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      Chelsea transfer target Benoit Badiashile was France wonderkid, once told off by Thierry Henry for his bad manners

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      YOU always want to be on the good side of your manager.But when French wonderkid Benoit Badiashile was just 19, he forgot his manners in front of former Monaco boss Thierry Henry, he was quickly reminded.
      French wonderkid Benoit Badiashile has signed for Chelsea
      But Badiashile once upset Thierry Henry when he forgot to tuck his chair in after a press conference
      A lot has changed for the uncompromising centre-back – who has reportedly agreed terms with Chelsea, ahead of a blockbuster move to the Blues for a fee reported fee north of £35million.
      But in December 2018, at a press conference ahead of Monaco’s must-win match against Borussia Dortmund in a Champions League tie – Badiashile was reprimanded for not putting his manager’s needs first.
      Badiashile was sat alongside the Arsenal legend answering reporters’ questions, and when the pair finished they jumped up from their seats to leave the room.
      However, poor Benoit forgot to tuck his chair in and Henry glared at him like a naughty schoolboy until the youngster returned to the table to correct his mistake.
      Since then, Badiashile has risen through the ranks – impressing under Niko Kovac and most recently Philippe Clement to become one of the most sought-after defenders in world football.
      BLOODED BY HENRY
      Despite infuriating his ex-manager, Badiashile was bled into the team by Henry who quickly realised the towering defender’s qualities.
      This season Badiashile has become a key part of Monaco’s defence as they chase the Ligue 1 titleCredit: AFP or licensors
      The 6ft 4in France under-21 international has gone on to play 135 times for the club since making his debut in the 2018-19 season.
      And when Henry was fired from the Stade Louis II, experienced manager Leonardo Jardim continued to integrate the prodigy into his side – installing a greater defensive discipline into Badiashile, although his appearances were more limited.
      And in reent seasons Badiashile has shone as manager have come and go.BROTHERS IN ARMS
      Born in France, and raised by Congolese parents – Badiashile dreamed of playing professional football.
      But it was his elder goalkeeping brother who made the grade first.
      Henry gave Badiashile his debut for MonacoCredit: AFP or licensors
      Loic Badiashile, now 24, is also highly thought of at Monaco – and made his first team debut in a UEFA Champions League qualifier against Fenerbache in 2016.
      It ended in a disappointing 2-1 loss, and it seems that bad results on their debuts runs in the Badiashile family.
      When Benoit was thrown into the side against PSG, the Red and Whites were taught a lesson.
      He was helpless as Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and former striker Edinson Cavani put Monaco to the sword, with the Uruguayan netting a hat-trick.
      CONFIDENCE IN HIS ABILITY
      It was a rude awakening for the teen sensation, but it didn’t destroy his confidence and he showed incredible mental strength to shrug that disappointment off.
      That courageous spirit is just one of Badiashile’s many qualities tha caught the eye of Europe’s top club, including Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Man Utd
      For his strong frame, his pace and ability to read the game and snuff out danger before it arrives is reminiscent of Chelsea star Kalidou Koulibaly,
      A powerhouse at the back, he’s tough to get past, but as with most young defenders positionally he can drift away from his man.
      That said, coaches for the French national team believe he’s the next big thing and have high hopes for Badiashile.
      Badiashile is strong, athletic and reads the game wellCredit: Getty – Contributor
      A France under-21 international, Badiashile is expected to become a full internationalCredit: Instagram
      Badiashile could be a big hit in the Premier League if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer decides to sign him from FranceCredit: Instagram
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      He’s been capped at under-16 level – all the way through to the under-21’s for France – and has two caps at full level.
      Benoit revealed that Manchester United DID bid for him in 2020, however he snubbed a £22million move. His time in the Premier League, though, is now set to come. More

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      Croatia legend Luka Modric is an ex-refugee whose granddad was shot dead when he was just six but still became an icon

