More stories

  • in

    Premier League star mysteriously arrives to international duty with face fully covered in bizarre fashion statement

    LIVERPOOL star Ibrahima Konate has turned heads after mysteriously hiding his identity with an eccentric fashion statement.Konate arrived at France’s Clairefontaine base to join up with his team-mates ahead of their upcoming Nations League matches.Ibrahima Konate wore a green mask while reporting for France dutyCredit: AFPKonate left the photographers guessing with his bizarre fashion statementCredit: AFPThe Liverpool ace looked happy as he unzipped his long mask for the pressCredit: GettyHe struck a pose before heading into France’s Clairefontaine training baseCredit: GettyThe 25-year-old, known for his solid defensive partnership in the Premier League with Virgil van Dijk, has showcased his personality off the pitch.Konate has received attention on social media after rocking up to training in a green hood zipped up to conceal his face.The centre-back had the waiting photographers guessing as they couldn’t identify who had proudly stepped out of the car.Konate took a few steps towards the photographers before he laughed and said: “You don’t know who I am? Try to guess.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe wore a checked black flannel suit over the top of the green underlay with chunky black shoes as he posed for pictures.Konate then unzipped the bold face mask before he headed up the stairs and turned to pose again while sticking a “peace” V-sign up along the way.He then escaped into the France HQ reception area with a camera man following him.Unlike England stars, who all wear team tracksuits with the odd flash bag to St George’s Park, France players often show off their eccentric fashion tastes while reporting for international duty.Most read in FootballFrance forward Bradley Barcola also reported for international duty in styleCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBarcelona star Jules Kounde again wore an extravagant outfit in the pouring rain after rocking up to Euro 2024 duty in heels earlier this year.While Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola joined them with his more toned down statement of a French beret shortly after.Dominic Solanke handed first England call-up in seven years as Lee Carsley leaves Jarrod Bowen and Harry Maguire out France face Israel in Hungary due to the security situation in the Middle East before travelling to Belgium next Monday.Kylian Mbappe has been left out of the squad after spending time on the Real Madrid sidelines with a hamstring issue.Liverpool are looking to get Konate tied down to a new contract, with initial talks having taken place with his representatives. The France international’s current deal runs until the summer of 2026.Konate has made 99 appearances since arriving from RB Leipzig for £36m in 2021, and scored his first Prem goal at Wolves a fortnight ago. More

  • in

    Ronaldinho’s son, 19, moves to England with influencer girlfriend as he follows in Barcelona legend’s footsteps

    RONALDINHO’S son has moved to England and is set to play for Burnley.Joao Mendes, 19, has made a permanent move to the UK with his girlfriend Giovanna Buscacio, 24.Ronaldinho’s son Joao Mendes has moved to England with his girlfriendCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashMendes is following in his father Ronaldinho’s footsteps in footballCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashMendes is set to play for Burnley in the ChampionshipCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashMendes has moved to the UK with his influencer girlfriend Giovanna BuscacioCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashGiovanna has over 131,000 followers on InstagramCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashMendes was pictured with a Clarets shirt in August after reportedly signing with the Championship outfit.Reports now suggest the winger, who could start out in Burnley’s Under-21 side, has now moved to Manchester.The Brazilian has reportedly been living in Manchester since September with his influencer girlfriend with whom he’s been with for two years.Giovanna has over 131,000 followers on Instagram and has been sharing several snaps on social media showing their new life in England.Read More on FootballMendes has been following in his father’s footsteps since the age of 13 when he started playing club football in Brazil.The led the forward to Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy where he played until June.Mendes’ contract with Burnley will reportedly run for the next two years.Ronaldinho, 44, burst onto the scene in the 2002 World Cup when he helped Brazil lift the trophy by beating Germany in the final.Most read in ChampionshipThat led to a lucrative move to Barcelona in 2003 where he amassed a staggering total of 94 goals and 71 assists in 207 appearances.The star forward also won two LaLiga titles, the 2005 Ballon d’Or and the 2006 Champions League during his five-year stint with Barca.Watch as Lamine Yamal, 17, stars alongside Ronaldinho and Barcelona legends in incredible new kit advertThe Brazil legend rolled credits on his 17-year career, which also saw him playing for Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan, in 2015 with 33 goals in 97 caps.Giovanna has already started sharing snaps from their new life in EnglandCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashMendes is set to start playing for Burnley’s Under-21 sideCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashGiovanna shares a series of glam pics on social mediaCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashGiovanna will be rooting for Mendes from the standsCredit: @giobuscacio/Newsflash More

