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      David Beckham’s MLS club Inter Miami offers transfer targets like Giroud fantastic beaches and celebrity lifestyle

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      IT’S been an eventful first year for David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
      Their inaugural season as an MLS club might’ve ended up going out with a whimper, missing out on the playoffs, but now plans are in place for their next campaign.

      David Beckham’s MLS franchise enjoyed their first full season this yearCredit: Alamy Live News

      Already, plans will be afoot to improve a squad that fell short this term.
      At a press conference initially announcing the club, Becks made noises during the press that he was regularly speaking to the world’s best talent to lure them to his project.
      Chelsea star Olivier Giroud has been recently linked with a move to the club, and has reportedly been offered a £4million apartment to live in. 
      While, even Lionel Messi has hinted that he wants to play his final days in the US.

      So what can any prospective transfer targets expect from a life in Miami?

      David Beckham is hoping to bring the world’s best talent to his Miami teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Join SunSport in lending the former Man United great a hand in making ‘The Magic City’ the go-to destination for the best footballers in the world.
      The weather
      While you may have to be wary of the odd tropical storm here and there, Miami weather is mostly perfect.
      January averages around 20 degrees Celsius, while winter highs range between 23-27 degrees Celsius.

      The wet season starts in May and ends mid-October, but the temperatures are between 27-35 degrees Celsius and it’s insanely humid.
      Good job the football season starts in May, otherwise it would be hell playing in those conditions.

      Blue skies and sunshine decorate the high skyscrapers of MiamiCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Miami Beach is the best place for a footballer to top up their tanCredit: Alamy
      The beaches
      They say life’s a beach… Miami has several from Key Biscayne to North Beach, where prime athletes can bronze themselves on a daily basis.
      There’s the 21st to 45th street beach, which runs alongside the Miami Beach boardwalk and South Pointe Park.
      Some of the world’s best hotels and restaurants are nearby, so it’s the perfect spot.

      South Pointe Park is perfect for a stroll or jog for a Beckham transfer targetCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Miami Beach is the perfect location for any footballerCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Anyone feeling active could head to Lummus Beach where volleyball courts are available to rent or there’s thatched huts to lounge under.
      Haulover Beach boasts white sands and a choppy sea, ideal for surfers. On Tuesday nights there’s a food truck festival with live music and local foods for the whole family.

      David Beckham won’t have trouble selling the white sands of Miami BeachCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The restaurants
      Miami’s cuisine is fit for a king and is influenced by the ocean with plenty of seafood on offer.
      Latin American foods are key here, so most restaurants boast many Cuban-influenced dishes – most meaty based.
      The most exclusive restaurants in town are Terrazza in the Shore Club Hotel, Zuma in the heart of downtown Miami and Jaya at the Setai Hotel.

      Eating by the pool at the Shore Club Hotel is what most sports stars do in Miami
      Jaya is a favourite of the likes of Jay Z and Bono whenever they’re in town, with menu highlights including a whole branzino for a reasonable £27.
      Terrazza’s Italian by-the pool fare will attract many footballers wanting to load up on carbs.
      While Zuma’s light Japanese meals will have weight-conscious footballers frothing at the mouth.

      Jay Z and Bono are fans of the Jaya at The Setai hotelCredit: Jaya at The Setai, http://www.thesetaihotel.com/

      Footballers will love the Asian cuisine on offer at the JayaCredit: Jaya at The Setai, http://www.thesetaihotel.com/

      Footballers could rest poolside at The Setai hotel during preseasonCredit: Jaya at The Setai, http://www.thesetaihotel.com/
      The stadium
      Central to David Beckham’s Miami franchise is a super stadium fit for the best players in the world.
      The 18,000 all-seater arena is in the Overtown neighborhood, near the Miami River, and was originally met with some controversy from the locals who didn’t think a stadium should be built on the site.
      A world-class training centre sits next door to the stadium and boasts first class facilities.

      Family and famous friends including Will Smith, Jennifer Lopez Jay Z, Usain Bolt and Neymar welcome David Beckham to Miami
      However, be sure that it will be a state-of-the-art venue, not only fit for football, but ready to house concerts featuring the world’s leading pop stars.
      Interestingly, it won’t be the biggest stadium in the country, but it’ll surely be a sellout week in/week out with Beckham involved.

