More stories

  • in

    David Beckham was a member of Real Madrid’s Brazilian clique leaving Spanish-speaking stars jealous, Robinho reveals

    DAVID BECKHAM left Spanish-speaking members of the Real Madrid squad jealous thanks to being part of the Brazilian clique at the club, according to Robinho.The 39-year-old Brazilian and former Manchester City star recounted his time at the Bernabeu to Italian media outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport.
    David Beckham was a popular member of the dressing room at Real MadridCredit: Reuters
    Beckham spent four seasons at the Bernabeu before leaving for LA Galaxy in 2007Credit: EPA
    In April 2020, he spoke of the chemistry in the team and his ex team-mate Beckham, who owns MLS side Inter Miami, saying: ”When Madrid came, I saw that they had a large Brazilian presence in the team and they had Vanderlei Luxemburgo as their coach at the time.
    ”So, why go to Barcelona? There was a great harmony among the Brazilians in the squad. Beckham was always with the Brazilians. He was part of our group.
    ”The Spaniards were jealous because he spoke more Portuguese than Spanish, so he ended up spending more time with us.”
    After scoring more than 80 goals over four seasons at Santos, Brazilian Robinho moved to Europe and helped Real Madrid win back-to-back LaLiga titles in 2007 and 2008.
    Spanish giants Barca had had their eyes on the starlet at around that time, but Real swooped in with a deal before their rivals had the chance to steal their prize.
    He then stayed in Spain for three seasons before moving over to City in 2008.
    Things did not end on good terms for him and Real when his time with the club came to its eventual end.
    He also told Gazzetta: ”My goal was to go to Chelsea. But things ended badly with Real Madrid.
    Most read in football
    ”They didn’t like Chelsea selling shirts with my name on them before the deal was concluded.
    “I don’t regret leaving Madrid. But I am sorry I made mistakes with them when I left.
    ”Madrid was the club that opened my doors and offered me the opportunity to conquer Europe.”
    Former England captain Beckham joined LA Galaxy from Real in 2007 and part of his contract gave him the option to buy an MLS franchise at a reduced rate in the future.
    It took him several years, but he took up that option and he now owns Inter Miami.
    And the ex-Manchester United winger recruited former Old Trafford pal Phil Neville as his manager in January 2021. More

  • in

    Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti’s all-time XI of players he has managed includes Chelsea legends Terry and Lampard

    CARLO ANCELOTTI once named his best XI of players he has managed during his long career – and included Chelsea flop Andriy Shevchenko.The Real Madrid head coach, now 63, has bossed the likes of AC Milan, Chelsea, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Napoli in his illustrious career.
    Ancelotti’s best XI includes Chelsea stars John Terry, Frank Lampard and Andriy Shevchenko
    But somehow the Italian picked his favourite team of stars he coached during the earlier days of his career.
    Ancelotti has four league titles to his name as a manager, with another on the way this season at the Bernabeu.
    Added to that the Italian lifted the Champions League on three occasions – two of which were with AC Milan.
    It’s little wonder Ancelotti has his best XI stacked with San Siro stars, either, with the Milan giants dominating European football for much of his reign.
    Most Read In Football
    Ancelotti’s XI is based on players he coached, prior to those he worked with at Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton, and his second spell at the Bernabeu.
    Which explains why there is no room for Cristiano Ronaldo.
    Karim Benzema too would certainly be in with a shout if Ancelotti named his team again in today’s age, with the Frenchman  Ballon d’Or following a scintillating season in front of goal.
    But who did make the cut?
    MADE IN MILAN
    In goal, Ancelotti has gone for Gianluigi Buffon, who he managed during his time at Parma, before the Italian stopper became a Juventus stalwart.
    The defence reads like a real dream back-four, with Milan stars Cafu and Paolo Maldini joined by former Chelsea captain John Terry and current Blues ace Thiago Silva.
    In a star-studded midfield diamond, Andrea Pirlo and Kaka are the Milan stars at the base and the tip.
    Zinedine Zidane, who Ancelotti managed at Juventus, and now-Everton boss Frank Lampard sit in the middle of the park.
    Ancelotti pictured with Zidane during their time together at JuventusCredit: PA:Press Association
    And while Sevchenko failed to ever really live up to expectations during his time at Stamford Bridge, Ancelotti still has him down as one of the two best striker Ancelotti has managed.
    Milan-era Shevchenko starts up front with current AC Milan man Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Ancelotti’s best XI. More

