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      in Soccer

      I was sad watching Newcastle’s thriller vs Liverpool – Toon fans should have been loving it but all they feel is despair

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      GOING back home to Newcastle and St James’ Park is always special for me, having grown up in the city.But last week’s trip to cover the Liverpool match at the great  Cathedral on the hill was tinged with sadness.Amanda Staveley and husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi welcomed Eddie Howe as manager three years ago at the peak of Toon fans’ optimismCredit: AFPStar striker Alexander Isak and Co should have more reasons to be cheerfulCredit: GettyThe game was fabulous, as it swung one way and then the other.Mo Salah looked like he had won it for Arne Slot’s table toppers with his second goal in the 83rd minute to cap a fantastic performance.Then, in the very last minute of normal time, Fabian Schar grabbed an equaliser to end it all square at 3-3.Few places in football match St James’ Park for atmosphere on a night like that.READ MORE TOP STORIESYet it comes against a backdrop of some despair.The night before, I had met two of my oldest friends from school — one of whom is a lifelong season-ticket holder.Talk immediately turned to football over a pint in The County on Gosforth High Street.The absolute despair being felt by Newcastle fans hit me during the conversation.Most read in FootballIt’s gone wrong for Pep Guardiola this season and Man City await the FFP case verdict but their football in recent years has thrilled the worldCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSYou see, it was not that long ago that the miserable years under Mike Ashley finally came to an end.There was obvious controversy over the Saudi takeover but it offered Newcastle fans hope, having seen what similar investment from the Middle East had done at a club like Manchester City.Eddie Howe reveals worst part of being a manager that Newcastle boss has made ‘non-negotiable’ since first dayFrom perennial punchline to headline, City had torn themselves from  Manchester United’s shadow and shone bright at the summit of English football.Now it was Newcastle’s turn as the Saudis moved in just over three years ago.Under bright young coach Eddie Howe, the club finished its first full season under Saudi ownership in fourth and were runners-up in the Carabao Cup to Manchester United.I remember speaking to Amanda Staveley, who helped drive through the takeover, not long after that disappointment at Wembley.She was not down about it but saw it as the first step towards something much bigger.Few places in football match St James’ Park for atmosphere on a night like that. Yet it comes against a backdrop of some despair.Neil CustisYet a year on and a cruel reality began to hit home and still does.That the hope of smashing back through that glass ceiling, as they had done in the nineties under Sir John Hall, was going to be a short-lived dream.The ridiculous financial constraints placed on clubs, which means the game is played out as much in boardrooms and before lawyers as on the pitches, is really ruining the game.Plenty of clubs have fallen foul when, in many cases, they are only trying to further their prospects with generous benefactors’ cash.How can the Glazers be allowed to do what they have done to Manchester United and get away scot free, while City wait to hear the outcome of their trial over 115 charges for alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules.Fabian Schar nicked Newcastle a late point against LiverpoolCredit: GettyUnder Sheikh Mansour’s ownership a club has been raised up, an area revived, the country’s best training ground has emerged from rubble.And that club has given us some of the greatest football we have ever seen.They also gave every other club the hope that one day it could be them.Newcastle had that hope and how briefly it has flickered and died is truly sad. There is a cartel who always wanted it their own way. It was nothing to do with protecting clubs from going skint.How are Newcastle or City ever going to go skint?Yet isn’t it ironic that one of the old order in Manchester United, who wanted the status quo of clubs that attracted the biggest crowds and sponsorship deals to win the biggest prizes, are also one of those suffering as well.Luke to LittlerTHE Sports Personality of the Year awards are here again with less and less interest in it by the year.Part of the problem is that the BBC monopoly on a number of sports is long since over, and the annual package of highlights that was genuinely something to look forward to no longer has  a uniqueness about it.Luke Littler has transformed the popularity and appeal of dartsCredit: PAHowever, there remain a number of very worthy names up for the award and my choice is not in any way meant to disrespect any of them.But  Luke Littler, 17, is there and for me no sportsman has had a greater impact on his chosen profession in the last 12 months.What?! I hear you cry. But think about it.Kids are taking up darts because of him.He’s convinced every teenager not interested in more traditional sports that there is a route into the headlines elsewhere.What Barry Hearn has done to elevate the sport is remarkable but the emergence of Littler has taken it to another level.Darts boards used to be just found in pubs and clubs around the country.In my daughter’s student house in Leeds one of the lads who lives there is called Presley.He has a brand new one taking pride of place in the living room as he hones his skills for the university darts team while his housemates duck and try to watch TV.A university darts team? Have you ever heard anything like it?Rocky roadsLegend Ayrton Senna died in a crash at the San Marino Gp in may 1994Credit: GettyTHE new Netflix series about the life of Ayrton Senna should be well worth a watch.Can’t imagine the drama can get close to the incredible documentary film in 2010 which had a tear running down my face.But early clips suggest it captures the drama of how the brilliant Formula One drivers rise from humble racing beginnings to the  very top.READ MORE SUN STORIESDuring the early 80s Senna lived in a bungalow in Eaton, near Norwich, so he could race at the  famous Snetterton circuit — where we see the Brazilian mastering his craft.However, those who live in that area of Norfolk are a little curious as to where the snowcapped mountains in the background have exactly risen from. More

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      in Motorsport

      Inside Eddie Jordan’s fast paced life from owning F1 team, to presenting on Top Gear and circling globe on a £32m yacht

