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      in Soccer

      With Gareth Bale struggling on his Tottenham return, which comebacks were a success and which were flops?

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      THEY say never go back… and that may be how Gareth Bale is feeling right now.
      The Real Madrid star returned to Tottenham after seven years away at the beginning of the season in a loan deal, but has so far failed to impress boss Jose Mourinho.

      Gareth Bale has flopped so far on his return to TottenhamCredit: Kevin Quigley-The Daily Mail

      The Special One even threatened to send the Welsh legend back to the Spanish giants, after a disappointing showing in training.
      In his Spurs hey-day, Bale notched 56 goals and 58 assists in over 200 appearances before his £85million exit in 2013.
      But, with a dodgy injury record and a poor relationship with Zinedine Zidane leading to plenty of time spent on the sidelines in Spain, there were already plenty of doubts when he returned.
      Here, SunSport details four comeback kids Bale can look to for inspiration to turn things around – and three he dare not emulate.

      THIERRY HENRY

      Thierry Henry proved his legendary status in North London with his cameo return – as if he needed toCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Arguably no player has had as big an impact at one club during the Premier League era as Thierry Henry at Arsenal.
      Few could blame the Frenchman for trying his luck with Barcelona after eight years in North London – especially as he went on to win the treble.
      Eventually heading to North America, Henry found himself at a loose end in January 2012 and fancied a trip to see some old friends.
      A two-month loan deal was sorted and he reminded Gooners why he was so adored with a winning goal on his debut, against Leeds in the FA Cup.

      Henry played seven games during his second spell and left on a high, bagging a stoppage-time winner in his final appearance.
      MARIO GOTZE

      Injuries and a mystery illness got in the way of Mario Gotze’s Borussia Dortmund comebackCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Mario Gotze, like most top German players, signed for Bayern Munich while at the peak of his powers.
      The manner of the 2013 switch irked Borussia Dortmund but the player, who was briefly Germany’s all-time record transfer, actually struggled in Bavaria.
      Three years later, he returned and admitted: “I can look at [the move] now through different eyes. I can easily understand that many fans could not understand my decision. I would not make that decision now.”
      Far from the fairytale return, Gotze managed just 16 games for Borussia the following season.
      Things barely improved and the World Cup winner was released this summer.
      DIDIER DROGBA

      Didier Drogba popped back to Stamford Bridge for a fourth Premier League medal in 2014/15Credit: EPA
      Returning legends can make as big an impact off the pitch as on it, as Didier Drogba showed.
      The Ivorian was far from his prime when pitching up at Chelsea for a second spell in 2014.
      Time in China and Turkey had drained more than a yard of pace from the striker, aged 36 as he rejoined.
      Yet he embodied the Blues’ return to normalcy, coinciding with Mourinho’s second term as manager to bag a Premier League title.
      A talisman around the entirety of the club, Drogba even helped out with vital goals against Spurs, Manchester United and Leicester en route to his fourth league crown.
      KAKA

      Brazilian playmaker Kaka’s decline was confirmed with a middling return to MilanCredit: AFP
      If any player’s return was set up like Bale’s, it is the story of Kaka.
      Departing AC Milan in 2009 as one of the world’s best players, the Brazilian became a classic Galactico signing for Real Madrid.
      Like Bale, he had his moments in Spain but ultimately struggled to shake off injuries and titles were often evasive.
      Upon departing Real, Kaka was compelled to relive his Milan glory days and signed a free transfer in 2013.
      Tearing his hamstring in his first game, he bounced back to score a reasonable seven goals at the San Siro as the Rossoneri drifted to a disappointing eighth-placed finish.
      DIRK KUYT

      Dirk Kuyt scored a famous hat-trick as he waved goodbye to FeyenoordCredit: Rex Features
      Returning to your old team can often be a bit of an anticlimax… but not for Dirk Kuyt.
      The underrated Dutchman headed back to Feyenoord in 2015 on the hunt for one last heroic moment to cap his career.
      It finally arrived in his last game for the club, Kuyt bagging a final day hat-trick to seal Feyenoord’s first Eredivisie title in 18 years – which the captain lifted himself.
      In fact, he isn’t the only Premier League favourite with a fantastic Feyenoord return under their belts.
      Robin van Persie returned to Rotterdam for his final 18 months as a professional, scoring 25 times and lifting the KNVB Cup.
      JOE COLE

