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      in Motorsport

      F1’s Gabriel Bortoleto cheered on by mysterious computer scientist girlfriend Isabella Bernardini who keeps low profile

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      GABRIEL BORTOLETO’S girlfriend is a computer science whizz who is studying to work in cyber security.The F1 prodigy has been dating Isabella Bernardini, 21, since she was 17 and he was 16.Isabella Bernardini watches on as Gabriel Bortoleto racesCredit: RexGorgeous Isabella seemed intrigued during the Australian Grand Prix qualifiersCredit: RexGabriel Bortoleto is one of six rookies in F1 this seasonCredit: RexLike Bortoleto she is from Brazil but is currently pursuing a degree in computer science in Eindhoven in the Netherlands.Bernardini keeps herself to herself with a private Instagram account with just over 2.5k followers.Bortoleto, who has a whopping one million followers on Instagram, also doesn’t delve too much into his private life, rarely posting her on his social media.Bernadini isn’t the only girlfriend on the grid who has been working tirelessly at university.Read more F1 newsRed Bull driver Liam Lawson’s girlfriend recently graduated from the renowned Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences.Meanwhile, Oliver Bearman’s ex-girlfriend Estelle Ogilvy, who plans on pursuing a career in modeling, is also a law student.It is Bortoleto’s first season on the F1 grid, having signed for Sauber in November last year.He recently hit out at comments made by Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko who said he was a ‘B’ category driver, despite the Brazilian youngster’s back-to-back championship successes in F3 and F2.Most read in MotorsportBortoleto has vowed to “prove him wrong” and make him “regret what he said”.Behind the scenes in Australia GP paddock including F1 star Lewis Hamilton’s new Ferrari baseAfter all, the youngster arguably has the biggest racing credentials out of this season’s six rookies.He is one of only four drivers, with Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Oscar Piastri, to win those back-to-back F3 and F2 titles.His racing career was saved by Fernando Alonso when the two-time world champion sponsored him in 2022 before he was snapped up by the McLaren development programme a year later.They allowed Bortoleto, who says his favourite movie is Interstellar and his favourite TV show is Peaky Blinders, to then join Sauber for this season, with McLaren chief Zak Brown calling him a “great racing driver”.Bortoleto’s father Lincoln, is the co-founder of one of the biggest Internet providers in the world, Americanet following a merger with Vero in 2023.Liam Lawson’s girlfriend Hannah St. John is another new Wag on the F1 sceneCredit: INSTAGRAM @hannahstjohnBortoletto seen in action for Sauber in qualifying at the Australian Grand PrixCredit: Rex More

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      in Boxing

      ‘Won’t be a numpty’ – Joey Essex in talks for boxing debut and has TEN opponents lined up as cousin Demi joins Misfits

