Sport Features

HE really is incredible.
Brazilian star Givanildo Vieira de Sousa, better known as Hulk because of his bodybuilder appearance and being a Lou Ferrigno lookalike, has enjoyed a well-travelled career.

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Hulk is attracting interest from the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty – Contributor

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The Brazilian international is now married to his ex-wife’s niece

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The Brazilian got his nickname because of his resemblance to bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno, who played The Incredible HulkCredit: Getty – Contributor
After beginning his career in his homeland, the well-built forward has played in Japan, Portugal, Russia, and is now making a mint in China.
At Shanghai SIPG he earned a whopping £16.6million-per-year, and was one of the Chinese Super League’s marquee signings in 2016.
But now, with his contract coming to an end, Hulk is ready to come to the Premier League and reportedly has several offers to show off his talents in England.
At 34 he’s never looked better, and after lockdown he showed off a remarkable body transformation with a more defined look.

And back in March, Hulk caused controversy when he ditched his wife and married her stunning niece.
KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY
Last year, the burly striker ended his 12-year relationship with ex-missus Iran Angelo.
Five months later, reports linked Hulk to her beautiful niece Camila Angelo, 31.
That relationship is now said to have started in October of 2019, and in March the former Porto striker wrote on his social media bio he was “married” again.

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Hulk divorced his wife of 12 years Iran Angelo, left, and began dating her beautiful niece Camila Angelo months later

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The pair have posted several pictures wearing what looks like wedding rings

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Angelo and Hulk have never confirmed their nuptials

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According to reports, Hulk married Angelo so she could get a visa to stay in China
The couple have posted several pictures together since wearing what appear to be wedding rings, but never confirmed their nuptials.
Argentine newspaper Infobae later revealed “sudden marriage was also due to” the fact Camila “needed a visa to stay in the country (China)”.
THE BIG MAN
When Hulk first emerged on the scene in Europe with Porto, his staggering size always stood out on the football pitch.
He was renowned for being built like an ox, and it was impossible to shrug him off the ball because of his strength.
In China, especially during the lockdown period, he seems to have become supersized.
Fans were left agasp when he returned to training with Shanghai SIPG somehow looking even more muscular.
Hulk shared video and pics of himself staying fit by hitting his home gym.
And the benefits were there for all to see.

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Hulk was always renowned for his huge physiqueCredit: Getty – Contributor

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The beefy forward was a hulking presence

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Today’s Hulk is more defined

Shanghai SIPG’s Hulk shows off his rippling muscles as he works out on the treadmill
HE’S GOT GOALS
The misconception of Hulk is that he’s a novelty footballer, because of his gargantuan size.
However, as they say, never judge a book by its cover.
Capped 47 times by Brazil, he’s scored 11 international goals – playing mostly as a winger.
His career took off in Japan’s second division with Tokyo Verdy in 2007, before he moved to Porto in 2008.
It took him two seasons to find his feet in Portugal, and there was bother along the way.
Following a tunnel brawl during a 1-0 league loss to fierce rivals Benfica, Hulk was suspended for four games.
But in the 2010-11 season he began to push on. 35 goals in 53 games during Porto’s treble year, in which they also lifted the Europa League, elevated him to new heights.
Trouble still followed him wherever he went, in 2014 he was forced to pay £42,000 fine for assaulting two stewards.

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Hulk made his name in Europe at PortoCredit: PA:Empics Sport

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Hulk went to Russia to play with Zenit Saint Petersburg after PortoCredit: PA:Empics Sport

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In 2016 he became one of the world’s highest paid players joining Shanghai SIPGCredit: Rex Features
PREMIER LEAGUE INTEREST
It’s not a surprise that Hulk has been linked to a move to the Premier League, with his status as a free agent approaching soon.
Before he moved to Zenit Saint Petersburg, he revealed Chelsea were interested in adding him to their squad.
“In my first season at Porto, I started well and remember hearing some talk about Manchester United, but I never received anything concrete on that,” he told FourFourTwo.
“At the time, I was too young and left those things for other people to sort out, so I didn’t get to know which offers arrived.
“Only after I signed for Zenit was I told Chelsea had been interested, but I can’t tell you how serious they were.”
HE’LL COST MEGA WAGES
Although clubs will be enticed by the fact there’s no transfer fee for Hulk, he won’t come cheap.
His salary is said to be in the region of £320,000-per-week – making him the second highest paid player in China. The first is former Chelsea star Oscar on an astonishing £400,000-per-week.

