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      Mason Greenwood’s new club would take on huge financial risk and face losing MILLIONS due to backlash, expert says

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      A PUBLIC relations expert has said that any club looking to sign Mason Greenwood could face losing millions due to fan backlash.The 21-year-old striker may have to leave current club Manchester United despite allegations of rape and assault against him being dropped.
      Any club looking to sign Mason Greenwood could face a significant backlash, according to a PR expertCredit: Getty
      The star is currently waiting to hear if he will be sacked by Manchester UnitedCredit: AFP
      David Alexander, managing director of Calacus PR, told The Sun Online: “It’s impossible to put a figure on the impact of United choosing to retain Greenwood, if that is what they end up deciding to do.
      “But with corporate partnerships being significant, the financial impact could easily run into millions.
      “Fans in other countries in Europe can be even more vociferous in their opposition to players signing that they do not approve of.
      “Clubs in lesser leagues do not have the broadcasting and sponsorship revenues that Premier League teams enjoy and could ill afford the risk of losing partners who do not want to see their logos emblazoned on a player with such a tarnished reputation.”
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      He pointed to a previous case in which Scottish side Raith Rovers saw board members and executive resign and their women’s team split off when they re-signed David Goodwillie last year.
      Goodwillie had been ordered to pay damages in a rape case alongside a teammate in 2017.
      Mr Alexander added: “In terms of Manchester United as well, what message does it send to fans, to young women in particular or to families if Greenwood is let back into the fold with question marks about his behaviour enduring?
      “It will become a constant distraction, whenever his puts on the United jersey.
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      “Club sponsorship at the top end of the Premier League is big business and while some partners may not take action, it would send out a message that they do not care about vast swathes of their target audience who rightly believe violence or threatening behaviour towards women should not be tolerated in any form whatsoever.”
      He concluded by saying that Greenwood may have to go “beyond Europe” to a country where “women’s rights are not as advanced” to re-launch his career.
      It comes as the England international is rumoured to be lining up a major transfer to China, which could see him take a large pay cut due to the Chinese Super League’s salary cap on foreign players.
      Meanwhile, a sports law expert said that the young star himself lost “millions” after being dropped by sponsors Nike over the accusations.
      Greenwood is currently suspended by Manchester United, pending an internal investigation.
      Charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control against the star were dropped earlier this month after several key witnesses withdrew.
      Despite the case against him collapsing, sources have said that his clubmates are not all in favour of having him back.
      Likewise, furious female United fans have demanded that he never run out at Old Trafford again.
      David Alexander said his next club could lose ‘millions’ by signing himCredit: Getty
      Charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control against him were dropped earlier this monthCredit: PA More

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      Former Premier League star reveals he nearly died after suffering heart attack on pitch before emergency surgery

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      EX-Premier League star Branko Strupar has revealed how he almost died from a heart attack while playing football.The Belgium striker spent four seasons with Derby County before leaving for Dinamo Zagreb in 2003.
      Ex-Derby ace Branko Strupar revealed the terrifying details of his ordeal after suffering a heart attackCredit: Alamy
      Croatia-born Strupar won the Belgian league and cup with KRC Genk, and still lives in the country.
      But the 17-cap international is glad to be alive after needing an emergency operation last week.
      Strupar, 53, recalled: “I thought I had pain from a sore throat, but I went out that night as friends invited me for a game of football.
      “In hindsight, it could have turned out very badly. I could have died out there on the pitch.
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      “I began to feel worse and worse. After the game I went home, and my wife drove me to A&E.
      “The doctor on duty found out straight away what was wrong. A blood vessel was completely blocked.
      “Thankfully they were able to insert two stents via my groin, so I was no longer in danger.
      “I had a very difficult time last year, when both my parents died in quick succession, and I let myself go somewhat.
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      “Now it’s time for me to slam on the brakes. I’ll have to go and see the doctor again for a checkup in three months’ time.
      “My blood levels will need to be better.”
      Strupar scored England’s first goal of the new millennium when on target for Derby against Watford in January 2000.
      He struck 16 times in 41 league appearances for the Rams. More

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      Man City star Ilkay Gundogan and wife Sara make incredible donation to earthquake victims in Turkey

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      MANCHESTER CITY star Ilkay Gundogan and his wife Sara have made a heartfelt gesture to the earthquake victims in Turkey.More than 17,000 people have lost their lives in Turkey and Syria since the devastating quake struck in the early hours of Monday morning.
      More than 17,000 people have died in Turkey and SyriaCredit: Getty
      Ilkay Gundogan and wife Sara have sent two trucks of bread to the victimsCredit: Instagram / @sarabenamira
      Over 14,000 of those who’ve lost their lives were in Turkey.
      Survivors are still being pulled from the rubble, although time is running out.
      The Gundogan family are all doing their bit to help out.
      According to BILD, the midfielder’s father is on site in Balikesir and is helping take care of transport.
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      He was born in Gelsenkirchen, but to Turkish parents with his father Irfan working in Balikesir before he moved to Germany.
      To help with the efforts, Man City ace Gundogan and his partner have donated two trucks of bread to help those who’ve been affected.
      The City man said: “My family and I were very busy with the events.
      “Our thoughts are now with the people in the crisis areas.
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      “It is essential that we all stick together now. The people depend on our help.
      “The encouragement and support we have received so far has been great!
      “We are currently trying to collect further food and material donations in the form of baby food, blankets, hygiene products and warm clothing.
      “We will then arrange for transport to Turkey in coordination with the Turkish Embassy in London.”

