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    I’m a former Belgium star whose Premier League career was tragically cut short after 3 games – I nearly lost my leg

    LUC NILIS was one of the first Belgian superstars to grace the Premier League – before his career was tragically cut short.The now 56-year-old was one of the most prolific forwards in Europe back in the 1980s and 90s and enjoyed great success.Former Belgium star Nilis’ career was tragically cut short after his move to EnglandCredit: EPAThis forward played in two World Cups for his countryCredit: ReutersHe suffered a horrific injury after colliding with Ipswich goalie Richard Wright in 2000Credit: Action ImagesHaving made the breakthrough at Winterslag in his homeland, Anderlecht swooped to sign him in 1986 and he spent eight years banging them in for the Belgian giants.Four title successes followed as well as three Belgian Cups as he scored 124 times in 223 league matches for the club.He left Anderlecht in the summer of 1994 to join Dutch big boys PSV Eindhoven, and he topped the Dutch scoring charts in his first season there.Nilis tasted a lot more joy in Holland, winning the Eredivisie twice and the KNVB Cup as part of a deadly strike duo with the original Ronaldo.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHis unselfishness even led to the Brazilian legend naming him as his favourite strike partner years later.Nilis would later partner future Manchester United icon Ruud van Nistelrooy there but opted for his own big move to the Premier League in 2000 as a free agent.However, that switch to Aston Villa turned into nothing short of a nightmare as a horrific injury almost led to him having his leg amputated.Nilis scored on his debut in the Intertoto Cup and followed that up with a strike on his top-flight bow against Chelsea.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut weeks later he was involved in a nasty clash with Ipswich Town goalkeeper Richard Wright.The star suffered a double compound fracture of his right shin, but even worse was to follow.Top ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spotThe injury became infected and he was even told that he might have to have part of his leg removed.Speaking about the ordeal, he said: “It was the worst moment of my life to be told I might have to lose part of my leg – that will live with me forever.“It was such a bad break that it led to complications and it was nearly a disaster.”Fortunately for him that was not required, but the severity of the damage forced him into an early retirement.Nilis is still fondly remembered by Belgian football fans and scored ten goals in 56 matches for his country while also representing them at two World Cups.And even though he was unable to kick a ball again professionally, he is still involved in the beautiful game.He has worked at numerous clubs in various coaching roles in Belgium, Holland, Turkey and was even assistant of Jordan.He then tried his hand at management in 2021 for Belisia Bilzen in Belgium, but that was only for a season.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter a brief spell coaching in Genk’s academy, he is now the striker coach at Belgian outfit Patro Eisden in the second tier.And there is no doubt that he will be tuning in to watch his former Villa team-mate Gareth Southgate’s England take on Belgium at Wembley on Tuesday.Luc Nilis almost lost his leg after the horrific injury became infectedCredit: AP:Associated PressBrazilian Ronaldo loved being his strike partner at PSVCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

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    Man City handed huge Premier League title boost as England star’s injury not as serious as first feared

    MANCHESTER CITY have been handed a huge title boost with Kyle Walker’s injury not as serious as first feared.The right-back sent shockwaves through the Etihad when he limped off for England during their 1-0 friendly defeat to Brazil at Wembley.Kyle Walker could be fit for Man City’s title clash against Arsenal this weekendHe went off injured in England’s defeat to Brazil on SaturdayWalker was unable to shake off a hamstring problem and was removed by Gareth Southgate after 20 minutes on Saturday.It led to fears that he could miss City’s crunch title showdown against table toppers Arsenal on Easter Sunday.However, Walker’s injury is not as bad as first appeared to be.He is back at City after being ruled out of England’s friendly against Belgium tonight.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd club chiefs are keeping a close eye on his hamstring as they reckon it is tight rather than strained.Walker will now be wrapped in cotton wool ahead of the weekend showdown with the Gunners.And Pep Guardiola will be desperate to have one of his star players ready for the season-defining clash.Walker has been at City since 2017 after a £50million move from Tottenham.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe’s since scored six times in 292 outings, winning five titles, two FA Cups and a Champions League.Walker, who has 82 caps for England, is not the only City player currently being nursed back to full fitness.Top ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spotGoalkeeper Ederson hopes to make a stunning return after getting injured in the 1-1 draw with fellow title hopefuls Liverpool earlier this month.Kevin De Bruyne was also withdrawn during that match and missed the 2-0 win against Newcastle ten days ago.But like Walker, both men could be ready to return against Arsenal, handing Guardiola a fully-fit squad to choose from. More

