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    I’m a former Man Utd star – I was more worried about meeting my wife for the first time than before World Cup final

    FORMER Manchester United star Bastian Schweinsteiger has played in the final of the Champions League, World Cup and Euros.But he was more nervous when meeting his now wife for the first time than he was prior to some of the biggest matches in world football.
    Bastian Schweinsteiger played for United from 2015 to 2016Credit: AFP or licensors
    He is married to ex-tennis champion Ana IvanovicCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The couple met in New York after being set up by a mutual friendCredit: Instagram @bastianschweinsteiger
    Schweinsteiger won 18 trophies during a glittering spell with Bayern Munich as well as the World Cup with Germany in 2014 and FA Cup with United two years after.
    And his wife Ana Ivanovic has an equally impressive collection of accolades.
    The former tennis world No1 has 15 career titles to her name, including one Grand Slam at the French Open in 2008.
    Sports worlds collided when Schweinsteiger and Ivanovic were set up by his basketball pal Steffen Hamann in New York.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    The retired German footballer explained to Bild that he was extremely anxious before meeting Ana.
    But he had a code word either – “come on, let’s go for a walk together” or “okay, see you later, Steffen” – depending on how first impressions went the Serbian tennis ace.
    Schweinsteiger said: “I wasn’t that good at English when we met, so I listened to Ana a lot at the beginning.
    “I was a bit on the defensive and saw what was coming.”
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    Schweinsteiger says it was love at first sightCredit: Instagram @anaivanovic
    The couple are expecting their third childCredit: AFP
    “It was love at first sight. You feel special moments and you can recognise them when you look deeply into someone’s eyes – that’s exactly how it was with me.”
    The couple tied the knot in Venice in 2016 and the combative midfielder showed his softer side with a romantic proposal.
    He revealed: “In London there are small parks that are only accessible to local residents and then I secretly rented the park from the film called Notting Hill.
    “Of course I knew that Ana was extremely curious and when we walked past the gate ajar, I said to her: ‘Come on. We’ll see.’
    “And then we went in there and then I asked her. This came as a complete surprise to her.
    “I was able to score a few points with her family by asking Ana’s father for her hand in marriage in Serbian.
    “I flew to Belgrade and asked.”
    The power couple have two sons together and are expecting a third kid soon.
    Schweinsteiger is currently being coached tennis by his wife and he jokes that he is getting blown off the court by Ana, who is putting in 30 per cent effort.
    Bastian Schweinsteiger won the World Cup with Germany in 2014Credit: Getty Images – Getty
    Ana Ivanovic is a former world No1Credit: Alamy More

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    Who is Joey Barton’s partner Georgia McNeil?

    JOEY Barton and his wife were childhood sweethearts.The former Manchester City and Newcastle star regularly causes controversy by sharing his unpopular opinions online.
    Joey Barton with his partner Georgia McNeilCredit: Instagram
    On December 7, 2023, the former Manchester City star claimed in a X, formally known as Twitter, tirade that women were not qualified to talk about men’s game.
    However, he shares much less about his partner and his private life.
    Who is Joey Barton’s partner Georgia McNeil? 
    Barton married his childhood sweetheart in a lavish ceremony in 2019 at a country house in Oxfordshire.
    How many children do Joey and Georgia have? 
    The couple have two children together – a son born in 2011 and a daughter born in 2014.
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    Who is Joey Barton?
    Barton is a former footballer who played for teams including Manchester City, Newcastle, QPR and Rangers in a 15-year career.
    Barton started his career with Manchester City in 2002 after going through their youth system and went on to make 150 appearances for the club.
    He then moved to Newcastle United in a £5.8million transfer in July 2007 before leaving for Queens Park Rangers in August 2011.
    The midfielder was then put on loan to French side Marseille during the 2012-13 season before making his way to Burnley for one season – helping promote them to the Premier League.
    Most read in Football
    Barton made one appearance for England in 2007 – despite criticising some of his fellow players.
    The footballer then began his management career with Fleetwood Town in June 2018 after a stint at Rangers.
    He moved to current club Bristol Rovers in February 2021. More

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    Who is Nicki Shields? TNT Sports Formula E presenter starring alongside Jermaine Jenas