  • in

    Tyson Fury applauded Sky Sports’ Adam Smith after the presenter took offence to Johnny Nelson’s verdict on Usyk

    TYSON FURY has revealed he applauded Sky Sports’ Adam Smith when he slammed Johnny Nelson for labelling Oleksandr Usyk an ‘average southpaw’. Nelson, who was cruiserweight world champion between 1999 and 2005, incredibly claimed in 2021 that pound-for-pound superstar Usyk was not a standout boxer compared to other southpaws.
    Fury has defended Usyk’s ability as he praised Smith for his assessment of the UkrainianCredit: Getty
    Smith hailed Usyk as a fantastic fighter – both as an amateur and a professionalCredit: Getty
    Sky Sports presenter and commentator Smith took umbrage to that view.
    And Fury has declared he agreed with Smith in slamming Nelson’s controversial point.
    Grabbing the mic and interviewing the Sky man on iFL TV, Fury said: “A couple of months ago Johnny Nelson said to you that Oleksandr Usyk is an average southpaw cruiserweight.
    “And I was actually very impressed with your thing. You was absolutely livid, absolutely boiling. You was like ‘arghhhh’. Can you tell us a bit more about it?”
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    And Smith explained: “I was doing an interview and Johnny just said he was an average southpaw and I just took complete offence to that.
    “I think he is a fantastic fighter. I think he was a wonderful amateur. He was brilliant against Joshua and I thought that was a disgraceful thing for my good friend and colleague to say.
    “But there we go, that’s his opinion.”
    Fury then replied: “I was actually clapping in the room because that was amazing. So well done for that.”
    Most read in boxing
    SUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY
    Usyk, an Olympic gold medallist from London 2012, beat Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in September to claim the IBF, WBA and WBO world titles.
    And he defended his belts in their rematch on August 20 in Saudi Arabia last year.
    Meanwhile, Fury followed up his win against Dillian Whyte with a resounding victory over Derek Chisora.
    It sets up a potential Usyk v Fury fight – which has been pencilled in for April 29, according to Frank Warren.
    The venue is yet to be confirmed – with Saudi Arabia and London as suggestions.
    Recent reports have suggested Fury already has another opponent on his radar, should he be victorious over the Ukrainian.
    Fury is said to want a meet with Joe Joyce on home soil. More

  • in

    Josef Bican was ‘Czech Cristiano Ronaldo’ who would cost £300m today, but Portugal star still well off his 1,468 goals

