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      in Soccer

      I played with Gareth Bale and in Premier League and all EFL divisions but now want to lead Gillingham to FA Cup shock

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      JONNY WILLIAMS has gone to three major tournaments, deputised for Gareth Bale and played with and against some of the world’s greats.The midfield playmaker also can boast he has competed in all four of this country’s top divisions.
      Jonny Williams and Gareth Bale in training for Wales
      Williams is now plying his trade for League Two club Gillingham
      And today he hopes to add another chapter to his football story by helping League Two club Gillingham topple Premier League strugglers Sheffield United at Priestfield.
      Williams, 30, hung up his boots for Wales only last March.
      And when he returned home last summer to Kent, the county of his birth and upbringing, it dawned on him what an incredible adventure he has been on.
      From playing in the top-flight after winning promotion at Wembley with Crystal Palace to helping his country reach the Euro 2016 semi-final, he had a whirlwind start to his career.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Then he helped Charlton climb into the Championship in 2018, played at the delayed Euro 2020 tournament before being selected to go to last winter’s World Cup in Qatar despite being a League Two player at Swindon!
      He told SunSport: “I pinch myself at times. I’m moving into a new home back in Tunbridge Wells, sorting through boxes and seeing memorabilia of things I did.
      “Going to the Euros and a World Cup were things I could’ve only dreamed of.
      “My only goal as a kid was to play one senior game for Crystal Palace so to go to those tournaments and score twice for my country, as well as win two Wembley play-off finals, were incredible life experiences.” 
      Most read in Football
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      Williams made his international debut by coming on as a half-time sub for the injured Bale against Scotland in 2013 before deputising for the Wales legend four days later.
      And the Gills midfielder played during what was a golden age in Welsh football.
      He said: “Aaron Ramsey and Bale were not just world-class as players — but as people too. 
      “They set the tone for the rest of the group and what followed. There were no egos because that wasn’t the way we were going as a nation.
      Williams in action against England at Euro 2016 in France
      Our man Justin Allen caught up with Jonny Williams at Gillingham
      “The two let their feet do the talking because they’re natural-gifted footballers blessed with unbelievable talent with and without the ball.
      “And the desire to improve and work hard in training set the tempo for the rest of us. 
      “When I was very young, Craig Bellamy was the same — he led by example. 
      “It makes you understand and learn quickly what needs to be done if you want to play for Wales. I was fortunate enough to have those boys to look up to.
      Aaron Ramsey and Bale were not just world-class as players — but as people tooJonny Williams
      “They always spoke to everyone, players and staff, with respect. I know it should be a given in life but sometimes in football it’s not and I’ve had team mates who struggle with that.
      “I learned massively from Gareth and Aaron — from when I was playing in the Premier League to when I was in League Two, they still treated me the same as they did Wayne Hennessey.
      “And the squad had some great professionals in it. The other ones that stood out for me were Joe Allen, who got into the Euro 2016 team of the tournament, and Ben Davies.
      “It’s Ben’s 12th season playing for Wales and to stay at that level for that length of time you’ve got to be a top footballer.
      Williams played during a golden era for Welsh football
      The midfielder prepares to warm up at the Qatar World Cup last winter
      “I’m sure once Aaron comes to the end of his time, Ben will be the natural leader to step in because he’s great in the dressing room as well.”
      Bale announced his retirement from all football following the World Cup in Qatar and a glittering career that took in Southampton, Tottenham and Real Madrid.
      And Williams said: “I’m sure he’d have loved to have won the Premier League — but with five Champions League titles and all his Wales achievements I don’t think he’ll have any complaints.
      “I still keep in touch with those two. Aaron’s close to returning from injury with Cardiff. I’ve not spoken to Gareth for a couple of months but he’s probably busy playing golf with that spare time he’s now got!”
      Today’s opponents Sheffield United evoke some fond but also emotional memories for Williams.
      Former Blades player and manager Gary Speed was the man who first promoted him into the Wales squad — and nurtured the then rookie before tragically taking his own life in 2011.
      Williams said: “Gary was a phenomenal bloke in the short time I spent with him. 
      “He was a Premier League legend and I’d seen many of his games as a kid — and in the Wales team as well as I was making my way through the youth ages, watching him playing in the senior set up.
      Gary Speed gave Williams his first Wales senior squad call-up before losing his life in tragic circumstances
      “To this day, we don’t know why he took his life. We’ll be asking for years why? 
      “I remember walking out of church that Sunday morning learning he had passed away. It was tragic news. 
      “I’ll be forever grateful for him giving me that senior call up and showing that belief in me as a 17-year-old to work alongside the likes of him, Craig Bellamy, Danny Gabbidon and all the Wales superstars coming through at the time.
      “He took me out for a coffee or hot chocolate in St David’s in Cardiff — and told me straight away, ‘You’re good enough to be here, don’t just think this is a token call-up. You’re playing at a good level, you’ve been playing well and I want you in the senior team. Just enjoy the experience and playing with these players — and this is the start of your future.’
      “Not many managers would’ve done that. I was only a teen but he sat me down and took 15 to 20 minutes to get to know me as a person. I didn’t get much time with him in the end but those small moments I’ll remember forever.”
      Today he potentially faces his former Wales team-mate Rhys Norrington-Davies, who came on as a late sub at Man City for his first outing for FOURTEEN months after being sidelined with a career-threatening hamstring injury.
      And Williams said: “Rhys is so talented and deserves to be in the Premier League. I hope he can kick on.
      “I was gutted for him missing the World Cup because he’s so good around the dressing room too. 