      Gundogan’s wife Sara added: “We send our help to the victims of the earthquake.
      “At the moment they have no electricity and no food.
      “We sent two trucks with bread, but they need blankets, groceries and more if any of our friends or followers want to donate with us.”
      Sun readers have helped send more than £500,000 to those affected by the disaster through our Earthquake Appeal after just two days of fundraising.
      All money from The Sun’s aid plea is being donated to the British Red Cross, providing on-the-ground relief in the wake of the disaster in Turkey and Syria. More

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      Chelsea star Ben Chilwell ‘wanted by Man City’ as they target transfer for new left-back after Joao Cancelo exit

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      BEN CHILWELL has emerged as a transfer target for Manchester City, according to reports. The Chelsea full-back is wanted by City with Joao Cancelo’s future at the club uncertain after his falling out with Pep Guardiola.
      Ben Chilwell has emerged as a target for Man CityCredit: Getty
      According to Fabrizio Romano, who was writing in his column for CaughtOffside, City have been eyeing a move for the Englishman for some time.
      He wrote: “Ben Chilwell is one of the players who has been appreciated by Manchester City for years.
      “For sure he’s one of the LB to consider, but I’m told not the only one.
      “They will have a shortlist of players in that position and will decide how to proceed together with Pep [Guardiola] in May/June.”
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      Chilwell moved to Stamford Bridge from Leicester City in 2020 for £50million.
      However, he has been unable to show the full extent of his quality due to persistent injuries hampering his development.
      Chelsea have brought in Marc Cucurella since then in a blockbuster £60m deal – though he has struggled to embed himself at the club.
      There are also other players waiting to come through the ranks, such as on-loan Burnley star Ian Maatsen.
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      Man City were recently charged with over 100 breaches of financial rules by the Premier League stretching back to 2009.
      If the charges are proven, the Cityzens could face being relegated or even expelled from the Premier League.
      But they are expected to IGNORE the charges levelled against them and pursue their transfer and contract plans in the usual manner.
      And it seems Chilwell is one star who could soon arrive at the Etihad amid the uncertainty. More

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      Tottenham ‘were snubbed by Franck Kessie after launching January transfer move’ for Barcelona outcast

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      TOTTENHAM were ‘snubbed’ by Barcelona’s Franck Kessie as they explored a January move for the midfielder, according to reports in Spain. Kessie joined Barcelona on a free transfer last summer from Italian giants AC Milan where he was a crucial first team player.
      Franck Kessie in action for Barcelona during a recent La Liga match against Seville.Credit: Rex
      Spanish outlet Sport report that Antonio Conte’s side tried their luck with a move for the Ivorian due to his lack of minutes at the Nou Camp this season.
      The Ivorian’s name was one of those heavily linked with leaving Barcelona due to their financial issues.
      The report claims that at no time did Kessie consider cutting his time short with the LaLiga side but that did not stop Tottenham knocking at the door.
      For Kessie unless he was told by Barcelona manager Xavi that he no longer counted on him then his plan was to always continue with the club as he was convinced his time would come.
      The 26-year-old has only featured 12 times in LaLiga for the Catalan giants this season as they sit top of the table.
      The Ivorian has scored twice for the club since his summer arrival, once in the Champions League and once in the Copa Del Rey.
      The start of 2023 has been better for Kessie and after Sergio Busquets picked up an injury at the weekend the midfielder has an opportunity to stake his claim for a run in the side.
      Tottenham are clearly in the market for a midfielder, the summer signing of Yves Bissouma from Brighton hasn’t gone to plan so far and Antonio Conte will be looking for reinforcements in that area to bolster the squad.
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      Antonio Conte’s side had been linked with moves for Weston McKennie and Ruslan Malinovskyi but the pair subsequently joined Leeds and Marseille respectively.
      The North London outfit signed right back Pedro Porro from Sporting Lisbon and Arnaut Danjuma on loan from Villareal last month. More

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      Antonio Conte back in action after being rushed to hospital for surgery as he returns to Tottenham training

