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      in Soccer

      Inside Spain ace Rodri’s humble world, from living in student halls as a footballer to private life with rarely-seen Wag

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      RODRI has won it all with Manchester City but he remains one of the most humble footballers around.He could claim Euros glory with Spain as he continues to uphold his reputation as one of the best midfielders in the world.Rodri has maintained a humble lifestyle despite being one of the best players in the worldCredit: GettyHe and girlfriend Laura Iglesias prefer to lead a private lifestyleCredit: GettyThe couple met at universityCredit: MANCHESTER CITYLast season Rodri broke the record for the longest unbeaten streak in European football history, with 74 games, before City were beaten by Real Madrid.His performances have led to Ballon d’Or tips, having finished fifth in the voting for the award last year.But Rodri, 28, has remained grounded and enjoys a modest lifestyle, keeping his personal life, including his relationship with Laura Iglesias, away from the public eye.The Spaniard signed for City for £63million in 2019 and is now believed to earn a staggering £220,000-a-week, but he has opted not to adopt an extravagant lifestyle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLInstead, he has driven old cars and combined his football career with studying at university, all the while staying off social media.Ballon boreRodri has arguably been City’s most important player over the last few years.And as a world class player in a world class team, it is unsurprising the midfielder has been touted as a contender to win the Ballon d’Or.Spain team-mate Alvaro Morata claims Rodri would have picked up the gong after winning the Treble last year if he was more marketable.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Rodri is not bothered about winning the award or the acclaim that comes with it.He explained in an interview with The Guardian: “I don’t play football for that. Ivan Toney plays Connect Four and reads a book without LOOKING in hilarious England video after his famous penalty”Maybe people would like me to be more marketable and he sometimes says: ‘Mate, you should…’ but I understand football differently. “I know how it works so I don’t get frustrated if [I get overlooked for the award]. If one day someone wants to reward the work, that’s welcome, but it doesn’t bother me at all.”Rodri finished fifth in the voting for the Ballon d’Or last yearCredit: Sunday TimesLiving in uni hallsRodri joined City from Atletico Madrid but began his career at Villarreal where he spent time living in university halls while he was a student.Shunning renting a posh apartment, Rodri lived in a shared space at the Universidad de Castellon in eastern Spain.He studied Business Studies and Economics, and balanced a precarious football career with his degree, never missing a lecture.His friend Valentin Henarejo recalled their time together, telling Marca: “People were shocked when they saw Rodri, who was playing in the top flight but still living at the university residence.”After the first few days of getting to know him, there was normality.”He shared a space with everyone, he liked being with his friends and sitting on the sofa with everyone.”But, of course, at the start it was strange seeing him playing table tennis or doing his washing.”Rodri lived in halls at uni despite being a professional footballerCredit: X @THURBRUYNEHe earned a degree in Business Studies and EconomicCredit: X @City_ChiefPrivate lifeRodri and his partner Laura like to keep their personal life under wraps – with Laura’s Instagram kept private.Laura is a medical student and is believed to be training to become a surgeon, with the pair meeting at university.Rodri revealed she was confused to see a pro footballer in uni studying, but Laura has now become his biggest supporter and often posts videos of her celebrating her boyfriend’s goals.The four-time Premier League winner revealed he often watches those videos back, saying: “When I get to score, I always have a video of Laura celebrating the goal at home and I always watch it in a locker room.”Laura is studying to be a surgeonCredit: GettyShe has become the midfielder’s biggest fanCredit: GettyModest lifestyleRodri’s stellar performances have led to a big pay rise since his move to the Etihad.But he has turned away from the lavish spending lifestyles favoured by many of his team-mates in favour of a more low-key way of life.When he passed his driver’s test Rodri decided against purchasing a Ferrari or Lamborghini, and instead bought a second-hand Opel Corsa from an elderly lady.His friend Valentin said: “One time he told me that some friends were ‘crazy’ for buying nice cars, all that mattered was that it takes you from A to B and that’s all.”READ MORE SUN STORIESRodri has also stuck to a strict regime during his career with training taking precedence above everything else.It has helped propel him to untouchable status for club and country, with many viewing him as the successor to Spain legend Sergio Busquets.Rodri’s first car was an old Opel Corsa he bought off an elderly lady More

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      in Boxing

      I walked away from pro MMA career to become Conor McGregor’s photographer… now he’s helping me make Misfits Boxing debut

