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    Bizarre contract demands of footballers, from no space travel to weight clauses and free moves for Catalan independence

    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 his current 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.
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}LATEST FOOTBALL NEWS.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    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.
    Should he move again this summer, which he is hankering for, expect more bizarre transfer clauses there.
    Robert Lewandowski is still 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 35-year-old is now at Suduva in Lithuania.
    Keisuke Honda signed for Brazilian side Botafogo – but only after an unusual request was grantedCredit: AFP or licensors More

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    How Man Utd star Cristiano Ronaldo’s girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez went from £250-a-week shop girl to Netflix superstar

    SHE’S one of the most famous Wags on the planet – but Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner Georgina Rodriguez hasn’t always lived a life of riches and luxury. The 28-year-old Spanish model lived in a cramped, shared house and worked as a £250-a-week shop girl before a chance encounter with football legend Ronaldo transformed her life.
    Georgina has gone from a £250-a-week shop girl to one of the world’s most famous WagsCredit: Instagram
    A chance encounter with football legend Ronaldo transformed Georgina’s lifeCredit: Instagram
    Now she is enjoying life on our shores, and on the big screen with her hit Netflix documentary, after the five-time Ballon d’Or winner agreed to rejoin Manchester United in a blockbuster move.
    In a candid interview with ITV in 2019, Ronaldo, now 37, described finding “true love” with Georgina after the pair met for the first time at a Gucci store, where she was a sales assistant.
    The Juventus star told Piers Morgan: “She helped me so much. Of course, I’m in love with her.”
    Ronaldo, thought to be worth around £300million, added that it would be his mum Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro’s dream to see him and Georgina walk down the aisle.
    “We’ll be [married] one day, for sure,” he said.
    “It’s my mum’s dream as well. So, one day. Why not? It’s great. She’s my friend. We have conversations. I open the heart for her and she opens the heart for me.”
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    Ronaldo becomes emotional during his candid interview with Piers Morgan
    He described Georgina as his “true love”Credit: Refer to Caption
    The footballer also says he’ll marry Georgina one day ‘for sure’Credit: The Mega Agency
    Georgina lives a life most of us can only dream of – holidaying in Ibiza and Iceland, wearing head-to-foot Chanel and Gucci, and enjoying her boyfriend’s mega yacht and fleet of luxury cars.
    She also stood by Ronaldo after he was accused of raping a model in a Las Vegas hotel room – claims he has emphatically denied and which he will not face any criminal charges over.
    But while Georgina could soon become Mrs Ronaldo, the Wag’s life used to be very different…
    Georgina kisses Ronaldo after a Real Madrid victory – but her life used to be very differentCredit: Getty – Contributor

    Grafting for goals
    The beauty hails from a very humble background, growing up in the tiny village of Jaca, northern Spain, with her Argentine former footballer father, Jorge, and Spanish mother, Ana.
    As a child, she longed to be a ballet dancer. But because her parents couldn’t afford to send her to dance school, Georgina set her sights on a career in fashion retail instead.
    It was clear from a young age that she was ambitious and like Ronaldo – who grew up in a tin-roofed house in Madeira – she did everything in her power to chase her dreams.
    Georgina grew up in a tiny village, Jaca, in the Spanish mountainsCredit: Alamy
    She was desperate to get out of her small town and achieve her dreamsCredit: Instagram
    Living in a cramped house share
    As soon as she was old enough, Georgina moved to Huesca, a small town an hour away, where she got her first job as a waitress.
    However, she soon got bored of the town, and became fed up of living in a tiny home with several other young people.
    Tired of her impoverished lifestyle,  Georgina moved again – this time three hours away to the seaside town of San Sebastian, where she got a job in mid-range shop, Massimo Dutti.
    But despite earning more money, the draw of living the high life saw her make her next big move.
    “I wanted to work in luxury and I understood that for that I had to speak English,” Georgina told XLSemanal. 

