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    How clever Borussia Dortmund replaced £51m Erling Haaland with nine transfers for just £82m including Haller and Sule

    BORUSSIA DORTMUND are famed for their savvy transfer business – and the past summer was no different. The Bundesliga outfit acted fast after losing Erling Haaland to Manchester City for just £51million.
    Borussia Dortmund made nine signings this summer for £82m
    Sebastien Haller will replace Erling Haaland at Dortmund, when he regains fitness after surgery to remove a testicular tumourCredit: https://www.instagram.com/bvb09/
    NINE new arrivals were recruited so far, and there has been a change in the dugout too with Edin Terzic replacing Marco Rose as boss.
    While losing Haaland, 21, was a blow, Dortmund managed to recruit a direct replacement in Sebastien Haller.
    However, they were dealt a blow when the former West Ham star was diagnosed with a testicular tumour and had to undergo surgery.
    They added Koln striker Anthony Modeste to their ranks, until Haller regains fitness.
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    On top of that seven others have joined for just an extra £26m on top of the £51m banked through selling Haaland.
    Dortmund face off against Bayern Munich on Saturday level on points with their bitter rivals in a top of the table Bundesliga clash.
    Sebastien Haller
    Haller excelled after joining Ajax in January last year.
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    The 28-year-old scored 34 goals in just 42 games last season, including an incredible 11 strikes in eight Champions League outings.
    His form earned him a £29.9m move to Dortmund this summer, where he has been set the daunting task of filling the void left by Haaland.
    He is currently recovering from an operation to remove a testicular tumour, but it expected to be back to full fitness soon.
    Karim Adeyemi
    Adeyemi is perhaps more of a long-term replacement for Haaland, with the forward just 20 years old.
    He was recruited for a bargain £27m after netting 23 goals in 42 games for Austrian outfit in the most recent campaign.
    Adeyemi’s agent confirmed Manchester United had been keen on signing the youngster but he only had eyes for Dortmund.
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    Karim Adeyemi snubbed a move to Manchester United in favour of joining DortmundCredit: Getty
    Nico Schlotterbeck
    Rated as one of the most promising centre-backs in the Bundesliga, Dortmund picked up Schlotterbeck from Freiburg for just £18m.
    The 22-year-old has been capped five times by Germany and played against England twice already in the Nations League.
    Nico Schlotterbeck is one of Germany’s most promising young defendersCredit: AP
    Niklas Sule
    Another centre-back, Dortmund managed to convince Sule to join from champions Bayern Munich when his contract expired this summer.
    The 27-year-old giant has spent the last five years with Bayern, winning the Bundesliga in every season he was at the Allianz.
    Sule had also been linked with a Premier League switch before joining Dortmund, with both Chelsea and Newcastle rumoured to have been interested.
    Niklas Sule swapped Bayern Munich for Borussia DortmundCredit: AFP
    Anthony Modeste
    The experienced 34-year-old French striker was a £4.6m buy from Koln.
    A seasoned pro, Modeste has scored almost 100 goals in the Bundesliga for clubs including Hoffenheim and Koln.
    He was snapped up soon after Haller’s diagnosis to provide cover.
    Anthony Modeste poses with Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl after signingCredit: Getty
    Salih Ozcan
    Turkish international Ozcan, 24, cost Dortmund just £4.5m from fellow Bundesliga side FC Koln.
    Ozcan was an ever-present last season in midfield, playing 34 games in all competitions, and looks like another smart piece of business.
    Jude Bellingham will be pleased with the signing after Ozcan ripped his boot in half in a nasty challenge earlier this year.
    Turkish international Salih Ozcan cost Dortmund just £4.5mCredit: AFP – Getty
    Alexander Meyer
    Goalkeeper Meyer is another free signing after joining from second tier outfit SSV Jahn Regensburg.
    The 31-year-old will be backup between the sticks to No1 choice Gregor Kobel.
    Alexander Meyer has been recruited as backup stopperCredit: Getty
    Marcel Lotka
    Lotka is also a goalkeeper signed on a free transfer.
    However the stopper is just 21 years old and has represented Poland at every youth level from U16 to U21.
    Lotka signed from Bundesliga rivals Hertha Berlin and could be one for the future.
    Marcel Lotka is the second keeper signed for free this summerCredit: Getty
    Jayden Braaf
    Last but not least Dortmund snapped up teenage winger Braaf for nothing from Manchester City’s U23s.
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    The 19-year-old scored nine goals in 18 games for City U23s in the last campaign and can play either on the left or the right hand side.
    He chose not to extend his contract at the Etihad in order to join Dortmund.
    Jayden Braaf joined Dortmund from Manchester City U23sCredit: Getty More