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      PHOTOGRAPHER Dave Fogarty was picturing a career in professional MMA – until Conor McGregor came calling. The Irishman was an amateur champion with World and European medals to his name. Photographer Dave Fogarty with Conor McGregorCredit: Instagram Fogarty training for his boxing debutCredit: Instagram And while training to be a fighter, he picked up the camera as a hobby to do while out the gym and snapped in local Irish shows. That is how he was introduced to McGregor – who later became his boss after the UFC icon offered him a job as his personal photographer. Fogarty, 34, told SunSport: “I definitely could’ve turned pro. “It was definitely on the cards and something I thought about but when my amateur career had come to an end is when I started working full time for Conor.READ MORE IN BOXING“The time commitment working with Conor wouldn’t work with the full time commitment of doing pro MMA. “So I obviously chose to continue working with Conor.”Despite walking away from a fight career, Fogarty has never left MMA. That is because he is on call 24/7 with McGregor, meaning he is always in the gym and around the world’s biggest fights. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFogarty is among McGregor’s most trusted confidants. The talented snapper is part of McGregor’s core team who travel around the world with him.Watch disgusting moment Conor McGregor dislocates then resets his toe in training as injury sees him pull out of UFC 303Fogarty joins nutritionist Tristan Kennedy and strength coach Julian Dalby along with a padman and masseuse wherever McGregor goes. He said: “The man doesn’t take holidays, he doesn’t take vacations. He’s always doing something, when he’s away, the team is always away with him. “Like he says, there’s a gym on the yacht. Even if he’s on his yacht, he’s still training. He trains all year round. It’s great to be surrounded by that.” Fogarty – who has continued to train since his last MMA bout in 2017 – has captured McGregor’s meteoric rise through his lens. He revealed: “It’s mad. When you step back and see what it must be like for him. “Because when all that stuff is happening, I’m just in work mode making sure I get the pictures and have it covered.  “So to step back and see that’s what he does, day in and day out. That’s his life, it’s crazy. Conor wears different hats. You can be around him sometimes and he’s Conor, your friend and you’re having a buzz. And then, when it’s time to get to work and he becomes the boss.Conor McGregor’s photographer Dave Fogarty “It becomes normal until you step back and realise that it isn’t normal.” Fogarty teased that an upcoming project he worked on with McGregor is due to be released soon. And he opened up on how his close friend can just as quickly flip to strict boss at any moment. He said: “Conor wears different hats. You can be around him sometimes and he’s Conor, your friend and you’re having a buzz. “And then, when it’s time to get to work and he becomes the boss there’s times when I’m taking pictures and it hasn’t been his vision. “And, he’s told me about it. He’s let me know, that’s when it’s Conor the boss. “But there’s times when he loves the pictures and we’re having a buzz. “There’s times where he’s Conor McGregor, head of McGregor Sports & Entertainment or Claymore Productions.’I’ve soaked it all in’“I don’t want people telling me all the time my pictures are great, they’re not always great, no one’s are. “I think it’s important to have that relationship.” Fogarty will now call on McGregor’s expertise as he prepares to make his fight return – this time in the boxing ring. He has signed to Misfits Boxing – home to celebrity-style crossover bouts – and faces their lightweight champion Deen the Great on August 31 in Dublin. Fogarty will be coached by McGregor’s first ever trainer, Irish boxing great Phil Sutcliffe. When travelling with McGregor, he will work under the same coaches and recovery team hired by the UFC legend. He will then jet back to do his sparring under the watchful eye of two-time Olympian Sutcliffe. Fogarty does not rule out McGregor coming to support on the night and will make use of everything he has learned over the years while observing his boss. He is now preparing to make his boxing debutCredit: @ginger_beard_photosHe said: “I’ve soaked it all in. I’ve structured my training camp the exact same way I’ve seen Conor structure his. That’s where I’ve got the blueprint from. “It’s a very precise, measured and calculated way of doing it and it’s the optimal way of doing it. “Obviously, being around Conor and seeing how he’s done it is the way I’ll do it. He’s one of the best minds in combat sports history. “He’s a phenomenal coach, you saw on The Ultimate Fighter how dedicated he is to it, how dedicated and enthusiastic he is. “I’ve taken in so much from him, being around and seeing how he puts his training camps together. “It’s been a huge inspiration to how I’m going to do this.”Fogarty will challenge for Deen’s lightweight belt and prepares to take on a brash-talking unbeaten American. He said: “I’ve said it from the start, He is good. I’m not going to take anything away from him or discredit him. READ MORE SUN STORIES“He is a good fighter, a bit of a mouth, bit arrogant and cocky, but look, he is a good boxer. He’s got power in both hands, moves his head well, moves his feet well. “So I think it’s a big challenge and the hardest fight in the division being the champion. But I’m here for big fights and big opportunities.” Fogarty at the famed Crumlin Boxing ClubCredit: Instagram More

