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      Jhon Duran ’causes chaos with s***housery’ as Aston Villa ace performs controversial gesture amid West Ham transfer link

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      ASTON VILLA ace Jhon Duran took social media by storm amid strong transfer links with West Ham.Duran, 20, scored eight goals in 37 appearances last season but couldn’t break into Unai Emery’s starting line-up due to Ollie Watkins’ stunning performances.Aston Villa ace Jhon Duran dropped a strong West Ham transfer hintCredit: GettyDuran performed a West Ham gesture during a live videoCredit: ReutersDuran appeared to perform a pose similar to West Ham’s Irons gestureThat led to intense transfer interest from the Hammers and the striker has appeared keen on that move in his bid for more first-team football.The Colombia international fuelled the ongoing speculation on social media with a live video suggesting he could be on his way to East London.Duran looked at the camera and crossed his arms in the style of West Ham’s Irons gesture.Fans were stunned as they stormed the comments’ section, with some convinced the Colombian just issued a come-and-get-me plea.Read More on FootballOne West Ham supporter tweeted: “Jhon Duran is our [Marko] Arnautovic 2.0″It’ll probably end in tears, but bring on this s**thouse causing chaos.”Another posted: “Oh dear!”A third wrote: “Not sure about him.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis fan said: “Very bad look if he doesn’t sign and stays at Villa.”And that Villa fan stated: “Take him. I’m begging at this point.”SunSport’s Latest Transfer HeadlinesAccording to the Evening Standard, West Ham had an offer in excess of £30million rejected by Villa during the summer transfer window.The Hammers are considering an improved bid for Duran, whom the Villans value at £40m.The centre-forward also attracted interest from Chelsea this summer but Enzo Maresca’s side appears unwilling to meet his valuation.Duran appears keen on a move to West Ham this summer More

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      Man Utd raid Norwegian top-flight for new first-team coach as Erik ten Hag refreshes backroom staff

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      SWEDISH coach Andreas Georgson has joined Erik ten Hag’s backroom staff at Manchester United.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made several changes behind the scenes at Old Trafford since becoming a new co-owner seven months ago.Man Utd have appointed Andreas Georgson as a first team coachCredit: GettyThe British billionaire enlisted the services of chief executive Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox among others earlier this year.Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake have also joined the club as first team assistant managers.And Georgson became the latest addition this week.United confirmed his arrival on Friday with a statement that read: “Andreas Georgson has joined Manchester United as first-team coach.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”The 42-year-old is the latest addition to Erik ten Hag’s staff this summer, and arrives from Norwegian side Lillestrom, where he has been head coach since January of this year.”Georgson earlier had a stint as caretaker boss of Malmo, in his native Sweden, and has extensive coaching experience in England, having worked at Brentford, Arsenal and Southampton.”Earlier this month, it was confirmed that Rene Hake and Ruud van Nistelrooy had joined the club, as first-team assistant managers.”Jelle ten Rouwelaar has also come on board as a goalkeeping coach, and the trio have been working hard with the rest of the staff to prepare the squad for the upcoming 2024/25 campaign.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Georgson will work alongside fellow first team coaches Steve McClaren and Darren Fletcher in the refreshed set-up.”The Swede has joined Man Utd from Norwegian top-flight side Lillestrom.Man Utd fans blown away as ‘breathtaking’ away kit for 2024/25 season is revealed with nod to river by Old TraffordHe also spent time at Arsenal as a first team coach from 2020 to 2021. More

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      Chelsea cult hero tells new manager Enzo Maresca to ditch Blues’ transfer strategy… and bring him back out of retirement

