Children parenting and family life

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      She lived with us for 9 wonderful years – Luis Enrique opens up on death of his daughter in heartbreaking interview

      by

      LUIS ENRIQUE has opened up about the heartbreaking death of his daughter Xana.The Paris Saint-Germain manager’s beloved daughter tragically passed away at the age of nine in 2019.Luis Enrique has spoken beautifully about keeping daughter Xana’s ‘memory alive’Less than a year after taking over as Spain manager, Enrique would step away from the role in June 2019 for personal reasons.Two months later, Enrique shared the news of Xana’s death after her five-month battle with osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer.The former Barcelona and Real Madrid midfielder has again paid a heartfelt tribute to his youngest daughter.Enrique opened up about her passing in a profoundly moving segment in the third episode of his documentary You Haven’t Got a Clue.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe said: “Can I consider myself fortunate or unfortunate? I consider myself fortunate, very fortunate.”My daughter Xana came to live with us for nine wonderful years. We have a thousand memories of her, videos, incredible things.”My mother couldn’t keep photos of Xana. “Until I came home and asked, ‘Why are there no photos of Xana, Mom?’ ‘I can’t, I can’t, she used to say. Most read in Football”‘Mom, you have to put up photos of Xana, Xana is alive,’ I replied.”Enrique added: “Physically, she may not be here, but spiritually she is. Barcelona legend, 32, breaks down in tears as he leaves after 18 years and 25 trophies with Spanish giants”Because every day we talk about her, we laugh, and we remember because I think Xana still sees us.”The images of Xana that accompanied his words reflect the happiness she radiated, which Enrique vowed to keep alive in his memory.The Champions League winning manager with Barca returned to his Spain job to replace interim coach Robert Moreno ahead of Euro 2020.He lost on penalties to eventual champs Italy in the semi-finals and stepped down after Spain lost another shootout to Morocco in the Round of 16 in the Qatar World Cup. Back in November 2022, after his Spain side drew 1-1 with Germany in the group stage in Qatar, Enrique paid tribute to Xana ahead of what would have been her 13th birthday.He said: “It was a special day for me and my family.”Obviously we don’t have our daughter with us physically anymore, but she is still present every day.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We remember her a lot, we laugh and think about how she would act in each situation that we experience.”Enrique also thanked the medical team who treated his daughter “for their dedication and treatment”.Xana Enrique passed away following a battle with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer in 2019 More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Well done, Annie Kilner for taking control over cheat Kyle Walker – now it’s time to hit him where it hurts

