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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

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      How Newcastle owner Bin Salman’s wealth compares to Man City chief Sheikh Mansour, from homes, yachts and cars

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      BILLIONAIRE Mohammed bin Salman finally became Newcastle owner back in October.Now, the Saudi Crown Prince will take on the Premier League’s richest by trying to sign the world’s best players for Eddie Howe’s side.
      The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia bought Newcastle for £300m in OctoberCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Sheikh Mansour who has spent over £1billion as owner of Manchester CityCredit: Reuters
      Bin Salman sees the worlds of sports and entertainment as ways to lift his nation to become a global player.
      The crown prince funded the Anthony Joshua rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr which took place in the kingdom.
      And the 36-year-old will next be taking on Sheikh Mansour, 50, in the transfer market. The Man City owner has spent over £1billion on players and improving the club.
      In that time, City have won five Premier League titles, five League Cups and two FA Cups in the most successful period in their history.
      It’s reported that Bin Salman’s purchase was motivated by a desire to compete with Abu Dhabi royal family member Mansour.
      But how does the Crown Prince compare to the Sheikh?
      We take a look through their lifestyle and wealth… and controversies.
      Wealth
      Neither of the pair are struggling for cash.
      Bin Salman has an estimated personal wealth of around £13billion – although he has almost the full riches of Saudi Arabia at his fingertips.
      Sheikh Mansour’s personal fortune is believed to be somewhere in the region of £17billion.
      Politics and business
      Bin Salman is the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, the son of the King and the de facto leader of the Gulf state as King Salman is unable to fully rule because of dementia.
      Bin Salman is also the deputy prime minister and defence minister and has attempted to present himself as a moderate reformer.
      The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin SalmanCredit: AP:Associated Press
      In 2019, for the first time Saudi women were allowed to to travel abroad, register to marry or divorce and apply for official documents without the consent of a male guardian.
      Mansour is the deputy prime minister of the United Arab Emirates and Minister of Presidential Affairs.
      However, while Bin Salman has focused on his political career as leader of Saudi Arabia, Mansour has spent much more time on his personal business portfolio.
      Mansour heads the International Petroleum Investment Company, which has stakes in a number of businesses around the world.
      The Manchester City owner has a 32 per cent stake in Virgin Galactic – investing more than £200m in the company in 2009 – as well as a 9.1 per cent stake in Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz and others.
      Mansour’s Abu Dhabi Media Investment Corporation also established Sky News Arabia and English-language newspaper The National.
      The Crown Prince meets HRH Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham PalaceCredit: PA:Press Association
      Family
      Bin Salman is part of the House of Saud, the ruling family of Saudi Arabia since 1744.
      The family has some 15,000 people, although the majority of the power and the wealth sits with around 2,000 of them.
      The Al Saud family has a reported combined wealth of £1.3TRILLION – with many political commentators stating that amount is a huge under-estimate.
      Mansour is the half-brother of the current president of the UAE and a member of the ruling Al Nahyan family.
      The oil-rich family have an estimated combined wealth of at least £150billion and have driven the building of holiday hotspot Dubai.
      Mohammed bin Salman has big plans to change Newcastle United’s fortunes on the pitchCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Bin Salman is married to Sarah bint Mashhoor – known as the ‘Barbie Princess’ – in 2008, the couple have four children.
      There are unconfirmed rumours that the Saudi has three other wives.
      Sheikh Mansour has two wives and six children.
      He married Sheikha Alia bint bint Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed in the mid-1990s, with whom he has one son and Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
      Manal, who has two daughters and three sons with Sheikh Mansour, is the president of the Dubai Women Establishment.Homes and holiday
      Both Sheikh Mansour and Mohammed bin Salman have full access to the lavish presidential palaces where their families call home.
      Both are lovers of the Costa del Sol in Spain and Mansour bought the 20,000-acre Los Quintos de San Martin in 2016 for £42million.
      His family also own and regularly stay at the Emirates Palace hotel, described as a ‘seven-star’ hotel in Abu Dhabi.
      Sheikh Mansour reportedly snapped up Los Quintos de San Martin in Spain for £42m in 2016
      The family-owned Emirates Palace has been described as the best hotel in the worldCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Sheikh Mansour owns this mansion in MoroccoCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Bin Salman went one better, however.
      In 2015 he splashed out on the world’s most expensive home – the £230MILLION Chateau Louis XIV, west of Paris.
      From the exterior, the Chateau Louis XIV appears to be a 17th-Century chateau, constructed in a similar style to the nearby palace at Versailles.
