More stories

  • in

    Meet Marte Koepp, the Wag of Brentford new signing Kristoffer Ajer, set to make debut against Arsenal in Premier League

    BRENTFORD’S record £13.5million signing Kristoffer Ajer will be the new face as the club make their debut in the Premier League on Friday.And keeping a close eye on the action will be the towering Norwegian defender’s stunning girlfriend, Marte Koepp.
    Marte Koepp is the latest Wag set to light up the Premier LeagueCredit: Instagram
    Koepp, 23, dates Brentford new boy Kristoffer Ajer
    The blonde beauty, 23, helped the former Celtic star lug boxes from Glasgow to London back in July, after completing his move to the Premier League new boys.
    Pretty Marte even got to set foot on the hallowed Brentford Community Stadium turf, when her beau’s signing was confirmed.
    Looking stunning in a black designer dress, she appeared more than ready for the big time as Ajer was given a tour of his new home.
    It’s a home she will likely be visiting as Arsenal come to town.
    NOT JUST A MODEL
    A natural beauty, Marte has modelled in the past.
    Today, she’s happier working in marketing and is a graphic designer with Norweigian company MedEasy.
    But it’s not all work and no play, and she’s also a big music fan.
    Before Covid disrupted everything, she shared images on Instagram at the TRNSMT festival with Ajer.
    The pair shared a kiss as they watched Scottish crooner Lewis Capaldi.
    Koepp works for a Norwegian marketing company as a graphic designerCredit: Instagram
    Music fan Koepp enjoyed the TRNSMT festival with Ajer in 2019Credit: Instagram
    Marte is also a model in her spare timeCredit: Instagram
    TRAVELLER
    Like most Wags, Marte loves to travel around the globe.
    And a quick flick through her Instagram shows the glam holidays she’s been on.
    She spent New Year’s Eve with Ajer in New York City, where they rang in 2020 on Times Square.
    Most recently, the loved-up pair enjoyed a Greek getaway.

    Marte also managed to visit Oslo, and in the past showed she enjoys places like sophisticated Monte Carlo with some of her social media snaps lapping up a scenic view.
    A snapshot of her life has already drawn over 4,000 followers on Instagram.
    Ajer previously dated Norwegian handball player Karoline Olsen, but she didn’t want to move to Glasgow when he signed for Celtic in 2016.
    On Instagram Marte has over 4,000 followers who enjoy her lifestyle snaps
    Recently, Koepp went to Greece on holidayCredit: Instagram
    Marte will be keeping a close eye on Ajer’s game against Arsenal
    Ajer and Koepp rang in 2020 in the Big Apple
    Marte helped Ajer pack his boxes from Glasgow for London
    Brentford vs Arsenal – Live stream, TV channel and kick-off time as Premier League returns More

  • in

    How Messi could live in Paris, from dining at Michelin star restaurants to shopping at Dior and starring at fashion week

    LIONEL Messi finally said ‘Oui’ to PSG on Tuesday, and is set for a huge cash windfall.The 34-year-old ex-Barcelona star has inked a two-year-deal worth £50million-per-season, which will serve him well for the incredible Paris lifestyle he’s set to lead.
    Lionel Messi is a PSG player after inking a deal worth £50m-per-year with the French giantsCredit: EPA
    Messi and wife Antonela are set for the high-life in ParisCredit: Instagram @antonelaroccuzzo
    The six-time Ballon d’Or winner, who already led the high-life in Catalonia and has amassed a net worth of around £300million, could dine at the finest Michelin-star restaurants and shop at the most exclusive designer boutiques.
    There’s also the annual Paris Fashion Week, that is usually attended by pal Neymar and other PSG stars.
    This is how Messi could live his life in the French capital.
    DREAM TEAM 2021/22PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON

    £100,000 prize pot up for grabs
    £50million budget to build your best XI
    Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
    Click here to play for FREE
    Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store

    WHERE TO LIVE?
    Currently, Lionel is staying at the five-star Royal Monceau, a favourite of the likes of Robert De Niro, Madonna and Kim Kardashian.
    Neymar stayed there in 2017, like PSG it’s Qatari-owned, and rooms can cost up to £17,000-per-night for one of its super-suites.
    But he’s currently house-hunting, and will look at the exclusive suburbs of Paris.
    BETTING SPECIAL – GET £60 IN FREE BETS FOR THE NEW PREMIER LEAGUE WITH 888SPORT

