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    Inside downfall of ex-Man Utd star Anderson who ‘could have been world’s best’ but was obsessed with McDonald’s

    FORMER Manchester United star Anderson once had the world at his feet.But an obsession with McDonald’s and a string of controversies led to his downfall in the beautiful game.Former Man Utd star Anderson was once tipped for greatnessCredit: AFPHe won a string of trophies during his time at Old TraffordAnderson’s first season ended with a league and European doubleCredit: GettyHe even won the prestigious Golden Boy award before his career took a downward turnCredit: GettyAnderson, 36, had already spent three years starring for Gremio and Porto when he secured a move to United in 2007.Two years earlier he won the Fifa U17 World Championship Golden Ball.And aged just 19 at the time, the playmaker commanded an eye-watering £27million fee.Yet Sir Alex Ferguson felt Anderson, already a two-time Portuguese league winner, was worth every penny after drawing comparisons with Wayne Rooney.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe wrote in his autobiography: “I sent Martin (Ferguson, brother) to watch him in every game for four or five weeks.“Martin said, ‘Alex, he’s better than Rooney!’ ‘For Christ’s sake, don’t say that,’ I told him.“’He’ll need to be good to be better than Rooney’. Martin was adamant.”Anderson’s first season at United saw him make 38 appearances in all competitions, including 24 in the league.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt also resulted in a stunning Premier League and Champions League double, as well as the Golden Boy award in 2008.But it also would prove to be his highest amount of games in a season for the rest of his Old Trafford career.Premier League’s Biggest Spenders: Top 10 SeasonsAnderson helped Brazil win the Copa America in 2007His short-lived international career resulted in just eight capsAnderson’s obsession with McDonald’s took hold as he picked up more and more injuriesCredit: GettyIndeed, it wasn’t until the 2009/10 campaign when Anderson netted his first goal for the club.Injuries had already started piling up for the midfielder, who by this point had won the last of his eight caps for Copa America winners Brazil.And along the way, an unhealthy obsession with junk food – namely McDonald’s – began to take a hold.Former United and Brazil team-mate Rafael said: “We would be on the team coach and pass the services on the motorway, and Anderson would jump up impulsively and yell ‘McDonalds’, McDonald’s’.”Rafael went on to claim that Anderson could have been the “best in the world” had he knuckled down more.He added: “The guy was crazy, but I love him. Give him a football and he would just play with freedom.”And sometimes, if he got a good run of games, he could play as well as any player in the league.”He picked up a lot of big injuries and then his problems with eating the way he did started to affect him.”It was no coincidence that his best form came when he had a lot of games because that was when he couldn’t eat so much.”I will say something about Anderson – if he had been a professional football player, he could have been the best in the world.”Anderson sometimes courted controversy on the pitchCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The TimesHe performed a gun celebration after scoring against Spurs in 2011Credit: Bradley Ormesher – The TimesAnderson left United in 2015 with four Premier League titlesAnderson is now assistant manager at Turkish side Adana DemirsporIn 2010 Anderson was hospitalised in a horror car crash in Portugal.He was dragged from his Audi R8 unconscious before it exploded, but somehow miraculously escaped with just minor injuries.A year later Anderson then courted controversy when he celebrated a rare strike with a gun celebration.His 76th minute effort in United’s 3-0 home win against Tottenham saw Anderson do a little dance before pointing his fingers in the shape of pistols.It was around this time that former United coach Mike Clegg left the club as well.And he previously revealed that Anderson’s laziness saw Fergie joke about HITTING him with a STICK.Clegg said: “You could never find a nicer person, he was popular with everyone but he was a lazy bleeder.“He always had his excuses. I used to have a stick and I said to Fergie very early on, ‘If he carries on, I’m going to hit him with my bleeding stick’.“Fergie couldn’t believe it. ‘Don’t you dare. He cost me a lot of money. You can’t be hitting one of my players, are you mad?’“Then six weeks later, Fergie came to me. ‘Where’s that bloody stick? Give me that stick, I want to hit him’.Anderson’s career statsGremio, 2004-2006: 31 games, 9 goalsPorto, 2006-2007: 25 games, 3 goalsMan Utd, 2007-2015: 181 games, 9 goalsFiorentina (loan), 2013-2014: 8 games, 0 goalsInternacional, 2015-2016: 88 games, 6 goalsCoritiba, 2017: 23 games, 3 goalsAdana Demirspor, 2018-2019: 15 games, 0 goalsBrazil, 2007-2008: 8 games, 0 goalsTrophiesBrazil Serie B (Gremio)Primeira Liga x2, Portuguese Cup, Portuguese Super Cup (Porto)Premier League x4, Champions League, Carabao Cup, Club World Cup, Community Shield x2 (Man Utd)Campeonato Gaucho (Internacional)South American U17 Championship, Copa America (Brazil)U17 World Championship Golden Ball, Golden Boy (Individual)“Anderson was more than capable of being an absolute stormer of a player. He just needed his head knocking. He didn’t keep fit.“He chose not to put in the work, so it’s hard to have too much sympathy for him. He was a party animal.”Anderson’s United career eventually fizzled out in 2015, with his final two seasons resulting in a combined five league appearances.In total he scored nine goals in 181 games while picking up three more titles.After a brief loan at Fiorentina, he returned to Brazil with Internacional and underwent a revival with 88 games in just two years.Anderson then spent time with Coritiba before seeing out his career in 2019 with Turkish side Adana Demirspor aged just 31, where he remains to this day as assistant manager.But his post-playing career has also been overshadowed by off-the-field issues.Three years ago Anderson was reportedly charged with alleged involvement in a £4.7million cryptocurrency fraud rung.He was named by Brazilian media as one of eight people being investigated by a state prosecutor for aggravated theft, fraud and money laundering.It is not immediately clear today if the investigation is still ongoing.Former team-mates and coaches reckon Anderson was too lazy as a playerThe star, seen heer with celeb chef Salt Bae, has since been embroiled in a series of controversies in BrazilAnderson has been ordered to pay £45,000 in owed child maintenance feesAnd Anderson denied all allegations at the time.This week, Anderson hit headlines after being ordered to prison over his reported failure to pay child maintenance.He is said to be the father to nine children.And Anderson was told by a family court judge he must hand over £45,000 in owed fees or else serve 30 days’ jail time in Porto Alegre, Brazil.Former United team-mates still ponder what could have been for Anderson.Ben Foster said: “He could have been the best player in the world, I promise you.“Everybody would say he could have been the best, but he just didn’t care at all.”Michael Owen added: “He was very talented. Without being too general, he’d have that Brazilian attitude.“He was a pretty relaxed guy, maybe too relaxed at times. He loved being out there with a ball at his feet.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But he did not bother about weights or anything really. Him getting back from injuries was often a slow process.“He was a really good player but if he had that driven mentality he could have been great.”What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.They plan to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a second venue. They will scale it down to a 30,000-seater that can then be used for the women’s team and academy matches.That would mean the history remains with statues and the Munich clock and memorial plaque all most likely staying in their current positions.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