  • in

    Leicester fan’s fury after cheeky players message daughter-in-law.. even before big games

    A LEICESTER City fan has complained to the club after some of its stars cheekily contacted his pretty daughter-in-law on social media.The woman, 29, told friends one player who got in touch just before a big game “should be training” rather than messaging her.A Leicester City fan has complained to the club that some of its stars are getting a kick out of contacting his pretty daughter-in-law on social mediaCredit: TwitterThe Foxes are winless after last season’s promotionCredit: PAThe players are understood to have noticed her after she shared dozens of snaps on social media of her in a Leicester stripThe players are understood to have noticed her after she shared dozens of snaps on social media of her in a Leicester kit.Winger Abdul Fatawu, 20, sent her a blue heart symbol last Saturday — hours before the Foxes played at Arsenal in the Prem.His team, without a win so far this season, went down 4-2 after conceding two late goals, with the Ghana star making a late substitute appearance. It led to the woman, who we are not identifying, asking her pals: “Why is he messaging me this? He should be training.”Read More on SportThere is no suggestion anything inappropriate has occurred but the scale of the friend requests has irritated the fan. She fears Leicester’s millionaire aces have shared her online profile and are seeing who can befriend her first as some sort of “dressing room banter”.The woman told pals midfielder Hamza Choudhury, 27, also on the bench last Saturday, has contacted her on Instagram four times.She has also been approached online by two who recently played for the club but are now elsewhere. Most read in FootballHarry Souttar, 25, on loan at Sheffield United, and Man City ace Callum Doyle, 21, loaned to Leicester last season, are thought to be among a number of players to send her a single friend request.The woman — a teacher — even claims that on one day in May, she received four friend requests in the same minute from four players linked to the club at some point.Leicester City Players Under Fire for Harassing FanShe told pals on social media: “Honestly wtf”. And a friend replied: “You’re the talk of the dressing room.” A family source said yesterday: “There’s obviously no problem with attempting to follow someone; that’s social media. But she is clearly the subject of conversations among the players.“Seeing as they haven’t won all season, you’d hope they’d have better things to do.“We love Leicester City and don’t want them to become Pester City.”The Sun is aware of correspondence between the woman’s family and the club — promoted to the Premier League after winning the Championship last season.Her father-in-law said: “She’s a massive Leicester fan, so I can only assume she has caught the eye through that.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s making her pretty self-conscious, especially as she’s in a relationship with my son.”It is understood that Leicester City are happy there has been no inappropriate messaging.Harry Souttar is understood to be among a number of players to send her just one friend requestCredit: GettyAbdul Fatawu sent her a blue heart symbol last Saturday — hours before the Foxes played at Arsenal in the PremCredit: GettyCallum Doyle is also understood to have sent her a friend requestCredit: GettyThe woman told pals midfielder Hamza Choudhury has contacted her on Instagram four timesCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Ex-Chelsea star Alvaro Morata forced to move house just days after moving in after town’s Mayor leaked new home

