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      in Athletics

      How tragic Kelvin Kiptum went from having to borrow shoes to London Marathon record just a YEAR after first 26-mile race

      by

      KELVIN Kiptum, running legend, made incredible progress in his record-breaking athletics career before he died tragically aged just 24.Kiptum, who began running competitively in 2018, ran his first race in borrowed running shoes when he couldn’t afford to buy his own.
      Kelvin Kiptum was a record-breaking marathon runnerCredit: Splash
      The aftermath of Kiptum’s horror crash on Sunday eveningCredit: Reuters
      Kelvin Kiptum with his coach Rwandan Gervais Hakizimana – both men died in the crashCredit: AFP
      Kiptum attends the international elite men’s press conference in London on April 20, 2023 ahead of the London marathonCredit: AFP
      But just a few years later he had set an incredible Marathon record no one else has ever been able to achieve.
      Kiptum competed in his first Marathon in Valencia, in 2022.
      He became only the third man ever to break a record of two hours and two minutes, crossing the line in two hours and one minute, 53 seconds.
      Just a year later he won the London Marathon in April after two hours, one minute and 25 seconds.
      READ MORE SPORT
      And that October in the Chicago Marathon he finished in a truly incredible two hours and 35 seconds – becoming the only person to ever hit it in under two hours and one minute.
      He once told BBC Sport Africa: “It has been a long journey for me through my career.
      “I have been trying so hard to pursue this dream to run a world record.
      “It has come true and I am really happy. My life has now changed.”
      Most read in Athletics
      Early in his career, Kiptum didn’t have the money to travel to track sessions, and had to start training on the road.
      Most long distance runners train first during track sessions and work up to the road.
      He said in an interview: “My training place is far from a track, so I started training with road-running guys – and that’s how I got into marathon.”
      Kiptum also had to work hard to convince his family it was a career worth pursuing, before he ended up breaking international records.
      The athlete began running with a half-marathon at age 13, but it would be years before he started working with his coach in 2020 and entered the international stage.
      Horror car crash
      Tragically just days ago the athlete was involved in a horror car crash in Kenya with his coach, Garvais Hakizimana.
      Both men were killed, just days after Kiptum’s world-breaking records were ratified by World Athletics.
      And the incredible runner was in the midst of training for the Rotterdam Marathon on April 14.
      He had also been picked by Kenya to represent the country in this summer’s 2024 Olympics in Paris.
      Kenya’s former prime minister Raila Odinga confirmed Kiptum had died on X, writing: “Devastating news as we mourn the loss of a remarkable individual, Kelvin Kiptum, World Record holder and Kenyan athletics icon.
      “Together with his coach, they tragically passed on in an accident tonight.
      “My deepest condolences to his loved ones, friends, and the entire athletics fraternity.
      “Our nation grieves the profound loss of a true hero.”
      London Marathon organisers added: “We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear the terrible news of the death of marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana.
      “The thoughts of everyone at the TCS London Marathon are with Kelvin’s and Gervais’ family and friends.”
      World Athletics president Seb Coe said: “On behalf of all World Athletics we send our deepest condolences to their families, friends, teammates and the Kenyan nation.
      “It was only earlier this week in Chicago, the place where Kelvin set his extraordinary marathon World Record, that I was able to officially ratify his historic time.
      “An incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy, we will miss him dearly.”
      Another passenger, a woman named as Sharon Kosgey, reportedly survived the crash and is in hospital with serious injuries.
      Local police said the accident happened on Sunday evening after Kiptum lost control of the car and veered off the road before landing in a ditch.
      Both men died instantly.
      Humble beginnings
      Kiptum’s coach Hakizimana also told the BBC about his amazing rise to success.
      He said: “I knew him when he was a little boy, herding livestock barefooted.
      “It was in 2009, I was training near his father’s farm, he’d come kicking at my heels and I would chase him away.
      “Now, I am grateful to him for his achievement.”
      Kiptum apparently needed lots of gentle coaching to come around to the idea of running a marathon – as he once feared it would be too difficult.
      His coach said: “He had some fear and preferred the shorter half-marathon until 2022 when he finally agreed to a marathon.”
      The Kenyan track star also had to convince his family about the career path he was considering – they wanted him to go to university.
      Kiptum opened up about his relationship with his dad in an interview and said: “He wanted me to study to pursue my diploma to be an electrician but I was saying that I needed to be an athlete – I had that passion.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “That period was very hard for me because I trained for four years, yet there were no successes and they were disappointed in me. But I kept on pushing.”
      But over the years his father warmed to the idea and ended up helping his son to keep up with training.
      Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum celebrates winning the 2023 Chicago MarathonCredit: AFP
      Kiptum ran the Chicago race in a world record time of two hours and 35 seconds on October 8, 2023Credit: AFP More

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      in Motorsport

      Seven ‘Kardashian-style’ scandals that plagued Christian Horner’s Red Bull…‘cheat’ claims to star raising rival’s child