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      GARY CAHILL called on Chelsea to ditch their transfer strategy and buy some older, experienced heads – just like him.Todd Boehly’s £1billion-plus spending spree since buying the Blues in 2022 has focused on paying big money for young rising stars.Gary Cahill won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2012Credit: GettyEnzo Maresca has continued the Chelsea transfer strategy of signing youngstersCredit: GettySpanish striker Marc Guiu, 18, arrived from BarcelonaCredit: GettyBoehly signed off mammoth cheques for Wesley Fofana (£75m), Mykhailo Mudryk (£88m), Enzo Fernandez (£110m) and record-arrival Moises Caicedo (£115m).New manager Enzo Maresca has continued the trend since taking over from Mauricio Pochettino this summer with Omari Kellyman (£19m), Tosin Adarabioyo (free), Marc Guiu (£5m), Kieran Dewsbury-Hall (£30m) and Renato Veiga (£11.75m) heading through the entrance door at Stamford Bridge. But Cahill believes the smartest piece of business the new manager could do before the transfer window closes is to land a few veterans. Thiago Silva spent four years in West London, providing bags of trophy-winning know-how and leadership expertise to a young squad desperately lacking.READ MORE ON CHELSEABut after the 39-year-old’s free transfer exit at the end of last season, the only two players aged over 30 currently in the squad are Romelu Lukaku, 31, and 32-year-old Marcus Bettinelli.Of last season’s regulars, Raheem Sterling is the senior statesman at 29.Cahill, 38, said: “I’d like to see a little bit of experience added in the window, to be honest. “That would be a sensible play from Chelsea, from my personal point of view, to try and build that spine and knit together some of these young players. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“Obviously, the tactic has been to buy exciting young players to then develop over the next two or three years. That sometimes takes time, especially when you get players from different leagues, different countries. It’s not always easy for them to settle. “For me, a good transfer window for Chelsea would be to have two or three experienced players that are not phased and potentially know the league but have been around a little bit. Chelsea fans in tears at ‘ugliest kit so far’ as ‘melting pot pattern’ for 2024/25 season is releasedGary Cahill’s career at ChelseaAppearances: 290 (2011-19)Goals: 25Premier League: 2014-15, 2016-17FA Cup: 2011-12, 2017-18League Cup: 2014-15Champions League: 2011-12Europa League: 2012-13, 2018-19“That would be vital in terms of getting the squad together and helping these young players to progress and almost set the standards and the levels. “Like with Thiago, he had a big impact there, didn’t he? Even at the age that he was at, it was a huge impact. That’s a big loss in terms of not just playing but also in the changing room.“Adding that experience will help this team on and off the pitch.”Pressed on who he had in mind, the 61-cap ex-England defender and 2012 Champions League winner joked: “Me, mate! Did you see me in Soccer Aid?“But that kind of pedigree, an experienced player, a top player and a player that’s been around and knows the standards and knows what it’s like to compete and be at a big club and try and challenge for trophies.”Maresca certainly knows how to lead teams to win trophies, being Pep Guardiola’s No2 during the Treble-winning season before lifting the Championship in his solo campaign as Leicester boss, securing the Foxes an immediate return to the Premier League.But Cahill is not necessarily expecting Maresca to add to his personal collection of medals in 2024-25.He added: “Time will tell. It’s quite, what do you say, risky. It’s an appointment where I think people are unsure how it’s going to go.“The new manager has got his philosophies and ideas. It’s difficult for that to all hit the ground running and be uber successful straight away.“It needs a little bit of time and patience. READ MORE SUN STORIES“Patience can’t be a mid-table. I think patience has got to be definitely competing to get Champions League football and pushing on in the last stages of the cup competition. “They’ve got a lot of potential in the squad. It just needs to knit together. I think it still needs a year or two to develop and get to the stage where they want to be because you’ve got such a young, average-age squad.”Veteran Thiago Silva bid farewell at the end of last seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Dewsbury-Hall cleaned N’Golo Kante’s boots as kid at Leicester – now he wants to follow in his footsteps at Chelsea

