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      Xavi Simons is PSV’s wonderkid who had 2m Instagram followers at 16, came from Barcelona and could be World Cup star

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      BLESSED with an incredible talent at just 13, the burden of expectation on the shoulders of Xavi Simons was huge.He was the great hope at Barcelona, where he honed his skills at La Masia.
      Xavi Simons has starred for PSV this campaignCredit: Getty
      Simons was hailed as a wonderkid at Barcelona aged just eightCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      However, the lure of PSG and opportunity for first team football was too much to refuse – and the midfield playmaker tried his hand in France.
      After one season in Ligue 1, Simons moved again – this time back to his homeland with PSV.
      Under the tutelage of manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, the wonderkid, 19, is finally flourishing and living up to the hype that originally surrounded him.
      Now, there are calls for him to be included in Louis van Gaal’s Holland squad for the World Cup.
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      ‘Golden Curls’
      Simons began his football education at Barcelona, when he was just seven.
      The Catalans saw him as their greatest prospect since Lionel Messi, and fought off teams including Chelsea who tried to poach the superstar-in-waiting.
      One year, at U14 level, he captained a youth side that won all 25 games – scoring 164 times and conceding just 14.
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      Golden Curls, as he was affectionally nicknamed, even got to meet his idol and namesake, Xavi Hernandez.
      He said: “I was with the physio when Xavi came over.
      “When I told him that my name was also Xavi, he laughed. It was funny. He’s my idol.
      “I know it’s difficult but I will do everything to make it.”
      But it wasn’t to be at Barcelona.
      At eight-years-old, Simons was the star of the Catalans’ youth teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The midfielder idolised his namesake XaviCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      PSG came calling
      The LaLiga giants tried desperately to convince Simons his exciting future belonged at the Camp Nou.
      However, with his path to the first team blocked, he snubbed a new contract at 16, on the advice of his former agent Mino Raiola.
      Instead, an inviting offer from PSG – reportedly worth £1million-per-year – was enough to take him to the Parc des Princes.
      As the man himself explained: “Everyone dreams of playing with Messi, but sometimes there is another way.
      “I decided to try another adventure – and I think that this is good for my development.”
      Little known at the time, Lionel Messi would end up following Simons to Paris two years later.
      But his popularity off the pitch for a boy so young was astonishing – as the hype surrounding the Amsterdam-born youngster grew.
      By the time he was 16, and this is before he’d even made his professional debut, Simons boasted a remarkable two million followers on Instagram.
      While Nike also offered him a bumper sponsorship deal. The world was his oyster.
      In 2019, Simons took his talents to PSGCredit: Refer to Caption
      Neymar became one of his team-mates, but Simons struggled to get a look-inCredit: Refer to Caption
      Again, he would cut a frustrated figure – with reports that he wasn’t progressing as swiftly as was hoped and chances limited.
      Talk of a return to Spain was quashed – with the media in Barcelona insisting his former club were not interested in taking up the option of resigning him with their buy-back clause based on his lack of development.
      Truth was he barely got a game. In his three years, he appeared just 11 times.
      And when he did, luck would have it that he would become the fall guy in defeat – most notably missing a penalty in a shootout defeat to Nice in the last 16 of the Coupe de France.
      Simons took the opportunity to rebuild his career closer to home.
      Return to Holland
      This summer gone, PSV brought Simons back home.
      Initial reports suggested the French giants weren’t willing to let him go, beyond a loan deal.
      When a buy-back clause was inserted, that sweetened the transfer and made the move a permanent one.
      PSV’s new boss Ruud Van Nistelrooy was desperate to work with the boy wonder, seeing more of a forward in him than a midfielder. And he was right.
      In his first four games in the Eredivisie playing in a more advanced position, he netted six times – prompting a compliment from his manager.
      “I’m not even surprised. Before we put him on, I had already seen a lot of him,” Van Nistelrooy told ESPN.
      “I saw that his potential is great and fantastic. I also knew that his character is well constructed. And if you train well and do your job well, you can take big steps. He does that.”
      Xavi Simons has been capped at youth levelCredit: Getty – Contributor
      This season, Simons has had a hand in more goals than other player under 21 in Europe’s top six leaguesCredit: Getty
      Many have tipped Simons to get a call-up for Holland’s World Cup squadCredit: Getty
      Impressively, Simons has had a hand in 14 goals across all competitions this season (10 goals and four assists), which is more than any player under the age of 21 across Europe’s top six leagues.
      There is a belief that Louis Van Gaal has to take him to Qatar as part of the Holland squad for the World Cup.
      It’s also been rumoured that PSG want to exercise their buy-back clause next summer, although Simons isn’t entertaining that thought.
      “There’s a clause in my contract: if I want to go to PSG at the end of the season, I can do that for a certain amount,” he admitted.
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      “To be honest, it’s not in my head to leave PSV. I feel good here and I’ve just settled in. I think you can see that on the field.”
      Simons has come of age – just at the right time – with football’s biggest stage imminent. And he could give the departing Van Gaal the perfect send off by helping him lift’s football’s biggest prize. More

