Retime

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Where Lionel Messi’s 15 wonderkids he thought would be future superstars are now, from Mason Mount to Joao Felix

      by

      IN 2020, Lionel Messi picked out 15 young stars to watch – but where are they now?The Argentina World Cup winner, 35, named his favourite wonderkids for a Topps ‘Lionel Messi Designed Set’ card pack.
      We look at how the 15 youngsters Messi picked out as ones to watch have fared in the year that followedCredit: Reuters
      Messi selected a hatful of young English talent among his crop – with no fewer than FOUR Three Lions stars making the grade.
      But the 15 youngsters have endured very different years since Messi’s announcement.
      Take a look at where they are now.
      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD
      Alexander-Arnold has struggled a bit for consistency since his epic riseCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      MESSI got a first-hand view of the Liverpool right-back’s talent in the 2018-19 Champions League.
      Read more Lionel Messi news
      Alexander-Arnold, 24, was in blistering form as the Reds thumped Barcelona 4-0 in the second-leg of their semi-final clash – and even took the corner leading to Divock Origi’s winning goal to send them to the final.
      Still Liverpool’s No1 right-back, Alexander-Arnold has faced criticism over his defensive ability in the last few seasons.
      However, he reinvented himself in midfield for England in the recent win over North Macedonia.
      Most read in Football
      HOUSSEM AOUAR
      Houssem Aouar excelled for Lyon in his first full seasonCredit: AFP or licensors
      LINKED with a move to Arsenal, Aouar captained Lyon and has already won caps for France.
      Technically superb, the versatile midfielder, 24, was expected to complete a big-money move to another of Europe’s giants in 2021.
      However, a loss of form and questions about his temperament emerged and he failed to make the World Cup squad.
      He recently signed for Roma on a free transfer, where he will play next season.
      FRENKIE DE JONG
      Frenkie De Jong is still waiting to find his top form at BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      A former team-mate of Messi, the Argentine knows all about De Jong.
      The Dutchman, 26, moved from Ajax following their run to the 2018-19 Champions League semi-final.
      While De Jong is yet to replicate his top form at the Nou Camp – time is certainly on his side.
      Man Utd thought so, anyway, and were desperate to sign him last summer. However, he snubbed their offer – preferring to stay at Camp Nou.
      MOUSSA DEMBELE
      Moussa Dembele moved to Atletico Madrid on loan in 2021Credit: Alamy Live News
      THE French striker, 26, joined Atletico Madrid on loan from Lyon with a view to a permanent move back in 2021.
      But, he failed to impress Diego Simeone – and was soon back to France.
      The ex-Fulham and Celtic forward was rated one of Europe’s most-sought-after stars after a sensational three-year spell in France.
      Dembele has scored 70 times in 172 matches in all competitions for Lyon.
      JOAO FELIX
      Joao Felix is slowly starting to find his feet at Atletico MadridCredit: Reuters
      ANOTHER Atleti forward, Diego Simeone added Felix to his squad for a record £113million in 2019.
      But the 23-year-old has failed to live up to the hype expected of him.
      A poor return of 34 goals in 131 games and has meant Simeone is ready to cut his losses.
      Man Utd are one of the clubs that have been linked with the fallen wonderkid.
      A loan move last season to Chelsea in January, where he scored just four goals in 20 games, won’t have helped his cause for a future move.
      PHIL FODEN
      Phil Foden has been in exceptional form for Man CityCredit: AFP
      THE Manchester City star, 23, is making a name for himself across Europe.
      As well as Messi, Foden has garnered praise from the likes of Arsene Wenger.
      Under Pep Guardiola, Foden has flourished and become a full international.
      The clamour for him to be England’s main man at the World Cup was too much for Gareth Southgate to resist – and he inspired the Three Lions to a 3-0 win over Wales.
      KAI HAVERTZ
      Kai Havertz has struggled mightily since his £70m move to Chelsea last summerCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group
      AFTER Messi’s comments, Havertz teased clubs across Europe by showing off his unquestionable talent at Bayer Leverkusen.
      After Chelsea opted to splash £70m on the midfielder/forward, Havertz, 24, was expected to take the next step.
      The German star blew hot and cold for the Blues, showing glimpses of his talent – but never on a consistent level.
