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      in Soccer

      Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney is best centre forward I’ve seen at club, says Neville after Hall of Fame induction

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      WAYNE ROONEY is the greatest centre forward Gary Neville has seen at Manchester United.Rooney was this morning inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame alongside Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira for his achievements as a player.
      Gary Neville hailed Wayne Rooney as the best striker he has seen at Manchester UnitedCredit: Reuters
      The pair played together at Old Trafford for seven years, winning ten trophies as Sir Alex Ferguson’s side were crowned English, European and world champions.
      When asked whether he was the best English player of all time back in August, Neville was reluctant to compare his former team-mate to the likes of Stanley Matthews and Bobby Charlton who played in different eras.
      But he did say on Sky Sports: “For me he was the best centre forward I ever saw at Manchester United and ever played with.
      “I have him number one, up front, Cristiano Ronaldo alongside him in every single one of the best Manchester United teams that I played alongside.
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Utd.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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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;}FAME GAME .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;}Rooney and Vieira inducted into Prem Hall of Fame after amazing careers
      “Rooney would be my number one.”
      “That’s the highest compliment I can pay him, because I played with [Eric] Cantona, [Mark] Hughes, [Dwight] Yorke, [Andy] Cole, [Teddy] Sheringham, [Ole Gunnar] Solskjaer, [Dimitar] Berbatov, [Carlos] Tevez, great strikers from all over the world, not just in England.
      Neville added: “The contribution to the team at all points of every game was unbelievable.
      “In and out of possession, in the dressing room, the energy every single morning. He was an absolute livewire, street fighter, tough, score goals, assist goals, the best defender, never give in.
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      “Everything you would want in a football player he was there, and to me the best striker I played with because he did everything.”
      Rooney made 559 Manchester United appearances, scoring a record 253 goals to surpass Charlton’s tally.
      He also overtook his fellow Old Trafford legend on the international stage with 53 England goals.
      Rooney, who also played for Everton, DC United and Derby, hung up his boots last year to take over as the Rams’ manager.
      And Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher heaped praise on his fellow Scouser.
      Carragher said: “It was tough playing against him.
      “I’ve always said Bobby Charlton will be the best England player – he won the World Cup and look what he did for Manchester United.
      “I think there’s a group of ten players behind Charlton and Rooney is right in that list, maybe at the top.

      “He was an absolute superstar – and yes, a nightmare to play against.
      “I love seeing lads from my area doing really well. You can only admire what he did for Manchester United and England, caps-wise, goals-wise.
      “He was a brilliant player and – I’ve felt this with Ryan Giggs and Michael Owen too – he was that good so young, we automatically think they’re going to become the best player in the world.
      “Some people think Rooney never achieved what he should have done or never did what Ronaldo did – Ronaldo’s a freak.
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      “Rooney’s career is unbelievable: top scorer for Manchester United, one of the biggest clubs in the world, top scorer for his country, won the Champions League.
      “The only thing he hasn’t done is win something with his country and become the best player in the world. When he was in his peak, he was there or there abouts in the top ten.” More

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      in Soccer

      Footballers who made stunning retirement U-turns including Scholes and Robben after Denilson returns aged 44