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      IN the wake of the bombshell allegations against F1 chief Christian Horner, the Sun lists other scandals that have plagued the Red Bull team in the past years.The team’s boss, 50, was hit by claims of “inappropriate behaviour” in the latest F1 controversy but it is not the first stain on the Red Bull team’s history.
      Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez have been involved in a public feudCredit: Getty
      Christian Horner has been accused of “inappropriate behaviour”Credit: Getty
      Red Bull has been hit by chaos such as when Ricciardo crashed with Verstappen in 2018Credit: Alamy
      Horner is due to be probed by a lawyer today after news broke of the allegations made against him by a female staffer.
      The hearing was initially meant to be held at the team headquarters in Milton Keynes, Bucks but it was moved to a different location last minute.
      The claims sent shockwaves across the F1 World but it’s not the first time Red Bull was involved in a scandal.
      From the ongoing feud between Verstappen and Perez which was described as a “bit like the Kardashian show” by rival Hamilton to Preze’s cheating allegations, the F1 team has seen some challenging times.
      READ MORE ON F1
      ‘A BIT LIKE A KARDASHIAN SHOW’
      The Red Bull team was plagued by a big scandal in 2022 – the controversial Brazilian Grand Prix.
      A public feud between Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez was sparked when the Dutchman defied the team’s orders and did not let his teammate pass him at Sao Paulo – even though he had already secured the season’s title.
      As a result, Perez, who was competing with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc for second place, lost two World Cup points.
      Speaking to Channel 4 about the drama at the time, Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton described it as a “Kardashian show”.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Unearthed footage shows F1 row that TV missed as Verstappen and Ocon both see their laps ruined
      He joked: “I mean, it feels like a bit of a Kardashian show happening here. 
      “It’s pretty hilarious, some of the stuff that I’ve heard over the past few days has been so entertaining.
      “I’m sure it’ll all be on Netflix, it’s going to be great.”
      The Milton Keynes-based team had some time of uncertainty during the final weeks of the season of the same year.
      It handed a whopping £5,5 million fine for breaking F1’s cost-cap rule.
      An FIA statement said that Red Bull triggered a “minor” breach, going over the £114million limit.
      At the time Horner described the penalties as “enormous”.
      He said: “I hear people say it’s not a severe penalty, but 10 per cent less wind tunnel time and other aerodynamic tools is a draconian penalty
      “That can cost up to half a second a lap. It will have an effect on our ability to perform on track next year.”
      CRYPTIC STATEMENT
      When Verstappen was asked to allow his teammate to pass him according to a previous agreement with the team, he refused and said: “I told you already last summer.
      “You guys don’t ask that again to me, ok? Are we clear about that? I gave my reasons and I stand by it.”
      His comment sparked speculation that he had been holding a grudge against Perez since another incident in Monaco earlier in the season.
      Following the row between the two drivers, team chief Horner stated the feud was caused by a team mistake.
      ” I think that was a mistake as a team that we didn’t discuss it and come up with a very clear plan,” he said.
      “Obviously, it was unfortunate what happened, but it was quickly discussed, openly and transparently.
      “And both drivers were very clear, open, and honest with each other, and from that as a team we move on and the dynamic between the drivers is absolutely fine.”
      ‘CHEATING ON WIFE’
      Following the eventful Sao Paolo race, Mexican driver Perez fumed: “It shows who he really is.
      “I have nothing to say, really. After all I’ve done for him, it’s disappointing. I have no idea. I’m really surprised.”
      But his comments did not sit well with Verstappen’s mum Sophie Kumpen who hit back and accused him of cheating on his wife, Carola Martinez.
      I gave my reasons and I stand by itMax Verstappen
      In a since-deleted Instagram post, she wrote: “And then in the evening cheating on his wife.”
      Her comment appears to refer to a video posted online in June showing Perez dancing with mystery women in Monte Carlo.
      Perez celebrated his success by partying on a yacht with footage showing him up close and personal with a brunette before wrapping his arms around a blonde woman’s waist.
      Perez issued a public apology statement afterwards, saying: “I have seen the videos that have been circulating about me and I take responsibility for it.
      Verstappen’s mum Sophie Kumpen hit back at Perez after the race
      Sergio Perez issues a public apology to his wife he was seen dancing with a woman during a partyCredit: Social Media
      Perez was seen embracing a brunette during the yacht partyCredit: Social Media
      “It was a bad party that I didn’t know how to control at the height of the person that I am, but it was just that, a very bad party.
      “People close to me know my values and the type of person that I am. For those who ask me, we are more united than ever, me and my wife.
      “And for those who just want to hurt us, I wish you the best. Thanks for your love and I apologise to all the people who love me because those videos don’t represent me at all.
      “We will not talk about this topic anymore, which only makes us forget the great moment we are living as a family. Thank you.”
      VERSTAPPEN DATING RIVAL’S EX
      Verstappen revealed he has a good relationship with the daughter of his girlfriend Kelly Piquet.
      The Brazilian model, daughter of fiery F1 legend Nelson Piquet, was dating driver Daniil Kvyat from 2017 to 2019 and had daughter Penelope before their split.
      The Dutchaman replaced Kvyat at Red Bull in 2016 an two years later he started dating Piquet.
      In a rare chat about his personal life, he told TIME magazine: “I’m not the father, that’s not the aim.
      “It’s always very important that she has a good relationship with her own father, which she has.
      “But I see her every day when I’m at home. We get on very well. She’s very cute.”
      THE DRAMATIC 2021 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX  
      In 2021, Red Bull was involved in yet another controversy – this time involving Brit driver Lewis Hamilton.
      Hamilton was pipped to the championship by Max Verstappen on the final lap of the last race when race director Michael Masi appeared to incorrectly allow Verstappen the chance to overtake Hamilton.
      The incident left the Mercedes team furious accusing race bosses of bending the rules.
      But after a four-and-a-half hour battle to have the decision overturned it was finally rejected and Verstappen remained World Champion.
      According to a report by the FIA the incident was down to “human error” but the results were “valid”.
      ‘XENOPHOBIC COMMENTS’
      Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko was hit with a written warning by the FIA for his comments made towards Sergio Perez.
      The outspoken Austrian was quoted saying Perez, who is from Mexico, “is South American and he is just not as completely focused in his head as Max [Verstappen] is or as Sebastian [Vettel]”.
      Despite the 80-year-old Austrian offering an apology for his “offensive” words against Checo, the remarks caused a backlash on social media with calls to remove Marko from his duties.
      The FIA said that Marko received a “written warning and was reminded of his responsibilities as a public figure in motorsport in line with the FIA code of ethics.”
      The year before Red Bull sacked junior driver Juri Vips after he used a racial slur on a live stream.
      The 21-year-old Estonian is believed to have used the N-word while playing Call of Duty online with team-mate Liam Lawson.
      ‘UNKIND’
      A few years earlier, Marko was involved in a public fall-out with Mark Webber after his comments regarding the Australian’s performance in an interview.
      The remarks were taken as harsh criticism by Webber but in 2018, Marko never intended to offend him.
      He told F1: “With Mark it was a misinterpretation. I don’t set out to be unkind.
      “I was asked why Vettel is champion and why Mark isn’t,” he recalled. “So I tried to explain the difference and there were just some facts.
      “I say what I believe. And I say it to make something better, to help people to come up with their own solutions.”
      He added: “All these circumstances were what I tried to express, and the magazine thought that I was against Mark, which is not true,” Marko said. “[Drivers] get the same treatment here with us.
      “I didn’t think it should be taken to criticise Mark.
      “But I said if he was able to keep his performance over the whole season, then he would have been the champion.
      “Mark was already a driver with a good reputation,” he noted. “It was always, ‘If he is in the right car, he will be a winner.’ And then came the right car, but unfortunately along came Vettel as well.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “Psychologically it must [have been] very, very hard for Mark.”
      Hamilton described Red Bull’s drama as ” a Kardashian show”Credit: AFP
      Verstappen pictured with his girlfriend Kelly PiquetCredit: Getty
      Helmut Marko had to apologise to Perez after his “offensive” commentsCredit: Getty More

