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      Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard offered Poland manager job after Aston Villa sacking

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      STEVEN GERRARD is being considered for a shock new role after being sacked by Aston Villa.The former Liverpool star has been approached by Poland to take over as a replacement for Czeslaw Michniewicz.
      Steven Gerrard has been offered the Poland manager’s jobCredit: PA
      Gerrard excelled in his first job as manager when he led Rangers to a first Scottish title since 2011.
      But he was less successful after leaving Ibrox for Aston Villa, where he secured a stodgy 14th place finish before starting this season poorly and getting sacked in October.
      The ex-England star is seriously considering the offer, with Poland ready to iron out any issues.
      The Polish FA are prepared to offer Gerrard a bumper salary, in the hope that the increase in sponsorship revenue the ex-midfield icon would bring would mean he effectively paid for himself.
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      Poland have also been given a boost by Gareth Southgate’s decision to stay on with England, meaning the Three Lions job will be off limits until at least next summer.
      If Gerrard was to take the Poland job, he would link up with two of the players he managed at Villa Park – Jan Bednarek and Matty Cash.
      Cash raised eyebrows when he switched international allegiance from England in 2021, being available to play for the Poles because his grandfather was from Gdansk.
      Poland enjoyed statistically their best World Cup since 1982 in Qatar, as they progressed to the last 16 before losing to France.
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      But it wasn’t enough to save boss Michniewicz, whose ultra-defensive brand of football failed to endear him to the supporters.
      He was also criticised by star striker Robert Lewandowski, who said: “The joy of the game is needed. It will be an important element, even in in the near future.”
      A number of coaches have been linked with the manager’s job by the Polish press.
      They include Roberto Martinez, who has since joined Portugal, Saudi Arabia boss Herve Renard and former Switzerland manager Vladimir Petkovic.
      The Polish FA find the idea of Steven Gerrard managing Robert Lewandowski hugely appealingCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Gerrard will be reunited with Aston Villa ace Matty Cash if he takes over PolandCredit: Getty More

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      Argentina World Cup winner gets tattoo of Emi Martinez showing moment the Aston Villa made crucial extra-time save

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      WORLD CUP winner Papu Gomez has immortalised Argentina team-mate Emi Martinez by getting a tattoo of his iconic final save.The Aston Villa pulled off a jaw-dropping save to deny France striker Randal Kolo Muani a last-gasp extra-time winner.
      Papu Gomez paid tribute to Emi Martinez with his new tattooCredit: Reuters
      The tattoo of the save also includes the time in which it occurred
      Gomez got ink of the World Cup and three stars to reflect Argentina’s wins
      The forward also got an image of his Argentina shirt and number
      Muani was through one-on-one but Martinez stretched out his left leg to keep the score level at 3-3.
      The keeper was also the hero in the shoot-out after saving Kinglsey Coman’s spot-kick and Gomez paid tribute to his team-mate.
      The Sevilla star, 34, unveiled a series of World Cup tattoos in a recent Instagram post.
      One depicts Martinez saving Muani’s strike as well as the minute and second it happened in.
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      Martinez was very appreciative of the gesture and left a touching comment under the forward’s post.
      It read: “I love you ❤️.”
      Gomez got two other tattoos – one of the World Cup trophy and one of his Argentina shirt and number 17.
      Argentina defender Nicolas Tagliafico told Gomez that he “loved” his new ink which complements his existing tattoos, including an elephant and Pikachu.
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      Several Argentina stars have commemorated the World Cup win by getting tattoos, including Angel Di Maria.
      The winger got a huge image of the World Cup trophy inked on his thigh, with the Argentinian “Sun of May” featuring behind the trophy.
      Martinez also got a tattoo of the World Cup trophy in the exact same spot on his leg that he made the save from Muani.
      Martinez’s save was crucialCredit: Getty More

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      World Cup’s ‘hottest fan’ Ivana Knoll claims football stars slid into her DMs during tournament in Qatar

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      MODEL Ivana Knoll claims football stars slid into her messages after spotting her wearing eye-popping outfits during the tournament.The Croatian, dubbed the “World Cup’s hottest fan”, stunned spectators in Qatar as she rocked an array of racy pieces.
      Ivana Knoll says some footballers slid into her DMs during the World CupCredit: Getty
      The model wore a number of racy outfits throughout the tournamentCredit: PA
      Her fashion antics, which went against the Middle East nation’s conservative dress codes, caught the attention of football fans – as well as those on the pitch.
      The 30-year-old was asked whether any footballers had contacted her during the contest during an interview with Barstool Sports.
      She replied: “Yes. I remember a few players messaging how are you, blah blah blah.”
      Ivana claims some of her admirers were playing for teams Croatia clashed with.
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      She added: “Some of the players would say sorry for tomorrow before the game. I would not respond until they lost.”
      Ivana’s fame has skyrocketed since she turned heads at the World Cup by wearing red and white chequered outfits in the style of her team.
      The Croatian gained 2.6m followers in December alone.
      As well as a huge fanbase, she also has an A-list group of friends.
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      She made a shock appearance at Leonardo DiCaprio’s star-studded bash as she was pictured grinning as she cozied up to rapper Drake.
      She beamed in a black outfit as she joined Leo’s glitzy party in at Papi Steak in Miami Beach, Florida.
      Ivana – who cheered on Croatia in Qatar during the international tournament – was also joined by the likes of actor Jamie Foxx and Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enniful.
      The glam brunette, 30, also put her World Cup woes behind her as she spent New Year’s Eve with Foxx.
      The actor and singer, who has starred in films such as Django Unchained and Spider Man, could be seen sitting next to Ivana in snaps shared on social media.
      They enjoyed a party together in Miami and later shared a video of the pair sharing a meal on Instagram.
      She gained 2.6million followers in December aloneCredit: Getty
      Ivana cheered on Croatia in QatarCredit: Alamy More

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      Fans accuse Salt Bae of ‘stealing’ original World Cup trophy after Messi unknowingly lifted FAKE following Argentina win

