Retime

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City owner Sheikh Mansour ‘tried and tried’ to buy Liverpool but couldn’t deal with ‘difficult’ owners

      by

      GRAEME SOUNESS has claimed Sheikh Mansour tried to buy Liverpool before he invested his billions into Manchester City.Amanda Staveley, the financier behind the 2008 purchase of the Eastlands club is said to have confessed the bid in a Dubai restaurant.
      Liverpool fans might wonder what might have been had Sheikh Mansour taken overCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      According to Souness, the Emirati-backed bid to buy Liverpool fell apart as Tom Hicks and George Gillett blocked the sale.
      Souness, who won five league titles and three European Cups with the Reds, recalled on Sky Sports: “I went to Dubai, 12, 13 years ago.
      “I walked round the hotel with my wife and my son and went to the Nobu restaurant which was empty just after lunch.
      “On the way out someone came over and introduced themselves, then a lady came over and she introduced herself as Amanda. ‘I’m a Liverpool supporter,’ she said.
      “During the conversation she said, ‘I’m responsible for taking the Abu Dhabi family to Man City’ and I said, ‘but five minutes ago you said you were a Liverpool supporter – why did you not take them to Liverpool?’
      “She said, ‘I tried and I tried but Gillett and Hicks were so difficult to deal with, they just walked away in the end’.”

      The American businessmen were hugely unpopular with the Anfield faithful during their three-and-a-half years in charge of the Reds.
      In January 2008, a spat with Rafa Benitez saw their approval ratings plunge even further and fans protested amid news that Middle Eastern interests were evaluating a takeover bid.
      Dubai International Capital, controlled by Sheikh Mansour’s father-in-law Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, were thought to be behind a move to buy Liverpool at that stage as well as a year earlier, before Hicks and Gillett came in.
      Liverpool were ultimately taken over by Fenway Sports Group in 2010.

      Credit: PA:Press AssociationAmanda Staveley is said to have revealed why the bid was blocked More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Where Man Utd’s 2003 invincible youth team are now, including Chris Eagles, Gerard Pique and Tom Heaton

      by

      GARY NEVILLE says the current Manchester United first team have almost no chance of winning this year’s Premier League.The Red Devils have not lifted the famous trophy since Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season in 2012/13.
      Manchester United beat Middlesbrough over two legs in 2003Credit: Getty
      But there is another competition they used to dominate that United have not won in even longer.
      The FA Youth Cup has gone back to Old Trafford 10 times but United have not lifted it in over a decade.
      Victory over Middlesbrough in the 2003 final is one of the club’s most famous youth triumphs, with a squad packed with academy talent and Neville watching from the stands.
      But what has happened to that 2003 squad? While some went on to have glittering careers, others followed very different paths.
      TOM HEATON
      Heaton was a mainstay of United’s youth and reserve set-ups after joining from Wrexham in 2002.
      But the keeper never got a foothold with the senior side and eventually left for Cardiff in 2010.

