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      in Soccer

      Inside Andy Carroll and Billi Mucklow’s turbulent two-year marriage, from stag do scandal to footballer’s France move

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      ANDY Carroll and his reality TV star Wag Billi Mucklow have revealed they are divorcing, after a turbulent two year marriage.In a statement, the ex-England, Newcastle and Liverpool striker said: “Billi and I have privately separated earlier this year and we are under way with our divorce proceedings.Andy Carroll and Billi Mucklow revealed they are going through divorce proceedingsCredit: InstagramCarroll and Billi have only been married for two yearsCredit: InstagramHowever, the nuptials nearly never happened after Carroll’s boozy stag doCredit: instagram”It has been a hard few months for our family and we continue to move forward amicably for our children.”The pair share three kids, having been together for 11 years.A source told us: “Andy and Billi care about each other a lot and have made some great memories together, but decided it was best for the family if they went their separate ways having grown apart.”They’re still focusing on the kids and being the best parents they can be and being respectful of each other.Read more Carroll news”They want the process to be straightforward for everyone involved. Andy has been throwing himself into his football.”Their relationship has been fraught with issues. SunSport looks at where it all went wrong.The stag do scandalIn 2014, Andy and Billi were seemingly headed for eternal happiness.They were very much in love, having got engaged just a year after meeting each other in a whirlwind romance.Most read in FootballEight years later, the two finally walked down the aisle at luxurious Four Seasons Hotel in Hampshire.Billi Mucklow and Andy Carroll Divorce After Two Years of MarriageBut, it was a wedding that nearly never happened.Prior to their special occasion, Carroll went on his now infamous stag do with pals.Pictures surfaced of the towering forward passed out in bed with two women in Dubai.One of the girls, Taylor Jane Wilkey was also seen posing in a bathroom wearing the footballer’s personalised dressing gownWhen the photos circulated on social media, Billi reacted as you would imagine.She took off her £200,000 engagement ring and left their Essex home. It seemed like they would never exchange nuptials.Bar manager Taylor even shared an image on social media wearing Carrol’s bath robeTaylor Jane Wilkey shared images of her in bed with Carroll on the stag doA reprieveHowever, bar manager Taylor expressed her regret at the situation.She also insisted that nothing sexual happened.Taylor told The Sun: “It was all just a bit of entirely innocent fun. “It was an afterparty. We all went back to his hotel. There was me, Andy and my female friend.”I didn’t sleep with him, it wasn’t like that, there was three of us in the room.”It was a full day and night of drinking, we’d been at Cove Beach since 12, it was a really boozy day. Andy was steaming, we were all drunk.”She added: “We went back to Andy’s hotel suite and we played some music and he got into bed and passed out.”I was there with my friend until the early hours and took the photo as a joke.”My mates back home were goading me for the lowdown so I took that picture for a laugh and sent it to them.Carrol was forgiven by Billi after Taylor revealed nothing sexual happenedCredit: InstagramCarroll and Billi wed at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel in HampshireCredit: INSTAGRAMCarroll left England and began a career at Amiens in FranceCredit: Instagramread more sport features”Nothing sexual happened. It was just a bit of banter.”After Billi requested Carroll show her all the pictures from the boozy stag do in clear-the-air talks, the wedding was back on.However, it was clearly a moment that broke trust between the pair.A fresh startIn August, 2023, Carroll left Reading after triggering a release clause in his contract.He joined French second division club Amiens – with his career in its twilight years.A year later, he would continue his adventure across the channel and sign for Bordeaux, where he currently plays.For Carroll, it encouraged a quieter life, away from the hustle and bustle of cities like Newcastle and London, where the nightlife may have proved a temptation.However, rather tellingly, he was alone.Billi made the decision to stay in their Essex home, as Carroll continued his career in France – one that hasn’t been profitable given Bordeaux’s financial struggle and fall from grace.Andy, who is said to be on £750-per-week, revealed to RMC Sport: “To be honest, it’s even costing me money to come and play for Bordeaux but I’m playing football and I am simply happy to be playing football.Carroll left his family behind to pursue his career in FranceCredit: InstagramBilli continued to live in their Essex home while Carroll played in FranceCarroll reportedly earns around £750-per-week playing for BordeauxCarroll has been linked to Harry Styles’ hairstylist Lou Teasdale”I want to be a part of this club’s history and to be frank, it wasn’t a question of money. In my career, it’s never been a question of money.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCarroll has since reportedly moved on from Billi – and is dating Harry Styles’ hairstylist Lou Teasdale.With divorce costing a pretty penny, expect Carroll to have dig deep into his savings to fund his divorce. More

