Retime

Subterms

    More stories

    • 288 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Man Utd star Alan Smith reveals he struggles to walk 16 years after John Arne Riise’s shot broke his leg in FA Cup

      by

      FORMER England striker Alan Smith revealed he struggles to walk 16 years after a John Arne Riise free-kick broke his leg.The ex-Manchester United striker suffered a broken leg and a dislocated ankle when blocking the Liverpool defender’s shot during a FA Cup fifth-round clash against Liverpool at Anfield in 2006.
      Alan Smith spent three years at Manchester United and suffered a gruesome broken leg in 2006Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Credit: PA:Press Association
      Smith has revealed that he is still struggling with his injury 12 years later
      He was stretchered off on gas and air before being sidelined for monthsCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Sir Alex Ferguson described the incident – which left Smith with ‘about ten pins’ in his ankle – as one of the worst injuries he had seen.
      Smith, now 41, made his comeback for United seven months later after his horrific injury and was still playing for League Two side Notts County until 2018.
      And that year, Smith admitted he still suffered from the consequences.
      The 19-cap England international said: “I knew with the injury it would be touch and go whether I could carry on playing – the surgeon said that.
      MOST READ IN FOOTBALL
      “It would have been easier to walk away and people remember you as a top Premier League player.
      “But I didn’t want that, because I loved playing football. Your love of it makes you go through the pain barrier.
      “Most of people I have played with, and managers, have respected me for staying in football when it would have been easy to walk away.
      “But I dropped down to the Championship, dropped down to League One and dropped down to League Two.
      “Loads of people would say to me, ‘Why I am bothering?’ Whether I was earning £500-a-week or nothing, if people felt I could still contributed I wanted to keep playing.”
      Smith continued to the Mirror: “The injury made me a better person after doing so well so young.
      “I learnt at any time, football can be over. I am lucky through sheer grit and determination I carried on playing.
      “The good people I met lower down the leagues probably drove me on to stay in football longer. But by the end, the day-to-day training was doing more harm than good.
      A free-kick from John Arne Riise caused the injury
      Smith dropped three leagues down in 2012 to Milton Keynes and Notts CountyCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Smith started his career with Leeds and scored in his first-team debut against Liverpool, aged 18Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      “I couldn’t compete at a level I felt I could easily before. I get out of bed and can’t walk properly, my ankle is stiff all the time.
      “I went for a run in the summer and managed to do a couple of miles but stopped and started walking because my ankle was hurting. I went back last month and the surgeon said, ‘I don’t want you doing any straight-line running’, just because it will damage the joint.
      “It is always difficult to walk away but when you see someone and they don’t want you running, you know it is the right decision. I have no regrets, for me I see retiring early being the easy option.”
      Smith started his career at Leeds and then joined Man Utd in 2004 for £7million.
      He then went on to enjoy a spell at Newcastle three years later, making 84 appearances.
      In 2012, Smith dropped down the divisions with MK Dons and Notts County.
      After retiring following his release at Notts County, Smith applied for a US visa so that he can move to Florida in his quest to coach youngsters.
      Smith was released by Notts County at the end of the 2017-18 seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Mike Tyson’s former £1.5m Las Vegas mansion was used in The Hangover, boasts an infinity pool, two spas and a waterfall

      by

      THIS is the house where Mike Tyson became a Hollywood star.In 2008, the now 56-year-old former heavyweight champion let movie director Todd Phillips and his cameras into a stunning mansion he lived in with wife No3 Lakiha.
      Inside Mike Tyson’s former £1.5m Las Vegas mansion used in The HangoverCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      The gorgeous property has an infinity pool with two spas and a waterfallCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      They filmed hilarious scenes from cult movie The Hangover, in a cameo that would go on to define him and rebuild his career after years of bankruptcy.
      Found in the beautiful gated community called Seven Hills in the suburb of Henderson, it boasts six bedrooms, six-and-a-half bathrooms and its own private balcony.
      And golf enthusiasts will enjoy the incredible 18-hole Rio Secco Golf Club, as well as four large private parks filled with basketball courts, tennis courts and football pitches.