      A successful move to Burnley and a handful of England caps soon followed before Heaton was snapped up by Aston Villa after a serious injury.
      That move did not work out as planned and he was released over the summer, before making a homecoming return to United for the 2021-22 campaign.
      Tom Heaton is back at Manchester United this season to act as third-choice
      GERARD PIQUE
      Where to start with one of the best defenders the game has ever seen?
      Pique famously joined United from Barcelona’s storied La Masia academy and claimed the Premier League and Champions League titles with the senior team.
      But by 2008 the lure of a return to the Nou Camp proved too much and he headed back to Spain to add to his trophy collection.
      Eight LaLiga titles, three more Champions League medals, a World Cup and European Championship followed as Pique wrote his name into football’s history books.
      Gerard Pique went on to lift just about every trophy in the gameCredit: AFP
      LEE SIMS
      On the other end of the spectrum sits Pique’s 2003 centre-back partner Lee Sims.
      The defender was released by United just a year after the Youth Cup win and an unsuccessful trial at Cardiff saw him exit the game altogether.
      PHIL BARDSLEY
      Ranking somewhere between Pique and Sims in terms of professional success sits Phil Bardsley.
      The right-back edged into United’s first team for the 2005/06 season before heading to Sunderland in 2008.
      A solid career followed at the Stadium of Light before moves to Stoke and Burnley ensured Bardsley remained a Premier League player.
      But his most famous moment probably came when he knocked out pal Wayne Rooney while sparring in the England striker’s kitchen.
      Phil Bardsley found a home at Burnley after Old TraffordCredit: Visionhaus
      PAUL McSHANE
      McShane joined United a year before the 2003 victory but never went on to make a senior appearance for the club.
      The Republic of Ireland defender enjoyed a career with the likes of West Brom, Sunderland, and Reading – and famously scored on the final day of the season 2012/13 to send Hull into the Premier League.
      Now retired, McShane has gone full circle to return to United as a coach in their youth set-up.
      Paul McShane enjoyed a solid career after leaving UnitedCredit: Getty
      DAVID JONES
      The 2003 skipper is another who failed to make the grade as a senior player at United.
      But the midfielder has played in the top flight with the likes of Derby, Wolves and Burnley.
      Jones is now turning his hand at coaching with a few famous faces – the 36-year-old signed as a player-coach at Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham.
      CHRIS EAGLES
      Eagles was tipped for stardom at United and made his debut for the first team six months after the Youth Cup triumph.
      But the promising start to his senior career stuttered and he went on to make just 17 appearances for the club before moving to Burnley in 2008.
      A series of other moves followed before the 35-year-old called time on his career at Oldham in January 2020.
      He was recently in trouble with the law after being found ‘drunk and shoeless’ in the driving seat of his £70,000 Audi.
      Chris Eagles is another United prospect who moved to BurnleyCredit: Dave Pinegar – The Sun
      BEN COLLETT
      The enforcer of the 2003 side never got to taste the heady heights of life in the United first team.
      Collett was named the club’s young player of the year in 2003 and was even tipped by Fergie to make it as a senior pro.
      But a horror leg-break soon forced him to retire from football, with Collett awarded £4.3 million in compensation in 2008.
      KIERAN RICHARDSON
      Richardson is arguably the biggest household name after Pique from the 2003 squad.
      The left-sided winger managed to establish himself in the United first team and made 81 appearances for the club in a five-year spell.
      Premier League titles and England caps soon followed before he departed for Sunderland in 2007.
      Kieran Richardson moved to Sunderland after earning England capsCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      SYLVAN EBANKS-BLAKE
      Ebanks-Blake is another United youth star whose career was marred by a broken leg.
      A debut in the senior team was followed by a leg break at the end of the 2004/05 season and the striker departed Old Trafford soon after.
      He enjoyed successful spells at Plymouth and Wolves but an injury curse appeared to hang over his career, with two more broken legs before hanging up his boots in 2019.
      GIUSEPPE ROSSI
      Fellow striker Rossi is yet another United prospect to have suffered injury woe throughout his career.
      The Italian – who was born in the USA – showed promise at United before he forced a move to Villarreal in a desperate move for more game time.
      He scored goals in Spain before moving to Fiorentina in Serie A, but serious knee injuries blighted his prime years.
      Rossi narrowly avoided a doping ban after failing a test in 2018 and he called time on his career last year after moving to Real Salt Lake City.
      Italy’s Giuseppe Rossie saw his career hampered by injuryCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription
      LUKE STEELE
      Heaton’s rival between the sticks, Steele was another tipped for success at United.
      But with the likes of Edwin Van Der Sar, Tim Howard and Ben Foster ahead of him in the senior pecking order, Steele never really stood a chance.
      Steele’s career has seen him employed by a whopping 13 clubs and the 37-year-old now plays at Notts County in the National League.
      LEE LAWRENCE
      Lawrence’s Youth Cup glory was soon followed by a loan out to Shrewsbury Town in the Conference.
      An injury while on loan scuppered his fledgling career and he was soon released by United.
      MARK HOWARD
      Howard was a classmate of Bardsley’s but never enjoyed the same success on the pitch as the veteran right-back.
      After being released in 2006 he moved to Denmark to play for Brondby under Rene Meulensteen – who in turn would head to United as a first team coach.
      DAVID POOLE
      Winger Poole left Old Trafford in 2005 for a career in the lower leagues.
      Yeovil Town and Stockport County saw him play up and down the country before his career came to a close with Hyde in the Northern Premier League.
      EDDIE JOHNSON
      Johnson found himself one of a host of players let go in 2006 with Bradford his initial landing zone.
      Injury blighted a promising start at Valley Parade and Johnson eventually brought an end to his career in 2012 after a spell stateside with Portland Timbers.
      Watch ruthless Aston Villa fans troll Cristiano Ronaldo with ‘siu’ celebration after famous win over Man Utd More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Football’s most valuable shirts, including Man Utd’s vintage 86 third shirt… but do you own one worth £600?

