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      in Soccer

      Erling Haaland once posed in full Arsenal shirt as a kid as Gunners fans joked ‘he’s coming home’ before Man City move

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      ARSENAL fans were sent wild when an old picture of Erling Haaland in a Gunners kit was posted on social media back in 2022.The 22-year-old sensation left Borussia Dortmund last summer for a bargain £51million move to Manchester City.
      A young Erling Haaland pictured in an Arsenal shirtCredit: Twitter / @chriswheatley_
      Haaland ended up moving to Man City from Borussia Dortmund for £51mCredit: Getty
      Manchester City appeared to always be in pole position for his signature, with Haaland reportedly jetting to Monaco for talks on several occasions before his switch.
      It ended up being a dream move for the Norwegian, who scored an astonishing 52 goals in all competitions.
      He also broke the record for most goals in a Premier League season with 36.
      But, better still, his side managed to win a historic treble – with the 1-0 Champions League final win over Inter Milan being the icing on the cake of a remarkable debut campaign.
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      But an old photo posted to Twitter by Football.London’s Chris Wheatley once caused quite the stir among Arsenal fans.
      In the snap Haaland can be seen wearing a yellow Gunners away kit with matching shorts.
      The kit is dated from the 2010-11 season, and was also used as the away kit for the next two campaigns, but it’s unknown when the picture was taken.
      Nevertheless some fans joked it was a sign that Haaland could have been heading to the Emirates instead,
      Instead, the Gunners added former Man City man Gabriel Jesus to their ranks, who made way for Haaland.
      One excited supporter wrote on social media at the time: “He’s coming home then.”
      Meanwhile another said: “He’s a Gooner through and through.”
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      Others called for Haaland’s Norway team-mate Martin Odegaard to help get a deal over the line, with one writing: “Agent Odegaard.”
      Unfortunately for Arsenal fans, Haaland did end up opting for Man City instead.
      And if wearing a shirt was anything to go by, last year the goal machine was spotted wearing Leeds United shorts as he signed fans for autographs.
      Maybe that’s where he will retire? More

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      in Motorsport

      Inside Christian Horner’s country pile that Red Bull F1 boss shares with Spice Girl Geri and three miniature donkeys

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      RED BULL chief Christian Horner is used to living life in the fast lane working in F1.But when it comes to his personal life, the team principal of the motorsport giants prefers a more quiet and slower existence away from the race track.
      Red Bull boss Christian Horner lives a life of luxury in the countryCredit: Instagram @christianhorner
      Horner poses on the grounds of their Oxfordshire farmhouse with son MontagueCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      He shares TWO stunning country homes with wife, Spice Girl Geri in Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire and their brood.
      The former property is, perhaps, the most lavish and most shared online – boasting its very own duck pond, which they use for boating.
      Their farm also houses three miniature donkeys, horses and goats in the estate’s stables.
      For Horner, living on a farm offers the ideal existence away from the stresses of the F1 circuit.
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      Back in 2019, he told Luxury London that the sprawling country abode was the “perfect home to relax in.”
      “Restoring the farm has been my hobby – the way I put racing out of my mind,” he added.
      “The main house is finished but now the barns are being converted. We’re currently putting the finishing touches to an indoor swimming pool.”
      Certainly, it’s the property in Oxfordshire that gets the most love from Geri on Instagram, who regularly shares candid snaps of her family life.
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      Horner, who last year celebrated Max Verstappen regaining the F1 Championship, is stepdad to Geri’s daughter Bluebell Madonna, 17, and the couple share a son, Montague, who is 6.
      He also has another daughter, Olivia, 10, from a previous relationship with ex-partner Beverley Allen.
      Christian has been spied alongside his boy riding matching John Deere tractors.
      He’s also been seen standing with his vintage Aston Martin DB5, which was Sean Connery’s car of choice as James Bond in Goldfinger.
      F1’s Horner poses on the steps of the home with daughter Olivia from his previous relationshipCredit: Instagram @christianhorner
      Son Montague and dad have matching John Deere tractorsCredit: Instagram @christianhorner
      An Aston Martin DB5 sits proudly in Horner’s garage
      Horner is married to Spice Girl GeriCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      Geri shows off the home’s swimming poolCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      Geri appears happy to play the role of housewife, often sharing photos in the kitchen rustling up treats.
      A budding chef, she has shown off her baking skills by crafting cakes using a customised Ginger Spice KitchenAid mixer, which Christian had specially designed for her.
      And with four separate ovens to choose from with the AGA range the kitchen boasts, she has plenty of space for her other favourite pastime – making bread.
      You can bet, Christian, who also loves using the outdoor barbecue, and the kids are well fed in the Horner household with Geri’s production line of cakes and bread.
      Geri is often spied in the kitchen and loves bakingCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      Christian shows off his grilling skills with the outdoor barbecueCredit: Instagram @christianhorner
      Christian and Geri have a number of reception rooms to entertain from.
      However, the most popular one appears to be where a £16,000 original Wurlitzer can be found.
      When she celebrated her 45th birthday, Geri posted a video online singing along to Michael Jackson hit Billie Jean while thanking Christian for the music, which suggested it was a gift for her.
      Another living room shows off a stunning chandelier, as well as a marble fireplace.
      A £16,000 vintage Wurlitzer can be seen in a reception room, which was a gift from Christian for Geri’s 45th birthdayCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      The Oxfordshire property boasts several reception roomsCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      A spacious dining room was seen when Montague celebrated his birthdayCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      The glam couple also have a bar space in their propertyCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      The family love taking advantage of the huge grounds on offer at their farmhouse.
      And why not when you’ve got an incredible duck pond so big you can go boating on it.
      Horner and Geri can even take their dogs for a walk around the expansive gardens.
      The pair have even been seen zooming around on a quad bike, as well as picking raspberries in the garden with Montague.
      Miniature donkeys live in the stables
      The grounds are vast on the Horner’s Oxfordshire plot
      The Horners show off their horses and have their own stableCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      Geri picks raspberries with Montague in their lush gardenCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      The duck pond on the property has its own boat
      Christian and Geri live the country life away from the racing circuitCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      Of course, no farm would be complete without animals either.
      And Christian and Geri boast three miniature donkeys that are housed in the stables, as well as some goats.
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      The singer often shares videos online when it’s feeding time.
      Clearly, you can forget the fancy racing circuit of heading to places like Dubai or Monte Carlo. A farmhouse is where it’s at. More

