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      in Soccer

      Banned for threatening ref & not eating when he loses – fiery new Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim will bring ‘hairdryer’ back

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      WHEN Ruben Amorim arrives at Manchester United on Monday, the Premier League had better be ready for some hairdryer treatment.The Portuguese manager has gained a reputation for struggling to contain his temper both on and off the pitch during his career.New Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has a fiery side, just like former boss Sir Alex FergusonCredit: RexIt is the kind of rage that fans and players at Old Trafford got used to when Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge.Amorim, 39, who impressed United supporters by beating their rivals Man City 4-1 in his penultimate game in charge of Sporting Lisbon this week, is charged with bringing back the glory days achieved by Fergie in the 1990s and 2000s.The former midfielder has admitted letting anger get the better of him as a player, and he was banned from the touchline as a manager for three months after allegedly telling a referee: “I’ll smash your face in.”Amorim, who played 14 times for his country, also conceded that he struggled to hide his frustration when his team wasn’t doing well and got “impatient” with young stars.READ MORE RUBEN AMORIMHe has gained inspiration by reading about great leaders such as Barack Obama and the late Apple boss Steve Jobs.Different atmosphereHe is also said to be a fan of Peaky Blinders and has seen every episode of the BBC gangster drama starring Cillian Murphy, reportedly telling pals he was “addicted” to the show, which was mainly shot in Birmingham, but also in Manchester.And thanks to some anger management therapy, he is said to be calmer now.But Amorim, who gives few interviews, once admitted: “One problem I have is I can’t control my body language when something is, in my opinion, incredibly wrong.Most read in Football“Because there are things that should be known at a certain level and when I see players making certain mistakes I quickly get frustrated and can’t hide it.”Amorim is set to earn around £8million a year as boss at Manchester United.’Sporting fans will be upset with Ruben Amorim but he will be much better than Erik ten Hag’It is a huge change of fortunes for the man who was raised on the breadline in a household in Lisbon.His parents split up when he was a year old, and money was tight as he and older brother Mauro were raised by their mother Anabela.When Amorim was 13 they moved to the Corroios area of Almada, across the river Tagus from Lisbon, and matters got worse.Amorim’s father Virgilio said: “We were separated and it was an important change for our sons.“Ruben was used to a quiet school and I remember he was attacked once or twice in Corroios, it was a different atmosphere.”Amorim, who has a half-sister, Catia, is said to have been teased at his new school for preferring water to Coke.His friend Daniel Oliveira said: “We teased him a lot because at meals we nearly had to force him to drink something else.”But that healthy approach proved wise, as Amorim’s footballing talent was noticed by local side Belenenses, which signed him in 2003.Amorim is a hero at Sporting where he has won two league titles, and beat Manchester City this weekCredit: PAIn 2008 he joined Benfica, one of Portugal’s top sides, and for him, winning was everything.He said: “In my first derby, Sporting v Benfica, I lost, and I didn’t eat all weekend. “My week, if Benfica lost, I was depressed.”Unfortunately his career was blighted by injuries, such as a torn cruciate ligament in his right knee and tendonitis.Sitting on the sidelines deeply frustrated Amorim, who grew so annoyed he is said to have hurled his boots across the physio room.He said: “An injured player gets stressed and in a bad mood, and contrary to what one might think, you spend more time at the club recovering.”But Amorim was fit to play for his country in the 2014 World Cup. He said: “It was the only year I didn’t have injuries. I was so happy.”A year later he accepted that his physical state meant he could no longer play at the highest level, and he decided to sign for Al-Wakrah in Qatar on loan. It didn’t go well.He recalled: “I knew I wouldn’t have much success there. “Things went against me a lot.“I was sent off twice when I’d never been sent off before. “It must have been the frustration and it turned to anger. “I was stupid.”13-time title winner Sir Alex Ferguson became known for the ‘hairdryer’ treatment dealt out to his playersCredit: GettyAfter just 14 games in the Middle East he decided he would rather quit than accept a losing mentality, even though he could have earned a fortune at the wealthy side.Amorim said: “People said I could stay there five years and earn a lot of money, and that’s what I thought.“But when you go on the pitch I couldn’t think that way — you want to perform well.“I couldn’t stand players greeting me and chatting during the game when we were losing.”In 2017 he decided to retire from playing football at the age of 32.Four years earlier, in 2013, he had married interior designer Maria Joao Diogo in an impressive ceremony at a historic palace in the city of Coimbra.Unlike many footballing partnerships, the couple, who have sons Miguel and Manuel, do not advertise their romance on social media and prefer to keep a low profile.But Amorim did dance with Maria on the pitch when he won his first league title as manager of Sporting Lisbon in 2021.He had had some doubts about going into coaching because the demand of the job means you do not get to see much of your family.He revealed: “At first I wanted to look at doing other things because it’s not very easy for family life.“As I finished playing early, it’s a way of filling the gap. “I’ll try it. I don’t know if I’ll be good or bad.”His rise to the top has been meteoric, having started as a manager in 2018 with lowly third- division side Casa Pia in Lisbon.Amorim has been supported through his managerial career by wife Maria Joao DiogoCredit: D. RAmorim’s hot-headed nature got him into trouble the following year.During a match against Amora he put his head against that of referee Hugo Silva and was reported to have told him: “I’ll smash your face in.”Having been restrained by colleagues, he then took the dispute into the changing room, continuing to berate the ref.Amorim was banned for 90 days and fined 408 euros.According to Espresso, a Portuguese daily newspaper, he went to a psychologist for anger management sessions. Much of his success is down to a strict work ethic, which includes starting his day at 6am.And he has a reputation for looking after his players — including paying the rent for his Casa Pia central defender Deritson Lopes for a year after after he heard that the player was having to work nights at a fast food joint to support his three children.Lopes said: “He was an angel in my life.”Amorim left Casa Pia because he had been banned for coaching without the right level of qualifications and he went to Braga instead.His friend Tiago Ribeiro said: “When he went to Braga B, there were some months without work during which his assistants didn’t get paid, and he took it upon himself to make sure they weren’t lacking anything.” At Braga’s first team he won the league cup and took the unfashionable side into Europe.In 2020 Sporting Lisbon, the bitter rivals of the Benfica side he had supported as a child, paid a record fee to secure his services.It proved to be money well spent because he won the club’s first league title in 19 years.That is what Manchester United hope to be buying, having not finished top of the Premier League since 2013. He is a young coach who should be given the time to succeed, like Ferguson was.Amorim said: “I’ve grown with experience in every respect. “It’s normal to improve with experience.“I’ve made mistakes. “I’ve learnt, I keep learning.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’ve come through difficulties, I have had great support and I’ve been lucky.”Additional reporting: VICTOR VAGOAmorim, 39, has enjoyed a meteoric rise to the topCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Gary Neville’s FIVE failed restaurants including joint ventures with Ryan Giggs and ‘space age’ menus

