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      in Soccer

      I’m a former Premier League star and now I own a five-star hotel with spectacular ocean views of the Mediterranean

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      SASA Ilic is best remembered by Charlton fans for a match-winning penalty shootout save against Sunderland in the 1998 Playoff final.But today the 51-year-old is a hotelier, owning a breathtaking five-star boutique hotel in Montenegro.
      Charlton legend Sasa Ilic is now a hotelier
      Ilic owns the stunning Monte Bay Retreat in Perast, Montenegro
      The boutique hotel offers six unique bedrooms
      Ilic was inspired to open the luxurious Monte Bay Retreat in 2013, after a series of unfortunate events led him heading towards a downward spiral.
      In the space of a year, his father passed away, his first marriage crumbled, and a house he owned burned down.
      A visit to a detox retreat gave him the idea to open up his own boutique hotel.
      He sold his South East London pad, hopped on his motorbike and rode it all the way to the Balkans.
      Read more football news
      Ilic then converted a home he had in the beautiful old town of Perast into the stunning resort that is perched on the Mediterranean ocean.
      “Due to certain circumstances in my life, between 2009-12 I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do with myself after football,” he told SunSport.
      “The Monte Bay Retreat was a bit of a lifesaver. In 2009, I went through a divorce, my business collapsed because of the credit crunch in London, my father passed away and a house I had in Montenegro burn down.
      “For three years I was a lost soul. But I went to a detox retreat and that cleansed my mind, my body and soul.
      Most read in Football
      “I already had another property in Montenegro, and I came up with the idea just after I finished my final day of detoxing.
      “I was very unhappy in London. I wasn’t doing anything at all, I didn’t have an occupation and getting back into football was difficult.
      “I sold my place in Blackheath, jumped on my motorbike and rode all the way to Montenegro to start this new journey of mine.
      “I followed my gut instinct. I was living with plenty of  a sorrow because of my father’s passing and getting used to being single again.
      “I didn’t have a focus in my life. I was cruising through life and didn’t have anything that would get me out of bed in the morning.
      “If I didn’t make a change, I think I would have been another statistic. I would’ve had nothing and been bankrupt.
      “I would’ve spent all the earnings I made in football, I’m sure of that, so I needed to make that life-altering decision.”
      Original plan
      Australian-born Ilic was keen on initially launching Monte Bay Retreat as a detox centre.
      However, he scrapped those plans later on because he wanted it to be open to anyone looking for a quiet home away from home.
      Prices at Monte Bay Retreat start at around £170-per-night
      Facilities include an infinity pool
      Prices start at around £170-per-night, with access to an infinity pool, sauna, and jacuzzi.
      “Because the detox route was a niche market, that would’ve taken me another three or four years to get the word out,” Ilic said.
      “So I converted it to a boutique hotel. It now has an intimate feel with just six bedrooms and it’s completely closed off.
      “All the guests that come, they have sole usage of the bar, restaurant, infinity pool… the difference is its hands on deck, me as the host and people don’t feel like they’re in a hotel.
      “We provide a five star service that you would see in one of the bigger hotels, but with a more intimate feel.
      “I greet everybody, see them off. I usually will welcome them with the local drink, rakija and then we see them off with a big hug and a kiss.
      “When they come to Monte Bay, that’s the service we try and provide for all our clients.
      All the hotels I’ve been in, all around the world, you tend to know what people like.
      “And the basic concept of not allowing anyone else from the outside to come in, and make it completely exclusive for the people staying in the six room. I think that adds to the flavour.
      “It’s a very happy, relaxed mood and people enjoy that atmosphere. I’m also really lucky to have wonderful staff.”
      Healthy food is available for guests to chow down on
      The hotel boasts incredible views of the Mediterranean ocean
      The luxury Monte Bay Retreat has become the social media influencers resort of choice
      Celeb haven
      With its luxurious rooms, glorious views and secluded setting – it’s the perfect setting for any celebrity or social media influencer looking for peace and quiet in private.
      Over the years, Ilic has had a few footballer pals come and visit him, including Dutch legend Ronald de Boer and ex-Charlton teammate Gary Nelson.
      He revealed: “I’ve had a couple of footballers visit.
      “Gary Nelson, who used to play for Charlton. And I had Ronald de Boer, who is a friend of mine too, who came as well.
      “But I’ve not really tapped into my contacts. I just want people to come because they want to come, rather than seeing big-name superstars and all that kind of stuff.
      “Ronald is a friend of mine, and he was in Montenegro so he popped down to see me. And with Gary, he saw pictures on the website when I was down at Charlton for an event, so he came with his wife.
      Monte Bay Retreat offers peace and tranquility for its guests
      Activities including yoga and pilates can be enjoyed at Monte Bay Retreat
      Sasa, pictured with son Sava, now enjoys a blissful life
      Ilic was a hero for Charlton in the 1998 Play Off final – saving a penalty in a shootoutCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      “It’s one of those places that if you were a superstar, nobody will see you. So you get that intimacy that you wouldn’t necessarily get anywhere else.”
      Next year, the ex Addicks shotstopper is opening up his own football school, Sasa Ilic Soccer Academy.
      The aim is to provide a top notch education, thanks to partnerships with the University of Donja Gorica and Arizona State University Prep, alongside first class coaching, with facilities including a FIFA certified pitch and state-of-the-art gym.
      For now, though, life as a hotel owner is bliss.
      It’s a beautiful lifestyle, we eat fresh food practically every day. We go out in speedboats or I’ll go out with the clients.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I’m living the dream on the Mediterranean coast and we’re only open for seven months of the year.
      “I purposefully lock it up for 5 months and go away on holiday with my wife and kids.” More

