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      The decline of Michael Owen from England teen hero to Real Madrid flop and ‘most boring’ pundit on TV

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      MICHAEL OWEN has gone from the golden boy of English football to being considered the ‘most boring pundit’ in the sport.Back in 2002, Liverpool star Owen was fresh off his Ballon d’Or victory having catapulted his career with that stunning goal against Argentina at the 1998 World Cup.
      Michael Owen announced himself to the world’s stage with a stunning goal against Argentina at the 1998 World CupCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Owen was the golden boy of English football at the turn of the centuryCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      That summer, the 22-year-old took a trip to Alton Towers and, to escape his adoring fans, he wore a peaked cap and sunglasses.
      From the highs of being named the world’s best player, and sensationally signing for Real Madrid, Owen’s career slowly spiralled towards retirement and beyond.
      In 2019, Owen was involved in an explosive Twitter row with former pal Alan Shearer after the release of his autobiography last summer.
      But where else to begin than with one of the most memorable goals in English football.
      In Saint-Etienne, France, 22 years ago, an 18-year-old Owen went on the most memorable mazy run around a helpless Argentine defence before giving England the lead.
      ROARING LION
      While Glenn Hoddle’s team were beaten on penalties, knocked out the tournament at the last-16 stage, Owen had announced himself to the world.
      Over the next six years, he scored an incredible 118 goals in 216 games for Liverpool, helping the club to an FA Cup, two League Cups, a Community Shield and Uefa Cup.
      Owen won both Young Player of the Year and Player of the Year in 1998 while also picking up his first Premier League Golden Boot.
      He is one of just two Englishmen to win the Ballon d’Or in the last 40 years, with Kevin Keegan picking up the gong in 1978 and 1979.
      So it came as a devastating blow to the Anfield club in the summer of 2004 when Owen was plucked away to be a Galactico in Madrid.
      Owen’s prolific ability helped Liverpool to Uefa Cup victory in 2001Credit: PA:Press Association
      Owen was revered for a sensational goal against Arsenal in the 2001 FA Cup finalCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Owen is the only Englishman in the last 40 years to win the Ballon d’OrCredit: ITN
      Real president Florentino Perez said: “Signing Michael Owen is following our tradition. We are signing an excellent player with talent who is able to give us something special.”
      But the move didn’t go as planned.
      Owen was the subject of criticism from the Bernabeu fans and Spanish press due to his lack of form, and he spent much time as a substitute.
      He left Spain after just a year, having scored 13 goals in 36 games, before returning to England with Newcastle United for £15million.
      Over four years, Owen made just 71 appearances and scored only 26 goals for the Magpies.WHY AYE?
      And it was in the North East where Owen’s public fallout with Alan Shearer began.
      Despite forming a formidable strike partnership together for England, a feud was ignited because of Shearer’s belief that Owen let him down during his spell as Newcastle manager in 2009.
      Owen’s book Reboot: My Life accuses Shearer of slating him as well as describing his move to Newcastle as ‘one of the major regrets’ of his career.
      Newcastle’s most famous book shop, The Back Page, refused to stock Owen’s autobiography.
      In 2019, Owen told BT Sport: “For six or seven years, I hated it. I couldn’t wait to retire.
      “It wasn’t me. All I was doing is coming short, linking play and getting in the box.
      “It ended up with people thinking I was a great goalscorer who didn’t do much else.
      “Mentally I could do it, but physically I couldn’t.”
      Owen sensationally signed for Real Madrid in 2004 but only stayed in Spain for a yearCredit: Reuters
      Owen’s autobiography saw him enter into a public spat with Alan Shearer over their time together at NewcastleCredit: Rex Features
      Owen has said he regrets his move to Newcastle, where he stayed for four yearsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Owen’s career became synonymous with injuries.
      Having torn his hamstring aged 19, leading to five months out, Owen broke a metatarsal in 2005, tore an anterior cruciate ligament and had persistent problems with his thigh and groin.
      He moved to Manchester United in 2009 where he won a Premier League title but scored just five goals in three years.
      His final year was spent at Stoke City before retiring in 2013.
      Having spent most of the season on the bench, Owen offered to resign and retire at Christmas but held on until the end of the season.’MOST BORING PUNDIT’
      He hung up his boots and picked up the mic.
      It is as a pundit that Owen has had most criticism, with the former striker being labelled ‘boring’, ‘monotone’ and ‘annoying’ across social media.
      Armchair fans took offence to some of the less insightful comments produced by Owen during his punditry.
      An article by Football Faithful was dedicated to some pearls of wisdom, including: “If there’s a bit of rain about, it makes the surface wet”.
      Former Newcastle and Chelsea striker Joe Allon described Owen as having “the personality of a flip-flop”.
      Owen won a Premier League title during a three-year spell at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Owen’s final year as a professional was at Stoke where he spent most of the season on the benchCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
      Owen has been ridiculed for his work as a pundit since retiring in 2013Credit: Rex Features

