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      in Soccer

      Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa looks like a movie star in amazing throwback photos as young man in 1970s

      by

      MARCELO BIELSA already has a rock star image in football.
      Revered by Leeds fans for helping the Yorkshire club gain promotion to the Premier League, the 65-year-old has been branded iconic by the likes of Pep Guardiola and Mauricio Pochettino.

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      Marcelo Bielsa, between 1975-80, age 20-25
      The way he gets his teams to play in an expressive and expansive manner is admired by purveyors of the beautiful game, along with his incredible eye for detail in studying the opposition.
      And in the style stakes in his 20s, there’s no doubt the Argentine was also the king of cool too.
      COOLNESS PERSONIFIED
      These amazing photos, taken during Bielsa’s playing days in the 1970s, show a completely different side to the meticulous football manager.
      The first, circa 1975-80 and when he was in his early to mid 20s, shows the bucket-sitting boss sporting long, thick locks and looking more like the frontman of a rock and roll band than budding footballer.

      While in his playing days at Newell’s Old Boys from 1975-77, a handsome, clean-cut Bielsa has the appearance of a dashing Hollywood movie star in these incredible throwback snaps.
      The images are a million miles away from the image of the renowned tactician we see today.
      And they were taken as Bielsa was considering his next moves in the game.

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      Bielsa made his debut for Newell’s Old Boys in 1975

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      In his playing days at Newell’s Old Boys, Bielsa appears clean-cut
      EARLY RETIREMENT
      Bielsa’s playing career lasted just five years.

      He made his debut for Newell’s Old Boys playing in defence in 1975, and went on to appear 25 times for the famous Argentinian club in two years.
      In 1978 Bielsa signed for Instituto for a season, before then joining Argentino de Rosario for another year.
      However, in 1980 he hung up his boots to focus on a career in coaching.
      Bielsa returned to Newell’s Old Boys, where his first job was coaching the youth team.

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      Bielsa, left, played in defence

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      From 1978-79, age 23, Bielsa played for Instituto

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      Bielsa retired from playing at 25 to concentrate on coaching and is now gearing up for a Premier League season with LeedsCredit: PA:Press Association

      In 1990, he scored his first job managing their first team – winning the Argentinian first division in his first season.
      Some thirty years later and Bielsa has finally landed in the Premier League.
      The stage is set for this rock star among men.

      Tony Cascarino lauds ‘influential’ Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa and backs Championship winners to do well in Premier League More

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      in Soccer

      Leeds and Arsenal target Draxler’s Wag Sethanie Taing is dancer and choreographer and posts bikini pics on Instagram

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      PSG midfielder Julian Draxler is the latest big name Leeds are being linked with.
      The German midfielder has reportedly opened talks with Marcelo Bielsa’s men, but faces competition from Arsenal for the 26-year-old talent’s services.

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      Meet Sethanie Taing, the Wag of Leeds target Julian Draxler

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      Draxler and Taing began dating in late 2019

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      Taing is a professional dancer and choreographer
      And if he does move to the Premier League, he’ll likely be bringing his beautiful Wag with him.
      Meet French/Cambodian beauty Sethanie Taing…
      TINY DANCER
      Petite Taing and Draxler met in Paris and began dating at the tale-end of 2019.
      Her stunning figure can be attributed to the fact she is a professional dander and choreographer.

      She has danced most famously for French singer Matt Pokora.
      Last Christmas, they went public with their romance on Instagram – sharing photos with their families online.
      SOCIAL MEDIA SAVVY
      Stunning Sethanie has amassed over 77,000 followers on Instagram.
      Often, she shares glamorous snaps showing off her stunning bikini body in various professional shoots.

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      So far Taing has amassed over 77,000 followers on Instagram

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      Taing famously danced for French singer Matt Pokora

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      Taing loves sharing glamorous snaps on Instagram and showing off her bikini body

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      Draxler has already introduced Taing to his family
      She openly snubs Facebook, Snapchat and Twitter accounts.
      But on Instagram, she happily uploads videos of rehearsals and workshops – showcasing her moves on the social media platform.
      And there’s even room for Draxler on there – with plenty of snaps of the two with the arms around each other online.
      A NEW WAG
      Taing follows in the footsteps of Draxler’s longterm Wag, Lena Stiffel.
      The brunette beauty was regularly spotted in the stands cheering her beau on.

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      Taing is Draxler’s second high-profile Wag

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      Lena Stiffel is Draxler’s exCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Could Taing be headed to the Premier League with Draxler?

