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      in Soccer

      Footballers who showcased a talent for singing in X-Factor-style initiations, like Fabinho, Alisson and Buffon

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      LOOK away now, Simon Cowell.When footballers across Europe join up with new clubs, the traditional a cappella initiation of performing in front of their team-mates happens, and Cowell would certainly be poker-faced with these performers.
      Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech was one of the standout performers in initiationsCredit: Instagram @m10_official
      The Jose Mourinho of the music world would not be impressed by the standards being set as players take to their stage of a plastic chair and sing their hearts out.
      From Petr Cech dropping the f-bomb to John Bostock’s moonwalking, there has certainly been some eye-catching performances.
      And as the old tradition will rise again this summer, SunSport takes a look at the best and worst performances of the past.
      Gianluigi Buffon got in character with a pair of shadesCredit: Instagram @marco_verratti92
      Gianluigi Buffon
      After 17 years at Juventus, it was a long time since Buffon had to meet a new set of team-mates.
      But when the 43-year-old goalkeeper signed for PSG, he had to jump on a chair in front of the whole squad. He donned a pair of shades, and provided a fist-pumping, hair-flicking performance.
      It left his team-mates in fits of laughter and cheers. He’s now back at Juve, we wonder if he had to sing again?
      Gianluigi Buffon looks cool as he sings his heart out at a PSG dinner
      Petr Cech
      Having joined Arsenal in 2015, there was some uncertainty about why Cech had the microphone – but it was a memorable moment in his career.
      As the enthusiastic drummer waltzed around the tables rapping, he dropped an F-bomb that sent all his teammates into cheers.
      Petr Cech drops F-bomb in brilliant team initiation rap on Arsenal pre-season tour
      Cech dropped the F-bomb in his rap to team-matesCredit: Instagram @m10_official
      Virgil van Dijk
      As the costliest defender in the world, you’d expect Van Dijk to be multi-talented.
      He certainly left his team-mates entertained with his smooth rendition of the 1998 R&B hit ‘So Into You’ by Tamia.
      Outside, under the stars, the former Dutch defender brought some romance to proceedings.
      Liverpool stars show off their vocal talents at training camp in Evian
      John Bostock
      He was known for his potential at Spurs rather than his dance moves.
      But when 29-year-old Bostock moved on to Toulouse in 2018, the midfielder provided the pick of the dance moves.
      Performing a rather mediocre version of Michael Jackson’s ‘Billie Jean’ he moonwalked around the middle of his team-mates.
      John Bostock’s performance at new club Toulouse is a perfect Michael Jackson tribute
      Demetri Mitchell
      With a water bottle for a microphone, Manchester United youngster Demetri Mitchell made his name known on the club’s pre-season tour.
      He performed a smooth version of Drake’s ‘Hold On, We’re Going Home’ which not only received a standing ovation, he was also thrown in the air by team-mates.
      It can’t have impressed Mourinho too much though as the 24-year-old defender was then loaned out to Hearts. He now stars for Blackpool.
      Watch ex-Hearts loan star Demetri Mitchell show off his singing voice for his Man United
      Alisson Becker
      It’s a real crowd-pleaser.
      Alisson, the most expensive goalkeeper in the world, stood up in front of team-mates and performed Oasis’ ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’.
      It may have come as a bit of a surprise to the Liverpool stalwarts though as it tends to be heard more commonly at the Etihad Stadium.
      Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker performed Oasis’ ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’Credit: Instagram @amplfc18
      Fabinho
      A nervous-looking Fabinho was one of many new signings at Anfield in 2018 to get up and perform.
      The Brazilian tentatively got to his feet but was helped on by a supportive crowd of Reds who cheered him on.
      Fabinho will be glad it’s over – and will be looking forward to the 54,000 fans at Anfield instead.
      Fabinho is looking forward to getting on the pitch after a nervous initiation
      Naby Keita
      Liverpool had to wait so long for Keita to join, but it has been worth it.
      The former RB Leipzig midfielder had the tunes and the moves to get his team-mates involved.
      Even Daniel Sturridge got on his feet to join in with Keita’s silky moves.
      Naby Keita’s dance moves were even better than his singingCredit: Instagram @amplfc18
      George Marsh
      After being promoted to the first-team, Marsh’s first big performance was stood on a table rather than a pitch.
      Another with water bottle in hand, another bashing out a bit of Oasis, the 22-year-old holding midfielder gave a rather shouty version of ‘Wonderwall’ in 2018.
      Marsh is still at Spurs, so it can’t have gone down too badly.
      Spurs youngster George Marsh was one of a few players to use bottles for a microphone
      Tottenham players George Marsh and TJ Eyoma sing their initiation songs on club’s USA tour
      TJ Eyoma
      An initiation classic, 21-year-old defender TJ Eyoma was joined by the rest of the squad for a version of Stand By Me.
      Tottenham’s website describes him as a “reliable figure” in defence and this was a solid performance by the Spurs youngster.
      Currently on loan at Lincoln, he is also the U23 captain.
      TJ Eyoma provided a classy performance of Ben E. King’s ‘Stand By Me’
      Sam Jones
      If you needed a Britain’s Got Talent moment as the golden buzzer is plunged down and confetti falls from the sky, this is it.
      Sam Jones’ move from Grimsby Town to Shrewsbury may not have caught that many headlines in January.
      But his powerful version of Bob Marley’s ‘Is This Love’ drew more than 300,000 hits on YouTube and many more headlines.
      Sam Jones shows off his vocal talents for his Shrewsbury Town initiation More