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      THEY just didn’t want to hang up their boots.These footballing stars were initially happy to retire, but performed a sensational U-turn when they were either needed to play, or simply missed the action.
      Brazilian legend Denilson is the latest star to come out of retirementCredit: EPA
      The star, once the world’s most-expensive player, is pulling on the boots again aged 44Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Brazilian legend Denilson de Oliveira, once the world’s most expensive player, has just announced his sensational return to football aged 44.
      Simply known as Denilson, the winger has penned a deal with Brazilian lower league side Ibis Sport Club – 12 YEARS after initially hanging up his boots.
      The star played 61 times for Brazil between 1996 and 2003, and lifted the World Cup in 2002.
      His £21.5million move from Sao Paulo in his homeland to Spanish outfit Real Betis in 1998 made him the world’s most expensive player at the time.
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      Denilson initially retired in 2010 after spells with Greek second-tier side Kavala and Vietnamese outfit Hai Phong.
      But he is now readying himself for a return to the pitch.
      He is not the first, and unlikely to be the last, to make a comeback.
      From a Manchester United legend to one of the Premier League’s all-time greatest goalies, SunSport gives you the definitive names of players who came out of retirement to relive their glory days.
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      PETR CECH
      The Chelsea legend was last seen pulling on the Arsenal keeper’s jersey in 2019, hanging up his gloves after four years at the Emirates at the end of the 2018-19 season.
      But it was with the Blues he was a cult hero, winning four Premier League titles in 11 years, which is why he returned to Stamford Bridge last year to take up a new role as technical and performance advisor.
      In 2020, Cech, now 39, was added to Chelsea’s Premier League squad as an emergency goalkeeper.
      Fortunately neither Edouard Mendy or Kepa Arrizabalaga got injured, preventing Cech from an on-pitch comeback.
      Petr Cech pictured working with Chelsea No1 Edouard MendyCredit: Getty
      PAUL SCHOLES
      Six months after he quit Old Trafford, Scholes decided he should pull on the Red Devils jersey once again in 2012.
      It was a no-brainer for the midfield dynamo, with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side having an injury crisis in the middle of the park having to play Phil Jones and Fabio Silva as a pair.
      Incredibly, no one knew he was returning when he was named on the bench for the Manchester derby, not even his team-mates who would’ve been shocked to see his shirt hanging up in the dressing room.
      United finished runners-up to their noisy neighbours that season, with Scholes playing 21 games.
      He returned the following year to help United win back the Premier League, and retired again – this time for good.
      Scholes retired for a second time after helping United win back the titleCredit: Getty
      JOHAN CRUYFF
      The late Dutch master returned to the game out of a sense of necessity.
      Cruyff was 31, but was skint after an investment that was supposed to set him up for life after football went wrong.
      “I had lost millions in pig-farming and that was the reason I decided to become a footballer again,” he revealed.
      He returned the same year he retired – 1978 – with the Los Angeles Aztecs for an admitted pay day.
      Cruyff later returned to Holland and was successful with both Ajax and Feyenoord, before finally giving up the game in 1984.
      Johan Cruyff signed for Los Angeles Aztecs due to financial problemsCredit: Getty
      ARJEN ROBBEN
      Another flying Dutch winger, former Chelsea star Robben was the most recent addition to the list before Denilson’s stunning announcement.
      And his reason was more sentimental.
      Robben signed on a free transfer for boyhood club FC Groningen in 2020 at the age of 36 after retiring following his incredible spell at Bayern Munich.
      But the romantic return was ruined by a long-term injury, restricting him to just six league outings, before he hung up his boots again for the second and last time in 2021.
      Robben has rejoined boyhood club FC GroningenCredit: Getty
      JENS LEHMANN
      After leaving the Gunners in 2008, the legendary German goalie was back for a second stint between the sticks for Arsenal in 2011 – a year after he put away his gloves.
      Initially he was signed as a back-up to Manuel Almunia, after Arsene Wenger’s team suffered with injuries.
      At 42, Lehmann was called upon for a game against Blackpool, after Almunia got injured in the warm-up.
      His team were victorious – winning 3-1. But you can bet the competitive Jens would’ve been furious he didn’t keep a clean sheet.
      Jens Lehmann appears for Arsenal against Blackpool age 42Credit: Action Images – Reuters
      ROBBIE ROGERS
      After he was released by Leeds at the age of just 25, Rogers wasn’t sure if his future belonged in the game.
      He then bravely came out as gay, revealing he felt like a coward for not doing it sooner.
      In 2013, Rogers joined MLS giants Los Angeles Galaxy to become the first openly gay American athlete to play in a major sport.
      Four years later, he announced his retirement because of persistent injuries.
      Robbie Rogers became the first openly gay American sports starCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      CARLOS ROA
      Still one of the most bizarre moments in football EVER.
      Roa was an outstanding goalkeeper for the Argentinian national team, as well as La Liga giants.
      He starred for the Argies in the 1998 World Cup, and reached the final of the Copa Del Rey and Cup Winners’ Cup, as well as won the Spanish Supercup.
      But he believed that the world was going to end in 2000, so wouldn’t renew his contract beyond then.
      When it didn’t, he came back with his tail between his legs because he still had a contract to fulfil.
      Carlos Roa returned to Mallorca with his family after quitting football thinking the world was going to endCredit: EPA
      STEPHEN CARR
      When the former Spurs full-back was released by Newcastle in 2008, he had had enough of chasing wingers up and down the park.
      With no takers wanting him as a free agent, Carr decided to call it a day.
      A year later, he returned to the Premier League with Birmingham City.
      In 2011, he captained the side to a famous League Cup final victory over Arsenal.
      He hung up his boots in 2013 to begin his coaching career.
      Stephen Carr celebrates winning the League Cup against ArsenalCredit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun
      ROGER MILLA
      The Cameroon legend is best remembered for his star turn at the 1990 World Cup, where he couldn’t stop scoring, not to mention that brilliant dance celebration at the corner flag for every goal.
      However, a year before Milla had decided he wasn’t fit for purpose and moved to the Indian Ocean island of Reunion.
      It wasn’t until Cameroon’s president Paul Biya pleaded with him to return that he came back at 38.
      He then returned four years later to become the oldest player to appear at the World Cup, a record which was beaten by Faryd Mondragon.
      Roger Milla was a star at Italia ’90Credit: Bongarts – Getty
      LANDON DONOVAN
      Recognised as the greatest player to ever play for the States, Donovan had initially left the LA Galaxy in 2014 as a champion.
      But in 2016, he was asked to return to MLS action because of an injury crisis by the Galaxy.
      Ironically enough, Donovan was working as a pundit on his former club’s game where they suffered three injuries during the match.
      However, he couldn’t repeat his past success and the club ended up without a trophy and Donovan retired again.
      Landon Donovan returned to LA Galaxy in 2016 after an injury crisisCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      MARC OVERMARS
      Although he had lost that electric pace that made him such a threat in the past, Overmars wasn’t going to give up the ghost of playing.
      After a brilliant career at Ajax, Arsenal and Barcelona, he retired in 2004.
      Then he starred in a testimonial for Jaap Stam some four years later, and was offered a route back into football.
      He initially declined, believing his best days were past him.
      However, he had a a change of heart when Go Ahead Eagles, his first ever club, offered him a deal.
      He played 24 games in one season before finally retiring for good.
      Four years after retiring Overmars came back with Go Ahead EaglesCredit: Rex Features More

