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      in Boxing

      Heartbroken British boxing champion fighting in honour of his little sister after her tragic death aged just 19

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      CALLUM SIMPSON begins honouring little sister Lily-Rae’s memory on Saturday night with his first British title defence.On August 3, the Barnsley middleweight grabbed the Lonsdale belt with a classy Oakwell win over Zak Chelli.Callum Simpson returns to the ring on Saturday night to defend his British middleweight titleCredit: RICHARD PELHAMSimspon enters the fight with a heavy heart following the passing of his sister, Lily-RaeCredit: @CALLUMSIMPSimpson plans to honour his late sister for the rest of his careerCredit: @CALLUMSIMPAnd, in social media posts since shared by his broadcaster Sky Sports, his proud 19-year-old sibling was filmed singing her big brother’s name and celebrating his success.Tragically, just two weeks later while on the first night of a holiday in Greece, Lily-Rae was in a road accident and eventually died after a 10-day coma.The last six months have been brutal for the Yorkshire lad but he knows his No.1 fan would want him to carry on – and he can do so while paying a perfect tribute to her.Ahead of his Sheffield bout with Steed Woodall, 28-year-old Simpson said: “People only die when you stop talking about them and forget about them.READ MORE IN BOXING“I will never stop talking about her. I will always say her name.“Although it makes me upset, whenever anyone says her name or speaks about her, I smile and I laugh.“Because I am just proud that she was my sister.“I love to speak about her and I have a tribute to her on my kit for this next fight.Most read in BoxingCallum Simpson insists he’ll never stop talking about his late sisterCredit: INSTAGRAM@CALLUMSIMP“Barnsley football club did a minute’s applause for her just after she passed away.“I am glad everyone gets to see her beautiful face and see how beautiful she was.”Oleksandr Usyk shows true colours with classy message to Tyson Fury after victory in heavyweight rematchSimpson really does beam when he fights back tears to talk about her.But the last six months have left him realising all the wonderful milestones they would have shared will now go unfulfilled.He explained: “It was the first night of her girl’s holiday in Zante, she was on the back of a quad bike and it went around a corner too fast and she went over a verge and came off.“She was airlifted from Zante to Athens and was then in a coma there for 10 days.“And there were difficulties with an operation they were trying to do at the end of that and she sadly passed away.“Other than her not being here, it’s seeing what it’s done to the family, my dad and step-mum and brothers and sisters.Callum Simpson claimed the Lonsdale belt with a classy Oakwell win over Zak ChelliCredit: GETTYHe’ll make his miaden defence of the belt against Steed WoodallCredit: GETTY“Knowing that she won’t be a bridesmaid at my wedding.“Or be an aunty to my kids and they won’t get to meet her.”In the chief support, Caroline Dubois defends her WBC lightweight world title for the first time against Jessica Camara and fancies tempting WBO queen Terri Harper with a big payday next.“It’s up to Terri and her team,” the 23-year-old super-talent said.READ MORE SUN STORIES“What I think will convince her is the money we put on the line and, once we do that, I am sure she will take the fight.“But then I truly believe I stop her, just by being more aggressive.” More

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      in Soccer

      Jose Mourinho will join elite club if he makes shock Premier League return at Everton that includes Pardew and Bruce

