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      in Soccer

      Arsenal star Zinchenko reveals he nearly lost his leg and was rushed into emergency surgery after ‘cage fight’

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      OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO came close to having his leg AMPUTATED as a teenager due to frostbite.The Arsenal full-back, 27, made his name at Manchester City from 2016 to 2022, winning four Prem titles, four Carabao Cups and one FA Cup.Oleksandr Zinchenko almost lost his leg due to frostbiteCredit: GettyHe has also gone on to captain Ukraine at major tournaments and recently helped the Gunners become top-flight title challengers once more under Mikel Arteta.But at the age of 17, his entire life could have changed thanks to a dry ice incident that left the defender with a gangrenous foot and moments away from amputation.It came about following a call from German club Hoffenheim to attend a trial, having been frozen out of the Shakhtar Donetsk academy and trying to reignite his career while taking part in the Russian street leagues.He explained: “The day before I was due to fly [to Germany], FC Meteor, one of the non-league clubs I played for, called me. They had a big game and wanted me to fill in.READ MORE ON SPORT“These leagues were a bit rogue, sometimes more like a cage fight. Some opponent did a crazy tackle on me and caught my right ankle. It swelled up like a balloon.“There was no way I could play the next day in Germany. Just walking was causing me pain. I was in no state to do a trial. But I couldn’t cancel and lose this life-changing opportunity.“We decided I would go anyway and ask them to let me train a couple of days later, by which time the swelling would have hopefully gone down.“I was on the plane with Lufthansa and I remember thinking: ‘Let’s not waste time to get the swelling down. Let’s use the flight.’ So, I asked the stewardess for some ice for my ankle.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“She didn’t understand me at first because my English wasn’t great and I didn’t speak any German. But she came over with what looked like ice in a plastic package.“I wrapped it up, put it on my ankle and went to sleep. Problem solved. An hour or so later, I woke up and expected to see a bag full of melted water. But there was none.Mystery as Kai Havertz denied chance to make Arsenal history but Mikel Arteta has no idea why it happened“Then I looked at my ankle. All the skin had turned white. I put my sock back onand, within around 20 minutes, as it warmed up, it started to blister.“When we arrived in Frankfurt, an associate of my agent was waiting. ‘I have a little problem,’ I told him. I think I gave him the shock of his life when I showed him my ankle.“We drove to the Hoffenheim academy, taken immediately to a physio, who pulled down my sock and turned nearly as white as the skin on my ankle when he saw it.“His reaction told me this was bad. ‘We’re taking you to hospital, right now.’ I was rushed into an operating theatre and surgery commenced immediately.“They were removing gangrenous tissue. If that had spread, it could have affected the whole foot, requiring it all to be removed. The reason? I had frostbite.“It turned out that when the air stewardess gave me ice, it was dry ice, which is three times colder than normal ice, exposing my bare ankle to Arctic-like temperatures.“The German doctor looked at me gravely. ‘You are fortunate. You came at the right time. Any later, and you might have lost your leg.’“Only then did I realise quite how close my dreams had come to ending and my life changing utterly.”After his near-death experience and a spell in the Russian Premier League, Zinchenko spent six seasons at City before joining Arsenal in the summer of 2022 for £35m.However, Zinchenko has also revealed he could have played for the North Londoners much sooner with Arsene Wenger keeping tabs on his situation back in 2014 following a Youth Champions League clash between Arsenal and Shakhtar.Zinchenko said: “I got a call from an agent who said: ‘Alex, I have a very good connection with Arsene Wenger. He called me after your game. He really wants to see you in the club.“I was speechless; my jaw was on the floor. When I gathered my thoughts after a few seconds, I said: ‘This is probably a joke. Someone is having a laugh here.’“For one reason or another, it never happened. I had sort of forgotten about this whole thing until Wenger came to the Emirates in December 2022 to watch us beat West Ham 3-1.“I shook his hand. I had never met him in person before… ‘Mister, eight years ago, I played for Shakhtar Donetsk in a Youth League game against Arsenal…’ I said, cautiously.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He interrupted me. ‘Yes, it was at Boreham Wood. Arsenal won 3-1. And after 20 minutes, I pointed at you and said: “I need this guy.”‘ It was all true. Incredible.“I sometimes imagine what would have happened if I had joined the first team as a 17-year-old.”Oleksandr Zinchenko joined Manchester City back in 2016Credit: AFP or licensors More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Mikel Arteta’s bizarre pre-match methods with giant dominoes, pickpockets and squeezing lemons

