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      in Motorsport

      Lando Norris was born into wealth with dad worth £205m, is an F1 star, but split with model Luisinha Oliveira

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      LANDO NORRIS is fast-becoming the poster boy of F1.The British-born driver, 23, was in the points at the Melbourne Grand Prix, and will be looking to add to his tally in the Drivers Championship in Azerbaijan this Sunday.
      Lando Norris was shot by Vanity Fair for a fashion magazine spreadCredit: Nick Riley Bentham/Vanity Fair
      Norris is the rising star of F1 and is tipped for more successCredit: Rex
      His talents, and boyish good looks, were recognised by fashion bible Vanity Fair, who had him front and centre of a glossy photoshoot with fellow drivers, Daniel Ricciardo, George Russell, Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon.
      He was born in Bristol to wealthy dad Adam – who amassed a £205million fortune – and mum Cisca from Belgium.
      His professional life seemingly knows no bounds, although his love life suffered a set back when it was announced he had split with stunning Luisinha Oliveira – a Portuguese model who accompanied him to the Brit Awards last year.
      Idolised Valentino Rossi
      Norris was raised in South-West England, attending school in Somerset.
      Read more F1 news
      However, he left without sitting his GCSEs and later studied physics and maths with the help of a personal tutor.
      His burning desire was to follow in the footsteps of Valentino Rossi, as he developed a love of motorsport.
      But when his father took him to watch a round of the Super 1 National Kart Championships, he was hooked on four wheel racing.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Like many F1 drivers, a sport for the rich and famous, Norris grew up affluently.
      Dad Adam amassed a personal wealth of £205million after selling his successful pensions advising company.
      Today, he continues to build on his success with his investment group, Horatio Investments Ltd and in 2016 was 18th in the Bristol Rich List.
      Big break
      Karting was the making of Norris. In 2013, he won the CIK-FIA Karting European Championship and the WSK Euro Series in the KFJ class, while, in 2014, he gained the most prestigious title, the CIK-FIA Karting World Championship in the main KF category.
      With a natural flair for winning, he followed up that success in more powerful vehicles – landing the MSA Formula championship in 2015, and the Toyota Racing Series, Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 and Formula Renault 2.0 Northern European Cup in 2016.
      It made McLaren take note. He signed a junior driver contract in 2017, and could scarcely believe his achievement.
      “I never knew (I could make it),” he told Autocar.
      “Even in F2, I never went ‘I’ve got this, 100 per cent, I can do this’. You always have a bit of doubt. But the biggest thing was joining McLaren, and my first test in Hungary.”
      He set the second fastest lap in the second day of testing at the Hungaroring.
      Adam Norris is Lando’s dad, who has amassed a £205million fortuneCredit: Alamy
      Like many F1 stars, Norris got his grounding in go kartingCredit: Alamy
      In 2019 Norris made his F1 debut at the Australian GP and became youngest ever British driverCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Two years later, he would partner Carlos Sainz Jr as a McLaren driver in the World Championship.
      Making his debut in the Australian Grand Prix, he would become Britain’s youngest ever F1 driver at 19 years, four months and four days old.
      His debut campaign, finishing eleventh, was enough to convince McLaren Norris was their future.
      Success story
      It was in 2021 where Norris really kicked on.
      At one point, it appeared he would challenge for the title after finishing fourth in the British Grand Prix.
      It moved him into third place in the drivers’ championship.
      Although he faded away in the remaining eight races, he did record four podium finishes in his first 14.
      His highest position – second at the Italian Grand Prix secured the top two positions for McLaren with Daniel Ricciardo eventually winning the race.
      Norris finished sixth in the drivers’ championship in the end, which convinced McLaren to offer him another deal.
      Last season, Norris earned four podium finishesCredit: Rex
      Norris signed a four-year contract worth £80m with McLarenCredit: Splash
      Interestingly, only Max Verstappen has a longer contract in the sport at the moment – with Norris inking a four-year contract worth a staggering £80million.
      But still, he lives frivolously.
      Free ride
      Astonishingly, for someone so wealthy Norris doesn’t actually own a car.
      As is one of the perks of the job, McLaren has loaned him several over the years.
      Speaking to Scott Mills and Chris Stark on their BBC Sounds podcast, however, he confessed his not materialistic.
      Lando said: “I don’t own many things. I’ve not really treated myself.”
      Famously, Norris lived modestly in Woking before moving in the winter to the millionaire’s playground Monte Carlo.
      “It’s something that obviously a lot of drivers go to do, and especially with how racing is – I think you’ve seen it with a lot of the drivers, how quickly things can also go downhill,” he revealed.
      “I still have to look after my life and things for my future so that’s why I had to make the decision.
      In 2021 Norris moved to Monte Carlo’s Fontvieille districtCredit: Getty
      Norris doesn’t own a car but is loaned his motors by McLaren
      “I went with my managers and my trainer and we had a little look around a few different apartments and stuff.
      “I was like ‘I don’t want to be in the same place as Max!’. I don’t know where Lewis is? He’s on the opposite side… I don’t know anybody else over there.
      “But I’m around that area in Fontvieille, which is a nice, quiet place.”
      Model Ex
      Norris cemented his status as F1’s rising star on the showbiz circuit – where he took the red carpet for the Brit Awards.
      Later, he would join Jamie Winstone on stage to hand out an award to pop superstar Dua Lipa.
      As he rubbed shoulders with music glitterati, alongside him stood his beautiful former girlfriend, Luisinha.
      A month earlier, he confirmed his romance with the fashion model on social media during a trip to Dubai.
      Read More on The Sun
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      Portuguese model Luisinha Oliveira used to date Norris
      Norris and Oliveira shared an intimate moment together on social media in 2022
      Norris and Oliveira attended the Brit Awards together – but their romance didn’t lastCredit: Instagram @luisinhaoliveira99
      Sharing a photo of them kissing in the desert, he captioned the post “my sunshine”.
      Sadly, the pair called time on their romance at the tail-end of last year, and he is officially single. As F1’s most eligible bachelor, expect there to be plenty of takers. More

