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    Paris Fury sings along to country star Chris Stapleton at concert and dedicates video to Tyson

    PARIS FURY is usually on the receiving end of heartfelt serenades from hubby Tyson.But the mum-of-seven flipped the script on the love of her life while at American country singer Chris Stapleton’s gig in Manchester on Wednesday night.Paris Fury and her pals attended Chris Stapleton’s Manchester gig on Wednesday nightCredit: INSTAGRAM@PARISFURY1Paris, 34, had the time of her life with her bestiesCredit: INSTAGRAM@PARISFURY1The mum-of-seven got in the full country theme by wearing a cowboy hotCredit: InstagramParis serenaded her husband Tyson by singing one of their favourite Stapleton songsCredit: INSTAGRAM@PARISFURY1Paris was one of thousands of the country icon’s fans in attendance at the AO Arena.And she couldn’t help but belt out the lyrics to Stapleton’s 2015 hit ‘Whiskey and You’, which she dedicated to childhood sweetheart Tyson.The 34-year-old shared a clip of herself singing the song as Stapleton serenaded the adoring crowd on her Instagram story.Her accompanying caption read: “My favourite song by him. Please ignore my singing along.”READ MORE IN BOXING”@TysonFury, you showed me this one.”Paris’ heartwarming story came hours after she shared a series of snaps of herself and her pals enjoying their evening.Her accompanying caption read: “Had a great time watching some sweet country music by Chris Stapleton in Manchester last night.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTyson and Paris Fury are childhood sweethearts and have seven children togetherCredit: INSTAGRAM@PARISFURY1Scores of her followers commented, with one saying: “I was there too and saw you. You looked lovely.’Most read in BoxingAnother said: “We was there last night. Wasn’t it brilliant?”Venezuela Fury, 14, trolls mum Paris for the state of favourite makeupAnd another said: “This is the look, Paris. Love it.”One remarked: “I was there last night too and saw you guys! You looked great xx.”Another chimed in: “Beautiful pictures.”One of Paris’ followers even took the time to thank her for stopping to take a selfie with her daughter.She said: “Thanks so much for taking a picture with my daughter last night. How amazing was he live?!” More

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    Real Madrid in dispute with neighbours amid claims their stadium is operating without a licence to show FOOTBALL

    REAL MADRID have allegedly been holding FOOTBALL matches at the Bernabeu with an expired licence, according to furious residents.Los Blancos have been locked in ongoing rows with a local group called the ‘Residents’ Association of People Affected by the Bernabeu’ for many years.Real Madrid’s ongoing dispute with its Bernabeu neighbours has taken a fresh turnAfter the residents group have claimed that the stadium does not have a licence to hold frequent concertsThe residents group’s latest claim is that both football matches and music concerts have been held at the Bernabeu Stadium without a valid licence.The association claims that they have found evidence that the current licence expired in 2001, according to Spanish outlet El Confidencial.It claims that members of the group came across the small print when they requested a copy of the licence during their legal battle with the LaLiga giants.But Real Madrid adamantly deny all allegations.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA section of angry residents have also claimed that the Bernabeu should only be holding sporting fixtures and the odd “extraordinary event”, according to the the Madrid City Council.Group spokesperson Jose Manuel Paredes told The Times that “extraordinary events” do not include showing frequent concerts.The Association’s complaint has reportedly been presented to a judge, according to El Pais.The group also argue that in order for Madrid to have a valid licence, both the stadium and the exterior development work must be finished – which it is not.Most read in FootballConstruction work continues at the BernabeuCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Bernabeu has entered the final stages of its £843million, five-year reconstruction.But the iconic European venue hosted a string of high-profile concerts over the spring and summer.Real Madrid’s iconic stadium looks unrecognisable with underground greenhouse below pitchRecent headliners have included Taylor Swift, Luis Miguel and Colombian star Karol G.This comes after Madrid were forced to postpone all concerts at the Bernabeu to comply with the capital city’s noise regulations.The group reportedly requested a copy of the licence on four occasions before receiving a response.Residents have also lodged complaints about the noise from the ongoing construction which started in 2019.Angry residents of apartment buildings near the stadium have put up banners on their balconies that read: “NO concerts.”The stadium has gone from hosting some 35 events per year before the refurbishment to planning more than 300.A club statement read: “Real Madrid has, and has always had, the corresponding municipal licence for activity and operation, which fully covers the holding of sporting events at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.”Furthermore, it is absolutely untrue that Real Madrid carries out or has carried out its sporting activity under an expired licence.”Nor is it true that this licence has been used by third parties misleadingly before any public administration.”The concerts that have been held at the Bernabeu do not require the granting of a municipal licence.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSunSport has reached out to Real Madrid for comment.Football matches returned to the Bernabeu in September, after Real Madrid were forced to play at the nearby Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano ground for 18 months.Plans unveiled a swanky new bar for fansCredit: room 1804 Design More