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      in Soccer

      England fan looks unrecognisable after shedding SIX STONE in five months to become bodybuilder and Team GB prospect

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      ENGLAND fan Dan Clibbon shed a staggering SIX STONE in FIVE MONTHS and cut his body fat by 88 PER CENT to bag a national bodybuilding medal.And despite downing 10 pints-a-day in Germany supporting the Three Lions, the first-time-father-to-be is targeting a Team GB spot for October’s world championship.Dan Clibbon underwent a dramatic body transformation to compete in a bodybuilding contestThe England fan shed a staggering six stone in five months and reduced his body fat by 88 per centAnd the Stoke-born 25-year-old spoke exclusively to SunSport while supporting the Three Lions in GermanySelf-proclaimed “fat lad” Dan, 25, revealed guzzling lager and scoffing pizzas and kebabs left him with a body fat percentage of 40 and weighing 17st 4lbs before his drastic body transformation. But sobriety, a super strict diet and a gruelling daily regime of 4am weightlifting sessions, 10,000-step dog walks and 40 minute night-time cardio workouts left him unrecognisable with just five per cent body fat.Dan, who is 5ft 7in, weighed in at 11st 5lbs as he claimed bronze at last month’s Physical Culture Association (PCA) ‘Naturals’ contest in Telford.And at a streetside bar in Dusseldorf the day after England’s dramatic Euro 2024 quarter-final penalties win over Switzerland, hungover Dan told SunSport: “I’ve always been a big fat lad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“But I’ve been doing powerlifting training for 11 years so I’ve always been strong too. “I’d always wanted to do a bodybuilding show so when I found out my girlfriend was pregnant in January, I thought ‘I’ll never have the chance to do it with a baby’.“So I entered the competition, knuckled down for five months, got on the cardio, got in good shape, won bronze and now I’m back on the beers again!”CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSun reader Dan is ‘back on the beers’ after going sober for five months while trainingBut he says the intense regime was well worth it for the bronze medal he bagged at last month’s PCA Naturals in TelfordDan was virtually unrecognisable after five months of eating clean and training for up to three hours a dayThe 25-year-old has put on 1st 8lbs in the month since the competition but still looks fantastic in these pictures he posed for SunSport for in DusseldorfHaving returned from a holiday to Gran Canaria with girlfriend Kirah Barnes, 23, the couple learned their daughter was due on September 1.Most read in Euro 2024And that kicked structural engineer Dan into gear as his diet switched from junk food and pints of lager to protein and vegetables and eight litres of water-a-day. Stoke-born Dan said: “I was drinking a lot of beer. And although I was eating OK during the week, at weekends it was kebabs, pizzas, anything I wanted really. “But then I started training and all I was doing every day was going to work, walking 10,000 steps, doing cardio, lifting and eating a little bit of food.“I was shredded to the bone in the space of five months. I didn’t have a drink and ate chicken and lettuce basically the whole time.“My daily routine was wake up at 4am, 20 minutes of posing practice, weights sessions at the gym, go to work, go home, 40 minutes of cardio on the cross trainer, get my 10,000 steps in with the dog, more posing practice, back to bed and repeat the next day. For FIVE MONTHS.”Dan woke up at 4am every day to lift weights before workThe structural engineer told SunSport competitors apply fake tan to emphasise their definition under the artificial stage lightsDan said bagging bronze was ‘surreal’ after five months of sacrificeDan is expecting his first child in September as him and girlfriend Kirah prepare to welcome a daughterDespite joking that his girlfriend “hated” him during his intense regime, Southam-based Dan said it did not affect his social life. The Port Vale fan said: “My girlfriend is pregnant so there wasn’t an issue with me not drinking because she wasn’t drinking either.“And I’d still go out with the boys and do exactly what I wanted, I just wouldn’t be drinking.“But the eating was 100 per cent the hardest bit. And you’re doing it for so long, you get to a point where you only want chocolate. “I was so hungry it was ridiculous.“But I ate so much after the show. Burgers, chocolate, sweets, crisps, everything was gone!”Dan spent 40 minutes-a-night on his cross trainer at homeAnd he was drinking eight litres of water-a-day in the week before the competitionPort Vale fan Dan joked his girlfriend Kirah ‘hated’ him during his intense training periodDan was spurred on by the news he was going to have his first baby in SeptemberAfter five months of clean eating this post-competition donut went down a treatDan added: “In the week leading up to the show, I was drinking eight litres of water a day to get rid of all water weight from my system. “I was also taking Peak Max, which is a natural diuretic. And then it was just low carbs, high protein and s*** tons of cardio!“But it was definitely worth it. “When they called my name out and I got third place it was surreal because I had spent five months thinking about getting a medal.”Dan’s bronze last month qualified him to compete for Team GB in the PCA SuperSeries Natural final on October 6 in Seoul, South Korea. A world championship event.But the imminent arrival of his baby girl and the cost of the trip means he may be unable to accept the spot.Dan went from 40 per cent body fat to five in just five monthsDan travelled to Dusseldorf with mates Tom Vousden and Toby Poole who gleefully told SunSport how he had been making up for all the beers he missed out on when training. Especially as the trio watched England beat Switzerland on penalties in Saturday’s quarter-final in a pub packed with fellow Three Lions supporters.And despite putting on 1st 8lbs in the month since the show, Dan is desperate to make it to South Korea. He explained: “I said before Telford I would only do one show. But I’ve got the itch now and would like to do one more in Seoul. “I want to go again because I want to get some gold medals!READ MORE SUN STORIES“Maybe The Sun can sponsor me!”Dan has started an online coaching business to help others get into shape and he can be contacted via his Instagram page.Dan is hoping to travel to South Korea in October to compete for Team GB but needs a sponsor to cover the costs More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea set to lose ‘next Musiala’, 15, to Premier League rivals who ‘will break historical wage structure for transfer’