      by

      FOOTBALL fans could be sitting on a small fortune if they have a vintage kit tucked away in their wardrobe.Arsenal’s iconic bruised banana kit and Manchester United’s blue jersey from 1986 are among the 10 most valuable items.
      Juventus wore the pink strip in the same season they lifted the Serie A
      In collaboration with Classic Football Shirts, Casumo have pulled together a list of the most pricey shirts that you could own.
      10) Juventus 1997/98 – £299.99
      The Italian giants wore this jersey as they secured the Serie A title after finishing five points ahead of Inter Milan.
      Alessandro Del Piero, Filippo Inzaghi, Zinedine Zidane were among the big names that rocked the bright pink kit.
      Juve’s Centenary away shirt, designed by Kappa, comes complete with a chunky black collar and Sony sponsorship.
      Dortmund’s luminous yellow kit will be easy to spot from a distanceCredit: P O Box 8778 LaJolla CA 92038 USA
      9) Dortmund 1996/97 – £299.99
      At the same price as Juve’s pink jersey, it’s Dortmund’s super rare shirt from the year they won the Champions League.
      The German side ensured they stood out on the pitch in the luminous yellow home jersey.
      Designed by Nike, the shirt has a stylish look with striped sleeves and a black collar.
      Liverpool’s ‘Candy’ kit was designed in the club’s traditional red coloursCredit: P O Box 8778 LaJolla CA 92038 USA
      8) Liverpool 1989/91 – £349.99
      This retro Adidas kit was the one that Liverpool wore when they last won the league title in the 1989/90 season.
      The “Candy” kit was worn by the likes of John Barnes and Ian Rush while the club was managed by Kenny Dalgliesh.
      Because of the history it represents, this kit has become one of the most rare retro shirts on the internet.
      This Chelsea did not last very long because of the materials usedCredit: 2009
      7) Chelsea 1986/87 – £349.99
      Blues chairman Ken Bates decided to the club should produce own home shirt this season to save them a few quid.
      The result was a basic V-neck design with a white strip along the sleeves and a small Chelsea badge on the front.
      But due to the cheap cost, it was prone to damage and did not tend to last very long.
      Inter Milan’s kit is commonly associated with Brazil icon Ronaldo
      6) Inter 1997/98 – £374.99
      This incredible jersey was famously worn by Brazil legend Ronaldo as he dominated the Italian league.
      The striped kit was only worn in European competition, but Inter are set to mimic the design for next season’s third kit.
      It features a grey and black horizontal pattern with yellow detailing and the club badge is placed in the middle of the top.
      Ian Wright is a huge fan of Arsenal’s bruised banana kitCredit: P O Box 8778 LaJolla CA 92038 USA
      5) Arsenal 1991/93 – £374.99
      The bruised banana kit is a must-have for any kit collectors out there even though it was widely slated when it was released.
      Gunners legend Lee Dixon still likes the kit so much that he refused to sell it to a desperate fan.
      Arsenal released a replica version of the eye-catching yellow shirt earlier this year, but nothing will compare to the original.
      The AC Milan shirt features a special club crest on the frontCredit: P O Box 8778 LaJolla CA 92038 USA
      4) AC Milan 1999/2000 – £399.99
      Fans will have to fork out nearly £400 to get their hands on this stylish red and black striped jersey.
      This was the kit worn by the Italian giants as they failed to defender their Serie A title and finished in third place.
      Despite the bad memories behind it, it is hugely popular as it was worn by the likes of Andriy Shevchenko and Paolo Maldini.
      Manchester United’s blue kit was designed by Adidas
      3) Manchester United 1986/88 – £449.99
      This third kit was used during Sir Alex Ferguson’s first season in charge at Old Trafford.
      The blue strip was worn during the 1-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield in the 1986/87 season when Norman Whiteside scored the winner.
      And the retro Adidas design, complete with Sharp sponsorship, makes it a fan favourite in the modern say.
      Diego Maradona wore this strip during his last season with the clubCredit: P O Box 8778 LaJolla CA 92038 USA
      2) Napoli 1990/91 – £499.99
      This is the shirt that Diego Maradona wore during his final year with the Italian side.
      It is the last Napoli shirt to date to feature the Scudetto shield in honour of their Serie A triumph in the previous season.
      Less is more when it comes to this design, which comes with the Original Mars sponsorship and Napoli badge.

