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      I’m A Celebrity star David Ginola’s stunning Wag Maeva Denat is a model, who is 22 years younger than former footballer

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      MEET I’m A Celebrity star David Ginola’s stunning missus, Maeva Denat.The 32-year-old beauty is a model, who is 22 years younger than the former Spurs and Newcastle ace.
      Maeva Denat is the stunning missus of I’m A Celebrity star David Ginola
      Brunette Maeva, 32, is a model from the South of France
      They were first linked together when the pair were spotted holding hands on a romantic stroll in Paris in 2016.
      Two years later, they welcomed their first child.
      Gorgeous Maeva was David’s rock, after he suffered a life-threatening heart attack.
      And she opened up about his health concerns before arriving at Gwrych Castle.
      LIFE-CHANGING MOMENT
      The day Ginola met Maeva was the most life-changing of his life.
      Not because he’d just met the love of his life, more that he was lucky to still be alive.
      While playing a charity match in France, David collapsed and suffered a cardiac arrest.
      He was dead for nine minutes, until a defibrillator revived his pulse. After being rushed to hospital, surgeons performed a three hour quadruple bypass operation.
      She revealed: “We met on the day he died. A mutual friend introduced us at a restaurant in Cannes. It was just after midnight and we talked and had one kiss and then he went to the charity event.
      Ginola met Maeva the day he suffered a critical heart attackCredit: Splash News
      Maeva revealed she was worried sick when she heard news of Ginola’s cardiac arrest
      Stunning Maeva was Ginola’s rock as he recovered from his heart op
      “I was back in Marseille when my friend called and said, ‘Have you heard what happened to David? What did you do with him?’
      “I said, ‘We just talked and we had one kiss and then we left — that was it’.
      “I was so worried about him and because I didn’t know his close friends it was hard to check on how he was doing.”
      PARENTHOOD
      Just a few months later, David and Maeva were seen in Paris walking arm-in-arm.
      That same year he divorced his first wife, Coraline – a former model and mother of his two children, Andrea and Carla.
      The loved-up pair divided their time between London and the South of France, as their relationship continued to blossom.
      In 2018, Maeva gave birth to their first child together – a baby daughter.
      David had become a father again at 51, and he was delighted.
      He wrote on Twitter: “I’m ecstatic, so very happy, just became father of a very beautiful little girl…. Je suis tellement heureux, je suis à nouveau Papa d’une très jolie petite fille.”
      Over the course of the year, he would be seen in London holding the baby at various cafes playing the role of doting dad.
      Denat divided her time between London and Marseille in the early stages of her romance with Ginola
      Maeva often shows off her amazing body on Instagram
      As a former footballers’ Wag, Maeva has a lifestyle to envy
      Aged 32, Maeva is 22 years younger than Ginola
      HER FEARS
      Maeva has already spoken out about her fears with David appearing on I’m A Celebrity.
      “My biggest fear is he goes away and then something happens. I dread the thought of him not coming home,” she told The Sun.
      “David’s biggest fear is he won’t live to see our daughter ever grow up and I feel the same way. It feels like there is a huge void in my life when he goes away. We miss each other so much.
      “I am always worried about David’s health and what if something happens like before? I push him to take care of himself but it is a constant battle.”

      In the meantime, while he’s been shivering in Wales, Maeva has been enjoying a better climate in the South of France.
      She recently revealed she was on a photoshoot for clothing brand Sandcoachella.
      But that won’t stop her from dialling from overseas and voting for her man.
      Maeva has her fears about Ginola’s health on I’m A Celebrity
      Maeva will be cheering on Ginola on I’m A Celebrity this year More

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      in Soccer

      Footballers’ wildest Christmas parties, from John Barnes dressing up as the Ku Klux Klan to fights and dwarf-tossing