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      LUKA MODRIC has enjoyed a stunning career, including winning the Ballon d’Or title in 2018, and will lead his country out against Argentina in the semi-final of the World Cup tonight.But his upbringing could not have been tougher.
      Luka Modric endured a tough childhood
      Growing up in Zadar, Modric won accolades for his local teamCredit: Collect
      The burned-out former house Modric lived in with his grandfatherCredit: Getty – Contributor
      When the Croatia and Real Madrid superstar was just six years old, his entire existence was rocked by the shooting of his beloved granddad at the hands of militant Serbian thugs and he was forced to live life as a refugee in his war-torn homeland.
      But despite such hardship, that didn’t stop the ambitious kid from going on to become one of the best players on the planet and still, aged 37, a global superstar.
      In 2018, he was voted the best player on the planet, ending the decade of dominance of the award by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
      But on December 8, 1991, during Croatia’s war of independence, violent Serbian militia stormed Modrici, a small village near the Velebit mountains in northern Dalmatia and wrought terror on Croatian families who hadn’t escaped.
      One of those caught in the crossfire was Luka Modric Snr, who was walking his cattle up an abandoned street when he was cornered by a group of Serbians.
      They brutally executed him along with five other locals.
      The idea behind the barbaric act was to send a message to other Modrici residents that they must leave their town behind, but it robbed the future Real Madrid midfielder of his grandfather.
      Modrici was where Modric was raised before his family fled to ZadarCredit: Getty – Contributor
      An early football club registration card from Modric’s childhoodCredit: Collect
      Modric was just six when his granddad was murdered by Serbian militia
      Modric has gone on to great success with the Croatian national team and Real MadridCredit: AFP or licensors
      Many Croatians were forced out of their villages by Serbian forcesCredit: Ron Haviv
      It hit Luka hard.
      At the time, he was raised by Modric Snr while his parents Stipe and Radojka worked long hours in a knitwear factory to support the family financially.
      And amazing footage emerged during the 2018 World Cup of a young Luka herding goats.
      I was six years old. These were really hard times. I remember them vividly but it’s not something you want to remember or think about
      After the incident, his parents were forced to leave Modrici and they sought refuge at the Hotel Iz in the town of Zadar.
      Without any electricity or running water, the sound of grenades and bullets became a daily occurrence for little Luka and his sister Jasmina, not to mention avoiding landmines potentially buried around any corner.
      But that didn’t stop the boy from kicking a small, punctured football around the hotel car park, dreaming that one day he would be able to leave his war-torn existence behind.
      The family home Modric grew up in still stands todayCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Families were torn apart, while an estimated 140,000 lost their lives during the warCredit: Toni Hnojčik
      The town of Zadar became Modric’s home when he was forced out of ModriciCredit: AFP – Getty
      Modric went from rags-to-riches through hard work and determinationCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The Yugoslav Civil War began in 1991 and ended in 2001Credit: Romeo Ibrišević
      The town of Modrici is near Croatia’s Velebit mountainsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      It’s a rags-to-riches tale that’s testament to the five-time Champions League winner’s dedication and determination to succeed in the wake of an awful tragedy.
      Modric rarely talks about his hardship, but when he signed for Spurs back in 2008, he briefly addressed the issues that blighted his childhood.
      “When the war started we became refugees and it was a really tough time,” Modric revealed.
      “I was six years old. These were really hard times. I remember them vividly but it’s not something you want to remember or think about.
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      Croatia’s captain led his team to the final of the 2018 World Cup and now the semi-final four years laterCredit: EPA
      Modric began his footballing education at Dinamo ZagrebCredit: AFP – Getty
      As a young teen, Modric starred in midfield for Dinamo ZagrebCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Serbian military volunteers were responsible for intimidating Croatian familiesCredit: Imre Szabo
      Many children were affected by the events of the Yugoslav Civil WarCredit: Christopher Morris
      Just a stone’s throw away from Modric’s abandoned home, a sign warns of the dangers of landmines nearbyCredit: Getty – Contributor
      “We lived in a hotel for many years as we struggled financially, but I always loved football.
      “I remember my first shin pads had the Brazilian Ronaldo on them and I loved them.
      “The war made me stronger, it was a very hard time for me and my family. I don’t want to drag that with me forever, but I don’t want to forget about it either.”
      It’s that mental toughness that has served Modric well during his career.
      Family man Modric has a son called IvanoCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Modric met his wife Vanja Bosnic in 2007 at the Mamic sports agencyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Ivan Rakitić and Luka Modric formed a terrific midfield partnership for Croatia at the 2018 World Cup, but Rakitić retired from international duty in 2020Credit: Instagram @lukamodric10
      In Croatia’s stunning run to the Russia 2018 final, he overcame missing a penalty in normal time versus Denmark in the last-16 to step up in the shootout and send his side through.
      He also took a pen in his country’s second penalty shootout win over Russia in the quarter-finals that ensured their semi-final berth.
      Fast-forward four years and faced with the same pressure situation against Brazil in Qatar, Modric calmly buried another crucial penalty.
      However, when Modric was 10 years old he was written off by a number of coaches who thought he was too frail and shy to make it in the game.
      Hajduk Split passed on him and it was only when Tomislav Basic, a coach of a team that Modric played for in Zadar, stepped in and used his contacts to get Luka a trial at Dinamo Zagreb.
      At Spurs, Luka Modric was a cult heroCredit: PA:Press Association
      In 2012, Modric moved to Real Madrid for a fee of £30mCredit: Getty – Contributor
      During his career with Real Madrid, Modric has lifted the Champions League four timesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      From there his talent flourished, he went on to Tottenham and Real Madrid and is now a star for both club and country, as well as being one of the most respected footballers in the world.
      And his personal life couldn’t be much better either.
      He married Vanja Bosnic, who also acts as his agent, in 2010 in the Croatian capital of Zagreb. The pair first met at Mamic sports agency, where she worked.
      Modric’s former Tottenham and Croatia team-mate Vedran Corluka was the best man at their wedding.
      The couple’s first child, son Ivano, was born just three weeks after their big day.
      Since then, they have had two daughters; five-year-old Ema and Sofia, who was born in 2017.
      Vanja Bosnic poses for a snap with son Ivano and daughters Ema and Sofia
      Modric has been recognised as one of the world’s best playersCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Bosnic and Modric married in 2010 in ZagrebCredit: Instagram @lukamodric10
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      Bosnic is said to have such an influence on his life, she was deemed to be the person responsible for orchestrating his £30m move to Real Madrid.
      Modric’s remarkable rise to the top of world football was confirmed when he won the Ballon d’Or.
      No wonder his father Stipe was so emotional, saying: “I am the happiest and proudest father in the world.
      “You are my genius. I can’t find words.” More

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      Meet Britain’s richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who wants to buy Man Utd, owns Nice and is nicknamed Bond villain Dr No

