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10 reasons why we all love the Bearded Gent

It’s the Italian superstar’s birthday today but we didn’t really need much of an excuse to show his panenka.

1o. Because footballers with beards are better than footballers without beards


Image: John Walton/EMPICS Sport

9. And he got emotional when he wasn’t allowed have one


GIF: Tumblr/Colonel Mustard

8. He understands the science of the game


Image: Fabrizio Giovannozzi/AP/Press Association Images

7. But prefers its artistry

Ash102HD / YouTube

6. His team-mates realise he can probably walk on water

A player of his level and ability, not to mention that he was free, I think was the signing of the century. [On Sunday] I thought God exists because it’s truly embarrassing just how good he is – Gianluigi Buffon

5. But that doesn’t mean he’s afraid to mix it with the toughest of opponents


Image: INPHO/Getty Images

4. He’s been known to enjoy a glass of red wine


GIF: The Football Ramble

3. And can make a mean cappuccino


Image: Tumblr: La Vecchia Signora

2. He did this against England in a penalty shoot-out

YouTube: renzochoclot

1. And didn’t call his autobiography ‘My Story’, opting instead for ‘I think, therefore I play’


GIF: Tumblr/Gifbuffet

A version of this piece was originally published on 19 May 2013

Manchester City players celebrated Roberto Mancini’s sacking – reports

Alex Ferguson raring to go in his final Manchester United match

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    Mute Tamagotchi
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    Apr 15th 2018, 6:27 PM

    I’m sure Sweden’s current strikers who got them there are delighted.

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    Mute Professional Chef
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    Apr 15th 2018, 6:28 PM

    Just when you thought he couldn’t become more unlikeable,

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    Mute Caoimhin O'Murchadha
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    Apr 15th 2018, 6:44 PM

    Disrespectful to his fellow pros and arrogance beyond belief!

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    Mute Mike
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    Apr 15th 2018, 6:46 PM

    @Caoimhin O’Murchadha: We’re all just speculating. What’s the view in Sweden I wonder?

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    Mute Caoimhin O'Murchadha
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    Apr 15th 2018, 7:04 PM

    @Mike: No matter what way you look at it Mike he’s taking a seat on the plane that he didn’t earn, no Swedish player is going to call him out over it though because he has legendary status over there, he was a fantastic player for them over the years but this is unfair.

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    Mute james heffernan
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    Apr 15th 2018, 11:08 PM

    @Mike: Studying abroad and have met a lot of swedes and they would all welcome him back. He’s a hero in their eyes, the greatest ever swede.

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    Mute Gary Dunne
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    Apr 16th 2018, 11:09 AM

    @Caoimhin O’Murchadha: Any player in the squad earns their place. He’ll hardly be the only player to not feature regularly or at all in qualifying to be in a World Cup squad.

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    Mute David Linehan
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    Apr 15th 2018, 7:00 PM

    They’ve qualified purely down to the fact that he wasn’t there. They’re a team without him.

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    Mute al
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    Apr 15th 2018, 8:32 PM

    I’d never wish an injury on any sports player, but I wouldn’t be surprised if a few of the Swedish strikers might be getting a few voodoo dolls. Absolute awful behaviour from Zlatan and from the coaching staff if they allow him.

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    Mute Tony Mcgrath
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    Apr 15th 2018, 8:08 PM

    My guess he won’t be picked

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    Mute Sloop John G
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    Apr 16th 2018, 9:44 AM

    Must be a slow news day. This article was first posted at 6.15pm yesterday and the article about Man United’s loss to West Brom was posted at 5.50pm yet these are the top 2 stories on 42 this morning having been re-posted. Bad journalism. You need to do better.

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