Inter Milan 'open talks' with Cesc Fabregas as they line up a replacement for Simone Inzaghi - after Italian boss accepted stunning offer from Saudi
Inter Milan have opened talks with Cesc Fabregas as they push forward in their search to replace Simone Inzaghi.
Just three days after their humiliating 5-0 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, Inter confirmed that Inzaghi would be leaving the club.
Inzaghi is expected to accept a lucrative offer to take charge of Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal - who have been in pursuit of the Italian manager for many months.
It seems as though they've finally got their man and, as a result, Inter have been forced to turn their attention elsewhere as they search for a successor.
Reports in Italy claim that Fabregas - who has been Como FC manager since November 2023 - is top of their shortlist and that discussions have already begun.
According to Sky Italy, the former Arsenal midfielder has already turned down an approach from German giants Bayer Leverkusen after Xabi Alonso 's departure.
Fabregas was also targets by Roma however the Italian side opted for Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini instead.
Furthermore, as reported by Gazzetta, Fabregas is keen on the move and the potential career leap that it could provide him - having started out at Como.
The outlet claim that, on Wednesday evening, Fabregas spoke with Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta over the phone to discuss the potential move.
However, there are potential concerns that financial constraints could cause issue for the Serie A giants - which is why they've also shortlisted other names.
The same outlet claim that Cristian Chivu and Patrick Vieira are both also on the shortlist.
Chivu is currently at Parma but has plans to meet with club chiefs regarding his future, now that the current season has ended. Vieira, meanwhile, is manager of Genoa.
Fabregas, meanwhile, first arrived on an interim basis in November 2023 but was offered the full-time role in July 2024.
Since then he has taken charge of 38 matches for the side and, during that, secured promotion from Serie B to Serie A - before securing a 10th place finish this season.
Inter, meanwhile, were blown away by a stunning Paris Saint-Germain performance on Saturday, with the French champions triumphing 5-0 in Munich to win Europe's elite club competition for the first time.
The result completed an agonising end to the season for Inter, who also missed out on the Serie A title to Napoli by just one point.
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Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE The 461-billion dollar wedding: How riches of the Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos' guest list tot up to more than the GDP of South Africa, Bangladesh or Denmark
It has been described as the 'wedding of the century', with Michelin star food, foam parties and more stars than the Oscars. But as 200 VIP guests descended on the the church at Giorgio Maggiore, the one kilometre square island would host a total wealth worth more than the entire GDP of South Africa, Bangladesh or Denmark. Bride and groom Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez alone are worth a staggering $263.8billion, more than the total value of all goods and services produced in New Zealand. And as the world's wealthiest men and women gathered in the 16th-century basilica to celebrate the Amazon mogul's nuptials, they brought together a total wealth of more than $461billion. The GDP of South Africa is a lowly $380billion by comparison - while Denmark is $407billion and Bangladesh is $437billion. Greece, at $243billion, is only just more than half as much. They included tech billionaires, reality TV dynasties and legends of film and TV - who danced away among the glittering Venetian canals until the early hours of this morning. Reportedly costing $20million and stirring fury among the local residents, stars were treated to a $1,000-a-head meal while there was a strict no-phone policy at the 'extremely intimate' affair. Here MailOnline looks at some of the top big-hitters, and how the world's wealthiest man managed to attract more than ten times the wealth needed to end world hunger to the pews of an Italian church: As 200 VIP guests descended on the the church at Giorgio Maggiore, the one kilometre square island would host a total wealth worth more than the entire GDP of South Africa , Bangladesh or Denmark Bezos' $461bn guestlist: Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez: $263.8bn Bill Gates: $117bn Miguel Bezos: $30bn Francois-Henri Pinault: $18.5bn Barry Diller: $4.2bn Josh Kushner: $3.8bn Oprah Winfrey: $3.1bn Domenico Dolce: $2.4bn Stefano Gabbana: $2.4bn Lachlan Murdoch: $2.1bn Kim Kardashian: $1.7bn Sam Altman: $1.7bn Diane von Furstenberg: $1.2bn Jerry Seinfeld: $1.1bn Scooter Braun: $1bn Ari Emanuel: $1bn Jared Kushner: $900m Crown Prince of Jordan, Hussein bin Abdullah: $750m Kylie Jenner: $670m Tom Brady: $530m Tommy Hilfiger: $450m Brian Grazer: $400m Leonardo