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      ‘TIS the season to be jolly… and raucous, if you’re a footballer.After missing out on Christmas parties last year because of the coronavirus, you can expect plenty of shenanigans when football clubs allow their players to celebrate the festive period.
      Liverpool’s Christmas parties of the past often involved fancy dressCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Leeds star Kalvin Phillips was unlucky enough to get injured after a nasty fall in a London nightclub during Leeds’ Xmas shindig.
      But that’s tame, considering there’s been arrests, fights and even fancy dress mishaps, like one former England legend dressing up as a Ku Klux Klan member.
      And don’t forget one captain organising dwarf-tossing for his team mates.
      MANCHESTER CITY, 2004
      Notorious Joey Barton made front page news for an incident at a Manchester nightclub, when he played for City.
      Dressed in fancy dress as Jimmy Saville, which would now be a massive no-no, he got into an altercation with youth player Jamie Tandy.
      But rather than walk away, Barton launched into the offensive and stubbed a cigar out in the eye of the youngster.
      Barton was reprimanded by the club and fined six weeks wages.
      Tandy would later claim the incident ruined his career.
      Joey Barton attacked a youth star with a lit cigarCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Jamie Tandy shows off the damage Barton did to his eyeCredit: Collect
      TOTTENHAM, 2009
      Harry Redknapp did not take kindly to being lied to by Robbie Keane in 2009.
      The Irishman told his gaffer that he was taking his team mates to Dublin for a golf trip.
      Instead, they hit a pub and club instead of the fairways, which inevitably Redknapp found out about.
      Peter Crouch revealed in his book that Harry was “mad”. The 16 players involved were all docked £20,000 from their wages.
      “Wednesday was their day off and Robbie told me they were going to Dublin to play golf. I had no problem with that.
      “I am not happy and it will be dealt with, and dealt with severely.
      “I was shocked when I heard about it. I don’t see why parties should happen in today’s football – they’re more trouble than they’re worth.”
      Roy Keane was frozen out at Spurs after lying to Harry Redknap that he was taking his team mates to play golf in Dublin, instead going out boozingCredit: PA:Press Association
      MAN UTD, 2007
      It was one Christmas party too many for Sir Alex Ferguson, who banned his players from having them after 2007.
      The reason? Well, a reported 13-hour bender, where some stars spent up to £4,000, visited Long Legs strip club, and a karaoke bar.
      Wags were, unsurprisingly, banned from proceedings as witnesses claimed the footballers were out of control during their night out.
      Although, it didn’t do too much harm with United winning the Premier League and Champions League at the end of the season.
      Wayne Rooney spotted out at Man Utd’s 2007 Christmas partyCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Long legs strip club was one of many establishments United’s stars visited on their Christmas party, forcing Sir Alex Ferguson to cancel them moving forwardCredit: Warren Smith
      CHELSEA, 1994
      If you’re going to allow Vinnie Jones to organise your Christmas party, you can expect fireworks.
      But, what you would least expect is to take part in dwarf-tossing.
      That’s precisely what the ex-Wimbledon hardman had in store for his Chelsea team mates, when he organised a lock-in at a West London pub.
      Tony Cascarino said: “The idea was to pick up a dwarf and hurl him as far as you could.
      “I had a go, but I can’t remember how I did. They were heavier than I expected.”
      Vinnie Jones organised a lock-in at a West London pub in his Chelsea daysCredit: Alan Cozzi
      WEST HAM, 2001
      Hayden Foxe didn’t leave a lasting memory as a player with the Hammers.
      But the Aussie certainly might have left his scent at former West End nightclub Sugar Reef, where West Ham went for their Xmas bash 20 years ago.
      After a reported 15 pints, he jumped up on the bar, unzipped his trousers and urinated everywhere.
      The defender was fined two weeks’ wages, before leaving the club at the end of the campaign.
      He later revealed: “Some people are taking it light-heartedly and some are taking it the other way. I can’t turn back the clock even though it’s not something I’m proud of.”
      Hayden Foxe, formerly of West Ham, urinated on the bar of a nightclubCredit: Allsport
      NEWCASTLE, 1998
      As bad taste goes, the Toon Army trumped everyone in the 1990s playing Secret Santa at their party.
      Showing what they felt about one another, Newcastle’s footballers gave each other gifts.
      German legend Dietmar Hamann was handed a copy of Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf, bald Georgian Temuri Ketsbaia was given a comb, while someone bravely handed Duncan Ferguson a prison shirt, following time he spent inside.
      Oddly, Alessandro Pistone was gifted a sheep’s heart because of his lack of commitment on the pitch.
      “I’m sure it was a joke,” the Italian later said.
      For Newcastle’s Secret Santa party of 1998, German star Didi Hamann was handed a copy of Hitler’s Mein KampfCredit: PA:Press Association
      LIVERPOOL, 1990S
      The Reds were famous for their fancy dress parties, and over the years legends like Bruce Grobbelaar, Ian Rush and Jan Molby all had fun with their outfits.
      But, perhaps with irony on his mind, John Barnes took it a step too far.
      According to stories from two of his former team mates, he dressed up as a Ku Klux Klan member for one Christmas party.
      Speaking to BT Sport, Grobbelaar revealed about one night out: “There was a fellow in a white outfit with a pointy hat who was John Barnes, (he was) the Ku Klux Klan.”
      Absolutely and I’d do it again… and go as Hitler to a fancy dress party.. fancy dress parties are there for you to make fun of people you go as and the kkk and Hitler are figures to be ridiculed so I see no problem in that… I wouldn’t go as kunta kinte with chains on…— John Barnes (@officialbarnesy) January 23, 2020

      Another tale recounts Steve McMahon minding the door of an establishment, when he was confronted by a man wearing a white sheet.
      “You can’t come in like that. John Barnes is in there,” McMahon said, although the England legend wasn’t.
      “No,” said the man pulling off his hood. “He’s in here.”
      John Barnes once dressed up as Ku Klux Klan member, according to Liverpool legend Bruce GrobbelaarCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      in Soccer

      I’m A Celebrity star David Ginola’s stunning Wag Maeva Denat is a model, who is 22 years younger than the ex-footballer

      by

      MEET I’m A Celebrity star David Ginola’s stunning missus, Maeva Denat.The 32-year-old beauty is a model, who is 22 years younger than the former Spurs and Newcastle ace.
      Maeva Denat is the stunning missus of I’m A Celebrity star David Ginola
      Brunette Maeva, 32, is a model from the South of France
      They were first linked together when the pair were spotted holding hands on a romantic stroll in Paris in 2016.
      Two years later, they welcomed their first child.
      Gorgeous Maeva was David’s rock, after he suffered a life-threatening heart attack.
      And she opened up about his health concerns before arriving at Gwrych Castle.
      LIFE-CHANGING MOMENT
      The day Ginola met Maeva was the most life-changing of his life.
      Not because he’d just met the love of his life, more that he was lucky to still be alive.
      While playing a charity match in France, David collapsed and suffered a cardiac arrest.
      He was dead for nine minutes, until a defibrillator revived his pulse. After being rushed to hospital, surgeons performed a three hour quadruple bypass operation.
      She revealed: “We met on the day he died. A mutual friend introduced us at a restaurant in Cannes. It was just after midnight and we talked and had one kiss and then he went to the charity event.
      Ginola met Maeva the day he suffered a critical heart attackCredit: Splash News
      Maeva revealed she was worried sick when she heard news of Ginola’s cardiac arrest
      Stunning Maeva was Ginola’s rock as he recovered from his heart op
      “I was back in Marseille when my friend called and said, ‘Have you heard what happened to David? What did you do with him?’
      “I said, ‘We just talked and we had one kiss and then we left — that was it’.
      “I was so worried about him and because I didn’t know his close friends it was hard to check on how he was doing.”
      PARENTHOOD
      Just a few months later, David and Maeva were seen in Paris walking arm-in-arm.
      That same year he divorced his first wife, Coraline – a former model and mother of his two children, Andrea and Carla.
      The loved-up pair divided their time between London and the South of France, as their relationship continued to blossom.
      In 2018, Maeva gave birth to their first child together – a baby daughter.
      David had become a father again at 51, and he was delighted.
      He wrote on Twitter: “I’m ecstatic, so very happy, just became father of a very beautiful little girl…. Je suis tellement heureux, je suis à nouveau Papa d’une très jolie petite fille.”
      Over the course of the year, he would be seen in London holding the baby at various cafes playing the role of doting dad.
      Denat divided her time between London and Marseille in the early stages of her romance with Ginola
      Maeva often shows off her amazing body on Instagram
      As a former footballers’ Wag, Maeva has a lifestyle to envy
      Aged 32, Maeva is 22 years younger than Ginola
      HER FEARS
      Maeva has already spoken out about her fears with David appearing on I’m A Celebrity.
      “My biggest fear is he goes away and then something happens. I dread the thought of him not coming home,” she told The Sun.
      “David’s biggest fear is he won’t live to see our daughter ever grow up and I feel the same way. It feels like there is a huge void in my life when he goes away. We miss each other so much.
      “I am always worried about David’s health and what if something happens like before? I push him to take care of himself but it is a constant battle.”

