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      Man City boss Pep Guardiola held ‘tense’ crisis talks with wife before signing new contract blamed for marriage split

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      MAN City manager Pep Guardiola held crisis talks with his wife shortly before he signed the new contract blamed for their marriage split.Title-winning Pep, 54, flew to Barcelona for dinner with Cristina Serra in October, with onlookers saying the couple looked “tense”.Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola held crisis talks with his wife shortly before he signed the new contract blamed for their marriage splitCredit: GettyThe pair met as teensCredit: GettyPep signed a two-year extension to his deal with the reigning Premier League championsCredit: GettyA waiter at Bodega Sepulveda, Pep’s favourite restaurant in the city, said: “He came in with his wife about three months ago.“They sat in the corner and things looked a little tense between them. He was talking animatedly.“We were all shocked to hear that they had split.”After returning to the UK, Pep signed a two-year extension to his deal with the reigning Premier League champions — taking his stay to 2027.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe had been widely expected to quit the club after nine successful years.And influential Spanish journalists Laura Fa and Lorenza Vazquez claimed that his decision was behind the break-up.They said: “She takes the decision when he decides to extend his contract with Manchester City because in the previous months Pep had been preparing his departure from the club.“We know one of his objectives was to leave and move to the United Arab Emirates.Most read in Football“People around him were beginning to say goodbye to him because he wasn’t going to renew his contact.“That decision not to renew was helping bring him closer to his wife.Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set or £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transfer“But when he decided to stay and extend his contract, Cristina decided enough was enough and it was her that decided to end the marriage.”Vazquez said: “It’s been a carefully considered decision the couple discussed over several months.“They continue to have a cordial and affectionate relationship. No one else is involved. There are no third parties.”Cristina, 52, had moved back to Barcelona to run her fashion business five years ago, while Pep stayed in Manchester to manage the City team.The couple met in 1994, married in 2014 and have three children together.The troubled pair met at Bodega Sepulveda, Pep’s favourite restaurant in BarcelonaCredit: Darren FletcherThe couple snapped this yearCredit: RexThe two pictured in 2013 in MunichCredit: Bongarts – GettyGuardiola with Cristina and their three kids in 2018Credit: PA:Press Association More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson’s emotional visits to Man Utd legend Denis Law at nursing home in weeks before his death revealed

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      SIR Alex Ferguson visited Man United legend Denis Law up to three times a week at the nursing home where his dementia-hit friend died on Friday, aged 84.The club’s former boss, 83, who lives near the Cheshire home, was a regular to see his fellow Scot.Sir Alex Ferguson visited Denis Law in his final daysCredit: RexSir Alex and Denis in 2005Credit: AlamyFlowers have been laid at the Old Trafford statue depicting Law, Sir Bobby Charlton and George Best.Sir Alex will be in attendance at United’s game on Sunday as a number of tributes are played to the striker, which will culminate in a minute’s applause.A source said: “The club have some really nice touching tributes to Denis.”There will be a lot of sadness but also moments of laughter, because Denis loved his football and loved life.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA statement from the club on Friday said: “Everyone at Manchester United is mourning the loss of Denis Law, the King of the Stretford End, who has passed.“With 237 goals in 404 appearances, he will always be celebrated as one of the club’s greatest and most beloved players. The ultimate goalscorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation.”Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”United trio David Beckham, Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney were among figures from around the world of football to pay their respects to the Scot.Most read in FootballBecks wrote on his Instagram page: “Tonight we lost a true gentleman of the game. Our heart goes out to Denis’s family.“Our hearts are heavy tonight. A legend on the field but the perfect gentleman off.”Sir Alex Ferguson hails late Man Utd secretary Kath Phipps after her funeralFlowers have been laid at the Old Trafford statue depicting Law, Best and CharltonCredit: Getty More

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      Wayne Rooney in talks for HUGE new TV job after axed by Plymouth