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      MIKEL ARTETA’S unusual pre-match methods have included lemons, giant domino pieces and an undercover waiter.But Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko is confident the Gunners boss is close to “surpassing” mentor Pep Guardiola in their battle for the Premier League title.Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has some unusual pre-match methodsCredit: AlamyArteta has been known to think outside the box when it comes to preparing his squad for big games in the past, using props such as lightbulbs, speakers and flipcharts.As Arsenal prepare for another title bout with Pep’s Manchester City, Zinchenko revealed: “We had one where every player was given a lemon, a knife and a glass.“Mikel said, ‘Guys, I want you to squeeze these lemons as hard as you can.“In the end, we will add all of it in a bowl and we will see how much we can achieve together. The juice is our team magic. Everyone starts cutting and squeezing.READ MORE IN football “Then Mikel calls time. ‘Let’s see how much you squeezed.’ He went to one of the players and said, ‘Did you squeeze enough?’ ‘Yes, boss.’ Okay, let me see.’“He took the lemon, squeezed it and a bit of juice came out, still. He said: ‘Guys, this is the message, you can always add more. “You can always give more.’ Simple but quite effective.”Zinchenko added: “Another one I really liked involved hundreds of big domino pieces. We came into the room and saw a ball next to a basket.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“There were very detailed instructions on what size dominos you could use and how they had to set up. Mikel asked us to work together and build this spiral of stones.“He said: ‘Pay attention to the details and get all your angles right, because if only one stone is out of place, the whole thing breaks down.’Mystery as Kai Havertz denied chance to make Arsenal history but Mikel Arteta has no idea why it happened“Each one of us felt the responsibility. You don’t want to be the one who lets the team down and have the chain reaction fail.“Again, a simple idea, but it worked so well to put everybody in good spirits before a big game and remind them that we were in this together.”At one group dinner, Spanish boss Arteta hired several professional pickpockets to steal phones and wallets from the players to teach them about always being prepared and alert.And in January 2023, before beating Manchester United at home 3-2 thanks to an injury time winner from Eddie Nketiah, Arteta produced another secret experiment in a lunch meeting.Oleksandr Zinchenko with manager ArtetaCredit: GettyZinchenko said: “Mikel announced it was going to be another players vs staff freestyle battle. “The other day, it had been me against Nicolas Jover, our set piece specialist, and I had won.“So, the manager says: ‘It’s rematch today. Alex, let’s see if you can do it again’.“So, I get up and do a few tricks and so on. Then it’s Nico’s turn. But he’s holding his hamstring, saying he’s injured and can’t play.Everyone’s is looking at each other like, ‘What the f**k is this?Oleksandr Zinchenko“Mikel looks around the room and says: ‘We need a substitute. Anyone?’ At that moment, a waiter raises his hand. Mikel says: ‘Okay. You can try.’“And guess what? This guy is killing it. He’s basically destroying us. He even nutmegs [Bukayo] Saka. “Everyone’s is looking at each other like, ‘What the f**k is this? Everyone’s cheering him on and laughing.“Turns out he’s a professional freestyler with millions of followers whom Mikel had planted at the hotel as a waiter.“You realise how much work must have gone into that behind the scenes.”That guy was there for at least three hours undercover, serving up coffee and cakes and waiting patiently for his big moment. “The mood in the camp was incredible after that. People were buzzing on the way to the bus. That whole thing really pushed the right buttons. “But it happens so often. Every one of Mikel’s meetings is special.”Zinchenko added: “Mikel is on a similar level to Pep and might one day surpass him. He is a winner and demands maximum intensity.