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      JOEY ESSEX could follow cousin Demi Sims into the Misfits Boxing ring. Demi – the youngest daughter of esteemed trainer Tony – faces Egypt Criss – whose dad is the American rapper Treach – on March 29. Joey Essex, pictured with Adam Brooks, is in talks for a boxing debutCredit: X @EssexPRAnd 34-year-old Joey has been teasing a switch to the boxing ring himself – with Misfits co-founder Mams Taylor leading talks over the phone.Taylor told SunSport: “I spoke to Joey today actually on WhatsApp and I’ve just suggested a couple of opponents for him.”He’s got to take himself away from his schedule and implement the training and take it seriously because that’s what he wants to do.”Look, Joey Essex is not someone who’s gonna do this half-arsed, so I understand for him it’s a hell of a commitment as well because he’s got a lot going on.READ MORE IN BOXING”But I’m very confident we’ll see Joey Essex in a Misfits ring, very soon. Sooner rather than later.”Taylor – who created Misfits as a home to celebrity-style crossover bouts – has tabled over TEN opponents for reality TV star Joey. He said: “I’ve sent him a few options and let’s see what he wants to do.”He’s never had a fight before but he’s been around boxing and trained a lot so you’ve got to consider that and make sure you don’t want to feed the guy into the lions.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”He’s a star as well and I wanna make sure he has a fair challenge on his first outing.”I don’t wanna feed him a numpty at the same time, I wanna make sure that he’s in there and let’s see what he’s made of. It’s a balance and it limits the amount fighters that will draw. KSI’s team reveal new term for Jake Paul grudge fight to finally make £250million bout happen”We’ve got to make sure the opponent brings about some interest, so it’s interesting to you guys, it’s interesting to the fans and also as a fair fight.”So that eliminates a lot of names gives me a shortlist of about ten or 12 that I can think of and I’ve sent some of them to Joey and you know, more news on that coming.”KSI also co-created Misfits with his manager Taylor, who originally has a music background. And KSI, 31, returns to the ring in Manchester against Dillon Danis, 31, who is 2-0 in MMA but last year lost his boxing debut to Logan Paul. Joey’s younger cousin Demi, 28, makes her debut on the undercard with legendary dad Tony in the corner. Taylor said: “I haven’t spoken to Tony, I think we follow each other on Instagram, I’m a fan of what he does. “He’s a great guy by all accounts and as a girl father myself, naturally gonna be very protective.”I wouldn’t let my daughter fight on Misfits but I think it’s something that’s come from her, something she’s wanted to do.”And listen, I can guarantee you she’s gonna have had great coaching, at least we know that much, right?”Her opponent is the daughter of one of the group members of Salt-N-Pepa. So that’s gonna be interesting.”You got the offspring of famous parents fighting each other and I think that girl pretty good as well. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think it’s gonna be a good first fight for both of them. It’ll be a fun challenge.”Demi Sims with cousin Joey Essex and sister ChloeCredit: GettyDemi is making a boxing debut herselfShe is the daughter of boxing trainer TonyShe is fighting American Egypt Criss More

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      in Soccer

      ‘I’m getting all the bloody stick’ Sir Jim Ratcliffe threatens to walk out of Man Utd if he’s abused like Glazer family

