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      Where Tottenham’s ‘Magnificent Seven’ are who were signed with Gareth Bale money in 2013, from Soldado to Paulinho?

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      IN 2013, Spurs were forced to blow up their squad following the world-record sale of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid.The Welshman had scored 26 goals in the previous campaign, sweeping the Premier League’s various individual awards ahead of the likes of Luis Suarez and Eden Hazard.
      Spurs recruited the ‘Magnificent Seven’ in the summer of 2013
      Gareth Bale was unveiled at Real Madrid in September 2013Credit: AFP
      But there was a problem – Tottenham missed out on Champions League qualification by a point.
      Daniel Levy was bullish that he could keep his star asset, but Real Madrid turned on their charm offensive and it soon became just a matter of when, not if.
      So Spurs got busy, signing seven new players for more than £100million – as the line went, they’d ‘sold Elvis, and signed The Beatles’.
      But while Bale was off winning Champions League titles with Madrid, Spurs’ new signings were producing contrasting performances.
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      So let’s take a look at what became of the ‘Magnificent Seven’.
      ROBERTO SOLDADO – £26m
      Spurs thought that they had secured a prolific goalscorer in SoldadoCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      Soldado, 37, joined Levante from LaLiga rivals GranadaCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS
      Spaniard Soldado was probably the most exciting of the acquisitions, when he arrived from Valencia for £26m, fresh from wowing at the Confederations Cup and banging in 24 goals in LaLiga.
      Despite no lack of trying, his time at White Hart Lane was a disaster, however, as he only managed seven goals in 52 Premier League appearances – with five of them coming from the penalty spot.
      Levy did manage to squeeze £10m out of Villarreal for his services in 2015, and he has since played for Fenerbahce and Granada.
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      Now 37, he plays for Spanish second division side Levante – where he has 10 goals in 35 games across two seasons.
      PAULINHO – £17m
      The Brazilian struggled to make an impact at SpursCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Paulinho played for Saudi side Al-Ahli after reinventing himself in ChinaCredit: AFP or licensors

