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      Football stars who won World Cup without playing a single game including West Ham-bound Alphonse Areola with France

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      PSG goalkeeper Alphonse Areola was one of the most interesting stories of the 2018 World Cup – just not for his impact on the pitch.France’s third-choice keeper for the competition, Areola stepped off the team plane in Paris with the gold medal dangling round his neck after Didier Deschamps’ team beat Croatia to lift the famous trophy.
      Alphonse Areola won the 2018 World Cup having never been capped by FranceCredit: Getty – Contributor
      PSG’s shot-stopper kissed the Jules Rimet trophy outside the Elysee Presidential Palace after France won the 2018 World CupCredit: EPA
      The Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper – who looks set to join West Ham in a permanent deal  – then planted a kiss on the trophy amid celebrations outside the Elysee Presidential Palace as the squad celebrated.
      And yet Areola, who has now won three international caps to his name, had never played a single minute for the senior side at the time – becoming the first player in 36 years to win the World Cup without having ever played for his country.
      At World Cups gone by, there are players who went home with winners’ medals despite not playing a minute of the tournament.
      Borussia Dortmund’s Erik Durm received a medal after Germany won the trophy in 2014, yet he didn’t make an appearance in Brazil.
      But Durm did have one cap to his name.
      In 2010, despite being Barcelona’s No1, Victor Valdes was back-up to Iker Casillas and never made an appearance for champions Spain in South Africa.
      Former Manchester United goalkeeper Valdes had also made just one appearance for the first team.
      You have to go back to 1982 to find a World Cup winner who hadn’t even been capped when they took a gold medal home — and he’s a household name.
      Areola gleefully held the trophy aloft on France’s open-top bus tourCredit: EPA
      Italian icon Franco Baresi was the last man to win a World Cup without being cappedCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Goalkeeper Giovanni Galli also won the 1982 World Cup without having an appearance to his nameCredit: Getty – Contributor
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      Franco Baresi, the AC Milan icon who won six Serie A titles and three European Cups, hadn’t played a single minute for Italy when he won the World Cup in Spain.
      Baresi did end up claiming 81 appearances for Italy across 12 years, and almost helped the nation win another World Cup in 1994 when they were beaten by Brazil in the final.
      He wasn’t the only Italian to claim a medal in 1982 and not have a cap to his name, though.
      Like Areola, Giovanni Galli was the third-choice goalkeeper for Enzo Bearzot’s team and had never made an appearance before the tournament. More

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      in Soccer

      Where are Tottenham’s ‘Magnificent Seven’ signed with Bale money in 2013, from Soldado and Paulinho?

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      IN 2013, Spurs were forced to blow up their squad following the world-record sale of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid.The Welshman had scored 26 goals in the previous campaign, sweeping the Premier League’s various individual awards ahead of the likes of Luis Suarez and Eden Hazard.
      Spurs recruited the ‘Magnificent Seven’ in the summer of 2013
      Gareth Bale was unveiled at Real Madrid in September 2013Credit: AFP
      But there was a problem – Tottenham missed out on Champions League qualification by a point.
      Daniel Levy was bullish that he could keep his star asset, but Real Madrid turned on their charm offensive and it soon became just a matter of when, not if.
      So Spurs got busy, signing seven new players for more than £100million – as the line went, they’d ‘sold Elvis, and signed The Beatles’.
      But while Bale was off winning Champions League titles with Madrid, Spurs’ new signings were producing contrasting performances.
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      So let’s take a look at what became of the ‘Magnificent Seven’.
      ROBERTO SOLDADO – £26m
      Spurs thought that they had secured a prolific goalscorer in SoldadoCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      Soldado, 36, has recently joined Levante from LaLiga rivals GranadaCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS
      Spaniard Soldado was probably the most exciting of the acquisitions, when he arrived from Valencia for £26m, fresh from wowing at the Confederations Cup and banging in 24 goals in LaLiga.
      Despite no lack of trying, his time at White Hart Lane was a disaster, however, as he only managed seven goals in 52 Premier League appearances – with five of them coming from the penalty spot.
      Levy did manage to squeeze £10m out of Villarreal for his services in 2015, and he has since played for Fenerbahce and Granada.
      Now 37, he has linked up with Spanish top-flight Levante on a two-year deal and scored six goals last season in 20 games.
      PAULINHO – £17m
      The Brazilian struggled to make an impact at SpursCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Paulinho played for Saudi side Al-Ahli after reinventing himself in ChinaCredit: AFP or licensors