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Hulk stands outside his private jet, which bears the striker’s signature on the outsideCredit: Instagram @hulkparaiba

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Inside the aircraft there are sketches of the Brazilian scoring goals throughout his careerCredit: Instagram @hulkparaiba

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At 34 Hulk still has lots to offer amid Premier League interest
And he lives some life off the pitch, as you can imagine.
In 2018, he was pictured on board his own private jet, which featured his signature on the side.

Inside, the cabin was decorated with his own image.
Hulk is also a keen art collector, spending his wages on rare paintings by renowned artists.
The runway is clear for his arrival on our shores. More

LIFE’S an ocean for Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Juventus legend has added an amazing £5.5million yacht to his luxury life, and why not?

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Cristiano Ronaldo has added a new yacht to his luxury life

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Juventus legend Ronaldo is the proud owner of the Azimut Grande.

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The super-yacht cost around £5.5million
The Portuguese football superstar made the expensive purchase last June – buying the 88-feet long Azimut Grande.
Built in the Versilia shipyards of Azimut-Benett, it boasts five luxury cabins and six stunningly decorated bathrooms.
There’s also a modern kitchen onboard, as well as two relaxation areas, a huge lounge, and a lavish dining room.
In terms of its specifications, it’s capable of reaching 28 knots, thanks to two 1,900 horsepower engines, and is made of carbon fibre weighing a whopping 93 tonnes.

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It has five luxury cabins

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There are six modern bathrooms

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The lavish dining room is perfect for a romantic dinner

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A modern kitchen features contemporary appliances

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There’s a bar on deck

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Two lounge areas are perfect for topping up your tan

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The vessel is capable of reaching a top speed of 28 knots

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No expense was spared in the creation of Ronaldo’s new yacht

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The Azimut Grande stands out at 88-feet long

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It is powered by two 1,900 horsepower engines
HIS OWN YACHT
Ronaldo bought the super-yacht last summer for £5.5million.
Previously, he used to rent the Africa I yacht from a charter company before buying his own.
But this year he was able to take his family, including missus Georgina Rodriguez out on the Azimut Grande as they sailed along the Tyrrhenian coast.
SHOW OFF
Back in June, Georgina showed off the vessel by sharing a sexy bikini snap on Instagram perched on deck.

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Georgina Rodriguez has been showing off the yacht on her Instagram

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Rodriguez hangs off the yacht for a dip in the Mediterranean Sea

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Ronaldo is served his lunch by Rodriguez

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The Ronaldo family enjoy one of the many cabins

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Ronaldo is enjoying a break after another incredible season

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Ronaldo and Georgina share a romantic moment on board their yacht

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The Azimut Grande has been spotted sailing along the Tyrrhenian coast.

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Rodriguez has certainly taken to the new purchase

She recently posted various photos of the family, relaxing in one of the bedrooms, and serving Cristiano lunch.
Ronaldo, who has scored an incredible 31 goals in 33 Serie A games this season, is enjoying a break before Champions League football resumes.
He was instrumental in helping Juventus claim their ninth Scudetto in a row.

Swimmers shout Georgina Rodríguez’s name as she relaxes on yacht with Ronaldo More

AND it’s goodbye from them.
After a stellar career, these 13 footballers are waving farewell to the beautiful game and hanging up their boots.
There’s been highs, there’s been lows, with many of these names gracing the Premier League.