      Barcelona’s iconic orange kit will set fans back a small fortuneCredit: P O Box 8778 LaJolla CA 92038 USA
      1) Barcelona 1991/92 – £599.99
      This eye-catching orange shirt is the most expensive out of all of the retro club shirts at around £600.
      It was worn when Barcelona’s star-studded squad won the iconic 1992 European Cup final against Sampdoria.
      During that match, it was worn by Ronald Koeman, Hristo Stoichkov and even Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.
      Allegri confirms Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave Juventus and is ‘looking for new club’ amid Man City transfer interest More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Mohammed Bin Salman owns a £230m French chateau called ‘world’s most expensive house’ which features its own aquarium

      by

      CROWN Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed Bin Salman is now the proud owner of Newcastle United.However, he will hope recent results improve as the Magpies look to avoid the drop with Eddie Howe now installed as boss.
      The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Bin Salman bought this French Chateau for £230mCredit: Reuters
      The most incredible feature is its meditation room that features an aquariumCredit: � Magali Delporte / eyevine.
      The Chateau Louis XIV is the world’s most expensive homeCredit: Reuters
      And you can bet there isn’t a better house in the world to watch his team from, when he’s in stunning home in France.
      His Chateau Louis XIV is modelled on 17th-century French castles, but was built between 2008-11 in Louveciennes, near Versailles.
      Before the 36-year-old prince bought the palace, Kim Kardashian once considered it as a venue for her wedding to Kanye West.
      Join SunSport in marvelling at Bin Salman’s luxury abode – that features an astonishing aquarium.
      KEEPING IT QUIET
      When Bin Salman purchased the Chateau Louis XIV – he didn’t want anyone to know about it.
      He carefully concealed his ownership by using shell companies in France and Luxembourg.
      But after further investigation it turned out those companies are under the Eight Investment Company umbrella – a Saudi firm that’s managed by the head of prince’s personal foundation.
      Emad Khashoggi, the nephew of billionaire arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi, developed the property – bulldozing the original 19th century castle and rebuilding it with 21st century amenities.
      In fact, it is so hi-tech – fountains, sound systems, the lights, and air conditioning are all controlled by iPhone.
      Gold is a common theme throughout the lavish palaceCredit: � Magali Delporte / eyevine.
      The grounds span 57 acresCredit: PA:Press Association
      The wine cellar can store up to 3,000 bottlesCredit: � Magali Delporte / eyevine.
      There are two swimming pools at the property, one indoors, one outCredit: � Magali Delporte / eyevine.
      Fancy expensive art decorates the wallsCredit: � Magali Delporte / eyevine.
      Bin Salman also has his own nightclub, should he wish to entertain guestsCredit: � Magali Delporte / eyevine.
      THE SPECS
      The most incredible feature of Chateau Louis XIV is its meditation room, or chilling room inside the castle’s moat.
      It features a transparent underwater chamber, something you might see in a James bond film, that has sturgeon and koi swimming around.
      Other lavish features include a statue of Louis XIV made of expensive Carrara marble overlooking the 57-acre grounds.
      In terms of comfort, there are 10 bedroom suites, a huge reception room with a 52ft-high painted dome ceiling, a library, as well as a wine cellar that can store up to 3,000 bottles – enough to toast success with Newcastle.
      It also has indoor and outdoor pools, a private cinema, a squash court, two ballrooms, and a nightclub.
      Kim Kardashian came to inspect the palace in 2014 as a potential wedding venueCredit: 2014 Marc Piasecki

      No expense was spared designing the palace from scratchCredit: � Magali Delporte / eyevine.
      The staircases feature gold leafCredit: � Magali Delporte / eyevine.
      The indoor swimming pool is in the basementCredit: � Magali Delporte / eyevine.
      Fountains are operated through an app on an iPhoneCredit: 2014 Marc Piasecki
      HEY BIG SPENDER
      In 2015, King Salman threatened to go over his limit on his American Express Centurion Card.
      He spent £452m on a 440 ft super-yacht – bought from a Russian tycoon after being wowed by it while on holiday France.
      Feeling that it looked a bit bare and needed some decorating, he then acquired Leonardo Da Vinci’s £350m Salvator Mundi masterpiece and is believed to have installed the painting on the mega boat.
      However, it is the Chateau Louis XIV that required the most fuss.
      Town officials who worked with designer Khashoggi revealed it became an obsession – likening construction to the building of the Palace of the Versailles.
      Chateau Louis XIV was one of three extravagant purchases by Bin SalmanCredit: AFP – Getty
      Emad Khashoggi, the nephew of billionaire arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi, developed the homeCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Like its inspiration the Palace of Versailles, all aspects of its design are over the top and of the highest qualityCredit: � Magali Delporte / eyevine.