      Where Owen has enjoyed success in recent years is the stables, having invested in racing horses.
      In 2017, he even made his debut as a jockey, finishing second in the saddle at a charity race in Ascot.
      But, elsewhere, the general consensus is that Owen has had a mare.
      Michael Owen says he’s ‘disappointed’ over spat with Alan Shearer as he discusses autobiography Reboot on Good Morning Britain More

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      Robbie Savage’s son Charlie is a Man Utd youth star, who was called up to Wales U18s to face England

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      THE apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree.Like his famous dad, Charlie Savage, 18, is making waves in the football world – and is currently starring at Manchester United.
      Charlie Savage is making great strides at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      His dad Robbie Savage famously was a youth player with the Red DevilsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Robbie Savage, front row second from the left, played in the Class of ’92 side alongside David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and Paul ScholesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The talented youngster was called up to the Wales U18 squad to face England on March 29, and gave a good account of himself despite the Dragons losing 2-0.
      Famously, his father, BT Sport pundit Robbie Savage, was a member of the Class of ’92 side featuring the likes of Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, and Paul Scholes.
      Savage Sr, 46, also got 39 caps for Wales – playing for clubs including Leicester City, Birmingham City and Derby County during his career.
      And Charlie even shares his old man’s position – playing in central midfield, where he loves to break up the play.
      LOVES A TACKLE
      Ex–pro Robbie was famous for his tough-tackling style and his energy on the pitch.
      What he lacked in skill, he made up for with high-energy displays.
      Similarly, Charlie is a box-to-box midfielder who loves a tackle and isn’t afraid to get stuck in.
      However, he’s got a bit more to his game in terms of being a creative spark and is a good passer of the ball.
      In 15 appearances for United’s U18 side this season, Charlie has four assists and two goals to his name.
      Talented Charlie Savage is a good distributor of the ballCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Savage, celebrating a goal against Blackburn, also has an eye for goalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Proud of my boy , keeps going , keeps working hard , keeps listening to his coaches , he’s starting to get his rewards 💙⚽️ better finisher than his dad pic.twitter.com/JZmQxzpfJc— Robbie Savage (@RobbieSavage8) November 28, 2020

      His first goal for the club in a 4-1 win over Newcastle was celebrated by Robbie on Twitter.
      “Proud of my boy, keeps going, keeps working hard, keeps listening to his coaches, he’s starting to get his rewards,” he captioned a video of Charlie’s strike.
      He amusingly added: “Better finisher than his dad.”
      KING KONG
      In 2018, Savage was part of a team of first-year United scholars that travelled to Hong Kong for a tournament.
      The Red Devils competed in the Jockey Club Youth Football Academy Summit, and managed to win it.
      Charlie impressed in the competition against local sides and started every game.
      United thrashed the HK Academy 6-1, beat HK All-Stars in the semi-finals and then overcame Guandong Under-17s 3-0 in the final.
      LEICESTER-BORN, WELSH FUTURE
      Charlie was born in Leicester in 2003, a year after Robbie left the Foxes to play for Birmingham.
      Like his dad, Charlie Savage has chosen to represent Wales at youth level
      Charlie Savage is said to have a bright future in the game
      Robbie Savage has spoken of his pride about his son’s progress and said he’s a better finisher than he ever was
      But, proud of his father’s roots, he’s looking into follow in his footsteps and play for the Wales national team.
      In September 2019, he made his debut for their U17 side – and played five times.

      He impressed for the Dragons, who qualified for the elite round before it was postponed due to Covid-19
      Charlie was called up to the U18 team for a match against the Three Lions on March 29.
      Wales Under-18s had not played for more than 20 years since Neville Southall was in charge of the side back in 2000 but the age group has been relaunched with changes to Uefa’s tournament structure.
      Solskjaer says Cavani could stay at Man Utd despite dad’s transfer bombshell and jokes summer heat will change his mind More

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      BBC Sport presenter Kelly Somers went from season ticket holder at Watford to interviewing Gareth Southgate at Euro 2020

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      BBC Sport presenter Kelly Somers has lit up our screens at the Euros interviewing England’s stars.From sit-down chats with Jack Grealish and Jordan Pickford to pitchside post-match breakdowns with Gareth Southgate, the pretty 35-year-old has been a breath of fresh air.
      Brilliant Kelly Somers has lit up BBC Sport’s Euro 2020 coverageCredit: Getty
      Somers has interviewed England stars including Jack Grealish during the EurosCredit: Instagram @kellyesomers

