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      in Soccer

      Aubameyang’s dad scouts for AC Milan, his brothers played for the Serie A giants and he could’ve signed for Newcastle

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      SINCE signing for Arsenal, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been a big hit in front of goal.The 31-year-old striker, who revealed he caught malaria on international duty, comes from a footballing dynasty, his father was a football legend in Africa and his brothers still play.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang isn’t just any old footballerCredit: EPA
      Incredibly, despite representing Gabon, he was raised in Milan where his father is a scout for the Rossoneri.
      And if that’s not enough, Aubameyang might’ve worn the black and white of Newcastle had Alan Pardew had his way.
      Let SunSport welcome you into the untold story of Arsenal’s star man.He lived an affluent life in Milan…
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had an affluent upbringingCredit: Instagram @aubameyang97
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has a close bond with his mum Margarita Crespo AubameyangCredit: Instagram @aubameyang97
      Growing up, Aubameyang didn’t want for anything and grew up in Milan and not Gabon, who he plays internationally for.
      His father Pierre Francois Aubameyang was a scout for A.C. Milan, while his mum Margarita Crespo Aubameyang ran a trendy boutique.
      Aubameyang was actually born in Laval, France, which is around 190 miles from Paris.
      He had a cultured existence as a youth, well before his rise to fame in the game.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s dad was a scout for A.C. Milan and his mum owned a fashion boutiqueCredit: Instagram @aubameyang97
      Aubameyang’s dad was rated the finest defender in Africa…
      Being good at football runs deep in the Aubameyang family and it all started with Pierre-Emerick’s dad.
      Pierre Francious, affectionately referred to as “Yaya”, was highly thought of as a player himself.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s dad was one of the finest defenders in Africa
      He played 80 times for Gabon and was a key member of their 1994 and 1996 African Cup of Nations campaigns.
      In a career that spanned 20 years, from 1982 to 2002, he played for Laval, Le Havre and Toulouse to name a few clubs.
      After a fine career he continues to scout for AC Milan.
      In a career that spanned 20 years Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s father played 80 games for GabonCredit: Instagram @aubameyang97
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s dad is the driving force behind the family’s footballing successCredit: AFP – Getty
      Which is where he placed his sons…
      Before Pierre-Emerick became the £70m-rated superstar he is today, he was just a young pretender at AC Milan.
      He was at the San Siro with his two older brothers Catalina and Willy after their dad got them a gig at the club.
      Only Willy played a competitive game for the Milanese giants, with all three eventually moving on to pastures new.
      Catalina Aubameyang played for AC MilanCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Catalina Aubameyang was a journeyman player playing for various Italian and French teamsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Catalina, now 37, appears to be without a club. He was last known to be playing in Gabon after a journeyman career that took in various Italian and French clubs.
      Willy, 34, most recently played for non-league German club FC Kray.
      He played for Kilmarnock in Scotland 2011, but after 6 games he moved on.

      Willy Aubameyang celebrates with Kaka in a preseason friendly in 2007Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Willy Aubameyang, seen here playing for Milan, had a spell in Scotland at KilmarnockCredit: AFP – Getty
      He could have already been a Premier League star…
      After impressing at Saint Etienne, Aubameyang’s talents caught the eye of Alan Pardew.
      ‘Pards’ wanted to make the Gabonese striker the focal point of his attack and was very close to signing him.
      When he was banging in goals for fun for Saint Etienne Newcastle tried to buy himCredit: AFP
      It came between a straight decision in 2013 to who he wanted to choose – Dortmund or Newcastle.
      On the advice of his old man, Pierre-Emerick opted for Dortmund breaking the Geordies’ hearts.
      To be fair, it was the right decision.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang snubbed Alan Pardew for a move to Borussia Dortmund insteadCredit: AFP – Getty

      And one more thing…
      Now, we know Aubameyang is obsessed with former Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo.
      He loves him so much he has a tattoo on his arm that reads, ‘Crespo for Life’ emblazoned on his arm.
      But it has been reported that Aubameyang’s mom is actually related to the Serie A legend.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has a tattoo on his arm that reads ‘Crespo for Life’Credit: Getty – Contributor
      It has been reported that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s mum is related to Hernan CrespoCredit: Reuters
      While this hasn’t been confirmed, Aubameyang waxes lyrical about Crespo whenever he gets the chance.
      “Crespo is dynamic, strong in the air, technically-gifted and a giant of a player,” he once said of his idol.
      Borussia Dortmund players Jadon Sancho and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sing and dance to rap music in car More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Man Utd’s amazing £400k team bus that has suede seats, 45 individual TVs, ovens, fridges and coffee machines

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      WHEN their bus is THIS good, no wonder they’re happy to travel in it.The likes of Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire love to live the plush life off the pitch.
      Man United’s pampered stars have their own super luxurious team bus
      A graphic shows the luxurious features the Van Hool TDX27 ASTROMEGA bus has
      And when you play for Man United, you can be assured that when you step on the pitch all efforts are made to ensure their top talents are well catered when they’re on club duty.
      That’s why bigwigs at the Red Devils forked out around £400k on a Van Hool TDX27 ASTROMEGA bus they had custom-built by the Belgium company.
      The bus, which famously came under siege in 2016 by irate West Ham fans before a game at Upton Park, boasts a number of features that’ll keep even the most idle footballers entertained.
      Size-wise, it’s quite gargantuan. Standing 13ft high, 46.27 feet long and 8.36 feet wide, the super bus cuts an imposing sight.

