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      Barcelona got £225m Inter offer for Lionel Messi in 2006 – more than QUADRUPLE the world-record transfer fee at time

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      BARCELONA turned down a £225million Inter Milan bid for Lionel Messi in 2006, according to their former club president Joan Laporta.The Catalan politician served as the club’s chief between 2003 and 2010 before returning earlier this year.
      Messi was already hot property back in 2006Credit: AFP – Getty
      Joan Laporta revealed the bid back in AprilCredit: EPA
      And Laporta, 59, was asked about the future of unhappy talisman Lionel Messi – leading to a stunning admission.
      He told Radio Onda Cero in April: “Nobody who loves Barcelona can have doubts about Messi.
      “We rejected a £225m offer coming from Inter in 2006. [Massimo] Moratti wanted to bring him to his club.”
      The offer dwarfed what was the transfer world-record at the time, which was then the £46.6m that Real Madrid paid for Zinedine Zidane in 2001.
      At the time, inspired by the likes of Javier Zanetti, Adriano and Luis Figo, Inter had just won Serie A – while Messi had picked up his first Champions League medal with Barca.
      The Argentine, now 34, has gone on to pick up three more – but not since 2015.
      Ultimately, Barcelona lost their talisman for nothing when he departed for Paris Saint-Germain once his contract expired.
      And former club figure Jaume Llopis has hammered Laporta for his handling of the Messi and CVC investment saga.
      The transfer record was previously held by Zinedine Zidane at £46.6mCredit: AFP

      The former Espai Barca member told Cadena SER: “The first contract was not accepted because, according to Laporta, it meant mortgaging the TV rights of Barcelona for the next 50 years.
      “But CVC were willing to negotiate. And they did not negotiate either.
      “Laporta was convinced by Ferran Reverter, the new CEO, that it was not possible to sign with CVC, and by Florentino Perez with the European Super League project.
      “It also happens that Ferran Reverter has a long-standing friendship with Florentino Perez and between them they convinced him and Laporta to radically change his mind and refuse to continue negotiating.”
      Lionel Messi greets PSG fans as they light flares and scream his name at historic unveiling More

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      Steward convinced she had DIED after being hit by a Cristiano Ronaldo shot – and it isn’t first time pair have clashed

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      THE female steward hit by Cristiano Ronaldo’s ferocious shot on Tuesday thought she had DIED when it hit her.Marisa Nobile was wallopped by Ronnie’s wayward effort ahead of United’s Champions League defeat at Young Boys and has since revealed the pair argued in the past.
      Steward Marisa Nobile thought she had died after being hit with a Cristiano Ronaldo shot
      She also revealed the pair had previously argued when he played for Real Madrid
      Nobile has since forgiven Ronaldo for both incidents
      The innocent steward was sent flying after a miskick from Ronaldo flew right into her.
      She lay prone on the ground as medics rushed to her aid.
      And Ronnie himself charged over to make sure she was OK.
      Fortunately Nobile escaped without serious injury but revealed she feared for her life in the immediate aftermath as she lay stricken on the ground.
      She told Blick TV: “When the ball hit me on my head it was a full strike.
      “I was gone in my head and went to the ground. Afterwards I saw Ronaldo above me and said: ‘Oh my God no, did I die?’

      “Ronaldo said: ‘No, no. Excuse me! What’s happening? Are you all right?’
      “I was in great pain. My God. I was more or less ballaballa! But then I saw Ronaldo and the headache was gone.”
      As well as being apologetic at the time, Ronnie also gave Nobile his shirt after the 2-1 defeat which cheered her up.
      But in a seperate interview with Globo Esporte, Nobile revealed it was not always sweetness and light between her and the Portuguese.
      She said: “When he played here for Real Madrid, I ended up cursing him. I didn’t know who he was.
      ACT OF REVENGE?
      “I said: ‘The game is over, you keep running here on the field and people don’t leave.’
      “He continued [running on the field], and I was already very tired. He sent me to talk to the coach.
      “I came back: ‘So, is it going to end or not? This is Switzerland, dear!’
      “He told me where to go. I said: ‘What a rude guy.’ Until yesterday, I didn’t like Cristiano Ronaldo.”
      Despite their past beef, Nobile admitted she doesn’t think Tuesday’s incident was an act of revenge.
      She added: “It wasn’t revenge, no.
      “He was holding my hand, stroking my face, asking, ‘Are you okay, are you okay?’
      “Now I’m a number one Ronaldete!”
      Man Utd legend Patrice Evra jokes he’s moving sheep away from Cristiano Ronaldo after leaving mansion house More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson tipped seven Man Utd kids for stardom, like Darren Fletcher to Luke Chadwick and what happened next

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON is one of the greatest football managers of all time.From being one game from the sack at Old Trafford to transforming the club into a real European heavyweight, Fergie’s tenure will go down in history.
      Sir Alex Ferguson tipped big things from a few players who never quite reached that levelCredit: Reuters
      But the great man did make one or two mistakes along the way.
      From signing the likes of Bebe, Eric Djemba Djemba  and Gabriel Obertan to the infamous David Beckham boot-kicking episode, there were some colourful times during his 26 years at the club.
      After winning the Premier League in 2001, the boss was full of beans for the future.
      Fergie tipped seven youngsters from the United youth team that he predicted were destined for greatness.
      He said: “Darren Fletcher, who we hope will get over his broken leg, is good. Michael Stewart and Luke Chadwick are doing very well, and John O’Shea’s doing well too.
      “There’s a young left-back called Paul Tierney who’s doing well, as is Danny Pugh.

