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      in Soccer

      Football stars who broke Hollywood – from snogging A-list sex icon to Arsenal legend who refused to utter Spurs line

      by

      FOOTBALL is a notoriously short career, with most players forced to retire before they are 35.It’s not surprising, then, that some turn to the big screen to launch a second career – with many Premiership legends heading to Hollywood to make their fortune.
      Ian Wright with director Daniel Kaluuya and co-star Kane ‘Kano’ Robinson at the launch for The KitchenCredit: Getty
      Vinnie Jones cracked the movie world in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking BarrelsCredit: Alamy
      But the movie world is a tough nut to crack – and only a handful of footballers have made it.
      Ian Wright is the latest to make movie news starring in the Netflix film The Kitchen, released this weekend.
      He follows in the footsteps of fellow player Vinnie Jones whose hard man roles, in the likes of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, are now more memorable than his football.
      Here we look at the football stars who have made it to Hollywood – and one who has a THIRD career as a singer.
      Read More in Features
      Vinnie Jones
      Vinnie Jones famously broke into America by appearing in Guy Richie’s Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.
      The 59-year-old, from Watford, was still playing football when he was cast in the 1998 British gangster film.
      Vinnie, who is worth at least £7million, used his reputation for aggression on the pitch to help him land hardman roles on the silver screen.
      He was infamously pictured grabbing Gazza’s testicles during a 1988 game between Wimbledon and Newcastle.
      Most read in Football
      Eric Cantona starred with Oscar winners Cate Blanchett and Richard AttenboroughCredit: Rex
      He was infamously pictured grabbing Gazza’s testicles during a 1988 gameCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      But Vinnie is now best known for his acting after appearing in Hollywood hits such as Mean Machine, Gone in 60 Seconds and X-Men: The Last Stand.
      David Beckham
      David Beckham made America his home in the final years of his footballing career after signing a £128million five-year contract with MLS team LA Galaxy in 2007. 
      And rubbing shoulders with Hollywood A-Listers obviously inspired Golden Balls to try out a bit of acting himself.
      Just like Vinnie, Becks, 48, worked with Guy Ritchie on the 2017 blockbuster King Arthur: Legend of the Sword.
      Becks worked with Guy Ritchie on King ArthurCredit: Alamy
      He had a cameo role as a grumpy knight in the film, which grossed £116million at the box office. 
      And he also made an appearance as a projectionist in Ritchie’s 2015 film The Man From U.N.C.L.E. 
      Eric Cantona
      Eric Cantona was never short of confidence during his footballing career.
      And he was no different when he turned his hand to acting as he had no qualms about playing himself in the 2009 Ken Loach film Looking for Eric.
      In 2003, King Eric was voted Manchester United’s best ever player for his time at the club between 1992 and 1997. 
      Eric played a courtier in the movie ElizabethCredit: Alamy
      The star played himself in Looking For EricCredit: Alamy
      The Frenchman’s reputation took a hit when he kung fu kicked a fan at a Crystal Palace game in 1995.
      However his popularity endured thanks to the 57-year-old’s charismatic personality. 
      That same charisma translated on screen when he played the role of a French diplomat alongside Cate Blanchett in the 1998 smash hit Elizabeth. 
      The move led to a slew of acting roles in his native France, most recently in the miniseries Inhuman Resources and the action thriller AKA. 
      He recently launched a singing career, releasing a single, The Friends We Lost, in May 2023. 
      Ian Wright
      Wrighty’s first role was the 2011 movie Gun of the Black Sun
      Ian Wright stars in The KitchenCredit: Netflix
      Arsenal legend Ian Wright has become the latest footballer to bag a Hollywood role with his upcoming part in the Netflix film The Kitchen.
      Wrighty, 60, is already a familiar sight on our TV screens thanks to his weekly appearances on Match of the Day.
      And his latest appearance in The Kitchen, which is being directed by Hollywood A-Lister Daniel Kaluuya, is not the first time he has acted. 
      He also starred in the 2011 film Gun of the Black Sun and appeared as himself in the popular Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso. 
      But Hollywood has clearly not changed the former England striker after he reportedly refused to praise Tottenham on the show. 
      He apparently demanded the line “Tottenham are a great side” be changed as he knew if he said it he would never be able to return to north London.
      Stan Collymore
      The former Liverpool player wanted to be 007Credit: AP:Associated Press
      He romped with Sharon StoneCredit: Planet Photos
      Striker Stan Collymore once admitted in an interview that he wanted to be “the first black James Bond”.
      And although the 52-year-old didn’t bag the 007 gig, he did land a top role alongside Sharon Stone.
      In 2006 he appeared alongside the A-Lister in Basic Instinct 2, which grossed more than £30million. 
      In the film, Collymore, who played for Nottingham Forest and Liverpool in the 90s, shared a hot and steamy scene with Stone.
      In it, the pair become frisky in a car before Collymore crashed into the River Thames.
      Stone tipped Collymore for Hollywood greatness after his appearance in the film – but he never bagged another big role again.
      Zinédine Zidane
      Zidane was a Real Madrid legendCredit: AP:Associated Press
      He looked very different in his Asterix role
      Zinédine Zidane is widely known for his skills on the pitch – and the headbutt that marked the end of his career as a player.
      However, he also starred in a couple of films, proving he has more about him than football alone. 
      The Real Madrid legend enjoyed a cameo role in the 2008 film Asterix at the Olympic Games, which grossed more than £100million.
      The 51-year-old also played himself in the 2005 film Goal! The Dream Begins, starring alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham.
      But Zizou reportedly became peeved when he was left waiting for Becks to turn up to film their scene together for the flick.
      Paul Breitner
      The German player scored in two World Cup finalsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Potato Fritz was not so legendaryCredit: Alamy
      German midfielder Paul Breitner is one of only four players to have scored in two different World Cup final matches.
      He also belongs to another tiny club of players who have starred in films during their careers.
      The 72-year-old landed parts in two German films.
      His first flick, a Spaghetti Western called Potato Fritz, was filmed in 1976 while he was still playing for Real Madrid. 
      Breitner took on the role of a bandit-hunting Sergeant in the film, which was panned by critics. 
      He appeared again on the silver screen with the 1983 German flick Der Zappler.
      And he returned one more time with the 1986 film called Kunyonga – Mord in Afrika.
      Sadly none of the movies enjoyed the kind of success he achieved on the pitch.
      Pelé
      Escape to Victory was among the first to feature playersCredit: Alamy
      The Brazilian legend also starred in a bizarre TV series about aliens
      Brazilian football icon Pelé was one of the first to make the jump from football to films. 
      He starred in the 1981 sports movie Escape to Victory, appearing alongside Michael Caine and Sylvester Stallone.
      The legend also landed a role in Os Estranhos – a 1969 Brazilian TV drama about humans making first contact with aliens. 
      His successful acting career continued with a cameo role in the 2001 film Mike Bassett: England Manager – a mockumentary about a small-time football manager who is put in charge of the national team. 
      Pele, who died in 2022, also became the face of many brands in television adverts throughout his life.
      He filmed commercials for American Express, Mastercard, Pepsi, Atari, Emirates, Louis Vuitton and others. 
      Zlatan Ibrahimović
      The Swedish ace played for Man UnitedCredit: Getty
      Zlatan cut his famous hair and donned Roman armour for his debutCredit: Pathe
      Footballing superstar Zlatan Ibrahimović made his big screen debut last year as a Roman warrior. 
      The Swede played a Roman called Caius Antivirus in the 2023 French-language film Asterix & Obelix: The Middle Kingdom.
      Ibrahimović also recently appeared in the Italian TV comedy series Vita da Carlo. 
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      The former Manchester United player has the potential to enjoy a glittering career in Hollywood thanks to his unbelievable confidence. 
      During his time as a player, the 42-year-old earned a reputation for being cocky and was often accused of arrogance.  More

