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      in Soccer

      Man Utd new boy Marc Jurado holds record for fastest ever youth goal scored for Barcelona at just FIVE seconds

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      HE’S no slouch, that’s for sure.
      Manchester United are on the verge of announcing the exciting signing of Marc Jurado, 16, from Barcelona in a deal reported to be worth £1.5million.

      Man Utd have announced the signing of wonderkid Marc Jurado from BarcelonaCredit: PA:Press Association

      Jurado famously scored the fastest ever goal at youth levelCredit: PA:Press Association
      Jurado confirmed the move on Instagram, and is believed to be waiting for international clearance before United announce the deal themselves.
      The Catalans will be sad to see him go, after it was said they offered the galloping right back a three-year contract, which he snubbed.
      And Red Devils fans will be licking their lips at this clip of the incredible talent scoring the fastest recorded youth goal ever – just five seconds after kick off!
      Meet the talent that could become a star at Old Trafford.

      QUICK OFF THE MARK
      Back in 2013, in a game against Viladecans, Jurado made a statement for Barcelona’s U10 side.
      From kick off, the electric defender was switched on to intercept a pass, before racing past two players and cooly slotting the ball past the keeper.
      Not only did it get people talking about him, the strike earned him a place in the record books.
      Jurado’s goal was the fastest ever recorded at youth level – an impressive five seconds.

      After just five seconds from kick off Jurado scored in an U10 game for BarcelonaCredit: PA:Press Association
      WHO IS HE?
      Jurado was born in Sabadell, some 18 miles from Barcelona, in Catalunya.
      He showed promise playing for his local team, CFU Can Rull before he joined La Masia at the tender age of seven.
      Jurado was considered an important part of Barcelona’s future, and after tying down Ansu Fati and Ilaix Moriba to long-term contracts their hierarchy were hopeful Jurado would follow suit.
      But, it is believed that he feels he would have a better chance of first team football playing for United.

      Jurado had been with Barcelona since he was sevenCredit: PA:Press Association
      WHAT KIND OF PLAYER IS HE?
      A modern full-back in the Spanish mould of Bellerin, Jurado does his best work going forward.
      Blessed with bags of pace, he constantly looks to overlap and provide an attacking threat on the right-hand side.
      He was one of the best players in Barcelona’s Cadet A team this season, and it was expected that he was going to promoted to their Juvenil B side.
      HE’S GOT COMPETITION
      As good as Jurado is, he can’t expect to walk straight into United’s team anytime soon.

      Blessed with pace, Jurado is renowned for his galloping runs on the rightCredit: PA:Press Association

      Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 22, has made the right back position his own since arriving from Crystal Palace in a £50million deal, and will take some shifting.
      However, Jurado will offer the England defender the healthy competition for places that every good side needs.
      And in a few years, we might just see a United team dominating again – like they did in the 90s and noughties.

      Man Utd hero Eric Cantona, 53, rolls back the years as he scores amazing volley after effortlessly performing keepy-ups More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea target Andre Onana became Ajax NO1 after Barcelona snub, and funded an electric grid for his mother’s hometown

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      CHELSEA have made the signing of a goalkeeper a priority after £72million Kepa Arrizabalaga’s disastrous tenure between the sticks at Stamford Bridge.
      Their chief transfer target is £30million-rated Ajax NO1 Andre Onana, according to reports.

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      Chelsea have made Ajax star Andre Onana a transfer target this summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Charitable Onana has a foundation and provided electricity for his mum’s village in CameroonCredit: Instagram / @foundation_andreonana
      The Cameroon international was a revelation in the club’s Champions League run to the semi finals in 2019.
      And the 24-year-old has made sure he’s shared the wealth accrued from his fame with his homeland.
      Last week, it was reported that Onana uses part of his salary to fund an electric grid that provides electricity for a small African town.
      He began his youth career at Barcelona, but annoyed the Catalan giants when he snubbed an offer of a contract to join Ajax at 18.

      The decision was clearly the correct one, though, as Onana has gone on to become one of Europe’s most sought-after keepers.
      CHARITABLE CAUSE
      Born in Cameroon, it wasn’t Onana’s intention to support his mother’s hometown Mengueme.
      But, having signed a new £20,000-per-week contract last year, he decided he had to give something back.
      Onana put his money to good use, funding a power grid that provides electricity for the Essoessam population.

      He, literally, took the people of Menguene out of darkness and curbed their reliance on kerosene lamps.

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      The £20,000-per-week Onana funded a power grid in MengueneCredit: Instagram / @andreonana.24

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      The Andre Onana Foundation was set-up in 2016 to help young African childrenCredit: Instagram / @andreonana.24
      And that’s not his only charitable contribution.
      In 2016, Onana set up his foundation to help young African children, providing them means to a better education, giving them access to medical care, as well as help to those affected by terrorist attacks.
      “I know first-hand what many children in my country are suffering,” he revealed.
      “Inside me I feel that I must help them to have a better future.”
      IMPORTANCE OF SAMUEL ETO’O
      Onana’s success is partly down to former Barcelona star Samuel Eto’o.
      A prodigy of the legendary striker’s academy in the Cameroon, he linked up with the La Masia Academy at 14.
      “I’m very thankful for what he did for me coming from his foundation,” Onana told OmaSportsTV.
      But it didn’t quite work out for Onana in Catalonia.
      In 2014, Barcelona were hit by a FIFA ban for breaking the rules of signing foreign youngsters.
      That meant Barça youngsters had their development halted because they couldn’t play any competitive games for 18-months.