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      JOSE MOURINHO has emerged as the shock favourite to replace Sean Dyche at Everton.Toffees manager Dyche was sacked today following The Friedkin Group’s £400million takeover at Goodison Park.Jose Mourinho has emerged as a top candidate for the Everton jobCredit: GettyDyche, 53, was given the elbow with Everton 16th in the Premier League table and just one point above the relegation zone.And ex-Chelsea boss Mourinho could be in line to replace him – even though he was sacked by Dan Friedkin just one year ago.Friedkin – also the owner of Serie A side Roma – got rid of the Portuguese manager following a poor run of results.Mourinho subsequently joined Fenerbahce five months later, but he is understood to be unhappy in Turkey and could seek a move elsewhere.Read More on MourinhoIn October, he issued a come-and-get-me plea to Prem clubs after growing frustrated with UEFA competitions.He said: “Best thing I can do is to go to a team who does not play in Uefa competition.”So a club at the bottom in England who needs a coach in two years, I am ready to go. I don’t want to speak any more about it.”Mourinho is one of the bookies’ favourites to take charge at Goodison Park.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFormer Everton boss David Moyes is also fancied for a return to the club.The Scot was in charge of Everton for 11 years and is currently without a job after leaving West Ham at the end of last season.Should Mourinho accept the Everton job, he would be added to an exclusive list of managers who have taken charge of at least FOUR Premier League clubs…Neil Warnock – 4 clubsWarnock’s first taste of Premier League action came with Sheffield United back in 2006 after he led the club to promotion by finishing second in the Championship.However, the Blades were relegated back down to the second tier after just one season.’I won fair and clean,’ says Jose Mourinho as he hits back after Pep Guardiola dig The 76-year-old has also managed Cardiff, Crystal Palace and Queens Park Rangers.He is currently out of management but has a role as football advisor at Torquay United.Graeme Souness – 4 clubsBefore becoming a pundit, Liverpool icon Souness managed 281 Prem games.He spent three years with Liverpool before going on to manage Southampton, Blackburn and Newcastle.Since leaving St James’ Park in 2006, Souness has not returned to management.Marco Silva – 4 clubsAs things stand, Silva is the only name on this list to still be working in the Premier League.The 47-year-old is currently enjoying a spell at Fulham, having joined in 2021.Silva has also managed Everton, Watford and Hull City, amassing 191 games in total.Marco Silva is currently in charge of FulhamCredit: GettyClaudio Ranieri – 4 clubsThe Italian achieved arguably the most impressive feat of anyone on this list – winning the Premier League with Leicester City.Ranieri lifted the trophy at the end of the 2015-16 campaign after an incredible run.However, he was dismissed the following year after Leicester plummeted down the table.The 73-year-old has also led Chelsea, Fulham and Watford in the Prem.Claudio Ranieri won the Prem with Leicester in 2016Credit: PA:Empics SportRafa Benitez – 4 clubsThe Spaniard has taken charge of both Merseyside clubs during his career.His biggest achievement came in 2005 when he won the Champions League with Liverpool.Benitez has also managed Newcastle, Chelsea and Everton.He last managed Celta Vigo for 10 months before being sacked in March 2024.Ron Atkinson – 4 clubsThe 85-year-old took the step into management in the 1970s but went on to manage four clubs in the Premier League era.Before retiring in 1999, Atkinson took charge of Nottingham Forest, Sheffield Wednesday, Coventry City and Aston Villa.David Moyes – 4 clubsMoyes is one of the Premier League’s most iconic managers.He spent 11 years at Goodison Park leading Everton towards the start of his coaching career before being chosen as Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor at Manchester United.The Scot lasted just nine months in the job and later joined Real Sociedad.But he returned to the Prem in July 2016 to join Sunderland.Moyes most recently enjoyed a five-year stint with West Ham, where he won the Europa Conference League in 2023 before leaving the following year.The ex-Hammers boss is also believed to be under consideration by TFG for the Everton job.David Moyes last managed West HamCredit: PAChris Hughton – 4 clubsHughton managed 169 Prem games across his spells with Newcastle, Birmingham, Norwich and Brighton.His longest stint as a top tier manager came with the Seagulls between 2014 and 2019 before he got sacked despite leading the club to safety.Alan Pardew – 5 clubsPardew managed 318 Premier League games throughout his career with the likes of West Brom, Crystal Palace, Newcastle, Charlton and West Ham.The majority of his time as a manager has been spent in England, but in recent years he left to coach Dutch side ADO Den Haag, Bulgarian club CSKA Sofia and Greek outfit Aris.Steve Bruce – 5 clubsAnother Prem icon, Bruce has led five different clubs in England’s top division.Across 477 games, the 64-year-old spent time with Newcastle, Hull, Sunderland, Wigan and Birmingham.He is currently in charge of Blackpool, having taken the reigns last year.Steve Bruce has managed 477 Prem gamesCredit: PAHarry Redknapp – 5 clubs One of the most beloved figures in English football, Redknapp has been involved in 642 Prem games.QPR, Tottenham, Portsmouth, Southampton and West Ham are all among the clubs he coached before retiring in 2017.After stepping away from the game he won reality TV show ‘I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!’ and was crowned King of the Jungle in 2018.He now has an advisory role at Bournemouth.Mark Hughes – 6 clubsHughes has managed six different clubs in the Premier League era.Spells at Southampton, Stoke, QPR, Fulham, Manchester City and Blackburn made up his 12 years in the top division.His longest stint was with Stoke, where he spent five years after joining in 2013.Roy Hodgson – 6 clubsHodgson most recently managed Crystal Palace in the Prem, only leaving last February following his 200th match for the club.He was allegedly on the verge of being sacked by the Eagles before stepping down and retiring.The 77-year-old has also managed Watford, West Brom, Liverpool, Fulham and Blackburn.As well as his club career, Hodgson spent four years as England manager before getting sacked in 2016.Roy Hodgson left Crystal Palace and retired last yearCredit: ReutersSam Allardyce – 9 clubsTopping the list of the most clubs managed in the Premier League is Allardyce with a whopping nine to his name.He also holds the record for the shortest tenure of any Prem manager – 30 days with Leeds at the end of the 2022-23 campaign.The 70-year-old was appointed on a temporary basis as the club made a desperate attempt to stay in the top tier, but they were relegated to the Championship.Allardyce has not had a job since. The Dudley-born manager has also coached West Brom, Everton, Crystal Palace, Sunderland, West Ham, Blackburn, Newcastle and Bolton.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd he infamously managed England for just one game before stepping down.He spent just 67 days in charge of the national team and left following allegations of malpractice.Sam Allardyce has managed the most Prem clubsCredit: AFPManagers who have worked at four Premier League clubs or more More