    There’s Bougival, where Brazilian superstar Neymar has a mansion and French movie star Gerard Depardieu called home for years before emigrating to Russia.
    While Argentinian winger Angel Di Maria has settled in posh Neuilly-sur-Seine, although his family was targeted by robbers while he was playing at the Parc des Princes.
    Either area offers close proximity to the club’s training ground in Saint-Germain-en-Laye.
    Messi and his family are currently staying at the five-star Royal MonceauCredit: Reuters
    Neuilly-sur-Seine is one of the more affluent areas of Paris to live in that Messi will house-hunt inCredit: Alamy
    Neymar boasts a mansion in Bougival, a rich Paris suburbCredit: EPA
    Both Bougival and Neuilly-sur-Seine are within close proximity of PSG’s training ground in Saint-Germain-en-LayeCredit: Alamy
    Both Neuilly-sur-Seine and Bougival offer sizeable multi-million homes big enough to house the Messi-clan, including wife Antonela and their sons Thiago, Ciro, and Mateo.
    FINE DINING
    Only the best food will do for Messi, who is a lover of seafood.
    Lucky for the foodie, who had to cut down on his love of Argentinian beef for a more rigid diet to stay the world’s best footballer, he has the pick of some the finest restaurants around.
    Paris boasts nine three Michelin-star restaurants, including the exclusive Alain Ducasse restaurant in the Hotel Plaza Athénée, L’Espadon at The Ritz, and the healthy-eaters’ choice, Arpege.
    Set menus that can cost around £500-per-person at those places.
    But there’s other delights too, that are often frequented by celebs and the fashion conscious.
    Girafe offers amazing food that can be chowed down on while sitting on a beautiful terrace with the Eiffel Tower in full view.
    While trendy Loulou is always packed during Paris Fashion Week.
    Three Michelin-star restaurants like L’Espadon are a plenty in ParisCredit: Getty
    Loulou restaurant is always packed during Paris Fashion Week and offers great cuisineCredit: Alamy
    SHOPPING
    Fashionable Messi loves designer threads from the likes of Balenciaga, Gucci and more.
    Lucky for him, and missus Antonela, Paris has the pick of the best fashion boutiques you’ll find.
    Many have found home on Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, a street similar to London’s Bond Street.
    Dior, Givenchy, Hermes and Chanel all have shops there.
    Should Messi want to do his shopping all under one roof, the newly renovated La Samaritaine offers retail for more affluent customers, restaurants, as well as a boutique hotel.
    Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré is similar to London’s Bond Street and boasts designer boutiquesCredit: Alamy
    Messi can buy his Gucci clobber on Rue du Faubourg Saint HonoréCredit: Alamy
    NIGHTLIFE
    Messi isn’t known for being a party animal. But should he wish to let his hair down, Paris offers amazing nightlife.
    Neymar famously had his 28th birthday party at the super club Yoyo, where the best house DJs play.
    PSG’s players have had a reputation of being serial clubbers, with former manager Thomas Tuchel once revealing he had numbers for all the club owners to keep a check on his stars.
    L’Arc is another hotspot that is a celeb haven, with a suitable A-list guestlist.
    Kanye West, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Mick Jagger, Leonardo di Caprio, Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid have all passed through it’s doors – proving it’s only the most worthy that are guaranteed entrance.
    Neymar held his 28th birthday party at Yoyo nightclubCredit: AFP
    Usain Bolt and Neymar enjoy a night out at L’Arc
    L’Arc is one of the most exclusive nightclubs in Paris
    FASHION WEEK
    Come September 2022, expect Lionel and Antonela to be sitting front row at one of the many Paris Fashion Week shows the designers throw.
    And if he follows Neymar’s lead, he could be a regular. The most expensive player in the world was seen at last year’s Balmain event.
    While in previous years, he’s been in attendance at the Louis Vuitton catwalk show alongside David Beckham, as well as the Off White show with ex-team-mate Dani Alves.
    PSG have always had an association with Paris Fashion Week, which has helped them become the pioneers of football streetwear – partnering with the likes of Levis, Air Jordan and Hugo Boss.
    Who knows… you might just see Messi walking down that runway too.
    Paris Fashion Week brings together the trendiest A-listers who sit on the front row, from Lewis Hamilton to Brian Ferry, and Kate MossCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Messi could join Paris Fashion Week NeymarCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Lionel Messi No30 PSG shirts sell out in 30 minutes as gigantic fan queue leads down to metro station More

  • in

    Ex-Salford boss Johnson says horror Covid battle was scariest time of life after suffering kidney failure & pneumonia

