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      in Boxing

      ‘He knows the consequences’ – KSI reveals penalties in Dillon Danis’ contract to stop rival performing MMA moves in ring

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      KSI revealed Dillon Danis risks heavy penalties if he tries any more MMA moves in the boxing ring. The rivals settle their score in the squared circle on March 29 in Manchester – three years after Danis pulled out of their original bout. KSI revealed Dillon Danis risks penalties if he tries anymore MMA moves in the ringCredit: PADillon Danis got disqualified for an MMA move on Logan PaulCredit: GettyDanis did make his boxing debut in October 2023 against Logan Paul but it ended in chaos when the jiu-jitsu champion got himself disqualified. The American attempted an MMA-style submission move in round six – sparking a mass brawl in the ring and his expulsion from the bout. But KSI – who lost to Tommy Fury on the same night – has come prepared to avoid a farcical repeat with the devil in the fine print details. He said: “We’ve put stuff in the contract. So yeah, I don’t think he’s gonna do anything stupid. READ MORE IN BOXING”I think he knows the consequences, I just know he’s screwed. I can’t wait to show what was meant to have happened, compared to what Logan did.”KSI has goaded Danis by claiming he only accepted the fight to afford the lawsuit launched by Paul’s fiancee Nina Agdal for online harassment. But Danis, acknowledging the contract stipulations, told SunSport: “They’re gonna take my check away if I choke him out. “So we’ll see if I need the money or not.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKSI – who trains at MMA gym London Shootfighters – is already anticipating some of Danis’ wild antics in the ring. He said: “I’m just more active. I just do more, I’m not a guy that throws one jab and then just gives him time to breathe.”I’m gonna be on him. I like to close a fight. I like to knock someone out. “I like to finish a fight, so yeah, I’m not gonna just give him time to breathe.”I’m going to be on him smothering him and making his life hell, to the point where he’s gonna be desperate and probably try to do some jiu-jitsu move.”Obviously, you know I’m in an MMA gym so I’m gonna see it coming and then use it to my advantage and knock him out.”KSI, 31, is yet to return since losing a controversial decision to Tommy Fury, 25, his first boxing defeat. He was also forced to pull out of his August comeback bout due to a hand injury – which KSI has since recovered from. And the YouTuber-turned-boxer struggled to find an opponent for this fight claiming FIVE names turned him down. At one point, he even signed to face Wayne Bridge, 44, until the ex-Chelsea star pulled out after KSI referenced his infamous feud with John Terry. KSI – who slapped Danis with a pancake at their heated press conference – has faced criticism for his level of opposition.That is despite his training and managerial team also having a say on who he fights as Danis, 31, was drafted in as an emergency replacement. But KSI said: “It always comes down to me in terms of who I get to fight. Everyone has an opinion.”But I’m able to say the final say and they gave me Dillon Danis as the guy because we went through a load of people and it was getting to a point where it was like maybe there isn’t an event.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So we saw Dillon and I’ve wanted to knock this guy out. We’ve been going back and forth in DMs or publicly and I just I didn’t feel that Logan Paul did enough.”I didn’t think he did enough. He won, easily won the fight but I don’t want to just win the fight, I want to see him knocked out. I need to see him knocked out.”KSI slapped Danis with a pancakeCredit: PA More

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      I was more nervous to meet my girlfriend’s parents than I was to push BGT golden buzzer or for boxing fights, says KSI

