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      Kylian Mbappe’s Wag is Alicia Aylies who was crowned Miss France 2017, is pals with Tom Cruise and wants to be a lawyer

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      All hail the future queen of Wags – the girlfriend of Kylian Mbappe.
      Gorgeous Alicia Aylies, 22, came to our attention when she was spied cheering on France at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

      Meet Kylian Mbappe’s stunning girlfriend, Alicia AyliesCredit: Rex Features

      Aylies was spotted cheering on the French team at the 2018 World CupCredit: Goff Photos

      Standing next to the beautiful Tiziri Digne and Florian Thauvin’s missus Charlotte Pirroni, Aylies complimented the French Wags delirious with their partners’ success.
      And Aylies must’ve been delighted with her man Mbappe’s displays that continued to show why he’s expected to rival Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as a Ballon d’Or winner.
      After all, he came alive in their last-16 match against Argentina, netting twice in four minutes to kill off Messi and Co.
      But there’s much more to Aylies than just being a muse for the man expected to be the best footballer in the world.

      She earned her own plaudits when she was crowned Miss France 2017, later representing her country at Miss Universe 2017 in Las Vegas.
      The 5ft 10in stunner became an overnight success and celebrity in her homeland because of that.
      With her new found fame, she now rubs shoulders with Hollywood’s elite, including most recently with Tom Cruise at the Mission: Impossible – Fallout premiere.
      And at Paris Fashion Week 2018, Aylies turned heads as she attended a number of shows previewing next year’s collections from the world’s biggest designers.

      The stunning beauty won Miss France 2017Credit: Instagram / @aliciaayliesoff

      She wowed judges with her stunning curves to qualify for Miss Universe 2017Credit: Rex Features

      Standing at 5ft 10in tall, Aylies certainly stands out from the crowdCredit: Instagram / @aliciaayliesoff

      Aylies is now a major celebrity in her homelandCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Aylies keeps her romance with Mbappe under wrapsCredit: Getty – Contributor

      But there’s more to Aylies than vacuous red carpets, fashion shows and model shoots.
      Before she made her name on her good looks, the Martinique-born beauty wanted to become a lawyer.
      She started a law degree at the University of French Guiana before she was discovered as a model and put her studies to one side.
      We don’t think she’ll be needing that anytime soon, do you?

      Alicia shows off her incredible bikini bodCredit: Instagram / @aliciaayliesoff

      Aylies turned heads at Paris Fashion WeekCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Her new found fame means she rubs shoulders with the likes of Emmanuel MacronCredit: Reuters

      But there’s much more to Aylies than the fancy lifeCredit: Instagram / @aliciaayliesoff

      The Martinique-born beauty started a degreeCredit: Instagram / @aliciaayliesoff

      She briefly studied law at the University of French GuianaCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Aylies may not have finished her studies, but she’s living the high-life nowCredit: Instagram / @aliciaayliesoff

      Kylian Mbappe shows off his moves in training More

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      Raquel Mauri is the gorgeous Spanish missus of Croatia’s Ivan Rakitic who met ace in a coffee shop

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      THEY say if you really want something, you will keep going for it until finally you get what you want.
      And that was no different for Croatia’s Ivan Rakitic, 32, who really had to work the charm to finally earn a date with Raquel Mauri, 30.

      Raquel Mauri is the stunning Spanish Wag of Ivan RakiticCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Rakitic met Mauri in a coffee shop in Sevilla

      At first she rejected Rakitic and his advances

      It all happened when the midfield dynamo had just signed for Sevilla from Schalke 04 in 2011.
      He visited the same local coffee shop with his brother, where Mauri worked as a barista, as he settled into life in Spain.
      But, as he explained in his Players’ Tribune piece, his pigeon Spanish did him no favours in trying to woo his future wife.
      He wrote: “I don’t know how to explain it. Sometimes, you meet someone and you just have a different feeling.

      “Whenever I saw her, it was like a bomb went off inside me.
      “Week after week, I slowly started to learn some Spanish words, and if I was struggling, I would use my hands a lot to try to explain what I was trying to say to her.

      “She thought that was funny. She was like, ‘Me …  Jane. You … Tarzan.’

      “I was drinking so much coffee it was ridiculous. I probably asked her out 20 or 30 times.”

      Mauri was working at a coffee as a barista when she met Rakitic

      Rakitic revealed in a Players’ Tribune article that Mauri had her concerns about dating a footballer

      He said that part of the reason he did well at Sevilla was to get the chance to date Mauri

      Eventually, stunning Mauri went on a date with Rakitic after he asked her out over 20 timesCredit: Getty – Contributor

      The Croatian revealed that Mauri had her reservations about dating a footballer because he could end up having to move to another country.

      Rakitic continued: “You know, I’m not the biggest guy in the world, so I thought, ‘S***, maybe she sees me and she doesn’t think I’m going to be very good and Seville will sell me in the summer.’
      “Part of my motivation when I went to training was to establish myself in the squad so that I would be around for a while and this girl would finally have dinner with me. It literally took me seven months.”
      Eventually, Raquel agreed to grab lunch – and eight years later the pair are still together.
      They’re also the proud parents of two children, Althea and Adara.
      Rakitic revealed: “When I met my wife, I felt as though I really had something to play for, and my career went to another level after that.
      “We had a lot of special years in Seville. In 2013, I was named the first foreign captain of the club since Maradona.
      “That was such a special honour for me, especially because of how much the club meant to my wife’s grandfather.”
      Rakitic would go on to join Barcelona in 2014 but returned to Sevilla last summer.