      “But there’s a young boy who has started now, he’s 16, called Kieran Richardson. He’s going to be a fantastic player.”
      Some lived up to his billing but sadly others failed to make the grade. We take a look at who was a hit and who missed the mark.John O’Shea
      Mr Versatile, O’Shea even played in goal during his time with United.
      Far from being a flop, O’Shea featured 256 times for the club between 1999 and 2011.
      The Irishman moved on to Sunderland where he captained the Mackems, but couldn’t stop their slide down the leagues.
      O’Shea joined Reading for one season in 2018 before retiring and joining their backroom staff, where he is currently first team coach.
      John O’Shea went on to have a decent Man Utd career without ever really bossing itCredit: Empics
      Darren Fletcher
      A capable midfielder who perhaps never got the credit he deserved for his workmanlike performances in the middle of the park.
      Incredibly the Scot managed to play at the top level while suffering from a serious bowel condition.
      He won five Premier League titles as well as the Champions League during his 342 appearances in 11 years for United.
      Fletcher went on to play for West Brom and Stoke before retiring at the age of 36. Now, he’s technical director at Old Trafford.
      Darren Fletcher did his job without too much fuss, and went on to become a Scotland internationalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Luke Chadwick
      Once talked about as Beckham’s successor, it’s fair to say Chadwick failed to live up to even half of that billing.
      He did feature 38 times in United’s first-team, but that mostly came in cup competitions and coming off the bench.
      Chadwick went on to play for West Ham, Stoke, Norwich, MK Dons and Cambridge United before dropping into non-league to finish his career with Soham Town Rangers.
      The 40-year-old is now coaching in Cambridge’s academy but hit headlines after revealing his sadness at being mocked on the BBC quiz show They Think It’s All Over – earning an apology from presenters Nick Hancock and Gary Lineker.
      Luke Chadwick never quite filled David Beckham’s boots at Old TraffordCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Kieran Richardson
      Fergie described how Richardson would go on to become ‘a fantastic player’.
      Like O’Shea and Fletcher, Richardson can look back on a pretty successful career, even making eight England appearances and scoring twice.
      He made 81 appearances for United between 2002 and 2007, and went on to play for Sunderland, Fulham, Aston Villa and Cardiff.
      Kieran Richardson never really made it at Old Trafford, but did make eight England appearancesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Danny Pugh
      Pugh had the honour of making his debut for United when he replaced the legend that is Ruud van Nistelrooy in a Champions League game against Maccabi Haifa in 2002.
      But he went on to feature only another six times before being shipped out to Leeds as part of the deal that took Alan Smith to Old Trafford.
      Pugh also played for Preston, Stoke, a second spell with Leeds before floating down the leagues.
      He last coached at Port Vale after finishing his playing career with the club, leaving in his position in May.
      Danny Pugh spent most of his career outside England’s top flight after leaving UnitedCredit: Action Images
      Michael Stewart
      A defensive midfielder in the time when Roy Keane was bossing the opposition as well as the dressing room, Stewart was always going to find it difficult to break through.
      The Scot made eight appearances for United between 1998 and 2005 before being moved on to Hibs permanently.
      He joined their great rivals Hearts in 2007 where he stayed for three season, before a spell with Genclerbirligi in Turkey and his career ended in 2011 after a nine-game stint at Charlton.
      Capped four times by Scotland, he later applied to be a candidate for the Scottish National Party in the 2015 general election – but failed to secure the nomination.
      Michael Stewart had the small matter of Roy Keane to try and displace from the midfield spotCredit: Eddie Keogh
      Paul Tierney
      After shining at youth levels at United, Tierney made only ONE first-team appearance – in the League Cup against West Brom in 2003.
      The right-back joined up with Scottish side Livingston in 2005 but was flogged on to Blackpool when they were relegated from the Scottish Premiership.
      After a loan spell with Stockport, he was released by the Seasiders. Tierney ended his career with a three-game stint with Altincham.
      Paul Tierney made a solitary appearance for United in the League Cup before moving to Livingston in 2005Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Van de Beek can’t catch a break as tunnel cam shows Man Utd flop bumping into coach and spilling his tea on him More

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      Who is Ralf Rangnick? Interim Man Utd manager whose football tactics inspired Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel

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      MANCHESTER UNTED have agreed a deal to appoint Ralf Rangnick as their interim manager.The German, 63, will sign a six-month contract with the Red Devils, after the club sacked beleaguered Norwegian boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      Ralf Rangnick is the new interim manager at Manchester UnitedCredit: AFP
      Rangnick has been a big influence on the career of Jurgen KloppCredit: Rex
      Rangnick is recognised as a true-visionary of the game and comes with a hefty reputation in his homeland, which United will hope to cash in on.
      He is said to have inspired Premier League bosses Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel and Bayern Munich supremo Julian Nagelsman with his tactics.
      Nicknamed ‘The Professor’, he was one of the pioneers of Gegenpressing, a style of play where teams immediately press the opposition after losing possession of the ball.
      His influence has been felt in the modern game, with many teams adopting his philosophy.
      STARTING YOUNG
      Incredibly, Rangnick began his coaching career when he was just 25 in 1983, following a mediocre semi-pro career.
      But his theories were against trend – with the national team adopting a rigid 3-5-2 system and man-marking.

