More stories

  • in

    Bizarre reason Arsenal icon Dennis Bergkamp is named after Man Utd legend Denis Law despite different spelling

    ARSENAL icon Dennis Bergkamp has his name in the roots of Manchester United.The legendary Dutchman’s father, Wim, was an ardent Red Devils fan.Arsenal icon Dennis Bergkamp was named after Man Utd icon Denis LawCredit: GettyThe Dutchman’s father, Wim, was an ardent Man Utd fanCredit: RexAnd he named his son after Red Devils icon LawCredit: RexHowever, an extra ‘n’ was added to his name for a bizarre reasonCredit: Getty Images – GettyAnd such was his love, that in 1969 the Amsterdam electrician named his first son after the late Denis Law.During the 1960s Law was in the prime of his career, winning the Ballon d’Or in 1964 and helping Man Utd to win two First Division titles and become the first English side to win the European Cup in 1968.However, Bergkamp was forced to add another “n” into the name by the registrar, who wouldn’t allow him to have Law’s version of Denis.This was bizarrely because of an obscure Dutch baptismal regulation.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRegardless, Bergkamp followed in the footsteps of his father’s icon by becoming a top striker in English football.It was announced on Friday that Law had passed away at the age of 84 following a long battle with Alzheimer’s.The King, as he is known to the United faithful, was the last surviving member of the Holy Trinity completed by George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton.Law is only Scottish footballer to have ever won the Ballon d’Or and holds the record for the most hat-tricks by a Man Utd player with an incredible 18 – for reference Wayne Rooney scored eight.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTributes poured in for Law from across the world following the news of his death.David Beckham wrote on his Instagram page: “Tonight we lost a true gentleman of the game. Our heart goes out to Denis’s family.Former Man Utd footballer Denis Law looks back on his incredible career in Sky doc The Law Man “Our hearts are heavy tonight. A legend on the field but the perfect gentleman off.”Neville, who played 400 times for United during a two-decade career, said: “Rest in Peace Denis. A great footballer and a great man. “It’s a privilege and an honour to have spent time in your company. The King of the Stretford End.”United’s record goalscorer, Rooney, took to X, writing: “Legend. Thoughts with all Denis’ family and friends.”Law’s ex-United team-mate Brian Kidd added: “He was slight, with the heart of a lion.”An unbelievable finisher, he scored every type of goal.”Singer Rod Stewart was one of his biggest fans, and shared a photo of them arm in arm in Scotland garb.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe image was taken after he had been filmed scoring a goal for Scotland in a match involving England stars Ray Clemence, Trevor Brooking and Jack Charlton for the title sequence of An Audience With Rod Stewart on ITV.He added the words: “Farewell my hero – Rest in Peace.” More

  • in

    Champions League winner and ex-Prem star both lined up for stunning fights on KSI’s Misfits Boxing

    CHAMPIONS LEAGUE winner Wes Brown and ex-Chelsea star Wayne Bridge are among the ex-footballers interested in turning to boxing. Former Leicester defender Danny Simpson – who won the Premier League in 2016 – became the first football star on Misfits Boxing. Ex-Man Utd star Wes Brown could be set for a boxing fightCredit: Willie VassAs could ex-Chelsea defender Wayne BridgeCredit: GettyMisfits was co-founded by YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI and his manager Mams Taylor – and is home to celebrity-style crossover bouts.And Simpson, 38, drew over four rounds with social media influencer Danny Aarons, 22, last August. Now, more retired footballers are expressing an interest in making the same switch. Brown has trained with Simpson to keep fit after retirement and SunSport understands he is also keen to have a fight.READ MORE IN BOXINGThe centre-back – who won the Champions League in 2008 and SEVEN Prem titles at United – will be ringside for Misfits 20 in Manchester. And he has already told Misfits head honcho Taylor he is on board to follow in former team-mate Simpson’s steps. Meanwhile Bridge – a Prem winner with Chelsea – is a fight fan and has even had an England Boxing licensed amateur bout. He beat Made in Chelsea’s Spencer Matthews in 2018 for Sport Relief.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Daily Mail reported how Bridge, 44, was even being lined up to fight KSI, 31. And music mogul Taylor warned how other footballers are considering the same switch after seeing Simpson’s debut. Ex-Man Utd stars Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic both teases for stunning boxing bouts He told SunSport in October: “I’m not going to give you any names because I’ll ruin the surprise. “But definitely there’s some really big names and some very credible footballers, ex-footballers who have expressed interest.”So I think that’s gonna unfold in its own time.”Danny Aarons and Danny Simpson drew over four rounds More