DiCaprio: $300m Kris Jenner: $200m Ted Sarandos: $200m Usher: $180m Wendy Ding: $100m Gayle King: $80m Barack Obama: $70m Khloe Kardashian: $60m Kendall Jenner: $60m Ivanka Trump: $50m Tony Gonzalez: $50m Orlando Bloom: $40m Karlie Kloss: $40m Sydney Sweeney: $40m Queen Rania of Jordan: $35m Ellie Goulding: $30m Corey Gamble: $15m Jewel Kilcher: $14m Edward Enninful: $9m Sarah Staudinger: $3m Sara Foster: $3m Sarah Jane Nader: $2m Guilherme Siqueira: $1.5m The celebs With glamour and gliz the key factors of the Venice spectacular, hoards of celebrities descended on the historic centre for the big day. Oprah Winfrey, 71, showed off her slimmed-down figure as she travelled across with her pal Gayle King. The TV personality, worth $3.1billion, flaunted her toned curves after dropping the pounds using weight-loss drug Ozempic. Gayle, 70, is herself worth $80million and seems to have been brought as the media mogul's plus one. Orlando Bloom, worth $40million, set pulses racing as he travelled to Venice as one of the world's most eligible bachelors, having recently split from fiancée Katy Perry. The star, whose former partner is putting on a brave face while touring Australia with their daughter Daisy, four, was spotted smiling with a series of glamorous women as he made the most of the celebrations. Jerry Seinfeld, worth $1.1bn, looked smart in black tie as he was seen leaving The Gritti Palace and joining fellow A-list guests on a water taxi alongside his glamorous wife Jessica. DiCaprio, worth $300million, covered his face with a black cap throughout the weekend as he attended the wedding with his stunning girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti The cookbook author beamed in a sparkling gown as they patiently waited outside the 15th century palazzo. Tom Brady, who has a net worth of $530million, risked an awkward-run in with his former flame Brooks Nader as they were both among the flocks of A-listers arriving in Venice. But the NFL star - who is also currently single - was seen enjoying a swim, cocktails and lunch during a lads' day out at the Hotel Cipriani - alongside Bloom, Leonardo DiCaprio, Scooter Braun and Edward Enninful. The group ordered tequila, did laps of the pool and stayed under the radar as they seemed in good spirits at one of Venice's most luxury hotels. DiCaprio, worth $300million, covered his face with a black cap throughout the weekend as he attended the wedding with his stunning girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti. The model, 27, who has been dating the 50-year-old Hollywood actor for two years, was all smiles as she left the Gritti Palace Hotel before being helped into a water taxi in an elegant black dress. And American sweetheart Sydney Sweeney, 27, is said to have stolen the show as a source claimed she was the 'most sought after person' during the festivities. Worth $40million, she confirmed her split from fiancé Jonathan Davino earlier this year. Brady was reportedly seen chatting her up at the hotel bar over the course of the multi-day lavish wedding extravaganza while she wowed guests with her 'down to Earth' and 'fun' personality, in addition to her stunning looks Pregnant Karlie Kloss, worth $40million, exhuded summery glamour as the 32-year-old supermodel also alighted on the Italian city, while expecting her third child by her husband Joshua Kushner The hitmaker, who is worth $30million, looked nothing short of sensational in a plunging nude gown covered in royal blue sequins in an intricate floral pattern Brady was reportedly seen chatting her up at the hotel bar over the course of the multi-day lavish wedding extravaganza while she wowed guests with her 'down to Earth' and 'fun' personality, in addition to her stunning looks. Wearing a strapless pink dress that featured a ruched bodice, she styled her signature blonde locks with beachy waves on the big day. Pregnant Karlie Kloss, worth $40million, exhuded summery glamour as the 32-year-old supermodel also alighted on the Italian city, while expecting her third child by her husband Joshua Kushner. And Ellie Goulding, 38, made an unexpected arrival at the first day of the highly-anticipated three-day nuptials, surprising fans as no connection between her and the bride and groom has been made publicly known. The hitmaker, who is worth $30million, looked nothing short of sensational in a plunging nude gown covered in royal blue sequins in an intricate floral pattern. The reality dynasty The stunning wedding was a prime location for the Kardashians - who united to celebrate their billionaire friends with suitable eccentricity. Late last night as the party wrapped, photographers captured Kim and Khloe Kardashian making a speedy getaway in a waiting water taxi. The bleary-eyed sisters, true to form, posed for the cameras as the boat set sail - throwing up peace signs and making duck faces at the awaiting lenses. A little while later, their supermodel sister Kendall Jenner made her own escape, weaving through the city's canals and posing against the breathtaking backdrop of Italy's finest