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    Former Arsenal star now worth £180million thanks to kebab empire signs up Backstreet Boys for huge music festival

    ARSENAL cult hero Lukas Podolski has signed up legendary nineties boyband the Backstreet Boys to headline his new music festival in Germany.The 38-year-old created GLUCKSGEFUHLE Festival alongside Markus Krampe last year.Lukas Podolski has built up a business empireCredit: SplashThe former Arsenal star has now launched a music festivalCredit: Getty Images – GettyPodolski has signed the Backstreet Boys up to performCredit: AP:Associated PressIt quickly became Germany’s largest music festival, with 135,000 people visiting the Hockenheimring in Baden-Wurttemberg.The festival is set to return in September this year and up to 200,000 fans are expected to attend.Those in attendance will be treated to some star-studded performances from the likes of Lost Frequencies and Martin Garrix.The Backstreet Boys, famous for singing 90s hits ‘Everybody’ and ‘I Want It That Way’, have also been booked in for a set on the main stage.Read More on ArsenalGLUCKSGEFUHLE Festival is Podolski’s latest career venture outside of football.The ex-Germany international has built up his own business empire with a chain of kebab restaurants and an ice cream brand.SunSport even went to Cologne to try out the 130-cap German international’s ‘Poldi Sandwich’.The 130-cap Germany star’s business acumen has seen his net worth increase to a reported £177.5million.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPodolski has also launched a sports centre and a football tournament featuring influencers, former players and fans.And he is the founder of the Lukas Podolski Foundation for Sport and Education.Former Arsenal star Lukas Podolski explodes about McDonald’s as he defends prices of his kebab chainThe organisation helps to provide opportunities for socially disadvantaged children.Podolski is still playing football at the age of 38.He currently plays for Polish side Gornik Zabrze.The forward made 93 appearances during his three-year spell with Arsenal between 2012 and 2015.Prior to then he made 106 appearances for Bayern Munich and 181 FC Koln.Podolski’s business empireLUKAS PODOLSKI is worth nearly £180million after building his own business empire.
    The former Arsenal forward’s portfolio includes a chain of kebab shops and an ice cream brand in his native Germany.
    Meanwhile, he has also launched a music festival, sports centre and a football tournament featuring influencers, former players and fans.
    Podolski previously spent three years with the Gunners, winning the FA Cup in 2014.
    Back in Germany, though, the 38-year-old has been building his own business empire.
    He first launched his dessert brand Ice Cream United in 2017, two years after leaving Arsenal.
    The business was founded in the Belgian district of Cologne, the home of Podolski’s first professional club.
    A year later, his first Mangal Doner kebab shop opened in the city and now consists of around 30 branches across Germany. More

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    Man Utd legend Eric Cantona performs at London concert as he continues his international tour

    MANCHESTER United legend Eric Cantona is on song again — this time in concert.The French footie ace, 57, known to United fans as King Eric, continued his international tour at, appropriately, Kings Place, North London.Manchester United legend Eric Cantona seen at a London concertCredit: GettyOn starting his music career, former Manchester United hero Eric Cantona said: ‘Music has always been a part of my life. I’ve always had music playing’Credit: PACantona released first single The Friends We Lost last June after retiring in 1997. On starting his music career, he said: “Music has always been a part of my life. I’ve always had music playing.“Why start today, so many years later? Simply because I lacked the time before”.He finishes his UK leg in Manchester tomorrow.READ MORE ON ERIC CANTONASome fans were recently left confused after seeing the former footie ace performing on the Michael McIntyre show.He was seen in a red cardigan while wearing a hat and glasses.Reacting to the performance on X, formerly known as Twitter, fans appeared rather confused at the sensational showing.One fan said: “Why is Eric Cantona performing on Michael McIntyre’s #BigShow? I have never been more confused!.”Most read in FootballA second said: “WHICH demented BBC Producer thought they were in their right mind putting ERIC CANTONA on stage to si-… To, erm, do whatever that was on stage on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show??”Man Utd legend Eric Cantona finally breaks silence on meaning of bizarre ‘seagulls’ rant after 30-year silence More

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    Gary Neville becomes a DJ as Man Utd legend and Dragon’s Den chief prepares for shock new job

    GARY NEVILLE is set for a shocking career change after being named as a DJ at the Kendal Calling music festival.The Manchester United legend will be performing a set alongside The Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess.
    Gary Neville will be DJing at the Kendal Calling music festivalCredit: Splash
    He will be doing a set with The Charlatans frontman Tim BurgessCredit: Getty