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      EDDIE JORDAN has revealed he’s been battling an “aggressive cancer”.The F1 legend, 76, was diagnosed with bladder and prostate cancer earlier this year which then spread.Eddie Jordan has revealed his cancer battleCredit: GettyKeen musician Jordan also plays drums in a rock and roll bandCredit: GettyEddie Jordan had a successful career as a team owner in F1 with Jordan Grand PrixCredit: GettyHe said he’s had some “dark days” and urged people to go out and get tested and spoke about the importance of looking after one’s body.In an appearance on his Formula For Success podcast, which he hosts alongside David Coulthard, Jordan said: “We’ve kind of alluded to it David, over the shows. Way back in March and April, I was diagnosed with bladder and prostate cancer.”And then it spread into the spine and the pelvis, so it was quite aggressive. And we’ve all heard about our wonderful friend Sir Chris Hoy, who is an absolute megastar, and he [was] coming out and talking about illness such as like what I’ve got, but he’s a far younger man.”But this is a little message for all the anchors and everybody listening to this: don’t wait or put it off.Read more motosport news”Go and get tested, because in life you’ve got chances and there is so much medical advice out there and so many things that you can do to extend your lifetime. Go and do it.”Don’t be stupid, don’t be shy. It’s not a shy thing – look after your body, guys.“We’ll move on, but yes, some very dark days in there – but we pulled out of it, thankfully.”Jordan has enjoyed an epic life in racing, from launching his own career to owning F1 teams, and becoming a pundit and TV host.Most read in MotorsportAway from the sport, he’s a keen sailor and boating enthusiast – who once splashed the cash on a boat formerly owned by a US politician, and has circumnavigated the world.Max Verstappen claims he has ‘lost all respect’ for F1 star George Russell in X-rated rantRock and roll fan Jordan, who’s understood to be worth around £470million, also loves music and plays drums in a band, while his art collection is mint.Racing careerAge 15, Jordan contemplated becoming a priest. Then, he toyed with the idea of accountancy, taking a course, before getting a job at a bank in Ireland.During a work trip in Jersey, he discovered go-karting – returning to his native country and buying a go-kart.He had a natural flair for the sport.Jordan entered the Irish Kart Championship in 1971 – winning it.In ’74, he moved to Formula Ford, the Irish Formula Ford Championship and, in 1975, to Formula Three.However, he was forced to sit out the entire ’76 season after shattering his leg in a crash.Jordan soon switched to Formula Atlantic, where he won three races in the 1977 season.In ’78 he won the Irish Formula Atlantic Championship – racing in British Formula Three a year later for Team Ireland.Jordan had his own racing career in the 70’s after discovering a love of motorsportCredit: GettySoon, Jordan, a former accountant, would want to be a team owner himself.Credit: GettyIn the late 70s Jordan raced once in Formula Two and did some test driving for McLaren.But, soon his thoughts began drifting towards life away from behind the wheel.Team ownerCome 1979, he founded his own team – Eddie Jordan Racing.Touring car drivers David Leslie and David Sears ran for him, as did James Weaver in European F3.Jordan also hired Martin Brundle, now famed for his celebrity grid walk interviews, who finished second to Ayrton Senna in British F3.In 1987, Johnny Herbert won the team the British Formula Three Championship.In 1991, Jordan had grander plans. After hiring Reynard chief designer Gary Anderson, he founded Jordan Grand Prix and entered Formula 1.They quickly punched above their weight thanks to the quality of drivers that drove for the team.Jordan memorably gave Michael Schumacher his first start in F1 in the team’s debut season.Jordan famously launched the career of Michael SchumacherCredit: GettyEddie Jordan celebrates success at the Belgian Grand PrixCredit: Gettyread more sport featuresAfter one start, the German was lured to Benetton.However, in 1998 the team achieved its best ever result when Damon Hill and Ralf Schumacher finished first and second at the Belgian Grand Prix.A year later, they had Heinz-Harald Frentzen as a genuine contender for the world championship, until he fell away.In 2005, Jordan finally sold up – Midland Group, financed by wealthy Russian-Canadian businessman Alex Shnaider, bought the team and renamed it MF1 Racing.Following a hiatus from motor racing, Jordan returned to F1 as a pundit and has worked for BBC Sport, Channel 4, and is a regular now on Sky Sports.Yacht ownerAway from racing, Jordan loves sailing.He has owned several boats, including the biggest Sunseeker Yacht ever built.Sailing enthusiast has circumnavigated the world thanks his love of boatsCredit: Rex FeaturesBlush eddie jordan yachtCredit: BLUEI PRODUCTIONSIt featured a nightclub and a parking garage for jet skis as well as opulent dining rooms, lounges, bars, viewing decks, jacuzzis, bedrooms and ensuite bathroomsIt reportedly set him back £32million, but he decided to sell it in 2017.He revealed to Boat International that his busy schedule only allowed him to enjoy two weeks a year on it, and it wasn’t worth the £1.2m running costs, including fuel, dockage, maintenance, insurance and crew salaries.Jordan also owned a 45-metre sailing boat called Blush, which he recently sold for around £9m.His passion for sailing allowed him to tick off a dream on his bucket list.“I was very lucky to circumnavigate the world so that’s no longer on the bucket list,” Jordan revealed.Back in the paddockFor all his love of the ocean, motorsport is still clearly his biggest love.In 2016, he became a presenter for the revamped Top Gear, alongside Chris Evans and Matt LeBlanc.But he’s at home when he’s in the paddock – working as an analyst.In recent years, he’s been a regular on Sky Sports – delivering his expert opinion.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile he remains outspoken on his podcast Formula For Success, alongside David Coulthard.Long may we continue hearing Jordan’s expertise on the world of F1.Jordan starred opposite Chris Evans and Matt LeBlanc on the revamped Top GearCredit: BBCIn recent years, Jordan has worked as a punditCredit: GettyJordan was diagnosed with bladder and prostate cancer earlier this yearCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s amazing £19m car collection which features a rare £9m Bugatti and two luxury Rolls-Royces