    • 300 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      I sell ZIPS for a living after being released from EFL club… now I want to help Tamworth knock Tottenham out of FA Cup

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      CALLUM COCKERILL-MOLLETT realised a footballer’s life is full of unexpected twists when he was released by Walsall as a 22-year-old.That’s when he decided to turn part-time with Tamworth and move into a business that has even more ups and downs… selling ZIPS for a living!Callum Cockerill-Mollett sells zips for a living alongside his playing careerCredit: GettyCockerill-Mollett decided against going full-time after leaving Walsall in 2021Credit: GettyNow, the football-playing businessman can’t wait to get his teeth into Tottenham Hotspur, when he faces Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs in the FA Cup on Sunday.The former Republic of Ireland Youth international told SunSport how he became the Lambs’ very own Lord of the Flies!The left-back revealed: “In my final season at Walsall there was a massive turnover of players and everyone who was out of contract was allowed to leave.”I had some interest from other full-time clubs but most of them would have involved relocating to the other side of the country.Read More in Football”When nothing concrete actually materialised I decided to turn part-time.”So that summer I went in with my dad, Neil and started working full-time in his zip business.”I’d spent time around the factory while I was playing so I had a rough idea of what the business was about.”Footballers retire early and I knew I wouldn’t go down the coaching route, so I always had the zip business in the back of my mind.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Now I help my dad run the company.”We have around 30 staff and we are a wholesale manufacturer of zips.FA Cup third round draw in full as Arsenal host holders Man Utd and Man City get another dream draw He runs the zip business alongside his dadCredit: Facebook”You can’t come in and buy one or two zips from us, we deal in hundreds or thousands at a time.”We buy the raw materials from abroad and we create all kinds of zips.”Jacket zips, pocket zips, shoe zips, zips for jeans – you name it, we can produce it.”But our biggest sellers are probably sofa zips which are used in sofa cushions.”We supply some of the biggest sofa brands in the UK.”Cockerill-Mollett admits it’s hard to convince people he’s not joking when he tells them what he does for a living.”When I was full-time with Walsall and people asked me what line of work I was in, you can’t really say anything other than: ‘I play football.'”People kind of look at you strangely when you say that.”But now when I say: ‘I sell zips,’ people still look at me even more strangely!”Their first reaction is: ‘What do you mean you sell zips?'”If they’re wearing a jacket I’ll point to the zip and say: ‘You know this thing here – someone’s got to make them!'”It’s only when friends and family see our big factory in Leicester that they realise it’s quite a serious business.”The company is called Zipex UK and we are one of the only manufacturers who still make zips in the UK.”Most people import them from China.”But we are one of the few firms you can call and say I need 116cm in this type of zip and we can make thousands of them.Tamworth face Tottenham in the FA Cup this weekendCredit: ReutersLeicester fan Cockerill-Mollett hopes to get James Maddison’s shirtCredit: Alamy”I suppose we’re flying the flag for Britain.”However, on Sunday Cockerill-Mollett will be flying the flag for Tamworth as they look to pull off an FA Cup giant-killing act against Premier League giants Tottenham.Tiny Tamworth are currently priced at 2,500/1 rank outsiders to win this year’s FA Cup.Yet Leicester-born Callum kicked off his pro career with Walsall in 2016 – the year Claudio Ranieri’s Leicester City stunned the world by beating Spurs to famously romp to the title.That 5,000/1 shot was dubbed the Greatest Sporting Miracle of all time.Now Foxes fan Callum hopes to create another sensational shock on Sunday, with The Lambs priced at 15/1 to beat Spurs.”When you’re non-league you’re hoping to draw one of the Premier League big boys,” he said.”When Spurs name came out after ours I was a bit shocked and then my phone never stopped ringing.”It’s a bit surreal but it is what it is. When you’ve made it through three rounds, as we have we deserve a bit of glamour.”We’ve earned our Spurs, so to speak, beating Macclesfield, Huddersfield and Burton Albion.”As a Foxes fan I will never forget that famous title win. I celebrated with all the Leicester supporters at Victoria Park, when the team came on stage and Kasabian played.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So I know miracles can happen and I wouldn’t mind getting James Maddison’s shirt on Sunday if he plays – but I think quite a few of the lads are thinking the same way.”  Whatever happens on Sunday, it will be business as usual for the only Cockerill in the Tamworth camp, when he makes a speedy return to the zip trade on Monday!Tottenham beat Liverpool in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals on WednesdayCredit: EPA More