      Her honest interview with Southgate after the Three Lions beat Germany 2-0 in the last-16 particularly hit home.
      Not only did he reveal his Euro ’96 penalty miss still hurts him to her, he also admitted a belief he was to blame for his team-mates losing the semi-final. Since then, Alan Shearer has defended his case.
      Somers’ love for football began from childhood…
      LOVES WATFORD
      Growing up in London, Kelly supported Watford.
      Her mum and grandma were season ticket holders and she would often attend games.
      It was in 1999, aged 13, she got her first taste of Wembley at the play-off final.
      Watford beat Bolton to gain promotion to the Premier League and Kelly was ecstatic.
      As a kid Somers was a Watford fan growing up and went to many gamesCredit: Instagram @kellyesomers
      At 13 Somers experienced Wembley for the first timeCredit: Instagram @kellyesomers
      Excited by the buzz at the 1999 playoff final, Somers knew she wanted to work as a pitchside reporterCredit: Instagram @kellyesomers
      But it was the atmosphere and the spectacle of the event that won the teenager over.
      “My mum said I was captivated from the moment I walked into the stadium,” she told Fast And Fearless.
      “From then on, I was hooked and went to any game I was allowed to. It was tough as my friends weren’t interested but it’s always been a big thing in my family, so for me it just felt normal.”
      FIRST JOB IN FOOTBALL
      After graduating from Loughborough University, Kelly got a place at Nottingham Trent to study broadcast journalism.
      However, months before she would start the course she got a job offer she couldn’t refuse.
      Then League One club Bournemouth hired her as their media assistant, impressed by her volunteer work with Peterborough United and Doncaster Rovers.
      She was just 21, and as the club continued to progress Kelly worked her way up the chain.
      Kelly enjoys some one-on-one time with England No1 Jordan PickfordCredit: Instagram @kellyesomers
      Gareth Southgate opens up to KellyCredit: Instagram @kellyesomers
      In recent years, Somers has worked for the likes of Premier League Productions, BBC’s Final Score, talkSPORT, West Ham United and the Women’s Football League ShowCredit: Instagram @kellyesomers
      When they were in Premier League, she had already found her specialty – interviewing the players for the club’s online video channel. Soon, she was presenting on the pitch on matchdays.
      In recent years, Kelly has worked for Premier League Productions, BBC’s Final Score, talkSPORT, West Ham United and the Women’s Football League Show.
      “Reporting is something I love – nothing beats the buzz of being at a match. To be there for work is incredible and nothing beats the exhilaration of being thrown to live, to describe a goal.
      “That said, I do a lot in the studio too – and sometimes nothing beats the warmth of that.”
      STICK IT TO THE TROLLS
      As a woman in sport on TV, Somers is unfortunately a target for keyboard warriors – better known as internet trolls.
      Back in March, she was subjected to sexist abuse and told to “stick to women’s football” on Instagram.
      Unbelievably, when she looked up the man who had sent her the nasty message, Somers discovered he had a daughter of his own.
      “On Saturday I got a message from a man on Instagram, telling me myself & other females should get off Final Score & stick to women’s football,” she wrote on Instagram.
      “I searched the man, he has a daughter. Does he send her the same message? That she can only do certain jobs?

      Pretty Somers fronts BBC Sport’s Final ScoreCredit: Instagram @kellyesomers
      Kelly’s job is the envy of most, but she did once reveal she received sexist abuse onlineCredit: Instagram @kellyesomers
      On Saturday I got a message from a man on Instagram, telling me myself & other females should get off final score & stick to women’s football. I searched the man, he has a daughter. Does he send her the same message? That she can only do certain jobs? #IWD— Kelly Somers (@KellySomers) March 8, 2021

      “The point of me telling this isn’t for sympathy (I feel sorry for him), it’s because messages on IWD are fab but they’re not enough.
      “Everyone should think about their attitudes to women & their jobs, everyday. How would he feel if his daughter received the message he sent?!”
      As always, Kelly is bang on the money.
      Alan Shearer says everything England manager Gareth Southgate has done is perfect More

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      Italy’s secret weapon is former banker Gianni Vio who has created 4,830 set-piece routines for Euro 2020

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      WHEN Lorenzo Insigne is standing over a free-kick for Italy against Belgium on Friday night, he could dip into over 4,000 different ways to hurt the opposition.The Italians have dazzled football fans with their quick, incisive attacking play this year at the Euros.
      Gianni Vio, standing to the right Italy boss Robert Mancini, is the Azzuri’s secret weaponCredit: Reuters

