More stories

  • in

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

    SON HEUNG-MIN is not the sort of player you would associate with spending a load of dosh on one of the world’s most exclusive cars.The Tottenham hero, 28, is unassuming and usually happy to let his boots do the talking.
    Heung-min Son has built up an amazing £1.5million car collection
    But the £110,000-a-week forward has a fleet of motors worth a staggering £1.5million.
    And pride of place in his garage in North London is a rare supercar available to just a few people.Ferrari LaFerrari
    Only 499 of these incredible cars have been made – and Son has one of them.
    But he ditched the usual red for black because Spurs told him he could not own a red one due to their rivalry with Arsenal.
    Worth around £1,150,000, even a Premier League footballer earning top whack would have to save up for a while to be able to afford it.
    Son stops in his Ferrari LaFerrari to sign a shirt for a fan
    Only 499 of the Ferrari supercars were made and potential purchasers must meet strict criteriaCredit: Alamy
    The most powerful street-legal supercar the Italian manufacturer has produced, buyers must fit in with the Ferrari brand.
    That means that, to purchase one, they must previously have owned a Ferrari – with some reports claiming potential buyers won’t be considered unless they have had FIVE Ferraris in their life.
    Son’s black model does 0-60mph in 2.9 secs and boasts a 6.3-litre V12 engine, electrically assisted by the HY-KERS system to deliver a total power output of 950bhp, with a top speed of 227mph.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has one sitting at home as well.
    Audi R8 Coupe
    The South Korea star was spotted with ex-girlfriend Minah, a pop sensation in their native country, getting behind the wheel of his white R8 in 2014.
    Son is the proud owner of a sleek Audi R8Credit: Handout
    Starting at £112,520 for the most basic model, Son is almost certain to have added a few luxuries to his.
    The 5.2L V10 engine packs an almighty punch and the sleek design turns heads – if you’re quick enough to see it whizz past when it does 0-60mph in 3.2 secs.Maserati Levante
    Son is the proud owner of Maserati’s first SUV, which has a starting price of £60,000.
    But there’s a catch.
    The Spurs star poses with his Maserati Levante
    Son is so popular in his home country that he was actually given the model by the Italian manufacturer as a gift.
    A statement from Korea’s official Maserati importer said they gifted the ex-Leverkusen man the motor because it “might be the most matching vehicle to Son, who can play with delicacy and unstoppable power”.
    Hard to argue with that.
    Although it is not the only 4×4 Son has…Range Rover
    The staple of the Premier League footballers’ diet, Son would not miss out on the chance to land a Range Rover.
    He has done his up in a classy matte black finish – a custom touch that also sees the tailgate script, grille and side vents finished in gloss black.
    Son keeps up the traditions of Premier League footballers by owning a Range RoverCredit: The Sun
    Son waves from the front seat of his 4x4Credit: Instagram

    The Evoque model starts at around £31,000.
    Though Son’s version likely cost a lot more with the extras he has, which include red seats and red trim on the steering wheel.Bentley Continental GT
    Son owns a Bentley Continental GT
    Another favourite of footballers, Son forked out around £160,000 for this supercar.
    It comes packing a 6L twin-turbocharged W12 engine which sees it do 0-60mph in 4.3 secs and can reach 198mph top speed – which could come in handy when he’s running late for training.
    Jose Mourinho says that Harry Kane an injury doubt for Tottenham clash against Arsenal More

  • in

    Most intelligent footballers: Tomori is studying business management, while Lukaku is multi-lingual