    Georgina poses for a typical tourist snap near the London EyeCredit: Instagram
    Nanny in Bristol
    In 2012, aged just 17, Georgina flew to England and got a job as an au pair for a family in Bristol.
    Here, she focused on learning English, earning around £9.50 an hour.
    Once her language skills were up to scratch, she headed back to Spain to pursue her dreams of working in high-end retail in Madrid.
    Georgina lived in Bristol but visited Bath in her free timeCredit: Instagram
    “Love at first sight”
    Georgina finally got her dream job as a saleswoman at Gucci in 2016 – and it was while she was working here that she caught former Real Madrid star Ronaldo’s eye.
    Days later, the pair met again at another brand’s event, where they were able to “talk in a relaxed atmosphere”, outside of a work environment.
    “It was love at first sight for both,” Georgina previously told the Sun on Sunday.
    Georgina finally got her dream job in a designer store in Madrid in 2016Credit: Instagram
    It was “love at first sight” for the coupleCredit: AFP or licensors
    Hounded by fans
    The couple kept their relationship under wraps for the first few months, but once people found out they were dating, football fans started turning up at Georgina’s shop.
    Bosses feared the fans, who were trying to take pictures, would put off their rich clientele, and Georgina was dismissed from her dream job in December 2016 after just eight months.
    Ronaldo’s contacts got her another job in Prada in El Corte Ingles, the famous Spanish department store, where she earned about £1,000 a month plus commission.

    But once again, her relationship cost her a job. Customers kept coming into the shop in the hope of spotting Ronaldo – and begged Georgina for selfies.
    It wasn’t long before management and Georgina mutually agreed it was best if she left and stopped working for good.
    Speaking about her experience, she told Spanish outlet, XLSemanal: “I was hiding, but fans were looking for me at the store. They used to call up and ask about me, pretending to be clients.
    “There were always photographers waiting for me. The director told me to go down to the basement because he did not want to see me in the store. I started to be very uncomfortable and then I left.”
    Georgina’s high-profile relationship has cost her a number of jobsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    From selling Gucci to wearing it
    While Georgina used to sell designer clothes to the rich and famous, she’s now wearing them herself – from £1,400 Balmain jackets and £5,000 Chanel handbags to a priceless vintage fur coat.
    They were living in a gated mansion in Turin – similar to the £5 million mansion she and Ronaldo used to share in Madrid (but a far cry from the flat she once lived in with pals).
    Now, they will mostly likely be house-hunting in Cheshire’s Golden Triangle for an abode fit for a king and queen.
    Of course, Georgina is used to travelling in style too – jetting off in an £18 million private plane, sailing on a luxury yacht and driving sports cars like Ronaldo’s flashy Bugatti Veyron.
    Since she began dating Ronaldo, Georgina has become a star in her own right, gracing the cover of various fashion magazines while amassing 27 million Instagram followers.
    Georgina is often pictured wearing the most expensive designer clothesCredit: Rex Features
    Credit: Refer to Caption

