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      Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Philippe Coutinho, and more Serie A flops who were stars for their Premier League clubs

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      SERIE A is still proving to be a difficult league for Premier League stars to prosper in.
      If the latest reports are to be believed, former Tottenham ace Christian Eriksen could find himself surplus to requirements after a disastrous spell with Inter Milan.

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      Christian Eriksen is a shadow of the player he was at Spurs at InterCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And the Danish playmaker isn’t the first footballer who has flopped in Italy, but been a consistent performer on our shores.
      These guys were just the same.
      THIERRY HENRY
      Arsenal’s all-time leading scorer, Henry enjoyed his best years playing in North London.
      But before he graced the Premier League with such finesse and skill, the French World Cup winner had trouble finding his feet at Juventus.

      With much expected from him after a £10.5million move from Monaco, where he shone, Henry scored just three times in 19 games.
      He played at wing-back, wide midfield, but was never utilised right until Arsene Wenger turned him into one of the greatest forwards of his generation.

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      Thierry Henry struggled to make his name at JuventusCredit: AP:Associated Press
      DENNIS BERGKAMP
      Another Gunners hero, the non-flying Dutchman was recognised as one of Europe’s best players in the early 90s at Ajax.
      So it was no surprise he moved to Inter Milan and Serie A, which was then seen as the greatest league in the world for £7.1million from Ajax in 1993.

      However, the move was a disaster for Bergkamp, who was played out of position.
      Instead of the deeper role that he became known for, he was a target man and expected to be a goalscorer.
      One media publication, who had a regular feature called ‘Donkey of the Week’ that shone the spotlight on the worst Serie A performer, even changed the name of that award to ‘Bergkamp of the Week’.
      74 games and 22 goals later he was off to Arsenal for £7.5million in 1995.

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      Dennis Bergkamp lost his mojo at Inter MilanCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      PHILIPPE COUTINHO
      At Liverpool Coutinho became one of the most feared midfielders in the country.
      His goals and vision often stole the show, earning him a £142million move to Barcelona.
      But, when Rafael Benitez brought him to Anfield for the sum of just £8.5million, he wasn’t exactly highly thought of in Italy.
      He struggled to break into Inter’s team, and in 2012 was loaned to Espanyol, where he played under manager Mauricio Pochettino.
      By 2013, he was at Liverpool – and the rest is history.

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      Philippe Coutinho was deemed surplus to requirements at InterCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      DES WALKER
      For Nottingham Forest, Sheffield Wednesday and England, Des Walker was a rock at the back.
      A solid reader of the game, he could head the ball, he was a clean tackler, quick, and a difficult customer to come up against.
      In Serie A, however, where defence is king – Walker’s attributes suddenly got lost.
      It might’ve been because the £1.5million Sampdoria signing was played at full back by manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.
      After one season and thirty games, Walker returned to England in 1993.

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      Des Walker’s days at Sampdoria were a disasterCredit: Popperfoto – Getty
      JOE HART
      Now with the opportunity to resurrect his career in Scotland with Celtic, it all went wrong for Hart when Pep Guardiola became Manchester City manager.
      Frozen out by the Spanish boss, who wanted a goalie who was better with his feet, the England stopper was loaned out to Torino.
      First, Hart had the indignity of having his name spelled wrong on the team-sheet.
      Then, he conceded one of the most comical goals ever after a team-mate’s pass landed in a puddle leading to an Empoli goal.
      It’s easy to forget that Hart has 75 England caps, is still only 33, and before he was discarded by City he was recognised as one of Europe’s finest young goalkeepers.

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      Joe Hart’s loan spell at Torino was filled with calamities Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      AARON RAMSEY
      The Welsh midfielder, on a whopping £400,000-per-week, has flopped in his first year at Juventus.
      Injuries and loss of form have seen Ramsey playing 31 times for the Turin club, scoring just four goals.
      At Arsenal, he was a legend – renowned for his swashbuckling runs into the box and scoring goals.
      He managed 64 strikes for the Gunners during his career, and has been touted for a return to the Premier League with Manchester United.
      Die-hard Gooner Piers Morgan also recently had a pop at him – suggesting that Cristiano Ronaldo wouldn’t have been impressed that Juventus signed Ramsey in the summer.

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      Aaron Ramsey has failed to justify his £400,000-per-week wages at JuventusCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      IAN RUSH
      Liverpool’s all-time top goalscorer with an incredible 346 goals in two spells with the club, Rush played for Juventus in-between.
      But the 1987-88 season was awful for the Welsh striker, who struggled to unlock tight Italian defences.

      Normally used to scoring 30-plus goals a season, Rush managed just seven league goals in 29 games.
      Although he was “homesick at times,” Rush claims moving to Italy was one of the best things he ever did.
      After his spell abroad, Rush never did hit the 30-goal landmark in a season again.

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      In his one season in Italy Ian Rush managed just seven Serie A goals for JuventusCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Christian Eriksen ‘one of ELEVEN Inter stars up for sale’ months after transfer from Tottenham as Conte eyes overhaul More

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      Five cheeky penalty passes, from epic fails by Ramos and Benzema and Pires and Henry to a Cruyff masterclass

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      THIS lot are taking the spot mick.
      When most teams are awarded penalties, their designated taker will often plant the ball down on the penalty spot and hammer it home.

