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    Ukraine boss Andriy Shevchenko’s wife Kristen is an ex-American model, who posed with the ex-Chelsea star in saucy shoot

    UKRAINE manager Andriy Shevchenko is the football legend who has won it all – including the heart of a stunning American model.The ex-Chelsea ace, who played for the Blues from 2006 to 2009, has led his country to a quarter-final place at Euro 2020, where they will take on England.
    Andriy Shevchenko, pictured with wife Kristen, has led the Ukraine at the Euros
    Shevcheno and Kristen posed in a sexy photoshoot for GQ in ItalyCredit: © GIAN PAOLO BARBIERI
    The photoshoot took place in 2003 when Shevchenko was in his prime at AC Milan
    However, before that – when the now 44-year-old was starring in Italy for AC Milan in the early noughties – he was posing in saucy photoshoots for GQ Italia.
    The 2004 Ballon d’Or winner is married to stunning American model, Kristen Pazik.
    And the men’s lifestyle magazine came up with the genius idea to pair them together for a covershoot. Incidentally, it became GQ Italia’s biggest ever seller.
    Pazik’s father Mike is also a MLB legend, having pitched for the Minnesota Twins in the 1970s and helped Kansas City Royals win the World Series in 2015 as their Major League scout.
    MODEL MISSUS
    Blonde bombshell Kristen, now 42, was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and is of Polish descent.
    She met Shevchenko at a fashion show in Milan in the early 2000s, where he was one of the best players in the world.
    The pair were instantly smitten, and they appeared topless on the front cover of the Italian version of GQ in a saucy photoshoot in 2003.
    Pazik and Shevchenko’s chemistry can be seen throughout the photoshootCredit: © GIAN PAOLO BARBIERI
    The semi-naked shoot was an eye-opener for Serie A fansCredit: © GIAN PAOLO BARBIERI
    Pazik was born in America and is of Polish originCredit: © GIAN PAOLO BARBIERI
    Shevchenko and Pazik became the glam couple of Italian football after the GQ photoshootCredit: © GIAN PAOLO BARBIERI
    In the snaps Shevchenko also posed toplessCredit: © GIAN PAOLO BARBIERI
    Three years after this shoot, Pazik and Shevchenko married in Washington DCCredit: © GIAN PAOLO BARBIERI

    In the snaps the chemistry between them is seemingly electric, with Shevchenko draped across the semi-naked beauty.
    Other images show a topless Sheva looking suggestively down the lens.
    That issue is GQ Italy’s biggest seller of all-time, and put the super-couple on the map.
    A year later Kristen, who boasts 276-inch pins, and Shevchenko married on a golf course in Washington DC.
    They have four sons, including one boy – Kristian – who is on Chelsea’s books.
    Pazik walks the runway at the Rocco Barocco show during Milan Fashion WeekCredit: Rex Features
    Shevchenko met Kristen in the early noughties when he played for AC MilanCredit: Rex Features
    The pair were cover stars for the Italian version of GQ magazine
    Pazik boasts legs measuring 276 inchesCredit: The Mega Agency
    Shevchenko’s son Kristian, 14, is on the books at Chelsea
    SHE LOVES CHELSEA
    When Shevchenko was to be sold by AC Milan, both Manchester United and Chelsea declared their interest.
    However, the forward’s wife reportedly helped her husband make his mind up.
    Kristen was said to have become close to Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich’s ex-wife Irina, who apparently whisked the beauty around Sloane Square’s glitzy designer boutiques.
    Soon after, Shevchenko chose to move to West London, but he told Gazetta Sport that his wife wasn’t the deciding factor.
    “My wife has nothing to do with this, we decided together for the best interests of our family,” he said.