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      Draxler has been linked with a move to Elland Road and Arsenal

      She even wore a German shirt with his name on the back at Euro 2016.
      However, their romance ended last year and Stiffel, 26, moved back to Germany.
      But Draxler has certainly moved on. Will he be moving clubs too? More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea target Edouard Mendy was unemployed at 22 and almost quit football after snub by a League One club

      by

      CHELSEA are looking to continue their remarkable spending spree this summer by adding Edouard Mendy to their squad.
      The giant Senegal goalie, who stands at 6ft 6in tall, is on the verge of joining the West London giants for £25million, according to reports.

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      Edouard Mendy has enjoyed a remarkable career turn-aroundCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Should the deal go through, it would complete a remarkable turn-around in the life of the 28-year-old stopper.
      It was only six years ago that Mendy, the cousin of Real Madrid star Ferland Mendy, was unemployed after his contract expired with French fourth tier side Cherbourg.
      And after a deal with a League One club collapsed, it appeared his days as a professional footballer were over.
      ON THE SCRAP HEAP
      Mendy was just 22 when his deal with Cherbourg expired.

      Wanting to take on a new challenge, he was offered contracts by other clubs.
      But it was the temptation of moving across the channel to an unknown League One side that seemed the most attractive.
      The player’s former agent gave him assurances a deal was done, however Mendy soon discovered the job offer didn’t work out.
      It left the promising talent club-less, unemployed and queuing at the job centre.

      Away from the game for the year, Mendy was forced to consider quitting football to do something else.

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      Mendy was unemployed at 22 after being released by a fourth division French clubCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

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      With his future up in the air, Mendy contemplated quitting the game
      “For a football player or anybody else, being unemployed is like getting slapped across the face,” Mendy told So Foot magazine.
      “Repeated failures leave marks on you, and you start thinking that maybe you are not made for it.”
      REDEMPTION
      With his confidence severely dented, Mendy returned to the club where it all began for him as a youth player, Le Havre.
      He trained religiously for a year, unpaid, until a former team-mate told him that Marseille were looking for a goalkeeper to replace reserves Julien Fabri and Brice Samba, who were sent out on loan.
      Mendy scored a trial with the 1993 European Cup winners and was signed as a fourth choice keeper.
      There, he worked with French international Steve Mandanda and played in the B side.
      “I reached a new level in Marseille,” he revealed.
      “I trained with the pros throughout the year, which you normally would not expect as a No. 4 ‘keeper.

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      Mendy has blossomed into a Senegal international

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      Standing at 6ft 6in tall, Mendy is a commanding presence in his own boxCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “It was proof that I performed well and made all the efforts required. It was a rewarding year.
      “Training alongside players like Lassana Diarra, Abou Diaby… and winning duels against Steven Fletcher or Michy Batshuayi brought a lot to me.”
      MAKING OF THE MAN
      In search of regular playing time, Mendy moved to Ligue 2 outfit Reims in 2016.
      It was time for him to finally make his breakthrough in the game.
      When first-choice keeper Johann Carrasso was sent off, Mendy got his opportunity.
      Seven games and three clean sheets later, a star was born.
      Mendy became first-choice in 2017-18, and helped the club gain promotion to Ligue 1.
      RENNES TO CHELSEA?
      It was only last summer that Mendy signed for Rennes for a fee of £3.5million.

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      Mendy is on the verge of signing for Chelsea for £25millionCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Chelsea legend Petr Cech reportedly recommended Mendy to the BluesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Mendy kept nine clean sheets in Ligue 1 last seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And his rise has been rapid.
      He helped his new club finish in the top three in France’s top division last season.
      More importantly, Rennes qualified for the Champions League thanks to his exploits.

      Commanding between the sticks, late-developer Mendy kept nine clean sheets in their incredible season.
      In fact, he was so good Chelsea club legend Petr Cech is said to have told the Blues to pull out all the stops to sign him.
      Could he be the final piece in the jigsaw to make Frank Lampard’s men genuine title contenders?

      Go behind the scenes as Kai Havertz becomes Chelsea’s sixth signing of the summer More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Boxing

      Oscar De La Hoya’s wild life of alcohol and drug addiction, cross-dressing sex parties, and now a comeback at 47

      by

      GOLDEN BOY Oscar De La Hoya is to become Golden Oldie, as he plans a sensational comeback aged 47.
      The Anerican won 11 world titles, amassed a personal fortune of £150million – and even got caught in a cross-dressing scandal.

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      Throughout his 16-year boxing career Oscar De La Hoya won 11 world titlesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Oscar De La Hoya and wife Millie Corretjer in 2002Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Oscar De La Hoya and Millie Corretjer attend Premiere of HBO’s ‘What’s My Name: Muhammad Ali’ in 2019Credit: Getty Images
      He also battled a drug and alcohol addiction that left many of his personal relationships in tatters and led him to contemplate suicide.
      Yet despite his demons, the 47-year-old shocked the sporting world earlier this year by announcing his plans to come out of retirement – more than a decade after hanging up his gloves.
      During his 16-year professional career De La Hoya fought some of the greats, including Floyd Mayweather Jr., Manny Pacquiao, Bernard Hopkins, Shane Mosley, Hector Camacho and Julio Cesar Chavez.
      After breaking through at the 1992 Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona, the Los Angeles native went on to compete as a professional in six different weight classes before turning to management as president of Golden Boy Promotions, which currently boasts some 90 boxers in its stable.

