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      in Soccer

      What are the accusations against Dani Alves?

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      DANI Alves is one of the most decorated footballers of all time, having won a number of Europe’s top leagues and lifting the Champions League trophy three times.The former Barcelona defender has been accused of sexual assault and is understood to be denying any wrongdoing — but what are the accusations against him and will he stand trial?
      Alves was sacked by Mexican side UNAM Pumas following his arrestCredit: Getty
      What has Dani Alves been accused of?
      Dani Alves has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a Barcelona nightclub on December 30, 2022.
      At first he claimed to have never met the woman in question, before backtracking at a later date and saying the pair had consensual sex, according to reports.
      It was also initially reported he had put his hands down a woman’s underwear in the club’s VIP area’s toilets, but it later emerged the 23-year-old was alleging she had been the victim of rape.
      The fact Alves changed his story was reportedly key to the decision to remand him in custody.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      It came after CCTV footage published by Spanish media was said to show him and the alleged victim in a VIP area and then going to the toilet for 47 seconds.
      The accuser said that after the alleged attack she was too scared to leave the toilet for several minutes, and when she finally opened the door the footballer and his companions had left the venue.
      Alves, a father of two, was sacked by Mexican side UNAM Pumas following his arrest at the start of 2023.
      What has Dani Alves said about the accusations?
      In a Spanish TV interview following the confirmation of a formal investigation being opened, Alves said: “I don’t know who this lady is.
      Most read in Football
      “I don’t know her name, I don’t know her, I’ve never seen her in my life.”
      In June 2023, during an interview from his prison cell with Spanish reporter Mayka Navarro, Alves also said: “The only person I have to ask for forgiveness is my wife, Joana Sanz.
      “I have already done that here in prison, but I have to do it publicly, because the story is public, the offence I caused her is public and she deserves that public apology.”
      Alves continued: “I entered the nightclub bathroom after her.
      “I didn’t even lock the door. The door was open all the time. She could have left at any time because I spent virtually all my time in there sat on the toilet seat.”
      Will Dani Alves stand trial?
      Alves will stand trial for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in a nightclub in late 2022.
      Three judges at Barcelona’s Provincial Court announced their decision in an eight-page legal ruling made public on November 14, 2023.
      The document read: “We consider there is sufficient prima facie evidence at this stage to agree the opening of the trial in the terms requested by state prosecutors and the prosecutor acting privately for the alleged victim.
      “The statements the alleged victim has made and witness evidence and expert reports that form part of these proceedings can be considered as sufficient in that regard, without prejudice to the final verdict.”
      Alves’ lawyer is expected to insist his client should be acquitted of any wrongdoing.
      A date for the trial hasn’t been set yet, but it is likely to take place at the start of next year.
      According to reports in Spanish outlets, Alves could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
      Where is Dani Alves now?
      Alves is currently incarcerated.
      Read More on The Sun
      He is being detained at the Brians 2 prison in Catalonia, Spain.
      Alves was held at the Brians 1 Penitentiary Centre initially, but was transferred to Brians 2 three days after his arrest. More

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      in Boxing

      Roman Fury went from 20st jobless ‘mess’ to follow brother Tyson’s footsteps with boxing record that can rival siblings

