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      in Soccer

      How Mikel Arteta ‘found his way’ in completely different sport as Arsenal boss grew up alongside legendary uncle

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      MIKEL ARTETA goes into Premier League title D-Day on a wave of optimism despite the odds being stacked against his Arsenal side.Boss Arteta’s Gunners need to beat Everton on Sunday and hope West Ham deny Manchester City victory at the Etihad to emulate Arsene Wenger’s winners of 20 years ago.Mikel Arteta has worked wonders at Arsenal since his appointmentCredit: RexHe has been inspired by professional surfer Ibon AmatriainCredit: GettyBut Arteta is no stranger to facing his fears when his back is against the wall.From the age of six, the Spaniard was thrown into the deep end — quite literally — learning to ride waves in his hometown of San Sebastian on La Concha beach alongside his surfing uncle Ibon Amatriain.Amatriain, 55, is considered a minor celebrity back in Basque Country, hailed as one of the best big wave surfers in Europe for decades.Nicknamed Sensei, he now passes on his knowledge to the next generation, including his three sons Ikre, Adur and Eki — as well as teaching yoga to the locals.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSAnd it was during those fun-filled, yet formidable, beach days that Arteta, now 42, embraced fear head on.Arteta explained: “Ibon was an inspiration for me, as an athlete, competitor, someone who connected me with nature and challenging fear when you are on those big waves.“He used to take me when I was six, seven, eight years old, to face the difficulty with courage and find a way to survive.“When you are under the water you have to find your own way to do it. It was so fulfilling.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSYet it was not always plain sailing for ex-midfielder Arteta during his playing career, which started at the famed La Masia academy in Barcelona and ended at the Emirates in 2016.After experiences at Paris Saint-Germain and Rangers, he decided to return to San Sebastian in the summer of 2004 with Real Sociedad in order to be closer to his family.Eight times Arsenal and Tottenham’s North London rivalry got pettyArteta recalled: “I get the news that my parents are getting divorced. I felt so guilty.“I didn’t know if that was because of me and trying to pursue my dream. I felt responsible.“But at Sociedad, it was a disaster. It never worked. I never felt connected. I felt  I had disappointed my family.”Everton swooped in January 2005 in a career-defining switch before joining Arsenal on deadline day in August 2011.Eight years later, having served as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City during that time, he was hired as Gunners manager.Arteta said: “It was very complicated at Arsenal, very divided.“The energy was very difficult to manage, problems with the ownership, problems with the supporters.“No real clear identity to build the club and how to play — but the issue was much deeper. The issue was in our roots. It was all a mess.“After a lot of changes, I did a lot of research to understand what was happening.“We needed to convince people we were willing to take this club to a very different place.”In almost five years in charge, Arteta has transformed the Gunners into title challengers — one game away from ending two decades of title despair.His accomplishments have been  recognised, receiving The Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic at the Spanish Embassy in London on Wednesday — a prestigious honour.A Hollywood-style epic finale is needed to add another crown to his collection, much like the script of Arteta’s favourite film: Gladiator.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “I’ve watched it many times. There are clips that are very significant.“I feel very attached to it all — the soundtrack, the music. I feel very good watching it.”Tactics Exposed: Why Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s most important playerBy Dean Scoggins
      KAI HAVERTZ endured a difficult start to life at the Emirates after his big-money move from Chelsea.
      But has now well and truly found his feet.
      The German, 24, has found his scoring boots in recent weeks, including his double against his old club.
      But Havertz has been providing much more than goals in recent months.
      In fact he has become Mikel Arteta’s most important player as Arsenal go for the title.
      That’s after the Spanish boss made a genius tactical switch.
      Read more on how Mikel Arteta is using Kai Havertz.
      Or to watch the brilliant video in full on YouTube. More

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      in Soccer

      I disliked football so much I prayed for injury, says West Ham hero Michail Antonio as he bravely opens up about therapy