      ITALIAN-STYLE
      Like many new builds in Las Vegas within gated communities, the 5,740-square-feet mansion was built in an Italian style in 2001.
      Two-storeys in size, the entrance opens to a grand reception room with a 25-foot-high lit waterfall, which connects to the great room that has a wet bar and fireplace.
      You can imagine the great room is perfect for lounging, and where cannabis-advocate Tyson may possibly enjoy an occasional smoke.
      Hit movie The Hangover starring Bradley Cooper was filmed in Tyson’s houseCredit: Warner Bros
      Mike Tyson in 2009 hit movie The HangoverCredit: Kobal Collection – Rex Features
      The living room has vaulted ceilings and walls of windows that offer plenty of natural light.
      Completing the look is a family room with a moon-shaped wet bar.
      While a centre-island kitchen has a another wet bar, and a wine cellar.
      For those chilly desert evenings, the home has four fireplaces.
      There’s also a garage for space for four cars.
      There are six-and-a-half bathroomsCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      The Italian-style property was built in 2001Credit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      A 25 foot waterfall awaits you in the front entranceCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      The kitchen boasts a centre islandCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      The mansion is two-storeys in sizeCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      The great room could be cannabis advocate Tyson’s smoking roomCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      OUTSIDE SPACE
      The sprawling property also has plenty of outside space.
      There’s a huge pool should ‘Iron Mike’ fancy taking a dip.
      In total, the garden boasts an infinity pool with two spas and a waterfall, as well as a large patio area, featuring a fire pit, BBQ area, bar area and pool bathroom.
      Most Read In Boxing
      Movie fans will remember Zach Galifianakis urinating in it in The Hangover.
      However, it’s the 18-hole golf course that’s shared with other residents in the private community, as well as four large parks that have basketball courts and football pitches that make it a scenic surrounding.
      Tyson and Lakiha have lived in Henderson, Nevada since 2008, moving to a property nearby in 2016. But she won’t be happy if the ‘Wolf Pack’ pop round, mind.

      The property boasts a total of four fireplacesCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      Large windows mean the property has plenty of natural lightCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      The wrought iron staircase runs through the homeCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      Tyson and his wife Lakiha have lived in Henderson, Nevada since 2008Credit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      Mike Tyson reveals he is in boxing training ahead of shock return to the ring for four-round charity fight More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez’s life of luxury, from lavishing each other with SUVs to £600k diamonds and £140 SOCKS

