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      Former Liverpool star, 34, moves away from football for luxury property business worth millions

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      A FORMER Liverpool captain has opened up a luxury property business in Dubai as he continues his transition away from football.Mamadou Sakho, 34, has launched his career as an entrepreneur after leaving French club Montpellier under a cloud.Former Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho has launched his career as an entreprenuerCredit: Instagram @sakhoandcoThe main venture of Sakho & Co. is ‘Sakho properties’Credit: Instagram @sakhoandcoSakho played for Liverpool for three seasons but left early into Jurgen Klopp’s reignCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe former Premier League defender, who was a leader at Anfield from 2013 to 2017, set up Sakho & Co in Dubai in November.His property and interior design business runs with the motto of ‘Elevate Your Game’.The company also deals in consulting and video production. Sakho joined Crystal Palace in 2017 and spent three seasons at Selhurst Park before moving to Montpellier as a free agent in 2021.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut he reportedly quit the Ligue 1 side two years later over a “lack of respect” – a week after an incredible bust-up with their manager.At the time, Sakho said he will “leave like a man” – amid claims he grabbed and pushed boss Michel Der Zakarian in a training ground row.Sakho joined little-known Georgian club Torpedo Kutaisi in June 2024, playing for them 13 times. But the 29-capped France international’s social media output has been focused on his lifestyle and business in the United Arab Emirates.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThis new venture has seen him rub shoulders with the likes of Max Verstappen, Bacary Sagna, Florent Malouda, and ex-Liverpool team-mate Christian Benteke. The dominant strand of his business, Sakho properties, works across Dubai, Paris, Marrakech, and Senegal.Crystal Palace player Mamadou Sakho shows off his £250k Rolls Royce birthday present to himselfSakho has hired multiple professionals to aid himCredit: TikTok – @sakhoandcoOne property advertised is a 75th-floor penthouse with panoramic views in DubaiCredit: TikTok – @sakhoandcoThe ex-Liverpool star lives a life of luxury in DubaiA quick browse of his website shows luxury properties worth millions.One five-bed waterfront villa is selling for £9.6million in the exclusive Dubai neighbourhood of Palm Jumeirah, according to The Mail.Sakho regularly features in the business’ videos, walking prospective buyers around properties, decked out in his sunglasses. Alongside his launch party in November, Sakho posted: “It is finally time to share a project that unites my passion for football with my entrepreneurial spirit.”A spirit that has been forged and enriched in recent years and to which every minute of my free time has been dedicated.”I can’t wait to introduce you to Sakho & Co, an ecosystem that offers a complete range of interconnected services designed to support entrepreneurs, investors and individuals looking for tailor-made solutions!”Team Sakho and Co. are based in DubaiSakho regularly updates his 1.6million Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @sakhoandcoHis new life in the United Arab Emirates has seen him become a guest of Red Bull at the F1Liverpool signed Sakho from Paris Saint-Germain for £18million in September 2013.He arrived with a big reputation, having been PSG’s youngest-ever captain at the age of 17 years and eight months. He helped the Reds finish second in the Prem under Brendan Rodgers in the 2013-14 season.But Sakho, who captained Liverpool several times in the absence of Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson, fell out with Jurgen Klopp in 2016.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was sent home from Liverpool’s pre-season tour in the United States after missing a team meeting and turning up late to a recovery session. The Frenchman spent that season on loan at Palace before joining the London side permanently for £26m in September 2017. Sakho linked up with former Liverpool team-mate Christian Benteke (right)Credit: Instagram @sakhoandcoEx-Arsenal full-back Bacary Sagna also attended Sakho’s launchJurgen Klopp banished Sakho from pre-season training in 2016/17Credit: PA:Press AssociationHe later spent three seasons with Crystal PalaceCredit: Reuters More

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      Nottingham Forest 1 Liverpool 1: Slot’s super-subs combine 22 SECONDS after coming on to equalise but Arsenal get boost

