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      in Soccer

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

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      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.
      Read More on The Sun
      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

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      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.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      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.
      [embedded content]
      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
      Most read in Football
      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

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      in Soccer

      I played for England but quit football for fashion – now I make £35m-per-year and have a shop opening on Oxford Street

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      IN 2013, unfulfilled by his football career, Reece Wabara decided to set up a clothing line as a side-project.The former Man City right-back ploughed £15,000 into fashion label Maniere De Voir, after taking on advice from school pal Lewis Morgan, who co-founded leisure wear giant Gym Shark.
      Reece Wabara quit football and built a fashion empire
      Wabara was a former England under 20 international and played for Man CityCredit: AFP – Getty
      “I kept asking, where can I maximise my potential to be great,” he told The Times back in 2021.
      “I always had a way of dressing that was different and Lewis (Morgan, co-founder of Gymshark) said to me, ‘You should do something in fashion’.”
      Some ten years later, the company is now turning over a staggering £34.7million-per-year.
      It has clothed sports stars including Anthony Joshua and Raheem Sterling, while Little Mix singer Perrie Edwards is also a fan.
      read more football news
      Next, Maniere De Voir is opening a flagship store in Oxford Street in the heart of London’s West End.

      Choosing a different destiny
      Football was in Reece’s blood.
      His grandfather Lawrence played for Nigeria, while his uncle Mark Walters starred for Rangers and Liverpool.
      At 16, he was scouted by Man City. Three years later, he was handed a £1million-per-year three-year contract.
      Most read in Football
      But, he had a sense he could achieve much more.
      He saved up £15,000 and launched online clothes store Maniere De Voir, inspired by a chat with his dad.
      “I signed to Manchester City at a transitional period, there was two or three managers in the time I was there and two or three owners too,” Wabara said.
      “I knew my football days at City were coming to an end and my dad always taught me I needed a second option to ensure you’re relevant and financially stable.
      “I founded MDV in late 2013 and launched a collection, the first clothing I produced was tracksuits, T-shirts, hoodies…I put them on the footballers that I knew and it took off.”
      In 2017, at the age of 26, following a spell at Bolton Wanderers, former England U20 international Wabara decided to hang up his boots and concentrate on his business.
      “The transition from footballer to fashion owner was a gradual one and only when the numbers and politics in football started to eat away at me did I need to make a choice,” he told Sports On Screen.
      “My football wasn’t progressing in the way I intended it to.
      “The business was progressing at an alarming rate and I had to choose one or the other because focus is important.”
      Wabara launched Maniere De Voir in 2013Credit: Twitter / @ManiereDevoir
      Raheem Sterling is a fan of the brandCredit: Instagram / @manieredevoir
      Success story
      Wabara, who is originally from Bromsgrove, Worcs, put his life and soul into his new project – working seven days a week.
      Initial turnover was slow. So, he had to revert to a ‘Plan B’.
      Noticing that the Sports Luxe market was male-dominated, he introduced womenswear to Maniere De Voir.
      “Men are very simple by nature,” he said.
      “There’s only so much you can do with those silhouettes.
      “Whereas women are more experimental – and they shop a lot more, typically.”
      The decision paid dividends.
      From his first year turnover of £1million, some seven years later he was raking in £30.2million.
      Wabara’s Maniere De Voir turned over £35million this yearCredit: Free for editorial use
      In 2022, Wabara was a new entry in the Sunday Times’ Young Rich ListCredit: Instagram
      Today, that number has swollen to a staggering £34.7million.
      The numbers catapulted Reece into last year’s Young Rich List in the Sunday Times – with a personal fortune of £26million, above footballer Marcus Rashford and level with rapper Stormzy’s net worth.
      And there’s more…
      This autumn, Maniere De Voir will open its first-ever physical flagship store, signing a 10-year lease for the entire 5,189 sq ft retail space at 354 Oxford Street.
      “We are delighted to announce Oxbourne House as our London Flagship store,” Wabara revealed.
      “We strongly believe that the balance between online and physical retail space is key to growing and solidifying a brand that stands the test of time.
      “We hope to weave ourselves into the fabric of the high street’s resurgence, inspiring other successful online pure plays to become a part of the iconic location which is Oxford Street.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Maniere De Voir will open its first flagship store on London’s Oxford StreetCredit: Instagram
      Wabara is now ready to take over the high-streetCredit: Instagram
      Football may have provided Reece with a platform, but it was his business acumen and eye for fashion that earned him his enormous wealth.
      Now, he’s ready to take over the high-street. Watch out JD Sports. More