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      Sergio Ramos passes the ball to Benzema in their failed penalty passCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Ramos and Benzema celebrate after their retaken penalty is scoredCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But sometimes you’ll get the odd show-off who might try and be clever with their effort from 12-yards.
      The penalty pass is the ultimate mickey-take, and more challenging than it looks.
      Just ask Real Madrid pair Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema, who recorded an epic fail against Villarreal.
      Their attempt was ruled out after Benzema was accused of encroaching. Luckily enough, the referee ordered a retake which they scored from and their blushes were spared.

      But not everyone has been so lucky…
      ROBERT PIRES AND THIERRY HENRY
      The two ‘Invincibles’ and Arsenal legends made a total mess of their clever penalty when they tried to pull it off.
      It happened in a game against Manchester City in 2005, and is remembered as one of the worst penalties ever taken in the Premier League.
      Pires was supposed to pass the ball to Henry, but he messed up the pass and the pair were left with egg on their face.

      “It was Thierry Henry’s idea and of course it was my mistake, because I missed the ball,” Pires later told SportBible.
      “I regret the pass but not the penalty. It was a good idea, the people need to watch something new and the penalty between me and Thierry was a new thing.
      “Sometimes in football, I know it was a big mistake, but sometimes you need some fantasy on the field. For me it was a good fantasy but unfortunately I missed the pass but it was a good idea.”
      [embedded content]

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      Thiery Henry and Robert Pires famously messed up a penalty passCredit: Peter Tarry

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      The two Arsenal stars were left with egg on their faces when it went wrongCredit: Reuters
      LIONEL MESSI AND LUIS SUAREZ
      It was 2016, a time when Barcelona were often accused of disrespecting opponents by showboating while boasting a front three of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.
      They were the Harlem Globetrotters of football, so why not attempt a tricky penalty pass.
      And Messi and Suarez managed to pull it off – with the Argentinian passing to the Uruguayan to sidefoot home.
      The six-time Ballon d’Or winner was one off 300 La Liga goals as he stepped up, but he preferred to lay the ball on a tee for Suarez to score his hat-trick.
      Later, Neymar claimed that the pass was actually meant for him.
      “It was for me, we had practiced it in training!” he said. “Leo and myself had practiced but Luis was closer and he scored it.”
      “Our friendship is the most important thing. It doesn’t matter who scores the goals just that we win the games.”
      [embedded content]

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      Lionel Messi tees up Luis Suarez for the spotCredit: Reuters

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      Neymar, trailing behind Suarez, claimed the pass was meant for himCredit: Reuters
      JOHAN CRUYFF AND JESPER OLSEN
      The Ajax team of the 1970s and 1980s played ‘Total Football’, in part thanks to the terrific Cruyff – arguably the player of his generation.
      And in a game against Helmond Sport in 1982, Cruyff and team-mate Jesper Olsen enjoyed a one-two with their penalty pass.
      Cruyff put the ball on the spot, before rolling it to Olsen who drew the keeper out and squared it back to the Dutch master to slot the ball home into the empty net.
      “We had training in September and he mentioned it, that we could do it in a game and we trained it a few times that weekend,” Olsen told FourFourTwo.
      “And then we did not talk about it until we actually did it in that game in December. Again, it was just how he was. Always thinking about how he could do things differently.
      “Trying to show that this could be done and he was one of those players that just tried new things.”
      [embedded content]

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      Johan Cruyff and Jesper Olsen of Ajax score with a penalty passCredit: Sky

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      Cruyff scores in an empty netCredit: Sky
      MIKE TREBILCOCK AND JOHN NEWMAN
      The first ever pass penalty in England was actually attempted by Plymouth Argyle.
      It happened in 1964, when Mike Trebilcock and John Newman attempted the feat against Manchester City.
      Trebilcock laid the ball off to Newman who beat the keeper to the ball and lashed home.
      Later, Trebilcock revealed it was the brainchild of maverick manager Malcolm Allison.
      He revealed: “I was playing for Plymouth Argyle at the time, and Big Malcolm Allison was the manager. It was one of his mad ideas.”
      [embedded content]

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      Mike Trebilcock of Plymouth Argyle lines up to take a penalty kick against Manchester City
      RIK COPPENS AND ANDRE PITERS
      The pioneers of the penalty pass were Belgium pair Coppens and Piters.
      In 1957, in a game against Iceland, they had the in-genius idea to try something different.

      And it must’ve been where Cruyff and Olsen got the inspiration from.
      Coppens nudged the ball forward, Piters ran onto it, but rather than score he returned the ball to his team-mate.
      All that was left for Coppens to do was stroke the ball into an empty net as Icelandic keeper Bjorgvin Hermannsson looked on in despair.
      [embedded content]

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      Belgium football legend Rik Coppens was the pioneer of the pass penaltyCredit: RTBF.BE

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      Coppens slots the ball into an empty netCredit: RTBF.BE More

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      Man Utd’s 2014-15 Nike kit, Liverpool’s 2020-21 New Balance strip and more that were unreleased when supplier changed

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      THEY’re the strips that could’ve been.
      Football clubs are constantly looking at ways of making revenue, especially when times like the coronavirus pandemic can hit their finances.

