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      Meet England v Italy Wags, from a stunning DJ to a glam air stewardess and childhood sweethearts

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      IT promises to be a fiery clash in Naples.England take on Italy at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium, in their first Euro 2024 qualifier.
      Georgina Irwin is the stunning fiancee of Arsenal and England shotstopper Aaron RamsdaleCredit: Instagram @georginamay_
      Gorgeous Georgina used to be a flight attendant for British AirwaysCredit: Rex
      The likes of Jack Grealish and James Maddison will be hoping for more game time, while Roberto Mancini’s men will desperate to show they are not a spent force after missing out on the last World Cup.
      Cheering on the two sides will be their stunning Wags.
      From a glam DJ to beautiful air stewardess, here are the partners of the two teams.
      Georgina Irwin
      26-year-old Georgina met goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale in 2019, and they are now engaged.
      Read more England news
      The blonde beauty is former a flight attendant who worked with British Airways.
      She has become a huge favourite on social media and boasts over 18,000 followers.
      And judging by her Instagram, she just loves travelling – often sharing glam photos in go-to destinations like Miami Beach or Tulum in Mexico.
      Flaminia Appolloni
      Italy hot shot Gianluca Scamacca and gorgeous Flaminia keep their private lives to themselves.
      Most read in Football
      She seemingly divides her time between her homeland and London, where he plays for West Ham.
      Not much is known about her profession.
      However, she’s a huge fan of the beach, showing off her bikini body frolicking around in the sand.
      Flaminia Appolloni shows off her amazing bikini body
      Appolloni is the partner of striker Gianluca Scamacca
      Kennedy Alexa
      It is believed Kennedy and James Maddison began dating in 2020, after meeting in Los Angeles, where she lived.
      And she got into Californian life, enjoying hiking on Runyon Canyon and watching American sports like basketball.
      She also marched on a Black Lives Matter rally in West Hollywood.
      They welcomed a son – baby Leo in 2021.
      Kennedy Alexa is the baby mama of James Maddison
      Maddison and wag Alexa met in Los AngelesCredit: Instagram / @kennedyalexa
      Flavia Toloi
      Flavia, 32, is the wife of Atalanta centre-back Rafael Toloi.
      The pair tied the knot in 2013 in a private ceremony in front of friends and family.
      The Brazilian beauty is a proud house mum to two children.
      Her Instagram is dedicated to her family.
      Brazilian beauty Flavia Toloi keeps her private life discreetCredit: https://www.instagram.com/flaviatoloi/
      Flavia is the wife of Atalanta defender Raphael ToloiCredit: https://www.instagram.com/flaviatoloi/
      Sasha Attwood
      As the girlfriend of Jack Grealish, Sasha’s profile rocketed when he signed for Man City for £100million and became an England hero.
      The 26-year-old is a model and influencer, who has starred in huge ad campaigns,
      Most recently, she scored a massive deal with online fashion retailer boohoo.
      And she was dropping a massive hint to Jack about her future – modelling a range of maternity wear.
      Sasha Attwood is the girlfriend of Jack GrealishCredit: Instagram @sasha__rebecca
      Atwood joined her fellow Wags in Qatar – cheering the England team on from the standsCredit: Reuters
      DJ Jai Carol
      Lecce shotstopper Wladimiro Falcone is unlikely to get a look in as No2 to Gianluigi Donnarumma.
      Either way, he can still count on the support of DJ Carol.
      His Wag travels the world performing as a music producer.
      Not much is known about their romance.
      Wladimiro Falcone and DJ Jai Carol pose for the cameras
      Dj Jai Carol travels the world as a music producer
      Olivia Naylor
      31-year-old Olivia is a beautician, who operates from her own business in Cheshire.
      She recently took a step back from her work duties after giving birth to her son with John Stones.
      Stones hit it off with Olivia after meeting her during a night out, The Sun exclusively revealed in March 2019.
      Although she sparked criticism when she shared anti-vaxx messages on social media.
      Olivia Naylor is a beautician with her own business in Cheshire
      Naylor is the girlfriend of John Stones – the pair have a son togetherCredit: Instagram @olivianaylor
      Dasha Lapushka
      Not just any Wag – Dasha has been described as the “world’s most beautiful Wag’.
      She is an artist and Serie A star Andrea Pinamonti’s girlfriend.
      Dasha, 30, balances her time between Dubai and Rome, and she is no stranger to wowing on Instagram.
      Her 409,000 followers are often treated to glamorous snaps of her in luxury dresses and bikinis.
      Dasha Lapushka has been described as the ‘world’s most beautiful Wag’Credit: https://www.instagram.com/dasha.lapushka/
      Lapushka often treats her 400,000 plus Instagram followers to glam bikini snapsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/dasha.lapushka/
      Aine May Kennedy
      Watching from the wings and cheering on Conor Gallagher is his stunning Wag, Aine May Kennedy.
      The Irish beauty, 23, is a professional dancer and model.
      She regularly shares her glam lifestyle on Instagram, where she has over 50,000 followers.
      Aine May also represents Pulse Model Agency, and has participated in numerous fashion shoots.
      Irish stunner Aine May Kennedy is a dancer and modelCredit: collect
      Kennedy dates Chelsea and England star Conor GallagherCredit: Getty
      Ginevra Francesca Sozzi
      Forget Wanda Nara, it’s Ginevra who is the ‘Queen Bee’ of Wags in Italy.
      She currently dates Inter Milan ace Matteo Politano.
      Read More on The Sun
      But in the past, the model and the influencer has been linked to Fabio Quagliarella, Paulo Dybala and Radja Nainggolan.
      Aside from glam shoots, she also organises club nights in Milan.
      Ginevra Francesca Sozzi is known as the ‘Queen Bee’ of Italian WagsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/ginevrafrancescasozzi/
      Ginevra Francesca Sozzi has dated a string of footballersCredit: https://www.instagram.com/ginevrafrancescasozzi/ More