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      ARNE SLOT will never make a better substitution in his career.Nottingham Forest were rolling with the punches and hanging on comfortably to their slender lead, following Chris Wood’s early opener.Diogo Jota levelled for LiverpoolCredit: ReutersFor the first time this season, Liverpool’s title charge looked on the verge of being derailed as Forest appeared to be on course to dish out a second defeat to the Dutchman.But it’s when the chips are down the great bosses earn their lolly – and some go on to become legends.That’s when Slot turned to his bench and sent on Kostas Tsimikas and Diogo Jota for Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson.But even he couldn’t have imagined the instant impact his changes would make.READ MORE IN football Because 22 SECONDS later Liverpool were celebrating one of great turnarounds of the Dutchman’s career as Tsimikas delivered a corner from the right with his first touch.And Jota stole between Murillo and Chris Wood to head past Matz Sels to score a sensational leveller with his first touch to maintain Liverpool’s stranglehold at the top of the table.Seconds earlier Jota had hugged with his old boss Nuno Espirito Santo on the sideline – yet Nuno must have known better than anyone what the little striker was capable of.Jota has now scored seven goals in his last seen games against Forest and he could have had a hat-trick if he wasn’t denied by two stunning Sels stops.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSuddenly Liverpool looked like champions and Mo Salah cursed his luck twice as Sels defied him with a stunning save before Ola Aina cleared another netbound effort off the line.In the end a share of the points will please both sides after Chris Wood picked the ideal time to score his first ever career goal against Liverpool after eight minutes.Celtic fans set off huge pyro display as teams walk out against DundeeFor a while it looked as if the 33-year-old hitman had blown the title race wide open – until Slot played his jokers!The City Ground seemed to have turned the clock back to the heady days of the 70’s and 80’s when this pair regularly battled it out for all the major prizes.Forest were in their traditional red, white and red Adidas kit – Liverpool, as they used to be in yesteryear, white-shirted with black shorts.Then, just before kick-off, the hairs on the back of your neck rose as Forest fans belted out their anthem Mull of Kintyre as the City Ground cranked the volume up to 11!Yet it was Liverpool who found their feet first as they pinned the home side back from the first whistle.Cody Gakpo was first to let fly with an ambitious attempt which sailed high and wide.Then Ryan Gravenberch sliced a similarly ambitious effort high into the Trent End.When the Dutch midfielder worked a one-two with Mo Salah to carve Forest open, only to fire over again, Arne Slot couldn’t hide his frustration and spun round in his technical area.Chris Wood opened the scoringCredit: GettyHis fine form continuedCredit: RexYet things were about to get a lot more complicated for the Dutchman when Forest did what they’ve been doing all season.Soak up pressure – then ruthlessly spring out of defence like a coil – to score on the break!Ironically, it was Liverpool’s best player this season, Salah, who was the sinner on this occasion.He cheaply surrendered possession near the halfway line, but what happened next was pure Forest 2025-style!Callum Hudso-Odoi pounced on the ball and pinged a pass through the lines to Anthony Elanga.The former Manchester United winger took two touches, one to set himself up, the next a sublime diagonal ball into Chris Wood’s path.The big Kiwi had expertly pulled off Virgil van Dijk’s shoulder to create a few yards of space for himself and he put it to good use, expertly clipping the ball left-footed beyond Alisson to find the far corner. One attack …. 1-0 to Forest. Where have we heard that before under Nuno?Jota got Liverpool back on level termsCredit: RexHe had only just come off the benchCredit: PAThe City Ground exploded in a frenzy of red and white as Forest fans danced in delight.It was Wood’s third goal on the spin for Forest as he took his goal tally up to 13 for the season.Significantly, it was his first ever career goal against Liverpool …. at the ripe old age of 33.But judging by his celebration he appeared to think it was worth the wait!Forest were soon back on the front foot when they lost possession cheaply again and Murillo drove forward before letting fly with a long range rocket which flew just wide.Liverpool were rocking and so was the City Ground as the home crowd lapped up the action. Wood’s goal was enough for Forest to temporarily leapfrog Arsenal, into second place in the Prem – a mere three points behind leaders Liverpool.The burning question was could they stay there?Liverpool’s composure had gone and even Van Dijk seemed affected as he clattered an attempted clearance off Elliott Anderson.The ball ricocheted across the face of his own goal past Alisson but fortunately Andy Robertson was on hand to shepherd the ball out for a throw-in as Elanga threatened to pounce.Forest were like a big lad teasing his little brother – holding Liverpool at arm’s length – watching them take swings without making contact as a string of long-range shots flew by.Luis Diaz was the latest to take a pot shot which failed to trouble Matz Sels, then Dominik Szoboszlai headed a Gakpo cross off Neco Williams as Forest continued to defend deep and in numbers.Liverpool’s growing angst was summed up when Trent Alexander-Arnold sent Diaz sprinting forward with Gakpo to his right to create a 2v1 situation.But it was Forest’s lone defender Murillo who read Diaz’s intent perfectly to intercept the striker’s pass and come away with the ball to roars of appreciation.By half-time Liverpool had enjoyed 70% of possession and managed nine shots – but not one of them was on target.Forest picked up a pair of bookings either side of the break. Morgan Gibbs-White for urging ref Chris Kavanagh to book Szoboszlai for fouling him – then Ryan Yates joined him for grabbing Diaz.Slot must have feared his side were on course to suffer their second defeat of the season at Forest’s hands.READ MORE SUN STORIESEspecially as Murillo was at his magnificent best – attracting the ball like a human magnet – rampaging up the park to win tackles and generally rattle the Reds.But then Slot turned to his bench and hit the jackpot.Arne Slot performed a masterclass with his subsCredit: Reuters More

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      How ‘seductive’ Man City boss Pep Guardiola wooed wife Cristina away from her TV career – and took her advice on tactics

