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      in Soccer

      Fulham 0 Newcastle 2: Alan Shearer breaks 39-year tradition during Toon’s FA Cup win

      by

      SEAN LONGSTAFF and Dan Burn gave their fellow Geordies the last laugh with the goals that lifted the Newcastle gloom.The travelling fans insulted by the ridiculous kick-off time dictated by the demands of television went home happy after cameras of a different kind failed to rule out Longstaff’s controversial first-half opener.
      Alan Shearer watches Newcastle’s win over Fulham in the away end with children Will, centre, and Chloe
      Alan Shearer and Lee Clark watched Newcastle make the fifth round of the FA CupCredit: Rex
      And then another local hero, Burn, scrambled home the second goal just past the hour mark to seal a win that could yet prove highly significant.
      Victory keeps alive Newcastle’s hopes of having a trophy to show for a so-far disappointing season.
      It also eased the pressure, for a few hours at least, on beleaguered Toon boss Eddie Howe.
      The coming days are likely to be difficult, with the threat of a player or players being sold to help balance the books of the richest club in the world.
      Read More on Football
      The sound you can hear is the world’s smallest rabab – the ancient Saudi Arabian ancestor of the violin.
      But if it’s hard to feel sorry for Howe and Newcastle, it is important for them not to feel sorry for themselves as they face up to their current problems.
      They have a lot of work to do to secure a second consecutive season of Champions League football.
      But perhaps an FA Cup run (or even better a win), plus a place in European football of some description, would be sufficient to demonstrate a direction of travel. 
      Most read in FA Cup
      It was clearly a big game for the visitors. Among the black and white hordes in the Putney End were a number of celebrities, including Alan Shearer and fellow former Newcastle team-mate Lee Clark.
      Shearer said: “Ah man. What a f——— night that was. In the away end for the first time since 1985. I bloody loved it. TOON TOON. 🖤🤍”
      On the face of it, Howe’s team selection was that of a man who knew his season and probably his job depended on it.
      Injuries undoubtedly restricted his options but the Newcastle boss picked the strongest starting 11 available to him.
      Not so Marco Silva. The Fulham boss made seven changes to the side that had tried and narrowly failed to overcome Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg three evenings earlier.
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      Sean Longstaff opened the scoring for Newcastle against FulhamCredit: Alamy
      But if those decisions suggested an attitude of “That’s enough cup runs for this year, lads”, the players in white on the pitch did not get the memo, in the first half at least.
      Fulham started brightly and second-string centre-forward Rodrigo Muniz fired a shot high into the Putney End inside three minutes.
      A defensive mix-up at the other end gifted Jacob Murphy a chance but he hit his shot straight at stand-in Fulham goalkeeper Marek Rodak, who made a meal of saving it.
      Rodak was in action again to stop Fabian Schar touching in a Kieran Trippier free-kick at the near post and Anthony Gordon fired wide.
      But Fulham were holding their own. Muniz might have done better than force a decent save out of Martin Dubravka in a promising opening to the game which suggested, if nothing else, that neither side wanted a replay.
      The visitors were showing purpose but struggling in the final third to turn it into chances. 
      Dan Burn sealed Newcastle’s victory at Fulham in the second halfCredit: Getty
      Muniz again went close when his shot on the turn was deflected just wide by Sven Botman.
      But six minutes before half-time the home side fell controversially behind.
      Fulham had only themselves to blame, having failed to deal with a Trippier cross after a corner.
      The ball fell into Longstaff’s path after being diverted there by Bruno Guimaraes’ hand but the VAR officials must have deemed it accidental – check the laws, nothing to do with me – and so saw no reason to chalk off the fine finish.
      Dan Burn started at left-back and dominated the wing against Fulham
      Newcastle made it to the next round even though Fulham dominated possession
      Newcastle were noticeably more confident coming out for the second half.
      Fulham chances dried up and Alexander Isak tested Rodak before the Fulham keeper was unable to prevent the visitors doubling their lead.
      The Slovak kept out Botman’s header from Trippier’s corner but the ball fell for Burn to jab in from close range.
      Silva brought on more first-choice players with 20 minutes to go but it was too little, too late.
      The Fulham momentum had been halted by Longstaff’s goal and Burn’s strike seemed to have robbed them of belief.
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      Substitute Raul Jimenez headed over the bar but there was to be no comeback and no more cup heroics from Fulham, as he and Tom Cairney fired wide in stoppage time.
      Newcastle and Howe live to fight another day. More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Xabi Alonso’s glamorous life, from wife who Liverpool team-mate tried to pull to model shoots and love of cars