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      ONE brother is a Love Island star and the other a champion boxer.Now Roman Fury is stepping out of Tyson and Tommy’s shadow and is well on his way to becoming a household name.
      Roman is following in Tyson’s footsteps after winning his latest boutCredit: Getty
      The 26-year-old, who has little amateur experience, KO’d Bradley Davies in his third pro-fight – and sibling Tyson has given him the seal of approval, calling him a champ of the future.
      He is the ninth member of the Fury family to enter the ring – and a PR expert has now tipped him for stardom outside the ring.
      Roman was destined to be a rugby league player but switched to boxing after training with Tommy helped him out of a rut when he lost his job during lockdown.
      He said: “I used to be six stone heavier than what I am now. I was 20 stone, a real mess.
      Read more Roman Fury
      “Lockdown happened, I had no work, I was eating crap, playing on the Xbox, and I had no life whatsoever.
      “Tommy invited me down to train with him, I had a couple of sessions and I started getting into it.
      “I trained more and more until it went from training twice a week to six times a week and the weight came off, the confidence grew.
      “It’s not just a physical thing, it’s a mental thing as well. It’s turned my life around completely.”
      Most read in Boxing
      Roman takes his inspiration from big brother TysonCredit: Instagram / @romanfuryy
      He has dropped even more weight in training and is now 14st 2lb.
      And if he ever gives up boxing, Roman could still rake in the cash by following in brother Tommy’s footsteps on reality TV.
      He shares the same good looks as Tommy, who is three years younger, but is shaping up to have the boxing prowess of brother Tyson, 35.
      Tommy is estimated to be worth £3.2million, according to Sportskeeda, and lives in a £4m Cheshire mansion with fiancee Molly-Mae Hague after they famously met on Love Island.
      Roman is no stranger to the villa, having visited Tommy with mum Chantal during the 2019 series.
      Talent agent and PR expert Carla Speight told The Sun: “Roman has a lot of work to do to catch up to his brothers, but if he plays his cards right, he could end up having a lucrative career outside boxing.
      Roman is no stranger to the Love Island villa having visited with mum ChantalCredit: Rex
      “Knocking someone out has changed his career path. He’s gone from being not just another Fury fighter to significant. 
      “His sponsorship opportunities will increase, especially if Tommy and Tyson stand with him.
      “Watching videos of him, he doesn’t look at the camera much and seems quite shy, but if he can show more of his personality he will absolutely fly.
      “He could easily follow Tommy into reality TV and would be a great choice for something like Big Brother or I’m a Celebrity.”
      Roman is the full brother of Tommy, both born to dad John and mum Chantal, while half-brother Tyson was raised by mum Amber.
      Roman was just 13 and brother Tommy 11 when John went to prison for trying to gouge out a man’s eye in a brawl at a car auction in 2010.
      He was given 11 years for the attack on victim Oathie Sykes, who was left half blind, but was out after four years.
      Tommy and Roman are close, having grown up togetherCredit: instagram/jakelee28
      John said he asked his brother Peter to help bring up the boys while he was inside.
      He wrote in his autobiography When Fury Takes Over: “I needed somebody to guide them for the rest of their formative years and I turned to my younger brother Peter to bring them up as his own.
      “And that’s exactly what he did. He shaped them into decent fighters and took care of them outside the ring. For that I am forever grateful.”
      John says that he “often worried” about Roman, who like Tyson suffered from depression.
      He wrote: “I often worried about him when he was growing up… once again boxing came to the rescue.
      “When Tyson won the heavyweight world title again, this time from Wilder, Roman was hugely inspired. He said, ‘If Tyson can do it, then so can I.’ He shaved his weight down to 14 stone. 
      “He’s now turned professional and has already won some impressive matches. I’m really proud of how he now has a positive outlook and has settled into life.”
      Brother Tyson said of Roman: “He’s an inspiring cruiserweight champion of the future.”
      Nervous start
      Roman is proving he’s got what it take to follow Tyson – but could end up on Love Island like brother TommyCredit: Instagram
      Roman’s first fight came in October 2022 in Doncaster when he beat Ryan Hibbert over four rounds.
      He had no amateur experience prior to the bout other than “messing around on the pads”.
      He admitted being nervous saying: “The past four weeks since I’ve known about the fight I’ve been nothing but a bag of nerves – I was terrified. 
      “I had bad dreams and no sleep, but as soon as I got in there, fate took over, I’ve never been as calm in my life. I felt sharp, good and I’m so happy, thanks to God, thank you very much.”
      After his win, brother Tyson said: “I’m very, very impressed. Roman’s never had a fight before, amateur or professional, and from what I’ve seen tonight I really like what I’ve seen.”
      Roman’s second fight was at York Hall in June when he beat Erik Nazaryan on points.
      And at the weekend he showed signs of greatness, KO’ing Bradley Davies in the third round.
      Roman told VIP boxing that he “didn’t have much experience”.
      Roman punches Bradley Davies during the Cruiserweight fightCredit: Getty
      Roman has shed an impressive amount of weight since piling on the pounds in lockdownCredit: Instagram / @romanfuryy
      He said: “If it’s nothing else it’s a story.
      “How many people do you know that jump into it right at the deep end, no experience or nothing, and do well for themselves? But that’s the challenge and I like a challenge.
      “I’ve always been messing around on the pads with my dad and my brothers from a young age, but actually sparring and fighting, I don’t have that much experience.”
      Roman later said he had “put everything on hold” for his boxing career adding: “It’s like an experiment, I wanna see how far I can go…it’s all about self-belief and I do have a lot of that.”
      But despite his success, Roman says he doesn’t want to trade on his family name.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I don’t want to box on big bills just because I carry the ‘Fury’ name,” he said.
      While he might not want to deliberately cash in on his famous brothers, there’s no doubt it will open doors and his future is bright.
      Roman with proud dad JohnCredit: Instagram
      Roman with Tommy and Chantal on Love IslandCredit: Rex More

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      in Motorsport

      Michael Schumacher update as F1 simulator used by legend in his last Ferrari season goes up for sale for £20,000