      On closer inspection, however, this is not the case: it was built after developer Emad Khashoggi demolished a 19th-Century building that had previously stood on the 57-acre site.
      The new-build 10-bedroom home is designed to look like a 17th-century palace and boasts a cinema, deluxe swimming pool and glass-bottomed moat to watch koi carp.
      Fountains can be controlled by a tablet or mobile phone, while the 57-acre plot has immaculate gardens and a maze.
      A statue of Louis XIV made of Carrara marble stands watch over the grounds.
      Mohammed bin Salman owns the world’s most expensive home – the £230million Chateau Louis XIVCredit: Reuters
      The new-home is based on a 17th-century French mansionCredit: Reuters
      Built across 50,000 sq ft, it has 10 bedrooms, an indoor and outdoor pool and a moat circled by an aquariumCredit: Reuters
      The gardens of the £230m chateau in France owned by Mohammad bin Salman
      Yachts
      Bin Salman may win the battle on land, but Mansour wins the battle on the seven seas.
      That’s because although the Saudi owns the extravagant Serene, Mansour owns the Topaz.
      Not that any of us wouldn’t dream of being aboard the Serene.
      The 439ft 4in super-yacht was the ninth-largest in the world when it was built for vodka tycoon Yuri Shefler for £200million 2011.
      Bin Salman bought the boat, which houses 24 guests and 52 crew, in 2015 for an eye-watering £380million.
      Mohammed bin Salman splashed £380million on his superyacht, the SereneCredit: Alamy
      The Serene was in the top ten of world’s biggest yachts when it was built for vodka tycoon Yuri SheflerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Bill Gates once rented it for a week at a cost of $5million and it comes with seven decks, two helipads and a full saltwater swimming pool.
      However, in August 2017 she suffered significant damage to her hull after running aground off the coast of Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.
      Mansour’s yacht Topaz far outdoes the Serene.
      Built in 2012, the Sheikh coughed up more than £320m to build the 482ft yacht that comes with jacuzzis, two helipads, a swimming platform and eight levels.
      It is now valued at more than £400m.
      The Topaz super yacht is said to be worth £400m and is the fifth-largest yacht in the worldCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The Topaz boasts two helipads, three swimming pools, a cinema and eight levelsCredit: Splash News
      Cars
      Again, Mansour definitely has the more luxurious car collection.
      In fact, it appears that Bin Salman is barely interested in cars at all.
      Some reports claim he has a modest fleet (in comparison to other billionaires at least) with a Ferrari, Lamborghini and Bugatti in his garage.
      On the other hand, Sheikh Mansour can’t get enough.
      Mansour owns a  five per cent stake in Ferrari, as well as this £2.5m EnzoCredit: 4WheelsofLux
      The Sheikh’s Mercedes SLR-McLaren is worth £350,000Credit: 4WheelsofLux
      He also owns this Porsche 911 GT1 worth around £3mCredit: 4WheelsofLux
      His personal collection includes an £840,000 Lamborghini Reventon, FIVE Bugatti Veyrons – costing more than £1million each – as well as a £2.5million Ferrari Enzo and a £3m Porsche 911 GT1.
      Mansour was also instrumental in bringing Formula One to Abu Dhabi and has a stake in both Ferrari and Mercedes parent company Daimler AG.
      Sheikh Mansour is rarely seen at the EtihadCredit: Reuters
      Controversies
      Both men and their families have been linked with several humans rights abuses.
      Bin Salman is considered the architect of the war in Yemen, which included indiscriminate bombing, while he ordered the blockade of the country that sparked a famine and humanitarian crisis which has killed tens of thousands.
      Human Rights Watch director Sarah Leah Whitson described his regime as “despotism”, while there was international outcry when dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi was assassinated in Turkey in 2018.
      In April this year, Saudi Arabia carried out a mass execution of 37 imprisoned civilians who had been convicted – 21 of those on the basis of confessions obtained under coercion and torture – of terrorism.
      They were executed by beheading, with two of the bodies left on public display.
      In 2018 and again in April this year, there were waves of arrests for women’s rights activists involved in the women to drive movement and anti male-guardianship campaign.
      Sheikh Mansour with former Man City star Sergio AgueroCredit: Manchester City FC – Getty
      Six of these arrested were tortured.
      Sheikh Mansour has been accused of using Manchester City and football to ‘launder’ the image of his state, having only been to one game in ten years.
      Homosexuality remains illegal and is a capital offence in the emirate.
      The ruling regime is also accused of a number of human rights abuses, while flogging, stoning and amputation all remain legal punishments.Sport
      Sheikh Mansour is a much more visible lover of sports.
      As well as his love of Formula One and football, Mansour is also the chairman of the Emirates Horse Racing Authority and the patron of a local half-marathon.
      He hasn’t just invested more than £1billion into Manchester City either, the City Football Group owns and part owns a host of clubs around the world.
      They bought New York City FC to Major League Soccer in the US and own Melbourne City in Australia.
      The holding company also has stakes in Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan, Club Atletico Torque in Uruguay and Girona in Spain.
      There are plans to expand further into Europe and Africa.
      Apart from Newcastle, Bin Salman’s only other link to the sporting world is the Saudi second division, which is named after him. More