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      Legendary Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o’s Academy discovered OnanaCredit: AP:Associated Press

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      At 14, Onana moved to Barcelona Credit: Instagram / @andreonana.24

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      However, Onana failed to get a break at BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      When he returned, playing for Barcelona against Ajax in an Under-19 UEFA Youth League game, he won man-of-the-match and alerted Ajax’s coaching staff.
      FRUSTRATION
      At 18, Onana grew frustrated with his chances at the Camp Nou.
      He was adamant he belonged in Barcelona’s B team, and saw a path to the first team blocked with the arrivals of Claudio Bravo and Marc Andre ter Stegen that summer.
      There was only one thing to do.
      Barcelona offered him a contract, but Ajax’s sales pitch was more attractive. He moved to Amsterdam to develop his game further, much to the annoyance of Spanish legend Andoni Zubizaretta.
      And when first-team keeper Jasper Cillessen moved in 2016, ironically to Barcelona, manager Peter Bosz decided 20-year-old Onana was going to be his NO1.
      CHANCES HAMPERED
      Although a dream move to the Premier League is in the offing, Onana’s chances of progressing to a bigger club could’ve happened sooner.

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      After moving to Ajax at 18 Onana established himself as Ajax’s NO1 two years laterCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Onana was once told that the colour of his skin would be a problem for a big clubCredit: Instagram / @andreonana.24
      After a breakthrough season in 2016-17, helping Ajax reach the Europa League final, an unknown club began negotiations with him.
      However, the shot-stopper revealed he was told that the colour of his skin would be a problem for fans and the move was quashed.
      “It is not easy for a black goalkeeper to reach the top,” Onana told Dutch outlet Het Parool, with the quotes also carried by Marca.

      “They decided not to sign me because a black goalkeeper would be difficult for their followers.
      “It wasn’t because they didn’t think I was good enough. I consider it a compliment.”
      That club’s loss could certainly be Chelsea’s gain.

      Chelsea and Everton chasing shock move for Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster, 37, after Hornets relegated More

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      in Soccer

      How Red Bull gave a fifth tier German team wings, turned them into RB Leipzig and made them the most hated in Bundesliga

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      TONIGHT, RB Leipzig will take on French giants PSG in what promises to be a Champions League semi-final with plenty of goals.
      However, aside from The Red Bulls very own supporters, German football fans will most likely be cheering on Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Co.

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      RB Leipzig’s players celebrate beating Atletico Madrid to reach the Champions league semi finalCredit: Getty – Pool

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      The club are owned and financed by the Red Bull energy drink companyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      For RB Leipzig are the most hated team in Germany, thanks in part to the way they were formed, have been financed, and gone against the country’s fundamental approach to the beautiful game.
      Founded by Red Bull chief Dietrich Mateschitz in 2009, when the energy drink company bought fifth tier SSV Markranstadt, their success story knows no bounds.
      Four promotions in just eight years saw RB Leipzig enter the Bundesliga, where they’ve provided a genuine threat to Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund’s dominance.
      And now, they’ve got the biggest game in their history – and one step away from the biggest game in club football, the Champions League final.

      BACK TO THE BEGINNING
      In 2006, Mateschitz proposed the idea of bankrolling a German football club.
      Initially, he set his sights on another Leipzig club – FC Sachsen Leipzig – but the German FA refused to sanction the move.
      St Pauli, 1860 Munich and Fortuna Dusseldorf were also targeted, with protests from fans putting pay to any developments with those teams.
      However, for the 2009-10 season, after years of negotiations and research, they bought the licence of fifth division team SSV Markranstadt.

      The message was clear, they were going to start at the bottom and rise to the top.

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      Red Bull chief Dietrich Mateschitz founded RB Leipzig in 2009Credit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Today, RB Leipzig welcome around 40,000 supporters to their Red Bull Arena after initially attracting around 2,100 fansCredit: Reuters
      POLITICS
      Before Leipzig came along, the football landscape in East Germany was bleak.
      There hadn’t been a team from the the former Eastern Bloc state competing in the Bundesliga since Energie Cottbus were relegated in 2009.
      There was a huge potential for a team to succeed in that region.
      In their debut season, an average of 2,150 fans followed the team’s transition – a far cry from the 38,000-plus who cheer them on at the Red Bull Arena.
      But their business model didn’t endear them to the rest of Germany.
      BENDING THE RULES
      DFB laws state that German clubs must operate under the ’50+1′ rule. That means fans who are members own the majority of shares and can influence decisions regarding the club, like ticket prices.
      RB Leipzig are a little different, though. Their rivals feel they exploited the system by having just 17 members who can vote, with most linked to the Red Bull company.
      And many are irked that Red Bull cheated a law that says German clubs can’t be named after sponsors.

