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      in Soccer

      Inside the football clubs making sure EVERY child can play as Harry Maguire and Phil Foden back our grassroots scheme

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      AFTER years of desperately wanting to be picked first for the football team, Eddie finally found somewhere that let him play every match.The nine-year-old, who is affected by autism and skull birth defect craniosynostosis, has found confidence with a group of friends.
      Ashford United’s under-11 disability team offers a way into football for youngsters and transforms their lives for the betterCredit: Louis Wood
      And it’s all thanks to Ashford United –– one of the football clubs that The Sun wants to benefit from our Footie For All campaign to help grassroots sport.
      Eddie’s grandmother, Linda Burrows, credits the Kent club’s under-11 disability team, run by Dan Ambler, with giving her grandson new confidence.
      She said: “When Eddie first went along he was hiding behind his mum, but now he is straight out of the car and playing with the other kids.
      “It’s amazing what it has done for his confidence. He believes in himself now.
      “He’s always smiling when he’s playing — even if he doesn’t always get a chance to touch the ball.
      “It’s really nice seeing Eddie do ­normal things that he wasn’t comfortable doing just a few months ago.
      “Dan and the team have made a world of difference. Eddie was never going to be able to play in a traditional team, but this club has made sure he doesn’t miss out.”
      Figures show the cost-of-living crisis is forcing kids away from football, with 94 per cent of grassroots clubs voicing concern about the impact of soaring prices on their membership, according to the charity Sported.
      Most read in Football
      Clubs across the country have told The Sun how parents are struggling to afford to keep their children playing sports as the cost of everyday essentials continues to spiral.
      England stars John Stones, ­Raheem Sterling, Jarrod Bowen and Eric Dier, who all started out in local football, have already lent their support to our campaign.
      Ashford United ace Dan, 37, set up the disability team when he realised his autistic son Jack could not keep up when playing alongside mainstream kids.
      He said: “I saw him being left out, and I wanted to do something about it. I thought other parents might see their children in the same position so I asked around — and within a few days I had 17 other parents whose kids wanted to play.
      “It’s been amazing seeing the kids coming out of their shells. They’ve formed close friendships and the confidence they’ve developed is incredible.
      “Eddie went from being very shy to doing the “worm” celebration in front of everyone at our last match.
      “It’s incredible. It doesn’t matter if you have the skills of Ronaldo or can’t kick a ball — all are welcome.”
      Kids who play on one of the two Ashford under-11 teams have a mix of disabilities, from neurodivergent conditions to physical disabilities such as a missing limb.
      Ashford Town United has been heavily involved in keeping the team going and it provides a lot of ­support to Dan, a podiatrist by day, to get everything right.
      But he has to raise around £800 to keep things afloat, on top of the £25-a-month payment from parents.
      Thanks to huge interest, he is opening up three new teams for this season, bringing the total to six, all of which will need sponsorship.Dan added: “I never turn anyone away.
      “They are welcome whatever disability they have, and I don’t want that to change.
      “It’s going to be quite a challenge, but I’m always up for it and we are used to overcoming difficulties. Hopefully, we’ll make it all work.”
      Today, England footballers Harry Maguire and Phil Foden back our campaign to keep kids playing.
      Two teams also reveal how they are dedicated to making sure all children have access to the sport amid the cost-of-living crisis.
      Phil Foden
      Premier League winner Phil Foden started out with Reddish VulcansCredit: PROVIDED
      Phil Foden now stars for Manchester City and EnglandCredit: Getty
      GRASSROOTS football is where it began for all of us. Whether you play in the Premier League, for your country or on your local park, we all started out playing for our grassroot teams.
      For those of us lucky enough, it goes on to become our jobs. But the grassroots game is for everyone, and it’s important that we continue to support it so that boys and girls across the country can benefit from everything it has to offer.
      For me, playing for my local team gave me the chance to make new friends and learn new skills.
      I loved football then as much as I love football now.
      Knowing you could go and train with your mates during the week and play at the weekend was such an important part of growing up.
      It brings happiness for so many people across the country and it’s so important nothing gets in the way of everyone having that opportunity.
      Harry Maguire
      World Cup ace Harry Maguire began his career with Brunsmeer AthleticCredit: PROVIDED
      He has gone onto play for Sheffield United, Hull City, Leicester City and Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      I SPENT my childhood with a football at my feet whenever I had the chance.
      My first memory is having a kickabout with my brother.
      Playing in youth teams for Brunsmeer Athletic, then later Barnsley and ­Sheffield United, gave me a chance to make football into a career, not just a ­passion.
      Kids these days should have that same option, no matter what else is going on around them.
      There is nothing better than playing with a team, winning and learning how to lose.
      It also gives them an outlet and a chance to learn discipline, teamwork and friendship with people they might otherwise not have met.
      I loved my time in grassroots football. Those memories never leave you.
      Beacons FC, Kidbrooke, South East London
      Beacons FC are trying to help make football more afforable for parents and have launched a boots swap schemeCredit: Olivia West
      BEACONS FC has recently launched a boot swap shop to help families keep their kids in footie ­footwear without breaking the bank.
      Club secretary Adam Gillham said: “They are a necessary item parents have to shell out for each season but they can be so ­expensive – especially when kids outgrow them so quickly.
      “At the swap shop, they can donate a pair of boots their child has outgrown and swap them for a pair that fits. Anything we can do to help them save a few quid helps.”
      The club started in Kidbrooke, South East London, in 2001, and now fields eight teams of boys aged seven to 17.
      To play for the season, each player pays a one-off £50 registration fee and £245 in subs which parents are able to pay off in monthly instalments.
      Praising the Sun’s Footie For All drive, Adam said: “We are well aware of the impact of the cost of living on our players’ families in the past year, so any campaign like this will certainly help the grass- roots game.
      “We deliberately kept the fees as low as we could this season, for that reason.
      “We have not increased them since before the pandemic because we know times are hard for so many families – even though we have seen our own costs going up year on year. Football should be for all – not just for those who can afford it.
      “As a club, we do everything we can to help mums and dads who may be struggling financially.
      “If a parent comes to us and says they cannot afford the subs any longer, then of course we would not stop their child playing.
      “Each child deserves a chance to play football – no matter their ability or background. It’s the people’s game.
      “I would like to see more money filter down from the Premier League to real grassroots football – youth football in parks and recreation grounds around the UK – where it is truly needed.”
      Blackburn Eagles FC, Lancs
      Blackburn Eagles vow never to turn away anybody despite parent money strugglesCredit: BLACKBURN EAGLES
      BLACKBURN Eagles has seen more kids struggling to afford to play – but it never turns anyone away.
      The Lancashire academy’s vice chairman Chris Hughes says prices haven’t been raised in around eight years, in a bid to maintain access for all children.
      Kids as young as two take part in the Little Eagles under-six mini-kicker sessions, which cost £15 a month for weekly training.
      As the kids progress through to teams, parents pay £25 a month for a one-weekend game, and £30 a month if kids play Saturdays and Sundays every weekend.
      The club’s team keeps on growing and now has 650 players on its books, making it the biggest in the area.
      Chris, 39, said: “We don’t turn anyone away. We just take on more children, create new groups, create new training sessions and create new teams.”
      The Eagles has a hardship fund to help out families who start to struggle with the costs of subs and kits.
      The club has also recently taken teams out of the Junior Premier League due to the cost of the regular four-hour round trips to play against other teams across the North West.
      Chris said: “There have been conversations about the cost of living and cost of petrol.
      “Stuff is getting expensive, so we’ve brought some of our teams back a little bit more local to help with that.”
      To give even more kids the opportunity to play, Blackburn Eagles is currently looking to link up with local schools and charities to potentially start providing free after-school sessions in poorer communities and deprived areas.
      And Chris believes every child should have the opportunity to play football, due to its benefits for physical and mental wellbeing.
      He added: “It gives kids a good focus and we find that football can be a ­massive part of certain children’s lives.
      Read More on The Sun
      “That might be the one thing they’ll look forward to all week, and sometimes it gets them out of situations where they don’t want to be at home all the time.”

