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      in Boxing

      Inside Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather’s 22-year feud as war of words continues to escalate between the pair

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      THERE is no love lost between Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather.The two boxing legends have struggled to see eye-to-eye – building up a feud that’s lasted over 20 years.
      Mike Tyson, centre, and Floyd Mayweather, right, have shared a feud for over 20 yearsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Tyson, 55, slammed 45-year-old’s Mayweather’s view that there are too many belts in the sport and that “everybody’s a champion”.
      ‘Iron Mike’ believes that because there’s more belts on offer, the fighters have a better opportunity at making larger sums of cash.
      “Boxing never has too many belts because every time it’s a championship fight, it’s more money for the fighter,” Tyson is reported to have said by Essentially Sports.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}FEATHERED FRIENDS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Tyson meets Ali’s unbeaten grandson as icon introduces him to his pigeons
      “There’s never enough belts you know?
      “To say there’s one champion and there’s 10 guys, how long will it take for the champion to fight the 10 guys?
      “Plus they gotta go through each other… It’s good to have three champions because then everybody can get paid… Everybody makes money.
      “That’s what this business is about. Money.”
      As SunSport reveals, it’s not the first time these two have had a difference of opinion.
      MUTUAL RESPECT UNTIL 2001
      Up until 2001, the two were believed to be friends – with a relationship formed on their mutual respect for one another.
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      Initially, Tyson and Mayweather were friends and shared a mutual respect for one anotherCredit: Alamy
      Tyson believes Mayweather played a part in a police raid on his Las Vegas home after he was accused of kidnapping and sexual assaultCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Mayweather’s career was just starting to take off as Tyson’s was beginning to wind down, and there was never any boxing rivalry being in two different weight divisions.
      However, their bromance officially ended when a report claimed ‘Money’ played a role in a police raid at Tyson’s Las Vegas home, after he was accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a woman.
      It was sensationally alleged that Mayweather was upset with Tyson seeing the girl in question, and he told her to go to the police and make the unsubstantiated claims.
      The cops then descended upon Tyson’s pad, which ended the friendship there and then.
      Tyson has even spoken about the incident to Boxing Junkie in the past saying, “Some serious people said it.”
      However, he has never been able to find evidence that suggests Mayweather was behind it.
      “I’m good with it now… You can forgive, but you have to remember,” he added.
      ‘I’M THE GREATEST’
      Back in 2015, Mayweather made the typically outlandish claim that he was the greatest boxer in history.
      In 2015 Mayweather claimed he was the greatest boxer of all timeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Tyson called Mayweather “delusional” for his boastCredit: EPA
      With an undefeated record, it’s hard to argue the case.
      But Tyson wasn’t having it – and didn’t mince his words when he heard Mayweather’s boast about himself.
      “He’s very delusional,” Tyson explained.
      “Listen, if he was anywhere near that realm of great as Muhammad Ali, he’d be able to take his kids to school by himself.
      “Ok, he can’t take his kids to school by himself, and he’s talking about he’s great? 
      “Greatness is not guarding yourself from the people. It’s being accepted by the people.
      “He can’t take his kids alone to school by himself. He’s a little scared man. He’s a very small, scared man.”
      TYSON BACKS HIMSELF
      Despite Mayweather’s bold statement, Tyson believes he could batter Floyd.
      GQ once asked the former heavyweight champion who would win in a street fight between the pair.
      Tyson is adamant he could batter MayweatherCredit: AFP – Getty
      Mayweather would face dirty tactics if he ever fought TysonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Mike was unequivocal with his response. “[I would] kick Floyd’s a***… there wouldn’t even be no match.”
      And in an interview with ShoBox, the same question was asked – this time the setting being a ring. But Tyson admitted he’d have to fight dirty.
      “We can never fight, of course, because of the weight difference, but I wouldn’t fight him the way they fought him,” he said.
      “I would be mean, I would be dirty. Because you’d have to do everything to fight him because he’s just so good.
      “It’s impossible to fight him clean. It’s almost impossible to fight him clean. You can’t fight him clean. You can’t fight this guy clean.”
      A HUG AND A JOKE?
      In 2014, Tyson and Mayweather’s paths crossed at a WBC convention at the Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
      Onlookers expected fireworks as Mike made his way down the line, shaking hands with all until he was faced with Mayweather.
      In 2015 Tyson and Mayweather crossed paths at a WBC convention at the Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.Credit: YouTube / ESNEWS
      Tyson threw a fist towards Mayweather before giving him a hugCredit: YouTube / ESNEWS
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      Floyd, to his credit, extended his arm. However, instead of accepting it, Tyson threw a pretend right hook inches from Mayweather’s torso before giving him a hug.
      Mayweather didn’t flinch from Tyson’s swing, and bubbling underneath the surface was perhaps some resentment towards one another.
      But only they will know that. More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Sergio Aguero spent whole game against QPR ‘scratching his balls’ until iconic goal.. which Man City star says was fluke

