More stories

  • in

    I played for Arsenal and Man City, now I’m making my way in management alongside my old pal Thierry Henry

    ARSENAL legend Thierry Henry has found a top assistant after taking over as manager of France’s Under-21 squad.Henry, 46, rolled credits on his spectacular 20-year career in 2014 and has been cutting his teeth in management since 2016.Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has taken over as France’s Under-21 managerCredit: AFPThat was when the Gunners’ record goalscorer joined Roberto Martinez as Belgium’s assistant manager, where he worked for a total of three years across two stints.The France icon also underwent two hapless stints as Monaco and Montreal Impact manager in between.But now Henry is gunning for success ahead of the 2025 Under-21 European Championship.The ex-Barcelona star is taking no risks, and that is why he has enlisted the help of one of his most notable former team-mates from his glory years.Read More on ArsenalAnd that is none other than ex-Arsenal and Manchester City star Gael Clichy.Clichy, 38, spent four years playing with Henry in North London and together they helped the legendary Invincibles win the Premier League back in 2004.The former full-back also went on to lift the FA Cup a year later before making it to the Champions League final in 2006.The Frenchman eventually left Arsenal in 2011 and joined City where he remained for six years.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThat is where the former defender won two more Prem titles as well as two League Cups.Clichy also earned 20 caps for France between 2008 as well as 2013.Will Pugh and Rob Maul discuss Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool’s chances in the Premier League title raceHe left the Citizens in 2017 and went on to spend three seasons with Istanbul Basaksehir before linking up with Servette in 2020.And that’s where he remained until Henry – who is making a huge name for himself as a pundit too on CBS – came calling last year when he eventually hung up his boots.Henry has enlisted the services of Arsenal hero Gael ClichyCredit: GettyClichy has been appointed as Henry’s assistant managerCredit: AFPHenry and Clichy spent four years together at Arsenal and won the Invincibles titleCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Football and sport have the power to enrich our lives.. but nothing is more important than life itself

    “SOME people believe football is a matter of life and death. I can assure you it is much more important than that.”Those words from the great Bill Shankly have resonated over the years but without wishing to dilute his remarkable legacy, our own health and happiness does mean everything.Dortmund’s ex-West Ham ace Sebastien Haller announced he is cancer freeCredit: GettyWales star David Brooks is back to near his best after Hodgkin lymphomaCredit: GettyIt is, in truth, more important.Former West Ham star Sebastien Haller has just announced he is free from cancer after a long battle and, hopefully, he can continue to excel at the highest level for Borussia Dortmund and Ivory Coast.Just last month, 29-year-old  Haller scored the winner as his country beat Nigeria 2-1 in the  Africa Cup of Nations final.His illness just shows this can happen to kings, princesses, paupers as well as players.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLIn the last few weeks, our own King and the Princess of Wales have bravely announced they are fighting cancer.Both can be assured the nation is backing them in their battle.They have shown class and composure in dealing with  the worst life  can throw at them and they are not alone. As well as Haller,  Bournemouth and Wales winger David Brooks is proof of what can be done.Now on loan at Southampton, the 26-year-old star has been cancer-free for nearly two years.Most read in FootballBrooks admitted football paled into insignificance when he fought back from stage two Hodgkin lymphoma.When he made his first-team comeback for the Cherries he was cheered to the rafters by both sets of supporters at Aston Villa.Sebastian Haller breaks down and fights back tears as he opens up on battle with testicular tumour at award ceremony Like Haller, Brooks is bouncing back and came on as a second-half sub this week as the Welsh went within a whisker of qualifying for this   summer’s Euros.Proving that cancer can strike  anyone, it even afflicted one of the modern-day greats, Arjen Robben.The flying Dutchman won accolades galore in the game but for the first time in his life football came second when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, having found a lump.That was 20 years ago.Mercifully, Robben, now 40, survived and went on to enjoy a stellar career at Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, winning the league in all  three countries.At the time of his diagnosis, Robben said: “Football is no longer important.“The most important thing is to be healthy and for your family to  be healthy.”And so say all of us. In the women’s game, former Arsenal star Jen Beattie, 32, overcame breast cancer to enjoy a glittering career, while New Zealand’s 30-year-old Rebekah Stott successfully battled stage 3 Hodgkin lymphoma.But perhaps the most eye-catching has been Colombia’s 19-year-old  sensation Linda Caicedo, who lit up last summer’s World Cup just four years after overcoming ovarian cancer.Arjen Robben is another leading name to recover from cancerRebekah Stott successfully fought stage 3 Hodgkin lymphomaCredit: GettySadly, for every happy ending there is a tragic one and the cruel, early death of West Ham’s own Dylan Tombides is one of the saddest times I will ever experience at the club.Dylan fought to the very end but at the age of just 20, testicular cancer took his life.West Ham have only ever retired two shirts — and Dylan’s is one of them. The No 38 will never be worn.It is a fitting tribute to a wonderful young man, who died almost exactly ten years ago.The other shirt, of course, is No 6 and belongs to the great Bobby Moore.Testicular cancer first struck him two years before he led England to World Cup glory in 1966.Bobby heroically overcame that illness but cancer returned and, in 1993 and aged  just 51, we lost our national treasure.Football and sport have the power to enrich our lives.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut more important than life itself? I don’t think so.As they say, health isn’t everything but without health, everything is nothing. More