      by

      XABI ALONSO is the talk of the town in Germany and Liverpool.The Bayer Leverkusen manager has the club seven points clear at the top of the Bundesliga.
      Xabi Alonso is top of the Bundesliga and is the man linked to replace Jurgen KloppCredit: Getty
      But how about the man away from football?
      This has firmly put them on course to land their first Bundesliga title in their 120-year history.
      Alonso has grown a strong reputation in coaching for his innovative and attractive brand of football.
      Whether he is the man to replace the departing Jurgen Klopp at Anfield remains to be seen, given there are a number of other candidates to consider.
      But what about the man away from the pitch and tactics board?
      READ MORE IN LIVERPOOL
      Star crossed lovers
      Alonso is married to Nagore Aranburu.
      The couple tied the knot all the way back in 2009, a month before Alonso left Liverpool for Real Madrid.
      They met when Alonso was still a teenager and playing for boyhood club Real Sociedad.
      Alonso and Nagore have had three children together, Jontxe born in 2008,  Ane, born in 2010 and Emma, born in 2013.
      Most read in Football
      Xabi Alonso married wife Nagore Aranburu in 2009Credit: AFP
      They first met when Alonso was a kid at Real SociedadCredit: Getty
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      Nagore has worked as a model, actress and fashion designer.
      But one hilarious tale came while she worked as a hotel receptionist in Liverpool.
      Ex-Reds ace and Alonso team-mate Peter Crouch recalled the first time he met Nagore.
      Crouch confessed his love at first-sight reaction to meeting Nagore, before Liverpool team-mates including Jamie Carragher broke the news to him that she was with Alonso.
      He said: “On signing for Liverpool I stayed at the Hope Street Hotel.
      “On reception was a girl so good-looking I couldn’t quite believe she was smiling at me all the time.
      The couple have three children togetherCredit: AFP
      Despite busy work schedules they have always made time to enjoy days out togetherCredit: Splash News
      “I told the lads in training, ‘honestly, she’s beautiful, I think I’ve got a shout here.’ Jamie Carragher called a few other senior players over, ‘tell them again, Crouchie.’
      “So I did, ‘amazing. Dark-haired. Spanish-looking. I’m in there.’ It turned out she was Xabi Alonso’s partner.
      “She was doing a bit of work to practise her language skills. He was nice about it. So was she. Carra less so.”
      Despite their busy lifestyles, Alonso and Nagore have always been sure to make time to spend with one another.
      While at Bayern Munich Alonso and Nagore were a regular sight during Oktoberfest celebrations.
      Following Alonso’s retirement from football in 2017 the pair were spotted enjoying a walk on the beach during a family holiday to California.
      Alonso has also revealed the pair love a trip to the museum and going for a mountain drive with the family.
      Alonso and Nagore were often sighted at Oktoberfest celebrationsCredit: AFP
      Alonso revealed the family used to enjoy mountain car ridesCredit: Getty
      Petrolhead and modelling
      Perhaps it is an echo of his sleek playing style, but whenever Alonso is pictured in a car it is one of elegant design.
      And his fashion sense goes in the same direction.
      Alonso loves getting behind the wheel of classic beamers, with a number of Instagram posts showing him driving a variety of classic cars.
      During his time in Munich, Alonso modelled for Porsche and Adidas as they launched the Porsche Design Sport SS17 and sportswear range.
      Alonso modelled for the launch of the Adidas Porsche Design Sport SS17Credit: Adidas / Porsche

      Alonso and Nagore living the high life
      The pair, seen posing for Adidas Porsche Design Sport SS17, really are the model couple
      However, when going to training he would drive a rather inconspicuous Audi, rather than his classic Mercedes 190 SL convertible.
      Cost estimates for that car today put it between £70,000 to £166,000.
      In an interview with Mr Porter, Alonso – who has been likened to James Bond – is seen driving a Porsche 356 and not looking one bit out of place.
      One thing Alonso can’t stand is the idea of tattoos on his body.
      In a 2016 interview with Sueddeutsche Zeitung, Alonso said: “They [friends] know that they have zero chance with me.
      “By the way, I am not against tattoos in principle. It may well be that this looks cool on others.
      “But not for me. I just can’t imagine myself with piercings, chains or anything else. Obviously, I’m hopelessly old-fashioned.”
      Alonso has always championed a sleek fashion styleCredit: Adidas / Porsche
      One thing he can’t get behind are tattoos on his bodyCredit: Adidas / Porsche
      Alonso is also pretty fed up of the idea that footballers have bad taste in music and TV shows, saying: “It’s the eternal cliché that footballers don’t have taste.
      “I think that’s pretty unfair. But I already know that, I’ve gotten used to it.”
      He has previously raved about hit shows like True Detective and Fargo, describing them as “masterpieces”, while also revealing bands he has listened to.
      The Shins, The Flaming Lips, The Delgados, The Velvet Underground and Lou Reed to name a few.
      Special moments are like watch links
      Despite his often suave appearance, Alonso is not one who often dresses to impress.
      But when he does, he goes all out, and watches are the crown jewel of his wardrobe.
      Alonso has likened special moments in his life and career to links in a watch.
      He told The Journal: “For me, every special moment is bound to be linked to a particular watch, and whenever I put it on I’m transported back to that moment – such as when we won the Champions League with Liverpool or the World Cup with Spain.”
      Jurgen Klopp’s successor?By Dan King
      XABI ALONSO ticks almost every box to succeed Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager, and if Bayer Leverkusen don’t let their lead at the top of the Bundesliga slip the case for him to do so will be irresistible.
      The former Kop idol knows the club inside out after five seasons at Anfield and has made no secret of his enduring affection.
      Alonso has already forged a reputation as an innovative coach playing an attractive, pressing style, usually in a fluid 3-4-2-1 formation.
      He has taken Leverkusen from second bottom of the Bundesliga to seven-points clear at the top, putting them on course to be crowned German champions for the first time in their 120-year history.
      It’s worth remembering that both Rafa Benitez and Klopp arrived at Anfield with proof they could dethrone clubs who dominated their leagues
      For Alonso to do the same, in only his second season as a top-flight manager, would mark him out as something special.
      It is that lack of long-term experience that would still make appointing him to replace Klopp a gamble.
      But otherwise, he looks like the perfect candidate as Liverpool are forced to plan a future without the man who made them champions of England, Europe and the world.

