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      in Soccer

      Meet Chelsea youngster Derrick Abu, who is juggling a promising football career with becoming a rap star

      by

      IT’S the teenage dream to be a music star or footballer… but Chelsea youngster Derrick Abu is planning on doing both.The promising talent has been a regular for the Blues U18 side and has starred in their FA Youth Cup run.
      Chelsea youngster Derrick Abu has been tipped for the top at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
      Abu is juggling his football career by trying to become a rap starCredit: YouTube: CHO$EN
      The 18-year-old has provided stability and versatility at the back for Ed Brand’s team, playing in a variety of positions including right back, right wing-back and centre-half.
      Off the pitch, Abu is just as diverse – pursuing his very own rap career under the moniker Cho$en.
      He recently released his debut single Life’s Changing, and is planning on a second with new track Real Love.

      Twin passions
      Growing up in West London, German-born Abu had a love of both football and music.
      Influenced by his Nigerian parents, he was a regular church-goer, where he sang in the local choir.
      He wrote his first song when he was just 11, around the same time he joined the club.
      Abu revealed: “I have been making music as long as I have been playing football, going to church with my mum and being involved with the church choir. My love for music only grew from there.
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      “I think I had a natural talent and the most important thing is I enjoyed singing so from there it just became a hobby.”
      Managing his time
      Alongside the demands of playing for one of the world’s leading football academies, Abu manages to find time to get to the studio and work on his music.
      Speaking to Chelsea’s website, he is keen to stress that he is willing to work hard to achieve success in both worlds.
      He said: “Firstly, I want people to know that I have always wanted to do both, so I made sure that I was committed to both and ready for the workload of both as I do not want one to suffer at the hands of the other.
      “I want to do both at a high level. It has been relatively easy because I have put my mind to doing both. I believe if I am putting in performances and developing as a footballer, there is no reason I cannot develop as a music artist too.”
      Abu, who has featured for England’s U17s, claimed he gets the full support of his team-mates who love his tunes.
      “My team-mates always tell me what they like about my music and that also gives me confidence as they are believing in something that I have made” he said.
      Despite a hectic schedule, Abu finds time to devote himself to his music and footballCredit: Instagram @derrickabu_
      Abu signed his first professional contract with Chelsea last yearCredit: Instagram @derrickabu_
      Life’s Changing
      Abu’s debut single, Life’s Changing, is out now and available to listen to on streaming sites including Spotify and Apple Music.
      According to Spotify’s records, it has been listened to over 18,000 times – while he has attracted over 2,000 monthly listeners.
      Calling himself Cho$en, he plans on releasing follow-up Real Love on April 7.
      But it’s his first song that defines his journey so far.
      “It’s an old song which I picked out of the archives and made a couple of changes to, but it has turned out well,” Abu divulged.
      Abu releases music under the moniker Cho$enCredit: Instagram @derrickabu_
      Cho$en’s first single is the biographical Life’s ChangingCredit: YouTube: CHO$EN
      Life’s Changing has been streamed over 18,000 times on SpotifyCredit: YouTube: CHO$EN
      “It has such a cool beat and that helps me get across the message of the song.
      “The song talks about how I am basically living two dreams at the same time and how I will keep working hard to make sure that I continue along this path.”
      With such dedication, you wouldn’t put it past Abu succeeding in both. And maybe then, it’ll be his music that’s blasted out from a Chelsea star’s dressing room speakers. More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Canada qualify for first World Cup in 36 years, led by an English coach and spearheaded by Arsenal target Jonathan David