      Williams with the Wales team after being knocked out of the 2022 World Cup
      “Football can be a cruel sport but I’m sure he would have had his friends and family around him to get him through that period and now he’s back fit and he’s got the opportunity to play in the top division.”
      And Williams himself still has plenty of ambitions going forward in his club career.
      Read more on The Sun
      First he hopes to cause an upset today and then his next goal is clear: “To win promotion.
      “I’ve gone to the Premier League and Championship — and now I want to complete the hat-trick set and get Gillingham back into League One where they belong.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Inside ‘hour by hour’ fight to save Michael Schumacher’s life 10 years ago as docs lowered body temp & operated on brain

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      MICHAEL Schumacher’s life was hanging by a thread 10-years-ago as medics tried desperately to keep him alive after a tragic skiing crash that left him with horrific brain injuries.The F1 legend was given the best possible treatment as he was put into a medically induced coma, had his body temperature lowered and underwent hours of tricky operations on his brain.
      Michael Schumacher was left fighting for his life a decade ago today after a tragic skiing accident that caused major brain injuriesCredit: AFP
      The F1 icon was airlifted to a specialised hospital in Grenoble and taken straight to intensive care for life saving treatmentCredit: Reuters
      In the 10 years since the horror accident Michael’s family have kept as much as possible secret from the outside worldCredit: EPA
      The spot in the French Alps ski resort of Meribel where Schumacher took a fall and hit his head on a boulderCredit: AFP
      Yesterday in 2013, the retired seven-time world champion, and his then 14-year-old son set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel.
      Footage from his helmet camera revealed he was not travelling at excessive speed when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow.
      He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two and left him needing to be airlifted to hospital for two life-saving operations.
      The racing legend’s health reportedly deteriorated fast as he was being carried away and is thought to have lost consciousness before being intubated to keep him breathing.
      READ MORE ON SCHUMACHER
      After he was wheeled into the intensive care unit, Professor Jean-Francois Payen said it was a case of working “hour by hour” as the team took three key measures to save the then 44-year-old’s life.
      The racing icon was put into a medically induced coma to reduce the inflammation around his brain and allow for him to be operated on.
      Doctors lowered his body temperature to 34-35C when he was in the coma, slowing his metabolism down.
      He then underwent two operations to remove blood clots and save his life by releasing pressure built up in his head.
      Most read in Motorsport
      At one point his family were told to brace themselves for the worst case scenario as the situation was much worse than originally believed.
      A senior German journalist was even reported as saying: “The family has been told that only a miracle can bring him back now.”
      At the time, medics said Schumacher was likely to stay in an induced coma for at least 48 hours as his body and mind recovered.
      But the coma ended up lasting 250 days – more than eight months.
      After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva to get further treatment.
      Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status.
      Only small amounts of information have been released including reports that Schumacher was in a wheelchair but can react to things around him.
      In 2019, it was said that Schumacher was set to undergo breakthrough stem cell therapy in a bid to regenerate and rebuild his nervous system.
      Renowned France cardiologist Dr Philippe Menasche, who had operated on him previously, was set to carry out the treatment that would see cells from his heart go to his brain.
      Following the treatment at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris, he was said to be “conscious”, although few other details were given about his state.
      The doctor made it clear that any and all details of Schumacher’s treatment would remain “secret” for medical confidentiality.
      It’s reported Schumacher has received medical care costing as much as £115,000-a-week as his family, friends and pals all hope he can continue to recover from his horror ski crash.
      He is also being looked after by an expert team of 15 doctors and a team of masseurs with his loving wife Corinna by his side.
      Schumacher hasn’t been seen since the accident or even heard from.
      However in April 2023, a German magazine ran a tasteless AI-generated “interview” with the stricken driver pretending to speak with him.
      Die Aktuelle’s front cover showed a photo of him smiling, with a headline promising: “Michael Schumacher, the first interview”.
      But in fact the chat was written with an artificial intelligence tool and the family threatened legal action leading to Die Aktuelle’s editor being sacked.
      Since the accident, German author and journalist Jens Gideon has been probing the horrific accident and gave two potential reasons as to why the crash happened and had such dire consequences.
      The first was the lack of snow on the ground, which meant it was extra dangerous to ski as the rocks were exposed.
      And the second was because Schumacher was conscious after the initial fall so first responders didn’t realise just how serious his condition was rapidly worsening.
      Read more on The Sun
      A local ski instructor who saw the crash said Schumacher seemed responsive after the accident so was taken to a hospital in Moutiers.
      When the helicopter eventually landed it was immediately decided that it should take off again and fly to the bigger, more specialised hospital in Grenoble as his was clearly in danger of losing his life.
      Michael’s wife Corinna is part of an inner circle of family and close friends who are the only people allowed to see MichaelCredit: Rex Features

      The Schumacher family were reportedly told that only a miracle would bring Michael back as his brain injuries were so severeCredit: Netflix More

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      in Boxing

      Inside boxing legend Manny Pacquiao’s amazing car collection including a £180k Ferrari and £130k Porsche Cayenne Turbo

