More stories

  • in

    Charlton giving away £100k Range Rover to a lucky fan after repossessing £1m of luxury motors bought by old owners

    CHARLTON owner Thomas Sandgaard has revealed the previous regime blew almost £1MILLION on luxury cars.
    The club bought six Range Rovers and a Merc for the likes of former execs Matt Southall, Chris Farnell and Paul Elliott.

    The £100,000 Range Rover on offer to one lucky Charlton fanCredit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun

    Charlton owner Thomas Sandgaard (left) revealed the previous regime spent fortunes on luxury motorsCredit: PA:Press Association

    And having now repossessed the cars, selling most of them for huge losses, Sandgaard has decided to give the Range Rover handed to ex-club lawyer Farnell away to one lucky fan.
    Each time a supporter buys a matchday pass to stream a Charlton match up to December 20, they will also be entered into a draw — with the winner being given the keys to the £100,000 motor on Boxing Day.
    Sandgaard, who rescued the club from going into administration in September, told SunSport: “I’ve been working hard since taking over to get these vehicles repossessed — with some of these gentlemen reluctant to hand back the keys.
    “It’s crazy that people previously involved with this club decided to spend almost £1m on cars for themselves at a time when it was on its knees. It tells you they only had one agenda: to strip the club of its assets.

    “I’ve sold six of them at a huge loss but decided that the fans should have the chance to get their hands on one of them.
    “It’s the least we can do after what happened at this club.”
    Sandgaard is so angry this was allowed to happen that he plans to lobby the EFL and Parliament to stop questionable owners taking over clubs.
    He said: “The amount of money spent on cars at Charlton was more than the amount Macclesfield were wound up for.

    “I’m so worked up about this. We have to do something about these types of owners and filter them.
    “I plan to speak to EFL chair Rick Parry about this to see if there is something we can do.
    “And if the EFL cannot do it, I am going to start a petition to start a parliamentary debate and perhaps the politicians can legislate.”

    Thomas Sandgaard announces to Jim White that he is the new owner of Charlton Athletic More

  • in

    England World Cup hero Nobby Stiles’ family call on football chiefs to ‘address the scandal’ of dementia in the sport

    THE FAMILY of 1966 legend Nobby Stiles have slammed football chiefs saying the sport needs to “address the scandal” of dementia in the beautiful game.
    Relatives criticised the Professional Footballers’ Association, saying there had been a lack of support for players.

    England hero Nobby Stiles playing for Man Utd in 1968Credit: Rex Features

    The ex-Manchester United and England midfielder died in October, aged 78. He had dementia and prostate cancer. 
    Stiles is the fifth member of England’s World Cup-winning squad to have been diagnosed with dementia.
    Stiles’ family said they were proud of “what he achieved, but more importantly, the man he was”. 
    But they added: “There is a need for urgent action.

    “These older players have largely been forgotten and many are in ill health, like dad.

    Nobby, who died in October, was the fifth of England’s 1966 team to be struck with dementiaCredit: PA:Press Association/PA Images
    “How can it be that these players are left needing help when their own union has tens of millions of pounds available today?
    “How can it be that these players are struggling when the Premier League receives £3billion a year?
    “The modern player will never need the help required by the older lads. How can it be right that some of the heroes of 1966 had to sell their medals to provide for the families?

    “These older players are dying like my dad – many don’t have medals to sell.
    “It is right, of course to seek to identify the cause of dementia in older players but in truth the cause is irrelevant to the older players – whatever the cause, they need help now.

    “I hope dad’s death is the catalyst for this scandal to be addressed.”
    Stiles won 28 caps for England and made 397 appearances for Manchester United between 1960 and 1971 and later played for Middlesbrough and Preston North End.
    He had a minor stroke in 2010, and was then diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and prostate cancer.

    Iconic moment late Nobby Stiles danced with trophy after England won 1966 World Cup
    GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk More

  • in

    Jordan Pickford backed to defy critics by former coach Mark Prudhoe, who has known England ace since he was eight

    JORDAN PICKFORD was blameless for Belgium’s two goals on Sunday — but Gareth Southgate’s faith in him continues to divide opinion.
    Even England’s goalkeeping coach, Martyn Margetson, is not convinced by Pickford’s abilities.

