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      Former Arsenal star worth £180million thanks to kebab and ice cream empire set to launch clothing range with former club

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      LUKAS PODOLSKI is worth £180million and is set to launch a clothing brand with his former club FC Koln.The ex-Arsenal forward’s portfolio also includes a chain of kebab shops and an ice cream brand in his native Germany.Lukas Podolski is set to launch a clothing brand with his former club FC KolnCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe ex-Arsenal forward’s also owns kebab shops and an ice cream brandCredit: SplashPodolski previously spent three years with the Gunners, winning the FA Cup in 2014.The 38-year-old launched Ice Cream United in 2017, two years after leaving Arsenal.A year later, his first Mangal Doner kebab shop opened in the city and now consists of around 30 branches across Germany.The business mogul has even been active in the fashion industry and has his own streetwear brand “Strabenkicker”.READ MORE ON ARSENALAnd now Podolski has reunited with his boyhood club Koln to launch their own clothing line.According to German outlet BILD the idea has already been discussed with sponsors with plans to create streetwear designs inspired by Poldolski existing brand.Poldolski not only knows his stuff about fashion but being a club legend will attract top sales in the Koln store – like with his jersey in the past.He said: “We exchanged ideas, I think that was very nice. If things continue like this, I can well imagine helping FC in a position closer to the club than before.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe 2014 World Cup winner spent six years at Koln over two spells the first from 2003-2006 then 2009-2012.During this time made 181 appearances and scored 86 goals while winning the FIFIA World Cup Best Young Player award in 2006 when representing Germany.Four Arsenal stars confronted Arsene Wenger after huge stars sold to bitter rivals, reveals Jack Wilshere The Cologne based club are also reported to in talks with their former forward about as a club ambassador.Meaning the German could be juggling two major roles while still playing at Polish giants Gornik Zabrze’s as his contract runs until 2025.And he will not be short of cash as his entrepreneurship has seen his net worth raise to a reported £177.5million.That figure includes his career earnings as a player, with Podolski one of Arsenal’s highest paid players during his time at the club.According to Capology, the ex-Germany international had £100,000-per-week wages at the Emirates Stadium.Podolski is not the richest ex-Arsenal star as Mathieu Flamini is worth £10billion
      To many fans suprise being worth £180million does not make you the richest ex-Gunner.
      Methieu Flamini billion pound chemical company, ‘GF Biochemicals’ has turned the former midfielder into one the richest people in the world, as he is now reportedly worth £10billion.
      In an attempt to revolutionise the energy industry back in 2008 shortly after his exit from Arsenal Flamini co-founded the company with his economics graduate business partner, Pasquale Granata.
      Nearly 16 years after it was set up, the company is estimated to be worth £21 billion.
      This is 40 times more than Cristiano Ronaldo’s £500 million net worth.
      The company has succeeded in a major way thanks to its ability to mass-produce levulinic acid – a fuel made from plant waste that can be used in the creation of plastics. More

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      After Richarlison reveals therapy “saved his life”, we speak to the neuroscientist helping team-mate Emerson Royal

