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      in Soccer

      My husband was a Premier League star but I’m making my own way as an Olympic gold medal skiing champion

      by

      LARA GUT-BERHAMI is to many just the wife of a former Premier League star.The 32-year-old is married to former West Ham and Fiorentina midfielder Valon Behrami, whom she tied the knot with in the summer of 2018.
      Lara Gut-Berhami is the wife of former West Ham midfielder Valon BehramiCredit: EPA
      But the 32-year-old is an Olympic and World Championship downhill skierCredit: GETTY
      Lara has a slew of medals in her trophy cabinetCredit: EPA
      But she’s much more than Mrs. Berhami.
      Lara – who is fluent in FOUR languages – is a Swiss alpine ski race sensation who has a slew of major medals in her trophy cabinet.
      She participated in her first-ever race at the FIS races at the tender age of age FIFTEEN back in December 2006.
      Appearances at the Alpine Youth World Championships and World Cup followed in 2007, with the then-teenager winning silver in the downhill race in the former competition.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      The year 2007 proved to be a successful one for Lara, who became the second youngest Swiss national champion of all time in the super-G.
      A slow recovery from a hip would prevent Lara from competing in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Canada.
      But she would fulfil her dreams four years later when she competed at the Sochi Games in Russia.
      And it was at those Games where she picked up her first Olympic medal in the downhill, winning a bronze medal.
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      That year’s World Cup would see Lara win the super-G season title and claim a third-placed finish.
      Lara claimed a bronze medal in the super-G at the 2017 World Championships, although she would suffer a horrific ACL injury in the ensuing combined event.
      I was a top skiing star – now I’m making my way in new job after sporting career ended in tears aged just 23
      After a long and arduous recovery, she returned to action at the 2019 World Championships – although she was a shell of her former self.
      But a mere two years later, she claimed gold medals in the Giant Slalom and super-G events.
      She would take the winning form into her second Olympics – the 2022 Games in Beijing.
      And the tournament proved to be the highlight of her career as she left China with a gold medal after winning the super-G event.
      After fulfilling her childhood dream, she said: “I am really happy to have got that gold.
      “But you can’t build your life around winning gold.
      “I just thought it was probably going to be my last Olympic super-G of my life and I just wanted to show something great. I just wanted to ski.
      “I am happy that this time I am fast enough because last time for sure I was fourth and it was always tight.
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      “It’s not bad to have the hundredths by my side this time.”
      Lara was in World Cup downhill action last Friday, stretching her lead in the heated race for the crystal globe with victory at Crans-Montana.
      Lara Gut-Behrami has two World Championships and one Olympic Gold medal to her nameCredit: AFP
      Lara Gut-Behrami is currently in World Cup action at Crans-MontanaCredit: AP More

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      in Soccer

      Dave Kidd: Whether he’s ‘Kobbie Charlton’ or ‘Kobbie Stiles’, Man Utd starlet Mainoo should start for England next month