    Keeper Jordan Pickford has come under fierce fire for Everton and England this seasonCredit: Rex Features

    Mark Prudhoe insists Jordan Pickford’s tough route to the top means he has lost none of his steely focus and ability despite a difficult season Credit: Rex Features

    He was on TV last week pulling apart the Everton keeper’s technique while highlighting the positives in Three Lions rivals Nick Pope and Dean Henderson.
    It is all a far cry from two years ago when Pickford was a national hero following his World Cup exploits.
    His form has been up and down since then — including being heavily criticised for a season-ending tackle on Virgil van Dijk in last month’s Merseyside derby.
    But according to one of the men who understands him best, the 26-year-old’s self-belief  never wavered.

    Goalkeeping coach Mark Prudhoe says Pickford phoned him minutes after his man-of-the-match display in the 2-0 win over Sweden that took England to the semi-finals in Russia.
    And again two hours after Everton  lost 2-1 at Newcastle earlier this month — a game for which he was axed.
    Prudhoe claims the voice he listened to had the same positive, upbeat tone he  heard from Samara during the 2018 summer of love.
    The Sunderland Under-23 coach said: “Jordan was probably more disappointed Everton lost to Newcastle than he was about his own situation.

    “It was the first time he’s ever been dropped and though he was back a week later, I’m sure the decision will have pressed one or two wrong buttons for him.

    Jordan Pickford had little chance with both goals as Belgium beat England 2-0 in the Nations League on SundayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    “But his attitude was fine. He’s determined to learn from recent situations and bounce back better than ever.”
    The pair — both born in Washington, Tyne and Wear — have known each other since Pickford was eight.
    Prudhoe, 57, revealed: “We’ve always kept in touch.  Jordan knows he’ll get a straight answer when he asks me how he’s playing.
    “I remember those World Cup calls.  He was really buzzing be- cause he loves representing Eng- land — but to be honest, he’s like that most of the time.
    “Yes, he’s had an up-and-down season and accepts some of the  criticism is  justified.
    “I tell him mistakes  can be his best friend because you learn from your mates.
    “He’s such a willing learner, never afraid to pick up the phone and ask for help — whether it’s  from me, Kevin Wolfe, who’s now at Manchester United, or another goal-keeping coach.

    He often leads with his feet, always has, though never maliciously. Jordan’s obsessed with keeping the ball out and will do whatever he has to.
    Mark Prudhoe

    “Jordan has a reputation for being really loud but he’s well grounded, never getting too high or too down in the dumps.“I’d say that strong mentality is one of his best qualities.”
    Prudhoe persuaded Sunderland to send his prodigy out on loan when he was still playing academy football — and it was during those spells at Alfreton Town and Darlington that he came of age.
    He said: “Those times really toughened him up.
    “Funnily enough, when I first knew him, his big rival, a lad called Dave Jones, had more potential.
    “While Jordan was thin and straggly, he had big broad shoulders and looked the better bet.
    “But Jordan was so focused and came on leaps and bounds, especially after he broke into the England set-up at 14.”

    England boast the most-valuable squad of all Euro 2020 nations
    And Prudhoe — whose 18-club playing career included a short loan spell at Liverpool — revealed he was not shocked by Pickford’s two-footed challenge on Van Dijk which should have earned the keeper a red card.
    He added: “Jordan’s been doing that since he was a kid.
    “He often leads with his feet, always has done, though never maliciously.
    “Jordan’s obsessed with keeping the ball out of the net and will do whatever he has to.
    “He’s one of those keepers who loves getting hit with the ball, whether it’s smack on the face or in the midriff.
    “That’s why he is so different from his peers.
    “He’s not particularly pleasing on the eye at times but he has this insatiable energy and desire to protect his goal.”

    Prudhoe is adamant  Pickford’s inconsistent club form should not shape his international future.
    He added: “Of course, Everton is his bread and butter but to me he’s still England’s main man and has never let his country down.
    “Thankfully, Gareth Southgate is a big fan of his and knows he has the temperament and confidence to thrive at the highest level.”

    James Rodriguez reportedly struggling with testicle injury and is battling to be fit More

  • in

    England U-21 5 Albania U-21s 0: Bayern Munich wonderkid Jamal Musiala with debut goal after snubbing Germany for Lions

    NOT only are we entrusting them to develop our super kids, but now we are nicking their top talents off them too.
    Bayern Munich wunderkind Jamal Musiala was born in Stuttgart and did not move to England until he was seven.

    Jamal Musiala celebrates bagging the third goal as he enjoyed a brilliant first start for the Three Lions U-21s, in a 5-0 win vs AlbaniaCredit: Reuters

    Bayern teenager Jamal Musiala capped a fine first-half display for England with this goal before Eddie Nketiah netted twice after the breakCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Yet the 17-year-old appears to have committed his international future to England, or so said Germany’s head of academy coaching last week.
    And based on the attacking midfielder’s thrilling first Under-21s start, it could be a heck of a coup for Gareth Southgate going forward.
    Musiala was excellent, as were all of Aidy Boothroyd’s Young Lions, in this demolition of Albania to round off an almost perfect Euro qualifying campaign.
    A flawless first-half performance saw Musiala hit a fine third after close pal Callum Hudson-Odoi and James Justin had struck.

    Record-scorer Eddie Nketiah completed the rout with his 15th and 16th Under-21s goals after the break, though he also missed a penalty.
    Hudson-Odoi is two-and-a-half years older than Musiala but they attended the same swanky private school in Croydon and played together in Chelsea’s youth system. 
    Musiala left the Blues for Munich last summer, with Hudson-Odoi’s brother Bradley his agent.
    He followed a similar path to Borussia Dortmund pair Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham – with whom he co-captained the England Under-17s – albeit with less fanfare.

    Chelsea attacker Callum Hudson-Odoi slots England in front vs AlbaniaCredit: PA:Press Association

    Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah rounds off a 5-0 win by completing his second-half braceCredit: Reuters
    And after impressing boss Hansi Flick during Bayern’s treble-winning season, he has broken into the first team, making eight appearances and scoring two goals this term.
    Derby’s Lee Buchanan and Doncaster keeper Josef Bursik also made their first starts here alongside Musiala.
    But defender Rhys Williams was ruled out through injury, adding to Liverpool’s crock woes.
    It was a relatively old head that got the ball rolling though as Hudson-Odoi ran at a retreating defence from wide and found the corner, thanks in part to some weak goalkeeping.
    From then on Hudson-Odoi tormented Alabina’s backline, and poor right-back Albion Marku in particular, with his pace and skill.
    The Chelsea wideman had fared well against Andorra but he was electric here, suggesting he may finally be back to his best after that horrible Achilles injury.
    Buchanan may not be a well-known name in Derby yet, let alone the rest of the country.

    England boast the most-valuable squad of all Euro 2020 nations
    But the way the 19-year-old, who came to the professional game late, is rapidly progressing it may not be long until he has outgrown the struggling Rams.
    He caught the eye here as he set up the second in 27 minutes, racing down the left and firing in a cross which opposite wing-back Justin blasted home.
    Leicester ace Justin spoke in the build-up of how Ben Chilwell took him under his wing last season at the King Power.
    This finish had all the hallmarks of a crisp Chilwell strike – albeit with his right foot.
    Then came the time for Musiala to step up.
    The former Germany Under-16 international exchanged passes with Oliver Skipp before confidently lifting the ball over Molla.
    Albania’s confidence was shot and England piled on the misery after the break as captain Nketiah’s low strike made it four.
    He then saw a spotkick saved that he himself had won, but made up for it soon after when finding the corner for five.

    Boothroyd’s side can look back on a fine campaign where the only points they dropped came in last month’s shock 3-3 draw in Andorra.
    Yet, as the ex-Watford boss well knows, the real test begins in March when the Euros kick off.
    Musiala will hope to be involved. England fans should be delighted that he can be.

    Piers Morgan calls Gareth Southgate ‘disgraceful’ for keeping quiet about positive Covid test 3 days after seeing him More

  • in

    Ryan Shotton is among hundreds of free agents amid the Covid pandemic, but the pub landlord is not calling time yet

    RYAN SHOTTON is just one of the hundreds of football players out of work amid the coronavirus pandemic – but the pub landlord is not ready to call time just yet.
    The experienced defender recently made headlines when he played for non-league Leek Town in the FA Trophy the day after turning 32.

    Pub landlord Ryan Shotton is not ready to call time on his career just yet

    The defender has played over 300 games in the top two tiers of English footballCredit: JOHN CLIFTON

    That marked a brief return to the pitch for the former Stoke City Premier League star, who has been a free agent since leaving Middlesbrough in July, until the latest lockdown suspended the Northern Premier League First Division South East side’s campaign.
    Shotton, who has over 300 appearances to his name in the top two tiers, has had plenty to keep him busy during his absence from the game.
    He and father-in-law Dave Goodwin teamed-up in 2017 to buy the Black Lion pub near his home in Cheddleton, a village in the Staffordshire Moorlands, which has recently featured in the Good Pub Guide.
    But it is not just his football career that Covid-19 is affecting – the doors of the local have now been forced to close along with thousands of others around the country.

    He said: “I can’t take a lot of the credit for the Black Lion, it’s mostly down to the father and mother-in-law.
    “They have taken that pub to another level while I’ve been up in Middlesbrough for most of the three years we have had it.
    “I’ve been in Cheddleton since I met my wife 11 years ago and it’s a great little village. The pub came along as an option and we’ve never looked back.
    “I’ve been on the other side of the bar more recently to be honest because I don’t usually get this time at home, so I’ve tried to enjoy myself a little bit there.

    The best available free agents still on the market

    “We have great staff who know more than me so I’d just be getting in the way more than anything. But it’s a community hub, and people rely on it, and it is such a shame at the moment we can’t open.”
    For someone so experienced in the game, with appearances in the Europa League also under his belt, many would expect a step into the dug-out as a natural progression.
    But Shotton has other ideas, saying: “I sat down with my father-in-law last night to discuss the options when there’s no more football. I like to challenge myself in life, so coaching would be the easy option but I don’t see myself going into that.
    “I’ve got a young family that I want to enjoy weekends with, but I think possibly the pub would give me that option. But there’s still plenty of miles in the legs before I have to think about all that.”
    Shotton openly admits he has taken advantage of his first pre-season off in 14 years and capitalised on the extra time he has spent with his loved ones.
    But the itch to get out on the pitch could not be resisted for too long, leading to him pulling on the boots in the eighth tier just three months after his previous game in Boro’s Championship clash with Bristol City in July.
    He explained: “With a three and a five-year-old it was pretty easy to stay entertained as they keep me on my toes.
    “But it was a strange feeling but a nice one. Having left school at 16 and going straight into the academy within a week, it was nice to get a bit more time off than usual really.

    Shotton came through the ranks at Stoke City under Tony PulisCredit: Getty

    He and father-in-law Dave Goodwin teamed-up in 2017 to buy the Black Lion pub near his home in Cheddleton
    “There comes a point where you need a purpose and need to get back on the grass and get the football under my feet and tackle a few people and that’s what I’m looking to do now as it’s been long enough.
    “I’m not worrying, it’s just one of those situations. 
    “I live in Leek, and there have been offers here and there and spoken to a few clubs, but I started to train with them. 
    “The manager, Neil Baker, is a great lad and offered me the chance to train with them so I took it up and it was good to get a touch of a football again.
    “A couple of weeks later they had lost one of their centre-halfs and asked me if I fancied a game, so I said ‘why not’.
    “I’ve not signed for them for the rest of season or anything like that, it was just a registration form, it was just the matter of getting a few games in before I went off to try and get ready for a club that comes in for me.”
    He continued: “There were about 400 people there because we get good backing, and even Stoke fans from around the area come just because they want to be in a crowd with not being allowed to watch their team currently.
    “It was good to be back out there with a bit of an atmosphere to be honest. It was nice to be in front of fans again and celebrating with your team.

    Shotton has been a free agent since leaving Middlesbrough in JulyCredit: Rex Features
    “We played in Birmingham the first game and Derby the second, so I got a bit of abuse because I’ve played for both clubs, so it wasn’t all nice and cheery, but it was great to be back out there.”
    However, his time at Leek was quickly halted as their standing in the pyramid fell just short of the elite football bar that was allowed to continue during lockdown.
    Shotton said: “That was disappointing. There’s not many reasons why that league can’t continue but I suppose you have to draw the line somewhere and it was unfortunate because if the league had finished last season instead of being cancelled then Leek would be playing now as they were top.
    “It’s a real shame for them as they are a great bunch and the club deserve recognition, so it’s just as disappointing for them as it was me after dipping my toe back in. The quality in those leagues will surprise some people.”
    With a pub to run, two young daughters and house move on the horizon, most would think uprooting to play again would be the last thing Shotton would want to do.
    But the ex-Wigan ace insists he has no problem moving anywhere if the right club comes knocking.
    And he is even more adamant that there are still plenty of miles left in the tank.

    The former Derby and Birmingham defender insists the final bell has not rung on his pro career
    He added: “We are about to move into a new house which will be our forever home next week in Cheddleton, but I have no qualms about taking a young family to new destinations again.
    “We’ll be at this house for the rest of our lives, so what difference will another three, four or however many years away make?
    “I am not restricting myself as that would be a very silly thing to do.
    “I’ve not been short of offers, it’s just picking the right one that is right for me and my family and at the moment none of them have ticked enough boxes for me to commit anywhere.”