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      in Soccer

      Beckham, Maldini, Souness and more football legends who managed to keep their amazing body physiques after retiring

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      AFTER decades of training hard and watching what they eat – and drink – it must be tempting for footballers to hit McDonald’s and the off licence after hanging up their boots.But this lot have proven it is possible to avoid the temptation of making up for lost time at the takeaway.
      David Beckham still looks in elite shape despite retiring a decade agoCredit: Splash News
      Beckham looks as good now as he did in his heydayCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      From David Beckham to Paolo Maldini, check out the former football stars who maintained their elite physiques when their career was long-gone…
      DAVID BECKHAM
      BELIEVE it or not, Golden Balls retired from football with his swansong spell at Paris Saint-Germain SEVEN years ago.
      Despite that, Becks, 47, has kept a footballer’s frame.
      Now owner of MLS side Inter Miami and a part-owner of Salford City alongside his Class of 92 pals, Beckham is still very much involved in football.
      read more football news
      Beckham is still a very marketable name too, regularly popping up in adverts an even movies, including a role in The Man From U.N.C.L.E. in 2015.
      PAOLO MALDINI
      Paolo Maldini shirtless at the beach in MiamiCredit: Splash News
      Maldini arguably looks stronger now than he did as a playerCredit: Getty – Contributor
      NOW aged 54, Maldini is still in tip-top shape.
      The AC Milan legend spent his whole career at the San Siro and is arguably the best defender of all time.
      But despite retiring in 2009, Maldini has kept fit by turning his hand to professional tennis, competing at the Aspria Tennis Cup in Milan in 2017.
      Maldini is now back at AC Milan, working as technical director.
      RIO FERDINAND
      Rio Ferdinand looks stronger than ever despite retiring five years agoCredit: Instagram
      Rio Ferdinand has certainly bulked up since his playing days endedCredit: Getty – Contributor
      THE Manchester United and England legend, 44, hung up his boots in 2015 and has remained fighting fit ever since.
      In fact, Ferdinand was linked with a career in boxing at one stage, before pulling the plug after failing to obtain a licence.
      Now most often seen as a pundit, Ferdinand is still in elite shape – and would prove more than a handful for most strikers.
      GARY LINEKER
      Gary Lineker has still kept his shape despite being 62Credit: Splash News
      Lineker looks as good now as he did at Italia 90Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      HE may be well-known for his “other career” selling Walker’s crisps, but it would seem Lineker stays clear of the spuds.
      The Match of the Day host looks in fine shape aged 62.
      Lineker is regularly spotted hitting the beach in just his swim-shorts, looking as fit as he did in his 20s.
      ROBERTO MANCINI
      Roberto Mancini looks as slim and suave as ever now aged 58Credit: Splash News
      Roberto Mancini appears to have only got better with ageCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      ANOTHER regularly spotted soaking up the sun is Italy boss Mancini.
      At the age of 58, Mancini is still in remarkable shape.
      And to think he hung up his boots nearly 20 years ago…
      ZINEDINE ZIDANE
      Zinedine Zidane is still lean as ever, despite retiring 15 years ago
      Zidane looks as in shape as he was as a playerCredit: AFP
      THE ex-Real Madrid boss could still probably get a game for Los Blancos now aged 50.
      Zidane quit the game after his infamous headbutt in the 2006 World Cup final.
      But since then he’s forged a career as one of the world’s top bosses – and clearly does his cardio along with the squad.
      FRANCESCO TOTTI
      Francesco Totti still looks lean and mean having retiredCredit: Instagram / @francescototti
      Francesco Totti is in as good shape as he was when he was a player at RomaCredit: AFP or licensors
      INCREDIBLY, Totti spent 25 years in the Roma first-team squad.
      After hanging up his boots in 2017, you couldn’t blame Totti for taking it easy and enjoying the incredible food Rome has to offer.
      But instead, the 46-year-old still looks in incredible shape.
      ANDREA PIRLO
      Andrea Pirlo still looks as cool as ever now aged 43Credit: Splash News
      Andrea Pirlo looks to be in good shape even after hanging up his bootsCredit: Getty
      THE coolest man in football may no longer play, but he’s still uber-cool.
      The Italian ace never relied on his physicality on the pitch, but he still looks in fine shape.
      Aged 43, Pirlo – who most recently managed Juventus – can still easily rock that beach look.
      Most read in Sport
      ANTONIO CONTE
      Antonio Conte is still happy to channel his inner-Daniel Craig aged 53Credit: Xposure
      Antonio Conte’s hair has certainly improved since giving up footballCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      MUCH like Mancini, Conte couldn’t resist stripping down to his Speedos while Italy boss.
      In 2015, Conte was spotted emerging from the sea like Daniel Craig in his first James Bond run-out, Casino Royale.
      Despite a torrid spell as Spurs boss, Conte appears to be fighting fit at the age of 53 – and with a thicker head of hair, to boot.
      GRAEME SOUNESS
      Graeme Souness still appears to be in great shape at age 69Credit: The Mega Agency
      Souness was a fiery midfielder during his playing days at LiverpoolCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      THE Sky Sports pundit is regularly in the news – mainly for lashing out at Paul Pogba, if the Twitter warriors are to be believed.
      But aged 69, the former Liverpool star looks in remarkable shape.
      Souness has managed to keep away the gut so many develop after their playing career… and he quit nearly 30 years ago.
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      ROBBIE SAVAGE
      Robbie Savage is still in good shape despite working as a pundit these daysCredit: The Mega Agency
      Robbie Savage was another fiery on-field character during his playing daysCredit: PA:Press Association
      HAVING officially retired in 2011, Savage still looks in top shape aged 48
      Read More on The Sun
      But, Savage did dust off the boots in 2019 to play for Stockport Town, and is now director of football at Macclesfield FC.
      Savage is also known for his broadcastings gigs for BT Sport and the BBC. More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Tottenham star Son Heung-min’s amazing £1.5million car collection, including ultra-rare £1m Ferrari LaFerrari