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He likes to say: ‘Boys, you must do everything full throttle. Football, partying, or in the bedroom with your wives: everything at full throttle.’”Arsenal ratings vs Shakhtar: Jesus reminds fans of his quality but Trossard flops for poor GunnersARSENAL continued their unbeaten run in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk – but it was far from a convincing performance.Gabriel Martinelli orchestrated the decisive goal when his low-driven strike hit the post and deflected in off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners…DAVID RAYA – 7Seldom asked to do much aside from recycle the ball to Gabriel or Saliba until the final stagesPushed a potentially dangerous cross out of danger in the 84th minute. Pulled out a magnificent low save in injury time before claiming a dangerous cross to keep his clean sheet.BEN WHITE – 6Back in at right-back today and played as if he had never been out of the team. Received a yellow card in the 34th minute. Subbed at half-time for Mikel Merino.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7In the team after his red card against Bournemouth, played like his typically assured self marshalling the defence.One or two sloppy passes late in the second half but otherwise can have no complaints with another solid performance.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Sloppily gave the ball away to hand the visitors a dangerous chance out of nothing. Had another lapse just after the opener but in the end he was bailed out by Calafiori.Marked improvement in the second half.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Skied a golden chance over the bar after six minutes. Tested the goalkeeper again after 24 minutes.Dragged his foot and went down injured after skipping under a tackle in the 67th minute. Replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly in 71st minute.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Comfortable evening in midfield for him. Recycled the ball well when at his feet and kept play ticking over.Moved to right back as White was hooked but didn’t have too many worries. When he was caught out of position Rice was able to cover.DECLAN RICE – 6Like Partey, he had a quiet night in midfield with Shakhtar unable to retain meaningful possession.Moved into the six as White was hooked and Partey moved to right-back. Cut out a dangerous low cross at the edge of the area. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Nothing quite went right for him all night with some sloppy touches ending attacks and putting Arsenal in trouble.Summed up his night by missing a 77th minute penalty and was hooked in the 88th minute.GABRIEL JESUS – 8Wore the captain’s armband and looked bright down the right wing.Denied a well-deserved goal by the feet of the keeper in the 43rd minute after Havertz played him in.Second half saw more good link play, but never had another chance to end his goal drought as he was replaced by Sterling in the 68th minute.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Grew into the game following a quiet start and was rewarded with a goal, of sorts, after 30 minutes.Brazilian cut inside from the left wing before firing a shot to the near post before the shot rebounded off the woodwork and hit the goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk to go in the net. KAI HAVERTZ – 7Centimeters away from getting Arsenal’s second in the 39th minute after Jesus squared a volley back across goal.Returned the favour to set up his team-mate moments later only for the goalkeeper to prevent a goal.Won a free-kick at the very end of the game to run the clock down.SUBSMikel Merino (on for White HT) – 6Some nice touches and stitched play together well. A solid yet unspectacular performance.Raheem Sterling (on for Jesus 68 mins) – 6Tried to play on the shoulder of the last man but did not have the pace find the clear cut chance he would have liked.Myles Lewis-Skelly (on for Calafiori 71 mins) – 6Slotted in at left-back and was not afraid to show for the ball but often did not receive it while tucking infield.Jorginho (on for Trossard 88 mins) – N/ABelieve by Oleksandr Zinchenko is published by Bloomsbury More