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      When footballers met their idols when they were kids, including Kane’s encounter with Beckham and Neymar with Ronaldo

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

      England World Cup 2018 squad’s WAGs include stunning lingerie model Ruby Mae and reality TV star Rebekah Vardy

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

      In 2005, he got to meet Becks when he was just 12-years-old and he looks chuffed to bits.
      We wonder if David remembers this moment as well as Harry?
      Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe
      Kylian Mbappe was a Cristiano Ronaldo superfan and had his posters on his bedroom wall
      Featuring twice on the list, the French teenager showed why he’s a total superfan of football.
      Mbappe had pictures of Ronaldo on his bedroom wall when he was a kid with pipe dreams of becoming professional.
      When he was 14-years-old all his dreams came true when he met the Real Madrid ace.
      Robin Van Persie and Jordy Clasie
      Jordy Clasie grabs Robin Van Persie for a photo opCredit: Twitter
      When the former Arsenal striker was a hot prospect at Feyernood in 2002, Clasie was coming through the ranks at the Dutch club.
      The ex-Southampton midfielder was only 11-years-old when this photo was taken alongside his hero.
      Little did he know then, he’d play in the Premier League just like the Holland striker.
      Gabby Agbonlahor doesn’t believe Trent Alexander-Arnold will make the England squad for the Euros More

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      Aguero has never won football’s biggest prizes so has extra motivation to take down Dortmund in final Man City season

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      SERGIO AGUERO will be keen to end his time at Manchester City with the big one, the Champions League title.He needs it to prove that he still has a future at the highest level, and because so far in an undoubtedly great career the most glittering silverware has eluded him.
      Sergio Aguero will be keen to end his time at Man City with a Champions League titleCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      He won the Europa League with Atletico Madrid 11 years ago, setting up Diego Forlan for both his goals in a 2-1 win over Fulham in the final. But he has yet to land the Champions League – or the main prize with Argentina.
      In both 2005 and 2007 he was part of a national team that won the World Under-20 title. And in 2008 came the Olympic gold medal. But there has been no silverware at senior level.
      He has played four versions of the Copa America, losing two finals on a penalty shoot out. And there have been three World Cups, including the final in 2014.
      Aguero is Argentina’s all time third top scorer, behind Lionel Messi and Gabriel Batistuta, and in front of a lot of great players. But he lacks an outstanding tournament at senior level.
      Often he seemed to be feeling the effects of the long club season by the time the tournaments came round.  He was at his sharpest, with thanks due to the Pep Guardiola fitness regime, in Russia 2018.
      But the team around him were a shambles, and his two excellent goals counted for nothing.
      There still may be a last chance with Argentina. There is a Copa America co-hosted by Argentina in just over two months time, and, more importantly, there is the World Cup at the end of next year.
      Aguero may feature, though he is being eased out as national team centre forward by Lautaro Martinez of Inter Milan.
      But what about his future at club level?  Many fans of Independiente are excited by the prospect of a return to Argentina. Aguero started with Independiente, making his first team debut at the age of 15.
      Aguero shows off his gold medal with pal Lionel Messi he won at Beijing 2008Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Only Messi and Gabriel Batistuta have scored more goals than Aguero for ArgentinaCredit: Getty

      The club managed to rebuild their stadium with the proceeds of his sale to Atletico Madrid. There has always been a dream – which the player has done much to nurture – that he will come back and grace the stadium he helped build.
      By an amazing coincidence the current coach, Julio Cesar Falcioni, was also in charge when he was sold.
      But the time might not be right. And there is a big obstacle – which goes by the name of Lionel Messi.
      Back in 2005 Aguero and Messi roomed together in Holland where Argentina were playing the Under-20 World Cup. They struck up a firm friendship, which has stayed strong over the years.
      It is perhaps a pity that their off the field chemistry has not been seen on the field at club level. But that might be coming to an end.
      Aguero began his career at Independiente and he has been linked with a move back to ArgentinaCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Could Aguero team up with his best pal in football, Messi at Barcelona?Credit: AFP

      Both Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain have expressed an interest in signing Aguero at the end of the current season. This probably has as much to do with Messi as it does with Aguero.
      In the case of PSG, bringing Aguero on board is a way of enticing Messi to move. In Barcelona’s case, it would be encouragement for Messi to stay.
      Meanwhile, though, Messi is already out of this year’s Champions League.  Sergio Aguero is still in the hunt – as Borussia Dortmund might find out to their cost on Tuesday.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Where next for Sergio Aguero after he leaves Man City in the summer More

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      in Soccer

      15 weird football injuries, including Barcelona star Frenkie De Jong’s swollen hand from a painful bee sting

