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    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Boxing

      Inside Conor Benn’s amazing life, from epic car collection to ‘words’ with Neymar and loving wife of seven years

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      BRACE yourself for a fierce battle when Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr finally take each other on.Already there’s been bad blood – with the pair meeting face-to-face at a press conference and coming to blows.Conor Benn boasts an epic lifestyle outside of boxingBenn has an amazing car collection, including a £260k Rolls-RoyceCredit: instagramBenn is also lucky in love with wife of seven years, VictoriaCredit: INSTAGRAM/CONOR BENNEubank Jr slapped Benn’s face with an egg and called him a “dirty little omelette” as they brawled on stage in Manchester.Benn’s rival was, of course, referencing The Destroyer’s claim that he failed a drug test because of excessive egg intake.Outside the ring, Benn lives a lifestyle to envy.His epic car collection is spearheaded by a £260,000 Rolls-Royce Wraith.Read more boxing newsWhile, he amusingly shared ‘words’ with footballer Neymar, and flies in private jets.He’s also winning in his personal life – married to children’s emotional well-being author Victoria.SunSport takes a look at Benn’s life of luxury.Car collectionBack in 2022, the same year he was banned from boxing for failing two drugs tests conducted by the VADA, Benn was estimated to be worth around £1.5million.Most read in BoxingOver the years, he has splashed his cash on an amazing set of motors, including his pride and joy – a Rolls-Royce Wraith worth £260,000.After beating former WBO world champion Chris Algieri, he was spotted with a £125,000 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG wrapped in gold.Conor Benn pulled apart from Chris Eubank Jr after SLAP at Battle of Britain press conferenceAlso in 2022, Benn added a stunning £110,000 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S – copying his dad who bought a Porsche 911 in the 1990s.It has a personalised licence plate – ‘K013ENN’ – and Benn calls it his “weekend car.”Expect Benn to add to his fleet, if he’s victorious against Eubank Jr.Boxer Benn shows off his incredible Rolls-Royce worth £260kA gold-wrapped Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG worth £125k is part of Benn’s fleetBenn also splashed the cash on a beautiful Porsche 911Bringing Neymar into itBack in 2024, Benn entered the ring after Eubank Jr defeated Kamil Szeremeta.The pair went face-to-face as they vowed to settle their differences one day in the ring.Lurking behind them was Brazilian football legend, Neymar, who seemingly found the conversation hilarious.It threatened to escalate then, forcing security and the ex-Barcelona forward to break the pair up.As it turned out, Neymar was there in support of Eubank Jr.Afterwards, Benn revealed: “I’m a big fan of Neymar. He’s a GOAT.”I just said to him, ‘your boys getting a beating.'”Incredibly, Benn also dropped a bombshell claim at Tuesday’s presser that Eubank Jr owed Neymar a serious amount of money as a poker debt.Benn said: “He owes Neymar four million quid – that’s why he’s taken this fight. So don’t talk s***.Neymar hung out with Benn at his pal Eubank Jr’s fight last yearCredit: instagram @conorbennofficialBenn had words with Neymar – saying was going to beat up Eubank JrCredit: instagram @conorbennofficialNeymar was sandwiched between Eubank Jr and Benn last NovemberCredit: Gettyread more sport features”I said he owes Neymar four million quid have you not heard? So don’t come talk to me about bollocks. This is why you have taken this fight.”And you are about to get rendered unconscious for it. You’re money hungry that’s the only reason.” Family lifeBenn has been lucky in love with wife, Victoria.The pair began dating in 2017, before walking down the aisle a year later in a private ceremony.She is an author, having penned the book Feeling It All which helps kids cope with their emotions.She also shares big brand deals on her Instagram page, where she has over 26,000 followers.Fans may also recognise her from her YouTube channel which has just over 1000 followers.In her videos, she take viewers behind the scenes of her boxing champion husband’s career.In her bio, she references her famous husband with the line “Married to CB”.Victoria and Conor welcomed their first child together in 2021, when Victoria gave birth to Eli.Victoria Benn met the boxer in 2017 and they married a year laterCredit: PAConor and Victoria pose with son EliCredit: INSTAGRAM/CONOR BENNA second son the couple called Idony was born last yearGlam Victoria is a children’s book authorConor admitted that he phoned his mum afterwards to ask her for permission to get a face tattoo honouring his son.His mum agreed and Conor get “Eli Clay” tattooed by his ear.Last year, the happy couple welcomed their second daughter they called Idony.Flying privateWhen Eddie Hearn’s your promoter, you can expect to live the high-life.Should Benn need to travel with Hearn and his pals for business trips, he’ll fly private.The son of legend Nigel showed off a private jet that took him and a crew to Philadelphia for a DAZN fight night.They then headed to Miami on the US trip.Benn enjoys the use of a private jet when he’s workingCredit: instagram @conorbennofficialBenn was joined by Eddie Hearn on board flights to Philadelphia and MiamiCredit: instagram @conorbennofficialHe captioned the snap: “PHILLY nights with the team, now on to MIA.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBack home the photos of his trip left a sour tase in wife Victoria’s mouth who was left at home with the kids.Amusingly, she commented on the snap: “Meanwhile, Idony just threw up on me 🤣”. More

