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      in Soccer

      Arsenal missed out on buying Juan Mata in 2011 because of ‘Wenger’s dithering’ over fee, before Chelsea signed him

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      ARSENAL missed out on signing Juan Mata from Valencia in 2011, according to the club’s former transfer negotiator Dick Law.The Spanish playmaker had agreed personal terms with the Gunners about making the switch to North London, but the club dithered over the price tag set by the LaLiga outfit.
      Arsenal missed out on signing Juan Mata from Valenica in 2011 to Chelsea
      This led rivals Chelsea to swoop in and secure the services of Mata, who had chipped in with nine goals and 18 assists in 43 games during the 2010-11 season.
      Arsenal were crying out for a creative midfielder as they looked to replace Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, who were seeking an exit from the club.
      But Arsene Wenger and the club were put off by the combined value of the transfer fee for Mata as well as his contract, which would have totalled £37million.
      Law had travelled to Spain to meet with Mata’s father, and he has stated that the player was keen to make the move to the Emirates.
      Speaking to The Athletic, he said: “Then we waited. Juan definitely wanted to come to Arsenal, there was no question about that.”
      When asked if Arsenal ever considered paying above their valuation of a player, Law declared that it was never spoken about.
      He added: “I don’t think that calculation ever entered our equation.
      “We didn’t have the money to say, ‘We’ll spend a bit more’.”
      Arsenal have missed out on some of the world’s biggest stars
      Arsenal eventually managed to lure the now Gunners manager Mikel Arteta to the club on deadline day, while Mata enjoyed a stunning season at Stamford Bridge.
      Mata recorded 12 goals and 20 assists in 54 games in all competitions, helping the club to Champions League and FA Cup glory.
      His performances led him to winning Chelsea’s Player of the Year in his first two seasons, before he was sold to Manchester United in January 2014 after falling out of favour under Jose Mourinho.
      Mata is part of a long list of stars who came close to joining Arsenal, with Lionel Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba all linked with moves. More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s £5.5m yacht that boasts five luxury cabins and six bathrooms, as family enjoy Sardinia break

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      LIFE on the ocean waves looks perfect for Cristiano Ronaldo.The Portugal legend is currently lounging on his amazing £5.5million yacht in Sardinia.
      Georgina Rodriguez shared snaps on Instagram on board their luxury yacht
      The Ronaldo family are enjoying a break in Porto Cervo, Sardinia
      Man Utd legend Ronaldo is the proud owner of the Azimut Grande.
      The super-yacht cost around £5.5million
      The former Man Utd striker is enjoying a much-needed break in Porto Cervo, Sardinia with his family, including Georgina Rodriguez and their brood.
      The famous Wag took to Instagram show off their holiday, with Ronaldo spotted diving into the ocean and the group posing for a family snap.
      Of course, they are doing it in style on board the lavish 88-feet long Azimut Grande, which they splashed the cash on in 2020.
      Built in Azimut-Benett’s shipyards in Versilia, Italy, it boasts five luxury cabins and six stunningly decorated bathrooms.
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      There’s also a modern kitchen onboard, as well as two relaxation areas, a huge lounge, and a lavish dining room.
      In terms of its specifications, it’s capable of reaching 28 knots, thanks to two 1,900 horsepower engines, and is made of carbon fibre,weighing a whopping 93 tonnes.
      It has five luxury cabins
      There are six modern bathrooms
      The lavish dining room is perfect for a romantic dinner, or one with all the kids
      The modern kitchen features all you would hope for, including a tea pot
      There’s a bar on deck
      Two lounge areas are perfect for topping up your tan
      The vessel is capable of reaching a top speed of 28 knots
      No expense was spared in the creation of Ronaldo’s new yacht
      The Azimut Grande stands out at 88-feet long
      It is powered by two 1,900 horsepower engines
      HIS OWN YACHT
      Ronaldo bought the super-yacht in 2020 for £5.5million, which is just a drop in the ocean for the star who now earns a reported £173m a year playing for Saudi side Al-Nassr.
      Previously, he used to rent the Africa I yacht from a charter company before buying his own.
      That year, he was able to take his family including missus Georgina out on the Azimut Grande as they sailed along Italy’s Tyrrhenian coast for its debut voyage.
      SHOW OFF
      Georgina showed off the vessel by sharing a sexy bikini snap on Instagram perched on deck.
      Georgina Rodriguez has shown off the yacht on her Instagram
      Georgina hangs off the yacht for a dip in the Med
      Ronaldo is served his lunch by Rodriguez
      The Ronaldo family enjoy one of the many cabins
      Ronaldo is enjoying a break after another incredible season
      Ronaldo and Georgina share a romantic moment on board their yacht
      The Azimut Grande was spotted sailing along the Tyrrhenian coast in 2020
      Rodriguez has certainly taken to the purchase
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      She posted various photos of the family, relaxing in one of the bedrooms, and serving Cristiano lunch.
      It gave us a window into their incredible lifestyle, that is one to envy.
      Ronaldo is taking time off from Al-Nassr, who signed him in January.
      Unfortunately, his club missed out on winning the league title to Al-Ittihad in the penultimate round. More