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      Security measures footballers take, from buying £50k panic rooms to spending up to £40k on guard dogs

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      FOOTBALLERS can afford the ultimate luxuries in life, like sprawling homes, cars and expensive jewellery thanks to their hefty salaries.But unfortunately that makes them easy prey for opportunist thieves – who’ll target anything of value to steal.
      Dele Alli was targeted by burglars in 2020Credit: EPA
      Police arrive on the scene of Alli’s North London home after intruders broke in and stole watchesCredit: Paul Edwards – The Sun
      Manchester City ace Kyle Walker beefed up his security detail – buying a doberman for £40,000 from guard dog specialists Chaperone K9.
      Last year, Dele Alli became was a victim of a robbery, where two burglars broke into his North London home, assaulted him before taking off with expensive watches, including a £150,000 Richard Mille 11-03, a £150,000 Patek Philippe 5980 Nautilus and a £50,000 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak chrono.
      Then in 2019, ex-Arsenal stars Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac were chased by a moped gang, who tried to car-jack the German playmaker’s Mercedes G-Wagon, as the pair drove along a North London road.
      Liverpool forward Sadio Mane was burgled when he was on Champions League duty with the Reds, who were playing away against Bayern Munich.
      While the Senegalese forward was tormenting the Bavarians, his mansion was being ransacked by burglars, who nicked items including mobile phones, car keys and designer watches.
      But what security measures do footballers take to keep themselves safe from harm?
      IN THE CASE OF DELE
      Since having his timepieces nicked, Dele tried to make them too hot to handle and circulated their makes and models.
      And his football pals told him they would pass on the details to their watchmakers in the hope they could catch the thieves.
      A source told The Sun at the time: “These robbers might think they have hit the jackpot stealing these watches, but they are going to face real problems cashing them in.
      “Footballers use a handful of dealers and none will touch a stolen watch because they know it could cause serious problems down the line.
      Dele Alli’s prized watches were stolen from himCredit: Dele Instagram
      A £50,000 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak chrono was taken in the burglaryCredit: Dele Instagram
      Ali and his pals circulated their makes and models to make the goods too hot to handleCredit: Dele Instagram
      “It’s not unusual for cops in Dubai and Italy to demand to see papers for watches when passengers pass through security.
      “Can you imagine if a watch stolen in a violent robbery ends up on a wrist of a player who then gets arrested?
      “Dele is well connected through the England squad and knows players in Manchester, Newcastle, Liverpool and London where all the main dealers are.
      “These dealers know if they accidentally bought any watch that turned out to be one of Dele’s, then they would never sell to a footballer again.”
      PANIC ROOMS
      One of the big trends in the last few years has seen footballers installing bulletproof panic rooms inside their lavish properties.
      Costing anywhere from between £40k to £1m, they provide a secure hiding spot for families at home during a burglary.
      David Beckham recently installed one in his family’s Kensington abode, along with a 24-hour, 60-camera CCTV system.
      Paul Weldon, managing director of The Panic Room, fits them for high-profile clients around Europe.
      He told us: “A panic room is a room that’s self-contained, that if the house becomes under some form of aggravated break-in, the family can get into that room, be safe and secure and have some independent communication to call for help.
      Former Arsenal pals Sead Kolasinac and Mesut Ozil were the subject of a car-jacking in 2019Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      The moped thugs had given chase to Ozil’s Mercedes G-Class SUV in North London
      Bosnian left-back Kolasinac bravely managed to send the attackers scarpering
      Panic rooms have become a huge trend for footballersCredit: The Panic Room Company
      A bulletproof panic room can cost anything from £40k to £1mCredit: The Panic Room Company
      Panic rooms are normally installed within an existing room in a propertyCredit: The Panic Room Company
      “In a residential home, we try to locate somewhere on the first bedroom floor where there’s a closet of two metres by two metres that can double up as a fully-blown panic room.
      “Generally, our rooms are installed inside an existing room and they have the capability to withstand bullets from a handgun and a shotgun.
      “They range from about £40,000 to £1m in price – and clients don’t just use them to protect themselves, they’ll store specialist wines, art work, and put their safes in there too.
      “But you have to remember, a panic room is a last resort. With a big, detached property you’ve got to incorporate other systems.
      “It may be at night you set perimeter alarms, or a ground floor alarm. So at least you’ve got some warning that someone is knocking around.
      “If the alarm activates outside, you can get your family inside a panic room and call the police. But it’s got to be used with other security features of a property.”
      SPECIALLY-TRAINED GUARD DOGS
      Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish, Mark Noble, Phil Jones, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jesse Lingard all swear by Chaperone K9 – a Leicestershire-based company that provides specially trained guard dogs to protect Premier League footballers’ families.
      The majority of dogs they provide are German Shepherds or Belgian Malinois, and each pooch has been put through a rigorous 12-month plus training programme.
      According to Chaperone K9’s website, the dogs are able to recognise and deal with a number of different threats, including home invasion, road rage, personal attacks on the person and their family and robbery.
      Chaperone K9 provide guard dogs to footballers, including Marcus RashfordCredit: Chaperone K9
      Mark Noble invested in two German Shepherds from Chaperone K9 to protect his familyCredit: Chaperone K9
      Man Utd star Phil Jones also believes having a Chaperone K9 dog in your home warns off intrudersCredit: Chaperone K9
      Rashford paid upwards of £15,000 for a Chaperone K9 dog to protect his Cheshire propertyCredit: Chaperone K9
      Hugo Lloris recently added a guard dog from Elite Protection to his familyCredit: Instagram
      Once given a command, they will spring into action with an apparent initial display of aggression to ward a potential assailant off simply by barking.
      If there is more than one attacker, they are taught to position themselves between you and the potential threat, continuously barking to keep the assailants at bay.
      And should the assailant continue to pose you a danger, a Chaperone K9 has learned, on command, to bite and hold the attacker until you tell the dog to release them.
      Since the Alli incident, more footballers have said to have invested in the ferocious guard dogs – also using rival firm Elite Protection, like Hugo Lloris.
      PERSONAL BODYGUARDS
      When you’re as famous as someone like the Beckhams, surrounding yourself and your children with burly security guards is a necessity.
      On the school run in LA, former members of the SAS would flank the family’s brood before they went to class.
      And when Brazil captain Dani Alves was at PSG, Titan Security were asked to look after his safety during a meet and greet.
      “When Dani launched his new clothing line in Paris, we supplied security staff for him,” Matthew Watson, director for Titan Security Europe explained.
      “Measures were taken in store where Dani was signing autographs and posing for photos with fans.
      David Beckham and his family are regularly flanked by security, some of which are SAS-trainedCredit: AFP – Getty
      “Crowd control and proximity of general public in this setting had to be considered due to the nature of it being a high-profile footballer, as well as two-way earpiece radio support to bodyguards on site.”
      Watson believes in the wake of the recent incidents more footballers will seek personal security.
      “In light of recent events, anticipation is for this market to continue to grow,” he said.
      “Affluent footballers are often a target due to lack of security around them, and they are very much in the public eye.
      “While brazen attempts to rob these individuals is becoming more frequent, with salary’s being posted and shared on social media.
      “That means footballers today are at risk more than ever.”
      Dani Alves required security detail when he was attending an event in ParisCredit: PA:Press Association
      RAISING AN ALARM
      Shield Security provide alarms and systems for footballers in the Yorkshire and Humber region, as well as the North of England.
      When Southampton forward Shane Long was plying his trade at Hull City, he enlisted their services.
      “During my time with Premier League football club Hull City, my family were fortunate enough to benefit from the services of Shield Security,” he revealed.
      “As a professional footballer, I often spend a great deal of time away from home, and with that in mind, my wife and I wanted the best security protection for our family.”
      Not only does Shield offer state-of-the-art alarms that can detect the most cunning intruder, they also offer security staff that stay at the home overnight, which is something Long invested in ahead of Hull’s ill-fated Europa League campaign in 2014.
      “We can offer guards to patrol the premises for footballers when they’re away, which is a decent visual deterrent,” Shield Security manager Alex Lee told us.
      “While some of the clients will request patrol cars visit four or five times a night to have a look around the premises.
      “But it’s mostly going technology-wise now. What happens with these burglaries is the robbers tend to know when a footballer is going away, so it’s pretty hard to prevent against.”
      Lee revealed that footballers are spending up to £20k to ensure their mansions are covered by alarms, cameras and barrier fences.
      Shield Security provide alarms, barrier fences and more for footballersCredit: Shield Security
      Shane Long asked Shield Security to provide a patrol guard to look after his property when he was awayCredit: Reuters
      CCTV cameras are installed around footballers’ homes, with video and alerts sent straight to their phones if an alarm is triggeredCredit: Getty – Contributor
      “A lot of footballers tend to live in houses that have gated houses.
      “So the first port of call is a gated intercom. They have a video camera pointing at the entrance and that goes direct to an app on their mobile phones.
      “There could also be cameras right around the site, with some players even doing internal cameras by their back doors, as well as intruder alarms.
      “We install perimeter fences too that have a laser going from pillar to pillar, so any movement over that and an alarm will be triggered.