      But making a comeback at the age of 47 would add an unlikely chapter to his amazing story.

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      Oscar De La Hoya made his professional debut on November 23, 1992Credit: AFP

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      De La Hoya scored a first-round knockout against Jimmy Bredahi in his debutCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Rise to Stardom
      De La Hoya made his professional debut on November 23, 1992, where he scored a first-round knockout against Jimmy Bredahi.
      He quickly rose to fame in the boxing world winning his first 31 fights – 25 by way of knockout.
      In 1995, Ring Magazine named the 22-year-old phenomenon Fighter of the Year.

      In 1999, De La Hoya competed in the biggest fight of his career at that time, when he faced off against Felix Trinidad in what was named The Battle of the Millennium.
      Both welterweight titleholders were undefeated.
      The showdown set the pay-per-view record for a non-heavyweight fight with 1.4 million buys on HBO, earning both fighters a combined £30million.
      In September 1999, at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Trinidad officially unified the titles by 13-round majority decision, handing The Golden Boy his first career loss.

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      De La Hoya quickly rose to fame in the boxing world winning his first 31 fights – 25 by way of knockoutCredit: Reuters

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      In 1999, Oscar De La Hoya was handed his first professional loss at the hands of Felix TrinidadCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      De La Hoya shattered PPV records in 2007 with his mega fight against Floyd Mayweather setting a new record with 2.4 million buysCredit: AP:Associated Press
      De La Hoya shattered pay-per-view records again in 2007 with his mega fight against Mayweather setting a new record with 2.4 million buys.
      Billed as The World Awaits, the contest generated over £100million in revenue.
      In the end, Mayweather was awarded the victory by split decision, capturing the WBC light middleweight title.
      De La Hoya took home £40million from the fight, the highest purse ever for a fighter.
      In 2008 he was soundly beaten by Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

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      De La Hoya took home £40million from his fight against Mayweather, the highest purse ever for a fighterCredit: Instagram

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      In October 1997, De La Hoya began dating Shanna Moakler, a former Miss USACredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      De La Hoya and Moakler announced their engagement a year after in 1998Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      De La Hoya announced his retirement four months later on April 14, 2009.
      De La Hoya’s Dark Side
      Despite his success, De La Hoya has endured personal battles outside of boxing that left him contemplating suicide.
      In October 1997, he began dating Shanna Moakler, a former Miss USA.
      The couple announced their engagement a year after in 1998.
      Moakler gave birth to De La Hoya’s daughter, Atiana Cecilia De La Hoya, in 1999.
      The engagement abruptly ended in September 2000, when Moakler, who was at home watching the Latin Grammy Awards, saw De La Hoya escorting another woman to the show.
      Two months later, Moakler filed a £46million palimony suit against the boxer, half of De La Hoya’s estimated net worth at the time, the New York Post reported.
      Moakler claimed the boxer was an alcoholic and abusive to her and their daughter.
      The case was settled out of court in 2001.
      On October 5, 2001, De La Hoya married Puerto Rican singer and actress Millie Corretjer after the boxer asked her to be in a music video has was making.

      Shanna Moakler was married to Oscar De La HoyaCredit: Getty Images

      Shanna Moakler pictured in 2010Credit: Getty Images

      Oscar De La Hoya and second wife Millie CorretjerCredit: Getty Images

      Millie Corretjer is a Puerto Rican singer and actressCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      In October 2000, De La Hoya debuted an album titled Oscar De La HoyaCredit: AFP
      The two have three children together, however after a 15-year marriage the couple reportedly split in 2016.
      The former champion hit rock bottom in 2011, when he revealed that he had contemplated suicide as he struggled with a drug and alcohol addiction.
      “Rock bottom was recently. Within a couple of years, just thinking if my life was even worth it.
      “I don’t have the strength, I don’t have the courage to take my own life but I was thinking about it,” De La Hoya told Univision.