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      MANNY PACQUIAO has amassed a staggering £200million fortune thanks to his incredible career.PacMan, now 45, is a boxing legend – and the only eight-division world champion in the history of the sport.
      Manny Pacquaio boasts an amazing car collectionCredit: Getty
      The most expensive motor in Pacquiao’s car collection is a £180k Ferrari 458 Italia
      The Ferrari 458 Italia can reach 0-62 mph in just three secondsCredit: Alamy
      Alongside a life in the ring, Pacquiao became a politician and was Senator of the Philippines until 2022.
      But, alongside his charity work, he has not been afraid to flaunt his wealth.
      And he has splashed the cash on an amazing array of motors that would make him the envy of many.
      Ferrari 458 Italia, £180k
      The quickest of Pacquiao’s motors, the Ferrari 458 Italia can reach 0-62 mph in just three seconds.
      Read more car collections
      Costing a whopping £180,000 – it’s a pricey supercar.
      But it’s definitely worth it in the style stakes because nothing looks as sleek as a Ferrari.
      It’s powered by a 4.5 litre V8 engine that produces 562 horse power.
      Footballers including Neymar, Mesut Ozil and Mario Balotelli have all been seen with a 458 Italia.
      Most read in Boxing
      Porsche Cayenne Turbo, £130k
      Driving around Los Angeles when he was on at training camp, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo was an ideal ride.
      First of all, it provides ample space for the 5ft5in southpaw to relax in after a gruelling session in the gym.
      Second, it’s one of most luxurious SUV’s on the market – capable of hitting 0-62 mph in a very zippy 3.7 seconds.
      It’s got plenty of punch, just like it’s owner.
      The Porsche Cayenne Turbo is one of the most luxury SUV’s on the marketCheck out these amazing collections

      Mercedes Benz SL550, £80k
      This classically designed Merc is a staple among the rich and famous.
      It debuted in 2006, with the latter models boasting a 4.7-litre twin-turbo V-8 engine.
      The SL550 is surprisingly quick – capable of 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds.
      Inside it’s plush, with Mercedes Benz always providing lavish interiors.
      The Mercedes-Benz SL550 boasts lavish interiorsCredit: Reuters
      read more sport features
      Lincoln Navigator, £90k
      A classic American SUV, the Lincoln was long-associated with Hollywood A-lister Matthew McConaughey, who was an ambassador for the brand.
      Called a ‘Palace on wheels’, the Navigator is their most impressive model.
      Many joke it has an apartment size interior, and it is capable of seating eight passengers.
      However, be warned – it’s not a sporty drive and handles like a barge.
      The Lincoln Navigator has been described as an apartment on wheelsCredit: Getty
      Cadillac Escalade, £150k
      For Pacquiao, big is clearly best.
      Not content with owning a massive Lincoln Navigator, he also rules the road with a beautiful Escalade.
      In Los Angeles, where Pacquiao spent a lot of his time training at the Wildcard gym, they are often seen as limos for Hollywood’s elite.
      Measuring 17ft long and weighing 2.6 tonnes, the engine is a massive 6.2-litre, naturally aspirated V8.
      The Cadillac Escalade is often seen ferrying A-list celebs around LACredit: Cadillac
      Hummer H2, from £50k
      There was a time when you couldn’t move for Hummers in the US, especially among the sporting elite.
      However, the car manufacturer GM stopped making the Army-inspired SUVs in 2010.
      That’s now made the Hummer a collector’s item, which Pacquiao will be well aware of.
      Although he bought his bulletproof vehicle for protection for himself and his family in the Philippines.
      Pacquiao owns a bulletproof Hummer in his homelandCredit: Handout – Getty
      M2 Cyclone 1200cc Motorcycle, £4k
      Not content with four wheels, Pacquiao enjoyed riding two with this custom-made motorcycle.
      It was made by Harley Davidson’s sister operation, Buell.
      Read more on The Sun
      Design-wise, it features imagery of Manny’s legendary bouts against Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton.
      It boast a 1200cc size, V-twin, four stroke, 5 gears engine and reaches a top speed of 135 mph.
      Pacquiao also has a M2 Cyclone 1200cc Motorcycle custom-designedCredit: motorcyclephilippines.com/forums/ More

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      in Motorsport

      Inside Michael Schumacher’s secretive & ironclad inner circle from Todt to Badoer & those cut by Corinna ‘for his sake’

      by

      AS ONE of the greatest race car drivers of all time Michael Schumacher could’ve had his pick of friends – from fellow F1 legends to the rich and famous outside of Motorsports.But after his tragic ski accident that left him fighting for his life the iconic German’s friendship group has been trimmed down as his family continue to keep his health a secret and his inner circle small.
      Michael Schumacher’s wife Corinna has created an inner circle for the legendary F1 figure to help ensure their families privacyCredit: Alamy

