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    Former Arsenal star now worth £180million thanks to kebab empire signs up Backstreet Boys for huge music festival

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    ARSENAL cult hero Lukas Podolski has signed up legendary nineties boyband the Backstreet Boys to headline his new music festival in Germany.The 38-year-old created GLUCKSGEFUHLE Festival alongside Markus Krampe last year.Lukas Podolski has built up a business empireCredit: SplashThe former Arsenal star has now launched a music festivalCredit: Getty Images – GettyPodolski has signed the Backstreet Boys up to performCredit: AP:Associated PressIt quickly became Germany’s largest music festival, with 135,000 people visiting the Hockenheimring in Baden-Wurttemberg.The festival is set to return in September this year and up to 200,000 fans are expected to attend.Those in attendance will be treated to some star-studded performances from the likes of Lost Frequencies and Martin Garrix.The Backstreet Boys, famous for singing 90s hits ‘Everybody’ and ‘I Want It That Way’, have also been booked in for a set on the main stage.Read More on ArsenalGLUCKSGEFUHLE Festival is Podolski’s latest career venture outside of football.The ex-Germany international has built up his own business empire with a chain of kebab restaurants and an ice cream brand.SunSport even went to Cologne to try out the 130-cap German international’s ‘Poldi Sandwich’.The 130-cap Germany star’s business acumen has seen his net worth increase to a reported £177.5million.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPodolski has also launched a sports centre and a football tournament featuring influencers, former players and fans.And he is the founder of the Lukas Podolski Foundation for Sport and Education.Former Arsenal star Lukas Podolski explodes about McDonald’s as he defends prices of his kebab chainThe organisation helps to provide opportunities for socially disadvantaged children.Podolski is still playing football at the age of 38.He currently plays for Polish side Gornik Zabrze.The forward made 93 appearances during his three-year spell with Arsenal between 2012 and 2015.Prior to then he made 106 appearances for Bayern Munich and 181 FC Koln.Podolski’s business empireLUKAS PODOLSKI is worth nearly £180million after building his own business empire.
    The former Arsenal forward’s portfolio includes a chain of kebab shops and an ice cream brand in his native Germany.
    Meanwhile, he has also launched a music festival, sports centre and a football tournament featuring influencers, former players and fans.
    Podolski previously spent three years with the Gunners, winning the FA Cup in 2014.
    Back in Germany, though, the 38-year-old has been building his own business empire.
    He first launched his dessert brand Ice Cream United in 2017, two years after leaving Arsenal.
    The business was founded in the Belgian district of Cologne, the home of Podolski’s first professional club.
    A year later, his first Mangal Doner kebab shop opened in the city and now consists of around 30 branches across Germany. More

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      Wayne Rooney shows off his singing skills again at son Kit’s first Holy Communion

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      ENGLAND legend Wayne Rooney has shown off his singing skills again — this time at son Kit’s first Holy Communion.The former Manchester United striker, 38, took to the stage as family and friends marked the day in a plush marquee at his Cheshire mansion.Wayne Rooney has shown off his singing skills againCredit: GettyWayne and wife Coleen hired the gospel Celebration Choir for the event — with the retired goal hero getting involved.Choir director Colin Williams said: “Beautiful event, good singing voice from Mr Rooney.”Member Yvonne Shelton added: “Yes, can sing.”The Rooneys shared a snap of eight-year-old Kit in a summer suit.READ MORE ON WAYNE ROONEYA source said: “Wayne loves getting up and singing at a party and Kit’s communion was no different.“His mates love it when he takes to the stage. He’s not got the best voice, but he’s not got the worst either.“He chose a gospel track and some of the professional singers in the room helped him out and were surprised by his talent.”Wayne was previously caught on camera singing in a pub with music superstar Ed Sheeran.Most read in FootballHe also sang a duet with former teammate Phil Jones at Roma defender Chris Smalling’s wedding to model Sam Cooke.But not all his performances have hit the mark.Watch Wayne Rooney go full Roy Keane live on Sky Sports in angry rant that would make Man Utd hardman proudIn January Man United technical director Darren Fletcher, who played with Rooney at United, told how Wazza was once booed off stage by his teammates during a boozy night out.After United won the Premier League in 2013, Rio Ferdinand invited some of his team-mates to his restaurant where they enjoyed a performance from rock band Stereophonics.Ferdinand revealed the Sterephonics were “brilliant” before Fletcher reminded him about how the night ended.Fletcher said: “Wazza used to think he could be lead singer didn’t he? Remember the night he got booed off and he lost his head?” More

