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    Vinnie Jones buried my tortoise alive while landscaping our back garden… he told me ‘play on son, the ref didn’t see it’

    VINNIE JONES buried my tortoise alive.It’s not exactly “Freddie Starr ate my hamster” – thankfully dear little Lightning was swiftly dug up, suffering nothing more than a dose of shell shock. But it’s a very true tale.Jones was part of the legendary Wimbledon team who caused one of football’s biggest upsets by beating Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup finalCredit: GettyThe team lived up to their Crazy Gang tag on and off the pitchCredit: GettyVinnie with Wally Downes Snr after joining Wimbledon in 1986 and then burying his team-mate’s tortoiseLightning enjoying happier times above groundIn 1986, Watford hod carrier Vincent Peter Jones was signed by newly-promoted top-flight side Wimbledon as a young but raw prospect with oodles of potential.In one of the many debacles that plagued Harry Bassett’s magnificent and underrated career, he put the shy Hertfordshire bumpkin under the wing of my dad, midfielder Wally Downes Sr, and said: “Look after him.”With Bassett’s Crazy Gang being a successful rabble of local working-class lads, when the Downes family swapped Shepherds Bush for Kingston-Upon-Thames, my old man didn’t check the Yellow Pages for landscape gardeners.Instead, established first-team pros Mark Morris and Brian Gayle were made project managers – with Jones and a couple of young apprentices roped in to do the leg work.Vin, full of the boundless enthusiasm that would later help him complete the most magnificent FA Cup upset, was eager to impress and set about building the patio.Typically keen to graduate from the cement mixer to more architectural duties, the baby-faced and curly-haired midfielder installed the membrane with expert precision.And then he organised the Dons’ apprentices to rapidly lay the paving slabs to help build new mentor Wally a bespoke BBQ and bar under the glorious weeping willow beloved by the previous owner.Unfortunately, the ex-tenant had also left behind Lightning – a beautiful tortoise who was hibernating throughout the course of the property’s sale.It was agreed after the deeds were exchanged that my mum, Mary, would be in touch as soon as the ancient reptile emerged from its slumber.However, in the weeks after we had the new patio laid, the dinky dinosaur never showed up.Vinnie Jones and Gazza reunited 30 years on from THAT grab And, after repeated visits to the mock-Tudor home, the deflated former owner eventually accepted the loss, along with the estate agents’ fees.Then we realised…And, thankfully before the RSPCA cottoned on, animal-loving Vinnie took a sledgehammer to his freshly laid paving and rescued the bemused Lightning – who is somehow still going today – from the most miserable of deaths.Christ knows what the new neighbours thought, having watched the equivalent of a Premier League side strolling through the allotments and alleyways to build a garden.Lightning, with Wally Jr’s son, also Wally, has somehow survived up to this todayVinnie attacked the rescue mission with the same gusto with which he attacked gamesCredit: GettyThe ball-playing hardman was never afraid to get his hands dirty, as this iconic image of him embracing Paul Gascoigne from 1988 provesCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdAnd he certainly never shied away from a challengeCredit: AP:Associated PressAnd then watching them rip into the ground like desperate pirates looking for treasure, while screaming: “Where the f*** has he buried it?… Get the f***ing thing up before it suffocates!”The patio was eventually re-laid – but the Downes family never did make it on to the Neighbourhood Watch committee.After nine Wales caps and big-money moves to Leeds and Chelsea, plus the odd scandal here and there, Vinnie remains a great family friend.Books and documentaries about the phenomenal feats the Dons achieved – including that 1988 “Crazy Gang beating the Culture Club” FA Cup final upset against Liverpool – regularly pop up, anniversaries come and go.Legends like London youth-football stalwart Geoff Taylor and the Dons’ unlicensed physio/licenced cab driver Derek French are still alive, kicking and screaming from London to Sheffield.I will always remember Jonah as the man who ripped up that patio in record timeTeetotal Vinnie is now, of course, a movie star with over 100 film credits to his name, swapping his bad-boy antics for roles in hit shows such as The Gentlemen and on stage in the West End.The fearsome image of a scrotum-squeezing maniac scything through the divisions – which earned Vinnie a reputation that overshadowed his technical ability and dedication as a player – is a black-and-white one for the ages.He will probably always be the owner of the fastest yellow card in British football history for his caution after just FIVE SECONDS for Sheffield United against Manchester City in 1992.But he is also a brilliantly relatable advocate for men’s mental health, showing a vulnerable side few people would ever have thought possible, following the heartbreaking death of wife Tanya.He may now be starring in Hollywood movies with the likes of Brad Pitt, Sly Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, but I will always remember Jonah as the man who ripped up that patio in record time.A future football star obliterating bricks and mortar in a frantic search for a tortoise who didn’t have a clue why her charmed little life on a Surrey lawn had suddenly descended into a living hell.Even when I pinged him a WhatsApp message to ask for his memories of the foul-up, he told me, in typical style: “Play on, son. The ref didn’t see it.”Vinnie, seen here in his breakthrough Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels film from 1998, is now a bonafide Hollywood starCredit: AlamyVinnie in his dressing room with Wally Snr during his recent stint in Only Fools and Horses The Musical in London’s West EndHis football talents should not be forgotten though, with the midfielder earning big money moves to Chelsea and Leeds, among othersCredit: GettyHe also represented Wales nine timesCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd More