      In the meantime, while he’s been shivering in Wales, Maeva has been enjoying a better climate in the South of France.
      She recently revealed she was on a photoshoot for clothing brand Sandcoachella.
      But that won’t stop her from dialling from overseas and voting for her man.
      Maeva has her fears about Ginola’s health on I’m A Celebrity
      Maeva will be cheering on Ginola on I’m A Celebrity this year More

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      in Soccer

      13 Man Utd legends as managers who have been sacked 17 times, and the ONE ex-star who has been a major success

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER isn’t the first Man Utd legend to be given his marching orders.The Norwegian, 48, was finally sacked (for the second time in his career) by the club after a dismal 4-1 defeat at the hands of Watford over the weekend, following weeks of speculation and a dismal run of form.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer isn’t the first ex-Man Utd star to be given his marching orders as a boss
      Brendan Rodgers, Mauricio Pochettino and Zinedine Zidane have been linked with the vacant post.
      But, the Red Devils will do well to steer clear of any former players.
      Many who played under legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson made a foray into management, most ended up flopping.
      However, there’s one who was a major success…
      GARY NEVILLE
      ASTONISHINGLY, after working mostly as a TV pundit and co-owner of Salford City, the ex-right back was handed the reigns at Valencia in 2015.
      It was an appointment that lasted a meagre 28 games.
      The biggest low including a 7-0 drubbing to rivals Barcelona.
      “I never should have said yes to the job,” Neville said in 2019. “I wasn’t qualified for the job and didn’t wake up every morning and think about coaching.
      “There was already far too much going on with the Sky stuff, writing articles for a newspaper and doing all the stuff in Manchester with Salford.”
      VERDICT: FLOP DEBUT BUT TIME TO PROVE US WRONG
      Gary Neville famously flopped as Valencia boss
      STEVE BRUCE
      A FORMER United captain, Bruce is now somewhat of a journeyman manager.
      He’s managed 10 clubs, including Wigan Athletic twice. Major honours have escaped him though, with FA Cup runner-up at Hull City in 2014 perhaps a highlight.
      Most recently, he was the brunt of Newcastle fans who lambasted his tactics.
      His first sacking came at Huddersfield in 2000. Since then, he’s been fired from jobs at Aston Villa and the Toon.
      VERDICT: FLOP – MOST OF THE TIME
      Steve Bruce was recently sacked by Newcastle