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    Ex-Liverpool ace Djibril Cisse facing PRISON after being accused of tax evasion with Champions League winner owing £660k

    FORMER Liverpool star Djibril Cisse is facing a prison sentence after being accused of tax evasion in France.The France striker spent two seasons at Anfield, scoring 24 goals in 82 games and winning the Champions League before leaving for Marseille in 2006.Djibril Cisse is facing a prison sentence after being accused of tax evasionCredit: ReutersCisse won the Champions League and FA Cup with LiverpoolCredit: AP:Associated PressCisse will find out the verdict on his case on November 13Credit: AP:Associated PressCisse won 41 caps for France and scored a total of nine goalsCredit: AFP – GettyCisse. 43, later played for Sunderland and Queens Park Rangers.  He now works as a DJ and a pundit.But prosecutors told a court on Wednesday that they want the ex-international to receive a one-year suspended jail term and £85,000 fine.The hearing at Bastia criminal court went ahead in Cisse’s absence.  It is due to give its verdict on November 13.The trial heard an account set up to handle Cisse’s tax affairs was £465,000 in debt.Read More on FootballProsecutors claimed the ex-player was guilty of tax evasion for not having declared this sum to France’s equivalent of HMRC.Meanwhile Cisse was said to owe a further £195,000 from failing to declare VAT revenue on his income from image rights.Cisse’s lawyer Malcolm Mouldaia told the court: “He has been going through this case for years.  He owes huge sums to the tax authorities.”There can be no case of money laundering, as there is no tax fraud on his part.Most read in Football”He has had problems with his accountancy firm, as they have not handled his case well – and they have not kept him informed.”Liverpool paid Auxerre £14million for Cisse in 2004, and he helped them win the Champions League and FA Cup.Djibril Cisse shows off new bizarre bright blue and polka-dot haircut He left for Marseille, initially on loan, and went on to play in Greece, Italy, Qatar, Russia, Reunion and Switzerland as well as Sunderland and QPR.Cisse won 41 caps for France, scoring nine goals.Cisse allso played for Sunderland before moving to Greece, Italy, Qatar, Russia, Reunion and SwitzerlandCredit: AP:Associated Press More