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      RB Leipzig exploited the 50+1 rule and have just 17 membersCredit: Getty – Contributor

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      Borussia Monchengladbach fans protest at the Red Bull ArenaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The club’s official name is actually RasenBallsport Leipzig, which translates to LawnBallsport Leipzig.
      They’ve been given the tag the ‘most hated club in Germany’ and still face protests every game from opposition fans.
      And when they’re playing at home, the away end at the Red Bull Arena is often boycotted.
      Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke once called RB Leipzig “a club built to push up the revenues for Red Bull”.
      SUCCESS STORY
      In defence of Leipzig, they haven’t quite bought success the way many imagine – with owner Mateschitz sitting on a £21billion fortune and able to flex his muscle in the transfer market.
      They invested in players no older than 23 when the project began, built a state-of-the-art academy and training centres, while preaching a brand of attractive attacking football that their reserve and youth teams must adhere to.
      Of the current first-teamers, Danish striker Yussuf Poulsen was signed in 2013 at the age of 19, when the club were languishing in the third division.
      Lukas Klostermann was discovered at Bochum in 2014, aged 18. Austrian midfielder Marcel Sabitzer moved in 2014, at just 20.
      Swedish playmaker Emil Forsberg swapped Swedish champions Malmo for RB Leipzig in 2015 for second division football.

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      Swedish playmaker Emil Forsberg has been with RB Leipzig since they were a second division sideCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Dayot Upamecano has blossomed into one of Europe’s best defendersCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      The recent sale of Timo Werner to Chelsea shows that RB Leipzig are a selling clubCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      While, players like Liverpool’s Naby Keita were discovered by a pool of network scouts around the world, with former Reds boss Gerard Houllier holding the position of head of global football for the firm.
      His links to the French market have been imperative, with RB Leipzig stealing a march on talents like in-demand defender Dayot Upamecano and Christopher Nkunku, who swapped PSG for the Leipzig experiment.
      But, as has been proven with Keita and most recently Timo Werner who joined Chelsea, they are a selling club if the price is right.
      In their first season in the Bundesliga, they finished runners-up. Since then, they’ve come sixth, third and third again this term.
      OWE IT ALL TO RALF
      The arrival of Ralf Rangnick at the club in 2012 is heralded as the moment RB Leipzig established their own identity.
      After he was appointed sporting director, successive promotions followed with his blueprint for the club shining through.
      Then he became manager himself and helped the club gain promotion to the top flight.

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      Ralf Rangnick is credited with creating the blueprint for RB Leipzig’s successCredit: EPA

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      Rangnick, who was head of sport and development at RB Leipzig, left his role last month because he wants a return to managementCredit: Getty – Contributor
      He has stepped in twice to manage the Bundesliga giants, when they’ve been in between managers and was head of sport and development for the whole Red Bull regime until last month.
      Back in July, Rangnick was touted to fulfil a similar role at AC Milan and help rebuild the fallen Serie A giants.

      But the Italians refused to meet his £6.4million contract release clause and the deal was called off.
      He has since walked away from RB Leipzig, and is ready to step back into management.
      Clearly, whoever he manages will benefit from his blueprint. They might just make the last four of the Champions league.

      RB Leipzig shock Atletico Madrid as Germans earn their first Champions League semi-final spot More

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      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi was branded aloof for Argentina yet rose to the challenge, but Barca is different and he really could quit

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      FIFTEEN years ago, on August 17th 2005, Lionel Messi made his senior debut for Argentina.  It was not a happy occasion. 
      The 18 year old came off the bench in the second half of a friendly away to Hungary.

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      Lionel Messi cuts a forlorn figure as Barcelona are thrashed by Bayern MunichCredit: Manu Fernandez

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      At 18 Messi was sent off within five minutes of his Argentina debutCredit: AFP
      He was instantly in the action, picking up possession and running with the ball tied to his left foot.
      But he could only give a brief glimpse of his extraordinary promise. As he broke through once more, a defender tried to stop his progress by hanging on to him.
      Trying to break free Messi swung an arm behind him, the defender went down and – absurdly – the referee reached for his red card. Messi’s first appearance for his country lasted less than five minutes. 
      Perhaps it prepared him for the frustrations to come. Messi has scored more goals for Argentina than anyone else, and will presumably become their most capped player.

      There are many times when he has carried the side. The senior title, though, has remained elusive.
      There were three finals in consecutive years – the 2014 World Cup followed by two versions of the Copa America – and each time Argentina got close without getting their hands on the silverware.
      AGE IS AGAINST HIM
      Time is running out. There is a Copa America next year and the 2022 World Cup. And by then Messi will be 35. 
      Recent evidence would seem to indicate that Messi is content to play the wise old owl in an Argentina squad going through a process of rebuilding.

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      At last year’s Copa America Messi appeared a changed character from the aloof personality he was described asCredit: EPA
      There had always been criticisms of his aloof behaviour. But during last year’s Copa America he was a changed man – a much more outgoing, encouraging, vocal figure clearly working hard to take on the burden of leadership.
      Some thought he might retire from international football after Russia 2018. Instead, he seems enthused by the challenge. 
      But there is no need for him to play the same role at club level. He cannot change his country.
      HE COULD LEAVE BARÇA
      He can change his club – and with his time at the top level running short, the temptation to leave Barcelona must be throbbing in his head like a persistent headache. 
      No one who has followed Barcelona’s form over the last few years can have been truly surprised by what happened against Bayern Munich.
      Collapse after collapse, with the cracks getting wider. Well run clubs replace players a year before it seems necessary.
      The spine of the side – the likes of Pique, Busquets, Suarez – has grown old together – too old to carry out the team’s gameplan.

