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      I played Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane but I couldn’t sleep before facing little-known World Cup star

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      LEONARDO BONUCCI faced some of the football greats during his career including Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo – but he feared a lesser known star the most.The Italian defender hung up his boots at Fenerbahce at the end of last season after serving Juventus for 12 seasons, and now, aged 37, has looked back at his toughest-ever opponents.Leonardo Bonucci has named his toughest opponentCredit: GettyHe played with and against Cristiano RonaldoCredit: AFPAnd he gave a surprise name at the top of his list.Bonucci dreaded games against a certain former Atalanta forward.After competing against legends of the game such as serial trophy winners Messi and Ronaldo, it’s Torino star striker Duvan Zapata that gave him “nightmares”.Bonucci told Sky Sports Italy: “I have played against Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres and many others.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”But I was genuinely afraid of Duvan Zapata.”Before games against Atalanta, I couldn’t sleep at night.”Zapata’s power and physicality made him my nightmare.”Like Bonucci, Zapata has spent most of his career in Italy. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Colombian signed for Napoli in 2013, going on loan to Udinese and Sampdoria during his development. He signed for Sampdoria, which led to a loan and then a full-time switch to Atalanta where he dominated defenders.Cristiano Ronaldo ABSOLUTELY FUMING as he storms off pitch after Portugal draw with Scotland_1Scoring 82 and assisting 43 in 191 appearances, he proved a consistent performer and clearly played a key role in Atalanta’s success.And Zapata’s goal record against Juventus shows just how much he struck terror into one of Italy’s legendary defenders.He notched up eight goals against the Old Lady – including one where he brushed off Bonucci to fire home in a thrilling 2-2 draw.Now 33, Zapata signed for Torino on loan in 2023, before joining permanently this summer.Bonucci, meanwhile, made a humongous 502 appearances for Juventus as well as 51 for AC Milan, winning 9 Serie A titles, as well as five Italian cups along the way.He also starred for Italy, earning 121 caps for his country and winning Euro 2020 after defeating England on penalties at Wembley.Duvan Zapata scoring for Udinese against Bonucci’s Juventus in 2017Credit: EPAZapata is now with TorinoCredit: AFPBonucci won nine Serie A titles with JuventusCredit: GettyWho are these famous footballers? More

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      Former Champions League star who ‘changed club’s world image’ with goal vs Barcelona now playing in non-league at 33

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      A CHAMPIONS LEAGUE hero has left elite football to return to his roots for a non-league club in Greece.The famous defender stood out in Serie A playing for Roma and Napoli as well as Salernitana most recently.Kostas Manolas has left elite football for non-league club PannaxiakosCredit: Getty – ContributorManolas is remembered for his legendary goal for Roma that eliminated BarcelonaCredit: Getty The ex-Greece international’s performances in Italy attracted the interest of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea in 2018 and 2019.Reports at the time suggested the Premier League trio was willing to splash over £30million before the centre-back joined Napoli in 2019 and embarked on a three-year stint in Naples.That is none other than Kostas Manolas, who made headlines around the world in the Champions League six years ago when his late header led Roma to a famous 3-0 win over Barcelona at the Olimpico.It was thanks to the Greek star that the Giallorossi qualified for the semi-finals where they faced Liverpool, who moved on to the final.Read More on FootballManolas is now 33 years old and it looks like top-level football is over for him as he surprised the world with his decision to play for his local club Pannaxiakos in the Cyclades’ First Division until June.The Olympiacos legend returns to his place of birth in the isle of Naxos where he and his family have now settled to play in the fourth division, with his new team now hoping for promotion to the third division.The ex-AEK Athens star decided to help the team after a few training sessions with Giorgos Mostratos’ side.Pannaxiakos announced: “The President, the members of the Board of Directors and Pannaxiakos FC’s great family announce the arrival of Kostas Manolas to the men’s team with great joy, emotion and pride.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”The player who wore the shirt of AEK, Olympiacos, Roma, Napoli, the player who honored the shirt of Greece’s Youth and Men’s National Team, the Greek central defender who has been admired by Europe, the Naxos native who has chosen his place of birth to reside with his family, will strengthen Pannaxiakos’ effort in this year’s championship. Welcome Kostas!”Manolas joined Roma in 2014 following two stunning years at Olympiacos in the Champions League and went on to amass a total of eight goals in 206 appearances before joining Napoli.Kostas Manolas shows off his football skills playing for Salernitana 1919 However, none of his goals are more famous than the one against Lionel Messi and co, which he claimed “changed Roma’s image in the world”.The ex-Greece star, who stood out in the 2014 World Cup and helped his country make it to the knockouts for the first time ever, claimed the Italian giants could have even made it to the Champions League final if VAR was available.Manolas said two years ago: “It changed Roma’s image in the world.“Yes, it was important. Not only because it was a 3-0 scoreline to qualify for a Champions League semi-final. “But because the whole world understood that Roma are a great team. Before, Roma had another image in Europe, another story.“But we too could have reached the final of that Champions League, if there had been VAR. READ MORE SUN STORIES”They didn’t give us a penalty on [Edin] Dzeko for an offside that wasn’t there. “They didn’t see a handball by [Trent] Alexander-Arnold which would have been a penalty and red card. A goal would have been enough to beat Liverpool.” More