      “Khashoggi said it was the dream of his life to make a thing like that,” former Louveciennes deputy mayor Marianne Merlino told the NY Times.
      “Like in Versailles, that was way over the top too, and like Louis XIV, he achieved something really quite incredible.”
      And judging by these pictures, you can’t argue with that.
      Goal actor Kuno Becker sends video message to namesake Santiago Munoz after he joined Newcastle in amazing twist of fate More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 ace Lewis Hamilton’s amazing car collection worth £13m, includes a £4m Shelby and a £1.6m Pagani Zonda 760 LH

      by

      TO be Lewis Hamilton for a day.The F1 ace has amassed a £300m fortune that allows him to indulge in the best boys’ toys around.
      Lewis Hamilton has amassed a £300m fortune from motor racing and sponsorshipsCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      Hamilton’s wealth means he can afford life’s greatest luxuries and has a £13m car collectionCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      And boy does the racing legend know how to spend it – splashing his cash on the best cars that could earn him the title of ultimate celebrity petrol head.
      The eco-warrior equalled Michael Schumacher’s seven world titles last season and has a deal with Mercedes to race till 2023.
      Join SunSport in taking a look at the staggering fleet of cars that sees Hamilton, 36, live like a king.
      I don’t know anything about wine. I don’t know a huge amount about art. But what I do know is cars, and I’m very particular about them.”Lewis Hamilton on motors
      CARS
      Lewis has a fleet of motors worth around… wait for it… £13 million.
      Of course, being a driver, he’s a car fanatic and collects everything from supercars to vintage classics that he divides between two garages – one in Monaco and another in LA.
      “I don’t know anything about wine. I don’t know a huge amount about art. But what I do know is cars, and I’m very particular about them,” he once said.
      Amusingly, so they keep their value, when Hamilton doesn’t want to drive them back home – he reportedly has a tow-truck that comes to pick them up from whatever restaurant or club he’s at.
      Here’s just some of his extravagant collection.
      PAGANI ZONDA 760 LH
      The rarest motor in Hamilton’s possession is a £1.6m Pagani Zonda that was made entirely for him.
      The exterior and interiors are purple, and at the request of the sports star he opted for a manual gearbox instead of the usual sequential one.
      Hamilton’s Pagani Zonda cost him £1.6m but he hates driving itCredit: Rex Features
      His reasons? Because he hated getting behind the wheel of it initially.
      “The Zonda is terrible to drive!” he once said.
      “It’s the best-sounding car I own, but handling-wise it’s the worst.”
      That could be why in 2015 Hamilton got in an accident that caused some significant damage to the cherished motor.1966 SHELBY 427 COBRA
      The highest valued car in Hamilton’s collection is this stunning classic.
      Believed to be worth around £4m, it’s a rare sight – unless you’ve seen the racer cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway in LA.
      Hamilton was often spied taking his ex-missus Nicole Scherzinger for a spin in this beauty, which would have him standing out from the crowd.
      A 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra is Hamilton’s most expensive car worth £4mCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      LAFERRARI
      Every car aficionado worth their weight in salt owns this £1m Ferrari – another collector’s item that rises in value as the years go by.
      Capable of reaching a top speed of 217 mph, the LaFerrari can hit 0-62 mph in just 2.4 seconds, meaning it’s Hamilton’s fastest car he owns.
      Footballers including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Son Heung-min also drive this frighteningly fast motor that must be just like handling a racing car.
      A £1m Ferrari La Ferrari is a must for any car collection, including HamiltonCredit: Xposure
      MERCEDES-AMG PROJECT ONE
      Lewis has already got his hands on a Project One, that’s not even supposed to be out till next year.
      He was heavily involved in the production of the plug-in hybrid sports car that’s capable of hitting a top speed of 217mph.
      Only 275 are going to be released at a cost of around £2m.
      Make that 274 now, since Hamilton has one.
      Hamilton has managed to get his hands on a £2m Mercedes-AMG Project One ahead of its 2021 release
      Hamilton was heavily involved in the production of the Project OneCredit: AFP or licensors
      MERCEDES-AMG SLS BLACK
      He already owned a SL Black Series, so why not add the SLS, right?
      Hamilton, who clearly has a need for speed, added this supercar to his garage probably because it’s the fastest Mercedes in production.
      Powered by a 6.2-litre V8 engine that produces 622bhp – the SLS can reach a top speed of 196 mph.
      It also hits 0-60 in just 3 seconds – making it the ideal car for Hamilton to get his thrills off the track with. For a price tag of £230k, it’s just what you’d expect really.
      Driving for Mercedes has its perks for HamiltonCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      Hamilton regularly shares images on social media alongside Mercedes motorsCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      MCLAREN P1
      Despite splitting with McLaren’s racing team, Hamilton can’t have felt too aggrieved with his former employers because in 2015 he added a £2m P1 to his extensive list of rides.
      The P1 has a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, which is twinned with an electric motor that means the supercar has a total power and torque output of 903 bhp and 980 Nm of torque.
      In real talk that means it’s fast and powerful, can hit a top of 217 mph and 0-60mph in under 2.7 seconds.
      In 2015 Hamilton added a £2M McLaren P1 to his list of ridesCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      The McLaren P1 is capable of hitting 0-62 mph in just 2.7 secondsCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      Hamilton didn’t hold any grudges with McLaren despite splitting from the team and drives their car still on the streets of MonacoCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      1967 FORD MUSTANG SHELBY GT500
      The second classic car that’s part of his fleet, fans of the Hollywood movie Gone In 60 Seconds might recognise this motor as looking to similar to one of the Eleanor models from the film.
      Hamilton had his customised by Oklahoma shop Classic Recreations for additional cost.
      At auctions, these can fetch up to £750k, and you can bet Hamilton’s is in tip-top condition. That said, we doubt he’ll ever sell it.
      Lewis Hamilton says he feels like ‘giving up on everything’ in post about environment that has fans fearing for the F1 superstar
      BEST OF THE REST
      When the Mercedes-Maybach 6 came out in 2016, Hamilton made sure he got his hands on the concept car.
      The 2×2 coupe is completely electric, and can run up to 200 miles before it’ll need recharging.
      Hamilton also has another Mercedes – the Maybach S600, which is a luxurious chauffeur’s car with a partition separating the front seats from the back.
      Both those motors have a combined worth of around £800k.
      And Hamilton doesn’t mind swapping four wheels for two – sometimes taking his £6,500 Honda CRF450RX Motocross Bike around the dirt tracks of California.
      Then there’s also his Maverick X3 dune buggy that would’ve set him back around £20k, that’s also electric in theme with his eco-warrior status.
      Hamilton is a fan of the Maverick x3 dune buggy worth £20kCredit: 2017. All rights reserved.
      Nicole Scherzinger used to ride with Hamilton on his buggyCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      Hamilton also has a penchant for motorbikesCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton’s stunning homes, from £18m six-bedroom London mansion to £32m New York penthouse in celeb hotspot