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      in Soccer

      Ex-Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang reveals dream career change after football and is already taking lessons

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      PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG is already preparing for life post-football – and dreaming of the silver screen. The former Arsenal striker has scored goals for fun since joining Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is enjoying his football again in Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyThe former Arsenal and Chelsea striker is already considering a post-retirement career moveCredit: GettyAubameyang linked up with the Saudi title challengers over the summer after leaving Marseille. The 35-year-old has refound his scoring touch, netting seven times in just 12 games.Aubameyang knows his football career is moving towards its final stages.But the former Arsenal and Chelsea striker has revealed he is already in training for a new profession. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Gabon international has taken acting lessons as he looks to become a film star post-retirement. When asked his favourite acting genre, Aubameyang told The Athletic: “Comedy, for sure!”If you see me in a film that’s too serious then nah, you will not believe it. “If it’s comedy, yes, you’re going to believe it.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAubameyang is “taking private lessons to master the art” of achieving his “dream” job.But the ex-Prem ace also revealed he would be open to staying in football.Former Arsenal star Aubameyang breaks down in tears and is consoled after Marseille are KO’d from Europa LeagueHe prefers the idea of club ownership or becoming a sporting director over coaching.A spell in Ligue 1 with Marseille helped Aubameyang fall back in love with football after a miserable spell with Chelsea.He told the outlet: “I never had that connection [with the Chelsea fans]. “No connections at all. The fans wanted the Auba they saw with Arsenal. “It was a chaotic year but it was good for me because I needed a break and, at the same time, they didn’t want to play me.”Aubameyang is taking private lessons to become an actorCredit: Instagram @aubaThe striker’s family are also piecing their life back together after a terrifying home robbery during his time at Barcelona. Auba and his family were burgled at gunpoint in August 2022, leaving kids Curtys and Pierre terrified to sleep in their own beds.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe continued: “After that, the kids told me, ‘Papa, I don’t want to go to school, I’m scared something is going to happen there’. “For a year my little one said, ‘I cannot sleep alone’. It was a big struggle. You have it always in the mind.” More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Roberto Carlos’ wild life with 11 children from seven women as he faces divorce and battles for £133m fortune

