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    Worst tattoos on sports stars, from Beckham to Sancho, Bellerin, Dele, Hart and a Tokyo 2020 mistake

    THEY say money can’t buy you taste.And for all the millions today’s top athletes make – whether it be footballers or any other sports star – it appears that mantra has never been more true than when applied to tattoos.
    Goalkeeper Joe Hart shows off his eyesore of a tattooCredit: Refer to Caption
    Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart proved that with the massive block of ink across his right shoulder.
    And not even the unofficial King of Cool David Beckham is immune to an occasional style blunder.
    Here’s a look at some of the worst around.
    Dele Alli
    Dele Alli has a tattoo of Bamm Bamm from the Flinstones on his forearm
    Look past the gold bling and you will see former Spurs star Alli’s permanent tribute to Bamm Bamm from the Flinstones.
    A somewhat unconventional choice, Alli – whose first name is Bamidele – is thought to have got it because his nickname is Bam Bam.David Beckham
    England legend Becks has an intricate grouping of planets inked on his headCredit: Rex Features
    A fashion icon the world over and hugely admired midfielder, we’ll let Becks off for this one given he’s barely put a foot wrong in the past, apart from that sarong, those cornrows and that all-leather get-up…
    Beckham has more than 40 tattoos but this one is probably the strangest, not least because of where it is.
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    Derlis Ayala
    The Olympic runner got Tokyo 2020 tattooed on his calf – before the Games was postponed by a year due to coronavirus.
    Ayala qualified for Tokyo after finishing fifth overall in the Buenos Aires Marathon in September 2019.
    He previously represented Paraguay in the 2016 Olympics in Rio in the marathon where he finished in 136th place – got the Olympics rings plus the date and location inked on.

    Sergio Aguero
    Ex Man City star Sergio Aguero isn’t quite sure what his Lord of the Rings tattoo saysCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Those are not hieroglyphics down the prolific striker’s forearm but the Elvish language from Lord of the Rings.
    Aguero must be a pretty big fan of the film, then, huh?
    Er, no. But he must at least know what it means? Nope – he hasn’t even seen the movie.Nicolas Otamendi
    Most people get tattoos of the things that are most important to them – family members, dates and religious symbols.
    Former Man City ace Otamendi, though, clearly loves watching TV so much and has inked stars from hit shows Breaking Bad, Peaky Blinders and Vikings on his back.
    At the top of his back, the Benfica defender has Walter White, the main character in Breaking Bad, while lower down there is an image of Peaky Blinders protagonist Thomas Shelby.
    Nicolas Otamendi showed off his impressive tattoo collectionCredit: Rex Features
    The main characters from Breaking Bad – Walter White – and Peaky Blinders – Thomas Shelby – feature on the Argentinian’s back
    To the left appears to be Ragnar Lothbrok from Vikings.
    They make up what is an impressive collection including a pocket watch, a lion, a bear and the more regular tattoos such as names of some of his family members.
    Jadon Sancho
    Man Utd star Jadon Sancho sporting his cartoon tattoos at during a Borussia Dortmund training session
    It’s easy to make the link between rapid England winger Sancho and his tattoo of Sonic the Hedgehog.
    After that, things become a bit of a stretch.
    Having the Simpsons daubed on his arm can perhaps be likened to his former team Dortmund side’s famous Yellow Wall – if you were really trying.
    But Spiderman? There’s only so much Cartoon Network one man can need.Hector Bellerin
    Hector Bellerin has the word ‘two’ tattooed on his leg to match his shirt numberCredit: Getty – Contributor
    When he’s not flaunting questionable clobber at fashion shows, Bellerin likes to pose in retro-style photos, get tattoos and play football.
    Here, he dedicates his commitment to his defensive position by getting his shirt number permanently etched on his thigh.
    Erik Lamela
    Lamela has a tattoo of a dog on his thighCredit: Reuters
    Dodgy tattoos have no allegiance and could not care less about who ruled North London.
    But when Erik Lamela was playing for Spurs, he showed off this corker of a tattoo.
    Yes, it’s a picture of a loveable bulldog.Artur Boruc
    Artur Boruc’s hideous monkey tattoo in all its gloryCredit: Willie Vass
    Word cannot do justice to just how bad the former Bournemouth’s keeper monkey tattoo is around his belly button
    Just awful.
    No. Not even doing a ‘monkeying around’ pun for this.Eljero Elia
    Eljero Elia spelled Feyenoord incorrectly and got the date of his Cup final win as May 24 rather than April 24Credit: Instagram
    Spell the name of your club incorrectly? Check. Get the date wrong of the final you played in and won? Check.
    Feyenoord winger Elia had a stinker with this tattoo back in 2016, but got it corrected to display the correct details.Uros Vitas
    Vitos’ inking was a nice thought… but should have remained just a thought
    Fair play to Serbian defender Vitas for showing off the love of his life, Andrijana, in tattoo form.
    Shame it looked so frightening.
    Marcelo Brozovic
    Brozovic’s weird hand tattoo is one of a kindCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Inter midfielder Brozovic got this ‘epic Brozo’ tattoo to match his equally epic celebration whenever he scores.
    Not only is it in a peculiar position on the top of his hand, he also opened a bar in his native Croatia with the name Epic Brozo and, yep, you guessed it, an image of the winking face.Amato Ciciretti
    How will Amato Ciciretti’s social media tattoo have aged by the time he’s 50?Credit: Twitter
    He is the journeyman Italian who now plays for Ascoli in Serie B, but Ciciretti must be social media famous to go to the lengths of having his Twitter handle tattooed on his calf?
    Surprisingly, no. Instead, the 29-year-old removed his account after amassing just over 2,000 followers, and tweeting just 31 times Any regrets, Amato?Nile Ranger
    Nile Ranger is among the footballers with the world’s worst tattoosCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Nile Ranger got his surname tattooed across his headCredit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun
    Perhaps it was just in case he forgot. Nile Ranger – or, as the tattoo would suggest, Nile Ranges – went through the unnecessary pain of having his surname printed above his eye.
    To be fair to the former Newcastle striker who has a smiley face tattooed inside his mouth, there wasn’t much space left on the rest of his body.
    Layvin Kurzawa
    The belly-button should have one job, and one job onlyCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Not quite as bad as Boruc, but here’s another footballer who mistook the belly-button’s purpose for postnatal artwork.
    The Paris Saint-Germain left-back, on loan at Fulham, needs to keep his shirt on with the terrifying face on his stomach.Daniele de Rossi
    Retired Italian midfielder sent a message to opponents with his calf tattooCredit: AFP
    At first glance, the retired Italian’s calf looks more like it should be placed outside the gents’ loo.
    Instead, De Rossi’s hazard warning tattoo backs up his hardman image as the tough-tackling midfielder snapping at opponent’s ankles.Marko Arnautovic
    Marko Arnautovic could not quite decide which font to haveCredit: Getty – Contributor
    A message of motivation is blazoned across the former West Ham forward’s stomach.
    The problem is Arnautovic seemed as certain about the font he wanted for the tattoo as he was about which club he’d be playing for the following season.Mauro Junior
    An iconic image with a motivational message?Credit: Getty – Contributor
    There was, perhaps, an oversight when PSV’s young midfielder got a famous image tattooed down his left forearm.
    Some will see King Arthur attempting to pull the legendary sword from a stone. Others? Well, we’ll leave that to you..Ricardo Quaresma
    Chelsea flop Ricardo Quaresma has some questionable facial tattoosCredit: —
    Is there something the former Porto and Chelsea man needs to tell us?
    In most quarters, teardrop tattoos tend to signify the amount of people the wearer had killed in prison.
    Quaresma’s short stay at Stamford Bridge didn’t include much lethal work.Jay Bothroyd
    On first look, the former England striker appears to have a random arsenal pictured down his ribs.
    Tilt you head slightly and the weapons just about spell out the word ‘love’. Awww?
    Do you love it or hate it?Credit: Twitter More