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    Spurs star James Maddison slashes price of his £2m mansion after bizarre feature puts buyers off

    ENGLAND star James Maddison has slashed £200k of the asking price for his mansion – after buyers were put off by his initials being printed onto the football pitch.The Spurs midfielder has ‘JM10’ etched into the centre circle at his four-bed luxury home in the Midlands – his initials and shirt number.James Maddison has dropped £200k of the asking price for his modern mansionCredit: Jam Press/ FHP LivingThe house comes with a swimming pool and its own football pitchCredit: Jam Press/ FHP LivingMaddison was told by agents to drop the asking price over concerns that the astroturf eyesore could put buyers offCredit: GettyBut agents have told the maestro to cut his asking price after feedback would-be buyers were unimpressed by the reminder of Madder quitting Leicester in a £40m deal.The multi-million pound house, in Nottinghamshire, features a 5G pitch with goalposts next to the outdoor heated pool and is now on the market.And one local said: “It’s a great property if you’re a football fan and want a kickabout every day – but not everybody is.”The kind of person who has millions to spend on a house probably isn’t going to want a big astroturf pitch, especially a personalised James Maddison one.read more on james maddison”To have that ripped up and replaced would cost an awful lot of money, which is apparently why the house hasn’t sold yet.”It is a large space and would make a really nice lawn, but if you are already spending that much I guess you don’t have to spend thousands more on landscaping.”However, the house is still a stunning place and I don’t think it will be too long before it’s snapped up by someone, particularly if James keeps dropping the price.”Although maybe a Spurs fan will come along and be happy to pay full price and keep it as it is. I suppose it would be pretty good to play on the pitch where he honed his skills.”Most read in FootballThe price-cut is almost the average house price of a property in the region – but just a fraction over Maddison’s £170,000-per-week salary.Described by estate agents as a “beautiful Grand Designs-style home”, the property boasts a gym, bar, and games room – where Maddison displayed an impressive collection of pros’ football shirts.Speaking about the set-up previously, Maddison said: “I think if you look around and you see the garden, it’s everything that I probably would’ve dreamed of having as a young boy.”Maddison, 28, has posted videos of the pitch on his Instagram profile in the past, with girlfriend Alexa Kennedy seen taking a series of penalties.Anyone hoping to buy the 4,000 square foot property via a mortgage would face eye-watering repayments of around £14,000 per month.The football pitch could be a hit with football fans and kids who enjoy a kick aboutCredit: Jam Press/ FHP LivingThe house lets in plenty of natural light and is filled with modern twistsCredit: Jam Press/ FHP LivingThe kitchen diner is lit by decadent chandeliers and has marble flooringCredit: Jam Press/ FHP LivingThe owners of the new home would have their own heated pool and fire pitCredit: Jam Press/ FHP Living More

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    Ex-Man Utd ace Roy Keane declares WAR on his noisy neighbours who use their leaf blowers before 8am