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      PREMIER League star Michail Antonio has revealed he is in therapy after starting to hate football.The £85,000-a-week West Ham and Jamaica striker, 34, told how he even prayed he would get injured so he did not have to play.I hated football so much that I prayed I would get injured, revealed Michail AntonioCredit: GettyWest Ham’s then-skipper Declan Rice lifts trophy last JuneCredit: GettyAntonio, who reveals how personal traumas caused his mental anguish, said: “I just started disliking the game. I began therapy because I was really struggling.”The West Ham star says his mental health battles left him unable to celebrate the club’s epic European win last year with team-mates — and he slept instead.In a brutally honest interview, the star says he even hoped for an injury to prevent him from playing.He believes his problems partly stem from being betrayed by school friends and splitting from his wife.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAntonio — who was called up for England before he chose to play for Jamaica instead — says he expects to still be seeing his therapist for another two years because it has changed his life.The London-born star — known for his happy public persona — revealed his mental turmoil in a searingly frank interview with telly presenter Jake Humphrey and author Damian Hughes.He told how everyone associated with West Ham was enjoying wild celebrations last June after they won the Europa Conference League final — their first major trophy in more than 40 years.But Antonio — the club’s all-time leading Prem goalscorer — was so drained by off-field events he fell asleep on the coach back from the stadium in Prague then went to bed in his hotel room.Most read in FootballHe recalled: “I was going through my divorce and stuff, and I honestly couldn’t get my head around it. After we won, the whole team went out, the gaffer went out, got steaming, a couple of boys didn’t sleep for two days, just got drunk for two days — I was asleep on the coach and went back to the hotel.“I was just mentally drained because of everything that was going on outside of my football and then I went back to the hotel and went to sleep while everyone was out partying.”Michail Antonio slept during West Ham’s celebrations after European Conference League triumphIt was six months before he began to appreciate the enormity of the Hammers’ brilliant 2-1 win over Fiorentina. He said: “It wasn’t until probably December where I was in a better place where I was like ‘Oh my God, I’ve won a European championship’.”In an interview available to hear on today’s High Performance podcast, Antonio said it dawned on him he had lost interest in football during a match in December 2022, as his form began to nosedive. He said: “I think we even won the game, but I didn’t have the best of games.“And I was just like to myself, ‘I’m not enjoying football’. During the game, I was like, ‘I’m really not enjoying this’.“I just felt quite negative. I’m a very positive person myself.“I didn’t score from December until I think it was March, April time. And I just felt, like, run- down. And then I went away with Jamaica because I was enjoying football with Jamaica for some strange reason. But I actually prayed for an injury.It’s all those things that spiral through your mind. You’re thinking, ‘Is this the end for me? Is this my football career over?“I was like, ‘I just want to get injured, I want some time off’.“And then I went away with Jamaica and I did my medial (knee ligament, in November 2023).“I was thinking to myself, ‘I’m 33. I can’t afford to be performing this way, otherwise I’m not going to get another contract’.“So, it’s all those things that spiral through your mind. You’re thinking, ‘Is this the end for me? Is this my football career over?’”He said his football problem was primarily down to getting such short breaks from the game he has been involved in for 16 years — and the constant scrutiny. And his troubles were worsened by separating from his wife Debbie Whittle, 34, who he married in 2017.He said: “I just started disliking the game. But because football’s just constant, you’re constantly just in it. As soon as your life depends on it, as soon as you have people constantly berating you and criticising you, it becomes a job.“So, it doesn’t matter how good it is, it doesn’t matter how much you love the game, it becomes an actual job for you.” Antonio said he sought help around Christmas 2022 — seeing a few therapists before he found one he liked.The West Ham star says his mental health battles left him unable to celebrate the club’s epic European win last yearThe striker with the Conference League trophyCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunAntonio said it dawned on him he had lost interest in football during a match in December 2022Credit: instagram/Michail AntonioHe had spoken to club doctors and physios, and West Ham and the PFA also had specialist counsellors available. But he wanted someone independent and so he started paying for his own.The father of four said: “I started therapy because I was really struggling. And how I grew up, it was never a thing. I thought therapy was for crazy people. But therapy changed my life. At first it was awkward, I’m not going to lie. You’re sat in the room, someone was there and goes, ‘How are you?’Michail Antonio’s braveryBy Jack Rosser
      MICHAIL ANTONIO has always been know as West Ham’s dressing room joker, so it is incredibly shocking to hear him talk about such awful mental trauma.
      The 34-year-old is the go to man for a laugh or a great quote around West Ham.
      That the life and soul of the squad was unable to celebrate the crowning glory of his career – winning the Europa League Conference League title in Prague last June – with his teammates shows just how bad things got.
      Most shocking to read is that the striker “prayed” for an injury, given his career has too often been blighted by them.
      Considering all of that, and the fact that Antonio has always been around the macho world of men’s football, it is such a brave thing to reveal and speak up on.
      Football has often shied away from opening up and discussing personal problems.
      Players were traditionally told to brush things off and move on – leaving egos and issues at the door.
      Things are changing, but for many it is not fast enough so Antonio should be applauded and supported – as he will be at West Ham – for speaking up.