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      BRITAIN’S richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe – worth a staggering £15billion- is plotting to buy Manchester United.The billionaire businessman wants in after the Glazer family put the club up for sale – as long as it’s for the right price.
      Britain’s richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, wants to buy Man UtdCredit: Getty – Contributor
      United announced on Monday that the Glazers were “looking to explore strategic alternatives” for the club.
      Ratcliffe, 70, is a lifelong Red Devils fan and it was revealed in the summer he was interested in taking over the club.
      A spokesperson said: “If the club is for sale, Jim is definitely a potential buyer.
      “If something like this was possible, we would be interested in talking with a view to long-term ownership.
      “This is not about the money that has been spent or not spent. Jim is looking at what can be done now and, knowing how important the club is to the city, it feels like the time is right for a reset.”
      Back in April, Ratcliffe put in an offer for Chelsea after speaking with former Blues chairman Bruce Buck, when sanctions placed on Roman Abramovich triggered a fire sale.
      Ratcliffe is a petrochemicals tycoon who at his peak was worth around £21BILLION.
      He runs multi-billion-pound chemicals giant Ineos, which owns French club Nice, Swiss side Lausanne, plus a third of Formula One team Mercedes.
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      Speaking in October about taking over United, he said: “If it had been for sale in the summer, yes, we would probably have had a go, following on from the Chelsea thing.
      “But we can’t sit around hoping that one day United will become available.”
      Now United IS available, and billionaire businessman Ratcliffe is ready to negotiate a potential takeover.GROWING UP
      Ratcliffe was born in Failsworth,  LancashireCredit: AFP or licensors
      Ratcliffe was born in Failsworth, Lancashire, a commuter town just outside of Manchester.
      His father was a joiner and his mother worked in accounts, with the family living in a council house until the age of ten, before eventually moving to Hull, Yorkshire.
      His father later ran a factory making lab furniture.
      Ratcliffe previously admitted that despite having a Chelsea season ticket for many years, he is actually a Manchester United fan.
      He said: “I am a season ticket holder at Chelsea, have been for years, although I’m a Manchester United fan really.
      “Or was!”
      After attending Beverley Grammar School, Ratcliffe graduated from the University of Birmingham with a degree in chemical engineering.
      He also attended the London Business School, studying management accounting and graduating in 1980.
      CAREER
      Back in 2019, Ratcliffe forked out £91m to buy NiceCredit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun
      Ratcliffe’s first job was with oil firm Esso, before moving to American private equity group Advent international in 1989.
      He only became an entrepreneur at 40, as co-founder of INSPEC and then in 1998 forming Ineos in Hampshire, buying out his partners.
      The company used high-yield debt to finance deals, buying unwanted operations from bigger firms such as ISI and BP.
      In 2006, Ineos bought BP’s refining and petrochemical arm Innovene, giving the company refineries in five European countries and Canada.
      Ineos quit the United Kingdom in 2010, moving their head office from Hampshire to Rolle, Switzerland.
      The move is said to have saved Ratcliffe and his firm around £100million annually because of lesser tax.
      We’d look at businesses that were unfashionable or unsexy… We’d run them a bit better, reduce the costs, make them busy, and over the cycle they are very profitableSir Jim Ratcliffe on how his company made their billions
      He did return in 2015, however, putting the chemicals and energy branch of Ineos in Knightsbridge, London, saying he was “very cheerful” about being back in the UK and untroubled by Brexit.
      In fact, Ratcliffe had voted for Brexit.
      However, he quit the UK in 2018, moving to tax haven Monaco.
      The same year, the Sunday Times named Ratcliffe as Britain’s Richest Man, with a personal wealth of £21.05bn.
      Ineos, which employs around 19,000 people across the globe, makes fuels and lubricants, food packaging and construction materials that are a huge part of everyday life.
      It also supplies natural gas to homes and produces plastics, acids and polystyrene.
      In 2018, Ineos had a turnover of £45bn and is valued at £35bn.
      He previously revealed to The Times how he made his money, saying: “We’d look at businesses that were unfashionable or unsexy, facilities owned by large corporations where you’d know they would be sloppy with the fixed costs.
      “We’d run them a bit better, reduce the costs, make them busy, and over the cycle they are very profitable.”
      Ratcliffe has been called secretive and reclusive and according to the Financial Times has been given some nefarious nicknames by rivals and staff.
      They reported he has been called JR after the scheming oil tycoon from 1980s hit show Dallas, as well as Dr No – after the Bond villain/mad scientist.
      Ratcliffe’s company, Ineos, produces a range of plastics, lubricants and products used in everyday life – such as bottle tops and toothpasteCredit: Reuters
      Ratcliffe is a supporter of controversial drilling process frackingCredit: PA:Press Association
      PERSONAL LIFE
      Ratcliffe, who is a vocal supporter of fracking, was married to Amanda Townson in 1985, before divorcing in 1995 – the couple had two sons.
      He also has a daughter from his second wife, Alicia, whom he married in the late 1990s.
      Ratcliffe had properties in Chelsea and Hampshire before quitting the country for the French Riviera.
      His move to the tax haven, where he already had a property, saved him around £4BILLION in tax.
      Ratcliffe was also made a Knight Bachelor in the 2018 Birthday Honours list for services to business and investment.
      He has owned two large super-yachts, the Hampshire, which he sold in 2011 to take order of the Hampshire II, which he still owns.
      The Hampshire II cost £130million is 257ft 6in and can house 14 guests and 23 crew.
      It features six large cabins, has a swimming pool on one of the decks, a helipad, Jacuzzi, sauna, cinema and beach club.
      The helipad can even be transformed into a special sports area fit for tennis, badminton, basketball, baseball or football.
      His other toys include FOUR private jets and a fleet of cars – although it’s not known which cars he has.
      However, he is a known lover of Land Rover Defenders and has financed his own line of cars to rival his favourite 4×4.
      The Ineos Projekt Grenadier starts at £55,000.
      Ratcliffe is a lover of sports and the outdoors – and financed a new 4×4 to replace the Land Rover DefenderCredit: Jon Bond – The Sun
      The billionaire’s super-yacht, the Hampshire II, cost £130m and includes a swimming pool, helipad and room for 14 guestsCredit: YouTube / Feadship
      SPORTS
      Sir Jim has always been a huge fan of sport and physical activity.
      As well as growing up a Manchester United fan, he has made expeditions to the North and South Poles and also spent three months on a motorbike trek across South Africa.
      Ratcliffe is also said to have completed the London Marathon in 2007.
      Before his interest in buying Man Utd, Ratcliffe and Ineos had already bought another football team: Swiss side FC Lausanne-Sport.
      He completed the purchase of the team in November 2017, with the club sitting fifth in the Swiss Super League.
      However, The Blue and Whites were RELEGATED in his first season at the helm, dropping down to the Challenge League.
      The club are currently fourth in the table.
      Ineos then paid £91million to take over French Ligue 1 side Nice in 2019.
      Elsewhere, Ratcliffe completed a move for cycling outfit Team Sky – and turned them into Team Ineos.
      He said: “Cycling is a great endurance and tactical sport that is gaining ever more popularity around the world.
      “Equally, cycling continues to mushroom for the general public as it is seen to be good for fitness and health, together with easing congestion and pollution in city environments.
      “Ineos is delighted to take on the responsibility of running such a professional team.”
      In 2018, Ratcliffe teamed with Olympic hero Sir Ben Ainslie to form Ineos Team UK, and they competed for the America’s Cup from 2021.
      It is believed he spent more than £110million on the project.
      Clearly, with money to burn, Man Utd fans will be getting excited at the prospect of Ratcliffe backing their club.
      Ratcliffe is a keen sailor and teamed with Olympic hero Sir Ben Ainslie to form Ineos Team UK – the billionaire has already spent £110m on the projectCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      England’s best and worst football kits, from Moore’s iconic 1966 shirt to Seaman’s garish Euro 96 goalie jersey

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      THROUGH the years the likes of Umbro, Admiral and Nike have encouraged us to reach deep into our pockets to buy an England jersey.Some of those kits have been memorable, often linked to the team’s performance, and have become collector’s items.
      England, wearing the jersey they’ll wear for the 2022 World Cup, have sported a variety of shirts over the yearsCredit: Getty
      Others, however, have been simply forgettable – mainly because they were rarely worn or their design was simply too garish.
      SunSport has delved into its wardrobe to pull out the best and worst kits we’ve ever seen England perform in. There are some crackers… but there are some true stinkers too.THE BEST
      5. 2010-11 HOME KIT
      This special kit was one for the hipsters.
      Designed by Peter Saville, the graphic designer responsible for creating album artwork for Joy Division, Pulp, Suede and more, it was produced by Umbro.
      The cross of St George was carefully stitched onto the shirt and socks to give it that extra patriotic feel.
      While the shorts were a royal blue colour – that certainly suited Chelsea legend John Terry.
      In 2010 iconic graphic designer Peter Saville created this England top
      One for the hipsters, the flag of St George was stitched into the jersey and socks
      4. 1990-92 THIRD KIT
      One for the purists.
      Designed for Italia 90, it only ever got one outing – and that wasn’t just from Bernard Sumner in New Order’s World In Motion video.
      Dennis Wise and Co wore it for a game against Turkey in 1991, and it never appeared again.
      It did look very similar to Manchester City’s shirt of the same era though, that also featured a diamond pattern running through it.