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      in Boxing

      Inside Tyson Fury’s property empire, from £550k Morecambe home to Vegas mansion he let coach live in rent free

      by

      TYSON FURY has worked his way to the top of the boxing world. The Gypsy King has fame, glory and heavyweight championship belts to his name thanks to his exploits in the ring.
      Tyson Fury owns a number of stunning propertiesCredit: @tysonfury
      Some estimates place Fury’s net worth at £130millionCredit: PA
      His properties range from Morecambe to VegasCredit: Netflix
      With those accolades has also come a vast sum of wealth.
      He is estimated to have a net worth of around £50million.
      However, following his fight against Dillian Whyte in April 2023, some estimates put that figure as high as £130m.
      Fury has put this wealth to good use, investing in a number of luxury assets.
      READ MORE SPORT FEATURES
      Cars are one of the main items Fury’s money has gone towards, with his garage featuring a pair of Rolls Royce, a Porsche Taycan and a Ferrari to name but a few.
      But chief among his assets are his houses.
      Fury is said to own a number of properties, including the £1.7m pad featured in his Netflix documentary At Home With The Furys and a Las Vegas home where he is said to have let his coach stay cost free.
      Below we will take a look at some of the stunning properties.
      Most read in Boxing
      £550k family home
      The Fury family lived in a £550k home for yearsCredit: ITV
      The home featured five bedrooms
      For years Fury and his family lived in a beautiful five-bed home in Morecambe.
      Tyson has remained adamant he would never uproot his home from Morecambe telling ITV doc Tyson Fury: The Gypsy King in 2020: “Why would I abandon my own country for a bit of money and some fame?
      “I love it… It’s true beauty. If the weather was better, every house here would be a million quid.”
      And considering the Fury’s former house, it’s clear to see why he would not want to leave.
      In 2021, the five-bed, four-bathroom Lancashire home of Fury that overlooked Morecambe Bay was estimated to be worth £550,000.
      Fury’s wife Paris often gave fans a sneak peek into their home
      The home was suitably decked out inside as well, as shown thanks to the snaps Fury’s wife Paris often shared to her social media pages.
      Oil paintings, large photos of Fury in action and a trophy cabinet were all present in the property.
      There were even gold curtains and a huge gold-framed Versace mirror.
      A walk in wardrobe was also a frequent sight on Paris’ stories, featuring designer handbags and glamorous outfits to rival the Kardashian’s of the world.
      £1.7million Morecambe mansion
      Fury brought a £1.7m home in 2020Credit: Netflix
      The home includes Paris’ £50,000 collection of shoesCredit: Instagram @parisfury1
      True to his word, Fury snubbed a move elsewhere in order to remain by his beloved Morecambe.
      In December 2020, Fury brought a new seaside mansion which, according to Land Registry documents obtained by The Mirror, set Tyson Fury Ltd. back a cool £1,695,000, and is mortage-free.
      With seven children in tow – after welcoming their seventh in September 2023 – the new property gave the Furys a new lease of Morecambe life.
      Paris was given free reign on the interior design of the stunning property, which features gold chandeliers, marble-topped counters and a grand piano.
      The home featured heavily in the Netflix show At Home With The Furys, which offered fans a glimpse inside the chaotic and full-on life of Britian’s top heavyweight boxer.
      There is a castellated front wall and wrought-iron black and gold fence and CCTV warning signs for security as well as lion motifs and four eagle sculptures to keep up appearances.
      A water fountain can also be seen at the front of the property, while there is also a mini-playground with the “Gypsy King” logo painted on the floor outside.
      The Gypsy King logo is plastered on the floor outsideCredit: @tysonfury
      It featured heavily in the Netflix series At Home With The FurysCredit: Instagram @parisfury1
      Fortunately, Paris has upgraded her walk-in wardrobe for her amazing shoe collection – estimated to be worth a cool £50,000.
      Speaking to loose women in 2020, Paris – who tied the knot with Fury in 2009 – explained the move came from them deciding to prioritise their children’s safety.
      She said: “We get people around the house. It’s not good, we actually have to because of that.
      “We’re in the process of moving house because we’ve had too many people at the door – too many strangers knocking.
      “And we have five children here, it’s not like me and Tyson’s here, two adults who can sort of deal with situations.
      “We have people coming to the house and the kids are opening the door and we don’t know who they’re opening the door to. It’s not what we need. It’s not the ideal situation.”
      Caravan and gypsy wagon
      Fury used to live in a caravanCredit: ITV
      Fury’s dad John still lives by the traveller lifestyleCredit: ITV
      But it hasn’t always been fancy digs for Fury, as once upon a time, he lived in a caravan on his father’s land.
      Fury was raised as a traveller and left school at 11, but never lost touch with his roots despite his fame and fortune.
      Indeed, dad John still retains that way of life as shown in the Netflix doc.
      On his ITV documentary, Fury was seen wheeling his wagon around outside his Morecambe home.
      Marbella home
      Fury is also said to own a stunning white-cobbled mansion in Marbella, Spain reportedly worth up to £6m.
      Pictures from 2018 have shown Fury in front of the property which features columns, large windows and an array of palm trees.
      After revealing the pad on his story he said: ““New house had to treat myself.
      “Been a long time coming. But the Mack in back [sic]. MTV Cribs blessed by God.”
      Fury shared a snap in front of a stunning Marbella mansion
      Sin City digs
      Fury’s property empire is not limited to this side of the Atlantic either.
      Over in Las Vegas, also known as Sin City, Fury is said to own a stunning mansion as well as one other property.
      Fury explained that he uses the pad when he fights in the United States, such as in his epic trilogy with Deontay Wilder.
      And his coach SugarHill Steward has been allowed to stay at the property rent free until he is called upon to help Fury with his fight preparation.
      Read More on The Sun
      Fury previously said ahead of his fight with Derek Chisora: “I have bought a big beautiful house out there and never really used it, one camp.
      “My trainer SugarHill is living in the house rent-free right now, sending me photos of all the fun he is having. I love it over there.”
      He is also said to own a home in Las VegasCredit: Instagram More

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      in Boxing

      Francis Ngannou’s amazing journey from sand mines in Cameroon to being homeless in Paris and UFC heavyweight champion