architecture. This morning Kim and Khloe were spotted wearing casual ensembles as they made a low-key exit from the Italian city, presumably to board a private flight back to Los Angeles. She gave herself a few extra inches in a pair of white stiletto heels as she strutted her stuff to board a boat They both snapped selfies as they made the most of their time in Venice, though they dashed off the next day Kendall Jenner (pictured) made her own escape from the wedding, weaving through the city's canals and posing against the breathtaking backdrop of Italy's finest architecture Their mother Kris, 69, and sisters Kendall, 29, and Kylie, 27, were nowhere in sight as the duo headed out of Venice, as they appeared to be staying in the city for longer. It comes despite the celebrations are far from over, with the festivities slated to continue at the Arsenale di Venezia on Saturday night. The reality star family hit the shops as they celebrated Khloe Kardashian's 41st birthday in Venice. And Kim was mocked as she couldn't seem to stay off her phone, snapping selfies nonstop throughout the day. She even slipped in a sizzling SKIMS promo, flaunting an animal print bikini on social media. Kim Kardashian is worth $1.7billion, with Kylie Jenner close behind at $670million. Kris Jenner has a reported $200million while Kendall and Khloe are worth $60million. The tech billionaires Among the wealthiest guests at the Gates-Sanchez wedding were Jeff's fellow tech billionaires, who made soaring profits from revolutionary new computers and systems. Bill Gates - the inventor of Microsoft and the world's third richest man - was among the masses, lending his $117billion fortune to the total. Before the big day the 69-year-old was spotted in a casual black polo shirt and shorts as he explored the lagoon city with his girlfriend Paula Hurd, 62. For the wedding itself he shed the Silicon Valley-esq dress and looked smart in black tie, mingling outside the church entrance. Third on the rich list is Miguel Bezos - Jeff's adoptive father - who gave their son $245,573 in the mid-1990s as he crowdfunded to start his now-famous online store. Their fortune is now said to be worth £30billion as Amazon rocketed to success. Third on the rich list is Miguel Bezos - Jeff's adoptive father - who gave their son $245,573 in the mid-1990s as he crowdfunded to start his now-famous online store. Pictured: Leaving the Aman Hotel on his wedding day Barry Diller, who founded the internet and media conglomerate IAC, is now worth $4.2billion - with successes including the launch of online travel giant Expedia and The Daily Beast. OpenAI founder Sam Altman also made the list despite being just 40. As one of the leading figures in the AI boom, he has made an estimated $1.7billion. Ted Sarandos, the co-CEO of Netflix, was a further addition, with a less considerable $200million dwarfed by his fellow tech-bros. The fashion moguls Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos is said to have 'gasped' when he set eyes on Lauren Sanchez in her stunning bespoke Dolce & Gabbana gown. So it perhaps made sense that both Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana - both worth $2.4billion - were in attendance to see their creation in action. The elaborate wedding dress contained lacy, floral sleeves, a tight bodice, high neckline, long flowing skirt with an enormous train, and buttons down the front. Dolce looked classy as he attended the wedding, pairing a black jacket and shirt with a statement, bedazzled necklace. Gabbana, dressed down as he left the Gritti Palace, was immaculate in a matching black polo shirt and trousers, with a smart black belt. CEO of Kering Francois-Henri Pinault, who was once married to Hollywood bombshell Salma Hayek, also looked smart in black tie as he paired the look with black sunglasses. Domenico Dolce travels on a boat on the second day of the wedding festivities of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and journalist Lauren Sanchez Gabbana, dressed down as he left the Gritti Palace, was immaculate in a matching black polo shirt and trousers, with a smart black belt CEO of Kering Francois-Henri Pinault, who was once married to Hollywood bombshell Salma Hayek, also looked smart in black tie as he paired the look with black sunglasses Tommy Hilfiger nearly took a tumble during Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding extravaganza in Venice on Friday Read More The WORST dressed celebs from Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos wedding day in Venice Pinault, who is worth $18.5billion, took the reins of his father's retail conglomerate Pinault-Printemps-Redoute in 2005, with the company owning brands including Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci, Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen. Tommy Hilfiger left fellow guests worried as he nearly took a tumble during the celebrations on Friday. The fashion designer, 74, who is worth $450million, tripped while trying to get into a water taxi and narrowly avoided falling into the water in front of the newlyweds