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      MANCHESTER City boss Pep Guardiola has been so stressed out in recent months he has sworn at autograph hunters and bled from scratching his head.He is suffering the worst run of results in an impeccable career.’Seductive’ Man City boss Pep Guardiola wooed wife Cristina away from her TV career – and took her advice on tacticsCredit: RexThe announcement of their break-up was preceded by his worst ever run as a managerCredit: GettyAfter winning six Premier League titles in seven years, his usually invincible team went seven games without a victory. And they’ve had just three victories in the last ten Prem matches.But now it seems his bizarre behaviour could also be a response to the end of his marriage to teenage sweetheart Cristina Serra.It was revealed this week that the 53-year-old football legend has split from the mother of his three children after 30 years.READ MORE ON Pep Guardiola The couple were said to have called it a day FIVE YEARS ago but kept the news under wraps until officially parting ways last month.A well-informed source in Pep’s homeland of Spain said: “I can assure you they’re living apart and only a handful of people knew about this.”The announcement of the break-up was preceded by his worst ever run as a manager, with his once invincible side losing five games in a row before Christmas.‘Already seductive’There had been rumours that all was not been well with the relationship for a while.Most read in FootballIn 2019, Cristina, 52, moved back to Barcelona with the couple’s youngest daughter, Valentina, 17, while Pep stayed in Manchester.But in public, Pep’s love for Cristina, who he married in 2014, seemed to be as strong as ever.Pep Guardiola ‘SPLITS from wife after 30 years and three children together’ according to reports in SpainThey spent this Christmas together and were in the Royal Box on Centre Court at Wimbledon last summer, after previously being spotted on idyllic holidays and sharing an emotional kiss after Man City won the Champions League for the first time in 2023.He has credited his wife with his great sense of fashion and for bringing up his children.Brazilian Cristina was so important to the Spaniard that he refused to join any team without her say-so.In a rare personal interview in 2018, he said: “Only at home I feel safe. I mean safe in terms of not being observed. I close the door and I feel safe.“My job is demanding a lot. Cristina is an incredible woman, not just an incredible mother.“If we were talking about moving to New York, Munich and here, if she decides not to come, I won’t come. I will not be here, I cannot be alone in this kind of job without my family.”The romance began when an 18-year-old Pep went to a fashion store in Barcelona owned by Cristina’s family to model some outfits by Spanish designer Antonio Miro. At the time, he was playing for Barcelona’s B team, while she was an actress who had appeared on Spanish TV.Pep’s sister Francesca once said: “He was very handsome, a good student, always getting good marks, the teachers drooled over him, he was already seductive when he was little.”I can assure you they’re living apart and only a handful of people knew about thisWell-informed source in Pep’s homeland of Spain Cristina gave up acting to concentrate on her successful clothing business and is now said to be worth over £30million.Meanwhile, Pep established himself as one of the best midfielders of his generation, winning multiple titles with Barcelona’s first team.But in 2001 he tested positive for the prohibited steroid nandrolone and was banned from playing for four months. Cristina is said to have been his rock during this time, and put out a statement defending her husband, who always denied doping. It took him another six years to clear his name on appeal.Pep was known as “Perfecto” due to his obsession with the game — and he did not approve of team-mates putting their social lives first.When he retired as a player in 2006 it did not lead to more time with Cristina as he jumped straight into management with Barcelona’s B team.As a result, Pep was even more consumed by tactics, to the point that he could not hold a conversation about other subjects for more than half an hour.His friend Manel Estiarte told The Times in 2016: “You invite him for a meal in a restaurant, but after 32 minutes you can see his mind is already wandering.There had been rumours that all was not been well with the couple’s relationship for a while (pictured after Pep’s Champions League victory in 2023)Credit: GettyFans were concerned when a cut appeared on his nose and there were scratch marks on his forehead“He starts staring at the ceiling and, although he’s nodding as if he’s listening to you, he’s not looking at you. In actual fact he’s probably thinking about the opposition left-back, the marking scheme for the midfielder, how much the wingers can support the inside forwards.”The manager has admitted that he can also drift off into a world of his own when he is at home with his wife and children.He said: “My family know that I am there but I am not there. Sometimes I’m at home but not at home.“They call ‘Pep, Pep’ but they know I am in my own world.”Pep’s dedication to his job has more than paid off. He became the youngest manager to win the Champions League in 2009, lifting the most sought-after trophy in his first season in charge of Barcelona’s first team.The demands of day-to-day management took their toll though, and in 2012 he quit as boss in order to take a year out. He admitted: “I’m drained and I need to fill up.”That gave the family a chance to enjoy a more relaxed life in New York, where they went around unrecognised as they visited art galleries and hung out in cafes.‘My wife is so elegant’But the Premier League’s top clubs, including Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea, were all chasing him. He turned them down in favour of German giants Bayern Munich in 2013, whose stars included Dutch winger Arjen Robben.While at the Bundesliga team he told the Press that Cristina gave her opinion about his starting line-up. Smiling, he said: “My wife is more complicated than Robben. Cristina sometimes complains about my tactical decisions.“She tells me to repeat the 11 with which I won the last match. To explain to her my system of rotation is more difficult than telling Robben, ‘Today you’re a substitute’.”Cristina also made her views known about the well-dressed Pep’s sartorial choices. He said: “My wife is so elegant, she helps me a lot. Before, I was a disaster. But now I am elegant thanks to her.”My wife is more complicated than Robben. Cristina sometimes complains about my tactical decisionsBut it took two decades before Pep made Cristina his wife, with the couple getting hitched at a civil ceremony in 2014 in Matadepera, Catalonia.That was followed by a move to Manchester two years later when he became City boss.The family lived a plush apartment in Salford, not far from the centre, with their children Maria, 24, Marius, 22, and Valentina.During the short breaks between the stressful football seasons they would take holidays in exclusive resorts in Mauritius and Barbados.But in 2019, Pep’s statement that he would only go where his wife did no longer appeared to stand.Cristina moved back to Barcelona to look after the fashion business while he remained in Manchester.The new living arrangements coincided with a string of defeats for City, and at the end of the 2019/20 season they lost the Premier League to Liverpool.The couple were said to have called it a day FIVE YEARS ago but kept the news under wraps until officially parting ways last monthCredit: RexMaria went to study in London and is now a social media influencer whose boyfriends have been rumoured to include former England player Dele Alli. Marius lives in Dubai, where he runs a marketing and publicity company.That appears to leave Pep alone in his £2.7million apartment in Deansgate CitySuites, central Manchester. Cristina remains the patron of their charitable foundation, Fundacion Guardiola Sala, and is expected to keep the £8million mansion they own in Barcelona.The break-up is said to be amicable and not due to any affairs.Tonight Pep was even seen still wearing his wedding ring at City’s match against Brentford.Spanish reporter Lorena Vazquez said: “It’s been a carefully considered decision the couple discussed over several months.“They continue to have a cordial and affectionate relationship. No one else is involved. There are no third parties.” Last summer he showed signs of irritation when he confronted young men asking for autographs near his flat. Pep told them: “Don’t come again, I won’t tell you again, I know your faces.”Fans were concerned when a cut appeared on his nose and there were scratch marks on his forehead.Following a draw in the Champions League in November, he addressed the marks by commenting: “I want to harm myself. It’s from my nail on my finger. I cut myself with my fingernail.”He later had to apologise following accusations that he was making light of self-harm.READ MORE SUN STORIESWith the revelation that his marriage is now over, these actions take on a new light.And what was proving to be his toughest season on the pitch may well also be his hardest year off the field as well.Pep Guardiola’s horror Man City runPEP GUARDIOLA admitted he is having sleepless nights as he endures his worst-ever spell as a manager.Here are the three-time defending Premier League champions’ nightmare last 10 games…Oct 30: Tottenham 2 Man City 1 – DEFEATNov 2: Bournemouth 2 Man City 1 – DEFEATNov 5: Sporting Lisbon 4 Man City 1 – DEFEATNov 9: Brighton 2 Man City 1 – DEFEATNov 23 – Man City 0 Tottenham 4 – DEFEATNov 26: Man City 3 Feyenoord 3 – DRAWDec 1: Liverpool 2 Man City 0 – DEFEATDec 4: Man City 3 Nottingham Forest – WINDec 7: Crystal Palace 2 Man City 2 – DRAWDec 11: Juventus 2 Man City 0 – DEFEATTOTAL – WINS 1, DRAWS 2, DEFEATS 7 More

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      Inside Pep Guardiola’s £100m empire as Man City boss splits from wife – from £2.7m pad to ‘wrecked’ £460k car collection

