Sport Features

THEY are the ballers who became bezzies.
This week, Lionel Messi said goodbye to his pal Luis Suarez, who has left Barcelona to join Atletico Madrid.

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Childhood friends Mason Mount and Declan Rice have emerged as football’s latest bromanceCredit: Getty – Contributor

But the two South Americans aren’t the only group of best buds in elite football.
SunSport rounds up football’s biggest mates.
Messi & Suarez
The Uruguayan has said his emotional goodbye to his team-mates and cleared out his locker in the dressing room after six seasons at the Camp Nou.
He was joined by an emotional Leo Messi, who has slammed the club’s treatment of his pal in the past, to wish Suarez all the best at rivals Atletico Madrid.

Messi even took time to share a snap of the pair together one final time in the dressing room, and you can bet there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
He captioned the photo: “I was already getting the idea but today I entered the locker room and the card really fell.
“How difficult it is going to be not to continue sharing the day to day with you, both on the pitch and outside. We will miss you so much. It was many years, many mates, lunches, dinners … Many things that will never be forgotten, every day together.
“It will be strange to see you with another shirt and much more to face you. You deserved to be fired as what you are: one of the most important players in the club’s history, achieving important things both as a group and individually.

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Lionel Messi poses with Luis Suarez in the Camp Nou dressing room one final timeCredit: Instagram
“And not to get kicked out like they did. But the truth is that at this point nothing surprises me.
“I wish you all the best in this new challenge. I love you very much, I love you very much. See you soon friend.”
Lingard & Rashford
FROM quirky handshakes to holiday snaps, the two Red Devils regularly give the world an insight into their bond through social media.
Jesse Lingard says he sees Marcus Rashford, five years his junior, as a little brother in the United squad.
He has nicknamed him ‘beansprouts’ and says their friendship stemmed from defending him during a feisty Manchester derby in 2016.
“He got into a little bit of beef and I had to be there for him, and from then it’s carried on and I’ll always be there for him no matter what,” Lingard said.

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Jesse Lingard sees Marcus Rashford as like his little brother and nicknamed him ‘beansprouts’Credit: Instagram @marcusrashford
Lovren & Salah
FOR Dejan Lovren and Mohamed Salah, there was an instant connection.
When Salah arrived at Liverpool in 2017, the two men discussed their tough upbringings and, from there, they were virtually inseparable.
Lovren revealed: “From day one, we felt this connection.
“We have been talking a lot, we were talking about private things and we have a similar background, a tough life from the beginning.
“And then with his normality, how he can talk to you and when you see how he thinks… we are good friends, coffee, jokes!”
Lovren has since moved on to Zenit Saint Petersburg.

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Dejan Lovren and Mohamed Salah had an instant connection at LiverpoolCredit: PA:Press Association
Alli & Dier
WHEN Dele Alli signed for Tottenham from Milton Keynes Dons in 2015, he quickly bonded with his fellow newbie.
Eric Dier had signed from Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon and the two quickly formed a friendship that culminated in appearing alongside each other on the Gogglebox sofa.
The Channel 4 programme gave fans an insight into their friendship as the pair bickered over a cuppa tea on telly.
But they’re not afraid to talk about their bond either, with Dele once saying: “Love’s a strong word but we do really like each other.”

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Dele Alli and Eric Dier became close mates at Tottenham and ended up on Gogglebox togetherCredit: Channel 4
Pogba & Lukaku
IF it wasn’t for Agent Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku wouldn’t have ended up at Man United.
In the summer of 2017, when the big Belgian was choosing between a transfer to Chelsea and United, he was holidaying with Pogba in an LA mansion.
There was little doubt where he would end up.
After that, the two superstars were virtually inseparable, hanging out, playing basketball and sharing private jets.
So much so that both players looked for a move out of Manchester last summer, with Lukaku ending up at Inter Milan but Pogba remaining.