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      in Soccer

      I am a glamorous language coach who teaches Premier League imports how to speak English

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      WHEN footballers from overseas move to our shores, one of the first things they do is hire a language coach.Step forward beautiful Sara Duque, who is fluent in a remarkable six languages – Portuguese, English, German, French and Spanish.
      Meet Sara Duque – the world’s sexiest language coachCredit: Instagram
      Duque teaches languages to Premier League footballersCredit: Instagram
      Man City and Argentina star Julian Alvarez is one of Duque’s studentsCredit: INSTAGRAM
      The stunning teacher counts Man City ace Julian Alvarez as one of her clients.
      The polyglot was formerly a sports lawyer, before quitting for a role at Porto as a football language coach.
      After a season with the Primeira Liga side, she branched out onto her own from 2020.
      However, because of her stunning looks – several jealous Wags have reportedly blocked her from working with their partners.
      read more football news
      Fast learner
      Duque claims to have a special formula in teaching footballers languages fast, using several memory techniques.
      She has plenty of students, but perhaps her biggest is World Cup winner Alvarez.
      The Man City forward has already shown in some interviews a keen ability to try out his English vocabulary.
      And Duque was keen to praise the 23-year-old on Instagram, where she has almost 150,000 followers.
      Most read in Football
      She shared a picture with Alvarez, shortly after he returned from Qatar, with praise for his progress on and off the pitch.
      She captioned the snap: “From lifting the World Cup to conquering a new language- my student’s talent knows no bounds!
      “Impressive progress in such a short period of time. Very proud of my student!”
      She added: “In soccer, clear communication between players is essential to execute strategies, make split-second decisions and achieve team goals.
      “Similarly, in life, effective communication can help us build relationships, solve problems and navigate new cultures.”
      Alvarez even showed off his grasp for the language, thanks to Duque, in an Instagram video to the fans after City beat Bournemouth last month.
      He said in English, “Hi everyone, Julian here. Thank you for the support today and I’m very happy for score a goal. Come on City!”
      Duque speaks an incredible six languagesCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Liverpool’s on-loan star Arthur Melo poses with DuqueCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Duque has 150,000 followers on Instagram
      Background
      Duque didn’t begin life as a language coach for football’s elite.
      She started in Belgium as a sports lawyer, drafting up contracts and agreements.
      But she wanted to get involved in football.
      The brunette stunner got her Master’s degree in Sports Psychology and Mental Coaching at the Real Madrid Graduate School in Spain.
      She then went to the US to get a Mental Game Coach Certification, before embarking on her first foray in the beautiful game.
      A job at Porto allowed her to work in her first role as a language coach and practice her art.
      She helped several foreign stars communicate better with their team-mates and coaches.
      Now, she does it on her own.
      After working at Porto, Duque branched out on her own as a language coach
      However, player’s Wags reportedly don’t want Duque giving them lessonsCredit: INSTAGRAM
      But not everyone’s happy
      Despite helping many footballers settle into the English way of life, by improving their language skills, their Wags aren’t best pleased.
      Read More on The Sun
      According to the Argentine television program ‘Invasores’, many are jealous of her and don’t want them giving their partners lessons.
      With looks like Sara’s, you can see what they mean. More

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      in Motorsport

      I fought back from 171mph horror crash and 11-hour operation to become the only woman in Formula 3

