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      in Soccer

      Chelsea wonderkid Estevao Willian matches Neymar record as he scores stunner for Palmeiras

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      CHELSEA wonderkid Estevao Willian matched an incredible record set by Brazil legend Neymar after scoring a stunner for Palmeiras.Estevao, 17, is rated as one of world football’s top young talents.Estevao Willian has matched a record set 15 years ago by NeymarCredit: GettyThe future Chelsea star hit a wonderstrike for PalmeirasCredit: GettyHe’s scored 20 senior goals for top Samba side Palmeiras since making his debut in 2023.Estevao, nicknamed “Messinho” in his homeland, has already landed a league title and cup with his side.And he even has four Brazil caps to his name after making his debut against Ecuador in September.But now Estevao is set to become the latest exciting talent to join Chelsea.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe agreed a long-term deal with the Blues last summer for an initial £28million fee, potentially rising to £47m with add-ons.And with Estevao turning 18 years old next month, he will finally link up with Enzo Maresca’s side for the start of the 2025/26 campaign.Chelsea fans are already excited at the prospect of adding Estevao to an attack featuring the likes of Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto.But they could have an even bigger gem on their hands after the teen shattered a 15-year-old record previously set by Neymar.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe veteran forward, now at Santos after leaving Saudi side Al-Hilal, reached a combined 30 goals and assists before the age of 18 in 2010.And Estevao’s latest goal saw him become the first Brazilian to match that feat after netting a howitzer in Palmeiras’ 3-0 win at Sao Bernardo.Cole Palmer branded ‘gift that keeps on giving’ after Chelsea star reveals his meal deal sandwich Neymar was the first Brazilian under the age of 18 to bag 30 goal contributionsCredit: GettyThe left-footer picked up the ball from wide before drifting inside the field.As the goal opened up, he unleashed a rocket of a shot that zipped past the opposition goalie in lightning speed.Estevao’s strike sent the crowd wild, as well as the commentators.But his night was not over as the youngster bagged a second goal on the stroke of half-time.Chelsea fans are excited for Estevao to bang in similar strikes at Stamford Bridge.One said: “Shaping up to be the future of the right wing in the Premier League.”Another declared: “He is the next Neymar.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “Phenomenon.”Another added: “Chelsea have a gem on their hands.” More

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      in Soccer

      Kim Kardashian lookalike sports presenter risks wardrobe malfunction as she performs keepie-ups in daring outfit

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      STUNNING football presenter Maria Luisa Jaobelli took a risk by performing some keepie-uppies on camera while wearing a crop top. The 33-year-old Italian TV host has gathered a huge social media following while hosting football on the Italian network.Maria Luisa Jacobelli performed keepie-ups in the studioCredit: Instagram @marialuisajacobelli_The Italian has built a huge social media followingCredit: Instagram @marialuisajacobelli_Jacobelli, whose looks have been likened to Kim Kardashian’s, has 4.5 million followers on Instagram.In her latest post, she uploaded several pictures of herself at work.One included her with former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius, who is married to Jacobelli’s fellow Italian sports presenter Diletta Leotta.While another featured her interviewing Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJacobelli finished her post with a video of herself juggling with a ball – despite her unsuitable outfit.She captioned it: “Life at work. Swipe on the last one to see how many balls I make.”Using a Fiorentina-branded ball and wearing a suit and crop-top combo, she managed just two keepie-ups before throwing it away.Jacobelli’s post swiftly received more than 50,000 likes.Most read in FootballJacobelli posted a picture of herself with Loris KariusCredit: Instagram @marialuisajacobelli_She also recently interviewed Gianluigi DonnarummaCredit: Instagram @marialuisajacobelli_While plenty rushed to leave a comment.On gushed: “You are the most beautiful woman in the world.”Diletta Leotta wows in busty outfit at Fifa Club World Cup draw but fans baffled as Italy icon calls her an ‘immigrant’While a second gushed: “QUEEN you are beautiful.”Another added: “I love you.”Jacobelli is a popular Italian broadcasterCredit: Instagram @marialuisajacobelli_She regularly covers football for MediasetCredit: Instagram @marialuisajacobelli_Jacobelli has built a huge following on InstagramCredit: Instagram @marialuisajacobelli_ More

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      Major change to Everton’s £750MILLION stadium after 19,000 people complain about Bramley-Moore site

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      LIVERPOOL City Council have been forced into a major change with Everton’s Bramley-Moore site – after almost 20,000 complaints.The Toffees will move into their new £750million stadium from the 2025-26 season. Liverpool Council have announced changes to parking restrictions around Everton’s new groundCredit: AFPThe Toffees are due to move into the new venue from next seasonCredit: AFPLiverpool Council have now amended plans to restrict parking around the 52,000-seater venue. The authority had planned to restrict parking within a 30-minute walking radius of the ground.Restrictions would be in force all year round and not just on matchdays. Known as the Experimental Traffic Road Order, the plans received a backlash from local businesses. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt saw 4,000 residents and 3,000 businesses asked to apply for parking permits that will be imposed at all times.Local restaurant owner Joseph Burns told the BBC: “It really will ruin our business if they don’t change this and if they don’t change it quickly.”A petition set up against the scheme amassed almost 19,000 signatures, per the report. The council has now backtracked and will rethink certain aspects of the scheme.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThis will include extending the time visitors can park from one hour to two.Council leader Liam Robinson said: “We understand the concerns being raised by businesses, residents and fans.David Moyes says ‘boiling hot Goodison Park deserved drama’ in final Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton “We’ve wasted no time in assessing the necessary amendments that can be introduced as quickly as possible.”Everton ran a test event on February 17, giving fans a first look into their new home. About 10,000 fans were successful in a ballot for an Under-18s friendly against Wigan.The fortunate Everton faithful took a seat at the 52,888-capacity ground, which will be the seventh biggest stadium in the Premier League.Following the test, the council will also make changes to match-day parking restrictions, including adding new signage. The ETRO will remain under review for the next 18 months. More

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      Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand hits back at Gary Lineker over ‘nonsense’ Sir Alex Ferguson claims

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Rio Ferdinand has hit back at Gary Lineker over his “nonsense” claims about Sir Alex Ferguson’s legacy.The Red Devils icon was in a bullish mood after his old side crashed out of the FA Cup on penalties to Fulham at the weekend.Rio Ferdinand has come to the defence of Manchester United legend Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Getty Images – GettyGary Lineker has blamed United’s current predicament on Fergie’s legacyCredit: X @BBCMOTDBig-money signings like Rasmus Hojlund struggled to make an impression as the game finished 1-1 after 120 minutes.And United’s exit means they only have the Europa League left to play for, with the club also sitting 14th in the Premier League.After the defeat to Fulham, BBC host Lineker made a bombshell comment claiming that United’s long-standing woes can be traced back to the final days of legendary manager Ferguson.The Scot lifted his 13th title before retiring from the beautiful game in 2013.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was replaced by David Moyes, who lasted less than a year before being sacked.United then went through Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag, who didn’t win a single Premier League title between them.Current boss Ruben Amorim has an even bigger puzzle to solve after United hit a new low in the table.And Lineker claimed Ferguson did not leave the Red Devils in a good place when he quit 15 years ago.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSLineker said: “If you look at Liverpool now, they’ve got a new manager in Arne Slot, and it’s testament to how Jurgen Klopp left the club in a really good state.”So the structure is really good. That probably wasn’t the case at the end of Sir Alex Ferguson’s [time at Old Trafford].Joshua Zirkzee breaks down in tears and is consoled by Man Utd and Fulham stars after penalty shootout missJoshua Zirkzee missed a penalty as United were knocked out of the FA Cup by FulhamCredit: GettyUnited have hit a new low in the table under Ruben AmorimCredit: PA”I know they won the league that season. But it wasn’t their best side, and a lot of their great players were coming to the end of their careers. “I think from there they had problems. The academy wasn’t delivering the players that they were before.”Now, Lineker has come under fire from ex-United star Ferdinand for his comments.The former centre-back spent 11 seasons under Fergie, winning six titles and a Champions League in the process.And Ferdinand, who exited United a year after Sir Alex’s exit in 2014, insists his old boss is not to blame for any current woes.He argued on social media that Ferguson left a squad for successor Moyes boasting an average age of 26.6 years.Ferdinand pointed to the blend of youthful and experienced players in the team, especially among the forward line.And he also made sure to note that of the 25 players in the squad, 19 were fully-seasoned internationals.Ferdinand ended by reminding people that Fergie’s final title win saw United take top spot by a massive 11 points.And he instead believes that recruitment in the post-Sir Alex phase is to blame for United’s downfall.I’ve read over the last few days it’s The Boss’ fault. What a load of nonsenseRio FerdinandFerdinand said: “Average age of the squad Sir Alex left was 26.6 years old. Blend of youth + experience.“Our attacking players were… Rooney (27), RVP (29), Chicharito (25), Welbeck (22), Zaha (20), Nani (26), Ashley Young (27), Lingard (20), Kagawa (24), Valencia (27), Januzaj (18).“19 international players. Ps we won the league by 11 points…“Since then, the recruitment has been poor. But I’ve read over the last few days it’s The Boss’ fault. What a load of nonsense…”Ferdinand backed up his spending claims by revealing the total net spend of European clubs since the 2014/15 season.Five of the top six are English sides, with Tottenham (£502million) and Arsenal (£784m) in the mix.According to Transfermarkt, French giants PSG are fourth with a net spend of £795m.While Chelsea are fourth with a total worth £809m.Second place goes to Man City with £813m.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd unsurprisingly, top spot is taken by Man United.But their net spend is miles higher than even City’s, with the figure totalling a boggling £1.04BILLION. More

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      in Boxing

      True story of Dicky Eklund – boxing champ-turned-crack addict who ended up in jail before inspiring Oscar-winning movie

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      DICKY EKLUND inspired an Oscar-winning performance by Christian Bale for his depiction of the boxing champion-turned drug addict.Bale took Best Supporting Actor in 2011 for his role in The Fighter alongside Mark Wahlberg – who played Eklund’s brother Micky Ward. Former boxer Dicky Eklund in HBO’s ‘High on Crack Street’Credit: HBOChristian Bale with Dicky Eklund in 2010Credit: GettyChristian Bale played Eklund while Mark Wahlberg portrayed his brother Micky WardCredit: AlamyMicky Ward and Dicky Eklund in 2011Credit: GettyIt followed the story of how Eklund went from hometown hero who fought the great Sugar Ray Leonard for $7,500 (around £6,000) to a crack cocaine addict.His brother Micky meanwhile was attempting to break out of Lowell, Massachusetts, and into the big time in boxing.But 20 years before The Fighter’s release, Eklund featured in the grim true-life HBO documentary called “High on Crack Street”.It followed a group of drug users and drew back the curtain on the harsh reality of addiction. READ MORE IN BOXINGIn the episode, Eklund can be seen smoking from a crack pipe and reminiscing about his boxing past – and his 1978 loss to Sugar Ray.He is later arrested – for the 27th time – and his family put on a fundraiser to pay off the $5,000 bail. A group of locals, paying $10 apiece, watch back Eklund’s HBO fight against Leonard, which included a disputed knockdown against the legend. Eklund is eventually bailed and starts training brother Micky for a fight. Most read in BoxingAnd after Ward wins a bout, Eklund said: “I could’ve been probably up close to the champion of the world, maybe. If I lived the right life. Staying clean.”Eklund then went missing the day after brother Mickey’s fight and was found in a local crack house.A-listers in surprisingly humble cars & why Daniel Radcliffe feels ‘more comfortable in a £2k hatchback than a Ferrari’His trainer Mickey O’Keefe – who actually played himself in The Fighter – said: “The addiction’s too much for him. It’s real sad. “Sad because he’s got a family and kids at home. A little baby that depends on him.”Maybe the best thing for him is going to jail, maybe it will save his life.”The doc finishes with Eklund being sentenced to ten years in jail for a series of crimes including armed robbery. In that time, Ward went on to win titles and shared an iconic trilogy with the late Arturo Gatti which earned him $3million in total.Eklund only served five years in prison and came out to again train Ward. But he found himself in trouble with the law over the years, again getting arrested in 2006 on drug charges. Ward retired in 2003 after his trilogy loss to Gatti, who he later coached and became close friends with.His son visits him in jailCredit: HBOThis was Eklund’s disputed knockdown against Sugar Ray LeonardCredit: HBOThe American opened up a gym and trained fighters alongside brother Eklund, who was clean of drugs. Their story was so inspiring Hollywood’s Wahlberg spent years trying to get it green lit. Eventually, director David O Russell produced the 2010 classic The Fighter with Wahlberg co-starring alongside Bale and Amy Adams.Bale dropped TWO STONE to portray drug-addicted Eklund at just 10st 3lb. The two spent time together in local Lowell bars and boxing gyms – with Bale still in touch with Eklund and his son Dicky Jr to this day. He told GQ in 2022: “Dicky, he’s such a character. “He makes his presence felt all the time. I spent so much time hanging out with Dicky beforehand. Wahlberg played Eklund’s brother Micky WardBale won an Oscar for his performance”Being in Lowell, hanging out with him, going walking around, getting kicked out of bars, having almost every cop stopping and going, ‘Hey, hey Dicky!’ and then telling me a story about when they arrested him. “Going to the boxing gym, jumping in the ring and sparring with him — and oh my God, it’s really quite something when you might think you can, ‘Ah, I’ll be a decent boxer,’ you spar with other amateurs and whatnot, I’d done that a few times. “But when you get in the ring with a pro? Bloody hell.”The success of The Fighter fuelled demand for a sequel and a year after its release plans for a follow up were in place. Wahlberg wanted to tell the story of Ward’s legendary trilogy with Gatti and their friendship after battle. But the sequel sadly never came to fruition despite Wahlberg never losing hope. He said in 2022: “I was never really in the sequel business. “But The Fighter really lent itself for another movie because of Micky and Arturo Gatti’s trilogy.I could’ve been probably up close to the champion of the world, maybe. If I lived the right life. Staying clean.Dicky Eklund, speaking on HBO’s ‘High on Crack Street’“I’m always kind of looking for the next thing. But if the audience really wants it, and they really love it, and we can make one better than the first then I’d be willing to do it again, for sure.”Gatti was mysteriously found dead in 2009 in a hotel in Pernambuco, Brazil where he was on holiday with his wife and ten-month-old son.His wife Amanda Rodrigues was initially charged with murder after Brazilian authorities ruled Gatti’s death a homicide. But after the coroner’s autopsy report was released, they declared it was a suicide by hanging, and charges against his widow were dropped.Ward often pays tribute to his opponent and close friend – posting a picture of them this past April. He captioned it: “Happy 52nd Arturo! Not a day goes by I don’t think of ya buddy.”Eklund has two sons, Dicky Jr and Tommy, and a daughter named Kerry. READ MORE SUN STORIESDicky Jr works at the famed Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles where Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach took him under his wing. And Sean was an 11-4 fighter who owns a gym himself Massachusetts, meaning after all these years, boxing is still in the family. Arturo Gatti and Micky Ward’s trilogy was the rumoured plot for The Fighter 2Credit: GettyEklund and Ward pose togetherCredit: Instagram More

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      The making of Morgan Rogers: Former coaches on his stunning rise from Man City cast-off to Aston Villa superstar

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      MORGAN ROGERS tonight bids to drive Aston Villa towards the Champions League last eight.The midfielder, 22, has been the outstanding star in Unai Emery’s side this season and looks nailed on to be in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad a week on ­Friday. Morgan Rogers is one of Aston Villa’s most impressive playersCredit: GettyHe looks set to be named in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squadCredit: GettyIt has been a remarkable rise from being a Manchester City cast-off and only joining Villa from Middlesbrough in January 2024.In this SunSport exclusive, we chart Rogers’ early career as key figures behind his emergence tell the story of his stunning arrival as one of the Prem’s top stars…WEST BROMDARREN MOORE — coached West Brom Under-18s when Tony Pulis was manager and became first-team boss in April 2018.“It’s no surprise at all to see what Morgan’s doing.“He was an outstanding young player, somebody with undoubted ability and wonderful vision.“And the bit he’s now added to his game is his temperament and real desire. He’s really bringing some leadership qualities into his game and it’s almost he’s getting matches now by the scruff of the neck and really dictating in the game.“He’s doing magnificently for his club and there’s no doubt he can also operate at international level.“When I left West Brom, I got invited to Manchester City. And when I got there and I was watching the first team work, I was asked a question about Morgan.“So he’d been head-hunted by Man City and they were drawing a little bit of insight from myself as I’d been working with him.“I had no doubts about him, and I knew what they thought of him then.Emery ripped up his own transfer handbook to sign Villa sensation Morgan Rogers, who says HE invented Palmer celebrationDarren Moore is not surprised to see Rogers excelling in the Premier LeagueCredit: ReutersRogers spent nine years in the West Brom academyCredit: Getty – Contributor“The only thing about when he played for Man City was the timing.“He had the ability then but he had to go away to find his feet a little bit and then come back (he spent time on loan at  Lincoln, Bournemouth and Blackpool).“But when I looked back at what was said to me at the time, they had no doubt he’d play — and I’m sure all they probably had to do was just be a bit more patient with him.“And I’m sure what he’s doing now at Aston Villa, he’d been doing for them.“But, at the time, he should have gone (to City) but, like everything, you have to think about where you are at your time in life.“Suddenly, it was the training and probably just stepping into that big environment.“He just had to mature a little bit more — but that ability has always been there.“But what is clear is there’s more to come. It’s a complete joy to see him do what he’s doing.“When I first saw him at West Brom, I knew there was something special there.“The way he moved, the way he kept the ball away from danger and from opponents, the passes, the goals he was scoring and, of course, he had a good size then.“He’s put on real size and bulk since and he looks really strong now but his spatial awareness is fantastic.“So when you look at that, it’s almost like the complete player really. At the age he is, he’s come on in leaps and bounds.”MANCHESTER CITYRogers was contracted to Man City for four yearsCredit: GettyPep Guardiola is pleased to see Rogers succeeding since his Man City exitCredit: PAPEP GUARDIOLA — Rogers signed for City aged 17 but could not break through.“Sometimes when players arrive, they are two, three years younger and at that moment there was Kevin De Bruyne in his prime, David Silva, Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez, Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling and it’s difficult.“That’s the only reason why Rogers did not get a chance.“In the situation we are in right now, of course these kinds of players would be with us. This is obvious.“I’m happy for him because he’s a lovely guy. He exploded last season and this season he’s a really, really top-class player. England have another exceptional player.”LINCOLN CITYHe scored six times in 28 appearances for LincolnCredit: GettyJez George revealed that Rogers was a popular figure in the Lincoln dressing roomCredit: GettyJEZ GEORGE — Lincoln sporting director signed Rogers on loan from  Manchester City in January 2021.“He was at West Brom and played against us in the FA Youth Cup. We had five players hanging off him at one point but our lads could not get near him. From then on, we kept a close eye on him.“After he went to Manchester City, we tried to get him on loan in the summer of 2020 as we already had Brennan Johnson on loan. City would not let him out and though he was only 18, we could see how clever he was and he had all this pace and power, so we knew he would be brilliant.“Michael Appleton, our manager at the time, also knew him from West Brom and we got him on loan in the January.“The lad was real class. He was on massive money at a young age but you would never have guessed it.“It was post-Covid, we were in League One getting changed in a marquee at a training ground and it was all quite rough. But despite coming from Man City, Morgan fitted in so well and was very popular in the dressing room.“We got close to the Championship although we did have Brennan on one wing and Morgan on the other.“We knew that if we lost the play-off final to Blackpool we would lose him. Had we won promotion to the Championship, we would have got him for another season.“He has had bumps in the road, like Bournemouth where he hardly played. But he had the resilience to get through it.“I knew he would fly again after taking a couple of paces back.”BOURNEMOUTHRogers struggled for game time at BournemouthCredit: GettySimon Francis knew Rogers had potential even though it was not shown on the South CoastCredit: PASIMON FRANCIS — a former defender and now the assistant first-team technical director.Rogers joined on loan in August 2021 but returned to City in the January after making just one Championship start.“It was pretty clear and simple as to why he struggled to make an impact.“I’m not sure if he has spoken about Bournemouth but I think he’d be the first to admit that he didn’t arrive with enough intensity in his work, with his attitude.“But, ultimately, the reason we signed him was because we knew the player and the potential he has. He’s gone on to fulfil that potential. Unfortunately, it wasn’t with us.“There’s also another example with Leif Davis.“The recruitment department, which I was a part of with Richard Hughes at the time, identified Leif and Morgan as a really exciting left-sided partnership that could flourish in the Championship.“Morgan and Leif arrived quite late into pre-season because of the transfer window and getting the loan deal over the line.“Jordan Zemura and Jaidon Anthony had already struck up a great partnership on the left side.“Leif and Morgan didn’t play anywhere near as many games as they would have liked, perhaps as many as we would have liked them to.“Obviously when you have loan players you want them to get exposure. It wasn’t to be for Morgan. He had ridiculous potential — then he went on to Middlesbrough, performed really well there, got regular game-time and got his move to Aston Villa.“There wasn’t anything dramatic in it, it was just that lack of opportunity he had because that left side had done so well in that promotion-winning season.”BLACKPOOLRogers was only on loan for half a season at BlackpoolCredit: GettyHe arrived at the club a couple of weeks before Mick McCarthyCredit: AlamyMICK McCARTHY — former Tangerines manager.“I inherited Morgan as he arrived at Blackpool on loan a couple of weeks before I took over in January 2023.“When I was in charge of Cardiff, I went to watch him play for Lincoln at Oxford. But after starting well, he drifted out of the game so I decided not to pursue him.“But when I started working with him, I could see what an amazing talent he was and also an outgoing, gregarious character in the dressing room.“He played on the left and came in with his right foot — but in one match, I played him as a centre-forward and he was brilliant. The best performance in my short time at the club.“I thought up front, he was more involved and he held the ball well. Now he plays as a No 10 and he is also effective.“The problem is that when he started on the left, I felt he was not involved enough. He is powerful, has a wonderful touch and it was good to see him do well at Middlesbrough.“We were a team spiralling downwards in the Championship so Blackpool was probably not the best place for him.“But it looks as though he has learnt from his good and bad spells and, most importantly, it is vital he is playing down the middle.”MIDDLESBROUGHRogers convinced Aston Villa to splash out on him with his performances at BoroCredit: PAKieran Scott saw Boro make a huge profit on Rogers when he was soldCredit: Middlesbrough FCKIERAN SCOTT —  the club’s head of football signed Rogers from City for £1.1million in the summer of 2023.He sold him seven months later to Aston Villa for an initial £8m rising to £17.5m.“I was working at Norwich and I looked to try to do something there a couple of times but Man City weren’t ready to sell him.“When he was on loan at Blackpool, I thought we could buy him. We phoned up Man City. I spoke to Brian Marwood and we came to an agreement where we managed to sign him for £1.1m. There was a decent sell-on, not ridiculous.“I was absolutely delighted. I could see he had England potential because I don’t know many boys like him that, at 6ft 2in, and can play off both feet.“We took a gamble at Middlesbrough that we could get him going and get it out of him. When he first came in he didn’t play week in, week out. He was off the pace and was in and out of the team.“The bit that not many people know is that when Morgan found his purple patch, we had been drawn against Villa in the FA Cup.“So, obviously, Unai Emery and his team would track back four or five games to get an idea of how we play, what we do and who we are.“Monchi, Villa’s sporting director, told me that’s when he’d caught Unai’s eye in the build-up.“That’s how it all came about. We played against them, he did well and went on a real run of form.“That’s when he started scoring and assisting and it made Villa’s mind up — they were coming for him.“They timed it great and, fair play to them, they were brave and did it. I have to give them credit for that.“I’m not actually that surprised how he’s kicked on.“It’s just maybe the speed of it. A few people have said to me, ‘Surely, you’re a bit gutted now with the amount of money you’ve got for him?’.“But we’re not actually, because it ended up being £17.5m as a deal.“That’s where it tops out at and I don’t think we’re too far away from him being at that already, to be honest. There’s another couple of million quid’s worth of add-ons and we’re there.”He has already earned two caps for the Three LionsCredit: GettyHe earned his first cap for England after coming on against GreeceCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Shakira gave me a brand new Lamborghini and £70,000 in cash after her break up from Gerard Pique… it’s been a NIGHTMARE