    JOSEF BICAN would have been as famous as Pele if he had played in a different era.That is the view of a Fifa historian as Cristiano Ronaldo remains miles off is unofficial 1,468 goal tally.
    Josef Bican is the highest official goalscorer of all timeCredit: Getty
    Cristiano Ronaldo overtook Bican’s 805 goal haulCredit: Getty
    Although no one is certain of the exact number of goals he bagged as Bican’s career spanned from 1931 to 1955 when record keeping was not quite as efficient as it is in 2022.
    But the most common tally credited to the former Slavia Prague ace is 805 goals – 779 for club and 26 international – according to Fifa.
    As with the late Pele, the lines are somewhat blurry when it comes to official and unofficial goals scored.
    The Brazil legend changed his Instagram bio to read ‘Highest goalscorer of all time (1,283)’ in a bid to cling onto his self-awarded title.
    READ MORE ON RONALDO
    Pele is actually only credited with 757 official strikes – with his higher total generally understood to include goals scored in friendly and tour matches.
    Ronaldo, now 38, returned to Manchester United the summer before last and bagged 24 goals – as well as becoming international football’s all-time leading scorer – to surpass Pele’s total.
    However, he has since left the club for Al Nassr after a fallout with the Red Devils and opened his account in his second game for the club.
    He has 820 goals to his name in his career, according to records.
    But even on unofficial goals, Fifa still give the crown to Bican with a staggering 1,468 – even though Ronaldo has now overtaken his official tally of 805 goals.
    Fifa note on their website: “The Brazilian legend [Pele] includes in his tally goals scored in unofficial games.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    “And if we were to do the same for Bican, his mark would be an estimated 1,468 – even if these figures are difficult to verify given their era.”
    Bican was born on September 25, 1913 in Vienna and died in Prague on December 12, 2001.
    He is believed to have scored his stunning 805 goals in just 530 games – a goal rate which would surely see him worth at least £300million in today’s market.
    Bican played for Austria at the 1934 World Cup in Italy before switching his allegiance to his adopted homeland of Czechoslovakia – now the Czech Republic.
    He scored 14 goals in 19 games for the Austrians before making the switch – which was still permitted in the 30s.
    Having played for Hertha Vienna – like his father had – Bican switched to Rapid Vienna in 1931 and started his professional career where he spent six years.
    In 1937, Bican transferred to Slavia Prague where he fell in love with the club and the country.
    Bican played for Slavia for 11 years and later became their manager.
    During his time in Prague, he successfully applied for Czech citizenship and played for the country 14 times between 1939 and 1949 – scoring 12 times.
    Bican did not represent his new nation at the 1938 World Cup in France because of an admin error. And the next two tournaments were cancelled because of World War II.
    Pele claimed he holds the crown but his 1,283 unofficial tally includes goals scored in friendlies and tour matchesCredit: Instagram / @pele
    Czechoslovakia – along with several other Soviet countries – refused to participate in the 1950 World Cup.
    And these World Cup absences are why Fifa historian Radovan Jelinek thinks the goal machine was not more well known.
    He said: “Bican was incredibly unlucky at the height of his career. There was no World Cup in 1942 or 1946 because of the war.
    “If the 1942 edition had taken place, for example, he would surely have become more widely known. Perhaps he might even have been as famous as Pele.”
    Describing his goalscoring prowess on Czech TV in 1990, Bican said: “When I talk to young reporters, they always say, ‘Mr Bican, scoring was easier back in your day.’
    “So I ask them, ‘How come? Look, are there opportunities today?’ And they tell me, ‘Of course there are, many of them’.
    “And I say, ‘There you go. If there weren’t opportunities, it would be difficult. But if there are, scoring is the same as it was a hundred years ago, and it’ll be the same in a hundred years’ time too. It’ll always be the same.”
    Reports suggest Bican could run 100m in 10.8 seconds – just half a second slower than the world record at the time.
    Read More on The Sun
    Bican’s father Frantiesk fought in World War I and returned unscathed but ironically it was football that killed him.
    The Hertha player picked up a serious kidney injury during a game and eventually died from the problem. More

  • in

    Ex-UFC star Paige VanZant says she earns TEN TIMES more from BKFC than UFC as she breaks down pay row with Dana White

    PAIGE VANZANT has claimed Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship pays her TEN times more than what she earned in the UFC.The former UFC strawweight shocked the combat sports world last in 2020 by penning a multi-fight, multi-million-pound contract with BKFC.
    Paige VanZant says her contract with BKFC earns her ten times what she made in the UFCCredit: GETTY
    VanZant has lost her first two fights – first against Britain Hart in 2021 and then against Rachael Ostovich months later – both by unanimous decision.
    Speaking after the fiery weigh-ins for Bare Knuckle FC’s KnuckleMania before that Hart fight, the American Top Team star: “I’m here for a reason.
    “I was in the UFC for six years getting paid $40,000 (to show) and $40,000 (to win), and now I’m getting ten times that doing what I love.
    “So obviously, I’m not going anywhere. I’m very happy fighting here and I’m excited to fight.”
    Read more in sport
    Before her final UFC fight with Amanda Ribas, which she lost via first-round submission, VanZant claimed she made more money on Instagram than she did fighting in the octagon.
    That drew the ire of UFC chief Dana White, who fired a parting shot at her during the UFC 251 post-fight press conference.
    He said: “When you talk all that stuff, ‘I’m not being paid enough,’ and you’re fighting inconsistently, one time in the last year, (suffering) injuries, and then got smoked in the first round of the fight?
    “She should definitely test free agency.”
    Paige VanZant suffered a submission loss to Amanda Ribas at UFC 251Credit: Getty
    Paige VanZant trains at American Top TeamCredit: Instagram @paigevanzant
    Most read in Boxing
    Despite being tied down to a long-term deal with BKFC, VanZant hasn’t completely closed the door on a return to mixed martial arts.
    She told TMZ: “BKFC, they did give me the liberty in my contract to be able to take an MMA fight.
    “I was informed of that by my manager, and I didn’t know that at first. At first, I was like, ‘No, I just want to do the boxing.’
    “But I think that coming to American Top Team, it re-birthed my excitement and I now realise how good I am.
    “I’m training with these coaches who believe in me. Having them say they believe in me, and they train some of the best fighters in the entire world, and they look at me and they believe that I’m good.
    “So that kinda sparked that passion all over the place. So yeah, maybe I will take an MMA fight.
    “I’m strictly focused on the boxing right now, especially for this fight. That’s all I do. But, maybe. Let’s see. The door is open, so it’s definitely there.” More