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      in Motorsport

      I was an F1 heiress with a jet in back garden but lost it all… I ended up on £60 benefits & got rejected from McDonald’s

      by

      AS the daughter of a British Formula 1 legend, Christianne Ireland lived a life few could imagine.With a private plane in the back garden of her mansion home, she was driven around in Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce cars, attended a private boarding school, had her hair cut by Vidal Sassoon and had a wardrobe of designer clothes.
      Christianne Ireland is an F1 heiress but lost everythingCredit: Chris Balcombe
      Dad Innes Ireland won the US Grand Prix in 1961Credit: SUPPLIED/CHRISTIANNE IRELAND
      Her dad Innes Ireland won the US Grand Prix in 1961 and counted racing icons Stirling Moss, Graham Hill and F1 team founder Frank Williams as his closest friends.
      Her incredible upbringing should have been the springboard for a life of success.
      But Christianne’s world came crashing down after she became an alcoholic, went through two divorces and her dad failed to leave her money in his will. 
      By 2016, she was on benefits of around £60 a week, living in a homeless hostel and was even turned down for a cleaning job at McDonald’s.
      Read More Features
      She describes her astonishing riches-to-rags story as “like falling out of an ivory tower”.
      Christianne, now 65, says her life was saved when she started volunteering at an allotment and she has rebuilt a future as a support manager at a charity called Unity which helps the most vulnerable in society.
      She said: “When I think back on the life I had it seems crazy.  
      “My childhood was bizarre, bonkers. We lived in a Grade One-listed Georgian mansion house with its own stream-fed lake and a miles messenger plane parked out the back.
      Most read in Motorsport
      She grew up in a Georgian mansion house with its own private lakeCredit: SUPPLIED/CHRISTIANNE IRELAND
      Innes was pals with F1 legends like Stirling Moss, Graham Hill and team founder Frank WilliamsCredit: SUPPLIED/CHRISTIANNE IRELAND
      “They were very heady days. I got a pony and trap as a Christmas present aged five and I remember Frank Williams and F1 racer Charlie Crichton-Stuart coming to paint it one weekend.
      “We always had wonderful exotic cars parked outside and we used to go to the village in the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO built for Stirling Moss, which later sold for £27million.
      “He never got to race it after his terrible accident that ended his racing career but I used to get into the passenger seat, my mum would shove the chocolate Labrador in the footwell and we’d go shopping.
      “When I fell out of the ivory tower years later and had to clean up my drinking, I’d look at beggars on the street and think ‘do I want to be one of them, because I have that option, or do I want to get off my backside and do something to get myself sorted?’”
      Cursed by fame
      Christianne’s story is full of twists and turns and a long battle with the bottle which left her homeless with just a suitcase full of expensive clothes – remnants of her past life.
      Her dad Innes was a former paratrooper and apprentice engineer with Rolls-Royce who started racing in an old three-litre Bentley when he was 22 after being left the car by a dead relative.
      After winning the Motor Sports Brooklyn Memorial Trophy in 1957 he joined the Lotus team, taking part in 50 Grand Prixs.
      He was a larger-than-life character who, according to a rival team boss, “lived without sense, without an analyst, and provoked astonishment and affection from everyone”.
      He married Christianne’s mum Norma Thomas, a Scarborough school teacher, three years before his career took off but the trappings of fame cost Innes his marriage.
      An exhausted Innes trying to push his Lotus 18 up the Sainte Devote hill at the Monaco Grand Prix, 1960Credit: Getty
      Step mother Eddie, step brother Jamie, Innes and and Christianne around age 16 at the backCredit: SUPPLIED/CHRISTIANNE IRELAND
      Christianne said: “My father’s success was a double-edged sword.
      “He was travelling to a lot of races which took him away from my mother and the family and it elevated him into a jet-set world. 
      “ My mother wasn’t really kitted out for that life. I think she was quite happy with the little life they had, it was very suburban and nothing flash and I think she would have preferred that.
      “When the money came on board we had a big mansion house called Downton in Powys, Wales, with an airstrip out the back. Dad got a private plane and really enjoyed the lifestyle but mum was often left rambling around alone in this big home.”
      Christianne says her mum struggled to cope and she was sent to a convent  boarding school just before her fifth birthday which she “hated” because “we weren’t from a strict Catholic family, dad was becoming famous and I was the oddball there”.
      When she next returned home, Christianne’s mother had gone and they never really reconciled.
      She said: “My dad got custody of me and I didn’t dare ask what had happened. I remember saying Goodbye when I went to boarding school and that was the last I saw of her at that time.
      “Dad wasn’t the type to sit you down and talk about what happened and a lot was shoved under the carpet.
      “There was a lot of hurt and I would later use that as a ‘poor me’ excuse to drink.”
      Battle with the bottle
      By the time her dad retired in 1967 to become a journalist for Autocar magazine, he had remarried and the family moved to London where Christianne would have her hair cut by Vidal Sasoon.
      She said: “I would go home from school whenever dad was around and we did have some wonderful times. I watched him race at Le Mans for one of my birthdays and I was taken to designer shops where I was allowed to buy lots of beautiful French clothes.
      “In London we shopped in Harrods and Fortnum and Mason. I had lovely things, but in hindsight I’d have swapped it to spend more quality time with my father.”
      Christianne was sent to private girls boarding school Oxenfoord Castle in Midlothian where she says she developed into a “rebellious teenager”. By now her dad had remarried.
      “I would do anything to shock my father and, looking back, I think I must have been angry.
      “I’d wear dreadful make-up, hippy afghan coats smelling of patchouli oil and bring home unsuitable boyfriends. I had a best friend whose father had also been a driving racer and we used to go to Annabel’s nightclub with our fathers’ cards and dance on the tables.”
      Christianne has taken up racing herself nowCredit: SUPPLIED/CHRISTIANNE IRELAND
      Innes in Monaco in 1960Credit: Getty
      When she was 20, Christianne married farmer John Gee and had three children Charles, now 45, Sasha, 43, and Jeffrey, 41.
      The couple married at Welford Park in Newbury, the home of C4’s Bake Off, in a lavish ceremony where she says dad Innes told her: “Right darling, that’s the last big thing I do for you.”
      Christianne says she started drinking copious bottles of wine throughout her marriage, adding: “My poor husband didn’t know how to cope with it, none of it was his fault.
      “I had no instruction manual and my marriage failed.”
      When her dad died of cancer at a rented cottage near Welford, Newbury, in 1993, Christianne was left out of his will.
      Eventually her relationship with her father’s third wife, ex-model Jean Haworth, became estranged.
      Christianne went on to meet Tristram, her second husband, who she wed in 1995, at an AA meeting in what she describes as a “typical cliche.”
      “He was very smartly dressed and I thought ‘oh he’s got money’ while I think he probably thought I had. Neither of us had a pot to p*** in,” she laughs.
      Christianne volunteered with the local AA and went on to speak to prisoners in Broadmoor, the psychiatric hospital which has housed lags like Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe and four-times killer Robert Maudsley.
      She said: “I wasn’t allowed near people like that but I spoke to people with mental health issues who had issues with drinking or drugs.
      “I was terrified going in there for the first time but came across people who had committed terrible crimes when they’d been on drink or drugs and blacked out, and I thought ‘there by the grace of God go I.’
      “One 6ft 4in man murdered his mother with an axe and a woman who set her house on fire with her family in it. Neither of them had any recollection of what had happened.” 
      Rock bottom
      Nine years into her marriage, Christianne said she started secretly drinking again after moving to Gloucestershire and becoming unhappy.
      She said: “I’d do a bit of social drinking but most of it was in secret.
      “I was socially a bit anxious and I needed to drink before we went anywhere. If it wasn’t vodka it would be half a bottle of wine before stepping out the door and the tolerance started to go up.
      “At its worst I’d secretly down half a bottle of brandy.”
      She and husband Simon, who Christianne says “didn’t know how to help me”, broke up after nine years of marriage and he moved to New Zealand.
      She said: “Over the next five years I went through all my savings, sold some jewellery to live off and tried to find jobs, but I wasn’t in the right headspace.
      “I even tried for a cleaning job at McDonald’s but was turned down.  My children weren’t able to help me financially or put me up.
      “They never actually asked me to stop drinking, because nobody should ever ask anyone to stop. Instead they distanced themselves from me.
      “Eventually I moved to Camberley in Surrey when I got a job in a clothes shop for a couple of years, but then the drinking caught up with me.”
      Christianne found working at an allotment helped her turn her life aroundCredit: Chris Balcombe
      In 2015, Christianne went to live in London to help support a distant relative but it didn’t work out and her daughter advised her to make herself homeless to get a flat.
      She said: “By this time I was on benefits of about £60 a week. I thought maybe I should try the Southampton area because I’d lived there for a little while when I was younger.
      “From there the local authority sent me to Romsey and then to Andover where I was given a crash room in a hostel.”
      Christianne spent eight weeks in a hostel where she had to sleep in a single bed in the dining room.
      She said: “All I had was my suitcase. It was quite large with some of my best clothes in it but that was it.
      “You had to be out of the hostel most of the day so it was quite hard. There were quite a few drug addicts there and I’m not very streetwise.
      “The local authority eventually got me a flat but I had no furniture for three weeks and just slept on the floor.”
      Brighter future
      Christianne started to volunteer at a charity called Unity, and a locally-run allotment – a move she credits with saving her life.
      She said: “When I started digging, clearing, growing, pruning it felt like I was getting rid of debris, not just from the allotment but from my life.
      “On the days I wanted to drink I’d go there instead and I slowly started feeling better.
      “I found my local drug and rehabilitation services and signed up with them. I did a course called smart recovery for three months and it gave me strategies to cope with my drinking.
      “I realised it was an ability to cope with life on life’s terms and I was given a toolbox of strategies to help me cope.”
      Now Christianne works as a voluntary sector support manager for Unity and helps oversee a food pantry project.
      She has also taken up racing herself after joining the Brighton and Hove Moto Sports Club, taking part in speed trials and hill climbs.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      She said: “I don’t regret all those things that happened because they brought me to where I am now. I’m like a snake shedding its skin.
      “I’ve had an amazing, crazy life.” More