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      THEY don’t just get injured on the football pitch.Last year, Frenkie De Jong suffered a bizarre injury that looked painful and threatened to leave him sidelined.
      Frenkie De Jong shows off horrific bee stingCredit: Instagram / @mikkykiemeney
      De Jong wore a bandage during Barcelona’s Champions League tie with NapoliCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The swelling can be seen clearly on De Jong’s hand in trainingCredit: FC Barcelona
      The Barcelona midfielder showed off a swollen hand in his side’s 3-1 win over Napoli in a Champions League tie.
      According to reports, the ailment was the result of a nasty bee sting that caused the severe reaction.
      That’s prompted SunSport to look back at some of the weird and wacky injuries to befall other footballers over the years.CHRIS SMALLING
      Ex-Manchester United defender Chris Smalling was on holiday in Bali, when disaster struck.
      After local reports claimed he was stung by a jellyfish while out surfing – the truth eventually came out, and it wasn’t as exciting.
      He fainted in the hot heat and banged his head, hence the bandages.
      Chris Smalling pictured in hospital in Bali
      DAVE BEASANT
      The Wimbledon FA Cup hero was at Chelsea when he suffered a hilarious foot injury.
      The keeper dropped a bottle of salad cream in his kitchen and tried to control it with his bare foot.
      The bottle ended up breaking and tearing a tendon in his big toe, causing Beasant to miss two months of football. Clearly, he should’ve used his hands.
      Dave Beasant attempted to control a bottle of salad
      RIO FERDINAND
      The former Manchester United and England captain managed to strain his knee while at Leeds.
      Ferdinand rested his leg for too long while playing a game of Pro Evolution Soccer on his PlayStation.
      We’ve all done it.
      Rio Ferdinand suffered a leg injury while playing a video game
      DAVID BATTY
      The ex-Leeds United enforcer had been out injured with a knee problem.
      Then, his two-year-old daughter ran over him while on her tricycle – causing a setback to his ankle.
      The hardman was crocked by a two-year-old, which must’ve taken some explaining to his team-mates.
      David Batty’s daughter ran into him on her tricycle
      BRYAN ROBSON
      Captain Dynamo was given the task of trying to wake mercurial star Paul Gascoigne from his slumber ahead of the 1990 World Cup.
      Robson tried but couldn’t wake the midfielder, instead tipping the bed to push Gascoigne out.
      Robson then dropped the bed onto his toe, breaking it.
      Bryan Robson broke a toe trying to wake up Paul Gascoigne
      ENNER VALENCIA
      The former West Ham forward didn’t impress Sam Allardyce with this injury.
      Somehow, Enner Valencia managed to badly cut his toe after stepping on a broken cup.
      The incident left ‘Big Sam’ striker-less for his next match.
      Enner Valencia seriously cut his toe stepping on a broken cup
      SANTIAGO CANIZARES
      The former Valencia NO1 had waited an age to take over in the sticks of the Spanish national team.
      He was given an opportunity in 2002, but just before the World Cup was about to start he dropped a bottle of aftershave on his foot.
      Like Beasant, he severed a tendon and missed the tournament. Butter fingers, perhaps?
      Santiago Canizares missed out on the 2002 World Cup because of a bottle of aftershave
      ALAN WRIGHT
      The former Aston Villa left-back was a cult hero in the Midlands.
      But the 5ft 4in Wright once had a spell out the game after injuring his knee in the strangest way.
      He did it trying to reach the pedals on his Ferrari. True story.
      Former Aston Villa defender Alan Wright got injured driving his Ferrari
      KEVIN KYLE
      While at Sunderland, the former Scotland international was once seen ‘walking a bit like John Wayne’.
      It was all because his eight-month-old son knocked a bowl of boiling water onto his crotch.
      Ouch.
      Kevin Kyle’s son dropped hot water on his crotch
      LEROY LITA
      At Reading, the striker managed to hurt his back by stretching too vigorously.
      But this wasn’t done on the training pitch, no.
      It happened while laying in bed.
      Steve Coppell said at the time: “It’s not an injury that should be ridiculed or made light of.”
      Leroy Lita injured himself by stretching too far in bed
      DARIUS VASSELL
      We’d definitely avoid recreating this one.
      The ex-Aston Villa and England striker tried to get rid of a blood blister on his toe by using an electric drill.
      It didn’t go well.
      Darius Vassell tried to pop a blister with an electric drill
      ADAM CHAPMAN
      Former Oxford midfielder Chapman was heating some milk for his baby, a normally harmless job.
      But as he went to shake it the lid flew off, burning his chest and nipple.
      He had to go to hospital but was passed fit to play the next day.
      Adam Chapman burnt his nipple trying to heat baby milk
      DAVID JAMES
      The former England shot-stopper has two entries.
      He once pulled a muscle in his back while trying to reach for a remote control.
      Another time, James hurt his shoulder while fishing for carp.
      David James should stay away from remote controls… and carp

      CHARLIE GEORGE
      Arsenal legend George didn’t let this injury stop him. The 1971 FA Cup hero once cut off a finger with his lawnmower.
      Thankfully, it wasn’t a leg.
      Charlie George managed to cut off a finger while mowing the lawn
      KIERON DYER
      When at Newcastle the England man damaged his left eye – because he ran into a stationary training pole.
      It wasn’t an eye-for-an-eye in this case, leaving Dyer with a nasty shiner.
      Kieron Dyer ran into a training pole
      Gareth Bale urged to quit Real Madrid as Rio Ferdinand bemoans ‘generational talent’ being wasted on sidelines More

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      Footballers who have taken the Tube, from ex-Arsenal star Mesut Ozil to the German national team and Tottenham’s Dier