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    Harry Redknapp claims Chelsea’s Champions League win cost him Eden Hazard’s transfer at Spurs

    HARRY REDKNAPP has revealed Tottenham came close to signing ex-Chelsea star Eden Hazard in 2012.The Belgian wizard joined the Blues from French side Lille in 2012 but then-Spurs boss Redknapp claims they were pipped to the post by their London rivals.
    Ex-Tottenham manager Redknapp revealed he came close to signing Eden Hazard during his time at the clubCredit: Darren Fletcher – The Sun
    The Belgian would go on to torment Spurs for seven years between 2012 and 2019Credit: Reuters
    Redknapp explained to Sky Sports how Chelsea’s Champions League triumph that year meant Spurs missed out on the now Real Madrid man – and instead watched him enjoy seven largely successful years in blue.
    He said: “I lost Eden Hazard, he wanted to come to Tottenham but he said he would only come if we got Champions League football.
    “We finished fourth that year, Chelsea finished sixth, they won the Champions League and we didn’t make it.
    “He ended up going to Chelsea.”
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    Spurs occupied third place for much of the 2011-12 season but a poor run of form saw them slip to fourth, causing them to miss out on Champions League football when Chelsea beat Bayern Munich on penalties to lift the trophy that year.
    Redknapp had hoped to team Hazard with Gareth Bale, who was starring for Spurs at the time during his first spell at the club, in a bid to end the north London outfit’s long wait for a league title.
    Bale would eventually return to Tottenham for a second stint in the 2020-21 season, before leaving Real Madrid for LAFC earlier this year.
    Redknapp, meanwhile, was sacked by Spurs following Chelsea’s Champions League win.
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    The 75-year-old was replaced by former Blue Andre Villas-Boas, with the Portuguese lasting 18 months at White Hart Lane.
    Redknapp went on to take charge of QPR for three years, before a brief stint managing the Jordan national team.
    His final job in management came at Birmingham City in 2017. More

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    Steven Gerrard ‘flirted’ with Chelsea transfer and believed Rafa Benitez would take £37.5m fee to rebuild Liverpool

    STEVEN GERRARD feared Rafa Benitez wanted to sell him to Chelsea and use the £37.5million transfer fee to rebuild Liverpool.The Londoners made several attempts to lure Gerrard to Stamford Bridge in the 04-05 season but the midfielder eventually extended his contract with the Reds six weeks after lifting the Champions League trophy in 2005.
    Steven Gerrard was linked with a switch the Blues in the 04-05 season
    Gerrard has since reflected on the transfer saga and admitted he regrets toying with the idea of a switch to Stamford Bridge but was very tempted by the offer.
    He told Gary Neville on Sky Sports Soccer Box in June 2020: “I regret the little bit of flirting back then and how that all blew up.
    “The fact is I didn’t know whether I was coming or going with Rafa at the time. Rafa was having conversations with me like ‘I know your agent is talking to Real Madrid and Chelsea’.

    “I got a paranoid feeling at the time that Rafa would have taken money to try and build Liverpool on.
    “Chelsea bid £37.5m. At the time, massive amounts of dough but what would you get for that now?”
    Neville joked: “Half a Fred!”
    Gerrard continued: “[Jose] Mourinho was a massive part of that. A lack of maturity on my part allowed me to think about it and flirt with that idea a bit.
    “But now I have no regrets at all because Liverpool are the club I love – and that’s the way it should be.”
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    Gerrard went on to earn legendary status at Liverpool and never played for any other club in Europe – he only left the Reds to spend 18 months at LA Galaxy before his retirement in 2016.
    Chelsea in that time won both European competitions and triumphed in the Premier League five times.
    While Gerrard finished his playing career with a Champions League, Uefa Cup, two FA Cups and three League Cups. More

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    Former Man Utd star Nani’s dream five-a-side team features Cristiano Ronaldo who he jokes taught ‘everything’

    NANI joked he taught Cristiano Ronaldo everything he knows as he named his dream five-a-side team.The Portuguese star, 35, put himself as the coach and included three Manchester United legends in his squad.