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO’S car collection is the most formidable we’ve ever seen.The Portugal star, still going strong at 39, is raking in millions and loves adding cars to his garage.Cristiano Ronaldo boasts a car collection worth £19millionRonaldo’s £9m Bugatti Centodieci has appeared in Saudi ArabiaThe £400k Ferrari Purosangue was unveiled by Ronaldo earlier this yearCredit: Instagram @cristianoRonaldo was also gifted a BMW XM worth £164k by Al Nassr’s latest sponsorCredit: Instagram @cristianoIncredibly, he is now believed to be worth over £500million thanks to his bumper contracts over the years at clubs including Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and now Al Nassr.Ronaldo has made no secret of his love of cars, splashing an astonishing amount on them over the years.It is believed he has amassed a fleet worth over £19million, and that includes a new BMW XM Red Label that carries a £164,000 price tag – thanks to the German car giants now sponsoring Saudi club.Earlier this year, he showed off a dark blue Ferrari Purosangue worth £400,000 from his lavish home.Read more car collectionsBut the pick of his cars has to be a £9million Bugatti, that is one of only 10 ever made.While he also loves a Range Rover as his family car.SunSport takes a look at some motors decorating his amazing garage.Bugatti Centodieci, £9mBack in 2021, CR7 added the most extravagant and expensive car to his collection.Most read in FootballThe £9million Centodieci boasts an 8 litre W16 engine, with special models having 1600hp – some 100hp more than the Chiron and, overall, three times the price of that model. Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s former Cheshire home on sale for £5m with seven bedrooms, padel courts, pool and guest barnIt can do 0-62mph in just 2.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 236mph.His Centodieci has been spotted in Saudi.Ronaldo was recently seen in Riyadh behind the wheel of Range Rover’s new SUV.Bigger than the Evoque, but smaller than the Sport, it’s the perfect family car for the forward.It’s electric, so it’s good for the environment.It’s acceleration is quite slouchy though, measuring 0-62mph from 5.4 seconds.This stunning Range Rover Velar is now part of Ronaldo’s Middle East fleetAston Martin DBS, £200kWhen Ronaldo played for Manchester United, he turned heads at Carrington as he rocked up to the gates in an amazing Aston Martin DBS Superleggera convertible.The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera boasts a 5.2 litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine, providing a mind-boggling 715 hp.It has a top speed of 211mph, and can also go from 0-60mph in just 3.4 seconds.The car was certainly a worthy addition to Ronaldo’s stunning motor collection.When Ronaldo played for Man Utd, he had a Aston Martin DBSCredit: AlamyMercedes G-Wagon Brabus, £600What do you buy your boyfriend if he has everything?Well, if you’re Georgina Rodriguez you get a massive, gift-wrapped Mercedes-Benz G-Class.The gorgeous former shop assistant made sure CR7’s had the best birthday ever for his 35th – gifting him a stunning Mercedes G Wagon Brabus that can cost as much £600,000.And the brilliant SUV can reach top speeds of 137mph.This customised Mercedes G-Wagon was gifted to Ronaldo by Wag Georgina RodriguezBugatti Chiron, £2.15mIn 2017, Ronaldo’s need for speed saw the mercurial forward splash the cash on a stunning silver Bugatti Chiron.Incredibly, it can reach speeds of 260 mph, and does 0-60 in just under 2.5 seconds.As we said, he likes two of everything – and this was the second Bugatti he bought, although he denied buying a third  – the Bugatti La Voiture Noire.That was reckoned to be the most expensive car in the world EVER at £9.49million, and was snapped up by a mystery buyer.In 2017, Ronaldo bought a Bugatti Chiron – now worth over £2mBugatti Veyron, £1.7mOnly 450 Veyron 16.4 Grand Sports were built, so of course Ronaldo wanted a slice of that rarity pie.It cost him £1.7m, and the Portuguese legend bought the car as a treat after winning Euro 2016 with his country.Though the car was involved in a crash in 2022 in Majorca. The driver, who was reportedly not Ronaldo, lost control and the car skidded into a wall.The front of the Bugatti was believed to have been wrecked with investigators revealed no other vehicle was involved.The driver of the car did not suffer any injuries and signed an accident report.In 2022, Ronaldo’s Bugatti Veyron was involved in a crashLamborghini Aventador, £260kSimply because a Bugatti Veyron won’t fulfil Ronaldo’s love of fast cars, in the same year he bought that motor he splashed on a Lamborghini Aventador.Made in 2011, it’s the most celebrated model by the Italian car designer – and owned by footballers all over the world, not scared of the outlandish price.Ronaldo celebrated his purchase on Instagram in 2016, with a picture with the caption: “Bom dia (good morning)”.Ronaldo poses with his £260k Lamborghini AventadorCredit: Instagram @CristanoRolls-Royce Cullinan, £330kIn 2020, Ronaldo added a Cullinan to his collection, having previously owned a Rolls Royce Phantom worth around £363,000.Showing his loyalty to his new employers, CR7 even personalised the interior with black and white leather.Standing at five metres long, the Cullinan boasts a V12 engine and a horse power of 571.It is the only SUV Rolls Royce have ever produced.CR7 is a huge fan of Rolls-Royce and has a stunning CullinanFerrari F12 TDF, £350KIn 2017, Ronaldo bought an F12 TDF – another collector’s item with only 799 made in the world.It is certainly one of the favourites he owns, and is zippy with a top speed of 211 mph, and capable of doing 0-62 in 2.9 seconds.Needless to say, pet-friendly Ronaldo won’t let his pooches in though.A lover of supercars, this amazing Ferrari costs £350kChevrolet Camaro, £35kMaybe he learned something from Sir Alex Ferguson about American cars, after all the former Manchester United boss drove a Chevrolet to training when he was Red Devils manager.A more economic motor than others in his garage, the Camaro has a 6.2-litre V8 engine that delivers 453 horsepower.It’s cheaper than anything else he owns, and was bought in 2016 as a family car.Showing that he doesn’t have to always drive flashy cars, Ronaldo was seen in an affordable ChevroletMORE sport featuresMcLaren Senna, £1mA car made as a dedication to the legendary Brazilian racing driver Ayrton Senna, it would’ve set Ronaldo back around £1million – with only 500 models ever made.So enamoured by its performance on Top Gear, former presenter Jeremy Clarkson said of the McLaren Senna it has ‘rewritten the supercar rule book’.READ MORE SUN STORIESPowered by a twin-turbo charged V8 engine that produces 800 horse power, it can hit 0-62 mph in just 2.8 seconds.Mika Hakkinen is another sports star who owns one of these beauties.This McLaren Senna, worth £1m, was another Ronaldo’s favourite toys More