      And to be fair, West Germany tasted success playing that way – winning the 1990 World Cup, after finishing runners-up four years earlier.
      But Ralf had his own ideas how the beautiful game should be played.
      In 1997, he scored his first job at lowly Ulm 1846, who would become fourth division champions with him at the helm.
      In 1998, Rangnick appeared on German TV to explain his football ideologyCredit: Getty
      A year later, he appeared on German TV donning a black suit and shirt revealing his footballing thesis.
      The German media nicknamed him the ‘German Professor’, probably unfairly and with derision.
      He was ridiculed for his geeky look and rimless glasses, while his methods weren’t embraced with teams favouring German legend Franz Beckenbauer’s sweeper approach.
      “The reaction from the media as well as others in football was extraordinary,” Rangnick told ESPN.
      “The main reason for this was that 30 years before, Franz Beckenbauer set the benchmark for most teams in our country when he created a libero-sweeper position for himself.
      “Franz himself even said in the mid-’90s that you cannot play with a zone-marking back four line because German players will not understand how to play it.
      “I asked myself, why should German players be any less intelligent than those in Belgium, Spain or the Netherlands? For me that was simply not logical.”
      GEGENPRESSING
      At the forefront of Rangnick’s belief was what later became coined as Gegenpressing, which itself was a spin off of iconic Ukrainian manager Valeriy Lobanovskyi’s pressing game.
      It’s a tactic that made Jurgen Klopp follow his lead with his own brand of ‘heavy-metal football’.
      Pioneer Rangnick has been credited for creating GegenpressingCredit: AFP
      The Liverpool boss also declared Rangnick as “one of the best, if not the best German coach”.
      Of Gegenpressing, Rangnick describes it as “very simple”.
      He continues: “[Gegenpressing is] a very proactive style of football, similar to the way in which Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool have been playing under Klopp.
      “We like to press high, with a very intense counter-pressure. When we have the ball, we do not like any square or back passes.
      “The goalkeeper also should not be the one with the most contact on the ball. In almost every league and every country, the goalkeeper is technically the most limited football player on the pitch and therefore we have to make sure that he has the lowest contact with the feet.
      “It is a fast, proactive, attacking, counter-attacking, counter-pressing, exciting and entertaining [style of] football.”
      SUCCESS
      From 2001-2004, Rangnick coached at Hannover, who he got promoted to the Bundesliga.
      Then, after missing out on an assistant manager role for the national team working under Joachim Low, he scored the Schalke job.
      It was a season of what could’ve been for Meister der Herzen, who finished runners-up in the Bundesliga to Bayern Munich.
      At Schalke Rangnick finished Bundesliga runners-up and lost a cup final to Bayern Munich
      Despite being championed for his footballing philosophy, major trophies have evaded him as bossCredit: Getty
      They also lost the German cup final to their rivals in 2005.
      But forever enjoying being the underdog, Rangnick took on the Hoffenheim post in 2006, once he was fired by Schalke after a string of disastrous results.
      It was where he, perhaps, achieved his greatest moment as a coach – taking a team from the third division to the Bundesliga with back-to-back promotions.
      He left the club in a healthy state in the German top flight, before returning to Schalke where he felt he had unfinished business.
      He won the German cup, led the club to the Champions League semi-finals, before exhaustion saw him resign in 2011.
      A NEW PROJECT
      Rangnick took a sabbatical from the dugout, but got involved in a new project – one that saw him oversee Red Bull teams, Leipzig, Salzburg and New York as a sporting director of the company.
      Under his leadership, the club – bankrolled by billionaire Dietrich Mateschitz – controversially went from division four to the Bundesliga in just six years.
      German fans didn’t like it, especially since it went against the 50+1 ownership business model. But Leipzig fans didn’t care.
      In his time with the unfashionable side, Leipzig became a top four team, as well as Champions League regulars.
      Rangnick did return to the dugout sporadically with the club, between 2015-16 and 2018-19, but he preferred his more advisory role.
      With his work done, he moved on again – with reports that AC Milan were desperate to have his influence on their football operations.
      Rangnick has been credited with leading the RB Leipzig revolutionCredit: AFP or licensors
      RB Leipzig were promoted from the fourth division to the Bundesliga in just six years under Rangnick’s leadershipCredit: Getty – Contributor
      After his miracle with RB Leipzig, could Rangnick (pictured with Timo Werner) be the answer to Man Utd’s prayersCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Surprisingly, Rangnick joined Russian Premier League side Lokomotiv Moscow as manager of sports and development last summer on a three-year deal.
      But the lure of fixing Manchester United is too much to ignore.
      Could Ralf’s Midas touch help restore the fallen giants to former glory?
      RB Leipzig director Ralf Rangnick runs on the pitch at half time against Bayern Munich, to dispute bad call using his phone More

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      All Golden Boy winners from 2003 and where they are now, including Balotelli, Renato Sanches and Haaland

