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      in Soccer

      How Enzo Maresca’s obsession with chess has transformed Chelsea from ‘billion-pound bottle jobs’ to title contenders

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      ENZO MARESCA has strategically transformed Chelsea into Premier League title contenders.Cole Palmer might have rolled his eyes at the idea, while Noni Madueke has played down the Blues’ chances, but a 5-1 win over Southampton midweek has got pundits talking.Deep thinker Enzo Maresca’s love of chess could be linked to how he sees footballCredit: GettyMaresca wrote about the similarities between chess and football while studying at the Italian coaching centreCredit: GettyMaresca has transformed the Blues into title contendersCredit: GettyThey sit in second place, seven points behind leaders Liverpool, and are poised to challenge should the Reds falter.Much of their success is down to deep thinker Maresca, 44, who arrived at the club in the summer.In February, Gary Neville called Chelsea the ‘billion-pound bottle jobs’ after they lost to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.But only ten months later, they are title contenders under the impressive guidance of Maresca.Read more football newsThe Italian came through the legendary Italian coaching centre, Coverciano.It was there his love of chess was revealed, where he compared the beautiful game to the ancient board game.That encouraged the tactician to write his thesis comparing the two and their similarities.His dissertation was fittingly called, ‘Football and Chess’.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“There are a lot of similarities,” Maresca revealed.“The most important is positional play and strategy. For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player: develop a plan, study counter moves, choose the arrangement of the pieces.”Maresca’s philosopy’The arrangement of the pieces’ was evident in Maresca’s team selection at the St Mary’s.Enzo Maresca insists identity of Chelsea is starting to take shape Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku were drafted in, with a potentially overloaded Nicolas Jackson on the bench.With a large squad of talented stars at his disposal, Romeo Lavia, Enzo Fernandez, and Jadon Sancho are all rotated.It’s not uncommon to see a totally different side selected for Premier League or Europa Conference League.Maresca is not stuck to one philosophy. Quite often, he will pick a team suited to the opposition his team’s play.As a strategist, he makes subtle tweaks every week.One example saw Moises Caicedo, reborn in central midfield this term, playing at right-back against Aston Villa.That allowed the Ecuadorian to invert into midfield, when Chelsea were in possession, with Enzo Fernandez supporting the attack in a CAM position, and gave Cole Palmer more space.If you’ve played 5D chess, a game that becomes increasingly complex through a series of alternate timelines, it’s comparable to how Maresca’s thought-process when Chelsea are in action.Maresca has helped Chelsea find their identity againCredit: GettyVersatility and rotation of star players has been key to Maresca’s successCredit: Alamyread more sport features’We’ve got our Chelsea back’For a few years, they hadn’t under the Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali regime.But at Southampton, the away support were fully behind their club singing, ‘We’ve got our Chelsea back.’There was also a youthful exuberance about the team that played the Saints.The average age of the team selected was 24 years and 162 days old.Incredibly, that was the oldest first eleven Maresca has picked in this campaign – and the 14th youngest used by any Premier League club.However, given the club’s transfer activity in recent windows, it was telling there were no Cobham graduates in the starting line-up.Only Levi Colwill, who was tracked by Bayern Munich in the summer, was the only academy starlet in the squad.Of course, given their players ages, should the squad develop how Maresca wants it to, they should come into their prime in the years to come and mount consistent title challenges.Although, they won’t admit that yet.Chelsea average more than two goals per game in the Premier LeagueNoni Madueke has played down Chelsea’s title hopesCredit: GettyWith many players 24 and under, Chelsea’s young squad look primed to challenge for years to comeCredit: Rex”We are up for it but whether we are in it or not is a different question,” Madueke said.”We are taking every game as it comes.”Goals, goals, goalsChelsea have found a new lease of life under Maresca, thanks to a different style of play being implemented.Goaded in the past for being ‘Cole Palmer FC’, they are far from that. There are attacking threats all over the pitch now.When Sancho netted against Southampton, he became the 15h different player to score for the West London giants.Another mad stat is that they have already scored seven more goals (31) than they did in their entire 2022-23 season.READ MORE SUN STORIESCole Palmer is no longer Chelsea’s only threat on the pitchNicolas Jackson is one of 15 different goal scorers for Chelsea this seasonCredit: GettyBetter still, if it’s entertainment and ska favourite Harry J All-Stars’ Liquidator you want, head down to Stamford Bridge, where the home side is averaging a club record 2.6 goals per match.You never know. Come May, you might just see them lifting the Premier League trophy too. More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Goodison Park’s most memorable Merseyside derbies as Everton and Liverpool eye bragging rights in final clash