      Mauri married Rakitic in Seville in 2015Credit: Getty – Contributor

      The happy couple have two children, Althea and AdaraCredit: Social Media – Refer to Source

      Mauri has settled into Wag life perfectly

      And her lifestyle has seen her attract over 700,000 followers on Instagram

      Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals admiration for Jack Grealish after transfer links to Aston Villa star More

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      Chelsea wonderkid Faustino Anjorin idolises Lampard, was named after Asprilla and started in Champions League

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      FAUSTINO ANJORIN showed his prowess, when he made his European debut in the Champions League dead rubber against Krasnodar back on December 8.
      A midfield powerhouse – the 19-year-old box-to-box player grew up idolising current Blues manager Frank Lampard.

      Faustino Anjorin made his debut for Chelsea in the Carabao Cup against GrimsbyCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Anjorin can play as a classic No10 or in a deeper midfield roleCredit: Getty – Contributor

      And the attacking midfielder is so highly-rated in West London, he made his debut in the Carabao Cup tie against Grimsby Town last season.
      Frank Lampard, who has made it his mission to promote the youngsters from the academy, has faith in the raw talent, as does his assistant Jody Morris – and the pair have been impressed by Anjorin’s rapid rise since they arrived at the club.
      The youngster also has a knack for finding the back of the net, scoring crucial goals last season in the UEFA Youth League, Premier League 2 and in the EFL Trophy.
      He managed 11 goals in 27 games last season, before the coronavirus halted youth football.

      And his progress within the Blues academy has seen him compared to fellow graduate Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
      A NOD TO TINO ASPRILLA
      Anjorin was born in Poole to a Nigerian father and a English mum.
      Amazingly, he was named after the Colombian legend Faustino Asprilla who famously became the first player to score a hat trick against Barcelona in the Champions League when he was playing up front for Newcastle.

      Born in Poole, Anjorin was named after Faustino AsprillaCredit: Getty – Contributor
      By the age of seven Anjorin was scouted by Chelsea and invited to train in their youth set-up before officially joining at the age of nine.

      It was a dream come true for the boy, who idolised John Obi Mikel and Frank Lampard and wanted to play for the same club.
      DOWNED ARSENAL
      By the age of 16, Anjorin, who stands at an impressive 6ft 1 in, lifted the FA Youth Cup in 2018.
      Not only was he the youngest player in the Chelsea side that beat Arsenal 7-1 over two legs, his goal to end the rout was the icing on the cake.
      Internationally, Anjorin’s form has been equally as impressive as it has for his club, and the FA have high hopes for him.
      He has played for England at every junior level up to the Under-19’s, but without a full cap to his name there could be a tussle with Nigeria for his services in the future.

      Goalscoring is in Anjorin’s bloodCredit: Rex Features
      ATTRIBUTES
      Both-footed, Anjorin signed a five-year contract with the Blues in the summer – reportedly turning down interest from other Premier League clubs.
      Technically sound, despite his lanky frame, he is adept at running with the ball at pace and is strong in possession.
      And he’s got decent vision, often able to pick out the perfect pass for a forward to run on to.
      But it is his finishing that helps him stand out from the crowd.
      In fact, Jody Morris once revealed he was the “best finisher at the club”.
      His father Sheriff told Goal.com his son stood out from an early age – playing against boys aged six when he was just three.
      Sheriff said: “He was always the standout player, people knew him before he even knew how to spell his name.
      “He is a goalscoring midfielder in the Frank Lampard mould. Lampard was one of his idols, but so were Lionel Messi and Zinedine Zidane.
      “He has a high level of technical ability, great finishing quality and a great passing range.

      Frank Lampard and Jody Morris expect big things from AnjorinCredit: Getty – Contributor

      “We felt that the Chelsea environment was perfect for Tino. It has really stretched him.
      “The training has always been harder than the matches, he’s highly competitive and he just wants to get on the pitch and beat his opponent.”
      And he has his chance to impress, this time at the highest level of club football.

      Is Chelsea vs Grimsby on TV? Live stream, channel and kick-off time for Carabao Cup clash More

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      I’m a Celeb winner Harry Redknapp cheated death, avoided prison, brought a fan on as a sub and starred in viral video

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      AS winner of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here in 2018, Harry Redknapp has won a new legion of fans, largely from outside the football world.
      Of course, those of us that know football already knew he was one of the game’s biggest characters, a man with a tale to tell and a manager with an eye for a player.

      Harry Redknapp was the standout star on 2018’s I’m A Celebrity…Credit: Rex Features

      As manager of Bournemouth, West Ham, Portsmouth, Southampton, Spurs and QPR, he became known as a coach whose teams always played the kind of football the fans wanted to see, although his lack of silverware – he only won the FA Cup with Portsmouth in 2008 and the Intertoto Cup with West Ham in 1999 – always rankled with him.
      Nevertheless, Redknapp has never been anything less than entertaining in a career in football that’s lasted over half a century, as these examples prove…
      He didn’t really rate himself as a player…
      Redknapp started his playing career with the youth team at Spurs. It was only when he moved to West Ham, aged 15, that he started to make an impression.

