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      Arsenal starlet Mark McGuinness has been promoted by Arteta to the first team and scored in the 4-1 defeat of MK Dons

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      THEY’RE shopping for central defenders, but the answer to Arsenal’s problems might be closer to home than they think.
      Back in April, highly-rated centre back Mark McGuinness, 19, signed professional terms with the club under the watchful gaze of former Gunners skipper Per Mertesacker.

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      Towering Arsenal youth defender Mark McGuinness has a big future in the gameCredit: Getty – Contributor

      In the months since, the 6ft 4in Republic of Ireland Under-19 international has been training with Mikel Arteta’s first team.
      This week, McGuinness announced himself with a thumping header in the 4-1 preseason friendly win over MK Dons.
      And if he continues to develop, he could save the Spanish boss a fortune in transfer fees.
      ROSE THROUGH THE RANKS
      London-born McGuinness has been with Arsenal since he was 10.

      He progressed through the youth teams to help Arsenal’s U18 team win the southern title in 2019 – impressing with his ability to read the game.
      Alongside Harry Clarke, he formed a formidable pairing in defence where the Gunners had previously struggled at that age group.
      The centre-back was rewarded for his fine form with a promotion to the U23s, where it is likely he will be partnering the recent surprise signing from Tottenham, Jonathan Dinzeyi.
      Similar in mould to Mertesacker, McGuinness is comfortable in possession and a threat from set-pieces.

      And he’s translated his form to the international stage.

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      McGuinness has risen through the ranks and is now training with the first teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Standing at 6ft 4in McGuinness is a fine passer of the ballCredit: Instagram markmcguinness5
      EURO SUCCESS
      2019 was a massively successful year for McGuinness.
      Not only was he a standout performer for the Gunners’ youth sides, he also starred for the Republic of Ireland’s U19 team at the 2019 European Championships.
      Unlucky to miss out on a place in the team of the tournament, McGuinness was a wall alongside Newcastle United’s Oisin McEntee.
      He helped the Irish reach the semi-finals, where they lost to Portugal.
      There was no doubt his stock rose further with his displays on the international scene.
      GOALSCORER
      A relative unknown to Arsenal fans, McGuinness appeared in Arteta’s first team in a preseason friendly against MK Dons this week – their only game before they face Liverpool in the Charity Shield on Saturday.
      Coming on as a second half substitute, he marshalled the defence and kept a clean sheet for the time he was on the pitch.

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      McGuinness celebrates finding the net against MK DonsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      The future looks bright for McGuinness at ArsenalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Better still, he felt the ecstasy of scoring – netting a thumping header and the third goal in a 4-1 win.
      With Zech Medley out on loan, McGuinness could find himself knocking on the first team door more often.
      And he may just cure Arsenal’s centre half blues.

      Rob Holding scores diving header own-goal for Arsenal against MK Dons More

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

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      THE unthinkable could 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 Argentinian 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

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      Neymar crumbled when PSG needed him against Bayern Munich, and when it mattered most his game went to pieces

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      AFTER Paris Saint Germain had lost to Bayern Munich in Sunday’s Champions League final, Neymar went to social media to make the point that the team had given its all and that losing was a part of sport.
      It was a classic example of one of the defining features of social media – that what you represent is not necessarily what you are.

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      Neymar was reduced to tears after PSG’s loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League finalCredit: EPA
      Because the Neymar we had all seen on the Lisbon pitch did not appear to behave at all as if he thought that losing was a part of sport.
      He greeted defeat with a river of tears, and had to be coaxed out of his seat to join his team-mates and collect his medal.
      True, those in sport can never be happy to lose. But the real problem here was not how Neymar behaved after the final whistle had blown – it was the way that the prospect of defeat had a negative effect on his performance during the game.
      There have been many times when Neymar has been criticised unjustly.

      His petulant excesses mean that many are reluctant to praise him, and quick to blame him for things that are not his fault.
      It is unfair to pin Brazil’s disastrous 2014 World Cup on his slender shoulders – he was injured in the quarter finals.
      And his displays in Russia two years ago were pretty good bearing in mind that he was making his way back from an extended injury absence.
      And before this season he had been forced out of almost all the knock out games that PSG had played in the Champions League over the past two years.