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    Meet world’s biggest WAG with more fans than Georgina Rodriguez & pals like Madonna… can you guess her footie boyfriend?

    WITH 64.4 million fans on Instagram, she’s got more followers than Cristiano Ronaldo’s girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez.But chances are Brits may not have heard of Brazilian superstar Anitta, who can lay claim to the title of the world’s most popular WAG.Brazilian megastar Anitta is officially the world’s most popular WAGCredit: GettyDespite being worth a reported $50m, she remains relatively unknown in the UKCredit: AlamyWith multiple accolades under her belt, the singer says she’s ready to take on the English-speaking worldCredit: Savage X FentyCareer highlights for the star so far include performing at the Rio Olympics opening ceremony and joining Madonna on stageCredit: Instagram @anittaOne of the biggest Latin musicians of her generation – with more than 30million monthly Spotify listeners, a Grammy nomination, and collaborations with stars such as Cardi B and Kylie to her name – Annita is said to be worth a cool $50million.So she’ll certainly be out-earning her footballer beau, Vinicius Souza, who hails from plucky Championship side Sheffield United.From humble beginnings in a Rio de Janeiro favela, Annita has conquered South America with her chart-topping hits, even performing at the Olympics opening ceremony.Fiercely independent, she acted as her own manager for years, and has even sat on the board of Latin America’s biggest banks.Read More FeaturesAnd a viral video of her getting a tattoo on her bum spiralled into a controversial political scandal engulfing then-president Jair Bolsanaro.So just who is the “Queen of Brazilian Pop”?Humble originsWith an artisan mum and a car battery salesman dad, Anitta was born in 1993, growing up in the Honório Gurgel favela, one of the poorest neighbourhoods in Rio de Janeiro.Following her parents’ divorce when she was a toddler, the family found themselves even more strapped for cash. Most read in FootballThe future pop-megastar slept in the same room as her mum and brother, as this was where their aircon was – but they could only afford to switch it on for a few minutes every night.Anitta has spoken since about how much family means to her – and how they keep her humble.“Family is the thing that makes me feel grounded,” she said, speaking to Nylon mag.“When I come back home, I’m treated as the same motherf***er as always. I speak to them literally every day.”While she’d always declared at a young age that she was destined to be a star, it was a viral video uploaded in 2010 of her singing into a stick of deodorant that led to that becoming a reality.At just 16 years old, she caught the attention of record label Furacão 2000, which specialises in a style of music called “funk carioca”.Family comes first for the superstar, who grew up in a room with her mum and brotherCredit: InstagramRio – Brazil’s second largest city – is home to landmarks such as Christ the Redemeer and the Sugarloaf MountainCredit: AlamyAfter releasing her first single, Meiga e Abusada, in 2012, she then brought out her self-titled debut – which went straight to number one and is certified platinum in her home country.Shortly after this, the music video for her second single, Show Das Poderosas, went viral.In less than a week, it became Brazil’s most-watched music video on YouTube of all time.Now, with 32.6 million monthly listeners on Spotify, she’s widely considered to be Brazil’s biggest female popstar.She’s won four Latin American Music Awards, three MTV Music Video Awards, and has been nominated for a Grammy for best new artist – while her 2022 hit Envolver spawned a TikTok challenge of twerking with your head on the floor.The star has also frequently cited Madonna as an inspiration, and performed alongside her in front of 1.6 million people on Copacabana Beach in Rio.Fiercely outspokenAnnita isn’t afraid to do things her own way, having acted as her own manager until 2019, maintaining total control over sponsorship partnerships, business deals, and directing her own music videos.She has spoken confidently about showing off her cellulite – but is also happy to talk about her plastic surgery journey, which includes a nose job, jaw-line reshaping, and multiple breast reductions. Speaking to Nylon she said: “I won’t be pretending I’m some type of way that I’m not.”Annita joining Madonna – who she cites as one of her biggest inspirations – on stage earlier this yearCredit: GettyThe superstar has only gone from strength to strength since going viral on YouTube in 2010Credit: AlamyAs one of Latin America’s biggest stars, the singer has performed with stars including Snoop Dogg and Cardi BCredit: Getty“Girls don’t need men for s**t. We got vibrators, we got friends – we got gay friends, which is way better than any other f***ing husband. Trust me.”While she proudly embraces her sexuality, she’s also made it clear that she’s so much more than just a sex object.She told Today: “I don’t care about talking about sexuality. It’s part of our life, and it’s a big part of who I am, so I don’t mind at all being asked about it. I love being a sexual person. It’s part of my character. “I just don’t like it when people think that’s just it. When people treat me as if ‘Oh, being sexy is all she knows.’ No, that’s not all I know. I was managing my own career for so many years. I’m a business woman. “I can’t be reduced to just sex – I do so much, and I still want to do much more.”Insta’s biggest WAGsWhile Anitta may take number one spot, here are the other WAGs that have stacked up the followers on Instagram… and become stars in their own right.Georgina Rodriguez – 61.6mAntonela Roccuzzo – 40.3mBecky G – 47.4mVictoria Beckham – 33mPerrie Edwards – 19.2mAlisha Lehmann – 17mPilar Rubio – 11mBruna Biancardi – 10.6mLeigh-Anne Pinnock – 10mDiletta Leotta – 9.1m‘15million boyfriends’Since coming out as bisexual in her first Netflix documentary, Vai Anitta, in 2018, the star has been open about her relationships – and the variety of her dating life.“I hate hiding things,” she told Nylon. “Yeah, [I] f*** girls too.”She’s previously been linked to stars including Brazilian singer Mr Thug, dancer Ohana Lefundes, Colombian megastar Maluma, and 365 Days actor Simone Sussina.And in 2017, she took a leap into marriage, tying the knot with Brazilian businessman Thiago Magalhães in a private ceremony in the Amazon rainforest. But things only lasted for a year before they split.Anitta – who says she has ’15 million boyfriends’ – has a love life that’s hard to pin downCredit: GettyAnitta was married to businessman Thiago Magalhaes for a yearCredit: RexThe Brazilian star has most recently been linked to Sheffield United midfielder Vinicius SouzaCredit: RexMost recently, Anitta’s been linked with Sheffield United and former Flamengo player Vinicius Souza, with the pair recently seen together at Paris Fashion Week, as reported by Billboard.But while he may be her boyfriend for now, she’s happy to admit that exclusivity in relationships isn’t exactly something she craves – and she’s been in plenty of open relationships before.“I have 15 million boyfriends, whatever,” she told Nylon.“If the guy makes me feel respected and incredible, I don’t care if he sleeps with another woman. I’ve had boyfriends who never cheated on me, but they treated me like trash.”I stopped caring about all of the things that I used to care about, like record sales, or the number of people talking about me. Now, I honestly just want to have a good timeWhile she’s always had a free-wheeling attitude to life, a hospitalisation in 2022 that left her thinking she was “going to die” led to further enlightenment.“I got really sick and was so physically ill I couldn’t work, and I hadn’t stopped working in so many years,” she told Today, adding: “It was a big wake up call.”Doctors investigated her illness for five months to no apparent avail.It was only after travelling to Mount Everest to heal with shamans that things got better.“After my health issues, I started taking better care of my spirituality. I follow Yoruba religion, and I had to jump into that. I dove into myself, and everything that makes me feel peace,” she said.“I stopped caring about all of the things that I used to care about, like record sales, or the number of people talking about me. I used to care so much. Now, I honestly just want to have a good time.”She counts celebrities such as Camila Cabello among her palsCredit: GettyAfter performances at Coachella and more recently in London, she has her sights set on global dominationCredit: GettyBum tattoo scandalWhen it comes to activities outside of music – and outside of jetting around the world to see her lovers – Anitta has also kept herself busy in the world of business.In 2019, she became Head of Creativity and Innovation for the Brazilian version of the drink Skol, launching Skol Beats – a citrus take on the beer, coming in several fruity flavours.And in 2021, she became a member of the Board of Directors of Nubank, the largest Fintech bank in Latin America – and even played a crucial role in getting the bank listed on the Brazilian stock exchange.While she’s no stranger to dipping her toe into politics, being an outspoken advocate for protecting the environment and LGBT rights, she also became embroiled in a political scandal for a very different reason.In February 2021, a video went viral showing Anitta getting “I love you” tattooed on her bum.One year later, right-wing Brazilian artist Zé Neto took a swipe at the star – because of a political debate over government subsidies for the arts, known as the Rouanet law.And I was thinking that all I was doing was an intimate tattoo“We are artists who do not depend on the Rouanet Law,” he said to the crowd.“Our fee is funded by the people. We don’t need to put a tattoo on our butt to show that we are doing well.”Anitta’s hordes of fans turned against him – and it was exposed that Zé Neto himself had relied on public money to fund his shows.READ MORE SUN STORIESEventually, the spiralling scandal led to state public prosecutors investigating funding irregularities in 29 municipalities across the country.“And I was thinking that all I was doing was an intimate tattoo,” the star later posted on X. More