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      in Soccer

      Erik ten Hag has got to be WAY better… we know Angeball but Man Utd boss’ system is still a mystery

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      I NEVER know from one week to the next what Manchester United are trying to do, what their system is or how they play.That was the case a few weeks after Erik ten Hag had taken over — I’m really none the wiser now and we’re 18 months on.Erik ten Hag is under more pressure than Ange Postecoglou for SundayCredit: GettyMan Utd face a striker in Dominic Solanke who is adjusting well for SpursCredit: RexAnd that’s one of the reasons why there is far more riding on today’s game for Ten Hag than for Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou.Ten Hag seems to be under pressure all the time. They get one good result, then a bad one. There’s no consistency at all.This week it was the Europa League and a draw against little FC Twente.At the start of the month it was getting smashed up at home by Liverpool.READ MORE TOP STORIESIt is difficult when you are not winning.If you are winning, you can keep a consistent team. In Sir Alex Ferguson’s time, the team pretty much picked itself every week.When you’re losing, it’s very different. You are looking for that formula, so you are chopping and changing players or even altering systems of play.Of course, Man United and Spurs both have  traditions of playing attacking football. But in the end, it’s all about winning.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLet’s not kid ourselves that everyone is so educated and just wants to see this incredible style of football.Winning games and being up near the top of the league is the only thing that will keep  people happy. Tottenham legend Gus Poyet explains why Ange Postecoglou can end trophy hoodoo and win Carabao Cup despite Coventry horror showIt’s no good playing good football and getting beat 3-0 on a Saturday.If you’re not playing good football AND you’re not winning, you’re bang in trouble, of course.Which is where Ten Hag and United are still.We know all about Angeball and when Spurs are playing  well, they are great to watch. It’s a very open, attacking style.They have some excellent forward players. Dominic Solanke seems to be settling in now that he’s got a couple of goals.Postecoglou can’t really play any other way with the players he has. They don’t have a lot of workhorses. The two full-backs can’t defend. You couldn’t turn that squad into something else.If Spurs are winning games and playing like that, the fans will love it.Having said that, a draw at Old Trafford today would be a decent result for Tottenham.But not for United. They have to be winning their home games.Ten Hag keeps making a point about winning a trophy in both his seasons at the club so far.But at United, you expect more. If you’re a Man United fan, you’ve been spoilt. You’re used to winning league titles and European Cups.Incredibly the way Ten Hag wants to play is still unclearHe needs to do more, he needs to be back up there challenging.The cup wins, well done — but still not good enough. They need to improve, big-time.Both sides will be looking to get back into the Champions League as a minimum.You’d put your shirt on the top three being Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal in whatever order. But it’s going to be a real dogfight for that fourth spot.Villa are in the Champions League this year and that could be a distraction.Spurs and United are in Europe but their  fixtures aren’t anything like the same level.Chelsea are starting to come together and they could be a threat.I still think Spurs have the players to just about take that last spot.And Ten Hag has it all to do at United.A lot of people were surprised he survived the summer, really.It was very strange. All the talk was that he would be going. I still think Gareth Southgate could be lurking on the radar.I can see the former England boss being of interest to the people who run the club if United’s form does not improve.Ten Hag needs results — and quickly.Gareth Southgate could still be on United’s radarCredit: RexHold-up even left our Ron in a rageTHE travel nightmare that Qarabag had on the way to their game at Tottenham reminded me of the worst journey I ever had.As a player at West Ham, we had a League Cup semi-final replay against Stoke at  Hillsborough in 1972.We were stuck in  horrendous traffic and going to be really late.I’d never seen Ron Greenwood lose his  temper but he was going crazy at the driver.He was in such a state that he was trying to  get through gaps that weren’t big enough and ended up hitting six cars on the way.They all followed us to the stadium and then the drivers got out and started having a row.It was like the  Keystone Cops.Was it worth it? No. The game ended 0-0 and then we got beat in the second replay.Sam was a write oneEVERYONE’S banging on  about dark arts — or  whatever people want to call them — after Manchester City and Arsenal’s 2-2 draw last weekend.It’s nothing new, all that verbal and physical stuff. But Wimbledon chairman Sam Hammam once found an amazing way to stir up some trouble.Sam Hammam had a cheeky way of inspiring Vinnie Jones and CoCredit: GettyBefore one game against them with West Ham, I got to Upton Park about 12 o’clock and my groundsman said: “Harry, their chairman has been in their dressing room for an hour and he’s got a big bag of pens.”READ MORE SUN STORIESI opened the door and all over the walls he had  written “Fashanu, you t***er”, “Vinnie, you . . . ”, all that kind of thing, in big writing.It was as though we’d done it, so that when  Wimbledon came in, they would get the raving needle and want to kill us.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      in Soccer