      There is also clearly much more to him than the appearance – that he can often give on the field – of being a spoiled eternal adolescent. He is usually popular with his team-mates.
      But too much of that adolescent remains – and that, for his many fans, is the most disappointing lesson of the 2020 Champions League final.

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      When PSG needed him most Neymar crumbled under the pressureCredit: Manu Fernandez

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      Neymar failed to lift his PSG team-mates when they went 1-0 downCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      It is undeniable that he is under enormous pressure. Brazil have many excellent players.
      But Neymar is the stand out talent, the man expected to live up to the legacy of Pele and Garrincha.
      And when he left Barcelona, moving out of the shadow of Lionel Messi, he was making a conscious choice to accept the pressures of carrying PSG to greatness.
      On Sunday it all looked too much. Not because he played badly. He did some fine things in the first half. His acceleration and balance were both on show with the left footed shot that was well blocked by Manuel Neuer.
      The problem was that once Bayern took the lead – at the moment that PSG most needed their star man to step up – he crumbled.
      The real test of a team, and of a player, is the response to going behind. Neymar failed this one badly.
      For a 20 minute spell after the goal, he could do nothing right. His every touch was an error.
      All players go through bad spells. They can get themselves back in rhythm by keeping it simple, retaining possession and rediscovering their touch.
      Neymar seemed unable to do this. He was so emotionally affected by the proximity of defeat that, when it mattered most, his game went to pieces.
      In competitive matches for Brazil Neymar has only been on the losing side twice – not counting a penalty shoot out defeat back in 2011.

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      Neymar seemed to lose his touch and belief in the second half Credit: EPA

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      Neymar was left ruing what could’ve been at the final whistleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      There was the quarter final loss to Belgium in Russia 2018, which he confessed was a huge blow.
      And there was a 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the Copa America of 2015, when he was superbly marked by Carlos Sanchez – and became so frustrated that he lashed out at the referee after the game and picked up a long suspension.

      He has not been prepared to lose – a fault not just in him but in those who have developed him. And until he can cope better with the prospect of defeat, the great triumphs will be much more difficult to achieve.
      Going into Sunday’s big game, many in Brazil were trusting that their big star was now ‘Ney Adult.’
      He may be closer to 29 than 28, but under the harsh spotlight of the global glare, Neymar showed that there is still work to be done on his emotional development for that tag to be true.

      Distraught Neymar has to be persuaded to receive runners-up medal as Ferdinand slams PSG star for lack of respect More

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      Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips was told to forget a career in football by school, but now has been picked for England

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      IT’S been a remarkable year for Leeds United midfield lynchpin Kalvin Phillips.
      The 24-year-old, nicknamed the ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’, was instrumental in leading Marcelo Bielsa’s side to promotion, following a 16-year absence from the Premier League.

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      Leeds United midfield lynchpin Kalvin Phillips has been called-up to the England squadCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Phillips was instrumental in ending Leeds United’s 16-year Premier League exileCredit: Reuters
      Better still, Gareth Southgate has rewarded Phillips for his fine form with his first ever call-up to the England squad for the Nations League games against Iceland and Denmark – just weeks after he was contacted to play international football for Jamaica.
      However, when he was a kid his former teachers believed he should forget about football and concentrate on his education.
      Phillips was a late-bloomer, and didn’t join the Leeds academy at Thorp Arch until he was 14.
      Before that he was starring at Wortley Juniors, and then Farsley for a season until Leeds scouts spotted his potential.

      However, his Sliding Doors moment came when his mother wrote to his school asking if her son could be excused from class.
      The school’s response wasn’t so positive.
      “My mum got a letter from school,” he recalled to the Yorkshire Evening Post.
      “It said they hoped I realised that not many people make it as a professional footballer.