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      CHELSEA are set to lose a talented academy product dubbed “the next Musiala” according to reports.Rio Ngumoha, 15, is set to join Liverpool after they broke their historic wage structure to bring him in.Rio Ngumoha played nine times for Chelsea’s U18sCredit: GettyNgumoha has been compared to two former Chelsea academy products, Musiala and Michael Olise, for his talent at a young age.Chelsea lost Musiala, 21, to Bayern Munich in 2019, and he has gone on to prove himself as one of the world’s finest emerging talents.Olise was also lost by Chelsea to Manchester City’s academy in 2016. He went on to play professionally for Reading and Crystal Palace before completing £49.5million move to Bayern Munich yesterday.According to Fabrizio Romano, Ngumoha is seen as such a special talent that Liverpool are willing to break their academy wage structure which has remained in place for years.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe says a deal will be completed for the 15-year-old soon.Under their previous structure, which will be broken with the transfer of Ngumoha, academy players’ earnings were capped at £50,000-a-year.The cap is part of a larger set of rules that will remain in place.Players are also limited to a ‘car clause’ which means they can not own a vehicle over 1.3 litres.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPlayers at the academy are also required to hand in their phones at 8:30am and are only given them back at the end of the day.Explaining the rules, academy director Alex Inglethorpe told Jamie Carragher for the Telegraph: “It is a safety thing as much as anything.Chelsea’s top summer transfer targetsMeet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaENZO MARESCA is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi.”I don’t want boys who have just passed their test with these big chunks of metal, but I was also fed up seeing a car park full of Range Rovers.”If anyone turns up with one of them, they are parking it next door.”We have a pay structure which is fairly old-fashioned. We give them jobs to do. We tell them to hand their phone over at 8.30am and give them back before they go home.”You have been a senior player. You know how it is when a young player comes into the dressing room. You want respect for the pathway.”They have to earn what comes their way first. All the other stuff is fine later. To get there you have to do it on the pitch.”Ngumoha is a talented left winger who made nine appearances for Chelsea’s Under 18s last season, despite only turning 16 later this month.The player has also featured several times for England’s U-16 side.During those appearances, he contributed one goal and one assist.READ MORE SUN STORIESLiverpool have a good track record of bedding academy products into the first-team in recent years.Trent Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones are first-team regulars, with Conor Bradley also playing extensively in the first-team last season. More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Jack Grealish and Sasha Attwood’s relationship from high-school romance to career highs and baby reveal