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    Aston Villa star Amadou Onana reveals plans for career change after learning new hobby in downtime

    AMADOU ONANA has been a massive hit with Aston Villa fans since his £50million summer move from Everton.And the midfield giant, who has scored three goals in seven games for Unai Emery’s side, dreams of making a hit record one day.Amadou Onana has revealed his stunning alternative careerCredit: GettyThe midfielder revealed how he has learned to play the pianoCredit: RexHe has a fashion sense to put old Everton team-mate Dominic Calvert-Lewin to shameCredit: GettyThe 6ft 5in Belgian international has learned to play the piano — and writes his own songs, too.In August, under the guise of 24AM, Onana released his first song — R&B track Check On Me — on the likes of Spotify.In Belgium he has been called ‘the Devil with the voice of an angel’ — referring to the national team’s Red Devils nickname.And he has a fashion sense to put old Everton pal and model  Dominic Calvert-Lewin to shame.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAhead of tomorrow’s trip to ­Ipswich, Onana said: “I like to try and take myself away from football a bit.“You have to have different hobbies to help you relax and music is one of mine.“I listen to everything.  I don’t have a specific genre. I’ll listen to rap songs, R&B, soul … different genres.“I’m not performing publicly yet but writing songs on my own helps me to relax.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I also play the piano, I took lessons. I wanted to try something different.“In August I released my first song, Check On Me, which did well on streaming platforms.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers“For now I’m focusing on Aston Villa but when I have some downtime I like to write lyrics.”Onana’s other great love is fashion — the 23-year-old turned up for international duty with Belgium in a black, pleated skirt, yellow shoes and matching handbag.He has also worn a T-shirt with the slogan: ANDRE IS NOT EVEN MY NAME MATE!That was a reference to a car-crash interview after Belgium were beaten by Slovakia at Euro 2024 when a reporter referred to him as ‘Andre’ — the name of Manchester United’s goalkeeper.Onana said: “I like to dress well — my mum would never let us leave the house looking untidy.“I like to cut a dash. It doesn’t have to be designer wear.“If it looks good, I’ll wear it. I don’t spend outrageous amounts on clothes.”One particular garment left a lasting impression on his team-mates —  a distinctive jacket with white and yellow daisies plastered all over it.From a distance it resembled scrambled eggs.Onana confessed: “A lot of ­people said that. I don’t mind the stick.”Whatever I think is good-looking, I’ll wear, no matter what people think.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIn April, Aston Villa and Kaizen Gaming, the leading global GameTech operator, announced a new long-term partnership for Betano, Kaizen Gaming’s premium brand, to become the club’s new principal and front-of-shirt partner. Betano’s sponsorship aims to complement Aston Villa’s already positive community impact. More