      “It’s not too different to what your average Joe is getting really, but the only difference is it’s on a larger scale because of the size of their houses.
      “Most footballers’ homes are five bedroom homes, so they’re spending anywhere from £5,000 to £20,000.
      “But if that’s the price of keeping them and their family safe, they will happily pay that.”
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      Man Utd icon Eric Cantona ‘wanted to kill f***er’ policeman after being punched at Galatasaray, Roy Keane revealed

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      ERIC CANTONA wanted to “kill the f*****” policeman who punched him on that famous night in Turkey in 1993.Manchester United crashed out of the Champions League to Galatasaray after the 0-0 stalemate away following a 3-3 draw at Old Trafford.
      Eric Cantona was desperate to “kill the f*****” after their bust-up at Galatasaray in 1993Credit: Action Images
      But after referee Karl Rothlisberger blew the full-time whistle as soon as the clock hit the 90-minute mark, the chaos unfolded.
      Cantona remonstrated with Rothlisberger to make his feelings known about the lack of extra time and was duly shown a red card.
      The players were led off the pitch, Cantona flanked by a policeman, before a violent scuffle broke out in the tunnel, involving the Frenchman and Bryan Robson with a number of Turks.
      And Roy Keane – himself known for his fiery character on and off the pitch – revealed how the furious Cantona exploded afterwards.
      In the book King Eric: Portrait of the Artist who changed English football and serialised in the Daily Mirror, Keane said: “In the dressing room Eric went crazy.
      “He was determined to go back outside to sort out the rogue cop who’d been wielding his truncheon.
      “Eric was a big, strong lad. He was serious. He insisted he was going to kill ‘that f****r’.
      “It took the combined efforts of the manager, (assistant) Brian Kidd and a few of the players to restrain him.
      “Normally I wouldn’t have backed off a fight but even I wasn’t up for this one. There were a lot of Turks out there!”
      Cantona gave his take on the events that night, blasting the Turkish policeman as a “s***”.
      He raged: “What annoyed me most is that I was hit on the head with a truncheon by a policeman, the sort of fellow who sends you to prison for being out of work, or when you are hungry and you go and steal a bar of chocolate from the supermarket.
      “Of course, I was upset at being knocked out of the European Cup, at the spoiling tactics of the opponents, at the fact that no stoppage time was added, and by being given the red card after the game had ended.
      “But, above all, I had been hit from behind by that s*** of a Turkish policeman. Maybe we’ll bump into each other again some time!”
      Steve Bruce narrowly avoided serious or even fatal injury when a brick shattered the window on the team bus his head was resting on as the Red Devils headed back to the hotel.
      The former Manchester United captain added: “If it had smashed through I’d have been dead. That would have just about summed it up.
      “At the end of one tunnel was the sanctuary of our dressing room, but before we could reach it, I saw a policeman punch Eric Cantona in the back of the head.”

      Cantona has never been far from the headlines, both during his time as a player in England and since hanging up his boots in 1997.
      His most famous controversy came in January 1995 when his ‘kung-fu’ kick on Crystal Palace fan Matthew Simmons landed him with a nine-month ban from football.
      The previous year, he received red cards in successive Premier League matches – against Swindon and Arsenal – and was duly suspended for five matches.
      Cantona was shown the red card after the full-time whistle for remonstrating with referee Karl RothlisbergerCredit: Action Images
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      Meet Faiq Bolkiah, the richest footballer in world, whose uncle is Sultan of Brunei, and is heir to £13bn fortune