    NICKI Shield is the television presenter best known as the Formula E pit reporter.But who is she, and what do we know about her career?
    Formula E presenter Nicki Shields gave birth to her third child in August, 2023
    Who is Nicki Shields? 
    Nicola Shields was born on November 1, 1985, and is better known as Nicki. 
    She was born and raised in Twickenham, in west London, along with her brother. 
    Despite growing up competing in go-karting events, in a motorsports-mad family, Nicki took the academic path. 
    Nicki studied Biological and Zoological Sciences at the University of Bristol, graduating in 2007. 
    Most read in motorsports
    She then took a job in finance at UBS, before leaving after just a year to start her own social media company. 
    Nicki’s new business led her to start her presenting career at science and technology events, which led to television opportunities. 
    What TV shows has Nicki Shields presented? 
    Nicki’s television career started in 2012, with a role presenting The Gadget Show Live. 
    The following year, she presented Escape to the Country on BBC, before she made the move to motorsports presenting, at Silverstream TV. 
    Most read in Motorsport
    Nicki went on to present Sky Sports F1’s Formula Kart Stars.
    Then in 2016, she started working as a pit-lane reporter for the FIA Formula E Championship, which later moved to ITV.
    In December 2023, it was announced that the former Tottenham and England midfielder Jermaine Jenas will be joining Nicki as the new host of the Formula E coverage, which will be moving from Channel 4 to TNT Sports next season. 
    Rumours that Jermaine may be given the job were circulating from November 2023, after MOTDx was axed by the BBC. 
    Since 2014, Nicki has presented for Goodwood TV. 
    She also presents a series on CNN called Supercharged, which focuses on Formula E. 
    Is Nicki Shields married and does she have children?
    Nicki married her long-term boyfriend Mark Sainthill in Ibiza, and now lives in west London.
    The pair tied to knot after four years together, and have three children together.
    Their eldest, Arthur, was born in 2019, followed by brother Orlando, born in 2021. 
    The couple welcomed their third child, Alyra, in August 2023. 
    Nicki worked until near the very end of her pregnancy. 
    She posted a video of herself presenting while heavily pregnant with her 52.2k Instagram followers, adding: 
    “I did work until 39 weeks pregnant which I know isn’t the norm but I felt good and the baby was developing well, so I felt happy to continue…
    “And made sure I had a nice hot bath at the end of every day towards the end!”
    Read more on The Sun
    When Alyra arrived in August 2023, Nicki wrote on Instagram: “I can’t quite believe it. Am I really a mum of three?
    “It feels so surreal saying that out loud. I’m sure it was only yesterday we were getting married in Ibiza, partying without a care in the world!” More

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    Who is Kate Abdo’s husband Ramtin Abdo?

    KATE Abdo is one of the most recognised football presenters in the world.Therefore, it comes as no surprise that fans of the sports broadcaster are keen to know more about her life off camera – including her marriage to husband Ramtin Abdo.
    Kate Abdo pictured in May 2023Credit: Getty
    Who is Kate Abdo’s husband Ramtin Abdo?
    English sports broadcaster, Kate Abdo, is married to businessman and investor Ramtin Abdo.
    Born in Manchester under the maiden name Giles, she took her husband Ramtin Abdolmajid’s surname – shortened to Abdo – when they wed.
    Aside from this, not much is known about the couple’s relationship, with the pair keeping their romance private from the public eye.
    When did Kate Abdo and Ramtin Abdo get married?
    In October 2023, fans were left in hysterics at Thierry Henry’s reaction after Kate Abdo joked that she was getting engaged.
    Read More on Kate Abdo
    The CBS Sports host and the Arsenal legend were joined by Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards as usual on Champions League nights, when the presenter revealed at the start of the show that she had a big announcement.
    There were audible gasps from Carragher before he quipped: “Are you getting engaged?”
    Abdo responded: “Yes, I am getting engaged, he doesn’t know yet.”
    However, it was only a joke as glamorous Kate is already married, having tied the knot to her husband Ramtin in 2010.
    Most read in Football
    But as she made the gag, the cameras quickly cut to Henry – and some fans were convinced that he looked gutted.
    One said: “He almost threw up on the table,” while a second added: “He looks mortified.”
    What does Ramtin Abdo do for a living?
    As mentioned above, Ramtin Abdo is a businessman and investor.
    According to various reports, Ramtin has an estimated net worth of £10million.
    Kate on the other hand has also managed to amass an impressive fortune thanks to her successful career.
    The sports broadcaster is reported to have an estimated net worth of £2million – thanks to a job that has taken her all over the world.
    Kate began her broadcasting career in Germany covering the Bundesliga as a production assistant and has since worked in the UK, Spain, France, and the United States.
    Because of this, she speaks fluent French, German and Spanish.
    So, including English, multilingual Kate speaks an impressive FOUR languages – and she’s previously impressed fans with her skills live on air.
    During a show in November 2022, Kate and her ex-football star co-hosts were shown Champions League interviews by PSG star Kylian Mbappe, Federico Valverde of Real Madrid, and RB Leipzig boss Marco Rose.
    Kate then effortlessly translated the questions and answers from all three for the English-speaking viewers – earning the star a fist-bump from Thierry Henry.
    Read More on The Sun
    Meanwhile, Micah Richards said: “Wow, Kate! Three interviews, three languages!
    “The first one French, second one Spanish, third German. Das ist gut, Ja!” More