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      Man Utd would’ve worn this kit during the 2014-15 season had they stayed with NikeCredit: FOOTY HEADLINES
      And more often than not, it’s the kit suppliers who are switched for another sports company.
      At the last minute, the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Lazio have all changed their plans for what they’d be wearing the following season.
      Here’s what they could’ve looked like.
      MAN UTD 2015-16 HOME KIT, NIKE
      It was the season United went with Adidas, and one of their finest jerseys in recent years.

      But, it could’ve been much different had they honoured their Nike deal – and probably not as nice.
      A jersey that did the rounds on Footyheadlines.com was this two-tone effort.
      Split in half, it featured two different shades of red.
      The collar was a v-neck, while black stripes ran down the sleeve.

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      The United shirt was two-tone redCredit: FOOTY HEADLINES
      LIVERPOOL 2020-21 KITS, NEW BALANCE
      The Premier League champions have now switched to Nike, which is a great catch for them.
      But spare a thought for New Balance, who had prepared home, away and a third kit for Reds.
      The jerseys are an ode to the past – with the yellow kit similar to what Kenny Dalglish wore in the 1980s.
      The black kit with fluorescent stripes on the side though would’ve certainly divided opinion.

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      Liverpool could’ve been wearing this at Anfield next seasonCredit: FOOTY HEADLINES

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      The yellow jersey was similar to what Kenny Dalglish wore in the 1980sCredit: FOOTY HEADLINES

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      A black jersey with stripes on it would’ve divided opinionCredit: FOOTY HEADLINES
      LAZIO 2012-13 KIT, PUMA
      Miroslav Klose would’ve loved banging in goals in this top.
      Before they turned to Italian sportswear manufacturer’s Macron, Lazio had a deal with Puma.
      And they could’ve had this cool kit with a square pattern running through it, as well as a buttoned collar.
      A year later, Puma began an association with Premier League giants Arsenal.

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      Puma’s effort for Lazio never saw the light of dayCredit: FOOTY HEADLINES
      AUSTRALIA 2004 HOME AND AWAY KITS, ADIDAS
      Adidas had grand plans for the Socceroos.
      In 2004, they designed home and away jerseys for the Australian national team, two years before Tim Cahill and Co managed to reach the last 16 of the World Cup.
      Akin to something the Wallabies might wear, the home kit was classic with a green stripe going across the shoulders, while the away top was similar to Scotland’s.
      They’ll be collector’s items somewhere.

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      The Wallabies had these shirts designed by Adidas before turning to NikeCredit: FOOTY HEADLINES
      NORTHERN IRELAND 1994 HOME KIT, UMBRO
      Come a World Cup year, come an expected kit change.
      Not that Northern Ireland, featuring the likes of Iain Dowie, Keith Gillespie, and Jim Magilton were expected to make USA ’94.
      But this Umbro effort was fitting of the style of shirts of the 90s, with an open collar and a funky design on the sleeves.
      The lines under the pit complete its retro look.

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      This retro Northern Ireland kit from 1994 by Umbro was fitting for the eraCredit: FOOTY HEADLINES
      AMERICA DE CALI 2011-12 KIT, PUMA
      Colombian giants America De Cali boast a rich history.
      Fourteen national titles and four appearances in the Copa Libertadores final (although they’ve never won it) show their pedigree.
      And it’s why Puma were keen to continue supplying their kit.

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      America De Cali’s shelved Nike kit from 2011/12Credit: FOOTY HEADLINES

      However Cali had other ideas and defected to Nike.
      What was left was this rather busy black jersey with two red stripes through the top.
      The gold badges, though, looked ace.

      Chelsea to wear new 2020-21 home kit against West Ham after sponsorship with Yokohama Tyres runs out More

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      Arsenal Fan TV’s epic rise, from pioneering a supporters-led YouTube channel to getting an endorsement from Aubameyang

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      IN 2012, former BBC Reggae radio host Robbie Lyle took his passion for Arsenal to another level.
      Irked by listening to pundits talk about his club, he wanted to hear from the so-called ‘real fans’ and air them on a YouTube channel he originally christened Arsenal Fan TV.

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      Robbie Lyle started Arsenal Fan TV in 2012Credit: Getty Images – Getty

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      AFCTV regular Claude Callegari has been removed from the social media platform indefinitely for racist remarks about Son Heung-minCredit: YouTube
      He took his cameraman ‘Tao’ to the Emirates Stadium and interviewed supporters after a 5-2 win over local rivals Tottenham, which pioneered the future of fans-led TV.
      Since then, the channel has grown to 1.18m subscribers, made stars out of Gooners like Troopz, Ty and DT, polarised the club’s fanbase, and was forced into a name-change when club officials deemed it detrimental to their brand.
      AFTV even flogs its own merch, selling hoodies for £34.99 and trucker hats for £24.99.
      It’s latest controversy, airing a racist remark made by AFTV regular Claude Callegari towards Son Heung-min, adds to its rap sheet.

