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      Champions League team confirm plans to play home matches more than 1,500 MILES away from their own stadium

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      SHAKHTAR DONETSK have confirmed they will play their Champions League home fixtures over 1,500miles away from their own stadium.The Ukrainian giants will be hosted at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, for next season.Shakhtar Donetsk will play their home Champions League games in Germany next seasonCredit: GettyThey will be hosted in the Veltins-ArenaCredit: AFPThe club has not played in the Donbass Arena since 2014Credit: AFPThe Schalke stadium is currently one of the selected ones for Euro 2024.The club confirmed the decision on social media.It wrote: “Our new European Cup home.”Shakhtar will play the home games of the Champions League for the 2024/25 season in Gelsenkirchen in the Veltins-Arena.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLClub CEO Serhii Palkin has hailed the deal and argued that the decision was made due to the club’s support in the country.He said: “We are glad to hold our Uefa Champions League matches at one of the best stadiums in Germany.”The positive experience of the last season shows that Shakhtar has a strong support of the fans in this country – both local residents and Ukrainian refugees.”This factor is of great importance to our club.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We thank the management of Schalke 04 and the city of Gelsenkirchen for solidarity and do not doubt the mutually beneficial cooperation.Eerie Ukrainian drone footage shows abandoned Euro 2012 stadium which hosted England clash in war-torn Donetsk”We are looking forward to the Uefa Champions League matches.”The move to the Veltins-Arena is a massive 1,582 miles from the club’s original home.Shakhtar have not played in their home stadium in Donetsk for a decade.The abandoned Donbass Arena was the old home of Shakhtar but it was damaged by reported artillery shelling in August 2014 and has not been used since.Two months later, more artillery shelling damaged the 52,000-seater stadium, but this time, it was to a much worse extent.Both the east and west sides were caught up in the crossfire, causing at least one large glass panel to fall and almost hit a young girl.And there was to be further damage years later when the stadium’s infrastructure was hit once more in March 2022.READ MORE SUN STORIESDue to years of neglect, the venue has entered a state of pitiful decline both inside and out.Since 2014, Shakhtar has been playing at the Olympiyskiy Stadium in Kyiv. More

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      Chelsea enter Conference League despite speculation they could snub Uefa competition after facing tough financial rules

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      CHELSEA have been entered for the Conference League next season – despite the extra financial restrictions they will face from Uefa.Manchester United’s FA Cup Final triumph over Manchester City tipped the sixth-placed Blues into Uefa’s third competition.Chelsea have been entered for the Conference League next seasonCredit: GettyThis follows as the club will face extra financial restrictions from UefaCredit: ReutersIt also cost Chelsea £7m in up-front Uefa cash, adding to the Stamford Bridge club’s potential issues.There had been speculation that Chelsea might opt not to take up their place in the competition.All clubs playing in Europe must stick to Uefa’s spending limit of 80 per cent of their annual revenues on wages and transfers.Whereas Prem PSR rules allow losses of £105m over three years.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUefa, which has a fixed punishment schedule for breaches, will also not allow Chelsea to include switches of property assets to the club’s owner company in their accounts.But despite the concerns, Nyon chiefs have now confirmed Chelsea were entered in the Conference League by the FA.It means they cannot be replaced by Newcastle – who finished seventh in the Prem and were knocked out of Europe altogether by the Old Trafford club’s Wembley triumph.Chelsea have spent around £1billion on player transfers over the last two years, meaning they are now at risk of breaching the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIf found guilty of a breach, they could receive a significant points deduction.The Blues recently appointed former Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca following Mauricio Pochettino’s departure.A look at Chelsea’s forgotten wonderkidsPoch left Stamford Bridge by mutual consent last month despite having a positive end to the season.Meet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaENZO MARESCA is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi.Premier League sides deducted points and others at riskNottingham ForestDeducted four points during the 2023-24 season for breaching Premier League spending limit by £34.563m. Failed in their appeal with decision upheld.EvertonInitial 10-point deduction for 2021-22 Premier League breaches reduced to six points on appeal. Were deducted a further two points later in the 2023-24 season. Appealed, but since withdrawn following Prem survival.Sheffield UnitedHit with a two-point deduction for their finances during the 2022-23 EFL season. Will begin the 2024-25 Championship season on -2 points following their relegation from the Prem.OTHERS WHO COULD FACE PUNISHMENT…Manchester CityEtihad club emphatically denies the 115 allegations laid against them in February 2023. The lengthy Commission case has been scheduled to start in October or November but a final decision is not expected until March or April 2025.ChelseaBlues chiefs flagged up illicit payments made to agents and others during the Roman Abramovich era. Fined £8.6m by Uefa but still to be formally charged by the Prem despite an ongoing investigation.LeicesterFoxes breached Prem PSR loss limits last season but did not have to report their 2022-23 accounts until this month because of their relegation. That puts the timetable back and means that they will probably face a Prem points deduction for the 2024-25 season following their return to the top flight.Everton (again)The Toffees are again at risk of breaking PSR rules and are in a race against time to raise funds and balance the books. Not only could that lead to another charge but also administration. That would lead to an automatic nine-point deduction for the 2024/25 season. More