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      SON HEUNG-MIN is not the sort of player you would associate with spending a load of dosh on one of the world’s most exclusive cars.The Tottenham hero, 30, is unassuming and usually happy to let his boots do the talking.
      Heung-min Son has built up an amazing £1.5million car collection

      Son stops in his Ferrari LaFerrari to sign a shirt for a fan
      Only 499 of the Ferrari supercars were made and potential purchasers must meet strict criteriaCredit: Alamy
      But the £192,000-a-week forward has a fleet of motors worth a staggering £1.5million.
      And pride of place in his garage in North London is a rare supercar available to just a few people.Ferrari LaFerrari
      Only 499 of these incredible cars have been made – and Son has one of them.
      But he ditched the usual red for black because Spurs told him he could not own a red one due to their rivalry with Arsenal.
      Worth around £1,150,000, even a Premier League footballer earning top whack would have to save up for a while to be able to afford it.
      The most powerful street-legal supercar the Italian manufacturer has produced, buyers must fit in with the Ferrari brand.
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      That means that, to purchase one, they must previously have owned a Ferrari – with some reports claiming potential buyers won’t be considered unless they have had FIVE Ferraris in their life.
      Son’s black model does 0-60mph in 2.9 secs and boasts a 6.3-litre V12 engine, electrically assisted by the HY-KERS system to deliver a total power output of 950bhp, with a top speed of 227mph.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has one sitting at home as well.
      Audi R8 Coupe
      The South Korea star was spotted with ex-girlfriend Minah, a pop sensation in their native country, getting behind the wheel of his white R8 in 2014.
      Son is the proud owner of a sleek Audi R8Credit: Handout
      Starting at £112,520 for the most basic model, Son is almost certain to have added a few luxuries to his.
      The 5.2L V10 engine packs an almighty punch and the sleek design turns heads – if you’re quick enough to see it whizz past when it does 0-60mph in 3.2 secs.Maserati Levante
      Son is the proud owner of Maserati’s first SUV, which has a starting price of £60,000.
      But there’s a catch.
      The Spurs star poses with his Maserati Levante
      Son is so popular in his home country that he was actually given the model by the Italian manufacturer as a gift.
      A statement from Korea’s official Maserati importer said they gifted the ex-Leverkusen man the motor because it “might be the most matching vehicle to Son, who can play with delicacy and unstoppable power”.
      Hard to argue with that.
      Although it is not the only 4×4 Son has…Range Rover
      The staple of the Premier League footballers’ diet, Son would not miss out on the chance to land a Range Rover.
      He has done his up in a classy matte black finish – a custom touch that also sees the tailgate script, grille and side vents finished in gloss black.
      The Evoque model starts at around £31,000.
      Though Son’s version likely cost a lot more with the extras he has, which include red seats and red trim on the steering wheel.
      Son keeps up the traditions of Premier League footballers by owning a Range RoverCredit: The Sun
      Son waves from the front seat of his 4x4Credit: Instagram
      Bentley Continental GT
      Another favourite of footballers, Son forked out around £160,000 for this supercar.
      It comes packing a 6L twin-turbocharged W12 engine which sees it do 0-60mph in 4.3 secs and can reach 198mph top speed – which could come in handy when he’s running late for training.
      Son owns a Bentley Continental GT More

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      in Soccer

      Sheikh Mansour is worth £17billion, the Man City owner boasts a mega yacht worth £400m and is pals with Leo DiCaprio