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    Premier League is now full of asterisks and teams might not even know if they’ve survived relegation.. it’s all f*xed up

    THE last time Leicester were promoted to the Premier League, they provided English football with its most wondrous miracle.An improbable relegation jailbreak was followed by a fantastical 5,000-1 Jamie Vardy party, dilly-ding-dilly-dong title-winning campaign, and the entire sporting world marvelled at it.Nottingham Forest will appeal their four-point deductionCredit: PAExcept for the Premier League’s elite clubs, who decided this could never happen again.If the Foxes win promotion from the Championship this season — and they are level on points with leaders Leeds with a game in hand — they are likely to start next season with a points deduction. And possibly a punishment substantial enough to make survival a 5,000-1 shot.In the era of football’s asterisk invasion, nothing surprises us any longer, as the world’s richest and ‘most competitive’ football league ties itself in knots through Profitability and Sustainability Rules designed to reduce competition.Everton were deducted ten points, reduced to six on appeal, but are currently immersed in a three-day hearing which might end with them losing more points.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNottingham Forest are four points down but that figure could be greater or lesser after their appeal.Luton boss Rob Edwards — whose team are significantly affected by all of this hokey-cokeying — says he works off a different league table, without points deductions, to determine where his side are in the relegation battle.But in fact, you would need five or six potential league tables to try to work out all potential scenarios.Edwards is working under the very real possibility of Luton staying up on the final day of the season, only to be relegated a few days later if either Everton or Forest finish below them but stage a successful appeal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAsterisks on league tables aren’t a new thing.Luton were once relegated from the Football League after a 30-point deduction and have since written a fairytale, second only to Leicester’s title success, by climbing all the way to the top flight.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanOnly to be faced with a sea of asterisks.I know we all like to parrot the phrase ‘The game’s gone’, but it has to a large extent — or, at least, it’s been superseded by legalities and profit-and-loss accounts.Hotshot strikers are no longer as important as hotshot lawyers; creative midfielders give way to creative accountants; watertight defences sit by and hope defence barristers can make watertight cases against further points deductions.Try to explain all this to a primary-school kid — from the next generation of football fans — who’s falling in love with the game and working out how the league system works.You could try to keep it relatively simple by mentioning £105million of permitted losses over three years.But there are so many caveats to that basic PSR rule that you’d need a degree in advanced economics to understand it all.And even then you’d probably end up arguing the toss with another economics boffin about some of the intricacies.For example, if Forest had sold Brennan Johnson for less money at an earlier date than they did, they would have been less profitable and sustainable but might have complied with PSR. Likewise, Leicester with James Maddison.Then there are the 115 historic Premier League charges against Manchester City, and Chelsea facing similar uncertainties.Which is before you even consider the rules of multi-club ownership which might preclude Manchester United from entering European competition next season.But somehow the idea of a punishment against Leicester — the miracle merchants who were still disrupting the ‘Big Six’ elite just a couple of years ago — crystallises the issue.Leicester’s promotion rivals, understandably, are wondering why they won’t have points deducted this season given that, if they have broken rules, they must now be gaining a sporting advantage in the Championship.Instead, Leicester look set to be punished in the Premier League — in which they weren’t good enough to avoid relegation last season, despite apparently over-spending.It’s just another layer to add to an extraordinary mess.When Leicester won the league in 2016, they did not just represent Leicester, they gave hope to every non-elite club who were able to dream about ‘doing a Leicester’.But miracles can never be unlikely enough for the self-entitled elite who signed up for a breakaway Super League, so that they would never have to play the likes of Leicester or Luton again.If the only alternative is a Wild-West spend-what-you-like free-for-all then, frankly, it has to be better than all this.Instead, as you look forward to the end of the international break, to the climax of a league season in which promotion, relegation, the title and European places are all on the line, everything is as clear as mud.Miracles outlawed, ambition quashed, competition crushed.And a simple game over- complicated beyond comprehension.Brazen Tartan Army was revoltingWHEN England visited Hampden Park back in September, things were getting weird, bordering on unbearable.Scotland were top of their Euros qualifying group with five straight wins and heading towards Germany in genuine hope of reaching a tournament knockout stage for the first time.Thankfully, including the Jude Bellingham-inspired 3-1 victory in Glasgow, the Scots haven’t won in six matches and were thumped 4-0 by Holland the other night.Normal service has resumed and we can look forward to a summer of excitement without the Tartan Army getting any ideas above their station.Issue is sillyAS a sports columnist, you’re always hoping to have a strong gut feeling on the burning issue of the hour.Occasionally, you might have to think a little harder before deciding which side of a particular argument to come down on.But when the issue is as silly as the current row over the badge/logo on the back of the England shirt, I’m sorry, I can’t even be bothered to pretend to have an opinion.Racism realityLAZY and ignorant people question the continued need for anti-racism campaigns in football.Then former Norwich sporting director Stuart Webber opens his trap and names five black footballers — including Raheem Sterling — and claims they might have ‘ended up in jail’ had they not made it as professionals.Sterling spoke bravely against this sort of damaging nonsense a few years ago.Many people in football seemed to change their attitudes as a result.Sadly, it wasn’t enough.Anti-racism campaigning needs to get louder still.Ukraine eye Euros spotUEFA probably shouldn’t have expanded the European Championship from 16 teams to 24 — as a 16-team event represents perfect symmetry without third-placed ‘lucky losers’ in the knockout phase.But if Ukraine overcome Iceland in their play-off on Tuesday night and qualify for the finals in Germany, we can forgive all that.Double standardsTHE next time Premier League clubs start preaching about saving the planet, make sure to ask them how Tottenham and Newcastle travelling around the world to Australia for a meaningless post- season friendly fits in with their net-zero, carbon-neutral sermonising guff.Fixture furoreI’VE read that some clubs still competing in cups are moaning about fixture congestion.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey are annoyed that they’re having to play league fixtures against rivals who will be fresher because they have been knocked out of cups.A stunning development over a scenario which has surely never happened before in 130-odd years of competitive football. 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    Arsenal star William Saliba criticised by France boss Didier Deschamps who says defender isn’t ‘calm enough’