      PHIL NEVILLE
      NEVILLE’S first taste of being boss came with England’s lionesses.
      In 2018, he led the women’s team to glory in the SheBelievesCup.
      However, a year later finishing fourth in the World Cup seemed to be a bit of a disappointment.
      After stepping down from his role with the Three Lions, he was appointed as boss of David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
      However, they finished fourth from bottom in the MLS Eastern Conference and failed to make the play offs.
      VERDICT: FLOP SO FAR
      Phil Neville is proving to be a dismal appointment for Inter Miami
      RYAN GIGGS
      IN 2014, after David Moyes was fired, Welsh legend Giggs was hired as United’s interim manager – winning two of his four games in charge.
      Following a stint as Louis Van Gaal’s assistant, he took on the Wales national job in 2018 – leading his country to qualify for Euro 2020.
      But in 2020, he was forced to take gardening leave.
      VERDICT: TOO EARLY TO CALL
      Jury’s out on Ryan Giggs’ career as a manager
      ROY KEANE
      AS a leader on the pitch, Keane appeared to be management material.
      And things seemed to get off to a good start with Sunderland, who he helped gain promotion to the Premier League.
      However, he stepped down in 2008 amidst a player mutiny and a dismal run of form.
      Worse was to follow at Ipswich Town, where Keane was sacked when The Tractor Boys dropped to 21st in the Championship in 2011.
      VERDICT: FLOP
      Roy Keane was sacked by Ipswich Town in 2011
      JAAP STAM
      STAM played in the same sides as Keane, and himself was a tough competitor.
      Most recently, he was dismissed as boss of MLS team FC Cincinnati having won four of just 25 games.
      Before that, he handed in his resignation with Feyenoord bosses after 4-0 thrashing to rivals Ajax.
      On our shores, Stam is remembered for his time at Reading. He enjoyed a successful first season, leading the Royals to the play offs.
      However, it went downhill the following year. One win in 18 league matches was enough for Stam to be given his marching orders.
      VERDICT: FLOP
      At Reading Jaap Stam was given the bullet following a dismal run
      BRYAN ROBSON
      CAPTAIN Marvel has had a 17-year career as a manager, taking in jobs with the likes of Middlesbrough, Bradford City, West Brom, Sheffield United, Thailand, and then Thailand’s U23s.
      His most successful period came at Boro, who he helped gain promotion. Between 1994-2001, Robson also led the club to three Wembley cup final appearances, although they lost each one.
      A stint at Bradford City saw Robson officially sacked for the first time after just 28 games in charge and a winning percentage of just 25 per cent.
      At West Brom he pulled off the great escape, with his side bottom of the Premier League at Christmas.
      The following year, though, they were relegated and Robson left by mutual consent.
      He also sacked by Sheffield United in 2008. He hasn’t managed anyone since the Thailand job ended in 2011.
      VERDICT: FLOP
      Captain Marvel Bryan Robson endured 17 years in management but hasn’t been in a job since 2011
      MARK HUGHES
      LIKE Robson, Hughes appeared to be tailor-made to be boss – doing decent jobs with Wales and Blackburn.
      That scored him a big job at Manchester City in 2008, who were then taken over by Sheikh Mansour two months after he arrived.
      However, after spending a fortune, including signing the disastrous Robinho for £32million, he was sacked after 18 months with nothing to show but a 10th place finish.
      After a bust-up with Mohamed Al-Fayed, he resigned as Fulham boss 11 months after his appointment – with Al-Fayed labelling the Welshman a “strange man”.
      Sackings at QPR, Stoke and Southampton then followed.
      Officially, he’s the most sacked out of the United legends.
      VERDICT: BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT AFTER WALES AND BLACKBURN JOBS
      Mark Hughes has been sacked four times – more than any other ex-Man Utd star
      PAUL INCE
      ‘THE GUVNOR’ has been out of a job since 2014, since leaving Blackpool, where he was once handed a five game ban for berating an official in the tunnel.
      In the lower leagues, Ince did a stellar jobs at Macclesfield Town in a player-manager role, before then getting Milton Keynes Dons promoted to League Two and winning the FA Trophy.
      In 2008, however, when Blackburn Rovers asked him to make the step up to the Premier League, Ince proved to be out of his depth.
      After three wins in 17 games, he was given the bullet.
      VERDICT: FLOP
      Paul Ince couldn’t hack it in the Premier League as a boss
      PAUL SCHOLES
      WITH one of the greatest football brains in the modern era, Scholes was surely going to make a decent coach?
      Maybe too soon to tell. He spent just 31 days at crisis club Oldham between February and March 2019, until walking away following a disagreement with the owners.
      “In the last week there was a couple of issues with a couple of players,” Scholes revealed in a chat with BT Sport in 2019.
      “Experienced pros that I felt didn’t deserve to be treated the way the club wanted to treat them.
      “I didn’t need the hassle of that. I really like the players, really respected them and would have done anything for them. But once I get told ‘don’t play him’, that’s when it is time for me to go…
      “That only happened once, but that was the end of it. There were subtle hints along the way, but that was the end of it.”
      VERDICT: TOO EARLY TO CALL
      Paul Scholes spent just 31 days at crisis club Oldham
      GORDON STRACHAN
      THE Scot spent five years at Coventry City, mostly doing his best to avoid relegation.
      Eventually, his luck would run out in 2001 when the club were demoted from the Premier League.
      He was sacked the following season after a poor start in the First Division.
      Within weeks, Strachan was back – this time in the Southampton hot seat. He resigned as Saints boss in 2004, after wanting to take a break from football
      At Celtic he was victorious – winning three league titles in a row. But in his fourth season, the Hoops lost out Rangers and he handed in his resignation in 2009.
      His time at Middlesbrough was forgettable. With the club languishing in 20th position, he commendably tore up his contract and refused compensation.
      For his last act, Strachan walked away from the Scotland job after failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
      VERDICT: MIXED BAG
      On our shores, Gordon Strachan struggled at Coventry City and Middlesbrough
      WAYNE ROONEY
      Manchester United’s all-time top scorer, Rooney is the most recent former Red Devil star to try his hand at managing after being hired in 2020 by Derby County.
      But it’s been a tumultuous time for the club, who are in dire financial trouble.
      They narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of last season, but it looks highly unlikely they will be able to repeat that feat – after they were docked 21 points for financial irregularities and sit rock bottom of the Championship with zero points and 18 games played.
      Hard to judge Rooney on this though, given his hands are tied.
      VERDICT: TOO EARLY TO TELL
      Wayne Rooney’s first foray into management at cash-strapped Derby can’t be judged
      LAURENT BLANC
      The exception to the rule, Laurent Blanc is one of the world’s leading managers and has been linked with the Old Trafford job.
      Currently in Qatar with Al-Rayyan, the France World Cup winner has won all his trophies in his homeland.
      He landed the title with Bordeaux in 2009, then won three successive championships with PSG, as well as two French Cups and three French league cups with the latter in just three years.
      The only blot on his copybook, perhaps, was his time as France boss, who he could only lead to a quarter-final of Euro 2020 before standing down.
      But, he’s never been sacked.
      VERDICT: HIT
      Laurent Blanc is the exception to the rule, enjoying success as a boss
      Who will be the next manager of Man Utd after Solskjaer is sacked More

