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Brazil and Argentina haven’t won a World Cup in 20 years, and will have to be at their best to topple European giants
by Philippa Kaur 3 January 2022, 09:45
TWENTY years have now gone by since South America last won the World Cup.Brazil won title number five in Japan and South Korea in 2002. Ever since then, every World Cup campaign of theirs has come to an end as soon as they met a western European side in the knock out rounds.
Brazil’s Cafu lifts the 2002 World Cup, the last time a South American country won itCredit: AP:Associated Press
The lost to France in 2006, Holland in 2010, Germany – in astonishing style on home ground in 2014 and Belgium last time out three years ago.
The story of Argentina is not radically different. True, they did get past Switzerland, Belgium and Holland on their way to the 2014 final, but all of their campaigns in the last two decades have ended in defeat to the Europeans – Germany in 2006, 10 and 14 and France last time.
With four rounds of qualifiers still to go, both Brazil and Argentina have already booked their place in Qatar. They have breezed through the campaign.
Brazil are unbeaten, and Argentina have not lost a match for two and a half years. Both can build towards Qatar with some confidence – not least because they are looking good defensively.
Titles are so often won by tight defences. Brazil at the moment rarely even look likely to concede a goal, while Argentina are much improved in this department.
The emergence of Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez has been important. He looks like Argentina’s first top class keeper for decades, and ex player and top pundit Diego Latorre named him as the country’s footballing personality of the year in his newspaper column.
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And there is another reason for the South American giants to believe – last year’s Euros. The tournament was exciting and had its moments.
But it did not have a truly great team. Perhaps the proof is that winners Italy are by no means certain of a place in the World Cup.
The impression left was of a continent with considerable strength in depth, but without a genuinely outstanding contender for Qatar.
On show in the Euros there were probably ten teams who, on a good day, might be capable of eliminating Brazil or Argentina.
But flipped the other way round, there was no one at the tournament that the South Americans are not capable of beating.
There is, though, an entirely new factor coming in to play in Qatar. This is a World Cup taking place in November and December, rather than the traditional June and July.
This is a huge change – and whatever the problems about the way it has happened, it promises to be a change for the better.
Argentina lifted the Copa America last summer and will be full of confidence going to QatarCredit: AFP
In Emiliano Martinez Argentina finally have a top class No1Credit: AFP
The big problem for all recent World Cups has been that of end of season burn out. There is no better example than Argentina in 2014. True, they reached the final.
But to get that far they had to become a completely different team from the one that had qualified.
Under former Leeds and Sheffield United midfielder Alejandro Sabella, Argentina had qualified with a bold 4-3-3, featuring Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain up front, and Angel Di Maria in the midfield trio. They conceded a few – but scored plenty more.
Come the tournament Sabella realised that his players simply were not fit enough to play that way. Argentina tightened up.
In four knock out games, three of which went to extra time, they scored just two goals. Di Maria broke down, Aguero was nowhere near fit, Messi rationed himself.
In Qatar, though, there will be no end of season burn out. The planet’s best players will be in mid-season, and should be much closer to the peak of their powers.
The Europeans should be better than anything they showed in last year’s Euros. South America is going to have to come up with something special to win its first World Cup in twenty years.
With Italy struggling to qualify, Brazil and Argentina won’t fear any of the European giantsCredit: PA More
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Biggest Boxing Day upsets, including Manchester United losing to Middlesbrough and Arsenal humbled by Coventry
by Philippa Kaur 25 December 2021, 17:57
BOXING DAY is a traditional time when football fans flock to the grounds of their favourite teams.But, just because it’s Christmas, there’s no guarantee the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea will give their supporters a present with a win.
David Beckham looks stunned as Manchester United suffer a Boxing Day defeat in 2002Credit: Getty
In fact, those giants have been humbled over the years during the festive period.
Here’s the biggest Boxing Day upsets during the Premier League era.
Coventry 3-2 Arsenal, 1999
The Gunners were woeful against Gordon Strachan’s side in the 1999-2000 season.
They looked anything but Premier League challengers, as the Sky Blues raced to a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Gary McAllister and Mustapha Hadji.
Freddie Ljungberg got Arsenal back in it after the break, but Robbie Keane extended Coventry’s lead.
A late goal by Davor Suker threatened to spoil the party, but Strachan’s side held on for the famous win.
While Arsene Wenger’s side stuttered in their quest for Premier League glory.
Robbie Keane scores in a famous 3-2 defeat of ArsenalCredit: Peter Luckhurst
Coventry City fans are jubilant as Keane celebrates putting the Sky Blues 3-1 upCredit: PA:Press Association
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Middlesbrough 3-1 Manchester United, 2002
When the apprentice (Steve McLaren) got the better of his mentor, Sir Alex Ferguson.
With United going for the title, they were desperate to keep up the momentum at the top.
But Boro were rampant at the Riverside Stadium, with Alen Boksic and Szilard Nemeth giving them a 2-0 lead.
Ryan Giggs got United back in it, but Joseph-Desire Job put the gloss on a 3-1 win.
Defeat left the Red Devils trailing Arsenal by seven points into the new year, but they would claw that back to be crowned champions.
Allen Boksic scores gives Middlesbrough the leadCredit: Getty
Man Utd’s nightmare is captured perfectly by Juan Sebastian VeronCredit: PA:Press Association
Bolton 4-3 Newcastle, 2003
Back in 2003, led by Alan Shearer, Newcastle United were in a race for a Champions League place.
But, if they wanted to be considered worthy of a spot, nothing less than a win at relegation threatened Bolton would do.
In an astonishing game, it appeared both sets of defenders had eaten too much turkey with three goals scored in the first 10 minutes.
Michael Ricketts scored twice to give his side a 4-1 lead, before Shola Ameobi and Alan Shearer sent the game into a gripping finale.
Michael Ricketts was the hero for Bolton with two goals against NewcastleCredit: Getty
Charlton 4-2 Chelsea, 2003
Claudio Ranieri’s Blues travelled to the Valley with high hopes.
It was the first season under the ownership of Roman Abramovich, huge investment was made, and they were desperate to break the stranglehold of Arsenal and Manchester United at the top.
