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PEP GUARDIOLA’S stars float like a butterfly and sting like a Manchester bee.That is the opinion of Rick Lewis, former two-time British Muay Thai champion and the dad of Man City’s teenage sensation Rico Lewis, 19.SunSport’s Isabelle Barker meets Rico Lewis’ dad Rick for a Muay Thai sessionCredit: Every Second MediaRick is a former British champions and runs Phoenix Muay Thai in Whitefield, ManchesterCredit: Every Second MediaHe admits his dream would be to do a session with Rico’s boss Pep GuardiolaCredit: Every Second MediaManchester City’s Rico Lewis won the Treble – Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in one season – at just 18 years old’Kru Rick’ has coached all walks of life and he reckons Guardiola has the makings of a “stone cold killer” and that Phil Foden has got the perfect build to become a Muay Thai champ.Rick’s journey in martial arts began in the 1980s and he learnt his craft from renowned coach Grandmaster Sken, who even trained Foden as a youngster.He now owns Phoenix Muay Thai in Whitefield, Manchester which has become a beating heart for the community around it.Rick said: “I’d love to do a session with Pep, just to see how he reacts to instructions.READ MORE FOOTBALL STORIES”It’s not about ability. I’m sure a lot of people would choose Erling Haaland but I’d like to see what Pep can do.”I think he would be a stone cold killer, meticulous, he would want to get everything right.”Each punch and kick would be right in the middle. He would be strong, with his guard up and he wouldn’t give up.“Foden would be the best fighter aside from Rico because he’s done it before and trained with the same person as me.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”He’s also got the right build for it. Hopefully I can put Phil and Rico to the test one day!”Phoenix Muay Thai is full of character, with not only punch bags, a ring and title belts on show but LED lights and booming speakers like a “nightclub” to keep the fighters motivated. Inside Man City’s wild title celebrations as Jack Grealish gets back on the beer and loses fight with confetti cannonRico started training Muay Thai at age two before having his first fight at three-years-oldRick is glad Rico chose football rather than fightingRico joined Man City’s academy at age eight and holds a 30-fight unbeaten streakA workout with Rick LewisSUNSPORT’S Isabelle Barker was put through her paces by former British Muay Thai champion Rick Lewis, the dad of Manchester City star Rico. Here is her gruelling workout…

We started off using what looked like medieval torture contraption to stretch the legs to help with flexibility when kicking. 

Rick started off practising roundhouse kicks with me as kicking is an integral part of Muay Thai and scores more than punches in a fight. 

We then moved on to setting up the kicks up with punches like jab, cross and a hook as well as fakes. 

Rick even managed to get me to do a Question Mark Kick, which is a deceptive technique used to fool the opponent into thinking you’re attacking low but really your intended target is high. 
We finished off with some combinations involving punches, low kicks, switch kicks and head kicks. 