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      in Athletics

      From legendary strongman to avid budgie breeder – the unforgettable life of beloved Olympian Geoff Capes

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      GIANT policeman Geoff Capes, who became Britain’s best-loved strongman, has died aged 75.Shot putter Capes — who stood 6ft 5½in and weighed 26st — represented Great Britain at three Olympics.Despite his strongman persona, Geoff Capes’ hobby was breeding budgerigars which he held gently in his giant handsCredit: GettyGeoff Capes of Great Britain competing in the men’s shot put event during the Summer Olympic Games in Montreal 1976.Credit: GettyGeoff won the 1983 World’s Strongest Man competitionCredit: RexHe was Commonwealth champion and European champion twice and since 1980 has been the country’s shot put record holder with a throw of 21.68metres.But the star was best known as the World’s Strongest Man, who could tear London phone directories in half and bend three-foot long, one-inch diameter steel bars.But remarkably, his hobby was breeding budgerigars which he held gently in his giant hands.And he became the president of the Budgerigar Society and was never happier than when he won the world budgie championship and travelled the globe judging bird shows.READ MORE ON GEOFF CAPESLast night fans took to social media to pay tribute to the beloved strongman.I was a hell of a fighter as well. If the next town came down on a Friday and there were only eight or nine of them I’d say, ‘Go back and get some more.Geoff on his youthOne said on X: “I watched him as a young man — my sincerest ­condolences to his family and friends, we’ll miss you Geoff.”Another added: “Sad to hear the passing of Geoff Capes. A fixture growing up on our TV and during athletics coverage.”Geoffrey Lewis Capes was born in 1949 in Holbeach, Lincs, the seventh of nine children.Most read in AthleticsAnd trouble was never far away. He remembered: “I was a hell of a fighter as well. If the next town came down on a Friday and there were only eight or nine of them I’d say, ‘Go back and get some more.’VW Polo from 3848 advert featuring Geoff Capes advert from 1983“I’d fight them on my own. I was quite quiet, but there was an inner aggression.“My headmaster, a guy called Joe Fathers, took great pleasure in trying to knock it out of me. He had a choice of canes.“On the last day I went into his office, I took the canes off the wall in the office in front of him and walked out.”Gifted sportsmanGeoff’s salvation was Holbeach Athletic Club where he was coached by BBC athletics commentator Stuart Storey.A gifted sportsman, Capes represented Lincolnshire at basketball, football and cross-country. But shot put was where he could channel the chip on his shoulder.Capes said: “I threw in bare feet in a concrete circle — and came second from last.”Capes would hitch-hike to athletics competitions and was told by Storey that he would achieve great things if he could just direct his energy.But growing up in the Lincs fens Geoff had a softer side — he was ­fascinated by the natural world and cared for injured birds and animals. After leaving school he worked as a coalman and an agricultural labourer before joining Cambridgeshire Constabulary in 1970. He served in the force for ten years.He was allowed time off to compete at athletics meetings, but on a copper’s salary he could barely afford a daily diet that included six pounds of red meat, a dozen eggs and a large tin of baked beans.He also consumed two tins of ­pilchards, one and a half pounds of cottage cheese, a packet of cereal, two large loaves of bread with a pound of butter. All washed down with a pint of orange juice and seven pints of milk.Capes went on to become the most capped British male athlete of all time, with 67 international credits, and in 1983 he was voted Britain’s best-ever field athleteCredit: GettyThe strongman appearing in the kids’ TV programme ‘Supergran’Credit: RexIn a recent interview Capes said: ‘I enjoyed my life and I went around the world. How many people can say that?’Credit: RexIn his last interview he said: “I ate like a f***ing horse! Anything I could get my hands on. But nearly all protein.”Capes, who would lift 120 tons in training each week, did sponsorship deals that helped him to bypass the Olympics’ strict amateur rules.He had advertising slogans “Butcher Brown is the best in town” and his Talbot Estate car displayed “Dewhurst: Master Butchers” on the side.Capes went on to become the most capped British male athlete of all time, with 67 international credits, and in 1983 he was voted Britain’s best-ever field athlete.Just before his last Olympics, Moscow 1980, he won Britain’s first strongest man competition and became a household name. Tests of strength such as bending steel bars, lifting a platform of bunny girls, pulling lorries, arm wrestles and tug of war gave the show cult status.And Capes was soon in demand for everything from 17 pantomime appearances and children’s TV to performances at the London Palladium with Bobby Davro and TV ads.By 1983 he was officially the world’s strongest man but the following year lost the title to Jón Páll Sigmarsson.The Icelander who was 11 years younger, taunted: “The King has lost his crown!”But Geoff swore: “I’ll be back.” The next year he took the title and roared: “The King has not lost his crown!”Once, at Scotland’s Braemar Games, he used so much resin competing that when he was congratulated by the late Queen, their hands stuck together, causing Her Majesty to roar with laughter.READ MORE SUN STORIESGeoff’s son Lewis and daughter Emma were both shot putters, while two of his grandchildren, Donovan, 19, and Lawson, 15, train at the shot put ring Capes built in his home village of Stoke Rochford, Lincs.In a recent interview he said: “I enjoyed my life and I went around the world. How many people can say that?” More

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      in Soccer

      I watched Cristiano Ronaldo play for Al-Nassr, the atmosphere and standard shocked me… but he didn’t seem bothered