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    Tottenham star Rodrigo Bentancur facing ban after being CHARGED by FA over Son comments days before Arsenal clash

    TOTTENHAM midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been charged by the FA over his recent comments about Heung-min Son.Back in June, the 27-year-old suggested that all South Korean people “look the same” during a Uruguayan TV interview.Rodrigo Bentancur has been charged by the FACredit: AlamySon Heung-min has forgiven the midfielder for his commentsCredit: GettySon insisted his team-mate ‘made a mistake’Credit: GettyA reporter asked: “Can you get me the shirt from the Korean?” to which Bentancur replied: “Sonny?”The journalist then went on to say: “Or any other champion,” before the midfielder responded: “Or any cousin of Sonny, they all look more or less the same.”He subsequently apologised to Spurs team-mate Son and issued a statement on social media, claiming it was a “very bad” joke.Bentancur said: “Sony brother! I apologise to you for what happened, it was just a very bad joke!Read More in Football”You know that I love you and I would never disrespect you or hurt you or anyone else! I love you brother.”Despite Bentancur’s apology, the FA have made the decision to charge him.A statement read: “Rodrigo Bentancur has been charged with an alleged breach of FA Rule E3 for misconduct in relation to a media interview.”It’s alleged that the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder has breached FA Rule E3.1 as he acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or brought the game into disrepute.Most read in FootballThe midfielder’s 2023-24 campaign was marred by injuryBentancur WILL be able to face Arsenal at the weekendCredit: PAMatches Rodrigo Bentancur could missRODRIGO BENTANCUR has until next Thursday to respond to the FA charge.Here is a list of the games he could potentially miss if he receives a maximum ban:Brentford (h)Man Utd (a)Brighton (a)West Ham (h)Crystal Palace (a)(Carabao Cup 4th round)Aston Villa (h)Ipswich (h)Man City (a)Fulham (h)Bournemouth (a)Chelsea (h)Southampton (a)”It’s further alleged that this constitutes an ‘aggravated breach’ which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference, whether express or implied, to nationality and/or race and/or ethnic origin.”The midfielder now has until Thursday, September 19 to respond to the charge.Premier League’s Biggest Spenders: Top 10 SeasonsAnti-discrimination campaigners Kick it Out received “a significant number of reports” over the incident when it happened and sent them to Spurs and the relevant authorities.Tottenham went on to release a statement which read: “Following a comment from Rodrigo Bentancur in an interview video clip and the player’s subsequent public apology, the club has been providing assistance in ensuring a positive outcome on the matter.”This will include further education for all players in line with our diversity, equality and inclusion objectives.”We fully support that our captain Sonny feels that he can draw a line under the incident and that the team can focus on the new season ahead.”We are extremely proud of our diverse, global fanbase and playing squads. Discrimination of any kind has no place at our Club, within our game or within wider society.”Son was quick to accept Bentancur’s apology and said: “I’ve spoken with Lolo. He made a mistake, he knows this and has apologised.”Lolo would not mean to ever intentionally say something offensive.”We are brothers and nothing has changed at all.”We’re past this, we’re united, and we will be back together in pre-season to fight for our club as one.”Bentancur could now face a minimum ban of six games, but he WILL be able to face Arsenal this weekend.The ban could even rise to 12 games, although that is unlikely.The midfielder has made two Premier League appearances for Tottenham so far this season.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was absent from Ange Postecoglou’s squad for last month’s match against Everton due to a head injury sustained against Leicester in the opening game of the campaign.Spurs could decide to line up with Bentancur in central midfield and Son on the left on Sunday against Arsenal.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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    Chelsea legend’s daughter looks gorgeous as she puts on busty display in gold corset and shows off toned abs