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      in Soccer

      How Jesse Lingard has bounced back with move to South Korea by embracing Asian culture and releasing a rap song

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      MANY British footballers keep to themselves and refuse to embrace local culture when they move abroad.But not Jesse Lingard. The former Man Utd midfielder was released by Nottingham Forest in 2023, after an underwhelming time at the City Ground.Jesse Lingard is living his best life in South Korea playing for FC SeoulCredit: RexEx-Man Utd star Lingard shares his culinary experiences like eating Korean BBQ onlineCredit: InstagramBy embracing local culture, Lingard has made himself a fan favouriteCredit: InstagramHe was stuck in a football free agent’s abyss, until he surprisingly moved to South Korean side FC Seoul in February 2024 on a two-year deal – taking a huge pay cut on £17,500-per-week. At Forest, he was was earning a whopping £180,000-per-week.Although it was a tough start professionally, with coach Kim Gi-dong publicly criticising him for his fitness and a subsequent knee injury ruling him of action early on in his career, he soon won over the fans.However, it isn’t just Lingard’s football skills that have scored him admirers in The Land of Han.The midfielder has immersed himself in Asian culture – not just indulging in Korean BBQ – but also releasing music.read more football newsWhile, his epic social media posts – in partnership with CGI firm Vertex – have made him and the K League appear cool, as well as drawn millions of eyes through social media to his experience.Asian football expert and author John Duerden has seen first hand the impact Lingard has had from his home in Seoul.He told SunSport: “Not many foreign players make the national news in South Korea for actions on and off the pitch but Jesse Lingard has not been any normal signing.”For a start, he is the biggest name import to play in the 42-year-old K League and, therefore, has had more expectations and pressure than others.Most read in Football”In the early days, it looked as if it wasn’t going to happen at FC Seoul, one of the country’s big clubs that has struggled a little in recent years.Watch Jesse Lingard score screamer as former Man Utd star proves he’s still got it in South Korean league “He took time to settle, leading to a rebuke, of sorts, from the coach but most don’t appreciate how big a cultural difference there is between South Korea and the UK both on and off the pitch.”Just take the weather, absolutely freezing in winter and very hot and very humid in the summer and then there is the rainy season.”Culture clubLingard adapted. After all, he would have been use to a rainy day or two in Manchester, so that wouldn’t have hurt.But, he seemed particularly enamoured with the local culture and has brought cool to a country that is producing award-winning TV in shows like Squid Game.No sooner had he made the move to the Far East, he was sharing his dining experiences on Instagram to his nine million followers.Lingard then realised there was a market for a video diary of his career in South Korea, and he rebooted his YouTube channel last year.On there, and on his Instagram, he has shared his epic lifestyle. From cruising on a boat to making music and creating epic CGI clips.One of those clips dropped in December shows ‘J Lingz’ performing some kick ups, before volleying a ball into the sky towards a ribbon that drops a sheet to reveal a gold statue of his famous J-L hand celebration.Another sees the ex-Three Lions winger show off his dance moves, before Moonwalking out of shot.Before the end of the year, Lingard revealed his single KamsahamnidaA CGI viral video Lingard uploaded to Instagram in December has been watch 4.5 million timesIn another clip, Lingard can be seen showing off his dance movesread more sport featuresThe former has been liked almost 4.5 million times, while the latter has drawn almost 240,000 likes since it was uploaded in November.Lingard even found time to release his first rap single before the end of last year.Kamsahamnida, which means ‘thank you’ in Korean, was well received by his fans and is incredibly catchy.Duerden explained: “It is off the pitch though that Lingard has been different to any signing in the past.”His music single Kamsahamnida was a surprise but his CGI video, released in December, attracted hundreds of millions of clicks, went down very well in Korea and made national news.”Usual interactions with foreign players have usually not progressed much past questions such as ‘do you like kimchi?’ Or ‘how good is Son Heung-min?’ and comments about chopstick wielding competence. “This is not something that has happened in the K-League before, it is a competition that is solid but seen by many, at home and abroad, as lacking a little in the excitement and coolness stakes.”Officials at Seoul and at league headquarters were delighted. Lingard may not rival some of the megastars in Saudi Arabia in terms of talent and achievements, but he has brought a certain coolness and street cred that wasn’t really thought about when Seoul decided to try and sign him.”It helps that he is here at a time when there is huge global interest in Korean music, food, television, beauty products, fashion, technology and movies and getting involved in that culture is always going to go down well.”Too many foreign players stay in their bubbles and rarely experience, let alone embrace, the culture. Lingard has shown what can be done. Like anywhere, the more you put in, the more you get out.”Lingard has been credited with bringing cool to the K LeagueWhile on his YouTube channel, Lingard has shown he’s not afraid to try new experiencesPlaying in the K LeagueIn terms of his football, Lingard is clearly loving life on and off the pitch.After scoring his first goal of the season, with the K-League running from February to November, he performed FIVE goal celebrations in the 2-1 win over Anyang.Lingard’s popularity is bigger than ever, but it’s a tough league to adapt to.Duerden explained: “Few coaches speak English and they have historically tended to be quite conservative tactically, liking to counter-attack and players who work hard, run hard and listen well.”The league is of a good standard, physical and fast but you have to work for goals and games often only open up in the latter stages. “The average league attendance was 11,000 last season but with Lingard Seoul attracted over 27,000.”The K League does not have the same central place in Korean culture as the Premier League in England but those that go are often hugely passionate and will support their players through thick and thin, if they give their all on the pitch.Lingard arrived in Asia to much fan fare and took a pay cutCredit: APEx-England star Lingard suffered a set back when he required knee surgery last yearCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C57gyVmtuXw/?img_index=2Lingard scored his first goal of the season last weekendCredit: Rex”There is no doubt that Lingard has done this and his performances have improved. Being made captain in June and then officially getting the nod ahead of his second season was a reflection of that. Seoul coach Kim Gi-dong is not the type to hand out the armband on a whim.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The new season has started well with a goal in the first home game in front of 40,000 fans.  “It looks as if there is more to come.” More