      During his Oxford Union address in 2018, Hector Bellerin slated Arsenal Fan TV.
      While leading goalscorer Piere-Emerick Aubameyang has in the past endorsed AFTV.
      Here’s it’s epic rise.
      ENOUGH OF THE PUNDITS
      When Lyle, 47, quit his day job as a surveyor to focus solely on his new project he set out with one aim.

      “We’ve all had enough of the so-called pundits, most of whom aren’t even at the games,” he told Vice.

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      Lyle started AFTV because he wanted to hear the views of real fans
      “So I started my own channel to hear from the real fans, with real opinions. That was my aim with the site”.
      What happened next, he could never have imagined.
      Coupled with Arsenal’s deteriorating form on the pitch, irate Gooners were getting their voices heard after games.
      Lyle and his cameraman would camp outside the stadium and interview anyone who had an opinion on the action they had just seen.
      “People didn’t want to talk to us at first,” Lyle told Joe.
      “I’d just ask them that question: ‘What do you think?’ But as people started to see us doing it more and more, and started to see the quality of what we were producing, to see us getting traction and the videos going out there and making an impact, more people wanted to speak.”
      WENGER OUT
      Soon, with results on the pitch going from bad to worse – and Arsene Wenger’s longstanding reign being called into question – AFTV had an agenda.
      Regulars like DT and Troopz became famous for their rants – backing a ‘Wenger out’ stance.
      It is those angry monologues that, still to this day, are the some of the most viewed on their social media channel.

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      DT is one of AFTV’s regulars who ranted about Arsene Wenger’s demise

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      Protests echoing AFTV’s views appear at Brighton in 2018Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Eventually, they got their wish when Wenger’s 22-year stint came to an end in 2018.
      And although the French legend didn’t name AFTV specifically, his message about Arsenal’s fanbase could have been seemed as a subtle dig.
      “This club is respected all over the world. Much more than in England,” he said.
      “Our fans did not give the image of unity that I want at the club. That was hurtful.
      “The image we gave is not what it is and not what I like. We can speak about sport.
      “You have to accept that you can lose games but it is as well about something more, something bigger than just winning and losing.”
      CRITICS IN THE GAME
      When Hector Bellerin gave a talk to students at the Oxford Union, he was asked about his thoughts on the criticism he gets from AFTV.
      And the Spanish defender didn’t hold back.
      “I don’t think there’s players who go on the internet to watch Arsenal Fan TV,” Bellerin said.

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      Hector Bellerin was scathing about AFTV during Oxford Union addressCredit: Rex Features

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      Bellerin accused Lyle of trying to make money off Arsenal’s failureCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “It does sometimes pop up on your timeline. I see it sometimes, some friends say ‘oh have you heard what that guy on Arsenal FanTV said?’
      “It’s so wrong for someone who claims to be a fan and their success is fed off a failure. How can that be a fan? There’s just people hustling, trying to make money their way, which everyone is entitled to do.”
      Sky Sports TV pundit Gary Neville has also been scathing about AFTV in the past, specifically on their treatment of Wenger.
      “I walked out the Chelsea ground yesterday and there was a couple of these Arsenal fan TV camera things everywhere and to be honest it was embarrassing listening to it and watching it,” Neville said.
      “I was watching Chelsea fans take the mickey out of them which was a bit funny and I was watching Arsenal fans slating and slanging into him [Wenger] and I thought to myself, he doesn’t deserve that, that’s one thing he doesn’t deserve – he’s done an unbelievable job.”
      Later, Neville admirably sat down with Lyle to explain his comments about AFTV’s public condemnation of the Frenchman.
      THE FANS TURNED
      At the tale end of last year, with the club in turmoil with the sacking of Unai Emery, a group of fans turned on Lyle and his posse after a disappointing 0-0 draw against Everton at Goodison Park.
      On sight of AFTV cameras, chants of ‘Arsenal fan TV get out of our club!’ could be heard in a clip shared on social media – the very platform AFTV has profited on.
      The scene was so toxic, Lyle required a police escort to take him away from the ground.

      Hate to see this. Few nicer people or more loyal @Arsenal fans than Robbie Lyle. The reason @AFTVMedia has been so negative in recent years is that we’ve been utter cr*p.Don’t blame the messengers – blame the owners, managers & players. https://t.co/EcfPyQ3SIN
      — Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) December 21, 2019

      Lyle fired back to his detractors: “Merry Christmas to those guys who wasted their time.
      “You know what there’s about ten or 15 of them who have been piping up from inside the ground, trying to get songs going. I just don’t understand it.
      “[Mikel] Arteta’s in the stands. We’re on the verge of a new era. You’d have thought those fans would have loved to get behind the team instead of wasting their time.”
      Celebrity Arsenal fan Piers Morgan jumped to the defence of the channel, insisting the only reason negativity was coming out of AFTV is because performances on the pitch were poor.
      He wrote on Twitter: “Hate to see this. Few nicer people or more loyal @Arsenal fans than Robbie Lyle. The reason AFTV has been so negative in recent years is that we’ve been utter c*ap. Don’t blame the messengers – blame the owners, managers & players.”
      AN UNLIKELY SUPPORTER
      Last November, Aubameyang was forced to issue a defiant statement lashing out at claims that his team-mates were unhappy with his links to AFTV, after he was named captain.
      A report by The Athletic claimed the Gabon striker had developed a rapport with the channel, appearing to like a number of their posts on Instagram, including one criticising ex-boss Emery and another in September that said Granit Xhaka should be sold.
      Aubameyang’s relationship with AFTV’s Troopz was also called into question, with reports that he invited the online influencer to his executive box to watch games.
      That allegation was further fuelled by Troopz, who posted an image on his Instagram with Aubameyang with the caption: “My captain”.