      by

      CRISTIANO Ronaldo knows how to sparkle on the football pitch – but he’s a diamond geezer off it too.In 2020, the superstar forked out a whopping £615,000 on a rumoured engagement ring for girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez – which would make it the most expensive band ever given to a WAG.
      Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez often pose for glam pictures with each otherCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      Of course, it’s far from the first time the footie legend – reportedly worth £350million – has lavished presents on the Spanish-Argentine model.
      Georgina, 28, has been treated to a life of luxury during their romance – enjoying designer shopping sprees and far-flung holidays on huge private yachts.
      And with an enviable £80k allowance each month, she’s been all too happy to return the favour too – famously treating her man to a gift-wrapped Mercedes SUV for his birthday.
      Here, we take a look at some of the couple’s most extravagant purchases over the years – and just how they spend their incredible wealth.
      Read more in sport
      Ronaldo’s G-wagon came gift wrapped by Georgina for his 35th birthdayCredit: BackGrid
      Gift-wrapped Mercedes 4×4 for birthday treat
      For Cristiano’s 35th birthday, Georgina treated her beau to a gift wrapped Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon 4X4, which has a basic starting price of £93,000 and a top speed of up to 136.7mph. 
      The pricey motor came with a gigantic huge red bow, while close family and friends sang to him during the unveiling, which was filmed on camera. 
      Posting to her Instagram account, Georgina wrote to her millions of followers: “Congratulations to the man of my life! What do you want to transport our love in? Your gift @cristinao #happybirthday.” 
      Most read in Sport
      The Portuguese international is well known for his love of cars and owns a ridiculous garage including a Rolls-Royce Cullian and Phantom, a Bugatti Veyron, three Ferraris, an Aston Martin DB9, a Bentley GT Speed and a Lamborghini Aventador.
      His total collection is said to be worth more than £16million.
      The footballer loves his cars as much as the beautiful game, it would seemCredit: Instagram
      £140 socks and Prada spending sprees
      Georgina’s not afraid to show off her incredible figure and last summer posed in gear worth as much as £2,565 – during a relaxing break in Italy on her beau’s luxury £15m holiday yacht. 
      The sporty ensemble was bought from Prada and her socks alone cost £140, along with £510 shorts, £705 shoes, and a pricey £1,120 leather jacket.
      The total price came to £2,565 – small change to Ronaldo who reportedly joined the exclusive sports billionaire club, alongside the likes of Tiger Woods, Floyd Mayweather, and Michael Jordan. 
      Posting the shot to her Instagram account, Georgina – who often takes to the red carpet in gorgeous designer gowns – simply captioned the sexy snap with three sailing emojis.  
      Ronaldo’s fiance wowed in her expensive number – worth more than £2,000Credit: Instagram
      Georgina’s not afraid to show off her incredible figure in expensive gownsCredit: The Mega Agency
      The £2.6k trendy pet cat
      In 2018, Cristano splashed out on a bald Sphynx cat which reportedly cost a claw-dropping £2,600. 
      Whilst the Sphynx cat is not your average tabby, it certainly caught Georgina’s eyeCredit: Instagram
      The star’s girlfriend posted a picture of the family pet, which is considered to be a ‘prestigious feline’, to her Instagram account alongside her family. 
      Sphynx cats are well-known for being hugely energetic and demanding of human attention – so perfectly matched with Cristiano himself, really. 
      £1million timepieces – with over 400 diamonds
      The footballer regularly shares pictures of him with his blinging watches Credit: Instagram
      The Man Utd footballer sports accessories that are as flashy as his footwork – once wowing fans by showing off a £371,000 Rolex watch last month.
      The Rolex GMT Master is covered in diamonds and is an 18-karat white gold timekeeper.
      The Juventus superstar proudly showed off a £1.8m luxury watch Credit: Reuters
      The diamond encrusted piece is certainly not for the faint-heartedCredit: Reuters
      However, it pales in comparison to the £1.8million timepiece he’s previously been spotted with.
      During the Champions League draw in 2020, he was clocked wearing a Jacob & Co Caviar watch encrusted with more than 400 diamonds.
      It’s a fitting piece for a man said to be the world’s second highest-earning sportsman over the last decade – he is thought to only be surpassed by Floyd Mayweather who has earned more than £667million over that time.

      Splashing £27k on booze… in 15 minutes
      The couple leaving Scott’s in Mayfair… after racking up quite the billCredit: Splash News
      This Burgundy sets punters back £18,000
      Big spending’s no biggie for the couple, but to splurge almost £30k in 15 minutes is a pretty impressive feat.
      Four years ago, they racked up a £27k bill in Mayfair restaurant Scott’s, a regular haunt for celebs and footballers.
      Scott’s apparently does not feature the Burgundy Richebourg Grand Cru wine on the menu as the stock is so low, however, one bottle can cost around £18,000 and is only offered to special guests.
      It was accompanied with a bottle of a 1982 vintage Bordeaux, which reportedly set Cristiano back £9,000.
      The couple were with a group of pals, but apparently only sat at the bar for 15 minutes before leaving – rushing off to see the ATP Finals at the O2 Arena.
      Handbags and gladrags
      Georgina loves to show off her extensive handbag in her Instagram posts, including a £146,000 crocodile Birkin bag she took for a dinner in Porto.