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    Faiq Bolkiah is the richest footballer in world, whose uncle is Sultan of Brunei, and is heir to £13bn fortune

    MEET the world’s richest footballer Faiq Bolkiah, the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei.Faiq Bolkiah now plays for Thai League 1 club Chonburi., following unsuccessful spells with Leicester City and Portuguese side Maritimo.
    Faiq Bolkiah is the richest young footballer in the world and was formerly of Leicester CityCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Faiq Bolkiah is the nephew of the Sultan of BruneiCredit: Instagram @fjbolkiah
    The dynamic winger, 24, is one of the heirs to Hassanal Bolkiah’s £13billion fortune.
    That dwarfs the worth of the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi – making Bolkiah the wealthiest living footballer.
    His dad is Jefri Bolkiah, a brother of the oil tycoon, so that makes Faiq a member of their royal family.
    But that hasn’t stopped Faiq from shunning his family’s billions to pursue a career in football.
    Let SunSport introduce you to the man who really doesn’t need to work for a living.
    Competition was fierce for him in his youth days…
    After playing youth football for AFC Newbury, Faiq signed a one-year deal with Southampton’s famed youth academy in 2009.
    He didn’t quite turn enough heads to secure a full-time contract and went on trial at Arsenal in 2013, playing for the Gunners in the 2013 Lion City Cup.
    Faiq Bolkiah could have lived in a palace like the Sultan of BruneiCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Faiq Bolkiah was once on Chelsea’s booksCredit: Chelsea FC
    Faiq Bolkiah playing for Leicester City’s reservesCredit: Getty – Contributor
    A Rolls Royce like this could have been a chariot for Faiq BolkiahCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Faiq got himself on the scoresheet in that tournament against a Singapore youth selection.
    Alerted to his availability, Chelsea then swooped and offered him a two-year deal in 2014. But he left Stamford Bridge in December, 2015 to sign for Leicester in a three-year deal.
    He captains his international side…
    Despite not playing a professional game in England yet, Faiq has pulled on the international shirt of Brunei six times, finding the net once.
    Faiq Bolkiah has captain the Brunei international football teamCredit: Getty – Contributor
    He even captained the side in the 2017 Aceh World Solidarity Tsunami Cup.
    Incidentally, he was born in Los Angeles, so he could’ve represented the United States. But he was loyal to his family and stayed close to his roots.
    Faiq Bolkiah was loyal to his family and turned down a chance to play for the USCredit: AFP – Getty
    Faiq’s dad is quite the character…
    He may have an innocent demeanour, but his father Jefri Bolkiah was known as the playboy of the Brunei royal family.
    Jefri reportedly lived quite the life of excess, reportedly blowing around £10billion in 15-years as head of the Brunei Investment agency.
    At one point, he was said to be spending £35m a month on cars, watches, erotic white gold pens and up to a £1m a hit on karaoke parties with a swarm of beautiful women.
    Jefri Bolkiah celebrates his birthday with his sonCredit: Instagram @fjbolkiah
    Jefri Bolkiah was the playboy of the Brunei royal familyCredit: Rex Features
    Faiq Bolkiah might have had an easier life and lived like a prince if he wasn’t a footballerCredit: 1998 Julian Parker
    Faiq Bolkiah’s cousins enjoy a lavish lifestyle in their own countryCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Jefri was also believed to have owned 2,300 cars at the height of his wealth, including a fleet of Bentleys, Ferraris and Rolls-Royces.
    However, his pride and joy is a yacht inappropriately called ‘Tits’ which had tenders called ‘Nipple 1’ and ‘Nipple 2’.
    Faiq Bolkiah stands to inherit a boat called TitsCredit: Big Pictures
    The Tits has tenders called Nipple 1 and Nipple 2Credit: Big Pictures
    Jefri wasn’t afraid to embrace erotica either, once commissioning artist J. Seward Johnson to create a £500,000 sexually-explicit statue of himself and his ex-fiancee.
    Amusingly, he once splashed around £5million on a rug that was woven with gold thread and jewels.
    A £5m rug bought by Jefri BolkiahCredit: PA:Press Association
    A set of erotic pens in white gold owned by Jefri BolkiahCredit: PA:Press Association
    An erotic watch owned by Jefri Bolkiah made of white gold and platinumCredit: PA:Press Association
    Michael Jackson was on speed dial when he needed him…
    Being a rich kid has its perks, especially if you’re Faiq.
    When dad Jefri wanted to celebrate his milestone 50th birthday, he also wanted to impress his then 7-year-old son.
    Michael Jackson performed a private concert for Faiq BolkiahCredit: Getty – Contributor
    So what did he do? He only flew in the ‘King of Pop’ Michael Jackson to perform a private concert for him and his family.
    Jefri paid Jacko around £12.5 million for the privilege, which was chump change for the Brunei royal family.
    The privilege of having Michael Jackson perform privately cost Jefri Bolkiah £12.5mCredit: Reuters
    Faiq Bolkiah has shunned a throne like the Sultan of Brunei for a rainy night in LeicesterCredit: AFP – Getty
    Making sure Michael was suitably catered for, Jefri also built an entire stadium for the occasion.But Faiq is determined to shun his riches to make it as a professional footballer…
    “I’ve played football since as early as I can remember and from a young age I’ve always enjoyed going out on the field and having the ball at my feet,” he once said in a rare interview.
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    Ex-Wolves boss Nuno Espirito was said to be interested in signing Faiq BolkiahCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    “My parents have always been supportive in helping me to achieve my dreams of being a footballer.
    “They trained me hard both psychologically and physically through my childhood years, so I have to say they are my role models.”
    Faiq Bolkiah turned his back on a lavish lifestyle full of goldCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Sultan of Brunei has an estimated worth of £22bnCredit: Reuters
    Faiq Bolkiah insists his family have had a big influence on his careerCredit: AFP or licensors
    With determination like that, he might just succeed in the game.
    However, if it doesn’t work out for him, it’s not as if he’s got nothing to fall back on. More

