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      Man Utd transfer target Rasmus Hojlund’s alarming dip in form explained by Atalanta manager

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S interest in Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund has played a part in his dip in form, his manager has revealed.The Red Devils are in the market for someone to lead the line for Erik ten Hag’s side next season.
      Rasmus Hojlund has attracted interest from Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      And Danish attacker – who has been dubbed Erling Haaland 2.0 – has been the subject of rumours around an Old Trafford move as a result of his superb performances.
      But in recent months he has dropped off, with just one goal in his last seven Serie A appearances – which came at the weekend.
      And while Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini recognises there are numerous reasons for this, he insists transfer speculation has been one of them.
      Speaking to Tuttosport, he said: “The qualities are all there, at the beginning we had to get to know him but he immediately stood out for his great will to break through.
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      “He did very well after the first stop [part of the season], then he was called up to the national team and too many rumours distracted him, then there was the [abductor] injury.”
      He went on to add: “Today’s goal demonstrates his power, if he knows how to improve he can take away great satisfaction.
      “You have to know how to accept his moments, he will mature in all aspects.”
      Hojlund, 20, has contributed 15 goals and six assists in 40 appearances for Atalanta this season.
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      Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen are understood to be the leading candidates on Man Utd’s wishlist of strikers.
      But Hojlund is undoubtedly in the frame and revealed his love for the Red Devils earlier this year.
      He said: “Now that you ask, I will not hide the fact that I am a huge Manchester United fan.
      “So personally, it would be one of the biggest things for me [to sign for United], but of course that doesn’t mean that I would turn down other big clubs if the offers come at some point.”
      Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini feels Hojlund has been distracted by transfer interestCredit: Getty More

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      Fans in awe of Pep Guardiola’s stunning daughter Maria as she steals show during Man City title celebrations

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      PEP Guardiola’s daughter Maria threatened to upstage him during Manchester City’s title celebrations yesterday.The Cityzens’ entered yesterday’s clash with Chelsea knowing they were champions after Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
      Pep and his daughter Maria celebrate Manchester City’s latest title victoryCredit: Getty
      Pep and Maria pose with the City manager’s fifth Prem trophy since joining the Manchester clubCredit: Getty
      City were greeted to a guard of honour by Chelsea as they walked on to the pitch already knowing their third title in a row was in the bag.
      This season’s is also Pep’s fifth for the Cityzens since joining back in 2016.
      And the Sky Blues wasted no time in celebrating their latest achievement, as they aim to win a historic Treble this season.
      The players were treated by Guardiola to pizza and beer in the dressing room ahead of their coronation on the pitch.
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      With players’ families joining them on the pitch to celebrate, it was Guardiola’s daughter, Maria, who turned the heads of fans online.
      Maria, 22, is no stranger to the social media spotlight, having previously dated former Spurs star Dele Alli.
      The Barcelona-born influencer boasts more than half a million followers on Instagram.
      She is also signed to modelling agency Premier Model Management.
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      And many fans were pre-occupied by her good looks while Sky pundit Jamie Redknapp lauded her father’s footballing achievements during Sunday’s broadcast.
      One fan tweeted a series of flustered emojis in reaction to a photo of Maria, while another reacted with a gif of Wout Weghorst celebrating in response to the Spanish beauty.
      City’s boozy title celebrations continued into the night, as the likes of Erling Haaland and his girlfriend hit an exclusive Manchester nightclub to celebrate the club’s latest title.
      Having confirmed the Premier League on Saturday, City will play their last two Premier League games against Brighton and Brentford before their FA Cup final clash with Manchester United on June 3rd.
      Fans will be hoping that the celebrations will continue as City look to become the second team to win the Treble after rivals Manchester United completed the feat in 1999.
      Maria Guardiola in New York, courtesy of her InstaCredit: Instagram @maria.guardiola
      The model is no stranger to a selfieCredit: Instagram @mariaguardiola
      Pep’s daughter is always active over on her Insta, with fans of Manchester City often bombarding her comments with suggestions for Pep’s starting XIsCredit: Instagram @maria.guardiola
      Maria enjoys brunch in LondonCredit: Instagram @maria.guardiola More

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      Premier League cult hero, 40, looks unrecognisable as ripped boxer with bulging biceps after body transformation

