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      in Soccer

      Former Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho said Bayern loss after Cristiano Ronaldo penalty miss was his saddest moment

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      JOSE MOURINHO once revealed the only time he cried after a defeat was when Real Madrid lost a Champions League semi-final on penalties to Bayern Munich back in 2012.Back in May, Mourinho broke down in tears again, but this time they were tears of joy after guiding Roma to the final of the Europa Conference League.
      Jose Mourinho admitted he cried after a Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich back in 2012Credit: EPA
      But going back 10 years the Portuguese gaffer had already steered Real Madrid to a record-setting year in LaLiga when he welled up after being denied the chance to make it to a Champions League final.
      Madrid were the heavy favourites for Europe’s top competition having overhauled Barcelona domestically with the most points, goals and home wins.
      Mourinho, who had already lifted the Champions League twice with Porto and Inter Milan, missed out on a three-piece at the Bernabeu in heartbreaking fashion.
      The Special One saw Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Sergio Ramos miss from the spot as Madrid fell to Bayern on pens in the 2012 semi-finals.
      He would have met former club Chelsea in the final, who in turn, bested the Bundesliga side in a shootout to win their first-ever Champions League.
      And speaking to Spanish outlet MARCA back in 2020, Mourinho admitted he found it hard losing the chance to play for La Decima and was reduced to tears.
      He said: “Unfortunately, that’s football. Cristiano, Kaka, Sergio Ramos… three complete monsters of football, there’s no doubt about that, but they’re also human.
      “That night is the only time in my career as a coach that I’ve cried after a defeat. I remember it well…
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      Aitor [Karanka] and I pulled up in front of my house, in the car, crying…
      “It was very hard because we were the best that season.”
      Opening up about the incident further in an interview with Portuguese TV channel Sic, Mourinho previously admitted it was still the saddest moment of his career.
      He said: “If I have to choose the worst moment, it’s that elimination with Real Madrid.
      “We were the best team in Europe, without a doubt, we won LaLiga smashing all the records for points and goals and we would’ve won that final, I don’t have any doubt.
      “What was most cruel for me was that in the shoot-out we chose Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Sergio Ramos, they were dead certs from the penalty spot and the guys who missed were those who never miss, it sunk me.”
      SunSport have previously revealed that it was the Chelsea dressing room who broke down in tears after Mourinho was sacked by the club for the first time way back in 2007.
      Club captain John Terry said he and his team-mates were so devastated and shocked they approached the Blues board to reverse their decision.
      The former England skipper would be reunited Mourinho in 2013 with the pair winning the Premier League for a third time two years later, before being axed again in 2015.
      Cristiano Ronaldo was denied from the spot as Los Blancos suffered defeat at the BernabeuCredit: AFP More

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      in Motorsport

      F1 star George Russell boasts glam lifestyle, driving a £140k car and enjoys romantic breaks away with girlfriend Carmen

