Retime

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Serie A legend looks unrecognisable with grey goatee in Lionel Messi exhibition match after ditching long locks

      by

      A SERIE A legend looks totally unrecognisable after ditching his iconic long locks.The former player hung up his boots and retired way back in 2005.
      This former footballer looks very different these days after appearing in an exhibition matchCredit: TWITTER @SC_ESPN
      But in those 18 years, he has not lost his magic touch in front of goal.
      He played in a Maxi Rodriguez testimonial alongside Argentine hero Lionel Messi, who scored a hat-trick on his 36th birthday.
      However, it was the ex-striker who looked completely different as he dispatched a classy penalty into the top corner for the Newell’s Old Boys XI – although the grey goatee could be a giveaway.
      With his side trailing 2-0, he stepped up and delivered from 12 yards before hugging the beaten goalkeeper.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Previously, the former footy ace was spotted at tennis’ ATP Cup in Australia.
      A photo, taken back in January 2020, shows the serial goalscorer watching his compatriots Argentina taking on Spain in Perth.
      Look carefully and again you may recognise the goatee beard – a lighter shade of silver these days.
      But the hairstyle is a neater clipped cut – a drastic change from the flowing mane with which he scored 350 career goals, including 219 in Italy’s top flight.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      The mystery man is, believe it or not, Gabriel Batistuta.
      Batistuta, now 54, started his career at Newell’s Old Boys – the same club as Messi – before a year apiece with rivals River Plate and Boca Juniors.
      But it was in Italy he enjoyed most of his success, spending nine seasons with Fiorentina – returning 203 goals in 331 appearances.
      He joined Roma in 2000 and had a loan spell with Inter Milan in 2002-03 before finishing his club career in Qatar with Al-Arabi.
      Batistuta won one Serie A, a Serie B, the Coppa Italia and two Supercoppa Italianas and was the top scorer in Italy’s top flight in 1994-95.
      The Argentina international managed an impressive 56 goals in 78 caps and lifted the Copa America twice.
      Only Messi, who took his tally to 98 with two in the World Cup final and now is clear on 103, has more strikes for the Albiceleste.

      The mystery footballer looks completely different in his retirementCredit: Getty
      He enjoyed an illustrious career, especially in ItalyCredit: Getty
      Gabriel Batistuta in action for Fiorentina, for whom he scored 203 timesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He made the controversial switch to Roma in 2000Credit: EPA More

    • 163 Shares169 Views

      in Athletics

      World’s sexiest pole vaulter Clara Fernandez leaves fans stunned with sexy bikini pictures

      by

      CLARA FERNANDEZ has been enjoying plenty of success on and off the track.The pole vaulter has been impressing for Spain in major competitions around the world.
      Clara Fernandez is a successful pole vaulter representing SpainCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Clara Fernandez has also attracted a strong following on social mediaCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Clara Fernandez has close to half a million followers on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM
      The 19-year-old athlete has also been turning heads on social media with her Instagram profile attracting over 478,000 followers.
      The Spaniard has won over fans around the world with her achievements in pole vaulting.
      But Fernandez has also created a strong fanbase thanks to her stunning glam pics on social media.
      However, her Instagram game mainly concentrates on her sports career.
      Read More on Sport
      Born in 2003, in Sant Cugat del Valles in Barcelona, the Spaniard’s pole vaulting career commenced at an early age.
      She also cut her teeth in various triathlon competitions as she trained for multiple races, such as swimming, running long distances, cycling, and of course pole vaulting.
      Fernandez has also enjoyed plenty of success in Under-20 European championships.
      Since 2018, the track star has won at least 21 titles throughout her young career.
      Most read in Athletics
      That led to a sponsorship deal with Nike, for whom she works as an ambassador.
      As it stands, Fernandez has registered a personal best of 4.05 in outdoor pole vaulting and 4.15 indoors.
      Clara Fernandez has also competed in Triathlons while building a sports careerCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Clara Fernandez has also become a representative for NikeCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Clara Fernandez has won many titles throughout her young careerCredit: INSTAGRAM More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal ‘really pushed’ for Tammy Abraham Chelsea transfer, until Roma boss Jose Mourinho pipped them to deal worth £34m

      by

      ARSENAL gave it their best shot when trying to sign Tammy Abraham from Chelsea before Roma boss Jose Mourinho came along.The Gunners were in pole position to sign the 25-year-old but the transfer was hijacked at the last minute by old foe and ex-Blues boss Mourinho, according to Fabrizio Romano.
      Roma boss Jose Mourinho hijacked Arsenal’s Tammy Abraham pursuit at the last minuteCredit: Getty
      It seemed like a match made in heaven as Abraham reportedly wanted to stay in the Premier League rather than move abroad.
      But Arsenal were trying to stall the striker so they could get rid of Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah, Romano claims.
      He told the Here We Go podcast, reported by the Express: “They were trying to convince the player and to take his time before joining Roma.
      “Because they were looking to sell maybe Lacazette or maybe Eddie Nketiah to have a free slot for a new striker with Tammy Abraham.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      “They were really interested, in talks with the agent, but they were prepared to make a proposal.
      “But they were needing to sell a striker before signing Tammy Abraham.
      “They were really, really pushing and pushing, they were trying in every possible way.”
      Arsenal had even tried to derail Roma’s interest in Abraham by offering them Lacazette on loan.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      But the deal never materialised and Mourinho pressed ahead in his pursuit of Abraham, who was the Blues joint-top scorer in 2020-21.
      In the end, Abraham couldn’t wait any longer and completed his switch to join Mourinho’s Roma revolution for £34million.
      And Abraham’s career at the club got off to a flying start as he provided two assists on his debut, much to the delight of the Roma fans who gave him a standing ovation for his contribution.
      The striker scored 28 goals in all competitions in his debut season and helped Roma with the inaugural Europa Conference League.
      But last season he struggled for form, only registering nine goals. More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal missed out on buying Juan Mata in 2011 because of ‘Wenger’s dithering’ over fee, before Chelsea signed him

      by

      ARSENAL missed out on signing Juan Mata from Valencia in 2011, according to the club’s former transfer negotiator Dick Law.The Spanish playmaker had agreed personal terms with the Gunners about making the switch to North London, but the club dithered over the price tag set by the LaLiga outfit.
      Arsenal missed out on signing Juan Mata from Valenica in 2011 to Chelsea
      This led rivals Chelsea to swoop in and secure the services of Mata, who had chipped in with nine goals and 18 assists in 43 games during the 2010-11 season.
      Arsenal were crying out for a creative midfielder as they looked to replace Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, who were seeking an exit from the club.
      But Arsene Wenger and the club were put off by the combined value of the transfer fee for Mata as well as his contract, which would have totalled £37million.
      Law had travelled to Spain to meet with Mata’s father, and he has stated that the player was keen to make the move to the Emirates.
      Speaking to The Athletic, he said: “Then we waited. Juan definitely wanted to come to Arsenal, there was no question about that.”
      When asked if Arsenal ever considered paying above their valuation of a player, Law declared that it was never spoken about.
      He added: “I don’t think that calculation ever entered our equation.
      “We didn’t have the money to say, ‘We’ll spend a bit more’.”
      Arsenal have missed out on some of the world’s biggest stars
      Arsenal eventually managed to lure the now Gunners manager Mikel Arteta to the club on deadline day, while Mata enjoyed a stunning season at Stamford Bridge.
      Mata recorded 12 goals and 20 assists in 54 games in all competitions, helping the club to Champions League and FA Cup glory.
      His performances led him to winning Chelsea’s Player of the Year in his first two seasons, before he was sold to Manchester United in January 2014 after falling out of favour under Jose Mourinho.
      Mata is part of a long list of stars who came close to joining Arsenal, with Lionel Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba all linked with moves. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s £5.5m yacht that boasts five luxury cabins and six bathrooms, as family enjoy Sardinia break

      by

      LIFE on the ocean waves looks perfect for Cristiano Ronaldo.The Portugal legend is currently lounging on his amazing £5.5million yacht in Sardinia.
      Georgina Rodriguez shared snaps on Instagram on board their luxury yacht
      The Ronaldo family are enjoying a break in Porto Cervo, Sardinia
      Man Utd legend Ronaldo is the proud owner of the Azimut Grande.
      The super-yacht cost around £5.5million
      The former Man Utd striker is enjoying a much-needed break in Porto Cervo, Sardinia with his family, including Georgina Rodriguez and their brood.
      The famous Wag took to Instagram show off their holiday, with Ronaldo spotted diving into the ocean and the group posing for a family snap.
      Of course, they are doing it in style on board the lavish 88-feet long Azimut Grande, which they splashed the cash on in 2020.
      Built in Azimut-Benett’s shipyards in Versilia, Italy, it boasts five luxury cabins and six stunningly decorated bathrooms.
      Read more on Cristiano Ronaldo
      There’s also a modern kitchen onboard, as well as two relaxation areas, a huge lounge, and a lavish dining room.
      In terms of its specifications, it’s capable of reaching 28 knots, thanks to two 1,900 horsepower engines, and is made of carbon fibre,weighing a whopping 93 tonnes.
      It has five luxury cabins
      There are six modern bathrooms
      The lavish dining room is perfect for a romantic dinner, or one with all the kids
      The modern kitchen features all you would hope for, including a tea pot
      There’s a bar on deck
      Two lounge areas are perfect for topping up your tan
      The vessel is capable of reaching a top speed of 28 knots
      No expense was spared in the creation of Ronaldo’s new yacht
      The Azimut Grande stands out at 88-feet long
      It is powered by two 1,900 horsepower engines
      HIS OWN YACHT
      Ronaldo bought the super-yacht in 2020 for £5.5million, which is just a drop in the ocean for the star who now earns a reported £173m a year playing for Saudi side Al-Nassr.
      Previously, he used to rent the Africa I yacht from a charter company before buying his own.
      That year, he was able to take his family including missus Georgina out on the Azimut Grande as they sailed along Italy’s Tyrrhenian coast for its debut voyage.
      SHOW OFF
      Georgina showed off the vessel by sharing a sexy bikini snap on Instagram perched on deck.
      Georgina Rodriguez has shown off the yacht on her Instagram
      Georgina hangs off the yacht for a dip in the Med
      Ronaldo is served his lunch by Rodriguez
      The Ronaldo family enjoy one of the many cabins
      Ronaldo is enjoying a break after another incredible season
      Ronaldo and Georgina share a romantic moment on board their yacht
      The Azimut Grande was spotted sailing along the Tyrrhenian coast in 2020
      Rodriguez has certainly taken to the purchase
      Most read in Football
      She posted various photos of the family, relaxing in one of the bedrooms, and serving Cristiano lunch.
      It gave us a window into their incredible lifestyle, that is one to envy.
      Ronaldo is taking time off from Al-Nassr, who signed him in January.
      Unfortunately, his club missed out on winning the league title to Al-Ittihad in the penultimate round. More

    • 275 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Erling Haaland once posed in full Arsenal shirt as a kid as Gunners fans joked ‘he’s coming home’ before Man City move

      by

      ARSENAL fans were sent wild when an old picture of Erling Haaland in a Gunners kit was posted on social media back in 2022.The 22-year-old sensation left Borussia Dortmund last summer for a bargain £51million move to Manchester City.
      A young Erling Haaland pictured in an Arsenal shirtCredit: Twitter / @chriswheatley_
      Haaland ended up moving to Man City from Borussia Dortmund for £51mCredit: Getty
      Manchester City appeared to always be in pole position for his signature, with Haaland reportedly jetting to Monaco for talks on several occasions before his switch.
      It ended up being a dream move for the Norwegian, who scored an astonishing 52 goals in all competitions.
      He also broke the record for most goals in a Premier League season with 36.
      But, better still, his side managed to win a historic treble – with the 1-0 Champions League final win over Inter Milan being the icing on the cake of a remarkable debut campaign.
      Read more Arsenal news
      But an old photo posted to Twitter by Football.London’s Chris Wheatley once caused quite the stir among Arsenal fans.
      In the snap Haaland can be seen wearing a yellow Gunners away kit with matching shorts.
      The kit is dated from the 2010-11 season, and was also used as the away kit for the next two campaigns, but it’s unknown when the picture was taken.
      Nevertheless some fans joked it was a sign that Haaland could have been heading to the Emirates instead,
      Instead, the Gunners added former Man City man Gabriel Jesus to their ranks, who made way for Haaland.
      One excited supporter wrote on social media at the time: “He’s coming home then.”
      Meanwhile another said: “He’s a Gooner through and through.”
      Most read in Football
      Others called for Haaland’s Norway team-mate Martin Odegaard to help get a deal over the line, with one writing: “Agent Odegaard.”
      Unfortunately for Arsenal fans, Haaland did end up opting for Man City instead.
      And if wearing a shirt was anything to go by, last year the goal machine was spotted wearing Leeds United shorts as he signed fans for autographs.
      Maybe that’s where he will retire? More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Motorsport

      Inside Christian Horner’s country pile that Red Bull F1 boss shares with Spice Girl Geri and three miniature donkeys

      by

      RED BULL chief Christian Horner is used to living life in the fast lane working in F1.But when it comes to his personal life, the team principal of the motorsport giants prefers a more quiet and slower existence away from the race track.
      Red Bull boss Christian Horner lives a life of luxury in the countryCredit: Instagram @christianhorner
      Horner poses on the grounds of their Oxfordshire farmhouse with son MontagueCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      He shares TWO stunning country homes with wife, Spice Girl Geri in Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire and their brood.
      The former property is, perhaps, the most lavish and most shared online – boasting its very own duck pond, which they use for boating.
      Their farm also houses three miniature donkeys, horses and goats in the estate’s stables.
      For Horner, living on a farm offers the ideal existence away from the stresses of the F1 circuit.
      Read more on F1
      Back in 2019, he told Luxury London that the sprawling country abode was the “perfect home to relax in.”
      “Restoring the farm has been my hobby – the way I put racing out of my mind,” he added.
      “The main house is finished but now the barns are being converted. We’re currently putting the finishing touches to an indoor swimming pool.”
      Certainly, it’s the property in Oxfordshire that gets the most love from Geri on Instagram, who regularly shares candid snaps of her family life.
      Most read in Motorsport
      latest f1 news
      Horner, who last year celebrated Max Verstappen regaining the F1 Championship, is stepdad to Geri’s daughter Bluebell Madonna, 17, and the couple share a son, Montague, who is 6.
      He also has another daughter, Olivia, 10, from a previous relationship with ex-partner Beverley Allen.
      Christian has been spied alongside his boy riding matching John Deere tractors.
      He’s also been seen standing with his vintage Aston Martin DB5, which was Sean Connery’s car of choice as James Bond in Goldfinger.
      F1’s Horner poses on the steps of the home with daughter Olivia from his previous relationshipCredit: Instagram @christianhorner
      Son Montague and dad have matching John Deere tractorsCredit: Instagram @christianhorner
      An Aston Martin DB5 sits proudly in Horner’s garage
      Horner is married to Spice Girl GeriCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      Geri shows off the home’s swimming poolCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      Geri appears happy to play the role of housewife, often sharing photos in the kitchen rustling up treats.
      A budding chef, she has shown off her baking skills by crafting cakes using a customised Ginger Spice KitchenAid mixer, which Christian had specially designed for her.
      And with four separate ovens to choose from with the AGA range the kitchen boasts, she has plenty of space for her other favourite pastime – making bread.
      You can bet, Christian, who also loves using the outdoor barbecue, and the kids are well fed in the Horner household with Geri’s production line of cakes and bread.
      Geri is often spied in the kitchen and loves bakingCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      Christian shows off his grilling skills with the outdoor barbecueCredit: Instagram @christianhorner
      Christian and Geri have a number of reception rooms to entertain from.
      However, the most popular one appears to be where a £16,000 original Wurlitzer can be found.
      When she celebrated her 45th birthday, Geri posted a video online singing along to Michael Jackson hit Billie Jean while thanking Christian for the music, which suggested it was a gift for her.
      Another living room shows off a stunning chandelier, as well as a marble fireplace.
      A £16,000 vintage Wurlitzer can be seen in a reception room, which was a gift from Christian for Geri’s 45th birthdayCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      The Oxfordshire property boasts several reception roomsCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      A spacious dining room was seen when Montague celebrated his birthdayCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      The glam couple also have a bar space in their propertyCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      The family love taking advantage of the huge grounds on offer at their farmhouse.
      And why not when you’ve got an incredible duck pond so big you can go boating on it.
      Horner and Geri can even take their dogs for a walk around the expansive gardens.
      The pair have even been seen zooming around on a quad bike, as well as picking raspberries in the garden with Montague.
      Miniature donkeys live in the stables
      The grounds are vast on the Horner’s Oxfordshire plot
      The Horners show off their horses and have their own stableCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      Geri picks raspberries with Montague in their lush gardenCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      The duck pond on the property has its own boat
      Christian and Geri live the country life away from the racing circuitCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      Of course, no farm would be complete without animals either.
      And Christian and Geri boast three miniature donkeys that are housed in the stables, as well as some goats.
      Read More On The Sun
      The singer often shares videos online when it’s feeding time.
      Clearly, you can forget the fancy racing circuit of heading to places like Dubai or Monte Carlo. A farmhouse is where it’s at. More

    • 225 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Secret behind England and Man City star Jack Grealish’s big calves and why he wears his socks low

      by

      ENGLAND superstar Jack Grealish has revealed the secret behind his low socks and massive calves.The £100million Manchester City midfielder, 27, has a eye-cathing look on the pitch and has lifted the lid on his style.
      Jack Grealish has revealed the superstitious reason behind his famous low socksCredit: AP
      England ace Grealish has also opened up over his huge calvesCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      On those famous calves, he claimed it is all genetics, saying to the Daily Mail: “I actually don’t do anything. It’s just something that runs in the family.
      “My grandad always had big calves when he used to play football.
      “But I don’t do any calf exercises or calf routines in the gym or anything. Honestly, it’s just something that I’ve had since I was young.”
      And on those well-known low socks Grealish shared that superstition is the reason behind it.
      Read more football news
      He said: “I think I was about 14 or 15 and we were sponsored by Macron at Aston Villa and the socks used to shrink in the wash.
      “In training I couldn’t get them over my calves because the socks were so small.
      “So I started wearing them below my calves in training — and that season I ended up playing really well.
      “So then I started wearing my socks below my calves in games. It was just something that stuck because I’d had such a good season.”
      Fans had their say on Grealish’s calves when he played for the Three Lions in Qatar at the World Cup last year, with one saying: “So like, how big are Grealish’s calves going to get?”
      Another wrote: “Was very into the US-England game until noticing Jack Grealish’s mutant calves, which became my entire focus afterwards.”
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      One declared: “Jack Grealish wears his socks so low cause if he pulls them over his calves he’ll lose circulation to his legs.”
      Another added: “Someone hit me up with Grealish’s calves workout.” More