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      AND the winner is…Barcelona star Pedri has beaten the likes of Man United wonderkid Mason Greenwood to the the 2021 Golden Boy following a 20-man strong shortlist.
      Barcelona star Pedri is the 2021 Golden BoyCredit: Getty

      Greenwood had been in blistering form for the Red Devils but lost out to Spain international Pedri, who has become a standout star for both club and country
      Greenwood was one of three England aces who had been nominated, with Arsenal star Bukayo Saka receiving a second nod in a row and Jude Bellingham also getting recognised for his impressive performances for Borussia Dortmund.
      Other notable talents in the running were Barcelona’s Gavi and Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga.
      Down the years, the likes of Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney have got their hands on the trophy, as well as some underwhelming names like Anderson and Alexandre Pato.
      Even more incredibly Cristiano Ronaldo, Eden Hazard and Neymar have all failed in their bid to win it.
      But who are the other previous winners of the award since its 2003 inception? Take a look below…
      2003 – RAFAEL VAN DER VAART
      THEN at Ajax, 20-year-old Van der Vaart was already an established star in Holland – with three full seasons under his belt.
      The 109-cap Holland legend went to play for Hamburg, Real Madrid and Tottenham, as well as Real Betis, Midtjylland and Esbjerg.
      Since retiring, Van der Vaart has dabbled in professional darts – making his BDO debut in 2019.

