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      Former Liverpool ace survives terrifying GRENADE attack on his family home

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      FORMER Premiership star Yossi Benayoun has survived a terrifying grenade attack on his home in Israel.The ex-Liverpool midfielder was in the house with his family when a motorcyclist pulled up outside and threw the device at the door.Yossi Benayoun has survived a terrifying grenade attack on his home in IsraelCredit: GettyIt exploded, triggering a fire as the attacker fled the scene.Police and fire crews raced to the house in Ramat Hasharon, just north of Tel Aviv, at 11pm on Sunday. The blaze was extinguished shortly after.Cops are investigating it as a suspected criminal attack rather than a terrorist incident.Read More on FootballShocked Benayoun, Israel’s record goal scorer, said it was a case of mistaken identity.He said: “This is definitely a mistake – I have no doubt that the grenade was not aimed at my house.“At first I thought it was a gas cylinder explosion and we called the fire department. It was only when the police arrived at the house and found the remains of a grenade that we realised what really happened.”The attack caused damage to the property but no-one was injured.Most read in FootballA police spokesman said: “The police hotline received a report of hearing an explosion outside a house.“Police from the Glilot station arrived at the scene and began an investigation. As a result of the explosion, damage was caused. There were no casualties.”Hamas releases sick vid of hostage begging for release saying ‘time is running out’ as terror group calls for ceasefireBenayoun, 44, played nearly 200 times in the Prem for Liverpool, West Ham, Chelsea and Arsenal.He retired from playing in 2019 after a 22-year career, scoring a total of 173 goals in 728 appearances.Meanwhile, a Palestinian journalist was killed and nine others injured when Israeli missiles struck a media tent outside a hospital in Khan Younis.Videos showed a reporter engulfed in flames as others tried to rescue him.The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it had targeted photographer Hassan Aslih because he was a member of Hamas who operated “under the guise of a journalist”.Aslih was injured in the attack which killed a second Palestinian man.The IDF said the reporter had taken part in the October 7 raids into southern Israel and had “documented and uploaded footage of looting, arson, and murder to social media”.Hamas said the claims were false.In total, Israeli military strikes killed at least 30 Palestinians in Gaza yesterday, according to Hamas.The terror group marked 18 months since the war started by launching the biggest rocket attack for months.Read More on The SunAround ten were launched from the Strip, half of which were intercepted by the IDF.Three people suffered minor injuries as the IDF intercepted ten rockets. More

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      in Motorsport

      Our village is ruined by F1 HQ – it sounds like TORNADO & now they want to make it even bigger… we’re being forced out

