and overcome those bumps in the road.
      The better we do, the more vulnerable we becomeBrighton CEO Paul Barber
      “Because at the end of the day every football club will lose players and staff at some point, we just have to make sure we’re ready and prepared for it when it happens to us.”
      Asked if Brighton already have a replacement in mind in case De Zerbi leaves: “Absolutely.
      “That’s part and parcel of looking at the top 20 or 25 positions in our club all the time and identifying who’s vulnerable to being taken by somebody else or who may simply just want a change in lifestyle and making sure we know if that happened who would be coming in to replace them.
      “That might be an internal appointment or an external appointment, but the most important thing is that we have an idea who it would be.
      “There’s nothing worse than suddenly facing a change and then having a gap because you haven’t done the homework to consider who would replace that person. Preparation is critical.” More

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      Man Utd face losing SEVEN players worth £70m on free transfers ahead of January window

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are at risk of losing seven out-of-contract stars in January.The Red Devils could have a busy transfer window with Jadon Sancho tipped to leave following his fallout with Erik ten Hag.
      Erik ten Hag could lose seven players due to their contract situationCredit: Getty
      Outcast Donny van de Beek may also move on, while United are at risk of losing seven players whose contracts expire in the summer.
      That is because foreign clubs will be able to approach them for talks over a free agent move.
      Some have played a key role for Ten Hag this season while others are youngsters with exciting futures.
      Here, SunSport takes a look at seven who could leave Old Trafford on free transfers.
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      Aaron Wan-Bissaka – £22m
      Wan-Bissaka signed a five-year deal when he joined the club in 2019.
      He initially lost his place under Ten Hag but impressed when he came back into the side and would likely have been a regular this season if not for injury.
      The right-back, 25, was bought for £50million so losing him on a free would be a big blow – but the Red Devils could trigger his one-year contract extension.
      United have a one-year extension clause in Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s contractCredit: Getty
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      Victor Lindelof – £16m
      The Swede, 29, has unexpectedly been given an ever-present role this season because of injures to Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Luke Shaw.
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      Lindelof scored the winner against Luton at the weekend and there will be no shortage of interest in the centre-back, who has been linked to Inter Milan.
      Erik ten Hag may be keen to keep Victor LindelofCredit: Getty
      Anthony Martial – £13m
      French striker, 27, has had a disastrous few years at United and has failed to live up to expectations following his £45m switch from Monaco.
      Martial was loaned out to Sevilla in 2021 but worked his way back into Ten Hag’s plans – only to get injured.
      Fitness problems have limited the forward’s game time and the club might be happy to let him leave for nothing to get his £250,000-a-week salary off the wage bill.
      Anthony Martial looks set to leave the clubCredit: Getty

      Hannibal Mejbri – £10m
      Highly-rated youngster has broken into the first-team under Ten Hag after United fought off interest in the summer to keep him.
      Borussia Dortmund are understood to have made an offer, as did Luton, so United may have to work hard to fend off suitors when the transfer window re-opens.
      Hannibal Mejbri has attracted transfer interest since breaking into the first-teamCredit: Getty
      Alvaro Fernandez – £6m
      The young left-back is on loan at Granada until the end of the season so United may not back a decision on his future until next summer.
      In the mean time clubs in his native Spain could try and make an approach for the 20-year-old, who made 39 appearances on loan at Preston last season.
      Alvaro Fernandez is on loan at GranadaCredit: Reuters
      Jonny Evans – £2m
      Veteran centre-back, 35, returned on a free transfer in the summer following eight years away.
      He has made eight appearances but is a back up and United may be happy to let him leave in the summer.
      Jonny Evans signed a one-year deal in the summerCredit: Alamy
      Foreign clubs will be able to speak to the United stars about a transfer in January
      Tom Heaton – £400k
      The third-choice goalkeeper was signed in 2021 but has made just three appearances for United.
      However Ten Hag may be keen to keep Heaton, 37, as he is considered to be one of the key leaders in the squad.
      Tom Heaton is part of a four-man leadership group at UnitedCredit: Getty More

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      Alex Scott’s see-through outfit leaves England Lioness star stunned as she screams ‘oh my god’ as she enters taxi