      ‘You want a war? Now we have one’ – Guardiola turns on former pal Arteta as Man City’s rivalry with Arsenal hots up

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      PEP GUARDIOLA says his Manchester City reigning champions are ready to go to “war” with Arsenal.And the City boss called on Gunners chief Mikel Arteta to come clean over his “dark arts” claims during his 3½ years as Guardiola’s Etihad No 2.Pep Guardiola said he is ready to go to war with Mikel ArtetaCredit: PAErling Haaland and Gabriel clashed several times throughout the 2-2 epicArteta reckons the blockbuster title race will not ruin his relationship with close pal Guardiola.Arsenal defender Gabriel had stoked up the rivalry by demanding revenge in the February rematch after a fiery showdown with Erling Haaland — who threw the ball at him — in Sunday’s feisty 2-2 draw.Guardiola said: “Gabriel said it perfectly, ‘This is a war, we have to provoke the opponent’.”So, we have to think, ‘OK, you want a war? Now we have a war’. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’m pretty sure Erling is not proud but, listen, with the type of challenge that Arsenal gave, I understand it.”Guardiola could not hide his anger at what could be viewed as a betrayal by long-term friend Arteta.The City boss, 53, insists he does not know what Arteta was referring to — and even wondered if it could be a reference to the club’s ongoing legal battle with the Premier League.Arteta said on Wednesday: “I was there for four years. I have all the information. So I know, believe me.”Most read in FootballMikel Arteta said he has “all the information” on life behind closed doors at the EtihadCredit: GettyAnd Pep Guardiola isn’t happy with Arteta’s commentsCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSpaniard Guardiola added: “Next time, Mikel has to be more clear about exactly what he means. I have to see more clearly exactly what happened while he was here.“So hopefully this question has been asked of him and he can also answer now exactly what it means when he said he was here and he knows what’s happening here.Furious Pep Guardiola lashes out and kicks chair with Man City stars fuming at Arsenal’s stunning equaliser“It could be related to the process with the 115 charges — maybe it’s about that and he knows information.Pep Guardiola”Instead of being in the clouds there, he has to be more precise.”The fallout from the explosive Etihad clash is likely to put a huge strain on the relationship between Guardiola and Arteta — and increase the tension between title rivals City and Arsenal.Guardiola could be forgiven for feeling letdown as he spent 3½ years mentoring Arteta while he was on his coaching staff.The City gaffer then urged his club not to stand in the way of his assistant when Arsenal moved to appoint him as manager in 2019.And the champions even turned a blind eye to certain things that happened around his departure that they were not happy with.Yet Arteta insists that nothing can damage his relationship with Pep.Arsenal and City produced a Prem epic last weekend which ended with John Stones’ 98th-minute equaliser.We thought games like this had been lostSunSport’s NEIL CUSTIS hails chaotic Man City vs Arsenal clash as a return to the Premier League of yesteryear.FOR two teams who have done so much to take the game forward this really was a tremendous throwback.We thought these games had been lost.Real feisty encounters between two rivals fighting for the top honours.How we used to love it when Manchester United came up against Arsenal when Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger were in charge.When Roy Keane, watching on as a TV pundit here, used to clash with Patrick Vieira before a ball had been kicked.The Manchester derbies used to have it as well.In fact that were clashes everywhere throughout the league.Since then the emphasis on the beauty of the game, the tactical side, the ball playing centre-back, the false nine, the inverted full-backs have all come to the fore.But English football still loves something like this.Compare this to the two matches between this pair last season not least the really STALEmate here.Then along comes a blood and thunder classic.A match to set the tone for what we all hope will be a real title tussle to the end but with that added edge.While these two managers maybe good friends who knows we may even get the niggly comments in pre-match press conferences about each others teams.We knew we were in for something a bit different as straight from the kick-off Kai Havertz charged into Rodri and left him flawed.The first players’ melee ensued.Foreign coaches often scratch their heads as to why English crowds love stuff like this.Love a thumping tackle, or a bit of a barney.How that as much as any sweeping move gets them to the edge of their seats and there was plenty of that here.Jurrien Timber was employed on the right to combat the pace of Jeremy Doku.SO Doku just charged into him and floored him.Rodri was clearly seen as one of City’s key men so at a corner Thoams Party followed up Havertz’s early example and caught him behind the knee, and the player hobbled out of the action.Gabriel and Erling Haaland was a classic battle between a big centre-forward and an Arsenal centre-back who performs like greats of old like Tony Adams and Martin Keown.A player for whom a thumping tackle warrants the same high fives or celebrations as something defining at the other end of the pitch.Haaland did brilliantly to pull away William Saliba and slip behind Gabriel for his goal.Gabriel will have been fuming having kept the big Norwegian so quiet last season.He barely gave him another sniff of goal, barring a second-half header saved, as he stuck to him, the pair often pushing and shoving one another as Haaland became frustrated with his shadow.Leandro Trossard did not get his second yellow and therefore the only red for the actual barge on Bernardo as everyone first thought but for kicking the ball away after that.Both technical areas were a flurry of arm waving and shouting from the two managers.The staff on the two benches started having a go at each other and Guardiola had to intervene.In the press box one of Arsenal’s technical staff was losing it.As Arsenal players went down with cramp and played for time the boos went up.The fourth official was getting in the ear.Michael Oliver was being told he was not fit to referee by a large section of the home support.When Arsenal fans were spotted in the posh seats having been in the expensive tunnel club City fans shouted and pointed to try and get them ejected.Right at the end after City’s dramatic equaliser and the game restarted Haaland barged into Partey and every player on the pitch got involved even the two goalkeepers.At the final whistle the ref was harrangued.On the touchline Guardiola and Arteta hugged.Arteta, who worked under Pep at City from 2016 until his Gunners exit, said: “Sport will never get in my way of a personal relationship.“If our relationship was damaged because one draws and the other one wins, or the number of times they’ve beaten us, I would not talk to him any more.“They have beaten us …they won the last four titles and our relationship continues to be the same, so what has to change for that relationship to be over?“That is just not our relationship, especially the relationship I consider both of us have,“I love him, I respect him, I admire him and I admire his team and everything that he doesMikel Arteta“One thing is our profession, another is our personal relationship.”Arsenal were made to pay for their “dark arts” and “dirty” tactics by Stones’ late leveller.Asked if it was hard to stay pals with Pep due to the rivalry, Arteta added: “If those accusations affect you it’s because maybe they’re true.“If they don’t and you do what you believe is right and show integrity, it doesn’t have to be.READ MORE SUN STORIES“If you don’t like opinions, you shouldn’t be sitting in the position I am. It’s quite simple. Don’t take it personal. It’s part of our job.“Things you care about, make sure you handle them in the right way. That relationship with Pep I really care about. More