      by

      CANADA are the latest country to qualify for FIFA World Cup.Spearheaded by Arsenal target Jonathan David, they thrashed Jamaica 4-0 at a packed BMO Field to book their place in Qatar.
      Canada have qualified for the 2022 World CupCredit: Rex
      Fans inside the BMO Field celebrate Canada’s epic qualificationCredit: Rex
      The team to beat, they finished top of their group ahead of USA and Mexico.
      And they did it without star man and Bayern Munich ace Alphonso Davies, who has been out of action with a Covid-related heart issue since the turn of the year.
      That has forced the left-back to stream himself watching qualifying games onhis Twitch channel, breaking down in tears on Sunday at his country’s latest success.
      But while David and Davies may have played their part, it’s an unsung British coach that should also get the plaudits.
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      Herd mentality
      Canada are led by Englishman John Herdman, who had a spell as a development coach at Sunderland until 2001.
      The 46-year-old started his coaching journey when he was a student and part-time lecturer at Northumbria University.
      After moving to New Zealand in the early noughties, Herdman joined their national association football programme where he took on roles including coach education manager and director of football development.
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      In 2006 he scored his first management role – when he was named head coach for the New Zealand women’s national team.
      He excelled in the job, guiding them to World Cups in both 2007 and 2011.
      Canada’s women’s national team hired Herdman as their boss in 2011, and he wasted no time by winning a gold medal at the Pan American Games the same year.
      After a successful Olympic qualifying campaign, Canada’s women’s team would compete in the 2012 Games in London, where they would eventually scoop bronze.
      Four years later, Herdman’s Canada would retain bronze at Rio.
      His successful reign saw him bumped up to men’s national team coach, as well as men’s national director, with responsibility for all age groups from under-14s upwards.
      It signalled a new dawn for Canadian football – and within four years years they climbed the world football rankings from 72nd to now 33rd, the highest ever for the country famed for its ice hockey teams.
      Next, he will take his charges to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup.
      English coach John Herdman leads the Canada national teamCredit: Reuters
      Herdman cut his teeth with Canada’s women’s team – winning bronze at the OlympicsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      David & Goliath
      A potential breakout star in the Middle East could well be their explosive forward, 22-year-old Jonathan David.
      Born in New York City, he moved to Haiti when he was a baby but then emigrated to Ottawa as a six-year-old.
      His epic rise saw him go from youth football in Canada to moving abroad to Belgium, where he starred for Gent.
      Within seven months of joining, David made his debut – scoring an injury time equaliser to rescue his side. A star was born.
      Across two seasons as a teenager, he would score 37 goals in 83 games.
      It was enough to encourage Ligue 1 giants Lille to pay £25million for his talents, where he has continued to go from strength-to-strength.
      This season he has been at his most prolific – finding the net 17 times in all competitions, despite the club’s struggles in the league.
      Growing up, he idolised Thierry Henry and is believed to be a top transfer target for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
      With Lille expected to sell in the summer, he could already be a Premier League star when he appears at the World Cup.
      Integral to Canada’s attacking play is Jonathan DavidCredit: AFP
      David, who has 20 goals in 29 matches for Canada, is a reported target for ArsenalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      All without Davies
      It’s on the left-side where Canada are at their most frightening.
      Working in tandem with David, who likes to drift to that side, is the lighting-quick Alphonso Davies.
      Born in a refugee camp in Ghana after his family fled the Second Liberian Civil War, he overcame adversity to reach the top.
      Back in 2021, he was recorded hitting a top speed of 22mph in a Bundesliga match for Bayern Munich.
      Two years prior, he exploded on the scene after signing from MLS club Vancouver Whitecaps for £9million.
      However, since January Davies has had to watch his country’s historic campaign from the sidelines, or better still his own living room.
      An inflammatory heart condition following a bout of coronavirus hasn’t seen the defender play this year, although now back in training he’s hopeful of playing for the Bavarians in the near future.
      In his spare time, he’s taken to his Twitch channel that’s grown to 271,000 followers.
      When he’s not showing off his skills on FIFA 22, he was streaming himself cheering on Canada’s international games.
      Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David make a lethal combo for CanadaCredit: Getty
      Davies has been sidelined since the turn of the year after suffering with a heart-related issue following a bout of coronavirusCredit: Getty
      On his Twitch channel, Davies has been cheering on the national team in their quest to qualify for the World CupCredit: Twitch: thatboydavies19
      On Sunday, he filmed himself reacting to their epic win over Jamaica in an emotional video.
      Breaking down, Davies tearfully cheered the moment while collapsing to the floor.
      You can bet many proud Canadians will probably be doing the same when they get to see their side in Qatar this December. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      England star Harry Kane’s very British car collection, as he favours driving a Range Rover, Jaguar and Bentley