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      MEET the world’s richest footballer Faiq Bolkiah, the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei.Faiq Bolkiah, 23, now plays in Portugal for Maritimo, following an unsuccessful spell on our shores with Leicester City.
      Faiq Bolkiah is the richest young footballer in the world and was formerly of Leicester CityCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Faiq Bolkiah is the nephew of the Sultan of BruneiCredit: Instagram @fjbolkiah
      The dynamic winger is one of the heirs to Hassanal Bolkiah’s £13billion fortune.
      That dwarfs the worth of the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi – making Bolkiah the wealthiest living footballer.
      His dad is Jefri Bolkiah, a brother of the oil tycoon, so that makes Faiq a member of their royal family.
      But that hasn’t stopped Faiq from shunning his family’s billions to pursue a career in football.
      Let SunSport introduce you to the man who really doesn’t need to work for a living.
      Competition was fierce for him in his youth days…
      After playing youth football for AFC Newbury, Faiq signed a one-year deal with Southampton’s famed youth academy in 2009.
      He didn’t quite turn enough heads to secure a full-time contract and went on trial at Arsenal in 2013, playing for the Gunners in the 2013 Lion City Cup.
      Faiq Bolkiah could have lived in a palace like the Sultan of BruneiCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Faiq Bolkiah was once on Chelsea’s booksCredit: Chelsea FC
      Faiq Bolkiah playing for Leicester City’s reservesCredit: Getty – Contributor
      A Rolls Royce like this could have been a chariot for Faiq BolkiahCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Faiq got himself on the scoresheet in that tournament against a Singapore youth selection.
      Alerted to his availability, Chelsea then swooped and offered him a two-year deal in 2014. But he left Stamford Bridge in December, 2015 to sign for Leicester in a three-year deal.
      He captains his international side…
      Despite not playing a professional game in England yet, Faiq has pulled on the international shirt of Brunei six times, finding the net once.
      Faiq Bolkiah has captain the Brunei international football teamCredit: Getty – Contributor
      He even captained the side in the 2017 Aceh World Solidarity Tsunami Cup.
      Incidentally, he was born in Los Angeles, so he could’ve represented the United States. But he was loyal to his family and stayed close to his roots.
      Faiq Bolkiah was loyal to his family and turned down a chance to play for the USCredit: AFP – Getty
      Faiq’s dad is quite the character…
      He may have an innocent demeanour, but his father Jefri Bolkiah was known as the playboy of the Brunei royal family.
      Jefri reportedly lived quite the life of excess, reportedly blowing around £10billion in 15-years as head of the Brunei Investment agency.
      At one point, he was said to be spending £35m a month on cars, watches, erotic white gold pens and up to a £1m a hit on karaoke parties with a swarm of beautiful women.
      Jefri Bolkiah celebrates his birthday with his sonCredit: Instagram @fjbolkiah
      Jefri Bolkiah was the playboy of the Brunei royal familyCredit: Rex Features
      Faiq Bolkiah might have had an easier life and lived like a prince if he wasn’t a footballerCredit: 1998 Julian Parker
      Faiq Bolkiah’s cousins enjoy a lavish lifestyle in their own countryCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Jefri was also believed to have owned 2,300 cars at the height of his wealth, including a fleet of Bentleys, Ferraris and Rolls-Royces.
      However, his pride and joy is a yacht inappropriately called ‘Tits’ which had tenders called ‘Nipple 1’ and ‘Nipple 2’.
      Faiq Bolkiah stands to inherit a boat called TitsCredit: Big Pictures
      The Tits has tenders called Nipple 1 and Nipple 2Credit: Big Pictures
      Jefri wasn’t afraid to embrace erotica either, once commissioning artist J. Seward Johnson to create a £500,000 sexually-explicit statue of himself and his ex-fiancee.
      Amusingly, he once splashed around £5million on a rug that was woven with gold thread and jewels.
      A £5m rug bought by Jefri BolkiahCredit: PA:Press Association
      A set of erotic pens in white gold owned by Jefri BolkiahCredit: PA:Press Association
      An erotic watch owned by Jefri Bolkiah made of white gold and platinumCredit: PA:Press Association
      Michael Jackson was on speed dial when he needed him…
      Being a rich kid has its perks, especially if you’re Faiq.
      When dad Jefri wanted to celebrate his milestone 50th birthday, he also wanted to impress his then 7-year-old son.
      Michael Jackson performed a private concert for Faiq BolkiahCredit: Getty – Contributor
      So what did he do? He only flew in the ‘King of Pop’ Michael Jackson to perform a private concert for him and his family.
      Jefri paid Jacko around £12.5 million for the privilege, which was chump change for the Brunei royal family.
      The privilege of having Michael Jackson perform privately cost Jefri Bolkiah £12.5mCredit: Reuters
      Faiq Bolkiah has shunned a throne like the Sultan of Brunei for a rainy night in LeicesterCredit: AFP – Getty
      Making sure Michael was suitably catered for, Jefri also built an entire stadium for the occasion.But Faiq is determined to shun his riches to make it as a professional footballer…
      “I’ve played football since as early as I can remember and from a young age I’ve always enjoyed going out on the field and having the ball at my feet,” he once said in a rare interview.

      Ex-Wolves boss Nuno Espirito was said to be interested in signing Faiq BolkiahCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “My parents have always been supportive in helping me to achieve my dreams of being a footballer.
      “They trained me hard both psychologically and physically through my childhood years, so I have to say they are my role models.”
      Faiq Bolkiah turned his back on a lavish lifestyle full of goldCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Sultan of Brunei has an estimated worth of £22bnCredit: Reuters
      Faiq Bolkiah insists his family have had a big influence on his careerCredit: AFP or licensors
      With determination like that, he could be a big hit in Portugal.
      However, not all is lost.
      After all, if it doesn’t work out for him, it’s not as if he’s got nothing to fall back on.
      Leicester winger Demarai Gray scores with ‘unsavable’ shot for England U21 vs Latvia U21 More