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Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku holidayed together in LA before the Belgian signed for Man United
Aubameyang & Lacazette
THEY were always Gunner be mates.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signed for Arsenal in January 2018 and immediately struck up a friendship with fellow striker Alexandre Lacazette.
Aubameyang remembers: “I came to Arsenal and there he was. It was good to see him. It was love at first sight!”
Their bond off the pitch has helped them on it, with the duo helping the club win the FA Cup this season.

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Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have formed a partnership both on and off the pitch at ArsenalCredit: Reuters
Mount & Rice
IT was in Chelsea’s academy, at the age of seven, that Mason Mount and Declan Rice began their friendship.
Both families holidayed together and travelled Europe, watching the boys play for the Blues, and their bond endured Chelsea’s decision to release Rice at the age of 14 – which made Mount’s mum cry.
Now the two midfielders have been able to team up again while playing for their country after being selected by Gareth Southgate.
And Mount provided the most hilarious video last summer when he surprised a sleeping Rice while they were on holiday together.

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Childhood mates Rice and Mount have gone on holiday together for many yearsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/masonmount10/?hl=en

Kolasinac & Ozil
IF any Prem star has proved their bezzie loyalty it’s Sead Kolasinac to Mesut Ozil.
In the face of knife-wielding moped thugs, Kolasinac leapt from Ozil’s car and defended his Arsenal pal with whom he has formed a strong bond.
German Ozil vowed to take Kolasinac under his wing when he arrived at Arsenal in 2017, and since then the two men — and their wives — have become best friends.
Last summer, both couples got married and attended each other’s wedding while the two men dyed their hair blonde after losing a bet.

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Sead Kolasinac and Mesut Ozil became best buds at Arsenal while their wives have connected tooCredit: Instagram/ m10_officia

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Sead Kolasinac fought off moped muggers armed with a knifeCredit: Enterprise News and Pictures
Fabregas & Suarez & Messi
IT is the friendship group football fans would dream to be a part of.
Messi, Suarez and Cesc Fabregas, who all met at Barcelona, have formed a small clique of some of the world’s greatest footballing talent.
With their respective partners ⁠— Antonella Roccuzzo, Sofia Balbi and Daniella Semaan ⁠— all friends as well, the group regularly holiday together in giant luxury villas and yachts.
There was even a suggestion in 2017 that the group racked up a £32,630 bill during a dinner on the Spanish island of Ibiza.

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Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas, Luis Suarez and their wives have become close friends and regularly holiday togetherCredit: Instagram @antonelaroccuzzo
Firmino & Coutinho
THEIR time together at Anfield was relatively short but extremely sweet.
Fellow Brazilians Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho formed a formidable partnership in Jurgen Klopp’s fierce attack.
So it came as a blow to Firmino when Coutinho made the £142million switch to Barcelona in January 2018.
Firmino said: “He made his decision to join Barcelona, but every time we play for the Seleção we have a chat and maintain that friendship.
“He’s an exceptional guy – one of the best friends football has given me.”

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Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino formed a close bond while at Liverpool togetherCredit: Instagram, @roberto_firmino
Nolan & Carroll
WHEN Andy Carroll was bailed for an assault charge in 2010, he turned to his best mate Kevin Nolan.
Having become close friends at Newcastle, Nolan allowed his pal to live with his family on two conditions — reading Peppa Pig to his kids and being in bed by 11pm!
But it still came as some surprise when the former Liverpool striker named Nolan in his dream 5-a-side team alongside superstars such as Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez.
Nolan responded by saying: “Well, me and Andy are mates so he’s looking after his mucker!”

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Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll are such good mates that Nolan let Carroll live with himCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
And when bromances go bad…Owen and Shearer
A lethal strike partnership, the darlings of England’s first-team, whose relationship spiralled from good mates to a public spat.
Michael Owen’s autobiography Reboot: My Life lifted the lid on a bitter feud that began during his time at Newcastle.

The two English heavyweights went toe-to-toe on Twitter after Owen’s book claimed Alan Shearer had questioned his professionalism at St. James’ Park.
Shearer took aim at Owen by highlighting his hefty wages at Newcastle before Owen shot back by questioning Shearer’s loyalty to Newcastle.
Let’s hope the other bezzies in this list aren’t slinging mud at each other in ten years’ time.