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      I HAVEN’T quite worked out whether he’s ‘Kobbie Charlton’ or more of a ‘Kobbie Stiles’ — and perhaps he’s a pleasing blend of the two.But Manchester United’s 18-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo should start for England against Brazil at Wembley next month.
      Kobbie Mainoo needs to start against BrazilCredit: Getty
      He could be a combo of Bobby Charlton and Nobby StilesCredit: Getty
      Ahead of this summer’s Euros, there is a hole in England’s midfield alongside Declan Rice.
      In their last two serious inter­nationals, against Ukraine and Italy earlier this season, that position was taken up by Jordan Henderson and Kalvin Phillips.
      Hendo has flitted in and out of semi-retirement in Saudi Arabia and Amsterdam, while Phillips is an on-loan rust-bucket who was sent off for West Ham against Nottingham Forest at the weekend.
      An experiment with Trent Alexander-Arnold in the centre of midfield proved little in the Euro qualifiers in November.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      So, while Mainoo may only be 11 matches into his Premier League career, an audition for a place in the squad — and perhaps the starting XI — should be on Gareth Southgate’s agenda.
      At first glance, Mainoo appeared a neat, tidy, unfussy ball-winning defensive midfielder.
      But at Wolves this month, he scored a stunning individual winner in the 97th minute after United had tossed away a two-goal lead.
      And at Luton on Sunday, he looked the genuine all-round midfield article, and is probably going to be a box-to-box No 8 — while Ross Barkley was also looking England class again.
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      The Kenilworth Road press box is one of those vantage points that allows you to get up close and personal — fully appreciating the sheer velocity of Premier League football, as well as the racket of a passionate crowd in an old-school venue.
      Amid the chaos, the maturity of Mainoo’s decision-making and the neatness of his footwork in tight spaces was seriously impressive as United weathered a battering from the Hatters.
      Bruno Fernandes made incredible Kobbie Mainoo prediction ‘two or three years ago’ before he burst on to scene at Man Utd
      While his midfield partner Casemiro — a four-time Champions League winner — looked panicked and ought to have been sent off for two yellow cards before his half-time substitution, Mainoo’s temperament was serene and his technique exquisite.
      Yes, he was booked in the second half but that was for an excellent ball-winning challenge.
      So, are we in danger of over-hyping a largely untried player?
      Not when there’s a starting place up for grabs, a tournament to be won and a couple of friendlies still to play.
      Start Mainoo against Brazil and if he impresses, do so again against Belgium three days later.
      If he doesn’t cut it, allow him to develop in the Under-21s but Mainoo looks like a rare talent well worth a punt.
      Hendo has flitted in and out of semi-retirement in Saudi Arabia and Amsterdam, while Phillips is an on-loan rust-bucket who was sent off for West Ham against Nottingham Forest at the weekend.Dave Kidd
      England have frequently parachuted teenagers into major tournaments, including Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney, Theo Walcott and Marcus Rashford.
      And while Southgate can show uncommon loyalty to certain players, including Henderson and Phillips, he isn’t averse to capping teenagers.
      The England boss has given debuts to Jude Bellingham, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Jadon Sancho at a younger age than Mainoo will be next month, as well as Mason Greenwood, Rico Lewis and Bukayo Saka. 
      That list shows teenage debutants can be hit and miss, for every Bellingham and Saka there may be a Sancho or Greenwood.
      Mainoo is also eligible to play for Ghana and Southgate has been keen not to select dual-qualified players merely to prevent them switching allegiance.
      The United kid has been pencilled in for a first England Under-21 call-up next month.
      Southgate has placed trust in young players in the pastCredit: EPA
      Bellingham was handed caps by Southgate as a teenagerCredit: Getty
      But while Southgate likes players to go through the age-group ‘pathway’, he is not too dogmatic about it.  Sancho never played for the Under-21s, while Saka did so only once.
      If next month’s friendlies, the last two England matches before Southgate names his squad for Germany, are to be fully worthwhile, then Mainoo needs a proper audition.
      If key players such as Harry Kane, Bellingham, Rice and John Stones are fit, the Three Lions have their best chance of winning a  trophy since 1966.
      Perhaps Kobbie can swiftly join Bobby and Nobby as an England trophy winner. Perhaps not.
      At the very least, Southgate shouldn’t die wondering.

