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      in Soccer

      Bukayo Saka feared he wouldn’t be the same player after Arsenal injury hell as kind gesture to hospital staff revealed

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      BUKAYO SAKA lay in his hospital bed on Christmas Eve, doubting whether he would be as good a player in the future as he had been in the past.But thanks to a self-help book and the mindful joy of a new puppy, the England and Arsenal star has returned from hamstring surgery focused only on the present.Buyako Saka was ‘worried’ about his future after having surgery just before ChristmasSaka tore his hamstring against Crystal Palace in DecemberAnd it is that perspective that can help put a frustrating campaign —  that began with a Euros final loss for England and ended trophyless for his club — behind him.Saka, 23, said: “I was not happy with last season — how it went and how it ended.“But the only thing I can do now is look forward and try to be the best version of myself and help my team-mates be the same.”The Londoner went under the knife on December 24 after sustaining the injury three days prior in a 5-1 win at Crystal Palace.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIn typical, kind fashion, he opted to do the procedure 24 hours before Christmas so the surgeons could be with their nearest and dearest the following day.He made it home to spend Christmas with his loved ones but what followed was nearly four months out which he used for  self-reflection.The Gunners talisman said: “I had gone from five years straight playing football, either involved with the team every single day training or playing games. Everything stops.“You are on crutches, in hospital and need help around the house for the first few weeks.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge“I got to spend more time with my family and got to do little things around the house that I wouldn’t have even paid attention to when I was playing.“On that note it was nice and I’ve come back with a bit more of a balanced head about football and life, and I’m trying to balance them better. It definitely helped me mentally.Arsenal star Bukayo Saka’s glam girlfriend Tolami Benson steals the show in daring outfit at The Fashion AwardsSaka returned in March and played a starring role in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Real Madrid“The first two days were the toughest, that realisation that I’ve got what I’ve got and I need an operation.“You start to think, ‘Am I going to be the same?’ as players came back from this injury and weren’t the same.“After two days my surgery was done, and successful, and you just look forward. I was really positive and put in all the work I needed with my diet, in the gym, on the pitch and the physios would say the same. I feel I’ve come back in a good place.”Saka is a keen reader of non-fiction and was inspired by a recommendation from Arsenal assistant coach Carlos Cuesta during his time sidelined.It is called The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle and its message struck a chord with the talented winger.He added: “It’s a really good book. It’s about not thinking about the past, not thinking about the future, just being in the moment.You start to think, ‘Am I going to be the same?’Saka“Sometimes I can think, ‘Oh, am I going to come back in the best shape?’ Or, in the past, ‘What could I have done to prevent injury?’“But all that is not necessary. It’s only going to bring bad energy, negativity to your body.“One of the best things I took from the book is always ask yourself, what’s necessary in this moment right now and try to live that way.”Saka spent Christmas Day in a brace and on crutches at his cousin’s, having had surgery at 5am the previous day.He claimed it took him “ten minutes” to get to the dining room for dinner.So when his lively new Cockapoo called Tucker turned up soon after, it was not easy “to get after him”, as Saka put it, even if having the pooch has been a “good and funny experience”.On Tuesday against Senegal at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground, Saka hopes to ­feature for the first time under Thomas Tuchel, who he describes as “demanding and intense” on the grass but “relaxed and nice” off it.Former Chelsea and Bayern Munich chief Tuchel has been brought in with the sole remit of winning the World Cup next year after a series of near-misses under predecessor Gareth Southgate.The German has won all three of his games, without conceding a goal, but underwhelmed with performances,  especially in Saturday’s drab 1-0 victory over Andorra in Barcelona.And Saka admits England sometimes have a motivation issue against the smaller nations.Saka is eyeing his first England game under Thomas TuchelArsenal team-mate Myles Lewis-Skelly has been called up to England againBut the bottom line — and Saka knows this best after a tough 12 months — is that winning is what matters most.He added: “Every player is different and I can’t answer for every player but naturally in the bigger games everyone is going to give a bit more.“In these other games we need to find a level where we can maintain that same quality and drive and hunger for the whole game.“It’s not easy at times but we need  to find that and get these games over the line.Read More on The Sun“The Andorra game, we still won, got another three points on the board and kept a clean sheet. It’s job done.“The expectation is to win, rather than entertain. If you can have both, then  perfect. But we feel more the expectation is to win than to entertain.”Saka’s Premier League stats this season More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Club World Cup stadiums including TWO $1.6BILLION arenas to historic venue set to host Oasis later this year