      by

      ANNIE KILNER has consulted divorce lawyers over wayward husband Kyle Walker.And I couldn’t be happier for her.Annie Kilner has consulted divorce lawyers over her husband Kyle WalkerCredit: GettySince he first got together with wife Annie, Walker has been unfaithful many timesCredit: Refer to CaptionIf you are not au fait with Kyle Walker, let me explain.On the pitch for England and Manchester City, he is an amazing, talented footballer.Off it, his life is an absolute car crash, which could be turned into a Carry On film.Since he first got together with Annie, he has romped in a car with Ex On The Beach’s Laura Brown and fathered two children with reality TV star Lauryn Goodman.READ MORE FROM JANE ATKINSONHe exposed himself in a bar and snogged another woman.During Covid he had a party with two sex workers.And he has been caught twice urinating in the street after a session in the pub — most recently just two weeks ago.He has run rough­shod over his relationship with Annie. And I don’t know how she has held it together.Most read in FootballShe always appears to look steely, strong and determined when she is out with their four children — the youngest of whom was born in April — or watching him on the pitch.But her confidence must have been absolutely crushed over the years. Imagine the anguish and pain she has gone through.Drama at Kyle Walker’s Home: Annie Kilner vs Lauryn GoodmanThis is a woman who was a normal working-class girl from Sheffield when she fell for local lad Kyle at the age of 16.He was playing football but he wasn’t the megastar he is now.She fell in love with him, knowing he could one day play for England or get injured and end up on benefits.He hit the jackpot in his career — with the salary to go with it — but Annie has been the one to pay the price.Terrible behaviourShe has tried to deal with it and chucked him out of the house — and taken him back. Multiple times.She has slated Lauryn, had public spats with her, apologised to her and told friends she wishes Lauryn was dead.Annie bravely admitted that his terrible behaviour even became “acceptable”.And some have said that his wealth has cushioned his behaviour while others have slammed her for not leaving before now.But leaving any man — rich or poor — isn’t easy when you’ve spent half your life with him and have four kids together.Any woman who has been cheated on knows that it takes a long while to regain your strength afterwards and come out fighting. Now Annie has. She is finally, thankfully, taking control.She recently sought advice to make sure she could get half of his £150,000-a-week salary and this week she has gone a step further and met with lawyers to discuss legal proceedings to end her marriage.Strength and courageI bet those who love her are proud of her.Annie has shown strength and courage.She has also given an important message to all those kids who idolise her husband — that there must be consequences for your actions.This summer, a survey of 1,306 children aged six to 17 across the UK revealed that almost a fifth wanted to be a footballer.They rank second only to parents as the people that youngsters admire the most.You could argue that Kyle is only a role model on the pitch but thanks to sponsorship deals and five million followers on social media, he is a role model, and influencer, off it too.Children across the country this summer stuck his picture into Euro 2024 albums.They stayed up late to watch him play and, week in week out, they idolise him at Manchester City.Nobody wants to see a marriage end.But nobody wants to see a woman cheated on and humiliated either.Now Annie can have the greatest revenge of all by hitting him where it truly hurts — his wallet.The England defender also secretly fathered TWO kids with reality TV star Lauryn GoodmanCredit: AlamyRihanna at the reddyLESS is more – unless you’re Rihanna.In a new promotional photoshoot, she sports amazing scarlet hair, blue fur coat and a red snakeskin outfit that involves a skirt attached loosely to a bustier to show off her bum.Rihanna posed with amazing scarlet hair, a blue fur coat and a red snakeskin outfitCredit: savagex.comThe singer and businesswoman completes the style with a smouldering pout and terrifying long talons.Most of us would look like we had walked out of the local brothel but she somehow manages to pull it off.BORIS JOHNSON has insisted refurbishing his Downing Street flat was necessary because it looked like a “crack den” once he had pulled the carpets out.You have to wonder how he knows what a crack house looks like.50 still niftyI COULDN’T be happier for the newly married Miranda Hart.But I do wish everyone would stop being so shocked that she tied the knot at the age of 51.I do wish everyone would stop being so shocked that Miranda Hart tied the knot at the age of 51Credit: GettyThe actress was 49 when surveyor Richard Fairs came to her £2million home to deal with mould.It was during the pandemic and she was struggling with chronic fatigue syndrome after being diagnosed with Lyme disease.In her new book, she says she was so ill that she never thought she would find love and was “fading away”.I get that.But now a million relationship experts have taken to social media to discuss how to find love over 50 as if she is some dinosaur.We are no longer living in the dark ages and no woman should be written off in their 50s – or think that they are either.Rights bill so wrongREMEMBER a time when we were all desperate to get out of the house, mingle and live a normal life when Covid struck.Now, thanks to the Government’s new Employment Rights Bill, we can all return to that because flexible working, including working from home, will be made the “default for all” where possible.So no mingling in the office, no chatting by the coffee machine when you are feeling down, no making lifelong friends.And forget office flirting because Zoom and Teams really don’t cut it for the fun things in life.I’ve worked from home for more than a decade because I live hundreds of miles from head office.If I could go in every day, I would.I’ve grown sick of the amount of times people have said: “Oh, but you work from home,” as though I spend my life on the sofa watching This Morning or baking banana bread.In fact, unless you are a grade A skiver you end up working more because your home is your office and you can’t get away from it.Plus there is no free coffee and the heating bills are a fortune.We should be careful what we wish for.Tash leaves KittenWHEN Natasha Hamilton announced on Friday that she had quit Atomic Kitten, I was in utter shock.Natasha Hamilton announced on Friday that she had quit Atomic KittenCredit: RexI didn’t even know the band was still going.Ticket farce unfareI HAVE sympathy for train passenger Sam Williamson, who mistakenly underpaid for his ticket by £1.90 and now fears a criminal record and huge fine.He used the Northern Trains app to buy an Anytime ticket to central Manchester last month and used his 16-25 railcard for a discount without realising it can only be used under certain conditions.Sam Williamson mistakenly underpaid for his ticket by £1.90 and now fears a criminal record and huge fineCredit: SWNSWhen an inspector grilled him and told him the mistake, he immediately offered to buy a new ticket or pay a penalty.Instead, the jobsworth reported him and now Sam faces prosecution.Sam says it isn’t even clear on the app how you can use the railcard.I had the misfortune of using Northern last month and had a similar experience.I wanted to buy a cheaper ticket from the app but was told I had to buy one from an employee who, when I explained that the app ticket was cheaper, told me: “Northern don’t care what the customers pay.”Super. Maybe if the train firms did care and explained their baffling price structures, we wouldn’t hate travelling with them so muchSpice boy hitMY new motto is: Don’t buy things after drinking wine.My latest credit card purchase is Brooklyn Beckham’s chilli sauce.My latest credit card purchase is Brooklyn Beckham’s chilli sauceCredit: GettyI saw his mum Victoria plugging Cloud23 on Instagram (obviously) and forked out £30 on two bottles of it as I love spicy food.He’s been slated for his choice of careers but I can confirm Brooklyn, below, is actually pretty good at this one.READ MORE SUN STORIESThink Tabasco but not as harsh, with a lovely smoky hit.I just hope that he ditches the fancy box it comes in and gets it on a super­market shelf to avoid the big price tag. More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Jose Mourinho’s daughter Matilde to marry partner Danny Graham in lavish ceremony hosted at Special One’s £2million farm