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      in Soccer

      Erling Haaland once posed in full Arsenal shirt as a kid as Gunners fans joked ‘he’s coming home’ before Man City move

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      ARSENAL fans were sent wild when an old picture of Erling Haaland in a Gunners kit was posted on social media back in 2022.The 22-year-old sensation left Borussia Dortmund last summer for a bargain £51million move to Manchester City.
      A young Erling Haaland pictured in an Arsenal shirtCredit: Twitter / @chriswheatley_
      Haaland ended up moving to Man City from Borussia Dortmund for £51mCredit: Getty
      Manchester City appeared to always be in pole position for his signature, with Haaland reportedly jetting to Monaco for talks on several occasions before his switch.
      It ended up being a dream move for the Norwegian, who scored an astonishing 52 goals in all competitions.
      He also broke the record for most goals in a Premier League season with 36.
      But, better still, his side managed to win a historic treble – with the 1-0 Champions League final win over Inter Milan being the icing on the cake of a remarkable debut campaign.
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      But an old photo posted to Twitter by Football.London’s Chris Wheatley once caused quite the stir among Arsenal fans.
      In the snap Haaland can be seen wearing a yellow Gunners away kit with matching shorts.
      The kit is dated from the 2010-11 season, and was also used as the away kit for the next two campaigns, but it’s unknown when the picture was taken.
      Nevertheless some fans joked it was a sign that Haaland could have been heading to the Emirates instead,
      Instead, the Gunners added former Man City man Gabriel Jesus to their ranks, who made way for Haaland.
      One excited supporter wrote on social media at the time: “He’s coming home then.”
      Meanwhile another said: “He’s a Gooner through and through.”
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      Others called for Haaland’s Norway team-mate Martin Odegaard to help get a deal over the line, with one writing: “Agent Odegaard.”
      Unfortunately for Arsenal fans, Haaland did end up opting for Man City instead.
      And if wearing a shirt was anything to go by, last year the goal machine was spotted wearing Leeds United shorts as he signed fans for autographs.
      Maybe that’s where he will retire? More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Motorsport

      Inside Christian Horner’s country pile that Red Bull F1 boss shares with Spice Girl Geri and three miniature donkeys

