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      Man Utd ‘strike deal to send THREE stars to another of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s clubs THIS WEEK’ in rarely-seen move

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has sent three Manchester United wonderkids to train with another Ineos club.The British billionaire acquired a 27.7 per cent stake in the Red Devils last December.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has sent three academy players to another club he runsCredit: AlamyHabeeb Ogunneye is one of those selected to goCredit: GettyDefender Jack Kingdon has gone after leading the Under-18s to glory last seasonCredit: AlamyEthan Williams got the nod after a fine season in front of goal last termCredit: GettyRatcliffe and his chiefs are now in charge of football operations at Old Trafford.Ad they have made the decision to send three highly-rated youngsters to Lausanne.The Ineos group also run the Swiss club.Habeeb Ogunneye, Jack Kingdon and Ethan Williams travelled there today and will be involved in first-team training sessions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe rarely-seen move is a “reward” for the 18-year-old trio and will help their development, claim the Manchester Evening News.Ogunneye has been on the bench for seven Premier League games but is still waiting for his debut.The right-back has caught the eye for the Under-21s this term.Kingdon signed his first pro contract in the summer and has previously trained with United’s first-team.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe defender is captain of last season’s Under-18s Treble-winning side.And as for Williams, he scored 17 goals and grabbed nine assists for the young champions and he has also mixed with the senior squad before.What happened to these five forgotten Manchester United wonderkidsLausanne were acquired by Ratcliffe in 2017 and they currently sit tenth in the Swiss Super League.French side Nice are also in his football portfolio. Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More

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      England ‘contact Pep Guardiola about becoming next manager with Man City boss to make decision in weeks’