      The beauty posing in sports-brand Kappa with a black handbagCredit: Refer to Caption

      Even when the stylish mum is travelling she still has her handbags to hand – snapping herself on a plane sporting both a £625 Prada and a £48,000 Burkin.
      Cristiano clearly knows the way to Georgina’s heart, as he was spotted designer handbag shopping when things were heating up between the pair.
      Lush holidays aboard his £5.5m yacht
      The football star purchased this luxury yacht for a cool £5.5m in 2021
      The yacht boasts an impressive five cabins as well as six stunning bathrooms
      The superstar couple always travel in style and love nothing more than kicking back on CR7’s luxury yacht which he purchased for a cool £5.5million last year.
      The high-end vessel – named the Azimut Grande – is 88-feet long, made from carbon fibre and is capable of reaching up to 28 knots thanks to its two 1,900 horsepower engines.
      Yahcts upon yachts can be seen docked behind CR7’s vessel Credit: Instagram
      The yacht also boasts an impressive five cabins as well as six stunning bathrooms and also has a modern kitchen as well as relaxation rooms and a huge lounge and a lavish dining room.
      They often document their yachting adventures on Instagram Credit: Refer to Caption
      The couple love to get away from things out on the oceanCredit: Instagram
      Georgina showing off her stunning figure on the high-end boat
      The footballer was able to travel privately with his family on the boat as they all enjoyed time together along the Tyrrhenian sea, just off the western coast of Italy.
      In June 2020, Georgina flaunted her figure on the vessel and raised temperatures by showing off her bikini body with a sexy Instagram snap.
      Rodriguez often shows off her stunning body via Instagram whilst on holidayCredit: Instagram
      Cristiano Ronaldo’s stunning Wag Georgina Rodriguez stuns as she attends Venice Film Festival More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      10 footballers who won the Premier League title but missed out on a winners’ medal, including Gary Neville TWICE