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      RED BULL chief Christian Horner is used to living life in the fast lane working in F1.But when it comes to his personal life, the team principal of the motorsport giants prefers a more quiet and slower existence away from the race track.
      Red Bull boss Christian Horner lives a life of luxury in the countryCredit: Instagram @christianhorner
      Horner poses on the grounds of their Oxfordshire farmhouse with son MontagueCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      He shares TWO stunning country homes with wife, Spice Girl Geri in Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire and their brood.
      The former property is, perhaps, the most lavish and most shared online – boasting its very own duck pond, which they use for boating.
      Their farm also houses three miniature donkeys, horses and goats in the estate’s stables.
      For Horner, living on a farm offers the ideal existence away from the stresses of the F1 circuit.
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      Back in 2019, he told Luxury London that the sprawling country abode was the “perfect home to relax in.”
      “Restoring the farm has been my hobby – the way I put racing out of my mind,” he added.
      “The main house is finished but now the barns are being converted. We’re currently putting the finishing touches to an indoor swimming pool.”
      Certainly, it’s the property in Oxfordshire that gets the most love from Geri on Instagram, who regularly shares candid snaps of her family life.
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      Horner, who last year celebrated Max Verstappen regaining the F1 Championship, is stepdad to Geri’s daughter Bluebell Madonna, 17, and the couple share a son, Montague, who is 6.
      He also has another daughter, Olivia, 10, from a previous relationship with ex-partner Beverley Allen.
      Christian has been spied alongside his boy riding matching John Deere tractors.
      He’s also been seen standing with his vintage Aston Martin DB5, which was Sean Connery’s car of choice as James Bond in Goldfinger.
      F1’s Horner poses on the steps of the home with daughter Olivia from his previous relationshipCredit: Instagram @christianhorner
      Son Montague and dad have matching John Deere tractorsCredit: Instagram @christianhorner
      An Aston Martin DB5 sits proudly in Horner’s garage
      Horner is married to Spice Girl GeriCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      Geri shows off the home’s swimming poolCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      Geri appears happy to play the role of housewife, often sharing photos in the kitchen rustling up treats.
      A budding chef, she has shown off her baking skills by crafting cakes using a customised Ginger Spice KitchenAid mixer, which Christian had specially designed for her.
      And with four separate ovens to choose from with the AGA range the kitchen boasts, she has plenty of space for her other favourite pastime – making bread.
      You can bet, Christian, who also loves using the outdoor barbecue, and the kids are well fed in the Horner household with Geri’s production line of cakes and bread.
      Geri is often spied in the kitchen and loves bakingCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      Christian shows off his grilling skills with the outdoor barbecueCredit: Instagram @christianhorner
      Christian and Geri have a number of reception rooms to entertain from.
      However, the most popular one appears to be where a £16,000 original Wurlitzer can be found.
      When she celebrated her 45th birthday, Geri posted a video online singing along to Michael Jackson hit Billie Jean while thanking Christian for the music, which suggested it was a gift for her.
      Another living room shows off a stunning chandelier, as well as a marble fireplace.
      A £16,000 vintage Wurlitzer can be seen in a reception room, which was a gift from Christian for Geri’s 45th birthdayCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      The Oxfordshire property boasts several reception roomsCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      A spacious dining room was seen when Montague celebrated his birthdayCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      The glam couple also have a bar space in their propertyCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      The family love taking advantage of the huge grounds on offer at their farmhouse.
      And why not when you’ve got an incredible duck pond so big you can go boating on it.
      Horner and Geri can even take their dogs for a walk around the expansive gardens.
      The pair have even been seen zooming around on a quad bike, as well as picking raspberries in the garden with Montague.
      Miniature donkeys live in the stables
      The grounds are vast on the Horner’s Oxfordshire plot
      The Horners show off their horses and have their own stableCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      Geri picks raspberries with Montague in their lush gardenCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      The duck pond on the property has its own boat
      Christian and Geri live the country life away from the racing circuitCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      Of course, no farm would be complete without animals either.
      And Christian and Geri boast three miniature donkeys that are housed in the stables, as well as some goats.
      Read More On The Sun
      The singer often shares videos online when it’s feeding time.
      Clearly, you can forget the fancy racing circuit of heading to places like Dubai or Monte Carlo. A farmhouse is where it’s at. More

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      in Soccer

      Secret behind England and Man City star Jack Grealish’s big calves and why he wears his socks low

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      ENGLAND superstar Jack Grealish has revealed the secret behind his low socks and massive calves.The £100million Manchester City midfielder, 27, has a eye-cathing look on the pitch and has lifted the lid on his style.
      Jack Grealish has revealed the superstitious reason behind his famous low socksCredit: AP
      England ace Grealish has also opened up over his huge calvesCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      On those famous calves, he claimed it is all genetics, saying to the Daily Mail: “I actually don’t do anything. It’s just something that runs in the family.
      “My grandad always had big calves when he used to play football.
      “But I don’t do any calf exercises or calf routines in the gym or anything. Honestly, it’s just something that I’ve had since I was young.”
      And on those well-known low socks Grealish shared that superstition is the reason behind it.
      Read more football news
      He said: “I think I was about 14 or 15 and we were sponsored by Macron at Aston Villa and the socks used to shrink in the wash.
      “In training I couldn’t get them over my calves because the socks were so small.
      “So I started wearing them below my calves in training — and that season I ended up playing really well.
      “So then I started wearing my socks below my calves in games. It was just something that stuck because I’d had such a good season.”
      Fans had their say on Grealish’s calves when he played for the Three Lions in Qatar at the World Cup last year, with one saying: “So like, how big are Grealish’s calves going to get?”
      Another wrote: “Was very into the US-England game until noticing Jack Grealish’s mutant calves, which became my entire focus afterwards.”
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      One declared: “Jack Grealish wears his socks so low cause if he pulls them over his calves he’ll lose circulation to his legs.”
      Another added: “Someone hit me up with Grealish’s calves workout.” More