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      Messi can’t change his country, but he can change his clubCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      It might be time for Messi to take his skills elsewhereCredit: Reuters

      Huge amounts have been spent – badly – on players around the edges of the side, attempts to shoehorn the likes of Coutinho and Griezmann into roles for which they are not well suited.
      A huge rebuilding job has to take place, which may take years before the club can compete effectively at the highest level. And finances are tight. The task is immense. 
      Lionel Messi appears to have committed himself to being part of one long term restructuring effort with his country. He could be forgiven for chasing short term success with a club. 

      Lionel Messi and Barcelona look on in terror as Coutinho scores Bayern Munich’s 8th goal More

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      in Boxing

      Inside Sugar Ray Leonard’s luxury £42m LA home he couldn’t sell with a sunken pool, putting green and tennis court

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      IT’S off the market!
      Last year, Sugar Ray Leonard, 64, put his amazing mansion in Los Angels up for sale for an huge £42million.

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      Inside Sugar Ray Leonard’s incredible LA mansion worth £42m

      The property has its own putting greenCredit: jademillsestates.com

      Leonard recently took the home off the marketCredit: AFP
      But SunSport has learned the boxing legend has now taken the listing down after failing to find any buyers.
      The stunning gated property can be found in the affluent area of Pacific Palisades, near Santa Monica and Malibu.
      And it has all the amenities a sports icon would want, including a pool, tennis court, as well as a putting green.
      Sugar Ray, believed to be worth around £120m, has lived in the home with wife Bernadette for over 20 years now, and it appears they won’t leaving it anytime soon.

      IT’S HUGE
      Built across 16,773-square-foot, there’s a seven bedroom main house, plus a two-storey guest house.
      It was designed by famed architect to the stars Richard Landry, who counts the likes of Mark Wahlberg, Eddie Murphy, and Rod Stewart among his clientele.
      Style-wise, it has a lot in common with a European villa with features like ivy-covered walls, full glass rectangular doors, and the stone walls throughout the property that were imported from Jerusalem.
      And there’s six fireplaces, delivered from Europe, that keep the house cosy.

      The living room has vaulted ceilings, arched windows, as well as a sheltered outer space.

      The vast abode stretches across 16,773-square-foot and has a seven-bed main house as well as a guest houseCredit: jademillsestates.com

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      The property boasts a stunning sunken pool area

      The home was designed by famed architect to the stars Richard LandryCredit: jademillsestates.com

      The kitchen has a rustic feel similar to what you would see in a farmhouseCredit: jademillsestates.com
      In the sitting room you’ll find one of the fireplaces, as well as a balcony that looks out onto a view of the Santa Monica mountains.
      As for the kitchen, that wouldn’t look out of place in a rustic farmhouse with its wooden beams – but, of course, modern appliances are installed.
      GOLF, ANYONE?
      After he retired in the ring, Sugar Ray spent a lot of time on the golf course – and plays with an 18 handicap.
      To improve his putting skills, he installed his own five-hole putting green on his estate.
      And that’s not the end of the sporty theme.
      Sugar Ray, who won titles at welterweight, light-middleweight, middleweight, super-middleweight and light-heavyweight, also has his own tennis court.
      When he’s done working out, he can head down to his sunken pool for a dip, which is flanked by a spa, and some gorgeous landscaped gardens.
      IT’S NOT FOR SALE NOW

      Credit: jademillsestates.com
      The sitting room has a balcony with views of the Santa Monica mountains

      Stone fittings in the property were imported from JerusalemCredit: jademillsestates.com

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      The ivy-draped mansion was on the market for £42m

      However, there were no takers and the property has been unlisted recentlyCredit: jademillsestates.com

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      When the home was put for sale in July last year, Bernadette said: “This home has been a peaceful oasis.
      “We’ve been blessed to have a space allowing us to host both intimate family gatherings and sizeable fundraisers.
      “My hope is that the future owner will cherish this home as much as our family has.”
      However, there were no takers for the £42m property, which would’ve broken records for the costliest house in the area.

      Tyson Fury claims he has accepted offer to fight Mike Tyson as boxing legend makes stunning return to ring More

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      in Soccer

      Bayern Munich Champions League hero Alphonso Davies was born in a refugee camp, fled to Canada before becoming a star

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      FROM a refugee camp to the Champions League within the space of two decades – jet-heeled Alphonso Davies has one incredible story to tell.
      The 19-year-old Canadian flying winger joined Bayern Munich for £17million in January, 2019 from Vancouver Whitecaps, the biggest fee ever paid for an MLS player.