    Nani, who played at Old Trafford from 2007 until 2015, revealed his dream team on the Major League Soccer Instagram account.
    David De Gea
    Melbourne Victory star Nani opted for former Man Utd team-mate David De Gea to start between the sticks – but insisted he must wear his glasses.
    He said: “David De Gea, for me one of the best in the world and a good friend of mine.
    “But he must bring his glasses with him because he can’t see anything without them. It’s true.”
    Deco
    Fellow Portuguese legend Deco was the first outfield player named by the former Manchester United star.
    He said: “Deco, one of my idols. I learned a lot with him. His technique fits very well for five-a-side.”
    Deco enjoyed an illustrious career with the likes of Benfica, Porto, Barcelona and Chelsea.
    The Brazilian-born star, who hung his boots up in 2013, is one of only a few players to have won the Champions League with two teams.
    Bruno Alves
    Next up, it’s former Porto icon Bruno Alves.
    He said: “For a defender, he has a lot of technique. If you need to play, he can. If you need to destroy, he’s there.”
    At the age of 40, the Portuguese star is now sporting director of Super League Greece club AEK Athens.
    Cristiano Ronaldo
    The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is a name that everyone expects to see when a dream team is mentioned.
    But Nani has joked that would not be the case if he did not teach him everything that he knows.
    He said: “Cristiano Ronaldo with all of his skills, fast feet. He learned a lot from me in the youth, he knows, he knows.”

    Paul Scholes
    Nani tried to name himself as the final man in his squad, but swiftly decided he’d be better as a coach.
    Last but not least, it’s Manchester United’s legendary midfielder Paul Scholes.
    Speaking about his decision, the Portuguese ace said: “Great control of the ball, great vision.”
    Scholes scored 107 goals and made 55 assists in 499 Premier League games for the Red Devils. More

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    Tyson Fury was knocked down by unknown Neven Pajkic, who says world champion has an ‘ugly face’

    TYSON FURY’S undefeated record almost ended when he was just 22 after he was knocked down by an unknown Canadian.The Gypsy King has been handed numerous tough tests along the way, including in his epic trilogy win over Deontay Wilder.
    Tyson Fury was floored to the canvas for the first time by Neven PajkicCredit: Rex Features
    One of the most notable came in 2011 when Fury took on little-known Neven Pajkic for the Commonwealth heavyweight title.
    Fury had brushed aside 16 opponents as a professional before his bout with Pajkic but was given a real wake-up call in Manchester in front of his own fans.
    The now 45-year-old is known as the first man to knock Fury down to the canvas when he caught him with a right hook in the second round.
    After the build-up in which Pajkic described Fury as “having an ugly face”, he reminisced to Sky Sports: “I only cracked him with 30 per cent.
    “I didn’t expect him to go down. I practised the right hand, left hook. To my surprise, he fell after the first punch.
    “I hoped he would be groggy with the right hand then I would finish him off with the left hook.
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    “The right hand was supposed to be a set-up. I wish he hadn’t gone down because the left hook was coming and would have put him out.
    “Fury fought a guy I had beaten, Nicolai Firtha. A tough guy.
    “That fight told me everything I needed to know. Guys who study their opponents? I get it. But it’s a dog-fight, that’s it.
    “I did what I always did – head down, move forwards, swing.
    “With the same punch that I dropped him with. I knew that. And I practised that punch.”
    I only cracked him with 30 percent.Neven Pajkic
    Fury would get back on his feet before getting his revenge in the third round when he knocked out his opponent.
    Pajkic then realised at that moment he was fighting a future champion.
    He added: “He overcame adversity on that night and showed his championship mentality.”
    Fury’s most famous comeback came against Wilder in their first fight when he somehow managed to climb up from the canvas after brutally being floored in round 12 to salvage a controversial draw.
    Tyson Fury was handed his first real scare against the CanadianCredit: PA:Press Association
    Fury ended up flooring his opponent in the third roundCredit: Rex Features
    Fury retained his Commonwealth heavyweight beltCredit: PA:Press Association
    He would have to wait 14 months to land his rematch with the American before being crowned WBC Champ.
    It was a similar story in their trilogy as in the fourth round Wilder twice dropped Fury, who scored a knockdown the round before, but got to his feet.
    He then floored Wilder in the tenth and 11th, where the fight was won once and for all.
    Pajkic says Fury’s will to get back up and fight separates him from the rest of the division.
    He added: “There is no man that can’t go down. If 250lbs cracks you on the chin, you are going down.
    “Fury keeps his hands down often and drops the left shoulder when he jabs, so he leaves himself exposed more than he should.
    “But going down? He has a will to come back up. That’s what makes him different.”
    Fury is now hoping to secure an all-British showdown against Anthony Joshua – but could face Joe Joyce if the fight falls through. More

