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    Tragic Sven-Goran Erikkson faced string of disasters that saw him lose MILLIONS & conned by fake football billionaire

    HE was one of the highest-paid football managers of all time, raking in a cool £25million during his five-year reign as England boss. But Sven-Goran Eriksson’s glittering career was scarred by a string of financial disasters that left him penniless.Sven Goran-Eriksson died £8.6million in debtCredit: AP:Associated PressHe was led to believe he was helming a Man City-style transformation at Notts CountyCredit: The TimesSven and the club were led on by convicted fraudster Russell KingCredit: Action ImagesThe Swede, who tragically passed away from pancreatic cancer last August, lost millions over the years before a desperate bid to save his fortune. Despite his footballing success, Swedish documents revealed Eriksson died £8.6 million (88 million kronor) in debt.His lawyer and close friend Anders Runebjer blamed his tax debts on poor investment decisions – including a failed film scheme in 2006.The 76-year-old was best known for managing England from 2001 to 2006 and made history as the first foreign manager to lead the team at two World Cups.Read More on SvenDuring his 36-year career, Eriksson had a number of lucrative roles and received around £7million in pay-offs alone from England, Manchester City – where he spent a season in charge – and Mexico.He also coached IFK Goteborg, Benfica, Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, Lazio and Leicester City, winning 17 major trophies.But away from the pitch, Sven fell victim to several embarrassing scams and financial disasters.From fake billionaires to an unscrupulous adviser, we take a look at scams which fleeced the late manager…Most read in FootballFootball club scamThe most bizarre chapter of Eriksson’s football career began in June 2009 when he was first contacted by convicted fraudster Russell King, a former financier from Jersey.He claimed to represent a wealthy group of investors from the Middle East and Europe, reaching out through a third party.Emotional David Beckham looks close to tears at Sven-Goran Eriksson’s coffin is led out of church following funeral service in SwedenHe and an associate wined and dined Eriksson at the Dorchester Hotel and gave a “very clever, very convincing” pitch about taking over Notts County, billing it as a Manchester City-style transformation.”I met these two guys, and they were very enthusiastic about what they had to say,” Eriksson recalled. “They told me they had already bought the club and had big plans to take it to the Premier League. “They promised improvements to the players, the training ground, the academy, and even said they would fix the stadium and buy feeder clubs.”Unbeknown to Sven, King had served a two-year sentence for fraud in the early 1990s for trying to claim £600,000 in insurance by falsely reporting his Aston Martin stolen.King managed to seize control of nearly 50 per cent of a London investment bank by falsely claiming he was overseeing the sovereign wealth of the Bahraini royal family.He then used a bank guarantee from the same institution to take control of Notts County, only for it to later be revealed as worthless.The conman lured Eriksson in with promises of £10million in shares and Eriksson became director.They promised improvements to the players, the training ground, the academy, and even said they would fix the stadium and buy feeder clubsSven Goran ErikssonKing wanted Eriksson’s star power to legitimise his schemes, even dragging him to North Korea to seal a deal with the rogue state’s officials. King claimed one of his companies was worth a jaw-dropping $2trillion (£1.27 trillion) after supposedly securing rights to mine the country’s gold, oil, and iron ore in exchange for £1billion from Bahrain.But the promised billions never materialised. King fled to Bahrain, leaving millions in debts and Notts County unable to pay basic bills.Extradited years later, he was jailed in 2019 for 25 counts of fraud and larceny but released from Jersey prison in 2021.England football manager Sven Goran Eriksson and his ex-partner Nancy Dell’OlioCredit: PAEriksson later admitted his embarrassment, recalling how he was taken in by King’s outlandish promises. “They used my name, of course they did,” he said. “At the time, we couldn’t even pay the milk bill at Notts County. It was a big, big mistake.”’Hated’ financial advisorAfter the embarrassing Notts County saga, the football icon later claimed he had lost £10 million thanks to the actions of his trusted financial adviser, Samir Khan.In a bombshell interview with the Telegraph in 2013, Sven said he had been forced to put