      But it’s not just a passing game they’ve excelled at. From dead balls Roberto Mancini’s side have proved to be just as dangerous.
      Prime example, Matteo Pessina’s strike against Wales from a well-rehearsed free-kick with two stars standing in an offside position to confuse the Dragons’ backline.
      All these routines come from the mind of Gianni Vio, who reportedly has 4,830 to call upon and harm their rivals.
      Over the years he has helped clubs including Leeds United, Brentford and AC Milan improve their set-pieces.
      Not bad from the former banker, 66, who has given the Azzuri a different dimension.
      HIS THESIS
      When Vio was completing his coaching badges, he wrote a thesis called Set pieces: the 15-goal striker, which later influenced the book That Extra 30 Per Cent. This was while juggling a job as a clerk at Unicredit in Venice.
      The work was inspired by his time at Serie D outfit Il Quinto di Treviso, and in particular, two twins that used to play for him.
      Vio strategically encouraged the brothers, who no one could tell apart, to stand facing the goalkeeper when they had free-kicks and just stare into their eyes.
      Not only did that unnerve defenders, who couldn’t decide which one was their man, it also freaked out keepers.
      Italy have shown off a variety of set-piece routines during the EurosCredit: AP
      Vio claims to have 4,830 different set-piece routines masteredCredit: Getty
      Italy’s stars will often form a wall in front of the opposition wall as a distractionCredit: Getty
      But it was an instance of how Vio tailors his ideas – using the players at his disposal, as well as psychology.
      “All I’ll say is you need to analyse the players that you have and find solutions tailor-made to their skill set,” he told a Venetian newspaper, although he keeps his secrets close to his chest.
      “There are players whose reading of the game is special. At the highest level, Sergio Ramos comes to mind.
      “Wherever you put the ball, you can bet he’ll find a way to get on the end of it. Timing is the most important thing when it comes to finishing off a set piece.”
      WORKING WITH ZENGA
      In 2005 Walter Zenga became boss of Serbian side Red Star Belgrade, when Vio’s book, co-authored by psychologist Alessandro Tettamanzi, landed on his desk.
      It’s title That Extra 30 Per Cent is Vio’s belief of a percentage of how much set-pieces can improve a team. “It’s like having another striker,” he romantically revealed.
      The legendary Italian goalkeeper devoured the book and contacted its author, swapping ideas.
      Legendary Italy goalkeeper Walter Zenga hired Vio to help him secure Catania’s Serie A futureCredit: Getty
      Vio, sat alongside former Leeds manager Paul Heckingbottom, had a spell in England with the Yorkshire clubCredit: Rex
      Eventually, Zenga would score a job at Al-Ain, where he welcomed Vio to the United Arab Emirates to give his players a 20-day training clinic on set-pieces.
      Then, when the ex-Inter Milan shotstopper was offered the post at then-Serie A club Catania he insisted Vio was hired as a set-piece specialist.
      As Zenga eloquently told The Athletic: “Only a nutter like me would ask for someone who worked in a bank and coached in non-League to be with me when I got my first job in Serie A.
      “Gianni used to fly down on Thursdays and leave on a Sunday. It was madness.”
      Astonishingly, Zenga’s masterstroke was a success. 17 of Catania’s 44 goals were scored from set-plays in a campaign that saw them escape relegation. Vio might as well have been playing upfront.
      HELPING ITALY’S CAUSE
      Perfectionist Mancini reached out to Vio last year – recognising the importance of set-pieces.
      “I was contacted directly by Mancini,” he said.
      “We met up in Bologna, had a chat and shook hands. I started working (with the national team) last September.”
      The fruits of Vio’s labour were clear to see in the Nations League game last September against Bosnia & Herzegovina.
      As Insigne eyed up the free kick, Italy’s stars formed two walls behind the opposition’s wall.
      Italy bamboozled Bosnia’s defenders last September in the Nations League

      Mancini personally called Vio to ask for his coaching helpCredit: EPA
      Andrea Belotti takes one of Italy’s rehearsed set-pieces against AustriaCredit: Getty

      Then, they walked back to an onside position, further bamboozling Bosnia’s players.
      “Mancini knows this is a short, seven-game tournament and set pieces can help decide it,” Zenga said.
      And if they do, and it brings the Euros back to Italy for the first time since 1968, it’ll be thanks to a former banker.
      Belgium vs Italy FREE – Live stream, TV channel and kick-off time for Euro 2020 quarter-final More

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      Rise of Jadon Sancho from South London street football to £73m transfer to Man Utd, via Watford, Man City and Dortmund