      Luca Badoer (middle left) and Ruebens Barrichello (far right) were drivers for Ferrari with Michael (far left) but since the accident just Luca has been allowed to see himCredit: AP:Associated Press
      As an accomplished skier, the retired seven-times world champion, and his then 14-year-old son set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel, exactly a decade ago.
      Footage from his helmet camera revealed he was not travelling at excessive speed when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow.
      He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two and left him needing to be airlifted to hospital for two life-saving operations.
      Doctors later said the headgear is the only reason he’s still alive.
      read more in SCHUMACHER’S LIFE
      Michael was then placed in a medically induced coma to try to reduce the swelling and in the decade since the F1 superstar has never been seen in public and health updates have been very rare.
      This sparked a whole host of unanswered questions from friends, fans and fellow drivers that his family refused to comment on.
      Since 2013, his wife Corinna has been creating a private world around Michael as he continues his recovery – including forming a tight knit group of people allowed to see the great man and those who can’t.
      Corinna has cut out certain people for a plethora or reasons including keeping the families privacy a priority and for the sake of Schuey.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Michael’s wife – who he described as his “guardian angel” – has done her best to keep their life private including reportedly slimming down his £500m business empire and selling prized assets such as his private jet and Norwegian home.
      She has even converted part of their £50million home into a hospital where 15 doctors and a team of masseurs give him 24-hour care and the surrounding forest and security fences kept him away from anyone not welcome.
      Jean Todt
      The ex-F1 boss has been close to Michael for over 30 years and is one of the only people outside of his family who has publicly spoken about the Germans well being and what he gets up to these days.
      Todt, 77, spoke about the pairs relationship in an interview with German TV channel RTL.
      He revealed that he and Michael watch F1 races together when Jean visits the seven-time world champion at his Geneva home.
      The two have been meeting up around once a month since the accident with Jean even saying “his family are my family”.
      Schumacher’s former boss at Ferrari said: “I don’t miss Michael, I see him. Yes, it’s true, I watch races with Michael.
      “But sure, I guess what I miss is what we used to do together.”
      “Him, Corinna, the family, we’ve had so many experiences together. The beauty of what we have experienced is part of us and it goes on.
      “Sometimes success and money changes you. But Michael has never changed. He’s so strong.” 
      Jean first met Michael when he took the already two time champion under his wing at the “The Prancing Horse” and helped him win five consecutive world titles between 2000 to 2004.
      Since the accident Jean has always been adamant that the Schumacher family should be left alone and not made to discuss Michael.
      Sabine Kehm
      Sabine Kehm was a relatively unknown journalist before her first interview with the Michael when she was just a 29-year-old.
      Six years later, Sabine was invited into the inner circle of everything Schumacher when she accepted an offer to become his press officer.
      The 59-year-old has been in this coveted role for over 13 years now and later became his manager as in that time the pair struck up a brilliant relationship.
      Sabine became responsible for keeping Schumacher’s life in check and helping the very busy man stay organised.
      She was tasked with buying birthday presents for members of his team when he was at Ferrari and making sure he did enough media to keep sponsors and fans happy but not enough to annoy Michael.
      Kehm remembers a conversation she had with him when they first grew close and it’s something that’s stuck with her even after the accident.
      She said: “Once in a long discussion Michael said to me: ‘You don’t need to call me for the next year, I’m disappearing.’
      “I think it was his secret dream to be able to do that some day.
      “That’s why now I still want to protect his wishes in that I don’t let anything get out.”
      Sabine is seen as one of the most powerful members of the inner circle as she was with Michael more than most during his career.
      She kept on top of the press and tried her best to keep them in line with whatever Michael did and didn’t want to do.
      Even after his accident, when people were desperate to see him and know what condition he was in Kehm made sure anything the family wanted to keep private remained a secret.
      Luca Badoer
      Ex-Ferrari test driver Luca Badoer and Schumacher’s careers first crossed paths when the pair were at the Italian giants together.
      Michael was the best driver in the world for a long period of time during his time at Ferrari and the whole time Badoer played a pivotal role in helping the team achieve such great success by testing the car.
      But since then – back in the late 90s – the pair have stayed in contact.
      Badoer revealed a few years ago that he visits the great driver regularly and is welcomed in by the family.
      He also noted that the family want to keep some things a complete secret and he will “respect their will largely”.
      He continued: “I do not even want to talk about this, because I’ve never talked about it, just because the family does not want to.
      “The visits to him are really granted to a few people, at the behest of Corinna. We respect what they want, and there is no need to make controversy.”
      Schumacher’s previous health leaksThe Schumacher family has faced several other issues with keeping their father and husband’s life as secretive as possible.
      A legal battle in 2016 was waged after German magazine Bunte reported the racing legend “could walk”.
      The court case led to a few small pieces of information being revealed, with Schumacher’s lawyers confirming he still couldn’t walk.
      Corinna also reportedly led the effort to hide a ghoulish photo of the F1 legend that was reportedly snapped and then smuggled out by a “friend” and offered around to news outlets for a whopping £1million.
      German prosecutors called the disgusting act a “violation of his personal range of life” and breach of privacy.
      Corinna reportedly demanded the cops take action, but the media outlet refused to reveal its source – and also claimed it never saw any of the images of Schumacher.