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      OUT-of-work footie boss Wayne Rooney is said to be in negotiations to be a pundit on Match of the Day.The former England striker, 39, is eyeing up a lucrative move to the rejigged show following long-term presenter Gary Lineker’s departure at the end of this season.From left to right, Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan and are the new hosts of MOTDCredit: PAHe hopes to join new hosts Gabby Logan, Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates on the BBC highlights show as a rotating guest pundit.He could command up to £200,000 for the year, depending on how many appearances he makes. It comes after Man United great Rooney was sacked as manager of Plymouth Argyle at the end of last year, with the side rooted to the bottom of the Championship.Last night, a source said: “Punditry is one of a number of options open to Wayne for the future. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He worked alongside Gary and co at the Euros last summer, and was a huge hit with viewers.“He’s also eminently likeable with a forensic knowledge and love of the game.“Match of the Day and a couple of other broadcasters are interested in having him on their programming.“Wayne and the BBC are in early stage negotiations but it is looking promising and he is taking some time to work out exactly what he wants to do next”.Most read in FootballLast April, Rooney was forced to withdraw from his debut appearance on the show because of a back injury.Meanwhile, Rooney’s 38-year-old wife Coleen has been inundated with offers following her stint in the I’m A Celebrity jungle, where she finished runner-up.Inside Wayne Rooney’s woeful spell at Plymouth as Manchester United legend AXEDA source said: “This is going to be a massively exciting year for Coleen and Wayne — they have so many options ahead of them.”The BBC want Wayne to be one of their MOTD punditsThe football legend is said to be in negotiations with the BeebCredit: BBCMicah in kit off for TV vowPUNDIT Micah Richards vowed to go naked on Match of the Day — one up on Gary Lineker who hosted in his pants.The ex-footie star, 36, said he will strip off if fourth-placed Newcastle win the league, having won nine games in a row.Lineker kept to a bet on Twitter and started the show in his boxers in 2016 after his former club Leicester won the Premier League.Richards, below, made the vow to Gary and pundit Alan Shearer on The Rest Is Football podcast. Alan joked: “We don’t want that idiot on TV with nowt on.”Lineker said: “Viewing figures won’t be the only thing that’s huge.” More

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      Kyle Walker & Annie Kilner plotting move to Italy in bid to save marriage as love rat lines up deal with Serie A giants

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      LOVE cheat Kyle Walker is lining up a move to Italy — with long-suffering wife Annie Kilner due to join him in a bid to save their marriage.The Manchester City and England ace, 34, is ready to finalise a shock loan deal with Inter Milan this month. Kyle Walker is lining up a move to Italy with long-suffering wife Annie in a bid to save their marriageCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe Manchester City ace is ready to finalise a shock loan deal with Inter MilanCredit: GettyWalker fathered a second child with ex-mistress Lauryn GoodmanCredit: GettyThe couple hope to leave behind the Manchester City captain’s tangled love life and focus on the future.Kyle has been linked to two top clubs in the trendy Italian city.A source said a loan agreement with Inter Milan had been reached in principle, despite huge rivals AC Milan also expressing an interest.Insiders said he shocked City bosses last week by saying he wanted a move, and 31-year-old Annie is likely to move with him, despite filing for divorce in August.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne said: “Neither of them know what the future holds. But they’re hopeful a switch to Italy will give them the breathing space they desperately need to see if things can be worked out.“It’s been impossible to do that in England due to the pressure they’ve been under for the last 12 months.“They’re hoping time alone will help them decide if there’s anything left they can salvage.“Annie is keen to press ahead with the divorce in order to sort the finances out and Kyle won’t oppose that. But they haven’t yet fully given up on one another.”Most read in FootballTheir four kids — Roman, 12, Riaan, eight, six-year-old Reign and baby Rezon — will also make the move from their home in Prestbury, Cheshire.The news comes after The Sun revealed last year that Walker had fathered a second child with ex-mistress Lauryn Goodman.Annie, pregnant with Rezon at the time, vowed it was the last straw and kicked him out.Then, in an exclusive interview with The Sun, the football ace ­publicly apologised and begged for forgiveness.Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set or £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transferIn the summer, Walker returned from England’s Euros defeat to face 33-year-old Lauryn in court over financial arrangements for year-old daughter Kinara.Papers revealed he had in­c­reased Lauryn’s housing budget from £1.85million to £2.4million after she threatened to move within ten minutes of his family home.Walker’s bombshell request to quit City was revealed after he was left out of the squad ahead of ­Saturday’s 8-0 FA Cup demolition of Salford City.Rumours persisted of a move to the lucrative Saudi league but the source said Walker, capped 93 times by England, still hopes to reach 100 — and fears that move would end his chances.Annie and Kyle’s four kids will also make the move to Italy from their home in Prestbury, CheshireCredit: Instagram More

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      Kyle Walker’s ex Lauryn Goodman in bid to QUIT UK with their kids – and makes plea to Man City star for help