      Man United’s bosses splashed £400k on a custom-made Van Hool coachCredit: Eavesway Travel
      Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford and Ander Herrara travel in style on the Van Hool TDX27 ASTROMEGA
      Paul Pogba takes his Mate tea with him on his coach journeysCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Built on two levels, the upper deck can seat 29 footballers and the lower deck holds nine.
      They sit on upholstered, luxury ecological microfibre Dinamica suede seats, which are made in Italy.
      On board there are 24 Blaupunkt TV monitors, most can be found in the seat backs, while others hang overhead.
      The players have the option of watching Netflix, DVDs and the TVs are hooked up to Sky.
      The downstairs level boasts seating for more team players and managementCredit: vanhool.be
      Man United’s Van Hool TDX27 ASTROMEGA is 13ft high, 46.27 feet long and 8.36 feet wideCredit: Eavesway Travel
      Players like David de Gea, Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic have the option of kicking back and watching Netflix, DVDs or Sky on TVs built into the seats or overheadCredit: Instagram / @paulpogba
      Alternatively, the bus has its own WiFi internet access, so Pogba and Co. can just listen to their Spotify instead.
      And if the players get peckish, they have plenty of options for making food.
      In the lower deck, there’s a kitchen fitted with two NEFF hot air ovens worth £770 each, a Panasonic microwave worth £630 and a Kenco single self-serve coffee machine costing £540.
      Also in the kitchen is a refrigerator, sink and taps, a hot water boiler-tap, as well as a coffee percolator and other catering basics.
      United’s team bus was attacked when it made it’s way to Upton Park for the last game at West Ham’s stadiumCredit: Reuters
      Man United’s Pogba loves sharing his coach journeys on social mediaCredit: Instagram / @paulpogba
      Juan Mata and former Red Devil Wayne Rooney pose look comfortable on board their team bus
      Either side of their seats are shatterproof double-glazed windows, handy for stray bottles that could be thrown as they arrive at away grounds around the country.
      Incidentally, the outside tinted window pane is made of glass, which is why it appeared shattered on that 2016 trip to East London.
      Finally, the bathroom is done aeroplane-style, there’s a small toilet and a washroom area.
      And while it’s not quite as plush as the rest of the bus, it’s still worthy of a Champions League team.

      There are 38 plush Italian-made ecological microfibre Dinamica suede seats on United’s busCredit: Eavesway Travel
      United’s team bus reportedly suffered £1,200 worth of damage in the West Ham attackCredit: –
      Jesse Lingard reacts to coming under attack at Upton ParkCredit: Instagram
      Right before United took the pitch at Upton Park in 2016, the players and management felt the force of fans pelting their coach with bottles as they drove along nearby Green Street.
      It was West Ham’s last game at the Boleyn Ground, so they clearly wanted to give themselves a memento.
      Jesse Lingard shared video on social media of the players taking cover as they came under attack.
      However, the bus stood firm, a couple of smashed windows later, and suffered a reported £1,200 worth of damage. That’s what £400k gets you.
      Inside the Man Utd bus as it is attacked More

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      in Soccer

      Nike’s best football ads, including Brazil’s 1998 World Cup squad showboating, and Cantona playing on Hackney Marshes

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      NIKE always manage to come up with the goods when it comes to a football advert.And they’ve even roped in ace Hollywood film directors in the past, including Baby Driver auteur Edgar Wright for a promo featuring Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani.
      Nike has a history of producing football advertsCredit: Nike
      And while it was pretty boss, we didn’t think it’s the best commercial they’ve done.
      SunSport’s delved into the Nike archives and unearthed these gems featuring some of the world’s greatest ever talents.
      Most of them have one thing in common… one of the great mavericks, Eric Cantona!
      Good v Evil – 1996
      Good v Evil pitted Paolo Maldini and Eric Cantona against the devil and his henchmanCredit: Nike
      Evil men tried to beat footballers in the 1996 ad Good v EvilCredit: Nike
      Eric Cantona signed off the ad with an “au revoir” before defeating the devilCredit: Nike
      Right before Euro 1996, Nike really began pouring money into football ads.
      This one, featuring nearly every great footballer on the planet of the time, pitted the players against the devil.
      Both Cantona and Paolo Maldini showed off their acting chops with speaking parts.
      Cantona signs off the ad in a trademark style with an “au revoir” before he fires a ball through the devil, scoring a goal and winning the day.
      Football legends take on the devil in this classic Nike Ad
      Eric Cantona, Ian Wright and David Seaman celebrate Parklife – 1997
      To the tune of the infamous Blur hit, Parklife grassroots football is superbly represented.
      We are transported to various pitches, where each team has a star name in their ranks.

