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    I’m a dentist – and I scored four consecutive hat-tricks to set new goalscoring record

    FORGET Erling Haaland, it’s Eddie Simon who is the deadliest striker in England at the moment.The non-league star made history for eighth tier Walton & Hersham over the weekend.

    Non-league star Eddie Simon is the most prolific footballer in England at the momentCredit: Instagram / @eddiesimon_10
    During the day, Simon is a dentist in west London
    His hat-trick against Uxbridge was his fourth consecutive three-goal haul – the most prolific run ANY footballer in England’s top eight divisions has managed..
    Astonishingly, he’s netted 12 goals in his last four matches for the Non League Division One club, as they challenge for the title.
    But, football isn’t how he makes his living.
    For Simon is also a qualified dentist.
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    History maker
    Simon appeared on Sky Sports News, where he was asked how it feels to be called ‘England’s most prolific striker.’
    “Really proud to be labelled as that,” he told Sky Sports News.
    ‘It’s been a really good couple of months, especially the last month, scoring four hat-tricks in a row. You couldn’t really dream of something like that.”
    Astonishingly, the hot-shot forward wasn’t aware that he was in line to break the record for most consecutive hat-tricks with his third strike against Uxbridge.
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    Carrying a knock, he had asked his coach to take him off as a precaution – with a top of the table clash against Basingstoke Town coming up next.
    Simon revealed: “I didn’t even know that was an English record. I found out after the goal.
    “When I scored the second goal, I’ve been carrying a muscle injury for a few weeks, I did say to the bench to take me off as a precaution because we’ve got a big game coming up on Saturday.
    “I managed to stay on for a couple of extra minutes, a defender slipped, and I was able to capitalise.
    “But I was just about to be taken off just before the third one went in.
    “Now I know that it’s an English record, I’m happy I didn’t come off!”
    Haaland comparison
    Erling Haaland has scored six hat-tricks in all competitions this season, albeit for Man City.
    However, Simon’s goalscoring feat has led to him being compared to the Norwegian superstar.
    Simon, seen here as a youngster, has been compared to Erling Haaland because of his goalscoring recordCredit: Instagram / @eddiesimon_10
    In his last four games Simon has scored 12 goals
    “Seeing all these things going out – comparing our goal records… obviously they play a slightly different level,” the non-league hitman said.
    “But it’s good to be in that conversation.”
    Unlike Haaland, though, Simon’s not been able to keep the match balls.
    “If I take all the match balls home, the boys said they would have to order a new batch,” he joked.
    “So I haven’t been taking them home.
    “Unfortunately at the level we play at, we don’t really do that.”
    Dentistry and Wag
    For his day job, Simon is a qualified dentist.
    He works at a practice in west London, and hopes to run his own in the future.
    Asked if dentistry is tougher than scoring goals, Simon joked: “My practice owner would not be happy if I say root canal.
    “Scoring hat-tricks is definitely harder.”
    For now, he’s happy to bask in the glory of his record-breaking achievement.
    Dentist Simon is engaged to fiancee Miriana
    Miriana was spotted giving Simon a kiss when he scored his record-breaking third goal against Uxbridge
    After scoring his hat-trick clinching goal last time out, Simon was seen running to the crowd to kiss his fiancee, Miriana.
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    He laughed: “She wasn’t too happy that has gone all over the place, she’s a bit embarrassed.”
    Simon is taking is taking his new-found fame in his stride. And he’s certainly ‘filling’ his boots in both of his jobs. More

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    Seven players who left Arsenal and flopped, including Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, as Gunners plan clear out

