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      Christian Eriksen made Man Utd transfer U-turn after ‘snubbing club due to promise made to Tottenham chief Daniel Levy’

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      CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN made a Manchester United U-turn after agreeing to join Erik ten Hag’s side on a free transfer last year.The Daily Mail say the creative midfielder made a promise to Tottenham owner Daniel Levy in 2017 that he would not join a London club out of respect for Spurs.
      Christian Eriksen is full of respect for his former clubCredit: Reuters
      Daniel Levy didn’t want to see Eriksen play elsewhere in EnglandCredit: Alamy
      And Eriksen, now 31, apparently extended his promise to all English clubs when United’s interest came out.
      Former United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was hoping to secure an £80million deal for the playmaker but failed to land his man.
      Eriksen handed in a transfer request in 2019 after outlining his desire for a new challenge.
      That sparked plenty of interest with both Real and Atletico Madrid joining Juventus in the hunt.
      But the Spurs ace eventually joined Inter Milan for £17m in 2020 as his contract began to run down.
      After initially struggling, Eriksen found his form under Antonio Conte and helped Inter win their first Serie A title since 2010.
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      The popular star went into cardiac arrest on the pitch while playing for Denmark in their Euro 2020 opener against Finland during Euros in 2021.
      Eriksen was fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator after thankfully making a full recovery.
      But the Italian FA said that the Dane would need it to be removed in order to play for Inter again.
      After his contract was terminated, he joined Brentford as a free agent and enjoyed a remarkable season for the Bees.
      He played 11 games, scoring once and contributing four assists – but left when his six-month contract expired.
      Eriksen since joined Man Utd, going back on his promise, but completing an extraordinary comeback to the top of football.
      He penned a three-year deal at Old Trafford.
      Eriksen is said to have informed United of his desire to join the club, with the midfielder now set for a medical.
      The playmaker worked with United boss Ten Hag briefly when he trained with Ajax before making his comeback to football with the Bees.
      Last season, Eriksen played 44 times in all competitions scoring twice. More

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      Paul Scholes’ ex-Man Utd team-mates laughed at midfielder for wearing ‘snide’ £50 boots when he returned to the club

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      PAUL SCHOLES was laughed at for wearing £50 boots when he returned to Manchester United – as he couldn’t ask Nike for a brand new pair in order to keep his comeback a secret.The ex-England star, now 48, revealed he was forced to buy a cheap pair of boots from JJB Sports for his 2012 comeback because he couldn’t let Nike know he was back.
      Paul Scholes was mocked for his £50 plastic boots when making his surprise 2012 comeback
      And Scholes revealed he got plenty of stick from old team-mate Jonny Evans for his choice of footwear ahead of his comeback game against rivals Manchester City.
      Scholes told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I bought a pair of boots, I think they were about £50.
      “They were all the ones the lads were wearing, obviously. Same colours and stuff, same patterns.
      “But I believe I bought the cheap ones. It wasn’t until I was actually warming up on the pitch [that I realised]. I couldn’t get a pair of boots off Nike, they couldn’t send me a pair because we couldn’t tell them.
      “Nobody knew, it was a big secret and it didn’t get announced until the teams were announced at City in the FA Cup.
      “So I pulled these boots out and I thought they were good’uns. I paid £50 for these boots, they must be belters, these.
      “I started warming up and Jonny Evans looks around and says, ‘Are they the snide ones you’ve bought of these?’
      “[Scholes replied], ‘What do you mean snide, what’s wrong with them?’ Apparently I had plastic ones. They were alright.”
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      But Scholes admitted his comeback game was a ‘disaster’ after Man Utd nearly threw away a 3-0 lead against rivals City.
      He continued: “Actually that game was a bit of a disaster for me. I came on in the game, I think we were 3-0 up against City.
      “They had a man sent off, Vincent Kompany got sent off, I come on and after five minutes it was 3-2.
      ‘BRICKING IT’
      “I was absolutely bricking it. I thought, ‘What am I doing, why have I come back here, what am I thinking of?’
      “The rest of the season ended up OK. We didn’t win the league but we managed to win it the year after.”
      In 2018, Scholes revealed even more details about his comeback – including the real reason he retired for good.
      Scholes said: “I remember the game itself. We were 3-0 up when I came on and we were against ten men, and then it went back to 3-2.
      “I was taking my gear off ready to come on and [City coach] David Platt said to me, ‘What the hell are you doing?’ and I went, ‘No idea’.
      “At that time I wished I hadn’t done it. I think I gave a bad pass for a throw-in, and Sergio Aguero nipped on to it and scored.
      Paul Scholes has won the most trophies of any English players
      “The manager gave me another year, but I was gone. I remember playing Tottenham at home, we got beat 3-2.
      “I played alright in possession, but I remember [Mousa] Dembele and Gareth Bale cruising past me.
      “I wanted to retire early again that season, but I thought it’d be embarrassing so I stayed on.” More