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      NOT EVEN fighting in front of thousands of people or being watched by millions on TV can make superstar KSI nervous. No, only meeting his girlfriend’s parents for the first time did that.KSI admits meeting his girlfriend’s parents was more nerve-wracking than boxingCredit: GettyKSI hitting the BGT golden buzzerCredit: ITVHe is a guest judge on the ITV showCredit: ITVThe social media influencer, rapper and boxer has lived more than half his life in the public eye after shooting to fame on YouTube. And his career climbed to new heights after being announced as a guest judge on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent. KSI pushed his first golden buzzer to automatically send 29-year-old singer Stacey Leadbeatter into the semi-finals. But the new panelist reveals that decision – and boxing in front of sellout crowds – was nothing compared to first meeting his partner’s parents. READ MORE IN BOXINGHe said: “What would I say is more nerve-wracking? I don’t know, meeting my girlfriend’s parents probably was a lot more nerve-wracking than those two events.”Yeah, definitely. Before that, I’m always like sweating and everything. Like I only get nervous when it comes to relationships.”In terms of fighting or in terms of pressing the golden buzzer or in terms of performing in front of thousands, I never get nervous because I just know what I need to do.”I’m prepared and I’m ready, whereas I guess with meeting someone’s parents, you never know what could happen.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDespite his celebrity fame, KSI keeps his girlfriend private and away from the public eye – but he cherishes the time they spend together. The 31-year-old might just have the most packed celebrity schedule of all time, squeezing in TV and charity appearances into his boxing training. KSI sparks carnage on press conference stage after slapping Dillon Danis with a PANCAKE ahead of boxing grudge fightKSI returns to the ring on March 29 in Manchester against old rival Dillon Danis – three years after the collapse of their original bout. By the time KSI laces up the gloves, he would have played in two charity football matches, in Qatar and the Sidemen match at Wembley. That is also after filming for BGT – but how does he fit it all in? KSI laughs and reveals: “Honestly, I don’t know, I just do it. That’s just how I am. I just make it work.”With the Sidemen match at Wembley Stadium, that’s gonna be insane, 90,000 people screaming.”I don’t even think I’m gonna be able to hear myself. I think that’s gonna be good. “I’m seeing it as like a training session, keeping fit, just running around, passing the ball, having a good time with my mates and raising a lot of money for charity.BGT stars Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, KSI and Bruno TonioliCredit: The Mega AgencyKSI poses with his fellow BGT judgesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/stories/noholdenback/3479470000301991191/?hl=enKSI, pictured in the 2022 Sidemen match, will play in this year’s gameCredit: Alamy”During that, I’ve got like a couple shoots here and there, a couple bits here and there just that I need to do but I just make it work.”I find time to train, whether it’s me waking up early, just to find time to train, I do it. That’s just my mentality, that’s how I am.”KSI has not fought since October 2023 when he lost a controversial decision to Tommy Fury, 25, his first defeat in the ring. He was then forced to cancel his August comeback bout after suffering a hand injury – which he has since recovered from. He also had a fight on his hands just to find an opponent after failing to strike a deal with up to FIVE different names. Even ex-Chelsea defender Wayne Bridge, 44, was bizarrely drafted in before promptly pulling out when KSI made reference to his infamous John Terry feud. It forced the KSI camp to go back over old ground and call upon Danis – a controversial MMA fighter known as Conor McGregor’s training partner. Logan Paul beat Dillon Danis in their 2023 fightCredit: PADanis was DQd for trying an MMA submissionCredit: AlamyIt sparked a mass brawl in the ringCredit: ReutersDanis, 31, pulled out of fighting KSI in January 2023 but made his boxing debut against Logan Paul, 29, last year. It ended in a farcical sixth-round disqualification after Danis attempted an MMA submission in the ring – sparking a mass brawl. The American attacked Paul’s fiancee Nina Agdal online before the bout and is still being sued by the Danish model. So KSI admits to hesitating when offering Danis another opportunity and payday – but vows to put the feud to bed once and for all.KSI, who slapped Danis with a pancake at their press conference, said: “He was the fourth, fifth choice. It’s not the first person I wanted to fight.”I think at the time, I was happy to fight him because when I was just coming back from boxing it made sense.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And now I guess it’s frustrating to have to platform him but you know there isn’t many options, there just isn’t many options.”So fair play for him saying yes, but I’m going to punish him for all the things he’s done to me.”KSI slapping Danis with a pancake ahead of their fightCredit: PA More

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      Former Premier League star Jason McAteer, 53, breaks down as he bravely opens up on battle with depression

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      JASON MCATEER has bravely opened up on his battle with depression – admitting he contemplated taking his own life.The former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland international hung up his boots in 2007 following a three-year stint with Tranmere Rovers.Jason McAteer has bravely opened up on his battle with depression following his retirementCredit: BEIN SPORTSMcAteer had a 15-year professional career, in which he made over 100 appearances for LiverpoolCredit: GETTYMcAteer retired from football in 2007 following a stint with Tranmere RoversCredit: PAAdjusting to life after football, as it is for many former players, has proven difficult for McAteer – who often works as a pundit.But the sporadic nature of the work left him without a sense of “purpose” in his life, which he once contemplated ending while en-route to pick up his son.During an appearance on beIN SPORTS’ Tales, Tears and Trophies podcast, an emotional and teary-eyed McAteer recalled: “I just had no purpose, mate, it was no structure.”The TV stuff, I mean I wasn’t working every day of the week. It would be like maybe one show a week or maybe two shows a week. READ MORE IN SPORT”It was very sporadic. Days and days and days with nothing to do, yeah.”I got to the tunnel, that tunnel between the Wirral and Liverpool.”My child, who I was keeping this relationship with under difficult circumstances, lived on the other side of this tunnel.”And I was driving through the tunnel, and it upsets me because it takes me back to this moment because I can feel it.Most read in FootballIf you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.An emotional Jason McAteer shed a tear as he recalled his battle with depressionCredit: BEIN SPORTS”And as you go out the daylight into the tunnel light, it’s like this kind of light. I remember thinking to myself, ‘I’m just going to swing the car here and just end it.’ That’s how easy it is.”McAteer, 53, fought with every ounce of his being to not let the dark thoughts in his mind prevail and take his own life.He continued: “I was fighting myself not to do it, fighting going, ‘Do it, do it, do it, do it do it.’ And I’d be like, ‘No. Do it. No’.”And I’d be fighting the steering wheel and I remember coming towards the end of the tunnel and it was like the daylight was opening up.”And I remember coming out the tunnel thinking, ‘Thank God. Just thank God’.”And I went to get my little boy, because I always used to take him to the pictures. I took him to the pictures and I drove home.”Jason McAteer has struggled to fill the void football has left in his lifeCredit: GETTYMcAteer was overcome by a wave of emotion shortly afterwards and bravely opened up to his mum on her doorstep.He said: “I got to my mum’s, my mum lived 10 minutes around the corner.”And I knocked on a door and I remember just saying, ‘I can’t do it anymore. ‘That’s it, that’s it.’ And I was just at that point.”A visibly emotional McAteer then broke down as he said: “It was tough. Just like everything had gone – I don’t half miss it.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I miss – I miss everything about playing. I miss it. Yeah, I just miss it.”Just like running, just running out, just running out, just free on a footy pitch. No problems.”If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123. More