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      A FORMULA One simulator used by Michael Schumacher in his last Ferrari season has gone on sale for £20,000.The racing legend, who has won a joint record seven world titles, last used the device while training for F1 circuits back in 2006.
      A Formula One simulator used by Michael Schumacher is being sold for £20,000Credit: Jam Press/Gormleys Auctions
      The device was used by the racing legend back in 2006 while he prepared for F1 circuitsCredit: Jam Press/Gormleys Auctions
      Schumacher retired from F1 in 2012, before he suffered a severe brain injury following a ski crash in 2013Credit: Alamy
      Shaped like half an iconic Ferrari F1 car, the Italian manufacturers used the simulators to prepare drivers for various circuits.
      It has now gone up for sale for a whopping £20,000 after being updated with all the circuits from the 2012 F1 calendar.
      The device has been used by a number of drivers, but most notably by Schumacher during his last season driving for team Ferrari.
      Auctioneers Gormleys Auctions says the collectible is a unique slice of history.
      MORE ON MICHAEL SCHUMACHER
      The listing reads: “This piece represents a rare opportunity to acquire a unique slice of F1 history, affording the opportunity to sit in the same pod that legendary driver Michael Schumacher will have used during simulated race sessions in advance of the 2006 Season.
      “A former team-owned piece of F1 history, this simulator benefits from the particular association with one of the sport’s most celebrated exponents.
      “This piece is a unique addition to the collection of any serious Ferrari F1 fan, and has been updated with ‘R-factor’ software and all of the circuits from the 2012 F1 calendar, among a number of other International circuits used for testing.
      “In addition, it comes complete with a Force-feedback steering wheel by Bob Salisbury Engineering at Silverstone.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      The auction for the iconic piece ends on November 14.
      It comes after a stunning collection of the F1 ace’s memorabilia worth £1.4million went up for auction in August.
      Schumacher’s iconic 1994 Bell Benetton Formula 1 helmet was part of the collection along with an Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost signed Formula 1 Moet Champagne Bottle.
      The bottle was signed by the pair during the 1989 Formula 1 World Championship and was set to sell for £7,800.
      Two other special helmets from Schumacher’s career were expected to attract bids of up to £20,000.
      One helmet – with a signed visor – was from the 2001 season, where it was worn during the Australian, Malaysian, and Brazilian Grand Prix events.
      Another was from the following season and was used in the Japanese and Hungarian Grand Prix events when he raced for Ferrari.
      The entire jaw-dropping collection was sold by RM Sotheby’s in Monterey, California.
      An RM Sotheby’s spokesperson said: “Among this treasured collection of artwork and automobilia are more than 75 lots of race-worn clothing and equipment spanning the breadth of Schumacher’s career, including a selection of helmets from his earliest days in karting.
      “Full Throttle ­– The Schumacher Collection offers an unrepeatable opportunity to acquire precious automobilia from the career of one of the sport’s true greats—touchstones from the life of a legendary driver who changed the face of motorsport forever”.
      Also in August, Schumacher’s incredible Ferrari F2001b sportscar went up for sale for a staggering £6million.
      The racing legend drove the 220mph 3.0-litre V10 cherry-red Ferrari when he won the 2002 Australian Grand Prix.
      An RM Sotheby’s spokesperson said: “Amongst the most desirable of any modern-era grand prix cars in existence, chassis 215 played a significant role in the early days of the 2002 Formula 1 World Championship.
      Schumacher’s iconic valuables have been listed at auctions after the driver suffered a severe brain injury during a devastating ski crash accident in December 2013.
      He was on the slopes above Méribel in the French Alps when he hit his head on a rock while crossing an off-piste area.
      Doctors said he would most likely have died had he not been wearing the safety gear, and the world champ was airlifted to Grenoble Hospital.
      He was put into a medically induced coma after suffering what was described as a “traumatic brain injury”.
      The former Ferrari and Mercedes driver was brought out of the coma in June 2014 and was released to go and rehabilitate at his home in Gland, Switzerland.
      The 54-year-old now lives a private life with his family with the tragic ski accident coming just over a year after he retired from F1 in 2012.
      He mounted a brief comeback for three seasons with the new Mercedes team after initially hanging up his helmet in 2006.
      In 2021, his family broke their eight-year silence on the seven-time world champion’s condition in a Netflix documentary examining his illustrious career.
      Read More on The Sun
      His wife Corinna explained in the Netflix interview: “We’re together. We live together at home. We do therapy.
      “We do everything we can to make Michael better and to make sure he’s comfortable”.
      The device has been updated with all the circuits from the 2012 F1 calendarCredit: Jam Press/Gormleys Auctions
      The simulator is shaped like half an F1 Ferrari racing carCredit: Jam Press/Gormleys Auctions More

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      in Soccer

      I was one of the original Premier League foreign stars but retired to run a bar and was convinced I was a time traveller

      by

      ANDERS LIMPAR was one of the 13 original foreign players in the Premier League.And that is just about the most regular part of his incredible story – which includes ‘time travelling’ two years into the future for two bonkers days. 
      Anders Limpar lit up the wing when he joined Arsenal for £1m in 1990Credit: Getty
      The Swedish international was convinced he had flown through timeCredit: Getty
      The Swedish winger came through the ranks at Brommapojkarna and then Orgryte in his homeland before spells with Young Boys and Cremonese.
      His one season in Italy saw him crowned the third-best foreign player – behind only Diego Maradona and Lothar Matthaus. 
      And that earned him his £1million transfer to Highbury in 1990.
      Limpar made an immediate impact in North London, scoring crucial goals including the one that prompted the famous Old Trafford brawl in October 1990.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Arsenal went on to win the First Division in his debut season in England under George Graham, which saw him score 13 goals in all competitions including a hat-trick against Coventry on the final day. 