      Michael with his former boss Jean Todt (left) – Jean is known to visit the Schumacher home regularly and watch F1 races with the recovering driverCredit: AFP
      Sabine Kehm has always made sure the superstar’s health isn’t out in the public and remained a secret for the family
      Luca Badoer (right) has been a friend of Michael’s for decades and is a part of the inner circle made up by his wife CorinnaCredit: EPA
      Rubens Barrichello
      Despite being teammates for the most successful period of Michael’s career between the glory years of 2000 to 2005 Barrichello has been banned from seeing the superstar.
      In an interview on Brazilian TV network Globo, Barrichello said: “I tried to find a way to visit him, but they said to me: ‘It will not do you or him any good’.”
      Barrichello has been critical of the way he felt he was treated during his time at Ferrari by the team and Michael and voiced his feelings to the media.
      He said the lead driver was “was never supportive” and “never there to offer help”.
      The Brazilian said he ended up feeling like the team was made for Schumacher only and not for himself at all.
      During his time at Williams Racing, Barrichello also screamed that Schumacher “tried to kill him” and nearly “sending him to heaven” in a 200 mph horror move during the Hungarian Grand Prix.
      Willi Weber
      One of the biggest exclusions from Corinna’s inner circle is the man who is often credited with discovering Schumacher and kick starting his near perfect career.
      Willi Weber, 81, was the long-term manager of the F1 champion, but after being barred from seeing Michael he now fears he’ll never see his former protégé ever again.
      Weber recently revealed that he had received “no positive news” after allegedly being shut out of the racing star’s life for the last 10 years.
      He told the Cologne Express: “When I think of Michael now, unfortunately I don’t have anymore hope that I will see him again.
      “No positive news after ten years.”
      He also recalled how gutted he felt about not being able to see the man he once said was like a son to him immediately after the accident.
      “Of course, I regret that very much and blame myself. I should have visited Michael in the hospital. I mourned like a dog after his accident.”
      Much like Barrichello – Weber has been critical in the press about the family extraordinarily accusing them of not being honest to the public about the Schumacher’s condition.
      He said: “I find it very unfortunate that Michael’s fans do not know about his health. Why are they not being told the truth?”
      And in July last year, Weber once again made headlines by demanding that the Schumacher family come out with the truth about his health.
      He said he was still “angry” that he had not been kept informed once since the F1 legend’s ski accident.
      He told Italian sports publication La Gazetta dello Sport: “I tried hundreds of times to contact Corinna and she didn’t answer.
      “They kept me out, telling me it’s too early, well now it’s too late. It’s been nine years. Maybe they should just say it the way it is.”
      Eddie Jordan
      The famed founder of Jordan Grand Prix was apparently blocked after putting in a request to visit Michael and see how he was.
      Jordan told the Irish Daily Mirror: “So, there was connection and I reached out and one stage asked was it appropriate and did I think we should go and visit him.
      “The answer was no. No visitations for anyone at that moment except the actual direct family.”
      Jordan has since stayed in contact with Michael’s famous son Mick who Jordan labelled as “extraordinary”, but still hasn’t met the slowly recovering Schumacher.
      The former F1 boss, gave Schumacher his big break in motor racing back in 1991, and considered himself a good friend of Michael’s.
      He continued: “I made an effort to go see Michael in the early days and Corinna refused, and rightfully so because too many people wanted to go see him.
      “Jean Todt was given the privilege to go see him because of how close they were from their time together at Ferrari which is completely understandable.
      Read more on The Sun
      “I was not able to go see Michael and they said ‘We love you Eddie and we’ve been involved with you for a very long time, but we do need privacy and safeguard of Michael’.”
      Rubens Barrichello (left) opened up about his relationship with Michael Schumacher and revealed he asked to visit his former teammate but was told no
      Eddie Jordan (left) with Schumacher in 1991 – the former F1 boss asked to see Michael after the skiing accident but his request was rejected
      Willi Weber (right) is known as the man who first discovered Schmuacher in 1989 but since his accident Weber hasn’t been allowed to see the man he saw as a son More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Bruno Fernandes’ luxury car collection includes a speedy £150k Porsche Panamera and a stunning £85,000 BMW SUV

      by

      BRUNO Fernandes has often been praised for his engine. But, it’s his cars that certainly boast more power.The Man Utd captain, 29, is believed to earn £240,000-per-week at Old Trafford.
      Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes boasts an amazing array of motorsCredit: Getty
      Fernandes boasts a Porsche Panamera Turbo S Sports car in his garageCredit: Porsche
      The interiors for the Porsche are futuristic and stunningCheck out these amazing collections

      Porsche Panamera Turbo S, £150k
      The jewel of Fernandes’ car collection, the playmaker owns a stunning Porsche Panamera Turbo S, which has been described as one of the world’s great driving cars.
      It boasts blistering speed – able to reach a staggering 195 mph. Better still, it reaches 0-60 mph in just 2.8 seconds.
      Powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V-8 engine that pumps out 620 horsepower, it’s an absolute beast.
      But, at £150,000 it’s a costly one.
      Read more car collections
      BMW X5 M50i, £85k
      Steady and reliable, Fernandes also had this ‘Beamer’ SUV at his disposal.
      BMW launched it to rival the infamous Range Rover and knock it off its perch.
      It’s a huge vehicle – having a 4 litre, twin-turbo V8 engine under the bonnet.
      And it can move some, carrying it’s 2.3 tonnes weight from 0-62 mph in just 4.3 seconds.
      Most read in Football
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      The BMW X5 M50i costs £85kCredit: BMW
      Audi Q7, from £64k
      A complete family car, Fernandes joined an army of footballers who favoured the Q7.
      Reliability and performance are two things the German car giants boast, and the Q7 is again a steady choice.
      Several high-profile Barcelona stars used a Q7 to get to and from training until the Catalans’ sponsorship deal expired.
      Fernandes is no different – pulling up to Carrington in style and comfort.
      The Q7 is a favourite among footballersCredit: Audi
      Mercedes Benz GLC 300 4matic AMG, £60k
      Another training ground runner, Fernandes doubled up by using this Merc as a family car.
      It’s as luxury as it gets, but unlike his Porsche and BMW a more slower drive.
      But it’s the interiors where it really exceeds itself.
      Plush leather seats and a state-of-the-art entertainment system let you forgive the fact it reaches 0-62 mph in 5.4 seconds.
      The spacious Mercedes Benz GLC 300 4matic Coupe is the perfect training ground carCredit: Mercedes
      Mini Cooper JCW Hardtop 2 door, from £32k
      Fernandes was seen behind the wheel of a very special Mini Cooper modified by John Cooper Works.
      Because of Cooper’s F1 heritage, this model handles like a race car – boasting Brembo brakes and aggressive suspension, although the latter can make for a bumpy ride on rough roads.
      Read more on The Sun
      A 0-60 mph dash can be reached in 5.7 seconds, which isn’t too shabby.
      It’s size also makes it the ideal car to find parking when shopping on Manchester’s more exclusive streets.
      The John Cooper Works Mini Cooper is a special edition More

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      Adventure nut Sir Jim Ratcliffe has trekked to North and South poles, climbed Matterhorn and did Ironman triathlon at 64