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      PEP GUARDIOLA has sensationally been sounded out over the vacant England job, it’s been claimed.The Football Association are on the lookout for a permanent successor for Gareth Southgate, who left the role in July after the Three Lions’ heartbreaking Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.The FA have approached Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola about the vacant England jobCredit: PAGareth Southgate resigned as England manager in July following yet more Euros final heartacheCredit: GETTYLee Carsley is in temporary charge of the Three LionsCredit: PAFA bigwig Mark Bullingham is heading up the search for Southgate’s successorCredit: PAManchester City boss Guardiola is understood to be on the FA’s shortlist of candidates to replace the recently departed Southgate.SunSport understands Eddie Howe and the out-of-work Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel are also on the FA’s list.And it’s claimed they’ve made overtures to appoint Spaniard Guardiola as the national team’s new gaffer.That’s according to The Times, who claims the FA made “informal contact” with Guardiola’s representatives over the role earlier this season.READ MORE ON ENGLANDFA chiefs are said to see the 53-year-old as the “standout” candidate to take charge of the team, who are under the temporary leadership of Lee Carsley.Guardiola, however, has yet to respond to the FA’s attempts to gauge his interest in becoming only the 20th man to manage England.The future of the former Barcelona boss – who guided City to an unprecedented FOURTH-STRAIGHT Premier League title last season – is currently up in the air.His existing contract with City expires at the end of the season and he’s yet to commit his future to the champions.Most read in FootballGuardiola did, however, suggest in the summer that he could pen a NEW contract at the Etihad.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEngland player ratings vs FinlandENGLAND secured a commanding 3-1 win over Finland following their horror show at home to GreeceHere’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay assessed the Three Lions’ stars performances.Dean Henderson – 6Only his second cap after long-time No1 Jordan Pickford was dropped. Not a lot to do, but pretty assured when he was called into action, including a smart, first-half stop to repel a Benjamin Kallman strike – even if the Finn was later flagged offside. Could do little to prevent Finland’s goal.Kyle Walker – 6After the calamity against Greece, it was no surprise to see Lee Carsley turn to his most experienced defender. Now just nine caps shy of a century, Walker was solid. Could have had an assist late on but his cushioned down header was poor.John Stones – 6England’s more conventional system meant the defence was far less exposed – though Carsley’s attacking approach did still see the Finns create chances. Stones made a good early block to deny Kallman after Angel Gomes gave the ball away.Marc Guehi – 6Our best defender in the Euros group stages, Guehi was back in here with Levi Colwill dropping out. Pretty assured for a player who by his own admission has not started the season particularly well for his club.Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7We saw him in midfield at the Euros, and here the Liverpool right-back was shunted to left-back. Looked vulnerable defensively at times but who cares when he produces such quality on the ball – epitomised by his terrific free-kick to kill off this game.Angel Gomes – 8The big success story of the Carsley era, however long it lasts, has been bringing Gomes into the fold. He created Jack Grealish’s opener with a beautiful, flicked-pass round the corner and was excellent in possession – barring one sloppy early pass.Declan Rice – 7Looked far more comfortable with Gomes playing in behind him, as opposed to the one-man defensive operation he was forced to put up against the Greeks. Looked proud as punch after stroking home England’s third from Watkins’ cross.Cole Palmer – 5Played in a more familiar wide right position compared to his central-midfield experiment against Greece. Yet it reduced him to a peripheral figure, adding more questions than answers as to where best to deploy him, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden.Jude Bellingham – 6The Real Madrid superstar played off Harry Kane and had the occasional, exciting link-up with Grealish, but this was not one of his more memorable games overall.Jack Grealish – 8No doubt will be hoping Carsley does get the job full-time as his fellow Brummie seems to appreciate his talents. His composed finish was his second goal in three games under Carsley – doubling his overall haul from 39 caps.Harry Kane – 6Cap 101 for the captain but not one he will remember particularly fondly. He offered the presence the team lacked against Greece when they played with no striker, but did not get much of a sniff in front of goal.SubsNoni Madueke (for Palmer, 69) – 7This game was made for him to make an impact off the bench and he almost teed up Watkins after one fine run but the Finns cleared.Ollie Watkins (for Kane, 69) – 7Low cross for Rice’s third was right on the money.Rico Lewis (for Gomes, 80) – 6Slotted in at centre midfield when coming on and looked busy.Phil Foden (for Bellingham, 80) – 5Embraced the post ruefully after Madueke opted to shoot instead of crossing to him for a tap-in seconds after Finland’s goal. Was marking Arttu Hoskonen when the Finn headed home a consolatio.Conor Gallagher (for Rice, 89) – 6His first appearance under Carsley but too late to make an impact.Lee Carsley – 7His tactical gamble backfired against Greece but he held his hands up and went more conventional here. It paid off as England were relatively comfortable – although his teams have looked defensively vulnerable at times in all four of his games and this was no different. But the three best players, Gomes, Grealish and Alexander-Arnold, were all given starring roles by Carsley when used sparingly or not at all by predecessor Gareth Southgate – and for that, the interim boss should take credit.But he’s also sensationally opened the door to taking the Wembley hot seat, insisting “anything is possible.”He said: “(Leaving City?) That’s not true, in the sense that I have to think about it. (England?) No, that’s not true.England ratings: Angel Gomes is the runaway success of Lee Carsley era but Cole Palmer is anonymous”If I had decided something, I would say so. Anything is possible.”Interim Three Lions boss Carsley has guided the team to three wins and a shock loss to Greece during his brief tenure.But he has left fans confused over whether he actually wants the job going forward.The England interim boss raised eyebrows when he mentioned that he would “hopefully” return to his role as Under-21s manager on the back of England’s 2-1 defeat to Greece last week.Then, following the 3-1 win over Finland on Sunday, Carsley urged the FA to appoint a “world-class” manager to replace Gareth Southgate, before adding that he hasn’t ruled himself out.Carsley said: “I have been doing the Under-21s and I am really happy with my job.”I am an employee of the FA and I was asked to take the senior team which is a privilege, it was the proudest moment of my career.”I am really honoured with the chance to manage the senior team.”I am in a really fortunate position in that I am on the inside and I can see how much potential this team’s got.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It is one of the best jobs in world football. There aren’t many jobs where you’ve got a chance of winning.”I believe the coach that comes in has got a really good chance of winning and we deserve the best one that’s out there.” More

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      ‘Football here is like religion’ – Inside Jamal Lewis’ amazing life in Brazil after ‘whirlwind’ transfer from Newcastle