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      in Boxing

      Meet boxing heroes fighting on Ukraine frontline vs Russia, from world champion brothers to Anthony Joshua’s conqueror

      by

      UKRAINE are being backed by some of their greatest ever boxers on the front line in the fight against Vladimir Putin’s Russia. Russia’s invasion has united the crisis nation and seen surrounding countries rally round in support.
      Vitali Klitschko, brother to fellow heavyweight legend Wladimir
      Russia has been outcast by the sporting world.
      And boxing organisations have joined in by refusing to sanction bouts in the country.
      And some of Ukriane’s greatest athletes have now taken up arms to defend their country aganst the growing threat from their neighbours
      Here, SunSport takes a look at the hero world champions bravely signing up to serve their country.
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      Vitali Klitschko
      The former heavyweight ruler, 50, last fought in 2012 and retired a year later to focus on politics.
      Vitali, a father-of-three who married wife Natalie in 1996, has been the mayor of Kyiv since 2014.
      And as a result, it left the ex-boxer ‘no choice’ but to take up arms.
      He told ITV: “I don’t have another choice. I have to do that. I will be fighting.”
      Vitali Klitschko has been the mayor of Kyiv since 2014Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
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      Wladimir Klitschko
      Wladimir, 45, reigned as heavyweight king for nine years before losing his crown to Tyson Fury, 33, in a 2015 upset.
      He would return two years later in defeat to Anthony Joshua, 32, and announce his retirement soon after, snubbing a Las Vegas rematch.
      Wladimir, dad to seven-year-old Kaya Evdokia, has refused a boxing comeback in recent years and also pledged to fight on the frontline.
      He enlisted in Ukraine’s reserve army in early February and has publicly pleaded with Russia to end the war.
      Wladimir Klitschko enlisted in Ukraine’s reserve armyCredit: Alamy
      Vasiliy Lomachenko
      The masterful southpaw, 34, is one of the greatest amateur boxers of all time, leaving the unpaid ranks with a record of 396-1 and two Olympic gold medals.
      It saw him fast tracked as a professional like never seen before and Lomachenko, who is married to Olena with two kids, became a three-division champ in just 12 fights.
      He was beaten by Teofimo Lopez in 2020, but has won twice since and is now targeting a fight with new unified lightweight champ George Kambosos Jr.
      However, he has now decided to keep fighting on the Ukrainian front line after turning down a world title bout to face George Kambosos Jr.
      The two-time Olympic gold medallist is refusing to leave the country as he has elected to keep fighting on the battlefield instead of in the boxing ring.
      Vasiliy Lomachenko joined the Belgorod-Dniester Terror Defence BattalionCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Oleksandr Usyk
      Usyk, who won gold at the 2012 Olympics, is a former undisputed cruiserweight king and current three-belt heavyweight owner.
      He beat Joshua in September and they are contracted to an immediate rematch this year – although it remains in doubt.
      Usyk, 35, had been in London last month to hold talks with AJ’s promoter to decide a date and venue for their rematch.
      But now, the fearless unbeaten father-of three, who married partner Yekaterina in 2009, has enlisted with the Kyiv Territorial Defence.
      Oleksandr Usyk enlisted with the Kyiv Territorial DefenceCredit: Instagram @andrii_nebytov More