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      FRANCIS Ngannou’s remarkable journey to reach the top is one of hope, courage, strength and character, and is symbolic of the fighter he is.On Saturday, the MMA legend, now 37, will take on his greatest challenge yet in Tyson Fury in a boxing contest.
      Francis Ngannou has come a long way from his days in CameroonCredit: Getty
      Tyson Fury and Ngannou are going head-to-bead in the ‘Battle of the Baddest’Credit: PA
      Ngannou was raised in Batie, Cameroon by single mum MammaCredit: Instagram @francisngannou
      The pair will step in the ring at Boulevard Hall in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for a huge pay-per-view pay day which could land Ngannou an estimated £8million.
      It dwarves any event he has previously fought in, but don’t expect the 6ft4in ex-UFC champion to be daunted.
      He’s faced bigger tests in his life that prove he is as resilient as it gets.
      From a tough start in Cameroon, where he worked in the sand mines for just £1.50 a day, to being homeless in Paris, his story is the ultimate tale of survival.
      Read more boxing news
      Early years
      Francis was raised in Batie, Cameroon, by a single mum who split from his dad when he was six.
      The father was a street-fighter, renowned in the village for squaring up to gang members, four of five at a time, and giving them a hiding.
      When he was nine, he joined his 11-year-brother by working in the sand mines.
      The boys’ job was to shovel sand into piles so the men could shovel it into the back of tipping trucks.
      Most read in Boxing
      In 1994, he became engrossed in the football World Cup held in the States. But not for the game, more for the spectacle and the country.
      He gave himself a nickname amongst his peers, ‘American Boy’. Amusingly, he would sign his name as a kid as Francisco Ngannou, a nod to San Francisco.
      His family had a small TV in their home, and he would wait patiently every Saturday to get another slice of America – in the form of the cult David Hasselhoff TV show, Knight Rider.
      Francis’ pals dreamed of emigrating to France, but he thought bigger. The United States was his calling.
      From Africa to Europe
      To get to the US, Francis, who was now 26, would have to take the long way round. It took him 14 months to get to Paris.
      Getting from Cameroon to Nigeria was easy because of the open border between the two countries.
      Problems arose when he reached Niger, where he needed a visa.
      That left him open to corrupt police and border control officers. If you are caught, you have to pay a bribe or face deportation.
      Dad Emmanuel was renowned for being a street fighter in BatieCredit: Instagram @francisngannou
      Ngannou’s upbringing in Cameroon was far from idealCredit: Instagram @francisngannou
      read more sport features
      Not wanting to give away money he had saved all his young life, he hid some in wrapped paper or swallowed it.
      He managed to cram himself into a pick-up truck with 25 people, as they crossed the Sahara desert to get to Algeria.
      The 24-hour journey was perilous in that if the rickety vehicle broke down, the passengers on board would not have enough water to live.
      They made it, but Francis admitted he was forced to drink water that had “dead animals” in it.
      Good relations
      By now, Francis was beginning to understand the politics of each country he was passing through.
      Due to Algeria’s close relationship with Mali, who had helped them during the civil war, he understood the importance of acquiring a Malian passport.
      He managed to obtain one illegally, and attempted to cross the border from Algeria to Morocco.
      In the past, Francis has admitted he was “scared as s***” when border control officers were checking his ID.
      Miraculously, he made it through – but things were about to get much tougher in Morocco.
      When he turned 26, Ngannou embarked on a journey to EuropeCredit: Instagram @francisngannou
      Ngannou showed courage and strength to surviveCredit: Instagram @francisngannou
      He would have to summon up skills akin to Bear Grylls.
      Keeping a low profile, Francis lived in the woods and would eat food out of bins.
      He tried to cross the border more than once, cutting his stomach open on his first attempt on barbed wire.
      His injuries were so severe, he reluctantly went to hospital. After he was treated, police left him in the desert.
      Despite failing several times, Francis wasn’t going to give up now. He took to water, and studied the 11-mile fence that prevented him from reaching Spain and asylum.
      To avoid triggering infrared motion sensors and helicopters, he coated his boat in silver foil.
      Once he made his way to across the water, he called the Red Cross who came and saved him with Moroccan helicopters on his tail.
      Prison before fame
      Out of the frying pan and into the fire, a year after leaving Cameroon Francis found himself in a Spanish prison.
      “They bring you to this detention centre, but this is like a harsh prison. They just want to break you down mentally, at some point you go crazy in there,” he once revealed.
      After landing in Spain, Ngannou spent two months in prisonCredit: Instagram @francisngannou
      Ngannou found solace in the gym
      Because of his false passport, Spanish authorities were unable to deport Francis or keep him behind bars.
      He was released after two months, when he figured out his next plan.
      Francis pondered moving to England, although strict border controls meant he dodged a train fare and headed to France.
      He said: “From Spain to go to France, Italy or Germany, it’s easy. there is no police control, but to go to England it’s difficult. Even as a French resident.”
      A homeless Francis settled in Paris, looking for a boxing gym to train at, while sleeping in a car park.
      By chance he met Fernand Lopez, a coach at MMA Factory in Paris, and they soon hit it off.
      Lopez convinced Francis to change sports, and within two months he was competing in France’s MMA circuit.
      He won five of his first six fights, before the UFC signed him up in 2015.
      Read More on The Sun
      Six years later, he would cap his astonishing story by becoming the UFC heavyweight champion by knocking out Stipe Miocic.
      His money-spinning fight against Fury could be the fairytale ending to a remarkable adventure, or just the beginning of the next chapter as a world champion boxer.
      Ngannou knocks out Alistair Overeem in their heavyweight bout in 2017Credit: Getty
      Some six years after joining the UFC, Ngannou was crowned UFC heavyweight championCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Ultimate sports presenters rich list as Laura Woods’ net worth revealed but she’s not the wealthiest TV host