      A IWC Steel Ingenieur Automatic 40, £10,500, similar to the one Alonso was givenCredit: IWC
      Alonso shows off one of his many watches on a trip to London with Nagora
      Watches in his collection include Rolex, Patek Philippe, Franck Muller, Audemars Piguet and Panerai – not that he has a particular desire to show off such accessories for fear of coming across as vulgar.
      However, his favourite and most special member of his watch collection was a gift from Nagora on their wedding day – an IWC Ingenieur – worth £10,500 according to Watches of Switzerland.
      For Alonso, the stunning watch “represents the fact that I had found a woman who thought about me, about what I like, and my personality.
      “I don’t wear it much, just on really special occasions.”
      Alonso says he likes IWC watches in general because “they’re not overly showy, attention-grabbing watches” and “have a certain sophistication without being flashy”.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      The old saying goes: “You can tell a lot about a man from the shoes he’s wearing and the watch he has on.”
      And it seems for Alonso, simple but beautiful efficiency is runs through everything he does. More

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      in Motorsport

      My dad is an F1 legend – now I’m the sport’s most famous Wag, modelling for Vogue and selling my own make-up range

      by

      KELLY PIQUET has been surrounded by Formula One royalty all her life, but now she firmly has her own crown as the sport’s most famous Wag.The Brazilian beauty, 35, has been dating three-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen since the end of 2020.
      Kelly Piquet is F1’s most famous WagCredit: Rex
      Kelly often stuns in front of the cameraCredit: Getty
      She is dating Max VerstappenCredit: Getty
      However, thanks to a career in modelling and PR she has risen to have star power in both a financial and influence sense.
      Kelly’s professional career has helped her cultivate a huge following on social media.
      While she is not a driver, motorsport flows through her veins.
      Kelly is the daughter of a disgraced F1 legend and has had previous relationships with former drivers.
      READ MORE IN F1
      Start your engines
      Kelly was born in Germany on December 7, 1988 as the second child of Nelson Piquet and Sylvia Tasmsa.
      Brazilian hero Piquet won three F1 titles in the 1980s and continued to be a presence in and around the paddock for years after.
      However, in 2022 Piquet was banned from the F1 paddock and ordered to pay £780,000 in damages after using a derogatory term referring to Lewis Hamilton when speaking about the 2021 Silverstone Grand Prix.
      Kelly has six siblings including ex-F1 driver Nelson Piquet Jr. who was a key player in the infamous “Crashgate” scandal of 2008.
      Most read in Motorsport
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      Although Kelly was born in Germany, she spent much of her childhood in France.
      Her studies saw her spend 12 monthsat St Clare’s Oxford in England before heading back to Brazil.
      She eventually found her way to New York, where she graduated in International Relations from the Marymount Manhattan College with a major in Political Science and Economics.
      Kelly is the daughter of disgraced F1 champion Nelson Piquet
      Kelly has six siblingsCredit: Splash
      Previous relationship
      Kelly was previously in a relationship with Russian Daniil Kvyat.
      The pair began dating in January 2017 and had a daughter together, Penelope, months before they split up in December 2019.
      And around a year later, Verstappen entered into a relationship with Kelly, going Instagram official in January 2021.
      Ironically, Verstappen replaced Kvyat at Red Bull in the second half of the 2016 F1 season.
      Verstappen says he gets on well with the three-year old, regularly sharing images with her online.
      But has also firmly stated he has no intention of becoming her father figure.
      Kelly had a three-year relationship and daughter with Daniil KvyatCredit: Getty
      She began dating Verstappen at the end of 2020Credit: Instagram / @kellypiquet
      Speaking to TIME magazine, he said: “I’m not the father, that’s not the aim.
      “It’s always very important that she has a good relationship with her own father, which she has.
      “But I see her every day when I’m at home. We get on very well. She’s very cute.”
      Kelly and Verstappen live together in Monaco, a stone’s throw from a host of other drivers who have made the glamorous country their home.
      Taking a Piq
      When she is not looking after Penelope or seen track-side, Kelly tries her hand at a number of different jobs.
      As well as being a model and PR specialist she is also an F1 columnist.
      Her work in front of a camera has helped her attract a following of more than 1.4 million fans on Instagram.
      Kelly has modelled for the likes of Vogue and has her own make-up range.
      Her exploits have seen her top the rich list of F1 Wags when it comes to Instagram earnings.
      She often stuns both at trackside and while at red carpet events.
      Kelly has revealed that sometimes she has to remind petrol-head Verstappen to get take his mind off the F1 circuit.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      She said: “There have been times where I’ve been like, ‘OK, time to switch off’.
      “You have to give a gentle reminder that the sun is shining outside and, you know, there are other things to do.”
      Kelly tops the rich list of F1 Wags
      Kelly has more than 1.4 million followers on InstagramCredit: https://www.instagram.com/kellypiquet/
      Kelly revealed she sometimes has to remind Verstappen to ‘switch off’Credit: instagram/@kellypiquet/ More