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      JACK GREALISH and Sasha Attwood’s romance is going up a notch.The Man City star and his model girlfriend, both 28, have announced they are expecting their first child together.The focus is always on Jack Grealish and Sasha Attwood – football’s most glam coupleCredit: AFPGrealish and Sasha are childhood sweethearts who got together at secondary schoolCredit: Social Media – Refer to SourceJack Grealish and Sasha Attwood have announced she is expecting their first childThe outrageously attractive couple shared the news on social media with a heartwarming post to their millions of delighted fans.Sasha shared a picture of her baby bump and the caption: “Half of me, half of you – beyond blessed ✨🤍🙏🏻.”Grealish added: “Life’s biggest blessing 👶🏻.”It’s the icing on the cake for football’s most delectable pairing.Read more football newsThe pair met as teens in Solihull, West Midlands at secondary school and haven’t looked back.Jack has conquered the football world, winning the Premier League and Champions League.While beautiful model Sasha has appeared in ad campaigns for the likes of Boohoo, L’Oreal, Pretty Little Thing, Lipsy and GHD.Those career highs mean the pair can enjoy a glam lifestyle, including five-star holidays.Most read in FootballSunSport delves into their romance – starting from the beginning.Teenage kicksGrealish was on his way to becoming a professional footballer when he met Sasha.LETS LOOSE Jack Grealish dons hilarious shoulder-length blonde WIG as he lets his hair down after England exile (1)Already ploughing through the youth ranks at Aston Villa, he was a popular boy of St Peter’s Roman Catholic Secondary School.His good looks made him a favourite among the girls, even at that age.At 13, Sasha was already recognised for her beauty.She was spotted by a talent scout for a modelling agency while out on a shopping trip with her mum in Birmingham.The gorgeous blonde would go on star in shoots for House of Fraser in her early years.It wasn’t until both Grealish and Sasha turned 16 when they started dating.Their relationship escalated quicklyDespite the longterm nature of their relationship, Sasha remained on the sidelines as Grealish’s career took off.He was reportedly happy to purvey the image of a single man to aid his image.And she didn’t have any insecurities when it came to their relationship, so a happy medium was found and their kept social media interactions to modest level.However, intense interest in Grealish and his private life came to a head in 2021.Not only did he play a starring role as England reached the final of Euro 2020, delayed a year because of Covid.As Grealish rose through the ranks at Aston Villa, Sasha was happy to take a backseatSasha and Grealish’s romance came under the spotlight at Euro 2021Stunning beauty Sasha revealed she received death threats daily on social mediaGrealish also earned a blockbuster British record transfer to Man City for £100million.It was an immense time in his life, but Sasha was faced with her own difficulties.Because of their romance, she was cruelly targeted by trolls on TikTok and Instagram to the tune of 200 death threats a day.Sasha revealed: “They said, ‘I hope you get cancer and die’ or ‘I hope your whole family dies’.“They say, ‘I hope the next time you’re in the car you crash it and die, I hope after Wembley you die’.”Speaking on her YouTube channel, she added: “I was receiving 200 death threats a day. I’m not exaggerating when I say that.“I had so many messages every single day. I still get them now, all day every day.”Sasha needn’t worryJealousy was clearly a factor for her abusers, as Sasha’s own career began to take off.She signed to Elite Model Management, where the work piled in.The fashion influencer, who can count on an army 300,000 Instagram followers for likes and comments, then follow in Grealish’s footsteps as a model for Boohoo.Pretty Little Thing also used Sasha to endorse their products.Grealish and Sasha ignored the haters as their careers took offCredit: https://www.instagram.com/sasha__rebecca/?hl=enFootballer Grealish and model Sasha became hot properties in fashionBrands like L’Oreal and Pretty Little Thing asked Sasha to endorse their productsread more sport featuresWhile skincare tutorials in partnership with L’Oreal draw plenty of eyes to her social media accounts.Sasha, herself, became a hot commodity for brands.Who said romance is dead?Making time for one another has allowed Grealish and Sasha to thrive as a couple.Over the years, Grealish has enjoyed lads’ breaks in Las Vegas and Ibiza – but Sasha always comes first.Back in 2022, they celebrated their 10-year anniversary like many loved-up couple would.They cuddled up on the sofa and watched romantic movie The Notebook from a projector.Then, at Halloween that same year, Grealish and Sasha dressed as Grease’s Danny and Sandy – with matching T-Birds leather jackets.A couple in unison, romantic getaways were also the order of the day.If Jack did go away with the boys, Sasha was treated to her own five-star holiday.The most notable came in 2023, when Grealish whisked his beloved off to the legendary Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in the South of France.World’s away from Cheshire, where they live in a £6million mansion, the resort boasts rooms that cost up to £14,000-per-night.Grealish and Sasha got into the spirit of Halloween by dressing as Danny and Sandy from GreaseWhen they get away, Grealish and Sasha do it in styleGrealish once whisked Sasha off to the South of France, where they stayed at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-RocJust a short drive from the glitz and glamour of Cannes, the hotel has played host to some of the biggest names in history including Picasso and Cary Grant.A new challengeJack and Sasha are getting ready to embrace parenthood.Their announcement on social media was met with a chorus of well-wishes from the footballing fraternity.England pal Jude Bellingham replied: “Congrats brother❤️.”While Three Lions skipper Harry Kane said: “Congratulations!! ❤️❤️.”The later could act as inspiration for Grealish, with family man Kane juggling life as an international footballer and devoted dad seemingly with ease.READ MORE SUN STORIESSasha Attwood shared her baby news on InstagramGrealish and Sasha are getting ready to embrace parenthood togetherCredit: InstagramSasha famously modelled maternity gear for BoohooInterestingly, Sasha already modelled maternity wear for a Boohoo range.Now, maybe it’s a photoshoot she can revisit for real this time. More

