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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury’s dad claims Rob McCracken ‘saved Anthony Joshua’s LIFE’ in Usyk fight and stopped Brit from being KO’d

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA’s life was ‘saved’ by coach Rob McCracken in his schooling by Oleksandr Usyk last year.AJ had the unified heavyweight titles ripped from his grasp by the slick southpaw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in September last year.
      Anthony Joshua suffered a unanimous decision defeat to Oleksandr UsykrCredit: AP
      Coach Rob McCracken was axed after AJ’s defeat to UsykCredit: REX
      But John Fury believes McCracken ‘saved’ Joshua from being knocked out in the Tottenham tussleCredit: GETTY
      McCracken was axed by Team Joshua following the spectacular defeat, but fellow coach John Fury believes the Team GB trainer’s advice saved the Brit from a career-ending knockout.
      He told BT Sport: I’m not gonna knock Robert McCraken. Because I know, looking at that fight again, Robert McCracken was trying to keep him on his feet.
      “He was giving him the advice to get to the 12th round and not get stopped.
      “Because I think if AJ would’ve fought any other way, he would’ve got stopped.
      “Usyk would’ve knocked him out. So it was a caution sort of thing and happy to come second best. Because what can you do if your man is in that frame of mind?
      “It’s your job as a trainer to keep him on his feet. And whether he wins or not, it doesn’t matter.
      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Boxing.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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      “Robert McCracken has saved his life, really, because he can come again. Can you imagine if Usyk would’ve counted him out?
      “That would’ve been AJ finished for good, wouldn’t it? So Robert McCracken, I think, has saved him for another day.
      “He can come back from that defeat because it wasn’t that bad. And why it wasn’t that bad is down to Robert McCracken.
      “You know, he’s not a bad trainer is Robert McCracken. But like I say, does he teach dog fighting when he needs to?”
      Fury – the father of WBC heavyweight champion Tyson – believes Joshua should show loyalty to his long-time coach and not give him the boot.
      He added: “I’d kept McCracken, me. Because he’s been with him all this time, you’ve got to show him loyalty.
      “He’s done the best he could for him. And obviously, Robert McCraken has his best interests at heart.
      “All he needs to do is get somebody there that can teach him different stuff and then combine them together.

      Eddie Hearn recently revealed AJ will return to the USA to continue to look for a new coachCredit: Matchroom Boxing
      But Fury believed Joshua should stay loyal to the man who got him to the danceCredit: GETTY
      “Work together with it. Do what Robert does and do what this other so-called new guy can do. If they’re out there.
      “I don’t think they’re out there.”
      Fury, 57, believes Joshua has all the attributes of a great fighter but lacks in the mental strength department.
      He added: “It’s mental, a million per cent. Because with a strong mind, you can do anything. I was always told there’s no such thing as can’t.
      “And when you think about it hard enough, there’s not many things you can’t do if you set your mind to it.
      “And when a man that big can punch, he’s got the right physique, he’s got everything to be a great fighter.
      “All he needs to do is get the knowledge of what’s missing. And that knowledge is learn how to go into trench warfare with your mind intact.
      “With that belief in yourself that, ‘Right, I’m gonna die here today. It’s you or me.’
      “And without that mentality, you’ll always spew it. You’ll look for the back door every time without that mentality.
      “And for my money, he’s not looking for the back door. He could’ve took the back door with [Wladimir] Klitschko in the fifth round. He didn’t.
      “Yes, he got beat up by [Andy] Ruiz. But he didn’t take the back door, did he? He got stopped, he was out on his feet. That was it, he couldn’t fight anymore.
      “He didn’t hit the canvas and stay down. Do you know what I’m saying?
      “He got up. So he’s got something to work with, hasn’t he? And when you look at it in-depth, he’s got a lot to work with.”
      Joshua, 32, will bid to reclaim the unified heavyweight throne in a rematch with the Ukrainian on August 20. More

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      in Soccer

      Ex-agent of Neymar reveals how star snubbed Chelsea in 2010 and reveals how close Real Madrid were to transfer