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      2004 – WAYNE ROONEY
      AFTER exploding on to the scene in 2002-03 with Everton – with that goal against Arsenal – Rooney earned a move to Manchester United that summer.
      After winning the award around his 20th birthday, Rooney went on to win 120 caps for England, become the nation’s all-time leading scorer, while adding five Premier League titles and one Champions League crown, scoring 306 career goals.
      Rooney is now coach at cash-strapped Derby after the sacking of boss Phillip Cocu.
      Wayne Rooney won the Golden Boy award in 2004 shortly after joining UnitedCredit: Rex Features
      Lionel Messi is another big-name star to clinch the famous awardCredit: AFP
      2005 – LIONEL MESSI
      ONLY 18-years-old at the time, Messi exploded on to the scene with Barcelona only a year earlier.
      The Argentine legend has become arguably the greatest player of all time, scoring 672 goals in 778 club games, as well as 80 Argentina goals from 156 games.
      Messi also won ten LaLiga titles, four Champions League crowns – as well as a world-record SIX Ballons d’Or, amongst many, many other accolades.
      Now, he is at PSG after falling out with Barcelona hierarchy.
      2006 – CESC FABREGAS
      THEN at Arsenal, Fabregas was 19-years-old when he was given the nod.
      The Spaniard went on to star for Barcelona and Chelesa before heading to Monaco – where he now plays – with three league crowns to his name, in all.
      2007 – SERGIO AGUERO
      A MANCHESTER CITY legend, Aguero was at Atletico Madrid, aged 19, when he bagged the award.
      Aguero went on to win five titles at City, including the dramatic winner as the club won their first-ever Premier League crown in 2011-12 on the final day of the season.
      Now, he’s at Barcelona for a new challenge.
      2008 – ANDERSON
      THE list’s first true flop, Anderson had joined Man Utd in 2007, thought to be an exciting young winger.
      But issues with form and fitness saw him transition into becoming a wildly underwhelming central midfielder.
      After leaving United in 2015, Anderson turned out for Internacional and Adana Demirspor in the Turkish second tier.
      Mario Balotelli won the award shortly after joining Man CityCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Isco won the award back in his Malaga days before bagging a move to RealCredit: AFP
      2009 – ALEXANDRE PATO
      ANOTHER ‘future superstar’ who never quite became that, Pato was on fire as a 20-year-old at AC Milan, having just scored 15 Serie A goals in 2008-09.
      But injuries and a lack of form saw him move back to Brazil, before an ill-fated loan stint at Chelsea preceded time at Villarreal Tianjin Quanjian and Sao Paulo.
      At 32, Pato is playing in the MLS for Orlando City.
      2010 – MARIO BALOTELLI
      AFTER three red-hot years at Inter Milan, “Super Mario” bagged his move to Man City in the summer of 2010 before winning the Golden Boy award.
      But things never quite panned out for Balotelli as lack of form on the pitch and a series of controversies off it saw him become something of a journeyman.
      Süper Lig club Adana Demirspor are now trying to get a tune out of the erratic Italian.
      2011 – MARIO GOTZE
      THEN only 19-years-old, Gotze was being tipped for a bright future at Borussia Dortmund – and even earned a move to Bayern Munich in 2013.
      But a spate of injuries and a freak illness threatened to derail his career, as a return to Dortmund saw Gotze get back on track – even getting back into the Germany squad.
      Gotze is now at PSV Eindhoven after being released by the Bundesliga giants.
      2012 – ISCO
      AFTER swapping Valencia for Malaga, Isco instantly became a sensation in Spain, earning himself the Golden Boy award in 2012, aged 20.
      He earned a move to Real Madrid a year later, but while featuring 214 times in LaLiga across seven years, many believe he would have earned far more individual success elsewhere.
      Paul Pogba won the Golden Boy award in 2003 while at Juventus
      Raheem Sterling clinched the title while at Liverpool before his Man City moveCredit: PA:Press Association
      2013 – PAUL POGBA
      POGBA quit Old Trafford in 2012 with just three Premier League appearances under his belt – instantly becoming a hit at Juventus.
      The Frenchman quickly became one of the best and most dynamic midfielders in the world, becoming the most-expensive player in the world three years after his Golden Boy win as he rejoined United in an £89m deal.
      Pogba is still at Man Utd but is rumoured to be unhappy with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      He played a huge role as France won the 2018 World Cup.
      2014 – RAHEEM STERLING
      FROM talented star at Liverpool to one of the best players in the world at present, it’s been a meteoric rise for Sterling.
      The England ace won the award aged 19 and would join Man City the following summer – where he has won three Premier League titles.
      However, he has struggled to make Pep Guardiola’s first eleven in recent weeks – with rumours of a move away intensifying.
      2015 – ANTHONY MARTIAL
      THE now-Man Utd star swapped Lyon for Monaco in 2013 and quickly became a key squad member as they rose to the top of French football.
      Another star to see his career stall a tad at Old Trafford, Martial has been unable to score with any regularity.
      Martial won the award early in his Man Utd career after leaving MonacoCredit: Getty
      Matthijs De Ligt is the most-recent winner of the Golden Boy awardCredit: Alamy
      2016 – RENATO SANCHES
      AFTER impressing for Benfica in 2015-16, Sanches was called up to Portugal’s squad for Euro 2016 – and the midfielder starred as they stunned Europe to win the title.
      Sanches, still only 23, earned himself a move to Bayern Munich – but his career hit a brick wall and was even sent on an atrocious loan spell at Swansea.
      The Portuguese flop is now at Lille where he has managed to rebuild his career.
      2017 – KYLIAN MBAPPE
      THE France wonderkid had just joined Paris Saint-Germain from Monaco when the Golden Boy committee came knocking.
      Since making that move permanent in 2018, he has won three Ligue 1 crowns as well as the World Cup in that run, scoring 138 goals for the French club.
      The forward is a target for Real Madrid and Liverpool.
      2018 – MATTHIJS DE LIGT
      DE LIGT was in phenomenal form in 2018-19 as Ajax reached the semi-finals of the Champions League – but even before that stellar run, De Ligt was awarded the Golden Boy award.
      His form saw seemingly every club in the world after him, with Juventus winning the race.
      Despite his big-money move, De Ligt has struggled to replicate his top form in 30 Serie A games, despite Juve winning the league in his first season.
      2019 – JOAO FELIX
      THE Portuguese ace starred at Benfica in the 2018-19 season, ultimately leading to him winning the Golden Boy gong.
      In the same year, Felix made his mega-money move to Atletico Madrid, where he found his feet after a tricky start to life in LaLiga.
      Felix has scored 11 goals in 34 LaLiga games and has won his first 13 caps for Portugal – scoring three times – since 2019.
      2020 – ERLING HAALAND
      LAST year it was Norwegian powerhouse Haaland who was victorious as the Golden Boy.
      The most wanted footballer in the world showed his worth for Borussia Dortmund by plundering 41 goals in as many games for the German giants.
      The son of Leeds United favourite Alf-Inge Håland is destined to be a legend in the game, and has been linked with moves to all the world’s top clubs.
      2021 – PEDRI
      BARCELONA may be suffering financially, as well as still recovering from the bitter blow of losing Lionel Messi.
      But with club legend Xavi returning as manager, fans have even more reasons to be optimistic after Pedri was crowned Golden Boy for 2021.
      The playmaker starred for Barcelona in his first season last term, playing an incredible 52 times.
      Pedri also only made his Spain debut at the start of 2021 but has gone on to secure an amazing TEN caps already, nailing his place in the starting XI during Euro 2020.
      Erling Haaland wows social media with crazy three-ball penalty trick… but did the Man Utd transfer target fake it More

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      Inside Man Utd star Paul Pogba’s amazing lifestyle with £2.9m mansion, plane, £1.6m car collection and Gucci wardrobe