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY won the Premier League last season – with their top stars adding another winner’s medal to their collection.But under current rules, only 23 players were guaranteed to bag a medal.
      Not every member of a Premier League-winning squad was entitled to a winner’s medalCredit: AFP
      Stars must make at least five Prem appearances to get their hands on the personal silverware.
      Unfortunately, not everyone makes the cut and are forced to go without – just like these past title winners below.
      GARY NEVILLE
      The legendary Manchester United right back has eight Premier League winners’ medals with the club, which is nothing to sneeze at.
      Read more in sport
      But the Sky Sports pundit could have had ten in seasons 17 years.
      Neville made his debut during the 1993-94 season, but only managed one appearance at a time when you needed ten league appearances to qualify – a rule that changed to five in 2012.
      Then, in the 2009-10 season when United were crowned champions, Neville was stuck on four before he retired midway through the campaign.
      Gary Neville has missed out on two Premier League winners’ medalsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Most read in Football
      MO SALAH
      The Egyptian forward picked up a medal in 2019-20 as his goals helped propel Liverpool to their debut Prem crown.
      But having left title-chasing Chelsea halfway through the 2014-15 season for a loan move to Fiorentina, he missed out on another with the Blues.
      Salah had just three appearances to his name, and was ineligible to receive a medal, when he was swapped for Juan Cuadrado.
      Ironically, Cuadrado – a Chelsea flop – DID get one after appearing 14 times for the club.
      Mo Salah could have had more than one Premier League medalCredit: Instagram @mosalah
      OWEN HARGREAVES
      Given the former Bayern Munich midfielder’s injury problems, it’s no surprise that Hargreaves missed out on medals at Manchester United.
      The BT Sport pundit also had the misfortune of missing out on a Premier League winners’ medal at Manchester City too.
      He did get one for his star turn during the 2007-08 season for the Red Devils, but the seasons he missed out were in 2009 and 2011.
      And he only played once for City when they stormed to the title in 2012.
      Owen Hargreaves missed on a Premier League winners’ medal with Manchester United twice, and Manchester CityCredit: Getty – Contributor
      DAVID BATTY
      The former England international and Leeds legend was part of the Blackburn Rovers side that shocked the world to win the Premier League in 1994-95.
      Although he was an integral squad member, an injury kept him on the sidelines and he played just five times – again, when he needed ten.
      Rovers did offer Batty a medal, but he declined because he felt he didn’t contribute enough during the season.
      He never won a Premier League winner’s medal after that, finishing runners-up with Newcastle in 1996 and 1997.
      David Batty refused a medal with Blackburn feeling he didn’t contribute enough after getting injuredCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      FEDERICO MACHEDA
      Macheda can, perhaps, count himself a little unlucky not to have one.
      Especially given what he did for Manchester United, when they seemed dead and buried against Aston Villa.
      His winning goal in the dying moments to secure a miraculous comeback and a 3-2 win helped United stay on track to win the Premier League in 2009.
      He played four times that season, scoring twice, but was unfortunate to miss out.
      Macheda would miss out again in 2010-11.
      Despite his heroics, Federico Macheda didn’t get a medal for keeping Man Utd in the title raceCredit: Getty – Contributor
      SCOTT PARKER
      The Bournemouth manager didn’t quite fit in at Chelsea after he was signed by Jose Mourinho from Charlton in 2004.
      And he didn’t get enough appearances under his belt in the Blues’ 2004-05 title-winning season – managing just four games.
      Parker left West London the following summer, playing for Newcastle, West Ham, Tottenham and Fulham along the way.
      He never got a sniff of a title ever again.
      Scott Parker found himself out of favour under Jose MourinhoCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      NEMANJA MATIC
      It’s fair to say defensive midfielder Matic made up for his early disappointment by winning Premier League winner’s medals in 2015 and 2017 for Chelsea.
      But in his first year with the West London giants, Carlo Ancelotti only gave him two run outs as they stormed to the Double in 2009-10.
      He left Chelsea in 2011 for Benfica, winning the Portuguese league in 2013.
      Matic returned to the Premier League after moving back to the Blues in 2014 with unfinished business.
      Nemanja Matic missed out on a title medal when Chelsea won the Double in 2010Credit: Getty – Contributor
      WES BROWN
      The United defender won five Premier League titles under Sir Alex Ferguson.
      However, he was limited to just eight appearances in 2008-09 because of injury.
      It meant Brown missed out adding a fifth medal to his collection.
      Two years later, history repeated itself when he missed out on another.
      In 2009 Wes Brown missed out on his fifth winners’ medalCredit: PA:Press Association
      MICAH RICHARDS
      In 2012, Richards could do no wrong – helping Man City to their first ever Premier League title.
      The defender was even shortlisted for the club’s Player of the Year award that season – losing in the end to Sergio Aguero.
      But his contribution in 2013-14 was minimal.
      Injury and bad form saw him slip down the pecking order at the club.
      Just two league appearances meant he missed out on a medal, and he was soon loaned out to Fiorentina before he was released in 2015.
      Micah Richards missed out when Manchester City won their first Premier League titleCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      ANDREJ KRAMARIC
      Leicester made Kramaric their record signing in 2015, splashing £9million on the Croatian striker.
      But, as it turned out, they didn’t really need him.
      A certain Jamie Vardy rose to prominence and kept Kramaric out of the side, as they miraculously won the Premier League in the 2015-16 season.
      He was loaned out to Hoffenheim in the January transfer window having only appeared twice before then.
      It meant no winner’s medal for Kramaric.
      Leicester City record signing Andrej Kramaric played second fiddle to Jamie VardyCredit: PA:Press Association More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Southampton coach Ralph Hasenhuttl hints quitting football in two years and doesn’t want to become another Hodgson