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      in Soccer

      Ex-Man City star Wayne Bridge ‘HATES’ Roberto Mancini, and blasts Italy manager for tactics saying players won the title

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      FORMER England and Manchester City star Wayne Bridge says the Three Lions’ Euro 2020 defeat to Italy hurt him more than most – because he HATES Roberto Mancini.The 42-year-old moved to the Etihad in 2009 at the same time as the now Azzurri boss took charge of the Cityzens.
      Roberto Mancini guided Italy to Euro 2020 joy against EnglandCredit: Getty
      Former Cityzens defender Wayne Bridge says the defeat hurt him more than mostCredit: Getty
      After initially featuring regularly at left-back, he was soon out-of-favour and was shipped out to West Ham, Sunderland and then Brighton before he eventually left City permanently for Reading in 2013.
      Bridge, who won 36 caps for England, watched on with the rest of the nation as Mancini’s Italy were crowned European Championship winners after beating Gareth Southgate’s men in a penalty shootout.
      And he has admitted to bettingexpert’s The Big Stage that seeing his former manager lift the trophy left a bitter taste.
      Bridge said: “It really hurt me because I hate Mancini, everyone knows I have no love for him.
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      “I wouldn’t say he’s the worst I’ve had, but tactically he isn’t that great. What he did was good, which hurts to stay.
      “Not only was my family cheering for England, they were cheering that Mancini was losing, so it hurt us even more. I never really got him as a manager.
      “All credit to what he did at Manchester City when winning the league, so City fans will love him, but if you look at the players and the squad that he had, that’s what won it, not him as a manager.”
      Bridge added: “I fell out with him. I was there for a few months and we got on well but I didn’t enjoy training at all.
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      “We did team shape against mannequins and as a full-back we’re told ‘you’re going to pass it to him or to him, if you pass it there then run that way, if you pass it to him go that way,’ you’d have two options and that was it and playing against mannequins isn’t football.
      “[Craig] Bellamy was trying to ask a question ‘what happens if this happens in a game’, and Mancini would say ‘shut up, be quiet’ and in the end he sent him home and he wouldn’t have him back at training.
      “As a manager, I really don’t get it.”
      The ex-England star played under the Italian for four yearsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Wayne Bridge pictured with his wife FrankieCredit: Instagram More

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      in Motorsport

      I was the biggest name on Sky Sports’ F1 coverage before I was sacked… I still have no idea why they got rid of me