      by

      SERGIO AGUERO has admitted he did nothing but “scratch his balls” before he scored THAT goal to kickstart a decade of success for Manchester City.The now-retired Argentine striker, 33, scored right at the death against QPR back in 2012 to win the game 3-2 and prevent arch-rivals Manchester United winning the Premier League title in a thrilling finish.
      The iconic photo of Sergio Aguero ripping off his Man City shirt after his title-winning goal against QPR denied United the crownCredit: Manchester City FC
      Who can forget Sky Sports’ commentator Martin Tyler screaming: “Agueeeerroooooo”?
      It was one of the greatest finishes to a league season ever in England – or across the globe, for that matter.
      But Aguero – who has been immortalised with his own statue outside the Etihad – has admitted he did little else that day.
      In 2020, the legendary striker claimed: “I didn’t do anything that game. I came on and scratched my balls for the whole game!
      “I only received a kick in the back and did nothing else… until the goal.
      “I swear, guys, that I didn’t want to kick the ball like I did… I didn’t want to put it there.
      “If I had it kicked like I really wanted, it would have hit the defenders in the way and it wouldn’t have been a goal. But luckily I scored.”
      The former Atletico Madrid and Barcelona striker – now City’s greatest ever goalscorer with 260 goals – was speaking on his YouTube channel.
      He has nearly 275,000 subscribers, and his Twitch channel, where he shows live the games he plays, he has 1.27million followers and 3.8m views.
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      At the time of his interview, Aguero had uploaded videos playing FIFA 20 against the likes of Miguel Layun and Sergio Reguilon, as well as chats with Lionel Messi and Thierry Henry.
      In one of his clips, the City forward recorded himself watching and commenting the highlights of that epic City match against QPR.
      Watching that clip, Aguero was very critical with Rangers’ ex-City midfielder Joey Barton, who was sent off after elbowing Carlos Tevez and kicking Aguero from behind.
      Aguero said: “He kicked Carlitos and then he kicked me! It’s a guy that has been sent off something like 20,000 times in the Premier League.
      “He said he was sent off unjustly, but he elbowed Carlos! Luckily I was there to defend him. From Argentine to Argentine, friend to friend. But you just look when he kicked me.
      “Look at his face (Barton’s), he’s a madman! He kicked me hard. He looks like a murderer. Everyone should take a picture of his face. But Kompany was there to help me and so did Samir (Nasri).
      “Take a look at the video, both Carlitos and me where down in the ground!”
      “I can see him (Barton) was shouting at me, but I didn’t understand a word he said. At that time my English was bad, I could only say ‘hello’, ‘goodbye’, ‘how are you’, ‘I’m fine’… he said lots of things to me, but I didn’t understand.”
      Aguero then joked: “But, hey, look at Clichy too! Why didn’t he help me. Clichy, do something, ask me how I am doing. Look at Barton, crazy as shit. I knew I was defended, I had tough guys near me: Kompany, Dzeko, De Jong, Balotelli.” More

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      in Soccer

      Sergio Aguero’s last-gasp QPR winner began Man City’s era at top on this day TEN years ago, Martin Tyler looks back

      by

      “AGUEROOOOOO!”It’s one of the most-iconic pieces of commentary in football history and kickstarted a decade of dominance for Manchester City.
      Sergio Aguero thumps home one of the most famous ever Premier League goals as Man City struck twice in stoppage time to snatch the 2012 titleCredit: Reuters
      The striker sparked delirium with his winner, in a moment also remembered for the commentary of Martin TylerCredit: PA:Press Association
      Man City celebrate their era-starting Premier League title triumph eight years ago to the day, after beating QPR 3-2Credit: AFP
      That day, against QPR, City nicked the title from neighbours Manchester United.
      Martin Tyler was on commentary that day and roared that famous line – with Aguero now immortalised with his own statue outside the Etihad.
      Now the legendary Sky Sports commentator reveals all about that famous day, now TEN YEARS on…
      THERE is rarely a week goes by when I am not asked by football fans but also complete strangers to scream: “AGUEROOOOOO!”