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      RICHARLISON’S revelation that working with a psychologist “saved his life” underlined how critical talking about personal problems can be for some players.The Brazil and Tottenham star last week claimed he was “at rock bottom” earlier this season when issues away from the pitch – including a split with his long-term agent – took hold.Richarlison spoke about the help therapy gave him while on Brazil dutyCredit: PAEmerson Royal is known for exploring every marginal gain going to aid performanceCredit: RexTherapy, along with surgery on a nagging groin problem, turned things around and now he faces Spain on Tuesday back firing on all cylinders.The 26-year-old is not alone as a player in seeking advice to gain better mental health to be a happier person and a better player on the pitch.Emerson Royal, a team-mate for both club and country, employs neuroscientist Dr Fabiano de Abreu as an advisor.It is part of the marginal-gains approach to the game of the right-back, who Ange Postecoglou has described as one of his top-three trainers at Spurs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDr Abreu, a member of the UK’s Royal Society of Biology, told SunSport: “Players may need psychologists more than ordinary people because of the pressure they are under.“Richarlison did the right thing in speaking out. But, in football, managers and clubs are still a long way behind on this topic.“Football today is more challenging than in Pele’s era. It demands more than just dynamic gameplay and skilled players. “The pressure from management, clubs, fans, and social media is immense. The psychological aspect is different now.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“Zico, the greatest idol of Flamengo, once told me, ‘I played for pleasure, for love’. “But what about today? With high stakes and demands, with constant scrutiny? I’m a former Tottenham and England star but I’d much rather see Arsenal win the league than Three Lions win Euro 2024“There’s no more freedom, and it affects the brain. Plus today’s game demands higher performance.”Richarlison spoke of the profound effect his work with his psychologist had on him and his joy at seeing the Brazil national team employ one as a result.Dr Abreu’s neuroscience expertise means he provides more than a sounding board for Royal and his other clients, though therapy does play a part.His work considers a player’s genetics, upbringing and other social factors to get a detailed profile of the individual.A new client will undergo a thorough DNA test, an interview to understand the players’ background and upbringing, a comprehensive blood test and, if possible, a neuroimaging test to understand better, quite literally, how their mind works.The data from all this allows Dr Abreu and his team to work out how best to enhance the athlete’s performance and mental health.That could be through adjustments to their diet, habits such as improved sleep, medication if necessary and therapy.It is all to do with a player’s neurotransmitters – the chemicals in the brain and nervous system that transmit signals between nerve cells, which are pivotal for mood, sleep, appetite, learning and motor functions – and keeping them stable.Dr Abreu added: “Emerson is always open to suggestions for doing what’s best for him. “He’s a very easy person to work with and a good athlete. “It’s not easy to stand out in England, it’s the country where we feel the most pressure on players. But he knows how to deal with it. READ MORE SUN STORIES“There’s no doubt that neuroscience and genetics should be considered more in football. “That is if you want to create ‘machines’ like Cristiano Ronaldo, and I can tell you with certainty that Ronaldo has the same thought and uses it for himself.” More

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      Antony singles out Man Utd team-mate who is ‘more than a friend’ after his struggles at club

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      MANCHESTER UNITED winger Antony has opened up about his friendship with team-mate Diogo Dalot.The 24-year-old joined United in an £86million transfer from Ajax back in 2022 but has struggled to adapt to the Premier League.Antony admitted Diogo Dalot has been a supportive friendCredit: GettyAntony has endured a difficult season at Old TraffordCredit: GettyHe scored eight goals in 44 appearances across all competitions during his first campaign at Old Trafford.And the winger’s struggles have continued this season, scoring just twice.Antony has received plenty of criticism from pundits and fans, with some even branding him one of the worst Premier League signings of all time.He recently revealed that his friendship with Dalot helped him through the difficult times.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSpeaking to Man Utd’s official website, Antony said: “I’m very grateful to God and to a friend I talk to a lot.”Diogo Dalot is more than a friend to me, he’s a guy who helps me every day at the club. We have a phrase that we always say to each other: the patient guy is unbeatable.”We always talk about it. So I’m very grateful to him for his advice, for the moments we had together talking. He’s a guy who’s helped me a lot.”Antony scored a crucial equaliser during United’s FA Cup clash with Liverpool earlier this month.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Red Devils went on to win 4-3 after extra time to progress to the semi-finals.Discussing the match at Old Trafford, Antony added: “Before the game, I told Diogo that I felt something different.Antony rages after he is told to play left-back against Liverpool before Rashford tells Man Utd star to get on with it”I felt something good. I felt I was going to score today, so I’m very happy about that.”With regard to Dalot, as I said, he’s my best friend here at the club.”He’s a guy we’re always talking to, he’s always advising me and his mentality is out of the ordinary.” More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes Man Utd star off transfer list after being ‘impressed by attitude’ and will give him a pay-rise