      We see Seaman punching a ball from a corner, Cantona dribbling and Wrighty smashing a volley home.
      Ian Wright volleys home in the 1997 Parklife ad on Hackney MarshesCredit: Nike
      David Seaman makes an appearance on the 1997 Nike ad punching the ball from a cornerCredit: Nike
      Eric Cantona has appeared in a number of Nike ads over the yearsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Eric Cantona, Ian Wright and David Seaman star in Nike ad on Hackney Marshes
      Brazil’s World Cup squad – 1998
      Even the Samba boys had to go through airport security, but they did it with style.
      Ronaldo, Denilson, Roberto Carlos and Co play a bit of keep ball in a free-flowing move, ducking around other flyers.
      We see nutmegs, a trademark long-distance smash from Carlos round a plane, admired by you know who, Cantona, who makes an appearance.
      However, when it’s up to Ronaldo to finish off the move, he’s unable to score.
      Denilson gets a telling off in Nike’s 1998 World Cup advertCredit: Nike
      Brazil’s 1998 World Cup squad were the star’s of Nike’s campaign of the same yearCredit: Nike
      Brazil’s 1998 World Cup team play football around the airport
      The Cage – 2002
      Said to have cost Nike around £80 million, it featured the likes of Thierry Henry, Edgar Davids, Ronaldo and Luis Figo.
      The idea was teams of three footballers competing against one another in a cage, sort of like UFC but with goals at the end.
      Cantona plays the role of referee, feeding the ball into the cage for the players and reacting comically to every moment.
      Incidentally, it’s Henry’s team that wins the tournament when he heads home thanks to a cheeky assist by Francesco Totti.
      Luis Figo was one of the stars of The Cage Nike ad in 2002Credit: Nike
      Again, Eric Cantona oversees the action in the Nike ad The CageCredit: Nike
      Thierry Henry wins The Cage tournament from the Nike adCredit: Nike
      Thomas Rosicky announces retirement… last of the 2002 Nike Cage greats
      Take It to the Next Level – 2008
      Directed by Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels filmmaker Guy Ritchie, this ad puts you in the life of a footballer.
      While playing for an amateur, Arsene Wenger eyes up this talent and welcomes him to Arsenal.
      He has run-ins with Cristiano Ronaldo, Cesc Fabregas is his best mate and works hard to improve his game.
      In fact, he works so hard he pukes a lot.
      The video is most-certainly a homage to The Prodigy’s Smack My B**** Up.
      Guy Ritchie directed a Nike ad in 2008 called Take it the Next LevelCredit: Nike
      The Take it the Next Level Nike ad put you in the life of a footballerCredit: Nike
      The footballer in Take it the Next Level throws up after training hardCredit: Nike
      Guy Ritchie directs Nike Ad featuring Arsene Wenger
      Wayne Rooney living in a caravan – 2010
      It’s a case of what could’ve been.
      At least that’s what this Nike ad is trying to tell us with Rooney.
      The England record goalscorer proved to be a good sport, growing a beard and looking dishevelled for the part.
      His part in the ad actually completely overshadows everyone else, including Didier Drogba, Fabio Cannavaro, Ronaldinho, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
      It was directed by movie director Alejandro Inarritu, who won Oscars for Babel, Birdman and The Revenant.
      Wayne Rooney stole the show in Alejandro Inarritu’s 2010 Nike advertCredit: Nike
      Wayne Rooney lives in a caravan in Nike football Ad
      Winner Stays On – 2014
      Another ad that goes back to basics and take us down the park for a kickabout.
      However, this game soon transforms from being played into a park to a major stadium.

      The kids that start the ad turn into superstars including Ronaldo and Neymar.
      Ronaldo’s then missus Irina Shayk also makes an appearance, blowing a kiss to her man.
      Neymar takes on Ronaldo in Winner Stays On ad for Nike in 2014Credit: Nike
      Irina Shayk appears in the 2014 Nike ad blowing a kiss at Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Nike
      Neymar and Ronaldo compete in Winner Stays On Nike Ad More

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      in Boxing

      The life of bad boy Jake Paul, from sharing explicit content on YouTube to rowing with Zayn Malik and getting arrested