    FORMER Salford City boss Anthony Johnson revealed he almost died in a horror Covid battle.The 38-year-old  — who rose to fame in the BBC documentary about the Class of 92’s ownership of the club —  suffered kidney failure and pneumonia when he contracted the virus.
    Ex-Salford City gaffer Anthony Johnson was told his kidneys were failing whilst being treated in hospital for Covid-19
    He said: “It was the scariest time of my life. For a day or two, I thought that was it.”
    Johnson (left) tested positive for Covid last month — after his daughter, Bella caught it at school.
    He isolated and experienced flu-like symptoms but things took a turn for the worse and he was taken to hospital with serious breathing problems.
    DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON WITH £100,000 PRIZE POT UP FOR GRABS
    Paramedics arriving at his home were even forced to use a defibrillator to shock him back to life after they struggled to find a pulse.
    The father-of-three — who is now co-manager at Chester — had to wait five hours before he was taken in because the  Bury hospital was overwhelmed.
    He said: “At this point, I was thinking I could have been dead  — because if they hadn’t found my pulse, I wouldn’t have known any different.
    “I’d just had this defib and I’m in an ambulance bed thinking that I’m done.
    “Those paramedics were with me for nearly five hours. So while they’re sat with me — not being able to do anything apart from making sure I don’t die — there are other people not being seen to.”
    Johnson was eventually taken to the Covid ward where he was put in a bed next to elderly patients.
    I’m a nobody, I’m not a celebrity, I’m not a famous football manager. But I’ve had thousands and thousands and thousands of messages from peopleAnthony Johnson
    He was diagnosed with pneumonia, was forced to wear an oxygen mask and could not move without using a wheelchair.
    He said: “I was saying to the nurses and doctors, ‘I know I’m not as poorly as everyone else is in here.
    “And the doctor said, ‘You are, your kidneys are failing,  your blood oxygen level is lower than anybody else’s in here, you’re as poorly — if not worse — than everybody else’.
    “When he said that it struck a chord with me at how close I was to probably dying.”
    To make things even worse, Johnson could not see wife Kayla and kids  Lewis, 16,  Bella, nine, and Zac, seven.
    After seven nights in hospital, Johnson is now feeling “a million times better” — and was overwhelmed by the support of Chester.
    He added: “It has just been absolutely unbelievable. You realise how important you are to some people.
    Johnson said he has received thousands of messages from well-wishers as he recovers in hospitalCredit: Getty

    “I’m a nobody, I’m not a celebrity, I’m not a famous football manager. But I’ve had thousands and thousands and thousands of messages from people.
    “The players sent me a montage video with them and Bernard Morley, our co-manager.
    “I cried. Before that, I’d never cried in my whole life.”
    Dream Team Selector – £25,000 at least to be won!IT’S a football survival game!
    Huge guaranteed prize pot of £25,000 to be won.
    Pick one winning team each week.
    But you can only pick them once!
    Survive the longest and you can win a huge jackpot.
    Guaranteed return if you make it to round five.
    Click HERE to play.

    Manchester United fan left fuming after link to match tickets takes him to the Liverpool FC website More

  • in

    Chelsea target Jules Kounde was a sore loser as a kid, who kicked his mum and had to see a doctor about his temper