    THEY’RE football’s smartest men.For years footballers have had their intelligence questioned, but that’s just not the case with this lot.
    Fikayo Tomori revealed he was studying for a business management degreeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Chelsea star Tomori believes he needs to have an education to fall back on should football not work outCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Sure, many players neglect their studies to concentrate on making it in the professional game, and that’s fine.
    But some like to use their brains further in getting degrees that could help them in life after football.
    Take Chelsea star Fikayo Tomori – on loan at AC Milan – for example, who has talked about studying for a business management diploma, while on England duty.
    “Football won’t go on for ever,” he wisely said in a press conference.
    “When I retire or, God forbid, I get an injury, then I have something I’m working towards that can stand me in good stead for the future.”
    And he’s not the only one who has thought about a life after football.
    Join SunSport in introducing you the brain-boxes of the beautiful game.
    JUAN MATA
    Juan Mata could’ve been a journalist instead of a footballerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Not only is he an all-round nice guy doing tons for charity, he’s also super smart.
    The Man United man studied journalism at Universidad Politecnica e Madrid.
    And during his time at Old Trafford, dancing down the wing, he’s managed to complete a sports science and finance degree too.
    Not many in the game can lay claim to two degrees.
    Man United ace Juan Mata also studied sport science and financeCredit: Reuters
    ANDREY ARSHAVIN
    If it wasn’t football, it would’ve been fashion for Arshavin.
    The mercurial Russian playmaker graduated from the St Petersburg State University of Technology and Design.
    He studied clothing technology, and has put that talent to use by launching his own clothing range in Russia.
    Andrey Arshavin studied clothing technology and has his own fashion label in RussiaCredit: Instagram @arshavin_official
    Arsenal favourite Andrey Arshavin graduated from St Petersburg State University of Technology and DesignCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    SIMON MIGNOLET
    He’s not just a talented keeper, you know.
    The Belgium shot-stopper has a coffee shop in his native country, so he’ll always have that to fall back on when his career ends.
    But should he want to, Mignolet could lean on his degree in law and political sciences for a career change.
    Simon Mignolet has a degree in law and political sciencesCredit: AFP or licensors
    FRANK LAMPARD
    Super Frank excelled at Derby, and did a credible job as Chelsea boss before the axe.
    But that should be child’s play for the Blues’ all-time leading goalscorer.
    After all, the England legend reportedly scored over 150 in an IQ test with Mensa.
    That result meant that Lamps is among the most intelligent 0.1 percent of the world’s population.
    Frank Lampard reportedly scored over 150 in an IQ test with MensaCredit: EPA
    Chelsea legend Frank Lampard  is among the most intelligent 0.1 percent of the world’s populationCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    GIORGIO CHIELLINI
    The tough-tackling Juventus centre half isn’t as much of a brute as you’d think.
    Chiellini was a whizz at high-school, passing all his exams with ease.
    He later went to the prestigious University of Turin where he graduated with a business economics degree, just like Tomori is studying for.
    Must be something about uncompromising defenders.
    Giorgio Chiellini graduated with a business economics degree from University of TurinCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    GLENN JOHNSON
    The former Stoke City right-back has commanded high-numbered transfer fees during his time, so it’s lucky he’s not numerically challenged.
    In fact, Johnson is so good with digits he enrolled at The Open University to do a degree in Maths.
    He can start negotiating his own contracts, surely?
    Glenn Johnson enrolled at The Open University to do a degree in MathsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    CLARKE CARLISLE
    Dubbed Britain’s most intelligent footballer, Clarke has the right CV to back that up.
    He was a contestant on Countdown, and was also the first player to appear on Question Time.
    Clarke has a degree in sports writing and broadcasting from Staffordshire University.
    Clarke Carlisle once appeared on TV show CountdownCredit: PA:Press Association
    Dubbed the most intelligent footballer, Clarke Carlisle became the first player to appear on Question TimeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    ROMELU LUKAKU
    Inter’s striker isn’t just your average footballer.
    The skilled forward is also a natural linguist, speaking as many as five languages including English, Spanish, Dutch, French and Portuguese.
    Lukaku is also said to understand German and Swahili, as well as hold a degree in tourism and public relations.
    Romelu Lukaku speaks five languages, including English, Spanish, Dutch, French and PortugueseCredit: Reuters
    Belgium star Romelu Lukaku has a degree in tourism and public relationsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    EDWIN VAN DER SAAR
    Another ex-Man United man with a great brain – no wonder they’re so successful.
    When the Red Devils Dutch keeper retired he studied for a masters degree in sports and brand management at the Johan Cruyff Institute.
    After becoming a marketing director at the Dutch giants, he’s now their CEO and has been linked with a move to Manchester United to become their director.
    Edwin Van der Saar finished a masters degree in sports and brand managementCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
    Edwin Van der Saar is now a CEO at AjaxCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The Times
    SOCRATES
    Recognised for his headband and beard on the football pitch, the late Socrates was one of Brazil’s favourite sons.
    He held a bachelors degree in medicine from the Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto while he was still playing.
    Socrates also wrote columns for Brazilian newspapers on everything from sport to politics to economics.
    Socrates was a star of the Brazil sides of the 1982 and 1986 World CupsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Not only did Socrates finish medicine, he also wrote several newspaper columns about economics and politicsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    DUNCAN WATMORE
    The Middlesbrough footballer became only the second player in the Premier League ever to graduate with a first.