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      in Boxing

      True story of Dicky Eklund – boxing champ-turned-crack addict who ended up in jail before inspiring Oscar-winning movie

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      DICKY EKLUND inspired an Oscar-winning performance by Christian Bale for his depiction of the boxing champion-turned drug addict.Bale took Best Supporting Actor in 2011 for his role in The Fighter alongside Mark Wahlberg – who played Eklund’s brother Micky Ward. Former boxer Dicky Eklund in HBO’s ‘High on Crack Street’Credit: HBOChristian Bale with Dicky Eklund in 2010Credit: GettyChristian Bale played Eklund while Mark Wahlberg portrayed his brother Micky WardCredit: AlamyMicky Ward and Dicky Eklund in 2011Credit: GettyIt followed the story of how Eklund went from hometown hero who fought the great Sugar Ray Leonard for $7,500 (around £6,000) to a crack cocaine addict.His brother Micky meanwhile was attempting to break out of Lowell, Massachusetts, and into the big time in boxing.But 20 years before The Fighter’s release, Eklund featured in the grim true-life HBO documentary called “High on Crack Street”.It followed a group of drug users and drew back the curtain on the harsh reality of addiction. READ MORE IN BOXINGIn the episode, Eklund can be seen smoking from a crack pipe and reminiscing about his boxing past – and his 1978 loss to Sugar Ray.He is later arrested – for the 27th time – and his family put on a fundraiser to pay off the $5,000 bail. A group of locals, paying $10 apiece, watch back Eklund’s HBO fight against Leonard, which included a disputed knockdown against the legend. Eklund is eventually bailed and starts training brother Micky for a fight. Most read in BoxingAnd after Ward wins a bout, Eklund said: “I could’ve been probably up close to the champion of the world, maybe. If I lived the right life. Staying clean.”Eklund then went missing the day after brother Mickey’s fight and was found in a local crack house.A-listers in surprisingly humble cars & why Daniel Radcliffe feels ‘more comfortable in a £2k hatchback than a Ferrari’His trainer Mickey O’Keefe – who actually played himself in The Fighter – said: “The addiction’s too much for him. It’s real sad. “Sad because he’s got a family and kids at home. A little baby that depends on him.”Maybe the best thing for him is going to jail, maybe it will save his life.”The doc finishes with Eklund being sentenced to ten years in jail for a series of crimes including armed robbery. In that time, Ward went on to win titles and shared an iconic trilogy with the late Arturo Gatti which earned him $3million in total.Eklund only served five years in prison and came out to again train Ward. But he found himself in trouble with the law over the years, again getting arrested in 2006 on drug charges. Ward retired in 2003 after his trilogy loss to Gatti, who he later coached and became close friends with.His son visits him in jailCredit: HBOThis was Eklund’s disputed knockdown against Sugar Ray LeonardCredit: HBOThe American opened up a gym and trained fighters alongside brother Eklund, who was clean of drugs. Their story was so inspiring Hollywood’s Wahlberg spent years trying to get it green lit. Eventually, director David O Russell produced the 2010 classic The Fighter with Wahlberg co-starring alongside Bale and Amy Adams.Bale dropped TWO STONE to portray drug-addicted Eklund at just 10st 3lb. The two spent time together in local Lowell bars and boxing gyms – with Bale still in touch with Eklund and his son Dicky Jr to this day. He told GQ in 2022: “Dicky, he’s such a character. “He makes his presence felt all the time. I spent so much time hanging out with Dicky beforehand. Wahlberg played Eklund’s brother Micky WardBale won an Oscar for his performance”Being in Lowell, hanging out with him, going walking around, getting kicked out of bars, having almost every cop stopping and going, ‘Hey, hey Dicky!’ and then telling me a story about when they arrested him. “Going to the boxing gym, jumping in the ring and sparring with him — and oh my God, it’s really quite something when you might think you can, ‘Ah, I’ll be a decent boxer,’ you spar with other amateurs and whatnot, I’d done that a few times. “But when you get in the ring with a pro? Bloody hell.”The success of The Fighter fuelled demand for a sequel and a year after its release plans for a follow up were in place. Wahlberg wanted to tell the story of Ward’s legendary trilogy with Gatti and their friendship after battle. But the sequel sadly never came to fruition despite Wahlberg never losing hope. He said in 2022: “I was never really in the sequel business. “But The Fighter really lent itself for another movie because of Micky and Arturo Gatti’s trilogy.I could’ve been probably up close to the champion of the world, maybe. If I lived the right life. Staying clean.Dicky Eklund, speaking on HBO’s ‘High on Crack Street’“I’m always kind of looking for the next thing. But if the audience really wants it, and they really love it, and we can make one better than the first then I’d be willing to do it again, for sure.”Gatti was mysteriously found dead in 2009 in a hotel in Pernambuco, Brazil where he was on holiday with his wife and ten-month-old son.His wife Amanda Rodrigues was initially charged with murder after Brazilian authorities ruled Gatti’s death a homicide. But after the coroner’s autopsy report was released, they declared it was a suicide by hanging, and charges against his widow were dropped.Ward often pays tribute to his opponent and close friend – posting a picture of them this past April. He captioned it: “Happy 52nd Arturo! Not a day goes by I don’t think of ya buddy.”Eklund has two sons, Dicky Jr and Tommy, and a daughter named Kerry. READ MORE SUN STORIESDicky Jr works at the famed Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles where Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach took him under his wing. And Sean was an 11-4 fighter who owns a gym himself Massachusetts, meaning after all these years, boxing is still in the family. Arturo Gatti and Micky Ward’s trilogy was the rumoured plot for The Fighter 2Credit: GettyEklund and Ward pose togetherCredit: Instagram More