    CHELSEA legend Frank Leboeuf’s daughter Jade took social media by storm with another set of glam pics.This time the 33-year-old went out with a gold corset that she accompanied with a set of golden bottoms.Chelsea legend Frank Leboeuf’s daughter Jade took social media by stormCredit: instagram @jade_leboeufJade posed in a gold ensemble for her social media fansCredit: instagram @jade_leboeufJade often poses in risque outfits on InstagramCredit: instagram @jade_leboeufJade has attracted a large audience on social mediaCredit: instagram @jade_leboeufThe social media model also donned a jacket as she went for a night out.Jade has amassed a huge number of fans on her social media and is regularly sharing posts that send her followers into a frenzy.Leboeuf’s daughter has amassed over 240,000 followers on Instagram alone.Most recently she risked an Instagram ban while posing in a white top for her followers.Read More on FootballThat was before she posed in a see-through top for her fans.While she sent her fans into a meltdown with a snap of her wearing some lace lingerie back in July.She did the exact same thing in March with another set of lingerie in March.Jade is married to French reality TV personality Stephane Rodrigues and the pair have a three-year-old son together.Most read in FootballHer dad Leboeuf spent five years at Chelsea where he registered a total of 24 goals and four assists in 203 appearances.The legendary defender won the FA Cup in 1997 and 2000 as well as the League Cup in 1998.Chelsea legend’s daughter cheekily shows off her bum in bold outfit as stunned fans say ‘excuse me?’ The now 56-year-old also enjoyed immense success with France as he helped his country win the 1998 World Cup as well as Euro 2000.Take a look inside Jade’s glamorous life…Jade has built up a loyal following on social mediaCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufThe stunning model is followed by over a quarter of a million peopleCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufShe regularly shares risque contentCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufThe French national works as a modelCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufShe was used to the limelight from an early age as the daughter of Chelsea legend Frank LeboeufCredit: Instagram @jadeleboeufJade describes herself as a digital creatorCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufHer posts tend to draw hoards of comments with fans often describing her as ‘beautiful’ and ‘sexy’Credit: instagram @jade_leboeufShe’s not afraid to wear revealing outfitsCredit: jade_leboeuf/instagramSee-through outfits are a favouriteCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufHer father Frank played for Chelsea from 1996 to 2001Credit: Instagram @jadeleboeufHe won two FA Cups during his time in West London when Jade was still a kidCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufHe was also a World Cup winner with France in 1998, giving him legendary status in his home countryCredit: INSTAGRAM @jade_leboeufJade is now making her own wayCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeuf More

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    Todd Boehly could give Chelsea four new names if Blues move from beloved Stamford Bridge without fans’ support