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      in Motorsport

      Inside Geri and Christian Horner’s rollercoaster love story… from controversial engagement to £80k ring & baby struggles

      by

      THEIR charmed country life has led to nearly a decade of apparent marital bliss.But Geri Horner was said to be “too upset” to talk to “anyone” this week after her F1 boss husband Christian was hit by allegations of “inappropriate behaviour”.
      Geri and Christian Horner married in 2015Credit: Fame Flynet
      Christian’s parents did not attend their wedding after a fallout over his exCredit: Instagram / gerihalliwellhorner
      First introduced to each other by Bernie Ecclestone 15 years ago, the couple are worth an incredible £440million and have piled their fortune into two country manors – including 14 stables for their horses.
      The former Spice Girl, who previously sweared off marriage, was steered down the aisle by the Red Bull Racing chief, who proposed following a whirlwind romance – despite having to Google her before their first date.
      Their engagement hit an early road bump as Christian’s “devastated” parents refused to attend their wedding in 2015 after he moved on swiftly from ex Beverley Allen, whom he was with for 14 years.
      Having put that crisis behind them, he will be hoping to weather another storm as he prepares for a ‘D-Day’ showdown with a lawyer tomorrow.
      Read more on the Spice Girls
      The 50-year-old is accused of “controlling behaviour” with a female work colleague, amid claims he could be gone by “next week” after “losing support” from the Red Bull team.
      Sources say the investigation is set to centre on the employee’s concerns about Horner’s strict work regime and does not relate to any sexual impropriety.
      The news has reportedly sent Geri, who is often seen cheering on her husband’s championship-winning team at Grand Prixs, into “full lockdown”.
      But a source told the Mail: “She will stand by him and be at his side just as much as she always has been. She never misses a race and that will not change.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      The couple and their blended family in 2017. Left to right: Bluebell, Montague and OliviaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Geri has been an ever-present fixture at Grand PrixsCredit: Getty
      Whirlwind romance
      Geri first met Christian through her F1 boss pal Bernie Ecclestone after he invited her to the Monaco Grand Prix in 2009.
      Christian told the Telegraph: “(Geri) was a guest of (former CEO of the Formula One Group) Bernie Ecclestone’s in Monaco one year and came down the pit lane.
      Geri Horner transforms into White Spice as she ditches colourful clothes in favour of ‘ladylike’ white outfits
      “I remember (McLaren boss) Ron Dennis was standing next to me and Eddie Jordan was there as well.
      “She gave Ron a kiss on the cheek, and she gave Eddie a kiss on the cheek. So I thought, ‘OK, I’m on for a kiss on the cheek here!’ And I went to give her one and she shoved her hand out at me.”
      At the time, Christian was with his former pub landlady partner Beverley Allen, and was stepdad to her two children, Kieron, 35, and Liam, 31.
      The couple had dreamed of having a child of their own and in October 2013, Beverley gave birth to a daughter, Olivia.
      Sadly, six months after the birth, the couple split and by March 2014, Christian had moved on with Geri.
      I didn’t marry Geri because she’s a Spice Girl. I married her because I fell in love with herChristian
      Remarkably, it later emerged that the racing fanatic had never even heard of one of the Spice Girls’ biggest hits before their first date, according to the Mirror.
      A source told the newspaper: “Before they went on their first date, Christian googled Geri – and found a video of her doing the song.
      “Geri found it hilarious that he had to research her beforehand and the song has become a running joke.”
      Christian later said: “I didn’t marry Geri because she’s a Spice Girl. I married her because I fell in love with her.”
      In October 2014, the new couple announced their engagement in The Times newspaper. Christian proposed with an elegant diamond engagement ring thought to be worth almost £80,000.
      Christian broke up with Beverley Allen shortly before moving on with Geri
      Geri and Christian first met at the Monaco Grand Prix after F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone (pictured) invited herCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Geri said her mother’s divorce had put her off getting married, but that everything had changed after she met Christian.
      She explained: “The thing is my mother, she got divorced so it kind of put me off a bit if I’m honest and I hadn’t met anyone that I felt it was right (with) really.
      “And when I met Christian, I automatically knew, I did, I actually said to my friend, ‘I think I’ve met the man I want to marry’.
      They tied the knot in a stunning ceremony at St Mary’s Church in Woburn, Bedfordshire, in May 2015, with celebrity guests including fellow Spice Girl Emma Bunton, Amanda Holden and Myleene Klass.
      Geri wore a dress by British designer Phillipa Lepley and belted out a solo performance of Wannabe in a cheeky nod to their first date at a reception on the grounds of Woburn Abbey after the wedding.
      Geri and Christian appeared to have the perfect life together from the outsideCredit: social media
      The couple regularly share pictures on social media showing their country pursuitsCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      A look at Christian Horner’s life and careerCHRISTIAN Horner is among the most well-known names in Formula One having helped build Red Bull into one of the biggest teams in the sport.
      1973 – Born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
      1991 – Wins a Formula Renault scholarship after impressing in karting races
      1993-1997 – Competed in a host of competitions including British Formula Three, British Formula Two, and Formula 3000
      1997 – Founded and developed the F3000 team Arden
      1999 – Retired from driving and continued developing the Arden team
      2005 – Appointed head of Red Bull team, becoming the youngest ever team principal at that time
      2009 – Wins his first races as team principal with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber
      2010 – Wins the Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Championship with Vettel – the first of four doubles in a row
      2013 – Has a daughter with ex-wife Beverly Allen shortly before the couple split
      2014 – Gets engaged to Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell
      2015 – Marries Halliwell in Woburn, Bedfordshire
      2017 – Horner and Halliwell welcome their son
      2021 – Wins another Drivers’ Championship with Max Verstappen, pipping Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season
      2022-23 – Red Bull win the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship two years in a row

