Long have there been scandals revolving certain football players and their age. There was Joseph Minala back in 2014, a Lazio 17-year-old youth player who came under investigation after claims that he was in his 40s.
Then there is Chelsea superstar Diego Costa, who some until this day refuse to believe that he is only 27-year-old, as the Spaniard’s appearance hints otherwise.
Now another player’s age has come under question, and he is none other than Renato Sanches. He is one of the hottest young players out there in European football right now and the starlet of Portugal at UEFA Euro 2016.
The former Benfica midfielder made a name for himself in the Primeira Liga, but saw himself catapulted to fame after he emerged as a target for both Manchester United and Bayern Munich. The 18-year-old eventually signed for the German Bundesliga's powerhouse.
According to Guy Roux, the former legendary coach of Auxerre, Sanches could in fact be five to six years older than his current age. Speaking to Romanian TV channel Dolce Sport (as per Record), Roux said:
"He says he is 18 years old ... But I think we should look at his past. His date of birth was declared years later, because that date is not true. I believe it’s [his age] 23 or 24 years. But he is a very good player.”
It remains unknown whether an official investigation will be opened to determine Sanches’ age as was the case with Joseph Minala, but one thing is certain: the Bayern Munich ace will continue to play for Portugal and will be focused on dazzling on the field of play against Wales in the semis.
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