Exclusives

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares101 Views

      in Motorsport

      ‘She didn’t know who I was’ – Bellingham & Kane’s pal George Russell shares wild story of meeting influencer girlfriend

      by

      GEORGE RUSSELL will not rest until he becomes world champion.And he has Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane in his corner — who both know a thing or two about goals.George Russell has opened up on how he met girlfriend Carmen Montero MundtCredit: InstagramThe pair met after Russell’s mate could not make the dateCredit: InstagramRussell is a friend of Jude Bellingham, who gifted him a bespoke ‘George 63’ Real Madrid shirtRussell has also done some charity work with one of Harry Kane’s charitiesThe 27-year-old from Kings Lynn has never been one to be daunted by big reputations.Russell is back in Bahrain this weekend — scene of his sensational 2020 Mercedes debut as a stand-in for Lewis Hamilton, where he was only denied victory by a pit-stop blunder and a slow puncture.Handed a permanent drive by the team in 2022, he went wheel-to-wheel with ­seven-time world champ Hamilton during their three years as team-mates.And he told Max Verstappen to stick it where the sun doesn’t shine after the pair were hauled before stewards following a feisty Qatar Grand Prix in December.READ MORE IN F1Having done the hard miles with a struggling Williams team before making his mark alongside Hamilton, Russell now has the biggest opportunity of his career as he leads the iconic Mercedes team.There is still a feeling he remains in the shadow of fellow Brits Hamilton, now fulfilling his ambition of driving for Ferrari, and Lando Norris, this season’s F 1 world championship leader after four races.But Russell told SunSport: “I’m not underestimated by the people that know me in this paddock.“The paddock knows what I’m capable of and that’s why I remind myself of my very first race with Mercedes five years ago.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“I have been team-mates with the greatest of all time for three years.“And my stats speak for themselves, so I don’t think anybody in the sport should underestimate me.”George Russell furiously hits back at Max Verstappen after the F1 world champion’s stinging criticism of him Wolves fan Russell has taken inspiration from his friendships with England football heroes Bellingham and Kane.Bellingham gifted the driver with a bespoke ‘George 63’ Real Madrid shirt, marking his car number, earlier this year.Russell said: “I’ve met Harry, I did some work with one of his charities.“I always keep up to date with the Bayern Munich scores and his personal stats — and I’m desperate for them to win the league.“Me and Bellingham started to get to know each other recently.“He’s a great guy, we have an ­adidas connection and I’ve promised to get him to a race this year.”While Kane and Bellingham hope to land England’s first trophy since 1966 after a string of near misses, Russell will not rest until he has secured Formula One’s ultimate honour.Asked if he is satisfied with his progress since his Mercedes drive, he admitted: “Yes and no because I want to be a world champion, I want to be fighting every year.“But it would be irrational of me to say I’m not where I want to be, because in these past five years I could not have fought for a world championship.Carmen hails from Jerez in southern SpainCredit: InstagramHe admitted Carmen had no idea who he was when they first metCredit: Instagram“I didn’t have the machinery to do that, the same way as Lando for two years did not have the machinery and now he does.”Russell keeps his circle small but his rock is his fashion influencer girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt, who has been with him every step of the way for the past five years.Montero Mundt, 26, who hails from Jerez in southern Spain — where Russell raced many times in his younger years — was supposed to meet a friend of his for a date in London in 2020.Russell revealed: “My mate couldn’t make it, so I thought I’ll swing along to see how it goes.“She told me she’s from the south of Spain and she wouldn’t ever expect someone to know the small place she’s from.“I knew exactly where she was from, so it was quite coincidental.”Montero Mundt attends nearly every race with Russell and was by his side when he was left hyper-ventilating after overheating in the Singapore Grand Prix last year.Russell lost NINE POUNDS in the extreme heat conditions during the race and had to recover in an ice bath afterwards.He added: “I’m so fortunate with Carmen because we met before the craziness of F 1. We met organically and it wasn’t a set up.But Russell won’t rest until he wins a World Drivers ChampionshipCredit: AFPGeorge Russell F1 career stats (pre-Bahrain 2025)Races – 132 Wins – 3Podiums – 17Pole positions – 5Fastest laps – 8 Williams 2019 – 2021Mercedes 2022 – 2025*F2 Champion in 2018 – field including Lando Norris and Alex AlbonGP3 Series champion in 2017“She didn’t know who I was, she didn’t know F 1 and wasn’t even bothered by any of that. She is a very down-to-earth individual and we share values.“She’s such a hard worker, wants to achieve so much and she really recognises what it takes in my position to be at this level.“Having her on this journey means an awful lot to me because even though we are living our dream it can be a lonely lifestyle.“Having somebody to help you disconnect from that actually brings performance as well.”Russell is out of contract at the end of the season but is in no rush to put pen to paper on a new deal.He said: “I know that I’m going to be in this sport next year and I only want to focus on the performance.“If a driver starts stressing about his contract it shows they may not have the confidence in their ability.“I’m certain I have no concerns about my contract situation.”Russell is going about his business impressively enough this season.Read More on The SunHe trails third-place Oscar Piastri by just four points in the standings and could do with another big drive in Bahrain to close in on the top-two of Norris and Verstappen.And in a season which is already shaping up to be the most open for years, there is every reason to think Russell can fulfil his world title dream. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd files: Mainoo contract stand-off update, Garnacho replacement lined up and shattered stars hit by travel chaos