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      REALITY TV star Lauryn Goodman is keen to move abroad for a year — and has asked ex Kyle Walker if she can rent out her home.Lauryn, 33, wants to relocate so she can focus on the two children she has with the England and Man City ace, sources said.Lauryn Goodman is set to move abroad for a year — and has asked Kyle Walker if she can rent out her homeLauryn wants to relocate so she can focus on the two children she has with the England and Man City aceCredit: SplashKyle with childhood sweetheart Annie KilnerCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeShe currently lives in a £2.4million house in Sussex which is owned by the 34-year-old defender.Lauryn — mother to his son Kairo, four, and daughter Kinara, one — has contacted his lawyers about renting it out while she lives in a different country.A source said: “It’s been a turbulent time for Lauryn and she is keen to have a change of scenery, where she can focus on the children. She loves the idea of living somewhere sunny, like Dubai, temporarily.“Because Kyle owns the property, she has to ask his permission to rent it out. She would need to do that in order to be able to rent a property abroad.Read More on Sport“She’s no longer close to her family, so feels she doesn’t have any ties to the UK right now, and has loved taking her children abroad on holiday to get away from everything.”Lauryn became pregnant with Kairo while Kyle was on a break from childhood sweetheart Annie Kilner in 2019. Kyle later got back together with Annie before they married in 2021.But he and Lauryn stayed in touch and briefly rekindled their relationship.Most read in FootballTheir daughter Kinara was conceived in October 2022 while the footballer was in London for treatment for a groin injury.In December 2023 Lauryn told Annie, who was pregnant at the time, that the little girl was Kyle’s child.Kyle Walker will spend Christmas Day back with estranged wife Annie Kilner after they agreed to put the turmoil of their divorce to one side for the sake of their kidsKyle then admitted he had lied to both women and moved out of his family home in Cheshire.Annie and Kyle, who have four sons, were said to be divorcing.The Sun revealed last month that Kyle did not send Christmas gifts to his two children with Lauryn. More

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      Prem ace arrested on pitch in front of shocked teammates on suspicion of making sex tape without consent

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      A PREMIER League footballer was arrested on his training pitch on suspicion of making a sex tape without consent.Shocked teammates looked on as the international star was led away at 11am for six hours of questioning.A Prem ace was dramatically nicked at his training groundCredit: GettyThe star was escorted from the pitch as they trained for this weekend’s FA Cup third round clashCredit: GettyCops later released the player with no further action due to insufficient evidenceCredit: GettyTwo phones were seized by cops, who examined them for footage and video recordings.Premier League stars thought it was a prank when their teammate was arrested on the pitch.A source said: “A lot of stars initially thought it was a prank when two uniformed officers strode on to the pitches during training. Everyone was in disbelief.“Players were open-mouthed. No one was sure what was going on.”Read more Sports NewsThe ace was later released with no further action.He returned to training yesterday and could play in his club’s FA Cup third round fixture this weekend.The Sun understands that cops acted after a woman accused the footballer of secretly filming their sex session despite her allegedly asking him not to.She told friends she felt violated and humiliated when he sent her packing moments after they’d romped in his bed.Most read in FootballShe said she had refused to record a sex tape, or take part in a threesome.Police said: “A man in his 20s was arrested at an address, on suspicion of voyeurism.“It was determined no further action would be taken due to insufficient evidence.”The club refused to comment.AGONY OF VICTIMSREALITY TV star Stephen Bear’s voyeurism court case highlighted the harm the offence can cause victims.The 34-year-old made at least £40,000 on OnlyFans by sharing a CCTV video of him having sex with Georgia Harrison. Bear was jailed for 21 months in 2023 after being found guilty of voyeurism and disclosing a private sexual film. The judge praised Georgia’s bravery and said she had suffered extensive humiliation and embarrassment.Last summer, former Spandau Ballet singer Ross Davidson, 36, of Aberdeen, was convicted of rape, with a court hearing he got a kick out of filming women. More

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      Footballer saves side’s fairytale cup run by fixing broken floodlight – then gets brutally trolled by away fans