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    Inside Tottenham star Son Heung-min’s amazing £1.5million car collection, including ultra-rare £1m Ferrari LaFerrari

    SON HEUNG-MIN is not the sort of player you would associate with spending a load of dosh on one of the world’s most exclusive cars.The Tottenham hero, 30, is unassuming and usually happy to let his boots do the talking.
    Heung-min Son has built up an amazing £1.5million car collection

    Son stops in his Ferrari LaFerrari to sign a shirt for a fan
    Only 499 of the Ferrari supercars were made and potential purchasers must meet strict criteriaCredit: Alamy
    But the £192,000-a-week forward has a fleet of motors worth a staggering £1.5million.
    And pride of place in his garage in North London is a rare supercar available to just a few people.Ferrari LaFerrari
    Only 499 of these incredible cars have been made – and Son has one of them.
    But he ditched the usual red for black because Spurs told him he could not own a red one due to their rivalry with Arsenal.
    Worth around £1,150,000, even a Premier League footballer earning top whack would have to save up for a while to be able to afford it.
    The most powerful street-legal supercar the Italian manufacturer has produced, buyers must fit in with the Ferrari brand.
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    That means that, to purchase one, they must previously have owned a Ferrari – with some reports claiming potential buyers won’t be considered unless they have had FIVE Ferraris in their life.
    Son’s black model does 0-60mph in 2.9 secs and boasts a 6.3-litre V12 engine, electrically assisted by the HY-KERS system to deliver a total power output of 950bhp, with a top speed of 227mph.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has one sitting at home as well.
    Audi R8 Coupe
    The South Korea star was spotted with ex-girlfriend Minah, a pop sensation in their native country, getting behind the wheel of his white R8 in 2014.
    Son is the proud owner of a sleek Audi R8Credit: Handout
    Starting at £112,520 for the most basic model, Son is almost certain to have added a few luxuries to his.
    The 5.2L V10 engine packs an almighty punch and the sleek design turns heads – if you’re quick enough to see it whizz past when it does 0-60mph in 3.2 secs.Maserati Levante
    Son is the proud owner of Maserati’s first SUV, which has a starting price of £60,000.
    But there’s a catch.
    The Spurs star poses with his Maserati Levante
    Son is so popular in his home country that he was actually given the model by the Italian manufacturer as a gift.
    A statement from Korea’s official Maserati importer said they gifted the ex-Leverkusen man the motor because it “might be the most matching vehicle to Son, who can play with delicacy and unstoppable power”.
    Hard to argue with that.
    Although it is not the only 4×4 Son has…Range Rover
    The staple of the Premier League footballers’ diet, Son would not miss out on the chance to land a Range Rover.
    He has done his up in a classy matte black finish – a custom touch that also sees the tailgate script, grille and side vents finished in gloss black.
    The Evoque model starts at around £31,000.
    Though Son’s version likely cost a lot more with the extras he has, which include red seats and red trim on the steering wheel.
    Son keeps up the traditions of Premier League footballers by owning a Range RoverCredit: The Sun
    Son waves from the front seat of his 4x4Credit: Instagram
    Bentley Continental GT
    Another favourite of footballers, Son forked out around £160,000 for this supercar.
    It comes packing a 6L twin-turbocharged W12 engine which sees it do 0-60mph in 4.3 secs and can reach 198mph top speed – which could come in handy when he’s running late for training.
    Son owns a Bentley Continental GT More

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    Sheikh Mansour is worth £17billion, the Man City owner boasts a mega yacht worth £400m and is pals with Leo DiCaprio