      “There was me and a friend, in the same age group, and they were threatening not to let us go.
      “But they did and when I look back now I think…”
      LEEDS IN HIS BLOOD

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      Phillips’s mum was told by his secondary school to forget a career in footballCredit: Instagram / @kalvinphillips

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      Phillips, pictured with his late grandfather, grew up Leeds mad in Armley, near Elland RoadCredit: Instagram / @kalvinphillips
      Phillips grew up in Armley, a district west of Leeds – with the club very much in his family’s blood.
      A triplet, he was raised by his mother in a large family. But sadness hit the Phillips clan hard when he lost one of his sisters to illness at a young age.

      He took to football, playing in the streets with his brother until it got dark and idolised Alan Smith – the last Leeds player to play for the Three Lions.

      “I remember getting my first Leeds shirt, me and my brother.

      “It was the yellow one with Strongbow on the front. I had Alan Smith on the back.
      “We’d play outside whenever we got the chance, from 10 in the morning until six at night when my mum shouted us in for tea.
      “You’re just a kid and you enjoy running about. I never got tired.”

      SCOUTED AT 14
      Leeds picked up Phillips when he was midway through secondary school.
      It was by sheer fluke. He was there to watch his mates play in a tournament, ended up filling in because of lack of numbers, and caught the eye of Walter ‘Sonny’ Sweeney – a legend of Don Revie’s 1960s Leeds side.

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      At 14 Phillips, flanked by mum, left, and grandma, right, was scouted by LeedsCredit: Instagram / @kalvinphillips

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      In Leeds’ youth teams Phillips excelled at the Thorp Arch academyCredit: Instagram / @kalvinphillips

      “I was at Wortley Juniors until I was about 12 and then left for a season at Farsley,” he said.

      “I’d gone to watch Wortley play in their home tournament but they didn’t have enough players so I played for them. I got scouted by a guy called Sonny Sweeney and went to Leeds City Boys.

      “After that, he came and watched me again and got me on a six-week trial at Leeds. It all went from there.”
      LEEDS’ GAIN WAS HUDDERSFIELD’S LOSS
      It could’ve been a completely different Yorkshire club that Phillips might’ve made his name at.
      Before Sweeney spotted his talents, he trialled with Huddersfield Town and they must be kicking themselves now that it didn’t work out with the Terriers.
      “As soon as I went there, I thought ‘I don’t like it. It’s not for me’,” he said.
      “I was growing up around Leeds and I idolised Leeds. I went to Huddersfield and thought it was a good chance but I got there and felt like I didn’t really fancy it.
      “A couple of weeks later I went to Leeds and I haven’t looked back.”
      GLAMOUR JOB

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      Tough Phillips is renowned for his no-nonsense approach to the gameCredit: Rex Features

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      Phillips is thankful he was a late bloomer because he believes it made him a better playerCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Phillips is aware he is one of the lucky ones and paid fantastic money to do a job he loves.
      He has a special bond with his twin sister, who teases him about his easy life. She works in the prison service in London.
      “She tells me that every time she sees me,” he joked.
      “But she’s proud of me as much as I’m proud of her. I don’t think she realises how proud of her I am.”
      Phillips holds no grudges when it comes to having made it late.
      In fact, the tough-tackler believes it made him the player he is today.
      “I knew I’d joined late but in a way it was better because I got to enjoy my football more when I was younger,” he said.
      “There wasn’t as much pressure. Me coming here late probably made me a better player.”

      Leeds making shock £10m move for Rangers star Ryan Kent with Marcelo Bielsa huge fan of ex-Liverpool winger More

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      Chelsea transfer target Thiago Silva almost died from tuberculosis aged 21 and his wife saved his career

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      Thiago Silva became one of the best defenders of his generation, but over a decade ago the Brazilian was weeks away from death after catching tuberculosis.
      The PSG centre back, who is wanted by Chelsea to sure up the West Londoner’s defence, was diagnosed with the bacterial infection while at Dynamo Moscow in 2005.