      by

      TORRENTIAL rain looks set to put a dampener on Jose Mourinho’s daughter’s wedding in Portugal tomorrow.Matilde Mourinho and her fiancee Danny Graham are set to tie the knot tomorrow at a family farm in Azeitao near the Fenerbahce football manager’s native city of Setubal with 300 guests expected to attend.Matilde Mourinho is set to marry Danny GrahamShe is the daughter of Jose MourinhoCredit: GettyThe manager is thrilled at the prospect of becoming a grandfatherCredit: Rex Features300 guests are expected at the weddingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/matildefmf/The 28-year-old stunning jewellery designer admitted ahead of the ceremony she was hoping for good weather, saying: “Obviously, I don’t want it to rain.”But her wish for her big day looks set to come unhinged 24 hours before she says: ‘I do.’Weathermen are predicting heavy rain and possibly thunderstorms for tomorrow.A yellow weather warning is currently in place for Setubal and the surrounding area.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOn the positive side the sun is expected to shine on the happy couple for the post-ceremony second day of their weekend celebrations at a country estate in Azeitao called the Herdade do Peru.London-based Matilde, who has been dating her partner since 2016, spoke about her hope the rain would stay away on podcast ‘By Annabelle.’She added: “I am so happy at the idea of having all my friends and family together to celebrate in the same place.“It’s non-negotiable that my friends and family are there.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“The day can be as perfect as you dream it can be, but if the people who you would want to share it with are not there, then it’s not worth it.”Tomorrow’s event has been dubbed the wedding of the year by Portuguese press.Jose Mourinho’s daughter Matilde wins award for her jewellery company Mourinho has hinted at getting a tattoo to celebrate having a grandchild when the time comesThe couple have been dating since 2016Credit: https://www.instagram.com/matildefmf/The guest list has not been released for the weddingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/matildefmf/As well as the official ceremony at the Mourinho family’s POUNDS two million home in Azeitao and Sunday’s post-wedding get-together at Herdade do Peru, a pre-wedding dinner for around 80 guests has also been organised for tonight at the pretty town’s Jose Mario da Fonseca Museum House.An official guest list has not been revealed ahead of the wedding.Graham is not to be confused with former Swansea City star Danny Graham.Matilde’s partner is a director and co-founder of a property consultancy company called “Agace and Graham”.She has also found her own success away from football despite the fame of her father.She graduated with a Master’s degree from Condé Nast College of Fashion and Design in 2021.Portuguese TV station CMTV reported earlier this month the Mourinho home in Azeitao is one of several properties he is said to own in Portugal.It had undergone major refurbishments ahead of the wedding so the ceremony could be staged there.The former Manchester United and Chelsea manager has previously spoken about becoming a grandparent.He admitted that he would add to his trophy tattoos with one to celebrate the birth of a grandchild.He said: “This one I promised everyone.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The idea was to get a unique tattoo that only I could have: the three European cups won.”The next one I might get if my son or daughter had a baby girl or boy; it would be a special gift, and a tattoo could be a nice way to celebrate it.”Matilde Mourinho – Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/matildefmf/Credit: https://www.instagram.com/matildefmf/ More

    • 175 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Erling Haaland sparks pregnancy rumours with ‘baby bump’ photo after breaking 90-year goal record

      by

      ERLING Haaland has sparked pregnancy rumours with a “baby bump” pic posted after he broke a 90-year goal record.The 24-year-old Manchester City striker posted a picture on X of himself sucking his left thumb and with a ball under his jersey after helping Norway to a 3-0 win over Slovenia in the Nations League.Erling Haaland has sparked rumours with this photoCredit: RexErling Haaland is dating Isabel Haugseng JohansenCredit: GettyHaaland celebrates with his teammates after scoring the opener against Slovenia last nightCredit: EPAAbove the picture were baby and coming soon emojis which sparked rumours that Haaland was teasing that he is about to become a dad.The Norwegian goal machine is known to be in a relationship with girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen and they have no kids of yet.Haaland and Haugseng Johansen are understood to have first met one during their time at Bryne’s youth academy in Norway, and have known each other ever since.But many believe that Man City star’s latest post appeared to be hinting that he and his partner are now expecting their first child.Read More in FootballThe social media post generated an outpouring of support and love from those in football.It comes after Haaland broke a longstanding national record last night.The Prem star scored in the seventh and 62nd minutes during Thursday’s clash to move onto 34 international goals.That’s one more than the late Jorgen Juve on Norway’s list of record scorers. Most read in FootballJuve’s long-standing tally of 33 goals scored in a Norway national shirt across 45 appearances was set between 1928 and 1937.Meet the EFL icon, 36, with more hat-tricks than Haaland this season in ninth tier as he’s dubbed ‘absolute cheat code’Haaland has played only 36 games for Norway but has managed to shatter the record.The Man City hitman is on course to break all kinds of records if he continues his incredible scoring rate. He has also notched 256 in 308 appearances in club football. Haaland could add to his record goals tally for Norway when they take on Austria in more Nations League action on Sunday night. The former Borussia Dortmund star will then return to City for their Premier League trip to Wolves on October 20.It comes after Haaland was seen viewing a £3.5million house for sale alongside Wag Isabel Haugseng Johansen.The pair were spotted chatting in the street to an estate agent as they explored the stunning mansion.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe property – which is being sold by a Premier League star – boasts six bedrooms and six reception rooms, along with its own gym, swimming pool and steam room and sauna.It has fuelled hope for City fans that the £375,000-a-week Norwegian target man plans to extend his stay at the Etihad despite interest from Spanish clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid. More

    • 188 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Brighton Premier League wonderkid Aaron Connolly bravely reveals all about alcohol addiction and treatment