      David Beckham’s Miami stadium is fit for any top footballerCredit: Splash News
      The celebrity culture
      After all, this lot can’t be wrong.
      The most famous faces in the world choose Miami as a holiday destination, pouring in on their private jets regularly during the summer.
      Some celebrities even call Miami home, so any footballer who wants to embrace celebrity culture should look no further.

      A Miami-based footballer could be mates with Anna Kournikova and Enrique IglesiasCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Anna Kournikova and Enrique Iglesias, Lenny Kravitz, Sean Combs, Matt Damon and Jennifer Lopez all have lavish homes in Miami.
      Most opt for Star Island, so expect footballers to be checking out homes in that area.
      With footballers making the crossover into movies and TV, major productions in the city are on the rise. Could the team feature in The Rock’s show ‘Ballers’ in a future episode?

      David Beckham granted MLS franchise in Miami and reveals he has already received ‘many calls from top players’ keen to play for him

      Sean Combs loves living the Miami lifestyleCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      You could bump into Jennifer Lopez living in MiamiCredit: Fame Flynet

      Matt Damon is an active celebrity in Miami circlesCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Sports culture
      Anyone moving to Miami will have to be very aware of the sports culture that runs through the city’s veins.
      Although the Miami Dolphins haven’t tasted Superbowl success since 1974, they’re steeped in NFL history thanks to legendary quarterback Dan Marino.
      The NBA team Miami Heat was the one-time home of LeBron James when they picked up consecutive championships in 2012 and 2013.

      The Miami Heat are the most successful sports franchise currently in the cityCredit: USA TODAY Sports

      David Beckham’s football team could have cheerleaders like the Miami HeatCredit: Getty – Contributor

      David Beckham’s Miami franchise will rival the Miami Dolphins for fansCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Any single footballer may be interested in dating a Miami Dolphin cheerleaderCredit: Corbis

      The Miami Marlins are favourites of the Hispanic communityCredit: Getty – Contributor
      They’re also represented in the MLB by the Marlins, who are co-owned by NY Yankee great Derek Jeter and have won two World Championships.
      Bayside Marketplace
      For shopping and dining, incoming footballers will look no further than taking a stroll along Bayside Marketplace.
      Wrapping along the bay walls of the bank, it boasts designer shops, posh restaurants and a great vibe that encompasses all that’s great about Miami.
      Incidentally, Miami Vice often filmed episodes here, so if it’s good enough for Don Johnson…

      Bayside Marketplace offers fine dining and shoppingCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Bayside Marketplace was where Miami Vice was mostly filmedCredit: Getty – Contributor

      David Beckham tells fans his dream has come true after announcing his new MLS team in Miami
      Ocean Drive
      No doubt any big-name Beckham signing will be driving a fresh motor.
      With that in mind, they’ll definitely want to cruise down Ocean Drive with its surrounding Art Deco hotels and bars.
      The Clevelander Hotel, with its bar and massive swimming pool provide a great spot to grab a refresher in the hot heat.
      You’ll be mad not to be impressed by the architecture.

      Ocean Drive boasts some of Miami’s best hotels and barsCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Ocean Drive is a haven for Art Deco buildings and is perfect for footballers to cruise downCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Ocean Drive comes alive at nighttime with its bustling nightlifeCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Everglades
      On the list of must-do things in Miami – and Becks doesn’t even need to sell the tourist haven – is the Everglades.
      Unlike anything in the world, it’s your best chance of seeing a crocodile swimming in its natural habitat.
      Over 1.5 acres long, the wetlands begin in Orlando at the Kissimmee River and end at Lake Okeechobee.

      The Everglades is one of Miami’s most famous tourist attractionsCredit: Getty – Contributor

      You could see crocodiles on a tour of the EvergladesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      It’s an amazing experience for any tourist and any future Beckham signing.
      So, where do we sign up? More

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      Georgina Rodriguez’s most popular Instagram posts including loved-up photos with Cristiano Ronaldo

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      NO wonder she’s one of the most followed women on Instagram in the world.
      Stunning Georgina Rodriguez, 26, has amassed an astonishing 22 million fans on the social media network.