      Another that arrived off the back of a stellar Confederations Cup, Spurs fans thought they were getting ‘the Brazilian Frank Lampard’ when Paulinho arrived in N17.
      Initial performances were steady, with a late back-heeled winner at Cardiff prompting pandemonium among the travelling supporters.
      Things went downhill very quickly, however, with Paulinho being red carded in Andre Villas-Boas’ final game in charge, before becoming a nervous wreck barely capable of completing a five-yard pass by the end.
      He was offered a career lifeline by Chinese Super League giants Guangzhou Evergrande, where he became a big star – via a very strange, if not totally unsuccessful year at Barcelona.
      Paulinho, 33, linked up with Saudi side Al-Ahli but has since signed a deal with Corinthians.
      VLAD CHIRICHES – £8m
      The Romanian struggled to cut down on his mistakes at TottenhamCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The Sun
      A considerably scarier-looking Chiriches now turns out for Sassuolo in Serie ACredit: Reuters
      Fans were excited at Chiriches’ arrival, as they thought they’d unearthed a hidden gem from Steaua Bucharest, with a penchant for playing the ball out from the back.
      And while he was very laid back, it often proved to be to the team’s detriment, as his casual style tended to gift opponents easy goals, while leaving fans’ hearts in their mouths.
      Like Soldado and Paulinho, Chiriches lasted two seasons at the Lane, before being shipped off to Napoli.
      The Romanian managed just 48 appearances across four seasons at San Paulo, before joining Sassuolo on loan two years ago – before making it permanent for just shy of £10m.
      NACER CHADLI – £7m
      Chadli became a useful player in his three years at SpursCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      One of the more successful acquisitions of that summer, Chadli became a popular figure at Spurs despite an underwhelming start.
      The Belgian joined from FC Twente, having scored against Tottenham home and away in the 2010-11 Champions League campaign.
      But it was not until his second season that he really began to shine, scoring 13 goals as Mauricio Pochettino began to transform the club’s fortunes.
      He left for West Brom in 2017, eventually joining Istanbul Basaksehir in 2020, via stints at Monaco and Anderlecht, where he still plays today.
      ETIENNE CAPOUE – £9m
      Etienne Capoue struggled to make a big impact at SpursCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Capoue helped Villarreal beat Manchester United in the Europa League finalCredit: Getty – Pool
      Neither wildly awful nor outstandingly memorable, Capoue is possibly the most forgettable player of the seven.
      With Sandro having regressed due to knee injuries, Capoue initially seemed to be the perfect foil for Mousa Dembele in his place.
      But the Frenchman fell out of favour despite steady performances, although was hung out to dry following a few awful displays as a makeshift centre-back.
      He lasted one season beyond Pochettino’s arrival in 2014, before joining Watford.
      Capoue made 11 outings in the Championship in the first half of the 2020-21 season, before signing for Villarreal in the January transfer window.
      And his impact was immediate as he helped the Spanish side beat Manchester United in the Europa League final – the club’s first major trophy in their history.
      While he was also crucial in their Champions League run last season to the semi-final.
      CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – £11m
      Eriksen was a talismanic figure at Tottenham for more than six seasonsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Denmark international Eriksen linked up with Inter Milan in January 2020Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Without doubt the most successful acquisition of that summer, Christian Eriksen was an outstanding, indispensable member of the squad for six years, before eventually departing for Inter Milan in January 2020.
      A bargain at £11m, the Dane papered over cracks during Tim Sherwood’s tenure, pulling out a brilliant goal or moment of genius time and time again to dig the team out of trouble.
      He then became vital to Pochettino’s side, so much so that they struggled to adapt whenever he was absent.
      Eriksen admitted his desire to ‘try something new’ after losing the 2019 Champions League final and joined Inter six months later.
      The playmaker helped Inter win the Serie A title last season, but his playing career hung in the balance after he suffered a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020.
      However, he returned to the Premier League last season on a short term deal with Brentford, excelling, and is now linked to a move to Manchester United and Spurs.
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      ERIK LAMELA – £30m
      Lamela joined Spurs just two days before Bale’s move to Madrid was confirmedCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      Erik Lamela has become the last of the ‘Magnificent Seven’ to depart North London.
      Argentine Lamela, 30, actually had a bizarre start at Spurs, starting just three league matches in his first season before disappearing back to his homeland following a back injury early on in Tim Sherwood’s tenure.
      He returned following his compatriot Pochettino’s arrival, wrestling for a starting berth before sustaining a troublesome hip injury in October 2016 that would keep him out for 13 months.
      Lamela again recovered and returned to action – chipping in with 255 appearances before joining Sevilla in a swap deal with Bryan Gil heading in the opposite direction.
      His most memorable moment will be his ‘rabona’ strike in the 2-1 defeat against Arsenal, with his strike winning the Premier League Goal of the Season award. More