his £4 million Swedish “dream house” on the market. “I never hate anyone in my life,” he said. “I don’t think I have many enemies but I hate Samir Khan because you can’t treat people like he has done.He’s probably the only person on earth I hate. I feel let down, angry and disappointed because I trusted this man for many, many yearsSven Goran Eriksson “He’s probably the only person on earth I hate. I feel let down, angry and disappointed because I trusted this man for many, many years.”The pair met in 2004, and by 2007, Khan had control of Sven’s affairs. Two years later, the Swede grew concerned and asked Deloitte to run checks on Khan.In 2010, Eriksson’s lawyers obtained a worldwide freezing order in the High Court against Khan and launched legal proceedings, claiming that Khan made negligent investments and pocketed “secret profits”.Khan denied the claims before being declared bankrupt. Eriksson said: “I gave him too much freedom. I gave him all the authority he needed to take care of my economy.”Film scheme backfiredSven admits he made some bad financial decisionsCredit: AP:Associated PressAs Sven scrambled to recover cash, he also fell victim to the failed Eclipse Film investment scheme.The series of film financing schemes, conceived by HSBC, claimed they would make money by buying the rights to blockbuster Disney movies and leasing them back to studios.Investors were told they could defer their tax bills and spread the payments out over a number of years.But HMRC became concerned the £2.2 billion scheme was being used to avoid tax, leading them to take Eclipse to the Supreme Court in 2016.Investors were handed accelerated payment notices the following year – reversing the tax benefits they had previously enjoyed and demanding they pay interest on the multi-million pound sums.The Supreme Court crushed any hopes for the scheme in 2012 by refusing to challenge HMRC’s ruling.Investors, including Sven, were told they wouldn’t receive the £117m in tax relief promised, leaving them liable for massive bills.Home sold at ‘bargain’ priceSven’s mansion near Sunne, SwedenCredit: AlamySven is seen in the swimming pool of his his mansionCredit: AlamyWhile managing the Three Lions, Sven bought a grand 19th-century lakeside manor in Sunne, Sweden, for £420,000. The sprawling 835-square-metre home features numerous reception rooms, a library, and an expansive poolhouse, which includes a saltwater pool, spa, sauna, jacuzzi, gym, and relaxation space. Outside, the property boasts a tennis court, a jetty, a sandy cove, and waterside gazebos. Sotheby’s agents noted Sven had added his personal touch to both the interior and exterior. READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, when it came to selling the estate after Sven’s death last year, the financial gods were unkind once again.Despite its value peaking at £3 million, by last year its value had plummeted by nearly half, selling for a “bargain” price of £1.8 million.Nancy paid tribute to her ex after his death, saying ‘you will be missed’Credit: Instagram @nancydellolioThe late football manager with his partner Yaniseth Alcides during the Sports Gala 2024Credit: RexSven’s partner and David Beckham at his funeral last yearCredit: RexEriksson with Roberto ManciniCredit: GettySVEN’S AMAZING CAREER1977 – Having played football professionally in Sweden, Sven-Goran Eriksson kicked off his managerial career with Swedish side Degerfors.2000 – He guided Lazio to the Serie A title to become one of the hottest coaches in the world.2001 – Following the resignation of Kevin Keegan, he was appointed England’s next permanent manager in February 2001. He oversaw 66 games with the Three Lions, winning 39 and losing just 12.2002 – Eriksson led England to the 2002 World Cup with the likes of Steven Gerrard, Paul Scholes and David Beckham in his squad. The Three Lions were knocked out in the quarter-finals.2004 – The legendary manager also led the Three Lions to Euro 2004, but they were knocked out of the quarter-finals to Portugal.2006 – Eriksson led England to another World Cup, his final tournament in charge, before resigning.2007 – The Swede took charge of Manchester City a year after leaving the England job and oversaw 45 games.2010 – Having coached Mexico, Ivory Coast and Notts County after parting ways with Man City, Erikson took charge of Leicester and saved them from relegation. Following his time with the Foxes he went on to manage China and Philippines.2024 – In January 2024, Eriksson announced he had been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. Three months later, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of managing Liverpool in a legends match at Anfield, before passing away in August. More