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      FOOTBALLERS… sometimes they’re just like us.Former Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil showed what a regular guy he was by taking the Tube for a sightseeing tour before he left out shores for Turkey.
      Mesut Ozil isn’t the only footballer to take the TubeCredit: Instagram @m10_official
      But the German star isn’t the first footballer to brave the rush hour crowd and take a trip on the London Underground.
      Messrs Dier, Eriksen and Zaha have all charged up their Oyster cards and got on a train.
      And there’s an honourable mention for former Spurs manager Christian Gross who bragged about getting the Tube to his first press conference as Tottenham boss. A pioneer in these circles.The German national team
      Per Mertesacker looks thrilled to be on the London UndergroundCredit: Handout – Getty
      Before they played England in an international friendly at Wembley back in 2013, Per Mertesacker, Mats Hummels and manager Joachim Low tried the underground.
      They ventured on the Bakerloo Line, talking to other commuters and did the best to fit in with the locals.
      They said they did it to escape the congested streets of London, and the German FA were delighted it was their first time on the Tube.
      Apparently, they changed at Baker Street, had a nosey at the Sherlock Holmes museum before heading to the Metropolitan Line to get to Wembley Park.
      The German national team went to Wembley Park for a friendly against EnglandCredit: Handout
      The German national team changed at Baker Street to take in the Sherlock Holmes museumCredit: Handout – Getty
      Christian Eriksen and Eric Dier
      Because it’s always best for footballing team-mates to travel in pairs.
      Former Spurs star Eriksen and his pal Dier were snapped a day after celebrating a 4-1 win over Sunderland in 2016 on the Tube.
      They seemed in jovial spirits as they joked with each other and passengers, happily posing for snaps.
      No word on where they got off, but they were enjoying some downtime before a crucial game against Leicester.
      Eric Dier and Christian Eriksen share a laugh on the London UndergroundCredit: Twitter
      Wilfried Zaha
      The Palace winger uses his dazzling feet to good effect on the pitch, so he definitely should’ve paid attention to those ‘Mind the Gap’ announcements.
      After a game against Manchester City in 2016 at the Etihad, Zaha was seen completing the final leg of his journey home on the Tube.
      Better still, he even wore his full kit – just so he couldn’t be missed.
      And like a seasoned traveler, he had some headphones on and wasn’t ready to talk to any other commuters, preferring to keep to himself.
      Wilfried Zaha kept his headphones on during his London Underground rideCredit: Twitter
      Juan Mata
      You would’ve thought they’d lay on a car…
      Before Spanish international Mata joined Man United, he was snapped getting on the Tube to get a connecting train to Manchester in 2014.
      But he clearly wasn’t a Tube regular, oh no, no, no, because he was wrapped up far too warm. Everyone knows how sweaty you can get underground.
      He should’ve ditched the hat!
      Juan Mata took the Tube before heading to Manchester to sign for UnitedCredit: Twitter
      Joey Barton
      He’s just a regular Joe now…
      The former Man City midfielder turned manager showed he’s just like one of us when he was pictured getting on the train back in 2014.
      One keen fan decided to share his snap on Twitter, telling the world Joey was ‘slumming it’ but we think it’s commendable.
      However, not too sure of the John Lennon-style breton cap though.
      Joey Barton tried to go inconspicuous on the Tube by wearing a hatCredit: Twitter
      Peter Crouch
      There would definitely be far more comfortable ways for the big man to travel!
      ‘Crouchy’ was spied squeezing his 6’7″ frame into a carriage shortly after announcing his missus Abbey Clancy was expecting their third child.
      Arsenal star Mesut Ozil becomes London tourist for the day as he takes tube on day off-
      Trying to go as incognito as possible, Peter wore a baseball cap over his face and a white shirt to seem like an every man.
      It was a busy Friday night, but that didn’t stop Peter enjoying his ride though on the Northern Line.
      Peter Crouch stood out like a sore thumb when he took the trainCredit: Splash News
      Hatem Ben Arfa
      When the Frenchman was plying his trade at Newcastle United in 2014, he thought he’d give the Tube a go.
      Shortly after wearing the black and white of the Toon, he topped up his Oyster card and touched into the Underground.
      One eager fan managed to get a snap with his hero, even hashtag calling the midfielder a ‘#toplad’ for his efforts.
      Ben Arfa doesn’t look that thrilled to have been spotted though.
      Hatem Ben Arfa looked thrilled to be recognised by a fan on the London UndergroundCredit: Twitter
      Marc Albrighton
      When the Leicester City wide man was at Aston Villa, he made one young fan’s day by posing for a snap.
      Albrighton was traveling on the Tube, presumably the District and Hammersmith and City lines, after a game against West Ham United.
      Good on Albrighton for happily smiling for a photo, as well as taking the Tube like a normal fan in 2012.
      Marc Albrighton made a young fan’s request a dream on the TubeCredit: Twitter
      Joe Ledley and Martin Kelly
      Palace full back Kelly and former Eagle Joe Ledley took on the commoners route by going underground.
      The pair were tickled pink when they were spotted and snapped sat down in their full sports regala on the Tube in 2015.
      But by the looks of Kelly attentively gazing at the Underground map, he needed to have a good look to see where he was going.
      Martin Kelly and Joe Ledley found something to laugh about on the TubeCredit: Twitter
      Vlad Chiriches
      You would never recognise him…
      The former Spurs centre half could’ve gone completely unnoticed on the Tube if one eagle-eyed fan hadn’t sneaked this picture.
      Casually dressed in a hoodie and jeans, with his earphones plugged into his ears, Chiriches seemed at ease on the train in 2014.
      In fact, we’ve never seen him look so comfortable in North London.
      Vlad Chiriches blended in on the TubeCredit: Twitter
      Lewis Holtby
      While on loan at Fulham, the German midfielder endeared himself to The Cottagers faithful by taking the Tube home after a game.
      After all, he just starred in a 1-0 win over Newcastle back in 2014 and wanted to share a snap of himself being a regular punter.
      He wrote for the caption: “What a Relief!! Very happy to have won today:-))) as u probably notice “smile””Still.. Next Station, Home!;-))))) Thx for The brillant Support, amazing Spirit at craven cottage!” Legend.
      Lewis Holtby gave Fulham fans cheer by taking the Tube home after a winCredit: Twitter
      Christian Gross
      The modern day Tube pioneer.
      When Christian Gross took up his post at Tottenham Hotspur in 1997 he decided he would take the Tube to his press conference.
      Proud of his efforts, he then told a pack of journalists (proudly flashing his travelcard) and calling it “the ticket of his dreams.”
      A year later he was sacked, but we’ll never forget that moment.
      Christian Gross flashed his travelcard as the ‘ticket of his dreams’Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Oriol Romeu
      A cheeky pretender to the crown…
      The Southampton midfielder had a pop at Mesut Ozil’s Tube snap by posting his own on Instagram.