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    Who is Tony Mowbray’s wife Amber?

    FORMER football boss Tony Mowbray is married to wife Amber.But who is she and who was Mowbray’s first wife Bernadette? From his married life to his family life – here’s everything you need to know.
    Tony Mowbray pictured before the Sky Bet Championship match between Millwall and Sunderland in December 2023Credit: Getty
    Who is Tony Mowbray’s wife Amber?
    Former English professional footballer and manager Tony Mowbray wed wife Amber in June 2001 – after first meeting in Ipswich.
    Despite being married to a man in the media, Amber appears to prefer to keep her private life out of the spotlight, with not information publicly known about Mowbray’s wife.
    How many children does Tony Mowbray have with Amber?
    Tony Mowbray and Amber are the parents of three children.
    In September 2022, Mowbray shared a glimpse into life with his children, after joking that his teenage son wasn’t too pleased about his managerial move to Sunderland.
    Read More on Tony Mowbray
    Mowbray replaced Alex Neil in the Stadium of Light Hot Seat in August 2022.
    After taking the Sunderland job, Mowbray joked: ”I’m delighted to be here, I have to say though my 13-year-old son who sits in the south stand at the Riverside Stadium isn’t too happy, but he will come around I’m sure.
    ”To be honest, I think all my mates are pleased for me. Everybody knows what an amazing football club this is and what an amazing opportunity.
    ”Everybody puts smiley emojis on that they wish us the best… after Monday night next week. That’s the way football works sometimes!”
    Most read in Sport
    In December 2023, Sunderland sacked boss Tony Mowbray despite being just three points off the play-offs.
    Who was Tony Mowbray’s first wife Bernadette?
    Prior to his romance to Amber, Mowbray was married to his first wife Bernadette – who tragically passed away during his playing days with Celtic.
    Mowbray lost his wife Bernadette to breast cancer at the start of 1995.
    In June 2020, Mowbray opened up on his emotional departure from Celtic, following the passing of his wife.
    He said: ”I was in Glasgow and (Ipswich manager) George Burley had been phoning.
    ”It was a difficult time for me because I had just lost my wife to breast cancer and I was trying to resurrect my football career. I was trying to get back on the grass and play for Celtic.
    ”George kept phoning and there were some days I wouldn’t take his call and would think ‘it’s George Burley from Ipswich, again’.
    ”I wasn’t ready to move away and was visiting a grave every day for six months of my life with flowers. It was such a difficult decision for me to move on with my life.
    ”I didn’t make that decision because it was George or because it was Ipswich, it was more because it was a place such a long, long way away and I’d decided a clean break would be best for me.
    ”So going from the north west of Scotland to the south east of England seemed like a good idea. I went to Ipswich with great sadness and I was lost, really.
    ”I was on my own and Ipswich helped me get my love of football back. Once I made my mind up I was coming I gave it everything I had. I anticipated being there only a few years because you don’t know how long you will play for.
    Read More on The Sun
    ”I had a manager who trusted me and team-mates who were a pleasure to play with. We achieved some great things.
    ”I met the next love of my life in Ipswich, married her and now we have three great kids. So Ipswich will always be in my heart.” More

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    Who is Kurt Zouma’s wife Sandra Zouma?