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      WHEN I entered Al-Shabab’s stadium to watch Cristiano Ronaldo & Co in action, the 90 minutes that followed surprised me. It is now more than 18 months since Ronaldo joined the Saudi Arabia Pro League after his controversial Manchester United exit. The Al-Nassr away end was packedCredit: The SunAround 10,000 were at Al-Shabab’s stadiumCredit: The SunSunSport were on hand to cover the gameCredit: The SunAnd after just one full season, he is £200million richer thanks to signing football’s biggest-ever contract. His arrival sparked an influx of stars who left Europe’s top leagues to chase mega-money deals in the Middle East.And the huge offers on the table threatened to turn football as we know it on its head. The dust has since settled in the desert and the high-profile yet controversial transfers to sizzling Saudi seem to have cooled down.READ MORE IN football The likes of Jordan Henderson – despite insisting his move was not money-orientated – turned his back on the SPL after just six months. And other big names such as Neymar have yet to make much of an impact, although the Brazilian suffered a lengthy injury lay-off shortly after signing for champions Al-Hilal.But Ronaldo – approaching two years in the Gulf State – is still the poster boy for the SPL. So when I arrived at Al-Shabab’s 15,000-seat stadium, I feared it would be a sad affair to witness what his career swansong has come to.Most read in SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut I was pleasantly surprised.I was almost expecting to see another crowd of just over 600, much like the one who infamously watched Henderson in action before his move to Ajax.Cristiano Ronaldo sits in on son Cristiano Jr’s training session as 14-year-old looks to follow in dad’s footsteps Instead, 10,000 showed up and despite being an Al-Nassr away game, most were there for Ronaldo. The travelling Al-Nassr faithful made themselves known before the game had even kicked off by blaring out club anthems. SunSport snuck into the away end to get amongst the action – although our cover was blown as a result of being the only one not in Al-Nassr yellow. As the drums beat down and the chants sounded, my focus then turned to the game itself.My cynical preconceptions had me expecting 90 minutes of low-level football with the odd moment of brilliance from Ronaldo or Sadio Mane.It was the total opposite. In fact, the Champions League-winning pair struggled to impact the game for the most part. Mane looked pretty lost on the left wing while Ronaldo at times barely seemed bothered by what was going on in front of him. SunSport snuck into the Al-Nassr away endIt was a sea of Al-Nassr yellowThere were times when even getting himself back onside for an Al-Nassr counter attack looked to be a chore for the Portugal icon.At half-time, I was taken aback by the quality of football but lack of influence from Ronaldo and Mane. Now, it’s worth mentioning Ronaldo had been over 4,000 miles away playing against Scotland just 72 hours before this game.But for a player so competitive, who wants to reach 1,000 career goals, his lack of urgency at times left me shocked. As the half-time whistle blew, it was time to check out the footie scran. Now I wasn’t expecting Pukka Pies and a non-alcoholic pint but rather some traditional Saudi cuisine. Instead, only pastries, popcorn, cookies, coffee and various soda juices were on offer. Pizzas and pastries were served out the packetCredit: The SunWe settled for a cheese croissant, popcorn and cherry sodaCredit: The SunIt was an unusual stuffed cheese croissantCredit: The SunSunSport’s Jack Figg takes a bite into the matchday grubCredit: The SunI got myself a dodgy tasting cheese “croissant” with popcorn and a cherry soda, costing just £8. And I was in my seat as the second half kicked off, but again Ronaldo and Mane struggled to make things happen.It was actually another Premier League winner in Aymeric Laporte who opened the scoring with a volley after a corner.As the ex-Manchester City defender reeled off in celebration, Ronaldo trotted over to enthusiastically join in.Laporte looked to have won the game until an Ali Alhassan own goal levelled on 90 minutes. Our footage shows Ronaldo retrieving the ball to the centre spot to try and spark a late fightback. And to Al-Nassr’s credit, that’s what they did. Ronaldo looked to struggle at timesCredit: GettyBut he still scored the winning goalCredit: ReutersRonaldo got the last laughCredit: GettyA moment of trickery from winger Abdulrahman Ghareeb won a penalty for the visitors and gave Ronaldo – and the fans – the moment we’d all been waiting for.But even as the squabbles ensued after the blatant spot kick was awarded, Ronaldo distanced himself from the rowing pack.He then took the ball, placed it down and slotted past Kim Seung-gyu – before pulling off his trademark celebration on the 97th minute. But amazingly the drama was not over just yet. Al-Shabab themselves won a dramatic penalty in the 13 MINUTE of added time. But Abderrazak Hamdallah failed to keep his nerve and hit the post – sparking a relieved celebration from Ronaldo – the most emotion he showed all night. It brought a fittingly bonkers end to a pleasantly surprising experience watching Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr live.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe standard and atmosphere was no less than you would expect to see at some Prem and Championship games – thanks to the mix of elite names on the pitch.But even more impressively, that was achieved without Ronaldo even being at his best. Ronaldo leads the winning celebrationCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Pep Guardiola’s amazing lifestyle, living in a luxury £2.7million apartment to his stunning Richard Mille watches