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      in Soccer

      Jose Mourinho SLEEPING at Fenerbahce’s training ground as he reveals reason behind gruelling work schedule

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      JOSE MOURINHO revealed he sleeps at Fenerbahce’s training ground so that he “doesn’t waste time”.Mourinho, 61, made a surprise move to Fener in June and has already made an impact with seven wins out of 11 matches across all competitions.Jose Mourinho revealed he sleeps in Fenerbahce’s training groundCredit: GettyFenerbahce boss Mourinho claims he works at least 12 hours per dayCredit: ReutersThe Portuguese tactician suffered his second defeat on Saturday when his team lost 3-1 to bitter rivals Galatasaray but returned to winning ways on Thursday with a 2-1 win over Union Saint-Gilloise.The ex-Manchester United boss put together a long and passionate speech after the Europa League game as he explained the “Mourinho effect”, which sees him winning silverware everywhere he goes.The former Chelsea manager outlined his trophy success at every club he worked for, with the exception of Tottenham who sacked him two days before the 2021 EFL Cup final against Manchester City.The Special One also revealed he is so determined to carry on the “Mourinho effect” at Fenerbahce that he works “at least” 12 hours each day and sleeps in the training ground at night.Read More on FootballMourinho said: “​​I won trophies at every club I went to, only I didn’t win at Tottenham because I left the club two days before the Cup final. “So the Mourinho effect that I created at every club was to win trophies. I’m very sorry. We can’t do that in September. This game had two sides to it: One was the Europa League and the other was the difficulty of the first game after a heavy defeat.”After that game, it was a week in which there was a bit of pleasure in knocking people down. I am not an expert in body language or a judge in a dance competition. I know the emotional side of football well.“Journalists have an effect on the way fans think, the way business is done has something to do with it. Maybe it is you who need to change, you work too much. I don’t know how many hours he works, but I work at least 12 hours a day.Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I sleep at the club so I don’t waste time. Istanbul is a beautiful city, but I didn’t come here on holiday, I came to work. Everyone in the club does this, we have a good working environment.“I always try to instil and explain this to people: I can be successful from time to time, but when things go well you don’t go to the moon, and when things go bad you don’t go to hell. Watch Jose Mourinho’s hilarious reaction as former Man Utd midfielder Fred scores hat-trick for Fenerbahce “This is my philosophy. I work hard and I’m not going to go to the moon, nor am I going to go to hell . We want to go to the moon, but it’s too far away.“Sometimes they try to push us into hell, but people try hard not to. European Cups, I say half, because they stole a European Cup from me, I will never forget that. The reason for achieving all this is that I work hard at Fenerbahce, me and everyone at the club work hard.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Inside final Top Gear Stig’s racing career as he’s unmasked as Phil Keen, most successful British GT driver in history