      Joe Cole could not recover his best form after almost a decade away from West HamCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      West Ham fans must be yearning for the sort of talents that used to pass through the club, before they were sold on.
      Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole all left for success elsewhere – but one did come back.
      A home league debut equaliser against QPR provided hope of things to come but Cole was not the midfield maestro who had terrified defences for Chelsea in years gone by.
      In an 18-month stay at Upton Park, Cole failed to establish himself in the team.
      The Hammers beat relegation in 2013/14 after a strong second half of the campaign, although the ex-England ace rarely featured when they won.
      MARK HUGHES

      Mark Hughes (left) was a vital component of Sir Alex Ferguson’s early success at Old TraffordCredit: Getty – Contributor
      British players heading abroad tend to produce mixed results, as Mark Hughes can attest.
      Sparky’s trip to Spain was far less fruitful than Bale’s would prove to be, spending just a season with Barcelona before being loaned to Bayern Munich.

      New Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson wanted the striker back in England and handed over £1.8m to sign him, £200,000 less than Barcelona had paid the Red Devils two years previous.
      Hughes quickly became a staple as Fergie began to build his first imperious side.
      Two Premier League titles and two FA Cups were among his achievements in a seven-year second spell, as well as a pair of PFA Player of the Year gongs. More

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      in Soccer

      Brighton signing Moises Caicedo was a hot property in South America, but the ex-Man Utd target will need time to settle

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      New Brighton signing Moises Caicedo is one of those few people who can look back on 2020 with immense pleasure.
      At the start of the year the teenage Ecuadorian was not yet a first choice player with his club, Independiente del Valle.

      Hot prospect Moises Caicedo has signed for Brighton for a bargain £4millionCredit: AFP – Getty

      Box to box midfielder Caicedo is one of the most promising players to come out of South America in recent yearsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      By the end he was a full international, fighting and winning midfield battles against the likes of Uruguay and Colombia in World Cup qualification.
      He was seen as one of the hottest properties in South American football.  It is a fair bet that if he were Brazilian the transfer fee might have been considerably higher than the reported £4 million.
      Caicedo hurdled every obstacle in style last year. He looked instantly at home first in domestic football, then in South America’s Champions League and then as a senior international.
      He had thought of himself as primarily a defensive midfielder, a specialist in breaking up attacks in the mould of Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante.

      It soon became clear to himself and everyone else that he could do much more, that he had the engine, the ability and the calm to run the game from box to box.
      He has been well taught. For a decade and a half, little Independiente del Valle have been specialising in youth development.
      They have excellent facilities and bring over highly regarded youth coaches from Spain, while Caicedo has proved an excellent student.
      Moises Caicedo the footballer has shown that he is ready for the challenge ahead. The question now is whether Moises Caicedo the human being is ready.

      Lionel Messi is closed down by the energetic Caicedo in a World Cup qualifierCredit: AFP – Getty

      Caicedo showed in games against Uruguay and Argentina he was the real dealCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      At 19, Caicedo should have a big future ahead of himCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The European market is no longer particularly interested in players based in South America who are in their mid 20s. They want them young. The price is cheaper, and, it is thought, the adaptation process is easier.
      That may be true on the pitch. There are clear advantages in working with the player as soon as possible, getting him used to a quicker style of play where he has to take rapid decisions.
      The problems are more likely to come off the field. A 19 year old footballer, like Caicedo, may well be young for his age – shielded from some of the usual adolescent rites of passage by a total focus on football.
      There are obvious risks in plucking someone of this age away from his native culture and language. The young player can easily feel lost and disorientated.
      The good news in this case is that, according to Graham Potter, Brighton have resisted the temptation of sending Caicedo out on loan.
      This seems attractive on paper; there is the chance of regular first team football. But there are huge pitfalls.
      Being loaned to club with no long term stake in the player’s development can be an awful experience, especially for South American players.
      They want to feel special. They have often come up the ranks being made to feel special. All too easily they can feel the cold of an unwelcoming dressing room filled by players with whom they cannot communicate.

      Caicedo will need time to settle in his new surroundings in England

      Brighton manager Graham Potter has said Caicedo won’t be sent on loan and will be helped to adapt to his new environmentCredit: PA:Press Association

      Many a career has lost momentum as a consequence. And momentum was one of the best things about Moises Caicedo in 2020.
      It is pleasing to hear, then, that Potter has identified the priority.
      “He’ll stay with us,” said the Brighton boss, “and we’ll help him settle in. The main thing is for him to adapt to his new surroundings” – and then start showing for Brighton what he was doing last year for club and country.