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      in Soccer

      Ex-Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez called Maxi Rodriguez a ‘son of a b****’ after he told white lie to get transfer

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      MAXI RODRIGUEZ has revealed he risked incurring the wrath of Rafael Benitez on day one of his Liverpool career.The Argentine winger signed for the Merseysiders in January 2010 following a useful stint at Atletico Madrid.
      Rodriguez was unveiled in January 2010Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      But in a desperate bid to seal a move to Anfield, Rodriguez told former Kop chief Benitez a little lie.
      The Liverpool manager asked the former Argentina international if he could speak English, as he wanted assurances that his potential new player would be able to slot straight into the dressing room at Melwood.
      Rodriguez immediately told him that he could.
      Although to say he was bending the truth would be somewhat of an understatement.
      Speaking during an Instagram Live, the now 42-year-old revealed: “Rafa told me it was very important for everyone to speak English.
      “When he asked if I could I said, ‘Yes, of course, don’t worry.’
      “I didn’t want negotiations to fall through so I told a little lie.
      “But when I arrived there was a press conference.
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      “Rafa told me he’d speak first and then I would take over.
      “That’s when I grabbed him and told [him], ‘Look, Rafa, the only thing I know how to say is hello.’
      “Rafa said, ‘You’re a son of a b****.’
      “But we were both laughing about it and after that, I learned how to speak English.”
      Rodriguez went on to make 73 appearances over two-and-a-half years at Anfield, notching 17 goals along the way.
      He was let go when Brendan Rodgers arrived in 2012, but not before he had lifted silverware in the shape of the 2012 League Cup.
      At 40, he still played for top-flight side Newell’s Old Boys in his native Argentina until 2021.
      Newell’s have an illustrious history, having previously been represented by the likes of Diego Maradona, Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino and as a boy by Lionel Messi.
      Rodriguez’s international career came to an end in 2014 following 51 appearances and 15 goals.
      Rodriguez went on to make 73 appearances for LiverpoolCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd More

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      in Motorsport

      Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll claims F1 has become ‘billionaire boys club’ after Lewis Hamilton demanded change

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      ASTON MARTIN F1 team owner, Lawrence Stroll, admits the sport has become “the billionaire boys club”.Lewis Hamilton used the term when he said he felt F1 had become overrun by young drivers with rich parents.
      Lawrence Stroll says F1 is an expensive sport dominated by very wealthy racersCredit: The Times
      Lewis Hamilton reckons it would be tough for someone from his background to break into F1Credit: PA
      And the seven-time world champion, 38, believes it would be impossible for him to break into the sport from his background if he tried to do it now.
      Hamilton told Spain news publication AS: “Growing up in a normal working-class family, there is no way I could be here – the guys you are fighting against have that much more money.
      “We have to work to change that to make it more accessible, for the rich and for people with more humble origins.”
      The likes of Lance Stroll, the son of the Aston Martin tycoon, Nikita Mazepin, Lando Norris and Mick Schumacher have all come from wealthy families.
      Read more on F1
      And Stroll, who is worth around £2.1billion ($3bn), and funded his son’s racing career said: “Racing is definitely expensive, from go-karting on up, there’s no doubt about it.
      “It’s a lot less expensive to play golf or play tennis but F1 it’s an expensive sport, there’s machinery. There’s a lot of people who run the machines.
      “You have to be a very wealthy individual or a very large corporation to be able to afford to be in Formula One.
      “I don’t know what Lewis’s comment was referring to but this is a sport that is very capital intensive.
      “If you look at, for example, building a new building or a new wind tunnel, that’s well over £150million.
      “But Formula One is definitely an expensive sport to be in, there’s no question about that.”
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      Stroll completed his takeover of Aston Martin car company in 2021 and then rebranded the former Racing Point F1 team, more commonly remembered as Force India.
      Not only is he building a new factory, but he is upping staff levels from 500 to 800 employees in pursuit of challenging the likes of Red Bull and Mercedes for titles.
      When quizzed how long it will take before they are competitive, he added: “I think it’s four, five or six years.
      “We’re currently in a good place. We share Mercedes’ wind tunnel, but it is not as good as having your own.
      “Facilities wise, we’ve definitely outgrown our current site.
      “We’re putting up a lot of temporary facilities in order to accommodate all these new employees.
      “But as far as plans going forward, like pretty much every other business I own, is to win.
      “In this case, winning and Formula One obviously means world championships. 
      “Ultimately, that’s what we are striving for. That’s what I am striving for.
      “We all know very well that success in Formula One or any other business for that matter doesn’t come overnight.
      “That takes years to put the right people, the right tools, the right processes in place.
      Read more on The Sun
      “But we’re building and investing in our team with the ambition of moving up the grid year by year.
      “And our ultimate ambition is to win world championships.”
      Stroll (right) says his team are targeting world championship winsCredit: Rex More

