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      in Soccer

      Taylor Harwood-Bellis childhood incident practising DIVING that convinced dad Roy Keane’s son-in-law could be footballer

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      TAYLOR HARWOOD-BELLIS has had a taste of life at the top.Now England’s latest new-boy must turn his attention to taking on the best in the Premier League right now — and help shift Southampton off the bottom.Taylor Harwood-Bellis scored on his England debut last weekCredit: GettyHe is now prepared to face Liverpool with SouthamptonCredit: PAThe 22-year-old became the EIGHTH player to be handed a Three Lions debut during Lee Carsley’s interim spell in charge when coming on against the Republic of Ireland on Sunday in the Nations League.And he followed up Liverpool’s Curtis Jones’ feat versus Greece by also marking his bow with a goal to cap a blistering 5-0 win.Returning to the reality of Saints’ relegation battle must have been some comedown after such a high, particularly with imperious league-leaders the Reds up next.But while Harwood-Bellis is still buzzing to have proved he can mix it with the elite in this country, it is already just a memory ahead of Arne Slot’s winning machine — complete with a bang-in-form Mo Salah — rocking up at St Mary’s on Sunday.Read More on EnglandThe centre-back told BBC Radio Solent this week: “England is the pinnacle. The best English players, the best in the world are all there in one dressing room.“I’ve just got to focus on Liverpool. I’m not too bad at changing focus. Me scoring for England has not hidden the fact that we’re bottom of the league and we’ve got a big game on Sunday. That’s all my focus.”Brighton-born Southampton boss Russell Martin joked that Harwood-Bellis has barely stopped talking about it since his returning to training this week.Martin, who won 29 Scotland caps, said: “We have to make sure he keeps his feet on the ground but everyone’s so happy for him.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“If I’d played for England for ten minutes, I wouldn’t have shut up about it either.“I’d get hammered in Scotland for saying that, wouldn’t I? I was really proud to play for Scotland, so make sure that goes in there.Roy Keane reduces Ian Wright and Gary Neville to tears with crude comments about Premier League icon “I did celebrate his goal. We were all immensely proud of him at the club.“I see his mum and dad at games so when I see them next, I’m sure I’ll give them a hug and say congratulations.“I know they’ll be extremely proud and they know he’s in good hands here  with the amount of care and love he gets.”Harwood-Bellis’ headed goal at Wembley has been the talk of Saints’ training base this week, with team-mate Flynn Downes leading the banter.Midfielder Downes, 25, went to Wembley with Harwood-Bellis’ friends and family on Sunday as ex-Manchester City starlet Taylor made his first appearance.It was lucky he had not made it against Greece in Athens three days earlier, else his dad Martin and mum Tina would have missed it, having already booked a holiday to Cape Verde.Harwood-Bellis is another success story to come out of Stockport, along with fellow England internationals Phil Foden and Kobbie Mainoo.Dad Martin, who used to be Stockport County’s mascot Vernon Bear sensed his son might have a future in the game as a toddler.He revealed to BBC Radio Manchester: “The very, very early signs were when he was 18 months old and he was pretending to dive like a Premiership footballer.“He dived and broke his leg. A slight fracture. He had a plaster on his leg, I’ve still got the plaster, it’s only so big. He was still kicking a ball with a plaster on and he was kicking it straight to me. In fact he was kicking it better than I was kicking it to him and I had two good legs!”Harwood-Bellis’ old man also revealed how his son used to study football shows like Match of the Day, as well as what he saw from watching Stockport live, and implement what he had learnt at local side Spurley Hey.The youngster’s talent was quickly spotted and by six he had joined City.He was playing for England by Under-15 level, in an age group that included Tino Livramento, Morgan Rogers, Noni Madueke and Cole Palmer and also had Jude Bellingham playing a year up.Harwood-Bellis’ leadership qualities — attributes his future father-in-law Roy Keane would appreciate — saw him regularly named skipper  for club and country.He was known for his dedication, setting of standards in training and how vocal he was on the pitch as well as discipline off it.Harwood-Bellis is engaged to Roy Keane’s daughter, LeahCredit: officialkeane16 / InstagramThat sees him still today inspect the labels of all food at his parents’ house for fat content before eating it. City rated him highly but given the competition in Pep Guardiola’s first team, a series of loans began before one which ended in a permanent move to Saints.At Anderlecht and Burnley, the defender learned about detail and a relentless drive to win from working with Vincent Kompany.Phil Jagielka taught him about the dark arts of defending at Stoke.It was surprising to see no Premier League side sign him two summers ago, after he had captained England to Under-21 Euros glory.More physical defenders with a quicker top speed over the first ten-15 metres were favoured.But that overlooked Harwood-Bellis impressive reading of the game, with one of his  former coaches telling SunSport: “Taylor always has an extra yard in his head.”Southampton, then a Championship side, did not initially think they would be able to attract Harwood-Bellis.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat was until a season-long loan deal, with a £20million permanent option on  promotion, was proposed via TransferRoom, the digital football marketplace that more than 700 clubs worldwide use.Sam Stanton, Saints’ head of scouting  operations, said at the time: “We never thought he’d be available to us. So when he was pitched to us, we were really excited straight away.”The defender spent the 2022-23 season on loan at BurnleyCredit: GettyHe also enjoyed a short stay with StokeCredit: Getty More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      England star, 31, opens up on second career as a mortgage advisor after battling way up from non-league