      NOTT A BAD IDEA
      AFTER another shambolic week for Premier League refs, there’s little wonder Nottingham Forest have employed showbiz whistler Mark Clattenburg as England’s first ‘refereeing consultant’.
      It took 4½ minutes for VAR to award a ‘clear and obvious’ penalty to Newcastle against Bournemouth.
      Then we witnessed David Coote’s inexplicable failure to award a second yellow card to Manchester United’s Casemiro at Luton.
      And there was a truly embarrassing top-flight debut from 30-year-old ‘fast track’ ref Lewis Smith as Fulham were used as PGMOL guinea pigs for the umpteenth time.
      Is it another unwelcome by-product of VAR that, with leading refs often employed in Stockley Park, inexperienced officials are being promoted prematurely to plug gaps?
      Anyway, Forest may be trend-setters in employing Clattenburg — and not just in case defenders start wielding Gladiators-style  rubber dumbbells at set-pieces.
      Referees cost clubs points. Having an experienced one on the payroll, trying to make sense of the incomprehensible, might prove crucial in a relegation battle.
      Clattenburg has been appointed as a ‘refereeing consultant’ by Nottingham ForestCredit: Getty
      IT’S ALL SAM-EY
      DAVID MOYES is entering Sam Allardyce territory as he takes on West Ham’s supporters in football’s age-old style-versus- substance debate.
      While at Upton Park, Allardyce claimed fans were “delusional” for demanding his team play “the West Ham way”.
      And Moyes is heading down the same path by calling himself a “winner” after three straight defeats by an aggregate score of 11-0.
      In my experience the Hammers are no different to most other fan bases at non-elite clubs. They’d like to see their team win and if they don’t, they’d appreciate a certain level of entertainment.
      West Ham have spent half a billion pounds over the past five years, more than Liverpool or Newcastle, so a bit of fun should not be too much to ask.
      Moyes could be on borrowed time at West HamCredit: PA
      Arsenal roll on
      IMPRESSIVE stuff from Arsenal, the club in need of  a centre-forward, who have won back-to-back away games by a combined 11-0.
      Are they serious title contenders?
      Well, if they defeat Newcastle on Saturday, in what has become a great grudge match, on the back of tomorrow’s trip to Porto, then I’m a believer.
      Proper celebrations
      MAURICIO POCHETTINO demanded Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling should celebrate properly if they scored at their former club Manchester City.
      But Sterling chose a ‘respectful’ non-celebration instead when he notched for Chelsea.
      So it was pleasing to see Newcastle’s Matt Ritchie gleefully kicking the s**t out of a corner flag after netting against his old side Bournemouth.
      Ritchie shelved the ‘respectful’ celebrations against BournemouthCredit: Getty
      You’ll never sing that
      CONGRATULATIONS to Jack Grealish, who has won a trophy for his barnet, which may or may not count towards a Manchester City quadruple.
      Altogether now, ‘The Estenove Soccer Players’ Hairstyle of the Year award — you’ll never sing that!’
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Grealish’s hair has won an awardCredit: Rex
      Pay rise?
      AGENTS, and particularly those of full-backs, will tell you full-backs tend to be hugely underpaid in comparison to  players in other roles.
      And now that every Premier League right-back seems to be doubling up as a  central midfielder, doing two people’s jobs for half a salary does seem a little harsh. More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Premier League star’s new £4.8million mansion with huge swimming pool, high-tech CCTV and ‘castle’ in the garden

      by

      CHELSEA star Carney Chukwuemeka has snapped up a £4.8million mansion complete a huge swimming pool and high-tech CCTV.The youngster’s luxury six-bedroom pad comes with a leisure complex including a 31x14ft swimming pool, jacuzzi, gym and triple garage.
      Carney Chukwuemeka joined Chelsea two years agoCredit: Alamy
      The Prem star has bought a new £4.8million mansionCredit: www.rightmove.co.uk
      The huge mansion has a grand reception areaCredit: www.rightmove.co.uk
      It also boasts a massive swimming poolCredit: www.rightmove.co.uk
      It has a grand entrance hall, a galleried landing, seven bathrooms, five reception rooms, family room, drawing room, breakfast room, study and office.
      The 9,393 sq.ft stately pile also boasts a media and games room, bar, party terrace, outdoor BBQ kitchen.
      And it even has a children’s climbing frame and castle to boot.
      In a sales brochure, estate agents gushed: “The property is finished to a very high standard and has a range of features including underfloor heating, a programmable sound system throughout and a sophisticated CCTV security system.
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      “The grand galleried reception hall leads to the principal reception rooms, all of which ate the rear have French windows onto the entertaining terrace and gardens beyond, while the family room has superb full-height concertina doors.
      “The magnificent principal bedroom suite has two dressing rooms, a secondary bathroom/sitting room and French windows to a roof terrace overlooking the gardens.”
      Chelsea signed Chukwuemeka, 20, from Aston Villa on a six-year contract in a deal believed to be worth £20million, two years ago.
      The midfielder missed Saturday’s game against Manchester City with a twisted ankle after previously being sidelined with a knee injury.
      Most read in Football
      Chelsea are still languishing in 10th place in the Premier League table, 14 points adrift of the top four.
      Land Registry records show that he paid £4.8million for his Surrey home which had a guide price of £5.5million.
      But a housing developer has now applied for planning permission to build three homes on a nearby plot of land, which Chukwuemeka has objected to.
      In a letter to planners, he wrote: “Me and my family are new in the estate and this is maybe planning application number four we have received since being in the estate.