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    Tottenham wonderkids who flopped and couldn’t reach the heights expected, including Ceballos, Bostock, Lancaster & more

    TOTTENHAM youngster Ryan Sessegnon was tipped to be the ‘next Gareth Bale’ in the past and has broken back into the first-teamHe quickly failed to live up to the hype in England following his move from Fulham and tried to kickstart his career at Hoffenheim last season.
    Ryan Sessegnon failed to live up to the hype at SpursCredit: Getty – Contributor
    But Sessegnon is back in Antonio Conte’s plans now and is making waves this campaign as Spurs aim to challenge for the title/
    Other wonderkids have struggled to make the grade, however.
    Here’s six Spurs youngsters who failed to set North London alight.JOHN BOSTOCK
    Bostock was tipped for greatness after becoming Crystal Palace’s youngest ever player when he made his debut aged 15 in 2007.
    A year later, Spurs fended off interest from Barcelona and Arsenal to sign the box-to-box midfielder, who seemingly had the world at his feet for £700,000.
    The move infuriated then-Palace chairman Simon Jordan, who revoked Bostock and his step-father’s season tickets.
    But, as fate would have it, Jordan need not have worried. Bostock’s development stunted after unsuccessful loans at Brentford, Hull, Sheffield Wednesday, Swindon, and then Toronto FC.
    A move to second division side Royal Antwerp reignited his passion for the game in 2013, and he then bounced to OH Leuven, Lens, Bursaspor and Toulouse.
    In 2019 Bostock returned to our shores, still only 30, on loan at Nottingham Forest. Last season, he was at Doncaster Rovers – but turned down a new contract in the summer and left.
    John Bostock infuriated Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan when he moved to Spurs in a £700k dealCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Now 30, Bostock was last seen playing for Doncaster RoversCredit: Getty – Contributor
    CAMERON LANCASTER
    In 2012 Lancaster was reckoned to be Spurs’ best youth player in a team that also had Harry Kane in.
    The centre-forward even got a debut before the England hotshot against Wigan that same year.
    However, it all turned sour for Lancaster after a series of injuries hampered his progress, including snapping his groin to the bone and tearing his ACL.
    In 2014, he was released by Spurs and signed by Stevenage. Then a move to St Albans City followed, where he continued to struggle.
    A year later, he was enjoying his football in America playing for Louisville City in the USL Championship.
    After rediscovering his scoring boots, finding the net 36 times in 79 games for them, he was signed by Nashville Soccer Club in 2019, who make their MLS debut in 2020.
    After a loan spell at Louisville City, Lancaster joined the club permanently at the end of last season, ready for the 2021 campaign.
    Cameron Lancaster was rated as a better prospect than Harry KaneCredit: Corbis – Getty
    Lancaster now plays his football in America after two serious injuriesCredit: Getty – Contributor
    CRISTIAN CEBALLOS
    Arsenal aren’t the first club in North London to have a Ceballos on their books, you know.
    Back in 2011 Tottenham took a punt on a Christian Ceballos, also an attacking midfielder, who was formerly at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy.
    By the age of 15, Ceballos had become a YouTube sensation after a video of him ball-juggling with Ronaldinho went viral.
    But he was released by Barcelona, and after an unsuccessful trial with Chelsea was snapped up by Spurs.
