Retime

PEP GUARDIOLA’s strain has been there for everybody to see this season.The Man City boss has been, literally, scratching his head over his team’s poor form in all competitions.Pep Guardiola has ‘split’ with Cristina Serra after more than 30 years togetherCredit: Getty – ContributorGuardiola and Cristina share three children, Marius, left, Valentina, centre, and Maria, rightCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe Spaniard appeared with red scratch marks over his face and head in late NovemberNow, it has been reported by Spanish media that he has ‘split’ from wife of over 30 years, Cristina Serra.Barcelona-based newspaper Sport claim that the pair ended their marriage in December while both in Spain.Sport add their relationship is still “cordial, stable and friendly” despite deciding to part ways.The report claims they have been living apart for nearly five years after Cristina moved back to Barcelona to run her fashion company.Read more in footballBut she has been moving from Spain to London – still visiting her husband when time allows.While his life was unravelling off the pitch, on it things weren’t much better.The Premier League champions endured a miserable run during that month – losing to Juventus in the Champions League, at home to Man Utd in the Manchester derby, and suffering defeat to Aston Villa before Christmas. After a Champions League game against Feyenoord in late November, where he watched his side blow a three-goal lead at the Etihad, he cut a tense and nervous figure.Most read in FootballHe was seen with scratches on his head and nose in the press conference that evening.Guardiola left scratching his head as City blow 3-0 lead against FeyenoordGuardiola was quizzed about how he got the cuts and responded by saying: “My finger, here [makes a scratching motion]. My nail.”The Spaniard then joked that City’s woeful form over the last few weeks has driven him to self-harm, saying: “I want to harm myself.”Guardiola later apologised for his comments and insisted he wasn’t making light of mental health issues.Behind the scenes, his marriage was crumbling as he felt pressure he’s never felt during his managerial career.The missusPep met beautiful Cristina in Catalonia, when they were just starry-eyed teenagers.She comes from a fashion family dynasty, who own the Serra Claret boutique in Barcelona.It was there their paths crossed for the first time.Guardiola, then a youth star, was doing a modelling shoot for the late Spanish designer Antonio Miro in the shop, when he fixed his gaze on his future missus.They finally walked down the aisle in 2014 at a town hall on the outskirts of Barcelona.Last year, he revealed his wife was his fashion guru.Cristina Serra comes from a fashion family dynastyCredit: Bongarts – GettyHe said: “My wife is the best in the world at many things, but especially in fashion. So she says normally to me, don’t wear this or wear that, so I follow her.”I am smart enough to know that when people are much much better than me, follow their advice and hers is really good.”Whenever City tasted success, Cristina was often seen at the Etihad alongside Guardiola.She happily posed with the trophies his teams won, with their kids in tow.Guardiola and Cristina met when they were teenagers at her family’s fashion boutiqueCredit: AFP – GettyCristina, daughter Maria and Pep enjoyed a trip to Wimbledon last summerCredit: APread more sport featuresModel daughterGuardiola and Cristina share three children together.Their eldest child is daughter Maria, 24, who has branched out on her own.She shares her glam lifestyle to almost one million followers on Instagram.Unsurprisingly, the beauty is a model and has appeared in sexy bikini shoots for swimwear brand iBilovesyou.She also once reportedly dated a footballer.Back in 2021, Maria was spotted with ex-Spurs star Dele Alli in a romantic clinch.As we exclusively revealed, the pair didn’t care who saw them as they snogged each other at Cloud 9 rooftop bar in front of the DJ booth.Daughter Maria Guardiola has branched out on her ownCredit: INSTAGRAMUnsurprisingly, stunning brunette Maria is a modelCredit: INSTAGRAMMaria once dated Premier League footballer Dele AlliCredit: INSTAGRAMA few months later, they were spotted getting lunch at trendy Mayfair hotspot Novikov, before grabbing a coffee at Starbucks.However, six months later it was reported that Alli had split with Maria.Family timeIn 2023, after a gruelling and successful season as City boss – winning the treble – family came first for Pep.He took Cristina and their kids on a trip of a lifetime to visit to Egypt.Maria, son Marius, 21, and youngest daughter Valentina, 16, joined their parents to tour Cairo and Luxor and visit the Sphinx and Great Pyramid of Giza.Wearing a white outfit and a red baseball cap bearing the letter P, Guardiola received a special ‘Pharaoh’ trophy in photos taken by officials at the Ministry of Tourism.Marius Guardiola is Pep’s only sonCredit: SuppliedThe Guardiola family enjoyed a once in a lifetime trip to EgyptPep and his family pose in front of the Great Pyramid of Giza in matching outfitsCredit: SuppliedShowing a family that all pull the same way together, they were all dressed in neutral shades of white as they beamed for photos.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile Pep and Cristina have split, this kind of showing points to a more amicable resolution.That can only be for the benefit of Pep, Cristina, Maria, Marius, and Valentina moving forward. More