    The Ronaldo clan enjoy their luxury £5.5m Azimut Grande yacht bought in 2020
    A lavish wedding
    If Ronaldo does fulfil his dream to wed Georgina “one day”, it will likely be a very grand affair.
    Wedding expert and founder of Wedding Ideas Magazine Rachel Southwood told Sun Online: “She’ll probably wear a fit and flare dress that hugs her curves and kicks out at the bottom.
    “It will be slinky and sexy but demure all at the same time – probably in lace, but possibly with some extra bling.
    Georgina loves designer clothingCredit: Rex Features
    “I think she will wear a long lace, scallop-edged veil. Something by a designer like Riki Dalal although I suspect it will be completely bespoke, from the head designer at one of the design houses she has worked with.
    “Their wedding will be lavish and include a church service and a huge feast. It will be family-focused with a few big names thrown in for good measure.”
    Rodriguez sparked engagement rumours last year when she showed off a huge ring in an Instagram post.
    They have so far remain tight-lipped over plans but are expected to tie the knot in the near future.
    Georgina Rodriguez showed off a huge ring on her finger during a holidayCredit: Instagram
    Running Ronaldo’s empire
    But Georgina is very keen not to be perceived as a typical WAG.
    She has previously said she has no interest in just shopping and spending Ronaldo’s money – in fact she might take a more active role in managing his vast fortune.
    Georgina and Ronaldo now have four children between them
    Georgina sparked engagement rumours when she was seen sporting a new ring during the 2018 World CupCredit: Getty – Contributor
    While most women spend their pregnancies decorating the nursery, Georgina spent hers studying financial accounting at the Centre for Financial Studies in Madrid.
    Her course, which started in October 2017 and finished the following March, cost her £780 and saw her attend three-hour long classes twice a week.
    According to El Mundo, it included modules on tax matters, legal obligations and wealth management.
    “I loved earning money for myself and I never let myself be helped when someone offered to lend me a hand,” Georgina previously said.
    “I am realistic and if I see that I can buy something not too expensive I do. If I can’t wear a Chanel, I buy a Zara. Why brag about something that does not belong to you?”
    Ronaldo and his family were living in Turin, northern Italy before returning to Manchester United
    Tens of millions in a divorce
    When Georgina and Ronaldo eventually tie the knot, it’s unlikely the model will ever have to return to her shop girl job – even if they divorce.
    Experts say all her financial worries would be taken care of in a pre-nup.
    Head of Family Law in leading Manchester firm, JMW, Elspeth Kinder told Sun Online: “A prenup would make sure it provides fairly for Georgina’s needs and that of their child in the event of a divorce. It would be tens of millions – but it won’t be a half share of everything he’s got- that’s the point of the pre-nup.
    “The Spanish jurisdiction in divorce is very different to here and tends to be less favourable to somebody like Georgina who comes to a marriage with less money than the other.”
    Yet there’s no sign of trouble on the horizon for Ronaldo and Georgina.
    “Being the partner of someone so famous is not easy but I wouldn’t change it for the world,” Georgina said. “What I feel for him is stronger than anything, any kind of pressure.” More

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    Benfica XI of former stars would fight for Champions League after selling £500m worth of talent in the last decade

    BENFICA’S business model of buy low, sell high has delivered domestic success but the £500million worth of talent leaving the club could have deprived them of greater glory.A stunning array of star players have passed through the Lisbon club’s doors over the past decade, showcasing their eye for a gem.

    An impressive XI can be constructed from former Benfica men – with plenty left spare.
    The 2019 summer deal for Joao Felix, with Atletico Madrid paying £115m, remains their biggest sale but a mega 15 players left for between £20m and £35m in the past 10 years.
    The Eagles’ most recent loss of Darwin Nunez comes in as the next most expensive exit, as Liverpool could fork out up to £85million for the striker.
    Jurgen Klopp’s side paid £64million up front for his services, but they could be required to pay the extra £21million in future to meet projected value.
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    Manchester City’s defensive stalwart Ruben Dias is next after arriving in a £64m deal to shatter David Luiz’s £22m effort.
    His team-mate goalkeeper Ederson follows with a defence of Nelson Semedo, Victor Lindelof and Fabio Coentrao banking Benfica £87m combined.
    A pairing of Axel Witsel and Renato Sanches represents two central midfielders sold early on in their careers for huge profits.
    And with Angel Di Maria and Goncalo Guedes joining them in a £121m midfield, there isn’t even space for Nemanja Matic.
    Ezequiel Garay and Nemanja Matic left for big fees yet are nowhere near the top of the rankingsCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    The Serb bruiser left for Chelsea in 2014 for a ‘measly’ £21m, meaning he misses the cut for this line-up along with £13m playmaker Bernardo Silva.
    The exit fees for Lazar Markovic, Nico Gaitan and Enzo Perez also exceeded £20m – and yet aren’t enough for our XI.
    Nuno Tavares swapped Benfica for Arsenal in the summer of 2021 but fails to make our XI as his bargain £7m fee is no match for the £27m banked when Coentrao joined Real Madrid back in 2011.
    Up front, Felix partners Nunez to oust Wolves’ record £30million buy Raul Jimenez.
    Had all these players stayed, it isn’t hard to imagine Benfica reaching the latter stages of the Champions League and even threatening to win the competition.
    Add in the likes of Jan Oblak, Joao Cancelo and Luka Jovic and suddenly the team looks nigh-on imperious.
    Sure enough, the Portuguese giants do have two European Cups to their name but a decade that saw them reach just two Champions League quarter-finals and lose a pair of Europa League finals could have been very different. More

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    France legend Michel Platini admits World Cup 1998 draw was FIXED for Les Bleus to face Brazil in final