  • in

    Mike Tyson, 58, considering fighting AGAIN after Jake Paul bout for grudge match 30 YEARS in the making

    MIKE TYSON could be set for another controversial comeback fight. Heavyweight great Tyson came out of retirement in November after 20 YEARS out to face YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. Mike Tyson could return for another fightCredit: GettyThe fight faced heavy criticism amid the 30-year age gap but still over 100MILLION watched Paul’s underwhelming points win on Netflix. But according to actor and martial artist Paulo Tocha, Tyson could yet fight once more for a trilogy with Evander Holyfield. Tocha told The Mirror: “At the end he kind of let us know there’s another one coming. “Let me put it this way, if Tyson trains correctly and prepares himself, he should take on another fight. READ MORE IN BOXING”A more serious fighter, a more serious opponent, and a bigger money maker. Most probably it’s going to be Evander after all. “He and Evander – after what happened to his ear and all that. So most probably it’ll be something like that.” Holyfield stopped Tyson in 11 rounds of their first fight in 1996. But their rematch a year later became infamous after Tyson BIT Holyfield’s ear and got himself disqualified. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIn the years following, the two made up and became unlikely friends. Holyfield, 62, himself had a return fight in 2021 but it ended in disaster as he was stopped in one round by MMA star Vitor Belfort, 47.’That’s the last thing I remember’ – Mike Tyson, 58, worryingly can’t recall Jake Paul fight after ‘blanking out’And he was a commentator for Tyson’s loss to Paul, 28, and Iron Mike refused to retire after the bout – opening the door to another fight. Tocha added: “That’s why I thought it was a good show, a warm-up for Tyson.”He got to get some rust off of the ring, got to feel himself again, caught himself back again on top. What do people expect him to do, really? “I mean, good luck to him. He is a great warrior. He is a big champion and he’s one of the biggest, if not the biggest name in boxing. “But you’ve got to understand the fighter’s game and at that age, you’re not supposed to be in the ring, even if you’re spectacular. “It’s just not so good for the brain.” Tyson bit Evander Holyfield in their 1997 rematchCredit: AFPBut they became friends in later yearsCredit: RexActor Paulo Tocha More

  • in

    Jake Paul’s girlfriend Jutta Leerdam shares stunning pics as she wishes ‘hardest worker in world’ happy 28th birthday

    JAKE PAUL was wished a very happy birthday by his speed skater girlfriend Jutta Leerdam. The YouTuber-turned-boxer – who shares the same birthday with Muhammad Ali – turned 28. Jake Paul’s girlfriend Jutta Leerdam wished him a happy birthday on social mediaCredit: Instagram / @juttaleerdamJutta shared a series of loved-up snapsCredit: Instagram / @juttaleerdamShe called boxer Paul the ‘hardest worker’Credit: Instagram / @juttaleerdamHere is the speed skater posing during a romantic trip to ParisCredit: Instagram / @juttaleerdamAnd Jutta – a world champion on the ice – posted a series of loved-up snaps to celebrate Paul’s big day. They varied from shots together during fights, on romantic trips to Paris and celebrating her skating success. And Jutta wrote: “Happy 28th birthday baby @jakepaul. The hardest worker in the world with the sweetest heart.”So so proud of you of what you’ve achieved already, what you’ve done for other people and the person you are to me and the people around you. I love you.” READ MORE IN BOXINGJutta recently celebrated winning European gold in sprint competition with Paul cheering on in the crowd. The American recently moved to 11-1 as a boxer after beating Mike Tyson, 58, in their controversial clash on Netflix. Paul won on points but faced heavy scrutiny due to the age gap between them after cruising to an eight-round points win. His only defeat came in February 2023 to Tommy Fury, 25, via split-decision in Saudi Arabia with the pair linked with a rematch. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPaul met Jutta after she joined his podcast as a guest just after his loss to Fury – going public in the April. The boxer has even revealed plans to engage to the Dutch skater. And he has also talked having kids with Jutta after brother Logan, 29, and fiance Nina Agdal, 32, welcomed their baby daughter Esme in September. Jutta met Jake Paul after going on his podcastCredit: Instagram / @uttaleerdamJake Paul has even revealed plans to marry JuttaCredit: Instagram / @uttaleerdamThe pair regularly support each otherCredit: Instagram / @juttaleerdam More