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      IT’S a grand old ground to play at. And a grand old ­fixture to contest.And if you know your history you will be aware that today — after a 130-year stretch — Goodison Park ­stages its final Merseyside derby.Goodison Park will host its final Merseyside Derby on SaturdayCredit: GettyEverton won the fixture 2-0 last seasonCredit: PANext season, assuming Everton ­perform their annual escape from relegation, they will entertain Liverpool at a brand spanking new 53,000-seater home at Bramley-Moore Dock.Remarkably, these Scouse squabbles at Goodison are tied at 41 wins apiece in all competitions as we head into this lunchtime scrap.How Sean Dyche’s men would love to secure an overall aggregate victory by stunning the runaway Premier League leaders on their final visit to the famous old stadium.Once referred to as the ‘friendly derby’, with no strict segregation of rival supporters, these days the Mersey derby is anything but.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt has seen more red cards brandished than any other Premier League fixture — 23 since the current version of the top flight began in 1992.And with Everton the snarling underdogs for so long, Mersey derbies are especially spiky at the historic ground of the Toffees.Goodison Park is an antique gem — short on legroom, high on atmosphere, hemmed in by terraced houses and home to one of the last remaining classic stands to have been designed by the great football architect Archibald Leitch.When Everton are in severe need of a result — or any time that the ‘red lot’ crosses Stanley Park — the place becomes a roaring cauldron.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSuch as Wednesday’s 4-0 drubbing of fellow strugglers Wolves which afforded Dyche’s men breathing space at the foot of the table.Theirs is the sort of old-school ground which probably earns its home team several points per season . . . and has therefore saved Everton from relegation more than once in recent years.Gary Neville tells Jamie Carragher to ‘f off’ after Liverpool legend performs incredible U-turn on ‘selfish’ SalahThat was rarely more apparent than in the penultimate derby at the venue, in April, when previous Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp suffered his first Goodison defeat in his last clash with Everton.The Reds received a thorough ‘Dycheing’ as the Toffees bombarded their illustrious rivals, goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jarrad Branthwaite earning a 2-0 victory.That result virtually guaranteed Everton’s Premier League survival.And — as every Evertonian is keen to point out — it ensured that the sainted Klopp would end up with fewer league titles than either ­Howard Kendall or Harry Catterick.It also ended the Reds’ longest unbeaten run at Everton’s home — dating back 12 matches to 2010 — during Roy Hodgson’s doomed Liverpool reign.Everton played at Anfield until 1892, having the previous year won the first of their nine league titles at what became the home of a rival club not then in existence.The Toffees upped sticks and left to build Goodison Park after a boardroom split with the club’s majority owner John ­Houlding.He found himself with a stadium but no team to play in it — and so in the summer of 1892 founded Liverpool FC.There have been plenty of cracking Goodison ­derbies since Everton won the first one 3-0 in 1894.But the greatest, and most significant, of the previous 119 meetings is beyond debate. It was a gloriously chaotic FA Cup fifth-round replay in February 1991 which ended in a 4-4 draw.Liverpool took the lead four times, with Everton equalising four times — twice through Graham Sharp and twice through Tony Cottee.Kenny Dalglish announced his Liverpool exit following a 4-4 draw in February 2021Credit: PAReds boss Kenny Dalglish quit two days later and his club’s 15-year reign as the undoubted powerhouse of English football ended with that resignation.Cottee arrived as a sub to level the tie late in normal tie and then again late in extra-time — nutmegging Bruce Grobbelaar, who had been guilty of some eccentric goalkeeping throughout the match.Ian Rush, one of Liverpool’s scorers that day, will recall more fondly the November 1982 derby.The Welshman netted four times in a 5-0 victory — aided and abetted by an extraordinarily bad high-line Everton offside trap.That was one of Kendall’s first derbies in charge.But his tenure brought about a golden age of Merseyside football in the mid-to-late 1980s when meetings between the city’s two clubs were often title deciders.Another happy memory for Liverpool was the ridiculous 44-yard free-kick winner scored deep into injury-time by their veteran Gary McAllister to secure a 3-2 victory in April 2001.Evertonians go misty-eyed about a 3-0 humping of their neighbours in September 2006, when Andy Johnson netted twice and Jamie Carragher — a boyhood Blue — endured a stinker for the Reds.One of the more recent classics was a hectic November 3-3 draw in 2013 when, under Roberto Martinez and Brendan Rodgers, both clubs were at their most wide-open and watchable.This is the longest-running continuously-held major British derby — with both clubs having been permanent fixtures in the top flight since the year The Beatles released their first single, 1962.READ MORE SUN STORIESNext season, the derby is all set to have a new stage.Tomorrow, Goodison, with its authentic charm, will give Liverpool one final ear-bashing.Romelu Lukaku scored as Everton and Liverpool drew 3-3 in 2013Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea sign 15-year-old son of Arsenal cult hero with teenager playing at age groups well above his own