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      in Soccer

      Gareth Bale reveals dream Tottenham five-a-side team and picks Cristiano Ronaldo as best player he’s ever played with

      by

      GARETH BALE picked Harry Kane and Son Heung-min in his dream Tottenham five-a-side team.The Welshman opted almost entirely for Spurs players that he starred alongside during the 2020-21 season – but revealed Cristiano Ronaldo stands above them all.
      Bale’s best Spurs five-a-side team
      The Welshman listed Cristiano Ronaldo as the best he’s ever played withCredit: REUTERS
      Bale returned to Tottenham on loan from Real Madrid, but was back with Los Blancos last season – as the club won LaLiga and the Champions League.
      The five-time winner featured alongside the likes of Luka Modric and Rafael van der Vaart during his first stint at White Hart Lane.
      But Bale, who originally picked himself in his dream team, snubbed both of them when asked for his best Spurs side during a Twitch Q&A last year.
      He said: “I’d go Hugo [Lloris] in goal just because he’s the best I’ve seen in a Tottenham shirt.
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      “I would go Ledley King at the back just because he’s the king and he was the best centre-back I’ve ever seen.
      “If it wasn’t for injuries he would have been the best in the world no doubt.
      “I would go up front Harry for the amount of goals he’s scored and he’s an amazing player. Then I’d go me and Sonny beside him. An attacking trio.”
      Joe Rodon picked Tanguy Ndombele which prompted the presenter to quiz Bale about why he didn’t pick the Frenchman or Moussa Dembele.
      I would go up front Harry for the amount of goals he’s scored and he’s an amazing player. Then I’d go me and Sonny beside him…Actually I’d take myself out and put Tanguy inGareth Bale
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      He replied: “I’ve only got five and I feel loyal to Sonny and H. I’ve got to see them tomorrow.
      “Actually I’d take myself out and put Tanguy in. I’ll be manager.”
      Elsewhere in the interview, Bale overlooked every Spurs team-mate when he named Cristiano Ronaldo as the best he’s ever played with.
      He gushed: “Cristiano Ronaldo. For me, just the amount of goals he scores and the titles that we won together.
      “I think arguably one of the best ever to play football. For me, I will have to say him.” More

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      England team vs Croatia at Euro 2004 and where they are now, including Rooney, Campbell and James

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      ENGLAND’S Golden Generation had fans dreaming of silverware when Sven Goran-Eriksson’s side lined up at Euro 2004.And 18 years ago, they managed a 4-2 win over Croatia that had us all believing they could go all the way.

