Page 90 - Soccer360 Issue 105

90TH MINUTE
WHO SAID WHAT
“On the wing they hear each other, they smell each other, they know each other, they kiss each other, I kiss them too when they score a goal.”– AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli hilariously describes the on-pitch chemistry between Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez.
“There’s a chance he will miss it. And regret it. When you miss it, it starts with regret.”
– Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger reacts to Jurgen Klopp’s decision to leave Liverpool at the end of the season.
“I was hoping... when you get a trial you think it’s going to work out. And at a club the size of Manchester United, it makes you anxious. But things happen for
a reason. It wasn’t where I was supposed to be, it was at Arsenal.” – Gabriel Martinelli opens up on his failed trials at Manchester United.
Kevin De Bruyne is creating 4.9 chances per 90 minutes in the Premier League this season, the best ratio of any player to play at least 300+ minutes this season.
GOLDEN BOY LOGO
Jude Bellingham is reportedly set to be the subject of Adidas’ new signature logo. The England star capped off 2023 by winning
the Golden Boy in recognition of his startling performances for Real and Dortmund. He is already the elite ambassador for the Predator boots silo and even helped create the 30th anniversary edition of the iconic adidas footwear.
4.9
LIFE IN THE FAST LANE
Thibaut Courtois has put his off-field career into overdrive by splashing nearly $450,000 on a custom-built Porsche. The former Chelsea keeper, 31, is a well-known petrolhead. Belgium international Courtois already owns a fleet of supercars, including a Lamborghini Urus, Ferrari Roma, and Mercedes AMG G63. The Real Madrid star also set up Formula 4 team TC Racing last year to compete at events in Spain. He has now spent a fortune to get a Porsche 992 GT3 RS. He took delivery earlier this month after waiting two years for it to be built to his specification. The basic version would have cost a $150,000 less, but the Belgian custodian chose to spend the extra cash for a customized build.
HONG KONG PHOOEY
Lionel Messi has been faced with huge backlash following a video explaining why he didn’t play for Inter Miami in
a Hong Kong friendly. Inter went on a pre-season tour of the Far and Middle East ahead of the new MLS season, including a fixture against a Hong Kong XI on 4 February. The Herons ran out
4-1 winners, with Robert Taylor, Lawson
Sunderland, Leonardo Campana,
and Ryan Sailor all on target. Messi,
however, was an unused substitute
and did not enter the fray. It was later
communicated that the eight-time
Ballon d’Or winner was suffering from
a muscle injury. However, Messi ended up playing a friendly in Japan days later, much to the anger of 38,323, fans who had paid up to £500 to be in attendance at the Hong Kong Stadium.
MASKED - AGAIN !
Kanye West has baffled fans after he was spotted arriving for Inter Milan vs Atletico Madrid at the San Siro. Ahead of the match,
a video went viral on social media as West arrived at the stadium wearing a rather bizarre outfit. The American musician had a mask that covered his whole face as he was filmed walking into the San Siro, the mask also stayed on when the match got underway. Fellow US hip-hop artists Playboi Carti and Rich the Kid were also in attendance as Inter beat the La Liga side by 1-0.
MISFIT ROONEY
In a surprise turn of events, former Manchester United and England forward Wayne Rooney has reportedly held talks with Misfits Boxing over a potential fight. The 38-year-old, who was sacked by Championship side Birmingham City in January
after recording just two wins from 15 matches, is considering an unexpected in-ring debut. In fact, a move to Misfits – a crossover boxing promotion founded by YouTuber KSI and run by Kalle and Nisse Sauerland – is seen as a ‘serious option’ for the retired footballer following talks, according to the Mirror.
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