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      in Soccer

      Chesney Hawkes celebrated in Qatar after last-gasp sprint to the England match & roared: ‘It’s coming home’

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      LUCKY charm Chesney Hawkes celebrated in Qatar last night after a last-gasp sprint to the match as he roared: “It’s coming home.”The One And Only singer made kick-off with minutes to spare thanks to The Sun’s military-style operation to get him from Skegness to cheer on the Three Lions.
      Chesney Hawkes celebrated in Qatar after a last-gasp sprint to the match
      Chesney at The Sun’s HQ where he had a singalong with boxing champ Tyson FuryCredit: Simon Jones
      Chesney returned to the UK after the Wales game for a pre-arranged gig at Butlin’sCredit: Doug Seeburg
      We launched Operation Sun And Only to get Chesney back to Qatar after his rousing half-time performance
      The 3,400-mile, 23-hour dash saw him sweep into the desert state with just his hand luggage and a guitar — and an excess baggage-sized goodwill message for England’s heroes.
      And together with 8,000 jubilant Lionhearts Chesney, 51, was punching the air in delight at the final whistle in the Al Bayt stadium as Gareth Southgate’s men roared into the quarter finals.
      He said: “England were amazing tonight. I was delighted to make it back and it was all down to The Sun. I’ll have to stay on in Qatar now. With the Three Lions playing out of their skin I reckon we can go all the way.”
      We launched Operation Sun And Only to get Chesney back to Qatar after his rousing half-time rendition of his 1991 hit helped inspire England to a thumping 3-0 win over Wales.
      Read More on Chesney Hawkes
      The players were also keen for him to return with West Ham’s Declan Rice declaring: “We’re pals now and we’ve got to get him to the games. We’ll get him singing The One And Only at every half-time. Hopefully we’ll get him back to No1 as well.”
      Chesney had to return to the UK after the final Group B game against Wales for a pre-arranged gig at Butlin’s in Skegness, Lincs.
      He went there via a stop-off at The Sun’s HQ, where he had a singalong with boxing champ Tyson Fury.
      Chesney went down a storm in Skegness as part of a 90s Reloaded show with DJ Judge Jules and S Club 7’s Jo O’Meara.
      Most read in Football
      As soon as he was off stage Berkshire-born Chesney raced to the Sun’s car to hot foot it back to his London base for three hours’ sleep.
      He then leapt into another Sun car to Heathrow for the 8.35am flight to Doha and had another nap on the plane.
      The Qatar Airways Boeing 777-300 touched down at 17.50 local time and Chesney raced through customs and to yet another waiting Sun car for the last leg of the journey, the 69,000-seater Al Bayt Stadium.
      The Sun’s Special Ops team had to weave our way through the traffic to deliver Chesney to the stadium shortly before kick-off — to the delight of England fans.
      He whipped out his guitar and performed a quick rendition of his best-known song to huge cheers from the fans, who hope he’ll be our lucky mascot all the way to the final.
      PE teacher Stef Carte, 37, of Leeds, said: “I knew he’d be our lucky mascot once again.”
      And Matt Harris, 40, of Warrington, Cheshire, added: “We love Ches and couldn’t believe it when we bumped into him at the stadium.”
      Chesney, who now lives in LA with model wife Kristina, 47, and their three children, said: “I am ecstatic. I’m a massive Three Lions fan and it means so much to me.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I’m also a big West Ham fan and spent quite a bit of time chatting to Declan Rice at the Wales match.
      “I will be here to cheer on the boys in the quarter final and beyond. I am delighted that I have been adopted by the team as their lucky mascot.”
      Chesney went down a storm in Skegness as part of a 90s Reloaded show with DJ Judge Jules and S Club 7’s Jo O’MearaCredit: Doug Seeburg
      Chesney raced to the Sun’s car to hot foot it back to his London base for three hours’ sleepCredit: Gary Stone
      Chesney leapt into another Sun car to Heathrow for the 8.35am flight to Doha and had another nap on the plane
      Chesney raced through customs in Qatar and on to the 69,000-seater Al Bayt StadiumCredit: Dan Charity
      Chesney said: ‘I am ecstatic. I’m a massive Three Lions fan and it means so much to me’ More