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      Chelsea wonderkid Omari Hutchinson, 18, has been compared to new team mate Raheem Sterling and is a viral sensation

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      CHELSEA moved quickly to re-sign talented teen Omari Hutchinson from Arsenal last season and got a glimpse of his brilliance last night.The wing-wizard, 18, was highly-rated by Gunners boss Mikel Arteta and regularly featured in first team training last season.
      Omari Hutchinson, pictured with head of youth recruitment Jim Fraser, rejoined Chelsea last summerCredit: Chelsea
      Omari Hutchinson celebrates after scoring a scorcher against Leyton OrientCredit: Getty
      Omari Hutchinson was highly-rated at their Hale End academyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Mikel Arteta was impressed by Hutchinson and included him in first team training
      But, after seven years at Hale End – Cobham will be is now where he his football career is growing.
      And he scored a brilliant solo goal to help their Under-21s beat Leyton Orient 3-2 yesterday which sent Twitter into meltdown.
      On a weekly basis last campaign, it was Arsenal fans that were left purring by the attacker and a piece of magnificent skill he had performed during an Under-23 game.
      Back in October 2021, Hutchinson produced a stunning backheel assist in a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth.
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      While in January, it was the Blues who were left stunned by Hutchinson’s incredible solo goal in a 4-1 loss in the Papa John’s Trophy.
      His form excited boss Arteta and sporting director Edu, who believed they may have found the next Bukayo Saka.
      Like Miguel Azeez, Charlie Patino and Nikolaj Moller, Hutchinson was on the fringes of a first team call-up, earning rave reviews among the Arsenal coaching staff. However, he never did get that first team call up.
      An attacking midfielder with quick feet and bags of pace, Hutchinson was spied listening attentively to his ex-Spanish boss during coaching sessions in the past few seasons.
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      Former Arsenal star David Luiz was also impressed by his efforts – and embraced the youngster with a high-five.
      FULL OF POTENTIAL AND BELIEF
      Back in 2020, Hutchinson signed his first pro contract with Arsenal, who he had been with since the age of 11 after a previous spell in Chelsea and Charlton’s youth ranks.
      “A proud day for me and my family and I look forward to pushing on and continuing to work hard,” he wrote on his Instagram as a caption for a photo that showed him inking his deal.
      Cheekily, he added: “Debut soon to come.”
      The confidence he has in his ability translates to the swagger he plays with on the pitch.
      An attacking midfielder who has drawn comparisons with Raheem Sterling, Hutchinson boasts fine dribbling skills and an eye for a goal playing on the right wing.
      Ironically, Sterling is now his team mate at Stamford Bridge – so he will able to learn first hand from his hero.
      [embedded content]
      Hutchinson signed his first pro contract with Arsenal in 2020
      Hutchinson, pictured with Pele, had been with Arsenal since he was 11
      A quick midfielder, Hutchinson can play out wide or as a No10Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Big Performance from the boys in a 4-1 Win against Tottenham 👌🏾 Good to get back on the scoresheet plus and assist ⚽️ 🅰️ We go again 🦍 pic.twitter.com/RIZld1a2wM— Omari Hutchinson (@omarihutch7) January 24, 2021

      And Hutchinson knows a thing or two about performing against London teams. Last season, he was the star performer in the 4-1 rout of Tottenham for the U18’s – scoring another brilliant individual goal and grabbing an assist.
      And he is equally as adept playing in a No10 role, while he was also used at left-back.
      ARTETA WAS IMPRESSED
      A few months before Hutchinson penned his deal with Arsenal, he was drafted into a first team training session with Arteta and Arsenal’s main stars.
      Immediately, he impressed his boss with his passing, skill on the ball, movement and his determination.
      Of course, Arteta had heard from Hutchinson’s youth coaches that he was one of the most exciting players in the academy.
      That is now all academic now.
      But there’s still some way to go before we know he can do it with the big boys.
      Last season, he was raved about – scoring a goal in a 4-3 win away at Newport County in the Football League Trophy.
      Fans raved that he was Arsenal’s standout performer.
      His outstanding season was rewarded with an international call-up by Jamaica, which he accepted with glee even though he was capped at England youth level.
      In the Football League Trophy win over Newport County, Hutchinson was Arsenal’s standout playerCredit: Getty
      Ex-Arsenal first team star David Luiz was impressed by HutchinsonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Hutchinson takes the ball past Alex RunarssonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Big things are expected of HutchinsonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      So it’s no wonder Chelsea are happy to have nabbed a Gunners youth star. “We are delighted that Omari has agreed to sign for Chelsea,” head of youth recruitment Jim Fraser revealed.
      “He is a brilliant addition who joins us as an exciting emerging talent hoping to make a quick impression in the senior game.” More