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      BRITISH F1 racer George Russell outshone his more illustrious team mate Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes last season.The rising star, 25, picked up his first-ever F1 win with victory in the Brazilian GP – and he finished within the points in Bahrain last week.
      Mercedes driver George Russell, pictured with girlfriend Carmen, enjoys a lavish lifestyle away from the F1 circuitCredit: Instagram / @carmenmmundt
      George Russell joined Mercedes last season and is already providing competition for Lewis HamiltonCredit: PA
      Russell, pictured next to Lewis Hamilton in 2010, as an aspiring F1 champ
      He moved to the reigning F1 constructors champions last season – earning a bumper £5MILLION payday.
      That helps the talented racer continue to fund his enviable lifestyle… even though he’s still some way short of team-mate Hamilton’s mega £40m pay-grade.
      Russell currently rents a flat in an affluent area of London, but he has plans to join many F1 colleagues in millionaires’ playground Monaco.
      Away from the racing circuit, the Norfolk-born star drives a £140,000 car – fittingly a Mercedes AMG GT.
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      He also manages to enjoy luxurious breaks away to stunning destinations like St Barts and Santorini, and is joined by glam girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt.
      Russell already leads a playboy lifestyle, despite his tender years.
      KING’S LYNN TO A KING’S RANSOM
      Rising star Russell was born in King’s Lynn to father Steve and mother Alison.
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      The youngest of three children, he has a sister, Cara and older brother, Benjy.
      He caught the racing bug when he started go karting at the age of seven alongside Benjy, who was involved in competitive karting.
      But by 18, he moved to Milton Keynes to be closer to British Formula 3 Championship racing team, Hitech.
      In early 2017, he joined Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport as a part of their junior driver programme.
      A year later, Williams announced that Russell had signed a multi-year deal to drive for their team.
      By the age of seven, Russell was kartingCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      George’s older brother spent his youth competing in karting
      Russell celebrates victory in Race 1 of the FIA GP3 championship at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in 2017Credit: Getty – Contributor
      As soon as he was thrust into the spotlight, Russell’s love life was placed under the microscope.
      He met stunning Seychelle de Vries, who was once linked to Max Verstappen, when he raced in Formula 2 in 2017.
      They reportedly dated for three years, before calling it quits.
      Now, Russell is courting the stunning Carmen Montero Mundt.
      Last year, the pair were spotted on holiday in St Barts together kissing on a sunlounger and frolicking in the sea.
      While last August, Russell was spotted enjoying a break in Santorini.
      Most recently, they shared some loved up snaps enjoying the country side.
      Seychelle de Vries dated Russell for three years
      Carmen Montero Mundt is Russell’s current girlfriendCredit: Splash
      Last year, Russell and Carmen were spotted on a dream holiday in St BarthsCredit: Splash
      Russell and Carmen seen together before the Dutch Grand PrixCredit: Rex
      Most recently, Russell enjoyed a trip to the country sideCredit: Instagram / @carmenmmundt
      COMPANY CAR
      Call it fate, but Russell has always had a penchant for Mercedes.
      On top of his current swanky Mercedes AMG GT, he has always favoured the car manufacturer as his ride.
      He’s been spotted with TWO AMG C 63 motors that cost in the region of £80,000.
      Russell proudly displays his cars on social media to nearly four million followers.
      About the AMG GT, that’s capable of reaching 0-60mph in just three seconds, he wrote on Instagram: “Love my little rocket!”
      Russell shows off his prized possession – a £140,000 Mercedes AMG GTCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      Russell once said about his AMG GT, ‘Love my little rocket!’Credit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      Through the years, Russell has also been spotted with two AMG C 63 Mercedes carsCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      The AMG C 63 costs around £80,000Credit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      HE’S A STUDENT OF THE SPORT
      One of Russell’s many heroes is the late, great Niki Lauda.
      In 2017, the up-and-comer got the opportunity to meet his hero in Baku after a race.
      Lauda even took the student to a Black Eyed Peas concert, after meeting him at a hotel.
      Russell became friends with the three-time F1 champ, and would often lean on him for advice.
      During lockdown last year, Russell shared a picture of himself reading Lauda’s autobiography.
      While he was stuck at home when the coronavirus pandemic was at its height, he made sure he continued to workout and stay in shape.
      He also fitted an F1 simulator to polish up on his driving skills in his bedroom.
      Niki Lauda was an influence on Russell in his early yearsCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      Russell shared an image reading Lauda’s autobiography during lockdownCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      Devoted Russell has his own F1 sim in his homeCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      HEALTHY LIVING
      Crucial to Russell is his diet plan.
      Regularly, he shares snaps on social media of what he eats – and it’s never unhealthy.
      From poke bowls to fresh salads, the athlete makes sure he’s putting the right food in his body.
      Coupled with going to the gym, it’s what keeps Russell in peak condition and lean for a race car.
      Aside from driving, and working out seven days a week, Russell also likes to play squash and get out on his mountain bike.
      LOVES SPORT
      Playing and competing in sport just isn’t enough for Russell.
      When he has some downtime, he’s happy to sit in front of the TV and watch a live event.
      During the Euros last year, he shared an image online cheering on England. The football fan is a devoted Wolves supporter, like his dad.
      While last year, he encouraged his followers to comment who they felt would win the Indy 500, which he was tuned into.
      Fitness fanatic Russell plays a variety of sports including squash and loves riding on his mountain bikeCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      A healthy salad is Russell’s go-to mealCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      Football fan Russell cheered on England during the Euros last yearCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      Joining Mercedes has earned Russell a huge payday so he can continue to enjoy the high-lifeCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      And in 2019, he was in the stands at Twickenham to cheer on England against France in the Six Nations.
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      This year, it’s Russell who is getting all the cheers in the Mercedes car.
      They could just have the next British F1 champ on their hands too.
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      in Motorsport