  • in

    Meet Kobbie Mainoo, 17, who won the FA Cup Youth Cup last season and looks set for shock Premier League debut

    KOBBIE MAINOO has already been given his Manchester United debut and he could soon be in line for a first Premier League appearance.The youngster has been named amongst the substitutes on several occasions in the league and he played for the first time in United’s Carabao Cup win over Charlton.
    Kobbie Mainoo celebrates wining the FA Youth Cup with Man Utd’s U18’sCredit: Getty
    Mainoo is seen as a wonderkid by Man UtdCredit: Getty
    Mainoo then came off the bench in last month’s 3-1 FA Cup win over Reading.
    And behind the scenes at Carrington there is growing belief the talented 17-year-old could be the heartbeat of the club’s midfield for years to come.
    The Stockport-born youngster was a key member of last season’s successful FA Youth Cup-winning side, and was rewarded with his first professional contract in May 2022.
    This season he has continued to progress for the Red Devils Under-18’s and Under-21’s, following that up with a 60 minute senior cameo against Charlton and a further 17 minutes against Reading.

    Erik ten Hag has been impressed and is now beginning to integrate the teenager into first-team more often.
    Mainoo was part of the squad that went to Spain for a warm-weather training camp and friendlies matches during the World Cup break.
    Been with the club since nine
    Mainoo began his football at grassroots level with Cheadle & Gatley junior football club.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    He was scouted by United aged nine and he worked his way through the youth ranks to establish himself as one of United’s biggest prospects.
    In pre-season, United fans caught a glimpse of the playmaker in action against Altrincham.
    BBC Manchester commentator Jonny Crowther called him “different class”.
    Earlier this season, Mainoo scored twice in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Brighton for the Under-21 team.
    While back in August, he had fans purring during a mercurial display against Carlisle in the EFL Trophy.
    His vision, anticipation and tackling ability certainly caught the eye.
    One fan wrote: “I can watch 17-year-old Kobbie Mainoo’s compilations all day. Man Utd have a player on their hands,” while another said: “Investing in Kobbie Mainoo stocks now.”
    A third said: “I watched Kobbie Mainoo vs Carlisle United yesterday. Ten Hag has to include him in the first-team. This is not a joke.
    “He’s a baller. All he needs is the physical strength and forget Frenkie De Jong. He can do the job simple.”
    This season, Mainoo has thrived for the U21’sCredit: Getty
    Ten Hag has listened
    The excitement around Mainoo has seen Ten Hag, known for giving youth a chance at Ajax, take a closer look at the player himself.
    He is now a regular fixture in first-team training sessions.
    The teenager was first named in a matchday squad for the 0-0 draw against Newcastle back in October.
    And Ten Hag explained Mainoo, who has been capped by England’s Under-18 team, wasn’t there to just make up the numbers.
    The Dutch boss told the club’s official website: “It’s not experience, they [young players] have to deliver.
    “You are here to contribute to the team, to the team’s success, and that is why he is here.”
    Read More on The Sun
    With Casemiro unavailable for United’s defeat at league leaders Arsenal, Kobbie Mainoo was also named on the bench for the huge Emirates game last month.
    And it’s surely just a matter of time before he finally gets his first taste of Premier League action for the Red Devils.
    At just 17, midfielder Mainoo has been raved about by United fansCredit: PA
    With more first-team opportunities approaching, Mainoo should get used to wearing a club suit in the futureCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Pep Guardiola fancies crack at international football after Man City as he leaves door open to England job