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      My dad played for Fergie’s Premier League title-winning teams.. I quit academy after two years for very different career

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Brian McClair’s son could have followed in his footsteps.The former striker, 60, spent 11 years at Old Trafford as a player and returned for more as a coach.Brian McClair poses with son Liam ahead of his testimonialCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdLiam McClair has branched out from the family businessHis son Liam was also on United’s books during Sir Alex Ferguson’s legendary reign – playing alongside the likes of Matty James and Federico Macheda.But injury problems derailed his career and he ended up featuring at Old Trafford via a different route.He told PlanetFootball: “I was 15 and had a few trial matches and signed a contract at the academy – it wasn’t a schoolboy one, so I continued to go to school at the same time.“I was involved with the Under-18s who Paul McGuinness was coaching, but predominantly I was injured.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I ripped a quad muscle just as I signed for them so I was out for about eight months with the rehab at Carrington, then I came back for a month or two, went to the Milk Cup, where we finished runners-up to Sao Paulo, I think, in 2007.“Then I had keyhole surgery on my ankle, which was down to a previous injury, so I was out for another eight months. So I wasn’t really in the team that much. I only ended up playing a handful of matches.“I was never selected enough to feel like I could play higher. I didn’t really establish myself enough, and by the time I came back from my second injury, I was training with players a few years below – the likes of Jesse Lingard and Ravel Morrison.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I felt like the way I play changed due to the injuries and I wasn’t the same type of player, so I decided to stop playing after that.”Most read in FootballMcClair, 33, decided he was not going to make the grade at United and went to university.Paul Scholes has doubts over Ten Hag’s future at Man Utd And it was there he found a new profession.He added: “I always wanted to play football as a career, and music was something I did on the side. “I played piano and trumpet as a kid, took up guitar as a teenager and did my first gig at school when I was about 17, I just did one song – I did the same the following year.“Then I went to university to study sport in Liverpool and it wasn’t until my final year I pursued gigging and performing to make something more of what I was doing.“I got some success as BBC Introducing in Merseyside played a few of my songs and had me on their show quite early on and that encouraged me, so I moved back to Manchester, kept gigging from then and started doing music full-time in September 2015.”Can you name the famous fathers?
      McClair is now a singer-songwriter, who plays acoustic guitar and piano and his music has been played at the ground his dad made his name at.He explained: “It was pretty cool, it’s happened a few times.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s quite nice that every time I have a new song that’s been released they’ve always been supportive, which is part of their family ethos, so I’ve never been forgotten.“I was there when my song was played first, but I don’t think I’ve ever had one played at a win, so it might be a curse.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Watch moment George Russell takes Ed Sheeran for ‘really f***ed up’ Miami Grand Prix lap that leaves singer shaking

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      POP star Ed Sheeran was left shaking after George Russell took him for a “f***ed up” lap around the Miami Grand Prix Formula One circuit.Sheeran, 33, was in Miami for his latest tour and took the opportunity to catch some F1 while the motorsport was in town.F1 star George Russell drove a hot lap around Miami’s track with Ed SheeranCredit: SplashSheeran was seen struggling to keep himself straight throughout the lapSheeran called it ‘mad’ afterwardsSheeran revealed he was shaking after the lapWhile the Ipswich fan would have been gutted to miss his team getting promoted to the Premier League, Sheeran was able to get in a high-octane hot lap in a Mercedes sports car.Mercedes F1 star Russell, 26, was in charge of showing the musician the sights around track.After getting into the car, Russell warned Sheeran: “You can do one of two things. You can go fast or you can go sideways.”Sheeran replied: “Bit of both,” with Russell adding: “Just shout if you’re not feeling good.”READ MORE IN F1The singer-songwriter was seen throughout the lap trying his best to keep still in his seat as the g-force took effect.When reaching 150mph on a straight, Russell told Sheeran: “In F1 we go about 210 down here.”Sheeran responded with an astonished: “Jesus Christ.”At the end of the lap Russell asked Sheeran how he was feeling.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSheeran could not manage words to begin with and instead showed off his shaking hands to Russell.He said: “I can’t believe you do that day in, day out.”Watch Lewis Hamilton ‘arrive like a BULL’ and ‘ruin’ F1 rivals’ race as he immediately causes chaos at Miami GPWhen getting out of the car, he said: “That was really f***ed up.”That’s mad.”Sheeran revealed he had gotten into F1 after watching Netflix show Drive to Survive.He later told Sky F1 reporter Ted Kravitz: “It’s (the atmosphere) nice man, it’s a circus though. It’s like so much going on.”Other big names celebs including Jimmy Butler, Patrick and Brittany Mahomes, Tom Brady, Kendall Jenner and Alexandra Daddario were also seen trackside over the weekend.Reports also suggest Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce could be present for the grid walk ahead of the race later today.Russell did not have the best time on track on Saturday. He finished down in 12th for Mercedes in the Sprint Race before only managing to qualify in P7 for Sundays feature race.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Man Utd legend Eric Cantona performs at London concert as he continues his international tour