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      in Boxing

      Legend Floyd Mayweather calls HIMSELF best boxer ever with Muhammad Ali fifth after epic rant about The Greatest

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      FLOYD MAYWEATHER had no hesitation in naming HIMSELF the best fighter ever – before launching into a rant about Muhammad Ali after placing him fifth.The 46-year-old legend holds an untarnished 50-0 career record with his last career win coming against Conor McGregor in 2017.
      Floyd Mayweather has named HIMSELF the greatest boxer of all-time ahead of a host of legendsCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Mayweather launched into a an extraordinary rant on why he was better than Muhammad AliCredit: Rex Features
      Since hanging up his gloves, Mayweather has hit the exhibition circuit and recently fought John Gotti III in a bout that erupted into chaos when a brawl between both corners stopped the fight.
      In 2020, Money appeared on ESPN and was asked to pick the best of the best from his sport, with Mayweather having legendary names such as Ali, Rocky Marciano and Joe Louis to choose from.
      But he instantly named himself as top choice and explained why.
      The American said: “He’s beat more world champions than any other fighter in a shorter time and less fights than any other fighter.
      “Landed punches at the highest percentage and took less punishment. He’s been world champion 18 years in five different weight divisions.”
      Regarding placing Ali in fifth, a man widely-regarded as the best of all-time, he said: “Ali, only one weight class and really lost to Ken Norton three times.
      “What he did is he stood for a cause in an era when African-Americans didn’t stand up for their people.”
      Mayweather also launched an extraordinary rant against Ali as he was named the best boxer of all time.
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      He said: “What are we judging fighters on? Because if we’re judging fighters on standing for a cause, then it’s Ali hands down.
      “But if we’re talking about taking the least punishment and breaking records, it’s Floyd Mayweather.
      “Muhammad Ali paved the way for me to be where I’m at today, he’s a legend.
      “But when we talk about record breaking, we’ve got to talk about Ali losing his world title to a fighter with only seven fights.
      “I have to take my hat off to Ali, but I didn’t give this sport 40 years to say that there’s another fighter better than me.”
      When the host argued that Ali’s boxing resume included legendary fights like his Thrilla in Manila showdown with Joe Frazier and suggested Mayweather did not have the same type of brawls, that ignited the flame further.
      A fuming Money replied: “That’s not cool. That’s not cool.
      “What I’m here to teach fighters is this: the name of the game is to hit and not get hit. It’s not about taking punishment.
      “And I love Ali, but sitting on the ropes, taking punishment as far as doing a rope-a-dope – that’s not cool.”
      Mayweather named Roberto Duran second, Pernell Whitaker third and Julio Cesar Chavez fourth in his own list.
      He explained: “[Roberto Duran]. Came up from lightweight to world champion at 160lbs. Love that guy. A legend.
      “[Pernell Whitaker]. Really, he beat Julio Cesar Chavez (the fight was a officially a draw). And he did beat my uncle Roger twice.
      “[Julio Cesar Chavez]. Was 79-0 in different weight classes before he lost.” More