    ROY Keane has declared war on his noisy neighbours after one of them used a leaf blower before 8am.The fiery former Manchester United ace is no stranger to confrontation following his glittering 26-year career which saw him handed 13 red cards.Roy Keane has declared war on his noisy neighbours who use their leaf blowers before 8amCredit: PAHe heard one of the machines being used in the leafy area of Altrincham, CheshireCredit: AlamyThe Irishman, 53, was appearing on The OverlapTrafford council advises that noisy building work should not start before 7.30am on a weekdayCredit: GettyAnd despite calming since he became a TV pundit, he revealed a local has annoyed him by using the noisy power tool to tidy up the garden.Roy, 53, told pals Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Jill Scott how he was walking his dog after fireworks night at 7.15am when he heard one of the machines being used in the leafy area of Altrincham, Cheshire, where he lives.After calling for fireworks to be banned because they scare dogs, the Irishman, who was appearing on The Overlap continued: “Do you know what else should be banned?”I took my dog out this morning at 7.15 and where I live and someone is on the blower with the leaves at quarter past seven in the morning.Read more Sports News”It’s a disgrace. I think it should be banned.”Jill Scott joked: “Do you think they should just leave them?”Roy responded: “I was gonna go over and say ‘people are in bed!'”He continued his rant saying: “You’re not allowed to use them. It’s 8 o’clock.”Most read in FootballGas powered leaf blowers can reach between 80 and 90 decibels.85dB is considered damaging to human hearing and any noise exceeding 70 dB considered too loud for residential environments.’He should get a job somewhere else,’ fumes Roy Keane as he blasts Man Utd star for gesture after goal Trafford council, where Keane lives, advises that noisy building work should not start before 7.30am on a weekday and 8am at weekends.During Keane’s time at Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson famously labelled City a “noisy neighbour” in 2009 when United came out on top 3-2 in a thrilling derby.He said at the time: “Sometimes you have a noisy neighbour. You cannot do anything about that. They will always be noisy.”You just have to get on with your life, put your television on and turn it up a bit louder.”It comes after Keane blasted Alejandro Garnacho for his refusal to celebrate his goal against Leicester.The winger was on the end of criticism from a Manchester United fan outside of Old Trafford before the Europa League clash against PAOK.Appearing on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, Keane and co were asked: “What advice would you give to young players when they get hassled by their own fans?”In response, Keane fumed: “If you can’t celebrate a goal, there is something drastically wrong with this game.”Whatever has gone on off the pitch for any player – it could be family stuff – you work all week, you’re playing the game to score a goal.READ MORE SUN STORIES”When you score a goal, there should be nothing else on your mind.”You’ve got fans who have travelled, paid fortunes to get there, and he’s on about people having a go at him.”Alejandro Garnacho had a muted celebration after scoring against Leicester in Man Utd’s 3-0 winCredit: AlamyKeane had a passionate response to the lack of celebrationIt sparked a passionate debate between himself and Ian Wright More

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    Serial burglar who forced Raheem Sterling to quit World Cup after robbing his mansion is jailed for 13 years

    A BURGLAR who broke into Raheem Sterling’s mansion forcing him to fly home from the World Cup has been jailed.Emiliano Krosi, 24, carried out 33 burglaries, including the raid on the England star’s home on December 3, 2022.Emiliano Krosi who carried out 33 burglaries has been jailedCredit: Hyde News & PicturesKrosi broke into Raheem Sterling’s mansion forcing him to fly home from the World CupCredit: GettyHe was part of a gang that used a ladder in the rear garden to climb through Arsenal ace Sterling’s bedroom window and steal ten of his Rolex watches.An estimated £300,000 of designer gear was taken from the footballer’s £7million home in Oxshott, Surrey.Albanian Krosi, who travelled illegally to the UK in the back of a lorry, previously admitted to being involved in 15 of the burglaries. But yesterday at Guilford crown court Judge Catherine Hartley ruled he was involved in the remaining 18 break-ins.read more on footballShe sentenced him to a total of 12 years and ten months in prison.She said: “You are a dishonest and greedy man who willingly and enthusiastically took part in what was a familial, criminal gang.“Your greed and your criminality has resulted in a huge toll of human misery.”His offending took place while on bail after being caught with cocaine and cannabis on a train from London Euston to Coventry.Most read in FootballKrosi, from Southend, Essex, was sentenced to 19 months for possession with intent to supply which will run consecutively to the ­sentence for burglary.Surrey Police continue to hunt for his dad Alfred Isufi, 48, uncle Henri Osman, 44, and 22-year-old cousin ­Gerard Kalaja, who are all believed to have fled the UK.Newcastle’s £100m striker Alexander Isak’s mansion hit by gang of robbers in latest raid on Prem aces’ homesThey are suspected of being part of the gang which raided houses across the Home Counties from November 2022 to March 2023.Other victims included ex-Crystal Palace player Scott Dann and Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella, whose home was targeted days before his then team-mate Sterling’s.PC Katherine Stevens, from Surrey Police, said: “Krosi was extremely methodical and organised in his targeting of homes, with the sole aim to make as much money as possible off the back of other people.”Ex-Crystal Palace player Scott Dann was also targetedCredit: Getty More