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      NEYMAR’S former agent has confirmed Chelsea offered him a fortune to sign in 2010. The Brazilian was bursting onto the scene as a 17-year-old with Santos following a stellar debut campaign in 2009.
      Neymar was football’s biggest prospect coming through at Santos
      Chelsea were heavily linked with his signature amid reports Santos turned down a £20million offer.
      The West Londoners had just won the Premier League and FA Cup double in stunning fashion under Carlo Ancelotti, scoring over 100 goals in the process and playing free-flowing football.
      But despite their success on the field, a transfer never came to fruition.
      Wagner Ribeiro, who represented the player at the time, revealed how it was Neymar who turned down a move to the Premier League.
      When asked about Chelsea’s interest in 2010, Ribeiro told L’Equipe: “They offered him a lot of money, but Neymar didn’t want to go.”
      Neymar would remain at Santos until 2013 before completing a blockbuster transfer to Barcelona.
      But he could have easily signed for fierce rivals Real Madrid as Ribeiro further revealed.
      He added: “Florentino (Real’s president) thought he had it.
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      Neymar’s future at PSG has been called into questionCredit: AFP
      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      “He accepted an offer that I presented him. He was willing to pay 40 million to Santos and comply with everything we asked for.
      “His father asked him for time because Neymar preferred Barca. They sent three managers, lawyers and were there for 20 days.
      “But Neymar didn’t want to go to Madrid, he wanted to play for Barca.
      “Messi and Pique called him. He was close to Florentino and Madrid. Sandro Rossell, on the other hand, did not want me to participate in the negotiations with Barcelona.
      “He left me aside and did not pay me a penny for the transfer of Neymar to Barca.
      “They worked with André Cury, who approached Neymar’s father. They played it on me. I didn’t get anything with that transfer.”
      Neymar dazzled in Spain for four years before departing for Paris Saint-Germain in controversial circumstances.
      But his future is under the spotlight once again with a move to the Premier League once again suggested with Newcastle.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds More

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      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua must face four opponents before he retires, including Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder and Dillian Whyte

      by

      ANTHONY JOSHUA’s legacy will be defined by the fights he takes, and wins, in the next five years.The former unified heavyweight champion of the world revealed he intends to hang up his gloves before he hits the wrong side of 40.
      Anthony Joshua celebrates his KO over Kubrat PulevCredit: AP
      Anthony Joshua plans to retire from boxing well before he hits 40Credit: PA
      Two years ago, the 32-year-old told Sky Sports: “Five years left and that’s basically an Olympic cycle.
      “I’ve got an Olympic cycle and a little bit more left, so when you see the next Olympics happen is when I’ll be coming to the end of my career and the next generation will be coming through.”
      For Joshua to be seen as a true heavyweight great, he must first see off all the remaining challengers in the division.
      And there are five men, in particular, AJ has to trade leather with before it’s all said and done.
      Tyson Fury
      A fight with Tyson Fury is one British boxing fans have been itching to see for years. And it was in the works until Deontay Wilder won a legal case for a trilogy fight.
      But talks were made, so technically all that remained was for a venue and date to be finalised for a potential £500million showpiece.
      However, Joshua’s defeat to Oleksandr Usyk scuppered those plans. A win against Usyk in their rematch might just set talks off again.
      Deontay Wilder
      There’s simply been too much trash talk between Joshua and Wilder for this fight not to come to fruition.
      The pair were at loggerheads long before Fury returned to the fray, although Wilder hasn’t mentioned his fellow Olympian for some time now.
      Stylistically, Joshua vs Fury is a fascinating match-up that has all the ingredients to be an absolute fire fight.
      And despite Wilder’s emphatic dethroning at the hands of Fury, there’s still some fan interest in the match-up.
      Andy Ruiz Jr
      Like it or not, Joshua still has a score to settle with Andy Ruiz Jr – the man responsible for handing him his first professional loss.
      There was no doubting he was the better man in their rematch in Saudi Arabia in December 2019.
      But with the score level at one win apiece, can he truly say he’s better than Mexico’s first heavyweight champion without sharing the ring with him again?
      And let’s not forget the condition Ruiz Jr – who had clearly been enjoying the high life after his stunning upset win – came in for his second showdown with AJ.
      Despite the dominant nature of his Saudi revenge job, Joshua has to run this one back again.
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      Anthony Joshua put on a clinic in his rematch with Andy Ruiz JrCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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      Dillian Whyte
      While we’re on the topic of trilogy fights, Joshua still needs to settle the score with fellow Brit Dillian Whyte.
      If you count their amateur meeting in 2009, the series between Joshua and Whyte is level.
      One could argue there’s no cause for a third fight as Joshua brutally knocked out The Bodysnatcher in their 2015 showdown.
      But given the improvements Whyte made since that setback, with the exception of his loss to Alexander Povetkin and Tyson Fury, a third fight with AJ is still marketable.
      And I’m sure there’s few things Joshua would love more than to silence his domestic rival once and for all.
      Anthony Joshua knocked out Dillian Whyte in December 2015Credit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Former Man Utd star Nani reveals players turned up DRUNK to training at Christmas… but Sir Alex Ferguson ‘didn’t care’