    CHELSEA target Jules Kounde was such a bad loser as a child, he’d often kick his mum in a fit of rage if his team lost.The French defender is tipped to join the Blues this summer in a £70million deal.
    Sevilla defender Jules Kounde is a target for ChelseaCredit: Getty
    The 22-year-old established himself as one of LaLiga’s best young defenders last campaign – starring for Sevilla and helping the club qualify for this season’s Champions League.
    Kounde grew up with his mother in Landiras, a small village about 40 minutes from Bordeaux.
    Football was his passion, but often it would leave the young boy in a rage if he lost.
    He would take his bad mood out on his mum, kicking her in the legs as his blood boiled.
    It got so bad, his mum was forced to see a doctor to get advice on how to handle her son.
    PROBLEM CHILD
    When he was just nine, Kounde played for a local side in Landiras.
    However, the young boy soon got frustrated when they failed to win games and lost his temper.
    Soon, he was taking it out on mum.
    “When I started playing football in my village, we were playing at a very low level. And we had a bad team, we often lost,” he revealed in an interview with Onze Mundial.
    As a kid, Kounde would fly into rages if his team lostCredit: Getty
    Kounde admitted he would often kick his mum if he was angry that his team had lostCredit: Getty
    “I couldn’t stand losing, it was driving me crazy. I had a period when I was eight or nine years old when I was terrible with my mother.”
    It got so bad, Kounde changed clubs. But not before he regretfully kicked out at his mum.
    He said: “I remember kicking my mother’s legs. When I came home from games, I got pissed off and did some awkward stuff. This period lasted a little while.”
    Not sure who to turn to, Kounde’s mother went to see a doctor.
    Kounde continued: “My mother went to see someone for advice, because she couldn’t handle me on this point.
    “The shrink had said to her: “Do the same thing, if he kicks you, kick him, like that, he will calm down”. Over time, everything went back to normal.”
    RESPECT
    Kounde’s behavioural difficulties reared their ugly head at school, although he knew he couldn’t disappoint his mother who valued education.
    “In school I was a good student, but I didn’t like to be questioned on things I didn’t do well in,” he said.
    “I had very good grades, but sometimes with borderline behaviour.
    At school Kounde wasn’t much better and often got in trouble with his teachersCredit: Getty
    Bordeaux’s U19 team celebrate winning a youth title with Kounde (yellow armband) as captainCredit: Twitter @jkeey4
    “There were times I came into conflict with some teachers. But it never affected me because I passed my exams.
    “I only went to school for my mum who didn’t want me to quit.”
    In 2013, Kounde was recruited by six-times Ligue 1 champions Bordeaux.
    But his journey to the academy was tough, not being selected two years earlier and missing the final round of trials with an injury when his time came.
    But Kounde was fortunate to be spotted by ex-France international Yannick Stopyra, part of the squad that finished third at the World Cup in 1986.
    Speaking about his former protege, he revealed: “You won’t find anyone to speak ill of him. Discreet, kind, always positive: it is unanimous in Bordeaux.”
    BREAKTHROUGH
    Stopyra recognised the teenager’s talents and offered him a one-year deal with the club.
    Soon, he became one of the academy’s stand-out players. He captained the U19 team to a youth league title.
    His performances were enough convince former manager Jocelyn Gourvennec to give Kounde his debut against Troyes in 2018.
    Kounde lines up for France U20 in 2018Credit: Getty
    In 2019 Kounde established himself in Bordeaux’s first teamCredit: AFP or licensors
    Ironically, it was an ex-Chelsea legend who continued to aid the centre back’s development.
    After Gourvennec was fired, Gus Poyet was brought in to steady the ship and he gave the young talent a run in the first team.
    With Kounde marshalling the back four in 18 appearances, Bordeaux finished a credible sixth and qualified for the Europa League.
    It was clear his future belonged on an even bigger stage.
    TO SEVILLA
    On a personal level, Kounde had a great season the following year – appearing 51 times for the club.
    But with Bordeaux finishing a disappointing 14th place, their stars were there to be picked up by bigger clubs.
    It was Sevilla who won the race to buy him – paying a staggering £21million for his services in 2019.
    “When I left Bordeaux, it was a well-considered choice,” Kounde said.
    Sevilla splashed £21million for Kounde in 2019Credit: Getty
    Kounde celebrates winning the Europa League trophyCredit: Getty
    “Sevilla was the perfect club to take a step forward. And then, I felt that LaLiga was more serious than Ligue 1… It was the right time for me.”
    Quickly, Kounde established himself with his new side – finishing fourth in the league and helping the team earn Champions League qualification.
    However, it was in 2020 when he would win his first major piece of silverware.
    Beating the likes of Roma, Wolves, and Manchester United, Sevilla reached the Europa League final.
    There, recorded a famous 3-2 win over Inter Milan.
    HE’S AMBITIOUS
    Kounde was part of the French squad that gave a poor display at the Euros this summer.
    But he won’t let that deter him from his next plan. Back in May, he laid his intentions bare.
    “I will perhaps have to change clubs this summer,” he said.
    This summer Kounde was part of the French team that flopped at the EurosCredit: Getty

    “But nothing has been finalised yet, I have not decided anything. My goal is to play at a big club to try to always progress and to win trophies.”
    With Chelsea on hot pursuit, Kounde could potentially join the European champions.
    With him in their side, the Blues and Thomas Tuchel could have found the missing piece in the jigsaw for a Premier League-winning side.
    Jules Kounde joins Sevilla in training More

  • in

    How Leicester sold five stars for £260m… then re-built a team now worth £430m that beat Chelsea in the FA Cup final

    LEICESTER CITY won the FA Cup last season, as well as challenged for a Champions League place through shrewd business.The Foxes have made an astonishing £260million on players they bought in for just £18million since Jon Rudkin was installed as director of football in 2015.
    Leicester cashed in after winning the title, raising £260m by selling five players
    Leicester now boast a squad worth £430million including Caglar Soyuncu, left, and James Maddison
    Better still, they’ve spent that money wisely on young players whose stock has risen.
    According to Transfermarkt.com, Leicester’s squad is now worth around £430million.
    The likes of James Maddison (£50m) and Caglar Soyuncu (£40m) could help boost the club’s finances in years to come, if/when they move.
    A SELLING CLUB
    Despite winning a league title in 2016, Brendan Rodgers’ men are still seen as a selling club.
    If the price is right, Leicester could be forced to accept offers for their star talents – at the rate of one a season.
    And since 2016, the reaped the benefits from a transfer recruitment process that is now overseen by Lee Congerton.
    N’Golo Kante, a £6m signing from Caen, left for Chelsea for £30million that year.
    In 2017, it was his midfield partner Danny Drinkwater who also moved to Stamford Bridge for a whopping £40million.
    A year later, Riyad Mahrez moved to Manchester City for £60million, in 2019 Manchester United paid £80million for Harry Maguire, and last summer Ben Chilwell made it a hat-trick of Chelsea signings from Leicester in recent years for £50million.
    Astonishingly, those sales bolstered their coffers by £260million. What’s even more incredible is they cost just £18million.
    Former Leicester City pair Harry Maguire and Riyad Mahrez were sold for £80m and £60 respectively after being bought for much-smaller feesCredit: PA:Press Association
    N’Golo Kante was a £6m signing from Caen, but moved to Chelsea for £30m a season laterCredit: —