      This summer, Arsenal have taken a punt on Havertz who will hope to rediscover his form at the Emirates.
      LUKA JOVIC
      Luka Jovic tried to rekindle his form back at Eintracht FrankfurtCredit: EPA
      SIGNED by Real Madrid from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2019, Jovic’s career has really stalled.
      The Serbian, 25, scored just twice in 21 LaLiga games before being shipped back on loan to Frankfurt last year.
      Jovic scored twice off the bench in his first game back in the Bundesliga – but didn’t exactly pull up trees.
      Los Blancos cut their losses in the summer – flogging him to Fiorentina where he scored 13 goals in all competitions last season.
      JOSHUA KIMMICH
      Joshua Kimmich continues to prove he is one of the best players in the worldCredit: AFP
      HARDLY a wonderkid at the time of Messi’s revelation – Kimmich was already 25. He’s now 28.
      The German feels like he’s been around for a decade already and is easily one of the best players on the planet.
      The versatile star can play in midfield or at right-back and has already won 79 international caps, while helping Bayern Munich to a famous Treble last season.
      Kimmich was part of the Bayern team who trounced Messi’s Barcelona 8-2 in the Champions League quarter-final, even getting on the scoresheet.
      KYLIAN MBAPPE
      Kylian Mbappe is arguably the best striker on the planet at presentCredit: AFP or licensors
      QUITE possibly the best striker on the planet right now, Mbappe has scored a sensational 212 goals in 260 league games for Paris Saint-Germain.
      The 2018 World Cup winner, 24, was set to move to Real Madrid last summer, but snubbed the LaLiga giants for a bumper £300million contract with the French club.
      However, he has now revealed he won’t be extending his contract beyond 2024 and has reportedly agreed a contract with Real Madrid.
      EDER MILITAO
      Eder Militao is yet to earn himself a regular spot in the Real Madrid XICredit: Getty Images – Getty
      HAVING moved to Real Madrid from Porto in the summer of 2019, huge things were expected of the Brazilian, who was handed a SIX-YEAR contract.
      Militao, 25, has shown flashes of talent after breaking into the first team.
      But Militao can’t dislodge Thiago Silva and Marquinhos in the Brazilian national team.
      MASON MOUNT
      Mason Mount has been in superb form for a struggling Chelsea this seasonCredit: Tom Jenkins/ The Guardian
      A FUTURE Chelsea – and possibly even England – captain, Mount has been superb for the Blues.
      Mount, 24, bizarrely seems to split fans – but has shown grit, determination and extraordinary talent in a struggling Chelsea team.
      The midfielder has gone from strength-to-strength since Messi comments.
      It’s expected Mount will go on to forge an incredible partnership with the likes of Declan Rice, Jack Grealish, James Maddison and Phil Foden for England in what’s increasingly looking like another ‘Golden Generation’.
      Although, Chelsea seemingly see him as surplus to requirements – as they negotiate a move away from Cobham to Man Utd.
      BENJAMIN PAVARD
      Benjamin Pavard is a key member of Bayern Munich’s rampant squadCredit: EPA
      MESSI was never going to leave the Bayern Munich man out of his list.
      After all, Pavard, 27, scored the goal of the tournament as France knocked Argentina out of the 2018 World Cup at the last-16 stage with a sensational strike in a 4-3 win.
      The versatile defender is now a regular in the Bayern XI, playing 162 Bundesliga games since joining from Stuttgart in 2019.
      CHRISTIAN PULISIC
      Christian Pulisic needs to fully recover from his injuries to show his true talentCredit: PA
      DESPITE struggling with injuries, Pulisic has shown fans – and Messi – just what he can do.
      Chelsea always seem to look more dangerous with the American, 24, in the team.
      Pulisic also led the USA’s charge in Qatar admirably at the World Cup last year.
      JADON SANCHO
      Sancho starred at Borussia Dortmund, but has struggled since moving to Man UtdCredit: EPA
      OF all the players on Messi’s list, Sancho has arguably been the most disappointing
      The Man Utd star, 23, was the subject of the longest-running transfer saga ever, seemingly in 2021.
      Read More On The Sun
      Sancho eventually joined in a deal worth a staggering £73million.
      Back in January, he admitted to having to overcome “physical and mental” issues. More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool legend Phil Thompson snubs Messi and Pele from his World XI but includes Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe

      by

      PHIL THOMPSON opted for Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe in his attempt at picking a World XI without two players from the same club or country.Naturally, some big-name stars were left on the cutting room floor when the Liverpool hero went without Lionel Messi and Pele.

      Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher were among the former players carefully picking their line-ups and Thompson drew upon his experience to enlist stars of his 1970s and 80s pomp.
      Pat Jennings, Billy Bremner and Gerrard added a British touch to his XI, which also features 1970 World Cup winner Carlos Alberto.
      The right-back spent his career in the Americas and arrived ahead of attacking icon Pele and Neymar, given that he rules out any fellow Brazil or Santos player from the team.
      Men typically associated with only one or two clubs are prevalent, from Liverpool’s Gerrard to AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini and former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany.
      Joining them in defence is Mats Hummels, who has spent his entire career in Germany.
      Cristiano Ronaldo, snubbed by both Gerrard and Carragher, is picked by Thompson alongside Diego Maradona, Mbappe and Didier Drogba in the frontline.
      An Ivory Coast international who stuck with Chelsea throughout his peak, Drogba scored 303 goals during his career.
      Messi has not, meanwhile, because he would rule out any fellow Argentina or Barcelona players but ex-defender Thompson could have traded him in for Maradona when he made the call.
      MOST READ IN FOOTBALL
      Likewise, bringing in Ronaldo condemns any other Real Madrid, Juventus, Portugal or Manchester United player.
      But given Thommo’s loyalties perhaps the latter was always unlikely to make an appearance.
      Featuring in Rangers boss Gerrard’s XI were the likes of Cafu, Roy Keane and Andrew Robertson, although he did agree on Kompany, Drogba and Mbappe being worthy of a place.
      He told The Football Show: “It took me more than a couple of hours, I was stewing on this for a couple of nights.
      “I felt like I had a team and I was happy with it, I had Zidane in it, I had [Roberto] Carlos, Baresi in it. Then you get a text of Carra saying, ‘No, no, no that’s wrong – they played together’.
      “It’s actually more challenging than what you think. But we got there in the end and I’m really pleased with the team I picked.” More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Robin Van Persie reveals how Sir Alex Ferguson called two stars who went out partying ‘a***holes’ after a loss to City

      by

      SIR ALEX FERGUSON hammered ‘a***hole’ stars in front of their teammates for partying after a derby defeat, Robin van Persie once revealed.A 2-1 loss to Manchester City still left the Red Devils 12 points clear as they raced to the Premier League title – but Fergie was fuming.
      Van Persie helped Ferguson win the title during his final seasonCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Two first-team players were humiliated in front of the dressing room for partying the night of the defeat with photographs of their exploits plastered over the walls.
      Van Persie told SoFoot: “During my first season with United we were 15 points clear at the top. We hosted Manchester City hoping to wrap up the title.
      “We lost, but were still 12 points clear. Most managers wouldn’t have made a drama out of the situation.
      “But the boss got really fired up. Things got extremely heated, as two of the squad had gone out after the defeat.
      “The day after the game Sir Alex had photos put up on the dressing room wall of the two players taken during their night out.
      “He told the entire squad: ‘Boys, if we don’t win the league it’s because of these two a***holes who opted to go out’.
      “I know the names, but can’t reveal them. The manager slaughtered them. It was amazing. He’d put up photos documenting where they were, at 2am, 3am, 4am etc, to underline just how stupid they had been.
      “He didn’t stop there, but warned us that if he heard of any of us going out before we’d won the league we’d be out of the team.
      most read in football
      “He was merciless, saying: ‘I don’t care who you are or how many trophies you’ve won – if you go out before the end of the season I’ll sell you’.
      “After that speech, I had the two hardest training sessions I’ve ever had in my life. We went on to win the title. A manager has to know when to be tough, and when to take the pressure off.”
      United nonetheless crawled over the line to seal the title in Ferguson’s final weeks in charge of the team, winning three of his last nine games as boss.
      Robin van Persie criticises Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for smiling and being too nice More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      YouTuber Jake Paul’s amazing car collection includes a £165k Lamborghini Huracan, and a £330k Ferrari 296 GTB he broke