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      SIR Jim Ratcliffe’s sense of adventure knows no ends.The billionaire businessman, 71, is a 25 per cent owner of Manchester United, and has delved into the world of cycling, sailing and more.
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe conquered the North Pole with sons Sam Ratcliffe, left, and George Ratcliffe, centreCredit: iceaxetv
      Man Utd investor Ratcliffe is an enthusiastic adventurerCredit: Getty
      But, although rebuilding a crumbling Old Trafford might seem like a challenge, that pales into what Ratcliffe has put his 6ft 4in frame through
      A lover of the outdoors, as well as a pub owner, he has trekked BOTH the North and South poles.
      A keen long-distance runner, the petrochemicals tycoon has also competed the gruelling Marathon Des Sables across the Sahara Desert.
      Add to that climbing the Matterhorn, and completing the Ironman triathlon aged 64 – the sense you get of Ratcliffe is a man who sees no barriers.
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      Risk taker
      As man who has conquered the business world, Ratcliffe might have taken a few risks.
      When it has come to his own personal adventures, he has admitted caution in the past.
      “I don’t take risks unnecessarily,” he once said.
      “To give you an example, I won’t and would never jump out of an aeroplane, because you either live or die depending upon how well someone’s packed your parachute.
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      ‘I’ve done a bungee jump because I don’t think there’s too much risk attached.
      “I’m quite careful, but you’re only here once so you get more out of life if you challenge yourself a bit more.”
      That philosophy hasn’t stopped him from taking on life’s hardest tasks.
      Forget sea and sand
      Although his £30billion wealth means he belongs in the jet-set, and he does reside in a mansion in Monaco, it’s colder expeditions that get Ratcliffe excited.
      In 2009, he and his sons Sam and George climbed the North Pole – embarking on a treacherous journey through broken and shifting ice,
      “You pull a big heavy sledge and it’s very cold and uncomfortable,” he told The Times.
      “The ice cap’s always moving with the currents and the wind and parts of it break off. Then you encounter mountains of ice and you’ve got to drag your sledge over them.”
      Two years later, they returned to do the South Pole The date, December 14, 1911, they trekked it was significant.
      It was the 100-year anniversary of Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen’s historic expedition, who was the first to plant a flag there.
      “It was one of the more miserable experiences of my life,” Sir Jim said.
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe, left, crosses open water on the Arctic Ocean on his North Pole voyageCredit: iceaxetv
      The Ratcliffes pose for a picture on their treacherous journeyCredit: iceaxetv
      “There’s nothing uplifting about spending all day [on skis] pulling an 80-kilo sledge over ice waves.
      “But there’s no feeling quite like getting to the South Pole after you’ve walked 200 kilometres.
      “It’s the highs and lows of life, isn’t it? The highs are better if you’ve experienced a few lows beforehand. You can’t just have highs all the time.”
      Climbing the Matterhorn
      The splendid Matterhorn mountain of the Alps stands at 14,692 ft above the sea level.
      Accompanied by a guide, Sir Jim and his sons decided to climb it. They, like him, share the same sense of daring.
      He chooses his guides carefully.
      He revealed: “Yeah, they grew up understanding risk and a bit of adventure and just getting out there and challenging yourself a bit really.
      “If you go up the Matterhorn there’s obviously risk, but you’re going up with a guide who’s been climbing all his life.
      “I always try to pick a guide who’s got a wife and children because they have the most to lose. What you don’t want is a 25-year-old gung-ho guide.”
      However, there was a dicey moment when his youngest son George was almost lost on the Matterhorn.
      “George was only 13 when we climbed the Matterhorn. Sam was 15. It was a nice moment, sitting at the top, having a sandwich,” he said.
      read more sport features
      The stunning Matterhorn provided Ratcliffe another challenge he enduredCredit: Getty
      Ratcliffe also navigated the Northwest Passage, dodging icebergs along the way in a small vesselCredit: AP:Associated Press
      “Then on the way down George slipped. The guide had to arrest him on the rope really quickly, but he survived. The most dangerous bit of the Matterhorn is after you leave the summit, because it’s seriously vertical and it’s ice and you’re on crampons.
      “If you slip when you’re going up you just fall forward, but when you’re going down and you slip you don’t stop until you hit the ski resort a couple of miles below.”
      The treacherous trip through the Northwest Passage is not one for the faint-hearted.
      In the explorer vessel, Sherpa he dodged icebergs in isolation.
      “For three weeks I didn’t see another ship or meet another human being, only polar bears,” he said.
      Endurance tester
      When he’s not travelling around the globe, Ratcliffe is putting his body through the ringer.
      Astonishingly, at the age of 64, he completed an Ironman triathlon.
      He swam 2.4 miles, cycled 112 miles, then ran a full marathon in a very respectable 14 hours and 44 minutes.
      While in 2013, he completed the Marathon Des Sables – an ultramarathon in South Morocco regarded as the toughest foot race on earth.
      Endurance zapping challenges are Ratcliffe’s meat and drinkCredit: PA:Press Association
      At 64 Ratcliffe complated an Ironman TriathlonCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Competitors must trek across the Sahara Desert in scorching energy-zapping conditions, which is the length of SIX normal marathons.
      To celebrate his 60th birthday in 2012, Ratcliffe took a group of 12 companions, including his sons and daughter on a 6,000 motorcycle trip around southern Africa over 100 days.
      Though it wasn’t all plain sailing for Ratcliffe.
      He broke three bones in his foot, and when a local hospital bandaged his injury too tightly he feared amputation.
      There was only one thing to do. He took a chainsaw, cut off the cast, to allow the blood supply to repair his broken appendage.
      Read more on The Sun
      Instead of the cast, he ordered a ski boot to be shipped to him so the bones could set.
      “I think I’m the only person ever to have worn a ski boot in Namibia,” he joked.
      Ratcliffe nearly came a cropper in Namibia when he broke bones in his footCredit: YouTube/INEOS
      The gruelling Marathon Des Sables was another foot race Ratcliffe competed inCredit: Jim Carnegie/British Photography Awards More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s historic haunted pub where drinkers stick money on the ceiling for ghost of murdered soldier

