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      Inside football’s most explosive divorces…from star’s £10m payout to bitter split over twins fathered by another man

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      FOOTBALLERS’ love lives are notoriously messy – with numerous reports of playing away.And that can lead to explosive and VERY costly divorces. Kyle Walker, who shares four kids with Annie Kilner, is set for a courtroom showdown after she served him divorce papersCredit: BackGridIt comes after he fathered two kids with his on-off mistress Lauyn GoodmanCredit: GettyKyle was previously in a legal battle with Lauryn over child support paymentsCredit: PAKyle Walker’s bitter split from his wife, Annie Kilner, is the latest case shaking the sport.Annie finally filed for divorce earlier this year after their marriage was wracked by a series of scandals.In 2020, she agreed to stay with Kyle, 34, after it was revealed he had fathered a child with Lauryn Goodman during a brief affair and she stood by him during a bitter court battle which saw the Manchester City ace ordered pay a substantial amount.But, after it emerged that Kyle had fathered a second child with his on-off mistress, she is now preparing to battle it out in court for half of his staggering £27million fortune.READ MORE FEATURES But Kyle is far from alone in seeing his marriage end in explosive claims and courtroom showdowns over the players’ eye-watering wealth.’Not fair’Former Arsenal right-back Emmanuel Eboue, 41, had one of the most acrimonious divorces in football. Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner files for divorce and gears up to fight for star’s £27m fortuneEmmanuel Eboue says he lost a fortune to his ex-wife after their bitter divorceCredit: TwitterThe former Arsenal star blamed a lack of education for his lossesCredit: TwitterDuring his seven-year stint in the Premier League, he built an enviable fortune but lost it all in a bitter split with his ex-wife, Aurelie Bertrand, in 2017.She was awarded all their assets in the divorce, including their two mansions and his fleet of luxury cars – and he later claimed he had to wash his clothes by hand as he couldn’t afford to use his washing machine.Most read in FootballIn 2017, he told the Sunday Mirror: “I can’t afford the money to continue to have any lawyer or barrister. I am in the house but I am scared.”Because I don’t know what time the police will come. Sometimes, I shut off the lights because I don’t want people to know that I am inside. “I suffered to buy my house, but I am now scared. I am not going to sell my clothes or sell what I have. I will fight until the end because it is not fair.”Emmanuel also claimed naivety was to blame for his losses, saying that he signed everything Aurelie asked him to without question.He added: “I look back and say ­’Emmanuel, you have been naive… why didn’t you think about that before?’ It is hard. Very, very hard.”The money I earned, I sent it to my wife for our children.”He claimed of the €8 million he earned playing with Galatasary in Turkey – between 2011 and 2015 – €7million was sent to his ex wife.Paternity blowAfter 12 years of marriage, Geremi filed for divorce after a DNA test revealed he was not the father of Laure’s kidsThe Cameroonian star says it left him in “emotional shock”Credit: AFPCameroonian footballer Geremi filed for divorce from his wife Laure in March after a bombshell that blew the marriage apart.The former Chelsea star, 45, claimed he was “psychologically damaged” after finding out the 16-year-old twins he raised as his own were actually fathered by her ex.In court documents seen in March, the midfielder claims that the children were born after she had a fling while they were still together. It read: “No children have been born from this union” and also slammed her “repeated lies”. It also said that Laure had destroyed the harmony” of their marriage “through her abject behaviour”.The twins were born in 2008 and Geremi revealed they were the motivation for the pair tying the knot four years later.The court filing in March this year said that the revelation had “caused him a huge emotional shock”. Love ratRyan Giggs and his wife battled it out after she tried to take a large chunk of his fortuneCredit: Getty – ContributorRyan had a long-term affair with his brother’s wife NatashaCredit: Dan Kennedy – The SunRyan Giggs’ wife Stacey filed for divorce in 2017, after ten years of marriage, over numerous infidelities, including an eight-year affair with his brother’s wife, Natasha.He also cheated on Stacey with former beauty queen and Big Brother contestant Imogen Thomas. As one of the highest-paid players, the former Manchester Utd star had amassed a £40million fortune and the bitter split looked set to end in an explosive courtroom battle over the cash.But in November 2017, it was announced that they had reached an agreement and the figures were kept under wraps.In a statement, their lawyers said: “The terms of the settlement are confidential, but both wished to express their sincere thanks to their respective legal teams.”They are pleased to leave this chapter of their lives as firm friends.”Mummy’s boyAchraf Hakimi’s divorce had a shocking and unexpected plot twistCredit: GettyMany wondered whether Achraf had always anticipated a divorce from his wifeCredit: GettyParis Saint-Germain player Achraf Hakimi’s divorce from his wife, Hiba Abouk, had a shocking plot twist that very few saw coming.Model and actress Hiba, who has two kids with the footballer, filed for divorce after he was accused of rape by French prosecutors in March 2023.During the court battle Hiba reportedly asked for half of Hakimi’s £18.4million fortune.But in a bizarre twist it was revealed that most of his assets were actually in his mother’s name and even his substantial salary, reportedly £170,000 a WEEK, was paid into his mother’s bank account.Legally, Hakimi owned very little in his own name, leaving his furious ex with limited claim to his wealth.The revelation led to speculation that Achraf had planned his financial arrangement in anticipation of the divorce.Timeline of Kyle Walker and Annie Kilner’s relationshipEarly years – Kyle and Annie first meet in Sheffield when she was 15 and he was 17Euro 2016 – Walker caught messaging Playboy model Carla HoweApril 2019 – Annie dumps Kyle after his alleged romps with reality TV star Laura BrownApril 2020 – Kyle allegedly hosts sex party with two escorts during covid-19 lockdownFebruary 2020 – Lauryn Goodman gives birth to Kairo, her son with WalkerNovember 2021 – Walker and Kilner marry in secretMarch 2023 – Lauryn