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      ‘Apologising is not enough’ says Amad Diallo in classy message to Man Utd fans after Red Devils plummet to new low

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      AMAD DIALLO has issued a classy message to Manchester United fans amid the club’s ongoing crisis.The Red Devils are toiling in 14TH PLACE in the Premier League table following a nightmare first half of the season.Manchester United are toiling in 14th place in the Premier League tableCredit: PAAmad Diallo has been a shining light in a difficult season for the Red DevilsCredit: REXThe Ivorian took to X to issue a message to fans ahead of the New YearCredit: XNew manager Ruben Amorim has failed to stop the rot, with his troops losing a whopping FIVE matches last month.United ended 2024 with a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Newcastle and were booed after the final whistle.And Diallo – who has been a rare shining light in a torrid season – took to social media to send a message to the frustrated Old Trafford faithful.Along with an image of himself looking dejected, the Ivorian winger wrote on X: “A very difficult year, apologizing is not enough.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS”But you have supported us and continued to do so throughout all this time. Thank you.”Diallo, who scored a sensational stoppage-time winner in the Manchester Derby, received a slew of positive messages from United fans.One commented: “You’re the only reason we still watch the games.”Another said: “We keep supporting you and the club regardless.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMan Utd ratings vs Newcastle as Joshua Zirkzee is hooked after half an hour and Kobbie Mainoo the only bright sparkKOBBIE MAINOO’S performance was the only silver lining as Manchester United suffered a fourth consecutive defeat.Newcastle struck twice in the opening 19 minutes as they threatened to tally up a cricket score at Old Trafford.Joshua Zirkzee was ruthlessly subbed after half an hour after struggling in a No10 role – but there was no recovering for Ruben Amorim’s side.Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the United display…Andre Onana – 5Little he could do about both goals and was barely tested other than that.Noussair Mazraouri – 4The first two goals came down his side as he failed to close down the crosses that were turned in by Isak and Joelinton.But he was positive in possession and put in a few dangerous crosses.Matthijs de Ligt – 5Did not do much wrong for Newcastle goals but can be criticised for his failure to organise his defensive team-mates.Harry Maguire – 4Lost Isak for the opener as he was caught ball watching.Almost made amends but his diving header cannoned back off the post.Lisandro Martinez – 3A complete mismatch as he attempted to battle Joelinton for a cross the Brazilian turned in.Also lost Isak for the opener and even faced the wrong way as the cross came in.Diogo Dalot – 5Offered some much needed stability on the left flank and produced a good cross for Maguire’s headed chance.Casemiro – 3Dismal throughout. So far off the pace and barely made a pass.Missed a guilt-edge chance to pull one back on the stroke of half-time.Christian Eriksen – 4Similarly inept in protecting his defence as Casemiro, as he was overran time and time again.He did at least put a few passes together and improved after Mainoo came on.Amad Diallo – 4A tricky evening up against the hardworking Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall so was largely ineffective.Joshua Zirkzee – 2Nothing went his way and the fans quickly got on his back. He was hauled off in the 33rd minute and his substitution was greeted with cheers by the Old Trafford faithful.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Fed off scraps but did not stop running and was a rare bright spark – came very close with a low shot that whistled past the post in the first half.SubsKobbie Mainoo (for Zirkzee) – 6Turned things around after his introduction and made things happen with his accurate passing.Set up Casemiro for a chance the Brazilian should have buried.Leny Yoro (for Martinez, 64mins) – 6Had a good chance from a corner but sent his free header wide.Alejandro Garnacho (for Casemiro, 64mins) – 4Struggled to make an impact as he failed to beat a man.Antony (for De Ligt, 83 mins) – 5Not enough time to influence the match.A third fan wrote: “I love you, Habibi. Don’t post black and white, cause you have been the shining light for us.”While another said: “Don’t worry. No Manchester United fans is angry at you. So enjoy your holiday.”Fury as Sir Jim Ratcliffe cuts ties with charity helping Man Utd legendsAnd one added: “You are only of the only ones who doesn’t need to apologise Amad.”United are a mere seven points above the relegation zone following four defeats in their last five.And Amorim admits his charges are in danger of dropping into the Championship based on their current form.The Portuguese said: “I think that it is a possibility. We have to be clear with our fans.He continued: “It is also my fault. The team is not improving.“It is a little bit lost in this moment and it is a bit embarrassing to be Manchester United coach and lose a lot of games.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I think people are tired of excuses at this club. This club needs a shock.”United will be back in action on Sunday, travelling to Anfield to take on their bitter rivals and league leaders Liverpool.Ruben Amorim admits Manchester United are in danger of being relegatedCredit: GETTY More

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      Bizarre video shows Man Utd star Diogo Dalot interviewed as he undergoes laser hair removal as fans say ‘game’s gone’

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      A BIZARRE video has emerged showing Manchester United star Diogo Dalot being interviewed while having his chest hair lasered.The Portuguese wing-back made sure to keep his grooming regime going despite United’s dismal form under new boss Ruben Amorim.Man Utd star Diogo Dalot gave an interview while undergoing laser hair removal treatmentCredit: TikTok/rem_laser_clinicThe defender lifted the lid on his teammates’ grooming habitsCredit: TikTok/rem_laser_clinicDalot donned safety glasses and removed his shirt while undergoing treatment at the REM Laser Clinic in Bolton.A machine then proceeded to remove hair from Dalot’s torso with a close-range laser beam.And at the same time, the defender gave an interview revealing that some other United stars also like to have their body hair removed in a similar fashion.Dalot said: “Any of my team-mates that like to do this kind of treatment, I’ve already recommended it to them!”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe added: “Probably (they ignored the suggestion). Those who are a bit lazy to drive to clinics and prefer to do it.“Everyone is different but those who like it, I think they will come back.“I would say it’s (part of the culture). Every player in this case has a specific own routine and some players like it, some don’t.“Obviously we want to look our best, look after ourselves, be in our best shape possible, look confident, so everyone his his own different want of doing it.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I would say you have everything inside the dressing room, we have everything.”Fans were less than impressed with Dalot’s visit to the surgery though, with United on a four-game losing streak ahead of fixtures with Liverpool and Arsenal.Ruben Amorim hauls off Joshua Zirkzee after 32 minutes to huge cheers as Man Utd are embarrassed in first halfOne said: “The game’s gone.”Another declared: “Show this to Roy Keane.”One noted: “Football is completely washed.”Another added: “Up against Salah in a couple of days…”Man Utd ratings vs Newcastle as Joshua Zirkzee is hooked after half an hour and Kobbie Mainoo the only bright sparkKOBBIE MAINOO’S performance was the only silver lining as Manchester United suffered a fourth consecutive defeat.Newcastle struck twice in the opening 19 minutes as they threatened to tally up a cricket score at Old Trafford.Joshua Zirkzee was ruthlessly subbed after half an hour after struggling in a No10 role – but there was no recovering for Ruben Amorim’s side.Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the United display…Andre Onana – 5Little he could do about both goals and was barely tested other than that.Noussair Mazraouri – 4The first two goals came down his side as he failed to close down the crosses that were turned in by Isak and Joelinton.But he was positive in possession and put in a few dangerous crosses.Matthijs de Ligt – 5Did not do much wrong for Newcastle goals but can be criticised for his failure to organise his defensive team-mates.Harry Maguire – 4Lost Isak for the opener as he was caught ball watching.Almost made amends but his diving header cannoned back off the post.Lisandro Martinez – 3A complete mismatch as he attempted to battle Joelinton for a cross the Brazilian turned in.Also lost Isak for the opener and even faced the wrong way as the cross came in.Diogo Dalot – 5Offered some much needed stability on the left flank and produced a good cross for Maguire’s headed chance.Casemiro – 3Dismal throughout. So far off the pace and barely made a pass.Missed a guilt-edge chance to pull one back on the stroke of half-time.Christian Eriksen – 4Similarly inept in protecting his defence as Casemiro, as he was overran time and time again.He did at least put a few passes together and improved after Mainoo came on.Amad Diallo – 4A tricky evening up against the hardworking Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall so was largely ineffective.Joshua Zirkzee – 2Nothing went his way and the fans quickly got on his back. He was hauled off in the 33rd minute and his substitution was greeted with cheers by the Old Trafford faithful.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Fed off scraps but did not stop running and was a rare bright spark – came very close with a low shot that whistled past the post in the first half.SubsKobbie Mainoo (for Zirkzee) – 6Turned things around after his introduction and made things happen with his accurate passing.Set up Casemiro for a chance the Brazilian should have buried.Leny Yoro (for Martinez, 64mins) – 6Had a good chance from a corner but sent his free header wide.Alejandro Garnacho (for Casemiro, 64mins) – 4Struggled to make an impact as he failed to beat a man.Antony (for De Ligt, 83 mins) – 5Not enough time to influence the match. More

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      Top 10 fastest players in the WORLD in 2024 revealed and a League One star is in first place

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      LAST year’s Top 10 fastest players in the world have been revealed.And League One’s very own Ricky-Jade Jones tops the global list with a blistering speed matched by just one other star.Peterborough star Ricky-Jade Jones was the fastest player in the world last yearCredit: RexIn the modern game, pace is worth its weight in gold and has become a key weapon utilised from the lowliest division to the top flight.Lung-bursting runs have the ability to turn a game on its head.And now, PFF FC’s Max Speed data has been revealed for 2024.Taking the average top speed across five matches, it has compiled a list of the 10 fastest players in the world last year.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe names hail from all over the globe, with a not single player competing in a top division.And amazingly, the No1 spot has gone to Peterborough star Jones.He tops the list with an amazing speed of 23.3mph, making him faster than some speed limits in the UK.But his nimble legs will need to go a lot quicker if he’s to lift his side out of their current 18th place in the League One table.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJones’ pace is only matched by that of Joseph Paintsil, who plays in America for LA Galaxy.Third on the list is Tokyo Verdy’ Yudai Kimura with a speed of 23mph.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersLA Galaxy’s Joseph Paintsil also put in an amazing top speedCredit: GettyPortsmouth’s Josh Murphy made the top 10 as wellCredit: GettyWhile fourth place goes to Mjallby AIF’s Herman Johansson with 22.9mph.Another English division player does make the list though.Portsmouth’s Josh Murphy is in ninth place with a speed of 22.7mph.Yet his club languish in 23rd in the Championship.And Murphy will be hoping to boost them up the table with some of his incredible agility in 2025. More

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      Marcus Rashford sends nine-word message as Man Utd star breaks silence for first time since latest snub

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      MARCUS RASHFORD sent a brief message to Manchester United fans ahead of the New Year.The forward shocked supporters when he admitted he is ready for a new challenge in an unauthorised interview during a surprise visit to his old primary school in November.Marcus Rashford revealed his intention to leave Manchester United late last yearCredit: AlamyThe striker sent a message to the Old Trafford faithful on New Year’s EveCredit: INSTAGRAM@MARCUSRASHFORDRashford, 27, has since been exiled from the United squad under new boss Ruben Amorim, returning only as an unused substitute in the 2-0 loss to Newcastle on Monday.Rashford has remained silent in the immediate aftermath of his bombshell transfer plans.But he took the time to send a message to United fans and his social media followers on New Year’s Eve.Along with a snap of himself sat on a sofa and a framed matchday shirt behind him, he wrote: “Happy New Years. May 2025 bring you all happiness.”READ MORE ON RASHFORDThe England international was inundated with messages of support, with one United fan saying: “Still love you Rash.”Another said: “Manc born and bred.”And another said: “Till the end of the line, Rashbeans.”One remarked: “Happy new year, Rashy. My GOAT.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhy Rashford joining Arsenal is perfect fitBy Martin LiptonMARCUS RASHFORD is at a crossroads.But now the England star has to make the biggest choice he has ever faced – does he care about cash, or about his career?Rashford’s shock admission that he is “ready for a new challenge” after some two decades under the Manchester United umbrella has altered the dynamic around his future.That Rashford might not fit the blueprint of Ruben Amorim – who has now responded to Rashford’s comments – was not exactly a surprise.The Portuguese coach prefers a 3-4-3 formation but appears to have settled on Rasmus Hojlund as his starting central striker and wants two “narrow” inside forwards, with the width coming from the wing-backs.Rashford has always wanted to play through the middle but is often at his best exploiting spaces out wide – and that skillset does not necessarily suit the way Amorim wants to play.Even so, going public with his evident dissatisfaction at being bombed entirely from the squad for the Manchester derby was a major move, even if he vowed there would be “no hard feelings” if he does leave his boyhood club.In truth, Rashford has been leaving United almost from the moment he signed that new £325,000 per week contract in 2023.Something was broken in his connection to the club. His form dropped, his threat dissipated, his issues with the hierarchy deepened.When Erik ten Hag dropped him for hosting a birthday party after a derby defeat, and he later pulled a sickie to miss the FA Cup game with Newport, it felt even then that the writing was on the wall.The facts suggest the love affair has ended. After scoring 30 in all competitions to earn that new deal, he has scored just 15 in the 18 months since it was signed.Amorim’s arrival seems merely to have accelerated what was increasingly inevitable.Now, though, it is up to Rashford to determine what his future will bring.If it is only about the money, then his options might be somewhat limited.It is hard to see a Prem rival coughing up the same £16.9m annual salary – although Rashford’s comments have probably knocked £20m-plus off any transfer fee, even next month.But Real Madrid have their fill of big-money strikers and Barcelona’s budget remains restricted by La Liga financial controls.In Europe, then, that probably leaves PSG – but a move to a one-club league.Or, in the wider world, he could follow the likes of Ivan Toney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Firmino and Co and head to the Saudi desert.Lucrative, yep. Certainly a different environment – and that may be exactly what Rashford both wants and needs. But the football? Not in a million years.What Rashford needs, above all, is to be able to play for trophies and showcase his talents.There is no better stage than the Premier League – which has far more global eyeballs on it than any other domestic competition.And in that Premier League there is one club crying out for a goalscoring No 9, especially if he can also play down the left channel to balance out the side and widen its threat.Rashford has always been more Longsight than London.Yet Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta, might be the perfect fit.The Gunners’ lack of a proper scorer is one of the major factors many fans feel has hurt their title challenge this year.Gabriel Jesus has never been a natural finisher, while Kai Havertz is still a converted midfielder.And while the link-up between Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka makes their right flank deadly, faith in Gabriel Martinelli on the left is waning.There have not been too many who succeeded at Arsenal after leaving United – although Danny Welbeck was not a flop.Rashford has all the attributes to change that history, if he can reproduce what everybody knows is inside him.And by breaking free, giving himself the chance to start all over, Rashford can make a point to Amorim that will resonate for a very long time.Another chimed in: “MBE.”Several then tried to tug on Rashford’s heartstrings in a bid to convince him to stay at the Theatre of Dreams.Former Man Utd star slams Rashford and says he should move to MLS One commented with a love-heart emoji: “Stay and tear it up in 2025.”Rashy a Red for life.”Another said: “Happy New Year, Rashy. I’m hoping 2025 is another year as a Red.”Their attempts to convince Rashford to stay could fall on deaf ears as SunSport exclusively revealed he’s stepped up his efforts to leave the club.The striker in currently talks with top sports agency Stellar in a bid to land a winter transfer.His brother Dwaine currently acts as his agent but he’s keen to get more bodies working on what will no doubt be an emotional Old Trafford exit. More

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      Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold whisks model girlfriend to Venice on romantic break amid Real Madrid transfer talk

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD whisked his model girlfriend away to Venice for a romantic mini-break as speculation over his Liverpool future swirlsThe 26-year-old was pictured alongside gorgeous Estelle Behnke at Italian restaurant Regina Corner on Monday.Trent Alexander Arnold was spotted enjoying a holiday with girlfriend Estelle Behnke in VeniceCredit: BackGridThe couple enjoyed exploring the area togetherCredit: BackGridThey were spotted grabbing some lunchCredit: BackGridThey had reportedly been staying at the £1,500-a-night Aman hotel during their time in the city.The couple started dating recently and were spotted together on a date in Cheshire last month.A source told The Sun: “It’s very early days but they are officially dating — they seem really into each other. Trent hasn’t been single long and is enjoying spending time with Estelle.”They’re just really enjoying each other’s company and seem quite smitten.”Read More in FootballAlexander-Arnold and his Liverpool team-mates had a rare few days off after the statement 5-0 thrashing of West Ham on December 29.They next face bitter rivals Manchester United at Anfield this Sunday.Trent scored his first goal of the season against the Hammers and celebrated by imitating a chatting hand amid ongoing speculation around his future.The full-back has been heavily linked with a move away from Liverpool in recent weeks, with his contract set to expire in the summer.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA restaurant owner posed for a photo alongside the coupleCredit: Instagram / @reginacorner.ristoranteThe loved-up couple travelled to Venice after Liverpool’s match on SundayCredit: BackGridTrent has been linked with a move away from AnfieldCredit: BackGridAlexander-Arnold came through the youth setup at Liverpool and has been with the club since 2006.He could leave on a free transfer in the summer unless he pens a new contract and can start talks with European clubs TODAY.Real Madrid have long been targeting a move for the England defender, with Alexander-Arnold understood to be tempted by a move to the Spanish capital.Reports emerged on New Year’s Eve of an audacious bid by Los Blancos to sign Alexander-Arnold in a cut-price deal this transfer window.Liverpool promptly rejected the offer and remain determined to keep their academy graduate for the long term.Awkward Alexander-Arnold billboard showing Liverpool star posing with ex is erected in MilanThe couple were allegedly staying at the £1,5000-a-night Aman hotelCredit: BackGrid More

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      SIX Premier League clubs to fight for free transfer of Barcelona’s Dani Olmo including Man Utd with star available NOW

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      SIX Premier League clubs are ready to battle to sign Dani Olmo on a stunning free transfer.Barcelona forked out £50million to sign the midfielder from RB Leipzig only last summer.Dani Olmo could soon leave Barcelona after the club failed in their bid to register him wth LaLigaCredit: REXSix Premier League sides are reportedly interested in acquiring Olmo’s servicesCredit: RexBut the Catalans’ crippling financial situation meant they could only register him for the first half of the season.Barca are working under strict financial constraints imposed by La Liga after falling a reported £1BILLION in debt.League chiefs gave them special dispensation to add Olmo, 26, to their squad until December 31.But they have so far REJECTED Barcelona’s attempts to register the Euro 2024 winner for the rest of the campaign.READ MORE ON OLMOAnd a legal challenge by the Nou Camp giants has also failed.Olmo is understood to have a clause in his contract which allows him to leave for FREE should he be left unable to play.And, according to reports in Spain, every one of the Premier League’s Big Six are ready to swoop.Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham are said to be set to pursue the Spain international’s signature along with rivals Manchester United, Man City and Arsenal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDani Olmo’s immediate future is unclearCredit: RexThe Prem clubs, however, will reportedly face competition for Olmo from Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen and Paris Saint-Germain.Olmo has remained professional throughout the uncertainty over his future, which he received a bit of clarity on New Year’s Eve.Ian Wright convinced Spain star Dani Olmo is ‘taking the micky out of us’ with pre-Euro 2024 final gestureAn excerpt of a La Liga statement read: “Barcelona has not presented any alternative that would allow the registration, in accordance with La Liga’s economic control regulations, to register any player from next January 2.”Barca, however, are holding out hope they can retain Olmo after applying for a new license from the Royal Spanish Football Federation to register Olmo and team-mate Pau Victor.A club statement read: “FC Barcelona informs that it has requested a new licence from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) for the players Daniel Olmo and Pau Víctor.”‘Likewise, the Club wishes to deny that it has requested or received any moratorium from any other body for the registration requested.”Barcelona will be back in action on January 4, taking on Barbastro in the Copa del Rey.And as it currently stands, Olmo will not be eligible to play. More

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      I achieved England glory with Gomez & Solanke… but here’s the harsh reality of what the transfer window is really like

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      THE WINDOW is officially open with the top clubs ready to splash the cash – but it is a much “harsher reality” for many unemployed lower league footballers.And for an England European Championship winner it could lead to a potentially huge life-changing career.Callum Cooke has nearly 200 EFL appearances to his name but is currently unemployedCredit: RexCallum Cooke, 27, was part of an Under-17 squad that included future senior internationals Joe Gomez, Dominic Solanke and Lewis Cook when they lifted the trophy back in 2014.But while they and the likes of Adam Armstrong are still in the Premier League bubble, Cooke is now one of the hundreds of players that find themselves out of work.For two straight seasons he produced some of the top goal involvement numbers in the fourth tier playing for Bradford.But a move back to his native North East with Pools ended up with them suffering relegation into the National League, and despite 35 appearances last term, he departed in June.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAfter a host of false promises led to him being unable to secure a club in August, the Middlesbrough academy graduate is now fighting to continue doing his dream job.Cooke, who is just four games shy of reaching 200 in the EFL having also played for Crewe, Blackpool and Peterborough United previously, said: “It’s been tough mentally.“I’ve had training opportunities with several clubs, one where I trained for five days and played in a game for them to prove my fitness, but the problem I’ve had is that once the August window shut, most clubs had their squads full and no budget until January.“I knew then I was going to be in this difficult situation and I’ve had to make big changes in my life financially and to make sure I stay fit, getting myself a watt bike and treadmill which I use each day.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“It has been a massive life experience because I’ve never dealt with this type of thing before. “I’m just hopeful that I can find something in January. It was my dream job growing up and to potentially have that taken away from me is very difficult, but you’ve got to remain positive.I’m unemployed ex-Arsenal star training with little-known squad to find new club “Also, being in the job, you’ve got to have thick skin. You have a lot of setbacks with injuries and other things and hoping this is just one of them setbacks but hopefully that’ll change.”Cooke is keen to stress that this is no sob story and has a career he can look back on with pride, especially his days as an England youth international alongside some now household names.He recalled: “I knew a lot of them really well, and you’ve also got Patrick Roberts at Sunderland who I was close with.These lads obviously got their chance at the top and took it. For whatever reason, I never got mine.Callum Cooke“It was a brilliant time playing with England and these lads and it’s great to see so many push on.“These lads obviously got their chance at the top and took it. For whatever reason, I never got mine at Middlesbrough and that’s why I took the jump to leave.“But I’ll always remember the sliding doors conversation at Boro for the rest of my life because I think about it daily and how life could have been different.”After impressing on loan at Crewe and with Boro just suffering relegation from the Premier League, Cooke was told by Steve Agnew that he would get his chance the following pre-season.The midfielder, pictured No.16 top right, helped England win the U17s EurosCredit: Bongarts – GettyCooke was one of the top dogs when it came to attacking stats while at BradfordCredit: PABut Garry Monk ended up taking charge and, without having a serious look at him, told the ace to get back out on loan and it was the same 12 months later under Tony Pulis even though he had impressed at Blackpool on loan.That led to him taking the plunge and leaving the Riverside now he is fit, raring to go and willing to take another big one in order to kickstart his career.He said: “I don’t have any children yet and I’m really starting to think about moving abroad to try and experience that.Being in the job, you’ve got to have thick skin. Callum Cooke“It could be a good time to do that but it’s another big decision that I’ve got to weigh up as some of the money and contracts being mentioned are just not worth it. I still know my worth.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Everybody always thinks that it’s all rosy being a professional footballer and when you’re a kid, you never see this side or even think it exists. However, the situation I’m in is becoming the harsh reality for a lot of other players.“You are relying on the opinions of other people so much at the end of the day, such as managers and club recruiters. It just takes one person to watch you and take that chance and show confidence in you for things to change.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Middlesbrough star Dael Fry closing in on testimonial but first wants to repay the faith of ex-Real Madrid defender