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      BEFORE Sir Jim Ratcliffe became a Man Utd investor, the billionaire tycoon bought a pub.The 71-year-old petrochemicals tycoon – who has bought 25 per cent of club for £1.3bn – enjoyed a regular tipple at the Grenadier in London’s Belgravia.
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe enjoys a pint at his pub the GrenadierCredit: Jon Bond – The Sun
      Man Utd investor Ratcliffe bought the pub in 2022
      So enamoured by its history, he approached brewery Greene King to take it off their hands, and then named his foray into the SUV market by the same name.
      The landmark boozer was built in 1720 and is a hidden gem in the capital – visited by Prince William and pop queen Madonna in recent times.
      While it also hides a secret story that adds to its mystique.
      According to folklore, the pub is the most haunted in the city.
      Read more Man Utd news
      And, there’s a reason why…
      Rich history
      Found in a secluded street in Belgrave Square, the Grenadier served as an officers’ mess in the 18th century.
      Meaning, it was used by military for meals, drinks and recreational activities.
      Word has it, the pub was visited by King George IV during his reign between 1820-1830.
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      However, there’s a more sinister story involving a brutal murder of a solider.
      That’s the same soldier that’s said to haunt the premises.
      Caught cheating
      In 1818, a group of officers were enjoying a game of cards.
      But the night turned ugly when one, called Cedric, was reportedly caught cheating.
      He was taken outside by his comrades, who beat him to a pulp outside the doors.
      The pub is named after Cedric, himself, who was a Grenadier guard.
      Allegedly, the incident happened in a September.
      That is the month when most paranormal activity is reported, with a ghostly figure apparently seen walking through the pub’s rooms.
      The Grenadier is said to be haunted
      Punters pay tribute to a murdered soldier by sticking money on the ceiling
      A ghost of the soldier is said to haunt the boozer
      read more sport features
      Fitting tribute
      Because of tradition, punters who flock to the Grenadier, some tourists, have found a novel way of celebrating Cedric, who is featured in a painting behind the bar.
      Plenty stick money to the ceiling to pay off his debts, with currency from all over the world plastered all over the pub.
      Over 200 years later, and visitors are still making donations to the cause.
      But, that hasn’t stopped Cedric from continuing to play pranks on staff and drinkers.
      ‘Tables and chairs rattle inexplicably’
      Staff at the Grenadier have fed into the tale over the years.
      Cedric’s ghostly presence is certainly felt when it comes to glasses breaking and the like.
      The Grenadier is decorated in military regalia
      A painting, believed to be of Cedric, hangs in the pub
      A spokesperson previously told the Culture Trip: “Objects seem to either disappear or move without explanation. Tables and chairs rattle inexplicably, as well as an icy chill that befalls the pub that can last for days.
      “Footsteps have been heard wandering around empty rooms, and every so often, low sighing moans are heard from the depths of the cellar.
      “Famously, on one occasion, it was reported that whilst the Chief Superintendent from New Scotland Yard was enjoying a drink in the pub, smoke began to waft around him.
      Ratcliffe’s obsession
      “As he reached towards the smoke, it is said that an invisible cigarette burnt his hand.”
      The Grenadier has been a haven for the wealthy locals of Knightsbridge through the years.
      Ratcliffe came up with an idea to find a spiritual successor to the Land Rover DefenderCredit: Jon Bond – The Sun
      The idea for his Grenadier SUV was scribbled down on a beer mat in the pubCredit: Jon Bond – The Sun
      Ratcliffe, who boasts an estimated £30billion fortune, was a regular.
      It was there where he came up with the idea of building a sturdy 4×4 seen as the successor to the Land Rover Defender.
      Amusingly, he is believed to have scribbled down plans for the motor on a beer mat while drinking with a group of pals.
      Read more on The Sun
      He then decided to buy it in 2022.
      As they say, the best ideas come in the pub. More

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      in Soccer

      Jose Mourinho was my PE teacher, loads of the kids hated him but even then he proved he was a tactical mastermind

      by

      JOSE MOURINHO has always been a Marmite character – just ask his former PE students. The Special One continues to divide opinion, nearly 20 years on from leading Porto to Champions League glory.
      Jose Mourinho was a PE teacher before his football coaching career took offCredit: Empics
      Armenio Anjos was one of his students at Zeca Afonso Secondary SchoolCredit: Joshua Jones / SunSport
      The future manager still had the same incredible intensity and demands at the schoolCredit: PA:Press Association
      But his my-way-or-the-highway methods and demand for respect were not reserved for just elite-level footballers.
      Armenio Anjos, 50, can testify to that.
      Anjos attended the school Escola Secundaria Zeca Afonso in Alhos-Vedros just outside Lisbon when Mourinho spent a year teaching PE in his early 20s between the end of his brief playing career and the beginning of his managerial career.
      Mourinho, 60, was not even the school’s football team manager but he still made quite the impression on his pupil – producing one of his very first tactical masterstrokes. 
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      Anjos told SunSport: “Jose Mourinho was my PE teacher for one year before he went to Sporting. 
      “He was 23 or 24, I was 14 or 15. I didn’t expect Mourinho to be what he is now.
      “He was the same. It’s one thing I love about him: Mourinho has never changed. He is always in your face. Whatever he thinks about you, he will tell you.
      “I love him. I have never stopped loving him, even at school. I was not the only one. There was a lot of people like me who loved him but a lot of people hated him. It’s like now.
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      “Even at that time, a lot of my schoolmates said, ‘This guy is too rude for me.’
      “In Portugal, if you don’t pass, you repeat the year so some of the girls were older.