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      TV SPORTS presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.
      Laura Woods is the most sought after sports presenter of the momentCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsy
      Glam Alex Scott rivals Woods on BBCCredit: Splash
      Kelly Somers heads up the list at No10Credit: Getty
      BBC host Somers is believed to be worth around £600kCredit: Instagram @kellyesomers
      Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.
      Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.
      Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.
      SunSport unravels who the wealthiest TV host in the UK is, starting from No10.
      Read more on sports presenters
      10. Kelly Somers, £600,00
      Kelly, 32, has appeared on talkSPORT, BBC, Premier League Productions and Optus Sport.
      She first lit up our screens during the Euros, interviewing Gareth Southgate and England’s stars, now she’s a regular host on Final Score.
      She fought back against trolls online who gave her sexist abuse by shaming them on social media.
      Back in August, Kelly revealed she is expecting her first child.
      Most read in Football
      9. Emma Paton, £650,000
      Emma, 29, hosts Sky Sports’ darts and tennis coverage, including the US Open back in September.
      Paton has been working for Sky since 2012, but has started to make a name for herself online in recent years.
      She has amassed an impressive 135,000 followers on Instagram where she gives fans a sneak peek behind the scenes of the TV coverage.
      Over the years, she has become a firm favourite with darts fans who comment online about Paton’s glam outfits.
      Emma Paton hosts Sky Sports’ darts and tennis coverageCredit: Instagram / @missemmapaton
      Gorgeous Emma has become a firm favourite with darts fans
      8. Jules Breach, £700,000
      Jules made her name on BT Sports, and also presents on Channel 4.
      The 36-year-old is a lifelong Brighton fan, who regularly shows her support for her club on Instagram.
      Breach also hosted The Football Ramble podcast.
      She works alongside Laura Woods now on TNT Sports.
      Jules Breach made her name on BT Sports and now presents on TNT SportsCredit: Instagram / @makeupartistglo
      Breach is a lifelong Brighton fan
      7. Alex Scott, £1.5million
      Alex, 39, has become a staple on the BBC.
      She regularly turns heads with her daring outfit outfits on Football Focus.
      While she went head-to-head with Woods at the Women’s World Cup with the Beeb’s coverage.
      Scott also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2019.
      Alex Scott has shone at the BBC in recent yearsCredit: Alamy
      Scott is now a bonafide celeb – invited to showbiz bashesCredit: Splash
      6. Laura Woods, £2million
      Woods, 36, worked her way to the top by starting as a runner on Sky Sports.
      But she became a household name thanks to her brilliant talkSPORT breakfast show.
      Woods is now the leading host for TNT Sports’ Champions League coverage.
      She also is the face of ITV’s football coverage.
      Laura Woods worked her way to the top by starting out as a runner at SkyCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsy
      TNT Sports hired Woods to lead their Champions League coverageCredit: Getty
      5. Jermaine Jenas, £3million
      Seen by many as the heir to Gary Lineker’s throne as MOTD host, Jenas began life as a footballer.
      Following a career starring for Newcastle and Spurs, the 40-year-old went into broadcasting.
      MOTDX was, sadly, canned.
      But, he’s still hosting the popular One Show.
      Jermaine Jenas is a rising star at the BBCCredit: PA
      read more sport features
      3. Gabby Logan, £4million
      Seasoned pro Gabby scored her first presenting gig back in 1996 at Sky Sports.
      From there he career grew, she joined ITV when they gained Premier League rights and then hosted their Champions League coverage, including the finals in 2005 and 2006,
      She left ITV for BBC Sport in 2007, has presented Final Score, Olympics coverage four times, and much more.
      It’s no wonder she’s the top earner for women in the category.
      Gabby Logan is the highest placed female hostCredit: Getty
      Logan has worked for Sky, ITV and the BBCCredit: Getty
      3. David Jones, £4million
      David Jones fronts the live coverage of Super Sunday and Monday Night Football.
      Over the years, he’s kept tempers in check with pundits like Roy Keane and Graeme Souness, although he had on-screen spats with the latter.
      Jones, 49, is a Sky Sports News OG – joining the channel for their launch in 1998 alongside Georgie Thompson.
      Outside of presenting, he has a role as non-executive director of his beloved Sunderland AFC.
      Sky Sports presenter David Jones joined the channel in 1Credit: PA
      2. Mark Chapman, £5million
      ‘Chappers’ is the purist’s host for BBC.
      He famously works the Match of the Day 2 show on a Sunday
      Chapman, 49, also hosts Sports Report on BBC 5 Live, one of the longest-running programmes on British radio, and the world’s longest-running sports radio programme, plus The Monday Night Club.
      Recently, she joined Sky Sports to present their Carabao Cup output.
      Mark Chapman is BBC’s pay rollCredit: Getty
      Chapman’s mostly seen on Match of the Day 2 and Radio 5 LiveCredit: Getty
      1. Gary Lineker, £30million
      The winner, by some way, is BBC’s highest paid presenter.
      Lineker, 62, began his TV journey on comedy quiz show They Think It’s All Over as a team captain.
      Read More on The Sun
      In 1999, he replaced Des Lynam as the anchorman for all football coverage and he fronts Match of the Day.
      According to the latest figures, Lineker is paid £1.35million yearly by the BBC.
      Gary Lineker tops the list of highest paid sports TV presentersCredit: Doug Seeburg
      Gary Lineker has fronted BBC’s football coverage since 1999Credit: BBC More

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      in Soccer

      I’m 21 and get paid to plan Premier League footballers’ luxury lifestyles, like booking private jets for £12k an hour

      by

      WHEN Edward Somner Bogard was still in sixth form, he came up with a business plan to sell designer shoes to the elite and fashionable.Some four years later, that entrepreneurial drive has seen the 21-year-old build his own company, EMJ Exclusive – who pride themselves on making sure the rich and famous live their lives to the full.
      Edward Somner Bogard, 21, is the founder of lifestyle management company EMJ
      Somner Bogard began his business selling shoes, including these exclusive Dior x Air Jordan trainers that cost between £5k-£10k
      Somner Bogard helps Premier League footballers, wealthy influencers, Royal Family members and more live a lavish lifestyle.
      From sourcing designer clothes by Christian Dior to Chanel handbags for Wags, Lamborghini supercars, Patek Philippe watches to now aviation, the young businessman runs a full lifestyle management business.
      He told SunSport how it all began. “The business started pre-Covid, when I was still at school,” he said.
      “I resold designer shoes and over time, through various connections I made, my clients became footballers, boxers, and YouTubers.