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      Incredible moment hero former Real Madrid star hurtles down slide to rescue couple from drowning on Maldives holiday

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      A FORMER Real Madrid star became a hero as he rescued a couple from drowning while on holiday.Sergio Arribas was relaxing in the Maldives with his girlfriend when he heard the frantic cries for help coming from the sea.Sergio Arribas and girlfriend Anna Martin heard the cries of a couple in troubleCredit: Newsflash MediaArribas slid down to help the people in distressCredit: Newsflash MediaThe footballer helped get the people to safetyCredit: Newsflash MediaVideo footage of the rescue shows Arribas and Anna as they heard a woman shouting “help, help, help” while holding onto a rubber ring.The couple had been swept away by tidal currents.Arribas, 22, instantly climbed to the top of a sea slide and hurtled down into the water to help.After saving the woman he then turned his attention to her swimming partner.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOther holidaymakers and staff threw a lifebelt into the water.After the rescue, Arribas and Anna brought the couple ashore.The video went viral on social media with the midfielder quickly hailed as a hero.One fan posted: “Bravo Sergio! A true hero.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA second wrote: “These things are what should go viral. Great Sergio.”A third commented: “Fair play Arribas.”I’m a former LaLiga star who faced Messi and Ronaldo – now I earn a fortune selling sexy content on OnlyFansA fourth said: “Wow. God bless him.”Another added: “Wow that’s a national hero right there, God bless his heart.”Arribas began his career at Perez Galdos in 2007 and joined Leganes in 2010.His talent led him to Real Madrid in 2012, where he rose through the youth ranks.Arribas played for Real Madrid Castilla in the 2020-2021 season and made his debut for the first team at 18 years old in September 2020.In the same year, he also debuted in the Uefa Champions League.READ MORE SUN STORIESDuring his time at Real Madrid, Arribas played in 14 matches.He left the club last year and joined Almeria however he could not help the club avoid relegation from LaLiga.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Keira Walsh thought to be in Barcelona’s plans for next season despite Arsenal interest, according to reports