      by

      EX-PREMIER LEAGUE wonderkid Aaron Connolly has bravely revealed his alcohol addiction fight.The Irish international forward, 24, completed a free transfer to Championship promotion chasers Sunderland last month as he looks to resurrect his career.Sunderland’s new signing Aaron Connolly has bravely revealed all about his alcohol addictionCredit: AlamyConnolly famously burst on the scene in the top-flight aged 19 at Brighton with a brace against Tottenham.He left the Amex – following disappointing loan spells at Luton, Middlesbrough and Italian side Venezia – four years later having featured more on the gossip pages than sport ones.Connolly did score eight times for Hull City last term but that was not enough to stop him from getting released.Now he has decided to tell his story to coincide with World Mental Health Day on Sunderland’s website.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLConnolly had left home for the South Coast aged 16 but he says everything changed after that day against Spurs.He said: “I remember it – 5th of October, 2019, it was a 12.30 kick-off. I’m never going to forget that day. It was one of the best days of my life, but also one of the worst because the following five years was from that.“I just stopped working, stopped doing the things I should have kept doing. I started to believe the hype, and I just didn’t turn into a good person after that. I was tough to be around.“I didn’t know how to deal with it, if I’m being honest. My parents tried, but they weren’t living with me. I was living with my ex-girlfriend at the time, and it’s hard because I didn’t ever feel like I had that authoritative figure to keep me grounded.Most read in ChampionshipIf you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.“My parents did try, but I just let myself believe everything people were saying online and it just took over. I always say to my parents, I started to live the life of a footballer without the football side of it.“That was the hardest thing to admit at the time, that I wasn’t doing all the things that had got me to the position where I could go and get my house and treat my family, and do all that sort of stuff.Brits are more likely to open up at the pub or on a walk than on the phone or over text, study finds“It hurts to look back and speak about it because I know if I had done everything right, maybe I would still be in the Premier League. Maybe I wouldn’t, but at least I’d know I’d given it all I could to try to stay at that level.”Connolly explained how both his on and off-field life began to spiral as alcohol became a bigger and bigger problem.He said: “It was obvious I had a problem with alcohol for a good few years.“I had my parents, who never drank before and were always telling me when I was younger to stay away from alcohol. That was always their thing because of addiction to alcohol in my family.“I didn’t listen, clearly. It got me into a lot of trouble and a lot of problems, and it just became something that I relied on.”It felt like my buzz used to come from football, and winning games and scoring goals, and it got to a point where the buzz was more from drinking alcohol than going out on a football pitch.“I used to look forward to the games finishing so I could have time to go and have a drink and socialise.”I say socialise, but it was just an excuse to go and get drunk, to go straight to alcohol, and that was where I got my buzz from, whereas before, it was always the buzz of football and being around an environment like I am now.”For three or four years, that just wasn’t there.”The star burst on the scene with two goals against Tottenham in 2019Credit: ReutersConnolly managed to rediscover some form at Hull despite his “life being a mess” but he finally realised he needed to take drastic action after he was released in June by the Tigers.He explained: “I couldn’t do it, I couldn’t live the way I was living. It was killing people round me, to be honest. My family, my friends. Mainly, it was killing me, really.“I had one of my best seasons last year at Hull, but off the pitch, my life was a mess. The manager at Hull, to be fair, always looked after me, and always tried to help.”But it just got to a point where, it wasn’t like life wasn’t worth living, it wasn’t a big dramatic thing, but it was just that my life was so unmanageable and I couldn’t control what I could do and couldn’t control my alcohol.“It just got to a point where I had to make a decision where I needed to go to a treatment clinic, and I spent a month there in the summer.”I just said to my agent, ‘I don’t want you to contact any clubs. I’m not doing this for football, I’m doing this so I can get my life back, and if stuff in football comes with that, then that’s a bonus’.“It wasn’t even the football that was taking the biggest battering in the end, it was my life, my relationships, my friends. Everything was just failing and falling apart.”When your parents are calling you and you’re not answering calls because you know you’re breaking their hearts, it’s time to realise that you’ve got a problem.”Now after sealing himself an opportunity at Sunderland, Connolly wants to tell his story in the hope that it might help at least one other person struggling.He added: “It’s an addiction, and the toughest thing I ever had to do was go in there. The PFA helped me pay for my treatment, and I know some people might not be able to afford it, but it’s important to know it’s not just park bench, vodka bottle. Anybody can get affected by it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“There’s no price tag or no amount of money in the world that can cure it. It’s a disease, an illness. But going to the clinic was the best and worst month of my life.“I just hope this might help people. I had everything every young boy would dream, but I couldn’t get hold of my addiction without that help.”The Irish ace was released by Hull City in the summer and decided to check into rehabCredit: PA More

    • 288 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      New dad Jack Grealish reveals why he would never ask Bukayo Saka to babysit and which England pal he’ll go to for tips