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      KIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL used to clean N’Golo Kante’s boots as a kid at Leicester and now he wants to follow in his footsteps at Chelsea.The new Blues signing grew up a huge Foxes fan and made sure Kante’s Adidas boots were sparkling during their title-winning season.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall used to clean N’Golo Kante’s boots as a kid at LeicesterCredit: Instagram @kdh_8The new Blues star now wants to follow Kante’s footsteps at ChelseaCredit: GettyKante spent seven years at Stamford BridgeCredit: GettyHe was rewarded with a healthy tip from the Frenchman too – but only after a nudge from teammates.Dewsbury-Hall said: “The year Leicester won the League I was his boot boy as a scholar.”He did tip actually! I don’t think he understood the concept of it before but a few of the lads in the first team told him it was good manners or a good gesture to tip at Christmas.”He might have gone to the cashpoint that night and brought it in the next day.READ MORE ON CHELSEA”He was quite generous so I thank whoever told him that but I did a good job though…the boots were clean.”To have any similarity to his journey at Chelsea would be a major success because he is top, top tier.”Dewsbury-Hall is the latest in a long line of players to have made the move from the King Power to the King’s Road, and he aims to be much closer to Kante’s end of the spectrum than Danny Drinkwater.His success under new Blues boss Enzo Maresca at Leicester gives everyone confidence that can happen – none more so than the midfielder himself.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe 25-year-old scored 12 goals and laid on 14 assists for the Foxes last season.Despite the chaos and negativity which has beset Chelsea in recent years, the Leicester academy graduate was still desperate to make the move once the interest was clear and has already seen Maresca turn one club around.Chelsea’s top summer transfer targetsHe added: “That’s just Chelsea as the club but knowing the manager was here was a big catalyst in wanting me to come.”I knew from Leicester, a club that went down and had a lot of problems, how he managed to galvanise that if everyone manages to buy into the system.”I genuinely think in a short space of time we can be pushing for minimum top four but more than that because I can see the foundations are set, the squad is at a high level, and if it is nurtured in the right way then it could be good.”I thought it was a really good, young squad that maybe needed a little bit of guidance and hopefully now that will be there.”While Dewsbury-Hall knows how good the new boss can be, there will be plenty of Blues fans waiting to be convinced by a manager who has never worked in the Premier League.But a year ago he had never managed in English football before, and his previous squad were quickly convinced by the ex-Manchester City assistant.Players minds were blown away by some of his details around positioning and how the smallest change of stance can have a serious impact on a game.Dewsbury-Hall said: “Within the first week at Leicester, I was convinced this was top, top level.”I felt a bit stupid, I thought I knew a lot about football but he was teaching me things on a daily basis that I didn’t really know before.”Within a week we were sold, all the players were sold. I am getting the same feedback here with the lads.”Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall of Leicester takes on Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante in 2022Credit: GettyKiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Tyrique George of Chelsea during a training session at Stanford UniversityCredit: GettyChelsea, though, is a different challenge to Leicester.The pressures are higher than anything Maresca will have experienced before and the chaos under the American owners has only added to that.But it does not appear to have changed the new boss.Dewsbury-Hall added: “He has come in exactly like he was at Leicester. Confident. He’s probably a bit more confident here than when he was at Leicester.”I don’t know if that was because he has had a year under his belt and we did really well at Leicester winning the Championship.”He just feels really confident and knows exactly what he wants and needs.”He has something about him where you respect him. From the first day I saw him at Chelsea it was straight back to work, working on the philosophy of what we want to do this year.”The midfielder is also convinced Maresca will surprise fans.He added: “Definitely – 100 per cent.”Look, I don’t want to be banging on saying we’re going to be doing this or that.”He is unknown for a lot of people but I can go off working with him and say my opinions and I think he is top, top level. Hopefully, we can back that up because that would be the best thing for me and the club.”I do think he will surprise a lot of people in the way we play and the way we do things so we will see.”Maresca pushed hard to bring Dewsbury-Hall to Stamford Bridge, a sign of faith he is hoping to repay.The engaging midfielder had spent 17-years at Leicester and stressed it would have to be a good move to see him leave.Brighton were a long way down the line in terms of completing a deal, but once Chelsea emerged there was only one choice for Dewsbury-Hall.He said: “It wouldn’t be fair to say the fine details [regarding Brighton].”Look, all I can probably say is that as soon as I heard Chelsea were coming in, that was my decision, no matter what was happening.”It was just a conversation that I had with my agent where he let me know that Chelsea were very interested.”When you hear that as a player, it’s a good feeling. When I heard that, that was it, that’s all I wanted.”Dewsbury-Hall already has plenty of Premier League experience, though is hoping for something completely different in West London having only really featured in a struggling Leicester side at this level.He said: “I’m a completely different player now coming back into the Premier League.”I’ve evolved, really, as a player and as a person.”I’ve had the experiences of winning, of dominating games and understanding football on a different level to what I did before.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If I made those leaps and bounds in the first year then I feel excited to see what can happen in the years to come.”If he and Maresca can make it work again, then Chelsea fans will be just as excited. More