But a shock result at Charlton showed there was still plenty of work to be done.
After John Terry scored to cancel out an early Herman Hreidarsson header, it appeared Chelsea would assert themselves on the opposition.
However, the Addicks had other ideas -racing into a 4-1 lead with goals from Matt Holland, Jonatan Johansson and Jason Euell.
Eidur Gudjohnsen’s consolation came too late to spare Chelsea’s blushes.
Jonatan Johansson celebrates scoring on Boxing Day against ChelseaCredit: PA:Press Association
Roman Abramovich appears shocked as his Blues lose to CharltonCredit: Getty
Chelsea 4-4 Aston Villa, 2007
At this point, Chelsea were expected title challengers once Avram Grant had steadied the ship following the departure of Jose Mourinho.
They welcomed a top six Aston Villa side to Stamford Bridge, but who they were really expected to beat.
The game was somewhat of a Christmas cracker – with Villa racing into a 2-0 lead before being pegged back to 2-2.
Brazilian Alex put Chelsea ahead, only for Martin Laursen to respond instantly.
When Michael Ballack scored two minutes from time, it appeared the Blues had snatched victory.
Alas, Gareth Barry would score a late penalty and break the hearts of Chelsea fans.
Aston Villa spoiled Chelsea’s party on Boxing Day in 2007Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Sunderland 1-0 Man City, 2012
As defending champions, Manchester City were once again up there vying for top spot with rivals Manchester United.
They would eventually hand the title to their neighbours, with a defeat to bogey team Sunderland at the Stadium of Light being one of six games they would lose along the way.
Former Manchester City winger Adam Johnson got one over his old side by scoring with a long-range effort past Joe Hart.
City were woeful in front of goal, and couldn’t muster a reply.
Sunderland shocked Manchester City with a goal from former player Adam Johnson in 2012Credit: Action Images – Reuters
Leicester 2-1 Man City, 2018
It’s Pep Guardiola’s only defeat as Manchester City boss on Boxing Day.
The then defending champions had lost days earlier 3-2 to Crystal Palace, so chinks in the armour were beginning to show.
A win was needed to keep up with Liverpool at the summit, and Bernardo Silva got them off to a flyer.
Marc Albrighton equalised for the home side, before Ricardo Pereira profited from sloppy City defending to score with 10-minutes left to play.
The loss didn’t harm City though in the title race, as they pipped the Reds that season by just one point.
Ricardo Pereira lashes the ball past Man City keeper EdersonCredit: Reuters
Leicester’s stars celebrate a famous win over Man CityCredit: Getty – Contributor More
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Inside Real Madrid’s luxury £340m private jet with beds, showers, personal sinks and tablets with 2,500 TV channels
by Philippa Kaur 25 December 2021, 15:00
REAL MADRID will be eyeing up Champions League glory once again, but have to hurdle PSG in the last-16.And with the first leg in Paris, it’ll mean flying in style in their luxury private jet..
Real Madrid’s pampered stars fly to away games in a Airbus A380
Each player has his own tablet, 2,500 channels to watch, an alcohol-free mini bar and a wash basin in front of their screenCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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Thanks to a hefty sponsorship deal, Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Co. get to fly on Emirates A380 jet worth a cool £340m on away days.
Not only does Carlo Ancelotti’s side pocket around £62m a year in that exchange, they’re treated like kings on their double-decker aircraft.
First off, inside the plane each player has got use of their own private shower – so there’s no need for communal showers for these stars.
Then, should they want, they have the option of resting in a fully-functioning bar area with plenty of room to swing a dozen cats in.
Players can get comfy in the private shower roomsCredit: Emirates
The Galacticos have had use of the most luxurious plane Fly Emirates offer since inking a sponsorship with the airline in 2013Credit: Emirates
Real Madrid’s plane is worth £340mCredit: Emirates
Marcelo can watch a “weepy movie” if he wants before a big gameCredit: Emirates
If that’s not enough for these pampered athletes, the Galacticos also have their own bed to sleep in, which comes with several other cool perks.
There’s a personalised tablet that allows you to access 2,500 channels, an alcohol-free mini bar, as well as a small wash cabinet.
Does that mean they’re the cleanest club in the world?
Who knows? But what else would you expect from the best team in the world at the moment? Of course they’re going to have their own bespoke plane.
The bar area has bags of space to socialise inCredit: Getty – Contributor
Real Madrid’s stars have no excuses for not looking their best on away daysCredit: Getty Images – Getty
And with comfy seats like these, they certainly wont suffer fatigueCredit: Getty Images – Getty
And when they land at any airport, they’ll hardly be inconspicuous on arrival with the players faces adorned on the aircraft’s paintwork.
Fly Emirates have sponsored Real since signing a sponsorship deal in 2013.
They’ve had their brand plastered across the famous white jerseys in three Champions League wins.
They have similar deals with Arsenal and PSG, who also have use of their Airbus A380.
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The Airbus A380 boasts capacity for 525 passengersCredit: Getty – Contributor
Fly Emirates also sponsor Arsenal and PSGCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Toni Kroos kicks back and relaxesCredit: Emirates
Ex-star Sergio Ramos appears relaxed on board thanks to Real’s Fly Emirates planeCredit: Emirates
And the plane itself is a four-engine jet that has become something of a staple since making its first flight in 2005.
It provides seating for 525 passengers, has a design range of 8,500 nautical miles and a cruising speed of around 559 miles per hour.
Simply put, they have no excuses for being late for a game.
While, they definitely won’t be able to blame fatigue if/when they suffer their next defeat. More
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Classic Football Shirts’ amazing collection, from England’s 1982 World Cup jersey to David Beckham’s underpants
by Philippa Kaur 25 December 2021, 14:00
CLASSIC FOOTBALL SHIRTS boast the largest collection of football shirts in the world.With over 500,000 items from the beautiful game stored in their Manchester warehouse, they are the go-to website to find that rare jersey you’ve always wanted.
Classic Football Shirts, co-founded by Doug Bierton, has the biggest collection of football shirts in the worldCredit: Matthew Pover/Matthew Pover Limited – Our lawyers are watching. Absolutely no syndication
Set up by Doug Bierton and Matthew Dale in their student digs when they were studying at Manchester University in 2006, the business has become a multi-million pound empire.