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    Chelsea star arrives at court accused of racially abusing police officer in row over taxi fare

    CHELSEA star Sam Kerr has arrived at court accused of racially abusing a police officer in a row over a taxi fare.The 31-year-old allegedly lashed out at the cop in Twickenham, South West London, in January 2023.Sam Kerr has arrived at court accused of a racially aggravated offenceCredit: Twitter/@hansinclair9The Chelsea star allegedly abused a police officerCredit: AlamyKerr, who is currently sidelined from Chelsea with an ACL injury, was seen arriving at Kingston Crown Court today for a hearing.The Australia international has pleaded not guilty to racially aggravated harassment and is due to stand trial next month.Scotland Yard previously said: “Samantha Kerr, 30 (10.09.93) of Richmond was charged via postal charge requisition on 21 January with a racially aggravated offence under Section 4A Public Order Act 1986.“The charge relates to an incident involving a police officer who was responding to a complaint involving a taxi fare on 30 January 2023 in Twickenham.”Kerr has scored 99 goals in 128 matches since joining Chelsea in 2019.During her time there, the team has won four Women’s Super League titles, three FA Cups, two Women’s League Cups and the Women’s Community Shield.But the striker was crocked in January last year at the club’s warm weather training camp in Morocco.Kerr is her country’s all-time record goalscorer with 64 goals in 125 games for the Matildas.Most read in FootballShe has also been nominated for the Ballon d’Or Féminin – the top prize in women’s football – every year since its inception in 2018.Kerr is in a relationship with fellow footballer Kristie Mewis with the couple getting engaged last year.They announced in November they are expecting a baby together.The Australia captain is currently sidelined due to injuryCredit: GettyKerr is engaged to fellow footballer Kristie MewisThe couple announced they are expecting a baby More

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    I was Man City prospect who fell into booze and drugs, was stabbed twice and jailed… now I’m earning coaching badges

    FORMER Manchester City prospect Daniel Warrender has opened up about being jailed and stabbed twice after falling into booze and drugs.Manchester-born Warrender has since turned his life around and is working hard to earn a Uefa B coaching badge.Former Man City prospect Daniel Warrender has bravely opened up how he turned his life aroundWarrender came through the ranks at Man City before turning professional in 2005The later stages of Warrender’s non-league career was derailed by prisonWarrender bravely opened up about overcoming past struggles on the ‘I Had Trials Once Podcast’.The former Man City youth star was first stabbed outside a city centre nightclub following a Manchester derby match in 2010.Warrender’s wound was reportedly minor, but doctors informed him that the shock of the incident had brought on a heart problem.And the ex-defender unfortunately went on to land himself in a world of trouble with the law a year later in 2011.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWarrender was sentenced to 15 months in prison in 2013 after punching a man in a nightclub bust-up.According to court reports at the time, he left the victim scarred after he fell over on to a broken pint glass.The shards tore a 3.5cm wound down the man’s right cheek, and made several other cuts on his face, nose and arm, a court heard.The judge noted that Warrender was usually a “decent, hard working man” but had drunk “a skin-full” of alcohol before the attack in Stockport. Most read in FootballJustice Bernard Lever told him that his single blow had “absolutely tragic consequences” for both men, according to the Manchester Evening News.And that it did, as Warrender, who was playing football for non-league side Ramsbottom United at the time, found himself behind bars.Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set or £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transferWarrender said: “I’ve been at Manchester City, decent little prospect whatever.”And then within two years I was in prison for various violent offences and drugs and drink, whatever, you name it, I’ve done it. “I was stabbed on two different occasions and hospitalised a total of nine times.”But that was normal life to me. But now I’m on the Uefa B course. I’ve got two beautiful kids. One of them is a superstar at City.”Warrender’s son George is currently playing for Man City’s Under-11 youth side.Fans have dubbed the youngster a “mini Phil Foden” for his skill – but also because of his uncanny resemblance to the England superstar. Warrender was part of the squad who beat Manchester United’s youth in the Senior Cup in 2005Warrender’s son is coming through the ranks at his dad’s former sideAnd tearful Warrender added: “I’ve got my own coaching pitch, which I own outright…sorry I’m going again. I told you I cry all the time.”But now, honestly, when kids give me a thank you and that, I’m in the house with my missus crying. But I love it.”The now 38-year-old was brutally attacked for the second time on New Year’s Eve in 2017. His brother David Warrender, a convicted drug dealer, was said to be in control of the bar.But it was substantially worse on this occasion as Warrender was stabbed several times and suffered a punctured lung and kidney.Warrender was part of the squad who beat Manchester United’s youth in the Manchester Senior Cup in 2005.He was shipped out on loan to Blackpool a few months later, before he joined the League One side permanently in 2006.But his time at The Tangerines was cut short when he moved down into the non-league game with Rossendale United.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe then spent time in the USA with San Francisco Seals before returning to the UK with FC United of Manchester. Warrender was shipped back and forth between Ramsbottom and FC United before and after his time in prison.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Shocking moment football coach, 43, punches teen linesman to the ground during 8-0 defeat – as thug avoids prison