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      Brit footballers who tried to crack Serie A include Beckham, Gascoigne, Souness, Smalling, Ramsey and now Abraham

      by

      TAMMY ABRAHAM is the latest British footballer to have a crack at Serie A.The forward completed a £34million switch to Roma from Chelsea in the summer, linking up with former Blues boss Jose Mourinho.
      Tammy Abraham has completed a £34m move to Roma from Chelsea
      The England international is believed to be on £80,000 a week for five years – the same as he was on at Chelsea.
      And it is understood Chelsea inserted a £68m buy-back clause into the deal – which can be triggered in two years’ time.
      Here SunSport examines the British players who have have walked the path before Abraham by trying to boss Serie A.
      FIKAYO TOMORI
      Tomori joined AC Milan on loan in January as he looked for more regular football having been frozen out by Chelsea.
      Milan made the deal permanent in June – paying the Blues £24m for the centre-back.
      The 23-year-old impressed in his first five months at the San Siro, where he made 22 appearances and even scored a goal.
      His early-season form in 2021-22 earned him a recall to the England senior squad, too.
      Fikayo Tomori has been with AC Milan since January and made the move permanent in June

      AARON RAMSEY
      Ramsey’s Italian job could be over.
      The former Arsenal midfielder, who joined Juventus in 2019, is being linked with a moved back to the Premier League – with the likes of  Newcastle, Wolves and Tottenham said to be in the hunt for the Wales star’s services.
      He hasn’t quite hit the heights in Serie A as he did with the Gunners on our shores, and he’s certainly not the first British footballer to try and crack Italian football.
      Aaron Ramsey has failed to light up Serie ACredit: Getty Images – Getty
      ASHLEY YOUNG
      In January 2020, Young left Manchester United for Inter Milan, in what seemed quite a strange move.
      In the twilight years of his career (he’s now 36) the winger turned full-back didn’t appear to have much left to offer.
      However, he enjoyed a renaissance in Milan under Antonio Conte – helping end the club’s long wait for the Serie A title.
      He moved back to Aston Villa in the summer of 2021.
      Ashley Young’s Inter Milan won the 20-21 Serie A titleCredit: Getty
      CHRIS SMALLING
      Smalling, 31, enjoyed a successful loan at Roma in the 2019-20 season, so the club decided they had to retain his services.
      They even paid Manchester United a whopping £14m to secure a deal for the centre-back.
      However, last season his fitness was called into question.
      He suffered with knee and thigh injuries and even had food poisoning, which saw him play just 21 games.
      And this season things are not much better, missing much of the season with a hamstring problem.
      Chris Smalling has had mixed fortunes at RomaCredit: EPA
      RAY WILKINS
      To consider Butch’s success, you need only look back to 2018.
      His premature death, at the age of 61, saw former clubs Chelsea and Man Utd go into mourning and pay tribute to their former midfielder – and AC Milan were no different.
      Team-mate Franco Baresi held up a Milan shirt with Wilkins’ name on the back and laid a wreath while the players wore black armbands at the San Siro.
      Wilkins spent three years in Milan and set a British record when he moved from Old Trafford in 1984 for £1.5m.
      Former Chelsea and Man United midfielder Ray Wilkins was a huge success at AC MilanCredit: Getty – Contributor
      “It was an immense time for me,” Wilkins recalled.
      “The game was played more like an international than a league game, like a game of chess where you had to pit your wits against the best.”
      Despite not winning a trophy in his three years at the club, Wilkins was one of the big success stories of British exports to Italy.
      Milan’s website remembers him as ‘a serious and meticulous professional’ known for his ‘exemplary correctness’ and ‘extraordinary tactical intelligence’.
      Franco Baresi paid tribute to Wilkins at the Milan derby after his death in AprilCredit: Getty – Contributor
      PAUL INCE
      The Guv’nor spent two years on the blue and black side of Milan.
      Like Wilkins, Ince is remembered as a success for his time at the San Siro after making a £7.5m move from United in 1995.
      But Ince’s start in Italy wasn’t quite so smooth as there were rumours of a return to the Premier League just five months after arriving.
      Ince, who lived by the picturesque Lake Como, later revealed that he may well have gone back to England had Roy Hodgson not taken charge.
      The England international brought energy to the Inter midfield alongside Nicola Berti as the two men dominated the centre of the park.
      Paul Ince had a difficult start at Inter but is still adored by fansCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Ince is remembered as a hero by the Inter fans, especially after helping the club reach the Uefa Cup final in 1996.
      Sadly for the England man, it ended with the all-too-familiar feeling of defeat in a penalty shoot-out.DAVID PLATT
      If it wasn’t for that stunning volley in extra time of England’s Italia 90 quarter-final, Platt may have never made the move.
      The following year he was signed by Bari from Aston Villa in a deal worth £5.5m and immediately immersed himself in the Italian culture.
      “I wanted to become an Italian, speak like an Italian, to live and eat like an Italian,” Platt once said.
      It took just a few months for him to be fluent in the language.
      Despite Bari being relegated, Platt was a success in the side and earned a move to Juventus.
      His stay in Turin wasn’t so fruitful and he ended up joining Sven Goran Eriksson at Sampdoria where he enjoyed his best period, with 17 goals in 55 appearances.
      Platt was so highly regarded, he ended up returning to be the club’s manager in 1998, but that didn’t work out quite so well.
      David Platt immersed himself in Italian culture after joining Bari in 1991Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Platt played for three Italian clubs and his biggest success came at SampdoriaCredit: Getty – Contributor