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      FOOTBALL boss Pep Guardiola is used to dominating the football world, guiding Manchester City to trophy after trophy.But sadly, things off the pitch are not going so smoothly, following his reported split from wife Cristina Serra, who he has been with for more than 30 years.Pep’s wife Cristina has been at his side throughout his football careerCredit: GettyThe couple and their children have enjoyed lavish holidays over the yearsPep announced a sponsorship deal with Puma which is likely to have landed him a seven-figure pay dayCredit: PA:Press AssociationPep owns multiple luxury properties, has had numerous brand sponsorship deals and earns an eye-watering £19.7million a year from the Blues.But it remains to be seen how the couple, who wed in 2014, might split his fortune if they divorce, amid reports from Spain that they are still “cordial, stable and friendly”.It has been reported by Barcelona-based newspaper Sport that the pair came to a decision to separate in December while they were together in Pep’s homeland.Manchester City declined to comment about the split rumours.READ MORE CELEB FEATURESPep is said to have met his wife when he was just 18 years old, while Cristina was 16 and working in her family’s clothes store called Serra Claret.Both certainly have a good eye for the finer things in life, with Pep admitting it is his wife who often picks his pricey match-day outfits.Here we look at Guardiola’s gigantic £100million fortune, which includes a restaurant, luxury cars and a designer wardrobe that rivals most models.Stylish footballPep started off his career playing for Barcelona from the age of just 17, eventually debuting for their first team in 1990.Most read in FootballIt didn’t take long for him to be snapped up by fashion designers and by 18 he was modelling for designer Antonio Miro – which led to him meeting his wife.It was reported that every item from the Catalonian designer sold out just a few days after the event. Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set or £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transferPep has guided Manchester City to huge successCredit: PAHe’s credited his wife with his style choices, which have always drawn attentionCredit: GettyIt is, perhaps, unsurprising that Pep has become known for his style at the Etihad Stadium, often sporting turtle-necks and branded jumpers instead of always going for stuffy suits. Among his outfits is his signature grey ‘hoodigan’, which was made by Theresa May’s favourite Italian designer Herno and reportedly costs £1,200.But’s he not always the one behind these iconic outfits.He said: “My wife is the best in the world at many things, but especially in fashion. So she says normally to me, don’t wear this or wear that, so I follow her.“I am smart enough to know that when people are much, much better than me, follow their advice, and hers is really good.”After retiring from his playing career, Pep made his name as a superstar manager at Barcelona and Bayern Munich before signing in 2016 for Manchester City, netting himself a mega pay-day.While at Bayern Munich, he was reported to be bringing in £15million per year, netting him a cool £45million for the three years at the Bundesliga club.Pep is currently paid £19.7million a year, in a newly-extended deal that expires in 2026.Pulling powerHe collaborated with Nissan… despite having dented many of his own carsCredit: NissanPep was an ambassador for the Qatar World CupCredit: AFPPep reportedly started on £12million back in 2016, and has topped his income up on the side with some smart sponsorship deals.His most eye-popping brand partnership is with Puma, who are also the kit sponsor for Manchester City, in a deal worth £650million.Guardiola is thought to have netted seven figures for the personal collaboration.Previous brand deals have included Nissan, clothing brand Gore-Tex and – more controversially – being an ambassador for the Qatar World Cup in 2022.Home gameHe lives in a £2.7million pad in Manchester, which is also part of a hotelCredit: MENThrough the flat he has access to an 18m poolCredit: instagramSince moving to Manchester back in 2016, Pep has made the city a home and splashed out on a truly lavish flat.He spent £2.7million on the luxury home in City Suites, which is said to be in the “most desirable address” in Salford.It isn’t hard for him to embrace his passion for fashion as it’s next to designer shops as well as high-end restaurants and wine bars. The unusual residence – considering most footballers in the area opt for a sprawling mansion in leafy Cheshire – is in a private section of a 16-floor hotel.The property gives Pep access to an 18-metre indoor pool, an exquisite spa and sauna facilities as well as a 24-hour gym. Other benefits included two private parking spots, a 24-hour concierge team, dry-cleaning services and access to a private executive lounge.  It’s not his only home. Pep also snapped up an 8,000-square-foot mansion in Pedarlbes, the most expensive area in Barcelona, for a mere £8.55million back in 2021.The gorgeous white house has breathtaking views of the city thanks to its position in the foothills of Sant Pere Màrtir mountain.It features a spacious living area, a high-end kitchen, a large private swimming pool and balconies across two storeys to take advantage of the picturesque landscape.While he has two luxurious homes, he hasn’t shied away from renting pricy places too. During a one-year sabbatical in 2012, he splashed out on a fancy New York flat that set him back £19,500-per-month and overlooked Central Park.The Upper West Side abode used to be the home of other celebs including X-Files actor David Duchovny and Barbra Streisand.It boasted four bedrooms, bathrooms, and a study where Pep was said to have learned and practised German before taking over at Bayern Munich.Food for thoughtHe is one of three investors in Tast Catala in ManchesterCredit: Instagram/@tastcatalaIt is currently helmed by a chef whose restaurants have won four Michelin starsCredit: Instagram/@tastcatalaAnd it’s not just homes that Pep’s acquired over the years.He is a co-owner of Tast Catala in Manchester. The eatery opened its doors in 2018 and now has chef Paco Perez – whose restaurants have four Michelin stars between them – at the helm creating the menus. The acclaimed establishment focuses on bringing a taste of the Costa Brava to Manchester and can host up to 120 diners.While it won’t break the bank to dine there, it’s certainly not cheap, with mains costing more than £20. Pep’s also invested in another passion of his: wine.It was reported in 2021 that he had forked out £200,000 on a Spanish vineyard’s finest vintage bottles and reportedly drinks a glass or two after football matches.Friends told The Daily Star that he spent as much as £500,000 on fancy reds including the very best Riojas, prized Priorat and Ribera del Duero labels.A source said: “His main interest is that of a collector of fine vintages, and he sees the value of them as investments… Not only does he enjoy a glass of wine, he really knows his stuff too.”Drive for successThe footie boss reportedly dented his pricey BentleyCredit: BentleyOutside of his property portfolio, Pep has invested in some rather expensive motors over the years. And while they’re said to lose money the second you drive them off, the football boss has certainly managed to lower the value even further with a series of bumps and scrapes.Since moving to Manchester in February 2016, Pep has damaged a series of cars collectively worth £460,000. They included a £200,000 silver Bentley, GTX700, a £150,000 Range Rover, an £80,000 black Mercedes GLE and a £30,000 Mini Cooper.A source said: “Pep is brilliant at many things, but driving doesn’t appear to be one of them, he has struggled with the roads in Manchester and had a couple of bumps.”Pep’s Manchester City recordAfter joining Manchester City in February 2016, Pep had his first season without winning a trophy since he went into club management.The team’s form declined in the second half of the season despite a promising start.Things started to look up in the 2017-18 season after Pep identified the issues in defence the team had. Pep guided City to a record-breaking 100 points and the title, earning him a contract keeping him at the club until 2021.Under his guidance, Manchester City have won the Premier League five times and the Champions League once.They’ve also taken home a FIFA Club World Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, two FA Cup wins, four Carabao Cups and two FA Community Shields.He has also been voted Premier League Manager of the Season four times.This season they are currently sixth in the Premier League, so it doesn’t look like Pep will be adding another title to the cabinet.Authors Lu Martin and Pol Ballus wrote in the 2019 book Pep’s City: The Making Of A Superteam: “Today he’s behind the wheel of his black Mercedes.”He has a reputation from his Barcelona days of being a hapless driver and this is his fourth car he has owned since coming to Manchester.“His wing mirrors don’t survive for long and he’s also managed to fill a diesel Range Rover with petrol and mangle a silver Bentley.”Time is moneyHe owns a series of expensive watches, which double as an investmentCredit: SuppliedHis expensive tastes don’t end with cars and clothes – he also owns an array of pricey watches.Among them was a Richard Mille (RM) RM 27-01 Tourbillon Rafael Nadal, which he was pictured with on a golf course, that costs around £590,000 due to there only being ten in the world.Other ultra-expensive timepieces seen on his wrist include a £455,000 RM 022 Tourbillon Aerodyne, a £75,000 RM 010 ‘Manchester City’ and the RM 004 All Gray, which costs more than £150,000.READ MORE SUN STORIESLast year Pep was seen wearing a RM 67-02 watch – they typically cost £228,000 but his timepiece was a United Arab Emirates edition, which is not for sale.He has also been seen sporting a £55,000 Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph 5905P and a £12,500 Rolex Cellini. 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      From scratching head in anguish to snapping at fans, the signs of Pep Guardiola’s secret ‘marriage breakdown’