    Shevchenko and Pazik pose with legendary designer Giorgio ArmaniCredit: Getty Images
    Pazik reportedly influenced Shevchenko to move to Stamford Bridge and was friends with Roman Abramovich’s ex-wife IrinaCredit: Rex Features
    Blonde bombshell Pazik reportedly loved the trendy boutiques West London offersCredit: Rex Features
    In the early days of their romance Shevchenko and Pazik would speak Italian to one anotherCredit: © GIAN PAOLO BARBIERI
    “I don’t speak English, my wife does not speak Ukrainian – the only language we have in common at the moment is Italian.
    “The only way to be able to teach our children our love that we have for them is the English language.”
    At the turn of the year, Shevchenko was linked to the Chelsea job but lost out to Thomas Tuchel.
    You can’t help think that one day he might just end up in the managerial seat at Stamford Bridge.
    STRIKE IT LUCKY
    Shevchenko isn’t the only sports star in his family. His father-in-law is a MLB legend.
    Mike Pazik was a pitcher who was a first round draft pick by the New York Yankees in 1971.
    He enjoyed three seasons at Minnesota Twins from 1975-77, then served as a pitching coach for the Chicago White Sox from 1995-98.
    Ukraine boss Shevchenko has managed to get his team into the Euro 2020 quarter-finalsCredit: AP
    Shevchenko and Pazik have been married for 17 yearsCredit: Instagram / @kristenpazik1
    Shevchenko’s father-in-law is baseball legend Mike PazikCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Mike Pazik is now the Major League scout at Kansas City Royals

    Pazik is currently working with the Kansas City Royals as a Major League scout.
    In 2015, he helped the team win the World Series for only the second time in their history.
    Will Shevchenko be able to channel his father-in-law’s winning mentality against England?
    Shevchenko and Andersson have ugly touchline row as Sweden manager accuses Ukraine stars of diving in Euro 2020 game More

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    Chelsea ‘make transfer offer’ for Sergio Ramos with Real Madrid legend, 35, set to leave club on a free

    CHELSEA have reportedly made an offer to Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos.The centre-half recently confirmed he will leave the Spanish giants at the end of the season as a free agent.
    Chelsea are reportedly in for Real Madrid legend Sergio RamosCredit: AFP
    Paris Saint-Germain are believed to be the frontrunners for his signature.
    But according to El Chiringuito, Chelsea are one of four clubs to have offered the 35-year-old terms.
    The others in the race are Manchester City, Bayern Munich and PSG.
    ESPN claim the veteran defender is going through the pros and cons of each potential move.
    It’s said that City are willing to offer Ramos a two-year contract at Eastlands, which they’d ‘reassess’ in the summer of 2023.
    Ramos, however, is said to have reservations about a move to Manchester.
    The four-time Champions League winner is reportedly concerned about the ‘impact’ a move to Manchester would have on his four sons, and wife Pilar Rubio.

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    Ramos is believed to be on Paris Saint-Germain’s shortlist this summerCredit: AFP

    Ramos’ imminent exit from Madrid brings about the end of a 16-year love affair with Los Blancos.
    But according to Real president Florentino Perez, the former Sevilla man was offered a new deal at the Bernabeu.
    During an appearance on El Transistor, Perez said: “I had a tough time at Sergio Ramos’ farewell [event].
    “I love Sergio Ramos like a son.
    “I wasn’t with him at the [farewell] press conference because I’ve never been to a press conference with any player.
    “I have an adoration for Sergio Ramos, and I’m not going to talk about the bickering.
    “He has been a legend at Real Madrid and that’s what we Real Madrid fans are left with.
    “We offered him a contract, we gave him a deadline and he didn’t accept it.
    “He was thinking about other things and life goes on. He will do very well for sure, and this is his home.
    “I would be delighted if Sergio Ramos went to a club that offered him what we have not been able to offer him.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Emotional Sergio Ramos in tears as he bids farewell to Real Madrid More

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    Chelsea interested in Barcelona outcast Miralem Pjanic but face three-club transfer battle with Juventus and PSG