      by

      JACK GREALISH has revealed which England team-mates he would and would NOT ask to babysit for him.The Manchester City and England star and long-term partner Sasha Attwood had a daughter at the end of last month.Jack Grealish has revealed who he would NOT want to babysit from the England squadCredit: Instagram @sasha__rebeccaGrealish and Sasha Attwood welcomed baby girl Mila last monthCredit: Instagram @jackgrealishBut the Man City star would not want Bukayo Saka to babysit for himCredit: AFPHe named Harry Kane as his first choice for babysitterCredit: PAThe couple welcomed a baby girl named Mila on September 27, hours before Grealish lined up to play for City against Newcastle.It follows his Three Lions comeback under interim manager Lee Carsley after missing out on the Euro 2024 squad.And speaking to BBC 5 Live Sport ahead of clashes against Greece and Finland, the 29-year-old has now revealed which England team-mates he would be happy to let babysit his kid.On the best, he said: “Harry Kane I think. It’s quite a young team so I wouldn’t put it on any of the young lads and you know Harry, he’s so reliable.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”One of the oldest lads, so yeah I’d go Harry.”He was then asked about club-mate Phil Foden, who himself has three children.Grealish added: “Well yeah, you could say Phil actually. He’s got a fair few hasn’t he?”[But] Yeah, I’m going to go Harry Kane.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe former Aston Villa star was then quizzed on who he reckons the worst babysitter would be.He said: “The worst… I’m going to go [Bukayo] Saka. Yeah I’m going to go Bukayo. Grealish has baby”I just reckon he would be sloppy, you know, falling asleep and that.”Grealish was also asked who he would go to for parenting advice.On that topic, he replied: “I’d go with [Jordan] Pickford. [I’m] Quite close with him.”He then added: “You know what actually, I could go with Dec [Declan Rice] as well. “Maybe Dec or Jordan. Yeah, one of them two.”The penultimate question saw him asked who he reckons would be the “fun dad” out of the squad. He said: “Can you go yourself or… Yeah go on I’ll put myself down for that one.”The final question got him to name the “strict dad” of the group.He replied: “I reckon someone like Marc Guehi. Just quite firm, you know, serious. Uncle Marc.”At the age of just 24 years old many of his peers at international level have given the Crystal Palace defender the nickname “Uncle Marc”.READ MORE SUN STORIESJude Bellingham and Ezri Konsa first revealed the nickname back in July, while Kyle Walker also mentioned the name when speaking to John Stones about who could be a good future manager.Grealish scored his third England goal last month against the Republic of Ireland and has earned 38 caps so far.Grealish named Declan Rice as someone he would go to for parenting adviceCredit: GettyGrealish also named Marc Guehi as the ‘strict dad’ of the groupCredit: ReutersInside Sasha Attwood and Jack Grealish’s relationshipSasha Attwood and Jack Grealish have become parents for the first time, but their relationship started well over a decade ago…The pair met as teens in Solihull, West Midlands at secondary school, with Sasha previously saying they have been together since she was 15. Jack was already on his way to becoming a professional footballer when he met Sasha.Despite the long-term nature of their relationship, she remained on the sidelines when his career took off.However, intense interest in Jack’s private life came to a head in 2021 when England reached the final of Euro 2020, delayed a year because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Because of their romance, Sasha was cruelly targeted by trolls on TikTok and Instagram, receiving 200 death threats a day from “young girls”. The pair were spotted on holiday together following the tournament and slowly began showing more of their relationship on social media when the vile trolling died down. In 2022, they celebrated their 10-year anniversary and purchased a seven-bed mansion set in 24 acres worth £5.6 million.They moved in to the home in late 2023, but Sasha and members of Jack’s family were subject to a terrifying robbery while cheering on the Manchester City star during a televised match just after Christmas. Their latest milestone is Sasha’s pregnancy, which they announced on social media on July 7, and the birth of daughter Mila Rose on September 27. More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Boxing

      Emotional Chris Eubank Jr opens up on becoming father overnight after brother’s death and how he won’t copy his star dad