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      GARY NEVILLE’S booming hospitality business empire has hit a rough patch.Not everything has gone to plan for the highly successful Manchester United legend after he was forced to close the doors on a FIFTH restaurant.Gary Neville has been forced to shut his restaurant with £1m debtsThe Man Behind the Curtain first opened in 2014Neville owned half of the Leeds dinerOne of the most unusual looking dishes was a denia red prawn served on a telephone – a play on the ‘Lobster Telephone’ object created by Salvador DaliThe Man Behind the Curtain had a reputation for artistic presentationThis comes after Neville’s Leeds restaurant went into liquidation last month with debts reported at £1million – including £519,000 owed in taxes.The Man Behind the Curtain was launched in 2014 and run by former Masterchef star Micheal O’Hare, with Neville owning half of it via Relentless Leisure.It received a Michelin star in 2015 along with three AA rosettes in 2016.The venue gained a reputation for its extravagant and highly priced dishes including denia red prawn served on a TELEPHONE – a play on Salvador Dali’s ‘Lobster Telephone’. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe filing also shows that Neville’s company Relentless Leisure is owed £366,848 by the restaurant.The accounts for 2023 are overdue but those for 2022 reported a £187,000 profit and reserves at £105,938.The closure of The Man Behind The Curtain isn’t the first time Neville has been forced to walk away from a restaurant.Here we take a look at his four other failed dining concepts…Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Rabbit in the MoonNeville, 49, and former team-mate Ryan Giggs, 50, invested in The Rabbit in the Moon before it ceased in 2017.The Old Trafford duo would link up with O’Hare again after naming him the Creative Director of GG Hospitality in 2016.Bizarre ad sees Man Utd team up with tractor company Yanmar The idea was to run a successful space-age Asian restaurant in Manchester – but it only lasted a year.Diners were treated to fried calf brains, crispy rabbit ears and an octopus hot dog.The fine-dining venue was on the top two floors of Urbis, a six-story building on Exchange Square in Manchester.When O’Hare launched the concept, he hoped it would win the first Michelin star for Manchester in decades.But the bizarre space-themed diner served it’s last meal in 2018 after GG Hospitality announced significant losses to shareholders.The Rabbit in the Moon restaurant in Manchester was closed after two yearsChef Hare came up with the space-age Asian conceptCafé FootballMeanwhile, GG Hospitality endured a miserable 2019 as well after they were forced to close TWO Café Football sites after six years.Opening in 2013, Café Football initially occupied a big, echoey space in the Westfield shopping centre at Stratford in East London.There was a section of Fans’ Favourites including Karren Brady’s Match Day Classic – pie, mash and liquor, chilli vinegar for £13.95 – or Kirsty Gallacher’s Terrace Winter Warmer – chilli with steamed rice and soured cream.And Neville and Giggs decided to open one in Manchester city centre, but that closed in March 2019.The venues were axed after GG Hospitality said: “We have decided to shift our focus to our hotel business.”At the time Neville said: “They were decisions made by me while Ryan has been coaching…but we all learn don’t we?”Gary and former teammate Ryan Giggs shut Café Football in Manchester a week after they axed the diner’s branch in Stratford, East LondonA third branch remains open in Singapore, operating through a different company, but both UK restaurants closed in early 2019.Singaporean businessman Peter Lim is also a shareholder at GG Hospitality and owns the majority stake in Salford City.Class of 92 stars David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Roy Keane join Neville and Giggs in each owning 10 per cent of the League Two club.Lim also owns Valencia, the team Neville famously and miserably managed for 28 games in 2016.Nevertheless, a smaller version of Café Football has since opened inside Neville’s Hotel Football just metres away from Old Trafford.Valencia owner Peter Lim has been in business with Neville for many yearsThe Stock Market GrillThe swanky Stock Market Grill closed last July – after just four months of operation.It replaced Tom Kerridges’ The Bull & Bear restaurant at Neville’s and Giggs’ Stock Exchange Hotel, also co-owned by hotelier Winston Zahra.The British brasserie was the brainchild of brothers Joe and Daniel Schofield, who already operate bars in the city.A statement released by the hotel read: “We have taken the decision to close the doors to Stock Market Grill, as of July 3.”We want to focus on the hotel’s premium cocktail bar, Sterling, in the Vault.”The restaurant will, however, continue to serve breakfast and in-room dining to all overnight guests.”The Stock Market Grill was inside the Stock Exchange Hotel in ManchesterThe hotel is one of Neville’s greatest business achievementsNeville retired from professional football in 2011 and has gone on to build up a £100million empire.He has been listed as a director of 56 businesses on Companies House.While he has interests in media, hotels, pubs, restaurants and education, his most impressive work has been in property development. Among the most high-profile interests are his two hotels, which between them hold £32million in property assets – almost a third of his corporate net wealth.The star owns a 40 per cent share in the Stock Exchange development, which is close to Piccadilly Gardens, in Manchester, alongside Giggs – and he also co-runs the luxurious Hotel Football, which overlooks Old Trafford.Earlier this year he joined Dragon’s Den as an investor, alongside Deborah Meaden, Peter Jones, Touker Suleyman, Sara Davis, and Steven Bartlett.READ MORE SUN STORIESNeville also runs Tiger Sports Management – the residual image rights and sponsorship firm that he set up in 1996 when he was just 21 years old.And he does all of this while presenting and offering commentary for Sky Sports each week.Neville joined the cast of Dragon’s Den earlier this year More