    Midfielder Duncan studied economics and business management, which he finished at Newcastle University.
    He juggled breaking into the first team with catching up with lectures in the evening while poring over textbooks.
    Duncan Watmore graduated from Newcastle University with a first class honours degree in 2015Credit: Getty – Contributor
    Duncan Watmore is one of two Premier League players to graduate with a firstCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    Oliver Bierhoff has a degree in economicsCredit: Bongarts – Getty
    OLIVER BIERHOFF
    The former German centre forward, who famously scored the first golden goal of football at Wembley, is a smart man.

    Not only is he revered by his home nation for scoring 37 international goals, he’s championed for having a economics degree.
    Economics is a degree that runs in football, with former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger also having a diploma in economics.
    It just goes to show, footballers are much smarter than you think.
    The greatest goals of Socrates More

  • in

    Five signs it was going wrong for Jose Mourinho, from falling out with Dele Alli to fans hating his style of football

    WHEN Jose Mourinho became Spurs manager 17 months ago, it appeared to be a new dawn.“I am excited to be joining a club with such a great heritage and such passionate supporters,” he announced on his arrival with a more positive outlook back in November, 2019.
    Jose Mourinho was appointed Tottenham manager back in November 2019Credit: Getty – Contributor
    “The quality in both the squad and the academy excites me. Working with these players is what has attracted me.”
    And the Special One, 58, seemed reborn after a disastrous final season at Manchester United, where player fallouts with Luke Shaw and Paul Pogba blighted his copybook (he did win the EFL Cup and Europa League, while finishing runner-up in the Premier League in his first campaign).
    He was the star-of-the-show in Amazon Prime’s All or Nothing documentary, with fans warming to his winners’ attitude.
    However, like before, his management style wasn’t to some tastes – with the series highlighting a row with Danny Rose.
    Fans’ favourite Dele Alli was also frozen out, as the knives began to come out for the Portuguese boss.
    Here’s the five reasons it went wrong in North London for Jose.
    A DIVISIVE APPOINTMENT
    From the offset, many Tottenham fans weren’t sure about an appointment of a manager who some viewed as a spent force.
    Their previous boss, the highly likeable Mauricio Pochettino, had turned the club into a top four side (finishing above North London rivals Arsenal) and led the club to a Champions League Final.
    And although Spurs had endured a miserable start to the 2018-19 campaign, sacking the Argentine seemed out of the question.
    Mourinho was a divisive appointment with Spurs fans who were disappointed with how things turned out with Mauricio PochettinoCredit: Getty
    Immediately, the Special One went to work with his new playersCredit: Getty
    Alas, Poch was given his marching orders by Daniel Levy and Jose was immediately installed as head coach.
    His tenure at Manchester United and his last season as Chelsea boss in his second spell, with the evolution of football tactics favouring a more attacking game, had Spurs fans wondering if it was the wrong move.
    ALIENATING PLAYERS
    A classic Mourinho ploy, probably designed to get the best out of his stars, Jose demands his players work hard for him.
    At Chelsea he clashed with Joe Cole and Eden Hazard. With Real Madrid even Cristiano Ronaldo felt Mourinho’s wrath when he told him he had to track back and help his team defend.
    And don’t even mention Paul Pogba, who recently spoke of his harsh treatment under the gaffer.
    The pattern continued at Spurs.
    Full-back Rose was frozen out of the first team, and when the former England defender wanted to know why it ended in a row in Jose’s training ground office.
    Then there was the case of Dele Alli. In his first training session, Jose asked the England midfielder if he was “Dele Alli or Dele Alli’s brother” because he hadn’t seen him emulate the form that made him a Premier League star.
    Dele Alli was frozen out by Mourinho, who felt the midfielder was a “lazy” trainerCredit: AFP
    Serge Aurier had a fallout with the Portuguese managerCredit: PA
    Gareth Bale also failed to impress MourinhoCredit: Getty
    After an initial response, with Alli contributing to eight goals in Mourinho’s first eight games in charge, his form dipped and Dele was dropped.
    “Lazy” Alli couldn’t get a look-in and was linked with a move to PSG in the January transfer window.
    Alli may have been the most high-profile, but the likes of Serge Aurier, Tanguy Ndombele, Gareth Bale and Toby Alderweireld all clashed with Jose.
    SunSport exclusively revealed that some players went to Levy to complain shortly before Mourinho was axed.
    DIFFERENCE OF OPINION
    When Jose was hired by Spurs, it was always going to be interesting to see how he got on with Levy.
    At his previous clubs, Mourinho was accustomed to having funds at his disposal, although the Spurs chairman has earned a reputation for being more careful with the club’s cash.
    Cracks in their relationship began to show in the transfer window last summer.
    The love affair between Daniel Levy and Mourinho, seen on Amazon’s All or Nothing documentary, reportedly cracked after a clash over transfers
    Gareth Bale arrived at Spurs reportedly against Mourinho’s wishesCredit: Getty
    According to reports, Mourinho wanted to bring in PSG’s defender Thomas Meunier.
    But L’Equipe reported that Levy had a difference of opinion on the Belgium international, and he moved to Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer.
    It was also alleged that Mourinho didn’t want the club to sign Bale, and wanted them to invest in a centre half instead.
    BAD FOOTBALL
    It’s easy to forget that Mourinho led Spurs to the top of the table back in December.
    In their first 11 games they batted Manchester United away 6-1, defeated Manchester City and Arsenal 2-0.
    But still he was slammed by critics for his pragmatic style of football, letting teams have the ball before delivering a sucker punch with Harry Kane and Son Heung-min on the break.
    “If they don’t enjoy to watch, then don’t watch. It’s as simple as that,” Mourinho told Sky Sports.