      Two goals from Wayne Rooney and one each from Paul Scholes and Frank Lampard saw the Three Lions reach the knockout stages of the Euros on foreign soil for the first time ever.
      The group stage wasn’t without its drama, with Zinedine Zidane putting two past England in injury time to beat us 2-1 in our opening game.
      But the painful defeat was soon a distant memory as the Three Lions put three past Switzerland in our next match, before that victory over Croatia.
      With undoubtedly one of the strongest sides since their 1966 World Cup win, the nation was left shattered after penalty heartbreak to Portugal in the quarter-final.
      It was a case of what could have been if Rooney hadn’t broken his metatarsal in the early stages of the game.
      But where are the players that featured in that contest now?
      David James
      Keeper James played for England until the World Cup in 2010 earning 53 caps.
      After a year stint at Bournemouth in 2013, James raised eyebrows with a move to Icelandic side ÍBV Vestmannaeyjar in a player/coaching capacity.
      He then moved to India with Kerala Blasters as a player and later managed the club in 2018.
      James was eventually sacked as manager 11 months later, and is now an occasional pundit on Sky Sports.
      David James was England’s No1 for more than 50 gamesCredit: Getty
      His post-playing career has seen a foray into managementCredit: Getty – Pool
      Gary Neville
      The former Manchester United right-back hung up his boots in 2011 and has since forged out a successful career as a pundit for Sky Sports.
      Alongside Jamie Carragher, Neville has become a huge hit with viewers on Sky Sports for his in-depth analysis.
      The Twitter regular also had an unsuccessful spell as manager of Valencia and was England’s assistant manager.
      SunSport revealed last year that Neville is raking in £20,000 a month from the terraces — after buying four Georgian townhouses.
      John Terry
      The Chelsea legend has also gone into coaching and continues to build his reputation on the touchline.
      After ending his illustrious playing career at Aston Villa, Terry took up an assistant manager position to boss Dean Smith but has since left.
      He is now hunting for his first manager’s job and is working as a youth development coach at Chelsea.
      John Terry left Chelsea and finished his playing career at Aston VillaCredit: Getty
      Terry enjoyed a coaching job with VillaCredit: Getty
      Sol Campbell
      Defensive rock Campbell retired from football in 2011 after a final spell at Newcastle.
      He then had a number of years out of the game where he turned to politics and in 2015 confirmed his intention to run for the Conservative Party nomination for the Mayor of London.
      He returned to football in 2017 when he was assistant manager to Dennis Lawrence at Trinidad and Tobago.
      He got a shot of management at Macclesfield and pulled off a great escape to keep them in League Two.
      Campbell was later appointed Southend manager, but left the club in 2020.
      The former defender was in the running for the QPR job recently, but Michael Beale has pipped him to the post for the role.
      Sol Campbell was a defensive rock for EnglandCredit: Getty
      Sol’s worked as a football manager in recent yearsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Ashley Cole
      After a stint in the MLS, he spent a season at Derby before retiring.
      Now one of England’s greatest left-backs is forging out a career in coaching and is part of the staff working alongside Frank Lampard at Everton.
      Cole is also a pundit for the BBC and covered the Blues’ 1-0 defeat to Leicester City in the FA Cup final.
      David Beckham
      Golden Balls remains one of the most famous names in football and is looking to take the MLS to new levels with his latest venture.
      He retired in 2013 after playing for Paris Saint-Germain and became co-owner of Manchester-based side Salford City.
      Beckham is also president of Inter Miami CF who he will be hoping for a better season after a disastrous first campaign.
      David Beckham was England’s biggest star throughout his international daysCredit: Offside Sports
      Becks remains one of the world’s most famous facesCredit: Getty
      Steven Gerrard
      Gerrard retired in 2016 after spending a season at LA Galaxy.
      He then returned to boyhood club Liverpool as a youth coach in January 2017.
      He took charge of the Under-18 side before being announced as the manager of Rangers in 2018, where he helped the club win the Scottish league.
      This season he was appointed as Aston Villa manager, where he has continued to cut his teeth as a coach.
      Frank Lampard
      Lampard has enjoyed a meteoric rise as a coach after hanging up his boots.
      After a stint working in media, Derby announced his managerial appointment for the 2018-19 campaign.
      A heartbreaking play-off defeat followed before Chelsea sensationally announced his return as manager following the departure of Maurizio Sarri.
      He finished in the top four in his first season, but was sacked in his second.
      But, he returned to management at Everton – saving the club from relegation in dramatic fashion.
      Frank Lampard (right) was a midfield regular for EnglandCredit: PA:Press Association
      Chelsea hero Lampard became boss of his old club but was sacked this seasonCredit: PA
      Paul Scholes
      Goalscorer against Croatia, the once publicity-shy Scholes has emerged into the limelight to become a television pundit.
      He has also become Salford’s co-owner with his Class of ’92 Manchester United team-mates.
      Scholes had a brief managerial stint at Oldham but quit after just seven games in charge.
      Michael Owen
      Once England’s wonderkid, Owen now works as a pundit for BT Sport.
      He also followed up his interest in horse racing by becoming a racehorse breeder.
      Owen also released a book called Reboot: My life, my time.
      Michael Owen was England’s wonderkidCredit: AP:Associated Press
      The prolific goalscorer is now a pundit for BT SportCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Wayne Rooney
      Rooney, who scored twice against Croatia, was the last member of the side to hang up his boots.
      Following time spent in the MLS with DC United, Rooney sensationally made a return to England for a swansong at Championship side Derby.
      He is the Rams boss after retiring from playing, but couldn’t save the club from relegation after being hindered by a points deduction.
      Wayne Rooney ended up scoring 53 goals for England – the all-time recordCredit: Getty
      Rooney is now boss of Derby CountyCredit: Getty
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      Subs
      Darius Vassell
      Vassell never played for England again after missing the penalty against Portugal at Euro 2004.
      The striker has gone off the radar after officially retiring in 2016.
      After leaving Man City in 2009, he went to Turkish side Ankaragücü before ending his career at Leicester.
      Phil Neville
      Neville has enjoyed a varied coaching role after retiring from playing.
      From caretaker boss of Salford, he was assistant to brother Gary at Valencia before taking the England Women’s manager role.
      Most recently, he joined Becks in America to become coach of Inter Miami.
      He is also co-owner of Salford.
      Ledley King
      King remains a one-club man after injuries forced him to retire from football in 2012.
      He is still employed by Tottenham, where he remained as part of their coaching team after Jose Mourinho’s sacking. More

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      Sports stars’ worst tattoos, from Beckham to Sancho, Bellerin, Dele, Hart and a Tokyo 2020 howler