    SANDRA Zouma is the wife of West Ham ace and French international Kurt Zouma.But who is she and when did the couple tie the knot? From Kurt Zouma’s married life off the pitch to his beloved brood – here’s everything you need to know about the couple and their children.
    Kurt Zouma pictured alongside his wife SandraCredit: Instagram
    Who is Kurt Zouma’s wife Sandra Zouma?
    French footballer Kurt Zouma is married to wife Sandra Zouma.
    As a successful sports star, Kurt Zouma was appointed as West Ham captain at the start of the 2023/24 season.
    The central defender accumulated two Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions’ League winner’s medal and one EFL Cup winner’s medal during a seven-year career with Chelsea prior to moving across London to join the Hammers in 2021.
    The couple first met when they were a pair of teenagers in Lyon and later wed in 2012.

    According to her official Instagram bio, Sandra Zouma is the CEO of ‘’KZ24 Limited’’ and is currently based in London.
    In December 2023, both Kurt and his wife were left terrified after armed raiders broke into their family home and escaped with £100,000 in cash and jewellery.
    The gang ransacked the West Ham captain’s house after striking over the weekend while he was at home with his young family.
    Police raced to the detached £3million home – on an exclusive street where well-heeled neighbours hire private security – and stayed with the family for hours after the raid.
    Most read in Football
    The robbers are understood to have escaped with jewellery including high-end watches.
    West Ham has since revealed the club is offering a £25,000 reward for information leading to the gang’s capture.
    In a statement, the club said: “West Ham United has offered a £25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of burglars who broke into defender Kurt Zouma’s home on the eve of the Club’s Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace this weekend.
    “Kurt’s home was broken into on Saturday while all his family were in the house, leaving everyone present extremely distressed. While thankfully no one was harmed, it was a traumatic experience for the West Ham United defender, his wife and their young family. 
    “The burglars took items of significant value and of huge personal and sentimental importance to the family.
    “The West Ham United family continue to offer Kurt’s family their full support.”
    Essex Police told The Sun: “We were called shortly after 11.50pm on Saturday 2 December to reports of a burglary in west Essex.
    “It was reported suspects had gained entry to an address, before taking items including jewellery and watches.
    “Our investigation into this incident is continuing.”
    The star is the latest in a long line of footballers, including Raheem Sterling, Paul Pogba and Joao Cancelo, to be targeted by professional robbery gangs.
    How many kids do Kurt and Sandra Zouma have?
    Kurt and Sandra are the proud parents of four children.
    Their youngest child was born in July 2023.
    Aside from this information, not much else is known about Zouma’s brood, however, the footballer does occasionally share a glimpse into his life as a father with fans and followers on social media.
    Read More on The Sun
    In May 2023, the West Ham ace shared a sweet snap alongside Sandra and their offspring and wrote: ‘’Family comes always first @sandrazouma ,’’ followed by a number of red heart emojis.
    Similarly, Sandra also shares a glimpse into motherhood and married life with followers over on her Instagram channel – where she regularly posts sweet family snaps, pictures taken during trips to sun soaked holiday destinations and days out with the children watching Zouma take to the pitch for West Ham. More

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    Thibaut Courtois’ model wife Mishel looks sensational on red carpet as she puts on busty display in low-cut top

    MISHEL GERZIG looked sensational as she made a red carpet appearance alongside her husband Thibaut Courtois.The couple were attending GQ’s Men of the Year awards at the Casa de Campo in Madrid.
    Mishel Gerzig stunned on the red carpetCredit: Getty
    She was joined by her husband Thibaut CourtoisCredit: Getty
    Courtois, 31, rocked a black tuxedo with an open-collar matching shirt.
    But it was wife Mishel, 26, who stole the show as she donned a low-cut striped top.
    The Israeli model paired the top with an oversized black jacket, trousers and a pair of high heels.
    They posed for photos together on the red carpet before going into the gala.
    READ MORE ON WAGS
    They were joined by Courtois’ Real Madrid team-mate Eder Militao who also made an appearance.
    The couple are often spotted attending events together as they recently appeared at the premiere of internet sensation Maria Pombo’s documentary movie.
    They started dating in 2021 and got engaged in 2022.
    The pair tied the knot in Cannes, France earlier this year.
    Most read in Football
    They were attending the GQ Men of the Year awardsCredit: The Mega Agency
    The gala was held at the Casa de Campo in MadridCredit: Splash
    Mishel stunned in a low-cut topCredit: Splash
    Eder Militao was pictured with Stefanie Diaz at the glitzy eventCredit: Getty
    They celebrated their marriage with a honeymoon on the luxury South Pacific island of Bora Bora.
    Mishel had her hen do on a boat as she was joined by her friends to enjoy the sun.
    Courtois was spotted dressed up as a Super Mario character as he jetted off with pals for his pre-wedding trip.
    Mishel enjoys a travel-filled lifestyle which she shows off on her Instagram account for her adoring 766,000 followers.
    Scroll down for more pictures of Mishel…
    Thibaut Courtois and Mishel Gerzig are marriedCredit: Instagram @mishelgerzig
    They honeymooned in Bora BoraCredit: Instagram @mishelgerzig
    Mishel often stuns on the red carpetCredit: Rex
    Mishel started dating Courtois in 2021Credit: Instagram @mishelgerzig
    She works as a modelCredit: https://www.instagram.com/mishelgerzig/?hl=en
    She has built up a large online fanbaseCredit: Instagram @mishelgerzig
    Mishel has 766k followers on InstagramCredit: https://www.instagram.com/mishelgerzig/?hl=en
    She often posts pictures of herself on holidayCredit: https://www.instagram.com/mishelgerzig/?hl=en
    She is a fan of a bikiniCredit: Instagram @mishelgerzig More