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      in Soccer

      Best XI of English stars who play abroad including red-hot ex-Chelsea star Tammy Abraham and Jude Bellingham

      by

      GARETH SOUTHGATE has quite a task keeping tabs on all the English talent outside of the Premier League.That’s because there are a gang of Three Lions making an impression on foreign soil.
      Here is the best line-up to be made from English players plying their trade abroad
      Here, SunSport selects a best XI made up of English players currently playing abroad.
       Etienne Green – St Etienne
      Englishmen Etienne Green is playing his trade in France for St Etienne.
      The 21-year-old, born in Colchester, has made 15 Ligue 1 appearances this season.
      But Green has conceded 27 goals this term.
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      Ainsley Maitland-Niles – Roma
      Ainsley Maitland-Niles left Arsenal on loan in the January transfer window and joined Roma.
      The versatile 24-year-old has made nine appearances for Roma this season across the league, Europe and domestic cups.
      Reece Oxford – Augsburg
      Reece Oxford was once one of England’s hottest prospects after pocketing Mesut Ozil on his West Ham debut in 2015.
      The then 16-year-old was linked with big money moves to the Premier League’s elite, but he lost his way.
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      And after making just 17 appearances for the Hammers and having loan spells at Borussia Monchengladbach and Reading, Oxford found his home at Augsburg.
      Oxford, 23, has made 69 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit.
      He is the fourth highest rated English centre-back this term, according to WhoScored.
      Oxford has an average match rating of 6.96, out-performing the likes of Ben White, Tyrone Mings, Marc Guehi, Conor Coady and Harry Maguire.
      Fikayo Tomori – AC Milan
      Tomori, 24, made the brave decision to leave Chelsea in search of more game time at the start of the 2020-21 campaign.
      And it has paid off for the English centre-back as he has already made 44 appearances for the Serie A giants.
      His impressive form saw him recalled to Gareth Southgate’s England squad back in September.
      Tomori is playing a key role in Milan’s title pushCredit: REUTERS
      Omar Richards – Bayern Munich
      One which has flown a little under the radar.
      Richards, 23, is a talented left-back who has found his way to German champions Bayern Munich.
      He moved there from Reading in the summer after a successful campaign with the Championship side.
      And he has already featured six times for Bayern in the Bundesliga – 11 times in all competitions.
      Reiss Nelson – Feyenoord
      Nelson, 22, is still technically a Premier League player as he remains on Arsenal’s books.
      However, he is spending this season on loan at Dutch side Feyenoord after featuring just nine times for the Gunners last season.
      And his luck has improved a great deal in the Netherlands, making 23 appearances for the Dutch side.
      Jude Bellingham – Borussia Dortmund
      Perhaps the most high-profile England player currently plying his trade outside of the Premier League.
      Bellingham, 18, is simply one of the hottest prospects in European football having blossomed since joining Dortmund just over a year ago.
      He has scored ten goals and provided 17 assists in 83 games for the German side, but the stats do not tell the whole story.
      The former Birmingham man played for England at the Euros in the summer and is being touted for a big move at the end of the season – with Liverpool and Manchester United reportedly interested.
      Bellingham is one of the highest-rated teenagers in EuropeCredit: Getty
      Stephy Mavididi – Montpellier
      Mavididi, 23, who can play as a left winger, No10 or striker, has had a rather eclectic start to his football career.
      He left Arsenal in 2018 following loan spells at Charlton and Preston and linked up with Juventus where he played for their U23s.
      He eventually made his debut for the senior side but never received a second appearance and swiftly went on loan to French side Dijon.
      Now he is playing for Montpellier and appears to be finding his feet with 22 goals in 63 Ligue 1 games.
      Noni Madueke – PSV Eindhoven
      An England U21 international, 20-year-old Madueke broke through into the PSV first team last season where he netted nine times for the Dutch side.
      And the teenage forward has carried on that impressive record at the start of the new campaign with nine goals in 29 games.
      One to watch, for sure.
      Tammy Abraham – Roma
      Frustrated at Chelsea last season, Abraham went to Roma in search of first team football and immediately hit the ground running.
      He surpassed a goals tally set by the club’s legendary former Argentinian hitman Batistuta.
      The icon and Vicenzo Montella both previously held the record for the most goals scored in a debut season for Roma, each registering 21.
      Now the 24-year-old has surpassed that tally as he moved on to 23 for the campaign.
      Mourinho seems to be getting a tune out of him and he has been rewarded with a spot in the England set-up.
      Abraham swapped Chelsea for Roma at the start of the 2021-22 seasonCredit: Rex
      Marcus Edwards – Sporting Lisbon
      Edwards, 23, left Tottenham two years ago and has flourished since in Portugal, making a name for himself at Vitoria.
      The forward, who can play anywhere in a front three, scored 20 goals and provided 16 assists in 96 games for the club.
      His fine form earned him a move to Portuguese giants Sporting in January.
      Edwards has made seven appearances, scoring one. More