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      THEY say money can’t buy you taste.And for all the millions today’s top athletes make – whether it be footballers or any other sports star – it appears that mantra has never been more true than when applied to tattoos.
      Goalkeeper Joe Hart is the latest footballer to get an eyesore of a tattooCredit: Refer to Caption
      Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart proved that with the massive block of ink across his right shoulder.
      And not even the unofficial King of Cool David Beckham is immune to an occasional style blunder.
      Here’s a look at some of the worst around.
      Dele Alli
      Dele Alli has a tattoo of Bamm Bamm from the Flinstones on his forearm
      Look past the gold bling and you will see Spurs star Alli’s permanent tribute to Bamm Bamm from the Flinstones.
      A somewhat unconventional choice, Alli – whose first name is Bamidele – is thought to have got it because his nickname is Bam Bam.David Beckham
      England Becks has an intricate grouping of planets inked on his headCredit: Rex Features
      A fashion icon the world over and hugely admired midfielder, we’ll let Becks off for this one given he’s barely put a foot wrong in the past, apart from that sarong, those cornrows and that all-leather get-up…
      Beckham has more than 40 tattoos but this one is probably the strangest, not least because of where it is.
      .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);}
      Derlis Ayala
      Olympic runner got Tokyo 2020 tattooed on his calf – before the Games was postponed by a year due to coronavirus.
      The 32-year-old qualified for Tokyo after finishing fifth overall in the Buenos Aires Marathon in September 2019.
      Ayala – who represented Paraguay in the 2016 Olympics in Rio in the marathon where he finished in 136th place – got the Olympics rings plus the date and location inked on – but now he will need to change the 0 to a 1.

      Sergio Aguero
      Ex Man City star Sergio Aguero isn’t quite sure what his Lord of the Rings tattoo saysCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Those are not hieroglyphics down the prolific striker’s forearm but the Elvish language from Lord of the Rings.
      Aguero must be a pretty big fan of the film, then, huh?
      Er, no. But he must at least know what it means? Nope – he hasn’t even seen the movie.Nicolas Otamendi
      Most people get tattoos of the things that are most important to them – family members, dates and religious symbols.
      Former Man City ace Otamendi, though, clearly loves watching TV so much and has inked stars from hit shows Breaking Bad, Peaky Blinders and Vikings on his back.
      At the top of his back, the Benfica defender has Walter White, the main character in Breaking Bad, while lower down there is an image of Peaky Blinders protagonist Thomas Shelby.
      Nicolas Otamendi showed off his impressive tattoo collectionCredit: Rex Features
      The main characters from Breaking Bad – Walter White – and Peaky Blinders – Thomas Shelby – feature on the Argentinian’s back
      To the left appears to be Ragnar Lothbrok from Vikings.
      They make up what is an impressive collection including a pocket watch, a lion, a bear and the more regular tattoos such as names of some of his family members.
      Jadon Sancho
      Man Utd star Jadon Sancho sporting his cartoon tattoos at during a Borussia Dortmund training session
      It’s easy to make the link between rapid England winger Sancho and his tattoo of Sonic the Hedgehog.
      After that, things become a bit of a stretch.
      Having the Simpsons daubed on his arm can perhaps be likened to his former team Dortmund side’s famous Yellow Wall – if you were really trying.
      But Spiderman? There’s only so much Cartoon Network one man can need.Hector Bellerin
      Hector Bellerin has the word ‘two’ tattooed on his leg to match his shirt numberCredit: Getty – Contributor
      When he’s not flaunting questionable clobber at fashion shows, Bellerin likes to pose in retro-style photos, get tattoos and play football.
      Here, he dedicates his commitment to the Arsenal cause by getting his shirt number permanently etched on his thigh.
      That said, he’s looking for a move in the summer – so might have to get a new number tattooed on his body.
      Erik Lamela
      Lamela has a tattoo of a dog on his thighCredit: Reuters
      Dodgy tattoos have no allegiance and could not care less about who ruled North London.
      But when Erik Lamela was playing for Spurs, he showed off this corker of a tattoo/
      Yes, it’s a picture of a loveable bulldog.Artur Boruc
      Artur Boruc’s hideous monkey tattoo in all its gloryCredit: Willie Vass
      Word cannot do justice to just how bad the former Bournemouth’s keeper monkey tattoo is around his belly button
      Just awful.
      No. Not even doing a ‘monkeying around’ pun for this.Eljero Elia
      Eljero Elia spelled Feyenoord incorrectly and got the date of his Cup final win as May 24 rather than April 24Credit: Instagram
      Spell the name of your club incorrectly? Check. Get the date wrong of the final you played in and won? Check.
      Feyenoord winger Elia had a stinker with this tattoo back in 2016, but got it corrected to display the correct details.Uros Vitas
      Vitos’ inking was a nice thought… but should have remained just a thought
      Fair play to Serbian defender Vitas for showing off the love of his life, Andrijana, in tattoo form.
      Shame it looked so frightening.
      Marcelo Brozovic
      Brozovic’s weird hand tattoo is one of a kindCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Inter midfielder Brozovic got this ‘epic Brozo’ tattoo to match his equally epic celebration whenever he scores.
      Not only is it in a peculiar position on the top of his hand, he also opened a bar in his native Croatia with the name Epic Brozo and, yep, you guessed it, an image of the winking face.Amato Ciciretti
      How will Amato Ciciretti’s social media tattoo have aged by the time he’s 50?Credit: Twitter
      He is the journeyman Italian who plays for Como in Serie B, but Ciciretti must be social media famous to go to the lengths of having his Twitter handle tattooed on his calf?
      Surprisingly, no. Instead, the 28-year-old removed his account after amassing just over 2,000 followers, and tweeting just 31 times Any regrets, Amato?Nile Ranger
      Nile Ranger is among the footballers with the world’s worst tattoosCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Nile Ranger got his surname tattooed across his headCredit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun
      Perhaps it was just in case he forgot. Nile Ranger – or, as the tattoo would suggest, Nile Ranges – went through the unnecessary pain of having his surname printed above his eye.
      To be fair to the former Newcastle striker who has a smiley face tattooed inside his mouth, there wasn’t much space left on the rest of his body.
      Layvin Kurzawa
      The belly-button should have one job, and one job onlyCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Not quite as bad as Boruc, but here’s another footballer who mistook the belly-button’s purpose for postnatal artwork.
      The Paris Saint-Germain’s left-back needs to keep his shirt on with the terrifying face on his stomach.Daniele de Rossi
      Retired Italian midfielder sent a message to opponents with his calf tattooCredit: AFP
      At first glance, the retired Italian’s calf looks more like it should be placed outside the gents’ loo.
      Instead, De Rossi’s hazard warning tattoo backs up his hardman image as the tough-tackling midfielder snapping at opponent’s ankles.Marko Arnautovic
      Marko Arnautovic could not quite decide which font to haveCredit: Getty – Contributor
      A message of motivation is blazoned across the former West Ham forward’s stomach.
      The problem is Arnautovic seemed as certain about the font he wanted for the tattoo as he was about which club he’d be playing for the following season.Mauro Junior
      An iconic image with a motivational message?Credit: Getty – Contributor
      There was, perhaps, an oversight when PSV’s young midfielder got a famous image tattooed down his left forearm.
      Some will see King Arthur attempting to pull the legendary sword from a stone. Others? Well, we’ll leave that to you..Ricardo Quaresma
      Chelsea flop Ricardo Quaresma has some questionable facial tattoosCredit: —
      Is there something the former Porto and Chelsea man needs to tell us?
      In most quarters, teardrop tattoos tend to signify the amount of people the wearer had killed in prison.
      Quaresma’s short stay at Stamford Bridge didn’t include much lethal work.Jay Bothroyd
      On first look, the former England striker appears to have a random arsenal pictured down his ribs.
      Tilt you head slightly and the weapons just about spell out the word ‘love’. Awww?
      Do you love it or hate it?Credit: Twitter More