      Romeu even slyly captioned the pic, where he looked moody, “Doing Ozil’s things” with a winking face emoji, as well as a train emoji.
      Maybe Romeu had the hump because no one recognised him?
      Oriol Romeu poked fun at Mesut Ozil when he took the TubeCredit: Instagram
      Roberto Mancini
      When our SunSport reporter Gary Stonehouse spotted Roberto Mancini on the Tube, he couldn’t wait to get a snap.
      We spied the Italian don heading to Wembley for his former club Man City’s semi-final clash with Arsenal.
      “Legend” Mancini posted for pictures with fans, telling one he wanted to be Arsenal manager next season.
      He also gave our Gary some great Tube banter.
      SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse poses with Roberto Mancini on the TubeCredit: Twitter More

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      Best wonderkids in football, from ‘Next Neymar’ and Man Utd target Gabriel Veron to England hope Jude Bellingham

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      THEY are the stars of tomorrow who will be contesting the Ballon d’Or in years to come.These 11 wonderkids are blessed with incredible talent that should mean they have incredible careers.
      England wonderkid Jude Bellingham has exploded onto the scene at Borussia DortmundCredit: AFP
      From midfield generals to flying wingers and goalscoring phenomenons, the best is yet to come from these boy wonders starring for club and country.
      Let SunSport introduce you to the 12 best teenagers set to dominate on the world stage.
      GABRIEL VERON
      The Palmeiras forward, 18, has already attracted interest from Manchester United, who are desperate to bring the Brazilian to Old Trafford.
      Nicknamed ‘Bolt’ by his team-mates, because of his extreme, Veron has been labelled the ‘next Neymar’.
      With the winger having a £53million release clause in his contract, it will take a lot to prise him away from Brazil.
      He already has 10 goals to his name in 35 games for his club in all competitions.
      Gabriel Veron is nicknamed ‘Bolt’ because of his pace and has been called the ‘next Neymar’Credit: Reuters
      EDUARDO CAMAVINGA
      A full international for World Cup holders France, Camavinga, 18, is wanted by Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
      The 6ft star is not only accomplished on the ball, he’s tough in the tackle and runs all day – making him the ideal midfield general.
      Currently running things from the centre of the park for Rennes, it is expected Camavinga will move on this summer.
      However, someone will have to stump up over £50million to buy him.
      Midfield star Eduardo Camavinga will cost clubs over £50m to prise him away from RennesCredit: AFP
      PEDRI
      Pedri has been one of the bright sparks of a troubled season for Barcelona.
      The Catalans signed the central midfielder from Las Palmas in 2019 for around £4million.
      Early comparisons to Andres Iniesta are, perhaps, a little premature – but Ronaldo Koeman has placed his faith in the youngster, 18, who has appeared 42 times for the LaLiga giants this season.
      Spain boss Luis Enrique also gave Pedri his first international call-up last month for the World Cup qualifiers, and he played in all three against Greece, Georgia and Kosovo.
      Pedri has been one of the bright sparks of a difficult season at the Camp NouCredit: Getty
      JUDE BELLINGHAM
      When you watch Bellingham play, it’s incredible to think he’s only 17.
      The level of maturity he offers in central midfield, understanding the defensive side of the game as much as he does going forward is simply amazing.
      Since leaving our shores for Borussia Dortmund from Birmingham City in a £30million deal, Bellingham has continued to prosper.
      A complete midfielder like Bryan Robson, Bellingham WILL become an England hero in the future.
      Jude Bellingham is a complete midfielder in the mould of Bryan RobsonCredit: Getty
      JAMAL MUSIALA
      One that England and Chelsea might regret losing.
      Musiala recently chose to represent Germany instead of the Three Lions and was signed from Chelsea’s famed youth academy in 2019 by Bayern Munich.
      With the Bundesliga giants Musiala, 18, has already shown incredible footwork out wide, as well as a penchant for scoring brilliant goals.
      Last month, the Bavarians tied him down to his first pro contract after an amazing breakthrough campaign.
      Jamal Musiala was on Chelsea’s books until 2019 when Bayern Munich signed himCredit: Getty
      YOUSSOUFA MOUKOKO
      Moukoko is so good, the German FA changed the rules and agreed to drop the minimum age a player can make his debut in the Bundesliga to 16, just so he could appear this season.
      And back in November, the incredible striker made his debut as an 85-minute sub for Erling Haaland – just a day after he turned 16 – and became the youngest player to play in the Bundesliga.
      Then in December, Moukoko broke the record for youngest ever Bundesliga goalscorer when he netted against Hertha Berlin.
      His season, however, has been unfortunately ended due to a foot injury.
      Youssoufa Moukoko celebrates scoring against Hertha Berlin to become youngest ever Bundesliga goalscorerCredit: Getty
      FLORIAN WIRTZ
      The Bayer Leverkusen ace’s emergence softened the blow of losing Kai Havertz to Chelsea.
      A 17-year-old attacking midfielder, he previously was the youngest Bundesliga goalscorer ever until Moukoko came along.
      Originally, he was part of a Cologne team that won the German U17 Championship in 2019, and almost joined Liverpool.
      Wirtz already has five Bundesliga goals to his name… Havertz who?
      17-year-old Florian Wirtz has softened the blow of Bayer Leverkusen losing Kai HavertzCredit: Reuters
      GIO REYNA
      Gio is the son of ex-Sunderland favourite Claudia Reyna, but it’s fair to say he’s nothing like his dad was as a player.
      A dynamic winger, quick and boasting close control, the 18-year-old showed his class on the international stage recently with a goal against Northern Ireland.
      For Borussia Dortmund he’s formed a brilliant partnership with Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho.
      And while his form has tailed off a little in recent months, with Reyna admitting fatigue, there’s still plenty more to come from the US star.
      Gio Reyna is another huge talent off the Borussia Dortmund conveyor beltCredit: Getty
      ANSU FATI
      When you’ve been called the ‘heir to Messi’s throne’, that’s some pressure on your young shoulders.
      And in the case 18-year-old Fati, who added to the intrigue surrounding him by becoming the club’s youngest ever goalscorer in 2019, that tag really is justified.
      The young forward had five goals in 10 games before his season was cut short after he tore his meniscus on his left knee in a game against Real Betis in November.
      Already capped four times by Spain, he is widely regarded as the future of Spanish football.
      Ansu Fati has been called the heir to Messi’s throne at Barcelona and the future of Spanish footballCredit: Getty
      RYAN GRAVENBERCH
      The ‘Dutch Patrick Vieira’, Gravenberch is one of the best players Holland has produced in years.
      The 6ft 3in holding midfielder, 18, has starred for Ajax this season, as they look certain to win the Eredivisie and are challenging for the Europa League.
      A stunning goal in the Champions League against Midtjylland brought him to wider attention.
      His style of play would make him a star on our shores.
      The ‘Dutch Patrick Vieira’ Ryan Gravenberch has starred for Ajax this campaignCredit: Getty
      RAYAN CHERKI
      Lyon is a hot-bed for producing talented footballers, just look at Houssem Aouar and Nabil Fekir’s rise.

      And in Cherki, 17, they’ve got a new starlet, who has been tipped to emulate Kylian Mbappe.
      So far, he has three goals this term in 22 games and was interesting Manchester United and Real Madrid before he penned a deal with the French club.
      Incredibly, he was discovered playing football in a car park by a Lyon youth coach.
      Lyon wonderkid Rayan Cherki was discovered by his club after a coach saw him playing football in a car parkCredit: Getty
      Gabriel Veron shows why he is such a star at Palmeiras More

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      in Soccer

      Biggest training ground bust-ups, from Rudiger and Kepa being ‘pulled apart’ to Hartson aiming kick at Berkovic’s head

      by

      FIRST team places at Chelsea are hard to come by, so it’s no surprise over-eager stars might let their competitive streak get the better of them.Antonio Rudiger and Kepa Arrizabalaga were reportedly ‘pulled apart’ during an Easter Sunday training session, when the German centre half was said to have gone in late on the Spaniard.
      Chelsea goalie Kepa was left furious after a late tackle by Antonio Rudiger in trainingCredit: Getty
      Rudiger was sent home by manager Thomas Tuchel after he was pulled apart from team-mate KepaCredit: Getty
      The towering defender was sent home early by manager Thomas Tuchel, and it’s the first time tempers have flared on a training ground – as these cases show.
      STERLING VS GOMEZ
      Gareth Southgate already had enough on his plate without this food fight.
      England’s preparations for their Euro qualifiers were hit by friendly fire as Raheem Sterling and Joe Gomez clashed in the canteen back in 2019.
      Manchester City star Sterling was dropped for the Montenegro clash after the canteen bust-up, which happened after Liverpool beat City in a title showdown.
      The winger admitted later that “emotions got the better of him” and apologised in the fight that left the Reds defender with a scratch under his eye.
      Gomez recently opened up about the difficult time he had, but said things between the two were now better.
      Joe Gomez shoves Raheem Sterling during Liverpool’s win over CityCredit: Getty – Contributor
      NEYMAR VS SEMEDO
      As the phrase goes; don’t poke the bear.
      In his first training session at Barcelona, an eager-to-impress Nelson Semedo was the unfortunate recipient of a nutmeg from Brazilian trickster Neymar during a keep-ball session.
      The defender hated being mugged off by his team-mate and the pair locked horns before Sergio Busquets and Samuel Umtiti intervened.
      But Neymar was livid, he threw his bib off and stormed away from the training ground.
      A few days later, the forward was packing his bags for PSG.
      When Neymar nutmegged Semedo in training the pair squared up to each other
      CARROLL VS TAYLOR
      6ft 4in Andy Carroll certainly looks like someone you wouldn’t mess with.
      But when his former Newcastle team-mate Steven Taylor started texting his ex-girlfriend back in 2010 without telling him all hell broke lose.
      Carroll confronted the defender after flying into a rage and threw a fist at Taylor’s jaw, ruling him out for the rest of the season.
      Rather than condemn Carroll for his actions, Magpies fans sided with their top goalscorer when they learned what Taylor had done.
      Newcastle still won the Championship title that year without their key centre half, so no harm was done in the end.
      Andy Carroll chinned Steven Taylor after he found out his team-mate was texting his ex-girlfriendCredit: Getty
      HARTSON VS BERKOVIC
      One of the most infamous training ground brawls of all-time.
      Back in 1998, burly Wales legend John Hartson and Israel international Eyal Berkovic bit at each other during a warm-up game.
      After the midfielder hit out at Hartson, the burly centre forward retaliated with a powerful kick to Berkovic’s jaw.
      “If my head had been a ball, it would have been in the top corner of the net,” Berkovic said.
      But on reflection, Hartson wasn’t proud of that moment – calling it the most shameful thing he’s ever done during his career.
      He was fined £20,000 at the time and given a three-match ban.
      John Hartson booted Eyal Berkovic in the face during a training session tussleCredit: Sky
      Berkovic and Hartson made up and the Welsh forward said he regrets the incident bitterlyCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      MITROVIC VS KAMARA
      And they say yoga is meant to have a calming influence on the soul.
      Tempers flared at Fulham when Aleksandar ­Mitrovic and Aboubakar Kamara got into a fight during a team yoga session in 2019.
      Then-manager Claudio Ranieri was left stunned as team-mates rushed in to separate the fiery pair.
      It was said to have started because Mitrovic thought Kamara was being disrespectful to the yoga teacher.
      The incident happened just weeks after Kamara wrestled the ball off Mitrovic when Fulham were awarded a penalty against Bournemouth in a crunch game.
      Kamara missed, and that’s when the alleged bad blood began.
      Aleksander Mitrovic was annoyed by team-mate Aboubakar Kamara during a yoga sessionCredit: PA:Press Association
      The incident came just weeks after Kamara wrestled the ball off Mitrovic when Fulham were awarded a penaltyCredit: Reuters
      LJUNBERG VS MELBERG
      Swedish stars Freddie Ljungberg and Olof Melberg were already used to kicking lumps out each other in the Premier League, so why they did that again while training for their country we don’t know.
      But when the former Aston Villa defender put in a robust challenge on the Arsenal legend, the winger didn’t take kindly to it and pushed Melberg.
      The incident threw Sweden’s 2002 World Cup preparations into chaos, and caused uproar in the camp.
      Four years later, the pair were at it again – arguing over tactics for Sweden’s opening match against Trinidad and Tobago at the 2006 World Cup, which ended in a goalless draw.
      Ljungberg said that the two had avoided a violent confrontation this time round and the Swedish FA called it a “short, hot dispute.”
      Olof Melberg and Freddie Ljungberg got in a set-to as Sweden prepared for the 2002 World CupCredit: AP
      BALOTELLI VS MANCINI
      He tried as hard as he could, but Mancini struggled with his fellow Italian at Man City and could never tame him.
      But Balotelli didn’t exactly make it easy either.
      When the striker flew into a late and unnecessary tackle on Scott Sinclair, his boss was livid.
      Mancini grabbed Balotelli and tried to drag him off the playing field, much to the astonishment of the rest of the City players.
      It was the second incident involving Balotelli on the training ground after he got in a scuffle with Micah Richards two years earlier.
      A month after the incident Balotelli was sold to AC Milan, although Mancini did include the explosive forward in his first Italian squad years later.
      Roberto Mancini had to drag Mario Balotelli off the training pitch after a nasty tackle on Scott SinclairCredit: Zenpix Ltd
      Mancini was at the end of his tether with Balotelli, who he later sold to AC MilanCredit: Zenpix Ltd
      IBRAHIMOVIC VS ONYEWU
      If this was a boxing contest, it would certainly have been in the heavyweight division.
      When Taekwondo black-belt Zlatan was at AC Milan, he got into a spat with 6ft 3in American defender Oguchi Onyewu.
      “It was like life and death,” the Swede wrote in his autobiography.
      “I head-butted him, and we flew at each other. We wanted to tear each other limb from limb. It was brutal.
      “We were rolling around, punching and kneeing each other. All the time, I was thinking: ‘s***, my chest hurts,’ so we had it checked out.”
      Zlatan broke a rib in the tussle, while Onyewu was sold at the end of the season without making a single appearance for the Italian giants.
      Zlatan Ibrahimovic broke a rib in a tussle with American defender Oguchi Onyewu at AC MilanCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Oguchi Onyewu was sold by AC Milan after his fight with IbrahimovicCredit: Keith Campbell – The Sun Glasgow
      BARTON VS DABO
      Well before Barnsley boss Daniel Stendel was allegedly on the receiving end of a Barton headbutt that knocked his two front teeth out, the former Man City midfielder aimed a dig at his fellow pro.
      When Ousmane Dabo pushed Barton during a training session, the now Fleetwood Town manager let him know he wasn’t happy about it.

