Sport Features

THE personal touch – that’s why Philippe Coutinho has joined Aston Villa on loan.Even late last week some thought that this deal would not go ahead – that he would stay at Barcelona on his fat contract, or that if he came to England there were bigger clubs than Villa in the hunt to take him.
Philippe Coutinho’s loan signing for Aston Villa could reap benefits for club and countryCredit: PA
But the personal touch swung the day – in two ways.
The first personal touch came from Brazil coach Tite, one of Countinho’s biggest admirers. Last November he called the player up to the squad for World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina. He did not play.
There was next to no chance of him playing. That was not the point. Coutinho was at a low ebb at Barcelona. On form he had no real right to be in the squad. 
But on ability he has every chance of making a contribution to the World Cup at the end of the year – if he can get his form and confidence together, and if he can get himself playing on a regular basis.
And if this is not happening at Barcelona, then it should happen somewhere else. That call up from Tite was a nice example of the personal touch – it was a way of sending a message encouraging Coutinho to fix himself up with another club.
But where?
@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
It was here that Villa were holding the best cards. There was the sale of Jack Grealish, who, so far at least, has not been adequately replaced by Emanuel Buendia.
This is a team with an enticing Coutinho-shaped hole in it. He is almost guaranteed to get a regular game.
And then, most important of all, there is the comforting presence of Steve Gerrard on the touchline. Coutinho and Gerrard were team-mates at Liverpool.
The current Villa boss saw his new player at his best. Gerrard knows what Coutinho can do – and knows what Coutinho needs in order to produce it. And that boils down to lots of love.
It is worth remembering that Coutinho arrived at Liverpool for a token fee because Inter Milan had effectively given up on him. The Italian club had a long term relationship with Coutinho, signing him from Vasco da Gama in Brazil a couple of years before they could take him across the Atlantic.
INTER’S FRUSTRATIONS
But after a few years in Milan, Inter reached the point of frustration with him when they decided to cut their losses.
He had been trumpeted as the new Brazilian wonderkid – the Brazilian national team had a quick look at him as early as 2010, when he was just 18. But he had not delivered, and they let him go to Liverpool for a song.
This was Inter’s loss and Liverpool’s opportunity. Because the evidence was there.  Coutinho had enjoyed one successful spell on loan – at Espanol, where the coach was Mauricio Pochettino.
It is no surprise that Coutinho suddenly flourished. Pochettino was a brief Baloo to Coutinho’s Mogli. The coach gave the player the bare necessities of the introvert – endless love and understanding.
Liverpool had watched and learned, put an extended arm round Coutinho’s shoulder and reaped the benefits. Gerrard was a senior pro at the time, and was part of the process.
Now in his new function he has to do something similar – save Coutinho from a Barcelona move that was never likely to work, cure him of his trauma and create the environment where his player can produce his exciting best.
If it all comes together as it did at Anfield then Villa will benefit, Brazil will benefit – and so will football fans all over the world.
Steven Gerrard and Coutinho are reunited after starring at LiverpoolCredit: PA More

SERIE A is still proving to be a difficult league for Premier League stars to prosper in.Sure, Romelu Lukaku, Ashley Young and Chris Smalling have cut it in Italy in recent years.
Christian Eriksen is a shadow of the player he was at Spurs at InterCredit: Getty Images – Getty
However, we’ve seen plenty who have flopped in Italy, despite being a consistent performer on our shores.
Here’s seven that failed to make the grade.
THIERRY HENRY
Arsenal’s all-time leading scorer, Henry enjoyed his best years playing in North London.
But before he graced the Premier League with such finesse and skill, the French World Cup winner had trouble finding his feet at Juventus.
With much expected from him after a £10.5million move from Monaco, where he shone, Henry scored just three times in 19 games.
He played at wing-back, wide midfield, but was never utilised right until Arsene Wenger turned him into one of the greatest forwards of his generation.
Thierry Henry struggled to make his name at JuventusCredit: AP:Associated Press
DENNIS BERGKAMP
Another Gunners hero, the non-flying Dutchman was recognised as one of Europe’s best players in the early 90s at Ajax.
So it was no surprise he moved to Inter Milan and Serie A, which was then seen as the greatest league in the world for £7.1million from Ajax in 1993.
However, the move was a disaster for Bergkamp, who was played out of position.
Instead of the deeper role that he became known for, he was a target man and expected to be a goalscorer.