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      THE worst spell of Pep Guardiola’s managerial career has played out in front of the world.But in private, the Manchester City manager has also been suffering the heartbreak of the breakdown of his 30-year relationship with wife Cristina Serra.Pep Guardiola is experiencing his worst-ever season as a managerCredit: GETTYThe Spaniard worryingly revealed he wanted to harm himself and had self-induced scratches all over his head after City’s Champions League collapse to FeyenoordGuardiola had to be held back after confronting a fanChampions Manchester City are a whopping 12 points behind league leaders LiverpoolCredit: GETTYGuardiola has also been dealing with the breakdown of his marriage to Cristina SerraCredit: REXGuardiola was filmed snapping at autograph huntersPep and his wife are said to have gone their separate ways after nearly 30 years togetherCredit: PAGuardiola’s behaviour during City’s wretched run has been put down to him struggling to cope with the unfamiliar feeling of losing.He has snapped at autograph hunters and fans. He has bared his soul in interviews, branding himself “not good enough”.And while watching his team let a 3-0 lead slip against Feyenoord, the City boss became so agitated that he left scratch marks on his face.Now it appears there was a lot more going on beneath the surface – and the signs were there all along.READ MORE ON PEP GUARDIOLAReports from Spain that Guardiola and Cristina finally split last month are a reminder that one of the most relentlessly successful coaches of all time is also a human being with the same problems as anyone else.Guardiola’s on-field issues have arrived in the ninth season of his reign at City, the longest he has spent in charge of one club.But he and Cristina have been an item for more than three decades, after meeting as teenagers in 1994 and marrying in 2014.And the sacrifices as Guardiola tried to find that work/life balance will have been difficult, even at the best of times.Most read in FootballGuardiola and Cristina have been living apart since 2019 when she returned to Barcelona with daughter Valentina, the youngest of the couple’s three children.The explanation given at the time was that Cristina was taking a leading role in her family’s fashion business, Serra Claret, which is based in the Catalan city.Pep Guardiola says ‘I’m the manager and I’m not good enough’ as Man City lose again Although Guardiola made trips back to Barcelona, when the hectic fixture schedule allowed, the pair inevitably ended up leading separate lives.Rumours of a split emerged in the spring. Yet soon afterwards Cristina was in Manchester to celebrate City’s unprecedented fourth title in a row and there were other public displays of togetherness, too, such as a day out at Wimbledon last July.Photos also emerged of the whole family – including eldest child Maria and son Marius – enjoying a summer holiday in Egypt.But it seems as though Guardiola went into the new season with doubts not only about his football future.His City contract was due to expire in June and speculation grew when the club confirmed in October that director of football Txiki Begiristain, Guardiola’s old Barcelona pal and close ally, would be leaving at the end of the campaign.The City boss signed a two-year extension in November as results started to slide.The following month he and Cristina are said to have agreed to end their marriage.And it seems significant that the biggest crisis of Guardiola’s reign at City has coincided with personal difficulties.His recent confrontation with autograph hunters outside his home in Manchester is just the latest example of him losing his cool.After City lost the FA Cup final to rivals United in May, Guardiola reacted angrily to goading from a supporter.Reports in Spain say Pep Guardiola and Cristina Serra went their separate ways last monthCredit: GETTYPep Guardiola has kept a lid on his separation from the mother of his three childrenCredit: GETTYBut the Spaniard has had several out-of-character outbursts this seasonCredit: GETTYAnd as the club slumped from the top of the Premier League to miles off leaders Liverpool, he showed signs of stress and vulnerability that no-one had seen before.After Guardiola scratched himself during the collapse against Feyenoord in late November, he said: “I cut myself with my fingernail.“I want to harm myself.”It was an off-hand comment, a half-joke to explain why what was unfolding on the pitch was reflected in his appearance.But in these sensitive times, Guardiola had to issue a statement soon afterwards, saying: “My answer was in no way intended to make light of the very serious issue of self harm.”Of course it wasn’t. Yet this was just another example of the intense scrutiny and pressure that Guardiola has to live with constantly.And he freely admits he has been feeling it.When asked if he was in any way enjoying the biggest challenge of his managerial career at all, Guardiola said: “I don’t enjoy it all. I don’t like it.“I don’t sleep as good as when I won every game. But that doesn’t mean I don’t have to do it.“This shall pass, I don’t know when, but nothing is eternal, not even our lives. “Maybe it’s more unusual to win four Premier League in a row, right?“So in that moment I was stable enough, I was happy because I eat better and sleep better.”But I was not thinking differently to who I am.”I’m the same person as four Premier Leagues in a row and in that situation, I have the same doubts.”Pep Guardiola and Cristina Serra became an item back in 1994Credit: GETTYGuardiola was adamant that his passion to make City succeed was undimmed and that was why he had signed the new deal.Yet he also left open the possibility that he would not be able to turn things around.Guardiola said: “If I extend, it is because I feel it. I’m not sitting here just for what I’ve done, or because still I’m happy.“Still I want to try. But I don’t want to stay in the place like I feel I’m a problem.“I don’t want to [just] because the contract is there. My chairman knows it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“And I said to him, give me the chance to try to come back. And after if we are not able to do it, we have to change.”But it seems Guardiola and his childhood sweetheart have decided they were unable to carry on and had to make a change. More

