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    ‘How is this real?’ – Former Chelsea star’s home destroyed in LA wildfires with player sharing chilling picture

    FORMER Chelsea star Ali Riley’s home was destroyed in the Los Angeles wildfires.The New Zealand captain, 37, played for the Blues’ women’s team six seasons ago.Ali Riley shared a heartbreaking post about the Hollywood wildfiresCredit: AFPRiley played for Chelsea six years agoCredit: GettyHer house was destroyed in the blaze as she chillingly revealed how she was there eating dinner just earlier this weekCredit: Instagram @rileythreeThankfully Riley and her family are safeDefender Ali made 16 appearances, scoring two goals, before leaving for Bayern Munich.She has played for LA side Angel City since 2022, becoming club captain.But her house was reduced to ashes earlier this week as uncontrollable blazes swept the upmarket Pacific Palisades suburb.She posted a chilling picture on social media of the fire-destroyed neighbourhood, with an arrow pointing out where her home used to be.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLos Angeles-born Ali wrote on X: “This was our home. How is this real.  It can’t be real.”The 163-cap international added on Instagram: “Our entire neighbourhood is gone. We are all safe.”Holding on to that with my whole heart while we figure out what to do next.”I keep looking at this to make myself understand that it is real.Most read in Football”I was there Monday night eating dinner. Hanging with Mom and Dad.”Watched the sunset. And now it’s gone forever.Devastating pics show LA celeb mansions burned to ground including John Goodman’s & Leighton Meester’s in wildfires”This rubble was our home.”Ali received an outpouring of sympathy and support from friends and team-mates on social media.Chelsea signed her in 2018 after she won nine trophies with Swedish club Rosengard.At least five people have died, and 137,000 evacuated from their homes, since the devastating LA fires broke out earlier this week.Ali’s club Angel City, founded in 2020, plays in America’s top-tier National Women’s Soccer League.Its ownership structure includes actress Natalie Portman as well as tennis icons Venus Williams and Billie Jean King.Gavin and Stacey star James Corden, a former US TV host, has also invested in the Californian club.She also represents New Zealand on the international stageCredit: Getty More

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    Man City ace Erling Haaland ‘puts down roots’ as he buys stunning six-bedroom country mansion

    GOAL ace Erling Haaland has quit city — for a new country pile.The Man City striker, 24, is thought to have moved in before Christmas.Erling Haaland has bought a new six-bed mansion in CheshireCredit: PAHe previously rented a city centre apartment where team-mate and pal Jack Grealish was once a neighbour.But the Norwegian was seen in October viewing homes with girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen, 20. The couple, who had their first child at the end of the year, have decided to “put down some roots”.Their new six-bed mansion is just a ten-minute drive from the Cheshire pad Jack moved to a year ago.Read More on SportA source said: “Erling spent a couple of years living in the city centre and loved it, but he’s been keen to get his own place and put down some roots.“He wants somewhere peaceful where he can relax off the pitch and enjoy a quieter time as he is very recognisable so going out in Manchester was becoming difficult for him.“Jack moved out a year ago and Erling is a frequent visitor. “He likes the area so started looking and found the perfect place.Most read in Football“The bonus is that it’s just down the road from Jack, so they can still spend time together off the pitch.”Man City booed off by own fans after Haaland misses penalty to make it just one win 13 games for Guardiola’s side More

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    Man Utd star Mason Mount WINS extension battle to build golf simulator at £4million mansion – despite course NEXT DOOR