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      FROM personalised emojis to promotional tours, Paul Pogba has become the ultimate global superstar.Man United’s £89million man shot to further stardom after becoming the most expensive signing ever in 2016 before winning the World Cup last year.
      World Cup winner Paul Pogba has shot to global fame since joining Manchester United
      Pogba’s tour of the Far East saw him dancing on a P-shaped stage
      And the Real Madrid target looked to be on the move once again after revealing his desire for a “new challenge somewhere else” – but that so far has not worked out.
      Pogba took a personalised plane on his own pre-season tour in 2019, with stops in Perth, Singapore and Shanghai, where he danced on a P-shaped stage and posed with Sumo wrestlers.
      And all of that reflects the Galactico lifestyle Pogba already leads, from his £1.6m supercar collection to his £2.9m Manchester mansion.
      And the 28-year-old French ace is happy to share his incredible life with his 50million followers on Instagram.
      CARPAUL
      When it comes to spending his pennies, Pogba has a love for supercars – and his collection comes to a staggering £1.6m.
      There’s his Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge, valued at £290,000, which is the most expensive motor in Pogba’s garage.
      And then there’s the fiery Lamborghini Aventador which is capable of hitting 218mph and reaching 62mph in just three seconds.
      The sleek white masterpiece is priced at £271,000.
      Pogba’s car collection includes a black Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge valued at £290,000Credit: Zenpix
      Pogba also owns a white Lamborghini Aventador which is capable of 218mph
      Pogba certainly stands out with his yellow Ferrari 812 SuperfastCredit: Zenpix
      Pogba may have to give the company car Chevrolet back to United if he leavesCredit: AFP – Getty
      Also in the ‘Need For Speed’ category is his £260,000 Ferrari 812 Superfast which Pogba got in yellow.
      When comfort is considered key, Pogba can jump into his four-door Bentley Flying Spur which boasts quilted leather seats and a Wi-fi hot-spot.
      Elsewhere in the garage is an Audi RS6, Maserati Quattroporte and his black Mercedes GLS 4×4.
      An Old Trafford exit may see Pogba have to hand back his red Chevrolet which he was given when the American car giant agreed a huge sponsorship deal with United.
      DAB PAD
      When Pogba signed for United in 2016, he spent six months living at the Lowry Hotel while on the hunt for his dream home.
      It finally came in the shape of a five-bedroom modern mansion which he haggled down from £3.49m to £2.9m.
      The Pog pad is centred around a stunning swimming pool, plus a steam room and a changing area.
      A pane of class separates the pool from the main hallway in the house, making it the first thing visitors see.
      Pogba can prepare his grub in a giant kitchen which curves round the side of the house, while there are also two huge living rooms.

      There is also a games room as well as five bedrooms, all of which boast an en suite bathroom while the master bedroom also has a walk-in wardrobe.
      And when Pogba doesn’t fancy cooking his own personal Italian chef can rustle up hearty meals for the midfielder.
      Pogba owns a luxurious £2.9million mansion in Manchester
      Pogba’s home is centred around an incredible swimming pool which can be seen from the hallway
      Pogba spent six months living in Manchester’s Lowry Hotel before finding his dream home
      The pad is a five-bedroom property with an ensuite on each bedroom
      Pogba has a giant living room with an L-shaped sofa to watch the footie on
      Pogba haggled the price down from £3.49m to £2.9m
      The master bedroom came with a walk-in wardrobe and giant bathroom
      FRENCH COUTURE
      When not wearing his adidas sponsor, Pogba loves to flaunt his designer clobber.
      The flamboyant superstar is known to shop at designer stores such as Givenchy, Balmain, Off-White, Amiri, Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Louboutin and Maison Margiela.
      Pogba’s suits have been almost as eye-catching as his haircuts at times.
      The classy black D&G blazer Pogba wore to the 2015 Ballon d’Or, with gold lace-inspired embroidered overlay, cost £2,554.
      In January, Pogba wore a customised suit with the words ‘La Pioche’, his nickname from Juventus, printed all over. It translated to ‘The Pickaxe’.

      And Pogba is certainly a member of the Gucci gang.
      He has been seen frequently wearing the Italian fashion house’s Ghost Project Bomber Jacket which cost an eye-watering £1,610.
      But, in recent years, Pogba has often been seen sporting his own personalised fashions.
      His initials have been made into gold earrings, printed on his backpack and across items of his clothing.
      The logo is seen across Pogba’s belongings and was even printed on the plane that took him on his recent tour of the Far East.
      And then there’s the release of his brand which came at the same time as Pogba got his own range of emojis, aptly named the Pogmoji.
      Pogba is known for his standout clothing with designer labels
      Pogba poses with Cristiano Ronaldo at the 2015 Ballon d’Or wearing a black D&G blazer Pogba worth £2,554
      Pogba’s personalised suit with his nickname ‘La Pioche’ printed all overCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Pogba’s personalised PP is printed over most of his belongings
      The French midfielder had his own line of emojis released called PogmojiCredit: Instagram @paulpogba
      JET-SETTER
      If Pogba’s not touring continents on a promotional tour, his summers are often spent on luxury holidays.
      And the United superstar keeps his social media followers up-to-date with his travels and vacation spots.
      There was the trip to Los Angeles with Romelu Lukaku that ended in the Belgian joining Manchester United in 2017.
      Pogba regularly holidays in LA, with last year’s trip ending in a fallout with then United boss Jose Mourinho.
      His party with family and friends annoyed the Portuguese coach who wanted the Red Devils to return to pre-season training early.
      Agent Mino Raiola has even joined him on his trips.
      When Pogba’s after a more relaxing break, he heads to the tranquil setting of the French Polynsesia.
      He is regularly pictured in a pool with incredible scenic backdrops.
      But, of course, there’s also the regular returns weekend breaks back to his home nation of France and the city of Paris.
      Pogba’s promotional tour in 2019 saw him fly in a personalised private jetCredit: Instagram @paulpogba
      The superstar regularly posts photos of himself to Instagram with picturesque backdropsCredit: Refer to Caption
      Pogba hired a massive pad in Los Angeles where he regularly holidays
      Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola has even holidayed with him on certain summersCredit: Paul Pogba/Instagram
      Pogba likes to keep his social media followers up-to-date with his travels
      The Frenchman regularly takes a trip back to his hometown of Paris
      Pogba’s latest holiday this summer was in a luxury spot in Dubai
      FAMILY AFFAIR
      Up until recently, very little was known about Pogba’s wife and the mother of his baby.
      But model Maria Zulay Salaues, 27, is now seen frequently with the footballing superstar.
      His brothers are both footballers as well with Florentin playing for Ligue 2 club FC Sochaux-Montbéliard and Mathias at Tours in the French third division.
      And then there’s their mum, Yeo, who has been alongside the Frenchman throughout his career.
      On her birthday in 2020, Pogba posted a tribute to his mother with a picture of them hugging.It read: “Having my mum is the best trophy I can have, way better than the World Cup trophy, bon anniversaire maman.”
      Pogba’s dad, Fassou Antoine Pogba, passed away in 2017 at the age of 79 after battling illness.
      Pogba has a close-knit family with his two footballing brothers and motherCredit: Instagram, @paulpogba
      Pogba’s partner is the Bolivian model Maria Zulay Salaues who is mother to his child
      Pogba’s father Fassou Antoine Pogba died in 2017 aged 79
      Pogba’s brother Florentin plays for Ligue 2 club FC Sochaux-Montbéliard while Mathias plays in the French third divisionCredit: Reuters
      Paul Pogba tells Man Utd he wants to leave as he admits he needs a new challenge More

