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      in Boxing

      Inside Mike Tyson’s extravagant 52-room mansion he sold to 50 Cent for £3.3m with two pools, nightclub and studio

      by

      WHEN Mike Tyson was declared bankrupt in 2003, he was forced to sell up.
      With reported debts of £17million, his prized home in Connecticut was one of his first possessions to be sacrificed.

      Mike Tyson’s former home in ConnecticutCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      In 2003, Tyson was forced to sell the property for £3.3m after declaring bankruptcyCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      And it would’ve been a bitter pill for the 54-year-old to swallow, looking at the mega mansion.
      Boasting 52 rooms, including 21 bedrooms, as well as its own nightclub the property is as lavish as Tyson has ever owned.
      But it was needs must for the heavyweight boxing legend, and in came rapper 50 Cent who bought it from him for £3.3million the same year it was revealed he blew his fortune.
      PROPERTY DEETS
      When the In da Club singer bought the house from Tyson, it set a record for the most expensive home ever sold in the area of Farmington – and it’s easy to see why.

      Along with those 21 bedrooms we mentioned earlier, the 50,000-square-foot abode has a 25 bathrooms, an indoor pool and hot tub, an indoor court, multiple game rooms, a green-screen room, and a recording studio.
      And the opulence doesn’t end there.
      Entering the property through a stately front gate, you’re greeted by a lion statue.
      Walking into the home on the marble floor, a duelling wood-panelled staircase leads you to another level of the property.

      As can be seen, the decor is as lavish as it gets throughout the property.

      At the entrance of the property you’re faced with opulent gates and a statue of a lionCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      Two staircases lead you to the first floorCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      The ground floor features marble floorsCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      The master bedroom offers incredible views of the gardensCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      A steel staircase in the master bedroom leads to another floorCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      The walk-in closets are glass frontedCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      Astonishingly, there are 25 bathroomsCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      This bathroom features a huge bathtub overlooking the gardensCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      The bathroom has a glass showerCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      The reception room features a Weber grand pianoCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      The property also boasts its own nightclubCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      The master bedroom has a scenic view of the garden landscape.
      From there, you have your own steel staircase that leads to another floor that features a massive walk-in closet with glass doors, so you can see your designer wardrobe.
      One of the many en-suites has a huge bathtub that overlooks the gardens, and it also features a glass door shower.
      THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT
      The home is fit for someone who loves having friends round.
      There are outdoor and indoor basketball courts that complete the recreational feel to the property.

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      There’s a room with pool tables, and another games room with poker and roulette tables – meaning you’ll never have to go to Las Vegas again.
      Next to the outdoor basketball court is a pond that has an elaborate water feature spouting out and a guesthouse.
      However, this property does have a chequered history in sales.

      50 Cent had the outdoor basketball court personalised with his group’s name onCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      A second basketball court can be found indoorsCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      The indoor swimming pool is one of two at the homeCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      The outdoor pool features its own grottoCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      It’s the perfect spot to top up your tanCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      The kitchen has enough space for the most avid chefCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      One games room features pool tablesCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      Another games room has poker and roulette tablesCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      TOO EXPENSIVE
      Over the years, the property has dropped in value rapidly – mostly because of its running costs that 50 cent complained cost him around £50,000-per-month.
      In fact, it was on the market for 12 years – starting at £14million before it was finally sold last year for just £2.3million – an 84 per cent price drop.
      “It’s just oversized for the market,” estate agent Jonathan Miller told Realtor.com.
      “When you have a property that is well outside the norm, it takes a lot longer to sell.”

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      In the end, it was reportedly snapped up by US businessman Casey Askar, who owns several fast-food businesses.
      Another of Mike Tyson’s amazing homes, complete with cages for his tigers, was left abandoned before it was converted into a church.
      The 54-year-old now has everything back on track as he prepares for his comeback fight against Roy Jones Jr on September 12.

