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      Five-time Champions League winner, 31, completes shock free transfer to ex-club’s rivals after seven months unemployed

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      FORMER Real Madrid star Isco has ended his stint as a free agent in controversial fashion after signing for Real Betis.The Spaniard, 31, left the Bernabeu last summer following nine years with Los Blancos.
      Isco won five Champions Leagues with Real MadridCredit: Getty
      He signed for LaLiga side Sevilla but saw his contract ripped up four months later, featuring just 19 times.
      Isco also claimed he had a physical altercation with then-sporting director Monchi – who now works for Aston Villa.
      The forward saw a transfer to Union Berlin collapse during the January window.
      And he has been a free agent ever since.
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      But now he has agreed a one-year deal to join Spanish top-flight outfit Real Betis.
      Manager Manuel Pellegrini, who previously coached Manchester City, is keen to bring him in.
      The controversial aspect of the deal comes from the fact that Betis are Sevilla’s bitter rivals.
      However, given how things ended with Sevilla, it is unsurprising Isco does not feel any loyalty towards the club.
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      During his time at Real Madrid, he registered 53 goals and 57 assists in 353 games.
      He won three LaLiga titles and five Champions Leagues – including three in a row between 2016 and 2018.
      Isco has also racked up 38 caps for the Spanish national team, netting 12 times. More

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      Kyle Walker-Peters set for immediate Premier League return in £20m transfer but Champions League side could hijack move

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      FULHAM are keen on bringing England man Kyle Walker-Peters back to the Premier League.Relegated Southampton are hoping for around £20million for the versatile full-back, 26, but there is hope a deal could be done between £15-18million.
      Kyle Walker-Peters during the international friendly match between England and Cote D’Ivoire in March 2022Credit: Getty
      The Cottagers see the defender as predominantly a right-back, but also have interest in Leicester’s Timothy Castagne who would be a cheaper option.
      Walker-Peters, who won two England caps last year, is also wanted by Lens and Roma.
      The Ligue 1 side, who qualified for this season’s Champions League , would be keen on a loan deal.
      Meanwhile Jose Mourinho is keen on a reunion with the star he briefly managed at Tottenham, with his Serie A side also wanting him on loan.
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      Fulham have been busy this transfer window with a lot of links being made with the club.
      The most recent being Wolves forward Raul Jimenez is set to join the club for a £5.5million deal after completing his medical.
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      He would come in as a potential replacement for Aleksandar Mitrovic who is being closely linked to Al-Hilal.
      Despite Fulham already rejecting two bids from the Saudi team, the imminent arrival of Jimenez could change this.
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      After Willian committed another year to Fulham he could also be reunited with former Chelsea team-mate Callum Hudson-Odoi.
      The academy star was in talks of a move to his West London rivals however it seems Italian side Lazio – runners up of Serie A – are currently ahead in advanced talks with the player’s representatives.
      The Cottagers manager Marco Silva also recently rejected the offer to manage Al Ahli in a £40million two-year contract – indicating a commitment of his future to Fulham. More

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      I’ve made £75m in career earnings and won Champions League 5 TIMES but I’m unemployed at 31 and haven’t played in months

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      ISCO has been without a club since December after having his contract ripped up by Sevilla.The 31-year-old left Real Madrid for Seville in the summer of 2022 following a highly-decorated nine years at Santiago Bernabeu.
      Isco played 19 times for Sevilla last seasonCredit: Getty
      The attacking midfielder has won the Champions League five timesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Having arrived as the first signing of Carlo Ancelotti’s first stint in Madrid, Isco won five Champions Leagues with the club.
      He played 353 times for Real Madrid, with Capology claiming that he has so far earned £75million in wages during his career.
      After coming to the end of his contract, he opted to reunite with his former Real and Spain boss Julen Lopetegui.
      The former Sevilla boss “loved” Isco but following his departure, it emerged that transfer chief Monchi didn’t.
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      After just four months and 19 appearances, Isco was headed for the exit – with Monchi publicly claiming that the attacking midfielder wanted to leave.
      Isco has since denied this in an explosive interview with Marca – before claiming that he and Monchi, who now works for Aston Villa, even came to physical blows.
      He said: “I told [Monchi] that he was the most deceitful person I had ever met in the world of football and he attacked me.
      “He came towards me, took me by the neck and security had to separate us completely. As you will understand, after that, I did not want to continue there under any circumstances.
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      “And although I was sorry, because I had a very good relationship with my team-mates and the fans treated me wonderfully, I couldn’t be comfortable in a club where the sports director attacks me and nobody speaks up or apologises.
      “Not because of the aggression, not because of all the lies he was leaking. So I forgave my contract and left. Overcoming the barrier of violence is not something that I could let go.”
      Isco’s contract was subsequently ripped up, making him a free agent going into the January transfer window.
      Despite his pedigree a move to failed to materialise – with Union Berlin coming closest to signing him.
      The Bundesliga side, who were second in the top flight, looked set to recruit Isco with the player having completed a medical – only for the deal to fall through.
      Explaining what happened, Union’s sporting director Oliver Ruhnert said: “We would have liked to see Isco with us, but we have our limits.
      “Those limits were overstepped today, contradicting the earlier agreement. In the end, the Isco deal will not come to pass.”
      I prioritise, on this occasion, going abroadIsco
      In March it emerged that Isco was training at home with a personal trainer in a bid to stay fit and ready for a potential offer.
      As August approaches, the 38-cap star still finds himself without a club.
      On what he wants next, he told Marca: “I prioritise, on this occasion, going abroad. I have played in Valencia, Malaga, Seville and Madrid.
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      “I am excited about the experience of playing in another league, learning another language, growing personally also outside of Spain… I am not ruling out anything.”
      He was recently linked with French side Marseille, although the rumours have since died down.
      Isco left Sevilla after a falling out with MonchiCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The 31-year-old is still without a club after leaving SevillaCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Ex-Rangers star makes shock move to EIGHTH TIER English club and reveals major career change

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      HE once sent Rangers fans wild by scoring a memorable Champions League goal in one of Europe’s most daunting venues.But next season, this former £12million signing will be playing at LEVEL EIGHT on the English football pyramid.
      Ross McCormack once scored in the Champions League for RangersCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      Fulham paid £11m to land McCormack in 2014, the first of two huge money movesCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Ross McCormack made his Rangers debut as a 17-year old in 2004 and big things were expected of the talented striker.
      However, he never quite managed to make the big breakthrough and was restricted to a handful of first team appearances over the next couple of seasons.
      He did, however, score a hugely memorable Champions League goal in November 2005.
      McCormack fired an equaliser in Porto as the Gers held the former European champions to a 1-1 draw on their way to reaching the knockout stages for the first time ever.

      A switch to Motherwell in 2006 proved an inspired move, with McCormack moving to the Football League with Cardiff in 2008.
      Finding a prolific streak, he earned a Scotland call-up and a big move to Leeds United in 2 010.
      He’d spend four years at Elland Road, with a stunning 29-goal season in 2013/14 convincing Fulham to splash out £11million on McCormack in 2014.
      Despite two more prolific campaigns, McCormack couldn’t fire the Cottagers back to the Premier League and in 2016 he was on the move again.
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      This time, Aston Villa splashed big money, landing him for £12million.
      That move, ultimately, didn’t work out and after 20 Championship appearances in 2016/17, he’d never play in the league for Villa again.
      McCormack spent time on loan at Nottingham Forest, Melbourne City, Central Coast Mariners and back to Motherwell before being released in 2019.
      Most recently, he turned out a couple of times for Aldershot Town in 2020 in the National League.
      He hasn’t had a club for the past three years – but now he’s back and in a somewhat unexpected place!
      McCormack’s signing has been announced by Liversedge FC, a club based just outside of Leeds and plying their trade at level EIGHT on the pyramid.
      They’ll be playing in the Northern Premier League Division One East this coming season having been relegated from the Premier Division last campaign.
      McCormack, capped 13 times by Scotland, hasn’t just signed on as a player, hoever.
      As well as getting his boots back on, the 36-year old has also revealed a new career.
      McCormack is also making the step up to boardroom level, taking on the role of director of football at the club as well.
      It’ll see him take up the somewhat unique position of player/director of football.
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      Just last week, former Celtic, Everton and Sunderland star Aiden McGeady announced a similarly surprising career switch, joining Ayr United in the Scottish Championship on a hybrid player/technical manager role.
      McCormack, now 36, has joined Liversedge FCCredit: TWITTER/LIVERSEDGE FC
      Aston Villa paid £12m to land McCormack in 2012Credit: Getty – Contributor
      McCormack was capped 13 times by ScotlandCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
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      Man Utd new boy Andre Onana was snubbed by Barcelona, became Ajax No1 and funded an electric grid for mother’s hometown