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      SCOTT MCTOMINAY has convinced Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS Group to try and keep him at Manchester United – and double his wages.The 27-year-old Scottish midfielder, who scored in United’s 4-3 win over Liverpool before the international break, still has just over a year left on his current package.Scott McTominay is set to double his money at Manchester UnitedCredit: EPAThe academy graduate pockets £60,000-a-week, with the club also having an option to extend that by another year.He was one of several players that were reportedly deemed surplus to requirements by United chiefs as they looked to raise cash by offloading unwanted men.However, the Daily Star says that his impressive form has “ensured he is firmly back in favour”.It has “also convinced the club’s new football hierarchy he is a vital part of the future” at Old Trafford.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThey state that McTominay’s “performances on the pitch – and exemplary attitude off it – are exactly what is required moving forward” to get the team back competing at the top.And that he “can expect to double his money to £120,000-a-week” with the new offer.McTominay is United’s second top scorer this term with nine goals in all competitions, which is double his previous career best for a single season.And his displays and availability had alerted a host of other clubs that have continued to circle.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe was believed to be a £45m target for both Newcastle and West Ham last summer.McTominay has also been in top form for his country.Sir Jim Ratcliffe, 71, needs a PB in London Marathon if he’s to make Man Utd’s FA Cup semi-final after kick-off switchAhead of his 48th cap in the 4-0 defeat to Holland on Friday, he had been named as Scotland’s Player of the Year for 2023.That was down to his sensational form in their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign that saw him produce seven goals in eight games for Steve Clarke’s men. More

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      Man Utd could miss out on Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite transfer with Premier League rivals ready to gazump them

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      MANCHESTER CITY are keeping tabs on Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports.Branthwaite, 21, has been heavily linked with a move away from Goodison Park in recent months.Man City are interested in signing Jarrad BranthwaiteCredit: AlamySince breaking into the first team at the start of the campaign, the centre-back has made 31 appearances across all competitions.And his impressive form has attracted interest from the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham and Real Madrid.According to the Daily Mail, Man City are also considering a swoop.City officials like the fact Branthwaite is young, homegrown, and showing tactical traits similar to John Stones.Read More on Man UtdHowever, Everton want at least £60million for him this summer.That could put the defender out of Man Utd’s price range.Branthwaite earned his first senior England call-up earlier this month.He was an unused substitute during the team’s 1-0 defeat to Brazil on Friday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBranthwaite has impressed for Everton this seasonHowever, the Everton star could be in line to make his debut against Belgium on Tuesday.Speaking after his Three Lions call-up, Branthwaite told Everton TV: “It’s a dream come true.Gareth Southgate admits ‘we don’t like losing’ but takes positives from Brazil loss”To represent your national team at any level is a massive achievement, but for it to be the senior squad, I’m over the moon.”I found out in training. The gaffer pulled me and told me I’ve been selected, so I was buzzing when I heard the news.”You can only affect what you do on the pitch and give yourself the best possible opportunity to be selected, and that’s by putting in good performances on the pitch.”That’s what your only focus can be, really, and that’s been from when I came into the team to now – it’s just to keep delivering that high level and see where that takes me.”I messaged my dad and he said he’s very proud of me. He said: ‘All of the family is proud’, so it’s a lovely feeling. I just can’t wait to join up with the team.”They’re obviously really tough fixtures, but I’m really happy to just be in the squad, take every moment in and see where it takes me.” More

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      ‘I don’t even know the rules’, admits Erling Haaland as Man City star reveals what annoys him most about modern football

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      ERLING HAALAND has called for goal-line technology to be introduced across all lines on the pitch.Currently Hawk-Eye only serves the actual goal-line, leaving corners and throw-ins up to the officials.Erling Haaland has revealed which rule he’d changeCredit: GettyHaaland also admitted his issue with throw-insCredit: APThis season there have been a number of controversial decisions relating to whether the ball had gone out in the build-up to goals.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta whinged that he felt the ball was out prior to Newcastle’s winner against his team back in November – even though another angle appeared to prove otherwise.Appearing on Manchester City’s official podcast, their star striker said of the changes he’d like to implement: “The first is to introduce goal line technology all over the pitch, so that you always know when the ball is out of play.”The Norwegian, 23, then revealed his gripes with throw-ins themselves.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe added: “But what annoys me is throw-ins.”If you throw this way or that way, it doesn’t matter. Just make sure you have two hands on the ball.”I don’t even know the rules, and if I’m going to make a throw, I’ll probably do it wrong.”But it doesn’t matter if you throw the ball straight down, straight up or whatever. I would change that.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”And you can’t steal too many meters, there should be a limit to how far you can go and a limit to how long you can take.”I think it will be like that in the future.”Erling Haaland reveals secret talent after childhood vid goes viralHaaland is currently on international duty with Norway.On Friday he played 75 minutes as his side, who have not qualified for Euro 2024, lost 2-1 to the Czech Republic.He will be back in action on Tuesday night, when Norway host Slovakia in Oslo.City fans will be hoping that Haaland doesn’t exert himself too much in the friendly, with a huge showdown with Arsenal to come next Sunday.I don’t even know the rules, and if I’m going to make a throw, I’ll probably do it wrong.Erling HaalandThe reigning champions currently trail the Gunners by one point in the table, with Arteta’s side level with Liverpool.Despite nursing an injury earlier in the campaign, Haaland has enjoyed another prolific season.Having helped City to the Treble during his first campaign in England, he has bagged 29 goals so far this term, with 18 of them coming in 23 Prem appearances. More