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Leighton Baines waved goodbye to Everton last weekendCredit: Getty Images – Getty
In fact, you’d be surprised to know some of these stars were still playing.
MILAN BAROS
At 38 the former Liverpool striker has finally decided he’s hand enough of lacing up his boots.
The Czech legend was playing for the club where it all started for him – Banik Ostrava – and in the past three seasons managed 20 goals in 63 games.

Baros, who won the Golden Boot at Euro 2004, also scored 41 international goals for the Czech Republic in 93 matches.
His best spell in club football was probably at Turkish giants Galatasaray, where he struck 61 times in 116 games.

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At 38 Milan Baros called time on his career at Banik OstravaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
ANDRE SCHURRLE
The former German international and Chelsea star is a surprise retiree.
After all, the World Cup-winner is only 29.

Schurrle was with Borussia Dortmund, but found himself on the periphery of the first team, and was loaned out to Spartak Moscow last season.
“The decision has matured in me for a long time,” he said in an interview with German newspaper Der Spiegel.
“I no longer need the applause. The depths became deeper and the highlights less and less.
“You always have to play a certain role in order to survive in the business otherwise you will lose your job and will not get a new one. Only performance on the pitch counts.”

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Andre Schurrle was a surprise retiree at 29Credit: Getty Images – Getty
MARIO GOMEZ
Never the most glamorous player, Mario Gomez had his critics.
Especially when the striker missed a sitter for Germany against Austria at Euro 2008 that led to him being booed by his own fans.
But Gomez, 35, won German Footballer of the Year with Stuttgart, achieved the treble leading the line for Bayern Munich, where he scored 23 goals in 39 Champions League games.
On top of that, he also created history by scoring more goals than any other foreign player in a single season for Besiktas.
His last club was his favourite – Stuttgart – where he scored in his final game as they achieved promotion to the Bundesliga.

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Maligned striker Mario Gomez scored on his farewell game for StuttgartCredit: Getty Images – Getty
LEIGHTON BAINES
The former England and Everton left-back bows out of football in style.
With 39 goals and a further 37 assists, he has more goal involvements than any defender in Premier League history.
Baines played 20 minutes of the last game of the season against Bournemouth in a 3-1 defeat.
At 35, he decided that was it – despite the offer of another contract on the table from Carlo Ancelotti, who wants him to stay on as a coach.

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Baines played 20 minutes against Bournemouth on the final day of the seasonCredit: AFP – Getty
GORAN PANDEV
His country’s greatest ever player, Pandev finished his career at Genoa in Serie, where he scored 26 goals in 130 games.
The Macedonian’s international record was far more prolific, mind with 34 strikes in 108 games.
Pandev, 37, enjoyed spells at Italy’s best clubs, including Inter Milan, Lazio and Napoli.
He won the treble with Jose Mourinho’s Inter in 2010.

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Goran Pandev finished his career at Genoa after winning the treble with InterCredit: Getty Images – Getty
MILE JEDINAK
The former Crystal Palace captain was released by Aston Villa in 2019, after helping them win promotion to the Premier League.
A year later, he found himself in a coaching job at the same club working with their youth academy.
But Jedinak, 35, didn’t feel done, and in May of this year said he hadn’t officially retired with A-League team Macarthur FC declaring their interest.
However, that u-turn didn’t last long with the midfielder announcing his retirement this month revealing it’s “now time for a new chapter.”

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Aussie Mile Jedinak last played for Aston VillaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
CLAUDIO PIZARRO
The eldest player on the list, the Peruvian legend is retiring at the grand old age of 41.
He ended his career at Werder Bremen, where he enjoyed four successful spells.
Pizarro had one season at Chelsea, but failed to hit the heights in English football as he did in Germany.
There was also six years with Bayern Munich, where he scored 100 goals in 256 games.

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Claudio Pizarro had four spells at Werder Bremen before hanging up his boots aged 41Credit: Getty Images – Getty
GELSON FERNANDES
A much journeyed midfielder, Fernandes hangs up his boots at the age of 33.
He played for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Manchester City from 2007-09, who called him the best young player in Switzerland.
When Mark Hughes took over, Fernandes found himself frozen out of the first team.
A spell at Leicester City under Nigel Pearson failed to recapture his form.
But later on, at Rennes and then Eintracht Frankfurt, Fernandes rediscovered some of the sparkle that made him such a promising prospect.