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      JAMAL LEWIS is commuting 6,000 miles between Belfast and Brazil with an amazing new life at Sao Paulo.The Northern Ireland defender — on loan there from Newcastle — jets in from the other side of the world for internationals.Jamal Lewis is currently on loan at Sao Paulo FC from NewcastleCredit: Instagram / saopaulofcHe says he is ‘proud’ to be a Northern Irishman playing in BrazilCredit: PacemakerLeft-back Lewis, 26, becomes the first Brit to play for the Brazilian giants and hopes the Samba-style football can help his countrymen.Ahead of facing Belarus on Saturday, he joked: “I guess I’m going to have to give man-of-the-match performances every week now.“There is such a rich culture of football out there, it’s amazing. I hope it will go on into the long-term future.“And I am very proud to be a Northern Irishman playing in Brazil.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“The hotter climate makes for a different intensity in the football and, at times, I feel far away.“But there is a rich culture of football and some hugely-talented players who have played in the ­Premier League before.There is such a rich culture of football out there, it’s amazing. I hope it will go on into the long-term future.”Jamal Lewis“It’s a massive challenge for me — and one that I am embracing with both hands.”Northern Ireland held Belarus to a 0-0 draw on Saturday in their C3 Nations League clash.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSManager Michael O’Neill’s side next host Bulgaria at Windsor Park on Tuesday night.Former Norwich defender Lewis confessed: “Belfast will feel a lot colder than Brazil but I love Windsor Park.Gary Neville tells Eddie Howe clear reason why he should QUIT Newcastle for ‘next step up’ in his career“The atmosphere created by a relatively small crowd when it’s full is so close to my heart.“I came into the senior squad just after the great run at Euro 2016 and there’s another major tournament in this squad for sure. We just need to gel.”Lewis may well have also ruined one of Northern Ireland’s most famous football anthems — but it is all the same to him.Every international is accompanied by the Green and White Army’s lusty rendition of We’re Not Brazil, We’re Northern Ireland.But in the defender’s case, he is both.Opportunity of a lifetimeThe chance to make history as the first Brit to play for Sao Paulo, one of Brazil’s most successful teams, and make a fresh start was too good to turn down.Lewis said: “I knew  my time at Newcastle would be limited so I was looking for an option — loan or permanent.“Once my agent told me, it sparked my interest and it is definitely something different. It’s a chance I wanted to seize with both hands and see where it takes me.I am proud to be an Irishman and play in Brazil. It’s not something many people have done. I am the first Brit to play for Sao Paulo.”Jamal Lewis“It went from zero to a hundred quickly and I flew to Brazil the next day.“We got all the documents done and  it’s been a whirlwind. I’m still in the adjustment phase but I’m really enjoying it — the people, the culture, the club.“In the same way that the English love their football, and we love the Premier League, the Brazilians are renowned worldwide for their football.“It’s such a huge thing, it goes hand  in hand with religion for the Brazilians. The fans, the clubs, the history that it comes with  is amazing.The left-back has fallen out of favour at NewcastleCredit: Getty“You can see it with Sao Paulo — the history of the place. The championships they have won and the pride of the people that support the club is immense.“So, to represent them is amazing and hopefully this is the start of a long journey with them.”Every home international for Lewis is now a minimum 6,000-mile trek from the country of Neymar and Co to Belfast.He continued: “Sometimes I feel far away from home, especially when I am messaging and it’s already dark in the UK and I am enjoying the sun.“The four-hour time difference has an effect. But it comes with the job. It doesn’t feel much further than being in Newcastle, really.“Football is a learning profession. My wife’s coming over after this international break so we’ll get to experience it together, which will be great.“I made my full debut in the last match before the international break.“I am proud to be an Irishman and play in Brazil. It’s not something many people have done. I am the first Brit to play for Sao Paulo.“I’m proud to represent myself, my family and Northern Ireland in Brazil.“Challenging myself each and every day to communicate with people is a little bit difficult but I am embracing the new culture, the weather, the people.”New homeSao Paulo have never been relegated from Brazil’s top division.Lewis’ loan is slightly different, given the split season in the country that  has blessed the world with so many superstars of the game.Home games for his new club are at the 72,000-capacity MorumBIS stadium.One recognisable team-mate is former Tottenham striker Lucas Moura, 32.And Lewis had a full-on taste of what to expect in last month’s Copa Libertadores — a rough equivalent of our Champions League — as an unused sub against Botafogo in the quarter-finals.He said: “The stadiums in Brazil are immense. Ours holds 70-plus thousand, it’s just amazing.“I got to see the best of it against Botafogo. It was a packed house, the fans were amazing and the atmosphere was great. I just hope I get to make some starts before the season finishes.Lewis is loving life in BrazilCredit: https://www.instagram.com/jamal_lewis1/“It ends in December. So not many games left. There is then a month off before a small pre-season. Then we go into the Paulista Cup where you play more local teams through to March and then in April, the season starts again.“It’s a one-season loan as far as Newcastle are concerned — but two half-season loans for me. My loan ends in June but there is an option to make it permanent once that finishes.“Sao Paulo’s densely packed but I live in London back home so it’s nothing I am not used to. It feels like a home away from home but with better weather.“I am adjusting to the team and they are adjusting to me. We have only played a handful of games.It’s a big step but one I am really relishing every day.”Jamal Lewis“I am getting up to pace with the style of play. It’s a hotter climate so that brings a different kind of intensity of football with it.“I have taken a big step out of my own environment of being able to communicate easily to now having to immerse myself and learn to get by day to day.“I have played with many foreign players and now I empathise with the process they go through to integrate into British culture. I am making sure I can do that in Brazilian culture.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The beauty of me being in Sao Paulo is exposing myself to so many different things, growing as a person, learning as an individual.“It’s a big step but one I am really relishing every day.” More