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      JEREMY CLARKSON has revealed the identities of Top Gear’s Stigs – including one who was the most successful driver in British GT history.Phil Keen was the final Stig and has enjoyed an illustrious 21-year career on the track alongside starring in the BBC’s hit show.Phil Keen has been unmasked as The StigCredit: RexKeen, right, is one of the most successful drivers in British GT historyCredit: RexHe was the Top Gear Stig between 2010 and 2022Credit: AlamyFormer Top Gear presenter Clarkson revealed Keen was the third and final Stig from 2010 to 2022, when the show was cancelled.Clarkson hosted a viewing party for the final episode of The Grand Tour at his pub on his farm, where he told a crowd: “The original Stig was Perry McCarthy, followed by Ben Collins, followed by Phil Keen. “There isn’t a current ‘Top Gear’ so there isn’t a current Stig, but the last one was Phil Keen.”Keen, 40, joined Top Gear a year after he was crowned champion of the British GT Championship in the Supersport class.READ MORE IN SPORTHe won an incredible eight races out of 14 alongside his team-mate Marcus Clutton.That was the only year he drove in the SuperSport class and he returned to GT3 the next year, featuring in that category on 16 occasions in the British GT Championship.Keen still competes in the class and this year he is in fourth place.He is considered the most successful driver in the championship’s history having finished as a runner-up three years in a row between 2016-18, when he drove for Barwell Motorsport.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBest racing resultsBritish GT Championship Supersport – 1st (2009)Moss Trophy – 1st (2018)Kinrara Trophy – 1st (2017)Radical Challenge SR3 – 1st (2014)Michelin Le Mans Cup – GT3 – 3rd (2017)74th Members Meeting Bruce McLaren Trophy – 2nd (2016)TVR Tuscan Challenge – 3rd (2003)And he holds a record 19 British GT Championship wins, with 12 poles.His total career wins stand at 45, with 92 podiums and 22 poles.I was Top Gear’s original Stig – now I have a job nobody would ever expectKeen is also driving in the European Le Mans Series this year and had picked up two points from four races, despite retiring from two.He currently drives a Ferrari 296 GT3 but most of his success in his career came behind the wheel of Lamborghini Huracan GT3.His other notable wins came in a Jaguar E-Type in the Goodwood Revival – Kinrara Trophy in 2017 and the Stirling Moss Trophy a year later. More

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      in Boxing

      Tony Bellew snubs Floyd Mayweather and Mike Tyson as former world champion names boxing Mount Rushmore

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      TONY BELLEW snubbed Floyd Mayweather and Mike Tyson in his Mount Rushmore of boxing. The American National Memorial sculpture features the carved heads of ex-presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.Tony Bellew is the former cruiserweight world championCredit: Getty Images – GettyThere has been a trend of picking four names who best represent a sport – and Bellew listed Roy Jones Jr, Ricardo Lopez, Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Robinson.It means no room for unbeaten Mayweather and KO king Tyson but SunSport break down what makes Bellew’s picks so special. Roy Jones Jr The American is considered of of the best talents to ever grace the ring, blessed with speed, power and sensational reactions. He was four-weight champion, winning belts from middleweight all the way up to HEAVYWEIGHT. READ MORE IN BOXINGBut Jones has continued fighting well into his prime, as recently as 2023 aged 54. Roy Jones Jr won the heavyweight titleCredit: EPARicardo LopezThe Mexican also had an undefeated 52-bout career but a 1998 draw with Rosendo Alvarez denied Lopez an unblemished record. He held two world titles and boxed as low as seven-and-a-half STONE. Lopez had 38 KOs and retired in 2001 and remains one of the most celebrated fighters in Mexican boxing history.Most read in BoxingRicardo Lopez remains one of the most celebrated fighters in Mexican boxing historyCredit: WBC Muhammad AliKnown as ‘The Greatest’ due to his iconic career in the ring and for the work he did outside of it. Ali reigned as three-time champ and fought George Foreman and Joe Frazier in two of the most famous fights of all time. The sporting great sadly passed away in 2016 aged 74 as the most beloved boxer of all time. Muhammad Ali is nicknamed ‘The Greatest’Sugar Ray RobinsonThe American goes down as one of the best of all time, campaigning from lightweight all the way to light-heavyweight. Robinson – who passed away in 1989 aged 67 – had 201 recorded fights with 174 wins, 19 losses, two draws and one no-contest. The boxing held the world titles at welterweight and middleweight. Boxing great Sugar Ray RobinsonCredit: Archive Photos – Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Footballers who appeared in TV and film like David Beckham and Pele as Harry Kane makes his acting debut in porridge ad