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      ALEX SCOTT stood out with her fabulous see-through dress at the GQ Men of the Year awards on Wednesday.Scott’s choice of outfit even left fellow Lioness Leah Williamson in awe as she entered the taxi with her.
      Alex Scott dazzled with her see-through dress as she entered the taxiCredit: Instagram @alexscott2
      Scott’s outfit left fellow Lioness Leah Williamson in aweCredit: Instagram @alexscott2
      Williamson was heard gushing as she shared a clip on Instagram: “Oh my God!”
      Scott responded by sharing that clip on her story with the following caption: “Find yourself an amazing hype women [sic] just like [Williamson].”
      The Arsenal legend entered the cab beaming with joy after a night that saw her stealing the spotlight.
      The 39-year-old dressed to impress as she posed on the red carpet of the event held at The Royal Opera House in London.
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      The sports presenter wowed in the silver glitzy floor length maxi dress for the annual ceremony.
      The England hero completed the look with a pair of ankle boots, which could be seen through her dress.
      The former full-back leads a glamorous lifestyle and can regularly be seen on a red carpet or starring in a photoshoot.
      Scott has also dazzled thanks to a series of fabulous dresses she has shown on the red carpet.
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      The ex-Birmingham star’s finesse also saw her shining at Strictly Come Dancing in 2019, where she finished fifth.
      Since then Scott has appeared in fashion shoots showing off her flawless body in risque outfits.
      The former defender began dating singer Jess Glynne this year and the couple shared their first public kiss earlier this month.
      The couple attended the Attitude Awards together where Scott stunned on the red carpet once more.
      More Alex Scott glam pics below
      Scott stood out during the GQ Men of the Year awardsCredit: Alamy
      Scott stole the spotlight at The Royal Opera House in LondonCredit: Getty
      Scott wore a silver see-through dress that left the crowd in aweCredit: Splash
      Scott has tried on a series of daring outfits throughout her careerCredit: Soccer Aid ITV
      And Scott is not afraid to share on social media to her fans
      Scott has dazzled in various photoshoots throughout the yearsCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale now
      Scott has stole the show in various different red carpet eventsCredit: PA
      Scott has opted for a series of see-through outfitsCredit: Instagram / @alexscott2 More

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      I’m schoolteacher to Arsenal star who made Premier League history… he handed in his homework the next day without a word