      by

      CHRIS EUBANK Jr wants to hit the boxing jackpot to give his nephew the life he deserves.In July 2021, Raheem was only a month old when his dad Sebastian  — the younger brother of Chris Jr — died of a heart attack in Dubai, aged 29.Chris Eubank Jr is dedicating the rest of his boxing career to help provide for his late brother Sebastian’s son RaheemCredit: X/ ChrisEubankJrChris Eubank Senior tragically lost his son Sebastian in 2021Credit: GettyKamil Szeremeta will take on Eubank Jr in Riyadh this SaturdayCredit: RexIt meant uncle Chris became a dad overnight and three years on Raheem, who has just started school, is now chasing him around the practice ring ahead of his middleweight clash with Poland’s Kamil Szeremeta in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.At 35, Eubank Jr looks  unlikely to follow in his father’s footsteps by becoming a world champion — with a scrap against nemesis Conor Benn likely to follow.But he explained that the total devastation that struck his family  left him with a new drive in the shape of a nephew he now treats like his own son.He said: “I remember going to my brother’s grave for the first time and that’s where I first met Raheem and I held him in front of the grave and it calmed me down.READ MORE TOP STORIES“His energy and him being very quiet while on my chest gave me peace.“I felt then that everything would be OK.“I felt that we might have a second chance here.“I love that little boy. I use Raheem as a tool to strengthen my will and my soul and my spirit.Most read in BoxingChris Eubank Jr’s younger brother Sebastian was also a boxerCredit: X/ ChrisEubankJrVegasLand welcome bonus100 spins + up to £200 bonus18+; new depositing players only. Welcome package split over 3 deposits:Min. 1st deposit £10. min. 2nd and 3rd deposit £20.35x wagering requirement applies to match up bonus and spins. Spins credited in specific games. Spins expire after 24 hours. Terms and Conditions Apply.SIGN UP“Raheem is going to live a long and fulfilled life and I only have a few years of boxing left.“So I need to do everything I can over the next three or four years to make sure he has the best life he can possibly have growing up.”Chris Eubank Jr shows his boxing skills in brutal punch bag workout Eubank Jr has arrived in the Saudi capital for his middleweight boutCredit: GettyThe death of Sebastian understandably took a terrible toll on his father, Chris Eubank Sr.The  theatrical but granite-hard two-weight world champion was suddenly weak and vulnerable and preyed upon — saying things that caused a rift with his eldest son.The flare-up was exacerbated by Eubank Sr’s disgust at his son stripping  down to 157lb to face Benn, who failed a drugs test before their October 2022 grudge bout was called off.Sadly, especially for little Raheem, who is now three, the gladiatorial gene pool is not fully reunited yet.Dubai-based Eubank Jr said: “We should be able to help Raheem without boxing involved.“But  there is still a wedge between us. Until the day I retire, I don’t ever see that wedge not being there.“It should not be that way but he is set in his ways and he can’t seem to separate the boxing business from being a dad.“I don’t need Chris Eubank Sr the boxer, businessman, coach, mentor, advisor.“He is in a better place now. He was dealing with some demons — and he still is.“But he has got over and through a lot of things and he is in a much healthier state of mind, thank God.Eubank Junior says Chris Eubank Senior believes tears, punishment and discipline are important if you want to ‘flourish’ in sportCredit: Alamy“I am very happy about that. I speak to him whenever I can, I keep up to date with how everything is going. I am hearing good things now, when a year or two ago I was not.“I am very grateful that we have managed to get through that part of our lives.”Eubank Jr makes his heart-breaking overnight transformation from super-cool uncle to doting dad sound like a doddle. But it means he is now in a rush to give Raheem the little sibling he himself adored in Sebastian.And then he has to wrestle with the idea of both of his boys following down the brutally hard path that his dad, brother, cousins and uncles have all walked.He explained: “Once I was put in this position for Raheem,  people saw a different side to me, a softer side.“Spending time with Raheem makes me think more about having my own son, giving him a brother and raising them together.“His dad was my brother and we grew up together and I want to give Raheem that.“My new role means I have to teach Raheem — I cannot be Mr Nice Guy all the time.“He has got to learn that certain things are not good or OK. In a sports setting, tough love and strict rules breed success.My old man would say…‘What are you doing? Get back in the f*****g ring and work and learn and take your licks like a man’.Chris Eubank Junior“Nine times out of ten, if you don’t have the tears, punishment and discipline, then a kid is  not going to flourish in sport, especially boxing.“My old man would watch me get hurt, he would watch me get beaten up and tell me, ‘Get back in the ring’.“There were no hugs, there was no, ‘How are you son, are you feeling OK?’“He would say, ‘What are you doing? Get back in the f*****g ring and work and learn and take your licks like a man’.“That would break a lot of people, let alone kids, but it pushed me.“Not everybody has it but you need it to survive in combat.“I have a very soft spot for Raheem because of our situation, so I don’t think I would want to go through it with him.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Would I love to see him  pursue a boxing career? No, I don’t think I would love it.“I know his mother will not want him to do it — but his father did it, I do it and our father did it, so he has the genes, he’s part of our gene pool.”Conor Benn could come next for Eubank Jr if he wins this weekendCredit: AP More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Caroline Dubois yet to watch brother Daniel’s fight with Anthony Joshua after opening up on family fallout