announces her second pregnancySpring 2023 – Kyle allegedly flashes and kisses another woman in a Vodka Revolution bar in CheshireAugust 2023 – Lauryn gives birth to a daughterJanuary 2024 – Annie announces split from Kyle after two years of marriage. It emerges Kyle is the dad of Lauryn’s second child. Kyle begs for forgiveness in exclusive Sun interview. Lauryn brands him a ‘pathological narcissist’October 2024 – Annie files for divorceMessiest divorce The couple were hugely popular and seen as Italy’s answer to Posh and BecksCredit: GettyTheir 2005 wedding was a spectacle filmed for national TVCredit: GettyBefore their acrimonious split, they seemed happy and had three kids togetherCredit: RexFrancesco Totti and Ilary Blasi were branded Italy’s Posh and Becks after they married in 2005, on national TV, and went on to have three kids together.But their 2022 split, after 17 years of marriage, was one of the most sensational in the country’s history and things quickly got messy. It was revealed that Ilary had hired a private investigator after suspecting him of cheating.But Francesco, 48, also accused Ilary of infidelity, claiming she was the first one to betray their marriage. The AS Roma icon said: “It is not true that I was the first to betray.”I said I was not going to speak, and I did not, but I have read too many hoaxes in recent weeks. Some have even made my children suffer.”The divorce battle escalated over financial assets, as Totti accused his ex of running off with his expensive watch collection.In turn, he hid all her luxury handbags until she safely returned his belongings. In an interview, he said: “What was I supposed to do? I hid the bags, hoping for an exchange.”They also fought over their lavish home in Rome and custody of their three children. In November, Ilary claimed the Roma star left their eight-year-old home alone when he went away – an allegation he strongly refutes, saying she was being looked after by a ‘professional babysitter’.”The police came knocking on Totti’s door and a woman, allegedly a babysitter, opened the door,” says Italian journalist Daniele Fisichella.”It’s not clear whether it was actually a babysitter -Totti was away – or it was the concierge working at Totti’s residence. “If anyone wants to write a TV series, ‘The Totti’s’, that obviously could be part of it. It’s been going on for the last two years, to be fair… it seems that the end, it’s very far away.” The pair are still battling it out in court.Bankrupt star David James ended up paying his wife £3million in their divorceCredit: Getty – ContributorFor years, David James was one of the most recognisable faces in English football. The goalkeeper played for top clubs such as Liverpool, Manchester City, and West Ham. He is said to have been earning £50,000 a week while playing for Portsmouth.He has four children with ex-wife Tanya, but the couple split in 2005 when he left her for his childhood sweetheart, Amanda Salmon, who wooed him by sending X-rated images of herself in a G-string.Tanya late said she found out about the affair when she saw a text he received during her birthday meal which read: “I would love to have your warm body next to mine right now.”The sender came up on his phone under the name Corgi Cars as David tried to hide her identity.During their bitter divorce battle, Tanya claims the star went back on his word of paying their children’s school fees and only gave her a “paltry” amount to live on after he took care of the household bills.But after paying Tanya £3million in the divorce settlement, the 51-year-old’s huge empire came crashing down and in 2014 he declared himself bankrupt, despite the £20million he had made from his time as a footballer.He was forced to auction many of his valuables, including his football memorabilia. In his 2004 biography, former Liverpool teammate, Stan Collymore wrote about David: “If he had a new car and he pranged it, he would just go and buy a new car – so there were five cars parked in the drive.”If he bought a new pair of shoes and he scuffed them, he wouldn’t clean them. He would just chuck them in the spare room and buy a new pair.”Too much disposable income, I suppose. Too easy just to bin stuff. Too easy to spend money like you’re going to be earning that kind of money for the rest of your life.”Huge payoutThierry Henry ended up paying his ex-wife nearly £10million after they splitCredit: GettyClaire was devastated when he walked outCredit: GoffINF.comIn 2003, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, 47, married Claire Merry. The couple welcomed their daughter, Tea, in 2005. However, after just four years of marriage, the French international announced he was leaving his wife, shortly before his transfer to Barcelona on a £130,000 a week contract.Claire was said to have been devastated when Henry walked out on their marriage amid rumours he had formed a “close friendship” with a Spanish actress.In court, Claire cited “unreasonable behaviour” as grounds for divorce. Thierry did not dispute the claim.In September 2007, a judge granted the divorce in a one-minute hearing at the High Court’s Principal Registry. Claire requested £10million and was reportedly awarded close to the figure, although Henry kept the £6million Hampstead mansion the couple shared. He has since demolished it and built a larger home in its place.He married Bosnian model Andrea Rajacic in 2011 and they have three children together.Locker room gossipThomas Tuchel and Sisi married in 2009 but ended their marriage 13 years laterCredit: GettyThe couple share two daughters together, Emma and KimCredit: GettyEngland’s new manager, Thomas Tuchel, 51, married his ex-wife Sisi while he worked in Germany in 2009. The couple eventually had two daughters, Emma and Kim. She quit her profession as a journalist to raise their young children.When he was offered a role as Chelsea manager, she moved to the UK in August 2021, and they bought a home near the club’s training ground in Surrey. But after 13 years together, their marriage broke down. Court documents show that Sisi had cited irreconcilable differences for their split. READ MORE SUN STORIESThree months after the divorce was finalised, he was seen out and about with his new girlfriend, Natalie Guerriero, 37, and it was revealed they have been dating since May 2022 – just a month after the split. According to the New York Post, his complicated love life and “erratic” behaviour had become a talking point in the Chelsea locker room. Shortly after, he was fired as the Blues’ boss.The breakdown of their marriage became a topic of conversation in the Chelsea locker roomCredit: Getty More