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      A FORMER Premier League cult hero has left fans stunned after transforming himself into a ripped boxer.This ex-striker announced his retirement from football on his 35th birthday, five years ago.
      A former Premier League striker has left fans stunned after sharing a clip of himself boxingCredit: Instagram
      His followers were impressed with his ripped arms as he pounded the padsCredit: Instagram
      That was after ending his career in League One with a short spell at Coventry.
      This star, who earned 57 caps for Nigeria, had also played for the likes of Blackburn, Leicester and Reading.
      He kicked-off his professional career in 1997, in his native Nigeria – playing for Julius Berger.
      A move to Europe happened in 1998 when he joined Israeli club Maccabi Haifa and then a switch to the big-time in 2003 came as he signed for then-Prem side Portsmouth.
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      He joined following a brief loan stint where he helped the South coast side win the Championship.
      He would spend two seasons at Pompey, scoring 29 times in 65 league games, before moving to Middlesbrough.
      The ace scored 25 times in the league for Boro and helped them to reach the Uefa Cup Final before he moved to Everton for a four-year tenure in 2007.
      He netted another 25 goals at Goodison Park to take his Premier League tally to 95 – making him the fifth-highest scoring African footballer in the league’s history.
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      After a brief loan spell at Leicester, a one season stint at Blackburn followed in 2011-12, scoring 17 times in 30 games before he became one of the first star names to take his talent to China.
      He was in the Far East for a year at Guangzhou R&F before joining Qatari side Al-Rayyan in 2014.
      A return to England came with a seven-game stint at Reading before he headed to Turkey to join Kayserispor – failing to score in 12 games.
      Ultimately, the journeyman’s career ground to a halt in 2017 as injuries ruined his time at Coventry.
      The man in question, of course, is the huge fan favourite Ayegbeni Yakubu. 
      And “The Yak” now appears to have a new sporting love away from the beautiful game in boxing.
      Yakubu recently shared a clip of himself pounding the pads, and his Instagram followers were blown away with the size of his guns and shredded muscles.
      Even Arsenal legend, and former Nigeria team-mate, Kanu was wowed, writing: “Yak attack.”
      Another follower added: “Yak is stacked these days.
      One said: “Those arms are HUGGGEEEEE!”
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      A fellow fan asked: “Looking solid brother good shape when you fighting?”
      As another simply wrote: “Incredible.”
      Ayegbeni Yakubu helped fire Middlesbrough to the Uefa Cup FinalCredit: PA:Press Association
      He got a big-money move to Everton before injuries started to take their tollCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      The Nigerian retired after a spell at Coventry in 2017Credit: PA:Empics Sport More

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      Dream Team’s end of season awards for 2022/23 – Biggest Flop, MVP and more…