      Gorgeous Georgina Rodriguez has amassed over 22 million followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram

      But what’s Georgina’s most liked Instagram photo?Credit: Instagram

      And not only are they given a window into her glam life with Cristiano Ronaldo, they are treated to sexy snaps shared by the Spanish beauty.
      Of course, they generate millions of likes – but what is her most well-liked image on Instagram? Let SunSport tell you.
      10. HUNG OUT TO DRY
      No, not a distant relative of famed board-treader Jeremy.
      Here Rodriguez shows she’s not afraid to approach housework by hanging up some washing.

      However, the brunette stunner chooses to do things a bit differently.
      Showing off her derriere got her 3.2 million likes.

      Housework is important to Georgina
      9. LADY IN RED
      Few women in this world can pull off a red dress.
      Luckily for Georgina, she can and this stunning snap made 3.4 million followers click their like buttons.

      The photo was celebrating her man.
      “My everything,” she wrote as the caption with Ronaldo clinging onto her hands.

      Lady in red Georgina stuns in this figure-hugging dress
      8. LUNCH IS SERVED
      They say a way to man’s heart is through his stomach.
      And it appears Georgina subscribes to that theory, serving Cristiano his lunch onboard their private yacht.
      She wears a figure-hugging red dress that shows off her curves.
      Rodriguez writes with the image that’s liked 3.5 million times: “Enjoy your meal, my love.”

      Georgina serves up a treat for Ronaldo’s lunch
      7. HOT SUMMER
      Georgina’s Instagram is filled with snapshots of her amazing lifestyle.
      And one of the perks of being with a superstar footballer is the incredible holidays you get to go on.
      Georgina in a blue bikini on Ronaldo’s lap was a particular favourite with 3.5 million followers.
      A heart emoji for the caption says it all.

      3.5 million followers liked this photo of Georgina sat on Ronaldo’s lap
      6. SHE’S MADE-UP
      Maintenance is high on Georgina’s things to do.
      A former shopping assistant with Gucci, she knows how to look the part.
      Dressed in a lacy bodysuit, here she applies eyeliner – and at the same time shows off her incredible body that has 3.6 million likes.
      “What your eyes say your soul whispers,” she writes as a caption.

      Maintenance is high-up on Georgina’s list of things to do
      5. FAMILY COMES FIRST
      One of the many themes of Georgina’s Insta is family life.
      Often, she will post images of herself with the Ronaldo brood – showing that family comes first.
      In this photo liked 3.7 million times they’re sat on the deck of the boot, with Georgina showing off a thong.
      They look the perfect family.

      The Ronaldos sit on the deck of their yacht
      4. BEACH DAY
      Continuing the holiday and family theme, the Ronaldos clearly love a beach day.
      In an image shared back in August, Georgina carries the buckets and spades as they all dip their toes in the sea.
      Georgina’s blue bikini is in full view – as well as Cristiano’s chiselled abs – in a post liked 3.8 million times.
      The sensible Wag also wears a baseball cap to save her scalp from sunburn.

      Georgina shows off her bikini body on holiday with the family
      3. TRUE BEAUTY
      No one can argue that Georgina radiates true beauty.
      At least 4.1 million followers agree, who all hit their like buttons on an image showing Rodriguez’s flawless complexion.
      She’s wearing red – which seems to be her favourite colour – and is, of course, the colour of love.
      A gold necklace completes her look she describes in the caption with a fire emoji.

      Georgina radiates beauty wearing a gold necklace
      2. DATE NIGHT
      There’s no doubt about it.
      When Georgina and Cristiano go out on a date night, they always look on a point.
      And it’s clear that having her man in her photos does bump up the number of likes – 4.6 million on this lovely snap.
      “YESS”, Georgina captions the photo – and we don’t disagree.

      Nobody does date night better than Georgina and Ronaldo
      1. SEALED WITH A KISS
      Georgina isn’t afraid of showing her love and admiration for her famous partner.

      “How lucky I feel,” she writes in the caption for a photo kissing Ronaldo onboard their yacht.
      An incredible 4.9 million followers liked this one.
      No wonder she’s happy.