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      BARCELONA are thought to be keen on retaining Keira Walsh’s services amid reported interest from Arsenal.Walsh, 27, who helped the team win their third Champions League trophy in May, is thought to be a Gunners summer transfer target. Keira Walsh is reportedly attracting interest from ArsenalCredit: GettyThe England midfield star is due to enter the final year of her contract with BarcelonaCredit: AFPLast Friday, the Athletic reported the WSL side are interested in signing the midfielder who joined the Catalan club almost two years ago from Manchester City.Following her September 2022 move the England ace has gradually flourished in Barcelona’s midfield a longside Patri Guijarro and Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati.The player, who spent seven years at Man City, has helped the team win seven major trophies including two top-flight titles.Silverware triumphs for Walsh, who sealed a world transfer recording-breaking £400,000 Barca switch two years ago, include a quadruple during the side’s 2023-24 campaign.Read More Football StoriesLast season the Catalan giants won the Copa de la Reina and the Spanish Women’s Super Cup for the tenth and fourth time.These trophy wins occurred under former boss Jonatan Giraldez who left this month to become head coach of US side Washington Spirit. Since her move to Spain Walsh has started in 32 the team’s 49 top-flight games in the past two seasons.The England ace who, is set to help their Lionesses continue their push for an automatic place at next year’s Euros, has one year left on her current Barcelona contract.Most read in FootballIt is thought Spain’s top-flight champs are likely to after a hefty fee from the Gunners if they continue their chase for the midfielder.And the Athletic claims Arsenal’s interest in the player occurred before playmaker Victoria Pelova suffered a knee ligament injury whilst on international duty with the Netherlands.Spanish outlet Relovo reports discussions between Barcelona and Arsenal over the potential transfer of Walsh are at an advanced stage.However sports newspaper Mundo Deportivo claims sources have informed them the midfielder is part of Barca’s plans for next season.Mariona Caldentey has reportedly agreed to join Arsenal this summerCredit: EPAShould Arsenal succeed in signing Walsh it would see her become the second player from the Catalan side to join the club this summer.According to Sky Sports Mariona Caldentey has reached an agreement to join the Gunners when her Barcelona contract expires at the end of June.Barca’s women’s side are now under new management with Pere Romeu taking over as head coach following Giraldez’s departure. More

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      Menacing ISIS cell calling for attacks on Euros players busted after propaganda network spewing threats was unearthed

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      A SINISTER ISIS ring that called for attacks on Euro players has been snared after a major operation in Spain.Spanish cops uncovered a twisted propaganda network urging their followers to target Real Madrid football players.The radical group urged their followers to attack the Real Madrid bus and their fansThe terrorist group have previously threatened to strike similar events such as the Paris Olympics and Champions LeagueCredit: AFP or LicensorsA sickening poster urges extremists to attack stadiums including Santiago BernabeuGermany has increased security across its stadiums during the EurosThe extremist unit shared their sickening propaganda in a poster encouraging their followers to attack the footballers’ team bus.The chilling poster features a masked man opening fire with a rifle, as reported by El Confidencial.It reads: “My dear brother. Wait in a place close to the arrival point of the players. Target them along with their followers.” Another propaganda poster shows Real Madrid’s Bernabeu Stadium with a message in English written over it which says: “A very valuable target awaits you.READ MORE ON EUROS“Disrupt their gatherings. Distract their security with IEDs and decoy devices and advance towards your main goal steadily.”While another disturbing poster with the words “Kill them all” was circulated before the Champions League quarter-finals in April.Spanish cops have arrested nine people after a joint operation involving Spain’s Civil Guard, Europol and the FBI.The arrests occurred in Girona in the north-east of Spain, Cadiz in the south, Almeria and Tenerife.Most read in Euro 2024It is understood two of those arrested have been sent to prison pending an ongoing investigation following a court appearance.Police have yet to make any official comment.The detainees are said to have been linked to the I’lam Foundation, which describes itself as an Islamic State multi-language media centre that provides content in several languages including French, Arabic and English.The arrest comes a week after German police arrested a suspected ISIS terrorist who tried to sneak his way into a security guard job at one of the selected stadiums.The warped terror group has previously threatened to strike the Euros with posters showing terrorists poised to attack stadiums.Meanwhile, the threat of terrorism in Europe by radical jihadists is at an all-time high with ISIS also threatening to strike the upcoming Paris Olympics and the Champions League in recent months.Earlier this month the death cult posted a propaganda image showing one of its terrorists seemingly flying an “armed drone” to attack the iconic Eiffel Tower.The poster, pushed by ISIS-linked social media channels, was captioned: “Lone wolves’ Olympics have begun with the Will of Allah.”Western intelligence revealed how cops stopped at least 12 terror attacks in the past 12 months across Europe.Germany who’s hosting the Euro this year has beefed up security by deploying thousands of armed cops.READ MORE SUN STORIESSecurity expert Will Geddes told The Sun the country’s special forces, intelligence services and armed police will be called up to help prepare for and defend against any possible attacks.’Acute’ terrorist threat across EuropeBy Jessica Baker, Foreign News Reporter
      THE threat of terrorism to the security of Europe is “acute”, the EU’s law enforcement agency has warned.
      Europol said the top concern of EU countries is “jihadist terrorism” and foreign terrorist fighters who travel from conflict zones.
      Some fear the terror group ISIS could be looking to leverage conflict in the Middle East to launch a fresh of attacks across Europe.
      Ten jihadist attacks have been foiled by cops in Europe in the past 12 months alone, according to Dutch intelligence agency AIVD.
      The agency claimed attacks planned and intercepted included stabbing rampages at major events and assaults on specific groups and venues.
      Israel’s spy agency meanwhile alleged Iranian terror cells are plotting attacks across the continent ahead of the Paris Olympics.
      The Olympics chief has promised a ring of steel at the Games’ opening ceremony and insisted “security is the priority” to ensure the safety of an expected 15 million fans and more than 10,000 athletes.