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      in Soccer

      Meet Kobbie Mainoo, 17, who won the FA Cup Youth Cup last season and was named on the bench against Newcastle

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      WHEN stadium announcer Alan Keegan read out the stars on the Man Utd sub’s bench against Newcastle, there was one name that stood out… Kobbie Mainoo.Behind the scenes at Carrington there is a growing belief the talented 17-year-old could be the heartbeat of the club’s midfield for years to come.
      Kobbie Mainoo celebrates wining the FA Youth Cup with Man Utd’s U18’sCredit: Getty
      Mainoo was named on the bench for Utd’s game against NewcastleCredit: Getty
      The Stockport-born youngster was a key member of last season’s successful FA Youth Cup-winning side, and was rewarded with his first professional contract back in May.
      While this season he has continued to progress for the Red Devils – starring against Brighton for the U21’s and following that up with an impressive display against League Two Carlisle in the EFL Trophy.
      Notably, Erik ten Hag has been impressed and has integrated the teenager into first team training sessions.
      A first team debut is surely around the corner…
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      Been with the club since nine
      Mainoo began his football at grassroots level with Cheadle & Gatley junior football club.
      He was scouted by United aged nine, and worked his way through the youth ranks to establish himself as one of United’s biggest prospects.
      In preseason, United fans caught a glimpse of the playmaker in action against Altrincham.
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      BBC Manchester commentator Jonny Crowther called him a “different class”.
      Earlier this month, Mainoo scored twice in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Brighton for the U21 team.
      While back in August, he had fans purring during a mercurial display against Carlisle in the EFL Trophy.
      His vision, anticipation and tackling ability certainly caught the eye.
      One fan wrote: “I can watch 17-yr-old Kobbie Mainoo’s compilations all day. Manchester United have a player on their hands,” while another said: “Investing in Kobbie Mainoo stocks now.”
      A third said: “I watched Kobbie Mainoo vs Carlisle United yesterday. Ten Haag has to include him in the first team. This is not a joke.
      “He’s a baller. All he needs is the physical strength and forget Frenkie De Jong. He can do the job simple.”
      This season, Mainoo has thrived for the U21’sCredit: Getty

      Ten Hag has listened
      The furore around Mainoo has seen ten Hag, known for giving youth a chance at Ajax, take a closer look at the player himself.
      Already he is training with the first team, as reward for his rapid progression
      He was first named in a United squad against Real Sociedad in the Europa League.
      Then, he appeared on the bench against in their recent Premier League match against Newcastle.
      As ten Hag explained, Mainoo wasn’t there to just make up the numbers.
      At just 17, midfielder Mainoo has been raved about by United fansCredit: Getty
      With first team opportunities in the offing, Mainoo should get used to wearing a club suit in the futureCredit: Getty
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      The Dutch coach told the club’s official website: “It’s not experience it’s about, they [young players] have to deliver.
      “You are here to contribute to the team, to the team’s success, and that is why is here.”
      And here to stay, should he get his opportunity to shine under the lights the Theatre of Dreams. More

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      Karim Benzema’s amazing journey, from ‘sex-tape’ blackmail case and France exile to Ballon d’or winner and model Wag