      by

      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE’S first season in English football has hardly gone to plan – but he could be key to another United raid on Bologna this summer.Swiss winger Dan Ndoye is being watched by the Red Devils and has been shining for the Italian club this season.Man Utd have lined up a replacement if Alejandro Garnacho leavesCredit: GettyFormer Joshua Zirkzee teammate Dan Ndoye is being targetedCredit: RexHe is being targeted by Napoli coach Antonio Conte as he looks to replace Kvicha Kvaratshkelia.But also on their list for that role is United’s Alejandro Garnacho – who was the subject of a £40million bid in January.If they do come back for Garnacho then Ndoye, 24, could be of interest to United and Zirkzee would have a vital role to play.The pair are friends after their time together in Italy and the Dutchman could help turn his head towards Old Trafford.Bologna do not want to sell but would have to listen if offers of around £30m come in for him.Mainoo contract standoffKobbie Mainoo is currently in a contract standoff over his futureCredit: AlamyKOBBIE MAINOO’S return to action after two months out injured is certain to bring his future back into focus.Last month, it was revealed he is weighing up a move abroad with United’s new contract offer short of what he was hoping for.Mainoo – who turns 20 this month – has two years left on his contract and currently earns around £20,000 a week.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHis representatives want terms that would reflect the England international’s standing in the squad.Their demand for around £180,000 per week is unlikely to be met by United as they look to get control of their wage bill. Why Ruben Amorim’s Man United system is brokenBut there is still hope an agreement can be reached to keep the man who scored in last season’s FA Cup final at Old Trafford.If not then it gives United’s hierarchy a big dilemma – they know selling a homegrown talent, who is valued at more than £70m, would be huge for the bottom line on their profit and sustainability sheets.As well as clubs around Europe, Chelsea are likely to be watching the situation closely.On the way?Andre Onana could soon be replaced as Man Utd No1Credit: PABrighton’s Bart Verbruggen is being tracked by the Red Devils and AC MilanCredit: ReutersANDRE ONANA was described as “one of the worst goalkeepers in United’s history” by one of the club’s former players this week.But according to reports in Italy, he could soon be replaced as Old Trafford number one by Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen.AC Milan are pushing to sign the Dutch goalie, 22, but are concerned that they could face competition from the Red Devils for his signature.Dutch delightMatthijs de Ligt is undergoing personal recovery work at the Hale Country ClubCredit: AlamyDUTCH star Matthijs de Ligt is doing all he can to get back from his injury after turning his ankle in the closing stages of the first half of the defeat at Forest last week.The 25-year-old defender was spotted this week being put through his paces in the pool by a United physio at the luxury Hale Country Club.A fan who saw him feared the rehab session meant the pool at United’s Carrington training complex – famously slammed by Cristiano Ronaldo for its condition when he returned to United for a second time – was again in a state of disrepair.But sources confirmed the pool is open and De Ligt was just doing extra work in the hope of getting back on the pitch soon.Wayne’s worldWayne Rooney enjoys returning to Croxteth to have a couple pints with matesCredit: GettyMAN United legend Wayne Rooney has millions in the bank following his hugely successful playing career.But while he’s out of management after leaving Plymouth four months ago, Wazza loves nothing more than going back to his home area of Croxteth and having a couple of pints with his mates.A source said: “Wayne is really enjoying his down time while he waits for his next management job. “He could go afford to go anywhere in the world, but he is a frequent visitor to Croxteth. “He loves it because he can be himself and enjoy a drink with his old pals.”Traffic troublesMan Utd face travel woes with building works meaning they can no longer drive directly to the airportCredit: AlamyEUROPA League trips for Manchester United’s stars just got more gruelling – after building work at a private terminal means they can no longer drive directly to Manchester airport.For the game against Lyon, the players had to park at Carrington and then be bussed to the airport, adding around 45 minutes to the journey time.It means when they return home, they will then have to go back to Carrington to collect their vehicles and then drive home, pushing back their bedtimes and affecting their recovery work on Friday.Toothless devilsMan Utd are on course to have their lowest-ever Premier League goalscoring seasonCredit: GettyNO wonder United have got Ipswich forward Liam Delap and other forwards in their sights ahead of the summer transfer window.This will be their worst EVER season for goal-scoring in the history of the Prem – unless they can manage to get 17 in their final seven league games, starting at Newcastle on Sunday.Their current low is 54 – when Jose Mourinho sacrificed their league campaign to go for glory in the Europa League instead and the current squad – who will be thinking along similar lines – currently have just 37. Sunday’s goalless draw with City was the 12th time they have drawn a blank this season.Rasmus Hojlund has copped much of the blame for United’s lack of goals – after going on a 21-game drought.That ended at Leicester before the international break but the Dane admitted he asked himself some searching questions.He said: “It was a vicious circle. We didn’t play that well as a team, and it also affected me. But I’m not the type to lie down and give up.“That’s also why I played and started in those games. It’s because I’ve continued to work for the team and on my own game.“I don’t just sit down and say: ‘It’s great that I haven’t scored in 21 games’. I sit myself down and look at my game to see what I can do better.“I also stand somewhere and think: ‘Why the hell is it that I can’t score?’ Where is it that it’s going wrong?’ “Pat on the backPatrick Dorgu’s old club Leece have not won a game without himCredit: GettyPATRICK DORGU has hardly set the world on fire in his first couple of months since his £30m move to Old Trafford in January.Yet his former club Lecce have been lost without the Danish winger – and have not won a game since his departure.They now sit dangerously close to the drop zone in Italy so the money they raised from Dorgu’s sale might come in very useful. More