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      SHEIKH Mansour hasn’t a worry in the world…The Manchester City owner has amassed a £17 billion fortune, mainly thanks to his booming International Petroleum Investment Company.
      Sheikh Mansour has seen his Manchester City investment reap the rewardsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He’s deputy Prime Minister of his native United Arab Emirates, minister of presidential affairs, as well as member of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi.
      The 52-year-old Sheikh is even buddies with Richard Branson, owning a large stake in the British entrepreneur’s Virgin Galactic spaceship company.
      And if that’s not enough, his Premier League team are bossing English football at the moment.
      Sheikh Mansour has given Man City boss Pep Guardiola a fortune to investCredit: PA:Press Association
      But who is Mansour and what does he spend his money on?
      Let us invite you into his world of wealth, including a £400m yacht he let one of Hollywood’s biggest movie stars borrow.His football teams…
      When you’re a billionaire, buying into sports franchises is the done thing.
      In 2008, Mansour bought Man City with his Abu Dhabi United Group for £210m and has ensured The Citizens buy the best talent in the world.
      Sheikh Mansour bought Man City in 2008 for £210mCredit: Manchester City FC – Getty
      But the Sheikh is a shrewd businessman and doesn’t throw his money away that easy.
      In fact, the day City signed Gareth Barry for £12m from Aston Villa, he also made a $1.4bn profit selling a stake in Barclays he bought months earlier.
      Mansour launched a second team in the MLS in New York in 2013, luring Frank Lampard and David Villa to New York City F.C.
      And he expanded his City Football Group portfolio and owns stakes in clubs in the United States, Australia, India, Japan, Spain, Uruguay, China, Belgium and France.
      Frank Lampard was lured to New York City by Sheikh Mansour’s moneyCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Mansour is chairman of Al Jazira who played against Real Madrid in the World Club CupCredit: EPA
      The yacht…
      Looking at Mansour’s prized yacht is enough to make your eyes water… with tears of joy and wonder.
      The Topaz super yacht is said to be worth £400mCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The fifth largest super yacht in the world, it’s an absolute BEAST. Named Topaz, the vessel is a 482ft and was custom-built in Germany by Lurssen Yachts and designed by Tim Heywood in 2012.
      It has 8 floors, two helipads, three swimming pools, a gym, jacuzzi and even a cinema.
      The Topaz boasts two helipads, three swimming pools and a cinemaCredit: Splash News
      Right before Brazil kicked off their 2014 World Cup campaign, Leo DiCaprio was spotted hosting a party for 21 of his pals on the Topaz.
      Mansour loaned it to the Oscar-winning actor who soaked up the carnival atmosphere in Sao Paulo with his mates.
      Now, that’s not a bad number to have on speed-dial.
      Leo DiCaprio partied on the Topaz during the 2014 World CupCredit: Getty – Contributor
      It was also once reported that Mansour had to refuel his yacht when he docked at Marmaris port in Turkey.
      It was said to have cost him £380,000 to fill up the 730,000 litre tank, and that took 5 hours!His cars…
      Mansour owns a 5 per cent stake in Ferrari, which he bought in 2005 with the idea of bringing Formula One to the United Arab Emirates.
      Mansour owns a five per cent stake in Ferrari, as well as this EnzoCredit: 4WheelsofLux
      His £91m investment worked, and ever since 2009 the world’s leading drivers have gone to Abu Dhabi for their annual Grand Prix.
      Alongside Ferrari, Mansour has a 9.1 percent stake in Daimler AG (they own Mercedes).
      Sheikh’s Mercedes SLR-McLaren is worth £350kCredit: 4WheelsofLux
      He’s also owned a fleet of the world’s most astonishing cars.
      In his collection he’s had a Mercedes SLR-McLaren (£350k), a Lamborghini Reventon (£840k) and a Ferrari Enzo (£2.5m).
      Like Floyd Mayweather, Mansour also loves Bugatti Veyron and has 5 of them starting with a value of £1.1m.
      Like Floyd Mayweather Sheikh Mansour loves a Bugatti Veyron super carCredit: 4WheelsofLux
      To top off his exquisite collection, he has a Porsche 911 GT1, which is worth around £3 million.
      After all, Mr. Mansour is a petrol head…
      Sheikh Mansour owns a Porsche worth around £3mCredit: 4WheelsofLux
      The mansions…
      Being a member of the Abu Dhabi royal family allows you certain privileges, including your own palace.
      Sheikh Mansour is part of the Al Nahyan family, who have a huge residence in the city.
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      Private functions for political leaders – including Barack Obama – have been organised there.
      Back in 2016, Mansour reportedly snapped up a £42m 20,000 acre Spanish villa in south west Spain.
      Sheikh Mansour reportedly snapped a Spanish Villa for £42m
      The private property, called Los Quintos de San Martin, is near the small village of Valencia de las Torres.
      Mansour and his family have been known to stay at the hotel they own called The Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi.
      Emirates Palace has been universally described as the best hotel in the worldCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Opened in 2005 for a cost of £2.2m, it’s been described as the world’s only real seven-star hotel.
      There are 394 rooms, including 92 suites and 22 residential suits, which are mostly furnished in gold and marble.
      Sheikh Mansour has his own penthouse suite in the Emirates Palace
      Mansour is said to take advantage of the penthouse floor, which boasts 6 Rulers’ Suites that are reserved exclusively for dignitaries.
      Fun fact; the Fast and Furious 7 film was partly shot there too.
      The rooms in the Emirates Palace boast real gold features and lots of marble
      His other interests…
      Nice homes, cars, hotels and football aren’t the only things that make Mansour tick.
      Educated at Santa Barbara College in California, USA, he has investments in around 50 companies worldwide.
      Sheikh Mansour owns shares in Virgin Galactic and is pals with Richard BransonCredit: AFP – Getty
      One of his ventures includes the commercial spacecraft group, Virgin Galactic with Richard Branson.
      He is also chairman of the Emirates Horse Racing Authority, boss of Sky News Arabia and patron of the Zayed Annual Half Marathon.
      Sheikh Mansour could launch a football team in spaceCredit: PA:Press Association
      Getting personal…
      The Sheikh keeps his personal life… well, personal.
      But we do know he has two wives and 6 children.
      He first married Sheikha Alia bint Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed in the mid-1990s. They had one son together.
      Mansour then married Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, his second cousin once removed.
      She’s a powerful woman in her own right, being president of the Dubai Women Establishment.
      She has two daughters and three sons by Mansour.
      And one more thing…
      Manchester City look safe with Sheikh Mansour at the helmCredit: AFP or licensors
      If you think having around £17bn in your bank account isn’t bad – wait till you hear how much he stands to inherit.
      The Al Nahyan family’s wealth is believed to be worth somewhere in the region of £560bn.
      Sheikh Mansour stands to inherit a fortune estimated at around £560bnCredit: PA:Press Association
      However, that said, it’s an inheritance he must share with his five brothers.
      But you have to imagine – with Mansour at the helm – Man City’s future certainly looks rosy. More

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      in Soccer

      Mauricio Pochettino ‘turned down management offers as he waited for Real Madrid to call’ ahead of PSG move

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO previously turned down management offers to wait for the Real Madrid job.That’s before he eventually ended up joining Paris Saint-Germain two years ago.
      Mauricio Pochettino is set to join Chelsea after leaving PSGCredit: Getty
      The former Tottenham boss, now set to join Chelsea, was out of football for more than a year after being sacked by Daniel Levy in November 2019 following a lengthy spell with the North London club.
      The Argentine coach was linked with replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United several times – and then again before Erik ten Hag was appointed.
      Poch is now on the verge of becoming Graham Potter’s successor at Chelsea, replacing Frank Lampard once the caretaker boss finishes the remainder of the season.
      But it was reported last year by Mundo Deportivo that he was once waiting to take over from Zinedine Zidane at Los Blancos in 2021.