    Ceballos failed to make a first-team appearance for the Premier League giants and was sold to Charlton where he flopped.
    After a three-year spell at Belgium team Sint-Truidense V.V., Ceballos moved to Qatari side Al-Wakrah in 2019. He is now at Azerbaijani club Sabah.
    Spanish midfield maestro Christian Ceballos came from BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Ceballos flopped at Spurs and now plays for Azerbaijani club SabahCredit: Getty – Contributor
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    DORIAN DERVITE
    In 2006, when Martin Jol was Tottenham boss, he added Dervite to his squad.
    Signed from Lille, the 6ft 4in defender was a France under-18 international and tipped to become one of the leading centre-halves of his generation.
    Sadly for Dervite, he only made one appearance – in a League Cup tie against Port Vale alongside Michael Dawson in the heart of Tottenham’s defence – before injury curtailed his career.
    Surgery on his knee kept him out of the game for several months, but a loan spell at Southend United gave him renewed hope when he was voted second in a player of the season poll by their fans.
    But top-level football alluded him, and spells at Villarreal B, Charlton, Bolton and Charleroi followed.
    He moved to Cypriot minnows Doxa Katokopias and then to Belgian side Renaissance Mons 44, who were reformed this summer after being declared bankrupt in 2015.
    Dorian Dervite was rated as one of the best young defenders of his generationCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Dervite played for NAC Breda in the Dutch second division before spells in Cyprus and BelgiumCredit: Getty – Contributor
    TERRY DIXON
    Between 2004-08, Tottenham had high hopes for Republic of Ireland forward Dixon.
    That’s why they stood by the youngster after he suffered three crippling knee injuries before the age of 18.
    But it wasn’t to be, and he was picked up by West Ham after Spurs released him.
    A year later his contract was terminated by the Hammers when he failed to break into their first team.
    Since 2011 Dixon has stopped at Stevenage, Ware, Tooting and Mitcham United, Bradford City, Halifax Town, Dover Athletic, Dunstable Town, and Berkhamsted without leaving his mark.
    He’s been at Aylesbury United since 2014, before moving to Tring – although it is unknown if he still plays today.
    Credit: Getty Images – Getty
    Three serious knee injuries before the age of 18 saw Terry Dixon fail to live up to his hype
    JONATHAN BLONDEL
    In 2002, Belgium midfield schemer rejected Man Utd’s advances after Sir Alex Ferguson earmarked him as one for the future.
    A few months later, in came Spurs who swooped for the-then Belgium under-19 star who was one of the most coveted young footballers on the planet.
    A good passer of the ball with excellent vision, Blondel suffered with the physical rigours of the British football.
    At only 5ft 8in and of slight build, he was often bullied out of reserve games and was deemed surplus to requirements within two years, playing just twice.
    However, Blondel did kickstart his career back in Belgium with Club Brugge, and ended up making 266 games for the club. He retired at 31 in 2015, but didn’t quite achieve what was expected of him in the game.
    Jonathan Blondel snubbed Man Utd to go to Spurs insteadCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Blondel ended up playing 266 times for Club Brugge before retiring at the age of 31Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    Tottenham fans ask ‘How does he know him?’ – as Ivan Perisic reveals he knows who little-known Jamie O’Hara is