      “At that point it was about building a client list, so I did things for free.
      “Then I would get asked by a client if I could get them a watch or a car. We gradually evolved with the services we could offer and now boast clients who are very high-profile people who have lots of money.”
      EMJ Exclusive keep their services discreet, so you will rarely see Ed lauding their offerings.
      Nor will you see those spending that kind of money showing off their riches on social media.
      Most read in Football
      Most recently, he’s added a Boeing Business Jet that is available to charter from around £12,000-per-hour.
      He continued: “In under four years we’ve gone from shoes to aviation. We can supply helicopters and jets for a clients.
      “We are the only business who could sell you designer shoes or a jet!
      “If you are wealthy and famous, we cover everything you need to have and do.
      “And we always operate with a high level of discretion to suit our clients.”
      Growing up London, Ed admitted having an intrinsic interest in luxury items.
      It’s his go-getting attitude that has allowed EMJ Exclusive to grow – gaining partners in a variety of spheres the super rich splash the cash in.
      “There’s no harm picking up the phone to someone who is respected in a particular industry to partner up,” Ed revealed.
      EMJ offers a Boeing private jet for charter at around £12k-per-hour
      Footballers and the rich and famous take advantage of EMJ’s connections, adding cars like a £160k Lamborghini Urus to their garage
      Patek Philippe watches, like this £150k beauty, was sold to an EMJ client
      Chanel handbags costing around £10k are snapped up by footballer’s Wags
      “We have partners who can get us travel packages, yachts, chartering jets, insurance and finance.
      “When it comes to watches and jewellery, we’re sort that out ourselves.
      “We have also built so much trust with our partners, so we make sure everyone gets a good deal.
      “Some of our clients will spend between £100,000 to £2million per-year.
      “We even have clients who will spend £30million on one jet in one go.
      “You have footballers who will buy a car for around £100,000 through us, or a watch for around £10,000 to a £100,000.
      “We will sell an entry level Rolex to a high-level Patek Philippe timepiece.
      “We have a wide variety of customers and spends. The footballers go for more medium purchases often.
      “Where as we’ve got some clients who will spend £250,000 in a day.”
      When the football season ends, Ed’s phone doesn’t stop ringing.
      Footballers can charter a stunning jet during the off season
      EMJ’s aviation offerings extend to a helicopter service
      Somner Bogard thrives in his hectic lifestyle
      read more SPORT FEATURES
      If he’s not organising players to travel for medicals when transferring clubs, he is making sure they get the five-star treatment on holiday.
      “During transfer season, we get all sorts of requests from agents and players to organise players’ moves,” he explained.
      “We also organise holidays, hotels, and entrance to clubs and high-end restaurants.
      “And luxury chalets in Val Disere to stays in the Maldives, Dubai, Ibiza, and Marbella with exclusive access to these villas through owners
      “In terms of the clubs and restaurants, people might think that if you are famous you can just turn up and you’ll get a table, but that isn’t always the case, especially when its abroad.
      “A security guard in Ibiza might not know who that person is. But we have a relationship with the owners and managers, so we can get that exclusive access.
      “A footballer doesn’t book their holiday six months in advance. So you have to find the villas that are off market, you have to find a table at a restaurant or a table at a club.
      Ed confessed he is working his dream job. But it’s non-stop and it requires someone with plenty of energy.
      “There’s trade offs with any job,” he said.
      “The thing for me is it’s so exhilarating, your adrenaline never goes.
      Luxury holidays are also source by EMJ
      Expensive jewellery, including this £130k ring are custom designed and made by EMJ
      “If I could have built my dream job, this is bang on. The hours are non-stop. If my phone goes at 2am, I am getting up and taking it.
      “With high-profile people they need high-intensity people to work with them to get stuff done.
      “If they have a problem with their villa or their flight, they want to know if they call me they will get through to someone and we can help them sort out their issue fast.
      ‘It’s my job to be there, especially if someone is spending that kind of money.
      “We make sure we everything we offer is done with the best people and best service.
      “EMJ is a full lifestyle management business. We operate with a bit of personality with what we do.
      “Our clients become friends of the business and we want them for 20 years or more, we’re more personable.”
      Read More on The Sun
      “We’re a business that will let people with money live their life how they want it to be lived
      “In short, we make it happen.”
      EMJ consider themselves a lifestyle management business for the wealthy and provide them with luxury items
      Pricey Patek Philippe watches costing £200k plus are available through EMJ More

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      in Soccer

      I played alongside Ruud Gullit at Chelsea but now I host Denmark’s top reality TV show