      It soon became clear that the role at the Spanish giants was not on the horizon so he joined PSG – ironically Zidane then left the Bernabeu while he was in charge of the Parisians.
      They then subsequently brought Carlo Ancelotti back to the club and he has had much success winning LaLiga and the Champions League last season.
      Pochettino won the Coupe de France and Trophee des Champions in his first season and then the Ligue 1 title in his second.
      However it was not enough for him to keep his job and he was relieved of his duties last summer.
      Most read in Football
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      The Champions League remains the trophy PSG are desperate to get their hands on and Poch signed the likes of Lionel Messi, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sergio Ramos and Achraf Hakimi to help them.
      When the French side were knocked out of the Champions League by eventual winners Real Madrid in the Round of 16 it appeared Poch was on borrowed time.
      They had a 2-0 aggregate lead with just 30 minutes to play but crashed out of the competition in spectacular fashion.
      Karim Benzema’s quickfire hat-trick combined with PSG’s capitulation left the writing on the wall for Pochettino.
      Kylian Mbappe now has lots of control over decisions made at the club and there was rumours he wanted a new man in charge with the club eventually going for Christophe Galtier.
      But even Poch’s successor isn’t safe from the chaos behind the scenes, and now looks set himself to depart at the end of the season.
      Since leaving the Parc des Princes, former Southampton boss Pochettino has been linked with a number of jobs as he eyes a return to management.
      Nice were interested in him, as were Chelsea when they sacked Thomas Tuchel in September.
      But Poch and the Blues finally feel the time is right to come together as Todd Boehly looks to entrust his under-performing squad to a once-rival gaffer.
      Mauricio Pochettino will be back in management soon with ChelseaCredit: Reuters More

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      in Soccer

      Footballers’ surprising jobs, from Billy Gilmour modelling for Burberry to Lee Bowyer’s carp fishing business

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      Back in 2020, former Manchester City right-back Shay Logan revealed that he’s secretly been training to become a plumber.The Aberdeen ace, now 35, told how he doesn’t earn enough cash from football to be set up for life so is planning ahead for after retirement.
      Shay Logan trained to become a plumberCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      Logan revealed: “We earn good money. But at this level are we really going to earn money that will last us a long time, for life? No.
      “I always said to myself that when I get to a certain age I want to start doing something else.
      “I love football but I don’t love it enough to go into coaching and stuff like that.
      “I thought you know what, I’m going to do a trade. It was either go into gas, electrician or plumbing. Plumbing and gas come together, it’s the same course.”
      And the English defender is far from being the only player who’s had a second profession they can fall back on.
      Throughout the years plenty of stars have found extra ways to line their pockets besides taking to the pitch – with some taking on second jobs or planning ahead for post-retirement like Logan.BILLY GILMOUR
      Billy Gilmour did some modelling for Burberry in 2017Credit: Burberry
      BEFORE BRIGHTON star Billy Gilmour starred for Chelsea he was a model.
      In 2017 the Scots ace, then aged just 16, was snapped up by luxury clothing brand Burberry for a fashion campaign.
      The ex-Rangers star was pictured modelling a coat on the company’s Instagram page.
      Former Ibrox team-mate Martyn Waghorn was seemingly impressed – commenting, “Love that mate”, on his post.
      LEE BOWYER
      Lee Bowyer’s fishing skills saw him open a carp fishing business in FranceCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      FORMER Leeds, Newcastle and Birmingham midfielder Bowyer was never scared of a tackle.
      And it turns out that he was doing it every day even during his career, with his fishing obsession.
      Bowyer, now in charge of Charlton, runs a carp fishing business in France after working on his skills while still playing football at the highest level.
      The hardman explained: “I suddenly found myself with an abundance of time on my hands [after retiring].
      “Having always been an active person it was obvious that I now needed to find something else to occupy myself with as I moved into this new chapter of my life.”STUART ARMSTRONG
      Stuart Armstrong was studying lawCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      SOUTHAMPTON star Stuart Armstrong has become a mainstay on the south coast side since moving to the Premier League in 2018.
      Prior to that, the midfielder was a key player in Brendan Rodgers’ treble winning Celtic sides.
      And years back he revealed he was studying for a law degree at the Open University.
      Former team-mate and ex-Livingston star Mark Millar said Armstrong was a role model for younger kids starting out in the game.
      It came as he advised teen hopefuls to plan ahead for careers once they hang up their boots.MATHIEU FLAMINI
      Mathieu Flamini spent time during his career looking into alternative to fossil fuelCredit: Getty
      THE former Arsenal ace grew sick and tired of humanity’s addiction to Flamin’ fossil fuels.
      So he attempted to come up with an alternative during his time in Italy.
      The ex-Crystal Palace ace, who retired after a spell at La Liga side Getafe, began the project while at AC Milan and funded a load of research into levulinic acid.
      Flamini told SunSport: “We financed the research by Milan Polytechnic.
      “After several months we came up with the technology of how to produce ‘LA’ on an industrial scale, meaning cheaply and cost-effectively. We patented it.”
      The business is now said to be worth £10billion… not bad for a little side-hustle.
      KENNY DEUCHAR
      Kenny Deuchar is a qualified doctorCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      FORMER Scottish forward Kenny Deuchar was instrumental in Gretna’s fairy-tale rise.
      He netted more than 30 goals when they won the Scottish Third Division in 2005.
      And Kenny was affectionately known by fans as Doctor Goals, due to the fact that he is a qualified medical professional.
      The striker, who also had spells with East Fife, Falkirk, St Johnstone and Livingston, was branded The Good Doctor by Sky Sports host Jeff Stelling.CHRIS MILLAR
      Chris Millar is a personal trainer
      EX-ST JOHNSTONE star Chris Millar has put his fitness on the field to good use by working as a personal trainer in his spare time.
      The Morton ace revealed in 2018 he had picked up his Level 3 personal training certificate.
      And he regularly shares pictures of his clients’ success stories on Instagram.
      The veteran midfielder is now aged 37 and may be nearing the end of his playing career – but it looks like he’ll have no problem finding work once he retires.MORITZ BAUER
      Moritz Bauer has a pilot’s licence
      STOKE aren’t exactly flying high in the game these days – but they do have one player who’s used to being up in the air.
      Moritz Baeur is a qualified pilot and flies light aircraft in his spare time.
      The Austrian footie ace has shared snaps showing off his hobby on social media.HARALD BRATTBAKK
      Harald Brattbakk is also a qualified pilotCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      BAUER isn’t the first Celtic star with a fondness for living the high life.
      Norwegian striker Harald Brattbakk played for the Hoops from 1997 to 1999.
      It wasn’t all plain sailing for the striker during his time in Glasgow – but he famously scored the clinching goal that helped the Hoops deny Rangers ten-in-a-row.
      We told in 2012 how the ex-Rosenborg hitman was ferrying passengers all over the world for one of Norway’s biggest airlines.
      He said: “I work for the biggest airline in Norway. Some Celtic supporters knocked on the cockpit door to speak to me.”
      The committed pilot moved his family to Florida and spent £80k in order to qualify.
      A man of many talents, Brattbakk was also an accountant before his move to Celtic Park.IAN BLACK
      Ian Black did some work as a painter and decoratorCredit: Keith Campbell – The Sun Glasgow
      HEARTS stars were plunged into uncertainty back in 2011 when a wage row left them without pay for two months.
      But ex-Rangers ace Ian Black took to earning money on the side by working as a part-time painter and decorator.
      The midfielder helped out a tradesman pal in Edinburgh to ensure he could buy a Christmas present for his daughter.
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      A source told SunSport at the time: “Because the players are not getting paid, it got to the stage where Ian’s now started working for his mate.
      “He owns a painting and decorating business and Ian was out doing hard graft on Monday on his day off.
      “He is looking at the possibility of working twice a week for him in the run up to Christmas.
      “He said to the gaffer last week he might have to work on a Monday and Tuesday because he has to put food on the table for his kid.”
      KEVIN KYLE
      Kevin Kyle was a storeman on an oil rig
      FORMER Rangers and Scotland forward Kevin Kyle took a job as a storeman on an oil ship back in 2014.
      Just over a year after he left the Ibrox club, the veteran striker was plying his trade in the remote Shetland Isles up north.
      The footie ace was reportedly earning a relatively-small £800 every fortnight – a far-cry from the £10k a week he had been on beforehand. More