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      in Boxing

      I’m a 6ft 9in former basketball star but I quit the sport… now I’m a boxer who could secretly help dethrone Tyson Fury

      by

      SIX years ago Darren Sealy walked away from professional basketball to pursue boxing – now he is involved in the world’s biggest fights. The 6ft 9in heavyweight shot hoops in Spain and Lithuania before returning to the UK to play for London-based sides.
      Sealy is now a professional heavyweight boxerCredit: Instagram @darrensealy
      But after picking up personal training as a side hustle due to a lack of funding on the court, Sealy soon began coaching full time.
      That is when he was introduced to boxing, and given the chance to put his towering frame to use in a whole different way.
      Sealy told SunSport: “I was always in a team sport, but I knew I’d love to give it a go one day. 
      “I would always train, I always knew what I had to do, just with the basics, but I never took it seriously until I was in my mid to late 20s.” 
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      Sealy had 14 fights before turning pro, five in the white collar circuit and eight as an amateur.
      He was then granted a professional licence from the British Boxing Board of Control in August of 2022.
      But Sealy’s life would change forever when a year later heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury signed to fight MMA star Francis Ngannou.
      Realising a gap in the market for 6ft 9in sparring partners to replicate Fury’s size, Sealy reached out to Ngannou’s camp.
      Most read in Boxing
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      And following talks in London after a press conference, Sealy was invited to spar the ex-UFC champ.
      After a successful rehearsal, he would later travel with Ngannou for two weeks of sparring in Saudi Arabia.
      He revealed: “I was in contact with Dewey Cooper, his head coach and obviously he had his fight with Fury. I’m relatively the same height, same build. It just made sense really. 
      “The sparring partners they were looking for needed to be the same height and same build and, speaking to Dewey, I went out to Saudi and finished up camp with them.” 
      Ngannou, 37, almost caused the mother of all upsets when he floored Fury, 35, only to lose a controversial decision.
      But the performance did not surprise anyone in the Cameroonian’s camp, including Sealy.
      He said: “I wasn’t shocked by the performance whatsoever because I saw the work rate that they were putting in. 
      “I saw his performances in the sparring and saw how much he was putting in, which was great.
      Francis Ngannou brought Sealy into his campCredit: instagram @darrensealy
      Ngannou finished up his sparring with Sealy in SaudiCredit: Instagram @darrensealy
      “I wasn’t shocked on the night as well because the man’s power cannot be uncredited. 
      “You don’t want to be hit clean by him, and when Fury was we saw what happened.”
      Fury’s split-decision meant his undisputed title decider with Oleksandr Usyk remained intact, although postponed from December to February 17.
      One of Ngannou’s sparring partners was also recruited by Usyk, 36, who then recommended Sealy to the Ukrainian.
      Before long, Sealy was back in camp tasked with the job of mimicking the Gypsy King.
      He said: “It’s all about connections, building connections and relationships and being confident to put yourself out there and put a good performance on. 
      “Putting your best foot forward and putting the best Darren on like I did in Saudi it enabled me to come into camp with Usyk because he’s fighting the same opponent.” 
      Usyk’s southpaw skills and eccentric personality remains somewhat of an enigma in boxing – but Sealy revealed he is as down to earth as they come.
      Sealy is now in camp with Oleksandr UsykCredit: instagram
      He said: “If someone walked in the room that didn’t know boxing you’d almost have to tell them, ‘That’s the heavyweight champ.’ 
      “Because he doesn’t carry himself with any type of, ‘Hey, look at me.’ Or, ‘You can’t come near me.’ He’s a very, very relaxed person, has time for everybody. 
      “You can always ask for a little bit of advice from him, English might be a different language to him but he still respects you and wants to listen to you. 
      “For someone of his credibility, his accolades and achievements, I think he’s one of the nicest people in boxing that I’ve ever met.” 
      Fury and Usyk will meet in what is the heavyweight division’s first ever four-belt unification bout.
      So the historic occasion is not lost on Sealy, who said: “I reflect on it when I’m not sparring, when I’m having my own personal time.
      “I think it’s important to reflect and live in the moment because if I’m thinking too far ahead or thinking what’s next then I’m not soaking up the atmosphere, not relishing the opportunity. 
      “I know there’s not too many people that are my height and have the privilege to be a part of these camps. 
      “So by all means I am living up to the opportunity but I am living up to the expectation. It’s been two amazing experiences, two amazing camps.” 
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Sealy, 32, suffered defeat on his pro debut last March against experienced journeyman Phil Williams, 38.
      But he gets the chance to exact revenge and right the wrong in a rematch on February 10 in Brentwood. More

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      in Soccer

      I won the Euros with Man Utd hero but then suffered depression before finding spiritual guru