      Spurs dealt massive title race blow as Brighton take the win with 1 goal to nil More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal wonderkid Joel Lopez was signed from Barcelona, is tipped to be next Bellerin and is training with first team

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      FORMER Barcelona prodigy Joel Lopez is making great strides at Arsenal.
      The 18-year-old is continuing his rapid rise through the Gunners’ ranks by training with Mikel Arteta’s first team.

      Joel Lopez is climbing through the ranks at Arsenal since signing in 2019Credit: Getty – Contributor

      Lopez was plucked from Barcelona by the GunnersCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Most recently, Lopez has been training with Mikel Arteta’s first teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      His rapid pace and ability to recover quickly have led to comparisons to fellow countryman Hector Bellerin, who followed the same path from the Nou Camp to North London.
      Currently starring for Arsenal’s U23 team in the Premier League 2, Lopez is being hotly tipped by coaches at the Hale End academy to make the graduation to the first team.
      FOLLOWING BELLERIN’S FOOTSTEPS
      Like Cesc Fabregas and Bellerin, who went from the youth team to the first team with the Premier League giants, Lopez was plucked from Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy.
      The Catalans were desperate to keep the promising talent on their books, and offered him a deal in 2018

      Liverpool were said to be monitoring the situation, aware that an opportunity might arise to prise the prodigy away from the LaLiga champions.
      Instead it was Arsenal who swooped first, acquiring Lopez on a scholarship deal, before signing a professional contract when he turned 17 in 2019.
      The deal was rubber-stamped by former Arsenal head of relations Raul Sanlleh, who reportedly swayed his fellow countryman in furthering his football education at North London.
      And since then, Lopez has gone from strength-to-strength for the Gunners’ youth sides, and has proved to be a key member of Per Mertesacker’s academy set-up.

      In Arsenal’s U23 side Lopez has been a standoutCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      When Lopez turned 17 he signed a professional contract with the Gunners

      Lopez is a left-back who loves to get forward and support the attackCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Since joining Arsenal last year, Lopez has become integral to Per Mertesacker’s academy set-upCredit: Getty – Contributor
      JORDI ALBA 2.0
      Predominantly a left-back in the mould of Jordi Alba, Lopez loves to get forward and support the attack.
      “Joel is a left back with a lot of future,” Barcelona reporter Albert Rogé told football.london last year.
      “He loves to get forward and attack the penalty area. He combines very well with those inside him and has a good touch of the ball.
      “In defence he is intense and his speed helps him to correct his position when he makes a few mistakes.
      “He is a player that coaches always like. Very discreet on and off the pitch and always good.”
      BARCA TRIED TO KEEP HIM
      Lopez reportedly left Barcelona because the club are pinning their hopes on Juan Miranda, who plays in his position and is two-years his senior.
      “They tried to keep him because they do not want any player to leave,” Rogé revealed.

      Lopez poses with Lionel Messi during his Barcelona days

      Defender Lopez regularly features for Spain’s Under-17 side

      Like Hector Bellerin before him, Lopez will be hopeful of getting an opportunity to shine in the Arsenal first teamCredit: Getty – Contributor

      “However, they were aware that they had opted for Miranda so it was difficult to retain Joel for sporting reasons.”
      Barcelona loss could be Arsenal’s gain, with Spain Under-17 international Lopez clearly impressing the coaching staff to warrant inclusion in Unai Emery’s Europa League squad in 2019, despite failing to feature as the Gunners topped Group F.
      And like Fabregas and Bellerin before him, you wouldn’t bank against another Barcelona starlet wowing fans in North London.

      Wolves vs Arsenal – Watch LIVE for FREE, channel info and kick-off time More

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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury’s wife Paris is a supermum, staying glamourous and in shape as she raises five kids, with sixth on the way

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      SHE is one half of the most likeable couple in Britain, and she just happens to be the wife of heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury.
      Paris Fury, 31, stole the show from her more famous husband in the ITV documentary Tyson Fury: The Gypsy King that gave us a candid look at their family life last year

      Glam Paris Fury is expecting her sixth childCredit: Instagram @gypsyking101

      The boxing Wag enjoys living a luxury lifestyleCredit: Instagram

      Behind the showbiz razzmatazz Paris is a supermum of fiveCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Her unique and glam lifestyle, including a penchant for £30,000 designer handbags saw her became a panelist on Loose Women, where she’s discussed her riches and fame, as well as his mental health issues.
      But behind the showbiz razzmatazz is a supermum of five children, now expecting her sixth, who supported Tyson through drug abuse and held the family together.
      Last summer, Paris even joined Tyson in providing an alternative and hilarious Joe Wicks-style live workout during lockdown, in which their bickering endeared them to the nation further.
      They received a Heroes of Humanity award for diligently working out every day with their followers.