      Sweden’s 1991 player of the year struggled with injuries in his subsequent seasons – although he did score a 40-yard chip against Liverpool.
      Limpar was then just one of just 13 foreign players across the 22 teams when the Premier League launched in 1992 alongside Arsenal team-mate John Jensen and Manchester United pair Peter Schmeichel and Andrei Kanchelskis.
      However, he was released when his contract expired in 1994 with 20 goals from 116 appearances, but he remains a popular figure for his impact across four seasons with the Gunners. 
      Most read in Football
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      He described his time under Graham as like “living in Iraq under Saddam” in a furious blast.
      Limpar then had three years with Everton where he won the FA Cup and a short stint at Birmingham before eventually finishing his career in 2001 back at Brommapojkarna in Stockholm. 
      And the 58-cap Sweden international soon swapped boots for bottles, opening up his very own bar called The Limp Bar.
      It closed down a few years later, though, and he then dabbled in gambling – running his own betting site.   
      His most successful business venture, though, has been Super Lock, a company co-founded by Limpar and Mikael Crona that produces plastic boxes. 
      However, Limpar’s most incredible journey came when he was hoodwinked into believing he had legitimately time travelled in an actual time machine.
      The former footballer was on the receiving end of an elaborate two-day TV prank that cost a staggering £200,000 – 20 times show Blasningen’s usual budget – and included paying to hire actors, fighter jet pilots and an entire airport.
      Limpar told Ladbrokes Fanzone: “There were 20 guys involved, all to fool me, and I just bit. I was perfect for them.
      We thought we were dead… we were told they’d had funerals for usAnders Limpar
      “I believed I was flying in a time machine because we were already in an actual plane from Gothenburg to launch our new beer.
      “There were these two ‘scientists’ on the flight who were talking about being able to time travel, and the plane was diving up and down all over the place.
      “I can laugh at it all now, but at the time it was really, really scary. They involved actual jet fighters to guide us into Stockholm.
      “We could hear everything over the radio, ‘Where have you been?! You’ve just shown up on the radar!’
      “The whole production was so cleverly done. I felt it was all real. It was absolutely crazy. We had two doctors on board in case I flipped. I’m just thinking, ‘What the f*** is going on?!’
      “This science guy just goes, ‘I’ve done it. I’ve flown two years in time.’
      “I went into the pilot shouting at him, demanding to speak to the tower. He ordered me to go back and put my seatbelt on.
      “We were fighting with them in the plane because we wanted to know what was going on.”
      Limpar was right in the thick of the famous Old Trafford brawl of 1990Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He made 58 senior caps for Sweden including at two World CupsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Limpar lifted the FA Cup during his spell at EvertonCredit: Getty
      Limpar continued: “It was such a horrible feeling. We thought we were dead. When we landed, we were told they’d had funerals for us and everything.
      “They showed us newspapers – which obviously weren’t real – where crazy things had apparently happened. They told us Norway had won the World Cup in 1998.
      “I was so glad when the guy finally showed up to tell us it was all a prank. I felt like I’d had a rucksack full of stones just fall off my back, I was so relieved.
      “I couldn’t believe it. I was happy, of course, but I felt ridiculous for something like half an hour afterwards, to even think that I was flying two years into the future.
      “But for years afterwards I was angry with it all because it made me a laughing stock in Sweden. I wasn’t happy with that at all. That’s why, when they asked me if they could sell the whole thing as a DVD, I said no.
      “Look, it was an incredible prank, so funny when I look back now, and I felt so many emotions at the time.”
      Fast forward – or maybe backward – a few more years and at the tender age of 56, Limpar made a shock return to the football field.
      Read More on The Sun
      The veteran turned out for Swedish seventh-tier side Hede IK – 21 years after retiring – and incredibly scored from the halfway line in amazing scenes. 
      Whisper it quietly, but one could say he was rolling back the years… More

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      in Soccer

      I’m a former Man Utd star – now I own a dog-themed B+B and won Channel 4’s Four in a Bed