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      Man Utd fans convinced Marcus Rashford ‘scoring 40 goals this season’ after seeing video of him ‘feeling like Maradona’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans are convinced that Marcus Rashford is destined for a great season.The 26-year-old was filmed doing a series of skilful keepy-uppies during a pre-season training session this week.Marcus Rashford caught the eye of Man Utd fans during a pre-season training sessionCredit: X formerly Twitter / @ManUtdThe forward impressed fans with his skills while doing keepy-uppiesCredit: X formerly Twitter / @ManUtdSome fans are now convinced he will be United’s best player next seasonCredit: AlamyHe appeared calm and composed while attempting some difficult tricks before being called to join his team-mates.And fans are now convinced that he will be ready to take the Premier League by storm when the 2024-25 campaign starts next month.One person took to X to write: “Rashy is coming for you all.”Another commented: “He’s scoring 40 goals this season.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA third wrote: “Feeling like Maradona innit.”While a fourth said: “Marcus is on fire, I bet he will have a wonderful coming season.”Rashford enjoyed an outstanding campaign when Erik ten Hag first took over at Old Trafford.During the 2022-23 season he scored 30 goals and provided 10 assists in 56 appearances across all competitions.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHowever, he experienced a drop-off last year.He registered 13 goal contributions in 43 appearances last season and subsequently missed out on a spot at Euro 2024 with England.Manchester United’s top transfer targetsSunSport revealed earlier this month that Man Utd could listen to offers for Rashford this summer.The Red Devils want £80million for the forward but could drop their asking price to around £60m. More

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      Reece James admits Enzo Fernandez’s racist storm could be a ‘problem’ in Chelsea dressing room

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      REECE JAMES has admitted Enzo Fernandez’s return to the Chelsea squad on Monday could cause a “problem”.The Argentina midfielder will join his Blues teammates in America ahead of their game against Manchester City – seeing them for the first time since sparking a racism storm.Reece James admits Enzo Fernandez’s return to the Chelsea dressing room could be a ‘problem’Credit: GettyFernandez was among a group of Argentina players filmed singing a derogatory song after the Copa America finalCredit: Instagram @enzojfernandezFernandez remains under internal investigation after filming himself and international teammates chanting a racist and homophobic song about France’s black players as they celebrated winning the Copa America.Chelsea teammate Wesley Fofana called out the club record signing’s “uninhibited racism” and while new manager Enzo Maresca said he is confident everything will be fine, captain James conceded they will not know until Fernandez arrives.Asked if the incident could impact the changing room, James said: “Of course.”There’s always the factor where it doesn’t sit right with people when there could be a problem.READ MORE ON CHELSEA”But until the day comes where everyone’s together and in a room together, I don’t know, but I hope things can be resolved smoothly and we can move forward with the season.”Speaking to ESPN, James added: “I spoke to him a bit, but it was hard because we were in different time zones.”Just a general chat really. His views on what happened and him trying to explain his situation and how things happened.”It’s a really difficult situation. There’s no room for racism or discrimination in football.Most read in FootballChelsea’s US tour partyGoalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Marcus Bettinelli, Eddie Beach, Lucas Bergstrom.Defenders: Reece James, Malo Gusto, Josh Acheampong, Wesley Fofana, Axel Disasi, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, Carney Chukwuemeka, Romeo Lavia.Midfielders: Lesley Ugochukwu, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Andrey Santos.Forwards: Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Armando Broja, Tyrique George, Marc Guiu, Angelo.Rested: Marc Cucurella, Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher, Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer.Reported injured: Petrovic   Left out:  Trevoh Chalobah, Alfie Gilchrist, Malang Sarr, Cesare Casadei, Leo Castledine, Deivid Washington, Diego Moreira, Omari Kellyman, Caleb Wiley, Tino Anjorin, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Mason Burstow, David Datro Fofana, Bashir Humphreys, Romelu Lukaku, Alex Matos, Gabriel Slonina, Harvey Vale, Dujuan Richards, Kiano Dyer, Billy Gee, Harrison Murray-Campbell, Ishe Samuels-Smith, Zak Sturge, Jimi Tauriainen, Travis Akomeah, Ato Ampah, Somto Boniface, Luke Campbell, Brodi Hughes, Harrison McMahon, Donnell McNeilly, Leo Cardoso, Max Merrick, Jimmy-Jay Morgan, Richard Olise, Samuel Rak-Sakyi, Frankie Runham, Reiss-Alexander Russell-Denny, Zain Silcott-Duberry, Ronnie Stutter, Shaun Wade, Kaiden Wilson.”I think he quickly put his hand up and acknowledged he’d done wrong and apologised to his team-mates, the club and the rest of the people that were offended.”I think that was probably the best he could have done in that situation.”Chelsea ratings vs WrexhamDespite James’ claims, manager Maresca is hopeful there will not be a clash in the dressing room.Ahead of Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Wrexham earlier this week, he said: “It is quite easy in terms of the player did a statement, apologised and the club did the same.”At the end, they are all human beings, I don’t think there are any bad intentions from any one of them.”When Enzo is back, I don’t think we will have any problems, the player already clarified the situation and the club did the same. There is nothing to add, he is not a bad person or human being. It can happen.”Argentine president Javier Milei flew to France this week for talks with French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in the hope of diffusing the situation ahead of the Olympics.Fernandez has issued an apology following the incident.He took to social media to write: “I want to apologise sincerely for a video posted on my Instagram channel during the national team celebrations.”The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologise for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations.”That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character. I am truly sorry.”Wesley Fofana called out Fernandez’s ‘uninhibited racism’Credit: GettyEnzo Maresca hopes there will be no major problemsCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-Chelsea star Christian Pulisic agrees to do ‘unbelievable’ lewd celebration if he scores against Man City