      by

      RALPH HASENHUTTL has hinted he is planning on quitting management in two years.The Southampton boss, 54, says he does not want to be a veteran gaffer like Roy Hodgson.
      Ralph Hasenhuttl suggests he could call time on his Southampton managerial career in two yearsCredit: Getty
      Speaking to German publication Kicker, Hasenhuttl has revealed he wants to leave Saints on a “very healthy footing by 2024” and then walk away.
      He said: “I always wanted to prove to myself that I could very well work for a club for a longer period of time. 
      “Hopefully, it will be five-and-a-half years here, that’s a damn long time in modern football, and then that’s probably it.
      “Five-and-a-half years in the Premier League, that’s a lot of energy, regardless of job satisfaction. I can’t imagine that I want to do anything else in the coaching job after that.”
      Read more in sport
      Should Hasenhuttl stay in his current role for another two years, he would be Southampton’s longest-serving manager since Chris Nicholl, who was in post from 1985-91.
      He is said to have already informed Saints’ new owners Sport Republic of his ambitions.
      Hasenhuttl added: “Saying no to everything else is also a yes to yourself, and I want that.
      “That’s the solid plan and I hope I have the strength to pull it off. [I want to] put Southampton on a very healthy footing by 2024, but then that was it.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      “Then I’ll be 57 years old. I’d like to experience other things and not sit on the bench like Roy Hodgson at 74. Definitely not.”
      Southampton endured a difficult campaign last season – finishing in 15th spot.
      They begin the 2022-23 season at home to Leeds United.
      Roy Hodgson has been in football management for 46 yearsCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Leicester title winner turned MMA fighter Marcin Wasilewski ate WINE GLASS in posh restaurant on way to winning Prem

      by

      MARCIN WASILEWSKI demonstrated his hunger for Premier League title glory… by chomping on a WINE GLASS in a posh restaurant.The Polish hardman spent four seasons with the Foxes, helping them to famously lift the 2016 crown against all odds.
      Marcin Wasilewski laughed as he bit into a wine glass, a former team-mate has revealedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Bearded Wasilewski, a fearsome centre-back, was tipped to switch sports and take up cage fighting.
      The now 42-year-old’s former clubmate Ritchie de Laet has revealed the Pole’s bizarre antics during his King Power career.
      Antwerp captain De Laet told Belgian paper Het Nieuwsblad: “Marcin was truly a very nice person – untypical, but likeable.
      “He was the sort of guy you have a laugh with, but who does some strange things.
      Read more in sport
      “I remember going for a meal with him at a very smart restaurant.
      “All of a sudden he picked up his glass and literally bit into it, without turning a hair.
      “There were pieces of glass everywhere. He looked at me and started laughing.
      “I just couldn’t understand what he had done at all.”
      Ritchie De Laet (left) played over 100 games for LeicesterCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Most read in Football
      Wasilewski previously helped Leicester win the Championship in 2014.
      The 60-cap international was not the only member of Claudio Ranieri’s squad to play by his own rules.
      De Laet revealed earlier this week how Jamie Vardy would drink entire bottles of port before matches.
      The ex-England striker also regularly asked De Laet’s family and friends to bring him cases of beer from Belgium.
      Marcin Wasilewski scores amazing free kick in Leicester training More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho claims Bayern lost after Cristiano Ronaldo penalty miss was his saddest moment