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      in Soccer

      Best XI of stars who changed nationality including Jack Grealish as Wilfried Zaha prepares to face England with new team

      by

      WILFRIED ZAHA and Jack Grealish could meet on the pitch at Wembley next week – but both players could easily be wearing national shirts of other countries.The two stars may go head-to-head when England take on Ivory Coast in a friendly.
      Wilfried Zaha will be hoping to down England at Wembley next week with Ivory CoastCredit: Getty
      The best XI of players to swap nationalities during their career, includes some superstar names
      But those two men are not the only ones to have represented their countries and later switched allegience.
      In fact, some of the greatest players on the planet – past and present have done the same.
      Players can swap nations if they are under the age of 21 and have featured in no more than three competitive games.
      The rules haven’t always been so strict though, with many big-name players switching allegiances down the years.
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      We take a look at the best XI of nation-swappers.
      It’s an outrageously attacking line up.
      But we reckon that it could match up against some of the best international teams of all-time.
      And we start in goal with a stopper that Premier League fans know well:
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      GOALKEEPER – Asmir Begovic
      Asmir Begovic swapped Canada for Bosnia & Herzegovina despite growing up in North AmericaCredit: Reuters
      Born in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Begovic and his family moved to Canada when he was ten years old.
      The Everton goalkeeper played 11 times for Canada’s Under-20s and looked set to break into their senior side.
      But in 2009, Begovic opted to play for the country of his birth – and has earned 63 cap since.
      DEFENDER – Victor Moses
      Victor Moses switched allegiance to Nigeria after failing to break into the England senior sideCredit: Getty
      Born in Nigeria and raised in London, Moses played for England’s Under-162, U17s, U19s and U21s.
      But he gave up on a spot in the senior side and switched to the nation of his birth in 2012, where he has won 37 caps.
      And he helped them to African Cup of Nations glory in 2013.
      DEFENDER – Neven Subotic
      Neven Subotic was eligible to play for Bosnia & Herzegovina, USA or Serbia – but opted for the latterCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      Subotic was born in Bosnia & Herzegovina (then Yugoslavia) but grew up in the USA, playing for their Under-17s and U20s.
      In 2008, he opted to play for Serbia – for whom he qualified through Bosnian-Serb parents – and played 36 times.
      DEFENDER – Declan Rice
      Declan Rice won three caps for Ireland before swapping to England, where he is now a regular starterCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription
      Rice famously won three caps for Ireland in 2018 having worked his way through the youth teams thanks to his grandparents being Irish.
      But he controversially switched to England the next year.
      The London-born star proved where his heart lies by playing a key role in last year’s run to the final of Euro 2020.
      And he will be hoping to add to his 27 caps when the Three Lions face Switzerland Ivory Coast.
      CENTRE-MID – Thiago Motta
      Thiago Motta turned his back on Brazil to turn out for ItalyCredit: Reuters
      The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star was born in Brazil but qualified for Italy thanks to the grandfather on his father’s side.
      After playing twice for Brazil in the 2003 Gold Cup, Motta later switched allegiance to play for Italy EIGHT years later.
      Motta won 30 caps for Italy and was part of their 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016 squads.
      RIGHT-WING – Wilfried Zaha
      Wilfried Zaha played for England’s senior side in a friendly against Sweden but never made a competitive appearance and opted to play for Ivory CoastCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      After working his way through England’s Under-17s and U20s teams, Zaha made his full England debut in a friendly against Sweden in 2012, replacing fellow debutant Raheem Sterling.
      But after dropping down the pecking order, Zaha switched to turn out for Ivory Coast at the 2017 African Cup of Nations, earning 20 caps to date.
      Ex-Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson – Zaha’s boss at Palace for the past four years – later admitted he regretted not playing the winger in a competitive game to tie him to England, despite giving him his debut vs Sweden.
      Now he will be looking to down England next week.
      ATTACKING-MIDFIELD – Michel Platini
      France legend Michel Platini played once for Kuwait following his retirementCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Having scored 41 times in 72 games for France, helping them win the 1984 Euros, Platini hung up his boots in 1987.
      But he came out of retirement to bizarrely play for Kuwait in a friendly against the Soviet Union in 1988, playing 21 minutes of the 2-0 defeat.
      LEFT-WING – Jack Grealish
      Jack Grealish worked his way through Ireland’s youth ranks before bursting into the England set upCredit: Corbis
      Born in Birmingham, Grealish worked his way through the Irish youth teams thanks to his paternal grandparents and maternal grandfather coming from Ireland.
      Despite playing six times for Ireland’s Under-21s, England poached him at the same level before the former Aston Villa captain made himself a crucial part of the Three Lions’ senior squad.
      Now starring for Man City, Grealish is likely to be involved for England over the next week.
      FORWARD – Alfredo Di Stefano
      Alfredo Di Stefano represented three nations during his illustrious playing careerCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Incredibly, the legendary Real Madrid striker player for Argentina, Colombia AND Spain during his illustrious career.
      Di Stefano was born in Argentina and won six caps for them, before switching to Colombia and winning a further four caps.
      Eight years later – and ten years after his final Argentina game – he won his first Spain cap – going on to score 23 times in 31 games.
      FORWARD – Diego Costa
      Diego Costa won two caps for Brazil before turning his back on them and representing SpainCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      In 2013, during his second stint at Atletico Madrid, Costa earned two caps for his native Brazil.
      But he immediately applied for Spanish citizenship and after it was approved in 2014 he went straight into the first-team.
      Costa played for Spain at two World Cups scoring ten goals in 24 games in total.
      FORWARD – Ferenc Puskas
      Ferenc Puskas scored nearly a goal a game for Hungary in 85 caps before switching to SpainCredit: PA:Press Association
      The former Real Madrid scoring machine as the Best Goal of the Year award named after.
      He scored 84 times in 85 games for Hungary between 1945 and 1956.
      But Puskas switched to Spain in 1961 in the middle of his time at Los Blancos, but failed to score in four caps. More