      by

      BEING an F1 driver, Lewis Hamilton is a natural globetrotter.Flying from circuit to circuit, the Brit has won the world championship SEVEN times.
      Globetrotter Lewis Hamilton boasts a proud property portfolioCredit: AFP or licensors
      Before he set off in pursuit of the 2021 title – having overtaken Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 career race wins last year – he at least had a choice of four luxury homes to self-isolate in.
      From a £32MILLION penthouse in New York to an £18MILLION London mansion and a Monte Carlo retreat, the 36-year-old racer knows how to live a life of luxury.
      NEW YORK, NEW YORK
      Lewis has an affinity to America, especially the east coast, where he has owned two properties in the Big Apple.
      In 2019, he splashed £32m on a Manhattan penthouse in a condo project part-owned by NFL great Tom Brady and his model wife Gisele Bundchen.
      His 6,547 square-foot home included a huge outdoor area and has views of the Hudson River, as well as a swimming pool, fitness centre, squash court, library and wine cellar.
      Neighbours include Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence and Austin Powers star Mike Myers.
      Around the same time, he listed his three-floor 8,900-square-foot penthouse that had its own swimming pool.
      Hamilton paid £34m for the five-bedroom, six-bathroom apartment in Tribeca in 2017, but incredibly never lived in it. It’s not known if he ever did sell it.
      Last year Hamilton splashed £32m on a Manhattan apartmentCredit: Vestry
      The glorious penthouse is part of a condo project part-owned by NFL great Tom Brady and his model wife Gisele BundchenCredit: Vestry
      The library will keep Hamilton book smartCredit: Vestry
      The bedroom boasts a view of the Hudson RiverCredit: Vestry
      Hamilton’s kitchen provides plenty of space for entertaining guestsCredit: Vestry
      Neighbours include Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence and Austin Powers star Mike MyersCredit: Vestry
      Hamilton has an affinity to buying property in the Big AppleCredit: Vestry
      Hamilton used to have a home in nearby Greenwich VillageCredit: refer to caption
      The property had a state-of-the-art gymCredit: refer to caption
      Many of the luxury apartments had their own swimming poolsCredit: refer to caption
      Harry Styles, Bella Hadid and The Weeknd were his former neighboursCredit: refer to caption
      LONDON
      So, this is what £18m buys you in England’s capital…
      In 2017, Hamilton snapped up this unique six-bedroom detached villa in West London from previous owners Burberry chief designer Christopher Bailey and his husband, actor Simon Woods.
      The stunning property has ‘generous entertaining space’ which opens out into a 200ft garden with an impressive summer house.
      It was built by the famous builder Samuel Johns in 1860.
      There are also four reception rooms, with two huge bathrooms.Again, it’s not known how much time Lewis spends living in the property.
      There are six spacious bedrooms inside
      Hamilton bought the mansion from Burberry chief designer Christopher Bailey and his husband, actor Simon Woods
      Famous builder Samuel Johns built the property in 1860
      The property boasts four reception rooms
      There are two bathrooms in Hamilton’s West London home