      Toto Wolff demands salary cap to be LOWERED than what £40m-a-year F1 stars Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen get

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      MERCEDES boss Toto Wolff says F1’s plans to impose a salary cap on drivers should be LOWER than what top earns Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen currently get paid.The sport’s bosses are keen to reduce drivers’ wages as part of their push to reduce costs.
      Toto Wolff reckons the new salary cap should be LESS than Lewis Hamilton’s £40m a yearCredit: Getty
      How much F1 stars earn
      Hamilton and Verstappen earn around £40million a year, with their contracts running until the end of 2023 and 2028, respectively.
      Drivers reacted angrily to the proposal in Baku last year but Wolff, who is a three-way owner of the Mercedes team, says he is in favour of the cap.
      He said: “It certainly has come up as a controversial topic. We can see that we are facing a very difficult situation in F1 overall.
      “The sport is booming and F1 is earning more money and that trickles down to the teams.
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      “But we have a cost cap. We have $140million for 1,000 people. With inflation, we haven’t been able to even pay the inflation.
      “The talk about $30 or $40m salary allowance is inadequate when you take that perspective.
      “Clearly the drivers will have an opinion on that. Maybe as a driver I would say the same thing, but the US American leagues that are the most successful in the world have introduced salary caps 15 years ago. It works pretty well over there.
      “We need to find a way of how we can act sustainably and become independent from sovereign funds or state-owned teams.
      Wolff is a three-way owner of the Mercedes teamCredit: AFP
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      “Therefore it is certainly clear that this is going to be one of the main areas because you can’t simply have a salary bill in some of the top teams that is 30, 40, 50m when the rest of the team needs to be divided in 140m.
      “But having said that, they are tremendous superstars, they deserve to be among the top earners in the sport.
      “In terms of direct salaries they already are and then we need to find a way of unlocking the capability of doing endorsement deals which is two-thirds if not more for US American sports teams.
      “But certainly, direct salaries, F1 drivers are paid the most.” More

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      in Soccer

      Ex-Man Utd coach explains why ‘party animal’ Anderson was a flop and how Fergie ‘wanted to hit him with a stick’

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      A FORMER Manchester United coach has revealed why “party animal” Anderson never succeeded at the club and how Sir Alex Ferguson “wanted to hit him with a stick”.Mick Clegg, who has also revealed how Fergie was good at boxing and that Roy Keane did not like Teddy Sheringham, was employed as a Power Development Trainer by the Red Devils.
      Mick Clegg (centre) worked at United under FergieCredit: Getty
      The Brazilian midfielder struggled with fitness and injuries at Man UtdCredit: Getty
      It was while he was working at Old Trafford that the club splashed out to sign Brazilian midfield star Anderson from Porto after he was spotted by the manager’s brother Martin Ferguson.
      He came with much promise after winning the “Golden Boy” award two years before his arrival.
      But despite winning the Premier League four times and the Champions League, the South American struggled overall to make an impact at United due to injury and fitness issues.
      He eventually returned to his homeland with Internacional in 2018.
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      Now Clegg, who spent four years from 2007 working with Anderson, has provided an insight into what the issues were.
      He told The Athletic: “Anderson was one. You could never find a nicer person, he was popular with everyone but he was a lazy bleeder.
      “He always had his excuses. I used to have a stick and I said to Alex Ferguson very early on, if he carries on, I’m going to hit him with my bleeding stick.
      “Fergie couldn’t believe it. ‘Don’t you dare. He cost me a lot of money. You can’t be hitting one of my players, are you mad?’
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      “Then, six weeks later, Fergie came to find me. ‘Where’s that bloody stick? Give me that stick. I want to hit him’.”
      Clegg added: “Anderson was more than capable of being an absolute stormer of a player. He just needed his head knocking. He didn’t keep fit.
      “He chose not to put in the work, so it’s hard to have too much sympathy for him. He was a party animal.”
      Sir Alex Ferguson ‘wanted to hit Anderson with a stick’Credit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      I ‘lived unnaturally’ playing football at the highest level, claims ex-Chelsea star Gonzalo Higuain