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      AT 34, Karim Benzema could have been forgiven for thinking his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or were over.But the Real Madrid star is expected to lift the trophy tonight after an incredible season with his club, as well as a return to international football with his country, France.
      Karim Benzema enjoyed a remarkable year with Real MadridCredit: Getty
      Benzema is one of the game’s wealthiest footballers with an enviable car collectionCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Benzema, who boasts an incredible car collection and a love of Bugatti motors, scored a staggering 15 goals in 12 games in the Champions League last campaign.
      And he recorded his best ever LaLiga tally – notching 27 strikes in just 32 games.
      A Ballon d’Or win would cap a remarkable journey for Benzema, after he was exiled from the national team and faced trial for his alleged part in blackmailing Mathieu Valbuena over a sex tape.
      And in stunning American Wag Jordan Ozuna, who used to work at fast food chain Hooters, he has found love off the pitch and is happy to share that with the world.
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      Best ever season
      Often overlooked and criticised, Benzema has scored 328 goals for Los Blancos – since signing for around £35million in 2009.
      Before last season, he was an underrated cog in sides that won three LaLiga titles and four Champions League trophies.
      However, he played second-fiddle to Cristiano Ronaldo – who was bought the same year from Man Utd.
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      Unselfishly, Benzema admitted: “When Cristiano Ronaldo played for Real Madrid, he scored 50 to 60 goals a year.
      “So, my moves were to give him an advantage on the field, generate spaces, because I exchanged the ball well in the opponent’s area. He was much more effective than I was.”
      That all changed in 2018-19, when the Portuguese legend left for Juventus. Benzema was left as the main man, and how he thrived.
      Across the previous four seasons, he’s scored 131 goals in all competitions. While in this campaign he has five in 10 games.
      He admitted his priorities changed after CR7 departed for Turin.
      Benzema explained: “It’s been different for me since Cristiano Ronaldo left Real Madrid.
      “It’s true that I’ve scored many more goals, but when Cristiano was here, we had a different style of play, I was providing more assists.
      He really helped me on and off the pitch.
      “But at that time, I did know that I could do more and when he left, it was the time to change my game, change my ambitions and I am doing that well at the moment.”
      In the past four seasons, Benzema has scored a staggering 131 goalsCredit: Reuters
      For several years, Benzema was forced to live behind the shadow of Cristiano RonaldoCredit: EPA
      Sex-tape
      But it hasn’t always been plain-sailing in Benzema’s career. Misdemeanours off the pitch threatened his reputation, and perhaps derailed it somewhat.
      His international career suffered, certainly.
      Slights of character began in 2010, when French TV channel M6 reported that four members of the French national team were being investigated for their roles as clients in a prostitute ring operated inside of a Paris nightclub, with some of the women allegedly being underage.
      Benzema was one of those, along with Franck Ribéry, Sidney Govou, and Hatem Ben Arfa.
      Benzema and Ribéry were acquitted by a judge because of lack of sufficient evidence that the pair knew the prostitutes were underaged. But, the young striker’s card was marked.
      In 2015, Benzema was arrested by police for his alleged part in blackmailing fellow France international player Mathieu Valbuena over the alleged recording of a sex-tape on a mobile phone.
      Noel Le Graet, the president of the FFF, announced a suspension of the striker from the national team..
      The case went to trial in 2021, and Benzema was found guilty of conspiring to blackmail Valbuena with the sex tape.
      Benzema was handed a one-year suspended sentence and fined £75,000.
      Former team mates Mathieu Valbuena and Karim Benzema were involved in a sex tape scandalCredit: Reuters
      Benzema faced trial for his part in the alleged blackmailingCredit: Getty
      After a six-year exile, Benzema is back in the France squadCredit: AFP
      But, it was the cost of losing six years of his international career that hurt the most.
      Since 2021, Didier Deschamps has reinstated Benzema back into the Les Bleus line-up.
      And with 10 goals in his 16 games across the last year, it’s the national side that seemingly lost out on his talents.
      What better way for redemption to lead the French line in Qatar and win the World Cup.
      Finding love
      Fiercely private off the pitch, practicing Muslim Benzema kept his love life out of the limelight during his epic rise.
      He was married to Chloe De Launay, who is the mother of their two children Ibrahim and Melia.
      But their romance was reportedly hit by controversy and alleged infidelity.
      Benzema is now reportedly dating American model Jordan Ozuna.
      The 32-year-old used to work as a Hooters waitress in Las Vegas but is now signed to several US-based modelling agencies.
      And she seems to have encouraged him to open up more about his life.
      Chloe De Launay is the mother of Benzema’s children (Melia pictured here)Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Stunning Jordan Ozuna is Benzema’s current reported girlfriendCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Beautiful Jordan used to be a Hooters waitress in Las Vegas, but now modelsCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
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      They both follow each other on Insta and have publicly shared heart emojis during exchanges, while she was said to be in Paris back in May to support Benzema crowned king of the Champions League.
      Maybe she will be there to cheer him on winning the 2022 Ballon d’or at the Théâtre Châtelet in Paris tonight. More

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      Graeme Souness’s finest moments on Sky Sports like his Pogba obssession as Liverpool legend prepares to retire