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      CHELSEA have landed one of the country’s top 15-year-olds.And if he goes on to emulate his dad – a true cult hero for Arsenal – then luring him from Watford will have been worth it.Mathis Eboue joins Chelsea after a rapid rise at WatfordCredit: InstagramDad Emmanuel Eboue, bottom left, was with Arsenal for seven yearsCredit: GettyMathis Eboue, an attacking midfielder, shone for the Hornets all the way up to under-21 level.And his move across London is another example of how Chelsea are looking to recruit so many of the nation’s leading starlets for their academy.Eboue Junior has also played three times of England U-16s.In fact, he hit the only goal as the Lion cubs beat France to win the U16 Challenge Trophy in Spain two months ago.READ MORE ON CHELSEABut of course whatever he’s achieved at such a young age can’t compare with what his father did over a 15-year career.Emmanuel Eboue, now 41, earned 79 caps for Ivory Coast, mainly at right-back.But his peak fame came with Arsenal from 2004-2011.Legendary then-boss Arsene Wenger recruited the pacy ace from Belgians Bevern.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd although Eboue took two seasons to become something like a regular, his bubbly nature and bursting runs made him a talk of the terraces.However, at one stage he was booed by Gunners’ supporters.I was sacked as a factory worker, the next day I had trials at Arsenal – I was gobsmackedAnd just last month he recalled: “I got back home and I was crying. “But the same week some of the fans came to the club to say sorry to me about that. That was very nice. It meant a lot.”‘Eboue, don’t listen,’ they said. ‘You know we love you’.”He finally left Arsenal – accompanied by a runners-up medal in the Champions League and two in the League Cup – for four years at Galatasaray.Then came an ill-fated short spell with Sunderland.Eboue Senior was banned for a year in 2016 after refusing to pay an agent, leading to the “lowest time” of his playing days.But eight years on from that, he surely can’t help but be cheered by his son’s big step-up.The Premier League applied their rigorous process to protect players so young before Eboue Junior’s switch to Chelsea could go through.READ MORE SUN STORIESCompensation to Watford also had to be agreed.But on Friday night transfer guru Fabrizio Romano insisted all the paperwork had been done to make it a “completed deal”. More

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      in Soccer

      Comparing corner kings Arsenal to Stoke is disrespectful… to STOKE – Bukayo Saka wouldn’t get in that Tony Pulis team