    Mourinho relied on Harry Kane to implement his strategyCredit: Reuters
    After 11 games Spurs marched to the top of the league with Mourinho emphatic that his way of playing was the right wayCredit: EPA
    “I’ve been a pundit myself for a couple of months and I learned to respect them even if I don’t agree.”
    However, an over-reliance on Kane and Son was always going to bite them in the backside.
    A run of poor form, culminating in a shocking exit in the Europa League at the hands of Dinamo Zagreb – despite having a 2-0 first-leg lead – left Mourinho’s job hanging in the balance.
    FANS TURNED
    Spurs fans might say they were right all along, although Jose did get Spurs into the EFL Cup Final (their last domestic final was in 2015).
    Disgruntled by results, a safety-first style which was very un-Spurs, and that Europa League performance the Tottenham faithful were calling for the boss’s head.
    Former player Jamie O’Hara even riled up supporters on Sky Sports when he called the 3-0 capitulation in Croatia “a sackable offence.”
    He added: “One game to save your season right, they have to beat Man City.”
    But Jose didn’t get that opportunity.

    Spurs were humiliated by Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa LeagueCredit: Reuters
    Mourinho was given his marching orders a week before the EFL Cup FinalCredit: Getty

    Not even a comical press conference over the sponsorship of Dulux and the famous sheep dog could save Mourinho’s bacon.
    Spurs will look to Chris Powell and former Spurs youth star Ryan Mason to be their saviours in the short term.
    It’s All or Nothing for their season now.
    Jose Mourinho has been sacked by Tottenham Hotspur football club amid a horror 2021 season More

  • in

    Jose Mourinho’s car collection, from owning a Jaguar and Bentley to when he was gifted a Ferrari by Roman Abramovich