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      MANCHESTER United legend Eric Cantona is on song again — this time in concert.The French footie ace, 57, known to United fans as King Eric, continued his international tour at, appropriately, Kings Place, North London.Manchester United legend Eric Cantona seen at a London concertCredit: GettyOn starting his music career, former Manchester United hero Eric Cantona said: ‘Music has always been a part of my life. I’ve always had music playing’Credit: PACantona released first single The Friends We Lost last June after retiring in 1997. On starting his music career, he said: “Music has always been a part of my life. I’ve always had music playing.“Why start today, so many years later? Simply because I lacked the time before”.He finishes his UK leg in Manchester tomorrow.READ MORE ON ERIC CANTONASome fans were recently left confused after seeing the former footie ace performing on the Michael McIntyre show.He was seen in a red cardigan while wearing a hat and glasses.Reacting to the performance on X, formerly known as Twitter, fans appeared rather confused at the sensational showing.One fan said: “Why is Eric Cantona performing on Michael McIntyre’s #BigShow? I have never been more confused!.”Most read in FootballA second said: “WHICH demented BBC Producer thought they were in their right mind putting ERIC CANTONA on stage to si-… To, erm, do whatever that was on stage on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show??”Man Utd legend Eric Cantona finally breaks silence on meaning of bizarre ‘seagulls’ rant after 30-year silence More

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      Fans call Wanda Nara ‘genius’ as she shares full music video for new song after teasing followers in see-through outfit

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      WANDA NARA has revealed the music video for her new song which shows her winning a boxing contest and rolling around in money in a casino.The Argentine, 37, who is married to and the agent of Galatasaray striker Mauro Icardi, 31, teased fans with a post on Friday that showed her lying in a see-through dress as cash surrounded her.Wanda Nara has released a boxing-inspired music videoCredit: YouTube / Wanda NaraShe could be seen in a revealing pink outfit in in front of FerrarisCredit: YouTube / Wanda NaraShe was also surrounded by money in a casino as she showed off a white costumeCredit: YouTube / Wanda NaraShe often looked intently at the cameraCredit: YouTube / Wanda NaraBut now the full two-minute video for the song “Money” has been released.It begins with Wanda walking towards a boxing ring with the hood of her gown up as she cuts a menacing figure, before she touches gloves with her opponent.The music, which was produced in collaboration with Negro Dub, then kicks in as she can be seen in a furry pink outfit repeatedly singing the word “money”.The video cuts several times between the fight and her in front of a Ferrari in the pink costume.READ MORE ON WANDA NARAThat is then added to by clips of her in a revealing white outfit in a casino as she climbs on a table covered in money and starts showing off her bum.Dancers twerk behind her as more money continues to fall throughout the video.And as it draws to a close, Wanda gets the better of her boxing opponent in the 12th and final round.She hits her with a big shot, before she climbs on top of her and then has her hand raised by the referee.Most read in FootballWanda leapt on top of her opponent at the end of her fightShe had her arm raised and then celebrated the winIt concludes with Wanda celebrating her victory – and the final shot sees a note of money falling past her face as she stares at the camera.Reacting to the video, one person said: “Perfect song.”Wanda Nara flaunts curves in tiny black bikini as she shows off new short hair and fans call her ‘too perfect’Another added: “Wanda’s clips are amazing!! I love her much!! She is so talented!!”A third replied: “Yes!!! Wanda always knows what’s going on. Yes, everything she sings is true. I love it!!!”While a fourth responded: “Beautiful as always.”Wanda ditched her husband’s former team-mate Maxi Lopez to start dating him back in 2013.She has three sons from her relationship with Lopez: Valentino Gaston Lopez, Constantino Lopez and Benedicto Lopez.Wanda and Icardi were married in May 2014 shortly after her divorce from Lopez was finalised.And they now have two daughters of their own, with Francesca born on 19 January 2015 and Isabella arriving in the world on 27 October 2016.However, their time together has been turbulent, with the South American beauty claiming that she had split with the striker two years ago.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe controversial couple appear to have now sorted their differences.And Icardi is producing the goods on the pitch in Turkey, notching 23 goals and 11 assists in 38 appearances this season. More

