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    I wanted to quit football to be a FARMER after Barcelona transfer turned into a nightmare

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    BARCELONA ace Vitor Roque considered quitting football at the age of 19 and becoming a farmer due to the pressures he encountered at the Nou Camp.Barca signed Roque, 19, from Athletico Paranaense in January for an initial £30million fee but struggled to impress in Catalonia and that led to a loan move to Real Betis.Barcelona ace Vitor Roque considered early retirement due to the pressures at the Nou CampCredit: GettyRoque considered quitting football and moving back to his farm in BrazilCredit: GettyThe striker only managed a mere two goals in 16 appearances with the Blaugrana and played second fiddle to star man Robert Lewandowski.The Brazil international has claimed the fee Barcelona paid, plus his whopping €500m (£414m) release clause, led to some significant pressure and anxiety.So much so, that Roque even considered early retirement to find peace in his farm in Brazil.However, the talented forward found a way to regroup and is impressing at Betis with five goals and one assist in 19 appearances.Read More on FootballRoque told ESPN: “Yes. I thought I want to go to the farm there [in Brazil] and be calm, without anyone worrying me, because sometimes it’s difficult… a lot of pressure. “But it’s just about moving forward, having mental strength, continuing to work with great humility and things turning out well. “Little by little, I am regaining my complete happiness and confidence, too.”I already had a lot of anxiety about making things work out. I think what created the pressure was the price they paid for me, which was a very expensive investment in recent years. Most read in Football”I wasn’t completely ready to resolve the situation or to help the team in the way I wanted, I would have liked to. “I would have to have time to adapt, have time to get used to the players, and the club, and it didn’t turn out the way I liked. Man City manager Pep Guardiola sings song for Barcelona’s 125th birthday”And it serves as a learning experience for the next season.” More

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      in Motorsport

      F1 star brilliantly called out by Jeremy Clarkson show for spending 40 minutes reversing a trailer on TV star’s farm

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      OSCAR PIASTRI fell victim to Jeremy Clarkson’s sharp wit after the Aussie F1 star spent 40 MINUTES attempting to reverse-park a trailer.Piastri struggled to grapple with farming machinery during a surprise trip to Clarkson’s farm ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 24.Jeremy Clarkson took the mickey out of Oscar Piastri after the F1 star took 40 minutes to reverse a trailerPiastri currently sits fourth in the F1 standings – but struggled to drive a tractorThe 23-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough year with McLarenPiastri, 23, has excelled for McLaren this season, sitting fourth in the driver standings after winning in Hungary and Azerbaijan, along with five more podium finishes.But he looked like a mere amateur when he got behind the wheel of a tractor in footage he posted on social media on Tuesday.The F1 ace tried and failed to reverse-park a long trailer into a large barn at Diddly Squat’s farm – and Clarkson had a field day while he looked on.The former Top Gear host began: “Behind me in that tractor – if you can see it there – is Oscar.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”We wanted to see if he could reverse that trailer into that slot in the barn.”Clarkson, 64, then turns to ask his pal and Amazon Prime co-star Kaleb Cooper how long Piastri has been trying to pull off the move.Cooper responded: “It’s been 40 minutes now. I thought you told me he was a driver”, as Clarkson burst into laughter.Clarkson joked “Your tractor is going to run out of diesel”, before yelling: “Come on, Oscar!”Most read in MotorsportPiastri had Jeremy Clarkson and his Clarkson’s Farm co-star Kaleb Cooper (centre) in stitches as he tried and failed to reverse-park a trailer in a barnFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Even in the reverse shot (on the phone he’s using to record the clip) I can see he’s c***ed it up.”Piastri saw the funny side of it all, captioning his posts to Instagram and X with the words: “Not sure Piastri’s farm will be happening any time soon.”F1 star Valtteri Bottas completes Ironman triathlon in his own back garden just days after being axed by SauberIn the end, Clarkson and his pals admitted reversing a trailer of that kind was tricky.But Piastri’s own mum even got in on the act of teasing her son. She commented: “Clarkson’s Farm is grandad’s favourite show Osc. He will be so excited to watch this episode.”We just won’t tell him about your trailer-backing skills – or lack thereof.”Clarkson landed himself in hot water with sections of the F1 community earlier this week.It came after he labelled Lewis Hamilton “past his prime” while citing Max Verstappen as possibly the sport’s greatest-ever driver.Clarkson joked that the tractor would run out of fuel before Piastri managed to complete the manoeuvre on his farmHe wrote in his Sun column: “First of all, Verstappen is one of the all-time greats. He may even be the greatest driver we’ve ever seen. “And second, Hamilton is past his prime. He blamed his car for his tail-end qualifying session but his team-mate, George Russell, was on the front row.”Piastri is under intense pressure to perform over the remaining three races of the season as McLaren target the drivers’ and constructors’ titles.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis team-mate Lando Norris currently sits 62 points behind Verstappen in the drivers’ standings, with McLaren top the constructors’ table on 593 points.But Ferrari, who have 557 points and Red Bull’s 544 points mean the constructor’s championship is still up for grabs.Clarkson’s co-host Kaleb Cooper also poked fun at PiastriPiastri’s used to racing F1 cars worth millions More