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      GONZALO HIGUAIN says he’s “lived unnaturally” playing top-level football for the last 15 years.That’s because the former Chelsea star claims players “don’t have the same rights” as ordinary folk when it comes to criticism.
      Gonzalo Higuain has opened up over his ‘unnatural life’ as a footballerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Higuain, now 35, has played for some of football’s top clubs during a glittering career which started at River Plate.
      The ex-Blues striker also starred at Real Madrid, Napoli, Juventus and AC Milan.
      And Higuain finished his career in America with David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
      The former Argentina star has amassed numerous goals and trophies – not to mention a vast sum of money.
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      But there’s one thing Higuain wishes he had received more of – respect.
      The hitman reckons once footballers start playing at the highest level, they instantly becoming dehumanised.
      Higuain complains he “can’t go out on the street” after having a bad game due to the insults that come his way.
      But after a lifetime of criticism when he hasn’t performed, Higuain now insists he will “no longer tolerate it.”
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      He told TyC Sports last year: “I said that I lived 15 years unnaturally. People think that we have an easy life, and no, not at all.
      “We don’t have the same right that you go down the street, they insult you and you can’t react, because if you do, the impact is double. 
      “If you lose a game, If you miss a goal or lose an important game, you can’t go out on the street.
      “The soccer player lives conditioned by a result. It’s a sport, a job, and it shouldn’t be confused. We’re all human.
      “I find it very unfair to have lived 15 years in the elite and not have been able to react to moments when I had to bow my head to insults and disrespect. At this time in my life I can’t tolerate it anymore.
      “I no longer tolerate ignoring, disrespect or aggression. I never suffered them in person, only because of anonymous people on social networks. But I’m sure this will end when they have to show their faces. 
      “Today jokes are made with everything kinds of things, but we have to be aware of what is generated, because with five seconds in front of a computer you can ruin a person’s life.
      “I am in one of the best moments of my life. The only thing that matters in football is success and not the journey that one takes.
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      “I’m already at a point in my life where neither praise makes me feel better nor criticism makes me feel worse. The most important thing is balance, and when one is calm with oneself, the other is secondary.
      “I am calm because I gave my life and more for the Argentine National Team. I am proud of what I gave for the National Team and I do not regret anything at all.” More

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      in Soccer

      I was an Arsenal Invincible – but after retiring I set up a successful fruit and veg business

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      AN ARSENAL Invincibles star looks a new man with grey hair and a beard a decade on after retiring from football – and he now runs a successful fruit and veg business.The 47-year-old goalkeeper played for the Gunners for two years between 2002-04.
      The ex-goalkeeper (right) played five times for ArsenalCredit: twitter@shaabanrami
      The 16-capped Swede was at the North London club for two yearsCredit: Instagram/rami.fresh
      He was a part of Arsenal’s Invincibles but didn’t pick up a 2004 medalCredit: Instagram/rami.fresh
      He now runs a fruit and veg business out of SwedenCredit: Instagram/rami.fresh
      He made just five appearances for the North London club.
      The 16-capped Swede was a part of Arsenal’s squad that went unbeaten in the 2003-04 but didn’t pick up a Premier League medal.
      He was also loaned to West Ham in January 2004 before being released by Arsenal in the summer.
      A year was then spent at Brighton before playing in Norway and then finishing his career at Hammarby IF in 2012 in his home country.
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      But a decade on since his retirement, now rocking grey hair and a beard, the ex-Prem footballer is in the fresh food business.
      His company is a specialist in the supply from Egypt of fruit and vegetables segment.
      Rami Fresh are based in Sweden and offer an assortment of fruit and vegetables from the best farms in Egypt.
      And the mystery footballer can be revealed as… Rami Shaaban.
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      Shaaban still pays attention to football and is good friends with fellow Swede and ex-Arsenal team-mate Freddie Ljungberg.
      He was also pleased to see Arsenal dominate Tottenham in the North London Derby last weekend.
      Sharing a throwback picture of Thierry Henry’s iconic knee slide from Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Spurs in 2002, he tweeted: “It’s this kind of day today!”
      Shaaban started in the iconic 2002 win over Tottenham, where the game ended 3-0Credit: PA:Press Association
      Shaaban still keeps an eye on football, and Arsenal, despite running his successful businessCredit: EPA More