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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury’s biggest battle will be trying to walk away from boxing for good, after shock retirement announcement

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      TYSON Fury may have announced his retirement – but we’ve seen this dance before.The Gypsy King, 36, took to Instagram on Monday to say he’s hanging up his gloves following a second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.Former boxing champ Tyson Fury has announced his retirement from boxingCredit: PAFury leaves the sport of boxing as a legendCredit: AP Photo/Martin MeissnerFamously, Fury has found it hard when he’s not in the ring – suffering depression and piling on the poundsHe wrote on social media: “Hey everybody, I am going to make it short and sweet. I would like to announce my retirement from boxing.”It has been a blast and I have loved every single minute of it.”I’m going to end with this – Dirk Turpin wore a mask.”God bless everybody and see you on the other side.”read more in boxingIt’s unclear why Fury referenced the infamous highway man from the 1700s, but it offers a cryptic hint about his future.Fury had been tipped to fight Anthony Joshua next in a highly-anticipated all-British clash, but his announcement means the bout is now off.His career ends with a record of 34 wins, one draw and two defeats and he has been a multiple champion, having lifted the WBO, WBC, IBF, IBO and The Ring belts.Now, his biggest battle awaits – trying to walk away from boxing for good.Most read in BoxingIn the past, Fury has struggled without the sport that made him a household name and earned him a fortune in excess of £120million.SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr reacts to Tyson Fury’s shock retirement aged 36 Not his first retirement…THIS isn’t the first time Tyson Fury has retired.His first came 12 YEARS ago, when in 2013 he grew frustrated when a fight with David Haye fell through.He declared at the time: “Hi everyone, I have officially retired from boxing. There’s too many bent [crooked] people in the sport. They will have to f*** someone else. Goodbye boxing.”Then, he took a three-year break from the sport between 2015 and 2018, during which many didn’t expect to see him again.In 2022 he retired TWICE.Speaking in the ring after defeating Dillian Whyte at Wembley with a sixth-round finish, he revealed he’d made a promise to wife Paris.He stated: “I’m a two-time undisputed world champion. [I have] £150million in the bank and nothing to prove to anybody.”Later in the year, he stated his plan to “100 per cent” return to the ring.But then just four days later he posted on X that he was quitting again.He posted: “Massive thanks to everyone who had an input in my career over the years & after long hard conversations I’ve finally decided to walk away & on my 34th birthday I say Bon voyage.”It means there will be serious doubts that his latest declaration truly means we’ll never see him in the ring again.He famously ballooned up to 28 stone before he made his epic comeback against Deontay Wilder in 2018.Depression, which led to alcohol, cocaine abuse, as well as suicidal thoughts contributed towards his downfall then.Only last year, wife Paris revealed: “It was the worst few years of our lives.”Nothing can, seemingly, fill the void of boxing, as SunSport explains. But, a life of more reality TV could be in the offing.His darkest daysFury was king of the ring when he defeated Wladimir Klitschko with a superb boxing display in 2015.But, what soon followed was a mental health battle that was harder than any opponent faced.In 2016, he was diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder and bipolar.Amid struggles with depression, he soon turned to alcohol and cocaine as his life spiralled out of control.At his lowest point he attempted to drive his Ferrari into a motorway bridge — only to stop at the last minute as he thought about his family.In 2015, Fury stunned the world in a boxing masterclass over Wladimir KlitschkoCredit: APIn 2016, a topless and bleary-eyed Fury was spotted partying with England fans in NiceCredit: Darren Fletcher – The SunAt his lowest ebb, Fury considered crashing his Ferrari into a bridgeCredit: Instagram @gypsyking101By that point, already two years away out of the ring, his boxing career appeared over.Incredibly, his weight ballooned as his lifestyle took control of him. He turned his back on the gym, and weighed up to 28 stone at his heaviest.He was famously spotted at Euro 2016 buying England fans Jagerbombs after the Three Lions crashed out to Iceland.”I needed some time off, I’d been boxing from boxing since 10, 11 years old up to 27 with no breaks. So I needed time to live a little and enjoy myself but it just went too far,” he told the Breakfast Club in 2018.”I really don’t know what had me depressed but I knew I was just spiralling out of control. The only thing I could think of to make it better and go away for a bit was getting drunk and that just led to problems after problems after problems.”Paris’ woesDuring that period in Fury’s life, wife Paris was his rock.She admittedly found her husband to be intolerable. “It was the worst few years of our lives,” she told INews about those lost years between 2015-2017.Incredibly, Tyson pulled himself out of his lowest ebb by hitting the gym hard following a sudden “epiphany”.”Within a month of being crowned world heavyweight champ, I was an emotional wreck on my way to a heart attack, thanks to a diet of Class-A drugs, junk food and alcohol,” he wrote in his book, The Furious Method.Fury made a change to his lifestyle with the help of trainer Kristian Blacklock, standing to the