      1990-92 Replica Third Shirt, £35 from Pro Direct Soccer – buy here

      England’s third kit looked like Man CityCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The Umbro kit was only worn once in a friendly against Turkey before it was shelvedCredit: Getty – Contributor
      3. 1990-93 HOME SHIRT
      A jersey linked with special memories.
      From David Platt hammering home a last-minute volley against Belgium to Gazza’s tears and Gary Lineker’s goals, it was worn infamously during the 1990 World Cup, where England reached the semi-finals.
      Its design is steeped in the 90s, with subtle zig-zags adorning a slightly flammable material.

      1990-93 Replica HOME Shirt, £30 form Pro Direct soccer – buy here

      Paul Gascoigne made England’s 1990-93 home jersey iconicCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Gary Lineker and England reached the semi-finals in Italia 90Credit: Getty – Contributor
      2. 1980-83 HOME KIT
      While England didn’t lose a game at the 1982 World Cup, where they wore this number created by Admiral, they failed to make it past the second group round.
      Two frustrating draws against West Germany and Spain, the latter in which an unfit Kevin Keegan missed a sitter of a header saw the Three Lions crash out.
      But in the style stakes, we definitely had the best kit – with a stonking v-neck flanked by a blue and red pattern either side of it.

      1980-83 Replica HOME shirt, £30 from Pro Direct Select – buy here

      Admiral’s England kit is recognised as one of their coolestCredit: Mark Leech Sports
      From 1980-83 England wore a v-neck collar
      1. 1966 AWAY SHIRT
      It had to be.
      Worn expertly by Bobby Moore and Sir Geoff Hurst as we marched to World Cup glory at Wembley defeating West Germany 4-2, it was only worn because (strangely) our opponents were the designated home team that day.
      But its simple design and round collar screams the 1960s, and it’s still a jersey you see fans wearing in the stands today.
      The question is; would it be number one if we hadn’t won the World Cup? Who cares, we did and that’s history.

      1966 Replica AWAY shirt, £25 from Pro Direct Soccer – buy here

      Bobby Moore wears the iconic red 1966 World Cup jerseyCredit: Getty – Contributor
      England only wore red that day because West Germany were the designated home teamCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty

      THE WORST
      5. 1999-2000 HOME KIT
      Desperate to recreate the feel of England’s 1966 shirt, Umbro introduced a round collar for this effort in time for Euro 2000.
      But even David Beckham couldn’t pull it off – as we fell to a last minute goal against Romania in a 3-2 loss in our last group game and were eliminated.
      The fact the shirt only retailed for a year showed you what the FA thought of it.
      Umbro brought back the round neck collar for this design in 1999Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      In 2000 after a dismal Euros the shirt was in the binCredit: Getty – Contributor
      4. 1997-1998 HOME KIT
      Ironically, its predecessor wasn’t much better.
      Another Umbro effort, it did have an iconic moment attached to it when an 18-year-old Michael Owen waltzed past several Argentina defenders to slam home one of the best World Cup goals.
      But in terms of design, it was all over the place – with a bulky trophy neck collar and strange stripes on the side not adding to its glory.
      The centralised badge was a bit too radical too.

      1997-98 Replica HOME shirt, £30 from Pro Direct Soccer – buy here

      Michael Owen’s iconic goal against Argentina made the 1998 jersey memorableCredit: AFP – Getty
      But placing the badge in the centre of the kit went against traditionCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      3. 2016 AWAY SHIRT
      When an England legend speaks out about a kit, it must be bad.
      In 2016, Gary Lineker tweeted: “Can’t think of a worse England strip” when the red away jersey was unveiled for the first time.
      And he wasn’t the only one, as fans online lambasted its design.
      For some reason it came with bright blue socks too. Just, no.

      2016 AWAY shirt, from £45, at Vintage Football Shirts – buy here

      England legend Gary Lineker was one of the first to criticise England’s 2016 away jerseyCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      For some reason Umbro paired bright blue socks with the red away kitCredit: PA:Press Association
      2. 1995-1996 AWAY SHIRT
      Sorry, Umbro.
      But when a company designs a shirt they hope looks good with jeans, is grey, and is said to be ‘indigo blue’ you know you’re in trouble.
      The strip was only worn three times, against Bulgaria, then against Georgia and finally against Germany in the Euro 96 semi-final.
      That defeat certainly put the nail in the coffin for it, and the kit was shelved soon after.

      1996-97 AWAY shirt, from £60, at Vintage Football Shirts – buy here

      England’s indigo blue shirt was created by Umbro with the idea it would look good with jeansCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      After England’s Euro 96 heartbreak against Germany the kid was never seen againCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      1. POOR DAVID SEAMAN
      The Arsenal goalie had a momentous tournament at Euro 96.
      A penalty save against Scotland that inspired the Three Lions to victory, the hero in a penalty shootout win over Spain, he became renowned as one of the world’s best keepers soon after.
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      But this kit he wore did him absolutely no favours, even if he did stand out from the crowd.
      A bright red colour, mixed with a splash of green, yellow, purple made it look like something someone who had indulged in too many Skittles might’ve thrown up.
      And why was the E backwards on it? We’ll never know.
      David Seamans goalie jersey from Euro 96 was a monstrosityCredit: Getty – Contributor
      For some reason the E was backwards on the jersey

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      in Soccer

      Meet England World Cup star James Maddison’s stunning girlfriend Kennedy Alexa, who is a model and lived in Los Angeles

