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      How footballer went from Euros star to drug dealer gripped by debt & ultimately a Putin pawn killed on Ukraine frontline

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      HIS body lies somewhere on the frontline in Ukraine. A former star footballer, now one of the countless casualties of Vladimir Putin’s brutal meat-grinder war.Alexey Bugayev was killed in Ukraine after joining up to escape a jail sentenceCredit: Рейтинг БукмекеровBugayev, left, playing for Russia against Portugal icon Luis Figo at Euro 2004Credit: GettyBugayev, back row second from left, was a rising star with the Russia teamCredit: GettyTwenty years ago Aleksei Bugayev was playing against footballing icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo at the Euros.He had achieved what millions could only ever dream of; football stardom and a place on a world stage to show off his skills.But when his career ended prematurely in 2010 at the age of 29, Bugayev’s life would begin to spiral out of control.Gripped by poverty, debt, alcoholism and drug dealing, he was left a dishevelled ghost of his former life.READ MORE UKRAINEIt would eventually lead him into a desperate decision – one which would seal a terrible fate in the merciless war in Ukraine.Yesterday Bugayev’s dad confirmed to Russian media that his 43-year-old son had been killed in Ukraine as part of Putin’s “special military operation”.Ivan Bugayev said his son’s body could not be recovered due to “active fighting”.“Now my son’s body is lying somewhere,” he said.Most read in FootballBugayev’s fall into the abyss was a tragedy which friends and fellow players had seen develop when he was just in his 20s.Born in Moscow at the height of the Cold War in 1981, Bugayev was able to sign for one of the city’s footballing giants, Torpedo Moscow, known as the Car Factory Workers.Russian footballing legend Valery Petrakov, who managed Bugayev, said he was as a naturally gifted young player; “superbly equipped technically” and with “an excellent view of the field”.Watch as Putin’s N Korean troops sent to die with suicidal jog on frontline”He could do everything on the field,” he added. “He had speed, a pass, a shot, positioning, coordination, jumping ability… and phenomenal health, too. He was a devil of a player.”Despite being just 5ft 9in, not tall for a centre-back, Bugayev secured a place in the national squad for the Euro 2004 championships held in Portugal. At the Estadio do Benfica in front of 50,000 fans, and millions watching on TV around the world, Bugayev started the game against eventual finalists Portugal.The tournament hosts featured some the world’s greatest players, Luis Figo, Deco and Rui Costa.A young Cristiano Ronaldo, then just 19, came on as a sub during the game which Portugal won, 2-0.A picture from the match shows a dejected Bugayev as striker Rui Costa celebrates Portugal’s second goal.Bugayev looks down as Portugal striker Rui Costa celebrates after scoring in Euro 2004Bugayev’s career would crash soon after his Euros appearanceCredit: GettyThe tournament would mark the breathtaking emergence of Ronaldo at the start if his astonishing rise to a footballing great.But as Ronaldo was bursting onto the world football scene, Bugayev’s Euro appearances would mark a premature epoch for such a young player. He would be capped seven times for Russia, but he was also starting to display the troubling personal demons which would haunt him through the rest of his life.After his international appearances, Bugayev was transferred for $2m to Moscow rivals Lokomotiv.But he failed to secure a regular place in the team and the quiet and reserved young man started drinking.Another former team-mate Igor Semshov told Russian sports reporter Artem Lokalov that Bugayev’s career began to unravel when he moved to Locomotiv and he lost the personal support of his Torpedo team-mates.He added: “Bugayev could break the rules, but we put these moments aside and looked at him as someone the team needed.”If we had managed to spend a career with him in the same club, we would not have let him give up everything and go downhill.