      A cinema room adds to the lavish offerings this property hasCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      The property also has a pond next to the basketball courtCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      There’s a guest house overlooking the pondCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      A water feature spouts into the pondCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      Over the years the property has struggled to sell and was on the market for 12 yearsCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      Eventually it sold last year for just £2.3m – decreasing 83 per cent in valueCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      Mike Tyson reveals he is in boxing training ahead of shock return to the ring for four-round charity fight More

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      in Boxing

      Mike Tyson’s £890k abandoned mansion had tiger cages and basketball court before conversion to CHURCH

      by

      THIS is the spectacular mansion Mike Tyson abandoned during his rapid fall from grace.
      The former professional boxer – who was convicted of rape in 1992 – had no choice but to sell this palatial property as financial ruin loomed, and the imposing Ohio mansion has since been converted into a CHURCH.

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      Mike Tyson’s former mansion has since been transformed into a churchCredit: imgur / www.illicitohio.com

      A former house of pain is now the house of the LordCredit: Youtube

      The Living Word Sanctuary Church have converted Tyson’s tiger cages into a pavilionCredit: Youtube

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      Disgraced Mike Tyson was forced to sell up after encountering serious money issuesCredit: AP:Associated Press
      The self-declared “baddest man on the planet” once called this massive property home, but the former heavyweight champion had no choice but to sell up in 1999, after being dogged by controversy and money woes.
      And the luxurious, if dusty, mansion has since been transformed into The Living Word Sanctuary Church’s home.
      Living Word Pastor Nicholas DeJacimo told the Warren Tribune-Chronicle: “The property had been untouched for 10 years.
      “You had so much grass you could have sold it for hay.”

      The dilapidated pool has since been turned into a sanctuary while the living room is now a gathering place.
      Remnants of the 54-year-old’s time still remain with the basketball court still intact.
      The old fireplace has since been turned into an indoor waterfall while the four-bay garage is now classrooms and a nursery.
      And the tall steel cages where Tyson kept his famous four tigers have been dismantled for a pavilion.

      Tyson admits his tigers could have come from convicted Netflix star Joe Exotic as he hails his ‘ingenious mind’

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      Iron Make once had gates erected bearing his nameCredit: imgur / www.illicitohio.com
      Previous snaps showed the mansion’s gold-plated fittings, situated behind an imposing gate with Tyson’s name emblazoned on it.
      The property was still an impressive sight, despite the run-down state and dilapidated interior it had became years after the brutal boxer sold it for £870k.
      In Tyson’s day, the mansion boasted five bedrooms and a full-size pool and Jacuzzi alongside its tiger cages and basketball court, with the entire pad decked out with crystal chandeliers.

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      The delipidated pool has since been turned into a sanctuaryCredit: imgur / www.illicitohio.com

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      The marble interior had been sliding into a state of disrepairCredit: imgur / www.illicitohio.com

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      Tyson was convicted of rape in 1992, and sentenced to six years in prison, but was released after serving three years.
      He is best known for biting part of Evander Holyfield’s ear off during a high profile bout in 1997, and the disgraced star was forced to declare bankruptcy in 2003 after racking up millions in debts.
      The 54-year-old is now set to make his boxing comeback against Roy Jones Jr on September 12 – 15 years after he decided to hang up his gloves. 

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      In his prime… rapist Mike Tyson is rumoured to be millions in debtCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

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      The house was decked out with chandeliers and tiger cages in its primeCredit: imgur / www.illicitohio.com

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      The house fetched over a million dollars when Tyson sold itCredit: imgur / www.illicitohio.com

      Mike Tyson aged 14 breaks down in tears before fight and then wins by spectacular first round knockout More

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      in Soccer

      Maradona’s No10 at Napoli, Bobby Moore’s No6 at West Ham and more footballers who have had their squad numbers retired

      by

      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

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      in Soccer

      Meet Leeds United’s stunning Wags, including an ‘undercover Disney princess’, a hot model and a friend of Lewis Capaldi

      by

      NO one is happier for Leeds United’s promotion heroes than these stunning lasses.
      The Yorkshire giants ended 16 years of hurt by FINALLY getting promotion to the Premier League.