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      Kevin De Bruyne’s wife Michele wows as she goes braless in daring dress leaving fans speechless

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      KEVIN DE BRUYNE’S wife Michele wowed as she went braless in a festive dress to leave fans speechless.The Belgian posted a series of pictures with Manchester City star De Bruyne including one with their three children. Kevin De Bruyne’s wife Michele wowed as she went braless in a dressCredit: Instagram @lacroixmicheleShe posted a series of pictures of the pairCredit: Instagram @lacroixmicheleShe also uploaded a solo photo wearing a maroon dress – as fans rushed to her comment section. One said: “OH SO CUTE.”Another added: “Beautiful couple.”A third gushed: “Gorgeous.”READ MORE ON WAGSOne simply commented: “Beautiful.”Michele reportedly started dating De Bruyne in 2014 when he was playing for Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga.She regularly posts selfies and photos of her family, and has racked up over 620,000 followers on Instagram.De Bruyne admitted that he may not have joined City if his girlfriend had not been pregnant at the time. Most read in FootballMichele gave birth to Mason Milian in 2016.De Bruyne showed his romantic side in December 2016 when he proposed to the blonde stunner beneath the Eiffel Tower in Paris.Pep Guardiola says ‘I’m the manager and I’m not good enough’ as Man City lose again They tied the knot in 2017 with a lavish wedding ceremony in Italy.A year later, their second boy Rome was born on October 31.They welcomed their third son, Suri, on September 5, 2020.The couple began dating in 2014They have three kids togetherCredit: RexMichelle is a big hit on InstagramCredit: Instagram @lacroixmichele More

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      in Boxing

      Inside Tyson Fury’s family life with wife Paris forever by his side as kids again bear brutal brunt of boxing career