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      I was a Champions League runner-up with Arsenal, set up a company worth £10billion, and I’m in business with Mesut Ozil

      by

      IN 2010 Mathieu Flamini launched start-up GFBiochemicals as a side-project to his football career.The Paris-based company’s aim was to find a green alternative to petrochemicals, which can be found in plastics, rubber, and even shower gel.
      Mathieu Flamini is now worth £10bn, according to ForbesCredit: Getty
      Flamini starred for Arsenal from 2004-2008Credit: Getty
      Some 13 years on, Flamini has kept a 60 per cent stake in the business – while landing the CEO job.
      According to Forbes, the former Arsenal star – who was a Champions League runner-up with the Premier League club – now has a net worth of £10billion.
      Flamini, now 39, set up the company when he was just 25.
      He has also found time to launch another business called Unity Performance Lab with former team-mate Mesut Ozil.
      read more Arsenal news
      It is a digital health, fitness and lifestyle community that fuses evidence-based performance and wellness advice with expert guidance from elite athletes, coaches and academics.
      However, it’s his first business that aims to save the planet.
      “As a child I had two passions: football and sustainability,” he told Sifted.
      “I grew up in Marseilles near the sea, and was aware of the environmental questions around ocean plastics and chemical pollution from a very young age.”
      Most read in Football
      Flamini and business partner Pasquale Granata met with scientists in Milan with an idea of founding an operation that promoted sustainability.
      He revealed: “We didn’t know if it’d be energy, chemical or urban recycling, and we just ended up meeting with a team of scientists in Milan and started moving in that direction.”
      GFBiochemicals take biomass, which could be manure or household waste, and turn it into levulinic acid.
      Levulinic acid is seen as a potential replacement for petrochemicals, which are found in everyday items such as detergents and skin care.
      According to research by the University of Maastricht, levulinic acid could reduce the CO2 made from manufacturing those products with petrochemicals by up to 80 per cent.
      Top secret
      Flamini, who was starring for Serie A side AC Milan when he set up GFBiochemicals, decided to keep his venture away from his team-mates.
      “I was questioning myself, and I didn’t know which direction the business would go in,” he said.
      The three-cap former France international also said being a footballer didn’t help his cause.
      He said: “When you’re a footballer and you’re in a meeting talking about chemicals or sustainability, there is even more pressure on you.
      “People really want to test you and see if you’re going to be able to deliver — because you’re not a businessman. I had to prove myself more than anyone else in the room.” Was this annoying? “Obviously it can be, but I took it as a challenge.”
      In 2010 Flamini set up GF Biochemicals – with the aim to create green alternatives to petrochemicalsCredit: Instagram @mathieuflamini
      CEO
      Last year, GF Biochemicals received a major cash injection.
      Sofinnova Partners, a leading European venture capital firm in life sciences, specialising in healthcare and sustainability, and investment company Sparta Capital ploughed $15million (£12.3million) into the group.
      Flamini kept a 60 per cent stake and was made CEO.
      “Now the question is when do I not work,” he explained.
      “When you’re an entrepreneur you have to be dedicated and you don’t count the hours. I’m not working when I sleep, but for the rest of the time I’m available.”
      And he feels just like teen environmentalist, Greta Thunberg.
      As CEO of GFBiochemicals, Flamini has kept a 60 per cent stake in the companyCredit: Instagram @mathieuflamini
      Like Greta Thunberg Flamini feels like he’s doing something important for the environmentCredit: Twitter @MathieuFlamini
      “I feel like I’m part of this effort of the younger generation like Greta Thunberg that’s setting up the future,” he said.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Although at the age of 15 I can guarantee you I was not in the street fighting for my future.” More