    MIRALEM PJANIC is reportedly attracting interest from Chelsea, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain ahead of a Barcelona fire sale.The LaLiga giants are facing mounting debt and have been told to drastically cut their wage bill.
    Miralem Pjanic reportedly favours a move to JuventusCredit: Getty
    Samuel Umtiti, Philippe Coutinho and Martin Braithwaite are just some of the players linked with moves this summer.
    According to ESPN, midfielder Pjanic is among them.
    The 31-year-old signed only 12 months ago from Juventus in a contrived swap deal for Brazilian playmaker Arthur Melo.
    Yet he has failed to light up the Camp Nou and did not score a goal during their failed LaLiga title bid.
    Therefore Barcelona are said to be ready to accept a reasonable bid for Pjanic.
    Massimiliano Allegri signed the Bosnian for Juventus in 2016 and helped turn him into one of the world’s top central midfielders.

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    The Italian is now back in Turin for the new season and is reportedly interested in securing Pjanic’s return.
    But the Old Lady are thought to not be too keen on a permanent transfer with a significant fee.
    Whether a loan deal is of interest to Barcelona remains to be seen.
    Earlier in the summer, the player was said to want a move back to Italy.

    Chelsea and PSG have also been named by Le10Sport as considering a loan bid.
    Thomas Tuchel is preparing to spend big to turn his Blues team into Premier League title challengers.
    On the German’s wishlist is a new centre-back with Sevilla’s Jules Kounde strongly linked alongside Real Madrid star Raphael Varane.
    Former striker Romelu Lukaku has also been lined up but is not thought to be ready to leave Inter Milan.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Barcelona ‘want to offer Chelsea Miralem Pjanic in swap transfer for Jorginho’ after career revival under Thomas Tuchel More

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    Mount and Chilwell train alone while Kane, Sterling and Co do heavy lifting as England step up Germany preparations

    MASON MOUNT and Ben Chilwell are moving closer to returning to full training – but not too close.Mount and Chilwell did drills on a pitch well away from the rest of the England squad – and socially distant from each other – as preparations for Tuesday’s last 16 clash with Germany moved up a gear.
    Mason and Ben Chilwell are moving closer to returning to full trainingCredit: The Sun
    Ben Chilwell training on his ownCredit: The Sun
    Harry Kane joined by Reece James, Jadon Sancho and John Stones in trainingCredit: AFP
    The Chelsea pair have been in isolation since having been in “close contact” with Blues team-mate Billy Gilmour.
    Gilmour tested positive for Covid-19 after chatting in the tunnel with Mount and Chilwell following the bore draw with Scotland on June 18.
    Their quarantine period will expire only at midnight on Monday, but they will be available for selection against Germany.
    England players know the weight of the task against their old rivals on Tuesday night.
    Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling & Co were pictured on the main training pitch doing some heavy lifting.
    Gareth Southgate’s men carried weight bags as they trained on Saturday morning at St George’s Park.
    Chilwell is yet to feature at the Euros, but Gareth Southgate may well pick Mount despite the disruption to his schedule.

    Phil Foden was left out against the Czech Republic due to being on a yellow card and will be hoping to return to the starting XICredit: PA
    Harry Kane is yet to scoreCredit: Reuters
    Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell did drills on a pitch well away from the rest of the squadCredit: The Sun
    The Chelsea pair have been in isolationCredit: The Sun
    Gareth Southgate was keeping a close eye on his playersCredit: Reuters
    Jordan Pickford looked in good spirits having not let in a goalCredit: Reuters

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    Mount had established himself in Southgate’s starting 11 before the bizarre chain of events forced him and Chilwell to return to England’s base at St George’s Park in separate ambulances.
    They have been confined to their hotel rooms except when training on their own to maintain fitness, with separate FA staff overseeing them to prevent any further Covid mishaps.
    Mount and Chilwell have also been joining team meetings and other events remotely.
    Raheem Sterling, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jack GrealishCredit: Getty