      “And your natural response is ‘Fine’. So, he’s like, ‘So why are you here?’ I was like, ‘To be honest, like, football, I’m struggling with football, I split up with my missus’.”Antonio, who joined West Ham for £7million from Nottingham Forest in 2015, went on: “My football was always my getaway from anything that happened in my life. My dad died and stuff like that, I went to football, and I could black it out for the two hours that I was there or the four hours that I was there.PROFESSIONAL HELP“But then my life was a bit turned upside-down because obviously I’m splitting up with my missus, my wife, and also, I’m not performing on the pitch and things are just not going well for me.“And then I’m a person where I’d never cry. And as I was talking to him, I just burst into tears. It was uncontrollable. That gave me some type of relief. And then like my chest felt like clear.” He began weekly sessions, which he can see continuing for another two years. But his therapist wants him to eventually cope without them.Antonio said: “What is crazy is I was always portrayed to be a very confident person, then what they’ve taught me was that I was a person that’s basically always set myself targets, always looking for missions because I always need something to be done. I can’t relax within myself.“Because growing up there was a lot of traumas that I dealt with. So, I avoid sitting within myself. And that’s one thing that I learned via therapy because it was true.”He told how he “never could just sit at home”, which “said something about my self-esteem”. He went on: “I’m searching for something. And just to hear that, that set me off. I was in tears again.”My life was a bit turned upside-down because obviously I’m splitting up with my missus, my wife, and also, I’m not performing on the pitch and things are just not going well for me.Interviewer Jake said: “It’s a hard thing to hear though, isn’t it?”Antonio replied: “Massive. Like, I always believed I was the happiest person there is.”Through therapy he has learned that his tough upbringing in South London left him mentally scarred. He said: “There were certain things that happened in my childhood.“Let’s just say I struggled to make friendships when I was in primary school. There was no one that was, I would say, my best friend until I was like 12 and then that person kind of left.“When I was 14, I thought these people were my friends, these guys end up stealing a bike. The people got caught with the bikes.Antonio said he sought help around Christmas 2022 — seeing a few therapists before he found one he likedCredit: GettyThrough therapy he has learned that his tough upbringing in South London left him mentally scarredCredit: Premier League“They grouped up and said ‘Michail did it’. I’ve been friends with them for three years, going to school every day with them, so it just made me mistrust people.”Antonio told Jake and Damian he would never have been able to open up to them before his therapy.READ MORE SUN STORIESWith his mind in a much better place, he said he feels he has three more years left playing and is happy at West Ham, who will soon have a new manager.
      LISTEN to the full interview on the High Performance podcast on all major platforms from today.
      You’re Not AloneEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
      It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
      It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
      And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
      Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
      That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
      The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
      Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
      If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: More

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      in Boxing

      Inside Jake Paul and Jutta Leerdam’s romance, from first meeting on Instagram to helping him deal with Tommy Fury loss

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      THERE was a time when Jake Paul would jump from relationship to relationship with pretty models or fellow influencers.But now, the YouTuber-turned-boxer, 27, is smitten with beautiful speedskater Jutta Leerdam.Jake Paul is smitten with Dutch speedskater Jutta LeerdamPaul and Leerdam celebrated a year together last monthLeerdam was a silver medallist at the 2022 Winter Games in BeijingCredit: Instagram / @uttaleerdamLast month, the pair celebrated a year since they went public with their romance.The Dutch beauty, 25, a silver medallist at the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing, has kept the Problem Child grounded and focused.The pair got together after they began flirting on Instagram.They went public with their romance in April 2023 , with Paul sharing a photo of them together.Read more Jake Paul news”I’m Dutch now”, Paul captioned the snap which featured him holding hands with Leerdam in a carousel of pictures.When Paul suffered the first loss of his career to Tommy Fury, Leerdam provided the perfect support for his battered ego.She will likely be cheering his corner when he comes up against Mike Tyson on July 20 at the AT&T Stadium in Texas.First impressionsBoth Paul and Leerdam were involved in high-profile break-ups.Most read in BoxingHe was engaged to model and influencer Julia Rose, before they called it quits in 2022.Paul joked on Valentine’s Day he was celebrating the occasion with his boxing gloves.Jake Paul’s girlfriend Jutta Leerdam shows off bikini body after boxer whisks stunning speedskater off on holidayLeerdam dated fellow Dutch speedskater Koen Verweij for over five years, before pulling the plug.In heartbreak, Paul and Leerdam found each other on Instagram.They began chatting, before finally agreeing to meet up.Paul wined and dined Leerdam in Miami, and they blossomed from there.By April 2023, they were officially an item.By April 2023, Paul and Leerdam were Instagram officialCredit: InstagramLovebirds Paul and Leerdam began chatting on social media before agreeing to meet for a Miami dateCredit: InstagramLeerdam boasts over four million followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram / @uttaleerdamCoping in defeatNo boxer likes to taste defeat, especially when it happens for the first time.Paul was, by his own admission, at his lowest ebb after he was defeated by rival Tommy Fury.In the past, he would have no one to turn to.But this time, dating a fellow sports star who understands competition, he was able to turn to cry on Leerdam’s shoulder.Paul said in a YouTube video: “I have a new girlfriend which is pretty cool.”It’s been so refreshing, she’s a world champion and I’ve just been so amazed by her and her work ethic and how much of an angel she is.”She’s one of the most pure-hearted human beings that I have met in my life, so genuine and she has just changed my perspective and helped me coming out of this loss when I was in a dark place.”She really was there talking about her losses and was able to relate to those things and what I was going through.”So she’s been such a blessing; Jutta if you’re watching this… hi, you’re amazing.”After his loss to Tommy Fury, Leerdam proved to be the perfect remedy for defeatCredit: Instagram / @uttaleerdamThrough her own personal heartbreak in sport, Leerdam was able to console PaulCredit: RexPaul and Leerdam regularly share their happiness together on Instagramread more sport featuresHints of marriageMaybe influenced by his brother Logan, who is now engaged to model Nina Agdal, Jake has hinted at marriage with Leerdam.Last year, he candidly spoke about the idea of settling down with Leerdam to his elder sibling on the BS w/ Jake Paul podcast.He revealed: “It’s funny. Interestingly enough, I dream of the same thing (marriage and family) and getting to become best friends with my kids.”Just being there all the time, which is why I work so hard, is to have the financial freedom to be able to not work when they’re born and to be with them all the time… And doing it with my wife at the time, which I believe will be Jutta.”She’s a good influenceAs well as helping him get over defeat to Fury, Leerdam has also helped Paul maintain a winning mentality.He admitted to us he was thankful to her for the major part she is playing in his boxing career.Paul told SunSport: “It’s a game-changer and I can fully focus on what I want to do with the support from here.”She can give me mental advice and coaching, even physical performance advice and it’s just been such a game-changer.Leerdam has given Paul mental advice as a professional sports star herselfCredit: GettyPaul and Leerdam like to work out together and push each other physicallyCredit: InstagramMike Tyson’s controversial comeback Mike Tyson is BACK!
      Yes, boxing’s youngest heavyweight champ of all time – just 20 when he achieved the feat – is preparing to lace them up again.
      He faces YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on July 20 in Texas.
      The controversial clash – set for the 80,000-seat AT&T Stadium in Dallas – has been scrutinised over the 30-year age gap.
      Tyson will be 58 by the time the fight for the ages comes around and nearly 20 years removed from his last professional contest.
      He was last seen in the ring in November 2020 for an exhibition with fellow legend Roy Jones Jr, which ended a draw after eight rounds.
      Paul is meanwhile 9-1 in the ring, losing only to Tommy Fury in 2023, and has won three times since.
      His fight with Tyson will also be a landmark first on Netflix, with over 250MILLION subscribers able to watch the bout.