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      FURIOUS locals are revving up for a battle with F1 motor racing team Williams over plans to expand its UK headquarters.Residents living close to the motor sport company’s site in Grove, Wiltshire, say they are already being driven round the bend by noise and traffic.The Williams site in Wiltshire has already been driving locals round the bendCredit: Jon RowleyNearby residents claim noise levels from the base are comparable to a ‘tornado’Credit: Jon RowleyThe company have reportedly bought farmland they wish to expand onCredit: Jon RowleyThey argue the biggest culprit is a giant wind tunnel used by engineers to test the aerodynamics of the super-fast Williams team’s cars.One local told The Sun: “When the wind tunnel is at full throttle you can hear it sucking in the air. It’s like a tornado.”We pretty much need a motorway here to deal with all the traffic this site generatesDisgruntled resident Now nearby homeowners fear their lives are going to be made even more of a misery.It comes after Williams submitted a planning enquiry to the local authority about expanding its already-massive base.Controversial plans include a helipad and car park for 800 vehicles.It is believed the company has already snapped up farmland next to its existing site with hopes to build on it, locals claimed.One resident, an IT director who lives just 50 metres from the Williams perimeter fence, said: “I’ve been following the Williams plans and it looks like this is the first step towards near-enough doubling the size of this site.“They’ve been clever because it’s just a scoping exercise at present to test the water and see what the planners think of their plans in principle.Most read in Motorsport“Doing it this way saves Williams a fortune because they don’t have to spend money on environmental impact reports.“If the council turn them down, it will have cost them almost nothing.F1 presenter Sandra Baumgartner celebrates cameraman’s birthday with Sky Sports presenter team “If the council says they might agree, subject to a detailed planning submission, at that point it will start to get expensive for them because they’ll need all sorts of environmental surveys done and they don’t come cheap.”It’d open countryside so there’ll be all sorts of flora and fauna to consider, as well as a brook.“Apparently they’ve bought a lot of land off a local farmer and are already starting to fence it off. I’d be pretty sure that’s where they’re looking to expand the site.“If they get the green light to expand, life for us locals will be a nightmare. It’s a beautiful part of the world – we’ve got so much nature on our doorstep and it will be ruined if Williams are given permission to cover everything in even more concrete.“The construction alone will take a couple of years and it will generate more noise and traffic chaos than I dare imagine.”Another resident, who asked not to be named, added: “If they get planning permission to expand this site, I’m going to sell up and move.“It’s already horrendous living here because of the constant flow of traffic in and out of the site .“The roads around here are already under incredible pressure because of the Williams traffic and every journey I take nowadays seems to take longer and longer.“We pretty much need a motorway here to deal with all the traffic this site generates.“It is noisy and dusty and a bigger site means more noise, dust and traffic. I don’t want to look out of my window onto an 800-vehicle car park and I certainly don’t want to hear helicopters clattering in and out 24/7.“I’m also worried about the environmental impact expanding the site will cause.”But others in the area welcome the potential expansion.One said: “This area needs jobs and we should be celebrating an employer who has the courage to grow their business.“There’ll be hundreds of construction jobs for starters and a bigger site means more jobs later down the line. Well done Williams.”Read More on The SunSomeone else continued: “I have nothing but respect for any company wishing to expand in this economic climate. People need to stop being nimbies and embrace the opportunities Williams give this town.”Williams was contacted for comment.F1 tycoon Ron Dennis starts work on £30m mansion with secret tunnel to River Thames, huge garage, & underground bathsBy Amelia StoutF1 TYCOON Ron Dennis has started work on a £30 million mansion – complete with a secret tunnel to the River Thames, a huge garage and underground baths.Diggers were spotted at the 175-acre plot of premium Berkshire parkland – which Ron bought after selling his McLaren shares for a whopping £275 million in 2017.The F1 legend, and former mentor to Lewis Hamilton, initially submitted plans for the mammoth project in 2018, but work never started.Updated documents were resubmitted to the planning authority in 2021 and approved in 2023.On the basement level, the 77-year-old plans to build a games room, wine cellar, cinema, gym, underground swimming pool – akin to Roman-style baths – and spa.A spiral staircase will lead up to the basement mezzanine level, which will come complete with its own water feature, as well as a car park and car wash.The ground floor will be home to a library and housekeeper’s office – with a guest wing and gallery on the first floor, and master bedroom and outdoor garden on the second floor.The structure will also be accompanied by a host of outbuildings – including stables and a boathouse.Plus, a tunnel will provide boat access down to the River Thames.In aerial shots obtained by the Mail, diggers could be seen beginning their excavation of the site.Markings could also be seen on the ground, plotting out the various sections of the development.Many cars and vans appeared to be parked at the temporary construction site.Residents have compared the sound of the cars to a tornadoCredit: Alamy More

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      Man Utd star Alejandro Garnacho secretly puts £3.85m mansion on sale in major hint he’s ready to quit Red Devils