LIAM Delay continued his epic rise in the Premier League with a demolition job of Chelsea.The 21-year-old was instrumental in leading Ipswich Town to a much-needed win over the Blues.Liam Delap has been scoring goals for fun at Ipswich Town this seasonCredit: GettyDelap blasted home a penalty against Chelsea in a 2-0 win for the Tractor BoysCredit: RexIpswich Town minority owner Ed Sheeran helped bring Delap to the clubCredit: GettyDelap got the Tractor Boys on their way by smashing home a first-half penalty.The centre forward, who has been linked with a move to the West Londoners, then provided the assist for Omari Hutchinson to put the seal on a surprise 2-0 win.That prompted Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca – who he saw first-hand playing for Man City’s youth side – to wax lyrical about Delap after the game.He hailed the man of the match, saying: “Liam is a fantastic player, and also for his age.read more football news “I think we spent one year together and he scored [about] 22 to 24 goals. He is a very good striker.”England have many good players, many good strikers [but] he’s working hard off the ball and on the ball, understands the game and can score goals.”I think he can be an important player for England.”Ipswich Town parted with £20million to bring the ex-Cityzen youngster to Suffolk.Most read in FootballBut that will be money well spent if his goals keep Kieran McKenna’s side in the top flight.Delap has already managed seven goals in 18 league games, and was a handful for Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd side last month.Ipswich Town Football Club announce plans to redevelop 53-year-old stand in ‘exciting project’ with hotel and aquatics centre The 6ft1in centre forward, who was handed a Premier League debut by Pep Guardiola in 2020, was in two minds over joining Ipswich in the summer.That was until minority owner Ed Sheeran got involved to get the transfer over the line.And now Delap is being touted as Harry Kane’s successor for the striker role for England.BBC Sport pundit Danny Murphy said: “I’ve seen him a bit quite a lot this season and I’d probably go as far as I say, for me, he the obvious long-term successor to Kane.”I think he’s the best young English striker out there.”I know he’s got a bit to learn and wisdom comes with experience and game time in this league.”But he’s got all the attributes to be a top international player.”Sheer brillianceIt’s not often one of the biggest pop stars in the world has a hand in getting a transfer deal over the line.However, when it’s Ipswich Town superfan Ed Sheeran, then it becomes more understandable.Delap came through the ranks at Man CityCredit: GettyDelap has been touted as Harry Kane’s successor for EnglandCredit: Rexread more sport featuresWhen he’s not gatecrashing Sky Sports interviews with new Man Utd boss Amorim, the singer/songwriter is asking players to join the club he has shares in.Back in the summer, Sheeran got on a Zoom call with Liam Delap and convinced the him his future belonged in East Anglia.In a story told by the club’s CEO Mark Ashton at a Soccerex event, we learned: “A local man, global superstar, sponsor of the football club, now a shareholder and now officially part of our recruitment team.”In the summer we were trying to persuade one particular player to join the football club and realised very quickly that he was an Ed Sheeran fan.”Ed jumped on a Zoom call with him at the training ground, hopefully that was a key part of getting the player across the line.”While Ashton remained coy on who the player was, he let the cat out of the bag when asked how the footballer was getting on this season.He replied: “Certainly scoring a few goals!”It’s in the genesFootball is in Delap’s blood. His dad Rory played for Stoke City, and Delap Jr appeared on the set of Soccer AM in 2014 alongside his father.The former Stoke City and Ireland midfielder is best remembered for his insanely long throw-ins.Former Stoke City hero Rory Delap is Liam’s dadCredit: AFPLiam seen on the set of Soccer AM in 2014Credit: Twitter / @RoryJDelapLike his dad, Liam Delap has an aggressive streakCredit: GettyAs a youth player, that was something that Liam also had in his arsenal.However, when one parent took exception to the youngster’s long-throws he refused to take another throw again.