      “The estate will continue to increase in properties but the infrastructure remains the same.
      “I don’t think this is a good idea building more houses on a plot of land that originally had just one house on it. Not in support because of the number of new properties to be built there.”
      A chandelier gleams in one of the many fancy roomsCredit: www.rightmove.co.uk
      Carney Chukwuemeka prior to the FA Cup Fourth Round match against Aston VillaCredit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      Gerald McClellan: The tragic tale of how Britain’s most brutal fight with Benn left ex-champ with life-changing injuries

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      GERALD MCCLELLAN is the living embodiment and brutal reminder of the dangers of boxing – which are all too often forgotten about.The American middleweight was at the peak of his powers in the early nineties and was, at the time, regarded by many to be one of the best fighters on the planet.
      Gerald McClellan challenged Nigel Benn for the WBC super-middleweight title in February 1995Credit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTD
      McClellan made a rip-roaring start to the brutal title fightCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTD
      Dark Destroyer Benn came roaring back in the fourth, fifth and six rounds and hurt the AmericanCredit: GETTY
      The two-time middleweight champion was a ferocious puncher, who won 29 of his 31 victories by knockout or technical knockout.
      McClellan moved up in weight in February 1995 to challenge Nigel Benn for the WBC super-middleweight title in a bid to become a two-weight world champion.
      His life, and those of his loved ones, would never be the same after what proved to be a fateful night in London.
      McClellan’s bid to become 168lbs king started well as he knocked Benn through the ropes in the first round and asserted his dominance in the ensuing early stanzas.
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      The firefight many expected between the two heavy hitters ensued, with momentum shifting Benn’s way in the fourth, fifth and sixth rounds.
      And it was in those rounds that McClellan showed signs of having suffered a traumatic brain injury.
      McClellan had difficulty keeping his gumshield in and would go through bouts of excessive blinking as he backed away from Benn.
      Had referees, coaches and ringside officials known what we know now about brain trauma and CTE, the fight would have been stopped.
      Most read in Boxing
      Tragically, however, it continued – with McClellan rallying in the eighth and knocking down The Dark Destroyer.
      But Benn dug deep to produce a tenth-round finish, after which McClellan collapsed in his corner and was rushed to the hospital.
      Gerald McClellan collapsed in his corner after the fight was stopped in the tenth roundCredit: GETTY
      Doctors at the nearby Royal London Hospital discovered that he had a blood clot and extensive damage to his brain and performed emergency surgery to save his life.
      Save his life they did, although he would remain in a coma for 11 days before regaining consciousness.
      Watch first footage of Nigel Benn in training with fans worried legend looks ‘sluggish’ and is making ‘big mistake’ to come out of retirement aged 55
      McClellan’s traumatic brain injury saw him lose his eyesight, 80 per cent of his hearing and the ability to walk unaided.
      His family flew to London to be by his bedside during his period of unconsciousness, with his sisters – in particular Lisa – looking after him ever since.
      In the years since his fateful fight with Benn, McClellan has managed to regain some of the ability to walk – although his memory has never been the same.
      He does, however, sometimes recall the fact he was once one of the best middleweights on the planet.
      When he was recently visited by Boxing News in his home in Freeport, Illinois, McClellan said: “I’m Gerald Allen McClellan Senior!
      “My position in boxing: middleweight champion of the world!”
      Although he somewhat regained the ability to walk, McClellan is sadly now resound to spending most of his days in his armchair.
      And the sharp and cerebral mind that he used to great effect in his fights is now, tragically, a sad and withered version of itself.
      That night at the London Arena serves as a dark reminder of the dangers of the Sweet Science, so much so that Benn tries his best not to dwell on it.
      Gerald McClellan lost his sight, eight per cent of his hearing and the ability to walk unaided due to the fight and is, to this day, looked after by his sister LisaCredit: REUTERS
      Gerald McClellan and Nigel Benn were reunited 12 years after their warCredit: REUTERS
      He told Ring Magazine in 2020: “I rarely think about it, to be honest, and it’s only discussed when someone brings it up.
      “It’s a part of my life that’s behind me and I don’t really dwell on it, or put in a specific category.”
      Twelve years after their war, Benn and McClellan were reunited for a benefit event to raise funds for the American’s care.
      Benn said: “We raised $250,000 (£198,000) for Gerald and that was such a joy.
      “The benefit night was a complete sell-out in London.
      “It was so difficult because I had to shout in Gerald’s ear so he could hear what I was saying but he told me it was an accident, that it wasn’t my fault.
      “I was so happy to see him but my emotions were up, and down, up and down. I didn’t know whether to be happy, or cry, or be sick.
      “I’ve never experienced so many emotions at one time in my life.
      “I held Gerald’s hand and Lisa told me all the stories about his aftercare.
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      “I always felt the American people should have looked after him better than they did.
      “If he’d been British, his house would have been paid for and he’d be getting the best of care.”
      Nigel Benn can’t believe the American boxing fraternity didn’t look after Gerald McClellan after his career cut shortCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTD More