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    Paul Scholes reveals Sir Alex Ferguson had Eighties pop icon training with Man Utd – and brought Miss World with him

    SIR ALEX FERGUSON once invited a pop legend to train with the Manchester United squad.The legendary singer pulled up to the session with Miss World on his arm – but it did not stop Roy Keane giving him a telling off for a poor performance.Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes revealed a pop icon trained with themCredit: YOUTUBE / Football’s GreatestSir Alex Ferguson also invited him into a pre-match meetingCredit: GettyMan Utd lost 4-0 to Barcelona in the group stage of the Champions League in 1994.And the possible reason for the heavy defeat could be because the players’ preparations were gatecrashed by Mick Hucknall.The incredible story about the Simply Red star’s bizarre appearance in training was told by Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt on their Football’s Greatest Eras podcast.Scholes said: “I don’t remember him being that good. He didn’t like a football.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLButt said: “Hucknall should have played [in the game] as we were all rubbish.”He was awful if I’m honest with you. He had no coordination. He could sing really well – he should stick to that.”I remember being in the box and going like ‘it is Mick Hucknall with us’.”And then he started giving the ball away and I remember Keane gave him a b******ing.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSinger and United fan Mick Hucknall trained with the teamCredit: PA:Press Association”Keane is having a go at him and I’m like ‘he is not a footballer, he is a singer’.Scholes added: “I seem to remember as well he had Miss World with him.Sir Alex Ferguson booked me a flight home from my holiday and hauled me back to Man Utd – I hadn’t done anything wrongButt explained: “I don’t know what her name was, but she was a good looking girl. She came to the pre-match, he brought her in.”I don’t think the manager was too happy about that. Everyone’s attention went from the game. Scholes then chimed in and hilariously said: “No wonder we got beat.”The ex-England duo revealed Hucknall was around the club often as he became close mates with Ferguson.He is a passionate Man Utd fan and first met the boss by inviting him backstage at one of his concerts. More

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    Gary Neville appears to make huge career change by joining INDIE BAND as bass player with UK tour set for next year