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Alan Shearer and Michael Owen’s friendship has fallen apart and spiralled into a public spatCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

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A LONG throw was his dad’s biggest weapon during his Stoke days, but you won’t see Man City prospect Liam Delap hurling the ball into a crowded penalty area.
The 17-year-old centre forward, who scored on his Man City first-team debut in the Carabao Cup clash against Bournemouth, is the son of Rory Delap – who was famed for a throw-in that caused havoc in opposition defences.

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Liam Delap, 17, has been promoted to Man City’s first teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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His dad Rory Delap was famous for his long throw-insCredit: AFP

But when Liam used to do it playing junior football – it once caused him stick from one mouthy parent , who said he was ruining the match.
Now, the 6ft 1in striker shies away from taking throw-ins after THAT public scolding.
RUGBY TACTICS
In his hey-day, Rory wasn’t afraid to launch the ball into the mixer.
Just ask former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who deplored the attacks – likening them to rugby tactics.

It was a habit that, initially, young Liam wanted to copy.
However, when one parent took exception to the youngster’s long-throws he refused to take another throw again.
“I think he was put off when he was about an under-10!” Delap Sr. revealed in an interview with Radio Stoke.
“One of the parents shouted that he was ruining the game when he took a throw and he hasn’t taken one since.

“I don’t think that will be part of his game.”

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Liam, on the set of Soccer AM in 2014 with his dad, was scolded in a junior game for a long-throw Credit: Twitter / @RoryJDelap

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Delap Jr. was named in Man City’s squad against WolvesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
A DIFFERENT PLAYER TO HIS DAD
While Rory played in midfield, Liam is a rangy striker with good close control, who can link-up play and is quick.
 “I started in a similar position but I didn’t have his pace or power and it took me a few more chances to put the ball in the back of the net!” Delap Sr. continued.
“He’s enjoying it and that’s all I’m bothered about. I’ve never pushed him into it but he’s a good lad and if he keeps his head down and works hard, he’ll have a chance in the game.”
City took note of his ability and signed him from Derby in 2019.
And in his first year with the club he impressed, scoring eight times in 13 appearances for the U18’s, as well as netting three goals in four games for the U23’s last season.
And now he could now make his debut against Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup.

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At 6ft 1in, Delap Jr. is a different type of player to his dadCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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Delap Jr. has been capped by England at youth levelCredit: Instagram / @liamdelap7
HE’S TOUGH
One similarity he has to his dad in terms of his game is his aggression. It’s what Delap Jr. says he needs to thrive.
“(Aggression) always been a part of my game. I need it in my game,” he said in an interview with  the Manchester Evening News.
“When I’m on that edge it’s when I’m at my best, it’s just not tipping over that edge and everyone has told me that they’d never want to take it out of me, it’s just controlling that final tipping point of what is acceptable and what’s not.
“You can’t really teach it, it’s just something I have and I’m so grateful that I’ve got it but it’s just now working a mechanism that I can control it to keep myself on the pitch.”I’ve got a lot better. I was a lot worse when I was younger so I think it’s just maturing and understanding what’s right.”
FORGET DAD, IT’S ALL ABOUT RONALDO
Delap Jr. knows where he stands.
An alternative to strikers Guardiola has often deployed, he admires Juventus legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who he hopes to emulate one day.
He said: “In the past you look at Man City’s strikers and they’re small and technical but I think I’m just a different player. It works well for me because I am different and I can show myself even more. It’s good.

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One similar trait to his dad’s game is Delap’s aggression on the pitchCredit: Rex Features

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Delap’s hero growing up is Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Getty Images – Getty

“I’ve always looked up to Cristiano Ronaldo. Just the way he plays, the pace and the power. For me, he’s the best in the world so aspiring to someone who is the best in the world, your dreams just have to be high.
“Listening to people that he’s worked with, the extras and lengths that he goes to look after his body and get better every day just shows why he’s at the top level.
“You can have talent but talent on its own doesn’t work without effort.”

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