and all of their other A-list wedding guests. In the video, he is seen walking ahead of quarterback Tom Brady and chatting with those around him before stumbling and nearly falling face first into the canal. An assistant helped steady the designer who then laughs off the misstep and continues on his way. He appeared to have lost his footing more than once but shrugged it off and threw up a peace sign to onlookers. Ex-editor of British Vogue Edward Enninful, who is worth $9million, was also seen laughing and joking with other celebrities as they enjoyed the long weekend. It comes after a heady week for the title - who today shared the insider interview with new bride Lauren Sanchez. On Thursday, Anna Wintour announced she was stepping down from one of her roles at Vogue after 37 years. The statesmen And among some of the wealthiest in the world, some of the biggest names in global politics. Barack Obama was on the guest list, despite having last year been at loggerheads with the groom over how his plans for space travel will affect the Earth's future. The former President, who is worth a reported $70million, chastised Silicon Valley's huge rocket projects, saying 'I would rather us invest in taking care of this planet here.' Members of the Trump family attended the event, including the First Daughter Ivanka and husband Jared Kushner She threatened to steal the show with a bridal dress that retails for $9,990 Donning the Oscar de la Renta outfit for the rehearsal dinner, she ignited security concerns after she posted a photo of her hotel room number alongside several pictures of herself and husband Jared Kushner in their formal attire The Crown Prince of Jordan, Hussein bin Abdullah also made a rare appearance to go to the Bezos wedding with their baby daughter He was joined in Venice by members of the Trump family, including the First Daughter Ivanka, who threatened to steal the show with a bridal dress that retails for $9,990. Donning the Oscar de la Renta outfit for the rehearsal dinner, she ignited security concerns after she posted a photo of her hotel room number alongside several pictures of herself and husband Jared Kushner in their formal attire. Ivanka is with $50million, while Jared's wealth tops $900million. Jared's younger brother, businessman and investor Josh Kushner who is worth $3.8billion, was also in attendance. Meanwhile, the Crown Prince of Jordan, Hussein bin Abdullah also made a rare appearance to go to the Bezos wedding with their baby daughter. Worth an estimated $750million, the future King of Jordan looked stylish in a relaxed fit as he left the airport while little Iman looked adorable in a special white summer dress.
Metro
2 hours ago
- Metro
Jurgen Klopp breaks silence on Liverpool breaking transfer record to sign Wirtz
Jurgen Klopp has defended Liverpool's decision to break the British transfer record to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. The Premier League champions completed the £100million deal earmier this month and the fee for the22-year-old Germany international could potentially become a British record. There are £16m of add-ons included, which would surpass the existing mark of £115m which Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo in 2023. It is understood Liverpool will be happy to pay these 'aspirational bonuses' as it will mean they have enjoyed considerable success at elite level. Wirtz has signed a five-year contract and the capture of one of Europe's most highly-rated talents is seen as a significant coup for the club having initially faced competition from Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. Leverkusen had valued Wirtz at £126m but a compromise was reached last week, although the up-front fee easily outstrips the £85m deal Liverpool agreed with Benfica in 2022 for Darwin Nunez, who is expected to leave this summer. During his own Anfield reign, Klopp infamously and regularly, cast envious glances at the likes of City and Manchester United and cried foul over their spending power. The former Reds' boss, however, believes his old club are simply moving with the times and is delighted to see them flexing their financial muscle in the transfer market. 'We all agree that we are talking about a great player here, Klopp told Welt. 'I know that I once said that I'm out if we pay £100m for a player. But the world is changing. That's just the way the market is. 'I don't know for which position Arne has planned for Florian exactly. He is an outstanding player who can give something big to any club. 