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    Jose Mourinho’s kids are branching out on their own, with daughter an award-winning jeweller and son an aspiring coach

    HE is not the only Special One in the family.For years Jose Mourinho has lived off that moniker, leading the likes of Porto, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Manchester United, Tottenham and now Roma to success.
    Jose Mourinho’s daughter is an award-winning jewellerCredit: Getty
    His son Jose Jr is an aspiring footballer and coachCredit: Getty
    But daughter Matilde is showing her own unique talents as a jeweller.
    The 25-year-old’s brand Matilde Jewellery scooped the Emerging Brand of the Year gong at the Professional Jeweller Awards.
    While son Jose Jr, 21, is an aspiring footballer and coach who has been on the books of Fulham.
    MATILDE
    Back in December 2020, Jose’s ambitious offspring launched her own jewellery brand.
    What made it different from its competitors was her promise to make pieces from sustainable materials.
    Her passion for jewellery began in 2018, when she was gifted a gold bracelet for her 18th birthday by her parents.
    “I was so excited. It was my first piece of proper jewellery,” she told the Daily Mail.
    She uses lab-grown diamonds because they “have the least impact on the environment.”
    Matilde studied her craft at the London College of Fashion before doing an MA in Entrepreneurship: Fashion and Creative Industries at Conde Nast College of Fashion and Design.
    It was on a shopping trip with her mum she learned that diamonds can be lab-grown.
    She said: “We walked into a shop where a jewellery brand was doing a pop-up. The founder came up and said: ‘Did you know all our jewellery uses lab-grown diamonds?’ I was like, ‘What?’ I was intrigued.
    Matilde’s jewellery line won a prestigious award at the Professional Jeweller AwardsCredit: Instagram @matildefmf
    Matilde Jewellery uses sustainable materials, including lab-grown diamondsCredit: Instagram @matilde.jewellery
    Pieces from Matilde’s range can cost up to £1,850Credit: Instagram @matilde.jewellery
    Dad Jose Mourinho has been seen wearing Matilde’s men’s jewellery collectionCredit: Instagram @josemourinho
    “My mum was born in Angola, which is where a lot of the horrible impact from blood diamonds took place. She was always vocal about it. She thought it was amazing that lab-grown diamonds existed.”
    Matilde now has her own pop-up shop in the heart of London’s Soho that’s open until Christmas Eve.
    Inside, you’ll find pieces for men and women costing up to £1,850.
    Celebrity fans include actress Naomi Scott and film producer Priyanka Chopra Jonas.
    While dad Jose has worn a bracelet and ring made by his daughter at training with Roma.
    JOSE JR
    Although he’s currently without a club, Mourinho’s son Jose Jr is an able goalkeeper.
    For three years he was on Fulham’s books before he was released in 2017.
    Now 21, he could consider a move into coaching.
    And, if his dad is to be believed, he could become a better coach than him.
    Back in 2018, the youngster was sat on the bench alongside his dad when Manchester United took on Swansea.
    For his work experience, he then delivered a tactical analysis of what was wrong with his father’s side.
    Jose revealed: “In a period of a few bad results one day, he comes up with some analysis on my team — obviously suffering because Dad wasn’t doing well.
    “We had lost to Watford and Manchester City, I think, and he came with the stats of the team. I showed them to my assistants and I told them, ‘Be careful as one day this boy will take one of your places’.
    Jose Jr was an able goalkeeper and was formerly on Fulham’s booksCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    When his father was at Manchester United, he Jose Jr sat in the dugout for work experienceCredit: Getty
    Jose Mourinho believes his son could one day become a great coachCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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    “But in fact I compare him with me at his age, where I would try to do the same sort of things for my dad — of course with different technology methods, but analysis from a kid aged 16 then.”
    The apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree, as Mourinho’s kids are making their own way in life.
    Clearly, the Special One has produced a couple of Special Ones.
    Generous Jose Mourinho give teen sensation Felix Afena-Gyan a £700 pair of shoes after netting first Roma goals More

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    How Alianza Lima won the Peruvian championship, despite being relegated to the second division the season before

    IN the wild and wonderful world of South American football, there are few stories as bizarre as that of Alianza Lima winning the 2021 Peruvian championship.Because the club did not even feature in the opening round of fixtures. At the end of 2020, Alianza had been relegated to the second division.
    Alianza Lima celebrate winning the Peruvian titleCredit: AFP
    This in itself is extraordinary. Alianza are one of Peru’s traditional giants. The club of Teofilo Cubillas, Scotland’s hangman back in 1978, they now have 24 league titles to their name.
    It is almost unthinkable for them to be relegated. Peru’s league is currently one of the weakest in South America, with its representatives struggling to win any games in the Copa Libertadores, the continent’s Champions League.
    A team like Alianza has to be almost off the scale of bad to go down.
    And it was all the more remarkable for happening last year. As a consequence of the pandemic, the entire championship was played in the capital city.
    Alianza spent the year without having to travel. This should have been a major advantage.
    Some of their opponents usually base their strategy on playing their home games at altitude, or in the heat of the north. Not this time. Even so, Alianza finished in the relegation slots.
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    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
    But as soon as the season ended, the complaints started. There was contention about the team that had finished one place above Alianza, the splendidly named Carlos Stein.
    During the season Carlos Stein had gone through some financial problems, and had paid their players late.
    The Peruvian FA gave them a fine. Alianza argued that this was not enough, since the regulations stipulated that they should be docked points.
    The FA disagreed, confirming Alianza’s relegation. And Alianza took their case all the way to Switzerland, to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
    The season had already kicked off, and Carlos Stein had played a match, when the verdict came in. Alianza won the day.
    CAS decided that the regulations should be upheld to the letter, that Carlos Stein should lose two points – taking them below Alianza in the 2020 table and into the 2021 second division.
    A place was hurriedly found for Alianza at the top table. Fearing the worst, they had prepared for the battle to regain their status, hiring Carlos Bustos, a rugged coach from Argentina, to take charge.
    Basing his side on tight defence, his methods, originally drawn up with the second division in mind, proved good enough to win the first.
    The season ended with a two legged play off against free scoring Sporting Cristal. Alianza kept things tight and won 1-0 on aggregate.
    Carlos Stein, meanwhile, came through a penalty shoot out at the end of a play off and won promotion back to the top flight. Their meetings with Alianza next year may well be grudge matches.
    Last season Alianza Lima were relegated but were reinstated to the top flight following a CAS rulingCredit: AFP More