      Geri later told Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby that her wedding day was the “happiest day of my life”.
      However, it wasn’t as happy an occasion for Christian’s parents, who failed to attend.
      After the engagement was announced, one of his devastated relatives told the Sunday Mirror: “You can say that his parents are absolutely devastated. We won’t be going to the wedding.
      “There is a lot more to this story than people know about – to do with his ex-partner.”
      However, Christian and Geri, who has a daughter called Bluebell Madonna from a previous relationship, eventually managed to patch things up with his parents and Beverley.
      Christian told the Telegraph: “I have a great relationship with Beverley and Beverley gets on with Geri.
      “It’s totally harmonious.”
      I’d got to thinking I have a child, my husband has a daughter, and accepting this is our lot. Then Monty came naturallyGeri Horner
      Geri and Christian also went through the emotional rollercoaster of IVF treatment before she finally gave birth to their son, Monty, naturally in January 2017.
      She told Red magazine: “I’d tried an assisted route and it didn’t work. 
      “I feel for any woman that has that natural biological longing, it’s tough. 
      “I’d got to thinking I have a child, my husband has a daughter, and accepting this is our lot. Then Monty came naturally.”
      The Spice Girl later admitted that Monty had picked up some of her rebellious traits.
      That same year, she told Hello!: “He’s a pretty chilled baby for the most part, which he gets more from Christian, but then we’ll encounter a bit of protest and I think, ‘Ah, there’s the Halliwell!’.”
      Country life
      In the decade since their marriage, Geri and Christian appear to have blended seamlessly into each others’ lives.
      The former pop star is an ever-present fixture at F1 races, while Christian looks every bit the English gentleman in Instagram posts from their Cotswold bolthole.
      Christian looks ever the English gentleman as he sits atop his horse in a tweed jacketCredit: Instagram @christianhorner
      Christian standing on the steps of his luxurious home with daughter OliviaCredit: Instagram @christianhorner
      Geri can often be found caring for the animals on their two estates, which are home to horses, chickens, donkeys and goats.
      The couple’s main base is their lavish Grade-II listed mansion in Marston St Lawrence, near Banbury, Oxfordshire.
      The manor house boasts a sprawling garden, a boating lake and a tennis court.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Just last month reports emerged of plans to build a 40ft by 16ft swimming pool, a fountain, a topiary and sunbeds at their Oxfordshire property.
      The pair also own a home in Hertfordshire, where they spent lockdown, and where the Spice Girls reunited for the first time in six years in 2018.
      Geri and Christian meeting the kingCredit: Getty
      The couple have an incredible 14 stablesCredit: Geri Horner/Instagram More

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      in Motorsport

      Geri Horner facing ‘ultimate Catch-22’ over husband Christian after piling their £440m fortune into Downton dream

      by

      GERI Horner’s seemingly perfect life as a horsey country mum could come crashing down if her F1 boss husband Christian is found to have acted “inappropriately” towards a female colleague.And a public relations guru has warned the former Spice Girl to think carefully before adopting the approach of former bandmate Victoria Beckham by putting on a show of marital unity.
      Geri and Christian have built a country life – and 14 stables – togetherCredit: Geri Horner/Instagram
      Geri in her Union Jack-wearing Spice Girl daysCredit: Getty
      The once cheeky Geri, who grew up on a council estate in Watford, famously wore a revealing Union Jack dress at the Brit Awards and patted King Charles’s bum at a Royal Variety performance in 1997.
      But these days the 51-year-old has transformed her image, bedding down with the Cotswold set, wearing only white and reportedly hoping that the monarch will reward her with a CBE for her work promoting literacy.
      An honour might be under threat if the allegations against Red Bull Racing boss Christian, who has been accused of “controlling behaviour” with a female work colleague, prove to be founded.
      Sources say the investigation is set to centre on the employee’s concerns about Horner’s strict work regime and does not relate to any sexual impropriety.
      Read More Features
      The Spice Girl is said to be “too upset” to talk to “anyone” as her husband, 50, gears up for a D-Day grilling over the claims on Friday.
      But the Daily Mail reports that she will follow in the footsteps of bandmate Victoria, who publicly stood by husband David during allegations of an affair in 2004.
      A source told the paper: “She will stand by him and be at his side just as much as she always has been. She never misses a race and that will not change.”
      However, Geri, who now uses the surname Halliwell-Horner, should be cautious about following Posh Spice’s lead, says PR boss Jack Izzard, CEO of Rhizome Media.
      Most read in Motorsport
      He tells The Sun: “If they’re confident that the allegations are baseless and that the independent investigation will vindicate Mr Horner, they could put on a public show of marital unity like Geri’s fellow Spice Girl Victoria Beckham did when it emerged her husband David had been having an affair.
      “But this is risky. Allegations of inappropriate behaviour by a man in a position of power can sometimes have a toxic tinge far beyond that of an extra-marital affair.”
      Tricky position
      Geri and Christian married at Woburn Abbey in 2015Credit: Splash News
      The couple often attend glamorous red carpet eventsCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      Geri has become a good friend of King CharlesCredit: AFP