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      PEP Guardiola is recognised as the game’s best manager, and probably the most stylish.The fiercely proud Catalonian, 53, has led Manchester City to the Premier League title six times.Pep Guardiola has led Man City to multiple Premier league trophiesCredit: AFPFamily man Guardiola has made Manchester his homeCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe has also won the Champions League three times – twice with Barcelona and once with the Premier League giants.Pep’s contract runs out in the summer at the Etihad, but there is a belief that he will sign an extension in the summer.That could mean an increase on his reported £20million-per-year salary.That astronomical amount allows Guardiola, who is believed to be worth around £100million, live a lavish lifestyle.Read more football news Here’s what the football manager loves to splash his cash on.Luxury apartmentBack in 2017, as Pep began his assault on English football he needed to find a base to settle down in.After spending most of his life in Barcelona as a player and coach, bustling city life was important to him.That’s why he chose to buy a stylish apartment in Manchester’s City Suites for £2.7million, instead of going for a leafy mansion somewhere in Cheshire.Most read in FootballFound in Salford, it’s the city’s most desired abode, and sits next to a wealth of designer shops, high-end restaurants and wine bars.Pep Guardiola says part of him will leave Man City when Txiki Begiristain goes Amenities include an 18-metre indoor spa pool, an exquisite spa and sauna facilities as well as a 24-hour gym.The building also boasts a round-the-clock concierge, two private parking spaces, dry-cleaning services and access to a private executive lounge.It is believed Pep’s digs are in a private part of the building and occupy two floors.Pep’s property portfolio expands to a 8,000-square-foot mansion in Pedarlbes, one of Barcelona’s most desired in areas, that cost him £8.5m back in 2021.While when he went on a sabbatical in 2012, he rented a stunning New York apartment that overlooked Central Park and cost a whopping £19,500 to rent a month.X Files actor David Duchovny and legendary singer and actress Barbara Streisand reportedly lived in the same building.City Suites boasts a swimming pool and luxury apartmentsGuardiola reportedly bought a large penthouse for £2.7mWhen Guardiola was on his sabbatical he rented a penthouse in a building overlooking Central ParkIncredible watchesIn recent months, Pep has really upped his watch game.We know he has a penchant for Richard Mille timepieces – the most costly on the market.One of those he was spotted on the golf course wearing –  a RM 27-01 Tourbillon Rafael Nadal worth a cool £600,000.Other watches in his collection include a £455,000 RM 022 Tourbillon Aerodyne, a £75,000 RM 010 ‘Manchester City’, the RM 004 All Gray, which cost over £150,000, and a RM67-02 with a £230,000 price tag.Pep Guardiola has sported a variety of Richard Mille watchesGuardiola’s watch collection is believed to be worth over £1mFamily lifeFamily life is very important to Pep, especially when it comes to shutting down after a hectic football season.In the summer, he often takes his wife, Cristina and their children Maria, Marius, and Valentina on glam holidays.Back in 2023, after winning the treble, he enjoyed an amazing experience in Egypt – touring Cairo and Luxor and visiting the Sphinx and Great Pyramid of Giza.Pep met his missus when he was 18 at her family’s fashion store.Then a Barcelona youth star, he was trying on some clothes when the caught the eye of each other.They finally walked down the aisle in 2014 at a town hall on the outskirts of Barcelona.Family is everything for Guardiola who celebrates his success with themAfter winning the treble, Guardiola took his family to EgyptThe Guardiolas visited the Sphinx and Great Pyramid of Gizaread more sport featuresCarsIt’s no surprise that with all the money Guardiola has made in the world he has an impressive car collection.But, with the high octane football he plays, you’d be surprised to hear he’s not the best driver.Last year, we reported that he has damaged cars collectively worth £460,000 since joining Man City in February 2016. They included a £200,000 silver Bentley, GTX700, a £150,000 Range Rover, an £80,000 black Mercedes GLE and a £30,000 Mini Cooper.A source said: “Pep is brilliant at many things but driving doesn’t appear to be one of them, he has struggled with the roads in Manchester and had a couple of bumps.”Most recently, he’s been seen in a Nissan Leaf worth a modest £30,000.A £200k Bentley GTX 700 was part of Guardiola’s car collectionIn recent years, Guardiola has been spotted driving a modest Nissan LeafFashion kingManagers on the touchline are getting trendier.If they’re not in pristine suits (think Simone Inzaghi), then they’re going down the cargo pant and hoodie or sweatshirt look.Pep has the latter sussed – with a grey hoodigan his favourite from Italian luxury designer Herno.The manager was seen wearing the oversized item – considered “lucky” by fans a number of times from 2019 until today.Pep has also been pictured in ‘MDCR’ – referring to ‘Madchester’ – jumpers and an array of items with the letter ‘P’ on them, as well a CP Company jumper costing £250.Earlier in the year, he revealed his wife is his fashion guru.READ MORE SUN STORIESFans believe Guardiola’s £1200 hoodigan from Italian designer Herno is luckyGuardiola is also a fan of the CP CompanyGuardiola also enjoyed wearing the club’s Madchester range of sweatshirtsGuardiola admitted fashionable wife Cristina is his stylistHe said: “My wife is the best in the world at many things, but especially in fashion. So she says normally to me, don’t wear this or wear that, so I follow her.”I am smart enough to know that when people are much much better than me, follow their advice and hers is really good.” More

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      in Soccer

      Diego Maradona’s eldest son takes charge of Spanish fifth tier side in biggest management step of his career