      by

      FORMER Manchester United star Nani has claimed Sir Alex Ferguson would turn a blind eye to his players turning up training drunk over the festive period.The Portuguese winger says his former boss had such good man management skills he allowed it to slide if his players showed up worse-for-wear in the hectic Christmas and New Year programme.
      Nani has revealed how Sir Alex Ferguson would turn a blind eye to players turning up for training drunk over the festive periodCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Nani revealed that no-nonsense Fergie recognised the demands over that time were so tough it was important for his United squad to let their hair down.
      Speaking to Tribuna Expresso, he said: “If I had the next day off, for example, then I could have some fun…on special days like Christmas or New Year – no one in England cares about that.
      “On New Year, we could even go to training drunk and the coach didn’t care about it.
      “That’s the side of [Sir Alex] that knew how to deal with the players and have the perception to say, ‘this day is special, I can’t make demands’.
      “We had been playing non-stop all year long. It was a joy, a moment of relaxation, a different kind of training – clowning around. I won’t lie, I liked nights out.”
      Nani spent eight years as a United player, winning four Premier League titles and the Champions League during his time there.
      And he credits Ferguson for playing a crucial role in helping him to settle and flourish as a player and person.
      He added: “It was amazing. He knows how to deal with the player, whether they are older or younger.
      “He knows how to manage their professional career and the human being.
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      “With him I can say that I gained a unique experience and maturity because they were very important phases of my life.
      “I needed to grow up really fast, to learn and deal with that culture and the club culture.
      “It was great for me to have Sir Alex Ferguson. Carlos Queiroz, who was also exemplary in this respect, spoke the my language and that was fundamental for me.” More

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      in Soccer

      England’s U17 World Cup winners from 2017 and where they are now, from non-league to Man Utd and Champions League heroes