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      in Soccer

      Jose Mourinho’s daughter Matilde to marry partner Danny Graham in lavish ceremony hosted at Special One’s £2million farm

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      TORRENTIAL rain looks set to put a dampener on Jose Mourinho’s daughter’s wedding in Portugal tomorrow.Matilde Mourinho and her fiancee Danny Graham are set to tie the knot tomorrow at a family farm in Azeitao near the Fenerbahce football manager’s native city of Setubal with 300 guests expected to attend.Matilde Mourinho is set to marry Danny GrahamShe is the daughter of Jose MourinhoCredit: GettyThe manager is thrilled at the prospect of becoming a grandfatherCredit: Rex Features300 guests are expected at the weddingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/matildefmf/The 28-year-old stunning jewellery designer admitted ahead of the ceremony she was hoping for good weather, saying: “Obviously, I don’t want it to rain.”But her wish for her big day looks set to come unhinged 24 hours before she says: ‘I do.’Weathermen are predicting heavy rain and possibly thunderstorms for tomorrow.A yellow weather warning is currently in place for Setubal and the surrounding area.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOn the positive side the sun is expected to shine on the happy couple for the post-ceremony second day of their weekend celebrations at a country estate in Azeitao called the Herdade do Peru.London-based Matilde, who has been dating her partner since 2016, spoke about her hope the rain would stay away on podcast ‘By Annabelle.’She added: “I am so happy at the idea of having all my friends and family together to celebrate in the same place.“It’s non-negotiable that my friends and family are there.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“The day can be as perfect as you dream it can be, but if the people who you would want to share it with are not there, then it’s not worth it.”Tomorrow’s event has been dubbed the wedding of the year by Portuguese press.Jose Mourinho’s daughter Matilde wins award for her jewellery company Mourinho has hinted at getting a tattoo to celebrate having a grandchild when the time comesThe couple have been dating since 2016Credit: https://www.instagram.com/matildefmf/The guest list has not been released for the weddingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/matildefmf/As well as the official ceremony at the Mourinho family’s POUNDS two million home in Azeitao and Sunday’s post-wedding get-together at Herdade do Peru, a pre-wedding dinner for around 80 guests has also been organised for tonight at the pretty town’s Jose Mario da Fonseca Museum House.An official guest list has not been revealed ahead of the wedding.Graham is not to be confused with former Swansea City star Danny Graham.Matilde’s partner is a director and co-founder of a property consultancy company called “Agace and Graham”.She has also found her own success away from football despite the fame of her father.She graduated with a Master’s degree from Condé Nast College of Fashion and Design in 2021.Portuguese TV station CMTV reported earlier this month the Mourinho home in Azeitao is one of several properties he is said to own in Portugal.It had undergone major refurbishments ahead of the wedding so the ceremony could be staged there.The former Manchester United and Chelsea manager has previously spoken about becoming a grandparent.He admitted that he would add to his trophy tattoos with one to celebrate the birth of a grandchild.He said: “This one I promised everyone.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The idea was to get a unique tattoo that only I could have: the three European cups won.”The next one I might get if my son or daughter had a baby girl or boy; it would be a special gift, and a tattoo could be a nice way to celebrate it.”Matilde Mourinho – Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/matildefmf/Credit: https://www.instagram.com/matildefmf/ More