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      in Soccer

      How Sir Alex Ferguson’s friendship with Mauricio Pochettino could decide who will be the next manager of Man Utd

      by

      PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino appears to be the favourite to land the Manchester United job… at least in the eyes of Sir Alex Ferguson.According to reports, Fergie is leading the charge for the Red Devils to appoint the ex-Spurs coach as their next manager.
      Sir Alex Ferguson is a big admirer of Mauricio Pochettino and wants him to get the Man Utd jobCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      When the Argentine, 49, first landed on our shores with Southampton in 2013, he caught the eye of the legendary Scot.
      His philosophy of attacking play combined with an ability to nurture and empathise with players resonated with Sir Alex.
      In 2016, they began a friendship off the pitch – with Poch mesmerised by the most successful British manager of all time over lunch at a posh Mayfair restaurant.
      And last season they met up at the Lowry hotel, when Paris Saint-Germain played Manchester City in the Champions League semi-final.
      FIRST IMPRESSION
      Pochettino was appointed by the Saints in January 2013.
      Just 12 days later he would face off against Sir Alex’s Manchester United at the Theatre of Dreams – the only time the two met as managers.
      Before the game the bosses warmly embraced. Despite playing against the Premier League leaders, Southampton took the game to their opponents.
      A 2-1 defeat and a spirited performance showed that Poch’s methods on the training ground were already working. Fergie was impressed.
      “I have to say, Southampton in the second-half were the best team that’s played here this season,” he said after the game.
      Fergie and Poch first encountered each other when Southampton visited Man Utd in 2013Credit: Rex
      Fergie was impressed with how the Saints played under PochettinoCredit: Dave Pinegar – The Sun
      “They played exceptionally well and I think we were a bit fortunate to win the game.”
      Fergie retired at the end of the season, with his team champions.
      Poch, however, was the rising star – overseeing impressive wins against Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea, as Southampton recorded their highest Premier League points tally ever and finished in eighth place.
      GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER
      Fergie and Poch’s paths wouldn’t cross again until three years after their first encounter. By this time, the latter was impressing as boss of Tottenham, turning the North Londoners into a title-challenging side.
      In 2016, Mauricio attended the LMA League Managers Association’s president’s dinner with his trusted assistant, Jesus Perez.
      Naturally, Sir Alex was there and the three became engrossed in conversation.
      It was decided that they would meet for lunch, when time permitted.
      “We had a short chat at the LMA dinner and we both said, and Jesús, that it would be good to meet one day,” Pochettino revealed.
      “Both of us were interested to know each other.”

      Fergie and Mauricio Pochettino leave Scott’s in Mayfair after their lunch togetherCredit: MagicMomentsUK
      MEETING OF MINDS
      Two months later, Ferguson and Pochettino were seen leaving Scott’s in Mayfair after a secret lunch.
      The purpose of the meeting, clearly, was a meeting of minds. According to Mauricio in his book Brave New World, they drew similarities with the jobs they initially had to do at their clubs.
      “[Ferguson] spoke to me about how he had to restructure everything when he arrived at United,” Pochettino said. 
      “He did so in keeping with his own philosophy, even though they finished 11th two years out of three, followed by 13th, sixth, second and only after that did he achieve league success.
      “His Manchester United side were like the Tottenham team that I inherited when I took over, and the chat reassured me about following my own path.
      “Why aren’t there more Fergusons? Because football is like an express train without any stops. 
      “It’s almost impossible to find someone in charge who is willing to be involved in taking unpopular measures. 
      “Sir Alex always says, ‘Many times you have to make decisions that screw you over emotionally, that won’t be understood and you won’t be able to explain.’ I agree.
      “Managers live in a perpetual state of solitude, even when surrounded by people at all hours.”
      Pochettino and Ferguson share a similar ethos when it comes to footballCredit: Getty
      FAN BOY
      For Pochettino, his meeting with Fergie was the ultimate fan boy moment.
      “It was a dream come true. I felt like a teenage footballer all over again, listening to a knowledgeable coach,” he revealed.
      “I sent the photos that we took of us together to everyone. John McDermott (Former head of player development at Spurs) commented that I seemed to be in a trance. He called me a ‘hero worshipper’.”
      Pochettino admitted he borrowed from Fergie’s wisdom, as Perez sat on the table next to the pair drinking a £114 bottle of Brunello di Montalcino (2011).
      “Myself and Sir Alex spoke, and Jesús drank,” Pochettino laughed.
      “I learned many things. It was two hours and it was very emotional. Every word, every sentence he told us, was a big lesson.
      “Of course, it can help me to become a better manager. You can read books but there he was in front of us, with his charisma and personality. You understand why he is Sir Alex Ferguson.
      “It was difficult for me to sleep that night, because it was fantastic to meet him. When I started my career as a manager, he was always my inspiration, my reference, and when you can share two hours with a person who, for me, was the greatest manager in the world and the history of football, you can only enjoy it. I wanted to stop time but it was impossible.”
      STILL PALS
      Since that lunch, the pair reportedly text regularly.
      Last season, ahead of PSG’s Champions League semi-final with Manchester City, Sir Alex Ferguson was spotted at the Lowry hotel – where the French side were staying.
      As he left, flanked by the club’s president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, it was clear he was there to see Pochettino, and perhaps pass on some tips to overcome United’s fierce rivals.
      The latest reports suggest Manchester United are confident of appeasing Fergie and appointing his first choice candidate.
      Ferguson was spotted leaving the Lowry hotel in Manchester with PSG club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi after visiting his friend, PochettinoCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

      The Manchester Evening News also claim Pochettino wants to move to Old Trafford, and is prepared to leave PSG mid-season to fulfil his dream.
      He is also said to be unhappy living alone in a Paris hotel and misses England.
      However, it could cost up to £10million in compensation to release him from his contract.
      Although that’s a steep fee, if you ask Fergie it would certainly be money well spent.
      Darren Bent doesn’t feel Mauricio Pochettino is the right choice for the new manager at Man Utd More

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      I’m A Celebrity star David Ginola dazzled on the football pitch, but died for eight minutes after severe heart attack