      Another that arrived off the back of a stellar Confederations Cup, Spurs fans thought they were getting ‘the Brazilian Frank Lampard’ when Paulinho arrived in N17.
      Initial performances were steady, with a late back-heeled winner at Cardiff prompting pandemonium among the travelling supporters.
      Things went downhill very quickly, however, with Paulinho being red carded in Andre Villas-Boas’ final game in charge, before becoming a nervous wreck barely capable of completing a five-yard pass by the end.
      He was offered a career lifeline by Chinese Super League giants Guangzhou Evergrande, where he became a big star – via a very strange, if not totally unsuccessful year at Barcelona.
      Paulinho, 34, linked up with Saudi side Al-Ahli but signed a deal with Corinthians in 2022.
      VLAD CHIRICHES – £8m
      The Romanian struggled to cut down on his mistakes at TottenhamCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The Sun
      A considerably scarier-looking Chiriches playing for Sassuolo in Serie ACredit: Reuters
      Fans were excited at Chiriches’ arrival, as they thought they’d unearthed a hidden gem from Steaua Bucharest, with a penchant for playing the ball out from the back.
      And while he was very laid back, it often proved to be to the team’s detriment, as his casual style tended to gift opponents easy goals, while leaving fans’ hearts in their mouths.
      Like Soldado and Paulinho, Chiriches lasted two seasons at the Lane, before being shipped off to Napoli.
      The Romanian managed just 48 appearances across four seasons at San Paulo, before joining Sassuolo on loan two years ago – before making it permanent for just shy of £10m.
      Last summer, he was snapped up by Cremonese – and at 33 still plays in Serie A.
      NACER CHADLI – £7m
      Chadli became a useful player in his three years at SpursCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      One of the more successful acquisitions of that summer, Chadli became a popular figure at Spurs despite an underwhelming start.
      The Belgian joined from FC Twente, having scored against Tottenham home and away in the 2010-11 Champions League campaign.
      But it was not until his second season that he really began to shine, scoring 13 goals as Mauricio Pochettino began to transform the club’s fortunes.
      He left for West Brom in 2017, eventually joining Istanbul Basaksehir in 2020, via stints at Monaco and Anderlecht.
      This season, the Turkish team have loaned the now 33-year-old to Belgium side KVC Westerlo.
      ETIENNE CAPOUE – £9m
      Etienne Capoue struggled to make a big impact at SpursCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Capoue helped Villarreal beat Manchester United in the Europa League finalCredit: Getty – Pool
      Neither wildly awful nor outstandingly memorable, Capoue is possibly the most forgettable player of the seven.
      With Sandro having regressed due to knee injuries, Capoue initially seemed to be the perfect foil for Mousa Dembele in his place.
      But the Frenchman fell out of favour despite steady performances, although was hung out to dry following a few awful displays as a makeshift centre-back.
      He lasted one season beyond Pochettino’s arrival in 2014, before joining Watford.
      Capoue made 11 outings in the Championship in the first half of the 2020-21 season, before signing for Villarreal in the January transfer window.
      And his impact was immediate as he helped the Spanish side beat Manchester United in the Europa League final – the club’s first major trophy in their history.
      While he was also crucial in their Champions League run last season to the semi-final.
      CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – £11m
      Eriksen was a talismanic figure at Tottenham for more than six seasonsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Eriksen is now starring for Man UtdCredit: Getty
      Without doubt the most successful acquisition of that summer, Christian Eriksen was an outstanding, indispensable member of the squad for six years, before eventually departing for Inter Milan in January 2020.
      A bargain at £11m, the Dane papered over cracks during Tim Sherwood’s tenure, pulling out a brilliant goal or moment of genius time and time again to dig the team out of trouble.
      He then became vital to Pochettino’s side, so much so that they struggled to adapt whenever he was absent.
      Eriksen admitted his desire to ‘try something new’ after losing the 2019 Champions League final and joined Inter six months later.
      The playmaker helped Inter win the Serie A title last season, but his playing career hung in the balance after he suffered a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020.
      However, he returned to the Premier League last season on a short term deal with Brentford.
      His excellent performances earned Eriksen a move to Man Utd, where he has enjoyed a stellar season.
      ERIK LAMELA – £30m
      Lamela joined Spurs just two days before Bale’s move to Madrid was confirmedCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      Erik Lamela became the last of the ‘Magnificent Seven’ to depart North London for Spain.
      Argentine Lamela, 30, actually had a bizarre start at Spurs, starting just three league matches in his first season before disappearing back to his homeland following a back injury early on in Tim Sherwood’s tenure.
      He returned following his compatriot Pochettino’s arrival, wrestling for a starting berth before sustaining a troublesome hip injury in October 2016 that would keep him out for 13 months.

      Lamela again recovered and returned to action – chipping in with 255 appearances before joining Sevilla in a swap deal with Bryan Gil heading in the opposite direction.
      His most memorable moment will be his ‘rabona’ strike in the 2-1 defeat against Arsenal, with his strike winning the Premier League Goal of the Season award. More

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      Chelsea legend Pat Nevin is now a hipster DJ playing at a club night in trendy East London