'Whether he will make the reigning English champions even better, however, remains to be seen.' Liverpool, meanwhile, continued their summer spree earlier this week with the addition of Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth. The 21-year-old is the club's third arrival this summer, following Jeremie Frimpong and Wirtz. And with Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili joining next month in a deal done 12 months ago there will be more than £200million of new talent present when pre-season training starts in a fortnight. Kerkez, who links up with fellow Hungary international Dominik Szoboszlai at Anfield, is viewed as the long-term successor to 31-year-old Andy Robertson, who is a target for Atletico Madrid. It is understood the club have no intention of forcing out the Scotland international, who started in 29 of his 33 Premier League appearances last season but is in the final year of his contract. Liverpool new boy Kerkez said: 'I'm really happy. It's a real honour for me, a privilege to come to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world, (the) biggest club in England. I'm just really, really happy and excited. 'After this, I'll go home and in my hometown enjoy a few days, and then I can't really wait to come back and put the training kit on and start to train and prepare for the season.' MORE: Cristhian Mosquera could reject Arsenal and stay at Valencia on one condition MORE: Chelsea star could push for transfer after Arsenal and PSG interest MORE: Benjamin Sesko asking price changes again after Arsenal transfer concerns
The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
Inside the strangest football stadiums in Europe including one beside Hitler's bunker and another with a STEAM TRAIN
FANCY WATCHING a game of football on the side of an active volcano? Or maybe you would prefer the 90-minute experience of sitting high up a mountain pass, perched on a slender goat trail? 25 25 The thing about new grounds these days is that while they cost billions of pounds to build, more often than not they all look the same and lack uniqueness or character. There is something thrilling and wonderful about watching a match played in bizarre or strange surroundings – locations far removed from the pristine, copycat comfort of the Premier League. Author Leon Gladwell went on a two-year voyage to discover and photograph 100 of Europe's wackiest and strangest venues, travelling more than 130,000 miles across 71 trips. He has collected them all into a glossy new book European Football's Greatest Grounds. And SunSport has put together 10 of the most remarkable, bucket-list places on the continent where you can go and watch the Beautiful Game. Campo di Calcio Zuel (Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy) The Trampolino Olimpico, a ski jumping hill in the Dolomites, was opened in 1923 and was used as a venue during the 1956 Winter Olympics. The faded Olympic Rings are still visible from the bottom of the 49-metre high launch ramp. Yet there is no chance of Eddie 'The Eagle' flying over the goalposts because the jump has been closed for 35 years. During the summer months, when the snow has melted, the area below is used for junior football, thanks to the installation of a football pitch by Serie A giants AC Milan. It also has a key place in movie history – it was the scene of a famous ski jump by James Bond in the 1981 film For Your Eyes Only. 25 25 25 Campo Gerini (Rome, Italy) Italian stadiums might look old and rundown but that is part of their charm and romanticism. Anyone who grew up watching the Italia '90 World Cup on TV will instantly recognise some of the famous yet tired arenas that hosted the world's best footballers 35 years ago. One of the nation's quirkiest grounds can be located in its capital Rome, eleven kilometres south-east of the Colosseum, in the second-largest urban park in Europe. Campo Gerini hosts various football factions seven days a week, from junior sides right through to senior matches in Italy's ninth tier. Some of the pitches are located next to a decaying aqueduct built in 50 BC during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Yet the future of the area is in doubt after 40 hectares of land (the equivalent of 60 football pitches) were sold to private individuals, including a supermarket entrepreneur, in 2023. 25 25 Eriskay (Scotland) Eriskay is a remote island in the Outer Hebrides and is barely four kilometres in length. With a population of just 143, it is one of the smallest regions to support a football club. And Barnet's old uphill slope is nothing compared to this imperfect playing surface. The bumpy, bobbly Cnoc Na Monadh pitch, with his wobbly touchlines, has a 'wee hill in the corner' and as such, one of the corner flags is as high as the crossbar. Occasionally, stray sheep might make a beeline for the centre circle and after every winter, groundstaff have to painstakingly remove all the local wildlife's POO. Fifa's World Football Museum gave Eriskay worldwide recognition in 2015, branding it as one of the eight most remarkable places in the world to play football. Post-match drinks can be enjoyed in the island's only pub, Am Politician, which is named after the celebrated shipwreck. 25 25 Feldstrasse (Hamburg, Germany) Hamburg's historic SC Hansa 11 club has a unique claim to fame – it is next door to a gargantuan Nazi-built Second World War BUNKER. Two artificial pitches in this inner-city sports ground are flanked by the astonishing Flakturm IV. This air raid shelter was built in the 1940s under orders from Adolf Hitler to protect the country from Allied air attack. An anti-aircraft gun has long gone from the imposing concrete blockhouse tower and it has since been converted into a public rooftop terrace, which doubles up as a live music venue. On the other side of the ground is the Millerntor-Stadion, which is home to Bundesliga side, FC St. Pauli, a must-see destination for all football hipsters. 