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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.
      Tuchel reacts to Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Arsenal in the London Derby More

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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.
      Barcelona fans chant Messi’s name during match More

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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

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      Weirdest transfer payments ever, with stars going for barrels of beer, Mars bars and packets of crisps

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      AS the transfer window hots up and comes to a close, many football clubs are throwing cash around to land their targets.But it hasn’t always been money that has traded hands for top talent.
      Jack Grealish may have cost Manchester City £100m, but not all players were bought with cashCredit: Getty
      No, we’ve seen crisps, chocolate and even an iron used as currency in a deal between teams.
      So, forget your £100million Manchester City paid for Jack Grealish, these are the weirdest transfer payments EVER.
      IAN WRIGHT
      The BBC pundit may have moved to Arsenal for £2.5million in 1991, a club record fee at that time for the North Londoners, it wasn’t always glam for Wrighty.
      He began his professional career with Crystal Palace, famously scoring twice against Manchester United in an FA Cup final.
      The Eagles didn’t have to work too hard to persuade his non-league club Greenwich Borough to sign him.
      A set of dumbbells were handed over (hopefully with two hands) and the deal was struck.
      Crystal Palace gave Ian Wright’s old club Greenwich Borough some dumbbells to secure his servicesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      FRANCO DI SANTO
      The ex-Chelsea striker is perhaps best known for being a failed No9 for the Blues.
      But when he was a promising youngster cash-strapped Chilean side Audax Italiano were desperate to add Di Santo to their ranks.
      How did they buy him? They gave his local team two goal nets and 40 litres of paint to jazz up their home ground.
      Franco Di Santo, who played for Chelsea and Wigan, once cost one of his old clubs two goal nets and 40 litres of paintCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      GIULIANO GRAZIOLI
      Grazioli is best known for his FA Cup heroics for Stevenage against Newcastle – scoring an equaliser to force a replay in 1998.
      He originally started his career with Peterborough, before joining Borough on loan.
      The non-league needed a sweetener to seal that deal. They found it in the form of a “Mars bar and three packets of crisps”, according to boss Paul Fairclough.
      Giuliano Grazioli famous cost Stevenage a Mars bar and three packets of crispsCredit: PA:Press Association
      TONY CASCARINO
      The former Republic of Ireland striker, now talkSPORT presenter, didn’t have the most glamorous starts to his football career – turning out for Crockenhill in the 1980s.
      However, Gillingham thought he’d make a decent centre forward for them and were willing to do anything it took to get their main.
      That included buying Crockenhill a new kit, as well as some corrugated iron to fix up their ground.
      Tony Cascarino, playing here for Gillingham, was signed by The Gills from Crockenhill in exchange for a new kit and some corrugated ironCredit: Rex Features
      ERNIE BLENKINSOP
      You’d be forgiven for not recognising Blenkinsop’s name.
      He played in the England side from the late 20s to early 30s, and won the old First Division with Sheffield Wednesday twice.
      Ernie started his career in the most bizarre fashion, though, when Hull signed him from Cudworth Village for £100, as well as a barrel of beer.
      Imagine trying to get that deal past Arsene Wenger?
      Ernie Blenkinsop and his team-mates would’ve enjoyed a bevvy or two after his transfer from Cudoworth Village with a barrel of beer included in the dealCredit: PA
      HUGH MCLENAHAN
      We all scream for ice cream. Well, at least that’s what Stockport did.
      Before Manchester United were really minted, they had to be more creative in the transfer market.
      And that’s where assistant manager, and part-time ice cream business owner, Louis Rocca came in.
      In 1927, the Red Devils donated three fridge freezers to County for a fundraiser. In return, they got Hugh McLenahan.
      Man Utd donated three fridge freezers to Stockport County for a fundraiser to sign Hugh McLenahanCredit: Rex
      COLLINS JOHN
      This Dutch striker had a decent stint at Fulham in the Premier League, after the club bought him from FC Twente.