    SHEIKH Mansour hasn’t a worry in the world…The Manchester City owner has amassed a £17 billion fortune, mainly thanks to his booming International Petroleum Investment Company.
    Sheikh Mansour has seen his Manchester City investment reap the rewardsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    He’s deputy Prime Minister of his native United Arab Emirates, minister of presidential affairs, as well as member of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi.
    The 52-year-old Sheikh is even buddies with Richard Branson, owning a large stake in the British entrepreneur’s Virgin Galactic spaceship company.
    And if that’s not enough, his Premier League team are bossing English football at the moment.
    Sheikh Mansour has given Man City boss Pep Guardiola a fortune to investCredit: PA:Press Association
    But who is Mansour and what does he spend his money on?
    Let us invite you into his world of wealth, including a £400m yacht he let one of Hollywood’s biggest movie stars borrow.His football teams…
    When you’re a billionaire, buying into sports franchises is the done thing.
    In 2008, Mansour bought Man City with his Abu Dhabi United Group for £210m and has ensured The Citizens buy the best talent in the world.
    Sheikh Mansour bought Man City in 2008 for £210mCredit: Manchester City FC – Getty
    But the Sheikh is a shrewd businessman and doesn’t throw his money away that easy.
    In fact, the day City signed Gareth Barry for £12m from Aston Villa, he also made a $1.4bn profit selling a stake in Barclays he bought months earlier.
    Mansour launched a second team in the MLS in New York in 2013, luring Frank Lampard and David Villa to New York City F.C.
    And he expanded his City Football Group portfolio and owns stakes in clubs in the United States, Australia, India, Japan, Spain, Uruguay, China, Belgium and France.
    Frank Lampard was lured to New York City by Sheikh Mansour’s moneyCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Mansour is chairman of Al Jazira who played against Real Madrid in the World Club CupCredit: EPA
    The yacht…
    Looking at Mansour’s prized yacht is enough to make your eyes water… with tears of joy and wonder.
    The Topaz super yacht is said to be worth £400mCredit: Getty – Contributor
    The fifth largest super yacht in the world, it’s an absolute BEAST. Named Topaz, the vessel is a 482ft and was custom-built in Germany by Lurssen Yachts and designed by Tim Heywood in 2012.
    It has 8 floors, two helipads, three swimming pools, a gym, jacuzzi and even a cinema.
    The Topaz boasts two helipads, three swimming pools and a cinemaCredit: Splash News
    Right before Brazil kicked off their 2014 World Cup campaign, Leo DiCaprio was spotted hosting a party for 21 of his pals on the Topaz.
    Mansour loaned it to the Oscar-winning actor who soaked up the carnival atmosphere in Sao Paulo with his mates.
    Now, that’s not a bad number to have on speed-dial.
    Leo DiCaprio partied on the Topaz during the 2014 World CupCredit: Getty – Contributor
    It was also once reported that Mansour had to refuel his yacht when he docked at Marmaris port in Turkey.
    It was said to have cost him £380,000 to fill up the 730,000 litre tank, and that took 5 hours!His cars…
    Mansour owns a 5 per cent stake in Ferrari, which he bought in 2005 with the idea of bringing Formula One to the United Arab Emirates.
    Mansour owns a five per cent stake in Ferrari, as well as this EnzoCredit: 4WheelsofLux
    His £91m investment worked, and ever since 2009 the world’s leading drivers have gone to Abu Dhabi for their annual Grand Prix.
    Alongside Ferrari, Mansour has a 9.1 percent stake in Daimler AG (they own Mercedes).
    Sheikh’s Mercedes SLR-McLaren is worth £350kCredit: 4WheelsofLux
    He’s also owned a fleet of the world’s most astonishing cars.
    In his collection he’s had a Mercedes SLR-McLaren (£350k), a Lamborghini Reventon (£840k) and a Ferrari Enzo (£2.5m).
    Like Floyd Mayweather, Mansour also loves Bugatti Veyron and has 5 of them starting with a value of £1.1m.
    Like Floyd Mayweather Sheikh Mansour loves a Bugatti Veyron super carCredit: 4WheelsofLux
    To top off his exquisite collection, he has a Porsche 911 GT1, which is worth around £3 million.
    After all, Mr. Mansour is a petrol head…
    Sheikh Mansour owns a Porsche worth around £3mCredit: 4WheelsofLux
    The mansions…
    Being a member of the Abu Dhabi royal family allows you certain privileges, including your own palace.
    Sheikh Mansour is part of the Al Nahyan family, who have a huge residence in the city.
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    Private functions for political leaders – including Barack Obama – have been organised there.
    Back in 2016, Mansour reportedly snapped up a £42m 20,000 acre Spanish villa in south west Spain.
    Sheikh Mansour reportedly snapped a Spanish Villa for £42m
    The private property, called Los Quintos de San Martin, is near the small village of Valencia de las Torres.
    Mansour and his family have been known to stay at the hotel they own called The Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi.
    Emirates Palace has been universally described as the best hotel in the worldCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Opened in 2005 for a cost of £2.2m, it’s been described as the world’s only real seven-star hotel.
    There are 394 rooms, including 92 suites and 22 residential suits, which are mostly furnished in gold and marble.
    Sheikh Mansour has his own penthouse suite in the Emirates Palace
    Mansour is said to take advantage of the penthouse floor, which boasts 6 Rulers’ Suites that are reserved exclusively for dignitaries.
    Fun fact; the Fast and Furious 7 film was partly shot there too.
    The rooms in the Emirates Palace boast real gold features and lots of marble
    His other interests…
    Nice homes, cars, hotels and football aren’t the only things that make Mansour tick.
    Educated at Santa Barbara College in California, USA, he has investments in around 50 companies worldwide.
    Sheikh Mansour owns shares in Virgin Galactic and is pals with Richard BransonCredit: AFP – Getty
    One of his ventures includes the commercial spacecraft group, Virgin Galactic with Richard Branson.
    He is also chairman of the Emirates Horse Racing Authority, boss of Sky News Arabia and patron of the Zayed Annual Half Marathon.
    Sheikh Mansour could launch a football team in spaceCredit: PA:Press Association
    Getting personal…
    The Sheikh keeps his personal life… well, personal.
    But we do know he has two wives and 6 children.
    He first married Sheikha Alia bint Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed in the mid-1990s. They had one son together.
    Mansour then married Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, his second cousin once removed.
    She’s a powerful woman in her own right, being president of the Dubai Women Establishment.
    She has two daughters and three sons by Mansour.
    And one more thing…
    Manchester City look safe with Sheikh Mansour at the helmCredit: AFP or licensors
    If you think having around £17bn in your bank account isn’t bad – wait till you hear how much he stands to inherit.
    The Al Nahyan family’s wealth is believed to be worth somewhere in the region of £560bn.
    Sheikh Mansour stands to inherit a fortune estimated at around £560bnCredit: PA:Press Association
    However, that said, it’s an inheritance he must share with his five brothers.
    But you have to imagine – with Mansour at the helm – Man City’s future certainly looks rosy. More

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    Biggest bromances in football, including Rice and Mount and Messi’s emotional note when Suarez left Barcelona

