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      Benni McCarthy was made to CRY by Jose Mourinho when they first spoke at Porto… then he tried to buy him at Chelsea

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      BENNI McCARTHY has revealed how Jose Mourinho made him cry during their first interaction.And the striker lifted the lid on how the Portuguese failed to bring him to Chelsea – twice.
      Jose Mourinho reportedly failed to bring Benni McCarthy to Chelsea twiceCredit: AP:Associated Press
      The 45-year-old first played under Mourinho while on loan at Porto before he was signed on a permanent deal in 2003 from Celta Vigo.
      Speaking to The Athletic, McCarthy said: “I arrived at Porto in 2001 in a bad state. I scored on my debut and we won, but then the manager (Octavio Machado) was sacked.
      “I couldn’t believe that the man who took me there got fired. This young guy replaced him and said: ‘Benni, I know of you and I have watched you.
      “‘I think you are a fantastic player and I want you to be my guy’. Then Jose Mourinho proceeded to tell me all about me. He knew everything; he’d watched my games at Celta.
      “How did he have this information? Jose told me that I could always speak to him, even if it was to get something off my chest. I started crying, really. I thought ‘Wow!’ This had not happened to me in Europe.
      “He was treating me like a son and I thought, ‘I cannot disappoint this guy, he has given me the lifeline that I want’. I wanted to run through a brick wall for him.”
      After Porto failed to sign him permanently in 2002, the player returned to Celta where he enjoyed a miserable season, and Mourinho managed to nab him a year later.
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      The 2003/04 campaign saw Porto win the Champions League, and Mourinho left to join Chelsea – where he failed to sign McCarthy once again.
      The striker said: “When I went back, Porto’s players laughed and called me Mourinho’s son. I let my football do the talking and did everything I could for this man.
      “I even thought, ‘This guy is going to leave Porto and I want to go with him’. I had a manager I would die for.
      “I scored goals against Manchester United in the Champions League and when Mourinho went to Chelsea they came for me, but Porto would not sell.”
      Blackburn managed to snare McCarthy away from Porto in 2006, and the ex-South Africa international managed to score 18 goals in 36 Premier League games.
      Once again Chelsea – and Mourinho – came calling, but the 1995 top-flight champions were unwilling to part ways with their prized asset.
      I tried to force the move but it wasn’t enoughBenni McCarthy
      McCarthy stated: “I was playing in England for the first time and scoring a lot — 24 goals in my first season.
      “Then Chelsea came knocking on the door again. Mourinho wanted me. He’s always wanted me.
      “I asked Blackburn if they could sell me. I wanted to play Champions League again, to play for Mourinho as he ruffled more feathers in the Premier League.
      “Blackburn said no, which I understand.
      “I tried to force the move but it wasn’t enough. My mental state began to suffer, my football began to suffer.” More

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      Man Utd legend warns club NOT to sign Harry Kane in £100m transfer as it’ll lead to nightmare scenario in two years time

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Andy Cole has urged the club NOT to sign Harry Kane this summer.The England captain, 29, is set to enter the final year of his Spurs contract.
      Harry Kane has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      Andy Cole, right, does not feel Man Utd should sign Kane or Declan RiceCredit: Reuters
      And he is one of two strikers being heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford at the end of the season along with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.
      Tottenham are thought to value Kane at around £100million despite the possibility of him departing for free next summer.
      And Cole does not believe things would end well for Man Utd if they were to strike a deal for Kane.
      Speaking to William Hill, he said: “Manchester United can’t go with a short-term solution again.
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      “They can’t go and spend £80 million or £100 million on Harry Kane. In two years’ time they’ll turn round and say to themselves, ‘he’s 32, we need to get ourselves another striker’. They can’t afford to find themselves in that position again.
      “When you look at the recognised strikers that Manchester United have had, you look at the likes of Robin van Persie, but the crazy thing is that he only stayed for two years, and ever since then it has just been one after another for two years.
      “A football club like Manchester United cannot just keep having different strikers for two years at a time, it’s ridiculous.
      “They know now that they have to sign someone who is going to give them five years.”
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      Kane is the all-time record goalscorer for both Tottenham and England.
      And he has continued to impress this season despite Spurs’ dismal campaign, bagging 29 goals in 47 appearances.
      He recently hinted he could stay in North London as he discussed Tottenham’s long-term future.
      Speaking about the Europa Conference League, Kane, who is yet to win a trophy, said: “You can’t disrespect any competition that you play in.
      “It’s one of those, if you end up in the Conference League and win it, it’s worth it. If you don’t, then people probably look at it as an inconvenience.
      “But when you’ve been at a club where we haven’t won a trophy for 15 years, if we do end up in it, it could be an opportunity to try and put that to bed.”
      Tottenham occupy seventh in the Premier League table with two games remaining – a spot that would see them qualify for the Europa Conference League.
      Their final games come at home to Brentford and away at Leeds.
      Victor Osimhen has also been linked with a summer transfer to Old TraffordCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League star Odsonne Edouard caught driving with no licence in Audi RS Q8 after 5 speeding offences in 2 weeks