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      LEICESTER CITY ace James Maddison has finally got the call he deserves.The midfielder, 25, has been in inspired form for the Foxes, which Gareth Southgate could not ignore, and has picked him for England’s World Cup squad to go to Qatar.
      Kennedy Alexa is the stunning girlfriend of England ace James MaddisonCredit: Instagram @kennedyalexa
      Maddison began dating Kennedy in 2020Credit: Instagram @kennedyalexa
      Alexa and Maddison have as son called Leo
      Cheering him in Qatar will be his gorgeous Wag and mother of his son, Leo.
      The playmaker charmed stunning model Kennedy Alexa, 28, in 2020 – and they have been inseparable ever since.
      The pair became Instagram official when they shared a snap on Christmas Eve wearing matching pyjamas.
      Gushing Maddson revealed in 2021 that he loved his new girlfriend in a romantic social media post of the pair taking a stroll.
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      They then welcomed baby Leo in the summer of the same year, with the nipper already accustomed to life at the King Power Stadium and seeing daddy play.
      LA LADY
      But the pair have always remained tight-lipped on when they first began dating one another.
      And they’re so private, we’re not even sure how they met. But, we can assume it was in late 2020.
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      According to her social media, English-born Alexa only moved back to the UK that same year.
      Previously, she lived in Los Angeles where she enjoying hiking on Runyon Canyon.
      Alexa got into American sports, including baseball.
      She also marched on a Black Lives Matter rally in West Hollywood.
      Gorgeous Kennedy shows off her stunning bikini body
      Gorgeous brunette Alexa is a modelCredit: Instagram @kennedyalexa
      Alexa used to live in Los Angeles, where she enjoyed hikingCredit: Instagram @kennedyalexa
      The brunette stunner also got into American sports, like baseballCredit: Instagram @kennedyalexa
      Alexa shows off her curves in a sexy swimwear photoshootCredit: Instagram @kennedyalexa
      On Instagram Alexa gives followers a glimpse of her fashion shootsCredit: Instagram @kennedyalexa
      Proud Kennedy will be delighted for Maddison’s England call-up
      MODEL CITIZEN
      It’s no surprise that Alexa models for a living.
      A quick glimpse through her Instagram, that has almost 60,000 followers, shows the gorgeous brunette posing in various fashion shoots.
      She shot a campaign for the Princess Polly online boutique, and has taken to Wag life well – living a glam lifestyle.
      Maddison and Alex went Instagram official in matching pyjamas on Christmas eveCredit: Instagram @kennedyalexa
      In recent years Alexa has modelled for the likes of American swimwear brand MontceCredit: Instagram @kennedyalexa
      Alexa moved back to England from America in 2020Credit: Instagram @kennedyalexa
      It is assumed Alexa began dating Maddison in 2020Credit: Instagram @kennedyalexa
      Baby Leo has already been to see dad play football live with his mum
      Alexa also showed off her amazing bikini body for American swimwear brand Montce.
      In terms of her own fashion style, she has a penchant for Nike Air trainers – showing off her collection online.
      LOVES TO TRAVEL
      Being a model, Alexa gets to travel to some amazing destinations.
      On Instagram, she shared snaps from some incredible holidays – including stays in Hawaii and a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Prickly Pear Island in the Caribbean island of Anguilla.
      Add trips to Miami for glam photoshoots, life is beautiful for Alexa.
      Alexa loves to travelCredit: Instagram @kennedyalexa
      On Instagram Alexa regularly shares her trips to glam placesCredit: Instagram @kennedyalexa
      Alexa and Maddison have been gushing about each other on social mediaCredit: Instagram @kennedyalexa
      Maddison told Alexa he loved her on InstagramCredit: Instagram @kennedyalexa
      And being a footballers’ Wag will bring plenty more where that came from.
      In a post, ‘Madders’ told Alexa: “Love you.”
      Judging by these snaps, it’s easy to see why. More

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      Security measures footballers use, from spending £50k on panic rooms to splashing up to £40k on guard dogs