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      MANCHESTER UNITED winger Alejandro Garnacho has dropped the biggest hint yet he is thinking of leaving Old Trafford – after “discreetly” putting his house up for sale.The Argentinian winger paid £3.804m in April last year for the seven-bedroom mansion in Bowdon, Greater Manchester.Alejandro Garnacho has provided the biggest hint yet that he will quit Man UtdCredit: AlamyGarnacho has asked estate agents to offer the mansion on the market for £3.85mCredit: https://www.instagram.com/garnacho7/?hl=enThe home is ‘exclusively and discreetly marketed’Credit: (@garnacho7)The listing went live on March 28Credit: https://www.instagram.com/garnacho7/?hl=enGarnacho moved into the home in April of last yearCredit: https://www.instagram.com/garnacho7/?hl=enHe lives at home with partner Eva and their one-year-old son, EnzoCredit: https://www.instagram.com/garnacho7/?hl=enGarnacho also shares the home with his two dogsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/garnacho7/?hl=enBut the 20-year-old has now asked estate agents to offer it on the market at £3.85m – just £45,000 more than he paid for it.The agent appears to have been instructed to try and keep the attempt to sell quiet by posting just one picture online explaining that the home is “exclusively and discreetly marketed”.But the listing, which went live on 28 March, was spotted by an eagle-eyed fan who fears the sale shows Garnacho has no plans to settle in Manchester and is preparing to leave Old Trafford.Garnacho, who joined United’s academy in 2020 from Spanish club Atletico Madrid and made his first team debut in 2022, lives at the property with his partner Eva and their one-year-old son Enzo.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe fan said: “It’s not unusual for a footballer to put their house up for sale. But it is unusual to try and sell a property less than 12 months after buying it, and for just £45,000 more than he paid for it.“The fact he has asked for it to be listed discreetly is worrying for United fans who like him as a player as it looks like he’s on the move in more ways than one.”Garnacho has made 29 Premier League appearances for United this season, scoring four goals.Despite his directness often being a positive on the pitch, frustrating performances like those against Nottingham Forest have become more commonplace this season.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordThe club’s perilous financial situation has seen him linked with a move away from Old Trafford as any sale would be regarded as “pure profit” as he is regarded as an academy product.He has attracted interest from Chelsea and Napoli and would command a fee of around £50million.Alejandro Garnacho’s punishment for Man Utd tunnel strop revealed as Ruben Amorim sheds light on controversyIn February we told how Garnacho treated mum Leah Smith and her kids to a behind the scenes tour of Manchester United’s training ground after she found his dogs on the loose near his home.Leah, 26, was driving home from a shopping trip when she saw the two mutts on the loose close to Garnacho’s mansion.She realised the dogs belonged to Garnacho and took them to United’s Carrington training ground before returning them to his home.The following day, Garnacho telephoned Leah and thanked her for returning the dogs.He then provided Leah, Eliza and her brother Jenson, seven, with tickets for United’s 3-1 win over Southampton in the player’s family area at Old Trafford for the Premier League game on January 16.United was contacted for comment.Man Utd player ratings vs Nottingham ForestMANCHESTER UNITED’S woes continue after another disappointing loss to Nottingham Forest.Forest picked up a 1-0 victory at the City Ground thanks to ex-United ace Anthony Elanga’s winner after just five minutes.United remain 13th in the Premier League table and look set for their worst ever Premier League finish.That is at least what their performance at Forest showed, as Ruben Amorim’s men don’t show signs of really understanding the Portuguese tactician’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation.But who stood out for a poor United’s side? And who was the biggest disappointment?Check out Kostas Lianos’ players ratings below and find out…Andre Onana – 5Can’t blame him for Nottingham Forest’s winner as Anthony Elanga’s shot was too good. Made a stunning save to deny Ryan Yates’ header without knowing the Forest ace was offside.Leny Yoro – 5Should have been more aware before Elanga’s goal that came straight after a Man Utd corner-kick in which he had moved forward.One could argue Yoro made up for it when he stopped a fine run by Elanga in the second half with an amazing and well-timed challenge to save United from a second.Matthijs de Ligt – 4The centre-back was also nowhere to be seen before Elanga’s goal. No other major errors but should have done better on the rebound after Diogo Dalot’s header hit the crossbar.Noussair Mazraoui – 4Completely hopeless during Elanga’s run that led to the goal and struggled in his defensive duties, especially in the first half. Not sure if the full-back fits in a defensive trio as part of Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation…Diogo Dalot – 6A strong performance down the right wing with some fine runs and good crosses. Registered United’s best chance in the first half when his header rattled Forest’s crossbar.Casemiro – 4At fault for Elanga’s goal as there was absolutely no midfield presence during Forest’s counter.Loads of inaccurate passes and got booked for a reckless challenge on Yates before complaining in a very unjust way. Registered three shots but didn’t cause concern for Matz Sels.Manuel Ugarte – 4Cut a rather anonymous figure, among the guilty parties for Elanga’s goal as Man Utd’s midfield was caught sleeping. Rightly substituted at half-time.Patrick Dorgu – 5A fine display during the first half as he cut a strong presence down the left flank, even though he was completely outrun by Elanga before the goal.But the versatile full-back was the complete opposite in the second half with a series of errors against a stunning Neco Williams.Bruno Fernandes – 6Registered the game’s first shot on target with a powerful effort that required a lunge from Sels, and that was basically United’s best shot throughout the entire match.Fernandes produced some fine long balls and upgraded Man Utd’s midfield after Ugarte and Casemiro’s exits.Alejandro Garnacho – 2Very disappointing performance from the winger. Completely hopeless before Elanga’s goal with a desperate tackle and was lucky to avoid a booking for a ridiculous challenge on Yates while the Argentina international was on the attack.A game riddled with heavy touches, failed dribbles, wrong passes, blocked shots and a silly yellow card as he kicked the ball away in frustration. Had a good shot on 69 minutes as a saving grace.Joshua Zirkzee – 3Was supposed to be a striker but was often seen playing too deep and didn’t register a chance in front of Forest’s goal. Didn’t inspire any danger even after Rasmus Hojlund came on to help him up front.SUBSRasmus Hojlund – 5Was much better than a woeful Zirkzee up front for Man Utd. But didn’t cause any significant danger and never looked like a goalscoring threat. Harry Maguire looked far more lethal as a false nine after he entered the pitch with a lot more presence inside the box.Christian Eriksen – 4Didn’t really elevate United’s midfield after Ugarte and Casemiro’s exit. The sort of performance that makes one wonder about his Old Trafford future…Harry Maguire – 5Only played nine minutes as a false nine and was by far Man Utd’s best forward. Brought on as a desperation move that almost paid off with the best chance of the match as his last-gasp effort was cleared by Murillo just off the line.Mason Mount – N/A More

