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    Injured Neymar strips to boxers and shows off his tattoos as he poses to plug Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS underwear

    INJURED Neymar stripped to his boxers and showed off his tattoos in an advert for Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS line. Reality TV star Kim launched the clothing brand in 2019 and it is now valued at over $4BILLION (£3.2bn).
    Kim Kardashian posing for SKIMS’ end of summer saleCredit: Instagram/Skims
    The Brazilian showed off his tattoos in the adCredit: Instagram
    Neymar modelled for SKIMS new mens lineCredit: Instagram
    Neymar posed in coloured boxersCredit: Skims
    And she has just brought out a news SKIMS for men line and Neymar joined NFL defensive end Nick Bosa in modelling the underwear selection.
    The Brazilian – set to miss the rest of the season – posed in coloured boxers and had his ink on display in snaps taken before his injury.
    Neymar, 31, suffered an ACL injury while on international duty against Uruguay.
    The ex-Barcelona and PSG attacker was left in floods of tears after being stretchered off during Brazil’s 2-0 defeat.
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    His Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal confirmed the injury on social media – but bizarrley did so by using a picture of Neymar in distress.
    The Champions League winner later spoke out on social media.
    He posted: “It’s a very sad moment, the worst.
    “I know I’m strong but this time I’ll need my (family and friends) even more
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    “It’s not easy going through injury and surgery, imagine going through all that again after 4 months of recovery.
    “I have faith, even too much… But the strength I put in the hands of God so that he can renew mine.
    “Thanks for the messages of support and love.”
    Neymar is set to be out for the rest of the seasonCredit: Reuters More

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    Trent Alexander-Arnold, Rory McIlroy, Anthony Joshua and NFL stars buy stake in F1’s Alpine after Hollywood investment

    TOP sports stars including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Rory McIlroy, Anthony Joshua and the NFL’s Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce have joined as co-investors in the Alpine F1 team.Otro Capital bought a 24 percent share in the team for £164m in June, with Hollywood actors and Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney part of the consortium through their Maximum Effort Investments business.
    Trent Alexander-Arnold has shown his interest in F1 in the past, previously attending racesCredit: Getty
    Ryder Cup winner Rory McIlroy is part of the group investing in AlpineCredit: EPA
    Anthony Joshua said it was ‘an opportunity I couldn’t ignore’Credit: AP
    Patrick Mahomes is also involved in the Alpine investmentCredit: Getty
    Now a number of sportsmen have joined the investment group, although it has not been disclosed how much each star has invested.
    Liverpool right back Alexander-Arnold, who has attended F1 GPs in the past, said: “I am delighted to lead an investor group investing in Alpine F1.
    “The opportunity is very exciting, F1 is growing massively worldwide and I look forward to contributing to that growth.
    “The sport brings together teamwork, pinpoint accuracy and innovation in a pressure-filled environment, these are aspects of my game we have in common.”
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    Joshua added: “The chance to strategically invest in Alpine was an opportunity I couldn’t ignore.
    “I am excited to start this journey with a great group of fellow investors and hope to help the team achieve its full potential.”
    Alpine are based in Enstone in Oxfordshire and is the name of Renault’s racing brand.
    The French giant remains the majority owner of the team.
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    They made their F1 debut in 2021 and have achieved four podiums and once race win since then.
    Their sole victory came at the Hungarian Grand Prix in their debut year as Esteban Ocon pipped Lewis Hamilton to the chequered flag.
    Ocon and Pierre Gasly are the team’s current drivers.
    Travis Kelce is involved in the ventureCredit: Getty
    Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are already involved in the teamCredit: Getty
    Alpine have won one GP beforeCredit: AP More

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    Wayne Rooney in for awkward Tom Brady meeting after Man Utd legend’s old tweets emerge