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      TYSON FURY’S family has once again borne the brutal brunt of his boxing career.His wife Paris and their seven children live a life of magnificent luxury thanks to the 36-year-old’s fighting skills.Tyson Fury has given his family, which includes seven kids, an incredible lifeCredit: INSTAGRAM@PARISFURY1The Gypsy King has secured generational wealth for his familyCredit: INSTAGRAM@PARISFURY1He’s sealed the futures with bruising victories inside the ringCredit: GETTYWife Paris withheld the new of a tragic misccariage ahead of Tyson’s showdown with Oleksandr UsykCredit: GETTYBut back in May — just days before his original clash with Oleksandr Usyk — all that was suddenly irrelevant when they lost their son six months into pregnancy.When brave Paris could not fly in for her man’s Saudi megafight, he knew tragedy had struck.But she withheld the news from the emotionally vulnerable 6ft 9in star until he was home.Fury refused to use the awful loss as an excuse for his split-decision defeat to the Ukrainian.READ MORE ON FURY VS USYK 2And as soon as the summer was over, he flew out to Malta for a 12-week camp where he trained like a brute and supposedly cut off all contact from his family.When Paris and eldest son Prince arrived in Riyadh and took their places in the second row at Thursday’s press conference, Fury ignored his childhood sweetheart.There was no gushing reunion kiss or cuddle, there was barely even any eye contact.When asked how it felt leaving his brood behind after such a traumatic experience, Fury replied: “Difficult.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFury vs Usyk 2 – top storiesREAD MORE on all the build-up to the blockbuster fight in Riyadh..All the info:News, features and interviews: “It’s difficult timing but, you know, life is difficult and this fight is even harder.“So I have got to give myself the best opportunity that I can to get the victory.Paris Fury shares ‘chaotic’ Christmas Day plans after Tyson’s fight & insists they have ‘nothing fancy’ at £1.7m mansion“I won’t see Paris before the fight, not until after the fight.“I’m fully focused and I don’t want my mind changing or taking off from where I am in fight mode and going into husband mode and all of that.“In all my career of 36 fights, she’s only missed three of them.“The first was when she was having our first child, Venezuela, on the same night as I boxed in Dublin years ago.“Then there was another at The O2. And the other one was the last Usyk fight.“This time, she’s coming but I won’t be seeing her, not until after the fight.”It feels like a Spartan siege mentality we have never seen the likes of before — and all, apparently, to keep the Morecambe roof over their heads and Christmas presents under this year’s tree.With the £300million the Gypsy King has banked from boxing alone — before you factor in his Netflix, book and sponsorship deals — his claims that back-to-back defeats to Usyk, 37, could lead to an eviction notice are fanciful.But there’s a danger that — after decades of bravado — Fury could be left emotionally bankrupt by another loss, with the kids having to cope with the impact of that.Fury said: “The kids are used to Daddy going away.”Daddy’s got to do his job and pay the bills.Tyson Fury has done everything in his power to make sure his kids feel lovedCredit: INSTAGRAM@PARISFURY1″And if Daddy doesn’t do that, then the house gets repossessed, unfortunately.“If you don’t pay your bills, no matter how rich you are, you get repossessed, don’t you?”While Fury is worried about the mortgage, there is a risk Usyk has been living in his head rent-free.Trainer Andy Lee told SunSport that he won’t know the psychological damage the Usyk defeat has taken on his charge until the first bell.Fury could have had his soul snatched and be a broken fighter by the manner of that first schooling.On the other hand, he might be re-energised, laser-focused and harnessing the challenger mindset every fighter thrives on.Even Fury himself does not seem to really know the answer.He said: “Sometimes you think about the fight — it would be a lie to say you don’t.“I don’t really feel nervous but . . . it’s not nerves for the fight.”Because obviously I’ve had a lot of fights, I’m not bothered about anybody.“But you feel like you’re nervous whether you’re going to perform to your best ability or not. Does that make sense?“It’s not like a pressure of, ‘Oh, I’ve got to go for a fight now’. It’s something I’ve always done, amateur and professional.“But you feel like, ‘I need to be the best I can be.’“Hopefully you’re going to be good, do you know what I mean?”“A lot of people, when they come to training camp, everybody thinks the job’s done.“But fight week is the most important time of your training because during camp you can make a mistake.“You can have a late night, you cannot sleep one night, whatever. And it’s fine.“But make those mistakes in fight week — you go around too many people and catch a cold.Tyson Fury suffered a split decision defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in their first meeting in MayCredit: PAThe Gypsy King has vowed to exact revenge on the slick southpaw on Saturday nightCredit: AP”You get an illness, whatever, even on the day before — and it can all be finished.”Fury’s overbearing dad John — who headbutted a member of Team Usyk in the build-up to May’s clash and confused his son’s in-fight breaks with uneducated instructions — has been exiled from the corner.But the Gypsy King has taken clearer orders this time from an arguably more mature family member.Legends of the boxing world have expressed their offerings on the best approach to the fight.But a tiny little terror — named after an ancient Greek icon more famous for love than war — has provided the most ruthless guidance.READ MORE SUN STORIESFury explained: “My Adonis, that’s my second-youngest son, he wants me to smash Usyk’s face right in.“He’s only five. He wants me to severely smash it in.”Tyson-Fury’s son, Adonis, wants him to “severely smash” Oleksandr Usyk in their second Saudi showdown UsykCredit: AP More

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      Brave amputee Tony Hudgell, 10, ‘over the moon’ as his football hero Harry Maguire visits him at Sheffield hospital

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      BRAVE Tony Hudgell beams with delight as his football hero, Man United’s Harry Maguire, visits him in hospital bearing gifts.Tony, ten, whose legs were amputated due to abuse as a tot, met the defender, 31, soon after surgery on a broken hip at ­Sheffield Children’s Hospital.Brave Tony Hudgell met his Man United hero Harry MaguireTony was ‘over the moon’ to meet England legend MaguireCredit: TwitterAdoptive mum Paula Hudgell said: “He was over the moon.”She added: “We weren’t sure he would be out of surgery in time, but Mr Fernandez the surgeon is phenomenal and he was out just in time to meet Harry.”Earlier in the month, The Sun revealed Tony had undergone ‘miracle’ surgery. Mum Paula told The Sun: “It’s a complete miracle — the surgeon was absolutely incredible.READ MORE UK NEWS“This isn’t the end of surgeries, but he won’t need another one for a while, so he is looking forward to playing football.”“He can’t wait, he even kicked a ball a little while he was recovering, which he maybe shouldn’t have done – but it all worked out okay!”Tony, who captured the hearts of the nation when he raised more than £2 million for the hospital that saved his life as a tot, was praised by his adoptive mum for his “resilience and determination”.The 10-year-old was subjected to a campaign of horrific abuse by his birth parents Anthony Smith and Jody Simpson, which left him with multiple fractures to his limbs at just six-weeks old.Most read in FootballThe evil pair, who were both jailed for 10 years in 2018, then waited 10 days before seeking medical help, by which time Tony had also developed multiple organ failure and septicaemia.Medical staff at Evelina London Children’s Hospital saved his life, but he had to have both legs amputated at the knee as a result of his injuries when he was four-years-old.Baby Lara Martin meets Celtic heroesAfter tireless campaigning by the schoolboy, ‘Tony’s Law’ was introduced in 2022 to increase the maximum prison sentence for anyone who causes or allows physical harm to, or the death of, a child in their care.As a result, he became the youngest person ever to receive the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the 2024 New Year Honours for his services to the prevention of child abuse.He has now teamed up with ‘Bionic MP’ Lord Craig Mackinlay and gold medal-winning Paralympian Richard Whitehead to advocate for better limb loss support, at the same time as fundraising to provide Christmas presents for needy children.Tony with some signed Man Utd gearCredit: Twitter More

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      Inside MOTD’s ‘new signing’ Kelly Cates’ rise to top, from famous babysitter to brutal reason her footie career ended

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      LISTENING intently to her dad and his mates’ football chat as a youngster, Kelly Cates could not have had a better preparation to host Match Of The Day.For her father is Sir Kenny Dalglish — pride of Celtic and Liverpool’s Kop, with a record 102 Scottish caps, three European Cups and a clutch of league titles to his name as both a player and a manager.Kelly Cates could not have had a better preparation to host Match Of The DayCredit: GettySharing a light-hearted moment pitchside with her dad, Reds legend Kenny DalglishCredit: AlamyKelly aged four at Anfield in 1980 with mum, dad, brother Paul and the League Championship trophyCredit: GettyAnd those mates often included ­fellow medal-laden Reds Graeme Souness and Alan Hansen, both now top pundits themselves.Kelly’s one-time babysitter Graeme once said: “She is fantastic at this job because she has been in a football house all her life, listened to the daft chat on football from all of us since she was tiny.“I’d be in the living room, Alan Hansen would be in there, opinions going out all over. “She had a great insight into how this football world works.”Read More on SportWhile Kelly has absorbed the game from some of its greatest names, it’s her own deft skills behind the mic that have seen her rise to the very top in sports broadcasting.Now, alongside friends Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman, the 49-year-old is reported to be about to take over the Match Of The Day presenter’s chair from Gary Lineker.In a considerable coup for the BBC, reports suggest the corporation has managed to prise Kelly away from Sky Sports to present its flagship football programme.But she can still expect a text from her dad when she is on air if King Kenny is riled by the punditry from her guests.Most read in FootballShe revealed last month: “He texts [when she is on air], especially if my mum’s not there.Selleck ’tache“It’s if he doesn’t have anybody to sound off on. I was driving into work and decided not to sign my Sky Sports contract – it’s the scariest decision I ever made“He’ll hear a bit of our conversation, and then he will text me to chip in.“If it really bothers him, he’ll phone me on the way home.”Born the eldest of four children in Glasgow, Kelly was brought up in Southport, Merseyside, after her dad signed for Liverpool from Celtic in 1977.Her mum Marina once said: “Glasgow and Liverpool are very similar.“It’s the people — they are so friendly in both cities. “So it was very, very easy for us to settle here.”At the time Kelly was almost two years old and her brother Paul, who went on to play for Newcastle, ­Norwich and Wigan, was a baby.Two more siblings, Lynsey and Lauren, followed.Liverpool fan Kelly was always immersed in football, and said: “When I was a baby my mum took me to matches to watch my dad play.My earliest memories are of being in the players’ lounge with the other players’ childrenKelly Cates“I don’t remember a time when I didn’t go to football games.“My earliest memories are of being in the players’ lounge with the other players’ children.”Kelly in 1979 with dad Kenny’s Liverpool team-mate Graeme Souness, who used to babysit herDad Kenny with family friends Souness and Hansen celebrate Liverpool’s European Cup in 1978Credit: GettyKelly with fellow Sky presenters Clare Tomlinson and Carrie Frais in 1998Credit: RexGraeme — Kenny’s fellow Scotland international — was sometimes roped in for childcare duties. A black and white photo from 1979 shows four-year-old Kelly poking out her tongue at the hardman midfielder with the Tom Selleck ’tache and bushy hair.He recalled: “Kenny and I roomed together for ten years or more with Liverpool and Scotland and I was a regular at his place.“I was single and would turn up for Christmas lunch. “I used to babysit — or not necessarily babysit. “I’d ­volunteer to take Kelly out in her pram in the afternoons.I was single and would turn up for Christmas lunch. I used to babysit — or not necessarily babysit. I’d ­volunteer to take Kelly out in her pram in the afternoonsGraeme Souness“Without realising it, she was my introduction to some lovely young ladies. “I’d be walking along, and then, ‘What a gorgeous baby, you seen this baby?’ ”Despite her father’s elevated status as a Liverpool and Scotland legend, Kelly recalled: “When he was home he was just Dad.“I recall going to a Rod Stewart concert at Ibrox [stadium] once and him being stopped every ten metres walking around the pitch.“I was about seven and found it so weird — like, ‘What do they want with him?’“It was the same with his team-mates — to me they were always just Dad’s friends, sitting around arguing about football.”Her own efforts as a player were not a roaring success.Kelly with fiery pundit Roy KeaneCredit: MatchDay Images LimitedKelly is reported to be about to take over the Match Of The Day presenter’s chair from Gary Lineker – pictured Gabby LoganCredit: PAKelly’s pal and MOTD co-host Mark ChapmanCredit: GettyKelly said: “When I was 11 I was playing football on some concrete. I ran down the wing thinking, ‘Oh, this will be easy’, tripped over and knocked myself out. “That was the end of my football career.”After A-levels in maths, further maths, physics and chemistry, she won a place to read maths at the University of Glasgow.Then when Sky Sports News was launched in 1998, she made the brave move to give up her studies and join the fledgling station.She said: “The channel was looking for young people who loved football.