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      THE Club World Cup kicks off this Saturday and final preparations are being made in the United States.Some of the globe’s top clubs will take part in a new-look tournament over the next month, each battling for a place in the final on July 13 in New Jersey.The Club World Cup kicks off in the US this weekendCredit: GettyWith 32 teams competing, some of the biggest and most iconic stadiums in the US have been selected as host venues.From the MetLife Stadium to Lincoln Financial Field, SunSport has looked at each of the grounds in preparation for the tournament.Rose Bowl (Los Angeles)The Rose Bowl is an 88,700-capacity stadium located in Pasedena, California.First opened in 1922, the venue primarily hosted American football games throughout its early years.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt instantly became home to the Rose Bowl Game, a yearly college football game played on New Year’s Day.In addition, the Rose Bowl has played host to five Super Bowl games, the most recent being in 1992.Although it is primarily recognised for its American football history, the stadium is also used for regular football.It hosted the 1994 World Cup final and the 1999 Women’s World Cup final.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFurthermore, the US men’s national team has played there 17 times and it was previously the home fo LA Galaxy for six years.The Rose Bowl has also hosted some huge entertainment events and concerts.Dazn unveil brilliant Club World Cup promo video with legendary boxing announcer drafted in to ring bell on tournamentThe likes of Taylor Swift, Coldplay, Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Ed Sheeran and Green Day have all played there.Oasis are scheduled to perform at the stadium in September this year.The Rose Bowl holds 88,700 spectatorsCredit: GettyIt is a multi-purpose stadiumCredit: GettyMetLife Stadium (New Jersey)The MetLife Stadium is an 82,500-capacity stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.It is the designated venue for the Club World Cup final this summer, which is set for July 13.Opened just 15 years ago, the stadium is one of two venues on our list that cost an estimated $1.6billion (£1.2bn) to build. It has played host to numerous NFL games and is now home to the New York Jets and the New York Giants.It also hosted Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014, which was won by the Seattle Seahawks.The US men’s national team has played there on several occasions, with some pre-season friendlies having taken place at the ground as well – including a match between Arsenal and Manchester United in 2023 and one between Barcelona and Real Madrid last year.In addition, the likes of Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Beyonce, Elton John, Lady Gaga and P!nk are among the stars to have performed there.Taylor Swift also performed three dates of her iconic Eras Tour at the MetLife Stadium two years ago and had a record-breaking total attendance of 217,625 fans across the weekend.The MetLife Stadium cost $1.6billion to buildCredit: GettyIt is home to the New York Jets and the New York GiantsCredit: GettyBank of America Stadium (Charlotte)The Bank of America Stadium is a 74,800-capacity venue in Charlotte, North Carolina.Opened in 1996, the stadium has continued hosting every Carolina Panthers game.It is also the home of MLS team Charlotte FC, founded six years ago.In addition, several international football matches and club friendlies have taken place there.The Rolling Stones, Billy Joel, Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar and SZA are all among the acts to have performed there.The Bank of America Stadium has a capacity of 74,800Credit: Getty Images – GettyMercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)The Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a 71,000-seater venue in Atlanta, Georgia.Opened in August 2017, it is one of the youngest stadiums on this list and cost an estimated $1.6bn to build.The venue has played host to several high school and college American football events alongside NFL games.It hosted Super Bowl LIII in 2019, which was won by the New England Patriots.And it is next due to host the showpiece NFL event in 2028, as announced in October last year.The Mercedes-Benz Stadium is also home to MLS team Atlanta United.Atlanta have played every home match at the venue since moving there from the Bobby Dodd Stadium in the year it was opened.Several international matches have been played there as well, including two in the 2024 Copa America.Coldplay, Taylor Swift and Beyonce are among the superstars to have played concerts thereThe Mercedes-Benz Stadium opened in August 2017Credit: GettyIt is home to MLS team Atlanta United but hosted the Super Bowl in 2019Credit: ReutersWATCH EVERY MATCH OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 LIVE ON DAZNLincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia)Lincoln Financial Field is a 77,900-seater stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.It was opened in August 2003 and is home to Super Bowl winners the Philadelphia Eagles.The stadium also hosts games for the Temple Owls football team of Temple University.Although it is primarily known for American football, regular football has been played there on several occasions.Some international games have taken place at Lincoln Financial Field, as well as some club friendlies.It even played host to four group games at the 2003 Women’s World Cup.At this summer’s Club World Cup, seven matches will be played there in total, including a quarter-final.Some of the world’s biggest music acts have also played at the stadium.Lincoln Financial Field is the home of the Philadelphia EaglesCredit: GettyThe stadium will host seven Club World Cup gamesCredit: GettyLumen Field (Seattle)Based in Seattle, Lumen Field has a capacity of 68,740 and is home to NFL team Seattle Seahawks, MLS team Seattle Sounders and NWSL outfit Seattle Reign.It opened in 2002 and cost an estimated $752million (£554m) to build.It is used for both American and regular football, putting it in good stead to host three group stage games and three knockout games at this year’s Club World Cup.A temporary grass surface is set to be installed especially for the event.Lumen Field is located in SeattleCredit: GettyThe stadium hosts both NFL and football gamesCredit: GettyHard Rock Stadium (Miami)The Hard Rock Stadium is a 65,000-capacity venue based Miami, Florida.It is home to the Miami Dolphins of the NFL and college American football team the Miami Hurricanes.The stadium has played host to numerous major events over the years, including six Super Bowls and two World Series.It has also held some regular football games – including the 2024 Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia.Eight Club World Cup matches are set to be played there, including the opening match betweem Al-Ahly and Inter Miami.In addition, Sir Paul McCartney, Guns N’ Roses, Madonna, Taylor Swift and Beyonce are among the music artists to have performed there on their respective tours.Six Super Bowls have been held at the Hard Rock StadiumCredit: GettyIt is one of the most popular stadiums in the USCredit: GettyCamping World Stadium (Orlando)The Camping World Stadium was opened in late 1936 and is located in Orlando, Florida – less than a mile away from the Inter&Co Stadium, which is also set to host Club World Cup matches.It has continued to host different sports – mainly American and regular football – over the years.From 2017 to 2020 it held the NFL Pro Bowl, which then returned last year under the new title of Pro Bowl Games.In terms of football, matches were held there in both the men’s and women’s competitions at the 1996 Olympic Games.MLS side Orlando City played there from 2015 to 2016, as did NWSL team Orlando Pride when they were established nine years ago.Four Club World Cup games will be held there, including a round-of-16 match and a quarter-final.It has a capacity of 65,000.The Camping World Stadium will host four gamesCredit: GettyInter&Co Stadium (Orlando)Just a short walk from the Camping World Stadium is the Inter&Co Stadium in downtown Orlando.It is a football-specific venue that is the home of MLS side Orlando City and NWSL club Orlando Pride.Opened in 2017, it has a capacity of 25,500 and cost around $155m to build.As well as club football, several international games – both men’s and women’s – have taken place there.The stadium will host two games for the Club World Cup.The Inter&Co Stadium is less than a mile from the Camping World StadiumCredit: GettyGeodis Park (Nashville)Geodis Park is a 30,109-seater football-specific stadium located in Nashville, Tennessee.It has been the home of MLS club Nashville SC for the last three years and has also hosted a number of international games.Three Club World Cup group stages matches will be held at the venue, which cost an estimated $335m to build, this summer.Guns N’ Roses and Green Day have both played concerts there in recent years.Geodis Park will host three Club World Cup group stage matchesCredit: GettyTQL Stadium (Cincinnati)Located in Cincinnati, Ohio, the TQL stadium is a 26,000-seater football-specific venue that is the home of FC Cincinnati.It was opened just four years ago and cost around $250m to build.FC Cincinnati have played every home game at the stadium since it was opened, with some international games also taking place there.Four Club World Cup games will be played there, with the first on June 15.The TQL Stadium is a 26,000-seater football-specific venueCredit: GettyAudi Field (Washington D.C.)Audi Field is a football-specific venue in Washington D.C.It is the home of MLS club D.C. United as well as women’s teams DC Power and Washington Spirit.Having cost $450m to build, it opened in 2018 with a match between D.C. United and Vancouver Whitecaps.Read More on The SunInternational games have also taken place at the stadium.Three Club World Cup games will take place at Audi Field this summer.Audi Field is the home of D.C. UnitedCredit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      Fabio Wardley scores INCREDIBLE one-shot comeback KO of Justis Huni to set up stunning world title shot

