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      in Soccer

      Footballers who met their idols when they were kids, from Kane’s encounter with Beckham to Neymar with Ronaldo

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      THEY were young lads who wanted to be just like their heroes too.Before they made it, these footballers just wanted to emulate the players they watched on the TV and pretended to be in the school playground.
      David Beckham and a grinning Harry Kane smile for the cameraCredit: Getty Images
      So it’s no wonder the moment they were sidled up to their favourite player they asked for a snap as a keepsake.
      SunSport has rounded up the best footballers as kids coyly posing next to their idols.
      See Danny Welbeck looking in awe of United hero Rio Ferdinand, Kane embarrassed to be the next to David Beckham, while Jesse Lingard has his hair ruffled by Cristiano Ronaldo!
      Rio Ferdinand and Danny Welbeck
      Danny Welbeck idolised Rio FerdinandCredit: YouTube
      When Danny was a promising youth player at Man United, the starlet hoped he could emulate hero Rio and play in the first team.
      The former England centre half was always there on the training ground giving youngsters advice, Danny once revealed.
      And this image was taken in 2003 when the ex-Arsenal forward was just 12-years-old.Cristiano Ronaldo and Jesse Lingard
      Cristiano Ronaldo was impressed by Jesse Lingard’s skillsCredit: YouTube
      When Ronaldo signed for United in 2003, Jesse was part of the famed Red Devils youth set-up.
      The Portuguese forward paid a visit to the training ground to rub shoulders with the kids and he found Jesse there.
      He was obviously impressed by the 11-year-old, patting his head for good measure.
      Bobby Charlton and David Beckham
      A young David Beckham shakes hands with Bobby Charlton in 1986Credit: John Jones
      You can’t get better than meeting ‘Mr. Manchester United’ can you?
      In 1986 one England great met a future England legend and created this pictorial masterpiece.
      Becks knocking about with Bobby must’ve given him the needed desire to make it. And check out his haircut!

      Fernando Torres and Koke
      Fernando Torres and Koke (second from the right) became teammatesCredit: Twitter
      Amazingly, these two ended up being teammates at Atletico Madrid.
      When Fernando Torres was a teenage sensation for Los Rojiblancos, Koke was just 9-years-old.
      The former Liverpool striker happily posed for a snap with the Atleti youth team that featured the midfield schemer and Spain international.Thierry Henry and Kylian Mbappe
      Kylian Mbappe looks delighted to be snapped with Thierry Henry
      The comparisons between the two have already been made, but we wonder if Thierry saw them in the youngster at the time?
      Who knows, but Mbappe looks delighted to have his picture taken next to his idol.
      Sadly, there’s no date on the photo, so we can’t tell how old it is. But Mbappe and Henry both look young!Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Davy Klaassen
      Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Davy Klaassen would one day play against each other in the Champions LeagueCredit: Twitter
      It seems like years ago that Zlatan was at Ajax.
      But when Davy was 11-years-old he grabbed the Swedish striker for a photo op.
      Incidentally, the two played against each other in a Champions League tie in 2014 between PSG and Ajax.
      Unbelievably, they were both on the scoresheet that day too.Ronaldo and Neymar
      Neymar is the heir apparent to RonaldoCredit: Social
      When the heir apparent meets the king, but either of them doesn’t know it yet.
      Everyone wanted a picture with the Brazilian hotshot then, so teenage Neymar must’ve been the envy of his pals with this snap.
      Neymar has gone through a few haircuts since then and is now the pin-up of Brazil.
      David Beckham and Harry Kane
      Harry Kane met David Beckham when he was 12-years-oldCredit: Getty Images
      When Becks launched his own football academy, Spurs star Harry was one of its stars.

