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      Erling Haaland and girlfriend Isabel are ‘going to be bigger than the Beckhams’ after he signs landmark £260m contract

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      ERLING HAALAND and girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen are set to be a ‘bigger couple that the Beckhams’.Last week, the Man City ace, 24, inked a bumper contract worth £260million over 10 years.Erling Haaland and Isabel Haugseng Johansen are set to become football’s next power coupleCredit: GettySerial winner Haaland recently inked a new 10-year contract at Man City worth £260mCredit: GettyAn insider believes Haaland and partner Isabel could be bigger than the BeckhamsCredit: InstagramIt could see the Norwegian hotshot play for the Premier League giants until he is 24.Incredibly, his new salary will see him earn an astonishing £500,000-per-week.It’s an astronomical amount that will make him one of the richest footballers ever.Those riches will also allow Haaland and his private partner Isabel, who recently welcomed a child into the world, to live an enviable lifestyle.Read more football newsIn terms of financial standing – an insider believes they could outshine David and Victoria Beckham – who boast a reported £455million fortune.A source close to the couple said: “They are going to be a bigger couple than the Beckhams.”Haaland’s new contract is a landmark deal which until now was unheard of and really puts them both in the spotlight, even though she’s very private and protective.”She knows this deal will attract a great deal of attention. It’s one of the most historic deals in the footballing world ever and means huge money as a result.”Most read in FootballHaaland and Isabel were childhood friends, before they became romantically involved.Erling Haaland signs stunning nine-and-a-half-year Man City contract and ‘one of sport’s most lucrative contracts ever’ They both played for the same football club when they were kids in their native Norway.As Haaland’s career took off, she joined him on his journey – from RB Salzburg to Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City.However, the pretty brunette – who played for Byrne FK in her homeland – has purposefully kept a low-profile.She is believed to work part-time at a fashion store.The source continued: “What is lovely about these two is unlike other football couples, they don’t even need to try and constantly promote themselves – it just comes effortlessly.They will be the wealthiest, most famous couple in the world of football. “She’s come from very humble beginnings, world’s away from what they have now. “She’s a girl who absolutely loves sport and football – that’s how they met and she’s a footballer herself, and is amazingly fit as well as stunningly beautiful and the brands are going to be all over her – not just sporting names but beauty too.   “For them things just happen, and unlike other football couples that are constantly promoting themselves, it just comes effortlessly for them.  “She’s such a lovely girl, who has no airs or graces and has been more than happy to support herself working part-time in a shop. She likes working – not because she has to, but because she wants to.Pretty Isabel grew with Haaland in their native NorwayHumble beauty Isabel played football for Norwegian club Byrne FKRomance blossomed when Haaland’s career took offCredit: Splashread more sport features“She’s known for her kindness, and is happy to talk to everyone. She’s so ‘normal’ by Wag standards – she doesn’t have to try hard and looks good even when playing football. “She’s got the world at her feet, but she’s so humble – she’ll keep both their feet firmly on the ground. With such a mega bucks deal he needs people he can trust and they met at a young age and that’s what’s so lovely about them, he can trust her completely.”With his new contract out there, Haaland could find himself the centre of attention for glam girls lining up to date him.But, family should help him avoid temptation – and the way the couple lead their life, out of the limelight, should make it easier for the lovebirds.The source said: “As with any footballing star there will of course be a string of girls lined up wanting to date him and she will have to have eyes in the back of her head, but she will keep him down to earth and they have a close knit family to support them. “They will be a powerhouse couple. They’ve done some red carpets together before but they don’t seek the limelight and are very choosy – they only do what they want to.”They don’t have to, and this makes her more interesting and creates more intrigue – she doesn’t show off or try to promote herself.”Last summer, Haaland and Isabel were spotted on board a luxury private yacht in Italy.He also owns a £6million holiday home in Marbella, which he visits regularly with Isabel.They enjoy all the trappings that one of the richest sports stars in the world could.But, Isabel isn’t with Haaland for what he offers.The insider explained: “Of course she enjoys the perks of that sort of money and the luxurious lifestyle – the holidays, the shopping – it can get you, but she’s with Haaland for all the right reasons.Isabel celebrates Haaland’s success but prefers to stay out of the limelightCredit: GettyVery rarely do the pair pose on the red carpet togetherCredit: GettyAn insider says Isabel is with Haaland for all the right reasons”She genuinely has a passion for the beautiful game, and that’s the difference – she’s a sports star in her own right and she’s not in it for the luxury. READ MORE SUN STORIES”She also really appreciates everything they have too – she doesn’t take anything for granted.”They’ve both worked hard to get to where they are and she’s not afraid of hard work. They’ll be a breath of fresh air to the footballing world.” More

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      in Soccer

      Meet the ‘Hampstead socialite’ who captured Mark Chapman’s heart, five years after his beloved wife died