SunSport took a trip to the North to see for ourselves how the entrepreneurial pair operate from their base, just a stones throwaway from Man City’s Etihad Stadium.
Sitting down with Doug, we learned what the most valuable international shirts were, how much they’re worth and why, as well as how they got their hands on David Beckham’s pants.
And during a World Cup or Euros, thinks get very hectic.
A stones throwaway from the Etihad Stadium, Classic Football Shirts has around 500,000 football itemsCredit: Matthew Pover/Matthew Pover Limited – Our lawyers are watching. Absolutely no syndication
Man United fan Doug, 36, explained: “The World Cup sends everything crazy because football shirts evoke memories.
“You remember where you were when you watched your first World Cup match. You clips and reruns of old tournaments on the TV in the build-up to the tournament.
“Then, you see the shirts the players are wearing and you think, ‘I wouldn’t mind being like the Brazilian Ronaldo, scoring loads of goals and having that shirt he wore.’
“On a normal day, we’ll sell about a 1,000 items. But during a World Cup, that can go up to 2,000 items a day quite easily.
Doug Bierton set up Classic Football Shirts in 2006 from his student home in ManchesterCredit: Matthew Pover/Matthew Pover Limited – Our lawyers are watching. Absolutely no syndication
“There’s 32 teams at the World Cup, so there’s plenty of shirts to choose from.
“But even the teams that aren’t in it this year, like Holland and Italy, they have their own magic World Cup moments and their shirts will still sell well.
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“Like (Roberto) Baggio with his distinctive ponytail and penalty miss or (Dennis) Bergkamp scoring against Argentina, the World Cup is really about everything.”
It was 15-years ago that Doug and Matthew discovered there was a market for classic football jerseys.
Classic Football Shirts are a website that sell rare, vintage and match-worn topsCredit: Matthew Pover/Matthew Pover Limited – Our lawyers are watching. Absolutely no syndication
The pair pooled their own shirts together, took out credit cards and bought some more retro tops.
“Classic Football Shirts was started in the summer of 2006 by myself and Matthew Dale.
“We were students at Manchester University, trying to avoid getting a real job.
“We spotted a gap in the market for a company to sell original and authentic football shirts from the past. Not reproductions or fakes, the real deal.
Doug Bierton pooled his shirts together with business partner Matthew Dale, got a few credit cards and built a business empire worth millionsCredit: Matthew Pover/Matthew Pover Limited – Our lawyers are watching. Absolutely no syndication
“I really wanted a Germany shirt from Italia ’90 to walk around Manchester in and be a bit different.
“But I soon realised there was no such place in the world you could buy one from.
“We pulled together about 50 shirts between us, got a few credit cards and bought a load of football shirts with them.
“Classic Football Shirts has grown since then. So, what was two lads in a student house in Manchester is now a warehouse with a staff of over 40.”
Classic Football Shirts sell match-worn shirts, including this Gareth Southgate jerseyCredit: Matthew Pover/Matthew Pover Limited – Our lawyers are watching. Absolutely no syndication
Over the years, the company has built up a list of contacts who they buy their shirts from.
They work with a number of players and sell match-worn shirts that have been donated by pros or football clubs, including Gareth Southgate’s worn jersey.
A one stop shop, Classic Football Shirts also offer a printing service where you can add your favourite players’ name on a new or old jersey.
“I can’t tell you all the trade secrets, but sometimes sourcing shirts comes with great difficulty,” Doug revealed.
As well as selling kits, Classic Football Shirts offer a name printing serviceCredit: Matthew Pover/Matthew Pover Limited – Our lawyers are watching. Absolutely no syndication
“We’ve been going for 15-years now, so we’ve got a lot of contacts in place to be able to find the items.
“We look in the clearance section, where you can get shirts from £9.99 that you can’t get on the high street, or we get them from clubs and manufacturers around the world.
“We also work with players to get very rare match-worn shirts and people get in touch with us and offer us their old shirts, which we do trades and valuations for.”
Football tops have become big business, with classic shirts often changing hands for five or six times their original price.
Doug Bierton revealed the most sought after football jersey is Germany’s 1990 World Cup effortCredit: Matthew Pover/Matthew Pover Limited – Our lawyers are watching. Absolutely no syndication
But what’s the most sought after?
“The most iconic and most desirable World Cup shirt is the Germany jersey from 1990,” Doug told us.
“The flag pattern across the chest was so different for the time. It really revolutionised football shirts from that moment on.
“Graphics and bold designs became much more prominent, which makes it a very important piece.
Germany’s Adidas kit from 1990 revolutionised football shirtsCredit: Action Images – Reuters
“Germany won the World Cup that year too, which helps because if shirts are tied to great moments that tends to increase the value of them.
“If you are serious about football collections, you need to own that one and the USA stars and stripes design from ’94.
“The German shirt is worth between £150-£200, depending on the condition. I’d say the USA shirt could go for around £250.”
There are some football shirts that are harder to get your hands on, Doug revealed. And there’s always a fascinating story why.
England shirts are a plenty at the Classic Football Shirts warehouseCredit: Matthew Pover/Matthew Pover Limited – Our lawyers are watching. Absolutely no syndication
Step-forward England’s rivals Argentina, who wore a blue strip in the 1986 encounter in Mexico – famous for the ‘Hand of God’ goal – because of a bizarre circumstance.
“One of the rarest to find is the Argentina blue shirt from 1986,” Doug revealed.
“They originally had a cotton away shirt, but the players complained it was too hot to be wearing it during games in the heat in Mexico.
“He sent the kit man into Mexico City to find something more lightweight.
Argentina’s blue 1986 jersey is one of the rarest football tops to findCredit: Getty – Contributor
“They found some Le Coq Sportif teamwear items that would probably of been worn by a college team.
“They brought them back to the kit room, stitched an old Argentina badge on them and printed some actual NFL numbers on the back.
“No replicas of that shirt actually exist. I think there’s only 18 of those shirts in the world.
“We’re lucky to own one of them.
“But the National Football Museum in Manchester has Maradona’s shirt, which actually belongs to Steve Hodge, who swapped shirts with him.