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      A FOOTBALLER saved his side’s fairytale cup run — by fixing a broken floodlight.Liam Smith, who works as an electrician, used his tool kit to help Sittingbourne FC get to the fifth round of the FA Trophy for the first time in their 140-year history.Footballer Liam Smith used his tool kit to help Sittingbourne FC get to the fifth round of the FA TrophySittingbourne FC defender Liam Smith fixed a broken floodlight at the team’s stadiumLiam’s electrical heroics sparked a dramatic victory for his teamThey were drawing 0-0 at home with favourites Salisbury when a corner of The Staxson Stadium in Kent was plunged into darkness at half-time.With the match in danger of being abandoned, Liam, 24, was urged by team-mates to fix the faulty floodlight.The defender said: “I went over to open the floodlight and saw something had gone wrong with the breakers and just had to put them back on.”Luckily I didn’t need many tools and had it working again within 15 minutes.READ MORE ON THE FA TROPHY”After a quick warm-up, we were ready to go for the second half.”I got a bit of stick from the away fans afterwards. They were chanting, ‘You’re better as a sparky’.”Liam’s electrical heroics sparked a dramatic giant-killing, with Sittingbourne winning 2-1 on Saturday.Vice-chairman Andrew Marjeram, 41, said it would have been a financial blow for the Isthmian League South East Division club if the game, which drew a crowd of 700, was called off.Most read in FootballHe said: “Liam is a new signing and did a great job to get the game back on after a half-hour delay.”Although he did cheekily say there would be an invoice coming and made sure I knew it was double rates on a Saturday.”Brackley Town staff and players run onto the pitch on full time and do the ‘Viking Clap’ with fans after winning the FA trophy at WembleyThe side now travel to Southend United in the next round on February 1. More

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      Young Newcastle fan, 9, caught skipping school after being caught on camera at Carabao Cup

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      A YOUNG Toon fan skipped school to attend the cup clash at Arsenal after his mum told teachers he was ill – only to be caught on camera celebrating Newcastle’s win.Sammy Scott, nine, was desperate to travel to London with dad Mark for the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.Sammy Scott was desperate to see the Carabao Cup semi with dad Mark — so mum Claire told his school he was illCredit: NNPBut Sky Sports picked out Sammy screaming after Anthony Gordon scored in the 2-0 first-leg winSo mum Claire, 40, told his school he was poorly which allowed him to miss lessons and head south for the crucial game on Tuesday evening.But they landed in hot water when Sky cameras picked out jubilant Sammy clenching his fists and screaming in delight after Anthony Gordon grabbed the winner in the 2-0 victory.Mark’s phone erupted with texts from friends telling him they had been on the television.But an email from Sammy’s school also landed saying his absence would now be marked as “unauthorised”.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPlasterer Mark, of Forest Hall, North Tyneside, said: “We were right at the front of the Emirates and were celebrating when Gordon scored.“The cameras panned round to us but obviously we didn’t know at the time that we had been on TV.“Soon after my phone started going mad and people were sending us videos and messages saying: ‘We’ve just seen you and Sammy on tele’.“We thought it was brilliant at the time but then Sky Sports News used the picture of Sammy as a still with the message ‘Geordie Joy’.“It was nice but his school obviously got to see it because we got an email saying his sick day was now an unauthorised absence.”Most read in FootballThe email from Benton Dene Primary said: “Just to let you know that Sammy’s absence from Tuesday 7th January 2025 will now be marked as unauthorised.“This is due to media footage showing him away in London at a football match. Please contact us at school if you wish to discuss further.”Rooney’s family arriving at Old Trafford for the Newcastle gameMark posted it online and thousands of footie fans responded to support Sammy.Even former England striker Peter Crouch said: “You’ve got to cut this boy some slack here. Memories for a lifetime.”Mark, 39, who also has a daughter Georgie, 12, added: “The school has been really good with Sammy actually.“His teacher is a big Newcastle fan – we even bumped into him at the Spurs game at the weekend – and he was making a joke of it with Sammy.“It’s gone crazy online. It was one of those things that snowballs and absolutely blew up.“People were sending me screenshots of accounts that had millions of followers that were posting about it including ex-players.“It has been unbelievable.“But Sammy is only nine and doesn’t realise how big it has become.“He hasn’t got a care in the world and is just getting on with stuff as normal.“He actually has a really good attendance record, almost 100 per cent. He is in the outstanding bracket at school for attendance.“He loves his football and plays twice a week for a local side and trains three times a week.”An email from Sammy’s school also landed saying his absence would now be marked as ‘unauthorised’Sammy’s dad Mark’s phone erupted with texts from friends telling him they had been on the televisionCredit: NNPNewcastle’s victory puts them in the driving seat for the second leg at St James’ Park next month.And Sammy is praying his heroes make it to the final and lift their first cup in 70 years.Mark added: “We didn’t get tickets for the league cup final against Manchester United last year and he was devastated about that.“But we are hoping we get there again and get tickets this time.READ MORE SUN STORIES“And it’s on a Sunday so there won’t be any problem with school.”A source close to the school said: “It was all quite light-hearted – the parents will not be fined.” More