    WORRIED Chelsea fans might reckon it’s a Bridge too far – after AI came up with four dodgy suggestions if the club has to change its name.Todd Boehly’s £4billion boardroom battle with co-owner Behdad Eghbali coincides with plans for a new £1bn Bernabeu-style stadium.Chelsea are pondering a new stadium inspired by the BernabeuCredit: Canva’s AIChelsea owner Todd Boehly is embroiled in a £4bn power struggleCredit: AlamyBut an odd clause means the Chelsea Pitch Owners (CPO) could enforce a NAME CHANGE for the club if they disapprove of a move away.Not even Roman Abramovich managed to convince enough of the 14,000-strong group of fans of the need to relocate, yet that is the task the far less popular American faces.But if the fans refuse, they could face moniker misery.SunSport tasked ChatGPT with exploring new names for Chelsea that Boehly could impose.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSAnd the result was four options ranging from boring to bemusing.In fact, fans might feel it’s a case of Stamford Cringe when they hear a couple of these AI nominations.The app first revealed four issues it decided was vital to throw into the mix for such an important project.It branded them: historical context, cultural significance, branding and marketability, and fan sentiment.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd if that sounded awesomely academic, sure enough the conclusions were more suited to a degree than a dugout.More PhD than PSG, more Uni than Rooney… with one shocking exception.Premier League’s Biggest Spenders: Top 10 SeasonsAI was obviously on a ChatGP-tea break when it came up with the rather lazy opening offering of “Chelsea United FC”.It justified this entry-level suggestion by saying: “This name retains the geographical identity while fostering a sense of unity and inclusivity, appealing to a broader fan base.”Next up was a name with more than a hint of a franchise or perhaps a gloomy mood sweeping across the capital – “London Blues FC”.ChatGPT believes this “emphasizes the club’s geographical location and its traditional color, while also creating a distinct identity that could resonate with international fans”.But it’s the final two ideas that risk alienating fans most.Somehow finding a way onto the shortlist was “Chelsea Heritage FC”.Apparently this “reflects the club’s historical significance and commitment to its roots, appealing to both traditionalists and modern fans”.As for the final alternative, it could also have doubled for ChatGPT’s dissertation title for a Masters in Marketing – “Chelsea Global FC”.The justification? “This name positions the club as a global entity, reflecting its international fan base and aspirations.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, sadly, Chelsea can’t even be sure which name will be leading the boardroom for much longer – as Boehly and Eghbahli both want to buy each other out.So that’s another issue where, so far at least, a “chat” does not appear to have produced the right outcome!Chelsea will lose their soul by leaving Stamford BridgeBy Matt PennJUST what London needs – another £1billion bowl-shaped, soulless football stadium.No offence to Spurs, because theirs looks great, but it’s not like they had years of title-winning history to celebrate at White Hart Lane.Arsenal moved on from Highbury a couple of years after their last Premier League title win in 2004, and to no avail, they’ve been chasing that glory ever since.And the less said about West Ham’s move from Upton Park, the better. The Olympic Stadium pales in significance to Upton Park, where binoculars weren’t needed to see the pitch from Row Z.It’s no secret Chelsea fans have become disillusioned with the club since Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali took over from Roman Abramovich two years ago.The sacking of two full-time managers in that time, a 12th-place finish in the league, no European football, billions spent on Brazilian teenagers you’ve never heard of and civil war between the owners have turned the club into a laughing stock.Seems like the perfect time to revamp plans to leave Stamford Bridge, doesn’t it?According to The Guardian, Chelsea are in talks to move to a new 60,000-seater site in Earl’s Court, something they’ve attempted before.Chelsea are said to have made plans for the Lillie Bridge depot site as an area that could be developed in a move that could cost hundreds of millions.Forget that so much else still needs fixing on the pitch, that the results are still not going the way they should, that players still can’t seem to click on a consistent basis.The owners, who are said to be looking to buy each other out already, might not think it, and the seats might be a little rusty, but fans do value tradition.The Bridge has been a place supporters can call home every other Saturday. It’s raw, the stands are close to the pitch, it has four sides, and most importantly, it’s owned by the fans.For any deal to go through, Chelsea Pitch Owners (CPO), a group made up of over 14,000 fans, have to approve a move away from the 42,000-seater stadium.On the other hand, redvelopment of Stamford Bridge would see the team move away from the stadium for a number of years, likely double the three years Tottenham spent at Wembley.But why not overhaul each stand one-by-one? Both Liverpool and Fulham had stands refurbished and they were able to stay put. There are also plans for Crystal Palace to do the same.If Boehly and Eghbali are so desperate to put money at the forefront of their decision-making, then go about it in a way which will appease fans.Sadly, football isn’t really about fans anymore, and it’d be easy to say Chelsea will lose their soul if they leave Stamford Bridge.But you fear they already have. More

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    Chelsea ace Enzo Fernandez fails to turn up in court as he’s banned from driving for six months

    CHELSEA’S Enzo Fernandez failed to turn up in court yesterday as he was banned from driving for six months.The £106million midfielder had been convicted of failing to identify the driver of his Porsche Cayenne when it was clocked at 37mph in a 30mph zone in Swansea. Chelsea ace Enzo Fernandez has been banned from driving for six monthsCredit: GettyThe 23-year-old was due to appear before Llanelli JPs for sentence but was in South America on Tuesday night playing for Argentina.He already had nine points on his licence and was given 12 more to earn the ban. Fernandez, who was not represented in court, was also ordered to pay £3,020 in fines and charges.Magistrates chair Wyn Edwards said: “We’re dealing with two matters of failing to give information of the driver’s identity which have been proved in Mr Fernandez’s absence.”read more on chealseaFor each charge Fernandez, whose address was listed as Chelsea’s training ground, was handed a £1,000 fine and £110 costs. He was also ordered to pay an £800 surcharge.He was given six penalty points for each of the offences resulting in a six month driving ban from today.Mr Edwards said: “We make a collection order for the £3020 payable by the 9th October.Most read in Football”With the 12 points imposed today and the existing nine points on his license makes a total of 21 penalty points. “We therefore disqualify him for a total of six months under the totting up procedure.”France vs Argentina football clash ends in HUGE BRAWL at Olympics 2024 following boos after Enzo Fernandez racism stormFernandez played 84 minutes of Argentina’s world cup qualification match last night where his team lost 2-1 to Colombia. More