      by

      JIM McCalliog achieved his dream of playing for Man Utd, after he became a Wolves legend.Southampton fans will remember his defence-splitting pass that set up Bobby Stokes to score the only goal in the 1976 FA Cup final win.
      Jim McCalliog and his wife Debbie run a successful B&B in Scotland
      The Langside Bed and Breakfast in Ayrshire earns five-star reviews
      Comfortable rooms, including the Cameron Suite are available to book
      While McCalliog, who released his autobiography Wembley Wins Wembley Woes in 2021, is also famous for a winning goal for Scotland against England in a 3-2 win at the Twin Towers.
      But, it could be argued his greatest accolade came after he retired from the game in 1991, following a stint as manager of Halifax Town.
      The Scottish midfielder, now 77, featured alongside his wife Debbie on Channel 4’s long-serving show, Four in a Bed.
      They were showing off their beautiful dog-themed B&B in Ayrshire to the viewing public in a competition against three other hopefuls.
      Read more football news
      Lo and behold, McCalliog’s Langside Bed and Breakfast was declared the best and won.
      Incredibly, that appearance on national TV got the ex-Red Devils star recognised by one of Scotland most famous celebrities.
      His missus Debbie revealed: “We were invited to a Scotland against England game and when we arrived, Sir Rod Stewart was in the room.
      “Jim went over to speak to him and Sir Rod said: ‘You’re the couple who have the B&B’.”
      Most read in Football
      Comfortable lodgings
      While Rod revealed himself as a Four in a Bed fan, he also would approve of the Langside which saw Hollywood actor Dougray Scott pay a visit once too.
      Originally an arable farm in the 18th century, Jim and Debbie have been running the lodgings since 2006.
      It boasts four charming rooms, including the Cameron Suite, McKellar Suite, Fulton Family Suite, and Woodhouse Room.
      Prices start at a very reasonable £110-per-night, which includes breakfast.
      McCalliog described the decor as “quirky”.
      They have opted for a canine theme with a giant dog statue outside the front door, pooch-printed wallpaper and other ornaments.
      McCalliog said: “Our key strengths are making sure the customer is okay.”
      Nearby attractions include the beaches at Troon, Dean Castle and Dundonald Castle which are a short drive away.
      And you can get your fashion fix at the Silverburn indoor shopping centre, which has shops including Zara, JD Sports, H&M and more.
      McCalliog appeared on Four in a Bed on Channel 4 and won in 2017
      The B&B boasts a dog theme throughout
      A first class breakfast is provided by the hosts, according to reviewers
      Actor Dougray Scott paid Jim a visit at the Langside
      McCalliog began running the B&B in 2006
      Debbie revealed that the couple never applied to be on the show.
      She told the Daily Record: “They kept phoning us asking if we could block a fortnight off to do it.
      “So I eventually made sure we were free for two weeks last September and we took part.”
      Their three groups of guests were pleased with their hosts, apart from one who described McCalliog as “wooden”.
      And feedback on TripAdvisor is equally as impressive.
      The reviews are in
      The travel advice website gives the Langside five stars from 150 reviews.
      One customer wrote: “Stayed here for two nights attending a local funeral. Very friendly hosts, Debbie & Jim, welcomed us on arrival. We had a great natter and they showed us to our well appointed room with en-suite. We took their recommendation for a local restaurant which was very good.
      “Breakfasts were excellent, Continental on Day 1 and cooked on Day 2. Ample parking and good free WiFi. Our second time staying here and we’ll definitely return.”
      A second posted: “One of the best places we’ve stayed. Lovely situation with plenty parking, Easy access to the M77. We’ve stayed in two different rooms ; the Cameron suite is our favourite.
      Rooms start at around £110-per-night
      There are four rooms available to book at the Langside in Kilmarnock
      The McKellar Suite comes with its own shower and bathroom
      Guests have given the B&B huge praise on TripAdvisor
      “Super hosts who are very helpful with luggage etc and cook a great breakfast!”
      Grateful Debbie and Jim happily respond and thank their customers for the kind words.
      Former life
      Although he’s now reinvented himself as a B&B owner, McCalliog enjoyed a stellar career in the game.
      The creative star scored one of the goals when Scotland beat World Cup winners England 3-2 at Wembley in 1967.
      A year earlier he netted in the FA Cup final for Sheffield Wednesday in their 3-2 defeat against Everton.
      McCalliog spent the longest spell of his career at Wolves, where he was a runner-up in the Uefa Cup, and had a season under Tommy Docherty at Man Utd in 1974-75.
      He added: “It was an ambition realised to play at Old Trafford.
      “I should have gone to Man Utd earlier in my career but for reasons out of my control it never happened.
      Read More on The Sun
      “In those days a lot of the time you were just told you were staying put even if you wanted a move.
      “There were no agents. But at least I had a season with United.”
      Scotland’s Jim McCalliog crushes England hopes by putting the ball past goalkeeper Gordon Banks (No1) and England captain Bobby Moore
      Jim McCalliog, second in line, helped Southampton win the 1976 FA Cup
      Today, McCalliog and his wife are happy running their B&B More