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      in Soccer

      Raheem Sterling’s terrified family inside home when armed thugs broke in & stole £300k of watches while he was in Qatar

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      ENGLAND’S Raheem Sterling raced back from the World Cup yesterday after an armed raid at his mansion.Terrified fiancée Paige Milian, 27 — at home with their two kids — raised the alarm when the gang took watches worth £300,000.
      Sterling, 27, raced back from the World Cup after an armed raid at his mansionCredit: Tim Stewart
      Terrified fiancée Paige Milian, 27, was at home with their two kidsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Raheem Sterling may return to Qatar for Saturday’s quarter-final against France despite having lost £300,000 of watches in the horrific break-inCredit: Rex
      Sterling told FA chiefs he had to go home. News that he’d left the squad broke shortly before the last-16 clash with Senegal.
      Sterling, 27, may return to Qatar for Saturday’s quarter-final against France.
      Boss Gareth Southgate said: “He is dealing with a family matter. I had quite a bit of time with him this morning but I have had to pass that on to other people to help him with that.
      “He will go and deal with that matter and we will have to take it from there.”
      READ MORE ON STERLING
      The raid at Sterling’s home, less than 15 minutes from Chelsea’s training ground in Cobham, Surrey, happened on Saturday night.
      It is not known if property developer Paige confronted the raiders or whether they fled when they realised someone was in.
      The gang may have thought she and the couple’s sons, aged five and three, were still in Qatar.
      Before England’s first game she posted pictures of the two boys on a cruise ship in Doha, and she was tagged in social media images with cocktails.
      Most read in Football
      A family source said: “This was terrifying for her and obviously traumatic for all the family.
      “Raheem will have been beside himself with worry when he heard.
      “To be away when your partner and children are at home when an armed gang breaks in is beyond words.
      “It looks like about £300,000 of watches have been taken. The police were there several hours.”
      The boss of a national intelligence unit focused on serious organised crime has warned of a rise in raids on stars due to gangs scouring social media feeds.
      Supt Carl Williams, of Operation Opal, said: “In today’s world where many wealthy individuals are active on social media their significant public profile can help make them targets.
      “Their high-value possessions are often on display as well as information about their plans.”
      The FA said last night: “Raheem is not available for selection for the Three Lions tonight as he is dealing with a family matter.”

      ADDITIONAL reporting by Thomas Godfrey More

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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury reveals biggest fear after enjoying post-fight burgers with beaten rival Derek Chisora

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      TYSON Fury chewed the fat with beaten Derek Chisora — and revealed he is scared of spiders.The world heavyweight champion had a burger with Chisora after battering him on Saturday night.
      Tyson Fury took on Derek Chisora last night, winning the fight
      Fury now has fellow champ Oleksandr Usyk in his sights before he hangs up his gloves
      On fight night, Fury wore the England shirt The Sun gave him the day beforeCredit: Simon Jones
      Fury, 34, also pondered the future — which does not include a stint on I’m a Celebrity.
      Asked if he would do the ITV1 show, he said: “I turned it down because I don’t like bugs, creepy crawlies, snakes, rats, lizards. Anything that moves on the floor I turn into a boy. It’s not for me.”
      On fight night, Fury wore the England shirt The Sun gave him the day before when he paid a visit.
      He now has fellow champ Oleksandr Usyk in his sights before he hangs up his gloves.
      READ MORE BOXING NEWS
      He said: “I think I’ve got one more year and then I’ll become a used car salesman.”
      He also revealed he wants to hang out with King Charles.
      Fury said: “I’ve not met the King yet. I’m sure I’ll get an invite to this coming New Year’s Eve party!” More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus on flight back to London to find out extent of injury amid fears he could miss THREE MONTHS