    GARY NEVILLE has joined up with indie rockers The Reytons – claiming to be their new bass player.The former Man Utd right back posed with the Yorkshire band as they prepare to hit the road in 2025. Gary Neville has joined up with The Reytons to promote their new tourCredit: The ReytonsNeville showed off his dance moves during his band auditionCredit: X @TheReytonsThe 49-year-old admitted he’d never played the bass beforeCredit: X @TheReytonsNeville is taking the place of bassist Lee Holland, who is out of action with a broken arm.The Rotherham rockers are preparing for a UK tour next year to promote their new album. And they shared a video of Neville’s audition for the group as they searched for Holland’s replacement.In the clip, Neville told the band: “If Lee can play for The Reytons, then so can I.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Sky Sports pundit was put through his paces in the audition, showing off his dance moves and being asked how fast he could chug a pint. He was also challenged with a game of Higher or Lower, before successfully grabbing a greasy burger meal over a salad in a blind taste test. Following his trial, lead singer Jonny Yerrell told Neville: “You’ve literally ticked every box there pal.”But I think the only question is now, you know, what’re you actually like on bass?”Most read in FootballA sheepish Neville replied: “I’ve never played bass in my life.”Yerrell immediately hit back with a smile: “You’re in.” Gary Neville tells Gareth Southgate ‘it’s illegal’ again as he repeats fierce criticism of ex-England manager’s tacticsOne fan responded on X: “This is absolutely class chaps.”Another laughed: “This is the best video I have ever seen.”Fans dreaming of the ex-Three Lions star hitting the stage with the band may be disappointed come next year. In the full press release, a disclaimer added: “Gary Neville may or may not be actually joining The Reytons.”Ultimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here.The stunt comes after Neville hit the decks at last month’s Kendal Calling music festival. He entertained a crowd of 40,000 revellers alongside Manchester music legend Tim Burgess.But prior to the gig, Neville admitted becoming a DJ for the day was completely out of his comfort zone.He told the Football, Music and Me podcast: “When I finished my football career, there were many things I did to put myself out of my comfort zone.”I’m actually DJing with Tim at Kendal Calling, I mean, what the hell am I doing?’ I’m trying to wangle my way out of it, but I can’t once I’ve said yes to something.”Obviously Tim has [played] thousands of times, I’ll just be accompanying him. I’m worried about what I actually have to do, to be honest.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Reytons Right Back At It tour begins at London’s O2 Academy Brixton in February 2025. It will see the band play in Bournemouth, Blackpool, Newcastle, Dublin, Birmingham, and Manchester. More

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    Footballer SACKED after wife accuses him of ‘strangling and suffocating her’ and having affair with pop star

    AN INTERNATIONAL footballer has been sacked by his club after they were accused of domestic abuse and of having an affair with a pop star.Peruvian football star Christian Cueva saw his contract ripped up by Club Cienciano just 48 hours after signing for them.Christian Cueva has been accused of domestic abuse and cheating by wife Pamela Lopez SolorzanoLopez alleges that she has been ‘strangled’ and ‘suffocated’ by CuevaHe was previously accused of having an affair with Peruvian pop star Pamela Franco VieraCredit: INSTAGRAM @pamelafrancovieraThe 100-cap Peru international has been sacked by his club, Club Cienciano, following an internal investigationCredit: GettyIt comes following accusations of domestic abuse were made against him by his wife Pamela Lopez Solorzano.Lopez said on a TV show that she “feared for her life” and “suffered for many years” before reporting her husband to the police, alleging repeated physical and psychological attacks against her by the 32-year-old.A club statement released on Tuesday said: “After concluding the internal investigation process, footballer Christian Cueva has been permanently separated from the club.”This decision has been made in strict compliance with our values and to preserve the integrity of the institution.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking on American Hoy, via Marca, Lopez said: “There were slaps, hair pulling, pushing. “The last thing was that he was suffocating me, covering my mouth and nose, strangling me by the neck. “He always said insults and swears and then came back repentant.”I fear for my life. One of them (violent episodes) was when I discovered an infidelity; and another, days before my birthday.Most read in Football”For me it was a very complicated decision, very difficult, it took me many years to make it. “But I made it for myself, for my children and for all the women who suffer the same thing that I have suffered for many years.”I have been subjected to their manipulation. I will continue to file my complaint to the very end, for myself and for my children.”In 2018, Lopez accused Cueva of cheating on her with Peruvian pop star Pamela Franco Viera,A video from Marca alleges to show Cueva assaulting Lopez in a lift before a man intervenes, while another video published by AS appears to show them fighting.The 100-cap Peru international denied being an “abuser” but admitted his behaviour had been “inexcusable”.In a lengthy Instagram statement, he said: “Violence is inexcusable and my behaviour, although it was not spontaneous but in response, is also inexcusable.”I have been accused of many bad things, defects that I surely have and now I am accused of being an abuser and I do not believe I am. “I know that I have a complex personality that goes beyond what can be seen of me and I will take and will take responsibility for my actions, which does not mean that I stop defending myself and seeking to clarify, before the authorities, those events that have not been reported in the way they occurred or that simply did not occur. “For all this, for what happened, what happened differently and even for what did not happen, I apologise.READ MORE SUN STORIES”While the truth is sought and found in the appropriate authorities, I ask please to be allowed to play football, that this option not be taken away from me, because it is, along with my children, whom I love beyond what has been said, what sustains me.”The former Rayo Vallecano, Santos and Sao Paolo midfielder had been without a club since February after his contract with Saudi Arabia side Al Fateh ended. More