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      in Soccer

      I was one of the Premier League’s original 13 foreign players in 1992 – I ‘discovered’ Cristiano Ronaldo in new career

      by

      TOTTENHAM’S history could have been vastly different – and possibly much more successful – had they listened to one of their former players. Ronny Rosenthal played for Spurs between 1994 and 1997 making just shy of a 100 appearances for the North London outfit.
      Ronny Rosenthal has said he discovered some outstanding talents during his time as a football consultantCredit: Getty
      Rosenthal spent three years with Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      He joined the club from Liverpool where he had enjoyed success helping the Reds win the league in 1990, the Community Shield in 1991 and the FA Cup in 1992.
      And perhaps you could say he lived up to his price tag as he had arrived on Merseyside from Standard Liege in 1990 as the first foreign player to move to England in a deal worth more than £1million.
      The Israel born star cost £1.1million which in today’s inflated market would be worth somewhere a lot closer to £40m.
      Rosenthal was an unusual case when he arrived in England not least because of his value, but also his nationality.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      When the Premier League began in 1992 he was one of just 13 non-UK players who were part of the inaugural season.
      Joining the likes of Eric Cantona, Anders Limpar and Peter Schmeichel he was part of an exclusive club.
      Some way away from the exceptional number of foreign players that call England’s top flight their home today.
      And it could be Rosenthal’s background and outsider view of the Premier League that helped him succeed in his new career.
      Most read in Football
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      Rosenthal spent four seasons with Liverpool before moving to TottenhamCredit: Getty
      After hanging up his boots at Watford in 1999, Rocket Ronny turned to life as a football consultant.
      Travelling around the world to identify young talent and contacting huge clubs to recommend the gems that he had unearthed.
      But the thing about a career of recommending talent is that the clubs you’re talking to have to listen to you too.
      In Rosenthal’s case that didn’t always happen and in an interview with The Athletic he revealed how different things could have been if they did.
      He said: “I could have been very rich… very rich! Where do I start There are hundreds of players that if the clubs had listened… [things would be different]”
      He has laid claim to discovering a number of hugely talented players before they made their big moves.
      Rosenthal claims to have tipped the likes of Samuel Eto’o, Gilberto Silva, Dimitar Berbatov and Nemanja Vidic for greatness.
      But perhaps the one he remembers the most is Cristiano Ronaldo.
      The former Spurs man recalled offering a young Ronaldo to both the white and red sides of North London.
      Rosenthal claims to have recommended a young Cristiano Ronaldo to Arsenal and TottenhamCredit: PA
      Ronaldo ultimately signed for Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United sideCredit: Getty
      He said: “One of the ones I’ll never forget is Cristiano Ronaldo, who I saw because I was going a lot to Portugal at that time.
      “Ronaldo made his debut for Sporting Lisbon in August 2002, and I started watching him a month or so after that.
      “I recommended him to Arsenal, Tottenham and others. But they didn’t follow it up.”
      The Portuguese powerhouse of course went on to have an outrageous career after he signed for Manchester United in 2003.
      The global superstar won the Ballon d’Or while with the Red Devils and left the club as a three time Premier League champion and a Champions League winner.
      The addition of a player like Ronaldo could have flipped the trajectory of Tottenham Hotspur on its head back in 2003 when they finished 14th in the league.
      Now Rosenthal still works as a consultant, but lets his son Dean do most of the travelling for him so he can stay back in the UK.
      And although he may look back on what could have been if certain clubs had entertained his phone calls, he is confident there’s more stars down the road.
      He told The Athletic: “There are always exciting players. They are like flowers, they’re always coming. They never end.”
      The ex-Maccabi Haifa star will also be able to look back on his time with Liverpool racking up three trophies with a team that contained the likes of Ian Rush and Kenny Dalglish.
      Although despite contributing with an astounding seven goals and two assists in eight appearances for the 1990 league title winners, he didn’t get a medal.
      Unfortunately for Rosenthal he didn’t reach the required number of games to be dished out an official medal.
      But speaking to The Telegraph he explained that it doesn’t bother him and he knows how much he contributed to The Reds’ success.
      He said: “I did not get a medal, I did not play enough games as there were only eight left when I made my debut.
      Read More on The Sun
      “It is not a problem. The performances stay in history. When you finish your career you do not need to look at a medal to know what you have achieved.
      “I did something important for Liverpool. I did not need a medal to tell me that.”
      Ronny Rosenthal didn’t get a winners medal for his role in Liverpool’s league success in 1990Credit: Getty More

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      Inside Alex Scott and Jess Glynne’s growing romance, from early secret dates to first public appearance and kiss