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      in Boxing

      Heavyweight star Dillian Whyte claims he only earned £300 after beating Anthony Joshua in the amateurs

      by

      DILLIAN WHYTE only earned £300 for his win over Anthony Joshua in the amateur ranks.The two British heavyweights battled each other in 2009.
      Dillian Whyte only got £300 for beating Anthony Joshua as an amateurCredit: PA:Press Association
      He lost to AJ via TKO in 2015 when they met as prosCredit: Reuters
      The Body Snatcher managed to defeat the future world champion via a unanimous points verdict in an all-out brawl.
      However, Whyte later revealed that he only received the small sum for the fight – but sounded very happy with his pay cheque.
      He told Carl Froch’s podcast: “I remember, I had an amateur fight somewhere and I beat the guy, I think it was the Joshua fight, and the coach comes to me and he gave me like 300 quid and he said, ‘this is your exes,’ and I was like ‘what?’.
      “So you’re telling me I get paid to beat people up? And he went, ‘yeah, here are your exes’.
      “So I was shocked, I never came from a sporting background, I ain’t had no big amateur career.
      “I had no-one to look after me and tell me whatever, no-one in my family did anything sport-wise.”
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      Whyte, 33, added: “I didn’t know how it worked, my coach said do you want to fight and I said yeah, cool, I don’t care I’ll fight anyone.
      “So he came to me and gave me [the money] and [I said], ‘so you’re telling me I can beat guys up and don’t get in trouble and I get paid’. I was like, ‘when is the next fight then’.”
      Whyte and Joshua both moved into the pro ranks following successful amateur careers.
      They met again in December 2015 but this time Joshua, 31, got the win via knockout in the 7th round after being rocked by Whyte in the second.