    Rashford nutmegs Saka in England training as relaxed stars work out ahead of Euro 2020 showdown with Germany More

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    Chelsea and Man Utd joined by Tottenham in transfer race for Sevilla star Jules Kounde

    TOTTENHAM have joined Chelsea and Manchester United in the race for Sevilla’s Jules Kounde, reports say. The Frenchman is one of the most sought after defenders in the world currently following a breakthrough season in Spain.
    Spurs have joined Chelsea and United in the race for Sevilla’s Jules Kounde, reports say.Credit: Getty
    Managerless Spurs, still yet to confirm a replacement for Jose Mourinho, are the latest club interested in Kounde, according to The Guardian.
    It is claimed he currently has a £69million release clause, but can be expected to move for much less than that in the summer window.
    Real Madrid and Arsenal are also long-term admirers of Kounde – who has just helped France reach the knockout stages of the Euros.
    The Gunners have since closed in on a move for Brighton and England’s Ben White, 23.
    And while Madrid said goodbye to club legend Sergio Ramos, 35, they already have David Alaba, 29, signed as a replacement.
    Kounde, 22, made 49 appearances for Sevilla last season, qualifying for the Champions League just two points behind Barcelona. 
    Only champions Atletico Madrid and Real conceded fewer league goals than Sevilla last term.
    But Kounde put Europe’s elite on red alert last month when he revealed his future could be destined for a move away.
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    He said: “I may have to change clubs this summer. I have not decided anything.
    “My goal is, one day, to evolve into a great club to always try to progress, win trophies.
    “To be able to start the season each year by telling yourself that the goal is win a particular trophy. I might have to move, but that’s not relevant today.”
    Man Utd want Sevilla defender and France U21 star Jules Kounde More

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    Timo Werner’s agent insists German will STAY at Chelsea despite shock Real Madrid transfer links

    TIMO WERNER’S agent insisted the German striker will stay at Chelsea, despite shock transfer links to Real Madrid. Werner arrived at Stamford Bridge from RB Leipzig last summer for around £47.5million, but struggled in his first season.
    Timo Werner was linked with Real MadridCredit: EPA
    He did manage 12 goals and 15 assists in 52 games but at times lacked confidence and missed big chances.
    Still, manager Thomas Tuchel kept faith in the forward and even started him in the Champions League final against Manchester City.
    And despite the Blues winning their second European cup, Werner’s future remained up in the air.
    Carlo Ancelotti, who has returned to Madrid from Everton, was a rumoured admirer of the pacey attacker.
    But his agent all-but ruled out a departure after one year with Chelsea, as he insisted the player is happy in West London.
    Karlheinz Forsterbe told Sport1: “You can’t rule out anything, but if I had to assess it at the moment, then I would say very clearly that Timo will stay at Chelsea.
    “He feels comfortable there. A move will not be an issue in the foreseeable future.”
    Werner, 25, was helped settle in at Chelsea alongside fellow summer signing Kai Havertz, 22, by Germany team-mate Toni Rudiger, 28.
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    Before the trio got their hands on the Champions League trophy in May, Werner confirmed he had no desire to leave Stamford Bride.
    He said: “In terms of scoring and missing chances, it was the worst season. But in the end I still have 27 goal contributions.
    “I think I’m the first in our team for that, so it was not everything bad and I don’t think about leaving the club this year, for sure not.
    “And also for the next year because I think we have a very good team and I hope to come back to scoring and that I can do everything that’s expected of me.”
    Timo Werner dances in the stands after Chelsea beat Leicester More

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    Chelsea and France Euro 2020 star N’Golo Kante is the nicest man in football, and one of the richest with a £25m fortune