      by

      TRUST our Harry.England captain and Spurs star Kane, 28, really does wear his heart on his sleeve when it comes to his country, putting in some inspired performances on the pitch for the Three Lions.
      Harry Kane believes in the best of British when it comes to his car collectionCredit: The Sun
      And if you look closely at his car collection, you’ll see he likes to keep it British too.
      The Spurs striker believes the best is ‘Made in England’, preferring to ride in cars made by Range Rover, Bentley and Jaguar – all made on our shores.
      Family man Harry loves to travel in comfort and style in a sporty Autobiography from Land Rover worth around £99k, and also drives a roomy F-PACE which starts at a modest £35k.
      But when he feels the need for speed, his Continental GT Supersports costing around £212k is just the ticket to get him to and from training at the blink of an eye.
      Three Lions hero Kane drives a Jaguar F-PACE which starts at a modest £35kCredit: The Sun
      “Just to be associated with that British stamp is something that I’m proud of,” Kane said.
      “I pretty much love that Jag. It’s not too big, not too small, it fits our little daughter and the dogs.
      “It’s a family car with a sporty edge. It’s not like you’re embarrassed to drive it as a dad. You’re happy to drive it. It looks nice and it’s not too expensive. It’s been great for me so far.”
      After a hard session on the training ground, most footballers prefer to stretch their legs in a comfy SUV.
      Harry confessed he was no different and the extra space is crucial.
      After a game or training, Kane loves to ride in a spacious SUV
      “After a game or training, you just want to get in a nice car and chill.
      “I had a Range Rover Sport before that. Loved that. I just wanted the bigger version. And I’ve just bought a Bentley Supersports.
      “I thought I’d treat myself to a sports car. I was looking at most of them really, but because I play golf I wanted something with a bit of room, nothing too low, something a bit different.
      “They are only making 710 of them. I’ve gone for white with black wheels. It’s a beautiful, beautiful car. It’s my first real sports car.
      Harry Kane also rides a £212k Bentley Supersports like his teammate Dele AlliCredit: James Lipman
      “Down the line, maybe if I win a few trophies, I can treat myself to a Ferrari or a Lamborghini.”
      For club and country, Harry formed a formidable relationship with Dele Alli.
      The pair have starred for Spurs and England over the years, with their play often telepathic at times.
      That might explain why they both bought the same car!
      Family man Harry Kane loves taking his family for a spin in his F-PACECredit: Instagram @HarryKane
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      “Dele’s just bought a Supersports as well,” Kane revealed.
      “I’ve come in with my Supersports and he’s said, ‘I don’t believe it. I’ve just ordered that as well’. He’s got a black one and I’ve got a white one. It keeps the partnership going!”
      On the pitch, Harry is often getting clattered by opposition defenders, who target him for a kicking. Off it, he’s had a couple of car collisions in his time.
      “On the day of my first Premier League start for Spurs, I crashed in the car park at Costco,” he admitted.
      “I knew I was starting and I was nervous and I wanted to get out of the house. So I took the missus to Costco and did a bit of shopping.
      Kane traded his Range Rover Sport for a bigger Range Rover Autobiography worth £99kCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      At the World Cup in Russia, Harry Kane won the Golden BootCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Kane’s superb form over the years has made him one of the world’s leading strikersCredit: AP:Associated Press
      “You know what those places are like, manic, cars everywhere, and it was raining.
      “I was reversing out just as someone was coming out of the space behind me and we bumped. That was embarrassing.
      “But we went on to beat Sunderland 5-1 that night and I scored. It was a fantastic night. The day didn’t start so well but it’s one I’ll always remember.”
      Ryan Mason is unsure Tottenham star Harry Kane will be fit for Carabao Cup Final More