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      in Soccer

      We live next to Prem ground… ‘haunting’ problem keeps us up but it’s NOT the fans & there’s an extra issue on Boxing Day

      by

      WHEN you imagine what it’s like to live next to a football ground, you’d expect the cheering (and jeering) crowds to get on neighbours’ nerves.But locals next to Boscombe’s Vitality Stadium, home to AFC Bournemouth, say it’s a different type of nuisance that’s getting under their skin. 
      AFC Bournemouth’s ground is the second-smallest stadium in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Andrew Martin says locals are annoyed by a ‘whistling’ soundCredit: Chris Balcombe
      One resident told The Sun there is a “haunting whistling sound” – allegedly caused by one of the club’s lights – that is keeping them up at night, which he likened to “a jet taking off”.
      NHS worker Andrew Martin, 56, explained: “When Bournemouth was promoted they needed new lights for the HD broadcast on Sky, and since then it hasn’t stopped.
      “On a normal day the noise makes it sound like our house is haunted, and on a bad day it’s like a jet is taking off.
      “It used to keep us up at night but we’ve had to get used to it now.
      READ MORE LIFE’S A PITCH
      “I have a real beef with the stadium about the lights – I looked it up and I believe it’s an easy fix.”
      We visited Boscombe in Bournemouth as part of our Life’s A Pitch series, which documents struggles faced by those who live near sports stadiums.
      Other locals told us parking can be a nightmare, heavy traffic means two-minute trips can take nearly an hour, and nuisance seagulls and “jobsworth” parking wardens are a menace. 
      A stone’s throw from the stadium on Middleton Gardens, Clare Murgatroyd, 38, told us she hates the “whistling lights” too. 
      Most read in Football
      Claire Murgatroyd says her partner struggles to sleep due to noise from the stadiumCredit: Chris Balcombe
      Middleton Gardens runs alongside the Bournemouth’s football clubCredit: Chris Balcombe
      The software sales worker said: “It drives my partner mental, but that’s because he’s OCD and a bad sleeper.
      “It’s not bad during the summer, but when it’s stormy weather you hear it a lot.
      “It’s a bit irritating and I don’t know why they can’t cap the ends of the light to stop the sound.
      “A lot of people moaned but they didn’t do anything about it.”
      It’s not the only noise issue that Clare’s noticed in her 12 years on the estate – which has private parking and is around 10 metres from the ground. 
      She said: “There are nesting seagulls that land on the stadium. They are not aggressive but they are really noisy and there are hundreds of them. It does my head in.”
      Gulls weren’t the only unexpected visitors. Clare recalled spotting football fans standing on a nearby wall to try to watch the game from outside the stadium in previous years.
      She said: “We called them ‘the wall dwellers’. They could see through a gap in the stadium if they stood on the wall.
      “There were a lot of them when Bournemouth played Real Madrid in a pre-season friendly, they all wanted to get a glimpse of Ronaldo.”
      Locals claim the ‘haunting’ sound comes from a lightCredit: Alamy
      Locals say parking on match days can be an issue with journeys taking much longer than they shouldCredit: PA:Press Association
      Aside from that, Clare likes living in the area and believes it’s “probably quieter than living next to a road… apart from on match days”.
      Andrew has lived on Thistlebarrow Road, which runs alongside Vitality Stadium, for 15 years and claimed some residents have taken extreme measures to deal with “thoughtless” football fans.
      He said: “We’ve had people phone the police when their driveways have been blocked and they will send someone to take the cars away. 
      “It can be a nightmare trying to get in and out, too.
      “Once we got stuck trying to get home from the pub and it took three-quarters of an hour to make a trip that takes two minutes to drive.”
      Andrew’s wife Laura, 45, said she now manages her life around the club’s matches, having battled “standstill gridlock traffic that can last over an hour”.
      Smashed glass
      Down the road Lucy Scott, 26, who works at a drugs and alcohol charity, admitted being apprehensive about the noise before moving there in June 2022.
      But she was “pleasantly surprised” by the lack of disturbance, which she jokingly attributes to “Bournemouth not scoring often”. 
      Her biggest gripe is with rubbish and broken bottles littering the floor around the stadium after matches.
      Lucy said: “It’s always in the same place.
      “It’s where the fans walk through the gate.
      “I think their bottles are smashed there because they can’t take them into the ground.
      “When I take my dog for a walk it’s annoying because there is a lot of smashed glass after the game. I wish the club would do more about that.”
      Lucy Scott is annoyed by broken glass around the stadiumCredit: Chris Balcombe
      Several other neighbours complained about littering, including Andrew, who said he’s started putting his bins on the street to encourage boozers to ditch cans and bottles there instead.
      He said: “You used to come out to find lots of beer bottles and cans on or over our wall, but they are getting better at putting them in the bin now.” 
      Landlord Lee Matthews, 64, believes more should be done to solve the littering problem, but said he has seen attempts by the club to reduce it.
      “You do get the odd carton, can and bottle in the hedgerows,” he added. “It’s not great. I shouldn’t have to put up with it, but you do.
      “There’s also broken glass, but it’s just something you accept.
      “After match days they should send a few more people around to get rid of the rubbish generated by the club.”
      Lin and Ray Allen, 73 and 75, who have lived on Thistlebarrow Road for 38 years, tell us living near the stadium is much better than it used to be.
      Lin tells us: “Going back years ago, we used to have beer cans and bottles left behind a lot but not as much since we’ve been in the Premier League.”
      Retiree Mark Elson, 55, said the stadium’s lights were “so bright” that he moved from his front bedroom to one at the back of his house to escape it.
      He said: “When I’m in the front two rooms it’s very bright.
      “The club’s sign is all lit up at night. I think they turn it off at about 1 o’clock some mornings. 
      “I sleep at the back of my house now so I’m far away from it, but whenever visitors stay with me they always complain.
      “I guess I need to get better blinds than I have at the moment.” 
      Mark Elson moved into his back bedroom to escape the stadium’s bright lightsCredit: Chris Balcombe
      Boxing Day blight
      On weekdays, Thistlebarrow Road and some of the nearby streets have strict parking conditions that state no one can park there from 11am until 12pm and 2pm until 3pm.
      Some residents said this causes problems for Boxing Day fixtures when they fall on a weekday and Bournemouth are playing at home.
      Andrew said parking wardens “have a field day” because people wrongly assume they can park on the street without consequence.
      He explained: “You will suddenly see 10 parking wardens out there. It’s just a cash cow for them because people forget they can still get a ticket. 
      “If Bournemouth are playing on Boxing Day, not only will people who go to the game and park on the street get a parking ticket, but also visiting family members if they park on the street, too. 
      “It does get a bit silly really. It was much better when they used to put cones at the top of the road to block it off.”
      Parking payday
      Alice Neale charges cars £10 to park on her driveway on match daysCredit: Chris Balcombe
      While some are annoyed by the parking restrictions, some entrepreneurial locals see it as an easy way to turn a quick profit.
      At least 10 rent out their driveways to fans and visitors online; we found the most someone charges is £22.50 for nearly six hours.
      Andrew said he lets his drive to “some rich guy” for the whole season for £200.
      There’s also retiree Alice Neale, 80, who proudly waves her makeshift wood and cardboard sign offering £10 parking on match days. 
      The resident of 47 years told us: “I can get four cars on my drive so I can make £40 on a Saturday just from people parking.
      “I’m slowly building up clientele from far and away.
      “On match days I normally put up the sign outside and stand around sweeping or do a bit of gardening and people approach me. 
      “When Manchester United came down I charged a minibus £40 to park.
      “It tends to happen more often in the summertime but it’s a little bit of extra cash.” 
      Unsurprisingly many residents in the area are die-hard “Cherries” fans, but for locals watching the games from their living rooms, there’s an annoying twist.
      Mark said: “You can normally hear if our opponents have scored before it comes on the TV. There’s a good 10 to 15 seconds lag.”
      Many of the gardens on Thistlebarrow Road face the stadiumCredit: Chris Balcombe
      Alice pointed out she doesn’t mind the stadium being an occasionally noisy neighbour because she doesn’t have anyone living behind her.
      “They only play 19 matches at home and within a few hours it’s quiet again, so it doesn’t really bother me,” she said.
      “It’s much better than having neighbours with barbeques who have summer parties and play music all the time.”
      Councillor Mike Cox, Portfolio Holder for Finance at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, said there was a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TRRO) to prevent on-street parking on specified roads close to the football stadium.
      He told us: “Irresponsible parking can create unsafe conditions on our roads and has an impact on our communities and residents.
      Read more on The Sun
      “This matchday TTRO has been produced in conjunction with the Police and the football club. It seeks to keep these roads free from parked vehicles both for the safety of those accessing the stadium on foot and in case emergency access is needed.
      “Temporary signs are erected on the street to publicise this on match days, as well as ‘No Parking’ cones which are put out by the football club.”
      Lin and Ray Allen, who live in Thistlebarrow Road where their garden backs onto the groundCredit: Chris Balcombe More