    JOSE MOURINHO has been driving football fans round the bend for some time now.The Portuguese boss usually has a personal chauffeur – but the Special One has got a history when it comes to motors.
    Jose Mourinho may not drive himself anymore but the Portuguese boss is mad about cars
    From the car bought for Mourinho by his father to the gift from Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, and the Aston Martin at Inter to the 1996 crash in Barcelona, SunSport takes a look back at Mourinho’s life in cars.
    The ex-Spurs chief, who is a fan of rally driving, has employed his own personal driver as he doesn’t like driving in England.
    When he was Manchester United boss Mourinho was driven every day from the Lowry Hotel to  United’s Carrington Training Base in his own Bentley or Jaguar F-Pace.
    My father bought a Renault 5 for me when I was 18, when I’d just got my driving licence. It was silver.”
    But in 1981, back in his native Portugal, an 18-year-old Mourinho was on the road as soon as he could.
    “My father bought a Renault 5 for me when I was 18, when I’d just got my driving licence. It was silver,” Mourinho said, as quoted by the Telegraph.
    “I was at university in Lisbon, which was about 40 miles away from my house.
    “I later bought a Honda Civic – the first car I bought myself.”
    His dad wasn’t the only person to buy him a car, though.
    Mourinho’s father, Jose Snr., bought him a Renault 5 for his first carCredit: Paris Match – Getty
    The ex-Manchester United boss says he looks for quality rather than flashiness in a carCredit: PA:Press Association
    A Honda Civic was the first motor Mourinho bought himselfCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Fast forward a couple of decades to the February of 2008, just five months after being sacked by Abramovich, and Mourinho had a delivery to his door.
    Outside was a 612 Scaglietti Ferrari worth £250,000, and it was one of just 60 produced as part of the Italian supercar’s 60th anniversary.
    The surprise gift came after Mourinho had told his former boss that if he could have his choice of motors, he would pick the four-seat Scaglietti.
    That may just have been the start of his second coming at Stamford Bridge in 2013.
    Roman Abramovich bought Mourinho a Ferrari five months after sacking himCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Mourinho driving the £250,000 612 Scaglietti Ferrari around MilanCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Abramovich brought Mourinho back to Stamford Bridge in 2013Credit: PA:Press Association
    Before that, Mourinho went to Inter Milan.
    After guiding the club to the Treble in 2010, he thought he would reward himself.
    “It was the best season of my career,” he told The Sun.
    When I bought it I said to my son and to my daughter, ‘That’s not for sale, you must keep it forever.’”Jose on buying an Aston Martin Rapide
    “I won every competition with Inter. We did the famous treble — the league, the cup and the Champions League. At the same time I won the first Fifa gold ball for a manager.
    “So, 2010 was the perfect, perfect season and I bought a car, an Aston Martin Rapide.
    “When I bought it I said to my son and to my daughter, ‘That’s not for sale, you must keep it forever’.”
    It is a long way from the Suzuki Vitara he had while an assistant coach to Sir Bobby Robson at Barcelona in 1996.
    But it wasn’t long before that ended up on the scrapheap.
    Mourinho had a crash while working in Barcelona under Sir Bobby RobsonCredit: PA:Press Association
    The Barca coach was in a Suzuki Vitara when he broke ribs and required stitches after the crashCredit: PA:Press Association
    Mourinho is now able to afford much nicer cars, including this Aston MartinCredit: Target
    “I had a crash,” Mourinho recalled. “I went with Bobby Robson to sign a contract in Barcelona in 1996, but drove so as not to be spotted in airports.
    “It was late and when I was driving back to Portugal I fell asleep.
    “I was really lucky – I broke a few ribs and had some stitches in my head, so nothing really big.”
    But that wasn’t the only involvement Mourinho has had with car crashes.
    In 1985, long before Mourinho rose to prominence as a football manager, he was playing for Comercio e Industria in the Sebutal District League.
    Mourinho owns a modest Jaguar F-Pace which he is driven to training inCredit: Cavendish Press
    Rally-driving fan Mourinho says he doesn’t like driving in EnglandCredit: Jaguar
    After a post-training lunch, a team-mate headed to his car to go home.
    As he turned on the ignition the engine exploded, and Mourinho came to his rescue.
    The car was on fire and Jose pulled him out. It wasn’t about a question of pride, he was just glad to have saved his team-mate’s life.”Eladio Parades
    Spokesman Eladio Parades said: “The car was on fire and Jose pulled him out.
    “It wasn’t about a question of pride, he was just glad to have saved his team-mate’s life.”
    Nowadays, Mourinho is mostly seen in the passenger seat of the latest Jaguars.
    He is a brand ambassador for British manufacturer Jaguar who appeared to think they were Mourinho’s official spokesman.
    Mourinho is the face of British car manufacturer JaguarCredit: Jaguar
    He appeared in an advert filmed at the company’s factoryCredit: Jaguar
    Jaguar accidentally broke the news of Mourinho joining Manchester United in 2016Credit: Jaguar
    In 2016, when he was linked with the United job, the sponsor tweeted to congratulate Mourinho for his new role before it was announced.
    Jaguar had let the cat out the bag.
    But wherever Joes goes after he was sacked by Spurs, the coach will not be driving himself.

    “I don’t like driving in England,” he once said. “I have to be really focused, to drive on the other side of the road.
    “I enjoy my driving in Portugal. It annoys me that I don’t enjoy it here.
    “I have a driver now, so I can use the phone or watch a movie.”
    How Jose Mourinho could line up Tottenham with Atal, Dybala and Fernandes joining Kane and Son in formidable side More

  • in

    Aubameyang’s dad scouts for AC Milan, his brothers played for the Serie A giants and he could’ve signed for Newcastle