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      in Soccer

      Inside the Qataris’ ‘Project Ruby’ plan that ‘would have fixed Man Utd in THREE DAYS’ as fans turn on Ratcliffe

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      IT’S taken just 11 months for some Manchester United fans to turn on minority co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.And doubters in the Old Trafford faithful will no doubt be left even more frustrated when they find out what could’ve been under the Qatari administration, who had plans to revolutionise the club in just THREE DAYS.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has endured a pitiful start to life at Man UtdOther bidder Sheikh Jassim’s concrete plans have been revealedPlans were put in place for a brand new stadiumUnited fans staged a protest against RatcliffeFan pressure and soaring costs saw the majority owning Glazer family announce that they were open to selling United in November 2022.And Qatari billionaire banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani, entered the race to buy Britain’s biggest football club. After months of speculation, Sheikh Jassim’s final £4.5billion offer for full control was shunned by the Glazers, in favour of Britain’s richest man Ratcliffe.Ratcliffe’s own £1.2bn offer for a 27.7 per cent stake was accepted, and the 72-year-old, a life long fan, was effectively given the keys, taking control of all operations.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut things haven’t gone to plan, with sporting director Dan Ashworth leaving the club after just five months in his role in the latest of a string of PR disasters.Almost 12 months on, the ‘new’ United lurches from horror show to another under Ratcliffe and his Ineos officers.Ahead of Sunday’s derby at Man City they find themselves in a lowly 13th place in the Premier League.After 15 games they are 16 points behind Liverpool, who spanked them 3-0 at Old Trafford.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut the Mail have now revealed an inside swoop into what could’ve happened in M16 if the Qatari’s were allowed to buy the club outright.Plans for a United rebirth, fuelled by vast wealth and some of the finest sporting and finance brains on earth, had already been carefully drafted. Dan Ashworth leaves Man Utd after just five months with Sir Jim Ratcliffe ordering shock boardroom shake-upThe strategy for ‘Project Ruby’ saw the Qatari’s pledge to announce the takeover on the first day.The removal of ALL of the club’s debt would come on the second day.And United would be taken off the New York Stock Exchange and no longer answerable to far-away stakeholders.By day three, Sheikh Jassim would reveal plans for a brand new state-of-the-art stadium.That’s it, a clean break in three days to change the club’s history and current predicament.As for Old Trafford, there would be no attempt to grab any money from the taxpayer, or confusion over whether this would be a refurbishment or a rebuild. Ratcliffe was reportedly lobbying the government’s “Levelling Up” plan to give the north of England a venue to rival Wembley.And the iconic ground continues to rot away, hampered by an embarrassing leaky roof and dead RATS under seats.Under Sheikh Jassim this would have been a more straightforward process.A supporter posted a picture of a dead rat at Old TraffordA senior adviser to the Qatari group told the Mail: “The b****y thing would have been fully in-motion now.”A stadium for a football club paid for by a football club and nobody else. And as for the staff Ratcliffe is firing – we would have been hiring.”None of the above will be of solace to the United fans – and the large numbers of staff – who had wanted the Sheikh Jassim bid to succeed.Populous, the designers responsible for many of the venues at the 2022 World Cup, had already drawn up plans, which were shared with bidders for United.It can now be disclosed that an ‘adaptable’ stadium was being seriously considered, with a capacity of between 90,000 and 100,000.A banner saying ‘Stop Exploiting Loyalty’ was held up inside and outside Old Trafford last weekAI images have been mocked up to show what Old Trafford could look like under RatcliffeLeading commercial property company JLL, based in Manchester city centre, had already been signed up to work on the project.And there was a separate fund planned for the women’s team, who would’ve had their own training centre in Manchester.Leading commercial property company JLL, based in Manchester city centre, had already been signed up to work on the project.Far from being given the sack, Sir Alex Ferguson was to be cherished and invited onto an advisory board. Others, including Class of ’92 members David Beckham and Gary Neville, were also being lined up to add their input.But the opposite has come true.Ratcliffe’s hated cost-cutting campaign has seen 250 redundancies made and tickets were hiked to £66 for kids and pensioners.He’s even turned into the grinch and replaced the £100 staff Christmas bonus with a £40 M&S voucher in his latest money-saving measure.Fans have already protested outside Old Trafford begging to stop being “exploited”.But it might not be the end of the story.The advisor told the Mail: “Sheikh Jassim is still a rich guy. READ MORE SUN STORIES”He is still a United fan. He is not going to rush off and try another Premier League club.’If the opportunity to buy the whole of Manchester United arose again at some point in the future it is hard to see there not being a big level of interest. The plans are still there.”Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucher More