      Georgina’s most liked Instagram snap is her kissing Ronaldo

      Georgina Rodriguez sets pulses racing with cheeky twerking video as Cristiano Ronaldo misses Juventus’ draw at Benevento More

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      Stars who blew footballing fortune and ended up broke like Ronaldinho, Paul Merson, Gazza and Royston Drenthe

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      FROM rags to riches and back again – unfortunately, it’s an all too common trend in football.
      Here, SunSport takes a look back at the high-profile stars who blew their millions on booze, bets and.. football academies.

      Royston Drenthe has been declared bankrupt by a Dutch courtCredit: Getty – Contributor
      ROYSTON DRENTHE

      The former Everton star and Holland international has been declared bankrupt.
      The 33-year-old is currently plying his trade in the Dutch Division Two with Kozak Boys, but has some problems off the pitch.As reported by Dutch news-site AD, a court in Breda handed down the bankruptcy order.
      But Drenthe is confident the matter will be resolved, telling Voetbalzone that he ‘didn’t know exactly what is going on’.
      Drenthe has previously revealed that he had lost £3.2MILLION earned from what looked like a promising football career.

      PAUL GASCOIGNE

      Troubled England icon Paul Gascoigne came close to bankruptcyCredit: Reuters
      Gazza managed to avoid bankruptcy in 2016 despite facing a £42,000 bill of unpaid taxes to HMRC.
      But the England hero went through a troubled patch which saw him reportedly in debts of up to £200,000.
      Gascoigne has struggled with depression and substance abuse.
      PAUL MERSON

      Paul Merson’s addiction to gambling saw him blow a £7m fortuneCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty
      Gambling, booze and drugs saw the Arsenal legend blow a staggering £7m fortune.

      The former midfielder has recovered and works as a regular pundit for Sky Sports, but he once considered breaking his fingers to prevent him from phoning the bookies.
      Merson went broke after cashing in on his £800,000 pension to allow him to go on a betting frenzy.
      ASAMOAH GYAN

      Former Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan was understood to be brokeCredit: Instagram
      The former Sunderland striker used to drive around in a Rolls-Royce but was claimed to have just £600 in his bank account back in 2018 whilst being unable to provide for his family.
      Gyan who was reportedly earning £227,000-a-week at Shanghai SIPG, bizarrely seems to have lost all his money amid a fallout with his family.
      RONALDINHO

      Brazil star Ronaldinho was said to have just £5 to his nameCredit: CEN / ronaldinhooficial
      Brazil’s legendary star was reported to have just £5 in his bank account back in 2018 while still owing debts of up to £1.75million.
      Ronaldinho was heavily fined for illegal construction in a protected area in Brazil.
      Despite remortgaging his property, the former Barcelona star was still unable to cover the debts which saw a judge order for Ronaldinho’s passport to be seized.
      To compound his misery, Ronaldinho spent time in a Paraguayan prison earlier this year for allegedly attempting to enter the country with forged documents.
      DAVID JAMES

      Former England keeper David James blew a £20m fortuneCredit: The Digital South
      Despite earning an estimated £20m from his career, the former England No1 declared himself bankrupt in 2014.
      As well as a lucrative career at Premier League clubs like Liverpool and Man City, James had modelled for Armani and owned multiple properties.
      But a costly divorce in 2005 saw debts start racking up and courts instructed James to sell off his sports memorabilia, DJ equipment and a Vauxhall Astra van.
      BRAD FRIEDEL

      A football academy in the US saw Brad Friedel face repossession of his house as £5m of debts mounted upCredit: PA:Press Association
      Ambitious plans to build a football academy in the United States blew up in the American’s face.
      Former Tottenham and Aston Villa goalkeeper Friedel reportedly owed £5m and repossession proceedings began on his £260,000 house.
      This was despite the former head coach of MLS team New England Revolution then earning £50,000-a-week at Villa Park.
      LEE HENDRIE

      Lee Hendrie’s gambling addiction saw him go bustCredit: PA:Press Association
      Depression and a gambling addiction saw one-cap England player Hendrie go broke.
      Despite earning in excess of £30,000-a-week while at Aston Villa, the former midfielder was declared bankrupt in January 2012 as he faced huge debts and repossessions.
      Hendrie later revealed he tried to take his own life “five or six times” after going bankrupt and now works as an ambassador for mental health organisation Young Minds.
      DIEGO MARADONA