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    Iconic 70s pop star is inspiration for non-league club’s new football kit that leaves fans with ‘tears in their eyes’

    IT’LL be Pina Coladas being poured rather than champagne corks popping if Northwich Victoria take a step closer to Wembley.And 1970s pop star Rupert Homes will also be toasting their FA Cup success with his favourite tipple after sending his hometown team a special delivery.Northwich Victoria have produced a kit for the ahesCredit: Northwich Victoria/Dennis WareingRupert Homes’ smash hit was the inspirationCredit: Northwich Victoria/Dennis WareingCaptain Matty Clarke models the kitCredit: Northwich Victoria/Dennis WareingThe Vics have a huge replay tomorrowCredit: Northwich Victoria/Dennis WareingThe semi-pro Midland League Premier Division outfit drew 1-1 at Barnoldswick Town on Saturday to set-up tomorrow’s preliminary round replay.But it was what the Vics were wearing rather than the result that had people talking as the fourth annual Pina Colada Festival got underway 65 miles away in Northwich.Vics, who are celebrating their 150th anniversary, were keen not to miss out on the spectacle, which was created to celebrate the 1979 hit song Escape – written by former resident Holmes.That led them to them making a special announcement first thing on Saturday to kick off the festivities – the launch of their brand new Pina Colada-themed third kit.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt was delivered all the way from Cold Springs, New York, by the man himself as they unveiled the bold number in hilarious fashion on social media.A video showed Vics captain Matty Clarke receiving a package that had a QR code asking him to scan it.That produced a video message from Holmes, who was sipping on his trademark drink, and said: “Hi Matty, it’s Northwich boy Rupert Holmes of Hemming Street saying hello to you.“I’m told that you like Pina Coladas and getting caught in the rain.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I’ve taken the liberty of sending you the new Northwich Victoria third kit in honour of the 150th anniversary of our beloved club.” The skipper dons the colourful new kit that comes with words “gettin’ caught in the rain” embroidered onto it.Gary Neville slams Chelsea pair who ‘aren’t kidding anybody’ and look ‘worried to death’ Fans were delighted with the eye-catching design.One said: “Bloody wow. I’ve got actual tears in my eyes. This is bloody brilliant. I didn’t realise we actually had Rupert in it too. Wow wow wow.”Another added: “Wow! Outstanding work! Can’t see there being a kit clash with that.”Clarke and his team-mates fought out an action-packed draw that saw both teams have a man sent-off.And they are set to wear their new threads when they welcome Barnoldswick at their Barton Stadium on Tuesday evening.Victory will see them reach the first qualifying round – and be just 10 wins from gracing Wembley.Mark Tonge, the social media lead at the club, told Sun Sport: “We’ve had amazing feedback on the shirt, not only in Northwich, but around the country as well from kit collectors and football fans in general.“It’s definitely a unique kit and one that will be a collectors item for years to come.Who are these famous footballers?“As a club, we are celebrating our 150th anniversary this season and wanted to celebrate it in a unique way.“We sat down with our new kit supplier Hope & Glory who helped us design a kit based upon one of our most famous former residents, Rupert Holmes.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The Pina Colada song plays a huge part in our town with the annual festival taking place hence our launch on Saturday.“I knew I wanted to get Rupert Holmes involved in our launch, and luckily enough, he was excited to help us in whatever way he could.” Can you name the famous fathers? More