    IVAN PERISIC has shocked Tottenham fans… by revealing he knows who Jamie O’Hara is.The Croatian penned a two-year deal with the North Londoners back in summer, signing up to reunite with Antonio Conte.
    Ivan Perisic penned a two-year deal with Tottenham in the summerCredit: Getty
    The Croatian was then shown around his new homeCredit: Getty
    For someone who has never played in the Premier League before, the 33-year-old appears to have an almost freakishly good knowledge of the English game.
    When being shown around his new base back in June, Perisic took a look at a wall of players that have worn the famous Lilywhite before him.
    After reeling off his compatriots Luka Modric, Vedran Corluka, Niko Kranjcar and Stipe Pletikosa – the winger took an interest in some less glamorous names from Spurs’ recent history.
    Perisic said: “(Bobby) Zamora… Zamora was a striker, no?
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    “(Younes) Kaboul, a defender. (Adel) Taarabt, a dribbler. (Jamie) O’Hara, central midfielder.”
    Fans online were left in disbelief by his ability to namecheck O’Hara.
    One hilariously compared the situation to a famous scene from The Office.
    While another joked: “Ivan Perisic knows who Jamie O’Hara is but Sergio Aguero doesn’t remember the names of his own teammates lmaooooo.”
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    A third added: “It shouldn’t be surprising but Perisic knowing who Bobby Zamora is has really caught me off guard… and when he pulled out O’Hara… wow!”
    And a fourth quipped: “Perisic casually name-dropping Zamora, Taarabt & O’Hara here. He must be a Football Manager addict, it’s the only explanation.”
    After being shown around, Perisic revealed that he is raring to go at Spurs.
    He told the club’s media channels: “From the first time I was in contact with the coach and sporting director I told them that I really wanted to come here.
    “Ever since 2009, when I started playing professional football in Belgium, I was so close a few times to coming to the Premier League and, at last, this is the moment. I can’t wait.
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    “I’m going to bring, first of all, a lot of hard work. I like to work a lot, I like to work for the team because only like this you can win something important.
    “I can play several positions in the system Tottenham is playing now. I will bring a lot of experience as well, I’ve played for a lot of great clubs and, like I said, I can’t wait to start to play, to train and give my best.”
    Jamie O’Hara made 56 appearances for SpursCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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    Cicinho apologised to Sir Alex Ferguson for snubbing Man Utd transfer in 2005 to join Real Madrid’s Galacticos

    FORMER Manchester United target Cicinho said sorry to Sir Alex Ferguson for once turning down a move to Old Trafford. The retired Brazilian right-back revealed last year he was close to signing for Manchester United in 2005 before Roberto Carlos’ intervention.
    Cicinho has apologised to Ferguson for snubbing the chance to join Man UtdCredit: AFP
    Cicinho opted to sign for Real Madrid, while Ferguson led United to trophy-after-trophy in a glittering era for Man UtdCredit: PA:Press Association
    Legendary left-back Carlos put in a call to Cicinho and convinced him to join Real Madrid at the eleventh hour.
    Recalling the saga on Instagram, Cicinho, 42, jokingly apologised to Ferguson, but admitted he couldn’t turn down the chance to be a part of Madrid’s star-studded line up.
    He wrote last December: “Today marks the 16th anniversary of my introduction to @realmadrid.
    “Sorry, Sir Alex Ferguson, but in 2005 @officialrc3 (Roberto Carlos) called Cicinho and in the moment I had to answer.
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    “He asked me if I wanted to come and play with him for the Galacticos.
    “It was almost all right for me to go to Manchester United, but how could I say no to the chance to be friends with Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, (Zinedine) Zidane, (Luis) Figo, (David) Beckham, Robinho, Raul, Julio Baptista, (Iker) Casillas, Sergio Ramos and so on?”
    Cicinho ultimately chose Madrid over Manchester, signing for a reported £3.5million from Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo.
    But it was Ferguson who had the last laugh, as Cicinho was shipped off to Roma after just 18 months and 32 appearances for the club.
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    He won a LaLiga title playing alongside the famous Galacticos, but failed to really establish himself in a side packed full of legends of the game.
    Earlier this year Cicinho revealed he “drank 10 beers a day” and turned up to training drunk while at the Bernabeu.
    He was capped 15 times by Brazil, but a promising career faded into mediocrity after his troubled time in Madrid.
    At Roma he had spells on loan with Villarreal and former club Sao Paulo, before joining Turkish side Sivasspor to once again link-up with old pal Carlos.
    But the former defender must be left thinking what could have been had he signed on the dotted line with Manchester United. More