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      BRAZIL legend Roberto Carlos’ life away from football is as colourful as the kits he used to wear for his country.Incredibly, the marauding left-back with the huge thighs – famous for scoring the greatest free kick of all time – admitted in the past he fathered 11 children with seven different women.Roberto Carlos has amassed a £133million fortune thanks to a glittering football careerCredit: GettyCarlos and second wife Mariana Luccon have reportedly split with a messy divorce settlement expectedCredit: GettyCarlos shared this photo in 2016 and captioned the snap ‘My children’Credit: Instagram @oficialrc3The ladies’ man, with a £133million fortune, is currently going through a bitter divorce with wife of over 15 years, Mariana Luccon.They have two children together, Manuela and Marina.However, Estadio Deportivo claims the pair have gone their separate ways – and a war over his fortune has begun.The report adds that Carlos has been allegedly sleeping at Real Madrid’s training ground – the club he appeared 527 times for and won four La Liga and three Champions League titles.Read more in footballCarlos has since denied the claims, insisting he remains “at a private residence, supported by members of my family.”But the latest chapter in Carlos’ life adds to the mad existence he leads.Not only does he have a ‘futsal team’ worth of children.He’s also best pals with the original Ronaldo, sometimes known simply as R9.Most read in FootballWhile he is still keen on showing off his football skills – turning out on Sunday League pitches on our shores.SunSport looks at how Carlos continues to amaze.Roberto Carlos says Jude Belingham is as good as Zinedine Zidane’He has enough to set up a futsal team’Carlos had been in a happy marriage to Mariana from 2009.But according to TV show Fiesta, they have decided to walk away from their nuptials.The Brazilian beauty managed to stay out the limelight during her time with one of the most famous footballers of his generation, keeping her personal life off social media.However, she did appear in some Nike adverts, as well as on the red carpet with their two shared children.In an interview in 2015 with Spanish journalist Josep Pedrerol, Carlos admitted he fathered 11 kids.A video clip of his confession went viral on social media.He said: “Now I live with Manuela and I have several around. I have 7 in Brazil. I have one in Mexico, I have one in Hungary who lives in Alicante and the others live in Brazil.”Three of those children, Roberta, Giovanna, and Roberto Carlos Jr were born from his first marriage to Alexandra Pinheiro.Others born out of wedlock include Rebeca, Christopher, and Carlos Eduardo. The identity of all 11 children isn’t known.Carlos appeared on Spanish kids’ show El Hormiguero alongside former Arsenal striker Julio Baptista in 2018, when the subject of children was brought up.Baptista hilariously told the host Pablo Motos: “He has enough to set up a futsal team and with some substitutes.”Chris, now 22, appeared for CD Canillas – a feeder club for Real Madrid – as he aimed to follow in his famous father’s footsteps.Marina, left, and Manuela, right, pose with their dad on Father’s DayRebeca da Silva Rocha attends an event with Carlos last yearCredit: AlamySon Christopher, now 22, was born to a Hungarian mumChristoper, seen with former model Alexandra Horvath, who had a fling with CarlosCarlos became a grandad at 44 when daughter Giovanna gave birth to her first child they called PedroCarlos shows of daughter Marina during a legends’ gameCredit: GettyThree of Carlos’ children were born from his first marriage to Alexandra PinheiroCredit: Gettyread more sport featuresDaughter Giovanna, 27, gave birth to her first child in 2017 she called Pedro, making Carlos a grandad at 44.Football friendIn the past, 5ft 6in Carlos has been linked with a string of stunning women.Before his marriage to Mariana, he was in a romance with Brazilian model Jane Borges.There was another relationship with Hungarian supermodel Alexandra Horvath, who he shares son Christopher with.However, despite all those women in his life – it’s a close bond with ‘Blood Brother’ Ronaldo who he has spent more time ‘sleeping’ with. In a hilarious interview with the late Grant Wahl for Sports Illustrated, R9 revealed: “My best team-mate was Roberto Carlos.”I slept more in the same room with Roberto Carlos in training camps than with all the women I’ve been with in my life!”I spent all my life with Roberto Carlos for 20 years: with the national team, with Real Madrid, with Corinthians.”Famously, Ronaldo credits Carlos with saving his life when he suffered a seizure before the 1998 World Cup final against France.Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos, seen with Pele, are ‘Blood Brothers’Credit: ReutersRonaldo credits former roommate Carlos with saving his life ahead of the 1998 World Cup finalCredit: ReutersRonaldo once joked he slept more times with Carlos than any woman in his lifeIt put his place in the starting eleven in jeopardy, as a riddle over whether he would play ensued.“For me, it was so simple to take care of Ronaldo,” Carlos said in the documentary Brazil 2002: The Real Story.“We were sharing a room and it was something natural, instinctive. ‘OK, there is something happening, I need to help, to call a doctor and get the situation sorted out.’”I just shouted for the doctor and the players who were in the rooms nearby, Leonardo, Edmundo …”Carlos added:“It could have been something worse if there was not someone in the room with him.“Today, the players don’t share rooms, so …”Making moves after retirementAcross three decades, Carlos was one of the most recognisable and bankable footballers on the planet.Not only did he enjoy huge pay days at Inter Milan and Real Madrid, he also seized on an opportunity to sign with Anzhi Makhachkala in his later years in a deal worth around £8.3million over two years.The president of the oil and mining-rich Russian club would also gift him a £1million Bugatti Veyron car on his birthday.Alongside his playing contracts, he enjoyed sponsorship deals with the likes of Nike, Adidas, Pepsi, and Gillette.Legend Carlos famously scored the greatest free kick of all time against France in 1997Credit: GettyAlthough he announced his retirement in 2012, he laced up his boots three times as a player manager for Delhi DynamosCredit: Getty He announced his retirement as a player in 2012 at the age of 39.Although, that didn’t stop him from lacing up his boots to play in the Indian Super League with Delhi Dynamos, as he became a player manager there during the 2015-16 season.Astonishingly, for the heady heights Carlos reached during his football career, he once rolled back the years to play for a Sunday League outfit in Shrewsbury.He came on as a sub for pub side Bull in the Barne United in 2022, scoring from the penalty spot during his brief cameo.However, that wasn’t enough to help his team avoid a 4-3 loss during the friendly match.Carlos said before the match: “I’m excited to play for Bull in the Barne in Shrewsbury, paying homage to when I nearly signed for Birmingham City in the 90s, which is very close by.”I’ve heard that the team’s been down a number of players this season, so here’s hoping my training is enough to help them up their game and bring what Bull in the Barne’s fans want to see!”Carlos’ estimated wealth, which stands at £133million, has been earned from a glistening football career, as well as some savvy investments, including a property portfolio.According to Spanish reports, Mariana is continuing to live at their main home in Madrid.His in-laws are said to be living in his second property in the Spanish capital.This has seen Carlos move into Madrid’s training ground in Valdebebas.In 2022, Carlos had fun playing for Sunday League pub side Bull in the Barne UnitedCredit: AFPCarlos is reportedly being put up at Real Madrid’s training groundCredit: YouTubeThe training ground boasts apartments that overlook the training pitchesThe plush complex has its own swimming poolMariana Luccon and Roberto Carlos looks set to battle over his £133m fortuneCredit: GettyThat boasts small apartments, usually reserved for youth stars, complete with Real Madrid bedding featuring the club badge on the pillow cases.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere is a balcony that overlooks the training pitches too, as well as a swimming pool and gym.That will now come under threat as his divorce settlement with Mariana gathers pace. More