    BUT THEY REMAINED COMPETITIVE
    Losing players of that calibre would make any team suffer.
    And although it could be argued Leicester haven’t improved on their Premier League-winning team, they are certainly just as competitive.
    Through the years, shrewd investment in new signings, especially young players, has seen the club continue to prosper.
    Wilfred Ndidi, 24, arrived at the King Power Stadium in 2017 from Genk for £20million.
    The Nigerian international has grown to become one of the best defensive midfielders in the country, and according to Transfermarket.com could command a fee of at least £50million.
    And James Maddison might fetch an even bigger fee, if Leicester were to cash in on their asset they shelled out £20million for in 2018 from Norwich.
    Latest reports claim that Arsenal would have to pay £70million for the playmaker, if they want to take him away from the King Power.
    James Maddison, a £20m signing in 2018, would fetch over £50m in the transfer market todayCredit: Getty – Contributor
    £30million signing Wesley Fofana has been linked with a summer move to Man UtdCredit: Getty
    James Justin cost £10m from Luton, and could be worth as much as £20m nowCredit: Getty
    Wesley Fofana, a £30million signing last summer, has been linked with a £80million move to Manchester United, which incidentally is the same fee the Red Devils paid Leicester for former centre-back Harry Maguire in 2019.
    Transfermarket.com believes the Leicester City squad, which has an average age of 27, to be currently worth around £430million.
    THE RECRUITMENT TEAM
    Much of that success has to go down to a number of people involved in recruitment over the years.
    An established transfer recruitment system was first set-up by former head of recruitment Steve Walsh, who left the club in 2016.
    Then Eduardo Macia, who worked with Brendan Rodgers at Celtic came in, and it’s now Lee Congerton – a former youth team coach at Chelsea, who studies the targets.
    He is helped by a team of analysts who watch extensive videos of games all over the globe – following up on recommendations by scouts employed around the world.
    The head of recruitment’s role is to assess the player through as much analytical data and statistics received.
    If the player is to be a target, Congerton will fly wherever it is in the world to personally scout the player in question.
    Steve Walsh, right, sat with former Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri set up the club’s transfer recruitment systemCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Director of football Jon Rudkin is responsible for getting the deals over the lineCredit: Getty – Contributor

    Information is passed on to Rodgers before a background check is carried out on the individual, that includes their lifestyle, temperament and personality.
    Finally, it’s down to director of football Jon Rudkin, assisted by director of football operations Andrew Neville, to get the deals over the line and negotiate with other clubs.
    You can bet they are already in talks with new promising talent to arrive in Leicestershire, that’ll likely command a bigger fee in years to come.
    Leicester star Wesley Fofana suffer potentially serious injury after pre-season horror challenge More

  • in

    Lionel Messi’s father and agent Jorge is former factory worker who holds key to his son’s transfer after Barcelona exit

    WHATEVER the future holds for Lionel Messi, it will be his father Jorge who will help his son choose his next destiniation.On Thursday night, it was announced the Barcelona legend, 34, will leave the club after financial restrictions meant a new contract couldn’t be finalised.
    Lionel Messi’s dad Jorge will have a big say on his son’s futureCredit: AFP
    The bombshell news heralds a new chapter in the record six-time Ballon d’Or winners’ astonishing career.
    PSG has been mooted as a possible next step, with negotiations reportedly already under way with the French giants, while Manchester City will do everything in their power to reunite Messi with his football mentor, Pep Guardiola.
    But off the pitch, his biggest influence is his 63-year-old dad, a former metal factory worker in Rosario, Argentina.
    Jorge Messi coached his son at local team, Grandoli before he joined Newell’s Old Boys.
    When the prodigy needed hormone injections for a growth deficiency disorder, Messi Sr organised for his son to have a trial at Barcelona.
    The family moved to Spain when Lionel was 13, after he dazzled coaches and it was agreed the club would pay for his treatment.
    “(Leo) always followed what I said to him as his coach,” Jorge told Kicker in 2013.
    “Even today he is still like that. He has never told me, I’m 25 now and grown up and the best player in the world.
    “The other day I mentioned a couple of things to him after the game against Madrid. I’m still the same as a father as when I was his coach at Grandoli.”
    AIDING HIS SON’S DEVELOPMENT
    Leo played his first few games at the local Grandoli club, before it was immediately recognised he had a natural flair for the game.
    Football fan Jorge was there, coaching his son and giving him pointers.
    But it wasn’t long before Rosario’s most famous club Newell’s Old Boys came calling.