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      FABIO WARDLEY’S baby daughter will arrive just in time to celebrate her daddy’s sensational comeback christening.Ipswich’s 30-year-old heavyweight boxed his way up from the white-collar obscurity to a headline slot at Portman Road.Fabio Wardley knocked out Justis HuniCredit: GettyIt was a huge come from behind winCredit: GettyWardley celebrates his huge KOCredit: ReutersBut he put on a performance worthy of the Tractor Boys’ Prem relegation and was dominated by 26-year-old Australian Justis Huni until a sensational 10th round KO.The battered and bruised winner said: “I am so thankful to everyone here, you got me through that, I could not have done it without you.”I have never claimed to be Usyk, with all the skills, but I know how to bite down on the gumshield and find a way to win.”I should have performed better but I pulled something special out of the bag.READ MORE IN boxing “He pulled out so many tricks and I didn’t expect him to bank so many rounds But I screwed my head back on and got the job done.”The 26-year-old Aussie caught the hometown hero’s attention with a two-jab combination in the opener, stabbing to the body and then the head.But Wardley threatened him back with whipped right hands in spiteful Mexican Fly-branded blue gloves.The Tractor Boys could not intimidate Huni with even their loudest songs and the underdog grew in confidence in the second and scored with the cleaner and more technical shots, while Wardley headhunted bluntly.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWardley was slapped by three meaty left hooks in the third that had the partisan crowd panicked.But then he landed a peach of a punch that stunned Huni and had him staggering backwards and covering up.’We never know’ – Tyson Fury refuses to rule out comeback as Anthony Joshua nears new ‘amazing’ fight dealHuni ran away with the fourth, cracking Wardley with a pinpoint one-two and clipping him with a left hook.Prior to his one-round demolition of Frazer Clarke, Wardley had a bad reputation for slow starts and was returning to bad habits.Wardley inexplicably dropped his hands for the middle rounds and let his face get flattened by every shot Huni threw.It was bafflingly bad boxing from a fighter who had shown freakish improvements with every previous bout. Huni landed every right hand he aimed and made a bloody mess of the Englishman.Wardley remained a punchbag for the next few, either getting terrible advice from his corner or ignoring anything worthwhile.Huni only took the challenge on five weeks notice and was doing Down Under proud with clever technical boxing and nerves of steel.But, after losing almost every round in a stinker of a performance, Wardley uncorked a life-changing shot hat dropped Huni and he failed to rise from.Read More on The SunWardley is now the WBA “interim” champion with Oleksandr Usyk defending his full version against Daniel Dubois on July 19 at Wembley. And Wardley’s Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren insisted the comeback king will be first in line for the winner. Wardley sets himself up for a title shotCredit: Reuters More

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      in Boxing

      Fabio Wardley reveals the fight he would never agree to and claims he would even ‘take a knee in the first round’