Doug Bierton revealed that only 18 Argentina 1986 jerseys exist in the worldCredit: Matthew Pover/Matthew Pover Limited – Our lawyers are watching. Absolutely no syndication
“That’s probably worth hundred of thousands of pounds.”
Doug is full of stories where international teams have had to wear jerseys that are rare and worth serious money.
A man who takes football history seriously he continued: “Back in 1930 in Uruguay, each player playing for Bolivia wore an individual shirt with a letter on it.
“It all spelled out ‘Viva Uruguay’ which was to say thanks to the hosts.
Classic Football Shirts owner Doug Bierton has a vast knowledge of the history of jerseysCredit: Matthew Pover/Matthew Pover Limited – Our lawyers are watching. Absolutely no syndication
“Then, you’ve got unique things happening like in 1958.
“Argentina played against Germany and they had to wear a shirt that belonged to IFK Malmo because they didn’t have a changed strip.
“France played in 1978 wearing an Argentinian club’s shirt called Kimberley – a green and white shirt – because they didn’t have an away kit with them too.
“There’s so many unique shirts from the history of the game that are very important museum pieces if you could unearth them.
Football shirts didn’t become a commercial entity until around 1978Credit: Matthew Pover/Matthew Pover Limited – Our lawyers are watching. Absolutely no syndication
“But in terms of shirts you could actually buy in the shops, that’s when you go into the 80s and 90s because football shirts only really became a commercial thing from 1978 onwards.”
Last year, England’s 1966 World Cup hero Sir Geoff Hurst attempted to auction off his shirt from that famous day.
With a starting price at £500,000, there were no takers.
“You could buy a house or the England ’66 shirt,” Doug said. “But I think I’d rather have the ’66 shirt and live in a cardboard box,” he beamed.
Doug Bierton would love to own Geoff Hurst’s 1966 World Cup jerseyCredit: Matthew Pover/Matthew Pover Limited – Our lawyers are watching. Absolutely no syndication
Football is clearly Doug’s first love. He reminisced about his favourite World Cup.
“I was obsessed with the 1990 World Cup,” he told us.
“I was five, and I don’t really remember watching the games that much.
“But I had the highlights on VHS and me and my brother watched it so many times, we burnt the video out in the end.
“Moments like England taking on Cameroon and Lineker scoring the penalties, (Sergio) Goycochea becoming a hero against Italy with a gold chain hanging out his shirt.
Classic Football Shirts sell around 2,000 shirts when the World Cup is onCredit: Matthew Pover/Matthew Pover Limited – Our lawyers are watching. Absolutely no syndication
“(Frank) Rijkaard spitting at (Rudi) Voller, Paul Gascoigne tears… it was the time before football was really commercialised.”
Doug’s favourite England shirt is the Umbro Italia ’90 number, worn by the likes of David Platt, Lineker, Terry Butcher and Gazza.
However, one design stands out most for the business owner.
“The one that’s voted for as the most popular is normally the 1982 shirt, with the design across the shoulders as worn by Kevin Keegan.
“If you think back to 1966 and before and beyond, it was just a plain white shirt for England.
“But Admiral were the ones who did something a bit more bold, which makes it cool.”
Back in 2010, Classic Football Shirts were the lucky recipients of AC Milan’s entire kit room.
Memories come flooding back of tournaments past when you spy a classic football shirtCredit: Matthew Pover/Matthew Pover Limited – Our lawyers are watching. Absolutely no syndication
That even included pants that the Italian giants supplied the players for game day.
After routing around in a box, Doug managed to find a pair numbered ’32’ as worn by “Golden Balls” himself.
“We work with clubs and manufacturers to take last season and beyond’s stock,” Doug divulged.
“Often we get items from clubs’ own kit rooms and in 2010 we managed to get AC Milan’s entire kit room.
“As part of that, we got shorts, jackets, shorts and even underpants!
Classic Football Shirts even managed to get their hands on a pair of David Beckham’s pantsCredit: Matthew Pover/Matthew Pover Limited – Our lawyers are watching. Absolutely no syndication
“We have boxes full of first team pants, all numbered from players to the doctors.
“We’ve got David Beckham’s pants from when he played for them, they’re numbered ’32′”.
As we walked through Classic Football Shirt’s extensive warehouse full of football goodies, we felt like kids in a sweatshirt, grabbing at every item that lit up our eyes.
@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.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-zkaekv{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-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::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);}
And that’s exactly how Man United star Juan Mata reacted when he popped in to see the collection for himself.
“We had Juan Mata come and it completely blew his mind,” Doug revealed.
It’s impossible not to feel like a kid in a sweet shop when perusing the rails at the Classic Football Shirts officesCredit: Matthew Pover/Matthew Pover Limited – Our lawyers are watching. Absolutely no syndication
“He relived all his childhood memories of Oviedo, Valencia and the Spanish national team.
“Juan was the same as any other football fan that walks in here.
“I’ve reminisced with many players and people in this place – it just brings it all back.”
From the outside, the Classic Football Shirts warehouse doesn’t seem so bigCredit: Matthew Pover/Matthew Pover Limited – Our lawyers are watching. Absolutely no syndication
But when you step inside, you see a sea of cardboard boxes full of merchandiseCredit: Matthew Pover/Matthew Pover Limited – Our lawyers are watching. Absolutely no syndication More
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Ex-Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri’s grandad was WWII hero who saved two American pilots shot down over Italy
by Philippa Kaur 25 December 2021, 13:00
EX-Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri didn’t quite get hero status at Stamford Bridge, but his grandfather definitely is one.Grandad Goffredo Sarri risked his own life in WWII to save two US pilots shot down by the Germans over occupied Italy, hiding them and leading them to safety in a daring rescue.
Ex-Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri grandad was a war hero
Maurizio’s grandfather Goffredo Sarri who was an Italian partisanCredit: Courtesy of Sarri Family
In 1944, Italy was under German occupation after the overthrow and arrest of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini.
Allied forces were pushing up from the South, but German forces were dug in around the mountains surrounding Florence.