    PEP GUARDIOLA previously gave a tantalising hint that he may one day like to fill Gareth Southgate’s boots as England boss Guardiola has long admitted the idea of becoming a national boss some time in the future does appeal.
    Pep Guardiola has given a tantalising hint that he may one day like to fill Gareth Southgate’s boots as England bossCredit: AFP
    His team Manchester City are facing more than 100 allegations of breaches of financial rules following a four-year investigation.
    And the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss did previously claim he would quit the Cityzens if club chiefs ever lied to him regarding rule breaches.
    And when the day he eventually leaves does arrive, the Three Lions job would hold more appeal than most for the successful Etihad boss.
    Guardiola is currently under contract at City until 2025.
    READ MORE ON MAN CITY
    Meanwhile, Southgate signed an extension until 2024 as England gaffer as has confirmed he will stay on until next year’s European Championship.
    Speaking back in 2021, the 52-year-old Spaniard said: “Gareth is doing an incredible job and has just signed a new contract, so congratulations.
    “But when I finish here, it would be a pleasure to live a World Cup or Euros. I would like that but normally it is not easy because there are so few positions.
    “I would like it to happen but if it doesn’t I will train a club. And in England, always I will be Man City.
    Most read in Football
    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
    “I don’t think I will train another club here apart from this one.
    “As long as my energy and love for what I am doing is here, then I don’t know what’s going to happen.
    “Years ago, I never thought I would be the Manchester City trainer and that I would be here for six seasons. Never.
    “So life dictates your future and we will see what happens.”
    Following the fresh charges, possible punishments for City include a points deduction or even expulsion from the Premier League.
    It comes after Uefa previously slapped City with a two-year ban and fined the club £25million in February 2020 for alleged financial fair play breaches.
    Five months later, that ban was overturned and the fine was cut to £9m by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. More

  • in

    Champions League winner looks totally unrecognisable 25 years on from lifting cup after ripped body transformation

    THIS former Bayern Munich and Real Madrid ace looks amazing for 48-years-old.Back in 1998, the ex-Brazilian international was a Champions League winner with the Spanish giants.
    Can you guess who this former Brazil international is?
    He’s bulked up since his playing days
    He made 85 caps for his countryCredit: Instagram zr11
    He regularly uploads fitness videosCredit: Instagram zr11
    He won five major European league titlesCredit: Instagram zr11
    During his illustrious playing days, he won two Copa Americas and finished runner-up at the 1998 World Cup.
    The versatile left-back-turned midfielder made 85 Brazil appearances and scored six times for his country.
    He also lifted one LaLiga and the Champions League with Real.
    He also claimed four Bundesliga titles in six years at Bayern spread over two stints in Germany.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    But can you guess who it is?
    It is, of course, ex-midfielder Ze Roberto who enjoyed a stellar career as a player.
    However, he never looked this buff and has clearly been working out religiously since retiring from the game in 2017.
    He has since stunned fans on social media, showing off his hench body transformation akin to a bodybuilder.
    Most read in football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    The Samba star uploaded an Instagram video of himself during a training session in the park during the coronavirus lockdown.
    Now a personal trainer, he gave an insight into how he was able to outlast so many of his former team-mates.
    He told local media in the past: “I have no vices. I don’t drink alcoholic beverages, I don’t smoke, I eat very well, I sleep well.
    “I have my family, which is my greatest security.
    “I think those are important factors to reach the age I reached and still continue playing at a high level.”
    And back in 2020 he even claimed he has a better physique than the ripped Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
    He told TyC Sports: “Today I would say that I have a better physique, because I played until I was 43-years-old.
    “If he does [play until then], I will say it is him.”
    Although with Ronaldo revealing he plans to keep playing into his 40s Ze Roberto may well be forced into making the admission.
    That’s of course former Bayern Munich and Real Madrid ace Ze RobertoCredit: https://www.instagram.com/fcbayern/
    Ze Roberto claims he even has a better physique than Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Instagram / @cristiano
    Ze Roberto pictured in action for Brazil at the 2006 World Cup
    In 1997 Ze Roberto was playing for Real Madrid More