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      Biggest bromances in football, including Rice and Mount and Messi’s emotional note when Suarez left Barcelona

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      THESE are the ballers who became bezzies.While there are relationships in any team, from centre-back partnerships to strike duos, this lot took things much further.
      Childhood friends Mason Mount and Declan Rice have emerged as one of football’s biggest bromancesCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Here, SunSport rounds up football’s biggest mates.Messi & Suarez
      In the summer of 2020, Uruguay ace Luis Suarez said an emotional goodbye to his team-mates and cleared out his locker in the dressing room after six seasons at the Nou Camp.
      He was joined by an emotional Leo Messi, who slammed the club’s treatment of his pal in the past, to wish Suarez all the best at rivals Atletico Madrid.
      Messi even took time to share a snap of the pair together one final time in the dressing room, and you can bet there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
      He captioned the photo: “I was already getting the idea but today I entered the locker room and the card really fell.
      “How difficult it is going to be not to continue sharing the day to day with you, both on the pitch and outside. We will miss you so much. It was many years, many mates, lunches, dinners … Many things that will never be forgotten, every day together.
      “It will be strange to see you with another shirt and much more to face you. You deserved to be fired as what you are: one of the most important players in the club’s history, achieving important things both as a group and individually.
      Lionel Messi poses with Luis Suarez in the Nou Camp dressing room one final timeCredit: Instagram
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      “And not to get kicked out like they did. But the truth is that at this point nothing surprises me.
      “I wish you all the best in this new challenge. I love you very much, I love you very much. See you soon friend.”
      Later that summer Messi shocked the world by announcing he wanted to quit the club himself. Eventually he stayed, but left a year later anyway when Barcelona could not afford to pay his wages.
      Lingard & Rashford
      FROM quirky handshakes to holiday snaps, the two stars regularly give the world an insight into their bond through social media.
      Jesse Lingard once said he saw Marcus Rashford, five years his junior, as a little brother in the United squad, before moving on to Nottingham Forest.
      Jesse Lingard sees Marcus Rashford as like his little brother and nicknamed him ‘beansprouts’Credit: Instagram @marcusrashford
      He has nicknamed him ‘beansprouts’ and says their friendship stemmed from defending him during a feisty Manchester derby in 2016.
      “He got into a little bit of beef and I had to be there for him, and from then it’s carried on and I’ll always be there for him no matter what,” Lingard said.Lovren & Salah
      FOR Dejan Lovren and Mohamed Salah, there was an instant connection.
      When Salah arrived at Liverpool in 2017, the two men discussed their tough upbringings and, from there, they were virtually inseparable.
      Lovren revealed: “From day one, we felt this connection.
      Dejan Lovren and Mohamed Salah had an instant connection at LiverpoolCredit: PA:Press Association
      “We have been talking a lot, we were talking about private things and we have a similar background, a tough life from the beginning.
      “And then with his normality, how he can talk to you and when you see how he thinks… we are good friends, coffee, jokes!”
      Lovren now plays for Lyon while Salah is still starring at Anfield.Alli & Dier
      WHEN Dele Alli signed for Tottenham from Milton Keynes Dons in 2015, he quickly bonded with his fellow newbie.
      Eric Dier had signed from Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon and the two quickly formed a friendship that culminated in appearing alongside each other on the Gogglebox sofa.
      Dele Alli and Eric Dier became close mates at Tottenham and ended up on Gogglebox togetherCredit: Channel 4
      The Channel 4 programme gave fans an insight into their friendship as the pair bickered over a cuppa on telly.
      But they’re not afraid to talk about their bond either, with Dele once saying: “Love’s a strong word but we do really like each other.”
      Dier has become a first team regular at Spurs, while Alli was sold to Everton. He has since tried to rebuild his career on loan in Turkey.Pogba & Lukaku
      IF it wasn’t for ‘Agent Paul Pogba’, Romelu Lukaku wouldn’t have ended up at Manchester United.
      In the summer of 2017, when the Belgian was choosing between a transfer to Chelsea and United, he was holidaying with Pogba in an LA mansion.
      There was little doubt where he would end up.
      Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku holidayed together in LA before the Belgian signed for Man United
      After that, the two superstars were virtually inseparable, hanging out, playing basketball and sharing private jets.
      The bromance was brought to an end in 2019 when Lukaku switched to Inter Milan. Pogba has since left the Red Devils for Juventus, while Lukaku is back on loan with Inter after flopping at Chelsea. Perhaps they can enjoy a nice Italian together at least now.
      Aubameyang & Lacazette
      THEY were always Gunner be mates.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signed for Arsenal in January 2018 and immediately struck up a friendship with fellow striker Alexandre Lacazette.
      Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang formed a partnership both on and off the pitch at ArsenalCredit: Reuters
      Aubameyang remembers: “I came to Arsenal and there he was. It was good to see him. It was love at first sight!”
      Their bond off the pitch helped them on it, with the duo helping the club win the FA Cup in 2020.
      However, the best buds have since moved.
      Aubameyang was first to go, after a fallout with manager Mikel Arteta, to Barcelona. He since moved to Chelsea.
      Lacazette returned to Lyon and is flying this season, even without his close pal at hand.
      Mount & Rice
      IT was in Chelsea’s academy, at the age of seven, that Mason Mount and Declan Rice began their friendship.
      Both families holidayed together and travelled Europe, watching the boys play for the Blues, and their bond endured Chelsea’s decision to release Rice at the age of 14 – which made Mount’s mum cry.
      Childhood mates Rice and Mount have gone on holiday together for many yearsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/masonmount10/?hl=en
      Now the two midfielders have been able to team up again while playing for their country after being selected by Gareth Southgate.
      And Mount provided the most hilarious video when he surprised a sleeping Rice while they were on holiday together.
      Kolasinac & Ozil
      IF any star has proved their bezzie loyalty it’s Sead Kolasinac to Mesut Ozil.
      In the face of knife-wielding moped thugs, Kolasinac leapt from Ozil’s car and defended his pal with whom he had formed a strong bond.
      Sead Kolasinac and Mesut Ozil became best buds at Arsenal while their wives have connected tooCredit: Instagram/ m10_officia
      Sead Kolasinac fought off moped muggers armed with a knifeCredit: Enterprise News and Pictures
      German Ozil vowed to take Kolasinac under his wing when he arrived at Arsenal in 2017, and since then the two men — and their wives — have become best friends.
      In the summer of 2019, both couples got married and attended each other’s wedding while the two men dyed their hair blonde after losing a bet.
      Ozil retired from the game this year, after a spell in Turkey. Kolasinac was sold to Marseille.
      Fabregas & Suarez & Messi
      IT is the friendship group football fans would dream to be a part of.
      Messi, Suarez and Cesc Fabregas, who all met at Barcelona, have formed a small clique of some of the world’s greatest footballing talent.
      Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas, Luis Suarez and their wives have become close friends and regularly holiday togetherCredit: Instagram @antonelaroccuzzo
      With their respective partners ⁠— Antonella Roccuzzo, Sofia Balbi and Daniella Semaan ⁠— all friends as well, the group regularly holiday together in giant luxury villas and yachts.
      There was even a suggestion in 2017 that the group racked up a £32,630 bill during a dinner on the Spanish island of Ibiza.Firmino & Coutinho
      THEIR time together at Anfield was relatively short but extremely sweet.
      Fellow Brazilians Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho formed a formidable partnership in Jurgen Klopp’s fierce attack.
      Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino formed a close bond while at Liverpool togetherCredit: Instagram, @roberto_firmino
      So it came as a blow to Firmino when Coutinho made the £142million switch to Barcelona in January 2018.
      Firmino said: “He made his decision to join Barcelona, but every time we play for the Seleção we have a chat and maintain that friendship.
      “He’s an exceptional guy – one of the best friends football has given me.”
      Coutinho returned to the Premier League with Aston Villa, so the pair rekindled their bromance.
      However, with Firmino leaving Anfield this summer, expect an emotional goodbye.
      Nolan & Carroll
      WHEN Andy Carroll was bailed for an assault charge in 2010, he turned to his best mate Kevin Nolan.
      Having become close friends at Newcastle, Nolan allowed his pal to live with his family on two conditions — reading Peppa Pig to his kids and being in bed by 11pm!
      Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll are such good mates that Nolan let Carroll live with himCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      But it still came as some surprise when the former Liverpool striker named Nolan in his dream 5-a-side team alongside superstars such as Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez.
      Nolan responded by saying: “Well, me and Andy are mates so he’s looking after his mucker!”And when bromances go bad… Owen and Shearer
      A lethal strike partnership, the darlings of England’s first-team, whose relationship spiralled from good mates to a public spat.
      Michael Owen’s autobiography Reboot: My Life lifted the lid on a bitter feud that began during his time at Newcastle.
      The two English heavyweights went toe-to-toe on Twitter after Owen’s book claimed Alan Shearer had questioned his professionalism at St. James’ Park.
      Shearer took aim at Owen by highlighting his hefty wages at Newcastle before Owen shot back by questioning Shearer’s loyalty to Newcastle.
      Let’s hope the other bezzies in this list aren’t slinging mud at each other in ten years’ time.
      Alan Shearer and Michael Owen’s friendship has fallen apart and spiralled into a public spatCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      in Soccer