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      in Soccer

      ‘He goes really, really mad’ – Inside the change at Tottenham as Dejan Kulusevski lifts lid on Ange Postecoglou’s regime

      by

      DEJAN KULUSEVSKI can praise Ange Postecoglou all day.Tottenham’s stars love playing for the popular Aussie, love his style and where it is taking them – but they definitely do not want to cross him.
      Dejan Kulusevski is loving the style of Ange PostecoglouCredit: Tottenham Hotspur
      The attacker has hailed the Australian managerCredit: Rex
      Kulusevski has been helping young adults start their coaching coursesCredit: Tottenham Hotspur
      The Spurs boss has charmed fans from all corners of English football since his arrival from Celtic in the summer, making an impact well beyond N17 with his dry wit and honest opinions.
      But he has one hell of a fiery side too.
      Kulusevski told SunSport: “He gets angry for sure.
      “There have been a couple of half-times when he thinks we’re not doing enough, playing safe and not pushing enough to win the game and then he lets us hear it.
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      “He goes really, really mad. But we always play better afterwards so it works!
      “It is not fun but it is part of the job, you cannot always just give love to players sometimes you have to be hard on them like parents do. It is not scary because it helps us in the end.”
      There is no denying it has worked. Only Manchester City and Liverpool have won more than Spurs’ 16 points from losing positions this season.
      Postecoglou has players and supporters on side like no manager since Mauricio Pochettino in North London, there are no longer protests or toxic chants if Spurs are struggling late on in a game – only hope.
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      His arrival has sparked a huge change of mood and culture at the club after the brutal messages and frustrating football from the likes of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.
      Kulusevski, 23, was called upon to sell the club to new signing and fellow Swede Lucas Bergvall a few weeks ago, and spoke in glowing terms about the club.
      Postecoglou dubbed ‘nicest man in football’ for response to fan’s question
      Bergvall, who also spoke to Postecoglou, ended up choosing Spurs over Barcelona.
      He said: “I met him and it was nice to see him because I know him a bit. I told him the truth, the same as what I tell everyone. How good this club is and the plans for the future.
      “I didn’t want to tell him which club to join because that is hard, but it is the first time I’ve played with a Swedish player.”
      Kulusevski also acknowledges that the sales pitch may well have been different a year ago.
      The winger added: “Yes, it has changed at the club, absolutely.
      “It has been a fantastic change and now it feels like the club is going on the right path and we are doing the right things.
      “We are more focused on better things. It is a different mentality, we have to improve.
      “It is not about we have to win otherwise it’s a catastrophe, it is about improving every day and if things are going to happen they will happen. It is more about the positive things.”
      It certainly helps that Postecoglou plays the style of football that Kulusevski has loved since he was a boy.
      The self-confessed football “nerd” who grew up playing Fifa all night and playing front-foot football during the day, loves the philosophy.
      And having considered a coaching career of his own, it is one he would stick to.
      The former Juventus man took time to help out with Tottenham’s Under-14s this week and paid a surprise visit to the club’s Spurred 2 Coach programme this week.
      The Foundation initiative helps young adults without coaching qualifications take the first steps towards earning FA badges and Kulusevski surprised last weeks participants by taking part in a training session with them in the shadow of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
      He said: “I love teaching kids as they make you so happy. I would like to train kids in the future.
      “I played like that as a child.
      “When I grew up, we kept the ball on the floor and wanted to have possession, we didn’t want to be afraid of anybody.
      “That is exactly the same things as we are doing now. For a player to play this style is a blessing. It is brave and the most important in life is to not care about mistakes.
      “As a coach I would not care about mistakes. I would just want my players to feel free to express their talent as every man and woman has talent.”
      As well as playing like he did as a kid, Kulusevski is also dreaming like one under Postecoglou.
      The manager rarely replies to title talk by ducking the question, he simply asks ‘Why not?’ A message reinforced with the players.
      Kulusevski said: “We want to be the best, there is no reason why not we can be the best if we are doing this.
      “When we were kids we were all dreaming and then people tell you to stop dreaming, it is nice to try to become more like kids again thinking everything is possible.”
      The more realistic focus is a top four finish, returning to the Champions League, something which has been put into sharper focus by watching the tournament return this week.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      He said: “It’s the worst thing seeing those games and you are not playing
      “You try to be positive and with your family. As a player you want to be on the biggest stage.” More