      As a player, Redknapp turned out for West HamCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty

      But he didn’t rate himself much as a playerCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty
      Breaking into the first team in the 1965-66 season, the 18-year-old midfielder would find himself in a team laden with legends, not that it did the Hammers any good.

      “Even when they had Moore, Hurst and Peters, West Ham’s average finish was about 17th. It just shows how useless the other eight of us were,” he said.
      His managerial career didn’t start too brightly…
      Having cut his teeth in management at Seattle Sounders in the now defunct North American Soccer League (NASL) in the late 1970s, and as an assistant to Bobby Moore at Oxford City, Redknapp got his first gaffer’s job in England as boss of Third Division Bournemouth in October 1983.

      Redknapp got his first job in football as manager of Bournemouth, saving the club from relegationCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Bournemouth’s 9-0 defeat to Lincoln City, when Redknapp was in charge, is still their record lossCredit: Darren Fletcher – The Sun
      But it didn’t start well for him. In his first game in charge, against Lincoln City, the Cherries lost 9-0 – a defeat that remains the club record to this day.
      Remarkably, though, Redknapp turned the team around, saving Bournemouth from relegation to the old Fourth Division that season and even knocking Manchester United out of the FA Cup in a memorable upset at Dean Court.

      He nearly lost his life in 1990…
      During a trip to Italy in 1990 to watch the World Cup Finals, Redknapp, along with Bournemouth’s club director Brian Tiler had hired a minibus to take them and some friends to the matches, including the quarter-final featuring the hosts against the Republic of Ireland.

      Redknapp is lucky to be aliveCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      After the game in Rome, the group got back on their bus and headed back to their hotel but tragedy was just around the corner.
      At around midnight, on a road near Latina, just south of Rome, a car travelling at 90mph on the wrong side of the road smashed straight into the bus.
      The three young men in the car died instantly, as did Redknapp’s friend and colleague, Brian Tiler.
      Initially, the emergency services thought Redknapp had died too, even pulling a blanket over his head as he lay motionless.

      In 1990 he survived a horrific car crash in ItalyCredit: BNPS// BOURNEMOUTH NEWS
      But he survived, albeit with a fractured skull, several broken bones and an horrific gash to his left leg.
      He would also lose his sense of smell and, briefly, his sense of taste too.
      “When I look back on the accident now, it hasn’t altered my outlook on life although I suppose for a while it puts all things into perspective,” he said later.
      He is the star of one of football’s greatest ever viral videos…
      [embedded content]
      If you haven’t seen this clip then you must have been living under a rock for the last few years.
      We make no apology for showing it again here though because it is classic Redknapp.
      On one hand, he is the ultimate pro, continuing with the interview despite the distraction.
      On the other, he looks like a man who is about to do something he’s really going to regret. Either way, it’s still brilliant.
      He could have gone to jail…

      In 2013, Redknapp was lucky to avoid jailCredit: Reuters

      He was accused of cheating the public revenueCredit: Reuters
      In January 2013, Redknapp stood trial at Southwark Crown Court accused of cheating the public revenue.
      While he was acquitted of all charges, his brush with the law did leave him shaken.
      “Was I scared of going to prison? Yes I was. You’re relying on 12 people who might not like you,” he said.
      “They might have been Arsenal fans for all I knew. One had a stained jacket, for goodness sake.”
      He doesn’t like the modern world…

      As old fashioned as it gets, Harry isn’t a man for the modern worldCredit: Rex Features

      His son Jamie Redknapp also played footballCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Computers scare Harry. So do machines. And pens for that matter.
      “I write like a two-year-old and I can’t spell,” he confessed.
      “I can’t work a computer, I don’t know what an email is, I can’t, I have never sent a fax and I’ve never even sent a text message.
      “I have a big problem, I can’t write so I don’t keep anything.
      “I am the most disorganised person, I am ashamed to say, in the world… you talk to anybody at the football club.
      “I don’t write. I couldn’t even fill a team sheet in.” 
      Talking of team sheets…

      Redknapp always has football on his brainCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      When picking his Spurs team, he used to work out their formation laying next to his wife in bedCredit: James Linsell-Clark – The News of the World
      There isn’t a moment in the day when Harry isn’t thinking about football.
      He even planned and plotted his line-ups for Tottenham in bed.
      “I sorted out the team formation last night lying in bed with the wife,” he once admitted.
      “When your husband’s as ugly as me, you’d only want to talk football in bed.”
      He ran over his beloved Sandra…

      He once ran over his beloved wife, SandraCredit: Rex Features

      A freak accident saw Sandra under the wheel of his Range RoverCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      In 2016, Redknapp was dropping off his wife Sandra at the shops in Bournemouth when her coat got caught in the car as Harry drove off.
      The trouble, however, was that one of the wheels of the Range Rover went straight over her leg, sending Sandra spinning to the ground, writhing in agony.
      Sandra was taken to hospital and returned home 24 hours later, walking on crutches and with her right leg in a cast.
      “It was just a freak accident you know,” said Harry later.
      “It’s lucky, if the full weight of the car had gone over the ankle god knows what would have happened to her.”
      He nearly signed Eden Hazard for Spurs…

      At Spurs, Redknapp almost signed Eden HazardCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      When Redknapp was manager of Tottenham, he thought he’d stolen a march on some of the biggest clubs in Britain when he arranged to meet young Lille star Eden Hazard.
      The pair met in a hotel room in France and Redknapp went into full sales pitch mode for Spurs, trying for three hours to convince the forward to join him at White Hart Lane.
      Soon after, Hazard joined Chelsea, leaving Redknapp to speculate that the reason the player had chosen Stamford Bridge was probably because he’d been stuck in a hotel room with him for three hours.
      He’ll give anyone a chance…