      PAUL GASCOIGNE
      Mainstream English interest in Serie A began with Gazza.
      His £5.5m move from Spurs to Lazio saw millions of English people follow the Italian game and led to coverage on Channel 4.
      Gazzetta Football Italia was born out of the England man’s move.
      Gascoigne is remembered fondly in Italy and his iconic celebration, with arms outstretched after scoring an 89th-minute equaliser against rivals Roma, will never be forgotten.
      But Gazza’s time in Serie A saw him struggle with injury problems.
      In three seasons at Lazio, he managed to play in only 47 games and score just six goals.
      Failing to learn the language saw Gazza struggle to settle and he ended up moving to Rangers in 1995.
      Recently, however, he kept a host of young Italian fans riveted by his antics in their version of I’m a Celebrity.
      Paul Gascoigne made Italian football popular among the English but his time in Serie A was plighted by injuriesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      DAVID BECKHAM
      Becks loved Milan so much he went there twice.
      Two years after leaving Real Madrid for LA Galaxy, the former England captain headed on loan to the San Siro and was a hit in the red and black of AC Milan.
      Beckham was back on the continent and competing at the top again but his sojourn was seen as a money-maker in Milan.
      Then vice-president Adriano Galliani said: “Football today is about full stadiums and sponsors, and superstars like Beckham fill them up. With him, Kaka and Ronaldinho, it will be a dream team.”
      It was a star-studded squad but they won nothing.
      Beckham scored twice in 18 appearances in his first season but played just 11 games the following campaign.
      David Beckham was on loan at AC Milan twiceCredit: Getty – Contributor
      ASHLEY COLE
      A contender for the Premier League’s greatest left-back, it didn’t quite work out for Cole in Rome.
      The former Arsenal and Chelsea man’s most memorable moment from two years at Roma was actually off the pitch.
      A team photo appeared to show Cole physically separate from his team-mates, with subsequent stories of how he was isolated.
      In an interview with Soccer AM, Cole explained the snap: “I’m on the end [of the line] and my friend next to me Urby Emanuelson was stood next to me – but he leaned forward.
      “I’m so hot and tired and stood there like this [Cole slumps]… I had friends there, I had great friends.”
      Cole’s contract at the Stadio Olimpico was terminated by mutual consent in 2016 after just 16 appearances for the club.
      Ashley Cole’s time at Roma is memorable for this incredible team photo
      Ashley Cole’s contract at Roma was terminated by mutual consent in 2016Credit: Reuters
      JOE HART
      It was meant to be his revival.
      After being dropped by new Man City boss Pep Guardiola, England’s former No1 headed to Torino on loan to revive his career.
      But the move didn’t go so well.
      In Hart’s first game he was blamed for Atalanta’s equaliser when his punch from a corner fell to an opponent who scored.
      And it all ended in acrimony when Torino’s president criticised the keeper for his performances and mentality.
      Urbano Cairo told Tuttosport: “There’s too much being said about Hart.
      “Since this has been happening, his performance levels have dropped. This is already the third time we concede a goal this way and that’s a bit too much.”
      Joe Hart tried to revive his career with a loan move to TorinoCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      GRAEME SOUNESS
      Rewind three decades and Graeme Souness’ move to Sampdoria saw the club rise to a greater status in Italy.
      The Scot marshalled the midfield and dominated each game in his two years at Samp in the mid-80s.
      Unlike many of the Brits abroad, Souness lifted the Coppa Italia in his first season at the club with a win over AC Milan after he’d scored in the first leg.
      Souness remembered Samp as a welcoming club.
      He told Football Italia: “We had a great President in Paolo Mantovani and he treated everyone like his own son. It’s a lovely club in beautiful city.
      “I was lucky enough to be there and I can honestly say it was one of the best times in my career.”
      Graeme Souness thrived in Italy and won the Coppa Italia in his first year at SampdoriaCredit: Getty – Contributor
      LEE SHARPE
      After struggling with injuries, Leeds boss David O’Leary loaned Sharpe out to Sampdoria.
      The former Man Utd midfielder was joining David Platt – the club’s boss – and looking to revive his career.
      But an issue with Platt’s coaching badges meant he was replaced by Luciano Spalletti, and Sharpe’s opportunities nose-dived.
      “I’d had a while out with a cruciate knee injury,” Sharpe said.
      “I wasn’t properly match-fit. So they put me on a training programme and in matches I was getting half an hour here and an hour there.
      “But after four or five weeks Platty ran into difficulty because he didn’t have his coaching badges and it all fell away really.”
      Lee Sharpe’s loan move from Leeds didn’t work out after a change of managementCredit: Reuters
      IAN RUSH
      Did he say it or didn’t he?
      The prolific Welsh striker’s two years at Juventus are remembered for a controversial quote that Rush denies ever saying.
      “I couldn’t settle in Italy, it was like living in a foreign country,” he was claimed to have said.
      Speaking to FourFourTwo in 2016, Rush said: “I didn’t actually say Italy was ‘like living in a foreign country’.
      Ian Rush’s time in Italy is remembered for a controversial quote he claims he never saidCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      “No one has ever seen a direct quote from me saying that. I’m blaming Kenny Dalglish.
      “When he re-signed me, a reporter asked me, ‘Why have you come back?’ Kenny quipped: ‘He said it was like playing in a foreign country.’ He’s got a lot to answer for!”
      Rush was welcomed to Turin by 5,000 adoring fans but went on to score just seven goals in 29 appearances.
      He remembered the Old Lady as ‘the right club at the wrong time’.
      Tammy Abraham talks about joining new club Roma in £34m transfer from Chelsea More