      Argentina legend Diego Maradona was said to have had £42million worth of unpaid taxes in ItalyCredit: Reuters
      He was named Fifa’s Player of the Century and then went bust.
      Argentina icon Maradona, who tragically passed away in November 2020, twice broke the world record for transfers but in 2009 had to file for bankruptcy.
      The Italian Tax Authority demanded he pay back £42m worth of unpaid taxes from his time playing for Napoli in the 1980s.
      JOHN ARNE RIISE

      John Arne Riise was listed as bankrupt despite earning £50,000-a-week at LiverpoolCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Two years after winning the Champions League with Liverpool, the defender was listed as bankrupt.
      Norwegian left-back Riise was just 26 at the time and was believed to be earning £50,000-a-week at Anfield.
      But an unpaid debt of around £100,000 was reportedly linked to an alleged £3m fraud investigation in Norway and Riise was declared bankrupt.
      ERIC DJEMBA-DJEMBA

      Former Man Utd midfielder Eric Djemba-Djemba blew his fortune before retiringCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Having played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs at Manchester United, Djemba-Djemba was declared bankrupt four years after moving to Aston Villa.
      The Cameroonian midfielder spent time at St Mirren and in the Indian Super League to recover funds, before later playing in front of just 88 fans in the Swiss fifth tier before retiring.

      KEITH GILLESPIE

      Former Man Utd man Keith Gillespie admitted he blew more than £7.2m on gamblingCredit: Pacemaker Press
      An addiction to gambling saw Man United product Keith Gillespie blow more than £7.2m.
      After a career that saw him take Newcastle to the Champions League and play 80 times for Northern Ireland, the midfielder was declared broke in 2010 at the age of 35.
      In an interview with the Guardian, he said: “I lost an awful lot of money through gambling over the years, but I also lost money on property and got involved in a film scheme like a lot of footballers did.”
      CELESTINE BABAYARO

      Former Chelsea man Celestine Babayaro was declared bankrupt in 2011Credit: PA:Press Association
      Babayaro was the popular left-back at Chelsea and Newcastle.
      Marauding up and down the left wing at Stamford Bridge and St James’ Park in the 2000s, the Nigerian picked up a healthy pay packet.
      But by January 2011 the defender was declared bankrupt on the public record of the London Gazette.

      Aubameyang signs new £350k-a-week contract and says he wants to become an Arsenal legend More

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      Sky Sports’ Chris Kamara tells The Sun he fears the chop after pals Matt Le Tissier and Phil Thompson were axed

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      FAVOURITE footie pundit Chris Kamara is one of our most unlikely pop stars.
      After his Here’s To Christmas album was a surprise Top Ten hit last year, the 62-year-old is back with a follow-up.

      And he has even won over his Sky Sports pals, including Soccer Saturday host Jeff Stelling and ex-colleagues Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson, who love to take the mick.

      Chris Kamara fears the chop after pundit pals Matt Le Tissier and Phil Thompson were axed
      In an exclusive chat, Chris says: “I told them that I was doing a Christmas album. I always remember, I was at a bar with Charlie, Thomo and Jeff and I played them Let It Snow.
      “And Charlie’s voice initially was about to go into a giggle, and then he started to listen to it and he went, ‘Flipping hell, it’s good’.”
      The success of the former player and manager — known to the football world as Kammy — has even led to suggestions he should follow 65-year-old pal Jeff’s lead and treat himself to a bit of Botox showbiz magic.

      Matt Le Tissier, 52, was given the boot in August
      But Anne, his wife of 38 years, is having none of it.
      Chris says: “My wife would kill me. She would absolutely go crazy if I even suggested it on my craggy old face. I said, ‘Wouldn’t it be nice to get rid of that divot in the top of my head’ and she said, ‘Don’t you dare even think about that sort of stuff’. She loves me as I am.”
      Despite not following in Jeff’s footsteps, Kammy likes to pay tribute to him in one of his songs. He jokes: “Jeff’s a massive supporter of the album. He actually gets a mention on it. When we sing the Christmas song where it goes, ‘Chestnuts roasting on an open fire’, I sing, ‘Jeff’s nuts roasting on an open fire’.”
      The former Brentford, Swindon and Leeds midfielder is known for his sense of humour and banter-filled punditry.