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      A STRUGGLING Tenerife team has turned to Diego Maradona’s eldest son to save their season.Diego Maradona Junior has been appointed as the manager of Union Deportiva Ibarra, who are facing a fight against relegation after notching up just seven points from seven games.Diego Armando Maradona’s son has been appointed of a team fighting relegationDiego Sinagra will take charge of Spanish fifth-tier side Union Deportiva IbarraHis world-famous dad is still idolised in Naples after helping to turn their beloved Napoli into Serie A champions in 1986-87.And sources at the semi-professional Canary Islands club said last night they hoped their new man, with the instantly-recognisable surname, could turn things around for them too.UD Ibarra, who play in the fifth-tier of Spanish football, said in statement: “We are pleased to present Diego Armando Maradona Jr, who will form part of the coaching staff.”It added: “Welcome and every success in your new home.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDiego’s son was born in 1986 when the late football great was still playing in Naples after an extramarital affair with Italian model Cristina Sinagra.Maradona Sr was still married to first and only wife Claudia Villafane at the time of his birth.The 38-year-old posted goodwill messages from fans on his Instagram.One said: “Hopefully you can put Ibarra where it belongs.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDiego Jr, full name Diego Armando Maradona Sinatra, has always been linked to football and took up coaching after playing as a midfielder in Italy.He resigned from his first head coaching job as manager of amateur side Napoli United in protest at the club’s failure to pay players’ wages.Maradona- Blessed Dream trailer He left Eccellenza Campania club Montecalcio earlier this week before it was announced he was UD Ibarra’s new manager.Diego Maradona didn’t formally recognise his eldest son until August 2016.Diego Jr was forced to miss his dad’s funeral following his death aged 60 in November 2020 from heart failure after being diagnosed with the coronavirus.The late football legend’s other children include Dalma and Gianinna whose mum is his ex-wife Claudia, Jana who Maradona recognised as his following a court fight by her mum Valeria Sabalain, and 11-year-old Diego Fernando by former girlfriend Veronica Ojeda.Eight people, including Maradona’s doctor Leopoldo Luque, are due to stand trial next year over the football legend’s death.They were charged with homicide by negligence after a long-running criminal investigation and have been warned they face between prison sentences of between eight and 25 years if convicted.The trial was due to start this month but was recently rescheduled for March next year.Diego Maradona is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of footballWho are these famous footballers? More

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      Ex-Newcastle coach recalls famous Champions League night when unlikely hero came up trumps against Gianluigi Buffon & Co

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      IT IS 22 years ago since one of the most under the radar but magical European nights occurred at Newcastle – and Steve Harper got an incredible memento.Tino Asprilla’s incredible hat-trick in the 3-2 victory over Barcelona back in 1997 still takes some beating for those members of the Toon Army old enough to remember it.Simon Smith (left) was goalkeeper coach under Sir Bobby Robson (right)Credit: PA:Press AssociationNewcastle United’s Andy Griffin (C) scored the winner against Juventus in 2002Credit: ReutersWhile the stunning 4-1 thumping dished out to Paris Saint-Germain a year ago also goes down as one of the greatest nights in the history of the Magpies.However, another club famed for wearing black and white have also suffered disappointment under the lights at St. James’ – and it was packed with superstars.Alessandro Del Piero, Lillian Thuram, Pavel Nedved, Edgar Davids and Gianluigi Buffon were all part of the Juventus side that suffered a 1-0 loss to Sir Bobby Robson’s Newcastle on this very day in 2002.The Magpies had lost each of their opening group matches that year with a 2-0 reverse at Dynamo Kyiv, a 1-0 home setback to Feyenoord and a 2-0 defeat in Turin leaving them with a mountain to climb.REAL MORE ON FOOTBALLThe probability of them reaching the next round was slim – so much so that Sir Bobby opted to play back-up ‘keeper Harper in order to just give him experience.But it turned into an evening that the Toon legend would never forget as Andy Griffin scored the only goal to secure the win.It was a result that reignited their Champions League campaign, with following victories over Kyiv and in Feyenoord meaning they completed a remarkable turnaround to reach the next stage, where they would eventually be eliminated. Newcastle’s former Geordie goalie coach Simon Smith, who has also worked under the likes of Ruud Gullit, Steve Bruce and Eddie Howe during his two spells at his boyhood club, still remembers the game as if it was just yesterday.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe told Sun Sport: “We thought that we were out. We hadn’t won one of our opening three games and then we had Juventus, who were packed with great players.“But, lo and behold, we won 1-0. We then went on and beat Feyenoord to get through into the next stage.I was earning £10,000 a week at Newcastle before I went to jail and I’d still be in the Premier League now if I’d behaved “There was no pressure at all. It really just felt like we hadn’t done very well and we were going out and Sir Bobby changed his team.“I know Harps played and I think Sir Bobby just wanted to give him some experience of playing in Europe, not thinking that we’d go any further. But he kept a clean sheet.”And Smith’s work was only just beginning once the full-time whistle had gone.He continued: “My main memory of that night is that Harps was desperate to swap shirts with Buffon.“He gave me his shirt to go and swap and I had to go and stand outside of their changing room and ask their staff if Buffon would exchange his shirt after they had just lost.“To be fair to him, he came out and it was a real classic pink and black goalie shirt, and he swapped it for Harps’ blue Newcastle one. A quite remarkable night really.”Newcastle’s Andy O’Brien battles with Juventus’ Edgar Davids in the Champions League matchCredit: PA:Press AssociationSmith enjoyed plenty of memorable moments sat in the dug-out at St. James’ – two of which came when the ground was being redeveloped into the huge arena it is now.He said: “I’ve had two really magical experiences of the place that will always stand out. One was when they built the new stands with the top on.“We had an afternoon out, just before it was finished, and went right to the top and looked down and we all just thought ‘oh my, this is unbelievable’.“Then they arranged for me to take Shay Given and Steve Harper to test out the floodlights when nobody else was there.“We pitched up at St. James’ one night, just the three of us, to have a kickaround and they switched all of the lights on and it was all to make sure that the new lights would not be shining in the eyes of the goalies.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So we did corners, free-kicks etc to make sure that the lights were on the right angle and it was totally unbelievable to be there, just the three of us with no crowd. That was very special.“The other special day was after Sir Bobby’s death and the tribute at the Leazes end with the scarves, flags – that was totally unbelievable.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Hansi Flick has dived into Catalan culture to take Barcelona back to good old days but faces toughest week of his reign