      by

      WHEN ex Chelsea defender Jakob Kjeldbjerg retired from football aged just 27, he had to rethink his entire career.The former Denmark international, brought to Stamford Bridge by Glenn Hoddle in 1993, suffered a career-ending knee injury that forced him into retirement just four years later.
      Jakob Kjeldbjerg is a footballer turned reality TV hostCredit: Lotta Lemche
      Kjeldbjerg turned out for Chelsea in the 1990sCredit: Getty
      He suffered a knee injury which forced him to retire in 1997Credit: Lotta Lemche
      But, as fate would have it, Jakob found his true calling.
      He’s the Ant and Dec of Danish TV, presenting TV3’s most popular reality TV show, Robinson Ekspeditionen.
      Jakob has been working on the small screen for more than twenty years, also hosting I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
      In 2018 SunSport spoke exclusively with the enigmatic television personality in the South of France to discuss his new-found fame.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      He began by talking about the moment he was told his life in football was over.
      Kjeldbjerg said: “I remember it like it was yesterday. I was outside the London Independent Hospital with Mike Banks, the Chelsea physio.
      “We had just seen a massive hole in my knee and I was asked what I wanted to do after football.
      “Basically, they were saying that’s it. That was obviously horrible, but my nature was very much perhaps there are other opportunities in life.”
      Most read in Football
      Kjeldbjerg is now a TV presenter in his native DenmarkCredit: Instagram @jakobkjeldbjerg
      He was one of Glenn Hoddle’s first signings at ChelseaCredit: Instagram @jakobkjeldbjerg
      Before he became a Blue, Kjeldbjerg toyed with the idea of becoming a solicitor to have a career to fall back on.
      He said: “Throughout my life I wanted to become a lawyer, but it never worked out.
      “In 1992 I studied law in Denmark, but a few months into my studies I got called up by the national team while I was in a lesson. I haven’t read a book since!”
      In 1997, he got his first TV break delivering punditry on Premier League football in his home country while living in West London.
      “I was lucky enough to be asked to do some football commentary for Danish TV on a Chelsea match.
      “I did that, grabbed the chance, and it went from there. It was a tough time for me, but I got a lucky break.
      “When I’ve had a crisis from time-to-time with my TV job, sometimes I think I’ve got to go back to my studies.
      “Now it’ll probably never happen. But being a lawyer was more important to me than becoming a footballer before I made it as a pro.
      Kjeldbjerg has presented Robinson EkspeditionenCredit: Lotta Lemche
      He has also worked on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!Credit: Instagram @jakobkjeldbjerg
      “I wanted to help everybody get fair justice, including criminals.
      “It was never on my agenda to work in TV. But I started taking an interest in writing and TV when I was injured and I was fascinated by it.
      “I did interviews with Gianluca Vialli and Ruud Gullit for Danish TV. They knew me, so I didn’t have the journalist background but I had a foot inside the door.
      “They were horrible interviews for Danish TV, but I learned how to do it. I have to admit, my TV work happened because I played football.
      “My football career was fine, but I never really got enough years out of the game. It was certainly a stepping stone.”
      Kjeldbjerg’s transition from the pitch to TV has been seamless. He believes it was his destiny.
      He added: “My conclusion is that I was born to do TV, not born to be a footballer. I had some wonderful teammates and experiences, but I wasn’t made or destined to be a player.
      “My last years at Chelsea were difficult, I had issues with my body and that was maybe a sign I had to do something else.
      READ MORE SPORT FEATURES
      “Also, being a footballer is quite narrow-minded, everything is taken care of for you. You have to perform on the pitch, if you don’t you’re off, then you don’t do anything.
      “In the end, there wasn’t enough in it for me. And we were paid peanuts in comparison to the guys today. The players today wouldn’t get out of bed for what I was paid back then!
      “Now, I make more money as a TV host, but I don’t make as much as Gary Lineker!”
      Since 2004, Kjeldbjerg has hosted Robinson Ekspeditionen, the Danish version of Survivor.
      “It’s a fascinating show and the longest running reality TV show in the world.
      “I’ve been working on it since 2004 and it’s been a fantastic trip. It’s by far the toughest show you can participate in.
      “I’ve been lucky enough to do I’m a Celebrity…, but that’s a walk in the park compared to Robinson Ekspeditionen.
      “We shoot in the Philippines for around 50 days a year. It’s a two-hour show, 27 contestants and three teams.
      Robinson Ekspeditionen is one of Denmark’s top rated TV ShowsCredit: Robinson Ekspeditionen
      It is the Danish version of SurvivorCredit: Lotta Lemche
      “It’s much harder to win the show than before when we had just 16 contestants.
      “We try and prepare these contestants for the worst, psychology tests and the rest. But they always get a shock.”
      Like Simon Cowell, Kjeldbjerg has developed a reputation as a tough customer. And he’s been very much part of the show’s most controversial moments.
      “We had some crazy gimics from 2007-2011, including a Guantanamo concept where I asked the contestants to run around naked.
      “I have this profile that I can be a tough guy, so they did it! But now we’ve gone back to basics and it’s still rating extremely well.”
      He added: “Robinson Ekspeditionen is under my skin, it’s been life-changing for me.”
      Kjeldbjerg admitted he would love to give British TV a shot.
      He said: “I could see myself working on British TV, that would definitely be a great challenge.
      “I am a character doing what I do, so who knows? If my company here would allow me to, I’d love to do a stint in the UK.
      “I could take over from Ant! But in truth, they were both much better than me at hosting I’m a Celeb…”
      Kjeldbjerg with wife ChristineCredit: Instagram @jakobkjeldbjerg
      Kjeldbjerg admitted his new life has come with challengesCredit: Instagram @jakobkjeldbjerg
      Presenting Denmark’s most popular reality TV show has meant that Kjeldbjerg’s fame has hit new heights.
      He confessed that it’s not something he’s totally comfortable with.
      “I like my privacy, but when I walk in Copenhagen I’m often approached by fans because it’s a high-profile TV show.
      “Families recognise me from Robinson Ekspeditionen and guys remember me from my football days. It’s not something I ever dreamed about, but it’s part of the deal.”
      Kjeldbjerg was signed by the Blues for £485,000, just a year after winning the Danish under-21 Player of the Year. He remembers his time in West London fondly.
      “I did have some great times at Chelsea. I have so much respect for Glenn Hoddle, what he did and what he wanted to do.
      “He was the man who started that revolution, if you like, of Chelsea wanting to play football and I was a part of that.
      “I don’t know how much credit he gets today, but without him Gullit would never have been there or Vialli or even Gianfranco Zola.
      “I remember when we lost that FA Cup final against Manchester United 4-0, we were still celebrated with an open top bus going down King’s Road.
      “I sometimes wonder what would’ve happened if I didn’t get injured, but I’m not so sure I would’ve been in the starting eleven.
      “Marcel Desailly was signed just a few years later, so I may not have played much. But I do treasure those moments I had with Chelsea.”
      Kjeldbjerg listed Gullit as the greatest player he’s ever played alongside.
      Kjeldbjerg starred for Chelsea in an FA Cup finalCredit: Getty – Contributor
      He named Ruud Gullit as the best player he played withCredit: Instagram @jakobkjeldbjerg
      Without hesitation, he told us: “Ruud Gullit (was the best) for his physical presence and what I call positive arrogance.
      “He was a funny guy, took the dressing room under his wing and was a leader. Ruud was so strong physically and skill-wise. I played with Brian and Michael Laudrup, but Gullit was outstanding.
      “(Zlatan) Ibrahimovic reminds me of him in terms of his character – that charm and arrogance. I loved it. He was a fantastic character.”
      And Kjeldbjerg also speaks fondly of another Chelsea great – John Terry – who was responsible for cleaning his boots.
      “I would love to have played alongside John Terry. He was one of the boot boys when I was there with Jody Morris.
      “They were wonderful kids. John was quite shy, but a lovely guy. No chip on his shoulder, he did his job.
      “I remember at the time wondering if he had the hard work required to really break through. But he was a real true leader of that football club for many years.”
      Because of his TV commitments, Kjeldbjerg rarely gets a chance to visit Stamford Bridge. But he watches all their games and was impressed with Maurizio Sarri’s approach.
      He said: “I’ve watched their first few matches, and I don’t think they’ll win the Premier League this year.
      “Their attacking football against Arsenal was sensational, but defensively there needs to be some adjustment and improvement.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I’m already a little bit in love with Sarri because of the way he stands there with his tracksuit bottoms and polo shirt.
      “He has a great approach to everything and he’s definitely got a plan. It’s clearly his way or the highway.”
      Kjeldbjerg is recognised more for his TV work than for footballCredit: Instagram @jakobkjeldbjerg More