Rick set up the gym in Bury back in 2001 and three years later on the day Rico was born on 21 November 2004, he hung up his gloves.Rick added: “Something went out of me instantly when he was born.”I looked at him and thought it’s too selfish getting in the ring and getting hit. I don’t know how people do it.”That didn’t stop Rico and his younger sister Sacha, who is now 16 and also plays for City’s academy, following in their father’s footsteps.Rico started training at just two-years-old before having his first fight at aged three with a boy twice his age and size – something he would go on to do on the pitch. Rick recalls freezing when his son stepped in the ring given he knows all too well about the brutal side of Muay Thai.Something went out of me instantly when he was born. I looked at him and thought it’s too selfish getting in the ring and getting hit. I don’t know how people do it.Rick LewisThe sport is known as the art of eight limbs and at the highest level includes elbows and knees to the head. The former British champ once broke his arm from being kicked in the fourth round of a fight before going out to win it.Rick said: “Rico’s debut was horrible, nothing would come out of my mouth.”One of the other lads had to take over. But when Sacha started out, I know it sounds really bad, but I was used to my kids being hit!”I was glad Rico switched to football though. I’m so glad he never fought with elbows and knees.”Rico joined City’s academy at age eight and holds a whopping 30-fight unbeaten streak.He is searingly humble for a young man who won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble with City before he turned 19.Rick’s journey in martial arts began in the 1980s and he went onto become a two-time British title holderRico’s sister Sacha became a British title holder at age eight and now plays for Manchester CityHis character on the pitch has been shaped within the four walls of Phoenix Muay Thai and the guidance of his dad.Rick’s gym is named after the Phoenix because it rose from the ashes, starting out small into what it is today – similar to Rico’s journey with City.And Rick is like any proud dad, who has kept Rico grounded while he has rubbed shoulders with the likes of Haaland, Kevin de Bruyne and Jack Grealish.When Rico became the youngest player to score on his first Champions League start at age 17 in a 3-1 win over Sevilla last year, Rick brought every newspaper he could. He said: “I bought every newspaper in Bury Tesco. I spent 45 quid on papers!I was glad Rico switched to football though. I’m so glad he never fought with elbows and knees.Rick Lewis”A woman that worked there rang security because they thought I was up to something. They thought there was a protest or something going on.”Rico still trains Muay Thai with his dad, particularly during pre season, hitting pads and taking part in fitness drills like the bleep test.You can see the fighter within him when he brushes off being clattered to the floor by players twice his size.Rick added: “He is only 19, people don’t remember that. They criticise him but to me he is still a baby.”He gets kicked to the floor but jumps straight up again and wins the ball back.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think Muay Thai made him prepared and ready to be coachable to Pep. He is so disciplined.”It’s only ever been him in the ring when he’s fought and that has helped him so much.”Man City’s five key moments this seasonA look at the five key moments in Man City’s title winning campaign…

Luton 1 – 2 Man City: City bounce back from a run of four games without a win to kick-start their unbeaten run.
Newcastle 2 – 3 Man City: Kevin De Bruyne returns from injury to come off the bench and inspire a late turnaround against the Magpies.
Man City 3 – 1 Man Utd: Phil Foden puts on a masterclass as City lay down a marker on their title ambitions and breeze past their local rivals in the process.
Man City 0 – 0 Arsenal: A goalless draw that, although disappointing, meant City were still keeping pace with the teams around them and could maintain their spot in the title race. A loss could have put Arsenal out of sight of the Cityzens.
Man City 4 – 1 Aston Villa: Following consecutive draws against title rivals Arsenal and Liverpool, City bounce back with a thumping of Unai Emery’s high-flying Villa to keep the pressure on the Gunners. More

ERLING HAALAND has revealed the first time Manchester City players knew they were going win the Premier League title.City lifted a record fourth English title in a row thanks to a 3-1 over West Ham on the final day which ensured they remained two points clear of Arsenal.Erling Haaland has revealed the moment Man City believed they would win the titleCredit: RexA motivational message for the team has also been revealedCredit: InstagramYet the run-in for the title was not without pressure.Arsenal sat one point ahead of City in the closing weeks of the season, with Pep Guardiola’s side having a game in hand.They knew they would need to win every game in their run in to land the club’s 10th league title.City had managed this until their penultimate game of the season which came away at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, where Guardiola had previously never seen his team win.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, City banished their Spurs demons thanks to a brace from Haaland.And the golden boot winner, 23, has now revealed winning the match gave City certainty they would go on to finish the job against West Ham.Speaking to Sky Sports following the Hammers match, Haaland said: “I think after we won at Spurs, we kinda knew we were going to do it.”Being in the Premier League has been harder than expected. The way every game is like – it’s not a final, but it’s not far away.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”You can’t relax after 45 minutes. Every game is so intense and tough. “Pep demands a lot every day and if you don’t live up to what he expects you’re in big trouble. I love him to bits.”Man City’s six key moments this season UPDATEDHaaland’s revelation is far more placid than team-mate Rodri, who questioned whether Arsenal had the mentality to win the league and accused them of playing to not lose at the Etihad.A message was also plastered on to the wall of City’s dressing room as extra motivation.City showed a message on their Instagram page of Haaland sitting down with a message behind him. It read: “No team has ever won four consecutive Premier League titles… yet.”Here’s how Haaland has performed this seasonCity, who were also the first club to score 100 points in England’s top flight, are now in their own company in terms of their unprecedented period of dominance. Bernardo Silva, who got two assists on the final day, was also proud of the achievement, adding: “The margins are so small. Liverpool in two seasons, we beat them by one points, now Arsenal by just two points.”The achievement is unbelievable. Four in a row, we are so, so proud and so, so happy.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe City team attended the Fenix bar in Manchester to celebrate their achievement.The likes of Jack Grealish appeared to have had a night to remember as they were pictured leaving the bar at 5am.Man City’s five key moments this seasonA look at the five key moments in Man City’s title winning campaign…