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      in Soccer

      Secret behind England and Man City star Jack Grealish’s big calves and why he wears his socks low

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      ENGLAND superstar Jack Grealish has revealed the secret behind his low socks and massive calves.The £100million Manchester City midfielder, 27, has a eye-cathing look on the pitch and has lifted the lid on his style.
      Jack Grealish has revealed the superstitious reason behind his famous low socksCredit: AP
      England ace Grealish has also opened up over his huge calvesCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      On those famous calves, he claimed it is all genetics, saying to the Daily Mail: “I actually don’t do anything. It’s just something that runs in the family.
      “My grandad always had big calves when he used to play football.
      “But I don’t do any calf exercises or calf routines in the gym or anything. Honestly, it’s just something that I’ve had since I was young.”
      And on those well-known low socks Grealish shared that superstition is the reason behind it.
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      He said: “I think I was about 14 or 15 and we were sponsored by Macron at Aston Villa and the socks used to shrink in the wash.
      “In training I couldn’t get them over my calves because the socks were so small.
      “So I started wearing them below my calves in training — and that season I ended up playing really well.
      “So then I started wearing my socks below my calves in games. It was just something that stuck because I’d had such a good season.”
      Fans had their say on Grealish’s calves when he played for the Three Lions in Qatar at the World Cup last year, with one saying: “So like, how big are Grealish’s calves going to get?”
      Another wrote: “Was very into the US-England game until noticing Jack Grealish’s mutant calves, which became my entire focus afterwards.”
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      One declared: “Jack Grealish wears his socks so low cause if he pulls them over his calves he’ll lose circulation to his legs.”
      Another added: “Someone hit me up with Grealish’s calves workout.” More

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      in Soccer

      Ex-Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez called Maxi Rodriguez a ‘son of a b****’ after he told white lie to get transfer