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      FRENCH fancy David Ginola will be the football fans’ favourite in I’m A Celebrity this year.The ex-Spurs star, 54, will be braving the elements and creepy-crawlies at Gwrych Castle, North Wales, in the new series that kicks off on November 21.
      Former footballer David Ginola is ready to appear on this year’s I’m A CelebrityCredit: PA
      In the 1990s, Ginola was one of the heartthrobs of the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But that shouldn’t be too difficult for the former Premier League star, who was used to evading the English game’s hatchet men.
      Ginola starred at Newcastle, Spurs, Villa and Everton on our shores, once scooping both the PFA and Football Writers’ awards for player of the season.
      In the 1990s, he was recognised as one of the pin-ups of the game – scoring off the pitch with L’Oreal, for who he proudly became an ambassador after reportedly replacing Hollywood actress Jennifer Aniston in the role.
      However, in 2016 Ginola’s life was threatened by a heart attack that left him dead for eight minutes.
      He was revived by a defibrillator and rushed to hospital for a quadruple bypass operation.
      That same year, he would find love with model Maëva Denat – who is 22 years his junior.
      In 2018, at the age of 51, Ginola became a father again to their daughter.
      BLESSED BALLER
      Skilful, but often misunderstood, Ginola was your classic maverick footballer.
      He was called the best in the world by Dutch legend Johan Cruyff, another master on the pitch.
      The elegant winger began a career in England with Newcastle, who paid PSG £2.5million for his services in 1995.
      Ginola first starred at Newcastle UnitedCredit: Action Images
      French winger Ginola’s best years were with SpursCredit: Reuters
      In his later years, Ginola was once called fat by a former managerCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He was an integral part of Kevin Keegan’s ‘Entertainers’ who finished second in the Premier League in the 1995-96 season, their strongest league finish in decades.
      But it was at Tottenham where he showed his real brilliance, winning both the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year awards in 1999.
      It was at Spurs he won his only piece of English silverware – a League Cup medal.
      His time with Aston Villa wasn’t so well regarded, with boss John Gregory calling him too fat to play.
      Famously, he proved his manager wrong – whipping his top off and flashing his abs after scoring his first goal for the club.
      Ginola retired from football in 2002, following a spell at Everton, aged 35.
      HAIR MODEL
      As footballers became celebrities thanks to the growth of the Premier League and its foreign imports, handsome players like Ginola reaped the benefits.
      In the mid 90s, he was often seen at glam parties mingling with supermodels, including Kate Moss at the Cannes Film Festival.
      The poster boy of the beautiful game even appeared on the catwalk as a model for Nino Cerruti’s spring/summer collection in 1996.
      During his heyday, Ginola was invited to the best parties and mixed with models like Kate MossCredit: Reuters
      In 1997, Ginola became the face – and hair – of L’OrealCredit: The Advertising Archives
      But it was his turn as an ambassador for hair giants L’Oreal in a 1997 TV ad that had his female following fawning adoration.
      He was the first man to be hired by the French company in the role.
      And he replaced Friends star Jennifer Aniston as face of the brand – spilling the great line, “L’Oreal, because I’m worth it”.
      CHEATING DEATH
      Ginola’s love of red wine, cheese and red meat has led his partner Maëva to say he eats ‘like a Viking’.
      It was a diet that nearly cost the bon vivant his life in 2016.
      During a charity match in Mandelieu-La Napoule, southern France, Ginola collapsed as he was running, falling face first into the turf.
      Motionless, he was attended to by paramedics who discovered that he had swallowed his tongue and suffered a cardiac arrest.
      “My heart stopped for eight minutes at least”, he told The Sun exclusively back in 2017.
      “There was no pulse. I was dead. Then the air ambulance arrived and they hooked me up to a defibrillator.”
      Ginola has a love of wine and had a poor diet before his heart attackCredit: PA:Press Association
      In 2017, Ginola suffered a serious heart attack and was dead for eight minutes before a defibrillator restarted his pulseCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Ironically, Ginola was a guest for the Newcastle vs Spurs game earlier this season, where a fan suffered a heart attackCredit: AFP
      After four electric shocks, Ginola’s pulse began again.
      He was rushed to hospital, where doctors performed a six-hour quadruple bypass operation that saved his life.
      Most recently, David was a guest in the studio for Sky Sports’ coverage of Newcastle’s game against Spurs at St James’ Park, when the match was stopped after a fan suffered a heart attack.
      Notably moved by the situation, Ginola admitted it brought back “weird memories” for him as the situation unfolded.
      However, he delivered an honest and frank discussion about his own experience, while urging the public to learn CPR.
      IN LOVE AGAIN
      Ginola, who also appears on TalkSPORT, reportedly left his wife Coraline of 25 years for his current partner, the stunning model Maëva.
      Before it was announced they were split, he was seen walking with his arm around the French beauty, who is 22 years his junior, in Paris.
      In 2018, they welcomed a baby into their world, and David has played the role of doting dad, often seen carrying his daughter in his arms around London.
      Ginola also has two children from his previous marriage, son Andrea and daughter Carla, who is a model back in France.
      Although Maëva has concerns about his well-being, with a defibrillator on set should the worst happen, she is convinced Ginola will be fearless when it comes to the horrendous tasks that await.
      “There is almost nothing that scares David, not even death,” she told The Sun.
      Ginola has found love again with French model MaëvaCredit: Alamy
      Stunning Maëva is 22 years younger than Ginola
      When it comes to I’m A Celeb, Ginola will be fearlessCredit: Handout
      “He is a force of nature and will go outside bare-chested when it is snowing.
      “He doesn’t feel the cold and he loves the wind and rain. He is incredibly strong and says I make him feel young again.
      “We love playing backgammon, but David always wins. You can’t play a game with him because he has to win and he always wins. 