    SINCE signing for Arsenal, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been a big hit in front of goal.The 31-year-old striker, who revealed he caught malaria on international duty, comes from a footballing dynasty, his father was a football legend in Africa and his brothers still play.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang isn’t just any old footballerCredit: EPA
    Incredibly, despite representing Gabon, he was raised in Milan where his father is a scout for the Rossoneri.
    And if that’s not enough, Aubameyang might’ve worn the black and white of Newcastle had Alan Pardew had his way.
    Let SunSport welcome you into the untold story of Arsenal’s star man.He lived an affluent life in Milan…
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had an affluent upbringingCredit: Instagram @aubameyang97
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has a close bond with his mum Margarita Crespo AubameyangCredit: Instagram @aubameyang97
    Growing up, Aubameyang didn’t want for anything and grew up in Milan and not Gabon, who he plays internationally for.
    His father Pierre Francois Aubameyang was a scout for A.C. Milan, while his mum Margarita Crespo Aubameyang ran a trendy boutique.
    Aubameyang was actually born in Laval, France, which is around 190 miles from Paris.
    He had a cultured existence as a youth, well before his rise to fame in the game.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s dad was a scout for A.C. Milan and his mum owned a fashion boutiqueCredit: Instagram @aubameyang97
    Aubameyang’s dad was rated the finest defender in Africa…
    Being good at football runs deep in the Aubameyang family and it all started with Pierre-Emerick’s dad.
    Pierre Francious, affectionately referred to as “Yaya”, was highly thought of as a player himself.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s dad was one of the finest defenders in Africa
    He played 80 times for Gabon and was a key member of their 1994 and 1996 African Cup of Nations campaigns.
    In a career that spanned 20 years, from 1982 to 2002, he played for Laval, Le Havre and Toulouse to name a few clubs.
    After a fine career he continues to scout for AC Milan.
    In a career that spanned 20 years Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s father played 80 games for GabonCredit: Instagram @aubameyang97
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s dad is the driving force behind the family’s footballing successCredit: AFP – Getty
    Which is where he placed his sons…
    Before Pierre-Emerick became the £70m-rated superstar he is today, he was just a young pretender at AC Milan.
    He was at the San Siro with his two older brothers Catalina and Willy after their dad got them a gig at the club.
    Only Willy played a competitive game for the Milanese giants, with all three eventually moving on to pastures new.
    Catalina Aubameyang played for AC MilanCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Catalina Aubameyang was a journeyman player playing for various Italian and French teamsCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Catalina, now 37, appears to be without a club. He was last known to be playing in Gabon after a journeyman career that took in various Italian and French clubs.
    Willy, 34, most recently played for non-league German club FC Kray.
    He played for Kilmarnock in Scotland 2011, but after 6 games he moved on.

    Willy Aubameyang celebrates with Kaka in a preseason friendly in 2007Credit: Getty – Contributor
    Willy Aubameyang, seen here playing for Milan, had a spell in Scotland at KilmarnockCredit: AFP – Getty
    He could have already been a Premier League star…
    After impressing at Saint Etienne, Aubameyang’s talents caught the eye of Alan Pardew.
    ‘Pards’ wanted to make the Gabonese striker the focal point of his attack and was very close to signing him.
    When he was banging in goals for fun for Saint Etienne Newcastle tried to buy himCredit: AFP
    It came between a straight decision in 2013 to who he wanted to choose – Dortmund or Newcastle.
    On the advice of his old man, Pierre-Emerick opted for Dortmund breaking the Geordies’ hearts.
    To be fair, it was the right decision.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang snubbed Alan Pardew for a move to Borussia Dortmund insteadCredit: AFP – Getty

    And one more thing…
    Now, we know Aubameyang is obsessed with former Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo.
    He loves him so much he has a tattoo on his arm that reads, ‘Crespo for Life’ emblazoned on his arm.
    But it has been reported that Aubameyang’s mom is actually related to the Serie A legend.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has a tattoo on his arm that reads ‘Crespo for Life’Credit: Getty – Contributor
    It has been reported that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s mum is related to Hernan CrespoCredit: Reuters
    While this hasn’t been confirmed, Aubameyang waxes lyrical about Crespo whenever he gets the chance.
    “Crespo is dynamic, strong in the air, technically-gifted and a giant of a player,” he once said of his idol.
    Borussia Dortmund players Jadon Sancho and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sing and dance to rap music in car More

  • in

    Inside Man Utd’s amazing £400k team bus that has suede seats, 45 individual TVs, ovens, fridges and coffee machines

    WHEN their bus is THIS good, no wonder they’re happy to travel in it.The likes of Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire love to live the plush life off the pitch.
    Man United’s pampered stars have their own super luxurious team bus
    A graphic shows the luxurious features the Van Hool TDX27 ASTROMEGA bus has
    And when you play for Man United, you can be assured that when you step on the pitch all efforts are made to ensure their top talents are well catered when they’re on club duty.
    That’s why bigwigs at the Red Devils forked out around £400k on a Van Hool TDX27 ASTROMEGA bus they had custom-built by the Belgium company.
    The bus, which famously came under siege in 2016 by irate West Ham fans before a game at Upton Park, boasts a number of features that’ll keep even the most idle footballers entertained.
    Size-wise, it’s quite gargantuan. Standing 13ft high, 46.27 feet long and 8.36 feet wide, the super bus cuts an imposing sight.