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      JAKE PAUL isn’t afraid of controversy.The YouTube vlogger/boxer was accused of sexual assault by Justine Paradise, which he has categorically denied, and called out Conor McGregor for a fight, including (perhaps foolishly) dissing Notorious’s missus.
      Jake Paul is not afraid of controversyCredit: Rex Features
      Vlogger turned boxer Paul has made a £8.5million fortune
      But that’s not even half of what the bad boy 24-year-old has done; also upsetting law enforcement, Zayn Malik, YouTube censors and the Mayor of Casablancas on his way to becoming an internet personality worth around £8.5million.
      It’s any wonder he’s quitting LA and selling his £5million ‘Team 10’ compound to focus on his boxing.
      Here’s just some of his bad boy misdemeanours…
      SEX SELLS
      Over the years, Paul’s filmed pranks have gone viral – some causing controversy.
      One particular incident violated YouTube’s strict age-restriction policies in a vlog titled ‘I lost my virginity’ back in 2018.
      The video featured an explicit thumbnail showing a semi-nude photo of Paul and his then-girlfriend Erika Costell on top of each other.
      YouTube clamped down on the clip and made it age-restricted, while Paul was also slammed for sharing inappropriate content with his young and impressionable audience.
      As a result, Paul was forced to change the thumbnail to a more PC image of him and Costell clothed and not touching each other.
      (AD) WATCH JAKE PAUL vs BEN ASKREN ON FITE.TV
      An explicit thumbnail from one of Paul’s vlogs caused controversy and was censored by YouTube
      The ‘I lost my virginity’ vlog in 2018 featured his ex-girlfriend Erika CostellCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      SHAM MARRIAGE
      Suspicious much?
      In January last year, Paul and fellow YouTuber Tana Mongeau were accused of faking a marriage for clicks.
      The apparent nuptials happened in 2019 and featured on their social media accounts, but the wedding wasn’t legally binding and never officially recorded.
      At the same time, Mongeau was also dating Miley Cyrus’s brother Noah.
      Paul and Mongeau’s relationship cooled in early 2020.
      Paul and Tana Mongeau were accused of faking a marriage for clicksCredit: Instagram@tanamongeau
      Mongeau was reportedly dating Miley Cyrus’s brother when she ‘married’ PaulCredit: Instagram@tanamongeau
      Tana has over 5 million subscribers on YouTubeCredit: Instagram@tanamongeau
      ZAYN
      The former One Direction star was left fuming by Paul in early 2000 after a blazing row in Las Vegas, Nevada.
      Malik and Paul were in town for the rematch between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury and were both staying at the Westgate hotel, when an argument erupted.
      Their suites were opposite one another, and when Paul tried to talk to Malik – the ex-boy band singer reportedly responded rudely.
      An upset Paul took to Twitter to tell all. “Almost had to clap up Zane from 1 direction because he is a little guy and has an attitude and basically told me to f*** off for no reason when I was being nice to him.
      “Zane [I know] you’re reading this…stop being angry because u came home alone to your big ass hotel room hahaha.”
      Malik didn’t respond, but his supermodel girlfriend Gigi Hadid stepped in and defend her man.
      She replied: “Lol cause he doesn’t care to hang w you and your embarrassing crew of YouTube groupies…? Home alone with his best friends like a respectful king cause he has me, sweetie.”
      Former One Direction singer Zayn Malik had an altercation with PaulCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Paul blasted Malik online, until the singer’s girlfriend Gigi Hadid stepped in

      “Unbothered by your irrelevant ugly ass. Go to bed…”
      The next morning, a foggy Paul revealed he was drunk during the altercation.
      “Someone needs to take my phone when I’m drunk I’m a f***ing idiot”, he wrote.
      UNDER ARREST
      Back in May 2020, Paul and a group of pals went for dinner at a Chinese restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona near a shopping centre.
      Earlier they had been participating in the George Floyd protests, before grabbing a bite.
      The protestors made their way to Scottsdale Fashion Square, where some began looting the stores.
      Paul and his pals made their way through the shopping centre and began filming the looting, which drew criticism on social media.
      Paul was arrested for trespassing when he filmed protestors looting shops at a shopping centre in Scottsdale, Arizona
      Months later, the FBI raided Paul’s Calabasas homeCredit: ABC
      Paul was finally cleared of any wrongdoing earlier this yearCredit: KABC-TV
      “We filmed everything we saw in an effort to share our experience and bring more attention to the anger felt in every neighbourhood we traveled through; we were strictly documenting, not engaging,” he later said in an apology.
      Paul was charged with criminal trespass and unlawful assembly, both misdemeanour charges, for being in the shopping centre during the riot.
      Months later, the FBI raided his Calabasas home before the investigation was closed.
      DISTURBING THE PEACE
      Paul’s house parties are stuff of legend, according to guests. And the local authorities are never happy when they happen either.
      Back in 2017, it was reported that neighbours of a previous home in Beverly Glen were meeting with city council members and police officials about filing a class-action public nuisance lawsuit against Paul.
      That came after the social media star made his public address general knowledge and fans began to congregate outside, as well as multiples calls to cops regarding noise complaints and large gatherings.
      And he also upset the Mayor of Calabasas Alicia Weintraub, when he threw a large party at his mansion last summer – with dozen of people attending without wearing face covers and masks.
      Paul threw a summer party in his Calabasas home that caused controversy with no guests wearing masks
      Calabasas mayor Alicia Weintraub said Paul flaunted Covid-19 rules
      Last time in the ring Paul knocked out Nate Robinson and is quitting LA to concentrate on his boxingCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Weintraub said: “They’re having this large party, no social distancing, no masks, it’s just a big huge disregard for everything that everybody is trying to do to get things back to functioning.
      “It’s really just a party acting like Covid does not exist, it’s acting that businesses aren’t closed”.
      Months later, in an interview with the Daily Beast, Paul called Covid-19 a “hoax” and said he believed “98 percent of news [about COVID-19] is fake”.
      Jake Paul slammed as a coward by ex-UFC star Ben Askren who says YouTuber has gone silent after accepting fight More

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      in Boxing

      The Paul brothers’ amazing feud, from Logan rapping about sex with Jake’s girlfriend to Floyd Mayweather diss