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      in Soccer

      Sorry Grealish… Mary Earps’ Lionesses are UK’s ‘real rock stars’ with mag shoots, McDonalds ads and desperate celeb pals

      by

      SHE was once so hard-up she worked five jobs to pay for petrol to get to football matches.

      But England goalie Mary Earps could now rake in millions after being named Sports Personality of the Year 2023.

      Mary picked up the Sports Personality of the Year trophy

      She fought to get Nike to make a replica of her shirt for fans

      The 30-year-old is set to follow in the commercial footsteps of other England female greats like Alex Scott, Chloe Kelly and captain Leah Williamson, with industry insiders hailing their ‘rock star’ appeal that is rapidly catching up with their Three Lions compatriots.

      Since winning last year’s Euros, the Lionesses have graced the cover of top fashion magazines, endorsed sports and fashion brands like Nike and Calvin Klein and promoted luxury names such as Gucci.

      One sports agent told The Athletic last year: “It feels like I’m managing a celebrity more than a footballer at the minute.

      “They’re demanding just as much – possibly even more – money than the male players. Brands and celebrities are passing on their numbers.”

      The Lioness’ fame soared further this year after making the final of the World Cup, losing out to Spain in a narrow game that ended 1-0.

      One expert said big-name companies will be lining up to offer Mary sponsorship deals because she is already a fan favourite, with thousands chanting her name from the stands.

      The stopper is popular not just for her keeper skills but for taking on sports giant Nike.

      She took a swipe at the firm for not making a replica of her goalkeeper shirt for fans. They were quickly rolled out and Mary was vindicated when they took five minutes to sell out online.

      Stars like Alessia Russo are attracting a new generation of fans

      Ella Toone and Russo strike a pose for a magazine front cover

      Beth Mead received her OBE from the Prince of Wales

      In June this year she launched her own brand MAE27 to offer supporters an alternative shirt with the motto: ‘Be unapologetically yourself’.

      She is the second Lioness in consecutive years to be named Sports Personality of the Year after Beth Mead was given the 2022 accolade.

      PR expert Sean O’Meara, of Essential Content, told us: “Mary could earn millions. Her potential is huge.

      “Winning Sports Personality of the Year opens up all sorts of opportunities and could make Mary a household name.

      “Brand and sponsorship deals will increase, presenting jobs are possible and no doubt reality TV shows and programmes like Strictly Come Dancing will start sniffing around.

      “It’s a giant opportunity. The whole Nike replica shirt furore boosted Mary’s popularity as the lovable underdog that everyone can root for.

      “Now she’s been introduced to a more mainstream audience with this award, people who aren’t necessarily football fans.

      “Being the second Lioness to win Sports Personality is good for the whole Lioness brand. They are a really strong, healthy brand with lots of authenticity and scandal-free.”

      Lucrative deals

      Ella Toone and Alex Greenwood have deals with McDonald’s

      Beth Mead even has a mini doll in her likeness

      Mary’s teammates call her the TikTok Queen and it’s easy to understand why.

      Alongside team-mate Millie Bright, she’s not afraid to show off her dance moves and also posts training clips.

      She has more than 750,000 followers on the platform.

      Yet it could have been all so differently for Mary, who has a degree in information management and business studies. 

      Three years ago the Man United goalie was ready to quit the beautiful game after being left out of the England squad.

      She told how she collapsed to her kitchen floor and cried before considering retirement, then accepting she might never make the national team.

      “I got to a point where I felt I had sort of reached my limits,” she said. 

      “I had given football a good go, but wasn’t quite good enough. I had responsibilities. I had a mortgage and it wasn’t adding up.”

      Mary is riding the crest of a wave after also winning Best Fifa Goalkeeper, the Super League Golden Glove, the World Cup Golden Glove and England Player of the Year. She also came fifth in the Ballon d’Or.

      Mary had already faced a tough ride at a time when women’s football was mainly ridiculed by men.

      Aged 17 and playing for Doncaster, Mary admitted “there was no real money in the game back then.”

      Yet to take driving lessons, she relied on other players to help take her to matches and took on two coaching roles as well as a job in a local cinema, a kids’ toy shop and telesales work at her dad’s firm to contribute to petrol money.

      She said: “There was a girl who even drove from Southampton up to Doncaster and used to pick me up on the way. It is mad how the game has changed since then.”

      Doors opened

      Alex Greenwood has a deal with Visa

      Twitter/@Mdawg1bright

      Millie Bright advertised Walkers crisps

      More people than ever are tuning in to watch the women’s game, with an audience of 21.2 million watching the BBC’s World Cup coverage this year.

      This has attracted mass sponsorship and brand deals for players.

      One agent told The Athletic how the team’s “feet didn’t touch the ground for months.”

      They continued: “We had so many requests from so many different areas — areas that previously we’d been trying to push doors down in.

      “Two days after the final, we booked in a day with our players where we had to sit down with pages and pages of requests. We had loads of big brands, including some that hadn’t done much work in women’s football, wanting to work with them.”

      Presenter Alex Scott is arguably the most famous Lioness and is said to be as worth as much as £4million.

      England captain Leah Williamson is reportedly also worth £4million after striking deals with Italian fashion house Gucci, Nike and Pepsi.

      Arsenal’s Alessia Russo, 24, who has deals with Adidas, Gucci, PlaySation and Beats by Dre, and graced the cover of Women’s Health, is said to be on a £100,000-a-year salary and is reportedly the first British star to make £1million in a year.

      Manchester City’s Alex Greenwood, 30, has a contract with sports brand Under Armour – estimated to be worth £250,000 – as well as jewellery brand Abott Lyon, for whom she designed football-themed bracelets and necklaces. She also champions Garmin watches.