      by

      THEY were the Young Lions ready to break through as the next Golden Generation.Back on 28 October 2017, Steve Cooper led England’s youngsters to Fifa Under-17 World Cup glory.
      What has happened to the English young guns that conquered the world in 2017?Credit: Getty – Contributor
      England were crowned U17 World Cup winners in October 2017Credit: Getty
      It is now five years since the talented teens achieved the incredible milestone – with several going on to bigger and better things.
      The victory led to head coach Cooper moving into club management with Swansea – where he TWICE suffered Championship play-off agony.
      He is now in charge of Nottingham Forest, leading a stunning transformation in form with the Tricky Trees and earning promotion to the Premier League via the play offs.
      But for all the successes of Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho, not every member of his victorious team have taken the next step.
      While some struggle for first-team football, others have fallen out of the Football League all together.
      We run through which players have made their mark on the senior game and which are yet to hit the big time after their historic win.
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#dcdddd;background-color:#ffffff;}.css-14dqn90{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(4px/2);margin-right:calc(4px/2);}.css-12an5ma{font-family:The Sun;font-size:20px;line-height:1.2;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;padding:1px 0px;}.css-12an5ma::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.261875em + -1px);}.css-12an5ma::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:calc(-0.25em + -1.3px);}.css-1tob514{color:rgba(32,134,98,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;margin-right:4px;}.css-1tob514:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}GUNNERS LATEST .css-1efa55o{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1efa55o:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Tielemans prefers Gunners move to United, Lucas Paqueta battle
      Curtis Anderson, 21
      Anderson was No1 in India and played a crucial role in guiding the Young Lions to victory with his penalty shoot-out heroics against Japan in the last-16.
      He left Manchester City’s academy in 2019 to join American second tier outfit Charlotte Independence and played ten league matches for them.
      The stopper returned to these shores with Wycombe Wanderers but is yet to play in the league for them and was even sent out on loan to non-league Walton Casuals.
      Last term, he went on loan with National League South outfit Eastbourne Borough, before signing for Lancaster City for this upcoming season.
      Curtis Anderson was No1 for the Young Lions in IndiaCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Josef Bursik, 21
      Long considered as a potential long-term successor to Jack Butland at Stoke, the teenager was loaned out to gain first-team experience after the triumph with England.
      Bursik had spells in non-league with Hednesford Town and AFC Telford United before stints in the Football League with Accrington Stanley, Doncaster Rovers, Peterborough and Lincoln City.
      He became Stoke’s No1 last season before losing his place in January and eventually joining Posh on an emergency loan.
      Josef Bursik has made the breakthrough in goal for Stoke CityCredit: Phil Greig 2020
      Billy Crellin, 22
      Ex-Fleetwood boss Joey Barton ended Crellin’s loan move to FC United of Manchester early after the National League North side won just one of 10 games with the then-teenager in 2018.
      Barton recalled the ace, who made just one appearance for England in India, when he was just 19 and gave him a first-team start in the EFL Trophy.
      He went back out on loan to non-league Chorley before spending 2020-21 at Bolton in League Two and played 11 times.
      Back in January, Crellin signed for Everton for an undisclosed fee.
      Timothy Eyoma, 22
      The versatile defender, known as TJ, caught the attention of Mauricio Pochettino, who gave him a first-team debut in Spurs’ 7-0 FA Cup third-round win over Tranmere in 2019.
      Eyoma was a regular for Tottenham’s Premier League 2 side but was also named as a substitute for an FA Cup win against West Ham, having been on the first-team’s pre-season tour.
      But he went on loan to Lincoln City last season in League One and impressed that much that they bought him permanently from Spurs last summer.
      Timothy Eyoma was signed by Lincoln City last summerCredit: Rex
      Lewis Gibson is highly-rated at Everton and is currently loaned to Sheffield WednesdayCredit: Rex
      Lewis Gibson, 21
      Three months before winning the World Cup, Newcastle academy product Gibson moved to Everton from St James’ Park for £6million.
      Despite not making a first-team appearance, U23s boss David Unsworth has heaped praise on the teen who can play left-back or central defence.
      The now England U20 international has gained further experience at Fleetwood and Reading and enjoyed a loan at League One Sheffield Wednesday.
      Marc Guehi, 21
      Captained England at the European Championships before scoring in the World Cup final, and then starred in Jody Morris’ Chelsea youth team that won five trophies in a year.
      But the central defender, who was born in the Ivory Coast, is one of many that struggled to make a mark on the Blues first-team despite impressing for the U19s.
      And after shining on loan under Cooper at Swansea in the Championship last season, he is now a regular in the Premier League at Crystal Palace after they signed him last summer and has earned three full caps for his country now.
      Marc Guehi captained England to World Cup glory and is now starring at Crystal PalaceCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Jonathan Panzo is now plying his trade for Nottingham ForestCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Jonathan Panzo, 21
      After nine years in Chelsea’s academy, the central defender signed a five-year deal with Ligue 1’s Monaco in 2018 search of first-team opportunities.
      Panzo made the first-team after impressing former boss Thierry Henry who handed him a full debut in that December’s League Cup quarter-final win over Lorient.
      However, he struggled and was shipped out to Cercle Brugge in Belgian before he transferred to French second tier side Dijon.
      Now Panzo find himself with Nottingham Forest, where he will get a crack at making it in the Prem.
      Joel Latibeaudiere, 22
      The World Cup winner was involved in a contract stand-off with Manchester City after failing to make a single senior appearance.
      The concerns over a lack of first-team games led to Latibeaudiere leaving in 2020 for Swansea after a spell on loan in Holland at Twente.
      Latibeaudiere has 20 appearances to his name in a little over a year.
      Joel Latibeaudiere is now playing for Championship side Swansea CityCredit: PA:Press Association
      Steven Sessegnon has so far failed to make a major breakthrough at FulhamCredit: Alamy Live News
      Steven Sessegnon, 22
      Twin of Tottenham star Ryan Sessegnon, versatile defender Steven broke into the Fulham first-team in 2018-19 with 14 Championship appearances.