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      Alphonso Davies has overcome the toughest of upbringings to become a star at Bayern

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      Davies was in devastating form in the 8-2 rout of BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Davies earned the respect of Lionel Messi with his performanceCredit: Manu Fernandez
      And in the past year, he has showed it was money well spent as he blossomed into, arguably, the best left-back in the world.
      In Bayern’s 8-2 destruction of Barcelona, who rejected him as a youngster, in last week’s Champions League quarter-final tie, Davies tore a shred out of experience Portuguese international Nelson Semedo to set up the Germans’ fifith goal.
      He also devastating in his side’s 3-0 win over Chelsea in the Champions League back in February.
      The lightning winger-turned-full-back was sensational at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea could not get near him.

      Bayern team-mate Thomas Muller said: “He’s learnt a lot since he’s been here. It was a world class performance.”
      And former Munich and England star Owen Hargreaves said: “What an athlete he is. He’s a winger, he’s played as a full-back this season, and he’s been absolutely outrageous.”
      It has been an amazing journey, as he was born in a refugee camp in Ghana in 2000.

      It was hard to live there because the only way you survive sometimes is you have to carry guns, too. And we didn’t have any interest in shooting guns
      Father Debeah Davies

      WAR-TORN BEGINNINGS
      When the Second Liberian Civil War started, his parents Victoria and Debeah Davies fled their homeland.

      “You had to cross over bodies to go and find food,” his mother Victoria said.
      “It was hard, it was dangerous,” father Debeah said.
      “It was hard to live there because the only way you survive sometimes is you have to carry guns, too. And we didn’t have any interest in shooting guns.”
      They travelled hundreds of miles across West Africa, eventually finding sanctuary in a refugee camp at Buduburam in the Gomoa East District of Ghana.

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      Alphonso Davies terrorised Chelsea’s Reece JamesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Buduburam Refugee Camp, east of Accra, where Alphonso Davies was bornCredit: AFP – Getty

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      Alphonso Davies is a sublime athleteCredit: Rex Features

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      Alphonso Davies made his debut for Canada aged 16 shortly after gaining citizenship

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      Alphonso Davies was too much for Chelsea to handleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Their eldest child Alphonso was born on November 2, 2000, and he spent the first five years of his life in the camp.
      Eventually they passed an interview for a resettlement programme and settled in Edmonton, Canada.
      HE DISCOVERED FOOTBALL
      Alphonso enrolled in the Free Footie programme – an after-school initiative for inner-city kids who cannot afford registration fees or transportation to games.
      He was spotted by the Whitecaps, and four years ago, at the age of just 15, Davies was handed his professional debut for reserve team Whitecaps FC 2.
      A month later he scored his first senior goal.

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      Alphonso Davies’ style has been likened to that of Gareth BaleCredit: USA TODAY Sports

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      Alphonso Davies scored against French Guiana, and has five goals already for CanadaCredit: AFP or licensors
      Later that summer, former Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson took the punt and gave Davies his first taste of top-flight football, making him the second youngest MLS player after Freddy Adu.
      ‘HE CAN RUN ALL DAY’
      Robinson, 41, a former Wolves, Sunderland and Norwich midfielder, now in charge of A-League side Newcastle Jets, said: “Alphonso has all the attributes you want top players to have: he’s 6ft 1in, he’s an athlete, he can run all day, he has phenomenal pace.

      He was very skinny and slight but once he beat one or two players other coaches saw the same potential I saw in him
      Former coach Carl Robinson

      “What he needs to work on is the fact he does the really hard things well and yet he sometimes messes up the simple things. But that’s down to concentration.
      “I wanted to get him in the first-team environment because I saw him as this energetic, hungry player, who could cope with men but had to be taught sooner rather than later.
      “I have always been sick of stories of players who have talent but were not given the chance.
      “He was very skinny and slight but once he beat one or two players other coaches saw the same potential I saw in him.

      “Remember, he was still a young boy, he liked going out for ice cream, playing on his PlayStation until 2am. Which, of course, is not ideal for being a pro footballer.
      “But I tried to find a balance between letting him being a boy and going through and learning his own mistakes.

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      Carl Robinson is the former head coach of the Vancouver WhitecapsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Alphonso Davies celebrates scoring against the San Jose EarthquakesCredit: AP:Associated Press
      “He’s a brilliant person. He likes to dance and sing.
      “He is a proper human being. His mum and dad deserve a lot of credit for bringing him up the right way.”
      In 2018, Davies received Canadian citizenship.
      Once the formalities were agreed, he became, at the age of 16, the youngest player to represent the Canada men’s national team.
      JUST LIKE GARETH BALE
      Several Premier League clubs showed interest in Davies, notably Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool, but the Bayern offer proved too lucrative to turn down.
      Robinson, a former Wales international, said: “Alphonso has the mentality of Robbie Keane, who played with an edge, didn’t care about anybody when he came through at 15.
      “But his characteristics are like Gareth Bale.

      “I worked with Gareth at Wales, and I would say Alphonso is around the same level.
      “Alphonso moved to a big club at 17; Gareth didn’t get his chance until later.
      “But they are very similar and I liken them to each other.
      “His incredible story is the reason why you play this game.
      “He has proved dreams do come true.”

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      The £17m fee for Davies is the highest ever paid for an MLS playerCredit: USA TODAY Sports

      Alphonso Davies pens new Bayern Munich contract until 2025 More

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      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury: Their expensive cars, jewellery, luxury homes and generous charity work

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      IT is on!
      Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have agreed terms to face off in the ring in 2021, according to the Gypsy King.