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      in Soccer

      I was abandoned by my parents in an orphanage at two, now they ask me for money for life, says former Arsenal star

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      FORMER Arsenal striker Lucas Perez has opened up about his difficult upbringing and strained relationship with his parents.Perez kicked off his professional playing career with Rayo Vallecano in 2010 and went on to play across Europe with the likes of Karpaty Lviv and PAOK.Lucas Perez has revealed why his strained relationship with his parents contributed to his Deportivo exit last monthCredit: GettyPerez made 21 appearances for Arsenal after joining in 2016Credit: AFP AFP or Licensors AFP or LicensorsHe spent another year in Spain with Deportivo La Coruna before sealing a huge move to Arsenal, where he scored seven goals in 21 appearances.The striker then joined West Ham and spent another season in London before returning to his homeland with Alaves.Following short spells with Elche and Cadiz, Perez eventually found his way back to Deportivo.However, he was forced to leave last month due to personal reasons.Read More in FootballIn a recent interview with El Partidazo de Cope, Perez revealed that his strained relationship with his dad, who abandoned him as a child, was a key factor behind his shock exit.He also opened up about his difficult childhood and explained that both of his parents now demand money from him.The 36-year-old divulged: “I was raised by my grandparents, my father’s parents.”When I was two, my parents left me in an orphanage because they couldn’t or didn’t want to take care of me.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”This season, I received a complaint from my father demanding that I pay maintenance for the rest of his life.”From then on, I spent several months until I left Deportivo with a lot of stress and a lot of anxiety because I had to relive very difficult moments in my life.Mikel Arteta lays into Arsenal flops after defeat to West Ham derails Premier League title bid”When I signed for Arsenal, my mother also sent me a burofax demanding money… but she can’t claim it because she’s not listed in the joint custody.”My grandparents asked for custody and, later, my grandmother allowed my father to take over. I was lucky to have my grandparents, but they couldn’t last as long as they should have.”Discussing his recent exit from Deportivo and move to PSV Eindhoven, he continued: “I’m leaving now because the issue with my father continues. I’ve met him several times this Christmas and it’s not a pleasant experience.”Given that the situation at the club wasn’t right, because I didn’t feel valued or supported, I decided to be honest and tell them that I’m having a hard time stepping aside.”The club and I spoke… There were two games left to reach the 20-year mark with which I was going to renew and I didn’t want to.”Two days later, after saying that we were going to take a break, I received a letter from the club asking me to sign a written commitment with them.”I consider that they don’t know what Deportivo means to me and when there is doubt like that, the best thing to do is to step aside.”Perez also disputed claims that he left Deportivo for financial reasons, insisting he actually stepped away due to his personal situation.”What father doesn’t want to be close to his son? Obviously I want to be close, but if my job doesn’t allow it… I was already far away from him,” he added.”What happened is that they (the media) have echoed a lie and I am partly to blame for having allowed them to buy that lie. The person who released that information did so to hurt me.”Perez signed a short-term deal upon his arrival at PSV earlier this week.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is set to remain at the club until June unless his contract is extended.But the striker will NOT be eligible to play against Arsenal in the Champions League round-of-16 because PSV are unable to add him to their already-submitted squad list.Perez signed for PSV earlier this weekCredit: Instagram / psv More