    WILLIAM SALIBA has been criticised for his performances in a France shirt, and told to be “calm” if he is to win a starting spot ahead of the Euros.The 23-year-old has cemented himself as one of the most talented defenders in Europe after breaking into Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal plans since the summer of 2022.William Saliba has received criticism from France boss Didier DeschampsCredit: GettyDeschamps said it ‘hasn’t gone well’ when Saliba has played for the national teamCredit: AFPSaliba was named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year last season as the Gunners came close to lifting the title – forging a fine centre back partnership with Gabriel.However, his displays for his country have been deemed not good enough by boss Didier Deschamps, who gave Saliba his first senior call-up back in March 2022 followed by 12 career caps so far – six of those as a starter.Last November, Deschamps noted that the lack of competition in defence at the Emirates has damaged Saliba psychologically and impacted his development.In contrast, Saliba is competing for a starting spot for his country against the likes of Dayot Upamecano, Benjamin Pavard, Jules Kounde and Ibrahima Konate.And despite Saliba’s continued meteoric rise, Deschamps remains unconvinced.Ahead of France’s friendly clash with Chile on Tuesday, the France boss explained: “He is having a good season, but he also does things that I don’t like so much.“For France, he has limited game time, but when he plays, that hasn’t necessarily gone well. The hierarchy doesn’t favour him at the moment, but he is here.“Upamecano has had game time and perhaps William has had less.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“With certain players, I make sure to persevere, because it can be confidence or little blockages that can shift. Some don’t have any concerns, some need game time.“William has had less game time, so that doesn’t allow him to be very calm.”William Saliba’s brutally honest interview after Liverpool clash goes viral and leaves Jamie Carragher fuming This season for Arsenal, Saliba has made 28 Prem appearances, scoring twice and maintaining the best defence in the division so far with just 24 conceded. More

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    West Ham sign son of legendary three-time kickboxing world champion who quit football himself after horror injury