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has indicated he’ll walk away from Manchester United – if he gets as much stick as the Glazers.The Ineos chief, 72, took over at Old Trafford in February last year and pledged to take United to the “top of world football”.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has indicated he could walk away from Man Utd if fan abuse becomes too much to attend gamesCredit: PAA section of United fans have protested against the Glazer family for almost a decadeCredit: GettyRatcliffe claims the Glazers no longer attend Old Trafford due to the vitriolCredit: AFPRatcliffe has been forced to cut costs since completing his £1.03billion takeover. Fans have been critical of the 72-year-old’s brutal balancing of the books, which included a swathe of redundancies, increased ticket prices and the removal of Sir Alex Ferguson as a club ambassador.Ratcliffe has defended the cuts and last week claimed the club would have “run out of money by Christmas” if he hadn’t stepped in. He also outlined a positive future for the Red Devils after unveiling a stunning new £2bn, 100,000-seater stadium. READ MORE ON MAN UTDSupporters protested against the ownership ahead of the recent 1-1 draw with Arsenal at Old Trafford.And Ratcliffe admits being in the storm of fan unease hasn’t been easy.He told The Times: “It can be unpleasant. And I’ve probably failed on the having fun front. I mean, I can put up with it for a while.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMost read in Football”I don’t mind being unpopular because I get that nobody likes seeing Manchester United down where they are, and nobody likes the decisions we’re having to make at the moment.”Ratcliffe claims if the abuse became too much that he couldn’t attend games, he’d walk away.Sir Jim Ratcliffe explains his plans for the new Man Utd Stadium He continued: “So, eventually, if it reached the extent that the Glazer family have been abused, then I’d have to say, look, enough’s enough guys, let somebody else do this. “They can’t really come to a match, the Glazers. They’ve retreated into the shadows a bit now, so I’m getting all the bloody stick.“We bought in and I haven’t seen them since.”At the moment, I don’t have security, I don’t have to walk around like that. “But it would defeat the object, wouldn’t it? You couldn’t tolerate it at that level, it just wouldn’t be fun.”Ratcliffe also refused to criticize the Glazers, who have held a stake in United since 2005.Man Utd player ratingsCAPTAIN Fantastic rescued Manchester United once again – scoring a hat-trick as the Red Devils overcame an early scare to beat Real Sociedad and advance in the Europa League.He was the coolest man inside Old Trafford twice as he slotted home penalties either side of half-time to put his side in control against the Spaniards.Joshua Zirkzee was another who impressed as Manchester United secured a tie against Lyon in the quarter-finals.But it wasn’t all positive.Rasmus Hojlund drew a blank yet again. That’s now 21 games and no goals – the equivalent of over THIRTY HOURS without the £72m striker hitting the net.Check out our full Man Utd player ratings.He added: “To be fair to the Glazers, they’re really good on the commercial side.”The people who advise me say the fans don’t want to hear it. So I’ve got to be cautious.”I get a lot of criticism if I support the Glazers, but the fact is they’re really decent people.”They’re East Coast, you know — that old East Coast America, they’re very polite, they’re very civilized, they’re the nicest people on the planet.”Ratcliffe pulled no punches last week as he took aim at United’s flops, branding some “overpaid” and “not good enough”.Speaking to the BBC, he said: “Some are not good enough and some probably are overpaid.”But for us to mould the squad that we are fully responsible for, and accountable for, will take time.”We’ve got this period of transformation where we move from the past to the future.READ MORE SUN STORIES”There are some great players in the squad as we know, the captain is a fabulous footballer.”We definitely need Bruno Fernandes, he’s a fantastic footballer.” More