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      I SEE Arsenal are being compared to Tony Pulis’ Stoke because of their success at corners.Dimitar Berbatov made a joke about it in punditry after Manchester United lost to two set-piece goals at the Emirates on Wednesday night.Dimitar Berbatov claimed Arsenal ‘are the new Stoke’Credit: GettyThe Gunners scored two set piece goals against Man UtdCredit: EPASet pieces were Stoke’s main strength during the Tony Pulis eraCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdIf anything, it is really disrespectful to Tony.He did a wonderful job with a bang-average Stoke team keeping them in the Premier League — and yet it was ONLY because of their set-pieces?And why is there a stigma attached to it?Maybe everyone should play wonderful football like at Southampton — then get hammered for being bottom?READ MORE FOOTBALLI was there on Wednesday. It was a s**t game which Mikel Arteta and his side won from two corners.I played against Pulis’ Stoke and they were nothing like Arsenal of today.Bukayo Saka wouldn’t get into that Stoke team. Not because he isn’t good enough but because it is a completely different style.But God forbid a team gets in the box and wants to head a ball — compared to a United team that didn’t want to head anything.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSI loved Berbatov as a player, he is a real football man. But it feels a lazy comparison from a really smart guy just to protect his old club.If United won 2-0 from two corners, would Berbatov call it a tactical masterclass? Yet, when Arsenal do it, it’s Stoke?FA Cup third round draw in full as Arsenal host holders Man Utd and Man City get another dream draw Arsenal dominated possession for most of that game, too. It’s called winning football.OVER THE RAINBOWTHE debate around rainbow armbands deserves a nuanced, respectful and a completely honest conversation.In football, and in society, we should aim to move forward by having these sorts of discussions — even if we disagree wholly with someone’s views — without vilifying certain people.Marc Guehi wrote a message on his captain’s armband against Ipswich and NewcastleCredit: PAThe Crystal Palace star was contacted by the FA this week about the messageCredit: GettyAbusing someone because they don’t think the same way we do is a dangerous space that we can end up in really quickly.Whether it is not wearing a poppy on a shirt during Remembrance weekend, not taking the knee in support of fighting racism, or in this situation, not wearing an armband — or donning an alternative armband — that represents an LGBTQ+ initiative.As a former captain of a Premier League club, would I have made the same decision that Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Ipswich Town’s Sam Morsy chose? No.I would be more than happy to raise awareness for something that sadly is needed because there are still far too many marginalised and discriminated-against groups of people in society.But we have to understand that not everybody thinks the same way or has the same beliefs or priorities, even if the actions they then take can hurt members of that community.As long as things are done in a respectful manner, we have to keep an open mind, however hard that may be to understand or to comprehend.I had a similar experience as a captain at Watford during the first campaign of taking the knee before certain games.I made my view known to my team-mates, why I was doing it.If they wanted to join in and support me, great. If not, no pressure.I would never force that on anyone if they felt uncomfortable or decided not to take part.I have to be honest, when I first saw players like Wilfried Zaha and Marcos Alonso not take the knee, I took it personally.Then, I spoke to them and was like: ‘OK, I understand’.I didn’t agree, but I understood.With the rainbow armband, what we’re talking about is essentially forcing beliefs on people. I am not sure that is something we can do, especially when there are those who cite their own religious beliefs.A devout Christian, Guehi decided to write ‘I love Jesus’ and ‘Jesus loves you’ on his armbands, while a practising Muslim in Morsy opted not to wear one at all.Again, would I have done that? No. I wouldn’t feel it necessary.But I am not going to destroy the player, the man, for doing so.Guehi has said it was a “message of truth and love, and I hope people can understand that my faith is my faith, and I’ll stand by it for the rest of my life”.Ipswich came out and said Morsy made his call due to his religious beliefs, showing a transparency while also fully committing themselves as a club to the campaign.I can see why members of the LGBTQ+ community would take offence in their fight for representation and equality, not just in football.But the problem in the world now is we are so quick to vilify others for having a different opinion or belief, not taking the time to understand who, what, where and the why.The approach sadly is often: ‘Your opinion is different to mine, I don’t want to hear your reason why. You’re a racist, you’re a bigot.’You get labelled instantly and I don’t think that is fair.I saw others suggest Guehi and Morsy could have passed on the captain’s armband for those particular games. I don’t agree with that either.From experience, these initiatives are not something that the Premier League sit down and talk to clubs and individual players about before the season starts, actively reaching out and asking important questions and getting a better understanding.READ MORE SUN STORIESDo any players have objections? Why is that? Can we understand why?Is there a way of finding a solution that still supports an important initiative but also respects those religious beliefs? More

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      in Boxing

      Boxer Mikaela Lauren, 48, left unrecognisable after horrific beating by world champion 15 years her junior