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      in Motorsport

      British GP scandals from Schumacher’s infamous Silverstone win to VERY awkward Cara Delevingne chat and X-rated blunder

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      IT’S one of the most legendary races in Formula 1, but the British Grand Prix has had to steer a path through shocks and scandals over the years.From spying on the competition to insane collisions, countless infamous sporting moments have left fans reeling.The British Grand Prix has given fans some of the most memorable moments in Formula 1Credit: Tim Williams/British Photography AwardsMichael Schumacher has been involved in controversies at SilverstoneCredit: AP:Associated PressThe legend celebrated coming second in 1994 – little did he know he’d be disqualified and banned shortly afterwardsCredit: Times Newspapers LtdAnd there’s been some spicy moments off the track too – remember Cara Delevingne’s infamous grid chat with Martin Brundle last year? As Formula 1 returns to Silverstone on Sunday, there could be more fireworks in store, with the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, and Max Verstappen all vying for the top prize.Here, we look at the British Grand Prix’s most memorable controversies – from the scandalous to the pure ridiculous.No stopping himMichael Schumacher is considered by many to be the greatest driver in F1 history, but his glittering career didn’t come without a few controversies.READ MORE FEATURES In 1994, the star – who tragically suffered a severe brain injury in 2013 – was hit with a five-second penalty after illegally passing frontrunner Damon Hill on the formation lap.Remarkably, he ignored the punishment and, after 21 laps, was served a black flag, which should have resulted in his disqualification – only to seemingly ignore that too.He finally served the time penalty on lap 27, eventually finishing second as confusion reigned.Princess Diana presented Hill with his award on the podium as Schumacher looked on.Most read in MotorsportHowever, shortly after, Michael was disqualified and banned for two races after being dragged to the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council.His protests that he had not seen the black flag did not go down well with officials.Greatest F1 track on Earth’ created featuring iconic parts from Silverstone, Spa and SuzukaVictory from the pitsSchumacher won in 1998 while not even on the trackCredit: AP:Associated PressIn 1998, Schumacher again came under intense scrutiny when he won the British Grand Prix… from the pit lane.It all started when he was judged to have illegally overtaken Alexander Wurz while the safety car had been deployed as he chased down race leader Mika Hakkinen.The German was given a 10-second penalty for the move, but Ferrari claimed to be confused by whether it would be added to their driver’s time or if he would need to come into the pits for a stop-and-go.Ultimately, Schumacher was called in by his team on the final lap, meaning that by the time he reached the team’s garage, he had already crossed the finish line, sparking fury among their rivals.It soon emerged that the bungling stewards had only announced the punishment with just two laps of the race left.Despite many expressing disappointment at how Schumacher won, the rules at the time were vague, meaning his victory stood.180mph smashLewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have had one of the most heated rivalries in Formula OneCredit: GettyThe pair collided at top speed, with Max having to go to the hospital to get checked outLewis Hamilton’s wild celebration did not go down well with everyoneCredit: PAWhen it comes to heated rivalries on the grid, very few come close to the intensity of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.In 2021, their feud came to a head when they collided in a 180mph clash at Copse Corner. It was the first time that year that a battle between the two would end in a collision.Max crashed heavily into the barriers and was taken to hospital for precautionary checks. Lewis was penalised with a 10-second penalty but still went on to win the race by passing Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.He