One media publication, who had a regular feature called ‘Donkey of the Week’ that shone the spotlight on the worst Serie A performer, even changed the name of that award to ‘Bergkamp of the Week’.
Some 74 games and 22 goals later he was off to Arsenal for £7.5million in 1995.
Dennis Bergkamp lost his mojo at Inter MilanCredit: Getty Images – Getty
PHILIPPE COUTINHO
At Liverpool Coutinho became one of the most feared midfielders in the country.
His goals and vision often stole the show, earning him a £142million move to Barcelona.
But, when Brendan Rodgers brought him to Anfield for the sum of just £8.5million, he wasn’t exactly highly thought of in Italy.
He struggled to break into Inter’s team, and in 2012 was loaned to Espanyol, where he played under manager Mauricio Pochettino.
By 2013, he was at Liverpool – and the rest is history.
Philippe Coutinho was deemed surplus to requirements at InterCredit: Getty Images – Getty
DES WALKER
For Nottingham Forest, Sheffield Wednesday and England, Des Walker was a rock at the back.
A solid reader of the game, he could head the ball, he was a clean tackler, quick, and a difficult customer to come up against.
In Serie A, however, where defence is king – Walker’s attributes suddenly got lost.
It might’ve been because the £1.5million Sampdoria signing was played at full back by manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.
After one season and thirty games, Walker returned to England in 1993.
Des Walker’s days at Sampdoria were a disaster, despite him getting his hands on a trophyCredit: Popperfoto – Getty
JOE HART
Now rebuilding his career in Scotland with Celtic, it all went wrong for Hart when Pep Guardiola became Manchester City manager.
Frozen out by the Spanish boss, who wanted a goalie who was better with his feet, the England stopper was loaned out to Torino.
First, Hart had the indignity of having his name spelled wrong on the team-sheet.
Then, he conceded one of the most comical goals ever after a team-mate’s pass landed in a puddle leading to an Empoli goal.
It’s easy to forget that Hart has 75 England caps, is still only 34, and before he was discarded by City was recognised as one of Europe’s finest young goalkeepers.
Joe Hart’s loan spell at Torino was filled with calamitiesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
AARON RAMSEY
The Welsh midfielder, on a whopping £400,000-per-week, has flopped at Juventus since arriving in 2019
Injuries and loss of form have seen Ramsey score just six times for the Turin club in three seasons.
A far cry from his days at Arsenal, where he was renowned for his swashbuckling runs into the box.
He managed 64 strikes for the Gunners during his career, and has been touted for a return to the Premier League.
Aaron Ramsey has failed to justify his £400,000-per-week wages at JuventusCredit: Getty Images – Getty
IAN RUSH
Liverpool’s all-time top goalscorer with an incredible 346 goals in two spells with the club, Rush played for Juventus in between.
But the 1987-88 season was awful for the Welsh striker, who struggled to unlock tight Italian defences.
@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
Normally used to scoring 30-plus goals a season, Rush managed just seven league goals in 29 games.
Although he was “homesick at times,” Rush claims moving to Italy was one of the best things he ever did.
After his spell abroad, Rush never did hit the 30-goal landmark in a season again.
In his one season in Italy Ian Rush managed just seven Serie A goals for JuventusCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

THE enigma that is Ousmane Dembele is a reported transfer target for Manchester United.But should he join, fans will be hoping he lives close to the club’s Carrington training base.
Enigma Ousmane Dembele is a transfer target for Premier League clubs including Man UtdCredit: Rex
The Barcelona former boy wonder, now 24, is the club’s record buy after costing the Catalans £130million back in 2017.
However, despite his elevated status he is far from the party playboy you’d associate with being such a high-profile signing.
Instead, the French international swaps the city nightlife for evenings in playing PlayStation.
While fancy restaurants aren’t Dembele’s style either – preferring Big Macs from McDonald’s instead of scoffing high-end cuisine. It’s a lifestyle, though, that doesn’t seem to improve his timekeeping because he’s usually late for training.
GAME BOY
Dembele has come a long way from the rough ghettos of La Madeleine, a poor suburb of Évreux, to become a superstar footballer.
@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
He rents a £14,000-per-month mansion on a hill that overlooks the bustling city.
But the bright lights, trendy night spots, and expensive eateries don’t hold any interest for the talent.
Dembele’s preference is to stay home, fill up his coffee table with snacks, and play FIFA on his PlayStation or binge on the latest Netflix series – his favourite in recent times being Narcos.
It’s meant late nights have often contributed to forgetting to set his alarm and turning up late to training.