      But now Whyte is set to earn the biggest payday of his professional boxing career on April 23.
      Whyte will pocket £6million for his WBC heavyweight title clash against Tyson Fury.
      And if he upsets the odds, he’ll be handed a £3m bonus taking his pay up to £9m in total.
      Joshua, on the other hand, is waiting on a rematch against Oleksandr Usyk, who he lost his WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO titles to last year.
      The Ukrainian fighter has put talks of a second bout on ice for the time being, though, after returning to his homeland to fight against the Russian invasion. More

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      Footballers amazing body transformations, like Man Utd’s Ronaldo building mass muscle to Hazard shifting extra weight

      by

      FOOTBALLERS will do anything to get an edge over their opponents.And that means more work in the gym, sculpting their perfect bodies and lifting heavy weights to gain extra muscle.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is sculpted like an AdonisCredit: AFP or licensors
      But these stars didn’t always look like body builders.
      In fact, these athletes have enjoyed a remarkable body transformation over the years, even when they could not train normally last year during the coronavirus lockdown.
      EDEN HAZARD
      When former Chelsea star Hazard moved to Real Madrid in a deal worth £130million, Los Blancos were delighted.
      But they wouldn’t have been happy when he turned up to training seven kilograms overweight.
      Even fans pointed out he looked chunky when he reported for preseason games.
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      However, during the coronavirus lockdown Hazard took his fitness very seriously.
      “It’s complicated for me. I’m trying not to eat a lot,” he told RTBF.
      “I’m trying not to go into the pantry to eat a lot of buns, but it’s not easy.”
      Unfortunately for the Belgian he has still suffered to hit top form since for Madrid and has been linked with a move to Juventus.
      When Eden Hazard arrived at Real Madrid he was seven kilograms overweightCredit: Twitter @realmadrid
      CRISTIANO RONALDO
      As a youngster, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was often called too skinny by his coaches.
      But through the years, Ronaldo went from lanky winger to powerhouse forward thanks to a strict exercise regime.
      “I put it in my mind that my body can improve,” Ronaldo said.
      “With dedication and hard work in the gym I improved a lot on that – at the end of the day it’s down to the person’s mindset.”
      A Pilates-based routine that focuses on resistance work to strengthen his core is also key to his success – reportedly giving the Portuguese star the body of a 23-year-old.
      Now Manchester United will be hoping to reap the rewards after they forked out to bring him back to Old Trafford from Juventus at the age of 36.
      Ronaldo used to be called too skinny when he was an up and coming youngsterCredit: AFP
      Thanks to a strict diet and rigorous exercise regime Ronaldo has transformed his bodyCredit: Getty – Contributor
      MARCUS RASHFORD
      When Rashford emerged on the scene in 2017 as a fresh-faced 19-year-old, his body was still developing.
      But having Ronaldo as a role model at the club when he was a youngster was a big help.
      The striker watched his now teammate in training closely, adding strength and conditioning work to the technical training he does at Carrington, which has given him a more muscular physique today.
      When Marcus Rashford first emerged on the scene in 2017 he was skin and boneCredit: Reuters
      Today, with added strength and conditioning training Rashford has bulked upCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI
      The Bayern Munich striker has been sensational for the Bavarian giants, and it’s all down to his nutritionist wife Anna.
      Through his diet, as well as rigorous training regime with the Bundesliga side, he is now the perfect specimen.
      “We changed our diet step by step, first cutting out sweets and then milk,” Lewandowski explained.
      “Cows’ milk and soya milk isn’t good for me. Almond milk and rice milk is OK. I don’t really drink alcohol, either. Maybe wine but only sometimes.”
      When he started his career at Lech Poznan Lewandowski was skinnyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Lewandowski now flashes killer abs thanks to a diet enforced by his nutritionist wife AnnaCredit: Instagram @_rl9
      ADAMA TRAORE
      A devastating blend of pace and power, Traore’s game has come on leaps and bounds.
      And social media blew up when snaps of the Spain winger emerged showing off a raging bicep that would’ve put any Hollywood action hero to shame.
      But despite his rippling muscles, Traore insists he doesn’t do any weight training.