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      I’m a former Tottenham and England star but I’d much rather see Arsenal win the league than Three Lions win Euro 2024

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      DARREN BENT would rather see Arsenal win the Premier League than England win Euro 2024 this summer.The former striker scored four goals in 12 caps for the Three Lions and spent two years with Tottenham.Darren Bent would rather Arsenal win the league than England win the EurosCredit: The SunBent won 12 caps for the Three Lions as a player, scoring four goalsCredit: Dave Pinegar – The SunHowever, he is a passionate supporter of their North London rivals Arsenal instead.Bent has even now revealed he wants the Gunners to win a trophy this season over England in the summer.He told talkSPORT: “As an Arsenal fan I want the league. I want Arsenal over anything.”Co-host Andy Goldstein then asked: “You don’t want FA Cup – Arsenal, Euros – England.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBent admitted it would still be a “close decision” before adding: “Champions League, Premier League over anything.”He also revealed that an FA Cup and League Cup double would mean more than England winning a trophy.The 40-year-old pundit continued: “FA Cup and League Cup. Nope, I’m not joking you. FA Cup, League Cup. Arsenal.”Goldstein responded: “I just find that nuts, I really do.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHowever, Bent clarified his choice by stating: “As a fan, I’m club over country.”Arsenal currently sit top of the Premier League on goal difference ahead of Liverpool.Shaun Custis and Jack Rosser discuss Cole Palmer and Conor Gallagher’s England hopes as Southgate ponders Euro 2024 squadMeanwhile, Gareth Southgate’s England are set to face Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia in the group stage at this summer’s Euros.Bent never represented England at a major international tournament but scored four goals in his 12 caps for the Three Lions.He also spent two years with Tottenham during his playing career after signing from Charlton for over £21million in 2007.During his time at White Hart Lane, he scored 25 goals in 79 appearances for Spurs.Those goals include one in his three North London derbies against Arsenal, who he also scored against for Sunderland, Aston Villa and Fulham.Bent also made 79 appearances for Arsenal’s bitter rivals TottenhamCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd More

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      Arsenal ‘chasing Forest star for shock transfer as embattled club frantically aim to balance books after FFP breach’

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      ARSENAL are targeting Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White ahead of the summer transfer window, reports suggest.The Gunners are pushing for their first Premier League title since the Invincibles’ triumph in 2004 as they currently sit top of the table.Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is already looking on summer transfersCredit: GettyHowever, the North Londoners are always keeping an eye on the summer market as manager Mikel Arteta’s rebuild continues.And according to The Star, Arteta is planning on some major transfer business come June.The Spanish tactician is looking to reshape his ranks and the club is keen on adding Gibbs-White, 24, to the squad.This comes amid reports suggesting Emile Smith Rowe could be on his way out of the Emirates.Read More on ArsenalAnd Forest’s playmaker is seen as the perfect replacement for Smith Rowe if the academy graduate decides to go after a different challenge.The same source claims Nottingham are weighing up cashing in on their star man.This comes after the Tricky Trees were hit with a four-point deduction for breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules.And thus player departures are on the cards as Forest look to balance the books.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERGibbs-White is currently fully focused on Nuno Espirito Santo’s side amid another intense relegation scrap.The recent points deduction has seen Forest plummet to the drop zone in 18th place.Morgan Gibbs-White’s stunning Wag Britney goes braless in daring dress to surprise him on Valentine’s Day The attacking midfielder joined Evangelos Marinakis’ club in 2022 following a record £44.5million deal with Wolves.The former England youth international has since justified his price with a total of 71 appearances in the last two seasons.Arsenal are keeping tabs on Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-WhiteCredit: Rex More