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Gelson Fernandes had spells in England with Manchester City and Leicester CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty
ESSAM EL-HADARY
The Egyptian goalkeeper, aged 47, holds the record of the oldest player to ever feature at the World Cup, when he appeared for his country aged 45 in 2018.
But that’s your lot for El-Hadary, who has finally retired after winning 159 caps, eight Egyptian Premier League titles, four CAF Champions Leagues, as well as the African Cup of Nations four times.
“Football is my second wife and I have divorced it,” El Hadary recently revelaed.
“I am not returning to play football again, the entire system has errors and club heads attacking each other, and may God be in the help of the players.”

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Essam El-Hadary holds the record for oldest player at a World Cup aged 45Credit: AFP – Getty
ARITZ ADURIZ
Like a vintage wine, Aduriz got better with age.
The Athletic Bilbao forward has ended his career at the age of 39.
His most prolific season playing for the Basque club came when he was 35 in 2015-16 season, when he scored 36 goals in 55 games.
Needing a hip replacement, Aduriz knew his days were numbered.
He barely played this season, making 17 appearances and scoring just once. That winner, though was an 89th minute winner against Barcelona.

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Aritz Aduriz had his best season in football at 35 before hanging up his boots at 39Credit: Getty Images – Getty
DAVID N’GOG
N’Gog was set to be a Liverpool legend when he put the gloss on a 2-0 win over Manchester United in 2009.
At 20-years-old he had the world at his feet, but it didn’t seem to work out for the French prodigy at Anfield.
Spells at Bolton and then Swansea didn’t bring out the best of him, but at Reims he showed the magic was still there with 10 goals in 48 games.
However, his career petered out playing in Greece, Scotland, Hungary, and finally Lithuania, where he’s retired aged 31.

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Former Liverpool striker David N’Gog retires at 31 last playing in LithuaniaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
BRUNO SORIANO
The Villarreal captain spent his entire career at the club, playing 424 times for the Yellow Submarines.
But Soriano hadn’t played since May 2017, after suffering with a serious knee injury.
However, lockdown gave him more time to plot his return, and miraculously he returned to the team playing the final two minutes against Sevilla in June.
And for old time’s sake, Soriano, 36, even managed a booking.
After the game, he was given a standing ovation by his team-mates.

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Villarreal captain Bruno Soriano returned after a three year injury lay offCredit: Getty Images – Getty

✊ @Eng_Villarreal club captain Bruno Soriano returned to the field this evening after an injury nightmareIt had been 3 years, 1 month and 1 day 😱This is the reaction he received from his team mates post match 🙌Inspirational 👏👏pic.twitter.com/23WNO5ipuJ
— Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) June 22, 2020

LOIC PERRIN
It wouldn’t have been the best way to have been remembered.
But Saint-Etienne defender Loic Perrin, who spent his entire career with the club, caused fury last week when he scythed down Kylian Mbappe with a horror tackle.

The PSG superstar left the pitch hobbling, and is set to miss their next Champions League tie.
Perrin was dealt with seeing red, and that was his last game for the club.
He hangs up his boots at 34.

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Loic Perrin bowed out the game with a red card after a cynical foul on Kylian MbappeCredit: AP:Associated Press More

FORMER Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz was on target for Olimpia at the weekend.
It was a goal that makes him the top scorer in the first national league to get going in South America since the coronavirus enforced shutdown in March.

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Roque Santa Cruz, at 38, is the leading scorer in ParaguayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Paraguay was wisely playing behind closed doors even while Europe was still staging matches with full stadiums.
The outcome of its caution is a virus death toll of just 41, allowing them to restart the football championship last Tuesday.
The local league is much more interesting than might be expected from a poor country with a population of little more than 7 million.
OLIMPIA LEAD THE LEAGUE
There is the rivalry of the traditional big two, Olimpia and Cerro Porteno. And over the last 20 years Libertad have emerged as a major force.