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      in Soccer

      The making of Morgan Rogers: Former coaches on his stunning rise from Man City cast-off to Aston Villa superstar

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      MORGAN ROGERS tonight bids to drive Aston Villa towards the Champions League last eight.The midfielder, 22, has been the outstanding star in Unai Emery’s side this season and looks nailed on to be in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad a week on ­Friday. Morgan Rogers is one of Aston Villa’s most impressive playersCredit: GettyHe looks set to be named in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squadCredit: GettyIt has been a remarkable rise from being a Manchester City cast-off and only joining Villa from Middlesbrough in January 2024.In this SunSport exclusive, we chart Rogers’ early career as key figures behind his emergence tell the story of his stunning arrival as one of the Prem’s top stars…WEST BROMDARREN MOORE — coached West Brom Under-18s when Tony Pulis was manager and became first-team boss in April 2018.“It’s no surprise at all to see what Morgan’s doing.“He was an outstanding young player, somebody with undoubted ability and wonderful vision.“And the bit he’s now added to his game is his temperament and real desire. He’s really bringing some leadership qualities into his game and it’s almost he’s getting matches now by the scruff of the neck and really dictating in the game.“He’s doing magnificently for his club and there’s no doubt he can also operate at international level.“When I left West Brom, I got invited to Manchester City. And when I got there and I was watching the first team work, I was asked a question about Morgan.“So he’d been head-hunted by Man City and they were drawing a little bit of insight from myself as I’d been working with him.“I had no doubts about him, and I knew what they thought of him then.Emery ripped up his own transfer handbook to sign Villa sensation Morgan Rogers, who says HE invented Palmer celebrationDarren Moore is not surprised to see Rogers excelling in the Premier LeagueCredit: ReutersRogers spent nine years in the West Brom academyCredit: Getty – Contributor“The only thing about when he played for Man City was the timing.“He had the ability then but he had to go away to find his feet a little bit and then come back (he spent time on loan at  Lincoln, Bournemouth and Blackpool).“But when I looked back at what was said to me at the time, they had no doubt he’d play — and I’m sure all they probably had to do was just be a bit more patient with him.“And I’m sure what he’s doing now at Aston Villa, he’d been doing for them.“But, at the time, he should have gone (to City) but, like everything, you have to think about where you are at your time in life.“Suddenly, it was the training and probably just stepping into that big environment.“He just had to mature a little bit more — but that ability has always been there.“But what is clear is there’s more to come. It’s a complete joy to see him do what he’s doing.“When I first saw him at West Brom, I knew there was something special there.“The way he moved, the way he kept the ball away from danger and from opponents, the passes, the goals he was scoring and, of course, he had a good size then.“He’s put on real size and bulk since and he looks really strong now but his spatial awareness is fantastic.“So when you look at that, it’s almost like the complete player really. At the age he is, he’s come on in leaps and bounds.”MANCHESTER CITYRogers was contracted to Man City for four yearsCredit: GettyPep Guardiola is pleased to see Rogers succeeding since his Man City exitCredit: PAPEP GUARDIOLA — Rogers signed for City aged 17 but could not break through.“Sometimes when players arrive, they are two, three years younger and at that moment there was Kevin De Bruyne in his prime, David Silva, Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez, Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling and it’s difficult.“That’s the only reason why Rogers did not get a chance.“In the situation we are in right now, of course these kinds of players would be with us. This is obvious.“I’m happy for him because he’s a lovely guy. He exploded last season and this season he’s a really, really top-class player. England have another exceptional player.”LINCOLN CITYHe scored six times in 28 appearances for LincolnCredit: GettyJez George revealed that Rogers was a popular figure in the Lincoln dressing roomCredit: GettyJEZ GEORGE — Lincoln sporting director signed Rogers on loan from  Manchester City in January 2021.“He was at West Brom and played against us in the FA Youth Cup. We had five players hanging off him at one point but our lads could not get near him. From then on, we kept a close eye on him.“After he went to Manchester City, we tried to get him on loan in the summer of 2020 as we already had Brennan Johnson on loan. City would not let him out and though he was only 18, we could see how clever he was and he had all this pace and power, so we knew he would be brilliant.“Michael Appleton, our manager at the time, also knew him from West Brom and we got him on loan in the January.“The lad was real class. He was on massive money at a young age but you would never have guessed it.“It was post-Covid, we were in League One getting changed in a marquee at a training ground and it was all quite rough. But despite coming from Man City, Morgan fitted in so well and was very popular in the dressing room.“We got close to the Championship although we did have Brennan on one wing and Morgan on the other.“We knew that if we lost the play-off final to Blackpool we would lose him. Had we won promotion to the Championship, we would have got him for another season.