      Tyson Fury has finally landed the fight he wantedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Anthony Joshua is set to fight Tyson Fury in 2021Credit: Getty Images – Getty

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      The pair are set to fight one another next year, if Fury disposes of Deontay Wilder in their trilogy bout and Joshua escapes unscathed from his world title defence against Kubrat Pulev.
      And it is set to be one of the richest fights in boxing history, earning as much as £150million, taking into account the purse, pay-per-view purchases, gate receipts and sponsors.
      However, British boxing fans will be disappointed to learn that it’s unlikely the fight will take place on our shores, and is more likely to be held in Las Vegas or Saudi Arabia.

      Outside the ring, Joshua, 30, and Fury, 32, are contrasting personalities that live fairly modest lives.
      Joshua, who has amassed a reported £107million fortune, lives in a North London home with his mum. While Fury, worth around £30million, has a base in Morecambe and plenty of impressive motors.
      But how do they compare?
      CARS
      After suffering with depression, Tyson decided it was best to scale down his lifestyle.

      He did own a Rolls Royce Phantom, worth around £360k, but decided to sell that when he hit an all-time low.

      Fury decided to sell his £360k Rolls-Royce PhantomCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

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      Fury was a fan of Rolls-Royce before depression hitCredit: Instagram

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      Paris Fury poses with their Ferrari Enzo before they sold it to a mateCredit: Instagram

      Fury’s camo-wrapped Range Rover in all its glory

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      Fury washes his Land Rover DefenderCredit: Instagram gypsyking101

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      A £300,000 Ferrari GTC supercar sits in Fury’s driveCredit: Instagram gypsyking101
      Instead, he bought himself a 15-year-old Mercedes S-Class for £2,000. A shrewd investment from the big man.
      He did own a £160k Ferrari California, before he sold it to one of his friends.
      And Fury has also been seen around town in a £150,000 camo-wrapped Range Rover.
      “I used to love leading the flash life, like most red-blooded young men,” Tyson admitted.
      “No longer. I’m not interested in material possessions. Not any more. They mean nothing.”
      However, he has slightly contradicted himself of late.
      Tyson recently splashed around £300,000 on a Ferrari GTC supercar.
      While he also has a Land Rover Defender worth around £38,000, that he takes great joy in keeping clean.
      Meanwhile, Anthony did have his very own bespoke Range Rover –  the SVAutobiography-Dynamic through a sponsorship deal with Jaguar.
      Worth around £150k, the vehicle is so elaborate diamonds are stitched into the seating.
      There’s also a huge sports equipment storage unit in the boot for trophies, gloves, pads and a punchbag.

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      AJ loved his bespoke Range Rover which is worth £150kCredit: Instagram, @anthony_Joshua

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      Anthony Joshua poses with his custom-made Range RoverCredit: Instagram, @anthony_Joshua

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      Anthony Joshua is sponsored by car giants JaguarCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      AJ’s signature is marked on a chrome B-pillar badge, while the door handles are engraved with boxing gloves.
      Showmanship is taken to the next level with Anthony’s signature on aluminium letterbox finishers on door cards.
      It’s certainly AJ’s pride and joy because he’s always happy to be snapped with his motor on Instagram,
      However, weeks before a title fight it was stolen by very brave thieves as he trained for the world heavyweight title fight.
      Still, he had it replaced with a new model.
      Sun scorecard calls round 1: Joshua 10 Fury 10
      THE JEWELS
      Although he’s a bit more frugal than your average boxer when it comes to jewellery, Anthony does own a £350k watch.
      Custom-designed for the 6’6″ superstar by Audemars Piguet, it’s made of gold and studded with diamonds.

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      Anthony Joshua flashes his £350k watch from Audemars PiguetCredit: Instagram, @anthony_joshua

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      Tyson Fury has put his Rolex on the line for anyone who knocks him outCredit: Twitter, @Tyson_Fury
      In the past, Joshua has spoken before about how it’s the most lavish thing he owns.
      As for Tyson, we’ve seen him show off his taste in bizarre high-end fashion but he doesn’t tend to overly accessorise at all.
      However, he does have a vintage Rolex wrapped around his wrist that he still wears.
      When Anthony and Tyson sparred against each other in their amateur days, AJ revealed that Tyson offered anyone who could knock him out that same watch.
      “I didn’t even know who he was because I wasn’t a boxing fan at all, Anthony said back in 2015.

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      Anthony Joshua shows off his stunning watch squaring up to Charles MartinCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Anthony Joshua would love to get Tyson Fury’s Rolex watchCredit: Twitter, @Tyson_Fury
      “I just heard this big guy from Manchester had said that anyone who knocks him out can have his Rolex.
      “He said it in the Boxing News. So my coach said ‘if you want that Rolex, take it to him’ – so I went to war.
      “It wasn’t technical – he was holding on with one hand and trying to hit with the other, low blowing me and all sorts.
      “I’ll remind him of that promise. If we fight down the line I want the watch on the line again. I’ve only got a rubber G-Shock now and I want that Rolly.”
      Sun scorecard calls round 2: Joshua 10 Fury 9
      HOMES
      He may be worth a mint, but Anthony doesn’t have a flash home.
      Instead, he bought his mum, Yeta Odusanya her council flat in north London for a mere £185,000 in 2013.