      MONTE CARLO
      Like many F1 drivers, Hamilton also lives in Monaco.
      Although not much is known about his property, he once shared a snap of his wonderful view.
      He captioned a snap on social media: “A place I call home, Monte Carlo. I am so blessed to live in such an incredible place. God is really shining down on me today.
      “Sending you light & love for your day. On my way to Spa, let’s do this!!!”
      Hamilton lives tax free in Monaco most of the timeCredit: Instagram @lewishamilton
      It is believed Hamilton resides in the exclusive Fontvieille districtCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Hamilton once shared a view from his stunning Monaco apartment
      It is believed he resides in the exclusive Fontvieille district.
      Back in 2007, it was reported he was interested in a 2,000sq ft, four-bedroom duplex with views across the Mediterranean in Fontvieille’s Seaside Plaza.
      A top-floor apartment would have set him back somewhere in the region of £30m. Nice, if you’re a superstar racer.
      Mercedes release video of Lewis Hamilton’s new F1 2021 car which Brit helped engineers build to go for another title More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      How Michael Carrick fell into a two-year depression after Man Utd’s 2009 Champions League final defeat

      by

      AS interim boss, Michael Carrick guided Manchester United to two wins and a draw before leaving the club and steadying the ship.The former Red Devils star, 40, announced he was making way for incoming Ralf Rangnick and his team after beating Arsenal 3-2 at Old Trafford last night.
      Michael Carrick says the pain of defeat in the 2009 Champions League final lasted for almost two yearsCredit: Richard Pelham
      Showing his humility, Carrick revealed he was standing down from his post to spend time with his family – ending a 15-year association with the club.
      It completes a remarkable turnaround in the life of the former West Ham favourite, who revealed how a mistake in the 2009 Champions League final left him battling depression for two years.
      Carrick admits he punished himself so badly for gifting Barcelona a goal in the 2-0 defeat it left him hardly wanting to play for the next 12 months.
      The former United midfielder opened up about his torment in his autobiography Michael Carrick: Between The Lines.
      And the admission that one of the most gifted English players of his generation was hit so hard by an on-pitch experience sheds light on the kind of pressures top players are under.
      Carrick wrote: “I was loose with a header and Iniesta was on it in a flash, passing to Messi. Barcelona are ruthless in transition.
      “I was close to Messi but couldn’t prevent him passing back to Iniesta who got ahead of me and Anderson. Iniesta slipped the ball to Eto’o, who got away from Vidic.
      Carrick’s mistake led to Barcelona scoring – and the pain hit him harder than he allowed any of his team-mates to knowCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Carrick struggled to understand why he and the team had under-performed so much against BarcelonaCredit: Richard Pelham
      “I slid in but only got close enough to Eto’o to see him score.
      “In quiet moments in the weeks after our 2-0 defeat, that passage of play kept returning to haunt me. I couldn’t get it out of my head. It sounds melodramatic, but I’ve never recovered from it.
      “The memory of conceding such a soft goal is always there in my mind. Giving the ball away to any team was dangerous, but to Barcelona it was suicidal.
      “That was the worst I’ve felt on a football pitch after a game by a mile. I was mentally devastated, angry and frustrated by my performance and by United’s.