    Neville, 48, has embarked on multiple ventures since retiring from playing, including punditry, opening hotels and most recently appearing on Dragons Den.
    He will now be trying his hand on the decks as he will be performing at Kendal Calling in August.
    Burgess has revealed he can’t wait to perform with Neville.
    He said: “I’m very excited about the prospect of DJing with Gary – he’s got great taste in music.
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    “The last time we shared a stage was when he joined The Charlatans on guitar.
    “Can’t promise we’ll be doing any songs together but there might be an impromptu singalong at some point.”
    The festival will also feature star names such as Paolo Nutini, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and The Streets.
    The dates of the Lake District event have been confirmed for the first weekend of August between the 1st and the 4th.
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    Fans have reacted to the news on social media.
    One posted: “Gary Neville is doing a DJ set, take my money.”
    A second commented: “Gary Neville and Tim Burgess DJ set is the highlight.”
    A third wrote: “Is that a Gary Neville DJ set I can see there?”
    A fourth joked: “If the Gary Neville DJ set is just all his ‘Ooooohhh’s’ set to some house, I will be there.”
    A fifth said: “Gary Neville DJ set? I’m there.”
    Another added: “Never thought we’d see a Gary Neville DJ set at a festival.”
    Neville has previously shown off his musical talent, playing guitar with The Charlatans in front of 150 fans at his Hotel Footballin Manchester in 2015.
    Gary Neville played with The Charlatans in 2015 More

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    Man Utd legend Eric Cantona completes latest career change as he announces release of debut album ahead of sell-out tour

    ERIC CANTONA has rocked the world once again after announcing the release of his debut album – ahead of his sell-out tour.The 57-year-old announced his switch to the world of music in June and his EP ‘I’ll Make My Own Heaven’ is set to be released on October 20th.
    Eric Cantona has announced the release of his debut albumCredit: Splash
    Cantona’s new album ‘I’ll Make My Own Heaven’ will be released on October 20thCredit: Decca Records
    The former Manchester United legend released his first single in JuneCredit: Getty
    It includes songs in English and French called The Friends We Lost, Tu Me Diras, I’ll Make My Own Heaven and Je Veux.
    The Manchester United legend has already faced the music during his playing career for Kung Fu-kicking an opposing fan and criticising France’s national coach.
    But Cantona turned his hand to theatre, movies and painting professionally after hanging up his boots in 1997.
    He has now composed a number of songs and will start his tour later this month.
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    The former forward will embark on a five-date tour in Manchester, London and Dublin.
    Describing his love for music writing, Cantona said: “Writing is a way for me to exist, as only my existence can result in writing this way.
    “Why start today, so many years later? Simply because I had lacked the time before.
    “During lockdown, I finally managed to give the guitar a serious go, and even though I’m still a poor guitarist, I felt confident enough to whip a few songs into shape.
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    “I’ll be starting in Manchester, because it’s a city that has stayed with me so much. For the football of course, but also the general atmosphere.”
    The upcoming tour will not be a one-off as the Man Utd icon hopes a “modest piano and cello” will play with him next year.
    Cantona first made his name with Leeds before joining United for £1million in 1992.
    He went on to win four Premier League titles and two FA Cups during his five turbulent years at Old Trafford. More

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    Harry Kane poses wears lederhosen and poses with stein of beer at Oktoberfest after smashing Bundesliga record

    HARRY KANE got into the spirit of Oktoberfest as he posed in lederhosen and a pint of beer. The traditional festival runs from the middle of September to the start of October and is celebrated with beer and wine.
    Harry Kane got into the spirit of Oktoberfest as he posed in lederhosenCredit: Getty
    Kane attends the 188th edition of the traditional OktoberfestCredit: EPA
    Thomas Mueller also enjoyed himself a beerCredit: EPA
    Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel got into the spirit of thingsCredit: EPA
    And dressing up in the typical leather breeches is just part of the experience.
    England captain Kane was snapped in all grey gear and shorts as he smiled with a stein of beer in his hand.
    The Tottenham legend has plenty to celebrate after becoming the first to score six or more goals in their first five Bundesliga games.
    He got three in Bayern’s 7-0 hammering at home against Vfl Bochum.
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    But technically it did NOT count as an official hat-trick in Germany.
    Kane scored his first on 12 minutes then added to his tally with two in the second half.
    There were two scorers between his first and second goal, and one between his second and third.
    Because of this, his hat-trick is not recognised by the Bundesliga.
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    That is because all three goals needs to be in the same half and scored consecutively, with nobody netting in between.
    But despite the bizarre rule, Kane still beamed after the drubbing and posed with the match ball which was signed.
    He tweeted: “A new one for the collection! What a team performance.”
    Kane celebrates scoring from the penalty spotCredit: Getty More

