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      Chelsea files: Geovany Quenda, 17, was so good he was allowed to train in jeans and quit Benfica in bizarre bedroom row

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      CHELSEA hope to have a pair of star-studded Levis in their dressing room – but not in the way you think.Centre half Levi Colwill is already an established member of the first team squad. Chelsea have beaten Man Utd to the signing of Sporting’s Geovany QuendaCredit: GettyQuenda (pictured third from the left in the middle row) was initially allowed to play in his trousers as youth team Damaiense didn’t have any spare kit for himCredit: DamaienseBut next summer Portuguese wonderkid Geovany Quenda will be arriving at the club. And he is so good that he was allowed to train in jeans as a kid.Quenda was born in Guinea-Bissau in West Africa and migrated to Portugal in 2016 aged nine. On arrival he tried his luck at football with amateur side Damaiense but did not have any kit. Club officials went to find some but by the time they came back, Quenda was already showing his blistering potential so they let him carry on playing in his normal trousers.A Blues insider said: “He broke a lot of records that day. He then went with them to a tournament and totally bossed it. That’s when he caught the attention of Portugal’s bigger clubs.”Quenda was quickly snapped up by leading Portuguese team Benfica but in a bizarre episode ended up quitting to join their fierce rivals Sporting Lisbon soon after.Benfica had promised the young boy a bedroom at their academy in Seixal but then went back on the deal. Neighbours Sporting seized their chance and put him up and from there he has created shockwaves with his burgeoning talent.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe was playing for the Under-23 side aged 16 and under Ruben Amorim, who is now manager at Manchester United he was given a first team chance.At 17 yrs and 95 days Quenda became the youngest player in history to score in Portugal’s La Liga top flight – taking the record from Cristiano Ronaldo.Humble Nicolas Jackson snubs mega-money supercars as he leaves Chelsea training in £30,000 Fiat 500 He is the youngest player from Sporting to start in the Champions League and at 16 was the leading scorer in Portugal’s Under-23 league.Although Chelsea say a deal has only been signed ‘in principle’ Quenda will be coming to England in summer 2026 to join a steady stream of young foreign talent on its way over.Brazilian winger Estevao Willian is coming in a few months’ time and Ecuadorian midfielder Kendry Paez is on his way.At a more senior level, Chelsea have agreed an £18.5 million fee for midfielder Dario Essugo – Portuguese like Quenda.Chelsea have also agreed a deal for Dario Essugo, who is currently on loan at Las Palmas from SportingCredit: GettyFAN-TASTICCHELSEA have been winning but not singing. And to try to put that right a group of fed-up season ticket holders have taken action.A group called We Are The Shed had a trial run of a ‘singing section’ in the Upper Tier of the famous stand at Stamford Bridge last week.Around 120 diehards have worked with the club in an effort to gather all those who want to generate noise and atmosphere together in the same group of seats in Block Four.While the deafening Danes from FC Copenhagen were impossible to compete with during last Thursday’s Conference League victory for The Blues, there was a visible and audible know of fans stoking things up.The atmosphere or lack of it at home games has been a big talking point among Chelsea fans in recent seasons. It is the same at most Premier League stadiums these days though in their defence.We Are The Shed are on the lookout for new recruits to join their growing band.A group of Chelsea fans are hoping to improve the atmosphere at Stamford BridgeCredit: GettyThe Blues’ support was drowned out by noisy fans of FC Copenhagen during last week’s Conference League clashCredit: PAROMAN IN RUINSROMAN ABRAMOVICH has turned his back on football since being forced to give up his beloved Chelsea.The Russian billionaire remains furious over the Theresa May Government withdrawing his “golden visa” in  2018.Four years later, Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine saw the Boris Johnson Government force Abramovich to sell the club as part of the sanctions against Russian financial interests.And close friends report that Abramovich has barely watched a game since being left with no option other than to hand the Blues over to the Todd Boehly-led consortium.One said: “Roman still likes football. But he doesn’t go to games any more. It was always about Chelsea.”Some £2.5bn of the sale price earmarked for victims of the war, remains stuck in an escrow account.Friends of Roman Abramovich (pictured in 2017) say the ex-Chelsea owner has turned his back on footballCredit: AFPNO LAUGHING MATTERAMID a frantic flurry of interviews and announcements from Manchester United last week, one briefing slipped out which would have pricked ears at Stamford Bridge.It has emerged that Red Devils minority owners, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has declared war on the club’s bloated wage bill.After branding some United players “overpaid”, the British billionaire wants to scale back base wages and focus on performance related incentives.This news was rather well received within the corridors of power at Chelsea, who have been doing the same for a couple of years now.Many were quick to laugh when the club’s American owners, Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly, started dishing out nine-year deals with the incentive of a big bump when certain targets are hit.Chelsea’s latest published accounts, for the year to June 2023, showed wages rising from £340.2million to £404m.However, the Blues owners have made huge efforts to trim their expenditure on wages back.It has also been noted at the Bridge that the restructuring at other top club’s, with multiple high-level people in place to look after recruitment, is starting to mirror the changes at Chelsea – who have two sporting directors in Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley.There are signs that other clubs are starting to copy Todd Boehly’s often-derided approach at ChelseaCredit: APUNLUCKY 13LIFE as a professional footballer may seem like paradise – and it can be. But what people on the outside don’t often see is the sacrifice that goes into getting there.And forward Christopher Nkunku illuminated that in a recent interview. Born and raised in the suburbs of Paris, his blossoming skills earned him a place at France’s national football academy at Clariefontaine – some 35 miles away.Maybe not so far but Nkunku explained: “You are only 13 years old and you move out of home. It was really hard. Since then I have not lived in my family house and this is hard.“But you remember you are here for football because you have a dream and you have to sacrifice to achieve that.”Given that Nkunku played for Paris Saint-Germain then to Germany to join RB Leipzig and now Chelsea in London, that is quite the nomadic lifestyle. And none of it with any guarantee of success.Christopher Nkunku has been playing far from home ever since he was 13 years oldCredit: GettyCAUSING A STERRAHEEM STERLING has been voted into UEFA’s official Team of the Week after his sterling display for loan club Arsenal last Wednesday.The winger is not yet thinking about his long term future as time ticks away on his season long spell in North London.It seems obvious he does not have a future under current boss Enzo Maresca but with two years left on his contract in summer is under no pressure to quit – at least not on Chelsea’s terms. There are rumours that a host of Saudi Arabian clubs are taking interest in the 30-year-old who last week became the first English player to be directly involved in at least one goal for four different clubs in the Champions League: Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea and now Arsenal.But they can forget it. One place Sterling won’t be going is the Pro-League. There is money and adulation on tap from star-hungry Saudi fans but it doesn’t suit the born and bred Londoner.Raheem Sterling hasn’t pulled up any trees on loan at Arsenal this season, but he did set a unique Champions League recordCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd branded a ‘total disgrace’ for raising ticket prices for pensioners by 57% to help fund £2bn stadium

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have been branded “shameful” and “a total disgrace” over raising season ticket prices by up to 57% for OAPs.On the day Old Trafford legend Paul Scholes accused his former club of “begging a little” for funds to help pay for a new £2billion 100,000- seater stadium supporters raged over the increases hitting pensioners.Man Utd fans have been left furious with the changesCredit: AFPPaul Scholes has made scathing commentsCredit: GettyMan Utd confirmed that the age at which senior fans receive a 25 per cent discount will now be 66 – with supporters who previously received 50 per cent off seeing their discounts halved.One posted on social media: “My mum is 77. Her ticket has gone up from £494 to £840.1975.”Another complained that her mum, also aged 77, would from the next campaign have to pay £612.75, up from £389.50, saying “It’s disgusting.”Amidst the online storm following a cut of 50 per cent on concession rates for the elderly, another fumed: “I can’t believe what I’m reading.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Supporters over 70 who’ve been watching United for 60-plus years saying their season tickets have gone up over 50 per cent – what has happened to our club when we are treating the most loyalist of fans like this? Shameful.”Fan group the 1958 piled into the controversy after United this week announced a five per cent price increase and as well as well as advising some fans that they would be forced to change seats to accommodate a new hospitality area near boss Rubin Amorim’s dug out.In a statement the group condemned what it called “stealth” rises, saying: “Our seniors are facing effectively a 57 per cent increase on next season. Our most loyal generation of fans who have supported the club for decades.“This is the first phase of reducing the amount of season ticket holders.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“We have always campaigned that the club are trying to marginalise match going fans.“Cutting the 50 per cent OAP concession to 25 per cent for those who had it is a total disgrace.”Paul Scholes says ‘it’s about time Manchester United caught up’The 1958, who staged a 15,000-strong demonstration against owners the Glazers before the recent home clash with Arsenal, stressed: “The fans are now directly paying for years of Glazer greed and generational damage they have caused to our club.”The group also warned the rises, although prices for under-16s remain frozen, were a sign of things to come should part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe succeed in building the new ground.It warned : “This also paves the way for there never being any new season tickets issued now.”It is also a stay of execution to put them up to whatever they want to if we ever move to a new stadium.“These are all stealth increases to change the optics of the 5 per cent increase across all season ticket holders. Again, penny-wise and pound foolish.”Meanwhile Scholes says Ratcliffe, who last week warned the club could have gone bust by Christmas without a series of swingeing cuts including job losses that are likely to total 450 shouldn’t be asking for outside cash to complete the new stadium.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordUnited will pay for the actual ground but are asking for public funds for the rest of the project that would include a wider regeneration of the Old Trafford area with  Chancellor Rachel Reeves backing the plans.Scholes, speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate brought by Sky Bet said: “You can be gullible at times, and believe what he [Sir Jim Ratcliffe] says, just because you’ve never heard anyone say anything before.“You don’t know how realistic it is, it’s all up in the air.“Words are cheap, and we could say anything about anyone, you can say in 10 years we’ll have the biggest and best stadium in the world, you can say anything.READ MORE SUN STORIES“For a long time we’ve been called the richest club in the world.”But I feel like we’re begging a little but, coming out and asking for the stadium and that we need £2billion, and selling players to buy players.”Sir Jim Ratcliffe has again come under fireCredit: PAMan Utd ratings vs LeicesterMANCHESTER UNITED leapfrogged Tottenham into 13th in the Premier League by beating Leicester.Rasmus Hojlund was left to run in behind and shoot low into the bottom corner from an angle to open the scoring on 28 minutes.The Danish striker had not found the net since December 12 – a run of 21 matches.Alejandro Garnacho saw a goal chalked off for offside but there was no taking his snap-shot finish off him on 67 minutes.And skipper Bruno Fernandes rounded off the comfortable 3-0 win in style in the closing stages.Here’s how SunSport’s Graham Hill rated the Man Utd stars. More

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      I starred at World Cup and ended up in Premier League… I was lying to myself so quit at 29 to start booze and tea empire

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      HIDETOSHI NAKATA didn’t dream of becoming a legendary footballer.The Japanese star, now 48, wasn’t one of those kids that felt a deep-rooted passion for the game.Hidetoshi Nakata has enjoyed an eclectic career post-football retirementCredit: GettyNakata, now, 48, starred for Japan at three World CupsCredit: AP:Associated PressBut due to incredible talent and eye-catching flair, the skilful midfielder went on to become one of his nation’s best ever players.Despite not loving every aspect of the beautiful game, Nakata wasn’t one to shy away from the limelight.While still playing in the J.League, the silky dribbler was so desperate to be spotted at the 1998 World Cup by scouts from Europe that he dyed his hair before every game.Nakata got his wish with a £3.1million move to Perugia in Serie A, then considered the best league in the world.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhy then, did he find himself quitting football aged 29 just eight years later? And how did he go on to create his own booze empire?”I’m not a fan of football, I like to play football,” Nakata told The Athletic. “That’s the reason I left, I had lost the passion. If I didn’t have the passion, it was like I was lying to myself.”Having moved to Roma after two years with Perugia, Nakata fell in love with Italian culture.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSNakata became a superstar after moving to ItalyCredit: AP:Associated PressThe midfielder celebrates with Roma team-mate CafuCredit: AP:Associated Press”Italy is all about the fashion, music, design, architecture, food, so you can imagine how it influenced me,” he said.Most read in FootballOn the pitch, Nakata managed to help Roma to the Serie A title, but there was one challenge that proved too much.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersDisplacing future club legend Francesco Totti.Nonetheless, Nakata had more than quadrupled his value since his initial move to Perugia, with Parma willing to spend £18m on his services.Nakata’s passion for fashion off the pitch drew comparisons with David Beckham at the time, while thousands of passionate Japanese fans would flock to his matches – creating a fever pitch as he became the poster boy of the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.Following an underwhelming move to Fiorentina, the football trailblazer signed for Sam Allardyce’s Bolton Wanderers on a season-long loan deal in 2005.Mid-way through that season, despite still being in his 20s, he decided that enough was enough.Like Zinedine Zidane, a player whose effortless skills Nakata couldn’t help but admire, the Japanese icon hung up his boots after playing at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.Following three years of travelling the world, Nakata returned to to his homeland and started a sake business.A big-money move to Parma came in 2001Credit: EPANakata was the poster boy of the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South KoreaCredit: EPAThe Japanese icon signed for Bolton on loan in 2005Credit: AP:Associated PressMASTER OF SAKE”When I was living in Italy, in my spare time, I used to visit wineries in the country,” he revealed. “So I started liking not only wine itself, but the people making the wines and the environment.”Then when I came back to Japan, thinking about Japanese culture, obviously it’s not about the wine. It’s sake, right?”So then I said, ‘OK, it’s unique, because sake is only made in Japan’. And, at that time, the Japanese food scene was becoming known around the world, but no one knew about the sake, including myself, so I thought that was a great opportunity to know about Japanese sake because it’s also part of Japanese culture as well.”Sake, an alcoholic drink likened to wine and made of fermented rice, went on to become Nakata’s new field of expertise, to a point where he even earned a “Master of Sake” qualification.While he sometimes struggled with his lack of love for football, he found that passion in his businesses.Nakata owns the Japan Craft Sake Company, as well as his Hanaahu luxury tea brand.He also remains involved in fashion, having modelled the sort of Stone Island range worn by football fans across the globe.Speaking to the brand’s website, Nakata revealed his next goal.READ MORE SUN STORIESEver the unorthodox former footballer, he said: “I want to change the farming industry.”And you wouldn’t bet against him.Nakata now owns a successful sake businessCredit: AFP – GettyThe ‘Master of Sake’ attended Paris Fashion Week earlier this monthCredit: Getty More

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      ‘My entire body is poisoned’ – Athlete and daughter of Olympic star, 24, BANNED from competing by doctors after illness

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      AN ATHLETE and daughter of an Olympic star has been BANNED from competing by doctors after an illness.Anna Gandler, 24, declared “my entire body is poisoned” after being hospitalised last month.Athlete Anna Gandler claims her ‘body is poisoned’ after being hospitalisedCredit: Instagram @anna_gandlerThe Austrian picked up a nasty flu bug during the recent World ChampionshipsCredit: Instagram @anna_gandlerGandler is one of the top up-and-coming names in the biathlonCredit: GettyDad Marcus won an Olympic silver for cross-country skiing in 1998Credit: AFPThe Austrian is a top biathlon star, with athletes needing to excel in both cross-country skiing and rifle shooting.Gandler’s father is former Austrian cross-country skier Markus, who was a silver medallist at the Nagano Olympics in 1998.And Gandler was hoping to make a splash at February’s World Championship in Switzerland.However, she fell drastically ill during the tournament and was rushed to hospital.READ MORE IN ATHLETICSMedical checks discovered that her “entire organic system” was “overwhelmed.”A bout of flu put extra pressure on her internal system.But its lack of ability to “regenerate” meant that she ended up in a bad way.And Gandler may now need to miss the rest of the season to heal, putting her biathlon dream on ice.Most read in AthleticsBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSShe revealed: “One of the biggest problems was sleeping, as my body was never able to properly recover. I’ve been struggling with that since June.“I still have to wait for some results, but it looks like my entire organic system isn’t functioning as it should, my liver, for example.Top 10 highest paid sports stars in 2024Gandler is waiting for more tests but the initial ones don’t look promisingCredit: Instagram @anna_gandlerShe feels she pushed herself too hard in trainingCredit: Instagram @anna_gandlerGandler is now looking to rest and recoverCredit: Instagram @anna_gandler“My entire body is essentially poisoned because it can no longer regenerate itself. It can’t keep up and is overwhelmed.“The main reason was flu. It can take up to three weeks to recover. I quickly felt completely fit, fitter than I’ve been all winter.“Only after an intensive training sesssion, things went completely downhill.“I shed a few tears because it wasn’t a good time. But I’ve been able to come to terms with this inactivity in the last few days.“I have to give myself some rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat little sugar and eat a gluten-free diet.“Other athletes have already cancelled their seasons and had mega seasons the following year. Perhaps this is the miracle cure.”She has changed up her diet in order to get back to her bestCredit: Instagram @anna_gandlerGandler hopes a lengthy rest sees her come back strongerCredit: Instagram @anna_gandlerThe ace is set to miss the rest of the season as she recoversCredit: Instagram @anna_gandler More

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      ‘I feel like we’re BEGGING’ – Paul Scholes slams Man Utd over Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £2bn stadium plans

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      PAUL SCHOLES feels like Manchester United are “begging” in how they have gone about their business under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.The Red Devils co-owner, 72, performed several interviews last week.Paul Scholes had his say on Man Utd’s Old Trafford plansCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe unveiled Man Utd’s new stadium plans last weekCredit: AlamyMan Utd also confirmed their intention to build a new 100,000-seater stadium to replace Old Trafford, having received Government backing to fund the wider regeneration project.Under-fire Ratcliffe said: “Today marks the start of an incredibly exciting journey to the delivery of what will be the world’s greatest football stadium, at the centre of a regenerated Old Trafford.”Our current stadium has served us brilliantly for the past 115 years, but it has fallen behind the best arenas in world sport.“By building next to the existing site, we will be able to preserve the essence of Old Trafford, while creating a truly state-of-the-art stadium that transforms the fan experience only footsteps from our historic home.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLScholes, 50, remains sceptical over Ratcliffe’s promises.Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky Bet, the club legend said of the Ineos chief: “You can be gullible at times, and believe what he says, just because you’ve never heard anyone say anything before. You don’t know how realistic it is, it’s all up in the air.”Words are cheap, and we could say anything about anyone, you can say in 10 years we’ll have the biggest and best stadium.”For a long time, we’ve been called the richest club in the world, but I feel like we’re begging a little, asking for the stadium and that we need £2billion, and selling players to buy players.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe Red Devils released imagery of their proposed new stadiumThe £2bn project will be part of a wider regenerationSpeaking to the BBC, Ratcliffe also made a huge claim about United’s finances.The United co-owner said: “Manchester United would have run out of cash by the end of 2025.Sir Jim Ratcliffe explains his plans for the new Man Utd Stadium “Where do you want to spend the money? Do you want to spend it on operating the club or do you want to spend it on the squad?”Because if you spend it on the squad, you get better results. At the end of the day, what is Manchester United here for if not to win trophies?”What we want to do is invest in the best players in the world, if we can. Rather than spend it on, I’m afraid, free lunches.”Man Utd signed two players during Ruben Amorim’s first transfer window at the helm.Teenage centre-back Ayden Heaven arrived from Arsenal, while 20-year-old left-back Patrick Dorgu was recruited from Serie A side Lecce.Ratcliffe last week gushed over the job Amorim is doing at Old Trafford, despite United being entrenched in the bottom half of the Premier League.The British billionaire said: “If I actually look at the squad which is available to Ruben, I think he is doing a really good job to be honest.”I think Ruben is an outstanding young manager. I really do. He’s an excellent manager and I think he will be there for a long time.”You are beginning to see a glimpse of what Ruben can produce. I think you saw a glimpse of it against Arsenal.READ MORE SUN STORIES”How many players against Arsenal on the bench did you recognise? How many have ever worn a Manchester United shirt for [the first team]… as there’s no squad left.”We are down to the last 10 or 11 men in the squad really, of proper first-team players. Ruben is doing a super job.”Ruben Amorim’s side defeated Leicester City last weekendCredit: EPA More

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      ‘I get multiple death threats every day’ – Football’s first openly gay star shares heartbreaking insight on ‘toxic’ fans

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      FOOTBALL’S first openly gay star has shared a heartbreaking insight on “toxic” fans, claiming: “I get multiple death threats every day.”Josh Cavallo, 25, made headlines in 2021 when he became the first-ever professional footballer to come out as gay.Josh Cavallo has lifted the lid on the vile abuse he receives from fansCredit: AFPCavallo became the world’s first openly gay pro player in 2021Credit: GettyThe Australian was hailed as “brave” by fans as he declared: “I’m tired of this double life, it’s exhausting.”And last year he got engaged to his partner with an incredible proposal on the pitch.However, Cavallo previously revealed he has received homophobic abuse during matches.And now, the star has lifted the lid on the horrific threats he receives on a daily basis.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCavallo declared that he has received numerous vile messages, with some even wishing death upon him.And he has warned other players who are thinking of coming out to brace themselves for a “mountain of downsides.”Cavallo told FIFPRO’S Footballers Unfiltered podcast: “In the world of football, being an openly gay player is a very toxic place.“It’s something that not everyone would be able to handle and go through. I still think we’re a very, very long way of being accepted in this space.Most read in Football“So these are factors that people will consider in their coming out and they might not be out now, but coming out brings all this attention, pressure and negativty that will affect their game in the long run.“It’s difficult to say to people, ‘Absolutely, come out, be yourself’. But it also comes with a mountain of downsides as well that I don’t think people realise.”Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersDespite receiving abuse, Cavallo regrets not coming out sooner.He added: “I was tired of being hidden and of having to go around and hide from peple and not live my authentic self.“And then I would be like, why hasn’t this happened in football? Why hasn’t no one ever come out to be themselves and be successful and play?“And I understand that now looking back, all the negativity, all the things that come your way.” More

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      Alan Hansen, 69, beams as he receives MBE from Prince William nine months after Liverpool and MOTD legend’s health scare