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      MAN UTD made signing a goalkeeper a priority – and the new man between the sticks at Old Trafford will be Andre Onana.The Red Devils splashed £47million on the Cameroon shotstopper who will replace David De Gea between the sticks.
      Man Utd have signed Andre Onana for £47million
      Charitable Onana has a foundation and provided electricity for his mum’s village in CameroonCredit: Instagram / @foundation_andreonana
      Kids from unprivileged backgrounds are also supported by Onana’s charity
      The Cameroon international was a revelation in the club’s Champions League run to the semi finals in 2019.
      It’s a competition he thrives in, after helping Inter Milan reach last season’s final.
      The 27-year-old has signed a five-year deal reportedly worth around £6.2million a year.
      And the goalie has made sure he’s shared the wealth accrued from his fame with his homeland.
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      Back on 2020, it was reported that Onana uses part of his salary to fund an electric grid that provides electricity for a small African town.
      The generous footballer also has a foundation that provides help for children who haven’t had the easiest of lives.
      He began his youth career at Barcelona, but annoyed the Catalan giants when he snubbed an offer of a contract to join Ajax at 18.
      The decision was clearly the correct one, though, as Onana has gone on to become one of Europe’s best keepers.
      CHARITABLE CAUSE
      Born in Cameroon, it wasn’t Onana’s intention to support his mother’s hometown Mengueme.
      But, after signing a £20,000-per-week contract in 2019 when he starred for Ajax, he decided he had to give something back.
      Onana put his money to good use, funding a power grid that provides electricity for the Essoessam population.
      He took the people of Menguene out of darkness and curbed their reliance on kerosene lamps.
      When Onana earned £20k-per-week he funded a power grid in MengueneCredit: Instagram / @andreonana.24
      The Andre Onana Foundation was set-up in 2016 to help young African childrenCredit: Instagram / @andreonana.24
      And that’s not his only charitable contribution.
      In 2016, Onana set up his foundation to help young African children, providing them means to a better education, giving them access to medical care, as well as help to those affected by terrorist attacks.
      “I know first-hand what many children in my country are suffering,” he revealed.
      “Inside me I feel that I must help them to have a better future.”
      IMPORTANCE OF SAMUEL ETO’O
      Onana’s success is partly down to former Barcelona star Samuel Eto’o.
      A prodigy of the legendary striker’s academy in the Cameroon, he linked up with the La Masia Academy at 14.
      “I’m very thankful for what he did for me coming from his foundation,” Onana told OmaSportsTV.
      But it didn’t quite work out for Onana in Catalonia.
      In 2014, Barcelona were hit by a FIFA ban for breaking the rules of signing foreign youngsters.
      That meant Barça youngsters had their development halted because they couldn’t play any competitive games for 18-months.
      Legendary Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o’s Academy discovered OnanaCredit: AP:Associated Press
      However, Onana failed to get a break at BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      When he returned, playing for Barcelona against Ajax in an Under-19 UEFA Youth League game, he won man-of-the-match which alerted Ajax’s coaching staff.
      FRUSTRATION
      At 18, Onana grew frustrated with his chances at the Camp Nou.
      He was adamant he belonged in Barcelona’s B team, and saw a path to the first team blocked with the arrivals of Claudio Bravo and Marc Andre ter Stegen that summer.
      There was only one thing to do.
      Barcelona offered him a contract, but Ajax’s sales pitch was more attractive. He moved to Amsterdam to develop his game further, much to the annoyance of Spanish legend Andoni Zubizaretta.
      And when first-team keeper Jasper Cillessen moved in 2016, ironically to Barcelona, manager Peter Bosz decided 20-year-old Onana was going to be his NO1.
      CHANCES HAMPERED
      Although he’s now achieved a dream move to the Premier League, Onana’s chances of progressing to a bigger club could’ve happened sooner.
      After moving to Ajax at 18 Onana established himself as Ajax’s NO1 two years laterCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Onana was once told that the colour of his skin would be a problem for a big clubCredit: Instagram / @andreonana.24
      After a breakthrough season in 2016-17, helping Ajax reach the Europa League final, a top unknown club began negotiations with him.
      However, the shot-stopper revealed he was told that the colour of his skin would be a problem for fans and the move was quashed.
      “It is not easy for a black goalkeeper to reach the top,” Onana told Dutch outlet Het Parool, with the quotes also carried by Marca.
      “They decided not to sign me because a black goalkeeper would be difficult for their followers.
      “It wasn’t because they didn’t think I was good enough. I consider it a compliment.”
      That club’s loss could certainly be Chelsea’s gain.
      Redemption at Inter
      In 2021, Onana’s career was left in tatters after he was banned from playing for 12 months after testing positive for the banned substance, Furosemide.
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      He claimed it was his wife’s medicine and that he took it by mistake, with the support of Ajax appealed the decision, and his ban was reduced to nine months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
      After seven and a half years in Amsterdam, Onana moved to Inter Milan to reboot his career.
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      In January 2023, he won the Supercoppa Italiana against rivals AC Milan and also went on to win the Coppa Italia – defeating Fiorentina in the final.
      The African was also instrumental in his side’s run to the Champions League final, where they were narrowly edged out by Man City. More