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      Thiago Silva has been targeted by Premier League giants ChelseaCredit: Handout – Getty

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      In 2005 while playing for Dynamo Moscow Silva was diagnosed with tuberculosisCredit: Dynamo Moscow
      At just 21 years old, Silva was hospitalised for six months while Russian doctors treated him for the condition he contracted six months before the illness was detected.
      The tuberculosis was so advanced, docs even considered removing part of his lungs to ensure his survival.
      But his mother, Angela, and wife, Isabelle stepped in advising against surgery that would’ve put pay to Silva’s football dreams before it had even started.
      “That would have ended my career, I needed guardian angels to take me away,” Silva told AP.

      DEFENSIVE DYNAMO
      Silva, now, 35, was signed by Dynamo from Porto in January, 2005 for a fee of around £3.5m.
      Despite not playing a single game for the Portuguese giants, other than a smattering of matches in the reserves in the second division, Dynamo took a punt on the unknown entity.
      The Russian club’s President, Alexei Fedorychev had big plans for Dynamo that year, bringing in seven players from Portugal that January.
      He even appointed experienced Brazilian manager Ivo Wortmann to ensure the language barrier wasn’t a problem for the new signings and his team could challenge for the Premier League.

      But club doctors were surprised that Silva was getting tired so quickly.

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      Silva goes toe-to-toe with Robert Lewandowski in the recent Champions League finalCredit: Manu Fernandez
      They also were shocked that most of their new recruits were bought without proper medical checks.
      Silva became very ill, suffering with symptoms including a high temperature, coughing fits and severe sweating.
      Clearly it wasn’t a case of the flu, he was sent to hospital where doctors conducted a series of tests to determine what was wrong.
      ‘TWO WEEKS FROM DEATH’
      They were stunned to learn he was suffering from tuberculosis, and had been for six months prior to their discovery.
      Simply put, doctors told him he was two weeks away from death and was extremely lucky the disease was caught when it was.
      “In 2005 I was sent out on loan to Dynamo Moscow, but the city was horrible, I was cold and got ill,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport magazine Sport Week back in 2011.
      “I was in hospital for six months. I was 10kg overweight and, despite everyone else in the hospital being so skinny and not wanting to eat, I was always hungry.

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      Doctors said Silva was two weeks away from death if he remained untreatedCredit: AFP or licensors
      “My mother said I didn’t look ill, but I couldn’t move.
      “The doctors would tell me to get up and go for a walk, but I couldn’t do it. This disease is also contagious, so I was put in isolation, only able to play computer games and go on the internet.
      “Every now and then a doctor would come in and give me an injection, three or four times a day, plus 10-15 pills.
      “I eventually found out that I’d had tuberculosis for six months. The doctors said if another two weeks had passed, I might not have been able to recover.
      “I almost died. This is why, whenever I play, I think back to those moments in Russia.”
      THREAT TO HIS CAREER
      During his treatment, medical staff advised the central defender he needed to have a part of his right lung cut out to survive the ordeal.
      Effectively, that would’ve meant he would have to quit football.

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      Thiago Silva’s wife Isabelle went against doctors’ advice of surgery to remove some of his lungCredit: Instagram @thiagosilva_33

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      Brazilian star Thiago Silva’s mum Angela convinced her son to carry on playingCredit: Bruno Henrique/ Divulgação
      “I told them no one would open my husband up and end his dream,” wife Isabelle told AP.
      “I am not a doctor, but no one believed he should go through surgery.
      “To see him wearing the Brazil shirt is a victory for us all, especially those that know him from those days.”
      During that dark time, Silva thought about retiring, despite being given a clean bill of health. It was the second time in his life he considered quitting the game.
      “I had thought of quitting football altogether,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport magazine Sport Week.
      “There was another occasion when I went to Flamengo for a trial and after two sessions they said I could go, as I was no better than any of the players they already had.
      “I told my mother I didn’t want to play football anymore, as nobody wanted me.
      “However, she said in that case I’d have to go work for my brother, so I immediately changed my mind and looked for another club!”
      SECOND COMING
      Silva’s adventure/nightmare in Russia ended in 2006 when he returned back to his homeland with Fluminense.