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      I was rejected by Crystal Palace and made homeless before becoming a $1billion CEO of a huge tech company

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      WHEN Dean Forbes missed out on a professional football career, he could have been forgiven for thinking his days of making millions would be over.The hard-to-take snub coincided with a difficult time in the future tech CEO’s life, when he was made homeless at 17 when he was also the primary carer for his disabled mum.
      Dean Forbes turned his back on a football career to become a big hit in the business world
      The most recent company Forbes worked for were bought out for
      Debt-ridden because he tried to keep up with his free-spending football mates, Forbes took on an entry-level sales job at Motorola call centre.
      In 20-plus years, he has worked his way up the corporate ladder to lead a major software firm.
      Last year, Forterro – who Forbes is CEO of – were bought out for a staggering $1billion (£823million).
      While, his own net worth is believed to be around £40million.

      Boy made good
      Forbes told Business Chief: “I describe the start of my career journey as a twice homeless failed footballer who found himself doing telesales to service a mountain of debt that he’d accumulated to keep up with football friends.
      “I’m really grateful for that debt because it meant I had to fail at football quickly in order to get into the professional working environment.”
      When Forbes was a youngster he was living out his dreams as a centre back on Premier League side Crystal Palace’s books.
      But, his home life was far from rosy.
      Most read in Football
      He was first made homeless at the age of 14, for reasons he has described as “a very bad family situation”.
      Then, at just 17, Forbes’ disabled mum lost her job and their family home.
      They were forced to live in-and-out of hostels, which meant breaking the family up.
      “Both times were very difficult for our family,” Forbes revealed.
      “We went into hostel accommodation and the second time, we came out of it by breaking up the family. I was of age so I left home and had to go and make my own way.
      “That was around the Motorola time so I left home which meant my mother needed a smaller place which we were able to find more easily.  Four years later I was actually able to buy her a home.”
      LOST THE LOVE
      Choosing work meant football took a back step too.
      He admitted: “I look back now and realise I can’t say I dedicated my life to it because my friends who went on to have great careers, there’s a complete contrast in the way we approached football.
      “I enjoyed it. I loved it so much and the part that wasn’t helpful to me is that it was just a group of my friends from similar estates, so I just laughed six days a week and messed around, played football when it was time to play football, but I wasn’t dedicated to it.”
      But it set Forbes onto a different path.
      Forbes is pals with footballer Rio Ferdinand, but learned that a life playing as a pro wasn’t for him
      When he was a teen Forbes began an entry-level job at Motorola before working hard to secure more senior positions
      Working for Motorola in telesales in a windowless room was the springboard for Forbes to seek out a career in business, and specifically, in the tech field.
      He rose through the ranks at Motorola, before securing senior level positions at Isis Telecommunications and then software development Primavera.
      MAKING MONEY
      That’s when Forbes started working in mega money.
      He was instrumental in Primavera’s $550million (£460million) sale to American computer technology company Oracle.
      Soon after, he scored his first CEO role for Paris-based KDS, who were then acquired by American Express in another multi-million deal.
      What became evident was companies Forbes ran were doing so well they were the subject of huge takeovers.
      Back in 2021, Forbes was appointed CEO of Forterro – a leading Pan-European provider of ERP software for the industrial midmarket.
      Quite astonishingly, private markets firm Partners Group bought the company out for a $1billion a year later – retaining Forbes as their CEO.
      Forbes has overseen buyouts of major companies worth 100s of millions
      Recently, Forbes appeared on The Apprentice: You’re Fired as a guest alongside Karen Brady
      The inspirational leaders’ business acumen has seen him recognised as the UK’s most influential Black man by the JP Morgan-backed 2023 Powerlist, the annual rundown of the UK’s most powerful people of African, African Caribbean and African American heritage.
      While fans of The Apprentice may have recently seen Forbes appear on the You’re Fired after show.
      Read More on The Sun
      It’s fair to say this apprentice has certainly outshone his masters. More