      The Sun’s Footie For All campaign aims to support families through the cost of living crisis More

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      in Soccer

      Seven signs Erling Haaland is football’s wackiest star – from awkward workouts with ‘world’s sexiest athlete’ to £2k PJs

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      HE’S the unstoppable goal machine who’s often compared to The Terminator.But in real life, Erling Haaland is far from a robot, with a quirky, larger-than-life personality that has frequently left fans in stitches.
      Erling Haaland is easily one of football’s wackiest starsCredit: INSTAGRAM/ERLING HAALAND
      Not only does the Manchester City striker, 22, have 35 goals to his name this season, but he also has a bizarre ‘cannibal’ diet and an astonishing wardrobe of luxury pyjamas.
      Mix that in with hilarious interviews, questionable ‘dark art’ tactics during matches and some very awkward run-ins with influencer supermodels and you have the makings of a truly once-in-a-generation striker.
      Here, we reveal seven ways City’s target man has made his mark – on and off the pitch.
      ‘Dark arts’ tactics
      Haaland is considered among the world’s greatest footballers – as highlighted when he became the Premier League’s highest goal-scorer with five games to go.
      READ MORE FEATURES
      But it seems he’s not always gentlemanly about his tactics, which have amused some fans and left others slamming his “childish mind games”.
      The striker reportedly yelled ‘hit me in my balls’ before this free kickCredit: Twitter
      Haaland appeared to mock Everton’s Ben Godfrey in one matchCredit: BBC
      Earlier this month, the star was branded a “madman” after making a rather unusual shout to his opponent.
      During his team’s 3-0 victory against West Ham, viewers were stunned as he appeared to yell “hit me in my balls” while standing in the wall for a free kick.
      “This man is a different bread I swear,” declared another tweeter.
      Most read in Football
      While another said: “Just when I thought I couldn’t love Haaland anymore…”
      Last year, he also appeared to mock Everton defender Ben Godfrey by pulling a funny face in a video which quickly went viral.
      He was attempting to mimic the player’s complaints to the referee and fans found it hilarious.
      One wrote: “Football is so much better when players have a personality, these were at it all game and made for a great watch.”
      Haaland was accused of ‘farting’ on players during a match against Bayern MunichCredit: Tiktok
      In another bizarre moment, Haaland was accused of having “no respect” by Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka after apparently farting throughout their Champion’s League clash.
      Hilarious footage emerged of the defender, 28, pinching his nose while his rival grinned broadly.
      Later, Goretzka told international newspapers that Haaland “farted every time we approached him”.
      The revelation, which fans joked could explain his whopping score sheet, led some to rebrand the star “Erling Fartland”.
      One amusingly quipped: “Extra propulsion for additional speed.”
      Squad banter
      Haaland’s reputation for being a jokester led to him being cast in a Sky Sports video, where he explained what he was doing while his Man City teammates were at the World Cup.
      In the video, he was seen driving a lawn mower, dressing up like the club’s mascot and pretending to talk with teammates’ football shirts.
      Haaland released an amusing video about what he did to keep occupied while Man City’s England players were at the World CupCredit: instagram.com/skysports
      He even dressed up in the Man City mascot’s headCredit: instagram.com/skysports
      He said: “I have been working hard while the guys are away. Sometimes it’s a bit boring but time is flying.
      “I do miss all the banter, I’m not going to deny… celebrating goals alone it’s not the same.”
      In another video back in March, Haaland and Jack Grealish handed out an Oscar-style award to the team’s “biggest fraud”.
      They announced the gong would go to Ruben Dias and the England ace said he was “in the gym four times a day” but they “never see anything”.
      Haaland added: “Yeah, I mean, he’s all the time in the gym and the results… where is the results?!”
      Odd diet
      In his doc, Haaland revealed he ate hearts and liversCredit: Haaland: The Big Decision.
      Haaland’s complicated water filtration systemCredit: Haaland: The Big Decision.
      Haaland’s stomach issues may come as no surprise considering his, erm, unique diet.
      The star has revealed he eats huge chunks of freshly-butchered heart and liver, which he says maintains his peak performance on the pitch.
      His unusual intake led him to be compared to the fictional cannibal Hannibal Lecter, originally seen in the film Silence Of The Lambs.
      In the 2022 documentary Haaland: The Big Decision, he said: “You (referring to other people) don’t eat this but I am concerned with taking care of my body.
      “I think eating quality food that is as local as possible is the most important.”
      Haaland consumes a whopping 6,000 calories a day – more the double the recommended amount for men – and often requests cheese and ham omelettes from Man City chefs.
      His odd consumption habits don’t stop there as it was also revealed he only drinks water from a complicated filter system that has multiple tubes and cords.
      He starts the day by getting “some sunlight in my eyes”, which he said was “good for cardiac rhythm”, before having his pimped-up H2O.
      “I have also started to filtrate my water a bit. I think it can have great benefits for my body,” Haaland said. 
      The star, who regularly takes ice baths, drinks the fluid from glasses that filter out blue light and claims it helps to improve his sleep. 
      Quirky posts
      Haaland’s quirky personality extends to his social media accounts too.
      In an April Instagram post, he revealed he drinks a “magic potion” – aka goats milk – and share some snaps of him at a farm.
      The striker claimed a ‘magic potion’ – goats milk – was behind his high score tallyCredit: instagram.com/erling.haaland
      The footballer also has shared a number of snaps of himself in animated scenes, including one showing him as a Viking.
      In one post depicting him with a zombified face, he wished fans “HAPPY HAALANDWEEN!!”.
      On another occasion in March, the star shared a touching post to mark International Women’s Day – but it didn’t go exactly to plan.
      He posted a word search but referred to it as a “crossword puzzle”, leading to mockery from fans.
      One wrote: “What makes it even better is that isn’t a crossword puzzle.”
      Another, making light of the situation, quipped: “Babe, are you feeling okay? You didn’t even finish your Official Erling Haaland International Women’s Day Crossword puzzle…”
      Hilarious interviews
      Haaland gave ‘hilarious’ responses to one interviewer earlier on in his careerCredit: YouTube
      In comparison to most media-trained footballers, Haaland’s post-match interviews are a breath of fresh air.
      Back in 2019, he revealed that he sleeps with up to five footballs in his bed and branded them his “girlfriends”.
      Haaland told Dagbladet: “They lie in bed and I sleep well with them… I look at them every day. The best thing is to score goals.”
      “In Salzburg, I have five,” he added. “They are my girlfriends.”
      And it seems the tradition has continued since joining Man City, as part of a £51.2million five-year deal in 2022.
      When quizzed about the odd antics in February, he replied: “It’s true. I love when I score a hat-trick to just feel the ball a bit more.”
      But when he’s not talking about his ‘girlfriends’, unlucky reporters can occasionally draw the short straw with some very awkward responses.
      In September 2019, after netting three goals to help his side Red Bull Salzburg win against Belgian team Genk, his very half-hearted post-match interview left fans praising his “dry wit”.
      The reporter asked: “You made history scoring your first-half hat-trick, how are you feeling right now?
      Haaland replied, “I feel good”, before being pushed to elaborate.
      He added: “You asked how I feel. I answered.”
      Next Haaland was quizzed about his “secret” behind scoring 17 goals in just nine games, only for him to give the answer: “To work hard.”
      The exasperated reporter then asked: “You go to Liverpool in two weeks’ time. Your father [Alfe-Inge Haaland] scored at Anfield in 1997, are you hoping to follow suit?”
      The star said: “I hope so.”
      Sometimes with Haaland, it appears the less said, the better!
      Pyjama obsession 
      Haaland splashes out on pyjamas worth up to £2,400Credit: Social Media
      He even wears them to high-end restaurants and teammates ‘giggle’ at his dress sense
      Footballers are renowned for their expensive tastes in clothing – but the Man City ace appears to have focused on a very specific type of outfit.
      It seems that Haaland has a penchant for expensive pyjamas as he’s got a wardrobe full of pieces costing up to £2,450 a set.
      In April, he was snapped in red, white and black Dolce & Gabbana PJs that cost £1,000 while flying to the Monaco Grand Prix.
      Haaland’s also dined out in his nightwear too – including at high-end Manchester restaurant Rosso, when he wore a powder blue silk shirt that cost £1,100.
      Last December, he shared a snap of himself in £2,450 Dolce & Gabbana pyjamas while wishing fans a Happy Christmas.
      The footballer’s teammates reportedly “have a giggle” at his odd dress sense.
      One source told the Daily Mail: “He has so much money but look what he wears!”
      Haaland also got a bit of flack for a GQ photoshoot in January when he let down his flowing blond locks.
      Racy workouts
      Haaland recorded a workout video with fitness guru Pamela ReifCredit: YouTube
      Borussia Dortmund hired the ‘world’s sexiest athlete’ Alica Schmidt to train its playersCredit: instagram.com/alicasmd
      Keeping in peak physical condition is a must for any sportsperson, yet it seemed Borussia Dortmund took an unorthodox approach to fitness while Haaland was there.
      In 2021, they hired Olympic hopeful Alica Schmidt, who was branded the “Sexiest Athlete in the World” by Australian magazine Busted Coverage.
      After spotting photos of the 24-year-old stunner, one fan quipped: “That’s why players stay in Dortmund.”
      Another described it as “the greatest strategy of any club to keep their best players” and a third added: “I bet this is why Haaland didn’t wanna leave.”
      A year later, Haaland recorded an exercise video with fitness guru Pamela Reif, who has nine million followers, to help Dortmund fans exercise at home.
      And the pair appeared to hit it off during their nine-minute video, especially when the football found some stretches too hard to complete.
      Read More on The Sun
      After the hilarious and awkward video was posted, one fan wrote: “I like Dortmund’s strategy of keeping Haaland at the club.”
      Sadly for supporters of the German football team, Haaland left the club later that year to join Man City. More