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      FANS have accused pitch invader Salt Bae of ‘stealing’ the original World Cup trophy after it emerged that Messi lifted a replica in a record-breaking picture. This week it emerged that the footie star was actually holding a fake trophy that had made its way onto the pitch when he was snapped in Instagram’s most-liked picture.
      Lionel Messi was seen holding a fake World Cup in the most-liked picture ever posted on InstagramCredit: Instagram
      Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María check the bottom on the cup after the mixupCredit: Getty
      The replica was created by Argentina fan, Paula Zuzulich, who hoped that the cup would be signed by the World Cup-winning players at the final.
      However, there was some confusion over which trophy was the real deal before the team was finally reunited with the official cup.
      Fans online have suggested that celeb-chaser chef Salt Bae was to blame for hogging the iconic golden trophy.
      One fan said: “Salt Bae took the original trophy.”
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      While another added: “Salt Bae has been granted exclusive access to the real one.”
      And a fan tweeted a Salt Bae gif saying: “I know who has the real one!”
      The celebrity chef, whose real name is Nusret Gökçe, sparked a Fifa probe when he somehow got himself in among the winning team and managed to get a selfie with Lionel Messi as he celebrated his team’s triumph.
      But in the run-up, he was seen badgering the superstar and repeatedly grabbing his arm until the player relented and posed for a picture.
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      The chef was slammed on Twitter as “pathetic” for his attention-seeking antics, which were also described as the “cringiest thing ever”.
      The fury continued after he posted pics on Instagram of him holding the 18-carat gold trophy, worth £17 million, a privilege reserved for the winning team and heads of state.
      “You shouldn’t touch the Cup. You’re not a champion,” was one comment.
      Another furious Instagram user said he was “unfollowing” the Turkish chef.
      “You shouldn’t have touched that trophy only the players and staff who worked their asses off to become champions have that right.
      “You only want attention.”
      Continuing the theme one post read “this is the time for players who have worked hard and not for celebrities to hang around and take selfies for their own promo”.
      FAKE TROPHY
      Last month, Argentina won the World Cup in a fierce match with France that went down to the wire – eventually ending in a penalty shootout.
      As captain of his country, Messi lifted the famous golden trophy aloft following his side’s thrilling win.
      But just minutes later the real cup was removed from the pitch by Fifa officials, as is customary, unbeknownst to some of the players at the time.
      A fake trophy made its way down to the pitch from fans in the crowd, with players including Messi posing with it for photos thinking it was the real thing.
      The 35-year-old posted a series of snaps of himself with the trophy to Instagram, even though it was a fake.
      And the post went on to become the most liked in the website’s history, overtaking the egg and gathering nearly 75million likes.
      In another snap, Angel Di Maria can be seen noticing that the trophy is a fake by looking at the bottom of it.
      According to El Pais, Argentina fans Manuel and Paula had the cup made before the tournament, with the sole purpose of trying to get players to sign it.
      Explaining what happened, they said: “The idea was that the players could sign it, but in the end the Cup entered the field of play three times.
      “The first one was taken by a relative of (Leandro) Paredes, and he signed it.
      “The second time they asked us for it and it was 45 minutes, it went from one player to another, from one family member to another, and they took photos.
      “In the stands they told me ‘you lost the Cup’. We had fun but we wanted him back.
      “There I yelled at a couple of players ‘if you see the Cup that Paredes has, it’s ours’, and in the end Lautaro Martínez brought it, who also signed it.
      “Fifa personnel came there and asked us to confirm that it was not the original.”
      Among those to hold the trophy thinking it was real was Messi’s wife Antonela.
      Read More on The Sun
      When Di Maria eventually pointed out to Messi that it was fake, the duo laughed together – showing no signs of irritation.
      Photographer Fernando de la Orden captured many of the snaps – and even went to visit Manuel and Paula once back in Argentina – where the fake trophy resides today.
      Salt Bae slammed for touching £17m 18-carat World Cup trophy breaking FIFA etiquette while posing with Argentina starsCredit: instagram
      Salt Bae slammed for touching £17m 18-carat World Cup trophy breaking FIFA etiquette while posing with Argentina starsCredit: instagram More

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      Gio Reyna’s parents break silence over claims they tried to BLACKMAIL USA boss Gregg Berhalter over domestic violence

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      WORLD CUP star Giovanni Reyna’s parents have broken their silence over claims they tried to BLACKMAIL USA boss Gregg Berhalter over domestic violence.The Reynas were left unhappy by Berhalter’s public comments detailing how an unidentified player was nearly sent home from the US’ Qatar World Cup camp for not meeting expectations on and off the pitch.
      Berhalter kicked his now wife, Rosalind, as a teenager at the University of North Carolina in a dispute outside a barCredit: Getty
      Claudio and wife Danielle revealed details of the incident to US Soccer with Gio’s mum being the best friend, room-mate and team-mate of RosalindCredit: Getty
      Reyna was the player who was nearly sent home from the World CupCredit: Getty
      Despite Berhalter not identifying the footie star by name, it was a clear reference to Reyna, and the Borussia Dortmund ace later confirmed it in an Instagram post the next day but faced fierce criticism on social media.
      According to ESPN, furious with his former US team-mate and long-time pal over the treatment of his 20-year-old son, dad Claudio threatened to reveal sensitive details about Berhalter’s past to US Soccer executives.
      Berhalter and Claudio played together growing up in New Jersey.
      Claudio’s father, Miguel, also coached the pair at a young age and the two played high school football together at St. Benedict’s in Newark.
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      Austin FC sporting director Claudio was also Berhalter’s best man a his wedding.
      In a call alongside wife Danielle, it was revealed that former US boss Berhalter had a past with domestic violence.
      The Reynas have confirmed they revealed details of Berhalter’s altercation with wife and then girlfriend Rosalind outside a local bar as an 18-year-old freshman at the University of North Carolina.
      Danielle was a room-mate and team-mate of Rosalind at UNC, and says she supported her “through the trauma that followed”. 
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      They have, however, denied threats were made while sharing their frustrations to US Soccer sporting director Earnie Stewart over their son’s World Cup experience that saw him play just two times.
      Danielle said in a statement: “To set the record straight, I did call (U.S. Soccer sporting director) Earnie Stewart on December 11, just after the news broke that Gregg had made negative statements about my son Gio at a leadership conference.
      “I have known Earnie for years and consider him to be a close friend.
      “I wanted to let him know that I was absolutely outraged and devasted that Gio had been put in such a terrible position, and that I felt very personally betrayed by the actions of someone my family had considered a friend for decades.
      “As part of that conversation, I told Earnie that I thought it was especially unfair that Gio, who had apologized for acting immaturely about his playing time, was still being dragged through the mud when Gregg had asked for and received forgiveness for doing something so much worse at the same age.
      “Without going into detail, the statements from yesterday significantly minimize the abuse on the night in question.
      “Rosalind Berhalter was my roommate, teammate and best friend, and I supported her through the trauma that followed.
      “It took a long time for me to forgive and accept Gregg afterward, but I worked hard to give him grace, and ultimately made both of them and their kids a huge part of my family’s life.
      “I would have wanted and expected him to give the same grace to Gio. This is why the current situation is so very hurtful and hard.”
      The statement continued: “At the time I called Earnie, many people were trashing Gio on social media due to Gregg’s comments, and I didn’t know when or if this would stop.
      “I just wanted Earnie to help make sure that there would be no further unwarranted attacks on my son.
      “I thought our conversation would remain in confidence, and it didn’t occur to me at the time that anything I said could lead to an investigation. I’m not criticizing Earnie here.
      “I very much commend the recent efforts by U.S. Soccer to address abuse of women players, and I understand now he had an obligation to investigate what I shared.
      “But I want to be very clear that I did not ask for Gregg to be fired, I did not make any threats, and I don’t know anything about any blackmail attempts, nor have I ever had any discussions about anyone else on Gregg’s staff—I don’t know any of the other coaches. I did not communicate with anyone in U.S. Soccer about this matter before December 11, and no one else in my family has made any statements to U.S. Soccer regarding Gregg’s past at all.
       “I’m sorry that this information became public, and I regret that I played a role in something that could reopen wounds from the past.”
      Claudio, a Hall of Famer who captained the US at two World Cups, issued a statement to The Athletic which read: “I support my wife, Danielle, and her statement.
      “I too was upset by Gregg’s comments about Gio after the U.S. was out of the World Cup, and I also appealed to Earnie Stewart on December 11 asking him to prevent any additional comments.
      “While in Qatar, I shared my frustrations about my son’s World Cup experience with a number of close friends, Earnie and Brian McBride among them.
      “However, at no time did I ever threaten anyone, nor would I ever do so.” 
      Berhalter has since confirmed the altercation with Rosalind – his wife of 25 years and the mother to his four children – as a teenager and says “there are zero excuses” for his actions.
      The ex-Crystal Palace defender has also confirmed that the authorities were never involved and that he sought help after the incident.
      In a lengthy Twitter post, Berhalter said: “During the World Cup an individual contacted U.S. Soccer, saying that they had information about me that would ‘take me down’ – an apparent effort to leverage something very personal from long ago to bring about the end of my relationship with U.S. Soccer.
      “In the fall of 1991, I met my soulmate. I had just turned 18 and was a freshman in college when I met Rosalind.
      “One night, while out drinking at a local bar, Rosalind and I had a heated argument that continued outside. It became physical and I kicked her in the legs.”
      Berhalter added: “The lessons learned from that night over three decades ago became the foundation for a loving, devoted, and supportive relationship, which we honored and celebrated with our 25th wedding anniversary this past weekend”
      Berhalter’s contract with the US expired on December 31, 2022, following the round of 16 knockout at the hands of Holland.
      Read More on The Sun
      US Soccer have announced that assistant coach Anthony Hudson will lead the team during a January camp in California.
      Despite this, Berhalter says he is “looking forward to continuing my conversations with U.S. Soccer about the future”. More

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      Lionel Messi got angry at me for boozing in World Cup celebrations and almost sent me to hospital, says Aguero

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      LIONEL MESSI got “angry” with Sergio Aguero for his boozing during Argentina’s World Cup celebrations, the former Manchester City striker has revealed.Aguero, 34, has been a stalwart for the Albiceleste before having to retire in 2021 due to a heart condition.
      Sergio Aguero lifted Lionel Messi on his shoulders after the matchCredit: Getty
      The former striker got right among the celebrationsCredit: Reuters
      Despite no longer playing, Aguero was invited to join the Argentina camp during the latter stages of the tournament.
      He even shared a room with Messi like they used to as team-mates, and was right in the thick of the celebrations after they beat France in the thrilling final.
      Chatting about the aftermath, during which he carried Messi on his shoulders in iconic images, Aguero revealed that his old pal is heavier than he looks.
      He told Argentine outlet TyC Sports: “I lifted the best in the world.
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      “Of course, my back hurt a lot. When I raised him I said: ‘S***. He weighs’.
      “I moved my shoulders so that he would jump, but they started to get some stitches in my back.
      “At one point I couldn’t take it anymore. I couldn’t even turn around. If I turned around, I would end up in a hospital.
      “He realised it because I looked at him, we exchanged glances.
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      “I said: ‘All good, you’re world champion, but my back hurts.’ And there he got off. He was on his knees afterwards.”
      Aguero then added that his pal Messi got annoyed by his post-match boozing – but that he simply didn’t care.
      The former striker continued: “I drank a lot but I didn’t eat. We were world champions. If something were to happen to me, let it be there.
      “Leo got angry and told me ‘stop’. How [do I] stop? We are world champions, so happy.”
      After their initial celebrations in Qatar, Argentina stars returned to Buenos Aires for a huge parade.
      And they were determined to take Aguero with them.
      He added: “The boys wanted to take me with them to Argentina.
      “They told me to hurry up because the plane was leaving, saying ‘ Come on, come on. Let’s present the passport, everything’.
      “I was leaving with the national team and then I remembered that I had my son in the apartment, I couldn’t leave him lying around. I called Benja and told him I was going there. He was so primed that I forgot about everything.”
      It emerged after the match that Messi and Co were posing with a FAKE World Cup on the pitch, after the real one was quickly taken away by Fifa as is customary.

      Irrespective of which trophy he held, Aguero revealed it was heavy.
      He said: “It’s heavy, like six kilos. I had it for 15 minutes and my arm hurt afterwards. The one from the Europa League weighs 15 kilos, crazy.
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      “And the one from the Champions League, eight. I never had that, but hey, I lifted the Cup of the World!”
      Aguero, 34, kisses the World CupCredit: Getty More

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      Lionel Messi unknowingly lifted FAKE World Cup trophy in record Instagram post that beat ‘The Egg’

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      ICONIC pictures of Lionel Messi lifting the World Cup feature a FAKE trophy, it has emerged.The Argentine completed his incredible body of work last month when he won the World Cup in Qatar.
      Angel Di Maria points out that the trophy is a fakeCredit: Getty
      Messi, 35 posed for iconic photosCredit: Rex
      As captain of his country, Messi lifted the famous golden trophy aloft following his side’s thrilling win.
      But just minutes later the real cup was removed from the pitch by Fifa officials, as is customary, unbeknownst to some of the players at the time.
      A fake trophy made its way down to the pitch from fans in the crowd, with players including Messi posing with it for photos thinking it was the real thing.
      The 35-year-old posted a series of snaps of himself with the trophy to Instagram, even though it was a fake.
      READ MORE ON MESSI
      And the post went on to become the most liked in the website’s history, overtaking the egg and gathering nearly 75million likes.
      In another snap, Angel Di Maria can be seen noticing that the trophy is a fake by looking at the bottom of it.
      According to El Pais, Argentina fans Manuel and Paula had the cup made before the tournament, with the sole purpose of trying to get players to sign it.
      Explaining what happened, they said: “The idea was that the players could sign it, but in the end the Cup entered the field of play three times.
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      “The first one was taken by a relative of (Leandro) Paredes, and he signed it.
      “The second time they asked us for it and it was 45 minutes, it went from one player to another, from one family member to another, and they took photos.
      “In the stands they told me ‘you lost the Cup’. We had fun but we wanted him back.
      “There I yelled at a couple of players ‘if you see the Cup that Paredes has, it’s ours’, and in the end Lautaro Martínez brought it, who also signed it.
      “Fifa personnel came there and asked us to confirm that it was not the original.”
      Among those to hold the trophy thinking it was real was Messi’s wife Antonela.
      When Di Maria eventually pointed out to Messi that it was fake, the duo laughed together – showing no signs of irritation.
      Photographer Fernando de la Orden captured many of the snaps – and even went to visit Manuel and Paula once back in Argentina – where the fake trophy resides today.
      During the encounter, Manuel and Paula revealed: “Before the World Cup we contacted people who are dedicated to making cups and it took them six months to make it.
      “It has the weight of the original, it is made with resin and quartz inside and bathed with a gold-like paint.
      “There are some details, marks and reliefs that are not similar, but the difference is minimal.”
      Messi, 35, spent more than a fortnight celebrating his win back in Argentina – hosting parties attended by some of his team-mates.
      Read More on The Sun

      He has now returned to PSG, however, touching down in France yesterday.
      The superstar is unlikely to feature in their Coupe de France clash with third-tier Chateauroux on Friday night, but could return against Ligue 1’s bottom side Angers next Wednesday.
      Manuel and Paula pose with the ‘Trout Cup’ alongside their childrenCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm7RVf1P3E-/
      Messi kisses the real World CupCredit: Rex More

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      USA manager Gregg Berhalter in World Cup BLACKMAIL plot over kicking his wife in drunken argument in 1991