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      Anthony Joshua rented this mansion when he was training for the Wladimir Klitschko fightCredit: The Mega Agency

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      Anthony Joshua was able to relax after a hard day of training in this London homeCredit: The Mega Agency

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      Anthony Joshua moved back in with his mum after defeating Wladimir KlitschkoCredit: The Mega Agency

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      Anthony Joshua bought a council estate flat for his mumCredit: Instagram, @anthony_Joshua

      When AJ trains in Sheffield he lives in a tiny two bedroom flat
      AJ did spend a portion of his hard-earned winnings on a rented property in a north London mansion while he was training for the Wladimir Klitschko fight.
      According to a report, the mansion near Lord’s Cricket Ground was worth £27 million.
      It belonged to South African diamond trader Walter Hennig, and cost AJ around £20,000 per month.
      Needless to say, after the fight was done AJ reportedly moved back into his mum’s council flat once again.
      And when he trains, he retreats to a humble two-bedroom flat in Sheffield he once showed off on YouTube.
      Not one to forget his gypsy roots, Tyson restored his 1958 Westmorland Star caravan, which rests on his £550k five-bedroom home in Morecambe, Lancashire.
      The home was regularly featured on their ITV documentary, Tyson Fury: The Gypsy King.

      Tyson Fury and his family were featured at home in an ITV documentary

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      According to Zoopla, family Fury’s home is valued at around £550,000Credit: ITV

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      This part of the house is a tribute to Tyson Fury’s glittering career so farCredit: ITV

      He’s the celebrity of the area, regularly spotted running along the sea front, and he even threatened to run as an MP for Morecambe in 2015.
      During lockdown, Fury and his wife Paris have been staging their own workouts for fans live on Instagram.
      Tyson once said: “Whatever happens I won’t end up one of those boxers whose 20-room mansion gets repossessed and suddenly discovers his friends were just hangers-on who were sucking him dry.”
      Sun scorecard calls round 3: Joshua 8 Fury 10 
      CLOTHES
      Often seen modelling their gear on his Instagram, AJ has a huge sponsorship deal with Under Armour, who are second only to Nike when it comes to shifting sportswear.

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      Anthony Joshua always looks sharp when he attends private eventsCredit: Getty – Contributor

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      Anthony Joshua stays cool thanks to his sponsor Lynx
      He was first seen wearing the brand in the ring before fighting Eric Molina in 2016, alongside footballer Memphis Depay.
      AJ said: “It is a partnership that has been incredibly successful to date, the brand has helped me increase performance with custom products and new technologies.”
      Out of the ring, Anthony can often be seen looking suited and booted at award ceremonies, but given his focus on training he isn’t out much.
      He’s also sponsored by Lynx, so he’ll always stay fresh in the ring.
      This is why the British heavyweight champ is tipped to become the first billionaire boxer.
      Tyson, on the other hand, went full out when he became heavyweight champion.
      Before he was stripped of his belt after testing positive for drugs, Tyson flaunted his new-found wealth in some choice gear.

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      Tyson Fury fashion has always been out thereCredit: Reuters

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      Tyson Fury models his £9.000 chinchilla fur coatCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

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      Tyson Fury shows his love for his expensive designer man-bag from Louis VuittonCredit: Instagram

      Tyson Fury’s suits are designed by tailor Nav SalimianCredit: Splash News
      One particular chinchilla fur coat looked straight off the set of Boogie Nights, and it set Fury back a cool £9,000.
      He’s possibly the only man who could pull it off, and we’re not going to argue with him either.
      The gentle giant also tried out a Louis Vuitton man-bag, and again who are we to argue that he didn’t pull it off.
      While ahead of a big fight, Fury always make sure he looks spot-on for a press conference.
      He’s taken to wearing elaborate bespoke suits by tailor Nav Salimian – some that even feature his own image.
      Sun scorecard calls round 4: Joshua 10 Fury 9
      WAGS
      Being the consummate professional is important to AJ. That’s why he regularly says he doesn’t have time for girlfriends and is currently single.
      Although that didn’t stop him getting a lot of attention from the ladies at Encore Beach Club in Las Vegas one time in 2016.

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      Handsome Anthony Joshua has many female admirersCredit: Splash News

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      Despite being a hit with the ladies Anthony Joshua says he wants to remain singleCredit: Fame Flynet
      His ex was pole dancer, Nicole Osbourne and they have one son together called Joshua.
      In an interview in 2017, Joshua outlined his relationship plans.
      “My time training means there is not much time for girlfriends,” he revealed.
      “If people can ride with me for the next 10 to 12 years I would really appreciate it, but if they can’t foresee the future I’d rather they jump off the boat because I can’t stop for no one right now.”
      As for Tyson, he’s been with his childhood sweetheart Paris since they were both 15-years-old when they met at a mutual friend’s wedding.
      They have four children and Tyson has revealed he would love to have 10 kids.
      Sun scorecard card calls round 5: Joshua 9 Fury 10

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      Tyson Fury and his wife Paris Fury have been together since they were 15Credit: Instagram, @parisfury1

      Paris and Tyson have become household namesCredit: Rex Features
      CHARITY
      Both Joshua and Fury do their bit for charity.
      Alongside StubHub, Joshua helped raise £10,000 for the Key4Life last year.
      And in 2018, he began working with anti-knife charity Steel Warriors to help tackle knife crime in London.
      “I like to give, for sure, to help people. That’s important. I want to invest because I like business,” he once revealed.
      In 2018, it was reported that Tyson donated his entire purse (£7million) to a charity helping the homeless and needy.
      He is an ambassador for the Frank Bruno Foundation, an organisation that exists to provide a safe environment with the aim to improve the mental wellbeing of participants who are facing or recovering from mental ill health.