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      in Soccer

      Peter Crouch and Abbey Clancy’s sauciest bedroom confessions – post-Strictly sex marathon to racy role play & emoji code

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      THEY’VE never been shy, retiring types – but Peter Crouch and Abbey Clancy have been extremely candid about their sex life. Since starting their Therapy Crouch podcast this year Abbey, 37, and Peter, 42, have become even more open about what they get up to in the bedroom. 
      Peter Crouch and Abbey Clancy have never shied away from PDAsCredit: Instagram
      The couple have been extremely candid about their sex life on podcast The Therapy CrouchCredit: Instagram
      Peter was once asked what he’d be if not a footballer and famously quipped: “A virgin”.
      And now the couple’s recent revelation over Peter’s use of sexy emojis left some fans in hysterics. 
      It’s not the only saucy confession they’ve made in their 18-year relationship.
      From role play to Strictly sex marathons, we reveal the Crouches’ sauciest ever sex stories.
      READ MORE ON ABBEY CLANCY
      ‘Freak in the bed’ 
      On their podcast Pete joked he had never scored until he met Abbey in a Liverpool nightclub in 2005.
      He had netted two goals in a match against Wigan the night they met – and referred to Abbey as his “hat trick”.
      But model Abbey insisted she made him wait for nookie because she isn’t a “complete ho” – but described her bedroom style as “Lady on the street, freak in bed”.
      Peter joked back while referring to Ludacris’s song Nasty Girl: “Clean in the workplace, dirty in the sheets.”
      Most read in Football
      Nordic and naughty
      Abbey admitted she’s a ‘freak in the bed’Credit: Instagram
      Abbey confessed she’d love to dress Peter as a sexy Viking to spice things up after watching a show about the Nordic pillagers. 
      She said: “I would love you to get jealous. The only time you got jealous was when I was watching that Viking thing. 
      “There’s this show, The Vikings and they are all unreal. Vikings is a thing.”
      She added: “When I watched that show. They’re just cool. Even the girls are as hard as nails. But hot as anything.”
      Peter protested he would look more like Rodney Trotter – getting Vikings confused with Gladiators. 
      He joked to his wife: “You started going to me, ‘Why don’t you be like a Viking?’
      “Have you seen Only Fools And Horses, have you seen when Rodney dresses up as a Gladiator? 
      Emoji code 
      Glamourous Abbey told how she has to “trick” Pete into keeping his hands off herCredit: Instagram
      Abbey branded Peter “vile” for the emoji code he sends her when he’s in the mood. 
      The couple – who have four children together, two boys and two girls called Sophia, Liberty, Jack and Johnny – say they get frisky when the kids are at school. 
      But Abbey claims Peter ruins the mood with his grotesque texts. 
      She said: “I just don’t know how long I can go on with these sexual emojis that you keep sending me.
      “If the kids go to school and he hears me like, put the key in the door, I’m in and no one’s in the house, I just get a beaver and an aubergine emoji text. 
      “I’m not even gonna say the last one but you can imagine what it is.” 
      Peter confirmed: “There’s three emojis.” 
      Abbey described the third emoji: “I’ve got a bit of hydration in there. How vile is that? Am I supposed to go, ‘Oh yeah, now I’m bang up for it’.”
      She added: “Do you think you’re going to get lucky with those messages?”
      Crouch replied: “I’m just letting you know, I’m just putting my cards on the table.”
      Post Strictly sex marathon
      Abbey put Peter on a sex ban while she competed on StrictlyCredit: PA:Press Association
      While competing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2013, Abbey placed Peter on a football-style sex ban. 
      But after 13 weeks in the wilderness, Abbey went on to win the series – which was no doubt a relief to Peter who then played for Stoke City. 
      Abbey told the Daily Star: “Let’s just say Peter is looking forward to having me back. 
      “He just kissed me and twirled me around when I won. I need to spend some quality time with him.”
      Pussy galore
      Abbey revealed she had to buy an XXL bed to accommodate 6ft 7 PeterCredit: BBC
      Abbey has told how the only thing that can put her off sex with Pete is having their beloved pet cat in the room. 
      Peter said the cats had become a bone of contention – especially when he could hear them doing their business in their litter boxes. 
      He said: “So you know whatever happens in our bedroom, you know if I’m relaxing, in the bath, sleeping… There might be the odd occasion where you know things may progress…”
      Peter continued: “Well it always seems to be like when you’re doing any of those things, I hear the rustling of stones.”
      Abbey replied: “I would never have sex in front of our cat. Let’s just put that out there.”
      Peter then added: “Honestly, every time you hear the rustling of stones and you just think to yourself, cat’s having a s***.”
      Quality not quantity
      Abbey says Peter is lucky to get sex once every two weeksCredit: Instagram
      Abbey revealed how with four kids the duo are “lucky” to get down to business once every fortnight. 
      The pair laughed after a listener claimed his sex life had dwindled to only once every two weeks. 
      The fan wrote in: “Naturally as the years have gone by things have started to slow down a bit. This has gotten worse over the past six months and we are lucky if we get it on once every couple of weeks.”
      Abbey responded: “That sounds bloody fine. I think he’s lucky, him.” 
      Peter chipped in: “Peter, 42, from Surrey is that.”
      Abbey continued: “I think he should grow up, once every two weeks, what’s he complaining about?”
      Hair dryer treatment
      Abbey revealed she uses a trick to confuse her frisky husband while drying her hair.
      She said Peter used to always try it on while she used the hairdryer in the nude so she banned him from the bedroom. 
      But after he ignored the ban she devised a double knotting system for her dressing gown to slow him down. 
      She said: “It drives me insane. I’ve come up with a new tactic with the dressing gown.
      “Instead of tying the belt at the front, I tie it at the back. It’s like ‘how do I untie this thing?’ It works a treat.”
      Asked by Peter why she would not want him admiring her, she replied: “I do.”
      Playing footsy
      Abbey once revealed how she had to get a custom bed made to accommodate Peter’s 6ft 7 frame.
      Read More on The Sun
      As a young couple, they made the purchase after Pete’s feet stuck out the end of a regular sized bed which usually measures 6ft 5. 
      She told This Morning in 2008: “It’ll be the first time Pete’s feet are not going to stick out the end.” More