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      Ivo Wortmann gave Thiago Silva a second chance at FluminenseCredit: Coritiba

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      At Fluminense, Thiago Silva managed to rebuild his careerCredit: AFP – Getty

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      Thiago Silva earned a move to AC Milan in 2009 and has since become one of the world’s best defendersCredit: Getty – Contributor
      His redemption came from a familiar face too. Wortmann, a man responsible for bringing him to Dynamo in the first place, had moved back to Brazil too.

      Believing in Silva’s talent, he told Fluminense he’d be their coach if they bought his protege too.
      They did, and the rest, as they say, is history. Silva showed his promise, earning moves to AC Milan and then PSG.
      Chelsea could be next for this courageous man and footballer.

      talkSPORT set out minimum expectations for Chelsea next season amid busy transfer window More

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      Fulham and Crystal Palace target Eberechi Eze was rejected by Arsenal and Millwall and considered taking a job at Tesco

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      EBERECHI Eze is a wanted man, rated by many as the most exciting player in the Championship.
      The QPR No10, who scored 14 times for the Hoops and provided eight assists last season, has been linked with a £20million move to Premier League sides Fulham and Crystal Palace.

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      Eberechi Eze is one of the most exciting players outside the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But at one time it didn’t look like the 22-year-old fans’ favourite was going to make it in the game.
      Released by Arsenal and Millwall, the attacking midfielder could have been forgiven that a life in professional football wasn’t for him.
      And at his lowest, he considered taking a job working part-time at supermarket chain Tesco.
      While it all began for Eze on a council estate in a rough part of Greenwich, where he developed his close control and quick feet playing cage football.

      GUN WRONG
      At QPR, Eze has had the opportunity to flourish, playing for a team that lets him showcase his skills.
      But it wasn’t always that easy, and rejection was a big part of his early teens.
      He began at boyhood club Arsenal – who he has expressed his dream to play for one day.
      However, in 2011 the Gunners released Eze on the count of him being “too small”. It left the then 13-year-old distraught.

      “It started at Arsenal. I was 13 [when I was released]. That was the worst one,” he told the Independent.

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      £15m-rated Eze is being linked with a move to the Premier LeagueCredit: Rex Features
      “I remember crying in my room for a solid week, my mum telling me that it’s going to be OK but not being able to get over it.”
      TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS
      A stint at Fulham, followed by four months at Reading and Eze still couldn’t find any takers.
      In 2014, he joined Millwall, but wasn’t suited to their brand of route one football that left little room for a creative playmaker.
      Surprisingly, to Eze at least, he was called into the office of former manager Neil Harris, who told the youngster he wasn’t needed two years later.
      “When I got released by Millwall, I understood the decision. I get why Neil made that call,” he told TalkSPORT.
      “You could see in training and in matches that I wasn’t their typical type of player.
      “I didn’t think I would get released at the time I did though – that came as a big shock to me.
      “I thought I’d probably get another year there, even though it didn’t look like there was much chance of me getting near the first team.
      “It took me by surprise, but ultimately it was a blessing in disguise.”

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      Eze was released by Arsenal and Millwall and feared for his football careerCredit: Instagram ebere_10

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      Eze considered a job at Tesco before signing a deal with QPR in 2016Credit: Instagram ebere_10
      STACKING SHELVES
      With a career in football looking unlikely, Eze had to think about a making a life in something else.
      He enrolled at a college, and was on the verge of accepting a job part-time at a local Tesco.
      “When I initially got released [by Millwall] I wasn’t too down, as there were plenty of clubs interested in me,” he said.
      “But after being turned down by a few of them that’s when it really started hitting me. I was getting a bit worried – all I’ve ever wanted to do is to be a professional footballer.”
      He told the Independent: “I honestly have no idea what I would have done.
      “I didn’t like anything at school. Even P.E was a drag. When my agent told me I had a trial at QPR I just thought: ‘I have to get in’. There was no other option.”
      His saving grace was QPR’s technical director Chris Ramsey, who not only invited him for a trial but saw his potential.