    MASON Mount has been given the green light to build a golf simulator at his £4million Cheshire mansion – despite living next door to a luxury golf resort.The Manchester United star, 25, wanted to transform his garage to make the plans work.Mason Mount has won his battle to build the golf simulator at his homeCredit: GettyThe Manchester United star had faced a possible red card from council plannersCredit: GettyBut he faced a possible red card from council planners as the proposed development threatened five nearby trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).Mount scrapped plans for the garage conversion and submitted revised plans for his six-bed new build, moving the extension 6ft away from the trees.The amended plans still show a ground floor golf simulator along with a gym, sauna, changing room and study.And Mount plans to use specially engineered foundations to avoid harming the trees’ roots.Read More FootballCouncil officials ruled the extension “on-side” after there were no objections from neighbours.A planning officer involved said: “The proposed extension is considered to appear well related to the existing property.”The proposed development is considered to be a proportionate addition.”It is therefore an appropriate form of development in the green belt.”Most read in FootballBut they added: “The view remains that the trees will cause seasonal nuisance issues for the flat roof and that pruning will be required.”Mount’s pad already comes with an array of luxury features, which include a pool room, gym and two cinemas.And the sprawling house backs on to a prestigious golf resort, providing the home with picturesque views.It comes after the midfielder limped off with a muscle problem in the first half of the Manchester derby earlier this month.He moved to Old Trafford from Chelsea in 2023 for £55million but has played just 33 of a possible 78 games in a Utd shirt.A calf injury kept him out for almost four months last season while a hamstring problem has sidelined him this campaign.Mount’s luxury pad was built just two years ago and boasts full-length windows, five bathrooms, an open plan kitchen and dining area, cinema, orangery and office.It also has a number of reception rooms, a first floor glazed balcony with decking and a second cinema in the loft.READ MORE SUN STORIESOther famous footballers who live nearby include Everton’s Jordan Pickford and Michael Keane, and Man Utd goalkeeper Tom Heaton.Mount’s representatives have been contacted for comment. More

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    Stunning apartment inside former Premier League stadium listed up for sale with sleek kitchen and nod to former glory

    A STUNNING apartment inside an iconic former Premier League stadium has gone up for sale.And there is even a nod to the glory the club enjoyed while playing at the ground.This one-bedroom apartment has gone on the marketCredit: Location LocationThe sleek kitchen features integrated appliancesCredit: Location LocationThe massive windows ensure it is very lightCredit: Location LocationThe bedroom boasts fine views over the cityCredit: Location LocationThe bathroom includes a shower-bathCredit: Location LocationThe one-bedroom pad hit the market today and there will no doubt be a clamour from fans of the historic club desperate to get the keys.That is because the 552-square-foot property is built into the North Stand of Highbury.The former home of Arsenal was converted into flats when the Emirates Stadium opened in 2006. And one of them in the N5 postcode has gone up for sale with estate agents Location Location. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe apartment on the fifth floor boasts an open-plan living area and a sleek kitchen with integrated appliances.The bedroom and living room both have huge windows with lovely views over North London.And if that wasn’t enough, Flat 51 even has its own private balcony to soak up the summer rays. But, of course, the block is part of the old stadium – and that means there are a few Arsenal touches residents can enjoy.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe famous white facade and Arsenal Football Club lettering remain on the exterior.As do the epic marble hallways, complete with Arsenal statues and the Gunners logo on the floor. Inside the former Premier League stadium converted into stunning flats worth almost half a BILLION poundsAnd the grassy communal gardens at the complex are – naturally – where the pitch once stood. Living at Highbury also has its own other perks, too.There is a 24-hour concierge service, underground bike storage, an on-site gym and the Piccadilly Line within short walking distance. Flat 51 launched on the Location Location website this morning with offers in excess of £450,000. One beloved fan could live at the former home of their teamCredit: Location LocationFlat 51 went on the market for £450,000Credit: Location LocationPlenty of storage is included – potentially for more silverwareCredit: Location LocationHighbury was converted when Arsenal moved into the EmiratesCredit: Location LocationThe pitch is now a communal grassy gardensCredit: Location LocationThe entrance still boasts the famous old facadeCredit: Location LocationThe marble hallways remain – as does the Gunners logoCredit: RexLife at the old Highbury has plenty of perksCredit: GettyThe Piccadilly Line is a short walk awayCredit: GettyThe shape of the old stand is clear to seeCredit: GettyA private balcony is a perfect spot to enjoy eveningsCredit: Location LocationThe North Stand flat is being sold by Location LocationCredit: Location LocationApartments are also in the East StandCredit: Location LocationThe flat is located in the N5 postcodeCredit: Location Location More