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      HE used to be famed for leaving defenders in a spin, so what Pat Nevin did after football must’ve come natural.The Chelsea and Everton legend, who bamboozled all with his tricky wing play in the 80s and 90s is now a DJ playing for hipster crowds in London.
      Pat Nevin is now a part-time DJ
      Nevin, 59, previously had a regular spot playing at The Victoria in Dalston at a trendy club night called Scared to Dance, which was previously at the Shacklewell Arms.
      He also appeared at the 2015 Shiiine On Weekender festival alongside the likes of Happy Mondays playing tracks by indie artists including The Smiths, Pulp and New Order.
      And he recently revealed to his Twitter followers that he is returning to the decks, writing: Just a quick heads up to say I’m DJing for the first time in ages on the 21st of January at the Shacklewell in Dalston. Pop in if your (sic) around and feel free to have a chat too!”
      Busy Nevin previously managed to juggle his new career alongside his football commitments, working as a pundit for BBC Radio 5 Live.
      He revealed how he first caught the music bug.
      Nevin said: “I’ve been DJing for years and years. Forever really. I come from Glasgow, and before I left it was a hotbed of music,” he told the Noisey.
      “The whole Postcard Records thing was blowing up, and things were really happening. I had been listening to John Peel since I was 14, every night lying on my bed with headphones on.
      “I was just a muso, that’s all I was. Eventually I started DJing. Even when I was playing football for Chelsea I was doing it.
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      The EX Chelsea player plays at a club night in trendy East LondonCredit: Instagram
      Nevin’s name appears on the flyer for Scared to Dance, which was formerly at The Shacklewell Arms in Dalston, East LondonCredit: Instagram
      His setlist features bands including New Order, Pulp and The SmithsCredit: Instagram
      Nevin has played alongside established names like Happy Mondays and Stereo MC’sCredit: Handout
      He manages to juggle a DJ career alongside being a football punditCredit: Reuters
      “I’m asked loads now, and can only accept about 1 in 5 of the offers I get.”
      Having often performed DJ sets over the weekend, it wasn’t uncommon for Nevin to be playing until the early hours and then heading to a football match to work for the BBC.
      “It is totally and utterly mental,” he laughed. “None of it fits together. I’m knackered.”
      When he was a player at Chelsea in the mid 80s, Nevin wrote a music column in the club newspaper. One day he sent a letter to the late DJ John Peel asking him for an interview.
      While at Chelsea, Nevin had his own music columnCredit: Instagram
      He once wrote to BBC DJ John Peel for an interviewCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Nevin later scored himself a secret production job on Peel’s BBC Radio showCredit: Instagram
      “Although, when you are playing football you can’t be spinning tunes until 3am in the morning, because you have to take care of yourself a wee bit.
      Not only did he get an interview, he also scored himself a production job alongside his football career.
      “We became great mates,” he revealed. “I used to sit in on his show quite a bit, making production notes.”
      “But they never really mentioned that I was hanging about. You’d think people would comment on there being a famous footballer there but nobody knew, and that was the way I liked it.”
      And Nevin confessed he once asked to be subbed at half-time during a game so he could catch a gig by his favourite band, Cocteau Twins.
      At Chelsea, Nevin was a fan favouriteCredit: Getty – Contributor
      But when the winger was playing for the Blues, he asked if he could be subbed so he could get to a gig on timeCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty
      Nevin admitted he loved travelling around Europe seeing bandsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Nevin has enjoyed life since hanging up his boots in 2000Credit: Les Gallagher – The Sun Glasgow
      “It was pre-season at Chelsea and I said, ‘I will sign your contract if you take me off at half time next Friday night because they’re playing Festival Hall.’
      “I was quite adamant, and the manager agreed to it. ‘You’re off your head, but fine.’
      “We weren’t flashy back then, but we did train near Heathrow so sometimes I would hit a gig on a weeknight – get a last minute ticket and fly off somewhere.
      “So it might be a gig in France, Berlin, Scotland. I would stay in a crap hotel, fly back the next day for training. Nobody was any the wiser.” More

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      Wenger names Cole as the player he regretted selling most & says Arsenal transfer exit was over ‘a few thousand pounds’

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      ARSENE WENGER regrets not holding on to Ashley Cole when he made the move from Arsenal to Chelsea in 2006.Cole was an England international and a pivotal player for the Gunners – and arguably someone they failed to replace.
      Ashley Cole was part of Arsenal’s Invincibles team but left the club in 2006Credit: PA:Press Association
      Arsene Wenger regrets letting Ashley Cole leave for ChelseaCredit: PA:Press Association
      And his career reached great heights after making the move across London, winning the Premier League, the Champions League and the FA Cup on four occasions.
      But Arsenal could have kept him had they offered him more than the reported £55,000-a-week contract renewal.

      Cole was believed to have received a deal worth £120,000 a week from Chelsea and Wenger regrets not matching the Blues’ offer.
      He previously told beIN Sports: “The player I think internally was a mistake to lose was Ashley Cole.
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      “Cole came out of the [academy]. It was a misunderstanding for a few thousand pounds.”
      William Gallas came in on an exchange deal for Cole and later became Arsenal captain, although then left for rivals Tottenham.
      Gael Clichy later performed well at left-back for the Gunners and earned a move to Manchester City.
      There were a number of high-profile exits during Wenger’s tenure, such as Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira.
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      Wenger also let Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor leave at the height of their goalscoring form – moves that dented Arsenal’s title ambitions.
      Cesc Fabregas is another star who left when at his peak in an Arsenal shirt, as did Samir Nasri.
      Although it seems that Wenger believes he had a realistic shot at keeping hold of Cole, which is perhaps why his exit still pains him so much. More