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      AFTV’s Troopz poses with AubameyangCredit: Instagram

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      Aubameyang shot down claims his close ties to AFTV has split opinion among Gunners bosses
      Aubameyang’s response to the situation was clear.
      He said: “I have arrived in Gabon and heard a lot of b*******. I talk with who I want, whenever I want, and if somebody’s not happy with it… you already know.”

      His statement was followed by the middle finger emoji.
      How will AFTV feel if star striker Aubameyang leaves the club in the summer?
      No doubt, we will see an angry clip should that day arrive. More

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      Man Utd’s seven youth stars who could take Solskjaer’s first-team by storm next season and emulate ‘Class of ’92’

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      OLE’s at the wheel, and he’s looking to promote youth.
      Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is well aware of the club’s heritage from finding talent from within, having played in a side where graduates of the ‘Class of ’92’ became Premier League legends.

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      Mason Greenwood has made the leap from youth to first team this seasonCredit: EPA

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      Could a new batch of youngsters coming through at Old Trafford emulate the ‘Class of ’92?’Credit: Getty – Contributor
      And there’s a growing feeling at Old Trafford that the class of 2020 could just emulate those heroes.
      That’s why the Norwegian is planning to introduce more fledgling talents into his first team set-up next season.
      We’ve seen Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams force their way into the reckoning.
      But who will be joining them?

      TEDEN MENGI
      The captain of a promising U18 team that reached the semi-final of the FA Youth Cup, Mengi could be a solution to partner Harry Maguire in the heart of defence.
      When football returned after lockdown, the rapid defender found himself training with the senior squad alongside United luminaries Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard.
      And he left an impression on Solskjaer by recording the fourth fastest running speed in the whole squad.
      His attributes include his composure on the ball, a skill that every modern defender needs, as well as his strength.

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      U18 captain Teden Mengi is a composed defender with a huge futureCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      DI’SHON BERNARD
      Mengi’s defensive partner at U18 level, last year Di’Shon put pen to paper on a deal that’ll keep him at the club till 2022.
      The 6ft 4in central defender featured in a Europa League dead rubber against Astana earlier this season.
      The 19-year-old already got a mention from Scott McTominay as one of the talented youngsters to look out for in years to come.
      Bernard was once on Chelsea’s books until Jose Mourinho prized him away from Stamford Bridge in 2017.
      Could be one that the West Londoners regret losing in the future.

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      6ft 4in Di’Shon Bernard made his Man Utd debut against AstanaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      DYLAN LEVITT
      The Welsh midfielder also made his senior debut in the Europa League at FC Astana in that 2-1 defeat, just days after his 19th birthday.
      His distribution stood out, completing 100 of his 104 passes that night – with 67 of those being forward passes.
      And Levitt, 19, comes with a Ryan Giggs stamp of approval.
      After impressing during a week-long training camp last year, he was called up for Wales’ Euro 2020 qualifiers in November.

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      Dylan Levitt’s distribution has the seal of approval from United legend Ryan GiggsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      ETHAN GALBRAITH
      19-year-old Galbraith has trained with Solskjaer and the first team several times this season.
      And the midfielder is already an international, having represented Northern Ireland last year against Luxembourg.
      An U18 Premier League title winner with United, Galbraith won the club’s ‘Goal of the Month’ prize in 2018 with a thunderous strike against Manchester City – beating off Alexis Sanchez and Paul Pogba.

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      Ethan Galbraith is already a Northern Ireland internationalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      D’MANI MELLOR
      Mellor, 19, is a local Mancunian talent with real pedigree.
      The forward was able to play a more central role in the U23’s this season, with Greenwood’s promotion to first team duties.
      And it worked wonders for the electric talent, who contributed four goals and four assists in 11 Premier League 2 games.
      Quick and skilful, Mellor is touted for a bright future in the game.

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      D’Mani Mellor has prospered in a central role for the U23’s Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      ETHAN LAIRD
      At the end of June, Solskjaer promoted the talented defender to his first team.
      Laird, 18, had a storming campaign for the U23’s, and is expected to provide competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the future.
      A typically modern right-back, Laird uses his pace and athleticism to drive forward and is a good crosser of the ball.
      Back in February, he inked a deal with United that’ll keep him at the club till 2023 – with the option of another year.

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      Ethan Laird is an athletic right-back who loves getting forwardCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      JAMES GARNER
      Garner, 19, has been at the club since he was 8 and is expected to become a first team regular.
      He made his debut last season against Crystal Palace, when the Red Devils suffered an injury crisis.
      And boss Solskjaer has already spotted a comparison between Garner and a former United star.
      “James Garner is a Michael Carrick but 20 years younger” he said.