boxer’s rightCredit: https://www.instagram.com/kristianblacklock/Fury revealed those two years were the hardest they faced as a coupleCredit: Instagramread more sport features”I had my epiphany in a pub on Halloween night in 2017, hopelessly overweight and humiliated, wearing a skeleton outfit that was skin-tight and emphasised my full 28st.”Although I had started training again, I was still drinking and going on benders and making life a misery for my wife, my children and those who were closest to me.”Looking around the pub at people half my age I felt like a disgrace, and I knew things had to change.”I left the pub early for a change and later that night I stood in my bedroom in my underpants, fell on my knees and cried out to God to help me.”Fury got to work in the gym – working alongside trainer Kristian Blacklock – and miraculously shed 10 stone.He was back in the ring in 2018, earning a credible draw in his first bout against Deontay Wilder.Climbing off the canvas in round 12, after he was floored by a haymaker from Wilder, he showed astonishing mental courage.However, in 2019 Fury fell out of love with boxing once again and worried Paris revealed her concerns that there is potential for him to slip into depression, once again, without the sport.She said on their Netflix show, At Home with the Furys: “When he last stopped boxing, Tyson had an alcohol and drug addiction. He suffers from a few mental health problems. He’s got ADHD, depression, and it all spiralled out of control. We had a bad two years.”There’s no point saying that won’t happen again because that’s the elephant in the room I think about.”Fury showed incredible courage to draw with Deontay Wilder in their first fight after over two years out of boxingCredit: GettyParis Fury has spoken of her fears when husband Tyson doesn’t box of him spiralling out of control againCredit: ReutersFury has since become an advocate for mental health, after his depression woesCredit: PASo what’s next?The Dick Turpin clue might hint towards a career in WWE as a masked wrestler – think Mexican luchador.Back on 2019, Fury made his debut in the squared circle – defeating Braun Strowman by count out.However, it’s his career as a reality TV star that seems the most likely.Back in 2020, Tyson Fury: The Gyspy King on ITV was the catalyst for a life on the small screen.Sharing his life in Morecambe with Paris and their children, he now has seven, was captivating viewing. TV gold, at least, for Netflix who signed him and his family up on a mega deal for their own Kardashian-style show.Filming for a second series started last year, and that’s expected to drop this year.At Home with the Furys showed the family in a different lifeCredit: Courtesy of NetflixTyson Fury has proven to be a hit for Netflix thanks to his infectious personalityCredit: NetflixTime will tell if this really is the end of Fury’s boxing career after his retirement announcementCredit: RexAmusingly, Fury does embrace the mundane – so he’s partial to trips to the tip, for one.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut there’s only so many times you can visit the tip, before boredom kicks in.As we said, Fury will find it hard to resist the urge to get back in the ring once again.View of The Sun’s boxing expert: ‘I think it’s a ploy’By Wally Downes JrCALL ME a miserable fat little boxing cynic, but Tyson Fury’s latest retirement just doesn’t wash with me.It wasn’t too long ago we were hearing he had a ten-fight deal with Saudi Arabia, that he was gonna fight Anthony Joshua twice, then he was going to face Joseph Parker twice.He was planning on doing every fight in the world – there was even talk he’d rematch Francis Ngannou and do a better job.IF he has retired, then he goes out with an incredible career having made over £300million in boxing events alone, let alone all the extra stuff.He does so having sacrificed bundles of his own life for such success.We know his wife Paris suffered a miscarriage going into the first Olesandr Usyk fight.We know for Deontay Wilder III, his little girl was put in intensive care, he barely even trained for that fight, he was sleeping on the hospital floor.IF he has retired, IF it is genuine, then it’s been an incredible career.And for the big showman, it’s probably a nice little short sharp way to go out by just posting a video while sat inside his car.But I can’t help but think that it’s a bit of a ploy to drive AJ a little bit crazy.AJ was at the Ring Awards the other day and put out a social media post saying “Fury, where are you? I’m looking for you.”It’s the only fight that AJ wants, and Fury being wise and looking at the Floyd Mayweather playbook, knows that once you retire, you have to be coaxed out of retirement.And how do you coax someone out of retirement? Loads more readies.The fact of the matter is, Fury has always told us: I’m a prize fighter, I do it for money, I’m gonna do it for as long as I can and make as much money as I can.So the idea that he suddenly ducks out now doesn’t seem to ring quite true.As Fury made the announcement, I was with Frank Warren and he said hadn’t spoken to Tyson about it today, but that he hopes that it’s true, that Fury’s done enough and made enough money.IF it’s true, then what an incredible career.Fury and AJ have put British boxing on the map where it’s not been for decades, not since Lennox Lewis 25 years ago.So thank you, but rather than being at his leaving party, which I’m sure The Sun would be invited to, I suspect we’ll see him boxing AJ in Riyadh in a few months.  More

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      in Soccer

      Dejan Kulusevski eats SEA MOSS and hangs out in sauna as day in the life of Tottenham star revealed in video