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      in Soccer

      Juventus legend Chiellini confesses he was a ‘fool’ to snub Arsenal’s £66k-a-year offer when he was just 16-years-old

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      FORMER Juventus centre-back Giorgio Chiellini has lifted the lid on his failed move to Arsenal in 2001 and says he was a “fool” to reject the club.The ex-Italy international claims the Gunners offered him a huge salary when he was just 16, but felt it would be a betrayal to leave Livorno.
      Giorgio Chiellini has revealed he turned down the chance to join Arsenal in 2001Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Arsene Wenger was keen to bring the defender to North London, but Chiellini has revealed he was too loyal to Livorno, a decision he now regrets.
      The nine-time Serie A champion has stated that he was offered a whopping 200million Italian Lira-a-year by Arsenal, which was roughly around £66,000-per-year.
      Speaking to So Foot via Goal in February 2021 about his failed move, the 38-year-old said: “In hindsight, I was a fool to decline that offer.
      “I was 16, I played in Serie C, I got a huge offer for just under 200 million lira-a-season.
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      “I didn’t feel ready. If I had accepted, it would have given the impression of betraying Livorno.”
      Chiellini would leave the following year for Roma, before linking up with Juventus 15 years ago.
      He received 117 caps for Italy before retiring from international football earlier this year.
      The centre-back then also bidded farewell to Juve in 2022, as he joined Los Angeles FC.
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      Chiellini could have ended up at Arsenal later in his career after Robin van Persie revealed he urged Wenger to sign him, however his plea was ignored.
      On the Effe Relativeren Podcast last year, the ex-Gunners skipper said: “At a given moment I felt called upon to say what Arsenal could do better in order to win the league.
      “I felt we lacked a winning mentality, and asked Arsene Wenger to sign Giorgio Chiellini.
      “I have played against him a few times, and he is a genuine winner. You could see that when he played against Holland a few weeks ago.
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      “He is 36-years-old, but he’ll dish out nine elbows every game with a smile on his face. He’ll keep smiling and never get a yellow card.
      “You need those types of winners and killers in your side. I felt we should get him.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton claims he rarely drives on normal roads outside of F1 track because he ‘finds it more stressful’

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has revealed that he rarely drives on normal roads outside of F1 circuits as he finds it too stressful. The seven-time World Champion, 38, has made tearing round tracks and overtaking rivals at nearly 200mph look easy in his long career.
      Lewis Hamilton’s struggles on normal roads are not reflected on F1 circuits, where he has often been a cut above the restCredit: Rex
      He is among the most experienced drivers on the current grid – and has the record to back up his skills.
      But the Brit made the ironic confession that while the high-speed, twisting roads of Silverstone during a Grand Prix weekend do not scare him, normal roads do.
      Hamilton admitted to Vanity Fair that the experience of driving in a normal road car left him feeling under too much pressure.
      He said: “I just think I find it stressful. I try not to do things that don’t add to my life.”
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      Driving around the south of France during his interview, he added to the magazine: “This is now stressful for me. This road is crazy. So much going on here.
      “I’m going to turn around in a second. Look, we’re on these roads, anything can happen.
      “People say: ‘Dude! You drive around at 200 miles an hour!’ And I’m like, in terms of fear factor, that’s easy for me. I guess we’re just all wired differently.”
      Despite his road concern, Hamilton is still known to be a big collector of different vehicles and has in his collection Ferrari LaFerrari, a McLaren P1 and an MV Agusta bike.
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      As he tries to become more environmentally conscious, the star will now mostly only drive his electric Mercedes EQC.
      The 37-year-old also revealed it was not just normal driving which unsettled him, and revealed his long-term fear of spiders.
      It’s been a below-par season for Hamilton, who saw rival Max Verstappen clinch his second consecutive title last month.
      He currently sits fifth in the rankings after failing to win a single race.
      And Hamilton’s hopes of ending his duck at the Brazilian GP were hit when teammate George Russell beat him to the chequered flag by just over 1.5 seconds. More