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      MAXI RODRIGUEZ has revealed he risked incurring the wrath of Rafael Benitez on day one of his Liverpool career.The Argentine winger signed for the Merseysiders in January 2010 following a useful stint at Atletico Madrid.
      Rodriguez was unveiled in January 2010Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      But in a desperate bid to seal a move to Anfield, Rodriguez told former Kop chief Benitez a little lie.
      The Liverpool manager asked the former Argentina international if he could speak English, as he wanted assurances that his potential new player would be able to slot straight into the dressing room at Melwood.
      Rodriguez immediately told him that he could.
      Although to say he was bending the truth would be somewhat of an understatement.
      Speaking during an Instagram Live, the now 42-year-old revealed: “Rafa told me it was very important for everyone to speak English.
      “When he asked if I could I said, ‘Yes, of course, don’t worry.’
      “I didn’t want negotiations to fall through so I told a little lie.
      “But when I arrived there was a press conference.
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      “Rafa told me he’d speak first and then I would take over.
      “That’s when I grabbed him and told [him], ‘Look, Rafa, the only thing I know how to say is hello.’
      “Rafa said, ‘You’re a son of a b****.’
      “But we were both laughing about it and after that, I learned how to speak English.”
      Rodriguez went on to make 73 appearances over two-and-a-half years at Anfield, notching 17 goals along the way.
      He was let go when Brendan Rodgers arrived in 2012, but not before he had lifted silverware in the shape of the 2012 League Cup.
      At 40, he still played for top-flight side Newell’s Old Boys in his native Argentina until 2021.
      Newell’s have an illustrious history, having previously been represented by the likes of Diego Maradona, Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino and as a boy by Lionel Messi.
      Rodriguez’s international career came to an end in 2014 following 51 appearances and 15 goals.
      Rodriguez went on to make 73 appearances for LiverpoolCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd More

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      in Motorsport

      Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll claims F1 has become ‘billionaire boys club’ after Lewis Hamilton demanded change

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      ASTON MARTIN F1 team owner, Lawrence Stroll, admits the sport has become “the billionaire boys club”.Lewis Hamilton used the term when he said he felt F1 had become overrun by young drivers with rich parents.
      Lawrence Stroll says F1 is an expensive sport dominated by very wealthy racersCredit: The Times
      Lewis Hamilton reckons it would be tough for someone from his background to break into F1Credit: PA
      And the seven-time world champion, 38, believes it would be impossible for him to break into the sport from his background if he tried to do it now.
      Hamilton told Spain news publication AS: “Growing up in a normal working-class family, there is no way I could be here – the guys you are fighting against have that much more money.
      “We have to work to change that to make it more accessible, for the rich and for people with more humble origins.”
      The likes of Lance Stroll, the son of the Aston Martin tycoon, Nikita Mazepin, Lando Norris and Mick Schumacher have all come from wealthy families.
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      And Stroll, who is worth around £2.1billion ($3bn), and funded his son’s racing career said: “Racing is definitely expensive, from go-karting on up, there’s no doubt about it.
      “It’s a lot less expensive to play golf or play tennis but F1 it’s an expensive sport, there’s machinery. There’s a lot of people who run the machines.
      “You have to be a very wealthy individual or a very large corporation to be able to afford to be in Formula One.
      “I don’t know what Lewis’s comment was referring to but this is a sport that is very capital intensive.
      “If you look at, for example, building a new building or a new wind tunnel, that’s well over £150million.
      “But Formula One is definitely an expensive sport to be in, there’s no question about that.”
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      Stroll completed his takeover of Aston Martin car company in 2021 and then rebranded the former Racing Point F1 team, more commonly remembered as Force India.
      Not only is he building a new factory, but he is upping staff levels from 500 to 800 employees in pursuit of challenging the likes of Red Bull and Mercedes for titles.
      When quizzed how long it will take before they are competitive, he added: “I think it’s four, five or six years.
      “We’re currently in a good place. We share Mercedes’ wind tunnel, but it is not as good as having your own.
      “Facilities wise, we’ve definitely outgrown our current site.
      “We’re putting up a lot of temporary facilities in order to accommodate all these new employees.
      “But as far as plans going forward, like pretty much every other business I own, is to win.
      “In this case, winning and Formula One obviously means world championships. 
      “Ultimately, that’s what we are striving for. That’s what I am striving for.
      “We all know very well that success in Formula One or any other business for that matter doesn’t come overnight.
      “That takes years to put the right people, the right tools, the right processes in place.
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      “But we’re building and investing in our team with the ambition of moving up the grid year by year.
      “And our ultimate ambition is to win world championships.”
      Stroll (right) says his team are targeting world championship winsCredit: Rex More

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      in Boxing

      Legend Floyd Mayweather calls HIMSELF best boxer ever with Muhammad Ali fifth after epic rant about The Greatest