    WEST HAM have signed Dean Bonjasky, the son of former kickboxing world champion Remy Bonjasky.The child prodigy will join the Hammers academy after previously spending time with FC Volendam.Remy Bonjasky’s son Dean has signed for West HamCredit: GettyBonjasky shared his pride in his son and shared a photo of Dean signing his contract on Instagram.He added the caption: “Proud of my son, player at West Ham.”Dean has penned a two-year contract and is part of the Under-14s team.The 13-year-old shares the same dream of becoming a footballer that his father once possessed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBonjasky, 48, also played football during his teenage years but quit the sport after breaking his leg.He turned to kickboxing and quickly fell in love and was able to forge a long and successful career as a fighter.The Dutchman is a three-time K-1 World Grand Prix heavyweight champion, winning the title in 2003, 2004, and 2008.Bonjasky earned 78 wins in his career, 40 via knockout, and lost 20 fights.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAfter hanging up his gloves he opened up his own gym the “Bonjasky Academy”, where he helps youngsters get into kickboxing.He also has two other children – Cassius and Skye.Floyd Mayweather called out by legendary kickboxing star after fight was dramatically cancelled More

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    Nottingham Forest launch appeal against four-point deduction and could risk even WORSE punishment

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST have appealed their four-point deduction – which could be INCREASED if they are unsuccessful.The Premier League club were handed the punishment earlier this month for breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules.Nottingham Forest’s decision to appeal could yet see them deducted more pointsCredit: RexNow they have confirmed they will be appealing the decision as they look to recoup some of the points lost.However, choosing to contest the punishment means they have also opened themselves up to the possibility of a further points deduction.A short club statement read: “Nottingham Forest can confirm that it has today lodged an appeal against the four point sanction imposed by the Commission in relation to the Club’s breach of the Premier League’s Profit & Sustainability Rules (PSR).”The club will not be making any further statement at this time.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLForest, who according to Sky Sports are unlikely to receive a further deduction, have admitted to breaching the rules after overspending by £34.5million across a three-year period.However, they believe the four-point deduction to be excessive.They would have received an eight-point deduction had they not co-operated in the Premier League’s investigation.Forest will be hoping they are handed some points back in the same way Everton were earlier this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Toffees were docked ten points, before their appeal got them four back.Sean Dyche’s men still face the potential of a further points deduction before the end of the season.Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promiseForest’s punishment dropped them into the relegation zone – with the club now one point adrift of Luton.But the appeal process and Everton’s possible second deduction leaves teams at the bottom in a state of confusion as to what they require to avoid the drop.Forest’s decision to appeal comes after they released a frustrated statement immediately after the deduction.They said: “After months of engagement with the Premier League, and exceptional cooperation throughout, this was unexpected and has harmed the trust and confidence we had in the Premier League.”That the Premier League sought a sanction of eight points as a starting point was utterly disproportionate when compared to the nine points that their own rules prescribe for insolvency.”We were also surprised that the Premier League gave no consideration at all to the unique circumstances of the Club and its mitigation.”In circumstances where this approach is followed by future PSR commissions, it would make it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for newly promoted clubs without parachute payments to compete, thus undermining the integrity and competitiveness of the Premier League.” More

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    Arsenal ‘match Chelsea’s £51m offer for Ousmane Diomande’ with Sporting Lisbon star set to spark transfer battle

    ARSENAL are set for a bidding war over Sporting Lisbon star Ousmane Diomande after matching Chelsea’s offer ahead of the summer transfer window.The Gunners’ manager Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his defence at the end of the season and Diomande, 20, has stood out in his eyes after some impressive performances in Portugal.Arsenal have matched Chelsea’s offer for Sporting Lisbon star Ousmane DiomandeCredit: GettyDiomande has also attracted interest from Newcastle and Bayern MunichCredit: GettyThe centre-back has been so influential for Ruben Amorim’s side that he has attracted interest from the Gunners and the Blues as well as Bayern Munich and Newcastle.At the beginning it was Chelsea that led the transfer chase with an offer of €60million (£51m), plus bonuses.According to Record, however, Arsenal have matched their rivals’ bid for the Ivory Coast international.However, Sporting value Diomande at €80m (£69m) and are in no rush to sell as his contract doesn’t run out until 2027.Read More on ArsenalTherefore, both Premier League giants may have to cough up a larger sum for the Ivorian’s services.However, the same source claims there’s a strong possibility the African star will leave the Estadio Jose Alvalade in the summer.Arsenal have been keeping tabs on the defender since 2022 when he was in still Midtjylland’s books.And now the North Londoners have informed both the player’s camp as well as Sporting about their intention to sign him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERDiomande joined the Lisbon giants last year despite not making a single appearance for Midtjylland, who loaned him out to Portuguese minnows Mafra in his one and only year with the Danish outfit.The towering defender has since amassed a total of two goals and one assist in 29 appearances with the Primeira Liga team.How Arteta turned Havertz from expensive flop to Arsenal’s gamechangerArsenal and Chelsea are currently focused on the Premier League as Arteta’s men are pushing for a first title since 2004.Mauricio Pochettino’s men, on the other hand, are languishing in the bottom half of the table with five points separating them from seventh place, which usually leads to European qualification. More