      A flurry of punches left Dabo with a black eye and a damaged retina.
      An official complaint was filled and Barton was given a £3,000 fine, as well as a four-month suspended jail sentence.
      The FA also fined Barton £25,000 and he was handed a six-match ban.
      Ousmane Dabo and Joey Barton didn’t always see eye-to-eye at Man CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Barton was handed a suspended four-month suspended jail sentence for assaulting DaboCredit: PA:Press Association
      Alexis Sanchez left fuming after bust-up with Man Utd starlet Mason Greenwood as Chilean fights to regain fitness More

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      in Motorsport

      Bernie Ecclestone’s family tree includes baby son Ace’s half-sister Deborah, 66, and seven grandchildren

      by

      LAST summer, Bernie Ecclestone became a father for the fourth time at the grand old age of 89.The ex-Formula 1 boss and his third wife Fabiana, 45, welcomed baby Ace into their extravagant world in July 2020.
      Bernie Ecclestone became a father in 2020 at the age of 89Credit: Getty – Contributor
      The new arrival makes for a remarkable family tree – starting with Bernie at the top, his children and then his grandchildren.
      SunSport breaks it down for you, in full.
      BERNIE ECCLESTONE, 90
      The patriarch of the family, Bernie was born in Suffolk in 1930.
      Worth £2.5billion, Ecclestone had been associated with F1 since the 1950s – during the 1958 season he entered two Grand Prix races, but failed to qualify for either.
      In 1972 he became a team-owner, acquiring Brabham, which he ran for 15 years.
      Two years later, Ecclestone formed the Formula One Constructors Association, emerging as chief executive in 1978.
      In 2017, Bernie was removed from his position after the Formula One Group was taken over by Liberty Media.
      Not bad for the son of a fisherman, who left Dartford West Central Secondary School at 16 and first worked as an assistant in a chemical laboratory testing gas purity.
      Ecclestone shares a thought with Lewis HamiltonCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Niki Lauda, right, drove for Ecclestone’s Brabham racing teamCredit: Getty – Contributor
      IVY BAMFORD, FIRST WIVE
      Not much is known about Bernie’s early years, when he ran motorcycle shops and car dealerships.
      His first wife, a local girl called Ivy, was believed to be two years older than the businessman when they married in 1952.
      They welcomed daughter Deborah three years later, but the marriage fell to pieces and they drifted apart.
      It’s unknown if Ivy, who would be 91 today, is alive.
      SLAVICA RADIC, WIFE NO2
      Bernie married the 6ft 2in former Armani model Slavica in 1985, three years after they met at a promotional event at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.
      Despite the height difference (Slavica stands a foot taller than Bernie), a language barrier, and an age gap of 28 years they remained married for 23 years.
      In 2009, she topped the Sunday Times’ Rich List in the “richest divorcees” category – getting a reported £740million settlement.
      They have two daughters, Tamara and Petra.
      Wife No2 Slavica Radic stands 6ft 2in tallCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Radic, the mother of Petra and Tamara Ecclestone, was a former Armani modelCredit: Getty Images
      In a divorce settlement Radic received a reported £740million payoutCredit: GC Images – Getty
      FABIANA FLOSI, WIFE NO3
      Not much is known about the 45-year-old Brazilian.
      But Bernie met Fabiana in 2009 at the World Motor Sport Council, marrying three years later in a private ceremony at their £23million Swiss chalet in Gstaad.
      She helps run his coffee plantation in Brazil, where their brand Celebrity Coffee is produced.
      In 2016, her mum Aparecida Schunk was kidnapped and a ransom of £28million was demanded.
      Nine days later, she was found safe.
      Last week, they welcomed their first son together, baby Ace.
      Bernie Ecclestone met Fabiana in 2009Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      45-year-old Fabiana hails from BrazilCredit: fabianaecclestone/Instagram
      Fabiana helps Bernie run his coffee plantation in South AmericaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      DEBORAH, ELDEST DAUGHTER, 66
      Deborah has preferred to stay out of the limelight, despite her famous family connection.
      The only child from Bernie’s first marriage, she is said to have followed her dad into business.
      It is believed she has two children of her own.
      However, their names and ages are unknown.
      TAMARA, 37
      Bernie’s first child with Slavica, Tamara has dabbled with modelling, presenting and reality TV.
      For the 2009 F1 season, she presented motorsport coverage for Sky Sports Italia.
      In 2011 she starred in Tamara Ecclestone: Billion $$$ Girl on Channel 5 and then in ITVBe’s Tamara’s World in 2017.
      In-between, the brunette beauty appeared nude in Playboy magazine.
      Brunette beauty Tamara once appeared in Playboy magazineCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Bernie and Tamara share a tight bond
      Tamara Ecclestone lives with her family in a £70m West London homeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      She has one daughter, Sophia, 6, from her seven year marriage to Jay Rutland.
      They live in a lavish £70million mansion, a stones throwaway from Kensington Palace.PETRA, 32
      Arguably the more famous of Bernie’s socialite daughters with Slavica, Petra is now based in Los Angeles.
      At 19, she launched menswear label FORM, which was sold in Harrods.

      Her personal life was splashed across the front pages after an acrimonious £5.5 billion divorce row with ex-husband James Stunt, who she split with in 2017.
      She was granted sole custody of their three children, Lavinia, 7, and twins James and Andrew, both 5.
      And last May, Petra gave birth to a baby girl with fiancé Sam Palmer, but has remained tight-lipped on her name, which gives Bernie seven grandchildren ALL younger than his latest child.
      Petra Ecclestone is now based in Los AngelesCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Petra had an acrimonious divorce from James Stunt in 2017Credit: twitter/Petra Stunt
      Petra has four children, giving Bernie seven grandchildren in totalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      I want to be a dad again at 90 and I don’t need Viagra, says ex-F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone More