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      Croatia star Josko Gvardiol arrives for World Cup celebrations in banged out old Fiat Punto and fans are LOVING it

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      CROATIA defender Josko Gvardiol turned up to his local World Cup celebrations in an old Fiat Punto.The 20-year-old RB Leipzig centre-back had a sensational tournament as the 2018 runners-up enjoyed another superb journey to the semi-finals before being beaten by Argentina.
      Josko Gvardiol was one of the standout performers in QatarCredit: Getty
      Gvardiol arrived for the World Cup celebrations in an old Fiat PuntoCredit: u_ludi_antisa
      Zlatko Dalic’s side then finished their Qatar campaign with a 2-1 win over Morocco to clinch the bronze medal.
      Upon his return to Croatia, Gvardiol quickly headed to his father’s native village on the Dalmatian coast to celebrate their run to the last four.
      And fans were loving the fact that he rocked up in a tiny Fiat Punto.
      Reacting on social media, one person said: “I’m liking this guy more and more.”
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      Another added: “I have the same car as Gvardiol!”
      A third said: “My dad has had that same car for 18 years. And he is also still waiting for it to move.”
      And a fourth responded: “Is Josko the new favourite humble boy?”
      Gvardiol, who played every minute of Croatia’s World Cup, made most people’s teams of the tournament following his superb displays.
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      And his step up to the biggest stage has subsequently seen him linked with the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United.
      Gvardiol was recently quizzed on the speculation surrounding his future and told The Athletic: “My agent is taking care of this and we will see.
      “Right now, I’m happy in Leipzig. I don’t know, we will see – you never know.

      “You know the stories and these things, but all I can say is that I’m happy in Leipzig and right now I’m going to stay there and perform for them.”
      Gvardiol only signed a new deal with the Bundesliga side three months ago to keep him under contact until 2027. More

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      Lewis Hamilton slams racist trolls who targeted France’s World Cup stars after heartbreaking final loss to Argentina

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      SIR LEWIS HAMILTON has slammed the internet trolls who targeted members of the French national team with sickening racist abuse after the World Cup final.France suffered a devastating World Cup final defeat to Argentina on Sunday.
      Some France stars including Kolo Muani and Tchouameni were subjected to racist abuseCredit: Rex
      Hamilton has slammed the racist trollsCredit: Getty
      Hamilton spoke out on social mediaCredit: @lewishamilton
      With the score tied at 3-3 after extra time, the match was decided on penalties and Argentina eventually lifted the trophy after winning the shootout 4-2.
      However, after the game some members of the French national team – including Aurelien Tchouameni, Randal Kolo Muani and Kingsley Coman – received vile racist abuse from social media trolls.
      Tchouameni has since limited the comments on his Instagram, while Kolo Muani has turned them off completely.
      Formula One superstar Hamilton has criticised the racist trolls in a passionate statement on social media.
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      In an Instagram story post, he wrote: “Disgusted but not surprised. @Aurelientchm and @R_kolomuani gave it everything.
      “They’re heroes to so many and deserve nothing but respect.”
      Hamilton also spoke out about the horrific racist abuse suffered by England stars Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho after last summer’s Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy.
      In an Instagram post last July, he wrote: “We saw the racial abuse online of the football players, which was devastating to see.
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      “It shows that the nation still has a long, long way to go. In my personal opinion it stems from education.
      “We also need more support from social media platforms. We had that blackout earlier in the year but it is not enough.
      “We need to stop that abuse that happens online. And this commission highlights one of the areas we can improve and I hope it starts a ripple effect of more change going forwards.”
      He also wrote: “This sort of ignorance has to be stopped. Tolerance and respect for players of colour should not be conditional. Our humanity should not be conditional.
      “Please call out those you see posting hatred online. Challenge them to see the humanity in everyone regardless of their colour.
      “Super proud of how far the England team were able to go. Super proud of Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and the entire team.” More

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      Topless Argentina fan says she’s fled to Europe as she posts new Insta updates after cheeky Qatar World Cup stunt