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      ETHAN NWANERI rewrote history as the Premier League’s youngest player aged just 15.And less than 24 hours later, he still handed in his English homework on time.
      Ethan Nwaneri made his Premier League debut aged just 15Credit: Getty
      The footballer was a pupil at St John’s Senior School in Enfield, North LondonCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
      Elle Bewley taught Nwaneri for GCSE EnglishCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
      The Arsenal sensation replaced Fabio Vieira in the 92nd minute of the 3-0 win away at Brentford on September 18, 2022.
      At 15 years and 181 days, he smashed the previous record held by Harvey Elliott. 
      Nwaneri stepped on to the Gtech Community Stadium pitch just before 2pm on that memorable Sunday.
      By 9am on Monday, though, he gave his weekend work to Elle Bewley at St John’s Senior School in Enfield without a mention of his record-breaking exploits the day before.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Bewley told SunSport: “It was a surprise. The head of English messaged me to say Ethan is on telly and just made his debut. 
      “I am quite ignorant when it comes to football but my husband was really impressed! 
      “I’m not joking, he just walked into school on the Monday, gave me his homework, sat down and got on with it. No discussion, no distraction. Nothing.”
      St John’s Head of PE Jason Hodgson, who picked Nwaneri for the school’s football scholarship programme, remembers the big moment vividly. 
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      He said: “It was crazy. I’m mad on fishing and I was at a lake listening on talkSPORT. 
      “I was shouting, ‘Get him on!’ The older fishing guys were asking what was going on. I said, ‘My boy’s on the bench for Arsenal, I want him to get on.’ 
      “I was buzzing. Playing for Arsenal at 15… mental isn’t it? 
      “Obviously, the whole school loved it. He was in as normal on Monday, straight back to lessons with no special treatment. Football is secondary here.
      “We set out to be a safety net for boys who are trying to be pro footballers but we know that only 0.01 per cent make it and the rest don’t.”
      Nwaneri’s behaviour on that whirlwind Monday came as no surprise to his teachers.
      Ms Bewley taught him for GCSE English, with Macbeth, Jekyll and Hide, An Inspector Calls and a poetry anthology all on the syllabus. 
      She continued: “What stands out about Ethan is that he was never boastful. I never heard him speaking about football. 
      He donated a signed shirt and boots to his old schoolCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
      The teenager excelled on the pitch and in the classroom (bottom row, right)Credit: Jamie McPhilimey
      The teenager came on for Fabio Vieira in the 3-0 win at BrentfordCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Nwaneri signed his first professional contract in 2023Credit: Getty
      “For our GCSE spoken language endorsement, I even urged him to do it on football because they choose a topic they’re really passionate about. 
      “He could have taken an easy way out but chose not to and did it on conspiracy theories. He went off and did the research.
      “Ethan was very much an all-round student, very intelligent. He’s a really responsible young man. 
      “Quite often Ethan chased us for extra revision and did extra papers at home.”
      Nwaneri was clearly as committed to performing in the classroom as he was on the pitch before finishing Year 11 in the summer.
      Alexander Tardios, headteacher at the £16,500-a-year selective school, said: “The boy scored 98 per cent in the school entrance exam, his speciality is mathematics.
      “He is a very academic boy. He could easily end up at King’s College or UCL.
      “Once Ethan was at London Colney training with the Arsenal first team. There was meant to be a second training session but it didn’t take place. 
      “He booked himself an Uber to St John’s, sat his mini-tests then went back to London Colney. I’ve never seen a boy that would do that but Ethan Nwaneri is special.”
      TESTING CONDITIONS
      It was not just Nwaneri taking his education seriously, but his parents too.
      Tardios claimed Ethan’s dad said that if his son didn’t perform in his end-of-year exams, he was going to stop him from playing for England.
      Ironically, Nwaneri ended up sitting some of his GCSEs in Hungary while away representing the Young Lions at the Under-17 Euros. 
      Playmaker Nwaneri scored the winner in England’s opener against Croatia, setting them on their way to topping Group D before a quarter-final defeat to France.
      An England coach even helped with revision in between training and matches, with the pupil taking one maths test the morning after a game. 
      Science teacher and Arsenal fan Theo Vrionides said: “I didn’t contribute anything to him being a star. Maybe I can say some of the physics could come into it! 
      “He’s obviously determined to succeed and I think he will. Expectations are high. 
      Nwaneri represented his school football teamCredit: St John’s Senior School
      Jason Hodgson is the Head of PE and selected Nwaneri for a scholarship at the schoolCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
      Theo Vrionides taught Nwaneri for physics in Year 11Credit: Jamie McPhilimey
      Alexander Tardios is headteacher at the £16,500-a-year selective schoolCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
      “It would be great to see him line up with Bukayo Saka. It is a nice feeling to actually know Ethan and say we’ve had some contribution as teachers.”
      Now with his school education behind him and full-time focus on football, Nwaneri will be gunning for more success after signing a professional contract under Jack Wilshere at Arsenal and starring for England at the U17 World Cup in Indonesia. 
      Hodgson has seen his fair share of quality young footballers, including 11-year-old goalkeeper Sammy Thompson, who is already training with Tottenham’s U21s. 
      The Head of PE, though, insists “animal” Nwaneri stands out above the rest after witnessing him tear countless opponents to shreds.
      That included an outrageous piece of skill for one of his five goals as St John’s were crowned Enfield Borough champions.
      And Hodgson believes Nwaneri can team up with Jude Bellingham to lead England to glory.
      I honestly believe Ethan will play for England… we’ve got to win something in the next ten yearsJason Hodgson, Head of PE at St John’s Senior School
      He added: “I’ve been teaching 25 years and coaching a lot longer than that, Ethan is the best kid I’ve ever seen by a country mile. 
      “He was ridiculous. We went to a school in East London: kick-off, Ethan got the ball, scored, repeat. Their manager asked me to take him off so I did at 8-0.
      “His year group wasn’t that good but he played with the year above to win the cup. 
      “There is literally no point playing at his age, he was too good even at Arsenal. You can’t get the ball off him. The kid’s amazing. 
      “This must be what Bellingham was like. I think he’s got that potential. It is awesome. 
      “I honestly believe he will play for England, he is going to be the next Saka and Bellingham. I’m hoping to get tickets for the 2026 World Cup.
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      “I’m so excited for England, we’ve got to win something in the next ten years surely.
      “Ethan, work hard, play hard. You’re going to have a lot of money! Keep yourself grounded.”
      He is now fully focused on football after finishing schoolCredit: Getty
      The rising star is part of the Young Lions England set-upCredit: Getty
      Nwaneri is being mentored and coached by Jack WilshereCredit: Getty
      He took some of his GCSEs while at the U17 Euros with EnglandCredit: Getty
      Nwaneri in action at the U17 World Cup in IndonesiaCredit: AP
      The playmaker scoring against PSV in the Uefa Youth LeagueCredit: Getty More