“But we all moved to other clubs, where everyone was on their own. At Torpedo, we could shower (him) with care or put pressure on him at the right moment, but everyone went their separate ways.”Bugayev playing against eventual winners Greece at Euro 2004Credit: GettyTransferred to Siberian team Tom Tomsk in 2006, Bugayev quickly found himself in trouble, including disappearing at a beer festival in Moscow.Speaking to Russian media, his former manager Petrakov told Russian media: “It’s a shame that Bugayev drowned his talent in alcohol.“He lasted three or four months, and then everything started all over again.””It all ended with a riot at a training camp in Turkey. He smashed a shop window. The next day, Bugayev’s contract was terminated.”Bugayev was handed a lifeline by the newly formed FC Krasnodar, playing 20 matches before parting company with the club.At the age of 29, he would never play professional football again.Another former coach Nurbiy Khakunov described how at Krasnodar the club “tried to help” the player as his personal life deteriorated.He added: “It didn’t work to restart his career. Bugayev decided to go down a non-sports path. It’s no secret that he had problems with alcohol.“We fought as best we could, but it didn’t work. He came to Krasnodar already with problems and hardly played.“I feel sorry for him, because he could have played (more games) for the national team, but he went down such a bad path. That’s for sure. He had a very good brain, he was very strong in one-on-one combat.”Bugayev, who insisted later that he quit football to spend more time with his family, slipped into obscurity, only reemerging in 2015 when he agreed to an interview about his playing career.Then he was working collecting waste paper and transporting cargo around Russia from a run down home in the Moscow suburb of Chekhov.He said he and his friend made the equivalent of 1p for every kilo of paper they found.There he admitted to Lokalov that he had been drinking through his playing days but looking back on his career said “Do I regret anything? Never and for nothing.”Bugayev’s life would continue to disintegrate however.Bugayev, left, worked in Moscow collecting paper for 1p a kiloCredit: Рейтинг БукмекеровBugayev appears in court charged with drug smugglingSeven years later in October 2023 he was arrested for drug smuggling.He admitted to cops that he “responded to an advert for a job as a drug courier” in a bid to pay off 70,000 roubles of debt – then the equivalent of about £500.Bugayev claimed he had been told to distribute half a kilo of mephedrone, or M-Cat, but was caught. He faced 20-years in prison.After a year on remand, in September a court in Krasnodar sentenced Bugayev to 9 and-a-half years in a maximum security penal colony.It was then he was offered a deal that would seal his tragic fate.Those convicted of serious crimes in Russia are now being lured into the military in a desperate bid by Putin to shore up immense losses in his war against Ukraine.Russian conscripts in Putin’s armyCredit: East2WestKillers, rapists and drug dealers are offered pardons – even before their trials – if they agree to military service and being sent to the front.Facing almost a decade in a dreaded Russian penal colony, Bugayev took the gamble and signed a contract with the Russian Defense Ministry.He was then quickly sent to Russia’s North Military District and soon, after the most basic military training, to the frontline in Ukraine.There he joined the battered, ill-trained and ill-equipped legions of convicts, many in their 40s, 50s and 60s, being used as cannon fodder to try to secure pitiful yards of gains against Ukraine’s highly trained troops, tanks, killer drones, artillery and trenches.The news of Bugayev’s fate came first from his lawyer Anton Smirnov who told the Russian website Sports.ru that the former player had been killed in action at the front.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “Due to the fighting there is no way to pull out the body yet.””Unfortunately, the news of Aleksei’s death is true,” his dad later said. “How did it happen? And how are they killed during the military operations, I do not know.”Bugayev was dead just a few months after joining Russian forces in UkraineCredit: REUTERSUkrainian artillery in actionCredit: Getty More