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    F1 star Valtteri Bottas ‘completes Ironman triathlon’ in his own back garden just days after being axed by Sauber

    VALTTERI BOTTAS was woken up at the crack of dawn to attempt a stunning IRONMAN triathlon in his own BACK GARDEN.The F1 star, 35, clearly hasn’t let Sauber’s decision NOT to renew his contract get to him.Valtteri Bottas incredibly took an an Ironman triathlon in his back gardenThe F1 ace was recently let go by SauberHe started by swimming more than 200 lengths in his infinity poolBottas got up at the crack of dawn to complete the stunning featBottas might make use of his spare time next season to complete an actual Ironman.But for now, he has three rounds of racing to see out before 20-year-old Gabriel Bortoleto nicks his seat at Sauber – soon to be Audi.Bottas’ bizarre, but brilliant, Ironman challenge was documented on his pal’s Instagram story on Friday.Photographer Paul Ripke was there to egg on the F1 ace as he first jumped in his pool in the early hours of the morning.READ MORE F1 NEWSBottas was tasked with swimming more than 200 LENGTHS of his infinity pool, to make up the 2.4 miles, or 3.8km, of an Ironman distance.The former Mercedes driver and old team-mate of Lewis Hamilton did enjoy some sweet treats and coffee in-between lengths.After that, he then jumped on an exercise bike to complete the 112-mile cycling component.Which would take 10 HOURS at 10 miles per hour.Most read in MotorsportHe reportedly took five hours in the middle cycling sectionFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAt one point, the Finnish ace looked completely out of sorts as Ripke wiped an ice cube down his back.His helper then opted for more moral support and began running on a treadmill beside him.SunSport and Valterri Bottas visit £2 Mexican taco stand which has first ever Michelin starBottas posted his results on his Instagram story hours laterRipke later posted: “After five hours, the end of cycling without a bib is approaching. What should he do before he runs a marathon?”And in extraordinary scenes, Bottas then walked off the peloton and straight onto the treadmill to start his 26.2 mile run.German Olympic triathlon champ Jan Frodeno, who won gold at Beijing in 2008, then FaceTimed to “check on Bottas”.Bottas posted his Ironman time on his Instagram story just nine hours ago. He burned 7,101 calories and his moving time adds up to 10 hours, 57 minutes – but we can’t be certain that was his overall time.He then re-shared a picture of himself enjoying a glass of red wine with a pot of dinner, sitting opposite Tokyo 2020 Olympic cyclist Tiffany Cromwell.READ MORE SUN STORIESCardio, as a result, is a massive part of an F1 driver’s workout, including interval training.They perform under extreme conditions, as the G-force and humidity sees them lose between 4.4lbs and 6.6lbs on average per race.The final section saw him complete a marathon on a treadmillThe F1 ace enjoyed some downtime with friends afterwards More

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    Premier League star’s plans to build incredible £4m dream home with pool & cinema are REJECTED – because it’s ‘too big’