Bill Lanza, from Revere, Massachusetts, was the gunner in a seven-man crew flying a B-25 Mitchell bomber on a mission to destroy a bridge when it was hit by German anti-aircraft fire.
He miraculously bailed out as the plane came down in flames, and as he landed in a field he was immediately embraced by two young Italian boys.
One of them was teenager Amerigo Sarri – Maurizio’s father.
Sergeant William ‘Bill’ Lanza who was shot down 200 miles into enemy territoryCredit: Courtesy of Lanza Family
An American B-25 Mitchell bomber similar to the one flown by Bill LanzaCredit: Getty – Contributor
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The pilot died in the crash, flying the bomber into a mountain as he tried to allow enough time for the rest of the crew to bail out.
Two men were captured, and four including Lanza managed to evade the Germans in the Val d’Arno countryside, 200 miles behind enemy lines.
Lanza and Todd were told to hide in woods by a farmer, where they covered themselves with leaves.
The farmer went to get Goffredo, Amerigo’s father who was a partisan, which meant he was opposed to the German occupation of the time.
Without introducing himself, Goffredo immediately brought Lanza a bottle of wine and some cheese and told his new friend to go back into the woods and hide again.
After sundown, Goffredo went to the spot where Lanza was hiding and walked him to the farm in civilian clothes.
The remarkable story was later told by John Lanza, nephew of Bill, in a book called Shot Down Over Italy, published in 2010.
Map of the doomed flight, showing where Lanza bailed out, 1, and the plane crashed, 7
The book Shot Down Over Italy written by John Lanza, Bill’s nephewCredit: Bright Spot Books
Lanza said, “In the afternoon, about four o’clock, I was hiding in the woods and feeling pretty good because the wine was strong and the cheese was delicious.
“He (Sarri) was carrying a bag of civilian clothes. I changed from my military clothes to my new white shirt and an oxford grey suit.
“I gave him my clothes, but kept my shoes.
“The partisan’s last name was Sarri. That’s all I ever called him.”
If caught, Lanza would’ve been likely viewed as a spy and could’ve been tortured and killed.
While Sarri’s granddad could have been shot dead on the spot for helping the enemy.
Lanza said: “After sundown, Sarri instructed me to follow him to his house.
“So, in my new civilian clothes, I followed him down a dirt road. He was walking about seventy yards ahead of me.
The Sarri family in 1968, with Maurizio’s father Amerigo kneeling at the frontCredit: Courtesy of Sarri Family
US World War II hero Bill Lanza, taken in 2010Credit: Handout
“While we were walking, two German trucks loaded with soldiers hurried past us.”
Sarri took him and Todd to a cave on his land, and Lanza lived there for the next 65 days, as the family brought them pasta, soup and bread.
The Germans knew the American airmen were being helped by the Italians, and flooded the area with troops.
Amazingly, the cave Lanza and Todd lived in was only 1oo yards from the Germans’ local HQ.
When people there got caught helping Americans – it was no questions asked. They killed about 200 that I heard ofBill LanzaShot Down Over Italy
Lanza said: “They never knew I was there, but I definitely knew they were there.
“I could see them doing calisthenics every morning from my cave.
“I could hear their machine guns going all night.
“They had a very fast sounding machine gun – much faster than the American ones – and it drove me crazy.
“We slept on straw mattresses in our cave, but we sometimes washed ourselves and our clothes at a rain basin on the farm.”
Lanza knew the risks Sarri was taking.
“When people there got caught helping Americans – it was no questions asked,” said Lanza.
“There were a lot of atrocities. They killed about 200 that I heard of.”
Young Amerigo would often drop-in to check on the two pilots.
Northern Italy in 1944, occupied by the Germans. Lanza was shot down south east of Florence, 200 miles behind enemy lines
Lanza said: “Amerigo was a frequent visitor to the cave.
“We liked Rigo and I think he liked us. We used to play games. One game was someone slapped your hand in the dark and you had to guess who slapped it.
“Sounds silly, but we tried to make the best of our circumstances, and had a good time playing games.”
Two months had passed since the pilots had hurled themselves from their burning plane, and the Germans began to give up their searched and started to pull their soldiers out of the Italian countryside.
That’s when Goffredo prepared Lanza and Todd’s escape plan.
He wrote a letter to the German commander telling him he was going to be escorting some miners through town.
But of course, these were no miners.
General Joseph McNarney sent a letter of gratitude to Goffredo Sarri
The toughest task between Lanza and Todd’s freedom was crossing a bridge outside the village that was surrounded by Nazis.
Lanza claimed: “The Germans were in foxholes and they were shooting at planes that were bombing the area.
“They must have thought we were nuts because bombs and bullets were flying everywhere as we walked by.
I put my trust in Sarri and he never let me down. Basically, we always trusted each otherBill LanzaShot Down Over Italy
“They couldn’t be bothered with civilians and we were in regular clothes and looked like refugees.
“We walked right past the Nazi trucks.”
Lanza continued: “It is mind- boggling to me that I was able to walk past German soldiers who were looking for me.
“You can imagine how nervous I was. I put my trust in Sarri and he never let me down. Basically, we always trusted each other.”
Italian Fascist leader Benito Mussolini meets Adolf Hitler in 1940Credit: Alamy
Nazi soldiers in a devastated Italian town during WW2 in 1944Credit: Hulton Archive – Getty
Goffredo had done his duty and taken Lanza and Todd as far as he could.
After staying in a sub-basement of a Silesian church with hiding Jewish families, the pilots managed to find safety with English soldiers.
Their ordeal was over, thanks to the Lazio boss’s grandfather, who later received a letter from the US General Joseph McNarney thanking him for his bravery.
In 2015, Sarri was asked by Italian newspaper Repubblica about Goffredo’s astonishing act of heroism.
He said: “He was called Goffredo, he was very proud of a recognition on a White House letterhead.
“As a partisan, he recovered the pilots of a US plane shot down in Val d’Arno, hid them, and at that time they shot you for less.
“One was called Bill Lanza, I know because his daughter and nephew wrote us a book.” More
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World Cup’s fastest ever goalscorer Hakan Sukur is now working as Uber driver in exile in USA
by Philippa Kaur 25 December 2021, 11:00
HE was Turkey’s most revered sportsman, recognised for his brilliance on the football field for Galatasaray and the national team.The legendary forward also holds the record for fastest ever goal in a World Cup finals.
Hakan Sukur parks his convertible Volkswagen outside his bakery in CaliforniaCredit: Getty – Contributor
Inside Hakan Sukur’s cafe in California near the famous Stanford University
But now, if Hakan Sukur, 50, steps foot in his own country, it’s likely he’ll face the death penalty or a life in prison, which is why he lives in exile in the US.
Hakan now lives in California, in the wealthy area of Palo Alto in Silicon Valley, on the outskirts of San Francisco.
But he isn’t a programmer and doesn’t work for a hi-tech app company. Instead, he’s an Uber driver and formerly ran a cafe.
“I moved to the United States, initially running a cafe in California, but strange people kept coming into the bar,” he told German outlet, Welt am Sonntag.
He used to run a popular bakery called Tuts, where the house specials were dishes like Turkish sausage and eggs, and Greek-style pancakes.
It received rave reviews on rating website Yelp, with comments such as: “Oh my gosh. This is the best place in the Bay Area to eat delicious food with your friends.
“The staff is so kind and friendly.”
But none of the customers mentioned that one of the men behind the cafe is Turkish football legend Hakan Sukur.
Turkey’s most famous footballer sold pastries and muffins to get byCredit: Instagram @tutsbakery
Hakan Sukur’s former cafe got rave reviews on the internetCredit: Instagram @tutsbakery
Back in the 1990s, the prolific striker WAS the idol of Istanbul.
Kids playing around the local bazaars all had Gala shirts with his famed number nine on the back and he could do no wrong.
Hakan scored 295 goals in three spells with the Turkish giants, played Premier League football with Blackburn for a season and had a spell in Serie A for Torino.
But even though it didn’t work out for him in Italy and England, he was welcomed back to his own country with open arms.
Hakan Sukur is Turkey’s most famous footballer everCredit: PA:Empics Sport
Due to his links to alleged terrorist group FETO, a warrant was issued for Hakan Sukur’s arrest in August 2016Credit: Getty Images – Getty
He was always a hero, a role model and to this day, is still the best striker Turkey have ever produced.
His record 51 international goals back that statement up, and nothing in Turkish football indicates it will be broken any time soon.
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However, when Hakan retired in 2008 he sought out a life in politics.
In 2011, he was elected as an Istanbul MP for the Justice Development Party, a conservative political group that has ruled over Turkey since 2002.
In three spells at Galatasary Hakan Sukur found the net 295 timesCredit: Getty – Contributor
Galatasary legend Hakan Sukur was nicknamed The Bull of the BosphorusCredit: PA:Empics Sport
The Bull of the Bosphorus was making strides and friends in government.
He aligned himself with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as well as maintained a friendship with cleric Fethullah Gulen.
In 2013 an alliance between Erdogan and Gulen, who was keen for Turkey to become an Islamic state was destroyed when a government corruption scandal erupted.
Erdogan blamed Gulen for the disruption, and given Hakan was seen as a disciple of the Gulen movement, it all started to go wrong.
That same year, the government closed all schools run by Gulenists and Hakan resigned from the governing party in protest to run as an independent.
In 2011, Hakan Sukur was elected as an Istanbul MP for the Justice Development PartyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Hakan Sukur resigned from the Justice Development Party to run as an independent in 2013Credit: Getty Images – Getty
During a controversial speech at a Turkish university Hakan Sukur spoke proudly of his Albanian rootsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Shortly after, Hakan gave a university speech where he told an audience of bemused students: “I am Albanian, as such I am not a Turk.”
Given the political climate in a country that was aiming to regain its national identity, those comments weren’t well-received.
In 2016, Hakan was charged with insulting President Erdogan on Twitter.
That summer, a trial began in absentia. Hakan claimed it wasn’t his intention to insult Erdogan, but prosecutors disagreed.
In 2016, Hakan Sukur was charged with insulting Presideny Erdogan on TwitterCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Blackburn Rovers signed Hakan Sukur in 2002
In July that year, hell broke loose when a coup, organised by Gulen with the aid of a small fraction of the Turkish Armed Forces, attempted to overthrow Erdogan.
The coup was defeated, but more than 300 people had lost their lives, 120,000 people lost their jobs and 50,000 were arrested.
Anyone who had Gulen links was deemed a terrorist and labelled a member of FETO (Fethullah Gulen Terrorist Organisation).
A warrant was issued for Hakan’s arrest and he was charged with being a member of an armed terrorist group.
Hakan Sukur was a hero for the national team of TurkeyCredit: Getty – Contributor
Hakan was given the opportunity to renounce his beliefs and love for the Gulen movement, but passed on the chance.
His father, Selmet wasn’t so lucky. The authorities arrested him at a mosque in Adapazar and he was charged with financial coup support.
Somehow, Hakan managed to flee to America, but it was reported his father passed away in prison after battling cancer.
Since relocating to the US, Hakan Sukur first opened a cafe and bakery called TutsCredit: Getty – Contributor
The cafe opened in Palo Alto in 2016 but has since closed downCredit: Instagram @tutsbakery
Hakan resurfaced in San Francisco County, in the wealthy surroundings of Palo Alto.
It’s been reported that he lives in a £3million home in the area, has three luxury cars and is enjoying the high-life.
The fallen icon may never be able to return home, but it could’ve been a whole lot worse. More
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90s Wags, from Louise Redknapp, Dani Behr, Ulrika Jonsson and more glamorous stars who dated footballers
by Philippa Kaur 25 December 2021, 09:00
MOVE aside Coleen Rooney, Rebekah Vardy and Abbey Clancy, these ladies were the original Wags of their time. The term Wag was first coined in 2006 when Victoria Beckham, Louise Owen and Elen Rives strutted their stuff in Baden-Baden during England’s 2006 World Cup campaign.
The term Wag was first coined during England’s 2006 World Cup campaignCredit: Associated Newspapers
But, it was in the 1990s with the birth of the Premier League, that footballers in England were becoming a catch.
The likes of Ryan Giggs, Liverpool’s ‘Spice Boys’ and many others enjoyed mixing playing on the field with playing off it with these fine beauties.
But who stepped out with who?
Join SunSport in taking a trip down memory lane to revisit the Wags that were ahead of the game… but what do they look now?
Dani Behr
Dani Behr was famous for presenting 1990s TV show The WordCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Ryan Giggs and Dani Behr dated in 1994Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Now living in LA, Dani Behr works in real estate and still looks glamorous todayCredit: Getty – Contributor
Earning notoriety on 1990s show The Word put the gorgeous presenter well and truly in the spotlight.
But it’s her relationships with footballers that made her a tabloid name.
Dani, now 51, was once engaged to former QPR and Newcastle striker Les Ferdinand, who she dated between 1995-98.
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Before that, she famously had a fling with Man United legend Ryan Giggs. Then, in 2001 Dani had a one-year romance with Aussie goalie Mark Bosnich.
She now works in luxury real estate in LA.
Louise Redknapp
Louise Redknapp sang in pop group Eternal before she met Jamie RedknappCredit: Rex Features
After nearly 20 years of marriage, Louise and Jamie Redknapp split in 2017Credit: Getty – Contributor
Before Jamie, Louise, 47, was a singer in pop group Eternal, who debuted in 1993.
She was one of the hottest performers around, which saw her embark on an ill-fated solo career after leaving the group.
In 1997, she met Jamie and they married a year later following a whirlwind romance.
However, in 2017 she announced her marriage to the former Liverpool star had come to an end.
Suzi Walker
Suzi and Ian Walker embraced celebrity culture by doing fancy photoshootsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
When her marriage came to an end, Suzi Walker dated former Crystal Palace chairman Simon JordanCredit: Louis Hollingsbee
Synonymous with the term ‘Footballers Wives’, Suzi was believed to be one of the inspirations behind the ITV show of the same name.
She was married to Tottenham goalie Ian Walker and they regularly posed together in fancy magazine shoots at their home.
But their marriage came to a sticky end when the former England international fessed up that he had an affair.
Suzi, 49, went on to date Simon Jordan in the late 2000s and they had one child together, a girl called Cameron.
Leslie Ash
Leslie Ash and Lee Chapman enjoyed celebrity couple status in the 90sCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
At 61, Leslie Ash still looks great and is a regular on the red carpetCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Alongside her footballing husband Lee Chapman, Leslie was the epitome of what a Wag was.
She attended all the celeb parties with her Leeds United beau and became a household name thanks to TV comedy Men Behaving Badly.
They married in 1988 and their marriage has lasted the test of time.
Both Ash, 61, and Chapman are still occasionally seen on the party scene, spotted in 2017 at an Ibiza Rocks party.
Davinia Taylor
Davinia Taylor was one of the ‘It’ girls of the 90sCredit: Rex Features
Hollyoaks beauty Davinia Taylor dated footballers including Ryan Giggs, Robbie Fowler and Jamie RedknappCredit: PA:Press Association
Davinia Taylor returned to the soap that made her famous in 2016Credit: Nick Obank – The Sun
One of the famous “It” girls of the 90s, the former Hollyoaks beauty was universally loved by the Premier League’s elite.
The soap star, now 44, had flings with Robbie Fowler, Jamie Redknapp and Ryan Giggs through the 90s.
Famously, she married David Beckham’s best mate Dave Gardner in 2003, but they divorced in 2009.
Part of the Primrose Hill set, with besties being Kate Moss and Sadie Frost, she returned to the Cheshire based TV show in 2016.
Davina McCall
Davina McCall and Stan Collymore had a romance in 1998Credit: PA:Empics Entertainment
Now healthier than ever, Davina McCall embraced exercise and changed her dietCredit: Getty – Contributor
Davina McCall was labelled a ‘Ladette’ in the 1990sCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
One of the “Ladettes” of the 90s, Davina was a feisty MTV presenter back in the day.
Another one who embraced party scene, 54-year-old Davina got together with Stan Collymore shortly after he moved from Liverpool to Aston Villa in 1998.
However, their relationship didn’t last, which is one of Collymore’s biggest regrets, according to his book.
He believes she was the one that got away.Ulrika Jonsson
Ulrika Jonsson had relationships with Stan Collymore, Les Ferdinand and Sven Goran ErikssonCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
TV star Ulrika Jonsson always had an eye for a footballerCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Now 54, Ulrika Jonsson appeared on Celebrity Masterchef in 2017
Which moves us swiftly on to the Swedish bombshell, Ulrika.
She too had a fling with Stan the man, but there was one problem… he was said to be seeing Davina at the time.
Ulrika also reportedly had an affair with Les Ferdinand after they met at a charity event in 1998.
And who can forget when Ulrika, 54, had a romance with former England boss Sven Goran Eriksson. That’s right, no one.Mandy Smith
Mandy Smith married former Spurs hardman Pat Van Den Hauwe in 1993Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Now enjoying life out of the spotlight, Mandy Smith teaches youngsters how to prepare for their first Holy CommunionCredit: Rex Features
A former singer and model in her heyday, Mandy, 51, married former Spurs hardman Pat Van Den Hauwe in 1993.
It didn’t last long, it was just two years before they parted ways.
Before that, self-confessed wild-child Mandy dated former Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman when she was just 13-years-old.
She now lives in Manchester, is teetotal and is a church-goer teaching youngsters how to prepare for their first Holy Communion.
Michelle Gayle
Michelle Gayle married footballer and TV pundit Mark Bright in 1996Credit: PA:Press Association
Arsenal fan Michelle Gayle starred in Eastenders and released pop songs in the 90sCredit: PA:Press Association
In 2011 Michelle Gayle wrote a fictional book about WagsCredit: PA:Press Association
The British singer and actress was famous for singing hits “Sweetness” and “Do You Know”, as well as starring in Eastenders in the 1990s.
But the London-born Arsenal fan also married footballer Mark Bright in 1996, before they split ten years later.
Since then, Michelle, 50, has starred in US TV series Wolfblood and appeared on Loose Women as a guest.