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      Inside Alisha Lehmann’s winter Maldives break with best pal Amira Arfaoui, from playing beach football to bikini photos

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      WHAT a way to spend the Christmas period.Stunning women’s footballer Alisha Lehmann jetted off to the Maldives, where she has been sunning her amazing bikini body.Alisha Lehmann is enjoying a winter break in the MaldivesCredit: InstagramLehmann is enjoying her downtime – sunning her incredible bikini body during the festive periodCredit: InstagramAlisha is with best pal Amira Arfaoui on the dream holiday, where they have enjoyed a kickabout on the beachCredit: InstagramThe Swiss forward, 25, was joined by her best pal and international team-mate, Amira Arfaoui.But, there was no sign of boyfriend Douglas Luiz who has had to stay in Turin and play for Juventus during the festive holidays.However, Lehmann was able to take advantage of the Serie A Femminile winter break to let her hair down.And she’s even managed to keep herself match-fit by playing a bit of beach football.Read more football news SunSport takes a look inside Lehmann’s dream getaway to a ‘lost island’.Staying activeHolidays are, essentially, for letting your hair down.But when you’re a super-fit athlete like Alisha, there’s absolutely no reason for downtime.She’s made full use of the facilities available at her Maldives resort.Most read in FootballMaking sure they don’t lose their touch, Alisha and bestie Arfaoui, who plays for Werder Bremen, enjoyed a kickabout on the beach in their modified training session.Glam footballer Alisha Lehmann looks stunning as she shows off skills in a bikini leaving fans ‘jealous of Douglas Luiz’Both women showed off their skills by performing kick-ups.While Alisha enjoyed showing off her dribbling talents as she bamboozled Arfaoui on the sand.Alisha captioned a video on social media: “POV: Celebrating so many years of friendship on a lost island.”The Blonde beauty also took to her Instagram stories to share a picture of some tennis balls and padel rackets, as she and Arfaoui continued to enjoy their time away.And when they weren’t on the beach, the pair took some bicycles out to cycle around the island, which Arfaoui shared a clip of.In her downtime, Alisha showed off her keepy uppy skillsCredit: InstagramAlisha dazzled onlookers with her football jugglingCredit: InstagramAmira Arfaoui also showed off her amazing skillsCredit: InstagramAlisha showed off some padel rackets, as well as tennis balls and drinksCredit: Instagramread more sport featuresShowing off her amazing bikini bodyAlisha is no stranger to flaunting her incredible curves in revealing swimwear.And with current temperatures in the Maldives at 27 degrees, the Juventus Women’s star has been eager to show off her range of bikinis.In one snap, which sees Alisha beaming for the camera, she is wearing a black and white ensemble – matched with a Santa hat – in fitting with the season.In another series of photos, we see her in a gorgeous pink bikini – performing a number of poses.From looking into the horizon to letting the sea touch her toes, Alisha appears perfectly relaxed.Her mate Arfaoui looks equally as chilled – resting against a palm tree while taking a selfie.Alisha enjoyed soaking up the sun and showing off her amazing bikini bodiesCredit: InstagramIn a series of photos shared on social media, Alisha dipped her toes into the seaArfaoui looked equally rested as she chilled against a palm tree and took a selfieGlam lookNoticeably missing from her Maldives getaway was boyfriend, Douglas Luiz.Unlike Alisha, the Brazilian midfielder didn’t get a winter break this year.He has been in action for his club, Juventus – who drew with Fiorentina 2-2 over the weekend.They did spend Christmas Day together – sharing a romantic snap in front of their tree in the home in Northern Italy.The loved-up duo wore matching pyjamas as they posed for pictures with a number of presents behind them.Despite being without her beau in the Maldives, Alisha has enjoyed dressing up.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere was no sign of boyfriend Douglas Luiz after the pair spent Christmas Day togetherCredit: InstagramAlisha enjoyed dressing up in a glam black dressCredit: InstagramIn one outfit, she can be seen wearing a figure-hugging black dress – complete with pink ribbons.She certainly looks like she’s having the time of her life. More

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      How Liam Delap has blossomed into ‘best young English striker’ and has superfans in Enzo Maresca and Ed Sheeran