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      in Boxing

      I’m nicknamed ‘farm boy’ for very specific reason… but now I’m set to make my professional boxing debut

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      BOXING star Edward Hardy balances haymakers and hay bales.The 22-year-old competes in his first professional bout against Engel Gomez tonight in Sheffield.Edward Hardy launches his pro career in Sheffield tonightCredit: BBCThe boxer works as a farmer when he is not in the ringCredit: BBCThe two-time amateur national champion reckons his work on the farm makes him a better boxerCredit: BBCHe has been nicknamed ‘The Farm Boy’Credit: BBCHardy trains at Sheffield’s Steel City GymCredit: BBCYorkshire-born Hardy has risen through the amateur ranks and is a two-time national champion.And the secret to the fighter’s success is his work on the family farm.The super bantamweight is a fourth generation farmer and has been nicknamed “The Farm Boy” – even having the slogan written on his shorts.His barn doubles up as a gym and a place to keep all his machinery, with Hardy confident that he punches above his weight due to his efforts on the land.READ MORE IN BOXINGHe told the BBC: “It keeps me fit when I am going round the yard. “I’m working, I’m busy and active so it gives me that physical strength over an opponent who is just training.”But despite launching his pro career, Hardy has no plans to ditch his double life, saying: “I want to be a professional boxer and work my way up to the top, winning many titles.”But I also want to keep farming as well because I enjoy it, it is my passion and I have been brought up with it. Hopefully I can keep it working side-by-side.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHis father James got him into boxing at the age of eight and he calls Ricky Hatton his biggest inspiration.Hardy gets a few hours off his shift every day to head to Sheffield’s Steel City Gym or to use the makeshift one on the farm.Inside Tyson Fury’s Morecambe mansionHe revealed: “We have got a pull-up bar in one of the sheds, a rope dangling from one of the ceilings and a few old tyres to do my strength and conditioning – they weigh a bit.”I’ll be doing a job, pull off for a few sets of pull-ups, then carry on.”Hardy has turned pro after missing out on a place at the Paris Olympics with Team GB.’Are you not entertained? I’m a gladiator’ – What Dubois and Joshua said after brutal fightDANIEL DUBOIS annihilated Anthony Joshua’s dream of becoming a three-time world heavyweight champion, writes Wally Downes Jr.Joshua was floored FOUR times as Dubois landed an astonishing fifth-round knockout in front of a record 96,000 Wembley crowd and millions of TV viewers to retain his IBF belt.AJ, 34, never recovered after being downed in the first round of last night’s Battle of Britain showdown as a huge Dubois right-hand haymaker caught him flush on the chin.Here’s what they said after the fight:DANIEL DUBOIS“Are you not entertained? I’m a gladiator, a warrior to the bitter end. This is the biggest win of my career. I couldn’t let this opportunity go and now I want to go to the top level of this game.“I’ve been on a roller-coaster ride and this is my time. I’m not gonna stop until I reach my full potential.”ANTHONY JOSHUA“As p***ed off as I am, it is what it is.“I had a sharp, fast opponent and there were a lot of mistakes from me. Credit to my opponent and his team.“We rolled the dice and came up short. You know I’m p***ed but I’m going to keep cool and give respect to my opponent.”FRANK WARREN (DUBOIS’ PROMOTER)“It was a phenomenal fight, like  Hagler v Hearns.“A brilliant fight and everybody has seen a champion’s performance tonight.“Daniel has shown his courage, his skills.“AJ caught him with a shot towards the end and I was worried, but what a fabulous, fantastic fight.”EDDIE HEARN (AJ’S PROMOTER)“AJ shipped a huge right hand  in the first round and  was fighting on heart.“He hurt Daniel at the end of the fourth and then again in the fifth, but got greedy and walked on to a right hand and that’s all she wrote.“I’m sure Anthony will exercise the rematch clause.” More

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      in Soccer

      I worked as a farmer until I was 25, now I’m looking to knock Man Utd out of the FA Cup

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      WILL EVANS is the cowboy who aims to shoot down Manchester United.Newport County forward Evans was raised on a 3,000-acre farm high in the Mid-Wales hills, where dad Martin tends to 2,500 head of dairy cattle.
      Newport’s Will Evans was working on his dad’s farm while making his way in footballCredit: Huw Evans
      He is set to face Manchester United in the FA Cup fourth round later this monthCredit: Huw Evans
      The Exiles will be bullish ahead of meeting the Old Trafford giants – nobody more so than Evans, who netted the third goal in their 3-1 third-round replay win over Eastleigh.
      That was his 18th goal of the season and he has more than Red Devils trio Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial COMBINED this term.
      So nobody would blame him for milking it if he scores against Man Utd, especially given his less conventional route into football.
      The late starter sees things differently from the average pro after spending five years in higher education before joining Newport in May 2022.
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      The Cardiff Met University, graduate has a degree in sports coaching and is a qualified teacher.
      After leaving university, Evans, 26, played for Bala Town in the Cymru Premier League and scored twice for Wales C against England, prompting Newport to make their move.
      He said: “While I was playing for Bala, I was working on the farm.
       “It was part-time football so the game had to come second. I’d be up at 4.30am milking cows or out working on a building site on the farm land or working alongside my brothers and my dad. That felt normal.
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      “My background surprises a lot of people in football. When I first told them I was a farmer it got a couple of laughs because people didn’t believe me.”
      And his background has already stumped one Man Utd forward.
      He explained: “We had Charlie McNeill on loan from Manchester United last season and he couldn’t believe what a farmer was, never mind playing alongside one!
      “Hopefully, I’ve got a long time to go as a player. But after that I’d definitely be interested in staying in football in some way.
      “Having been a student at university, now I’m a student of the game.”
      Impress against United, and the farmer’s lad could land a big mooooove.
      Evans has already scored 18 goals so far this seasonCredit: Alamy
      Evans used to wake up at 4.30am to milk the cowsCredit: Huw Evans More

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      in Soccer

      I’m a Premier League star and champion of Europe – but I almost became a FARMER and still train on potato fields

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      FOOTBALLERS tried many different things to keep in shape during the pandemic, but Jarrod Bowen trained on a FARM.Bowen has become a hero at West Ham since he joined the club from Hull City in January 2022.
      Jarrod Bowen trained on a farm during the pandemicCredit: Getty
      He won the Conference League with West HamCredit: Getty
      The forward scored on his first start for the club in a 3-1 win over Southampton.
      Bowen, 27, would have to wait a while for his next as the Covid-19 pandemic put a stop to football across Europe.
      During the break from football, he maintained his fitness by training on a farm.
      Bowen claimed that the ground on a farm has helped him with muscle injuries.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “It’s a bit like running on sand, but a bit thicker.
      “I’ve found it really good for muscle injuries and, because I’ve had weak ankles, to work on them and stabilise them.
      “But also because it is really tough to train on because you feel so slow, when you go running on the grass you feel like you’re a sprinter.
      “It’s been my training method for years with my old man.
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      “He is pretty old school, he doesn’t want me to just go running round a normal field doing football runs, he wants me to run around a potato field with weights in my arms.”
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      Bowen also admitted that after rejection from clubs such as Aston Villa, Tottenham and West Brom he came close to quitting football.
      If he had he would have opted for a career in farming.
      He added: “Maybe in another life I could have been up all night on the farm. The way of life back home is very country-orientated. There’s a lot of farms.
      “There’s a lot of routes you can go…and football isn’t usually a route you go down.
      “I used to go to the farm with grandad. Now it’s my uncle who owns one. I’d like a farm but when I speak to him, it’s too much hassle.
      “The thought of it, ‘oh yeah, I want a farm to do things’, is better than the actual reality.”
      Luckily for West Ham, Bowen did get his break at non-league side Hereford and then Hull City.
      Bowen became one of the top performers in the Championship which saw the Hammers swoop in with a £25million offer.
      Read more on The Sun
      Since joining the East London outfit, Bowen has become one of the star players and scored the winning goal in the Europa Conference League final last season.
      The forward has also earned a call-up to the England team and made his debut against Hungary. More

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      in Motorsport

      I was an F1 world champion but now I make ice cream on my 2,500-acre Hampshire farm

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      A FORMER Formula One world champion is now enjoying huge success running an organic farm that specialises in producing buffalo mozzarella and ice cream.This 73-year-old raced in F1 from 1972 to 1980 and won the Drivers’ Championship in 1979 with Ferrari.
      An ex-Formula One star is now enjoying an impressive new careerCredit: Alamy
      This South African star now runs an organic farm specialising in producing buffalo mozzarella and ice creamCredit: Alamy
      This now 73-year-old won the F1 title for Ferrari back in the 70sCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      He is now enjoying life on the farm in Hampshire, EnglandCredit: Alamy
      And he still holds a place in the history books as the only South African ever to be crowned F1 king.
      He competed for the likes of McLaren, Tyrell and Wolf before ending his career at Ferrari and won ten Grands Prix and enjoyed a total of 33 podium finishes prior to retirement in 1980.
      The icon went on to work for several broadcasters covering the sport but is now setting the pace in a completely different type of way.
      The man in question is Jody Scheckter – the last man to win a championship for Ferrari until the legendary Michael Schumacher ended a 21-year wait in 2000.
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      He originally moved to America following his racing career and started up a firearms company for the police and military.
      Then he decided to relocate to Hampshire in England and bought 500 acres of land.
      Scheckter intended to build a farm to produce organic, healthy food for his family but soon realised too much meat would be going to waste.
      That led to him purchasing the nearby Laverstoke Park Farm, which is spread across 2,500 acres of land, and now it is widely-known across the UK.
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      It annually hosts the CarFest South, a three-day festival that features music and motorcars and other activities to raise cash for BBC Children in Need and other children’s charities and is attended by more than 28,000 people.
      And it is also the base for hit ITV show Sugar Free Farm.
      Scheckter built a charcuterie factory and an abattoir slaughterhouse on it and now makes mozzarella and ice cream.
      He told NS Agriculture: “I have always felt organic is the best way to ensure that – and I still believe that now.
      “We decided to cut down on a lot of our products that were not making money.
      “At one point we had over 120 products in the online supermarket Ocado because we were producing a lot in the abattoir, but it was crazy.
      “So now we’re concentrating on our buffalo mozzarella and ice cream.
      “Pret a Manger has been our biggest customer and, alongside Ocado, we’re now in Waitrose and many restaurants.”
      Scheckter pumped his own money into the farm for over 12 years but eventually realised the business had to stand on its own feet.
      Laverstoke now has around 1,000 ewes, 25 rams and is expected to have over 1,500 lambs after the spring.
      It also has around 23 native Angus cows, an Angus bull and 450 water buffaloes.
      Scheckter added: “Now we are a normal farm and it is now making a profit, because it is running as a farm instead of producing for the factories.
      Read More On The Sun
      “It has taken a massive amount of money over the years. I didn’t want for it to be a failure and if I had closed it 10 years ago, that’s what it would’ve been.
      “But last year was the first year I didn’t put money in and we are making a little profit now.”
      Jody Scheckter’s farm is also the base for hit ITV show Sugar Free FarmCredit: Alamy
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