    WAYNE ROONEY may be in for an awkward meeting the next time he sees Birmingham co-owner Tom Brady.That’s after some of Rooney’s outspoken old tweets resurfaced about how much he dislikes American Football.
    Wayne Rooney wasn’t the biggest fan of NFL in his playing daysCredit: PA
    Brady is the new co-owner of Birmingham CityCredit: Getty
    Rooney was a prolific tweeter during his playing days and one of the pioneers of footballers posting on the platform.
    Many loved his stream of consciousness approach to Twitter which allowed followers to dip in and out of the striker’s mind as he documented every passing thought.
    And among these was the ire he felt for American football and the country’s sports in general.
    Followers have discovered some classics from the archive such as this from 2012: “Trying to watch the Super Bowl Final, how do they call this football. Like watching paint dry. Looking forward to the adverts and music.”
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    He continued his rant by saying: “Seen more guys in studio than the players at the Super Bowl. Zzzzzzz hurry up music.”
    He then expressed that he much preferred rugby league to its American cousin when he wrote: “Rugby league is far better than super bowl. Leeds rhinos to win again. I know its mad but im a rhinos fan.”
    Its awkward for Rooney that he will now call seven time Super Bowl winner and NFL legend Tom Brady his boss after his role in the takeover of Birmingham.
    Brady fronted up Knighthead Capital’s takeover of Birmingham back in August and it is said that he is taking an active role in the day to day running of the club.
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    Wayne Rooney confirmed in his first press conference at the club that he has been in contact with the NFL legend and said: “I have spoken to Tom, he is very ambitious to move this club forward.
    “It’s great to have him here, it’s important for the players to see Tom Brady have an involvement. It’s very clear that Tom is fully involved in the club.”

    Rooney will have the international break to get his players up to speed with his methods and implement his play style at the club.
    His first game is against former Manchester United team-mate Michael Carrick as Birmingham take on Middlesbrough on Saturday October 21. More

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    Wayne Rooney reveals conversation with NFL legend Tom Brady and plans to bring him into Birmingham dressing room

    WAYNE ROONEY wants NFL GOAT Tom Brady to deliver some team talks and help guide Birmingham to the Premier League.Former England and Manchester United striker Rooney was unveiled yesterday as the new Blues boss on a 3½-year deal following John Eustace’s axing on Monday.
    Wayne Rooney wants Tom Brady to help him guide Birmingham back to the Premier LeagueCredit: PA
    The former England striker was appointed as Birmingham’s new manager earlier this weekCredit: PA
    And Roo wants to tap into the experience and knowledge that retired quarterback Brady brings as a seven-time Super Bowl winner with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
    The Californian, 46, became a minority owner of Brum following their acquisition by US-based Shelby Companies Limited in July.
    Rooney, who spent 15 months as manager of MLS side DC United, had a quick chat with the legendary Brady before arriving at St Andrew’s.
    Asked about that initial conversation between two sporting greats, Rooney, 37, said: “We spoke about the Super Bowl in February.
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    “I went to the one in Phoenix this year and it completely changed my view on the game.
    “I also spoke to Tom about the football club, the role in which he will play.
    “His enthusiasm for it is refreshing.
    “We’re both on the same page. We’re excited for what this club can achieve in the future.
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    Tom Brady became joint owner of Birmingham in the summerCredit: Getty
    “He is one of, if not the greatest athlete of all time!
    “So I’m sure he has a lot of advice and a lot of things which worked for him throughout his career.
    “One of the things I want to do when he is over next is to get him in front of the players and sharing his story.
    “It would be great for me to listen to and I’m sure it will be really inspiring.
    “I’ve had Kevin Sinfield and Tony Bellew, different athletes from different sports, come into my team to discuss their journeys of how they get to  that level.
    “Ultimately, at the end of every talk it comes down to the same thing — dedication, work and desire.”
    Brum were relegated from the Premier League in 2011.
    And when asked if promotion back to the top flight this season was a realistic target, Roo answered: “We will push for it, of course.
    “The players we have brought in over the summer, it’s an ambition of ours.
    “There is a plan in place to reach  the targets we have set to get to the Premier League. It’s a goal, it’s a challenge and something we will push for.”
    It was Saturday, October 19, 2002, that 16-year-old substitute Rooney scored THAT goal for Everton to end Arsenal’s 30-game unbeaten run.
    Over the past 21 years, the Scouser has been a massive part of our sporting consciousness.
    Not only his excellent club exploits at Old Trafford but the fact he played at three World Cups and became England’s record goalscorer with 53 — until he was overtaken by Harry Kane in March.
    Rooney has lived under a spotlight all his adult life but working in the United States’ capital over the past year reminded him how lucky he really is.
    He said: “There’s pressure in everyday life.
    “I’ve just come back from Washington, DC and driving down the street you see people living on the road.
    “That’s pressure to live, eat and get through that day.
    “This is a big responsibility, from the fans, board, owners but I’m confident I can lead this club forward.”
    Many of Rooney’s contemporaries — including the likes of Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand and Jamie Carragher — are earning a decent living talking about football from the comfort of a TV studio.
    But he is not yet ready to swap a tracksuit for a microphone.
    Rooney added: “I love football. The second best thing to being involved in it is watching and talking about it and they’re comfortable doing that.
    “That might be something for me in the future but if I have an opportunity to develop myself and that feeling when you win and you are part of it is  second to none.
    “It’s a desire I’ve had since I was a young kid. I started doing my coaching badges at the age of 19.
    “Then I stopped because of the schedule. I’ve picked it up over the past seven years.
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    “I wanted to push myself to be the best manager I can be. Ultimately, it’s because I love football.
    “The goal for the club, for myself, is to get back to the Premier League.”
    Rooney was in charge of DC United before joining BirminghamCredit: Reuters More