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      Shakira hits out at ex Gerard Pique’s ‘constant state of war’ as she admits she ‘sacrificed a lot for love’

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      SHAKIRA has hit out at her footballer ex Gerard Pique, claiming he was in a “constant state of war”.The Colombian pop star, 47, said she “sacrificed a lot” for love and put her career “on hold” to be with her former partner.Shakira said she put her ‘career on hold’ for a long time to be with her ex Gerard PiqueCredit: PAShakira and Gerard Pique split in 2022 after 11 years togetherCredit: InstagramPique, formerly of FC Barcelona, and Shakira pose with the trophy after FC Barcelona won the Copa del Rey Final match in 2015Credit: GettyThe singer and the former professional Spanish footballer, 37, were together 11 years before they split very publicly in June 2022.They share two sons: Sasha, nine, and Milan, 11.Shakira’s upcoming album – Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, which translates to Women No Longer Cry – helped her “exorcise a lot of the demons that were tormenting me”, she told The Times.She sings of Pique on one of the tracks: “So much time at the gym/ But maybe work out your brain a bit too.”Read more on ShakiraThe album is the first the singer has released in seven years.She continued: “For a long time I put my career on hold, to be next to Gerard, so he could play football.”There was a lot of sacrifice for love.”Shakira reportedly worked out Pique was allegedly cheating on her when she found an empty jam jar in their fridge.Most read in FootballShe was said to have been travelling for a period of time and came home to find the strawberry jam had been eaten – although neither Pique nor their children liked strawberry jam.The superstar is said to have concluded that her Spaniard partner was having an affair and that someone else had been in their home.Shakira ADMITS tax fraud and agrees to pay £7m fine Pique is now dating a student who works for him, a 23-year-old named Clara Chia Marti.Speaking to The Times about the similarities that exist between music and football, such as money and media scrutiny, Shakira said there were also some pertinent differences.The star explained: “Empathy is key in an artist’s work. An athlete is in a constant state of war and has to avoid empathy at all costs.”That’s why it’s probably a really bad idea for an artist to hook up with an athlete.”The new album represents “the transformation of pain into creativity, frustration into productivity, anger into passion, vulnerability into resilience”, Shakira said.She added: “There were so many pieces of my life that crumbled in front of my eyes and I had to rebuild myself in a way, picking up the bones from the floor and putting them all together.”And the glue that kept it all together was music.”Over the last couple of years, Shakira has also been engrossed in a tax dispute case with Spanish authorities.It was alleged that she failed to pay more than 14.5 million euro (£13million) between 2012 and 2014.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe resolved the case in November by accepting the charges, thereby receiving a $7million fine and a suspended prison sentence of three years.The mum-of-two said at the time: “While I was determined to defend my innocence in a trial that my lawyers were confident would have ruled in my favour, I have made the decision to finally resolve this matter with the best interest of my kids at heart who do not want to see their mum sacrifice her personal wellbeing in this fight.”Gerard Pique and his new girlfriend Clara ChiaCredit: InstagramShakira and Pique arrive at the red carpet for the FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala 2011Credit: GettyThe popstar testifies at Barcelona Provincial Court on the first day of her trial for allegedly defrauding Spanish tax officialsCredit: EPA More

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      Shakira unveils Pique diss-album Women No Longer Cry with pic of her ‘weeping diamonds’ over former Barcelona star ex