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      Beckham, Maldini and more footy legends who have managed to keep incredible body physiques after retiring

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      AFTER decades of training hard and watching what they eat – and drink – it must be tempting for footballers to hit McDonald’s and the off licence after hanging their boots.But this lot have proven it is possible to avoid the temptation of making up for lost time at the takeaway.
      David Beckham still looks in elite shape despite retiring a decade agoCredit: Splash News
      Beckham looks as good now as he did in his heydayCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      From David Beckham to Paolo Maldini, check out the former football stars who maintained their elite physiques when their career was long-gone…
      DAVID BECKHAM
      BELIEVE it or not, Golden Balls retired from football with his swansong spell at Paris Saint-Germain SEVEN years ago.
      Despite that, Becks, 46, has kept a footballer’s frame.
      Now owner of MLS side Inter Miami and a part-owner of Salford City alongside his Class of 92 pals, Beckham is still very much involved in football.
      Beckham is still a very marketable name too, regularly popping up in adverts an even movies, including a role in The Man From U.N.C.L.E. in 2015.
      PAOLO MALDINI
      Paolo Maldini shirtless at the beach in MiamiCredit: Splash News
      Maldini arguably looks stronger now than he did as a playerCredit: Getty – Contributor
      NOW aged 53, Maldini is still in tip-top shape.
      The AC Milan legend spent his whole career at the San Siro and is arguably the best defender of all time.
      But despite retiring in 2009, Maldini has kept fit by turning his hand to professional tennis, competing at the Aspria Tennis Cup in Milan in 2017.
      Maldini is now back at AC Milan, working as technical director.
      RIO FERDINAND
      Rio Ferdinand looks stronger than ever despite retiring five years agoCredit: Instagram
      Rio Ferdinand has certainly bulked up since his playing days endedCredit: Getty – Contributor
      THE Manchester United and England legend, 43, hung up his boots in 2015 and has remained fighting fit ever since.
      In fact, Ferdinand was linked with a career in boxing at one stage, before pulling the plug after failing to obtain a licence.
      Now most often seen as a pundit, Ferdinand is still in elite shape – and would prove more than a handful for most strikers.
      GARY LINEKER
      Gary Lineker has still kept his shape despite being 60Credit: Splash News
      Lineker looks as good now as he did at Italia 90Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      HE may be well-known for his “other career” selling Walker’s crisps, but it would seem Lineker stays clear of the spuds.
      The Match of the Day host looks in fine shape aged 60.
      Lineker is regularly spotted hitting the beach in just his swim-shorts, looking as fit as he did in his 20s.
      ROBERTO MANCINI
      Roberto Mancini looks as slim and suave as ever now aged 56Credit: Splash News
      Roberto Mancini appears to have only got better with ageCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      ANOTHER regularly spotted soaking up the sun is Italy boss Mancini.
      At the age of 56, Mancini is still in remarkable shape.
      And to think he hung up his boots nearly 20 years ago…
      ZINEDINE ZIDANE
      Zinedine Zidane is still lean as ever, despite retiring 14 years ago
      Zidane looks as in shape as he was as a playerCredit: AFP
      THE ex-Real Madrid boss could still probably get a game for Los Blancos now aged 49.
      Zidane quit the game after his infamous headbutt in the 2006 World Cup final.
      But since then he’s forged a career as one of the world’s top bosses – and clearly does his cardio along with the squad.
      FRANCESCO TOTTI
      Francesco Totti still looks lean and mean having retiredCredit: Instagram / @francescototti
      Francesco Totti is in as good shape as he was when he was a player at RomaCredit: AFP or licensors
      INREDIBLY, Totti spent 25 years in the Roma first-team squad.
      After hanging up his boots in 2017, you couldn’t blame Totti for taking it easy and enjoying the incredible food Rome has to offer.
      But instead, the 45-year-old still looks in incredible shape.
      ANDREA PIRLO
      Andrea Pirlo still looks as cool as ever now aged 42Credit: Splash News
      Andrea Pirlo looks to be in good shape even having hung up his bootsCredit: Getty
      THE coolest man in football may no longer play, but he’s still uber-cool.
      The Italian ace never relied on his physicality on the pitch, but he still looks in fine shape.
      Aged 42, Pirlo – who most recently managed Juventus – can still easily rock that beach look.