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      JADON SANCHO is FINALLY a Manchester United player, after over a year of negotiations between the Red Devils and Borussia Dortmund.The outlay of £73million plus add-ons was enough to convince the Bundesliga giants to part with their prized asset.
      Jadon Sancho’s unmistakable talent was on show from an early ageCredit: Alan Cozzi
      Sancho, far right next to Reiss Nelson, learned the game in South London
      At Watford Sancho honed his skillsCredit: @ ALAN COZZI 07968336683 108 RAILWAY STREET HERTFORD SG 13 7BN
      But back in 2012, well before he became one of Europe’s most exciting prospects at Borussia Dortmund and forced his way into the England’s Euro 2020 squad, Sancho was learning the game in South London.
      He was born in March 2000 to Trinidadian parents, and grew up in Kennington.
      Jadon told Sky Sports: “I was on an estate.
      “There’s a park behind that we called Blue Park, and we used to just go there and for two hours just play mini games, everyone used to get so into it.
      “I used to have all the tricks, nutmeg people, and I was doing it like the older boys.
      “They played properly so they didn’t want to hurt us younger boys. But they thought I was ready to play with them.
      “I’d call myself a street footballer, that’s where I learned my tricks.”
      Sancho is now an England regularCredit: Getty
      Jadon Sancho pens a deal with Man City in 2015 after leaving the Watford AcademyCredit: Twitter @Sanchooo10
      The youngster’s rise through the ranks has been remarkableCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      In 2010, Sancho starred for Watford at U11 level
      Sayce Holmes-Lewis was a community coach for Southwark Council, who trained Sancho in a team of South London’s most talented kids and grew close with the then 12-year-old and his father, Sean.
      The Sanchos would go and watch Holmes-Lewis play for Lewisham Borough, and he recalled: “Jadon had this little afro, was always smiling.”There was always banter between me and him.
      “I’d say, ‘I bet you can’t do this skill’. I’d show him and by the end of the session he’d got it.
      “It was embarrassing for me because I was almost 30 at the time, had worked on these skills all summer and it took him an hour to master!
      “Jadon was always trying to prove how good he was but in a humble way.”
      Sancho takes on instructions from Watford coach Paul KingCredit: Alan Cozzi
      Jadon Sancho, second from right, stands next to his old coach Sayce Homes-Lewis
      READY FOR ENGLAND
      Sancho, 21, can now be called upon by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate — and vindicated his decision to leave Manchester City in 2017.
      Those who witnessed Sancho on his journey from confident kid from Kennington to one of the Bundesliga’s best, describe him as an affable boy with bags of ability.
      Yet there is one trait that stands out — an unyielding determination to succeed.
      Louis Lancaster, who coached Sancho in Watford’s academy, said: “There’s a great phrase in football that goes, ‘Prepare the player for the pathway’ because it doesn’t change.
      “Jadon scrapped that rule. For him, it was preparing the pathway for the player.
      Manchester City youth star Jadon Sancho scores great goal against Arsenal in youth match
      “He’s moved from South to North with one of the world’s greatest managers and players and he’s got a choice either stay in the Man City Under-23s and not develop or go to another country.
      “How many players would have the courage to do that?”FEARLESS
      Courage is a recurring theme in Sancho’s upbringing — courage in ability, in failure, in resisting temptation and in taking the less trodden path.
      That path began at Watford’s development centre in Battersea, where Holmes-Lewis first came across the young forward in 2007 while visiting a friend who trained the juniors.
      Holmes-Lewis said: “I thought he was a bit spicy in his style. He was skilful when I first saw him at Watford.
      “But he’d developed before we joined up at Southwark, was more dynamic and a standout player. He was doing things way ahead of his age.”
      Dribbling skills were always Sancho’s forteCredit: @ ALAN COZZI 07968336683 108 RAILWAY STREET HERTFORD SG 13 7BN
      He left Manchester City in search of first-team footballCredit: Twitter @Sanchooo10
      Sancho proved himself in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund and became one of the most sought-after players in the worldCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      THE NELSON EFFECT
      Sancho played for Southwark district alongside Ian Carlo Poveda, now at Leeds United, and Reiss Nelson, the Arsenal forward who shone on loan at Bundesliga side Hoffenheim in the 2018-19 season.
      Holmes-Lewis said: “They were great kids, never on the streets hanging around with the wrong crowd.
      “They had a gift they worked really hard at and they had to focus to progress. And I just loved the banter between Jadon and Reiss.”
      While Sancho has progressed quicker, it was Nelson who was the more talented.
      And Holmes-Lewis said: “When Jadon was ten, the pressure seemed to get to him and that was something Reiss didn’t struggle with.
      “Jadon would get very frustrated very quickly. What we tried to do was instil belief in him that he needs to keep trying.
      How Man United could line-up with ‘done deal’ Sancho as Shearer urges Solskjaer to make Kane and Grealish transfers
      His progress has seen him make a breakthrough in the national sideCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Gareth Southgate kept a close eye on his progress in GermanyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “Now, Jadon is probably the more assertive and confident and Reiss is behind.”SHOW-OFF
      Sancho’s love for showboating was evident early on as he flicked through YouTube videos of Ronaldinho rather than focus on school work at Watford.
      He was obsessed with football. And Paul Williams, a coach with England U-16s, recalled a time when they were waiting for a flight to Florida ahead of the Nike International Tournament — which they won and Sancho ended up as top scorer.
      He said “You think you can have a conversation with the lads about other stuff but then Jadon just wanted to talk about football.
      “On this occasion, though, I do remember that Jadon had just learned how to do the dab and was teaching all the players and the coaches.
      “We were all sitting in the airport smiling and laughing. That moment captures Jadon perfectly.”