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      FOOTBALLERS continue to swap the pitch for a TV and film screen.We’ve seen some who have wrapped up their careers and begun a new chapter in acting.Harry Kane appears in a German advert for 3Bears porridgeKane recently signed up to be the face of the cereal brandWhile others, during the pinnacle of their careers, have starred in TV ads. John Barnes, Lucozade springs immediately to mind.The most recent to make the transition is England legend Harry Kane.The 31-year-old striker recently agreed to become the face of 3Bear, a German-British porridge company based in Munich.In his first campaign for the brand, which is shot like hit TV series The Office, he stars as the “new boy” at the firm.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe 90-second mockumentary advert features Kane as a confused colleague on his first day at the office.He arrives at the 3Bears headquarters and introduces himself to co-owners Tim Nichols and Caroline Nichols.The Bayern Munich star attempts to speak to baffled workers, but they do not respond.Kane then puts a football-shaped mug on the table before asking: “So I guess breakfast is included?”Most read in FootballThe ex-Tottenham striker joins a number of football luminaries who have channelled their Robert De Niro.Vinnie Jones bags huge sum for Netflix doc about Wimbledon footie career – featuring iconic on pitch moment (1)Join SunSport in going through them.Vinnie JonesIt was British filmmaker Guy Ritchie who saw a future for the ex-Wimbledon hardman in films.He cast Vinnie as ‘Big Chris’ in 90s flick Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, in which he worked as a heavy for ‘Hatchet Harry’.A role in Snatch as ‘Bullet Tooth Tony’ followed, and he has since appeared in 109 productions, according to IMDB.He played Juggernaut in X-Men: The Last Stand in 2006 alongside Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart.And he is gearing up to star in The Gentleman – another Guy Ritchie film – that’s been turned into a TV series.Vinnie Jones first appeared on film in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking BarrelsCredit: AlamyVinnie Jones, right, later appeared in Guy Ritchie’s SnatchCredit: AlamyEric CantonaMan Utd legend Cantona is another 90s footballer who caught the acting bug.He unexpectedly retired in his prime at the age of 30 in his prime to pursue his dream.The Frenchman scored his first Hollywood role opposite Cate Blanchett in Elizabeth – playing an ambassador, unsurprisingly from France.He went on to star in plenty of French films, but it was in his star turn in indie film Looking for Eric that he showed a penchant for humour. Eric Cantona appeared as a French ambassador in Elizabeth in 1998Credit: AlamyCantona’s comic turn in Looking for Eric was even betterCredit: AlamyZlatan IbrahimovicIf ever there was a man built for action movies, it has to be Zlatan.The Swedish legend has made his film debut in new Netflix film, Asterix & Obelix: The Middle Kingdom.Of course he plays a Roman centurion and gets to show off his fighting skills in one scene – flicking up a helmet with his feet, before delivering a devastating uppercut blow to a villain and knocking his opponent off his feet.Oscar-winner Marion Cotillard also appears, proving Zlatan is in great company.Zlatan Ibrahimovic stars as a Roman centurion in the new Asterix movieCredit: PatheIbrahimovic attended the film’s premiere this monthCredit: RexRonaldoYou know you’ve made it in life when you appear in The Simpsons.Brazil legend Ronaldo played himself in a 2007 episode of the hit American cartoon.Incredibly, he voiced