      But Collins John began his youth career at DES Nijverdal, who were very much a local community club.
      Twente came in for him in 2002, and they must’ve been well read at this point.
      After all, it wasn’t money that was paid for John’s services… it was encyclopedias which were donated to a local school.
      Encyclopedias were donated to a local school so Twente could sign Collins JohnCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Inside Harry Kane’s luxury summer holiday at billionaire Tottenham owner Joe Lewis’ incredible Florida resort More

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      Meet stunning Chelsea TV presenter Olivia Buzaglo, who is the daughter of an FA Cup legend and stood up for Timo Werner

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      EVEN heckling Chelsea fans can’t put Blues TV presenter Olivia Buzaglo off her stride.The pretty brunette, who also works with Premier League Productions, was hosting an open day for Chelsea fans at Stamford Bridge, when one supporter let his feelings known about Timo Werner during an interview.
      Olivia Buzaglo hosted an open training day for Chelsea supporters at Stamford BridgeCredit: Instagram / @oliviabuzaglo
      Gorgeous Buzaglo kept her calm when a fan heckled Timo WernerCredit: Instagram / @oliviabuzaglo
      With the chats going out over the Bridge’s PA system – and audible to the players – the supporter delivered a harsh message to the speedy striker.
      He said: “Listen, I’ve got a word. Let’s have it. Get Werner out the club.”
      As he was met with boos from the crowd, Olivia kept proceedings calm telling her audience to “forget that” as she continued to quiz the supporters.
      Her ice cool reactions might’ve been something she inherited from her dad.
      Tim Buzaglo was a FA Cup hero for Woking after scoring a hat-trick against West Brom in a famous 4-2 win in a 1991 third round tie.
      CHELSEA IN HER BLOOD
      Olivia always dreamed of going into sports journalism, and is a die-hard Chelsea fan.
      She began blogging for now defunct magazine Shoot, before scoring a job at Premier League Productions.
      In 2016, she began with the non-affiliated Chelsea FC Fan TV on YouTube, recording live segments at Stamford Bridge or videos discussing main talking points.
      A huge Chelsea fan, Buzaglo went to last season’s Champions League finalCredit: Instagram / @oliviabuzaglo
      Buzaglo hosts The Weekend Preview by Premier League ProductionsCredit: Instagram / @oliviabuzaglo
      Olivia cuddles up to the Premier League trophyCredit: Instagram / @oliviabuzaglo
      It was a dream come true to work for Chelsea for glam BuzagloCredit: Instagram / @oliviabuzaglo
      It got her noticed by Chelsea TV, who soon welcomed her to their TV studio at Stamford Bridge and had her co-hosting a matchday show.
      In the meantime, Premier League Productions also promoted her to hosting duties alongside Clinton Morrison and Robbie Savage, where she has worked on The Weekend Review.
      But it’s with the European champions she’s her happiest. And Olivia hosted the club’s open day with fans that was spoiled by one fan hurling abuse at German forward Werner.
      She later tweeted: “(Had) The best time co-hosting Chelsea’s open training.
      “Lovely to speak to everyone there (even if there was one idiot that tried to ruin it). Hope you all had as much fun as I did.”
      FAMOUS DAD
      Football bragging rights in the Buzaglo family, though, might still go to Olivia’s dad, Tim.
      A livewire striker, he played his career in non-league after a stint in cricket representing Gibraltar’s national team.
      However, he wrote his name in FA Cup folklore when he was part of a team that was responsible for one of the most famous giant-killings of the 1990s.
      Buzaglo netted a hat-trick against West Brom in a stunning 4-2 win at the Hawthorns.
      Woking FC icon Tim Buzaglo is Olivia’s dadCredit: Rex
      Buzaglo scored a hat-trick against West Brom in a 1991 FA Cup third round for the non-league sideCredit: Rex Features
      After the game, fans lifted him aloft on their shoulders to celebrate their victory.
      They were drawn against Everton, with the tie switched to Goodison Park.
      Although they fell to a 1-0 defeat, they left with their heads high for a spirited performance.
      COULD’VE BEEN A FOOTBALLER
      Although broadcasting is now her forte, Olivia could’ve followed in her father’s footsteps.
      A forward like dad, she starred for Maidenhead, QPR and Watford at youth level.
      Her record at York Road of 45 goals in 39 games showed how prolific she was.
      “I ended up joining Maidenhead because I played a friendly against them when I was playing for my team and I knew a couple of their players,” she said.
      “Actually I had no intention of joining them but I must’ve scored in that game and one of their girls asked me to play in a friendly for them.
      Olivia poses with Brazil legend RonaldinhoCredit: Instagram / @oliviabuzaglo
      TV host Buzaglo loved playing football as a youngsterCredit: Instagram / @oliviabuzaglo
      Football’s loss is TV’s gain, as Olivia continues to excel as a hostCredit: Instagram / @oliviabuzaglo

      “I did and my manager at the time wasn’t happy! So I left and went to join Maidenhead instead. I only really played locally when I was younger. I played for a team called Knaphill and absolutely loved it.
      “Then I played for Maidenhead, played a few games here and there for QPR and then got asked to play for Watford. But I had to make a choice between working in football and playing it and I chose working.”
      What was football’s loss, is TV’s gain… and we’re sure you will find a few Chelsea fans who agree.
      Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku says he has been double jabbed and it’s important for other players to get Covid vaccine More