      ANTONIO CONTE
      Antonio Conte is still happy to channel his inner-Daniel Craig aged 52Credit: Xposure
      Antonio Conte’s hair has certainly improved since giving up footballCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      MUCH like Mancini, Conte couldn’t resist stripping down to his Speedos while Italy boss.
      In 2015, Conte was spotted emerging from the sea like Daniel Craig in his first James Bond run-out, Casino Royale.
      Now back in the Premier League with Spurs, Conte looks fighting fit at the age of 52 – and with a thicker head of hair, to boot.
      GRAEME SOUNESS
      Graeme Souness still appears to be in great shape at age 68Credit: The Mega Agency
      Souness was a fiery midfielder during his playing days at LiverpoolCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      THE Sky Sports pundit is regularly in the news – mainly for lashing out at Paul Pogba, if the Twitter warriors are to be believed.
      But aged 68, the former Liverpool star looks in remarkable shape.
      Souness has managed to keep away the gut so many develop after their playing career… and he quit nearly 30 years ago.
      ROBBIE SAVAGE
      Robbie Savage is still in good shape despite working as a pundit these daysCredit: The Mega Agency
      Robbie Savage was another fiery on-field character during his playing daysCredit: PA:Press Association
      HAVING officially retired in 2011, Savage still looks in top shape aged 47.
      But, Savage did dust off the boots in 2019 to play for Stockport Town, and is now director of football at Macclesfield FC.
      Savage is also known for his broadcastings gigs for BT Sport and the BBC.
      Napoli star Matteo Politano shows off incredible leopard tattoo covering his whole back after mammoth session in chair More

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      Meet North Korean football ace Han Kwang-Song, who Kim Jong-un banned from interviews and blocked from Prem transfer

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      FORMER JUVENTUS ace Han Kwang-Song once had the world at his feet as one of Italy’s most promising young forwards.The 23-year-old, who is central to Kim Jong-un’s plan for North Korea to become a genuine force in world football, joined Qatari side Al-Duhail in 2020 after failing to make a single appearance in Turin.
      North Korea star Han Kwang-Song is now at  Qatari club Al-DuhailCredit: Getty Images
      The 23-year-old was once one of Italy’s brightest prospects but struggled at JuventusCredit: Getty Images
      Juve signed the player for around £4.25million in 2019 but he never played for the first-team, only appearing on the bench twice.
      The majority of his time was spent in the Under-23s, where he failed to score in 17 appearances at the third-tier Serie C level.
      A steep fall from grace for Han, who first arrived in Europe with Cagliari and went on to become the first-ever North Korean to play and score in Serie A.
      Born in Pyongyang, the forward featured at a football academy in Barcelona before returning to his homeland to join FC Chobyong.
      He then impressed at the 2015 Under-17 World Cup in Chile and Italian senator Antonio Razzi, close friends with Kim Jong-un, invited Han to join the ISM Academy in Italy.
      Their footballers have been prohibited from appearing on TV, otherwise they would have repatriated him. Han is scaredPerugia president Massimiliano Santopadre
      After breaking through at Cagliari, he soon began impressing on loan at Perugia, and his form saw him invited on to sports show La Domenica Sportiva.
      The star was waiting in his hotel in Milan to be taken to the studio when the government of Pyongyang reportedly ordered a ban on the starlet making a public appearance over the phone, according to La Stampa.
      Perugia president Massimiliano Santopadre said: “A call from a not very clear ministry figure arrived and it blocked everything.
      “Negotiating was impossible because Pyongyang want to talk only and exclusively with Han.
      “The situation with their government has become even more rigid and their footballers have been prohibited from appearing on TV, otherwise they would have repatriated him. Han is scared.”
      North Korean leader Kim Jong-un once blocked Han from making a TV appearance in ItalyCredit: REUTERS
      Mundo Deportivo claimed that Kim Jong-un acts as a father figure to Han and has always wanted to control everything, including the youngster’s career.
      The North Korean dictator was even said to have been an avid watcher of Serie A to keep up on his fellow countryman’s progress.
      Arsenal, Everton and Liverpool were once rumoured to be interesting in signing Han but the British government would have likely moved to block any Premier League move.
      Expert in North Korean sport, Dr Udo Merkel, claimed this would have occurred because part of Han’s wages have to be sent home by law.
      The move is not going to happen as long as the UN sanctions stay in placeDr Udo Merkel on Han’s failed Premier League move

      The Brighton University lecturer told the Daily Star: “Under current UN sanctions money sent to the North Korean government would be seriously considered support for the nuclear programme for the country.
      “So I don’t think, under current the situation with several UN sanctions, and several UN resolutions banning the country from trading with any other countries to export, for example oil products and lots of other things to North Korea, that the move would be possible.
      “The move is not going to happen as long as the UN sanctions stay in place.”
      Asked if the British government would block the move, he said: “I think that is the most likely scenario.” More