      Fashion idols and luxury brands

      The Lionesses got MBE’s

      Leah Williamson is a fashion queen

      Chelsea forward Lauren James is just 22 but already has deals with Sure, Google Pixel and Nike.

      Stable mate Millie Bright, 30, is an ambassador for Walkers crisps and Pepsi while Chloe Kelly, who stripped to her bra in a victory celebration at the Euros, starred in a Calvin Klein underwear campaign. Range Rover is reputed to have tried to tie Chloe into a £1.5m deal.

      Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone, 23, is the face of Nike’s Phantom GX football boots and has deals with PlayStation and McDonald’s.

      Right-back Lucy Bronze has paired with Cupra cars, Visa, EE and Klarna.

      Last year’s Sports Personality of the Year winner, Arsenal player Beth Mead has deals with Budweiser and McDonald’s and has been spotted wearing Victoria Beckham clothes. 

      It is not known how much her endorsements are now worth but Beth was valued at £410,000 before winning the title.

      ‘Clean and healthy’

      Alex Scott leads the big earners

      Alex Greenwood strikes a pose

      Sean O’Meara says England’s female heroines will continue to attract big money as the game grows in popularity too.

      He said: “Men’s football still has more commercial clout but the women are catching up and Mary stands out as one of the players with a cult following.

      “Women’s football is attractive to companies because it’s viewed as ‘clean’ and healthy.

      “Male footballers are cleaner than they used to be and, on the whole, are undergoing a renaissance in terms of perception and what it means to be a player.

      “There are a lot of players who are challenging the play hard, drink hard culture from the 90’s, but overall the women’s game is seen as a safer, sometimes more attractive, bet.” More

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      in Soccer

      Is Neymar the ultimate player? Brazilian footballer had ‘sex contract’ with ex & secured club move with ‘orgy contract’

      by

      NEYMAR Jr is considered among the world’s greatest footballers – but this week it was his antics off the pitch that hit the headlines. The Brazillian legend has split from the mother of his newborn baby, Bruna Biancardi, weeks after leaked messages allegedly showed him demanding nude photos from an OnlyFans star.
      This week Neymar and Bruna Biancardi announced they have split-upCredit: brunabiancardi/instagram
      Aline Faria allegedly exchanged flirty messages with NeymarCredit: instagram @alinefariareserva
      The footballer, 31, whose now ex gave birth to daughter Mavie last month, denied any wrongdoing and claimed the saucy requests to adult entertainer Aline Faria were from “years ago”.
      Bruna, who first dated Al Hilal SFC forward Neymar in 2021, released an emotional statement yesterday confirming their split, stating: “This is a private matter.”
      But this is far from the first time Neymar’s chequered love life has been thrust into the spotlight.
      Here we take a look at how the striker could qualify as football’s ultimate player, on and off the pitch.
      READ MORE SPORT FEATURES
      ‘Valentine’s eve fling’
      Neymar was previously accused of cheating on Bruna in June 2022, with his alleged infidelity causing them to split.
      But by January this year they were back together again and announced Bruna’s pregnancy in April.
      But another alleged affair came to light when blogger Fernanda Campos claimed she’d slept with the footballer in June. 
      According to Grazia, she told the newspaper Metrópoles that she started talking to Neymar in November 2022 and they were together on the night before Brazilian Valentine’s Day, celebrated on June 12.
      Most read in Football
      Neymar with his then-pregnant partner BrunaCredit: neymarjr/instagram
      Neymar apologised to Bruna in a cryptic post onlineCredit: neymarjr/instagram
      Fernanda alleged he invited her to his Sao Paulo apartment and they spent 40 minutes together. 
      The following day she claimed to have discovered he was dating pregnant Bruna through his loved-up posts on social media. 
      Fernanda said: “It was ugly that he omitted that part.”
      Neymar has not addressed the claims, but in a cryptic Instagram post he made a public apology to Bruna, where he described having “made a mistake”.
      He wrote: “I already apologised for my mistakes, for unnecessary exposure, but I feel obligated to come publicly [sic] reaffirm that. If a private matter has become public, the apology has to be public.
      “I don’t know if we’ll work out, but TODAY you’re sure I want to try. Our purpose will prevail, our love for our baby will win, our love for each other will make us stronger.”
      ‘Sex contract’
      Bruna and Neymar reportedly had an ‘agreement’ about infidelitiesCredit: Instagram
      That same month it was reported there was a ‘sex contract’ between Neymar and Bruna that allowed infidelity.
      According to Em Off, it was claimed Neymar was “free to flirt and even have sex with other woman [sic]” but there were three conditions. 
      They included that he “must be discreet… wear a condom… and not kiss them on the mouth”.  
      In September, video footage showed Neymar partying with two different women in a Spanish nightclub and he was accused of cheating again. 
      At the time, Bruna wrote: “I’m aware of what happened and once again I am disappointed but in the final stage of my pregnancy, my focus and worries are directed to my daughter and that is all I will think about in the moment.”
      ‘Orgy deal’
      Neymar Jr posing with his father and agent Neymar Santos and his mother Nadine SantosCredit: AFP
      It’s not the only alleged ‘sex contract’ linked to Neymar.
      In 2014, sensational claims emerged about his £79million transfer from Santos FC to Barcelona. 
      The Brazilian club’s former president, Luis Álvaro de Oliveira Ribeiro, told ESPN that Neymar’s father and agent, Neymar Sr, green-lit the deal after controversial demands were met. 
      They allegedly included an orgy in a London hotel, described as “one of the most luxurious” and “where the Queen had tea”.
      Ribiero, who branded Neymar Sr a “lying money-grabber”, also claimed he demanded free coffees and “a private jet” to see Brazil play – as well as additional flight tickets in a contract clause.
      Furious Ribiero said: “The €90m included coffees for Neymar’s father, as well as an orgy in a hotel in Piccadilly, London, because Neymar’s father was looking to claim everything. 
      “He never once paid for a coffee. I paid for the 200 coffees he had with me. That included prostitutes and a plane to take him to Florianopolis to see the national team.” 
      He also added: “To give you an idea, in the last contracts he demanded a clause stating the club had to pay for first-class flight tickets for him and two business-class seats for his advisors to watch Neymar play away from home. It didn’t matter whether it was for the national team or in the domestic league.”
      There was no suggestion Neymar Jr was involved in the alleged contract activities.
      Playboy lovers
      Carolina Dantas is the mother of Neymar’s first child DaviCredit: Instagram @candantas
      Playboy model Barbara Evans who was linked with Neymar in 2011Credit: Instagram @barbaraevans22
      Patricia Jordane claimed to have been in a relationship with NeymarCredit: Instagram @paty
      Before dating Bruna, Neymar enjoyed flings with a bevy of stunning models.
      Social media influencer Carolina Dantas, who shares a son with the star, is considered his first love. 
      They dated between 2010 and 2011 while he was a rising star at Santos FC but their romance only lasted a year. 
      Shortly after the split he moved on to Playboy cover model Barbara Evans, who later became famous in Brazil after appearing on several reality TV shows. 
      Their romance lasted just a month or two before they parted ways, and later, he was linked to another Playboy model, Patricia Jordane. 
      In 2013 she appeared to confirm their relationship on a magazine front cover titled: “The brunette that enchanted Neymar.”
      However, Neymar denied they were an item and took the publication to court for defamation and use of his name.
      ‘Golden couple’ romance
      Bruna Marquezine had an on-off romance with Neymar until 2017Credit: Splash News
      Laryssa Oliveira was linked with Neymar in 2013Credit: Instagram
      Neymar and model Bruna Marquezine were considered a ‘golden couple’ in the Brazilian press but their relationship was plagued by turmoil. 
      The couple dated off and off between 2012 and 2017 after meeting at the Rio Carnival – but rumours of affairs caused tension.
      Social media star Laryssa Oliveira claimed she had a romantic liaison with the footballer in 2013, telling UOL Celebridades they “hooked up a couple of times” in 2010 but also while he was dating Bruna.
      She claimed the footballer flew her out for a three-day fling days before he split from Bruna.
      Neymar denied all of the claims and filed a lawsuit against Laryssa.
      Bruna also rejected claims that alleged infidelity ended their romance, insisting the relationship had simply run its course. 
      Ibiza ‘lovers’
      Gabriella Lenzi reportedly dated Neymar around the time of the 2014 World CupCredit: Instagram @gabriellalenzi
      Serbian model Soraja Vucelic was named Playmate of the Year in 2011Credit: Instagram @sorajavucelic
      During the gaps between Neymar’s on-off relationship with Bruna, he was linked to several other glamorous women. 
      Ahead of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, he was said to be dating model Gabriella Lenzi and the star shared photos of them both online. 
      They were last seen together in Ibiza after Neymar’s national team exited the competition after losing to Germany.
      Later that year he was pictured with yet another Playboy beauty, Soraja Vucelic, who he also met in Ibiza.
      The model had been named Playmate of the Year by the brand’s Serbian publication in 2011.
      During their fling, Soraja was reportedly flown by private jet to see him in Spain while Neymar played for Barcelona. 
      ‘Ken and Barbie of football’
      Jhenny Andrade and Neymar on New Year’s Eve back in 2015Credit: Instagram @jhenny
      Jhenny Andrade worked as a UFC ring girlCredit: Getty – Contributor
      By 2015 the footballer had moved on to Jhenny Andrade, who worked as a UFC Octagon ring girl. 
      She captioned a photo of them together at a New Year’s Eve bash: “Barbie and Ken beautiful” – eventually they were branded the ‘Barbie and Ken of football’.
      The model and TV presenter was later seen at two of his football matches wearing a signed Neymar shirt and also at a dinner with pals.
      The romance appeared to fizzle out and Neymar was later linked to supermodel Caroline Caputo in 2017 – but the pair never confirmed they were in a relationship.
      Subtle dig
      Model Natalia Barulich appeared to take a dig at Neymar after they splitCredit: Instagram @natalia
      He also dated model Natalia Barulich for a year until 2021. She met him at a lavish party to celebrate his birthday.
      During their time together she wrote a gushing post that read: “Everyone knows how extraordinarily talented you are. But if they could only see how real and beautiful you are inside you[r] heart. You have all my respect and honor babe [sic].”
      After the split, Natalia described having a “rollercoaster” year and later appeared to take a subtle dig at the then-PSG star.
      She claimed to know “exactly what I want and do not want for my life” which many interpreted as being targeted at her ex.
      ‘Nudes request’
      Aline Faria is an OnlyFans model based in BrazilCredit: alinefariareserva/instagram
      Bruna declared her split with Neymar was ‘a private matter’Credit: brunabiancardi/instagram
      His most recent split from Bruna Biancardi followed screenshots of X-rated messages between Neymar and adult star Aline being shared.
      In one message he reportedly wrote: “Are there nudes? Where? I want to see?” 
      Aline sent him a link and cheekily replied asking him: “Tell me what you thought afterwards, huh.”
      Other messages appeared to show her instructing Neymar on how to access the photos. 
      In one, she wrote: “You have to sign, baby. There are some other photos at the bottom. I’m going to sleep, take care, angel. Good night. I’ll teach you better later if you can’t [sign in].”
      Neymar allegedly signed off their exchange with a flame emoji. 
      The star, who has denied all wrongdoing, said on Instagram: “Show the date… that was years ago.” 
      Read More on The Sun
      In a post, Bruna spoke of their plans to co-parent in the future, writing: “I inform you that I am not in a relationship.
      “We are Mavie’s parents, and that is the reason for our bond.” More