    CHELSEA striker Armando Broja’s plans to build a dream £4million home have been booted out.The Albanian international, 22, wants to knock down his existing four-bedroom home to make way for a luxury new build with a swimming pool, spa and cinema.Armando Broja’s plans to build a dream £4million home have been booted outCredit: GettyThe Chelsea striker, 22, wants to knock down his existing four-bedroom home in SurreyCredit: Elmbridge Borough CouncilBroja applied for a luxury new build with a swimming pool, spa and cinemaCredit: Elmbridge Borough CouncilPlanners gave the proposed development the red card saying it was too bigCredit: Elmbridge Borough CouncilBut planners gave the proposed development the red card saying it was too big – despite no objections from neighbours.Broja, now on loan to Everton, snapped up the £1.8million property on a private Surrey estate near Chelsea’s Cobham training ground in December.He was initially given the go-ahead by Elmbridge Borough Council to splash out on a 36 x 14ft swimming pool and gym extension earlier this year.But Broja then applied to knock down the house and build a new five-bed three times the length of the original and increasing from 36 to 93ft.Read more Sports NewsPlanning officer Joseph Kelly ruled: “As a result of the significant increase in length and height, it is considered that the bulk, scale and massing of the proposed would far exceed that of the existing house it would replace and that of neighbouring properties.”The proposed replacement dwelling would fill most of the length of the plot which is not in keeping with the urban grain and pattern of buildings in the streetscape that are of low density in the local area.”Although the application site is a spacious plot, the proposed replacement house would be disproportionate, uncharacteristic and incongruous in its size and appearance compared with the existing house.”But he added: “The proposed development would not adversely affect the residential amenities of neighbouring properties by reason of overlooking.”Most read in FootballThe proposed new build would have boasted a grand double height entrance hallway, retreat, study and covered outdoor terrace overlooking a 158 x 52ft garden.But council officials blasted its grand design as “too stark” for the area which features mostly Arts and Crafts-style homes.And they said the proposed 6ft-high x 10ft-wide entrance gates would give a “greater sense of enclosure”.Broja’s Chelsea career has been blighted by injuries and he missed most of last season with a knee problem.The homegrown player failed to make an impact during the second half of the season on loan at Fulham.He has now been loaned to Everton after being told he has no future at Stamford Bridge.He has six weeks to appeal against the council’s decision.The Sun has approached Broja’s reps for comment.Broja’s Chelsea career has been blighted by injuriesCredit: Instagram/armando.brojaCouncil officials blasted its grand design as ‘too stark’Credit: Elmbridge Borough CouncilThey said the proposed entrance gates would give a ‘greater sense of enclosure’Credit: Elmbridge Borough CouncilBroja ‘really happy’ to be wanted by EvertonCHELSEA forward Armando Broja admits his loan to Everton made him feel happy to be wanted.The 22-year-old spent the second half of last season at Fulham, one of three loan spells he has undertaken since his debut for his parent club in March 2020.Broja made just eight substitute appearances for the Cottagers and returned to Stamford Bridge in the summer facing another season of uncertainty.He played only 33 times for them over the last four years – partly as a result of an ACL injury – and with further new signings arriving.A temporary move to newcomers Ipswich fell through due to concerns over an existing injury.Everton moved just hours before the transfer deadline to secure his signature in a deal which includes an option to become permanent for £30million.”As a player, especially as a young player, you’re keen to feel wanted by people and that’s how Everton have made me feel from day one,” Broja told evertontv.”They’ve really wanted me and told me why, so that makes you feel really happy and proud.”Maybe the start of the season hasn’t gone how we wanted but we can definitely turn that around with the squad and the manager we have here.”I certainly feel like there are going to be so many more positive days ahead and, for me, I’m just focusing on getting back and integrating with the team.”Broja’s injury means he is unlikely to be available for Everton for at least another month.”It’s going well. Hopefully, I can be back as quick as possible. I think I’m going in the right direction,” he added.”I want to make sure I recover well and be as strong as I can.” More

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    England star Jude Bellingham building TWO houses worth £7MILLION in West Midlands with cinema, swimming pool and sauna