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      SOPHIA FLOERSCH could have been forgiven for thinking her time in F3 was up.Back in 2018, when she was just 17, the German driver was involved in a horror crash at the Macau Grand Prix that left five people seriously injured and saw her rushed to hospital.
      Sophia Floersch returns to F3 on Friday five years after her horror crashCredit: Getty
      Glam Floersch almost lost her life on the race track
      Floersch’s car was catapulted in the air at the Macau Grand Prix in a 171mph crashCredit: AP:Associated Press
      A shattered spine, the result of a 171mph smash which saw her catapulted off a bend and into a cabin, meant she had to undergo an 11-hour operation.
      Surgeons worked tirelessly over half a day to ensure her fractured vertebra was stabilised.
      But on Friday, beautiful Sophia will return to F3 for the first time in nearly three years.
      This season, she is signed to PHM Racing by Charouz – and is the ONLY woman on the grid.
      read more motorsport news
      Better still, her dream of competing in Formula 1 has been reignited after Alpine added her to their Driver Academy.
      Inspired by Vettel and dad
      Ever since she was four, Sophia dreamed of being a racing driver.
      Her dad drove karts, which encouraged her to do the same when she was a child growing up in Bavaria.
      The success of four-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel, also inspired her to follow in his footsteps.
      Most read in Motorsport
      “I always watched his races and I was always like: ‘I want to be there’,” she told CNN.
      “So of course, you dream of it. But you’re small and so, so far away, especially when you’re in karting.”
      Sophia soon became a trailblazer in her sport – setting records for being the fastest, youngest and the only woman, as she rose through the ranks of various racing formats.
      Although being female had its challenges.
      She continued: “There are people who say: ‘You’re a woman, you’re not going to make it.
      “But in the end, this just motivates myself even more.
      “I think as a woman, a struggle you have is to find people to give you money for it. Everyone knows that the sport is really expensive and you can spend a lot of money just for going testing during [the] winter period or so.
      “And that’s kind of the struggle you have as a woman, to find companies who believe in you, who trust you to beat the man and to get the same chances and possibilities.”
      When Floersch was a child she raced karts
      Soon, Floersch became a trailblazer in her motorsport
      This season Floersch will be driving with PHM Racing by CharouzCredit: Getty
      This season, that support has come from Formula 3 promoter Bruno Michel.
      Michel recently revealed that the series is helping Floersch with her budget this season to encourage more women to take part in motorsport.
      That fateful day
      But there might not have been another campaign for Sophia, after miraculously surviving her Macau accident.
      Following a collision with Japan’s Sho Tsuboi, her car went airborne over the safety barriers – drawing gasps from an anxious crowd.
      Incredibly, Sophia survived the accident. Her fractured spine, though, required an intricate, pain-staking operation.
      Surgeons worked meticulously to remove a bone splinter that was just inches away from her spinal cord.
      After returning home to recover, incredibly she was back behind the wheel four months later.
      Remembering the incident, Floersch felt like it happened to someone else.
      “If I watched the video, I still don’t believe it’s me flying there just because it didn’t feel like this when I was in a car,” she confessed.
      Floersch’s car flew over the safety barriers
      German Floersch was left with a fractured spine and lucky not to be paralysedCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Fighting for equality
      When it comes to gender equality, motorsport is lacking in female role models.
      An advocate for change, Sophia understands that being the fastest driver isn’t about being a man or a woman.
      “It’s not about having more muscles. There’s more factors which are playing in,” she explained.
      “I think women can do the same and women can drive a car as quickly as a man and drive it on the limit the same.
      “There was never a really successful woman in the class of motorsport, but it is for sure possible.
      “A lot of things have changed during the past years. I think for sure change is going on in the business.
      Floersch dreams of driving in F1
      Alpine recently signed Floersch up to their Driver AcademyCredit: Getty
      “But in the end, I think women still have to prove ourselves; we still have to prove it and win championships and against men and not against other women.”
      Which takes her to her next goal.
      Floersch is now a step closer to racing in F1, after Alpine confirmed they had added her to its Driving Academy last month.
      “Joining the Alpine Academy is an honour and a major opportunity in my career,” Floersch said.
      “I have great ambitions and I am sure by applying the knowledge and expertise from Alpine, it will only help me grow.
      “I can’t wait to start this new chapter and represent the Alpine brand on the global stage.”
      The F1 constructors are pushing for more female drivers with their ‘Race(H)er’ programme launched last summer.
      Last year, Floersch stated: “I’m 21 years old and I think I can and should pursue this goal,” when asked if she believes she has a future in F1.
      Read More on The Sun
      Judging by her courage and resilience, that goal
      Since she began in motorsport, Floersch has pushed for equality in racing
      Floersch’s goal is to compete in F1 More