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      LIAM Delay continued his epic rise in the Premier League with a demolition job of Chelsea.The 21-year-old was instrumental in leading Ipswich Town to a much-needed win over the Blues.Liam Delap has been scoring goals for fun at Ipswich Town this seasonCredit: GettyDelap blasted home a penalty against Chelsea in a 2-0 win for the Tractor BoysCredit: RexIpswich Town minority owner Ed Sheeran helped bring Delap to the clubCredit: GettyDelap got the Tractor Boys on their way by smashing home a first-half penalty.The centre forward, who has been linked with a move to the West Londoners, then provided the assist for Omari Hutchinson to put the seal on a surprise 2-0 win.That prompted Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca – who he saw first-hand playing for Man City’s youth side – to wax lyrical about Delap after the game.He hailed the man of the match, saying: “Liam is a fantastic player, and also for his age.read more football news “I think we spent one year together and he scored [about] 22 to 24 goals. He is a very good striker.”England have many good players, many good strikers [but] he’s working hard off the ball and on the ball, understands the game and can score goals.”I think he can be an important player for England.”Ipswich Town parted with £20million to bring the ex-Cityzen youngster to Suffolk.Most read in FootballBut that will be money well spent if his goals keep Kieran McKenna’s side in the top flight.Delap has already managed seven goals in 18 league games, and was a handful for Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd side last month.Ipswich Town Football Club announce plans to redevelop 53-year-old stand in ‘exciting project’ with hotel and aquatics centre The 6ft1in centre forward, who was handed a Premier League debut by Pep Guardiola in 2020, was in two minds over joining Ipswich in the summer.That was until minority owner Ed Sheeran got involved to get the transfer over the line.And now Delap is being touted as Harry Kane’s successor for the striker role for England.BBC Sport pundit Danny Murphy said: “I’ve seen him a bit quite a lot this season and I’d probably go as far as I say, for me, he the obvious long-term successor to Kane.”I think he’s the best young English striker out there.”I know he’s got a bit to learn and wisdom comes with experience and game time in this league.”But he’s got all the attributes to be a top international player.”Sheer brillianceIt’s not often one of the biggest pop stars in the world has a hand in getting a transfer deal over the line.However, when it’s Ipswich Town superfan Ed Sheeran, then it becomes more understandable.Delap came through the ranks at Man CityCredit: GettyDelap has been touted as Harry Kane’s successor for EnglandCredit: Rexread more sport featuresWhen he’s not gatecrashing Sky Sports interviews with new Man Utd boss Amorim, the singer/songwriter is asking players to join the club he has shares in.Back in the summer, Sheeran got on a Zoom call with Liam Delap and convinced the him his future belonged in East Anglia.In a story told by the club’s CEO Mark Ashton at a Soccerex event, we learned: “A local man, global superstar, sponsor of the football club, now a shareholder and now officially part of our recruitment team.”In the summer we were trying to persuade one particular player to join the football club and realised very quickly that he was an Ed Sheeran fan.”Ed jumped on a Zoom call with him at the training ground, hopefully that was a key part of getting the player across the line.”While Ashton remained coy on who the player was, he let the cat out of the bag when asked how the footballer was getting on this season.He replied: “Certainly scoring a few goals!”It’s in the genesFootball is in Delap’s blood. His dad Rory played for Stoke City, and Delap Jr appeared on the set of Soccer AM in 2014 alongside his father.The former Stoke City and Ireland midfielder is best remembered for his insanely long throw-ins.Former Stoke City hero Rory Delap is Liam’s dadCredit: AFPLiam seen on the set of Soccer AM in 2014Credit: Twitter / @RoryJDelapLike his dad, Liam Delap has an aggressive streakCredit: GettyAs a youth player, that was something that Liam also had in his arsenal.However, when one parent took exception to the youngster’s long-throws he refused to take another throw again.“I think he was put off when he was about an under-10!” Delap Sr. revealed in an interview with Radio Stoke.“One of the parents shouted that he was ruining the game when he took a throw and he hasn’t taken one since.”I don’t think that will be part of his game.”However, one thing he has inherited from his dad’s game is aggression.”(Aggression) always been a part of my game. I need it in my game,” he said in an interview with  the Manchester Evening News.”When I’m on that edge it’s when I’m at my best, it’s just not tipping over that edge and everyone has told me that they’d never want to take it out of me, it’s just controlling that final tipping point of what is acceptable and what’s not.”You can’t really teach it, it’s just something I have and I’m so grateful that I’ve got it but it’s just now working a mechanism that I can control it to keep myself on the pitch.”I’ve got a lot better. I was a lot worse when I was younger so I think it’s just maturing and understanding what’s right.”Inspired by RonaldoA different type of player to his dad, blessed with power and pace, Liam is inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo.In the past Delap has revealed he is a fan of Cristiano RonaldoCredit: GettyDelap knows he has to continue to work at his game to reach the topCredit: Getty”I’ve always looked up to Cristiano Ronaldo. Just the way he plays, the pace and the power.”For me, he’s the best in the world so aspiring to someone who is the best in the world, your dreams just have to be high.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Listening to people that he’s worked with, the extras and lengths that he goes to look after his body and get better every day just shows why he’s at the top level.”You can have talent but talent on its own doesn’t work without effort.” More

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      Inside Chris Eubank Jr’s new £4MILLION villa as boxer reveals he’s purchased stunning beachfront pad on Dubai island