      Redknapp’s willing to give anyone a chanceCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      Redknapp famously gave a run out to a fan in the stand during a preseason friendlyCredit: PA:Press Association

      He will always be loved in the football community for his comical take on the gameCredit: AFP – Getty
      Rewind to 1994 when, as West Ham manager, Redknapp took his team to non-league Oxford City for a pre-season friendly.
      As he stood by the dugout, Harry was distracted by one persistent fan nearby who was continually abusing Hammers’ striker Lee Chapman.
      Harry had had enough.
      “Can you play as well as you can talk?” he asked the supporter, named Steve Davies.

      “Well, I’m better than that Chapman,” came the reply.
      At which point Redknapp found the fan a West Ham kit and some boots and sent him on as a substitute. He scored as well.
      “He was better than Chapman too,” concluded Redknapp.

      I’m A Celeb winner Harry Redknapp is served jam roly poly on GMB More

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      Retired footballers who scored with younger Wags, from David Ginola to David Seaman, Ian Rush and Peter Schmeichel

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      FOOTBALLERS may retire, go grey and age, but that doesn’t seem to stop them from scoring with younger beauties.
      Some of the English football’s best have managed to land themselves stunning Wags, even after they’ve hung up their boots.

      Ian Rush and Carol Anthony met in 2013 and are engagedCredit: https://twitter.com/CarolAnthony_?lang=en

      Not one to judge, SunSport explores the relationships of seven former players.
      From Neil “Razor” Ruddock to the debonair Thierry Henry, these chaps clearly feel young at heart.
      But who are their other half’s and what’s the age gap?
      IAN RUSH AND CAROL ANTHONY

      Carol is 22-years younger than Liverpool legend RushCredit: https://twitter.com/CarolAnthony_?lang=en

      37-year-old beauty Carol Anthony is an Irish singerCredit: https://twitter.com/CarolAnthony_?lang=en
      The Liverpool legend reportedly popped the question to the Irish singer in 2019.

      Carol is 22-years younger than Rushy, 59, but she’s previously admitted she doesn’t see the age gap as an issue.
      They began dating in 2013.
      PETER SCHMEICHEL AND LAURA VON LINDHOLM

      The 10-year age gap between Peter Schmeichel and Laura von Lindholm doesn’t hinder their romanceCredit: Instagram

      Schmeichel proposed to von Lindholm back in February in the MaldivesCredit: Instagram

      Peter Schmeichel with Laura von LindholmCredit: Instagram
      Former keeper Schmeichel married former Playboy model Laura von Lindholm recently.
      The pair had split up two-years ago after beginning their relationship in 2014 – but recently re-coupled and decided to tie the knot.

      The legendary Manchester United goalie proposed to his longterm partner in the Maldives during a fireworks display at the luxurious One&Only Reethi Rah resort in February.
      Schmeichel is 57, while Laura is 47.
      The marriage took place in front of 200 guests at the Egebaeksvang Church in Espergaerde, Copenhagen – four months after they got engaged.

      Peter Schmeichel married his long-term partner Laura von Lindholm in DenmarkCredit: AP:Associated Press

      The marriage took place in front of 200 guests at the Egebaeksvang Church in Espergaerde, CopenhagenCredit: AP:Associated Press
      BRENDAN RODGERS AND CHARLOTTE SEARLE

      Brendan Rodgers tied the knot with Charlotte Searle in 2017Credit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

      Brendan Rodgers wed his second wife Charlotte SearleCredit: Rex Features

      Stunning Searle is 11 years younger than RodgersCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

      Rodgers and Searle’s relationship was rocked by her ex husband’s suicide a year after they wedCredit: PA:Press Association
      The Leicester City manager, 47, tied the knot with Searle – 11 years his junior – on the banks of Loch Lomond in a glitzy ceremony back in 2017.
      He was previously married to wife Susan for 14 years, but they divorced in 2015.
      Tragedy struck Searle a year after she wed former Liverpool and Celtic boss Rodgers when her ex husband Steven Hind took his own life.
      DAVID GINOLA AND MAEVA DENAT

      A 23-year age gap between David Ginola and Maeva Denat hasn’t stopped these two from falling in loveCredit: Splash News

      Denat gave birth to their first child last yearCredit: Instagram @maevadenat12

      Denat is a stunning French modelCredit: Instagram @maevadenat12
      The suave Frenchman, now a talkSPORT host, was always a football pin-up.
      So it’s no wonder the handsome 53-year-old ex-Spurs star is dating a 29-year-old.
      Denat is a model, and she welcomed the pair’s first chid last year.
      THIERRY HENRY AND ANDREA RAJACIC

      Thierry Henry and Andrea Rajacic have been an item since meeting in 2008Credit: Getty – Contributor

      Bosnian model Rajacic is 34, nine years younger than HenryCredit: Paul Edwards – The Sun
      He’s definitely still va-va-voom!
      The former Arsenal ace, 43, has a stunning longterm girlfriend in Rajacic, a 34-year-old Bosnian model.
      They met in 2008 and welcomed a son, Tristan in 2012.
      NEIL RUDDOCK AND LEAH NEWMAN