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      CHRISTIAN PULISIC has agreed to do the “Three Amigos salute” if he scores in the pre-season friendly against Manchester City.The AC Milan star has stayed in his homeland after a disappointing campaign at the 2024 Copa America which resulted in a group stage exit.Christian Pulisic agreed to do a lewd celebration if he scored against Manchester CityCredit: YouTube/The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy FallonPulisic agreed to do the the ‘Three Amigos salute’ if he hits the back of the net in the pre-season clashCredit: AlamyThe AC Milan star has stayed in his homeland after USA’s dismal campaign at the 2024 Copa AmericaCredit: GettyAfter his much-needed break with his golf professional partner Alexa Melton, the ex-Chelsea man will return to the pitch with the Rossoneri to face Pep Guardiola’s squad in New York.Pulisic appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon ahead of the clash on Saturday and was asked: “Can you do a special celebration thing?”If you score a goal this Saturday, can you do something just as a nod to the fans of our audience?”After agreeing to the request, Fallon said to Pulisic: “You know what would be fun? Could you do the Three Amigos salute if you score?”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe forward then asked Fallon to demonstrate the salute. During this gesture, the TV Presenter stood up and performed the lewd celebration by crossing his arms over his chest, and then placing his hands on his hips, before thrusting forward.Fallon then said: “If you could do that, that would be unbelievable.”To which Pulisic said: “Alright.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Three Amigos is a 1986 American Western comedy film starring Steve Martin, Chevy Chase and Martin Short.AC Milan kick-off their pre-season tour against the Premier League champions.Meet Alexa Melton, golf star who sparked Christian Pulisic dating rumors by cozying up to USMNT star on jet skiThey then face Real Madrid in Chicago on July 31, followed by Barcelona in Baltimore on August 6.Pulisic, 25, will hope to hit the back of the net in the upcoming fixture after hitting a personal best on scoring last season.The forward hit the back of the net on 15 occasions during his 50 appearances in all competitions.In 2019 Pulisic became the most expensive American player when he signed for Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund for £58million.And in his second season at the West London club, Pulisic won the Champions League title with the Blues.After four terms at Stamford Bridge the American headed to Milan on a four-year deal worth £18.5million.Pulisic spent four seasons at Chelsea winning the Champions League in the 2020-21 seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League cult hero Mido comes out of retirement aged 41 after ‘ten-year break’

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      Ex-Tottenham star Mido has declared his aim to return to top-flight football… aged 41 and after an ELEVEN-YEAR break.The Egypt striker spent three years with Spurs, scoring nine goals in 61 games.Mido has revealed he is returning to football aged 41 after 11 years away from the gameCredit: X / @AlMasryAlYoumThe Egyptian striker scored 22 goals in 94 Premier League appearancesCredit: Times Newspapers LtdMido had further Premier League stints with Middlesbrough, Wigan and West Ham.But he announced his retirement in summer 2013 after a one-game Championship cameo with Barnsley.Ex-Ajax and Marseille ace Mido went on to manage a host of clubs in Egypt including former team Zamalek.But he has now stated his intention to pull on his boots once more, claiming he is still better than any of the Egyptian top flight’s current strikers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe told a Cairo TV station: “My journey is not complete yet.  I’m thinking of going back to playing football in the Egyptian Premier League.”I bet that I will score at least 10 goals if I go back to the EPL.  There are currently no good strikers, and that’s what encourages me to come back.”I will join one of the Egyptian clubs soon, and I will go through the preparation period with them.  I am 60 per cent ready.”I didn’t retire from football – I only took a ten-year break.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMido hinted he will make his comeback with one of the north African country’s “historic” clubs.He won 51 Egypt caps, scoring 19 goals for the Pharaohs.Tottenham cult hero Mido leaves fans in stitches as he does sit-ups while puffing a cigarette on a private yachtMido was sacked after just nine games as coach of EPL club Ismaily 17 months ago. More