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      Premier League star who survived cardiac arrest on pitch locked in bitter row with neighbours over ‘Grand Designs’ house

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      FORMER Premier League star Fabrice Muamba has kicked off a huge row with neighbours after chopping down protected trees without planning permission.The former Bolton midfielder, 36, sparked fury over plans to turn a 1930’s mock Tudor pad into a modern footballer’s crib complete with a basement gym, cinema and play room.Ex-footballer Fabrice Muamba at his Cheshire homeCredit: Arthur Edwards / The SunMuamba’s playing career was cut short in 2012 after suffering a cardiac arrestCredit: AP:Associated PressHe has since worked in media and as a coachCredit: Getty – ContributorMore than half a dozen locals objected to the “overbearing” and “excessively intrusive” four-storey pad in the so-called Millionaire’s Row in leafy Wilmslow, Cheshire.Present and past neighbours include Liverpool stars Alexis Mac Allister, Andy Robertson and Joe Gomez, and former Man Utd manager Sir Alex Ferguson and goalkeeper Sergio Romero.Muamba, whose career was tragically cut short when he suffered a cardiac arrest against Tottenham, was given the go-ahead for the Grand Designs-style makeover.But he was caught offside by council officials after felling a number of trees that were slapped with a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), and now faces a possible red card.Read more Sports NewsPapers filed at the local council reveal that the unauthorised works started last year but have not yet been completed.In a previous objection, one neighbour wrote: “The removal of much of the mature vegetation and trees before the now abandoned building work has been a massive blow to the general character of the area.”Another said: “The removal of trees at the front and side of the property has now totally changed the street scene, and had a detrimental effect on the amenity which is not in keeping with the residential area.”A third added: “This has left the site looking like a wasteland and has adversely affected the outlook of neighbouring properties.”Most read in FootballMuamba bought the five-bedroom pad for £1.3million and aerial photos from the sales listing in 2018 clearly show a cluster of trees at the front of the property.But when a Cheshire East Council forestry officer visited the site in October she found a large evergreen and a silver birch had been completely axed to the ground.England football legend Glenn Hoddle is lining up to spearhead a British Heart Foundation campaign to teach CPR to 270,000 BritsMuamba has now submitted revised plans for a detached garage and officials are expected to make a decision next month.The officer said: “During my visit and review of the application, it was evident that the landscape has changed significantly in terms of the tree population.”Following my site visits, a clear breach of the Tree Preservation Order has occurred.”This has now been submitted to planning enforcement.”Muamba’s agent refuted any suggestion of wrongdoing.He said the couple sent the council an email in October explaining that they had to chop the tree down after high winds caused the tree to “lean dangerously towards the road”.He said Muamba told the council: “A tree surgeon assessed it and immediately condemned it due to the serious risk to public safety and property. “Based on this expert advice, I had no choice but to remove it as a precaution. “To compensate for the loss, I am committed to planting four mature trees and will follow guidance from the Cheshire East Arboriculturist on the most suitable species. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I informed Cheshire East about this in October 2024, but I am still waiting for any feedback on the matter or the proposed replacement planting.”Cheshire East council was approached for comment.Fabrice Muamba’s health battleFabrice Muamba collapsed on the pitch while playing for Bolton Wanderers in 2012, aged just 23.His heart stopped due to a cardiac arrest triggered by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy but he was saved by quick-thinking medics at the pitchside.Muamba had been a super-fit elite athlete before being struck down by his heart condition.Early symptoms can include regularly feeling breathless, dizzy or very tired, or having heart palpitations.Often it is genetic, meaning it begins at birth, but in some people it can develop over time.Scientists are not entirely sure why.The midfielder’s heart stopped for 78 minutes before he could be fully resuscitated.He has since made a full recovery but retired from professional football shortly after the incident. More