      ‘This is serious, serious music’
      But he and his songwriter pal Richard Scott, who has worked with Robbie Williams, agreed the music should be taken seriously as a singer.

      Former Liverpool hero Phil Thompson, 66, was also axed from the pundit panelCredit: Sky Sports
      Kammy said: “Before we put the first album out, everyone was thinking, ‘Oh, what’s it going to be like? Is it gonna be a mess? Just a bit of a jokey-type album’.
      “But Richard didn’t want to be involved in even me having a little play with Frosty The Snowman.
      “He went, ‘No, no, no, no, no, this music is serious. You can do it with a smile on your face, but you don’t joke. I don’t want to be part of an album that is a bit of a joke. This is serious, serious music’.
      “So I followed his path and so far, so good.”
      That album reached No8 in the charts and paved the way for a tour that was due to take place in November and December but was cancelled due to coronavirus.

      Chris with wife Anne who won’t let him get BotoxCredit: Alpha Press
      The new songs he recorded for those 21 gigs have now been put together into his new album titled  . . . And A Happy New Year.
      It includes a cover version of Wizzard’s I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday, featuring the band’s singer Roy Wood, 74.
      Kammy says: “I’m quite critical of people who do covers of iconic songs.
      “I said to Richard, ‘As it was a swing version and you know Roy Wood, would you play it to him once we put the vocals on it. And if he likes it, then let’s go for it’.
      “So Richard said, ‘Yeah, deal’.
      “He played Roy the song, he loved it and he said, ‘You’ve got my consent. Not only that, I’ll introduce Kammy at the top with those iconic lines, ‘OK, you lot take it away’, but he says, ‘OK Kammy, take it away’.
      “It’s just surreal. It really is. It’s like, flipping hell, pinch me, it is really happening.”
      The ten-track album, out today, includes two brand new songs, Mr Claus and Happy New Year, written for Kammy by Richard and Kelvin Andrews.
      Chris says: “I’m just so lucky. The arrangement of the music, I think it’s been done to suit my voice as well.

      After his Here’s To Christmas album was a surprise Top Ten hit last year, Kammy is back with a follow-upCredit: Rex Features
      “Richard knows my tone, knows what it’s about, knows the song that we should sing. And there’s nothing where I’ve got a screech a big, massive high note that takes me out of my comfort zone.”
      Unfortunately for Kammy, he will not be able to see some of his Sky Sports pals’ reactions the second time around as Sky rejigged its line-up in the summer — a move Chris admits shocked him.
      Stalwarts Phil Thompson, 66, Matt Le Tissier, 52, and Charlie Nicholas, 58, were given the boot in August as part of cost-cutting measures and to bring in a more diverse line-up.
      Former Bradford City and Stoke manager Kammy said: “I was absolutely devastated.
      “You just think, ‘Crikey’. Being honest, when I started working at Sky I could never see the end of Rodney Marsh, George Best, God bless his soul, Frank McLintock, Alan Moore, Clive Allen.

      Chris is worried that both himself and Jeff Stelling are not expendable and could also get the bootCredit: BackGrid
      “They had such good banter and you thought they were going to be there for ever. Then Sky made the change to bring in Charlie, Thomo, Le Tiss, so that acceptance that it had to be them this time around took me by surprise.
      “But I’d seen it before. I’m just fortunate I wasn’t on the end of it as well. The boys accepted it. We were hoping to all go out together this Christmas. But that’s not going to happen now because of Covid. We’ll get it sorted next year.
      “They’re great people, they’ve been fantastic to work with all the time. We certainly had a lot of banter together and a lot of camaraderie.”
      In their place came Sue Smith, 41, Clinton Morrison, 41, and Glen Johnson, 36.
      The silver lining for Kammy, who experienced racism during his 21-year playing career, is that he believes more diversity is definitely a good thing.
      He says: “To be honest, it has been overdue, but the problem that people have got with it is because it’s happening so quickly.
      ‘I’ve turned down Strictly and the jungle’
      “So that’s why people are not happy with it. It’s taken this long for it to happen and now it’s flooded in.