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      TYRONE MINGS never takes being a Premier League footballer for granted – he and his parents know all about the pain of rejection.Though he has reached the pinnacle – as one of almost 1,300 people in 152 years who have represented England at senior level – he remembers what it was like to be at the bottom.Tyrone Mings has revealed he worked in a bar and as a mortgage advisor while working his way up the football pyramidCredit: GettyThe defender suffered a serious injury last year that kept him out for the entire seasonCredit: PAAnd as he makes a slow return to the Aston Villa first team following a horror ACL injury that sidelined him for 14 months, he can take pride in the perseverance he showed during an unorthodox journey.It was 15 years ago that Mings was released by Southampton’s academy as the club struggled financially and slashed their youth budget.From there, he toiled away in the lower depths of the pyramid, earned a scholarship to prestigious Millfield School in Somerset and then paid his way by working in a BAR and as a MORTGAGE ADVISOR.In a new Sky Sports documentary – Chasing the Dream – Mings talks about his background in pubs, offices and non-league dressing rooms.Read More on EnglandHe recalled: “I joined Southampton’s academy at the age of eight, right until 15 or 16. Then got released.“It probably hit my parents harder than me. They were never pushy parents.“But as a parent, you want to see your child fulfil their dreams and be happy. At the time, I was physically weak. But mentally I’ve always been quite strong.“So, I never begrudged the decision they (Southampton) made. I never think they made a mistake.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“My mum wrote to every one of the 72 clubs in the Football league. I got trials at 4-5 different clubs.“Being at Millfield was amazing. I got a mixture of a football scholarship and a bursary. It was really comprehensive.’It felt like the beginning of the end for Harry Kane’ says Man Utd legend as he admits fears for England captain “It put me in some real uncomfortable situations. My family didn’t have much money growing up.“But the wealth at the school meant you had to find something else to make you cool. I always had football.“We trained 4-5 times a week, played once or twice. I probably got a better education than if I had been just at a football club.“I left school and worked in a pub first. Did a bit of labouring. Realised that wasn’t for me. I worked in field sales. Then I went to become a mortgage advisor.”His first Sliding Doors moment came in a charity game aged 18 alongside his dad – Mings played at left-back – when he was spotted by the boss of Yate Town, based in Gloucestershire.Mings recalled: “I had no idea what was going on. The shirt didn’t fit. Shorts didn’t fit.“But playing against seasoned professionals taught me a lot about looking after yourself. I was there for just over a year before I moved to Chippenham Town.”The next pivotal occasion came in a trial game at Ipswich in late 2012 when they were managed by Mick McCarthy – and within days he was moving to Suffolk.Mings, 31, said: “I rocked up with my Chippenham kitbag. They must have thought: ‘Who on earth is this?’“My mentality and the fact I didn’t really care who I was playing alongside – I could hold my own in men’s football – was probably the deciding factor for him signing me.“It all happened within the space of two days. I went from being a mortgage advisor to training with the Ipswich first team.“It was a bit of a whirlwind, the first two years of being a professional footballer.”Mings tells his story to former Stoke boss Tony Pulis, who is raising concerns about the welfare of young academy footballers and the failure rate.An investigation by Sky Sports News claims 1.65m boys play the national sport but less than one per cent make it into a professional club academy.Mings said: “My best piece of advice I’d give is to keep it fun for as long as possible.“Sometimes the pressures of academies, if you aren’t enjoying it, it’s a really tough place to be.READ MORE SUN STORIES“If you love what you do, of course, you’ll be able to get through the tougher times.”Chasing the Dream is available on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Football, with all episodes on demand from Sunday November 24. More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Boxing