    ALVARO MORATA has said he had to make an instant house move – after his new town’s mayor revealed where the striker lives.Spain captain Morata, 31, joined AC Milan in July after leaving Atletico Madrid.Alvaro Morata made an instant house move after his new town’s mayor revealed where he livesMorata made the reveal onlineThe ex-Chelsea striker moved into a luxury home in Corbetta, a town of 18,000 people west of Milan.But the former £60million Chelsea record buy felt his family’s security was endangered after Corbetta’s mayor Marco Ballarini posted news of their arrival on social media.The report swiftly went viral among townsfolk, prompting the Moratas to move out.Euro 2024 winner Morata fumed on Instagram: “Dear Mr Mayor, thanks for violating my privacy. Thankfully I don’t have anything of value.READ MORE IN football”The only treasures I have are my children, whose security has been jeopardised by you.”I thought that the town of Corbetta could afford me a certain amount of privacy.”Instead I find myself having to move house straight away, thanks to your inabilities to use social media and to safeguard your citizens.”Mayor Ballarini had previously proudly written: “Alvaro Morata is a Corbetta citizen. Here We Go!Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The Spanish striker, newly signed by Milan, is finalising the paperwork for the move to his marvellous new home in our town.”I am a huge Inter Milan fan, but it is with pleasure that I offer Alvaro Morata a welcome to our big family in Corbetta.”Morata scored 24 goals in 72 Chelsea appearances following his 2017 arrival from Juventus.However, he spent just 18 months at Stamford Bridge before returning home to join Atletico.Premier League’s Biggest Spenders: Top 10 Seasons More

  • in

    Fans say ‘there’s absolutely no way’ as footballer’s stunning mum confused for his Wag… and she’s even a gran

    A FOOTBALLER’S mum has left fans in disbelief after they mistook her for his Wag.Former Bundesliga champion and Sunderland star Leon Dajaku appeared next to his mother, Blerta, as he posed with a shirt in a viral social media post last month.Leon Dajaku’s mother, right, has left fans stunned after being mistaken for his WagCredit: blerta_dajaku / instagramBlerta Dajaku might look in her 20s, but she is actually in her 40s and recently became a granCredit: blerta_dajaku / instagramThe Kosovan-Albanian works as a beauticianCredit: blerta_dajaku / instagramShe has 22,000 followers on InstagramCredit: blerta_dajaku / instagramBut fans could not believe their eyes with her jaw-dropping looks.Blerta, a Kosovan-Albanian beautician, has earned celebrity status in Croatia, where her son plays as an attacker for Hajduk Split.While the blonde-bombshell might appear to be in her 20s, she is ageing like fine wine and is actually in her 40s.And she recently became a grandmother after Dajaku and his stunning partner, Leonie June, gave birth to a baby girl, Nava, in March.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBlerta often shares glimpses of her jet-set lifestyle to her Instagram page, which has managed to capture the attention of and gain her a following of nearly 22,000 on the platform.Glamorous destinations she has visited include Dubai, the Maldives, Paris and of course Sunderland.Following Dajaku’s transfer to Hajduk Split, proud mum Blerta wrote: “Dear Leon, a new chapter in your life begins now in Croatia. “May God have only the best for you and may you be healthy and happy. We love you, your family.”Most read in FootballAnother post alongside him saw her say: “When I’m with you, my heart smiles.”Reacting on social media, one fan said: “This is the guy’s MOTHER, not his wife. I’m genuinely in awe.”Top ten Premier League managers’ WagsA second said: “Bro looks older than his mum.”A third said: “Lol no you’re trolling.”Another said: “Oh my goodness.”Dajaku is one of three sons Blerta has. He was born in Germany after Blerta and his father fled from the Yugoslavian civil war before bouncing between Stuttgart and Bayern Munich’s youth teams.He won the Bundesliga title with Bayern in 2020 after making two appearances. Dajaku originally joined Sunderland on loan from Union Berlin in 2021 before securing a permanent transfer the following year.He then spent the season on loan at FC St. Gallen before being sold to Hajduk Split in 2023.Blerta often shares her jet-set lifestyleCredit: blerta_dajaku / instagramDajaku, left, used to play for SunderlandCredit: Rex More

  • in

    Hopes for Michael Schumacher as he ‘could attend son Mick’s wedding’ amid rumours he appeared at daughter Gina’s