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      TOTTENHAM winger Dejan Kulusevski has given fans a glimpse into his training regime – including snacking on sea moss and spending time in an oxygen chamber.Kulusevski joined Tottenham from Juventus four years ago and quickly established himself as an important first-team player.Dejan Kulusevski showed fans a day in his life, starting with breakfast at the training groundCredit: X @SpursOfficialHe was filmed eating sea moss from a jarThe winger then went for a gym sessionCredit: X @SpursOfficialNow comfortably settled into life in London, the 24-year-old has given fans a look at a day in his life, starting with breakfast at the training ground.After arriving at Hotspur Way, the Sweden international signed some shirts before getting changed into his training kit and making his way into the dining room.After eating some scrambled eggs, avocado and a bowl of fruit, he tucked into a spoonful of SEA MOSS from a jar.He said: “Here we have the speciality – sea moss. Contains 92 0f 102 essential minerals.”Read More in FootballSpeaking to team-mate Son Heung-min across the table, he then went on to say: “Don’t look at me, you tried this last year!”Kulusevski then completed an interview for Sky Sports before starting work in the gym.After his work-out, the winger went into a hyperbaric chamber – a treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurised room to help the body heal – for around 45-50 minutes to recover.He then did some recovery work in the pool and spent 15 minutes in a sauna.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe spent 45 minutes in a hyperbaric chamberCredit: X @SpursOfficialKulusevski concluded his morning session in an ice bath alongside team-mates James Maddison and Radu Dragusin.The Tottenham stars were fed chicken and salad for lunch before leaving the ground.Ange Postecoglou praises hosts Tamworth after hard-fought FA Cup win But rather than going home straight away, Kulusevski made a surprise appearance at a local community centre to give gifts out to children alongside Lucas Bergvall.The winger went on to score for Tottenham in their Carabao Cup quarter-final against Manchester United two days later.Spurs subsequently booked their spot in the semi-finals with a 4-3 win.Kulusevski ended the training day in the ice bathCredit: X @SpursOfficialHe enjoyed lunch before leaving the training groundCredit: X @SpursOfficialKulusevski made a surprise appearance at a local community centre to give gifts out to childrenCredit: X @SpursOfficial More

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      in Soccer

      How Pep Guardiola’s wife Cristina Serra went from being his rock to ‘moving away’ before their shock ‘split’

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      PEP GUARDIOLA’s strain has been there for everybody to see this season.The Man City boss has been, literally, scratching his head over his team’s poor form in all competitions.Pep Guardiola has ‘split’ with Cristina Serra after more than 30 years togetherCredit: Getty – ContributorGuardiola and Cristina share three children, Marius, left, Valentina, centre, and Maria, rightCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe Spaniard appeared with red scratch marks over his face and head in late NovemberNow, it has been reported by Spanish media that he has ‘split’ from wife of over 30 years, Cristina Serra.Barcelona-based newspaper Sport claim that the pair ended their marriage in December while both in Spain.Sport add their relationship is still “cordial, stable and friendly” despite deciding to part ways.The report claims they have been living apart for nearly five years after Cristina moved back to Barcelona to run her fashion company.Read more in footballBut she has been moving from Spain to London – still visiting her husband when time allows.While his life was unravelling off the pitch, on it things weren’t much better.The Premier League champions endured a miserable run during that month – losing to Juventus in the Champions League, at home to Man Utd in the Manchester derby, and suffering defeat to Aston Villa before Christmas. After a Champions League game against Feyenoord in late November, where he watched his side blow a three-goal lead at the Etihad, he cut a tense and nervous figure.Most read in FootballHe was seen with scratches on his head and nose in the press conference that evening.Guardiola left scratching his head as City blow 3-0 lead against FeyenoordGuardiola was quizzed about how he got the cuts and responded by saying: “My finger, here [makes a scratching motion]. My nail.”The Spaniard then joked that City’s woeful form over the last few weeks has driven him to self-harm, saying: “I want to harm myself.”Guardiola later apologised for his comments and insisted he wasn’t making light of mental health issues.Behind the scenes, his marriage was crumbling as he felt pressure he’s never felt during his managerial career.The missusPep met beautiful Cristina in Catalonia, when they were just starry-eyed teenagers.She comes from a fashion family dynasty, who own the Serra Claret boutique in Barcelona.It was there their paths crossed for the first time.Guardiola, then a youth star, was doing a modelling shoot for the late Spanish designer Antonio Miro in the shop, when he fixed his gaze on his future missus.They finally walked down the aisle in 2014 at a town hall on the outskirts of Barcelona.Last year, he revealed his wife was his fashion guru.Cristina Serra comes from a fashion family dynastyCredit: Bongarts – GettyHe said: “My wife is the best in the world at many things, but especially in fashion. So she says normally to me, don’t wear this or wear that, so I follow her.”I am smart enough to know that when people are much much better than me, follow their advice and hers is really good.”Whenever City tasted success, Cristina was often seen at the Etihad alongside Guardiola.She happily posed with the trophies his teams won, with their kids in tow.Guardiola and Cristina met when they were teenagers at her family’s fashion boutiqueCredit: AFP – GettyCristina, daughter Maria and Pep enjoyed a trip to Wimbledon last summerCredit: APread more sport featuresModel daughterGuardiola and Cristina share three children together.Their eldest child is daughter Maria, 24, who has branched out on her own.She shares her glam lifestyle to almost one million followers on Instagram.Unsurprisingly, the beauty is a model and has appeared in sexy bikini shoots for swimwear brand iBilovesyou.She also once reportedly dated a footballer.Back in 2021, Maria was spotted with ex-Spurs star Dele Alli in a romantic clinch.As we exclusively revealed, the pair didn’t care who saw them as they snogged each other at Cloud 9 rooftop bar in front of the DJ booth.Daughter Maria Guardiola has branched out on her ownCredit: INSTAGRAMUnsurprisingly, stunning brunette Maria is a modelCredit: INSTAGRAMMaria once dated Premier League footballer Dele AlliCredit: INSTAGRAMA few months later, they were spotted getting lunch at trendy Mayfair hotspot Novikov, before grabbing a coffee at Starbucks.However, six months later it was reported that Alli had split with Maria.Family timeIn 2023, after a gruelling and successful season as City boss – winning the treble – family came first for Pep.He took Cristina and their kids on a trip of a lifetime to visit to Egypt.Maria, son Marius, 21, and youngest daughter Valentina, 16, joined their parents to tour Cairo and Luxor and visit the Sphinx and Great Pyramid of Giza.Wearing a white outfit and a red baseball cap bearing the letter P, Guardiola received a special ‘Pharaoh’ trophy in photos taken by officials at the Ministry of Tourism.Marius Guardiola is Pep’s only sonCredit: SuppliedThe Guardiola family enjoyed a once in a lifetime trip to EgyptPep and his family pose in front of the Great Pyramid of Giza in matching outfitsCredit: SuppliedShowing a family that all pull the same way together, they were all dressed in neutral shades of white as they beamed for photos.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile Pep and Cristina have split, this kind of showing points to a more amicable resolution.That can only be for the benefit of Pep, Cristina, Maria, Marius, and Valentina moving forward. More