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      In 2011, in an interview with Univision De La Hoya admitted to hitting rock bottom as he struggled with drugs and alcoholCredit: Instagram

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      The boxer said his choice of drug was cocaineCredit: Instagram
      “There were drugs, my drug of choice was cocaine and alcohol.
      “Cocaine was recent, the last two years, last two-and-a-half years, and I depended more on the alcohol than the cocaine.
      Throughout his years of addiction, multiple female models have claimed that they participated in drug and alcohol fueled cross dressing sex parties with the boxer.
      In November 2007, photos were leaked of De La Hoya dressed up in fishnet stockings, women’s underwear, high-heels and boxing gloves.
      The boxer claimed the photos were fake, but it was later reported that he paid Russian model Milana Dravnel £15million to buy her silence.
      Another model, Angelica Marie Cecora, told the New York Post that she had also been involved in a sex and drag party with the athlete.
      “It was beyond kinky. Things that I don’t even know how to explain were done with him,” she said at the time.

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      In November 2007, photos were leaked of De La Hoya dressed up in fishnet stockings, women’s underwear, high-heels and boxing glovesCredit: Instagram
      After years of denying the authenticity of the photos, the 47-year-old recently admitted to Univision that it was him in the pictures, saying he was struggling with drugs and alcohol at the time.
      “Let me tell you, yes, yes, it was me (in those pictures). I am tired now of lying, of lying to the public and of lying to myself,” he told the outlet.
      Retirement and His Stunning Announcement to Return
      In April 2009, the 11-time world champion announced his retirement from the sport.
      “My heart still wants to fight, that’s for sure. But when your physical [body] doesn’t respond, what can you do?,” he said.
      Post retirement, De La Hoya has continued in the sport of boxing with his Golden Boy Promotions.
      The firm has some 90 boxers under contract, including stars such as Canelo Alvarez, Ryan Garcia, Rene Alvarado, Patrick Teixeira, Joseph Diaz and Jaime Munguia.

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      Post retirement, De La Hoya has continued in the sport of boxing with his Golden Boy Promotions companyCredit: Instagram

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      At the age of 47, De La Hoya announced he will be stepping back inside a boxing ring as he looks to resume his fighting careerCredit: Handout – Getty
      On August 19, 2020, the former world champion shocked the boxing world when he announced he’s stepping out of retirement to resume his career.
      “The rumors are true, and I’m going to start sparring in the next [few] weeks. It’s a real fight. I miss being in the ring. I love boxing. Boxing is what gave me everything I have today, and I just miss it,” De La Hoya told ESPN.
      “Look, it’s been a long time, yes. But actually my jab feels faster than ever. I have to make sure that my conditioning is perfect, my health is good. And that’s going to take place in the next few weeks. So we’ll see.”
      De La Hoya said he looked at the current landscape of boxing and didn’t like what he saw.
      “All these fighters are not of the level that I was 15, 20 years ago, all these fighters are demanding so much money, all these fighters are demanding the moon,” he told the outlet.

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      “These guys are in it just for the money, that’ll be the big difference. I will fight for the glory, and these guys only fight for the money.
      “And guess what? That glory will always win,” he added.
      De La Hoya added that his plan is to compete between 154-160 pounds and is looking to take on “any top guy out there.” More

    • 263 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Estelle Bergkamp is the stunning daughter of Arsenal legend Dennis and is the girlfriend of Man Utd target van de Beek

      by

      DONNY van de Beek is on the verge of joining Manchester United for £40million, after the Red Devils agreed a fee with Ajax.
      But many years ago his Wag’s dad used to view the Premier League giants as a fearsome rival.

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      Estelle Bergkamp is the daughter of Arsenal legend DennisCredit: https://www.instagram.com/estellebergkamp/?hl=en

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      Dennis Bergkamp’s daughter now dates Man Utd target Donny van de BeekCredit: https://www.instagram.com/estellebergkamp/?hl=en

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      The Bergkamp family with daughter EstelleCredit: https://www.instagram.com/estellebergkamp/?hl=en
      The 23-year-old midfielder dates Dennis Bergkamp’s daughter, Estelle, 24.
      They met in Amsterdam and a relationship between the pair soon blossomed.
      And now it looks like she could be joining Donny in Manchester.
      EARLY YEARS IN LONDON
      Bergkamp was one year into his Arsenal career, when he welcomed Estelle into the world with wife Henrita.

      She was born in London, where Dennis would stay for 11 years and win three Premier League titles with the Gunners.
      In fact, when she was a small girl she joined her dad on the pitch at Highbury and was snapped holding the Premier League trophy.
      Football has always been in her family, so it was no surprise that she would soon start dating a footballer.
      A NEW DUTCH MASTER
      Last summer, Estelle and van de Beek began dating.