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      IT’S seemingly the end of an era.After 16 years as a pundit, Graeme Souness will reportedly leave Sky Sports at the end of the season.
      Graeme Souness is reportedly set to leave his role at Sky Sports at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
      The fiery Scot, 69, has appeared more sporadically this campaign – and was “happy” to have signed just a one-year deal with Sky in the summer.
      The Athletic say that his latest contract was only for a reduced, set number of appearances and it is possible it could be his last.
      Over the years, Souness has provided much hilarity in the studio with his cutting criticism and honesty, look away if you are Paul Pogba and Jack Grealish.
      And just like his tackling in his hey day, he’s not afraid to pull any punches. Here’s his best moments.
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      The Pogba affair
      Souness seemingly always had a bee in his bonnet about Pogba.
      But, even though he drew Jamie Redknapp and Gary Neville in heated debates about the World Cup winner, it was a moment with affable Micah Richards that was most surprising.
      It came during a discussion on old comments made by Pogba’s former agent Mino Raiola about the Frenchman’s future at Man Utd. The playmaker would, of course, get his move in the end.
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      But the pair spoke over each other and gesticulated furiously as they tried to make their points – while Souness even turned his back at one point.
      Richards suggested Raiola had made comments without Pogba’s say-so but ex-Liverpool man Souness was having none of it.
      He blasted: “Not a chance, not a chance. He’s echoing the thoughts of the player.”
      Souness wasn’t having Micah Richards comments about Paul Pogba
      Fiery Scot Souness turned his back on his fellow pundit
      Grealish ain’t all that
      “He’s a good player, not a great player,” Souness has said of Man City’s £100million man Jack Grealish.
      For Graeme, the former Aston Villa playmaker has yet to do it for Pep Guardiola’s side.
      And, during his punditry, he’s let everyone know it. Jack’s not immune to it either.
      Grealish hit back at those comments while away on England duty by insisting: “I don’t know what his problem is, he always criticises me.”
      Amusingly, Souness retorted on talkSPORT: “I’d love a night out with him.
      “I’m not sure I could stay with him but I think I would enjoy a night out with him.”
      Grealish has seemingly taken him up on his offer. He wrote on social media, “🤣🤣 let’s do it!! As long as I can bring Pogba as a +1.”
      Jack Grealish has been Souness’s recent targetCredit: Rex
      A case for the defence
      Gary Neville is used to getting his point across when it comes to his beloved Manchester United.
      But Souness didn’t agree with an assessment that Cristiano Ronaldo needed support up front. No, the European Cup winner slammed the club’s defence.
      Neville said: “The biggest problem United actually have pre-dates Ronaldo. And for me it’s not a Pogba issue either.”
      Souness interjected: “You had to throw him into the mix as well.”
      But Neville carried on: “We can point towards two players, no goals is a mentality issue in a club, it’s a mentality issue in general.
      “United have had just one clean sheet in the last 20 game across all competitions.
      “They’ve conceded 31 goals to Chelsea’s 12, Liverpool’s 16 and Manchester City’s 21.”
      But Souness cut in again and added: “That’s not about having a focal point. That’s not the issue.
      “The issue is you’re too vulnerable.”
      Gary Neville and Graeme Souness got into a heated discussion about Man Utd’s defenceCredit: Sky Sports
      Gary Neville was adamant United’s problems remained upfront and was riled by SounessCredit: Sky Sports
      Neville attempted to diffuse the rising tensions and said: “We’re talking about two different things here, Graeme.”
      But Liverpool legend Souness would not stop. He continued: “It’s not about having a focal point. That’s not the issue.”
      Don’t interrupt him
      North London derby day in 2018, and Arsenal have drawn at home to Spurs 1-1.
      Alongside Souness in the studio is Gunners legend Thierry Henry, who begins with his assessment of the game.
      Henry makes his point about Arsenal stars, their injuries and how unfortunate they’ve been.
      Souness, though, had other ideas. “Arsenal have a lot of players that run with the ball,” he said.
      “That would lend to the idea of stretching more, dribbling with the ball more than anyone else…”
      Souness didn’t like it when Thierry Henry interrupted himCredit: Getty
      Before he can finish, he’s interrupted by Henry – to which Souness barks “I’m talking” at hime.
      It was worth noting a season earlier, Souness was interrupted by Gary Neville – also during an Arsenal game at Man City – and gave him a death stare.
      But he got his own back…
      Fed up of being interrupted, Souness got his own back on fellow Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher last season.
      It started with a debate about Romelu Lukaku’s infamous interview on Sky Sport Italy, when the Belgium striker revealed he wanted to return to Inter Milan.
      Souness felt he should have got more than just being left out of the line up for an important televised game by boss Thomas Tuchel.
      Carragher did his best to defend Lukaku, saying he didn’t say he wanted to leave Chelsea.
      Souness interjected, “No, he did in as many words.”

      The interjection alone spun Carragher’s mind, who pulled a hilarious face at the camera – that’s soon become a meme.
      Beef with Mourinho
      The Special One and Graeme clashed over Man Utd’s playing style, as well as fixture congestion.
      “I have seen in the football media that certain pundits cannot understand why our players are tired,” Mourinho moaned his programme notes.
      “A pundit is not honest if they cannot forget their colours or if they try to hide the truth from their audience. It’s not my fault if their managerial career was very poor.”
      But Souness hit back after they beat Ajax in the Europa League final.
      “They have turned up in Stockholm, and dug out a result playing the kind of football that is not Manchester United, that’s my biggest beef with them,” he said.
      “They don’t attempt to get on the ball, and don’t play enough football for me. If you’re one of the big clubs in the world, which they obviously are, you have to play better football.
      “They won’t win the big trophies playing like that, against the better teams they won’t win the big trophies. You won’t win our league playing like that. They don’t play enough football.”
      Souness later said that the only reason Man Utd went with Mourinho was because rivals Man City had a Pep Guardiola, and the Red Devils needed a big name manager.
      Jose Mourinho celebrates with the Europa League trophyCredit: Getty – Contributor
      ‘Why are you looking at me like that?’
      It’s not just fellow pundits who have faced Souness’s wrath.
      In 2019, Liverpool drew 0-0 against Manchester United at Old Trafford – in what many perceived as a flat performance.
      But, the former Anfield hero thought the Reds played well, when asked by host David Jones, and dominated possession.
      With the camera zoomed in on Souness, it’s impossible to see what Jones did to incur such a confrontation.
      But as Souness contined to make his point, he all of a sudden said: “Why are you look at me like that? Are you not agreeing with me?”
      Graeme Souness on Sky’s Super Sunday