      Fans think Jadon Sancho drops Man Utd transfer hint during Instagram live after ‘sipping water in secret code over move’
      Last season, Sancho scored 16 goals and assisted 20 in all competitonsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      One week in 2015 saw that smile disappear. City had made their approach and Sancho had a decision to make.
      Hornets coach Lancaster said: “He wasn’t himself. He was looking stressed.
      “I gave him my spiel and his dad will have, too. But that was it — one day he was gone. This is where his dad has been brilliant, so influential. Although Jadon has done a lot himself, deep down he’ll be grateful for his dad’.”
      FATHER IS KEY
      Like most talented teens, supportive parents are essential and Sancho’s father is widely described as the man who kept his son focused.
      Holmes-Lewis said: “Sean has dedicated himself to Jadon and his development — everything is centred around Jadon.
      “The fact they’ve made it out of the concrete jungle and stayed on track is a credit to them and their parents.
      Jadon Sancho shows his amazing skill as he trains blindfolded at Dortmund
      “This is somewhere where it’s tough. There’s so many distractions with crime, women and being involved in trying to make money. It’s so easy to stray from the track.”
      After City’s renowned scout Joe Shields recommended Sancho to the club, he rose to the next level, playing alongside Phil Foden and Taylor Richards.
      Sancho made the most of City’s state-of-the-art facilities — from the strength and conditioning coaches to the sports psychologist.
      And that may have been what helped him handle the £8m transfer fee Dortmund stumped up, despite Sancho never having played a single first-team game for City.
      Williams believes Sancho’s potential has no limits.
      Paul Williams, Sancho’s former England U16 coach, believes the forward’s future is limitlessCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He said: “The fact that he has that inner belief in himself, in wanting to be the best means he can achieve whatever he wants.”
      Sancho will be following in the footsteps of United’s glorious wingers of the past – from Best to Giggs and most recently Ronaldo.
      Expectation will be high because of his transfer fee, but given his self-confidence it won’t be a problem for the driven kid who went from a council estate to Watford, Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund, and will now grace Old Trafford.
      Rio Ferdinand says Man Utd must seal £230m double transfer for Harry Kane and Jadon Sancho More

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      Ukraine boss Andriy Shevchenko’s wife Kristen is an ex-American model, who posed with the ex-Chelsea star in saucy shoot

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      UKRAINE manager Andriy Shevchenko is the football legend who has won it all – including the heart of a stunning American model.The ex-Chelsea ace, who played for the Blues from 2006 to 2009, has led his country to a quarter-final place at Euro 2020, where they will take on England.
      Andriy Shevchenko, pictured with wife Kristen, has led the Ukraine at the Euros
      Shevcheno and Kristen posed in a sexy photoshoot for GQ in ItalyCredit: © GIAN PAOLO BARBIERI
      The photoshoot took place in 2003 when Shevchenko was in his prime at AC Milan
      However, before that – when the now 44-year-old was starring in Italy for AC Milan in the early noughties – he was posing in saucy photoshoots for GQ Italia.
      The 2004 Ballon d’Or winner is married to stunning American model, Kristen Pazik.
      And the men’s lifestyle magazine came up with the genius idea to pair them together for a covershoot. Incidentally, it became GQ Italia’s biggest ever seller.
      Pazik’s father Mike is also a MLB legend, having pitched for the Minnesota Twins in the 1970s and helped Kansas City Royals win the World Series in 2015 as their Major League scout.
      MODEL MISSUS
      Blonde bombshell Kristen, now 42, was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and is of Polish descent.
      She met Shevchenko at a fashion show in Milan in the early 2000s, where he was one of the best players in the world.
      The pair were instantly smitten, and they appeared topless on the front cover of the Italian version of GQ in a saucy photoshoot in 2003.
      Pazik and Shevchenko’s chemistry can be seen throughout the photoshootCredit: © GIAN PAOLO BARBIERI
      The semi-naked shoot was an eye-opener for Serie A fansCredit: © GIAN PAOLO BARBIERI
      Pazik was born in America and is of Polish originCredit: © GIAN PAOLO BARBIERI
      Shevchenko and Pazik became the glam couple of Italian football after the GQ photoshootCredit: © GIAN PAOLO BARBIERI
      In the snaps Shevchenko also posed toplessCredit: © GIAN PAOLO BARBIERI
      Three years after this shoot, Pazik and Shevchenko married in Washington DCCredit: © GIAN PAOLO BARBIERI

      In the snaps the chemistry between them is seemingly electric, with Shevchenko draped across the semi-naked beauty.
      Other images show a topless Sheva looking suggestively down the lens.
      That issue is GQ Italy’s biggest seller of all-time, and put the super-couple on the map.
      A year later Kristen, who boasts 276-inch pins, and Shevchenko married on a golf course in Washington DC.
      They have four sons, including one boy – Kristian – who is on Chelsea’s books.
      Pazik walks the runway at the Rocco Barocco show during Milan Fashion WeekCredit: Rex Features
      Shevchenko met Kristen in the early noughties when he played for AC MilanCredit: Rex Features
      The pair were cover stars for the Italian version of GQ magazine
      Pazik boasts legs measuring 276 inchesCredit: The Mega Agency
      Shevchenko’s son Kristian, 14, is on the books at Chelsea
      SHE LOVES CHELSEA
      When Shevchenko was to be sold by AC Milan, both Manchester United and Chelsea declared their interest.
      However, the forward’s wife reportedly helped her husband make his mind up.
      Kristen was said to have become close to Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich’s ex-wife Irina, who apparently whisked the beauty around Sloane Square’s glitzy designer boutiques.
      Soon after, Shevchenko chose to move to West London, but he told Gazetta Sport that his wife wasn’t the deciding factor.
      “My wife has nothing to do with this, we decided together for the best interests of our family,” he said.

