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LEICESTER CITY ace Hamza Choudhury has switched his national allegiance to Bangladesh after spending his youth in the England national setup.Choudhury, 27, was born in Loughborough to a Bangladeshi mother and has been capped seven times for England’s U21 side.Hamza Choudhury has switched his national allegiance to BangladeshCredit: Leicester CityChoudhury represented England U21s seven timesCredit: GettyBut after failing to break into the senior side, the midfielder has decided to play for Bangladesh.Choudhury has been bombarded with requests to join the Bangladeshi national setup for years as fans flooded his DMs with their pleas to see him play for Fifa’s 185th ranked team. And the star will now become the only player in the national squad who doesn’t currently play in the Bangladesh Premier League.Speaking on the decision, Choudhury told The Athletic: “It’s something that’s been in the works for a couple of years.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I represented England in the youth team, but as my career progressed, it came to fruition that is not an option for me.“It’s something I’ve definitely always had in the back of my mind, that I’d like to represent Bangladesh — and the people of Bangladesh more importantly.”I’ve got a really good connection with the fans in Bangladesh. I get messages every day letting me know that they want me to come and play.”Choudhury has now made over 125 appearances for Leicester City since graduating from the Foxes’ academy as a teenager, playing twice in the Premier League this season.Most read in FootballChoudhury has featured twice for Leicester in the league this seasonFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe former Watford Loanee has already been granted a Bangladesh passport and has been awaiting clearance to join up with the national squad.Bangladesh’s next fixture is an Asian Cup qualification match against India in March with Choudhury expected to be part of the team for the clash.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanChoudhury is hoping to do more than just improve the national team’s results on the pitch, but also wants to improve the infrastructure of the national setup going forward.He added: “They’ve just not been really fortunate enough or have the infrastructure yet to develop and grow these players to reach the European leagues, which hopefully can provide a stepping stone for them to have more players in the European leagues or the top leagues.“I know they are absolutely crazy about football. I hope I can open up channels for more Bangladeshis to play in the top five leagues or in Europe, or just have a way of getting themselves into the bigger leagues and giving them some more exposure.“Hopefully, in time, I can put into place some sort of structure in the younger age groups and the younger local teams to be able to do that.“The Bangladesh Federation has been doing lots of work already, but if I can give them a different sort of outlook, a European outlook, I hope that helps.”Choudhury is now the first Bangladeshi player to ever play in the Premier League. More

MARTIN BRAITHWAITE has reportedly made his first move to buy the European giant that “disrespected” him.The Danish striker starred for Espanyol from 2022 until leaving the LaLiga outfit earlier this year.Martin Braithwaite is reportedly interested in buying EspanyolCredit: RexAlongside his brother Philip Michael, Braithwaite has established a huge property portfolioCredit: InstagramBraithwaite, 33, wanted to leave the club in order to play top-flight football.However, Espanyol turned down the move and instead offered him a new contract.The former Middlesborough star felt the offer was derisory.He then paid off his own release clause in order to sign for Brazilian side Gremio.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe striker has since been rumoured to be interested in purchasing the LaLiga side.He was in the stands during the team’s draw against Valencia on Wednesday night.Reports have now claimed that he has contracted the services of a Spanish legal firm to oversee the negotiations.It is suggested that the firm is evaluating the investment for Braithwaite.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt has also been reported that he is looking for a partner to invest in the club with him.Braithwaite is claimed to have a net worth of £250million due to his property empire.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersNot content with a property portfolio, Braithwaite also has an interest in fashion and food.Credit: InstagramHe still owns a house in Barcelona that he acquired during his spell with the Catalan side.Back in 2017, Braithwaite invested £617,000 with his brother Philip Michael into NYCE Companies in the US.In its first year, it grew to be worth a stunning £7.2million. Now it’s said to be worth somewhere in the region of £180million.He has also invested in the food and clothing industries alongside his gorgeous wife, Anne-Laure.All this could make purchasing Espanyol possible, especially with the club’s current financial issues.The club’s chairman Chen Yansheng is believed to be considering selling up with fans protesting the ownership.Braithwaite’s wife Anne-Laure runs a fashion label and they co-own a restaurantCredit: InstagramWho are these famous footballers? More

ROY KEANE believes Marcus Rashford will struggle to rediscover his hunger at Manchester United.And he reckons a “change of scenery” will do the England forward good as he looks to recapture his best form.Marcus Rashford has suggested he wants a new challenge away from Man UtdCredit: GettyThe England forward has been spotted at fashion events throughout 2024Credit: GettyMan Utd legend Roy Keane believes Rashford has lost his hungerCredit: GettyNew boss Ruben Amorim axed Rashford from the squad for the derby win over Man City at the weekend.And three days later the 27-year-old sensationally admitted he is ready for a new challenge after spending the last two decades at Old Trafford.That may happen next month if there is interest but there are no guarantees any clubs will make an acceptable bid.Keane himself left United in controversial circumstances back in November 2005 and feels Rashford needs a move.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSpeaking to the Stick to Football podcast, brought by Sky Bet, he said: “My only warning for players like that – if you lose that hunger, it’s hard to get it back.”We know that for great players, it’s nothing to do with money – it’s about the next challenge, and your pride.”Marcus seems to have lost his way, and he’s lost his hunger.”We’ve mentioned watches and all the stuff off the field, and if he’s a bit distracted by that, it might be hard to get it back.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”He might get it back with a change of club and scenery, but I don’t think he’ll get the hunger back at United.”Keane moved to Celtic after agreeing to leave United 19 years ago and feels it will be best for all parties if Rashford finds a new club.Ruben Amorim responds to Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd transfer bombshell about wanting ‘new challenge’ He added: “I don’t actually mind what he said, although it’s a bit long, but it’s spot on.”Sometimes a deal just works for everybody – it’s been going on for a year or two now, there’s obviously a bit of talent there and he’s been at the club since he was a kid.”A change would probably do him a world of good, for him and his team and family to go abroad.”Rashford has been around the United first team for nine years now.But ex-England forward Ian Wright says it is obvious he is not enjoying it anymore.The Red Devils forward has scored just four times in 15 games this seasonCredit: GettyRashford was left out of the matchday squad against Man CityCredit: GettyWright told the same podcast: “When you look at how he’s been playing the last few years, he’s not happy. We’ve seen that, with the managers he’s had, different managers and different things going on.“The fact is, he’s got to a [high] level, and he’s not quite there. I believe that he’s somebody that is continually trying to improve himself.”Maybe the change, and being a player that’s been brought in and hasn’t come from the academy, he can get himself going.Man Utd player ratings vs Man City as sensational Amad Diallo turns derby on its headAMAD DIALLO left Manchester City stunned as he turned the derby on its head.The flying winger won a penalty, converted by Bruno Fernandes, in the dying embers to level it up.But the best was yet to come as Amad flicked past an onrushing Ederson before expertly slotting in a dramatic winner from a tight angle deep into injury time.Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated the Man Utd players…Andre Onana – 6He just does not fill you with confidence. Does not command his area and as we found out midweek in Plzen, his distribution from the back is a major plus for the opposition.Wasn’t tested that much however.Lisandro Martinez – 7Looking a calmer presence under Amorim than he did before when he seemed to want to live up to his nickname from his Ajax days of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’.Great through ball at the end to pick out Amad’s run for the winner.Harry Maguire – 8Had a great battle with Erling Haaland which the United man won.The right call to bring the former captain in for such a big game. Looks like he suits the position in the centre of that back three.Matthijs de Ligt 78′ – 7A decent enough performance. Looked more comfortable alongside Maguire than other centre-back partners.Diogo Dalot – 5Mistimed his jump to be beaten to the ball by Josko Gvardiol for the City opener. Did not create enough going forward from his wing-back role.Bruno Fernandes – 8Missed a big chance after being put through by Hojlund and clipping the ball wide.But when the moment comes from the penalty spot he is a cool head in the hottest of atmospheres sending Ederson the wrong way to equaliseManuel Ugarte – 7Sat in front of the back four and negated much of what Phil Foden was trying to do for the home side.Noussair Mazraoui 78′ – 8The best of the summer buys. Used as the right wing back on this occasion and is able to adjust to whatever is asked of him. One of United’s best performers on the day.Mason Mount 13′ – 6Looked very close to tears when he had to come off after early in the game. He is just getting no luck whatsoever with injuries and has not had a decent run since joining the club.Amad Diallo 90′ – 9The greatest moment of his career so far with a memorable derby winner. A brilliant run first of all to meet Martinez’ pass, he then clipped the ball past Ederson and while it was a scuffed finish he got it on target.Had almost grabbed an equaliser with a flick header before that which was well saved by Ederson.Then was alert to Nunes back pass to win the penalty that did lead to United drawing level.Rasmus Hojlund 78′ – 6Most we saw of him was a head to head confrontation with Walker when the City player slumped to the ground and a little fall of his own when he tried to win a pen.But then he provided a great through ball for Fernandes which should have brought the equaliser.SubsKobbie Mainoo 13′ – 6Did a solid job as he came on in a deeper role than Mount and Fernandes moved forwardJoshua Zirkzee 78′ – 6Not the man who is going to come on and change a game, but he did well to hold onto possession in the closing seconds.Antony 78′ – 6Came on to try and make a difference but is lacking the confidence which a lack of starts brings.Leny Yoro 78′ – 6Continues to ease himself back to full fitness after that summer injury.Victor Lindelof 90′ – 6No time to have any influence on the game.”His statement is good – he realises that he has to leave United.”I will always protect him because of what he’s done – especially off the field – and the community will always protect him.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But for him, there’s only so far you can go where you continue protecting him before he has to go and do it himself.”It should happen as soon as it can.” More

PAUL POGBA’S brother has been sentenced to a three-year prison term for his role in an £11million blackmail plot against the former Manchester United star.Mathias Pogba will not spend time behind bars. Instead he will serve one year of his sentence with an electronic bracelet, with the other two were suspended.Mathias Pogba has been handed a three-year prison term over an £11m blackmail plotCredit: ReutersHe was found guilty of trying to extort his own brother, ex-Man Utd star Paul PogbaCredit: AFPHe was also fined £16,500 by a Paris court on Thursday.Mathias, 34, was first held by police in September 2022 after attempting to extort £11m from his brother.Ex-Red Devils and Juventus midfielder Pogba, 31, told authorities a group of childhood friends, which included his older sibling, had requested money for “protection services” stretching back 13 years.A judicial investigation was opened to look into the allegations of extortion with a weapon, kidnapping or kidnapping in an organised gang, and participation in a criminal association.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMathias turned himself in to authorities investigating the case before being placed in custody.And he remained in prison until December 2022, with the terms of his release banning him from contacting Pogba and their mother.Now, the former Crawley Town, Wrexham and Crewe star has been handed a three-year prison sentence.Mathias was found guilty of attempted extortion, which saw him put pressure on Pogba, his family and business contacts to obtain an £11m payment.Most read in FootballTwo years of his sentence have been suspended.While the remaining one will be served with an electronic tag.’I take responsibility but…’ – Paul Pogba breaks silence as ex-Man Utd star gives first interview since doping banMeanwhile, five other defendants were found guilty of extortion, kidnapping and detention, as well as participating in a criminal association.They were all childhood friends or acquaintances of French World Cup winner Pogba.And they have been sentenced to prison terms of up to eight years, while also receiving fines between £16,500 and £33,000.Pogba is now a free agent after having his Juventus contract ripped up following a positive test result for doping.He was banned for 18 months in August 2023 and is now looking to secure a new club ahead of his return to football in March. More