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      CHRIS EUBANK JR has bagged himself a stunning new home in Dubai.The former IBO super-middleweight champion recently put his plush four-bed Hove house on the market.Chris Eubank Jr has purchased a stunning new home in DubaiCredit: PALM JEBEL ALIThe Brit boxer has bought an Indigo Ocean Villa on the plush Palm Jebel Ali IslandCredit: PALM JEBEL ALIEubank Jr has dropped a cool £4million on the stunning abodeCredit: PALM JEBEL ALIEubank Jr revealed the location of his plush new digs on InstagramCredit: PALM JEBEL ALI / CHRIS EUBANJ JREubank Jr – the son of British boxing great Chris Eubank Sr – slapped a £1.8million asking price on the stylish abode.And he’s seemingly already moved on from the gaffe by purchasing a plush property in the UAE.The 35-year-old has bought a stunning five-bedroom Indigo Ocean Villa on Dubai’s Palm Jebel Ali Island.The brand-spanking new and highly-desired Palm Jebel Ali is described as a “sophisticated sanctuary” filled with “ultra-luxury homes”.READ MORE ON EUBANK JRAnd Eubank Jr’s oceanside villa is most certainly the definition of luxury.As well as five sizeable bedrooms and four bathrooms, the 7,882 square-foot home has multiple private balconies and a spacious roof terrace.The bedrooms and bathrooms are spaced out over three floors, the top of which features a stunning terrace.The luxury villa, understandably, doesn’t come cheap as they’re currently being listed for a whopping £4million.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChris Eubank Jr’s new UAE pad has five bedrooms and four bathroomsCredit: PALM JEBEL ALIPaying for the house will be a doddle for Eubank Jr if his long-overdue family grudge match with Conor Benn finally comes to fruition.The rivals have been publicly squabbling over a purse split for the domestic dust-up, which was initially set to take place in October 2022.Watch moment Conor Benn SHOVES Chris Eubank Jr and calls him ‘dead boy walking’ before boxing rivals are separated But Eubank Jr promoter Ben Shalom recently claimed his man had agreed to a 55-45 purse split.He told Sky Sports: “We have done an unbelievable job getting Chris to accept a 55 per cent fee.“We’ve worked wonders. You ask anyone, they can even see it, this isn’t even close to a 50-50 fight.”So the fact he’s managing to compromise on that is hugely generous from him. “I’ve done my job, and now it’s time for them to be sensible.“The fact they’ve already got us down to that shows how well we’ve done.Chris Eubank Jr is seemingly on course to finally face Conor BennCredit: GETTY”If the fight doesn’t get made now, then we know what it is.”But ‘Next Gen’ told Fight Hub TV last week: “Of course [Benn and Matchroom Boxing] they don’t want to budge [on the purse split].”These guys, their greed is what’s stopping the fight from happening.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The bottom line is the A-side doesn’t split 50/50 with the B-side and I am the A-side.”Once they comes to terms with that then the fight will be made.” More

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      West Ham icon Ludek Miklosko reveals heartbreaking cancer battle and stops treatment to ‘enjoy best quality of life’