      by

      WHEN YouTuber Jake Paul made it, the first thing he did was treat himself to his dream car.He splashed £165,000 on a brilliant blue Lamborghini Huracan and immediately posted an emotional video on social media sharing his delight about his expensive purchase.
      YouTuber Jake Paul boasts an insane collection of expensive carsCredit: Instagram / @jakepaul
      Paul shows off his ‘dream car’ – a Lamborghini HuracanCredit: Instagram / @jakepaul
      Paul also added a Ferrari 296 GTB worth £330,000 to his collection
      After just one day, Paul managed to break it doing doughnutsCredit: YouTube/Jake Paul
      Since embarking on a different career – from social media star to pay-per-view boxing villain – Paul’s car collection has grown extensively.
      Here’s his fine collection of cars in full, including one he broke after just ONE day.
      Ferrari 296 GTB, £330,000
      The first thing you want to do when you splash the cash on a car worth over £300,000 is drive it carefully.
      Forget that. After waiting 18 months to get his hands on a Ferrari 296 GTB, Paul managed to break it after one day.
      read more on jake paul
      Having done one too many doughnuts, the “low beam failure” warning popped up and the American was advised to go back to the dealer.
      He said: “I broke the car, guys.”
      Paul added: “I don’t know if I was supposed to drive it that hard on the first day. It literally just says, ‘Go to dealership.’ Straight up.
      “Like nothing else, just like, ‘You’ve ruined the car. Go to the dealership now.'”
      Most read in Boxing
      On a recent shopping spree, he also got his hands on a £600,000 SF90 Spider and a 1958 Ford Fairlane, which can cost up to £70,000.
      LAMBORGHINI HURACAN, £165,000
      In 2018, Paul, 25, treated himself to a flashy supercar.
      And his bright blue Lamborghini Huracan Performante really is the most lavish thing he’s been seen behind the wheel of.
      Although he had to wait six months to get his hands on one, when it arrived the social media influencer declared it his ‘dream car’ and shot a video revealing his ’emotion’ that driving a Lambo was about to become a reality.
      Performance-wise, when Paul took it for a spin, he wouldn’t have been disappointed either.
      Boasting 631bhp, it’s capable of reaching 0-60mph in 2.5 seconds and has a top speed of 212mph.
      Paul is a huge fan of Lamborghini
      TESLA MODEL X, £80,000
      In the US, electric vehicles are all the rage amongst Angelinos.
      And the wealthier ones are now swapping their Toyota Prius for a much-more stylish Tesla Model X.
      Paul got his custom-wrapped by West Coast Customs Design – who famously looked after a host of celebs on MTV’s Pimp My Ride.
      The one-of-a-kind car also has carbon accents and sandblasted details, meaning it stands out from the crowd.
      Boxer Paul splashed on a £165,000 Lamborghini in 2018Credit: Instagram / @jakepaul
      The motor in brilliant blue stands out among his carsCredit: Instagram / @jakepaul
      The Tesla Model X owned by Paul, worth £80,000, was custom-wrapped by West Coast Customs DesignCredit: Instagram / @jakes.garage
      Here’s how Paul’s wrap looked before it was custom-wrappedCredit: Instagram / @jakes.garage
      ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM, £360,000
      It’s not all fast or eco-friendly cars for Jake.
      The internet personality has also been seen showing off a classic Rolls-Royce Phantom in white.
      It was a make he was first seen driving back in 2018 alongside brother Logan, when the pair appeared at a celeb bash in a gold Ghost model.
      Smitten by the luxury of it, Jake added a £360,000 Phantom to his collection. And why not.
      Paul first became acquainted with the Rolls-Royce brand in 2018Credit: Instagram / @jakepaul
      A few years later Paul was seen with his own £360,000 Rolls Royce PhantomCredit: Instagram / @jakepaul
      TOYOTA TACOMA, £40,000
      Nothing beats going off-road.
      That’s why Paul also has a sturdy SUV in his Toyota Tacoma in white that would’ve cost him around £40,000.
      A standard Tacoma boasts a 2.7-liter I-4 engine producing 159 HP and 180 lb-ft of torque.
      Judging by his Instagram, it’s Paul’s go-to motor when he wants to have some fun.
      Paul loves to go off-road and has a Toyota Tacoma in his garageCredit: Instagram / @jakes.garage
      FORD FOCUS RS, FROM £22,000
      After he scored success with West Coast Customs Design with his Model X, Jake returned with his cherished Ford Focus RS.
      Originally, he had it wrapped in black. But he wanted a change – and what he got was something completely different.
      It really is a showstopper and even has his name inscribed on the Continental tyres that were fitted new.
      Because of its colours, he nicknames the car ‘Rainbro’.
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      One of Paul’s most cherished cars is his £22,000 Ford Focus RSCredit: YouTube
      West Coast Customs design gave the Focus a complete makeover and he has now nicknamed the motor ‘Rainbro’Credit: YouTube
      DODGE RAM FROM £40,000
      Continuing his love of trucks, Paul has also been spied behind the wheel of a Dodge Ram 1500.
      The all-American SUV is reasonably priced with a starting price of just £40,000 – and the boxing star made sure he got the Black Ops model, inspired by the American Armed Services.
      Read More On The Sun
      A powerful vehicle, latest models have a 3.6L V6 engine producing 305bhp.
      Maybe after dominating the boxing world, Paul wants to join the army?
      Favoured by the American Army Services and Jake Paul, the Dodge Ram is another favourite truck of the social media influencerCredit: Instagram / @jakes.garage
      Paul has reportedly amassed a fortune of around £25millionCredit: Instagram / @jakepaul More