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      NOW they’re both boxers, their war of words seems fitting.YouTubers Logan and Jake Paul rarely see eye-to-eye – and would give the Gallagher brothers Noel and Liam a run for their money with their sibling rivalry.
      YouTuber Jake Paul rarely sees eye-to-eye with brother LoganCredit: Rex Features
      Logan Paul once claimed he slept with Jake’s ex-girlfriendCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Jake, 24, once claimed Logan, 25, slept with his ex-girlfriend Alyssa Violet, and the latter boasted, “she used to be your chick, now she’s on my team” in a music video.
      While Logan slammed Jake after he was arrested in a looting shame during a Black Lives Matter protest.
      Jake has also called his older brother a “fake fighter” and labelled his prospective fight with Floyd Mayweather a joke.
      Even the pair’s fans are at war with one another online – taking sides as ‘Jake Paulers’ or members of the ‘Logang’.
      BEDROOM SECRETS
      Jake and stunning Alissa Violet were the glamour couple of the internet.
      However, one day he kicked the blonde beauty out of the Team 10 mansion and their romance was over.
      Both stars accused each other of cheating, while Alissa said Jake had physically and mentally abused her, which he denied.
      And in a now deleted tweet, Jake accused Alissa of sleeping with Logan.
      He wrote: “Yeah… and this time Im not being silent… Alissa f***** my brother… that’s why i kicker her out… oopsie I just told them the truth… Im done being the “bad guy”.
      Stunning Alissa Violet was at the centre of both the brothers’ affectionsCredit: Instagram @alissaviolet
      Jake kicked Alissa Violet out of the Team 10 mansion and accused her of having sex with LoganCredit: Instagram @alissaviolet
      Logan Paul later added fuel to the fire in diss track ‘The Fall of Jake Paul’Credit: YouTube

      Later Logan added fuel to the fire in diss track ‘The Fall of Jake Paul’ rapping, ‘Uh-oh that’s Alissa Violet, used to be your chick. Now she in the Logang and you know she on my…’ as she stands next to him in the music video.
      Instead of saying, ‘d***’, the pair point to his genitals before Logan sings ‘team’ with a wry smile to camera.
      ‘I LOVE HIM, BUT I DON’T ALWAYS LIKE HIM’
      Last summer, Jake made headlines when he filmed looters robbing a shopping centre in Arizona following a George Floyd protest.
      He was arrested and his home was later raided by the FBI, until he was finally cleared of any wrongdoing.
      But Logan was scathing of his brother’s actions – in particular, for putting himself in that position.
      “To be honest, this one is so f****** hard for me because I love the kid. I love him, but I don’t always like him. He’s my brother, he’s my family, he’s my blood.
      “Sometimes I do not understand why he does the things he does as I’m sure he feels about me from time to time.
      “Why he was inside of a mall that was being looted, I have no idea. I talked to him on the phone, he was at a dinner that was next to the mall.
      “It was very unfortunate but very on-brand for Jake Paul to magically be seen at a looting site.”
      Jake Paul was arrested after filming looters in a shopping centre in Arizona
      Logan has admitted he and Jake have a love/hate relationshipCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Logan condemned his brother for filming looters during a George Floyd protestCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Logan continued: “Here’s what I will say, and I feel like this goes without saying.
      “While I condemn that he was at a looting site and stuck around long enough for videos to be taken to make it look like he was kinda hanging out, you are a f****** moron if you think my brother was actively participating in looting.”
      ‘FAKE FIGHTER’
      Reports suggest that Logan will face off against Floyd Mayweather in an exhibition bout one day.
      Jake, who is 2-0 in his professional boxing record and recently knocked out NBA legend Nate Robinson, has been critical of his brother’s career.
      He believes Logan has bitten off more than he can chew by calling out the ‘Money Man’.
      “My brother’s f*****,” he told TMZ Sports.
      “It’s bad for the sport. I think it’s just for clout. My brother’s a fake fighter. I’m the real fighter.”
      How Logan Paul and little brother Jake compare
      Logan Paul reportedly wants to fight Floyd Mayweather in an exhibition boutCredit: Instagram @fanmio
      Jake Paul has said his brother’s prospective fight against Floyd Mayweather is ‘bad for the sport’
      Logan has challenged Jake to a fight

      Logan has also challenged his little brother to prove who is the superior boxer.
      Logan said on his YouTube channel: “I fully support Jake whatever drama he wants to stir or create, it really doesn’t bother me.
      “Like, ‘Oh, you’re a fake boxer.’ Okay. Let’s box, because Jake is the kid that gets beat up by my sparring partners. That’s that kid.”
      Logan Paul begs Dana White not to confuse him with brother Jake More

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      in Soccer

      The ultimate guide to football’s best skills and the players that invented them, from Cruyff turn to the Panenka penalty