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      THEY have suitably become the hot celebrity couple of the moment.Alex Scott, 39, is a TV favourite for BBC Sport, and a pioneer for women offering football punditry.
      Alex Scott is a TV favourite and BBC Sport presenter
      Jess Glynne is a Brit Award-nominated pop star who has scored No1 hits
      Hot new couple Jess Glynne and Alex Scott spotted at Wimbledon together back in JulyCredit: Getty
      While Jess Glynne, 34, is Brit Award-nominated pop star who has scored multiple No1 records and played Glastonbury.
      Together, they are successful role models who preach strong feminine morals.
      It’s little wonder they are attracted to one another.
      But initially, they kept their romance private – enjoying secret dates, away from scrutiny and the public glare.
      Read more football news
      However, this week they were happy to share a kiss while out in London, confirming their fledgling relationship.
      It began on the Q.T.
      Early courtship
      It’s hard to pinpoint when Alex and Jess decided to get serious.
      It was said they began a courtship before and after the Women’s World Cup which ran from July to August.
      Most read in Football
      However, there have been a variety of clues that they were dating one another.
      As far back as May, they were snapped at an event called Advertising Week Europe.
      A few months later, the pair were spotted side-by-side watching Wimbledon.
      They wore matching white ensembles as they cheered on England’s Katie Boulter against Daria Saville. Their outfit choice suggested they were already in sync.
      Right before Scott took on her presenting duties at the Women’s World Cup, the pair enjoyed a pub lunch together in North West London.
      Alex and Jess enjoyed pints at the time and appeared in high spirits as they drank and chatted.
      That same month, in August, the famous two both attended a Coco Der Mer party.
      Alex looked stunning as she donned a black top and her hair slicked back at the collection launch.
      Jess was also in attendance and oozed glam in a black leather top, with the songstress posing next to Alex for photos at the event hosted by Helena Christensen and Charli Howard. Matching dress code once again.
      Alex Scott, Charli Howard and Jess Glynne attend the Coco de Mer 2023 Icons collection launch event hosted by Helena Christensen and Charli Howard
      At Netflix’s Beckham documentary event Scott was pictured separately
      Glynne poses for the pictures on the red carpet at the same Netflix event
      Then, most recently, Jess and Alex partied alongside David and Victoria Beckham at their exclusive Netflix documentary premiere after-party at The Twenty Two in West London.
      ‘Slow burn’
      Work commitments meant Alex and Jess were a ‘slow burn’. Their romance was formed organically over time.
      A friend told The Sun: “Alex and Jess have been a slow burn and they didn’t want to rush things or go public too soon.
      “But they’re officially an item now and seem really happy. They are both strong, independent women with a shared passion and respect of their respective careers, supporting one another from the sidelines.
      “It’s still early days for them, but they’ve met one another’s mates and everyone is super-happy for them.”
      Both have been coy on their sexuality
      Admittedly, Scott, who was once linked with Scottish actor Sam Robertson, has kept her relationships private.
      In her memoir How (Not) To Be Strong, she wrote about a long term romance with former Arsenal team-mate Kelly Smith, who she was “madly in love with”.
      Speaking about writing about their love for the first time during a FANE talk in East London, Alex said: “I went back and forth on whether I’d actually be writing the chapter.
      “But then it was one of those moments, I’m writing this book and I want to tell everything. I thought I’d be cheating you all if I didn’t put that in there. And for me, it’s like that first love story, I fell madly and deeply in love.
      “And yes, there’s that heartbreak and those things, but it’s a huge part of my life and I wouldn’t go back and change that.
      “Because that feeling of love and that excitement and what it gives you, it needed to be in there.”
      Glam Alex Scott, pictured at the Haunted House of Friends Halloween party presented by Casamigos Tequila, has kept her sexuality privateCredit: Getty
      Singer Jess revealed her first album was about a romance with a womanCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Glynne has also refused to put a label on her sexuality in the past. She said: “I’ve only ever been with one girl and that’s the girl from my album [2015’s I Cry When I Laugh]. I’m never going to put a label on my sexuality.
      “People should never feel uncomfortable about who they love.”
      In an interview with The Independent, she also revealed her first album was about a woman.
      She said: “The songs on this album are about a girl. I would never lie about a situation I’ve been in. I feel like with the album I’m putting my cards out on the table. 
      “I wouldn’t want it to be misconstrued and the fact of the matter is those songs are about a girl. I was heartbroken about a girl, it wasn’t a guy.”
      Sealed with a kiss
      Just a month after they were pictured sitting next to each other at the 2023 Attitude Awards at the Roundhouse in Camden, and less than a few weeks after they attended The Haunted House of Friends Halloween party presented by Casamigos Tequila in London, we had confirmation.
      Last week, photographers pictured them walking arm-in-arm with each other.
      Every so often, they would stop for a loving kiss.
      Eventually, they parted ways at Great Portland Street Station.
      Read More on The Sun
      Their smooch put an end to the months of speculation about the pair.
      They appeared comfortable and ready to show off their love. More importantly, their happiness was plain to see.
      Alex and Jess sat next to one another at the Attitude Awards last monhtCredit: Rex
      Last week, Scott and Glynne were spotted taking a romantic stroll in LondonCredit: Raw Image Ltd
      The couple confirmed their relationship with a kiss More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Wanda Nara’s glitzy adventure on Italy’s Strictly, from shocking health scare revelations to perfect scores joy