    THESE are the ballers who became bezzies.While there are relationships in any team, from centre-back partnerships to strike duos, this lot took things much further.
    Childhood friends Mason Mount and Declan Rice have emerged as one of football’s biggest bromancesCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Here, SunSport rounds up football’s biggest mates.Messi & Suarez
    In the summer of 2020, Uruguay ace Luis Suarez said an emotional goodbye to his team-mates and cleared out his locker in the dressing room after six seasons at the Nou Camp.
    He was joined by an emotional Leo Messi, who slammed the club’s treatment of his pal in the past, to wish Suarez all the best at rivals Atletico Madrid.
    Messi even took time to share a snap of the pair together one final time in the dressing room, and you can bet there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
    He captioned the photo: “I was already getting the idea but today I entered the locker room and the card really fell.
    “How difficult it is going to be not to continue sharing the day to day with you, both on the pitch and outside. We will miss you so much. It was many years, many mates, lunches, dinners … Many things that will never be forgotten, every day together.
    “It will be strange to see you with another shirt and much more to face you. You deserved to be fired as what you are: one of the most important players in the club’s history, achieving important things both as a group and individually.
    Lionel Messi poses with Luis Suarez in the Nou Camp dressing room one final timeCredit: Instagram
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    “And not to get kicked out like they did. But the truth is that at this point nothing surprises me.
    “I wish you all the best in this new challenge. I love you very much, I love you very much. See you soon friend.”
    Later that summer Messi shocked the world by announcing he wanted to quit the club himself. Eventually he stayed, but left a year later anyway when Barcelona could not afford to pay his wages.
    Lingard & Rashford
    FROM quirky handshakes to holiday snaps, the two stars regularly give the world an insight into their bond through social media.
    Jesse Lingard once said he saw Marcus Rashford, five years his junior, as a little brother in the United squad, before moving on to Nottingham Forest.
    Jesse Lingard sees Marcus Rashford as like his little brother and nicknamed him ‘beansprouts’Credit: Instagram @marcusrashford
    He has nicknamed him ‘beansprouts’ and says their friendship stemmed from defending him during a feisty Manchester derby in 2016.
    “He got into a little bit of beef and I had to be there for him, and from then it’s carried on and I’ll always be there for him no matter what,” Lingard said.Lovren & Salah
    FOR Dejan Lovren and Mohamed Salah, there was an instant connection.
    When Salah arrived at Liverpool in 2017, the two men discussed their tough upbringings and, from there, they were virtually inseparable.
    Lovren revealed: “From day one, we felt this connection.
    Dejan Lovren and Mohamed Salah had an instant connection at LiverpoolCredit: PA:Press Association
    “We have been talking a lot, we were talking about private things and we have a similar background, a tough life from the beginning.
    “And then with his normality, how he can talk to you and when you see how he thinks… we are good friends, coffee, jokes!”
    Lovren now plays for Lyon while Salah is still starring at Anfield.Alli & Dier
    WHEN Dele Alli signed for Tottenham from Milton Keynes Dons in 2015, he quickly bonded with his fellow newbie.
    Eric Dier had signed from Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon and the two quickly formed a friendship that culminated in appearing alongside each other on the Gogglebox sofa.
    Dele Alli and Eric Dier became close mates at Tottenham and ended up on Gogglebox togetherCredit: Channel 4
    The Channel 4 programme gave fans an insight into their friendship as the pair bickered over a cuppa on telly.
    But they’re not afraid to talk about their bond either, with Dele once saying: “Love’s a strong word but we do really like each other.”
    Dier has become a first team regular at Spurs, while Alli was sold to Everton. He has since tried to rebuild his career on loan in Turkey.Pogba & Lukaku
    IF it wasn’t for ‘Agent Paul Pogba’, Romelu Lukaku wouldn’t have ended up at Manchester United.
    In the summer of 2017, when the Belgian was choosing between a transfer to Chelsea and United, he was holidaying with Pogba in an LA mansion.
    There was little doubt where he would end up.
    Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku holidayed together in LA before the Belgian signed for Man United
    After that, the two superstars were virtually inseparable, hanging out, playing basketball and sharing private jets.
    The bromance was brought to an end in 2019 when Lukaku switched to Inter Milan. Pogba has since left the Red Devils for Juventus, while Lukaku is back on loan with Inter after flopping at Chelsea. Perhaps they can enjoy a nice Italian together at least now.
    Aubameyang & Lacazette
    THEY were always Gunner be mates.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signed for Arsenal in January 2018 and immediately struck up a friendship with fellow striker Alexandre Lacazette.
    Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang formed a partnership both on and off the pitch at ArsenalCredit: Reuters
    Aubameyang remembers: “I came to Arsenal and there he was. It was good to see him. It was love at first sight!”
    Their bond off the pitch helped them on it, with the duo helping the club win the FA Cup in 2020.
    However, the best buds have since moved.
    Aubameyang was first to go, after a fallout with manager Mikel Arteta, to Barcelona. He since moved to Chelsea.
    Lacazette returned to Lyon and is flying this season, even without his close pal at hand.
    Mount & Rice
    IT was in Chelsea’s academy, at the age of seven, that Mason Mount and Declan Rice began their friendship.
    Both families holidayed together and travelled Europe, watching the boys play for the Blues, and their bond endured Chelsea’s decision to release Rice at the age of 14 – which made Mount’s mum cry.
    Childhood mates Rice and Mount have gone on holiday together for many yearsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/masonmount10/?hl=en
    Now the two midfielders have been able to team up again while playing for their country after being selected by Gareth Southgate.
    And Mount provided the most hilarious video when he surprised a sleeping Rice while they were on holiday together.
    Kolasinac & Ozil
    IF any star has proved their bezzie loyalty it’s Sead Kolasinac to Mesut Ozil.
    In the face of knife-wielding moped thugs, Kolasinac leapt from Ozil’s car and defended his pal with whom he had formed a strong bond.
    Sead Kolasinac and Mesut Ozil became best buds at Arsenal while their wives have connected tooCredit: Instagram/ m10_officia
    Sead Kolasinac fought off moped muggers armed with a knifeCredit: Enterprise News and Pictures
    German Ozil vowed to take Kolasinac under his wing when he arrived at Arsenal in 2017, and since then the two men — and their wives — have become best friends.
    In the summer of 2019, both couples got married and attended each other’s wedding while the two men dyed their hair blonde after losing a bet.
    Ozil retired from the game this year, after a spell in Turkey. Kolasinac was sold to Marseille.
    Fabregas & Suarez & Messi
    IT is the friendship group football fans would dream to be a part of.
    Messi, Suarez and Cesc Fabregas, who all met at Barcelona, have formed a small clique of some of the world’s greatest footballing talent.
    Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas, Luis Suarez and their wives have become close friends and regularly holiday togetherCredit: Instagram @antonelaroccuzzo
    With their respective partners ⁠— Antonella Roccuzzo, Sofia Balbi and Daniella Semaan ⁠— all friends as well, the group regularly holiday together in giant luxury villas and yachts.
    There was even a suggestion in 2017 that the group racked up a £32,630 bill during a dinner on the Spanish island of Ibiza.Firmino & Coutinho
    THEIR time together at Anfield was relatively short but extremely sweet.
    Fellow Brazilians Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho formed a formidable partnership in Jurgen Klopp’s fierce attack.
    Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino formed a close bond while at Liverpool togetherCredit: Instagram, @roberto_firmino
    So it came as a blow to Firmino when Coutinho made the £142million switch to Barcelona in January 2018.
    Firmino said: “He made his decision to join Barcelona, but every time we play for the Seleção we have a chat and maintain that friendship.
    “He’s an exceptional guy – one of the best friends football has given me.”
    Coutinho returned to the Premier League with Aston Villa, so the pair rekindled their bromance.
    However, with Firmino leaving Anfield this summer, expect an emotional goodbye.
    Nolan & Carroll
    WHEN Andy Carroll was bailed for an assault charge in 2010, he turned to his best mate Kevin Nolan.
    Having become close friends at Newcastle, Nolan allowed his pal to live with his family on two conditions — reading Peppa Pig to his kids and being in bed by 11pm!
    Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll are such good mates that Nolan let Carroll live with himCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    But it still came as some surprise when the former Liverpool striker named Nolan in his dream 5-a-side team alongside superstars such as Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez.
    Nolan responded by saying: “Well, me and Andy are mates so he’s looking after his mucker!”And when bromances go bad… Owen and Shearer
    A lethal strike partnership, the darlings of England’s first-team, whose relationship spiralled from good mates to a public spat.
    Michael Owen’s autobiography Reboot: My Life lifted the lid on a bitter feud that began during his time at Newcastle.
    The two English heavyweights went toe-to-toe on Twitter after Owen’s book claimed Alan Shearer had questioned his professionalism at St. James’ Park.
    Shearer took aim at Owen by highlighting his hefty wages at Newcastle before Owen shot back by questioning Shearer’s loyalty to Newcastle.
    Let’s hope the other bezzies in this list aren’t slinging mud at each other in ten years’ time.
    Alan Shearer and Michael Owen’s friendship has fallen apart and spiralled into a public spatCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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    Footballers strange contract demands, from no space travel to weight clauses and free moves for Catalan independence