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      in Boxing

      Jake Paul had vision of himself fighting Mike Tyson while high on psychedelics three years ago

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      JAKE PAUL versus Mike Tyson is a controversial fight for the ages three years in the making – born from a psychedelic hallucination. YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul faces heavyweight icon Tyson next Friday in Texas in a bout widely slammed over the age difference.Jake Paul is big on meditationThe two have been friends for years, even celebrating new years together in 2021.But it was around that time that Paul took a trip to Costa Rica for a spiritual ceremony taking psychedelic drug ayahuasca. And he had a vision of fighting Tyson – who was instantly on board. Paul said in the Netflix fight docuseries: “I went Costa Rica for my first ayahuasca ceremony. I wanted to uncover things about myself. READ MORE IN BOXING”One of the craziest things was the vision I had of me and Mike Tyson fighting. “As if it had already happened or something in the future or was going to happen, that was the feeling it gave me. “And it showed me the millions of kids watching through their TVs and devices and it showed the butterfly effect that creates for the sport of boxing.”So next day I get in contact with Mike and he’s like, ‘Yeah, Jake. I love this idea. This is awesome man, this sounds great idea. We need to make this happen.’ Most read in BoxingJAKE PAUL VS MIKE TYSON: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”And that’s the power of opening yourself to the energy of the universe but also acting on those things.” Ayahuasca comes from stewing the leaves and stem of a jungle vine that grows in the Amazon rainforest, and it is usually drunk as a tea.Fans get first look of Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson training camp with Iron Mike ‘looking like he’s 25 again’It takes 20 to 60 minutes to kick in, and its effects can last up to six hours, including visual hallucinations, euphoria, paranoia, and vomiting.The drug contains dimethyltryptamine – or DMT – which is deemed a Class A drug in the United Kingdom, making it illegal on these shores.Ayahuasca is also banned in the UK, but can be taken legally elsewhere.Former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, 38, is another boxer to have advocated for taking the psychedelic.What are the effects of ayahuasca?While the drug may affect people differently, some of the common effects include:Nausea/vomitingDiarrheaAnxietyEuphoriaIntense visual and auditory hallucinationsPowerful emotionsIncreased body temperatureFeelings of connection and unity More

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      in Soccer

      Where it’s all gone wrong for Real Madrid, from the Mbappe dilemma to Ballon d’Or strop and even Wag blasting Ancelotti