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      NEVER mind a game of two halves, for 60-year-old former Denmark striker Lars Elstrup it’s been a life of two halves.For the first 30 years his passion was playing football and living out his dream by becoming a professional.
      Lars Elstrup for Denmark in the 1992 EurosCredit: Rex
      Elstrup believes he reached his utopia by helping his country win Euro 92, playing a major part by scoring the decisive goal in their 2-1   victory over France — their must-win final group game.
      But after quitting the game aged just 30, the last three decades have seen him battling depression and subsequently being diagnosed as bipolar.
      But through the darkness he has discovered spirituality and is smiling again thanks to his Indian guru, His Holiness Parama Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji.
      Elstrup said: “It’s true that since retiring from football I’ve been looking for this place in my mind where I am without anxiety and fear.
      READ MORE IN football
      “I believe I have now found it with my Indian guru. I stopped playing when I was 30. I was worn out, my body and mind was damaged.
      “What I have learned in the last 30 years is to look elsewhere to find myself again.
      “My Indian guru has a higher consciousness and helps me escape from a busy world. Somewhere I can enjoy a happy and joyful life.
      “When I quit football I looked at all different ways of getting my mental strength in a spiritual  world with exercise from yoga and meditation.
      Most read in Football
      “I keep my body and mind right. My last depression ended on  January 1, 2022.”
      As kids growing up, Elstrup and his older brother, Peter, would be forever playing football.
      Elstrup followed his sibling from their local team Randers Freja to Brondby, before being quickly  spotted by Dutch club Feyenoord.
      He spent two seasons at the Dutch club before moving back home to Odense, where he scored 17 goals in 28 league games in the 1988-89  season.
      His impressive scoring abilities caught the attention of Ray Harford at Luton, who were in England’s top flight the old Division One back then, and they signed him for £850,000 in 1989.
      Elstrup said: “When I joined Luton it was for a club-record fee.
      Elstrup playing for Luton against Crystal Palace in 1990Credit: Rex
      “When I look back to my time at Luton, I cannot convey my thanks to the players and management enough.
      “It took me ten games before I scored my first goal at Millwall but the camaraderie and team spirit and help they gave me was unbelievable.
      “I knew very little about the Hatters when I joined, apart from the fact they won the Littlewoods Cup in 1988.
      “The club was in transformation with players when I joined.
      “We had to win the last game of the season at Derby to stay up, which we did.
      “The following season, I scored 19 goals — 15 in the league, including three hat-tricks — the highest  number of goals in a single season by a Danish player in the English top flight, a record that still stands to this day.
      “In an identical twist, we also had to beat Derby to stay up at home that season. It was my last game for the club at Kenilworth Road.
      The Dane retired from football at 30Credit: Alamy
      “I scored the second goal to win the match. I left at the end of the 1990-91 season.
      “I was homesick and wanted to go back to Odense in 1991, which I did.”
      But Elstrup was about to experience a footballing fairytale as Denmark were given a late call-up to Euro 92 in Sweden.
      He said: “I was on holiday, staying at my parents’ summer house.
      “It was two or three days before the Euros when I was contacted and asked to be part of the squad.
      “Yugoslavia had qualified ahead of us but a civil war had caused them to pull out of the tournament. We had to beat France in our final group game.
      “They were unbeaten in 22 games. I came on in the 68th minute and scored the winner ten minutes later. We qualified to the semi-finals. It was quite unbelievable.
      ‘It was very emotional for me’
      “Peter Schmeichel then saved a penalty from Marco van Basten in the semi-final shootout with Holland.
      “I converted one of the penalties and we beat Germany in the final. It was an absolute fairytale.
      “The day after we went to Denmark to an unbelievable reception.”
      On  April 24, last year, the former Hatters favourite made a surprise appearance at Kenilworth Road for the first time in 32 years.
      Elstrup was the Hatters’ guest  of honour for their 2-1 win over Middlesbrough.
      He added: “It was very emotional for me — to be welcomed back with such warmth by the management and fans.
      “I was met in reception with great smiles and chief executive Gary Sweet cancelled a meeting to  see me.
      “I had never met him before. I wanted to shake his hand but he said, ‘Come here, Lars, that is not enough’ and gave me a big hug. I felt very humbled.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “Being back at Kenilworth Road brought back so many fond memories.”

       The Unhappy Hero is published by Pitch, priced £25. More

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      in Soccer

      Football stars who broke Hollywood – from snogging A-list sex icon to Arsenal legend who refused to utter Spurs line