      It seems crazy that this incredibly dramatic game is eight years old today.
      I feel proud and privileged that when people talk of the most iconic pieces of football commentary my moment at the Etihad in 2012 is up there with Kenneth Wolstenholme’s World Cup 1966 “Some people are on the pitch, they think it’s all over…” and Brian Moore’s 1989 Arsenal victory at Liverpool “It’s up for grabs now…”
      When I look back there are so many different elements that allowed the dramatic events.
      I am indebted to the Sky Sports production team for selecting me to be commentator at the Etihad.
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      I don’t get to choose where I go. I was picked to go to Man City, while Rob Hawthorn went to the Sunderland-Manchester United match.
      It’s easy to forget that Man City are not the Man City of now. They hadn’t won a top flight title for nearly half a century. This was almost untapped territory for them. They weren’t used to anything like this sort of pressure and scrutiny.
      And with QPR leading 2-1, the Aguero goal would have meant nothing had it not been for Edin Dzeko’s leveller also in injury time.
      The fact the game was running later than Manchester United’s game at The Stadium of Light, so their match was over and they were waiting on tenterhooks for the final whistle at the Etihad.
      It’s strange when I reflect on the winning goal, I knew Sergio was going to score as soon as he collected the ball from Mario Balotelli and was about to shoot. We all know how clinical he is.
      What happened next is what I have always done in 38 years of football commentary… tell everyone a goal has been scored!
      But for the 20th season of the Premier League with virtually its last kick to be the title-clinching goal being scored by a team winning their first top flight title in 44 years was something quite extraordinary.
      As a commentator you are just in the moment and what you say is instinct. But for my words to be part of Manchester City history is something very humbling.
      But I cannot stress enough it’s Sergio’s goal, nothing to do with me. I am just happy I was just one among the 48,000 fans who attended that day to say: I was there.
      Mark Hughes was the QPR manager that day. I met him a week later at the LMA awards. He said to me it was the loudest noise he had ever heard in a stadium.
      This is a guy who had played for Manchester United, Barcelona and been manager at Manchester City – so he had been part of some very loud stadiums in his career!
      Sky Sports’ Martin Tyler is proud his description of Aguero’s goal has gone down as a classic piece of commentaryCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Everyone also forgets the brilliant and emotional pictures that Sky Sports produced that day – all thanks to director Tony Mills.
      The split screen showing the live game and Alex Ferguson and United players waiting at Sunderland and then back to full screen for the goal. It was breathtaking decision-making.
      Then the way in which he captured City keeper Joe Hart’s reaction at the other end of the pitch was sensational and brave to cut away from where Aguero was celebrating. It captured the emotions brilliantly.
      I still feel lucky 46 years on from my first ever TV commentary experiencing and talking through matches and moments. More

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      in Soccer

      Where Man City’s 2011-12 Premier League title winners are now including final-day hero Sergio Aguero and Mario Balotelli

      by

      SERGIO AGUERO’S last-minute goal to win Manchester City the 2012 title is the most iconic moment in Premier League history and happened ten years ago today.The Etihad club have marked the occasion by placing a statue of Aguero’s wild celebration against QPR outside the stadium.