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      REAL MADRID were supposed to be world beaters this year.Ending last season as Spanish and European champions they – finally – added Kylian Mbappe, the star who had been in their sights for the past three years.Kylian Mbappe joined Real Madrid as a free agent over the summerLos Blancos suffered back-to-back defeats at the Bernabeu after AC Milan’s 3-1 winCredit: RexVinicius Junior scored Madrid’s only goal against the Rossoneri from the spotCredit: AlamyBut after back-to-back Bernabeu thumpings, first at the hands of Barcelona and then AC Milan, even Carlo Ancelotti appears to be scratching his head.Speaking after the Milan humbling, their second defeat in four Champions League games, Ancelotti said: “What’s not so normal is that this team had a very good run and has fallen so fast.”But that is part of football too: when you think everything is perfect, you fall.”The reality is what was seen on the pitch. We have to be worried. We’re lacking something.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOn recent performances, lacking something appears to be quite the understatement – Don Carlo has a lot on his plate.Mbappe’s Madrid move hasn’t got off to great startMBAPPEAfter years of flirting the French superstar finally arrived in the Spanish capital this summer, albeit off the back of a deflating Euro 2024.He was supposed to be the final piece in an already impressive jigsaw but his arrival has caused more problems than it has solved.Mbappe has eight goals in all competitions, six of which came in an impressive run of five games, but the forward has unsettled Ancelotti’s plan.Most read in FootballAnd his shot conversion rate as plummeted down from an average of 21 at Paris Saint-Germain to just 11.42 at Madrid.Against Barcelona, his first taste of a fixture he will have played over in his head time and again over the years, things went badly wrong.The forward was caught offside a shocking eight times – more than any player in one game across Europe’s top league for eight years.Mbappe might have to learn how to play as a number nineJude Bellingham kicks bottle in fury after he is subbed in AC Milan defeat as Thierry Henry gives theory behind strop But merely pinning the problems on his arrival could be misleading.Spanish football expert and pundit, Terry Gibson, told SunSport: “People couldn’t be more wrong.”He is an easy target, there are loads of reasons why they are faltering.”He suffered at the start before he scored a goal, but got going and his goalscoring record is good.”He has moved to a new club, league and position but he is working hard and is a constant threat.”There are other reasons Real Madrid are struggling.”It has made it complicated for Ancelotti to find a way of playing but he has failed so far this year to find a system.”Madrid already trail LaLiga leaders Barcelona by nine points and are in the bottom half of the Champions League table.BELLINGHAMAnother who looks a touch lost is last season’s boy wonder, Jude Bellingham.By this time last year, 14 games into his debut season at Madrid, Bellingham had 13 goals. The England star is still waiting for his first of the campaign.Fatigue over the summer with the Three Lions spilled into injury at the start of this season, with the 21-year-old missing four games.But even when fit he looks well off his best, shunted around by Ancelotti as the Italian struggles to find a role for last season’s talisman.During the summer Ancelotti insisted Mbappe and Bellingham would gel just fine, stating the best players can adapt to any situation. But neither look happy and the Englishman booted a water bottle after being hooked against Milan midweek.Jude Bellingham kicked a water bottle in frustration after he was subbed off during Madrid’s latest Champions League defeatBellingham and Mbappe’s talents are yet to gel at MadridCredit: ReutersThierry Henry leaped to his defence, detailing just how Mbappe’s languid form was hurting Bellingham.Speaking on CBS, he said: “It’s always Bellingham trying to make the run, trying to make the team play, running in behind, trying to break the line.”I think there is a little frustration. Your nine isn’t going, and your 10-ish is going. I know it can happen sometimes but not all the time. Every single time.”He’ll do it because he has to do it, because his desire speaks, his will speaks.”You don’t win games like that. You don’t win games with your 10 breaking the line, coming back, trying to bend his run, trying to defend, trying to go the other side. And then after, he gets substituted?”I would have been upset too.”Thierry Henry stuck up for Jude Bellingham after Tuesday’s defeatCredit: X / CBSSportsGolazoMIDFIELD MESSDue to injuries and absences, with Luka Modric also on the wane, Ancelotti has failed to settle on any sort of structure in the middle.Dani Carvajal’s injury at right-back means the likes of Bellingham are having to be re-shuffled to cover rather than played in his best position.Aurelien Tchouameni, part of the succession plan to replace Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro, was whistled off in midweek and is fast becoming a scapegoat.Gibson said: “There is enough there for Ancelotti. It should be Tchouameni, Camavinga and Valverde and Bellingham at the tip of the diamond and then Vini and Mbappe.”They have to go and get a right-back in January, they won’t win things this year without a right-back.”They got away with this last year because they had Nacho. He has left and no one else came in.”Casemiro’s replacement Aurelien Tchouameni is faced becoming a scapegoatCredit: GettyANCELOTTI QUESTIONEDHe may be the best of the best when it comes to managers in Europe in recent years, but at Real Madrid no one is above criticism.There are already rumours swirling of a return for Zinedine Zidane, while fans will cast eyes towards Xabi Alonso working wonders at Bayer Leverkusen.Gibson said: “I am looking at him and thinking he is changing players and formations. It looks really untidy at the moment. It looks like a group of players making it up as they go along.”Zidane coming back would be a popular choice. It would be classic Real Madrid.”I am not saying he should get the sack or leave but there is a big clamour now for Ancelotti to go.”They have got a weird squad. There are superstars all over the place but they lack depth. They got away with it last season.”Carlo Ancelotti is yet to find the right forward systemBEHIND THE SCENESIt is not just on the pitch where things look askew.The hierarchy’s tantrum over Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win, with the club boycotting the ceremony in Paris once it became clear Vinicius would not walk away with the prize, exposed an unhappy camp.That petulance is seeping down to the dressing room too. Ancelotti has insisted there is a “healthy” atmosphere within the squad.But the wife of midfielder Fede Valverde recently broke cover, ranting on social media and asking: “When are they going to understand once and for all that Fede is not a winger?”She then claimed the account had been hacked.Valverde’s wife Mina Bonino appeared to criticise the decision to haul him offMina claimed he was being used wrongly by the managerMadrid boycotted the Ballon d’Or after Man City star Rodri beat Vinicius Jr to football’s top individual gongCredit: RexSUMMERLike all big clubs in Europe, Real Madrid spent most of the summer without their key players.Madrid went on tour to America, where by the end some of the senior players who did travel out were completely fed up – ready to go home.Ancelotti’s squad was packed with youth but those talents have hardly been seen yet.Endrick,18, and Arda Guler, 19, have had limited time on the pitch which, in comparison to rivals Barcelona, is a touch embarrassing.Hansi Flick took a flock of La Masia graduates on their summer tour and has embedded them into the team rather than dropping them back down.Gibson said: “One of the criticisms of Ancelotti is he doesn’t use young players.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Endrick could play centre-forward but that is not being done apart from when he is off the bench, which isn’t often enough.”Guler had a fantastic Euros but hasn’t had a look in.”Ancelotti’s squad was packed with youth but those talents have hardly been seen yetCredit: GettyTurkey international Arda Guler has been limited to roles from the benchCredit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury’s coach and legendary boxing mentor who helped turn him into world champion dies aged 85