    MICHEL PLATINI has admitted the 1998 World Cup draw was FIXED.Platini was booted out of Fifa and Uefa after revelations he had received a “disloyal payment” of £1.35million from disgraced world boss Sepp Blatter.
    France won their home World Cup in 1998 – but Michel Platini says the draw for the tournament was fixedCredit: AFP – Getty
    Michel Platini congratulates Didier Deschamps as France went up to lift the trophy – in the knowledge they had rigged the draw for the World CupCredit: AP:Associated Press
    This week, he came out fighting in his testimony in a Swiss court and pointed the finger at FIFA.
    “What FIFA did to the president of FIFA and me is scandalous, they made us out to be cheaters, fraudsters, money launderers,” Platini said.
    “Just so that I wouldn’t become president.
    “It’s not easy when you’re known worldwide to be criticised worldwide, especially when you have children and grandchildren.
    “I hope there will be justice one day.”
    But the midfield ace, France boss between 1988 and 1992, has admitted he was involved in a plot to ensure the 1998 hosts could not meet favourites Brazil until the final.
    Fifa has long agreed that the host nation should be given a pre-draw seeding spot while the other seven seeds for the first 32-team tournament were allocated on a calculation mixing the world rankings with performances at the three previous World Cup.
    Fifa regulations for the competition stated that the seeds should be randomly assigned at the Finals draw, which took place inside the Stade Velodrome in Marseilles.
    But Platini, who had been appointed co-president of the World Cup Organising Committee in 1992, pressed for a change that would allow France and Brazil to be kept apart until the ultimate showpiece.
    Disgraced former Fifa and Uefa chief Platini says organisers rigged the draw so France and Brazil would meet in the finalCredit: AFP
    Organisers allegedly fixed the draw to ensure France could only face Brazil in the final of their home tournamentCredit: EPA
    The former midfield star was to become a close ally of Blatter and his predecessor Joao Havelange before Fifa’s house of cards came crashing down in 2015, taking him with it as he was forced out of his role as President of Uefa.
    Platini, speaking in a French radio interview, confessed: “When we organised the calendar, we did a little trickery.”
    Whereas Russia were the only seeds who knew their spot for the 2018 draw, Brazil were announced a the top seed in Group A, with France taking the corresponding spot in Group C.
    With the paths to the final pre-ordained by the match calendar, the fix was in.
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    Platini added: “If we finished first in the group and Brazil finished first, we could not meet before the final.
    “We did not work until we were bored for six years to organise the World Cup not to do some little shenanigans.
    Ronaldo is consoled at the end of the game after Brazil were beaten by France in the World Cup finalCredit: AP:Associated Press
    “When you are at home, you want to be able to enjoy things.
    “You think the others do not do it for their World Cups? France against Brazil in the final, that was the dream of everyone.”
    Both sides did win their group and kept their scheduled date in the Stade de France, won 3-0 by the hosts with two from Zinedine Zidane and the third scored by Emmanuel Petit.
    The final is much remembered for the conspiracies that flew around concerning Brazil striker Ronaldo. The superstar was withdrawn from the team in the build-up to the match before being reinstated at the last minute.
    He endured a terrible game, contributing to France’s heavy win.
    He later revealed he suffered with convulsions and lost consciousness for several minutes before the final. More

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    Tyson Fury shows off incredible throwback snap with wife Paris leaving fans in shock at boxer’s curly hair