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      in Soccer

      Biggest feet in football from Ibrahimovic’s size 12s to Maguire and his gigantic boots with Arsenal Invincible top dog

      by

      FOOTBALL players and fans alike are obsessed with the boots worn on the field.From Jack Grealish’s record-breaking boot sponsorship deal with Puma to the arms race between Nike and Adidas that has spanned decades, football boots are no laughing matter.
      The global football boot industry is estimated to be worth nearly £20billion by 2028Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Jack Grealish signed a record breaking boot deal with Puma earlier this yearCredit: Puma
      Juan Mata poked fun at a former Man Utd team-mates gargantuan bootsCredit: Instagram
      In fact, it is estimated the global industry for football boots will be worth almost £20billion by 2028, with each year seeing an average market growth of 5.4 per cent from 2022.
      There are all type of boots from hard ground to artificial turf as well as no end to variations in style.
      Weight is also a huge factor for many elite athletes who try to maximise marginal gains. So what about the size of the boot itself?
      Some of the world’s best players such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are famous cases of using small boots, with Ronaldo going for a fit SMALLER than his actual foot size.
      READ MORE SPORT FEATURES
      Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai revealed how his dad made him wear smaller boots to stop his feet from growing in an effort to mould them into the perfect shape.
      However, what about the top end of the scale?
      You may expect a behemoth such as Erling Haaland to feature on a list of footballers with the largest size feet, but you will be shocked to learn he only uses a 9.5 size boot.
      Fear not though, for we have compiled a list of football stars with some of the largest boot sizes in the world.
      Most read in Football
      Paul Pogba – size 10.5
      Paul Pogba often used his size 10.5 boots as a reflection of his playstyleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Former Manchester United star Paul Pogba stands at 6ft 3″ tall and wears a size 10.5 Adidas boot. He was always something of a showman when it came to his boots.
      In 2017 he was seen wearing a boot with his face stitched on, while his 2022/23 boots after returning to Juventus featured a stunning blue and pink design.
      Thibaut Courtois – size 11
      Thibaut Courtois is often seen making stunning saves with his size 11 bootsCredit: The Times
      It should be no surprise to see a goalkeeper on this list and ex-Chelsea Thibaut Courtois is a prime example.
      On more than occasion his size 11 boots have saved Real Madrid from conceding, with a notable performance in the 2022 Champions League final against Liverpool coming to mind.
      Sol Campbell is another star who possibly wore size 11 boots after donating a pair of his size 11 Puma boots to the Small Steps Project.
      However, according to The Independent Campbell was brought a size 14 pair of trainers by a senior conservative aide while he was visiting a constituency for the party in 2015.
      Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Peter Crouch, Virgil van Dijk and Fraser Forster – size 12
      Zlatan Ibrahimovic was always a star who used acrobatic flicks to his advantageCredit: AFP or licensors
      Peter Crouch’s long frame managed to get him a number of goalsCredit: —
      There are a number of high profile footballers past and present who have worn size 12.
      It is not that surprising either considering each of these stars would not look out of place in the NBA.
      Standing between 6ft 4″ and 6ft 7″, these stars have all used height as a deadly weapon for their teams.
      Martial arts expert Zlatan Ibrahimovic was never one to shy away from an acrobatic goal, while Peter Crouch had a knack for getting his toe to the ball.
      READ SPORT FEATURES
      Virgil van Dijk established himself as one of the Premier League’s best defenders with a cultured ball-playing ability and defensive prowess boosted by his physicality.
      Messi praised Fraser Forster as having “the best goalkeeping performance I have seen” against him when Barcelona lost to Celtic in 2012, with the Tottenham reserve making 13 saves in that game.
      Manuel Neuer – size 12.5
      Manuel Neuer pioneered the modern style of goalkeepingCredit: AFP
      A player who pioneered the position of goalkeeper as we know it today, Bayern Munich star Manuel Neuer is the first name that comes for mind when saying the term sweeper-keeper.
      Cool as a cucumber playing out from the back and equally adept at shot-stopping, the German was helped in his acts by his huge frame underpinned by size 12.5 boots.
      Harry Maguire – size 13
      Harry Maguire wears size 13 bootsCredit: Getty
      Harry Maguire will be hoping to book a spot at Euro 2024 amid his struggles in the last couple of seasons at Man Utd.
      To do that he will need to ensure his size 13 boots are getting action on the pitch.
      Romelu Lukaku – size 13.5
      Romelu Lukaku was mocked by Man Utd team-mates for his size 13.5 bootsCredit: Rex
      Romelu Lukaku came in to replace Ibrahimovic at Man Utd and had no problem filling the Swede’s boots in his first season, considering his feet are a full size-and-a-half larger.
      While the size 13.5 boots have helped the Belgian’s keen eye for goal, it was also the butt of a few jokes with team-mates, with Juan Mata sharing a picture with the boots comically misplaced on his own feet.
      Nwankwo Kanu – size 15
      Arsenal Invincible Nwankwo Kanu wore size 15 bootsCredit: Getty
      But it did not stop him getting a reputation for having excellent ball controlCredit: PA
      But none of the previous names come close to the king of the football boot world – Arsenal Invincible Nwankwo Kanu – who wore a stunning size 15.
      The Nigerian forward starred for Arsenal in both their 2002 and 2004 title winning sides, scoring 44 goals across five and a half seasons with the Gunners.
      Read More on The Sun
      And the size of his feet did not stop him from possessing silky ball control.
      Former team-mate Lee Dixon told The Athletic on Kanu: “He’d just control the whole training session. You literally couldn’t get the ball off him.” More