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      in Boxing

      Ultimate boxing rich list including star worth $400m thanks to a strip club and Brit paid $76m for one fight alone

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      BOXING pros might take a few knocks in the ring but there’s one area in their life which never takes a blow – their finances. With some commanding a $76million pay packet for just one bout, boxing can be a lucrative profession. 
      Retiree Floyd Mayweather Jr. has made a mint from his Las Vegas strip clubCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Anthony Joshua has become one of the highest paid Brit boxers of all timeCredit: Getty
      And that’s not factoring in the countless sponsorship and endorsement deals each fighter can snag outside the ring. 
      From seven-figure streaming deals to strip clubs and documentaries, we reveal the deals behind top earners’ estimated net worths. 
      Deontay Wilder, $30m
      Deontay Wilder made $20million for defeating Luiz Ortiz in a 2020 rematchCredit: AP:Associated Press
      As one of the top heavyweights in the world, Wilder’s purses are in the millions. 
      He was paid $28million for his Tyson Fury rematch, and $20million for his Luiz Ortiz rematch in 2020.
      READ MORE BOXING
      But the boxer is no stranger to an endorsement deal – it is thought he had made $500,000 from brand work.
      He’s put his name to Everlast Boxing, fast food restaurant Raising Cane’s and PureKana CBD. 
      Gennady Golovkin, $35m 
      Gennady Golovkin could be in for earning megabucks after a $100m streaming dealCredit: Getty
      The Kazakh star may not be a big personality but he’s certainly unleashed his earning potential. 
      Last year, Golovkin was thought to pocket $20million from his bout with Mexican fighter Canelo Alvarez. 
      Most read in Boxing
      And he could rival Alvarez’s earning potential too – he signed a three-year six-fight agreement for $100million with streaming site DAZN. 
      He has also had sponsorship deals with Nike, Hublot watches and Tecate beer during his career.

      Amir Khan, $40m 
      Bolton’s Amir Khan isn’t afraid to show off his $40m fortune on reality TVCredit: AFP
      The catchweight was handed a two-year ban for unintentionally doping but is in no danger of going broke. 
      Khan reckons he’s made over $80million over the course of his boxing career. 
      But in his reality show Meet the Khans, his wife Faryal Makhdoom took control of his finances after Khan admitted he had “no idea” where $6.25million of his own cash had gone. 
      He and his wife have been building a luxury wedding venue in his hometown Bolton. 
      Oleksandr Usyk, $56m 
      Ukranian Usyk has made over £1million of his fortune from endorsement dealsCredit: EPA
      Before his two fights with Anthony Joshua in the last two years, the Ukrainian had only received two purses over £1million. 
      Without the two Joshua fights, Usyk’s career earnings would be around an estimated £6million but the profile boost has landed him in good stead.
      The low key fighter’s endorsement deals are thought to be worth around $1.2million with clothing maker Jaxet, BoxRaw and WePlay Esports.
      Wladimir Klitschko, $90m
      Klitschko could bolster his fortune with a promised upcoming bout against Tyson FuryCredit: Rex Features
      For Klitschko’s last two fights he earned a staggering $36million in total, sweetening his defeats against Fury and Joshua. 
      Although he retired in 2017, he earned an estimated pre-tax $200million during the entirety of his boxing career. 
      Hunky Klitschko – who once dated actress Hayden Panettiere – also earned a fair whack from sponsorship deals with Hugo Boss, gym McFit and Mercedes Benz. 
      Last year, he joined the Ukrainian Territorial Defence Brigade in the war against Russia but has been plotting a return to the ring to fight Fury. 
      Canelo Alvarez, $180m  
      Canelo is on a path to become one of the richest sportsmenCredit: Reuters
      The Mexican super middleweight signed a $365million fight contract with Oscar De La Hoya’s promotion company and DAZN. 
      The deal has set Canelo on a path to become one of the richest sportsmen. 
      Between June 2018 and June 2019, Canelo earned $95million from his fights and deals, according to Marca.
      He’s sponsored by Mexican beer company Tecate, cognac Hennessy and Cleto Reyes boxing gloves. 
      Tyson Fury, $162m 
      Tyson Fury has earned his millions both in and out of the ring with a Netflix series and book dealsCredit: Reuters
      The Gypsy King signed a $99million contract for five fights from ESPN in 2021. 
      Fury picked up $27.5million for his third fight with Deontay Wilder, $31million against Dillian Whyte and $26million in his most recent clash with Derek Chisora. 
      And the Morecambe-based boxer’s cheeky personality leaves him in demand for personal appearances too. 
      He was paid $15million for a single appearance at WWE’s Crown Jewel pay-per-view in Saudi Arabia where he wrestled Braun Strowman. 
      His Netflix 10-part docuseries and his four autobiographies will no doubt have paid a pretty penny too. 
      Anthony Joshua, $211m 
      Anthony Joshua’s endorsement deal with Under Armour has put the sports brand on the mapCredit: @anthonyjoshua
      The Watford-born powerhouse reportedly earned a staggering $76million for his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk last year.
      Recently he left Sky Sports to sign an exclusive contract with DAZN that will see him rake in another $125million in exchange for two fights every 12 months until he retires.
      But outside the ring Joshua is expected to have raked in at least $122million through coveted sponsorship deals.  
      Sports clothing Under Armour, Hugo Boss, Land Rover and Jaguar are all worth millions to Joshua and saw him earn a total of $11million in 2021.
      Manny Pacquiao, $220m 
      Manny Pacquiao was the second richest athlete in the world in 2015Credit: AFP – Getty
      During his career, Pac-man has earned at least $500million from fights and endorsements including a $35million from a fight against Miguel Cotto.
      In 2015, Forbes named the Filipino the second richest athlete in the world. 
      He retired from his fighting career in 2021 and has since had cameos in mainly Filipino movies.
      He also served as a senator in the Philippine government from 2016 to 2022 and was a presidential candidate in the 2022 elections.
      But he’s put his good fortune to use too – in 2015 he built 1,000 homes for the poor in the Philippines. 
      Floyd Mayweather Jr, $450m 
      Floyd Mayweather Jr. has been plotting a return to the ring against mafia grandson John Gotti IIICredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The exhibition fighter has made his millions through his pay-per-view bouts – with him featuring in four of the most watched fights. 
      He’s also invested in some savvy business ideas in his downtime. 
      He runs his own promotions company who represent 12 boxers and will take a cut from their earnings.
      Read More on The Sun
      Watch company Hublot, Burger King and gambling company Fanduel all reportedly have paid Mayweather to be the face of their brands.
      He also owns Vegas strip club Girl Collection which has takings of up to $250,000 on fight nights.  More