“He has had bumps in the road, like Bournemouth where he hardly played. But he had the resilience to get through it.“I knew he would fly again after taking a couple of paces back.”BOURNEMOUTHRogers struggled for game time at BournemouthCredit: GettySimon Francis knew Rogers had potential even though it was not shown on the South CoastCredit: PASIMON FRANCIS — a former defender and now the assistant first-team technical director.Rogers joined on loan in August 2021 but returned to City in the January after making just one Championship start.“It was pretty clear and simple as to why he struggled to make an impact.“I’m not sure if he has spoken about Bournemouth but I think he’d be the first to admit that he didn’t arrive with enough intensity in his work, with his attitude.“But, ultimately, the reason we signed him was because we knew the player and the potential he has. He’s gone on to fulfil that potential. Unfortunately, it wasn’t with us.“There’s also another example with Leif Davis.“The recruitment department, which I was a part of with Richard Hughes at the time, identified Leif and Morgan as a really exciting left-sided partnership that could flourish in the Championship.“Morgan and Leif arrived quite late into pre-season because of the transfer window and getting the loan deal over the line.“Jordan Zemura and Jaidon Anthony had already struck up a great partnership on the left side.“Leif and Morgan didn’t play anywhere near as many games as they would have liked, perhaps as many as we would have liked them to.“Obviously when you have loan players you want them to get exposure. It wasn’t to be for Morgan. He had ridiculous potential — then he went on to Middlesbrough, performed really well there, got regular game-time and got his move to Aston Villa.“There wasn’t anything dramatic in it, it was just that lack of opportunity he had because that left side had done so well in that promotion-winning season.”BLACKPOOLRogers was only on loan for half a season at BlackpoolCredit: GettyHe arrived at the club a couple of weeks before Mick McCarthyCredit: AlamyMICK McCARTHY — former Tangerines manager.“I inherited Morgan as he arrived at Blackpool on loan a couple of weeks before I took over in January 2023.“When I was in charge of Cardiff, I went to watch him play for Lincoln at Oxford. But after starting well, he drifted out of the game so I decided not to pursue him.“But when I started working with him, I could see what an amazing talent he was and also an outgoing, gregarious character in the dressing room.“He played on the left and came in with his right foot — but in one match, I played him as a centre-forward and he was brilliant. The best performance in my short time at the club.“I thought up front, he was more involved and he held the ball well. Now he plays as a No 10 and he is also effective.“The problem is that when he started on the left, I felt he was not involved enough. He is powerful, has a wonderful touch and it was good to see him do well at Middlesbrough.“We were a team spiralling downwards in the Championship so Blackpool was probably not the best place for him.“But it looks as though he has learnt from his good and bad spells and, most importantly, it is vital he is playing down the middle.”MIDDLESBROUGHRogers convinced Aston Villa to splash out on him with his performances at BoroCredit: PAKieran Scott saw Boro make a huge profit on Rogers when he was soldCredit: Middlesbrough FCKIERAN SCOTT —  the club’s head of football signed Rogers from City for £1.1million in the summer of 2023.He sold him seven months later to Aston Villa for an initial £8m rising to £17.5m.“I was working at Norwich and I looked to try to do something there a couple of times but Man City weren’t ready to sell him.“When he was on loan at Blackpool, I thought we could buy him. We phoned up Man City. I spoke to Brian Marwood and we came to an agreement where we managed to sign him for £1.1m. There was a decent sell-on, not ridiculous.“I was absolutely delighted. I could see he had England potential because I don’t know many boys like him that, at 6ft 2in, and can play off both feet.“We took a gamble at Middlesbrough that we could get him going and get it out of him. When he first came in he didn’t play week in, week out. He was off the pace and was in and out of the team.“The bit that not many people know is that when Morgan found his purple patch, we had been drawn against Villa in the FA Cup.“So, obviously, Unai Emery and his team would track back four or five games to get an idea of how we play, what we do and who we are.“Monchi, Villa’s sporting director, told me that’s when he’d caught Unai’s eye in the build-up.“That’s how it all came about. We played against them, he did well and went on a real run of form.“That’s when he started scoring and assisting and it made Villa’s mind up — they were coming for him.“They timed it great and, fair play to them, they were brave and did it. I have to give them credit for that.“I’m not actually that surprised how he’s kicked on.“It’s just maybe the speed of it. A few people have said to me, ‘Surely, you’re a bit gutted now with the amount of money you’ve got for him?’.“But we’re not actually, because it ended up being £17.5m as a deal.“That’s where it tops out at and I don’t think we’re too far away from him being at that already, to be honest. There’s another couple of million quid’s worth of add-ons and we’re there.”He has already earned two caps for the Three LionsCredit: GettyHe earned his first cap for England after coming on against GreeceCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Brentford striker Yoane Wissa thought he was destined for career in police before shooting to Premier League stardom