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      in Soccer

      Former shop assistant Jordan Dawson sells customised football boots to Premier League stars for up to £2,500 a pair

      by

      FORMER Nike shop assistant Jordan Dawson is coining it in by selling his unique designs to footballers.The 27-year-old Chelsea fan can counts Declan Rice, Tariq Lamptey, Adama Traore and even Romeo Beckham as clients with his handcrafted artwork on footwear, including football boots and trainers.
      Dawson quit his day job as a shop assistant at Nike to design trainers and bootsCredit: Jordan Dawson
      Designer Jordan Dawson customises trainers and football boots for stars, including Brazil legend KakaCredit: Jordan Dawson
      Declan Rice shows off a pair Dawson designed for himCredit: Jordan Dawson
      And they pay up to £2,500 for a pair of the customised cleats to wear during Premier League games and for training.
      “I customised trainers – working with Adidas, Nike and Puma for about five years,” Dawson told SunSport.
      “I got invited to the launch of FIFA 20 by EA Sports, and I had my own booth there where I customised shoes for Kaka and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
      “I got approached by someone at BBC Sport who asked me if I’d ever thought about customising boots.
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      “I hadn’t, but it gave me the idea to offer that service to the players.”
      The first to jump on the trend was West Ham and England star Declan Rice.
      “The first pair I made for a footballer was for Declan,” Dawson continued.
      “It really snowballed after he shared it on Instagram, and I got more clients.
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      “Lucas Digne, who was at Everton at the time, got in touch and asked for me to make some for him.
      “Adebayo Akinfenwa, who was at the FIFA event, also wanted a pair which have ‘Beast Mode’ on them.
      “I’ve been doing that since 2021, and was able to quit my day job to focus solely on that.”
      Dawson revealed how he scouts for business – using Instagram to reach out to the pros and show them his ideas.
      “If I approach a footballer, I just message them, introduce myself, and see if they are interested.
      “If they are, then put together a mock-up design and they will often come back to me with what they like and don’t like.
      “With Declan we spoke at the FIFA event, I chased him up on Instagram, and he got back to me with his number.
      A pair Dawson was commissioned to make by Adebayo AkinfenwaCredit: Jordan Dawson
      Lucas Digne wanted the names of his children on his customised bootsCredit: Jordan Dawson
      Romeo Beckham admires Dawson’s handy workCredit: Jordan Dawson
      “We spoke and he just said he wanted something with England on them, as well as his nickname ‘Deccers’.
      “He loved the mock-up, but he was hands-on with the design, saying he wanted things moved around.
      “He’s a really nice guy. We didn’t just have a work-based conversation, he asked what I was doing today. He’s so down-to-earth.”
      With his clientele being sports stars who earn tens of thousands of pounds, and Jordan needing to make a livelihood, he can charge up to £2,500 for his designs, which take him around two days to create.
      He said: “It depends on the design (how much they cost).
      “Sometimes I do things for charity, like a did a pair for Usain Bolt that he wore for Soccer Aid.
      “I told him I didn’t want any money for them, and if he wanted to sell them and donate the money to charity that would work.
      “Obviously this is my living, so I have to charge for it.
      “If there’s some exposure involved, that helps too. The most I’ve received for a pair of boots is £2,500.”
      Players have to ask for permission from their boot sponsors if they’re allowed to wear the custom designed boots during games.
      While others tend to use them training with their teams, or to put on their shelves.
      Usain Bolt had a pair designed for charity when he played in Soccer AidCredit: Jordan Dawson
      Footballers like Ollie Watkins can expect to pay up to £2,500 for the designsCredit: Jordan Dawson
      Dwight McNeil’s love of Marvel reflects in his boot designCredit: Jordan Dawson
      Dawson admitted he gets a buzz out of seeing his creations on the pitchCredit: Jordan Dawson
      Jordan admitted when he sees players wearing them in games, it gives him a huge buzz.
      “It’s a dream come true. I grew up living with football. And I always had a love for art and football.
      “Seeing footballers wear them on the pitch is just incredible. Seeing them score goals, or assist, nothing can beat that feeling.”
      Jordan Dawson’s customised boots can be seen on his Instagram and website. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd wonderkid Alejandro Garnacho is training alongside Messi for Argentina, and is obsessed by Cristiano Ronaldo