      by

      FOOTBALL is a notoriously short career, with most players forced to retire before they are 35.It’s not surprising, then, that some turn to the big screen to launch a second career – with many Premiership legends heading to Hollywood to make their fortune.
      Ian Wright with director Daniel Kaluuya and co-star Kane ‘Kano’ Robinson at the launch for The KitchenCredit: Getty
      Vinnie Jones cracked the movie world in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking BarrelsCredit: Alamy
      But the movie world is a tough nut to crack – and only a handful of footballers have made it.
      Ian Wright is the latest to make movie news starring in the Netflix film The Kitchen, released this weekend.
      He follows in the footsteps of fellow player Vinnie Jones whose hard man roles, in the likes of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, are now more memorable than his football.
      Here we look at the football stars who have made it to Hollywood – and one who has a THIRD career as a singer.
      Read More in Features
      Vinnie Jones
      Vinnie Jones famously broke into America by appearing in Guy Richie’s Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.
      The 59-year-old, from Watford, was still playing football when he was cast in the 1998 British gangster film.
      Vinnie, who is worth at least £7million, used his reputation for aggression on the pitch to help him land hardman roles on the silver screen.
      He was infamously pictured grabbing Gazza’s testicles during a 1988 game between Wimbledon and Newcastle.
      Most read in Football
      Eric Cantona starred with Oscar winners Cate Blanchett and Richard AttenboroughCredit: Rex
      He was infamously pictured grabbing Gazza’s testicles during a 1988 gameCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      But Vinnie is now best known for his acting after appearing in Hollywood hits such as Mean Machine, Gone in 60 Seconds and X-Men: The Last Stand.
      David Beckham
      David Beckham made America his home in the final years of his footballing career after signing a £128million five-year contract with MLS team LA Galaxy in 2007. 
      And rubbing shoulders with Hollywood A-Listers obviously inspired Golden Balls to try out a bit of acting himself.
      Just like Vinnie, Becks, 48, worked with Guy Ritchie on the 2017 blockbuster King Arthur: Legend of the Sword.
      Becks worked with Guy Ritchie on King ArthurCredit: Alamy
      He had a cameo role as a grumpy knight in the film, which grossed £116million at the box office. 
      And he also made an appearance as a projectionist in Ritchie’s 2015 film The Man From U.N.C.L.E. 
      Eric Cantona
      Eric Cantona was never short of confidence during his footballing career.
      And he was no different when he turned his hand to acting as he had no qualms about playing himself in the 2009 Ken Loach film Looking for Eric.
      In 2003, King Eric was voted Manchester United’s best ever player for his time at the club between 1992 and 1997. 
      Eric played a courtier in the movie ElizabethCredit: Alamy
      The star played himself in Looking For EricCredit: Alamy
      The Frenchman’s reputation took a hit when he kung fu kicked a fan at a Crystal Palace game in 1995.
      However his popularity endured thanks to the 57-year-old’s charismatic personality. 
      That same charisma translated on screen when he played the role of a French diplomat alongside Cate Blanchett in the 1998 smash hit Elizabeth. 
      The move led to a slew of acting roles in his native France, most recently in the miniseries Inhuman Resources and the action thriller AKA. 
      He recently launched a singing career, releasing a single, The Friends We Lost, in May 2023. 
      Ian Wright
      Wrighty’s first role was the 2011 movie Gun of the Black Sun
      Ian Wright stars in The KitchenCredit: Netflix
      Arsenal legend Ian Wright has become the latest footballer to bag a Hollywood role with his upcoming part in the Netflix film The Kitchen.
      Wrighty, 60, is already a familiar sight on our TV screens thanks to his weekly appearances on Match of the Day.
      And his latest appearance in The Kitchen, which is being directed by Hollywood A-Lister Daniel Kaluuya, is not the first time he has acted. 
      He also starred in the 2011 film Gun of the Black Sun and appeared as himself in the popular Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso. 
      But Hollywood has clearly not changed the former England striker after he reportedly refused to praise Tottenham on the show. 
      He apparently demanded the line “Tottenham are a great side” be changed as he knew if he said it he would never be able to return to north London.
      Stan Collymore
      The former Liverpool player wanted to be 007Credit: AP:Associated Press
      He romped with Sharon StoneCredit: Planet Photos
      Striker Stan Collymore once admitted in an interview that he wanted to be “the first black James Bond”.
      And although the 52-year-old didn’t bag the 007 gig, he did land a top role alongside Sharon Stone.
      In 2006 he appeared alongside the A-Lister in Basic Instinct 2, which grossed more than £30million. 
      In the film, Collymore, who played for Nottingham Forest and Liverpool in the 90s, shared a hot and steamy scene with Stone.
      In it, the pair become frisky in a car before Collymore crashed into the River Thames.
      Stone tipped Collymore for Hollywood greatness after his appearance in the film – but he never bagged another big role again.
      Zinédine Zidane
      Zidane was a Real Madrid legendCredit: AP:Associated Press
      He looked very different in his Asterix role
      Zinédine Zidane is widely known for his skills on the pitch – and the headbutt that marked the end of his career as a player.
      However, he also starred in a couple of films, proving he has more about him than football alone. 
      The Real Madrid legend enjoyed a cameo role in the 2008 film Asterix at the Olympic Games, which grossed more than £100million.
      The 51-year-old also played himself in the 2005 film Goal! The Dream Begins, starring alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham.
      But Zizou reportedly became peeved when he was left waiting for Becks to turn up to film their scene together for the flick.
      Paul Breitner
      The German player scored in two World Cup finalsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Potato Fritz was not so legendaryCredit: Alamy
      German midfielder Paul Breitner is one of only four players to have scored in two different World Cup final matches.
      He also belongs to another tiny club of players who have starred in films during their careers.
      The 72-year-old landed parts in two German films.
      His first flick, a Spaghetti Western called Potato Fritz, was filmed in 1976 while he was still playing for Real Madrid. 
      Breitner took on the role of a bandit-hunting Sergeant in the film, which was panned by critics. 
      He appeared again on the silver screen with the 1983 German flick Der Zappler.
      And he returned one more time with the 1986 film called Kunyonga – Mord in Afrika.
      Sadly none of the movies enjoyed the kind of success he achieved on the pitch.
      Pelé
      Escape to Victory was among the first to feature playersCredit: Alamy
      The Brazilian legend also starred in a bizarre TV series about aliens
      Brazilian football icon Pelé was one of the first to make the jump from football to films. 
      He starred in the 1981 sports movie Escape to Victory, appearing alongside Michael Caine and Sylvester Stallone.
      The legend also landed a role in Os Estranhos – a 1969 Brazilian TV drama about humans making first contact with aliens. 
      His successful acting career continued with a cameo role in the 2001 film Mike Bassett: England Manager – a mockumentary about a small-time football manager who is put in charge of the national team. 
      Pele, who died in 2022, also became the face of many brands in television adverts throughout his life.
      He filmed commercials for American Express, Mastercard, Pepsi, Atari, Emirates, Louis Vuitton and others. 
      Zlatan Ibrahimović
      The Swedish ace played for Man UnitedCredit: Getty
      Zlatan cut his famous hair and donned Roman armour for his debutCredit: Pathe
      Footballing superstar Zlatan Ibrahimović made his big screen debut last year as a Roman warrior. 
      The Swede played a Roman called Caius Antivirus in the 2023 French-language film Asterix & Obelix: The Middle Kingdom.
      Ibrahimović also recently appeared in the Italian TV comedy series Vita da Carlo. 
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      The former Manchester United player has the potential to enjoy a glittering career in Hollywood thanks to his unbelievable confidence. 
      During his time as a player, the 42-year-old earned a reputation for being cocky and was often accused of arrogance.  More