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      in Soccer

      How Erling Haaland went from lanky teen to goal machine thanks to cow’s heart diet and very strict rule

      by

      ERLING Haaland was once a “little guy” with a buzz cut who couldn’t score for the first team of his home town side in Norway.Now the 6ft 4in Manchester City striker is football’s most deadly predator, breaking the Premier League goal-scoring record with seven games to spare.
      Ering Haaland is football’s most deadly predator and has broken the Premier League goal-scoring recordCredit: Getty
      With his long blonde locks lapping his shoulders, he fired home against Arsenal on Wednesday to notch up 33 Prem strikes.
      In all, he’s scored 49 times on his debut season in England.
      On Twitter, former Five Live presenter Peter Allen branded City “a petrodollar powered juggernaut driven by a Nordic goal monster easily beating everyone”.
      But even those who aren’t fans can admire the work that has gone into his transformation from a lanky teen to Viking marauder.
      Read More on ERLING Haaland
      Here, Grant Rollings looks at how the 22-year-old became a goal-scoring machine.
      Calorie-controlled killer
      It is hard to believe now but as a baby Erling was a small, thin boy.
      Over the years he has worked hard to bulk up his 6ft 4in tall frame.
      Haaland shows off his milk smoothies with kaleCredit: https://www.instagram.com/erling.haaland/
      He eats his dad’s home-made lasagne before every home game, wolfs down cow’s heart and liver and drinks milk laced with kale, which he calls “my magic potion”, to maintain a 6,000-calorie-a-day diet.
      Most read in Football
      Erling also pays for his own chef, who cooks up a Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired lunch of boiled fish and vegetables.
      The young player’s development was undermined by growth spurts which meant he suffered injuries.
      To prevent them, he installed a £50,000 walk-in cryotherapy chamber in house in Cheshire and takes regular ice baths.
      He spends hours in the gym every day honing his six-pack, earning him the nickname The Terminator.
      It has paid off because defenders bounce off the powerful player when they try to bring him down.
      It has paid off because defenders bounce off the powerful player when they try to bring him down.
      Man City manager Pep Guardiola called the Norwegian a “machine”.
      Nearly two million rival fans signed a petition calling for Erling to be deported because he’s a “robot.”
      Not a Jack the Lad
      ERLING is very different from City’s most expensive-ever signing, £100million England forward Jack Grealish.
      While Jack is often seen out on the town with his pals and girlfriend, the Norwegian keeps a low profile with his 19-year-old girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen.
      Erling Haaland was born in West YorkshireCredit: Instagram
      It was during a trip back home to Scandinavia around two years ago that he fell for Isabel, who, like him, had been part of the Bryne FK team’s football academy.
      Erling is not one for partying or boasting about his exploits, preferring to do his talking on the pitch.
      Ex-coach Alf Ingve Berntsen said: “In our part of the country we used to have a lot of farmers. People had to work very hard and not speak too much.
      “So it’s in our genetics. It’s better to do the work than to talk a lot. So Erling is a typical person from our region.”
      The player, though, thinks he’s been able to adapt to the laddish Premier League.
      He said: “My father spent ten years in England so he kind of brought me up to have a bit of English banter.”
      Since moving to Manchester last summer, though, pals back in Norway have apparently seen less of their golden boy.
      Bryne player Robert Undheim says: “We see little of him. I think he has cut out a lot of people he knows and is halfway friends with.
      “But he has a very good team around him that is easy to relate to. That makes a lot of sense, I think.”
      Self-belief in his DNA
      Even though Erling was incredibly quick and skilful, few people in his home town thought he’d go on to be a superstar – apart from the player himself.
      This week classmate Robert Undheim, who was replaced when a 15-year-old Erling made his debut for Bryne football club in 2016, revealed: “In high school he said he was going to be the best in the world in football.
      Proud Erling as a kid with his mum, dad, brother and sisterCredit: INSTAGRAM/Gabrielle Braut Haaland
      “People made fun of him. But he meant it. One hundred per cent.”
      His former coach Alfe Ingve Berntsen said: “Erling was the best when he was a little guy, but we didn’t think when I began to coach him when he was seven that he would become top scorer in the Champions League.”
      Erling never scored in his 16 first team games for Bryne.
      But his pace attracted the attention of Manchester United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer when he was manager of Norwegian side Molde.
      He saw his potential and signed him as a 16-year-old, teaching the youngster how to head the ball.
      He then joined Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg in 2019.
      A year later he moved to Borussia Dortmund in Germany, before joining Man City last summer.
      Football farm
      THE striker isn’t the first top flight player off the Haaland production line.
      He was born in West Yorkshire when his dad, Alfie, was playing for Leeds United in England’s top division.
      His dad Alfie played for Leeds United in England’s top divisionCredit: alfiehaaland/Instagram
      Athleticism and mental toughness are in Erling’s DNA.
      Alfie was brave enough to get into an on-field feud with Manchester United hardman Roy Keane, while his mum Gry Marita Braut was a Norwegian heptathlon champ.
      At the age of three, Erling moved to Bryne in Norway, where generations of the Haaland family are from. It is a farming community, and in the summer Erling has been known to help out his maternal great-uncle, former Norway international Gabriel Hoyland, with his pigs and potatoes.
      He regularly returns to see his older brother Astor and sister Gabrielle, while his dad has helped to manage his career.
      Erling’s relentless drive to improve came from a desire to be better than his footballer dad, who also played for Man City.
      Explaining his motivation, he said: “When I was young it was getting better than my father and getting as good as I can.
      “Now there is something inside me that just thinks about football all the time, about what I can do better.”
      Money-making machine
      THE world’s most in-form striker has enough star quality for big brands to pay big bucks so they can be linked to him.
      He has a £20million deal with Nike, earned a reported £2million from Samsung and was paid around £1million by luxury watch firm Breitling.
      Haaland owns a £300,000 Rolls-Royce CullinanCredit: Cavendish
      He has spent some of that money on a string of luxury cars, including a £300,000 Rolls-Royce Cullinan and a £120,000 Carbon Black Audi RS 6.
      He also flies on private jets and splashes out on good food, reportedly adding a £25,000 tip to a £400,000 bill at a restaurant in Greece.
      City pay him a reported £385,000 a week, with some suggestions that bonuses are worth another couple of hundred grand.
      Bryne, a coastal town of just 12,000 people, is cashing in on the association with their most famous citizen.
      There is talk of building an Erling Haaland museum to attract tourists who already visit to see the mural and statue of the striker and to buy shirts from the club shop.
      Local businessman Inge Brigt Aarbakke said: “Imagine a place where people can come and look at the shirts he has used in the different clubs, not least the match balls he has scored his hat tricks with.
      “I’m convinced that families on holiday would want to visit Bryne. The children would want to see where Erling grew up.”
      Getting some shut-eye
      THE athlete is dedicated to the trend of following the body’s natural sleep pattern – known as the circadian cycle.
      He revealed: “The first thing I do in the morning is to get some sunlight in my eyes. It is good for circadian rhythm.”
      The striker taking a nap with a match ballCredit: Instagram / @erling.haaland
      Erling won’t touch his smart phone or any other electronic device two hours before bed time and at night he filters out blue light from digital screens with special spectacles.
      He said: “I see this as key to improving performance by even just a few percentages. It’s a matter of mentality.”
      The striker is so wrapped up in the Champions League that his morning alarm plays the competition’s anthem.
      It is having the right effect because Erling is the top scorer this season with a dozen goals so far.
      Read More on The Sun
      He knows that City’s United Arab Emirates billionaire owner Sheikh Mansour is paying him a fortune to win the most coveted silverware in club football.
      Erling said: “The club want to win the Champions League. They didn’t bring me in to win the Premier League because they already know how to win it.” More