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      Man Utd Treble winner looks unrecognisable with long hair and beard after retiring and opening up a pizzeria

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S famous Treble-winning triumph from the 1998-99 season will go down as one of the club’s greatest ever achievements.Sir Alex Ferguson led his Red Devils to the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in a remarkable fortnight nearly 24 years ago.
      Blomqvist was a part of United’s legendary Treble-winning teamCredit: Reuters
      He now looks totally different – here he is with fellow ex-Man Utd player Mikael SilvestreCredit: Instagram @jesperblomqvistofficial
      The names that immediately spring to mind from that side are the likes of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Teddy Sheringham, David Beckham, Roy Keane and Paul Scholes.
      But one man who many may have forgotten is Swedish midfielder Jesper Blomqvist.
      He made 25 Premier League appearances in that momentous season and also collected an FA Cup winners medal despite being an unused substitute in the final.
      Blomqvist then started the Champions League final against Bayern Munich before being taken off for Teddy Sheringham – who would go on to score the equalising goal.
      Shortly after United’s European triumph Blomqvist suffered a serious knee injury and never played for the club again.
      And Man Utd fans may find it incredibly difficult to recognise him these days as he looks completely different to when he was gracing the Old Trafford pitch more than two decades ago.
      Blomqvist is rocking a ponytail, beard, and does not possess the vibrant blonde hair he once had as a player.
      What’s more, after a brief attempt at management, he has now found a new passion as he runs his own pizzeria.
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      Ferguson signed him from Parma ahead of the 1998-99 campaignCredit: PA:Press Association
      Blomqvist now looks a much-changed man 22 years on from that iconic Man Utd seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      He now has his own pizzeria having gone into the industry after a brief stint managing in football
      Speaking to The Telegraph about his new life previously, he said: “I have to say it is tough when people ask me in the beginning, ‘What are you doing?’ And I say, ‘I have a pizzeria’. It was tough that people look down at you.
      “Then I have to explain it’s the best pizzeria! Now I don’t care. People seem to be saying, ‘Are you down there? Have you lost all your money?’ I couldn’t care less.
      “I can understand it and feel it myself. It’s not a problem. It’s just me who has to work with myself. Footballers have been very spoiled. It’s very easy to lose perspective and to get carried away and this money can destroy players.
      “It’s the way it is, you have to learn to handle it and it’s difficult. I am so happy I was brought up in the north of Sweden where you keep your feet on the ground and you have to work hard.”
      Blomqvist, 48, also explained why he decided to pack in management after just two years – where he coached Swedish sides Enkoping and Hammarby IF.
      “Putting the team in front and not taking into consideration the human being behind the player – for me, that was the toughest challenge,” he added.

      “I tend to look more at the human being. Ferguson was good at that. When it comes to winning games you can’t care about the human being.
      “You have to be ruthless and sometimes I missed that. That’s my nature and it is hard to change.”
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      Blomqvist was back in a United shirt last summer.
      He joined up with several other familiar names to line-up for Man Utd Legends against their Liverpool counterparts – but they suffered a 3-1 defeat to the Reds. More

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      Former Premier League ace Marvin Sordell reveals how hitting ‘breaking point’ with mental health forced him to retire