      Chris is following last year’s hit with a new record
      “Initially it’s a bedding down process. Eventually it will settle down and become an acceptance and Sky will find their level and the companies will find their level. People will find that level and they’ll go back to not normal, not like it went before, but normal as it is, as it should be going forward from now.”
      Kammy has been with Sky Sports for 22 years now, which he compares to Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger’s tenures at Manchester United and Arsenal respectively.

      Me and Jeff, we’re not expendable, so we feel our time will come

      But he admits he and Jeff could be the next to get their marching orders.
      He says: “I could have went in the last one. Me and Jeff, we’re not expendable, so we feel our time will come. We are getting old as well.
      “These are young bloods coming through.
      “And there are people who think we were great a few years ago but probably think we’ve done our time now and let’s bring in the youngsters. But if it all ended tomorrow at Sky, I can honestly say that they have been fantastic to me.
      “To be with a company for 22 years, you don’t get a manager’s job 22 years unless you’re Sir Alex or Arsene Wenger.”

      Former Sky Sports pundits Matt Le Tissier, Phil Thompson and Charlie Nicholas Credit: Sky
      Kammy, who also co-presents ITV series Ninja Warrior UK, adds that he is so thankful for the loyalty Sky has shown him over the years that he has turned down annual offers to star in Strictly Come Dancing and I’m A Celebrity . . . Get Me Out Of Here!.
      He says: “Football’s my life. The reason why I haven’t gone into the jungle or anything like that is because I couldn’t physically say to Sky, ‘Can you give me six weeks off from my job?’.
      “I’d hate to be in the jungle. I couldn’t do like Harry Redknapp a couple of years ago in Australia, and be away from it. But I suppose Harry’s not really tied to a company like I am.
      “I’m a loyal person. Sky have been loyal to me, so I should be to them. They gave me my chance 22 years ago.
      “I had football people who I knew at the time were doubting my credentials to be on the TV, and I understood that.
      “I understood that I didn’t have a glittering playing career.

      Kammy, who also co-presents ITV series Ninja Warrior UK, adds that he is so thankful for the loyalty Sky has shown him over the yearsCredit: Rex Features

      “So I understood how they felt. Certain players who got caps for their country or played to a higher level, I could see the envy in their faces and stuff like that.
      “Why should I be doing a job like that?
      “If social media had been around, then maybe I wouldn’t have survived.”

      Good Morning Britain in hysterics as Chris Kamara admits to not wearing any trousers during interview with Ben Shephard
      GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk More

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      in Soccer

      Inside David Beckham’s £6m Cotswolds mansion where birthday boy and Man Utd star celebrated turning 45 in lockdown

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      DAVID BECKHAM has showed off his stunning £6million Cotswolds mansion where he celebrated his 45th birthday.
      Accompanied by wife Victoria and three of their children, the former Manchester United and England star was treated to a bacon-and-egg sandwich with presents wrapped in paper adorned by his own face.

      David Beckham poses alongside wife Victoria and their four childrenCredit: INSTAGRAM

      The Beckhams have given fans a look at their life during the pandemicCredit: Instagram

      The main living area boasts a huge fireplace for the famous family to keep cosyCredit: Instagram

      An outdoor firepit is on hand for family barbecuesCredit: Instagram

      The stunning Cotswolds retreat was a Grade II-listed farmhouse that was converted into the sprawling mansion-like building.
      Purchased in December 2016 for a reported £6.15million, David and Victoria took their youngest children Harper, 8, Romeo, 17, and Cruz, 15, to the country before lockdown was imposed.
      The Beckhams can boast a lengthy property portfolio featuring a London townhouse, Dubai beach property and Miami penthouse.
      Home comforts abound inside their Cotswold abode with chandeliers and an enormous roaring fireplace.

      The kitchen hosts long tables, gorgeous stone floors and an Aga oven, leading to a vast outdoor eating area to match the one inside.
      A tennis court can be found outside with a garden that holds a plunge pool and an interesting looking outhouse that could be a sauna.
      Former Real Madrid midfielder Beckham recently urged world leaders to help beat Malaria.
      He appeared in a video where he aged 30 years as he imagined announcing an end to the disease.