    Man United’s bosses splashed £400k on a custom-made Van Hool coachCredit: Eavesway Travel
    Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford and Ander Herrara travel in style on the Van Hool TDX27 ASTROMEGA
    Paul Pogba takes his Mate tea with him on his coach journeysCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Built on two levels, the upper deck can seat 29 footballers and the lower deck holds nine.
    They sit on upholstered, luxury ecological microfibre Dinamica suede seats, which are made in Italy.
    On board there are 24 Blaupunkt TV monitors, most can be found in the seat backs, while others hang overhead.
    The players have the option of watching Netflix, DVDs and the TVs are hooked up to Sky.
    The downstairs level boasts seating for more team players and managementCredit: vanhool.be
    Man United’s Van Hool TDX27 ASTROMEGA is 13ft high, 46.27 feet long and 8.36 feet wideCredit: Eavesway Travel
    Players like David de Gea, Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic have the option of kicking back and watching Netflix, DVDs or Sky on TVs built into the seats or overheadCredit: Instagram / @paulpogba
    Alternatively, the bus has its own WiFi internet access, so Pogba and Co. can just listen to their Spotify instead.
    And if the players get peckish, they have plenty of options for making food.
    In the lower deck, there’s a kitchen fitted with two NEFF hot air ovens worth £770 each, a Panasonic microwave worth £630 and a Kenco single self-serve coffee machine costing £540.
    Also in the kitchen is a refrigerator, sink and taps, a hot water boiler-tap, as well as a coffee percolator and other catering basics.
    United’s team bus was attacked when it made it’s way to Upton Park for the last game at West Ham’s stadiumCredit: Reuters
    Man United’s Pogba loves sharing his coach journeys on social mediaCredit: Instagram / @paulpogba
    Juan Mata and former Red Devil Wayne Rooney pose look comfortable on board their team bus
    Either side of their seats are shatterproof double-glazed windows, handy for stray bottles that could be thrown as they arrive at away grounds around the country.
    Incidentally, the outside tinted window pane is made of glass, which is why it appeared shattered on that 2016 trip to East London.
    Finally, the bathroom is done aeroplane-style, there’s a small toilet and a washroom area.
    And while it’s not quite as plush as the rest of the bus, it’s still worthy of a Champions League team.

    There are 38 plush Italian-made ecological microfibre Dinamica suede seats on United’s busCredit: Eavesway Travel
    United’s team bus reportedly suffered £1,200 worth of damage in the West Ham attackCredit: –
    Jesse Lingard reacts to coming under attack at Upton ParkCredit: Instagram
    Right before United took the pitch at Upton Park in 2016, the players and management felt the force of fans pelting their coach with bottles as they drove along nearby Green Street.
    It was West Ham’s last game at the Boleyn Ground, so they clearly wanted to give themselves a memento.
    Jesse Lingard shared video on social media of the players taking cover as they came under attack.
    However, the bus stood firm, a couple of smashed windows later, and suffered a reported £1,200 worth of damage. That’s what £400k gets you.
    Inside the Man Utd bus as it is attacked More

  • in

    Nike’s best football ads, including Brazil’s 1998 World Cup squad showboating, and Cantona playing on Hackney Marshes

    NIKE always manage to come up with the goods when it comes to a football advert.And they’ve even roped in ace Hollywood film directors in the past, including Baby Driver auteur Edgar Wright for a promo featuring Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani.
    Nike has a history of producing football advertsCredit: Nike
    And while it was pretty boss, we didn’t think it’s the best commercial they’ve done.
    SunSport’s delved into the Nike archives and unearthed these gems featuring some of the world’s greatest ever talents.
    Most of them have one thing in common… one of the great mavericks, Eric Cantona!
    Good v Evil – 1996
    Good v Evil pitted Paolo Maldini and Eric Cantona against the devil and his henchmanCredit: Nike
    Evil men tried to beat footballers in the 1996 ad Good v EvilCredit: Nike
    Eric Cantona signed off the ad with an “au revoir” before defeating the devilCredit: Nike
    Right before Euro 1996, Nike really began pouring money into football ads.
    This one, featuring nearly every great footballer on the planet of the time, pitted the players against the devil.
    Both Cantona and Paolo Maldini showed off their acting chops with speaking parts.
    Cantona signs off the ad in a trademark style with an “au revoir” before he fires a ball through the devil, scoring a goal and winning the day.
    Football legends take on the devil in this classic Nike Ad
    Eric Cantona, Ian Wright and David Seaman celebrate Parklife – 1997
    To the tune of the infamous Blur hit, Parklife grassroots football is superbly represented.
    We are transported to various pitches, where each team has a star name in their ranks.