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      PREMIER League star Odsonne Edouard has been caught driving without a licence after raking up five speeding offences in two weeks.The Crystal Palace striker, 25, was snapped illegally behind the wheel of his Audi RS Q8, prompting police to seize the car.
      Crystal Palace’s Odsonne Edouard has appeared in court after being snapped driving without a licence or insuranceCredit: Getty
      Edouard first caught the cops’ attention while driving through London with a French number plate and “heavy” tinted windows.
      The force ran a check on the car and found it had a list of speeding offences.
      When the footballer was pulled over he couldn’t show a licence or insurance.
      Edouard recently appeared in the Bromley magistrates court and was slapped with a fine of more than £1,000 – with points being added to his licence.
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      The Evening Standard reported Sergeant James Stead told the court: “My automatic number plate recognition system alerted me that the vehicle was known for speeding offences.”
      Speaking about when the footballer was pulled over in August, the officer said: “He only had a picture of the front of a French driving licence, but had no sort of insurance.
      “Mr Eduoard showed us a digital image of one side of a French driving licence, but did not have it on him physically, and could provide no other proof of having a driving licence.”
      The Sergeant added that he had trouble explaining what was happening to Edouard as he “spoke limited English”.
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      A police database showed the car had also built up five speeding offences in just two weeks.
      Edouard, who has landed 10 goals since a 2021 switch to the Premier League, did not enter a plea or engage with the court but was found guilty of driving without a valid licence and insurance.
      He was given eight points, a £660 fine, and ordered to pay £100 in costs and a £264 victim surcharge.
      A lawyer for the player told the Standard that Edouard was unaware of the court proceedings and said that a legal challenge is now being planned.
      He was prosecuted through the single justice procedure, and sentenced in a behind-closed-doors hearing at the end of March.
      Crystal Palace declined to comment on the striker’s court case. More

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      Erling Haaland sends sales of unfashionable clothing item skyrocketing after pic of him wearing them with Noel Gallagher

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      ERLING HAALAND has sparked an unlikely rise in Y-front sales after donning them while with Noel Gallagher. The striker has become a global star after his record-breaking season with Manchester City.
      Haaland has taken the Premier League by storm this season and has 36 goals in 33 gamesCredit: AP
      Haaland was not afraid to don his Y-fronts as he was snapped with celebrity fan Noel GallagherCredit: Twitter
      His non-stop haul of goals has seen him fire City to the brink of a treble.
      They had to overhaul Arsenal’s huge title lead and last month’s 4-1 victory over the Gunners gave them control of the Premier League race.
      It was after that game at the Etihad that Haaland was pictured outside the dressing room with Man City superfan and Oasis frontman Gallagher.
      The 22-year-old casually stood in his Calvin Klein Y-fronts alongside the singer while holding his phone and a drink bottle.
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      Since that picture went online on April 26, sales of the pants have incredibly sky-rocketed.
      Demand has risen by 45 per cent for the previously unfashionable type of underwear.
      TOFS, a discount department chain with 200 stores around the UK, confirmed that they have seen sales fly through the roof in recent weeks.
      Chief merchandising officer Tracy Ford said: “Y-fronts have faced strong competition in the past from boxer shorts but Haaland has sparked a revival in interest in this traditional menswear staple.”
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      Gallagher spoke about the Norwegian following their meeting after the game.
      He said: “I’ve just been with him in the dressing room and he’s like a young kid.
      “He’s walking around in his underpants telling me he can’t wait until I meet his uncle. He’s like a big, mad child. He is an incredible footballer.”
      Along with his goal-scoring talents, Haaland has also caught the eye for his quirky habits.
      The star can normally be seen nibbling on a carrot or downing his ‘magic potion’ of spinach and kale smoothies.
      His 6,000 calories-a-day diet also includes plenty of animal heart and livers. More

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      Emotional Phil Jones opens up on Man Utd injury hell as he confirms free transfer exit after 12 years in message to fans