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      Benjamin Mendy SUES Man City for £11m of unpaid wages after £500k a MONTH salary stopped when he was charged with rape

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      FORMER Premier League star Benjamin Mendy launched a legal claim against Manchester City today for £11m in unpaid wages.The French World Cup winner has brought an employment tribunal against the Premier League champions after the club stopped paying his £500,000-a-month wages after he was charged with rape and sexual assault.Mendy has brought an employment tribunal against the Premier League championsCredit: PACity deny breaching employment law and argue Mendy violated his own contractCredit: AFPMendy, 30, signed for the Blues in a £52m transfer from Monaco in July 2017, agreeing a £6m-a-year deal which was due to run until June 2023.His contract also guaranteed him a £1m bonus each time City qualified for the Champions League, a further £900,000 if he played in more than 60 per cent of City’s matches and an annual £1.2m payment to his image rights company.But documents submitted to the tribunal in Manchester revealed how the Blues stopped paying his wages and monthly employer pension contributions of £434 after he was initially charged with four counts of rape and one sexual assault in August 2021.Mendy was remanded in custody and also suspended by the Football Association from all “footballing activities”.Read more FootballJust over a month later on 28 September 2021, City officials wrote to Mendy to notify him of their decision.The letter stated: “The club has, after careful and anxious consideration, suspended the payment of salary to you. You will not receive the payment that would otherwise have fallen due at the end of September 2021.“Nor will you receive any further payment until you are ready and able to perform your obligations under the contract of employment.“You are not presently ready and able to perform duties, of course, because you have been remanded in custody and, separately, because The FA has suspended you from engaging in any football-related activity.Most read in Football“Our understanding is that District Judge Garva remanded you in custody because of your conduct whilst already on bail.Benjamin Mendy of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City on August 15, 2021“Remand, was, therefore, an avoidable impediment to your being able to perform your duties. We understand that a subsequent request to be released on bail was refused. In those circumstances, the club is no longer obliged to continue to pay you.”But Mendy – now with French side Lorient – has brought a claim for “unauthorised deductions” from wages contrary to section 13 of the Employment Rights Act 1996.He claims under the terms of his contract, the club only had the right to stop his wages for a maximum of six weeks.Smartly dressed in a light blue shirt and tie, Mendy appeared from a law office via video link and affirmed an Islamic oath prior to giving evidence.City deny breaching employment law and argue Mendy violated his own contract by bringing the club into disrepute and indulging in behaviour which prevented him from playing or training.The club initially continued paying Mendy following his first arrest in November 2020.Mendy was found not guilty of six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, relating to four women in January 2023 after a six-month trial at Chester crown court.Jurors could not reach verdicts on one count of rape and one of attempted rape, relating to two women, but he was found not guilty of those after a retrial in June 2023. More

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      Football team beaten by baseball bat-wielding thugs and player has kneecap smashed in ‘violent and distressing attack’