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    EFL club’s former stadium now housing estate with tiny strip of grass remaining from where old centre-circle once stood

    A FOOTBALL stadium site that once played host to one of the EFL’s longest-reigning clubs is now a housing estate.But council developers ensured to keep a small strip of grass where the centre-circle once stood to remember the old ground by.A current EFL club was forced to leave their home in 2008The stadium was called Layer RoadThe site is now occupied by a council housing estate, with a strip of grass left roughly where the old centre circle was once foundCredit: Google EarthThe grass in the middle of the estate contains a fitting tribute to an EFL club’s former homeFrom the highs of promotions to the agony of relegation, the ground witnessed plenty of ups and downs.Built in 1907, Layer Road stood for 101 years before it was closed in 2008 and pulled down in 2012.In its pomp it was even able to house 19,000 passionate supporters.But capacity had dropped to just 6,320 by the time of its July 2008 closure for safety reasons, following closure of parts of the ground.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt was current League Two strugglers Colchester United’s home for 71 years.In it’s early days, the ground was first used by the British Army and Colchester Town, an amateur side until 1937.But Colchester United moved in two years before the Second World War began.In 1948, 19,072 fans packed into a record capacity at Layer Road for an FA Cup tie against Reading, with the match later abandoned due to fog.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe following decades saw Colchester United float between Division Three and Four, with club debt mounting.As early as 1981, the club’s chairman Maurice Cadman announced that Layer Road was in need of £280,000 of basic safety improvements to meet legislation.Inside Arsenal’s new £300m+ stadium plans with futuristic Emirates project set to dwarf Spurs groundWith the club struggling financially, sections of the ground were closed off, reducing the capacity to 4,500.And in 1990-91, Colchester United was forced to sell Layer Road back to the Borough Council for £1.2m to help clear club debts. The council began started to identify potential sites for a new stadium, with Colchester briefly relegated from the Football League between 1989 and 1991.But anyone visiting the spot where it once stood these days will be greeted by a much-different sight – a cosy housing estate. The last first team match at Layer Road took place on 26 April 2008, when Colchester lost 1–0 to promotion chasers Stoke City.Richard Cresswell scored the last professional goal at the stadium.Colchester fans made their way to the last ever match at Layer Road in 2008The square and approach road from Layer Road is known as Turnstile Square and a statue commemorates the old stadiumThe U’s had made it all the way to the Championship by 2008, but suffered relegation in their final season at Layer Road.In 2011, Colchester Borough Council sold the 3.63 acre stadium site to developer Abbey New Homes in a deal worth around £1.5 million.Planning permission was subsequently granted to build 58 homes on the site, a mixture of flats and houses, with a central open grassed space to be left to reflect its history as a football ground.And as a mark of respect to supporters who had their ashes scattered on the pitch as an expression of their love for the club.In mid-2012, Layer Road was demolished with the construction of houses commencing immediately.In 2015 a bronze statue of Colchester United’s ‘Player of the Century’, Peter Wright was unveiled.Wright joined the club in 1951, making over 400 appearances and scoring 93 goals over a 13 year spell.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe inscription below the statue reads: “ON THIS SITE Football was played 1907-2008. This was the home of Colchester United FC from its birth in 1937 until 26th April 2008.”The square and approach road from Layer Road is known as Turnstile Square.General view of Layer Road ahead of the last ever match at the ground.Colchester Borough Council bought the land in 1991Colchester United now play at the JobServe Community Stadium More

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    World Cup winner’s £20,000 ‘gorilla’ guard dog saves Wag from burglars while she was ‘screaming for her life’