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      Estelle was originally born in LondonCredit: https://www.instagram.com/estellebergkamp/?hl=en

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      Dennis Bergkamp won three Premier League titles with Arsenal in 11 yearsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/estellebergkamp/?hl=en

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      Estelle soon moved to Amsterdam after her dad hung up his bootsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/estellebergkamp/?hl=en

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      Since becoming an item van de Beek and Estelle have become travel buddiesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/estellebergkamp/?hl=en

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      The loved-up pair enjoyed a romantic break in ParisCredit: https://www.instagram.com/estellebergkamp/?hl=en
      Initially, they kept their romance under wraps, however the allure of showing off their happiness on Instagram was too much to resist.
      Last Christmas, the pair shared a romantic snap cuddling in front of a Christmas tree.
      She captioned the cute pic: “Merry christmas from us.”
      ROMANTIC HOLIDAYS
      Since they became an item, Estelle and Donny have become best travel buddies.

      And, of course, they’ve taken us on their adventures through snapshots on social media.
      The pair can be seen in various clenches in destinations as glamorous as Ibiza and the South of France.
      Next stop, it appears, will be Manchester.

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      Estelle and van de Beek celebrated Christmas together last year

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      The Dutch beauty is often seen on a glamorous holiday Credit: https://www.instagram.com/estellebergkamp/?hl=en

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      Estelle celebrated her dad being a Premier League champion on the Highbury pitch

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      Estelle could soon be headed to Manchester with boyfriend van de BeekCredit: https://www.instagram.com/estellebergkamp/?hl=en More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd transfer target van de Beek was spotted by Arsenal legend Bergkamp at 10, but his mum wanted him to be a farmer

      by

      AJAX sensation Donny van de Beek is on the verge of a £40million move to Manchester United, according to reports.
      The Dutch attacking midfielder, who was once close to joining Real Madrid, has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the game, and was a vital cog in the side that reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.

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      Donny van de Beek is on the verge of a £40m move to Man UtdCredit: Getty – Contributor

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      Bergkamp coached van de Beek when he was 10
      Last season he continued where he left off from the campaign before that, scoring 10 times in 37 games.
      One of his standout performances came in a 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge, where he scored in the Champions League group tie.
      And the 23-year-old would be the first to admit that he couldn’t have done it without his mentor, Dennis Bergkamp.
      The Arsenal legend spotted the future star’s potential when he was youth coach with the Eredivisie giants – and Van de Beek was just 10.

      Bergkamp helped mould the playmaker into the player he is today.
      But, if his mum had it her way, he would most likely being working on a farm.
      THE BOY DON GOOD
      Former Ajax boss Frank de Boer, who promoted Bergkamp as his assistant, once said: “Dennis started talking enthusiastically about a talent in his youth team.
      “It was a boy who reminded Dennis of himself at that age.

      “That was the signal for me to keep an eye on that guy. That was Donny.”
      Ruben Jongkind, a former head of talent development at the Ajax academy, also recalled Bergkamp’s glowing endorsement.
      Jongkind told the Daily Mail: “Bergkamp was the one who saw when he was 10, ‘This is going to be a great player.’
      “I said, “I didn’t see it, how did you know?”‘

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      Bergkamp believed van de Beek shared similar characteristics as him on the pitchCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      A FARM HAND
      Today, Van de Beek might be one of Europe’s biggest talents. However, if his mum Gerdina had it her way he would be a farmer.
      The Holland international is from Nijkerk, an area of the Netherlands that’s more famous for agriculture and farming than producing cultured midfielders.
      And as a boy he lived on a farm, often helping out with daily chores including making sure live stock were fed.
      Gerdina wasn’t a fan of sport, and seeing her son climbing trees instead of playing with a ball made her think he was destined for rearing cattle instead of gracing the Johan Cruyff arena.
      But father Andre had other ideas, and he signed his son up to play for Veensche Boys.
      “After the first training session, he was completely sold and the ball never disappeared from his life,” Andre told AjaxShowtime in 2016.
      By the time he was 10, Van de Beek had clubs including Utrecht, Feyenoord and PSV clamouring to sign him.
      He chose Ajax because his family had season tickets with the club.

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      Coming from a farming background a football career seemed unlikely for Van de BeekCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      HE NEEDED STRENGTH
      Immediately, when he arrived at the academy Jongkind knew where Van de Beek had to improve.
      “We put him under a system of pretty rigorous physical training. He needed that. He came from farmers,” the youth coach said.
      “That area of Holland has pretty strong farmers there. But he needed to transfer that to the field.
      “He was benefiting from the performance department a lot. We got in people from American Football and from Judo.”
      A CRUYFF TURN
      Dad Andre knew Van de Beek was destined for stardom, when his own footballing idol told him how good a player his son was.
      The ambitious father was rendered speechless when Ajax legend Johan Cruyff told him in a meeting about the player’s qualities.

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      The late Johan Cruyff told van de Beek’s dad that his son was a special talentCredit: Getty – Contributor

      “Johan said: ‘I know your son, yes,'” Andre revealed.
      “That is Donny Van de Beek,”He is good at this and good at that…
      “He was able to tell everything. Do you know how strange it is that your idol knows everything about your son? He was able to tell everything down to the smallest detail.”