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      Leeds United’s Wags have hit the big timeCredit: Instagram
      And these strikers will be cheering them on against the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal next season.
      From an ‘undercover Disney princess’ to a leggy model and a mate of Lewis Capaldi’s – Marcelo Bielsa’s men are well represented.
      Meet Leeds’ Wags…
      POPPY WELLER
      No relation to Paul (we checked), Poppy is the beautiful partner of full back Luke Ayling.

      The glamorous blonde plays the role of supportive Wag by regularly retweeting club news about the former Arsenal trainee.
      And when the pair enjoy all the trappings of football fame – dining out at swanky restaurants in Leeds city centre.
      Ever the fashionista, Poppy also loves to hit Harvey Nichols to shop for designer clobber.
      She is Premier League-ready.

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      Poppy Weller’s partner is Luke Ayling

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      Blonde beauty Weller is a fashionista who loves shopping in Leeds city centreCredit: Instagram
      DEBBIE DOUGLAS
      The wife of Barry Douglas, Debbie describes herself as a business owner on her social media accounts.
      But what stuck us more was the term ‘undercover Disney princess’ also in her bio.
      We’re not sure what that entails, but all throughout her Instagram page and her adventures with Barry are various Disney references.
      They are often seen taking in the sights of Yorkshire with their young son Kaidyn.

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      Debbie Douglas describes herself as an ‘undercover Disney princess’Credit: Instagram

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      Debbie’s partner is Leeds hero Barry DouglasCredit: Instagram
      YASMIN FORSHAW
      A proud mum, with another baby on the way, Adam and Yasmin Forshaw have lots to celebrate.
      They share similar hobbies, with Yasmin once sharing a photo online enjoying some rowing.
      And they also have like music tastes, in particular, crooner Lewis Capaldi.
      The pair met him backstage after a gig and struck it off immediately.
      Maybe Capaldi’s second team (after Celtic) is Leeds?

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      Yasmin Forshaw loves rowingCredit: Instagram

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      She is expecting her second child with Adam ForshawCredit: Instagram

      ASHLEIGH BEHAN
      If you’re dating Yorkshire’s answer to Andrea Pirlo, you’ve got to be something special.
      And Ashleigh will turn heads everywhere she goes when she hits a hotspot with beau, Kalvin Phillips.
      They’ve been spied at the York races together, have taken trips to London, as well as a city break to Reykjavik, Finland.
      Well turned out Behan is also a make-up artist – listing her services for weddings, commercial and fashion magazine photoshoots in the Leeds area.

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      Ashleigh Behan dates Kalvin PhillipsCredit: Instagram

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      Behan is a make-up artistCredit: Instagram
      MICHAELA IRELAND
      Patrick Bamford is a model pro… and so is his Wag.
      Brunette beauty Michaela has legs for days and the camera just loves her 5ft 10in frame.

      That’s why she has modelled for the likes of Pretty Little Thing and Missy Empire.
      During the coronavirus lockdown, she bunkered down with Leeds’ leading scorer.
      She has supported Bamford all season with positive tweets, and will be a welcome addition to the Premier League.

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      Patrick Bamford’s missus Michaela is a modelCredit: Instagram More

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      in Soccer

      The amazing players who won the Premier League title but missed out on a winners’ medal, including Gary Neville TWICE

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      LIVERPOOL’s brilliant title-winning team will be awarded their medals and get the opportunity to lift the Premier League Wednesday night.
      And the Reds will be given 40 medals from the Premier League to distribute between their players and staff.

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      Liverpool’s Premier League winning team gets clapped onto the pitch against previous champions Manchester CityCredit: Reuters
      23 players are guaranteed medals, having made five appearances in the league or more – the qualifying threshold for acquiring one.
      But not everyone will make the cut and go without – just like these past title winners below.
      GARY NEVILLE
      The legendary Manchester United right back has eight Premier League winners’ medals with the club, which is nothing to sneeze at.
      But the Sky Sports pundit could have had 10 in seasons 17 years apart.