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      FOOTBALLERS can afford the ultimate luxuries in life, like sprawling homes, cars and expensive jewellery thanks to their hefty salaries.But unfortunately that makes them easy prey for opportunist thieves – who’ll target anything of value to steal.
      Dele Alli was targeted by burglars in 2020Credit: EPA
      Police arrive on the scene of Alli’s North London home after intruders broke in and stole watchesCredit: Paul Edwards – The Sun
      Manchester City ace Kyle Walker beefed up his security detail – buying a doberman for £40,000 from guard dog specialists Chaperone K9.
      Dele Alli was a victim of a robbery, where two burglars broke into his North London home, assaulted him before taking off with expensive watches, including a £150,000 Richard Mille 11-03, a £150,000 Patek Philippe 5980 Nautilus and a £50,000 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak chrono.
      Then in 2019, ex-Arsenal stars Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac were chased by a moped gang, who tried to car-jack the German playmaker’s Mercedes G-Wagon, as the pair drove along a North London road.
      Liverpool forward Sadio Mane was burgled when he was on Champions League duty with the Reds, who were playing away against Bayern Munich.
      While the Senegalese forward was tormenting the Bavarians, his mansion was being ransacked by burglars, who nicked items including mobile phones, car keys and designer watches.
      But what security measures do footballers take to keep themselves safe from harm?
      IN THE CASE OF DELE
      Since having his timepieces nicked, Dele tried to make them too hot to handle and circulated their makes and models.
      And his football pals told him they would pass on the details to their watchmakers in the hope they could catch the thieves.
      A source told The Sun at the time: “These robbers might think they have hit the jackpot stealing these watches, but they are going to face real problems cashing them in.
      “Footballers use a handful of dealers and none will touch a stolen watch because they know it could cause serious problems down the line.
      Dele Alli’s prized watches were stolen from himCredit: Dele Instagram
      A £50,000 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak chrono was taken in the burglaryCredit: Dele Instagram
      Ali and his pals circulated their makes and models to make the goods too hot to handleCredit: Dele Instagram
      “It’s not unusual for cops in Dubai and Italy to demand to see papers for watches when passengers pass through security.
      “Can you imagine if a watch stolen in a violent robbery ends up on a wrist of a player who then gets arrested?
      “Dele is well connected through the England squad and knows players in Manchester, Newcastle, Liverpool and London where all the main dealers are.
      “These dealers know if they accidentally bought any watch that turned out to be one of Dele’s, then they would never sell to a footballer again.”
      PANIC ROOMS
      One of the big trends in the last few years has seen footballers installing bulletproof panic rooms inside their lavish properties.
      Costing anywhere from between £40k to £1m, they provide a secure hiding spot for families at home during a burglary.
      David Beckham recently installed one in his family’s Kensington abode, along with a 24-hour, 60-camera CCTV system.
      Paul Weldon, managing director of The Panic Room, fits them for high-profile clients around Europe.
      He told us: “A panic room is a room that’s self-contained, that if the house becomes under some form of aggravated break-in, the family can get into that room, be safe and secure and have some independent communication to call for help.
      Former Arsenal pals Sead Kolasinac and Mesut Ozil were the subject of a car-jacking in 2019Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      The moped thugs had given chase to Ozil’s Mercedes G-Class SUV in North London
      Bosnian left-back Kolasinac bravely managed to send the attackers scarpering
      Panic rooms have become a huge trend for footballersCredit: The Panic Room Company
      A bulletproof panic room can cost anything from £40k to £1mCredit: The Panic Room Company
      Panic rooms are normally installed within an existing room in a propertyCredit: The Panic Room Company
      “In a residential home, we try to locate somewhere on the first bedroom floor where there’s a closet of two metres by two metres that can double up as a fully-blown panic room.
      “Generally, our rooms are installed inside an existing room and they have the capability to withstand bullets from a handgun and a shotgun.
      “They range from about £40,000 to £1m in price – and clients don’t just use them to protect themselves, they’ll store specialist wines, art work, and put their safes in there too.
      “But you have to remember, a panic room is a last resort. With a big, detached property you’ve got to incorporate other systems.
      “It may be at night you set perimeter alarms, or a ground floor alarm. So at least you’ve got some warning that someone is knocking around.
      “If the alarm activates outside, you can get your family inside a panic room and call the police. But it’s got to be used with other security features of a property.”
      SPECIALLY-TRAINED GUARD DOGS
      Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish, Mark Noble, Phil Jones, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jesse Lingard all swear by Chaperone K9 – a Leicestershire-based company that provides specially trained guard dogs to protect Premier League footballers’ families.
      The majority of dogs they provide are German Shepherds or Belgian Malinois, and each pooch has been put through a rigorous 12-month plus training programme.
      According to Chaperone K9’s website, the dogs are able to recognise and deal with a number of different threats, including home invasion, road rage, personal attacks on the person and their family and robbery.
      Chaperone K9 provide guard dogs to footballers, including Marcus RashfordCredit: Chaperone K9
      Mark Noble invested in two German Shepherds from Chaperone K9 to protect his familyCredit: Chaperone K9
      Man Utd star Phil Jones also believes having a Chaperone K9 dog in your home warns off intrudersCredit: Chaperone K9
      Rashford paid upwards of £15,000 for a Chaperone K9 dog to protect his Cheshire propertyCredit: Chaperone K9
      Hugo Lloris recently added a guard dog from Elite Protection to his familyCredit: Instagram
      Once given a command, they will spring into action with an apparent initial display of aggression to ward a potential assailant off simply by barking.
      If there is more than one attacker, they are taught to position themselves between you and the potential threat, continuously barking to keep the assailants at bay.
      And should the assailant continue to pose you a danger, a Chaperone K9 has learned, on command, to bite and hold the attacker until you tell the dog to release them.
      Since the Alli incident, more footballers have said to have invested in the ferocious guard dogs – also using rival firm Elite Protection, like Hugo Lloris.
      PERSONAL BODYGUARDS
      When you’re as famous as someone like the Beckhams, surrounding yourself and your children with burly security guards is a necessity.
      On the school run in LA, former members of the SAS would flank the family’s brood before they went to class.
      And when Brazil captain Dani Alves was at PSG, Titan Security were asked to look after his safety during a meet and greet.
      “When Dani launched his new clothing line in Paris, we supplied security staff for him,” Matthew Watson, director for Titan Security Europe explained.
      “Measures were taken in store where Dani was signing autographs and posing for photos with fans.
      David Beckham and his family are regularly flanked by security, some of which are SAS-trainedCredit: AFP – Getty
      “Crowd control and proximity of general public in this setting had to be considered due to the nature of it being a high-profile footballer, as well as two-way earpiece radio support to bodyguards on site.”
      Watson believes in the wake of the recent incidents more footballers will seek personal security.
      “In light of recent events, anticipation is for this market to continue to grow,” he said.
      “Affluent footballers are often a target due to lack of security around them, and they are very much in the public eye.
      “While brazen attempts to rob these individuals is becoming more frequent, with salary’s being posted and shared on social media.
      “That means footballers today are at risk more than ever.”
      Dani Alves required security detail when he was attending an event in ParisCredit: PA:Press Association
      RAISING AN ALARM
      Shield Security provide alarms and systems for footballers in the Yorkshire and Humber region, as well as the North of England.
      When Southampton forward Shane Long was plying his trade at Hull City, he enlisted their services.
      “During my time with Premier League football club Hull City, my family were fortunate enough to benefit from the services of Shield Security,” he revealed.
      “As a professional footballer, I often spend a great deal of time away from home, and with that in mind, my wife and I wanted the best security protection for our family.”
      Not only does Shield offer state-of-the-art alarms that can detect the most cunning intruder, they also offer security staff that stay at the home overnight, which is something Long invested in ahead of Hull’s ill-fated Europa League campaign in 2014.
      “We can offer guards to patrol the premises for footballers when they’re away, which is a decent visual deterrent,” Shield Security manager Alex Lee told us.
      “While some of the clients will request patrol cars visit four or five times a night to have a look around the premises.
      “But it’s mostly going technology-wise now. What happens with these burglaries is the robbers tend to know when a footballer is going away, so it’s pretty hard to prevent against.”
      Lee revealed that footballers are spending up to £20k to ensure their mansions are covered by alarms, cameras and barrier fences.
      Shield Security provide alarms, barrier fences and more for footballersCredit: Shield Security
      Shane Long asked Shield Security to provide a patrol guard to look after his property when he was awayCredit: Reuters
      CCTV cameras are installed around footballers’ homes, with video and alerts sent straight to their phones if an alarm is triggeredCredit: Getty – Contributor
      “A lot of footballers tend to live in houses that have gated houses.
      “So the first port of call is a gated intercom. They have a video camera pointing at the entrance and that goes direct to an app on their mobile phones.
      “There could also be cameras right around the site, with some players even doing internal cameras by their back doors, as well as intruder alarms.
      “We install perimeter fences too that have a laser going from pillar to pillar, so any movement over that and an alarm will be triggered.
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      “It’s not too different to what your average Joe is getting really, but the only difference is it’s on a larger scale because of the size of their houses.
      “Most footballers’ homes are five bedroom homes, so they’re spending anywhere from £5,000 to £20,000.
      “But if that’s the price of keeping them and their family safe, they will happily pay that.”
      Tottenham midfielder Dele Ali shows off incredible house & home cinema while on lockdown More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Robert Lewandowski’s incredible £7million apartment in Warsaw complete with a golf simulator

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      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI knows where his roots are.Despite being based in Germany since 2010 and then moving to Barcelona this summer, the striker was happy to splash £7million on a deluxe pad in his home city of Warsaw back in 2016.
      Robert Lewandowski owns a stunning apartment in Warsaw that cost £7mCredit: CEN/ Zlota44
      Lewandowski’s apartment comes equipped with a golf simulatorCredit: CEN/ Zlota44
      The deluxe pad comes with access to a state-of-the-art sports and recreation centreCredit: CEN/ Zlota44
      The living room is spacious and comfortable
      The flat boasts incredible views of the city of Warsaw
      Standard flats in the Zlota 44 tower block range between £242,000 to £1.9m, with the more pricey apartments costing up to £7m.
      Polish-American architect Daniel Libeskind designed the 192-metre tall block and ensured the property was fully stocked with all Lewandowski will need.
      There’s a state-of-the-art sports and recreation centre, a private cinema, golf simulator and wine tasting room, according to Luxurious Magazine.
      Lewandowski, who rakes in £165,000 in his first season as Barca but will earn more each year, said: “Choosing my new apartment was based on practical considerations.
      MOST READ IN FOOTBALL
      “The tower provides some of the best residences in Poland, whilst the sports and recreation centre allows me to complete my training program in the highest quality surroundings.
      “It is important in my profession to always have world-class training facilities on hand and now I’m just a short elevator ride from a full-size swimming pool, fully-equipped gym, luxury spa area, as well as treatment and massage rooms.
      “This was essential for me as it allows me at any given moment to complete my training program in the best surroundings.”
      Lewandowski is widely considered one of the best strikers of his generation.
      He was cruelly denied the Ballon d’Or in 2020 when the award was scrapped due to Covid after he spearheaded Bayern Munich to Champions League glory.
      The bedroom boasts floor-to-ceiling windows
      Standard flats in the Zlota 44 tower block range between £242,000 to £1.9m, with the more pricey apartments costing up to £7m
      A grand piano sits in a reception room
      Lewandowski is Poland’s record goalscorerCredit: Getty Images
      The Polish hero spent eight successful years at the Allianz Arena, winning the Bundesliga title every season.
      He also smashed in a staggering 344 goals in 375 games for the club before deciding he wanted out in the summer.
      Despite being in £1billion of debt, Barcelona somehow stumped up £42.5m to sign him following Sergio Aguero’s retirement.
      Lewandowski bought the apartment back in 2016
      Lewandowski is originally from Warsaw
      The home boasts modern decor throughout
      Robert Lewandowski takes a cheeky picture of and wife Anna as they work out togetherCredit: CEN / Robert Lewandowki More

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      How Man Utd star Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner Georgina Rodriguez went from £250-a-week shop girl to Netflix superstar

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      SHE’S one of the most famous Wags on the planet – but Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner Georgina Rodriguez hasn’t always lived a life of riches and luxury. The 28-year-old Spanish model lived in a cramped, shared house and worked as a £250-a-week ($275) shop girl before a chance encounter with football legend Ronaldo transformed her life.
      Georgina has gone from a £250-a-week shop girl to one of the world’s most famous WagsCredit: Instagram
      A chance encounter with football legend Ronaldo transformed Georgina’s lifeCredit: Instagram
      Now she is enjoying life on our shores, and on the big screen with her hit Netflix documentary, after the five-time Ballon d’Or winner agreed to rejoin Manchester United in a blockbuster move.
      In a candid interview with ITV in 2019, Ronaldo, now 37, described finding “true love” with Georgina after the pair met for the first time at a Gucci store, where she was a sales assistant.
      The Juventus star told Piers Morgan: “She helped me so much. Of course, I’m in love with her.”
      Ronaldo, thought to be worth around £300million ($333m), added that it would be his mum Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro’s dream to see him and Georgina walk down the aisle.
      “We’ll be [married] one day, for sure,” he said.
      “It’s my mum’s dream as well. So, one day. Why not? It’s great. She’s my friend. We have conversations. I open the heart for her and she opens the heart for me.”
      LATEST FOOTBALL NEWS

      Ronaldo becomes emotional during his candid interview with Piers Morgan
      He described Georgina as his “true love”Credit: Refer to Caption
      The footballer also says he’ll marry Georgina one day ‘for sure’Credit: The Mega Agency
      Georgina lives a life most of us can only dream of – holidaying in Ibiza and Iceland, wearing head-to-foot Chanel and Gucci, and enjoying her boyfriend’s mega yacht and fleet of luxury cars.
      She also stood by Ronaldo after he was accused of raping a model in a Las Vegas hotel room – claims he has emphatically denied and which he will not face any criminal charges over.
      But while Georgina could soon become Mrs Ronaldo, the Wag’s life used to be very different…
      Georgina kisses Ronaldo after a Real Madrid victory – but her life used to be very differentCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Grafting for goals
      The beauty hails from a very humble background, growing up in the tiny village of Jaca, northern Spain, with her Argentine former footballer father, Jorge, and Spanish mother, Ana.
      As a child, she longed to be a ballet dancer. But because her parents couldn’t afford to send her to dance school, Georgina set her sights on a career in fashion retail instead.
      It was clear from a young age that she was ambitious and like Ronaldo – who grew up in a tin-roofed house in Madeira – she did everything in her power to chase her dreams.
      Georgina grew up in a tiny village, Jaca, in the Spanish mountainsCredit: Alamy
      She was desperate to get out of her small town and achieve her dreamsCredit: Instagram
      Living in a cramped house share
      As soon as she was old enough, Georgina moved to Huesca, a small town an hour away, where she got her first job as a waitress.
      However, she soon got bored of the town, and became fed up of living in a tiny home with several other young people.
      Tired of her impoverished lifestyle,  Georgina moved again – this time three hours away to the seaside town of San Sebastian, where she got a job in mid-range shop, Massimo Dutti.
      But despite earning more money, the draw of living the high life saw her make her next big move.
      “I wanted to work in luxury and I understood that for that I had to speak English,” Georgina told XLSemanal. 