  • in

    Joshua Zirkzee sent warning by FA after Man Utd star’s X-rated celebration in win against Southampton

    JOSHUA ZIRKZEE has dodged a ban after an X-rated celebration during Manchester United’s 3-1 win against Southampton on Thursday.Zirkzee, 23, came off the bench to transform the game in the Red Devils favour, allowing them to sustain attacks where Rasmus Hojlund had been unable to earlier on.Joshua Zirkzee has avoided a ban after a crude celebration in Man Utd’s win over SouthamptonCredit: AlamyAmad Diallo took the headlines with a 12-minute hat-trick to bail United out of a potentially embarrassing defeat.And during the celebrations for Amad’s third goal, a jubilant Zirkzee was seen grabbing his crotch with his right hand while the team celebrated by the corner flag.Jude Bellingham was handed a one-game ban and fined £25,000 for performing a similar gesture after England beat Slovakia at Euro 2024.Cristiano Ronaldo was similarly suspended for one game and slapped with a £16,850 fine for making the gesture when playing for Al-Nassr.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, an FA statement revealed Zirkzee had not met the same fate, but had been given a warning.A statement said: “As guidance, we have issued Joshua Zirkzee with a reminder of his responsibilities, and he will face no further action.”It means he will be available for selection for Man Utd’s match against Brighton on Sunday afternoon.Zirkzee has enjoyed an impressive pair of matches off the bench against Southampton and Arsenal, the latter in the FA Cup where he scored the decisive penalty in the shootout to win the tie for Ruben Amorim’s side.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe turnaround comes days after fans appeared to cheer when he was subsituted against Newcastle at Old Trafford.Club captain Bruno Fernandes, who was suspended for the game, slammed: “I was in the stands and I’ve never seen something like this.Manchester United squad transfer verdict: stay or go? article”And it really frustrates me and annoys me because he’s a player that always gives it his all. As a player that is coming into the team from a different league, he needs time to adapt but, he has huge qualities.”He hasn’t shown all the quality but it can’t be that from the first game of the season everyone was hyping him as one of the best strikers and now everyone does not believe in him anymore.”We do believe in him inside the dressing room. I would rather be myself in this position against Newcastle and not seeing one of my team-mates in that position.”And the Dutchman has done his talking on the pitch with game-changing cameos against the Gunners and Saints in consecutive matches.Despite this, the former Bologna star has remained goal shy, with only four to his name in all competitions and his most recent strike coming in the 4-0 win over Everton at the start of January.Man Utd squad transfer verdictSunSport gives its verdict on what Man Utd stars should stay or go in the first phase of Ruben Amorim’s squad rebuild:Andre Onana – StayDespite being guilty of some erratic performances, Andre Onana remains a world-class goalkeeper and United would struggle to find better in the market.The defence has begun to look more solid in recent weeks now Amorim has had time to coach the structure into the team, and hopefully, that will be converted into clean sheets going forward.Noussair Mazraoui – StayThe best signing from the summer window so far, Noussair Mazraoui has proven to be everything Man Utd needed and more.Versatile, reliable and passionate no matter whether he plays at wing-back or centre-back, it is a no-brainer to keep the Moroccan.Leny Yoro – StayAfter a pre-season injury, Leny Yoro has taken some time to bed in but he has shown some superb moments in a Man Utd shirt already like his lung-busting run to block a Liverpool shot in the 2-2 draw at Anfield earlier this month.At the age of 19 he will only get better and while too much expectation should not be thrust on him just yet, the early signs suggest he could be a mainstay in defence for years to come.Harry Maguire – GoThe last time we did this list Harry Maguire was one of our main defensive options to be sold, but since Amorim has come with the back three the England international has barely put a foot wrong.The issue with Maguire is that while he is perfectly suited to a back three, he will be 32 in the summer and has just one year left on his contract, so if a serious offer comes in he should regrettably be sold.Matthijs de Ligt – StayMatthijs de Ligt has been very hit or miss since arriving in the summer. Capable of heroic last-ditch tackles like he did at Arsenal and also capable of some very silly passages of play like his handball against Liverpool.In many ways, the Dutchman seems like a younger version of Maguire and given some more time to bed in he should improve even more.Lisandro Martinez – StayHas really started to grow into the Amorim system in recent games after a very sticky patch of form.He is one of the team’s best progressive passers in the build-up phase and has the dogged mentality this team will need to improve and claw its way up the table.Luke Shaw – GoIt’s been said that one of the best abilities is availability, and that rings incredibly true for Luke Shaw.World class on his day and is clearly still capable of finding those levels, as seen at less than full fitness with England at the Euros. But he is simply not available often enough to warrant keeping.Tyrell Malacia – GoTyrell Malacia is still recovering his match sharpness from his two-year injury layoff, so it is a bit harsh to make a verdict on him so soon.The current concern is that United will need to aggressively recruit specialist left wing-backs in the summer, and Malacia so far has not looked totally comfortable playing there.Manuel Ugarte – StayQuestion marks were being raised about him after his first few games. But under Amorim, Manuel Ugarte has once again become the lynchpin of his midfield.He knows the system inside out and is one of the Premier League’s most proficient ball winners. It would be madness to consider his sale next summer.Kobbie Mainoo – StayDespite reports that Chelsea and Bayern Munich want to sign the 19-year-old, Kobbie Mainoo should be one of the few genuinely untouchable stars at the club and his contract situation needs sorting ASAP.He has quality and aspects to his game not possessed by many other midfielders, and with improvements to the stars around him, he and Ugarte should be able to form an effective partnership for many years to come.Casemiro – GoCasemiro unfortunately seemed to lose his legs going into his second season at Man Utd. And with the 3-4-3 system demanding even more running from him, it is clear he simply does not fit the bill for what the club need going forward.It would also help the club’s financial goals to see him sold due to his massive £375,000-a-week wages being taken off the books.Bruno Fernandes – StayThe club captain, Bruno Fernandes has faced a lot of criticism since taking the armband for his erratic decisions and losing his temper.Yet he remains the best player in the squad by some distance and shows the mentality the squad needs to improve. Besides it’s not like United’s most famous captain of the Premier League era, Roy Keane, was exactly cool-headed.Antony – GoThere’s a definite case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history, with games too often passing him by and lacking quality when he is involved.That being said, he has improved in a number of brief cameos when featuring as a wing-back under Amorim. But unless there is a plan for him to learn the position and become a specialist he should be moved on.Marcus Rashford – GoIt was not supposed to end like this. Once the darling of Old Trafford and Carrington, Marcus Rashford’s comments admitting he wanted a new challenge were probably the final nail in the coffin for his Man Utd future.There is a classy player in there if he can find the motivation to love his football again. A sale to a rival should be ruled out for fear of exactly that, while a sale overseas should be targeted and pushed by the club.Amad Diallo – StayHas taken a real liking to his role as either the right No.10 in the 3-4-3 or as the right wing-back.Amad Diallo has been one of the team’s best players this season and was rewarded with a new deal as a result.Alejandro Garnacho – GoArguably the trickiest star on the list, Alejandro Garnacho has bags of raw talent to elevate him to being world-class. But recent off-field issues and poor form have doubt cast on his future.If, as reports suggest, a major bid of £60m from the likes of Napoli comes in there will be a tough decision to make. Though it may be the financial situation of the club which ultimately tips the scale.Joshua Zirkzee – GoJoshua Zirkzee has certainly been hit-and-miss at United so far. He has had some games and moments where he has looked very impressive, and others where he is simply not good enough.He has a very unique profile which makes him top drawer in the right system, it is just United will probably never play the right way for him to truly excel.Read our verdict on the full Man Utd squad here. More