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      THE Argentina fan who risked jail by going topless at the World Cup final has revealed she has safely fled to Europe.Noemi Gomez sparked fears for her safety after she was spotted on live TV stripping off to celebrate Argentina’s dramatic penalty shootout win over France.
      Noemi Gomez posted a cheeky update as she assured fans she is safeCredit: Instagram
      Noe, left, and her pal Milu stripped off after the World Cup finalCredit: Instagram – @ noe.dreams1
      The two women risked jail by going topless in strict QatarCredit: Instagram – @ noe.dreams1
      Noe and her pal Milu Barbiie – who also flashed her bare boobs – were reportedly escorted from the stadium.
      Their antics broke strict laws in Qatar and there were fears they had both been thrown in jail.
      However it emerged both women were able to board planes to leave the Gulf state.
      Noe assured fans she was safe as she posted updates on Instagram last night.
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      She said: “I managed to escape Qatar and find refuge in the European Union.”
      Her latest post shows her poolside in a thong bikini with the cheeky caption “Hola campeones” – hello champions.
      It is not clear which country she is in, but her pal Milu filmed herself walking in Madrid yesterday.
      Noe appears to be revelling in her newfound fame and has renamed herself “La chica del topless” on social media – The Topless Girl.
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      She and Milu each has more than 100,000 followers thanks to their Cup final stunt.
      Millions watching around the world saw them flashing their chests as fans celebrated the winning penalty on Sunday night.
      Noe also shared more topless clips from celebrations inside the Lusail stadium.
      The two women are seen facing the cheering crowds and celebrating with their tops off.
      And another clip showed her and her pal whipping their tops off outside in the street while having a photo with grinning fans.
      In another video, Noe and her pal can be seen getting ready before the game.
      Two men can be seen painting the blue and white Argentina flag over their nipples.
      Noe revealed they had agreed to go topless if Argentina won and “had to keep our promise” despite the risk of jail.
      She said they were not arrested by authorities in Qatar – even after flashing fans outside the stadium.
      Noe later posted a photo of her boarding a plane – and wrote: “Start the ship at once before they come pick me up.”
      In another post commenting on the World Cup, she wrote: “Finished the best trip of my life.”
      Glam footie fans risk being slapped with huge fines – or even put behind bars if they flash too much flesh in Qatar.

      Non-Qatari women don’t need to wear the abaya – the long, black robe-like dress worn by women in parts of the Muslim world.
      But they must cover their their midriff and shoulders, and skirts, dresses and trousers must cover the knees.
      Women travelling in to the Arab nation are also banned from wearing any tight clothing, or flashing any cleavage.
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      Fotball Wags were advised to wear a scarf to help cover their busts.
      The World Cup’s “hottest fan”, former Miss Croatia Ivana Knoll, previously flouted strict rules as she appeared at games in skimpy outfits.
      The pair even flashed fans outside the stadiumCredit: Instagram – @ noe.dreams1
      Noe, right, and her pal posed with the Argentina flag painted over their nipplesCredit: Instagram – @ noe.dreams1
      Noe showed off the work in progress on her topless paint job before the gameCredit: Instagram – @ noe.dreams1
      Noe posted a picture of her and her friend Milu on her Instagram after the gameCredit: Instagram – @noe.dreams1
      Fears were growing over Noe’s safety after she was filmed flashing fansCredit: Canalpais
      Noe and Milu were spotted on TV during the finalCredit: BBC More

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      Emmanuel Petit reveals Cristiano Ronaldo trait Olivier Giroud possesses and slams Arsenal and Chelsea hero’s critics