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      in Soccer

      ‘Whole Premier League card’ – Zlatan targeted for sensational Misfits Boxing bout with ‘so many’ footballers lined up

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      ZLATAN Ibrahimovic is being lined up for a sensational boxing bout by Misfits Boxing – with the promoters claiming they could put on a “whole Premier League card”.YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI founded the celebrity-style platform crossover bouts alongside his manager Mams Taylor. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is lined up for a shock boxing fightCredit: Instagram @iamzlatanibrahimovicWayne Bridge could also fight on a cardCredit: GettyDanny Simpson was the first ex-Prem star to fight on MisfitsCredit: GettyEx-Prem winner Danny Simpson, 38, was the first footballer to make the switch to the ring, drawing with YouTuber Danny Aarons, 22, in August. His former team-mate Phil Bardsley, 39, is now in talks with Misfits while Wayne Bridge was on the verge of fighting KSI himself. And promoter Taylor revealed retired superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic – a black belt in taekwondo – is his dream name to join the roster. He told SunSport: “I’ve got so many footballers – that I’m not gonna name – but I’ve got so many footballers that want to do this.READ MORE IN football “I could do a whole Premier League card at this point, which I think could be quite fun. “But we’ll see, there’s a lot of footballers and international footballers as well. So let’s see, but I’m still chipping away at Zlatan, I want Zlatan.”I’m determined to get him in that ring.”Taylor is a friend of 43-year-old Ibrahimovic’s agent and has been trying to convince the AC Milan legend to do a boxing debut.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBridge, 44, was set to fight KSI, 31, on short notice on March 29 in Manchester as Misfits scrambled for a late-notice opponent. But the ex-Chelsea defender pulled out after KSI referenced his infamous feud with John Terry. KSI’s team reveal new term for Jake Paul grudge fight to finally make £250million bout happenTerry allegedly had an affair with Bridge’s former partner Vanessa Perroncel in 2009 – something both had always denied. And KSI said when facing off with Bridge: “Aren’t you the guy that let John Terry smash your ex?” Bridge – who shares an 18-year-old son with Vanessa – withdrew from the fight just days later. But Taylor hopes the retired left-back – who has boxed in two charity bouts before – will still lace up the Misfits gloves. He said: “We all like the sensationalism of a beef, we all like, ‘Oh my God, I can’t believe he said that’ to a degree.”But I don’t want anyone walking away and feeling like, ‘Oh man, this gave me a horrible feeling or it affected me psychologically in a negative way or or it hurt my family’.”So I don’t want anyone to feel that way. I want them to have a positive experience from it, so I hope he can put that incident behind him and maybe I’ll match make him with someone who’s not got as much of a gift of the gab.”And they have similar vulnerability where they agree to go in respectfully. I’m still chipping away at Zlatan, I want Zlatan! I’m determined to get him in that ring.Misfits Boxing co-founder Mams Taylor “But I’d love to see him in the ring and what I’d really like is to have him in the ring to show the fans who were naysayers, that he can actually fight.”KSI will now fight Dillon Danis, 31, who is 2-0 in MMA and lost his boxing debut to Logan Paul, 29, in October 2023. And he apologised to Bridge in private for his controversial remark. Taylor said: “I know JJ the next day felt bad and he’s like, ‘Do you think I should DM him?’ “And I said, yeah, just say what’s in your heart and he goes, ‘Yeah, I’m obviously just trying to promote this and I thought he knows the landscape of Misfits and how it can go left with, with things like that.'”I think he realised maybe he went a step too far. He acknowledged that he went too far and he didn’t do it publicly to make it a PR thing. “He personally wanted to actually DM him and just say, ‘Hey man, I’m sorry, door’s open if I can make it up, if there’s anything we can do. I didn’t want to upset you. I just wanted to promote the fight.'”I think Wayne Bridge has spoken about that somewhere, I’m not sure, but I think he acknowledged it and I think we move on.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Look, Wayne Bridge is a man’s man at the same time, I get it would have put strain on his family, but I think he’s a proper man and he’s moved on.”I’d like to see him in a Misfits ring and make sure he’s looked after and has a good experience on his next fight.”KSI facing off with Wayne BridgeCredit: misfits boxing More