  • in

    Sports stars who got jacked after retiring including hulking Torres and Seedorf after Ozil body transformation

    SPORTS stars always find it hard when they retire after years of success in their craft.And that frustrating transition usually shows on their physique as they are no longer required to maintain elite fitness levels.Mesut Ozil looks unrecognisable following his recent body transformationCredit: Instagram @m10_officialOzil stood out during his time at Arsenal and Real MadridCredit: GettyBut there are also those who refuse to give up on the routine that turned them into world-class sportspeople. In fact, there are some who find all the new down time as an opportunity to take their fitness to the next level.And by doing so, they prove that age is indeed nothing but a number after hanging up their gear.SunSport look at SEVEN star athletes who got absolutely ripped after retirement:Read More on SportMesut Ozil Mesut Ozil stunned football fans around the globe with his stunning body transformation.Ozil shocked the world when he retired at the age of 34 last year following a brief stint with Istanbul Basaksehir.However, the German has since hit the gym and has built some unbelievable mass that led to praise from former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.The legendary playmaker appears to be in better shape than his days at Real Madrid and Arsenal.Most read in FootballZe Roberto Ze Roberto experienced tremendous success with Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich.The former midfielder also won two Copa America honours with Brazil.Fernando Torres looks bigger than ever with new bodybuilder frameHowever, the 49-year-old never looked as good as he does now as he nears his 50th birthday.Ze Roberto has taken up a career as a personal trainer and looks like he could return to action on a moment’s notice after adopting a healthy lifestyle without smoking, drinking and eating junk.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERZe Roberto is a personal trainer and looks good enough to play againCredit: https://www.instagram.com/fcbayern/Ze Roberto experienced success with Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern MunichCredit: EPAFernando Torres Fernando Torres set the world alight during his time at Atletico Madrid and Liverpool.However, Torres’ performances significantly deteriorated after he joined Chelsea on a then record £50million deal.The legendary striker hung up his boots in 2019 and quickly swapped his lean figure with a bulked up physique.The Spaniard now looks more like a former UFC fighter rather than a football great at the age of 40.Fernando Torres looks more like a former UFC athlete rather than an ex-footballerTorres played for Atletico Madrid, Liverpool and ChelseaCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdClarence Seedorf When thinking of one of the best midfielders of all time, Clarence Seedorf is always among the first names that come to mind.Seedorf made a name for himself during his time at Ajax, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and more notably AC Milan.The Dutchman rolled credits on his glittering 22-year career in 2014 but never stopped grinding.Now Seedorf looks good enough to make it to Netherlands’ team ahead of Euro 2024 despite his advanced age of 47.Clarence Seedorf looks good enough to play in Euro 2024 for the NetherlandsCredit: INSTAGRAM @clarenceseedorfSeedorf is considered by many as one of the best midfielders of all timeCredit: EPAChris Tremlett Chris Tremlett reached fame in cricket during his 15-year career in the sport.Tremlett put together a series of glittering performances until his retirement in 2015.And the 42-year-old looks better than ever after he started lifting weights.One should wonder how far he could bat with his new bulky figure…Chris Tremlett looks unrecognisable after retiring from cricketCredit: Instagram @christremlett33Tremlett retired in 2015 following a 15-year career in cricketCredit: PA:Press AssociationDwayne Johnson Dwayne Johnson is arguably the biggest star in Hollywood following a series of blockbuster action movies.And Johnson has a lot to thank his physique for, which makes it hard to believe he’s 51 years old.The American actor, though, always looked fit as he enjoyed a legendary career in professional wrestling as The Rock.The 10-time world champion put the sport on the map during the Attitude Era in the late 1990s and early 2000s.But the ex-WWE Champion’s figure during his glory years in the ring doesn’t compare with the jacked physique he boasts these years.No wonder he will wrestle at the main event of WrestleMania 40 next month…Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson will main event WrestleMania 40Credit: InstagramThe Rock looks far better and jacked than he did in his glory yearsCredit: AP:Associated PressAntonio ValenciaAntonio Valencia was one of the best full-backs in the Premier League during his time with Manchester United.Valencia went on to win two Premier League titles, the 2016 FA Cup, and the 2017 Europa League.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Ecuador legend retired in 2021 but it seems like Sir Alex Ferguson’s influence is still present.The 38-year-old continues to look after himself and it shows with a new muscly physique.Antonio Valencia shone bright during his time at Manchester UnitedCredit: Action Images – ReutersValencia has swapped his lean figure for a bulky physiqueCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CuWuZ1xMrsB/ More

