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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury lets trainer SugarHill Steward live rent free in his stunning Las Vegas luxury mansion

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      TYSON FURY revealed he lets coach SugarHill Steward stay in his Las Vegas mansion RENT-FREE ahead of his clash with Dillian Whyte.The Gypsy King is gearing up for a long-awaited domestic dust-up with the Brixton Body Snatcher on April 23 at Wembley Stadium.
      Tyson Fury will prepare for his April showdown with Dillian Whyte in Morecambe
      And coach SugarHill Steward will get to stay in Fury’s Vegas mansion for freeCredit: Getty
      Fury showed off his plush Vegas digs ahead of his trilogy fight with Deontay WilderCredit: INSTAGRAM
      But the WBC heavyweight champ has not headed Stateside for his training camp as he did for his back-to-back fights with American Deontay Wilder.
      And that meant coach Steward got to lap it up in Fury’s plush Sin City digs until he jetted over to Morecambe to put the finishing touches on the star’s preparations.
      Discussing his preparations previously, he said: “The time difference is too much for me to go back to Las Vegas to train again, for a UK fight.
      “When I fight in the UK I train here, when I fight in America, I train there.
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      “But after April I will go back to Las Vegas because that is the home of the Gypsy King, those rays of sunshine is where I belong.
      “I have bought a big beautiful house out there and never really used it, one camp.
      “My trainer SugarHill is living in the house rent-free right now, sending me photos of all the fun he is having. I love it over there.”
      Meanwhile, despite admitting Whyte packs a devastating blow too, Steward claims it will be no match for Fury’s on the night in front of 90,000 fans at Wembley.
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      Speaking to Boyle Sports, Steward explained: “We’ve seen Dillian Whyte’s punching power over the years, he’s no different than these other heavyweights are.
      “Everybody has a chance in the heavyweight division, that’s why it’s the most exciting division.
      “Everybody wants one heavyweight to hit the other heavyweight and them to go down. That’s it.
      “That’s what the heavyweight division brings. That’s what the heavyweight division is about.
      “It’s about that one punch knockout at any given time, it can happen.
      “Yeah, Dillian Whyte has a chance. He can punch, he’s a tremendous puncher.
      ‘THE KO KING’
      “He’s almost got as many knockouts as Tyson Fury. The only real difference if i’m really being honest is Tyson Fury is the knockout king.
      “He dethroned the previous knockout king, so that makes Tyson legitimately the knockout king.
      “He’s the big puncher in boxing now, the same way he dethroned Wladimir Klitschko, he dethroned Deontay Wilder by knocking him out – giving him a taste of his own medicine – twice.
      “That makes Tyson legitimately, factually the biggest puncher in boxing.
      “You can’t become the biggest puncher in boxing if you don’t take out the bigger puncher.”
      Fury is ditching all his social media accounts ahead of his clash with Dillian WhyteCredit: INSTAGRAM@GYPSYKING101 More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Nine Arsenal wonderkids who never lived up to their potential in North London including Eddie Nketiah and Serge Gnabry

      by

      ARSENAL have been responsible for producing some of the Premier League’s finest young talents over the years.Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe have been the latest to take the league by storm in the last couple of seasons.
      Nketiah is expected to leave Arsenal at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
      However, some youngsters have not lived up to expectations.
      Ian Wright recently slammed Eddie Nketiah, 22, for not making the most of his chances at the club.
      In a passionate rant on the Arseblog podcast, he said: “If you’re at Arsenal, in London, a team that’s so capable, the manager has got something, you could be that f***ing centre-forward there for f***ing years.
      “Something has happened somewhere along the line.”
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      With Nketiah running the risk of becoming another failed Arsenal wonderkid, SunSport looks at eight others who failed to make an impression.
      Chris Willock
      Chris Willock was sold to Benfica in 2017Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Brother of former Arsenal midfielder Joe, Chris was expected to become a club hero after his consistent performances for the U23’s.
      However, things did not quite go to plan.
      He made just two appearances for the club in the 2016/17 season – both in the Carabao Cup.
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      He was eventually sold to Benfica in 2017, when Arsene Wenger decided that there was no permanent place for him.
      In 2020 he signed for QPR on a three-year deal for a fee of around £750,000.
      Willock has since revealed that he is determined to return to the Premier League to play alongside his brother, who is now at Newcastle.
      Fran Merida
      Fran Merida joined from Barcelona in 2005 but never established himselfCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The Times
      Merida broke into the Gunners’ first team during the 2007/08 season – two years after he joined the club from Barcelona.
      He was loaned out to Real Sociedad once during his three-year stint at the club, but on his return he still struggled to secure a regular place in the first team.
      In 2012 he joined Atletico Madrid, but that spell was just as unsuccessful.
      He was sold by Atletico in 2012 but remained in Spain by joining second division side Hercules, but he was there for a matter of months.
      He moved on to Atletico Paranaense, then Huesca, then Osasuna before settling at Espanyol, where he is currently playing.
      Carlos Vela
      Carlos Vela made most of his appearances in the League CupCredit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun
      The Mexican international was tipped for greatness when he burst onto the scene in the 2008/09 season.
      He scored a hat-trick on his full debut for the Gunners against Sheffield United in the League Cup.
      Vela failed to nail down a regular place in the starting line-up and his appearances were limited to the league cup.
      He was loaned out five times whilst at Arsenal.
      In 2011 he joined Real Sociadad, where he found some form in the six years he spent at the club.
      He is currently at Los Angeles FC, where he has scored an impressive 71 goals in 106 games.
      Arturo Lupoli
      Arturo Lupoli is now playing in Serie DCredit: PA:Press Association
      The Italian striker joined Arsenal in 2004 from Parma after an impressive season for their U17’s side.
      He continued his impressive form the following season, scoring 27 goals or Arsenal’s youth squad.
      Lupoli was loaned to Derby in 2006, where he scored seven goals in 35 games.
      The next season, Arsenal decided to sell him and he returned to Italy to play for Fiorentina.
      He is now with Serie D side Borgo San Donnino.
      Wellington Silva
      Silva did not make an appearance for the GunnersCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      Wenger praised Silva’s talent when the Brazilian joined Arsenal in 2010.
      However, the winger never appeared for the first team.
      Until the 2015-16 term, he failed to obtain the necessary work permit in order to play in England.
      That year he joined Bolton on loan, but he failed to secure a spot in the starting line-up.
      He then moved back to Brazil with Fluminense before going out on loan to Gamba Osaka, where he currently plays.
      Gedion Zelalem
      Zelalem made his debut at the age of 16Credit: Getty – Contributor
      The midfielder made his Arsenal debut in 2014 at the age of 16.
      In doing so, he became the first player born after Wenger took charge of Arsenal in 1996 to play for the Gunners.
      Injuries prevented him from permanently featuring in the first team and he was loaned out twice to Rangers and VVV-Venlo.
      He is now playing for New York City FC, where he is still limited by injuries.
      David Bentley
      Bentley scored a fantastic chip against MiddlesbroughCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Bentley joined Arsenal in 2001.
      Many compared him to Dennis Bergkamp after his sensational chip against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup in 2004.
      But, he failed to impress after that and was sold to Blackburn in 2006.
      His career failed to take off again during his time at Rovers, and after a poor spell at Tottenham he retired in 2014 at the age of 29.
      Serge Gnabry
      Gnabry has become a Bundesliga superstarCredit: Getty
      Gnabry joined the club in 2012 and spent a four-year spell in North London.
      During his stay he was loaned out to West Brom where Tony Pulis infamously claimed that he was “not at the level” to play for the Championship club.
      He was sold to Werder Bremen in 2016.
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      He was with the Green and Whites for a year and made 27 appearances.
      Gnabry then signed for Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, where he has become a key asset, scoring 61 goals in 160 appearances. More

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      Carlo Ancelotti’s all-time XI of players he has managed including Chelsea stars Terry and Lampard plus flop Shevchenko

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      CARLO ANCELOTTI once named his best XI of players he has managed during his long career – and included Chelsea flop Andriy Shevchenko.The Real Madrid head coach, 62, has bossed the likes of AC Milan, Chelsea, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Napoli in his illustrious career.
      Ancelotti’s best XI includes Chelsea stars John Terry, Frank Lampard and Andriy Shevchenko
      But somehow the Italian picked his favourite team of stars he coached during the earlier days of his career.
      Ancelotti has four league titles to his name as a manager, with another on the way this season at the Bernabeu.
      Added to that the Italian lifted the Champions League on three occasions – two of which were with AC Milan.
      It’s little wonder Ancelotti has his best XI stacked with San Siro stars, either, with the Milan giants dominating European football for much of his reign.
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      Ancelotti’s XI is based on players he coached, prior to those he worked with at Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton, and his second spell at the Bernabeu.
      Which explains why there is no room for Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Karim Benzema too would certainly be in with a shout if Ancelotti named his team again in today’s age, with the Frenchman one of the favourites for this year’s Ballon d’Or following a scintillating season in front of goal.
      But who did make the cut?
      MADE IN MILAN
      In goal, Ancelotti has gone for Gianluigi Buffon, who he managed during his time at Parma, before the Italian stopper became a Juventus stalwart.
      The defence reads like a real dream back-four, with Milan stars Cafu and Paolo Maldini joined by former Chelsea captain John Terry and current Blues ace Thiago Silva.
      In a star-studded midfield diamond, Andrea Pirlo and Kaka are the Milan stars at the base and the tip.
      Zinedine Zidane, who Ancelotti managed at Juventus, and now-Everton boss Frank Lampard sit in the middle of the park.
      Ancelotti pictured with Zidane during their time together at JuventusCredit: PA:Press Association
      And while Sevchenko failed to ever really live up to expectations during his time at Stamford Bridge, Ancelotti still has him down as one of the two best striker Ancelotti has managed.
      Milan-era Shevchenko starts up front with current AC Milan man Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Ancelotti’s best XI. More

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      How Romelu Lukaku lost a stone and a half after Inter Milan discovered dodgy digestive system which Man Utd missed

      by

      BEFORE returning to Chelsea, Romelu Lukaku turned into the striker Manchester United thought they had signed – not the one that failed to set Old Trafford alight.At Inter Milan, Lukaku lost the bulk and the brawn, but none of the goalscoring ability that lay dormant at Old Trafford.
      Lukaku looked much slimmer around the midsection at Inter than he did at Man Utd – and it was down to a ‘malfunction’ in his digestive system
      The numbers speak for themselves.
      He was the fastest signing to reach 20 goals for Inter Milan, needing just 29 games, after he signed in 2019 from the Red Devils.
      For comparison, the great Brazilian Ronaldo needed 31 matches, Hernan Crespo 36 and Christian Vieri 38 to reach the same mark.
      In the 44 games he played in the 2019-2020 season he scored 30 goals, helping Inter to their first Serie A title in 11 years, winning the league’s MVP award in doing so.
      And it was all done by shedding more than half a stone in just 12 days.
      United and Lukaku failed to realise the reason he was so bulky was that his digestive system had been ‘malfunctioning’, according to The Telegraph.
      The results of a new diet and conditioning programme were clear when Lukaku took off his shirt and hung it on the corner flag after scoring the final goal in a memorable 4-2 win over Milan in February.  
      Romelu Lukaku Bolingoli celebrates after scoring against AC MilanCredit: Getty
      Lukaku previously did not take too kindly to comments about his weight
      None of the bloat that was apparent at United, where he still scored 42 goals in 77 starts, is there any more.
      The definition in his arms was clear as he kissed the shirt of the club that gave his career a real purpose again.
      In fact, he resembled the Lukaku at Everton, with an overall smaller frame.
      It was clear the jibes about his physique riled him.
      Gary Neville called Lukaku ‘unprofessional’ after he admitted he turned up to United’s pre-season overweight at 16st 3lb.
      Neville blasted: “He admitted he was overweight! He is over 100kg! He’s a Manchester United player! He will score goals and do well at Inter Milan but unprofessionalism is contagious.”
      SunSport told you Lukaku was shown the exit door after being 9lb overweight at United.
      But he said a new diet of fish, sweet potatoes, pasta and raw vegetables had worked wonders.
      Lukaku’s frame was bulkier when he was UtdCredit: PA:Press Association
      Now he looks a lot leaner after changing his diet and realising there was an issue with his digestive systemCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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      A new playing formation that suited him, a coach in Antonio Conte who knew how to get the best out of him and closer attention to his body and his needs.
      But unfortunately for Lukaku, Conte departed after winning the league in Italy amid a row over the club’s transfer policy.
      In a farewell post online, the striker hailed his ex-boss and referenced the physical and mental turnaround the Italian helped mastermind.
      Lukaku wrote on Instagram: “2014 we spoke for the first time and we have had a bond ever since.
      “We had many moments to work together but only god knows why it never happened earlier.

      “You came at the right time and basically changed me as a player and made me even stronger mentally and more importantly we won together!
      “Winning is and it’s all that matters to you and i’m glad that i have had you as a coach.
      “I will keep your principles for the rest of my career (physical preparation, mental and just the drive to win…) it was a pleasure to play for you!
      “Thank you for all what you did. I owe you a lot..”
      Hardly groundbreaking ideas. These are things United could surely have provided easily, too.
      How, now, they must be kicking themselves. These are certain lessons that could also be learned by Chelsea, where he struggles once more. More

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      Hidetoshi Nakata, the David Beckham of Asia, launched luxury sake business worth £2,350-a-bottle

      by

      HIDETOSHI NAKATA doesn’t do things for the sake of it.Japan’s footballing superstar, dubbed the David Beckham of Asia, spent 11 years at the top before ending it all at the age of 29 to pursue a new dream of producing rice wine.
      Retired Japanese superstar Hidetoshi Nakata now has a booming business selling sake
      It wasn’t quite that straight forward, though.
      The midfielder shocked his nation when he retired from football just a few weeks after Japan’s 2006 World Cup came to an end with defeat to Brazil.
      Nakata was his country’s star in Europe after earning a move to the Italian Serie A and impressed at Perugia, Roma and Parma before ending his career with Sam Allardyce’s Bolton.
      “Every country I went to people asked me about Japan but I didn’t know anything about it,” Nakata told CNN.
      Nakata’s rice wine sake costs between £1,570 and £2,350 a bottleCredit: AFP – Getty
      Nakata has even sold a Kit Kat flavoured sakeCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Former Bolton midfielder Nakata is now a sake connoisseurCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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      “That’s a part of my life, so I need to become a better Japanese person.”
      Nakata had left his country at an early age for football so went in search of his roots.. and ended up finding rice.
      He drove to all 47 prefectures in Japan to immerse back in his own culture and came across sake, the alcoholic drink made from fermented rice.
      Nakata went to 200 of the 1,300 breweries in Japan.
      Nakata is known as the David Beckham of AsiaCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Nakata played retired after Brazil knocked Japan out the 2006 World CupCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “Once I started understanding the culture behind sake and the industry, I started to understand the quality of sake and the people behind it, the history behind it,” he said.
      Nakata was so enthralled by the drink he turned it into a business.
      Using his initial, Nakata launched his own label called “N” and chose the Takagi Shuzo brewery in Yamagata prefecture to produce his sake.
      It was unveiled in 2013 and cost between £1,570 and £2,350 a bottle with only 1,000 produced.
      Experts in the sake-sipping industry say it goes well with fatty fish and red meat.
      Nakata was Japan’s footballing superstar who broke into EuropeCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Nakata played for Perugia, Roma, Bologna and FiorentinaCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Nakata battled with Serie A’s best including Edgar DavidsCredit: Reuters
      Brazilian legend Ronaldinho and Nakata battled for both club and countryCredit: Getty – Contributor
      After retiring, Sake visited all 47 prefectures in JapanCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      To the untrained eye, you wouldn’t know it was Nakata’s sake though as it comes in a black bottle without a label.
      And the former footballer wasn’t foolish enough to compete with his fellow countrymen so he only sold in Europe.
      “In Japan, the beer market is growing, and the young generation don’t know about sake,” he said in 2016.
      “They know more about wine instead. The potential of sake outside of Japan is bigger, but there is a lack of information and education.”
      Nakata’s final move was to the Premier LeagueCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Nakata played for Bolton Wanderers in the 2005-06 seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Nakata starred in Sam Allardyce’s midfield at the Reebok StadiumCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Nakata has worked with hundreds of brands to promote sake across the globe, and some were stranger than others.
      In September last year, Nestle announced a partnership with the former footballer to create a Kit Kat sake and opened a pop-up bar in Tokyo.
      There were chocolate bars with sake flavour and rice wines to complement a Kit Kat.
      Nakata has immersed himself in this new world of his, a sake connoisseur bringing a taste of Japan to the rest of the globe.
      “I just do things I have a passion for. Soccer, craft, culture,” he said. “I’m not doing it for money or fame. That’s why, for me, there is no real success or no real fail.” More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea star N’Golo Kante is the nicest man in football, and one of the richest with a £25m fortune

      by

      N’GOLO KANTE is a regular among football’s most popular players and broke into the Sunday Times Young Sport Rich List.The Chelsea and France midfielder has amassed impressive fortune of £25million but he is well-known as a humble, down-to-earth figure off the pitch.
      The much-loved midfielder is currently starring for France at Euro 2020Credit: Getty
      Kante has enjoyed a rapid rise from his early days playing in the French second-tierCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Despite his wealth, Kante still drops by local mosques to pray and hang out with fans or even showing up at a supporter’s wedding.
      Even on the pitch, his sparkling attitude comes across when deliberately refusing to punish teammates in a fun training game and memorably being too shy to hold the World Cup.
      It is clear his humble mantra spills over into his finances too with Kante saving more than a few pennies by driving a Mini rather than a supercar.
      And it isn’t hard to see how the Frenchman made it to seventh in the Sunday Times ‘Young Sportsmen’ Rich List, for athletes aged under 30 in 2020.
      After signing a new Chelsea contract in November 2018, he is thought to have doubled his pre-tax wages from £150,000-a-week to £300,000-a-week.
      The Blues also paid out handsomely after Kante helped Antonio Conte’s side win the 2016/17 Premier League title.
      A £5m fund was reportedly set up by Roman Abramovich to reward the squad, weighting bonuses towards those who made the most appearances – such as Kante and his 35 matches.
      A similar prize of around £250,000 was mooted for every member of France’s World Cup-winning squad in 2018 and no doubt he will have received another tidy bonus after helping Chelsea to beat Manchester City in last month’s Champions League final.
      EURO 2020 FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

      .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);}
      However Leicester’s title run of 2016 came so unexpectedly that no cash bonus was set aside for Kante and Co – leaving them to share a £6.5m pot between them for simply finishing above 12th.
      Of course, the Foxes got plenty of other perks and the midfielder would cash in by heading to Stamford Bridge the following summer.
      In 2020, he agreed a fresh deal to remain a brand ambassador for German sports clothing giant Adidas.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Chelsea star N’Golo Kante proves he is football’s most likeable character by hilariously posing in sunglasses during line-up photo More

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      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton is best F1 driver of all time and before Schumacher and Senna because he is a ‘clean’ racer, Walker said

      by

      THE LATE Murray Walker said Lewis Hamilton is a better driver than Michael Schumacher or Ayrton Senna – because he’s a “clean” racer.The legendary commentator, who passed away last month, watched hundreds of F1 drivers across eight decades.
      Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton was lauded by legendary commentator Murray WalkerCredit: PA:Press Association
      Hamilton is trying to win a record-breaking eighth world titleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But Walker revealed last year that the current world champion is the cream of the crop because he has never used dirty tactics to win races.
      Both Schumacher and Senna had contentious moments during their careers, but Walker claimed Hamilton is as “clean as a whistle”.
      He said: “Well, people say to me, ‘Who is the greatest?’, and I always say, ‘Look, I think it’s impossible to say, because the drivers and the circuits and the cars were different’.
      “Juan Manel Fangio took a lot of beating, Jim Clark, Sir Jackie Stewart — there again I could go on — but which is the best I really don’t know.
      “I used to say Fangio. I think I’m going to have to say very shortly Lewis Hamilton, because if you look at it in terms of statistics, he’s already got more poles than Schumacher.
      “He’s got at least three years in him if he doesn’t hurt himself or leave Mercedes for some reason or they decide to stop, in which case he’s got at least another three championships ahead of him, so statistically he will become the greatest.
      “But he’s also in my opinion — and this is very contentious indeed — better than either Schumacher or Senna because both of them, Schumacher and Senna, adopted at various times in their career highly debatable driving tactics.
      “Like Schumacher stopping deliberately at Monaco to prevent Fernando Alonso getting pole position, like Schumacher colliding with Jacques Villeneuve at Jerez in 1997, like Senna with Alain Prost in 1990 in Japan, and Lewis Hamilton has never been anything like that.
      Michael Schumacher won a total of 91 Grand Prix races as well as seven world championshipsCredit: EPA
      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
      “He’s always driven as clean as a whistle. He’s an extremely nice, gigantically talented driver, and I don’t think we’ve ever seen anybody like him before.”
      Formula One celebrate its 70th anniversary at Silverstone last season.
      But while Hamilton has dominated for much of the last decade, Walker says the sport’s best era was in the 1970s and 1980s but believes it is still just as exciting.
      Speaking to In the Fast Lane, the official podcast of the Australian Grand Prix, Walker added: “A lot of it is looking backwards through rose-coloured glasses.
      “It’s still mighty exciting when you take into account what a contest it is with man and machine.
      “But I have to admit that for me the 70s and 80s were the most exciting time — but then I was very much more involved with it at the time because I was literally a part of it and having to communicate to the public worldwide what was going on.
      “It was very exciting times, when people like Jackie Stewart were driving, and we got the most incredible races at Silverstone, with Nigel Mansell beating Nelson Piquet, for instance, and various others.
      “You have to bear in mind that I’m an old codger. I was actually at the first grand prix they held at Silverstone in 1948 — and that was before Formula One even began.
      .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 f1 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);}
      “In those days of course the engine was in front of the driver, the driver wasn’t wearing any safety clothing.
      “They used to wear a skullcap and no crash helmet. The medical facilities were absolutely minimal, the cars were mobile deathtraps.
      “They are infinitely more sophisticated now than they were, and it’s no less exciting from my point of view.”
      Lewis Hamilton and Co given time to kneel at start of British GP after Hungarian GP farce.. but seven still refuse More

    • 175 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League’s tallest ever players revealed, including Brighton’s 6ft 8in giant goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen

      by

      Brighton reserve keeper Kjell Scherpen is the JOINT-TALLEST Premier League player ever.Standing at 6ft 8in, the goalkeeper enters a select group of mighty footballers to ply their trade in England’s top flight.

      But who are the other behemoths to kick a ball in the Premier League?
      And how big was their impact in the beautiful game?
      Here, SunSport’s Anthony Chapman walks with giants…
      Kjell Scherpen – who stands at 6ft 8in – is the latest giant to move to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      KJELL SCHERPEN – 6ft 8in
      The former Ajax goalkeeper completed his move to the Amex and will eventually challenge Robert Sanchez for Brighton’s No1 jersey.
      At 22 years old, there isn’t any more room for Scherpen to grow. But he’s currently on loan at Oostende.
      Costel Pantilimon won the title at Man CityCredit: REUTERS
      COSTEL PANTILIMON – 6ft 8in
      Romanian goalie played for Sunderland and Watford while also winning the 2014 title with Manchester City.
      Pantilimon last played in his home country with Denizlispor after 54 games in the Premier League, but is now a free agent.
      Traore only played once for EvertonCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      LACINA TRAORE – 6ft 8in
      Ivory Coast striker only made one league appearance while on loan at Everton in 2014.
      The journeyman forward is now with Portuguese club Varzim S.C, after a spell with Turkish side Bandirmaspor.
      Crouch is one of the Prem’s top iconsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      PETER CROUCH – 6ft 7in
      The most iconic tall player in Premier League history, Crouch played for EIGHT top flight teams including Tottenham, Liverpool and Burnley.
      Now retired, Crouch’s incredible height saw him become the league’s most dangerous aerial presence for years.
      Zigic is a fan favourite at BirminghamCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      NICOLA ZIGIC – 6ft 7in
      Serbian striker is a Birmingham icon but only spent one of his five years there in the Premier League.
      Brainy and brawny, Zigic was a class target man made for English football.
      Maierhofer turned out for Wolves in the PremCredit: Getty
      STEFAN MAIERHOFER – 6ft 7in
      A former Bayern Munich forward, Maeirhofer played just nine times in the Prem for Wolves.
      Life as a big striker saw the Austrian play for 18 different clubs throughout his career.
      Feuer had spells at West Ham and Derby CountyCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      IAN FEUER – 6ft 7in
      Probably more suited to basketball, American goalie Feuer played for West Ham and Derby in the top flight.
      The former stopper’s sister was once married to Hollywood legend Mickey Rourke, while Feuer himself moved into coaching after retirement.
      Leese was between the sticks for 16 Barnsley games
      LARS LEESE – 6ft 7in
      German goalkeeper had a spell with Barnsley in the late ‘90s, playing 16 league games.
      Born in Cologne, he now manages DSK Cologne in his home city.
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      .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);}Most read in Football.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);}
      Postma played for both Aston Villa and WolvesCredit: Getty
      STEFAN POSTMA – 6ft 7in
      The second Stefan and the second Dutchman in the list, goalie Postma played for Midlands rivals Aston Villa AND Wolves.
      He now works as a keeper coach at AGOVV Apeldoorn, his final club as a player.
      Brighton seal Enock Mwepu transfer from RB Salzburg on four-year deal More