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    I was one of first Belgium stars to play in Premier League and scored worldie vs Man Utd before becoming a greengrocer

    ONE OF the first Belgian stars to grace the Premier League embarked on a very different career as a GREENGROCER after retirement.The 56-year-old is now back on TV screens in his homeland as a TV pundit and may be in action to cover Belgium’s clash away to England at Wembley on Tuesday.Newcastle legend Philippe Albert was one of the first Belgian stars to play in EnglandCredit: GettyHe became a greengrocer in his homeland after retirementCredit: XPhilippe Albert is still fondly remembered on these shores after hitting the big time in the 1990s.He caught the eye after his outstanding performance for Belgium at the 1994 World Cup, where he scored crucial goals against Germany and the Netherlands.Albert left Anderlecht to sign for Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle United after turning down transfers to Italian sides Juventus and Fiorentina.He also revealed that he was a huge fan of Keegan from his Liverpool days and it was a dream come true for him to play under his hero.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd Albert loved being part of Keegan’s attack-minded team – who were dubbed The Entertainers.Despite being a centre-half, he would often be found loitering on the edge of the opposition’s box.However, he hadn’t even made it that far up the pitch when his most famous and magical moment occurred for the Magpies.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERIt was a scintillating day in October 1996 when Manchester United were in the North East.Most read in FootballNewcastle smashed Sir Alex Ferguson’s side and were 4-0 up thanks to goals from Darren Peacock, David Ginola, Les Ferdinand and Alan Shearer when Albert wanted in on the action.Belgium boss reacts after Real Madrid star Thibaut Courtois publicly calls him outWith only seven minutes left, the towering defender picked up the ball 45 yards out, ran forward 10, and chipped it straight over Peter Schmeichel in the United goal to send the Toon Army wild.Unfortunately for Albert he left Newcastle once Ruud Gullit had taken over in 1998 to reunite with Keegan at Fulham on loan.Eventually, he was sold back to Belgium when Charleroi paid £600,000 for him in 1999 and he hung up his boots the following season after a great career that also saw him capped 41 times by his country, with him scoring five times.But rather than embark on a career in coaching, the 6ft 3in ace gave up the beautiful game to start life as a greengrocer back home.Albert told the Guardian: “I would prepare the produce for customers.“I did for 11 years and I didn’t touch the money I earned as a footballer. Up early, finishing late, that’s what I wanted: a normal life. I’m very proud of it.“Otherwise when you stop football, you do nothing. You have no life.”Albert worked as a greengrocer until 2012, when he became a full-time pundit for Belgian TV.He explained to FourFourTwo: “For 11 years, before moving into television, I wanted to experience the real world.“I enjoyed life, going about my business each day just like everybody else. And I love eating spinach, to stay strong, and apples.”Philippe Albert celebrates his incredible strike against Man UtdCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdAlbert is still best remembered for THAT goal against United, and he told the Newcastle Chronicle: “Remember Peter Schmeichel was one of the best keepers in the world.“He used to come off his line a lot. He did it to reduce the angles of attackers.“It was something special for me, I saw him come off his line and I just thought: ‘Why not?’“It was Man United and Schmeichel, and I knew if it came off people would be talking about it for years. If it didn’t work it was 4-0 anyway.“That’s why I tried something you’d consider very special for a defender.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Technically it’s very difficult to score a goal like this – especially for a defender.“I was lucky to score that type of goal.”The former defender pictured in action for Newcastle against WimbledonCredit: REUTERS More