      CHILDHOOD SWEETHEARTS
      Paris met Fury when she was just 15 at a mutual friend’s wedding.
      However, it wasn’t until a year later, when their paths crossed again on a night out in Doncaster for her 16th birthday, that they began dating.
      Paris explained: “He was my first boyfriend as I was not allowed a boyfriend until the age of 16. He is the only boyfriend I have had.
      “Tyson would train in boxing during the week and then come and see me at the weekend. I would always be so excited at the thought of seeing him.”

      In 2008, they tired the knot in front of 400 guests and slept together for the first time on the night of their wedding.

      Tyson Fury met Paris when she was 15Credit: Refer to Caption

      They soon married in 2008Credit: Instagram @parisfury1

      Paris Fury remained celibate until the night of her weddingCredit: Instagram @parisfury1
      “Even after we got engaged, Tyson would sleep in a caravan in the yard of my parents’ home, while I slept inside the house,” she once revealed.
      “We didn’t sleep together until after we got married. That is the traveller’s way.”
      A SELF-CONFESSED TRAVELLER
      Like Tyson, Paris is proud of her traveller roots.
      The bubbly blonde was born and raised in Doncaster, spending her existence sleeping in caravans.
      She said: “I am a Traveller, I am a gypsy. I was brought up in caravans when I was a little girl.
      “It’s just the traditional lifestyle; there’s no real definition, there’s no bloodline because we never went to the doctor to say we are who we are.
      “There was no paperwork, there are still gypsies today who can’t read or write; we’re just that old fashioned.”

      A self-confessed traveller, Paris Fury is proud of her rootsCredit: Instagram

      ITV show Loose Women introduced Paris Fury as a regular panelist last yearCredit: Rex Features
      PROUD MAMA
      Today, Paris and her hubby live in a modest £550,000 home in Morecambe, despite his reported £70m wealth.
      There, she cares for her brood – their five children, Venezuela, Prince John James, Prince Tyson Fury II, Valencia Amber, and Prince Adonis Amaziah.
      But she had a row with Tyson that was filmed by cameras for the ITV doc about their education.
      Paris said she wanted her children to be raised like she was and leave school at 11, while Fury described people who don’t send their kids to school as “dream killers”.
      “Do you think you live a traveller’s lifestyle? Because I don’t. I think you live like a footballers’ wife,” he then barked at her.

      Paris Fury already has five children with TysonCredit: parisfury1/Instagram

      Family means everything to Paris, who believes her children should grow up like she didCredit: Instagram

      However, Tyson Fury accused his wife of living like a footballers’ WagCredit: Instagram / @parisfury1
      SHE WAS THE GLUE
      In 2016, Fury’s mental health issues, cocaine and alcohol abuse, and intolerable mood swings threatened their seemingly unbreakable marriage.
      On occasion, Paris would even contemplate leaving – packing her bags and getting into her car.
      However, she’d just stop herself – admitting she couldn’t leave Tyson to “crash and burn”.
      “I wanted to leave every day. Every day I used to cry and break down and think ‘I can’t deal with this’,” she revealed.
      “I literally packed the car and the kids a few times.

      When Tyson Fury suffered with mental issues and was abusing alcohol and rugs, Paris admitted she contemplated leaving himCredit: Reuters

      Love won the day though, with Paris saying she couldn’t see Tyson Fury ‘crash and burn’Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      “I’d think ‘how can I leave?’. If you truly love someone you’re not going to leave them to crash and burn.”
      Paris stood by her man as he battled his demons, before he rose again like a phoenix from the flames.
      JET-SET LIFE
      With regular holidays in Marbella in their luxury mansion believed to worth around £6million, the Furys know how to live.
      Paris and the kids also frequently fly to glam destinations like Los Angeles and Las Vegas to accompany Tyson to his fights.
      The whole family make the most of the trips abroad, squeezing in everything from shopping sprees on notoriously posh shopping hotspot Rodeo Drive to days out at Disney World.
      And Paris just loves her designer clobber.