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      DAEL FRY is desperate to get Middlesbrough promoted to pay back Jonathan Woodgate’s faith – and celebrate it all with a testimonial.The 27-year-old defender, who produced a man of the match display in Sunday’s Championship draw with Burnley, has amazingly already surpassed TWO DECADES at his hometown club.Dael Fry is hoping to begin 2025 with a Middlesbrough win at Hull CityCredit: RexAnd the start of 2025, which begins with a trip to Yorkshire rivals Hull City today, also means that he is closing in on the ten-year anniversary of his first-team debut.Fry, who won both the U17 European Championship and U20 World Cup with England, was thrust into action amid an injury crisis on the opening day of the 2015/16 season.The then 17-year-old produced a brilliant performance in the goalless draw away at Preston and ended up making a further six appearances in what transpired to be a promotion-winning campaign under Aitor Karanka.Fry said: “It feels like yesterday. I told my mum and dad and they were absolutely buzzing.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“I just remember being so nervous but at Preston you walk out in the corner and I saw all the red in the away stand, it was all sold out, and I just thought ‘wow, these are the games you want to play in’.“As soon as the game kicked off the nerves went, we drew 0-0, but it’s mad how quick time goes.”Fry spent half of the following season on loan at Rotherham as Boro suffered relegation – and they are still waiting to return to the top-flight.Since then he has amassed 259 appearances for the team he grew up supporting under six different permanent managers.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne of those was fellow Teessider Woodgate, the ex-Leeds, Newcastle and Real Madrid centre-half.He regularly spoke about the talents of Fry during his ill-fated spell in charge that ended just after the return from Covid in 2020 after the club slipped deep into relegation trouble.World Cup winner received a carnival welcome to England in 1995 but does something very different nowHowever, despite the star suffering several injury issues during that stint, he is now desperate to repay the faith shown in him with Woodgate back at the Riverside as Michael Carrick’s assistant.Fry said: “I still look back on that time of my career with a bit of regret. Woody had so much faith in me and it was so stop-start for me and I had loads of little niggles.“I always heard the stuff he was saying and I really wanted to back that up for him and prove him right but I never felt like I did.“Now I actually feel like I can do that. I train with Woody day in, day out and he’s so good with the defensive lads.”Fry has seen a host of players come and go over the past decade, but despite three draws over the festive period, he believes this team feels like it could be the one to deliver Premier League football again.He said: “You know what, we’ve had some really good squads over the years but we haven’t quite made it.“This year, I feel there’s something different, there’s a lot of quality at the top end of the pitch.The Teessider made his debut aged 17 just shy of a decade ago under Aitor KarankaCredit: ReutersEven at the back we are conceding less goals now and scoring more.“The year that we got promoted, I really feel like there is a little bit of that feeling coming back and we’ve got a right good chance.”While Fry is desperate for the life-changing Prem experience on the pitch, off it he revealed how the arrival of his first child, a baby girl, 17 months ago transformed him personally.“That was the hardest year of my life, the first one, with the nightfeeds,” he said.“I didn’t realise how much your life would change but now she is walking, talking and I’m really enjoying it and it’s fantastic.I train with Woody day in, day out and he’s so good with the defensive lads.Dael Fry“There are things more important than football and I’ve realised that since becoming a father. As hard as it is, it’s beautiful.”While Fry is close to completing his tenth season in the first-team, he admits 2024 has been a year to forget after recently returning from a nine-month absence.He said: “At first we didn’t know the severity of the injury. I was just sort of getting injections and trying to deal with it. But then we decided we couldn’t keep going like that, I needed to know what it was and deal with it.Who are these famous footballers?“In the summer I ended up getting surgery (double hernia) but came back a little bit too early and done my calf twice. So I thought, I’m going to use this time and was in the gym, doing all my conditioning, eating right and the past nine weeks for me have been top. I feel like I’m in the best shape I can be in.“I still feel like I’ve got a lot more to give with Middlesbrough. This is the best that I’ve felt in my career.“I’ve been in and out injured quite a bit but now I’ve got no niggles, no injuries and hopefully I can continue for a lot more years at Middlesbrough.”Fry is desperate to represent Boro in the Premier League and insists this can be their seasonCredit: RexTestimonials are a rarity these days, but while Fry is aware of them, his immediate aim is to kick off a bumper 2025 by helping them climb out of the Championship.He added: “Yeah I do know what a testimonial is. My sister just reminded me the other day that it’s my 20th year at the club. When she said it I just thought that it was absolutely mental. It’s bizarre.“For me, to do that for my hometown team is surreal and the next step is to get Middlesbrough promoted and to play for them in the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I want to be in the Premier League with Middlesbrough. I did think that would have come a bit sooner but it hasn’t been meant to be. But this year there’s just a different feeling.“Even with the coaching staff. It just feels a little bit different.” More