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      WHEN Shakira gifted a fan a brand new Lamborghini and £70,000 in cash, she probably didn’t expect them to be forced to sell it after just six months.That’s the position that Michael Mejia finds himself in after quickly realising how expensive it is to maintain a car worth over £200,000.Michael Mejia’s dream moment of winning Shakira’s Lamborghini has become a nightmareCredit: Instagram @michaelmejiaartShakira gifted the Lamborghini to Mejia in a competition following the release of her song ‘Soltera’Credit: GettyThe popstar bought the car following her split from Barcelona and Spain icon Gerard PiqueCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe car was featured in Shakira’s ‘Soltera’ music videoCredit: YouTube/ShakiraChart-topping sensation Shakira made Majia’s dreams come true when she gifted him a brand new Lamborghini Urus used in her ‘Soltera’ music video.The bright purple supercar was featured in the music video for Shakira’s break-up anthem following her high-profile split from footballer Gerard Pique.The four-time Grammy winner allowed US-based fans to enter a competition to win the car, writing at the time: “This car was a gift I gave myself when I started my single life , but I realised that what really matters is the human connection. “The car, the clothes, the material things, do not transform us . It is the people we love and the connections we build that really make the difference.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMejia was the lucky winner of the car, and was gifted a further £70,000 by Shakira to help with the maintenance costs.But now the Colombian-born designer has realised that the cash injection just isn’t enough to afford his new wheels, explaining that the Urus has caused him more trouble than fun.In an interview on Spanish speaking US show El Gordo y La Flaca, he said: “Shakira gave me $90,000 (£70,000) to cover the costs of the car, taxes, transfers, flights to pick it up, maintenance and insurance.”I’ve spent $95,000 (£74,000) including insurance for six months, but after that I’ll have to keep paying $2,500 (£2,000) a month.”Most read in FootballMejia was gifted £70,000 alongside the carCredit: Instagram @michaelmejiaartHe has since learnt that maintaining the supercar is more expensive than he anticipatedCredit: Instagram @michaelmejiaartCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It’s quite expensive, a person of average economic level like me has won a car that only millionaires can maintain.”It’s a bit of a funny situation because even with $90,000 (£70,000), which is a lot of money, it wasn’t enough.Huge pop star set to make a spectacular comeback with a string of UK gigs”I thought I was going to have some of that money left to enjoy it but I’m going to have to put money in just to keep it for six months .”In fact, Mejia has revealed that the expenses are so high that he thinks he will have to sell the car himself.Adding: “Even though I would like to have it forever, because it is the most precious thing I have, I think I will have to auction it off or sell it because it is quite expensive to maintain”.And it looks as though selling it could change his life completely, as Mejia revealed someone is willing to pay well over the odds to get their hands on Shakira’s car.”Believe it or not, someone offered me between $700,000 (£550,000) and $800,000 (£630,000) for it.”, he said.”And that’s wonderful, but people are telling me ‘as long as you don’t sell it for less than $1million (£785,000) or $2million (£1.57m)’.”I think that’s everyone’s dream, to have a million dollars.”Mejia is hoping to become a millionaire by selling the carCredit: Instagram @michaelmejiaart More

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      in Soccer

      You’ve got the eyes of a hawk if you can spot the differences on Besiktas’ new club badge

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      EAGLE-EYED fans have spotted three subtle differences in Besiktas’ new badge.The Turkish giants celebrated their 122nd anniversary yesterday by unveiling the club’s updated emblem. Besiktas have made subtle changes in their new badgeBut even those with the best eye sight have struggled to spot the changes to Besiktas’ new design.Fans were left staring and squinting at the badge trying to spot the differences.And supporters have been left baffled, with one commenting: “Ain’t they the same???”Another added: “They’re playing with our mind.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA third wrote: “Absolutely the same! Is it some type of joke?”But there are tweaks to the emblem, with the first being a different shade of red used on the Turkish flag in the middle.The shape has also changed slightly and the top corners now line up perfectly with the vertical black lines rather than it being just off centre.Additionally, the two white stripes have also subtly adjusted shape.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe spacing has been tweaked and there is now a visible bigger gap between the end of the white stripe and outline of the badge.Besiktas are currently managed by ex-Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who took over earlier this year.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer blasts Besiktas for having ‘no scouting department’ after suffering humiliating Europa League exit The club sit fourth in the Super Lig and and have lost just one of his first nine games in charge. More