      Neville made his debut during the 1993-94 season, but only managed one appearance at a time when you needed 10 league appearances to qualify – a rule that changed in 2012 to five.
      Then, in the 2009-10 season when United were crowned champions, Neville was stuck on four before he retired midway through the campaign.

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      Gary Neville has missed out on two Premier League winners’ medalsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      MO SALAH
      The Egyptian forward is guaranteed a medal, having starred 32 times for Jurgen Klopp’s men this term.
      But having left title-chasing Chelsea halfway through the 2014-15 season for a loan move to Fiorentina, he missed out on another with the Blues.

      Salah had just three appearances to his name, and was ineligible to receive a medal, when he was swapped for Juan Cuadrado.
      Ironically, Cuadrado – a Chelsea flop – DID get one appearing fourteen times for the club.

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      Mo Salah is now guaranteed a winners’ medal with LiverpoolCredit: Instagram @mosalah
      OWEN HARGREAVES
      Given the former Bayern Munich midfielder’s injury problems, it’s no surprise that Hargreaves missed out on medals at Manchester United.
      The BT Sport pundit also had the misfortune of missing out on a Premier League winners’ medal at Manchester City too!
      He did get one for his star-turn during the 2007-08 season for the Red Devils, but the seasons he missed out were in 2009 and 2011.
      And he only played once for City when they stormed to the title in 2012.

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      Owen Hargreaves missed on a Premier League winners’ medal with Manchester United twice, and Manchester CityCredit: Getty – Contributor
      DAVID BATTY
      The former England international and Leeds legend was part of the Blackburn Rovers side that shocked the world to win the Premier League in 1995.
      Although he was an integral squad member, an injury kept him on the sidelines and he played just five times – again, when he needed 10.
      Rovers did offer Batty a winners’ medal, however he declined because he felt he didn’t contribute enough during the season.
      He never won a Premier League winners’ medal after that, finishing runners-up with Newcastle in 1996 and 1997.

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      David Batty refused a medal with Blackburn feeling he didn’t contribute enough after getting injuredCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      FEDERICO MACHEDA
      Macheda can, perhaps, count himself a little unlucky not to have one.
      Especially given what he did for Manchester United, when they seemed dead and buried against Aston Villa.
      His winning goal in the dying moments to secure a miraculous comeback and a 3-2 win helped United stay on track to win the Premier League in 2009.
      He played four times that season, scoring twice, but was unfortunate to miss out.
      Macheda would miss out again in 2010-11.

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      Despite his heroics, Federico Macheda didn’t get a medal for keeping Man Utd in the title raceCredit: Getty – Contributor
      SCOTT PARKER
      The Fulham manager didn’t quite fit in at the Blues after he was signed by Jose Mourinho from Charlton in 2004.
      And he didn’t get enough appearances under his belt in Chelsea’s 2004-05 title-winning season – managing just four games.
      Parker left West London the following summer, playing for Newcastle, West Ham, Tottenham and Fulham along the way.
      He never got a sniff of a title ever again.

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      Scott Parker found himself out of favour under Jose MourinhoCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      NEMANJA MATIC
      It’s fair to say defensive midfielder Matic made up for his early disappointment by winning Premier League winners’ medals in 2015 and 2017 for Chelsea.
      But in his first year with the West London giants, Carlo Ancelotti only gave him two run outs as they stormed to the Double in 2009-10.
      He left Chelsea in 2011 for Benfica, winning the Portuguese league in 2013.
      Matic returned to the Premier League that same year with unfinished business.

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      Nemanja Matic missed out on a title medal when Chelsea won the Double in 2010Credit: Getty – Contributor
      WES BROWN
      The Manchester United defender won five Premier League titles under Sir Alex Ferguson.
      However, he was limited to just eight appearances in 2008-09 because of injury.
      It meant Brown missed out adding a fifth medal to his collection.
      Two years later, history repeated itself when he missed out on another medal.