Coached by one time Oxford United boss Ramon Diaz, they are the current league leaders.
These teams are usually competitive in continental competitions.
Olimpia have three times been South American champions, and before the shut down both they and Libertad had made a good start to this year’s version of the Copa Libertadores, South America’s Champions League.

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Former Oxford United boss Ramon Diaz has led Olimpia to the topCredit: AFP or licensors
And as a show of the surprising strength in depth of the Paraguayan championship, in the qualifying rounds of the Libertadores little Guarani eliminated Brazilian giants Corinthians – at best the fourth Paraguayan team getting the best of the biggest club in the biggest city of the continent.

Another small but traditional Paraguayan club, Nacional, reached the final of the Libertadores six years ago.
ADEBAYOR DIDN’T LAST LONG
The South American adventure of Emmanuel Adebayor proved a short one. He was signed at the start of the year to partner Santa Cruz in the Olimpia attack.
But he only played four games before the shutdown, when he headed back to Togo.
The loss of revenue caused by the stoppage has made him too expensive, and his contract has been torn up.
But there are other names that might be familiar to Premier League fans. At centre back for Olimpia, though he was dropped after a poor performance last Wednesday, is Antolin Alcaraz, once of Wigan and Everton.
At the age of 40, former Sunderland defender Paulo Da Silva still gets a game for Libertad, and his one time Stadium of Light colleague Cristian Riveros broke forward from midfield to score a cracker for Nacional at the weekend.

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Emmanuel Adebayor played just four games before his contract was torn upCredit: AFP or licensors
PARAGUAY 2010
All of these players were important members of the Paraguayan national team squad that did so well in the 2010 World Cup.
They reached the quarter finals, where they lost to Spain – but they gave the eventual champions perhaps the toughest knock out game they experienced in that run of three consecutive tournament wins, with South Africa 2010 flanked by two triumphs in the Euros.
That last eight match a decade ago may even have turned out differently had big striker Oscar Cardozo not missed a penalty.
His aim was better at the weekend, glancing home a header and setting up the winner as Libertad beat San Lorenzo 2-1.

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Players from the heroic 2010 Paraguay World Cup team are still heroes in their own league todayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
CONOR MCGREGOR INSPIRED
The Paraguayan league, though, is not just an elephants’ graveyard. Alongside the veterans are some emerging young talents.
The stand out from the two rounds since the restart has been Isidro Pitta, a well built striker who plays for Sportivo Luqueno.
With his ginger hair Pitta is an unlikely Paraguayan. Powerful and well built, there is something of Irish mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor about him.

It is a comparison that Pitta seems keen to play up.
He has scored three goals since the restart, and celebrates them by moving towards the camera with McGregor’s trademark floppy armed walk.
Isidro Pitta is a fitting symbol for a league that keeps punching above its weight.

Adebayor karate kicks opponent in head and gets sent off as goal drought at new club Olimpia goes on More

THEY only recently parted with Leroy Sane, but already Manchester City look like they’ve found a ready-made replacement.
Pep Guardiola’s side have been linked to a move for Spanish wonderkid Ferran Torres, 20, who has reportedly agreed a five-year deal at the Etihad.

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Manchester City are reportedly closing in on Valencia winger Ferran TorresCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The Valencia star has been called the complete winger in the Spanish press.
Able to play on both sides and being gifted with both feet, Torres is renowned for his pace and acceleration.
And with an eye for the pass, he could also fill the void left by the departing David Silva with his intricate play on the edge of the opposition box.
Meet the man they’ve labelled the ‘next Joaquin’ overseas.

BREAKOUT SEASON
While Valencia have disappointed this campaign, finishing ninth in La Liga and getting eliminated in the last 16 of the Champions League by Atalanta, Torres has been their one bright spark.
This season he cemented his place in Los Ches’ starting eleven, operating from both flanks.
And with injuries to Portuguese talisman Goncalo Guedes, Torres has become the main man.
The numbers don’t quite back up his importance to the Valencia side – four goals and five assists in 34 La Liga games.

But his performances have drawn suitors including Manchester United, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus in the past 18-months.

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Winger Torres is the ideal replacement for Leroy Sane Credit: Getty Images – Getty

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Torres has been on Valencia’s book since he was six

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He hails from the Valencia area originally

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Torres rose through the ranks at his boyhood club
LOCAL BOY
Torres grew up in Foios, Horta Nord, in the Valencian Community.
He began training with his boyhood club from the age of six, slowly working his way up the ranks.
In 2016 he made his debut for the reserves coming on as a substitute in a 2-0 Segunda División B home loss against Mallorca B.
Impressed by his progress, Barcelona and Real Madrid began hovering over the talent a year later.
Realising they had a gem on their hands, Valencia tied Torres up to a new contract with a £25million release clause.
If the big teams wanted him, it was going to cost them.
TOO MUCH TOO YOUNG?
Torres’ ascension into first team football has been as rapid as the player himself.
In November last year, he made his 50th La Liga appearance for the club – becoming the youngest Valencia player to play 50 league games at the age of 19 years and 324 days, breaking the 40-year old record of Miguel Tendillo.

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Torres became the youngest ever Valencia player to reach 50 games for the clubCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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His form has seen him linked with the likes of Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid
There’s no doubt the burden of responsibility has been placed on his young shoulders by one of the most successful teams in Spanish football.
And comparisons to Spain legend Joaquin will also put pressure on Torres.
A price tag of £87million has been mentioned in the past, but reports suggest Man City will be paying a lot less than that figure due to Valencia’s financial woes.
PLENTY OF ATTRIBUTES
So, what are Man City getting for their money – a fee said to be in the region of £36million plus add-ons?
A modern winger, who is equally as comfortable drifting in-field as he is hugging the touchline, Torres has been praised for his work-rate, essential for a new recruit working under Guardiola.
His raw pace, knocking the ball ahead of a full-back and winning the foot-race, is just one of his many tricks.
The adept dribbler has also been praised for his vision, finding team-mates with passes not many players can see.

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Torres boasts blistering pace

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Manchester City could be getting a bargain if a deal is pushed through

“He’s powerful, quick, steady with the ball at his feet and strong in the air,” Valencia academy director of recruitment Jose Gimenez said.
“He’s unpredictable. When he’s running with the ball at his feet he can go on inside or outside his man because he is two-footed. He can cross, finish and shoot.”
Sounds tailor-made for Manchester City, as they plot adding to their squad to regain the Premier League crown from Liverpool.

Man City willing to splurge £300M on transfers this summer as they target Ake and Torres to dethrone Liverpool More

CLUB legends deserve respect.
That’s why their teams have retired these star players’ squad numbers – never to be worn again.

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Jude Bellingham’s No22 jersey has been retired by Birmingham CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Jude Bellingham became the latest footballer to be given the honour, after breaking through at Birmingham City to sign for Borussia Dortmund in a £25million deal.
And the 17-year-old joins a list of accomplished performers he would love to emulate.
DIEGO MARADONA NO10
Not just Napoli’s greatest ever player, but arguably the greatest of all-time, Maradona defined the No10 jersey.
He delivered two Serie A titles for the Italian giants, the only championships they have ever won, during a glittering seven-year career in Naples.

His famous No10 shirt was retired in 2000.
Interestingly, Argentina also tried to retire his No10 international top in time for the 2002 World Cup, but had their request rejected by Fifa.

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Maradona was arguably the greatest NO10 of all timeCredit: Getty – Contributor
BOBBY MOORE NO6
The West Ham and England legend has been called the best defender to come from our shores.
So it was fitting in 2008 that the Hammers decided they would retire their captain’s No6.

The last player to wear it was Matthew Upson, who took the No15 on the 50-year anniversary Moore made his West Ham debut.

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West Ham captain Bobby Moore’s NO6 was retired by West Ham in 2008Credit: Getty Images – Getty
PAOLO MALDINI NO3
AC Milan’s No3 shirt has remained dormant since Maldini’s last game for the club in 2009.
And why not, considering the iconic defender won Serie A seven times and five European Cup/Champions League titles during his time there.
The one club man does have one special request though where the shirt could become unretired.
Should one of his sons emerge through the ranks and into the first team, he will be offered the opportunity to wear the No3. No pressure then.

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Paolo Maldini’s NO3 is only available to his sonsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
JOHAN CRUYFF NO14
In 2007, in honour of the late Cruyff’s 60th birthday, Ajax retired his famous No14 jersery.
The purveyor of ‘Total Football’ was an innovator on the pitch – winning the Ballon d’Or three times.
The late Dutch winger also played for Barcelona, who considered retiring the No14 jersey.
However, because he played in various squad numbers they changed their minds.

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Johan Cruyff’s famous NO14 was retired by Ajax on his 60th birthday
MARC-VIVIEN FOE, 23
Tragedy can also bring hero status.
In 2003, Cameroon legend Foe was playing for his country against Colombia in the Confederations Cup when he collapsed in the centre circle.
Despite the desperate attempts of medics to revive him, he died of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy at hospital.
Manchester City duly retired his No23.

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Marc-Vivien Foe’s NO23 was retired by Man City after his sudden passingCredit: Getty Images – Getty
PELE NO10
It’s fair to say NY Cosmos were put on the map by Pele.
Brazil’s greatest ever sports star played in the North American Soccer League from 1975-77 – scoring 64 goals in 107 games – in his twilight years.
That encouraged the Cosmos to retire his No10 shirt at half-time during his last game with the club.
Pele has been credited with increasing the interest of football in the States.

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Pele wore the NO10 during his twilight years at NY CosmosCredit: Getty – Contributor
FRANCO BARESI NO6
Maldini isn’t the only AC Milan legend to have his shirt number retired.
His old defensive partner Franco Baresi was also given the honour, after winning Serie A six times and three European Cup/Champions League titles across a 20-year career.
Baresi’s jersey was retired in 1997, after his last game for the club.
Two years later, he was named AC Milan Player of the Century.

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When Franco Baresi retired in 1997 Milan retired his NO6Credit: Getty Images – Getty
EMILIANO SALA NO9
The Argentine striker tragically died in an airplane crash after agreeing a deal with Cardiff City in 2019.
The football world grieved, while his former club Nantes knew what the most fitting tribute would be.
They retired his No9 jersey, after 133 games for the Ligue 1 brought 48 goals.

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Nantes retired Sala’s NO9 after his tragic death in an airplane crashCredit: Icon Sport – Getty
CARL IKEME NO1
The Wolves No1 played 191 times for the club between 2003-2018.
But in 2017, Ikeme was diagnosed with acute leukemia.
A year later, after being in complete remission, he hung up his gloves.
In his honour, Wolves retired their No1 jersey.
And that’s why Rui Patricio wears No11.

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Ikeme’s NO1 jersey was retired by Wolves in 2018Credit: Getty Images – Getty
HENRIK LARSSON NO17
Arguably, the greatest Swedish player of all-time.
Former Manchester United player Larsson is a legend at Helsingborgs, where he enjoyed two successful spells from 1992-93 and 2006-09.
He wore the No17 jersey up until his retirement in 2013.
To celebrate his incredible career, Helsingborgs retired his number soon after.

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Henrik Larsson is a Helsingborgs legendCredit: Johan Persson
ROGERIO CENI NO01
Brazilian goalie Ceni played over 1,200 times for Sao Paulo in a career that began in 1990 and ended in 2015.
What was more remarkable was his goalscoring record – famous for taking set pieces, he scored 131 goals.

He had a unique squad number too – No01 – a purposefully inverted No10.
The No1 isn’t off limits, though.
Legend.

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Ceni wore the NO01 jersey, an inverted NO10Credit: Getty Images – Getty More