    We see Seaman punching a ball from a corner, Cantona dribbling and Wrighty smashing a volley home.
    Ian Wright volleys home in the 1997 Parklife ad on Hackney MarshesCredit: Nike
    David Seaman makes an appearance on the 1997 Nike ad punching the ball from a cornerCredit: Nike
    Eric Cantona has appeared in a number of Nike ads over the yearsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Eric Cantona, Ian Wright and David Seaman star in Nike ad on Hackney Marshes
    Brazil’s World Cup squad – 1998
    Even the Samba boys had to go through airport security, but they did it with style.
    Ronaldo, Denilson, Roberto Carlos and Co play a bit of keep ball in a free-flowing move, ducking around other flyers.
    We see nutmegs, a trademark long-distance smash from Carlos round a plane, admired by you know who, Cantona, who makes an appearance.
    However, when it’s up to Ronaldo to finish off the move, he’s unable to score.
    Denilson gets a telling off in Nike’s 1998 World Cup advertCredit: Nike
    Brazil’s 1998 World Cup squad were the star’s of Nike’s campaign of the same yearCredit: Nike
    Brazil’s 1998 World Cup team play football around the airport
    The Cage – 2002
    Said to have cost Nike around £80 million, it featured the likes of Thierry Henry, Edgar Davids, Ronaldo and Luis Figo.
    The idea was teams of three footballers competing against one another in a cage, sort of like UFC but with goals at the end.
    Cantona plays the role of referee, feeding the ball into the cage for the players and reacting comically to every moment.
    Incidentally, it’s Henry’s team that wins the tournament when he heads home thanks to a cheeky assist by Francesco Totti.
    Luis Figo was one of the stars of The Cage Nike ad in 2002Credit: Nike
    Again, Eric Cantona oversees the action in the Nike ad The CageCredit: Nike
    Thierry Henry wins The Cage tournament from the Nike adCredit: Nike
    Thomas Rosicky announces retirement… last of the 2002 Nike Cage greats
    Take It to the Next Level – 2008
    Directed by Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels filmmaker Guy Ritchie, this ad puts you in the life of a footballer.
    While playing for an amateur, Arsene Wenger eyes up this talent and welcomes him to Arsenal.
    He has run-ins with Cristiano Ronaldo, Cesc Fabregas is his best mate and works hard to improve his game.
    In fact, he works so hard he pukes a lot.
    The video is most-certainly a homage to The Prodigy’s Smack My B**** Up.
    Guy Ritchie directed a Nike ad in 2008 called Take it the Next LevelCredit: Nike
    The Take it the Next Level Nike ad put you in the life of a footballerCredit: Nike
    The footballer in Take it the Next Level throws up after training hardCredit: Nike
    Guy Ritchie directs Nike Ad featuring Arsene Wenger
    Wayne Rooney living in a caravan – 2010
    It’s a case of what could’ve been.
    At least that’s what this Nike ad is trying to tell us with Rooney.
    The England record goalscorer proved to be a good sport, growing a beard and looking dishevelled for the part.
    His part in the ad actually completely overshadows everyone else, including Didier Drogba, Fabio Cannavaro, Ronaldinho, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
    It was directed by movie director Alejandro Inarritu, who won Oscars for Babel, Birdman and The Revenant.
    Wayne Rooney stole the show in Alejandro Inarritu’s 2010 Nike advertCredit: Nike
    Wayne Rooney lives in a caravan in Nike football Ad
    Winner Stays On – 2014
    Another ad that goes back to basics and take us down the park for a kickabout.
    However, this game soon transforms from being played into a park to a major stadium.

    The kids that start the ad turn into superstars including Ronaldo and Neymar.
    Ronaldo’s then missus Irina Shayk also makes an appearance, blowing a kiss to her man.
    Neymar takes on Ronaldo in Winner Stays On ad for Nike in 2014Credit: Nike
    Irina Shayk appears in the 2014 Nike ad blowing a kiss at Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Nike
    Neymar and Ronaldo compete in Winner Stays On Nike Ad More