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      Footballers you forgot were team-mates, like Moyes and Beckham, Guardiola and Baggio and Rivaldo and Casemiro

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      MEET football’s odd couples – players you’d probably forgotten were once team-mates.These stars’ paths crossed at different times in their careers, often when one was a legend and another was rising through the ranks.
      David Beckham’s loan at Preston saw him play with an unlikely future managerCredit: https://twitter.com/90sPlayers/status/552538020440973312
      David Moyes, a Preston stalwart, played alongside the future England captainCredit: PA
      They include an England legend playing alongside a Premier League manager, a Ballon d’Or winner and a Man Utd midfielder.
      In case you’d forgotten, let us guide you through the unlikely pairings…
      Moyes and Beckham
      Back in the 1994-95 season, David Moyes was player/assistant coach at Preston.
      Looking for more quality in midfield, they loaned teenage Becks from Man Utd.
      read more on football
      He would play five times for the club, with one of his goals being a trademark free-kick.
      According to reports, Moyes almost squashed Beckham in the celebrations.
      Guardiola and Baggio
      In 2001, following a long association with Barcelona, Guardiola made Serie A minnows Brescia his unlikely destination.
      The reason; he wanted to play alongside hero Roberto Baggio.
      Most read in Football
      However, it hardly worked out for them with Guardiola missing four months of the campaign and Baggio suffering injuries too.
      Fittingly, though, when Baggio came on as a sub in one match – Pep who was captain at the time – ran over to his hero and put the captain’s armband on the Italy legend.
      Pep Guardiola puts the armband on hero Roberto BaggioCredit: Getty
      Cole and Maddison
      Many may have forgot Joe Cole’s spell at Coventry City from 2015-16.
      But, it rubbed off on James Maddison who loved playing alongside the ex-England star.
      The teenage Maddison would go on to play for Norwich in 2016.
      Not before he admitted he was able to pick Cole’s brain for advice.
      James Maddison, first from the left, and Joe Cole for Coventry in 2015Credit: Twitter@https://twitter.com/TheFLZone
      Rivaldo and Casemiro
      Astonishingly, you wouldn’t have thought it possible.
      Even more so knowing that Rivaldo was 38 at the time he was playing for Sao Paulo in Brazil.
      Casemiro was only in his second season as a pro as an 18-year-old.
      But already he was a regular in the midfield for the Brazilians.
      At 38 Rivaldo signed for Sao PauloCredit: Rex
      An 18-year-old Casemiro was pulling the strings in midfieldCredit: Getty
      Dyche and Young
      Dyche was in the latter stages of his career at Watford, who he played for between 2002-2005.
      Starring in the youth team and handed his debut with the Hornets in 2003 was future star Ashley Young.
      Dyche would finish his career at Northampton Town.
      Young would go to bigger things at Man Utd.
      Sean Dyche played for Watford between 2002-2005Credit: Alamy
      Coming through the ranks at Vicarage Road was Ashley Young who played alongside DycheCredit: Alamy
      Dichio and Veron
      In the summer of 1997, with Serie A arguably the biggest league in the world, Sampdoria surprised everyone by signing ex-QPR centre forward Danny Dichio.
      Tasked with providing him with the ammunition to score goals was none-other-than Juan Sebastian Veron.
      The Argentine midfielder was a superstar in Serie A, before moving to our shores with Man Utd and Chelsea.
      Dichio would return to the UK pretty swiftly, and provide stellar service at both Sunderland and West Brom.
      Danny Dichio had an unlikely spell at Serie A side SampdoriaCredit: https://twitter.com/FootballInT80s/status/1253407479716773888
      Supplying Dichio with chances was Argentina playmaker Juan Sebastian VeronCredit: Getty
      Pochettino and Ronaldinho
      Poch spent two-and-a-half years as a player at PSG between 2001-2003.
      When he was at the Parc des Princes, there was a Brazilian maestro who was strutting his stuff on the European stage.
      It was Ronaldinho, who would use the French club as a springboard to a move to Barcelona, where he won the Ballon d’Or.
      Want to know something weirder? On the club’s books during that period were Jay-Jay Okocha, Mikel Arteta, Nicolas Anelka and Gabriel Heinze – who all would play in the Prem.
      South Americans Mauricio Pochettino and Ronaldinho played at PSG togetherCredit: AFP
      Ederson and Oblak
      It’s enough having one of the best goalkeepers in the world in your squad – but imagine having two?
      That’s the situation Rio Ave found themselves in 2012 – with Ederson 18 at the time and Oblak, 19, who arrived on loan from Benfica.
      Both fought it out for the No1 jersey, with Oblak winning the battle.
      The following season, they were first choice for their respective clubs.
      Ederson was on Rio Ave’s books as a youngsterCredit: Alamy
      Jan Oblak joined the club on loan and kept Ederson out the Rio Ave teamCredit: Reuters
      Henry and Arne Riise
      In Thierry Henry’s final season as a Monaco player, the principality club signed John Arne Riise from Aaslund in 1998.
      Riise stayed at the club until 2001, but Henry would move to Juventus, flop, and become a superstar at Arsenal.
      Incredibly, Monaco only finished fourth in Ligue 1 that campaign.
      And they boasted some side – with Lilian Thuram, Fabien Barthez, David Trezeguet also first team stars.
      Thierry Henry, third from the left in the top row, was a team-mate of John Arne Riise, second from the right in the top
      Lafferty and Dybala
      As unlikely a forward duo you will find, Northern Ireland football legend Kyle Lafferty spent one season with Palermo in 2013-2014.
      The 6ft4in target man was the perfect foil for promising Argentina youngster Paolo Dybala, with the pair tearing up Serie B.
      Read More on The Sun
      Lafferty scored 12 goals and Dybala managed five – as they helped their side gain promotion to Serie A.
      Joining those two in a front three, quite unbelievably, was Andrea Bellotti – a current Italy international.
      Kyle Lafferty and Paolo Dybala formed an explosive partnership for Palermo in Serie BCredit: Getty More