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      Weirdest football transfers from Carroll’s two-month Reading deal and Alves’ €1 salary… to Bendtner joining Juventus

      by

      NEVER underestimate the power football has to surprise.Over the years, SunSport has seen it’s fair share of weird transfers. Players swapping their glamour days for a runout at Barnet, for example, which you’ll see as you read on.
      Andy Carroll has signed for Reading in a surprising moveCredit: JASONPIX
      Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano shocked the world when they signed for West Ham in 2006Credit: PA:Press Association
      And then there are some who the so-called big clubs take a punt on – swooping on an unsuspecting ‘smaller club’ to make an odd signing.
      This week, Dani Alves has returned to Barcelona, at the age of 38, and will reportedly be paid just ONE EURO a month.
      While Andy Carroll has come out of the wilderness to sign for Reading on a two-month contract.
      Here are some of the weirdest transfers we’ve ever come across:
      NICKLAS BENDTNER
      On the final day of the transfer window in August 2012, Juventus were short of a centre forward.
      But even Arsenal fans, who had grown tired of Nicklas Bendtner’s off-the-field antics, were shocked the Italian giants went for their Danish striker.
      Especially since the previous season he had failed to pull up any trees at Sunderland.
      That didn’t deter Juve gambling on the forward, but injury problems restricted him to just 11 appearances – and he failed to score.
      Unsurprisingly, the Serie A side didn’t take up an option of buying him permanently.
      Arsenal fans were left stunned when Serie A giants Juventus took troubled striker Nicklas Bendtner off their handsCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Bendtner failed to score in 11 games for the club and a permanent move was quashedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      BOJAN KRKIC
      The former Barcelona man was the epitome of the question; can he do it on a rainy Tuesday night at Stoke?
      The simple answer was no, despite Bojan having the benefit of playing for the home side too.
      Mark Hughes concluded the surprise deal for the man labelled the next Messi in 2014 for just £1.8million.
      “Anyone who knows European football will be aware of him as a player and the fact that he sees his future at Stoke City is really exciting,” Hughes beamed at the time.
      16 goals in 85 games later he was flogged to MLS side Montreal Impact in 2019.
      Bojan Krcic swapped Barcelona for StokeCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      STEVEN CAULKER
      Although it was only a loan move, Jurgen Klopp bringing in Caulker from QPR in a January transfer window in 2016 was one no one saw coming.
      A centre back who came through the ranks at Tottenham, the one-time England cap managed to play four games for the reds.
      What was even more unbelievable was he was asked to play upfront.
      Sadly, his Liverpool was cut short before a deal could be thrashed out, when Caulker was admitted into rehab with addictions to alcohol and gambling threatening his career.
      Steven Caulker was asked to play upfront for LiverpoolCredit: Reuters
      TEVEZ AND MASCHERANO
      Probably one of the most audacious double-signings in Premier League history.
      No wonder then West Ham boss Alan Pardew had a smile like a Cheshire cat at their unveiling back in 2006.
      The Argentinian duo were plucked from Corinthians, and only stayed with the Hammers for a season with Tevez joining Manchester United and Mascherano signing for Liverpool.
      Tevez would write his name in the history books by scoring a goal that secured the club’s Premier League safety.
      Later, Pardew revealed he had only asked his chief executive to buy James Milner and then his Christmas came early.
      Carlos Tevez helped save West Ham from relegationCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      LUTHER BLISSETT
      Cruelly called Luther ‘Miss it’ by away fans, Blissett is a Watford legend and their all-time top goalscorer.
      After winning the First Division Golden Boot in 1983, AC Milan paid £1million to bring him to Italy.
      But Blissett struggled to settle in Italy, scoring just five times in 30 appearances in the club.
      His dietary requirements were also unfulfilled.
      “No matter how much money you have here, you can’t seem to get Rice Krispies,” he said.
      AC Milan gambled on Watford legend Luther Blissett, who failed to settle in ItalyCredit: AP:Associated Press
      EDGAR DAVIDS
      One of the finest midfielders of his generation, it was a shock to see Edgar Davids end up at Barnet.
      After all, this was a former Dutch international who had won the Champions League with Ajax, and played for AC Milan, Juventus, Inter Milan and Barcelona in a star-studded career.
      Still, in 2012 – still living in North London after a spell at Spurs and then Crystal Palace – he became player manager of League Two Barnet.
      However, he struggled to keep his discipline on the pitch – getting sent off three times in his first eight games of the 2013-14 season and picking up a booking in every one of those matches.
      His bizarre managerial career took a new turn when he decided to wear the No1 jersey normally worn by goalkeepers, insisting he was setting a trend for midfielders to don that number. He resigned in 2014.
      After starring at Ajax, Juventus, AC Milan and Tottenham, Edgar Davids opted to end his career at League Two BarnetCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      FERNANDO HIERRO, YOURI DJORKAEFF AND JAY JAY OKOCHA
      There was no doubt Sam Allardyce had big plans for Bolton Wanderers.
      Although they were in their twilight years, between 2002-2004 Real Madrid legend Fernando Hierro, France World Cup winner Youri Djorkaeff and the remarkably gifted Jay-Jay Okocha all played for the club at the same time.
      Okocha joined from PSG on a free transfer, and soon became a fans’ favourite.
      Djorkaeff scored an impressive 21 goals from 87 games from midfield, initially snubbing interest from Manchester United and Liverpool for three years with the Trotters.
      While Hierro finished his career playing for Wanderers aged 37.
      Youri Djorkaeff and Jay-Jay Okocha were part of a dream team of foreign signings at BoltonCredit: Reuters
      Real Madrid legend Fernardo Hierro enjoyed his final year as a pro with the TrottersCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      ROBERTO MANCINI
      Mancini enjoyed a stellar career at Sampdoria, where he helped the club win Serie A, four Coppa Italia titles, as well the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
      Three years followed at Lazio, but no one could’ve envisaged what was going to happen next.
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      There are some quality players up for grabs for nothing

      Mancini joined Peter Taylor’s Leicester City on loan – making his debut against Arsenal in 2001 at the grand old age of 36.
      However, he failed to complete 90 minutes in his five games for the club.
      His contract was torn up in February, when Mancini decided he wanted to manage Fiorentina.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Roberto Mancini joined Leicester City at 36 from Lazio, but failed to reach previous heightsCredit: PA:Press Association

      Top clubs could be BANNED from foreign transfers due to ESL with visas stopped More