    • 238 Shares76 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea’s £115m ace Moises Caicedo has £160k Audi seized by cops after driving without valid licence by training ground

      by

      COPS pulled over Britain’s most expensive footballer Moises Caicedo and found he was driving his £160k supercar without a valid licence.The £115million Chelsea midfielder, 23, was nabbed in his Audi RSQ8 last Friday near the club’s training ground in Cobham, Surrey.Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo had his £160k Audi seized by cops after driving without a valid licenceCredit: GettyCaicedo has regularly been seen driving in Britain since signing for Brighton in 2021 for £4.5million, pictured behind the wheel last yearMoises faces a court summons for driving illegally in the UK, pictured outside Cobham in his motorCredit: © Jim BennettThey are now carrying out further checks to clarify if Caicedo, 23, had valid insurance.And he faces a court summons for driving illegally in the UK.People with international driving licences can use them in Britain for 12 months but must then apply for a UK provisional licence and pass the practical driving test.Caicedo has regularly been seen driving in Britain since signing for Brighton in 2021 for £4.5million.READ MORE ON CHELSEAHe joined the Blues in 2023 for a British record fee of £115million.On March 31, he was seen at the wheel of the Audi — which can do 155mph and reach 60mph in 3.8 seconds — leaving Chelsea’s training ground in Cobham, Surrey.Cops pulled him over last Friday as he headed to the nearby home he shares with partner Paola Salazar.Caicedo flew to Poland yesterday with his teammates for today’s clash with Legia Warsaw in the Uefa Conference League.Most read in FootballHis brush with the law raises questions over whether other foreign footballers may also be driving without the correct documents.Fans beg Cole Palmer ‘never change’ as footage of Chelsea star asking waiter bizarre question emerges Law firm JMW said: “If you have been charged with driving without a licence, you could face serious punishment. Potential penalties for this type of offence include a fine, penalty points and a driving ban.“Driving without a licence is a serious motoring offence in the eyes of the law. This means it can carry significant penalties that may affect your ability to drive in the future.”Caicedo, who has 53 international caps, is the youngest of ten siblings and often visits his home town of Santo Domingo in Ecuador, where he plays football with the locals.He comes from a poor family but has helped to fund new footballing facilities in the area.Caicedo has played 66 games for Chelsea and scored two goals.Surrey Police told The Sun: “A man in his 20s from Cobham was stopped by officers on Fairmile Lane in Cobham on Friday 4 April and found to be driving without a licence. The vehicle was seized, and our enquiries are ongoing.”Chelsea FC said the issue was a personal matter.Read More on The SunCaicedo’s agent Manuel Sierra Camacho said yesterday: “There is no comment from us about this matter. I’m sorry.”The DVLA explained that police are responsible for potential offences surrounding licensing and insurance while their role is to maintain a database of drivers and vehicles in the UK.The midfielder was nabbed in his Audi RSQ8 last Friday near the club’s training ground in Cobham, SurreyCredit: Alamy More