      But after he was axed – failing to play in the horror 2019-20 Premier League campaign – he was sent away for a loan spell at Bristol City, then went to Plymouth Argyle.
      Sessegnon hasn’t played for the West London outfit since 2020, and will spend next season on loan at Charlton.
      George McEachran, 21
      Younger brother of former Blue Josh McEachran, George has managed to impress at Chelsea in the youth ranks.
      The central midfielder has still not managed to progress into the star-studded first team squad.
      But he has gained experience with loan stints at Dutch clubs Cambuur and MVV although he is back at Stamford Bridge now.
      George McEachran is not getting regular action at Chelsea this termCredit: Getty
      Phil Foden is blossoming into one of the greatest talents of his generationCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Phil Foden, 22
      The Golden Ball winner at the 2017 U17 World Cup, Foden – who scored twice in the final – is a favourite of Pep Guardiola’s and is also a regular in the England side under Gareth Southgate.
      The star is one of the biggest success stories from the tournament and already has four Premier League titles, an FA Cup and four Carabao Cup medals in his trophy cabinet.
      He also helped guide the Three Lions to the Euro 2020 showpiece and is well on course to becoming one of the finest talents of his generation.
      Tashan Oakley-Boothe, 22
      Was given a first-team debut by Pochettino at Tottenham with a substitute appearance in the EFL Cup win over Barnsley – replacing Dele Alli – but Oakley-Boothe never went on to make a regular breakthrough.
      He struggled with injury problems, which limited his involvement, before leaving Spurs in 2020 without having played a Premier League game for them.
      But he has made 23 appearances for Stoke in the Championship since his departure.
      This season, he will take his talents to Lincoln City.
      Tashan Oakley-Boothe never got a chance at Tottenham before his departure to Stoke in 2020Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      England U21 star Angel Gomes left Man Utd for LilleCredit: Getty
      Angel Gomes, 21
      Made his first-team debut before the 2017 World Cup and became the youngest ever Premier League player at 16 years and 263 days old.
      Gomes made several appearances after that but it was still not enough to keep him at Old Trafford.
      Despite United’s best efforts, the now U21 international quit the Red Devils to join French side Lille in 2020.
      Most recently, he spent last term on loan at Portuguese outfit Boavista.
      Jadon Sancho, 22
      Another successful product of the squad, Sancho replaced Christian Pulisic in the Dortmund first-team, was named Bundesliga Player of the Month soon after and quickly earned an England call-up after the World Cup success.
      He continued to flourish with the Bundesliga side having bravely quit Manchester City to conquer Europe in 2017.
      Sancho missed the U17 World Cup final after leaving the tournament midway through to return to Dortmund duty.
      Now back in Manchester after United ended their long-pursuit to sign him last summer for £73m, Sancho began to find his form in the tail-end of last season.
      Manchester United forked out £73m for Jadon Sancho last summerCredit: EPA
      Nya Kirby continues to be unable to make a breakthrough at Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Nya Kirby, 22
      Tottenham academy product Kirby left Crystal Palace in January 2019 in search of first-team opportunities after 18 months without a game.
      The midfielder, now 22, moved to then-League One side Blackpool and went on to spend time at Tranmere Rovers.
      He was released by the Eagles at the end of the 2021-22 season.
      Callum Hudson-Odoi, 21
      A key figure in the U17 World Cup final, Hudson-Odoi excelled at Stamford Bridge and broke into the Blues first team.
      Bayern Munich were soon chasing his services after he broke into the senior England set-up.
      But the winger eventually penned a new big-money deal at Chelsea which coincided with his form dropping.
      Tasted Champions League success with the club but is now struggling to get regular minutes under Thomas Tuchel.
      Callum Hudson-Odoi is having a tough time of it currently at ChelseaCredit: Rex
      Emile Smith Rowe is excelling for both Arsenal and England U21sCredit: Alamy
      Emile Smith Rowe, 21
      Another huge success story from the World Cup-winning squad.
      After loan stints in Germany at RB Leipzig and with Huddersfield Town, the attacker is now a fully-fledged member of both Arsenal’s first-team and the England U21 squad.
      So strong is his current form, Gareth Southgate recently admitted the ace is on the verge of a senior international call-up.
      Morgan Gibbs-White, 22
      Became an instrumental figure in the Wolves team under Nuno Espirito Santo and is another one of the most successful products of the U17s squad.
      The midfielder, who scored against Spain in the final, was a regular in the first-team squad but has headed out on loan this term after his game-time was reduced.
      Gibbs-White, who had a spell on loan at Swansea, had a brilliant spell last season in the Championship with Sheffield United.
      Morgan Gibbs-White headed out from Wolves to Sheffield United on loan last summerCredit: Getty
      Conor Gallagher earned rave reviews on loan at Crystal PalaceCredit: Reuters
      Conor Gallagher, 22
      The midfielder fulfilled his potential in the Premier League after joining Crystal Palace on loan last season.
      The Chelsea youngster grabbed the headlines with each passing week under Patrick Vieira, helping the club reach the FA Cup semi final.
      Stints at Charlton and Swansea gave Gallagher his first taste of senior football after the World Cup success and that was followed by a spell at West Brom last term.
      Big things are expected of the England Under-21 international.
      Rhian Brewster, 22
      Golden Boot winner at the U17 World Cup and one of the stars of the tournament, Brewster signed a five-year deal at Liverpool and was tipped to break into the first-team, with Jurgen Klopp a fan of the young striker.
      But the high hopes around the club never materialised.
      Following an injury, he went on loan to Championship side Swansea in January 2020  and scored ten goals in 20 appearances.
      After missing a penalty in the Community Shield following his Liverpool return, Sheffield United forked out a whopping £23.5m – but it has turned into a nightmare move.
      The striker suffered relegation with the Blades in his first season and scored just four times last time out.
      Rhian Brewster was Golden Boot winner at the World Cup but his move to Sheffield United has turned into a nightmareCredit: Reuters
      Striker Danny Loader left Reading for Porto last yearCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Danny Loader, 21
      Berkshire-born Loader only scored once in 28 games for Reading after his World Cup success.
      But the striker, who was back-up to Brewster in India and managed two goals in two games, caught the eye of Portuguese giants Porto and moved there in 2020.
      He bagged nine times for their B side last season but the England U20 international still has not played for the first-team in the league. More