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      SINCE football was invented players have used every possible advantage to beat their opponent – whether it’s physical, tactical or technical.Some players have pushed the boundaries further, inventing their own moves to bamboozle opponents and stun watching fans.
      Ronaldinho was exponent of incredible skilful movesCredit: Reuters
      Some of the tricks have evolved and developed down the years, while others have been so brilliant, they continue to leave defenders without a clue.
      Here we run through some of the best tricks of all-time – and introduce you to the men who invented them.
      The Stepover
      It may be the oldest trick in football, but it’s still the most often used.
      The stepover is a simple feint that sees the player fake to go one way but one leg over the ball and sprint off in the other direction.
      Luis Figo bamboozled defenders with stepovers in his primeCredit: Reuters
      It’s stood the test of time because when executed perfectly a defender doesn’t stand a chance.
      Ronaldo – both the Brazilian and Cristiano – have been famous users of it.
      Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane, Chris Waddle and Robinho used it and even Glenn Roeder had it in his locker (although his version was called the ‘Roeder Shuffle’).
      The invention of the move is disputed.
      Some claim Argentine striker Pedro Calomino used it at the turn of the 20th century, while others saw it was Dutch star Law Adam who first used it.
      Zinedine Zidane used stepovers to glide past opponentsCredit: Allsport – Getty
      The Puskas
      This trick has a lot of names – the V, the pullback, V-turn/cut – so we’ll keep it simple.
      It comes from Hungarian great Ferenc Puskas, one of Real Madrid’s best players ever.
      Nicknamed the ‘Galloping Major’, Puskas was part of the Hungarian Golden Team, or Magical Magyars that destroyed England 6-3 in the Match of the Century.
      Ferenc Puskas, known as ‘Galloping Major’, was a master of sorcery with his own signature moveCredit: PA:Press Association
      The game forced the Football Association to rethink their entire coaching methods and the structure of their professional leagues.
      Twelve years later England would win the World Cup, with many claiming this match as the turning point.
      Perfected by the forward, who won five consecutive Spanish league titles and three European cups, the pullback seems simple now but was revolutionary at the time.
      In possession, the player pulls the ball back, feinting the defender, before touching it to the side to make room for a shot or pass.
      It’s an essential move in any forward’s locker.
      Ferenc Puskas used his skills to destroy England 6-3 at Wembley in 1954Credit: Hulton Archive – Getty
      Learn how to do the famous Puskas Turn created by Hungarian football legend Ferenc Puskas
      The Rabona
      One of the more common skill moves on a football pitch, the Rabona sees a player wrap his strong foot around the standing leg – effectively hitting the ball cross-legged.
      The move dates back all the way to 1948, when Estudiantes star Ricardo Infante tried it in a game against Rosario.
      Rabona means to play hooky, or skip school.
      Cristiano Ronaldo breathtaking rabona training goal as he returns for Portugal
      Paul Gascoigne executes the perfect ‘Rabona’ in a game in 1991 against Cameroon at WembleyCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty
      The front cover of El Grafico magazine had the caption El infante que se hizo la rabona – meaning ‘the infant plays hooky – and the name stuck.
      A number of players down the years have used the move.
      It is so popular it has even crossed over into other sports – it has been tried to varying degrees of success in American football.
      Cruyff Turn
      At the World Cup in 1974, the Netherlands and their star man, Johan Cruyff, brought Total Football to the world.
      They didn’t manage to win the tournament, beaten by Franz Beckenbauer and his dominant West Germany.
      Johan Cruyff shows off his famous ‘Cruyff Turn’ against Sweden’s Jan OlssonCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      The Cruyff turn is invented
      Cruyff and Co were the fan favourites, thrilling spectators with their all-out attacking performances.
      En route to the final, Cruyff would debut a new move, which is now one of the most devastating in football.
      Swedish defender Jan Olsson was the unfortunate victim, bamboozled by a true piece of brilliance.
      The brilliant Johan Cruyff was an exponent of ‘Total Football’Credit: PA:Press Association
      The move saw Cruyff travel with the ball one way, feint to cross it, only to drag the ball through his standing leg at full speed and burst towards the goal.
      Olsson was left tripping and falling, wondering what had happened.The Panenka
      The outrageously gutsy penalty has become a mainstay in recent times.
      Players of ultimate confidence and skill gently dink a penalty down the middle of the goal – risking embarrassment and a simple save.
      But the very first Panenka penalty was easily the bravest of all.
      Antonin Panenka showed calmness under pressure chipping a penalty during the Euro 1976 final shootout against GermanyCredit: PA:Press Association
      Antonin Panenka started a trend of ‘Panenka’ style penaltiesCredit: AFP or licensors
      ‘Arabian Messi’ Omar Abdulrahman lives up to nickname with Panenka penalty
      In the Euro 1976 final, Czechoslovakia were playing that same West German team.
      The match had finished 2-2 after extra-time.
      The first seven penalties were all scored, before Bayern Munich great Uli Hoeness ballooned his shot over the bar.
      Up stepped Antonin Panenka.
      The attacking midfielder was known as a good, technical player – not exactly a world beater but very capable.
      Eden Hazard is a fan of the ‘Panenka’ penalty in the modern day gameCredit: Reuters
      If he scored, Czechoslovakia would win.
      Panenka took the coolest penalty of all-time, chipping past Sepp Maier to win the trophy.
      Elastico/flip-flap
      Popularised by the buck-toothed genius Ronaldinho during his heyday with Barcelona.
      The move sees a player push the ball in one direction with the outside of his foot, before quickly cutting it back inside.
      All in one rapid, confusing movement.
      Ronaldinho invented the ‘Elastico’ skill to beat defendersCredit: AP:Associated Press
      The Brazilian even had it featured in a Nike advertising campaign.
      The elastico has always been a favourite of Brazilians and originated in futsal.
      Roberto Rivellino made the move famous in association football – even pulling it out during the 1970 World Cup final against Italy.
      But although Rivellino is commonly the man credited with the move, he credits a former futsal team-mate, Sergio Echigo, with its invention.Marseille Roulette
      The late Diego Maradona and Zinedine Zidane’s signature move.
      The legends would dribble one way, step on the ball to let the defender fly past them and then drag it in a different direction with their other foot.
      Almost unstoppable, the pair would usually find himself free or at the very least win a free-kick.
      Maurício Antônio shows off a Marseille roulette for Urawa Reds in Japan
      The late Diego Maradona performed the Marseille Roulette’ skill through the 80s and 90s for Argentina and NapoliCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Zinedine Zidane would use a ‘Marseille Roulette’ to devastating effectCredit: AFP
      Seal Dribble
      The move was made famous by Brazilian forward Kerlon – a wonderkid who never reached his full potential.
      Once the trick of freestylers, the youngster brought the move to proper football.
      Usually on the right wing, Kerlon would flick the ball up onto his head, then run forwards while still bouncing it up and down.
      Kerlon displays his famous ‘Seal Dribble’ which often got him fouled during gamesCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Kerlon demonstrates The Seal Dribble and his amazing ability at balancing a ball on his head
      The trick always drew fury from the opposition.
      Almost instantly, Kerlon would be hacked down by the defender.
      The first time he tried it saw, Kerlon was elbowed by Atletico Mineiro defender Dyego Rocha Coelho.
      Scorpion Kick
      It made headline news for a certain Colombian goalkeeper at Wembley and in recent years it’s really caught on.
      Rene Higuita showed off his skills when he executed a stunning scorpion kick save from a Jamie Redknapp chip in an international friendly in 1995.
      Olivier Giroud won the FIFA Puskas Award 2017 for his scorpion kick goal against Crystal PalaceCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Since then, Oliver Giroud won the FIFA Puskas Award 2017 for his effort against Crystal Palace and even Henrikh Mkhitaryan got in on the act last season.
      However, a very early proprietor of the move which involves striking the ball with your heels was Brazilian great Zico.
      While he was playing in Japan for Kashima Antlers in the early 90s, he scored what he considers is his greatest ever goal.
      Goalkeeper re-enacts Rene Higuita’s famous scorpion kick to keep Ronaldinho’s halfway line shot out
      Rainbow Kick
      Known as the ‘Lambretta’ in Italy or the ‘Carretilha’ in Brazil, European audiences were treated to a special rainbow kick by Ossie Ardiles in the 1981 film Escape to Victory.
      Putting that game against the Germans to one side, it’s been used in the modern game by master tekkers Jay Jay Okocha and Neymar.
      Legendary Brazilian full back Roberto Carlos was a casualty of a perfectly executed rainbow kick at the 2002 World Cup.
      In a game against Turkey, his opponent Ilhan Mansiz flicked the ball over his and Carlos’ head which drew gasps from the crowd. Talk about showboating.
      Ilhan Mansiz destroyed Roberto Carlos with a rainbow kick during a 2002 World Cup game for Turkey against BrazilCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Jay Jay Okocha would often throw in a rainbow kick during a game for Bolton to get past an opponentCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      The Bicycle Kick
      A move of beauty when it leads to a goal, the famed bicycle kick was invented by Brazilian Leonidas da Silva.
      It is believed he first used it in a game for his club Bonsucesso in a game against Carioca in 1932, thus the move was born.
      Brazilian striker Wendell Lira wins Fifa Puskas award for scoring stunning bicycle kick
      Leonidas da Silva invented the bicycle kick in 1932Credit: AFP
      Pele executes the perfect bicycle kick during a friendly game at the Maracana StadiumCredit: Getty – Contributor
      After Leonidas, Pele made it his trademark and then Diego Maradona and Hugo Sanchez continued the tradition.
      In recent years we’ve seen the bicycle kick performed immaculately by Wayne Rooney in the Manchester derby and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
      It make by an oldie, but it’s still a goodie. More