      In 2005, he got to meet Becks when he was just 12-years-old and he looks chuffed to bits.
      We wonder if David remembers this moment as well as Harry?
      Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe
      Kylian Mbappe was a Cristiano Ronaldo superfan and had his posters on his bedroom wall
      Featuring twice on the list, the French teenager showed why he’s a total superfan of football.
      Mbappe had pictures of Ronaldo on his bedroom wall when he was a kid with pipe dreams of becoming professional.
      When he was 14-years-old all his dreams came true when he met the Real Madrid ace.
      Robin Van Persie and Jordy Clasie
      Jordy Clasie grabs Robin Van Persie for a photo opCredit: Twitter
      When the former Arsenal striker was a hot prospect at Feyernood in 2002, Clasie was coming through the ranks at the Dutch club.
      The ex-Southampton midfielder was only 11-years-old when this photo was taken alongside his hero.
      Little did he know then, he’d play in the Premier League just like the Holland striker.
      Real Madrid ‘make £137m move for Kylian Mbappe’ as superstar tells PSG he wants out after Lionel Messi transfer More

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      in Soccer

      Football’s most controversial transfers ever, including Cole and Tevez, as Cristiano Ronaldo is offered to Man City

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      FORMER Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo could be set to join noisy neighbours Manchester City.Reports claim that the Portuguese star, 36, has been offered to the Premier League champions, who are desperately seeking a striker after Harry Kane agreed to stay at Tottenham.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is being sensationally lined up for a move to Manchester CityCredit: PA
      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been made available by Juventus, and he is said to be seeking £510,000-per-week to move to the Etihad.
      And if Ronaldo gets his wish, he could join these controversial stars who upset the apple cart by joining their fierce rivals.
      Tevez, Man Utd to Man City
      With the Argentinian owned by a third party – agent Kia Joorabchian’s Media Sports Investment company – Tevez was technically on loan to Manchester United for two years.
      The Red Devils dallied on a permanent deal, which allowed crosstown rivals Man City to swoop in 2009.
      A billboard was then erected in Manchester facing in the direction of Salford with Tevez on a blue backdrop with the slogan ‘Welcome to Manchester’.
      The whole matter left Sir Alex Ferguson incensed. “Stupid and arrogant,” he said of the poster. “A small club with a small mentality,” he labelled City.
      Man City put up this poster in Manchester after signing Carlos TevezCredit: PA:Press Association
      Sir Alex Ferguson was livid after Tevez left United for CityCredit: AFP
      Campbell, Spurs to Arsenal
      Kane can count his lucky stars it’s not the Gunners trying to lure him away from Spurs.
      In 2001, Sol Campbell’s contract with Tottenham was set to expire and was considering his options.
      Few could believe the England legend would end up at arch-rivals Arsenal, after admitting he was seeking Champions League football.
      It was “the ultimate act of betrayal”, according to the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust said.
      In 2001, Sol Campbell shocked English football when he left Tottenham for ArsenalCredit: PA:Press Association
      Campbell feels the brunt of Spurs fans at White Hart LaneCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Cole, Arsenal to Chelsea
      What goes around comes around in football, they say, and Ashley Cole leaving Arsenal for Chelsea was one Gunners fans STILL haven’t got over – often referring to him as ‘Cashley Cole’.
      Chelsea and Jose Mourinho were accused of tapping up the ex-England left-back, when the pair met at a hotel restaurant to discuss a potential move.
      At the time, Cole was disgruntled with a contract offer he’d received – famously admitting “I nearly swerved off the road” with the £55,000-per-week deal on the table.
      All parties were fined for the tapping up incident, but that didn’t stop Cole from making his move a year later.
      Months later at Stamford Bridge, Arsenal fans showered the pitch with fake bank notes with Ashley Cole’s face on.
      Arsenal fans throw fake bank notes with Ashley Cole’s image on them onto the pitch at Stamford BridgeCredit: PA:Press Association
      The notes featured Cole’s face as well his famous quote from his bookCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Figo, Barcelona to Real Madrid
      The Real Madrid presidential elections of 2000 brought arguably the most astonishing transfer in Spanish football history.
      With Florentino Perez trailing in the polls, he launched an audacious bid for Barcelona talisman Luis Figo.
      He offered the Portugal legend a guaranteed £1.6million if he lost the election, but if he won Figo would have to either move to Los Blancos or pay £19million in compensation.
      Figo took the bait, and when Perez was voted in the £38million release clause was met and the winger joined Real.
      When he returned to the Nou Camp in 2002, he was met with a hostile reaction, as well as a pig’s head that was thrown onto the pitch.
      Barcelona fans burn a poster of former hero Luis Figo at the Nou CampCredit: AP:Associated Press
      A pig’s head was thrown onto the pitch when Figo returned to the Nou CampCredit: Diario AS
      Keane, Man Utd to Celtic
      When Roy Keane made himself an enemy in the eyes of Sir Alex Ferguson, there was no going back.
      First, he reportedly argued with Fergie over the quality of the set-up at the Portuguese resort United were enjoying a preseason training camp at in 2005.
      Then, he blasted team-mates Rio Ferdinand, John O’Shea, Alan Smith, Kieran Richardson and Darren Fletcher in an interview with MUTV.
      The explosive clip was never aired, but the damage was done. Keane was granted a free transfer – joining boyhood club Celtic.
      Roy Keane signed for boyhood club Celtic after an infamous fallout with Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Getty
      Baggio, Fiorentina to Juventus
      The Diving Ponytail joined Juventus from Fiorentina in 1990 for a world record £8million fee.
      But despite the huge cash windfall, Viola fans were fuming and they stormed the club’s offices – forcing president Flavio Pontello to hide in the stadium.
      Amazingly, the riots saw 50 fans injured, while nine were arrested.
      What happened next was even better. When the two played each other the following season, Baggio refused to take a penalty claiming Fiorentina keeper Gianmatteo Mareggini would know how to save it.
      After he was substituted from the pitch, Baggio then picked up a Fiorentina scarf thrown at him and later revealed “his heart was purple”.
      Roberto Baggio swapped Florence for Turin, but later revealed his heart was purpleCredit: Getty
      Cruyff, Ajax to Feyenoord
      Forever the darling of Ajax fans, there was a time when Johan Cruyff threatened his reputation with them.
      After giving them the best part of his football career, the Dutch club’s board felt the Netherlands legend was finished at 36 and refused to offer him a new deal.
      Dutch legend Johan Cruyff won the double with Feyenoord after Ajax released him in spiteCredit: Getty