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      FOR MARVIN SORDELL, retirement was a matter of life or death – quite literally.A career that started at Watford in 2009 and ended in July 2019 with Burton Albion is now over, but not because of a niggling injury, nor because of a ripped-up contract.
      Marvin Sordell retired in 2019 after a ten-year careerCredit: Dave Pinegar – The Sun
      Sordell admits the football industry had a huge impact on his mental healthCredit: Dave Pinegar – The Sun
      Sordell spoke to SunSport’s Jordan Davies after announcing his retirementCredit: Dave Pinegar – The Sun
      At just 28, it was an early exit born from crippling depression, deteriorating mental health and a serious concern for his own well-being.
      Having attempted suicide in 2013, Sordell is brave enough to admit that another season of football in England’s third tier could have prompted a second attempt.
      Speaking to SunSport this summer, he said: “I was pretty much at breaking point. And for me, the breaking point is suicidal thoughts.
      “Removing myself from this situation was the best thing to do regardless of the football.
      “When you’re suffering from mental health and something is a big trigger then you need to do what you can to get rid of that.
      “Moving on has certainly made me feel a lot happier and it has taken a big weight off my shoulders. I feel free. I can now control my own narrative.”
      Sordell had been trying to retire for years; the pressures of modern day professional football and a cut-throat industry over a ten-year career taking its toll.
      It reached the point where he admitted to being more afraid of success than failure.
      But through a fear of the unknown and a desire not to give up on the game he loves, he would battle on.
      This time was different, however. Sordell was secretly omitted from Burton’s pre-season due to what we now know to be ‘anxiety and depression’.
      Sordell broke through at Watford in 2009 as a promising young strikerCredit: Action Images – Reuters
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      He simply couldn’t bring himself to turn up, let alone train – and in the last few months of his last season, after returning from a dire loan spell at Northampton, a reliance on alcohol to numb the pain really hit home.
      He continued: “To be drinking 7, 8, 9 or ten days in a row, I clearly knew I wasn’t happy.
      “After a while it just eats up at you, chips away slowly, slowly, slowly. It’s the industry rather than the game.
      “Everything is based on opinions. Someone’s opinion of you doesn’t match up to what you think your ability or worth is.
      “And then you find yourself in a position and place worse than you could ever imagine.
      “Up until two or three years ago if something happened in a game or in the changing room, I wouldn’t be able to leave the house all weekend. Emotionally I would feel so vulnerable.
      “Playing the game is what I’ve loved to do, always, since I was a little boy and I still love playing and I would still want to play in some capacity.
      “It’s just being a professional football player at this current moment in time, I don’t enjoy.”
      Sordell was supposed to be this country’s next great talent after cruising through the Hornet’s academy and into the Championship.
      Sordell also represented Team GB at the London 2012 OlympicsCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      An England U21 call-up came next before a chance to represent Team GB at the Olympics in 2012 under Stuart Pearce – the only coach he claims to have every fully understood him.
      But somewhere along the line he became lost. The expectation. The big money move to Premier League side Bolton in 2013. The scrutiny. The depression. The feeling of abandonment. The racism.
      Sordell admitted: “Throughout my career I found there was a perception of black players being lazy, flash, arrogant, ungrateful and have an attitude problem.
      “Because of this, we have to do more, work harder and be less outspoken than our ethnic counterparts in order to be presented with an opportunity that is of equal standing.”
      Yet sitting in the George IV pub in Lichfield, Staffordshire, days after announcing his retirement while speaking to Sun Sport two years ago, what is so striking is Sordell’s lack of anger or bitterness towards those he could quite rightly claim let him down in his time of need.
      He smiles: “I’m not angry. I’m disappointed in myself sometimes, I could have done more.
      “At times, I thought if I didn’t think so much it would be easier but then I wouldn’t be the person I am. I wouldn’t want to ever change who I am to then have a better career.
      “I’m also disappointed in football and the industry itself. Whether that’s governing bodies like the PFA and FA or players and coaches I’ve worked with.
      “But I want to be able to use this to make a change. Football needs to change and fans want to see real people. Fans don’t care about all the rubbish.
      “If players can show who they really are without having to worry about all these filters and other things, then it will make for a much closer knit and greater game.
      “But right know everything is so split.”
      YOU’RE NOT ALONEEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
      It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
      It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
      And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
      Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
      That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
      The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
      Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
      If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:

      Sordell was approached by current players in the EFL and Premier League suffering in the same way who also want out of football, but fear a lack of education, financial security and social acceptance is holding them back.
      He wants to help change that, and has already been in touch with those in high places offering his services. He is just waiting for a call back.
      Sordell sighs: “They [The FA and PFA] haven’t called me. I don’t know if they will.
      “It’s not frustrating for me personally, but there are so many current and former players who have been through similar circumstances.
      “A lot can be done to help but it’s only if the PFA and the FA want to help. They have access to all of them.
      “It’s invaluable to have the knowledge of people from inside the game. These organisations have a lot of people with experience in business management or finance or sales.
      “But when you’re talking about making an impact in football, you need to understand what football looks like and feels like. Without that it’s very difficult to know.”
      Now Sordell keeps himself busy having lent himself to several non-football projects during his career – including a production company ‘180 Productions’ and male suicide prevention campaign CALM – to ensure this transition was as smooth as possible.
      And soon, along with his wife and two young children, he will move back down to Watford where it all began.
      Only this time, the pressure is finally off.
      Marvin Sordell opens up on suicide attempts and battles with depression More