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      FABIO WARDLEY has floored the baffling suggestion that he could fight his mentor and pal Dillian Whyte.After following all of Wardley’s career, we were stunned to hear the idea even mooted from some clumsy pundits. Fabio Wardley has ruled out fighting his manager and mentor Dillian WhyteCredit: @fabiowardleyBut Wardley told SunSport with a laugh: “From the second it would be announced, everybody who knows the sport and who knows us, would know it would be fake and not something I would ever do, because of the amount of love, respect and admiration I have for Dills.“People go on about my story, white-collar, coming from nowhere, sparring Usyk.”But none of that is possible without Dillian at the beginning, giving me all of these opportunities.“So I would never spit in his face and fight him.READ MORE IN boxing “Even if all the sanctioning bodies called for the fight and somebody was silly enough to put all the money up, I would take a knee in the first round and give him the win.”Ipswich’s 30-year-old former recruitment worker and white-collar boxer headlines Portman Road on Saturday night against tough Australian Justis Huni.Whyte was due to feature on the Ipswich undercard but pulled out to secure a summer showdown with Lawrence Okolie.He has not boxed in England since November 2022 and was supposed to have a rematch with Anthony Joshua in August 2023.Most read in BoxingFABIO WARDLEY VS JUSTIS HUNI: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut that O2 sell-out was scrapped when Whyte failed a doping test.Whyte has boxed in Gibraltar and Ireland since that big-money clash was binned, landing underwhelming wins.Fabio Wardley prepares for dream Portman Road homecoming fight For Wardley, on June 16 his partner is scheduled to give birth to his first child, a bouncing baby girl.For anyone else, the nail-biting fortnight would be a crippling rollercoaster of emotions impossible to combine. But the Suffolk Puncher – who went on an Oleksandr Usyk sparring trip to Ukraine in 2018 when he barely knew how to throw a jab – is loving the chaos.The class act told SunSport: “June 2025 is going to be a wild month I talk a lot about, for the rest of my life.“I will be an old man in a rocking chair, telling people about it and wondering how we pulled it off.“Everything has come together at the same time, it might seem a bit hectic but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I thrive on it, I love the chaos.”Nine months ago, the 18-0-1 ace got the wonderful news he would be a dad for the first time.And a few weeks later he got the offer of a lifetime, to headline at his boyhood football club, a chance that some Olympic and world champions never get.It seems like a psychological and logistical nightmare that would be destined for the divorce courts but Team Wardley is way too tight.“If my little girl is anything like me, then she’ll be chilled out and late, which will give me a little bit more time to decompress from the fight,” he grinned.“The flight date has been moved around a few times but my missus has been unbelievable.“I have just promised to her that, as soon as Saturday night is over, I am all theirs.“This week, though, is just my week. I need to be totally focused on me and then it’s all on them.”Wardley – who cracked 2020 Olympic bronze winner Frazer Clarke’s skull in their one-round rematch in October – somehow combines being a brutal boxer with being a lovely bloke and he insists that won’t change with another win or a baby.“I don’t know how parenthood will affect me,” he said. “I do plan to be the fun-dad though. Read More on The Sun“I want mum to do the telling off. I think I will always be driven to push myself in everything, though. “That’s something just innate in me. And I am sure I will need to feed and stoke that fire regularly.”Wardley and his girlfriend are expecting their first child togetherCredit: Instagram @fabiowardleyWardley facing off with Aussie Justis HuniCredit: Getty More

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      in Motorsport

      Inside Schumacher’s inner circle as F1 boss reveals who ‘regularly’ sees tragic star… & his shock at pal who WON’T visit

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      AN F1 boss has revealed insider information on Michael Schumacher’s inner circle – like who “regularly” visits him and his shock at one pal who won’t.Schumacher hasn’t been in the public eye since a devastating skiing accident 12 years ago and is cared for by medical staff and his wife Corinna at their home in Lake Geneva.Schumacher lifts the trophy after victory in the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo, MonacoCredit: GettyGerman formula one world champion Michael Schumacher of Ferrari hugs his wife Corinna in 2004Credit: AlamyEx-Red Bull chief Richard Hopkins has spoken out about the starCredit: Re-Engineering Australia FoundationThe F1 legend’s family have remained very protective of his privacy, with little known about his condition since the 2013 accident.Now ex-Red Bull chief Richard Hopkins has spoken out about the star – and revealed who regularly him.He told Wette.de: “Jean Todt, that’s well known. Jean and Michael had an extraordinarily close relationship. “I believe Luca Badoer, who is a close family friend, visits him. read more f1″If there is a third, I don’t know who that would be.”But Hopkins also spoke of a pal who won’t visit Schumacher – Flavio Briatore.He added: “Flavio is, as we know, a flamboyant character. I would have thought he would have probably been the first person who would have wanted to see Michael in whatever way that was. But you have to respect that decision.”That’s down to the individual. Not necessarily shared by all. I know there are close friends that go and see Schumacher and that’s their own choice and for their own reasons.Most read in Motorsport”But Flavio has obviously got his and it’s very deep and personal how we remember people, and how we want to remember people.”I think we all have to respect that one.”Michael Schumacher’s Monaco Grand Prix-Winning Ferrari F2001In 2020 Briatore’s former wife Elisabetta Gregoraci claimed that: “Michael doesn’t speak, he communicates with his eyes.”Addressing this rumour, Hopkins said: “I’m not in that circle to know the absolute facts about Schumacher. Not many people are. Does he communicate through his eyes? Quite possibly.”There is rumour he does watch Grand Prixs. But this is just speculation and perhaps unfair for anyone to make assumptions and guesses.”Any remark I make will be unqualified as well in that sense, so it’s difficult to be drawn on it.”In April, Schumacher signed a charity helmet belonging to fellow F1 icon Sir Jackie Stewart with help from Corinna.The helmet will be auctioned to raise money for Stewart’s charity Race Against Dementia.But Hopkins has described the signing as potentially being a “one-off”.He said: “I suspect that [Jackie Stewart helmet signature] gesture was a one-off. There was a lot of media around that and maybe for the family too much media. Michael Schumacher and Flavio BriatoreCredit: Getty – ContributorAlpine F1 Team Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore looks on in the paddock during qualifyingCredit: GettyRace winner Michael Schumacher celebrates on the podium in 1994Credit: Alamy”They try to keep everything quiet and private, so I’d hazard a guess that it was a one-off.”It was a great gesture from the family to organise that.”Yilmaz Tozturkan, 53, and his son Daniel Lins, 30, had threatened to publish videos and pictures of Schumacher unless they were given £12million.Security guard Markus Fritsche had copied the private material while working for the Schumachers and sold it to the two men.In February the trio were found guilty of their part in the blackmail plot.Fritsche was given a two-year suspended sentence, while Tozturkan was jailed for three years and Lins was given a six-month suspended prison sentence by a German court.Schumacher’s wife Corinna wanted a harsher sentence for Fritsche.She said: “What still shocks me most is the massive breach of trust.“He should receive a punishment for this that deters others from potentially doing the same.”When Schumacher’s head hit a boulder in the skiing accident 12 years ago, it split his helmet in two.The brain injury was so serious that he spent 250 days in a coma.Read More on The SunThe best medical treatment that money could buy brought the sporting great, who is worth £468million, back to consciousness.There had been rumours that further treatment in Paris had allowed Schumacher to take some small steps, but that was later dismissed.What do we know about Schumacher since his accident?MICHAEL Schumacher’s life changed forever on December 29, 2013, when a skiing accident left the seven-time F1 champion with a severe brain injury.Since then, his family has protected his privacy, with only a select few remaining in contact with the racing legend.December 29, 2013 – The skiing accident: Schumacher suffers a life-threatening head injury while skiing off-piste in Méribel, France. He falls and hits his head on a rock, causing severe brain trauma despite wearing a helmet. He is airlifted to a hospital in Grenoble, where he undergoes two emergency surgeries. Doctors place him in a medically induced coma to reduce swelling in his brain.January 2014 – Schumacher fights for his life: Schumacher remains in a coma. Doctors describe his condition as “critical but stable”. His family, led by wife Corinna, remains at his bedside. The world’s F1 community rallies behind him, with fans holding vigils outside the hospital.June 2014 – Schumacher brought out of his coma: After nearly six months, Schumacher is brought out of his coma. His family confirms he is no longer in a coma but gives no further health details. He is transferred from Grenoble to a rehabilitation facility in Lausanne, Switzerland.September 2014 – Back home: Schumacher is moved to his family home near Lake Geneva. Corinna announces he will continue his recovery at home, with a dedicated medical team.2015–2018 – Mystery surrounding his health: Reports suggest Schumacher is receiving round-the-clock medical care at home, costing £50,000 per week. Jean Todt reveals he still visits Schumacher and that they watch F1 races together.May 2017 – German magazine sued by Schumacher’s family: The magazine Bunte has to pay Michael Schumacher €50,000 (£42,000) in damages after claiming in 2015 that Schumacher would walk again. The Hamburg regional court determined that the statement was false and infringed upon Schumacher’s right to privacy.September 2019 – Schumacher secretly transferred to Paris: French media reports that Schumacher is taken to Paris for stem cell therapy at the Georges-Pompidou Hospital. The procedure is led by renowned surgeon Dr. Philippe Menasché. Details of the treatment remain undisclosed.December 2019 – Manager issues rare statement: Schumacher’s longtime manager Sabine Kehm says his condition will remain private. She dismisses speculation and false reports about his health.September 2021 – Netflix documentary “Schumacher” released: A new Netflix documentary, Schumacher, provides rare insights into his life. Corinna speaks publicly about his condition for the first time, saying: “Michael is here. Different, but he’s here, and that gives us strength.”December 2023 – 10 years since the accident: Schumacher turns 55. The anniversary of his accident is marked by tributes from the F1 world. Jean Todt confirms he still sees Schumacher regularly and describes his visits as “full of affection”.September 2024 – Daughter Gina’s wedding: Gina Schumacher, 27, marries longtime boyfriend Iain Bethke at the family’s £27million Majorca villa. Reports claim Schumacher attends the wedding, but close friend Johnny Herbert later calls it “A1 fake news”. Guests are reportedly required to hand over their phones to prevent leaks.December 2024 – Schumacher to become a grandfather: Gina announces she is pregnant, three months after her wedding. She shares the news on Instagram, writing: “Impatiently awaiting the arrival of our little girl.” More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal files: Transfer target Viktor Gyokeres gives rare look into life at Sporting and Gunners face goalkeeper dilemma

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      ARSENAL fans are confident they know all about Viktor Gyokeres – the Sporting Lisbon superstar heavily linked to a £60m move to North London this summer.But in a rare, in-depth interview with Vogue Scandinavia this week, the Swedish goal-scoring machine let his mask down and revealed some interesting behind-the-scenes titbits.Arsenal are eyeing Viktor Gyokeres this summerCredit: Shutterstock EditorialGyokeres has won two titles with Sporting in the last two yearsCredit: Shutterstock EditorialHis Lisbon home – in the quiet enclave of Charneca de Caparica – is described as a “lair”, one with “Scandinavian minimalism”, featuring glass walls and a backyard pool.The ground floor’s main decoration includes numerous trophies below a large black and white photograph of Gyokeres performing his famous “Bane mask” celebration.He explained: “Me and my friends were going on vacation, and we were talking about [what to do when I score]. One of them came up with the idea for the mask, and we all liked it.“Since then, I’ve always done it when I score … and it definitely stuck. As for the [Bane] character, of course, I’ve seen it. But it’s a little like, take it how you want it.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“If you think it’s Bane, you can think that. If you think it’s something else, that’s fine too.”His daily routine includes taking a shot of ginger and some water, and his breakfast is usually an array of fruit [strawberries, blueberries and pomegranates] and three eggs.Gyokeres also admits he sets his alarm “10-15 minutes before I leave” because he values sleep.In terms of how he has built himself into the monstrous No.9 he is today, compared to the skinny kid that struggled at Brighton before banging in goals at Coventry, he said: “Physicality is a big part of my game. I always need to maintain it and keep getting better.Most read in FootballSwedish football’s pride and glory was on the cover of Vogue this weekGyokeres has pictures of his “Bane mask” celebration in his houseCredit: Shutterstock EditorialJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates“I do my pull-ups, push-ups, and sometimes shoulder press. Sometimes after a game where I need to rest my legs. I can focus on the upper body.“I can do my exercises at home, which is why I have a gym here. That’s what I enjoy on a daily basis.”Ex-Arsenal starlet jailed over plot to smuggle £600k of cannabis into UKHome from training by 4pm, he then likes to nap for an hour before having a Portuguese speaking lesson or taking his mind off football by playing some Call of Duty.To let his hair down, he heads out for dinner in Lisbon. He explained: “With Swedish culture, I think people work hard during the week, and then if they want to do something, they do it on weekends.“Here, people enjoy the weekdays too. They see their friends on a Monday or whatever day, have dinner, a glass of wine. In Sweden, that’s rare. That’s the big difference.”Despite his expectation to leave Portugal for England in the coming weeks, with the Gunners in pole position, he does suggest: “I think Lisbon has to be one of the best cities in Europe… it feels like home.”And intent on not giving anything away about his future, he added about the speculation: “That’s just clickbait. Sports news is now constant, like 24/7, so they just find things to talk about.”However, he goes on to suggest he has always “dreamed” of “being on the best teams in the world”, even if he reveals that as a kid, it took him time to fall in love with football.He said: “I didn’t like football at first [as a six-year-old] because I was on a team with people I didn’t know. I was new, and I wasn’t comfortable with that.“It was more the social aspect that was hard rather than the football itself.“Of course, when you’re younger – 10, 11, 12 – you’re always talking with your friends about playing for this club or that club, dreaming about being on the best teams in the world.“But that was all talk. Of course, you want to do it, but at that age, you don’t really think it through. It’s more of a dream.I didn’t like football as a six-year-old because I was on a team with people I didn’t know.GyokeresVogueHe added: “Playing football in front of people – it’s just something I’m so focused on. Of course you think about it sometimes, but for me, it’s easy.”Meanwhile, he has pulled out of Sweden’s upcoming fixtures against Hungary and Algeria due to a “minor issue”, with many putting two and two together, suspecting it is to do with a future move.But Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson claimed: “I spoke to Viktor last week. He hasn’t trained much in recent weeks and has been struggling with a small injury.“I was happy just to see him and have him involved in our meetings. That says a lot about Viktor, how much he wants to be involved.”ZUBIMENDI WATCHThere was a rare glimpse into the future on Thursday night, watching a current Arsenal midfielder play alongside a future one.In Spain’s dramatic 5-4 Nations League semi-final victory over France, Mikel Merino lined up next to Martin Zubimendi – who is expected to officially be announced as a Gunners following his £51m move from Real Sociedad at some point next week.Merino – who arrived in North London last summer from Sociedad for around £32m – played as a No.8 on the left of the midfield three, while Zubimendi sat deep as a No.6.It was an intriguing watch, giving several examples of exactly how the two can compliment each other in an Arsenal shirt next season.For large parts, Zubimendi, 26, sat deep in front of the back four, happy to be under pressure with his back to the opposition, taking balls off the two centre backs on the turn and feeding the likes of Merino and Barcelona midfielder Pedri.Inside the opening few minutes, Zubimendi did just that for Merino, allowing him to drive forward into space and spark an attack, something Declan Rice will love in that role.And when the ball was lost, with Merino triggering the press, Zubimendi would not be far behind him, not afraid to put his body on the line to break up play.He did just that in the first half to leave Les Bleus star Kylian Mbappe on his backside.The Spanish media wrote: “When Merino advanced his position and Pedri approached him, that’s when [Zubimendi] brought out his full potential.“The midfielder is in an ungrateful position because he has to take out the dirty balls so that the one who passes close to him can take the clean balls. But he does that very well.”But it is not just the dirty work that Zubimendi thrives in. At times against France, he would turn and immediately go direct by pinging balls into the wide areas for the likes of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams – the latter another Arsenal target.You could not help but imagine Zubimendi doing the same for Bukayo Saka down the right, something the England winger loves: early passes to catch opposition full-backs off guard.KEPA OR GARCIA?Among other areas in the squad, Mikel Arteta has a big decision to make regarding his No.2.With Neto heading back to Bournemouth following his season-long loan last term – making just one appearance – Arsenal are in need of a back-up for David Raya.There are candidates from within: 16-year-old Jack Porter and 18-year-old Tommy Setford both made their senior debuts in the Carabao Cup last season.However, Arteta does not feel either are ready to take on such a big responsibility next campaign, while Setford could potentially head out on loan to gain some experience should the right opportunity arise, after joining from Ajax for £1m in July 2024.Unwanted Chelsea stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga has been lined with ArsenalCredit: Shutterstock EditorialIt is understood that Setford is highly rated by Arteta, viewing him as a first-team player of the future.So, where does that leave them now? It is quite similar to their striker conundrum, currently deliberating whether to go for a ready-made, older Gyokeres, or pay more money to acquire a younger star with potential who can grow in Benjamin Sesko, 21.There are two options as it stands: First there is Joan Garcia, the £25m Espanyol keeper, but it will be a battle to sign the 24-year-old with Barcelona pushing hard to get him.And then there is a new possibility of Kepa, 30 – the unwanted Chelsea keeper who reportedly has a release clause of £5m having spent last season on loan at the Cherries.Arteta would welcome such an experienced goalie to compete with Raya, and is understood to have always admired the Spaniard from afar for his ability to play out with his feet.GABRIEL AND SALIBA’S FEAR FACTORBrazilian centre back Gabriel, 27, has finally signed a new long-term contract until 2029 after links with a mega-money switch to Saudi Arabia over the past 18 months.SunSport understands that there is no option to extend that until 2030 as it stands, but he will now earn a weekly wage north of £100k.Gabriel has put pen to paper on a new contractIt is the first of many new deals that sporting director Andrea Berta has been working on. The likes of Saka and William Saliba – whose contracts also expire in 2027 – will be next, as well as Hale End graduates Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.Interestingly, Gabriel has revealed just how feared he and his centre back partner Saliba are in the Prem, forming a bond that has made them a world class duo, perhaps the best in Europe.Read More on The SunHe said: “I play against some strikers now and afterwards they say: ‘you are so strong now, you and Saliba are so good together’ and things like that, so it’s good to hear.“That’s what we are aiming for on the pitch, we want to keep improving and we want to win trophies.” More

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      ‘I love the chaos’ – Why Fabio Wardley’s fight with Justis Huni won’t even be the biggest night of his month

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      FABIO WARDLEY has the two most important nights of his life inside the next ten DAYS.Ipswich’s 30-year-old former recruitment worker and white-collar boxer headlines Portman Road on Saturday night against tough Australian Justis Huni.Fabio Wardley ahead of fighting Justis HuniCredit: GettyAnd on June 16 his partner is scheduled to give birth to his first child, a bouncing baby girl.For anyone else, the nail-biting fortnight would be a crippling rollercoaster of emotions impossible to combine. But the Suffolk Puncher – who went on an Oleksandr Usyk sparring trip to Ukraine in 2018 when he barely knew how to throw a jab – is loving the chaos.The class act told SunSport: “June 2025 is going to be a wild month I talk a lot about, for the rest of my life.READ MORE IN BOXING“I will be an old man in a rocking chair, telling people about it and wondering how we pulled it off.“Everything has come together at the same time, it might seem a bit hectic but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I thrive on it, I love the chaos.”Nine months ago, the 18-0-1 ace got the wonderful news he would be a dad for the first time.And a few weeks later he got the offer of a lifetime, to headline at his boyhood football club, a chance that some Olympic and world champions never get.Most read in BoxingWardley and his girlfriend are expecting their first child togetherCredit: Instagram @fabiowardleyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt seems like a psychological and logistical nightmare that would be destined for the divorce courts but Team Wardley is way too tight.“If my little girl is anything like me, then she’ll be chilled out and late, which will give me a little bit more time to decompress from the fight,” he grinned.Fabio Wardley faces off with Justis Huni ahead of his homecoming fight “The flight date has been moved around a few times but my missus has been unbelievable.“I have just promised to her that, as soon as Saturday night is over, I am all theirs.“This week, though, is just my week. I need to be totally focused on me and then it’s all on them.”Wardley – who cracked 2020 Olympic bronze winner Frazer Clarke’s skull in their one-round rematch in October – somehow combines being a brutal boxer with being a lovely bloke and he insists that won’t change with another win or a baby.“I don’t know how parenthood will affect me,” he said. “I do plan to be the fun-dad though. I want mum to do the telling off.“I think I will always be driven to push myself in everything, though. Everything has come together at the same time, it might seem a bit hectic but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I thrive on it, I love the chaos.“That’s something just innate in me. And I am sure I will need to feed and stoke that fire regularly.”One thing Wardley would NEVER do, despite the baffling suggestion from some clumsy pundits, is fight his mentor and pal Dillian Whyte.After following all of Wardley’s career, we were stunned to hear the idea even mooted and Wardley floored it.“You’re 100 per cent right, for once.” he laughed.“From the second it would be announced, everybody who knows the sport and who knows us, would know it would be fake and not something I would ever do, because of the amount of love, respect and admiration I have for Dills.“People go on about my story, white-collar, coming from nowhere, sparring Usyk.”But none of that is possible without Dillian at the beginning, giving me all of these opportunities. So I would never spit in his face and fight him.“Even if all the sanctioning bodies called for the fight and somebody was silly enough to put all the money up, I would take a knee in the first round and give him the win.”Whyte was due to feature on the Ipswich undercard but pulled out to secure a summer showdown with Lawrence Okolie.He has not boxed in England since November 2022 and was supposed to have a rematch with Anthony Joshua in August 2023.Read More on The SunBut that O2 sell-out was scrapped when Whyte failed a doping test.Whyte has boxed in Gibraltar and Ireland since that big-money clash was binned, landing underwhelming wins.Wardley is managed and mentored by Dillian WhyteCredit: matchroom boxing More

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      I’m related to the greatest boxer ever but changed my name to make my own way – it worked until Mike Tyson showed up

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      NICO ALI WALSH has the most famous surname in boxing history but he kept it a secret – until Mike Tyson blew his cover. The 24-year-old is the grandson of Muhammad Ali – affectionately known as The Greatest.Mike Tyson with Nico Ali WalshCredit: X/nicoaliwalshNico’s parents – including Ali’s daughter Rasheda whose sister Laila was a champion boxer – never wanted him to enter the family business. But by 14, Ali Walsh – with the help of his grandfather – convinced his family to allow him to start boxing. It came with just one condition though, he had to hide his iconic Ali surname. Ali Walsh told SunSport: “Of course, I left out the name. Even back when I was 15 years old, my full name is Nico Ali Walsh, but I cut out the Ali.READ MORE IN boxing “I said my name is Nico Walsh, but they found out somehow. My parents were not on board with saying Ali either.”I don’t know how, they would just start announcing it at amateur fights. So it didn’t last long. The incognito version of myself didn’t last very long.”It turns out boxing great Tyson – a close friend of hero Ali’s – might have played a part in Nico’s secret being exposed.He revealed: “It probably started around my third amateur fight because I started having weird people show up to my fights.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Like my third amateur fight was here in Vegas and Mike Tyson found out I was fighting and he and his wife Kiki texted my mum and was like, ‘Hey, we heard Nico’s fighting here. Mike wants to come to the fight.’“So Mike ended up coming to my amateur fight and it was just him, whoever he was with, and then my family.Three-weight world champion Vasily Lomachenko retires after more than 400 FIGHTS in lengthy video“So there was like 7/8 people in the crowd, and it was just us, so I guess people may have started realising it.“I started having weird people show up to my fights. Why is Mike Tyson showing up to this guy’s amateur fight? And he left right after.“So that may have contributed to people finding out.”With Ali Walsh’s name was no longer secret, he had close to 30 amateur bouts before turning professional in 2021.And he did so with legendary promoter Bob Arum, who staged some of Ali’s most iconic fights. By now, Ali Walsh is no stranger to rivals looking to make a name for themselves by trying to tear down his name – even behind closed doors.Ali Walsh tried to hide his famous surname in the amateursBut Tyson accidentally helped blow his coverHe said: “Sparring and training, it’s never 100 per cent of the time. “Sparring is where you work on things and you do certain things, but whenever I go outside of someone that I directly know, they’re trying to knock me out in sparring.“Everyone who spars me is trying to knock me out. So it’s very annoying, but I’ve gotten that my entire professional career.“I had that sometimes in my amateur career but now it’s like people are coming at me trying to absolutely take my head off in the gym. “And they do it in fights too. I don’t care what you do in a fight, but in the gym, it gets ridiculous at some points.”Ali Walsh is now 15 fights into his pro career, with 12 wins, two losses and one no-contest. A young Ali Walsh with his grandadAli Walsh with his grandad before the sporting great’s sad passing in 2016Promoter Bob Arum with Ali WalshCredit: Top Rank/Mikey WilliamsHe bounced back with victory against Ebenezer Sowah in Guinea in May following a shock defeat to Juan Carlos Guerra Jr last February.And Ali Walsh has stayed true to his roots by refusing to entertain cash-grab fights against the likes of Jake Paul. The middleweight prospect even turned down a $3million (£2.2m) offer to fight the 11-1 YouTuber-turned-boxer last year. Ali Walsh explained: “I can’t be mad at these pro guys that are calling him out, they want the money.“And obviously, the money they would be getting, they would be getting paid millions to knock out a guy that’s way below the skill level of the guy that they get paid far less to fight.“So it makes sense for these guys, but for me in particular, that’s not something I want to be remembered by. “It would really be just tainting my legacy to be getting involved with something like that.Read More on The Sun“I feel like whenever people try to tell me, ‘Nico, you should have done this or you should have done that.’ No one can tell me what to do with the Ali name except for an Ali.“So nobody outside of my family will understand what I’m talking about. So I don’t take advice from anyone else who tries to come at me with that kind of stuff.”Ali Walsh is 15 fights into his pro careerCredit: EPAJake Paul offered Ali Walsh £2.2m to fightCredit: Getty More