      Neil Ruddock met glamour model Leah Newman in 2004Credit: Getty – Contributor

      Newman married Ruddock nine years later in 2013

      Newman appeared on TV show Can’t Pay We’ll Take it Away

      On Can’t Pay We’ll Take it Away, Newman famously threw water over some bailiffs
      The burly Tottenham defender didn’t just have the fame of football to charm the ladies with, so he became a reality TV favourite on shows such as I’m a Celebrity…
      Busty glamour model Leah Newman, 39, married ‘Razor’ Ruddock, 52, in 2013 after they dated for nine years.
      She once appeared on TV show Can’t Pay We’ll Take it Away, on which she threw water over some bailiffs who visited her Kent home.
      PETER AND STEPHANIE SHILTON

      Peter Shilton married Steph Hayward in 2016 when she was 48Credit: Andrew Styczynski – The Sun

      Despite a 21-year age gap, the pair are still in love and work together on a consultancy businessCredit: EPA
      The legendary England and Leicester City keeper, 71, wed former jazz singer Steph Hayward in 2016 when she was 48.
      But the 21-year age gap hasn’t affected these two lovebirds, who are often joined at the hip.
      They even set up up their own consultancy business together, which shows love knows no bounds.
      DAVID SEAMAN AND FRANKIE POULTNEY

      David Seaman met Frankie Poultney on reality TV show Dancing On Ice in 2008Credit: ITV

      Seaman and Poultney reportedly fell in love on the show’s live tourCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Seaman married Poultney in 2015 at Dormy House in the CotswoldsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Even though they clearly get on like a house on fire, it’s fair to say David, 57, and Frankie, 48, initially got off to an icy start.
      That’s because they met on reality TV show Dancing On Ice all the way back in 2008.
      They reportedly fell in love on the show’s live tour, and tied the knot in 2015 at Dormy House in the Cotswolds.
      She’s certainly in safe hands with Arsenal and England’s former No1.

      Mauro Icardi’s model wife Wanda looks amazing as she takes part in some seriously sexy shoots More

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      Chelsea star Mason Mount vowed to succeed John Terry as Blues academy product when I told him to leave, says dad

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      MASON MOUNT’S determination to become a Chelsea star is shown through a tale that brings a smile to his father’s face.
      It was 2014 and Mount, one of the most sought after 15-year-olds in the country, had to choose between a scholarship with the Blues and a raft of tempting offers to leave.

      Mason Mount has starred for Chelsea since 2019Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Uncles, aunts and grandparents offered advice to the talented teenager after dad Tony called a family meeting at their Portsmouth home.
      “I told Mason I thought he needed to move on to get the best opportunity,” Tony told SunSport.
      “I said, ‘No one at Chelsea’s academy has got into the first-team since John Terry — what chance have you got?’
      “Mason shot back, ‘I’ll be the next one.’ He said, ‘I’m not leaving Chelsea, it’s my club. I’ve been here since the age of six and I’m going all the way.’”

      Five years on and Mason — so named by his mum as it means ‘man of stone’ — has fulfilled that promise, having made himself a regular in the Blues’ first team this season.

      I’m not leaving Chelsea, it’s my club. I’ve been here since the age of six and I’m going all the way.
      Chelsea academy product Mason Mount

      Sat in the garden of his Waterlooville home, Tony flicks through photographs on his iPhone which highlight his son’s rise.
      The snaps show him signing for Chelsea aged eight, bonding with best mate Declan Rice, representing England Under-21s and winning the 2018 player of the year at Vitesse Arnhem in Holland while on loan.

      But a photograph of a two-year-old Mason in the arms of his dad, who was a non-League manager in 2001, shows where his footballing education began.

      Mount vowed to become the first academy product since John Terry to make it in the first-teamCredit: Supplied

      An eight-year-old Mount joins ChelseaCredit: Tony Mount

      Mount, aged two, would watch his dad’s non-League side Havant Town

      Mount, with dad Tony, signing with Vitesse Arnhem in Holland on loan in 2017Credit: Tony Mount
      Tony, then boss of Havant Town, said: “I’m old-school and Mason has sat in dressing rooms with me kicking cups and doors while we’re 3-0 down at Kettering, and the language has been blue.”
      In 2004, Tony took a five-year old Mason to a club in Farnham for his first experience of playing on grass.
      “They started age six and Mason was five,” the father-of-four said. “I took him over there and they said, ‘He’s a bit small. Is he six?’ I said, ‘Yeah!’
      “Within two sessions he was playing with the Under-8s and dribbling round all of them.”
      Chelsea quickly spotted his talent. Mason was training with the Blues as well as the club his family raised him to support, Portsmouth.
      SAINT TO WINNER
      So when a friend invited them to rivals Southampton, so coaches could assess their trialists against a Chelsea player, the future starlet was hesitant.
      Tony said: “We were driving there and Mase said, ‘I won’t have to wear that shirt will I?!’ It’s embedded in him. I said he’d just have a bib on.
      “They split the boys into four teams and took them away to get changed. The first team came out wearing black, another in blue and then another in yellow.
      “I’m looking for Mason and thinking, ‘Please don’t come out in red and white! PLEASE don’t come out in red and white!’ And he’s come out in this red and white kit with a face like thunder.
      “He’s going ‘Dad! Dad!’ and pointing at the shirt. He played like a man possessed that night because he was so unhappy about this kit. He scored 14 goals.”