      “My training? I don’t do weights,” he told La Sexta.
      “It’s hard to believe, but I don’t do weights.
      “It’s genetic. I exercise, but I gain mass very quickly.”
      Spanish winger Adama Traore was a slight winger playing for Spain’s U16 teamCredit: Getty – Contributor
      At Wolves, Traore showed off his hench physiqueCredit: Getty – Contributor
      ADEBAYO AKINFENWA
      You don’t get the nickname ‘The Beast” for nothing, as well as a 98 strength rating in FIFA 20.
      Football’s strongest man Akinfenwa, 39, ruffles defenders feathers playing for Wycombe Wanderers in League One.
      To fuel his weights sessions, the striker eats like a beast too, although his weight does go up and down.
      “Breakfast is Weetabix with honey,” he told the Daily Mail.
      “At training there will be some kind of chicken. Our chef personally does chicken for me and that makes me very happy.
      “Then a shake in the afternoon. For dinner, again it’s probably chicken, potato and coleslaw. My partner is half-Nigerian, half-Caribbean so it may be the curry goat, rice and potato. It’s the carbs I need to eat.
      “I throw in the odd Nando’s. Quarter-chicken, medium breast, chips, corn on the cob and five wings. I don’t deviate.”
      Adebayo Akinfenwa had a smaller frame during his time at NorthamptonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Akinfenwa is now nicknamed The Beast because of his enormous size
      HULK
      The aptly named Brazilian striker has always been admired for his physical stature.
      Built like a truck, Hulk is currently terrorising defenders back in Brazil for Atlético Mineiro, who he led to the Brazilian title.
      But there was a time when the former Porto star looked a little overweight, rather than chiselled.
      He has toned up now, and looks fitter than his 35-years suggest.
      At Porto Hulk was a little rounder and squarerCredit: AFP – Getty
      Now plying his trade back in Brazil, Hulk is leaner, more muscular and fit as a fiddle
      SERGIO RAMOS
      The Real Madrid legend’s Instagram account is littered with videos of high-intensity workout videos.
      When he was at Sevilla, he was just a beanpole of a defender. Now, he’s the real deal.
      “My training routines at home are usually focused on functional and isometric exercises, always ending with some cardio work,” the  Paris Saint-Germain signing revealed.
      And for Sergio, a healthy breakfast is the perfect to start the day.
      He revealed: “I usually take a coffee, some whole-grain bread with protein like turkey breast or a poached egg, and a piece of fruit.”
      When he began his career at Sevilla, Ramos was a beanpole of a defenderCredit: EPA
      Ramos is now one of the most chiselled footballers around
      GEORGE ELOKOBI
      There’s no doubt about it, Elokobi is hench.
      The former Wolves star, now playing for National League side Maidstone United, was always a crowd favourite because of his size.
      At only 5ft 9inches, he isn’t the tallest. But he earned the nickname of ‘The Body’ at Molineux because he was pure muscle.
      The defender even stripped down to his smalls on the catwalk during a charity fashion show at the club.
      Former Wolves star George Elokobi was nicknamed ‘The Body’
      Elokobi even stripped down to his smalls to show off his six-pack for a charity fashion showCredit: Matthew Ashton
      MARIO BALOTELLI
      The fiery former Manchester City striker was always tall and lean.
      But after celebrating scoring for Italy against Germany in Euro 2012, he was keen to show off a ripped torso as he flexed his muscles shirtless.
      However, the normally fit Balotelli was anything but in 2018 when he returned to training for Nice reportedly two stone overweight when a move to Marseille collapsed.
      He soon dropped half a stone and was back to normal and is now playing for Turkish outfit Adana Demirspor.
      When Mauro Balotelli first emerged on the scene he was leanerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      At Euro 2012 Balotelli flexes his muscles after scoring against GermanyCredit: Corbis – Getty
      ALEXIS SANCHEZ
      The Inter Milan striker takes his training very seriously.
      Former Manchester United star Sanchez enjoys working out alone, and shared a video online strutting his stuff at their Carrington training ground to the famous Rocky theme ‘Eye of the Tiger’ in 2019.
      Sanchez has also been seen in the past enjoying sprint drills on the beach. After all, even in pre-season you can’t down tools in the summer.
      Standing at 5ft 6in, the former Gunner knows he needs strength as an attribute for his game to thrive. And he looks the business after rediscovering his form in Italy.
      Alexis Sanchez has worked hard on building his muscle massCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Sanchez is happy to share his extra workouts on InstagramCredit: Instagram @alexis_officia1 More