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      THE BOXING coach who helped turn Tyson Fury into “The Facebreaker” has died.Dave Stacey, who has died aged 85, was the first coach to teach young Fury boxing at Torbay Amateur Boxing Club, in Devon.The coach helped train Tyson Fury when he was youngerCredit: GettyThe veteran was credited with helping the future champion pick-up the fundamentals during long stints when he stayed with family in the South West.It helped cement the talent that saw him nicknamed “The Facebreaker” after he shattered an opponent’s jaw and eye socket as an amateur.Mike Reardon, the club’s chairman, said Mr Stacey had been the heavyweight’s first coach.He said: “Tyson would have taken part in group sessions for beginners where they learn the basics like stance and how to punch.Read more sport“We have a lot of boys and girls coming and going at the gym and it’s impossible to remember them all, but I think Dave always remembered Tyson because of his size. He was tall for a lad his age.”Fury has said that after his parents separated he spent a lot of time with an auntie and uncle in Torquay.He said in an early interview: “They helped me learn how to read and write. I went swimming and surfing. The first gym I went to was in Torquay.“My dad would hold up his hands and say “one two,” but that was all. He never said he wanted me to box or took me to the gym. Most read in Boxing”He didn’t even know when I first started going to the gym.”The gym where Fury trained was at a former church and Stacey was the head coach there.Fury went on to join Jimmy Egans’s Amateur Boxing Club in Manchester and had his first amateur bout for them when he was 16 years old, in March, 2005.There was a riot after his second amateur bout in Hinckley, Leicestershire, two months later.Dave’s daughter Nicole led tributes, saying: “First and foremost, he was a real family man and was always very proud to tell other people that he felt like the luckiest man in the world to be a husband and father and we really felt that love.”He was a very loyal person and would do absolutely anything for us. People would always describe him as a real character and he was unashamedly himself.“He had the ability to talk to anyone and put them at ease.”If there was a setback of any kind he wouldn’t dwell on it, he would tell people how he felt, pick himself up and take the challenge on. I suppose that’s the boxing mentality and focus.”READ MORE SUN STORIESPaying tribute, a Facebook post from Torbay Boxing Club added: “Torbay ABC are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Dave Stacey, a highly regarded coach for the club.”RIP Dave you were a true legend.”Dave Stacey pictured alongside Tyson FuryFury trained at Torbay Boxing Club after spending a lot of time with an auntie and uncle in Torquay.Credit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Inside the mad world of Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, who is worth £2.5billion and owns TWO super yachts