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      BOXER Mikaela Lauren was left completely unrecognisable after suffering horrific swelling in her last fight.The Swedish slugger took a beating at the hands of WBC welterweight champion Michaela Kotaskova late last month.Mikaela Lauren before she went to war with Michaela Kostakova last weekendCredit: INSTAGRAM@MIKAELALAUREN76The 48-year-old was battered from pillar to post for ten roundsCredit: INSTAGRAM@MIKAELALAUREN76The Swedish slugger suffered horrific swelling around both of her eyesCredit: INSTAGRAM@MIKAELALAUREN76Her eyes were completely closed the day after the fightCredit: INSTAGRAM@MIKAELALAUREN76Lauren poses in much healthier-looking daysCredit: @mikaelalauren76/NF/newsXCzech clubber Kotaskova battered the 48-year-old for ten straight rounds to retain her belt in a lopsided decision victory.Lauren left the ring battered and bruised and a shell of herself.And the shiners the Swedish slugger was sporting as she left the ring nearly closed in the hours after the one-sided beatdown.Lauren shared a series of post-fight snaps and videos of herself with her 80,000 Instagram followers.READ MORE BOXING NEWSShe revealed the severity of her injuries in one of the videos by taking off her glasses and laughing at the fact her eyes were swollen shut.The swelling was the result of a crack in Lauren’s skull, which she claims she suffered due to several accidental head clashes.She wrote in her accompanying caption: “It has been a bit quiet on my part as I have needed some time to heal myself and reflect on everything.”First I want to congratulate @michaela.kotaskova and @boxteambounce and thank you for the chance.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMikaela Lauren, https://www.instagram.com/p/DDJrtdZIhpkCredit: Instagram @mikaelalauren76″You win some – you lose some and, unfortunately, it didn’t go all the way this time.”Even though I didn’t get my boxing to 100%, I still showed that I belong at the top.Gervonta Davis stuns boxing world by announcing retirement at just 30″I’m incredibly proud that I fought so hard in all 10 rounds despite all the accidental “scalding” (head collisions) that caused me to crack my head first and then have a HUGE swelling on my forehead and eyebrows that interfered and obscured my vision.”The night after the game, the hematoma (swelling/blood collection) from the “scaldings” in the forehead descended over the eyes and became so swollen that my eyes were completely blocked.”It made it so that I could not open my eyes and see. Had to be escorted around like a blind person.”Lauren almost wasn’t allowed to fly back home due to fears over her injuries.She continued: “When we stopped over in Zurich, I was not allowed to fly on without a medical certificate (competition doctors had already looked at me but left no certificate).”Me and my head coach Alex then had to stay and go into the hospital and do an X-ray which fortunately showed that everything looked good.”Had no headache and no nausea so I wasn’t really worried, but of course nice to check everything and take the safe for the unsafe.”All planes home were then fully booked, so we had to make another layover before we finally landed at Arlanda 22 hours after departure from the hotel.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Luckily now the swelling has subsided a bit and I can properly open my eyes again, but I can say that I have been more beautiful in my days”However, it looks worse than it is, and now I just need to rest and spend time with family.” More

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      in Soccer

      Top five Christmas gifts for a football fan from an immersive experience to much-loved novelty fashion