      “She inspires me to be better and I’ve told her from day one like, ‘Hey, I want to be just like you, I want to be a world champion.’ “So she holds me to that standard.”Power coupleWhile Paul harbours ambitions to become a boxing champion, Leerdam’s focus will be on the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics in 2026.He insisted that they have the potential to become the next sporting super couple, following in the footsteps of Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens or Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf.In an episode of BS w/ Jake Paul, he appeared alongside Leerdam who revealed she had set the world record for the fastest time to perform 1,000 metres in speed skating, to which Paul replied: “I’m so proud of you.”He then continued: “I think it is cool, I was thinking about something the other day…Paul is confident he and Leerdam could become a sporting super coupleLeerdam is marriage material, according to PaulCredit: InstagramNext up, Paul will face off against Mike TysonCredit: EPA”At the time you go to the Winter Olympics in two years, that is when I am going to be fighting for a world championship.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We both could potentially be world champions.”Number one in the world together, and I think that might just be the first couple to do that.” More

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      in Boxing

      Inside Tyson Fury’s modest £550k five-bedroom Morecambe home where he, wife Paris and growing family lived

      by

      TYSON FURY has been box office material for the best part of a decade.But the Brit boxing champion has, for large portions of his career, lived a modest life – despite being a multi-millionaire.Tyson Fury, pictured here alongside Paris, is one of the richest athletes on the planetCredit: AlamyBut for large portions of his career, the Gypsy King lived in a modest house worth £550,000Credit: ITVThe Fury home is filled with homages to Tyson’s title-filled careerCredit: ITVThe Fury household is kept afloat by Tyson’s wife ParisCredit: ITVWBC heavyweight champ Fury says has no plans to move away from the seaside town of MorecambeCredit: ITVThe Gypsy King has raked in some of the biggest purses in recent history and is on course to do so again this weekend when he faces Oleksandr Usyk for all the heavyweight marbles.Despite having taken part in some of the biggest fights of his era and the lavish perks of his job, Fury has refused to forget his roots.And those roots are firmly laid in the small town of Morecambe – where he owns two houses.Prior to moving into a £1.7million mansion in 2021, Fury and his massive family – which includes seven kids – lived in a modest house.READ MORE ON TYSON FURYThe Fury clan, according to Zoopla, lived in a five-bed and four-bathroom house worth just over £550,000.The house was far from what you expect a multi-millionaire to be residing in – with nothing overtly flashy on the exterior or interior.Despite his millions in the bank and a seemingly ever-growing family, Fury and his wife Paris were all too happy to call their old house home.Speaking on a three-part ITV documentary in 2020, “People say to me, ‘Why don’t you live in California or America?’ – why would I?Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT”Why would I abandon my own country for a bit of money and some fame?”I love it. I would never leave Morecambe. It’s true beauty. Sun sport’s panel question if Tyson Fury’s trash talk is ‘cringe’ ahead of Usyk showdown”If the weather was better, every house here would be a million quid.”Fury’s old digs were filled with homages to his numerous triumphs inside the ring.The titles he’s won during his glittering career are adorned next to a framed picture of him celebrating his stunning 2015 upset of Wladimir Klitschko.Before making Morecambe his home in 2011, Fury used to reside in a caravan on land owned by his dad John.Swanky motorsAnd the 35-year-old has a fully-restored gypsy wagon among his fleet of swanky motors – which includes two Rolls Royces.After countless hours renovating the wagon, Fury is as proud as punch to take it out for a spin as he is any of his supercars.He said: “[It’s] real gold, gold leaf, all hand-painted.”The Gypsy code says you must travel towards the sun, so we keep the sun towards the back.”When he’s not travelling the world or duking it out with some of the best heavyweights on the planet, Fury likes to spend time at home with his kids and chip in with the housework.Well, all the chores that need doing outside the house.He told The Guardian last year: “It’s not 50/50. Paris does it all [of the housework].”Paris does all the stuff in the house, and I do everything outside.”I do the bins, I do the school run and I pick up the dog s**t. “I’m an expert at the dog s**t picking up. Love it. I absolutely love it!”Credit: ITVThe Gypsy King decides to take the wagon out for a spin in a funny clip from last year’s ITV documentaryCredit: ITVFury admits the family home would