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      Barcelona got £225m offer for Messi in 2006 from Inter – 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 last year.
      Messi was already hot property back in 2006Credit: AFP – Getty
      Joan Laporta revealed the bid last yearCredit: EPA
      And Laporta, 60,was asked about the future of unhappy talisman Lionel Messi – leading to a stunning admission.
      Last April, he told Radio Onda Cero: “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 then transfer world-record, which was the £46.6m that Real Madrid paid for Zinedine Zidane in 2001.
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      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 35, 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 before the beginning of the last campaign.
      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
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      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.” More

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      I made my Arsenal first-team debut aged 20 and scored the winning goal… 18 years later I now help their IT department

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      DANNY KARBASSIYOON has gone from wing-back wizard to web wizard since returning to Arsenal.The American, 38, joined the Gunners in 2003 from US amateur outfit Roanoke Star where he starred for the youth teams.

      Danny Karbassiyoon (No46) celebrates after his strike knocked Manchester City out of the League Cup in October 2004Credit: Getty
      Karbassiyoon now works for Arsenal in their IT Department after retiringCredit: Arsenal FC
      Initially brought in as a forward, the left-footed maestro was converted into a full-back.
      And he was rewarded with a first team debut in October 2004 in the League Cup third round tie away at Manchester City.
      The former USA Under-18 international had an instant impact off the bench as he fired in a 90th minute strike into the far corner after being played in by Cesc Fabregas.
      It turned out to be the winner after Robbie Fowler rifled home a free-kick moments later at the Etihad.

      Karbassiyoon would go on to feature twice more for Arsenal in the League Cup against Everton and Manchester United, who Arsene Wenger’s side were knocked out by.
      In November 2004 the defender was loaned to Ipswich, where he made five appearances for the Tractor Boys.
      Having failed to establish himself in Wenger’s side due to Ashley Cole and Gael Clichy, Karbassiyoon was released in 2005 where he linked up with Burnley.
      But injuries limited him to just five appearances with his contract terminated a year later, and after an unsuccessful trial at AZ Alkmaar, Karbassiyoon retired in early 2007 at the age of 22 due to recurring knee problems.
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      Karbassiyoon (middle) scored a 90th minute winner against the Citizens on his debut aged 20Credit: Getty

      However he remained in the beautiful game where he became an Arsenal scout for the American region, where he is credited for bringing Gedion Zelalem and Joel Campbell to the club.
      After leaving to start a successful online gaming company, he returned to Arsenal once again where he is now a product manager in their IT department.
      His role combines his knowledge of scouting footballers and technology where he helps technical director Edu and the recruitment team.
      Speaking to Arsenal’s website about his role, he said: “Essentially I lead the direction and design of our two bespoke, in-house platforms.
      “The first is our recruitment platform, geared towards the players that we want to bring into the club, and is led by Edu and the recruitment team.
      “Secondly, the performance hub is driven by our coaches, sports science team, medical and strength and conditioning staff.
      “They are both unique to us at Arsenal, and I was able to combine my experience from my days as a scout, with my knowledge of tech and development.”
      He continued: “When Edu first arrived as technical director, he needed to make three or four different calls if he wanted information on a specific target or new player.
      “He would call the StatDNA guys, the scouts, the analysts – it would take a while. My solution was to have all that information ready by just typing in a player’s name to a database.
      “It’s a bit more sophisticated in that the various stakeholders are given the information that’s relevant and pertinent to them, but essentially it brings everything together in a usable platform.”
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      Karbassiyoon added: “I’m part of the IT department, so I’m technically based at Highbury House, but I also work closely with the guys at Colney, and am usually there a couple of times a week.
      “I work across the departments, which is great, because there is input from the medical team, recruitment, sports science, Edu as well of course.” More