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      CHRISTMAS is just around the corner and for football fans who have and know it all – it is hard to find something they will love.But we’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a list of five sublime gifts that will leave your footie fanatic feeling like they have taken home all three points.Classic Football Shirts have shops in Manchester and LondonCredit: AlamyA fun footie experience could be something newWhether you’re looking for a memorable experience, a budget treat for your Sunday league strike partner, or need ideas for the work Secret Santa – we have got you covered. 5. FC25: £26.99 + Clothing rangeIf you’re buying for a die-hard supporter and they somehow haven’t got EAFC25, your mind should be made up already.The ultimate football game, available on whatever console you choose – it’s a no brainer to let them jump on Ultimate Team Rush and play the winter nights away with their mates. Buy it from just £26.99 here. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFC25 is guaranteed fun for any football fanCredit: Getty“But they’ve already got FC25, in fact, they never get off of it” Well, you can buy your gaming addict some clothing to match their hobby, such as these stunning numbers released by EA themselves, available until the 8th December.EA Sports’ FC 25 apparel collection has some hidden gems for gamers 4. ClubLegacyz Limited Edition Football Cards, £20Fans all over the world grew up collecting football cards as a kid. Whether they were Shoot Out specials, shiny Match Attax or magical Merlin stickers – there was something special about that feeling of pulling your favourite star. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSo why not give a bit of nostalgia with a twist this Christmas?This is where ClubLegacyz comes in… forget flimsy cards with creased edges.Spending a fortune just to get some washed up players from a team you do not support is now a thing of the past too.Instead choose a premium quality card of your favourite player – limited to a small number of people in the world.Or even get a metal poster of the star of their choice to decorate any space.Club Legacyz cards have a brilliantly premium feelMetal posters offer a premium feel to decorate any roomA gift guaranteed to bring a smile to any fans’ face – shop the ultimate football cards here. 3. Football themed Christmas jumpers, £25-£45.A present perfect for the fans of any team, this will serve them perfectly for lounging around, going to Christmas parties and games over the festive season.The ultimate football Christmas jumpers can be found at Classic Football Shirts – where you can find a sublime variety of football knits.Some even feature a legendary player on the back. From Didier Drogba to Lionel Messi, CFS has it all.Their Arsenal number is invincible themedThis belter from the Man Utd treble season has a Christmas twistIf £40 is stretching your budget a bit far, we’ve got a budget option for you too…While you make a slight compromise on quality, you can make an exceptional gift from this choice of witty sweaters from GiftDelivery.Our personal favourite is this Cold Palmer “Baby it’s Cold Outside” number, but they also feature the perfect gift for fans of Bukayo Saka, Mo Salah, and of course Cristiano Ronaldo. We love this brilliant Cole Palmer jumper2. Classic Football Shirt: Price variesFrom a football fan, here’s a tip, treat them to a shirt from Classic Football Shirts this Christmas.A virtual football shirt heaven, CFS offers something for everyone – whether it’s a retro kit with a legend on the back from their favourite team.A shirt they missed out on a few seasons back at a much cheaper price than a modern strip.Or an entirely random European number, which quite frankly just looks cool as a fashion piece as well as a piece of history.Classic Football Shirts are in style, just ask Snoop DoggCredit: PA:Press AssociationDua Lipa loves a classic tooCFS has truly got it all, and if you don’t know which one they’d like the most – just treat them to a gift card.They have stores in Manchester and London – they will be almost guaranteed to find something they want.1. Trip to Toca Social: £12.50 Per PersonSo you’re after an experience, but match tickets are seemingly impossible to get a hold of and they have already done the stadium tour. Well here it is, your final destination.READ MORE SUN STORIESTOCA Social is the world’s first interactive football and dining experience, offering heaps of fun for all. You can choose from a range of mini-games, enjoy some brilliant music, and have some great food in either Birmingham or London. Try your hand at interactive football challenges against your matesHarry Kane is a big TOCA Social supporterCredit: PA More

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      in Athletics

      Sir Mo Farah ‘hounded for money’ by man whose name he took when he came to UK as Olympian forced to take action