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      in Soccer

      Football ‘legend’ wins row with crypto millionaire ex-husband in bitter divorce fight over their £7m mansion

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      A FOOTBALL “legend” has won a row with her crypto millionaire ex-husband during their bitter divorce fight over a £7million mansion.Women’s football icon Diane Culligan, 63, has been battling with her financier ex Anthony, 62 since their divorce in 2022.Diane Culligan, 63, has won a legal battle to keep her £7million mansionCredit: StartraksDiane and her former husband Anthony Culligan, 62, argued the house should be sold and the money dividedCredit: Supplied by Champion NewsThe London mansion boasts nine-bedrooms and a cinema roomCredit: Supplied by Champion NewsThe power couple had been together for 40 years but when they decided to give the place a £2.1million revamp, things turned sour.As they separated, the Primrose Hill property in north London, which boasted nine bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and a home cinema, became a point of contention.The pair filed for divorce and it soon became difficult to navigate how they would split their assets.Mrs Culligan blamed him for the split, claiming he had “walked out of the marriage without explanation,” which she claimed left her needing counselling.Read more SportMr Culligam said his wife for “overbearing” and “irrational” and claimed his wife had twice physically restrained him from leaving when he had tried to walk out.They agreed that their £27.3m fortune should be split equally, but went to the High Court in a fight over how to do that, with Mrs Culligan desperate to stay in their former home.In a now published judgement, the judge declared that Diane Culligan could keep the million-pound mansion.Despite acknowledging that a single person might not need a nine-bedroom property, the judge accepted that she an “emotional connection” to the London property.Most read in FootballMr Justice MacDonald said: “The wife contends that she needs to remain in the former matrimonial home.”Whilst the standard of living enjoyed by the parties during the marriage was a good one, on the face of it, it is difficult to see how the wife’s current needs as a single person extend to a nine bedroom, seven bathroom property.”Kyle Walker party girls revealed as globe-trotting models – and lift lid on how star is enjoying his new life in MilanHe said even though one of the adult children currently lives at the property, and another plans to move in, the house doesn’t necessarily fit Mrs Culligan’s “current needs.”The Judge added: “Against this, I accept that the wife has an emotional connection to the former matrimonial home to a degree that was not apparent in the evidence of the husband.”Within that latter context, I am satisfied that a fair distribution of the assets can be achieved without the need to sell the former matrimonial home.”The couple met in 1982 before marrying while living in Japan ten years on and having three children together.Both are highly successful with Mr Culligan making a fortune out of digital currencies and Mrs Culligan being a self-proclaimed football “pioneer.”In 2019, the couple set up a company, with Mrs Culligan as the sole shareholder, which was used to purchase the Lionesses, with her husband becoming a director.The 63-year-old founded the Women’s Championship football side which she ran as chairman until 2023.They lived a luxury lifestyle after Anthony’s crypto skills turned £10,000 into a whopping £20million sum.With the rest of Anthony’s crypto cash, the couple made investments into property and built up an impressive portfolio.Mr Justice MacDonald said the former couple agreed that neither of them should get more than a half share of their fortune, but disagreed on how it should be split.Mr Justice Macdonald continued: “Theirs was a long marriage of some forty years.”There must be some sharing of the illiquid…asset, although the wife’s share should be kept to the minimum amount required to ensure fidelity to the principle of fairness.”He finally made an order under which she keeps the couple’s former home, but Mr Culligan gets their rental properties and will be paid £750,000 by his ex.The judge noted that Mrs Culligan had played a key role in removing the Millwall women’s side from the umbrella of the men’s and rebranding them.However, he criticised both parties in his judgment, describing Mr Culligan as a “less than impressive witness” and Mrs Culligan as “not an impressive witness.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhen the London City Lionesses was sold in 2023, Mrs Culligan continued on as a £750,000-a-year consultant for four years.The judge described her decision to take £3m as annual £750,000 payments over four years as an attempt to “disguise assets as future income.The Judge ruled that Diane Culligan could keep the propertyCredit: Supplied by Champion NewsDiane founded Women’s Championship football side, the London City LionessesCredit: Startraks More