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      I renovated houses after injury ended my Premier League career but I’ve still managed 16 Champions League games

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      CRAIG HARRISON had to retire from football after a career-ending injury and renovated houses – until he rediscovered his passion and returned as a manager.Harrison started his professional career at Middlesbrough in 1996 and made 22 appearances, also being loaned out to Preston North End and Crystal Palace.
      Craig Harrison’s Premier League dreams were shattered at the age of 26 after an injuryCredit: Alamy
      Harrison spent three years renovating and selling houses after his injuryCredit: Getty
      The former defender signed a permanent deal with Palace 13 years ago and played in 44 matches until 2003 when he suffered an horrific injury.
      It was during a reserve game when a bad tackle led to a double compound fracture in the Gateshead native’s left leg and ended his career at the age of 26.
      Harrison told talkSPORT: “It’s every boy’s dream to be a professional footballer. Especially in the north-east of England which is a hotbed of football.
      “You have got people like Paul Gascoigne to look up to, etc. You get the opportunity to play for Middlesbrough in the Premier League and then move on to Crystal Palace in the Championship.
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      “You are probably just about to come into your prime before an injury like that, it turns your life upside-down and not for the better.”
      Harrison spent 19 months rehabilitating and went under the knife three times.
      Sadly, however, he never managed to return to the pitch and spent three years renovating as well as selling properties.
      He wanted nothing to do with football at that time and wouldn’t even watch games on TV.
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      However, Harrison found his way back to the sport as a manager in 2008 and has since found success in Wales where he is in charge of The New Saints.
      And he has led TNS to seven league titles, four Welsh Cups and three Welsh League Cups.
      Harrison has also managed 15 Champions League qualifiers and is now set for his 16th when his team hosts Hacken tonight in the first round.
      He will draw level with Frank Lampard’s 16 matches – although the Chelsea legend has taken charge of all of his games from the group stage onwards.
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      Harrison now manages The New Saints and is about to equal Frank Lampard’s Champions League recordCredit: Getty
      Only Sir Bobby Robson is ahead of them with the most matches managed by an Englishman in Europe’s elite competition with 30 under his belt.
      Harrison added: “You look at it, Sir Bobby Robson has been one of the best managers England have ever seen. You can’t put yourself on the same pedestal as that. But I am still very proud to represent TNS in the Champions League.
      “You see a lot of managers in the Championship and Premier League who don’t get to put their wits against the most elite club competition in Europe against the best players and managers.
      “It is a great opportunity, it is something I never thought I’d get into as soon as I broke my leg.
      “I spent two or three years away from football before getting involved again and within the space of 10 years I have done all my coaching badges, got the love of football back and used it to drive me every single day.
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      “I feel like it is a bit of just service done after having it taken away from me too early.
      “Every opportunity I get now, I embrace it, I run with it and try make the most of it.” More

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      I played for Arsenal in the Champions League but retired aged just 23 – now I’m taking on the world of business

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      A FORMER Arsenal star has swapped the Champions League for the business world.Stefan O’Connor, 26, came through the ranks at Crystal Palace before being prised away by Arsenal’s academy in 2010.
      O’Connor came through the Crystal Palace academy before being poached by ArsenalCredit: Getty
      He now has his own business and is an angel investorCredit: Instagram @stefanoconnor
      He thoroughly impressed in Arsenal’s youth system and was handed his debut in the Champions League by Arsene Wenger in 2014 aged just 17 years old.
      The defender came on for Mathieu Debuchy during the last 13 minutes of a 4-1 away win at Turkish giants Galatassaray.
      O’Connor was a highly rated prospect at the time and looked to have the world at his feet.
      His run out in Istanbul would ultimately be his last appearance for the Arsenal first team however – as injuries hampered his career.
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      After spending a few more years in the Arsenal under-21s he was loaned to then League Two side York City.
      He was limited to just four appearances as he began to struggle with injury.
      O’Connor then went on loan to Dutch side MVV Mastricht in 2016 where he was again limited to just four appearances.
      At the end of his spell in Holland, he was released by Arsenal.
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      O’Connor then spent two years at Newcastle’s under-23 team before an ACL injury ultimately saw him retire.
      But the former defender has gone from strength to strength since stepping back from football.
      O’Connor initially re-trained as a lawyer and worked in the commercial sector.
      He then launched his own business – called SOCCR – which coaches young players from grassroots all the way up to professional level.
      He also works as an angel investor identifying promising start-ups with high growth potential. More

