Ruud´s so good he even scores when he f*rts
Ruud van Nistelrooy is so good he can score by ´f*rt power´. That is the hilarious verdict of Juventus ace Alessandro del Piero as he prepares to blow away AC Milan in Van Nistelrooy´s own backyard next week. Del Piero exclusively told SunSport his verdict on the Manchester United striker, who hit an incredible 44 goals this season. He said: " What a player. Even when he f*rts he seems to score!" Van Nistelrooy did say he wanted to improve and become the complete player - it is not clear whether he had this in mind! Del Piero, the most potent Italian striker of his generation, has studied Van Nistelrooy from afar and shakes his head in almost disbelief at the Dutchman´s tally this last season. The Juve star said: " He has had an incredible season. To score 44 goals at the top level nowadays is something special. His qualities are extraordinary. We experienced it at first hand when he made one wonderful goal against us in the Champions League this year." But the prospect of linking up with Van Nistelrooy and joining Manchester United is not tempting enough for the Italy international. Del Piero said: " To be honest, a couple of years ago it might have been different because I thought about moving then. But, to be honest, I am glad I stayed in Turin."
Neil Custis, The Sun
Don´t bend that, Becks
England skipper David Beckham flew home yesterday with his injured right arm in plaster. The 28-year-old midfielder gave fans a wave with the damaged arm after touching down at Luton airport. But he was careful not to bend it after breaking the scaphoid bone between his wrist and thumb during Thursday’s win over South Africa in Durban. He is expected to undergo further tests over the next few days. Meanwhile the Man United star’s London birthplace is being turned into a tourist shrine. The tribute, set up on a council website, charts the landmarks on his rise to fame. Among them are Whipps Cross Hospital in Waltham Forest, East London, where he was born on May 2, 1975, and the local sports centre where he played for an under-10s side.
Thomas Whitaker, The Sun
Becks is best
Eight members of England’s soccer squad failed to meet Nelson Mandela as they were tired after the flight to South Africa. Diddums. But David Beckham did and for all the talk of this being yet another photo opportunity, looked endearingly overawed and blushed when the great man asked him where Victoria was. This is where David scores over most other sportsmen - he hasn’t an arrogant bone in his body.
Lorraine Kelly, The Sun
Bet Direct out on a limb over Beckham
What is it with David Beckham and breaking bones at this time of the year? ( His) run of bad luck has prompted Bet Direct to open a market on which one of his arms or legs he will break a bone in next season. It opened yesterday and will close on the same date next year. The odds are right leg 2/1, right arm 3/1, left arm 3/1, left leg 7/2.
Keith Nancarrow, The Sun
I´m so sorry I crocked you, Becks
The man who cracked David Beckham´s thumb-bone is heartbroken - because he is a Manchester United fan. South Africa´s hardman defender Thabang Molefe dreams of one day playing in the Premiership alongside the Old Trafford superstar. But now he is more concerned with making amends after his challenge injured the most famous player in football. Talking exclusively to SunSport, Molefe, 23, said: " I feel sorry for him. I only realised after the match that his thumb was broken. I tried to talk to him but the media were all around him. If I´d spoken to him I would have apologised. I am a United fan. Beckham is a very big player, one of the best in the world." Molefe is calling in a ´ju-ju´ - Zulu medicine man - to make up for his tackle that led to the England skipper breaking his thumb-bone in Thursday´s 2-1 victory.
Andrew Dillon, The Sun
Thumb thing special
It must have been something to meet the most famous person in the world. A man who has faced prejudice and hatred only to then become a statesman, a leader. Yes, Nelson Mandela must have felt truly blessed to finally meet David Beckham. So thrilled indeed that he shook his hand so hard it weakened the young Englishman´s thumb ahead of his football match. Sitting next to him wearing a smile he held his hand while, off camera, they spoke intently. The conversation behind closed doors, however, was something only this column was privy too. Nelson: Pretoria is so beautiful. Becks: Yeh, thanks a lot. She looks a lot better since she´s put a bit of weight back on. Nelson: The divide is one we had to overcome, you know Becks. Becks: I know, but now they are leaving Maine Road and going into a bigger stadium like ours things will be different.
Jimmy Greaves, The Sun