    TYSON FURY has stunned fans with a throwback picture of him with long curly hair.The WBC heavyweight champion has made the shaven head look his own in recent years – particularly since returning from his long lay-off in 2018.
    Tyson shared this picture of him and Paris on social mediaCredit: Instagram @parisfury1
    These days Tyson rocks the shaven head and beard lookCredit: instagram
    But back in the early stages of his career, The Gypsy King looked very different with a full head of hair.
    And earlier this year he shared a snap from years back alongside the caption: “Happy Mother’s Day.”
    Tyson and Paris have been together since they were both teenagers.
    They now have six children together after welcoming daughter Athena into the world last August.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-xpuujo{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-tqcu81{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-bq4915{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,97,108,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}FURY VS WHYTE .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Fury KNOCKS OUT Whyte with sensational uppercut at Wembley
    They are also parents to Prince John James, Venezuela, Prince Tyson Fury II, Prince Adonis Amaziah and Valencia Amber.
    Meanwhile, Paris showed off her toned stomach which comes amid claims she was pregnant with a seventh child.
    Retired boxer Carl Froch had hinted that Paris and husband Tyson were set to welcome another addition to their family.
    Fury retained his belt after a comprehensive KO victory over Dillian Whyte in April.
    He retired after the bout but fans are desperate for him to put his gloves back on and keep boxing.
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    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
    The unbeaten WBC champion is continuing to put in two sessions a day despite supposedly being retired.
    US promoter Bob Arum hinted the retirement could be short-lived if they are able to provide an offer Fury cannot refuse.
    Arum told FightHype: “Tyson Fury is retired and he will be retired until we come to him with the next big event and then he will unretire.”
    But, Fury hit back: “I’ve just read today that I’m supposed to be coming out of retirement.
    “That’s news to me. As far as I’m concerned I’m staying [retired].” More

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    Michael Owen left ‘mortified’ after getting ‘b*****ked by the QUEEN’ for squeezing into a packed lift with Her Majesty

    MICHAEL OWEN has revealed he was “b*****ked” by the QUEEN for squeezing into a packed lift with her.The football legend – who has been squirming this week covering England’s draw in Germany after his daughter Gemma entered the Love Island villa – was left “mortified” after his blunder at Royal Ascot.
    Michael Owen has revealed an awkward encounter with The Queen at the famous trackCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Michael Owen along with England football stars meeting The Queen at Buckingham Palace in October 1998Credit: PA:Press Association
    Detailing the awkward encounter in his book, he wrote: “When she [the Queen] walked into the royal lift there were perhaps 15 of us outside.
    “‘Come on,’ she said, ‘We can all squeeze in’.
    “I obeyed – taking my hat off as I thought that correct etiquette.
    “‘If you’d put your hat back on,’ she said, voice raised, ‘we might all fit in!’
    “I sheepishly put my hat on. I was mortified. To this day I have absolutely no idea if she was joking.
    “Louise was nudging me from the other side trying not to laugh because I’d been b****ked by the Queen.”
    The Liverpool and England legend, who also played for Real Madrid and Manchester United and owns horses himself, also told how he tried to make sure his manners were impeccable during a pre-race meal at Windsor Castle.
    He added: “I was careful to hold my fork in the correct hand and so on. I needn’t have worried. The Queen was throwing bits of starter to her corgis!”
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    The former striker, 42, made a series of stunning revelations in his 2019 autobiography Reboot – My Life, My Time.
    Owen was also confronted with the sad sight of Paul Gascoigne turning up at Real Madrid with his football boots.
    He recalls the time soon after he joined Real when Gazza – who would have been 38 and had been retired for several years – suddenly pitched up in Spain.
    Owen wrote: “I walked into the reception area at Real Madrid and there, in front of me, was Gazza.
    “When I looked closer, he was carrying a pair of football boots. I thought for a split second: What? Have we signed him?
    “Then reality kicked in when I rationalised with myself that, as good as he had once been, there was no way that Real Madrid would have signed Paul Gascoigne in 2005.
    “All I can say is that Gazza didn’t seem to be in the most stable frame of mind.
    “As much as it was great to see him, there was something incredibly sad and poignant about the image of one of my all-time heroes standing in the reception of the Bernabeu holding his football boots.”
    Horse-fanatic Michael Owen and wife Louise Bonsall at a chairty polo event in KentCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Michael Owen’s daughter Gemma is currently starring in the latest series of Love IslandCredit: Tim Stewart
    Owen made his name playing for Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle and Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    The rise of Benfica star Darwin Nunez, from surgeries and tears to being Liverpool’s No1 attacking target this summer

