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First a message from our editor, James Andrew:
When Bukayo Saka took the long, lonely walk to the penalty area at the Dusseldorf Arena to strike Englands third spot-kick against Switzerland at Euro 2024, the nation held its collective breath. Memories of his missed penalty against Italy three years ago were still fresh in everyones minds, along with the awful abuse he was subsequently subjected to. Many feared the pressure that he might be feeling.
After two deep breaths and a short run-up, though, Saka calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net, sending Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer the wrong way. There was no screaming or outpouring of emotion, as wed seen from Stuart Pearce when he scored from the spot against Spain at Euro 96, following his miss at the 1990 World Cup. In contrast, Saka was composed. Of course I know there were a lot of nervous people watching, my family included, he said afterwards. But I kept my cool and I scored.
What happened at Wembley in 2021 would have weighed many players down, but not Saka. Aged just 23, hes proved to be a key cog in both Arsenal and Englands wheels the heights that he can go on and achieve are limitless. In this issue, we look at the rise and rise of Arsenals Starboy. Enjoy the mag.
James
Love always wins
It was with those words Bukayo Saka signed off his message to fans after Euro 2020 Final penalty heartbreak led to despicable racist abuse. Arsenals adored winger has spent three years silencing such attacks legends, fans and those whove worked with him explain how.
The madness of Boehlys Chelsea
Todd Boehlys consortium took charge of Chelsea in the summer of 2022 but whats followed has been a dizzying revolving door of players and managers, leading to disappointing results and discontent in the stands. If only hed been allowed to play 4-4-3
Premier League newbies profiled
Englands leading lights bolstered their squads before the window closed including a gap-toothed sharp-shooter and a starlet whose move prompted protests at his old club.
Between The Lines
Gianluigi Lentini became the worlds most expensive player after joining Milan for �13 million in 1992 in his own words, the ex-winger reflects on a reluctant transfer and the car accident that nearly claimed his life.
The best stadiums in the world
FFT ranks the globes finest football arenas, factoring in aesthetics, atmosphere and history.
Beware the Killer Kids
Estudiantes beat Manchester United to become world champions after perfecting the dark arts but a year later, and 55 years ago this month, the Argentine clubs most brutal fixture was the beginning of the end.
After battling the disease himself, Mick Harford tells FFT how he has joined forces with Viv Anderson, Grant McCann and more for a fundraising drive this October.
David Pleat answers YOUR questions
The former Luton and Tottenham manager tackles your posers about Morecambe and Wise, pitch invasions, Di Canio, Dele Alli, receiving flowers from Sir Elton John and much more.
Tactically speaking
Adam Clery takes to the Subbuteo table again to outline how Kylian Mbappe will fit into Real Madrids style of play, why Ilkay Gundogan was the perfect replacement for Ilkay Gundogan at Manchester City and the late Sven-Goran Erikssons impact on England.
Around the grounds in the EFL, non-league and Scotland
Charlton boss Nathan Jones talks promotion aims at The Valley, looks back on spells at Luton and Southampton and reveals how playing in Spains second tier shaped his career.
The Lost Celtic: Belfast Celtic were behemoths of the Northern Irish game before the Second World War until a violent pitch invasion led to their demise.
In Best & Worst, St Johnstone supporter Danny Williams discusses finger-lickin defenders and the spirit of Marco van Basten.
From Top to Bottom: Non-league football is littered with former Premier League stars this term and were talking very non-league.
The Brady Bunch: Despite Birmingham dropping into League One, Blues are bouncing again with an NFL legend in on the action.
The Mixer
Our selection of footballs swishest stuff includes Thomas Mullers space boots, strapless goalkeeper gloves, Oasis-themed apparel and a review of our recent peep inside Puma HQ.
Seen something you want to get in The Mixer? DM Deputy Editor Matt Ketchell
Upfront
Playing off the last defender, its the big-man little-man partnership of football and funnies
Ex-Liverpool defender Markus Babbel names the games that changed his life, while FFT columnist Jules Breach gives us the inside track on new Brighton gaffer Fabian Hurzeler.
Theres our latest quiz on Big Sam, Mia Hamm and the Kassam Stadium, while comedian Justin Moorhouse recalls being offered a Jammie Dodger by Eric Cantona in My Football.
Plus, we debate whether the Saturday 3pm TV blackout should be scrapped, learn about sombrero football and discover why Norwegian drug-testers sought samples from the dead.
In the Players Lounge this month
Duncan Ferguson admits he still feels aggrieved about having to do jail time in Scotland, Sebastien Bassong remembers slapping old pal Hatem Ben Arfa mid-match and Shola Ameobi opens up about constantly playing second fiddle to Alan Shearer at Newcastle.
Perfect XI
Ian Harte, who possessed one of the finest left pegs in Premier League history, puts together a no-nonsense team from his time starring for Leeds and the Republic of Ireland...
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