go to pot if it wasn’t for wife ParisCredit: ITVFury will throw down with Oleksandr Usyk for all the heavyweight marbles nextCredit: EPAThe bins will be waiting for Fury when he returns from his venture to Saudi Arabia, where he’ll look to write his name into the history books.The Wythenshawe warrior will throw down with former pound-for-pound king Usyk on Saturday night to crown the heavyweight division’s first undisputed champion in nearly 25 years.Fury dreamed about being draped in all the belts when he began his professional career 16 years ago and is champing at the bit to make it become a reality.He recently told Sky Sports: “From a little boy, I said that and achieved it.”So I’ve got to be one of the rare few people who dreamed something as a child and achieved it as an adult.”It’s been [an] amazing journey.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And here we are now, 16 years later, about to be [the] undisputed champion of the world.”The biggest fight, in the last 25 years, which is an amazing effort.”Inside the Gypsy King’s royal courtTYSON FURY is one of the biggest characters in sport. More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Alex Scott looks stunning in bold see-through outfit as BBC football presenter makes statement on Baftas red carpet

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      ALEX SCOTT put sport in the driving seat at the Baftas with a racy red-carpet display.The BBC football presenter chose a see-through, backless beige dress for the prestigious small-screen awards night at London’s Royal Festival Hall.Alex Scott found another winning outfitCredit: PAThe broadcaster shone at the BaftasCredit: RexAlex showed she’s still as toned as at her peak as a footballerCredit: RexThe former Lionesses and Arsenal right-back, 39, has become one of the Beeb’s biggest names on social media.But unlike fellow Match of the Day broadcaster Gary Lineker, it’s more for her glamorous images than hard-hitting opinions.And in recent months she’s also shared regular snaps with her partner, singer Jess Glynne, including from exotic locations on holiday.This time she dazzled with long, gold-coloured ear-rings, with her hair tied back in a bun and auburn eye make-up.READ MORE TOP STORIESPosing with the ease of a model, Alex looked confident and in control – just like she did in defence for the Gunners, the Boston Breakers and the England women’s team.Among other sport-linked celebrities at the TV awards was BBC Radio One presenter Mollie King, the fiancée of Ashes’ cricket legend Stuart Broad.It’s thought the ex-England paceman missed the night to look after the couple’s 16-month-old daughter Annabella.Meanwhile, Alex seems ever more comfortable in the spotlight.Most read in FootballMollie King, who is engaged to England cricket icon Stuart Broad, also shimmered at the TV awards in LondonCredit: GettyAlex Scott wore an equally-daring, and bra-less, outfit at the GQ Men of the Year awards last NovemberCredit: GettyAlex is used to whipping up a frenzy on the red carpetCredit: PAShe went nearly topless in a photoshoot for Women’s Health UK.And with the same magazine she spoke freely about her relationship with 34-year-old songwriter Jess.The Power Players: Celebrating Two Decades of Inspirational SportswomenFor those pics, the 140-cap ex-player showed her long curly hair – prompting a flame emoji from Jess amid a wave of compliments from fans.Praise included words she got used to during her trophy-winning days on the pitch and now regularly attracts from behind the camera.”Sensational scenes,” posted one admirer simply.BAFTA TV Awards 2024 winners
      Best Supporting Actress
      WINNER: Jasmine Jobson, Topboy, Netflix
      Best Supporting Actor
      WINNER: Matthew MacFadyen, Succession, Sky Atlantic
      Best Entertainment
      WINNER: Strictly Come Dancing, BBC One
      Comedy Entertainment Programme
      WINNER: Rob & Romesh Vs, Sky Max
      Short Form 
      WINNER: Mobility, BBC Three
      Specialist Factual
      WINNER: White Nanny, Black Child, Channel 5
      Factual
      WINNER: Lockerbie, Sky Documentaries
      Reality Series
      WINNER: Squid Game: The Challenge, Netflix
      Sports coverage 
      WINNER Cheltenham Festival Day One, ITV1
      Male Performance in a Comedy
      WINNER: Mawaan Rowan, Juice, BBC Three
      Female Performance in a Comedy
      WINNER: Gbemisola Ikemelo, Black Ops, BBC One
      Limited Drama
      WINNER: The Sixth Commandment, BBC One
      Current Affairs
      WINNER: This World: The Shamima Begum Story, BBC Two
      News Coverage
      WINNER: Sky News, Israel and Hamas at War
      International
      WINNER: Class Act, Netflix
      Daytime TV
      WINNER: Scam Interceptors, BBC One
      Soap
      WINNER: Casualty, BBC One
      Factual Entertainment
      WINNER: Celebrity Race Across the World, BBC One
      TV moment of the Year
      WINNER Happy Valley’s Final Showdown, BBC One
      Single documentary
      WINNER: Ellie Simmonds – Finding my Secret Family – ITV1