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      Arsenal sell them, while Messi was paid in fans’ tokens in his PSG deal… it’s the cryptocurrency changing football

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      IT’s the cryptocurrency that’s sweeping the football landscape.Socios is a platform that allows sports fans to buy into their favourite club and potentially shape their future.
      Arsenal are one of the clubs who have signed up to the Socios schemeCredit: Instagram @sociosdotcom
      As part of his contract with PSG, Messi was paid in fan tokensCredit: Getty
      By buying fan tokens at £2 a pop, you can have say on matters like stadium names, or what song could be played as your team’s entrance music.
      Already, the likes of Arsenal, Barcelona, Juventus, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester City and PSG have jumped on board with the craze.
      The latter included some payment with the tokens in Lionel Messi’s massive £25million-per-year deal with the French giants.
      This season, defending Serie A champions Inter will have their own fan tokens sponsoring their famous blue and black shirts.
      So, what made the world’s biggest sports teams embrace the blockchain technology?
      MONEY, MONEY, MONEY
      How fan tokens benefit the clubs that are sold by Socios boils down to money.
      After the coronavirus pandemic stripped many of the world’s most famous teams’ finances, avenues of making back lost revenue have never been more important.
      Socios split the proceeds 50/50. So for every token costing £2, the club gets £1. And you can buy more than one token.
      Since its launch in 2019, astonishingly 1.2million have downloaded the app. And they reportedly have over 900,000 active users.
      Supporters pay up to £2 per token with Socios at their favourite clubsCredit: Instagram @sociosdotcom
      Barcelona and Juventus fans got to vote on a slogan that was written on trophies the captains held before a recent friendlyCredit: Instagram @sociosdotcom
      It’s a service that provides fans, at a cheaper cost, the opportunity to have a say at their club.
      Of course, Manchester United and Juventus trade their shares publicly, but they would cost a lot more than a Socios fan token.
      This is not a share of a company, but a share of influence how they are run. One token equals one vote.
      For example, when Socios-sponsored clubs Barcelona and Juventus faced off in a preseason friendly on August 8, token holders were allowed to vote on which pre-approved slogan would appear on a trophy that the team captains held before the game.
      CONTROVERSY
      Socios is expanding at a rapid rate – not just in football too.
      The NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers have all signed up to the scheme.
      While Formula 1’s Aston Martin and Alfa Romeo teams, and Indian Premier League cricket teams Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings are all now financial beneficiaries of supporters buying fan tokens.
      But some supporters are just not quite sure.
      It allows for fan engagement from all over the globe, with many ‘investors’ not regular visitors to the stadium or are so-called ‘true-fans’.
      Many football fans are skeptical of Socios and their platformCredit: Instagram @sociosdotcom

      The Football Supporters’ Association thoughts are: “Socios attempts to monetise fan engagement which the leagues and clubs have committed to doing for free. There should be no financial barrier to engaging with your football club.”
      In 2019, a group of West Ham fans revolted on plans for the club to partner with Socios by launching a ‘Don’t Pay To Have Your Say’ campaign.
      In the end, both parties pulled out.
      When Arsenal announced they were siding with Socios, it was met with skepticism from the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust.
      “It is a concern that the club is trying to monetarise fan opinion and engagement,” they wrote, revealing they weren’t consulted on the plans.
      The Gunners famously said they wanted to engage with more fans after the European Super League debacle had miffed many.
      When the Arsenal deal with Socios was announced, the FSA slammed the decision.
      “One day saying you’re committed to supporter engagement. The next day, trying to monetise it.”
      CAN YOU MAKE MONEY?
      Like BitCoin, fans buy their tokens using real money.
      The price of tokens changes over time, given team performance, or a potential blockbuster signing.
      After PSG concluded a deal for Messi, their fan token value more than doubledCredit: Getty
      Inter Milan will wear their fan token as sponsors on their shirtCredit: Instagram @sociosdotcom
      Fans can exchange or sell their tokens like on the stock market with other Socios users.
      Interestingly, before Messi signed for PSG a fan token cost around £16. When the deal was concluded, it rose to around £35.
      Should the Argentinian lead them to Champions League glory, they could potentially rocket further.
      IT’S HERE TO STAY
      Whether or not you’re a fan, Socios founder Alexandre Dreyfus is promising more to come.
      More deals are slated to be in the pipeline that will be completed, if not before the real-life transfer window,then after it as the season gets going.
      There are plans to conquer the NFL in America too.
      “We’ve proven that we are here to stay,” he told City A.M.
      “This is not about you believing it [or not] because it is happening. The question is whether you embrace it now or later.”
      La Liga champions Atletico Madrid have also joined the Socios revolutionCredit: Instagram @sociosdotcom
      Socios founder Alexandre Dreyfus, right, is adamant that fan tokens are here to stay