    • 275 Shares82 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd legend steps in to raise money for ex players after Sir Jim Ratcliffe axes crucial funding in drive to cut-costs

      by

      MAN United hero Gary Neville has stepped in to raise money for former players after boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe pulled the plug.In a big cost-cutting drive, billionaire Sir Jim axed the ailing club’s annual £40,000 donation to an ex-stars fund.Former Man United captain Gary Neville has stepped in to raise money for former playersCredit: GettyNew United boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe axed the ailing club’s annual £40,000 donation to an ex-stars fundCredit: Jack Hill The TimesThe Association of Former Manchester United Players was set up in 1985 with its main objectives of promoting friendship, support and charitable work.But many of its 300-plus members played in the years before the eye-watering wages of today.In an interview last month, pundit Neville grilled Sir Jim on the issue, saying: “£40,000 was taken from the former players association. That’s not the players that played under Sir Alex (Ferguson) or even the last ten years. They’re players from the 1960s and ’70s.“Why not raise the money at a dinner? Give the ex-players their money. It’s a cruel decision.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDSheepish Sir Jim admitted: “Well, nobody suggested that.”Now Neville has worked with the club to organise an event to honour ex-striker Andy Cole, with the proceeds going to AFMUP.Guests at the £125 a ticket bash on April 24 will include legendary manager Sir Alex.AFMUP trustee Jim Elms, 84, said: “Gary telephoned me and said he’d organise a Q&A session and we are all delighted.”Most read in FootballA Man United source said: “We’ve always worked well with the former players’ association and we want that to continue.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Rio Ferdinand calls out Roy Keane and Gary Neville’s takes on Man Utd vs Man City More

    • 138 Shares132 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Liverpool ace survives terrifying GRENADE attack on his family home

      by

      FORMER Premiership star Yossi Benayoun has survived a terrifying grenade attack on his home in Israel.The ex-Liverpool midfielder was in the house with his family when a motorcyclist pulled up outside and threw the device at the door.Yossi Benayoun has survived a terrifying grenade attack on his home in IsraelCredit: GettyIt exploded, triggering a fire as the attacker fled the scene.Police and fire crews raced to the house in Ramat Hasharon, just north of Tel Aviv, at 11pm on Sunday. The blaze was extinguished shortly after.Cops are investigating it as a suspected criminal attack rather than a terrorist incident.Read More on FootballShocked Benayoun, Israel’s record goal scorer, said it was a case of mistaken identity.He said: “This is definitely a mistake – I have no doubt that the grenade was not aimed at my house.“At first I thought it was a gas cylinder explosion and we called the fire department. It was only when the police arrived at the house and found the remains of a grenade that we realised what really happened.”The attack caused damage to the property but no-one was injured.Most read in FootballA police spokesman said: “The police hotline received a report of hearing an explosion outside a house.“Police from the Glilot station arrived at the scene and began an investigation. As a result of the explosion, damage was caused. There were no casualties.”Hamas releases sick vid of hostage begging for release saying ‘time is running out’ as terror group calls for ceasefireBenayoun, 44, played nearly 200 times in the Prem for Liverpool, West Ham, Chelsea and Arsenal.He retired from playing in 2019 after a 22-year career, scoring a total of 173 goals in 728 appearances.Meanwhile, a Palestinian journalist was killed and nine others injured when Israeli missiles struck a media tent outside a hospital in Khan Younis.Videos showed a reporter engulfed in flames as others tried to rescue him.The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it had targeted photographer Hassan Aslih because he was a member of Hamas who operated “under the guise of a journalist”.Aslih was injured in the attack which killed a second Palestinian man.The IDF said the reporter had taken part in the October 7 raids into southern Israel and had “documented and uploaded footage of looting, arson, and murder to social media”.Hamas said the claims were false.In total, Israeli military strikes killed at least 30 Palestinians in Gaza yesterday, according to Hamas.The terror group marked 18 months since the war started by launching the biggest rocket attack for months.Read More on The SunAround ten were launched from the Strip, half of which were intercepted by the IDF.Three people suffered minor injuries as the IDF intercepted ten rockets. More