      by

      IN two years, Alejandro Garnacho has gone from promising youth star at Manchester United to getting picked by Argentina.The rapid left winger, 17, was handed a surprise call-up to Lionel Scaloni’s 44-man squad ahead of World Cup qualifying games against Venezuela and Ecuador.
      Alejandro Garnacho has been selected by Argentina and is now training alongside Lionel MessiCredit: Instagram
      Garnacho was a surprise inclusion in Lionel Scaloni’s 44-man squadCredit: AP

      It means, even though he hasn’t appeared in the first team, he will be training alongside legend Lionel Messi.
      The wonderkid has starred for United’s U18s this campaign, excelling in the FA Youth Cup with four goals
      One of those strikes saw the talent run from his own half down the left flank to score against Everton with an astonishing solo goal.
      The fleet-footed forward was the third La Liga starlet join the club in 2020 signing from Atletico Madrid, after the arrivals of Marc Jurado from Barcelona and Alvaro Fernandez from Real Madrid.
      Garnacho was called the ‘jewel’ of Atletico’s academy, and is working hard to emulate his idol growing up.
      He is obsessed by Cristiano Ronaldo, and even wore the same shirt number – No7 as his idol, although he’s had to accept No11 with the Red Devils.
      Still, that didn’t stop him celebrating that goal against Everton with CR7’s famous ‘SIUUU!’ roar.
      STIFF COMPETITION
      The Red Devils were said to have fought off Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund to secure Garnacho’s signature.
      Described as a ‘goalscoring machine’, the Madrid-born teenager was highly rated by Atletico, who were devastated he left.
      He joined the club in 2015, impressing all with his killer instinct in front of goal.
      In 2016, whilst playing for Atletico’s Infantil B, he was Spain’s top scorer – destroying opposition defences with his natural knack for finding the back of the net.
      Manchester United ace Garnacho is excelling in the club’s academyCredit: Getty
      Garnacho, who had been with Atletico since 2015, was said to be the ‘jewel’ of the club’s academyCredit: La Liga promises
      Talented Garnacho is said to be a goalscoring machineCredit: La Liga promises
      Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund were also reportedly interested in GarnachoCredit: Instagram / @garnacho7
      QUICK AND NIMBLE
      Blessed with a flawless technique, Garnacho boasts attributes including close ball control that make it difficult for defenders to rob the ball off him.
      In the penalty area he’s intuitive and clinical, preferring to shift the ball onto his right foot before calmly slotting the ball home.
      A real predator in front of goal, Garnacho is also adept at finding space in the penalty box, and is an instinctive poacher.
      Moving to Old Trafford was said to be an easy decision for him, because it has allowed him to follow in the footsteps of his Portuguese hero.
      READY FOR STARDOM
      From a young age Garnacho’s potential has seen him primed for the top.
      At 15, he already found himself enjoying run-outs for Atletico’s U19 team.
      Garnacho wants to emulate his idol Cristiano RonaldoCredit: La Liga promises
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      This campaign he has thrived with United’s academy, playing for both the U18 and U23 sides.
      In all competitions, Garnacho has managed 11 goals in 28 matches – as well as six assists.
      And now, internationally recognised, surely it won’t be long before he finds himself in the United first team. More