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    Wayne Rooney named Birmingham manager after NFL icon Tom Brady lures Man Utd legend back to England

    WAYNE ROONEY has been appointed as Birmingham City’s new manager.The Manchester United legend replaces John Eustace at St Andrews following his sacking earlier today.
    Wayne Rooney has been appointed as Birmingham managerCredit: Alamy
    Blues co-owner Brady was eager to bring him to the clubCredit: Getty
    John Eustace was sacked on MondayCredit: PA
    Birmingham co-owner and NFL legend Tom Brady had been in regular talks with Rooney over the position in recent weeks.
    The sporting icon believes he will be able to attract big names to the Blues and eventually lead them back to the Premier League.
    He has brought in Ashley Cole and former Manchester United team-mate John O’Shea as coaches.
    Both will retain their positions as coaches in their respective national teams, with Cole England’s Under-21 assistant coach and O’Shea the assistant coach of the Republic of Ireland.
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    And his first match in charge will be against another Red Devils pal, Michael Carrick, who is in charge of Middlesbrough.
    The 37-year-old is expected to take charge of his first training session tomorrow.
    A Birmingham statement said: “Birmingham City Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Wayne Rooney as Manager, agreeing terms on a three-and-a-half-year contract.”
    Birmingham chief executive Garry Cook famously tried to sign Rooney for Manchester City from Man Utd in 2010.
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    And now, 13 years on, Cook has finally got his man, albeit in a different capacity.
    On his appointment, Rooney said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Birmingham City Football Club at such an exciting time.

    “It is very clear that they have a plan and are committed to realising their ambition for the club. We are fully aligned on what is expected.
    “I have been building my managerial career, putting myself in challenging environments, to get me ready for this opportunity.
    “It’s a project that gives me a sense of purpose and I can’t wait to get started.”
    Cook also expressed his “excitement” at Rooney’s arrival.
    Fans will be eagerly anticipating the England legend’s first starting XI at St. Andrews and how it may progress in the coming windows.
    Rooney began his managerial career in the Championship with Derby County.
    When he took over at Pride Park in November 2020, the Rams were rock bottom of the table, but they escaped relegation at the end of the campaign under the ex-striker’s guidance.
    Rooney resigned at the end of the following campaign after Derby were relegated to League One and went on to join MLS side DC United.
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    He was in charge of the Washington-based team for 52 games, racking up just 13 wins and 26 defeats.
    Rooney previously managed Derby in the ChampionshipCredit: Getty
    How Rooney’s Birmingham could line up in the future
    More to follow.
    THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY…The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    Harry Kane reveals he may think about retirement and career as NFL kicker in just FIVE years’ time