      As the camera panned out, Jones looked around at the fellow pundits and said, “I just wonder if they agree with you.”
      “It was just the way you looked,” Souness added.
      How he will be missed. More

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      Napoli’s amazing resurgence with Serie A leaders the highest scorers in Champions League and winning fans for their play

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      FORGET Arsenal, Man City or Real Madrid.There’s a new sheriff in town and they have become the perennial entertainers in their domestic league and the Champions League.
      Napoli’s fans are toasting new heroes, including Giacomo RaspadoriCredit: Getty
      Napoli are unbeaten in their first 13 games in both Serie A and the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      Luciano Spalletti’s Napoli have blitzed all before them in devastating fashion to go 13 games unbeaten in both competitions with a brand of free-flowing, heavy-metal football that Jurgen Klopp would be proud of.
      The German manager got a flavour of what they offer at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona last month, as Liverpool were humbled 4-1 – with three goals coming in a first half massacre.
      And the Naples giant’s’ amazing start is even more of a surprise, given they had a summer of upheaval.
      All change
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      The Camorra would have been watching with bated breath at what the upcoming season promised.
      Especially after losing legends like Dries Mertens, who plundered 148 goals for the club, Italian international Lorenzo Insigne and star midfielder Fabian Ruiz.
      Serie A’s best centre back of recent years, Kalidou Koulibaly also left for the bright lights of the Premier League and Chelsea. You could forgive Napoli’s faithful for feeling pessimistic.
      Some £72million was made from player sales, with just £61million of that reinvested into the team.
      Most read in Football
      The most expensive signing came in the form of South Korean defender Kim Min-Jae for £16million, who had the unenviable job of filling Koulibally’s giant boots.
      Cameroon midfielder Frank Anguissa was added from Fulham for £13million.
      Steady Uruguayan full-back Mathias Olivera was snapped up from Getafe for £9million.
      There was also a nod to the future, with Georgian talent Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, 21, and Giacomo Raspadori, 22, added for creativity and firepower.
      What happened next no one could have seen.
      Start as you mean to go on
      The season’s opener gave a taste of what was to come, as Verona can testify.
      Spalletti’s side smashed five away from home – with the old guard of Victor Osimhen, Piotr Zielinski and Stanislav Lobotka all running riot.
      Led by Victor Osimhen, Napoli’s frightening attack has scored three goals or more in eight of their 13 matches in all competitionsCredit: Rex
      A 6-1 demolition of Ajax had Europe take noteCredit: Getty
      It was helter-skelter football, played at a 100mph. But it worked.
      What has followed has been goal blitz after goal blitz. In their first 13 matches, they’ve scored three goals or more in a game eight times.
      In Serie A they sit pretty at the top of the pile with seven wins and two draws from their nine games. They are the league’s top scorers with an impressive 22 strikes.
      While in the Champions League, they’ve won four from four – scoring 17 goals along the way. That too is the highest goal tally of any of their rivals.
      At the turn of the month, Europe took note after they demolished Ajax 6-1 at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
      Fabio Capello, who was watching the game as a pundit for Italian TV, was impressed.
      “Napoli just gave a football lesson at the Johan Cruyff Arena,” he told former Alessandro Costacurta on Sky Sport Italia.
      “A lesson to the Dutch, who taught the rest of us how to play!”
      Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scores Napoli’s fifth in the rout of Ajax in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      Napoli’s fans hold on to the memory of Diego Maradona, but could have new heroes to saviour with their current teamCredit: Rex
      Even the press in Holland couldn’t help summon up the spirits of the two clubs’ favourite sons, Diego Maradona and Cruyff.
      “Napoli’s spectacular game in Amsterdam would certainly have enchanted Maradona, Cruyff would have without doubt been very disturbed by Ajax’s performance, which became the laughing stock of Europe,” De Telegraaf wrote.
      A nod to the gaffer
      Napoli’s free-flowing attacking football has been guided by Italian tactician Spalletti.
      Before a world of false nine’s, the 63-year-old famously played a system without a striker at Roma – getting the best out of Francesco Totti who prospered in a free role.
      Man Utd’s legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson was a fan, and even utilised Wayne Rooney in a similar role after being inspired by Spalletti’s tactic.
      But, he is yet to win the Scudetto in his 28 years in the game. Two Russian Premier League titles with Zenit Saint Petersburg during a five-year spell haven’t silenced the doubters.
      Coach Luciano Spalletti has drawn praise for building attacking teamsCredit: Getty
      Napoli have scored more goals than any other team in both Serie A and Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      Buy of the season
      Comparisons to Maradona from Napoli’s tifosi aren’t handed out quickly.
      However, in Georgian midfielder Khvicha Kvaratskhelia they’ve found a new talisman who is already a contender for buy of the season.
      Snapped up for just £9million from Dinamo Batumi, who had him for a short spell after he was allowed to suspend his contract with Russian side Rubin Kazan, he won Italy’s player of the month in August.
      The 6ft winger scored his first Champions League goal in that Ajax massacre and has five in nine Serie A matches this season.
      With an air of unpredictability, blistering pace and skill – Kvaratskhelia has been given the label the ‘Georgian Maradona’.
      While, Spalletti has already waxed lyrical about his talent.
      Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has undoubtedly been Serie A’s best player this seasonCredit: Getty
      Will Napoli’s stars be celebrating in front of their own supporters at the end of the season?Credit: Getty
      He said: “He is able to control any ball and make it clean, he has this very shy way of doing things, he never wants to be the centre of attention, but when he plays football, he is so confident.”
      Italy hero Alessandro Del Piero added: “Watch out for Kvaratskhelia. He is unpredictable and talented, he seems to be made to play in Europe.”
      With 17th placed Bologna up next, Napoli fans will no doubt expect another goal glut on Sunday. And they will, no doubt, live up to their new tag as ‘Europe’s Entertainers’. More

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      Premier League stars, including Kalvin Phillips and Wilfried Zaha are using private limos to travel to match days

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      PREMIER LEAGUE footballers use ATG Chauffeuring – a luxury limo service that provides rides to stars on match days.The likes of Kalvin Phillips, Morgan Gibbs-White, Wilfried Zaha and Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer have all been spotted in their high-end cars travelling to games or to a TV studio.
      England ace Kalvin Phillips uses ATG Chauffering’s servicesCredit: Instagram
      Wilfried Zaha has also taken advantage of the luxury limo serviceCredit: Instagram
      Footballers and their Wags travel in style in a £62,000 Mercedes-Benz V-Class
      And they’re ferried in £62,000 Mercedes-Benz V-Class vans kitted out with all the latest gadgets.
      Fitted with PlayStation4’s, Sky TV, and Netflix – the game’s elite can kick back and relax.
      ATG Chauffeuring have been known to give international stars drop-offs at the airport.
      While even their Wags are making the most of it, using it for personal travel for matches.
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      Testimonials
      Former footballer and now talkSPORT host Darren Bent is a fan of the service, and has been pictued on their social media giving the thumbs up.
      While Shearer has bigged up owner Andre Torean Gonzales and addressed the service offer on the Midlands-based company’s website with a glowing review.
      Man City footballer Kalvin Phillips and Morgan Gibbs-White have used ATG Chauffeuring to ferry themselves around, with the former Sheffield United ace using the service on a match day.
      Most read in Football
      Former Wag Danielle Lloyd is also a fan, appearing on ATG’s Instagram page.
      As is Brittney De Villiers – the stunning girlfriend of Nottingham Forest midfielder Gibbs-White – who posed up in the back of one of their limos on a trip to Bristol for a social media snap.
      And these cars give regular transport a run for their money.
      Amazing amenities
      With their focus on training or matches, some footballers might not want to take their cars with them.
      Morgan Gibbs-White hired ATG Chauffeuring on a match dayCredit: Instagram
      Gibbs-White’s stunning girlfriend Brittney De Villiers poses in the back of a limoCredit: Instagram
      They could want to switch off from the pressures and rigours of professional football.
      By travelling with a limo service, they have enough distractions to forget about that.
      ATG Chauffeuring’s cars feature PlayStations loaded up with the latest instalment of FIFA.
      If they want to keep up with the football scores elsewhere, there’s Sky TV to watch a game on the well-sized screens.
      And if they don’t want to think about football at all, then they can simply watch a film on Netflix.
      Entertainment systems on board feature Netflix and Sky TV
      Football stars can also play FIFA on a PlayStation 4
      With all that on offer, it’s no wonder some footballers are leaving their expensive motors at home and using personal limo services, like ATG Chauffeuring.
      Maybe they’ll save room for football journalists too. More

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      Former West Ham and Liverpool star Paul Konchesky now runs a pie and mash cafe after hanging up his boots