    Jorge Messi has been Lionel’s agent since he began playing footballCredit: EPA
    A mural in Rosario shows a young Messi in Newell’s Old Boys colours, where he started outCredit: Getty
    By 10, Messi was diagnosed with growth deficiency disorder and he needed expensive treatment.
    Although the Messis weren’t poor, the £900 hormone injections were well beyond their reach.
    Newell’s Old Boys were also unable to fund them too, even though by this time young Leo was starting to become known thanks to a page lead in Rosario newspaper La Capital in September 2000.
    BARCELONA BOUND
    Lionel and Jorge soon disappeared for a few weeks – with his school and people outside the family having no idea where they went.
    Newell’s believed he had gone to Buenos Aires and signed for a rival club, while another vicious rumour suggested he had hepatitis.
    The truth was they were in Catalonia on a trial with Barcelona. He dazzled coaches at La Masia Academy but wasn’t offered a deal straight away.
    The Messis returned to Rosario, when Jorge organised another trial with the famous River Plate to put the squeeze on Barcelona.
    Finally, in the presence of then Messi family advisors Josep Maria Minguella and Horacio Gaggioli, a deal with the Spanish club was signed on a napkin.
    The pair returned to the Catalans reportedly £120,000-per-year richer, and more importantly Messi could receive the hormone treatment he needed.
    Jorge orchestrated his son’s move to Barcelona, after they agreed to pay for Messi’s hormone treatmentCredit: Getty
    Messi’s rise has always been with his father by his sideCredit: Getty
    PROBLEM CHILD
    However, 12 months into his deal a Barcelona general manager fumed at the extortionate amount a young teen, who wasn’t even close to first team action, was getting.
    An upset Jorge contacted Jorge Valdano, the former general manager of Real Madrid, to see if Los Blancos would be interested in taking his son on instead.
    The matter did blow over, but a senior Barça official questioned, “Who does he think he is, Maradona?”
    It showed the lengths Jorge would go to ensure he and his son weren’t messed with.
    This, despite very few knowing who Messi was outside La Masia.
    INTER YOU
    Preseason in 2005, and it was the Gamper Trophy where Messi exploded onto the scene – just a few months after turning 18.
    He set up a goal for Andres Iniesta in a 2-2 draw with Juventus, was heralded by their coach Fabio Capello, while 90,000 fans sung his name for the first time.
    But due to pesky LaLiga rules, he couldn’t play for Barcelona domestically because they had too many non-Spanish players in their line-up.
    In 2005, Messi arrived on the sceneCredit: AFP – Getty
    Within three years of his debut, Messi was earning more than RonaldinhoCredit: AFP
    Inter Milan saw this as the perfect opportunity to swoop, and Jorge was believed to be interested when they offered a deal that tripled Lionel’s Barcelona contract.
    President Joan Laporta soon got involved after talks with sporting director Txiki Begiristain broke down.
    Two offers were rejected that were lower than Inter’s proposal, until an agreement was made – his third pay rise in just 18 months.
    More importantly, Laporta managed to convince authorities to make Messi and his dad Spanish citizens. Now, Lionel could play in LaLiga with no problem at all.
    Within three years of making his debut, Messi soon became Barcelona’s highest-paid player, overtaking Ronaldinho.
    Over the years, several contracts were put on the table to make sure the Messis were kept happy.
    A FAMILY BUSINESS
    Although Jorge now runs things remotely from Rosario, and other people run his businesses, he is still very much hands-on.
    “He tries to do everything for his son. He has not learned how to step back and move aside and let other people work in a more professional way,” a source told The Athletic.
    “They are a good family, they love each other, but they do not seem to be particularly good at building relationships with people who can help them.”
    Messi poses with his Ballon d’Or trophies next to dad Jorge and brother MathiasCredit: Offside
    The Messi operation is a family business for dad JorgeCredit: Getty
    Around £20million-per-year is generated by Messi’s sponsorship dealsCredit: Pepsi
    The Messis have an office in central Barcelona, with a receptionist, a German financial controller, private banker Alfonso Nebot, who takes care of his investments, and a former Barcelona employee Pau Negre, responsible for his international commercial work.
    Deals in place with Adidas, Gatorade, Huawei, Mastercard and Pepsi bring in around £20million-per-year for the family.
    While they also boast an expanding hotel portfolio with sites in Sitges, Ibiza and Mallorca, recently adding a resort in Andorra for keen skiers.
    CONTROVERSIES
    Although having your father as your confidant has its benefits, when Messi became big business it would’ve been impossible to manage his finances correctly and knowing every single law.
    In 2013, the Spanish tax authorities began investigating football and discovered irregularities in Messi’s earnings.
    Between 2007-09, he was accused of evading £3million in taxes by creating offshore accounts in Uruguay and Belize, both tax havens, as well as the UK and Switzerland for money received from image rights deals.
    “Since my son’s career started, I am talking about 2000 when we arrived in Barcelona, I have always tried to make his life easier,” he told a court in 2016.
    They both revealed that they had hired Argentinian tax advisors, when Messi began at Barcelona and followed their lead.
    “I signed the contracts as I trusted in my dad”, Messi told the court.
    Messi and his dad were accused of evading £3million in taxes and ended up in courtCredit: Getty – Pool
    Jorge Messi was slapped with a £1.2million fine and given a suspended 21 month jail sentenceCredit: Reuters
    They paid around £4million to cover the cost of the taxes, as well as “reparations”. But that didn’t satisfy the authorities.
    The pair were found guilty of fraud and given suspended 21 month jail terms. Messi was fined around £1.7million, while Jorge received a £1.2million rap on the knuckles.
    THE NEXT STEP
    Potentially Messi’s next move could be his last in football.
    Crucially, his team and Jorge will be tasked with getting it right for the world’s greatest footballer and his legacy.
    Messi does have more control now than he did before, and since 2014 and the tax issue is leading his own path.
    It was he who led the idea of leaving Barcelona last summer after growing disillusioned with life at the club, according to reports.
    Messi’s next destination could be PSG or Manchester CityCredit: AFP