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      in Soccer

      Meet Dutch super scout Piet de Visser, who discovered Neymar, Ronaldo and De Bruyne and advises Roman Abramovich

      by

      HE’S the ‘master scout’ who invented his own tactical code to discover the likes of Neymar, Kevin De Bruyne, Ronaldo and David Luiz.Piet de Visser, 86, has dedicated his life to football, and he’s also got the ear of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.
      Piet de Visser is the Dutch scout who discovered the likes of Neymar, Kevin De Bruyne and RonaldoCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      After a successful career as a player and manager in Holland, de Visser was forced to retire early due to heart problems.
      But the Dutchman’s ill-health could not thwart his involvement in the game, as he quickly turned his eye to scouting the best young talent throughout the world.
      Russian billionaire Abramovich was so impressed with his ability to unearth players he hired de Visser as his personal scout.
      Using a tactical code that only he and his secretary can understand, part of de Visser’s plan is to carefully analyse a player’s ability in five stages.
      He measures their skill, their vision, their physique, their mentality and their character, whilst marking them with a plus and minus scoring system.
      Now 83-years-old, Piet de Visser invented his own tactical code to unearth the world’s best talentCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      Piet de Visser has a special way of measuring talent like Ronaldinho in this scorecardCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      A die hard fan of the game,  Piet de Visser started his life in football in managementCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      His ability in spotting a player’s potential has meant Piet has been a player adviser for the Blues for over a decade.
      In fact, the likes of Robben, Alex, Courtois may not have graced West London if it wasn’t for the valued scout.
      During his first professional scouting adventure at PSV, de Visser successfully put his method to the test.
      He was influential in the signings of Brazilian defender Alex, forward Jefferson Farfán and goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.
      Piet’s story featured in The History of Football global TV event, that aired on the History channel back in 2018
      De Visser said: “All my life was football.
      “The good players discover themselves. But I scout them.
      “Scouting is a very difficult job. It was in me when I was a young boy.
      “But the player makes his career, not the scout.”