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      ARSENAL legend Emmanuel Petit insists Olivier Giroud has the “same mentality” as Cristiano Ronaldo as he slammed his Premier League critics.Giroud shone bright with France during the 2022 World Cup as he became his country’s record goalscorer with 53 goals and surpassed Gunners legend Thierry Henry in the process.
      Emmanuel Petit slammed France star Olivier Giroud’s Premier League criticsCredit: Rex
      The AC Milan star’s World Cup run ended in a sour note as Les Bleus lost the final to Argentina on penalties after a stunning 3-3 draw but he still carved his name in the history books.
      The striker didn’t have it easy as he received plenty of criticism during his nine-year stint in the Premier League despite his success with Arsenal and Chelsea.
      The 36-year-old joined the Gunners in 2012 and registered 105 goals as well as 41 assists in 253 appearances, which led to three FA Cup honours and as many Community Shields.
      The Frenchman moved to Chelsea in 2018 where he amassed 39 goals as well as 14 assists in 119 matches and won the FA Cup, Europa League as well as the Champions League.
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      Petit always believed in Giroud and insists he has proven his “disrespectful” critics wrong thanks to his resolve and work ethic.
      The former Arsenal and Chelsea star added that the reason he got so much stick is because he wasn’t a “romantic” on the pitch like Ronaldo.
      But the France legend is adamant that Giroud still has the same character as the Manchester United legend because he never gave up and always delivered.
      Speaking to Mega Casino, Petit said: “For Giroud, nothing has been given to him. Everything that he has achieved in his career is because of his work, his mental strength and his resilience.
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      “Every time you try to show him the door, he will go to the window. If you show him the window, he will come back to the garage, he will always find a way to come back and to prove you wrong.
      “For me, [Kylian] Mbappe, [Lionel] Messi, Ronaldo, they are amazing players and a big example for everyone, but being a sportsman is not all about having extraordinary ability, being a sportsman is about showing different qualities as well, qualities Giroud has in abundance.
      “Humility, hard work, he doesn’t speak out or cause problems. He doesn’t harass people on the pitch. He keeps himself to himself and is very humble.
      “When you speak to people about Giroud, even his friends, they all say the same thing about him – he will surprise you. He keeps going and going and going.
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      Emmanuel Petit claims Olivier Giroud has the same mentality as Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Reuters
      “Last year, he wasn’t picked for the France team for months because [Karim] Benzema was back and there were problems within the camp after the European Championships; egos, family.
      “All of a sudden he was shown the door by France, but because of all of the injuries that happened before the World Cup, [Didier] Deschamps had no choice but to put him in the squad.
      “What he has done, where he is fighting against almost everyone and constantly proving to people that he is good enough – the career he has had, it’s amazing. He deserves everything that has come his way.
      “It was not so long ago that I could hear people saying he doesn’t deserve the medals he has won in his career. What!? Why?
      “I heard that in England too from former players, pundits on TV. I thought that was so disrespectful to Giroud. Have these guys forgotten what it means to be a professional footballer?
      “It’s not all about skills on the ball, scoring spectacular goals, it’s the resolve as well. Giroud is an example for everyone that wants to be a professional footballer.
      Emmanuel Petit insists Olivier Giroud was successful at Arsenal and ChelseaCredit: Rex
      “I’ve always supported him, even in the middle of a storm, when he wasn’t playing, wasn’t scoring because I knew the guy. I knew his mentality and his quality.
      “He will never give up. Never. He will do whatever it takes to reach his targets. For me, this is the definition of a professional sportsman.
      “Can you imagine if Giroud had the quality of Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? I think he has the same mentality as Ronaldo – Giroud is so strong in his mind – he is almost like a robot because he has so much belief and determination. You have to show respect to Giroud.
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      “He wasn’t a romantic on the pitch, that is why [he was criticised]. Sometimes he would miss big chances, but he kept going. I remember when he went to Chelsea, [Frank] Lampard was in charge and he had spent most of his time on the bench, but he decided to bring him back in for the last seven or eight games. He saved Chelsea’s season.
      “Then he went to Milan, where he won the title. Now he is at the World Cup and he has just become France’s record goalscorer. If that’s not enough to convince you that he doesn’t deserve all the success he has had, then I have nothing to say to you.” More

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      Man Utd and Liverpool must SMASH transfer record to land Enzo Fernandez as Benfica name their price for World Cup star

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      BENFICA have reportedly slapped a whopping £105million price tag on Enzo Fernandez.The midfielder was one of Argentina’s standout performers in their triumphant World Cup campaign, catching the eye of many with a string of solid performances.
      Enzo Fernandez was one of Argentina’s star performers at the World CupCredit: GETTY
      But Benfica reportedly won’t let him go for anything less than his £105million release clauseCredit: GETTY
      Premier League big boys Liverpool were understood to be admirers of Fernandez before his stellar Qatar 2022 displays, which have reportedly piqued the interest of Manchester United.
      But it’s claimed the duo will have to shatter the Prem’s record transfer fee to acquire his services as Benfica have no intention of selling him for a penny less than his mammoth £105m release clause.
      If Liverpool were to push through for a deal to sign Fernandez, it would shatter the club record £85m fee they paid Benfica for Darwin Nunez last summer.
      United, meanwhile, would top their former world-record £89million fee for the recently-departed Paul Pogba.
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      The reported interest in Fernandez, who scooped the World Cup’s Young Player of the Tournament award, hasn’t shocked his international skippe Lionel Messi.