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      in Soccer

      I earned £6,500 a week at just 13 and should have won the Ballon d’Or but women, cars and drugs wrecked my career

      by

      FABIO PAIM is the ultimate story of a football career ruined by money.The child prodigy left his four younger siblings and mother aged eight to live at the Sporting academy.
      Fabio Paim was on £10,000 per week plus a £130,000 annual bonus when on loan at Chelsea aged 20Credit: Chelsea FC – Getty
      The footballer’s career was ruined by fame and money at such a young age
      He was so good that the club paid him £4,400 per week when he was just 13, plus a staggering £130,000 annual bonus. 
      That weekly wage increased through his teenage years to £5,000, £6,000 and £8,000 before he joined Chelsea on loan aged 20 earning £10,000 per week as well as that mammoth bumper pay packet. 
      Many believed Paim would become one of if not the best players to ever grace a football field, including the man himself and his childhood friend Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Ronaldo famously said upon joining Manchester United in 2003: “If you think I’m good, wait until you see Fabio Paim.”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      But these days, Paim’s tale is one of regrets and mistakes and the sad narrative of someone who failed to realise his potential.
      Asked if he could have won Ballons d’Or, Champions League and even the World Cup for Portugal, Paim told SunSport: “Yes. I believe so. Cristiano did and I could too.
      “Until today, there has been no one like me that young. 
      “At that time I was better than Cristiano. 
      Most read in Football
      “I didn’t work the same as them [Ronaldo and Lionel Messi].
      “I started earning lots of money and had fame way earlier. That led me to a different path, that’s why I’m not among them and I don’t deserve it.
      “I was born with talent. As I was earning lots of money, I got the illusion I didn’t need the effort.
      “When I was 13, my monthly wage was €19,000 plus a €150,000 bonus per year. It was always going up. It was too fast. 
      “I always looked after my family because I had the biggest income at home by 12. My mother was a domestic worker in other people’s houses.
      “I could spend the money on my stuff and even when I was doing wrong, I was never called to attention. 
      “No one said anything because I was so good. Sporting wanted me to play so they let me do whatever I wanted as long as I kept playing at that level.”
      Paim, who actually dreamed of being a pop star, embraced his fame at an early age and dived headfirst into an indulgent lifestyle of partying, women and cars.
      DRIVEN TO DESTRUCTION
      He bought his first motor, a high-end convertible Mercedes, before obtaining a driving licence and owned a whole fleet of supercars… and a Fiat Punto. 
      But now as drives his BMW around the Algarve, he recognises his spending was reckless because he wasn’t taught how to budget his finances wisely. 
      Paim added: “To be honest, I regret some of the choices I’ve made.
      “I believe I should have been taught better because I was earning a lot of money and didn’t know how to deal with that.
      “I wanted everything at the same time. I shouldn’t have rushed things. I should have been more humble and paid attention to what people were telling me.
      “I liked a lot of things, things I couldn’t have as a child. But I was also robbed and people took advantage of me several times. People in the bank, the guy that sold me the cars. 

      “I bought all kinds of cars. Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Porsches, Audis because it was my dream as a child and I had no one telling me it wasn’t right. 
      “The worst investment you can make is cars. But my head couldn’t think that way and no one taught me better.
      Many tipped the talented youngster to win countless trophies and awardsCredit: Fabio Paim
      Paim left home aged eight to live at the Sporting academyCredit: Fabio Paim
      His mother cleaned other people’s houses while Fabio and his siblings were growing upCredit: Fabio Paim
      By the age of 12, Paim was the biggest earner in his familyCredit: Fabio Paim
      After a difficult childhood, he could not resist treating himself to flash carsCredit: Fabio Paim
      “I started drinking when I was 18 or 19 then started going to parties. It became a routine, more partying, more and more things. I got to know a different lifestyle. 
      “As a footballer, I performed the same. I was scoring, playing well in games but after that, I was partying and making bad decisions.”
      Despite his immense potential, Paim never broke into the Sporting first team and joined a host of other Portuguese players at Chelsea with a season-long loan in 2008-09.
      The lack of Premier League 2 in those days, though, meant he did not play regular matches under reserve team managers Brendan Rodgers or Paul Clement.
      After another two loans in the 2009-10 season, Paim was released by Sporting in 2010, embarking on a career that took him around the world simply chasing more money to fuel his expensive, lavish lifestyle. 
      But he got a major wake-up call when, in 2019, he was arrested and put in prison for a year on suspicion of drug trafficking. 
      Paim was acquitted when the case collapsed then had a brief stint in Poland’s third tier before realising he must use his experiences to help others.
      The ex-winger, therefore, now travels around Portugal visiting schools, universities and football clubs giving talks and presentations.
      The message is close to home, too, with his 11-year-old son Jaden now in the Sporting academy. 
      Parents don’t want their kids to end up like meFabio Paim
      He added: “I feel it’s mandatory for me to give back to the kids and teach them what I didn’t have anyone to teach me because I can’t give the gift or talent I was born with to anyone. I can’t teach that. 
      “But if I can teach what I have learnt from my experience and what I see has changed in football because of me and because of my story that will be enough for me.
      “Although I don’t have money now, I use myself as an example so they can avoid the mistakes I made in getting overwhelmed by money and fame.
      “The parents don’t want their kids to end up like me.
      “Not everybody is going to be like Cristiano but if they choose the right path, they have better chances to become football players.
      “My son has a dream like all other kids have to be a big player but most important for me without any pressure is that he’s happy. 
      “If he can be half the player I was, the family will be more than happy!”
      But Paim, despite his rollercoaster journey, lacks sympathy for those who still repeat his mistakes.
      Sat in his barber’s chair getting his biweekly trim, he concluded: “Now it doesn’t get me so upset.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Those mistakes are only going to happen if they want to because they have loads of information. 
      “In my time it wasn’t that way. So it’s like a choice to them. If that happens, it’s their fault.”
      The owner of Paim’s barbershop is a Lionel Messi fanCredit: SunSport
      The former star needed better financial education when he burst throughCredit: SunSport
      Paim now drives a relatively-modest BMW after Lamborghinis and Ferraris in the pastCredit: SunSport
      Paim does not want other young footballers to make the same mistakes as himCredit: Fabio Paim
      The star got involved in a lavish life of alcohol, parting and big spendingCredit: Getty
      Paim spent 12 months behind bars after his arrest on suspicion of drug traffickingCredit: Fabio Paim
      Paim still has a special bond with his mother, who he describes as his ‘best friend’Credit: Fabio Paim
      Ronaldo has collected five Ballons d’Or but Paim thinks he was good enough to win oneCredit: AFP or licensors
      Brendan Rodgers was Chelsea reserves boss when Paim arrived on loan in 2008Credit: Getty – Contributor More