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      IT’S time for an annual event that blows the Oscars out of the water, it’s Dream Team’s end of season awards for 2022/23!Please humour us as we rattle through a host of imaginary gongs designed to recognise the good, the bad and the ugly of an eventful campaign.
      The Value-For-Money Award
      WINNER: Kieran Trippier (£5.3m)
      King of the defendersCredit: GETTY
      While the England international’s price has been lofty for a few months now, it’s important to remember that he started the season at just £3m.
      Trippier was half the price of Virgil van Dijk (£5.5m) prior to Game Week 1 and he’s produced 98 more points than the Dutchman at this stage.
      With 222 points in total, he’s 57 ahead of his closest rival among defenders and has been in a bracket of his own since August if truth be told.
      It could be argued that a Brighton player deserves this award but it’s incredibly rare that an asset dominates to Trippier’s degree having started at such an affordable price.
      The Breakout Star Award
      WINNER: Kaoru Mitoma (£4.4m)
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      From an unknown entity to a household nameCredit: GETTY
      There can only be one winner here.
      The Seagulls’ winger is the very definition of a breakout star in that 99.99% of Dream Team gaffers had no idea who he was at the start of the campaign but the majority have admired his efforts since.
      Mitoma has registered ten goals, eight assists and five Star Man awards in his debut Dream Team season.
      The Japan international’s total of 153 points is only bettered by by six midfielders at this late juncture – Bruno Fernandes (£6.9m) and the best offerings from Manchester City and Arsenal.
      Hearty congratulations to any gaffers who backed Mitoma when he cost just £1.5m!
      The Constantly Overlooked Award
      WINNER: Solly March (£4.8m)
      Justice for MarchCredit: GETTY
      Some more appreciation for Brighton here and well deserved given the south coast club have officially qualified for Europe for the first time in their history.
      Dream Team bosses were quick to jump on Mitoma and at one point even Pascal Gross (£3,3m) was among the most-popular players in the game but March’s ownership never got above 3% for whatever reason.
      The 28-year-old is a man reborn under Roberto De Zerbi; where before he was a dutiful utility player, now he’s a fully-fledged attacker who enjoyed by far his best spell for the club in terms of tangible returns before his recent injury.
      The long-serving No7 has nine assists, seven goals and six Star Man awards in 2022/23 – nobody predicted that prior to Game Week 1.
      March deserved to be more popular than he was this season – we suspect he’ll receive a boost in 2023/24, especially with European fixtures to bolster his schedule.
      The Biggest Game Week Haul Award
      WINNER: Erling Haaland (£10.2m)
      Hat-trick heroCredit: GETTY
      Gabriel Jesus (£5.6m) won this award last season thanks mostly to a four-goal rout at home to Watford that steered him towards a haul of 43 points.
      Incredibly, Man City’s new No9 has equalled or bettered that score THREE times in 2022/23.
      Haaland took Crystal Palace and RB Leipzig for 43 points in Game Week 26 and he registered 45 points in Game Week 8 at the expense of Man United and Copenhagen.
      But his greatest haul came early on in Game Week 4 when he plundered 51 points against Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest through back-to-back hat-tricks – talk about a statement of intent.
      The Biggest Flop Award
      WINNER: Mason Mount (£2.8m)
      A season to forgetCredit: GETTY
      We hate to be harsh but there’s no denying that popular players who underperform play a significant role in how a Dream Team campaign plays out.
      Several Chelsea assets were in contention for this award but we gave it to the English midfielder purely because gaffers have come to expect so much more from him.
      Last season, Mount was one of just three players who made it into double figures for both goals and assists in the Premier League, a noble effort that resulted in plentiful points.
      This term, the Cobham graduate tapped out with three goals and four assists in all competitions for a return of 50 points in total.
      Circling back to the last award, Haaland earned more points in the space of one fruitful Game Week than Mount did all season!
      The David-vs-Goliath Award
      WINNER: Fabian Schar (£3m)
      Newcastle defenders have performed superbly this season
      This award goes to the asset who has ferociously punched above his weight.
      The aforementioned Solly March was a strong candidate for this one, as was last season’s winner, Ivan Toney (£6.1m), but in the spirit of spreading out the love and crowning a new winner, Newcastle’s Swiss centre-back takes the accolade.
      Schar started emphatically with an 18-point haul in his first outing and a steady stream of clean sheets throughout the first two thirds of the season meant he’s spent months on end above expensive assets from Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal in the rankings.
      2022/23 has been the 31-year-old’s best Dream Team campaign by far and despite a dip in returns recently, his tally of 139 points still puts him sixth among defenders.
      The Most Valuable Player Award
      WINNER: Erling Haaland (£10.2m)
      Who else?Credit: GETTY
      The most predictable winner of the lot and the most worthy too.
      It’s easy to forget that one of the most prevalent conversations before Christmas revolved around whether or not the Norwegian had actually made Pep Guardiola’s side worse.
      That talk soon evaporated as Haaland rapidly chased down the record for most goals in a Premier League season while also putting Man City on track to win a historic treble.
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      The prolific poacher has 430 points to his name with four fixtures still to fulfil – Cristiano Ronaldo’s all-time record of 477 is under threat.
      For Dream Team gaffers, 2022/23 will always be known as ‘the Haaland season’. More

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      Watch Walker lead X-rated Man City chant at nightclub while Haaland cooks steak in his pyjamas at celeb hotspot