himself in English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Dutch.Amusingly, he turns up at a football match Lisa is playing – labelling her “a flopper” after she goes down too easy following a sturdy challenge. Ronaldo appeared as himself in The SimpsonsCredit: Fox BroadcastingAlly McCoistUnbeknownst to many, Rangers and talksSPORT legend McCoist was in a movie opposite Robert Duvall in A Shot at Glory in 2000.He had to play a fictional legendary ex-Celtic player called Jackie McQuillan, which would have hurt.However, McCoist confessed he wore a Rangers jersey underneath a Celtic one while filming.Ally McCoist opposite movie legend Robert Duvall in A Shot at GloryCredit: AlamyDavid BeckhamWith his movie star looks, it’s no wonder Beckham made it in the movies.Pal Guy Ritchie cast him in two of his films, as a projectionist in 2014’s The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and then as Trigger in King Arthur: Legend of the Sword in 2017.In the latter, he starred with Charlie Hunnam.Hunnam told Becks on set: “I said ‘listen pal, this is my movie and I want to be the most handsome man on screen!'”David Beckham appeared in King Arthur: Legend of the Sword in 2017Credit: AlamyBeckham spotted on the set of the Guy Ritchie movieCredit: AlamyFrank LeboeufEx-Chelsea defender Leboeuf made a bizarre cameo in Oscar-nominated movie The Theory of Everything, based on the life of Stephen Hawking.The French World Cup winner popped up as a doctor in one scene, although it wasn’t his acting debut.Previously he appearedin 2001’s Taking Sides, and has also acted in several theatres as well as World War II film Allies.“Journalists have asked me what is the common point between football and theatre, but they are completely different. We are both live — that’s it,” he told The Times.Frank Leboeuf seen in The Theory of EverythingCredit: TM & © Universalread more sport featuresPeleWith his status as the best footballer on the planet in the 1960s and 70s, it was no surprise Hollywood came calling.The late Pele played the role of Corporal Luis Fernandez, a captured POW during the Second World War in the classic Escape to Victory – with Michael Caine and Sylvester Stallone in starring roles too.The 1981 movie featured several footballers, including Bobby Moore and Ossie Ardiles – who are famously pitted against a German team in an exhibition match for their freedom.Pele shares a chat with Sylvester Stallone on set of 1981 film Escape to VictoryCredit: GettyPele was one of a number of footballers who appearedCredit: AlamyCarlo AncelottiIt’s a blink and you’ll miss it moment. But, the Real Madrid legend showed off his inner trekkie – appearing in Star Trek Beyond in 2016.Ancelotti’s brief cameo came at Starbase Yorktown as a doctor, kitted out in a Starfleet outfit as he examined an alien.Ancelotti said to Four Four Two: “I am a terrible actor.“I loved Star Trek as a child, so it is wonderful to be in the film now.”Carlo Ancelotti is a self-confessed Star Trek fanAncelotti appears in a blink and you’ll miss it moment in Star Trek Beyond in 2016Chris KamaraKamara turned out for Leeds, Bradford and Sheffield United – so it was only right that he would turn up on Yorkshire’s famous soap.Kammy appeared in a small role for an episode that was shown in 2019.He played a football coach and was labelled a “gobby manager” in a clash with Bear Wolf.READ MORE SUN STORIESEmmerdale viewers took to Twitter after watching the hilarious cameo.One fan said: “It’s Chris Kamara the Legend!!!! Unbelievable Jeff!!”Chris Kamara played a ‘Gobby manager’ in Emmerdale and ruffled Bear Wolf’s feathers in the soapCredit: ITV More