    A ‘GORILLA’ guard dog came to the rescue after robbers targeted the home of a World Cup winner and left his fiancee “screaming for her life”.Lucas Hernandez’s luxury pad was targeted by thieves while he was away on duty with Paris Saint-Germain.Lucas Hernandez’ home was targeted by robbers while he was away on Champions League duty with Paris Saint-GermainCredit: AFPHernandez’s fiancee – Victoria Triay – was in the house during the horrid ordealCredit: INSTAGRAM@VICTORIATRIAYThe couple’s eight-stone guard dog foiled the would-be robbers’ plansCredit: INSTAGRAM@VICTORIATRIAYBut thankfully for the France international, who lifted the 2018 World Cup, his £20,000 dog thwarted their grand plans for a lucrative heist.Crooks targeted the World Cup winner’s plush Yvelines home during PSG’s midweek Champions League trip to Salzburg.The robbers, somehow, managed to evade local security and break into the house.Hernandez’s fiancee, Victoria Triay, was in the house at the time and panicked after realising their home had been breached.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut the couple’s terrifying guard dog managed to scare off the reported five intruders before they could ransack the place.A terrified Triay hid in a secluded area of the house while the harrowing ordeal took place and was said to have been “screaming for her life.”And she revealed on Instagram how the couple’s eight-stone black Presa Canario dog, which is worth £20,000, scared off the would-be robbers.Triay shouted out her pooch for its bravery on her Instagram story a few hours after the ordeal, posting a photo of it with a series of gorilla emojis.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSVictoria Triay took to Instagram to thank French police for their help with the incidentCredit: INSTAGRAM@VICTORIATRIAYSecurity eventually arrived at the scene after being alerted of the robbery but the crooks managed to escape.French police are conducting a thorough investigation into the attempted robbery.Arsenal player ratings vs PSGAnd Brazilian model Triary has been amazed by their response to the incident.She wrote on Instagram: “Extremely impressed with the French police system.”How fast and professional this issue has been handled. Thank you so much. You guys are heroes.”Hernandez has yet to comment on the attempted break-in at his plush home.The defender and his PSG team-mates will be back in action on Sunday night, welcoming Lyon to the Parc des Prince in a massive Ligue 1 clash. 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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    Inside plans to turn Premier League side’s former stadium into stunning flats after it was demolished three years ago

    BRENTFORD’S former Griffin Park stadium could become the site of 149 new homes.The Bees left their historic ground in July 2020 to move to the new Gtech Community Stadium.Griffin Park was Brentford’s home until July 2020Credit: PAThe stadium has since been demolishedCredit: RexThe site could be turned into 149 new homesGriffin Park, which famously had a pub on each corner, was swiftly demolished following Brentford’s exit.But the site has since remained unused, with planning permission still required for mooted plans to commence.Property developer EcoWorld London want to convert the space into 149 new homes.As per their proposal, these would include 30 that are “available via discount market sale to meet the needs of local residents”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe plans would see 41 houses built, in addition to a pair of six-storey apartment blocks, and a single four-storey block.None of the new properties would enter the rental market.EcoWorld London have submitted plans to Hounslow Council, who will now mull over whether to grant permission.In addition to 149 new homes, the property developer have committed to creating 1770 square meters of public green space.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGriffin Park has been torn downCredit: RexDevelopers now want to use the old stadium siteCredit: RexThey claim that new pedestrianised routes will improve connectivity in the area.Brentford were not able to put on the sort of emotional farewell to Griffin Park as seen when Tottenham and West Ham left their historic homes in recent years.Inside Arsenal’s new £300m+ stadium plans with futuristic Emirates project set to dwarf Spurs groundDue to the coronavirus pandemic, Thomas Frank’s side were forced to play their final match there behind closed doors in July 2020.Its last game was a 3-1 Championship play-off semi-final victory over Swansea, with Bryan Mbeumo the last Bee to score there.Following Griffin Park’s demolishing, it was boarded up to the public.All that could be recognised of the historic former ground was its club shop, which has also been closed since 2020.Brentford had played at Griffin Park since 1904Credit: RexBrentford’s final match at Griffin Park was played behind closed doorsCredit: GettyBrentford now play at the Gtech Community StadiumCredit: Reuters More