      Sergio Aguero’s title-winning goal is the Premier League’s most iconic momentCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Roberto Mancini and Carlos Tevez pictured with the Premier League trophyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The goal and therefore the title win opened the floodgates for City as they lifted their first Premier League crown.
      They are now up to five and are four points away from a sixth crown, including four in the last five seasons.
      But what has happened to the Argentine legend and his team-mates including maverick stars Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli in the decade that has passed since that memorable moment in 2012?
      City looked destined to miss out on the title as they trailed 2-1 at home to relegation-threatened QPR after 90 minutes on May 13, 2012.
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FOOTBALL.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}SERG IN STONE .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Man City put Aguero statue at Etihad to mark 10th anniversary of iconic goal
      Pablo Zabaleta gave Roberto Mancini’s men the lead six minutes before half-time but the Londoners battled back through Djibril Cisse and Jamie Mackie who scored either side of Joey Barton’s red card for the visitors.
      But somehow, after Edin Dzeko’s header gave City the faintest glimmer of hope in the 92nd minute, Aguero got on the end of Balotelli’s pass inside the penalty box.
      As bitter rivals Manchester United waited with baited breath at Sunderland to see if their win was enough, the pint-sized superstar lashed the ball past Paddy Kenny in the 94th minute triggering scenes of total bedlam in the stadium.
      Martin Tyler screamed “AGUEEEEERRRRROOOOOOO” to millions watching at home as the Argentine wheeled away in ecstasy twirling his shirt around his head.
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      But there were 13 other City stars who played that day and many more throughout the season – so here SunSport reveals what has happened to them since.
      Starting XI
      JOE HART
      The former England goalkeeper spent six more years between the sticks at the Etihad before being bombed out by Pep Guardiola when the Spaniard took over in 2016.
      He spent two uninspiring loan spells at Torino and West Ham before moving to Burnley in 2018.
      But the 35-year-old – who earned his 75th and last England cap in 2017 – also struggled for game time at Turf Moor and Tottenham.
      He now finds himself north of the border after signing for Celtic last summer and an impressive season has seen him win the Scottish Premiership and League Cup.
      Joe Hart is still considered a City legendCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      PABLO ZABALETA
      Opened the scoring in the historic game against QPR and will forever be adored in Manchester for several world-class campaigns during his nine years with the club.
      He played for West Ham for three years after his 2017 departure and retired officially on October 16, 2020.
      Zabaleta, now 37, is working on his coaching badges in a bid to go into management.
      Pablo Zabaleta scored the opening goal of the game against QPRCredit: Reuters
      VINCENT KOMPANY
      Few men will be revered as much as Kompany for generations to come at City.
      Their iconic captain led the club with aplomb on and off the pitch until he left for Anderlecht in 2019.
      Initially signed on a player-coach basis, the 36-year-old is now manager of the Belgian side.
      Captain Vincent Kompany lifted City’s first-ever Premier League trophyCredit: PA:Press Association
      JOLEON LESCOTT
      Having arrived from Everton in 2009, the centre-back appeared 31 times during the historic 11-12 season.
      Eventually left for West Brom in 2014 before spending time with Aston Villa, AEK Athens and Sunderland before hanging up the boots in 2017.
      Was involved in a bizarre story where Spanish club Racing Murcia claimed they had signed him to play in a cup game in November 2020.
      But he never turned out for the fourth-tier side and has done punditry work on Sky Sports and BT Sport while also once working as the loans manager at the Etihad.
      Lescott, now 39, is a coach for the England Under-21s.
      GAEL CLICHY
      A stalwart in the title-winning campaign of 2011-12 – his first with City after eight years at Arsenal.
      The Frenchman, 36, went on to win more silverware with City before he left in 2017 for Istanbul Basaksehir.
      Left-back Clichy is currently with Swiss Super League side Servette whom he joined in December 2020 on an 18-month deal.
      Roberto Mancini led his team of stars to gloryCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      SAMIR NASRI
      Another man who played the best football of his career at City after joining from Arsenal.
      The French midfielder is often under-rated and instead remembered for the ‘drip-doctor’ scandal and his subsequent 12-month Uefa ban.
      But the midfielder’s performances on the pitch are fondly recalled by City fans.
      Not so by fans of West Ham who Nasri joined in 2019 – impressing no one in a spell that fell between time at Sevilla, Antalyaspor and Anderlecht.
      Nasri, 34, retired after being axed by former team-mate Kompany’s side for flying to Dubai without contacting his club.
      YAYA TOURE
      One of the finest players in Premier League history.
      The Ivorian genius was the perfect combination of power, pace and ability and was an integral part of City’s golden period of success.
      Former Barcelona man played in China for Qingdao Huanghai after a spell at Olympiacos but retired in January 2020.