  • in

    Who is Afghan Dan? Meet rapper set to star on Misfits Boxing 20 card

    AFGHAN Dan is a grime rapper from Lancashire who is making a lucrative career-change after serving time for robbery.He is set to make his debut in the world of influencer boxing on the Misfits 20 fight card.Afghan Dan is a grime star from BlackpoolCredit: INSTAGRAMWho is Afghan Dan?Born Daniel Martin on March 8, 1996, Afghan Dan is a grime rapper from Blackpool, England.His music career took off when he became part of his hometown’s grime scene, with his tracks featuring on the YouTube channel BGMedia and rising to prominence with singles including #RingRing and TicTac.Dan’s fame was further propelled by collaborations with popular YouTubers such as WillNE.PrisonIn January 2018, Afghan Dan was remanded in custody for multiple burglaries committed on the same night at the age of 21.read more on misfits boxingHe was found guilty of stealing bank cards, electrical goods and an air rifle.Dan told Vice: “I knew it would be in the paper straight away. Daniel Martin, my mum’s address, burglary.“I was doing so many that night that I just knew that I’d have to get caught.“I was going in and trying back doors, trying sheds, trying cars without gloves on — I was very reckless.Most read in Boxing”It was proper trampy s***, proper rough, but that’s how I was living then.”I was homeless, staying at a mate’s house, and I just thought, ‘f*** this’.”Misfits stars HSTikkyTokky and Masai Warrior clash in heated scenes backstage after fight was called off at last minuteHe served a year in prison, during which time he focused on self-improvement, including reading self-help books and working in the prison laundry.Unexpected boostUpon his release, Dan faced the challenge of readjusting to public life and rebuilding his career.But he received an unexpected boost after a fan uploaded his tracks to Spotify and iTunes during his incarceration.This resulted in a lump sum of £3,000 upon his release from prison.I was homeless, staying at a mate’s house, and I just thought, ‘f*** this’Afghan DanViceOn top of his music, Dan earns income through Instagram sponsorships and streaming revenue.Misfits Boxing 20Afghan Dan is set to make his debut in the world of influencer boxing against Little T on the Misfits 20 fight card.The event is scheduled to start at 7pm GMT (2pm ET) on January 18, 2025, at the Co-op Live in Manchester.It features Darren Till v Anthony Taylor headlining, following Tommy Fury’s decision to pull out of his fight with the former UFC fighter.The former Love Island star released the following statement on Instagram: “I can’t believe I’m writing this but I am now not fighting Darren Till on January 18th 2025.”For the one simple reason being that Darren has stated over and over that he does not want to abide by professional boxing rules and that if he is losing the fight he will resort to kicking and other stupid MMA tactics.”I am a professional boxer, I have been out of the ring for over a year and I wanted this to be a great BOXING fight for the fans.”I have wasted weeks in training camp. We are working hard to get a new opponent and date.”I promise to get a better opponent and better fight for you guys.”Good news around the corner.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOther confirmed fights on the card include Wade Plemons v Masai Warrior.The full event is available to stream for all DAZN subscribers with no extra pay-per-view fees necessary. More

  • in

    Inside stunning 60,000-seater new stadium set to leave former Champions League club in exile for two years