    HOPES are growing for Michael Schumacher as it’s speculated he could attend his son’s wedding following rumours he appeared at his daughter’s nuptials.The seven-time F1 champion is said to have attended the marriage of his daughter Gina, 27, to Iain Bethke, in a private ceremony.Michael Schumacher, seen here in July 2006, reportedly attended his daughter Gina’s weddingCredit: GettyGina and Iain went public with their relationship in 2017Credit: Babiradpicture/ShutterstockGina with her then boyfriend Iain BethkeThe pair tied the knot in Majorca, at the family’s luxury villa, near the upmarket resort of Port d’Andratx.Schumacher’s attendance has not been confirmed by his family.Stricken Schumacher has reportedly spent much of his time at the £27million villa, which is believed to have been adapted allowing a team of doctors and nurses to provide round-the-clock care.The F1 star, now 55, suffered life-changing injuries after a serious skiing accident in Grenbole in December 2013.Read More on SchumacherHe spent months in a medically induced coma and eventually returned to his home at Lake Geneva in Switzerland in September 2014.He has since been cared for by his wife Corinna and a team of medical experts.In September 2020 it was claimed Schumacher was spending time at the villa in Majorca.Spanish press said he had been moved from his Swiss home to the exclusive property, which is located on the upmarket estate of Las Brisas near Andratx in the south-west of Majorca.Most read in MotorsportHis family has opted not to give any details on his condition.Schuey’s family awarded £170k damages over AI-generated ‘chat with F1 star’Reports in the Spanish press though have claimed Schumacher attended his daughter’s private ceremony.Majorcan news outlet Ultima Hora said the service lasted around half an hour.It’s said to have been followed by a banquet and party, including a performance by a country music band.Among the guest list was Michael’s brother Ralf and his partner Etienne Bosquet-Cassagne, who also attended a pre-party at upmarket Mhares Sea Club on Friday afternoon.Guests were instructed to leave their mobile phones at the door.No media were given permission to attend.Gina did take to social media to post a picture of the newlyweds once the ceremony was over.Along with the photo, she wrote: “Forever yes to you, yes forever.”MICK NOW ENGAGEDNow, speculation has started that Schumacher could be set to attend the wedding celebrations of his son Mick Schumacher after he got engaged at the weekend to his long-term girlfriend Laila Hasanovic.The lingerie model shared a photo of a ring on her finger on her Instagram account, writing: “Then it’s game over.”Schumacher Jr though has yet to post about the engagement on his social media sites.Father and son were skiing together in the French Alps when Michael suffered his horror crash.However it was only in March 2017 that Mick talked openly about his dad’s influence and referred to his father as an “idol” and “role model”.Updates on the racing legend’s health have been few and far between.Gina and her brother Mick wished their dad happy birthday with touching messages when he turned 55.Gina wrote on Instagram: “Happy Birthday Papa! throwback to one of many of our adventures.”The post was accompanied by a picture of her and her brother as kids with the F1 star.Mick, now 25, wrote: “Happy birthday to the best Dad ever. Love you!”The message showed a photo of them both wearing helmets, with a young Mick smiling and holding his thumb up as Michael looked lovingly towards him.Schumacher’s ex-Formula One team Mercedes also posted a birthday message urging him to “keep fighting”.Michael’s younger brother Ralf, who was also an F1 driver, told Bild at the end of last year: “Nothing is like before.”He added: “I miss my Michael from back then. Life is sometimes unfair. Michael had been lucky many times in his life, but then the tragic accident happened.“Fortunately, modern medicine has made it possible to do some things.”His wife Corinna offered a rare insight on her husband’s state in a Netflix documentary in 2021.She said “I miss Michael every day.“But it is not just me who misses him. It’s the children, the family, his father, everyone around him. I mean, everybody misses Michael, but Michael is here.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Different, but he’s here, and that gives us strength. We’re together. We live together at home.”Mick Schumacher has now got engaged to his girlfriend Laila HasanovicCredit: RexSchumacher suffered a tragic skiing accidentCredit: AFP More

  • in

    Gary Lineker’s tree surgeon nephew, 18, ‘crushed to death by falling trunk’ as Match of the Day star’s sons pay tribute

    GARY Lineker’s tree surgeon nephew died after he was crushed by a falling trunk, an inquest heard. Jonty Parkinson, 18, was described as “one of the nicest boys you’ll meet” by his cousin George Lineker, 31, in a touching tribute on social media.Jonty Parkinson, cousin of Gary Lineker’s kids, died while at workJonty worked as a tree surgeonGary Lineker with his first wife and the auntie of Jonty, Michelle, in 2000Credit: PA:Press AssociationOpening the inquest last week, senior coroner Darren Salter revealed the tree surgeon died following a crush injury to his abdomen whilst working on September 6.Oxford Coroner’s Court heard Jonty, of Coln St. Aldwyns, Gloucs., was killed by a falling tree in Eaton Hastings, Oxon.A GoFundMe page set up in memory of the teenager has raised over £32,000 to go towards a “beautiful memorial or event” for the family.A post under the appeal called Jonty a “very special, beautiful young man”.read more on footballIt added: “I realise money can’t fill the great chasm of loss they are feeling, but I hope it can be used to ease the burden of funeral expenses or go towards a fitting memorial for Jonty.”Gary Lineker’s son George, 31, last month described his tragic cousin as “one of the nicest boys you’ll meet”.An Instagram story showed him with Jonty as a youngster, with George writing: “Taken far too soon. Fly high cousin, you’ll be missed by all.”Tobias Lineker, 28, George’s brother, also wrote a heartbreaking tribute on Instagram alongside an old photo of a smiling Jonty.Most read in FootballHe said: “Taken from us far too soon, rest in peace little cousin.”Jonty was the nephew of Gary, 63, from his marriage to his first wife, Michelle Cockayne, with whom he shares four children – George, Harry, Tobias and Angus.Jonty’s mum, Ali Cockayne, is the sister of Michelle and was previously married to Former England rugby captain Will Carling.A date for the full inquest has not yet been confirmed.Gary Lineker with sons Harry, Angus, George and TobiasCredit: RexFormer England rugby captain Will Carling with Jonty’s mum Ali and their son Henry in 1998Credit: PA:Press Association More

  • in

    Fans say ‘Lidl is mad’ as German discount supermarket sells £10 Harry Kane blow-up mattress

    FOOTBALL fans have been left baffled by a new item of Bayern Munich merchandise available in Germany.An air mattress in the shape of Bayern striker Harry Kane is now available to buy on the Lidl website.Fans can now purchase a Harry Kane air mattressCredit: LidlKane has become a fan favourite since joining BayernCredit: GettyIt is currently available for £10 (€12.99) online.And the concept has left fans in stitches, with one person taking to social media to write: “This week’s Lidl deals are now online. For just €12.99 you can own a Harry Kane air mattress.”Lidl is mad.”While another joked: “Same number of trophies, 0.000013 per cent of the transfer fee.”Read More in FootballFans are also able to purchase a Jamal Musiala air mattress.A Matthijs de Ligt mattress is available as well – even though he no longer plays for the German side.Lidl is also selling an Allianz Arena paddling pool and a Bayern Munich water slide.The Bundesliga giants face Aston Villa in the Champions League on Wednesday.Most read in BundesligaFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, they could be without star striker Kane.The 31-year-old picked up an ankle injury against Bayer Leverkusen at the weekend.Thierry Henry and Micah Richards pinpoint Erling Haaland’s biggest flaw that ‘Harry Kane can do’ on CBS Sports coverageA statement from Bayern read: “Harry Kane took a painful knock to his ankle in Bayern’s Bundesliga game at home to Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday.”Examinations by the club’s medical unit on Sunday determined a positive development.”Kane will continue to receive appropriate treatment.” More