      CHEEKY DIG
      Fury’s dad John works for local council to help to ‘keep Morecambe beautiful’

      LUKE’S IN
      Luke Campbell vs Ryan Garcia set for November in US or UK with deal in principle

      WILD CLAIMS
      Fury warns Wilder he will not wait until 2021 for trilogy bout and will move on

      Video

      GRAM MASTER
      Watch Tyson Fury show off brutal power in training as dad John warns AJ

      WHYTE NOISE
      Pulev vows to rob AJ of Tyson Fury fight and slams Whyte for talking ‘bulls***’

      PUNCH DRUNK
      John Fury joins Insta after drinking ‘a coffee and pint of vodka’ in first post

      TAKING HIS TY-ME
      Mike Tyson boxing return fight against Roy Jones Jr postponed until Nov 28

      Revealed

      FLOYD’S BANK
      How Mayweather won & lost his $1bn fortune including boxing, bets & jewellery

      Anthony Joshua educates youths about knife crimeCredit: PA:Press Association

      Tyson Fury is flogging face masks and donating money to the NHSCredit: Instagram @gypsyking101
      Fury has also taken to selling Gypsy King branded coronavirus masks for £12.99, and donating the profits to the NHS.
      Sun scorecard card calls round 6: Joshua 10 Fury 10
      AND THE WINNER IS…
      Tyson Fury, who edges the style battle 59-58 in a close encounter.
      We can’t wait to see the real battle in the ring next year.

      Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua’s mutual sparring partners brand Gypsy King as most powerful, claims WBC champ More

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      in Soccer

      Marco Verratti’s Wag Jessica Aidi is a French fashion model and former girlfriend of Beyonce’s backing dancer

      by

      MARCO VERRATTI has been named in PSG’s squad for the remainder of their Champions League campaign.
      Although he’s a doubt for their crucial quarter-final tie against Atalanta, it is hopeful the Italian midfielder will play some part in the competition.

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      Jessica Aidi is the stunning missus of PSG star Marco Verratti

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      Italian star Verratti has dated Aidi since last year

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      Beautiful Aidi was formerly a waitress before becoming a model
      And a Champions League win would cap off an incredible year for the 27-year-old.
      But on a personal level, he was left heartbroken when he announced his divorce to long-term partner Laura Zazzara in 2019.
      However, he soon found love with stunning model Jessica Aidi, 28.
      FROM PARIS WITH LOVE
      Verratti and Aidi, who has a 192,000 followers on Instagram, were rumoured to be an item when they were seen holding hands at the Monaco Grand Prix in May, 2019.

      However, they didn’t go public with their romance until last year’s Paris Fashion Week.
      The pair posed for photos side-by-side at a fashion show, and have since been inseparable.
      It has been claimed they met before Aidi became a model and worked as a waitress.

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      Aidi was first seen with Verratti at the Monaco Grand Prix in 2019

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      Verratti and Aidi went public with their romance later that year at Paris Fashion Week

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      Aidi has appeared in US magazine Sports Illustrated

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      Fashionista Aidi used to date Laurent Bourgeois, better known as Beyonce’s backing dancer

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      Aidi has over 190,000 followers on Instagram
      LINKED TO BEYONCE
      Before Jessica began dating Verratti, she was in a long-term relationship of her own.

      The stunning brunette was with French dancer Laurent Bourgeois, one half of dance troupe Les Twins.
      He is famously recognised as one of Beyonce’s backing dancers.
      However, with his tour commitments taking centre stage, Jessica and Laurent parted ways.
      IN GOOD COMPANY
      Aidi has wasted no time in mingling with other PSG Wags.
      This summer the Sports Illustrated swimsuit model was pictured hanging out with Verratti’s team-mate’s missus Izabel Goulart.
      Goulart, the partner of Kevin Trapp, is also a model for Victoria’s Secret.

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      Since dating Verratti, Aidi has settled in being a PSG Wag well

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      Aidi has mingled with other PSG Wags including Victoria’s Secret model Izabel Goulart

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      Aidi has called Verratti the love of her life

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      It may not long be long before wedding bells starting ringing for Verratti and Aidi

      And the whole group enjoyed some time off in June in St Tropez.
      A month prior, Aidi posted a loved-up picture of them together last month with the caption: “Love of my life.”
      Will Verratti walk down the aisle for a second time?

      Mbappe shoves Neymar out of PSG team photo, before Veratti pulls him back in, after Champions Trophy win More