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      SHAKIRA has made another veiled nod to her breakup drama with Gerard Pique following the announcement of her first studio album in seven years.The Colombian singer confirmed “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” – Women No Longer Cry – will be released next month and claimed her “tears transformed into diamonds” while recording the album.
      Shakira has revealed the release of her twelfth album ‘Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran’ – Women No Longer CryCredit: Shakira/Instagram
      The pop star appears to have made another dig at her former husband, Gerard Pique, after claiming her ‘tears transformed into diamonds’Credit: Getty
      The couple separated in 2022 after the retired Spanish international was ousted for his infidelity to the ColombianCredit: Getty
      The album title is a lyric taken from her Latin Grammy-winning collaboration with Argentine producer Bizarrap, “Music Sessions Vol. 53″ .
      Shakira broke the news with a heartfelt statement on social media on Wednesday.
      It read: “My new album, coming out March 22, is one I created together with all of you, my pack of shewolves who were there for me every step of the way.
      “Making this body of work has been an alchemical process.
      Read more in Football
      “While writing each song I was rebuilding myself. While singing them, my tears transformed into diamonds, and my vulnerability into strength.”
      The new album consists of 16 tracks, eight new songs and a remix, including seven previously released singles: “Music Sessions Vol. 53” with Bizarrap; “TQG” with Karol G; “Te Felicito” with Rauw Alejandro; “Copa Vacía” with Manuel Turizo, and more.
      The release comes almost two years after Shakira’s split from long-term husband Pique after he was ousted for his infidelity to her in June 2022.
      The former Barcelona star was allegedly caught cheating after the Colombian singer noticed some of her favourite strawberry jam had gone missing from the fridge while she was away.
      Most read in Football
      Shakira has continued to take swipes at the World Cup winner following their split, with her latest album – and the statement to go with it – another hint at her animosity towards him.
      In October, Shakira appeared to make a dig at Pique when she took to Instagram to share a video on her story of Arsenal fans singing their own version to her trilingual bop Waka Waka,
      Shakira casts nanny ‘who ex Pique FIRED’ to star in hip-shaking music vid for new diss track The Boss in latest attack
      She captioned the post “Go Arsenal!” – a rival of Pique’s former team Manchester United.
      It came shortly after she revealed the name of one of her latest tracks, “The Boss”, which is an apparent nod to the alleged nickname she was given by Pique’s pals.
      Shakira allegedly never hit it off with the footballer’s friends, who gave her the nickname due to her “bad character” – dubbing her “La Patron” or “The Boss”.
      And hours after Pique jetted away with his new lover in September, Shakira set pulses racing with a steamy new video on Instagram.
      The pop icon can be seen gazing at the camera intently and tossing her trademark long hair, after her footballer ex was seen packing on the PDA with his girlfriend Clara Chia Marti.
      Shakira and Gerard Pique’s relationship timelineThe pair have been split for almost two years but here’s a look at how they love story unravelled.
      June, 2010 – Shakira and Pique meet on the set of her music video for the song “Waka Waka” – the official song for the World Cup in South Africa.
      March, 2011 – The couple make their relationship official on social media.
      September 2012 – Shakira reveals she is expecting her first child with Pique.
      January, 2013 – Shakira gives birth to their first child, Milan Piqué Mebarak in Barcelona.
      August 2014 – Shakira reveals the couple are expecting their second child.
      January, 2015 – Sasha Piqué Mebarak is born in Barcelona just over two years after Milan.
      November, 2019 – Shakira opens up about her relationship with Pique during a tough time.
      January, 2020 – The Colombian singer reveals why she was reluctant to marry Pique, saying marriage “scares the s**t” out of her.
      June, 2022 – Shakira and Pique announce their separation in a joint statement.
      November, 2022 – Shakira and Pique reach a custody agreement over their children.
      January, 2023 – Pique makes his relationship with Clara Chia Marti official in a post on social media.

      Pique has since moved on from his split with Shakira with Clara Chia Marti, 25Credit: INSTAGRAM/GERARD PIQUE More

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      David Baddiel reveals tiny amount Three Lions song makes on Spotify despite millions of streams

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      DAVID Baddiel says he got just 0.003p a time from Spotify for footie anthem Three Lions during the 2018 World Cup.The comedian and writer admitted he did well out of the song when it was first released for the 1996 Euros.
      David Baddiel has revealed the amount his song Three Lions has made via Spotify streamsCredit: Getty
      But he said he, Frank Skinner and band The Lightning Seeds have seen little in the way of royalties since the rise of Spotify and other online  services.
      Asked what the record had brought him apart from greater fame, Baddiel said: “Not money, for a start.
      “It brought me, Frank and Ian Broudie of The Lightning Seeds a fair wedge.
      “But not since Spotify took over has it brought us much money. In fact, when England played Colombia in the 2018 World Cup, it was downloaded four ­million times — for which Frank, Ian and I received £1,200 from Spotify.”
      READ MORE CELEB NEWS
      He added that, despite the huge success of the song in the Nineties, he and his wife Morwenna Banks have never flashed their money around.
      He told the Comfort Eating podcast: “It (Three Lions) came out in 1996, and it went platinum in 1996 – just to be clear we’ve done OK.”
      He added: “Let me tell you something that just happened today. Because I am from sort of lower middle-class immigrant stock, and I’ve done alright in my life, but I find it quite hard, as does my wife Morwenna Banks, who is from rural poverty in Cornwall, to actually flex anything.
      “Yesterday, two towels arrived, that have a high thread count that were quite fluffy. And that’s because we sat there the other day, having got out the bath, saying ‘Why are we drying ourselves with these rags – surely we can do better that this?’
      Most read in Sport
      “It had never occurred to us in years and years and years.”
      EFL clashes postponed hours before kick-off as heavy rain wreaks havoc on football calendar More