      Toure, 39, has since served as assistant manager at Ukrainian Premier League side Olimpik Donetsk and Russian top-flight side Akhmat Grozny – both in 2021, lasting just months in each role.
      Yaya Toure is one of the greatest players in Premier League historyCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      GARETH BARRY
      Mr Reliable holds the record for the most Premier League appearances of any player with 653.
      The holding midfielder played 31 times in 2011-12.
      Former 53-cap England international Barry, now 41, left City in 2013 for Everton – initially on loan before a permanent move in 2014.
      He stayed at Goodison Park before leaving for West Brom in 2017 where he eventually retired at the end of the 2019-20 campaign.
      DAVID SILVA
      The 36-year-old mercurial Spaniard only left City in 2020 after ten glorious years.
      He won four Premier Leagues, two FA Cups and five League Cups.
      And his almost telepathic link with Aguero saw the two rip teams apart season after season. Now plays for Spanish side Real Sociedad where he won the postponed Copa del Rey.
      David Silva only left City in 2020 after 436 City appearancesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      CARLOS TEVEZ
      Tevez, 37, did something few players have ever done and played for both City and United – although Paul Pogba could join that controversial list.
      He spent four years at Old Trafford after bursting on to the scene at West Ham in the 2006-07 season.
      But he made the controversial switch to United’s bitter rivals in 2009.
      The Argentine scored 73 times in 148 City appearances before transferring to Juventus in 2013.
      He stayed with the Serie A giants for two years before returning to his beloved Boca Juniors.
      Tevez did make a temporary switch to Shanghai Shenhua in 2017 – which he admitted was just for the money – but he went straight back to La Bombonera then announced his departure on mental grounds last June.
      Carlos Tevez splits opinion in Manchester despite his huge talentCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      SERGIO AGUERO
      The Argentine was the last remaining member of the QPR match-day squad at City.
      Aguero, 33, was forced to change his game when Guardiola arrived but he quickly implemented the pressing style into his game and will go down as one of the best players – if not THE best – to ever grace the Premier League.
      The Argentina international played 390 games for City, managed a staggering 260 goals and joined Barcelona for free when his contract expired.
      Aguero had to retire earlier in the season following a heart condition that left him struggling to breathe on the pitch.
      Sergio Aguero was the last of the squad to leave and has now retiredCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Subs
      COSTEL PANTILIMON
      The Romanian did not feature at all in the Premier League during the 2012 title-winning campaign.
      Has played for Sunderland, Watford and Nottingham Forest in England since and was most-recently at Turkish club Denizlispor.
      Now 35, Pantillimon is currently a free agent.
      MICAH RICHARDS
      City fan-favourite was a semi-regular in 2011-12 making 23 league starts.
      Left on loan in 2014 to Fiorentina before a permanent departure to Aston Villa in 2015 after ten years with City.
      Still only 33, Richards has become an elite pundit with his easy-going demeanour, infectious laugh and high-level analysis.
      ALEKSANDAR KOLAROV
      The Serbian left-back started just nine games in 2011-12 but spent five more years in Manchester – reaching 247 total games in blue.
      Spent three years at Roma from 2017 and has played 15 games for Inter Milan since joining at the start of last season.
      City’s 2012 title win was one of the most memorable in Premier League historyCredit: AFP
      JAMES MILNER
      Jokingly nicknamed Mr Boring, Milner has been utilised as an elite versatility man for the last 11 years since he joined City in 2010.
      Left for Liverpool in 2015 where he remains, now aged 36.
      Has won three Premier Leagues, one Champions League, one FA Cup and two League Cups.
      He could still add the FA Cup, Premier League and Champions League before the end of the season in a historic quadruple.
      NIGEL DE JONG
      Dutch midfielder is probably most famous for his karate kick on Xabi Alonso in the 2010 World Cup final.
      The 2011-12 season proved to be his last with City after his 2009 arrival.
      Has played for AC Milan, La Galaxy, Galatasaray, Mainz and Al Ahli since.
      Most recently played for Qatari club Al-Shahaniya and provides punditry for beIN Sports.
      MARIO BALOTELLI
      The 31-year-old ‘why always me’ renegade divides opinion across the football world.
      An undoubted talent but lacked the work rate and attitude to stay consistent at the top level.
      Left City in 2013 and has played for AC Milan, Liverpool, Nice, Marseille, Brescia and Monza – who he joined on December 7, 2020.
      Monza’s owner revealed the striker is drinking in the Last Chance Saloon after joining with the ‘best intentions’.
      And his seven-month contract was not extended as Balotelli signed for Turkish outfit Adana Demirspor last summer, scoring 13 goals in 31 games.
      Maverick star Mario Balotelli set up Aguero’s winner but blew hot and cold for City and has failed to impress sinceCredit: PA:Press Association
      EDIN DZEKO
      Came off the bench to score the equaliser against QPR.
      The Bosnian, now 36, was predominantly used as a back-up striker during his five years with City from 2011-16.
      He did have spells as No1 but he found game time much easier to come by at Roma from 2015 to 2021.
      The 120-cap hero scored 119 goals in 260 Roma matches but joined Inter Milan in 2021 and has continued his fine goal-scoring exploits. More