    PLAYERS are valuable commodities.So when they thrash out contracts with the world’s biggest clubs, it’s important to get everything right and nothing’s left to chance.
    Footballers like Lionel Messi reportedly have bizarre clauses written into their contractsCredit: Getty
    But there are times when stipulations are put in place by player and club to protect their interests, to let them fulfil their hobbies, or managers just don’t trust them.
    SunSport looks back at the wackiest clauses added by players and clubs.Messi business
    Back in 2020, with Lionel Messi’s future STILL up in the air before his free transfer move to Paris Saint-Germain, talk of what he would look for in his new contract away from Barcelona began to surface.
    Some of the clauses in that deal were leaked by El Mundo.
    They included an agreement to learn how to speak Catalan, he must ‘adopt an adequate personal conduct and pace of life’ and not engage in doping, and if Catalonia became its own country he could leave on a free transfer.
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    Lew the outdoor adventurer
    When Robert Lewandowski was running down his contract at Borussia Dortmund both Bayern Munich and Real Madrid were jostling for his signature.
    And in leaked documents, Real Madrid’s offer seemed far more lucrative.
    Alongside a £166,000-per-week deal and a £10m signing-on fee were several requests they didn’t want daredevil Lewandowski to do while he was their property.
    Skiing, paragliding, climbing, going on a motorboat and even riding a motorbike were big ‘no-nos’ for Madrid’s hierarchy… so that’s why signed for Bayern instead.
    Robert Lewandowski was able to continue his outdoor adventures at Bayern MunichCredit: Getty
    Reina toyed with
    When negotiating a contract, it’s important to be 100 per cent clear about what is being stipulated.
    When German forward Giuseppe Reina moved to Arminia Bielefeld in 1996, he demanded the club build him a house for every year of his contract.
    The club accepted.
    However, Reina didn’t specify what size he required.
    And Arminia provided him with a house made of Lego for the next three years.
    Giuseppe Reina in action for Arminia Bielefeld, who only joined under strict circumstances
    Redondo locked out
    Former Real Madrid and AC Milan midfielder Fernando Redondo was excluded from Argentina’s 1998 World Cup squad for a bizarre reason.
    Manager Daniel Passarella had refused to pick homosexuals or players with earrings and long hair.
    Redondo was ‘guilty’ of the latter.
    He said: “I was in great form. But Passarella had particular ideas about discipline and wanted me to have my hair cut.
    “I didn’t see what that had to do with playing football so I said no.”
    Fernando Redondo’s long hair cost him his international career
    Cooking up a treat
    Congolese midfielder Rolf-Christel Guie-Mien moved from Karlsruher to Eintracht Frankfurt in 1999.
    However, he had one simple request: that his new club pay for his wife to have cooking lessons.
    We’re not sure Mrs Guie-Mien took too kindly to this demand.
    She was not available for comment at the time.
    Rolf-Christel Guie-Mien made it very clear to his wife he kitchen skills needed improvement
    Brought down to Earth
    Swede Stefan Schwarz moved to Sunderland in 1999 — but the Wearsiders had one stipulation the former Arsenal man had to adhere to.
    Schwarz was told that any potential flights into space would not be tolerated.
    The Black Cats chief exec John Flicking said at the time: “One of Schwarz’s advisers has, indeed, got one of the places on the commercial flights [into space, due to take place in 2002].
    “And we were worried that he may wish to take Stefan along with him. So we thought we’d better get things tied up now rather than at the time of the flight.”
    In fact, rather than managing to go up, his career ended when Sunderland went down in 2003.
    Stefan Schwarz is presented as a Sunderland player, alongside Peter Reid in 1999
    Razor weighed down
    Former Premier League and England defender Neil Ruddock once admitted to eating 212 steak and kidney pies every year.
    And Crystal Palace were advised Razor did come with some extra baggage when they signed him on a free in 2000.
    Ex-Eagles chairman Simon Jordan wrote in his autobiography: “On approaching West Ham I discovered he was a free transfer, although he did have a weighty salary — which was not the only weighty thing about him.
    “Harry Redknapp, the West Ham manager at the time, told me to put in a weight clause.
    “So I decided to put a 10 per cent penalty on the contract we were proposing to offer him if he was over the recommended weight of 99.8kg, which by the way was still frigging huge.”
    Ruddock’s Palace debut was allegedly delayed because the club couldn’t find a pair of shorts big enough for him.
    Neil Ruddock has never been one of the slimmest footballers
    Driving a Honda
    Japanese legend Keisuke Honda joined Botafogo in January 2020.
    But moving to Brazil’s crime-ridden city of Rio de Janeiro had the midfielder fearing for his safety.
    So he stipulated he would need an ARMOURED VEHICLE as part of the deal.
    More incredibly, Botafogo agreed.
    But his stay in South America did not last long and the now 36-year-old left the same year for Azerbaijan.
    Honda ended his career in Lithuania – and is now coach of Cambodia’s U23s.
    Keisuke Honda signed for Brazilian side Botafogo – but only after an unusual request was grantedCredit: AFP or licensors More