      Cruyff was furious. So mad, in fact, he signed for their bitter enemy Feyenoord, who he then led to the double and won Dutch Footballer of the Year.
      “I wanted to take my anger out on Ajax via Feyenoord after the club had thrown me out with the rubbish”, he later admitted in his autobiography.
      Cristiano Ronaldo ‘wants stunning transfer to Man City’ as Man Utd icon eyes Juventus exit with Harry Kane move stalling More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea star Jorginho was taught how to play football on the beach by his mum, before starring for club and country

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      TO MOST, the sandy beaches and blue waters of Imbituba in southern Brazil offer a peaceful paradise – but for the midfield maestro Jorginho they are the roots of his footballing education.The Chelsea star was instrumental in helping Italy win the Euros, while his rejuvenation under Thomas Tuchel led the Blues to a famous Champions League win over Premier League rivals Manchester City.
      Chelsea star Jorginho poses with the Champions League trophyCredit: Getty
      Jorginho capped a wonderful season off by winning the Euros with ItalyCredit: Getty
      Jorginho, second left, was taught to play football by his mother on the beaches of BrazilCredit: Facebook / Jorghino Frello – Official / https://www.facebook.com/jorginhofrellooficial/
      So, it’s with no surprise that the incredible playmaker is the favourite to land the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award ahead of team-mate N’Golo Kante and Belgium ace Kevin de Bruyne.
      But, it’s actually is mum who Jorginho credits for his amazing rise.
      “My mother played football so I learned a lot from her,” Jorginho revealed in 2013.
      “She still plays today and understands a lot. She would take me to the beach with a ball and I would spend the whole afternoon doing technical work in the sand.”
      Jorginho’s mother Maria Tereza Freitas wanted her son to be prepared for anything and everything in the game. She wanted him to be one step ahead of his opposition.
      “I was raised to face problems,” he said — and there were plenty of them on his path to stardom.
      But despite that preparation, Jorginho cannot have forecast his parents’ separation at the age of six.
      From then on, Maria was both provider and trainer.
      She would spend most of her day working as a cleaner to put food on the table and earn enough money to buy her son boots and a ball, while taking him to play for his local team Bruscão.
      The bond between them was so strong that the memory of having to move 180 kilometres away from her and home at the age of 13 still upsets him today.
      “If I talk about it, I feel a lump in my throat,” Jorginho, now 29, said.
      Brazilian-born Jorginho’s parents separated when he was six and his mother raised him on her ownCredit: Facebook / Jorghino Frello – Official / https://www.facebook.com/jorginhofrellooficial/
      The midfielder played for local teams before moving 180km from home as part of a football factory projectCredit: Facebook / Jorghino Frello – Official / https://www.facebook.com/jorginhofrellooficial/
      Along with 50 other boys, the youngster was selected as part of a project formed by Italian businessmen in Guabiruba to create the next wave of brilliant Brazilians.
      Yet it is far from the state-of-the-art facilities of Chelsea’s academy in Cobham.
      Jorginho remembers the ice-cold baths. He can’t forget the windowless digs, nor the monotonous meals that rarely changed.
      But it was worth it in the end.
      After two years, he was one of a select few chosen to join Verona, then in the second tier of Italian football.
      Jorginho’s first deal at the club was far from lucrative, though. While the agent took £27,000 from the transaction, the emerging midfielder had just £18-a-week to live on.
      A large chunk of that went on keeping in touch with his mum, who managed to convince him to continue his football education after he threatened to quit.
      At first, the young boy struggled to fit in to his new surroundings. He couldn’t live in a boarding school with his other team-mates.
      Instead, Riccardo Prisciantelli, the former chief executive of Hellas Verona, gave Jorginho to a trusted priest and he lived in a convent.
      Jorginho learnt from a young age to play football thanks to his mother MariaCredit: Facebook / Jorghino Frello – Official / https://www.facebook.com/jorginhofrellooficial/
      Mother and son have a close bond that meant parting at the age of 13 was even harderCredit: Facebook / Jorghino Frello – Official / https://www.facebook.com/jorginhofrellooficial/
      Jorginho, circled, was one of 50 boys selected to be part of a project by Italian business menCredit: Facebook / Jorghino Frello – Official / https://www.facebook.com/jorginhofrellooficial/
      “I could not do anything,” he said. “I used five euros for mobile credit, bought hygiene products, which was 15 euros, and the rest was used online to talk to my family.
      “It was like that for a year-and-a-half.
      “In the second year, I trained with the professionals and when I met the Brazilian goalkeeper Rafael Pinheiro, who is almost a brother to me, I told my story and he did not believe it.
      “From there, he did not let me miss anything.”
      From his early days at Verona, Jorginho earned himself the nickname ‘The Wolf of the Future’.
      Prisciantelli told the MailOnline: “Everyone recognises the determination of a lion, to me he is a wolf.
      “He works three times as hard on the pitch and harder than anyone else.
      “Every night tears fell in that dark and sad room (with the priest). But I know that he never gave up.
      “I bought some equipment to set up a small gym at the sports centre. He would arrive at dawn and keep going until we allowed him to leave.”
      After a successful loan spell with Serie D side Sambonifacese, Jorginho returned to Verona and excelled, making his first-team debut as an 18-year-old in September 2011.
      Jorginho’s big break came at Verona in Italy but his first contract saw him earn £18-a-weekCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Jorginho proved to be a prominent part of the side that was promoted in 2013Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Sarri developed Jorginho’s skills at Napoli but said his best asset is his speed of mindCredit: Getty – Contributor
      He was a key figure in their promotion-winning side in 2013 and earned a move to Italian giants Napoli six months later.
      During his time at the Stadio San Paolo, Jorginho learned about Chelsea after rooming with Nathaniel Chalobah, the former Blues midfielder on loan to Napoli in 2015.
      For three years, Jorginho worked under former Blues boss Maurizio Sarri in Naples – and they were briefly reunited in West London.
      The Italian coach knew his qualities well.
      “Jorginho is not a physical player, he is a technical player,” Sarri said.
      “The most important quality is that he is very quick in the mind.”
      Sarri left the club in 2019, and Jorginho could have been forgiven for thinking his time in West London might’ve been up.
      Worse still, with new boss Frank Lampard at the helm, he found himself frozen out of the first team.
      For Lampard he was just a bit-part player, and when the club legend was sacked in 2021 his former player stuck the boot in.
      “Look, I’ll be really sincere here on Lampard,’ Jorginho told ESPN Brasil.
      “I believe, given he was a legend at the club, he skipped some steps necessary for learning before moving to a big club.
      “He came to a club where he is a legend, without having experience at other clubs. I think he came too soon, skipped a few steps ahead and wasn’t ready for a job at this level, to be honest.”
      Frank Lampard failed to get the best out of Jorginho and used him as a bit-part playerCredit: AFP
      Under Thomas Tuchel, Jorginho has become a player rebornCredit: AP

      In came no-nonsense Thomas Tuchel, who restored Jorginho to his starting line-up understanding his qualities on the pitch and helped him rediscover his form at the tail-end of last season.
      It not only helped the Blues lift their second Champions League title, but also benefited Italy at Euro 2020 who overcame England in a tense final in a penalty shootout – with Jorginho one of the stars of the show throughout the tournament.
      Jorginho, himself, has his mother to thank for his success. The beaches of Imbituba will always be a classroom to them. But now, you can say, Stamford Bridge is certainly his stage. More

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      The sad story of ex-Chelsea wonderkid Per Weihrauch, who was forced to retire and was later found dead at just 32

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      PER Weihrauch should have been heralded as one of the world’s best players in the game today.The talented Dane had the world at his feet and starred at youth level for Ajax and Chelsea.
      Danish wonderkid Per Weihrauch was destined to be a football great before injury robbed him of a careerCredit: Getty
      Aged 32, Weihrauch was found dead at his home last year
      However, he had his career cruelly robbed from him through injury.
      At 19, Weihrauch was told by a specialist that he should forget about a career in football and accept an insurance payout.
      Try as he might, the winger didn’t give up on his dream and returned to Denmark, where he played on a part-time basic.
      But it was never enough to get back to the level he had promised.
      Last year, aged just 32, Weihrauch was found dead at his home. This is his tragic story.
      LOCAL TALENT
      As a teen, Per was one of the leading lights of his generation.
      He was coached by Brentford boss Thomas Frank and his assistant manager Brian Riemer at local club Hvidovre IF.
      Riemer told The Athletic: “Per had the full package.
      “He liked to come inside from the wing position in a 4-3-3, but he could also play as a striker.
      At 17, Weihrauch was considered as one of the best young in Europe
      Brian Riemer, left, and Thomas Frank worked with Weihrauch when he was a promising talent in DenmarkCredit: PA
      “Good physique, intelligent, great shooting ability, great first touch, good in the box, great heading ability.
      “He was one of those players who could create something for a team-mate or do it on his own. He was a fantastic talent.”
      It wasn’t long before the Europe’s top clubs registered an interest. Atletico Madrid, Ajax, Chelsea, Manchester United and more were desperate to sign him to their academies.
      A NEW EXPERIENCE
      To continue his football education, Per went to Ajax – famed for bringing the best young Danish players through, including Jan Molby, Soren Lerby and Christian Eriksen.
      But it ended up being somewhat of a nightmare for the wonderkid, who struggled to settle.
      He then got what appeared to be a fairly normal hamstring injury on tour, but under pressure to show his ability he played on and made it worse.
      “What I miss the most are friends and family,” Weihrauch told Danish newspaper Lokalavisen – hinting about his loneliness in Amsterdam.
      “After training here, you can’t just go home to see one of the boys.
      “Of course it’s hard sometimes, especially when you’re injured. Then it’s boring to sit down here alone.
      “You’re here to play football — and that’s the only thing you can’t do when you’re injured. Then the days can get long inside a gym.
      “But every day I get up and I look forward to going to training, so it was the right decision (to join Ajax).”
      Injuries took their toll, though. With his contract expiring, it looked unlikely it would be renewed by the Dutch club.
      ‘COME TO CHELSEA’
      In 2006, fellow Dane Frank Arnesen, who knew Per from his time at Ajax, brought Weihrauch to Cobham.
      It was there he impressed Brendan Rodgers – Chelsea’s then-youth coach.
      “I remember Per so clearly,” Rodgers revealed.
      “He was a very, very talented young player right out of the Ajax mould. He was a winger, but he was strong physically.
      “He could play in a number of positions, he could play wide on either side or he could play as a striker or a No 10. He was very gifted on the ball, fast.
      Weihrauch joined Chelsea at 17
      Brendan Rodgers called Weihrauch a big talentCredit: Getty – Contributor
      “He came in at 17 and he was already above the youth team. He went straight into our reserves and you could absolutely see his undoubted natural ability and, obviously, his work rate.
      “He wanted to work, wanted to run. Amazing ability on the ball to beat a man. He wasn’t a small winger, he was a good size — the build of a midfield player — and such a big talent.”