    N’GOLO KANTE is a regular among football’s most popular players and recently broke into the Sunday Times Young Sport Rich List.The Chelsea and France midfielder, currently starring at Euro 2020, has amassed impressive fortune of £25million but he is well-known as a humble, down-to-earth figure off the pitch.
    The much-loved midfielder is currently starring for France at Euro 2020Credit: Getty
    Kante has enjoyed a rapid rise from his early days playing in the French second-tierCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Despite his wealth, Kante still drops by local mosques to pray and hang out with fans or even showing up at a supporter’s wedding.
    Even on the pitch, his sparkling attitude comes across when deliberately refusing to punish teammates in a fun training game and memorably being too shy to hold the World Cup.
    It is clear his humble mantra spills over into his finances too with Kante saving more than a few pennies by driving a Mini rather than a supercar.
    And it isn’t hard to see how the Frenchman made it to seventh in the Sunday Times ‘Young Sportsmen’ Rich List, for athletes aged under 30 in 2020.
    After signing a new Chelsea contract in November 2018, he is thought to have doubled his pre-tax wages from £150,000-a-week to £300,000-a-week.
    The Blues also paid out handsomely after Kante helped Antonio Conte’s side win the 2016/17 Premier League title.
    A £5m fund was reportedly set up by Roman Abramovich to reward the squad, weighting bonuses towards those who made the most appearances – such as Kante and his 35 matches.
    A similar prize of around £250,000 was mooted for every member of France’s World Cup-winning squad in 2018 and no doubt he will have received another tidy bonus after helping Chelsea to beat Manchester City in last month’s Champions League final.
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    However Leicester’s title run of 2016 came so unexpectedly that no cash bonus was set aside for Kante and Co – leaving them to share a £6.5m pot between them for simply finishing above 12th.
    Of course, the Foxes got plenty of other perks and the midfielder would cash in by heading to Stamford Bridge the following summer.
    In 2020, he agreed a fresh deal to remain a brand ambassador for German sports clothing giant Adidas.
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
    Chelsea star N’Golo Kante proves he is football’s most likeable character by hilariously posing in sunglasses during line-up photo More

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    Southgate says Euro 2020 Covid-19 rules ‘full of contradictions’ as Mount and Chilwell miss England vs Czech Republic

    ENGLAND manager Gareth Southgate criticised coronavirus rules that left Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell out of the win over Czech Republic.The Three Lions topped Group D after a 1-0 victory at Wembley – but were without two key players due to Covid-19 restrictions that Southgate described as “full of contradictions”.
    England manager Gareth Southgate slammed Euro 2020’s coronavirus rulesCredit: Getty
    England duo Ben Chilwell and Mason Mount came in contact with Scotland’s Billy GilmourCredit: The Sun
    Mount and Chilwell were ordered to self-isolate for 10 days after being deemed close contacts of Scotland international Billy Gilmour, who tested positive for coronavirus after the two nations’ goalless draw last week.
    The England chief said the Chelsea duo were “hugely disappointed” to miss the final group game.
    The 50-year-old coach could not understand why he was without two players whereas Scotland manager Steve Clarke has a full squad – bar Gilmour – at his disposal.
    Southgate told ITV: “They [Mount and Chilwell] are hugely disappointed to miss the games.
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    “We just have to get on with it. It is a bizarre situation, they have spent 120 seconds too long in a fairly open space.
    “It is full of contradictions for me but we will get on with it.
    “Frankly, I don’t understand it at all because there are teams travelling around by planes, coach and by bus in enclosed spaces for hours and our two boys have been pinged. I really don’t get it.

    “I’ve no issue for Steve and for Scotland, I don’t want them to have any more issues than we’ve had, it just seems a bizarre situation.”
    Southgate is also facing the real prospect of missing Mount and Chilwell from England’s last-16 fixture after they topped Group D.
    The Three Lions face a potential horror tie against France, Portugal, Germany, or Hungary next Tuesday.
    That is the day after the Chelsea pair are due to rejoin the group, but the pai still may lack the necessary fitness.
    Southgate added: “Even that is going to be very difficult given the training schedule and the need to isolate.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Gareth Southgate responds to the news that Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell have been ordered to self isolate following Gilmour Covid result More