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      SIR Mo Farah has allegedly been hounded for money by the man whose name he took.The Olympic hero, 41, offered to help the other Mo, after a 2022 TV show but it ended in emotional blackmail, it is claimed.Sir Mo, seeking the man whose name he took, in the BBC show The Real Mo Farah – who has now allegedly been hounding the star for moneyCredit: BBCThe four-time Olympic gold medallist took the name of Mo Farah, above, when he was illegally trafficked to the UK aged nineCredit: https://www.facebook.com/hamo11111111111/photosSir Mo winning 5,000m and 10,000m at Rio 2016Credit: PAA source said: “It’s so sad.”Sir Mo claims he has had to change his phone number after “incessant demands” for cash from his namesake.The four-time Olympic gold medallist took the name of a child called Mo Farah when he was illegally trafficked to the UK aged nine.Sir Mo promised to stay in touch, and it is understood he has sent up to £5,000 to his namesake.READ MORE ON SIR MO FARAHBut the other Mo, 40, and around ten others are alleged to have hassled him for money after getting hold of the long-distance star’s mobile number.Sources say Sir Mo sees it as emotional blackmail, and has not spoken to his namesake for months.A source said: “Sir Mo felt he was being harassed and hounded.“He has taken a step back. He didn’t want to make a big fuss but thought it better to not engage.Most read in Athletics“He has had to change his phone number. It’s unfair Sir Mo is having to deal with this.“He feels he’s the victim. He is just tired, and thinks it’s so sad.”I’ve been living a lie… my real name is not Mo Farah and I came here illegally after my dad was killed in Somali warThe pair were brought together in BBC’s The Real Mo Farah in which Sir Mo revealed he was trafficked to the UK after his dad died in Somalia’s civil war and his mum sent him and twin Hassan to live with family.The athlete revealed his name is actually Hussein Abdi Kahin and that he took “Mo Farah” from a child’s passport used to fly him to Heathrow in 1993.He has had to change his phone number. It’s unfair Sir Mo is having to deal with this. He feels he’s the victimSource close to Sir MoLater in the show, Sir Mo tracked his namesake to Istanbul, Turkey, where he was studying.But the real Mo now says they have not spoken since December 2023 and claims Sir Mo reneged on a promise to get him a visa.Speaking from his home in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, the other Mo said: “Mo got what he wanted and now he doesn’t care whether I live or die. He made a lot of promises and said he would stop using my name and give me my name back.“He told me he wanted to stop living a lie, but he is still living a lie.“He said he would help me get a tourist visa so I could visit my mum in England, but I’ve spent two years waiting and nothing has happened.” Sir Mo became the world’s greatest long-distance runner winning double golds in London 2012 and Rio 2016, and shares four children with wife Tania. But his namesake’s life has been beset with tragedy.The other Mo said: “My mother left, I was left with her older sister Amina in Nairobi, and when she died from kidney failure in 2005, my world fell apart.“I wanted to become a cricketer. I went for trials for Kenya under-19s and would have had much more opportunity if I’d taken the visa and moved to England.”The other Mo only discovered his link with Sir Mo after the 2012 Olympics.He said: “Some uncles were visiting from the UK, they said, ‘Do you know the athlete, Mo Farah? Do you know he is using your name?’ I couldn’t believe it.Sir Mo Farah, pictured with wife Tania, has allegedly been hounded for money by the man whose name he tookCredit: Getty – Contributor“I’d watched him on TV and clapped for him when he was heading to the finish saying, ‘Go, Mo’.“I was a big fan. But even then I didn’t try to get in touch with him.“The first time we spoke was when Sir Mo’s adopted aunt Kinsi contacted me on Facebook and said, ‘‘Mo is looking for you. He is going to give you everything. He’s going to give you back your name and take you abroad’.It is not Mo’s responsibility to be looking after the son of people who mistreated him and trafficked him to the UKSource close to Sir Mo“We kept in touch by phone after that and, after the documentary came out the TV crew kept me hidden in a hotel for six weeks to make sure no one could find me.“One BBC producer even discussed making a second documentary in which I would get to meet Sir Mo in London, but that didn’t happen.”Last night sources close to Sir Mo painted a different picture of why the relationship has broken down. An insider said: “Sir Mo has ­sympathy. This man was also a casualty of events out of his control as a child. But it is not Mo’s responsibility. The people who were adults and responsible for them clearly didn’t do their jobs properly.“But it certainly wouldn’t be appropriate for Mo to use his ­influence on any UK immigration policy or ­process. Quite the opposite.“This isn’t Mo’s job to sort out. That said, on a personal level, Mo has been in contact with Somali Mo for a number of years.“Communication ceased in the summer when Mo had to distance himself. Anytime there’s something on Mo’s socials, when it might look like he has had some kind of financial gain, a deal with Nike or whatever, they are demanding why has he not sent money.”Last night the other Mo insisted: “I’m not a bad person. There is no way I would tell anyone to hound him. I didn’t give anyone his number so I don’t know who has been doing this. It’s not anyone in my family.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The last time I messaged him I said, ‘If you don’t want to answer my call, it’s OK. You do what is best for you, I’ll do what’s best for me’.” Sir Mo was approached for comment.The legend’s victory pose after he secured a 3,000m win in London, 2015Credit: PAThe other Mo only discovered his link with Sir Mo after the 2012 OlympicsCredit: BBCCONFESSION SHOCKED UKBy Joe Morgan NATIONAL treasure Sir Mo Farah shocked the country when he admitted lying about his identity all his life, saying: “The truth is I’m not who you think I am.”He revealed on TV two years ago that his real name was Hussein Abdi Kahin and he was trafficked into the UK as a child after his dad was killed in Somalia’s civil war. The running great and father of three told BBC1 documentary The Real Mo Farah: “I want to feel normal and not feel like you’re holding on to something.”The Sun, right, reported Sir Mo feared being stripped of his citizenship for lying on his application but politicians joined celebrities in rallying round. More