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      in Boxing

      I’m 3ft tall aged 20, was bullied out of school at 9 & lived in rainy shack – now I’m a millionaire & pals with Ronaldo

      by

      HE’S now a millionaire with over 8million followers, travelling the world, dripping in designer clothes with a Rolex on his wrist.And he’s been seen hanging out with some of the world’s top celebs at some of the biggest fights in the world, including KSI v Tommy Fury in Manchester.
      Abdu Rozik speaks exclusively to The Sun about his rags to riches storyCredit: Stewart Williams
      Abdu was born with rickets, which meant he stopped growing at the age of sixCredit: Instagram
      But Abdu Rozik had far from an easy start in life.
      He was born and raised in poverty-stricken Tajikstan, with rickets, a condition caused by a lack of nutrients and vitamins. 
      Due to financial restraints, his family couldn’t provide treatment and he stopped growing at the age of six, leaving him standing at just 3″2, aged 20.
      Thanks to the condition, Abdu also can’t read or write, having had his education cut short at the age of nine, due to bullying from pupils AND teachers, as well as an exhausting two and a half hour walk to school.
      MORE SPORTS FEATURES
      “It’s been difficult for me,” he tells us in an exclusive interview. “When I went to school for the first time, teachers didn’t take me seriously. 
      “They were all laughing at me. 
      “Also my house from the school was a two and a half hour walk, and I’m small so it was very difficult. 
      “School started at 8 o’clock, but I used to get there at 11.30 or 10.30. It was too difficult. 
      Most read in Boxing
      “Then I had teachers sometimes shouting at me for being late or they weren’t giving me books.
      “If they’d given me books, maybe they’d have let me be good at learning some other language, but I can’t read. I can’t write. They didn’t take me seriously, they didn’t allow me to learn the language. 
      “I can’t read or write in my own language. It’s difficult for me.”

      8 in a house with no roof
      Abdu grew up in Tajikstan living with seven others in a house with no roofCredit: Instagram
      Abdu was living in a house with no roof in Tajikstan with his two brothers, two sisters, mother and father, and grandmother – none of whom work.
      “When it rained, the whole house would be covered in water,” he recalls. “We couldn’t sleep, it was too difficult.”
      But it was singing that first started Abdu’s love for being in the spotlight, and gave him the drive to make a success of himself.
      He says: “When I was small, I loved to sing. I used to sing in my village in the bazaar.
      “I would be sat on the road and singing, and people would give me money. 
      “I used to work in one day, earn $1or $2 (80p or £1.60). It was very difficult.”
      Very slowly, Abdu managed to earn enough money to buy a mobile phone, and open Instagram.
      8.4m followers
      Abdu now has over 8 million followers on Instagram and lives in DubaiCredit: @abdu_rozik
      He now has 8.4 million followers on the social media app – and has moved to Dubai.
      “In one or two years, I got so many followers,” he says. “This, for me, is so big. And thank you so much for all my followers, for everyone supporting me.”
      His followers have been boosted thanks to the attention he’s got surrounding a potential fight with Russian dwarf Hasbulla, who’s also a social media star.
      “Everyone’s trying to get Hasbulla to fight me,” Abdu says. “I’m always ready to fight. He’s scared from me. He don’t want to do fight.
      “He can’t talk English. He can’t do anything. He doesn’t have any talent. Zero talent.”
      Celeb pals
      Abdu is pals with Tyson Fury, and went to see the Saudi Arabia fightCredit: @abdu_rozik
      He hung out with Ronaldo properly the second time they met, having learned EnglishCredit: @abdu_rozik
      Abdu only learnt English a year ago, thanks to a mugging incident, which happened the first time he came to the country.
      He says: “When we first came to the UK, we were meant to stay for 10-15 days.
      “But on the last day, three hours before we were meant to go to Dubai, we went to a shop and somebody stole our bag.
      “The bag had our passports in and they were so difficult to get back. 
      “They sent the passport from Tajikistan to Dubai, Dubai sent to Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi sent to Manchester, Manchester sent to London, and we were one and a half months stuck here.
      “I learned English a little bit slowly by asking the word. ‘What is this?’ ‘Glasses’, ‘What is this?’ ‘Spoon’, ‘What is this?’ ‘Chicken.’ 
      “After I started learning, then I went to Dubai and took English classes, and I learnt it in one year.”
      His language studies helped when he met his “hero” Cristiano Ronaldo for the second time a few weeks ago at Tyson Fury’s fight against Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia.
      “It was so good,” he beams. “I was much cooler than the first time.
      “The first time I met Ronaldo in Manchester last year, I didn’t know how to speak English, it was too difficult for me, and I was shaking when I met Ronaldo. 
      “I was like, ‘I am your huge fan. I love you so much. Really, I love you too much.’
      “He’s like ‘Okay. Don’t stress too much, calm down.’ 
      “I was too shocked. I love him so much. He’s my hero.”
      Celebrity Big Brother stint?
      Abdu tells Hayley Minn he wants to appear on Celebrity Big BrotherCredit: Stewart Williams
      As well as his singing and boxing, Abdu has started DJing recently, which he “loves”, and is also a reality TV star, having appeared on India’s version of Big Brother, Bigg Boss, last year.
      Abdu was in the house for a whopping 105 days, and says it was very difficult.
      He says: “It was too difficult, too crazy, without any family, without mobile for four months! 
      “It was a little bit difficult. Sometimes they were fighting, shouting. I loved it.”
      But that hasn’t put him off wanting to go back into the house next year.
      “I want to do Celebrity Big Brother in the UK,” he exclaims. 
      Bought his family a home
      Abdu has been able to provide for his family – but doesn’t forget where he came fromCredit: @abdu_rozik
      Abdu was able to buy his family a seven-bedroom home in Tajikstan, and fixed the old house too, thanks to his newfound fame and fortune.
      He says: “This, for me, was very important. 
      “It feels too good to provide for my family. They are all supporting me. They are so happy. They’re excited.”
      But Abdu doesn’t forget where he came from, and went to visit his old house when he was last in Tajikstan.
      “I went to sit and look at it,” he says. “Why? Because I’m remembering where I came from and who I’ve been before. 
      “It gives me a lot of motivation, power and strength.” More