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      in Boxing

      I started boxing after becoming hooligan who loved Football Factory – now I’ve got legendary Lennox Lewis in my corner

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      CONSTANTINO NANGA has gone from running riot with rough and ready football hooligans to being one of the best unknown light-heavyweight prospects in the world.The undefeated Angolan-born Swedish slugger had aspirations of emulating Cristiano Ronaldo and playing for Manchester United when he was a youngster.Constantino Nanga’s first taste of fighting was alongside football hooligansCredit: Instagram / costasnangaHe is now an up and coming light-heavyweight prospectCredit: Instagram / costasnangaNanga has a 12-0 recordCredit: Instagram / costasnangaThe great Lennox Lewis has taken a shine to himCredit: GettyBut he also dreamed of being most notorious hooligan ever after being inspired by a slew of movies, including ‘Football Factory’.Nanga took to the hooligan lifestyle like a duck to water, relishing the violence which came with each of the Hammarby firm’s encounters with rivals.But after seeing Nanga do a number on many an opposition firm member, one of the old guard encouraged him to get paid for his love of fighting.In an exclusive interview with SunSport, the 28-year-old said: “At one stage of my life, I understood that I wouldn’t be that football player.READ MORE BOXING NEWS”So then it was easy for me. I was like, ‘Okay, what’s my second dream?’ Football hooligan.”And through that football hooliganism, I came into fighting. And the elder in my hooligan firm told me, ‘You’re actually pretty good.'”‘You should let off that hooligan thing and take this fighting thing seriously.'”They were the ones who pushed me to take fighting more seriously. So that’s why I’m here.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe trained to be the ‘best hooligan’ instead of boxerCredit: Instagram / costasnangaNanga, however, didn’t treat each subsequent gruelling session at the gym as a means to become a better boxer.”I had no thought to become a professional fighter,” he admitted.Lennox Lewis says he wishes he could have mentored Anthony Joshua out of his lost wilderness years”Even when train fighting, it was with no intention to do it professionally. Because my intention was to be a football player.”And my second dream goal was to be a football hooligan, the best in the world. The best in the world.”So I trained fighting to become the best hooligan.”I treated hooliganism just like I treat my fighting today, like a professional trying to become the best.”Nanga may have been training to be the most feared football hooligan on the planet, but his hard graft in the gym paid off in the ring.The 175lbs prospect has racked up a perfect 12-0 record since making his professional debut in November 2022.Constantino Nanga is thrilled to have Lewis involved with his teamCredit: Instagram / costasnangaHe may not be a household name, but he’s already caught the eye of Brit boxing great Lennox Lewis – who is advising him as he looks to make his way up the ranks.Being mentored by the undisputed king of the heavyweights is something Nanga is still coming to terms with.He said: “I’m glad [Lennox has chosen to work with me]. Maybe it was meant [to be], I don’t know.”But the best thing and what I’m most grateful for is that it could have been another fighter, another promoter or others boxing personalities that I could have met.”Who also could have given me many benefits and can be beneficial for my career.”But the fact that it’s Lennox and his personality, his character and who he is as a person, that’s why I’m grateful.READ MORE SUN STORIES”That’s everything I wished for, you know, in a person as an advisor.”Lewis sees a bright future for Nanga, so long as he gets the fights he “needs” and takes on board his punchy pearls of wisdom.Nanga with his girlfriend Fanny KaiserCredit: Instagram / costasnangaThe couple met aged 18Credit: Instagram / costasnanga More

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      in Motorsport

      Ultimate Formula 1 drivers rich list as Max Verstappen pulls clear of Lewis Hamilton with record-breaking salary