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      Inside Man City legend Jack Grealish’s epic month long boozy bender from Champions League triumph to Ibiza partying

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      SINCE Jack Grealish belted out a version of Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac to celebrate Man City winning the Champions League, he has stayed true to his word.The £100million winger, 27, has been all over the world in party mood after a treble- winning season.
      Jack Grealish, pictured with girlfriend Sasha Attwood, has been all over the world in party mood after a treble- winning season
      On his tour of holiday hotspots, Jack, whose girlfriend Sasha Attwood is on a break in Italy, has taken his bucket hat and spade to Ibiza twice.
      He has also had a ball in Las Vegas, the South of France, Malta and Manchester after the heady Champions League final celebrations in Turkey last month.
      GRANT ROLLINGS imagines the party boy’s postcards from his ultimate bender.
      Istanbul, June 10
      WHAT a night! I’m still buzzing from that win over Inter Milan.
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      It all started with a few cans of Heineken as we passed the European Cup around.
      Jack Grealish after Man City won the European trophy
      Did I really sing Don’t Look Back In Anger with the lads in the dressing room?
      It should really have been Champagne Supernova.
      Not sure why I took so much luggage with me.
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      I didn’t need all those designer shirts after all.
      I was still in my City top at six o’clock the next morning, living it up with the big man, Haaly.
      Desperately needed fresh air.
      Took a nice nap with the trophy on the plane.
      Ibiza, June 11
      ONLY nine hours in Ibiza, going to have to hit it hard.
      Fuel up with some grub at Tatel, a nice little diner by the beach, before heading to Pacha to party with Fodey.
      Jack partied hard in Ibiza in MayCredit: Splash
      Four hours in the club.
      Kyley (Walker that is, not Minogue) gave me a shoulder to lean on when we left the hotel the next morning.
      Some cheeky so- and-so even offered me a wheelchair at the airport.
      Good job I had some shades to hide the red eyes.
      Manchester, June 12
      HONESTLY, like, what time is it? Got my Dolce & Gabbana jim-jams on and it’s dark out.
      Been at a nightclub, again. Up on the stage singing to the crowd.
      Jack on the open-top bus during the Manchester City trophy paradeCredit: Getty
      Only a few hours ago I was in the centre of Manchester on a bus.
      Makes a change from the Lamborghini.
      This coach didn’t have a proper roof on it, but there was lots of booze.
      Lads drenched me in bubbly, so I had to take my shirt off. Just for a change.
      Malta, June 15
      REALLY needed some r&r, so it was nice to chill out for a few days at a training camp with the England boys.
      Then I jumped on a plane in Birmingham and it was off to Malta for the Euro qualifier.
      Jack boarding the plane as the England team travel to MaltaCredit: Getty
      Gareth didn’t play me.
      Something about my ability to down shots not being a relevant criteria in the fitness test.
      Still, it was wicked to cheer on the boys from the stands – and add another stamp to my passport.
      Las Vegas, June 20-26
      WHAT happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right?
      Six days in the party capital of the world, showing off my moves at Zouk nightclub.
      Jack poses with air hostess Yasmine
      Had my photo taken with a lovely air hostess called Yasmine.
      Off to see the missus next in France.
      South of France, end of June
      THIS spot is right swanky – it’s all chandeliers and silk.
      The marble is almost as well sculpted as my six pack, which I’ve been told not to show off so much at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc.
      Jack in the South of France at the end of JuneCredit: Instagram @jackgrealish
      Food portions are a bit stingy – even less calories than Pep lets us eat.
      Great to be back with Sasha for a few days. The Press call it an on/off relationship.
      I’m not sure that’s fair, just because I’m off to Ibiza next without her.
      Ibiza again, July 5
      IT’S hot, hot, hot and the air hostesses here are super-friendly.
      I had a bit of a dance with one called Dolly.
      Jack was back in Ibiza at the beginning of JulyCredit: The Mega Agency
      Jack was seen partying with different girls in IbizaCredit: The Mega Agency
      But I doubt anyone noticed me as I popped on a baseball cap and some cool, white circular shades and enjoyed chatting to some girls.
      Best to keep things low key I reckon.
      I also bumped into Wayno – no, not Rooney.
      I mean Wayne Lineker. We might have had more shots than his brother Gary.
      Some people say I shouldn’t hit the deck so much.
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      But they obviously haven’t heard me DJing!
      Jack also met up with Wayne LinekerCredit: Instagram
      Next stop…Far East
      PEP’s fixed a nice little trip to Japan and South Korea…I might even play some football. More