    DARWIN NUNEZ is set to be the face of one of the summer’s biggest transfer sagas with Liverpool now leading the race to land the in-demand striker.West Ham came close to snapping up the Benfica striker, 22, in the January window on deadline day before a late collapse.
    Darwin Nunez scored a classy goal against Liverpool at Anfield and could now join the RedsCredit: Getty
    Nunez also netted against the Reds in the first leg with Jurgen Klopp to bring him to AnfieldCredit: Getty
    And now, some of the biggest clubs on the continent have joined the chase to secure the services of the Uruguayan who has announced himself on the European stage during the 2021-22 season.
    As well as scoring an incredible 26 goals in 28 games domestically, Nunez netted six goals in ten Champions League matches.
    Those ridiculous stats include a pair against Barcelona, one against Bayern Munich, one against Ajax and two versus Liverpool in Benfica’s quarter final defeat.
    Now strongly tipped for a move to Jurgen Klopp’s Reds in a club-record £85m deal, it is important to understand the player and the person behind the incredible goal-scoring stats.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}NU KID ON THE BLOCK .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Nunez Liverpool transfer makes more sense than Haaland’s Man City move
    Nunez grew up in a poor neighbourhood called Los Piratas in Artigas – a Uruguayan village on the borders of Brazil.
    His upbringing in football was a tough one, suffering potentially significant knee injuries that required surgery as an 18-year-old.
    Despite this, his biggest attribute was always one of physicality and power, and after scoring 16 goals in his first season with Spanish second division outfit Almeria, Benfica took a punt on Nunez in September 2020 signing a five-year deal for a club-record £20m.
    Upon completing that move, it is said Nunez cried with his father in their family home having achieved his dreams after overcoming his knee issues.
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    But despite adapting well to the Portuguese league in his first season, the tears soon returned as his knee troubles resurfaced in May 2021.
    Those closest to him explain how emotions spilled over after he was subbed during a game against Farense, sobbing on the bench clutching his knee, raging with then-boss Jorge Jesus.
    Another poor performance against Sporting Lisbon, where he was clearly playing through the pain, saw him delete his social media account after feeling the wrath of the Benfica fans.
    More knee surgery that summer meant he missed the first few weeks of the 2021-22 campaign but came back strong, and has been an unstoppable force since.
    Nunez is described by those who know him best as reserved and now in control of his emotions, especially as he has recently become a father.
    And since returning to social media, he has even embraced a meme targeting his long hair, and now often celebrates goals by pointing to it.
    WHERE WILL HE GO?
    Should he get his big move abroad, no one will be laughing at him.
    His representatives believe he is ready with Portuguese football always seen as a launch pad.
    But which club will he choose? SunSport understands that despite admiring Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, Nunez and his camp do not see it as the perfect fit.
    In their eyes, he needs space to run, a physical style of play and a guarantee of minutes, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham all preferable locations, while Man Utd are viewed as more of a risk.
    The Benfica striker has attracted attention from the Premier LeagueCredit: Reuters
    Just watching him against Klopp’s men in the quarter final first leg in Lisbon showed what he is capable of, bravely battling with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate before pouncing on the latter’s mistake with a true poacher’s finish.
    He also took his goal in the 3-3 draw at Anfield superbly.
    No wonder Klopp praised him before that second leg.
    Benfica manager Nelson Verissimo claims Nunez should be valued at the same amount that Joao Felix was when he left for Atletico Madrid for £113m in 2019.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The 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    The club were willing to part with Nunez for around £65m in January, but that figure now appears to have rocketed up to closer to £85m.
    Wherever he ends up, Nunez will be ready and determined to seize his moment.
    It is unlikely Nunez will choose Pep Guardiola’s Man City as his next club – but he could link up with Jurgen Klopp’s LiverpoolCredit: Reuters More

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    Tyson Fury’s car collection boasts TWO new luxury Rolls-Royces, Ferrari supercars and a humble Vauxhall Passat

