Month: March 2014

In 2009, Federico Macheda made his Manchester United debut in one of the most memorable ways possible: by executing a drag-back turn and scoring a goal against visiting Aston Villa to help the Red Devils clinch top spot in the Premier League.

That one goal propelled the then-17-year-old striker into the spotlight. He even got invited to two of his teammates’ famous haunts – the exclusive Manchester casinos 235 and The Circle Club. Unfortunately (or fortunately) for Macheda, he was refused entry to both. Apparently, Man Utd legend and then-manager Sir Alex Ferguson had phoned ahead to remind casino security that he was still a few months shy of his 18th birthday.

It’s no secret that some of the world’s top athletes love to gamble. Michael Jordan, arguably the best basketball player ever, has long been known as a casino patron who enjoys table and card games. Top tennis pro Rafa Nadal has taken to poker like a fish takes to water, even becoming a sponsored player in the process.

Naturally, football players are no exception. The Red Devils, in particular, have made a reputation for themselves as high rollers. In 2008, for example, The Mirror reported that Wayne Rooney lost £65,000 at the 235 casino in a mere two hours. Word has it that a dozen Man Utd players have also collectively racked up losses totaling to £250,000 at the same casino when they celebrated Rio Ferdinand’s birthday.

Perhaps the most high-profile Man Utd player in the world of poker is former Red Devil forward Teddy Sheringham, who caught the bug while still an active player. Once he retired, Sheringham finally had time to play and eventually became a semi-professional poker player. In 2009, he took 14th place in the World Series of Poker Europe tournament against a field of big-name pros.

It’s not just the players, either. Even management got involved last year through Partypoker’s Road to Old Trafford event, a three-day tournament that let fans display their poker skills right in the Red Devils’ stomping grounds and rub shoulders with Man Utd legends. Fittingly enough, the winner of the tournament was Sam Trickett, a former youth football star aiming for a spot in the Man Utd roster before an injury led to him becoming a professional poker player.

Macheda, however, doesn’t seem to have quite caught the same gambling bug that has infected most Man Utd players. In an interview with The Daily Mail last year, he revealed that going out and partying to his heart’s content is not his style. “I am not a guy who has to go out every weekend,” he said “I like to stay home and concentrate on the football.” At least if he ever does decide to drop by a casino now he won’t be refused entry due to his age.

Celtic have rejected suggestions that Federico Macheda could be set for a summer move to Scotland. Neil Lennon has been reportedly looking at the Manchester United striker, who has just a few months left on his contract.

The club only recently signed Neil Griffiths as a replacement for Gary Hooper, who was sold to Norwich city in the summer. However, it has been rumoured that Celtic are looking for someone who can be a backup to Griffiths. Macheda may prove to be a good signing for the club since he will be on a free transfer.

However, the youngster has been at a club where he is used to do winning trophies. After spending a few years at clubs like QPR and Sampdoria, Macheda finally seems to have found the best club for his style of football at Birmingham. He has been an impressive player for the blues since joining the loan deal a few months ago.

Celtic are also set to lose Greek striker Giorgios Samaras, which will be another blow to the team. The future of goalkeeper Fraser Forster has also been under speculation with the England international reportedly eyeing a move to the Premier league in the hope of securing a national team spot.

Lennon, though, has dismissed the rumours by stating that there is no truth in them.

“There is nothing in that story at all. We have been aware of his availability over previous transfer windows but have not pursued that. You never say never but it is just wild speculation at the minute. We have an extensive list of players that we are looking at with a view to bringing here in the summer. We are certainly looking at four or five positions. I am pretty sure that players will be leaving in the summer,” said Lennon.