      by

      FIERCE, courageous, and entertaining – Wanda Nara’s journey on Italy’s version of Strictly Come Dancing has got people talking.Last weekend, the notorious Wag, 36, saw judges on Ballando con le Stelle flash 10s at her for her stunning samba routine.
      Argentinian bombshell Wanda Nara has got people talking about her performances on Italy’s Strictly Come Dancing
      Stunning Wanda in action on Ballando con le StelleCredit: Agi for RAI
      It’s been an emotional journey for Wanda
      Of course, it would have been criminal if the South American bombshell couldn’t nail a dance with Brazilian origins.
      But, Wanda has had a lot on her plate before she embarked on a mission to wow TV audiences.
      And, no doubt, she would have won a whole host of new fans.
      At the tail-end of last month, the wife of former Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi broke down in tears when she revealed she was battling a serious illness.
      Read more football news
      However, that hasn’t stopped her from dazzling alongside partner Pasquale La Rocca.
      It has been an emotional adventure for the brave beauty.
      She’s doing it for her kids
      Performing on Strictly is a hard slog.
      Previous contestants will tell you about the gruelling time spent in the studio getting your steps right with your dancer.
      Most read in Football
      It’s especially harder on Wanda, who divides her time between Turkey, where Icardi plays for Galatasaray, and Italy.
      The days are long, while the nerve-racking experience of the live show is enough to put a mere mortal off.
      One error and you are thrown to the dogs, with millions critical from their armchairs.
      Wanda, though, is on a mission.
      In an emotional segment in the early weeks of the series, Wanda made an astonishing revelation about a health scare she has had.
      Fighting back tears, she told viewers she wanted to take part to “show my children that I am fine”.
      Wanda explained how doctors had diagnosed her with a serious illness over the summer after she underwent a routine health check-up.
      Fortunately, it was discovered early and Wanda has been able to manage her condition.
      After wowing viewers with a rumba in the opening week, Wanda tearfully explained her motivation for joining the hit show as she opened up on her health problems.
      She said: “I had to travel to Milan. Whenever I go there I do some routine tests. The results were abnormal and the doctors began to see things.
      “I was crying without knowing what it even was. My children were so sad.
      Wanda, who is married to Mauro Icardi, confirmed she is fighting an illness
      The Argie beauty confessed she was dancing to show her kids that mummy was OK
      “When they invited me to be on ‘Dancing with the Stars’, obviously the situation was more stable.
      “Before signing the contract, I asked the doctors whether I could accept while receiving treatment. They told me ‘yes, 100 per cent, do it’.
      “I believe it is an example for my children and when they see this experience, especially the younger ones who did not understand what was happening to their mum. They will feel like everything is fine.
      “I’m dancing to show that I’m fine.”
      Medical condition
      Wanda first addressed issues with her health back in July, when she said on social media she wanted to keep her condition private while she awaited more test results.
      However, she explained to Corriere della Sera how she is coping with the illness.
      “I’m trying to live with the same strength as before, valuing life every day.
      “I have always thought that nothing matters more than health, now obviously more. And I want to be with the people I love, not worry about bulls***, that’s the most important thing.”
      Gruelling training sessions as well as constant travelling from Italy to Turkey are not too much for Wanda
      Wanda has won over a host of fans for her bravery
      On her diagnosis, she added: “Yes, yes, fortunately yes [it was detected early].
      “It makes everything more manageable. I was very tired and having to go on a trip I had some tests done, for no reason. After the result I stopped for a couple of days.
      “I had to understand the situation. Now I try to live it by valuing every moment of my life more.
      “I had the worst thoughts, especially as a mother. But it’s also the reason why she made me react quickly: I feel like I’m the driving force of my family, if I fall everyone falls, like dominoes.”
      Dancing her heart out
      You could be forgiven for thinking Wanda’s efforts in the ballroom were something she had trained to do in the past. She’s been that impressive.
      “People think that if you were born in Argentina you have dancing in your blood, but in my case it’s not like that,” she told La Repubblica.
      She added, “I’m not even strong in the tango” which she recalled practising as a five-year-old girl with her grandfather when she grew up in Buenos Aires.
      Wanda has been paired with dancer and choreographer Pasquale La RoccaCredit: Iwan Palombi for the Rai press office
      Already Wanda and Pasquale have wowed TV audiences
      On the eve of the show, Wanda promised: “I’m here to have fun and dance. The public will see another Wanda Nara.” She wasn’t wrong.
      Ballando con le Stelle kicked off on October 21 on RAI network, so we’re just over three weeks in.
      Already, Wanda has stolen the show – and that’s not only for her dancing.
      Quirky stories about odd habits like chewing ice, which was encouraged by husband Icardi who bought her an ice machine, have endeared her to the public.
      As for the dancing, she stunned with a tango and paso doble in the first few weeks.
      But in the recent show, where she performed three dances, it was her samba that had judges applauding her.
      Read More on The Sun
      She received five 10’s from them, achieving her first perfect score of the competition.
      Wanda is now the hot favourite, in more ways than one. It’s a fitting dedication to her children.
      Wanda is now the hot favourite
      Viewers have warmed to Wanda’s dance skills
      While judges gave a delighted Wanda a perfect score for her samba More