      by

      JOSE MOURINHO once revealed the only time he cried after a defeat was when Real Madrid lost a Champions League semi-final on penalties to Bayern Munich back in 2012.Back in May, Mourinho broke down in tears again, but this time they were tears of joy after guiding Roma to the final of the Europa Conference League.
      Jose Mourinho admitted he cried after a Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich back in 2012Credit: EPA
      But going back 10 years the Portuguese gaffer had already steered Real Madrid to a record-setting year in LaLiga when he welled up after being denied the chance to make it to a Champions League final.
      Madrid were the heavy favourites for Europe’s top competition having overhauled Barcelona domestically with the most points, goals and home wins.
      Mourinho, who had already lifted the Champions League twice with Porto and Inter Milan, missed out on a three-piece at the Bernabeu in heartbreaking fashion.
      The Special One saw Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Sergio Ramos miss from the spot as Madrid fell to Bayern on pens in the 2012 semi-finals.
      He would have met former club Chelsea in the final, who in turn, bested the Bundesliga side in a shootout to win their first-ever Champions League.
      That night is the only time in my career as a coach that I’ve cried after a defeat. It was very hard because we were the best that seasonJose Mourinho
      And speaking to Spanish outlet MARCA back in 2020, Mourinho admitted he found it hard losing the chance to play for La Decima and was reduced to tears.
      He said: “Unfortunately, that’s football. Cristiano, Kaka, Sergio Ramos… three complete monsters of football, there’s no doubt about that, but they’re also human.
      “That night is the only time in my career as a coach that I’ve cried after a defeat. I remember it well…
      Most Read In Football
      Aitor [Karanka] and I pulled up in front of my house, in the car, crying…
      “It was very hard because we were the best that season.”
      Cristiano Ronaldo was denied from the spot as Los Blancos suffered defeat at the BernabeuCredit: AFP
      Opening up about the incident further in an interview with Portuguese TV channel Sic, Mourinho previously admitted it was still the saddest moment of his career.
      He said: “If I have to choose the worst moment, it’s that elimination with Real Madrid.
      “We were the best team in Europe, without a doubt, we won LaLiga smashing all the records for points and goals and we would’ve won that final, I don’t have any doubt.
      “What was most cruel for me was that in the shoot-out we chose Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Sergio Ramos, they were dead certs from the penalty spot and the guys who missed were those who never miss, it sunk me.”
      SunSport have previously revealed that it was the Chelsea dressing room who broke down in tears after Mourinho was sacked by the club for the first time way back in 2007.
      Club captain John Terry said he and his team-mates were so devastated and shocked they approached the Blues board to reverse their decision.
      The former England skipper would be reunited Mourinho in 2013 with the pair winning the Premier League for a third time two years later, before being axed again in 2015. More

    • 275 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Horror story of Chelsea’s ‘cursed’ No 9 shirt from Lukaku to Morata and Torres as Tuchel admits NO Blues stars want it

      by

      NOBODY wants to be Chelsea’s No 9 after Romelu Lukaku became the latest striker to fall foul of its ‘curse’.Boss Thomas Tuchel revealed on Friday that he has had NO takers what should be a coveted jersey followed Lukaku’s exit on loan.