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      WEST HAM hero Ludek Miklosko has revealed he’s been battling cancer for the last few years.The former Hammers stopper discovered he was fighting the deadly disease three years ago after finding a small lump on his hip.Former West Ham goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko has revealed he’s battling cancerCredit: GETTYMiklosko discovered he had a growth on his hip three years agoCredit: GETTYBut it later emerged the former Czech stopper had an inoperable tumour in his stomach along with several smaller onesCredit: REXThe 63-year-old has opted not to undergo chemotherapy, which doctors couldn’t guarantee him would be a successCredit: GETTYThe 63-year-old’s initial treatment went well, although doctors failed to discover several other tumours in his body – including an inoperable stomach tumour.Miklosko underwent radiotherapy to shrink the growth but doctors soon discovered there were several other tumours.The only option left for Miklosko was chemotherapy, which doctors couldn’t guarantee would be a success.So the retired keeper has made the heartbreaking decision not to have treatment to ensure he has the best quality in his final days.READ MORE WEST HAM NEWSExplaining his decision, he told West Ham’s official website: “I was thinking about this, and had another conversation with the doctor in Ostrava.”And it was made clear to me that there could be no guarantees that it would work. “Maybe it would help to slow it down a little bit, but it would not stop it and there would be other issues to deal with.“I decided not to take the chemotherapy, because I want to live a normal life.Most read in FootballThe day Miklosko denied Man Utd the titleBy Henry TomlinsonLUDEK MIKLOSKO was once responsible for denying Manchester United a Premier League title.On the final day of the 1994/95 season, the Red Devils travelled to the former home of West Ham, the Boleyn Ground.Sir Alex Ferguson’s side needed to better the result of Blackburn in order to secure their third successive title.The Hammers had confirmed their spot in the league with a 3-0 win over Liverpool in the match before.Despite having nothing to play for, Michael Hughes caused a shock when he put the hosts ahead.Brian McClair levelled for Man United after the break and put them just one goal from claiming the title.However, Miklosko put in a brilliant performance in which he denied Ferguson’s men time and time again.Blackburn lost their match at Anfield 2-1 but the draw would not be enough for Man United.Miklosko spoke about the game in 2020 and has admitted he never tires of talking about it.He said: “I have been asked about the 1-1 draw with Manchester United at the Boleyn Ground in May 1995 so many times, but I will never get tired of talking about it.“In fact, I was at Manchester United’s training ground recently with some young goalkeepers – I am now a player representative – and there were staff members there who remembered that game.“Some of them came up to me and talked about the game and a few of them said ‘I was there and remember that game and I hated you!’. We had a good laugh about it.“It was one of those games when everything went for me, but it was also a good team performance, too.“We scored a good goal and we defended so well to stop Manchester United, who were a very good team and wanted to win the title on the final day of the season.””I have very good people around me, and I have my work and my football, which is my life, all I have known. I want to keep doing that for as long as I can.”Miklosko was put off undergoing the gruelling and debilitating chemo once it was made clear to him that his entire life would be put on hold.Meet West Ham wonderkid Kaelan CaseyHe said: “When they told me about what the chemotherapy would mean, it was a case of not being able to work or be around my colleagues for around six months, not travel, have some sickness and everything else.”And I said, ‘No – I do not want that. There is no point. “I want to live my life.'”Miklosko will be in attendance at the Olympic Stadium this evening for the Hammers’ clash with Prem table-toppers Liverpool.The club will pay tribute to their former keeper ten minutes before kick-off.Miklosko is looking forward to returning to East London, saying: “It will be very special to me.Ludek Miklosko has opted not to undergo chemotherapy in order to have a better quality of lifeCredit: REX“And, of course, the supporters. “After all these years, they still remember me, still sing my name, and that is a great feeling.“I have two football clubs in my heart, Banik Ostrava and West Ham United, and in a funny way they are very similar. “Even the mentality of the fans, very similar. Hard-working people, loyal and passionate. “If I am ever doing an interview here in the Czech Republic, I am always saying this and making this comparison.“West Ham United is my second family. And I really am looking forward to seeing everyone on Sunday.”Miklosko was in attendance for West Ham’s Europa Conference League final triumph against Fiorentina last summer.Ludek Miklosko has fond memories of his time with West HamCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdMiklosko upped sticks from his native Czech Republic with his wife and son in February 1990 to join the Hammers. He’d go on to make 318 appearances for the East Londoners during an eight-year stint. Miklosko and his family enjoyed their time in England, so much that his son asked him to move back to Old Blighty after they returned to the Czech Republic. He told The Athletic: “When we moved back to [the] Czech Republic, my son begged me and his mum to leave him in England.“He went from saying, ‘Why on earth are we here?’ to wanting to stay there without us. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Seeing my son overcome his struggles put a big smile on my face. Me joining “West Ham worked out well for all of us.” More

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      Amorim always knew Man Utd was a huge mess… but Ratcliffe’s ‘football committee’ could be the biggest of the lot