      “He is not afraid of insects or bugs. I scream if I see a spider and he will jokingly scream at me and ask, ‘Why are you screaming like that?’ The only thing he is afraid of is sharks but he wants to dive with them to conquer his fear.”
      With the show set in Wales, not Australia, David might not encounter any sharks.
      But you can bet he will make for an entertaining, sophisticated, and debonair I’m A Celeb contender.
      Even if that means taking an age in the shower looking after that barnet.
      I’m A Celebrity 2021 FULL line up confirmed as David Ginola, Emmerdale’s Danny Miller and Frankie Bridge sign up More

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      How Ecuador are relying on Brighton pair Moises Caicedo and talented Jeremy Sarmiento to secure World Cup qualification

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      BRAZIL and Argentina are safely through to represent South America at next year’s World Cup, and Ecuador are well placed to join them – with a bit of help from Brighton.Four teams from the continent qualify automatically, with the fifth going into a play-off. And as it stands, with four rounds to go, Ecuador are solidly in third place.
      Moises Caicedo of Ecuador and Brighton is showing huge promise as the South Americans look set for World Cup qualificationCredit: EPA
      They have a six point cushion over the chasing pack. The remaining fixtures are not easy. Ecuador pick up most of their points at home, but their only remaining visitors are Brazil and Argentina.
      There is work ahead, but something will have to go badly wrong for Ecuador to be overtaken by two teams and miss out on automatic qualification – and disastrously wrong for them to be overtaken by three and miss out on fifth place.
      The play off spot would seem to be the worst they can realistically expect for a campaign that has exceeded expectations – and where the first goal, and so far the last, were scored by a player on the books of Brighton.
      Central midfielder Moises Caicedo is currently on loan at Beerschot in Belgium. But it will be a surprise if he does not return next season to become a key player in the Brighton line up.
      He has been a key player for Ecuador ever since he was thrown into the deep end as a teenager when the World Cup qualifiers got underway.
      He only turned 20 earlier this month, and when he glanced home from a free kick to open the scoring against Uruguay in October of last year he became the first player born in this century to score in South America’s qualifiers.
      His virtues were better highlighted in the goal away to Chile last week that clinched a vital 2-0 win.
      As part of the midfield press he helped win the ball, kept going and latched on to a pass to rifle past Claudio Bravo from the edge of the area.
      Strong and athletic, Caicedo has the capacity to work box to box, finds cute angles with his passes and can burst beyond the strikers to finish.
      He is an automatic choice for his country, and it can surely only be a matter of time and adaptation until he is making an impact in the Premier League.

      His spell on loan has prevented Caicedo from teaming up at Brighton with his new international colleague, Jeremy Sarmiento.
      Born in Spain to Ecuadorian parents, Sarmiento moved to England at the age of seven, and came through the ranks with Charlton Athletic.
      He had a brief spell with Benfica before opting to join Brighton, by which time he had already played for England at Under-17 and Under-18 levels.
      It seems, though, that he shared the dream of his father that he should play for Ecuador – who were delighted to welcome him aboard.
      Ecuador rushed him into action in World Cup qualification before he could change his mind. Sarmiento made his debut off the bench in last month’s home win against Bolivia.
      There was a huge fuss about the 19 year old attacking midfielder in the land of his father’s birth, and national team coach Gustavo Alfaro was sufficiently impressed to give him some serious responsibility.
      Former England youth international Jeremy Sarmiento has starred for Ecuador in his two starts against Venezuela and ChileCredit: EPA
      Sarmiento started both World Cup qualifiers this month, wins at home to Venezuela and away to Chile.
      With only Carabao Cup experience behind him this season he looked understandably raw, unsure at times of when to play the vital pass.
      But, skipping across the field, his running with the ball is undoubtedly exciting and he was never overawed by the occasion. Brighton’s acquisition and Ecuador’s gain looks like England’s loss.
      Brighton boss Graham Potter says Mo Salah is out of this world class More

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      Inside Man Utd star Paul Pogba’s amazing lifestyle with £2.9m mansion, plane, £1.6m car collection and Gucci wardrobe

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      FROM personalised emojis to promotional tours, Paul Pogba has become the ultimate global superstar.Man United’s £89million man shot to further stardom after becoming the most expensive signing ever in 2016 before winning the World Cup last year.
      World Cup winner Paul Pogba has shot to global fame since joining Manchester United
      Pogba’s tour of the Far East saw him dancing on a P-shaped stage
      And the Real Madrid target looked to be on the move once again after revealing his desire for a “new challenge somewhere else” – but that so far has not worked out.
      Pogba took a personalised plane on his own pre-season tour in 2019, with stops in Perth, Singapore and Shanghai, where he danced on a P-shaped stage and posed with Sumo wrestlers.
      And all of that reflects the Galactico lifestyle Pogba already leads, from his £1.6m supercar collection to his £2.9m Manchester mansion.
      And the 28-year-old French ace is happy to share his incredible life with his 50million followers on Instagram.
      CARPAUL
      When it comes to spending his pennies, Pogba has a love for supercars – and his collection comes to a staggering £1.6m.
      There’s his Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge, valued at £290,000, which is the most expensive motor in Pogba’s garage.
      And then there’s the fiery Lamborghini Aventador which is capable of hitting 218mph and reaching 62mph in just three seconds.
      The sleek white masterpiece is priced at £271,000.
      Pogba’s car collection includes a black Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge valued at £290,000Credit: Zenpix
      Pogba also owns a white Lamborghini Aventador which is capable of 218mph
      Pogba certainly stands out with his yellow Ferrari 812 SuperfastCredit: Zenpix
      Pogba may have to give the company car Chevrolet back to United if he leavesCredit: AFP – Getty
      Also in the ‘Need For Speed’ category is his £260,000 Ferrari 812 Superfast which Pogba got in yellow.
      When comfort is considered key, Pogba can jump into his four-door Bentley Flying Spur which boasts quilted leather seats and a Wi-fi hot-spot.
      Elsewhere in the garage is an Audi RS6, Maserati Quattroporte and his black Mercedes GLS 4×4.
      An Old Trafford exit may see Pogba have to hand back his red Chevrolet which he was given when the American car giant agreed a huge sponsorship deal with United.
      DAB PAD
      When Pogba signed for United in 2016, he spent six months living at the Lowry Hotel while on the hunt for his dream home.
      It finally came in the shape of a five-bedroom modern mansion which he haggled down from £3.49m to £2.9m.
      The Pog pad is centred around a stunning swimming pool, plus a steam room and a changing area.
      A pane of class separates the pool from the main hallway in the house, making it the first thing visitors see.
      Pogba can prepare his grub in a giant kitchen which curves round the side of the house, while there are also two huge living rooms.