    Manchester clubs have the worst net spend in the past decade by some distance

    Free agent Mario Gotze rejects offer to join David Beckham’s Inter Miami for £100k a week as Monaco and Roma circle More

  • in

    Mo Salah allowed back into UK with negative coronavirus test but is OUT of Liverpool vs Leicester

    MO SALAH will be allowed back into the country if he passes a Covid-19 test tomorrow — but will NOT be allowed to face Leicester on Sunday.
    The Liverpool striker has been isolating in Egypt after testing positive for coronavirus while on international duty last week.

    Liverpool frontman Mo Salah seems sure to head straight into quarantine for ten days on his return to EnglandCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Jurgen Klopp will be without Mo Salah for Sunday’s trip to Premier League leaders Leicester CityCredit: PA:Press Association

    Jurgen Klopp’s champions have been in constant talks with Egyptian officials as they planned to get the forward back to Merseyside as soon as possible.
    But although the Government will allow 28-year-old Salah to return home, SunSport understands they will insist he goes straight into quarantine until Monday — even if he tests negative before flying home — as self-isolation must last ten days.
    And Premier League rules also state a player who tests positive for Covid-19 must self-isolate for the same period.
    Last night Salah tweeted: “I’d like to thank everyone for the supportive messages and well wishes. I’m confident I’ll be back on the field soon.”

    The usual ‘elite sport’ exemption from self-isolating does not apply because Salah has given a positive result.
    That means the Anfield superstar, who has scored ten goals in 13 games this season, will not be available to Klopp for the crucial top-of-the-table clash with the Foxes on Sunday evening.
    It is another major blow for the German boss, who has seen injuries and illness decimate his squad.
    Defenders Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joel Matip are all out, while there are slight concerns over the fitness of left-back Andy Robertson.

    There is a hope Thiago Alcantera will be back after a knee injury.
    But defender Joe Gomez suffered a serious knee injury during an England training session last Wednesday and midfielder Jordan Henderson is a doubt after picking up a muscle problem against Belgium on Sunday.
    Salah’s loss is a huge blow with Leicester one point ahead at the top.

    Liverpool star Mo Salah tests positive for coronavirus after linking up with Egypt national team More

  • in

    Man City plot Lionel Messi transfer pursuit when window opens in January after failed summer swoop

    MANCHESTER CITY are ready to go back in for Lionel Messi this January.
    City missed out on the Barcelona superstar in the summer when he was forced into staying after a bitter legal row.

    Barcelona legend Lionel Messi is in the final year of his contract in Catalonia

    Manchester City remain keen on bringing Argentina international Messi to the Etihad

    But with the Argentine’s relationship with Barca still frosty and the Spanish club desperate for money, City are considering making a move in the upcoming transfer window.
    It would be a sure sign of their commitment to boss Pep Guardiola, who is yet to agree a deal to stay at the Etihad beyond next summer.
    Messi, 33, is out of contract at the end of the season and his club bosses are resigned to the fact their legendary striker may quit on a free.  
    But they need to cut costs drastically, with debts of £437million.

    The chance to bring in any fee, possibly less than £50m, for the six-time World Player of the Year is one Barca may find too good to turn down.
    Messi, who has scored 640 goals in 741 games for Barca, has struggled to produce his sparkling best this season under new boss Ronald Koeman.
    His dip in form followed an amazing public outburst at the club who he claimed were going back on their word to let him leave over the summer, with City waiting in the wings to snap him up.
    Messi ultimately lost the power struggle when Barca made it clear they would take legal action to stop him leaving — and since then the relationship between club and player has been cool at best.

    City have retained their interest, believing they can lure him to the North West as soon as he is available.
    And there is a belief the current situation could see them tempt Barca with an offer in the New Year to finally get his signature.
    Crucially, Uefa rules now allow players to swap  for a club in the Champions League in the second half of the season, even if he has taken part in the competition for another team in the group stages.
    So capturing Messi would be a huge boost to City as Guardiola looks  to finally deliver the European title the club and manager himself crave.
    The City board are aware there is no concrete commitment Guardiola, 49, will stay on — but they hope landing his former Nou Camp maestro proves they will continue to back him transfer wise.

