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

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      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.
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      Barcelona kid Yusuf Demir, 18, is the youngest foreign debutant to play for the LaLiga giants since Messi

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      TEENAGE sensations will have to be Barcelona’s bread and butter moving forward.The cash-strapped Catalans are having to rely on youngsters as boss Ronald Koeman attempts to rebuild the club’s reputation, after a poor season domestically and in Europe.
      Yusuf Demir, 18, became the youngest foreign debutant since Lionel Messi when he appeared against Athletic Bilbao over the weekendCredit: Getty
      Demir, pictured with Barcelona president Joan Laporta, has joined the Catalans on an initial loan deal
      Pedri, 18, has already shown what a talent he is – as one of Barça’s standouts in another dismal campaign, as well as a star-turn at the Euros for Spain.
      But on the other wing, it’s Yusuf Demir who could join the little playmaker in terrorising LaLiga defences.
      The Austrian born wideman, 18, made his debut for the fallen giants in a 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao over the weekend.
      His teasing appearance at such a tender age saw Demir become the youngest foreigner to play for the club since Lionel Messi in 2004.
      It’s no surprise than he’s already drawing comparisons to the legendary Argentinian.
      LOAN TO BUY
      Effectively, Demir is currently on loan to Barcelona from Rapid Vienna in a deal that includes a £9million option to buy next summer.
      But Koeman had no worries about throwing the talent into the deep end at the fiery San Mames stadium with the scores level.
      “Demir has had a hard time in the big San Mames stadium because he’s still very young,” the Dutch coach said after the game.
      “But it is very good for him to have made his debut here to begin to adapt to football of this level.”
      Demir has revealed it’s an honour to play for BarcelonaCredit: Rex
      Demir, himself, was equally as buzzing about making his bow.
      “It’s an honour for me to play for this beautiful club,” he told Barça TV.
      “It feels like a kid’s dream come true. I worked really hard to reach this stage and I’m really happy to make my debut”.
      ESTABLISHED IN AUSTRIA
      Demir was born in Vienna to Turkish parents.
      He was signed by Rapid in 2013 aged just 10, before making his debut as a 17-year-old in the Austrian Bundesliga.
      Soon, his ability had attracted a host of scouts from clubs including Borussia Dortmund, Red Bull Salzburg and Inter Milan.
      But, he only had eyes for the Blaugrana when Rapid revealed they were willing to cash in on their prized asset.
      “I only want to play for Barcelona,” he reportedly told his bosses, as per Mundo Deportivo.
      Some 31 games and six goals later, he was loaned to Barca, who couldn’t afford the transfer fee to buy him this year.
      Last season, Demir played for Rapid Vienna in the Europa LeagueCredit: PA
      Brilliant teen Demir scored six times in 31 games for Rapid Vienna, after making his debut at 17
      BLISTERING START
      It is expected that Demir will play most of his football with Barcelona’s B team in the Segunda Division.
      However, after impressing Koeman over pre-season he might’ve forced his way into the ex-Everton manager’s first team plans.
      The confident kid first dazzled fans in a game against Gimnastic in July. He then went on to play a part in four more friendlies.
      It’s astonishing that within a month of his arrival he had already impressed Koeman enough to be handed a chance.
      Demir has been used as a midfielder, winger on the left and right, as well as a forward.
      His versatility could be key to his success at the Nou Camp.
      Demir’s versatility makes him a genuine possibility for a first team spot under Ronald KoemanCredit: Rex
      If he’s a success, Barcelona have the option of signing him for £9millionCredit: Getty

      And he’s proving himself to be popular amongst his peers already. He was one of the few players invited to Messi’s farewell dinner at his home, before his PSG departure.
      While his cheeky and irreverent personality has already endeared him to team-mates.
      A few impressive performances for Barcelona, and he will prove just as much a hit with the fans too.
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      Gorgeous Estelle Bergkamp is the stunning daughter of Arsenal legend Dennis and girlfriend of Man Utd star van de Beek