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      in Soccer

      Meet the stunning Wags of Amazon Prime series Married To The Game, from an NFL cheerleader to a singer on The Voice

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      THE Wags of football’s famous stars have their own show.Amazon Prime’s cameras have followed the partners of Ilkay Gundogan, Jorginho, James Tartowski, Riyad Mahrez and Matt Turner for a documentary about their epic lifestyles.
      Gorgeous Sara Gundogan is one of the stars of Amazon Prime show Married To The GameCredit: Instagram @sarabenamira
      Sara is a model and TV host from ItalyCredit: Instagram @sarabenamira
      Barcelona’s Ilkay Gundogan married Sara in a private ceremony in 2022Credit: Reuters
      The six-part series streams from February 23, where viewers will get a glimpse into their hectic lives.
      We will see how they juggle their commitments, families and home lives while supporting their partner’s high-profile careers.
      But who are the glam stunners who Amazon Prime have chosen for the cast of Married To The Game?
      Sara Gundogan
      Gorgeous Italian model Sara, 29, met ex-Man City star Ilkay Gundogan in 2021.
      Read more Wag stories
      A year later, he popped the question before they married each other in a private ceremony in 2022.
      Sara was born in France but moved to Italy when she was young, where she worked as a TV presenter.
      She once sparked fury when she called the Manchester restaurant scene “horrible”.
      But she has since changed her tune, revealing she now misses the Rainy City after moving to Barcelona.
      Most read in Football
      Taylor Ward
      Reality TV beauty Taylor, 26, ‘secretly married’ Mahrez in 2022, according to reports.
      Arsenal star Jorginho gets engaged to stunning Wag Catherine Harding and shares intimate snaps of proposal
      She appeared in Real Housewives of Cheshire alongside her mum Dawn and former footballer dad Ashley Ward.
      Taylor was once linked to City legend Sergio Aguero, before she began dating Mahrez – who popped the question with a £400,000 ring in 2021 on a romantic holiday in Mykonos.
      They have a daughter together called Mila.
      In the trailer for the show, Taylor can be seen breaking down when Mahrez tells her they are leaving Manchester for Saudi Arabia, after he is offered a mega-money move.
      Taylor Ward is a reality TV star
      Blonde stunner Taylor appeared in Real Housewives of CheshireCredit: Instagram
      Taylor is seen breaking down in the trailer for Married To The GameCredit: Instagram @taylorwardx
      Riyad Mahrez and Taylor Ward currently live in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Splash
      read more sport features
      Catherine Harding
      Catherine, 33, is a singer and the fiancee of Arsenal ace Jorginho.
      She famously appeared on reality TV show The Voice, where she was mentored by Ollie Murs.
      The brunette beauty also had a romance with Jude Law, fathering a child with the Hollywood actor.
      According to reports, the focus of her storyline for the series will be on her wedding preparations.
      Will Catherine be a bridezilla?
      Catherine Harding is a singerCredit: @cat_cavelli
      Brunette beauty Catherine once appeared on The VoiceCredit: Instagram / @cat_cavelli_
      Jorginho and partner Catherine Harding
      Sam Tarkowski
      Sam got together with Everton and England defender James Tarkowski in 2015, when he was still at Brentford.
      Their romance has since blossomed, with the fitness buff ready to branch out on her own.
      She recently trained as a personal trainer, and has plans to open her own gym.
      However, as Married To The Game will show, the 32-year-old is dedicated to daughter Ivy, who she wants to show a good example to.
      Samantha Tarkowski met her partner James in 2015Credit: Instagram @samanthajtarkowski
      Sam shows off her amazing bikini body
      Gym bunny Sam has reinvented herself as a personal trainer
      Everton’s James Tarkowski with stunning SamCredit: Instagram @tarky19
      Ash Turner
      American Ash may have had the hardest time filming the documentary.
      She moved to the UK with husband Matt Turner in 2022, when he signed for Arsenal.
      However, she was also pregnant at the time with their first child.
      Then, just before their second child was born, the family had to up sticks to Nottingham after he was sold by the London club.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Ash is a former NFL cheerleader who represented the New England Patriots.
      She is also the founder of a charity organisation called Miss Pink, which supports breast cancer survivors, families and families.
      Ashley Turner was once a cheerleader for the New England Patriots
      Glam Ash has had a tough time settling into the life in the UK
      Ash shows off her pom pom skills
      USA keeper Matt Turner poses for a snap with Ashley More