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      HANSI FLICK’S start to life at Barcelona has been better than anyone could have expected.After another summer of financial acrobatics within the walls of the club in Catalonia, a pre-season with most of the star names absent and some key injuries it was hardly a settled start.Hansi Flick has dived into Catalan culture to take Barcelona back to the topCredit: GettyBarcelona boss Flick is facing two major clashes against Bayern Munich and Real MadridBut the German’s eagerness to embrace the culture of the club and its surrounding areas has seen the Spanish giants flourish.They are top of LaLiga, three points clear of Real Madrid, and have won all but one of their ten league games so far.But Flick’s flying start is about to face its litmus test. They host his former club Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday before visiting Real on Saturday evening.Weeks do not come much more taxing than that.Read More on FootballFlick returns to Bayern finally feeling at the top of his game once more following the brutal and bruising experience of becoming the first manager to ever be sacked in the history of the German national team.He took his time in choosing a next step, there were trips to watch Premier League games and a brief flirtation with the West Ham job in the summer. Things have worked out rather better, for both him and Barcelona.After the chaos of last season’s dance around the future of club legend Xavi, in Flick the club now have a manager in whom everyone appears completely invested.From players benefiting from a clear plan and strict fitness regime to a board blown away by his investment in the culture.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFlick has dived head first into Barcelona and Catalonia, touring the area in the early weeks, attending an event on National Day of Catalonia and, first and foremost, embracing La Masia.Ten graduates from the club’s famed academy were involved in Sunday’s 5-1 win over Sevilla, with seven of them starting.Andres Iniesta breaks down in tears as Barcelona legend confirms retirement after one of finest careers everClub president, Joan Laporta, said: “Flick understood perfectly what our value is, our jewel: La Masia.”He travelled to meet Xavi at his home and involved former midfielder Thiago Alcantara in his staff for a short period early on.Flick even earned the seal of approval from Pep Guardiola during a pre-season game against Manchester City, drawn 2-2.Guardiola said: “They have done a lot of things well. The positional play of his team is extraordinary, I wish them all the best.”Lamine Yamal, now at the grand old age of 17 following his Euro 2024 heroics, continues to shine while Ansu Fati, following a dispiriting season on loan with Brighton, is back in the picture.Pedri is thriving and Gavi has now returned from his long injury lay-off.Improving Robert LewandowskiBut it is not just the youngsters Flick is getting the best out of. Robert Lewandowski, with whom Flick won the treble at Bayern in 2020, is playing a more advanced role and reaping the rewards once again.The Pole, 36, is LaLiga’s top scorer with 12 already – double that of Kylian Mbappe, Real’s marquee arrival.Having not had a number of his senior players during the summer, Flick had to work hard to blend what was a positive pre-season with the more senior players as they returned.It was another challenge which meant he did not foresee such a fine start.He said: “I always think positive but at the end it’s a project we started with the players from La Masia, because a lot of players were with the national teams at the Euros, it feels really good.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Because also the young players are doing great.”The players came back, it was the same and I think this is an important thing… That you have a good feeling and, step by step, the players get the confidence to play how we want to play, to do it on the pitch and at the end we have the quality.” More