    EX-CHAMPION LEAGUE side Real Betis will be left in the football wilderness for two years as part of a stunning new stadium build.The one-time Spanish champions are embarking on an ambitious project which will see them move in to a 60,000-seater home.A look at how Real Betis’ new Benito Villamarín stadium might lookThe works will see the preferred stand torn down and rebuiltCredit: RexThe ground is aiming to be completed for the 2027/28 seasonCredit: Real BetisThe work will commence at the end of the season, but will force Betis to leave their Benito Villamarín home for two seasons, with the hope the new ground will be ready for operation from 2027.In the meantime, Betis will move into the Estadio de La Cartuja on the other side of Seville.Betis’ current Benito Villamarín Stadium has a capacity of 60,720, but the new project will modernise it with one stand being torn down – following the others which had changes made for the 1982 World Cup.New details of the plan were shared by club president Ángel Haro during a Ordinary General Shareholders’ Meeting on Tuesday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHaro revealed it was hoped the new build would create a “a qualitative and quantitative leap in income” that will allow the club “to have a better team”.That being said, Betis do not want to emulate Real Madrid’s new-look Bernabeu.While the new Benito Villamarín will have the capacity to host concerts, Haro admitted this will be limited to two or three a year during the summer months when sport competitions are finished.This will ensure there are no issues with the grass at the ground, with the new stadium set to forgo the ability to have a retractable pitch.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe stadium will also feature an adjacent leisure facility in an adjacent building that will feature “a large hotel, a clinic and a wellness centre”.Improvements will also be directed towards better security and evacuation features.Inside ‘insane’ £1.5bn Bernabeu renovation from hidden tunnels under stadium to setting fire to the old roof The plans have not come without criticism however, with fans taking issue with a controversial plan to increase the number of VIP seats from 1,200 to 3,700, or six per cent of the total capacity in the stadium.However, Haro claimed these VIP seats will “generate around 20 or 25 per cent of the turnover” which will contribute to keeping prices affordable around the rest of the stadium.By comparison, Barcelona’s new Camp Nou will have around 7,000 VIP seats, while the stadium of cross-town rivals, Sevilla, will have Sánchez-Pizjuán be around 10 per cent.Betis have a tumultuous history, having been relegated a number of times, leading to the club’s motto being “¡Viva el Betis manque pierda! (Long live Betis even if they lose!)”.The club last won the Spanish top flight title in 1935, while they last competed in the Champions League in 2006.They have previously outlined the main details of the new project, which will include a new roof, sound and lightning systems and club shop.In a statement on the stadium project released last summer, Betis said: “Real Betis has received the preliminary project for the new Benito Villamarín Stadium, with detailed designs, marking another step in the development of the next home for Betis fans. “This project will enhance fan comfort and significantly increase the club’s revenue…”The new Benito Villamarín Stadium will feature a new exterior, a facade representing the Thirteen Bars of the club’s crest, with light, translucent tones, offering the possibility to project colours and images.”The basic project also includes the installation of a roof, which will house two new video scoreboards, larger than the current ones located in Gol Norte and Gol Sur, equipped with the latest technology. READ MORE SUN STORIES”The roof will also integrate sound and lighting systems to enhance the match day spectacle and fan experience. “Additionally, it will collect rainwater for irrigation, aligning with the club’s sustainability policy.” More

  • in

    I’m Championship star who played with Harry Kane and Steven Gerrard before being sacked for paying fine in PENNIES