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      I was a Champions League runner-up with Arsenal – but now my sideline company has made me a £10billion fortune

      by

      IN 2010 Mathieu Flamini launched start-up GFBiochemicals as a side-project to his football career.The Paris-based company’s aim was to find a green alternative to petrochemicals, which can be found in plastics, rubber, and even shower gel.
      Mathieu Flamini is now worth £10bn, according to ForbesCredit: Getty
      Flamini starred for Arsenal from 2004-2008Credit: Getty
      Some 13 years on, Flamini has kept a 60 per cent stake in the business – while landing the CEO job.
      According to Forbes, the former Arsenal star – who was a Champions League runner-up with the Premier League club – now has a net worth of £10billion.
      Flamini, now 39, set up the company when he was just 25.
      “As a child I had two passions: football and sustainability,” he told Sifted.
      read more Arsenal news
      “I grew up in Marseilles near the sea, and was aware of the environmental questions around ocean plastics and chemical pollution from a very young age.”
      Flamini and business partner Pasquale Granata met with scientists in Milan with an idea of founding an operation that promoted sustainability.
      He revealed: “We didn’t know if it’d be energy, chemical or urban recycling, and we just ended up meeting with a team of scientists in Milan and started moving in that direction.”
      GFBiochemicals take biomass, which could be manure or household waste, and turn it into levulinic acid.
      Most read in Football
      Levulinic acid is seen as a potential replacement for petrochemicals, which are found in everyday items such as detergents and skin care.
      According to research by the University of Maastricht, levulinic acid could reduce the CO2 made from manufacturing those products with petrochemicals by up to 80 per cent.

