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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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      Why top sports stars and Love Island contestants make ideal partners, it’s more than just a desire for fame and money

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      THE love connection between sports stars and Love Island contestants is stronger than ever.Man City ace Ruben Dias is the latest footballer to be enamoured by an alumni of Casa Amor.
      Man City ace Ruben Dias is the latest name linked to a Love Island star
      Stunning Arabella Chi is rumoured to be dating the Portugal defenderCredit: instagram
      Olivia Attwood also married a footballer
      The Portuguese defender is believed to be dating model Arabella Chi, who appeared on season five of the reality TV show.
      They sent tongues wagging by sharing identical snaps in Paris, although they are yet to be pictured as a couple, despite a reported two month courtship.
      While West Ham star Jarrod Bowen’s romance with Dani Dyer is continuing to go strong since hooking in 2021
      Back in May, she gave birth to their twin girls Summer and Star.
      Read more football news
      Then there’s Olivia Attwood, who is married to Sunderland star Bradley Dack.
      They soon got together after she split with Chris Hughes, who she met on the show.
      By 2019 she was engaged to the footballer, and the two have since become a reality TV power couple – appearing in a number of spin-off TV shows together.
      Amber Gill, who was once linked to Jack Grealish, himself a Love Island fan who liked season eight star Ekin-Su Cülcüloglu’s pictures on Instagram, is also now dating a footballer in Arsenal Women’s Jen Beattie.
      Most read in Football
      So, why are famous sports stars and Love Island stunners getting into relationships?
      Dating coach Hayley Quinn believes Love Island contestants could be attracted to sports stars, not only for their physical appearance, but are allured to their status and the chance of forming a celebrity relationship that could swell their bank accounts.
      She also feels others might click because they see a similarity in the way their social lives play out, as well as their values.
      “I think we can say with people that go on Love Island they aspire to celebrity on some level,” she told SunSport.
      Dani Dyer left Love Island and shacked up with a footballer
      West Ham star Jarrod Bowen and Dani are inseparable and welcomed twins together back in May
      “That is seemingly a huge value for them, something that is motivating for them, so seeing a sports star who is famous in their own right, acknowledged, and has all those accomplishments is going to be really attractive.
      “Aside from sports stars and Love Island stars being quite physically attractive, there is also the added attraction of together potentially forming the modern day equivalent of the Posh and Becks relationship.
      “There’s also an undoubted earning potential attached to forming a celebrity partnership as well.
      “It could also be just that someone has gone on Love Island, they have found themselves in the same social circles and network and celebrity status and they want to date other people they perceive to be on the same level.
      “They have more opportunity to do that, not only at events but thanks to the world of Instagram – both their platforms are going to be easily accessible.
      “They have an opportunity to interact because they are known and visible to one another.
      “It’s not different to a normal person, perhaps they look at someone’s fashion and dress and they make an assumption about whether they are working in the same social circles and values, and that’s partly what’s motivating it and not just a callous desire for more fame and money – it’s seeing similarity between them.”
      For every Jarrod and Dani, there’s a failed romance that hasn’t worked.
      Quinn explains that it can’t all be down to superficial level when it comes to sports stars and Love Island beauties connecting on deeper level.
      “There are a lot of ingredients to make a successful relationship work,” Quinn continued.
      “I think having stuff in common is helpful, but absolutely not essential.
      Olivia Attwood and Sunderland star Bradley Dack have been a success story
      Olivia Attwood has become a breakout TV star separately of Love Island
      Dating coach Hayley Quinn explains the connection between Love Island beauties and footballers
      Amber Gill was linked to Jack Grealish
      Amber Gill and Arsenal Women star Jen Beattie are now a celebrity coupleCredit: PA
      “It might be helpful to understand what it’s like to have lots of followers on social media and a degree of fame.
      “That’s going to create an emotional intimacy, that they can understand each other’s world and that might, on top of the physical attraction, be the point of connection.
      “Physical attraction might be what makes these relationships sizzle at the beginning.
      “However, to make a relationship work you as an individual have to be in the mindset where you’re ready to stick at and work at things and really wanting a relationship.
      “Also, it might support the romance if they enjoy going out to the same places, but again that doesn’t mean necessarily mean a successful relationship.
      “Factors that could encourage a successful relationship between them could come down to could be how much time they like to spend together, emotional intimacy, how much independence they like… it’s a whole laundry list of different factors you possibly don’t think about when you’re 22, which make up compatibility.
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      “You can’t equate having things in common with a successful relationship. That’s going to depend on their personalities, the relationship styles and preferences.
      “While you could also say their stoicism is important and not to get swayed by the next exciting thing, which is a quality we improve as mature in life.” More

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      Inside Benjamin Mendy’s £5m mansion as he is forced to slash price as it languishes on the market

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      BENJAMIN Mendy has slashed a whopping £750,000 off the asking price of his £5million mansion as he battles bankruptcy following his rape trial. The former Manchester City footballer, 29, must sell the sprawling Cheshire property to avoid financial ruin. 
      Benjamin Mendy’s mansion has now been put up for saleCredit: Savills
      The ex-City defender now plays for Lorient in FranceCredit: Getty
      As he chases up to £10m of back pay from his old club and while rebuilding his career at French Ligue 1 club Lorient, Mendy has now reduced the asking price to £4.25million.
      It comes as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is seeking a bankruptcy order against the footballer over a nearly £800,000 tax debt. 
      The house is described by estate agents as “one of the finest contemporary homes in Cheshire”. 
      The 11,000sq-ft residence is set in over 1.75 acres of grounds and boasts six bedroom suites, an open plan living area, games room, home cinema, swimming pool, steam room, gym and spa. 
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      It was bought by Mendy from cricketing legend Andrew Flintoff in 2018 for £4.8million. 
      Flintoff, who never lived at the house, bought it for £1.8million in 2008 and spent two years rebuilding the property – before renting it out. 
      His tenants included former footballer Peter Crouch and wife Abbey Clancy. 
      The former Man City star was already a millionaire when he joined from Monaco in 2017 on a six-year contract.
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      His deal guaranteed him a basic £100,000-a-week salary and up to £170,000 with bonuses.
      But instead of pocketing £31.2million, he ended up fighting bankruptcy after his 2020 arrest for rape.
      He was cleared of raping a woman following a retrial in July.
      Jurors unanimously cleared him of both charges after three hours of deliberation.
      But despite going free, he was forced to close his image rights company after being chased for unpaid tax.
      The footballer took a huge financial hit after being charged in 2021, with City stopping his salary the following month.
      The sprawling property boasts a luxurious interiorCredit: Savills
      Peter Crouch was a former tenant at the mansionCredit: Savills
      The property is worth millionsCredit: Savills
      There is even a home cinema at the swanky padCredit: Savills More

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      I’m a hostage expert – making deal to release Luis Diaz’s dad can be done in HOURS…but getting him out is dangerous part

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      A DEAL to save Luis Diaz’s dad could be done in hours – but rescuing him from the kidnappers will be the most dangerous part, a hostage negotiator has warned.Notorious Colombian guerrilla group ELN or National Liberation Army confirmed on Thursday that the group was behind the abduction of the Liverpool star’s dad, Luis Manuel Diaz.
      Luis Diaz’s dad was snatched by a group of gunmen in Colombia
      The Liverpool star’s dad is expected to be released soonCredit: AFP
      Hostage negotiator Scott Walker thinks the rescue operation could be complicated

      And while the guerrilla group has offered fresh hope, promising to free Mr Diaz within hours, a hostage negotiator who has worked in South America says the release of a hostage is the most complicated part of the process.
      Due to the high-profile nature of the kidnapping, ex-Scotland Yard officer Scott Walker believes a deal might be struck soon.
      He believes the peace delegation of the government negotiating with the ELN will want to resolve this “as soon as possible”.
      But Walker said the “recovery and release” of Mr Diaz can be the most dangerous part of the operation.
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      He told The Sun: “Reaching an agreement is not the same as a safe release and recovery.
      “Recovery and release can be the most dangerous as people relax and drop their guard. Yet it’s not over until the hostages are safely back.
      “The Colombian government will want this resolved as quickly and as safely as possible which is why theyre throwing lots of resources at it.
      “The negotiators who engage with the ELN anyway about the peace process will be negotiating for the release of Diaz’s father as part of that as well.”
      Most read in Football
      It’s believed a woman known only as Patricia, the leader of one of the regional units of the rebel group, was responsible for orchestrating the abduction.
      A senior Northern War Front member known only as Mateo is said to be holding the 58-year-old hostage with foot soldiers under Patricia’s orders.
      Scott explained that the goal of kidnappers is usually to get “as much money as they can as quickly as they can”.
      But with infamous groups such as the ELN and Farc, there is often “some political concession or some political question” involved, he said.
      The Colombian government is currently engaged in peace talks with ELN and there is a six- months ceasefire.
      “Clearly this guerilla group they are looking somehow to put pressure on those peace talks and increase concessions or even sabotage them,” Walker said.
      Diaz’s father was kidnapped on Saturday night by armed gunmen at a gas station in Barrancas, La Guajira.
      The Liverpool star’s mum, Cilenis Marulanda was also snatched- but was later found in Barrancas.
      Authorities in Colombia have launched a massive police operation to locate the winger’s missing dad and even sniffer dogs were brought in to join the rescue efforts.
      The country’s army has already been joined by an elite police anti-drugs commando squad specialising in complex jungle operations to find the 58-year-old.
      Colombian cops believe the lair of the kidnapping gang is located in the inhospitable jungle terrain of the Perija Mountains near the Venezuelan border.
      Scott believes there is a possibility that the footballer’s dad has been taken across the border to Venezuela – which could make his release even more complicated.
      “The borders at that part of the world are pretty porous so it is a possibility he may be taken over to Venezuela,” he said.
      “It wouldn’t be the first time that’s happened and it would obviously make any rescue attempt more difficult if it’s across the border.”
      He explained that even though threats of torture or even murder are commonplace tactics for guerrilla groups, he is confident Luis Diaz’s dad is being treated well.
      He said: “In the vast majority of cases the hostages will be reasonably looked after because it is in the hostage takers interest to do so because it helps with their bargaining power and people arent going to pay a ransome for a corpse.
      “Threats are a commonplace in kidnappings because it puts pressure on the family or the company to pay ransom or give concessions- it’s a standard tactic.”
      Colombian President Gustavo Petro has revealed he has spoken to Diaz personally to reassure him about the government’s efforts to free his dad.
      He said on his official X account: “We have spoken with Luis Diaz yesterday. We are working for the liberation of his father.”
      Earlier this week, Diaz urged his Instagram followers to “march for the release of Mane Diaz”.
      ELN is notorious for massacres and kidnappings is aligned with the leftist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc).
      Farc launched its guerrilla war against the Colombian government in 1964, after a peasant uprising that was crushed by the army.
      Over the decades, the conflict drew in several leftist rebel groups, right-wing paramilitaries and drug gangs.
      The Marxist-Leninist group, which in Colombia is called the ELN, was founded in 1964 by radical Catholics inspired by Cuba’s communist revolution.
      It was behind a car bombing in January 2019 at a police academy in Bogota which killed 21 people and injured 68 others, making it one of the deadliest attacks ever in the Colombian capital.
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      Peace talks have been going on between the ELN and the Colombian government since March 2020 when the guerrilla group declared a unilateral ceasefire during the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic.
      Scott is the author of the Order Out of Chaos: How to become a World-Class Communicator and Win Every Negotiation.
      A massive police operation is underway to locate the star’s dadCredit: Rex
      A guerrilla fighter known only as Patricia is suspected of being behind the man’s abductionCredit: Suministrada
      People march during a demonstration for the footballer’s dadCredit: AP More