      Mount’s dad Tony told SunSport about his son’s rapid rise at ChelseaCredit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun

      Mount became best mates with West Ham’s Declan Rice, left, in Chelsea’s academyCredit: Tony Mount

      Rice and Mount’s friendship endured as the two holidayed together this summerCredit: Instagram @masonmount10
      Despite attempts by Saints and Pompey to sign Mount, it was too late. He’d fallen in love with Chelsea.
      He signed with the Blues aged eight and met fellow midfielder Rice at their Cobham academy. The duo quickly became inseparable.
      Tony, 63, now a partner in an electronics manufacturer, said: “When Declan got released aged 14, we were all devastated. [Mason’s mum] Debbie was in tears and Mason was gobsmacked.
      “One minute you’re there and had been with Declan since the age of seven, travelling across Europe with the family and holidaying together, and all of a sudden he’s gone.
      “Declan is very strong mentally and got what he deserved at West Ham.”
      RAM RAID
      It was at the academy that Mason first met Jody Morris, Lampard’s assistant at Derby and now Chelsea.
      Former midfielder Morris was manager of the youth team when Mason stepped up. He thrived off Morris’ old-school approach and was appointed captain.
      Tony said: “I asked Mason about Jody and he said, ‘Dad, he’s very good. He’s a tough taskmaster, I love him and if I do something well he wants me to do it better.’”
      So when Morris called in 2018 to say Lampard wanted to meet, he jumped at the invite.

      Frank Lampard convinced Mount to join his Derby County in 2018Credit: PA:Press Association
      Mount signed a five-year deal at Chelsea in 2019Both father and son travelled up to a London hotel and listened to Lampard’s pitch about going to Derby.
      “Talk about inspired! I wanted to play for Frank after that,” Tony said, laughing.
      “Frank was brilliant, explaining what he could give Mason. He knew him inside-out, was talking about games he’d watched Mason play.
      “We spoke to Steven Gerrard about going to Rangers, too, and he was similar: ‘I’ve watched Mason, know him and want him to come on a journey with me.’
      “Frank said the same: ‘Come with me and be my player, you’ve got everything I love.’

      “I said to Mason, ‘Don’t rush into it, we’ve got to think about it. I like Werder Bremen, and Norwich was a good meeting.’ He said, ‘No, Dad. I’m going to Derby. I want to work for Frank Lampard.’”
      Mount scored nine goals and got four assists at Pride Park, where he formed a strong bond with the Chelsea legend.
      And Mount has asserted himself on the Blues’ first team since being handed his opportunity by his mentor Lampard.

      Chelsea manager Frank Lampard is hoping to rely on youngsters Zouma and Mount this season More

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      Meet Neymar’s entourage who earn £10k-per-month, go to exclusive celeb parties and mingle with the stars

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      WHO needs a real job?
      PSG star Neymar transcends the world of football, enjoying the glitzy showbiz lifestyle of a true celebrity.

      Being in Neymar’s entourage means you live a life of luxuryCredit: Instagram

      From attending elite fashion parties to taking fancy holidays, the Brazilian superstar knows how to live.
      And if you’re lucky, you will be part of Neymar’s inner circle, called the ‘parcas’ in his homeland, who indulge in the high-life with him.
      Parcas is a slang term in Portuguese meaning ‘partners’, and just like Vinny Chase in US TV show Entourage, the footballer has a group of pals he trusts more than anyone else.
      Enter the world of one of the most famous sports stars on the planet…

      THE THREE AMIGOS
      There’s a popular joke in Brazil that if you’re Neymar’s friend, you won’t feel the current economic and unemployment crisis that’s sweeping the country.
      And these three live-in mates are reportedly all on the payroll, earning around £10k-per-month from the former Barcelona star.
      Gil Cebola, Jota Amancio and Carlos Henrique are key members of his entourage, each providing a different role within ‘Team Neymar’.

      Gil Cebola is Neymar’s personal photographerCredit: Instagram

      Carlos Henrique is the business brains of Neymar’s entourageCredit: Instagram
      They all live with him in the posh Paris suburb Bougival, in a mansion worth millions.

      Cebola worked briefly as his agent, before assuming his role as chief photographer, managing Neymar’s live broadcasts and videos on social media.
      Off the back of that, Cebola has launched a clothing brand, a tattoo shop and an events production company.
      He now has over 500,000 followers on Instagram, and was selected by Google to photograph an ad campaign in Brazil in recent years. It pays to know Neymar.
      Amancio, who calls himself Neymar’s personal adviser, is perhaps closest to the forward.

      Footballers like Neymar are stars on a completely different level. It’s insane. It’s like a huge cult
      NBA superstar Draymond Green

      The pair played together in the youth ranks at Santos, and he is akin to a “brother” to the footballer.
      “We met when we were only 13 years old and since then we have grown up together,” Amancio told Marca.
      “We lived in the same house for seven years, we studied together, and until 2010 we played in the same team,”
      While Henrique appears to be the brains of the trio, looking after his pal’s commercial and business interests off the pitch.