    THE Gypsy King boasts chariots that have been the envy of the sporting world over the years.Tyson Fury, 33, recently showed off TWO new Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II motors – priced at a staggering £384,000 each.
    Heavyweight star Tyson Fury boasts an epic car collectionCredit: Refer to Caption
    Fury showed off his first new Rolls Royce on InstagramCredit: Instagram @tysonfury
    Days later, he posted footage of a second Rolls Royce he added to his collection
    A £20k Vauxhall Passat was spotted on Fury’s drive, which he cleaned upCredit: Instagram
    The WBC champion was also spied buying a £140,000 Porsche Taycan – a month after disposing of Dillian Whyte at Wembley stadium.
    But he isn’t all flashy. Tyson was happy to share an instagram story of a £20,000 Vauxhall Passat that he was cleaning on his drive way.
    In the past, he drove a stunning Ferrari GTC4Lusso worth around £250,000.
    And on the opposite end of the scale, the heavyweight boxer has also squeezed his giant 6ft 9in frame into a 1993 Mini Cooper that would’ve cost no more than £10,000.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}RUFF JUSTICE .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Fury buys ‘£20K top security dog’ to protect huge family and home
    Here’s a look inside Tyson’s motors through the years.
    THE FASTEST
    Fury is a big fan of the Ferrari brand, having previously owned a California which he sold to a pal.
    His GTC4Lusso is the priciest car in his garage, with a value of around £250,000.
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    Fury added a £250,000 Ferrari GTC4Lusso to his car collection in 2019Credit: BackGrid
    He added it in 2019, after he confirmed his second fight with Deontay Wilder.
    It’s a speedy supercar too – able to hit 0-62mph in just 3.4 seconds.
    THE MOST EXPENSIVE
    The Rolls-Royce Phantom is one of the classiest motors you can get.
    And, of course, it comes with a hefty £360,000 price tag that only the mega-rich can afford.
    Fury had one, regularly posing on social media with it over the years.
    However, he sold it when he suffered with depression and his life spiralled out of control.
    He has also been pictured in a Rolls-Royce Dawn.
    The most expensive motor Fury ever owned was a £360,000 Rolls-Royce PhantomCredit: BackGrid
    Fury pictured in a Rolls-Royce DawnCredit: Refer to Caption
    LOVES A ROLLER
    Fury also owned a Rolls-Royce Cullinan alongside his brilliant Phantom.
    But again, with the trappings of fame and wealth too much to stand, he decided to flog it.
    The Wythenshawe fighter even posted an emotional video on YouTube waving goodbye to the motor as it left his drive.
    He claimed to have swapped it for a used Volkswagen Passat that cost him just £500.
    Fury was also believed to own a Rolls-Royce Cullinan worth £300,000Credit: Alamy
    MOST RIDICULOUS
    Everybody knows a Mini Cooper isn’t exactly the roomiest vehicle on the market.
    Worse still, if you are as tall as 6ft 9in and weigh around 20 stone, it’ll be a tight a squeeze fitting into one.
    But that didn’t bother Tyson, who was seen in a £10,000 Mini Cooper driving around Morecambe.
    He even, unashamedly, shared an image giving the thumbs up inside the British icon.
    6ft 9in Fury squeezes his frame into his 1993 Mini CooperCredit: Refer to Caption
    ITALIAN STALLION
    He matches cars with his mate, Billy Joe Saunders.
    In 2019, Tyson showed off his red Ferrari Portofino motor, alongside Saunders’ similar model in a car park.
    The Portofino usually retails at around £170,000 for a base model.
    Astonishingly, it has a top speed of 198 mph.
    Tyson Fury shows off his matching Ferrari Portofino with friend Billy Joe SaundersCredit: Instagram @gypsyking101
    The red Portofino carries a price tag of around £170,000Credit: Instagram @gypsyking101
    OUT OF RANGE
    As Tyson began his recovery from mental health issues and substance issues, he treated himself to a Range Rover.
    But, he wasn’t going to get any old Range Rover – splashing the cash on a £65,000 Sport SVR.
    Even better, he got it wrapped in camo.
    “Massive thanks to @automotivefashion for wrapping my SVR, looks & feels great. Army edition,” he shared on social media with a snap of his motor.
    This £65,000 Range Rover Sport SVR was specially wrapped in camo for FuryCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    NICE WAGON
    In 2016, Fury was spotted driving a Mercedes-AMG G class SUV.
    The £160,000 is one of the most luxurious vehicles around and is favoured by plenty of Premier League stars.
    Fury’s is personalised with blacked out windows, with one having an etching of his famous nickname’s initial ‘GK’.
    A year before that, he took to Twitter to show off an original G Wagon from 1991.
    A personalised G Wagon with ‘GK’ signature on a blacked out window was Fury’s ride in 2016Credit: Maverick Photo Agency More