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      in Soccer

      Mikel Arteta is in the doghouse with Arsenal fans and running out of time to show he has pedigree to end trophy drought

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      IT IS A WELL KNOWN fact that dogs learn through repetition.Especially their names. Call it over and over again and soon your clever pooch will be your loyal pal performing tricks for treats.Mikel Arteta is under pressure to win another trophy with ArsenalCredit: AFPArteta won the FA Cup with Arsenal just months after taking over but is yet to secure any other titlesCredit: APSo spare a thought for Arsenal’s poor pet chocolate labrador.Boss Mikel Arteta came up with the idea of having man’s best friend live at the club’s training ground to give the place a family feel. And she was named ‘Win’.That is not a word being heard quite as often as it should at London Colney today. At least not when it comes to getting over the line and winning a trophy.A crushing home defeat to Newcastle in last night’s Carabao Cup semi final first leg leaves Arteta licking his wounds after blowing a great chance of silverware.Read More in FootballWin will be licking other bodily parts as per usual.The concept of having a dog at a Premier League training ground is a positive one even if the choice of name is so North London and cringey.And there is no doubt that Arteta has re-energised Arsenal in the five years since he took over as manager in December 2019.But Tuesday’s inglorious stuffing feels like a barometer moment in the Spaniard’s time at the club. And the pressure is increasing.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArteta introduced a dog named Win to the training ground two years agoCredit: GettyAs if to ram the message home in terms that Win would understand – Arsenal have let the lead slip five times this season – twice against Brighton but more importantly against their main rivals Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea. Boom boom.All of those games ended in draws, dropping vital points in the title race in the process.Arsenal player vs Newcastle in the Carabao Cup first leg tie at the Emirates (1)Arteta won the FA Cup at the end of his first half season in charge – breathing life into a flatlining football giant in December 2019 when taking over from the uninspiring Unai Emery.Victory in the 2020 FA Cup final over Chelsea should have been the trigger for more trophies to follow.But since then there has been nothing tangible to celebrate. No open top bus parade through the London Borough of Islington where skipper Martin Odegaard can show off a shiny cup.Since the FA Cup win four and a half years ago, even car-crash Manchester United have won something. And they are considered a laughing stock, now taking a punt on their third manager since Arteta took over the reins at the Emirates with a mission to make Arsenal great again.Ironically, Manchester United beat Newcastle in the 2023 Carabao Cup Final.The Geordies are renowned as serial chokers. Seven times losers in the FA Cup Final, twice in the League Cup, even throwing it away five times in the old Charity Shield. Without a major domestic trophy in 70 years.Succumbing to the Toon at home in such a feeble way does not mean Arteta’s time is up. Far from it, even if social media tells a different story with the notoriously fickle Gooners jumping on their keyboards over their chai lattes to ensure ‘Arteta Out’ has been trending.His 59.2 percent win rate is superior to that of his immediate predecessor Unai Emery and surprisingly better than that of Arsene Wenger – the man who laid the foundations for modern Arsenal.The French legend won 57.3% of his 1235 games. But Arteta has had only 262 so far which makes it slightly easier to maintain a higher ratio of victories.Wenger also had the Premier League in the bag in his second season – ripping the trophy from the best Manchester United team of all time led by the most successful British manager in history in Alex Ferguson.Arteta has enjoyed three full seasons of goodwill as he attempts a similar assault on football’s Mount Everest, overhauling Manchester City’s imperious four-in-a-row champions.The Gunners suffered a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final on TuesdayCredit: EPAAlexander Isak was a thorn in Arsenal’s side againCredit: GettyThat’s a big ask and the club and the fans have been patient up to now. It’s still too early to panic but there is a growing fear Arsenal have reached a ceiling unless bold moves are made.Their arch-tormentor Alexander Isak, opening scorer against them last night, is a £150 million transfer target.Former players like Paul Merson are demanding swift action by the board to sign the Swede and provide Arteta with the dedicated number nine they appear to crave so badly.Kai Havertz is only three goals behind Isak this season but will never be the consistent out-and-out centre forward they so painfully lack. Neither is Gabriel Jesus.It’s curious that in more than five years Arteta has overseen a net spend of £483.79 million but he is yet to find a player like Isak to lead the forward line with such venom.Wenger got away without one too for donkey’s years but then he had Thierry Henry and few players compare favourably to the masterful Frenchman.It is no shame to have finished second in the Premier League twice in succession to imperious Man City.But the dominant force in English football suddenly looks fallible so there’s a big excuse for failure gone.Champions League quarter finals last season, the last 16 of the Europa League the year before that. Gallant defeats but defeats nonetheless.The title race looks beyond them this season. Third time in a row.Arteta is a bright, young, energetic coach with a lengthy managerial career ahead of him at only 42.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd if he takes Arsenal up to St.James’ Park next month and turns Newcastle over in a stunning second leg comeback to get to Wembley, ignore all of the above.But for now time is not on his side as the clock keeps ticking and Arsenal’s near-misses mount up.Arsenal ratings vs Newcastle as Havertz fluffs golden chance with academy statlet the only bright light for GunnersARSENAL have a mountain to climb to reach the Carabao Cup final after a shock 2-0 first-leg defeat to Newcastle.Here SunSport’s Jordan Davies rates every Arsenal player on a disappointing night at the Emirates…DAVID RAYA – 6/10Looked nervy with ball at feet at times but could do nothing to stop Alexander Isak’s brilliant close-range finish.Unlucky to see his palmed save tapped in by Anthony Gordon.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8The academy product was very impressive again. Turned out of danger well at both ends of the pitch. So calm under pressure.GABRIEL – 6Gave Isak far too much space to manoeuvre a shot in the box before the Toon’s second. Wasteful and ineffective from corners.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6Had an early effort blocked near the line by Dan Burn. Was dealing with Isak well until losing a header to Sven Botman that saw the Toon striker score.JURRIEN TIMBER – 5Missed an absolute sitter from a yard out from a corner.Was then caught sleeping just after the break to allow Gordon to double Newcastle’s lead.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Linked defence and attack fairly well without ever really doing anything spectacular.DECLAN RICE – 6Plays Jacob Murphy onside from a flicked on free-kick that leads to Newcastle taking the lead.Took more responsibility in the second half on the ball.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7Heavily man-marked by Joelinton but looked back to his very best after a spate of illness.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8Much more direct in his running. Unlucky not to open the scoring with his driven shot hitting the post after a half-way line sprint.Continued to be positive in his play – just lacked the finishing touch.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6Sneakily got away with dragging Isak down to stop the Swede joining a Newcastle counter in the first half and a good first-time pass to set Martinelli away. Those were his only highlights.KAI HAVERTZ – 5May just be back from a sickness bug, but the big German did very little, apart from somehow fluffing a header wide unmarked from six yards.SUBS:JORGINHO (PARTEY, 59) – 7Some nice passes into dangerous areas and sprayed the ball about with conviction.GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD, 59) – 6Lively and sharp without every really testing Newcastle’s back four or goal.OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO (LEWIS-SKELLY, 77) – 5Booked within a minute of coming on for a rash challenge on Joelinton. More

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      World Cup winner and Lionel Messi enforcer Rodrigo de Paul’s ex-Wag moves on with female footballer-turned-rapper