      Jota Amancio has known Neymar since they were 13 playing in Santos’ youth teamCredit: Instagram

      Neymar and his entourage live in a stunning mansion in the Bougival suburb of ParisCredit: EPA
      The three were seen partying with Neymar in Las Vegas, alongside Serena Williams, a host of stunning models and UFC Octagon Girls Jhenny Andrade and Camila Oliveira, while Brazil were playing in the Copa America in 2016.
      For Neymar’s 26th birthday his friends also helped him organise a party at the exclusive Pavillion Cambon in Paris, where guests included Lewis Hamilton, Brazilian Ronaldo, and Victoria’s Secret beauty Izabel Goulart.
      SHARE THE WEALTH
      With a net worth of around £110m, Neymar isn’t afraid to show his entourage a good time.
      After all, he believes the parcas are the reason he is where he is today.
      Before his record-breaking transfer to PSG, he flew them to the party island of Ibiza where the gang partied on yachts, in super clubs and rented a huge mansion.

      It made NBA superstar Draymond Green take note.
      “We see stars in America and it’s amazing,” he said on ESPN.
      “But [footballers like Neymar] are stars on a completely different level over there. It’s insane. It’s like a huge cult.”
      And after his £198m move to Paris, they all went straight to St Tropez, partying at a beach club.
      Club revellers saw 12 bottles of champagne delivered to his table, while a funk version of the Brazilian national anthem played as a backdrop.

      Neymar isn’t afraid of sharing his £110m fortune with his friendsCredit: Instagram

      Exclusive fashion parties thrown by Balmain are attended by Neymar and palsCredit: Instagram

      When Neymar sealed his £198m move to PSG, he celebrated partying with his pals in St TropezCredit: Splash News
      A BAD INFLUENCE
      However, there are those that believe having such an entourage is detriment to Neymar’s career.
      Former Santos marketing director Eduardo Musa worked exclusively as Neymar’s personal adviser for six years.
      One of his many jobs involved looking after an unlimited credit card that paid for the expenses of Neymar’s friends.
      He quit working for the Brazil star after he grew tired of working for such a big name in the game.
      “I can’t complain about anything; it was an amazing experience—my goal as a professional,” Musa told Bleacher Report.
      “But inevitably, when you work with such a huge guy [as Neymar], you have no personal life. I don’t want to pay this price again.”
      Musa encouraged the entourage to become a support system for their pal, but Neymar’s father wasn’t fond of that idea.
      “I have no doubt they’re very important for Neymar, but I tried to turn them into a professional support for Neymar’s career as well.
      “One of them would become a photographer, the other would work as a manager.
      “But his father didn’t accept it [at that time].”

      Former Santos marketing director Eduardo Musa worked as Neymars personal advisor for six years

      Musa stopped working with Neymar after falling out with his dadCredit: AFP or licensors
      UNDER PRESSURE
      Being Neymar isn’t easy.
      The expectation on the shoulders of one of the world’s best footballers for club and country could make a mere mortal crumble.
      Gustavo Almeida, another close friend, explained what the entourage provides.

      “He lives in a pressure-cooker and we are an escape [from it],” he told Brazilian outlet UOL Esporte.
      “We don’t talk about football. We’re a way for him to let go of the stress of his life. We’re together to chat, travel.”
      Every Brazilian kid dreams of becoming the next Ronaldo, Zico or Pele… but now just being friends with the new wonderkid on the scene seems to be just as lucrative.

      The pressure on Neymar’s shoulders for club and country is immenseCredit: Alamy Live News

      Gustavo Almeida says the entourage exists to relieve Neymar from the stresses of footballCredit: Instagram

      Neymar BOOED by Paris Saint-Germain fans as his name is read out after failed Barcelona move- More

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      in Soccer

      Weird football kits, from Sporting Braga’s bizarre Roman armour kit to 12 more crazy designs

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      THERE are bad football kits — then there are terrible football kits.
      Sporting Braga sent fans wild when they revealed their 2019/20 top – a bonkers jersey inspired by Ancient Rome soldiers that featured body armour emblazoned across it.

      Sporting Braga unveiled their new third strip this weekCredit: S.C. Braga

      Braga’s strange kit features body armour and is a tribute to Ancient Rome soldiersCredit: S.C. Braga

      Opinions were divided upon it’s release, and rightly so.
      But Braga aren’t the only side who have committed a bizarre fashion crime when it has come to their jerseys.
      Here’s 12 more that’ll have you covering your eyes in disgust!
      1860 Munich (2018/19)
      German side 1860 Munich got into the spirit of Oktoberfest in 2018 when they launched a special kit with leather-look lederhosen shorts.

      The wacky strip was debuted against third-tier club Wehen Wiesbaden last year, just in time for the beer festival.
      You can’t help think whoever designed it, might’ve had a few beers themselves beforehand.

      1860 Munich launched an Oktoberfest-themed kitCredit: Munich 1860

      The leather-look lederhosen shorts were a special edition for OktoberfestCredit: Munich 1860
      Zamora CF (2018)
      Spanish fourth division side Zamora CF’s third kit last season was certainly something we haven’t seen before – but there’s probably a reason for that.
      The strip, produced by Kappa, is imprinted with a real circulatory system (we know) – with the team’s logo used in place of the human heart.

      One of the most important details is stitched on the back of the shirt – a very clear message that’s not just aimed at Zamora fans.
      The phrase reads: “The blood, that reddish fluid that transports life through our body, which is born and flows from the heart to nourish our emotions and feelings.”
      Worst kit ever? It’s definitely up there.