      Shevchenko and Pazik pose with legendary designer Giorgio ArmaniCredit: Getty Images
      Pazik reportedly influenced Shevchenko to move to Stamford Bridge and was friends with Roman Abramovich’s ex-wife IrinaCredit: Rex Features
      Blonde bombshell Pazik reportedly loved the trendy boutiques West London offersCredit: Rex Features
      In the early days of their romance Shevchenko and Pazik would speak Italian to one anotherCredit: © GIAN PAOLO BARBIERI
      “I don’t speak English, my wife does not speak Ukrainian – the only language we have in common at the moment is Italian.
      “The only way to be able to teach our children our love that we have for them is the English language.”
      At the turn of the year, Shevchenko was linked to the Chelsea job but lost out to Thomas Tuchel.
      You can’t help think that one day he might just end up in the managerial seat at Stamford Bridge.
      STRIKE IT LUCKY
      Shevchenko isn’t the only sports star in his family. His father-in-law is a MLB legend.
      Mike Pazik was a pitcher who was a first round draft pick by the New York Yankees in 1971.
      He enjoyed three seasons at Minnesota Twins from 1975-77, then served as a pitching coach for the Chicago White Sox from 1995-98.
      Ukraine boss Shevchenko has managed to get his team into the Euro 2020 quarter-finalsCredit: AP
      Shevchenko and Pazik have been married for 17 yearsCredit: Instagram / @kristenpazik1
      Shevchenko’s father-in-law is baseball legend Mike PazikCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Mike Pazik is now the Major League scout at Kansas City Royals

      Pazik is currently working with the Kansas City Royals as a Major League scout.
      In 2015, he helped the team win the World Series for only the second time in their history.
      Will Shevchenko be able to channel his father-in-law’s winning mentality against England?
      Shevchenko and Andersson have ugly touchline row as Sweden manager accuses Ukraine stars of diving in Euro 2020 game More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Mancini and Vialli’s 40-year bromance, from strike partners at Sampdoria to leading Italy at Euro 2020