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      In 2019 Eze showcased his skills for England’s U20 teamCredit: Rex Features
      Eze signed a contract with the West London side in 2016, and has since become one of the most talked about players outside the Premier League.
      CAGE FOOTBALL
      Eze’s unique set of ball skills, able to dribble himself out of tight spots, was developed playing a brand of cage football – like ‘ballers’ Jadon Sancho and Reiss Nelson.
      He grew up in the flats opposite Greenwich Hospital, where football was his escape.
      “There are the nice parts [of Greenwich] and the not so nice parts,” he revealed.
      “I grew up in a not so nice part. It wasn’t the easiest life and you don’t have as much as other kids around you.

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      Eze was raised in Greenwich and honed his skills playing cage footballCredit: Instagram ebere_10

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      Midfielder Eze has risen to the top despite setbacks in his careerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “The first place we’d go after school is to the cage. We’d stay there till our parents called us in, not eating, playing all day and night.
      “There wasn’t really anything else to do. But that’s where the love comes from. [At the time], you don’t realise it’s actually how you’re learning your trade.”
      A trade that could see Eze finally appearing in the Premier League, where many didn’t believe he belonged.

      Chelsea defender Ethan Ampadu ‘close’ to joining Fulham on loan despite transfer interest from Norwich More

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      in Soccer

      Five reasons Koeman could be wrong for Barcelona, from causing player mutiny at Valencia to squandering cash at Everton

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      SO we have it.
      Former Southampton and Everton boss Ronald Koeman has been named the new Barcelona manager.

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      Ronald Koeman has been named as the new Barcelona managerCredit: AFP or licensors

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      Koeman returns to the club where he played his best footballCredit: Instagram @fcbarcelona

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      Barcelona won their first European Cup with a Koeman goalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The Dutch legend, who scored the winning goal for the Catalans in their first ever European Cup win, has taken over the reigns from Quique Setien after their 8-2 humbling at the hands of Bayern Munich.
      And he’s got a big job on his hands – first, convincing talisman Lionel Messi that his future belongs at the Camp Nou.
      Second, getting the fallen club back to winning ways after a disastrous season that’s saw Barça finish behind Real Madrid in La Liga and end 2019-20 without a trophy.
      But is Koeman, 57, the man for the job? SunSport gives you five reasons why he might not be.

      FALLOUT IN VALENCIA
      At a club where egos are rife, Koeman will have his hands full with managing the world’s best players.
      And at Valencia, during his stint as boss from 2007-08, he was blessed with a squad that featured the likes of David Villa, David Silva, Juan Mata and Spain legend David Albeda.
      It was with the latter who Koeman had the biggest disagreement with.
      When the Dutchman took over from Quique Sanchez Flores, Los Ches’ fortunes nose-dived.

      They crashed out of the Champions League, finishing bottom of their group and failed to qualify for the Uefa Cup.

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      At Valencia Koeman lost the dressing roomCredit: AFP

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      David Villa was one of the many players at Valencia Koeman had at his disposalCredit: Reuters
      From being four points off the top of the pace in La Liga, they soon dropped out of contention.
      Koeman called a public enquiry.
      “Valencia is a ship and those who don’t want to be on board, will be out,” he said ahead of the January transfer window.
      The public flogging of personnel caused a player mutiny – with Albeda and three other first team regulars humiliated by Koeman’s slaughtering of them.
      Albeda, the club captain, sued the club to terminate his contract.
      Two points off the relegation zone, Koeman was sacked by Valencia having lost the dressing room.

      SQUANDERED CASH
      After a successful stint at Southampton, thanks to the brilliant recruitment of Sadio Mane, Dusan Tadic and Graziano Pelle, a bigger Premier League job at Everton came around in 2016.
      And in his first season he guided the Toffees to a top seven finish – qualifying for the Europa League.
      Buoyed by his success, Koeman was handed a sizeable transfer kitty by the Everton board to boost his promising squad and push for a top four finish.

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      At Everton Koeman was handed a sizeable transfer kittyCredit: PA:Empics Sport

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      £140million was spent as Koeman tried to turn his team into a top four sideCredit: AFP or licensors

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      £40million was spent on Gylfi SigurdssonCredit: Getty – Contributor

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      Koeman was sacked after just 16 months in the jobCredit: Rex Features
      £140million was spent – with the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson (£40million) and Davy Klaasen for £23.6million coming in.
      However, that money would’ve been best served buying a striker to replace the departing Romelu Lukaku.
      Nine games into the new season and Everton were sat in 18th place, following a 5-2 thrashing by Arsenal.
      Koeman was given the chop, once again, just 16 months after taking over.
      THE STRESS
      Managing a club like Barcelona brings with it expectation among its fanbase to win La Liga every season.
      If not, a Copa del Rey win and a solid Champions League campaign are a must to appease trigger-happy board members.
      For Koeman, the job will bring him stress that could be detrimental to his health.
      Least we forget, it was only seven weeks ago that Koeman was rushed to an Amsterdam hospital for an emergency heart procedure.
      “As a result of this event you realise what really matters in life,” he said back in May.
      He added: “At this moment I feel great. Which means that I can face things with a lot of energy, as soon as the ball rolls again.”

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      Koeman suffered a heart scare only seven weeks agoCredit: https://www.instagram.com/ronaldkoeman/

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      Koeman steps on a private jet headed for Barcelona to take over the reignsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      According to De Telegraaf, Koeman has been told by doctors he has now made a full recovery and is ready to work again.
      But when the pressure mounts, and if results go awry, Koeman’s health will be put under strain.
      12-YEARS AND NO MAJOR TROPHY
      Koeman started off his management career strongly in his homeland.
      With Ajax he won the Dutch league twice, and scored a job in Portugal with Benfica.
      But after failing to land the Portuguese title, he was back in Holland with PSV, who he led to an Eredivisie win in 2007.
      The last major trophy Koeman won was with Valencia in 2008 – beating Getafe 3-1 in the Copa del Rey.
      Most recently, he led Netherlands to runners-up in the Nations League.
      Second place won’t cut it at Barcelona.

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      Koeman’s last side to win a trophy were Valencia in 2008 with their Copa del Rey winCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Under Koeman Holland finished Nations League runners-upCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Koeman has signed a two-year deal with Barcelona but is joining a club in crisisCredit: Reuters
      TIME ISN’T ON HIS SIDE
      Koeman has signed a two-year deal with Barcelona.
      That doesn’t give the new boss much time to sort out his charges.

      He’s joining a club in crisis, fresh from Champions League humiliation and skint after the coronavirus pandemic stripped their economic muscle in the transfer market.
      Add to that Messi’s apparent unhappiness and request to leave, Luis Suarez being courted by Ajax, Arthur’s drink-driving arrest and the sacking of sporting director Eric Abidal – it looks like an impossible ship to steady.
      Is Koeman the right captain to steer them clear of trouble?
      Only time will tell. More

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      in Boxing

      Inside the Matchroom mansion, Eddie Hearn’s former home converted into office with gym, pool and helipad

      by

      THE Matchroom HQ in Essex is where boxing promoter Eddie Hearn makes all his key decisions.
      Originally bought by his dad Barry around 30 years ago, it’s was the family’s former house before it became the home of boxing, snooker and darts.

      The stunning Matchroom HQ where Eddie Hearn conducts his businessCredit: https://www.instagram.com/eddiehearn/

      Eddies dad Barry Hearn bought the property for £200,000Credit: Rex Features
      Then, it cost Hearn Sr a meagre £200,000 – and was an upgrade from the Dagenham council house he grew up in.
      The property boasts a gym and swimming pool, which Hearn’s staff and pool of fighters can use.
      While in the lush expansive garden, you’ll find a helipad and occasionally a boxer working out with pads or going for a run.
      Join SunSport for a tour inside.

      LEISURE COMPLEX
      Matchroom HQ isn’t just a place where Hearn meets his fighters, conducts media days and draws out his plans for boxing domination.
      It’s also a place that boasts a leisure complex, in which fighters can exercise with their trainers.
      “The key to a healthy mind is a healthy body,” Hearn told The Daily Mail.
      “We’ve got a pool and a gym upstairs, where the fighters come in for meetings, can have some sessions with their trainers and do some strength work in the pool.

      Originally, the Hearns lived in the stately home

      The leisure complex features a pool Hearn’s stable of fighters and staff take advantage ofCredit: Talksport

      Fight posters dominate Matchroom HQs officeCredit: Talksport

      Artwork from the first Froch v Groves fight sits pride of place in Hearn’s officeCredit: Talksport
      “This pool has been used by a number of great fighters over the years – Chris Eubank, Jim McDonnell, and Darren Barker.
      “It’s great to have this facility here, not only for our staff and our employers and our team, but also for our team of fighters.”
      INCREDIBLE GROUNDS
      Surrounding the stately property are some stunning grounds.
      It’s where Anthony Joshua and Co. love to go for a run, and even some outdoor pad work.
      “There’s some great runs in the forest,” Hearn revealed.
      “Many fighters have been seen through the years doing many a circuit.
      “In the summertime, actually, a lot of them come out here and do their pad work, circuits and strength work.
      “It’s a great feel and great to have the fighters here, when they are around.”

      Barry and Eddie Hearn pose in the lush gardensCredit: Action Images – Reuters

      Eddie Hearn is effectively in charge of the business these daysCredit: � Will Wintercross / eyevine.

      Dotted around Matchroom HQ are photographs of Hearn’s fighters’ most impressive momentsCredit: TalkSport
      THEY’VE COME A LONG WAY
      Eddie’s dad Barry has come a long way since his own childhood.
      He came from a Dagenham council estate, but made good as a promoter for the likes of Chris Eubank, Nigel Benn and Lennox Lewis.
      Although Eddie is effectively in charge of the business these days, Barry still has the better office.
      “This was the house my dad bought about 30 years ago,” he told TalkSport.
      “He was from a council house in Dagenham, did well, and this was his first major purchase.
      “I grew up here, so we feel great here and it’s been very good to us.
      “He paid two hundred grand for it at the time. Looks like a good investment now, but more than the money this has been a very lucky place for us.
      “We’re big believers in that and luck.”

      Self-confessed boxing fanatic Hearn collects the gloves of his fightersCredit: TalkSport

      Barry Hearn came from a Dagenham council estate before he made his millionsCredit: Rex Features

      Fittingly, Barry still has the better officeCredit: Rex Features
      FIGHT ISLAND
      Like Dana White has done with the UFC, Eddie has created his own ‘Fight Island’ to stage boxing matches.
      However, his plans are more personal. Hearn is turning the mansion’s garden into a fighting arena, and events started from August 1.
      Hearn said: “Our project restart is about staging live boxing from the garden there with a canopy.
      “You’ve heard of Madison Square Garden and this is the new garden.
      “We talked about doing boxing in studios and there’s a lot of people doing it. I just feel like when you are talking about a gladiatorial sport, like boxing, you need to create that moment, that energy, not just for the viewer at home but the fighter as well.
      “We’ve got big plans. It looks fantastic. There’s still a long way to go. I think it’s 90 per cent for us. Anything could happen at any time.
      HOW IT’LL WORK
      And Hearn has really thought it through.
      “There’s a hotel at the bottom of the road that we will take over. On the Wednesday, before the Saturday, everybody will turn up. Fighters, Sky team, corners, our team will all be tested at a facility,” he continued.

      Eddie Hearn has bold plans for boxing the boxing coronavirus pandemicCredit: Talksport

      Hearn is staging boxing fights from the Matchroom HQ gardenCredit: https://www.instagram.com/eddiehearn/

      Hearn showed off his plans on social mediaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/eddiehearn/
      “You don’t enter the hotel specifically, you enter a side building and you get tested and then you get your key, go into your room and don’t leave until you get the results.

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      “Once you get a negative results, you are allowed into Matchroom Fight Camps. We create a sterile environment. No one is allowed to interact with anyone from outside fight camp during that period.
      “The problem with this virus is people are still learning. We are having a dozen calls a day with doctors and testing facilities. It’s such a mountain to climb.
      “We are going to be having around 90 people on site and everyone will be tested before they go into the facility.” More