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      in Soccer

      We live INSIDE famous entrance to Luton Town stadium – footballs smash our windows but there are surprising perks

      by

      STROLLING along Oak Road in Luton, the row of Victorian red brick terraced houses feel just like any other street.But halfway down the road, homes have effectively been cut in half to make way for two entrances to the town’s football ground, Kenilworth Road.
      The entrance to Luton Town FC’s ground, Kenilworth Road, is cut into a row of terraced housesCredit: JOHN McLELLAN
      Abdul Ali lives right next to the entrance for home fans at the groundCredit: JOHN McLELLAN
      Home to Luton Town FC – which is on the cusp of entering the Premier League next season – the ground was built in 1905 and is one of the most unique in the football league.
      Visiting fans climb bright blue metal staircases perched above resident’s gardens to access the away stand, while patios from adjacent houses back onto the stadium.
      Currently third in the Championship, Luton Town stands a strong chance of making it to the play-offs for promotion.
      If successful, the club will be handed an estimated £10million bill to upgrade its long-standing ground.

      For locals who live on the street, the thought of the team moving to a new ground throws up mixed feelings.
      Abdul Ali’s family home is metres away from the entrance and backs onto the ground.

      “I’ve lived here my whole life,” he tells The Sun. “Until about seven years ago it was really easy to see into the stadium.
      “We used to have footballs smashing our window every so often when they accidentally got kicked out when teams tried to score.
      Most read in Football
      The stand entrance has been cut into a row of Victorian terrace housesCredit: JOHN McLELLAN
      Stairs lead up to the Oak Stand, running above residents’ gardensCredit: Getty
      “It was kind of annoying at the time, it used to drive my dad mad.
      “We complained and complained and the club finally put up netting and some corrugated iron to stop it.
      “It means that my view of the pitch is gone unless I jump up and down on my bed. Then I can see a little bit of the grass, but not enough to watch the game.”
      On match days, Abdul says there is always a sea of police on the street – which, he adds, comes with an unusual perk.
      We used to have footballs smashing our window every so often when they accidentally got kicked out when teams tried to score… it drove my dad madAbdul Ali, Oak Road resident
      “I went out during Sunday’s game to get some food and then police escorted me back to my house,” he says.
      “It’s kind of cool being escorted home.”
      One of the unique entrances on Oak Road provides access to The Bobbers’ Club – part of the Luton Town football ground for 89 years.
      On leaving the street – where house prices cost an average of £222,500 – fans are led down a small alleyway before they clamber the iron stairs to a terrace leading onto the Oak Stand.
      Stray balls
      Anu’s garden is directly next to the stairs leading the seats for away fansCredit: JOHN McLELLAN
      Rear gardens back onto the stadiumCredit: JOHN McLELLAN
      Mum-of-four Anu’s garden runs beneath the terrace, and she tells us stray footballs often end up landing in it.
      “They’ve only ever asked for the ball back once,” she admits. “We’ve kept the others.”
      Anu, 52, says local families in the area used to get complimentary passes to matches from the club, but that’s not happened since Covid.
      “We used to get a family ticket to go in the summer which was nice,” she says.
      “We’d go and see a match against one of the smaller teams. It was good to get in the ground.
      “My son’s bedroom in the attic enables him to see a bit of the ground so he can sometimes see the games.”
      My son’s bedroom in the attic enables him to see a bit of the ground so he can sometimes see the gamesAnu, local mum-of-four
      Anu’s neighbour LeeLee says she loves the buzz of match days, adding: “It makes me feel alive. I love it.
      “It keeps things interesting around here. I rarely have any problems with the fans.”
      Sadly Anu doesn’t share her enthusiasm.
      She claims she’s fed up of hooligans chucking rubbish from the steps into her garden as they come and go.
      “Last week my house was egged by fans, they leave cans and bottles in front of my house,” she tells us.
      “They spray alcohol on to mine and my neighbour’s windows and drop litter from the stairs as they go into the stands.”
      ‘I’ll never leave’
      Residents say some fans can be disruptive and cause problems on game daysCredit: Getty
      Many families living on Oak Road have grown up in the area and are lifelong fans of the club.
      Joumna’s childhood home backed on to the stadium and she’s since moved into her own property across the road.
      The 49-year-old admits she’s noticed fan behaviour has changed over the years, adding: “I remember as a child we didn’t have as many problems.
      “Now, whichever team loses, the fans are shouting and swearing. It’s a shame.”
      She adds: “The stadium is alright with me. I was born on this road and I’ll probably never leave.
      “It was fine when I lived overlooking it. We never had any issues.”
      Driven to despair
      Resident Amanpreet is fed up of having to move her car to accommodate match goersCredit: JOHN McLELLAN
      Residents are required to move their cars on match daysCredit: JOHN McLELLAN
      But there is one issue that drives all residents up the wall – parking.
      Everyone who keeps a car on the street – a permit for which costs £60 a year – has to move it off Oak Road on game days or it will be seized.
      “Parking is such a problem around here,” resident Amanpreet, 34, tells us.
      “The stadium is a problem now because it attracts so many people. We have to move our car on match days but finding a space can be hard.”
      Fellow resident Malik, a 37-year-old customer services worker, shares her frustration.
      He claims he wouldn’t have bought a house if he’d realised how disruptive the road closures would be.
      Malik says he wouldn’t have bought a house on the road if he’d realised how disruptive the road closures would beCredit: JOHN McLELLAN
      “I’m not happy because I pay to park my car on this road and I have to move it regularly,” he says.
      “If the game is at 5pm we have to move the car at around 10am. It’s really difficult with two young kids – it’s frustrating.”
      Another local, Khuram, 38, adds: “The parking issue is a struggle.
      “I have two young kids and walking them several streets over to the car on match days between fans is stressful.
      Read More on The Sun
      “There are lots of police on match days which is good, but we often have to show that we live here to get through at the end of the road.
      “The only time I have an issue with the stadium is match days because it’s disruptive.”
      Luton Town are on the cusp of moving up into the Premier League, which would mean all changeCredit: GOOGLE EARTH More