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      In 2009 West Brown missed out on his fifth winners’ medalCredit: PA:Press Association
      MICAH RICHARDS
      In 2012, Richards could do no wrong – helping Manchester City to their first ever Premier League title.
      The defender was even shortlisted for the club’s Player of the Year award that season – losing in the end to Sergio Aguero.
      But his contribution in 2013-14 was minimal.
      Injury and bad form saw him slip down the pecking order at the club.
      Just two league appearances meant he missed out on a medal, and he was soon loaned out to Fiorentina before he was released in 2015.

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      Micah Richards missed out when Manchester City won their first Premier League titleCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      ANDREJ KRAMARIC
      Leicester City made Kramaric their record signing in 2015, splashing £9million on the Croatian striker.
      But, as it turned out, they didn’t really need him.

      A certain Jamie Vardy rose to prominence and kept Kramaric out of the Leicester side, as they miraculously won the Premier League in the 2015-16 season.
      He was loaned out in the January transfer window in 2016 to Hoffenheim, having only appeared twice before then.
      It meant no winners’ medal for Kramaric.

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      Leicester City record signing Andrej Kramaric played second fiddle to Jamie VardyCredit: PA:Press Association

      Ally McCoist says Liverpool failing to get 100 points should not detract from winning the Premier League More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd new boy Alvaro Fernandez Carreras, 17, was schooled by Real Madrid and idolised Brazil legend Marcelo growing up

      by

      THE emphasis is on youth at Old Trafford, as their latest signing proves.
      This week, Manchester United swooped to sign Real Madrid starlet Alvaro Fernandez Carreras on a four-year deal.

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      Alvaro Fernandez Carreras has signed for Man UtdCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The left-back became a free agent on June 30 after he failed to agree an extension with Los Blancos.
      It’s the second Spanish full-back the Red Devils have added to their youth ranks – following the capture of Barcelona wonderkid Marc Jurado for £1.5million back in June.
      And Carreras, 17, is equally as highly thought of in his homeland.
      A NEW DAWN
      The explosive full back, who bares an uncanny resemblance to Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos, left the La Liga champions with a heavy heart.

      But the chance to move to the Premier League to aid his development was an offer too good to refuse.
      He said: “It was not an easy decision and I only have words of thanks, after having belonged to the White House these past 3 years, I have made the decision to leave this great club.
      “I wanted to thank all my teammates, and the entire coaching staff Real Madrid, for making me a better person and footballer.
      “It has been a real pleasure to wear this shirt, and represent this shield, it is time to say forever and take another path in my football career, take a step forward towards my dream, thank you Real Madrid!”

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      Carreras, 17, was schooled by Real MadridCredit: Instagram

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      The left-back models his game on Brazilian legend MarceloCredit: Instagram
      MAJORCA-BORN
      Carreras was plucked from Deportivo La Coruna’s youth set up in 2017, where the Majorca-born talent spent five years developing his game.
      Before that, he was with another local team Racing de Ferrol – from 2007 to 2012.
      However, it was at Real Madrid his ability gained most traction, with United jumping at the opportunity to snap up the 6ft 1in defender.
      He was a regular at Under-15, 16 and 17 levels, before moving to Manchester.

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      Carreras grew up in MallorcaCredit: Instagram

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      The Spaniard revealed it was a dream to move to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      WHAT TYPE OF PLAYER IS HE?
      Keeping a close eye on Real Madrid legend Marcelo, Carreras has modelled his game on the Brazilian international.
      And the club’s official website gives an indication into the type of player United are getting.

      “Alvaro plays left-handed as his idol: Marcelo.
      “He is a quality defender and good at taking the ball from behind. He stands out technically and for his intelligence on the field. He is difficult to beat one on one.”
      Another talented youngster blossoming with the club, the future’s most certainly bright at United.