    Now, it’s their finances – crippled by the coronavirus pandemic – that have made his decision for him.
    Be it PSG, Manchester City or elsewhere Messi will have the final say of where he plays.
    But you can bet dad Jorge will have something to say in the ear of his son that will be listened to very carefully.
    Lionel Messi leaves cash-strapped Barcelona in transfer bombshell More

  • in

    Leon Bailey had tough childhood in Jamaica, and his stepdad was kidnapped in Mexico and left for dead in the desert

    AS back stories go, none could provide a tale worthy of a Hollywood movie than Leon Bailey’s epic rise.The explosive winger, 23, has signed for Aston Villa in a £30million deal, securing his dream Premier League move.
    Leon Bailey’s epic rise began in Jamaica and taken in Austria, Netherlands and GermanyCredit: Getty
    Bailey was raised by stepdad Craig Butler, who aided his journeyCredit: Instagram @craigbutlerphoenix
    Bailey has come a long way from Jamaica, where he grew up until the age of 12 before globetrotting around Europe where he found fame and fortune.
    Local coach Craig Butler, his stepfather and agent, took him under his wing when he was a youngster.
    But Bailey was left sweating for his mentor’s life when Butler was kidnapped in Mexico and dropped in the desert without a penny.
    JAMAICA LIFE
    Leon grew up in Cassava Piece, widely regarded as a violent part of Kingston where gun crime and shootings are rife.
    Not much is known about his mum and dad, but it was an environment that the aspiring footballer appreciated for giving him the hunger to succeed.
    “Whenever I look back on my life in Cassava Piece it wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t bad either,” he said.
    “It’s an area that is poor, but it turned me into somebody I’d never thought I’d become.”
    By the age of five he had discovered football and was soon training at the Phoenix All-Stars Academy, which doubled as a foster care home for children without family support.
    It was there he met Butler, who also acts at his advisor and live-streamed his protege’s Villa signing on Instagram.
    Bailey, front row second from the right, began his football education with the Phoenix All-Stars Academy in JamaicaCredit: Instagram
    Winger Bailey wearing black and white seen showcasing his skills in Jamaica aged 10Credit: Twitter @leonbailey
    “If Leon had stayed in Jamaica he could’ve been a drug dealer or gangster,” Butler said.
    “But he stayed focused and is an example to other Jamaicans. Leon is a new breed of footballer.”
    EUROPE CALLING
    When Bailey was 12, Butler jacked in his job as general manager of Toshiba and took the talented youngster and two other boys to Europe
    Their first stop was Salzburg, Austria, in the middle of winter – a freezing environment in comparison to the sunny blue skies of what they knew.
    They arrived with just one bag between the four of them – a tin of tuna, mayonnaise and bread was dinner. They slept in a hostel.
    “It was so difficult, that I can tell you – one of the hardest, toughest parts of my life,” he told FourFourTwo back in 2019.
    “It taught me so much, and it was the first time I’d really travelled anywhere, especially to a country that was so cold.
    If Leon had stayed in Jamaica he could’ve been a drug dealer or gangster.”Craig Butler, Bailey’s stepdad
    “I’d never experienced anything like that kind of weather before. When we came here it was freezing, and probably the worst time of my life.
    “We had to adapt, and at first we didn’t have warm enough clothes to train in. It was a difficult period for us.”
    But heartbreak was around the corner, after Butler begged Red Bull Salzburg to offer Bailey a trial.
    He failed his first audition and was rejected by their head of youth development at the football club.
    Bailey would later get snubbed by Austria Vienna, Rapid Vienna, Matterrsburg, Reid Academy, and Grodig.
    Solace arrived for Leon and his adoptive brothers in the shape of USK Anif, an Austrian feeder club for Salzburg.
    As an U15, local reports claimed he scored a staggering 75 goals in 16 games. But they needed a bigger stage.
    Seen in Chelsea blue, who Bailey once snubbed, the youngster bounced around Europe looking for a club to take him onCredit: Twitter @leonbailey
    Bailey, right, had to adapt to freezing temperatures in Austria
    KIDNAP
    Butler, Bailey and the boys travelled around Germany and the Netherlands, before Belgium side Genk were convinced to give them a trial.
    Butler was adamant they should all stick together, and insisted he needed to be there to supervise.
    However, he soon disappeared off the face of the eath.
    Butler had flown into Mexico on business to help finalise paperwork that would allow Bailey to sign an agreement with the club.
    But what happened next is something out of a blockbuster movie.