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      Mum of Thibaut Courtois’ love-child reveals fear they will be made homeless over unpaid mortgage despite his huge salary

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      THE mother of football star Thibaut Courtois’ love child fears they will be made homeless as she cannot afford to pay for her damp-ridden house.Elsa Izac, 50, fears the £3million property could be repossessed as she owes £63,000 in mortgage payments, while severe mould eats away at its ceilings.The mum of Thibaut Courtois’ lovechild fears they will be made homeless as she cannot afford to pay for her damp-ridden houseCredit: GettyElsa Izac fears her home could be repossessed as she owes £63,000 in unmet mortgage paymentsCredit: Peter JordanSevere mould eats away at the ceilings in the propertyCredit: Peter JordanMeanwhile, £35million Real Madrid goalie Courtois, 32, lives a life of luxury in the Spanish capital on pay of £240,000 a week.Elsa, mother to seven-year-old Enzo, said: “Our house is falling apart. We simply can’t continue to live like this.”The former Versace fashion designer had a fling with the Belgian international after he moved in next-door when he joined Chelsea in 2014. They had Enzo three years later.Elsa says that in 2020 Courtois was told to pay her maintenance. Read More on SportBut Elsa, of Wimbledon, South West ­London, said it is not enough.She added: “I’m scared the bank will repossess our home and worry whenever someone knocks on the door. I don’t want to find us homeless suddenly.“It is not acceptable for me to see Thibaut travelling on private jets, partying in yachts, then leaving his child here in this environment.“Surely he can spare a bit more to look after his son?”Most read in FootballCourtois also has an 11-month-old daughter with his wife, and two other children from a previous relationship. He has been approached for comment.Thibaut Courtois’ honeymoon doesn’t go to plan for stunning wife as she shares what it’s like to marry an athleteElsa, mum to Enzo, seven, said: ‘Our house is falling apart. We simply can’t continue to live like this’Credit: Peter Jordan More

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      Former EFL star who won trophy at Wembley now runs £10MILLION business after breakdown prompted him to quit football