      “Mourinho was always good looking and he was driving a Renault 18 which was a very nice, popular car.”
      Anjos continued: “He wasn’t the manager but he told me to go in goal.
      “I went in goal and I was good and then I was the goalkeeper for the school team. 
      “He taught me everything. Basketball, volleyball. 
      “We always think PE is a subject we don’t need to work hard in. It’s just running about and kicking the ball. Not with him. 
      “He said, ‘I went to uni like your English teacher, Portuguese teacher, maths teacher. You have to respect me the same way.
      “You need to learn from me, I’m not here wasting my time.’ Everyone was in shock. 
      “In the breaks between lessons, usually the teachers went to the staff room but he was outside with us, seeing what we were doing, talking to us. He was really motivating.”
      I will do more for Mourinho than I would for my kidsArmenio Anjos
      As he has done with many in the nearly four decades since, Mourinho left a lasting impression on Anjos.
      The former student has always tracked his old teacher’s career – from getting his big break as Sir Bobby Robson’s translator at Sporting in 1992 then to Porto and Barcelona, where his pragmatic football ideology dovetailed with Robson’s attacking style. 
      Mourinho stayed on at the Nou Camp under Louis van Gaal, who gave him the chance to develop his management skills.
      Then in September 2000, Mourinho was appointed Benfica’s first-team boss, resigning just three months later before shining at Uniao de Leiria which saw him land the Porto job in January 2002.
      He promised to make the club league champions in his first full season and delivered – alongside the Taca de Portugal and Uefa Cup – and backed it up with the Premeira Liga and Champions League double in 2003-04.
      From there it was Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham and now Roma – collecting 20 trophies along the way including three Premier League crowns at Stamford Bridge. 
      Anjos reunited with Mourinho just once since he became famous when he flew from England to Lisbon for a book-signing session. 
      But he has been cheering him on every step of the way – even while on family holidays.
      He worked as Sir Bobby Robson’s translator at Sporting, Porto and BarcelonaCredit: Reuters
      Mourinho stayed on at Barcelona under Louis van GaalCredit: Reuters
      Mourinho carries the Uefa Cup after leading Porto to glory in his first full seasonCredit: Lusa
      He secured a memorable Champions League triumph with Porto in 2004Credit: Empics
      Mourinho won three Premier League titles with ChelseaCredit: AFP – Getty
      Anjos – who dreams of watching Mourinho’s Roma in the Stadio Olimpico this season – said: “Just to show you how much I love him, Real Madrid’s first game in the 2012-13 season was home to Valencia. 
      “I was on holiday in the Algarve. On the Saturday afternoon, I told my wife we were going to watch Real Madrid tomorrow. 
      “She said, ‘What? It’s 40C and you want to drive from here to Madrid just to watch Mourinho?’ 
      “I said, ‘Wherever he goes, I am going.’ I bought tickets for seven people, we had a seven-seater car. It took eight hours. We got there ten minutes after kick-off because I was looking for parking. 
      “We went in, watched the game, it was a draw. Then we drove back for another eight hours.
      “Then after Real Madrid lost in the 2013 Champions League semi-finals against Borussia Dortmund, Mourinho was on his knees. 
      “I felt so sorry for him and felt I had to support him so the Sunday after I flew to Madrid, went to Santiago Bernabeu, paid £300 for a ticket to see Real Madrid beat Sevilla then took the plane back.
      “I was there to watch Mourinho, I don’t care about Madrid. For that man, I will do more than I would for my kids.” 
      ANJ BALL
      Anjos was inspired by Mourinho to quit basketball after six years and get into football, initially as a player and now as a coach.
      After moving to England 17 years ago, he now manages Barking FC’s Under-18s and invited compatriot Fabio Paim to speak to his players about the importance of work ethic to make it as a footballer.
      Paim revealed to SunSport he earned £6,500 per week aged 13 and was better than Sporting pal Cristiano Ronaldo but his career fizzled out into obscurity due to the pitfalls of money and fame before he ended up watching his old friend from prison.
      And Anjos, nicknamed Dos, likes to channel his inner Jose with his players – including replicating the iconic kneeslide celebration. 
      Wearing his ‘Special 1’ Roma top under his Barking training kit, he added: “Mourinho is the greatest manager ever. He is amazing. I love him, I just love him so much.
      “The way he talked so passionately made me have a go at football.
      Read more on The Sun
      “I show the boys a lot of videos and most of them are Mourinho. I do speeches like him. 
      “I did a kneeslide once. We went to play in Kent last season and we were down 1-0 then in the last second, one of our guys scored from outside the box – that was my moment.”
      Anjos dreams of seeing his hero at the Stadio Olimpico this seasonCredit: Joshua Jones / SunSport
      Anjos, far right, is the Barking FC Under-18s coachCredit: Joshua Jones / SunSport
      Anjos even replicated the famous kneeslide after a dramatic late goal for his sideCredit: Pixel 8
      Mourinho’s Real Madrid were dumped out of the 2012-13 Champions League by Borussia DortmundCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      Mourinho’s love affair with European competitions continued with Conference League glory at RomaCredit: Getty More