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      in Soccer

      I’m football freestyler worth around £10m with fleet of supercars and property empire after injury forced career change

      by

      MEET Liv Cooke, football’s most extravagant freestyler who boasts a property empire and a fleet of supercars.The 24-year-old from Lancashire is an Instagram favourite and boasts over two million followers, while on TikTok that number is more than double.
      Meet Liv Cooke, football’s most extravagant football freestylerCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Liv’s accrued a huge wealth that has seen her splash the cash on some amazing motorsCredit: INSTAGRAM
      For her side hustle Liv has become a huge property developerCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Fans have seen her pulling off the most amazing stunts, including her party-piece – juggling a mobile phone and tablet from a great height. Her videos draw in billions of views.
      But it’s as a property developer in the North West where Liv is raking it in.
      Her company has clients including Premier League footballers, Blue Peter presenters and the Great Britain taekwondo Olympics team.
      She also houses women who are victims of domestic abuse, and has helped develop two new 3G pitches in her local community.
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      Cooke’s hard work has paid off, allowing her to live a lifestyle to envy.
      The female sport influencer owns a fleet of super cars, including a £170,000 Ferrari 488 and a Lamborghini Urus worth £200,000.
      From football to freestyling
      Liv grew up in a football-mad house with two older brothers who played the game.
      She starred for Blackburn Rovers at youth level, alongside future Lionesses Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone and Keira Walsh.
      Most read in Football
      However, as fate would have it, a cruel back injury meant she had to forget about becoming a pro when she was 14.
      Instead, Liv turned to skills training. She practiced juggling a football while sat down, just to make sure she didn’t lose her touch, and a new career blossomed.
      She decided, ultimately, to enter the world of freestlying from then on.
      It was a decision, Liv told the Guardian in 2022, that she didn’t take lightly.
      She said: “It was a stupid decision, really. But I felt it in my heart that it was the right thing to do and I just went with that.
      “It all looks intentional in many ways, but actually, for me, football was never a career. I was heading down that way, but I never once thought ‘I wonder how much money I’m going to sign for’, it was never about that for me.
      “I love football so much and I was going to do it for the rest of my life, and I didn’t care if I made £10 or £10,000 an hour.
      “My enjoyment wasn’t materialistic and it wasn’t financial. It was getting out there, winning on the weekends and enjoying the game with my team.”
      Liv began freestyling when her football career was cut short aged just 14Credit: INSTAGRAM
      One of Liv’s party tricks involves saving a mobile phone from smashing by flicking it in the airCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Outrageous stunts
      Liv has come a long way since showcasing her freestyle skills at a school in her hometown Leyland, Lancashire, in 2015.
      In 2017, she competed in the Super Ball open football freestyle championships, where she was crowned the world football freestyle champion and the youngest in history to ever take the title.
      That scored her commercial work – most notably with the likes of Adidas, Lidl and Channel 4, as well as presenting gigs with the BBC for their sadly cancelled MOTDx show.
      But it’s on social media where the younger crowd will know her.
      In 2021, she was confirmed as the highest earning female athlete TikTok creator at the time.
      She boasts 5.5 million followers on the platform and a further two million on Instagram.
      Her videos border on insane and ingenious.
      From saving mobile phones and tablets from falling out of windows with her feet to ball-juggling on the back of a jet ski while her best pal and partner-in-freestyle crime, Olivia Weedall,steers, her stunts are outrageous.
      Conservative estimates of Liv’s wealth start at around the £10m markCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Liv shows off her ball juggling skills while being towed by a jet skiCredit: INSTAGRAM
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      Property empire
      But it’s with her property portfolio where Liv is making serious money.
      Her first foray as an investor and developer came when she was just 19 – a two bed apartment in Lancashire. She then added a one-bed flat in Manchester soon after, and a serious hobby had begun.
      Over the years, she has continued to add to her property empire, and has helped house Premier League footballers, as well as BBC presenters.
      Better still, her properties also house women who have been domestically abused and are looking for a safe place.
      Explaining how she got into property, Liv told the Lancashire Post: “I’ve always been obsessed with being successful and the mindset and worth ethic it takes. I study the greats in any field, originally for motivation when I was training to become the world’s greatest freestyle footballer.
      “I loved Grant Cardones story how he came from nothing to achieve his dream, his relentless drive inspired me in training. Through watching him for inspiration for work ethic I inadvertently gained real estate knowledge
      “After achieving my dream, my profile grew, my career progressed and I was earning nice amounts of money.
      “I then realised I could probably turn these riches into wealth with my basic understanding of real estate. So when lockdown hit and we couldn’t travel or go outside I seized my chance to dive into learning real estate.
      “I read something like seven books and watched a thousand hours of YouTube content on investments/developments in my first week. Similarly to how I ascended rapidly in freestyle football, I got obsessed with real estate.
      In 2019, Liv began to invest in propertyCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Liv now lives the jet set lifestyle and is a star of the business worldCredit: INSTAGRAM
      “My first project commenced not long after, I’m not one to sit around thinking about doing something.
      “The following week I began searching for my first project and had an offer accepted on a property I intended to renovate and convert into a high cash flowing asset. Safe to say I dived into the deep end with material costs flying up due to Covid restrictions.”
      Fast cars
      Although Liv has remained coy about her net worth, estimates online claim she could be worth over £10million.
      Judging by the lifestyle she lives, those guesses don’t seem so far-fetched.
      Her car collection is to be envied, and she regularly shares pictures of her amazing motors on Instagram.
      ‘Barbie’ pink is seemingly her favourite colour – boasting a £200,000 Lamborghini Urus and a £170,000 Ferrari 488 in that hue.
      Other cars seen in her fleet include a Lamborghini Huracan worth £235,000, a Rolls-Royce Phantom with a price tag of around £400,000 and a Mercedes-Benz G-Class that starts at £130,000.
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      Liv has amassed an impressive car collection through the yearsCredit: FACEBOOK
      A £200k Lamborghini Urus is one of Liv’s prized possessionsCredit: FACEBOOK
      Meet Liv Cooke, football freestyler and property developer, who drives a fleet of LamborghinisCredit: Facebook
      While, when she travels she flies by private jet.
      Clearly, she’s living life in the fast lane. More