    Watch Messi and his kids play football with HUGE pet dog Hulk as wife Antonela drinks Barcelona star’s special beer More

  • in

    Ex-Arsenal youth Nico Yennaris changes name to Li Ke as he becomes first naturalised player to earn China cap

    FIRST things first: it is no longer Nico Yennaris but Li Ke.
    The former Arsenal and Brentford midfielder had his name changed after becoming the first-ever naturalised player to play for China.

    Nico Yennaris, now Li Ke, has become the first-ever naturalised player to play for China

    He gave up his British passport as the world’s most populated country prohibits dual nationality on joining Beijing Guoan last year and now has five caps for his adopted nation.
    The 27-year-old told SunSport: “To be honest, I’m not sure what the name means. I was given it when I moved here.
    “I didn’t actually know my name had officially changed until I arrived. It was a bit of a surprise but I’m happy and proud to have a Chinese name.
    ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

    “Everyone says it’s a decent name. Li is quite a common name in China. I’m used to people calling me it now.
    “Some people still call me Nico. Some call me Li Ke but it’s more fans who will call me by my Chinese name.”
    Li was eligible for China through his mother who was born there but speaks Cantonese, rather than Mandarin which her son is trying to learn.
    Some people would agonise over a decision to waive their British  citizenship but the former England youth star did not  hesitate.

    He explained: “I was probably the most relaxed and most calm about it out of everyone. I think people around me were nervous because it hadn’t been done before.

    The former Arsenal and Brentford youngster plays for Beijing Guoan

    “But my thinking was football-based: I was progressing and if that’s what it takes to play international football, let’s go with it.
    “I just made my decision there and then. I didn’t really dwell on it. I wanted to play for China.”
    It is fair to say Li has not looked back since, fully embracing Chinese culture and becoming something of a celebrity out there.
    At club level, he has gone from the Championship to playing in front of 60,000 supporters — until Covid-19  limited crowds.
    And he realised his international dream after making his China debut in a 2-0 friendly win over the  Philippines on June 7 last year.
    Li is regularly  spotted and asked for pictures when out and about but finds people are always “polite and friendly”.

    He even has his own fan club, a few thousand strong, who chat online, post updates about him and bring banners depicting their hero to matches.
    Despite his fame, he is happy to be out in public, spending much of his spare time exploring seemingly never- ending Beijing on his scooter.
    Li explained: “It’s so big, you can always find somewhere new. You get a mix of the old and the new.
    “When you go through certain areas, you see the history of the country with the architecture and the detail in some of the framework.
    “Then you can drive half an hour in another direction and it’s like you’re living in 2024 with how modern it is.
    “The way of living here is very relaxed, despite there being so many people. In London, everyone is head down, 100 miles an hour. It feels really busy but here it’s more relaxed.

    Li Ke has already picked up five caps for China after giving up his British passport
    “Buildings go up rapidly out here. You can definitely see and sense the feeling of growth within the country.”
     And that growth appears to extend to the football pitch too.
    The Chinese Super League has been home to many world stars for several years now, currently boasting the likes of former Chelsea star Oscar, Marouane Fellaini of Everton and Manchester United and Marko Arnautovic, who played for Stoke and West Ham.
     Li’s trailblazing has led to more  naturalisations including Brazilians Alan and Elkerson, as well as former Everton kid Tyias Browning, 26, now known as Jiang Guangtai.
    Another former Toffee, Li Tie, is the current national manager, succeeding Marcelo Lippi permanently earlier this year.
    The ex-Sheffield United midfielder is looking to transform the country’s  football reputation as minnows by making them diligent and difficult to beat.

    Li Ke added: “Coming here has opened my eyes to the level. I think there are homegrown players here who could do well in Europe, like Wu Lei is doing for Espanyol.
    “We’re second in our World Cup qualifying group so we need to win all our games now to give ourselves the best chance of qualifying for the World Cup in Qatar in 2022. If we do qualify, I’d hope we could spring a surprise there.
    “I definitely feel we would give a good account of ourselves and could change the stereotype and perception of Chinese  football.”
    Li was given the ultimate football education as a youngster by coming through Arsenal’s academy.
    And he feels that is the area the game in China needs to develop if they are one day to become a genuine World Cup  contender.
    The former Wycombe loanee explained: “I hope they continue to develop the  academies here the way they have been and that it is something sustainable in the future.
    “I definitely feel if they continue to do that it will give them an amazing chance to compete because there are so many people here and so much talent that can be found.”

    Gilberto Silva says Jack Grealish seems like a player that Arsenal has missed More