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      FLOYD MAYWEATHER had no hesitation in naming HIMSELF the best fighter ever – before launching into a rant about Muhammad Ali after placing him fifth.The 46-year-old legend holds an untarnished 50-0 career record with his last career win coming against Conor McGregor in 2017.
      Floyd Mayweather has named HIMSELF the greatest boxer of all-time ahead of a host of legendsCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Mayweather launched into a an extraordinary rant on why he was better than Muhammad AliCredit: Rex Features
      Since hanging up his gloves, Mayweather has hit the exhibition circuit and recently fought John Gotti III in a bout that erupted into chaos when a brawl between both corners stopped the fight.
      In 2020, Money appeared on ESPN and was asked to pick the best of the best from his sport, with Mayweather having legendary names such as Ali, Rocky Marciano and Joe Louis to choose from.
      But he instantly named himself as top choice and explained why.
      The American said: “He’s beat more world champions than any other fighter in a shorter time and less fights than any other fighter.
      “Landed punches at the highest percentage and took less punishment. He’s been world champion 18 years in five different weight divisions.”
      Regarding placing Ali in fifth, a man widely-regarded as the best of all-time, he said: “Ali, only one weight class and really lost to Ken Norton three times.
      “What he did is he stood for a cause in an era when African-Americans didn’t stand up for their people.”
      Mayweather also launched an extraordinary rant against Ali as he was named the best boxer of all time.
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      He said: “What are we judging fighters on? Because if we’re judging fighters on standing for a cause, then it’s Ali hands down.
      “But if we’re talking about taking the least punishment and breaking records, it’s Floyd Mayweather.
      “Muhammad Ali paved the way for me to be where I’m at today, he’s a legend.
      “But when we talk about record breaking, we’ve got to talk about Ali losing his world title to a fighter with only seven fights.
      “I have to take my hat off to Ali, but I didn’t give this sport 40 years to say that there’s another fighter better than me.”
      When the host argued that Ali’s boxing resume included legendary fights like his Thrilla in Manila showdown with Joe Frazier and suggested Mayweather did not have the same type of brawls, that ignited the flame further.
      A fuming Money replied: “That’s not cool. That’s not cool.
      “What I’m here to teach fighters is this: the name of the game is to hit and not get hit. It’s not about taking punishment.
      “And I love Ali, but sitting on the ropes, taking punishment as far as doing a rope-a-dope – that’s not cool.”
      Mayweather named Roberto Duran second, Pernell Whitaker third and Julio Cesar Chavez fourth in his own list.
      He explained: “[Roberto Duran]. Came up from lightweight to world champion at 160lbs. Love that guy. A legend.
      “[Pernell Whitaker]. Really, he beat Julio Cesar Chavez (the fight was a officially a draw). And he did beat my uncle Roger twice.
      “[Julio Cesar Chavez]. Was 79-0 in different weight classes before he lost.” More

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      in Soccer

      Euro 2004 England team who played against Croatia and where they are now, including Rooney, Campbell and James