      Inside Tommy Fury’s single life, from playing the role of doting dad to daughter Bambi to snubbing I’m A Celeb offer

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      TOMMY FURY is a man on a mission.Not only is he planning on knocking out Darren Till, when the pair meet on January 18 in a huge Misfits boxing event, he also hopes to win back Molly-Mae Hague.Tommy Fury has been a man on a mission since embracing single lifeCredit: Instagram/@tommyfuryBack in August, Fury and Molly-Mae Hague split upCredit: GettyFury is now gearing up for a fight against Darren Till at a Misfits Boxing eventCredit: Instagram @misfitsboxingIt was back in the summer when the Love Island alumni revealed they were going their separate ways.Since then, Fury, 25, has branched out on his own.Not only has he moved into a £15,000-per-month bachelor pad, he has set up his own media firm.Already, Fury has fielded offers from reality TV shows, snubbing I’m A Celebrity.Read more Tommy Fury newsInstead, he’s been focusing on training, as he eyes a rematch with KSI.He has vowed to win Molly-Mae back revealing: “I know what I have to do in order to resolve things”.But for the moment, he’s content to play doting dad to their daughter Bambi in the meantime.SunSport looks at Fury’s single life since bombshell reports of infidelity rocked his marriage.Most read in BoxingMoving onFury and Molly-Mae had built an idyllic life for themselves, before their split.Tommy Fury in line for huge KSI rematch after agreeing return with Misfits Boxing for Darren Till fight They lived in a stunning £3.5million home in Cheshire, until their world came crashing down.It was reported that Molly-Mae confronted him about rumours that he had cheated on her.He soon moved out to a £15,000-per-month six-bedroom home in Knutsford.The detached 5,700sq ft mansion also features a huge garden coach house, which can be converted into a huge gym.Back in September, Fury shot a video from the house before a morning run.He said: “That has been a nice four-mile run to start the day off. I feel incredible.”The best way of therapy for me is getting out first thing, clearing your head, going on a nice long run, fresh air. There’s nothing better.”He also treated himself to a £3,500 Apple Vision Pro VR headset.Meanwhile, despite all the training at the gym, preparation for his next fight, and splashing the cash on gadgets – Fury makes sure he indulges his daughter.He and Molly co-parent their girl, Bambi and the boxing star has been seen taking her to the park and sharing ice cream.Recently, Fury splashed £3.5k on a Apple Vision Pro VR headsetCredit: InstagramFury always makes time for his daughter BambiCredit: InstagramRecently, Fury shared a picture on Instagram in his living roomSnubbing TV offersForget Barry McGuigan, it could have been Tommy Fury who was I’m A Celeb’s resident boxer.That’s if TNT took up ITV’s offer to appear in the current series.As The Sun exclusively revealed, Fury pulled out of the reality TV hit – just two weeks before the stars were expected to fly out to the Australian jungle.A TV insider said: “Bosses are surprised Tommy has chosen to pull out of I’m A Celebrity at this late stage as it would have been a great opportunity for him too.”Recent reports suggested he fancies a money-spinning rematch against KSI, instead.While it has also been mooted that he could appear on Celebrity Big Brother.Fury turned down the opportunity to appear on this year’s I’m A CelebrityCredit: Getty
      read more sport featuresDay time TV appearancesLast month and earlier this month, Fury appeared on two daytime TV favourites.First, he joined Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley on the This Morning couch to discuss his new book, Lightning Can Strike Twice: My Life as a Fury.But instead of quizzing him about the book, Shephard fired out a number of stinging questions, asking Tommy: “It has been a turbulent few months for you, Tommy.”How are you feeling after everything you have been through in the summer?”Tommy remained calm on the sofa opposite Ben and his This Morning co-host Cat Deeley, and said: “I’m feeling OK. I’m feeling good.”But he admitted: “It doesn’t take a genius to figure out it has been hard for me and it has been very hard times.”At the end of the day I have been knuckling down so training, taking me daughter to ballet, swimming, and whatever else. So I’ve been keeping myself busy.”And of course the book, you know, I’m very excited to launch that today. It’s going to be an amazing day.”On Loose Women, Fury wasn’t given an easy ride too.Fury was given a grilling during an appearance on This Morning about Molly-MaeCredit: ITVOn Loose Women, Fury said he was moving forward after breaking up with Molly-MaeCredit: RexWhen questioned about the split, Tommy looked unimpressed and awkwardly stressed: “I don’t listen to anything in the press and on social media because its all, that’s one story, very apart from the real story, and like I said moving forward.’Everyone is entitled to a private life and me and Molly we got together when we was very young.”And we just think going forward everything should be private now because everyone is entitled to that and that’s what I want.”‘Only have eyes for Molly’Last month, Fury said he was determined to win Molly-Mae back.In an interview with the Mail, he revealed that the couple still love each other.Fury is determined to win Molly-Mae backCredit: InstagramFury has insisted he still loves Molly-Mae and knows what he has to do to win her backCredit: InstagramHe said: “It is proper love. Do I still love Molly. 100 per cent. I will love her until my final breath.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd the boxer even said that he’ll find to win her back.He said: “100 per cent. I know what I have to do in order to resolve things. And that’s down to me. Nobody else can do that other than me.” More