      In an ultimate PR Catch-22, hiding from the crisis might not be a good idea, either.
      Geri, who married Christian in 2015 after a whirlwind romance, is devoted to her husband – so much so that the password for the Wi-Fi at their home was once reportedly “Wonderful Husband.”
      Christian Horner’s wife Spice Girl Geri bakes super Swiss roll cake in lavish country home
      They have one son together, seven-year-old Monty, and she has previously insisted they will never get divorced.
      By not supporting Christian, she could give the impression that all is not well in the Halliwell-Horner household.
      Jack cautions: “Equally, going into lockdown could be interpreted as a sign of a fracture in the couple’s relationship and fuel speculation that there’s no smoke without fire.”   
      Of course, that would be unfair on Geri, for whom the news of an investigation into Christian’s workplace behaviour is said to have come out of the blue.
      Christian vehemently denies any wrongdoing and will be defending himself at the internal hearing on Friday, which is said to be at Red Bull’s headquarters in Milton Keynes.
      Geri’s husband has been the head of Red Bull’s Formula One race team since it launched in 2005.
      He has brought remarkable success, including seven championship crowns for its drivers and six constructors titles.
      But earlier this week the Austrian firm revealed it was investigating allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” by Christian.
      It issued a statement, saying: “After being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation. The company takes these matters extremely seriously.”
      Going into lockdown could be interpreted as a sign of a fractureJack Izzard
      Up until now, the main complaint against Christian has been from his F1 rivals, which appeared to be sour grapes over his success.
      He is a workaholic who never misses a race and admits to being driven by a need to win.
      Jack comments: “There’s a brutal irony here. The reputation of a woman whose figure-hugging Union Jack dress once made her the avatar of both Girl Power and Cool Britannia now hangs in the balance, not because of something she has done, but because of the allegations swirling around her husband.”
      Downton dream
      Prince William shared a friendly embrace with Geri at a homeless charity eventCredit: Getty
      Christian and Geri hobnob with Prince Harry in 2014Credit: Getty
      Geri and Christian’s romance was in some ways to the manor born.
      Their second-ever meeting was at Highclere Castle in Hampshire, which is the setting for the beloved upstairs downstairs TV drama Downton Abbey.
      They met at a clay pigeon shoot and realised they had a passion for country pursuits.
      Since becoming Mrs Halliwell-Horner, Geri certainly seems to have moved closer to a circle more familiar to her privately-educated husband.
      Geri, whose mum was a cleaner, these days counts Baroness Bamford, who lives nearby on a 1500-acre estate in the Cotswolds, among her pals – along with top members of the Royal Family.
      In November 2022 the Queen Consort Camilla gave Geri a warm hug at a reception at Buckingham Palace in London.
      She was also embraced by Prince William when she appeared with him at an event for his homeless charity Homewards.
      And shortly after the King’s coronation last year, Geri gave Charles a peck on the cheek at a Prince’s Trust event.
      Everything is all white
      Geri’s animal farm includes a donkeyCredit: Instagram/TheRealGeriHalliwel
      Geri loves country life – including picking fresh raspberriesCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      The one constant at all these events has been the colour of Geri’s dress. Even when she is out riding her horses at the couple’s Oxfordshire estate, white is preferred.
      She explained her stylistic passion to The Sun, saying: “Everything becomes really simple. It’s like wearing a school uniform as an adult.
      “It matches with everything and I literally don’t have to think in the mornings. It kind of looks like you’ve made an effort when you haven’t.”
      And if you were to look at the singer-turned-children author’s Instagram page, you would think her life was perfect bliss.
      A week ago she was celebrating her horse Look at Mee’s first race; five weeks back Christian was awarded a CBE and before Christmas she held a star-studded 50th birthday party for her husband.
      The guests included Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood, Rod Stewart and Gary Barlow.
      When it was Geri’s own 50th in 2022, David Walliams, Holly Willoughby, Rylan, Chris Evans, Myleene Klass and Poppy Delevingne joined in the celebrations.
      It kind of looks like you’ve made an effort when you haven’tGeri on always wearing white
      With the couple worth a reported £440million they can certainly afford to splash out on extravagant parties.
      They recently built 14 stables for their horses, which will take part in races. Their home in Banbury has donkeys, goats, ducks and she recently graced the cover of upmarket Country & Town House magazine.
      Geri’s daughter Bluebell, 17, and Christian’s daughter Olivia, ten – both from previous relationships – also share the plush mansion.
      She loves to bake with the kids and cook for her husband, when he’s not away at Grand Prix races.
      On Friday Christian will be the centre of attention for all the wrong reasons.
      If he comes out with his good reputation in-tact, there will be no reason why Geri’s high life among the upper classes can’t go on.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      But if not, the glamorous invitations for the power couple are sure to dry up.
      Jack concludes: “Ultimately the findings of the investigation will determine whether this is just engine trouble or a high-speed crash for F1’s golden couple.”
      The Queen Consort Camilla hugging GeriCredit: Getty
      Geri singing to husband Christian with showbiz palsCredit: Instagram More

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      in Soccer

      I’m a former Chelsea star who went on to become a photocopier salesman – but you’ll still see me at Stamford Bridge

      by

      WHEN former Chelsea striker Tommy Langley switched to non-league football at the age of 31 in 1989, he spent the next five as a photocopier salesman.Now, at the age of 65, he is a host of the Blues’ hospitality matchday packages along with some of his other ex-Stamford Bridge friends.
      Tommy Langley became Chelsea’s third youngest player on his debutCredit: Rex
      He was an England youth internationalCredit: Rex
      He is back working at the club in the hospitality packagesCredit: x/ @ChelseaFC
      But he chuckled at a comparison of how the Chelsea business model has changed at the South London club, compared to when he first joined the club as a ten-year-old.
      He said: “Let’s put it this way, I don’t see Enzo Fernandez getting covered in photocopier ink and being low on toner when he quits the game!
      “But when I started playing non-league, I knew I had to start working to supplement my income.”
      Langley started life in South London but grew up in Basingstoke.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      He comes from a family of die-hard Blues fans. He said: “When I was only ten, I wrote a letter to Chelsea Football Club asking if I could have a trial.
      “Imagine my shock and excitement when a week or so later a letter dropped on our doormat. The reply said they would be very happy for me to go along for a trial.
      “Once I had played, they said they would let me know.
      “A few weeks later I was due to play in a game for my usual team when my dad told me I would not be playing because they had received a call from Chelsea saying they wanted me to join them.
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      “It was like all my Christmases had come at once.”
      Langley became the third youngest Chelsea player to appear for the club behind Ian Hamilton and Kingsley Whiffen.
      I won three Premier Leagues and Champions League with Chelsea… my daughter still sends me loads of memes mocking me
      He was 16 years, 174 days on November 9, 1974 against Leicester — a goalless draw.
      He recalled: “At 16, you are nervous but fearless. I suppose it was a bit like how Luke Littler has been at the darts recently.
      “It was such an exciting time in my life being able to play in a team with players who were my heroes like Peter Bonetti, Ron Harris and John Hollins.
      “I will never forget my first goal for the club. It was on my 17th birthday — February 8, 1975.”
      That came in a 2-1 victory over Birmingham at Stamford Bridge.
      And it is clear that Langley, who won an England Under-21 cap and scored for England B against Singapore in 1978, would have been happy to have stayed at Chelsea for the rest of his career.
      He said: “There were a whole bunch of us who came through the ranks like Ray Wilkins, Gary Locke, John Sparrow, Ian Britton, Stevie Wicks and Ray Lewington. We were a really tight-knit group.
      “Tragically, we’ve lost a couple of my dearest friends over the last few years. We had a camaraderie that remains as strong between us to this day.”
      But off-pitch matters changed Chelsea in the late 70s.
      An ambitious redevelopment of the ground threatened the financial stability of the club.
      Star player Wilkins was sold to Manchester United in 1979 to help balance the books and Langley was off-loaded to QPR for £425,000.
      He said: “I will never forget it, I was on my honeymoon when I got a message saying that Jim Smith at Birmingham was keen to talk to me.
      “I did everything I could to make it as awkward as possible for them to sell me — but in the end I moved to QPR.”
      He scored 43 goals in 152 appearances in all competitions for the Blues between November 1974 and May 1980.
      Langley accepts that the moment he left Stamford Bridge his playing career nose-dived.
      He said: “I look back now and I am embarrassed at just how bad I was with my attitude with all the clubs I played for.
      “Today, as well as my matchday hosting, I am also a football agent on a very small scale.
      “But the opportunity to look after young players gives me the platform to tell them first-hand how they have to dedicate and grasp the chance when it comes along. To do the opposite to what I did!”
      Langley lasted less than a season at QPR and said: “I remember scoring against Chelsea — which felt very strange.”
      Over the next decade, he played for eight clubs in four different countries. He reflects on those ten years as a huge experience but he lives with huge regrets.
      He revealed: “I played in Greece, Hong Kong and also joined up with Rodney Marsh in the States at Tampa Bay. It should have been the time of my life but stupidly my heart wasn’t in it.”
      The former frontman is as passionate about Chelsea today as he was as the 16-year-old making his debut in 1974.
      Like every Blues fan, Langley has basked in the glory of five top-flight titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups, two Champions League and two Europa League successes over the last two decades.
      He added: “When I was a kid, Chelsea were always seen as a bit of a glamour club but were only ever a potential cup-winning side.
      “If you had told me then that we would be winning two European Cups (Champions League) 20 years on, I would have told you that you had been taking something that was not good for you!
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      “I love my matchday involvement — meeting up with old players and friends as well as mixing with the supporters.
      “It’s lovely reminiscing with them, football has that unique ability to unite people — that wonderful community spirit. I am so proud to still be part of Chelsea Football Club.”
      He left Chelsea in 1980Credit: Rex More

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      in Motorsport

      Christian Horner went from failed driver to youngest F1 boss…but whirlwind wedding to wife Geri Horner caused family row

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      RED Bull boss Christian Horner is well used to steering himself through personal crises.The F1 boss, 50, who is facing accusations of “controlling behaviour” from a female colleague, fell out with his parents after he left the mother of his first child and got engaged to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, 51.
      Red Bull F1 chief Christian Horner with wife Geri HalliwellCredit: Getty
      Spice Girl Geri and Christian on their wedding dayCredit: Splash News
      His mum and dad didn’t attend the couple’s star studded wedding in 2015, reportedly because they were upset about him leaving his partner of 14 years, Beverley Allen.
      Eventually, though, Christian managed to patch things up with both Beverley and his parents.
      The controversial Red Bull boss has also rowed with rival F1 bosses – and there is reportedly an ongoing feud with Mercedes’ racing chief Toto Wolff.
      It stems from accusations that Red Bull broke budget rules and benefitted from rule bending when their driver Max Verstappen beat Lewis Hamilton to the F1 championship in 2021.
      Read More on F1
      Christian also had to overcome the failure of his own career as a racing driver, quitting at 25.
      He did so by borrowing money and putting his energy into establishing his own team.
      The hard-working team boss is said to have never missed a day at the track, even for the birth of his first child.
      Now there are rumours of a power struggle within Red Bull, a battle that could be Christian’s toughest yet.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Christian with his ex, Beverley AllenCredit: Desmond O’Neill Features Ltd
      The Austrian company has hired an independent barrister to investigate claims of “inappropriate behaviour” by the F1 chief.
      Multi-millionaire Christian has denied the allegations and is expected to stay on as boss while the probe is carried out.
      Geri Horner threw celeb-packed 50th birthday bash – but one Spice Girl did not attend
      He’s sure to do everything to hold onto his role, having once said: “I never struggle for motivation. Motivation is something that burns within. 
      “I think winning becomes addictive. It’s the fear of failure that drives all of us at Red Bull.
      “Formula One is such a competitive business that you can’t afford to miss a beat.” 
      Driven dreams
      Christian, from Leamington Spa in Warwickshire, was born into a world of cars, with his wealthy father Garry owning a business that supplied parts to motor manufacturers.
      One of three brothers, he was privately educated and got the racing bug after persuading his parents to buy him a go-kart at the age of 11.
      He said:  “I left school at 18, I didn’t go to university, my focus was very much on racing and forging a career as a driver.”
      Christian aged 20 at the start of his racing careerCredit: Getty
      Christian in British Formula 3 at Silverstone in 1995Credit: Getty
      Aged 19 he started competing for Manor Racing in the British Formula Renault Championship.
      He worked his way up the field to Formula F3000, considered to be the final step to reaching Formula 1.
      But when Juan Pablo Montoya, who progressed to F1, came past him on a very fast corner, Christian realised he didn’t have the right psychological mentality for the daredevil sport.
      He admitted: “The commitment he had, was one I knew my brain and foot just wouldn’t be able to do. I recognised that I wasn’t prepared to take that risk.”
      Team boss
      Aged 25 he quit racing and focused on running the Arden team he’d already set up using borrowed money. 
      For a brief time Arden were part-funded from Russian oil company Lukoil, whose oligarch founder is currently on the UK sanctions list.
      His success at Arden convinced Red Bull to make him the youngest ever F1 team chief in January 2005, with Christian aged just 31.
      I recognised that I wasn’t prepared to take that riskChristian Horner
      He proved to be a dynamic and committed boss.
      Christian promised to jump into a swimming pool in just a Superman cape when the team achieved its first F1 podium, and did exactly that after the car finished in the top three at Monaco in 2006.
      Four years later Red Bull won both its first F1 Constructors Championship and driver’s championship, with a young Sebastian Vettel taking the title.
      Family fall out
      Christian and Geri met thanks to a shared passion for F1Credit: Getty
      Geri’s daughter Bluebell (l), son Monty centre and Christian’s daughter Olivia (r)Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      In his home life things appeared to be settled, with Christian living in a Northamptonshire mansion with his former pub landlady partner Beverley Allen, who is six years his senior.
      He was stepdad to Beverley’s two children, Kieron, 35, and Liam, 31, and the couple were keen to have a child of their own.
      That dream came true when Beverley gave birth to Olivia in October 2013, although Christian couldn’t be there to see his daughter arrive because he was with Red Bull in Japan.
      He said at the time: “I think being a father will be more of a challenge than running a team of over 500 people, but I am looking forward to it.”
      But six months later Christian split from Beverley after 14 years together.
      I think being a father will be more of a challenge than running a team of over 500 people, but I am looking forward to itChristian Horner
      Shortly afterwards in March 2014, he was dating Geri, and by November the couple announced in The Times newspaper that they were engaged.
      Geri had long been an F1 fan and they met through a shared love for motorsport.
      The whirlwind engagement surprised many, because neither Geri, who has a daughter Bluebell, now 17, from a former relationship, nor Christian had previously walked down the aisle.
      It was not welcomed by Christian’s parents Garry and Sara, who refused to attend the wedding at Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire in May 2015.
      Prior to the nuptials a family member said: “You can say that his parents are absolutely devastated. We won’t be going to the wedding.
      “There is a lot more to this story than people know about – to do with his ex-partner.”
      Healing process
      But Christian managed to heal the family rift by getting back on friendly terms with Beverley.
      In an interview last year he revealed: “I have a great relationship with Beverley, and Beverley gets on with Geri, and Geri is great with Olivia and Olivia has a lovely relationship with Monty.
      “It’s totally harmonious.”
      You can say that his parents are absolutely devastated. We won’t be going to the weddingFamily member
      Monty is Geri and Christian’s seven year-old son. The couple live in a mansion in Oxfordshire with a stable for 14 horses, and Geri is a devoted wife.
      She said in 2015: “I do cook for him, I do like to see that he’s happy. When I go to the Formula 1 races, I’m not about all the glamour.
      “I never thought I’d meet the man who I knew I would be with always. I can be myself with him, I can breathe out. I don’t ever want to get divorced.”
      Trouble ahead
      Christian jumped in a pool in just a Superman capeCredit: Twitter/Planet_F1
      Christian celebrating Red Bull’s championship success in 2012Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      That relaxed family life is in contrast to the stressful world of Formula 1.
      Christian, said to be worth £41million, is known to swear and has admitted to not being on friendly terms with rival Wolff.
      He said: “I’ve never been a believer that you can be the best mate with your competitor. I think it’s dishonest.”
      When Verstappen beat Hamilton to the 2021 F1 championship, he blurted out “Mercedes f****d up.”
      Everything seemed rosy for Christian, who was awarded a CBE in December and was sung to by pals Gary Barlow, Sir Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood at his 50th birthday.
      His Red Bull Team dominated last year’s F1 championship and are favourites to do the same this year.
      I’ve never been a believer that you can be the best mate with your competitor. I think it’s dishonestChristian Horner
      But the death of his mentor and Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz in October 2022 is rumoured to have created a power struggle.
      After the billionaire’s death, Red Bull drafted in a new board of directors to oversee the business, and former RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff was appointed chief executive.
      Despite Red Bull enjoying its most successful season in F1 history in 2023, there was speculation of a rift between Horner and Helmut Marko – Red Bull GmBH’s motorsport advisor.
      Rumours went as far as to suggest Horner was determined to get rid of Marko, 80, from the team, reports the Telegraph.
      The former professional driver has overseen the Red Bull driver development programme since 2005 and was a driving force in bringing Verstappen to the team.
      But speculation was played down, with Horner only acknowledging there had been a “small difference of opinion” between himself and Marko.
      Red Bull is now investigating the allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” against Christian, with the internal inquiry reportedly leaving Geri in “floods of tears”.
      She was standing by her husband last night, telling pals she does not believe gossip that has been swirling for days.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Red Bull issued a statement saying: “After being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation.
      “The company takes these matters extremely seriously and the investigation will be completed as soon as practically possible. It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”
      A look at Christian Horner’s life and careerCHRISTIAN Horner is among the most well-known names in Formula One having helped build Red Bull into one of the biggest teams in the sport.
      1973 – Born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
      1991 – Wins a Formula Renault scholarship after impressing in karting races
      1993-1997 – Competed in a host of competitions including British Formula Three, British Formula Two, and Formula 3000
      1997 – Founded and developed the F3000 team Arden
      1999 – Retired from driving and continued developing the Arden team
      2005 – Appointed head of Red Bull team, becoming the youngest ever team principal at that time
      2009 – Wins his first races as team principal with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber
      2010 – Wins the Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Championship with Vettel – the first of four doubles in a row
      2013 – Has a daughter with ex-wife Beverly Allen shortly before the couple split
      2014 – Gets engaged to Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell
      2015 – Marries Halliwell in Woburn, Bedfordshire
      2017 – Horner and Halliwell welcome their son
      2021 – Wins another Drivers’ Championship with Max Verstappen, pipping Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season
      2022-23 – Red Bull win the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship two years in a row

      Christian with showbiz pals at his 50th birthdayCredit: Instagram
      Geri and Christian on holidayCredit: Instagram
      Christian and Geri have horse stables at their homeCredit: Instagram
      Christian with Geri and her Spice Girl pals, along with Rylan More

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      in Soccer

      Meet Thiago Silva’s wife Belle who’s gone to war with Pochettino and has history of controversial posts about Chelsea

      by

      FORGET the hairdryer treatment, Thiago Silva’s wife’s barbed digs are just as vicious.Isabelle Silva isn’t afraid to speak her mind about Chelsea’s blues, just ask Mauricio Pocettino.
      Isabelle Silva is the fiery wife of Chelsea player Thiago SilvaCredit: Instagram @bellesilva
      Brazilian Wag Isabelle is not afraid to speak her mindCredit: Instagram / @bellesilva
      Recently, Isabelle hinted it was time for Chelsea to sack Mauricio Pochettino
      Shortly after the Premier League giants were humbled on their own patch by Wolves 4-2, the Brazilian Wag took to X to write a cryptic post.
      “It’s time for change. If you wait any longer it will be too late,” she posted with clarity.
      She didn’t mention Pochettino, but timing is everything with her statement and it seems the Argie tactician is the latest to feel her wrath.
      No one at Stamford Bridge has felt safe since Silva arrived on our shores from PSG in 2020.
      Read more football news
      While she’s even dissed an opposition’s star player too. Isabelle is the Premier League’s most opinionated and outspoken Wag, as these examples testify.
      Timo Werner
      The German forward has always had his critics.
      For all the effort and work rate he puts in, Werner gets in the right positions but fails to take his chances.
      But, Isabelle wasn’t going to show him any mercy following a Champions League semi-final clash against Real Madrid.
      Most read in Football
      She slammed the ex-Chelsea star’s poor finishing on social media.
      Thiago Silva’s fuming wife slams commentator for slamming Chelsea defender in defeat to Brentford
      On a video on Instagram she Belle said: “This is karma, guys. Every team I go to there is a striker who keeps missing goals… this Werner, what is his name?”
      In another video she added: “We need a goal, we need to win this match but my attackers don’t want to score, I don’t know why they don’t score.”
      His stay at Chelsea lasted just two seasons, and Werner returned to Germany with his tail between his legs.
      Graham Potter
      The ex-Brighton boss was another who was bombed out of Chelsea, after Isabelle delivered her verdict.
      Their 2022-2023 campaign was one to forget, and Thiago Silva found himself left out the team in a 4-0 FA Cup defeat to Man City.
      “I just think that going back or looking for solutions when you take a hasty and totally wrong attitude is not wrong #goblues,” she penned.
      Amusingly, Stamford Bridge’s decor team was also attacked by the fiery South American beauty, when she noticed there weren’t any photos of her husband on designs around the stadium.
      Isabelle is a regular at Stamford BridgeCredit: instagram @bellesilva
      She uses social media regularly to vent her thoughts and frustrationCredit: Instagram @bellesilva
      She quizzed: “Today I went to Stamford Bridge, and I noticed that the photos changed around the stadium. But I don’t see a photo of @tsilva3 anywhere. Why @ChelseaFC?”
      Then, it was commentators who caught her ire after a 4-1 thrashing at home to Brentford.
      “I’m here in my box at Stamford Bridge,” she began. “I just listened right now to the commentator, who said that Thiago Silva is not attacking enough.
      “Respect Thiago Silva because Thiago Silva arrived yesterday, Thiago Silva played for Brazil, Thiago Silva is very tired, Thiago Silva is 37 years old, he plays like he is 20 years old.
      “So respect him, he’s not a machine. He needs to relax, alright?”
      Like any passionate fan, it hurts when your team isn’t do well.
      At the end of last season, she shared: “Very difficult to see what I see on TV. At home the situation worsens because I don’t know how to help, what to say. Very sad @tsilva3 you aren’t alone.”
      Unai Emery
      When Silva played in France for PSG, he was coached by Unai Emery – recognised as a top manager.
      His work at Aston Villa is second to none, and the blame for his failure at Arsenal shouldn’t be put on him entirely.
      Isabelle stuns in a bikini on holidayCredit: INSTAGRAM/BELLE SILVA
      Former PSG coach Unai Emery’s tactics were questioned by IsabelleCredit: EPA
      read more sport features
      That said, she didn’t agree with man being dropped by the Spanish tactician for a 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League.
      She questioned: “Tactics, tactics, tactics?”
      Rule here is don’t drop Silva, perhaps.
      Andy Robertson
      If it’s not her own team she is dissing, it’s the opposition.
      Liverpool defender Andy Robertson might be robust in the tackle, but we’re not sure how he handled Isabelle’s attack.
      The Scotland left-back shared a video on his social media of a clip leaving Jorginho for dead in a Reds win over Chelsea.
      Belle wasn’t having any of it and took to TikTok to have the final word.
      “Chilwell is better than u dude you even lost to Southampton,” she said.
      Her comment, rather brilliantly, drew over 500,000 likes.
      Andy Robertson of Liverpool and Timo Werner of Chelsea both felt Isabelle’s wrathCredit: Getty
      A vicious comment about Andy Robertson from Isabelle drew over 500,000 likesCredit: Instagram @bellesilva
      She nearly dumped Silva too
      If Isabelle had carried out this threat sooner in their romance, Thiago. might have saved himself a lot of bother during his career.
      When he was playing in Russia between 2005-2006 as a youngster, she travelled to Moscow to dump him.
      However, he became seriously ill with tuberculosis and she joined him for support to help nurse him back to help over several months.
      He told SportBuzz: “She went there [to Russia], she left everything in Brazil to go.”
      “A curious fact that few people know is that she had gone there to end our relationship and things ended up changing.
      “Of course, at that moment, I didn’t know what was going to happen, I found out years later, but I was happy to see her there at that very difficult time in my life. That moment there strengthened us as a couple.”
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Thiago and Isabelle Silva nearly split when he played in RussiaCredit: Instagram / @bellesilva
      Isabelle Silva is very protective when it comes to her husbandCredit: Instagram @bellesilva
      They married at the end of that year, before going to have two children together, Isago and Iago.
      Word to wise, do not cross Isabelle Silva though. More

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      in Soccer

      Sacking Pochettino for Mourinho would be utterly ridiculous, but Chelsea might just be crazy enough to do it

      by

      TODD BOEHLY would be a fool to sack Mauricio Pochettino before this month’s Carabao Cup Final.But then all common sense went out of the window along with the personal effects of three other managers since the American chairman took over Chelsea less than two years ago.
      Chelsea shouldn’t bring Jose Mourinho back to replace Mauricio PochettinoCredit: Rex
      Chelsea manager Pochettino has come under fire amid a turbulent campaignCredit: Getty
      Anyway, who would be daft enough to bin their boss in the run up to a Wembley final?
      Tottenham did it to Jose Mourinho in 2021 and it proved a disaster. Chelsea’s specialist subject at the moment.
      Mourinho is now out of work once more and already making sure his mug is getting pictured at football grounds around Europe.
      Take a straw poll of Chelsea fans today and bet the majority would take back the man who won them three Premier League titles and wave goodbye to Pochettino.
      Read More on Chelsea
      It would be utterly ridiculous for him to come back for a third time but if there is one man mad enough and one club crazy enough to go for it, it is The Special One and Chelsea.
      But even he might baulk at the challenge of trying to turn this club around.
      Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Frank Lampard all tried and failed to get a tune out of the most expensive squad in football history.
      A £1 billion orchestra hitting duff notes whoever is leading them. Makes you wonder whether it’s the players, the conductor or the people who own the concert hall who are to blame.
      Most read in Football
      German Tommy Tuchel lasted exactly 100 days before getting Das Boot. Potter survived seven months and Lampard’s 11 games as caretaker boss are best consigned to memory.
      Chelsea’s greatest ever goalscorer and serial-winner left scratching his head at the way his club’s once-formidable character had been deconstructed in the space of 12 months.
      Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino APOLOGISES to fuming fans after watching his side thumped by Wolves
      Boehly and his pal Behdad Eghbali bought Chelsea for £2.5bn in May 2022 and promised to invest a further £1.75bn in revolutionising the entire squad.
      They have certainly done that. Pochettino is famed for his ability to develop young players but is getting nowhere fast with the costly collection of individuals dumped on him by Chelsea’s transfer department.
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      Mourinho enjoyed immense success as Chelsea manager
      Getting them to the Carabao Cup final on February 25 is a miracle. That they look destined to get ripped apart by Liverpool at Wembley is another matter.
      Pochettino admits his job is not safe. But one thing is for sure, he will not quit. As much as some of those Chelsea fans calling for his head in Sunday’s humiliating 4-2 home defeat by Wolves would like.
      They were also singing for former owner Roman Abramovich – so Boehly is not safe either. 
      The deposed Russian, now in exile, is always the person of first resort that a bunch of supporters used to winning big things every year reach for when times are tough.
      Pochettino has struggled during his debut campaign as Chelsea boss
      It won’t happen so the fans need to get used to that idea. 
      The Return (again) Of The Special One equally has the ring of a bad movie about it. Think Fast And The Furious XII or wherever we are at now.
      But when it comes to plugging dud films, that’s already right up Boehly’s street.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Reviews of recently released Boehly-backed Argylle – a cheesy spy thriller that has been universally panned – point to that.
      Incidentally, Argylle is meant to be part of a trilogy, if it makes it past the first episode. Jose III sounds equally doomed to fail but at least it would be entertaining.
      A bid for Mourinho by Chelsea owner Todd Boehly can’t be ruled outCredit: Rex More