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    Inside England legend Terry Venables’ relationship with wife Yvette – from meeting in his Dad’s boozer to courtroom woes

    ENGLAND legend Terry Venables leaves behind his wife Yvette after a 32-year-long marriage.Tributes have flooded in for Euro 96 boss Venables after he died at the age of 80 following a long illness.
    Terry Venables and his wife Yvette toasting his appointment as England managerCredit: Rex
    The couple at home with Terry’s childrenCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Yvette managed Terry’s Kensington dining clubCredit: Rex
    The couple at the memorial service for Bobby Moore in 1993Credit: Rex
    Yvette called Terry the man of her dreamsCredit: Rex
    His family said: “We are totally devastated by the loss of a wonderful husband and father who passed away peacefully yesterday after a long illness.
    “We would ask that privacy be given at this incredibly sad time to allow us to mourn the loss of this lovely man who we were so lucky to have had in our lives.”
    Venables met his wife Yvette in his father’s pub in Chingford, Essex in 1984.
    She accompanied the footballing icon to Barcelona when he was appointed as their manager, with the couple marrying in 1991.
    Read More Terry Venables
    Yvette supported Terry after he was dismissed from his job as chief executive of Tottenham Hotspur by the club’s owner Alan Sugar in 1993.
    Terry was reinstated after gaining a temporary injunction – but went to lose a three-day High Court battle, with the judge ordering him to pay Sugar’s costs.
    Yvette also managed Terry’s Kensington dining club, Scribes West for seven years.
    However, the couple decided to sell it in 1997.
    Most read in Football
    Terry and Yvette later ran a boutique hotel and restaurant in Alicante, Spain.
    In a 1996 interview, Yvette said: “Terry has more than fulfilled all my romantic aspirations of what the man of my dreams would be like.
    “He is my best friend and confidant as well as my husband, and I don’t think any woman could ask for more.
    “I could certainly never have imagined what the future would bring when Terry and I first set eyes on each other.
    “But to this day I wouldn’t have changed anything.”
    Yvette welcomed Terry’s two grown-up daughters from his previous marriage to Christine McCann – while giving up her own own hopes of having children.
    She said: “I love children. But the one thing I would never do would be to jeopardise my relationship with Terry.
    “And I do think that babies can alter the balance in a marriage.”
    Yvette added: “Terry does nothing for himself at home. He wouldn’t know where the hoover was, let alone what to do with it.
    “He doesn’t do the washing-up, nothing.
    “And it’s probably my fault. His mum used to do everything for him and he’s got into that routine. It really doesn’t bother me.
    “If I was to say to him, ‘Oh, please pick up your shirt and put it in the washing machine’, I’m sure he’d do it.
    “But I’d never, ever put him in that position.”
    Despite being married to the Three Lions legend, Yvette hated being in the limelight.
    She said: “I particularly dislike going to big functions.
    “I never feel comfortable and dislike the fact that everyone is saying, ‘Oh look, there’s the England coach’, and then looking at me to see what his wife is like.”
    But Yvette added: “Terry is my best friend and I’m his. He’s the centre of my life.
    “He is also honest, kind and thoughtful, and we both share a good sense of humour.
    “It’s really important to be able to laugh, even when things get you down.”
    England manager Gareth Southgate has shared a heartwarming tribute to his “outstanding” former coach Terry Venables. More