    HARRY KANE admits he could retire from football in five years’ time to become an NFL kicker.The England captain made the shock revelation just a month after joining Bayern Munich from Tottenham in a £104million transfer.
    Harry Kane has opened the door to an NFL switch in five years’ timeCredit: Getty
    Kane has got off to a flyer in Bavaria, netting eight goals in just six Bundesliga games.
    His latest effort came from the penalty spot as Bayern battled back for a 2-2 draw against RB Leipzig on Saturday
    But Kane, 30, is already thinking about life after he hangs up his boots.
    The World Cup Golden Boot winner is a huge fan of American football.
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    Former Spurs star Clive Allen enjoyed a late spell in the sport and has since urged Kane to follow in his footsteps.
    The Three Lions skipper previously revealed he would be interested in making the switch to NFL as a kicker.
    And Kane has now set a timeline for a move to happen, reckoning he’s got at least five more years in football before making a potential switch.
    Kane told ESPN: “Yeah the NFL thing, a lot of people have talked to me about that.
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    “I’ve said it’s something that I’d like to explore at a later date.
    “But I think it all depends on where I’m at in my career, whether I’m happy to continue playing football. There’s a lot of questions marks.
    “So it’s something that’s in the back of my mind but still a long, long way away so again it’s not something I’m thinking about right now.
    “I guess time will tell and in life sometimes things just play out how they’re supposed to play out.
    “We’ll see in five, six, seven years where I’m at and where I want to be and what I want to do and I’ll make that decision then.” More

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    I’m a former Tottenham goal-machine who made it big in the NFL… Harry Kane should follow me into American Football

    CLIVE ALLEN made it big in the NFL after ending his football career.The former England striker had an impressive career, including a prolific spell with Tottenham.
    Clive Allen played in NFL Europe after retiring from footballCredit: Getty
    Harry Kane has been urged to take up American football by AllenCredit: Getty
    Allen scored 84 goals in 135 matches for Spurs between 1984 and 1988.
    After retiring, though, he briefly transitioned to American football as a specialist goal-kicker.
    His change of sport even saw him star for the London Monarchs during the 1997 NFL Europe season.
    Allen has since urged fellow former Spurs goal-machine Harry Kane to follow in his footsteps.
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    He told the Daily Star in 2019: “Former strikers are the ones that can do it well.
    “Kane has a great interest in it and I wouldn’t be surprised if in years to come he’ll be kicking an NFL football.
    “Knowing Kane – and having worked with him – I know all about his mentality and attitude.
    “I’m sure he could adapt his style to do the job and I wouldn’t put it past him being very successful at it.
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    “It’s also not got the physical demands of soccer – kicking at least – so players can go on a little longer.”
    Kane has made no secret of his love for the NFL and has attended games in the past.
    He even revealed earlier this year that he wants to become a kicker in the league once his playing days are over.
    Speaking to Good Morning America, the Bayern Munich striker admitted: “It’s something I want to definitely explore.
    “I know it will be a lot of hard work. I’m not expecting to just walk up and start kicking field goals.
    “It would be a lot of practice, a lot of hard work. But yeah, it’s something I’d love to do.
    “The NFL is something I have been following for about 10 years now, and I love it, so I would love to give it a go.”
    Kane has expressed a desire to become an NFL kickerCredit: Reuters More

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    I served four years in the military before playing American football… but I gave up my NFL dream for boxing aged 30