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      ‘Like boyfriend and girlfriend’: Paul Pogba opens up on Jose Mourinho fallouts but says he wants to HUG ex-Man Utd boss

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      PAUL POGBA has opened up on his relationship relationship with Jose Mourinho.The midfielder played under the Portuguese manager at Manchester United between 2016 and 2018.Paul Pogba has spoken about his relationship with Jose MourinhoCredit: Sky SportsThe pair worked together at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettySpeaking to the Daily Mail, Pogba has claimed that the pair would often fall out but would be quick to make up with each other. He said: “Our relationship was like boyfriend and girlfriend, we were breaking up and making up all the time.”It started great, he was one of the reasons I went back to Manchester because I spoke to him and he convinced me to come back.”I don’t know why it turned into a nightmare and us fighting. Because I wasn’t fighting. I didn’t start the fight.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We disagreed like managers and players do sometimes. But there’s a lot of respect from me to him.”f I see him tomorrow it’s a big hug! But one day we will have to sit down together and discuss it.”Mourinho was the manager who brought Pogba back to Manchester United in 2016.While they were at the club, they clashed multiple times, including in 2018 when Mourinho was unhappy that Pogba was posting on social media during a match that he missed.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMourinho claimed that the World Cup win in 2018 saw Pogba change and return to Man United “different”.The midfielder had left Old Trafford four years earlier on a free transfer to Juventus.Paul Pogba ban reducedWhat is DHEA?PAUL POGBA tested positive for elevated levels of DHEA, a hormone that naturally occurs in the adrenal gland, in August 2023.DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, can be used to naturally boost testosterone production. It does not produce testosterone itself.It is on the world anti-doping banned substances list and carries a maximum of four years if the athlete took it deliberately to enhance their performance.DHEA can legally be sold over-the-counter in the US as a dietary product, known as prasterone.It is also taken as an anti-ageing therapy, and to treat depression and the symptoms of menopause, although there is little evidence to suggest it is effective, and it can cause serious side effects.In 2022, UFC fighter Bobby Green received a six-month ban after testing positive for a DHEA.Green said he had not realised that DHEA was banned after seeing a video on YouTube, and took the supplement after his wife bought it from a supermarket.It was at the Italian side that he established himself as one of the best in Europe.This prompted the Red Devils to splash £90million to bring him back to the club.During his time at the club he won the Europa League and EFL Cup as well as making a total of 233 appearances.Pogba, 31, left the club on a free transfer in 2022 at the expiration of his contract and rejoined Juventus.His first season back in Italy was hampered by injuries before he was then banned for FOUR YEARS for doping.However, his suspension reduced to 18-months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport earlier this month after an appeal.He has insisted that he is not a cheater and that he took responsibility for taking the supplement but did not “triple check it”.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe former France international also revealed which club he would like to play for when he makes his return.Pogba insisted that he would be keen to rejoin Juventus and even admitted that he would take a pay cut.They won the Europa League together in 2017Credit: GettyThe midfielder wants to return to JuventusCredit: ReutersPogba’s career by numbersHere is a look at Paul Pogba’s career so far…Man United, 2009–2012 & 2016-2022Appearances: 266Goals: 39Assists: 48Trophies: Europa League, EFL CUPJuventus, 2012–2016 & 2022-2024Appearances 190Goals: 34Assists: 41Trophies: Serie A x4, Coppa Italia x2, Suppercoppa Italiana x2France, 2013-2022Caps: 91Goals: 11Assists: 9Trophies: World Cup, Nations League More

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      Man Utd cult hero Federico Macheda stunned club allowed ‘jack of all trades’ to leave in summer after stunning start