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      GABRIEL JESUS is on a flight back to London after being ruled out of the World Cup.And SunSport understands the Arsenal striker will find out how serious his knee injury is TOMORROW following a consultation with club doctors.
      Gabriel Jesus in action for Brazil against CameroonCredit: AP
      Jesus looks on with an ice pack on his knee after being subbed offCredit: EPA
      The 25-year-old picked up the knock in the 64th minute of the Samba Boys’ final World Cup group stage clash – a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon – having come off the bench.
      And following a scan, Brazil medics confirmed his Qatar journey was over ahead of their Last 16 tie with South Korea.
      There remain doubts over whether Jesus will need surgery, or for how long he will be out of action for, with some reports suggesting THREE months.
      That picture will become clearer when the ex-Manchester City forward reports to London Colney on Monday morning, where his knee will be assessed further.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      What is for certain is that he will miss Arsenal’s Boxing Day clash with West Ham as well as their New Years’ Eve trip to Brighton and potentially a January 3 game versus Newcastle.
      He will then be in a race against time to get back into Mikel Arteta’s squad for two crucial back-to-back fixtures away at rivals Tottenham and then at home to Manchester United later that month.
      Arsenal are currently five points clear at the top of the Premier League, having lost just once.
      But they will now be reliant on back-up striker Eddie Nketiah to produce the goals that have seen the north London club so far romp the Prem.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      Jesus is the second Arsenal player to leave the World Cup early, with defender Ben White departing the England camp due to personal reasons.
      Following news of his injury, Jesus tweeted: “If there was a timeline and I could see you and tell you something, I would say ‘Gabriel, you are a winner’.
      “Thank you to everyone who sent messages of support and affection.”
      Brazil boss Tite also hit back at claims which suggested he knew Jesus had an injury BEFORE he played against Cameroon.
      He said: “I don’t like evil lies, and at no time whatsoever did we play for a victory at the risk of a peril to a player.
      “The liars, the haters out there – go and do something else and stop giving fake news.
      “Arsenal have a great medical department, Brazil has a great medical department and we are personally responsible and ethical.
      “I am very sorry for Gabriel and yesterday we had Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Neymar and (assistant) Cesar Sampiao – who has lived with the experience of being removed from the team – talking with him.
      “Not to take the pain away because obviously we can’t, but just to make them feel better, strengthen them, and take part as much as possible.” More

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      in Soccer

      Sun mascot Harry Mane steals the show ­during a dance-off with Senegal fans ahead of World Cup knockout game

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      SUN mascot Harry Mane stole the show yesterday ­during a dance-off with Senegal fans.The Senegalese supporters have been entertaining the crowds at Doha’s main souk with traditional dance and music.
      Sun mascot Harry Mane stole the show yesterday ­during a dance-off with Senegal fansCredit: Dan Charity
      Jewellery worker Coumba told Sun girl Eleanor Sharples she hought Senegal would winCredit: Louis Wood
      But the biggest cheer came when Harry joined them.
      Alhadji Diedhiou, 39, danced with Harry and said: “I love your lion. Our team are known as the Lions of Teranga so it is fitting we play the Three Lions next.”
      Meanwhile, The Sun on Sunday flew the St George’s flag over Africa’s tallest statue, the 52m Africa­n Renaissance monument in Dakar, the capital of Senegal.
      But jewellery worker Coumba told Sun girl Eleanor Sharples it would not stop Senegal winning.
      READ MORE SUN EXCLUSIVES
      Only a few hundred fans have made the trip from West Africa to Qatar but they have been making plenty of noise each night with their routines.
      Sidy Sagna, 47, said: “We are famous for our atmosphere before, during and after the match. We will create an ambiance in the stadium and we will win.”
      Given the limited numbers of their fans at the World Cup, the team has called on all Africans to support them in the last 16 clash with England at the Al Bayt stadium tomorrow night.
      Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly, 31, Senegal’s captain, said earlier: “I’m calling on all Africans to come together, because that’s how we’re going to move forward.
      Most read in The Sun
      “We support all the African teams and I think they support us too. That’s really nice. We heard the fans throughout the match – we’re going to need them for the upcoming games.” More