      by

      CAROLINE DUBOIS still has not watched brother Daniel’s stunning win against Anthony Joshua in full – amid a family fallout. Unbeaten Caroline moved out of her family home following a rift with dad and former mentor Dave – also known as Stan. Daniel Dubois with his sister Caroline Dubois in 2019Credit: GettyThe pair used to train and live togetherCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdBut there has since been a family falloutCredit: nstagram @carolinedubois1And the lightweight prospect is so focussed on her own career that she did not even tune in to brother Daniel’s world title fight with AJ. She told Seconds Out: “I didn’t watch it but I saw the end, the stoppage and the knockdowns. “And from what I heard and what everybody’s saying, as you said “resounding” – it was a beatdown from the first to the, fifth? Fifth round.” Caroline is one of Stan’s 11 children, with her young brothers Prince, 20 and Soloman, 12, also amateur boxers. READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd she was once part of a tight-knit family under the guidance of her imposing father. But a row forced the family apart, with Caroline moving out of the family home and remaning trained by coach Shane McGuigan. Meanwhile, big brother Daniel parted ways to join Don Charles, who McGuigan recommended as a new cornerman to dad Stan. But such was the nature of the bitter falling out, Caroline has also lost touch with Daniel, who is coming off the biggest win of his career. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSShe said: “I don’t speak to him anymore.” Caroline believes moving out of the family home for independence is what caused friction with her father. Anthony Joshua warned not to repeat tactic that ‘didn’t do s*** for him’ as he’s told to rematch Dubois straight awayShe opened up: “My dad’s got 11 kids in total, with my mum he’s got seven, and I’m the middle child. “One thing you know about the middle child is that sometimes they get overlooked and they don’t get that attention and they have to fight for it.”My dad was only paying attention to the boxers and to the boys. He didn’t really focus about the girls, by his own admission, he didn’t pay attention to my sisters.”And so I guess as a young kid, you see that and you think, ‘Okay, what can I do?’ And I said, ‘I want to box.'”I pestered him, I pestered him and he saw, ‘She truly has got a fire in her that’s different from her brothers. My dad put Daniel in boxing, but with me, I asked for it.”I guess what it was is he just wanted me to stay a certain way. But I was nine years old and I’m growing.”I went to school, my brothers didn’t go to school. I was on the GB team, I went to the Olympics because I was a good amateur.”I used to travel a lot. You know, I went to Buenos Aires, Argentina, I went to Bulgaria, Serbia.I don’t speak to him anymore. Caroline Dubois on brother Daniel “I travelled everywhere and I think that helped open up my mind, helped change me, change my perspective.”I saw how other people treated their children and my mind opened up. I saw what was acceptable and what I wanted to accept. My boundaries got bigger.”And I remember coming to a conclusion for myself, ‘Who am I boxing for?’ “When I suffered my first amateur defeat of all time, I went 60 fights, never lost a fight, I lost for the first time and it was the most heartbreaking moment.”I remember crying for days. I wasn’t experienced and I wasn’t getting the support. One thing that my dad was honest about is that he stopped supporting me when I was 16 years old.”With boxing, he just stopped looking after me and supporting me and stopped pushing me because he didn’t like the way that I was changing.”As he says, I was becoming more independent and I wanted more for myself. And I just was like, what am I doing this for? It was like a penny drop moment.’I’m leaving home, I’m moving out'”I was like, ‘I’m doing it for myself, I’m doing this shit for myself.’ I’m not dying, making weight, sweating out, not eating for days, and as a woman I lose my period. “I’m not doing this for some other guy who couldn’t care less. I’m doing it for myself, I’m doing it for my future.”I took that decision. And it started to get very toxic and very bad in the household. He kept saying, ‘Why can’t you be more like Daniel? You need to be like him.'”I can’t be like him and I wouldn’t want to be like him. And that’s not disrespect, but we’re different people. It was a decision that I had to make, I spoke to my brothers and sisters about it.”I was like, ‘Okay, I’m leaving home, I’m moving out. And they were like, ‘Okay, I want to come with you.'”My younger brother and sister, they both moved out with me. So we left home and that’s what happened.”My dad’s now saying that I saw the change in her. He says, he never liked female boxing. That’s absolute BS. And I just wanted to call that out.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCaroline, 23, is 10-0 in her career with the WBC interim title to her name. Daniel, 27, meanwhile defended his IBF belt against Joshua, 34, with the pair now in talks for a rematch. Caroline is the interim WBC championCredit: Instagram / wbcboxingDaniel Dubois knocked out Anthony Joshua at WembleyCredit: Reuters More