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      in Soccer

      Meet Alex Scott, the £25m rated Bristol City teen tracked by Newcastle, who Guardiola called “an unbelievable player”

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      ON Tuesday, sandwiched in a crowded midfield that featured internationals Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and Phil Foden, was teen starlet Alex Scott.The Bristol City wonderkid could have been forgiven for feeling overawed by the company he faced in opponents Man City in their FA Cup 5th round tie.
      Bristol City’s Alex Scott has been a revelation for the Robins this seasonCredit: Reuters
      Scott showed he is capable of mixing with the big boys – starring against Man City in the FA CupCredit: Rex
      But, the teenager, particularly in the first half, was spectacular.
      Like he has done all season, Scott kept the ball beautifully, carried it with style and his decision making in a congested area of the pitch belied his years.
      At just 19, the Guernsey-born youngster seemingly has the world at his feet.
      Even the difficult to please Pep Guardiola was impressed – calling the boy wonder “an unbelievable player.”
      read more football news
      It’s no wonder Premier League clubs, including Newcastle, Tottenham, and West Ham are keeping tabs on the £25million rated talent.
      Guernsey boy
      Like Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier, Scott grew up in the Channel Islands.
      In his formative years, he had to undergo heartbreak to reach the top.
      At 12, he was released by the Saints after spending four years with the club.
      Most read in Championship
      He told the Secret Scout: “Southampton wanted me on trial after a summer camp when I was eight-years-old. It was a bit mad being so young.
      “From there I was at Southampton for four-and-a-half years. We were flying over every weekend – we had to do it.
      “It was me and either my dad or my mum who’d have to fly over every weekend. The club paid for the hotel that we stayed in every weekend and my parents paid for the flight.”
      He continued: “I was 12 when I got released from Southampton. It’s quite draining. You want to get back in and go to another academy and mentally you think that I’m not good enough for this.
      “It was tough on my parents as well, having to pay for flights each week for four years. We sacrificed so much as a family to make it work which made it really hard to take when I wasn’t offered a contract.”
      A year’s stint at Bournemouth wasn’t enough to convince Scott that his future belonged on the south coast.
      Guernsey-born Scott was released by Southampton aged 12
      Scott has been a first team regular at Bristol City from 2021Credit: Rex
      A bold move
      Instead, he signed for Isthmian League side Guernsey when he turned 16.
      Scott soon made his debut for the Green Lions against Phoenix Sports – making him the youngster player to play for Guernsey.
      His time there would be short-lived. It took just a handful of games to convince Championship side Bristol City that Scott belonged in their academy.
      He was signed on a pre-contract agreement in December, 2019 and moved the following month to the Robins.
      By 2021, the same year he signed his first professional contract, he was a starter in the first team.
      Scott has since gone on to play 75 times for the club, while becoming an England youth international.
      Scott drew England level in their U19 Euros semi-final against ItalyCredit: AFP
      Scott’s exploits have seen him earn the nickname the ‘Guernsey Grealish’Credit: Rex
      He was represented the Three Lions at U18, U19 and U20 level.
      Most notably, he came off the bench in the 2022 UEFA European Under-19 Championship semi-final against Italy to score an equaliser with his first touch of the game.
      The ‘Guernsey Grealish’
      At Ashton Gate, where Scott has earned the nickname the ‘Guernsey Grealish’, it was fitting he got to play against his idol, Jack, this week.
      Speaking to ITV after the match, he said: “For me, my favourite player is Grealish. For him to come on and to play against him is a bit of a dream come true for me.
      “Obviously that’s the level I want to be at. Obviously watching De Bruyne, Foden and Grealish growing up, to be on the same pitch as them in real life was a special feeling and that’s where I want to be in the future.
      “I’m 19 now and still have years ahead but playing against players like that and seeing that life in the flesh shows you the level you need to be at to play at the top.”
      Read More on The Sun
      After his performance against Man City – Pep Guardiola called Scott an ‘unbelievable player’Credit: Rex
      Grealish, himself, returned the favour with a compliment of his own. A “top, top talent,” the £100m City player called Scott.
      Next season, maybe the rest of the Premier League will see Scott’s skills on a more regular basis. More

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      in Soccer

      Meet Arsenal and Real Madrid transfer target Rasmus Hojlund, who is called the ‘next Haaland’ and stars for Atalanta

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      IN Serie A this season a powerhouse of a 20-year-old has taken the league by storm.A great Dane, if ever there was one, Rasmus Hojlund has left defenders quaking in their boots with his frightening combination of strength and electric pace.
      Rasmus Hojlund has been tearing up Serie A this campaignCredit: Rex
      Powerful Hojlund stands at 6ft4in and can run the 100m in under 11 secondsCredit: Rex
      The 6ft4in forward, who has been likened to Erling Haaland, has scored seven goals in his debut campaign for Atalanta, following a £15million summer move from Austria’s Sturm Graz.
      Naturally, he is now being linked with Europe’s top club – the latest being Arsenal and Real Madrid, who are keeping tabs on the youngster.
      And he isn’t the first footballing Hojlund in his family.
      Family affair
      Football is most certainly in the Hojlunds’ blood.
      read more football news
      Dad Anders was a journeyman forward in Denmark, but was never capped by his country.
      And brothers Oscar and Emil are coming through the ranks at FC Copenhagen.
      But it’s the senior son, Rasmus, who is rising first and rising fast.
      Like his siblings, the wonderkid began at FC Copenhagen – making his debut in 2020.
      Most read in Football
      In the 2021-22 season, he exploded on to the scene – scoring five goals during the Danish side’s Europa Conference League campaign.
      That convinced Austrian Bundesliga club Sturm Graz to pay around £1.5million for him in January 2022.
      He hit the ground running and scored six times in 13 games.
      Hojlund began this season in Austria, scoring a further six goals in eight games before Atalanta made the plunge to bring him to Italy.
      He had been with Graz just seven months before La Dea paid a staggering £15million to sign him.
      It’s an investment that will surely pay dividends in the future.
      Hojlund made his name at FC CopenhagenCredit: Getty
      Brothers Oscar, left, and Emil, right, are coming through the ranks at FC Copenhagen
      Making his name
      Hojlund got off to a flier again – scoring against Monza just nine days after joining the club.
      Former Italy international Antonio Cassano sweepingly put him in the same sentence as Man City ace Erling Haaland.
      “If you think about who he resembles, Haaland quickly comes to mind, but I like Hojlund and I don’t like Haaland”, Cassano stated.
      His legendary manager Gian Piero Gasperini also praised the talent, as well as his incredible speed.
      “The characteristics are very similar, especially in accelerations,” Gasperini said.
      “He is a very fast player, he does the 100 meters in less than 11 seconds.
      Hojlund has been compared to Man City star Erling HaalandCredit: Rex
      Blessed with a low centre of gravity, Hojlund has been capped by Denmark twice
      “For his height, he has a low centre of gravity and an incredible stride frequency.
      “I’m convinced he will have a great career. Technically, he always shows different and better things”.
      Investment for the future
      As a selling club, Atalanta know Hojlund will have to go if the right price is offered.
      And with clubs with plenty of financial muscle already circling around the Gewiss Stadium, it’s inevitable he will move on again.
      A fee of £40million has been suggested in the Italian media, and Atalanta see Hojlund as an investment who will pay off in the near future.
      “More than a gamble, Hojlund is a great investment that the club very much wants,”  Tony D’Amico, sporting director for the club, explained.
      “Few players from 2003 have this amount of playing time in Italy.
      “He has great room for improvement and, with Gasperini, he can become very strong.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Hojlund celebrates after scoring against Lazio earlier in February
      With his current contract running until 2027, that puts Atalanta in the driving seat to demand a huge transfer fee.
      Expect to hear much more from the two-cap Denmark star before the end of the season. More

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      Most bizarre Man of the Match awards, including a Burger King crown, a live chicken and mobile phone data

      by

      THERE was a time when players received a bottle of champagne for winning the Man of the Match awards.Now, they are given a gleaming trophy for their efforts by the Premier League.
      These bizarre MOTM awards include a Burger King crown
      But those prizes pale into boring insignificance in comparison to these wacky gifts.
      From a live chicken to a Burger King crown and mobile phone data, these are the strangest Man of the Match awards.
      Burger King Crown
      Legendary River Plate keeper Franco Armani must have felt like a king for the day after winning a MOTM award in Argentina.
      But on closer inspection, it’s fast-food chain Burger King who provided the crown.
      read more football news
      He didn’t look the slightest bit embarrassed in his post-match interview.
      Curry
      The Viceroy is a reputable Indian restaurant in Carlisle.
      And their association with Carlisle United as a sponsor means players get a curry if they are the star man.
      They even have to pose with the meal in a tray in the dressing room.
      Most read in Football
      Carlisle United have a deal with the local Indian restaurant who provide a curry for MOTM
      Pizza Express
      At Partick Thistle, Connor Sammon seems chuffed with his Man of the Match award.
      Showing off a meaty delight from Pizza Express, that’s more than enough dough to go around.
      We just hope he shared it with his team-mates in the dressing room.
      Connor Sammon shows off a pizza from Pizza Express
      Fish
      Martin Odegaard could well receive a Premier League medal this season, starring for Arsenal.
      But when he was on loan at Real Sociedad, he was presented with a giant fish.
      It came from a local supermarket, who sponsored the club. Imagine driving home with that in your car?
      Martin Odegaard was presented with a fish by a local supermarket
      Live hen
      Polish giants Gornik Zabrze’s man-of-the-match award is clucking good.
      They gave their best player a live hen to take home, which presumably provides breakfast the next day.
      Because that’s the dream – fresh eggs every morning.
      Gornik Zabrze gift their players a hen for a MOTM award
      Spring Onions
      Forward-thinking non-league club Lewes FC have done wonders for the women’s game – paying their female players as much as their men.
      And in Brad’s Pit – a community kitchen garden they grow fruit and veg in – they came up with a novel Man of the Match award.
      Back in 2022, Ayo Olukoga looked delighted to receive some freshly picked spring onions.
      Spring onions from the club community garden are presented to a Lewes FC player of the match
      Mobile phone data
      This is, actually, a brilliant prize for someone who uses their mobile phone A LOT.
      When Hlompho Kekana played for the Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa, he was awarded 5GB of mobile phone data from sponsor Telkom.
      As practical as it gets.
      Mobile phone data is a valuable commodity in South Africa
      Crash Bandicoot
      We can only hope Said Benrahma is a gamer.
      For a top performance in the EFL Cup, he was awarded Carabao’s custom trophy.
      But, rather strangely, in his other hand he was seen clutching a copy of Crash Bandicoot 4 on the PS4.
      Said Benrahma looks delighted after receiving Crash Bandicoot 4
      Grill and apron
      In Argentina, grilling meat is a religion.
      So it was no wonder Lautaro Acosta looked delighted with his award.
      After a Supercopa match in 2016, he was gifted a grill with an apron.
      His team-mates would have blagged an invite for dinners later that night, surely?
      Lautaro Acosta looks delighted with his grill and apron
      Jaffa Cakes and crisps
      Forget fancy diets, Crewe Alexandra are keeping it real with biscuits and crisps.
      Read More on The Sun
      Zac Williams was over the moon with the Jaffa Cakes he received following a game.
      Perfect with a cup of tea in the dressing after the final whistle.
      Crewe Alexandra’s Zac Williams shows off his Jaffa Cakes and crisps More