“I think he was put off when he was about an under-10!” Delap Sr. revealed in an interview with Radio Stoke.“One of the parents shouted that he was ruining the game when he took a throw and he hasn’t taken one since.”I don’t think that will be part of his game.”However, one thing he has inherited from his dad’s game is aggression.”(Aggression) always been a part of my game. I need it in my game,” he said in an interview with  the Manchester Evening News.”When I’m on that edge it’s when I’m at my best, it’s just not tipping over that edge and everyone has told me that they’d never want to take it out of me, it’s just controlling that final tipping point of what is acceptable and what’s not.”You can’t really teach it, it’s just something I have and I’m so grateful that I’ve got it but it’s just now working a mechanism that I can control it to keep myself on the pitch.”I’ve got a lot better. I was a lot worse when I was younger so I think it’s just maturing and understanding what’s right.”Inspired by RonaldoA different type of player to his dad, blessed with power and pace, Liam is inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo.In the past Delap has revealed he is a fan of Cristiano RonaldoCredit: GettyDelap knows he has to continue to work at his game to reach the topCredit: Getty”I’ve always looked up to Cristiano Ronaldo. Just the way he plays, the pace and the power.”For me, he’s the best in the world so aspiring to someone who is the best in the world, your dreams just have to be high.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Listening to people that he’s worked with, the extras and lengths that he goes to look after his body and get better every day just shows why he’s at the top level.”You can have talent but talent on its own doesn’t work without effort.” More

INTER MIAMI are well on their way now.The MLS team, owned by David Beckham, won the MLS Supporters’ Shield for the first time with a 3-2 win over Columbus Crew.David Beckham has made Inter Miami the hottest ticket in the States and a success thanks to Lionel MessiLeo DiCaprio has been spotted watching Inter Miami this seasonLionel Messi and his teammates celebrate winning the Leagues Cup in 2023Messi scores against Columbus Crew on Wednesday to seal the MLS Supporters’ ShieldIt’s a massive turnaround in the fortunes of Inter Miami, who won the Leagues Cup last season and are most certainly on an upwards trajectory.The star power of Lionel Messi – who scored twice in Wednesday evening’s historic win – and Beckham is bringing in the crowds at the DRV PNK Stadium, as well as the trophies.Pitchside at the Fort Lauderdale arena has become the MLS equivalent of courtside at the Crypto.com ArenaThose two have made Inter Miami the must-see sports team in the States.Read more Inter Miami newsSo it’s no wonder A-listers including Leo DiCaprio, Selena Gomez and more are flocking to watch the team.And they were only get bigger when they move into the new £750million Miami Freedom Park in 2026, that’ll boast a 25,000 capacity.SunSport looks at the phenomenon Becks created, starting from scratch.Beforehand…The excitement around Beckham, 49, owning a sports team was enough to attract his celeb pals who offered their support.Most read in FootballHis product might have been lacking in pizzazz, with early recruits Gonzalo Higuain and Blaise Matuidi not exactly setting the world on fire.Tom Brady joins David Beckham and Lionel Messi at MLS game & gets gift from soccer icon after celebrating his team’s winBut, Becks is an extremely well-connected man.Curious as to see what all the fuss was about, the rich and famous took in an Inter Miami game.Perhaps, they were passing through Florida, or on holiday, but they can say they were there.This goes for Jay-Z, Jennifer Lopez, Will Smith and Olympic legend Usain Bolt.Maybe the latter was seeking a contract.Pitchside at the DRV PNK Stadium is a huge a celebrity affairThe fanfare was set.A star-studded debutWhile his lightning-delayed unveiling in 2023 was a damp squib, Messi’s debut against Cruz Azul was the equivalent of an Oscars red carpet that ended with a dramatic Hollywood movie plot twist.The star attraction entered the fray in the second half, admittedly very short of match-fitness.That didn’t matter. Not for a man of Messi’s class who had to entertain his new fans, with some paying over £1,000 for a ticket.Inter Miami owners Jorge Mas, Jose Mas, and David Beckham pose alongside Lionel Messi at his unveilingCredit: GettyThe Kardashians dropped in to offer the Beckhams