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      in Motorsport

      How Fernando Alonso became ultimate Formula One playboy as supermodel-loving star fuels rumours of Taylor Swift romance

      by

      FERNANDO Alonso lives life in the fast lane – on and off the track.The Formula One ace, 41, is back to his best this season racing for Aston Martin, and his love life must be keeping him busy when he’s not chasing podium finishes.
      Fernando Alonso is one of F1’s biggest starsCredit: Instagram
      The star has been a legend of the sport for two decades and has raised eyebrows with his cheeky antics. Pictured, with model Michelle Marsh at Silverstone in 2005Credit: EPA
      Fans were sent into a frenzy last week when Spanish magazines began linking Alonso to newly-single pop star Taylor Swift.
      The two-time world champion fuelled the flames last night when he posted a video of himself winking as he listened to one of the 33-year-old’s hit songs, Karma.
      It came just weeks after Alonso announced his split from long-term partner Andrea Schlager, explaining in a statement: “We have been lucky enough to share a fantastic time together, and it will continue to be so, but on a different form of affection.”
      Here, we steer a path through the flamboyant star’s long relationship history, from supermodels to a romance with one of his Formula One rival’s pals.
      Read More in F1
      The rockstar wife
      Alonso and Raquel Del Rosario married secretly in 2006Credit: Reuters
      The singer performed in the Spanish rock band El Sueno de MorfeoCredit: Eyevine
      Alonso and singer Raquel Del Rosario – who was lead singer for Spanish rock band El Sueno de Morfeo – met in 2005 after she performed at a concert to mark his first F1 title.
      He told her on-stage in front of thousands of adoring fans that he was “single and romantic” – and it clearly did the trick.
      Spending their time living first in Oxford and then Switzerland, they married secretly in 2006 but only confirmed it publically two years later.
      In 2011, however, the couple confirmed their break-up in a jointed statement, saying: “This has been a very thought about and mutual decision.
      Most read in Motorsport
      “We are separating from marriage, but never as friends, and there is still a very strong affection and mutual admiration to ensure the happiness of the other.”

      The banker
      Alonso moved on with former Miss Switzerland runner-up Xenia TchoumitchevaCredit: BackGrid
      After his split from Raquel, Alonso quickly moved on with former Miss Switzerland runner-up Xenia Tchoumitcheva.
      The talented Russian model, who has a degree in economics, has had an even more colourful career than her ex.
      After bagging an internship at JP Morgan, she was offered roles at Merrill Lynch and Duet Group, but decided to swap the stock market for the pop charts – releasing a rap single.
      A JP Morgan worker told the Mail that Xenia ‘brightened up the office’ when she worked there, but sadly it wasn’t to be. Neither was her romance with Alonso, which ended in late 2011.
      The model
      His next relationship was with Russian model Dasha KapustinaCredit: Alpha Press
      The following year, Alonso found another Russian model, stepping out at the German Grand Prix with Dasha Kapustina.
      The besotted pair were snapped on a holiday in Majorca as they relaxed on board a private yacht and were frequently seen together around the paddock.
      In 2013, Alonso whisked Dasha off to Las Vegas ahead of the British Grand Prix, taking selfies along the strip and even enjoying a David Copperfield show.
      After two years together, though, their romance quietly fizzled out.
      The journalist
      Alonso was engaged to Lara Alvarez but the relationship didn’t lastCredit: Reuters
      Alonso quickly fell head over heels after meeting journalist Lara Alvarez in December 2014.
      The star popped the question to his fellow Spaniard, who was previously linked to Real Madrid footballer Sergio Ramos.
      But by 2016, the 16-month relationship had come to a sad end, as pictures emerged of Lara stepping out without her silver ring.
      A source told a Barcelona-based newspaper that there was no bad blood between them, citing “the distance and demands of their jobs” as the reason behind the split.
      The rival romance
      Viki Odintcova was linked with Alonso in 2016Credit: INSTAGRAM
      She previously told how she ignored Cristiano Ronaldo’s DMsCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Alonso’s next flame, Viki Odintcova, has no shortage of admirers in the sports world – even claiming she ignored Instagram DMs from Cristiano Ronaldo.
      She said: “That happened… He (Ronaldo) even wrote to me. It was a long time ago. He wrote, ‘Hi, how are you?’
      “I deleted the message and didn’t reply.”
      The Russian model was rumoured to be dating Alonso in April 2016, but he would have risked the ire of her “most famous” pal.
      Viki previously told Russian TV: “The most famous person in my phonebook is Lewis Hamilton. The last time he messaged me was November 15, to congratulate me on my birthday.
      “I go to his races occasionally, the last time was in Sochi (at the Russian Grand Prix). We’ve been friends for three years. When I met him, I could barely speak English, I could only understand it.”
      The lingerie star
      Linda Morselli stuck by Alonso after his horror car accident in 2021Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Italian lingerie model Linda Morselli has a truly racy relationship history, having previously dated MotoGP rider and nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi.
      After being snapped supporting Alonso at races in 2016, the pair confirmed their relationship with an Instagram post the following year.
      Linda – who was once crowned Miss Elegance at the Miss Italy beauty pageant – was there for her partner in 2021 when he was hit by a car on a roundabout while cycling in Switzerland.
      Alonso, who was training on a £5,500 road racer ahead of his return to F1 after a two-year absence, was rushed to a nearby hospital for X-rays and underwent surgery on his jaw.
      After half a decade together, the couple went their separate ways last year.
      The newest ex
      Alonso and Andrea Schlager announced they had broken up earlier this monthCredit: Instagram
      He met the journalist while she was working in the paddockCredit: Instagram / @andrea.m.schlager
      Alonso’s latest relationship was with Andrea Schlager, a sports commentator known for her work in F1 and MotoGP.
      The pair first met in the paddock while she was working as a sports presenter for ServusTV, dropping a series of cryptic clues on social media before going official.
      Just hours after Alonso secured a podium finish at the Australian Grand Prix earlier this month, he released an Instagram statement announcing their break-up.
      In a statement, he wrote: “We wanted to tell you that our relationship as a couple ended. 
      “We have been lucky enough to share a fantastic time together, and it will continue to be so, but on a different form of affection.
      “As you have probably seen, we have continued working on and off track on various projects together also during this time, and we will keep doing so with deep love and respect for each other.
      “We thought it is appropriate to share this as you have all been very supportive. Thanks for that. Love Fer & Andrea.”
      Alonso’s cheeky video this week sent Taylor Swift fans into meltdown, with one TikTok user commenting: “Oh my god Taylor X Fernando confirmed????”