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      KYLE WALKER belted out an X-rated chant during Manchester City’s title celebrations on Sunday night – while Erling Haaland sneaked off to cook his own dinner.Pep Guardiola’s men lifted the Premier League trophy for a fifth time in six years on Sunday following a 1-0 win over Chelsea.
      Kyle Walker led a chorus of ‘Johnny, Johnny Stones’ before turning to him and saying he hates Man UtdCredit: Instagram @georgeableson
      Kalvin Phillips cracked up at Walker’s remarksCredit: Instagram @georgeableson
      Man City partied in the MNKY HSE nightclubCredit: Instagram @georgeableson
      Erling Haaland cooked some steaks alongside the chef of the MNKY HSE clubCredit: Instagram @georgeableson
      Haaland was filmed flipping the steaks in his pyjamasCredit: Instagram @georgeableson
      Haaland hilariously cooked in his sky blue pyjamasCredit: Instagram @georgeableson
      The players were then spotted heading into MNKY HSE – a Manchester club – where they partied into the night.
      And Walker produced a hilarious moment when he grabbed the microphone and began serenading John Stones – his team-mate for both club and country.
      He began by leading a chorus of “Johnny, Johnny Stones” to the tune of Boney M’s “Daddy Cool”.
      The right-back then turned to Stones and exclaimed: “He f***ing hates United.”
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      Walker’s remark was met with laughter from several City players – including ex-Leeds man Kalvin Phillips.
      Meanwhile, Erling Haaland, who rocked up to the club with girlfriend Isabel Johansen in matching sky blue pyjamas, left his team-mates for a short while as he headed into MNKY HSE’s kitchen.
      And he was filmed by chef George Ableson cooking steaks in his bright bed clothes.
      Haaland then shared a picture of his beef, along with the caption:  “F****** love that.”
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      Haaland shared snaps of his steaks after they had been cookedCredit: Instagram @erling.haaland
      Man City pulled out all the stops for their title celebrationCredit: Instagram @georgeableson
      Haaland’s partner Isabel Johansen in their matching sky blue silk pyjamasCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      The Norwegian, 22, cooked a more conventional meal just one week after receiving flack for his choice of home-cooked dinner.
      Haaland shared a picture of beef liver on a baking tray – something his followers described as “disgusting”.
      Meanwhile, a number of City’s squad were snapped heading into the nightclub with their partners.
      Phil Foden, Walker and Stones were all seen alongside their other halves.
      While Kevin De Bruyne’s wife Michele Lacroix stunned as she went braless in a see-through top.
      Riyad Mahrez was joined by his social media star wife Taylor Ward, who boasts three million followers on Instagram.
      And Bernardo Silva met up with his team-mates alongside soon-to-be wife Ines Tomaz – with the pair set to tie the knot in Portugal in July.
      City players and staff were also accompanied by members of Manchester band Blossoms, including lead singer Tom Ogden and drummer Joe Donovan. More

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      Premier League clubs on red alert over Vinicius Jr after hinting he is ready to quit Spain over racist abuse

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      PREMIER LEAGUE giants are on high alert to launch a summer raid on Brazilian superstar Vinicius Jr after he hinted he is ready to quit Spain.The South American ace became embroiled in a war of words with LaLiga chief Javier Tebas following the racism storm and red card in Real Madrid’s defeat at Valencia.
      Vinicius Jr pointed out racist abuse from the standsCredit: Getty
      Vinicius Jr, who had demanded action from the referee after pointing out one alleged racist in the Mestalla crowd, was later dismissed despite appearing to be the victim of an assault by opponents.
      The incidents – angrily condemned by Real boss Carlo Ancelotti – left the 22-year-old publicly throwing his LaLiga future into doubt.
      He wrote on Twitter: “It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third. 
      “Racism is normal in LaLiga. The competition thinks it’s normal, the Federation does too and the opponents encourage it. 
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      “I’m so sorry but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists. Unfortunately, for everything that happens each week, I agree. 
      “But I am strong and I will go to the end against racists. Even if far from here.”
      That last comment suggested the Brazilian is ready to force a move from Madrid – with only Prem clubs able to afford his likely £100m fee and £360,000 per week current salary.
      Yet the chances of Madrid placating the player seemed to have lessened after Tebas’ intervention.
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      Instead of defending the player and condemning the racists – videos showed the chants of “monkey” were not confined to a handful of Valencia fans – Tebas appeared determined to bring him down.
      The LaLiga boss wrote: “Since those who should not explain to you what it is and what LaLiga can do in cases of racism, we have tried to explain it to you.
      “But you have not shown up for either of the two agreed dates that you requested yourself. 
      “Before criticising and insulting LaLiga, it is necessary that you inform yourself properly. 
      “Do not let yourself be manipulated and make sure you fully understand each other’s competencies and the work we have been doing together.”
      That, unsurprisingly, brought an even more aggressive response, as Vinicius Junior blasted back: “Once again, instead of criticising racists, the president of LaLiga appears on social media to attack me.
      “As much as you talk and pretend not to read, the image of your championship is shaken. See the responses to your posts and have a surprise.
      “Omitting yourself only makes you equal to racists. I’m not your friend to talk about racism. I want actions and punishments. Your hashtag doesn’t move me.”
      Fifa responded by a statement from President Gianni Infantino which offered “full solidarity” to the player, adding: “There is no place for racism in football or society and Fifa stands with by players who have found themselves in such a situation.”
      Infantino then criticised the Spanish authorities for not following Fifa’s controversial “three-step process” in which fans are warned the match will be abandoned if racist chants continues.
      But there was full-throated backing for the player from Kick It Out, whose head of player engagement Troy Townsend said: “Vinicius Jr has now been subjected to racism numerous times this season while simply playing football for Real Madrid, and it has clearly taken its toll. 
      “How could it not? And yet the response from the Spanish football authorities has been to criticise him.
      “Perpetrators of this shocking and continued racism need to be punished and banned by clubs. 
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      “Clubs need to be held accountable and be sanctioned by LaLiga. Spanish authorities need to take further action against this problem. So far, it is not working.
      “Currently, the welfare of Vinicius Jr is not being protected, and that needs to change. This behaviour should not be tolerated by anyone involved in football.”
      Vinicius, 22, alerted the referee to the situationCredit: Rex More

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      Why do Man City fans have bananas?