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      in Soccer

      If Newcastle beat Liverpool it could be the catalyst for a new dynasty, the first trophy in a new golden era

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      JUNE 11, 1969, is not a date most football fans will remember.Unless, of course, you support Newcastle.A few weeks later, Neil Armstrong would take his giant leap for mankind on the moon but, for Newcastle, it marked the start of a big step backwards.Eddie Howe is desperate to end Newcastle’s decades of hurtCredit: GettyAlexander Isak is set to lead the Toon’s hopes in attackCredit: GettyThe Toon Army sank several battalions of Newcastle Brown Ale in 1969 as it was the last time their club — by common consent one of the best supported in the land — actually won a trophy.Winning the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, the forerunner of the Uefa Cup and Europa League, came so long ago that the match was only covered for TV in black and white.The Magpies beat Hungary’s Ujpesti Dozsa 6-2 over the two-legged final but have since had to endure heartbreak, false dawns and decades of near misses.That could all change this weekend, 56 years later.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShould they win the League Cup at Wembley on Sunday, Toon boss Eddie Howe will achieve Tyneside immortality as the manager who finally brought home silverware.Many have tried, all have failed, but Howe could be the one to end 56 years of hurt for Newcastle.This match represents so much more than just a trophy.It’s about proving that Newcastle are a serious force again.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd that the investment under their new owners is translating into real success —  that this is just the beginning, not the end, of a new era for the club.Howe has done a remarkable job turning Newcastle from relegation candidates into genuine contenders for silverware in just a few seasons.Dan Burn’s gone from pushing trolleys at Asda to potential England glory – he fully deserves his call-upWinning this final would be a statement of intent, a sign that they are not just here to challenge but to dominate.Yet they have one major obstacle — and that’s the best team in the country at the moment, Liverpool.Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup — you name it, they’ve won it.Tuesday’s unexpected Champions League exit means there’s no doubt they will approach this game like wounded tigers — dangerous and determined.Quiz question? How many trophies have Liverpool won since 1969. I looked it up.The Reds have lifted 12 league titles and are almost certainly about to make it another.They have also racked up six European Cups, seven FA Cups, ten League Cups, three Uefa Cups and a Club World Cup.That’s 39 major trophies, to Newcastle’s none. Liverpool, quite simply, are a club that knows how to win.Arne Slot hopes Liverpool bounce back quickly from their PSG exitCredit: RexI suspect many neutrals will be wanting a Newcastle victory to end that tale of woe and the Toon Army hope and pray this weekend finally ends that astonishing streak.Newcastle’s last domestic success came even further back, when they won a third FA Cup in just five seasons in 1955.For a club which gets 52,000 into St James’ Park every home game, they are on a remarkably bad run — especially when you consider some of the managers who have been on Tyneside, including the late Sir Bobby Robson and Kevin Keegan.They both got very close to trophies but Howe could be the one who finally delivers.It will be fascinating to see how Arne Slot’s Liverpool react to their European exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain in midweek. It could galvanise the players to show their boss that PSG was just a blip on an otherwise memorable season that sees them poised to win a record-equalling 20th league title, level with their local rivals Manchester United.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor Newcastle, losing this final would be gut-wrenching. Another painful chapter in a long history of near-misses.But if they win? It could be the catalyst for a new dynasty, the first trophy in a new golden era for the club. More

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      in Soccer

      Newcastle legend gives Eddie Howe blueprint on how to beat Liverpool and finally end 70-year trophy drought

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      CHRIS WADDLE has told Newcastle boss Eddie Howe to stick to “bold” Geordie traditions to break the club’s trophyless habit of a lifetime.The Tyneside legend insists all-out attack is the only way to end a painful silverware drought and beat Premier League leaders Liverpool in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.Harvey Barnes, Leo Shahar and Co are gearing up for LiverpoolCredit: GettyEddie Howe has been told to focus on attack against Arne Slot’s menCredit: GettyChris Waddle reckons Toon fans have expectations of exciting footballCredit: RexEx-Toon and England winger star Waddle is urging Howe to order Alexander Isak and Co to get at Arne Slot’s side right from the off at Wembley.If fortune does favour the brave, it will secure Newcastle a first domestic trophy since the FA Cup 70 years ago and a first piece of silverware since the 1969 Fairs Cup triumph.“I’d love to see Newcastle end their hoodoo and I hope they do it with the fearless, exciting attacking style the club is famous for,” Waddle told SunSport.“For me, they need to be bold because Newcastle are always at their best on front foot and when they’ve tried alternative ways which are less exciting it’s not suited them.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“That’s been the case right down the years and when managers have tried to apply the brakes and exercise more caution, more often than not it’s backfired.“So, Newcastle will have to burst out of the blocks and press Liverpool from the off to try to catch them cold, get ahead early and work their socks off to stay there.“And that will get the fans plenty to shout about because that front-foot, high tempo approach is what they want to watch.“The last thing they like to see a Newcastle team park the bus at Wembley because they know the script.Most read in FootballAlexander Isak is rated as the man who could make the differenceCredit: PABEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“They don’t want to see boring football – they’ve traditionally preferred to see a 4-3 and hope and pray for the best. That’s the Newcastle way, whether we like it or not.”Waddle, 64, believes red-hot striker Isak could be the hero who brings back the glory days to Tyneside.Dan Burn’s gone from pushing trolleys at Asda to potential England glory – he fully deserves his call-upHe said: “It will require a massive performance from Newcastle to win but I think Isak could make the difference.“I’ve always liked centre-forwards who can create and make the most of their own goal-scoring opportunities and so I love watching Isak.“He’s shown so many times that he’s capable of picking the ball up 40 yards from goal, going it alone and scoring.“That’s because he’s not only blessed with pace and dribbling ability but he’s got a really positive mindset as well which is why he suits Newcastle so much.“He will always cause opposing defenders problems and that’s why he’s vitally important to Newcastle.“The side is set up to bring the best out of him when it comes to build-up play with wingers with purpose and three adventurous midfielders who are creative and love to get in the box.”But if things do go according to plan and their team’s high-octane start pays off, Waddle reckons the Geordies could end up watching the game unfold through their fingers.He added: “Liverpool will have a bit of a hangover from the PSG game but they’ll know what they need to do.“And they showed how good they are at managing games when they beat Manchester City last month.Kieran Trippier and team-mates hope to stun the Prem leadersCredit: GettyNewcastle must try to launch relentless attacking, says WaddleCredit: Getty“They didn’t go chasing them and played a good tactical game which showed how savvy Arne Slot is.“Everyone expects Liverpool to be on the front foot, attacking everyone and pushing teams back especially at Anfield, but they’ve got other styles of play.“And they’ve got Mo Salah, who seems to be getting better with age because his sense of where to be at the right time and what strings to pull is stronger than ever.“Tino Livramento will have to have one of the best games of his life to make sure he doesn’t do the damage for Liverpool.“It will be a real game of cat-and-mouse because Salah has the licence to roam.“So the Newcastle defence will need to have eyes in their back of their heads and be alert to him as he’ll be a constant menace.”Waddle spent five years at St James’ Park, helping Newcastle win promotion to the old First Division in 1984 alongside future Toon boss Kevin Keegan who is synonymous with near-misses on Tyneside.His side was beaten to the Premier League title by Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United side.And since then they’ve reached the FA Cup final twice and the Carabao Cup Final two years ago and headed back up to the North East empty-handed on each occasion.“Sadly, there’s been decades of under-achievement at Newcastle,” Waddle added.“For the sake of the fans if nothing else I hope things change as they’ve had to have the patience of a saint.READ MORE SUN STORIES“They’ve been treated to exciting players, exhilarating seasons and but they’ve never got over the line despite investing in top individuals.“But that’s why if they beat Liverpool every single member of the team will instantly become Tyneside legends.” More

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      in Soccer

      My pal said ‘sorry about your dad’s dementia’… that was news to me, reveals Dean Windass’ son Josh

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      JOSH WINDASS revealed he only found out about his dad’s dementia from a Sheffield Wednesday team-mate while they were in a coffee shop.The attacking midfielder, 31, was oblivious that Hull and Bradford legend Dean Windass had been diagnosed with the condition until Owls defender Max Lowe unwittingly broke the news.Josh Windass reckons his dad being ‘a bit of a nutter’ make him popularCredit: GettyDean Windass, a cult hero with fans, has been diagnosed with dementiaCredit: GettyAnd Windass told SunSport: “I found out in a coffee shop. Max said, ‘Sorry to hear about your dad’s dementia’ and I thought, ‘Oh! That’s news to me!’”His dad’s diagnosis at the age of 55 was publicly revealed by former Manchester United and Blackburn star David May during a TV interview, with Windass’ blessing.It sparked an outpouring of love and support for one of the biggest English football characters of the 1990s and 2000s, who has more recently been a Sky Sports pundit.Windass Jr said: “He’s well loved within the football community. He’s a bit of a nutter and people like that about people.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I don’t think he’s struggling too badly. I speak sometimes to my brother, who is keeping tabs on him. He’s sound.“When news like this comes out people always think the worst. But it’s not a severe grade at the minute and he’s not having too many problems.“The first thing I asked was if he still knew my name and he did, so I didn’t ask him too many questions.”Windass Jr is chasing a second promotion with Sheffield WednesdayCredit: GettyHis dad did a national TV interview this week where he raised concerns about the perils of heading a football, which has been proven to increase the risk of developing the disease, and fears for his own son’s safety.Most read in ChampionshipWindass Jr scored the winning goal at Wembley with his head to clinch Wednesday’s promotion from League One in the play-off final against Barnsley in May 2023.Former Premier League star Dean Windass suffering from dementia as ex-Man Utd ace reveals diagnosis live on BBC And the Owls ace himself is passionate about raising awareness on how to prevent suffering from such conditions in later life.Research shows adopting a healthy, balanced diet can reduce the risk of dementia.Windass has a strict diet plan and last season enlisted the help of Tyson Fury’s nutritionist, Sheffield-based Greg Marriott, to help his recovery from an injury.And he said: “You don’t want anyone getting dementia or any other illness.“You want everyone on the planet to be healthy in an ideal world so it’s important to raise awareness to help people prevent it.“Even things like eating healthily. It’s not just for making you look good at the beach, it’s great for your lifestyle and health.“It’s something me and my missus speak a lot about — curriculums in schools, people don’t get taught enough about diet or illness and stuff like that. There needs to be more focus.“A lot of the stuff that gets people excited are the things you probably shouldn’t do such as drinking alcohol and eating bad food.“There’s a time and a place for that but it’s important to raise your kids especially to drink water, eat fruit and vegetables.“When you’re 50, I’ve seen people who go on all these diets and things — but by that point it’s a bit late.“I’m on the side of the fence that you can have a good time but our bodies are more important. People don’t take care of themselves as much as they should.”Windass even believes that a good diet could help stem the increase of mental illness cases that have been highlighted in recent years. He said: “If you’re eating and drinking things that are going to damage your brain then you’re not going to be the happiest person in the world.“If you can do little things that can help make you feel a bit better, you’re going to be happier and healthier.”Windass certainly would have been feeling more jubilant after scoring his first goal since New Year’s Day by snatching the all-important equaliser at Norwich on Tuesday as Wednesday roared back from 2-0 down to win 3-2.It was a crucial three points, hauling Danny Rohl’s men back into the play-off picture — and moving them to within just five points of the top six.Windass is set to feature in Sunday’s Steel City derby when bitter rivals Sheffield United make the three-and-half-mile trek across town to Hillsborough.That Wembley goal was nice — but a League One promotion isn’t something I talk about too much as it’s not such a big achievement.”Josh WindassHe has always thought the Owls needed to still be in the mix by the final whistle of the derby clash to stand a chance.Windass has scored 11 goals this season with nine games left — and he said: “I felt at the start I needed to score 15 from midfield for the team to have a successful season.”One of those strikes was a 60-yard worldie against Derby — which will surely win the goal of the season gong at the EFL awards.It was so good that pundits Paul Merson and Clinton Morrison rated it better than the famous one David Beckham scored from the halfway line for Manchester United against Wimbledon in 1996.It sparked a January bid from Brazilian club Santos — which was rejected.But Windass said: “I scored a better one last year against Blackburn!”He has been at Hillsborough for five years and is firmly established as a cult hero for his play-off winner — but he would dearly love to see the Yorkshire club win promotion to the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESWindass said: “I guess that Wembley goal was nice — but a League One promotion isn’t something I talk about too much because it’s not such a big achievement.”A play-off final winner this year certainly would be. More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal files: What really happened in Arteta’s Old Trafford interview as Gunners target £12.5m La Liga star transfer

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      FOLLOWING Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United last weekend, Mikel Arteta faced up to the world’s media, from the written press to international broadcasters.But it was his interview with Sky Sports in the Old Trafford tunnel that grabbed the attention of fans and pundits, appearing to show Arteta “storm out” of his one-on-one chat with reporter Patrick Davison.Mikel Arteta drew headlines after seemingly walking away from an interview with Sky SportsBut the real reason behind the mix-up has now been explainedCriticism followed. Some called it “petulant”, others claimed it showed that Arteta was cracking under the pressure of a Premier League title race.But what really happened, and why?To throw in some context, like most Prem managers, Arteta had a whole host of post-match media to get through before he could travel back to London with his squad.On this occasion, there were nine interviews to complete, including six international TV broadcasters, UK radio, Arsenal TV and a press conference.Arteta’s interview with Sky’s Davison was going as expected – questions about the match as well as Arsenal’s ongoing injury issues.The length of these full-time Sky interviews can vary. For example, United boss Ruben Amorim spoke for four-and-a-half minutes.But usually, they last between two minutes and two-and-a-half minutes before managers must move on to other post-match responsibilities.In this instance, after two minutes and 40 seconds, Arteta was asked whether he regretted not buying a striker in January, to which he replied: “No, it’s not about that” before moving to his right to leave the interview.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSunSport understands that Arteta believed the interview had come to a natural conclusion, only for Davison to stop him and say: “Mikel, one more. “I have to ask you about the title race because it is 15 points now. Is it too much?”Arteta insists Arsenal are capable of reaching Champions League semi finals after PSV draw Arteta interrupted to say: “No, thank you” before walking off. As the screen flicked back to the Sky studio, pundit Gary Neville looked slightly alarmed at what had happened.Neville said: “Usually if you see a manager walk off from an interview when he’s been asked a question, you normally think there is something getting to them.“Is he sick of being asked that question? Does he think that’s too simple an answer that he doesn’t have a striker?”However, SunSport understands that Arteta had no issue with the line of questioning, nor did he have a problem with Davison’s approach, just keen to get on to his next media obligation.It is normal for reporters to try and squeeze as many questions in during the allotted time as possible, as Davison rightly attempted to do.You may argue that Arteta could have stood still for a couple more seconds to answer the final question, instead of his awkward-looking rushed getaway.But there was no malice in his hurried departure, nor was he attempting to avoid that particular question.Arsenal cruised into the Champions League quarters with an aggregate 9-3 win over PSVThe Gunners fielded SIX left-backs as they drew 2-2 on the nightIn fact, Arteta had already answered it in much more detail in several other post-match chats, including in the press conference, where he said: “I don’t want to say [the title race is over].“The frustration is that we haven’t won our game. We know the urgency and it’s about winning every single match if you want to have any chance of doing that.“I don’t think it’s the right moment to talk about that.”The Spaniard has not taken the reaction to the incident to heart either.Moments after Tuesday’s press conference previewing Arsenal’s Champions League last 16 clash with PSV, Arteta remarked to another Sky reporter with a smile that he thought he was going to be asked about it in order to clarify what happened.So, it may have looked tense, but it was far from it. Just clumsy.REAL (MADRID) CHANCEThe Bernabeu will soon play host to Arsenal in the quarter finals of the Champions League – a tie that brings back memories of Thierry Henry’s match-winning goal to down David Beckham and his fellow Galacticos in 2005/06.That season, Arsenal reached the final in Paris, eventually losing to Barcelona 2-1.Nineteen years on and it feels like it could be one step too far for this team – with no recognised striker – to knock out Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr on route to another final.But SunSport understands that there are those in the know in the Madrid press pack that feel the Gunners now have more of a chance to reach the semis after avoiding a two-legged tie against Atletico Madrid.Diego Simeone’s Atletico would have put up an ugly fight, like they always do, and shut up shop with a low block for 180 minutes or more – something Arsenal have struggled to break down this term.In comparison, Real will surely attack from the off. That may just make this a 50/50 tie if Arsenal can find their shooting boots and be brave with the ball when space opens up.Arsenal face 15-time European champions in the quarter-finalsCredit: APESPANYOL DECISIONSSunSport understands that Arsenal are keeping tabs on versatile Espanyol full-back Omar El Hilali, who is believed to have a release clause of around £12.5m.El Hilali can also play as a winger, something Arteta likes in his new recruits. The Moroccan is just 21 years old with a contract until June 2027, and is also being looked at by Barcelona.He leads LaLiga in terms of successful tackles resulting in ball recoveries (63) this term.But Arsenal are also keen on Espanyol’s keeper Joan Garcia, 23, for the summer, needing a No.2 to come in to compete with David Raya when Neto returns to parent club Bournemouth. Garcia could cost upwards of £25m.In the scenario that Espanyol do not want to sell both their stars in the same window, Arsenal and Arteta may have a tricky decision on their hands.Arsenal are keeping tabs on versatile Espanyol full-back Omar El HilaliCredit: GettyDRESSING DOWNNormally on a Champions League night at the Emirates, the Arsenal players cannot wait to shower, change and get home – speedily walking through the mixed zone where journalists often stand towards the car park.But on Tuesday night, after a 2-2 draw with PSV, they were nowhere to be seen.Instead, they were huddled around a TV in the dressing room watching the penalty shoot-out between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid to find out their quarter final opponents.It is believed that among them were Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz – both watching the game from the stands as they continue to recover from their respective injuries.Oleksandr Zinchenko and Riccardo Calafiori eventually came out to conduct interviews sometime after, the former revealing the reaction to the result amongst the squad.The Ukrainian said: “How can you cheer? It was a mixed feeling. No one said anything. It was just mixed emotions.”Real Madrid edged the most controversial shootout in recent European memoryCredit: ReutersFormer Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger just about sealed a 4-2 win over Atletico MadridCredit: Getty More