      Pampered Paris Fury loves shopping and has a particular soft spot for ChanelCredit: Instagram

      Glam Paris Fury is living her best lifeCredit: Instagram

      Paris owns SEVEN of these stylish Chanel 2.55 bags, worth £4,362 eachCredit: Instagram

      Holidays in amazing destinations are important to the FurysCredit: Refer to Caption

      Paris Fury believes she won’t be changed by having lots of moneyCredit: Instagram
      The fashionable mum has a particular soft spot for Chanel, flashing a pair of stylish gold metallic trainers, £750, on Instagram.
      She has previously dazzled followers with a £180 Moschino belt and Fendi Mama Baguette bag, worth £1,850.
      But despite loving expensive threads, Paris loves a good deal too – getting bits for the home from discount stores like Home Bargains to remain grounded.
      “We already have X amount in the bank. It’s a funny one, but getting any more isn’t going to change us,” she said.
      FITNESS QUEEN
      Move over, Joe Wicks.
      While The Body Coach might have been the nation’s male PE teacher, the alternative female voice was Paris Fury – who gave a more realistic spin to her workouts.
      She teamed up with Tyson to provide us with an Instagram live fitness class at 9am six days a week last summer.

      Last summer Paris and Tyson Fury launched their own lockdown workoutCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun

      Paris wasn’t afraid to push Tyson into working out harder

      Fury walked out of one live workout when he couldnt’ keep up with ParisCredit: Instagram

      And again, she took the limelight away from her hubby – who once stormed out of a session and was branded an “a**hole” by his fierce wife for not keeping up with her.
      They were given a Heroes of Humanity award by the WBC in recognition of their efforts.
      Despite standing at 5ft 7inches to Fury’s 6ft 9inches, Paris clearly wears the trousers in their relationship.

      Paris Fury says she wouldn’t care if her dog died on Loose Women More

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      in Soccer

      Zinedine Zidane’s successor at Real Madrid could be South American coach Marcelo Gallardo, nicknamed ‘Napoleon’

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      MIGHT the successor to Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid come straight out of South America?
      It is a possibility that is being taken seriously in Argentina, where there is speculation that Marcelo Gallardo might be seen as the man to take charge of the Spanish giants.

      River Plate coach Marcelo Gallardo is being touted as a future Real Madrid managerCredit: Reuters

      It comes amid speculation Zizou could be off at the end of the season.
      Gallardo turned 45 last week. He has spent the last six and a half of those years in Buenos Aires with River Plate.
      These days in European football it is very hard to find coaches who have spent a similar amount of time with the same club.
      In South America it is barely believable. Two years is typically considered a marathon stint.

      To stay at the helm of a big club for almost seven years and counting is an extraordinary achievement – proof that, in an ever changing environment where players are always being sold, the coach has managed to keep his team competitive.
      And in the case of Gallardo, he has kept River Plate both competitive and attractive. The players have changed, the tactical systems have changed – Gallardo has a number of different formations up his sleeve – but the overall approach has been a constant.
      His team are possession based, moving the ball well and looking to pass their way through the opposing defence.
      It is his ability to handle change that, it is argued, makes him so attractive to Real Madrid.

      In his time with the club Zidane has displayed an undoubted talent for working with top stars.

      Gallardo has built an attractive and competitive River Plate team in his six and a half years with the clubCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Master tactician Gallardo has even earned the nickname ‘Napoleon’ because of his strategic knowledgeCredit: AP:Associated Press
      The doubts are whether he is good at dealing with the transitions, of rebuilding the side and getting the best out of the club’s collection of highly promising youngsters.
      It helps that Gallardo has European experience as a player. An attacking midfielder good enough to win over 40 caps for Argentina, he enjoyed a fine spell with Monaco, where he won the French league, and had a season with Paris Saint Germain.
      Apart from River Plate, his only coaching experience came with a year in Uruguay in charge of Nacional, the club where he ended his playing days. 
      This would make him something of a gamble for Real Madrid. But he is no pushover.
      Gallardo’s baby faced looks won him the nickname of ‘the doll’ when he first started playing. Since then, though, he has picked up another nickname – Napoleon, a tribute to his talent for strategy.

      Gallardo experienced playing in Europe with MonacoCredit: Reuters

      A job managing a European giant could be in Gallardo’s near futureCredit: Getty – Pool

      If Real Madrid is seen as too big a step, then the modern day Napoleon might well feel at home in France.
      With Andres Villas-Boas under pressure at Marseille, taking over there could be another possibility.
      Whatever the route taken by Marcelo Gallardo, Napoleon’s second conquest of Europe is surely being plotted in Argentina. More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd star Axel Tuanzebe’s amazing journey, from arriving from Congo aged 4 to captaining Red Devils at every level

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      THE story of how Manchester United star Axel Tuanzebe achieved his dream to play for the Premier League giants is truly inspiring.
      When he was just four, his parents left Congo for the UK in search of a better life for their family.