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      ENGLAND’S Golden Generation had fans dreaming of silverware when Sven Goran-Eriksson’s side lined up at Euro 2004.And 18 years ago, they managed a 4-2 win over Croatia that had us all believing they could go all the way.
      England lined up in a 4-4-2 against Croatia
      Two goals from Wayne Rooney and one each from Paul Scholes and Frank Lampard saw the Three Lions reach the knockout stages of the Euros on foreign soil for the first time ever.
      The group stage wasn’t without its drama, with Zinedine Zidane putting two past England in injury time to beat Goran-Eriksson’s men 2-1 in their opening game.
      But the painful defeat was soon a distant memory as the Three Lions put three past Switzerland in their next match, before that victory over Croatia.
      With undoubtedly one of the strongest sides since their 1966 World Cup win, the nation was left shattered after penalty heartbreak to Portugal in the quarter-final.
      It was a case of what could have been if Rooney hadn’t broken his metatarsal in the early stages of the game.
      But where are the players that featured in that contest now?
      David James
      Keeper James played for England until the World Cup in 2010 earning 53 caps.
      After a year stint at Bournemouth in 2013, James raised eyebrows with a move to Icelandic side ÍBV Vestmannaeyjar in a player/coaching capacity.
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      He then moved to India with Kerala Blasters as a player and later managed the club in 2018.
      James was eventually sacked as manager 11 months later, and is now an occasional pundit on Sky Sports.
      David James was England’s No1 for more than 50 gamesCredit: Getty
      His post-playing career has seen a foray into managementCredit: Getty – Pool
      Gary Neville
      The former Manchester United right-back hung up his boots in 2011 and has since forged out a successful career as a pundit for Sky Sports.
      Alongside Jamie Carragher, Neville has become a huge hit with viewers on Sky Sports for his in-depth analysis.
      The Twitter regular also had an unsuccessful spell as manager of Valencia and was England’s assistant manager.
      SunSport revealed that Neville is raking in £20,000 a month from the terraces — after buying four Georgian townhouses.
      John Terry
      The Chelsea legend has also gone into coaching and continues to build his reputation on the touchline.
      After ending his illustrious playing career at Aston Villa, Terry took up an assistant manager position to boss Dean Smith but has since left.
      He is now hunting for his first manager’s job and is working as a youth development coach at Chelsea.
      John Terry left Chelsea and finished his playing career at Aston VillaCredit: Getty
      Terry enjoyed a coaching job with VillaCredit: Getty
      Sol Campbell
      Defensive rock Campbell retired from football in 2011 after a final spell at Newcastle.
      He then had a number of years out of the game where he turned to politics and in 2015 confirmed his intention to run for the Conservative Party nomination for the Mayor of London.
      He returned to football in 2017 when he was assistant manager to Dennis Lawrence at Trinidad and Tobago.
      He got a shot of management at Macclesfield and pulled off a great escape to keep them in League Two.
      Campbell was later appointed Southend manager, but left the club in 2020.
      The former defender was in the running for the QPR job, but Michael Beale has pipped him to the post for the role.
      Sol Campbell was a defensive rock for EnglandCredit: Getty
      Sol’s worked as a football manager in recent yearsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Ashley Cole
      After a stint in the MLS, he spent a season at Derby before retiring.
      Now one of England’s greatest left-backs is forging out a career in coaching and was part of the staff working alongside Frank Lampard at Everton before he was sacked.
      Cole is also a pundit for the BBC and covered the Blues’ 1-0 defeat to Leicester City in the FA Cup final.
      David Beckham
      Golden Balls remains one of the most famous names in football and is looking to take the MLS to new levels with his latest venture.
      He retired in 2013 after playing for Paris Saint-Germain and became co-owner of Manchester-based side Salford City.
      Beckham is also president of Inter Miami CF, who recently enticed Lionel Messi to the MLS.
      David Beckham was England’s biggest star throughout his international daysCredit: Offside Sports
      Becks remains one of the world’s most famous facesCredit: Getty
      Steven Gerrard
      Gerrard retired in 2016 after spending a season at LA Galaxy.
      He then returned to boyhood club Liverpool as a youth coach in January 2017.
      He took charge of the Under-18 side before being announced as the manager of Rangers in 2018, where he helped the club win the Scottish league.
      Last season, he was sacked as Aston Villa manager and has been linked with a return to management by Leeds.
      Frank Lampard
      Lampard has enjoyed a meteoric rise as a coach after hanging up his boots.
      After a stint working in media, Derby announced his managerial appointment for the 2018-19 campaign.
      A heartbreaking play-off defeat followed before Chelsea sensationally announced his return as manager following the departure of Maurizio Sarri.
      He finished in the top four in his first season, but was sacked in his second.
      But, he returned to management at Everton – saving the club from relegation in dramatic fashion.
      Lampard was sacked by the Toffees last season and became Chelsea interim manager, until Mauricio Pochettino was brought in to the club.
      Frank Lampard (right) was a midfield regular for EnglandCredit: PA:Press Association
      Chelsea hero Lampard became boss of his old club but was sacked and is now in charge of EvertonCredit: PA
      Paul Scholes
      Goalscorer against Croatia, the once publicity-shy Scholes has emerged into the limelight to become a television pundit.
      He has also become Salford’s co-owner with his Class of ’92 Manchester United team-mates.
      Scholes had a brief managerial stint at Oldham but quit after just seven games in charge.
      Most recently, he was seen playing in Soccer Aid, where he was unfortunately injured.
      Michael Owen
      Once England’s wonderkid, Owen now works as a pundit for BT Sport.
      He also followed up his interest in horse racing by becoming a racehorse breeder.
      Owen also released a book called Reboot: My life, my time.
      Michael Owen was England’s wonderkidCredit: AP:Associated Press
      The prolific goalscorer is now a pundit for BT SportCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Wayne Rooney
      Rooney, who scored twice against Croatia, was the last member of the side to hang up his boots.
      Following time spent in the MLS with DC United, Rooney sensationally made a return to England for a swansong at Championship side Derby.
      He was the Rams boss after retiring from playing, but couldn’t save the club from relegation after being hindered by a points deduction.
      Rooney now manages another former club in DC United.
      Wayne Rooney ended up scoring 53 goals for England – the all-time recordCredit: Getty
      Rooney is now DC United manager
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      Darius Vassell
      Vassell never played for England again after missing the penalty against Portugal at Euro 2004.
      The striker has gone off the radar after officially retiring in 2016.
      After leaving Man City in 2009, he went to Turkish side Ankaragücü before ending his career at Leicester.
      Phil Neville
      Neville has enjoyed a varied coaching role after retiring from playing.
      From caretaker boss of Salford, he was assistant to brother Gary at Valencia before taking the England Women’s manager role.
      He joined Becks in America to become coach of Inter Miami, but was fired this season following a poor run.
      He is also co-owner of Salford.
      Ledley King
      King remains a one-club man after injuries forced him to retire from football in 2012.
      He is still employed by Tottenham, where he is a club ambassador. More