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      A WELSH football team have been shockingly attacked by thugs with baseball bats on their way home from a match.Several players sustained injuries, with goalkeeper Josh Collins having his knee broken.Josh Collins had his knee broken in the attackCredit: Facebook / Avenue HotspurCollins has sustained ‘life-changing’ injuriesCredit: Facebook / Avenue HotspurSeveral Avenue Hotspur were beaten in the incidentCredit: Facebook / Avenue HotspurThe horror incident occurred at the Eastern Leisure Centre in Llanrumney on Saturday.Avenue Hotspur lost 3-1 to Llanrumney Athletic in Division One of the Cardiff and District Football League.Three red cards and two yellows were brandished by the referee after the final whistle.Then as the Hotspur players left the venue, the squad were attacked by bat-wielding thugs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCollins has sustained “life-changing” injuries and some of his team-mates were also hurt.The 32-year-old is said to be in “good spirits” despite the injury and has undergone surgery.A vehicle was also damaged by the group of masked men.Cops have launched an investigation but no arrests have been made yet.Most read in FootballA statement from Avenue Hotspur said what happened was “distressing” and “frightening”.It read: “We trust the the police will do all they can to bring those involved to justice. “This shocking incident, in which several players were violently attacked as they left the changing rooms, is completely unacceptable and was a really distressing and frightening experience for everyone involved.”We are fully cooperating with the police and the South Wales Football Association in their investigations, and our primary at present is focused on supporting all those affected at this time.”In the meantime I would like to thank the wider football community in Wales for their messages of comfort and support at this difficult time for everyone at Avenue Hotspur FC.”As a family focused community football club proud to represent the Ely Community we are committed to providing a fun filled, safe and inclusive environment for all and are hoping to return to playing in the next few weeks.”A statement from Llanrumney Athletic read: “We would firstly like to wish anyone injured in the incident a speedy recovery. “We were here for football and no one should ever have to worry about whether they will make it to work the next day following a game of football.”We strongly condemn the actions of the individuals involved in this incident. “To the club’s knowledge, no players or coaching staff were involved in this incident and should any information come to light to contradict this, they will be dealt with accordingly. “Llanrumney Athletic is cooperating with all ongoing enquiries.”Detective Inspector Daniel Todd said: “The level of violence was appalling and will not be tolerated. READ MORE SUN STORIES”This incident has understandably shocked the community, and it must have been very frightening for all involved. “We are grateful for information received so far and would appeal for any witnesses to please come forward.” More

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      Class of ’92 member set to LEAVE Salford for new role at higher club

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      FORMER Manchester United star Chris Casper is set to leave Salford City for a new role elsewhere.Casper, 49, has been Salford’s director of football development since 2017, having reunited with former ‘Class of 92’ team-mates Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt.Chris Casper is set to leave Salford for a new clubCredit: GettyCasper is a member of Man Utd’s iconic Class of 92Credit: AlamyHe was appointed to help deliver their huge ambitions – the main one of which was to eventually reach the Premier League.At the time, Salford were competing in the National League North.And, two promotions later, they are now members of the English Football League.The Ammies currently sit 16th in the League Two table.Read More in FootballBut things are set to change at the club in the near future, with key man Casper moving on to pastures new.The Daily Mail claims he is set to leave Salford for a new role at a club further up the football pyramid.His new club is yet to be named.Salford’s director of finance Jonathan Jackson is expected to take over at Moor Lane.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCasper joined Man Utd’s academy in 1991 and made his senior debut three years later.However, he was limited to just seven appearances after signing his first professional deal.What happened to these five forgotten Manchester United wonderkidsThe defender was loaned out to Bournemouth and Swindon Town before eventually joining Reading in 1998.But he was forced to retire aged just 26 in 2000 after suffering a career-ending injury.Casper sustained a double leg fracture following a challenge from Cardiff’s Richard Carpenter.He later received undisclosed compensation in an out-of-court settlement with Carpenter. More

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      Inside Jurgen Klopp’s incredible lifestyle with wife Ulla at their £3.4m paradise in Mallorca after leaving Liverpool