      However, after suffering heart issues, Piet de Visser turned to scoutingCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      Piet de Visser’s expertise means he works closely with Chelsea owner Roman AbramovichCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      A connoisseur of the South American game, Piet de Visser has discovered some of Brazil’s most gifted playersCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      Piet de Visser’s scouting prowess featured inCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      The first player Piet de Visser discovered was Ronaldo, who was soon signed by PSVCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      Piet de Visser worked alongside former England boss Bobby Robson at PSVCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      De Visser realised his passion for nurturing new talent during his first travelling venture after retiring as a manager in 1992.
      He said: “I had a problem with my heart.
      “My father had it and he died very young with a heart attack. The doctor said there is a moment you fall down and you die. I quit and I went travelling.
      “Then I saw Ronaldo in St Brieux, in a small tournament. And by the movements of him – I got a new life.
      At a tournament in France, Piet de Visser first saw Ronaldo’s potential as a 16-year-oldCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      Only Piet de Visser’s secretary can understand his secret code in finding the world’s best playersCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      At PSV, Piet de Visser’s scouting skills helped them keep up with rivals AjaxCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      I said, ‘Hey’ I wanted to be a scout to find players like Ronaldo.
      “He (Ronaldo) was phenomenal. He had the ball in the move and dribble in the move and he passed the player in full speed and full skill.”
      During his early playing days at second division Dutch club FC Den Bosch, a 17-year-old Ruud van Nistelrooy caught de Visser’s eye.
      However at the time, Ronaldo was leading PSV’s front line, so when de Visser first presented them with van Nistelrooy, the club didn’t feel the need to sign him.
      Kevin De Bruyne was one of Piet de Visser’s greatest scouting discoveriesCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      Piet de Visser almost gave De Bruyne “a 10″ when he scouted himCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      The Dutch goal machine had to wait his turn and it wasn’t until Ronaldo left to join Spanish giants Barcelona that Nistelrooy could eventually follow in his footsteps.
      “I scouted him and I brought him to PSV. But at first, they did not want him,” de Visser said.
      “He (Nistelrooy) did not know, but I thought he could be a very great player.
      “We eventually took him to PSV and they sold him for a big amount of money to Manchester United.
      A devout follower of the game, Piet de Visser is always on the lookout for new talentCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      Piet de Visser earmarked Ruud van Nistelrooy as Ronaldo’s replacement at PSVCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      “He played fantastically with David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo and Roy Keane.
      “He was always scoring goals, he was one of the greatest strikers.”
      De Visser also speaks of his joy in scouting Kevin De Bruyne – one of the most impressive young talents he has seen.
      “The best players I ever scouted – Ronaldo, Neymar, great player, David Luiz and Kevin De Bruyne,” he said.
      Kevin De Bruyne was recommended to Chelsea by Piet de VisserCredit: PA:Press Association
      “One of my best scoutings ever, Kevin De Bruyne, came from the youth to the first team. And from the first touch of the ball, I was in love with him.
      “He only wants to win. His passing, his vision, left foot or right foot it doesn’t matter.
      “He is almost a 10. And I never give a 10.”
      De Visser incredibly found a 20-year-old David Luiz whilst he was playing in the Brazilian third division for Vitória.
      And now, more than a decade on, the Arsenal defender still recognises the impact de Visser had on his professional career.
      World Cup winner Romario was a Piet de Visser discoveryCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      When Piet de Visser saw Ronaldo playing in a tournament in France, it gave him a new lease of lifeCredit: EPA
      Luiz, 33, said: “From Piet I learned the true meaning of compassion in football.
      “Nobody else I know is more able to pass on the essence of the beautiful game than Piet.
      “Piet is, in my life, the ultimate representative for enthusiasm in football.”
      Over the years, de Visser’s work has not gone unnoticed by some of the most celebrated players and coaches in the world.

      Tottenham manager, José Mourinho, has also been quick to praise de Visser’s style and method of scouting.
      Mourinho said: “I can’t scout the way he does.
      “His desire to know everything about players in the four corners of the world is invaluable.”
      Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho admitted he can’t scout like Piet de Visser canCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      David Luiz said that Piet de Visser helped him learn the true meaning of compassion in footballCredit: PA:Press Association
      De Visser’s love for the game has always been a key factor in his ability to source the best talent. And over the last three decades, the ‘master scout’ has truly lived up to his reputation.
      “I see the game. You have to concentrate on every action of the players,” he said.
      “I see the mentality. That’s why I not only go to games, I go to training as well.
      “I want to smell the grass. I see all the things that a player does well and does wrong.
      “I love football and I will tell the world I love football.”
      Manchester City ace Kevin De Bruyne agrees new four-year contract More