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      Carreras will be joining his new Man Utd team-mates from next seasonCredit: Instagram

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      Carreras is a pacy full back difficult to beat on a one-on-oneCredit: Instagram More

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      Chelsea transfer target Tagliafico is Argentina’s heir to legend Marzolini, who died aged 79 last week

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      A FEW days after the passing of Jack Charlton, he was followed into the pearly gates by one of his old adversaries.
      Silvio Marzolini, who died on Friday at the age of 79, was Argentina’s left back in that stormy Wembley World Cup quarter final in 1966, when visiting captain Antonio Rattin was sent off and a late Geoff Hurst goal sent England through to a last four clash with Portugal.

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      Silvio Marzolini passed away last week at 79Credit: Twitter@Augustocesar22
      Blonde, elegant and talented, Marzolini was chosen as the best left back of the tournament – a highpoint of an international career that lasted for much of the decade.
      His last caps came as Argentina failed to make it to Mexico 70. Some of his first came in the 1962 World Cup in Chile, when Argentina were eliminated in the group phase after suffering a 3-1 defeat to England.
      This time there was only one Charlton in the England line up. Jack’s international career would not get underway for another three years.
      But younger brother Bobby was already one of the outstanding players of an England side that ended up losing to eventual champions Brazil in the quarter finals.

      Amazingly, Marzolini and Bobby Charlton could even have become club mates – on the other side of the Atlantic.
      During the World Cup in Chile, Charlton received a backdoor approach from Buenos Aires giants Boca Juniors.
      He mentioned that his wife was pregnant with their first child – and was told that this would be no problem.
      Boca could arrange for the child to be born in the British Embassy, so that it would be qualified to play for England.

      Bobby Charlton had no interest in leaving Manchester United.
      The main incentive to join Boca would have been financial – this was a time when the big clubs in Argentina paid much higher wages than players received in England.

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      Marzolini was a Boca Junior legendCredit: Twitter@Augustocesar22

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      Bobby Charlton could have been Marzolini’s team-mate at BocaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And this in turn explains why Silvio Marzolini was such a Boca legend. He had reached the pinnacle, in sporting and financial terms, and with nothing to lure him away he played for Boca between 1960 and 1972.
      He later returned to coach the club, and was in charge during Diego Maradona’s brief but memorable and victorious time there in the early 1980s.
      These days, of course, a player with the pedigree of Silvio Marzolini would be lured to Europe at an early age.
      Argentina’s current left back, Nicolas Tagliafico, plays for Ajax in Holland, and has been linked in the last few days with a move to Chelsea and Manchester City.

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      Nicolas Tagliafico has similarities to MarzoliniCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Tagliafico is not quite in the same class as Marzolini. The 1960s left back was better balanced. But there is something of the old player in the new.
      They share an upright elegance. This is more than a coincidence. Marzolini’s last job in football was with the youth ranks of the Banfield club, in the sprawl of greater Buenos Aires.
      One of the players he developed was Nicolas Tagliafico, who paid tribute to him on his death last week.

      Nicolas Tagliafico scores stunning goal in Ajax training More

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      Arsenal target Joelson Fernandes has been called the ‘next Cristiano Ronaldo’ and is youngest to make debut for Sporting

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      GUNNERS fans may still be smarting that Arsene Wenger missed out on signing Cristiano Ronaldo – but this might just make up for it.
      Arsenal are reportedly ready to pay £41million to land Portuguese wonderkid Joelson Fernandes, 17, dubbed the ‘next Ronaldo’.

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      Sporting teenager Joelson Fernandes has been called the ‘Next Cristiano Ronaldo’Credit: AFP OR LICENSORS

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      Fernandes, 17, is a £41million target for ArsenalCredit: Instagram / @joelsonfernandes
      And they’re believed to be heading a queue of clubs, including Barcelona and Juventus.
      If Mikel Arteta can pull the move off, it would be a statement of intent from the North London giants.
      This month, Fernandes broke Ronaldo’s longstanding Sporting record – becoming their youngest ever player when he came onto the pitch as a late sub against Gil Vicente.
      That rapid rise, as well as his dancing feet, have meant the comparisons with CR7 are inevitable.