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      Inside the glamorous life in Shanghai Oscar will leave behind after his £25m-per-year contract expires

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      IT’S the end of an era for former Premier League winner, Oscar.The ex-Chelsea star bid farewell to the Chinese Super League, with his contract expiring at the end of this month.Former Chelsea footballer Oscar is saying goodbye to his life in ChinaCredit: InstagramOscar and his glam wife Ludy have lived in Shanghai since 2017Credit: InstagramOscar’s time in East Asia has been one of bliss that he will most certainly missCredit: InstagramNow 33, the Brazilian will seek a new start as a free agent – and is tipped to sign for Inter Milan or could return to his homeland with Internacional.Oscar joined Shanghai Port in 2017 for £60m and went on to win three league titles in the Far East.Astonishingly, he earned £175million during his time in East Asia – making him one of the richest footballers of all time.The playmaker was left in tears as he waved goodbye to the fans in his last game on Tuesday.Read more football newsHe’s leaving behind a life that will be sorely missed.Back in September, he told Brazil 247: “The quality of life here doesn’t exist anywhere else, I’ve never seen it.”It’s something out of this world, only those who are here, who live here, know what it’s like.”SunSport takes a look at his epic lifestyle.Most read in FootballLiving quartersOscar enjoyed a safe, comfortable, affluent life in China.Former Arsenal star Junichi Inamoto finally retires at 45 after 27-year career He, his wife Brazilian/Japanese wife Ludy and their three kids, Julia and Caio clearly loved being in the country’s biggest city.But his reasons for going back are tied to family.”I love Shanghai, but it’s just too far away from home for us. We can’t stay here forever,” he said.”My mom is getting older, my sisters are having babies. We want to be closer to home.””Wherever I go, it won’t be like here. There’s no way to change that,”The family live in a plush apartment that overlooks the scenic Huangpu River.Oscar has given his Instagram followers, over six million, a glimpse into his home.It boasts incredible views of the skyline of Shanghai, which comes alive at night with its lights.High ceilings, neutral interiors, marble floors and more are featured.The building also appears to have a private gym that Oscar used religiously.Wife Ludy and Oscar show off their stunning apartmentCredit: InstagramBrazil footballer Oscar plays with son CaioCredit: InstagramOscar revealed in an interview how safe China has been for his family growing upCredit: InstagramIn his downtime, Oscar often spares his time in the gymCredit: InstagramLudy and Oscar share a cocktail on a night out in ShanghaiCredit: InstagramThe loved-up couple share an intimate moment at the five-star Peninsula ShanghaiCredit: InstagramHis children are central to his life in Shanghai, and he often joins them on the school run.Oscar said: “My kids go to school and come back home by bus without worrying about safety. We can go out as much as we want at 2 am or 3 am, and go anywhere and nothing will happen.”Oscar and his wife have been known to take in the nightlife, enjoying cocktails and hanging out at the five-star hotel, Peninsula Shanghai.Life centres around the riverAlthough his life has been dedicated to playing for Shanghai Port, with countless pictures of his success, Huangpu River plays a massive part in his downtime.When he’s not playing with Lego – he enjoying showing off making the Camp Nou in one Instagram snap – he’s enjoying activities on the landmark of the city.The Huangpu River separates the city into two parts, Pudong and Pux.Plenty of the locals, as well as tourists, enjoy boat trips or other activities there.Oscar has taken his family on excursions, shared loving moments with wife Ludy, and canoeing with his son.Only a few months ago, Oscar admitted he didn’t know where he would go.In his spare time, Oscar loves to build Lego including a Camp Nou setCredit: InstagramChina life suits both Ludy and OscarCredit: InstagramOscar’s son Caio enjoys a spot of canoeing with his dadCredit: InstagramHe said: “My wife and I are anxious to know where we will go.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We’ve been here for seven or eight years. It’s a big change. The sooner we know, the better.”Wherever he goes, life will never clearly be as good. More