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      in Boxing

      Boxing legend Ken Buchanan became a joiner after expensive divorce before tragically dying in a care home

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      WHEN the sublime Ken Buchanan fell on  financial hard times thanks to an expensive divorce and failed business ventures, he turned to his old trade as a joiner.Well into his fifties, he was working on a luxury housing development outside of Glasgow.
      The great Ken Buchanan became undisputed world lightweight champion in 1971Credit: Getty
      Buchanan was one of Scotland’s finest ever ambassadors for sportCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      Fellow icon Mike Tyson was thrilled to meet his ‘hero’ Buchanan in 2000Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Ken was sitting on a pile of bricks having a lunch break with a group of bricklayers when he was approached by a man who came out of the show house clutching a brochure.
      Believing he recognised the elderly fella drinking his mug of tea, he asked: “Are you Ken Buchanan?”
      Finding he was correct, he said: “Mr Buchanan, I’ve been one of your greatest admirers and I’m honoured to shake your hand. Would you sign my brochure?”
      As the happy fan left with Ken’s signature, one awestruck young workmate said: “F*** me, Kenny —  you must be some joiner.”

      I’ve no idea how good a master joiner Ken was but, covering many of his big fights in the 1960s and ’70s I do know he was a master in the ring.
      Ken, 77, suffered from dementia and died in a care home last weekend.
      And with due respect to Benny Lynch, Walter McGowan and Josh Taylor, he was undeniably Scotland’s greatest-ever fighter.
      Pound-for-pound he was one of the three best British fighters I’ve seen in my near 60 years as a boxing writer.
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      John Conteh and Joe Calzaghe are the others.
      It was a privilege to watch his virtuoso displays which led him to become the undisputed world lightweight champion. In his tartan shorts, he looked  straight out of a boxing textbook.
      With a left jab made in heaven he was all grace, speed and accuracy —  never wasting a punch.
      Ken won his first world title against all the odds, beating Panamanian Ismael Laguna in the blazing heat of a Puerto Rican open-air stadium.
      The Americans were so impressed he ended up headlining five times at Madison Square Garden.
      The hard-to-please New York crowd  loved him. On his first starring appearance there against Canada’s Donato Paduano in a non-title contest, Muhammad Ali — having  a comeback fight with Oscar Bonavena — was on his undercard.
      Ken delighted in telling the story of how Angelo Dundee, Ali’s trainer, asked him if he would let The Greatest share his dressing room as he hadn’t been allocated one.
      He couldn’t agree fast enough but, when Ali arrived, Ken drew an imaginary line down the  room and told him, “Don’t cross that line or there will be trouble.” Ali thought it was hilarious.
      Not one of Ken’s  69 fights was at home in Edinburgh — only fighting in Scotland four times in a 17-year career.
      So, just how good was he? When  Mike Tyson met Lou Savarese in Glasgow 23 years ago  — Savarese lasted 38 seconds  — I told him Ken would be at the weigh-in.
      He lit up and said: “Please introduce me — he is one of my heroes.”
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      I did and he took Ken to his suite, where they talked boxing for hours.
      Kobe Bryant, the late basketball star, was right about sporting giants like Ken Buchanan, when he said: “Heroes come and go but legends are forever.”
      Buchanan was inducted into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame in 2002Credit: PA
      Cuban-born Frankie Otero was twice beaten by Buchanan in 1973Credit: Getty More