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    Declan Rice & Lauren Fryer’s pals reveal toll of online abuse on relationship & truth about THOSE X-Factor star rumours

    IT started out as an innocent TikTok video – posted on a fan account – showing Declan Rice canoodling with his long-term partner Lauren Fryer.But days later, unfounded accusations linking Rice to an X Factor popstar began appearing in the suggested search bar below it – vicious rumours fuelled by a greedy social media algorithm.Midfielder Declan Rice and girlfriend Lauren Fryer have been together since 2017Credit: Instagram @laurenfryer_Declan pictured on a luxury yacht with girlfriend Lauren while holidaying in Formentera in 2021Credit: BackGridLauren, the mother of Declan’s toddler son, has rarely been seen in public since being bullied off social mediaVicious, unfounded accusations linking Rice to an X Factor popstar began appearing on TikTokCredit: GettyWhile many of the bonkers headlines that appear on the app – including ‘Tom Cruise dead’ and ‘Katie Price confirms pregnancy’ – are obviously fabricated by clickbait-hungry AI machines built to increase engagement on the Chinese social media site, this one gained unwanted – and unwarranted – traction.A year has passed since Lauren was forced off social media after being fat-shamed by vile online trolls who cruelly told the Arsenal star to dump her in favour of an “upgrade”.Lauren, the mother of Declan’s toddler son, has rarely been seen in public since.Perhaps bots – knowing the furore that ensued following the horrific incident last year – are smart enough to know spinning a web of lies about her clearly besotted partner would get football fans clicking.Lauren was briefly seen in the stands at the Euros in Germany last year, when Declan ran to hug her after England’s victory over Switzerland in the quarter-finals.It was a rare occurrence, as friends say Lauren will never put herself in a position where she can be hung out to dry in the court of public opinion.Meanwhile, Declan has been seen letting his hair down following the Euros at Wayne Lineker’s Ocean Beach in Ibiza – and contacts tell me he mingled with the A list at You Me Bum Bum Train in February.These two outings were enough to fuel the fires amongst the cesspit of social media bullies.“The torment Lauren endured because of those pathetic people was horrific,” one confidante tells me.“She had never lived a public life, so to be torn apart on social media felt even more unfair.Inside Declan Rice and Lauren Fryer’s romance“Lauren wasn’t the kind of WAG you saw out and about, or going to big events or fashion shows. That wasn’t her style.“She virtually lived in the shadows anyway. To then be attacked so viciously and with such fury left a lasting mark.”Lauren is expected to be among the guests at Dani Dyer and Jarrod Bowen’s huge wedding later this month – but it’s unlikely she’ll be pictured on the WAG social channels afterwards.“Lauren has managed to carefully navigate life now where she is present at events but isn’t seen,” the friend continues.“Those close to her know she doesn’t want to be shared in pictures unless they are on totally private accounts.“She has her own private account which is just for her friends and family but she’d never share things publicly again.“It’s not because she’s scared, it’s because she just wants a quiet life doing what she loves with Declan and their family.”Relationship timelineRice and Lauren have been together for eight years:2016 – Rice and childhood sweetheart Lauren get together as teenagersMay, 2017 – Rice makes his West Ham debut in a clash with BurnleyMarch, 2019 – The Hammers ace makes his England debut after switching allegiances from the Republic of IrelandAugust, 2022 – Rice confirms the birth of his son, JudeNovember, 2022 – Lauren heads to Qatar to support her man at the World CupJuly, 2023 – Rice leaves West Ham to join Arsenal, with Lauren regularly supporting him at games at the EmiratesApril, 2024 – Lauren wipes her Instagram account after vile bullying by trollsA quick glance at social media this morning shows the trolls have still not abated when it comes to stirring up egregious and unsubstantiated rumours about Lauren and her relationship with Declan – who she started dating as a teenager in 2017.On TikTok, the completely false allegations he “cheated” with a former X Factor star are rife, while the no-marks who use gossip cesspit Tattle Life continue to stir up rubbish about their nine-year relationship.“It’s pathetic,” a friend says. “But it’s all nonsense.“Don’t these people have something better to do? Get a life and stop typing out b*****ks on your iPhone.”Lauren’s private Instagram account has 295 followers, showing just how tightly she keeps her inner circle.Arsenal star Bukayo Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson is among those who keep up to date with the account, along with Kennedy Alexa – the partner of Spurs star James Madison – and, of course, Jarrod’s fiancée Dani.By contrast, Lauren’s old public account has almost 100,000 followers, but features no photographs.Previously, Lauren liked to share posts – glamorous selfies and snaps of her and Declan with their beloved cockapoo Raffa covered her grid.Previously Lauren liked to share posts, glamorous selfies and snaps of her and Declan with their beloved cockapoo RaffaCredit: Instagram @laurenfryer_Declan would regularly comment underneath her photographs with love heart emojisCredit: Instagram @laurenfryer_Declan would regularly comment underneath her photographs with fire and love heart emojis.Underneath one picture, he wrote: “Your support has been incredible, couldn’t ask for better.”But a year ago, Lauren deleted all the photographs and memories she had shared.The decision was a reaction to the brutal and downright disgusting barrage of hate aimed at her after snaps of her and Declan on holiday four months prior.The comments on Instagram were far worse, and from behind their anonymous usernames, the lowlife keyboard warriors went on the attack.But while Lauren and Declan ignored the barrage of hate, it changed after quotes – purporting to be from Declan – started to circulate online with ferocity.The hate and the awful comments was one thing. But this whole saga meant the conversation just kept rolling on and people started picking apart Lauren and Declan’s relationship.At the time, thousands believed the quotes – allegedly given by Declan at a press conference – were real.During the work of fictional nonsense, an internet idiot claimed Declan had hit back and said: “My woman is the love of my life, and there is no upgrade that exists for me.”In truth, the press conference never happened. Declan never addressed what was being said and everything shared or written about it is completely false.It didn’t stop the quotes from being shared thousands of times online – fuelling what had already become a painful and incessant barrage of nonsense.Just three days after this rumour first started, Lauren deleted her entire account.INCESSANT BARRAGE“It all got too much,” a friend explains.“The hate and the awful comments was one thing. But this whole saga meant the conversation just kept rolling on and people started picking apart Lauren and Declan’s relationship.“Bloggers started picking up the quotes as fact which meant it was being shared even more widely, even though the wider media ignored it because it was totally untrue.“The sheer scale of it all became too ridiculous for words.”The deletion saw an outpouring of love and support for Lauren, from the tens of thousands of people who genuinely took an interest in Lauren’s life and her posts.“Lauren Fryer you are a beautiful young woman,” one wrote online. “Stay strong.”Arsenal’s Declan Rice has had a good woman behind him in Lauren throughout his careerCredit: PALauren’s private Instagram account has 295 followers, showing just how tightly she keeps her inner circleCredit: Lauren Fryer InstagramAnother added: “Appreciation post for this beautiful woman Lauren Fryer.“We’re sorry to see that in 2024 women are still subject to so many disgusting comments.”It was so hard for her [Lauren], the trolling, as she doesn’t put herself out there.Dani DyerThe damage was done however, and while Lauren is still occasionally active on the account – she only comments and posts within her private domain.Her good friend Dani, who bonded with Lauren at last year’s Euros, spoke out in her defence after the competition and told us: “It was so hard for her, the trolling, as she doesn’t put herself out there.“I think it’s harder when you are not in [the celebrity world] and you are being personally attacked. I found that hard.“She is a really good mum, who keeps to herself. No one deserves to be criticised like that.“It was so cruel.“Attacking a girl because of what she looks like, in this day and age, I don’t agree with it.“She got a lot of support from all of us, which she definitely needed.”Those close to Lauren say she has no interest in ever putting herself into the public domain again – and after all of this, who could blame her? More

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    Postecoglou unrecognisable in amazing video as first club share emotional 3-minute tribute after Europa League triumph

    TOTTENHAM boss Ange Postecoglou received a touching tribute from his first ever club after his historic Europa League triumph.Postecoglou, 59, led Spurs to their first trophy since their League Cup win in 2008 under Juande Ramos and lived up to his promise that he always wins silverware in his second year at a club.Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou received a special tribute after winning the Europa LeaguePostecoglou was praised by his first ever club South Melbourne, whom he joined as a childSouth Melbourne shared a three-minute clip of Postecoglou’s greatest achievementsPostecoglou looked unrecognisable in that short videoThe Aussie tactician’s stunning run continued after enjoying similar success with the likes of South Melbourne, Australia, Yokohama Marinos and Celtic before moving to Spurs.And Wednesday’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United at San Mames led to an incredible tribute from the Melbourne outfit where he started both his playing and coaching career.The Australian side shared a stunning three-minute clip showing the Tottenham boss’ rise from humble beginnings all the way to his trophy-laden managerial run.South Melbourne tweeted: “Ange Postecoglou – the man, the myth, our legend. Read More on Football”From his early days as a Hellas junior, to a championship-winning captain and coach, Ange has gone on to become a serial winner wherever he’s been. “His football journey is truly one of a kind. Now, he stands as a European champion with @SpursOfficial. Here’s a look at his incredible journey.”A video followed showing Postecoglou looking completely unrecognisable as a youngster with a moustache, goatee and rich curly hair.The Spurs boss is also heard explaining how it all started with his parents having to leave Greece in 1970 during the military dictatorship for a better life in Australia.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe former defender started out at South Melbourne in 1978 as a youth player where he spent a total of 15 years and won two National League titles in 1984 and 1991.The Greek-born head coach’s stint with the Aussie outfit also holds a special place in his heart as he worked under the legendary Ferenc Puskas, who managed the Melbourne club from 1989 until 1992.’I’d dive head first through a brick wall for him’ – Ange Postecoglou’s rallying speech reduces Tottenham fans to tearsPostecoglou was Puskas’ right-hand man and translator as the Real Madrid icon had a successful stint in Greece managing Panathinaikos and AEK Athens before moving Down Under.The Aussie tactician then took over as South Melbourne boss in 1996 following short stint as an assistant coach and won three titles during his four-year spell in the dugout.And the rest is history as he then won the Asian Cup with Australia, the Japanese league with Yokohama and everything with Celtic before joining Tottenham in 2023.Postecoglou was shown with rich curly hair and a goatee as well as a moustachePostecoglou’s humble beginning as a manager was also depictedPostecoglou went on to win everything with CelticAnd then Postecoglou won a historic Europa League title with Tottenham More

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    Fans in uproar as Manny Pacquiao, 46, announces comeback to fight for world title… despite not winning in SIX YEARS

    MANNY PACQUIAO has announced he is coming out of retirement and walking straight into a world title shot – causing fan uproar. The Filipino great took to social media to confirm a July 19 bout in Las Vegas against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios. Manny Pacquiao has announced he is coming out of retirement aged 46Credit: AFPMario Barrios is set to defend his WBC title against PacquiaoCredit: Esther Lin/ Most Valuable PromotionsHe posted: “I’m back. On July 19, I return to the ring to face WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.”Let’s make history!” Interestingly, neither Barrios nor Premier Boxing Champions – due to promote the fight – spoke out to confirm the bout. But Pacquiao’s post still caused havoc amongst fans with the boxing legend primed for a title shot after four years out and six without a win. READ MORE IN boxing One said: “Legend, but nah don’t do this.” Another added: “Why???? Who wants to see this”One fumed: “Disgrace from the WBC.”Another raged: “Ideal form for a world title shot. Winless for 6 years.” Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPacquiao’s last win came in 2019, beating Keith Thurman. He was then due to face Errol Spence Jr in August 2021 until an eye injury forced the Texan out, with Yordenis Ugas replacing him.Cacace Crushes Wood, AJ & Pacquiao Plot Shock Returns | Split DecisionUgas sprung a surprise upset on Pacquiao, who announced his retirement after the point loss to run for president in the Philippines. But after a failed election, rumours of a boxing return began swirling for PacMan, who later faced Korean YouTuber DK Yoo in a 2022 exhibition. Pacquiao then returned last July for another exhibition, against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo in Tokyo. And the eight-division champ showed his age over the three rounds – with fans urging him never to fight again. But talks were taking place behind the scenes for Pacquiao to make a professional comeback in a bid for the welterweight title. Per WBC rules, a contender must be ranked within their top 15 in order to be eligible for a championship bout. Read More on The SunSo it came as little surprise when Pacquiao sneaked back into the WBC’s top five in mid May – despite his absence from the ring. Boxing’s oldest world champ of all time is Bernard Hopkins, who won a world title aged 49.Pacquiao’s last win came in 2019, against Keith ThurmanCredit: USA TODAY SportsYordenis Ugas defeated Pacquaio in 2021 with the boxing legend retiring afterwardsCredit: APPacquiao lost out in his 2022 presidential campaignCredit: EPAHis last bout was an exhibition in Japan against kickboxer Rukiya AnpoCredit: RIZIN More

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    Awkward moment Brentford star falls over advertising hoardings while getting ready to take throw-in

    A BRENTFORD starlet was left with egg on his face after a hilarious tumble during a youth game against Bournemouth.The Cherries hosted the Bees at the Vitality Stadium on Wednesday in an exciting encounter that saw the visitors winning 3-2 in the Under-23 PDL-2 play-off final.Brentford starlet Iwan Morgan suffered a hilarious tumble against BournemouthHowever, it was one moment that made the match go viral and momentarily steal the spotlight from the Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham.Brentford won a throw-in on 51 minutes down the left flank and Iwan Morgan went to take it on.Morgan, 19, walked backwards as he planned a long throw into the Bournemouth box.But the young striker got a little carried away as he tried to take too much space.Read More on FootballThat led to him falling over the advertising hoardings with a hilarious back flip.The fans in attendance were left laughing their socks off whereas the commentator exclaimed: “Whoops!”Nevertheless, Morgan proved to a be a good sport as he immediately got back up to his feet and carried on.Fans watching the game were left in stitches as they stormed social media.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSOne supporter tweeted: “Over 2,000 people seeing you do this live btw, I’d retire from football altogether.”Another commented: “Outrageous time wasting method.”Ruben Amorim offers to quit Man Utd ‘without any conversation about compensation’ if board want him goneA third wrote: “Haha, Bournemouth vs Brentford U21s is stealing the show, brother!”This fan said: “Yep, proper football, better than Spurs v Man Utd any day.”And that one stated: “It’ll still be a better performance than anything [Rasmus] Hojlund does this evening.” More

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    Alejandro Garnacho slams Man Utd’s ‘s***’ season and drops transfer exit hint as brother fumes he was ‘thrown under bus’

    ALEJANDRO GARNACHO slammed Manchester United’s “s*** season” while dropping a major transfer hint. And speculation that Garnacho is an unhappy United camper only strengthened after his brother’s social media outburst.Alejandro Garnacho slammed Manchester United’s ‘s*** season’Credit: AlamyThe Argentine was left out of the starting XI that was beaten by Tottenham in the Europa League final in Bilbao.That is despite starting in ten of their matches in the European campaign, scoring just the once. United’s defeat in Spain – while sitting 16th in the Premier League – caps off a horror season. And Garnacho, speaking to Argentine press and translated by Fabrizio Romano, said: “It’s difficult for all of us. This season has been s***.READ MORE IN football “We lost the final, we didn’t beat anyone in the league. It’s very difficult.” Garnacho cryptically added: “I’ve played every round until I reached the final, but I only played 20 minutes today.“I’ll enjoy the summer and then we’ll see.”Garnacho’s brother Roberto then caused a stir by posting on Instagram: “Working as no one else, helping every round, coming from two goals in the last two finals, just to be on the pitch for 19 mins and get thrown under the bus.”Most read in FootballMan Utd ratings: Diallo best player in Europa League final but Hojlund out of his depthAMAD DIALLO’S fizzing first-half display was little consolation for Manchester United in a dismal 1-0 Europa League final loss to Tottenham.Rasmus Hojlund’s plight up front continued in one of the worst European showpieces for many years – as both sides showed why they will finish in the Premier League lower reaches.Spurs clinched it from virtually their first opportunity – on 42 minutes.Brennan Johnson bundled in Pape Sarr’s inswinging cross, with United left-back Luke Shaw also getting a touch on the way.The Red Devils dictated possession more and more after the break, with Leny Yoro stretching to test Guglielmo Vicario from a free-kick.But United’s chances only arrived regularly in the final quarter of a patchy contest.The Red Devils belatedly piled on the pressure in the seven minutes of stoppage time, but Spurs just held on.Here’s how SunSport’s Dave Courtnadge rated United on a miserable night individually and collectively for Ruben Amorim’s men…CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe winger – linked with a move away in January – was benched against Spurs with Mason Mount and Amad Diallo operating as forwards.Amorim was probed on his decision to leave Garnacho out for Mount, to which he replied: “It’s easy to say that now.Maguire and Romero in post-match scrap as Man Utd and Tottenham stars’ battle continues after Europa League final”Who missed the big opportunity in the first half in the semi-final? Garnacho. Football is like that.”Garnacho, 20, has played 58 times this season across all competitions, more than any other United player. He has 11 goals to his name and remains linked with a move away from Old Trafford, with Chelsea showing interest earlier in the year.Ruben Amorim took aim at GarnachoCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More

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    Alejandro Garnacho shares cryptic Instagram post before being left OUT of Man Utd starting XI for Europa League final

    ALEJANDRO GARNACHO shared cryptic pictures on Instagram – just hours before his omission from Manchester United’s starting line-up for their 1-0 Europa league final loss. Many fans reckon the winger was sending manager Ruben Amorim a clear message over his feelings.Alejandro Garnacho was only a playing sub for the Europa League finalCredit: GettyThe wideman shared this special 2024 FA Cup final momentGarnacho was only named as a sub as the Red Devils and Tottenham attempted to rescue their dire Premier League season with victory in the Bilbao showpiece.And the 20-year-old stirred debate online with two images he posted.Garnacho showed photos of his celebrations after hitting the opener when starting in United’s 2-1 FA Cup final triumph over neighbours Man City 12 months ago.But if the Argentine was to do the same against Spurs on Wednesday night in Spain, it would have to come from the bench.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd in the end he came on for a lively 20-minute cameo – but in vain as Spurs held on to win 1-0.Garnacho added no words to his Instagram pictures – but some fans believe his meaning was obvious.United’s line-up, including his omission, was officially announced about 75 minutes before kick-off.But a batch of supporters are convinced he took to Instagram in frustration because he knew of his fate.  Most read in Europa LeagueOne fan blasted: “His attitude stinks, keeps going on like this they can show him the door, kid needs to realise he ain’t no Ronaldo he’ll never will be.”Another wrote: “He’s such a sore loser, man plays for himself not for the team.”However, a third supporter suggested Garnacho could still have a key role.Leny Yoro had a big reason to grin as he was back to start for UtdCredit: GettyHe posted: “Doesn’t take rotation well! It’s a 90 min game… tactical approach.”Meanwhile, there was far better news for another United starlet.Leny Yoro was ruled fit enough to start alongside Harry Maguire in defence.The Frenchman, 19, missed United’s 1-0 defeat at Chelsea last Friday.Yoro had been injured in a 2-0 home loss against West Ham five days earlier. More

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    James Maddison’s now-deleted tweet about Gareth Bale resurfaces as he is interviewed by Spurs legend on TNT Sports

    JAMES MADDISON’S now-deleted tweets about Gareth Bale have resurfaced after he was interviewed by the Welshman.The Tottenham star spoke to Bale ahead of the Europa League final in Bilbao.James Maddison was interviewed by Gareth Bale on TNT SportsCredit: TNT SPORTSMaddison once tweeted this about BaleCredit: xHe has since deleted the anti-Spurs postsCredit: xThe pair were pitchside before the game as Maddison was unable to play due to injury.Maddison, 28, and Bale made up part of the panel on TNT Sports’ coverage before the match.As the two discussed the match, Maddison’s now-deleted tweets about the five-time Champions League winner resurfaced on social media.The then-16-year-old posted about not liking Tottenham and claimed Jack Wilshere was better than Bale.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe first tweet from 2012 read: “I hate Gareth Bale with a passion, calm down you monkey, [Jack] Wilshere is 10x better than you chimpanzee.”And in another, from March 2013, Maddison posted: “Hope Luis Suarez destroys Tottenham today, don’t like Spurs!”Especially that monkey everyone’s on about!”Maddison deleted the tweets ahead of his £40million transfer from Leicester City to Tottenham in 2023.Most read in Europa LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe was a part of the Coventry youth system when he made the posts.They have been deleted and can not be seen on his account, along with every other tweet before 2019.Man Utd & Spurs supporters party all day in Bilbao’s fan zones ahead of Europa League finalMAN UTD VS TOTTENHAM – EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL LIVELatest betting odds, offers and predictions Fans have seen the funny side of the encounter as they reacted on social media.One posted: “Getting Gareth bale and James Maddison together is proper funny.”A second wrote: “Maddison standing next to Bale rn haha.”A third commented: “Maddison next to Bale in the studio…….awkward.”A fourth said: “Maddison standing next to Bale, must be awkward after those tweets.”Another added: “So awks.”Meanwhile, Tottenham’s trophy parade plans have been revealed before the final against Manchester United. More

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    Premier League target Florian Wirtz went viral for Cole Palmer ‘chippy chips’ moment by revealing bizarre favourite food

    FLORIAN WIRTZ’S future is in the melting pot – as Liverpool hover for the Bayer Leverkusen attacker.But the German is already rivalling one Premier League icon in a tasty manner he never expected.Florian Wirtz sprung to online fame with his verdict on spudsCredit: GettyChelsea’s Cole Palmer became a viral hit for a similar reasonCredit: GettyWirtz and Cole Palmer both went viral over their eating habits.And despite their silky skills on the pitch, it’s the way the two exciting talents kept it simple online that caught the eye.Chelsea hero Palmer sent his appeal with fans soaring after a quirky “chippy chips” line when revealing his favourite post-match meals.And Wirtz, 22, arguably surpassed that with his studious efforts while listing his top-ten foods.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Bayern Munich target outlined his preferences with the confidence of a food critic.But like Palmer, it was one stunning assessment in particular that earned him TikTok fame.Wirtz said: “Normal potatoes… I would say are No1.”That succinct statement contrasted with Palmer’s more detailed analysis when the England playmaker listed his faves to the BBC.Most read in FootballWirtz likes to keep it simple with his eatingBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe 23-year-old said: “Salt and pepper chicken, rice, not salt and pepper chips. Too much that.”You know chippy chips? They have to be them chips, or you don’t get them. Curry sauce, noodles.” Chelsea star Cole Palmer admits he threw up in the pool on holiday and got his hand stuck in a Pringles tubePalmer topped it all off with a satisfied nod to his interviewer.And he later posted a photo of his Panenka penalty against Tottenham last December with the caption “Chippy chips”.But Wirtz’s puff piece for potatoes eclipsed Palmer’s hip chip clip.The video became one of Germany’s biggest memes, as fans covered his face in potato images, while it was also used on summer dance tracks.  However, Wirtz is far from amused – even if some supporters might think his reaction suggests he’s got a skin thinner than a potato’s.He told Kicker: “I don’t find it entertaining that I have become one of Germany’s biggest meme. “Especially those who know me – and myself – don’t understand why that blew up.”However, Wirtz did add: “People made fun of the way I said it but it’s not a bad thing.”I don’t regret saying plain potatoes are my favorite. But it gets to a point where it’s not funny any more.”  Read More on The SunIt comes as Manchester City decided the reported cost of signing Wirtz was also not a laughing matter.The 29-cap star could fetch a package of around £252milion in transfer fee and salary. More