      Victoria held a party for her family to celebrate her 46th birthday in April at their homeCredit: Instagram

      There is a plunge pool, modelled here by Cruz, in the gardenCredit: Instagram

      The £6m property was purchased in December 2016

      He was done up with wrinkles and a grey beard for a short film called Malaria Must Die, So Millions Can Live.
      In the clip, he said: “We have defeated humankind’s oldest and deadliest enemy.”
      Beckham then returns to the present, where he added: “It breaks my heart that a child dies every two minutes from malaria.
      “A future free from this disease is possible in our lifetimes.”
      As part of the campaign, Becks met BBC presenter Charlie Webster who was given 24 hours to live after contracting malaria while on a charity cycle ride to the Rio Olympics in 2016.

      Becks’ wrapping paper featured his own faceCredit: Instagram

      Victoria’s birthday sarnie for her husband with special message in tomato sauce

      David Beckham being prematurely aged by video technology for malaria charity More

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      Chelsea wonderkid Henry Lawrence is latest academy star, a versatile teenager who can play in midfield and defence

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      Chelsea target Matthew Bondswell snubbed Man Utd before move to RB Leipzig and was a track and field star at school

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      PREMIER LEAGUE giants Chelsea and West Ham are believed to be keen on bringing Matthew Bondswell back to England.
      The Three Lions U18 star moved to RB Leipzig in 2018 after coming through the ranks at Nottingham Forest.

      RB Leipzig’s English defender Matthew Bondswell has become a target for Chelsea and West HamCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Former Nottingham Forest trainee Bondswell left his boyhood club to join the German sideCredit: Nottingham Forest

      Instead of signing a pro-deal with his boyhood club, he decided to embark on a new challenge in search for first-team football in Germany – reportedly snubbing a move to Manchester United.
      And this season, during a loan spell with second division Dutch side FC Dordrecht, the 18-year-old left-back has shown why he’s so highly-rated.
      However, he could’ve been competing in a different sport if his football career hadn’t blossomed.
      ATHLETICS WAS HIS CALLING
      Naturally fit, Bondswell was a whiz at athletics at West Bridgford School.

      He won two gold medals at the Midlands Schools County Championships, and followed that up with gold at the English School’s National Athletics Championships in Gateshead in 2016.
      An all-round athlete, when he participated in the Junior Boys triple jump he leapt a massive 12.93m to become British Junior Champion.
      Bondswell also represented Nottinghamshire Schools at the 200m.
      But it was football, in which he has represented England at Under 15, 16, 17 and 18s level, that was his biggest passion.

      Bondswell could have become a professional track and field star and was a British Junior Champion in the triple jump at 15Credit: Instagram @mattbondswell

      Blessed with pace, Bondswell is a natural athleteCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription
      FOREST AS A BOY
      Before he showed prowess in track and field, Bondswell was already on Nottingham Forest’s books.
      He joined the Championship side at the age of eight and quickly progressed through the ranks.
      The defender impressed rival coaches too, and was said to have been a target for Manchester United and Liverpool at 15.
      However, with a heavy heart, Bondswell made the gamble to sign a professional contract with RB Leipzig in 2018 – buoyed by the likes of Jadon Sancho and Ademola Lookman’s progress overseas.

      In 2018, Bondswell snubbed Manchester United and Liverpool to move to RB LeipzigCredit: Instagram @mattbondswell

      Bondswell has since been loaned to FC Dordrecht where he is gaining valuable first team experience Credit: Instagram @mattbondswell
      A BRIT ABROAD
      Bondswell is yet to make his debut for Leipzig, but has enjoyed success at U16 and U17 level with the club.
      Understanding his need for first team football, he was sent on a season-long loan to FC Dordrecht, who play in the second tier of the Dutch league.

      He made his professional debut back in August against Go Ahead Eagles in a 0-0 draw, and has now played seven games in all competitions.
      Leipzig’s initial plan was to send Bondswell out on loan, and then bring him back next season to fight it out for a first team spot, should he impress.
      However, now they could be in for a nice pay day – if they want to sell him, of course.

      Promising left-back Bondswell has a bright future in the gameCredit: Rex Features

      Bondswell has been capped at various England youth levelsCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription

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