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    Ashley Cole to tie the knot in romantic Italian wedding 12 years after marrying Cheryl

    HIS first marriage to Cheryl Tweedy didn’t go quite to plan but Ashley Cole is giving things another crack by tying the knot with Italian model Sharon Canu.I’ve learned they are getting married in Rome at the end of the month, 16 months after he popped the question.
    Ashley Cole is giving marriage another crack by tying the knot with Italian model Sharon Canu – 12 years after marrying Cheryl TweedyCredit: Getty
    Cheryl and Ashley were only together for two years before walking up the aisle, but he has been with Sharon for the best part of a decade so this one looks more promising.
    A source said: “Ashley and Sharon are madly in love and have spent months planning their ­special day.
    “They met in 2014 when he joined AS Roma and now they are returning to the city for their nuptials.
    “Loads of her family live there and it’s very romantic – it’s going to be a very ­special day.
    READ MORE ON ASHLEY COLE
    “They have put lots of money into it but they have only invited close friends and family.
    “As a couple they have been very private so they don’t feel the need for a flashy, ­public wedding.”
    They will be joined at the wedding by their son, born in 2016, and daughter, who arrived in 2018.
    It will also give them the chance to put the past behind them, following a horrific ­robbery three years ago when they were tied up and threatened with a knife.
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    Forgetting all about that will be a welcome relief.
    Ariana splits from husband
    THEY had a whirlwind romance and a fairytale wedding, but Ariana Grande’s marriage hasn’t had a happy ending.
    Sources in the US have claimed that Ariane Grande and husband Dalton Gomez separated in JanuaryCredit: Instagram
    Their romance had been strained after Ariana moved to the UK last summer to film the two-movie adaptation of the musical Wicked, in which she will play GlindaCredit: Alpha Press
    The Thank U, Next singer has split from her real estate agent husband Dalton Gomez, two years after their wedding.
    Sources in the US have claimed that they separated in January and recently tried to reconcile but failed to make the relationship work.
    Their romance had been strained after she moved to the UK last summer to film the two-movie adaptation of the musical Wicked, in which she will play Glinda.
    He visited her on set last month in a last-ditch attempt to save their marriage, although they have now decided it is over.
    The superstar was spotted without her ring at the Wimbledon men’s singles final on Sunday.
    However, those close to the couple insist they have remained amicable throughout the split.
    A source said: “It has been very hard but they gradually came to the decision together that things weren’t working.
    “They were having issues before she came to London to film for the Wicked movies and now they are concentrating on staying on good terms.
    “Things were always going to be more difficult with Ariana living in London and Dalton back in California.
    “They are still very close and talk on the phone all the time.”
    The last time Ariana was seen wearing her wedding ring was in April at a concert by her co-star Jeff Goldblum.
    She recently deleted her wedding photos from her Instagram page, while Dalton got rid of his account on the site in May.
    They wed in May 2021 at her home in Montecito, California, in front of less than 20 people, after getting together in early 2020.
    She famously sang about him on her 2021 album Positions, in which she documented their racy bedroom antics and said she wanted babies with him.
    Ariana has had a rocky love life, having previously been engaged to comedian Pete Davidson back in 2018.
    Before that she had a two-year relationship with the rapper Mac Miller, who died from an accidental drug overdose just months after they split.
    I’ve only ever heard positive things about Ariana, who seems like a very sweet, talented and genuine person.
    While she’s living in the UK, perhaps a British man can help lift her spirits.
    It’s nets gain for Shania
    YOU’RE Still The One judging by this outfit, Shania Twain.
    Shania Twain looked sensational in a skimpy leotard while performing at the Faster Horses Country Music Festival in Michigan on SundayCredit: Getty
    The Canadian star looked sensational in this skimpy leotard while performing at the Faster Horses Country Music Festival in Michigan on Sunday.
    She is currently in the middle of her Queen of Me tour, which kicked off in April.
    Shania has already performed 44 shows and has a week left before a break lasting almost two months.
    She will bring the tour to arenas in the UK and Ireland in September before returning to North America for another leg in October.
    The tour follows the success of her sixth album Queen of Me which hit No1 in February and features the singles Waking Up Dreaming and Giddy Up!.
    Here in the UK, she is also having renewed success thanks to her collaboration with Anne-Marie, titled Unhealthy, which reached a new peak of No19 in the charts last week.
    I’ll keep my fingers crossed that it’s added to the setlist when her tour arrives here.
    Axl and co in studio
    GUNS N’ ROSES are gearing up to return with their first new music in 15 years. Warring bandmates Axl Rose and Slash have reconciled in recent years to tour the world and have now returned to the studio, too.
    Guns N’ Roses are back in the studio and fans can expect their first new music in 15 yearsCredit: Getty
    The news was let slip by their stage technician Tom Mayhue, who said they are preparing to drop a single, followed by an album.
    He said: “So I’ve been with the band forever, we’re just getting ready to finish up this portion of our European tour.
    “And I know that the band’s gonna start working on new music, they’ve got a bunch of stuff recorded already.
    “So there will be new Guns N’ Roses music very soon.
    “In fact, I think they’re trying to get a single out any day now . . . very, very soon.”
    Jamie’s on to a winner
    THERE is no wiping the grin off Jamie Redknapp’s face as he holidays in the Caribbean with wife Frida.
    Jamie Redknapp beams with wife Frida on holiday in the CaribbeanCredit: Instagram
    The retired footballer has jetted off to Barbados with sons Charley and Beau from his marriage to ex-wife Louise, and his young son Raphael with Frida.
    As well as regular dips in the sea, he has been a regular on the local golf course and revelled in his victory after beating 18-year-old Charley during a round.
    Better luck next time.
    Hope for more Taylor tickets
    TAYLOR SWIFT fans have been left furious after tickets for her UK shows ended up on resale sites for extortionate sums.
    Fans have been left furious after tickets for Taylor Swift’s 2024 stadium shows ended up on resale sites for extortionate sumsCredit: Getty
    Sales are being staggered for her 2024 stadium shows following exceptional demand in the US, but passes to some concerts here are already being resold for up to £9,800.
    The listings have appeared on resale sites StubHub and Viagogo, much to the annoyance of fans who have so far been unable to secure tickets through official channels.
    But as a word of warning to anyone desperate enough to fork out an extortionate amount for a second-hand ticket – they aren’t always real.
    There has been a surge in fake tickets being resold online, which can lead to devastation at the gates of the venue.
    With more waves of ticket sales in the next few days for her shows, there should be enough for everyone.
    Blur on the Beeb
    BLUR had five-star reviews for their comeback shows at Wembley Stadium, but now you can watch them even if you didn’t get tickets.
    Blur will perform live from central London at 7pm on Tuesday on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, which you can also watch live on BBC iPlayerCredit: AFP
    Tonight, they will perform an exclusive gig for Radio 2, hosted by Jo Whiley.
    The band will perform live from central London at 7pm on Tuesday on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, which you can also watch live on BBC iPlayer.
    It will also be the chance to hear tracks from their first album in eight years, The Ballad Of Darren, which is coming out this Friday.
    Read More on The Sun
    Alex James said: “It’s going to be great.
    “We’re going to play a bunch of our favourite stuff, some old and some new.”
    NO REGULAR HAUNTTHE Haunted Mansion’s premiere will have a dead carpet instead of a red carpet, after it was cancelled due to Hollywood’s actors’ strike.
    The European launch was due to take place next Tuesday but cast members in the Disney movie including Danny DeVito and Jamie Lee Curtis will no longer fly over for it and the event has been axed.
    The world premiere went ahead at Disneyland in Florida at the weekend but those in attendance had to make do with people dressed up as Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Maleficent and Cruella de Vil, as the cast didn’t turn up.
    Actors are striking over streaming services giving an unfair share of profits and due to a lack of rules over AI replacing stars.
    The film is adapted from Disney’s theme park attraction The Haunted Mansion and will be released in cinemas next month, but it could be a box office bomb seeing as the cast can’t promote it.
    I fear it won’t just be The Haunted Mansion feeling the squeeze in what is a worrying time for the movie industry. More

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    Petrol heads angry at ‘overreaction’ after Goodwood Festival of Speed CANCELLED for first time ever due to ‘severe wind’

    PETROL heads have reacted furiously after Saturday’s Goodwood’s Festival of Speed was cancelled due to “severe wind”.Organisers of the popular motorsport event in Chichester, West Sussex, made the announcement on Friday after “consulting meteorologists, health and safety experts and other key stakeholders”.
    The NASCAR Garage 56 car takes part in the 1.16 mile hill climb on FridayCredit: Getty
    Motocross riders perform at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on FridayCredit: PA
    It is the first time in the 30-year history of the festival that a day has been cancelled.
    But it has come much to the dismay of excited festival-goers, many of whom had already purchased tickets.
    The Sunday event is due to go ahead as planned and is sold out, but those who had been planning to attend a day earlier “will not be able to access the site”.
    Those missing out will receive refunds for the event, but many have slammed the organisers for “overreacting” – having lost out on accommodation costs after travelling from across the UK and abroad to attend the event.
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    One said: “We are in the camp site now. The wind isn’t bad enough to knock a one-man B&M tent over with no pegs in, let alone anything more! Could easily make something happen today even if a few things had to be changed up.”
    Another wrote: “Think you have over reacted to forecast. With weather as it was Thursday into Friday you should have pulled the plug then if you were going to, not just today.
    “Thousands left in a right state stuck here there and everywhere.”
    A third said: “I’m laid in my hotel bed and now planning my drive home in the morning. Gutted.”
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    A fourth added: “Just travelled 3 hours and paid for a hotel!!”
    Another wrote: “Absolutely gutted. Travelled 3hrs tonight.”
    It comes after a statement from organisers on Friday said the event would not be going ahead as planned due to “forecasted high winds posing a serious risk to the various temporary structures across the site”.
    An updated statement this morning added: “As per the communication issued last night, due to the severe wind warning, the Festival of Speed will not take place today.
    “Please do not travel to the site. The event will resume as planned on Sunday.”
    It continues: “Thank you for your understanding – further updates will be provided via email in due course. If you are camping over the weekend, you are welcome to stay in the campsites.
    “Please be careful during the high winds and consider taking down gazebos and awnings, securing tents with additional pegs or demounting during the peak wind period.”
    It comes after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for strong winds across the southwest of England and west Wales between 9am and midnight on Saturday.
    Winds are forecast to reach 55mph in exposed places, with travel disruption also expected.
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    Campsite managers will help those staying at Goodwood brave the storm over the weekend.
    Meanwhile, fuming residents say they are trapped in their homes by the Goodwood Festival of Speed – and are taking action against gridlocked roads.
    Petrol heads have been dismayed after Saturday’s event was cancelledCredit: Getty
    Ex-Formula 1 driver Jenson Button attended the event on FridayCredit: PA More

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    Watch shocking moment wheel flies off car and hurtles into crowd in terrifying scenes at Goodwood Festival of Speed

    SPECTATORS reeled in horror as a wheel flew off a car and into the crowd at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.Amazingly, no-one was seriously hurt despite a rear wheel spinning off a classic Mk1 Jaguar, hurtling hundreds of metres and rearing up into packed rows of fans behind barriers.
    Viewers were stunned to see the worrying incidentCredit: https://twitter.com/Sara4843/status/1679532297488326656
    The wheel flew off the car
    It ended up above the car
    Fans ducked for cover as the wheel hurtled into the crowd
    It’s understood two people suffered minor injuries and the accident meant a 40-minute hold-up to the runs.
    But a Goodwood statement said: “Following the incident on the hillclimb we’re pleased to confirm that there were no serious injuries and those involved were able to go back to enjoying the event.”
    Many viewers watched the worrying incident unfold live on their screens.
    Goodwood promised to “prioritise the wellbeing of the people involved”.
    And within minutes of that message they were able to issue their reassuring statement.
    Fans online immediately reacted with relief.
    One said, “So glad to hear that everyone is ok” and a second wrote: “News I’ve been waiting for.”
    A third posted: “Best possible news – such a relief. I hope the driver is not too shaken up.”
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    Some witneses told Motor1.com that a wheel hit an older man, who was able to speak to officials before being taken away in a hospital.
    Runs restarted with the hybrid McLaren Artura leading a row of supercars ascending the hill. More