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      James Garner has been compared to Michael Carrick by SolskjaerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Team-mate Fred also purred about his ability in an interview with Brazilian website Trivela. 
      “Not because he is in the same position as me, but he is a player who has an impressive vision of the game, has a huge future for United,” he revealed.
      However, next season Garner may have to go on loan to get vital first team experience, should his path continue to be blocked in the first eleven.

      Man Utd boss Solskjaer is proud of Rashford for receiving doctorate for school meals campaign More

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      Man Utd’s seven youth stars who could take Solskjaer’s first-team by storm next season and emulate the ‘Class of ’92’

      by

      OLE’s at the wheel, and he’s looking to promote youth.
      Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is well aware of the club’s heritage from finding talent from within, having played in a side where graduates of the ‘Class of ’92’ became Premier League legends.

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      Mason Greenwood has made the leap from youth to first team this seasonCredit: EPA

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      Could a new batch of youngsters coming through at Old Trafford emulate the ‘Class of ’92?’Credit: Getty – Contributor
      And there’s a growing feeling at Old Trafford that the class of 2020 could just emulate those heroes.
      That’s why the Norwegian is planning to introduce more fledgling talents into his first team set-up next season.
      We’ve seen Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams force their way into the reckoning.
      But who will be joining them?

      TEDEN MENGI
      The captain of a promising U18 team that reached the semi-final of the FA Youth Cup, Mengi could be a solution to partner Harry Maguire in the heart of defence.
      When football returned after lockdown, the rapid defender found himself training with the senior squad alongside United luminaries Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard.
      And he left an impression on Solskjaer by recording the fourth fastest running speed in the whole squad.
      His attributes include his composure on the ball, a skill that every modern defender needs, as well as his strength.

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      U18 captain Teden Mengi is a composed defender with a huge futureCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      DI’SHON BERNARD
      Mengi’s defensive partner at U18 level, last year Di’Shon put pen to paper on a deal that’ll keep him at the club till 2022.
      The 6ft 4in central defender featured in a Europa League dead rubber against Astana earlier this season.
      The 19-year-old already got a mention from Scott McTominay as one of the talented youngsters to look out for in years to come.
      Bernard was once on Chelsea’s books until Jose Mourinho prized him away from Stamford Bridge in 2017.
      Could be one that the West Londoners regret losing in the future.

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      6ft 4in Di’Shon Bernard made his Man Utd debut against AstanaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      DYLAN LEVITT
      The Welsh midfielder also made his senior debut in the Europa League at FC Astana in that 2-1 defeat, just days after his 19th birthday.
      His distribution stood out, completing 100 of his 104 passes that night – with 67 of those being forward passes.
      And Levitt, 19, comes with a Ryan Giggs stamp of approval.
      After impressing during a week-long training camp last year, he was called up for Wales’ Euro 2020 qualifiers in November.

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      Dylan Levitt’s distribution has the seal of approval from United legend Ryan GiggsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      ETHAN GALBRAITH
      19-year-old Galbraith has trained with Solskjaer and the first team several times this season.
      And the midfielder is already an international, having represented Northern Ireland last year against Luxembourg.
      An U18 Premier League title winner with United, Galbraith won the club’s ‘Goal of the Month’ prize in 2018 with a thunderous strike against Manchester City – beating off Alexis Sanchez and Paul Pogba.

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      Ethan Galbraith is already a Northern Ireland internationalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      D’MANI MELLOR
      Mellor, 19, is a local Mancunian talent with real pedigree.
      The forward was able to play a more central role in the U23’s this season, with Greenwood’s promotion to first team duties.
      And it worked wonders for the electric talent, who contributed four goals and four assists in 11 Premier League 2 games.
      Quick and skilful, Mellor is touted for a bright future in the game.

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      D’Mani Mellor has prospered in a central role for the U23’s Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      ETHAN LAIRD
      At the end of June, Solskjaer promoted the talented defender to his first team.
      Laird, 18, had a storming campaign for the U23’s, and is expected to provide competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the future.
      A typically modern right-back, Laird uses his pace and athleticism to drive forward and is a good crosser of the ball.
      Back in February, he inked a deal with United that’ll keep him at the club till 2023 – with the option of another year.

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      Ethan Laird is an athletic right-back who loves getting forwardCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      JAMES GARNER
      Garner, 19, has been at the club since he was 8 and is expected to become a first team regular.
      He made his debut last season against Crystal Palace, when the Red Devils suffered an injury crisis.
      And boss Solskjaer has already spotted a comparison between Garner and a former United star.
      “James Garner is a Michael Carrick but 20 years younger” he said.

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      James Garner has been compared to Michael Carrick by SolskjaerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Team-mate Fred also purred about his ability in an interview with Brazilian website Trivela. 
      “Not because he is in the same position as me, but he is a player who has an impressive vision of the game, has a huge future for United,” he revealed.
      However, next season Garner may have to go on loan to get vital first team experience, should his path continue to be blocked in the first eleven.

      Man Utd boss Solskjaer is proud of Rashford for receiving doctorate for school meals campaign More

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      in Soccer

      Football’s hard men who fought off burglars and muggers, including Duncan Ferguson, Leonardo Bonnuci and Sead Kolasinac

      by

      BEING covered in expensive jewellery, living in luxury homes and driving fancy motors makes footballers a target for burglars and robbers.
      Over the years, we’ve seen Premier League stars held at knife point or gun point by thieves demanding they hand over their goods.