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      PHIL JONES has opened up on his Manchester United injury hell after his exit from the club was confirmed. Jones, 30, has been beset by persistent injuries during his 12-year stay at Old Trafford.
      Phil Jones has opened up on his Man Utd injury hellCredit: Getty
      Jones penned an emotional tribute to fans as his exit was confirmedCredit: AFP
      And this season he has not featured once for the Red Devils despite his best efforts to regain his fitness.
      But with his free transfer exit now confirmed, Jones has opened up on his injury hell while also penning an emotional tribute to fans.
      He told the Man Utd website: “It’s been very difficult, the last couple of years. There’s no denying that. There is no hiding away from that.
      “My family have been absolutely instrumental in keeping me on the straight and narrow and keeping me focused, to try to get fit and try to play more.
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      “And, you know, I’ve missed playing football. I missed it. You grow up playing football and all you want to do is play football.
      “It’s all I’ve known, from such a young age, is to do what you love doing for a living. I’ve been fortunate enough to do that, albeit not as much as I would have liked.”
      Shedding some light on his work behind the scenes, he revealed: “I’ve worked tirelessly hard.
      “I literally left no stone unturned. I tried to get back as quick as I could, every time I was out in the last couple of years.”
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      Jones’ last appearance in a United shirt came off the bench in a 3-0 win against Brentford at the end of last season.
      Reflecting on his comeback from injury last season, when he played against Wolves at Old Trafford, Jones admitted the atmosphere he got left him with “goosebumps”.
      He added: “I think the highlight for me would have to be the Wolves game, when I came back.
      “That was just a moment that I’ll never forget. It gives me goosebumps now, thinking about it.
      “I mean I worked so, so hard to get to that stage of fitness.
      “That was a huge, huge moment in my career and the fans, that day, were incredible.
      “The love that they showed me for that game, the passion that they showed, was sensational.
      “And I can’t thank them enough for that. They’ve been a constant support throughout my time here.”
      Jones won the Premier League with United in 2013Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Sir Alex Ferguson likened Jones to United great Duncan EdwardsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      He made 229 appearances overallCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      But injuries ultimately took their toll on what was set to be a promising careerCredit: Reuters

      United signed off on their Jones tribute by saying: “Our no.4 is now taking some time before deciding his next move and everybody at United would like to wish Phil the very best of luck for the future.”
      They later posted a touching tribute to Jones on Instagram, with former team-mate Darren Fletcher handing him a memento of his time at the club.
      After signing from Blackburn in 2011, Jones helped United to win the league title in 2013, with Sir Alex Ferguson likening Jones to Red Devils icon Duncan Edwards.
      In total he made 229 appearances in a Red Devils shirt, scoring six goals and adding ten assists.
      Reacting to the news online, fans gave their thanks to Jones.
      One said: “Thank you for [your] services Phil, a true Red ❤.”
      A second typed: “Good luck Phil! ❤️.”
      “Thank you Phil @PhilJones4, doesn’t matter what people said. You are Man United legend 👹,” commented a third.
      A fourth declared: “You’ve been a great servant and I’m sorry the injuries over the last few years have hampered you massively.
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      “If you had a testimonial, more people would go than you would imagine.”
      Another added: “Thank you for everything legend 👏🏽.” More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson’s former No2 urges Man Utd to ‘do everything’ to land top midfield target that Ten Hag is ‘chasing’

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON’s former assistant Rene Meulensteen has urged Manchester United to go all out for Frenkie de Jong. The Red Devils spent most of last summer chasing the Barcelona man but repeatedly fell short.
      Rene Meulensteen was No2 at Old Trafford before spending three months as boss of Fulham in the 2013-14 seasonCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Manager Erik ten Hag has managed to get on just fine without the 26-year-old as United edge closer to a top four spot.
      They could also end the season with a domestic cup double if they can mastermind a Wembley win over rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final next month.
      But Meulensteen, who was United assistant coach between 2007 and 2013, still believes his old side need another top class midfielder to compete at the very top.
      He told Man United’s official Scandinavian supporters club: “They need a really good midfield player.
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      “Yes, they’ve got Casemiro in there. You’ve got Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes – a lot of experience, a lot of qualities – but there’s also a little bit of a vulnerability because their mindsets are predominantly in going forward.
      “I would 100 per cent do everything to get De Jong. He’s got energy, he’s got legs, he’s tactically very, very good in the build-up.
      “For De Jong, I think to be fairly honest, he would have already been here if he had not been happy at Barcelona.
      “But he’s obviously very happy playing for Barcelona otherwise he would have said, ‘Okay, no problem, sort me out’ because there’s always a way to fill that financial gap. That can never be the reason. But I can see why Ten Hag is chasing him.”
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      The summer recruitment of Casemiro and Eriksen helped United plug holes in their midfield.
      The pair have been fantastic and helped deliver a solid debut season for ten Hag.
      Barcelona’s chaotic financial situation means they could need to sell some of their star players this season, despite winning LaLiga.
      United could also be in the market for a new goalkeeper and Meulensteen believes that is also an important area following the long tenure of David de Gea.
      He added: “I really like David de Gea, I’ve obviously worked with him myself, lot of experience, done fantastically well. 
      “People are judging him sometimes because the mistakes that he’s made in this season in certain games are so much unlike him – which you have to ask the question: why is that?
      “That could be because sometimes you can get a bit stale, sometimes you need a new environment or to freshen things up.” More