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      in Soccer

      My dad was a deaf footballer and I have epilepsy but I’ve scored against Man Utd and now I’m going to play against Messi

      by

      A FOOTBALL star who has epilepsy and whose father represented Great Britain’s deaf team has just secured a dream move that will see him come up against Lionel Messi.Matt Crooks will be aiming to put the Argentine superstar to sword just like he did the icon’s great rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Matt Crooks’ dad was a deaf footballer and he also has epilepsyCredit: Getty
      The star has just left Middlesbrough to make the move to the MLSCredit: PA
      The 30-year-old was unveiled as MLS side Real Salt Lake’s new signing yesterday after he joined them for an undisclosed fee from Middlesbrough.
      The 6ft 4in midfielder departs Boro as a huge fan favourite following his two-and-a-half years at the Riverside.
      He made 115 appearances for the club, scoring 23 times, including a famous strike against Manchester United.
      The Leeds-born ace grew up supporting the Red Devils, but his equaliser in the FA Cup back at Old Trafford sent the fourth round tie to penalties, which Boro went on to win 8-7, after Ronaldo had earlier missed a spot-kick.
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      Crooks penned an emotional farewell after his exit was confirmed, saying: “Only six months ago, I described this place as home and that it will remain.
      “But life is short and we only get one go at it, and to have the chance to experience football and life in another country with my family was one I was keen to take up.
      “Under each manager came different challenges and plenty of positions, yet all provided me with memories which I am sure I’ll be able to look back on fondly. Reading at home, United away, Spurs at home, Chelsea at home. Fantastic.
      “Good luck to everyone involved with the club for the rest of this campaign, I’m sure the lads and staff will give everything ’til the season ends.”
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      He played in various positions under several different managers at Middlesbrough, but he is looking forward to being deployed as a No10 out in America – and facing one the greatest ever in that position too.
      Crooks said: “MLS is getting a bigger name and a better reputation.
      Lionel Messi-effect in full swing as MLS executive teases new content ahead of debut Apple docuseries
      “Obviously with the likes of Messi and what have you coming over, that’s really enhanced the sport over here. I’m just looking forward to it.
      “I wouldn’t say I’m a Salt Lake or an RSL professor just yet, but I’m looking forward to getting to know more. That’s what I’m coming over for.
      “I think my role will be as one of the 10s. I think you’d like me to be in that 10 role.”
      Crooks’ journey to America has been incredible off the pitch as well as on it.
      As a player, he started at Huddersfield Town before having spells at Halifax, Hartlepool, Accrington, Rangers, Scunthorpe, Northampton and Rotherham before Boro.
      Away from the turf, the popular player with epilepsy, overcame the loss of a long-time footballing friend as well as growing up in a family where both his parents were deaf.
      Speaking previously to BBC, he said: “My dad is proud to be deaf, my mum is proud to be deaf, but I’m the same way about epilepsy in a way.
      “It’s a dangerous condition and can have serious consequences, but it’s part of me and part of who I am so I should embrace it and not live in fear of something happening.”
      He is not the only member of his family with an impressive sporting career.
      His father Dave represented Great Britain in football at four deaf Olympics and amassed a collection of one gold, a silver and a bronze medal.
      Crooks said: “My dad doesn’t forget to remind me about it.
      “He did a good job of making the most of what he had, even if it held him back in other parts of his life, he still made sure sport was a big part of his life and that’s something I get from him.
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      “It’s classed as a disability, but I’ve never looked at it and thought they’re disabled, they’re just deaf and it’s a different world to the hearing world. It’s not something to be looked down on.”
      Crooks is also involved in two charities, The Peter Doody Foundation – which aims to normalise epilepsy – and the Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust – where he is the vice-chair and trustee, in honour of his late ex-Huddersfield team-mate.
      The much-loved star famously scored for Boro against Man Utd at Old TraffordCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Ivory Coast’s wild celebrations as Drogba jumps for joy and stars copy Ronaldo’s ‘siu’ after Afcon triumph