      If the superstar is spotted in the paddock at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend, they will truly go into overdrive. More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney’s £10m Wrexham spending spree – stadium overhaul to Paul Mullin’s staggering wages

      by

      WHEN it comes to football club owners, Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are in a league of their own.The pair are the toast of Wales after Wrexham FC won a long-awaited promotion back into the football league with a 3-1 victory over Boreham Wood on Saturday.
      Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds celebrate with the Vanarama National League trophy over the weekendCredit: Getty
      It marked the latest chapter of a fairy-tale story after Deadpool star Ryan and Rob, both 46, bought the ailing non-league club back in 2020.
      Just a decade ago, Wrexham were on the brink of bankruptcy, but in the space of a few years its superstar owners have now invested over £10million, as documented in the Disney+ documentary Welcome to Wrexham.
      From a bold plan to buy back the stadium to busting the wage bills and buying 365 gin and tonics for locals, turning around Wrexham’s fortunes hasn’t come cheap for the pair.
      But while they have had to write off millions of pounds in the quest for promotion, Wrexham’s newfound popularity around the world – and the hefty pay check from Disney – has meant they’re not totally in the red.
      Read More on Wrexham
      Stadium overhaul
      Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground was bought back by the clubCredit: AP
      Rob and Ryan unveiled plans for extensive redevelopments of the stadiumCredit: WNS
      After snapping up Wrexham FC for £2million, Rob and Ryan’s first big mission was to buy back the famous Racecourse Ground stadium.
      Previously, it was owned by Wrexham Glyndwr University, who bought it in 2011 as the club battled a financial crisis.
      Wrexham’s latest accounts to the end of June 2022 show that £3.67million was paid to repurchase the freehold of the stadium, according to the Mail on Sunday.
      Rob and Ryan – who have a combined net worth of over £400million – then announced plans to develop the Racecourse’s Kop stand for an estimated cost of around £80-90 million.
      Most read in Football
      When finished, the state of the art new stand will house 5,500 fans, while also boasting impressive hospitality and office facilities.
      The pitch has had its fair share of problems over recent yearsCredit: gemmathomasphotography/Wrexham AFC
      Rob and Ryan aren’t just focused on Wrexham’s men’s team, with the duo intent on making their women’s team the best in Wales.
      They previously said: “The commitment of the club’s owners in their mission statement was clear, in that their ambition was to grow all areas of Wrexham AFC, not just the first team.”
      They pledged to make the women’s team fully semi-professional, should they win promotion this season – a feat they achieved earlier this month.
      It’s Always Sunny star Rob tweeted: “ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE. CONGRATULATIONS @WrexhamAFCWomen!!!!!!”

      But the investment isn’t always quite so rewarding. In the documentary, Rob is seen baulking at the cost of installing a new £100,000 pitch at the start of the 2021/2022 season.
      But after learning the surface is defective, the owners are then forced to spend £200,000 to returf it yet again.
      Player power
      The players celebrate after securing promotion with a 3-1 victory over Boreham WoodCredit: AFP
      Paul Mullin is paid a reported £4,500-a-week salaryCredit: Getty
      Key to Wrexham’s title bid has been their squad of expensively assembled stars, who are expected to have the highest wage bill in Non-League history.
      Star striker Paul Mullinshad set a new goalscoring record for League Two before his move to Wales and it took a hefty sum to convince him to drop down the divisions.
      While the average Non-League player is said to earn between £1,000 and £1,500 a week, Mullin – who has scored 38 league goals this season – signed a deal worth £4,500 per week in 2021.
      Close behind him are Ben Tozer and Aaron Hayden, from Cheltenham Town and Carlisle United respectively, who are on an estimated £3,000 per week.
      Since taking over, Ryan and Rob have largely snapped up players at the end of their contract and the only transfer fee they have paid is the £375,000 sum for Ollie Palmer.
      Perhaps the biggest name in the current squad is former Premier League goalkeeper Ben Foster, who was convinced to come out of retirement on a short-term deal.
      “’I don’t need much (money) – to be honest,” Foster said. “The negotiations took about five minutes. Wages wise, it’s literally peanuts… the part for me is getting the team over the line and getting them promoted.”
      The club’s total wage bill for the 2021/22 season was revealed in the show to be around £2.3million – around the cost of an average League Two team’s.
      It is likely this season will surpass Salford City’s £2.68million bill in 2018/19, which remains the Non-League record.
      But the payday doesn’t stop there for the Wrexham FC players. Executive director Humphrey Ker previously revealed they would receive £250,000 each if they finished top of the National League.
      Kind gestures
      The town has been won over by the Hollywood pair’s generosityCredit: Getty
      Aside from ploughing millions of gratefully-received pounds into the club, Rob and Ryan have won over the community with a series of more personal investments.
      To celebrate one year as owners, the duo paid for 365 gin and tonics at The Turf Hotel near the stadium.
      Explaining the gesture, they wrote: “Just a quick note to thank each and every one of you on our 1-year anniversary with the club.
      “The love and adoration for Wrexham FC – it’s unlike anything we’ve ever seen. That’s why we’ve put up 365 Aviation Gin and Tonics behind the bar. Have one on us.”
      Whenever their fans have been in need, they have been quick to open their wallets.
      Weeks after they bought the club, Wrexham supporter Aiden Stott, who has cerebral palsy, set up a campaign to try and raise £6,000 towards buying a new bath and mechanical hoist.
      After Rob donated the life-changing donation in full, Aiden said: “I am absolutely amazed, I just can’t believe it.
      “I thought that friends would share it and support me, but I never thought that someone famous would donate. It’s brilliant and I’m just in shock.”
      When Kayleigh Burton set up a GoFundMe page to help kit out her son’s futsal team, Ryan donated £1,600 to kit out FC United of Wrexham.
      Kayleigh and her boy, Keegen, had been through a difficult year after the death of his father, Adam.
      Upon receiving the donation, she said: “I’m lost for words, and over the moon. Thank you Ryan for putting a smile on the team’s face, if thank you is even enough.
      “Keegen is Wrexham’s number one fan. His dad would be made up for him and bursting with pride.”
      It’s not just the fans, either. Rob and Ryan have been there for their players through thick and thin.
      In December 2021, midfielder Jordan Davies went through the most difficult of tragedies, when he and his partner Kelsey lost baby boy Arthur to a stillbirth.
      Following their loss, Jordan and Kelsey sought to raise money for stillbirth and neonatal death charity Sands UK by setting up a funding page.
      Rob and Ryan, together with partners Kaitlin Olson and Blake Lively, donated £10,000 towards the cause.
      Money makers
      Welcome to Wrexham has been a huge hit on Disney+Credit: Disney
      Last season, Ryan and Rob’s ambitious investments meant that the club made an overall loss of £2.9million – but it could pay off in the long run.
      That same season, the club’s income soared by 304 per cent to £6million as the Hollywood fairy-tale sparked interest around the world.
      Season ticket sales have also gone through the roof. In 2019 Wrexham sold just 2,609, but for this season, that figure has more than doubled to 6,820.
      Being in League Two next season will also significantly offset that pricey wage bill.
      Just for competing in the division alone, the club will receive £1.1million from the EFL, while Sky Sports will pay between £10,000 to £20,000 for showing any game on TV.
      And, of course, being the subject of a hugely popular Disney documentary doesn’t hurt either.
      Read More on The Sun
      The streaming giant has made a £430,000 profit on each episode of Welcome to Wrexham since it debuted last year, according to The Mirror.
      However little Ryan and Rob may know about football, it’s clear they know how to make a hit. More