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      MARK CHAPMAN and his younger girlfriend’s romance is moving fast.The Match of the Day host, 51, appeared to be looking in estate agent’s windows in Altrincham, Greater Manchester with Claire Collier, 43, over the weekend.Match of the Day presenter Mark Chapman has fallen for the charms of Claire CollierCredit: Facebook / Clere CollierChapman and Claire were seen walking hand-in-hand in Altrincham, Great ManchesterCredit: BackGridClaire is a Dubai-based – but often visits Chapman in ManchesterCredit: Instagram / Clere CollierPals say he has found happiness with Claire, five years on from being widowed.The pretty blonde regularly posts loved-up snaps of them together on social media as their romance continues to blossom.In October last year, when Mark celebrated his birthday, she gushed over her man on Instagram, calling him “my one love”.Posting an image of the couple together as they went on a country walk, she wrote: “Happy birthday to this one. My one love.read more football news“So proud of all you do, the biggest heart, the kindest soul, the leader of our pack and not to mention devilishly handsome. I love you, happy 51.”The estate agent, who works in Dubai, is twice-divorced, a mother of two, and was once linked with singer Dane Bowers.Despite being based in Dubai — she makes regular UK trips for work and to see Mark in Manchester, where the BBC broadcaster is based.Before she established her career, Claire worked at the Benham & Reeves agency in Hampstead, North London.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA ‘Hampstead socialite’ – she had an inner circle of celebrity friends.This included drinking pals, radio DJ Chris Moyles and Jason Brown of boyband 5ive.Mark Chapman opens Match of the Day with cheeky one-liner as he is confirmed as one of Gary Lineker’s three successors While she was a close pal of former Eastenders star Christopher Parker, appearing on several red carpet events together.Claire also helped Premier League footballers find rental homes in North London.Meet the woman who has captured Chappers’ heart.Famous tiesClaire grew up in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire.She soon moved to London, where she scored a job at Benham & Reeves in Hampstead, North London.Thanks to the area’s wealthy clientele, she helped the rich and famous find homes.This included sourcing rental homes for wealthy Premier League footballers.Young, and in her early 20s, she frequented the bars and high-end eateries of Hampstead, Belsize Park, and Primrose Hill.Claire has been referred to as a ‘Hampstead socialite’Claire has enjoyed living a glam lifestyle through the yearsHer job and good looks attracted celebrity pals, and she became friends with many showbiz names.A source told The Sun: “Claire was a hugely popular fun time girl among her set of friends.”She loved meeting new people and living in Hampstead, and enjoyed letting her hair down in the bars there.”Because of her good looks and outgoing personality she became a magnet for celebrities.”She knew many famous people and was a real Hampstead socialite.”One of her drinking pals was radio DJ Chris Moyles, who she would often meet up with in the pubs around Belsize Park, as well as 5ive boyband member Jason Brown.Another famous friend was TV presenter Jayne Sharp, a former girlfriend of Chris Evans.Often, Claire would find herself on the red carpet of events supporting famous friends.That included former Eastenders star, Christopher Parker.As he found fame as Spencer Moon on the BBC soap, as well as on Strictly Come Dancing in the noughties, Claire would join the actor at glitzy parties, including at Capital FM’s Rock On! Xmas Party in 2005.However, she soon left London for pastures new.Over the years, Claire has associated with celebs including rugby legend Martin OffiahDJ Chris Moyles was one of Claire’s drinking pals in North LondonClaire poses with pal Jason Brown of boyband 5ive fameCredit: Facebook / Clere CollierActor Christopher Parker pose on the red carpet together in 2005Credit: GettyJayne Sharp and Clere Collier party together at the launch of Room 68 in Hampstead, North London in 2006Credit: Ed Watts / Retna UKread more sport featuresMoving to DubaiFor over 15 years Claire has been working in the Middle East.She initially worked for Benham & Reeves, and has over two decades of experience in international real estate.This included running a Dubai property brokerage, managing a portfolio of investors based in East Africa and working with a US based private equity real estate fund.She has since moved to the American company, Lion Real Estate Group – where she is Director of Capital Markets for the Middle East and Europe.But while things have gone well in her professional life, she has been unlucky in love.Claire has been married twice – most recently to ex-husband James for three years, before they split in 2019.She also had a failed marriage with Dubai-based businessman Tomas Kristiansen Wallin.Claire has two children, Freddie, 12, and Florence, 2, from those former relationships.Claire has been married twice and has two childrenAccording to LinkedIn, Claire works for Lion Real Estate GroupCredit: LinkedinNew loveBefore she fell for Chapman, Claire was reported to have dated Another Level boyband star Dane Bowers.A source revealed to the Mail in 2023: “Dane and Claire have been getting to know each other in recent weeks.”They mix in similar circles and have bumped into each other on a few occasions.”However, it’s new Match of the Day host Chapman she is now smitten with.A source told us in early 2024: “It’s early days but Mark and Claire are in a good place and enjoying each other’s company.”Mark’s focus has always been his children and work, so a relationship was unexpected.”He and Claire are taking things slow and just seeing how it all plays out, but it’s clear to see they are really into each other.”READ MORE SUN STORIESChapman was recently revealed as one of the three presenters of Match of the Day, alongside Kelly Cates and Gabby LoganCredit: PAChapman was previously married to Sara for 19 years, before her life was tragically cut by cancerCredit: TwitterIt is Chapman’s first romance since wife Sara, 44, died of cancer in 2020.He had three children with Sara, who he was married to for 19 years. More

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      in Soccer

      I was Premier League club’s record scorer, then I went into local Government and formed a turf company

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      JOHN RICHARDS has been front page news in Wolverhampton again this week after being awarded the freedom of the city.The former striker was rewarded for his outstanding contributions to Wolves, supporting ex-players and his charity work.    Wolves legend John Richards was awarded the freedom of the cityCredit: GettyRichards spent 14 years at Wolves and became their record scorer with 194 goalsCredit: Getty – ContributorWhen it comes to club legends, there are few greater than the man fans call ‘King John’ at Molineux.Richards spent 14 years at Wolves between 1969 and 1983 and became their record goalscorer with 194 until fellow forward Steve Bull passed his mark in 1992.He was the club’s leading scorer in eight out of nine seasons between 1972 and 1981, helped them to two League Cup wins — even scoring the Wembley winner in the 1974 final against Manchester City.After packing away his boots and going into local government in 1985, he returned to the club in 1995 during the Jack Hayward era, first as a non-executive director and then as the club’s managing director.Read More on FootballLast year he was named Wolves’ third vice-president alongside Bull and Robert Plant following the death of Ron Flowers.In his pomp, Richards was a match for any striker in English football.He was a ‘fox in the box’ with speed and pace but with an intelligence and sharp instinct of always being in the right place at the right time.Now 74, Richards takes a deep breath and says: “It’s 56 years ago when I first joined Wolves. Man was just walking on the moon in 1969 when I signed a contract here. There’s been a few steps taken since then!Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusives“I am honoured to be back at the club as vice-president. It means the world to me.”Richards is also chairman of the Wolves Former Players Association, another role he talks about with great passion.Wolves boss Vitor Pereira reveals his difficulties with Mario Lemina He added: “It gives me the opportunity to be part of a group of players from different eras, who have become lifelong friends and, beyond that, an extended family for me.”For one of the most gifted scorers of his generation, it is baffling that Richards only ever played at Wembley twice in his 16-year career and won just one England cap.He said: “For me, playing at Wembley meant everything. In my era, so few games were played at the national stadium. There were a lot of wonderful players of my generation who never played there.“I consider myself very lucky that my two games at Wembley were both finals and we won them both.“Last year we had a reunion to mark the 50th anniversary of that 1974 League Cup victory against Manchester City, winning 2-1. I was grateful to score the winning goal with five minutes remaining.“It was a joy to share it with so many supporters, who wanted to tell me their stories of celebrating after the game and not getting back home until the Monday!How it started“In the end I was more absorbed by their anecdotes than what we did on the pitch.“Against Nottingham Forest six years later, we always found them tough to beat but to win it I still get goosebumps  reliving that day.“As for England, I played a few times at different levels but only had one senior cap. I never quite took the opportunity.”As a teenager, Richards was spotted playing for Lancashire Grammar School against a team who had a Wolves scout among their staff.He said: “He asked me if I was assigned to any club and offered me a trial. I went along and from there I was offered a one-year contract, moving up from the third team and then reserves before the first team in just over a year.”Richards made his debut for the black and gold at West Brom in February  1970.Successful debutHe recalled: “Derek Dougan was injured but I didn’t know until the Friday that I would be playing. I was so wet behind the ears I didn’t even know where West Bromwich was, let alone the rivalry between the  sides.“I soon found out as it was quite hostile. I thought I played okay, it was a 3-3 draw and I thought we were unlucky not to win.“I scored my opening first-team goal a year later against  Huddersfield. It wasn’t the best shot  but it went in and is one of those unforgettable moments.“That Wolves side in the early to mid seventies was exceptional and I was lucky to play with so many  talented players.”After 14 years he moved on loan to Derby in 1982 and then joined Portugal’s Maritimo for two seasons.He said: “I moved because at that time I wasn’t getting any minutes. Derby were struggling when I joined but I’m pleased to say they stayed up.“Playing abroad in Portugal was another great opportunity.”Despite scoring 23 league goals in 44 games for Maritimo, Richards and his family headed back to England in 1985, with his eldest daughter due to move into secondary school.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe became Wolves’ managing director in 1997, then from 2001  formed Pitchcare — a sports turf service provider — with Wolves groundsman Dave Saltman.They sold the business to Agro-vista UK in 2020 and Richards added: “It had been a richly rewarding 18 years. I think Dave felt it was the right time to step down and I felt exactly the same.” More

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      I’m Championship star who played with Harry Kane and Steven Gerrard before being sacked for paying fine in PENNIES

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      LAWRENCE VIGOUROUX has spoken for the first time about being sacked by Swindon for paying a £50 fine in PENNIES.The Swansea goalkeeper built such a notorious reputation regarding his attitude that no club on these shores would touch him.Lawrence Vigouroux is a changed man at SwanseaCredit: GettyThe attitude and ‘extras’ of Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane when he was a Tottenham youngster inspired VigourouxCredit: GettyThe keeper is looking forward to a huge derby clash with CardiffCredit: RexBut Vigouroux has since learned the error of his ways and hopes to continue producing top performances to help the Welsh side return to the Premier League.The 31-year-old is relishing playing in Saturday lunchtime’s South Wales derby at Cardiff.The London-born former Chile Under-20 international used to be Harry Kane’s shooting training partner at Tottenham and rubbed shoulders with the likes of Steven Gerrard while a youngster at Liverpool. But    he caused a stink in Swindon when the Anfield giants loaned them the then 21-year-old stopper in 2015.READ MORE SWANSEA NEWSVigouroux explained: “I was late to training after being delayed by a visit to the dentist. “I had bad toothache and felt I shouldn’t have been fined because you cannot train when your teeth are hurting. But they insisted I pay.“Because I felt hard done by, I decided to make it ­difficult for them so I visited the bank and asked for £50 in one pennies.“The woman behind the counter thought I was a shopkeeper who needed change — but she only had £20 in one pennies. So in the end I settled for them plus another £20 of 2ps and a tenner of 5ps.Most read in ChampionshipVigouroux has reunited with ex-Swindon chief Luke Williams at SwanseaCredit: RexThe stopper has been called up for Chile’s senior squadCredit: AlamyJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“I dropped them off to the fines collector — captain Nathan Thompson, who now plays for Stevenage — who wasn’t happy.“Our manager Mark Cooper told me to leave and never come back.Lincoln’s Ethan Erhahon reveals players STOLE the physio’s car and he was offered a ‘scrap’ with a fan – What the EFL“I felt bad and took the pennies back and paid it in notes.“But when I returned to Liverpool, they weren’t happy.“I had a frosty couple of days training from 8am to 6pm.“Eventually Cooper invited me to Doncaster where Swindon were playing. I swallowed my pride, apologised and he took me back.”Vigouroux concedes it was situations like that and often being late for training that made his name mud across the EFL.And his advice to any youngster is: Be professional every day because nothing happens by luck. You can be in the right place at the right time to get an opportunity but if your attitude is not right you will not maintain it.He said: “The easiest thing is making your debut, staying in the team is the hardest. You see lots of players from top clubs who drop down the leagues and find it hard to come back.”One player he uses as a model pro is ex-Spurs team-mate Kane — now at Bayern Munich. Vigouroux, who initially came through the youth ranks at Brentford, spent two seasons in North London. He said: “Tottenham needed a training keeper for the Under-18s so I went there and they ended up signing me.“The one thing I learned was how important the extras were. After training Harry would be on his own or I’d be with him in goal for an hour doing finishing.Jurgen Klopp wanted to take a look at Vigouroux after becoming Liverpool bossCredit: APVigouroux will always remember Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard congratulating him on winning a new contract at AnfieldCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The Times“It was good for me because I was working with someone who was unbelievable at finishing and seeing how his brain worked with angles and where he was more likely to score from. That helped me and him.“That’s the main reason he is where he is now.“It’s that attitude of it’s never enough and do those extras to hone your skills.”Vigouroux was snapped up by Liverpool after a successful trial, following his Spurs coach and now Anfield academy director Alex Inglethorpe to Merseyside.He said: “It’s a mental city. Everyone is football crazy, they support the team like it’s everything.“Even though I was only playing in the Under-21s, I’d got spotted in the streets and stopped by fans.“I didn’t even know how they knew me — but they did, perhaps from watching the Under-21s on Liverpool TV.”And the keeper will never forget how,  after agreeing a new contract at Anfield, Kop legend Gerrard came over at the training ground to congratulate him.He said: “It’s something that has stuck with me my whole career.“It doesn’t matter how big you are in the game, you should always be there to help and inspire youngsters.”The penny-gate saga was not the only time Vigouroux was recalled to Liverpool from Swindon.When Jurgen Klopp took over from Brendan Rodgers in 2015, the German wanted to take a look at the keeper in training.Vigouroux recalled: “It didn’t matter who you were or where you were, he got everyone in for a week to take a look. He wanted to know what he had.”Swansea was once a Premier League club. We’re working as hard as we can and see where it takes us.Lawrene VigourouxVigouroux went on to sign for Swindon permanently where he spent three years — including playing for current Swans boss Luke Williams — before spending six months in his dad’s home nation Chile playing for Everton de Vina del Mar.He soon missed England but found it difficult to find a club before eventually Leyton Orient gave him a chance.He said: “No one here would take me because of my reputation for attitude and being late for training.“I got offered a contract, which was nowhere near the money I’d been earning before, but it was my last chance.”Vigouroux took it with both hands and spent 3½ years there, winning the League Two title under boss Richie Wellens, who had earlier released him from Swindon.He spent last season as a back-up keeper at Burnley during their doomed Premier League campaign before joining Swansea in the summer.And his form has seen him called up for the last few Chile squads as they bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.Vigouroux is happy to be reunited with Williams and said: “I knew he was a great coach at Swindon but he’s in a different stratosphere now.“He’s a huge key to our success so far. Swansea was once a Premier League club. We’re working as hard as we can and see where it takes us.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Cardiff is going to be a hostile ­atmosphere but we mustn’t let the occasion get to us.”Vigouroux must be dreaming of going to the 2026 World CupCredit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      I used to be a Six Nations rugby star but now I’m working in security at Tyson Fury fights

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      A FORMER Wales star has swapped the rugby pitch for a high-profile security job – which involves working at Tyson Fury events.Lou Reed hung up his boots in 2017 after getting fed up with the wear and tear the gruelling sport had on his body.Former Wales international Lou Reed retired from rugby in 2017Credit: GETTYReed now spends his days working security at boxing eventsCredit: INSTAGRAM@LOUREED514Reed was in attendance for Fury’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk last DecemberCredit: INSTAGRAM@LOUREED514The former Scarlets and Cardiff star now passes the time by being a heavy for Lyons Den Security security firm, which is part of former heavyweight champion Fury’s wider security team.During an appearance on the BBC’s Scrum V podcast, he told former team-mates Alex Cuthbert and Ellis Jenkis: “I’m a medical salesman, for now, and a little bit of security.”It’s quite broad, it’s quite different but it seems to have helped me with the transition [from rugby], which is daunting for anyone.”When I called it a day on my career, I sent a couple of emails out.READ MORE BOXING NEWS”I was actually in Morgan Stoddart’s rental home in Aberporth, and I sent an email to a guy from Bridgend who was in charge of Wimbledon security.”I was then on the tennis courts at Wimbledon, a complete baptism of fire because I had no experience on the radio.”These guys are military trained on the radios, they know everything about everything and there was me on Court Three with all the top seeds, trying to work out where I fit in.”But it served me well, keep it light and wing it and you’ll be surprised how far you can go.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”I’m [now] part of Tyson Fury’s security team, the wider security team.”We work closely with the Riyadh Season over in Saudi Arabia and if there’s work in the UK, we also jump in and do that. We travel the world.”Tyson Fury WILL still fight Anthony Joshua and they’ll even be friends after, says British champ in shock predictionReed’s primary gig is looking after iconic announcer and boxing Hall of Famer Michael Buffer, who he’s developed a good relationship with.He said: “My exclusive job in Saudi Arabia is to deal with Michael Buffer, the ring announcer.”How that came about was someone needed a break and the door was empty, so I was told to stand on the door.”He came out and we started chatting, light-hearted. It’s very difficult sometimes in security because you’re there to do a really serious job, but you can be diligent and light-hearted, you’re easy to be around.”I think I went above and beyond really, because that’s how I like to treat people. “I made him feel good and got the rota for his day and tried to stick to it and communicate with him.”Essentially, I would walk him to the stage, he’d do his announcing and I’d walk him back to his car, keep fans who were a bit overzealous from getting on to him, and that would be my week.Lou Reed’s main job in Saudi Arabia is looking after iconic announcer Michael BufferCredit: GETTY”There’d be a press conference where he would be announcing it and I’d stand at the side of the stage, there would be weigh-ins, where the boys would stop the fighters from getting at each other.”Some do it for the camera but others are genuinely that passionate.”It’s been seven years since former lock Reed, who played for his country in the Six Nations, announced his retirement.But his new job sometimes reminds him of the life he left behind aged just 30.He continued: “For the night itself, I get to the arena and walk him into the ring, down the actual fighters walk.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s in a stadium so I get that rugby feel, I really do. “I don’t struggle from not playing rugby but it’s really nice to dip your toe in now and again.” More

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      in Soccer

      From quirky diets and raps to secret baby and THAT obsession with Hannah Montana – inside weird world of Erling Haaland

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      A GOAL machine with the flowing blond locks of his Viking heritage, Erling Haaland likes to tell rivals to “stay humble”.Now — after landing a deal that dwarfs anything seen before in British football — he may need to heed the advice himself.Erling Haaland and girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen at the 2023 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony in ParisCredit: GettyErling pictured relaxing on a sunshine breakCredit: InstagramToddler Erling was destined to be a footballerCredit: InstagramErling pictured yesterday after signing until 2034Credit: instagram/erlingThat’s because the attention that comes with such a huge contract will propel Haaland, 24, and his 21-year-old partner Isabel Haugseng Johansen into fame’s premier league.A source close to the couple said: “They are going to be a bigger than the Beckhams. They will be the wealthiest, most famous couple in the world of football.”Backed by Abu Dhabi petro dollars, Manchester City have signed Haaland on a new reported £500,000 a week, nine-and-a-half-year deal.Pre-tax, that’s £260million before his lucrative endorsements and win bonuses are factored in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL That’s around £71,000 a day, nearly £3,000 an hour and 83p per second.The minimum wage for ordinary folk rises to £12.21 an hour in April. Haaland earns that in 15 seconds.It takes Haaland six seconds to earn the cost of a pint and just under two and half days to make enough to afford a new Ferrari ­Portofino M Convertible.City are said to have backdated the deal to the start of the season which means Haaland will pocket £3.25million in wages he is owed since then.Most read in FootballTellingly, the striker said yesterday: “Now I am City no matter what.”For the Manchester club still awaits the verdict after being charged with 115 breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules.Erling Haaland talks about his contract extension at Man City to 2034 Possible sanctions include a points deduction or even relegation from England’s top division.‘We’re like any couple’It means that Haaland could be turning out at Millwall’s New Den or Oxford United’s Kassam Stadium rather than Anfield or Old Trafford with his deal that stretches to 2034.One fan tweeted: “By the time his contract ends, I’ll have grandkids, and they’ll still be watching him pad his stats against Burnley!”The deal comes after Haaland and glamorous Isabel had their first child shortly before Christmas.Although the couple are said to live quietly at their six-bed Cheshire mansion, they enjoy spending the wealth they have amassed.They pair have taken lavish holidays including breaks in Marbella, where Haaland owns a £6million villa, and on a yacht in Capri, Italy.He’s been pictured pairing a £300,000 watch with a Burberry pyjama set. In 2023 he was caught using his mobile phone at the wheel of his £300,000 Rolls Royce Cullinan SUV.Just before Christmas, Isabel spent more than £6,000 at ­Selfridges. Her items included a £2,700 Gucci bag, a £1,670 backpack and a £950 Gucci hoodie in the online spree.Details of Isabel’s spending blitz emerged after blundering Selfridges staff sent her receipt to another customer by mistake.Isabel and Haaland first met when they both played in Byrne, Norway, at the local football youth academy.Haaland seems to have retained at least some of the down-to-earth nature of a lad from a small town.Haaland plugged his monster new deal with an Instagram video, in which he wore white shorts, sitting cross-legged in the snow in a meditation poseCredit: instagram/erlingThe ace on holiday in Capri, Italy, with Isabel last yearCredit: BackGridThe pair larking around on the tripCredit: BackGridDuring his first weeks at City he was spotted shopping at Sainsbury’s. He later mocked those who expressed surprise at seeing him in a regular supermarket by tweeting: “At M&S. Bought a bag of Percy Pig. Don’t tell anyone.” Isabel has said: “We just want to live our lives without too much fuss. At the end of the day, we’re just like any other couple.”Now I am City no matter whatErling HaalandNot every other young couple starting a family will earn £260million in the next decade, of course.A source said: “Isabel absolutely loves sport and football — that’s how they met. “She’s amazingly fit as well as stunningly beautiful and the brands are going to be all over her — not just sporting names but beauty too.”Haaland plugged his monster new deal with an Instagram video for his 38.5million followers. Fans saw him in nothing but white shorts, sitting cross-legged in the snow in a meditation pose that he has used as a goal celebration.Ethereal music plays before the star says: “I’m here to stay.”One fan posted: “My day is made! Thank you Erling.”Another added: “Stay humble.”It’s a reference to Haaland’s “stay humble” advice to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta after City’s 98th-minute ­equaliser against the London club at the end of September.Let’s be clear. The reason Haaland is being paid this obscene amount of money is because he’s worth it.Arguably the greatest striker in the world’s best league, his goal record at City is astonishing. He is one of the reasons why the Premier League is sold around the globe — from Laos to Uzbekistan and the Pacific islands — for £10.4billion in TV rights.Arriving at City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 for £51.2million, he scored 52 goals in all competitions — including a single-season record of 36 in the Premier League. That season the team won the league, FA Cup and Champions League to land the Treble.Last season he scored 38 goals in 45 appearances and he has 21 goals already in this campaign as he goes for a third straight Golden Boot in the ­Premier League.Haaland said yesterday: “For two and a half years as a City player I have been winning loads of trophies, playing good football, having so many great moments together with the whole club and with the fans.”The £260million deal is a ­defining moment for a sport which has deep roots in working-class communities in the 19th Century mill towns of Lancashire.Players who turned out for Accrington and Preston North End when the Football League began in 1888 would scarcely believe the riches now drenching the game.When Everton signed Nick Ross from Preston that year, he was paid £10 a month. Haaland will earn that in around 12 seconds. By the late 1960s players still earned comparatively little, despite drawing huge crowds.When City club legend Mike Summerbee signed from Swindon Town in 1965, his wages increased from £35 to £40 per week.Yet Haaland’s salary is relatively paltry compared to global sport’s top earners.Baseball star Shohei Ohtani from the Los Angeles Dodgers is pocketing £57.4million a year over a ten-year contract.Juan Soto from the New York Mets picks up £41.8million over 15 years, totalling £627million. And Mexican boxer Canelo Alvarez has a £60million-a-year deal with broadcaster DAZN for five years, while Formula 1’s Max Verstappen is earning £45million per year over six years with his team Red Bull.For two and a half years as a City player I have been winning loads of trophies, playing good football, having so many great moments together with the whole club and with the fansErling HaalandWith skin like white marble and shoulder-length blond hair, Haaland is the archetypal Norseman.Yet he was born on July 21, 2000, in Yorkshire, where his father — Norwegian international Alfie Haaland — was playing for Leeds United.In the mid-1990s Alfie had ­married Gry Marita Braut — a Norwegian heptathlete — and had children Astor, a finance student, Gabrielle, a healthcare assistant and Instagram personality, and finally Erling.Erling’s Yorkshire birth made him eligible to turn out for England’s Three Lions.In 2000 Alfie signed for ­Manchester City, where he would remain for three years.A simmering feud with hardman midfielder Roy Keane would come to a head in April 2001 when the Manchester United star brutally raked his studs into Haaland senior’s leg.The United man was sent off for the tackle, which was revenge for Alfie accusing him of feigning an injury — which was in fact career-threatening — more than three years previously.Keane would later write in his autobiography: “I f***ing hit him hard. The ball was there (I think). Take that you c***.”Bad blood still lingers.United fans goad Erling with chants of “Keano” — and Keane hasn’t spared his criticism.The pundit told Sky Sports: “In front of goal he’s the best in the world, but his general play for such a player — it is so poor. He’s almost like a League Two player.”‘I’m super-happy, proud’Alfie was said to be “really p***ed off” with the comment.When Alfie’s Premier League career ended in 2003, the family returned to his home town of Bryne in Norway.Young Erling loved running and was a natural athlete. Aged five he is said to have broken the world standing long jump record, leaping 1.63 metres.In front of goal he’s the best in the world, but his general play for such a player — it is so poor. He’s almost like a League Two player.”With ten members of his extended family who were professional footballers, he was drawn to the game and proved a natural.Joining Byrne’s football academy aged five, Haaland met Isabel, another football-mad youngster.The new mother once said: “We were just kids, kicking a ball around without a care in the world.“We were inseparable on the pitch. We didn’t know it back then, but those moments were the foundation of something much ­bigger.”In 2016 he and two friends from Norway’s youth team released their own hip-hop song on YouTube under the name Flow Kingz.Calling himself “Lyng”, Haaland raps in a baseball cap and hoodie while pretending to flip burgers and bouncing on a trampoline.His lyrics include: “I even look good when I eat”.It’s just as well his football career took off.Signing to Molde in 2017, the club put the 6ft 3ins gangly youth on a high protein diet — including reindeer steaks — to bulk him up.After moves to Red Bull Salzburg and Dortmund, he arrived in Manchester.Yesterday Haaland said: “I’m super happy, proud.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’m looking forward to staying here for a long time.”The next decade will certainly bring him untold riches and, just maybe, a spell playing Championship football.Erling with Oasis star Noel GallagherCredit: Tim StewartThe star pictured pairing a £300,000 watch with a Burberry pyjama setCredit: Tim StewartErling lifting the Champions League trophy with Isabel in 2023Credit: GettyThe pair having a private moment under the flagCredit: Getty More

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      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton’s amazing women, from long-term love Nicole Sherzinger to rumoured romance with actress Sofia Vergara

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      HE’S sport’s most eligible bachelor – and once again he’s been linked to one of the world’s most beautiful women.The man in question, F1 legend Lewis Hamilton, 40, is now reportedly dating a Hollywood actress.Stunning actress Sofia Vergara is the latest beauty to be linked with Lewis HamiltonCredit: GETTYVergara and Hamilton were spotted on a dinner date in New York CityCredit: instagram/sofiavergaraThrough the year, eligible bachelor Hamilton has been linked to the world’s most beautiful womenCredit: AP Photo/Frank AugsteinThe seven-time world champion was spotted on a dinner date in New York City with Modern Family beauty, Sofia Vergara.The couple looked smitten and oh-so-flirty as they enjoyed a meal together, according to TMZ.They sat next to one another at a table by a window, with onlookers revealing that Sofia was spellbound by the racing driver.According to onlookers, Sofia was so deep in conversation with Lewis that she “barely touched her food”.Read more on Lewis HamiltonThe pair were joined by some pals, before flirting outside the eatery until Sofia headed off.Sofia, 52, isn’t the first glam woman to be linked with Hamilton.SunSport looks at his romances through the years – starting with his most recent.ShakiraBack in 2023, Hamilton struck a romance with Colombian singer Shakira, after she split from former Barcelona footballer Gerard Pique.Most read in MotorsportLewis was spotted on a boat ride in Miami with the pop sensation.Ferrari urged to rip up Lewis Hamilton’s contract by F1 legend after star’s ‘worrying’ admission That came days after they enjoyed dinner together, although The Sun understands the relationship never went past the friend zone.She was last seen cheering Hamilton on at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona back in the summer.Shakira was linked to Hamilton in 2023Credit: GettyLewis Hamilton and Shakira enjoyed a boat ride in Miami together after her split with Gerard PiqueCredit: The Mega AgencyNicole SherzingerThe Pussycat Dolls beauty is often referred to as the love of his life.After meeting at the MTV VMA’s, their on/off romance spanned seven years.However, they finally called it quits in 2016 with reports claiming Sherzinger, 46, was unhappy that he hadn’t proposed to her.Amusingly, Hamilton once admitted he preferred his cars to his dates.”My cars are my babies,” he revealed.”I used to say, when I had a girlfriend, ‘I’m taking one of the girls out, so you can come if you want, but you come second when it comes to the cars.”Nicole Sherzinger was Hamilton’s longest romanceCredit: Solmaz SaberiScherzinger and Hamilton parted company in 2016Credit: Getty – ContributorRita OraIf his dalliances were like races, this one might have been his fastest lap.In 2016, Hamilton dated You Only Love Me singer Ora, 34, for a brief minute.Reports suggested she was infatuated with him and they even went into a studio to record some music together in 2017.She cheered him on at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on the weekend of his 31st birthday, but they never confirmed they were an item.Rita Ora had a quick fling with the F1 aceOra and Hamilton enjoyed London Fashion Week together in 2017Credit: Getty – ContributorRihannaAnother one, perhaps, to put in the friends category.In 2015, Hamilton and the Umbrella singer were inseparable – taking in the delights of Barbados and New York City together.Although, the Mercedes driver was quick to shoot down the rumour mill.”You know, I’ve known Ri for a long time,” he told E!”We’ve been friends for a while. We get to hang out every now and again…”Reports suggested he was willing to take their relationship to the next level, but Rihanna, 36, didn’t want to commit.Pop sensation Rihanna was linkedRihanna and Hamilton were once inseparableCredit: Splash NewsBarbara PalvinAs supermodels go, Palvin is as glam as they get.A Victoria’s Secret Angel and an Armani Beauty ambassador, she was once rumoured to be dating Brazil superstar Neymar.In 2017, the 31-year-old Hungarian beauty was spotted partying with Lewis after the Monaco Grand Prix.A year later, Lewis shared a video on Instagram of the pair walking down a hotel corridor in Budapest.Supermodel Barbara Palvin caught Hamilton’s eyeCredit: Calzedonia SwimwearNeymar with rumoured ex Barbara Palvin and Lewis HamiltonCredit: Getty – Contributorread more sport featuresCamila KendraBack in 2021, Hamilton was said to be a in hush-hush courtship with Instagram beauty Camila, 29.She sparked rumours the pair were more than friends by sharing a picture taken in his home wearing his shirt in an Instagram post.The Dominican Republic stunner was previously in a relationship with Tyler Cameron, a reality TV star off US show The Bachelor.Last year, she was spotted holding hands with Chelsea footballer Ben Chilwell, although their romance soon fizzed out.Stunning Camila Kendra was linked to Hamilton in 2021Camila was spotted wearing Hamilton’s shirt on InstagramCredit: InstagramDanielle LloydDanielle and Lewis have stayed close friends, well after their split.They got together a few years before she was crowned Miss England in 2002, after meeting at celebrity haunt 10 Rooms.But their six-month romance petered out because of the long-distance between them.She later married former Spurs star Jamie O’Hara in 2012, but they divorced two years later.Danielle, 41, has been seen cheering him on Silverstone in the recent years, proving there’s no hard feelings.Danielle Lloyd was a former flame of Hamilton’sCredit: Unleashed Talent Management – Make up by Amanie GrewalLloyd and Hamilton began a romance when she was entering beauty pageantsCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdLotta HintsaA former Miss Finland ticked all the boxes for Lewis.Lotta, 36, is the daughter of former McLaren doctor Aki Hintsa, who passed away in 2016.Hamilton and Lotta were inseparable in the paddock and it was suggested they were an item.She played it more candid, insisting they were just mates.Former Miss Finland Lotta Hintsa was rumoured to have had a fling with HamiltonHintsa’s dad was a team doctor for McLaren, where her paths with Hamilton crossedSofia RichieStyle is important to Lewis, who is a regular at Paris Fashion Week every year.It was no surprise to see him hook up with Sofia, the daughter of crooner Lionel Richie, in 2017.They were regularly spotted together, after she split with his pal Justin Bieber.The 26-year-old has since married British record executive Elliot Grange.Sofia Richie was said to be in a romance with Hamilton in 2017Richie and Hamilton both share a love of fashionWinnie HarlowThe supermodel, who suffers from skin condition vitiligo, was spied getting cosy with Hamilton in 2016 at the GQ Awards in London.READ MORE SUN STORIESCanadian stunner Winnie, 30, and Lewis then stepped out together at the CFDA Fashion Awards in New York in 2018.Again, Lewis has said they’re friends – but the flirting in public said otherwise, according to reports.Winnie Harlow is one of the world’s leading supermodelsCredit: GettyHamilton and Harlow are said to be good pals More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Liam Delap’s stunning rise from learning gymnastics as a kid to being BANNED from copying dad’s famous throw-ins

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      LIAM Delap’s size and skill marked him out for greatness by the time he was nine.But his phenomenal competitiveness was the key to turning him into one of European football’s most exciting strikers.Delap has enjoyed a breakthrough debut season in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyDelap joined Ipswich from Manchester City last summerDelap’s hold-up game and brute physicality has shone through this termCredit: RexDelap left City in search for first team opportunitiesCredit: GettyOn Sunday he faces Manchester City – the club that decided to sell him to Ipswich for £20million last summer.Despite Thursday’s 2-0 home defeat by Brighton, the Tractor Boys are hoping Delap’s goals can fire them to Prem safety.The Winchester-born star joined Derby County’s academy in 2009 – the same time Darren Wassall took charge of the youth set up there.And by the time the youngster could register formally as an under-nine, the Rams knew they had something special.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWassall told SunSport: “We had American owners and we had to do a presentation in 2011 or 2012 to say, in each age group, who were the top three players we thought could get through to scholarship.“We’ve still got the slides of when Liam was an under-nine or under-10 and he was one of the three.”All-rounder Delap tried his hands at plenty of sports while at school.Sprinting built his speed. Gymnastics helped make his large frame strong and agile.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd doing a bit of javelin fed into his ability to do impressive long throws like his dad – former Stoke, Southampton and Derby midfielder Rory – until parents of other children complained that his bombs were spoiling games and he stopped doing them.In any case, Delap’s attributes were more valuable in the penalty area than from the sideline.BBC pundit names England’s long-term successor to Harry Kane after Premier League star’s ‘bullying’ performance Liam (second left) appeared on Soccer AM with his family, including dad Rory, in 2014Gymnastics helped make Delap’s large frame strong and agileCredit: ReutersDad Rory is a Premier League cult heroCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe former Stoke player is remembered for his famous long throwCredit: AFPWassall said: “He was always among the biggest and most powerful players in his age group, and probably the age group above.“He could bustle his way through and had a really good strike with his laces. He could put one in from 20 yards, or 30 yards as he grew older.“But what really set him apart was his desire to compete.”Sometimes Delap’s will to win went too far.Wassall said: “Off the pitch he was likeable, so modest and humble and quiet.“The pitch was his stage, it was like a switch being flicked.“He was fearless. He didn’t mind getting hurt. He would go into the six-yard box with goalkeepers and defenders, where the boots were flying.“But his competitiveness was also a challenge for us.“He was so on the edge at times because he was so desperate to win, do well and score goals, that it boiled over.“Mainly he would challenge decisions, mostly in a good way, but there were times when we had to step in and bring him off for his own sake.“We had to show him that you can’t boil over because if you’re playing for the first team and do that, you will get sent off, miss three games and be no good to anybody.”Derby also made sure that Delap did not rely too much on his physical attributes.He would play in higher age groups and worked hard on his technique.Wassall said: “I remember watching him as an under-14 or under-15, playing for the under-16s, and he scored five goals against Sunderland, I think it was.“Every finish was different.”Delap’s former coach Wassall admitted that Delap’s ‘competitiveness was a challenge’Credit: GettyThe Winchester-born star joined England’s under-16s in 20185Delap spent 10 years in Derby County’s academyHe was loaned out to Hull City in 2022-23Credit: RexIn 14 years at Derby, Wassall oversaw the development of more than 40 players who went on to clock up more than 1,200 first-team appearances for the Rams between themBut Delap did not follow the same path as Willl Hughes, Jeff Hendrick and others.He was attracting the attention of clubs across Europe, including Bayern Munich,And one day Wassall had to call dad Rory, by now a coach in the Derby Academy himself, to tell him that Manchester City were in for his son.Wassall, now head of youth development at the EFL, said: “It was bittersweet because we wanted him to go on to the first team.“He was part of the Derby family. His younger brother Finn was there too and Rory was working there.“But it was a no-brainer for him to go.”Delap’s move to City in 2019 was a big step in his football education.Delap signed a contract extension with City in 2021Credit: GettyKevin Betsy, the former Fulham, Barnsley and Wycombe striker, was the teenager’s head coach for four years at international level.And Betsy saw Delap develop in confidence and all-round performance after initially being called up to England’s under-15s .Betsy told Sun Sport: “There were a lot of players in the squad from high-level clubs, your Liverpool’s, Man United’s and Chelsea’s.“Derby is a fantastic academy but they were in the EFL. That can come with a feeling of, ‘Am I good enough to be with this level of player?’“In the initial under-15 camps he probably didn’t show his true level.”But in his final year at Derby and his first with CIty, Delap was part of a stellar England under-16 side featuring Jude Bellingham, Jamal Musiala, Harvey Elliott and Levi Colwill.One of many highlights was scoring in a 4-0 win over Brazil that infuriated the South Americans so much that they had two players sent off.Delap was part of a stellar England under-16 side featuring Jude Bellingham, Jamal Musiala, Harvey Elliott and Levi ColwillCredit: AlamyDelap documented his England youth days on InstagramCredit: Instagram / @liamdelap7Betsy said: “The move to City bumped him up to a different level technically and tactically because of the way they played in their academy.“City would often use the No 9 as a focal point in the build-up. Liam was receiving a lot of balls to feet with his back to goal and dropping deeper than a natural No 9, in order to link up the game.“His hold-up play improved a lot and that was fantastic when he came in to the national team.”But not so fantastic when Betsy moved on to work with Arsenal’s under-23 side and found himself coaching against Delap.Betsy added: “I remember a 3-3 draw against City at the Emirates.“You could tell your players what to expect from the opponents.“But he scored two goals, one of them out of nothing, and set up the other. He was getting too good for PL2.”City thought so, too. Delap scored on his senior CIty debut in the Carabao Cup in 2020 when he was 17 but was sent out  on loan to Stoke and Preston in 2022/3, and to Hull last season.City then shipped him out on loan to Preston North EndCredit: PABetsy said: “A couple of the loans probably didn’t go as well as he would have liked.“But he would have grown stronger from those moments.“He would have understood what it takes to be a first-team player in league football, what that feels like.“Having a chance in front of a huge crowd is a different pressure.“If you see some of the goals, there were flashes of the Liam Delap of the future.”Ipswich saw enough to splash out an initial £15m to sign Delap last summer.But City inserted a buyback clause and Betsy would not be surprised if the 21 year old found his way back to the club that Ipswich face on Sunday.Betsy, now a first-team coach at QPR focusing on individual development, said: “There’s no ceiling to what Liam can achieve.“Liam will be a player for England, a centre-forward, and, if he doesn’t achieve it at Ipswich, at a high-level team in the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIES“For me, he’s good enough for Man City.“As a back-up to  Erling Haaland at the moment, but if he moved on, Liam would be next.”Betsy would not be surprised if the 21 year old found his way back to CityCredit: GettyDelap has scored eight goals in the Prem this seaosnCredit: Getty More