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      in Boxing

      How YouTube star AnEsonGib went from ‘obese’ 17 STONE gamer to ‘seven-figure’ boxing paydays after body transformation

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      YOUTUBER AnEsonGib went from overweight video gamer to receiving “seven-figure” paydays as a shredded boxer. The social media star – real name Ali Loui Al-Fakhari and nicknamed Gib – has been a pioneer of the celebrity-style crossover boxing bouts.YouTuber AnEsonGib went from overweight video gamer to boxerHe dramatically transformed his bodyCredit: @AnEsonGib
      Gib broke down the secrets behind his transformationCredit: @AnEsonGib
      Gib is 6-1 as a crossover boxing starCredit: @AnEsonGib
      He once weighed as much as 17 STONE and admits to being “obese” – but is now fighting fit both mentally and physically.Gib told SunSport: “Back then when I was fat, I thought I was hench! “I’d have my top off and think, ‘Yeah, the abs are underneath it, the abs are underneath it!”But I remember I went to the gym, I was weak. Just kept trying to keep training and training and training, but yeah, physically the change is nice.READ MORE IN BOXING”But it’s more up here that has changed the most, and that’s what I’m proudest of, the mentality change, not the physical change.”Gib now fights at the super-middleweight boxing limit of 12st following a stunning FIVE STONE body transformation.And he credits ditching fast food and hiring a diet specialist for his remarkable turnaround. Gib said: “Of course, I’ve been consistent over the years, seven years I’ve been consistent, but the biggest change when I saw physically is when I got a nutritionist on board.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”As soon as I got a nutritionist and the diet was right, sleep was right, water intake was good, because I used to just order Deliveroo.”I said, ‘Yeah, Nando’s, do I deserve chips today or mashed potatoes?’ I just order and I think I’m being healthy.Tommy Fury and Darren Till clash at Misfits Boxing press conference “But once I got a nutritionist on board and my meals were prepared, that was the biggest change physically.”Gib returns to the ring after a year out to make his debut on Misfits Boxing – home of crossover fights – against Slim Albaher.The two look to settle years of feuding on Thursday, November 28 in Qatar live on DAZN PPV.And despite all the years of hard work and sacrifice to shed the pounds, Gib plans to celebrate victory by eating his way back to obesity.He said: “I’m trying to make weight, so right now all I’m f***ing thinking about is what am I eating in Qatar? What am I eating in Qatar?”So right now, I’m thinking I wanna get to 100kg. I don’t care about this physique, I wanna get fat! “But in general, I kinda keep good, maybe 6 days a week, snacks here and there, but now I wanna go obese. I wanna be big. “I wanna be big after this fight, that’s my goal.” Gib lost to Jake Paul in 2020Credit: Getty Images – GettyThe YouTuber is one of the biggest pioneers in crossover boxingCredit: @AnEsonGib
      Gib, 28, has a record of six wins with only one loss, coming to Jake Paul, 27, on his professional debut in 2020.Opponent Slim, 30, meanwhile is unbeaten in seven fights as a champion of the Misfits circuit headed up by KSI.And the American has warned his rivalry with Gib is “personal” – but the feeling is not mutual. Gib responded: “Personal? No. Why would I find it personal?”I’m just fighting the guy and come to box him and fight him. There’s nothing personal about this.”Slim doesn’t have anything to do with my life outside of this fight. So it shows that I’m clearly on his mind a lot.”It’s ‘personal’? It’s just business for me, I’m coming to chin him. I’m coming to take away his record. “I’m coming to embarrass the Misfits champion. So that’s what I’m coming to do.”The former FIFA gamer has adopted the moniker “seven-figure Gibber” due to his demand in the influencer boxing scene. READ MORE SUN STORIESBut is he making £1million to fight Slim? “Something along those lines,” Gib says with a chuckle.Gib fights Slim Albaher on DAZN PPVCredit: Misfits Boxing More