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      Chelsea take first step to following Man City’s multi-club model as they prepare to buy stake in Ligue 1 club

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      CHELSEA are reportedly set to follow Manchester City’s multi-club model with owner Todd Boehly looking at buying a stake in French side Strasbourg.American Boehly and Clearlake Capital only purchased the Blues last year from Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.
      Chelsea co-owners Behdad Eghbali (left) and Todd Boehly have overseen a troubled first season at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
      But there are already plans in the works to recruit more satellite clubs.
      The Guardian report Strasbourg have become the target for the club’s ownership and they could look to buy a stake.
      There are 11 stakeholders at the French side and talks about the Clearlake Capital group getting involved are believed to be progressing well.
      Boehly and Co were thought to be interested in a full purchase before eventually settling on pursuing a partial deal.
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      That could depend on Strasbourg surviving relegation in Ligue 1, with the side currently five points clear of the expanded four-team drop zone.
      Chelsea’s owners had originally been looking at Bordeaux, the former French champions who have tumbled into the second tier, but moved their interests to other clubs.
      They have also been linked with buying a stake in Portuguese club Portimonense.
      The multi-club model can be very beneficial for the host club and allows them to guarantee that younger players sent on loan get game time and can be developed away from the spotlight.
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      It would also provide the Blues with a foothold in France, a country renowned for its young talent.
      City’s owners, under the City Football Group model, currently own or have a partial stake in 13 satellite clubs around the world, including New York City, Palermo in Italy, La Liga side Girona and Lommel SK in Belgium.
      Brighton owner Tony Bloom also has control of Union Saint-Gilloise.
      This has proved to be of huge benefit with one of the Seagulls’ stars, Kaoru Mitoma, thriving on loan at the Belgian club last season. More

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      Mauricio Pochettino set to make managerial return at Old Trafford as he prepares to take Chelsea job

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO’S return to the dugout will be at Manchester United instead of Chelsea when he manages the World XI at Soccer Aid.Pochettino is set to start work officially at Chelsea on July 1 but beforehand will take charge for the UNICEF charity match against England at Old Trafford on June 11.
      Mauricio Pochettino is set to make his managerial return at Old Trafford for Soccer AidCredit: Getty
      Pochettino is set to take over at Chelsea as the next managerCredit: Getty
      Pochettino, 51, said: “It is a real pleasure to be part of a match that represents a big cultural moment in this country’s annual calendar – and rightly so, because it raises so much money for Unicef.
      “I love English football stadiums, the passion the fans show for the game and the atmosphere they create, so it will be great to feel that again next month.”
      Pochettino will coach former Argentina team-mates Gabriel Batistuta and Hernan Crespo in the Old Trafford encounter.
      World’s fastest man Usain Bolt will be captain of a side that includes the likes of Francesco Totti and ex-Manchester United stars Patrice Evra and Nani.
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      Pochettino is finalising the details on a three year deal to take over from Chelsea’s interim boss Frank Lampard at the end of this season.
      The former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain boss has been out of work since being sacked by the French giants last July.
      Pochettino is believed to have impressed Chelsea owner Todd Boehly with his commitment to working with youngsters.
      This comes after the Blues splashed out over £600million since Boehly took over from Roman Abramovich last year.
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      And the ex-Tottenham boss has identified the likes of £88m winger Mykhailo Mudryk and academy defender Levi Colwill as integral to his vision.
      The Argentine tactician is also set to oversee a huge clear-out, with Chelsea currently boasting well over 30 first-team stars.
      And there could even be fresh chances for flops like Romelu Lukaku, who could be the answer to the West Londoners’ problems up front.
      England vs Soccer Aid World XI FC takes place on Sunday 11 June. Tickets for the game are on sale: www.socceraid.org.uk/tickets More