      The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner said of 21-year-old: “I’m not surprised by Enzo.
      “I know him and I see him train every day.
      “He deserves it because he’s a spectacular player.”
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      Newcastle United are also said to hold an interest in signing Fernandez, although manager Eddie Hearn recently suggested a swoop for the Argentine might be too pricey.
      He said: “I apologise to Alan [Shearer], I think I was on the other channel. I’m aware of and I know him, but I think the transfer fee might be quite lumpy.
      “From a recruitment perspective, I don’t think you ever just analyse the World Cup and sign a player off the back of those performances.
      “There’s a huge body of work that goes into signing a player, so it’s never off four weeks.
      “There will be a period of work that goes into that.
      Enzo Fernandez scooped the Young Player of the Tournament award in QatarCredit: Rex
      “That’s not to say we won’t use the World Cup as a recruitment tool to look at those players, but just solely on those games? No, we wouldn’t do that.”
      Fernandez joined Benfica from River Plate in the summer for £9million plus add-ons, although he could’ve found himself playing for Manchester City.
      City Football Group director Joan Patsy told: Què T’hi Jugues: “Manchester City could’ve signed Enzo Fernandez.
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      “But what do we do if we have Gundogan, Bernardo and Rodri in the squad?
      “He would’ve cost us less than he did Benfica. But we didn’t have a place and we knew he wouldn’t play.” More

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      Gary Neville claims Marcus Rashford looks ‘more enthusiastic’ for Man Utd after spotting star’s ‘happy’ warm-up

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      GARY NEVILLE has praised Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford for his return to action.Making his first appearance since exiting the World Cup the Red Devils forward scored against Burnley in the Carabao Cup tie.
      Marcus Rashford was on target against BurnleyCredit: Reuters
      Gary Neville believed Rashford seems more ‘enthusiastic’ after he was all smiles during the warm-upCredit: Getty
      Rashford enjoyed a good World Cup campaign with England, in which he scored three times.
      But it was not enough to make it past the quarter-final stage as the Three Lions lost to France.
      Rashford did have a chance to force the game into extra time with a free-kick in the final moments but was off target.
      And Neville was happy to see that the disappointment had not got to him as he was smiling during the warm-up ahead of their win at Old Trafford.
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      He told Sky Sports: “I think that is the hardest of the positions on the right that Marcus plays.
      “He is better centrally and he is better on the left certainly.
      “On the right, I think it is difficult for him at times but he looks more enthusiastic and more willing to play there at this moment in time and he makes the best of it.
      “I thought generally he was happy in the warm-up, he looked like he was ready to come back.
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      “You think about the World Cup and the impact will have had on some of these teams, you have got the Brazilians out there and some of the English lads out there that have been knocked out in the quarter-final games.
      “He has come back and looks like he is happy, and I think it is a good warm-up game to get back into the Premier League”.
      Rashford scored during his side’s 2-0 win over the Clarets with a brilliant finish following a powerful run with the ball.
      After the game, the 25-year-old admitted he was disappointed about being knocked out of the World Cup.
      He said: “To be honest, it is more just emotion-wise because it is so disappointing feeling to get knocked out and you have to just pick yourself up.
      “There’s no time to feel sorry for yourself when you come back here so it’s just about getting results.” More

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      Pele, 82, ‘will spend Christmas in hospital’ after his cancer worsens as daughter asks fans to ‘pray’ for legend