    • 288 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Mason Mount was determined to succeed John Terry at Chelsea after his dad told him to leave but now wants Man Utd switch

      by

      MASON MOUNT was determined to become a Chelsea legend like John Terry when he was a teenager, but now he is seeking a new challenge.It was 2014 and Mount, one of the most sought after 15-year-olds in the country, had to choose between a scholarship with the Blues and a raft of tempting offers to leave.
      Mason Mount has starred for Chelsea since 2019Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Mount lifts the Champions League trophy alongside dad Tony in 2021Credit: Getty
      Uncles, aunts and grandparents offered advice to the talented teenager after dad Tony called a family meeting at their Portsmouth home.
      “I told Mason I thought he needed to move on to get the best opportunity,” Tony told SunSport.
      “I said, ‘No one at Chelsea’s academy has got into the first-team since John Terry — what chance have you got?’
      “Mason shot back, ‘I’ll be the next one.’ He said, ‘I’m not leaving Chelsea, it’s my club. I’ve been here since the age of six and I’m going all the way.’”
      Nine years on and Mason — so named by his mum as it means ‘man of stone’ — fulfilled that promise, having made himself a regular for the Blues, winning the Champions League for his club and starring for England at the Euros and the World Cup.
      MOST READ IN FOOTBALL
      Sat in the garden of his Waterlooville home, Tony flicks through photographs on his iPhone which highlight his son’s rise.
      The snaps show him signing for Chelsea aged eight, bonding with best mate Declan Rice, representing England Under-21s and winning the 2018 player of the year at Vitesse Arnhem in Holland while on loan.
      But a photograph of a two-year-old Mason in the arms of his dad, who was a non-League manager in 2001, shows where his footballing education began.
      Mount vowed to become the first academy product since John Terry to make it in the first-teamCredit: Supplied
      An eight-year-old Mount joins ChelseaCredit: Tony Mount
      Mount, aged two, would watch his dad’s non-League side Havant Town
      Mount, with dad Tony, signing with Vitesse Arnhem in Holland on loan in 2017Credit: Tony Mount
      Tony, then boss of Havant Town, said: “I’m old-school and Mason has sat in dressing rooms with me kicking cups and doors while we’re 3-0 down at Kettering, and the language has been blue.”
      In 2004, Tony took a five-year old Mason to a club in Farnham for his first experience of playing on grass.
      “They started age six and Mason was five,” the father-of-four said. “I took him over there and they said, ‘He’s a bit small. Is he six?’ I said, ‘Yeah!’
      “Within two sessions he was playing with the Under-8s and dribbling round all of them.”
      Chelsea quickly spotted his talent. Mason was training with the Blues as well as the club his family raised him to support, Portsmouth.
      SAINT TO WINNER
      So when a friend invited them to rivals Southampton, so coaches could assess their trialists against a Chelsea player, the future starlet was hesitant.
      Tony said: “We were driving there and Mase said, ‘I won’t have to wear that shirt will I?!’ It’s embedded in him. I said he’d just have a bib on.
      “They split the boys into four teams and took them away to get changed. The first team came out wearing black, another in blue and then another in yellow.
      “I’m looking for Mason and thinking, ‘Please don’t come out in red and white! PLEASE don’t come out in red and white!’ And he’s come out in this red and white kit with a face like thunder.
      “He’s going ‘Dad! Dad!’ and pointing at the shirt. He played like a man possessed that night because he was so unhappy about this kit. He scored 14 goals.”
      Mount’s dad Tony told SunSport about his son’s rapid rise at ChelseaCredit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun
      Mount became best mates with West Ham’s Declan Rice, left, in Chelsea’s academyCredit: Tony Mount
      Rice and Mount’s friendship endured as the two holidayed togetherCredit: Instagram @masonmount10
      Despite attempts by Saints and Pompey to sign Mount, it was too late. He’d fallen in love with Chelsea.
      He signed with the Blues aged eight and met fellow England international Rice at their Cobham academy. The duo quickly became inseparable.
      Tony, now a partner in an electronics manufacturer, said: “When Declan got released aged 14, we were all devastated. [Mason’s mum] Debbie was in tears and Mason was gobsmacked.
      “One minute you’re there and had been with Declan since the age of seven, travelling across Europe with the family and holidaying together, and all of a sudden he’s gone.
      “Declan is very strong mentally and got what he deserved at West Ham.”
      RAM RAID
      It was at the academy that Mason first met Jody Morris, Lampard’s assistant at Derby and then Chelsea.
      Former midfielder Morris was manager of the youth team when Mason stepped up. He thrived off Morris’ old-school approach and was appointed captain.
      Tony said: “I asked Mason about Jody and he said, ‘Dad, he’s very good. He’s a tough taskmaster, I love him and if I do something well he wants me to do it better.’”
      So when Morris called in 2018 to say Lampard wanted to meet, he jumped at the invite.
      Mount signed a five-year deal at Chelsea last summerCredit: PA:Press Association
      Mount signed a five-year deal at Chelsea in 2019. Both father and son travelled up to a London hotel and listened to Lampard’s pitch about going to Derby.
      “Talk about inspired! I wanted to play for Frank after that,” Tony said, laughing.
      “Frank was brilliant, explaining what he could give Mason. He knew him inside-out, was talking about games he’d watched Mason play.
      “We spoke to Steven Gerrard about going to Rangers, too, and he was similar: ‘I’ve watched Mason, know him and want him to come on a journey with me.’
      “Frank said the same: ‘Come with me and be my player, you’ve got everything I love.’
      “I said to Mason, ‘Don’t rush into it, we’ve got to think about it. I like Werder Bremen, and Norwich was a good meeting.’ He said, ‘No, Dad. I’m going to Derby. I want to work for Frank Lampard.’”
      Mount scored nine goals and got four assists at Pride Park, where he formed a strong bond with the Chelsea legend.
      And Mount asserted himself on the Blues’ first team after being handed his opportunity by his mentor Lampard and he went on to succeed under the management Thomas Tuchel, winning the Champions League.
      However, the 2022-23 campaign wasn’t so successful.
      Chelsea ended the season 12th in the Premier League table and without any silverware.
      And new Mount is on the verge of leaving Stamford Bridge.
      Man Utd have been pushing to sign the midfielder this summer, but they have seen three bids – with the latest totalling £55million – rejected.
      The Red Devils are now threatening to walk away from the deal entirely. More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Serie A legend looks unrecognisable with grey goatee in Lionel Messi exhibition match after ditching long locks