Luton 1 – 2 Man City: City bounce back from a run of four games without a win to kick-start their unbeaten run.
Newcastle 2 – 3 Man City: Kevin De Bruyne returns from injury to come off the bench and inspire a late turnaround against the Magpies.
Man City 3 – 1 Man Utd: Phil Foden puts on a masterclass as City lay down a marker on their title ambitions and breeze past their local rivals in the process.
Man City 0 – 0 Arsenal: A goalless draw that, although disappointing, meant City were still keeping pace with the teams around them and could maintain their spot in the title race. A loss could have put Arsenal out of sight of the Cityzens.
Man City 4 – 1 Aston Villa: Following consecutive draws against title rivals Arsenal and Liverpool, City bounce back with a thumping of Unai Emery’s high-flying Villa to keep the pressure on the Gunners. More

MANCHESTER CITY stole the show on the final day of the Premier League season.But it was their other halves who grabbed all the attention at the title celebration party.Kevin De Bruyne’s wife Michele dazzled in a sleek red dress at the after partyCredit: SplashThe players celebrated their fourth-straight title win in style at the plush Fenix Bar, with Stefan Ortega joined by partner SabinaCredit: SPLASHJeremy Doku’s other half sported a stylish outfitCredit: EAMONN AND JAMES CLARKEManchester City retained the Premier League title on the final day of the seasonCredit: AFPCity secured their fourth-straight Premier League title with a 3-1 victory over West Ham at the Etihad Stadium, which saw them end the campaign two points clear of Arsenal.The Sky Blues were mobbed by Citizens fans after the final whistle but eventually managed to celebrate with their loved ones on the pitch once order had been restored.And after returning home to get their glad rags on, they headed out to the plush Fenix Bar and restaurant in Manchester for a night on the tiles.The players were well and truly dressed to the nines for their fourth-straight title celebrations.READ MORE ON MAN CITYBut it was their partners who caught the attention of onlookers.Skipper Kevin De Bruyne was joined by his wife Michele, who stunned in a sleek red dress.Star striker Erling Haaland was also in attendance with his stunning footie-playing girlfriend Isabel Johansen, who went for a simple look.All black outfits were donned by Mateo Kovacic, John Stones, Rico Lewis’ and Julian Alvarez’s dazzling other halves.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJohn Stones’ girlfriend Oliva Naylor stunned in an all-black outfitCredit: SplashAs did Julian Alvarez’s girlfriend Emilia FerreroCredit: BackGridRico Lewis was dressed to the nines with his other halfCredit: BACKGRIDPhil Foden’s pregnant girlfriend Rebecca Cooke also made an appearanceCredit: SPLASHDespite being heavily pregnant with their third child, Phil Foden’s girlfriend Rebecca Cooke also made an appearance at the celebrations.It wasn’t just the players in attendance at Fenix Bar.Manchester City Players Look Worse For Wear As They Leave Party At 5am After Celebrating Their Win. Pictured: John Stones,Olivia Naylor Ref: SPL10829675 200524 NON-EXCLUSIVE Picture by: Aaron Parfitt / SplashNews.com Splash News and Pictures **USE CHILD PIXELATED IMAGES OR FOOTAGE IF YOUR TERRITORY REQUIRES IT** USA: 310-525-5808 UK: 020 8126 1009 eamteam@shutterstock.com World Rights,Manager Pep Guardiola also joined the party with his victorious troops.And he was joined by his wife Cristina Serra, the mother of his three children.The celebrations lasted until the early hours of the morning, with some players partying until 5am, including Jack Grealish who was helped on his way out.It’s unclear if club legend Guardiola, 53, stayed out that late.But what is clear is that the Spaniard’s days at Eastlands are drawing to an end.Guardiola, who has one year left on his contract with the club, told Sky Sports: “The reality is I’m closer to leaving than to staying.”It’s eight years, will be nine. Right now my feeling is I want to stay next season.”We talked with the club, we have time to talk next season because I have to see the players as well, if they follow me, they follow us.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I want to stay next season. During the season, we will talk. “But after eight, nine years…”Pep Guardiola also attended the celebrations with his wife CristinaCredit: SPLASH More