  • in

    Football-loving Evan Gershkovich is ‘thrilled’ by Arsenal tribute as family plead with Putin to free him from hellhole

    BY rights, Arsenal fan Evan Gershkovich should be savouring the Gunners’ end-of-season title race from a comfy seat at the Emirates Stadium.Instead, he still languishes in Moscow’s grim Lefortovo Prison where Soviet tyrant Joseph Stalin once caged his enemies.Journalist Evan Gershkovich is languishing in Moscow’s grim Lefortovo PrisonCredit: APA banner is displayed in support of Evan prior to the Premier League match of his favourite team ArsenalCredit: GettyElla Milman, Danielle and Mikhail Gershkovich, mother, sister and father have put out an emotional plea, a year one from his captureCredit: AFPIt’s now a year since the brilliant young American reporter was held on trumped-up spying charges by Vladimir Putin’s regime — yet the Arsenal faithful have not forgotten one of their own.Twice this season fans have raised banners in the North Bank stand bearing his image and demanding #freeevan.His friend and fellow London-based Wall Street Journal reporter Eliot Brown told The Sun that the gesture by Gunners fans had left Evan “thrilled”.Although he is locked up with a cell mate for 23 hours a day, news of the placards filtered through via letters he is permitted to receive.READ MORE ON RUSSIAFellow Arsenal supporter Andrew Allen — who helped to organise the demonstrations — said: “The banners are a small gesture but Evan was just doing his job and he’s now living through hell.“As fellow Arsenal fans we thought we’d do our bit to keep his story in the spotlight.”Now the North Bank is planning more #freeevan protests after the innocent reporter was told by a Russian court on Tuesday that his pre-trial detention was being extended by a further three months.’Strong & resilient’Afterwards in the News UK offices in London — which the Journal’s UK bureau shares with The Sun — hundreds of sombre staff held up #istandwithEVAN posters.Most read in FootballThe 32-year-old reporter is the first US journalist to be charged with spying by Russia since the Cold War, and faces a possible 20-year prison sentence if convicted.America’s ambassador to Russia, Lynne Tracy, said he remained “strong and resilient” and added that it was “a tragedy that he is awaiting trial for a crime he did not commit”.Falsely jailed reporter Evan Gershkovich must be freed NOW after one year in Russian prisonThe bitter irony is that Evan loves Russia.He was born in Princeton, New Jersey, after his Jewish parents Mikhail and Ella had fled rising anti-Semitism in the Soviet Union.He and his elder sister Danielle grew up speaking Russian at home.At five Evan began playing football, which soon became “all-encompassing”, and Danielle said: “I remember him coming home from school and practising against the back of the garage.Bilingual skills “He would be out there and you would hear it — kick, kick, kick. I remember him being obsessed with Pele, his first big soccer idol.“Later he was into Thierry Henry, which led him to Arsenal.”Thatcher Foster, a teammate of Evan’s at youth team Princeton Spartak, said: “Football was such a big part of Evan’s identity.“Each year he would get around five different Arsenal kits.”After leaving school he became a journalist, using his bilingual skills to secure a reporter’s job on the online Moscow Times in Russia.There he bonded with colleague Pjotr Sauer over their love of Arsenal.The banners are a small gesture but Evan was just doing his job and he’s now living through hellFellow Arsenal supporter Andrew Allen Pjotr, who writes to Evan in prison to update him on their team’s fortunes, said: “Evan knew everything about Arsenal. I wasn’t expecting to meet a fellow Gunner who was an American guy.”After six years of working in Russia Evan moved to the globally-renowned Wall Street Journal in January 2022, a month before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.The journalist divided his time between London and reporting stints in Russia as the war ragedCredit: APAccredited by the Kremlin as a reporter, he divided his time between London and reporting stints in Russia as the war raged.Eliot, his colleague at the Journal’s London office, said: “We’d go out for beers and just talk about journalism and current events.“He has a million thoughts on everything. He is a fantastically talented young journalist.”But working in Moscow was becoming increasingly perilous.In July 2022, Evan tweeted: “Reporting on Russia is now a regular practice of watching people you know get locked away for years.”He assumed his phone was being tapped and he had been followed and filmed when on assignment.On March 29, 2023, Evan travelled to Yekaterinburg, nearly 900 miles east of Moscow, on a reporting trip.Constant brightnessHe was arrested at a steakhouse and led away with his head hooded.Conditions in Lefortovo prison are wretched.Evan is allowed out of his cell for just one hour a day.He usually spends it walking in one of the small courtyards on the prison roof, watched by armed guards.Cells are brightly lit, even at night.President Biden has pledged to do “whatever it takes” to bring him home, while Nato and the EU have also demanded his release.During several court appearances Evan has smiled for the cameras and looked remarkably relaxed.My brother is not a spy. He’s a journalistDanielle Gershkovich His mum Ella described one hearing in June: “We went and stood next to him, and immediately, Evan was talking and joking.“We were laughing. Russians don’t expect laughter in a court. Crying — that’s what they expect.”Evan spends his time keeping fit, reading Russian novels and answering letters from family and friends.The Arsenal results normally filter through to him two weeks late and he can watch limited match highlights on Russian TV.Pal Pjotr said: “He is very happy about how they are playing but obviously upset he can’t see for himself.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd sister Danielle has a heartfelt message for Putin: “My brother is not a spy. He’s a journalist.“Please, I just want him home.”Evan is allowed out of his cell for just one hour a dayCredit: AP More

  • in

    I’m a former Belgium star whose Premier League career was tragically cut short after 3 games – I nearly lost my leg

    LUC NILIS was one of the first Belgian superstars to grace the Premier League – before his career was tragically cut short.The now 56-year-old was one of the most prolific forwards in Europe back in the 1980s and 90s and enjoyed great success.Former Belgium star Nilis’ career was tragically cut short after his move to EnglandCredit: EPAThis forward played in two World Cups for his countryCredit: ReutersHe suffered a horrific injury after colliding with Ipswich goalie Richard Wright in 2000Credit: Action ImagesHaving made the breakthrough at Winterslag in his homeland, Anderlecht swooped to sign him in 1986 and he spent eight years banging them in for the Belgian giants.Four title successes followed as well as three Belgian Cups as he scored 124 times in 223 league matches for the club.He left Anderlecht in the summer of 1994 to join Dutch big boys PSV Eindhoven, and he topped the Dutch scoring charts in his first season there.Nilis tasted a lot more joy in Holland, winning the Eredivisie twice and the KNVB Cup as part of a deadly strike duo with the original Ronaldo.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHis unselfishness even led to the Brazilian legend naming him as his favourite strike partner years later.Nilis would later partner future Manchester United icon Ruud van Nistelrooy there but opted for his own big move to the Premier League in 2000 as a free agent.However, that switch to Aston Villa turned into nothing short of a nightmare as a horrific injury almost led to him having his leg amputated.Nilis scored on his debut in the Intertoto Cup and followed that up with a strike on his top-flight bow against Chelsea.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut weeks later he was involved in a nasty clash with Ipswich Town goalkeeper Richard Wright.The star suffered a double compound fracture of his right shin, but even worse was to follow.Top ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spotThe injury became infected and he was even told that he might have to have part of his leg removed.Speaking about the ordeal, he said: “It was the worst moment of my life to be told I might have to lose part of my leg – that will live with me forever.“It was such a bad break that it led to complications and it was nearly a disaster.”Fortunately for him that was not required, but the severity of the damage forced him into an early retirement.Nilis is still fondly remembered by Belgian football fans and scored ten goals in 56 matches for his country while also representing them at two World Cups.And even though he was unable to kick a ball again professionally, he is still involved in the beautiful game.He has worked at numerous clubs in various coaching roles in Belgium, Holland, Turkey and was even assistant of Jordan.He then tried his hand at management in 2021 for Belisia Bilzen in Belgium, but that was only for a season.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter a brief spell coaching in Genk’s academy, he is now the striker coach at Belgian outfit Patro Eisden in the second tier.And there is no doubt that he will be tuning in to watch his former Villa team-mate Gareth Southgate’s England take on Belgium at Wembley on Tuesday.Luc Nilis almost lost his leg after the horrific injury became infectedCredit: AP:Associated PressBrazilian Ronaldo loved being his strike partner at PSVCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

  • in

    Meet UK’s hottest F1 star! Rebecca Donaldson dated Kardashian ex before Carlos Sainz… and he’s already talked marriage

    CARLOS Sainz pulled off an epic comeback at the Australian Grand Prix this weekend – and no one looked prouder than his glamorous girlfriend Rebecca Donaldson.The stunning Scot, 28, cheered on the Spaniard, 29, as he cruised his Ferrari to victory in Melbourne – just two weeks after undergoing emergency surgery to remove his appendix.Rebecca Donaldson was trackside to cheer on boyfriend Carlos Sainz at the Australian Grand Prix this weekendCredit: AlamyStunning Rebecca hails from ScotlandCredit: instagram/iamrebeccadRebecca and Carlos went public with their romance last yearCredit: AlamyThe loved-up couple shared a kiss following Carlos’ win yesterday, and were spotted by fans leaving a hotel hand-in-hand this morning.Model Rebecca is becoming a regular trackside since she and Carlos began dating last summer, having been spotted at races in Japan, Austin, Singapore, Las Vegas and Bahrain.Born in Scone, Perthshire, she burst onto the modelling scene as a teenager.She won her first beauty pageant aged 17 in 2011, which saw her entered into the Top Model UK competition.READ MORE F1 FEATURESAnd she has her mum to thank; she said at the time: “My mum entered me and I was really surprised when I found out.“We had to go to rehearsals to practise catwalk type dances before going in front of four judges at the Gardyne Theatre in Dundee.”The prize saw her win, among other things, a designer outfit from Debenhams – but Rebecca has since gone on to model for major agencies and grace the covers of Vogue and Marie Claire.She also starred in a glitzy Ferrari TV advert in May last year, which could be where she met Carlos, as the couple were first spotted together in Milan in June.Most read in MotorsportIt’s thought they then enjoyed luxurious holidays together in Sardinia in August and the Bahamas in November, with both sharing separate Instagram posts.The couple were spotted hugging and kissing ahead of the Mexican GP in October.Rebecca Donaldson stars in glitzy Ferrari adAnd Carlos appeared to confirm their relationship during an interview ahead of the Las Vegas GP three weeks later – with talk even turning to marriage!When grilled by teammate Charles Leclerc over who he’d marry in Vegas, Carlos replied: “That’s a trick question. My current girlfriend.”Famous exRebecca previously dated Kardashians star Scott DisickCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe model was spotted planting a kiss on Carlos at the Mexican GP in OctoberCredit: GettyCarlos and Rebecca at the Las Vegas GPCredit: GettyCarlos was previously in a long-term relationship with Spanish journalist Isa Hernáez from 2017 until they broke up last summer.While little is known about Rebecca’s dating history, she did have a brief two-month fling with Kourtney Kardashian’s ex, Scott Disick, after meeting him on a night out.She was spotted with the American reality TV star, who featured in every season of hit series Keeping Up With The Kardashians, at the premiere of Hulu’s The Kardashians in Los Angeles in April 2022.They held hands as they posed together on the red carpet, with Rebecca looking stunning in a green tight-fitting one-shoulder gown.Scott was reportedly “smitten”, but by June they’d split, with a source telling E! News the couple parted ways “amicably”.”Although they had a short-lived romance, it was definitely serious,” the source said. “He enjoyed his time with her but realised he is not in a place to seriously date right now.”Launched business ‘from her bed’Rebecca Donaldson as a young modelCredit: Andrew Barr – The Sun GlasgowRebecca regularly shares sizzling snaps to InstagramCredit: instagram/iamrebeccadAs well as her modelling career, Rebecca is an entrepreneur, having set up her own fashion brand during the Covid-19 lockdown.She launched MUSE Activewear, which sells gym wear for women, in October 2020 and has seen her firm grow in the years since.Explaining how she came to launch the brand, she explained: “I was spending many days and hours during lockdown feeling a little purposeless. So, I decided to pursue my dream of starting a clothing brand. “I knew I wanted to create something that not only I would wear and be proud of putting my name against, but also something that was missing from the market – affordable, good quality products that are also very wearable day-to-day, as I found I struggled to find items that covered all these aspects.”I started working with my laptop in bed, but before long, I found myself feeling very lethargic as I relate my bed to sleep. “So to keep focused and productivity levels high whilst working remotely, I recommend finding a place in your home and making it a dedicated work zone.”Rebecca, who has 209K followers on Instagram, has previously admitted she’d never had a 9-5 job.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt seems she’s won over Carlos’ family, as his sisters Ana and Blanca and mum Reyes were reportedly in the crowd when Rebecca walked the runway during Madrid Fashion Week in February.And she’s certainly proving a lucky charm for Carlos, who’ll be looking to replicate his winning form in Japan in two weeks’ time.Rebecca walks the runway at the Lola Casademunt by Maite fashion show during the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week MadridCredit: GettyCarlos spent time with Rebecca while resting after undergoing his recent appendix operationCredit: BackGridGlamorous Rebecca has modelled for the likes of Vogue and Marie ClaireCredit: RexRebecca appears to be a lucky charm for CarlosCredit: instagram/iamrebeccad🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

  • in

    I’ve hoarded old football boots for years and now my collection is worth £35,000 – you could be sitting on a goldmine

    A FOOTY-MAD lad has revealed his unbelievable collection of rare football boots – and they’re worth a massive £35,000.Cameron Corp has spent the last decade collecting 300 boots, and one pair of them is worth a staggering £5,000.Cameron Corp has spent the last decade collecting 150 pairs of football bootsCredit: CatersCameron spent ‘a few thousand’ on his collection, which he now values at around £35,000Credit: CatersThe 25-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo super fan’s obsession started when he was just a teen, when he decided to keep hold of a bunch of boots that his footballing idols wore in games. Years later he found that his small hoarding of football boots had turned into a fully blown collection, and he decided to keep it going. Cameron, from Taunton, Somerset, said: “I’ve been collecting for about 10 years. “As a kid, I used to hoard all my football boots because some of my favourite players would wear them. Read more Sport News “I’d probably say, given the nature that some of the stuff I’ve collected is also signed by players, I’d probably estimate the collection is worth around £35,000.” Living in a small flat, Cameron had to splash the cash on a large shelf where he holds most of the boots, but admits to still having to find space for his rarest items.But in honour of his Portuguese idol he has a separate shelf for Cristiano, which holds a treasured collection of CR7 memorabilia and signed collectibles. As Cameron’s collection started to grow and gain traction on social media, he found that boot designers would even send him collectors-only boots, so some of his pairs can’t even be picked up by other punters.Most read in FootballCameron would spend hours trying to source the rarest pairs and has worked closely with collectors, friends and on auctions to try and source the best variations. World’s biggest football stadium with 115,000-capacity set to eclipse Man Utd’s 100,000-seat venue dreamHe now has around 300 boots and says that his most expensive one is incredibly rare and personally signed.The pair are Sergio Aguero PUMA Ones, made to celebrate his Premier League hat-trick record, worth £5,000 according to Cameron. His Cristiano collection has around 30 boots that were made in his name with one of them – the CR7 Nike Mercurial Superfly IV ‘Rare Gold’ – being valued by Cameron at £3,000.Over his 10-year span Cameron has spent thousands, although he says he is “too embarrassed” to work out the total amount.“It’s a lifelong goal of mine to meet Cristiano RonaldoCameron CorpOn one occasion, he received a message from Arsenal goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale, over a rare pair that he saw in one of Cameron’s videos – which came as a “huge shock”.He said: “I don’t ever plan to buy football boots but something will come out, whether it’s a limited release or a player edition boot, and I’ll think that’ll be really good for the collection.”He went on to say that his mum and girlfriend keep telling him he has “way too many” and  needs to “get rid” of them.On average he said a pair of top boots cost around £250, and he’s spent a few thousand on his whole collection.So, if he decided to sell up he would net a cool profit of at least £32,000.The knowledgeable collector said he’s “definitely proud” of what he’s collected, and could easily tell any on-looker who pointed out one of his pairs, when they came out, how and where he got them and who wore them.He said: “With me, it’s always just personal taste and what I’m feeling and what I’m not. I’ve got a bit of a hit list of ones that I would love to own if they appeared and the price is right. “Although, I’ve got some pairs that have never been sold, so it’s hard to evaluate them. Cameron’s most expensive, and rarest boots
    1. Sergio Aguero PUMA One: Hat-trick boots, made to celebrate the Argentine scoring the most hat tricks in Premier League history, valued by Cameron at £5,000. He says there are around 10 or 15 of these in existence.
    2. CR7 Nike Mercurial Superfly IV ‘Rare Gold’: Limited to 333 pairs, valued by Cameron at £3,000. Made to celebrate Cristiano Ronaldo’s third Ballon d’Or.
    3. Nike Mercurial Carbon Sl, 2008: Limited to 2008 pairs, worn by Cristiano Ronaldo during the Champions League Final against Chelsea (2008). Valued by Cameron at £2,000. (His favourites.)
    4. Skechers SKX_01 x Harry Kane SE.: Limited to 25 pairs worldwide, they were designed in honour of Harry Kane scoring 25 goals in his debut season for Bayern Munich. Valued by Cameron at £500.

    “One pair, which not many people know exist, and that I’ve never seen sold, was a pair of football boots that were made by Puma for Sergio Aguero when he scored his record-breaking hat trick in the Premier League. “They were never sold to the public, they were only dispatched to collectors and people that are deserving of having them and I met him and got them signed as well. “It’s a lifelong goal to meet Cristiano Ronaldo because I am lucky enough to work with football players and he’s on the hit list. “My plan is to get my most limited pair signed by him if I meet him. They would easily then become the most valuable and expensive pair of boots and the collection.”EVEN MORE RARITIES This mum picked up a rare teddy bear at a car boot sale, and was able to sell it on at an eye-watering price.Jeanette Davies and her son Kyle Johns splashed £130 for two of the stuffed toys at a stall in Monmouth, Wales, but made more than twenty times that at auction.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd, a Doctor Who superfan revealed the huge hoard of memorabilia he has built up over 30 years.Finally, a Doctor Who fanatic showed off his 30-year collection of memorabilia — including Daleks from across the decades.Cameron said he started collecting boots when he was a kid and slowly became hooked on the pastimeCredit: CatersCameron has so many pairs that his mum and girlfriend are desperate for him to get rid of some of themCredit: CatersThe Sergio Aguero PUMA Ones were valued by Cameron at around £5,000Credit: CatersCameron valued the CR7 Nike Mercurial Superfly IV ‘Rare Gold’ at £3,000Credit: CatersCameron is a Cristiano Ronaldo super-fan and even has a special shelf just for the items that relate to the former Manchester United aceCredit: Caters More

  • in

    After Richarlison reveals therapy “saved his life”, we speak to the neuroscientist helping team-mate Emerson Royal

    RICHARLISON’S revelation that working with a psychologist “saved his life” underlined how critical talking about personal problems can be for some players.The Brazil and Tottenham star last week claimed he was “at rock bottom” earlier this season when issues away from the pitch – including a split with his long-term agent – took hold.Richarlison spoke about the help therapy gave him while on Brazil dutyCredit: PAEmerson Royal is known for exploring every marginal gain going to aid performanceCredit: RexTherapy, along with surgery on a nagging groin problem, turned things around and now he faces Spain on Tuesday back firing on all cylinders.The 26-year-old is not alone as a player in seeking advice to gain better mental health to be a happier person and a better player on the pitch.Emerson Royal, a team-mate for both club and country, employs neuroscientist Dr Fabiano de Abreu as an advisor.It is part of the marginal-gains approach to the game of the right-back, who Ange Postecoglou has described as one of his top-three trainers at Spurs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDr Abreu, a member of the UK’s Royal Society of Biology, told SunSport: “Players may need psychologists more than ordinary people because of the pressure they are under.“Richarlison did the right thing in speaking out. But, in football, managers and clubs are still a long way behind on this topic.“Football today is more challenging than in Pele’s era. It demands more than just dynamic gameplay and skilled players. “The pressure from management, clubs, fans, and social media is immense. The psychological aspect is different now.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“Zico, the greatest idol of Flamengo, once told me, ‘I played for pleasure, for love’. “But what about today? With high stakes and demands, with constant scrutiny? I’m a former Tottenham and England star but I’d much rather see Arsenal win the league than Three Lions win Euro 2024“There’s no more freedom, and it affects the brain. Plus today’s game demands higher performance.”Richarlison spoke of the profound effect his work with his psychologist had on him and his joy at seeing the Brazil national team employ one as a result.Dr Abreu’s neuroscience expertise means he provides more than a sounding board for Royal and his other clients, though therapy does play a part.His work considers a player’s genetics, upbringing and other social factors to get a detailed profile of the individual.A new client will undergo a thorough DNA test, an interview to understand the players’ background and upbringing, a comprehensive blood test and, if possible, a neuroimaging test to understand better, quite literally, how their mind works.The data from all this allows Dr Abreu and his team to work out how best to enhance the athlete’s performance and mental health.That could be through adjustments to their diet, habits such as improved sleep, medication if necessary and therapy.It is all to do with a player’s neurotransmitters – the chemicals in the brain and nervous system that transmit signals between nerve cells, which are pivotal for mood, sleep, appetite, learning and motor functions – and keeping them stable.Dr Abreu added: “Emerson is always open to suggestions for doing what’s best for him. “He’s a very easy person to work with and a good athlete. “It’s not easy to stand out in England, it’s the country where we feel the most pressure on players. But he knows how to deal with it. READ MORE SUN STORIES“There’s no doubt that neuroscience and genetics should be considered more in football. “That is if you want to create ‘machines’ like Cristiano Ronaldo, and I can tell you with certainty that Ronaldo has the same thought and uses it for himself.” More