    THIS is the shocking moment a football coach punched a teen linesman to the ground during an 8-0 defeat.Robert Williams-Jones was managing Amlwch Town FC when he grew frustrated at the humiliating scoresheet.The linesman was sent crashing to the groundCredit: Twitter/@marcwebber/Robert Williams-Jones was handed a suspended sentenceJust 15 minutes into the match, the 43-year-old was filmed landing a blow on the linesman – leaving him sprawled on the ground.Footage then showed spectators and staff rushing over to the dugout to help the official, whose age hasn’t been released.Williams-Jones pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm but avoided a prison term.The thug was instead handed a 24 week sentence suspended for 12 months at Caernarfon Magistrates’ Court.Read more newsHe was also ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and pay £1,000 in compensation.The shocking attack took place in Amlwch, Wales, last April as the North Wales Coast West team took on Penrhyndeudraeth FC.Williams-Jones was stood on the touchline as the linesman did his job when he appeared to assault him out of nowhere.As the teen was sent flying, the game was paused while the raging gaffer returned to his team’s bench.Most read in FootballThe Penrhyn player, who had been acting as voluntary linesman, was then seen standing up looking dazed before being led off the pitch.Footage of the punch was shared widely online – causing police to launch an investigation.Amlwch Town FC later confirmed it had cut ties with Williams-Jones.Penrhyn said at the time: “A fantastic result and performance from the lads today.”Unfortunately, the game was marred by an incident which occurred approximately 15 minutes into the game when a Penrhyn player, acting as a voluntary linesman, was assaulted.”Their manager Riccardo Pellegrino later praised his side, saying: “Your behavior on the pitch after what happened was impeccable, I’m proud to coach this fantastic group of lads.”I’m proud all of you COYC.”The voluntary linesman was attacked on the touchlineCredit: Twitter/@marcwebber/His fellow players came rushing overCredit: Twitter/@marcwebber/ More

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    Preston North End star Jordan Storey set to stand trial after pleading not guilty to assault charge

    A FOOTBALLER is set to stand trial on charges of assault and affray.Defender Jordan Storey, 27, is accused of assaulting Tomas Whatmough.He pleaded not guilty at Preston crown court yesterday to two charges from last January.Preston North End’s Jordan Storey is set to stand trial on charges of assaultA trial lasting up to three days was originally scheduled for 2026, but has been brought forward to May 6 this year.The Preston North End stopper has signed a deal to stay at the club until the summer of 2028.Storey has been at the Lancashire club, who currently lie 14th in the Championship, since 2018, making nearly 200 league appearances for them.He has also played for Exeter City and has been out on loan at Preston’s fellow Championship ­outfit Sheffield Wednesday.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPreston North End have been contacted for a comment.In November, The Sun revealed that a former Premier League prodigy had been jailed for stabbing a teen with a Rambo knife after turning to crime when his career flopped.Causso Darame left 19-year-old Ronnie Evans partially paralysed with “life-changing injuries” after attacking him in a “vicious” robbery.The 25-year-old, who was signed by Swansea City FC when they were in the Premier League, stole the teen’s neck chain and bracelet.Most read in FootballDarame has now been jailed for four years and four months after he admitted robbery and possession of a knife.Portsmouth Crown Court heard the horror unfolded in the early hours of May 12 last year near Ken’s Fried Chicken restaurant.Brighton ace’s home burgled as model fiancee shares security footage More

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    Argentine football star under investigation after ‘fatally hitting motorcyclist and failing breathalyser test’