    • 250 Shares106 Views

      in Soccer

      Shocked US tourist planning gentle Thames sight-seeing trip ends up on boat full of 150 boozed up UK football fans

      by

      A TOURIST planning a gentle sight-seeing trip on the River Thames boarded a party boat full of boozy football fans by mistake. American Evan Johnston got on the vessel with 150 Southend United supporters heading to a match. US tourist Evan Johnston, in check shirt, thought he was on a Thames sightseeing trip, but he’d accidentally joined 150 football fans heading to a match – who took him alongCredit: Andy WardEvan had got on a City Cruises craft – but did not realise it had been chartered by Southend United fans heading for a match against fellow National League side SuttonCredit: GettyAmerican student Evan with fans of the Shrimpers on board the cruise boatCredit: Andy WardThe student, 21, thought they were all going to see London’s landmarks. But the Shrimpers fans welcomed Evan — taking him to his first ever match, buying all his drinks and chanting: “Evan is a Shrimper, la la la la.” Essex side Southend were playing Sutton in South London in a National League clash on Saturday. The fans hired a party boat from Tower Millennium Pier to Blackfriars Pier to catch a train to the ground. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSEvan, from Arizona, said: “I had some suspicions when I was in line behind all of the fans. “I figured if they checked tickets they’d turn me off. But they didn’t.” He said he was “rooting for them” after Southend’s 1-1 draw, leaving them a point outside the promotion play-offs with five games left. The club will make Evan guest of honour at this Saturday’s home fixture against Solihull Moors. Most read in FootballFan Andy Ward told The Sun: “The next day I messaged Evan. He’d gone on the sightseeing tour he’d planned, and said our boat was a lot better — and his tour was a little quieter.” The club said: “Full credit to our brilliant supporters.” Crisis club Southend SAVED from extinction after consortium completes takeoverThe friendly fans made Evan welcome and bought him pints as they made their way to the matchCredit: Andy WardEvan with Shrimpers fan, and new pal, Andy WardCredit: Chris PhillipsUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

    • 225 Shares146 Views

      in Soccer

      WAG Taylor Ward ‘feels safer’ living in Saudi Arabia after quitting UK with ex-Man City star Riyad Mahrez