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      LIFE after retirement IS meant to be this good, Jurgen.The legendary Liverpool manager, who waved goodbye to Anfield last season after a nine-year tenure, is now living his best life – away from the stresses of the Premier League.Jurgen Klopp and wife Ulla are living a life of luxuryKlopp’s retirement villa cost £3.4m and was bought in 2022Recently, Klopp’s fortune has been estimated at around £42mInstead of locking horns with Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta, Klopp, 57, is looking healthier than ever with a glowing tan.He has settled in his stunning Mallorca home he splashed £3.4million on and is enjoying time with wife, Ulla.Klopp, who joined Instagram back in May, has been sharing his lifestyle with his fans.His plans for his lavish villa create “an ecological family paradise” there. Read more football newsThat’s certainly more relaxing for the man who gave his all to the Reds and walked away because he was “running out of energy”.Revealing why Mallorca caught his eye, he told the podcast Willipedia via Bild: “I’ve dreamed of having a house in the south all my life. I like the weather, the climate, I like the people.”There are lots of things I like here and also people I already know. It’s not like I’m looking for new friends. I already have friends for life, and if some of them are here too, that’s cool.”However, he made it clear he wasn’t going to stay in Mallorca all year round.Most read in Football”I don’t want to emigrate. We go on holiday here every now and then,” Klopp added.Ex-Liverpool boss and heavy metal fan Jurgen Klopp soundproofs £6m mansion in Germany’s ‘Beverly Hills'”But when I’m here, I want everything to be as I know it.”That’s totally boring but the point is that I want to get to know a different life, but not somewhere in the jungle or on the mountain.”Klopp has even found himself a new hobby – playing padel tennis while on the Balearic Island.In the meantime, after recharging his batteries, Klopp has accepted a return to football with the Red Bull group.He will take on an advisory role, worth a reported £10million-per-year, offering his insight into teams including RB Leipzig, RB Salzburg and New York Red Bulls.SunSport takes a look at his epic Spanish existence.Inside his eco-villaKlopp earned a packet from football.It’s believed his fortune stands at around the £42million mark, with Liverpool paying him handsomely and endorsement deals with brands such as Opel, Erdinger, VR-Bank, Snickers, Deutsche Vermogensberatung, Puma and Adidas adding to his bank balance.Back in 2022, the German icon paid £3.4million for his Mallorcan villa – buying it off Swiss businessmen and artist Rolf Knie.Ex-Liverpool boss Klopp’s retirement home is eco-friendlyKlopp completely renovated the property to ensure it uses less electricityHere’s one of the bedrooms of the property, which boasts high ceilingsAll electrical devices in the home are controlled via an appread more sport featuresHis first job was to completely renovate the 5,000-square metre property property.As reported by German outlet Bild, Klopp turned the villa into a low-energy house with a unique interconnected heating and air conditioning system.The systems work with a computer to make sure the temperature in the house stays the same, regardless of the weather conditions outside.Futuristically, all electrical devices and appliances are controlled by using an app.The idea behind the changes is to use less electricity, and the transformation is believed to reduce consumption by up to 75 per cent.Not skimping on the property’s grounds, Klopp hired a company who designed the garden of the five-star Son Bunyola hotel owned by Virgin supremo Sir Richard Branson to tend to his.Spending his time wiselyBeing a former footballer who thrives on competition, Jurgen wasn’t going to completely give up on sport.In his later years at Liverpool, he insisted on installing a padel court at the club’s Melwood training ground.And it’s a sport that’s close to his heart.Klopp and wife Ulla have become members of the Mallorca Country ClubMembership for the Mallorca Country Club costs around £2,345 per yearHe once said: “Besides football, padel is the best game I’ve ever played.”The love of the fast-paced racket sport, which is a cross between tennis and squash, encouraged Klopp and his wife to become members of the exclusive Mallorca Country Club.Other members include Prince Albert of Monaco, Princess Birgitta of Sweden, Boris Becker, and Novak Djokovic.He regularly visits the £2,345 a year club to play padel – filming his exploits on social media.At the end of May, in a clip on Instagram he said: “Now what I’m doing, I try – no, no, I follow – my other big passion. I try to improve my padel game.“Started two days ago, today’s my third session and I started on an extremely low level. Didn’t play for a while and felt it immediately but step by step I will get there.”READ MORE SUN STORIESKlopp practices his padel game at the exclusive members only Mallorca Country ClubSince retiring, Klopp has a healthy glow about him and appears stress freeBrilliantly, Klopp also has his own range of padel bats with tennis giants Wilson sport.Retirement has clearly never looked this good. More

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      I’m a former Premier League star who was arrested for cock-fighting… now I’m back playing aged 43

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      AN ex-Premier League star once arrested for cock-fighting has made a shock return to football.Fabio Rochemback hung up his boots ten years ago and has spent the last decade away from the game. Fabio Rochemback has made a shock return to footballCredit: InstagramThe Brazilian spent three years at MiddlesbroughCredit: PA:Press AssociationBut he has now joined Brazilian amateur side Guarany de Xaxim on a short-term deal.The club compete in the regional Santa Catarina Championship.Rochemback captained the side to a 3-2 win on his first appearance.The 43-year-old is best remembered by the three seasons he spent at Middlesbrough.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe played 91 times for the club and was part of the team that made the Uefa Cup final in 2006.The midfielder also had spells at Barcelona and Sporting Lisbon.Rochemback, who was capped seven times by Brazil, was nicknamed The Cannon thanks to his trademark powerful long shots.Since retiring, he hit the headlines in 2017 when he was arrested on suspicion of involvement in a cock-fighting ring.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnimal fighting is a crime in Brazil and the ex-player was detained by cops in a raid of an event in Rio Grande do Sul.Police said 89 roosters and £24,000 in cash was also seized that evening.Football icons’ strange hobbiesRochemback had a farm raided by the authorities six years earlier.Who are these famous footballers? More