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      CARDS maxed to the limit, a fortune spent on stuff that seemed a bright idea but will just lie around cluttering up the place.Unwanted tat you’re stuck with as no one else wants it either. Ruben Amorim is giving Man Utd an identity but must rebuildCredit: GettyChristian Eriksen and Co slumped 2-0 at Wolves on Boxing DayCredit: AlamySir Jim Ratcliffe’s football committee at Man Utd looks like a bigger joke than anything that came out of a Christmas crackerCredit: PAWondering whatever possessed you to think it was good value in the first place.The story of the festive season for households across the nation. The story of the past ten seasons for Manchester United.One which means even though they seem to have found a suitable successor to Sir Alex Ferguson at last, he is having to do the job with both hands tied behind his back.So much for all those boasts of how cock-ups were a thing of the past now Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s much-vaunted football committee was running the show.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSeriously, Sir Jim? That already looks a bigger joke than anything which tumbled out of a cracker.This is a regime which arrived 12 months  ago with chest-beating promises that United would be title contenders in three years.But right now is more likely to be remembered for their role in one of  the most unforgivable chapters in the history of England’s biggest club.Reckon that is overplaying the  seriousness of the situation at Old Trafford? Well, scratch beneath the surface a little and see what you think.Most read in FootballUnited keeper Andre Onana let in a goal direct from a corner at WolvesCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe biggest and most obvious clanger of all was fudging Erik ten Hag’s future last summer. And then managing to trump themselves by compounding it even further.First co-owner Sir Jim, right-hand man Dave Brailsford and the rest of the brains trust decided Erik wasn’t so bad after all — having spent months wildly thrashing around in vain for a better option. ‘Who do you think you are’: Sir Alex Ferguson reduced Cristiano Ronaldo to tears after ‘ripping in’ to Man Utd iconNot many truly believed it with any serious conviction — maybe not even the committee themselves — but the FA Cup final win in May gave them a platform to argue so.For all it was great to beat Manchester City, there’s a case to suggest it was the worst thing that could’ve happened. Crystal clear waters became muddied.Defeat at Wembley would certainly have seen off the manager. Instead Sir Jim’s boys not only stuck with Ten Hag, but then let him spend more than £170million on new recruits.Until late October, when reality could be ignored no longer and they swung the axe. At last a unanimous verdict . . . no disputing this decision.Most fans agreed the next one was spot on, too. In Ruben Amorim, United, after 11 error-riddled years, finally had the manager they craved.One whose personality, character, presence and belief is as big as the sporting institution paying his wages. Results alone wouldn’t scream as much, for sure. They are no better than Ten Hag’s early days at Old Trafford.But already Amorim is giving United an identity again. Already there is a system in mind. His predecessor couldn’t manage either in over two years.The problem, though, is the manager needs the tools to do the job . . . and there aren’t many — of the right kind at least — to work with.There is an urgent demand for new faces. But that demands departures which, in turn, demands finding buyers. And there is no queue for Old Trafford cast-offs.Of the players Amorim inherited, you could say with any certainty only Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo and, probably, Bruno Fernandes are out  of bounds.This is a rebuild of knock-it-down, start-from-scratch proportions… demanding ultimate stick-with-it patience.Plus possibly £42m summer signing Leny Yoro — if only for the reason his injury-delayed start means he hasn’t played enough to pass judgment.Yet so many of the rest simply aren’t up to it —  Amorim has swiftly  realised it, too. He knew United had problems, but probably not what a mess they were in.One logic-defying win at City won’t pull the wool over his eyes. Not with red-faced losses to Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest and Wolves in the mix, too.Amorim knew full well this was a mission with no quick fix . . . but not, you sense, the reality that it will take years longer than he first believed.This is a rebuild of knock-it-down, start-from-scratch proportions. A job demanding ultimate stick-with-it patience.Which, ironically, has been the mantra of the post-Fergie era. That plea urging the owners to keep faith in the manager.So far none have had more than two full seasons.READ MORE SUN STORIESNo surprise, then, that patience is the watchword once again. Yet now with a huge sense  of irony.For this time the call isn’t begging United’s owners to be patient, but for the manager to have enough in those who brought him in.Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo are the two players whose Old Trafford future should be most secureCredit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      ‘I had some very dark times & my body has been through hell’ – ‘Voice of Boxing’ opens up on heartbreaking cancer battle

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      ADAM SMITH has bravely opened up on his battle with cancer, which at times left him in a “dark” place.The beloved boxing commentator was diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of bladder cancer in 2023.Former Sky Sports boxing commentator Adam Smith was diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of bladder cancer last yearCredit: GettySmith was days away from dying before having 19 lymph nodes, his bladder and prostate removedCredit: GETTYSmith went through some “dark times” during his recoveryCredit: GETTYA massive tumour situated next to Smith’s bladder wall left him “about four days” away from death.A six-hour operation, in which 19 lymph nodes were removed as well as his bladder and prostrate, saved ‘The Voice of Boxing’.Smith would then undergo three-and-a-half months of gruelling chemotherapy.And the gruelling toe-to-toe battle with the disease took its toll mentally and physically.READ MORE BOXING NEWSHe told DAZN ahead of Tyson Fury’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk: “I am very lucky and honoured to be doing this job and watching these fine boxers.”Whether it is calling a four-round fight between two debutants or a world title fight, I love it all and am grateful to be doing such a job, if you can really call it a job.”The cancer was brutal, it has been very difficult to fight this disease.”I had some very dark times and my body has been through hell.”Most read in BoxingAdam Smith credits his family for getting him through his battle as much as the doctors who saved himCredit: REUTERSSmith credits the support of his family for getting him through the fight of his life.”My doctors saved me, my family brought me back,” he said. “I had three-and-a-half lonely months in hospital undergoing treatment. Tyson Fury gives cryptic update on his future after Oleksandr Usyk defeat as retirement rumours circle”I was very lucky to make it through. I am very lucky to be alive and I have a different perspective on life after what happened to me.”I wake up in the morning and I am happy, I am not stressed. I am just delighted to have another day.”Reflecting on his health back in September, Smith told The Independent: “I look healthy, but underneath is a wrecked body.“I’ve lost major parts of it. A lot of people are in much worse situations, but it’s a tough new life.”You have tubes at night, it’s not easy. And after the operation, last spring, I got an ileus: my entire body was blocked, food wouldn’t go through for 10 days.Adam Smith thought he wouldn’t win his cancer battleCredit: GETTY”I lost four stone in weight, then I had a twisted bowel. It all went wrong. I was a mess, I was in agony, I couldn’t move.“The hardest thing was learning to walk again; I had to sit on a chair in the shower for a couple of months, because I couldn’t stand.”But my family were unbelievable, Sky were amazing. I still had many, many lonely nights, but I owe everything to my doctors.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I saw my bladder consultant at the end of last year and I said: ‘I have to be honest, I didn’t think I’d make it.’ He said: ‘I’ve got to be honest, I didn’t think you would either.’” More