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      JOHNNY HERBERT has revealed he has no idea why Sky Sports decided to sack him from their F1 presenting team after 11 years.Herbert joined the broadcaster during the 2012 season when it won the rights to show the F1 action in the UK.
      Johnny Herbert was a central figure in the Sky Sports F1 commentary teamCredit: Getty
      The pundit raced in Formula 1 himselfCredit: AP:Associated Press
      He became a central figure in the coverage of the sport, often reminiscing about his own time in Formula One with teams like Jaguar and Sauber.
      However, Sky Sports decided to axe him from the commentary team two months before this year’s coverage started, along with fellow pundit and former driver Paul di Resta.
      Both were at the end of their respective contracts but were not offered extensions.
      It was speculated that cost-cutting was behind Sky Sports’ decision not to have the two back.
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      Herbert posted a photo of the Sky Sports F1 team to Instagram to confirm his departure from the broadcaster.
      It was captioned: “Going to miss this team.”
      Speaking to The Mirror, Herbert has now revealed that he still doesn’t know why the broadcaster decided against renewing his contract.
      He said: “I didn’t decide to step away – I thought everything was going ahead!
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      “And then I got a call in December, I think it was, when I was told things were changing.
      “It wasn’t really explained why or what was changing. There was a mention of social media stuff and that was about it, really. I really don’t know.
      “I was always aware – at Sky they do these subscriber checks where you’re given points out of 10 – and I’ve always known I was always quite popular on that side.
      “It’s a shame, but I’m over it. Moving on.”
      Herbert is now presenting his own podcast called Lift the Lid, which he co-hosts with fellow racer Billy Monger.
      The two give their opinions on current F1 stories, and were brought together through their own near-fatal crashes.
      Herbert said about the podcast “This is great to do with Billy, for example.
      “There are other opportunities out there, once again just proving that if you work hard you can find different avenues to carry on being involved in the sport we love.
      “So there’s other things going on, which is fine.
      “Yes, it’s disappointing, but I’ve moved on.”
      The 59-year old added that he didn’t think he would be returning to TV screens this season.
      He added: “I did my 11 years at Sky and it was good. Now there are other things I am doing.
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      “Because it was in December it was all quite late in terms of sorting other things out.
      “There are a lot of other opportunities but, in terms of seeing me on a TV screen, there’s probably nothing planned on that front.”
      Herbert posted that he’d miss the team after he was axed
      Herbert now co-hosts a podcast with former British F4 racer Billy Monger, who suffered a horrific crash in 2017Credit: PA More

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      in Soccer

      Ex-Chelsea star Diego had nightclub in mansion during Blues spell and paid for it to be shipped to Madrid when he left

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      DIEGO COSTA incredibly moved his entire life out of England with him after quitting Chelsea – including the nightclub he had installed in his Surrey mansion.The controversial striker returned to Atletico Madrid in September 2017 for £67million after being told he wasn’t in Antonio Conte’s plans anymore.
      Diego Costa won the Premier League twice during his three-year spell at Chelsea between 2014-2017Credit: Rex Features
      He had moved his family out to the Spanish capital prior to sealing his switch back to Diego Simeone’s side.
      The 34-year-old, who most recently played for Wolves, even put his fleet of British cars up for sale in anticipation of his exit as he cleared up his belongings in the UK.
      But one essential thing he didn’t want to miss out on was the full-blown club he had installed in the conservatory of his home near the Blues’ Cobham training ground.
      The Brazilian-born Spain international is known to enjoy the good life away from football and was one of the characters in the Chelsea squad.
      So he splashed out to get his conservatory converted into a nightclub.
      And it was completed with top of the range lighting and sound system.
      And he enjoyed that aspect of London life so much he was desperate to take it with him back to Madrid.
      So he ordered a team to rip out the club piece by piece and transport it out to his home in Spain.
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      Costa is not the first footballer to have used his wealth decking out his home as a party venue.
      Samir Nasri did the same in his £6m Cheshire house he sold before leaving Manchester City in 2017.
      And Nasri’s ex-Citizens team-mate Raheem Sterling also installed a party area in his home. More

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      in Motorsport

      Valtteri Bottas’ amazing motorhome boasts spacious living room and huge bed that ace lives in at F1 races