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      in Soccer

      England’s lucky charm Chesney Hawkes in race against time to make it to World Cup round of 16 match

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      ENGLAND’S lucky charm Chesney Hawkes is in a race against time to get to the World Cup round of 16 match today — but he has The Sun on his side.The singer, 51, inspired the Three Lions into walloping three second-half goals against Wales by performing his 1991 hit The One and Only at half-time.
      Chesney Hawkes is in a race against time to get to the World Cup round of 16 matchCredit: Doug Seeburg
      Even England ace Declan Rice said he hoped England could “get him singing at every half-time”.
      He also paid a visit on Friday to The Sun’s HQ to sing a duet of One and Only with boxer Tyson Fury.
      The first stage of Operation Sun and Only to get Chesney to Qatar swept into action last night — as he jumped in our cab to Heathrow following a gig at Butlin’s in Skegness, Lincs.
      West Ham fan Chesney said: “The whole thing has just been a whirlwind — hearing one of my heroes Declan name-checking me in the England press conference was just amazing.
      Most read in World Cup 2022
      “I never claimed to bring England good luck but anything I can do as a fan, to get the crowd going and help the side, I’ll do it.”
      He has 19 hours to get from his gig to the match as England take on Senegal.
      Sing Along tonight
      I am the one and only, oh yeah
      Call me, call me by my name or call me by number
      You put me through it
      I’ll still be doing it the way I do it
      And yet, you try to make me forget
      Who I really am, don’t tell me I know best
      I’m not the same as all the rest
      I am the one and only
      Nobody I’d rather be
      I am the one and only
      You can’t take that away from me
      I’ve been a player in the crowd scene
      A flicker on the big screen
      My soul embraces one more in a million faces
      High hopes and aspirations, and years above my station
      Maybe but all this time I’ve tried to walk with dignity and pride
      I am the one and only
      Nobody I’d rather be
      I am the one and only
      You can’t take that away from me
      I can’t wear this uniform without some compromises
      Because you’ll find out that we come
      In different shapes and sizes
      No one can be myself like I can
      For this job I’m the best man
      And while this may be true
      You are the one and only you
      I am the one and only
      Nobody I’d rather be
      I am the one and only
      You can’t take that away from me
      I am the one and only
      Nobody I’d rather be
      I am the one and only
      You can’t take that away from me More

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      in Boxing

      I’m going to get messy with England fans after I beat Derek Chisora – I’m a devil for the drink, says Tyson Fury