      Wayne Rooney says Messi can win Ballon d’Or at Man Utd or Man City if he joins the Premier League More

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      in Soccer

      Footballers’ incredible body transformations from Ronaldo building muscle to Hazard losing excess weight

      by

      FOOTBALLERS today will do anything to get an edge over their opponents.
      And that means more work in the gym, sculpting their perfect bodies and lifting heavy weights to gain extra muscle.

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      Cristiano Ronaldo is sculpted like an AdonisCredit: AFP or licensors
      But these stars didn’t always look like body builders.
      In fact, these athletes have enjoyed a remarkable body transformation over the years, even when they can’t train like they’re used to during the coronavirus lockdown.
      EDEN HAZARD
      When former Chelsea star Hazard moved to Real Madrid last summer for a deal worth £130million, Los Blancos were delighted.
      But they wouldn’t have been happy when he turned up to training seven kilograms overweight.

      Even fans pointed out he looked chunky when he reported for preseason games.
      However, during the coronavirus lockdown Hazard took his fitness very seriously.
      “It’s complicated for me. I’m trying not to eat a lot,” he told RTBF.
      “I’m trying not to go into the pantry to eat a lot of buns, but it’s not easy.”

      It appears he laid off the buns –  impressing manager Zinedine Zidane at the club’s training centre with a new svelte figure.

      When Eden Hazard arrived at Real Madrid he was seven kilograms overweightCredit: Twitter @realmadrid

      Hazard impressed Zidane by laying off the buns during the coronavirus lockdownCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      CRISTIANO RONALDO
      As a youngster, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was often called too skinny by his coaches.
      But through the years, Ronaldo went from lanky winger to powerhouse forward thanks to a strict exercise regime.
      “I put it in my mind that my body can improve,” Ronaldo said.
      “With dedication and hard work in the gym I improved a lot on that – at the end of the day it’s down to the person’s mindset.”
      A Pilates-based routine that focuses on resistance work to strengthen his core is also key to his success – reportedly giving the Portuguese star the body of a 23-year-old.

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      Ronaldo used to be called too skinny when he was an up and coming youngsterCredit: AFP

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      Thanks to a strict diet and rigorous exercise regime Ronaldo has transformed his bodyCredit: Getty – Contributor
      MARCUS RASHFORD
      When Rashford emerged on the scene in 2017 as a fresh-faced 19-year-old, his body was still developing.
      But having Cristiano Ronaldo as a role model at the club when he was a youngster was a big help.
      The striker watched Ronaldo in training closely, adding strength and conditioning work to the technical training he does at Carrington, which has given him a more muscular physique today.

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      When Marcus Rashford first emerged on the scene in 2017 he was skin and boneCredit: Reuters

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      Today, with added strength and conditioning training Rashford has bulked upCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI
      The Bayern Munich striker has been sensational for the Bavarian giants, and it’s all down to his nutritionist wife Anna.
      Through his diet, as well as rigorous training regime with the Bundesliga champions, he is now the perfect specimen.
      “We changed our diet step by step, first cutting out sweets and then milk,” Lewandowski explained.
      “Cows’ milk and soya milk isn’t good for me. Almond milk and rice milk is OK. I don’t really drink alcohol, either. Maybe wine but only sometimes.”

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      When he started his career at Lech Poznan Lewandowski was skinnyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Lewandowski now flashes killer abs thanks to a diet enforced by his nutritionist wife AnnaCredit: Instagram @_rl9
      ADAMA TRAORE
      A devastating blend of pace and power, Traore’s game has come on leaps and bounds.
      And social media blew up when snaps of the Wolves winger emerged showing off a raging bicep that would’ve put any Hollywood action hero to shame.
      But despite his rippling muscles, Traore insists he doesn’t do any weight training.
      “My training? I don’t do weights,” he told Spanish outlet La Sexta.
      “It’s hard to believe, but I don’t do weights.
      “It’s genetic. I exercise, but I gain mass very quickly.”

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      Spanish winger Adama Traore was a slight winger playing for Spain’s U16 teamCredit: Getty – Contributor

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      Today, blossoming at Wolves, Traore is henchCredit: Getty – Contributor
      ADEBAYO AKINFENWA
      You don’t get the nickname ‘The Beast” for nothing, as well as a 98 strength rating in FIFA 20.
      Football’s strongest man Akinfenwa ruffles defenders feathers playing for Wycombe Wanderers in League One.
      To fuel his weights sessions, the striker eats like a beast too, although his weight does go up and down.
      “Breakfast is Weetabix with honey,” he told the Daily Mail.
      “At training there will be some kind of chicken. Our chef personally does chicken for me and that makes me very happy.
      “Then a shake in the afternoon. For dinner, again it’s probably chicken, potato and coleslaw. My partner is half-Nigerian, half-Caribbean so it may be the curry goat, rice and potato. It’s the carbs I need to eat.
      “I throw in the odd Nando’s. Quarter-chicken, medium breast, chips, corn on the cob and five wings. I don’t deviate.”