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      WHETHER it is in England, his home of Greece, or even Portugal – Evangelos Marinakis is seemingly universally loved by football fans.The Greek shipping magnate, 57, has earned a staggering fortune of around £2.5billion through his company Capital Maritime Trading Corp.Evangelos Marinakis is one of football’s most colourful ownersMarinakis owns Nottingham ForestMarinakis has splashed his cash on toys like this super yachtHe has pumped that cash into his clubs, funding spending sprees for Nottingham Forest, winning multiple Greek titles with Olympiacos and last year he acquired a large stake in Portuguese outfit Rio Ave.It has been reported he plans to add a Brazilian club to his roster, which is why he lured Arsenal’s sporting director Edu on a reported triple your salary deal to oversee his football empire.But away from the game, Marinakis has his finger in other pies too.He runs a TV station famed for its soaps, sitcoms, political shows and the Champions League, as well as some of Greece’s biggest-selling newspapers.Read more football newsMarinakis hasn’t just spent his millions on football clubs, he is also the proud owner of two super yachts worth over £20million a piece.While back in 2021, he was in the news when one of his shipping boats saved 150 migrants from drowning in the Mediterranean Sea.SunSport looks into his mad world.Making moneyThe son of a politician, Marinakis made his billions after founding Capital Maritime & Trading Corp in 2005.Most read in FootballBy 2017, the company managed a mixed fleet of 70 ships.FA hit Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis with STADIUM BAN after furious tunnel blast at officialsThese included tankers, container ships and dry bulk carriers.A year later, they entered the LNG sector by purchasing ten ships capable of transporting liquified natural gas at the cost of a whopping £1.5billion.A year later, they merged their tanker fleet with DSS Holdings, who are bankrolled by New York private equity firm WL Ross & Co in a £1.3billion deal.Together, they have created one of the biggest listed tanker companies in the world.Marinakis continues to plough cash into his business, last year pumping £82million into the company to invest in seven platform supply vessels.One for giving back, Marinakis has put his money into the regeneration of his hometown Piraeus, including restoring playgrounds, building football pitches and helping the homeless by setting up soup kitchens.The man, who has a tattoo on his left arm that reads ‘Dream Love Create Fight Survive Win’, also has plenty of empathy.Piraeus is a port city, and the first entry for refugees from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq.Marinakis once had a group of people, including Olympiacos staff, welcome those coming off boats with food, clothes and toys for their children.It’s not the first time he has come to the aid of desperate refugees.On his left arm Marinakis has a tattoo that reads ‘Dream Love Create Fight Survive Win’Shipping magnate Marinakis boasts a fleet of impressive tankersIn 2021, one of his tankers saved a group of migrants from drowningIn 2021, an oil tanker belonging to the shipping tycoon came to the rescue of more than 150 migrants who were sinking on a 15-metre wooden boat in the Mediterranean sea.The crew raised the alarm, and with the native coastal guard launched a rescue mission to haul them to safety on the tanker.FootballIn 2010, Marinakis entered the football world by buying a stake in Olympiacos.Incredibly, they won the Greek league seven times in a row from 2010–11 to 2016–17.After lucky number seven, Marinakis set his sights on English football – adding Nottingham Forest to his football club portfolio.A man who isn’t afraid to shoot for the stars, he declared that he wanted the club to qualify for Europe within five years, as well to redevelop the City Ground and transform the team’s Nigel Doughty Academy.Forest were promoted to the Premier League in 2022 for the first time in 23 years, justifying Marikanis’ belief they were a sleeping giant ready to be woken up.Meanwhile, Olympiacos became the first Greek club to win a European competition, after they lifted the Europa Conference League last year – defeating Fiorentina in the final.His next project, after investing around £20million in Portuguese outfit Rio Ave to clear debts and upgrade facilities, sees him working with super agent Jorge Mendes. Fans are hoping for exciting times with bated breath.Marinakis celebrates Forest’s promotion in 2022During Marinakis’ time as Olympiacos president the club has won multiple league titlesOlympiacos became the first Greek club to win a European trophy last seasonread more sport featuresControversyOf course, with so much power and money, Marinakis is one of Greece’s most recognised businessmen.He is a major shareholder in the newsgroup Alter Ego Media, who own broadcaster Mega TV. Not only do they show sitcoms and Champions League football, they pride themselves on their news coverage and aren’t afraid to talk politics.But not everyone loves Marinakis. Back in March, a meeting at his home was the downfall of two Greek ministers who were forced to resign, following a night of drinking expensive whiskey and smoking luxurious cigars.According to Greek news outlet iEidiseis, who published the details of the gatherings, it wasn’t a good look to be wined and dined by the media magnate.There have been further controversies, including a match-fixing and bribery scandal that erupted in 2015 in the Greek league.Marinakis was one of 68 people named, however he denied the allegations and was cleared in court three years later.There was also a wild complaint against him that he was involved in the bombing of a referee’s bakery, which he vehemently denied any involvement with and didn’t even go to trial.Over the years, a number of controversies have followed MarinakisMarinakis was cleared of a match-fixing scandal in 2018PlaytimeBeing a billionaire comes with many perks.Marinakis divides his time between stunning homes in Athens and London.When he’s not there, you’ll likely find him on one of his super yachts.Marinakis boasts TWO – the Amore Mio and Amore Mio II.The former costs around £20million and has a yearly running cost of £1million.It can host up to 10 guests, as well as seven cabin crew in its nine cabins. It is 148 feet in length.The Amore Mio is worth around £20millionMarinakis also owns the slightly bigger Amore Mio II that has 15 cabinsThe Amore Mio II is slightly bigger at 170 feet, and was made by Abeking & Rasmussen in Germany at their Lemwerder shipyard.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt was little more expensive – costing around £25million – and boasts fifteen cabins.Don’t we all wish we could live in a Marinakis world right now. More

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      Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd move sees his wife become rivals with her best friend, business partner and fellow Wag