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      HEAVYWEIGHT champ Tyson Fury has told The Sun he will knock out Derek Chisora — then watch England knock Senegal out of the World Cup.The Gypsy King, 34, is so confident the Three Lions will win their last 16 clash that he’s planning to fly to Qatar for the quarter final.
      Tyson Fury says he’ll buy fans beers on the way to World Cup gloryCredit: Simon Jones
      Boxer Tyson backed The Sun’s Jabs Army vaccine campaignCredit: Simon Jones
      Tyson said: ‘I’m 100 per cent going to get messy with the fans. I’m known for that’Credit: PA
      And he said of his fight at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium: “I’m looking forward to putting on a show. I’m feeling fantastic. I always win and so will England.”
      Tyson vowed to defy the World Cup booze ban and bring beer into the stadium for a potential England quarter final.
      The boxing champ has laid off the alcohol ahead of tonight’s big fight with Brit rival Derek Chisora.
      But he said he’ll “get messy again” in Qatar when rather than if Gareth Southgate’s team beat Senegal in tomorrow’s last-16 clash.
      Read More on Tyson Fury
      On a visit to the Sun HQ, heavyweight legend Tyson joked the alcohol ban at the stadiums was “no bother” for him.
      He said: “I’ll put it up my top. Who’s going to stop me?
      “I’m not an alcoholic, I’m just a devil for the drink.”
      He plans a “wild lads’ holiday” at the football without wife Paris, 32, or their six children.
      Most read in Boxing
      Tyson, who bought £1,000-a-time rounds for England fans at Euro 2016 in France, vowed: “I’m 100 per cent going to get messy with the fans. I’m known for that.
      “I’m going to sneak a few cases in my suitcase.
      “They can have anything they want — whatever gets them going.
      “Think of Euro 2016 when I went to Nice and bought 200 fans Jägerbombs.”
      Tyson also wants to meet skipper Harry Kane and the Three Lions players for a pep talk to spur them on in a potential quarter final against France or Poland.
      He said: “I would tell them forget about what you’re thinking, just go and f***ing win.”
      And his message to them before tomorrow’s Senegal game would be: “You’ve done all the hard work to get into this position so just go out there and enjoy the game.”
      Grinning Tyson also pledged to stay “indefinitely” if England win.
      Singer Chesney Hawkes also visited The Sun yesterday after England dubbed him their lucky mascot following his half-time performance during their Group B win over Wales.
      Tyson duetted with Chesney at our HQ and said of our plan to fly the singer back to Qatar to play his hit The One and Only: “Fantastic stuff. Get him back out there. He can take me.”
      Despite his planned boozy antics at the World Cup, Tyson has revealed he will stay sober for Christmas, saying: “I’m going to try and stay away from the alcohol and eat sensible and eat clean.
      “It’s only a four week period. If I can get through that then January we will be here and back to work.
      “I intend to just stay on the straight and narrow and spend time with the family.”
      I would tell them forget about what you’re thinking, just go and f***ing win.Tyson Fury
      Tyson claimed to be retired after beating Dillian Whyte in April.
      But he returns to fight Chisora — who he has beaten twice before — at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London.
      Tyson admitted: “I was very bored. It was a short retirement.
      “Paris wanted me out of the house. She’s happy I’m back.”
      But he says he will retire in a year and will become a used-car salesman in Morecambe Bay, Lancs, where he owns a £1.7million house.
      Tyson, married for 14 years, wasn’t able to spend his anniversary with Paris as he was training.
      He said: “I sent her flowers but you have to make sacrifices for success. There are no secrets to getting it to work.
      “From my side just say ‘yes’. A happy wife is a happy life.”
      On his ring return, he added: “My real reason is I need to keep myself well in my mind.
      Tyson with Harry Kane and Gareth Southgate cut-outsCredit: Simon Jones
      Tyson poses at The Sun HQCredit: Simon Jones
      Tyson will fight Derek Chisora tonight at the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: Getty
      “When you come across someone in their early or mid-20s who is fighting because they need to get off the streets and it’s do or die, then you have a problem.
      “There’s nothing that I can achieve, I’ve won every belt there is to win.
      “I’ve not got any thoughts. I’ve fought for a lot of things in my life.
      “I suppose fighting for sanity is every bit as good as fighting for all that s**t.”
      Revving up for his big fight, he remembered his epic 2015 battle with Ukraine’s Wladimir Klitschko, saying: “Klitschko said to me while I was on stage, ‘You really want my belts, you really want my belts’.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I said, ‘Do I f*** want your belts? I want to smash your teeth in. That’s what I want. I just want to beat you up.”

      Watch Fury v Chisora tonight on BT Sport Box Office from 6pm (£26.95) or listen on talkSPORT.

      FAVOURITE post-fight cheat meal?
      Fish fingers, chips and beans.
      Very simple, I’ve even ordered it in five-star restaurants.
      Dinner with three guests dead or alive?
      Jesus Christ, Tom Jones and Elvis Presley!
      Which of the England squad would you most want to go on a night out with?
      Jordan Pickford. He seems like a laugh to go on a drink with.
      Drink of choice?
      Anything cold and wet!
      Last song you listened to?
      Chesney Hawkes singing!
      If you could time travel where would you go?
      This is a very complex topic. I used to always be obsessed with time.
      I always thought whoever controlled the element of time could control the world.
      When asked what superpower I wanted as a kid I always said I’d want the ability to control time.
      However I’ve learnt to be very comfortable living in today’s world.
      I wouldn’t want to go back or forward.
      I’m very happy living as who I am today. So I’d stay put.
      Raid any celebrity’s wardrobe?
      Michael Jackson hands down.
      Ultimate walk-on track?
      One of my happy songs is Biggie Smalls’ Juicy because the lyrics go ‘it was all a dream.’
      For me it was all a dream that is now a reality.
      Role model outside of boxing?
      God.
      Fondest memory as a Manchester United fan?
      Winning the treble in 1999.
      I think that is the highlight of any Manchester United fan’s life.
      Top five fighters in the world, excluding yourself?
      They’re all pretty good.
      Anyone who gets in the boxing ring, I’ll leave it to the fans to decide.
      How would you describe the feeling of being punched by Tyson Fury?
      To the normal person on the street it would probably feel like getting run over by a Landrover Defender but to a boxer it’s no biggie.
      We get punched in the face daily in training camp. Big hits. More

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      in Soccer

      England fans can buy hallowed turf where Geoff Hurst scored controversial second goal in 1966 World Cup

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      ENGLAND fans can buy the hallowed turf where Geoff Hurst scored his controversial second goal in 1966 — in a sign football’s coming mown.A piece where the goal line was is in the back garden of a house that’s come on the market.
      Football fans may want to snap up this house which has gone up for sale – because it has the famous goal line from the 1966 World Cup final in its back gardenCredit: Solent News
      The strip of grass is the most precious piece of turf in English football historyCredit: Solent News
      The goal proved crucial in the 4-2 win and England’s only World Cup triumphCredit: AP
      Three Lions supporters now hope Chesney Hawkes is not the current team’s One And Only lucky charm, after the singer’s half-time rendition of his 1991 chart-topper helped inspire them to Tuesday’s 3-0 win over Wales.
      The strip of grass, the most precious in English football history, has been the subject of decades of debate since hat-trick hero Hurst’s shot famously hit the crossbar then came crashing down.
      German players protested it didn’t cross the line, but the goal was given and proved crucial in the 4-2 win and England’s only World Cup triumph.
      For over 50 years, that Wembley goal line’s turf has secretly been part of the lawn at the detached five-bedroom home in Potters Bar, Herts.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP 2022
      Now, with the latest World Cup in Qatar under way, the property has been listed on the market — although it is expected to fetch at least £1.25million.
      Its current owner said the children in his family have even used it as their own goal line while playing footie.
      It was laid there after then-owner and TV director Bob Gardam had a kickabout at Wembley with colleagues in 1969.
      Mr Gardam, director of London Weekend Television’s Big Match show, was told by groundsman George Stanton that the pitch was due to be re-turfed for the first time since England’s historic win three years earlier.
      Most read in Football
      The grass was in a terrible state due to that year’s Horse of the Year Show and Mr Stanton told Mr Gardam he could take home Hurst’s goal line.
      Mr Gardam drove his car through the Wembley tunnel onto the pitch to load his car with the turf after digging it up.
      He then laid it in his garden in the shape of a ‘V’ for victory.
      He remained at the house with his family until 1982, when it was sold.
      Mr Gardam, a father of six, died aged 81 in 2013 but his grandson Steve Walter, 32, yesterday spoke about his exploits.
      Mr Walter, a media consultant of Stewkley, Bucks, said: “Grandad was not actually a massive football fan. He loved sport and more than anything I think he did it for a bit of a giggle.
      “But he absolutely knew the significance of it and wanted to preserve it for generations.”
      The house was sold to a father with a young family. The dad passed away two years ago and now his 46-year-old son, who has asked not to be identified, is selling the house.
      He said: “We were told about it when we bought the house and we thought it was pretty special.
      “It was a secret that we had to keep and we’ve kept it a secret for years.
      “To us, it’s just been part of the garden. We’ve all played football on it.
      Read More on The Sun
      “It was pretty much a goal line for us playing football, even though it was a V. We used one of the lines of the V.”
      The property is being sold by estate agent Strike at a guide price of £1.25million to £1.5million. More