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      in Boxing

      Boxing legend Carl Froch makes bizarre claim Neil Armstrong’s moon landing was HOAX and gravity ‘has never been proven’

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      EX-BOXER Carl Froch has stunningly claimed the moon landing was a HOAX in a bizarre conspiracy theory-filled interview.Conspiracy theorists have long debated the legitimacy of NASA’s Apollo 11 mission, in which Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first men to set foot on the moon in 1969.Man landed on the moon in 1969 thanks to the Apollo 11 missionCredit: ALAMYConspiracy theorists, however, have doubted the legitimacy of the landing – despite there being a further six successful missionsCredit: REXAnd former champion Carl Froch has revealed he’s among the moon landing doubtersCredit: GETTYAnd outspoken former WBC super-middleweight champ Froch is among the doubters, telling The Action Network: “Interestingly, we haven’t been to the moon since and we can’t get there.”Neil Armstrong was asked by somebody to place his hand on the Holy Bible and Neil Armstrong is a deeply religious man.”He was asked to place his hand on the Bible and to swear on the Holy Bible that he went and stepped foot on the moon.”He wouldn’t do it.READ MORE ON BOXING”And the guy said I will give you $5,000 in cash to a charity of your choice to place your hand on the Bible and tell us that you walked on the moon, and he wouldn’t do it.”Now, for $5,000 to your charity… you would just do it. “He’s religious, place your hand on the Bible, swear to God, and say you’ve been to the moon.”Neil Armstrong wouldn’t do it and you can find the video online.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCarl Froch has wrongly claimed there have been no additional moon landingsCredit: REXFroch’s adamance that the historic event was a hoax is based on his belief there haven’t been any other missions to the moon – despite there being a further SIX trips to Earth’s sole satellite.He continued: “That’s one thing, not to mention the fact we haven’t been since.”The equipment they used to get up there was as powerful as a Zedec Spectrum to get up there, which probably wasn’t that powerful.”It was a computer when I was a kid. We can’t get there now, and I think everything we’ve been told about the moon landing (is made up).”Buzz Aldrin told a little girl that we’ve not been to the moon, and she said, ‘If we have been to the moon, why haven’t we been back?’”Buzz then said, ‘That’s not a question for a little girl (to ask). We didn’t go there because we can’t get there.'”Then people said Buzz was losing the plot but maybe he was losing the plot because he couldn’t live with a f***ing lie.”When you look at all of the evidence, all the footage, and the fact that they lost all of the telemetric data that tells you that they went to the moon then I would say that we did not go to the moon.”Man did not walk on the moon, that was a big f***ing lie. “NASA are funded by $63m per day and they tell us a lot of stories and a lot of things about black holes and distant galaxies.”Every picture we’ve seen of Planet Earth is a CGI image.”So, when I can see an image of the world in its entirety, I’ll start believing in Heliocentrism – Helio being the sun, centric being in the middle. I used to believe in the geocentric model.”Despite the overwhelming evidence, Carl Froch is convinced the moon landing was fakeCredit: GETTYEvolution doubtsThe universally accepted theory of evolution is something ‘The Cobra’ also has his doubts about, despite a litany of evidence proving Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace’s hypothesis to be true.”Evolution is a theory; the Big Bang is a theory,” he defiantly said. And the heliocentric model has never been proven.”There are three big things there and all three of them take you away from God.”So, if you read the Bible, the Book of Genesis, and believe in God then you can’t believe in the Big Bang because that’s a scientific theory that we came from a big explosion.”But if you believe in God, then you believe that God made the Earth and created the world. “If you believe in evolution, then you can’t believe in God or that God made Adam and Eve.”Carl Froch also isn’t a believer in the theory of evolutionCredit: GETTYGravity gripeFroch also questions the legitimacy of Sir Isaac Newton’s theory of gravity, despite it being proven trillions of times over the last 387 years.He said: “It’s difficult to believe the mainstream narrative which is the spinning globe theory. I’m very spiritual.”I’m not saying the Earth is flat, but I don’t believe we live on a spinning ball covered in water because if I get a ball and spin it around covered in water then all of the water flies off it.”How does water stick to Earth? “They say it’s gravity and holds everything to the Earth, so gravity has to be real but it’s a theory and has never been proven.”READ MORE SUN STORIES”I don’t believe a lot of the stuff I’m told about the heliocentric model, the sun being in the middle and we orbit around the sun.”The Big Bang theory, which is a theory, and also the theory of evolution that we came from apes.”Carl Froch is also a doubter of Sir Isaac Newton’s theory of gravityCredit: NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES More

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      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton reveals how close he came to QUITTING Mercedes before the end of the F1 season after Brazil GP fiasco

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      LEWIS HAMILTON was ready to quit Mercedes with three races of the season still to go.Britain’s seven-time world champ endured the lowest couple of days of his glittering Formula 1 career in Brazil a fortnight ago.Lewis Hamilton is preparing for the Las Vegas GP after his Brazil woeCredit: EPAThe Brit was fed up after coming tenth at the Sao Paulo GPCredit: GettyHamilton made a cryptic comment to mechanics on his radio in BrazilCredit: RexHe slammed his car as “the worst it’s ever been” after what he described as a “disaster of a weekend”.Hamilton finished tenth in the rain-lashed Sao Paulo Grand Prix having crossed the line 11th in the Interlagos sprint race 24 hours earlier.The 39-year-old — who joins Ferrari next season — then uttered a cryptic remark to his mechanics over the team radio.He said: “If this is the last time I get to perform it was a shame it wasn’t great but I’m grateful for you.”READ MORE TOP STORIESHamilton later remarked he “could happily go and take a holiday”.Mercedes tried to play down the driver’s comments.But ahead of Sunday’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, Hamilton revealed he was genuinely ready to quit Toto Wolff’s Brackley-based team early as his 12-year Mercedes career threatened to burn out with a whimper.He said: “In the moment that’s how I felt, like I didn’t really want to come back after that weekend. That’s only natural.Most read in MotorsportHamilton will be scooting off to Ferrari next seasonCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“It’s frustrating when you have a season like this, which I’m pretty sure I won’t have again, or at least I’ll work towards not having again.“It wasn’t a great feeling in that moment, but I’m here.Ultimate F1 team principal’s rich list including Red Bull’s Christian Horner and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff“I’m standing strong and I’m going to give it absolutely everything for these last few races.”Hamilton finished 50 seconds behind winner Max Verstappen in Brazil — even though Red Bull’s triple world champ started behind him on the grid — and 27sec adrift of team-mate George Russell, who crossed the line in fourth.Despite ending a 2½-year winless streak at the British Grand Prix in July, Hamilton is ­seventh in the world championship, 203 points behind Verstappen.While he sits a place and two points back from Russell.Hamilton was asked about Mercedes boss Wolff saying he “liked” that the Brit chose to leave the team as it may have stopped him from possibly having to get rid of him at a later date.Wolff also spoke of Hamilton ­having a “shelf life” in ­Mercedes’ all-access book Inside Mercedes F1: Life in the Fast Lane.When Hamilton was asked if he felt he had a point to prove, the racer who has won six of his seven world crowns at Mercedes, replied: “No. Just me being here, standing tall, I feel strong. I’ve been training well, I feel great.Hamilton endured terrible conditions at Sao PauloCredit: Rex“Honestly, I feel in the best place I’ve been all year mentally and considering how bad the last race was, that says enough.“I’ve been around this game for a long time.“There have been so many  things said about me, so many ­micro-aggressions.“Not from my boss, because he’s been supportive all these years and we’ve achieved a lot together, but in general and through it all, nothing can take me down.“I’m still here, still fighting and I’m going to continue to push.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’ve got a team I genuinely still love and even though I am leaving I want to make sure I give them the best I can in these next races.“If they provide a car that wants to stay on track then, hopefully, we’ll have a better result.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Inside Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet’s romance, from the ‘magical night’ they met to a PDA at US Grand Prix

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      MAX Verstappen and Kelly Piquet’s romance knows no bounds.As recently as the US Grand Prix, they packed on the PDA as the world champion finished on the podium and edged closer to winning another title.Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet pack on the PDA on a race dayCredit: RexDutch champion Verstappen and Piquet have been together for four yearsCredit: InstagramVerstappen celebrates becoming world champion with Piquet in 2021Credit: GettyVerstappen can now secure his fourth consecutive championship at the Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend by bettering rival Lando Norris.Sure to be cheering the Dutchman on from the Red Bull paddock is Brazilian Wag, Kelly.The pair met in 2016 – bonding over having fathers who were F1 drivers.Love blossomed in 2020 and they soon moved in together in a £13million Monaco mansion overlooking the Med.Read more F1 newsSunSport looks at their relationship, from that ‘magical moment’ when they first laid eyes on each other.Magic momentIn 2016 Verstappen had dinner with Kelly’s brother, Nelson Jr.The pretty brunette joined them for the occasion in Monaco, which she spoke about to Vogue Netherlands.He was 19 at the time, while she was 28.Most read in Motorsport”Max was friends with my brother Nelson and we all went out for dinner in Monaco one night,” she said in an interview with the fashion magazine in 2022.Inside Max Verstappen’s incredible love for his cats who are named after his favourite Monaco nightclubs”That was six years ago, in 2016. But there was already something magical that evening.”She added: “Our connection started then. And I’ll leave it at that for now.”However, instead of Max – Kelly began dating Russian driver Daniil Kvyat from 2017.They had a daughter together called Penelope, but split just two years after getting together.In 2020, Kelly and Max reconnected and became Instagram official on 2021.Max shared a photo of the pair together on social media on New Year’s Day.”Let’s make 2021 a year to remember in many ways,” he captioned the cute snap.”Wishing you all success, love and happiness just as I found mine.”Piquet and Verstappen went Instagram official in 2021 with his New Year’s snapCredit: InstagramPiquet has a daughter called Penelope from a previous relationshipCredit: InstagramGlam Piquet is the daughter of F1 legend Nelson PiquetCredit: instagram/@kellypiquet/Kelly’s thoughtsFor her part, Kelly has been very open about her relationship with Max.In that same interview with Vogue Netherlands she spoke about their nine-year age difference. “I think we have a very healthy relationship, easygoing, we have a lot of understanding and support for each other,” she said.”You would think the age difference could be a challenge, but so far things are going really well.”I also really appreciate how he treats Penelope. It’s so sweet to see.”He always asks for her, always visits her to say hello when he leaves, and gets her love back. So cute!”As well as bonding over her daughter, Kelly has grown up around motor racing.Her father is Nelson Piquet, a three-time F1 champion from Brazil.While Verstappen’s dad Jos was an F1 racer from 1994 to 2003.Beauty Piquet has been open about her relationship with VerstappenCredit: instagram @kellypiquetBoth Verstappen’s and Piquet’s fathers were in motorsportCredit: GettyJos Verstappen competed in F1 from 1994 to 2003Credit: GettyThree time world champion Nelson Piquet poses with his daughterCredit: GettyHow they liveFor all the snippets they share on Instagram, in the whole Verstappen and Kelly keep their personal life fairly private.Declarations of love appear on Valentine’s Day, and most recently, when they celebrated four years together.After their intimate kiss in Texas at the US Grand Prix in October, Kelly took to Instagram to celebrate their anniversary as she posted a bikini picture next to Verstappen, who also soaked up the sun.She captioned the photo: “4 years and countless happy moments.”The photo appeared to be taken from the balcony of their £13million Monaco home.He has shared glimpses of his chic pad, which he and Kelly also share with their Bengal cats.In his spare time he likes to take to the water on a Red Bull-branded jet ski, said to be worth around £16,000.For all his travels around the world, Max is said to have bought a private jet from Sir Richard Branson, worth £12million, which costs over £830,000 to maintain.Max has made sure the Falcon-900EX is customised to his expensive taste – it has a matt finish and has Max’s logo of a lion on the tail fin, paying homage to the national animal of the Netherlands.Piquet and Verstappen live a glam life in MonacoCredit: instagram/@kellypiquet/The hot couple reside in a £13million home in MonacoCredit: instagram/kellypiquetPiquet is one of the most desirable F1 WagsCredit: Instagram / @kellypiquetread more sport featuresKelly often joins him when he flies privately.What the future holdsAs it stands, there is no wedding on the horizon just yet.Previously, Verstappen has said “time will tell” if he and Piquet are to get married, and he hinted he wasn’t ready yet.But as a stepdad, Verstappen has excelled and has spoken of the possibility of having children with Piquet.He told Brazilian journalist Mariana Becker: “At the end of the day, it’s not something you decide. Sometimes it needs to happen.”Piquet plays the role of supportive Wag – championing Verstappen when she canCredit: Instagram / @kellypiquetThere are no wedding plans on the horizon for Piquet and Verstappen as of yetCredit: Instagram @kellypiquetBoth Verstappen and Piquet have hinted that they wanted to have kids togetherCredit: RexHe added: “I don’t know if there’s any God or not, who decides when it’s time to have a baby. But it would be great to have a child.”READ MORE SUN STORIESKelly, herself, has spoken about having a baby with Max too.Watch this space because their family might just grow soon. More

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      I got a doctorate in biomechanics after average football career, now I want to follow Wenger’s footsteps in the Prem

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      REGIS LE BRIS revealed Arsene Wenger’s early work inspired him to become a boss.The Frenchman has guided Sunderland to the top of the Championship as they chase a return to the Prem following their relegation in 2017.Regis Le Bris has left the Black Cats eyeing promotion to the PremCredit: RexArsene Wenger taught his fellow Frenchman well at MonacoCredit: RexLe Bris, 48, grew up in Brittany and had an unremarkable career as a defender in France.But he knew he wanted to coach after studying Arsenal legend Wenger during his seven years at Monaco from 1987.Saluting the 75-year-old’s Monte Carlo masterclass, Le Bris said: “I really liked Monaco under Arsene Wenger. I wasn’t really a fan but when I was young I liked this team and  his style.“If a player, team or manager had a specific style, I liked analysing the way that they played, their personality . . . there was something different.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It was new — with many young players and  a proactive style of play.“I was young, so it was difficult to assess the different elements involved in a game.“But I think it was about emotional elements, which were different from other teams.“You can see a football team and think, ‘They are playing well’ or, ‘This is interesting’. But  you don’t really know  why — it just makes you  feel something different.Most read in Football “As a player, I was  interested in understanding the game because I probably didn’t have the  X factor technically or physically.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“When you have a specific talent then you just  have to use it and be good on the pitch — but I was average everywhere.“So I had to think how I could compete with stronger players, understand the game better and be connected with the other players to  solve problems.”Rising star Chris Rigg talks about his rise through the ranks at Sunderland After an “average” playing career as a defender at Rennes, Laval and Belgian minnows Ronse, Le Bris went on to achieve a doctorate in sport physiology and biomechanics while first embarking on his coaching career.Following a spell as youth coach at Wasquehal, he spent eight years at Rennes before moving  to Lorient to help bring through their kids into  the first team.Ex-Arsenal man Matteo Guendouzi and Leeds keeper Illan Meslier were just two of those prior to him becoming first-team boss in 2022.Le Bris always had a “curiosity” to work abroad — and felt England would be the perfect place having visited many clubs.He added: “I wanted to discover new cultures, environments and languages.“I’m just curious and, when I’m in  the same environment for a long   time,  I like working on a long project but  need to be fed new elements to learn.“If it all just stays the same, then I’ll need something else to grow, keep the energy  and connect with other people.“It was a whole new experience and I was  aware that it would be different — but I liked that difference and was prepared for that.“I have visited many football clubs in Spain  and England so  was aware of the environment  and  really liked it.England U18 midfielder Chris Rigg is one of Sunderland’s hot prospectsCredit: GettyJude Bellingham’s younger brother Jobe is another top Black Cats teenCredit: PA“Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Everton, Leeds,  Chelsea, Arsenal and probably two or three more.“I’m like that, I’m curious about new ideas, behaviours and thinking about football.”Le Bris ended up joining Sunderland in July and has no doubts his  young guns —  including Chris Rigg, 17, and Jude Bellingham’s 19-year-old younger brother Jobe — can reach the very top.The impressive Frenchman has already scooped two manager-of-the-month awards but a Premier League return is the biggest prize he is chasing.Le Bris, whose side go to Millwall on Saturday, explained: “The players are good — very good.“I have worked with many, many players that  have worked at the highest level.“It is always a question of potential. We think that they could play at the highest level, Premier League or Champions League.“But the question between the potential and  reality is down to the pathway.I don’t think you can assess the reality of the size of Sunderland before being at SunderlandRegis Le Bris“I’m very confident for them but it’s still fragile. “Yet their behaviours, for example Jobe, Riggy and other players, it’s very interesting their potential and qualities and the way they are managing this relationship with the game.“If you can keep this relationship with the game then you can exploit your potential.“If the environment around the football becomes more important then it will be more difficult.“I’m just a part of their journey, really. If I can help them to grow, and if they can help us to grow as a club, then that’s a good connection. So we’ll have to see for the future.“I don’t think you can assess the reality of the size of Sunderland before being at Sunderland.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Away to Preston, the stands were full and it was crazy. It’s a new experience for me.“This  football club is very important and its history, the fanbase is big and the passion around the club is impressive.” More