      Top secret
      Flamini, who was starring for Serie A side AC Milan when he set up GFBiochemicals, decided to keep his venture away from his team-mates.
      “I was questioning myself, and I didn’t know which direction the business would go in,” he said.
      The three-cap former France international also said being a footballer didn’t help his cause.
      He said: “When you’re a footballer and you’re in a meeting talking about chemicals or sustainability, there is even more pressure on you.
      “People really want to test you and see if you’re going to be able to deliver — because you’re not a businessman. I had to prove myself more than anyone else in the room.” Was this annoying? “Obviously it can be, but I took it as a challenge.”
      In 2010 Flamini set up GF Biochemicals – with the aim to create green alternatives to petrochemicalsCredit: Instagram @mathieuflamini
      CEO
      Last year, GF Biochemicals received a major cash injection.
      Sofinnova Partners, a leading European venture capital firm in life sciences, specialising in healthcare and sustainability, and investment company Sparta Capital ploughed $15million (£12.3million) into the group.
      Flamini kept a 60 per cent stake and was made CEO.
      “Now the question is when do I not work,” he explained.
      “When you’re an entrepreneur you have to be dedicated and you don’t count the hours. I’m not working when I sleep, but for the rest of the time I’m available.”
      And he feels just like teen environmentalist, Greta Thunberg.
      As CEO of GFBiochemicals, Flamini has kept a 60 per cent stake in the companyCredit: Instagram @mathieuflamini
      Like Greta Thunberg Flamini feels like he’s doing something important for the environmentCredit: Twitter @MathieuFlamini
      “I feel like I’m part of this effort of the younger generation like Greta Thunberg that’s setting up the future,” he said.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Although at the age of 15 I can guarantee you I was not in the street fighting for my future.” More

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      Meet new Chelsea wonderkid Dujuan Richards, 17, who snubbed Newcastle and was offered a fortune by a Middle East club

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      CHELSEA have moved fast to add Jamaican wonderkid Dujuan Richards to their esteemed academy,The lighting-quick forward, 17, was confirmed to have a signed a contract with the Blues – who he will join when he turns 18.
      Dujuan Richards has put pen to paper on a pre-contract agreement with ChelseaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/whisper.9._/?hl=en
      Richards signs a deal next to Craig Butler, left, the adoptive father of Leon Bailey and his coach
      Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign 17 year old Jamaican talent Dujuan “whisper” Richards, here’s the best goals we could find of him 👇🏻 pic.twitter.com/fNWbt4zdAd— ChelseaFC365 (@CFC365Official) March 11, 2023

      Originally, it was Newcastle who thought they were in pole position to sign the promising teenager.
      After he impressed on trial in February, the Toon were desperate to push through a deal.
      But, they were beaten to the punch by their Premier League rivals – who have claimed the talent’s signature.
      However, Richards’ future could have been decided before his move to West London.
      Read more football news
      He revealed he snubbed a huge contract from an unnamed Middle Eastern club to pursue his dream of playing in the Premier League.
      English ties
      Richards has turned heads in his homeland and in the UK – playing for the Phoenix FC football academy.
      He was groomed by Jamaican coach Craig Butler – the adoptive father of Aston Villa star Leon Bailey, who coaches at the Kingston-based club.
      For the past five years his development has known no bounds, and last season he was particularly impressive.
      Most read in Football
      Some 31 goals and 19 assists showed he was a cut above the rest.
      Originally from Port Royal, his grandmother is English.
      He earned the nickname Whisper among his peers and coaches.
      “I don’t speak a lot, I listen much much more. That’s why they call me Whisper,” he revealed.
      And the 6ft4in powerhouse also spent some time in the UK, where he studied at Brooke House College in Leicestershire.
      Their impressive football academy played against Aston Villa, Sheffield United and Crystal Palace, which gave the youngster the opportunity to showcase his talents against English opposition.
      Standing at 6ft4in tall, Richards is a powerhouseCredit: https://www.instagram.com/whisper.9._/?hl=en
      Last season Richards bagged 31 goals and 19 assistsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/whisper.9._/?hl=en
      Newcastle thought they’d got him
      Last month, Richards spent two weeks on trial at Newcastle United.
      He was even invited to watch the Magpies play West Ham United at St James’ Park.
      He believed he impressed.
      He told ChronicleLive: “All I can say is I think did well and I was able to be seen by all the coaches. I am grateful for the opportunity and I believe it could be a good fit.
      “I’m very pleased with how the trial went, and I believe my performance was impressive enough. I learned about their methods, their vision for the club and where they want to be.
      “I know they are a very ambitious club and want to be playing in the Champions League. I am expecting to hear positively from the club.”
      However, it was Chelsea who have now swooped to sign Richards on a pre-contract agreement.
      Preferring to let his football do the talking, Richards is nicknamed ‘Whisper’Credit: https://www.instagram.com/whisper.9._/?hl=en
      Butler confirmed on Instagram: “We are grateful to Chelsea Football Club and look forward to the continued relationship and partnership with our academy as we prepare Whisper for the Premier League.
      “On a personal note, Chelsea FC was my boyhood dream club and I’m so pleased to have one of my players built in the furnaces of the Phoenix at Stamford Bridge.
      “Thank you to the staff at Chelsea, especially Joe Shields for believing me two years ago when I told him that I was building the top talent, Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards.”
      He has principles
      Richards was offered a huge sum of money to sign for a club from the Middle East.
      But, according to Butler, he turned it down for his dream move to the Premier League.
      Read More on The Sun
      Richards was offered a life-changing amount of money by a club from the Middle East – but snubbed it for his dream to the Premier LeagueCredit: https://www.instagram.com/whisper.9._/?hl=en
      Richards revealed: “Wow, that was a really difficult situation. I don’t want to elaborate much, but Jamaica is my home and my grandmother is English so I have a connection there too.
      “Honestly I would never want to sell out my country. It was a huge sum of money, but it would be against my principles as a son of Jamaica and my career goals as a footballer.” More