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      LEE BROWN enjoyed one hell of a career in the Football League.Two Wembley wins, more than 400 EFL appearances and a reputation as one of football’s nice guys.Lee Brown during AFC Wimbledon’s match with Salford City, one of the last games of his careerCredit: RexBrown celebrates securing Bristol Rovers’ promotion back to League One with a 92nd minute winnerCredit: PA:Press AssociationBrown, left, celebrates winning the EFL Trophy at Wembley in 2019Credit: ReutersStarting out at QPR, he really made a name for himself at Bristol Rovers, scoring a dramatic 92nd minute winner on the final day of the 2015-16 season to secure back-to-back promotions for The Gas.He moved across to Portsmouth in June 2018, winning the EFL Trophy at Wembley the following season in front of 80,000 fans, before returning to his London roots and finishing his career at AFC Wimbledon.At 33, Brown rejected a new deal at Plough Lane, instead opting to pursue “other business interests”.Dubbed ‘Lee from football’ wherever he went for his bubbly personality and jokey antics on the pitch, Brown has now lifted the lid on the man behind the mask in a candid new interview.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSpeaking to the Portsmouth News’ chief reporter Neil Allen, the former Pompey man revealed football “had to go” as two worlds collided.He admits he could have easily carried on playing, and was still a regular in the AFC Wimbledon defence, but behind the scenes all was not well.He said: “I had to quit for my own sake. I was in a dark place, I’d had a mental breakdown, something had to give.‘I could no longer juggle football full-time and run a full-time business.”Most read in FootballNow 34, Brown runs a thriving property business called B3 Homes. He employs 20 staff, and boasts an impressive portfolio of luxury pads, with many selling for well in excess of £1million.B3 Homes “develop niche, high-end residential homes across London and the South East”Credit: Instagram b3.homesInside one of the properties Brown’s property portfolio has builtCredit: www.b3homes.co.ukJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAmong the current projects are a £1.3million house in Purley, a plot of three more houses in the same area and an ultra-modern detached family home in Warlingham.It all started when, at 26, he used his £25,000 savings pot to buy a house in the Filton area of Bristol, and built another house in its garden.Harry Redknapp phoned me up out of the blue to sign for ‘f***ing s****’ team – it was one of best moves of my careerHe had no money left to pay people to help build the house for him, so ended up doing it in his spare time while still playing League One football!Brown continued: “I’d never held a tool in my life, but I have this obsessive nature where I need to learn about everything.” If I was doing the plumbing, I would research how to be a plumber and, all of a sudden, knew how to run pipes. I would sit there until 3am until it sunk in.”Lee Brown wheels away in celebration after scoring for PortsmouthCredit: RexThe business grew and grew, but eventually Brown reached breaking point.He recalled former working from as soon as training finished until extremely late at night, and working again before hitting the training pitches the following morning.But it all became too much for him, and football had to go.”I was building six houses over in Purley, two in Cobham, while training every day and playing matches on a Saturday.”I lived in a pressure cooker, rocking in the chair at points because of so much stress.”I could not cope, physically or mentally. I had to give up football – or I would have been a goner.”Brown admits he shut off those around him, and the tipping point was when he broke down in tears in AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson’s office.Lee Brown lifts the Vanarama Conference Playoff Final trophy as Bristol Rovers secured their return to the Football LeagueCredit: Getty Images – GettyEx-Spurs and Charlton man Jackson gave Brown a fortnight off, regularly checking in on the veteran defender.He returned to the Wombles team in November 2024, making a further 22 appearances before bidding football farewell at the end of the season.Now almost a year into his post-football life, Brown is back to his bubbly self and is reaping the rewards of his hard work.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe finished: “I had to sacrifice my football career after biting off more than I could chew. But, sitting here now, I am good.Actually, I’m more than good. I’m happy.” More

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      Doctor who claimed he could heal Kevin De Bruyne with ‘mystic powers’ prosecuted for allegedly harassing Man City ace

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      A DOCTOR who claimed he could heal Kevin De Bruyne with “mystic powers” has been prosecuted for harassment.The quack is alleged to have visited the Manchester City star’s home in Belgium on several occasions.A ‘doctor’ has been prosecuted for allegedly harassing Kevin De BruyneCredit: GettyThe man turned up to the Man City star’s house in Belgium on multiple occasionsCredit: Instagram @lacroixmicheleDe Bruyne and his family were not at home when the man turned upCredit: Instagram @lacroixmicheleThe 78-year-old is also claimed to have harassed a 40-year-old woman, reports RMC Sport.He will appear in court on June 11 after an initial hearing was held at Hasselt Criminal Court on Wednesday.The self-proclaimed doctor reportedly turned up to De Bruyne’s house in Bolderberg, Heusden-Zolder. on multiple occasions claiming to possess mystic powers which he could use to heal the midfielder.De Bruyne has been plagued by injuries in recent years and his home is believed to have been inundated with leaflets and brochures from the individual.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to Belga De Bruyne has joined a lawsuit as a civil party along with the 40-year-old woman who was allegedly harrassed as she dealt with an inflammatory connective tissue disease.De Bruyne was unable to attend the first hearing due to his City commitments, with the 33-year-old instead travelling to Tottenham.But he was represented in court by members of his entourage.De Bruyne bought the 70-acre property in Belgium in 2015 and built a villa made of natural white stone, which was completed in February 2019.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe house features a swimming pool, jacuzzi and basketball court.De Bruyne and his family enjoy summer breaks there and it is where he plans to retire with his wife Michelle Lacroix once he is finished with football.Watch Kevin De Bruyne STORM OUT of live interview after ‘stupid’ question following Belgium’s defeat to France More