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FOOTBALL

Big Ben on the move

Some footballers get more attention off the pitch than on it, for better or worse, and Danish international Nicklas Bendtner is no exception.

Big Ben on the move
While he's waiting on a club to call, Bendtner is currently playing the role of football pundit on national television. Photo: Mads Nissen/STF

Danish footballer Nicklas Bendtner joined Arsenal as a 16-year-old and now, ten years later, he is on the verge of a very important career move as his contract with the Gunners expired this summer.

Big Ben, as the tall Dane has become known in England, has tallied 47 goals for Arsenal and an amazing 24 goals in 56 appearances for the Danish national team. Bendtner, who was brought to London by long-time Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, has struggled to hold down a key role during his Arsenal career, competing with the likes of Thierry Henry, Robin van Persie, Emmanuel Adebayor and Oliver Giroud. Now the Dane is looking to get his career back on track elsewhere.

Rumours have been rampant regarding Bendtner's imminent future, but his high salary demand, own expectations and a shortage of relevant suitors have left his future uncertain. With the World Cup about to close, and the top leagues' pre-season preparations ready to commence, time may be running out for Bendtner.  

According to media reports, the striker is now in talks with several potential clubs. Two in particular, Premier League outfit Aston Villa and Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt, both seem to be very keen to sign the Dane.

Despite his several headline-grabbing shenanigans off the pitch, Bendtner is still seen as a splendid striker and great team player who, when on form, will bag in loads of goals everywhere. After all, his Denmark international numbers don't lie. 

You can watch 45 of his 47 Arsenal-goals here: 

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RACISM

VIDEO: Spain’s La Liga reviews video of boy racially abusing Vinicius

Spain's La Liga on Monday said it was reviewing a video of a child making racist insults towards Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior during the 2-2 draw with Valencia at the weekend.

VIDEO: Spain's La Liga reviews video of boy racially abusing Vinicius

“We’re in the process of studying and analysing the facts from a legal standpoint to see what we can and should do,” La Liga sources said.

In a video published by a journalist for ESPN Brasil, and picked up by Spanish media, a boy sitting in a woman’s lap can be heard calling Vinicius a “monkey”.

The Brazilian scored twice for Madrid as his team recovered from two goals down at Mestalla on Saturday.

Vinicius raised his fist in a “Black Power” salute after the first of his two goals at a ground where he was racially abused last season. Valencia subsequently banned three people from the stadium for life.

The 23-year-old has become a symbol of the fight against discrimination in Spanish football after suffering racist abuse on many occasions, and he was jeered repeatedly by home supporters on Saturday.

Jude Bellingham was sent off after the final whistle against Valencia for protesting after the referee blew the final whistle right before the England midfielder headed home what he thought was the winning goal.

READ ALSO: Football star Vinicius highlights racist behaviour from Spanish fans

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