As recently as November, he was fined by new manager Xavi for his punctuality.
When the Barça legend returned to the Nou Camp, he introduced ten golden rules his stars must abide by.
One of those was to ensure you arrive for training no later than 90 minutes before the usual 10am session.
Xavi is keen for the Barcelona squad to enjoy a light breakfast together before doing some individual gym work before the group session.
And unfortunately for Dembele, that meant he technically arrived three minutes late after clocking in at 8.33am.
ESPN reporter Jordi Blanco Duch revealed: “Dembele will pay the first fine for being late.
Dembele swaps Barcelona’s nightlife for nights in playing PlayStationCredit: Instagram @o.dembele7
Punctuality isn’t Dembele’s strong point and he’s often been late for trainingCredit: Instagram @o.dembele7
“He arrived at the Sports City at 8:33 in the morning, when the deadline for arrival at the dressing room 8:30 – with training at 10:00.”
Dembele has no excuse, with his mansion being a short drive away from the club’s training ground.
FAST FOOD
During his gaming sessions and after training, Dembele is a fan of McDonald’s – with the chain having a restaurant near the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.
He has been known to dash towards the ‘Golden Arches’ in his £150,000 Mercedes G-Class jeep to bag a Big Mac meal with a fizzy drink and bring it back to his home for him and his entourage.
“We see plenty of Barca players here,” a staff member told The Sun back in 2018.
“They don’t come in and sit down to eat though, they just use the drive through and head off.
“They buy the same as anyone else, Big Mac and fries, chicken McNuggets. A soft drink. That kind of thing. So what? It’s not illegal, is it?”
Barcelona hired personal chef Mickael Naya to look after Dembele’s needs – as they grew worried about his junk food obsession, according to reports.
However, it is believed he was fired.
Naya, himself, delivered his own damning verdict on the talent in 2019 when Dembele suffered another muscular complaint, as experts put his injury issues down to poor diet and nutrition.
“Ousmane is a nice kid, but he does not have his life in his hands,” the cook told Le Parisien.
Fast food dashes in his Mercedes are customary for DembeleCredit: Instagram @o.dembele7
Dembele arrived at Barcelona in 2017 for £130million but has struggled with injuries and fitnessCredit: Getty – Contributor
“He lives with his uncle and his best friend, who don’t dare tell him anything. It’s a bumpy life. I have never seen alcohol, but he does not respect the times for scheduled rest at all, there is no high level structure around it.
“Ousmane and his entourage tell themselves that, in any case, they will be criticised no matter what happens.”
Early on, his team-mates understood Dembele needed help in understanding professionalism. But they also understood he was young and will make mistakes.
Gerard Pique revealed: “We have to help him realise that football is a 24-hour thing. And that sometimes it’s not just about doing [your job] but also appearing to.
“We have all been young and we have all made mistakes. I am convinced he will improve.”
PREMIER LEAGUE INTEREST
Despite his inconsistencies, Dembele is a wanted man.
His unquestionable ability means United, mega-rich Newcastle and Liverpool are all monitoring the forward’s current situation.
He is currently in a contract stand off with his employers, Barcelona – rejecting their latest offer.
While two clubs are said to have already offered the World Cup winner contracts worth millions.
Dembele’s deal runs out in six months, which means Xavi could lose a player he rates highly for nothing.
“I am hoping that he makes an effort,” he admitted.
Dembele’s lifestyle has contributed to his tardiness when it comes to trainingCredit: EPA
A number of Premier League clubs are interested in Dembele whose contract expires in JuneCredit: Reuters
“This sporting project is the best one for him. He will not be as happy anywhere else as he is at Barca. We are going to see what he decides.
“I am calm and waiting for news. It does not depend on me. It depends on the club, the player and the agents.”
If it is Manchester United that Dembele moves to, he will have to toe the line under disciplinarian Ralf Rangnick.
There will certainly be no room for tardiness. More

ROMELU LUKAKU didn’t hold back in showing his dismay at Chelsea last week.The Belgium centre forward, 28, gave an interview to Sky Sports in Italy claiming he was unhappy at Stamford Bridge and wanted a move back to previous employers, Inter Milan.
Romelu Lukaku revealed his unhappiness at Chelsea in an explosive interview in Italy
It left boss Thomas Tuchel fuming with the £98million signing, who plans to sit down with the star and thrash out his issues.
But Lukaku isn’t the first footballer to air his dirty laundry in public with an explosive chat to the media.
Here’s five more who didn’t toe the party line.
ROY KEANE
Towards the end of the now Sky Sports pundit’s career at Manchester United, Keano appeared fed up.
In an infamous MUTV interview, he laid into his team mates after a 4-1 thrashing against Middlesbrough.
@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
Roy Keane didn’t hold back on Rio Ferdinand’s defending in a chat with MUTV
While Roy slammed most of his contemporaries, he singled out Rio Ferdinand with some choice words after he was at fault for a Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink goal.
“I have seen that happen to Rio before. It is poor defending,” Keane said.
“Just because you are paid £120,000-a-week and play well for 20 minutes against Tottenham you think you are a superstar.”
United destroyed the footage, fined Keane £5,000 and would soon terminate his contract.
HARRY KANE
At the end of last season, Harry Kane delivered a bombshell to Gary Neville on the former United defender’s The Overlap YouTube series.
Incredibly, he broke the hearts of Spurs fans by revealing he wanted a new challenge.
“I don’t want to have come to the end of my career and have any regrets,” he said.
Harry Kane spoke of new challenges and wanting to leave SpursCredit: Sky Sports
“So, I want to be the best that I can be. I’ve said before, I’d never say that I’d stay at Spurs for the rest of my career. I’d never say that I would leave Spurs.
“I’m not afraid to say that I want to be the best. I’m not afraid to say I want to try get on the level that Ronaldo and Messi got to. You know, that’s my ultimate goal. That’s my aim, to be winning trophies season in, season out.”
Last summer, there was a scramble for Kane’s signature as Man City tabled a bid in excess of £100m.
But Daniel Levy held firm and managed to keep hold of his man… for now.
LIONEL MESSI
Messi’s 21-year love affair with Barcelona came to a close last summer, and a new chapter at PSG began.
However, it could’ve started a season earlier when Messi delivered a statement of intent that he wished to have his contract terminated.
Lionel Messi bid farewell to Barcelona after 21 years at the clubCredit: AFP
He wrote: “By means of the present, and in accordance with the provisions of clause 3.1. of the contract of November 25, 2017, I express to you my willingness to terminate my employment contract as a professional footballer with an effective date of August 30, 2020.”
The faxed document revealed that a clause in a contract he signed in 2017 would let him leave in 2020 without any “prior communication with the club”.
Former president Josep Maria Bartomeu refused Messi’s request and angrily demanded he take the club to court to get his wish.
Messi stayed for the final year of his contract, before departing for PSG with the club in a financial crisis and needing to release the Argentine anyway.
RAHEEM STERLING
To force a move to Manchester City from Liverpool, Sterling said what he had to say in an interview with the BBC.
He had earlier rejected what then-Reds manager Brendan Rodgers called “an incredible deal” to stay at Anfield, which upset fans.
Raheem Sterling forced a move to Man City by snubbing a contract off from the Liverpool which left Brendan Rodgers fumingCredit: Action Images – Reuters
“It’s never been about money,” Sterling declared.
“I talk about winning trophies throughout my career. That’s all I talk about.
“I don’t talk about how many cars I’m going to drive, how many houses I’ve got. I just purely want to be the best I can be.”
Rodgers then went after Sterling’s former agent, Aidy Ward.
“You are not a 20-year-old boy and you pick up the phone and ask to speak to the BBC. You don’t do it. Him in particular. But, of course, if he is asked to do that by other parties then that is what he’ll do,” Rodgers said.
But Ward stayed firm. “I don’t care about the PR of the club and the club situation,” he retorted.
“He is definitely not signing [a new contract]. He’s not signing for £700, £800, £900 thousand a week.”
PETER ODEMWINGIE
After West Brom rejected a £2million offer from QPR for Odemwingie, the striker blasted his club on Twitter.
He then decided to drive to London on his own accord on transfer deadline day to force a move.
Peter Odemwingie gives his infamous interview to Sky Sports in his carCredit: SKY SPORTS
“I think every football fan is interested to see if we can make the deal or not and I am optimistic about it,” the Nigerian told Sky Sports rather hilariously through his car window.
“It’s not one hundred percent but I hope West Brom will be happy with what they will get and of course, they are hoping to get a few players themselves. I just hope things will go well in the last few hours.”
Unfortunately for Odemwingie, they didn’t. The deal that was supposed to see Junior Hoilett move in the opposite direction collapsed.
He returned to the Hawthorns in shame, before he was frozen out of the squad and eventually sold to Cardiff. More