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      6ft 4in Duncan Ferguson was fearless when faced with robbers in his homeCredit: Reuters
      But some are more reluctant than others, often fighting back.
      Here’s a list of football’s hardest men who weren’t prepared to part with their belongings.
      CARLOS CARVALHAL
      The former Swansea and Sheffield Wednesday boss fended off knife-carrying robbers, who tried to mug him outside of his house.
      Carvalhal was returning to his home in the Portuguese city of Braga in the early hours when he was confronted by three masked men who stopped him and demanded he hand over cash.

      He revealed: “As I was travelling back to my house in Braga from Madeira yesterday, I was attacked by three hooded individuals at around 02:15am.
      “My natural instinct was to put up a fight – that was perhaps a risky decision.
      “But with the help of my son, Jose Carlos, we managed to get out of the situation.
      “We have a few cuts and bruises but nothing serious.”

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      Carlos Carvalhal fended off knife-carrying thugs outside his homeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      DUNCAN FERGUSON
      On the pitch, Everton legend ‘Big Dunc’ was a force to be reckoned with.
      The 6ft 4in was sent off nine times during his career and spent three months behind bars for head-butting Raith Rovers’ John McStay in 1994.
      So, knowing that, you’d think twice about burgling the tough Scot.
      Clearly not. Two intruders broke into his Lancashire home in 2001 in the early hours, and immediately regretted it.
      One managed to flee, while the other was ‘detained’ by Ferguson after a scuffle.
      That men then spent three days in hospital recovering.

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      Duncan Ferguson arrives at training the morning after putting a burglar in hospitalCredit: Mercury Press Agency
      SEAD KOLASINAC
      The Arsenal defender became a hero with Gooners when he showed no fear after he was confronted by knife-wielding moped thugs in North London.
      Bosnian Kolasinac was with team-mate Mesut Ozil when the pair were set on by the gang, who wanted to steal their £200,000 watches.
      But the full back was having nothing of it, jumping out of a Mercedes G-Wagon as the man thrust his knife in the direction of the Gunners star.
      Of the incident, Kolasinac said: “About what happened I don’t want to talk about it in details.
      “It’s happened and it’s something that belongs to the past. The same with Mesut,” he added.

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      Sead Kolasinac and Arsenal team-mate Mesut Ozil were threatened with a knife for their £200,000 watches

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      Kolasinac fought back with his bare fists to fend off the muggers
      LEONARDO BONUCCI
      The Juventus and Italy star certainly knows how to stick up for himself.
      And bruising encounters with Serie A’s finest over the years would’ve prepared him for this moment, for sure.
      In 2012, Bonucci was with his wife and baby son at a car dealership in Turin when a man in a face mask approached him with a gun and demanded he hand over his watch.
      The defender punched the assailant, before chasing him down as he tried to get away with an accomplice on a scooter.
      As he was running, the robber was heard shouting: “What are you doing? Are you mad? I’ll shoot you.”

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      Leonardo Bonucci punched an assailant with a gun in the face before chasing him downCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      CHIC CHARNLEY
      They’re just as tough south of the border.
      Former Partick Thistle midfielder Chic once fended off two men waving Japanese-style swords in his direction, plus a ferocious looking dog with a traffic cone.
      The incident happened during a training session in the 1990s at Ruchill Park.
      Charnley recalled: “We’re up there training and maybe ten minutes before, this lady is walking the dog and it nipped one of the boys’ ankles.
      “Just as that happened, these two young guys came up, and I think it was an Alsatian they had and a wee Jack Russell.
      “So because of what happened earlier with the wee woman, we stopped and they recognised me.
      “They were shouting, and I said ‘Away you go, come back at 12.30pm when we finish’, thinking they wouldn’t come back.
      “Half an hour later we’re up at Ruchill and I see these two guys coming up the hill and I went – ‘Oh naw!’
      “One has got a samurai sword and the other one has got a dagger.

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      Chic Charnley wasn’t going to let a thug with a samurai sword ruin his dayCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      “They’ve come up the hill and they’ve came towards me. So I’ve picked up a traffic cone, but he’s swinging this sword, so I’ve hit him with the traffic cone.
      “But he’s ran. Instead of me stopping, I’ve chased him down the hill. But he’s still got the sword, and he’s turned at the bottom and caught me on the hand with the sword.
      “But I got it off him and then went and beat him up and that, so that was fine.”
      CHRIS KAMARA
      Sky Sports pundit showed he was still quick on his feet when he chased down a mugger in Brazil.
      Kamara turned superhero when he saw a barefoot youth in his early 20s snatching a bag from a passer-by at Rio’s famous Ipanema beach.
      The former footballer gave chase and held the robber down until cops arrived on the scene.
      Kamara shared the photos and quipped: “Not lost me pace!!! I just caught this street robber. Done in now though.”
      However, a spokesman from the Foreign Office advised against doing what Kamara did.