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      WHEN planning for a life after football, maybe it’s best to think with your stomach rather than your head.That’s what ex-Charlton, West Ham and Liverpool star Paul Konchesky, now 41, did when he took over a cafe in Brentwood, Essex in 2015.
      Paul Konchesky now runs his own pie and mash cafeCredit: Splash News
      Former Charlton left-back Konchesky opened Konch’s Kafe in 2015 in Essex
      The former Premier League left-back renamed the site Konch’s Kafe, and started selling traditional East End grub like pie and mash and hasn’t looked back since.
      And making sure he’s keeping it in the family, Konchesky has got his mum Carol in to run her son’s operation.
      An experienced chef, she used to cook in the kitchen of the Royal Oak pub in Essex.
      LOVES HIS PIES
      Pie and mash is something that reminds the two-cap England international of his youth days as a trainee with the Addicks, even if his food-intake wasn’t quite fitting for a wannabe pro footballer.
      Konchesky told the Daily Mail: “There was this pie-and-mash shop next to our school in Dagenham.
      “Every Tuesday we’d all have mash and liquor for a pound in a takeaway cup.
      “Every Friday it’d be proper pie, mash and liquor, with jellied eels. And a cream soda. Without fail.
      “I used to be a right dumpling with a big fat face. I was quite tubby when I had my first fitness test at Charlton.
      “I was in the first team at 16 with John Robinson and that, getting crates of beer on to the team bus. And on the way home we’d stop for fish and chips.”
      Konch’s Kafe has been a big success for Konchesky since he retiredCredit: Rex Features

      Now a picture of health, and even completing the London Marathon in three hours 51 minutes after hanging up his boots, Konchesky resists the temptation of chowing down on pies.
      But he often pops in and greets customers, who love to quiz him about his football career.
      Occasionally, he’ll chip in in the kitchen, making teas and coffees for his clientele too.
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      WHAT’S ON THE MENU?
      The menu at Konch’s Kafe is vast, and offers everything you’ll need for a decent price.
      Cockney favourites – pie ‘n’ mash start at a reasonable £3.90, while if you want to add some jellied eels to the dish with a bit of liquor, you’ll pay £6.40.
      But if you don’t fancy that, there’s breakfast options, including the Mega Feast with two eggs, sausage, two bacon, black pudding, mushrooms, chips, beans or tomatoes for £6.25.
      For lunch, there are jacket potatoes and various sandwiches, and recent specials have included beef stew with dumpling and creamy potato for just £4.75, as well as a chicken curry with rice and naan for a fiver.
      However, it’s the pie and mash that’s getting customers through the door and keeping them happy.
      A boyhood West Ham fan, Konchesky fell in love with the Hammers and that East End delicacy thanks to his grandfather, who settled in England from Poland during World War II.
      The menu at Konch’s Kafe offers everything you’ll want
      A beef stew was recently on the special’s board at Konch’s Kafe

      GETTING SHIRTY
      And anyone who visits Konch’s Kafe will be taken by their surroundings – framed shirts from various opponents Konchesky has faced during his action-packed career.
      A West Ham No 3 shirt with his name on takes centre stage, there’s a signed sketch featuring his hero Julian Dicks, a signed England shirt, as well as a photo of tough defender taking on Teddy Sheringham.
      “I’ve always collected shirts: Henry, Vieira, Gazza, Ravanelli, Ronaldo, Scholes,” he said.
      “I’ve got an England shirt from John Barnes, who gave it to me when we were together at Charlton.
      “He signed it, ‘Remember me when you’re famous’. They’re all dirty. I’ve never washed any of them.”
      Clearly with his fingers in many pies, you’ll be thankful that Konchesky’s hands aren’t as dirty as his shirts when you pop in for your next pie fix.
      THE REVIEWS ARE IN
      You won’t be surprised to know that it’s scored five out of five on TripAdvisor’s site t he time of writing.
      Mandy R wrote: “Love this cafe not just because of the pie and mash but all the food is yummy and the staff are always helpful and a good laugh. They look after everyone, no ones ever alone at Konchs.”
      While Samuel A declared: “Very nice staff, very nice atmosphere with the pictures on the walls of ex west ham players and football history! The pies are a must! superb value!”
      And wendybrooks07 called Konch’s ‘best pie and mash in Brentwood’, adding: “Traditional Pie and Mash and liquor is just great from here – delicous and worth trying – my favourite.”
      On TripAdvisor Konch’s Kafe has scored 5 star reviews
      Jamie Redknapp and Mark Noble tuck into some grub at Konch’s KafeCredit: Rex Features
      Paul Konchesky’s love of pie and mash stemmed from his Polish grandfather who emigrated to the East End during World War II
      You won’t be disappointed with your meal at Konch’s Kafe
      Konchesky’s last Premier League club was Leicester City in 2015Credit: Phil Shephard-Lewis – The Sun More