      by

      A SERIE A legend looks totally unrecognisable after ditching his iconic long locks.The former player hung up his boots and retired way back in 2005.
      This former footballer looks very different these days after appearing in an exhibition matchCredit: TWITTER @SC_ESPN
      But in those 18 years, he has not lost his magic touch in front of goal.
      He played in a Maxi Rodriguez testimonial alongside Argentine hero Lionel Messi, who scored a hat-trick on his 36th birthday.
      However, it was the ex-striker who looked completely different as he dispatched a classy penalty into the top corner for the Newell’s Old Boys XI – although the grey goatee could be a giveaway.
      With his side trailing 2-0, he stepped up and delivered from 12 yards before hugging the beaten goalkeeper.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Previously, the former footy ace was spotted at tennis’ ATP Cup in Australia.
      A photo, taken back in January 2020, shows the serial goalscorer watching his compatriots Argentina taking on Spain in Perth.
      Look carefully and again you may recognise the goatee beard – a lighter shade of silver these days.
      But the hairstyle is a neater clipped cut – a drastic change from the flowing mane with which he scored 350 career goals, including 219 in Italy’s top flight.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      The mystery man is, believe it or not, Gabriel Batistuta.
      Batistuta, now 54, started his career at Newell’s Old Boys – the same club as Messi – before a year apiece with rivals River Plate and Boca Juniors.
      But it was in Italy he enjoyed most of his success, spending nine seasons with Fiorentina – returning 203 goals in 331 appearances.
      He joined Roma in 2000 and had a loan spell with Inter Milan in 2002-03 before finishing his club career in Qatar with Al-Arabi.
      Batistuta won one Serie A, a Serie B, the Coppa Italia and two Supercoppa Italianas and was the top scorer in Italy’s top flight in 1994-95.
      The Argentina international managed an impressive 56 goals in 78 caps and lifted the Copa America twice.
      Only Messi, who took his tally to 98 with two in the World Cup final and now is clear on 103, has more strikes for the Albiceleste.