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    Footballers who were rich before becoming famous like Vialli, Bamford and the Sultan of Brunei’s nephew

    THERE is a lot of money to be made in football.Indeed, even middle-of-the-road stars in England’s top flight are making £50,000 each week on average.
    Gianluca Vialli sadly passed away earlier this yearCredit: Instagram @lucavialli
    However, this lot were already from wealthy backgrounds before they made it to the big league.
    Let SunSport guide you through the football stars that were already swimming in riches and didn’t need the beautiful game.GIANLUCA VIALLI
    Chelsea and Italy legend Vialli was always recognised as a gentleman of the game.
    And it’s probably got to do with his upbringing.
    He was raised by his father, a self-made millionaire, in a 60-room castle called the Castello di Belgioioso in Cremona, along with four siblings.
    The Champions League and Serie A winner also loves a posh round of golf.
    He took part in the Alfred Dunhill links championship pro-am event, which is one of the richest golf tournaments played in Europe.
    He then worked alongside manager Roberto Mancini with the Italian national team.
    But Vialli tragically passed away earlier this year after a brave battle against cancer.
    Vialli grew up in a 60-room castle called the Castello di Belgioioso in CremonaCredit: Alamy
    Dignified Vialli had a far from modest upbringingCredit: Instagram @lucavialli
    Gianluca Vialli scores for Chelsea against Nottingham Forest in 1996Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    FRANK LAMPARD
    The interim Chelsea manager didn’t have to go into football, although it was an easy step for him to make.
    Lampard came from a football family, with uncle Harry Redknapp and dad Frank Lampard Snr showing him the way at West Ham United.
    He intended the posh Brentwood School in Essex that would’ve cost a fortune in school fees.
    There, he scored 11 GCSE’s and could’ve been an accountant, according to a former teacher.
    Frank Lampard went to posh Brentwood High SchoolCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    GERARD PIQUE
    Being formerly half of a celebrity couple (his ex-missus is Colombian singer Shakira), Barcelona defender Pique has made his own fortune.
    However, growing up life was easy for the defender who had a spell in England at Manchester United as a youth.
    He lived a comfortable existence in Catalonia. Dad Joan is a successful attorney and businessman, while mum Montserrat is the director of a hospital in Barcelona.
    Even Pique’s grandfather Amador Bernabeu was minted – as a former director of the La Liga champions.
    Gerard Pique’s dad Joan is a successful attorney and businessman, while mum Montserrat is the director of a hospital in BarcelonaCredit: Alamy
    FAIQ BOLKIAH
    Formerly of Leicester City, currently playing in Thailand for Chonburi, Bolkiah is the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei, who has a fortune estimated to be worth £15bn.
    His dad is Jefri Bolkiah, a brother of the oil tycoon, so that makes Faiq a member of their royal family and in line to receive a nice inheritance.
    At his 50th birthday, to impress his son, he hired Michael Jackson to play a private gig just for them.
    Faiq Bolkiah is a former Leicester City trainee and nephew of the Sultan of BruneiCredit: Instagram @fjbolkiah
    AL-SAADI GADDAFI
    The third son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, Al-Saadi played for Perugia, Udinese and was on the books at Sampdoria.
    In 2011, he retired and became the commander of Libya’s Special Forces and led the army in the Libyan Civil War. In 2018, he was cleared of murder charges after he was extradited from Niger back to Libya.
    During his playing days he once employed Diego Maradona as a technical consultant, and Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson as his personal trainer.
    Al-Saadi Gaddafi was the son of Colonel GaddafiCredit: AFP – Getty
    Gaddafi played in Italy before becoming an army generalCredit: Getty – Contributor
    HUGO LLORIS
    The Spurs goalie comes from an affluent background.
    Growing up in Nice in the South of France, his mother was an attorney, while his dad was a banker.
    He took tennis lessons as a kid, and was ranked high in his age range as a youngster.
    It meant football played second fiddle in his life until the age of 13.
    Lloris famously played through the pain of losing his mum, refusing bereavement leave to play for Nice.
    Hugo Lloris could have been a tennis star instead of a footballerCredit: AFP – Getty
    ROBIN VAN PERSIE
    Wealthy and artisanal, Van Persie’s parents afforded the former Arsenal striker a comfortable life growing up in Rotterdam.
    His father Bob is a renowned artist and sculptor, while his mother Jose Ras is a painter, teacher and jewellery designer.
    Van Persie’s parents split up when he was younger, and he was a troublesome teen.
    His dad expected him to become an artist too.
    Robin Van Persie’s parents were artisticCredit: Instagram @robinvanpersie
    Mother Jose Ras is a painter, teacher and jewellery designerCredit: Instagram @robinvanpersie
    MARIO BALOTELLI
    The fiery Italian wasn’t born wealthy.
    Balotelli originally comes from Palermo and his parents were Ghanaian immigrants.
    But he was adopted by Francesco and Silvia Balotelli when his mum and dad couldn’t afford him.
    They were a wealthy pair, who lived in an affluent part of Brescia called Concesio.
    His birth and adoptive parents fought for custody, but it was decided it was in Balotelli’s best interests to stay put.
    Mario Balotelli was adopted when he was a kidCredit: Instagram @mb459
    Francesco and Silvia Balotelli lived wealthily in BresciaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    ANDREA PIRLO
    An elegant footballer and man, Pirlo learned about the finer things in life when he was a kid.
    His dad Luigi set up a steel company in Brescia in 1982, which Andrea still has a stake in.
    The former Juventus star enjoyed an upper class life, which he later put to use in his own way.
    Pirlo, who ended his career in the MLS, also owns his own vineyard, as rich people do.
    Andrea Pirlo learned about the finer things in life as a youngsterCredit: Instagram @andreapirlo21
    Today, refined Pirlo owns his own vineyardCredit: Instagram @andreapirlo21
    PATRICK BAMFORD
    He doesn’t have to play centre forward for Leeds, you know.
    Bamford isn’t your typical footballer, being a skilled violin and piano player and attended fee-paying Nottingham High School, got five A*s at GCSE and went on to study French, history and biology at A Level.
    Bamford was even offered a scholarship at Harvard in the US, who recognised his academic prowess.
    However, he’s not related to JCB founder Joseph Bamford, as was once claimed.
    Patrick Bamford went to private school and was offered a scholarship to HarvardCredit: Instagram @patrick_bamford
    Bamford is a not relative of JCB founder Joseph Bamford as was once claimedCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty
    KAKA
    Most of Brazil’s best footballers lead a life that tells a rags-to-riches tale. But former Ballon d’Or winner Kaka is different.
    He was raised by father Bosco Izecson Pereira Leite, who was an engineer, while his mother Simone dos Santos was a school teacher.
    It has been reported that Kaka lived comfortably, and wasn’t raised in poverty like many of his teammates for his country.
    Brazilian legend Kaka lived a comfortable existence growing upCredit: Instagram @kaka
    Kaka’s father Bosco Izecson Pereira Leite was an engineerCredit: Instagram @kaka More