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      THEY were the dream partnership at Sporting.Hugo Viana, as sporting director, sold on the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Porro, Joao Palhinha and Manuel Ugarte for huge profits.Hugo Viana is getting ready to take the reins at Man Utd from Sporting LisbonSporting Liston sporting director Hugo Viana is joining Utd’s rivals Man CityAmorim and Viana’s wives run an interior design business togetherWhile in came Viktor Gyokeres, Morten Hjulmand, Pedro Goncalves and Francisco Trincao – who could fetch huge fees thanks to their development under the club’s boss, Ruben Amorim.Working as well as they did attracted the Premier League’s big hitters.Viana will join Man City, where he will replace the departing Txiki Begiristain at the Etihad next season.Intriguingly, Amorim now comes in as Man Utd boss and will rival his old pal at club level.Read more football newsBut, it’s not just those two that’ll feel a divide in Manchester.Incredibly, the pair’s wives are best friends and run a business together.Amorim’s relationship with Viana began when they played together.Former team-matesThe two were team-mates at Braga during the 2012-13 season.Most read in FootballAmorim and former Newcastle midfielder Viana also share ties to lower-league side Belenenses FC.Amorim confirmed by Man Utd but it’s a huge gamble and delay to start is bizarreIt’s where the incoming Red Devils manager cut his teeth as a player, while Viana took his first steps as a director at the Lisbon club in 2017.It was Viana who contributed towards Amorim’s rise at Sporting.Back in 2020, he was already two years into his role at Sporting when he hired Amorim as head coach.Viana was impressed by his pal’s single season at Braga – leading the club to a third placed finish in the league, as well as a domestic cup win.“I think one of the best things that Viana did was to bring the people that he trusts like Amorim,” Viana’s former team-mate Helder Barbosa told The Guardian.“He’s a young coach and the people start talking a lot about the money they spend but right now everybody talks that he was not a cheap coach but probably he’s the best coach in Portugal right now and he’s young, so they are closer than ever before.”Amorim and Viana were former team-mates at Braga togetherIt was Viana who was instrumental in Sporting hiring Ruben Amorim as bossread more sport featuresSuccessViana and Amorim formed a unique partnership at Sporting, where they helped the club win two league titles in four seasons.That success came through savvy recruitment.Amorim groomed players like Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Porro, Joao Palhinha and Manuel Ugarte.Those stars would earn big-money moves abroad – boosting the club’s coffers.Fernandes signed for Man Utd for a staggering £68million, while Pedro Porro cost Spurs £40million, Joao Palhinha fetched £20million, and Manuel Ugarte joined PSG for north of £50m, a similar fee to the one he joined the Red Devils for this summer.Big money for a club like Sporting, who spent it wisely thanks to Viana.The likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Morten Hjulmand, Pedro Goncalves and Francisco Trincao all came in, and under the guidance of Amorim their values have now risen to well beyond what was paid for them.That is especially relevant in the case of Swedish goalscoring machine Gyokeres, who was signed for around £17million – but looks likely to move on for £70million plus.Viana, wearing sunglasses, joined Amorim on the bench for a pre-season friendly in 2021Amorim was lofted in the air by the players after winning Sporting a league title in the same yearWivesIt’s not just Amorim and Viana who have a successful working relationship.Amorim is married to Maria João Diogo and the pair have a son.Maria has built her own business in interior design with a degree in telecommunications engineering.The couple got married in 2013 in front of 160 guests at a beautiful ceremony at the Palácio de S. Marcos church in Coimbra.Present for the nuptials were Viana and his missus, Raquel Gomes, who got hitched some ten years earlier.Maria and Raquel are also best friends, who run an interior design business together called Dois Tons.They aim to “create spaces with a unique identity” through their use of “color palette, textures and which are an extension of their history”.Their Instagram page shows off some of their creations, and has around 7,000 followers.Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for.Maria João Diogo, left, and Raquel Gomes are best friends and business partnersMaria and Raquel run interior design company Dois Tons togetherMaria and Raquel’s work features on the company’s Instagram pageAmorim and Viana leave Sporting with their heads held high and for pastures new.READ MORE SUN STORIESOne will be red, one will be blue. But how will their wives get on once they become noisy neightbours…?Let the rivalry begin. More

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      Inside departing Arsenal sporting director Edu’s family life, from fiery wife to footballer son and those famous BBQ’s