      The mystery footballer looks completely different in his retirementCredit: Getty
      He enjoyed an illustrious career, especially in ItalyCredit: Getty
      Gabriel Batistuta in action for Fiorentina, for whom he scored 203 timesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He made the controversial switch to Roma in 2000Credit: EPA More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal ‘really pushed’ for Tammy Abraham Chelsea transfer, until Roma boss Jose Mourinho pipped them to deal worth £34m

      by

      ARSENAL gave it their best shot when trying to sign Tammy Abraham from Chelsea before Roma boss Jose Mourinho came along.The Gunners were in pole position to sign the 25-year-old but the transfer was hijacked at the last minute by old foe and ex-Blues boss Mourinho, according to Fabrizio Romano.
      Roma boss Jose Mourinho hijacked Arsenal’s Tammy Abraham pursuit at the last minuteCredit: Getty
      It seemed like a match made in heaven as Abraham reportedly wanted to stay in the Premier League rather than move abroad.
      But Arsenal were trying to stall the striker so they could get rid of Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah, Romano claims.
      He told the Here We Go podcast, reported by the Express: “They were trying to convince the player and to take his time before joining Roma.
      “Because they were looking to sell maybe Lacazette or maybe Eddie Nketiah to have a free slot for a new striker with Tammy Abraham.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      “They were really interested, in talks with the agent, but they were prepared to make a proposal.
      “But they were needing to sell a striker before signing Tammy Abraham.
      “They were really, really pushing and pushing, they were trying in every possible way.”
      Arsenal had even tried to derail Roma’s interest in Abraham by offering them Lacazette on loan.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      But the deal never materialised and Mourinho pressed ahead in his pursuit of Abraham, who was the Blues joint-top scorer in 2020-21.
      In the end, Abraham couldn’t wait any longer and completed his switch to join Mourinho’s Roma revolution for £34million.
      And Abraham’s career at the club got off to a flying start as he provided two assists on his debut, much to the delight of the Roma fans who gave him a standing ovation for his contribution.
      The striker scored 28 goals in all competitions in his debut season and helped Roma with the inaugural Europa Conference League.
      But last season he struggled for form, only registering nine goals. More

    • 163 Shares169 Views

      in Athletics

      World’s sexiest pole vaulter Clara Fernandez leaves fans stunned with sexy bikini pictures

      by

      CLARA FERNANDEZ has been enjoying plenty of success on and off the track.The pole vaulter has been impressing for Spain in major competitions around the world.
      Clara Fernandez is a successful pole vaulter representing SpainCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Clara Fernandez has also attracted a strong following on social mediaCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Clara Fernandez has close to half a million followers on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM
      The 19-year-old athlete has also been turning heads on social media with her Instagram profile attracting over 478,000 followers.
      The Spaniard has won over fans around the world with her achievements in pole vaulting.
      But Fernandez has also created a strong fanbase thanks to her stunning glam pics on social media.
      However, her Instagram game mainly concentrates on her sports career.
      Read More on Sport
      Born in 2003, in Sant Cugat del Valles in Barcelona, the Spaniard’s pole vaulting career commenced at an early age.
      She also cut her teeth in various triathlon competitions as she trained for multiple races, such as swimming, running long distances, cycling, and of course pole vaulting.
      Fernandez has also enjoyed plenty of success in Under-20 European championships.
      Since 2018, the track star has won at least 21 titles throughout her young career.
      Most read in Athletics
      That led to a sponsorship deal with Nike, for whom she works as an ambassador.
      As it stands, Fernandez has registered a personal best of 4.05 in outdoor pole vaulting and 4.15 indoors.
      Clara Fernandez has also competed in Triathlons while building a sports careerCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Clara Fernandez has also become a representative for NikeCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Clara Fernandez has won many titles throughout her young careerCredit: INSTAGRAM More