      And Dreyfus is adamant that Socios doesn’t exist to fleece the fans.
      “We’re not here to take money from the fans,” he said.
      “What we do is not bad; we are not bad actors. We aren’t worse than Facebook or TikTok. It’s just the monetisation is different.”
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      Man Utd target Pape Matar Sarr, 18, is the Metz wonderkid who came through the same African football club as Sadio Mane

      by

      FORGET Eduardo Camavinga, it’s Pape Matar Sarr who is the most sought after teen in French football right now.The 18-year-old Metz star, who can play anywhere across the midfield, has plenty of suitors.
      Pape Matar Sarr, 18, is wanted by Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester CityCredit: AFP
      Midfield powerhouse Sarr has exploded on to the scene in French footballCredit: AFP
      Manchester United are the latest club to be linked with the £40million-rated youngster.
      Chelsea, Manchester City, and Real Madrid are also all hot on the trail of the generational talent after he broke through at the Ligue 1 club during the last campaign.
      Back in March, Sarr made his international debut for Senegal as he continued his rapid rise.
      Like Liverpool forward Sadio Mane, he began his football career in the Generation Foot academy – an African football club who has also produced Watford’s Ismaila Sarr and former West Ham striker Diafra Sakho.
      EXPLOSIVE START
      In September 2020 Metz brought in Sarr from Generation Foot on a five-year deal.
      While it wasn’t a headline signing, the Ligue 1 club had hopes high hopes for him.
      Initially, he was sent to play for Metz’s reserves in the Championnat National 2.
      But after just one game in which he stood out head and shoulders above the rest, he was promoted to the first team.
      However, with the coronavirus halting the footballing landscape, Sarr had to wait for his first team opportunity.
      Sarr began his football career in SenegalCredit: Instagram
      Like Sadio Mane, Sarr trained with the Generation Foot AcademyCredit: AFP – Getty
      At just 18 Sarr has established himself in the Metz first teamCredit: Getty
      Back in November, he made his debut against Brest. Just a few months later, he scored his first in the reverse fixture in a 4-2 win.
      He has since established himself as a first team regular – appearing 25 times already for the club, despite his tender years.

      PLENTY OF ATTRIBUTES
      Physically, he was certainly ready for his chance.
      At around 6ft tall, he cuts a gangly figure. But Sarr is tough in the tackle and excels in aerial duels.
      Used primarily as a box-to-box midfielder, he possesses a good shot.
      For a young player, his concentration levels are also excellent which means he understands his defensive duties too.
      Going forward he can score goals and had four to his name last season.
      Metz academy manager Olivier Perrin was responsible in bringing Sarr to the club, after seeing him progress at Generation Foot, where the French coach managed for five years until 2018.
      Perrin told Senego: “I immediately said to myself that he was a top player, with a very high-level (with regards to) reading and analysing the game. He is (like) Miralem Pjanic.
      French coach Olivier Perrin saw Sarr’s potential at Generation Football during his time thereCredit: AFP – Getty
      Sarr has been used a box-to-box midfielder by Metz, but could play anywhere across the midfieldCredit: Getty
      “He can play in a system with two number 10’s, he can be middle and box-to-box, he can be 10, 6, it depends on the coaches.”
      ROOTS IN AFRICA
      Sarr has come a long way since his debut in Senegal’s top flight at the tender age of just 15.
      With Generation Foot, who are a feeder club for Metz, he established himself as one of his country’s most promising players.
      Six U17 caps and three goals followed, before it was clear he was ready for a bigger stage.
      Soon after, he broke into the Metz side his country came calling.
      Sarr made his Senegal debut in an AFCON 2021 qualifier against Congo back in March, and is now a regular international.
      Back in March, Sarr made his international debut for SenegalCredit: Instagram
      Combative Sarr would be a hit in the Premier League due to his playing styleCredit: AFP

      Everything he has done so far in his career, he has done fast. And his current coach Frédéric Antonetti is full of praise for his starlet.
      “Pape Matar Sarr is elegance in the midfield, it’s talent, it’s making others play,” he said.
      And if he decides to make others play on our shores, then we’d be very lucky to have him.
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