was later accused of “dirty driving by Red Bull’s Christian Horner as the debate about racing etiquette raged.Max also slammed Lewis’ behaviour on X, writing: “Watching the celebrations while still in hospital is disrespectful and unsportsmanlike behaviour, but we move on.”Spygate Nigel Stepney stole hundreds of pages of Ferrari data and passed them on to McLarenCredit: GettyTheir plan came to light when Mike Coughlan’s wife made photocopies of the documentsCredit: Sutton Motor Sport ImagesIn 2007, McLaren was hit with a huge $100million fine in one of the biggest controversies to come out of Formula 1.Dubbed Spygate, it centred around Nigel Stepney, who worked for Ferrari and his old friend, Mike Coughlan, who was the chief designer of McLaren.When Stepney felt like he had been unfairly shut out of a promotion, he stole almost 800 pages of confidential Ferrari data and passed them on to Coughlan. But their plan came crashing down when Coughlan’s wife tried to make copies of the documents at a shop in Woking.The photocopier, a Ferrari fan, became suspicious and alerted the team, who launched a bombshell legal case days ahead of the British Grand Prix in July.While McLaren was initially cleared of wrongdoing, a second investigation led to the record punishment. The scandal remains a huge stain on McLaren’s legacy.Protest on live trackJust Stop Oil protestors recklessly sat on the tracks while a race was underwayCredit: RexThe protestors were arrested and charged for their actionsCredit: RexIn 2022, a huge security lapse at Silverstone saw six environmental protestors storm the tracks and recklessly sit down while the race was ongoing.Luckily, the cars had slowed by the time they got to the protestors, due to a multi-car incident at Turn 1.After they were removed, all six Just Stop Oil protestors were arrested and charged with causing a public nuisance.At their trial, prosecutors said they risked “serious harm” to the drivers and the marshals who had to get them off the tracks. Although they were found guilty of the offence, they were spared jail and handed suspended sentences instead. Cringe snubCara Delevingne declined an interview with Martin Brundle on the gridCredit: Sky Sports F1The model was slammed on social media for snubbing F1 legend MartinCredit: Sky Sports F1Former racing driver turned commentator Martin Brundle is one of the most respected figures in Formula One. The Sky Sports presenter is known for interviewing team principals, drivers, and VIPs before the beginning of each race. But it seemed last year, model Cara Delevingne didn’t get the memo when she appeared to snub him as he approached her for an interview during the grid walk.Initially, a member of her team said she did not want to talk. Martin then responded with: “She doesn’t want to talk? But everybody needs to talk on the grid, that’s the deal now.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 He then took matters into his own hands and asked her for a “quick chat”, to which she said: “No” and added that she couldn’t “hear anything”.As Martin walked away from Cara, he quipped: “Oh well, I’m sure it would have been extremely interesting.”Fans immediately took to social media to slam her over the incident, which went viral.One vented: “Terrible form. This is Martin Brundle’s gridwalk. Has been for eternity.”As the storm grew, Cara was forced to defend herself, telling one fan: “I was told to say no so I did. Thank you for seeing both sides xxx”X-rated displayA screen malfunction resulted in a very awkward sceneCredit: YouTubeIn 2015, fans in attendance were left in fits of laughter after the big screen malfunctioned and appeared to depict a lewd act. The screen showed two men in a jerking motion, with one man’s hand in front of the other. READ MORE SUN STORIESAs the up-and-down hand motions continued, fans could be heard laughing, with one shouting, “What’s he doing?”After a few more seconds, the two men disappeared from the screen as it went completely blank. More

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      Conor McGregor wins huge £1.2MILLION bet after backing UFC rival Nate Diaz to beat Jorge Masvidal in boxing rematch