“It was new, and no one was watching, so they pretty much said to us,“There wasn’t a massive budget but Sky just wanted young, enthusiastic people and they didn’t want to take too much of a risk by putting their best people on it.‘Go and play at being on the telly!’“It was a huge decision to leave university, but I thought, ‘This isn’t an opportunity I’m going to get again’.”On her broadcasting inspirations, Kelly mentions Des Lynam — who fronted Match Of The Day through the 1990s with brilliant understatement — and Gabby Logan, another daughter of a football icon, former Wales international and manager Terry Yorath.Kelly said: “Des was the gold ­standard. “He had that sense of being engaged with fans and got every ­single aspect of it right.“I loved that tone. “It’s the kind of tone that I like watching and ­listening to.“It kind of makes sense that I’d aim for, but not quite reach, that.“I always looked at Gabby’s career progress and watched her journey.“It was brilliant to see, and even though she’s not much older than me, it felt like she was always the next step.”It was undoubtedly a male-dominated profession, but Kelly insisted: “I wasn’t a trailblazer.“There were already people who put the groundwork in, like Gabby and Hazel Irvine. “I never have [encountered sexism] but I know other female reporters have.“Obviously you see a lot more women on screen now, but I’d like to see that backed up in the same numbers behind the cameras as well.“Now I’m older, I feel much more protective of younger women coming into the industry.”After Sky Sports News, Kelly worked as an interviewer and presenter for sports channels Setanta and ESPN. Then came work as a reporter for ITV at the 2010 World Cup, and for Channel 4 at the 2012 London Paralympics.She presented a Football League highlights show for Channel Five before being lured back to Sky Sports in 2016.At the helmOriginally at the helm for Football League matches, Kelly went on to become one of the most respected presenters on big Premier League fixtures.Working with Gary Neville, Jamie “Carra” Carragher and Roy Keane, she considers the current era to be a “golden age” for punditry.She said: “It’s not necessarily the players who play football naturally who talk about it in the best way.“It’s the ones who really worked at their game. “Carra, when he was playing, would go home and watch videos of Franco Baresi and other great defenders constantly, so he learnt.”Now Kelly — who also hosts a BBC Radio 5 show — is rated among the nation’s very foremost broadcasters by her peers and fans alike.Her friend and TV colleague Gabby, 51, says Kelly has an “effortless broadcast style and depth of knowledge that can pretty much rival anybody”.And she added that Kelly can also “disarm the likes of Roy Keane with a single eyebrow when she wants to shut him up”.Kelly’s formative years immersed in football mean she brings an understanding of the stresses that managers have to cope with daily.She continued: “I’ve had managers get a bit annoyed by a question but it’s often not me they are angry at. “They are under a lot of pressure.”In 2007 Kelly married TV ­producer Tom Cates and the couple had two daughters.They split in 2021, and Kelly said last month: “The girls are with their dad at weekends.“Although we’re not together, we get on fine and he’s really flexible with the girls, so we manage it mostly between us.I worked for ESPN years ago and they had a mantra of ‘Take the sport seriously but don’t take yourself seriously’. For me, that’s the best approachKelly Cates“The girls are getting a bit older now and they think they don’t need as much [from us] — that’s what they tell us, but they do.”In 2021 she revealed she was wary of dating, and added: “I don’t have a picture in my head of why a middle-aged, slightly overweight, mother-of-two could possibly be attractive. “It’s not that I’m putting myself down, it’s not a lack of confidence or low self-esteem — it’s that I just don’t know what that would look like.“I don’t want to spend my precious free time with a random.“Imagine going out with somebody and you sit there halfway through and think, ‘God, this guy’s an idiot’, you’ve just wasted a babysitter.”If Kelly has indeed landed sports broadcasting’s jewel in the crown, don’t expect this down-to-earth and seemingly unflappable presenter to start picking up airs and graces.READ MORE SUN STORIESLast month she said with characteristic modesty: “I worked for ESPN years ago and they had a mantra of ‘Take the sport seriously but don’t take yourself seriously’. “For me, that’s the best approach.”Gary Lineker is stepping down as MOTD hostCredit: BBCA HAT-TRICKOF QUALITY TV TALENTBy SHAUN CUSTIS, Head of SportYOU may not agree with the BBC’s decision to split presenting duties on Match Of The Day. But if that’s the way they have decided to go, they could not have picked three better people for the job.I’ve worked with Kelly Cates many times and she is the consummate professional.The fact many people didn’t realise she is the great Kenny Dalglish’s daughter speaks volumes for her talent on TV.She wasn’t handed her career.She had to prove herself to get the top jobs and did so by developing a relaxed but knowledgeable style which puts guests at ease and chimes well with viewers.Her fellow presenters, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan, have also more than earned their stripes. Chapman is a brilliant all-rounder who, in my view, is the best sports presenter on radio and TV, while Logan rose up through the radio ranks to host the biggest shows on BBC Sport.They are a dynamic trio. More