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      Patrice Evra is football’s social media king, kissing a chimp, licking a chicken and taunting England fans

      by

      HE’S game for a laugh.Patrice Evra, 41, has had us in stitches over the years sharing some hilarious social media posts.
      Patrice Evra always entertains his nine million followers on Instagram
      The former Man Utd and France defender has done everything from getting off with a monkey to feeding a lion. In honour of the funniest footballer on Instagram, SunSport celebrates the veteran star’s best social media moments.
      Keeping it festive
      For Evra the spirit of Christmas is perfectly captured by a dancing reindeer, well if his most recent Instagram post is to be believed!
      The hilarious star dresses up in a reindeer suit and shakes along to the Soca Boys hit Follow the Leader in a brilliant clip.
      He also insists: “If you don’t believe in Santa you must tell your kid mini black Santa is the real one” in the video.
      After getting ‘Rudolph’ dizzy he adds a comical trip to proceedings.

      That time he dressed up as a panda
      Patrice had a novel idea when it came to stamping out racism in football.
      He dressed up like a panda, danced and delivered a fine speech to his four million Instagram followers.
      Evra said: “Be like a panda. I am black, I am white, I am Asian and I am chubby. I am full of love. I love this game, say no to racism.”
      Patrice Evra dressed up like a panda and danced around to combat racismCredit: Instagram @Patrice.Evra
      Patrice Evra dances in a Panda suit and encourages people to say no to racism
      Taunting England
      Singing into some fish and chips and wearing a Gallagher brother wig, Evra joked dinosaurs were alive the last time England won a major trophy ahead the EEuro 2020 semi-final against Denmark in a hilarious clip.
      He begins by singing along to Fatboy Slim’s 1999 hit Praise You before shouting, “It’s Monday,” down the camera.
      He continues: “Everyone’s been waiting for this for so long. “Last time England won a trophy, even the dinosaurs were still alive!
      “Come on chaps! You can do this! Come on!”