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      in Motorsport

      Legendary F1 star Sir Stirling Moss left £20million in his will and told pals ‘enjoy a few nights out’ after he died

      by

      FUN-LOVING motor racing icon Sir Stirling Moss left £20million in his will and told pals: “Enjoy a few nights out.”The Formula One legend, who died in 2020 aged 90, gave the order among a string of big-hearted legacies to 18 of his nearest and dearest.
      Sir Stirling Moss left £20million in his willCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty
      The gifts included £1,000 handed to a couple to spend on dinner at Miami, Florida, restaurant Joe’s Stone Crab.
      And he dished out his favourite paintings, model cars and even a lucky silver rabbit’s foot to others.
      He left the bulk of his fortune to his wife since 1980 Lady Susie, plus daughter Allison and son Elliot.
      Probate office figures showed the star, who lived in Mayfair, central London, left £22.08m in his will but this did not include US assets.
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      Sir Stirling died after a long illness last yearCredit: AFP or licensors
      The daring racing style of Sir Stirling, who won 16 of 66 F1 races from 1951 to 1961, led speeding motorists when stopped by police to be asked: “Who do you think you are, Stirling Moss?”
      Sir Stirling died after a long illness last year with Lady Susie at his bedside.
      She paid tribute, saying: “It was one lap too many.
      “He died as he lived, looking wonderful.
      “He simply tired in the end and closed his beautiful eyes and that was that.”
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      Sterling has been married to Lady Susie since 1980Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdList of Sir Sterling’s legacies

      £1,000 to a pal (now dead) for him and his wife “to enjoy a few of our usual nights out” and two trophies
      £10,000 and a Marcel Lebrun painting to his former secretary
      A hand-carved Birdcage Maserati sculpture by artist Dennis Hoyt to a male pal
      A John Brierley model train to another male friend
      £2,000 and his Mercedes Benz boxed edition Silver Arrows, given to him by Mercedes Benz in 1998, to a male pal
      A Talbot model to a male friend
      £1,000 to a married London couple to “enjoy at Joe’s Stone Crab” restaurant in Miami, US
      £1,000 to a female friend
      A Cooper model to a male pal
      £5,000 to a married couple
      Another £5,000 to a US friend
      His silver rabbit’s foot – given to Sir Stirling in 1954 by friends – to his ex-psychotherapist for “giving me more than luck”
      £1,000 to a female friend “to help towards her telephone bills”
      £1,000 to another female friend
      £10,000 to his niece to “put towards buying another horse”
      £5,000 to a married couple as “my thanks for their loyalty”
      A painting of Hyde Park by artist Dexter Brown to “remind her of her many numbered bottles enjoyed after walks through that park”.
      £10,000 to his rally driver sister, Pat, who sadly died in 2008
      £20,000 to his god-daughter

      Stirling Moss wins Grand Prix d’Europe in 1957We pay for your stories!Do you have a story for The Sun news desk? More