      “I’ve never talked about Rome with the Boss. I can’t, it’s too painful. Even now, almost a decade on, the gloom from Rome has not completely gone.”
      Carrick says the pain of his role in the loss could not be shifted and led to him suffering a crisis of confidence for much of the following season.
      And he admitted it had got so bad that while away with England at the 2010 World Cup he contemplated coming home because he was so unhappy.
      Carrick, who played 316 league games for United, added: “I returned pre-season and just couldn’t shake the depression off and 2009-10 was my worst season for United. I’d lost that edge.
      “I had a heavy head and a heavy heart, even my body felt heavier.
      Carrick joined the coaching staff when Jose Mourinho became bossCredit: PA:Press Association
      The depression lasted so long it caused Carrick to question leaving the England squad at the 2010 World CupCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “Nothing came easy. It felt like I was stuck in a rut, stop-start-stop. I tried but I just couldn’t shake myself into life.
      “Confidence is a major part of a sportsman’s performance, when it’s there you take it for granted and if it disappears, it’s desperate.
      “In games, I went from having a calm, clear, sharp mind to a cloudy, slow, uncertain one.
      “I went from seeing the best option without even thinking to seeing six things at once and choosing the worst one at the wrong time.
      “I knew it was all in my head, but I felt that I couldn’t turn to anyone for help, I’m too stubborn.
      “In 2010, that was the worst time. It was my dream to be at a World Cup but the truth is that I didn’t want to be there.” More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd’s worst transfers XI post-Sir Alex Ferguson, including, Di Maria, Depay and De Beek that cost a whopping £431m

      by

      SIR ALEX FERGUSON left Manchester United with the Premier League trophy – but a raft of bad signings has seen it taken away with little sign of returning.An incredible £431.7million has been splashed on 13 dodgy deals in particular by flop bosses ranging from Louis Van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who was given the boot last month.

      Romelu Lukaku cost an initial £75m and United struggled to find takers when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer decided to offload the Belgian to Inter where he thrived, before re-joining Chelsea.
      A promising first season was lost with a drop-off in 2018-19, scoring at an average of one every three games before leaving for Italy.
      At the very least, Lukaku provided some memorable moments but the same cannot be said for Angel Di Maria.
      The winger arrived with much fanfare in 2014 and quickly dropped off the pace, shepherded out to Paris Saint-Germain where he painfully found the form he lacked in England.
      The next expensive error was Fred who joined for £52m, but he still has time to prove himself at Old Trafford.
      In the slightly more affordable but nonetheless useless category are Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Morgan Schneiderlin, who came in for £30m and £27m respectively.
      Still, United recouped most of the fee they spent on French anchor man Schneiderlin when he joined Everton but Mkhitaryan’s exit saw Alexis Sanchez arrive – making the Chilean’s initial fee cheap and yet still a huge disappointment.
      Among those who arrived with potential and waited until after leaving to go on to great things is Memphis Depay.
      Now a star at Barcelona and with the Dutch national team, his baffling form in the 2015/16 season showed that United had lost their touch when turning young gems into superstars.
      Many United fans point to executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward as the chief architect of these abysmal deals.
      While replacing the peerless David Gill was a tough assignment, and finding a man capable of replacing Fergie nigh-on impossible, there are serious questions over his approach.
      Not only are these players examples of bad deals, former managers such as Jose Mourinho were dismayed that not enough players were bought.
      Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind were picked up in 2014 off the back of good World Cup campaigns – a strategy that rarely pays off and cost the club over £30m.
      And although Matteo Darmian was an Italian international when plucked from Torino, Louis van Gaal’s exit cast him to the fringes.
      De Beek’s has had a torrid time at Old Trafford since joining from Ajax for £35m
      Few have flopped in the Prem like Di MariaCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Falcao struggled both at United and ChelseaCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      Perhaps the Red Devils thought they were pulling off a cunning piece of Andrea Pirlo-esque business when bringing in Bastian Schweinsteiger but, at 31, the German was far past his best during an 18-month spell.
      Radamel Falcao was still in his late-20s when arriving on loan in 2014 on a £6m fee and massive wage combination yet hit just four goals in 29 games.
      United’s last boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also brought in a few questionable faces to Old Trafford.
      The Norwegian was responsible for recruiting Dutch flop Donny van de Beek from Ajax for £35m last summer.
      But he’s hardly set the Premier League alight, making just four domestic starts since the beginning of last season.
      De Beek’s joined by Jadon Sancho on Solskjaer’s list of poor signings.
      The winger signed from Borussia Dortmund in the summer for a whopping £73m but has only made five appearances in that time.
      However, the English international may prove doubters wrong after netting his first goal, post-Solskjaer against Villarreal last week.
      Of course, not all of Fergie’s signings hit the right note – just ask Kleberson, Eric Djemba Djemba, Juan-Sebastian Veron, Massimo Taibi.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS More