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      Former Serie A star who became armed robber before turning life around with acting career dies in his sleep at 39

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      FORMER Serie A star turned armed robber and actor Bruce Dombolo has died in his sleep – aged just 39.The Marseille-born midfielder played for Ancona in Italy’s top flight.Former Serie A star turned armed robber and actor Bruce Dombolo died in his sleepCredit: GettyAuxerre academy product Dombolo went on to appear for Italian side Pro Vasto and French club Marignane before falling into crime.He landed a two-year prison term aged just 20, then was jailed for a further eight years for his part in a 2010 jewellery heist.But Dombolo turned his life around, appearing in a series of French TV shows and becoming a Connect 4 champion.He said in 2023: “Some people fall into robbery of their own accord, and sadly I was one such person.Read More on Football”I didn’t think, but instead went to see some friends who were doing stupid things and asked them to include me.”That was how I joined a gang of armed robbers.”Dombolo was released in 2020.  He told French TV: “I was a lad from Vitrolles in Marseille, promised a career as a professional footballer, but I took a wrong turn.”I fell from the academy into the prison, from the stadiums of Serie A into robberies.Most read in Football”But in jail I turned my weaknesses into strengths.  I have since become an actor and producer, and got involved in violence prevention.”My journey proves that anyone can turn their life around, no matter where they are from.”Moment Aberdeen & Dunfermline fans join together to pay tribute to legendary former manager Jimmy CalderwoodTragically Dombolo’s agent told Le Parisien at the weekend that he had passed away in his sleep.Online tributes have since flowed in for the Congolese-origin former footballer, speaking of his “heart of gold,” “talent” and “amazing kindness.” More

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      Ambitious National League club plot stadium redevelopment as part of £70MILLION ‘Little Wembley’ plans

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      OLDHAM are plotting a stadium redevelopment as part of £70million plans for a “Little Wembley”.The ambitious National League side have announced a project to expand their Boundary Park stadium with a host of features.Oldham are plotting a £70million redevelopment around its stadiumCredit: GettyThere are plans to create their very own ‘Little Wembley’Credit: AlamyThe 13,186-seater arena is set for an incredible facelift thanks to a regeneration plan that will transform the area around it.Oldham and the local council have put forward their SportsTown development idea which includes a new sport campus, a 3,000-seater netball stadium and a new 3G pitch.A cricket pitch and an area akin to Wembley Way, dubbed “Little Wembley”, will also be built.And the area will provide new training and apprenticeship programs for youngsters too.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe project has already been kick-started with a £5m investment from the council, with money taken from a £20m pot through the government’s Community Regeneration Fund.The rest of the costs are expected to be met through grants and private investors.Oldham chairman Frank Rothwell said: “It will build a legacy, give young people real opportunities, and put Oldham on the map.“Oldham has always punched above its weight in sport and we’re not stopping now.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“This funding is going to set things in motion for something truly game-changing. We’re not here to mess about.”Council leader Arooj Shad added: “Sport runs through the veins of Greater Manchester and Oldham is no exception. It’s right that we tap into that.Inside £49m ‘Stadium of the Year’ which saw world record set and is more popular than the Bernabeu “But SportsTown isn’t just about sport, it’s about creating real opportunities for everyone in our town.“SportsTown is a big deal for our town and will bring investment, jobs and world class facilities that will benefit generations to come.” More

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      Inside a day in the life of an Arsenal player as newly promoted goalkeeper, 19, gives glimpse behind the scenes

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      ARSENAL goalkeeper Alexei Rojas has given an incredible behind-the-scenes look at the life of a Gunners player.The Colombia youth star, 19, was promoted from Arsenal’s academy to their senior side this season.Alexei Rojas has revealed his day-to-day business as an Arsenal playerThe Colombia youth goalie joined Arsenal from Chelsea in 2019Rojas makes sure he is at London Colney by 8.15am each morningAnd the Basildon-born stopper has now provided fans with a glimpse at his day-to-day life with a brilliant video.Rojas, who joined Arsenal in 2019 from Chelsea, leaves his house at 8am sharp and arrives at the London Colney training ground just 15 minutes later.He explained: “Here is what a day in my life looks like as a professional footballer at Arsenal football club.“I left my house at 8am to get to the training ground for quarter past eight.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I always know it’s going to be a great day when the sun is out.”Before a ball is kicked, Rojas makes sure he fuels up with a huge breakfast.He continued: “I then have my usual pre-training breakfast which is an egg omelette, sourdough bread, avocado on top, accompanied by yoghurt with berries.”This way I’m able to hit my protein to help maintain and build muscle and have the carbohydrates to fuel myself for training.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesThe work soon begins, with Rojas going through a number of movements before joining Arsenal’s first-team stars for a training session on the pitch.He explained: “I then headed down to the gym to do my prep and activation where I replicate movements that I’m going to do out on the pitch.’He’s got a sense of humour’ – Sky Sports panel in stitches after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s stunt in live TV interviewArsenal ratings vs ChelseaARSENAL collected three points at the Emirates with a comfortable display as they fight to keep their fading title hopes alive.“I train with the first team every day so it’s a great environment for me to learn and develop as a young goalkeeper.”But Rojas still has energy left and follows things up with a gym workout before tucking into a protein-rich lunch.He said: “After training I go back to the gym to do an upper body strength session which is so important for us goalkeepers.“After gym I head up to have lunch where we have a wide selection of proteins, carbohydrates and salads.“Today’s lunch was spaghetti with salmon and beetroot. This way I’m able to refuel with carbohydrates and hit my protein with the salmon every single day.”Rojas makes sure he eats a protein-rich breakfast straight awayHe does a pre-workout session before joining teammates for outside trainingRojas then hits up the gym for another workoutBy this point, Rojas’ body has taken a battering and needs a rest.He revealed he relaxes with an ice bath before eating a snack while studying a new language.Rojas noted: “After training I head to the ice bath so that my legs are feeling fresh and ready to go for the next session.“Here is a clip from my Portuguese lesson which is a language that I’ve been studying since September.“After that I have another snack which includes granola, yoghurt and berries because it’s so important to keep protein intake high throughout the day.”Rojas tucks into more snacks throughout the dayRojas still finds time to hit up a David Lloyd’s for extra recoveryRojas makes sure he’s home and in bed by 10pmRojas’ time at London Colney ends at 4pm, but he doesn’t just crash out at home for the evening.The ace still found the energy to head to a local gym where he made use of the sauna and hot tub.He said: “I finish my day at the training ground by heading down to the changing room to get showered to leave at 4pm. I then go home to spend some time with my family.“In the evening I went to my local David Lloyd’s leisure centre where I used the spa facilities.“I went to the sauna, steam room and finished off in the outdoor hot tub. This is a great way to disconnect and clear my mind.”Rojas ended his video by insisting that sleep is the best form of recovery.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd he makes sure he hits the hay by 10pm sharp after munching another meal.Rojas concluded: “At the end of the day I headed home and had dinner before getting to sleep at 10pm which is the best way to recover.” More

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      Man Utd’s ‘four-man striker shortlist’ revealed as Ruben Amorim lines up Victor Gyokeres and long-term target

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      MANCHESTER UNITED reportedly have a four-man shortlist of strikers they hope to sign in the summer.The Red Devils’ current hitmen Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have toiled in front of goal this season, finding the back of the net a combined 14 times.Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have struggled in front of goal for Manchester United this seasonCredit: GETTYRed Devils boss Ruben Amorim reportedly has a four-man shortlist of strikers he’d like to sign in the summer – which includes Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor GyokeresCredit: PARB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is also said to be on Amorim’s summer wishlistCredit: REXEintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike is another name said to be on the listCredit: REXSkipper Bruno Fernandes is United’s top goalscorer this season having scored 16 times in 44 appearances.New United gaffer Ruben Amorim was interested in signing a new frontman in the January window but the club opted against a big-money signing to PSR rules.But the Portuguese is set to try to sign a new striker in the summer, with four names, according to Sky Germany, on his wishlist.It’s claimed Viktor Gyokeres – who Amorim managed at Sporting Lisbon – is on the four-man list.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSUnited are also said to be weighing up moves for Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko, who play for Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig respectively.The list is said to be rounded out by Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, who is currently on loan in Turkey with Galatasaray.Sweden international Gyokores has by far been the most prolific of the quartet this season, bagging a whopping 40 goals in all competitions.France Under-21 international Ekitike has found the back of the net 19 times this campaign, while Slovenian striker Sesko has 17 goals to his name.Most read in FootballNigeria international Osimhen has shone during his loan spell in Turkey, bagging 26 goals this campaign.Ruben Amorim is also said to be interested in signing Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, who is currently on loan with GalatasarayCredit: GETTYUnited will have to pay top dollar to acquire the services of the strikers on their reported four-man shortlist.And that could prove to be difficult given the financial constraints they’ll be under for the next five years as they build their new stadium.’Scars are so deep’ – Ruben Amorim gives concerning interview on why Man Utd isn’t a quick fix and will take YEARSUnited will be back in action on April Fool’s Day, travelling to the City Ground to take on Nottingham Forest. More

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      From losing it with Man Utd flop to being given keys to swimming pool – inside Jordan Henderson’s Ajax career revival

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      THE England call-up for Jordan Henderson is not just big news in this country but also in Holland.Johan Inan covers Ajax for Algemeen Dagblad, the biggest sports newspaper in Holland. Here, he gives his view…Jordan Henderson is leading Ajax on a title charge in HollandCredit: GettyHenderson with new boss Thomas Tuchel on his first day with the squadCredit: GettyJordan Henderson’s return to the Three Lions might be surprising because of his physical condition — but certainly not his game.The midfielder has had a great impact on and off the pitch at Ajax this season.But since he is struggling with his fitness, you should wonder how long he’ll be able to last on the pitch for England.Before Sunday’s 2-2 draw with AZ, the 34-year-old had only started once in the last eight games since he was substituted after one half against Fortuna Sittard.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAjax boss Francesco Farioli has not taken any risks with his captain for over a month. It’s the third time that the Ajax No 6 missed back-to-back games because of injury in 15 months. So another 15, to World Cup 2026, feels very far away.Considering all that, Hendo has done well. England boss Thomas Tuchel was right saying he didn’t look older or slower.The Liverpool legend has been excellent this season, in a less intense competition. In the big games, against Feyenoord, PSV and Galatasaray, he looked like the Henderson in his best Anfield days.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSDominating possession, closing gaps and ­leading the troops.His impact off the pitch might be even bigger, team-mates say.Furious Jordan Henderson goes off at journalist after being grilled over ‘wanting Monaco transfer’Ajax signed him to help bring back a winning culture after finishing fifth last season with his experience and leading by example.Or, in his own words, by eating, sleeping and breathing Ajax. And within a few months, he managed, with the help of his new friends, to get the club back on track.First, there was nobody at the club when Henderson thought he could recover in the swimming pool after an evening match, like he used to do in Liverpool.Ajax decided to give him keys. Little by little, the players started to copy him.Last month, after Ajax beat Belgian side Union, Henderson was surrounded by team-mates when he went to the sauna.  Also, Hendo found himself fuming at ex-Aston Villa winger Bertrand Traore against Besiktas, after he allowed a counter attack. And at ex-Manchester United striker Wout Weghorst during training, because he kept complaining.Henderson’s career statsSunderland: 79 games, 5 goalsCoventry (loan): 13 games, 1 goalLiverpool: 492 games, 33 goalsAl-Ettifaq: 19 games, 0 goalsAjax: 51 games, 0 goalsEngland: 81 games, 3 goalsTrophies: Champions League, Club World Cup, Super Cup, Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup (x2), Community ShieldHendo helped Ajax to get back their discipline. Young and old praise him for his leadership.Steven Berghuis said this week: “He sets an example, but is also a very good player. It is special Ajax managed to sign him.”Ajax only need to finish in third spot this season to get back in the Champions League. They are eight points clear at the top now.And big-game player Henderson has had a huge part in that. READ MORE SUN STORIESItalian boss Farioli sees the captain as his perfect extension, so it’s not that strange for Tuchel to call him up to help create a new England team.But thinking Henderson will easily make it to the World Cup as a holding midfielder would be very naive.Henderson cut his time in Saudi short and headed to HollandCredit: GettyWout Weghorst was berated by Henderson in trainingCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Never like that’ – Jack Wilshere reveals secret to Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri’s meteoric rise at Arsenal

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      JACK WILSHERE knows all about being an Arsenal prodigy and making an England debut at 18.And he reckons Myles Lewis-Skelly will follow in his footsteps — then potentially become a World Cup star.Jack Wilshere knows all about coming through the ranks at ArsenalCredit: RexMyles Lewis-Skelly with Arsenal team-mate and close pal Ethan NwaneriCredit: GettyThe Gunners’ left-back sensation will still be a teenager at next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.Yet Wilshere believes Lewis-Skelly has the ability and mental toughness to immediately become a key player for Thomas Tuchel.England’s new boss staged his first training session at St George’s Park yesterday ahead of Friday’s World Cup qualifier at home to Albania.With the Three Lions struggling with left-backs, Lewis-Skelly has an excellent chance to make his debut then, or against Latvia on Monday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe youngster played for Wilshere when Arsenal Under-18s reached the FA Youth Cup final two years ago — alongside Ethan Nwaneri, 17.And Wilshere, 33, reckons it is not a problem if a rising star leapfrogs the England Under-21s set-up to go straight into the senior team.He said: “With Myles, it is not a case of, ‘Is he too young?’.“He just wants to be in a team, wants to lead and has an incredible family around him — and that’s important as well. He’d be able to handle playing at the World Cup.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I remember my journey coming through and I was in the first team at Arsenal, then I was called into the U19s at England.“Don’t get me wrong, at that point I was just happy to represent my country and wasn’t thinking, ‘Oh, now I’m ready for the first team’.’He’s got a sense of humour’ – Sky Sports panel in stitches after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s stunt in live TV interview“But I was going from training with the first team, playing in the Champions League, playing in the Premier League, to then playing U19s.“But we can be braver as a nation and Jude Bellingham has shown that as he went quickly into the senior team.”Wilshere — who made his Lions debut against Hungary in 2010 — admitted Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri stood out when he was working with Arsenal’s youth team.He only left in October to become Norwich’s first-team coach.And Wilshere, taking his Uefa Pro Licence at St George’s Park with the FA, said: “In U15s, U16s and U18s football, those two could always make something happen but they are very different people.“Myles is more of a natural leader and wants to bring everyone with him.“Ethan is just really driven and asks, ‘What do I need to do?’ He would come and seek advice and feedback from coaches. “In the world we live in, with social media, there are other distractions for players.“It’s harder and you see players get distracted by that — but Ethan and Myles were never like that.”He just wants to be in a team, wants to lead and has an incredible family around him — and that’s important as well. He’d be able to handle playing at the World Cup.Jack Wilsher on Myles Lewis-SkellyWilshere played 34 times for England but would have had many more caps if not for injury issues.Yet now he is loving life as a coach after being inspired by former Arsenal team-mate Mikel Arteta when he became Gunners manager.Wilshere, now working under Johannes Hoff Thorup at Norwich, said: “I was nervous when I started my coaching journey.“Then I saw Mikel coach and I’d never seen someone coach that way. Watching him inspired me to do it. I want to be a head coach.”I’m in a good environment at Norwich with a head coach who sees the game in a really similar way to me.”Yet Wilshere feels football is now too rigid — with players not being encouraged to express themselves.He said: “I was taught to play in a certain way. “Arsene Wenger gave a lot of responsibility and the academy played the same as the first team.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But it wasn’t, ‘This is how we play, this is what you need to do’. It was like, ‘Your own understanding of the game, your own insight, will create moments for you’.“Now everyone plays the same way. Let’s see if the game changes where players have to take more responsibility and get more freedom as it’s very structural now.”Wilshere made his England debut in 2010Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      Premier League chief and former Man Utd target quits club ‘with immediate effect’ to take over second-tier Saudi side

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      DOUGIE FREEDMAN has left his role as Crystal Palace sporting director to join a second-tier side in Saudi Arabia. Palace announced that Freedman would be leaving with immediate effect “to take up a role overseas”. Dougie Freedman has left his role as Crystal Palace sporting directorCredit: RexIt is understood that he is poised to become sporting director of Al-Diriyah – who have just become champions of Saudi’s second division.Freedman almost left last year for Newcastle – who are part-owned by Saudi’s Public Investment Fund.But he was persuaded to stay at Selhurst Park by the club’s chairman Steve Parish. Freedman was also a target for Manchester United as Sir Jim Ratcliffe looked to add the Scot as his head of recruitment. READ MORE IN football The former forward spent eight years as a player at Palace after signing from Nottingham Forest in 2000. He made 320 appearances for the Eagles and returned to the club as manager for a season in 2011. Freedman also had managerial stints with Bolton and former club Forest before moving into boardroom roles. He returned to Palace as sporting director in 2017 and was credited for the signings of Conor Gallagher, Marc Guehi and Michael Olise. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFreedman was also heavily involved in the appointment of manager Oliver Glasner last year. But the 50-year-old is believed to have been frustrated with having a limited budget to work with during the January transfer window. How Newcastle outsmarted Liverpool with Dan Burn and Alexander Isak’s genius tricksPalace sit 12th in the Premier League – above United – and confirmed Freedman’s exit in a statement online. Parish said: “Dougie has been instrumental in everything we have done over the past eight years and indeed had a huge impact before that as manager and, of course, as a player. “I have enjoyed working with him immensely and wish him every success for the future. “Dougie leaves behind an excellent and well-structured sporting department that I’m sure will continue to go from strength to strength.”Freedman said: “I would like to extend my thanks to Steve Parish, the other owners and to all the staff, managers and players who have been at the club during my time here. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed learning from and working alongside you all.”It’s been an honour to represent the club and I am incredibly proud of the work that’s been done, with the Chairman’s support, in growing the football club into its current position.”To be leaving the club with a squad full of exciting talent led by an excellent manager, I truly believe the foundations are in place to be built upon.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Finally, a huge thank you to all the fans for your continued support and passion – especially with how you’ve helped new signings and Academy products settle into life at Selhurst Park by supporting and getting behind the team.”Crystal Palace is and will always remain in my heart, and I will continue to look for results and follow the club’s progress closely.”Palace chairman Steve Parish with FreedmanCredit: RexFreedman spent eight years as a player at PalaceCredit: Getty More

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      Newcastle icon Papiss Cisse, 39, lured out of retirement after two years by former team-mate to join fourth-tier minnows

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      FORMER Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse is set to pull on his boots again – as he approaches his 40th birthday.Cisse set the Premier League alight when he joined the Toon and linked up with Senegalese countryman Demba Ba in 2012.Papiss Cisse has been signed by Dubai side Al QabilaCredit: GettyCisse formed a deadly duo with Demba BaCredit: AP:Associated PressThe 39-year-old left St James’ Park in the wake of the club’s relegation in 2016 – and he has since had spells playing in China, Turkey and France.Cisse has now landed in the Middle East, where he has signed for newly-formed Dubai side Al Qabila, who play in the fourth tier of football in the United Arab Emirates.Al Qabila, coached by Cisse’s old Toon team-mate Steven Taylor, are pushing for promotion this season.Taylor has been coaching in Dubai for the past three years, having hung up his boots in 2021.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCisse was offered a deal until the end of the season after proving his fitness in training.The Dakar-born player – who turns 40 in June – scored 37 top-flight goals in 117 games for Newcastle.Cisse was without a club when he was signed up by The Player Agency, who want to recruit more high-profile players and help them look for clubs overseas after injuries or to prolong their careers.The Toon hero said: “I’m thankful to The Player for the opportunity to enter the market in the UAE.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCisse has been without a team since the summer of 2023, when he left French side Amiens.The former Senegal international trained with Robbie Savage’s Macclesfield in late 2023 but did not join the club.Fans think the Wealdstone Raider is a time traveller after his incredible Newcastle Carabao Cup prediction goes viral Carabao Cup final ratingsNEWCASTLE ended their 70-year trophy drought in style by beating Premier League champions-elect Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.The 2-1 scoreline flattered the Reds in truth, with Eddie Howe’s Toon having produced a sensational performance to flatten runaway league leaders.Local lad Dan Burn, fresh off his first England call-up, rose highest to head his boyhood club into the lead on the stroke of half-time.Alexander Isak then deservedly doubled Newcastle’s lead shortly after the break.The Toon could have further increased their advantage, only for forgotten man Federico Chiesa to hand Liverpool a late lifeline on 94 minutes.But that goal was unable to spur a further comeback as Newcastle saw out the remaining added time.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Liverpool players and Gary Stonehouse rated the Newcastle players. More