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      FEDERICO MACHEDA has admitted his surprise at Manchester United letting Scott McTominay leave in the summer.The midfielder, 27, signed for Napoli in a £25million deal in August.Scott McTominay has had a brilliant start to life in ItalyCredit: RexFederico Macheda played 36 times for Man UtdCredit: Getty – ContributorHe has since earned rave reviews under Antonio Conte, with fans and pundits alike thrilled with his early impact.The Scotland international played 255 times for United after coming through their academy.But as they looked to recruit Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain, McTominay was allowed to depart.Macheda, 33, played 36 times for the Red Devils between 2007 and 2014 – earning cult status for his debut wonder goal against Aston Villa.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking to Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli, the Italian confessed his shock at United letting McTominay go.He said: “I know McTominay quite well. I was almost in the first team at Manchester United and he played for the U-16 side.”Back then he didn’t have this physicality but you could see that he was a really good guy.“I’m happy that he’s settling in well at Napoli and he’s doing it quickly. Changing league is not easy and the approach he had proves his will and ability to take on new challenges.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”He’s a jack of all trades as a footballer. He’s good at making offensive runs and helping the team off the ball. He’s a real worker and I’d define him as a fantastic signing.”Conte’s presence made a lot. When a coach like him wants you in his team it’s hard to say no. I was surprised that Manchester United decided to sell him.Man Utd ‘only do stupid things & kill stars, someone should be arrested’, rants journalist amid McTominay’s red-hot form”He always did well there despite their recent complicated seasons. Without any doubt, leaving and going to Napoli was the right choice.”Napoli are top of the Serie A table, having won five of their opening seven matches.McTominay has played five times for his new side, scoring twice and laying on an assist.Former Premier League star Paolo Di Canio recently had strong words to say regarding the transfer.The Italian, 56, claimed: “I would go to Manchester United to arrest all the directors – how can you give away McTominay?”Having played twice for Scotland during the international break, McTominay is set to return to club action against Empoli this Sunday. More

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      Joshua Zirkzee tipped for shock January loan transfer after just seven Premier League games for Man Utd

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      MANCHESTER UNITED ace Joshua Zirkzee has been tipped for a loan move to Juventus in the January transfer window.Zirkzee, 23, joined United in the summer for £36.5million from Bologna, where he produced 12 goals and seven assists in 37 appearances last season.Manchester United ace Joshua Zirkzee has been tipped for a January loan moveCredit: GettyPaolo Di Canio suggested Zirkzee should leave Man Utd for JuventusCredit: SplashThe striker has only played seven times in the Premier League so far this term, with his only goal coming in the season opener against Fulham. But West Ham legend Paolo Di Canio suggested it would be best if the Netherlands international was loaned out to Juve, despite the fact it’s still very early doors in his Old Trafford career.Di Canio believes the Dutchman is “a bit too slow” for the Premier League, even though he’s still getting used to his new challenge.The ex-Juventus star added that the success he already experienced in Serie A would help manager Thiago Motta as he has different characteristics to star striker Dusan Vlahovic.Read More on Man UtdDi Canio told TuttoSport: “For the Premier League he is a bit too slow, then maybe he will prove me wrong with goals and great performances.”But there they attack you straightaway and whistle 30 per cent less for fouls. In Italy, we have seen what impact the player had in Bologna.“In the end, in the confusion that there is at United, they could also give him on loan. “They already have [Rasmus] Hojlund, then there is [Marcus] Rashford who is playing in that position. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”He would be the perfect profile, also because it would allow Motta to have a striker with different characteristics to Vlahovic.“But I would start the negotiations now. A loan with maybe the possibility of redeeming him.Man Utd player ratings: Joshua Zirkzee hooked again as Lisandro Martinez saves Erik ten Hag’s blushes (2)”Zirkzee is not a devastating scorer, he is not one to score 25 goals, but he makes the others play well.” More

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      My dad is considered one of the GOATs – now I’m following his and my grandad’s footsteps after historic Italy debut

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      DANIEL MALDINI followed in the footsteps of his father and grandad by making his Italy debut last night.The midfielder, who left AC Milan for Monza this summer, came off the bench in his side’s 4-1 Nations League win over Israel.Daniel Maldini followed in his dad’s and grandad’s footsteps by making his Italy debutCredit: RexDad Paolo is regarded as one of the greatest players in historyCredit: PA:Empics SportAnd in doing so, the 23-year-old became the third Maldini to play for Italy after dad Paolo and grandfather Cesare.Daniel got a 15-minute run-out in last night’s match after being left on the bench for last week’s 2-2 draw with Belgium.And afterwards he admitted he was full of emotion, saying: “I’m happy that my parents came here, we’ll have a chance to talk when I get home.“The dedication goes to my family and friends, to those who love me.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Strong, positive emotions, I’m very happy to have come on and that the match went well.“We were always in control of the match until their goal, then we were good at holding our own with our game and it showed.“I hope to bring some quality, even if there is already too much. I try to help as much as possible.”Fans were certainly left blown away by Daniel becoming the third Maldini to play for Italy.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne said: “Family made for football.”Another declared: “Italy has a monarchy.”Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersGrandad Cesare was also an icon for Italy and AC MilanCredit: GettyOne noted: “Three generations of greatness.”Another added: “Football’s legendary family.”Daniel has some way to go though if he wants to match the achievements of the senior Maldinis.Grandad Cesare, who died in 2016 aged 84, was a defender who won 14 caps for Italy after making his debut in 1960.A fine club career saw spells with Triestina and Torino sandwich 412 games for AC Milan, where he won four titles and a European Cup.But even Cesare was outshone by son Paolo, who is considered to be one of the greatest players in history.The versatile centre-back, 56, remained at Milan his entire career, playing a mind-blowing 902 times while winning seven titles and five Champions Leagues.He is Italy’s third-most capped player in history with 126 appearances following his debut in 1988.But he had retired from internationals by the time Italy won the World Cup in 2006, with his club career ending in 2009.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs for Daniel, he played 24 times for Milan before embarking on loans to Spezia, Empoli and Monza.He joined the latter in July permanently and has since played eight times in all competitions. More