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      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua shows his caring side as he hands out gifts at children’s hospital and hails ‘hero’ NHS staff

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      ANTHONY Joshua dished out Christmas presents during a surprise visit to a children’s hospital.The two-time heavyweight boxing champion stunned poorly children on the Kids Starfish ward at Watford General Hospital and hailed “hero” NHS staff.Anthony Joshua posed up for pictures with happy patientsCredit: SuppliedThe boxing star visited Watford General Starfish WardCredit: SuppliedHe hailed the NHS staff as heroesCredit: SuppliedThe heavyweight boxing champion gave out giftsCredit: SuppliedAnthony beams alongside NHS staffCredit: SuppliedDuring his moving visit, Joshua chatted with youngsters about sport and posed for selfies with patients and staff.The boxing star was seen handing out gifts to beaming children as he spent hours touring the specialist ward.He also spent time chatting to parents and West Hertfordshire NHS staff who help keep the ward operational during the festive period.On the visit the world champ said: “Today was all about trying to put smiles on a few faces and to acknowledge the tireless work of all NHS staff across the entire nation.Read More in Boxing”I met some amazing kids and some inspirational parents. I waslucky Santa was available to help me hand out a few small gifts.”Christmas can be a really tough time of year so it is important to do your bit, especially in your own local community.”Joshua’s association to the hospital goes back years – as he was born there in 1989.As a teenager he visited the A&E department a few times too many for his mothers liking.Most read in BoxingThen following his Olympic triumph in 2012 he returned to open the Leigh Warman Mural in the Children’s A&E Department.Paediatric Consultant Lynn Sinitsky said: “The joy that Anthony has spread today is truly healing. Anthony Joshua attends surprise birthday party for coach who ‘saved his life’ and shares incredible throwback snap”The smiles on the faces, especially from one ten year old who woke up to see Anthony was incredible.”Meanwhile, Ward Manager Kerry Beasley said: “Its a great thing he has done, its amazing for the staff and the patients. “It really boosts morale and spreads Christmas spirit. We couldn’t get him out!”During the Coronavirus Pandemic Joshua led a program to gift NHS staff members at the hospital with 2,000 pieces of Under Armour kit.The idea was to give a little bit back to the tireless efforts from staff, including medical professionals, cleaning and kitchen staff.Clean Herts Community’s mission is to provide aid and opportunities for people of various demographics across Anthony’s home town of Watford, with a focus on young people.The Olympic Gold Medallist has always been very passionate about providing opportunity to specifically the younger generation in his local area. This year CHC has launched both physical and educational programs from football camps to cooking and science classes.They also teamed up with Hollywood legend Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson in November to give some Watford-based kids the opportunity of a life time.And they took part in the launch of his blockbuster Christmas film Red One.It comes as Joshua attended the surprise birthday party for the boxing coach he credited for saving his life.AJ first walked into the Finchley Amateur Boxing club aged 18 in a bid to get himself out of trouble on the streets of London.And head trainer Sean Murphy guided Joshua to elite national championships before setting up an Olympic gold victory.The two have remained close over the years and AJ was a guest at Murphy’s surprise bash – organised by Finchley ABC.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe posed alongside Murphy and posted a throwback snap of his amateur days with the caption: “Ride Or Die.”In Joshua’s last three bouts, he has been cornered by British coach Ben Davison.Joshua playing with a childCredit: SuppliedJoshua set up the Clean Hearts Community, a community-interest company dedicated to uplifting the local communityCredit: SuppliedThe boxer looked very happy speaking with NHS staff and parentsCredit: SuppliedJoshua showed off his caring side in the visitCredit: Supplied More

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      in Athletics

      ‘It’s not acceptable’: Sprint sensation Gout Gout’s parents reveal his real name and fume at identity mix-up