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      in Soccer

      Troy Deeney: Being a footballer around Christmas might be the most depressing time of your life – it’s torture

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      BEING a pro footballer around Christmas might be the most depressing time of your life.I’m not asking for huge amounts of sympathy.Footballers do not get time off during ChristmasCredit: AlamyBrighton and Hove Albion were visited by the GrinchCredit: Instagram @officialbhafcWe are very privileged people who get paid extremely well, so I don’t expect the tiny violins to be coming out.But it is not an easy time. Your whole family is buzzing — the Pringles are out, the wine, the beers.So many things that you would normally enjoy but just know you cannot do it.I remember as a footballer having Christmas dinner and knowing we were playing a game the next day.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLI would have to ask for a third of what I would normally stuff on my plate.Now I am retired — my first Christmas away from the game for nearly 20 years — I asked my family to give me a third more than I can even stomach.I was so excited and loved it.But as a professional player, you would be counting how many potatoes you have eaten.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThen the club nutritionists would be on to you.I used to have to jump in the gym straight after my turkey dinner. ‘Who do you think you are’: Sir Alex Ferguson reduced Cristiano Ronaldo to tears after ‘ripping in’ to Man Utd iconCody Gakpo was one of the scorers on Boxing DayCredit: AFPWho are these famous footballers?Usually, if we had an away game on Boxing Day, we would have to train in the late afternoon or early evening on Christmas Day — and then it was straight to wherever the hotel was.I’d get up in the morning on Christmas Day, do stuff with the kids, have a light breakfast, probably run a 5k on the treadmill, then the family came over to have dinner but you are always watching the time.Let’s say we had dinner at 1:30pm.I would then get on the scales at 2:45pm and I am two kilos over. So, I have to jump in the sauna for 20 minutes.Then it is in the car, down to training, weigh yourself again and into a hotel with 20 other lads who also don’t want to be there.You’re looking on your social media and everyone is posting videos of themselves enjoying some drinks, opening presents, spending time with their kids. It really hits you.By the time Boxing Day comes around, everyone is in the mindset of, ‘Thank God that’s over’.I always tried to have a bigger dinner that day to make up for what I missed.For me and my family, our Christmas Day would be on the 27th, so you could enjoy yourself and have a few days resting before the New Year games.As players, we were generally well behaved during those periods.Sometimes at Watford, depending on the manager we had, we would have to come in for training at 8am on Christmas Day, so everyone would be home by midday.Get in, get out.There used to be a rule whereby you then did not have to report until Boxing Day morning.But that was stopped after a few players would turn up with red eyes after staying out until 2am.Those Christmas Day morning sessions were the worst, because my kids would wake up all excited wanting to open their presents and I would have to say: “No, wait until dad gets home!”It’s torture.And even when I got home, I would have to eat, shower, have a little nap and then drive back to the hotel for 7pm.When I first met my wife, she thought I would only train a couple of times a week and then play on a Saturday.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe then got the biggest shock of her life. My life was so regimented, even at Christmas.Look, it’s part of the gig. You’re paid to put up with it but it was a mental strain at times, especially with kids and those who were really family-orientated. More