      Thousands of German cops have been deployed to protect against potential threatsCredit: AP More

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      Who is BBC Euro 2024 commentator Guy Mowbray?

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      The BBC has revealed it’s commentary and pundit line up for Euro 2024.The presenters include the likes of Mark Champman, Gary Lineker, Alex Scott and Gabby Logan.Guy Mowbray is BBC Sport’s lead commentatorCredit: PAMeanwhile, big name pundits such as Rio Ferdinand and Jermaine Jenas will feature among others.Guy Mowbray is one of the commentators who will be part of the broadcaster’s team in Germany.Who is Guy Mowbray?Mowbray is the BBC’s lead commentator going into the Euros.He has been the broadcasters main commentator for more than a decade. Born in York in 1952, Mowbray began his career at ClubCall network in the mid 1990s before joining BBC Radio York covering rugby league, cricket and football.Mowbray eventually moved into broadcasting in 1997 with Eurosport, where he became their primary commentator in little over a year.At the 1998 World Cup at the age of 26 he became the youngest broadcaster to commentate on the World Cup final for television and won the Newcomer of the Year award from the Royal Television Society.Mowbray joined ITV in 1999, where he covered Champions League Football League and Italian matches over five years.Most read in FootballIn 2004 Mowbray turned to freelance work which saw him employed by the BBC as one of their Match of the Day commentators. When the late John Motson retired from live commentary duties before the 2010 World Cup, the BBC appointed Mowbray to succeed him.He has been a regular feature for BBC Sport since and is regularly heard on International and FA Cup matches. Mowbray’s commentary work has also seen him employed by BT Sport – now TNT Sports – for Champions League matches and for IMG English language world feed for Champions League and Europa League matches. He also covered Wrexham’s FA Cup ties for ESPN.Mowbray’s portfolio of work has also seen him commentate for the return of game show Gladiators. An avid cricketer, Mowbray lives in York and is a York City supporter. More

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      Ultimate Euro 2024 rich list reveals England’s top earners & how Ronaldo’s salary is EIGHT times higher than Mbappe’s