      Axel Tuanzebe’s remarkable rise is a story of courage and determinationCredit: Rex Features

      They settled in Rochdale, where a young Axel was unable to speak a word of English.
      However, the ambitious youngster was determined to make something of his life and support his family.
      He pushed himself through school, but his dream was to become a professional footballer – ever since he joined United’s Academy at the tender age of eight.
      Last October against PSG in the Champions League, Tuanzebe, now 23, produced a coming-of-age performance and kept Kylian Mbappe at bay.

      He is a man on a mission to succeed at Old Trafford.
      EARLY LIFE
      Tuanzebe was born in Bunia in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but moved to England when his parents emigrated to the north.
      Football became his passion. Soon he was scouted by Manchester United and joined their youth set-up – just four years after arriving on our shores.
      Despite rising through the ranks at youth level, education was still very important to Tuanzebe, who understood he couldn’t just rely on his football.

      He attended St Cuthbert’s RC High School, where he captained the Year 7 football team to the final of the English National Schools Cup at Stamford Bridge in 2009

      Tuanzebe joined the Manchester United academy aged 8 after arriving from Congo four years earlierCredit: Instagram
      .

      That achievement earned the boy acknowledgement from the Mayor of Rochdale, who honoured him with a Sports Boy of the Year award.
      Tuanzebe was reportedly a model student and when it came to his exams, he passed his GCSE’s with flying colours with A grades.
      But his academic pursuits would take a back seat as his football took centre stage.
      A REAL LEADER
      In 2019, Tuanzebe achieved a remarkable feat.
      When he stepped out for United against Rochdale in a League Cup victory over Rochdale, he was wearing the captain’s armband – ahead of more experienced stars including Paul Pogba, Sergio Romero, Phil Jones and Jesse Lingard.
      Not only did he become the youngest player to captain the side since Norman Whiteside in 1985, aged 21.
      He also capped off a wonderful run of captaining Manchester United at EVERY single age level he’s played at.

      In 2019 Tuanzebe led his Manchester United team mates out as captain in a League Cup tie against RochdaleCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Incredibly, Tuanzebe has captained Man Utd at every level he has played atCredit: AFP or licensors
      “Axel is a captain in the making, he’s a leader – why not give to young kids,” boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer later revealed to TalkSport after the game.
      “We know we can give it to Sergio and we can give it to Paul, that’s no problem and they’ve been captains before.
      “But it was Axel today and how does he handle it? He was absolutely fine, he enjoyed it.
      “It’s just a way of telling him that we trust him.”
      COMING OF AGE
      After breaking into the United first team, making his debut against Wigan in a 4-0 FA Cup victory in 2017, he started his first senior match in a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal four months later.
      But with chances limited, Tuanzebe was sent on loan to Aston Villa, where he became a promotion hero in 2019.
      He returned to Old Trafford – expected to push for a first team spot. A series of niggling injuries put pay to a limited run in the team, and he played just ten times in all competitions in 2019-20.

      Tuanzebe was a promotion hero for Dean Smiths Aston VillaCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Tuanzebe enjoyed a coming of age performance against PSG and didn’t give Kylian Mbappe an inchCredit: AFP or licensors
      However, it was on the biggest stage where he proved his undeniable quality.
      Faced with superstars Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, Tuanzebe put on his best display in a Manchester United shirt – as the Red Devils shocked PSG to win 2-1 in a Champions League game.
      After the match, Solskjaer said: “We know that when you go away against a team like this, against players like Neymar and Mbappe, top, top players in the world, we know we have to defend well.
      “We know David De Gea will have to make a few saves. Sometimes you’ll get in a foot race with Mbappe and you’ll have to run with him and we know Axel’s qualities – he’s a top defender.
      “First game in, I don’t know, 10 months or something, which is just testament to the quality he has.”
      HUNGRY FOR SUCCESS
      Being a gifted footballer isn’t Tuanzebe’s only claim to fame. After all, he features in the Guinness Book of World Records.
      In 2018 he joined his Manchester United team-mates on a pre-season tour in Los Angeles.
      There he was asked to take part in a game of Hungry Hippos for fun.

      Tuanzebe is not just a upcoming footballing star, but also holds a Guinness World Record in Hungry Hippos gameCredit: Instagram @roshaunwilliams

      The Hungry Hippos game is a favourite pastime for many young children, where players have to swallow as many marbles as possible using their hippoCredit: Amazon
      He finished it in just 17.37 seconds – managing to record a world record at the same time.
      For those who missed out on the famous game as a child, it features four hippos in a circle with a handful of balls in the middle.
      Players each choose a hippo and need to use it to collect as many marbles as possible before they are all taken.
      ENGLAND STAR IN THE MAKING
      Although Tuanzebe is still eligible to play for Congo, it appears likely that he will choose to represent England.
      He began his international career in 2017, starring for the Three Lions U17 side against Mexico.
      That same year, Tuanzebe was a part of the U20 side that won all three matches at the Four Nations tournament.

      Tuanzebe is an England youth international, but could still turn out for the country of his birth, DR CongoCredit: Rex Features

      Now 23, Tuanzebe is ready to push for a place in United’s first teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      In 2017, his rapid ascension at international level continued when he was capped by the U21 side against Ukraine.
      Gareth Southgate has been monitoring Tuanzebe closely, and should he get a sustained run in the United side he might just partner his United team mate Harry Maguire at the heart of England’s defence.
      That would be the icing on the cake for his astonishing rise.

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      in Soccer

      Footballers’ heart-breaking tattoos, from Sergio Ramos paying tribute to a dead friend to Marcos Rojo’s Maradona homage

      by

      FOOTBALLERS love their tattoos – and some have more meaning than others.
      Some of the body art inked on to the biggest names in the sport have some very moving stories behind them.

      Footballers love their tattoos, and many of them have an emotional meaning behind themCredit: Getty – Contributor

      We highlight 10 of the most emotional tattoo tributes.
      SERGIO RAMOS
      The Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos is covered with tattoos, including some amazing numbers on his fingers. The most moving tattoos have ‘The spirit of those dead lies in the memory of those alive’ inked in two parts on his right and left biceps. It is a mark of respect for the victims of the terror attacks on New York on 9/11 2001 and Madrid on 3/11 in 2004. Ramos, 31, also has a large Star of David on his left arm in memory of his close friend and former team-mate Antonio Puerta, who died aged just 22. Puerta, a Spanish international, collapsed and later died while playing for Sevilla against Getafe in August 2007.

      Sergio Ramos displays his tattoos including the Star of David on his left arm dedicated to a dead friendCredit: Instagram @sergioramos

      Sergio Ramos has a tribute to terror victims across both his armsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      MARCOS ROJO
      Every Argentinian footballer grows up worshipping their greatest ever player – Diego Armando Maradona. And Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo is no different. In tribute to the late football legend who passed away last November, the centre half got a unique design of the Napoli icon on his leg. Rojo’s tat is unique and features an image of Maradona in a cigar-chomping Fidel Castro pose, complete with a communist cap emblazoned with a star.

      Rojo, 30, chose an image of the late great in a cigar-chomping Fidel Castro pose, complete with a communist cap emblazoned with a star.

      Marcos Rojo now has a tattoo of Diego Maradona posing as Fidel Castro on his legCredit: Instagram

      The Man Utd defender had the ink done in tribute to the late great MaradonaCredit: Instagram
      ANTHONY KNOCKAERT
      The Fulham striker Anthony Knockaert, currently on loan at Nottingham Forest, has a tattoo of his late father Patrick. His dad – who worked as a truck driver but made the time to drive him to youth football games – died in 2017, aged 63, and the French star wanted to honour his memory in ink on his chest. Local tattooist Daniel Gulliver, who has worked on several Premier League players, created the image of his dad smiling and smoking a cigar.

      Anthony Knockaert with the tattoo to his late father PatrickCredit: Graham Hughes – The Times

      Knockaert celebrates promotion to the Premier League with Brighton and shows off his tatCredit: Rex Features

      Knockaert’s tattoo of Patrick shows him smoking a cigarCredit: Graham Hughes – The Times
      Knockaert said: “It’s all credit to my dad because he did everything for me and I’m here today because of him. “He always believed in me and he was sure I would be playing in the Premier League.”
      ARTURO VIDAL
      Bayern star Vidal has plenty of tattoos on his torso – including one of his skin tearing away to reveal a Spiderman outfit – but the most bizarre is that of an insulin pump. He had the work done in 2016 on the right side of his six-pack after his son Alonso was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

      Arturo Vidal has several tattoos but one on his stomach stands outCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Vidal shows off the insulin pump etched on his stomachCredit: Twitter @ kingarturo23
      https://twitter.com/kingarturo23/status/885940413168832512 Vidal also posted a photo of the needlework along with a message for Chilean president Michelle Bachelet, calling for children to have better accessibility to diabetes-related healthcare.
      MAURO ICARDI
      The Argentine striker showed off a striking new tattoo of a lion’s head, incorporating his daughter’s names Francesca and Isabella. However a tattoo he had done in 2014 is even more moving, as it incorporates the three children his wife Mauro has with her ex-hubby Maxi Lopez. The tattoo names the three children Valentino, Constantino and Benedicto, and reads: ‘I love these three little angels’. Icardi and Lopez were team-mates at Sampdoria when they fell out over the stunning Wanda.

      Mauro Icardi with Wanda and the tattoo of her kids’ namesCredit: Instagram @mauroicardi

      Maruo Icardi, wife Wanda and their childrenCredit: Instagram @mauroicardi

      Mauro Icardi has a massive lion tattoo on his chest with the names of his childrenCredit: Instagram @mauroicardi
      HARRY ARTER
      Nottingham Forest star Harry Arter and his partner Rachel Irwin suffered a heartbreaking stillbirth in December 2015. Their daughter Renee was stillborn and Arter, 27, has a tribute tattoo dedicated to her on the inside of his right forearm. It contains the inspirational words ‘Setbacks pave the way for comebacks’. In 2017 the couple welcomed the arrival of a baby girl named Raine.

      Harry Arter has a tattoo to his still born daughter on his right forearmCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The tattoo Harry Arter had created for his stillborn daughter ReneeCredit: Getty Images
      ROBERTO FIRMINO
      The tattoos on Firmino’s body are all about love. He has pictures of both his mother and father on his right arm, and a message in German on his back that translates as ‘Unremitting love for the family’. Also on his right arm he has a red rose for love, a four-leaf clover as a sign of luck, a peace symbol on his forearm and the year 1991 on his knuckles – representing the year he was born. The word love is tattooed on the knuckles of his left hand and the name of his daughter Valentina on his chest beside the words ‘God is faithful’ in Greek.

      Roberto Firmino with his wife Larissa during a break in Brazil

      Liverpool star Roberto Firmino celebrates scoring against Stoke and shows off his inkCredit: Reuters
      GABRIEL JESUS
      Man City’s Brazilian striker has a startling tattoo that documents his rise from the favelas of Sao Paulo. But the most heart-warming one is of his beloved mum Vera on his arm. Strict Vera, who raised her four children alone in a poor district of Sao Paulo, controls almost every aspect of her famous son’s life, from the food he eats to where he goes out, and even the girls he meets. And he celebrates every goal with his trademark phone celebration in honour of Vera.

      Gabriel Jesus shows off his tattoo of his mum Vera and the photo that inspired it

      Gabriel Jesus with his trademark phone celebration in honour of his mumCredit: Getty – Contributor
      ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC
      The Swedish superstar is covered in inkings but in 2015 he went one stage further and had 50 names of starving people added as temporary tattoos to highlight world hunger.   He whipped off his shirt after scoring for PSG against Caen to reveal names like Carmen, Mariko, Antoine, Lida and Rahma to show his support for the United Nations World Food Programme. He said afterwards: “There are names no one cares to remember.” The referee didn’t appreciate the gesture however and booked him.

      Zlatan Ibrahimovic took off his shirt after scoring against Caen to reveal 50 namesCredit: AFP – Getty

      Zlatan Ibrahimovic later revealed that the names were temporary tattoosCredit: AFP – Getty
      MAURICIO PINILLA
      Chilean striker Mauricio Pinilla so nearly became a national hero at the 2014 World Cup. Chile were drawing 1-1 with hosts Brazil in the final minute of extra time when substitute Pinilla blasted a powerful shot against the home team’s crossbar.
      The goal would have put Chile through, but minutes later they went out in the penalty shoot-out. Former Hearts star Pinilla however decided to commemorate the near-miss by having a tat of a ball smashing through the crossbar with the worlds ‘One centimetre from glory’ inked on to his back. Tattooist Marlon Parra said: “What he wanted to do was leave a record of the suffering he’s going through.”

      Mauricio Pinilla’s tattoo of his shot shattering the Brazilian bar

      Agonising moment Pinilla hit the bar at the 2014 World CupCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Pinilla reacts after missing against BrazilCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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