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      in Soccer

      Biggest buyout fees in football after Barcelona insert €1BILLION clause into Ferran Torres’ five-year contract

      by

      FERRAN TORRES joined Barcelona in January and the club included a staggering €1BILLION release clause in his contract.The Spanish giants inserted the huge £847million buyout fee after agreeing to buy the Spain international from Manchester City for a fraction of that sum – a comparatively small £55million.

      The move comes months after they did the same with teenage star Pedri, when he signed a new deal.
      Not only did Pedri put pen to paper on a five-year deal, he will now only be available for purchase for a staggering £847million.
      Barcelona learned the hard way that it’s always best to exaggerate the release fee.
      After all, Paris Saint-Germain matched Neymar’s £198m release clause and landed the Brazilian in 2017.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The 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      So perhaps it’s no surprise the cash-strapped LaLiga giants have since learned their lesson.
      Barca and fierce rivals Real Madrid dominate the list of the highest release clauses in world football.
      FERRAN TORRES – £847m
      Man City agreed to sell Ferran Torres to Barcelona for £55m in December.
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      And the first thing the Spanish side did was insert a buyout clause of one billion euros.
      City believe they have struck a great deal for the 22-year-old who cost them just £20.8 million when he arrived from Valencia in summer 2020.
      Ferran Torrres has moved to Barcelona from Man CityCredit: AP
      PEDRI – £847m
      Barcelona confirmed 19-year-old Pedri agreed a new deal in October, and inserted the crazy price tag
      In a statement the club confirmed: “Barcelona and the player, Pedro González ‘Pedri’, have agreed a contract extension up to 30 June 2026.
      “The release clause is set at one billion euro.”
      Teenage playmaker Pedri is the new star at BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      KARIM BENZEMA – £847m
      The Frenchman has been a part of the furniture at Real Madrid following his move from Lyon in 2009.
      Benzema, 34, continues to defy his age by performing to an absolutely elite level.
      The veteran boasted the highest release clause in world football with a staggering £846.7m and has now been matched by Pedri.
      He still has just under two years left on his deal at the Bernabeu and it is safe to say he won’t be leaving before then.
      Karim Benzema has the highest release clause in world football, now level with PedriCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      ANTOINE GRIEZMANN – £678m
      In 2019, Barcelona splashed a staggering £107.6m to bring Griezmann to the Nou Camp from Atletico Madrid.
      Barca handed the France star a £725,000-a-week contract, adding a £677.2m release clause in the deal.
      However, Griezmann thoroughly underwhelmed at the club.
      And while he is still technically on the club’s books, he is currently on loan back at Atleti, with his contract not expiring until the end of the 2023-24 season.
      Barcelona wanted to ensure no club sealed the signing of Griezmann easily – but made it hard on themselves when they tried to offload him in the summerCredit: Getty – Contributor
      FEDERICO VALVERDE – £635m
      The Uruguayan star, 23, signed from Penarol in 2016 and quickly burst onto the scene with Real Madrid Castilla – the club’s ‘B’ team.
      Since making his league debut in 2018, following a loan stint at Deportivo La Coruna, Valverde has become a key man in the Los Blancos’ midfield.
      In 2019, Valverde was handed a bumper new five-year deal, including the staggering £634.9m release fee – one clubs will likely never match.
      Federico Valverde has a staggering £634.9m release clause in his current Real Madrid contractCredit: Rex
      LUKA MODRIC – £635m
      The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner – and team-mate of Valverde – also has a £634.9m release clause in his contract at Real Madrid.
      At the age of 36, the Croatian is now enjoying the twilight of his career at the Bernabeu.
      His contract at the Bernabeu expires next summer… and so will his release clause.
      Luka Modric has a £634.9m release clause in his contractCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS
      BRAHIM DIAZ – £635m
      The talented 22-year-old may not have had much of a look in at Real Madrid but he’ll still cost £634.9m – the same as Modric and Valverde.
      Diaz left Man City for Real in 2019 with the Spanish club keen to ensure he doesn’t move on anytime soon.
      He is currently enjoying the second of THREE years on loan at AC Milan.
      Brahim Diaz is seen as one for the future at Real MadridCredit: Reuters
      ISCO – £593m
      Another Real Madrid star, Isco sits seventh on the list – despite being hotly linked with an exit for the past three seasons.
      His £592.5m release clause was added when he penned a lucrative five-year contract in 2017, shortly before he slipped out of the starting XI.
      Once touted as a future world star, his career at the Bernabeu has gone stale in recent seasons and could move to the Premier League for a fee closer to £30m.
      Isco has a £592.5m release clause in his Real Madrid contractCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      VINICIUS JR – £593m
      The 21-year-old Brazilian is seen as one of Real Madrid’s greatest prospects.
      So it is no surprise he has a £592.5m release clause.
      Vinicius Jr signed from Flamengo in 2017 and emerged as a key player under Zinedine Zidane – and more-recently Carlo Ancelotti.
      Brazilian Vinicius Jr is eyed as one of Real Madrid’s brightest talentsCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS
      MARCO ASENSIO – £593m
      Another Real Madrid player to crack the top ten, Asensio sits level seventh.
      The 26-year-old penned a six-year contract in 2017 with Los Blancos adding a £592.5m release clause to ward off Europe’s biggest clubs.
      Much like team-mate Isco, Asensio looks almost certain to leave the Bernabeu in 2022 after spending much of the season on the bench.
      Asensio penned a six year contract in the summer of 2017Credit: EPA
      NICO GONZALEZ – £430m
      Barcelona handed youngster Nico Gonzalez a new contract with a staggering release clause worth £430m in May.
      Gonzalez, 20, was yet to make a first-team appearance for the Nou Camp when the clause was inserted.
      The Spanish whiz has since played 27 times in LaLiga, while also featuring in the Champions League mauling at the hands of Benfica.
      Nico Gonzalez has a £430m release clause in his contract despite signing it before making his first-team debutCredit: Rex
      GARETH BALE – £423m
      The Welshman’s days at Real Madrid may be numbered but he still has a £423m release clause in his contract.
      It runs until the end of this season but Los Blancos are keen on letting him leave permanently.
      Bale spent last season on loan with Tottenham and played three times under Ancelotti in August but has been frozen out since.
      Gareth Bale spent last season on loan with Tottenham with his time at Real Madrid seemingly overCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      GERARD PIQUE – £423m
      Matching Bale’s £423m release clause is Barcelona legend Gerard Pique.
      The Spaniard penned an extension to his deal in October until the summer of 2024.
      In the summer, Pique agreed to a 50 per cent pay cut owing to the club’s financial meltdown.
      But there has been no suggestion his £423m release clause has been removed.
      He has played over 500 times for Barca following his return from Manchester United in 2008.
      Gerard Pique has a £423m release clause in his Barcelona contractCredit: Rex More

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      in Soccer

      How Man City signing Erling Haaland, born to a footballer dad and heptathlon champion mum, became hot property

      by

      THE saga of where Erling Haaland will be playing his football is over.The Norwegian hotshot, 21, who was chased by Europe’s biggest clubs including Real Madrid and Barcelona, is joining Manchester City, the club have confirmed.
      Erling Haaland has reportedly agreed a deal with Man City worth £375,000 a weekCredit: Getty
      Haaland, centre, grew up in a sporting family with dad a footballer and mum a heptathleteCredit: Instagram@gabriellehaaland
      Pep Guardiola’s side have triggered his £51million release clause, and reportedly agreed a deal worth a staggering £375,000-per-week for the towering centre-forward.
      Haaland was born in Leeds to a sport-mad family.
      His father, Alf-Inge famously played for Nottingham Forest, Leeds United and Manchester City, while his mum was a heptathlon champion in her homeland.
      Erling was raised in the town of Bryne from the age of three, where he discovered his own sporting prowess.
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football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}CITY SLICKER .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Haaland transfer – Man City betting specials: Striker backed for Golden Boot
      This is the making of Erling Haaland.
      Family ties
      The Haaland we recognise today is the powerhouse Borussia Dortmund goal-getter with an incredible scoring record.
      But before his 6ft4in frame was towering over defenders in the Bundesliga, he was just a football obsessed kid playing for fun with kids in the park.
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      His family, that includes elder siblings Astor and Gabrielle, moved to Bryne as dad Alf-Inge’s football career began to peter out.
      A hard-tackling midfielder, Haaland Sr spent 10 years on our shores – playing for Nottingham Forest, Leeds and finally Manchester City.
      He also earned 34 caps for his country, but he is best remembered for clashing with Roy Keane on the pitch.
      Keane famously committed a horror tackle on his adversary during a Manchester derby in 2001, which he admitted was done purposefully, after he felt Haaland had injured him on purpose in a previous encounter.
      Not much is known about mother, Gry Marita Braut’s achievements in the sports world.
      But in Norway she was recognised as a national champion heptathlete in the 1990s.
      Amusingly, Graeme Souness – who didn’t know that fact at the time – alluded to him taking after his mum, when it came to his football ability.
      “He’s always on the half turn, he’s not squared up looking at his own goal. He’s really pacey. He’s got that sixth sense that all the top strikers have,” Souness told Virgin Media, when purring about the talent.
      “He’s in the right place at the right time. He looks like he’s quicker than anyone, he’s bigger than anyone. He’s got a great chance of being a top man, hasn’t he?
      “His mother must have been a good player because his dad was a plodder.”
      Erling Haaland was the youngest of his siblings growing up
      Haaland, to the left of brother Astor, wore Man City kits because his dad played for them
      Dad Alf-Inge Haaland played on our shores for 10 years
      Sporting genes
      With athletes as parents, Erling had a very good chance of being sporty.
      Although he enjoyed playing football, he competed in a variety of sports up to the age of five.
      And incredibly, he still holds a world record for the longest standing jump ever recorded by a five-year-old, according to International Age Records.
      On January 22, 2006, he produced an astonishing leap of 1.63m and became the highest-jumping five-year-old in the world.
      Alf-Inge revealed he made sure his son would “test” himself in a whole host of sports before choosing football.
      Confirming the record, he told Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet: “It was before [Erling] started playing football.
      “We used to take him to athletics so he could test himself. Erling played handball, athletics and cross-country skiing till he turned 14. Norway’s handball manager wanted him to play handball.”
      He added: “I thought it was nice to play tennis and handball next door.
      “Versatility is important. You get to develop completely different sides of the body, and that can be positive no matter what you do.”
      A natural athlete, Haaland excelled at a variety of sports growing upCredit: Instagram
      Father Alf-Inge stressed to his son the importance of playing different sportsCredit: Instagram

      However, that same year Erling chose football and signed up with Bryne FK, where his father’s dreams started.
      Slowly, the natural sportsman would climb through the ranks, playing a year ahead of his age.
      “He always scored a lot,” Alf Ingve Berntsen, his coach at the time, told AFP.
      “When he was 12, he started playing with the 13-year-olds and kept scoring. When he was selected for the regional team, he scored again.
      “Then, when he was 15, he was called up to the (youth) national team and… he scored.
      “We saw quite quickly that he could become a very big name. But we didn’t think it would happen so quickly, that he would be a top scorer in the Champions League at the age of 19-20.”
      First team debut
      Growing up, Erling was light.
      However, a sudden growth spurt at 14 gave an indication he would become the hulk he is today.
      “He was very skinny but we knew his genetics were very good,” Berntsen told Sky Sports.
      “We had to be patient and give him time to grow. Imagine what this guy will do when he has muscles.”
      Bernsten added: “That is the good thing about growing late.
      FK Bryne were the first club to give Haaland a deal
      A slight teenager, Haaland filled out when he got older
      “He had a longer period to develop those technical skills. It is why you should not always look at what a player is doing on the pitch but what they are trying to do.
      “Sometimes, you see a player trying to do something good but their body is growing and does not respond.”
      Already a phenomenon, and streets ahead of everyone around him, Haaland was physically ready for his first-team debut.
      So, it came no surprise that three months before he turned 16 he made his debut for Bryne in Norway’s top division.
      He would play a further 16 times in his debut campaign. And although he failed to find the net, he left an impression on a Norwegian goalscoring legend.
      Molde-d into a prolific striker
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer fell in love with Haaland the moment he saw him play.
      In 2017, the Man Utd legend, who was coaching Molde in Norway, added the wonderkid to his squad.
      “It was just natural that a great talent like Erling would move to Molde,” former Norway hitman Jan Age Fjortoft said.
      “As many Norwegian talents had done before him. I think it was very inspiring for all talents to work closely with Ole Gunnar, because of what he had achieved as a player, but also because that success was based on hard work and great attitude.
      “It was also no disadvantage that Ole Gunnar was one of the best finishers around and strikers like Erling could learn from his experience every day.”
      In his first 20 games, he scored an unspectacular four goals.
      His mentor, Solskjaer worked with him. Then, Haaland went viral.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer mentored Haaland at MoldeCredit: Instagram @erling.haaland
      Romelu Lukaku-like striker Haaland was too good for Molde to keepCredit: Getty
      A stunning display against Brann in 2018 announced him to the world – where he scored four goals in the first 21 minutes, in front of Manchester United scout Norwegian scout Tommy Moller Nielsen.
      It was a moment that had Solskjaer purring he was similar one of the most feared strikers in world football.
      “He reminds me of the type of striker Lukaku is,” Solskjaer remarked. “There is a lot of interest in him.”
      Getting his wings
      Solskjaer understood he couldn’t keep Haaland at Molde.
      The club had rejected an offer from a Champions League-winning – reportedly Juventus.
      However, Red Bull Salzburg would pay £7million – beating Leeds United to the punch with the deal.
      He thrived under now-Leeds boss Jesse Marsch in Austria, especially on the biggest stage in the Champions League where he would make history.
      Haaland scored three goals on his debut against Genk, then followed that with a double against Liverpool at Anfield and two more against Napoli. The world knew who he was now.
      Further demonstration of his ruthless nature in front of goal was evident in a stunning 12-0 humiliation of Honduras in the U20 World Cup.
      He scored a world record nine goals in that demolition. It was no wonder by now that he was nicknamed ‘The Terminator’.
      Haaland receives congratulations from Jesse Marsch while playing for Red Bull SalzburgCredit: Reuters
      At the U20 World Cup, Haaland scored a world record nine timesCredit: Getty – Contributor
      After moving to Borussia Dortmund in 2019, Haaland’s goal record is second to noneCredit: AFP
      Dortmund to the unknown
      Haaland would only play 27 games for Salzburg in all competitions, netting an incredible 29 goals – including eight in the Champions League.
      German giants Borussia Dortmund just had to have him upfront, after seeing such luminaries as Robert Lewandowski and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang lead their line.
      They paid a meagre £18million for his services in 2019. Immediately, it appeared money well spent when he made a Roy of the Rovers style debut.
      Coming off the bench in the second half against FC Augsburg, he scored a hat-trick in just 23 minutes.
      And the goals have just flown in over the past three seasons.
      Across all competitions, he has scored 85 goals in just 88 games.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}SETTING THE BAR .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}I work at Wetherspoons and here’s the real reason prices are so cheap
      For his country, he’s equally as potent – with 15 in 17 matches.
      Next season, it would be a wise bet to put your money on Haaland being the Premier League top scorer. More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd wonderkid Alejandro Garnacho is obsessed with Ronaldo, plays with Messi and is set for FA Youth Cup final

      by

      IN two years, Alejandro Garnacho has gone from promising youth star at Manchester United to getting picked by Argentina.The rapid left winger, 17, was handed a surprise call-up to Lionel Scaloni’s 44-man squad ahead of World Cup qualifying games against Venezuela and Ecuador back in March.
      Alejandro Garnacho has been selected by Argentina and is now training alongside Lionel MessiCredit: Instagram
      Garnacho was a surprise inclusion in Lionel Scaloni’s 44-man squadCredit: AP

      It means, even though he hasn’t appeared in the first team, he has trained alongside legend Lionel Messi.
      The wonderkid has starred for United’s U18s this campaign, excelling in the FA Youth Cup with four goals.
      One of those strikes saw the talent run from his own half down the left flank to score against Everton with an astonishing solo goal.
      And now, after featuring as a late substitute for United in the Premier League at the end of April, he is preparing to be the talisman in Man Utd’s FA Youth Cup final against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
      The fleet-footed forward was the third La Liga starlet to join the club in 2020, signing from Atletico Madrid after the arrivals of Marc Jurado from Barcelona and Alvaro Fernandez from Real Madrid.
      Garnacho was called the ‘jewel’ of Atletico’s academy, and is working hard to emulate his idol growing up.
      He is obsessed by Cristiano Ronaldo, and even wore the same shirt number – No7 as his idol, although he’s had to accept No11 with the Red Devils.
      Still, that didn’t stop him celebrating that goal against Everton with CR7’s famous ‘SIUUU!’ roar.

      The Red Devils were said to have fought off Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund to secure Garnacho’s signature.
      Described as a ‘goalscoring machine’, the Madrid-born teenager was highly rated by Atletico, who were devastated he left.
      He joined the club in 2015, impressing all with his killer instinct in front of goal.
      In 2016, whilst playing for Atletico’s Infantil B, he was Spain’s top scorer – destroying opposition defences with his natural knack for finding the back of the net.
      Manchester United ace Garnacho is excelling in the club’s academyCredit: Getty
      Garnacho, who had been with Atletico since 2015, was said to be the ‘jewel’ of the club’s academyCredit: La Liga promises
      Talented Garnacho is said to be a goalscoring machineCredit: La Liga promises
      Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund were also reportedly interested in GarnachoCredit: Instagram / @garnacho7
      QUICK AND NIMBLE
      Blessed with a flawless technique, Garnacho boasts attributes including close ball control that make it difficult for defenders to rob the ball off him.
      In the penalty area he’s intuitive and clinical, preferring to shift the ball onto his right foot before calmly slotting the ball home.
      A real predator in front of goal, Garnacho is also adept at finding space in the penalty box, and is an instinctive poacher.
      Moving to Old Trafford was said to be an easy decision for him, because it has allowed him to follow in the footsteps of his Portuguese hero.
      READY FOR STARDOM
      From a young age Garnacho’s potential has seen him primed for the top.
      At 15, he already found himself enjoying run-outs for Atletico’s U19 team.
      Garnacho wants to emulate his idol Cristiano RonaldoCredit: La Liga promises
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      This campaign he has thrived with United’s academy, playing for both the U18 and U23 sides.
      In all competitions, Garnacho has managed 13 goals in 33 matches – as well as eight assists.
      And now, after receiving call-ups to the Argentina national team, he has landed himself a spot on Man Utd’s first team bench in recent weeks, coming on for the final moments of their 1-1 draw with Chelsea. More