      Footballers strange contract demands, from no space travel to weight clauses and free moves for Catalan independence

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      PLAYERS are valuable commodities.So when they thrash out contracts with the world’s biggest clubs, it’s important to get everything right and nothing’s left to chance.
      Footballers like Lionel Messi reportedly have bizarre clauses written into their contractsCredit: Getty
      But there are times when stipulations are put in place by player and club to protect their interests, to let them fulfil their hobbies, or managers just don’t trust them.
      SunSport looks back at the wackiest clauses added by players and clubs.Messi business
      Back in 2020, with Lionel Messi’s future STILL up in the air before his free transfer move to Paris Saint-Germain, talk of what he would look for in his new contract away from Barcelona began to surface.
      Some of the clauses in that deal were leaked by El Mundo.
      They included an agreement to learn how to speak Catalan, he must ‘adopt an adequate personal conduct and pace of life’ and not engage in doping, and if Catalonia became its own country he could leave on a free transfer.
      LATEST FOOTBALL NEWS
      Lew the outdoor adventurer
      When Robert Lewandowski was running down his contract at Borussia Dortmund both Bayern Munich and Real Madrid were jostling for his signature.
      And in leaked documents, Real Madrid’s offer seemed far more lucrative.
      Alongside a £166,000-per-week deal and a £10m signing-on fee were several requests they didn’t want daredevil Lewandowski to do while he was their property.
      Skiing, paragliding, climbing, going on a motorboat and even riding a motorbike were big ‘no-nos’ for Madrid’s hierarchy… so that’s why signed for Bayern instead.
      Robert Lewandowski was able to continue his outdoor adventures at Bayern MunichCredit: Getty
      Reina toyed with
      When negotiating a contract, it’s important to be 100 per cent clear about what is being stipulated.
      When German forward Giuseppe Reina moved to Arminia Bielefeld in 1996, he demanded the club build him a house for every year of his contract.
      The club accepted.
      However, Reina didn’t specify what size he required.
      And Arminia provided him with a house made of Lego for the next three years.
      Giuseppe Reina in action for Arminia Bielefeld, who only joined under strict circumstances
      Redondo locked out
      Former Real Madrid and AC Milan midfielder Fernando Redondo was excluded from Argentina’s 1998 World Cup squad for a bizarre reason.
      Manager Daniel Passarella had refused to pick homosexuals or players with earrings and long hair.
      Redondo was ‘guilty’ of the latter.
      He said: “I was in great form. But Passarella had particular ideas about discipline and wanted me to have my hair cut.
      “I didn’t see what that had to do with playing football so I said no.”
      Fernando Redondo’s long hair cost him his international career
      Cooking up a treat
      Congolese midfielder Rolf-Christel Guie-Mien moved from Karlsruher to Eintracht Frankfurt in 1999.
      However, he had one simple request: that his new club pay for his wife to have cooking lessons.
      We’re not sure Mrs Guie-Mien took too kindly to this demand.
      She was not available for comment at the time.
      Rolf-Christel Guie-Mien made it very clear to his wife he kitchen skills needed improvement
      Brought down to Earth
      Swede Stefan Schwarz moved to Sunderland in 1999 — but the Wearsiders had one stipulation the former Arsenal man had to adhere to.
      Schwarz was told that any potential flights into space would not be tolerated.
      The Black Cats chief exec John Flicking said at the time: “One of Schwarz’s advisers has, indeed, got one of the places on the commercial flights [into space, due to take place in 2002].
      “And we were worried that he may wish to take Stefan along with him. So we thought we’d better get things tied up now rather than at the time of the flight.”
      In fact, rather than managing to go up, his career ended when Sunderland went down in 2003.
      Stefan Schwarz is presented as a Sunderland player, alongside Peter Reid in 1999
      Razor weighed down
      Former Premier League and England defender Neil Ruddock once admitted to eating 212 steak and kidney pies every year.
      And Crystal Palace were advised Razor did come with some extra baggage when they signed him on a free in 2000.
      Ex-Eagles chairman Simon Jordan wrote in his autobiography: “On approaching West Ham I discovered he was a free transfer, although he did have a weighty salary — which was not the only weighty thing about him.
      “Harry Redknapp, the West Ham manager at the time, told me to put in a weight clause.
      “So I decided to put a 10 per cent penalty on the contract we were proposing to offer him if he was over the recommended weight of 99.8kg, which by the way was still frigging huge.”
      Ruddock’s Palace debut was allegedly delayed because the club couldn’t find a pair of shorts big enough for him.
      Neil Ruddock has never been one of the slimmest footballers
      Driving a Honda
      Japanese legend Keisuke Honda joined Botafogo in January 2020.
      But moving to Brazil’s crime-ridden city of Rio de Janeiro had the midfielder fearing for his safety.
      So he stipulated he would need an ARMOURED VEHICLE as part of the deal.
      More incredibly, Botafogo agreed.
      But his stay in South America did not last long and the now 36-year-old left the same year for Azerbaijan.
      Honda ended his career in Lithuania – and is now coach of Cambodia’s U23s.
      Keisuke Honda signed for Brazilian side Botafogo – but only after an unusual request was grantedCredit: AFP or licensors More