      THE INJURIES FOLLOWED HIM
      Despite a fresh start in London, Per couldn’t escape his injury problems.
      On Chelsea’s part it was a gamble. But one that didn’t pay off.
      Frank Arnesen said: “We knew about the injury problems he had, but we wanted to give him a chance.
      “If he could get back to his true level, he would be a great player. He played some games, did well, but then, unfortunately, he got injured again.”
      A scan showed scar tissue around his hamstring. He was told the only thing for it was rest, then after it has healed he would be able to build up the strength in his leg.
      If he didn’t, his career would be over.
      “Sometimes it’s unfortunate that the body just can’t cope with the intensity of training and the work,” Rodgers told The Athletic.
      Frank Arnesen, far left, wanted to give Weihrauch a chance but injuries took their tollCredit: Getty – Contributor
       “And that was clearly the case with Per. It was nothing to do with talent — he was a hugely talented player.
      “He could have gone on and been a really top player, because he had the game for it, but he just couldn’t build up the rhythm and consistency.”
      IT’S OVER
      Weihrauch went to Finland for an operation that was hoped would fix his injury problems.
      However, it didn’t work. After seeing various specialists, the answer was the same.
      His hamstring wouldn’t be able to survive the hardship of the modern game.
      He was advised to retire and accept a minimal insurance payout for loss of future earnings.
      Per was still only 19 at this point.
      MAKING A COMEBACK
      Desperate not to give up the ghost, Weihrauch returned to his first club Hvidovre in 2009.
      Soren Lerby, left, was Weihrauch’s agent and Frank Arnesen, right, brought him to Chelsea
      Despite much fanfare about his arrival, he was unable to aid the club’s dream of returning to the Danish top flight.
      Both parties decided it was impossible, but an offer from amateur team FC Copenhagen gave him hope.
      Per played to around 70 per cent of his abilities, when he got the chance, and he told Ekstra Bladet in 2009, “It is definitely my goal to get my career going. I’m hoping for a new professional contract.”
      But a new contract never came. Again, forced out of training for a year he realised now it was time to give up on a playing career.
      He found a new life as a scout, working with his long agent Soren Lerby who managed clients including Pierre-Emile Højbjerg.
      Then, after returning to college and finishing his studies, he managed to score a job at Nordea in the financial sector of a bank in Denmark.
      However, the disappointment of a promising career ending prematurely was perhaps too much to bare.
      His death came as a surprise.
      “Sadly, I lost contact with him over the last years,” Riemer said.
      You’re Not AloneEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
      It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
      It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
      And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
      Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
      That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
      The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
      Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
      If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:

      CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
      Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
      Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
      Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
      Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123
      Movember, www.uk.movember.com
      Anxiety UK www.anxietyuk.org.uk, 03444 775 774 Monday-Friday 9.30am-10pm, Saturday/Sunday 10am-8pm

      “My impression is that he seemed to withdraw himself. Not many who knew him from his football days had contact with him in the last year or so.”
      Riemer continued: “It’s difficult to talk about, even now. I try to stand back from the situation and I think to myself, ‘Per, why didn’t you call me? I would have done anything to help you’.
      “But it was too late. I don’t think he felt he had the strength left.”
      Contact the Samaritans
      If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, contact The Samaritans on 116 123. They are available for free at anytime.
      Or email https://www.samaritans.org/

      Chelsea fans give their condolences to Michael Ballack after death of star’s teenage son Emilio in Portugal quad bike accident More

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      in Soccer

      Thierry Small signed for Southampton, after interest from Arsenal and Bayern Munich and his uncle played for Aston Villa

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      EXCITING prospect Thierry Small will be continuing his football education on the South Coast.The promising left-back, 17, has put pen to paper on a deal with Southampton, after interest from the likes of Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Juventus.
      Thierry Small has been unveiled as a Southampton player, after interest from Arsenal, Bayern Munich and JuventusCredit: Getty
      His uncle Bryan Small came through the ranks at Aston VillaCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Last season, Small became Everton’s youngest ever player when he appeared in a FA Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday aged just at 16 years and 176 days old.
      It was the defender’s destiny that he would become a footballer.
      After all, his uncle was Bryan Small, who played for Aston Villa in the 1990s.
      BORN IN THE MIDLANDS
      Thierry was born and raised in Solihull.
      He grew up playing Sunday League, before he was scouted by Villa – and it appeared he would follow in his uncle’s footsteps.
      However, he wasn’t deemed good enough yet and ended up at rivals West Brom.
      “I was playing for my local team when Aston Villa approached me and offered me to train,” he told OneFootball.
      “But after having my trial they didn’t take me on, they said I wasn’t good enough technically. So West Brom came in for me – who instead looked to utilise my pace and strength.
      “They felt they could teach me the technical side later on. Soon after West Brom came in, Villa wanted me back and Birmingham City too, but I’d already committed.”
      MERSEYSIDE CALLING
      At 11, Small’s progression was tracked by Everton – who were reportedly said to have followed him for two years.
      It meant that he had to leave his family home behind and move away – the sacrifice of wanting to achieve his ambition of becoming a professional footballer.
      He revealed: “Of course, it was a very hard decision for me and my family [to leave home at such a young age].
      “But we thought you only get one chance at this – it was an opportunity we couldn’t turn down.
      “There was great schooling on offer, a great chance to improve myself as a footballer and Everton are known for their academy and developing players.”
      When he was 11, Small left home to chase his dream of becoming a footballer
      Thierry jumped at Everton’s offer and progressed through the ranksCredit: Getty
      CHALLENGES AHEAD
      Without his parents by his side, Small could’ve struggled.
      But he knew what he had to do and treated the experience like having a job.
      “I had to go to school, go to football, wake up early, finish late at training, it was almost like a job,” he said.
      “But I was still enjoying it and I was absolutely ready for that sacrifice.
      “There were hard days and difficult moments, I had to deal with those myself. But it helped me to mature and grow as a person – probably a lot quicker than most others.”
      Because of his parents’ belief behind him, Small is thankful they let him follow his dream.
      “My family have played a huge role in my success. They keep me grounded, keep me level-headed, but I’m well aware it’s been difficult for everyone.
      “I’ve obviously lost a big support network in my parents but also for them, they lose their child in a way. Their lives have totally changed because of my situation.
      “People used to ask my mum ‘don’t you think it’s a bit early for Thierry to leave home?’ and that got to her.
      Despite the hardship of being away from his family home, Small was determined to become a successCredit: Rex
      Small is thankful for the support of his parentsCredit: Getty
      “It’s normal to doubt yourself, to think if you made the right decision.
      “But that’s why I’m so grateful to her for giving me the opportunity.”
      DEBUTANT
      However, any doubts would’ve been completely quashed on January 24, 2001, when Small made his debut for the Toffees.
      He began on the bench, before he got a call from Carlo Ancelotti’s assistant Duncan Ferguson that he would be making his bow against the Owls in the cup.
      “I was so nervous on the bench,” he said.
      “One minute I’d be really excited and be desperate to get on the pitch and the next, I had butterflies in my stomach.
      “But when Dunc [Duncan Ferguson] told me to warm up and said ‘you’re coming on’ – I was absolutely buzzing. Ancelotti even called me over and said ‘you’ve still got time to score a goal’ which would’ve been a special moment.”
      TURNING FOR ADVICE
      Interestingly, Thierry found out 48 hours before the game that he would be in the matchday squad.
      The first person he rang for advice was his uncle, Bryan who played more than 30 times for Villa in the top flight.
      “He told me to keep things simple, to just express myself and be calm,” Thierry divulged.
      At the age of just 16 years and 176 days old, Small made his debut for EvertonCredit: PA
      Small broke a record to become Everton’s youngest ever player with his appearance against Sheffield Wednesday last seasonCredit: PA

      “Hopefully there will be many more opportunities but I have to keep working hard on the training pitch.
      “That is where I can keep improving and the most important thing is to be consistent.”
      Now, with the help of Ralph Hasenhüttl and uncle Bryan expect Thierry to fly – just like he does down that left flank.
      Man Utd and Southampton fans left fuming with huge crowds outside stadium at kick-off More

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      in Soccer

      Nadia Faccenda, fiancee of Chelsea’s new keeper Marcus Bettinelli, models lingerie and starred in BBC drama Clique

      by

      TO be a Chelsea Wag, you have to be top of your game.From models to entrepreneurs, it helps to fit into your West London surroundings if you’ve got a bit of glam about you.
      Meet Nadia Faccenda, the latest edition to the Chelsea Wag familyCredit: Instagram / @nadiafaccenda
      Faccenda is engaged to Chelsea new boy Marcus BettinelliCredit: Instagram / @nadiafaccenda
      Brunette beauty Faccenda is a model and actressCredit: Instagram / @nadiafaccenda
      Lucky for stunning Nadia Faccenda, the girlfriend of Chelsea summer signing Marcus Bettinelli, she has it in abundance.
      The 24-year-old beauty from Scotland has modelled for the likes of Pretty Little Things, Debenhams, Ultimo and ASOS.
      While in 2017, she made her acting debut on BBC drama Clique playing a lesbian love interest.
      MODELLING IN GLASGOW
      The amazing brunette was scouted at a charity fashion show put on by a family friend by Colours modelling agency aged just 15.
      “I went into the agency in a T-shirt and pair of pumps and they signed me there and then. It was the best thing I ever did,” she revealed.
      From there, she appeared in photoshoots with leading fashion labels.
      Nadia featured as a regular lingerie model for Pretty Little Things, Debenhams, Ultimo and ASOS.
      The London-based beauty is also signed up to Duo Model Management.
      Stunner Faccenda is originally from ScotlandCredit: Instagram / @nadiafaccenda
      Nadia has modelled for the likes of Pretty Little Things, Debenhams, Ultimo and ASOSCredit: Instagram / @nadiafaccenda
      At the age of 15 Nadia was scouted by Glasgow agency ColoursCredit: Instagram / @nadiafaccenda
      24-year-old Nadia is now based in LondonCredit: Instagram / @nadiafaccenda
      PASSION FOR ACTING
      Although her looks have got her far, it’s on TV and film Nadia is desperate to excel.
      She graduated from Motherwell College after studying acting and performance.
      And in 2017, she made her big break on the small screen.
      Faccenda appeared in BBC Three drama Clique, a thriller from Skins writer Jess Brittain.
      She played the role of a lesbian lover of one of the show’s main protagonists.
      It was an experience Facenda enjoyed every minute of.
      “It was an unbelievable experience and, now that I’ve had a taste of it, I want more,” she told the Daily Record.
      “I play Zoe, the girlfriend of Louise Taggart. She’s one of the students in the clique and is played by Beauty and the Beast actress Sophia Brown. The cast were fantastic and we had lots of fun.”
      Nadia is an acting and performance graduate of Motherwell CollegeCredit: Instagram / @nadiafaccenda
      Sporty Nadia maintains her amazing lingerie body with a strict fitness regimeCredit: Instagram / @nadiafaccenda
      In 2017, Nadia made her TV debutCredit: Instagram / @nadiafaccenda
      Nadia appeared in BBC Three drama CliqueCredit: Instagram / @nadiafaccenda
      For now, Nadia is happy to play the role of footballers’ WagCredit: Instagram / @nadiafaccenda
      Back in May, Nadia flashed a sparkler and revealed she got engaged to Bettinelli in MykonosCredit: Instagram / @nadiafaccenda

      For now, Nadia is happy to play the part of footballers’ Wag.
      She began dating Bettinelli in 2018, and back in May the pair got engaged – with the romantic keeper popping the question during a break away in Mykonos.
      It seems that she’s a keeper too.
      Tuchel reacts to Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Arsenal in the London Derby More