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      MANCHESTER City have become 2022/23 Premier League champions.
      Their loyal fans have been basking in the impressive win alongside their trusty bananas.
      Manchester City fans hold an inflatable banana as they wait for kick off in the Premier League clash against Chelsea on May 21, 2023Credit: AFP
      Why does Man City have bananas?
      Bananas are an old Maine Road tradition among Manchester City fans becoming an iconic 1980s symbol.
      According to old tales, the Man City banana story originated in 1987 during a bleak and dark season for football.
      The year saw an increase in hooliganism among football fans including racial abuse of black players.
      Player John Barnes, for example, was racially abused by rival fans after signing for Liverpool from Watford in that year.
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      Barnes was often met with racist chants and had banana skins thrown at him.
      In order to bring a bit of camaraderie and light-heartedness back to the beautiful game, one City fan, Frank Newton, decided to bring along an inflatable banana to the game.
      The five-foot inflatable fruit accompanied Newton for City’s game against Plymouth Argyle taking place at Maine Road.
      Needless to say, it went down a treat and became synonymous with City folklore.
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      Why have Man City won the Premier League before the end of the season?
      City won the Premier League title in the 2022/23 season with two games left to play.
      This is due to Arsenal’s shocking 1-0 loss against Nottingham Forest on May 20, 2023.
      The loss meant it was mathematically impossible for the North London team to stand a chance of catching City – handing them the title.
      Pep Guardiola’s side has now won this title for the fifth time in six seasons.
      Could Man City win the treble?
      A treble in football is when a team wins three trophies in a single season.
      Man City could potentially gain the treble if they win the Champions League and the FA Cup alongside their 2022/23 Premier League win.
      According to BetVictor, the likelihood of City claiming the 2022/23 Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup treble sits at 4/7.
      This is a feat only their greatest rivals Manchester United have managed.
      Bookmakers William Hill have City’s treble title success at an odds-on 8/15, putting their hopes at 65.2 per cent.
      City’s manager Guardiola has spoken how his team are trying to “visualise” a treble in their future particularly after their win against Real Madrid helping them to reach the Champions League final.
      The Champions League final will take place at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul on June 10, 2023.
      City will be taking on Italian giants Inter Milan.
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      The FA Cup final takes place on June 3, 2023, and will be a Manchester derby between City and United. More

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      Former Arsenal Premier League winner looks unrecognisable as silver fox during Man City’s title celebrations

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      MANCHESTER CITY lifted their fifth Premier League title in six years at the Etihad on Sunday.Pep Guardiola’s men were confirmed as English champions yet again following Nottingham Forest’s win over Arsenal 24 hours earlier.
      The former Arsenal man was a part of Manchester City’s title celebrationsCredit: Sky Sports
      He looks completely different two decades onCredit: Sky Sports
      It came after an 11-game winning streak which saw Man City overhaul a floundering Gunners side that has wilted during the run-in.
      The Sky Blues are now set to finish with a sizeable gap back to Mikel Arteta’s men as their 1-0 win over Chelsea opened up a seven-point lead – with City also boasting a game in hand.
      Arsenal’s misery over the past couple of months has coincided with the ever-increasing likelihood of a Man City Treble.
      And to compound the disappointment for fans of the North London club, one of their 2001/02 title-winning team was in the thick of the Man City celebrations.
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      But he looked remarkably different with silver hair in among the blue shirts in the City dressing room.
      Former Gunners keeper Richard Wright, 45, was David Seaman’s deputy more than two decades ago.
      He played 22 times in all competitions during their title-winning campaign – 12 of which came in the Premier League.
      Back then, his hair was dark brown and he did not have much of a beard.
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      Wright made 12 Premier League appearances during Arsenal’s 2001/02 title triumphCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      But during City’s party atmosphere on Sunday, Wright could be seen with silver hair and a some noticeable stubble.
      He was snapped alongside Guardiola as the Man City boss placed an arm on the ex-Arsenal man’s shoulder.
      After leaving Arsenal in 2002, Wright went on to play for Everton, West Ham, Ipswich and Sheffield United.
      The two-cap England man then finished his career with four years at Man City – albeit without playing any games.
      Retiring in 2016, Wright has remained with Man City and is now a goalkeeping coach at the club. More