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      Adebayo Akinfenwa had a smaller frame during his time at NorthamptonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Akinfenwa is now nicknamed The Beast because of his enormous size
      HULK
      The aptly named Brazilian striker has always been admired for his physical stature.
      Built like a truck, Hulk is still terrorising defenders in the Chinese Super League playing for Shanghai SIPG.
      But there was a time when the former Porto star looked a little overweight, rather than chiselled.
      He has toned up now, and looks fitter than his 34-years suggest.

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      At Porto Hulk was a little rounder and squarerCredit: AFP – Getty

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      Now plying his trade in China, Hulk is leaner, more muscular and fit as a fiddle
      SERGIO RAMOS
      The Real Madrid defender’s Instagram account is littered with videos of high-intensity workout videos.
      When he was at Sevilla, he was just a beanpole of a defender. Now, he’s the real deal.
      “My training routines at home are usually focused on functional and isometric exercises, always ending with some cardio work,” he revealed.
      And for Sergio, a healthy breakfast is the perfect to start the day.
      He revealed: “I usually take a coffee, some whole-grain bread with protein like turkey breast or a poached egg, and a piece of fruit.”

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      When he began his career at Sevilla, Ramos was a beanpole of a defenderCredit: EPA

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      Ramos is now one of the most chiselled footballers around
      GEORGE ELOKOBI
      There’s no doubt about it, Elokobi is hench.
      The former Wolves star, now playing for National League side Maidstone United, was always a crowd favourite because of his size.
      At only 5ft 9inches, he isn’t the tallest. But he earned the nickname of ‘The Body’ at Molineux because he was pure muscle.
      The defender even stripped down to his smalls on the catwalk during a charity fashion show at the club.

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      Former Wolves star George Elokobi was nicknamed ‘The Body’

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      Elokobi even stripped down to his smalls to show off his six-pack for a charity fashion showCredit: Matthew Ashton
      MARIO BALOTELLI
      The fiery former Manchester City striker was always tall and lean.
      But after celebrating scoring for Italy against Germany in Euro 2012, he was keen to show off a ripped torso as he flexed his muscles shirtless.
      However, the normally fit Balotelli was anything but in 2018 when he returned to training for Nice reportedly two stone overweight when a move to Marseille collapsed.
      He soon dropped half a stone and was back to normal.

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      When Mauro Balotelli first emerged on the scene he was leanerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      At Euro 2012 Balotelli flexes his muscles after scoring against GermanyCredit: Corbis – Getty

      ALEXIS SANCHEZ
      The Inter Milan striker takes his training very seriously.
      Former Manchester United star Sanchez enjoys working out on the training ground alone, and shared a video online strutting his stuff at their Carrington training ground to the famous Rocky theme ‘Eye of the Tiger’ last year.
      Sanchez has also been seen in the past enjoying sprint drills on the beach. After all, even though it is pre-season you can’t down tools in the summer.
      Standing at 5ft 6in, the former Gunner knows he needs strength as an attribute for his game to thrive. And he looks the business.

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      Alexis Sanchez has worked hard on building his muscle massCredit: Getty – Contributor

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      Sanchez is happy to share his extra workouts on InstagramCredit: Instagram @alexis_officia1

      Wolves star Adama Traore sported a shirt on Wednesday without the club’s sponsor on the front More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Lionel Messi’s luxurious Barcelona lifestyle with modern £5.5m mansion, £26m hotel and stunning car collection

      by

      THE unthinkable may be about to happen.
      Dismayed by life at Barcelona, Lionel Messi’s days at the Camp Nou appear to be numbered.

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      Messi has built an incredible lifestyle in Barcelona
      The Argentine ace, 33, has handed in a transfer request and wants to leave the La Liga giants, after spending his entire career with the Catalans.
      Both Manchester clubs and PSG are watching with interest, and the forward has reportedly contacted former mentor Pep Guardiola asking to join him in the Premier League.
      But what will Messi be leaving behind? Here’s a glimpse into his amazing life in Catalonia.
      HIS HOME
      Boasting sea views and being in a no-fly zone, Messi’s abode – valued at £5.5milion – in Barcelona offers a tranquil experience.

