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      in Soccer

      Mason Mount was determined to succeed John Terry at Chelsea after his dad told him to leave but now wants Man Utd switch

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      MASON MOUNT was determined to become a Chelsea legend like John Terry when he was a teenager, but now he is seeking a new challenge.It was 2014 and Mount, one of the most sought after 15-year-olds in the country, had to choose between a scholarship with the Blues and a raft of tempting offers to leave.
      Mason Mount has starred for Chelsea since 2019Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Mount lifts the Champions League trophy alongside dad Tony in 2021Credit: Getty
      Uncles, aunts and grandparents offered advice to the talented teenager after dad Tony called a family meeting at their Portsmouth home.
      “I told Mason I thought he needed to move on to get the best opportunity,” Tony told SunSport.
      “I said, ‘No one at Chelsea’s academy has got into the first-team since John Terry — what chance have you got?’
      “Mason shot back, ‘I’ll be the next one.’ He said, ‘I’m not leaving Chelsea, it’s my club. I’ve been here since the age of six and I’m going all the way.’”
      Nine years on and Mason — so named by his mum as it means ‘man of stone’ — fulfilled that promise, having made himself a regular for the Blues, winning the Champions League for his club and starring for England at the Euros and the World Cup.
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      Sat in the garden of his Waterlooville home, Tony flicks through photographs on his iPhone which highlight his son’s rise.
      The snaps show him signing for Chelsea aged eight, bonding with best mate Declan Rice, representing England Under-21s and winning the 2018 player of the year at Vitesse Arnhem in Holland while on loan.
      But a photograph of a two-year-old Mason in the arms of his dad, who was a non-League manager in 2001, shows where his footballing education began.
      Mount vowed to become the first academy product since John Terry to make it in the first-teamCredit: Supplied
      An eight-year-old Mount joins ChelseaCredit: Tony Mount
      Mount, aged two, would watch his dad’s non-League side Havant Town
      Mount, with dad Tony, signing with Vitesse Arnhem in Holland on loan in 2017Credit: Tony Mount
      Tony, then boss of Havant Town, said: “I’m old-school and Mason has sat in dressing rooms with me kicking cups and doors while we’re 3-0 down at Kettering, and the language has been blue.”
      In 2004, Tony took a five-year old Mason to a club in Farnham for his first experience of playing on grass.
      “They started age six and Mason was five,” the father-of-four said. “I took him over there and they said, ‘He’s a bit small. Is he six?’ I said, ‘Yeah!’
      “Within two sessions he was playing with the Under-8s and dribbling round all of them.”
      Chelsea quickly spotted his talent. Mason was training with the Blues as well as the club his family raised him to support, Portsmouth.
      SAINT TO WINNER
      So when a friend invited them to rivals Southampton, so coaches could assess their trialists against a Chelsea player, the future starlet was hesitant.
      Tony said: “We were driving there and Mase said, ‘I won’t have to wear that shirt will I?!’ It’s embedded in him. I said he’d just have a bib on.
      “They split the boys into four teams and took them away to get changed. The first team came out wearing black, another in blue and then another in yellow.
      “I’m looking for Mason and thinking, ‘Please don’t come out in red and white! PLEASE don’t come out in red and white!’ And he’s come out in this red and white kit with a face like thunder.
      “He’s going ‘Dad! Dad!’ and pointing at the shirt. He played like a man possessed that night because he was so unhappy about this kit. He scored 14 goals.”
      Mount’s dad Tony told SunSport about his son’s rapid rise at ChelseaCredit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun
      Mount became best mates with West Ham’s Declan Rice, left, in Chelsea’s academyCredit: Tony Mount
      Rice and Mount’s friendship endured as the two holidayed togetherCredit: Instagram @masonmount10
      Despite attempts by Saints and Pompey to sign Mount, it was too late. He’d fallen in love with Chelsea.
      He signed with the Blues aged eight and met fellow England international Rice at their Cobham academy. The duo quickly became inseparable.
      Tony, now a partner in an electronics manufacturer, said: “When Declan got released aged 14, we were all devastated. [Mason’s mum] Debbie was in tears and Mason was gobsmacked.
      “One minute you’re there and had been with Declan since the age of seven, travelling across Europe with the family and holidaying together, and all of a sudden he’s gone.
      “Declan is very strong mentally and got what he deserved at West Ham.”
      RAM RAID
      It was at the academy that Mason first met Jody Morris, Lampard’s assistant at Derby and then Chelsea.
      Former midfielder Morris was manager of the youth team when Mason stepped up. He thrived off Morris’ old-school approach and was appointed captain.
      Tony said: “I asked Mason about Jody and he said, ‘Dad, he’s very good. He’s a tough taskmaster, I love him and if I do something well he wants me to do it better.’”
      So when Morris called in 2018 to say Lampard wanted to meet, he jumped at the invite.
      Mount signed a five-year deal at Chelsea last summerCredit: PA:Press Association
      Mount signed a five-year deal at Chelsea in 2019. Both father and son travelled up to a London hotel and listened to Lampard’s pitch about going to Derby.
      “Talk about inspired! I wanted to play for Frank after that,” Tony said, laughing.
      “Frank was brilliant, explaining what he could give Mason. He knew him inside-out, was talking about games he’d watched Mason play.
      “We spoke to Steven Gerrard about going to Rangers, too, and he was similar: ‘I’ve watched Mason, know him and want him to come on a journey with me.’
      “Frank said the same: ‘Come with me and be my player, you’ve got everything I love.’
      “I said to Mason, ‘Don’t rush into it, we’ve got to think about it. I like Werder Bremen, and Norwich was a good meeting.’ He said, ‘No, Dad. I’m going to Derby. I want to work for Frank Lampard.’”
      Mount scored nine goals and got four assists at Pride Park, where he formed a strong bond with the Chelsea legend.
      And Mount asserted himself on the Blues’ first team after being handed his opportunity by his mentor Lampard and he went on to succeed under the management Thomas Tuchel, winning the Champions League.
      However, the 2022-23 campaign wasn’t so successful.
      Chelsea ended the season 12th in the Premier League table and without any silverware.
      And new Mount is on the verge of leaving Stamford Bridge.
      Man Utd have been pushing to sign the midfielder this summer, but they have seen three bids – with the latest totalling £55million – rejected.
      The Red Devils are now threatening to walk away from the deal entirely. More

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      in Soccer

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

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      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.
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      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.
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      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

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      in Soccer

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

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      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.
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      “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.
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      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

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      in Athletics

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

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      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.
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      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.
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      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

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      in Soccer

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

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      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

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      in Soccer

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

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      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.
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      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

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      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

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      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.”
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      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

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      in Motorsport

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

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      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.
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      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.
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      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