      There is also a games room as well as five bedrooms, all of which boast an en suite bathroom while the master bedroom also has a walk-in wardrobe.
      And when Pogba doesn’t fancy cooking his own personal Italian chef can rustle up hearty meals for the midfielder.
      Pogba owns a luxurious £2.9million mansion in Manchester
      Pogba’s home is centred around an incredible swimming pool which can be seen from the hallway
      Pogba spent six months living in Manchester’s Lowry Hotel before finding his dream home
      The pad is a five-bedroom property with an ensuite on each bedroom
      Pogba has a giant living room with an L-shaped sofa to watch the footie on
      Pogba haggled the price down from £3.49m to £2.9m
      The master bedroom came with a walk-in wardrobe and giant bathroom
      FRENCH COUTURE
      When not wearing his adidas sponsor, Pogba loves to flaunt his designer clobber.
      The flamboyant superstar is known to shop at designer stores such as Givenchy, Balmain, Off-White, Amiri, Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Louboutin and Maison Margiela.
      Pogba’s suits have been almost as eye-catching as his haircuts at times.
      The classy black D&G blazer Pogba wore to the 2015 Ballon d’Or, with gold lace-inspired embroidered overlay, cost £2,554.
      In January, Pogba wore a customised suit with the words ‘La Pioche’, his nickname from Juventus, printed all over. It translated to ‘The Pickaxe’.

      And Pogba is certainly a member of the Gucci gang.
      He has been seen frequently wearing the Italian fashion house’s Ghost Project Bomber Jacket which cost an eye-watering £1,610.
      But, in recent years, Pogba has often been seen sporting his own personalised fashions.
      His initials have been made into gold earrings, printed on his backpack and across items of his clothing.
      The logo is seen across Pogba’s belongings and was even printed on the plane that took him on his recent tour of the Far East.
      And then there’s the release of his brand which came at the same time as Pogba got his own range of emojis, aptly named the Pogmoji.
      Pogba is known for his standout clothing with designer labels
      Pogba poses with Cristiano Ronaldo at the 2015 Ballon d’Or wearing a black D&G blazer Pogba worth £2,554
      Pogba’s personalised suit with his nickname ‘La Pioche’ printed all overCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Pogba’s personalised PP is printed over most of his belongings
      The French midfielder had his own line of emojis released called PogmojiCredit: Instagram @paulpogba
      JET-SETTER
      If Pogba’s not touring continents on a promotional tour, his summers are often spent on luxury holidays.
      And the United superstar keeps his social media followers up-to-date with his travels and vacation spots.
      There was the trip to Los Angeles with Romelu Lukaku that ended in the Belgian joining Manchester United in 2017.
      Pogba regularly holidays in LA, with last year’s trip ending in a fallout with then United boss Jose Mourinho.
      His party with family and friends annoyed the Portuguese coach who wanted the Red Devils to return to pre-season training early.
      Agent Mino Raiola has even joined him on his trips.
      When Pogba’s after a more relaxing break, he heads to the tranquil setting of the French Polynsesia.
      He is regularly pictured in a pool with incredible scenic backdrops.
      But, of course, there’s also the regular returns weekend breaks back to his home nation of France and the city of Paris.
      Pogba’s promotional tour in 2019 saw him fly in a personalised private jetCredit: Instagram @paulpogba
      The superstar regularly posts photos of himself to Instagram with picturesque backdropsCredit: Refer to Caption
      Pogba hired a massive pad in Los Angeles where he regularly holidays
      Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola has even holidayed with him on certain summersCredit: Paul Pogba/Instagram
      Pogba likes to keep his social media followers up-to-date with his travels
      The Frenchman regularly takes a trip back to his hometown of Paris
      Pogba’s latest holiday this summer was in a luxury spot in Dubai
      FAMILY AFFAIR
      Up until recently, very little was known about Pogba’s wife and the mother of his baby.
      But model Maria Zulay Salaues, 27, is now seen frequently with the footballing superstar.
      His brothers are both footballers as well with Florentin playing for Ligue 2 club FC Sochaux-Montbéliard and Mathias at Tours in the French third division.
      And then there’s their mum, Yeo, who has been alongside the Frenchman throughout his career.
      On her birthday in 2020, Pogba posted a tribute to his mother with a picture of them hugging.It read: “Having my mum is the best trophy I can have, way better than the World Cup trophy, bon anniversaire maman.”
      Pogba’s dad, Fassou Antoine Pogba, passed away in 2017 at the age of 79 after battling illness.
      Pogba has a close-knit family with his two footballing brothers and motherCredit: Instagram, @paulpogba
      Pogba’s partner is the Bolivian model Maria Zulay Salaues who is mother to his child
      Pogba’s father Fassou Antoine Pogba died in 2017 aged 79
      Pogba’s brother Florentin plays for Ligue 2 club FC Sochaux-Montbéliard while Mathias plays in the French third divisionCredit: Reuters
      Paul Pogba tells Man Utd he wants to leave as he admits he needs a new challenge More