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      in Boxing

      Josh Padley ready to quit day job as an electrician after fighting world champion Shakur Stevenson at four days’ notice

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      JOSH PADLEY has admitted he is ready to give up his day job after fighting lightweight world champion Shakur Stevenson.The Doncaster bruiser took on Stevenson at just four days’ notice after Floyd Schofield dropped out after being allegedly ‘poisoned’.Josh Padley took on lightweight world champion Shakur StevensonCredit: GettyHe is ready to go full-time in boxingCredit: GettyPadley, 29, may have lost the bout, but last nine rounds and earned plenty of plaudits for his performance.He has now insisted that he is ready to box full-time and give up his part-time job as an electrician.He had been managing the load by training alongside the part-time role.He had even been working on a construction site on the Tuesday morning before he got the call to see if he could fight StevensonREAD MORE ON SPORTHe told Sky Sports: “Luckily I am in a position now where I can probably pack that in and fully dedicate my life to boxing.”I’m grateful for that, thank you to [Turki Alalshikh] for giving me that opportunity, we’ll be back.”There’s more of that to come.”That was four days’ notice. Eight-week camp and I know I’ll be better.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPadley was presented with a medal by the WBC after the fight with Stevenson.He joked: “Not quite the hardware I had in mind to come back with.I was meant to be doing DIY in Doncaster this weekend, now I’m on a world title fight – my boss isn’t best pleased”But the rebuild will be on and very good possibility of being a full-time athlete.”Padley also admitted that he left the ring after the defeat to Stevenson without any regrets.He added: “I would have loved to have got the win and there would have been some back story to it, but didn’t get it.”I tried my hardest, no regrets, I gave it everything I could but the body wasn’t conditioned to take them shots.”He made a name for himself after beating Alalshikh favourite Mark Chamberlain in September 2024.Stevenson spoke about the fight after being named the win and insisted he could have finished it earlier.He said: “I barely got touched. Yeah, I probably could have got the stoppage a little bit earlier, but there’s always going to be something to critique.”As long as I enjoyed what I did, that’s all that matters.”I was knocking out the ring rust. I fought in July. If I can stay active and stay locked in, I’m good.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He was supposed to come in here and give it his all, make sure he can make it to the 12th round.”That’s what he was trying to do. So, I succeeded at my job and he was trying to do his job.”Who is Josh Padley and what is his boxing record?Josh Padley is a British Lightweight boxer who has recently rose to fame after fans have found out that he is a part-time electrician.Before his most recent fight, Padley was seen fighting on small fight events against much lesser-known boxers, forcing the electrician to keep his part-time job for the much-needed income.His last fight held at Wembley Stadium truly put him on the map with a huge upset after beating Turki Alalshikh’s favourite fighter, Mark Chamberlain.Padley has been a professional boxer for just six years now and with a record of 15 wins and zero losses he now takes a huge step in his career as he takes on Shakur Stevenson for the WBC World Lightweight title.With a win on Saturday night, it would be one of the biggest upsets in boxing history and one of the greatest underdog stories we have seen in recent British boxing. More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Jose Mourinho’s most controversial moments, from poking a rival coach in the eye to handbags with Arsene Wenger

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      CONTROVERSY has seemed to follow Jose Mourinho throughout his career.The Special One is currently causing a stir in Turkey, where he coaches Fenerbahce.Jose Mourinho is in hot water at Fenerbahce after being accused of racismCredit: GettyMourinho has courted plenty of controversy over the years, including his respect rantFollowing a 0-0 draw with fierce rivals Galatasaray, the Portuguese tactician has been accused of making “racist statements”.Former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss Mourinho claimed after the stalemate that Galatasaray had tried to get one of his team booked early on.He told a press conference that “everyone on the opposing bench was jumping around like monkeys”.However, Galatasaray have now hit back – vowing to file a criminal complaint against the two-time Champions League winner.Read more football news It’s the latest of a long list of controversial moments that have featured Mourinho.SunSport wades through some of those below.”Respect”During a press conference in the 2018-19 season, Mourinho took umbrage to journalist’s questions following a 3-0 defeat for his Manchester United said.Holding up three fingers, Mourinho said: “What was the result? 3-0? You know what this means? 3-0.Most read in Football”But it also means three Premierships, and I’ve won more Premierships alone than the other 19 managers together. Three for me, and two for them.”‘I’m not Kurt Zouma’ – Jose Mourinho makes outrageous outburst when asked if he prefers dogs or catsHe then got out of seat, gesturing the media to calm down with the palm of his hand, before repeatedly saying ‘respect, respect man’.Fracas with WengerMourinho and Wenger already had previous, when the then Chelsea boss called the French manager a “specialist in failure”.However, handbags were flying when the legendary Arsenal manager entered his rival’s technical area and gave him a shove and angry words were exchanged.After the game, Wenger explained: “I wanted to go from A to B, and somebody confronted me before B without any sign of welcome.”Honestly, I don’t listen to what he says. Push him? You would know if I really tried to push. Come on.”Mourinho and Arsene Wenger had a tempestuous relationshipCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe pair got into a shoving match during a Chelsea vs Arsenal gameCredit: GettyWearing a wireThe conspiracy theories were really getting to Mourinho during his spell at Roma.He was convinced referees had it in for him during the 2022-2023 season, a campaign which saw him receive three red cards on the touchline.So, in true Mourinho form, he did what he could to protect himself. He became an informant and wore a wire.He revealed: “I’m not stupid, you know. Today, I went to the game with a microphone. I recorded everything. From the moment I left the locker room, to the moment I returned. I protected myself.”Mourinho lost confidence in Italian refs so he started wearing a wire to record their conversationsCredit: GettyMore touchline shenanigansWhen Mourinho revisited Stamford Bridge with his Man Utd team, it took his team to hold him back as he looked for a fight.To be fair to Jose, he was wound up by Chelsea’s coach Marco Ianni celebrating a late equaliser in front of him by the dugouts.Stewards, Phil Neville, and other Red Devils staff members had to hold him back as he tried to race down the tunnel to confront the Italian.Afterwards, Ianni and Maurizio Sarri offered their apologies.When coaching Man Utd, Mourinho was taunted by Chelsea coach Marco IanniCredit: ReutersMourinho tried to race down the tunnel to confront the Italian coachCredit: Sky SportsHiding in a laundry basketIn his first season in the Prem at Chelsea, Mourinho was handed a touchline ban for the Champions League quarter-final clash with Bayern Munich.But, there was no way he was going to let that get in the way of entering the dressing room to talk to his team.He told Sky Sports years later: “I go to the dressing room during the day so I was there from midday and the game is seven o’clock. I just want to be in the dressing room when the players arrive.”I went there and nobody saw me. The problem was to leave after. And Stewart Bannister the kit man put me in the basket. It was a little bit open so I could breathe.”But when he is taking it outside the dressing room, the UEFA guys were following and desperate to find me so he closed the box and I couldn’t breathe.”When he opened the box I was dying! I am serious! I was claustrophobic, I promise! It’s true.”After receiving a ban, Mourinho hid in a basket to speak with his team in the dressing roomCredit: GettyNo questions, pleaseOften, you can strike gold with Mourinho at press conferences – because of his wit, charm, and no-holds-barred comments.But, on this occasion, he chose to say nothing.It was a press conference that lasted just 10 seconds, when Man Utd’s press officer asked waiting journalists if they had any questions following the final league game of the 2016-2017 season.Now most of the written press weren’t in the room at this time, with Jose arriving before them.With the handful that were in the room hesitant, Mourinho took it upon himself to say “good” before marching off.Mourinho often gave journalists gold during press conferencesCredit: Getty – ContributorAssault on Tito VillanovaDuring his Real Madrid years Mourinho was especially spiky.And it was fierce rivals Barcelona, who irked him the most, with things coming to a head in El Clasico.After the game, Mourinho poked Pep Guardiola’s then-assistant Tito Villanova in the eye in an unprovoked attack and wandered off.Barcelona didn’t make an official complaint. However, the club said: “The public have given their opinion. They are very clear that what this person did wasn’t right. The (Spanish football) federation will act if they want to.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThey did, they gave Jose a two-game ban, which was later rescinded in a general amnesty on suspensions across Spanish football.Mourinho apologised a year later and has always continued to express his sorrow for the incident.Mourinho famously poked Tito Villanova in the eye following an El Clasico match More

    • 288 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      ‘I won’t fit in the car anymore!’ – Lewis Hamilton admits to eating THREE pizzas a week at Ferrari and reveals fave dish

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      LEWIS Hamilton fears not being able to fit into his Ferrari now that he’s eating THREE pizzas a week.The Brit, 40, has opened up on his diet since joining Ferrari and his love for Italian food.Hamilton joked that he has concerns about fitting in his car for the 2025 seasonHamilton attended a F1 event in London with Charles Leclerc and Frederic Vasseur last weekHamilton is beginning a new chapter in his career by joining Ferrari, one of the most storied teams in F1.The move ended his 12-year stint with Mercedes, where he became a seven-time world champion, clinching most of his 103 race victories and amassing his 104 pole positions.Hamilton is set to debut with Ferrari during the official test drives in Bahrain this week.And the Brit has highlighted his excitement at the new chapter of his F1 career.READ MORE F1 NEWSHe said: “I have to watch my diet. But that will be difficult. “I have to be careful and I can’t eat pizza all year round. Otherwise I won’t fit in the car anymore.'”Oh God. I’ve eaten so many pizzas in the last few weeks. But funnily enough, I’ve lost weight. “Last week alone I had three pizzas. I love Italian food. Penne a la Arrabbiata is still my absolute favourite dish.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHamilton has a deep-rooted connection with Italy that dates back to his karting days. He first cut his teeth in motorsport at the age of 13, racing in Italy with his first mechanic, Luca del Fante.Lewis Hamilton visits Ferrari HQ as he arrives at Maranello for his first official day with the Scuderia This included his time with the MBM team in the Open Italian Championship in 2000 and 2001 alongside Nico Rosberg, who later became his team-mate at Mercedes.Hamilton added: “I still remember going into town with Nico every evening to buy pizza and ice cream. We ate so much pizza.”Luca, my first mechanic, and his mother always made me an incredible lasagne. “I have never forgotten that lasagne to this day.”Ferrari’s hopes are pinned on Hamilton and his new teammate Charles Leclerc, who has confirmed his contract with Ferrari beyond 2024.The pair will look to end Ferrari’s long-standing title drought since Kimi Raikkonen’s 2007 crown.The driver market has been shaken by Hamilton’s move, leading to changes like Carlos Sainz’s departure from Ferrari to Williams. F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      in Soccer

      Since I arrived in LA we’ve had wildfires, earthquake, power cuts and personal ‘bad experience’, admits Olivier Giroud

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      OLIVIER GIROUD always wished to finish his career in  California — but life has not quite been the dream he imagined so far.The Frenchman suits Los Angeles, sitting in the sun after training at LAFC’s impressive facility, east of the beaches and palm trees of America’s West Coast.Olivier Giroud joined LAFC last summerCredit: SuppliedHe has had to deal with devastating wildfires in the areaCredit: APGiroud spent six years at ArsenalCredit: AFP or licensorsHe won the Champions League at ChelseaCredit: GettyBut Giroud has faced an awful lot of challenges since arriving from AC Milan last summer.A number of LAFC team-mates and staff were put on evacuation alert during January’s devastating wildfires which destroyed more than 18,000 homes.The club have helped raise funds to support those who were displaced, while striker Giroud has donated possessions.There have been powercuts, earthquakes and the Giroud family home was even burgled earlier this month.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGiroud said: “Since I arrived in LA last summer, we had three power outages in five days of ten, 12 and 15 hours.“There was a massive earthquake when we were at the training ground. There were all the fires. It was a really sad situation. People lost everything.“We thank the first responders and firefighters who did an amazing job. It made me really sad. I was scared.“I also had a personal bad experience. Hopefully, there will be better days up front. It’s part of life.Most read in Football“Sometimes you have great days and sometimes tough moments.“It was a wish to finish here in the US and to give this opportunity to my kids to discover another way of life.”Lionel Messi finally puts ‘cold Tuesday night in Stoke’ theory to bed by running the show in -17 degrees temperatures Giroud’s career by numbersHere is a look at Oliver Giroud’s career…Grenoble, 2005–2008Appearances – 26Goals – 2Istres, 2007–2008 loanAppearances – 34Goals – 14Tours, 2008–2010 and 2010 loanAppearances – 69Goals – 38Montpellier, 2010–2012Appearances – 85Goals – 39Arsenal, 2012–2018Appearances – 253Goals – 105Chelsea, 2018–2021Appearances – 119Goals – 39AC Milan – 2021–2024Appearances – 132Goals – 49Los Angeles FCAppearances – 21Goals – 2Honours:Ligue 1 x1, FA Cup x4, Champions League x1, Europa League x1, Serie A x1, US Open Cup x1, Fifa World Cup x1, Despite all the challenges, Giroud is fully embracing California and Major League Soccer.The 38-year-old, who started out with French side Grenoble two decades ago and has taken in London and Milan along his journey, is more than content with life — despite a dramatic six months.He added: “It reminds me a bit of London. I lived nine years in  London and I really enjoy this city. “You can do a lot of things with the family. Plus you have the ocean side, which is really nice. “It’s a bit far from Europe but I like the lifestyle and visiting other parts of the US.“I brought the family to different places in California, but I really want to go to Hawaii and San Francisco. “I took them to Las Vegas, San Diego. Maybe also New York, if I can, for a break.“It’s sunny almost every single day. You feel far from home, like on holiday every single day. It’s not holiday time yet but maybe in a couple of years.“I’m really here to bring my experience to the team and to keep playing to win.“I’m a competitor and I said I’m coming in MLS to always give my best and achieve.”One sticking point of his new life in LA is keeping up with events back in the Premier League.As Giroud says, “it is a long way from Europe”, with English early games on a Saturday kicking off at 4.30am here.That has, at least, allowed him to sleep through some of Arsenal’s recent struggles. But despite the Gunners looking like falling short of a title once again, Giroud’s confidence in former team-mate Mikel Arteta is unshakeable.Giroud said of Arsenal’s Spanish manager: “He’s done a great job in the last few years.“I would say in a different style, but in a continuity of what Arsene Wenger did.“He’s had time to make the team improve, to set up his ideas.  He’s one of the best managers in Europe now.“He’s shown it. He brought Arsenal back to the top of the league, almost. I would love to see them win the title.“Mikel will never give up. I wish them to win.”One of the biggest factors holding Arsenal back has been their lack of a No 9.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut France’s all-time top scorer with 57 goals, who also bagged 105  for the Gunners, did not consider a Thierry Henry-style return to North London from MLS.He said: “No, I’m getting old. I’ll turn 39 soon.”Giroud has ruled out a Thierry Henry-style loan back to ArsenalCredit: AFP More

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      It’s grim down south as London’s so-called football elite lose out again and keep the capital a trophy-free zone

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      FROM Hackney Marshes to Wembley Stadium, London is a city which eats, sleeps and breathes football.Forget the supposed heartlands and  hotbeds of the north, England’s capital boasts more professional clubs than any metropolis outside South America — 16 of them in the top five tiers, with seven in the Premier League.Arteta’s hopes of domestic silverware look to have gone againCredit: RexMaresca has a long way to go to make Chelsea top boys once againCredit: GettyAnge’s hopes of a trophy rest with the Europa LeagueCredit: GettyYet Erik ten Hag won more silverware during his dismal Manchester United reign than the whole of London put together.And after a major February meltdown, it’s highly likely that no London club  will lift a domestic trophy for a fifth  consecutive season.Arsenal have blown another title, the Gunners and Spurs lost the League Cup semi-finals, while only Fulham, Crystal Palace and Millwall remain in  the FA Cup — with none of them having previously lifted the trophy.Arsenal don’t have a striker and don’t have any discipline, Chelsea’s owners have spent a billion and don’t have any senior players, while Tottenham don’t even want to be referred to as Tottenham any more.READ MORE FOOTBALLWest Ham are the worst Premier League team in the capital after sacking their best manager in decades — and David Moyes is the only boss to have won a major trophy for a London club in front of a full stadium since 2018. If Uefa’s Conference League even counts.Chelsea won the Champions League in front of a post-pandemic sprinkling of supporters in 2021 but the Blues have lost six successive Wembley finals, while Arsenal haven’t  won the title since 2004 and Spurs have won nothing since 2008.So with London such a des res for footballers, and with more than a third  of the Premier League based in the  capital, why do all major domestic  trophies head north?The winner of next month’s Carabao Cup final between Liverpool and Newcastle will be the 14th consecutive English trophy-winner from north of Watford.Most read in FootballOne common factor, a perennial  problem for all of the capital’s clubs, is the sheer weight of derby fixtures.How Mo Salah bamboozled Man City with genius ‘backpedal trick’Derbies tend to be levellers which take their toll — and while Arsenal are top of this season’s London derby table, they have lost at home to West Ham twice in succession and failed to beat Fulham this term or last.Since the exits of Arsene Wenger and Roman Abramovich — the two most  influential figures in London football over the previous half-century — the city is becoming a trophy-free zone.Wenger took the Premier League by storm with his genius during his early years at Arsenal — and kept winning FA Cups even in his dog days.By then, Vladimir Putin’s pal  Abramovich had arrived at Stamford Bridge and, as Arsenal director David Dein put it, “parked his Russian tank in our front garden and fired £50 notes at us” — before we’d even heard of FFP or PSR.With Manchester City in meltdown, this ought to have been Arsenal’s time for a first title since Wenger’s heyday. Yet five red cards have cost them up to ten points and the lack of a fit striker, or any authentic No 9, means their chances of catching Liverpool were always remote.Under Abramovich, Chelsea collected five Premier League titles and the only two European Cups ever won by any London club.Since he scarpered into exile, the Blues have become prisoners of their own dogmatic business model — signing young players on extremely long contracts, with no senior pros to guide them.Now Cole Palmer, the 22-year-old who has carried the club for 18 months, faces another season without Champions League football.And with six years to run on his Blues deal, a player who sees himself as Ballon d’Or material might soon be getting itchy feet. A Conference League title won’t cut it.Then there’s the football club formerly known as Tottenham who, in a bizarre missive, requested broadcasters no longer refer to them as “Tottenham”, only as “Spurs” or by their full name, Tottenham Hotspur.We knew Ange Postecoglou’s men were having a poor season but we didn’t realise they needed to seek a new identity under the witness  protection programme.All in all, it’s grim down south.Pep Guardiola made the north football’s dominant region – and Arne Slot is making sure things stay that wayCredit: RexEven Erik ten Hag lifted two trophies as Man Utd bossCredit: ReutersDIFFERENT LEAGUELAST season, the clubs promoted to the Premier League all went back down.While two of those relegated to the Championship came straight up and the third, Leeds, lost the play-off final.This term, the three promoted clubs look relegation certs.And all three were  hammered at home this weekend by an aggregate scoreline of 12-1.Opposition players aren’t even properly  celebrating their goals against Southampton or Leicester any more.Meanwhile two of last season’s relegated clubs — Sheffield United  and Burnley — sit in  the Championship’s top three, along with Leeds.If it seems the gap between the top two divisions is widening again, then how on Earth do you explain the plight of Luton Town?The Hatters  made a decent stab at top-flight survival last year but are rock-bottom of the Championship right now.Luton could be set for two drops in a rowCredit: RexASH CLOUDOVERTURNING the injury-time penalty awarded to Everton’s Ashley Young against Manchester United proves the supposed VAR ‘high bar’ has been forgotten and matches are again being re-refereed from Stockley Park.And, after ref Andy Madley had made an honest, instinctive on-field decision on a 50-50 call in awarding the spot-kick, it’s also possible his VAR might have had time to take into account Young’s previous for taking a tumble.Which wouldn’t be right.Ashley Young thought Everton had won a penalty against his old sideCredit: GettyLEAKY BUM TIMEIF you thought Manchester United were bad on the pitch, consider the mess behind the scenes.Chief executive Omar Berrada is threatening to sack any United employees who turn whistle-blower and leak news of plans to axe even more staff.These job cuts will help pay for billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s disastrous decision to offer a new contract to Erik ten Hag, then sack him, and to poach sporting director  Dan Ashworth from Newcastle, only to fall out with him and pay him off five months later.Ratcliffe’s chum Sir Dave Brailsford is apparently sick of hearing about the Sir Alex Ferguson era.Brailsford reckons it puts unfair pressure on the Ratcliffe regime to mention that, under Fergie, United dominated the English game, winning 13 Prem titles and two European Cups.In which case, why didn’t Ratcliffe buy a club which had never won so much as a raffle prize, and run that one into the ground instead?Ratcliffe and Berrada are trying to stop the leaksCredit: GettyHOME RULE?YOU’VE got to turn your home stadium into a fortress because it’s always tough to win  on the road in the Premier League, isn’t it?Well, hardly any tougher than winning  at home, actually.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere were seven away wins in the top flight this weekend, meaning a total of 101 home victories and 95 away successes this season.With plenty of teams enjoying success on the counter-attack, with defensive ‘low blocks’ difficult to break down and away ends invariably out-singing home fans, home advantage is a thing of the past. 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