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      ANTONIO CONTE has returned to Tottenham training ahead of his side’s clash with Leicester on Saturday.The 53-year-old flew back to Italy last week for gallbladder surgery after complaining of abdominal pain.
      Antonio Conte, seen in training earlier this season, is back in actionCredit: Getty
      He was subsequently forced to miss Spurs’ 1-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday.
      But he still took the time to call Harry Kane after his winning goal saw the England captain break the club’s all-time goalscoring record.
      Now Tottenham have revealed Conte is back training the team, announcing the news by posting a picture on social media on Thursday.
      The Lilywhites’ official account added the caption: “Welcome back, Boss 💙”.
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      A decision is set to be made on Friday as to whether Conte will be in the dugout for the trip to the King Power Stadium.
      Conte spent the weekend recovering in Turin but still updated the fans through his pre-match programme notes ahead of the City game.
      He said: “I want to say thank you for the love, support and well wishes from everyone following the operation to remove my gallbladder earlier this week.
      “The procedure went well, I am recovering and looking forward to being back with the team as soon as I’m able to do so.”
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      If Conte is not deemed healthy enough to be at the Leicester game, his assistant Cristian Stellini will take charge once more.
      After Conte took time out for surgery, Stellini said: “We are upset. It was Antonio who called me and explained the situation. Last week he had a problem that we thought was flu, not a problem like this.
      “When he discovered this, it was a surprise and he was so sad, but we have to keep going and work. We had time to speak to Antonio before the surgery about the way to prepare for the [City] game.
      “Then we lost him for 12 hours, the time for him to have the surgery. The surgery was not difficult and it’s important he recovers well – this is the most important thing.”
      Spurs will be without club captain Hugo Lloris for the clash with Leicester and could miss him for up to eight weeks after he was ruled out with a knee injury.
      Back-up shot-stopper Fraser Forster is expected to deputise in his absence.
      Tottenham have also been linked with an emergency move for retired keeper Ben Foster. More

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      Man Utd and Crystal Palace charged after 20-man brawl that saw Casemiro grab Hughes by the throat

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Crystal Palace have BOTH been charged by the FA for failing to control their players in their clash last Saturday.The 20-man brawl took place midway through the second half of United’s 2-1 victory at Old Trafford.
      Man Utd and Palace charged after 20-man brawl that saw Casemiro sent offCredit: Getty
      And it resulted in Casemiro being sent off after the Brazilian appeared to put two hands on the throat of Palace man Will Hughes.
      United players were unhappy with Jeffrey Schlupp’s rash challenge on Antony.
      And moments later, every out-field player was involved in a mele with Raphael Varane, Fred and Casemiro particularly furious at the tackle.
      Ultimately, the ex-Real Madrid star went too far and is now serving a three-match ban after receiving a red card.
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      And his absence has already proved costly after Erik ten Hag’s side lost more ground in the title race after they could only draw 2-2 with Leeds on Tuesday night.
      United did come from two goals down, but they’re seven points behind leaders Arsenal and have played two games more.
      Both clubs have been hit with a fine and have until Monday to respond.
      The FA statement read: “Manchester United FC and Crystal Palace FC have been charged following a mass confrontation between their players in the 67th minute of the Premier League fixture on Saturday 4 February 2013.
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      “It’s alleged that both clubs failed to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or refrained from provocative behaviour, and it’s also alleged that Manchester United FC failed to ensure its players refrained from violent behaviour.
      “Manchester United FC and Crystal Palace FC have until Monday 13 February 2023 to respond.” More

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      David Beckham was a member of Real Madrid’s Brazilian clique leaving Spanish-speaking stars jealous, Robinho reveals

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      DAVID BECKHAM left Spanish-speaking members of the Real Madrid squad jealous thanks to being part of the Brazilian clique at the club, according to Robinho.The 39-year-old Brazilian and former Manchester City star recounted his time at the Bernabeu to Italian media outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport.
      David Beckham was a popular member of the dressing room at Real MadridCredit: Reuters
      Beckham spent four seasons at the Bernabeu before leaving for LA Galaxy in 2007Credit: EPA
      In April 2020, he spoke of the chemistry in the team and his ex team-mate Beckham, who owns MLS side Inter Miami, saying: ”When Madrid came, I saw that they had a large Brazilian presence in the team and they had Vanderlei Luxemburgo as their coach at the time.
      ”So, why go to Barcelona? There was a great harmony among the Brazilians in the squad. Beckham was always with the Brazilians. He was part of our group.
      ”The Spaniards were jealous because he spoke more Portuguese than Spanish, so he ended up spending more time with us.”
      After scoring more than 80 goals over four seasons at Santos, Brazilian Robinho moved to Europe and helped Real Madrid win back-to-back LaLiga titles in 2007 and 2008.
      Spanish giants Barca had had their eyes on the starlet at around that time, but Real swooped in with a deal before their rivals had the chance to steal their prize.
      He then stayed in Spain for three seasons before moving over to City in 2008.
      Things did not end on good terms for him and Real when his time with the club came to its eventual end.
      He also told Gazzetta: ”My goal was to go to Chelsea. But things ended badly with Real Madrid.
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      ”They didn’t like Chelsea selling shirts with my name on them before the deal was concluded.
      “I don’t regret leaving Madrid. But I am sorry I made mistakes with them when I left.
      ”Madrid was the club that opened my doors and offered me the opportunity to conquer Europe.”
      Former England captain Beckham joined LA Galaxy from Real in 2007 and part of his contract gave him the option to buy an MLS franchise at a reduced rate in the future.
      It took him several years, but he took up that option and he now owns Inter Miami.
      And the ex-Manchester United winger recruited former Old Trafford pal Phil Neville as his manager in January 2021. More