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      Arteta asked about a 12-year-old Ethan Nwaneri in his first week as Arsenal boss – five years later he must unleash him

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      MIKEL ARTETA has had his eye on Ethan Nwaneri since he was 12-years-old.Within the first week of his appointment as Arsenal boss in December 2019, Arteta spoke with U16 coach Dan Micciche about an immense talent playing with kids four years his senior and asked him: “I hear you’ve got a player for me…”Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta has had his eye on Ethan Nwaneri since 2019Nwaneri signed his Arsenal contract alongside Jack WilshereCredit: Arsenal FC via Instagram / @ethan_nwaneriNwaneri made history when he featured in the Premier League at the age of 15Credit: GettyA video compilation was compiled to prove that the early comparisons to Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Cesc Fabregas and Jack Wilshere were not as wild as they initially sounded.Fast forward to the present day and 17-year-old Nwaneri is on the cusp of a full Prem debut after scoring twice on his first senior start against Bolton in the Carabao Cup third round.And given the Gunners’ current injury issues in midfield, Arteta should hold him back no longer ahead of their clash with Leicester at the Emirates on Saturday. The time is now.As Arteta himself admitted after the 5-1 thumping of the Trotters, “the boy is ready” before adding: “He’s ahead of what anybody could expect”.READ MORE ON ARSENALHowever, Arsenal’s Hale End academy have known about Nwaneri’s potential since his arrival as a nine-year-old – where he was introduced to several senior stars on his first day.His progress since has been nothing short of meteoric, playing with the U18s at the age of 14 and the U21s at the age of 15 before his history-making Prem debut in September 2022.There was interest from Chelsea and Manchester City before he signed his first pro deal back in March after his 17th birthday – but leaving Arsenal has never been a consideration.After scoring his first two goals for the club on Wednesday night, the England U19s starlet said: “It’s a great feeling when the club you love and have grown up with and the fans are chanting your name.Most read in FootballNwaneri scored two against League One side Bolton in the Carabao Cup on WednesdayCredit: RexNwaneri made his Prem debut in a 3-0 win over Brentford aged 15Credit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“It’s a good feeling. It’s a surreal feeling. It’s a feeling I’ve wanted to feel for almost 16 years of my life so to actually feel it, it’s crazy. I just want more of it.”Nwaneri was one of NINE academy players in the squad against Bolton, with 16-year-old keeper Jack Porter, defenders Maldini Kacurri, 18, and Josh Nichols, 18, and winger Ismeal Kabia, 18, also making their debuts.Mikel Arteta insists Ethan Nwaneri will get more chances for Arsenal this season Nwaneri added: “All of those players that I’ve played with since I’ve been like nine and now we’re on the big pitch together, it’s a crazy feeling.”But Nwaneri is the shining light and the quiet leader among them, despite his shy and down-to-earth nature. Before kick-off against Bolton, Nwaneri led his academy pals out on to the pitch to soak up the atmosphere, shaking hands with managing director Richard Garlick.Nwaneri does his talking on the pitch, showing an eye for goal in the 37th and 49th minute and looking immensely comfortable on the ball, constantly dodging tackles with power and poise.Not that it has affected his school work. Much like another academy grad Myles Lewis-Skelly, the pair would often finish training, put on their uniforms and race to school to hand in homework.Nwaneri has had many a role model, coached by club legend Wilshere in the U18s and called “very, very special” by former midfielder Granit Xhaka while the Swiss international picked up his coaching badges with the U16s at London Colney.Nwaneri joined Arsenal when he was eight years oldCredit: Arsenal FC via Instagram / @ethan_nwaneriHe now plays for Mikel Arteta’s first teamCredit: GettyEven current skipper Martin Odegaard has gone out of his way to guide and nurture a player who could one day replace him as Arsenal’s talisman and fan favourite.With Odegaard and Mikel Merino missing through injury and Jorginho and Thomas Partey in need of a rest, these upcoming home league outings against the Foxes and Southampton could not have come at a better time for Nwaneri’s official unveiling as a first team regular.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has already featured once this Prem term, off the bench late on to help see out a 1-0 victory away at rivals Tottenham, adding to previous sub appearances at the Bees and West Ham.Nwaneri said: “It’s been intense, but it’s definitely helped me as a player. I’ve added that to my game.”Arsenal player ratings vs BoltonETHAN NWANERI will remember this night for the rest of his life after scoring twice on his full Arsenal debut.The Gunners eased to a 5-1 victory over Bolton in the Carabao Cup third round.See how their players, young and old, rated at the Emirates.Jack Porter – 6He may be 16 years old but he did not show it tonight. Had one scare when his pass was blocked by Aaron Collins and the ball flew over but other than that he did not put a foot wrong.Josh Nichols – 6Encouraging signs from the right-back although he was not really tested in a defensive capacity.Jakub Kiwior – 6Dealt with Bolton’s many crosses into the box but was far too high up the pitch, along with Calafiori, which allowed the visitors to break and score.Riccardo Calafiori – 7A Rolls-Royce defender who carries himself a bit like David Luiz, minus the erratic decision-making. Defended well and went close with a long shot.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Looked very comfortable in possession and saw plenty of the ball. Excellent composure for a young head and linked with Sterling well.Jorginho – 6Kept things ticking over but in truth it was quite an easy night for the Italian.Declan Rice – 7Took his goal very well and everything Arsenal did went through him.Ethan Nwaneri – 9A night to remember for the 17-year-old as he capped his first start for the club with his first goals. Showed great poaching instincts.Bukayo Saka – 9Typical Saka performance and he was a constant threat with his delivery, whether in open play or from corners.Raheem Sterling – 9A threat throughout and he is back playing with a smile on his face, which is great to see. Worked hard and got his deserved goal when he poked in from two yards out.Gabriel Jesus – 5Plenty of energy and panache up front but without the finishing to match – a familiar tale of his Arsenal career.See how the Arsenal subs rated here More