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      YOANE Wissa thought he would be a policeman tackling crime rather than Premier League opponents when he was growing up.The 28-year-old has formed a lethal partnership with Bryan Mbeumo, and together they’ve made up for the loss of England forward Ivan Toney.Yoane Wissa thought he was destined to become a policemanCredit: GettyWissa has scored 14 goals this seasonCredit: GettyWissa while on loan at AC Ajaccio from Angers in 2017Credit: GettyWissa has scored 14 goals for Thomas Frank’s side this season, who are 11th in the table and in with a shout of European football next season.Speaking exclusively to Sun Sport, Wissa said he initially thought he’d be “just another guy on the street”.The Brentford star, who was born in northern France to Congolese parents, said: “When I was growing up, I really just expected to be a random guy, maybe a policeman. Why not?“But once I saw the small light that I could be here, I took it. I know it sounds crazy when I say that to people, but the truth is I’m not the most talented guy. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“What keeps me going is that I love to work hard, and I guess I’m not doing too bad.”Wissa started out as a goalkeeper and progressed into midfield before settling as a forward who can play in various positions across the front line.The striker, who came through the ranks at Chateauroux before moves to Angers and Lorient and eventually Brentford for around £8million in 2022, added: “The first time I really thought I could be good at football was when I was 16.”Then I went to the academy, so you see, I went there at 16, which is considered late because most of the others were around 14. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“But then I started to feel that there could be something for me here.“Some will say it’s a dream come true, but if I’m being honest, it wasn’t even my dream because I didn’t expect to be a footballer.Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo shows his skills on the training pitch “So I don’t take that for granted, if you know what I mean. I didn’t expect to be here, and now I’m here with Thomas and the guys.“I just work hard, and that’s why when I speak, I do so with a smile.”Since the departure of Toney to Saudi Arabia, Wissa and Mbeumo have become the face of Brentford. They are the most lethal duo in the Premier League this season, with a combined 28 top-flight goals for the Bees.Asked what makes playing together with Mbeumo so smooth, he said: “He’s a top player, so that is the first thing that makes it very easy. “What I do is try to help him. I make sure to position myself in a way that if he needs me, I’ll be there. It also helps that we’ve played together for a while.”But it’s not just Mbeumo that Wissa gets along with easily. Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo have become the face of BrentfordCredit: ReutersAs the interview continues, manager Frank comes by to pat him on the back, and I asked what the Brentford manager is like behind the scenes.His response gives an indication of the strong bonds within the club. He said: “Listen, Thomas is a friend. That’s what he’s good at – he’s a guy who is open to talk, and everyone loves him.”He’s always positive, not just in the good times, and this is why it’s very good for us.“But I have to say this, it’s easier to speak to someone who is always playing, but he also likes to make sure people who feel a bit isolated are taken care of.“That, for me, is also very crucial. So, if I can say something about him, Thomas Frank is just a friend to us.”Back in Congo, fans gather around viewing centres to watch Wissa play, and some say they wish he could move to a bigger club and possibly play in some of the top European competitions. They may get their wish as far as Europe is concerned soon, at least.But, he says, even though he’s aware of the perks of doing well, he’s the kind of person who thinks more about the team, given that he didn’t even think getting this far was possible at the beginning.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “Of course, I’m settled in the Premier League, and everyone knows that I can score goals, but also, everyone wants to continue to do better for themselves. “Now I’m in Brentford, and for me, I always think about the team. I’m hoping I can help the team take the next step, and by doing so, I’ll also do well for myself too.”The feeling is good at Brentford at the momentCredit: PA More

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      in Motorsport

      I’ve worked in F1 for years so I know exactly how drivers pull ‘pit babes’ – and the best way to land a Grand Prix lover