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      WORLD CUP winner Rodrigo de Paul’s Wag has left him … for a female footballer-turned-rapper.Atletico Madrid star De Paul, 30, helped Argentina beat France to lift the 2022 World Cup.Rodrigo De Paul’s relationship with Tini Stoessel ended in August 2023Credit: AFPShe has since appeared to move on from the midfielderShe is now reportedly dating Young MikoCredit: GettyShe is a rapper with seven million followers on social mediaCredit: GettyThe midfielder was at the time in a relationship with Argentine singer Tini after splitting with longtime partner Camila Homs.However, Tini, a huge star in Spain and Latin America, and De Paul went their separate ways two summers ago.The 27-year-old pop star has since been romantically linked with rapper Young Miko.The Puerto Rican, also 27, played for her country’s Under-20 women’s team before switching careers to music.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA former right-back or defensive midfielder, her full name is Victoria Ramirez de Arellano Cardona.The one-time tattoo artist came out as gay a number of years ago.Now a multiple award-winning singer, she has worked with top Latin American music stars including J Balvin and Bad Bunny.Tini, born Martina Stoessel in Buenos Aires, posted pictures on social media of herself with Miko.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEven though the rapper’s face was not visible, fans quickly recognised her from her distinctive tattoos.And footage surfaced earlier this week of the couple together in a bar.Watch Argentina star Rodrigo De Paul SLAP Lionel Messi in face in training and ask ‘are you stupid?’De Paul currently plays for Atletico MadridCredit: ReutersTini Stoessel has insisted she is ‘happier than ever’Credit: AFPRecently quizzed about her personal life, Tini said she was in a new relationship – insisting: “I’m happier now than ever.”Tini has over 21 million followers on Instagram, while Miko herself boasts seven million fans on the site.De Paul played for Racing Club, Valencia and Udinese before joining Atletico in 2021.Capped 75 times, he has helped Argentina win the Copa America twice as well as the World Cup.During his time in the national team he has often been referred to as Lionel Messi’s enforcer and bodyguard.He has two children from his 12-year relationship with Argentine model Homs.He won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022Credit: Getty More

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      I was in Chelsea’s ‘bomb squad’ with £169m worth of exiled stars, we were laughing every day… it was a mess

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      PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG recalls laughing with the rest of Chelsea’s exiled “bomb squad” stars. The forward had been frozen out of the picture by April 2023 and left to train away from the first team. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has opened up on his disastrous Chelsea spellCredit: AFPBut he was not alone. Hakim Ziyech, Denis Zakaria, Kalidou Koulibaly and Romelu Lukaku all joined Aubameyang with £170million worth of talent on the sidelines. But Aubameyang told The Athletic: “They did a mess. It didn’t even look like a football dressing room, it was more like rugby. “Hakim Ziyech, Denis Zakaria, Kalidou Koulibaly, Romelu Lukaku… It was good I wasn’t alone. We were laughing every day, so it was okay.”READ MORE IN fAubameyang had signed in September 2022 from Barcelona – where he spent just seven months – to reunite with manager Thomas Tuchel.The two had worked together at Borussia Dortmund – winning the German cup together in 2017. But disaster struck when Tuchel was sacked by Chelsea just a week after Aubameyang joined following 1-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb. The player revealed: “I remember that day because I didn’t recognise him. It was not the guy I knew a few years ago. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”We had a close relationship. He was the only guy who really understood me in Dortmund. “At Chelsea, it was like something was wrong. I felt he was not enjoying his time.The one player Chelsea must sign this season“We lost and he was p**sed off. Usually, he would go crazy but he came to the dressing room and then left. “I was like, ‘This is not the guy I know. Very strange’. The next day, he was sacked.”Aubameyang admitted he only left Barcelona after armed robbers broke into his home in August 2022. And he had joined Chelsea – as a former Arsenal captain – just to work under Tuchel again. But Graham Potter took over at Stamford Bridge and Aubameyang was limited to game time – even being omitted from the Champions League squad. Aubameyang revealed: “That is when I started to say, ‘OK, this is very disrespectful’. They tried to send me on loan to America. I said: ‘No chance’.“I felt p***ed off. From that point, I said, ‘The season is done for me already’. “I just went to training to maintain fitness; I knew I was not going to play.”Hakim Ziyech, Denis Zakaria, Kalidou Koulibaly, Romelu Lukaku… It was good I wasn’t alone. We were laughing every day, so it was okayPierre-Emerick Aubameyang on being frozen out of Chelsea Potter was then sacked by April – following just seven months in charge at Chelsea – with Frank Lampard coming in as interim boss. And Aubameyang claimed Lampard initially wanted to recall the Gabon international – before being overruled by higher-ups. He said: “(Lampard) told me, ‘OK, I need you. I want to know how you feel, if you are ready to play again’. “I was like, ‘Yes. I’m waiting for this’.“Close to the end of the season, he spoke to me again and said, ‘What are your feelings? I’m sorry, Auba. I can’t really help you’. “I understood it’s not coming from him but upstairs.”Aubameyang later signed for Marseille after leaving Chelsea and scored 30 goals in 51 games last season – missing just one game. But in July the 35-year-old signed for Al-Qadsiah to become the latest high-profile name in the Saudi Pro League. Al-Qadsiah are on a six-game winning streak secured third spot in the SPL heading into its winter break. READ MORE SUN STORIESThey are below only Karim Benzema’s Al Ittihad and Neymar’s Al Hilal, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr fourth. Aubameyang added: “They want to be the best and I can help them grow.”Aubameyang now plays his football in Saudi for Al-QadisiyahCredit: Getty More