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      in Boxing

      Mike Tyson called me the world’s toughest white guy but my boxing dream died…I was broke & almost killed by machete gang

      by

      STEPPING into the ring, 17-year-old Joe Egan stood his ground as blow after blow rained down on him from his ‘ferocious’ sparring partner Mike Tyson.It was the start of a lifelong friendship – and a promising boxing career – with the heavyweight champ, who dubbed the Irish fighter “the toughest white man on the planet” .
      Big Joe Egan was a champion amateur fighter dubbed the ‘toughest white man on the planet’Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The Irish fighter is a close pal of Mike Tyson and was his sparring partner
      But after 80 wins in US Golden Gloves bouts and seven Irish titles, Joe’s dreams were cut short by a horrific car accident, sending him into a downward spiral that saw him shot twice in a gang attack, accused of attempted murder and jailed for shipping stolen cars abroad.
      Now ‘Big’ Joe, who made his boxing comeback at the age of 38 and went on to star in a Hollywood movie, tells The Sun about his incredible life – from being bullied at school to losing his girlfriend to Michael Flatley.
      While few would mess with the 6ft 1in hardman now, Joe – the eldest of seven kids – was mercilessly bullied by older kids in the Ringsend suburb of Dublin and in the UK, where his dad moved to find work.
      “When I was seven or eight, I made my Holy Communion, and two of the bully boys, who were 15 or 16, tried to take away my Communion medal,” he says.
      Read More in Features
      “I held on to it and I got my two front teeth knocked out. 
      “When I got bullied it was physical, and when you got an arm broken or a nose broken the doctors would say ‘It’ll heal in a week’.
      “In all my years in boxing I only ever had one tooth knocked out. The boxing ring literally was a safe place for me, compared to the years of bullying.”
      Joe’s dad encouraged him into the ring as a young boy and in his first fight, at 12, he was pitted against future middleweight champ Steve Collins, who he says “pounded me to a pulp, absolutely hammered me. I lost on points but I went the distance.”
      Most read in Boxing
      Tyson even visited Joe’s late mother several timesCredit: YouTube
      At 17, he travelled to the US to train with the Irish Boxing Team and met heavyweight champ Floyd Patterson who asked him to stay on in the States as a sparring partner for a new heavyweight hope, Mike Tyson.
      The pair – who remain close friends 40 years on – bonded over their experiences of being bullied, sharing the ring for over two years and living together in New York’s Catskill Gym. 
      Tyson gave him his flattering “toughest man” title after their first sparring session, when he was the fourth fighter in the ring and the only one to stay standing after three minutes.
      “If you are going to get battered you might as well get battered by the best,” Joe says. “I got battered by Mike Tyson and I got battered by Lennox Lewis when I fought him in 1985. 
      “It was a privilege to share the ring with both of them and it is an honour to say Mike Tyson has been my close friend for 40 years now. He visited my mother at home in Ireland four times.”
      Shot by machete-wielding gang 
      As well as going the distance with champion Lewis, and wearing the green vest of the Irish boxing team 11 times, Joe’s proudest achievement was a win against World Heavyweight Champion Bruce Seldon in 1988.
      But after going pro in 1990, his promising career was cut short by injuries sustained in a car accident and his life began to “spiral out of control”.
      Joe ploughed his money into the Lyndhurst pub in Erdington, Birmingham, where he says he upped takings from £1,000 a week to £16,000 a week.
      But it was here the brawler faced his most terrifying opponents yet, in the summer of 1998.
      “I had a demand for £500 a week protection money from a racketeering gang in Birmingham,” he says. “I bow down to royalty only out of respect but no man out of fear. After telling them no, the following week, on July 26, 1998, they attacked my pub. 
      “There were 37 of them armed with handguns, shotguns, machetes. It was a horrific day. 
      “It was savage. I got shot twice while trying to help a man who had fought in World War II, only to get shot at in a pub in a Birmingham housing estate by scum. It was a nasty 25-minute experience.”
      Joe took over the Lyndhurst in BirminghamCredit: Frank Peters
      The war veteran was shot in the hip and Joe was shot in the arm and nose, but says he was “lucky nobody died”.
      He adds: “The gang that attacked me had burned down some pubs before in the Birmingham area. They even burned down the pub  belonging to my old boss, Harry.
      “Then afterwards I got charged with attempted murder. I was defending myself.” 
      Dumped for dance millionaire
      Faced with jail, Joe ran up huge legal bills as he fought the charge, and his business went under. He was eventually tried for attempted murder and found not guilty.
      At the same time, his relationship with fiancee Lisa Murphy fell apart in bizarre fashion.
      “When Lisa saw that I was a sinking ship, she jumped ship to Michael Flatley,” he says. 
      “He was the biggest star of Irish dancing in the world, earning a million pounds a week. 
      “It doesn’t bother me now but at the time it was very upsetting. 
      “Mike Tyson called me ‘the toughest white man on the planet’, but even my heart has been broken by a woman. 
      “There was a lot of anger there at the time, but it wasn’t always an angry relationship. There was a lot of love at one time. I thought we’d be together forever.
      “But I don’t hold a grudge against Michael or Lisa anymore.”
      After a six-year romance, Lisa split from the Lord of the Dance star who is now battling cancer, and Joe says: “I sincerely hope he wins this fight.”
      Joe with former fiancee LisaCredit: Newsteam
      She went on to a high profile romance with Michael FlatleyCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Jail time
      With problems piling up, Joe says he got “involved in criminality” and in 2001, he was jailed for two and half years for his part in an international car-ringing gang.
      “My business was failing and I ran out of money so I got involved with crime to pay for my legal fees,” he says. 
      “I got grassed on and sent to prison. It shouldn’t have happened. I hadn’t been in trouble with the law before but all these things happened in my life. 
      “I don’t believe crime pays. Tragically, I was forced to go down that road but I regret it. 
      “The only time I saw my dad cry was because I was going to prison. The shame I had, the disgust I had for myself, the hurt and pain I had caused him, I was so ashamed of myself. 
      The only time I saw my dad cry was because I was going to prisonBig Joe Egan
      “I told him I’ll never get into trouble again. 
      “It’s not nice being locked up, you’re confined for 23 hours a day. I wouldn’t recommend it. But what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.”
      While in prison, Joe trained in the gym and on his release he announced his comeback, at the age of 38, after a 12-year absence.
      He won in the fifth round, against a pal in Dublin, and says: “It was good to be back as Joe the boxer and not Joe the criminal.” But he went back into retirement after the lone fight.
      New life
      His days in the ring finally over, Joe turned to acting after meeting Brit star Tamer Hassan and signing up with his agent, who sent him to audition for the 2009 Guy Ritchie hit Sherlock Holmes.
      Cast as a boxer who fights Robert Downey Jr’s fictional detective, Ritchie told him, “I’ve been trying to get you in one of my films for a long time,” adding that Downey Jr had also suggested him because of his “fearsome reputation”. 
      “I couldn’t believe that these people even knew me, but they knew me because of my close friendship with Mike Tyson,” he says.  
      “When he told me the amount I was getting paid, it was more than any of my professional fights. 
      “I said, ‘Guy, for that money, Robert Downey Jnr can really hit me if he wants to. I’ve been beaten up for a lot less.”
      Although the fight scene was dropped, the boxer instead filmed a specially-written prison scene as a character named Big Joe. 
      He went on to appear in Prize Fighter with Russell Crowe and has since made guest appearances in numerous TV shows, including Brassic in 2019. 
      Big Joe squares up to Sherlock in the 2009 movieCredit: Warner Bros
      The former boxer (far left) in the 2019 film Once Upon a Time in LondonCredit: Alamy
      Joe with A-lister Robert Downey JrCredit: Twitter
      Joe’s colourful life has earned him some high-profile pals including Ricky Hatton and heavyweight champ Tony Bellew, who is set to enter the I’m A Celebrity camp this week as a late arrival.
      More controversially, he has also been associates with notorious gangsters, including Daniel Kinahan, from the infamous Irish organised crime family, and Gerry Hutch, who was the prime suspect in the 2016 murder of David Byrne at a boxing weigh-in at the Dublin Regency Hotel, which sparked a tit for tat feud amongst rival gangs that left dozens dead.
      He previously told the Irish Mirror the horrific attack was “wrong on every level”.
      He added: “David Byrne was my friend and I know his dad Jaws Byrne since I was a little boy.
      “That room was full of boxing fans and boxers, so to go in and spray a machine-gun in a room full of people that weren’t involved in any criminal activity, that’s so wrong on so many levels.”
      While his career in the ring was short, he had no regrets.
      “I had nothing else to prove to anybody, nothing left to prove to myself,” he says. “I’ve been hit in the chin by some of the best punches in the world but they never once knocked me down – something I can be proud of.” More