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      USA manager Gregg Berhalter has revealed he has been embroiled in a BLACKMAIL plot dating back to 1991.Berhalter claimed he was blackmailed during the 2022 Qatar World Cup – and has been forced to go public about kicking his wife in 1991.
      Gregg Berhalter revealed he was embroiled in a blackmail plot dating back to 1991Credit: Reuters
      In a lengthy statement posted on his Twitter profile, the manager revealed a violent incident in 1991 involving his wife Rosalind and admitted to “kicking her in the legs”.
      The post read: “While we obviously would have wanted to advance further in the World Cup, I am very proud of and grateful for all our players, our staff, everyone at US Soccer, and all of the USMNT fans worldwide who supported us.
      “Our performance relied on hard work and extraordinary energy and commitment from those on and off the pitch during the years of preparation.
      “There are so many positive examples of how our squad came together, making so many different types of sacrifices all in pursuit of our group’s shared vision.
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      “I am looking forward to continuing my conversations with US Soccer about the future, but now is the time for me to publicly share some personal information which a third party has used against my family and me.”
      Berhalter continued: “During the World Cup, an individual contacted US Soccer, saying that they had information about me that would “take me down” – an apparent effort to leverage something very personal from long ago to bring about the end of my relationship with US Soccer.
      “This is a difficult step to take, but my wife, Rosalind, and I want to clearly and directly share the truth. This is a story that belongs to us, but hopefully there are lessons from our relationship that can be valuable to others.
      “In the fall of 1991, I met my soulmate. I had just turned 18 and was a freshman in college when I met Rosalind for the first time.
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      “There was a familiar feeling when we spoke. Rosalind was and is an amazing person – determined, empathetic, fun to be around – and we connected immediately.
      “It felt like we had known each other for years. We had been dating for four months when an incident happened between us that would shape the future of our relationship.
      “One night, while out drinking at a local bar, Rosalind and I had a heated argument that continued outside. It became physical and I kicked her in the legs.
      “There are zero excuses for my actions that night; it was a shameful moment and one that I regret to this day.
      “At that time, I immediately apologized to Rosalind, but understandably, she wanted nothing to do with me. I told my parents, family, and friends what happened because I wanted to take full responsibility for my behavior.
      “Rosalind also informed her parents, family, and friends. While the authorities were never involved in this matter, I voluntarily sought out counseling to help learn, grow and improve – one of the most valuable decisions that ever made.
      “To this day, that type of behavior has never been repeated.”
      During the World Cup, an individual contacted US Soccer, saying that they had information about me that would “take me down” – an apparent effort to leverage something very personal from long ago to bring about the end of my relationship with US Soccer.Gregg Berhalter
      The 49-year-old coach, a USA internaional from 1994 and 2006, met Rosalind, also 49, at the University of North Carolina.
      They both played football together and were a couple for six years before getting married in 1999 while now having four children together.
      Berhalter’s post furthered: “I feared that I lost my soulmate and then out of the blue, seven months later I received a call from Rosalind asking if we could speak in person.
      “We met and discussed how we had grown and decided to rebuild our relationship.
      “Rosalind shared that her family supported this decision and by working through what had happened, we both realized that our love, trust, and respect for each other was stronger than the incident that occurred months earlier.
      “Since then, Rosalind and I have lived together in five different countries, three different states and have met and remained friends with many wonderful people from around the world. All of these people have witnessed the strong relationship we have and the loving family we have built together.
      “The lessons learned from that night over three decades ago became the foundation for a loving, devoted, and supportive relationship, which we honored and celebrated with our 25th wedding anniversary this past weekend.
      ‘THIS IS OUR STORY’
      “I am sharing this story after 31 years because it’s important to understand it was an event that shaped me, but doesn’t define me.
      “It was a single, isolated event over three decades ago and a terrible decision made in a bad moment by an 18-year-old. Rosalind and I have been on an amazing journey together.
      “We have raised four wonderful children, who are aware of what happened. We are very proud of our marriage, our relationship, the family we have built, and the people we have become.
      “As a team we emphasize accountability, honesty, and growth. Those aren’t just principles we instill within the team; it is how I live my life. The foundation of any good team is using the past as an opportunity to learn and get better.
      “People can make mistakes and learn from them; people can also be forgiven for their mistakes. Thankfully, Rosalind forgave me.
      “The intention of this statement is to provide transparency and to reinforce that a single bad decision made by a teenager does not necessarily define him for the rest of his life. We will not hide from this. We didn’t then, and we won’t now.
      “This is our story. We have fully cooperated with the US Soccer investigation into this matter, and while we would prefer not to speak about something so personal from so long ago in such a public forum, we are embracing this opportunity to share what has shaped us and how much we have grown and learned from this over the past 31 years. Thank you.
      “Rosalind and Gregg Berhalter.”
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      Berhalter took charge of the USA in 2018 after starting his coaching career with LA Galaxy in 2011.
      His contract expired after the winter World Cup and the USA are still evaluating his performance in Qatar before offering a new deal.
      Gregg Berhalter and wife Rosalie during a visit to the Munich ‘Oktoberfest’Credit: Getty More