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      Chris Kamara stands next to police arresting the robber he caught

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      Kamara chased the man down before wrestling him to the ground and detaining him for cops
      He said: “We are aware of the incident and we are providing consular assistance to Mr Kamara.
      “In terms of his actions in chasing the assailant, that goes against our recommended advice.”
      MASSIMO CELLINO
      Even football club owners are hard.
      The Brescia and former Leeds United chairman Cellino is the most recent to fight back against muggers.

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      Former Leeds United chairman Massimo Cellino took on assailants who tried to rip his watch from his wristCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Cellino, 63, took on his assailants, who tried to rip a watch from his wrist in his current home town, Padenghe sul Garda, in northern Italy.
      He hit his nose on a car door as he battled the robbers, who fled without stealing anything.
      Bellissimo! More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea legend John Terry’s boasts £47m property empire, including £16m house with astro turf golf course costing £150k

      by

      HE’s estimated to be worth £38million, so it’s no surprise footie ace John Terry and his family are accustomed to living in one of Surrey’s most sought-after areas.
      And the former England and Chelsea defender obviously has time on his hands since retiring from his £170,000-a-week playing career last year, turning his hand to property development.

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      John Terry, pictured with wife Toni, has invested vast amounts of time and money on his property portfolio and has made millions

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      John Terry previously owned both the red-brick mansion (top right) and white nine-bed property (bottom right) and now wants to tear down the third property (bottom left) and build two new propertiesCredit: INS News
      The real estate tycoon has already made almost £20million in property deals, and now he’s been granted planning permission to bulldoze one of his mansions and replace it with two new luxury abodes – a move that could make him another £20m.
      Here, Sun Online looks at Terry’s booming property portfolio…
      Latest £20million venture
      Features: A bar, games room, private gym
      Estimated profit: £20million

      Terry has been a fan of the Surrey area of Oxshott – a ten minute drive from Chelsea’s Cobham training ground – for over a decade.
      He bought Tandem House, his third property in the area for £4.5million and has now won planning permission to demolish it.

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      John Terry is set to build two new mega mansions

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      The Chelsea legend is set to knock down a £4.5 million mansion to build two new ones
      The 39-year-old star is going to build two luxury houses in its place – one six-bed, and one four-bed.
      Both properties will include a kitchen diner, family room, drawing room, bar and games room.

      The larger property will also boast a pool and gym.
      £6.5 million former family home
      Features: Gym, Astro turf putting green, cinema room
      Profit: £2.8million

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      John Terry’s former family home is now back on the market for £6.5millionCredit: Rightmove
      John Terry and wife Toni’s former six-bed family home in Oxshott is back on the market for £5.5 million, however he’s been forced to slash the price because of the coronavirus.
      Dad-of-two Terry reportedly bought the property for £2.2 million in 2003 and sold it for £5 million in 2013.
      Keen golfer Terry installed a small Astro turf putting green in the one acre of sprawling gardens.

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      An indoor swimming pool is just one of the many features the Surrey home boastsCredit: Rightmove

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      The stunning former home of John Terry is back on the marketCredit: Rightmove
      Situated on a private road on the prestigious Crown Estate, the home boasts one of Surrey’s most exclusive addresses.
      The property was recently renovated by interior designer Louise Bradley, and has four huge bedrooms in the main house, with two additional rooms and a shower in the guest wing above the triple garage.
      £16 million super-mansion sold to the Sultan of Oman
      Features: Fishing lake, swimming pool and sauna
      Profit: £10million

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      John Terry had planned to move into this nine-bed property, but then received an offer he couldn’t refuseCredit: INS News
      Clearly a fan of the location, Terry then bought his second mansion a stone’s throw from his former home for £1.8million in 2007, and spent £4million renovating the nine-bed property.
      The white house dwarfed Terry’s neighbouring pile, and when building work began in 2011, it was believed to involve putting in a 33 x 40ft indoor pool, a steam room, sauna and a fishing lake.
      The house was perfect for the footballer as it was only visible to the public from the air and boasted a separate wing for staff, and a visitor annexe in the opposite building.
      He had planned to move his family in to the property but when the Sultan of Oman made him “an offer he couldn’t refuse” in 2014, he sold it.
      According to reports, Terry made at least £10million profit on the £16million sale.
      Colin Montgomerie’s £5million mansion
      Features: half-acre of land, seven beds and staff accommodation 
      Worth: £5million

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      John Terry and wife Toni have made some very clever property moves
      In 2014 Terry bought the £4.35million former mansion owned by golfer Colin Montgomerie, downsizing from his ‘dream home’.
      It was here that in 2017 the star was left shaken after robbers broke into the home, stealing £4million of loot. 
      The property is just down the road from Terry’s previous two properties, and boasts a two-bed staff annex.

      While smaller than his last place, the seven-bed property is still situated on a half-acre of land, and features six bathrooms and four reception rooms.
      He reportedly spent £150k replacing the lawn with Astroturf, and the property’s value is thought to have risen to £5million.
      Based on his track record of snapping up houses in the area, Terry’s neighbours will be keeping a very beady eye on his next move – waiting for the bulldozers to move in.

      Hilarious moment John Terry is forced to apologise to Chelsea star Matteo Kovacic after crushing his hand in shake More