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      IT’S the most expensive sport in the world, so it’s no surprise top Formula 1 drivers boast eye-watering salaries.The likes of Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris certainly enjoy a life in the fast line – with supercar collections, huge mansions and beautiful women.Max Verstappen was crowned a four-time world champ in Las Vegas last monthGeorge Russell with stunning girlfriend Carmen Montero MundtSunday saw the end of the 2024 season and Hamilton’s final race with Mercedes as he heads to childhood heroes Ferrari in the New Year.But all the drama has come away from the track, with Verstappen and Russell at war over an incident at the penultimate race of the campaign in Qatar on December 1.The Red Bull driver accused Russell of being “two-faced” with the stewards, while the Brit threw out “bullying” accusations back.Ahead of the off-season, we reveal the drivers at the top of the rich list – as the top 10 earners collected an estimated £248m combined.READ MORE F1 NEWS10) PIERRE GASLY £9MPierre comes from a family heavily involved in motorsportsPierre, 28, who made his debut in 2017, drives for Alpine and comes from a family heavily involved in motorsports.His salary was bumped up to £8m this season, with £1m in bonuses as he signed a contract extension in June to keep him with team until 2026. Pierre’s brand partnerships include headphone brand Blomm and Berger, The Grid, Destination Grand Prix, and Crypto Gaming.He is said to be dating Italian Caterina Masetti Zannini, who shares many of her lavish trips with Pierre on Instagram.Most read in Motorsport9) CARLOS SAINZ £15MSainz has been replaced by Hamilton after a great final season with FerrariF1 Bianca BustamanteThe Spanish ace was paid a reported £8m a year by Ferrari, who he joined in 2021 after successful stints with Renault and McLaren.And he is promised £9m in performance related bonuses, which he surely wrapped up with 27 podium finishes in 2024.But the 30-year-old has joined Williams after being replaced by Lewis Hamilton.Endorsements include Playstation, lager brand Estrella and German helmet manufacturer Schuberth.Away from the track he still feels the need for speed and his luxury car collection includes a McLaren 720S worth £800k and a £750K Ferrari 812.Time is of the essence too – with a high end watch collection worth millions, including a Roger Dubuis timepiece worth USD £205,000 and a Franck Muller watch worth £200,000.8) SERGIO PEREZ £15.3MSergio’s future at Red Bull is under threatSergio, 34, may not be the highest-paid driver on the grid, but he’s been amassing an impressive fortune since his debut in 2011.His estimated £62.4million net worth, which includes an £9.4million salary from Red Bull, makes him one of the richest athletes in the world.The Mexican signed a two-year contract extension in June, but he was nowhere near competitive for the rest of the season, slipping to eighth in the standings just a year after he finished as the runner-up to team-mate Verstappen. This has left his Red Bull future under threat.Checo reportedly owns a multi-million dollar 15,000-square-foot mansion in Mexico and supercars including a Bugatti Chiron, which cost around £2million.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: 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 TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon7) OSCAR PIASTRI £17MOscar Piastri has backed up his rookie season this yearThe 23-year-old is one the babies on the track, having come through the Renault Sports Academy and started his F1 career in 2021.As such, he actually earns LESS than the aforementioned drivers in salary (£5m) – but his staggering £13m in bonuses sees him climb the list.After a strong rookie season in 2023, Piastri was even better this year, claiming the first two Grand Prix victories of his career in Hungary and Azerbaijan and finishing fourth in the driver standings. He is set to race at least two more years for McLaren after signing a contract extension in September 2023, just days before he secured his first podium finish.The future is bright to the Aussie as he helped McLaren clinch their first Constructors’ Championship in 26 years.6) GEORGE RUSSELL £18MGeorge Russel’s has shot up through the ranks in recent yearsRussell is now the No1 driver at Mercedes after Hamilton’s exit – but he’s internal dominance this year had proved that anyway – as he signed an extension in August 2023.He now bags £11.7million a year from Mercedes, with a reported £7million in bonuses.Teenager Andrea Kimi Antonelli, 18, will step into Hamilton’s iconic shoes.Russell finished sixth in the standings and won two races, missing a third victory only because of a disqualification at Spa.5) CHARLES LECLERC £21MThe Frenchman earns £11.7m in salary at Ferrari as he welcomes HamiltonCredit: GettyLeclerc, who finished third in the driver standings this year, will welcome Hamilton to Ferrari next season.The Frenchman earns £11.7m in salary and his bonuses almost match that at £10m.He was part of another memorable tandem at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The 27-year-old took part in Friday’s practice session alongside his 24-year-old brother, Arthur—a Ferrari development driver—making them the first siblings ever to drive in F1 as teammates.4) FERNANDO ALONSO £21.5MThe 42-year-old owns homes in Oxford and SwitzerlandTwo-time world champion Fernando Alonso, 42, signed a new deal with Aston Martin in 2023 after finishing fourth in the standings.The Spanish star earns £18million in salary, while performance add-ons amount to around £3million. Unsurprisingly, Alonso likes his cars – he owns over 300 and some have even been put on display in the Fernando Alonso Sports Complex in Spain.The racer owns homes in Oxford and Switzerland, as well as an apartment in a 52-storey building in Dubai.3) LANDO NORRIS £27MAfter claiming P1 in the final race at Abu Dhabi, Norris declared: ‘Next year is my year’Norris wasn’t quite able to overtake Verstappen for the drivers’ title, but achieved 13 podium finishes this year.He did, however, take home a reported £9.4million in wages, and surely earned his whopping £18m in bonuses, as McLaren landed an unexpected constructors’ championship.Lando was born into wealth through dad Adam – who amassed a £205million fortune – and mum Cisca, from Belgium.After claiming P1 in the final race at Abu Dhabi on Sunday, Norris declared: “Next year is my year”.2) LEWIS HAMILTON £45MLewis Hamilton used to earn the most on the gridAfter years of dominance at Mercedes, Hamilton was the highest-paid driver in F1 – his contract with netted him £43million each year, and he’s estimated to be worth £270.9million.That figure is set to soar far higher, too, after it was revealed he will join the Scuderia in 2025 in a shock deal worth £100million.But the wage gulf between Hamilton and Verstappen has expanded after the changing of the guard moment in 2021.The seven-time world champion has numerous endorsement deals with the likes of Puma, Sony, Police, and Tommy Hilfiger.Hertfordshire-born Lewis, 39, is said to be raking in an additional £16.6million from these sponsorship deals.He also owns a £49.1million penthouse in New York, according to GQ, and a £19.1million six-bedroom home in London.1) MAX VERSTAPPEN £59MVerstappen is F1’s highest-paid driver on the trackUnderstandably, for the third straight year, Verstappen is F1’s highest-paid driver on the track.With estimated 2024 earnings of £59million, including a series-record £47million in salary to go with £12million in performance bonuses.The Dutchman had to wait until the season’s third-to-last Grand Prix, in Las Vegas, to lock up the championship, four races later than when he clinched in 2023.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs he’s only 27, industry experts predict his estimated £165million fortune will increase in the coming years.Last week, the Red Bull No.1 announced he is expecting a baby with partner Kelly Piquet, daughter of three-time F1 champ Nelson Piquet.The F1 driver announced the happy news with this picture on social media More