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      in Soccer

      Footballers who made stunning retirement U-turns including Scholes and Robben after Denilson returns aged 44

      by

      THEY just didn’t want to hang up their boots.These footballing stars were initially happy to retire, but performed a sensational U-turn when they were either needed to play, or simply missed the action.
      Brazilian legend Denilson is the latest star to come out of retirementCredit: EPA
      The star, once the world’s most-expensive player, is pulling on the boots again aged 44Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Brazilian legend Denilson de Oliveira, once the world’s most expensive player, has just announced his sensational return to football aged 44.
      Simply known as Denilson, the winger has penned a deal with Brazilian lower league side Ibis Sport Club – 12 YEARS after initially hanging up his boots.
      The star played 61 times for Brazil between 1996 and 2003, and lifted the World Cup in 2002.
      His £21.5million move from Sao Paulo in his homeland to Spanish outfit Real Betis in 1998 made him the world’s most expensive player at the time.
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      Denilson initially retired in 2010 after spells with Greek second-tier side Kavala and Vietnamese outfit Hai Phong.
      But he is now readying himself for a return to the pitch.
      He is not the first, and unlikely to be the last, to make a comeback.
      From a Manchester United legend to one of the Premier League’s all-time greatest goalies, SunSport gives you the definitive names of players who came out of retirement to relive their glory days.
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      PETR CECH
      The Chelsea legend was last seen pulling on the Arsenal keeper’s jersey in 2019, hanging up his gloves after four years at the Emirates at the end of the 2018-19 season.
      But it was with the Blues he was a cult hero, winning four Premier League titles in 11 years, which is why he returned to Stamford Bridge last year to take up a new role as technical and performance advisor.
      In 2020, Cech, now 39, was added to Chelsea’s Premier League squad as an emergency goalkeeper.
      Fortunately neither Edouard Mendy or Kepa Arrizabalaga got injured, preventing Cech from an on-pitch comeback.
      Petr Cech pictured working with Chelsea No1 Edouard MendyCredit: Getty
      PAUL SCHOLES
      Six months after he quit Old Trafford, Scholes decided he should pull on the Red Devils jersey once again in 2012.
      It was a no-brainer for the midfield dynamo, with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side having an injury crisis in the middle of the park having to play Phil Jones and Fabio Silva as a pair.
      Incredibly, no one knew he was returning when he was named on the bench for the Manchester derby, not even his team-mates who would’ve been shocked to see his shirt hanging up in the dressing room.
      United finished runners-up to their noisy neighbours that season, with Scholes playing 21 games.
      He returned the following year to help United win back the Premier League, and retired again – this time for good.
      Scholes retired for a second time after helping United win back the titleCredit: Getty
      JOHAN CRUYFF
      The late Dutch master returned to the game out of a sense of necessity.
      Cruyff was 31, but was skint after an investment that was supposed to set him up for life after football went wrong.
      “I had lost millions in pig-farming and that was the reason I decided to become a footballer again,” he revealed.
      He returned the same year he retired – 1978 – with the Los Angeles Aztecs for an admitted pay day.
      Cruyff later returned to Holland and was successful with both Ajax and Feyenoord, before finally giving up the game in 1984.
      Johan Cruyff signed for Los Angeles Aztecs due to financial problemsCredit: Getty
      ARJEN ROBBEN
      Another flying Dutch winger, former Chelsea star Robben was the most recent addition to the list before Denilson’s stunning announcement.
      And his reason was more sentimental.
      Robben signed on a free transfer for boyhood club FC Groningen in 2020 at the age of 36 after retiring following his incredible spell at Bayern Munich.
      But the romantic return was ruined by a long-term injury, restricting him to just six league outings, before he hung up his boots again for the second and last time in 2021.
      Robben has rejoined boyhood club FC GroningenCredit: Getty
      JENS LEHMANN
      After leaving the Gunners in 2008, the legendary German goalie was back for a second stint between the sticks for Arsenal in 2011 – a year after he put away his gloves.
      Initially he was signed as a back-up to Manuel Almunia, after Arsene Wenger’s team suffered with injuries.
      At 42, Lehmann was called upon for a game against Blackpool, after Almunia got injured in the warm-up.
      His team were victorious – winning 3-1. But you can bet the competitive Jens would’ve been furious he didn’t keep a clean sheet.
      Jens Lehmann appears for Arsenal against Blackpool age 42Credit: Action Images – Reuters
      ROBBIE ROGERS
      After he was released by Leeds at the age of just 25, Rogers wasn’t sure if his future belonged in the game.
      He then bravely came out as gay, revealing he felt like a coward for not doing it sooner.
      In 2013, Rogers joined MLS giants Los Angeles Galaxy to become the first openly gay American athlete to play in a major sport.
      Four years later, he announced his retirement because of persistent injuries.
      Robbie Rogers became the first openly gay American sports starCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      CARLOS ROA
      Still one of the most bizarre moments in football EVER.
      Roa was an outstanding goalkeeper for the Argentinian national team, as well as La Liga giants.
      He starred for the Argies in the 1998 World Cup, and reached the final of the Copa Del Rey and Cup Winners’ Cup, as well as won the Spanish Supercup.
      But he believed that the world was going to end in 2000, so wouldn’t renew his contract beyond then.
      When it didn’t, he came back with his tail between his legs because he still had a contract to fulfil.
      Carlos Roa returned to Mallorca with his family after quitting football thinking the world was going to endCredit: EPA
      STEPHEN CARR
      When the former Spurs full-back was released by Newcastle in 2008, he had had enough of chasing wingers up and down the park.
      With no takers wanting him as a free agent, Carr decided to call it a day.
      A year later, he returned to the Premier League with Birmingham City.
      In 2011, he captained the side to a famous League Cup final victory over Arsenal.
      He hung up his boots in 2013 to begin his coaching career.
      Stephen Carr celebrates winning the League Cup against ArsenalCredit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun
      ROGER MILLA
      The Cameroon legend is best remembered for his star turn at the 1990 World Cup, where he couldn’t stop scoring, not to mention that brilliant dance celebration at the corner flag for every goal.
      However, a year before Milla had decided he wasn’t fit for purpose and moved to the Indian Ocean island of Reunion.
      It wasn’t until Cameroon’s president Paul Biya pleaded with him to return that he came back at 38.
      He then returned four years later to become the oldest player to appear at the World Cup, a record which was beaten by Faryd Mondragon.
      Roger Milla was a star at Italia ’90Credit: Bongarts – Getty
      LANDON DONOVAN
      Recognised as the greatest player to ever play for the States, Donovan had initially left the LA Galaxy in 2014 as a champion.
      But in 2016, he was asked to return to MLS action because of an injury crisis by the Galaxy.
      Ironically enough, Donovan was working as a pundit on his former club’s game where they suffered three injuries during the match.
      However, he couldn’t repeat his past success and the club ended up without a trophy and Donovan retired again.
      Landon Donovan returned to LA Galaxy in 2016 after an injury crisisCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      MARC OVERMARS
      Although he had lost that electric pace that made him such a threat in the past, Overmars wasn’t going to give up the ghost of playing.
      After a brilliant career at Ajax, Arsenal and Barcelona, he retired in 2004.
      Then he starred in a testimonial for Jaap Stam some four years later, and was offered a route back into football.
      He initially declined, believing his best days were past him.
      However, he had a a change of heart when Go Ahead Eagles, his first ever club, offered him a deal.
      He played 24 games in one season before finally retiring for good.
      Four years after retiring Overmars came back with Go Ahead EaglesCredit: Rex Features More