    ARGENTINE footballer Rodrigo Garro is under investigation following a fatal collision with a motorcyclist, according to reports.Garro, who turned 27 today, stars for Brazilian club Corinthians.Corinthians star Rodrigo Garro is under investigation following a fatal collision with a motorcyclistCredit: GettyThe midfielder is under investigation by police after fatally hitting a 30-year-old motorcyclist in General Pico, La Pampa Province, Argentina.According to local reports, the incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning.At around 5am, the motorcyclist is said to have collided with a truck being driven by Garro at the intersection of Streets 300 and 108 with both vehicle’s travelling in opposite directions.Eyewitnesses said both vehicles were travelling along street 300 when the truck turned onto street 108.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGarro allegedly failed a subsequent breathalyser test – reportedly having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.5 grams – following the incident and was detained by police, but has since been released.Both Garro and his passenger, former team-mate Facundo Castelli, were said to have been unharmed in the collision.The case has been classified as “involuntary manslaughter”.Prosecutor Francisco Cuenca has said authorities are currently analysing the evidence collected from the scene.Most read in FootballAs quoted by footboom1, Cuenca said: “Right now, the classification would be involuntary manslaughter. “We need to wait for the results of the forensic analysis to determine how we proceed from here.”The victim’s body has been taken to the morgue for autopsy while further findings from the forensic examination are awaited.After giving his testimony on the events of the incident, Garro was released by police.Corinthians released a statement on the investigation.It read: “In the early hours of this Saturday (04), midfielder Rodrigo Garro was involved in an accident in La Pampa, Argentina, which, unfortunately, resulted in a fatal victim.”Garro gave his first statements, was released and is now at home.”Football executive Fabinho Soldado and legal affairs director Vinicius Cascone have contacted the athlete’s lawyers and family and will continue to contact them for more information.”The club is following the investigations and will wait for them to be concluded before returning to discuss the case.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Corinthians expresses its solidarity with the victim and his family.”Garro made 36 appearances in the Brazilian Serie A last season, scoring 10 goals and adding 10 assists – the most in the division – as Corinthians finished seventh in the league table. More

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    Boxing promoter Frank Warren starts legal proceedings for defamation against Chris Eubank Jr after shocking outburst

    FRANK WARREN has opened legal proceedings against Chris Eubank Jr after the boxer’s shocking outburst against him in a press conference.The Queensberry promoter filed the case on December 23, according to the HM Courts and Tribunals e-filing service.Frank Warren has opened legal proceedings for a defamation case against Chris Eubank JrCredit: PAEubank Jr issued a public apology after launching a verbal and personal attack against WarrenCredit: GettyAs first reported by The Athletic, the filing is listed under “Media and Communication: Defamation – libel and slander”.Warren, 72, was involved in the press conference in September in Saudi Arabia to promote an undercard fight between Eubank Jr, 35, and Poland’s Kamil Szeremeta.The card, headlined by light-heavyweights Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, was Eubank Jr’s first fight for over a year following his stoppage of Liam Smith in October 2023.It was also his first fight as part of the Boxxer promotional stable led by Ben Shalom.READ MORE IN BOXINGEubank Jr was asked why he had chosen to sign with them, but launched an astonishing and personal verbal attack on Warren as well as barbs directed at Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn and Frank Smith and Wasserman promoter Kalle Sauerland.Speaking at the time, Hall of Fame promoter Warren said: “I’m gonna keep it short and sweet. He’s gonna get sued again for the comments that he’s made publicly.”Eubank Jr later released a statement saying he wished to retract the “inaccurate statements” and apologised to Warren, Hearn and Sauerland.Warren had publicly accepted the apology issued by Eubank Jr, saying he was “looking forward to seeing him compete on this huge Riyadh Season card”.Most read in BoxingBut two months on he has now decided the apology was insufficient and is suing him a second time.The first came back in 2016 when Warren sued the then British Middleweight champion for a breach of contract, ending in Eubank Jr paying a six-figure sum to the promoter.Frank Warren throws doubt on Dubois v Joshua rematch happening Following the September press conference, Warren had told talkSPORT: “The bottom line of it is very simple. “He was sued by me for a legal breach of a contract and I was successful in suing him and he paid substantial damages.”Now you know what he can’t accept is what’s legal and what’s not. “And as regarding what he’s just said just so you know I’m gonna keep it short and sweet. He’s gonna get sued again for the comments that he’s made publicly.”He will be sued and he will have a problem over that and anybody else who says it, they can get in that queue.”Eubank Jr declined to comment. More

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

    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