      Georgina poses for a typical tourist snap near the London EyeCredit: Instagram
      Nanny in Bristol
      In 2012, aged just 17, Georgina flew to England and got a job as an au pair for a family in Bristol.
      Here, she focused on learning English, earning around £9.50 an hour.
      Once her language skills were up to scratch, she headed back to Spain to pursue her dreams of working in high-end retail in Madrid.
      Georgina lived in Bristol but visited Bath in her free timeCredit: Instagram
      “Love at first sight”
      Georgina finally got her dream job as a saleswoman at Gucci in 2016 – and it was while she was working here that she caught former Real Madrid star Ronaldo’s eye.
      Days later, the pair met again at another brand’s event, where they were able to “talk in a relaxed atmosphere”, outside of a work environment.
      “It was love at first sight for both,” Georgina previously told the Sun on Sunday.
      Georgina finally got her dream job in a designer store in Madrid in 2016Credit: Instagram
      It was “love at first sight” for the coupleCredit: AFP or licensors
      Hounded by fans
      The couple kept their relationship under wraps for the first few months, but once people found out they were dating, football fans started turning up at Georgina’s shop.
      Bosses feared the fans, who were trying to take pictures, would put off their rich clientele, and Georgina was dismissed from her dream job in December 2016 after just eight months.
      Ronaldo’s contacts got her another job in Prada in El Corte Ingles, the famous Spanish department store, where she earned about £1,000 a month plus commission.

      But once again, her relationship cost her a job. Customers kept coming into the shop in the hope of spotting Ronaldo – and begged Georgina for selfies.
      It wasn’t long before management and Georgina mutually agreed it was best if she left and stopped working for good.
      Speaking about her experience, she told Spanish outlet, XLSemanal: “I was hiding, but fans were looking for me at the store. They used to call up and ask about me, pretending to be clients.
      “There were always photographers waiting for me. The director told me to go down to the basement because he did not want to see me in the store. I started to be very uncomfortable and then I left.”
      Georgina’s high-profile relationship has cost her a number of jobsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      From selling Gucci to wearing it
      While Georgina used to sell designer clothes to the rich and famous, she’s now wearing them herself – from £1,400 Balmain jackets and £5,000 Chanel handbags to a priceless vintage fur coat.
      They were living in a gated mansion in Turin – similar to the £5 million mansion she and Ronaldo used to share in Madrid (but a far cry from the flat she once lived in with pals).
      Now, they will mostly likely be house-hunting in Cheshire’s Golden Triangle for an abode fit for a king and queen.
      Of course, Georgina is used to travelling in style too – jetting off in an £18 million private plane, sailing on a luxury yacht and driving sports cars like Ronaldo’s flashy Bugatti Veyron.
      Since she began dating Ronaldo, Georgina has become a star in her own right, gracing the cover of various fashion magazines while amassing 27 million Instagram followers.
      Georgina is often pictured wearing the most expensive designer clothesCredit: Rex Features
      Credit: Refer to Caption

      The Ronaldo clan enjoy their luxury £5.5m Azimut Grande yacht bought in 2020
      A lavish wedding
      If Ronaldo does fulfil his dream to wed Georgina “one day”, it will likely be a very grand affair.
      Wedding expert and founder of Wedding Ideas Magazine Rachel Southwood told Sun Online: “She’ll probably wear a fit and flare dress that hugs her curves and kicks out at the bottom.
      “It will be slinky and sexy but demure all at the same time – probably in lace, but possibly with some extra bling.
      Georgina loves designer clothingCredit: Rex Features
      “I think she will wear a long lace, scallop-edged veil. Something by a designer like Riki Dalal although I suspect it will be completely bespoke, from the head designer at one of the design houses she has worked with.
      “Their wedding will be lavish and include a church service and a huge feast. It will be family-focused with a few big names thrown in for good measure.”
      Rodriguez sparked engagement rumours last year when she showed off a huge ring in an Instagram post.
      They have so far remain tight-lipped over plans but are expected to tie the knot in the near future.
      Georgina Rodriguez showed off a huge ring on her finger during a holidayCredit: Instagram
      Running Ronaldo’s empire
      But Georgina is very keen not to be perceived as a typical WAG.
      She has previously said she has no interest in just shopping and spending Ronaldo’s money – in fact she might take a more active role in managing his vast fortune.
      Georgina and Ronaldo now have four children between them
      Georgina sparked engagement rumours when she was seen sporting a new ring during the 2018 World CupCredit: Getty – Contributor
      While most women spend their pregnancies decorating the nursery, Georgina spent hers studying financial accounting at the Centre for Financial Studies in Madrid.
      Her course, which started in October 2017 and finished the following March, cost her £780 and saw her attend three-hour long classes twice a week.
      According to El Mundo, it included modules on tax matters, legal obligations and wealth management.
      “I loved earning money for myself and I never let myself be helped when someone offered to lend me a hand,” Georgina previously said.
      “I am realistic and if I see that I can buy something not too expensive I do. If I can’t wear a Chanel, I buy a Zara. Why brag about something that does not belong to you?”
      Ronaldo and his family were living in Turin, northern Italy before returning to Manchester United
      Tens of millions in a divorce
      When Georgina and Ronaldo eventually tie the knot, it’s unlikely the model will ever have to return to her shop girl job – even if they divorce.
      Experts say all her financial worries would be taken care of in a pre-nup.
      Head of Family Law in leading Manchester firm, JMW, Elspeth Kinder told Sun Online: “A prenup would make sure it provides fairly for Georgina’s needs and that of their child in the event of a divorce. It would be tens of millions – but it won’t be a half share of everything he’s got- that’s the point of the pre-nup.
      “The Spanish jurisdiction in divorce is very different to here and tends to be less favourable to somebody like Georgina who comes to a marriage with less money than the other.”
      Yet there’s no sign of trouble on the horizon for Ronaldo and Georgina.
      “Being the partner of someone so famous is not easy but I wouldn’t change it for the world,” Georgina said. “What I feel for him is stronger than anything, any kind of pressure.” More