      by

      WAG Taylor Ward says she feels safer living in Saudi Arabia with husband Riyad Mahrez after escaping the threat of burglary gangs targeting Premier League stars’ homes.The reality star, 27, told The Sun on Sunday she “can now sleep at night” after making the move to Jeddah, where the ex-Manchester City star, 34, now plys his trade for Al-Ahli following his £30million switch from the Premier League champions.Taylor Ward says she feels safer in Saudi Arabia after moving abroad with footballer Riyad MahrezCredit: Amazon MGM StudiosTaylor says her house in Saudi Arabia is ten times bigger than her home in EnglandCredit: InstagramGangs have targeted several footballers’ multi million pound homes in what’s been dubbed the “Cheshire Golden Triangle” – comprising the prestigious towns of Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, and Prestbury.Some of those houses have been decked out by Taylor’s mum Dawn Ward, an interior designer to the stars, but now she feels secure in the Middle East, so much so she’s allowing her £850,000-a-week husband to splash out on expensive gifts.Taylor said: “I feel way safer in Saudi – I can actually sleep at night now.“My house in Saudi is ten times bigger than my house in England, and if I had to stay on my own somewhere, I would choose Saudi every day of the week.READ MORE TAYLOR WARD“I’ve never stayed on my own in England, ever. We live in an apartment. I’ve never stayed there by myself. I’m just really conscious.“There’s so many burglaries and bad things going on especially in Cheshire. It’s a massive problem.“Living abroad now is great because I don’t bring anything home. It’s not worth it because we’ve been burgled in the past and it puts you off having nice things.“I used to say to Riyad, ‘please don’t buy me a watch for my birthday, please don’t buy me these because I don’t want to be a target.’Most read in Football“Now that we live in Saudi, you actually get the opportunity to enjoy and wear nice things.”Manchester City winger Jack Grealish had his £5.6m house raided on Boxing Day, while he was playing, by a gang who fled with £1m worth of luxury goods including watches and jewellery.Glamorous Premier League Wags to star on new Prime Video reality TV show Married To The Game including Jorginho and Mahrez’s other halves His terrified girlfriend Sasha Attwood was inside the property when the raid took place.Former Liverpool stars Steven Gerrard and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, ex-Everton defender Phil Jagielka have also been previously targeted.Taylor, who shares a 20-month-old daughter with Mahrez and is stepmum to his other two daughters, is one of the five WAGS starring in Prime Video series Married to the Game, which follows the glamorous lives of partners of renowned footballers.The second series, which starts on Monday, sees Taylor joined by Cat Harding, fiancée of Arsenal star Jorginho, Gabrielle Figueiredo, the wife of his Gunners’ teammate Gabriel Magalhães, Chelsea WAG Claudia Rodríguez and boyfriend Marc Cucurella, plus Aston Villa star Leon Bailey and his girlfriend Stephanie Hope.In the debut series streamed last year, Taylor went viral after sobbing when five-times Premier League winner Mahrez told her they were moving to Saudi Arabia following his transfer from Manchester City.But having taken months to finally settle in the Middle East, Taylor now feels at home – although there are some stark differences, especially when it comes to the WAGS out there.She explained: “There’s no champagne. When we used to go to the Etihad it was like a day out and I had a really good relationship with them all at Man City.“We traveled so much, because they were in all the finals, like the Champions League and all that kind of stuff.“We did a lot of trips together and we had a really close bond, which is really nice.Read More on The Sun“That’s slightly different in Saudi. I don’t know the players and the partners as well.“People keep themselves to themselves more out here.”Taylor moved abroad to Saudi Arabia after Manchester City winger Mahrez was transferred to Al-AhliMahrez earns a staggering £850,000 per week at Al-Ahli after leaving Manchester CityCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares73 Views

      in Soccer

      England football legend and wife plot move to relocate to Dubai as they eye properties and school for kids

      by

      FORMER England football star Rio Ferdinand and wife Kate are considering relocating to the Middle East, we can reveal.Rio, 46, and Kate, 33, are looking at big-money properties and schools for their younger children in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain.Kate is married to former Manchester United legend Rio FerdinandCredit: InstagramFriends say the entrepreneurial pair, who live in Bromley, South East London, are keen to find a home in the Gulf.A source said: “Rio and Kate are seriously considering being based out in the Gulf and are looking for a sprawling home with plenty of bedrooms. “They love the lifestyle and sunny ­weather and have lots of friends out there. It’s a very safe place for families and offers a healthy lifestyle, which suits them well.”The pair met in Dubai in 2016 after being introduced out there by mutual friends.READ MORE ON RIO FERDINANDRio proposed to Kate in Abu Dhabi two years later and the couple tied the knot one year on. He has five kids — Lorenz, 18, Tate, 15, and Tia, 12, with first wife Rebecca Ellison who died in 2015; and Cree, four, and Shae, 21 months, with Kate.The source said: “It holds a special place in their hearts as that’s where they met and both could easily travel back and forth for their work commitments in the UK.“As well as his sporting success Rio has a huge business portfolio now and there is lots of potential in the Middle East.”Most read in FootballInsiders at TNT Sports are concerned that pundit Rio, who also has homes in Portugal and Barbados, will leave at the end of the season.Rio Ferdinand fears that Man Utd might not win again in the Premier League this season The former Manchester United captain has worked for the broadcaster for more than a decade and is seen as integral to their coverage.His management firm New Era has signed a partnership with US talent agency WME.A spokesman for Rio and Kate declined to comment.The couple are looking at homes in the sunny GulfCredit: Getty More