    LAWRENCE VIGOUROUX has spoken for the first time about being sacked by Swindon for paying a £50 fine in PENNIES.The Swansea goalkeeper built such a notorious reputation regarding his attitude that no club on these shores would touch him.Lawrence Vigouroux is a changed man at SwanseaCredit: GettyThe attitude and ‘extras’ of Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane when he was a Tottenham youngster inspired VigourouxCredit: GettyThe keeper is looking forward to a huge derby clash with CardiffCredit: RexBut Vigouroux has since learned the error of his ways and hopes to continue producing top performances to help the Welsh side return to the Premier League.The 31-year-old is relishing playing in Saturday lunchtime’s South Wales derby at Cardiff.The London-born former Chile Under-20 international used to be Harry Kane’s shooting training partner at Tottenham and rubbed shoulders with the likes of Steven Gerrard while a youngster at Liverpool. But    he caused a stink in Swindon when the Anfield giants loaned them the then 21-year-old stopper in 2015.READ MORE SWANSEA NEWSVigouroux explained: “I was late to training after being delayed by a visit to the dentist. “I had bad toothache and felt I shouldn’t have been fined because you cannot train when your teeth are hurting. But they insisted I pay.“Because I felt hard done by, I decided to make it ­difficult for them so I visited the bank and asked for £50 in one pennies.“The woman behind the counter thought I was a shopkeeper who needed change — but she only had £20 in one pennies. So in the end I settled for them plus another £20 of 2ps and a tenner of 5ps.Most read in ChampionshipVigouroux has reunited with ex-Swindon chief Luke Williams at SwanseaCredit: RexThe stopper has been called up for Chile’s senior squadCredit: AlamyJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“I dropped them off to the fines collector — captain Nathan Thompson, who now plays for Stevenage — who wasn’t happy.“Our manager Mark Cooper told me to leave and never come back.Lincoln’s Ethan Erhahon reveals players STOLE the physio’s car and he was offered a ‘scrap’ with a fan – What the EFL“I felt bad and took the pennies back and paid it in notes.“But when I returned to Liverpool, they weren’t happy.“I had a frosty couple of days training from 8am to 6pm.“Eventually Cooper invited me to Doncaster where Swindon were playing. I swallowed my pride, apologised and he took me back.”Vigouroux concedes it was situations like that and often being late for training that made his name mud across the EFL.And his advice to any youngster is: Be professional every day because nothing happens by luck. You can be in the right place at the right time to get an opportunity but if your attitude is not right you will not maintain it.He said: “The easiest thing is making your debut, staying in the team is the hardest. You see lots of players from top clubs who drop down the leagues and find it hard to come back.”One player he uses as a model pro is ex-Spurs team-mate Kane — now at Bayern Munich. Vigouroux, who initially came through the youth ranks at Brentford, spent two seasons in North London. He said: “Tottenham needed a training keeper for the Under-18s so I went there and they ended up signing me.“The one thing I learned was how important the extras were. After training Harry would be on his own or I’d be with him in goal for an hour doing finishing.Jurgen Klopp wanted to take a look at Vigouroux after becoming Liverpool bossCredit: APVigouroux will always remember Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard congratulating him on winning a new contract at AnfieldCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The Times“It was good for me because I was working with someone who was unbelievable at finishing and seeing how his brain worked with angles and where he was more likely to score from. That helped me and him.“That’s the main reason he is where he is now.“It’s that attitude of it’s never enough and do those extras to hone your skills.”Vigouroux was snapped up by Liverpool after a successful trial, following his Spurs coach and now Anfield academy director Alex Inglethorpe to Merseyside.He said: “It’s a mental city. Everyone is football crazy, they support the team like it’s everything.“Even though I was only playing in the Under-21s, I’d got spotted in the streets and stopped by fans.“I didn’t even know how they knew me — but they did, perhaps from watching the Under-21s on Liverpool TV.”And the keeper will never forget how,  after agreeing a new contract at Anfield, Kop legend Gerrard came over at the training ground to congratulate him.He said: “It’s something that has stuck with me my whole career.“It doesn’t matter how big you are in the game, you should always be there to help and inspire youngsters.”The penny-gate saga was not the only time Vigouroux was recalled to Liverpool from Swindon.When Jurgen Klopp took over from Brendan Rodgers in 2015, the German wanted to take a look at the keeper in training.Vigouroux recalled: “It didn’t matter who you were or where you were, he got everyone in for a week to take a look. He wanted to know what he had.”Swansea was once a Premier League club. We’re working as hard as we can and see where it takes us.Lawrene VigourouxVigouroux went on to sign for Swindon permanently where he spent three years — including playing for current Swans boss Luke Williams — before spending six months in his dad’s home nation Chile playing for Everton de Vina del Mar.He soon missed England but found it difficult to find a club before eventually Leyton Orient gave him a chance.He said: “No one here would take me because of my reputation for attitude and being late for training.“I got offered a contract, which was nowhere near the money I’d been earning before, but it was my last chance.”Vigouroux took it with both hands and spent 3½ years there, winning the League Two title under boss Richie Wellens, who had earlier released him from Swindon.He spent last season as a back-up keeper at Burnley during their doomed Premier League campaign before joining Swansea in the summer.And his form has seen him called up for the last few Chile squads as they bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.Vigouroux is happy to be reunited with Williams and said: “I knew he was a great coach at Swindon but he’s in a different stratosphere now.“He’s a huge key to our success so far. Swansea was once a Premier League club. We’re working as hard as we can and see where it takes us.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Cardiff is going to be a hostile ­atmosphere but we mustn’t let the occasion get to us.”Vigouroux must be dreaming of going to the 2026 World CupCredit: Getty More