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      in Soccer

      Mario Balotelli ignores Cristiano Ronaldo from his all-time best XI and has just two Premier League stars in his team

      by

      MARIO BALOTELLI decided to leave Cristiano Ronaldo out of his all-time ultimate team.The 31-year-old included just two players from the Premier League and picked Brazil legend Ronaldo to lead the line with Lionel Messi.
      Mario Balotelli’s all time XI
      Balotelli was asked to name his ultimate starting XI while on a Puma Football Instagram chat with Thierry Henry.
      The striker –  currently playing for Adana Demispor in Turkey – picked former team-mate Yaya Toure and Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard to play in the middle of the park.
      Messi and Ronaldo were the two strikers, with Alessandro Nesta and Fabio Cannavaro at the heart of defence.
      Speaking about his team, Balotelli said: “Pirlo guarantees you ten goals a year, Yaya can do it all.
      “That’s a good team I think, although I left you [Henry] out, I left Cristiano [Ronaldo] out.”
      Balotelli won the Premier League with Manchester City in 2012 before he left them in 2013 to join Milan.
      He returned to England with Liverpool in 2014, but failed to live up to expectations at Anfield.
      Recalling his time in the English top-flight, he said: “I only have good memories of the Premier League.
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      “The Premier League is the best. The French league is physical too, though.”
      Balotelli’s career has been plagued by off-field issues including the time he was caught throwing darts at City’s youth team.
      He is renowned for his bad behaviour, but the Italian insists the incidents in younger years were down to his age.
      He said: “I always say I was crazy, but I wasn’t even crazy, I was just young.
      “I was always respectful, but when you’re 16 or 17 you want to do things that 16 or 17 year olds do – going out to clubs, you know.
      “But when you are a footballer there is an expectation of you.”
      Mario Balotelli, who now plays in Turkey, claimed he only has fond memories of the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Former Arsenal and Barcelona star Alex Song revealed he quit Gunners for LaLiga for money and didn’t care about playing

      by

      ALEX SONG has owned up to being a “waster” during his time at Arsenal – and joining Barcelona purely for the money.And the Cameroon midfielder, who spent seven seasons with the Gunners, told how he had to get rid of his flash new car as he was spending all his money on petrol.
      Song has revealed he was a ‘waster’ at Arsenal and splurged loads of cash on fancy carsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Song left North London for Barcelona in 2012. He is now a free agent after being sacked by Swiss club Sion in March for refusing to take a pay cut.
      The 34-year-old made 215 Arsenal appearances, scoring 10 goals, following his move from Bastia.
      Song recalled his spendthrift ways in an Instagram chat with his countryman, Toronto Raptors basketball star Pascal Siakam.
      The ex-Gunner said: “Most footballers live beyond their means. I was at Arsenal for eight years but only began to earn a good living in the last four.
      “That was because my salary went up a lot – but also because I came to realise what a waster I was.
      “When I first joined them I was getting £15,000 a week. I was a young lad, and I was ecstatic.
      “I wanted to rub shoulders with the big boys. I could shop wherever I wanted and have crazy nights out.

      “I would go to training and see Thierry Henry – the King – turn up in an absolute gem of a car. I told myself I wanted the same car at all costs.
      “I went to the dealership, signed the papers and arranged to pay for it by standing order – and just like that I had the same car as The King.
      “But I swear that I had to hand the car back inside two months. All my money was going on filling it with petrol.
      “I told them: ‘Give me a Toyota – this car’s too much for me.’
      “When I next went to training Thierry asked me: ‘Where’s your car, son?’ I told him it’s on a higher level than me.
      “During my entire time at Arsenal I couldn’t even save £100,000, while people thought I must be a millionaire.
      “When Barcelona offered me a contract, and I saw how much I would earn, I didn’t think twice. I felt my wife and children should have comfortable lives once my career is over.
      “I met Barca’s sporting director, and he told me I would not get to play many games.
      “But I didn’t give a f*** – I knew that now I would become a millionaire.
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      “I’ll always say that a 20-year-old who drives a Ferrari is a poor man, as at that age he’s not yet achieved anything.
      “But a man of 50 who drives a Bentley is a man to be respected.”
      Song, capped 49 times, had spells on loan to Charlton and West Ham and also played for Russians Rubin Kazan. He now plays for Djiboutian side Arta/Solar7.
      Arsenal’s Alexandre Lacazette inhales from balloon 18 months after ‘hippy crack’ warning More