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      DONNY van de Beek is still settling into life at Manchester United, after a difficult first season.But at least he has the support of his Wag, whose dad used to view the Premier League giants as a fearsome rival.
      Estelle Bergkamp is the daughter of Arsenal legend DennisCredit: https://www.instagram.com/estellebergkamp/?hl=en
      Dennis Bergkamp’s daughter dates Man Utd star Donny van de BeekCredit: https://www.instagram.com/estellebergkamp/?hl=en
      The Bergkamp family with daughter EstelleCredit: https://www.instagram.com/estellebergkamp/?hl=en
      The 24-year-old midfielder dates Dennis Bergkamp’s daughter, Estelle, 25.
      They met in Amsterdam and a relationship between the pair soon blossomed.
      And she soon joined Donny in Manchester, after he moved to Old Trafford.
      EARLY YEARS IN LONDON
      Bergkamp was one year into his Arsenal career, when he welcomed Estelle into the world with wife Henrita.
      She was born in London, where Dennis would stay for 11 years and win three Premier League titles with the Gunners.
      In fact, when she was a small girl she joined her dad on the pitch at Highbury and was snapped holding the Premier League trophy.
      Football has always been in her family, so it was no surprise that she would soon start dating a footballer.
      A NEW DUTCH MASTER
      Last summer, Estelle and van de Beek began dating.
      Estelle was originally born in LondonCredit: https://www.instagram.com/estellebergkamp/?hl=en
      Dennis Bergkamp won three Premier League titles with Arsenal in 11 yearsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/estellebergkamp/?hl=en
      Estelle soon moved to Amsterdam after her dad hung up his bootsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/estellebergkamp/?hl=en
      Since becoming an item van de Beek and Estelle have become travel buddiesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/estellebergkamp/?hl=en
      The loved-up pair enjoyed a romantic break in ParisCredit: https://www.instagram.com/estellebergkamp/?hl=en
      Initially, they kept their romance under wraps, however the allure of showing off their happiness on Instagram was too much to resist.
      One Christmas, the pair shared a romantic snap cuddling in front of a Christmas tree.
      She captioned the cute pic: “Merry christmas from us.”
      ROMANTIC HOLIDAYS
      Since they became an item, Estelle and Donny have become best travel buddies.

      And, of course, they’ve taken us on their adventures through snapshots on social media.
      The pair can be seen in various clenches in destinations as glamorous as Ibiza and the South of France.
      Hopefully, they like Manchester too.
      Estelle and van de Beek celebrated Christmas together in 2019
      The Dutch beauty is often seen on a glamorous holiday Credit: https://www.instagram.com/estellebergkamp/?hl=en
      Estelle celebrated her dad being a Premier League champion on the Highbury pitch
      Estelle lives in Manchester with boyfriend van de BeekCredit: https://www.instagram.com/estellebergkamp/?hl=en More

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      Best and worst third kits ever, with Man Utd featuring in both, as Man City’s new strip is slated by fans

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      THE skeptics might argue third strips are a money-making exercise.However, these abominations would certainly make you think twice about parting with your cash, even if you’re the most loyal supporter.
      Manchester City’s new third kit is being slated by football fans
      Ajax have just released their Bob Marley-inspired third to fanfare among their supportersCredit: AFC Ajax
      Manchester City recently caused a commotion online when they revealed their brand new third kit for this season.
      The Puma-designed top was ridiculed by fans who dubbed it the “worst third kit ever”.
      Ajax, though, appear to have drawn favour with their followers with a Bob Marley-inspired top that salutes their Three Little Birds chant.
      Here’s the best and worst third kits we’ve seen.
      THE WORST
      Man Utd, 1992-93
      The Red Devils went traditional to their Newton Heath roots with this kit.
      When they were formed under that name in 1878, they wore green and gold colours split down the middle on their shirts.
      But, for some ridiculous reason when it came to promo time, players and even Sir Alex Ferguson decided to sport fake moustaches – as a nod to the style of that era.
      This gold and green number was a throwback to United’s days as Newton Heath
      Liverpool, 2012-13
      The Reds went completely against the grain with their third strip of the 2012-13 season that even Luis Suarez couldn’t pull off.
      Made by Warrior Sports, the purple and orange combo was certainly a sight for sore eyes.
      Before City’s latest, it was certainly a contender for worst ever.
      Purple and orange was never Liverpool’s colour
      Tottenham, 2006-07
      Brown is not a colour you’d want to associate with your team, for obvious reasons.
      But Spurs opted for a ‘chocolate’ jersey with gold stripes.
      In fairness, it was an ode to the first top they ever wore in a match against Royal Artillery in 1890. But still…
      Spurs’ chocolate strip was hardly edible or easy on the eye
      Chelsea, 2020-21
      Thankfully for the Blues, 2020-21 happened to be a good year for the West Londoners, even if this kit looked like struggling London rivals Crystal Palace.
      When it was first leaked, Chelsea fans were up in arms on Twitter.
      However, after the first few months of the season when they were unbeaten in their first four games wearing it they soon changed their tune.
      Is it Crystal Palace in disguise?
      Man City, 2020-21
      You’d have thought City would have learned from last season’s effort.
      In the previous campaign they wore a jersey inspired by the ‘Madchester’ baggy scene, with Manchester recognised as an epicentre for culture and music.
      But it ended up looking more like a paisley set of curtains from the 1970s or something Liam Gallagher’s former fashion label Pretty Green would have peddled out.
      Man City’s third kit from last season wasn’t pretty either
      THE BEST
      Roma, 2019-20
      When it comes to stylish football kits, the Italians usually get it right.
      Roma went vintage in 2019-20 with a nod to their 90s shirt done brilliantly by Nike.
      The classic Roma crest or the “Lupetto” (wolf’s head) is featured on a dark blue body that screams class.
      Roma were style kings with this vintage kit worn during the 2019-20 season
      Man Utd, 1993-94
      Black kits are usually difficult to pull off, without making them look really boring.
      United managed to look cool though for the 1993-94 season, probably thanks to the gold and blue trim.
      Iconic kits are also remembered because of the brilliant players that wore them. Eric Cantona donned this shirt, so enough said really.
      Umbro managed to make United’s black third kit from 1993-94 look interesting
      Arsenal, 2021-22
      While the Gunners might look in disarray on the pitch, at least they look stylish at the same time.
      Last week, in the abysmal defeat to Brentford, they debuted the new third kit with a blue zig zag pattern.
      On the collar is a brilliant ‘Arsenal For Everyone’ logo to celebrate their diverse fan base.
      It’s a throwback top to when Dennis Bergkamp used to grace Highbury… how they wish they could have a player like him today.
      Arsenal’s third kit is a throwback to a 90s jersey worn by legend Dennis Bergkamp
      PSG, 2018-19
      It was the first batch from their collaboration with Nike Air Jordan, and arguably their best.
      The black shirt featured a thin silver strike through the middle of it.
      Of course, the Jordan logo makes it look even cooler. Not just one of the best third kits, but one of the best kits ever.
      PSG’s first collaboration with Nike Air Jordan is still one of their best kits ever
      Real Madrid, 2014-15
      Kit historians will argue that if it wasn’t for this kit, we wouldn’t have got inspired collabs that are popular today, like the Air Jordan x PSG range.

      For 2014-15, Gareth Bale and Co wore a fetching strip designed by famed designer Yohji Yamamoto.
      A smart button collar with white trim, a dragon print across the front, it was a jersey fit for the then European Champions.
      If you’ve got one, you have a collector’s item. Online sellers are flogging them for around £350.
      Yohji Yamamoto designed Real Madrid’s ace third kit for the 2014-15 season
      Man Utd release new black, blue and yellow third kit with ‘M’ ingrained into pattern More