      Quite what Zamora CF were thinking when putting this kit together we don’t knowCredit: Twitter @ZCFoficial
      Caribous of Colorado (1978)
      Is it any surprise that the team wearing this bizarre number racked up the worst record in the old NASL?
      We’re not sure what is worse, the collar, club crest (on the wrong side).
      No, no, surely the leather-look tassley stuff across the chest is what sets it all off.
      This ain’t no Western cowboy-highwayman hold-up… it’s merely a stitch-up.

      The Colorado Caribous kit from 1978 might be the worst of all timeCredit: Colorado Caribous
      La Hoya Lorca (2013)
      Well at least if you were frozen out at La Hoya Lorca, you would be bang on trend.
      That is because their third kit during the 2013-14 season provided a backdrop of a set of peas.
      Yes, peas. Like the ones you used to leave on your plate after a Sunday roast.
      Word is they only did it to ap-peas their sponsors.

      La Hoya Lorca’s second kit really took the peasCredit: .
      1860 Munich (2010)
      For their 150th anniversary, 1860 Munich were at it again and decided to produce a reversible kit.
      On one side was a throwback to their original colours, while on the other was a collage of players, managers and owners past and present.
      The problem was both sides were absolutely rubbish, and you certainly wouldn’t want to represent your club wearing it.

      This is the reversible shirt 1860 Munich wore for their 150th anniversary
      Atletico Madrid (2004)
      No wonder Fernando Torres decided to leave Atletico Madrid back in the noughties.
      El Nino just could not put up with kits like this from Nike – with a spider’s web design – obviously designed to promote the Spider-Man 2 movie.
      Remember Kirsten Dunst and Tobey Maguire’s upside-down kiss? Well this was the movie after that one.
      The problem with this is, much like Atletico Madrid in the last five years, the movies needed a complete revamp and were re-made a decade later.
      And much like the old DVDs of this Spider Man franchise, there’s only one place you’ll be able to find this forgotten Atletico Madrid kit… on the web.

      Atletico Madrid’s strange Spider-Man kitCredit: Getty Images
      Getafe (2009-10)
      Back in the noughties (again), the Burger King – i.e. a bloke in a rubber mask and a crown – would be superimposed on to American adverts, intercept footballs and score touchdowns in various NFL-inspired ads.
      It really was quite hilarious.
      The problem was, that was a campaign almost exclusively aired in America – and not Europe – and we play a different kind of football.
      So, when Burger King decided to print their King’s face on to the reverse of a Getafe shirt so that you could do a ‘Ravanelli’ and see the rubber royal himself, we Europeans were a little perplexed.
      Even more bizarre was that they had their best season ever in La Liga and reached the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey – the ‘Cup of Kings.’

      Burger King sponsored Getafe when they released this quirky kit

      Burger King produced some hilarious commercials of the Burger King scoring NFL touchdownsCredit: YouTube
      CD Palencia (2016)
      Who would have thought football could be fun and educational?
      Well just ask Spanish (yes, them again) club Palencia, who have muscled in on the odd uniforms market.
      It should make pre-season training a doddle, just eat what you want and you’ll always have a six pack.
      Pulled hamstring though? The club physio might have a few problems.

      CD Palencia recently wore this anatomical jerseyCredit: CD Palencia

      These are the shorts CD Palencia woreCredit: CD Palencia
      Cultural Leonesa (2014)
      Have the Spaniards really not heard any Spanish waiter jokes?
      Obviously not, as they sported these tuxedo-inspired jerseys for the 2014/15 season, complete with a fetching drawn on bow-tie.
      Not sure what they were supposed to wear for the annual club awards bash, mind.

      Cultural Leonesa wore this strange tuxedo kitCredit: Cultural Leonesa
      Cameroon (2002/04)
      Cameroon have committed two couture crimes against football.
      One was in 2002, when they decided to get their biceps out and wear sleeveless shirts – as they did in a friendly against England.
      Sadly, the vest design was banned for the 2002 World Cup by Sepp Blatter.
      So, after that they simply wore a tight-fitting under-layer underneath the Puma jerseys.
      Then, two years later, Puma came up with an all-in-one uniform – which was just as baffling and was, again, banned.

      Cameroon also had this sleeveless kit that was banned for the 2002 World Cup

      Cameroon have had two strange uniforms in recent years, including this body-hugging all-in-one kitCredit: AFP
      Hull City (1992)
      ‘Tiger, tiger, burning bright’ as the saying once went.
      In the 1992 season, Hull City went with a flamboyant tiger print jersey – they must’ve been ahead of their time in the fashion stakes with animal-print being in among the fashion set in today’s world.
      But on a football pitch, it just looked plain daft… especially on Dean Windass.

      No doubt what Dean Windass thought of Hull’s strange tiger-stripe kitCredit: Action Images

      Hull City wore this number in 1992 when they were back in the old Division 2Credit: Action Images
      Athletic Club (2004)
      This monstrosity was designed by Basque artist Dario Urzay to mark the club’s centenary in 2004 – and Bilbao only wore it in the Uefa Cup.

      It was supposed to resemble a splatter of blood, but seems to look more like a trail of tomato ketchup splashed on a dining room table by a child after dinner.
      Bilbao would’ve been better off sticking with their regulation white and red stripes.
      And no wonder they only showed it off in European competition.

      Athletic Bilbao got slated for using this artist-inspired kit to celebrate their centenaryCredit: .

      New Arsenal kit is revealed in must see star-studded adidas advert More