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      ARSENAL fans have been rocked by the news that sporting director Edu is set to leave the club.The good times are back at the Emirates, as the Gunners have built a team capable of challenging Man City at the top.Arsenal’s departing sporting director Edu with his familyEdu has been married to Brazilian Wag Paul for 21 yearsIt has been reported that Edu will link up with Nottingham Forest in a more senior roleCredit: GettyPart of that has been down to the work of Edu, who was famously one of the Invincibles in 2004, who has helped transform the club with a host quality signings.The likes of Martin Odegaard, William Saliba, and Declan Rice have all arrived in North London during the Brazilian’s tenure.It’s reported Edu is looking at a bigger challenge – taking on a senior role at Nottingham Forest to become a chief executive to Evangelos Marinakis’ footballing empire, which includes Olympiacos and Rio Ave.The move could TRIPLE his wages.Read more football newsAway from the game, the ex-Brazil international has developed a cult following.He shares his family life on social media, with wife Paula and their three children taking centre stage on Instagram.While in the summer, those famous memes of him manning a barbecue had Gooners purring over Edu cooking up a huge transfer deal.Family manEdu’s Instagram is almost an ode to his family life.Most read in FootballEdu’s family life is played out on his social media, including wedding dayWhen it comes to party, Edu makes sure he celebrates with his familyAt Christmas time the Gaspar family enjoy a big get-togetherHe shares plenty of personal moments to his 435,000 followers, including his wedding anniversaries over the years.He’s been married to Paula for 21 years, sharing their wedding day to his fans.‘F—ing shut your mouth’ – Ian Wright in X-rated rant at giggling Alan Shearer after Newcastle stun ArsenalAnd the Gaspars love an occasion to celebrate.Back in January, they wore matching white outfits to celebrate the turn of the New Year.Before that, at Christmas, they showed off their family home – posing in front of their tree.Edu and Paula share three children together, that includes their only son Luigi, 20, and daughters Maria, 18, and Isabelli, 11.His wife has always got his back.When the wife got into botherBack in 2021, with the Gunners in a transitional period, things did not start well for Mikel Arteta’s side.The club had to suffer before there were signs of improvement, which meant fans had to be patient.However, tensions spilled over during a home game against Chelsea.With Arsenal trailing 2-0, one angry supporter confronted Edu by getting out of his seat and berating him from the steps.A video was shared on social media showing the tense moment.While Edu managed to remain composed throughout the abuse, Paula could not contain her frustration.After the fan had finished angrily making his point, Paula put her middle finger up at him as frustrations boiled over, demonstrating her willingness to stand up for her husband in the face of criticism.Clearly, Paula isn’t to be messed with.Paula Gaspar is the supportive Wag of EduWhen Edu received abuse from an Arsenal fan in 2021, Paula jumped to his defencePaula told the fan exactly where to go after seeing her husband get stickread more sport featuresFootballer sonFollowing in dad’s footsteps on the pitch is Edu’s son, Luigi.Also a midfielder, he began his career like his father at Brazilian club Corinthians.He joined at U7 level, before representing the club in futsal.When Edu joined Arsenal in 2019, his son linked with up with their academy.But three years later he departed the club by mutual consent.He joined fellow London side Watford in 2022, and has broken into their youth sides.They extended his contract until the end of the season.Luigi Gaspar joined Arsenal in 2019 from CorinthiansA midfielder like dad, Luigi now plays for Watford’s youth sidesEdu’s 35 signings rankedEDU oversaw the arrival of 35 players during his time at the club.Some worked out better than others.Here, SunSport ranks them from worst to best…35. Nicolas Pepe (£72m)34. Willian (Free)33. David Luiz (£8m)32. Runar Alex Runarsson (£2m)31. Mat Ryan (Loan)30. Fabio Vieira (£34m)29. Neto (Loan)28. Marquinhos (£3m)27. Nuno Tavares (£8m)26. Matt Turner (£5m)25. Cedric Soares (Free)24. Albert Sambi Lokonga (£17m)23. Pablo Mari (£5m)22. Dani Ceballos (Loan)21. Raheem Sterling (Loan)20. Jakub Kiwior (£17m)19. Jorginho (£12m)18. Riccardo Calafiori (£42m)17. Kieran Tierney (£25m)16. Takehiro Tomiyasu (£20m)15. Mikel Merino (£28m)14. Aaron Ramsdale (£24m)13. Oleksandr Zinchenko (£30m)12. Gabriel Jesus (£45m)11. Kai Havertz (£65m)10. Jurrien Timber (£38m)9. Gabriel Martinelli (£6m)8. David Raya (£27m)7. Leandro Trossard (£20m)6. Thomas Partey (£45m)5. Ben White (£50m)4. Gabriel Magalhaes (£27m)3. Declan Rice (£105m)2. William Saliba (£27m)1. Martin Odegaard (£30m)Click here to read more Arsenal stories.What’s cooking?When it comes to the summer, Arsenal fans are always hungry for new signings.Bizarrely, some have found a link to their transfer activity when Edu is manning a barbecue.Often, the retired footballer shares clips of him cooking up a treat for his family.Brazilian’s traditionally love grilled meats and fish, and Edu is no different.How Edu made Arsenal great againBy Jack RosserEDU GASPAR has been on a mission to ‘Make Arsenal Great Again’ ever since returning to the club he played for 2019.After a few wobbles early on – signing Nicolas Pepe will never reflect well – the Brazilian has, alongside Mikel Arteta, been crucial in the club’s transformation.Arteta was brought in as the new manager within months of Edu’s return to North London and the former midfielder stuck by the boss when the pressure was on two years into the job.Instead of making the knee-jerk decision to change manager again, the former Brazil international, joined forces with Arteta to institute a huge change of culture at The Emirates.Overpaid toxic influences such as Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were purged from the dressing room and Arsenal set about adding strong characters.Edu finally got the club competing in the transfer market again, with Martin Odegaard an outstanding capture for the club. In landing Declan Rice ahead of Manchester City last year Arsenal showed they couple compete for and sign some of Europe’s biggest talents once more.Arsenal have become one of the most attractive clubs in the Premier League and one of the most efficient in the market.While there have been big deals for the likes of Rice and Calafiori, there have been smart ones too – picking out value where others have lost hope.Kai Havertz appeared as a surprising signing after a dreadful season at Chelsea. But after Edu gave the German space and support to rebuild his confidence he has developed into a fine asset for Arteta.Edu does not only have a tight relationship with Arteta – who many fans will be glad signed a new deal before the sporting director’s departure – but the players too, always ready and waiting to check in, keep them going.London Colney and The Emirates will feel a very different place for all of them without Edu.He has been seen with a cigar in mouth turning over some steaks and sausages ahead of huge deals that have been completed.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s an impressive barbecue fitted with plenty of upgrades, just like the squad he helped build.One wonders if it will be heading to Nottingham with him.Edu puts his BBQ skills to good use with a cigar in his mouthArsenal fans linked their transfer activity with Edu manning his bbqEdu’s barbecue is certainly well stacked More