Exclusives

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City want bargain transfer for Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia after he destroyed Liverpool in Champions League

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY are keeping tabs on the Georgian striker dubbed the new Georgi Kinkladze.Napoli forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has a growing band of admirers after a stellar first three months in Italy, with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain among them.
      Man City are tracking Khvicha Kvaratskhelia after watching him demolish Liverpool in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      Now City are taking a keen interest – and the Kvaratskhelia has an affection for them because of Kinkladze, who is a cult figure for his unforgettable spell there in the 1990s.
      The Georgian international, who can play anywhere across the front three, was a key man in Napoli’s 4-1 Champions League thrashing of Liverpool.
      Kvaratskhelia, 21, was star of the show with Rubin Kazan, but Russia’s invasion of Ukraine allowed foreign players to suspend their contracts.
      He spent four months back in his homeland with Dinamo Batumi last season before moving to Serie A as a £10million snip.
      Read More Football News
      Despite signing him on a five-year contract, Napoli are desperate to give him an improved deal, so they can insert a £65m buy-out clause.
      But Kvaratskhelia, who has hit seven goals already, has so far been reluctant to agree and wants to weigh up his options.
      And City hope that if they do choose to firm up their interest, Kinkladze’s links with them will put them in pole position.
      Kinky, as he was dubbed by fans, still keeps in touch with his old club and believes his fellow countryman has what it takes to thrive in England.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Meanwhile, crocked duo Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips will step up their recovery work this week and are on course to make the World Cup.
      Walker, a certainty for the England squad, has had groin surgery while Phillips had a shoulder op last month.
      Boss Pep Guardiola admitted on Friday that he is delighted with their progress – and the pair of them have had the green light to increase their core work and cardio fitness.
      They will be back in the gym this week, and although the club will not risk longer term injuries by rushing them back, hopes of both making Qatar are growing. More

    • 188 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League club’s fans most likely to pop a Viagra to score in the bedroom

      by

      FANS of Chelsea are most likely to pop pills to help score in the bedroom, according to a poll.Twenty per cent of Blues supporters admit taking the little blue tablets to keepy uppy.
      Chelsea fans are most likely to pop Viagra or something similar to score in the bedroomCredit: Getty

      Arsenal fans were second with 19 per cent taking a pill, then Southampton on 18 per cent, and Man United and Spurs fans fourth on 17 per cent.
      But fans of misfiring Aston Villa perform off the pitch with just six per cent needing Viagra or a similar stimulant.
      Bets site freebets.com asked 2,000 Premier League fans if they used erectile dysfunction drugs.
      Spokesman Tim Agnew said: “It brings a whole new meaning to the time-honoured football chant of ‘Come and have a go if you think you’re hard enough’.
      Read More on The Sun
      “It looks like that would be Chelsea fans according to the findings.
      “But on the other hand, it could be Aston Villa fans because they seem more than happy with their performance in the bedroom!”
      Most read in The Sun More

    • 263 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      I posed as Three Lions fan to view filthy rip-off flats in Qatar – I was disgusted with what I found

      by

      A COCKROACH-ridden £650-a-night hovel is among filthy rip-off flats on offer to England fans at the Qatar World Cup.We posed as Three Lions followers to view the tiny concrete box described by its owner, Hilal, as “adorable” on rental site Airbnb.
      We posed as Three Lions followers to view a tiny concrete box described by its owner, Hilal, as ‘adorable’ on rental site AirbnbCredit: Dan Charity
      A cockroach-ridden £650-a-night hovel is among filthy rip-off flats on offer to England fans at the Qatar World CupCredit: Dan Charity
      The flat, with its cracked walls, soiled mattress and at least five ’roaches in the kitchen, was next to a noisy building site in Doha.
      Another Airbnb host, Riham, was offering digs in the capital with stained walls and lounge-kitchenette for £534 a night.
      Mohammad showed us snaps of his “lovely” three-room property near Khalifa Stadium — a World Cup ground — at £1,789-a-night.
      They were among dozens of grubby homes advertised by landlords hoping to cash in as fans fear a looming Cup accommodation crisis.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      A million are expected to descend on the Yorkshire-sized oil-rich state.
      Qatar 2022 chiefs insist there will be plenty of Fan Village Cabins to be had and urge fans to avoid the private rental market.
      Omar Al-Jaber, Supreme Committee accommodation boss, said: “We’ll cope. There’s no crisis.”
      They were among dozens of grubby homes advertised by landlords hoping to cash in as fans fear a looming Cup accommodation crisisCredit: Dan Charity
      Most read in The Sun More