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      ALAN HANSEN beamed with pride as he was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire.The former Liverpool and Scotland defender was given the honour by the Prince of Wales, Prince William, at Windsor Castle.Alan Hansen beamed with pride as he was awarded an MBE by Prince WilliamCredit: PAThe Scot was awarded the honour for his services to football and broadcasting.Credit: PAHansen, 69, was proud as punch as he posed with his medal outside of Windsor CastleCredit: PAHansen was a mainstay on Match of the Day for 22 yearsCredit: BBCHansen, 69, was proud as punch as strode towards William to receive his MBE for services to football and broadcasting.The former long-time Match of the Day pundit beamed as he shook hands with Wills, who he had a brief conversation with.But he had an even bigger smile on his face when he posed with his medal outside Windsor Castle.Hansen looked in fine fettle in one of his few publicly spotted outings since his health scare last year.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Scot was hospitalized last June after falling seriously ill, although details of his condition weren’t revealed.He bravely fought back and was eventually allowed to continue his recovery at home.Hansen’s good friend and former Liverpool team-mate Graeme Souness provided regular updates on the condition of his pal, who he was in regular contact with.Souness said: “Anyone who’s met Alan once, you know he’s got a wicked sense of humour.Most read in FootballAlan Hansen’s glittering career statsLiverpool: 1977- 1990, 620 appearances, 14 goalsTrophies: English titles x8, European Cups x3, Uefa Supercup (1978), FA Cup x2, League Cup x4, English Super Cup x6Partick Thistle: 1973-1977, 86 appearances, 6 goalsScotland: 1979-1987, 26 appearances “So, for two conversations with him in the last five or six days, both conversations were me on the receiving end of his humour.”So that tells me he’s on the way back.”Liverpool legend Alan Hansen takes acclaim of fans after recent illness on rare visit to former clubHansen looked in good spirits last October when he made a rare appearance at former club Partick Thistle for their Firhill clash with Airdrieonians, which he watched with his brother John.When asked how it felt to be back watching his old side in action, he said: “It feels sensational.”It’s great to be here, as I haven’t been here in a long, long time.”I’ve got so many happy memories, in particular with that team in ’76, that team was fantastic.”As soon as you went into the dressing room here, you just laughed and laughed. “Thank you very much for having me here.”Alan Hansen spent the bulk of his playing career with LiverpoolCredit: GETTYAlan Hansen looked in good spirits during a recent visit to former side Partick ThistleCredit: PARTICK THISTLE FC More

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      Ex-Arsenal star Mesut Ozil ‘banned from return to former club over links to far-right group who tried to kill Pope’

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      MESUT OZIL has been banned from visiting his former side Werder Bremen due to “recent actions” that “do not represent the club’s values”.The Bundesliga side is hosting a “farewell game” for beloved former player Diego Ribas this Saturday.Mesut Ozil has raised eyebrows with a new tattoo on his chestCredit: Instagram / @m10_officialWerder Bremen are set to celebrate their legendary former Brazilian star Diego RibasCredit: ReutersThe Brazilian, 40, dazzled crowds during his three years with Werder between 2006 and 2009.Several of his former team-mates have been invited to take part, but not Ozil.The former Germany international played alongside Diego during the 2008-09 season.So his name is a notable omission from this weekend’s festivities.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPer Bild, a Werder spokesperson said: “We have agreed with Diego not to invite Mesut due to his recent actions, which do not represent the club’s values.”Since hanging up his boots, Ozil has become involved in politics.Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan was best man at Ozil’s wedding in 2019.Ozil, whose parents are Turkish, was named on the Central Decision and Management Board for Erdogan’s Justice and Development party.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSOzil reveals his tattoo in a picture alongside Achraf HakimiCredit: Instagram @alperaksac7Ozil played for Werder Bremen between 2008 and 2010Credit: GettyThe former midfielder, who now has a hulking bodybuilder’s frame, has also raised eyebrows with a new tattoo on his chest.The tattoo appears to feature a grey wolf with three crescent moons – symbols often associated with right wing extremism.’He’s got a sense of humour’ – Sky Sports panel in stitches after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s stunt in live TV interviewThe Grey Wolves group are a controversial Turkish far-right movement.Banned in France and Austria, the Grey Wolves have been linked with several high-profile crimes including the 1981 attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II.Ozil’s team of representatives did not comment when asked by the Telegraph if their client’s tattoo was a direct reference to the Grey Wolves organisation.Turkey international Merih Demiral was banned for two matches by Uefa last summer for his “Grey Wolf” celebration performed during Euro 2024.The gesture saw Demiral raise the index and little finger of each hand above his head.At the time, Uefa claimed that the ban was handed to Demiral “for violating the basic rules of decent conduct, for using sports events for manifestations of a non-sporting nature and for bringing the sport of football into disrepute”.Merih Demiral was banned for this controversial celebrationCredit: EPA More