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      EURO 2024 will see some of the world’s finest talents clash on the pitch – but who comes out top dog away from it?With staggering salaries and lucrative endorsement deals worth millions, players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe could retire now and never have to work again.Cristiano Ronaldo tops the rich list of players taking part in the Euros this yearCredit: @cristianoRonaldo on holiday with his fiancee Georgina Rodriguez and their childrenCredit: Instagram/@cristianoRonaldo is the richest footballer playing in the Euros this yearCredit: Instagram / @cristianoEven the likes of England superstar Jude Bellingham, who is just 20 years old, is already worth a not-so-small fortune thanks to commercial tie-ups, including an eye-catching deal with Kim Kardashian’s Skims.Ahead of the first game of the tournament kicking off tonight, here we reveal the ultimate Euro 2024 rich list.Cristiano Ronaldo £471mPortugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, 39, will play his sixth European Championship when his team faces Czech Republic on Tuesday. It is believed this could be his last Euro games. In 2020, he became the first active team sport athlete to surpass $1billion in career earnings – and two years later, he signed a two-and-a-half year deal with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.READ MORE ON SPORTAccording to Forbes, he is paid around £164million by the club for his on-field duties.Ronaldo has raked over £47million in endorsement deals with brands such as Nike, Unilever, and Herbalife.The star also has an incredible property portfolio.Among the impressive homes owned by Ronaldo and his fiancée Georgina Rodriguez are a £5.5million house in Lisbon, a £1.5million flat, and a £2.5million mansion overlooking the River Cavado.Most read in Euro 2024Kylian Mbappe – £141mAfter making his debut for the French national team in 2017, Kylian Mbappe has risen to become one of the most exciting players in the world. With a £141million net worth, he is the second richest player in the tournament this year. At just 25, he has lifted some of the biggest trophies, including the World Cup in 2018.England fans’ must watch guide to Gelsenkirchen ahead of Three Lions’ Euro 2024 clash vs SerbiaAt just 25, Kylian Mbappe is one of the richest athletes in the worldCredit: GettyThe star often posts snaps of his lifestyle on social mediaCredit: Instagram / @k.mbappeHis salary is pegged at a whopping £21million-a-year – which equates to £404,000-a-week.However, that marks a drastic pay CUT compared to the previous two-year deal he was on at PSG, which netted him a staggering £5.1million per week.And it works out at about an eighth of Ronaldo’s!Mbappe has also signed lucrative deals with Hublot, Louis Vuitton, Oakley, and Hennessey. According to Forbes, his endorsement deals fetch him £15.7million alone.Earlier this month, it was reported that he had purchased a £15million mega mansion in Spain after finalising his move to Real Madrid. Harry Kane – £72mEngland’s Harry Kane is the third richest player in the tournament this yearCredit: GettyHe has an impressive £13million property portfolioHarry Kane, England’s top goal scorer of all time, saw his net worth shoot up by £24million to £72million in just a year.That figure will continue to rise since. In 2023, he signed a lucrative deal to move to Bayern Munich that pays £21.5million per year.His £100million transfer was said to have come with a £30million signing fee.Kane’s skills have also netted him an endorsement deal with Amazon and a partnership with Sketchers that is said to be worth £2million.He has also invested in properties with a portfolio that stands at an eye-watering £13million. Despite this, it’s been reported that Harry lives in a £1million-per-year rented mansion with wife Katie and their three kids.Antoine Griezmann – £71mAntoine Griezmann has a peak base salary of £21millionCredit: AFPHe lives in a modern home with his wife and kids worth £5millionCredit: INSTAGRAM/EriKA ChoperenaFrance’s Antoine Griezman, 33, has a reported net worth of £71million.His £21million peak base salary made him one of the ten highest-paid football players in recent years. Away from the pitch, he earns over £4.7million in endorsement deals with brands such as Puma, Gillette, and Head and Shoulders.Fans have seen glimpses of the Atletico Madrid player’s elegant modern home, which is said to have cost over £5million. Robert Lewandowski – £67mRobert Lewandowski is one of the best strikers of all timeCredit: Instagram @_rl9He owns a deluxe £7million apartment in Warsaw with his wifeCredit: INSTAGRAM @_RL9 @annalewandowskaPoland’s Robert Lewandowski’s impressive skills on the pitch saw him crowned the best player by FIFA and UEFA in 2020. According to Celebrity Net Worth, his salary in 2020 was £23.5million, which made him one of the highest-paid football players in the world.The Barcelona player has often been named one of the best strikers of all time and has many sponsorship deals to his name. In 2016, it was reported that he spent £7million on a deluxe apartment in Warsaw, his home city. Kevin De Bruyne – £56mKevin De Bruyne’s career has netted him a £56million fortuneCredit: GettyHe owns properties in Cheshire and BelgiumCredit: INSTAGRAMKevin De Bruyne has been one of Belgium’s most trusted aces for many years. The Manchester City player’s stunning career has earned him a £56million net worth. Regarded as one of the greatest of his generation, the 33-year-old’s base salary is £15.7million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.His huge popularity has been a hit with brands – he has partnered with Nike, McDonald’s, and Emirates. Like many on this list, he enjoys the finer things in life. He owns properties in Cheshire and a villa in Belgium, his home country, equipped with a jacuzzi, swimming pool, and a basketball court.Romelu Lukaku – £50mRomelu Lukaku is one of Chelsea’s most expensive signings of all timeCredit: GettyBelgium striker Romelu Lukaku is believed to be worth a staggering £50million.With an impressive resume that includes stints with Manchester United, Inter Milan, and Chelsea, it is no surprise that he is one of the most in-demand players in the world. In 2021, his return to Chelsea made him the seventh-most-expensive player in a club-record transfer worth £97.5million. After one season, he was sent out on loan to Roma and forced to take a pay cut. According to Football Transfers, he now earns an annual salary of £6.3million. Luka Modric – £58.9mCroatia’s Luka Modric recently splashed £10m on a mansionCredit: GettyThe footballer with wife Vanja Bosnic, who secured a monumental deal that took him to Real Madrid in 2012Credit: Instagram @lukamodric10Croatian captain Luka Modric is best known for his long tenure as a midfielder for Real Madrid.Regarded as one of the greatest players in the world, he has amassed a fortune of £58.9million.While his annual salary with the La Liga team has not been made public, it has been estimated to be around £7.8million.Last year, it was reported that he had forked out £10.1million on a new home in Madrid.It has a huge parlour, nine bedrooms, a swimming pool, and a gym. He lives there with his wife, Vanja, and their three kids.Thomas Muller – £45millionHarry Kane’s Bayern teammate reportedly earns £345,000 a weekCredit: ReutersThe Geman icon with wife Lisa, who he married in 2009Credit: Instagram @esmuellertGerman icon Thomas Muller, 34, has made around £45million throughout his career.Very few can match his trophy hauls, which include the Bundesliga, Champions League, and the World Cup.He is said to be making £18million a year and £345,000 a week.This makes him one of the highest-paid footballers at Bayern Munich, where he has been since 2008.He lives in Munich in a villa with his wife, Lisa, which was burgled while he played football in 2022.Jude Bellingham – £40mAt just 20, Jude Bellingham has made £40million in his careerCredit: GettyHe’s recently been unveiled as the new face for Kim Kardashian’s fashion brand SKIMSCredit: SKIMSEngland and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham is worth £40million, thanks partly to his £103million deal transfer to Real Madrid last year. This equates to a yearly salary of £11.6million a year and weekly wages of £200,000.The 20-year-old has a growing endorsement portfolio, which includes partnerships with Louis Vuitton and Lucozade. More recently, he became the face of Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS.READ MORE SUN STORIESAdidas has also designed a logo in his image. That partnership is said to fetch him £2.6million.Jude became the youngest first-team player for Birmingham City when he was 16 and has continued to break records since. They include becoming the youngest English goalscorer in the Champions League back in 2021. More