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      in Soccer

      How Chelsea embarrassed Tottenham with Enzo Fernandez leading genius in-game tactical shake-up

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      CHELSEA have been flying under the radar in the Premier League this season.But Sunday’s stunning comeback from two goals down to beat Tottenham 4-3 has left many asking: Have the Blues entered the title race?Enzo Fernandez completed the turnaround for ChelseaCole Palmer was the main man in an incredible victoryAfter a pretty underwhelming first season at Stamford Bridge, it seems as though £107m signing Enzo Fernandez has finally been unlocked by Enzo Maresca.Here, our tactical expert Dean Scoggins — from SunSport YouTube show Tactics Exposed — dissects how Chelsea shook things up to deliver another classic at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.1) The double Enzo A TALE of two Enzos saw the Chelsea manager make a tactical switch when goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was down receiving treatment.Many thought the tweak occurred after Romeo Lavia was removed at half-time, but it actually came once Chelsea went 2-0 down.READ MORE ON CHELSEAIt saw Blues captain Fernandez start to drop back in into the inside left position to give Chelsea an alternative out ball. Spurs missed a flurry of chances, with Son Heung-min the main culprit, before Jadon Sancho’s 20-yard goal gave the visiting fans hope in the 18th minute.But the solution came when goalscorer Fernandez dropped into a much deeper role and Chelsea abandoned their usual box shape.Once Malo Gusto replaced Lavia, the Blues dropped into a back-four allowing Fernandez to pick the ball up deeper next to Moises Caicedo. Most read in FootballThe Argentine had 23 touches – the most touches of any player – and provided more forward passes while being tasked with switching play.He’s usually the furthest forward midfielder, but in their new shape he came much deeper to collect the ball.Chelsea typically play with a box shape in midfieldBut they moved to four at the back when Gusto replaced Lavia and Fernandez dropped deeperChelsea ratings v Tottenham: Chelsea came from two goals to beat Spurs 4-3 away from home 2) Fernandez’s genius run for Sancho goalTAKE nothing away from Sancho’s exquisite strike, but the Man Utd loanee’s goal doesn’t get scored without Fernandez’s run. It came moments after his fellow Argentine team-mate Cristian Romero went down injured and was replaced by Radu Dragosin.Fernandez started the move inside his own half after receiving the ball from Sanchez and played it wide while continuing his run down the pitch. He then dragged Dragosin out of the way while Sancho came inside and smashed it in the far corner past Fraser Forster.Yes, it’s a little naive from Dragosin who didn’t communicate well enough with Pedro Porro – but the run was clever.Fernandez was instrumental in setting up Jadon Sancho’s goal3) Don’t cry for me, Argie screamer!JUST like Dimitar Berbatov and Teddy Sheringham, Fernandez is a master at reading the game.Just when everybody is running in one direction, he knows when to stop, which opened up space for his stunning goal.Tottenham were, quite rightly, primarily interested in stopping Cole Palmer on the ball, so Fernandez waited for room to open up for him.The Argentine earned his luck when Palmer’s pass deflected in his path because he waited for the space. Fernandez completed the turnaround with a stunning volley in the 73rd minute4) Palmer, the best penalty taker ever?WHO would you pick to save your life by scoring a penalty? It’s hard not to go with Palmer. In fact, I’d like to see a better taker.The England star’s Panenka saw him break the Prem record for the most spot kicks with a 100 per cent strike rate by netting 12 out of 12.He overtook former Man City ace Yaya Toure on Sunday, as well as the likes of Berbatov and Alan Shearer.And it’s not luck – the angle run up is the same with every spot-kick, but his placement differs.5) Colwill’s Solanke nightmare – Great No9 performance and great goalBELIEVE it or not Levi Colwill often has the most touches of any Chelsea player – but he fell victim to Dominic Solanke.Solanke led from the front and sprung Spurs forward in their early attacks by his clever off-ball movementThe 27-year-old’s run for his goal makes him a worthy successor to Harry Kane.The former Bournemouth striker’s growing connection with Brennan Johnson came off after Marc Cucurella slipped.Solanke looked to his left to take Colwill away before changing direction with an inward darting run across the Chelsea defender to collect the ball and shoot.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe repeated those zig-zag actions for the rest of the game, and could’ve scored again if only for better deliveries from Son.That’s the Ange Postecoglou tactic. It’s balls passed into the inside channels and fast crosses. And so they’ll do that all the time.Dominic Solanke first took Levi Colwill away after Brennan Johnson capitalised on Marc Cucurella’s slipThe Spurs No9 then darted across Colwill to pick up Johnson’s passSolanke scored his sixth Spurs goal since joining in the summer More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Michail Antonio’s incredible rise from non-league and plans to go into showbiz as star recovers from car crash