      The wing-wizard certainly has a huge future in the game.
      LISBON’S WIDEMEN
      Over the years, Sporting have produced some of the world’s greatest widemen.
      Ronaldo aside, Luis Figo, Nani, and Ricardo Quaresma have all hugged the touchline for the Lions and been remembered for their outstanding wing-play.
      Fernandes admits following in the footsteps of those legends does put pressure on him.

      However, he can only do his best.

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      Joelson is following in the footsteps of Sporting greats, like Bruno FernandesCredit: Instagram / @joelsonfernandes

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      His wing-wizardry has been compared to Sporting’s wingers of yesteryearCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      17 year old Joelson Fernandes plays for Sporting CP and is expected to make his senior debut soon.Here he is ripping his opponents to bits for his national team’s youth side. 💥pic.twitter.com/ycQZnBKsDY
      — Redmen TV Academy (@RedmenAcademy) July 1, 2020

      “It is true that being compared to these players puts a little extra pressure on me,” he told Portuguese newspaper O Jogo.
      “I try to follow their example and play the best I can in each game.”
      FOOTBALL IN THE FAMILY
      Fernandes was born with football in his blood.
      His father Eusebio Mango played at youth level with Porto and Sporting, before enjoying a career in Portugal’s lower leagues.
      While his younger brother Sana, who also lives and breathes football, is on Sporting’s books.
      The pair were seen during lockdown practicing their ball skills on the street outside their apartment.
      But Joelson spent his early years in the West African country of Guinea-Bissau.
      His football education began with Academia Valusa do Bairro Militar, an amateur team just outside the capital Bissau.
      At the age of 11, his family decided to move to Portugal in search of a better life.

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      His father Eusebio Mango Fernandes played youth football with Sporting and PortoCredit: Instagram / @joelsonfernandes

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      Football runs in the family with younger brother Sana (centre) also on Sporting’s booksCredit: Instagram / @joelsonfernandes
      Soon, his talents were discovered by Sporting’s scouts and he joined their youth academy.
      A SACRIFICE
      Every weekend, Fernandes would travel 155 miles from his home in Aveiro on the Portuguese coast to Lisbon to train with his team-mates.
      At 13, he joined the club’s academy full-time and moved to the capital.
      From then, there was no looking back for the young starlet – who worked his way through the youth team, playing in age groups above his own.
      Internationally, Fernandes has also represented Portugal at U15, U16, and U17 level.

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      Fernandes joined Sporting’s academy full-time at the age of 13Credit: Instagram / @joelsonfernandes

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      Rising through the ranks, Fernandes played at age levels above his ownCredit: Instagram / @joelsonfernandes
      And before he broke into the first team, he starred for the U23s – scoring five times in 28 games and registering two assists.
      It’s worth noting he only turned 17 five months ago.
      FLATTERING LINKS
      Europe’s top clubs are watching Fernandes, who has a £41million price tag on his head.
      For that reason, it’s believed Sporting are looking to extend his contract to 2025, while including a £71million release clause.
      Fernandes is keeping his feet on the ground, though.
      “It is very flattering and I think it represents the value of my work,” he revealed.

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      Sporting are hoping to tie down Fernandes to a contract till 2025 with a £71m release clauseCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Fernandes is flattered that Europe’s top clubs are tracking his progressCredit: Instagram / @joelsonfernandes

      “I did not look at that alleged interest very much, I am happy where I am and fighting to achieve my dream, which is to play for Sporting’s first team.
      “Nobody has told me about this extension offer yet. Besides, I try not to think about these things too much. I just want to play football.”
      Whether that’s at Sporting or in the Premier League next season, we’ll just have to wait and see. More