LOSER…
Fantasy football amongst friends can get quite competitive, especially when there’s money or pride on the line. In most cases, the winner ends up with a prize, however there are some leagues who go a step further and punish the loser. Chris Talbot finished bottom of the league amongst 12 of his friends last season and was transformed into a human trophy as punishment for doing so. Chris was covered in gold paint wearing a football kit with “loser” on the back standing on a block which read, “Loser Fantasy Football 2019/20” on the streets of London. Hopefully this will be enough motivation to not finish bottom again this year. Who knows, Chris may even go on to win and create the punishment for the next person to finish bottom of the league.
I'M THE BOSS, EH?
Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds is interested in investing in Welsh football club Wrexham, with the club itself posting a statement confirming the news. The Deadpool actor recently sold his gin company to Diageo for $610 million and is also a director at Match Group, a company that oversees a number of dating websites including Tinder and Hinge. The 43-year-old Ryan Reynolds isn’t the only one interested in buying the club. Rob McElhenney, who created and starred in the sitcom It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, is the other person interested in investing in Wrexham. Talks are ongoing as the interested parties prepare their vision for the club and proposal for the board members to vote on.
THE VOICE
Francesco Totti is already an icon among Roma fans, but this latest incident may very well push him up to sainthood. 19-year-old Ilenia Matilli was involved in a terrible accident where the car crashed into a tree back in December. She was immediately transported to a hospital and placed in a coma for nine months. Ilenia, who is a Roma supporter, happens to play for Lazio’s women’s team. Nonetheless, her parents would play her Roma’s anthem as they sat by her bed. One day Totti sent her a message saying, “Ilenia don’t give up, you’ll do it, we’re all with you” and miraculously, she woke up from unconsciousness after hearing Totti’s voice. Totti has since visited her in person at the hospital where the two spent some time together and took some photos. Upon hearing what had happened, Totti said, “Had I known that it would help, I would have sent the video earlier! We will meet again once she leaves the hospital.”
WANNA BET?
LaLiga side Granada were trolled by their own sponsors following a heavy defeat to Atletico Madrid in league play. Granada lost 6-1 away to Atletico following a dominant performance by Joao Felix. The Portuguese youngster’s performance caught the eye of betting company Winamax Deportes who enjoyed his display and shared a popular internet meme on Twitter to show how great he played. Betting companies tweeting memes isn’t really a big deal, however in this case, Winamax are Granada’s main sponsors, even featuring on the club’s shirts. So naturally, Granada were very upset with the tweet which was then quickly deleted. The club released a statement following the match demanding a public apology and immediate rectification for the offensive and disrespectful tweet.
FIFTY… AND COUNTING
Kazuyoshi Miura has now played in five different decades. The 53-year-old recently became the oldest player in the history of the J-League first division, starting up front for Yokohama FC aged 53 and 210 days. Miura is currently playing in his 35th season as a professional footballer, starting his career back in 1986. The former Japan international has played for a number of clubs around the world including Santos, Genoa, Dinamo Zagreb and Palmeiras. Miura is the only player from the FIFA 96 video game to still be playing professionally and since Yokohama were promoted to the J1 League last season, he will be playable again in FIFA 21.
BIG SHOES TO FILL
French goalkeeper Edouard Mendy recently signed for Chelsea this past transfer market after a L22 million