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      England vs Serbia referee is controversial Italian set to retire after Euro 2024 who Modric called ‘one of the worst’

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      ITALIAN ref Daniele Orsato will officiate England’s powder-keg Euros opener against Serbia – before he hangs up his whistle at the end of the tournament.The Venetian, 48, is retiring from the game following his stint in Germany after 18 years as a referee.Modric called the ref ‘one of the worst’Credit: GettyThe ref famously sent off Paul Pogba during a feisty Man Utd game against PSGCredit: GettyFourteen of those have been spent as a Fifa-listed official, with his most prestigious match being the 2020 Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.Manchester United fans may remember him for sending off Paul Pogba in a feisty Champions League last-16 tie with PSG in 2019, in which ten yellow cards were dished out.While Orsato incurred the wrath of Luka Modric for awarding a controversial penalty to eventual-winners Argentina in Croatia’s World Cup semi-final in Qatar two years ago.Ballon D’Or winner Modric blasted at the time: “I don’t like to talk about the referees, but this is one of the worst. I don’t have a good memory of him, he’s a disaster”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOrsato was in tears after blowing the final whistle in PSG’s Champions League semi-final defeat to Borussia Dortmund last month, knowing it was the last game he would officiate in the competition.The Serie A stalwart was also the man in the middle for Manchester City’s Champions League quarter-final second leg with Real Madrid in April, when Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions lost on penalties to the eventual winners.Sunday’s clash in Gelsenkirchen is expected to be a fiery encounter, particularly given the hooligan reputation of some of Serbia’s fans.Orsato will be assisted by fellow Italians Ciro Carbone and Alessadro Giallatini, while another compatriot, Massimiliano Irrati, is on VAR duty.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTMeet England’s Euro 2024 Wags
      England Wags range from childhood sweethearts to recently blossoming love stories.
      Katie Goodland (Harry Kane’s wife)
      The fitness instructor has been married to the England captain since 2019 and joined him in Germany with their four children after he joined Bayern Munich.
      Laura Celia Valk (Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend)
      The stunning Dutch model, 25, has more than half a million Instagram followers and is said to be absolutely smitten with the Real Madrid star.
      Rebecca Cooke (Phil Foden’s girlfriend)
      Foden’s childhood sweetheart and the mother of his two kids tends to keep out of the spotlight, but is a regular at England games.
      Dani Dyer (Jarrod Bowen’s girlfriend)
      England’s most famous Wag, former Love Island winner and daughter of Eastenders’ Danny Dyer.
      Iris Law (Trent Alexander-Arnold’s daughter)
      Dani Dyer isn’t the only actor’s daughter dating an England star. Iris’ dad is Hollywood legend Jude Law.
      Megan Davison (Jordan Pickford’s wife)
      Megan has been with Pickford since he was 14 years old. The couple married in 2022 and have one son.
      Olivia Naylor (John Stones’ girlfriend)
      The 33-year-old former beautician has stepped back from her role after giving birth to a baby son.
      Read more about the Wags who will be supporting England at Euro 2024 here

      Meet Serbia’s Euro 2024 Wags
      Serbia’s Wags include a former Versace model, a warlord’s daughter and the country’s answer to Dua Lipa.
      Sofija Milosevic (Luka Jovic’s girlfriend)
      Leggy model who rocked up at the catwalk in Milan used to date Jovic’s team-mate Adem Ljajic.
      Vanja Bogdanovic (Dusan Vlahovic’s girlfriend)
      Belgrade native Vanja is said to have known Vlahovic since the couple were teenagers. They briefly broke up before reuniting.
      Natalija Ilic (Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s wife)
      Perennial Man Utd transfer target is married to a qualified doctor.
      Anastasija Gudelj (Nemanja Gudelj’s wife)
      Midfielder’s wife is the daughter of one of Serbia’s most popular singers, Ceca, and a warlord, Arkan, who was assassinated in 2000.
      Tea Tairovic (linked to Uros Racic)
      Serbia’s equivalent to Dua Lipa has over 800,000 Instagram followers but denied links to midfielder Racic in 2023.
      Read more about Serbia’s Euro 2024 Wags here

      England have been handed a massive injury-boost ahead of their first game of the tournament.Both John Stones and Luke Shaw were able to take part in training after their respective injury doubts.Why teams should fear ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ SerbiaStones had been confined to his room having suffered with an illness while away on camp.EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENT More