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      in Soccer

      Forgotten Germany World Cup star announces retirement at 32 after a year unemployed

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      A FORMER Germany international has announced his retirement at the age of 32.The left-back is hanging up his boots after 278 Bundesliga appearances and seven senior caps with the German national team. A former Germany international has retired at the age of 32Credit: Getty – ContributorIn fact, he was part of the 2018 World Cup squad and started in the first match of the group stage against Mexico.However, the defender didn’t see any more action in Russia as he was benched for the other two games against Sweden and South Korea and Germany failed to make the knockout stages.A year earlier, however, he was part of the team that won the Confederations Cup and played a whole match in the group stage against Cameroon.However, his career didn’t get rolling after that as he found himself as a free agent for over a year after leaving his final club Hertha Berlin.Read More on FootballThat is none other than Marvin Plattenhardt, who spent nine years at Hertha since his arrival from Nurnberg in 2014.Plattenhardt received offers this past year from various countries around the world, such as Italy, Turkey, the US and even England.However, the full-back preferred to call time on his 13-year career and insists he has no regrets.Plattenhardt told BILD: “Now the point has come where I say: ‘Finished!’ I’m hanging up my boots. Most read in BundesligaBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Between the summer of 2023 and the end of January 2024 there were a few talks with clubs in various countries, but the overall package was not suitable for me in terms of my family. I just didn’t want to do that.”And when you’ve been out for a while, it gets more and more difficult these days. Man Utd wages 2024-25 revealed”It’s crazy when you see how many names, including top-class players, are still on the list of players without a club. “I didn’t want to continue at all costs. So I’ve now made this decision for myself and I’m absolutely fine with it.“A wonderful and great time. When I look back on my career, I can say that all my childhood dreams have come true.”Marvin Plattenhardt decided to retire as a free agent after his exit from Hertha Berlin a year agoCredit: Getty – PoolPlattenhardt had offers from England before deciding to retireCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      in Soccer

      League One coach set to leave for REAL MADRID after being recommended by Carlo Ancelotti’s son

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      STOCKPORT assistant coach Andy Mangan is set to join Real Madrid, according to reports.Mangan, 38, has been chosen to join the Spanish giants after sparking up a close relationship with boss Carlo Ancelotti’s son.Stockport County assistant coach Andy Mangan is set to join Real MadridMangan (left) was recommended by Carlo Ancelotti’s sonDavide Ancelotti, who is an assistant manager behind his dad at Madrid, undertook a coaching course with Mangan.And now the League One coach will swap the gloomy north of England for sunny Spain.SunSport exclusively revealed last month that Mangan was in talks with the European champions.Now, according to The Athletic, he is waiting for his work permit, although no date has been set for his exit.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHowever, should everything go according to plan, the 38-year-old will leave Edgeley Park for the Santiago Bernabeu.Mangan’s arrival is, at Ancelotti’s request, part of Madrid’s broader effort to refresh their coaching set-up after the Los Blancos won their 15th European title this summer. The Ancelotti’s are understood to have been looking for an English coach with experience in the English Football League.It is also understood that Davide plans to take Mangan with him when he embarks on his own managerial career.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSince joining Stockport in July, Mangan has been credited with playing a key role in their rise to the top of the League One table.Mangan moved into coaching in 2018 and held roles alongside pal Joey Barton at Fleetwood and Bristol Rovers before his time with Stockport.’We had a can of beans between 20′ Charlton’s Matt Godden on struggles at old club – What the EFL?!Prior to his foray into coaching, Mangan had a lengthy career in the lower leagues – dotting around a number of clubs.The Englishman retired in 2019 after 15-years playing as a centre-forward for the likes of Accrington, Wrexham, Forest Green Rovers and Tranmere.Following his two-year spell as assistant manager with Bristol Rovers, Mangan was even given a chance to take over as caretaker boss.Barton was sacked in October 2023, giving Mangan the job on a temporary basis until the club appointed Matt Taylor. More

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      in Boxing

      I sang Oasis song with Tyson Fury in front of 60,000 fans, but it was the worst moment of my career

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      DREW McINTYRE has revealed he REGRETS his sing-along with boxing icon Tyson Fury.The Scottish slugger was involved in a bizarre social media feud with the former WBC heavyweight champion in 2022.Drew McIntyre was joined in the ring by Tyson Fury after his Clash at the Castle bout with Roman ReignsCredit: TNT SPORTSThe pair serenaded the Cardiff crowd with Oasis’ ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’Credit: TNT SPORTSMcIntyre has claimed the singsong was the “worst” moment of his careerCredit: TNT SPORTSBut Fury put their beef behind him at the inaugural Clash at the Castle event, laying out Austin Theory after he tried to cash in his Money in the Bank as McIntyre and opponent Roman Reigns were out cold.McIntyre was joined by Fury in the ring after his heartbreaking loss to the Undisputed WWE Universal champ.And they belted out a rendition of Oasis’ ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’, which, in hindsight, makes McIntyre cringe.The Scot told Inside the Ropes: “That thing with Tyson Fury. That was stupid.READ MORE ON FURY”There’s no excuse for that. That’s the worst moment in my entire career.”We did the bit, the song, and then I told him, ‘Hey, you want to sing Sweet Caroline, because British fans, they’re upset that I lost.”They don’t know American Pie.’ I figured we’re off the air that’s why I started doing the Oasis bit and singing ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’.”Just got the crowd going. And I was like, ‘Oh, this sucks, but we’re off the air.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Then I found out we’re still on the air. It was a whole thing.’”Fury is no stranger to a post-match singsong, routinely belting out American Pie after his fights.Watch Drew McIntyre lose it in X-rated rant after CM Punk costs him title match as he lashes out at ref and commentatorsBut the Gypsy King wasn’t in the mood for singing after his undisputed showdown with Oleksandr Usyk in May, which he lost via split decision.Fury will look to exact his revenge on the slick southpaw in a second successive Saudi showdown on December 21.He roared in a June Instagram post: “Hey guys, Tyson Fury here. Back in the gym, as you can see.”[I’m] counting down the days until I can get my redemption on Usyk.”December 21 is going to be my time. I’ve done everything in boxing, but I ain’t come back from a loss.”And I relish it, the chance to redeem myself GET UP.”December 21 is all me – undisputed heavyweight here I come.” More

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      in Soccer

      Inside six-time Champions League winners’ graffiti-covered former stadium which now hosts fourth tier football

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      BAYERN MUNICH’S much-loved former stadium is now covered in graffiti.More than 50,000 people were once packing the stands in the Grunwalder Stadion before Bayern left in 1972.The Grunwalder Stadion now hosts Bayern’s second team in the fourth tierCredit: AlamyThis is an outside view of Bayern Munich’s old stadiumCredit: AlamyIt was once crowded with 50,000 peopleBut the city council have continued to work on the stadium to keep football being played thereBut Bayern have kept some connection with the Grunwalder as their second team host games in the German fourth tier there.The record attendance was a massive 58,000 people back in 1961-62, but the capacity has since been reduced to 21,200.The ground saw many games of the early golden years of Bayern, including two German title triumphs in 1931-32 and 1968-69.Bayern, led by the great Franz Beckenbauer, left in 1972 and won their first of six European trophies two years later against Atletico Madrid.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt was once Munich’s largest stadium before Bayern’s current 75,000 seat Allianz Arena fortress opened in 2005.But now the Grunwalder, which was also used for their city rivals 1860 Munich, looks unrecognisable.After both teams left for the Olympiastadion in 1972, plans were put in place for it to be demolished.But that decision was postponed as the council decided to redevelop the ground instead.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt underwent a large renovation in the late 1970s, including the construction of two new main stands still used today.Over the years, the state of the stadium had slowly deteriorated and capacity was reduced due to safety measures.The new Champions League format explainedThe ground still does not meet standards to play matches in the German second division.In 2017, 1860 Munich, nicknamed the Lions, decided to move back into the Grunwalder Stadion.A Munich sport’s committee voted for a comprehensive renovation in September 2022, with work set to begin in 2026.The measures will reportedly set the council back £77million.The Allianz now hosts Bayern’s top-flight footballCredit: GettyJoshua Zirkzee played his reserve team football at the Grunwalder during his time at BayernThe same old stands remain at the GrunwalderCrowds still gather at the iconic stadium, which was built in 1911 More

    • 263 Shares149 Views

      in Boxing

      Eddie Hearn put on the defensive as he is warned he could be put out of business by his own innovation

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      EDDIE HEARN has rubbished suggestions that Saudi bigwig Turki Alalshikh could put him out of a job after being warned that he could be made redundant.The entire boxing landscape has been transformed by the Chairman of the Kingdom’s General Entertainment Authority, who brokered a whopping but ill-fated £100million two-fight deal between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder.Turki Alalshikh has changed the landscape of boxing foreverCredit: REUTERSThe Saudi bigwig has negotiated some massive deals during his short time in the sportCredit: REUTERSPromoter Eddie Hearn has rubbished suggestions that Alalshikh will eventually make him redundantCredit: GETTYAlalshikh, thanks to his bottomless pit of money and eagerness to make fights fans want to see, is now the biggest mover and shaker in the sport.And his grand plans of making a singular boxing league could essentially render promoters redundant.Hearn was warned about potentially losing his job by talkSPORT’s Simon Jordan, who said: “We are in a unique period.”These guys are getting these fights made for them. They just turn up and that, to me, is not much of a skillset.READ MORE ON HEARN”It does make me wonder if the end goal is if the Saudis say, ‘What do we need these guys for? They are glorified agents, we can own the fighters.'”Unless there was a bloody good reason, why would I deal with Hearn and [Frank] Warren. “If I’ve got the ability to turn out their lights economically what do I need them for?”But Matchroom Boxing boss Hearn insists promoters like himself and Frank Warren are still imperative to the sport and Alalshikh’s future plans.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe replied: “I think that is a little bit harsh. “We have got a huge business of running global sports.From Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury to all American pound-for-pound clash, Eddie Hearn’s five must-see boxing fights”The ability runs deeper than being a glorified agent and a deal maker.”A few weeks ago we ran the Riyadh Season USA, with a Matchroom team of 40 people.”It was an event that couldn’t have been done without us in terms of promoting, the infrastructure of TV deals, licensing, dealing with commission, local governments and council.”The job is just incredible and as the size of the shows increase and the job changes.”This isn’t a situation of going in and doing a deal and taking a cut.”Ourselves and Queensberry do a huge amount of work and the requirement of these people and that Turki Alalshikh requires, it is not easy to do it yourself.”Hearn has built a fruitful relationship with Alalshikh and is confident he doesn’t want mass casualties in the sport.The 45-year-old continued: “He also acknowledges he wants the ecosystem of boxing to keep it thriving.Eddie Hearn insists Turki Alalshikh needs promoters like himself and Frank WarrenCredit: MATCHROOM BOXING”Riyadh Season will not on its own keep boxing alive.”There are hundreds of shows around the world every week, small hall etc, we can’t just rely on five or six Riyadh Season events.”But yeah there has been an explosion of boxing, but he can’t live without our stable and Frank Warren’s stable.”At the moment I think the relationship is great and I don’t think he wants to put everyone out of business.”Boxing’s top promoters are in talks with Alalshikh over a blockbuster league, although Hearn insists there’s a “huge amount of work to take place” in order for it to come to fruition.He later said: “Of course, we are in those conversations with him, it is all part of the strategy and plans that are being discussed.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Don’t forget these kinds of plans have taken place before.”But not necessarily with the depths of budgets that have taken place before, but we are all in for it.” More

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      in Soccer

      Premier League fans just accept their team rolling over for Man City – but everyone tried to beat Man Utd under Fergie

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      ERLING HAALAND sauntered out of Stratford on Saturday night clutching a match ball under his arm, leaving behind 60,000 comatosed Cockneys.West Ham had duly fulfilled their role in the annual turn-up-and-take-three-points parade for Manchester City.Erling Haaland with the matchball after his hat-trick at West HamCredit: RexThe Hammers at least used to give Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United a gameCredit: RexIn itself, this is fine. There’s no doubt that having a planet-sized Viking battering ram spearheading a team of magicians gives City a certain edge over their rivals.But in conversation with some Hammers-supporting friends in the aftermath, one of them shrugged off the latest surrender by admitting ‘our season won’t be defined by Man City at home’.And that is the state of the Premier League in a nutshell.A declaration of defeat being totally acceptable — indeed, expected and irrelevant — long before kick-off. By the fans, not the players.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere was a time when a visit to West Ham for teams at the top of the table was a football minefield.When Manchester United were the dominant force here in the Nineties and Noughties, wherever they went they mostly got a game on the field.Even if they didn’t, the home team’s supporters would whip it up so that whichever of Sir Alex Ferguson’s 13 title-winning squads came to visit, they played in fevered stadiums.Everyone just wanted to give the champions  a bloody nose. And back in 1995,  United were defending the  title right up to the last day, when they rocked up at West Ham’s old Upton Park ground.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe atmosphere was so hostile that the very air became a performance-enhancing drug for the mid-table Hammers, who built a wall around their goal to deny a very red-faced Fergie his win and the title went to Blackburn — by a point.That season, the Red Devils lost at Everton, Leeds, Ipswich and Sheffield Wednesday in the league.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsLesser teams who were up for landing a punch on the best team in the country for the sake of it — or because they simply couldn’t stand United.Ferguson toughened up his team to wrestle back the crown 12 months later but even then they lost at Leeds again, Aston Villa and Southampton.In the past two seasons, Brentford and Wolves are the only teams from outside the traditional Big Six to  have found enough gumption to beat Pep Guardiola’s City at home in the Premier League.West Ham have moved grounds since 1995 but the apathy among what was once  a ferocious fanbase is not entirely down to the vast oval-shaped ground they now play at.It’s become the mindset of the  fans that, come what may, City will stroll up, pass their way around  the West Ham players and help  themselves to a few goals.If this is the feeling on the terraces in the East End of London, be sure it’s the same at Southampton, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth,  Nottingham Forest, Leicester. The list goes on.West Ham have not beaten City  at home in the Premier League  since 2014.Top-flight grounds are now more like must-see stop-offs on the tourist trail than hotbeds of pumped-up locals lying in wait to ambush title ambitions of the elite.No wonder Guardiola’s team have been able to plunder four titles on the spin with diehard home support diluted to a point of disappearing and those that remain resigned to defeat.It’s not games against closest rivals that should count. Clashes between the top teams have always guaranteed uncertainty because of the smaller skills gap between the players.It should be the less glamorous surroundings of the relative minnows or the also-rans where English leagues are ultimately won and lost.Top-flight grounds are now more like must-see stop-offs on the tourist trail than hotbeds of pumped-up locals lying in wait to ambush title ambitions of the elite.ANDREW DILLONAt grounds where world-class footballers like Haaland tremble, even if just momentarily.The players of those teams need their supporters to believe — foolishly  or not — that everything depends on beating City.That even if they go down, they go down fighting.Not knowing that the vast majority of the home crowd are checking their watches to see if there’s time for a crafty pint if they leave early enough and that losing to City at home is ticked off for another year.GREEN WITH ENVYOF course, the Irish have a point about Declan Rice, Jack Grealish and, to an extent, Lee Carsley.With Rice in particular, three senior caps for the Republic of Ireland before jumping ship to England in 2019, means he should rightfully expect a coating from the fans in Dublin on Saturday. Grealish is the same, having represented the Boys in Green at Under-21 level.Lee Carsley won 40 caps for the Republic of Ireland but will manage England against them on SaturdayCredit: GettyEngland’s interim boss, former midfielder Carsley, played 40 times for the Republic, so is Irish in football parlance.Yep, pretty dodgy, isn’t it? The Irish must be fed up as hell to have lost those three to their colours — and it’s England’s gain.For those old enough to remember Sunday afternoons watching quiz show Bullseye on the telly, the words of compere Jim Bowen spring to mind, ‘Look at what you could have won’.THE D’OR IS WIDE OPENTHE Ballon d’Or has been pretty much a two-horse race for 15 years.With the odd exception, it has been either Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo winning the poll of the planet’s best player.So it’s refreshing that neither Messi nor Ronaldo has even been nominated for the 2024 award.Can’t see past Erling Haaland as the winner but seeing Jude Bellingham’s name on the list suggests there could be more competition from now on.However, we need the likes of fellow nominees Kylian Mbappe and Phil Foden to make sure the competition doesn’t just slip back into its old ways.Otherwise, it will be no more interesting than Scottish football.MAKING A BEELINE FOR ITI DO rather bang on about climate change and annoy the hell out of my editor by doom-mongering about the environment.Yet it’s always better to see something good happening and reading this week’s ‘Sport Positive’ bulletin, a little initiative by Brentford lifted my mood.The Bees travel to Manchester City for their next match a week on Saturday.And they have teamed up with Trainline so that anyone in possession of an away ticket can save 20 per cent on the rail fares to Manchester.It’s part of the ‘I Came By Train’ campaign to curb car journeys and it’s wonderfully simple.Though it does make me think why nobody has thought of it before?LIFE GOES JONNORTHERN IRELAND began life without Jonny Evans in their squad last night.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter 107 caps, one of the best defenders and nicest blokes in the game has retired from international football.Just hope the Irish FA don’t let him slip away and give him a role shaping the next generation in their tiny but productive football outpost. More

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      in Boxing

      Watch bizarre moment Chris Eubank Jr pummels Ed Balls with punches live on Good Morning Britain

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      CHRIS EUBANK JR was taken the distance by TV host Ed Balls after a bizarre Good Morning Britain challenge. Eubank – son of the brilliant Chris Sr – was on the day show to discuss his return bout on October 12 in Saudi Arabia.Chris Eubank Jr gives Ed Balls a barrage of body punchesCredit: RexBalls made it to the final bell amid the body assaultCredit: RexBut first, he was tasked with leathering former politician Balls with body shots for 20 seconds straight. Former Chancellor of the Exchequer Balls, 57 was wearing a padded belt for his safety, and the show’s medic was on standby.Co presenter Susanna Reid, 53, said: “We should say we have our medic Phil on standby if Ed needs any sort of support.”As the boxer started punching the TV host, Susanna looked shocked and said: “Oh my goodness. Go gentler.”READ MORE IN BOXINGEubank, 34, replied: “I’m trying not to go too low.”Eubank appeared to pull his punches as Balls winced in pain but miraculously he stayed on his feet and took the punishment until the final bell.The former WBA world champion told the ITV host he was very impressed with how he took the punches.And Susanna joked the belt looked as though it was rather low.Most read in BoxingEd replied: “I kept pushing it down, I kept thinking, ‘get it lower, get it lower’. I was slightly worried I might have to change my surname.”Eubank admitted he didn’t hit as hard as possible, saying: “I mean, I’m not going to kill the guy on national TV.”CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBalls said afterwards: “I can’t speak very well at the moment.”Susanna joked: “It’s almost as if you’ve just been punched and winded.”When the programme returned from an advert break, Ed appeared to have recovered himself. Eubank has not boxed since his rematch victory over Liam Smith, 35, last September. Susanna Reid laughs as her co-host takes a beatingCredit: RexChris Eubank Jr is due to fight next monthCredit: RexAwkward moment Daniel Dubois tells Eddie Hearn to ‘calm down’ before Anthony Joshua threatens rival with chairSo it will be over one year out the ring by the time he returns against Pole Kamil Szeremeta, 34, in Riyadh. Eubank said: “This is a very important fight for me to get back in the swing of things, 34-years-old, 35 next month, no this month September. “So this is kind of, we’re coming into the final chapter, my last three or four years in the game. “I’ve got to make a statement, I’ve got to go out there and perform and win these big fights each and every time now because these are like my legacy fights. What people remember me for.”Eubank was linked with a mega-fight against Canelo Alvarez, 34, and also a rematch with Billy Joe Saunders, 35. READ MORE SUN STORIESBut asked if he can beat Szeremeta, he said: “Absolutely. He’s a tough opponent from Poland he is the type of guy that is perfect for a guy who’s been out the ring for a year, come back. “He’s a tough guy, he’s got a great record I think he’s got 24 wins, two losses. Yeah, I’m excited.” More

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      in Soccer

      David de Gea’s wife Edurne opens up on long distance relationship as she denies that couple are in crisis

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      DAVID DE GEA’S wife has opened up about their long distance marriage as she revealed the couple live in different countries again.Edurne De Gea revealed that the pair are “more in love” than ever and denied any notion of a crisis as she explained their busy work schedules.Edurne Garcia has opened up on her distance relationship with David De GeaThe Spanish beauty hushed rumours of a crisisCredit: SplashSince the former Man Utd keeper moved to Italy to join FiorentinaCredit: GettyThe couple have rarely been able to live together since they met in 2010.The former Old Trafford keeper lived in Greater Manchester between 2010 and 2023, while his partner mostly stayed in Madrid for work commitments.Edurne is a Spanish singer, actress, TV presenter and judge on Spain’s Got Talent since 2015 – after she finished 21st on Eurovision.While the former Premier League star has lived with his wife since his £375,000-per-week contract expired last July, he has since moved to Italy after signing with Fiorentina this summer.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSBut Edurne has shut down any suggestions of a plight in their marriage.She told Spanish news outlet Vanitatis: “We are doing very well, we are very happy and we have not separated and there is no crisis.”I have already said that because every time we do something there is a revolution.”We are happier and more in love than the first day we met. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”We have been like this for fourteen years. Distance is not a problem, we live our life at a distance because our work has required it”It has happened that his work is outside of Spain and mine is in Madrid.”Inside Angel Gomes’ rise from Man Utd wonderkid to England starEx- Manchester United keeper De Gea, 33, tied the knot with Edurne, 38, in July 2023, the same day he formally left Old Trafford.He turned down a move to Saudi Arabia because it was too far for his family, before signing a one-year deal as a free agent with Fiorentina.De Gea endured a nightmare start to life at Fiorentina after conceding two goals in the opening 12 minutes against Puskas Akademia in their Uefa Conference League first leg play-off.But he produced a man-of-the-match performance and saved a penalty to help nine-man Fiorentina dramatically win the second leg play-off tie via penalties and advance to the main group stage.Fiorentina fans have taken too De Gea since he joined this sumerCredit: GettyThe couple first met in December 2010 during a recording of a Christmas Carol to raise money for children with cancer.Seven months after their first date, David De Gea joined United from Atletico Madrid for £18 million.Garcia continued to live in Spain and made regular visits to Manchester, and briefly lived in the North West for year in 2018.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn 2021 the pair had their first child, a daughter called Yanay.The name origins from the Quechua language and translates into English as My Beloved.The pair met in 2010 and began dating shortly afterCredit: Instagram @edurnityEdurne supported the goalkeeper throughout his 12-year Man Utd careerCredit: Instagram @edurnity More