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      ALFA Romeo star Valtteri Bottas really does spend his life on the road during race weekends, even after the chequered flag.Since the pandemic struck Europe in 2020, sports stars were forced into Covid-secure bubbles, to ensure that events could go ahead safely.
      Valtteri Bottas is delighted with his home on wheels
      The Finn can unwind in his spacious living area
      The huge Redwood travels all over Europe with BottasCredit: 2020
      And ex-Mercedes ace Bottas, 33, took his bubble to the next level… by bringing it with him to every race.
      The Finn first showed off his Redwood motorhome in October, which joins him at all European races.
      Spacious and beautifully furnished, the home on wheels offers Bottas all the comfort he could need, while giving him the feeling of a familiar environment while travelling.
      It features a grey-themed living space, with Sky television and an array of comfortable armchairs, as well as a sofa.
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      The Redwood 4001 LK, which costs upwards of £100,000, also offers a modern kitchen space, where Valtteri can prepare his pre-race brekkie.
      And a dining area by the window, perfect for toasting a victory or drowning sorrows after disappointment.
      The Redwood 4001 LK features a homely interiorCredit: 2020
      Bottas can rest in his huge bedCredit: 2020
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      The home features a pleasant dining spaceCredit: 2020
      Bottas travels to all European races in his mobile home
      A Greystone electronic fireplace can keep Bottas warm when he’s back at home.
      And he can rest in his huge king-size bed after a long day on the track.
      The sleek, modern bathroom features elegant furnishings and a spacious shower.
      And the property on wheels also doesn’t lack for storage space, with plenty of cupboards and wardrobes for Bottas to keep his things on the road.
      The sleek bathroom features modern furnishingsCredit: 2020
      Bottas can relax in front of the tellyCredit: 2020
      The electronic fire keeps inhabitants warmCredit: 2020
      Bottas can use the microwave if he’s feeling lazyCredit: 2020 More

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      in Soccer

      Rio Ferdinand admits he binged on ten pints of Guinness and vodka regularly during his career with parts a ‘blur’

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      RIO FERDINAND enjoyed boozing so much as a youngster he would go on benders and drink ten pints of Guinness before hitting the shots.The Manchester United legend, now 44, has revealed he was part of a major drinking culture early in his career which saw him juggle football with nights out partying.
      Rio Ferdinand once admitted he was lost in a drinking culture at the start of his career at West HamCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Rio Ferdinand spoke candidly about drinking too much when he was younger during a 2019 interviewCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Former Red Devils and England captain Ferdinand played 81 times for his country and was regarded as one of the best defenders in world football.
      But he confesses there was a time he behaved “like a lunatic” as he downed pints and vodka for fun.
      In an interview with the Guardian in 2019, Ferdinand – who came through the ranks at West Ham – said: “I used to go through a load when I was younger.
      “I could probably do eight, nine, ten [pints]. Then I’d move on to the vodkas.
      “I could go through loads. I could go all day drinking, then wake up and go again when I was younger.
      “I always say to people who ask if I have any regrets about playing, I wouldn’t have drunk alcohol.
      “When I was younger I did. I was a lunatic. When I was at West Ham, elements of my career are a blur.
      “People talk about performances and results at certain times in them games and I just sit and nod my head.
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      “I haven’t got a clue what they’re talking about. I don’t remember.
      “Saturday or Sunday. It was a different culture. Crazy. The culture I was in at West Ham was a drinking culture.
      “Football and drinks and nightclubs, that’s the way it was. And that’s the way I lived at that time.”
      By the time Ferdinand made his record-breaking move from Leeds to Man Utd in 2002 for £30million, he had started to pull back from the abyss and largely cut out alcohol during the season.
      But he would still cut loose in the off-season with lengthy benders.
      Ferdinand, who won six Premier League titles with United, added: “In the summers I’d drink for two weeks. Bang. Just keep drinking.
      “Yes. I was lucky. I had a natural ability that could get me through that period of my life.
      “But I got to a point where I had to make a decision to be more professional.”
      Ferdinand cut loose in the off season when he was a United playerCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      TV presenter and Arsenal fan Nicole Holliday gets regular marriage proposals from fans and reveals favourite interview