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      Arsenal star Ben White’s tattoos revealed, from butterfly on back and romantic heart on thumb to THROAT inkings

      by

      ARSENAL star Ben White is committed to body ink.The England defender, 25, has several tattoos adorning his chiselled body.
      Ben White’s body is adorned in tattoos
      His most recent bit of work is a butterfly etched on his back by A Star Tattoos, which trended on TikTok.
      In the summer, he showed off matching ‘I Love You’ tats with fiancee Milly Adams that they had done shortly after their engagement.
      While, written on his neck is the word ‘Shine’ in a smart black font.
      SunSport takes a look at his tattoos, and what they they could mean.
      Read more on Arsenal
      Butterfly
      Written underneath an inspiring message on his back, White introduced a butterfly to his torso.
      Although the meaning hasn’t been disclosed, it could certainly signify the idea of soaring high.
      Like his football team, Ben is flying at the moment.
      It was created by A Star Tattoos – a side business of A Star Barbers – who famously trim Jack Grealish and Paul Pogba.
      Most read in Football
      White is a regular with them, and they have created several for him.
      This Butterfly tattoo is White’s most recent
      Shine
      An inspiring word, White’s body is covered in positive messages.
      And on his neck he has the word ‘Shine’ inscribed.
      Next to that, there’s a small cross.
      We don’t know if White is religious – but when he grew up in Dorset he went to school Queen Elizabeth’s, which preaches strong Church of England ethics.
      White’s neck tattoo is visible from a game last month
      White has the word ‘Shine’ written on his neck next to a cross
      Lion
      A massive tattoo of a lion’s eyes stretches across White’s chest.
      The lion is a popular tattoo for professional footballers – with the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Memphis Depay sporting them.
      Again, it symbolises bravery and strength.
      It was a tattoo that seemingly inspired his Arsenal team-mate Emile Smith Rowe, who later got a lion sleeve on his arm.

      Tattoos of lions – seen here across White’s pecs – are popular with footballers
      Matching ink
      Last summer, White got engaged to stunning fiancee Milly Adams.
      The loved-up couple celebrated by getting matching ‘I Love You’ messages written on their hands.
      Shortly after, they were spotted enjoying a romantic holiday in an unknown sun-drenched location.
      While aboard a rented yacht, they showed off a new set of matching designs.
      This time, they both had super-cute hearts on their thumbs.
      Also on Ben’s hand you will find his star sign – Libra, as well as the date 1959.
      That could be the year a relative was born, although it’s not clear.
      White and fiancee Milly Adams have two matching tattoos
      On their thumbs White and Adams have red hearts
      A Libra star sign symbol and the date 1959 also feature on White’s handCredit: Instagram @ milly_adams
      Born to do it
      Another easily identifiable tattoo features on White’s back.
      Just below his neck, he has the year 1997 inked on him.
      That signifies the year he was born.
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      White, at 25, has plenty of years of football ahead of him.
      And that also means, he still has more time to get even more ink.
      1997 on the base of White’s neck symbolises the year the Arsenal star was born More

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      in Soccer

      Tottenham’s darkest European nights after AC Milan flop, including a Bayern Munich thrashing and Cologne humiliation

      by

      TOTTENHAM fans you might want to look away now.Spurs might have been the first British team to win a European trophy, when Bill Nicholson’s 1963 side thrashed Atletico Madrid 5-1 to win the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
      It was Champions League disappointment again for Spurs last nightCredit: Rex
      But there’s also been a whole lot of embarrassment along the way.
      The limp goalless draw against AC Milan that saw Tottenham tumble out of the knockout stages was the latest underwhelming result.
      Unfortunately for Spurs, there have been even darker European nights – here are just a few…
      DINAMO ZAGREB 3-0 SPURS
      It looked like job done at the end of this first-leg last 16 Europa League tie in March 2021.
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      Two goals from Harry Kane meant Spurs were taking a comfortable lead to Croatia.
      But then came an embarrassing, unforeseen collapse as Zagreb – without a manager after Zoran Mamic faced charges of fraud – beat Spurs 3-0 after extra-time of the second-leg.
      Jose Mourinho would be sacked weeks later as his largely miserable reign as Tottenham boss came to an abrupt end.
      Dejected Spurs stars couldn’t believe it when they were dumped out by ZagrebCredit: Getty
      SPURS 2-7 BAYERN MUNICH
      On their way to winning the Champions League in 2020, the Bavarians put a Spurs side to the sword in London.
      Things started brightly, with Son Heung-min giving the home side a lead after 12 minutes.
      However, a blink of an eye later the Germans were level with a Joshua Kimmich strike.
      Then, former Arsenal star Serge Gnabry stole the show – netting four times in a remarkable second half that saw Bayern Munich score five times to record a 7-2 win.
      Former Arsenal star Serge Gnabry scored four times in a 7-2 rout of SpursCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Tottenham were left shell-shocked by the German championsCredit: EPA
      COLOGNE 8-0 SPURS
      German sides have got previous when it comes to playing Spurs on their own patch and giving them a hiding.
      But in fairness to Tottenham, this was an Intertoto Cup they didn’t really want to be in.
      They played a weakened side full of kids in 1995, while Cologne went full-strength.
      It was 4-0 at half-time, and it didn’t get much better in the second half as the Bundesliga side ran riot.
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      GENT 1-0 SPURS
      It was the precursor of what was to come.
      Gent weren’t exactly Belgium’s most-feared team, but they put the willies up Tottenham back in 2017 in the Europa League.
      In the first leg, they defeated the North London side 1-0, which in truth could’ve been more.
      It set them up nicely for the second leg, where they managed to draw 2-2 and knock Tottenham out at the last-32 stage.
      Gent take the lead in the first leg of their Europa League tieCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Spurs woes got worst in a second leg as they couldn’t overturn a 1-0 deficitCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      RB LEIPZIG 3-0 SPURS
      In 2020, Mourinho’s side were handed a lesson by RB Leipzig in the Champions League.
      Going into the second leg a goal down, Spurs were more open than usual.
      And the attacking threat the German side, who reached the semi-finals last season, was too much for an injury-hit Tottenham team.
      It was 2-0 after 21 minutes, and from then on in it was damage limitation. Spurs ended up losing 3-0 on the night, 4-0 on aggregate.
      Jose Mourinho comforts Lucas Moura after their 3-0 defeat to RB LeipzigCredit: AP
      REAL MADRID 4-0 SPURS
      In 2011, former Arsenal man Emmanuel Adebayor came back to haunt Spurs scoring a double at the Bernabeu.
      Before the game, manager Harry Redknapp said it was a “dream” to go further – but if it was it must’ve been a nightmare.
      Di Maria and then Ronaldo added gloss to proceedings, as Los Blancos won the game with ease – 4-0 in this first leg of a Champions League quarter-final.
      Spurs’ ambitions for glory were over, pretty much, at the half-time point of this tie.
      Emmanuel Adebayor opens the scoring for Real Madrid against Spurs in 2011Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND 3-0 SPURS
      Before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang turned up at Arsenal, he was tormenting Spurs in the Champions League in 2016.
      The Gabon striker registered the opener, before Marco Reus gave the Germans breathing space in the first leg round of 16 with a further two goals.
      Read More on The Sun
      A 3-0 lead was impossible for Spurs to turn around.
      To add insult to injury they Aubameyang scored twice in the second leg, and it finished 5-1 on aggregate.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was the scourge of Tottenham in a Champions League round of 16 tie in 2016Credit: REUTERS
      Harry Kane and Co had no answer in a 3-0 humblingCredit: Reuters
      Joe Hart forced to apologise for awkward Instagram gaffe as Tottenham star’s team post ‘job done’ after Europa League KO More