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      GOUT GOUT’S fuming dad has revealed the sprint sensation has been WRONGLY named for years – due to a shocking spelling error.The parents of the 16-year-old “next Usain Bolt” blamed officials for the “unacceptable” error – and explained what his real name should be.Gout Gout has been setting the world alight at 100m and 200mCredit: GettyBut he’s not known by the name his family gave himCredit: GettyGout Gout has shattered a string of age records at both 100m and 200m.His time of 20.04secs at the longer distance also broke the Australian record held since Peter Norman won silver at the 1968 Olympics. But now his father Bona has told of his upset over a major mistake that has left his son being called by a different name.The issue emerged after the family fled South Sudan as refugees for Egypt.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLBona told Channel 7 they were planning on moving to Canada.But documents from the Australian Government were first to arrive – so the family switched their future to Down Under.However, Bona believes the Sudan Government wrongly put “Gout Gout” on the relevant forms.He said: “His name is Guot, it’s supposed to be Guot.Most read in AthleticsFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS’When I see people calling him Gout Gout, I’m not really happy for him.”He added that it should be pronounced “gwot”.Sprint sensation Gout Gout, 16, breaks 100m world record at school championships but it doesn’t count Bona pointed out the inflammatory illness gout that can cause foot pain and swelling.He said: “I know that gout is a disease name but I don’t want my son to be called a disease name… It’s something that’s not acceptable.”It’s culturally very important and in particular if (family) see Guot Guot running they connect to the name but when they hear Gout Gout they’ve lost the meaning of it.”Bona now hopes his son’s name can soon be changed back officially to Guot. More

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      in Soccer

      Annie Kilner puts wedding ring back ON despite filing for divorce from Kyle Walker

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      WAG Annie Kilner has been spotted still wearing her wedding ring, despite her impending divorce.Annie, who has four children with Kyle Walker, has been seen attending a red carpet event whilst still wearing her wedding ring.Annie Kilner was spotted wearing her wedding ringCredit: SplashAnnie was seen with a ring onCredit: BackGridShe shares four children with KyleCredit: SplashAppearing at The Lowry Hotel in Manchester, Annie posed up a storm with a gal pal as they attended a glitzy ladies lunch together.Dressed in a burgundy dress, one accessory Annie was unlikely to be wearing was her wedding ring but she’s kept it firmly on her ring finger despite being in the midst of a divorce to Kyle.The couple have been wed for three years and were childhood sweethearts who met in Sheffield as teenagers.Yet the couple only got married in November 2021 during an intimate ceremony at Mottram Hall in Cheshire.More on Annie KilnerTheir wedding came as a surprise after Kyle was involved in various sex scandals, including with Ex on the Beach TV reality star Laura Brown and then later Celebs Go Dating star Lauryn Goodman.He fathered two children with Goodman, Annie filed for divorce from footballer Kyle in October, seeking an end to their three year marriage.Divorce papers were served to Kyle, leaving the footballer ‘stunned’.Most read in FootballA source said: “Kyle was stunned when he got the papers.”He’s spoken to Annie about them and they are discussing the next steps.Lauryn Goodman reported Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner to the cops after disturbing WhatsApp messages”This doesn’t necessarily mean they will divorce.”This is as much Annie flexing her muscles as it is anything else.”She wants Kyle to know she’s not messing about. But if this is a bluff, it may well back-fire.”The couple separated at Christmas after Kyle was exposed for fathering a second child with Instagram influencer and mistress Lauryn Goodman.This is believed to be it for Annie with previously said in an exclusive interview with us: “What he has done to me and our children is obscene.”I can’t begin to put it into words.”In late March last year he was unfaithful with a reality TV star.”I found out a month later and was broken by it.”He begged me to take him back but by July he was at it again.”Not even three months later and someone was pregnant. My youngest was one. Who does that?READ MORE SUN STORIES”I don’t think I’ll ever be the same again because of what he’s done.”I’ve tried to hate him but how can I hate the man my kids love so much?”Kyle Walker was said to be left ‘stunned’ by the divorce papersCredit: GettyAnnie Kilner and Kyle Walker wed in November 2021 despite his various sex scandalsCredit: GettyKyle and Annie’s relationship historyEarly years – Kyle and Annie first meet in Sheffield when she was 15 and he was 17Euro 2016 – Walker caught messaging Playboy model Carla HoweApril 2019 – Annie dumps Kyle after his alleged romps with reality TV star Laura BrownApril 2020 – Kyle allegedly hosts sex party with two escorts during covid-19 lockdownFebruary 2020 – Lauryn Goodman gives birth to Kairo, her son with WalkerNovember 2021 – Walker and Kilner marry in secretMarch 2023 – Lauryn announces her second pregnancySpring 2023 – Kyle allegedly flashes and kisses another woman in a Vodka Revolution bar in CheshireAugust 2023 – Lauryn gives birth to a daughterJanuary 2024 – Annie announces split from Kyle after two years of marriage. It emerges Kyle is the dad of Lauryn’s second child. Kyle begs for forgiveness in exclusive Sun interview. Lauryn brands him a ‘pathological narcissist’October 2024 – Annie files for divorce More