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      MICHAIL ANTONIO is recovering in hospital following surgery to a broken leg after a horror car crash.The West Ham star, 34, had to be cut free from his £260,000 Ferrari FF which was ripped apart when it hit a tree in Theydon Bois, Essex, on Saturday.West Ham ace Michail Antonio has been candid about his struggles away from footballCredit: ReutersAntonio came through the ranks the hard way – playing non-league footballCredit: The Wimbledon GuardianAntonio had a miraculous escape after crashing his FerrariCredit: UKNIPAntonio had a miraculous escape from the incident, and his club have commented on his well-being.A club statement read: “West Ham United can confirm Michail Antonio has undergone surgery on a lower limb fracture following a road traffic accident on Saturday afternoon (7 December 2024).”Michail will continue to be monitored in hospital over the coming days.”Everyone at the Club wishes Michail a speedy recovery and wishes to express its sincere gratitude to the football family at large for the overwhelming support shown since yesterday’s news, as well as extending a heartfelt thank you to the emergency services and first responders who attended to Michail in the immediate aftermath of the incident, and the medical team who continue to aid him in his recovery.”Read more football news”The Club will provide further updates when appropriate.”The outpouring of love from the football community has been massive, with Antonio recognised as a big character in the game.The Wandsworth-born forward started from humble beginnings – playing for non-league Tooting & Mitcham United.Away from football, a game he’s not always liked, he has his own BBC podcast alongside fellow Premier League star Callum Wilson called The Footballer’s Football Podcast.Most read in FootballWhen he retires from the game, Antonio has ambitions to get into showbiz.I disliked football so much I prayed for injury, says West Ham hero Michail Antonio as he bravely opens up about therapyIncredible riseAntonio’s story in football began with Tooting & Mitcham United in 2008.Despite the team only competing in a regional league, Antonio went on to climb his way up the football pyramid.After impressing rather swiftly that year, he was offered a trial at Reading – some five divisions up – and Alan Pardew duly snapped him up.However, he later revealed he got kicked out by Tooting, after he refused to sign a contract. He then went to AFC Wimbledon who wouldn’t stump up his registration fee, so he returned to Tooting.Speaking to Gary Lineker and Micah Richards on the Rest Is Football podcast, he said: “Before I actually signed for Reading I got kicked out of Tooting and Mitcham.”They kicked me out because I refused to sign a contract.“I was like: ‘If someone comes in for me I don’t want to be tied down. I want to be able to go and not you out price me’.”“So they [Tooting] kicked me out of the club and I ended up going to AFC Wimbledon.”Then AFC Wimbledon refused to pay £7 for my registration fee, and told me to pay it. And I was like: ‘I ain’t paying seven quid!’Since 2015, Antonio has been a key figure for West HamCredit: GettyAntonio snubbed playing for England in favour of Jamaica, where his parents were bornCredit: GettyBehind his biggest success, Antonio was struggling with his divorceCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sunread more sport features“So I ended up going back to Tooting and Mitcham, signing the contract, getting paid, and within like five games of signing my contract, I signed for Reading.”Following spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest, in 2015 he was plucked from the Championship in a £7million deal by West Ham who were then coached by Slaven Bilic.He’s been there ever since, winning a player of the year award, twice being named Premier League player of the month and lifting a European trophy.Mental health strugglesAntonio, who snubbed England to play for Jamaica where he’s been capped 21 times, has been very open with his struggles mentally in recent times.On the pitch, he scored success with the Hammers – lifting the Europa Conference League in 2023.However, off it his private life was in turmoil. He divorced wife Debbie, who has been by his bedside since his car crash, around the same time as the most glittering moment of his career.”I was going through my divorce and stuff, and I honestly couldn’t get my head around it,” he told the Original Penguin X Campaign Against Living Miserably Under The Surface podcast.”After we won, the whole team went out, the gaffer (David Moyes) went out, got steaming, a couple of boys didn’t sleep for two days, just got drunk for two days.”I was asleep on the coach and went back to the hotel. I was just mentally drained because of everything that was going on outside of my football and then I went back to the hotel and went to sleep while everyone was out partying.”It wasn’t until probably December where I was in a better place where I was like, ”Oh my God, I’ve won a European championship”.’Antonio struggled mentally after divorcing his ex-wife DebbieCredit: instagramThat moment might not have happenedBefore that, Antonio was struggling with being a footballer and contemplated quitting the game.He recalled a moment he laid in bed alongside Debbie, the mother of his four children, and began to weep.He said: “I don’t like showing emotion and I like dealing with things, but tears were just falling from my eyes in bed.”My Mrs was laying next to me in bed and I didn’t say anything, just tears falling – she looked up and said, ‘Are you alright?’ and I said ‘Yeah, I’m fine’, but she said ‘You can’t be fine, you’re crying’, and I just said ‘I don’t know if I want to play football anymore’.”Antonio continued: “Me talking to my Mrs, my brother and my agent took a bit of the weight off me, enough for me to keep going to training and stuff like that…”That’s entertainmentAntonio was recently asked by Gary Lineker on the Rest is Football podcast what he would like to do when he retires from the game.”I want your job!” he joked before revealing his future ideal role.He continued: “To be fair I don’t want to go into punditry, I want to go into entertainment.”So more on the basis of A League of Their Own, Play to the Whistle… I want Micah’s job!”READ MORE SUN STORIESWith that, he drew more laughter from Lineker and Richards.As such an infectious personality, it’s certainly a career path Antonio would be well suited to.Away from football, Antonio is interested in breaking into the world of entertainmentCredit: GettyAntonio has previously appeared on Sky’s A League of Their OwnAntonio also has his own podcast called Footballer’s Football Podcast with Callum Wilson More