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      IVORY COAST celebrated in style after being crowned champions of Africa on Sunday.The Elephants came from behind to defeat Nigeria 2-1 on home soil in a thrilling final.
      Didier Drogba jumped for joy on the sidelines when his country clinched the win over NigeriaCredit: Instagram / @caf_online
      The legendary striker ran to celebrate with the playersCredit: X formerly Twiter / @CAF_Online
      Ivory Coast won the Africa Cup of Nations on SundayCredit: AFP
      Oumar Diakite and Karim Konate did Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic ‘siu’ celebrationCredit: X formerly Twiter / @CAF_Online
      William Troost-Ekong opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 38th minute before Franck Kessie equalised in the second half.
      And with less than 10 minutes to play Sebastien Haller popped up to net the winner, sparking incredible celebrations in the Ivory Coast dugout.
      At full-time the substitutes burst onto the pitch to join their team-mates while rookie manager Emerse Fae embraced his coaching staff.
      Legendary striker Didier Drogba also got involved after jumping for joy on the sidelines.
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      The former Chelsea star was spotted dancing with the team after the final whistle before celebrating with fans.
      Meanwhile, Ivory Coast stars Oumar Diakite and Karim Konate did Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic ‘siu’ celebration on the pitch.
      After lifting the Africa Cup of Nations trophy, the players returned to the dressing room where the celebrations continued.
      While some posed for pictures with their winners medals, others danced with the national flag.
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      Players danced around the dressing room in celebrationCredit: X formerly Twitter / @CAF_Online
      They huddled together to dance with the Ivory Coast flagCredit: Instagram / @djobamba
      The champions were jumping for joy in the dressing room after the matchCredit: Instagram / @djobamba
      Fans surrounded the team bus after the matchCredit: Instagram / @nicolas.pepe19
      Nicolas Pepe held the trophy out of the windowCredit: Instagram / @nicolas.pepe19
      They also passed the trophy around while blasting music from a speaker.
      The Ivory Coast stars then took the celebrations onto the team bus.
      Fans swarmed the vehicle to celebrate with the players while ex-Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe held the trophy out of the window.
      As the Elephants arrived back at their team hotel, a large crowd of fans greeted them with a hero’s welcome.
      Chelsea legend Didier Drogba joins wild celebrations as Ivory Coast win Afcon beating Nigeria 2-1 in the final
      Fireworks were set off in the area while the players approached the front of the hotel.
      They then enjoyed a late night party inside to end the incredible evening.
      Ivory Coast enjoyed a chaotic route to the AFCON final.
      They were left on the brink of elimination following a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Equatorial Guinea in the final game of their group stage.
      They subsequently sacked manager Jean-Louis Gasset and replaced him with his assistant, Emerse Fae, as interim head coach.
      The Elephants were immediately able to bounce back, sealing wins over Senegal, Mali and DR Congo before defeating Nigeria in the final.
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      It was also a special tournament for Haller, who spent six months away from the game after being diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2022.
      The striker returned to action in January 2023 and on Sunday, just over one year later, he scored the winner in the AFCON final.
      Fans gathered outside the team hotel to celebrate and set of fireworksCredit: Instagram / @djobamba
      Yahia Fofana shared a video of the late night celebrationsCredit: Instagram / @yahia.fofana_ More