    ENGLAND star Jude Bellingham is said to be building two houses worth £7million in the West Midlands.The Real Madrid ace, 21, recently bought a plot of land in affluent Barnt Green, Worcestershire.Jude Bellingham is reportedly building two houses worth £7millionCredit: RexThe Real Madrid star recently bought a plot of land in Barnt Green, WorcestershireCredit: AlamyBellingham and his mother, Denise, paid £825,000 for their Barnt Green plot in April last year.The village is considered among the most prestigious locations in the Midlands and also boasts two upmarket country pubs and a cricket club.Now, a five-bedroom, four-level home is reportedly being built on Bellingham’s plot, formerly part of the garden of a house which has now been demolished.The new build will boast a basement area with a cinema, swimming pool, sauna and gym and an entertainment area complete with a bar. Read More in FootballThere will be a living space upstairs which includes a large kitchen, five ensuite bedrooms, two lounges and a snug.Meanwhile, a second, similarly designed five-bed property is being built by the same developer on the spot where the former house stood.Bellingham’s development is reported to be worth a whopping £7million in total, reports MailOnline.A woman who lives near the development told the outlet: “The word is that he’s buying one house for his parents and he’s going to have the other. I’m not really into football but everybody’s heard of Bellingham.”Most read in FootballAnother resident added: “It’s a very wealthy area and people here appreciate their privacy. There are plenty of footballers in Barnt Green, people don’t bat an eyelid.”A source told the Mail that Bellingham was keen “to have a base in the country” even though he lives and plays football in Spain. What is Jude Bellingham’s goal celebration and what does it mean?England midfielder Bellingham is not the only footballer who has investments in the Barnt Green area.Prem stars Ollie Watkins and Jack Grealish also own properties in the area.Barnt Green is also home to businessmen such as Gymshark tycoon Ben Francis and singer Jamelia.Meanwhile, former Manchester United and Aston Villa manager Ron Atkinson is said to live nearby. The average cost of a detached house is £963,000.Real Madrid ace Bellingham was a star of the Three Lions run to the final at the Euros this summer.But he is set to miss the start of England’s Uefa Nations League campaign after being ruled out for a month with injury.READ MORE SUN STORIESManager Carlo Ancelotti revealed the news after he was asked whether Bellingham would be available for yesterday’s LaLiga clash against Real Valladolid.The former Birmingham and Borussia Dortmund star scored 19 goals in a stunning debut season at the Bernabeu.Ollie Watkins, pictured here with Bellingham, also owns a property in Barnt GreenCredit: GettyJack Grealish is another Prem star who made an investment in the leafy areaCredit: Getty More

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    Paul Pogba puts mansion back on sale for £4m following four-year footie ban

    PAUL Pogba has put his mansion back on the market for £4million to try to claw back earnings following his four-year footie ban.The ex-Man Utd ace, who failed a drugs test a year ago, bought the home, featuring an indoor football pitch, for £3million in 2016.Paul Pogba has put his mansion back on the market for £4millionCredit: GettyPogba’s Cheshire home was bought for almost £3millionCredit: MercuryHe tried to let out the home in Hale Barns, Cheshire, but had to drop the rent from £27,500 a month to £18,000 when he failed to find a tenant.The sprawling 7,400sq ft mansion is now back on the market.The property boasts an open plan living area, landscaped gardens, a games room, gym, and an indoor footie pitch dubbed the P.P Arena by Pogba.It also has a gated entrance after the midfielder was targeted by burglars in 2022, who broke in while his children were sleeping upstairs.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPogba had been playing a Champions League game at Old Trafford against Atlético Madrid when he had to rush home, saying it was the family’s “worst nightmare”.The Juventus player was banned from football in February for four years after failing a drugs test.The substance found in his system last August was DHEA, which can naturally boost levels of testosterone.Juventus are terminating his contract, with the incident casting doubt over whether he’ll ever step foot onto a pitch again.Most read in FootballWhile awaiting the verdict over his footie ban, Pogba’s earnings were slashed to just £1,700-a-month – a far cry from the £6.8million-a-season he’d expected.He also faces losing his lucrative sponsorship deals, such as a £31million contract with Adidas.Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand tells Paul Pogba he ‘needs to speak’ after four-year ban for doping Pogba, who denies wrongdoing, is currently living with his wife Zulay in Italy in a mansion owned by Cristiano Ronaldo. More