      £97.5million singing Romelu Lukaku was given the No9 shirt and took it with glee
      However, Lukaku ended up falling foul of No9 curse and flopped at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
      In the Premier League Lukaku managed just eight goals
      It was taken with glee by the Belgian last summer after his record £97.5million move from Inter.
      However, just like his predecessors – the giant Belgium forward flopped.
      In all competitions, he managed a very disappointing 15 goals in 44 games.
      Lukaku was put out of his Stamford Bridge misery and sent to back to Milan on loan in a £7million deal, although there is no obligation to buy.
      Read more in sport
      Ironically, previous incumbent Tammy Abraham is now flying in Serie A – setting a scoring record in last campaign for most goals by an Englishman in a season – 17.
      Below we run through the flops who have fallen foul of Stamford Bridge’s doomed jersey…
      CHRIS SUTTON, 1999-2000
      In 1999, Sutton moved to West London from Blackburn for a then mega £10million.
      He had made a name for himself at Norwich, then won the title with Blackburn so he had pedigree.
      However, he struggled with the burden of the price tag and style of play – scoring just one goal in 39 games.
      Sutton was sold the following summer to Celtic for £6m, where he found his form again.
      Most read in Football
      Chris Sutton was an expensive mistake by ChelseaCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      MATEJA KEZMAN, 2004-2005
      It was the year Chelsea won their first Premier League title, but it wasn’t because of this Serbian forward.
      In truth, Kezman had some big boots to fill in Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink when he arrived from PSV in a £6m deal.
      But after he tore shreds out of defences in the Dutch league, he couldn’t repeat that feat on our shores.
      Four goals in 25 games later he was sold to Atletico Madrid.
      Mateja Kezman couldn’t replicate the form he showed at PSV for ChelseaCredit: PA:Press Association
      KHALID BOULAHROUZ, 2006-07
      Perhaps Chelsea were trying to break the curse at this point, or take the pressure off their strikers.
      But in 2006 they gave Dutch defender Boulahrouz the No9 shirt, following his £9m move from Hamburg.
      Nicknamed ‘The Cannibal’, he failed to dislodge John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho.
      Injuries didn’t help his cause, and he made just 20 appearances before he was loaned out to Sevilla.
      Khalid Boulahrouz, left, made just 20 appearances for the BluesCredit: Reuters
      STEVE SIDWELL, 2007-08
      The ex-Arsenal trainee was a strange signing by the Blues.
      After four years impressing at Reading, he was snapped up by Jose Mourinho on a free transfer.
      Michael Essien and Frank Lampard were the midfield pair the Special One would turn to, which meant Sidwell made just 25 appearances before he was sold to Aston Villa.
      The No9 shirt was free again for a new incumbent.
      Steve Sidwell failed to establish himself at Stamford Bridge after Jose Mourinho signed himCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      FRANCO DI SANTO, 2008-09
      It was Argentine youth prospect Di Santo who had the shirt (and dreams) pinned on him when Sidwell departed.
      A £4m signing from Chilean side Audax Italiano, the centre forward just couldn’t find his striking boots.
      He made 16 appearances, mostly as a sub in fairness, but never looked like scoring.
      Di Santo was sold to Wigan, a season after a poor campaign with Blackburn on loan.
      Argie Franco Di Santo failed to score in 16 games for ChelseaCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      FERNANDO TORRES, 2011-15
      Chelsea fans will argue his goal against Barcelona in the Nou Camp to seal a spot in the final of the 2012 Champions League was worth his £50m transfer fee alone.
      But for some reason, the Spain legend could never really get going in a Chelsea shirt.
      And it wasn’t English football that was a struggle – because over four years at Liverpool he scored 81 goals in 142 games.
      However, 45 strikes in 172 games for the Blues was a poor return for ‘El Nino’.
      Fernando Torres couldn’t replicate the form he showed at Liverpool at Stamford BridgeCredit: Reuters
      RADAMEL FALCAO, 2015-16
      After a disastrous spell at Manchester United, Chelsea knew they were taking a gamble on Falcao.
      The Colombian striker arrived on loan with the idea of making the move permanent from Monaco in 2015.
      Struggles with his fitness and the pace of the game saw him restricted to just 12 games.
      Worse still, he only managed one goal.
      Radamel Falcao was a disaster during his loan at Chelsea – scoring just once in 12 gamesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      ALVARO MORATA, 2017-18
      Another huge fee was shelled out for Spain striker Morata, who arrived in 2017 for £60m.
      A lot was expected of the ex-Real Madrid star, who managed 15 goals in his first season.
      Morata even tried to change his shirt number to 29, but things got even worse in his second campaign with the club when he scored just five Premier League goals.
      The striker returned to LaLiga with Atletico Madrid with his tail between his legs in 2019.
      The expectation on Alvaro Morata’s shoulders was too much for the Spaniard who floppedCredit: Getty – Contributor
      GONZALO HIGUAIN, 2019
      It was Maurizio Sarri’s dream signing – and a striker he knew how to get the best out of after managing the Argie at Napoli to great success.
      But the Higuain who scored 91 goals in 146 games in Naples three years prior was a shadow of his former self in England.
      Fears over his fitness and pace ended up to be true.
      And despite scoring a brace in his third game against Huddersfield, he couldn’t replicate his goalscoring form from his Serie A days.
      Six months, 19 games and five goals later, he returned to Juventus. Ironically, his boss was Sarri again.
      Gonzalo Higuain struggled for fitness during his time in West LondonCredit: Reuters More