    • 163 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      England ace Jesse Lingard sells burglary-hit mansion weeks after putting it on market

      by

      ENGLAND footie ace Jesse Lingard has sold his burglary-hit mansion two weeks after putting it on the market.The midfielder, 29, was targeted as then-club Man United drew 2-2 with Aston Villa on January 15.
      A source said that Lingard didn’t feel safe in his home after break-inCredit: MatchDay Images Limited
      A gang took £100,000 of gems and clothes in the raid in Bowdon, Gtr Manchester.
      Lingard, who moved to Nottingham Forest in the summer, has now sold the five-bedroom home for £3.25million.
      A source said: “He just wants rid of it after the break-in.
      “He loved that house but didn’t feel safe after that, especially as he has a young daughter.”
      READ MORE ON JESSE LINGARD
      During the 2020 lockdown, Lingard offered fans a glimpse into his home as part of MTV’s Cribs.
      He showed off his swimming pool, home cinema and England caps proudly on display.
      Most read in The Sun More

    • 213 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      England’s Wags issued with strict list of do’s and don’ts to avoid World Cup crisis in Qatar

      by

      ENGLAND’S Wags have been issued a list of do’s and don’ts to avoid a World Cup crisis in Qatar.Three Lions chiefs are taking no chances in the strict Gulf state and warned the glamourous group: “You are not above the law.”
      Three Lions chiefs warned England’s Wags of the strict laws in Qatar at a secret presentationCredit: Reuters
      Jack Grealish’s glamorous girlfriend Sasha Attwood is expected to be at the meeting
      They delivered the rules at a secret presentation.
      Wags expected to be there, such as Jack ­Grealish’s girlfriend Sasha Attwood, 26, are told to “dress modestly” in public and at stadiums and warned public displays of affection will “not be tolerated”.
      They must not drink alcohol or swear in public, play loud music, sing, shout or act “inappropriately” during the call to prayer.
      Littering, illegal in Qatar and punishable by a fine of up to £6,000 and a year in jail, is also forbidden.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP 2022
      And they were warned taking selfies outside government buildings would likely lead to police action.
      At the meeting before England’s 3-3 draw with Germany last month, FA chiefs urged: “It is important to understand that you and your husband/partner are not above the law here.
      “Every order is in place to protect both yourselves and your partner/husband in any case of indiscretion. Fines and prosecution are commonplace.”
      England, led by skipper Harry Kane, play their opener at the Khalifa International Stadium in the capital Doha against Iran on November 21.
      Most read in The Sun
      And the FA is determined to drill the local laws and customs into the Wags.
      A source said: “The FA left little room for doubt.
      “They have been very clear about the rules and have a responsibility to the players and their families to make sure they are aware of the local laws and customs.
      “They cannot — and will not — tolerate any controversy or incident that could and should have been avoided with good planning.
      Pickford’s missus Megan Davison is expected to be briefed on Qatar rules
      And the rules won’t be any different for Harry Kane’s wife Kate
      FA is determined to avoid a repeat of the snap of Wags organised by Becky Vardy in 2018
      “It is important the Wags understand Qatar is not England and will treat everyone even handedly, irrespective of who they are.”
      It is illegal to drink alcohol in Qatar. Swearing or rude gestures can also land the culprit behind bars.
      Women must cover their shoulders and avoid wearing short skirts, according to Foreign Office advice.
      Sex outside of marriage is outlawed too.
      Read More on The Sun
      The source added the FA was determined to avoid a repeat of the “World Cup line-up” snap of Wags in Russia in 2018.
      Secretly organised by Becky Vardy and her agent Caroline Watt, it came after the FA was assured the women would be anonymous.
      Red card for rule-breakers
      BOOZE – Alcohol will not be drunk anywhere in public.
      OUTFITS – Wags will be made to dress modestly, no short skirts.
      PDAs – Public displays of affection like kissing will not be tolerated.
      SELFIES – Phone pics outside official buildings is strictly off-limits.
      SINGING – No loud music or belting out tunes during call to prayer. More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Gareth Southgate in line for £4million bonus if he achieves World Cup glory with Three Lions