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      PELE will spend Christmas in hospital as his cancer worsens, according to reports.His daughter pleaded for fans to pray for the three-time World Cup winner’s health during this troubling time.
      Pele is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Sao PauloCredit: Refer to Caption
      The Brazilian football legend, 82, has been suffering with colon cancer since September 2021.
      He was readmitted into hospital in November for treatment on a respiratory infection aggravated by Covid-19.
      And an update from the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo on Wednesday evening confirmed the icon is still under the watchful eye of nurses and doctors.
      Now, as reported by Sky News, he is not expected to be released before Christmas Day on Sunday.
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      The latest statement from medics said: “Admitted since November 29 for a reassessment of chemotherapy therapy for colon tumour and treatment of a respiratory infection, Edson Arantes do Nascimento [Pele] presents progression of the oncological disease and requires greater care related to renal and cardiac dysfunctions.
      “The patient remains hospitalised in a common room, under the necessary care of the medical team.”
      Pele’s daughter begged fans to rally round the all-time great.
      Kely Nascimento wrote on Instagram: “Your love for him, your stories and your prayers are a HUGE comfort because we know we are not alone.
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      “Let’s turn this room into a Sambadrome (just kidding), let’s even make caipirinhas (not kidding!!).”
      There was widespread support for Pele on display during the World Cup with Brazil’s players and fans revealing banners and images of their greatest star.
      And despite being in hospital the legendary striker revealed he was “rooting” for the Samba Boys before their last-16 clash against South Korea.
      In an earlier social media post, Pele added: “My friends, I want to keep everyone calm and positive.
      “I’m strong, with a lot of hope and I follow my treatment as usual.
      “I want to thank the entire medical and nursing team for all the care I have received.
      “I have a lot of faith in God and every message of love I receive from you all over the world keeps me full of energy. And watch Brazil in the World Cup too!
      “Thank you so much for everything.”
      Pele won his record three World Cups in 1958, 1962 and 1970Credit: Getty More

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      Tottenham 1 Nice 1: Doherty scores as Kane is rested for final friendly before Premier League return against Brentford

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      HARRY KANE was given some extra rest – as close pal Matt Doherty kept up his friendly hot streak against Nice’s familiar faces.Striker Kane, 29, returned to Spurs training on Monday after a week’s holiday which followed England’s World Cup campaign that ended with his penalty agony.
      Matt Doherty was on the scoresheet for TottenhamCredit: Reuters
      Harry Kane was rested following his return from the World CupCredit: PA
      Son Heung-Min made his playing return for Spurs in the matchCredit: Getty
      Ross Barkley was among the former Premier League stars on the Nice sideCredit: Getty
      The Three Lions went out at the quarter-final stage, losing to eventual finalists France but it was particularly tough on captain Kane as he ballooned a second-half spot-kick over the bar.
      He was allowed to put his feet up here, having started every match in Qatar.
      Whereas England team-mate Eric Dier, who only played a few minutes at the World Cup, came on as a sub against a Nice side boasting a number of ex-Premier League stars.
      Kasper Schmeichel, Ross Barkley, Joe Bryan and Nicolas Pepe – on loan from Arsenal – were playing in black and red, though there was no Aaron Ramsey.
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      Former Chelsea and Everton man Barkley drew a smart early stop from Fraser Forster.
      While Pepe received some pantomime booing for his connection to Tottenham’s arch-rivals.
      Doherty has netted three goals in two exhibitions at the club’s training ground, bagging a brace against Motherwell and another versus Peterborough’s Under-21s.
      The Irishman broke the deadlock here too, crashing in at Schmeichel’s near post after being teed up by Dejan Kulusevski.
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      Doherty, 30, struggled for regular game time in the period before the World Cup as he battled back from a serious knee injury.
      He has put in the hard yards during the mini ‘pre-season’ over the last six weeks, claiming the physical work Antonio Conte has put those left behind through has been even more gruelling than what they faced in actual pre-season.
      The ex-Wolves wing-back said: “I can’t really explain the training any other way than it has just been tough. It has been like pre-season all over again. It feels like it has almost been worse this time around, mind.”
      The hard work certainly seemed to be paying off for him here.
      Though Nice, bossed by Lucian Favre who once turned down Crystal Palace, levelled early in the second half through Antoine Mendy.
      Former Bayern Munich defender Dante, 39, headed a corner against Doherty, allowing the ball to rebound to Mendy who found the net from 12 yards.
      World Cup participants Dier, Ben Davies and Son Heung-min all came on after the break to warm applause from the 8,000 Spurs fans attending.
      In the end, a winner could not be found, but it was still a decent workout before the stuff that matters starts up again at Brentford on Boxing Day. More