    Butler went missing, before resurfacing four months later to reveal he was attacked, robbed and left for dead in the desert.
    “He was walking along with his briefcase like any other businessman, in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Bailey said.
    “It was a while before we realised what had happened to him.
    “We actually had a house [in Belgium] by then, and my big brother was taking care of everyone.”
    During that period, Butler’s residency application was rejected twice and the Belgian Labour Ministry raided Genk’s offices as part of the investigation.
    Butler, right, was kidnapped in Mexico and left for dead in the desertCredit: Instagram @craigbutlerphoenix
    He was walking along with his briefcase like any other businessman, in the wrong place at the wrong time.”Leon Bailey
    After a brief dalliance with Standard Liege, the determined group found themselves back in Cassava Piece with Bailey’s dream on hold.
    “[Craig] always had the confidence [that I would make it],” he told The Independent.
    “He knew what I was capable of from a very long time. [When we eventually returned to Europe] we already knew what was going to happen. We weren’t looking for somewhere to go. The interest was always there from since I was 15.”
    FINALLY MAKING IT
    Astonishingly it was in Slovenia where Bailey penned his first pro-contract with minnows Trencin, although there was talk of a move to Ajax which fell through.
    Then, just a few months later, he returned to Genk as soon as he turned 18 and was legally allowed to sign for the Belgians, admittedly snubbing Chelsea.
    “Those rumours are true – Chelsea have been interested in me since I was maybe 14 or 15,” Bailey confessed to FourFourTwo.
    “But as a young player you want to start on a normal level and not just go there because of the name of the club.
    “You want to develop in the right environment; around the right minds and mentality.
    “Genk was right for me at that moment – I fitted right into the youth system perfectly. That’s where I wanted to start, so I went for it.”
    By the end of the 2015-16 season, Bailey was voted Belgian Young Footballer of the Year.
    Aged 18, Bailey finally got his move to Genk where he became one of Europe’s hottest propertiesCredit: Getty – Contributor
    In 2017, Bailey secured a £15m move to Bayer Leverkusen, where he lit up the BundesligaCredit: Getty
    Stephanie Hope is the love of Bailey’s lifeCredit: Instagram @leonbailey
    The following season, his goal against Rapid Vienna in the Europa League was awarded the best goal of the competition.
    German giants Bayer Leverkusen knew they couldn’t miss out on the wonderkid, who was also being linked with Manchester United.
    They paid £15million for the wideman in 2017, and he soon became one of the most feared players in the Bundesliga.
    While in Germany, he met love of his life Stephanie Hope in 2019 – and the pair welcomed a son a year later they named Leo Cristiano.
    To stay grounded, he has role models Usain Bolt and Raheem Sterling, who he is proud to call mates.
    “Usain is a very, very good friend,” he revealed.
    “We play football together, we go to the beach together, and we hang out and go to parties together. He’s a good person – I’ve known him for a couple of years.”
    Bailey continued: “Raheem is back in Jamaica regularly; I’ve known him for about five years, so before I was a pro. I used to look up to him and be like, ‘Yeah, he’s one of us’.
    “Whenever he was there we used to hang out and chill together, so that’s basically how we started.
    “One of my close friends from childhood brought him to meet me one day, when I was coming back from Phoenix training.
    “From there we became great friends and got so attached because of football. I wanted to learn so much from him.
    “Then I went on my path and started doing what I do, so obviously he started to see that I had talent. It brought us even closer together. Now we’re the two main faces of Jamaican football, I guess.”
    Bailey has since become one of the faces of Jamaican footballCredit: AP
    Olympic legend Usain Bolt is one of Bailey’s close palsCredit: Facebook: Usain Bolt
    Raheem Sterling has known Bailey since before he became a proCredit: Twitter @leonbailey

    Now, Bailey has a different challenge – to become one of the faces of the Premier League after signing for Aston Villa.
    “For me, it’s a great club with a big history and it’s the right step for me. I’m excited to get started,” he said after the deal was announced.
    “It’s always been somewhere that I’ve wanted to play. I feel like now is the right time and I’m excited about it.
    “Hopefully I can do what I do best and have a great season in the Premier League.”
    Given his rough start, you wouldn’t past him being a roaring success.
    Man City open transfer talks with Aston Villa over Jack Grealish with champions willing to shatter Premier League record More