      Patrice Evra showed his support for England by singing into some fish and chips

      When he got the seal of approval
      Over the years Patrice’s “I love this game” catchphrase has come in handy for his social media posts.
      None more so when he bellowed out his mantra as a huge seal was being fed behind him.
      Cue said seal resting his head on top of Evra’s in the ultimate act of comic timing that couldn’t have been done better than Morecambe and Wise.

      Patrice Evra loved hanging around with a sealCredit: Instagram @Patrice.Evra
      Patrice Evra makes friends with a seal in heartwarming new video
      One Love
      That’s exactly how we felt when we saw Evra’s incredible Bob Marley impression.
      Wearing the reggae star’s trademark beanie hat with dreadlocks attached, he belted out the Jamaican’s hit, One Love.
      He definitely left us feeling together and alright after seeing this splashed on social.
      Patrice Evra sang Bob Marley’s One Love on InstagramCredit: instagram
      Patrick Evra sings Bob Marley classic, One Love
      Jeep thrills
      Is there a better way to prove you’ll come back stronger and fitter than ever?
      We don’t think so. After having his contract terminated by Marseille, Evra took to social media to tell fans he’ll be back.
      He did it in the most extravagant way with a video that saw him pulling a Jeep.
      Patrice Evra pulled a Jeep to show he would return stronger than ever after his contract was terminated by MarseilleCredit: Instagram @Patrice.Evra
      Patrice Evra vows to come back ‘stronger than ever’ as he pulls JEEP with man on top
      Doing some home chores
      There could be nothing more boring than ironing.
      But if you do it the way Evra does it, then you’re likely to have a right laugh.
      The left back treated us to a video of him ironing his Juventus Champions League shirt, while singing along to Barry White.
      For the record, he sang Can’t Get Enough of Your Love Babe brilliantly.
      Patrice Evra even made boring ironing look entertainingCredit: Instagram @Patrice.Evra
      Patrice Evra posts clip of himself doing the ironing to Barry White!
      Feeding a lion
      He’s so flamboyant, he feeds lions.
      And he showed his love for his feline friend by giving the cub some milk from a bottle in a video uploaded last year.
      Evra captioned the vid: “Good night my little friend need some milk. I love this game. #ilovethisgame #goodnight #lion #babywhitelion #positivevibes #milk.”
      He debuted the lion in 2018, but we haven’t seen it for a while.
      Patrice Evra feeds milk to a baby lionCredit: Instagram @patrice.evra
      Boxer Amir Khan and footballer Patrice Evra feed milk to baby lions
      Evra’s Bank Holiday song
      The former Man United star showed us the way on May 1, 2017 on a Bank Holiday by bursting into song.
      He chose The Temptations hit My Girl and displayed signs that he could have a future as a pop star.
      If you’re watching, Simon Cowell look no further than signing this man up.
      Patrice Evra has a talent for singingCredit: Instagram @Patrice.Evra
      Patrice Evra gets into the Bank Holiday spirit as he sings My Girl in his car
      His love of Marvin Gaye
      There’s no doubt about it, Evra is a huge fan of the soul legend.
      Only last month, he treated us to a bizarre impression of Gaye, wearing a bathrobe, sunglasses and a curly wig.
      Even more strange was the fact he seemed to have lost one of his £825 shoes while performing Sexual Healing.
      Patrice Evra has a bizarre obsession with Marvin Gaye and dressed up as the singerCredit: Instagram @Patrice.Evra
      Patrice Evra does Marvin Gaye impression in his bathrobe – and one shoe
      Kissing a chimpanzee
      In probably the greatest video any footballer has uploaded to social media, Evra’s kissing chimp moment will live on forever.
      The full-back can be seen puckering up next to the chimp as he asks the monkey: “You love my game or not? Then kiss me.”
      Evra jokes: “No tongues,” as the chimp leans in and obliges. It’s comedy gold.
      Patrice Evra loves to monkey around with his chimp pal
      Ex-Man Utd star Patrice Evra puckers up and kisses a chimpanzee More

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      Sad decline of England legend Michael Owen from teenage hero to Real Madrid flop and ‘most boring’ TV pundit

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      MICHAEL OWEN has gone from the golden boy of English football to being considered the ‘most boring pundit’ in the sport. Back in 2002, Liverpool star Owen was fresh off his Ballon d’Or victory having catapulted his career with that stunning goal against Argentina at the 1998 World Cup. Owen was the golden boy of English football at the turn of the centuryCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