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      in Soccer

      I’m an undefeated MMA star but my brothers are making their own way as Man Utd hopefuls

      by

      IBRAGHIM IBRAGIMOV is the undefeated MMA prospect looking to make his way to the UFC – but he could end up being overshadowed by his football-playing brothersThe Russian-born Brit is a perfect 6-0 in his mixed martial arts career and is one of the most highly-touted teen fighters in the UK.
      Ibragim Ibragimov is an undefeated Brit teenage MMA prospectCredit: INSTAGRAM@IBRAGHIM.60
      The Russian-born Brit has rubbed shoulders with some of the biggest names in the sportCredit: INSTAGRAM@IBRAGHIM.60
      Ibragimov is 6-0 and on course to become a starCredit: INSTAGRAM@IBRAGHIM.60
      The 19-year-old could be overshadowed by his football-playing brothersCredit: INSTAGRAM@IBRAGHIM.60
      Ibraghimov, 19, regularly rubs shoulders with some of the biggest British names in the sport – including former UFC title challenger Darren Till and PFL star Brendan Loughnane.
      The teen sensation is well and truly on track to make it to the UFC – but his brothers could end up becoming bigger stars than him.
      Ibragimov’s younger brothers – Amir and Gazik – are working their way through the ranks of Manchester United’s youth teams.
      Amir, 15, is considered to be one of the best prospects in United’s academy and was recently invited to train with the first team.
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      The midfielder has seemingly already been earmarked for a future leadership role having captained United-14s and Under-15s.
      His displays for the club’s younger teams have seen him rewarded with five appearances for the Under-18s.
      Despite also being held in high regard by the club’s coaches, Gazik, 14, has yet to be called up to train with the senior Red Devils.
      Amir and Gazik are often cheered on by their fighting brother Ibraghim, who proudly shares their highlights and achievements on his Instagram.
      Most read in Football
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      Ibraghimov’s younger brothers Amir and Gazik play for Manchester United’s youth teamsCredit: INSTAGRAM@AMIR_IBRA7
      Amir and Gazik aren’t the only members of the Ibraghimov family trying to make it at the Premier League giants.
      The duo’s youngest brother Muhammad is also on the club’s books following a move from Manchester City’s academy last November.
      The starlet was proud as punch with his move to United, which he lauded with his near 7,000 Instagram followers.
      Along with a snap of himself holding up a club shirt, he wrote: “Here to create history.”
      Given United’s recent willingness to promote academy stars to the first team and give them starts – Kobbie Mainoo being a testament to the fact – it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that either Amir or Gazik will be handed full debuts in the coming years.
      And who knows, they could by then have a UFC star of a brother cheering them on at Old Trafford.
      Amir has even had a sitdown with club legend Sir Alex FergusonCredit: INSTAGRAM@AMIR_IBRA7 More