PANDEMONIUM broke out at the Etihad Stadium after Manchester City secured a record fourth-straight Premier League title.A 3-1 win over West Ham saw Pep Guardiola’s troops retain their Prem crown.Manchester City ran out 3-1 winners over West Ham to retain the Premier League titleCredit: ReutersScores of fans ran onto the pitch after the full-time whistle to celebrateHundreds managed to make their way onto the turfCity fans young and old stormed the pitch to celebrate their fourth-straight Prem titleThe actions of the Etihad faithful were slammed by Sky Sports pundit Gary NevilleAnd scores of the Etihad faithful STORMED the pitch after the final whistle to celebrate the historic feat.That was despite calls from the likes of Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland for them to stay in their seats as they geared up to run riot.Those calls, however, fell on deaf ears and a slewmar of sky-blue shirts streamed onto the pitch.The over-the-moon City fans tried their best to embrace and get selfies with their heroes.Although the pitchside police failed to stop the invasion, they eventually managed to separate the fans and the players.The Sky Blues stars were forced to get their title celebrations underway under the protection of stadium security and coppers.And Sky Sports pundit and former Manchester United star Gary Neville was far from happy with the scenes.He said of the pitch invaders: “They’re not kids by the way, they’re 40-year-old blokes.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne City fan managed to embrace winger Phil FodenAfter failing to stop the invasion, police and security eventually managed to separate the players and the invadersNeville further criticised the invaders for delaying City players’ celebrations.He continued: “It’s a shame the players can’t celebrate in the way they’d like to.”Pep Guardiola caught in ‘Joachim Low-like’ act as he ‘gets a bit too excited’Footie fans around the world, however, weren’t impressed with Neville’s comments, with one writing on X: “What is pathetic is Gary Neville getting angry at it. “Embarrassing.”Another said: “Gary Neville getting on his high horse about fans, trying to channel the rage. Very funny.”And another said: “Gary Neville is a right mardy bugger, isn’t he?”One remarked: “Gary Neville is raging.”Another chimed in: “Why’s Gary Neville so offended by a pitch invasion? “[The] guy wishes it was United.”Shortly after the invasion began, fans were urged to return to their seats in order for the trophy presentation to get underway.Police struggled to keep the delighted City fans at bayCredit: GettyFans were urged to return to their seats in order for the trophy presentation to get underwayCredit: X@NOCONTEXTMANCITYA message of “please leave the pitch immediately” was displayed on the big screens around the stadium.And slowly but surely, the fans started to oblige with the instructions.City pipped fellow high-flyers Arsenal to the title by a mere two points.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Gunners did their part against Everton to try to win their first title in 20 years, running out 2-1 winners over Sean Dyche’s side.But Guardiola’s side, as they near enough always do, rose to the occasion early doors to ensure the Prem trophy would stay at Eastlands. More