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      in Boxing

      Roman Fury went from 20st jobless ‘mess’ to follow brother Tyson’s footsteps with boxing record that can rival siblings

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      ONE brother is a Love Island star and the other a champion boxer.Now Roman Fury is stepping out of Tyson and Tommy’s shadow and is well on his way to becoming a household name.
      Roman is following in Tyson’s footsteps after winning his latest boutCredit: Getty
      The 26-year-old, who has little amateur experience, KO’d Bradley Davies in his third pro-fight – and sibling Tyson has given him the seal of approval, calling him a champ of the future.
      He is the ninth member of the Fury family to enter the ring – and a PR expert has now tipped him for stardom outside the ring.
      Roman was destined to be a rugby league player but switched to boxing after training with Tommy helped him out of a rut when he lost his job during lockdown.
      He said: “I used to be six stone heavier than what I am now. I was 20 stone, a real mess.
      Read more Roman Fury
      “Lockdown happened, I had no work, I was eating crap, playing on the Xbox, and I had no life whatsoever.
      “Tommy invited me down to train with him, I had a couple of sessions and I started getting into it.
      “I trained more and more until it went from training twice a week to six times a week and the weight came off, the confidence grew.
      “It’s not just a physical thing, it’s a mental thing as well. It’s turned my life around completely.”
      Most read in Boxing
      Roman takes his inspiration from big brother TysonCredit: Instagram / @romanfuryy
      He has dropped even more weight in training and is now 14st 2lb.
      And if he ever gives up boxing, Roman could still rake in the cash by following in brother Tommy’s footsteps on reality TV.
      He shares the same good looks as Tommy, who is three years younger, but is shaping up to have the boxing prowess of brother Tyson, 35.
      Tommy is estimated to be worth £3.2million, according to Sportskeeda, and lives in a £4m Cheshire mansion with fiancee Molly-Mae Hague after they famously met on Love Island.
      Roman is no stranger to the villa, having visited Tommy with mum Chantal during the 2019 series.
      Talent agent and PR expert Carla Speight told The Sun: “Roman has a lot of work to do to catch up to his brothers, but if he plays his cards right, he could end up having a lucrative career outside boxing.
      Roman is no stranger to the Love Island villa having visited with mum ChantalCredit: Rex
      “Knocking someone out has changed his career path. He’s gone from being not just another Fury fighter to significant. 
      “His sponsorship opportunities will increase, especially if Tommy and Tyson stand with him.
      “Watching videos of him, he doesn’t look at the camera much and seems quite shy, but if he can show more of his personality he will absolutely fly.
      “He could easily follow Tommy into reality TV and would be a great choice for something like Big Brother or I’m a Celebrity.”
      Roman is the full brother of Tommy, both born to dad John and mum Chantal, while half-brother Tyson was raised by mum Amber.
      Roman was just 13 and brother Tommy 11 when John went to prison for trying to gouge out a man’s eye in a brawl at a car auction in 2010.
      He was given 11 years for the attack on victim Oathie Sykes, who was left half blind, but was out after four years.
      Tommy and Roman are close, having grown up togetherCredit: instagram/jakelee28
      John said he asked his brother Peter to help bring up the boys while he was inside.
      He wrote in his autobiography When Fury Takes Over: “I needed somebody to guide them for the rest of their formative years and I turned to my younger brother Peter to bring them up as his own.
      “And that’s exactly what he did. He shaped them into decent fighters and took care of them outside the ring. For that I am forever grateful.”
      John says that he “often worried” about Roman, who like Tyson suffered from depression.
      He wrote: “I often worried about him when he was growing up… once again boxing came to the rescue.
      “When Tyson won the heavyweight world title again, this time from Wilder, Roman was hugely inspired. He said, ‘If Tyson can do it, then so can I.’ He shaved his weight down to 14 stone. 
      “He’s now turned professional and has already won some impressive matches. I’m really proud of how he now has a positive outlook and has settled into life.”
      Brother Tyson said of Roman: “He’s an inspiring cruiserweight champion of the future.”
      Nervous start
      Roman is proving he’s got what it take to follow Tyson – but could end up on Love Island like brother TommyCredit: Instagram
      Roman’s first fight came in October 2022 in Doncaster when he beat Ryan Hibbert over four rounds.
      He had no amateur experience prior to the bout other than “messing around on the pads”.
      He admitted being nervous saying: “The past four weeks since I’ve known about the fight I’ve been nothing but a bag of nerves – I was terrified. 
      “I had bad dreams and no sleep, but as soon as I got in there, fate took over, I’ve never been as calm in my life. I felt sharp, good and I’m so happy, thanks to God, thank you very much.”
      After his win, brother Tyson said: “I’m very, very impressed. Roman’s never had a fight before, amateur or professional, and from what I’ve seen tonight I really like what I’ve seen.”
      Roman’s second fight was at York Hall in June when he beat Erik Nazaryan on points.
      And at the weekend he showed signs of greatness, KO’ing Bradley Davies in the third round.
      Roman told VIP boxing that he “didn’t have much experience”.
      Roman punches Bradley Davies during the Cruiserweight fightCredit: Getty
      Roman has shed an impressive amount of weight since piling on the pounds in lockdownCredit: Instagram / @romanfuryy
      He said: “If it’s nothing else it’s a story.
      “How many people do you know that jump into it right at the deep end, no experience or nothing, and do well for themselves? But that’s the challenge and I like a challenge.
      “I’ve always been messing around on the pads with my dad and my brothers from a young age, but actually sparring and fighting, I don’t have that much experience.”
      Roman later said he had “put everything on hold” for his boxing career adding: “It’s like an experiment, I wanna see how far I can go…it’s all about self-belief and I do have a lot of that.”
      But despite his success, Roman says he doesn’t want to trade on his family name.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I don’t want to box on big bills just because I carry the ‘Fury’ name,” he said.
      While he might not want to deliberately cash in on his famous brothers, there’s no doubt it will open doors and his future is bright.
      Roman with proud dad JohnCredit: Instagram
      Roman with Tommy and Chantal on Love IslandCredit: Rex More