    THE grass is not always greener on the other side, as these ex-Arsenal flops have proved.The Gunners are planning on a massive overhaul of their squad in the summer.
    Alexis Sanchez was in the form of his life at ArsenalCredit: Getty
    At Man Utd, Sanchez was a big flopCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo have been linked, while a new striker to compliment Gabriel Jesus could arrive in the form of Danish sensation Rasmus Hojlund.
    But that means some high-profile stars may have to make way, with the likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Kieran Tierney potentially facing being cut from Mikel Arteta’s squad.
    And let this be a warning; it doesn’t always work out – as these seven who left North London for pastures new then flopped when they left Arsenal show.
    Alexis Sanchez
    As high-profile as it got, Sanchez, 34, had it good at Arsenal – where he scored 80 goals in 166 games.
    Read more Arsenal news
    But, the allure of a big money transfer to Man Utd and a huge £350,000-per-week deal saw the Chilean head north.
    However, he had a miserable time at Old Trafford – scoring just five times in 45 games.
    An inconsistent spell at Inter Milan followed, although he’s picked up at Marseille – where he’s managed 16 goals this campaign.
    Aaron Ramsey
    A cult hero at the Emirates, FA Cup final goals were Ramsey’s speciality.
    Most read in Football
    The now 32-year-old gave Arsenal 369 games and managed 64 strikes from midfield.
    However, when Juventus came calling in 2019 and dangled a £400,000-per-week contract in front of him – he was quick to jump ship.
    His time in Turn was miserable. Injuries hindered him and he managed to hit the back of the net a measly six times in 70 games.
    He hardly pulled up trees during a loan spell in Scotland at Rangers, and now plies his trade at Nice.
    Aaron Ramsey scored 64 goals for ArsenalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Moving to Juventus saw Ramsey’s career suffer a dipCredit: Reuters
    Mesut Ozil
    The recently retired World Cup winner was brilliant on his day.
    And when he arrived on our shores, for £42.5million in 2013 from Real Madrid, it was seen as a massive coup that Arsenal had managed to lure Ozil to the Premier League.
    There were some great times in the capital, but when Mikel Arteta arrived it was clear his days were numbered – with a different playing style preferred.
    Ozil, now 34, then bounced around Turkey – first with Fenerbahce for a season, then with Istanbul Başakşehir – but it was never the same.
    Ex-Arsenal star Mesut Ozil recently announced his retirementCredit: Getty
    A disappointing spell in Turkey followed when Ozil left ArsenalCredit: Getty
    Alex Hleb
    The Belarusian was blessed with flawless technique and bamboozled Premier League defenders with his dribbling skills.
    A £12 million signing from German side VfB Stuttgart, Hleb was an integral part of the Gunners side that reached the Champions League final in 2006.
    But, after missing out on the trophy to Barcelona, he thought the next best thing would be to join the Spanish giants in 2008.
    Four years later, having played just 36 times for the Catalans, his career petered out – with spells at Birmingham City, and several Russian and Belarusian clubs, including Bate Borisov which handed him a return to the Emirates.
    Needless to say, he has said he regretted leaving Arsenal.
    Alex Hleb was a wing-wizard for ArsenalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Hleb returned to Arsenal with Bate BorisovCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Alex Song
    Another one who jumped ship for the Camp Nou.
    An offer of £15million prised Song, who is still playing at 35 in Cameroon, from the Emirates to Spain in 2012.
    That was after his best season in an Arsenal shirt – where he contributed 12 assists after replacing Cesc Fabregas as the Gunners’ creative force in the middle of the park.
    Song has previously revealed he left Arsenal for the money and didn’t care if he played or not.
    Alex Song’s best years were with ArsenalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Song flopped at Barcelona – admitting he went for the moneyCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
    Hector Bellerin
    Fashion-conscious Bellerin’s career trajectory has been miserable since his contract was terminated in North London.
    After falling out of favour under Arteta, a free transfer move to Barcelona was supposed to reignite his career.
    But, he played back-up to Sergino Dest – who hardly missed a game.
    Bellerin has played just 141 minutes of football for the LaLiga giants. Now, he’s on loan at Sporting Lisbon, but has suffered with injuries.
    Hector Bellerin was given a free transfer by ArsenalCredit: Getty
    Bellerin has played just 141 minutes of football at BarcelonaCredit: AFP
    Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
    Injuries can be a cruel thing in football.
    The Ox, still only 29, has had his fair share of problems, including severe knee injuries.
    A bid of £35million from Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool was too good for Arsenal to turn down in 2017.
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    Initially it looked like the Reds had got themselves the player Arsenal thought he would become, alas injuries again wrecked those plans.
    Two severe knee injuries, as well as a loss of form, have seen Oxlade-Chamberlain become a periphery figure in Liverpool’s squad now.
    Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain left Arsenal for Liverpool for £35mCredit: Reuters
    Oxlade-Chamberlain has struggled at Liverpool with injuries and poor formCredit: Reuters More

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

    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.
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    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

    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.
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    “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

    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

    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

    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.
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    “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.
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    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.
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    “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

    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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