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      IT’S not quite life in the fast lane – but life in the pitlane still comes pretty close for glitz and glamour.Our secret Formula One employee has worked with both drivers and teams for seven years.Lewis Hamilton gets drenched in Champagne during one of his many GP winsCredit: AFPGrid girls are a famous feature of F1 pitlanes, but not everything in the sport is so glamCredit: AFPIt’s no surprise superfit megabucks F1 racers like Charles Leclerc are targets for ‘pit babes’Credit: GettyAnd while there’s plenty of VIP parties with posh plonk and models chasing motor racing stars, the reality of everyday life is far from extravagant. Here we get the inside track on what goes on under the bonnet of the F1 world – and why it might not be quite as sexy as it seems.Beautiful women are attracted to Formula One – netting a driver seems to be as attractive as a Premier League footballer.But of course there are only a few drivers, so they get the pick of the incredibly stunning women that flock to the race track.We dub the women desperate for some of the action ‘pit babes’, which is terrible but it’s been like that for ages.Girlfriends tend to come to the races as they’re all too aware thatwomen are desperate to step into their Louboutins.They’re right to keep an eye out as many of the drivers stray given half a chance.I know one driver whose race engineer was his eyes and ears both on and off the track.On track, he was in his ear all day talking him through the race, but before and after the race he was earmarking the prettiest girls for the driver and him.A lot of women soon learn that the best way to get into the sack with a driver is to befriend his race engineer. I know some women who hunt in pairs, to keep them both occupied!Martin Brundle’s most-awkward Formula 1 grid moments from Cara Delevingne to Ozzy OsbourneThe amount spent keeping sponsors happy on race days is eye-watering.One team I worked at would think nothing of having Chateau Petrus wine – which costs over £2,000 per bottle – flowing in the motorhome and endless Champagne is being poured in every hospitality area.The drivers abstain until after the race – but then they really let their hair down whether they’ve done well or not – it’s getting rid of all their excess energy.Races for me are just very busy, trying to keep sponsors and VIP guests happy.I’d arrive way before the race and leave after the last guests have gone and often it would take hours to get out of the track and to the hotel.All day long we’re on standby to make sure our sponsors and their guests are kept fed, watered and entertained.The most demanding guests are the girlfriends – I’ve lost count of the amount of times they’ve sent me off because they’ve forgotten their sunglasses or handbags in the motorhome.It’s a serious business on race day, when drivers really earn their cornCredit: GettyGrid girls pack the paddock at the Miami GPCredit: GettySuperstars flock to the GP, with Kylie Minogue even getting to wave the chequered flagCredit: GettyChampagne flows before and after the raceCredit: AFPBack at the factoryThe factories are of course where all the hard work is done. Lots of the mechanics, engineers and aerodynamicists work incredibly long hours (and sometimes in dark rooms) for not much money as there’s so much competition to work there.They are constantly developing the car for the next race which requires a certain type of set-up and tweaking the tiniest components to try to shave a few hundredths of a second off a lap time.It is still quite male-dominated on the engineering side, though they have made an effort to recruit more women.On non-race days the industry is surprisingly boring. Most of the factories are in the middle of nowhere in the English countryside so the nightlife isn’t great and it means you end up dating other people that work there.There’s very little glamour involved in the job other than on race day.Red Bull Racing’s HQ in Milton Keynes, where engineers toil through the week looking for the tiniest gainsCredit: AlamyEven the smallest tweaks can make a massive difference come race dayCredit: AFPPrima DonnaRacing drivers are athletes and so are very disciplined with a team of physios and trainers telling them exactly what exercise to do and what to eat.They’re obsessed with staying hydrated in warmer climes as they can lose a few kilos in weight during a race – one of them refused to drink anything other than apple juice with mineral water.They’re also quite boring. One driver I’ve worked for spends all his down time playing computer games.But they’re also very self-centred because they’re essentially the face of the team and at the end of the day the people who can win or lose a race and so everyone bends over backwards to keep them happy.If you’re remotely faint-hearted never get in a car they’re driving off the track, it’s terrifyingThey’re also very superstitious, they have lucky pants or shoes. They don’t tend to get nervous though before races – though they know the risks only too well.Everybody climbing into an F1 car would have been in an accident or seen other horrendous crashes in their time coming up in lower formulae.If you’re remotely faint-hearted never get in a car they’re driving off the track – they drive like lunatics, I was terrified the one time I did it.Our second driver was late leaving the hotel one morning and drove me to the test track in a hire car and all the while telling me about all the near-death experiences he had previously when trying to arrive at a test on time.Everyone laughed at my ashen face when I got out of the car.George Russell poses with a relatively normal car – but beware of going for a drive with an F1 racerCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63Party timeDrivers are now testing in Bahrain ahead of the new seasonCredit: GettyNeymar is one of the big stars who loves attending F1 racesCredit: ReutersBrad Pitt has regularly been spotted trackside while he makes his F1 film, which is out this yearCredit: RexRace team parties are very extravagant with free-flowing wine and amazing food. I’ve attended lots of them and always enjoyed them immensely.You don’t see many drugs, bar the odd line of coke. F1 teams are all about image and keeping sponsors happy and they’d take a very dim view of being associated with a druggy team.So it’s always very clandestine – the industry has moved away from the James Hunt image of old.Certainly the drivers are never going to risk taking it.A word of warning….You don’t want to work at ANY job in Formula One just for the sake of it, certainly not in the laundry!These men want to win above all else – they’re highly competitive.So they’re hardly going to stop mid race to go to the bathroom should nature call.I’ve known drivers not only urinate in their fireproof race suits – but poop too.I’m particularly thinking of one occasion at a race in Brazil when the driver had terrible diarrhoea… eeeew!F1 parties are a bit tamer than when former F1 champ James Hunt, seen here in 1976, was in his heydayCredit: Alamy More

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      in Soccer

      From tough childhood to sick racist abuse, how Jean-Philippe Mateta’s injury is latest hurdle for Crystal Palace star