She showed she was a true Wag in 2011 by penning a book called “Pride and Premiership” which was about two girls who aspire to get married to footballers.Victoria Beckham
Victoria Beckham was called the ‘Queen of the Wags’ in 2006Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Now a fully fledged fashion designer, Victoria Beckham is far removed from the world of WagsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
It wouldn’t be a Wag round-up if we didn’t mention Posh Spice.
Since marrying England legend David Beckham in 1999, it’s fair to say Victoria has moved away from Wag status.
Now working in the realms of high-end fashion, Vic, 47, was dubbed “Queen of the Wags” in 2006.
She spent most of her time at the World Cup in Germany hanging out with Cheryl Cole, but she reportedly wasn’t very social with the other Wags.
Emily Symons
Matt Le Tissier dated Emily Symons in 1999 after meeting her in Southampton when she was starring in pantoCredit: Solent News
Emily Symons played Marilyn Chambers in Aussie soap Home and AwayCredit: PA:Press Association
In 2000, Matt Le Tissier dumped Emily Symons a year before they were supposed to marryCredit: ITV
The Aussie actress was lauded for her work on Aussie soap Home and Away playing the role of Marilyn Chambers.
After starring as Goldilocks in a panto at a Southampton theatre, she soon began dating Matt Le Tissier in 1999.
The couple got engaged after just six months, but it wasn’t to be.
Le Tiss reportedly dumped Symons, now 52, in 2000 – a year before their planned wedding.
Emma Bunton
Emma ‘Baby Spice’ Bunton briefly dated footballer Rio FerdinandCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Emma Bunton, now 45, is a radio DJ on Heart FMCredit: Splash News
When Emma was just a ‘Baby’ in the Spice Girls, she was also getting notable glances from footballers on the party circuit.
Fresh from the success of Victoria dating David, Emma thought she would dip her toe into the football pool.
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She began dating Rio Ferdinand in 1999, when he was plying his trade at West Ham.
It didn’t last long though and she reportedly began seeing actor John Simm soon after.Caprice
American model Caprice burst onto the scene in the mid-90sCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
After a fling with Tony Adams, Caprice dated George Best’s son Calum Best and cricketer Kevin PietersenCredit: Splash News
The American cover model got close to ex Arsenal captain Tony Adams after they met in 1999.
She originally burst onto the scene, rather literally, in 1996 in an infamous Wonderbra advert.
And her relationship with sports stars, or those related to sports stars, continued.
The 50-year-old also dated George Best’s son Calum and was also seen on the arm of cricketer Kevin Pietersen.
Lizzie Cundy
Lizzie Cundy was once married to former Chelsea footballer Jason CundyCredit: Rex Features
Now a radio presenter on FUBAR Radio, Lizzie Cundy hosts a show called Access All AreasCredit: Splash News
Formerly married to TalkSport host Jason Cundy, Lizzie, 53, has taken full advantage of her WAG status since their split.
She hosts a TV show called WAGS World on Wedding TV, as well as its spin-off Sporting Icon WAGS.
The notorious socialite is also a presenter on FUBAR Radio, hosting weekly chat show Access All Areas.
In 2014, Lizzie showed she was still a catch when she was linked to Hollywood actor Gerard Butler. More
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Football is played over the Christmas period in the UK because of medieval traditions and hard-fought workers rights
by Philippa Kaur 25 December 2021, 09:00
AFTER enjoying a Christmas day feast, Britain’s best footballers will be gearing up for a busy sporting calendar.Normally, teams will play twice in a week – once on Boxing Day and again on New Year’s Day.
Football fans are treated to a feast of the beautiful game over the Christmas periodCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Sure, it will irk the likes of Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola, who have both been critical of the tradition.
And with other European leagues taking a winter break and giving players a well-earned rest, you can see their point.
But why is football played over the Christmas period on our shores? Let SunSport explain.
MEDIEVAL TRADITION
Before football was officially created and the FA was formed in 1863, there were variations of the beautiful game.
In fact, historians can go back to as far as 1170 when medieval football or mob football was played in the streets.
Often, these games took place over Easter and during the Christmas period.
Today, because we are such a nostalgic country, you still get these events occurring.
One is The Kirkwall Ba game on New Year’s Day and another is The Royal Shrovetide village game in Ashbourne, Derbyshire.
Medieval football dates back to 1170 and took place over the Christmas holidayCredit: Alamy
The Kirkwall Ba game takes place still today on New Year’s DayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
FOOTBALL EVERY DAY
In the late 1800s there was a time when football was played nearly every day over the Christmas period, including Christmas day.
“Football was played on Christmas day because it was a day off and there was a tradition of public working-class events,” history professor Martin Johnes revealed.
“It was also at times played on Boxing Day meaning two games in two days.”
That also allowed the working class the opportunity to go to games on one of their few days off and get out of their crowded, cramped homes.
“For the working class, whose residences were often uncomfortable, overcrowded and unappealing, a rare day free from work was reason to take to the streets, not relax at home,” Johnes said.
Bank holiday legislation also played an important role.
“The 1871 Bank Holidays Act gave Boxing day this designation in England and Wales,” Johnes added.
A crowd of men and boys enjoy a match between Brighton and Crystal Palace on Christmas Day in 1920Credit: Popperfoto – Getty
Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-0 on Boxing Day in 1956Credit: Getty Images – Getty
“It had not done the same for Christmas day or Good Friday because they were established days of rest and worship.”
If Klopp is concerned about today’s crowded fixture list, lucky he wasn’t manager of the Reds in 1913.
Liverpool played Manchester City at home on Christmas Day, then the return game on Boxing Day, and another match at Anfield against Blackburn on December 27. That’s three games in three days.
INTEREST DWINDLED
Christmas day football became a thing of the past by the 1960s with families beginning to come together more.
The improvement of living conditions had a hand in that, with food, presents and decorations becoming more affordable to the masses.
“Communal entertainments were clearly on the decline as the festival took greater root in the home,” Johnes divulged.
Christmas day football became a thing of the past by the 1960sCredit: Popperfoto – Getty
Today, fans love the busy Christmas period of football Credit: Getty Images – Getty
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“Football shifts just to Boxing day, as Christmas Day becomes more family orientated and more importantly public transport becomes more and more limited.”
The last Christmas Day fixtures in England took place in 1965.
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