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    Fabio Paim was dubbed ‘better than Cristiano Ronaldo’ but love of cars and disastrous loan to Chelsea ended his career

    CRISTIANO RONALDO marked people’s cards when he first arrived at Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon.He cheekily said to those around at the time: “If you think I’m good, wait until you see Fabio Paim.”
    Fabio Paim was supposed to be a bigger star than Cristiano Ronaldo
    The attacking midfielder was at Sporting Lisbon the same time as RonaldoCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Incredibly, Paim was more highly regarded at Lisbon than either Ronaldo or now-Wolves star Joao Moutinho.
    Ronaldo has established himself as one of the greatest players in history with 198 international caps as Moutinho closes in on 150 matches for his country.
    Unfortunately for Paim, despite winning 42 international caps at youth level for Portugal’s Under-16’s all the way through to the Under-21’s, he faded completely into obscurity.
    He didn’t earn a single senior international cap, and as he admitted, he didn’t deserve to either.
    Because Paim’s story is an educational one for youth players who get bumper contracts when they’re kids and think they’ve already made it.
    He joined Sporting at the age of six, and by 14 Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United were regularly checking on his progress.
    Even the French Football Federation offered him the chance to move to France so he could represent their country.
    To warn everybody off, Sporting tied Paim down on an £18,000 per week contract.
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    He was tied down to a £18,000 per week contract at the age of 16Credit: Getty – Contributor
    But he squandered it all on fast carsCredit: Getty – Contributor
    However, little did they know they would be sowing the seeds for his eventual downfall.
    He told Globoesporte in 2017: “I spent a lot of money on cars. I love cars. I spent lavishly on the ones I wanted. All of them.
    “Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Maserati and even a Punto. Every car you could imagine.
    “When you have a lot of money, you need a support system around you. I would have done it differently, if I could.
    “I knew what I was doing. I believed I had more talent than everyone else.
    “Like everyone, I wanted to feel good, wear nice clothing, drive a nice car and behave with no humility.
    “But, it’s normal, that’s what people work for, to be satisfied. On the field, I did what I had to, in order to retreat to my place. I spent time with people I wanted to and did what I wanted.
    “At the time, no one criticised me when things were going well. But when I stopped playing, they started pointing the finger. I just wanted to be with my cars.”
    Paim was born in the luxurious surroundings of Estoril, a famed luxury entertainment destination on the Portuguese Riviera.
    Paim had a loan spell at Chelsea in 2008Credit: Chelsea FC – Getty
    Portuguese super agent Jorge Mendes acted on Paim’s behalfCredit: Reuters
    However, he didn’t come from money. Paim added: “I was not used to having money. When I started playing, I didn’t even have proper boots. I wasn’t ready for it.
    “I didn’t have what young players have now which is an example to follow. You need role models. I feel proud and a little ashamed to pass along this message to them.”
    After failing to break into the Sporting Lisbon team, super agent Jorge Mendes brokered a loan deal for Paim to try his luck at Chelsea in 2008.
    Playing for the Blues’ reserve side under Brendan Rodgers, it was hoped the move would kickstart his career again.
    But, if anything, it was the final nail in the coffin, as he revealed: “It was there where I stopped training and doing my work.
    “I started drinking. I had money and I started doing a lot of things I didn’t do before. The doors were open for me to do what I felt like.”
    After a season in West London he returned to Portugal and was eventually released by Sporting in 2010.
    Paim then became a footballing journeyman, joining 12 different clubs in seven different countries, playing in countries including Angola, Qatar, Malta and even Lithuania.
    More recently, he was looking for game time with Portuguese second division side, Leixoes S.C in 2018, before moving to fourth tier side AD Sao Pedro da Cova on a free.
    In 2019, Paim was arrested for possession of narcotics, but was later acquitted as wire-tapping is not admissible in a court of law.
    While there was hope Brendan Rodgers could get the best out of Paim at the BluesCredit: Getty – Contributor
    His career is now a case of what could’ve beenCredit: Instagram / @projetofabiopaim
    But Paim knows where he went wrong and where Ronaldo went right.
    He said: “At one point, I could do more than him but I did not have what he had, which is the strength and desire to be what I wanted to be.
    “He had a great work ethic and I didn’t have that. I had the quality, at least as much as him, but I did not have the rest.
    “I would have preferred to have less quality if I had more of the other part. I would have been one of the best in the world.
    “But, no one is born perfect. I thought having talent was enough but it’s not.” More