25 25 Grigoris Lambrakis Municipal Stadium (Athens, Greece) The best stadiums are not really the ones located off a motorway, far out of town, next to a shopping centre, with ample parking spots. The most interesting ones exist within a deprived community, perhaps next to a housing estate, in a hustling, bustling city, which has been dwarfed by the skyward creep of urbanisation. Athens Kallithea FC's ground, known locally as El Paso, is one such neighbourhood spot and some lucky fans can watch action in Greece's top division from their apartment block windows. Otherwise punters can perch on limestone cliffs that roll around half the pitch, standing behind coils of barbed wire and iron railings. In the mid-1960s, Sergio Leone's spaghetti-western classic For a Few Dollars More, starring Clint Eastwood, was released in Greece under the name Duel in El Paso. Kallithea used that nickname and to this day, they run on to the pitch to the dustbowl strains of Ennio Morricone's haunting score. 25 25 Gryluvollur (Hveragerdi, Iceland) There is no danger of flooding or soggy pitches for Iceland lower-league side FC Hamar. That is because underneath their hillside ground are boiling underground rivers hot enough to cook an EGG. Situated on the slopes of the Grændalur volcano, fumarole vents near the touchline and in neighbouring backyards belch plumes of sulphuric steam into the air. A Gryla geyser lies dormant just 70 metres from the pitch and until the late 1990s, it would often shoot boiling jets of water up to 12 metres high during matches. At least for those who live in this alien landscape in the little village of Hverageroi (which translates as 'hot spring garden'), players can use the gases to steam-dry their match-day kits. 25 25 25 Janosovka (Cierny Balog, Slovakia) Ideally, a football ground needs to have good, reliable transport links – but there is one in Slovakia which takes that concept to its extreme. One slumberous village in Cierny Balog actually has a STEAM TRAIN that passes directly by, just metres from the pitch and only a few feet from one of the grandstands. A busy logging railway used to haul timber up and down the valley for more than 80 miles of narrow gauge track for almost 75 years. These days, it is a heritage railway for tourists but the line goes straight through the ground of this semi-professional club. There are no confirmed accidents involving trains at the ground but the chairman often jokes that a few of his wingers should hop on and off to get them up the line a bit quicker. Yet anyone planning a Rory Delap-style long run-up for their throw-ins might think again… 25 25 Kvarlis Tsentraluri Stadioni (Kvareli, Georgia) Kvareli Duruji FC in Georgia's fifth division play football inside the walls of a medieval CASTLE. The rural 17th-century fortress, which has an iron-studded entrance gate, has wooden grandstands and can house up to 2,500 fans. Legend has it that a player once went down headfirst into a sinkhole that emerged during one match in 1978. That has since been filled in and bricked over but underneath the pitch are tunnels and rooms that were built to store earthenware vessels used for the fermentation and ageing of local wine. When Gladwell went there, a special friendly match was arranged in his honour and his son Noah was allowed to play – even though he ended up missing a key penalty. 25 25 25 Valloyran (Sandavagur, Faroe Islands) Those who live in the Faroe Islands can get to church on time on a Sunday – and then, after their prayers, have a little kickabout next door. One of the country's 26 grounds – in the seaside fishing village of Sandavagur – is overlooked by a beautiful red-roofed wooden church and cemetery. There are so few seats that it is essentially standing room only around this tiny football field – but you could choose to watch from your car given how close you can park behind one of the goals. The artificial pitch ensures few games are called off but spectators have to wrap up warm in the face of the fierce Faroese weather. 25 Yenisehir Stadyumu (Gumushane, Turkey) The city of Gumushane, which is 3,970ft above sea level, lies on the ancient Silk Road, the historic trade route from China to Turkey. To reach their football club, you have to endure a hair-raising zig-zagging journey along the Zigana Pass in the Pontic Mountains. Fans can either watch from the grandstands or, to avoid buying a ticket, find a spot up on the uphill goat paths. Pity the poor groundsman who has to work with a pitch that sees little sunlight due to the towering walls of red rock that encircle the ground. It is one of the most remote places to visit in Europe, several hours outside of Black Sea resort Trabzon, but also one of the most special. 25 25