      by

      ENGLAND manager Gareth Southgate is in line for a £4million bonus if he can lead the Three Lions to World Cup glory.It is almost three times as much as the £1.5million he was offered to win the 2018 World Cup.
      England manager Gareth Southgate is in line for a £4million bonus if he can lead the Three Lions to World Cup gloryCredit: AFP or licensors
      England’s first Group B game will be against Iran on November 21Credit: PA
      Southgate, 52, has already banked £500,000 for qualifying for the tournament, which kicks off five weeks today.
      England’s first Group B game will be against Iran on November 21.
      A source said: “Gareth has been offered bonuses for each stage of the World Cup and stands to pocket a fortune if he brings home the trophy.
      “It’s entirely normal that footballers and the management are incentivised.
      READ MORE SUN EXCLUSIVES
      “That said, Gareth is already on record as having described managing England as the highlight of his career.
      “He is a proud Englishman and would love nothing more than to win a major trophy for the nation.
      “His motivation is to ensure he and his team do their best for the country. Any money he earns along the way is incidental to that.
      “He’s not financially driven and is very conscious of the cost of living crisis.”
      Most read in The Sun
      During Covid, Southgate took a voluntary 30 per cent pay cut and did not take a rise in his basic salary when he was awarded a new three-year contract by the FA in November last year.
      His current deal is worth £6million a year and runs until 2024.
      Southgate and the FA declined to comment. More

    • 188 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      British firm set to release range of goods using name of footie legend Diego Maradona

      by

      A BRITISH firm is set to release a range of goods including booze using the name of footie superstar Diego Maradona.Podium Ventures has signed a deal with the late Argentinian forward’s sisters, Lili and Rita.
      A British venture capitalist firm has applied to the Intellectual Property Office so they can release a range of goods using Maradona’s nameCredit: Getty
      Now they’ve applied to the Intellectual Property Office to trademark DM10, Lo Del Diego, OMFC, and D10S under numerous classifications including non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages.
      It now plans to launch drink, food, clothing and games under the brand of Maradona Global.
      They also want to bring out a range of toiletries such as talcum powder.
      Maradona was voted Fifa Player of the 20th Century in 2000.
      READ MORE ON MARADONA
      But the man who led Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986 with his “Hand of God goal” battled cocaine addiction and died of a heart attack aged 60 in 2020.
      Podium boss Sanjay Wadhwani said: “I am thrilled to have the honour of building Maradona Global to share the story of a remarkable man.”
      “From media and entertainment, gaming, apparel and footwear, to food and beverage and the metaverse, Maradona Global has ambitions to create unique opportunities for brands to be able to ‘work’ with Maradona again.”
      Meanwhile, the shameless ref of the 1986 match is still planning to sell the winning ball at auction next month – which could win £3million.
      Most read in The Sun More

    • 188 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      England fans to be outnumbered by Iranians ten to one at opening World Cup game

      by

      ENGLAND fans will be outnumbered ten to one by Iranians at the opening game.The Three Lions were allocated 2,489 seats for the November 21 clash and are believed to have struggled to fill the allocation.
      Iranian footie fans will outnumber Three Lions supporters more than ten timesCredit: Alamy
      But at least 30,000 Iranians will hop across the Persian Gulf to the 45,400-seater venue in Doha.
      England fans have balked at the cost of travel, accommodation and £13 pints but support could be boosted by expats.
      England have 4,158 tickets for the USA match at the 60,000-capacity Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor on November 25.
      Only the Wales match four days later is oversubscribed.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP 2022
      At least 7,000 England supporters travelled to Kaliningrad for the final group stage match in June, 2018.
      Demand from travelling fans peaked in 2006 when a colossal 19,000 England fans clamoured to tickets to see the star-studded 2006 team led by David Beckham in Germany.
      This year’s tournament is set to be the most expensive World Cup yet, with the oil rich Middle Eastern state poised to spend a staggering £200 billion.
      But the cost-of-living crisis has combined with huge travel costs and compelled the vast majority of England fans to stay home.
      Most read in The Sun
      The FA said: “We’re expecting to see just two to three thousand England fans travelling out to Qatar this year, which is very low for a World Cup.
      “Some fans have tickets to the semi-final and final so the numbers should increase.”
      Dozens of disgruntled football supporters have taken to social media to protest the cost of travelling to Qatar.
      Mohamed Amiin said: “I don’t understand why people want to go to Qatar to watch the world cup – everything is so expensive, and it will be a culture shock for most people, so it will be chaos I reckon.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Why waste money there?”
      Another fan tweeted: “Football is for the elite. We can’t afford Qatar.” More