      by

      AS the final whistle blew at Wembley and Italy had edged past a stubborn Austria side, the sight of two old friends embracing stole the headlines.The inspired extra-time substitutions of Federico Chiesa and Matteo Pessina that decided the Euro 2020 last-16 with their goals was secondary to Roberto Mancini and Gianluca Vialli sharing a warm hug.
      Gianluca Vialli and Robert Mancini celebrate Italy’s victory over AustriaCredit: Getty
      25 years before Mancini and Vialli shared a unique bond at Sampdoria
      The best friends have known each other for over 40 yearsCredit: Getty
      The pair, both 56, have been best mates for over 40 years. Mancini is now the coach of the national team, while Vialli is officially employed as team leader, although his influence is clearly more than that.
      As players, they tore Serie A defences apart as the ‘Goal Twins’ of Sampdoria, helping the club win their first and only Italian title.
      They would dine together at the now closed Carmine’s in Lombardy, talking football over fish soup. The two would also be seen dancing the night away at Portofino hotspot Carillon.
      Their bromance began at Coverciano, the Italian team’s headquarters, when they were teenagers. Observers immediately noticed the pair had an instant chemisty.
      “Roberto has been my hero since I was 14,” Vialli revealed on Italian TV channel RAI.
      “We met for the first time at Coverciano. People were already talking about him even then. We must have known each other for how long? Forty years? 
      “He had a foot in my goals and I had a foot in his.”
      CONTRASTING FORTUNES
      Vialli was something of a late bloomer. It was around the age of 13 that he began his quest to become a footballer at Cremonese, who were then a Serie C side.
      During that period, Mancini was considered one of the bright sparks of Italian football.
      In the early 80s, Mancini was considered one of the bright talents of Italian footballCredit: Getty
      Vialli began his career at lowly CremoneseCredit: IPS Photo Agency
      He signed for Bologna at 13, reportedly snubbing the advances of AC Milan.
      At 16, Luca was first to make his professional debut with I Grigiorossi, but Roberto didn’t have to wait too long for his – earning a Serie A bow three months before his 17th birthday.
      But it was the latter who would make a huge splash in his debut campaign – scoring nine times in 30 games.
      Mancini, the wonderkid, had caught the attention of Sampdoria’s wealthy and ambitious owner Paolo Mantovani, and was signed alongside Trevor Francis and Liam Brady in the summer of 1982.
      Back in Cremona, Vialli was also making a name for himself. He lead the Cremonese line for four years, helping the club gain promotion to the top flight for the first time in over 50 years.
      A SPECIAL BOND
      Away from their clubs, Vialli and Mancini had begun to form a special bond while on Italian under-21 duty.
      Mancini would repeatedly sell the idea of Sampdoria to Luca, and urged him to make the move to Genoa.
      In 1984, the trick worked. Vialli joined Mantovani’s revolution aged 19 rejecting several offers from major clubs.
      It was the beginning of Sampdoria’s most successful period in their history.
      The pairing of Mancini and Vialli turned Sampdoria into a forceCredit: Getty
      ⚽Get ALL of the latest Italy news and updates from Euro 2020
      In their debut season upfront together, the I Blucerchiati finished in the top four and won the Coppa Italia.
      Memorably, they terrorised the normally unflappable Franco Baresi in the second leg of the final scoring both goals to beat AC Milan.
      Soon, the Italian press would give them their own nickname – the “Goal Twins.”
      Mantovani was so taken by his strike duo, he adopted them as sons and even named his two dogs Roby and Luca.
      Mancini and Vialli used to room together at the Astor hotel, where Sampdoria’s stars would stay the night before a game, and would order midnight feasts of spaghetti alla bucaniera from team chef Giorgio Parri.
      Speaking about their relationship on the pitch to Sky Sports, Vialli revealed: “It came just naturally. When you’ve got this affinity things just happen, you just get on and there’s no jealousy.”
      He added: “Off the pitch it helps if you are friends. If you see things the same way and have the same philosophy in life.
      “And with Roberto it just happened. We were good friends.”
      CHAMPIONS
      More trophies would follow under new boss Vujadin Boškov, including back-to-back Coppa Italia titles in 1988 and 1989, then a European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1990.
      Mancini and Vialli, first and second in the front row, played just a handful of games for ItalyCredit: Getty
      The pinnacle of Vialli and Mancini’s achievements came in 1991 when they won Serie ACredit: Getty
      However, at international level they would only play a handful of games together as a strike duo, with competition for places fierce.
      Mancini would earn just 36 caps for his country during his career, while Vialli managed 59. Perhaps criminally, they only played in one major tournament together – Euro ’88.
      The pinnacle of Mancini and Vialli’s achievements came in 1991, when they were instrumental in landing the Italian championship for Sampdoria.
      Roberto was already showing a nous for leadership behaving like an assistant manager at times during the title-winning campaign.
      While Vialli won the Capocannoniere, Serie A’s Golden Boot, with 19 goals in 26 games.
      The Scudetto triumph would allow Sampdoria to play in the European Cup for the very first time in the 1991-92 season.
      A 112th-minute Ronald Koeman free-kick in the final against Johan Cruyff’s Barcelona ‘Dream Team’ broke their hearts in the competition.
      It would be the last time Vialli and Mancini ever played together.
      After the European Cup final in 1992, the pair went their separate ways with Vialli eventually ending up ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Mancini had a brief loan spell at Leicester City before turning to managementCredit: PA:Press Association
      Just two months later, Sampdoria accepted a £13million bid from Juventus for their talisman.
      REUNITED
      Both would appear on our shores at the end of their careers.
      Mancini joined Leicester on loan at 36 in 2001, buoyed by the success of Vialli who had won the hearts of Chelsea fans as a player and manager from 1996-2000.
      Mancini has enjoyed the far better career as manager, winning three Serie A titles with Inter Milan and one Premier League title with Man City, before finally taking on the national team job in 2018.
      As Mancini began his mammoth task of reinvigorating the Azzurri, Vialli was privately taking on his biggest challenge.
      Fighting pancreatic cancer, Luca underwent chemotherapy and lost two-and-a-half stone in weight.
      To hide his illness he wore extra layers and chunky jumpers. His daughters drew his eyebrows on and applied make-up to hide a pale complexion.
      Vialli also studied Asian philosophy and compiled a scrapbook of quotes, mantras and stories to help him through his journey.
      Vialli battled pancreatic cancer from 2018-20 and underwent severe chemotherapy treatmentCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription
      In 2019, Mancini brought his old pal Vialli back into the international fold as delegation chiefCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      It was only fitting that in 2019 Vialli was appointed as delegation chief – a position unfulfilled since Luigi Riva’s retirement in 2013.
      Last November, when Mancini’s assistant Lele Oriali was absent for the Nations League game against Poland, Vialli was seen in the dugout for the first time in nearly 20 years. More importantly, he was alongside his Mancini again.
      “Working with Roberto and the staff is emotional,” Vialli said.
      “He has said that we are becoming old but, for me, working here together will keep us all young.”
      With their victory over Austria, Italy set a new national record of 31 games unbeaten and have become many people’s favourites for the Euros.
      But Vialli, who is now cancer-free, admitted he had no idea his best mate would be such a good manager.
      “Roberto is a great coach, which I honestly did not expect when we were playing together!” he told TV show Notte Azzura.
      “He has created a wonderful atmosphere of confidence and trust in the players, and when a player feels the coach has faith in him, he can walk on water.
      “That’s not all, because Roberto also knows how to instil discipline at the same time.”
      Now, they are reunited on the Italian bench.

      Vialli has admitted he is shocked his pal Mancini has become a great managerCredit: AFP

      “We met 35 years ago and are not just friends, but brothers. We did extraordinary things at Samp, then the rapport consolidated even after we took different paths.
      “Friendship helps you to work better, because you have absolute trust.”
      Should Italy win Euro 2020, expect these two to be jumping up and down in each other’s arms like teenagers again. More