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      Watch AC Milan star stitch up her OWN gory wound in incredible video thanks to side hustle as a DOCTOR

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      AN AC MILAN Women’s star incredibly stitched up her own leg after suffering a gory wound.Nadia Nadim is a striker with over 100 caps at international level – but she is also a doctor.Nadia Nadim is a striker for AC Milan and is also a doctorCredit: GettyShe was able to patch up a cut in her leg by herselfCredit: X @nadia_nadimFans were left in awe by the skillCredit: X @nadia_nadimSo when she picked up a nasty gash in her leg in the win over Sampdoria Women at the weekend, she was able to fix the problem herself.Nadim shared a video of herself fixing stitches into the gory wound, with blood leaking from the open cut.She used a tweezer and a pair of scissors to sew herself up and appeared to be impressed with her own work.The 105-cap Denmark star wrote: “This is just me patching up myself so I’m ready for the next game.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd he captioned the video: “One of the benefits when you are a doctor.”Fans were left in awe at her medical skill with one saying: “Um, this is one of the most badass things I’ve ever seen an athlete do.”Another added: “Impressive. I could never do this because I’m too squeamish.”A third wrote: “What. A. Badass.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNadim, 36, joined Milan in the summer but is yet to score in her four appearances for the club.Milan became the eighth club of her career with Nadim having spells at Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.Che Adams and Billy Gilmour show off their Italian with Serie A cult hero More

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      Man Utd hero ‘takes gap year then casually comes back as highest-rated player in Europe’ after Old Trafford exit

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      DAVID DE GEA has enjoyed a stunning return to form with Fiorentina after a YEAR away from the pitch – and now has the stats to back it up.The former Manchester United star is the highest-rated goalkeeper in Europe’s top five leagues this season.Former Man Utd keeper De Gea is the highest rated goalkeeper in EuropeDe Gea joined Serie A side Fiorentina as a free agent this summerThe decision to let long-term servant De Gea depart on a free transfer and replace him with £41m-recruit Andre Onana was bold.And now De Gea’s exploits in Italy are starting to raise further question marks on Erik ten Hag’s decision.The Spaniard, who spent 12 seasons at Old Trafford, had to wait 446 days to enter the pitch again.Fiorentina placed their trust in him during the summer, securing his services on a one-year contract.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSSo far, the Serie A side’s move has proven to be a masterstroke.In fact, De Gea’s rating of 7.61 makes him the highest rated goalkeeper in Europe this season, according to match ratings site WhoScored.De Gea has been putting in brilliant displays for the Florence-based outfit on a regular basis.He saved two penalties to help Fiorentina seal a memorable 2-1 win over AC Milan before the international break.Most read in FootballDe Gea saved TWO penalties in Fiorentina’s 2-1 win over AC MilanHe was thanked by his team-mates on both occasionsFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDe Gea got down low to his left to save Theo Hernandez’s first-half spot-kick before superbly diving to his right to prevent Tammy Abraham scoring his penalty in the second half.The 33-year-old also made an incredible save to deny Samuel Chukwueze’s strike from rattling the net.Roy Keane reveals his pick for next England manager as Man Utd legend says ‘the FA better get busy’ As per WhoScored, he has made 4.3 saves per game in Serie A so far this term.And fans were quick to comment on De Gea’s new rating.One user wrote: “Bro casually took a gap year and came back the highest rated keeper as if he’s in high school 😂❤.”A second said: “Man United are kicking themselves right now for letting him go.”Another added: “And we dumped him for Onana 😶.”A fourth declared: “Forget playing it out from the back. There is something to be said about just being a good shot stopper.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile one more said: “One of the best goalkeepers ever. A United legend.”Meanwhile, Onana has shown promise this campaign, but he is yet to establish himself as a reliable figure between the sticks. More