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      A TOUGH childhood, attacks by racist rival fans, goal droughts – Jean-Philippe Mateta has overcome them all on the way to becoming the king of Crystal Palace.So his current battle to return to fitness after being on the receiving end of a horrific head injury is just another hurdle he must conquer on the road to success.French striker Mateta was struck by Liam Roberts’ boot in an awful tackleCredit: GettyJean-Philippe Mateta lays stricken on the floor following a horror injuryCredit: GettyJean-Philippe Mateta has established himself as one of Crystal Palace’s star playersCredit: GettyMateta is currently recovering from the injury suffered against Millwall in the FA Cup.He was on the receiving end of a wild head-high tackle from Liam Roberts in the first half of the tasty fifth-round tie.Mateta stayed down for several minutes as he was treated by the medics on the Selhurst Park pitch while distressed team-mates watched on.After nearly ten minutes on the ground, he was carried off on a stretcher and received oxygen as he was taken away.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was later discharged from hospital after receiving 25 stitches to his ear.Mateta is recovering at home, and will hopefully be soon back playing for Palace. His career is a story of overcoming adversity driven, in part, by the example of his dad Philippe, whose own career was cut cruelly short.Mateta – grew up in Sevran, a district of “the 93” – the area in the north-east suburbs of Paris that is among the poorest parts of France and notorious for crime.Most read in FootballBut from the start the young man saw football as his way out and was determined not to go down the wrong path.Mateta said: “Lots of young people smoke weed, some end up in miserable situations, some even die.“But for you as a resident, that’s everyday life, you don’t see it as particularly threatening.The striker has scored 15 goals in 33 appearances this seasonCredit: AFPMateta forced a move from Chateauroux to Lyon in 2016Credit: Getty“I always knew in my head that I would be a professional footballer one day. And that that would be my ticket out.”Mateta dedicated himself to achieving his dream, even if it meant foregoing the usual excitement of teenage life.He said: “I skipped a lot of parties. Once there was even one right next to me in the high-rise, and I didn’t even go to that one.“My apartment was on the 15th floor, the party on the 11th. All my friends were there, I heard the noise.“I only had to walk a few flights of stairs and I would have been there.“But there was a game the next day, so I stayed home.’Endangered his life’ – Crystal Palace owner gives Mateta injury update live on BBC and slams ‘reckless’ Millwall star“I didn’t have a plan B. Not even close. In my head it was like this: either I become a professional – or I’ll fail.“In my area, a lot of people are looking for quick money, which is why they sell drugs or commit burglaries.“But I felt, deep down, that football would be my path.”Little did Mateta know, however, that his Congo-born dad did not want him to follow in his footsteps.Mateta explained: “ At first, my mother only told me later, he was completely against it. He didn’t want me to go through anything like him.“He played in Congo and then in Liega, But when he was 24, he seriously injured his leg.“Medicine wasn’t that advanced back then, and several operations went wrong. After that, he had to end his career.“He didn’t want me to go through anything like him. The injury, the end of his career, all of that mentally destroyed him.“He wanted to spare me that.”Mateta started training with and playing for Drancy, a club outside Sevran, when he was 14, and then joined Chateauroux’s youth set-up after bigger clubs passed on the chance to sign him.Mateta’s 13 goals in 26 third-tier games for the first team attracted the attention of Lyon and he boycotted training to force a move to the Ligue 1 giants early in the 2016/17, while other clubs, including Tottenham, hesitated.But after limited opportunities in the Lyon first team, Mateta went on loan to Ligue 2 Le Havre, where his goals fired the team to the play-offs to get into Ligue 1.But the semi final against Ajaccio in Corsica was postponed by a day after fans attacked the Le Havre team bus and hurled abuse.Mateta recalled: “They called me a dirty black, they insulted my family.“After the attack on the bus, we remained calm. Since they had broken the air conditioning, we had to open the doors, and the police hadn’t arrived yet.“So if they had wanted to attack us, they could have done so. But they didn’t.“It was just intimidation, but personally, it didn’t scare me at all.”When the game took place a day late, tempers flared on the pitch and Mateta’s provocative celebration when he made it 2-1 in extra time led to a melee.He and three other players were sent off before Ajaccio equalised and then won a penalty shootout.But Mateta’s 20 goals in 38 games earned him his own move to the top flight, with German side Mainz beating Newcastle and others to the punch.In Germany, too, he had to confront racism, as the club’s squad, which featured a number of players with African ancestry, was the target of snide comments and outright abuse.Mainz’s club record signing, at a fee of £6.5m, had an impressive first season, scoring 14 times in the Bundesliga.But Mateta found the net only 10 times across the next two campaigns.So there were reservations when he arrived at Selhurst Park in 2020, initially on an 18-month loan.The striker moved to Mainz in 2018Credit: GettyHe spent a season on loan at Crystal Palace before completing a permanent move in 2022Credit: GettyMateta joined permanently for £8m in January 2022 but still struggled to hold down a starting place.He ended a run of 28 Premier League appearances without a goal when he scored the winner in the game against Leicester in April 2023, which marked Roy Hodgson’s return as boss.But it was only when Oliver Glasner replaced Hodgson in February last year that Mateta’s Premier League career really took off.Mateta scored 13 goals in 13 games – having managed just 11 in his first 80 PL appearances – as Palace achieved their joint highest finish (10th) and points total (49) of the Premier League era.Glasner’s high-pressing tactics brought more turnovers and the frontman in his 3-4-2-1 formation capitalised.During that amazing run, Mateta became only the second French player to score in seven straight home game in the PL.The other one was Thierry Henry, who promptly picked the Palace star as an over-age player for the Olympic tournament in Paris.Mateta scored the only goal of the quarter final against Argentina, netted twice in the 3-1 semi-final win over Egypt and grabbed a 93rd-minute equaliser to send the final against Spain to extra time.The Spaniards won on penalties so Mateta and his team-mates had to settle for silver medals.But the 27-year-old has taken his golden touch in front of goal into the current season.Mateta’s two goals in the 2-0 win at Manchester United last month took his Premier League tally to 10 for the season.Glasner said: “It is amazing when you have a number nine who scores goals — that is what everyone expects from a striker.“He has the confidence and the feeling at the moment. Both goals were one-touch finishes.“For the set play, he was there; he had the feeling and the confidence to be in the right areas.“The second goal looked easy in the end because it was a one-touch finish, but it was his 20th run in behind.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He runs and runs, and many times, he does not get the ball, but in the end, he gets the rewards.”Which pretty much sums up the life and career of Mateta.Mateta scored twice for Palace against Man Utd last monthCredit: GettyThe Frenchman suffered a serious head injury against Millwall in the FA Cup at the weekendCredit: Getty More