      Gemma Owen has been confirmed for the series

      Gemma with her dad Michael

      That summer, the 22-year-old took a trip to Alton Towers and, to escape his adoring fans, he wore a peaked cap and sunglasses. From the highs of being named the world’s best player, and sensationally signing for Real Madrid, Owen’s career slowly spiralled towards retirement and beyond. Now his daughter Gemma is set to make a name for herself by appearing on Love Island 2022. In 2019, Owen was involved in an explosive Twitter row with former pal Alan Shearer after the release of his autobiography. But where else to begin than with one of the most memorable goals in English football. In Saint-Etienne, France, in 1998, an 18-year-old Owen went on the most memorable mazy run around a helpless Argentine defence before giving England the lead.
      ROARING LION
      While Glenn Hoddle’s team were beaten on penalties, knocked out the tournament at the last-16 stage, Owen had announced himself to the world. Over the next six years, he scored an incredible 118 goals in 216 games for Liverpool, helping the club to an FA Cup, two League Cups, a Community Shield and Uefa Cup. Owen won both Young Player of the Year and Player of the Year in 1998 while also picking up his first Premier League Golden Boot. He is one of just two Englishmen to win the Ballon d’Or in over 40 years, with Kevin Keegan picking up the gong in 1978 and 1979. So it came as a devastating blow to the Anfield club in the summer of 2004 when Owen was plucked away to be a Galactico in Madrid.
      Michael Owen announced himself to the world’s stage with a stunning goal against Argentina at the 1998 World CupCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Owen’s prolific ability helped Liverpool to Uefa Cup victory in 2001Credit: PA:Press Association
      Owen was revered for a sensational goal against Arsenal in the 2001 FA Cup finalCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Owen is the only Englishman in over 40 years to win the Ballon d’OrCredit: ITN
      Real president Florentino Perez said: “Signing Michael Owen is following our tradition. We are signing an excellent player with talent who is able to give us something special.” But the move didn’t go as planned. Owen was the subject of criticism from the Bernabeu fans and Spanish press due to his lack of form, and he spent much time as a substitute. He left Spain after just a year, having scored 13 goals in 36 games, before returning to England with Newcastle United for £15million. Over four years, Owen made just 71 appearances and scored only 26 goals for the Magpies.
      WHY AYE?
      And it was in the North East where Owen’s public fallout with Alan Shearer began. Despite forming a formidable strike partnership together for England, a feud was ignited because of Shearer’s belief that Owen let him down during his spell as Newcastle manager in 2009. Owen’s book Reboot: My Life accuses Shearer of slating him as well as describing his move to Newcastle as ‘one of the major regrets’ of his career. Newcastle’s most famous book shop, The Back Page, refused to stock Owen’s autobiography. In 2019, Owen told BT Sport: “For six or seven years, I hated it. I couldn’t wait to retire. “It wasn’t me. All I was doing is coming short, linking play and getting in the box. “It ended up with people thinking I was a great goalscorer who didn’t do much else. “Mentally I could do it, but physically I couldn’t.”
      Owen sensationally signed for Real Madrid in 2004 but only stayed in Spain for a yearCredit: Reuters
      Owen’s autobiography saw him enter into a public spat with Alan Shearer over their time together at NewcastleCredit: Rex Features
      Owen has said he regrets his move to Newcastle, where he stayed for four yearsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Owen’s career became synonymous with injuries. Having torn his hamstring aged 19, leading to five months out, Owen broke a metatarsal in 2005, tore an anterior cruciate ligament and had persistent problems with his thigh and groin. He moved to Manchester United in 2009 where he won a Premier League title but scored just five goals in three years. His final year was spent at Stoke City before retiring in 2013. Having spent most of the season on the bench, Owen offered to resign and retire at Christmas but held on until the end of the season.
      ‘MOST BORING PUNDIT’
      He hung up his boots and picked up the mic. It is as a pundit that Owen has had most criticism, with the former striker being labelled ‘boring’, ‘monotone’ and ‘annoying’ across social media. Armchair fans took offence to some of the less insightful comments produced by Owen during his punditry. An article by Football Faithful was dedicated to some pearls of wisdom, including: “If there’s a bit of rain about, it makes the surface wet”. Former Newcastle and Chelsea striker Joe Allon described Owen as having “the personality of a flip-flop”.
      Owen won a Premier League title during a three-year spell at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Owen’s final year as a professional was at Stoke where he spent most of the season on the benchCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
      Owen has been ridiculed for his work as a pundit since retiring in 2013Credit: Rex Features

      Where Owen has enjoyed success in recent years is the stables, having invested in racing horses. In 2017, he even made his debut as a jockey, finishing second in the saddle at a charity race in Ascot. But, elsewhere, the general consensus is that Owen has had a mare. More