      Alex was seen sharing a kiss with Jess as they went public with their romanceCredit: PAThe former right-back won 140 England Women’s capsCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale nowIt’s understood she began dating singer Jess Glynne last yearCredit: RexAt Halloween Alex dressed as a less-than-friendly clownCredit: Instagram @alexscott2Scott loves to dress up and went to town on Halloween with this incredible outfitCredit: GettyScott was awarded an MBE in 2017Credit: PAShe attended Wimbledon with partner JessCredit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      Inside Mike Tyson state-of-the-art new gym in Las Vegas designed by wife Lakiha ahead of controversial Jake Paul fight

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      MIKE TYSON is training in a state-of-the-art new gym in Las Vegas designed by wife Lakiha ahead of his fight with Jake Paul fight. The heavyweight icon and YouTuber-turned-boxer are to collide in a controversial clash on July 20 in Texas.Mike Tyson is training in a state-of-the-art new gym in Las VegasTyson with coach Rafael CordeiroThe property is owned by Las Vegas Raiders boss Mark DavisTyson has been preparing for his first professional fight in almost 20 YEARS with MMA coach Rafael Cordeiro. And he has been doing so in a brand new gym in Vegas on a property owned by warehouse owned by Las Vegas Raiders boss Mark Davis. The gym is based near the Raiders’ training HQ headquarters in Henderson, Nevada. Tyson’s brother-in-law Azim Spicer told USA Today: “Mark Davis is a friend of Mike’s. READ MORE IN BOXING”Mark was super helpful in allowing us to utilize this space temporarily. “His team has been awesome assisting us with the best vendors to build out Mike’s vision.”Tyson’s wife Lakiha – who he married in 2009 – is said to have designed the gym herself. It is a scaled down version of the boxing club the boxing icon owns in Saudi Arabia. Most read in BoxingCredit: The SunCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTyson was last in the ring for a 2020 exhibition with Roy Jones Jr which ended in a draw.His boxing career officially ended in 2005 following dismal defeats to Danny Williams and Kevin McBride, who is now a tree surgeon.Mike Tyson looks ferocious on pads as boxing legend gears up for Jake Paul showdown But he will prepare to put his illustrious record on the line following the news his bout with Paul is to be officially sanctioned. But there will be revised rules, with the pair fighting in bigger 14oz gloves opposed to 10oz and over eight, two not three minute rounds. Paul is 9-1 as a boxer having suffered defeat only to Tyson Fury’s 25-year-old brother Tommy in Saudi Arabia last year. But the American, 27, has won three times since and prepares to face Tyson in his first heavyweight fight. Tyson and wife Lakiha at UFC 300Credit: GettyJake Paul and Tyson facing offCredit: @jakepaul More

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      in Soccer

      Adam Wharton could have been rocket scientist but now he’s England’s rising star worth £60m wanted by Bayern Munich

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      YOUNG English star Adam Wharton has been a sensation since joining the Eagles from Blackburn for just £18million in January.His progress since then has been so spectacular that German giants Bayern Munich are planning to spend £60million signing him this summer.Adam Wharton in action against Wolves on SaturdayCredit: PAPalace youngster Adam Wharton has put in a string on strong performancesCredit: GettySo what’s all the fuss about, for a player who was in the Championship just a few months ago?Palace, then under Roy Hodgson, were desperate for an injection of life in midfield but there were concerns over paying a large fee for such a young player.But the South Londoners, under director of football Dougie Freedman, have a fine record of recruiting from the Championship, and Wharton, 20, is another gem.Those who know Wharton say he is never phased by taking the next step – making his start to life in the Premier League the norm for an exceptionally talented young player.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDarragh Tuffy, who coached Wharton as a youth player at Blackburn, told SunSport: “All through his age groups he had this weird ability to never be phased by anything.”I watch him in the Premier League now and he is playing passes that he used to do in training.”He doesn’t get phased by pressure, you just can’t teach that.”He looks like he is in total control of what he is doing, takes the ball under pressure and looks like the calmest man on the pitch.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWharton’s creative ability in midfield and eye for a pass has blown Palace fans, as well as Hodgson and then new boss Oliver Glasner away.Past coaches say it is a natural trait, something which stood out before he was even ten, and a side of his game which was needed as one of the smallest players on the pitch as a kid.Tuffy added: “He was always the smallest player in his age group coming through, a real late developer physically.Young stars set to shine at Euro 2024″In games that was never a problem for him.”He was always able to stand out with his technical attributes which he still does now. He didn’t hit his growth spurt until 17.”We knew he was going to come through that and as long as he carried on doing what he was good at we were going to have a really good footballer on our hands.”Wharton’s older brother, Scott, still plays for Blackburn and was a towering player in the academy which, along with maturation tests which predict a player’s eventual height, gave coaches the confidence the smallest lad on the pitch would grow into something special.Adam Wharton’s breakthrough season at PalaceBeing small early on helped mould a technically gifted player.Wharton’s nonchalant style had teachers at Moorland, the private school where Blackburn send players, comparing him to Glenn Hoddle and Chris Waddle – before he earned the nickname “Messi”.Charlie Jackson, who taught Wharton at Moorland having previously worked with United star Scott McTominay, told SunSport: “All our sessions were pass and move and he’d jump all over them, it was meat and drink for him.”He creates but sees the game, it’s like he has a crystal ball.”When I played him for school, you wouldn’t see him for 20 minutes in the game – he’d just go missing – and then all of a sudden you’d see a pass which is Maradona-esque.Adam Wharton, circled, was an outstanding prospect from a young ageCredit: Charlie Jackson/Moorland SchoolAdam Wharton, circled, during his time at Moorland SchoolCredit: Charlie Jackson/Moorland SchoolWharton’s former coach Charlie JacksonCredit: Charlie Jackson/Moorland SchoolMoorland School teachers realised Adam Wharton, circled, was a star in the makingCredit: Charlie Jackson/Moorland SchoolAdam Wharton caught the eye playing for BlackburnCredit: GettyWharton celebrates scoring for Blackburn against Birmingham in October 2022Credit: GettyAdam Wharton playing for England under 19sCredit: GettyAdam Wharton signs for BlackburnCredit: instagram @adamwharton10″Then he’s on it again and gets man of the match.”They were traits which caught Palace’s eye early on.Freedman even started scouting the boyhood Blackburn fan, who joined the club at Under-six level, before he had made his senior debut – a game in which he won man of the match.That effort and interest was not lost on Wharton and his representatives when it came to making a move in January, with Chelsea having also been keen.The move to the capital from sleepy Lancashire is a big one, especially with Wharton living in the thick of it not far from central London.But the England Under-21 has always been bright and intelligent, able to adapt to anything.Jackson added: “Oh, he didn’t even have to revise for GCSEs.”I use him as an example to the GCSE boys. He was an all-rounder with his head screwed on.”Adam could turn himself into anything.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He lived near British Aerospace with his parents and I used to say he could be a rocket scientist and work there, that is how bright he was.”The world of rocket science may have lost a potential star – but Crystal Palace, and one day Bayern Munich, have certainly bagged one.Adam Wharton has become a fan favourite at PalaceCredit: Rex More

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      in Boxing

      Inside Tyson Fury’s 6,000 calories a day diet with Gypsy King’s favourite meals revealed ahead of Oleksandr Usyk fight

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      TYSON FURY has been fed a diet of 6,000 calories a day to fuel himself for his fight with Oleksandr Usyk. Fury meets Usyk for the undisputed crown next Saturday in Saudi Arabia in the heavyweight division’s first ever four-belt unification bout.Inside Tyson Fury’s daily meal planAnd after the Gypsy King touched down in his temporary Riyadh training base, he showed off his trimmed down physique.In charge of keeping Fury a lean, mean, fighting machine are nutritionists George Lockhart and Greg Marriott. And Lockhart – who formerly worked with UFC legend Conor McGregor – gave Betway an inside look into Fury’s diet. He ran down what the WBC champion ate in the week running up to his last bout, against Francis Ngannou in October. READ MORE IN BOXINGFury has his first meal at 10am, which varied from a FIVE-egg omelette with turkey bacon, two large roasted potatoes and 1/2 an avocado. Other days he would have three scrambled eggs, with turkey or chicken sausages, potatoes and fruits like pineapple or blueberries. At midday, Fury enjoys a snack of either fruits, a protein shake, peanut butter or a Greek yogurt. At 3pm, he has lunch which could be lemon pepper salmon or a chicken dish of either thighs, a BBQ breast or a curry with potatoes and veg.Most read in BoxingTYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT BOUTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFury, 35, has dinner at 6pm, which is a variation of one of his lunch meals. It then sets him up for two snacks, one at 9pm and another at 12pm, which is either fruit, a protein shake, yogurt or dark chocolate. Oleksandr Usyk spotted working on trademark move in training… but here’s why it WON’T work against Tyson FuryThe heavyweight is fighting in the early hours of the morning in Saudi, so he gets to bed late and enjoys a lie in to accustom to the time difference. And despite weighing over 19 STONE, chef Lockhart revealed Fury is not “a big eater”. He said: “Tyson’s very steady. Whether it’s an intense day or a light day, he’ll wake up and be almost the exact same weight, no matter what. “He has a little bit more of the higher fats. Though, he’s not actually a big eater like a lot of people would think. “When I started working with him, I thought I would be cooking for a freaking army, but that’s not the case.” Fury is undefeated in the ring and fears no opponent – but his biggest fight at the dinner table comes against vegetables. He said: “With Tyson, he’s not a big fan of veg, so I cook a lot for long periods of time to mask the flavour. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ll do it with chicken broth or bone broth. Or you can do it in a rice for a long period of time, so you can’t really taste it and blend it in. “But as the camp progresses, obviously veg has got to go up to make sure they’re getting all their micronutrients.” Fury’s fight week diet
      Monday:
      10am: Five eggs, spinach, turkey bacon omelette. Two large roasted potatoes and 1/2 avocado.
      1pm: Two bananas, cup of Greek yogurt smoothie.
      3pm: : Lemon pepper salmon, 8oz roasted sweet potatoes, tablespoon hummus and 1/2 avocado.
      6pm: 8oz BBQ chicken breast, cup of rice with broccoli and tomatoes cooked in chicken broth.
      9pm: Greek yogurt, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and 1/4 cup of granola.
      12am: Two smoothies, two bananas, Greek yogurt.
      Tuesday:
      10am: Rosemary roasted potatoes, Two turkey sausages, Two scrambled eggs with cheese and pineapple.
      1pm: Protein shake, banana, 1tbsp honey, 1tbsp peanut butter and Greek yogurt.
      3pm: 8oz Chicken curry with peas carrots and two cups of basmati rice.
      6pm: Lamb kebabs with tzatziki sauce and hummus and basmati rice and sliced Cucumber.
      9pm: Raspberries, blueberries, strawberries and Greek yogurt.
      12pm: Shake, banana 1tbsp peanut butter, Greek yogurt and dark chocolate.
      Wednesday:
      10am: Three eggs scrambled with cheese, roasted rosemary potatoes, shake, Greek yogurt, blueberries and two chicken sausages.
      1pm: Sliced apples, sliced oranges, mixed nuts, Greek yogurt mixed with 1tbsp honey.
      3pm: Two chicken thighs, garbanzo beans cooked with spinach in chicken broth with chicken gravy.
      6pm Chicken breast, large baked potato, sliced melon and pineapple, side of asparagus with lemon salt and pepper.
      9pm Greek yogurt, sliced banana, sliced strawberries and dark chocolate. 
      12am: Banana, tbsp peanut butter, honey and Greek yogurt.
      Thursday: 
      10am: Three eggs scrambled with cheese, two chicken sausages, roasted rosemary potatoes, pineapple .
      1pm: Shake, 1/2banana tbsp honey 1tbsp peanut butter, Greek yogurt.
      3pm: BBQ chicken breast, peas and carrots and baked potato.
      6pm: 8oz lemon pepper salmon, basmati rice with tomatoes, spinach, and basil cooked in chicken broth and 1/2 avocado, lemon pepper olive oil.
      9pm: Blueberries raspberries,  blackberries, dark chocolate and Greek yogurt.
      12pm: Shake, banana and strawberries.
      Friday:
      10am: Three eggs scrambled with cheese and spinach, three turkey sausage, rosemary roasted potatoes and mixed fruit.
      2pm : 8oz blackened salmon, rice cooked with spinach chickpeas, tomatoes, in chicken broth with hummus and avocado.
      6pm: Two chicken thighs, roasted potatoes, mixed berries and nuts.
      9pm: Blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, Greek yogurt and granola. More