their support,Credit: InstagramFor Kim Kardashian and tennis legend Serena Williams, they had to be there to see Messi’s debutSports pals LeBron James and David Beckham pose for a snap in Fort LauderdaleCredit: Instagramread more sport featuresDeep into stoppage time, he stood over a free-kick some 30-yards from goal.A trademark free-kick followed, driving the fans into ecstasy, Messi’s team-mates wild and securing a win for his new club.Right before he made his appearance, Kim Kardashian, LeBron James, Serena Williams, DJ Khaled, Camila Cabello, Rick Ross, Derek Jeter, Diddy, Becky G, and Marc Anthony all watched in expectation of the spectacular.Even they were in awe of the Barcelona legend, with some of those whipping their camera phones out to film the moment.And it wasn’t a fadWhile his debut was something of make-believe, that enticed the A-listers furthermore.You could be fooled into thinking a match against Atlanta United isn’t exactly a glamour tie.Tell that to Diddy (again), DJ Khaled (again), Camila Cabello (again), and Puerto Rican singer Rauw Alejandro.DJ Khaled and rapper Diddy were seen enjoying Messi’s second gameDJ Khaled’s son Asahd was overcome with emotion stood next to Lionel MessiCamila Cabello snatches a chat with Lionel MessiBefore the action kicked off, Messi led out his team alongside Khaled’s son, Asahd.It was an occasion that was even too much for the boy, who weeped tears of joy to be stood next to his hero.Still, those tears would have been wiped as Messi’s second coming inspired a 4-0 demolition of an MLS rival.Messi was the architect again, scoring twice inside the opening 22 minutes.And he seemingly appeared to be enjoying his new-found status, sharing a chat with singer Cabello during proceedings.READ MORE SUN STORIESBecks’ close pal NFL legend and Birmingham City investor, Tom Brady and producer/rapper Pharrell Williams have also shown their love for Inter Miami.While Hollywood movie star Leo DiCaprio was spotted in a posh box enjoying an ice lolly, and Prince Harry dropped in to see Inter face off against Los Angeles FC.NFL legend Tom Brady and Pharrell Williams are more A-listers who have have joined the Inter Miami celebrity fan clubCredit: GettyLionel Messi has transformed Inter Miami’s fortunesCredit: GettyPrince Harry reacts during a match between Inter Miami and LA FC More

FOOTBALLERS continue to swap the pitch for a TV and film screen.We’ve seen some who have wrapped up their careers and begun a new chapter in acting.Harry Kane appears in a German advert for 3Bears porridgeKane recently signed up to be the face of the cereal brandWhile others, during the pinnacle of their careers, have starred in TV ads. John Barnes, Lucozade springs immediately to mind.The most recent to make the transition is England legend Harry Kane.The 31-year-old striker recently agreed to become the face of 3Bear, a German-British porridge company based in Munich.In his first campaign for the brand, which is shot like hit TV series The Office, he stars as the “new boy” at the firm.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe 90-second mockumentary advert features Kane as a confused colleague on his first day at the office.He arrives at the 3Bears headquarters and introduces himself to co-owners Tim Nichols and Caroline Nichols.The Bayern Munich star attempts to speak to baffled workers, but they do not respond.Kane then puts a football-shaped mug on the table before asking: “So I guess breakfast is included?”Most read in FootballThe ex-Tottenham striker joins a number of football luminaries who have channelled their Robert De Niro.Vinnie Jones bags huge sum for Netflix doc about Wimbledon footie career – featuring iconic on pitch moment (1)Join SunSport in going through them.Vinnie JonesIt was British filmmaker Guy Ritchie who saw a future for the ex-Wimbledon hardman in films.He cast Vinnie as ‘Big Chris’ in 90s flick Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, in which he worked as a heavy for ‘Hatchet Harry’.A role in Snatch as ‘Bullet Tooth Tony’ followed, and he has since appeared in 109 productions, according to IMDB.He played Juggernaut in X-Men: The Last Stand in 2006 alongside Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart.And he is gearing up to star in The Gentleman – another Guy Ritchie film – that’s been turned into a TV series.Vinnie Jones first appeared on film in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking BarrelsCredit: AlamyVinnie Jones, right, later appeared in Guy Ritchie’s SnatchCredit: AlamyEric CantonaMan Utd legend Cantona is another 90s footballer who caught the acting bug.He unexpectedly retired in his prime at the age of 30 in his prime to pursue his dream.The Frenchman scored his first Hollywood role opposite Cate Blanchett in Elizabeth – playing an ambassador, unsurprisingly from France.He went on to star in plenty of French films, but it was in his star turn in indie film Looking for Eric that he showed a penchant for humour. Eric Cantona appeared as a French ambassador in Elizabeth in 1998Credit: AlamyCantona’s comic turn in Looking for Eric was even betterCredit: AlamyZlatan IbrahimovicIf ever there was a man built for action movies, it has to be Zlatan.The Swedish legend has made his film debut in new Netflix film, Asterix & Obelix: The Middle Kingdom.Of course he plays a Roman centurion and gets to show off his fighting skills in one scene – flicking up a helmet with his feet, before delivering a devastating uppercut blow to a villain and knocking his opponent off his feet.Oscar-winner Marion Cotillard also appears, proving Zlatan is in great company.Zlatan Ibrahimovic stars as a Roman centurion in the new Asterix movieCredit: PatheIbrahimovic attended the film’s premiere this monthCredit: RexRonaldoYou know you’ve made it in life when you appear in The Simpsons.Brazil legend Ronaldo played himself in a 2007 episode of the hit American cartoon.Incredibly, he voiced himself in English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Dutch.Amusingly, he turns up at a football match Lisa is playing – labelling her “a flopper” after she goes down too easy following a sturdy challenge. Ronaldo appeared as himself in The SimpsonsCredit: Fox BroadcastingAlly McCoistUnbeknownst to many, Rangers and talksSPORT legend McCoist was in a movie opposite Robert Duvall in A Shot at Glory in 2000.He had to play a fictional legendary ex-Celtic player called Jackie McQuillan, which would have hurt.However, McCoist confessed he wore a Rangers jersey underneath a Celtic one while filming.Ally McCoist opposite movie legend Robert Duvall in A Shot at GloryCredit: AlamyDavid BeckhamWith his movie star looks, it’s no wonder Beckham made it in the movies.Pal Guy Ritchie cast him in two of his films, as a projectionist in 2014’s The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and then as Trigger in King Arthur: Legend of the Sword in 2017.In the latter, he starred with Charlie Hunnam.Hunnam told Becks on set: “I said ‘listen pal, this is my movie and I want to be the most handsome man on screen!'”David Beckham appeared in King Arthur: Legend of the Sword in 2017Credit: AlamyBeckham spotted on the set of the Guy Ritchie movieCredit: AlamyFrank LeboeufEx-Chelsea defender Leboeuf made a bizarre cameo in Oscar-nominated movie The Theory of Everything, based on the life of Stephen Hawking.The French World Cup winner popped up as a doctor in one scene, although it wasn’t his acting debut.Previously he appearedin 2001’s Taking Sides, and has also acted in several theatres as well as World War II film Allies.“Journalists have asked me what is the common point between football and theatre, but they are completely different. We are both live — that’s it,” he told The Times.Frank Leboeuf seen in The Theory of EverythingCredit: TM & © Universalread more sport featuresPeleWith his status as the best footballer on the planet in the 1960s and 70s, it was no surprise Hollywood came calling.The late Pele played the role of Corporal Luis Fernandez, a captured POW during the Second World War in the classic Escape to Victory – with Michael Caine and Sylvester Stallone in starring roles too.The 1981 movie featured several footballers, including Bobby Moore and Ossie Ardiles – who are famously pitted against a German team in an exhibition match for their freedom.Pele shares a chat with Sylvester Stallone on set of 1981 film Escape to VictoryCredit: GettyPele was one of a number of footballers who appearedCredit: AlamyCarlo AncelottiIt’s a blink and you’ll miss it moment. But, the Real Madrid legend showed off his inner trekkie – appearing in Star Trek Beyond in 2016.Ancelotti’s brief cameo came at Starbase Yorktown as a doctor, kitted out in a Starfleet outfit as he examined an alien.Ancelotti said to Four Four Two: “I am a terrible actor.“I loved Star Trek as a child, so it is wonderful to be in the film now.”Carlo Ancelotti is a self-confessed Star Trek fanAncelotti appears in a blink and you’ll miss it moment in Star Trek Beyond in 2016Chris KamaraKamara turned out for Leeds, Bradford and Sheffield United – so it was only right that he would turn up on Yorkshire’s famous soap.Kammy appeared in a small role for an episode that was shown in 2019.He played a football coach and was labelled a “gobby manager” in a clash with Bear Wolf.READ MORE SUN STORIESEmmerdale viewers took to Twitter after watching the hilarious cameo.One fan said: “It’s Chris Kamara the Legend!!!! Unbelievable Jeff!!”Chris Kamara played a ‘Gobby manager’ in Emmerdale and ruffled Bear Wolf’s feathers in the soapCredit: ITV More