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    Major update in Kyle Walker marriage scandal after wife Annie Kilner booted Man City ace out of family home

    SHAMED Kyle Walker has moved back in with his estranged wife Annie Kilner.The Man City ace, 34, was booted out at Christmas for fathering a second child with ex-mistress Lauryn Goodman.Love-rat Kyle Walker has moved back in with his estranged wife Annie Kilner – pictured, the star with his wife and three of their four kidsCredit: AFP or LicensorsAnnie had booted Kyle out at Christmas after he fathered a second child with his ex-mistressCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeHe then rented a mansion nearby after issuing a grovelling public apology for his actions.But despite his betrayal, the England defender has returned to the family’s £4million home in Cheshire on a “trial basis”.The couple — who married in 2022 and have four children together — decided to give it another go following a series of summer heart-to-hearts.But model Annie, 31, remains deeply scarred by the ordeal and has told pals she and Kyle are not back together.READ MORE ON KYLE WALKERA source said: “It reached a stage where they had to make a decision on their relationship.“It was unfair on everyone to drag it out any longer.“They either had to make a go of it or move on and they’ve decided to see how things go. “It’s on a trial basis. Most read in Football“Kyle’s been back for over a week now and he’s sleeping in a separate bed on the third floor of the house.“Annie is determined to do what she thinks is best for her kids.”Another told The Sun: “This year has been the toughest of their lives.“There is still a huge amount of upset and it will be a work in progress for many years.“But if they are to stand a chance, they both need to give it a go.”Kyle has fathered two children with his ex-mistress Lauryn GoodmanCredit: RexLauryn pictured enjoying a beach holiday with her and Kyle’s two kidsCredit: INSTAGRAMWatch as Lauryn Goodman breaks down in tears and says she feels ‘so damaged’ after Kyle Walker fling More

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    Law student who hurled vile racial slur at England ace Bukayo Saka in online rant is facing jail

    A LAW student who branded England star Bukayo Saka a “monkey” in an online rant is facing jail.Arsenal fan Suhel Ali, 20, uploaded an audio message on X, calling his club’s winger a “f***ing black piece of s**t”. A law student who branded England star Bukayo Saka a ‘monkey’ in an online rant is facing jailCredit: GettyIn the voicenote post, played in court, he was also heard describing him as “the s***test winger I’ve ever seen at my club.” He also called Saka, 23, the N-word and said: “You’re a monkey – you’re a f***ing monkey.”Ali, who studies at London’s City University, admitted sending an offensive message.District Judge Briony Clarke bailed him until October 8, saying: “I’m not going to sentence you today — but I’m not ruling anything out.”Read More on SportAli’s outburst came after Arsenal’s 0-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest on May 20, 2023. The result secured Forest’s Premier League survival while Arsenal’s title rivals, Man City, were crowned champions.Police tracked down Ali via his IP address with the help of his mother, who spoke to officers on the phone and gave them his email address.In a police interview, Ali said he sent the note out of frustration and it was not intended to be racist, Westminster magistrates’ court heard.Most read in FootballHis lawyer, Robert Moxon, pointed out that Ali, like Saka, was of Nigerian heritage, saying he acted on the spur of the moment. He claimed: “He used the N-word in that tweet but he’s using that not in a racial context but in an offensive context.”Arsenal ratings vs Aston VillaThe judge responded: “What about ‘monkey’, though?’”After taking instruction from his client, Mr Moxon told the judge that Ali, from Wembley, North West London, used the word to “suggest that Bukayo Saka is dumb”.He added: “He was just firing off some really stupid, offensive remarks about how a footballer played.” More