      Located in the exclusive suburb of Castelldefels, it’s the perfect spot for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner to reside.
      And he bought himself privacy by splashing out on his neighbour’s home, according to team-mate Ivan Rakitic.
      Just 12 miles away from the Camp Nou, Messi’s home has a small football pitch, a swimming pool, an indoor gym and a playground for his three children.
      There’s also the incredible sight of the Balearic Sea to wake up to every day – you won’t get that in Manchester, Paris or London.

      Luiz Suarez and Philippe Coutinho live nearby, should a team debriefing be needed.

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      The Messis live in a stunning mansion in the exclusive suburb of CastelldefelsCredit: Instagram @antoroccuzzo88

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      The home boasts a stunning and spacious loungeCredit: Instagram @antoroccuzzo88

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      Messi has a room dedicated to a collection of shirts in his home

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      Football is always on the TV and the family can keep warm by the fireCredit: Instagram @antoroccuzzo88

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      Messi often plays football in his garden with his Dogue de Bordeaux called HulkCredit: Instagram @leomessi

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      The Messi family regularly congregate in the kitchenCredit: Instagram @leomessi

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      Family comes first for MessiCredit: Instagram @antoroccuzzo88
      HOTEL
      With tourism being a huge trade in Barcelona, Messi has invested his money shrewdly.
      Like his footballing rival Cristiano Ronaldo, he has become a hotelier and bought a £26million hotel in the coastal town of Sitges – some 26 miles from the city.
      The four-star Hotel MiM Sitges is just 100m from the sea, has 77 bedrooms, including five junior suites and one suite, and costs around £105-per-night during high season to stay in a standard room.
      On top of that, there’s the rooftop Sky Bar that boasts panoramic views of the town and Mediterranean Sea, as well as a pool.
      If you’re looking unwind even further, there’s a top-of-the-range spa that features a sauna, Turkish bath, sensory showers, a recreational pool, a cold plunge tub and a saltwater pool.

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      Messi owns the Hotel MiM Sitges

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      Sitges is a stunning coastal town just 26 miles from the city

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      The hotel cost Messi around £26millionCARS
      With a reported wealth of £310million, Messi could probably afford to send his car collection over with him wherever he goes.
      The pick of his motors, said to be worth around £3million, is a £1.5million Pagani Zonda.
      He also has a penchant for Maserati, with a £100,000 GranTurismo S and a GranTurismo MC Stradale in his garage.
      Messi has also been seen driving a Ferrari F43 Spider worth £173,000.
      Although with Barcelona’s deal with Audi ending last year, there were no more freebies from the German car giants.

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      Messi boasts a car collection reportedly worth £3millionCredit: Getty – Contributor

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      A rare Pagani Zonda worth £1.5million is the jewel of his car collectionCredit: Handout

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      Messi seen behind the wheel of a Range RoverCredit: Getty – Contributor

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      Messi loves Maseratis and has two different GranTurismosCredit: Xposure

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      Barcelona’s sponsorship deal with Audi has since expiredCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      THE TRAINING GROUND
      Every day Messi hones his skills at the state-of-the-art Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.
      Since 2009, Barcelona have made this their training ground. It also acts as a multi-sport pavilion for the other sports teams at the club, including basketball, futsal, and handball.
      After training, Messi and Co can use the gym, sauna, and a full-sized pool – all aiding their recuperation.
      Costing roughly around £65million, there are also living quarters where future Barcelona prospects border.
      It was named in honour of Joan Gamper, the founder of the Spanish club.

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      Messi trains at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan GamperCredit: FC Barcelona

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      The Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper boasts state-of-the-art facilitiesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      The facility boasts several training pitchesCredit: FC Barcelona

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      Barcelona’s professional basketball team is also based hereCredit: FC Barcelona

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      Barcelona’s stars are put through their pacesCredit: Rex Features
      LOVE OF HIS LIFE
      Barcelona shares a special place in the heart of Messi and his wife Antonella Roccuzzo.
      Although they were childhood friends in Rosario, Argentina, Messi and Roccuzzo’s love blossomed in the Spanish city in 2009.
      They’ve set up camp, not only with a beautiful home and life, but three sons too – Thiago, Mateo and Ciro all Spanish-born.

      There’s no doubt the pair would return to Argentina.
      After all, they shared their nuptials in their homeland in Rosario in a glitzy ceremony attended by Barcelona legends Xavi Hernandez, Carles Puyol and Samuel Eto’o.
      Would you turn your back on this lifestyle for a rainy day at Stoke?

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      Antonella Roccuzzo is Messi’s love of his lifeCredit: Instagram, @antoroccuzzo88

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      The stunning Wag was a childhood friend of Messi’s from RosarioCredit: Splash News

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      The Messi family have settled in SpainCredit: Instagram @antonelaroccuzzo

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      Will the Messi family move from Barcelona?Credit: Splash News More