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      WITH her girl-next-door looks, Nicole Holliday often has Gunners fans’ pulses racing.The 31-year-old TV presenter from Highbury, North London is a freelance presenter for Arsenal – delivering their Media Player interviews with their talented stars during match days and beyond.
      Gorgeous presenter Nicole Holliday works for Arsenal’s video outputCredit: Instagram @nicolehollidayx
      The stunner was also part of their Facebook Live match day team, warming us up online before the main event kicked off up until 2019
      Since her time with the Gunners, she has become a radio presenter for talkSPORT, as well as works on entertainment show Unmuted for Sky Arts.
      She has branched out further in recent times, working with BBC Sport on the cricket and Sky Sports.ARSENAL THROUGH AND THROUGH
      A devout Gooner, Holliday is a fanatical fan – regularly cheering on the Arsenal on social media.
      She told SunSport how she scored her dream job.
      “I had been making some videos on YouTube after Arsenal games, kind of like match reviews, and I think one of the producers came across them and messaged me asking to come in for a meeting,” Nicole revealed.
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      The sexy host appears on Arsenal’s website and on their social media pagesCredit: Instagram @nicolehollidayx
      Holliday often sets Gunners fans’ pulses racingCredit: Instagram @nicolehollidayx
      She just loves the buzz of reporting liveCredit: Instagram @nicolehollidayx
      “It all happened quite quickly and pretty out of the blue. I’d been working as a presenter in entertainment for a couple of years. but hadn’t crossed over into sport yet. The football videos were more of a passion/hobby thing!
      “I was so nervous initially because I knew how amazing an opportunity it would be.
      “I was born and raised in North London. I come from a family of Gooners, so they were all so excited too.
      “The weirdest thing was getting used to sitting next to legends like Nigel Winterburn and eating pizza whilst watching games.”
      She’s interviewed Arsenal legends, including Santi CazorlaCredit: Instagram @nicolehollidayx

      Holliday also hosted Sky One show What’s Up TV on which she interviewed singer FergieCredit: Instagram @nicolehollidayx
      CAPTAIN FANTASTIC
      Being a lifelong Arsenal fan, Nicole’s pinch me moment came when she was asked to interview legend Tony Adams.
      “He has to be my favourite interview,” she said.
      “He was wearing the most incredible suit and was so lovely and funny. I never really get nervous during interviews but it was quite surreal sitting there having a chat with him.
      “Jens Lehman is really funny too, he has a lot of stories! All the guys are great to be honest, it’s always a real pleasure interviewing them.
      Her favourite Gooner to interview was Tony AdamsCredit: Instagram @nicolehollidayx
      As a presenter, Holliday packs quite the punchCredit: Instagram @nicolehollidayx
      And she’s often stopped by Arsenal fans in the street looking for a photo opCredit: Instagram @nicolehollidayx
      Holliday said she loves getting recognised in the streetCredit: Instagram @nicolehollidayx
      “I’ve probably interviewed Rob Holding the most. He is hilarious and great fun to work with.”
      CAN I MARRY YOU?
      Because of her high-profile job, Nicole is often stopped on the street by Gooners asking for a photo-op. Some even ask for her hand in marriage.
      She told us: “I love meeting Arsenal fans out and about. It’s not an everyday occurrence, but I’ve been asked for photos a few times and then we’ll always have a chat about the footie afterwards.
      “I’ve always found everyone to be super respectful and sweet. But you do get the odd marriage proposal on Instagram. It’s all very flattering though!”
      With her girl next door persona, Holliday has become a firm favourite on InstagramCredit: Instagram @nicolehollidayx
      She has amassed over 76,000 followersCredit: Instagram @nicolehollidayx
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      No stranger to a blooper, Nicole recalled a moment she embarrassed former Arsenal favourite Aaron Ramsey during one particular interview.
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      “Most of the Arsenal interviews I’ve done are live, so of course you never know what can happen in those scenarios. But sometimes you do have to be careful with your wording.
      “I did embarrass Aaron Ramsey once though by showing him an old social media profile that had a picture of him as a teenager with a bit of a dodgy haircut.
      “He found it funny though and we ended up having a chat about all his past questionable hairstyle choices.”
      She is often getting proposed to on social media by Arsenal fansCredit: Instagram @nicolehollidayx
      Holliday said she finds it very flattering that Arsenal fans ask if she’ll marry themCredit: Instagram @nicolehollidayx More