    GERALD WASHINGTON left behind a life in the military and dreams of the NFL to start chasing a boxing career at the age of 30. Now 41, the former world title challenger remains a fixture in major heavyweight fight nights.
    Gerald Washington had NFL hopesCredit: Getty
    But he turned to boxing instead aged 30Credit: Getty
    He returns at the O2 Arena on Saturday night against Derek Chisora as his remarkable life tale readies for another chapter.
    Washington told SunSport: “I’ve been riding a beautiful wave of life.
    “I turned professional, worked my way up to fight for the heavyweight championship of the world.
    “Was I ever expecting that in my life, to be able to start at 30 and be able to fight for a championship? No.
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    “But I was able to and I’m still in the game, competing at the highest level.
    “I’m grateful to be here and it’s going to be an exciting fight on Saturday.”
    Washington enlisted into the US navy at 18 and served four years.
    He worked as a helicopter mechanic, stationed in San Diego, California and also served on a support and rescue squadron.
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    Washington credits his time in the military for helping pave the way for what was to come later on in his life.
    He said: “I was in during 9/11, it was a very hectic time, a lot of chaos going on.
    “It was a very disruptive time in the world in that particular time when I went in.
    “But I was able to learn a lot, take a lot of life experiences from that and I was able to apply that to my life.”
    Washington was then recruited to play college football and was an NJCAA All-American tight end. 
    From there he spent time with the Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills practise NFL squads – before realising his future lied in the ring.
    He said: “After I went to college, I signed with the Buffalo Bills in 2009.
    “I was able to go over there to OTAs (organised team activities) and stuff like that.
    Gerald Washington trialled in the NFLCredit: Instagram @gwgallonegro
    “But soon after that I started boxing, doing some training and I decided that I wanted to pursue boxing instead.
    “I liked the one-man aspect of it, everything falls and ends on me on the work that I put in and I was willing to work.
    “I chose boxing, I boxed as a kid and I’m glad and grateful that I was able to grow into this beautiful body of mine, 6’6 and 250lb.”
    Washington boxed briefly as a boy with ten amateur bouts to his name but he realised his talent and passion for the sweet science in sparring.
    He revealed: “Boxing was always in my heart.
    “I played football because I was able to run fast and have fun with it. But boxing was my sport, that was always in my heart.
    “I grew up watching Julio Cesar Chavez, I watched Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson, I grew up watching a lot of the greats and I always wanted to go out there and see what I could do.
    “When I was doing football training, I started boxing, I sparred a couple of time put a couple of guys down and I felt what it felt like to be in the ring and I wanted to do it more.”
    Deontay Wilder beat Gerald Washington in 2017Credit: (AP Photo/Albert Cesare)
    Washington had four more amateur bouts before turning professional at 30, winning his 2012 debut by KO.
    Just 20 fights and five years later, he found himself challenging for Deontay Wilder’s WBC belt.
    It ended in a fifth-round stoppage loss and Washignton would go on to become one of the most recognisable faces in the division.
    He faced Jarrell Miller, Adam Kownacki and Anthony Joshua’s Saturday night opponent Robert Helenius.
    And he also sparred the likes of Wladimir Klitschko, AJ, Wilder, Oleksandr Usyk and even Chisora, who he fights on Joshua’s undercard.
    Helenius, 39, has filled in for Dillian Whyte, 35, who was taken off the bill due to a failed drug test.
    Washington was considered but later overlooked as a substitute – although the American vowed to get his chance eventually.
    He said: “We were ready to go. We’ve been working for a long time now and we was ready to go to put it together.
    “But, they chose Robert Helenius and we’ll get him next time.”
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    Deontay Wilder with former opponent Gerald WashingtonCredit: @gwgallonegro
    Anthony Joshua with former sparring partner Gerald WashingtonCredit: @gwgallonegro
    Derek Chisora fights Gerald WashingtonCredit: Getty More