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      CONOR McGREGOR made a huge £1.2MILLION after backing Nate Diaz to beat Jorge Masvidal. Masvidal beat Diaz in the UFC in 2019 after causing a cut deemed too gruesome to fight on with. Nate Diaz won Conor McGregor over £1m by beating Jorge MasvidalCredit: Getty – ContributorMasvidal was beaten by majority-decisionCredit: Fanmio But it only served to keep the bad blood brewing and the rivalry was renewed five years later in the ring. Before the bout, McGregor shared his huge wager as he tipped old UFC rival Diaz – with whom he is 1-1 with – to get revenge in the ring. He posted: “I’ve decided to put $500,000 on Diaz to win tonight’s boxing match. “Range, form, experience, solely hands being used, I can’t see Masvidal causing any problems to Nate in a boxing ring whatsoever. READ MORE IN MMA”They are both little play around dips***s in a fight, play around bollox, but I feel Nate does him in EASY here for real. $500k gets me back $1,625,000 all in.” Diaz, 39, went on to defeat Masvidal, 39, via majority-decision to bank McGregor the huge wager.McGregor, 35, was beaten by Diaz in March 2016 but won the rematch five months later. It was this time Diaz’s turn to triumph in a rematch as his volume shots prevailed over Masvidal’s power punches. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “It feels good to get the job done, for sure. Mission accomplished.” Masvidal, who called for a rematch, said: “I thought I won, I thought I hit the harder shots. Jake Paul’s business partner defends controversial Mike Tyson fight”He did land more volume but I definitely felt I landed the way, way better shots.”Win or lose, all praise to Jesus Christ, my saviour. And we can do it again, we’re 1-1 so we can definitely run it back in boxing.”I felt I won that one, we can definitely find a place to do it again.”Masvidal called for a rematchCredit: Fanmio More

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      Nate Diaz BEATS Jorge Masvidal to gain revenge for UFC loss with huge win in boxing rematch

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      NATE DIAZ got sweet revenge five years in the making over Jorge Masvidal after winning their boxing rematch. Masvidal was the initial winner via third-round stoppage at UFC 244 in 2019 after Diaz was pulled out with a cut. Masvidal came out in the southpaw stanceCredit: Fanmio It was back and forth actionCredit: Fanmio Diaz was the busier of the twoCredit: Fanmio Masvidal landed the bigger blowsCredit: Fanmio But it forced the bad blood to only brew and almost half a decade later the rivalry was renewed in the boxing ring. It was a back-and-forth affair over ten rounds but the judges in Diaz’s home of California gave the Stockton man the nod. Diaz said: “It feels good to get the job done, for sure. Mission accomplished.”One judge scored the bout even while the other two had it 97-93 and 98-92 in favour of Diaz as Masvidal called for a rematch. READ MORE IN BOXINGMasvidal said: “I thought I won, I thought I hit the harder shots.”He did land more volume but I definitely felt I landed the way, way better shots. “Win or lose, all praise to Jesus Christ, my saviour. And we can do it again, we’re 1-1 so we can definitely run it back in boxing. “I felt I won that one, we can definitely find a place to do it again.” Most read in BoxingMasvidal sprung up the first surprise of the bout when he came out in the southpaw stance – but it did not prevent Diaz from being the busier of the two.Diaz – known for his relentless output – rolled back the clock in the early stages to swarm Masvidal with combinations.Jake Paul’s business partner defends controversial Mike Tyson fightBut after three rounds, Masvidal began to time his overhand left only for Diaz to just walk forward and take it.Heading into the second half of the fight, Masvidal began to land some telling left hands over the top and air-sucking body shots.In round seven, it was his lead right hook that whipped off Diaz’s chin but the veteran Californian replied right back with a barrage of shots.Masvidal might have thought he landed his best shot of the fight in the eighth but Diaz wore it well and put his hands in the air to motion to the crowd.Somehow, Diaz managed to keep up the same relentless pace that he started the bout with during the final two rounds.But Masvidal, as he did throughout, continued to connect with looping hooks and energy-zapping body shots.Eventually, Diaz’s work rate and volume punching was rewarded as he walked away with the majority-decision win. He now stands 1-1 in the boxing ring having lost his debut last August to Jake Paul – a fight he now wants to revisit along with UFC champion Leon Edwards. READ MORE SUN STORIESMasvidal was beaten on pointsMasvidal landed a strong right hookCredit: GettyDiaz was quick to come backCredit: Getty”My main objective has always been to be the best fighter in the world so I want to go back and get the UFC title,” Diaz said. “Leon Edwards, Jake Paul and anybody the f*** else, you’re dead.” More