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    Cars, gaming and stunning holidays… what awaits Sergio Aguero in retirement after Man City legend’s incredible career?

    AN incredible 386 club goals and 41 international strikes later, the brilliant Sergio Aguero is set to hang up his boots.The 33-year-old Barcelona forward will make statement about his future on Wednesday after a heart issue saw him taken off against Alaves last month suffering with chest pains and dizziness.
    Man City legend Sergio Aguero is retiring from the game with his head held highCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    In what has been epic career, laden with trophies including five Premier League titles in his ten years at Manchester City, the final curtain looks likely to come down to a standing ovation.
    Believed to be worth around £60million, Aguero will no doubt enjoy his retirement… but what awaits him if this really is the end?
    SunSport takes a look at the prolific Argentinian’s lifestyle and what he will enjoy more as he steps out the limelight.
    AN AMAZING CAR COLLECTION
    Over the years, wealthy Aguero has added stylish cars to his garage.
    Most recently, he splashed £426,000 on the amazing electric supercar, Ferrari SF90 Stradale.
    Aguero is a huge petrol head and has had a fabulous collection of motors, including a Ferrari GTC4 Lusso and a Lamborghini Aventador in the past.
    He almost famously gifted a Range Rover to a City kit man after leaving the Etihad and organising a raffle for the staff.
    Amusingly, his Lambo is for sale though after he barely used it.
    The 33-year-old said in January: “I don’t know why the f*** I bought a Lamborghini.
    The new Barcelona striker has marked his arrival in Spain by purchasing the new Stradale, and he should now have plenty of time to take it for a spin.
    Aguero poses with his new electric Ferrari worth £426,000Credit: Instagram @jmautomocion
    In the past, Aguero owned a Lamborghini that collected dust and cobwebsCredit: Auto Trader / Proctor Car Sales Ltd
    The ex-Premier League hotshot Aguero also gave his Range Rover to a former kit manCredit: EBay
    Hopefully he’ll get more use out of it than the Lambo, of which he said: It must have done about 1,200km (745 miles) in six years – I’ve barely used it.
    “I’ve been thinking for two years about what the f*** I bought that car for.
    “Now the only thing it does is get cold from the rain; it has cobwebs and everything.”
    LIFETIME OF MEMORIES AND STUNNING HOLIDAYS
    When it comes to a break away, Aguero is no stranger to enjoying a lavish holiday.
    Only last week he whisked off his beautiful girlfriend Sofia Calzetti to Dubai.
    No expense was spared, as they chowed down on healthy salads and drinks by the pool.
    In 2019, the pair went Stateside and stayed in Miami, Florida.
    They were seen shopping at the posh Bal Harbor mall and getting out of a rented supercar.
    Sergio and Sofia are fans of the exotic Paradise Island in the Bahamas which is a hotspot for celebrities, including Nicolas Cage and Sean “Diddy” Combs, who own homes there.
    In recent years, we’ve also seen Aguero on board private yachts in Mykonos and in Sardinia.
    You can bet they are already planning his next trip abroad.
    Aguero enjoys a jet-set life
    The Bahamas has been a popular destination for Aguero and his Wag SofiaCredit: Instagram / @sofiacalzetti
    Aguero and Sofia recently went to Dubai and took in the recent Abu Dhabi Grand PrixCredit: Instagram / @kunaguero
    It’s a yacht life for Aguero
    GAMING
    An avid gamer, Aguero often spends his time glued to a screen with a headset on.
    He’s so obsessed he has his own Twitch channel called SLAKUN10, where he live streams what he’s playing.
    Incredibly, he has 3.5million followers who watch him play games like the FIFA series, Fortnite, Fall Guys and Valorant.
    Last year, Sergio founded his own esports organisation, KRÜ Esports.
    And during lockdown he entertained fans when he played online with best mate, Lionel Messi.
    Although Messi couldn’t help but take the Mickey out of his fellow countryman’s age and that he was too old to playing video games.
    He joked: “I am old yes, but I’ve only got a little bit of a beard, eh?
    “There are some little wrinkles, but not that much.”
    Over the years, Aguero has revealed himself to be a massive gamer
    Around 3.5million followers watch his Twitch channel
    GIRLFRIEND
    Now with more downtime on his hands, Aguero will get to spend more time with gorgeous model Wag Sofia.
    They met at a mutual friend’s party in Buenos Aires and have reportedly been dating since 2019.
    The beauty, who has almost half-a-million followers on Instagram, is a brand ambassador for Be Dog and Everlast.
    It’s Aguero’s longest romance since he married Diego Maradona’s daughter, Giannina.
    Crucially, she offered him support when he was at his lowest ebb after his heart scare, sharing an image holding hands in hospital.
    Before that, he dated a string of beautiful women until settling down with Sofia.
    Perhaps, wedding bells will toll for this eligible bachelor.
    Aguero has dated Sofia Calzetti since 2019
    Stunning Calzetti is a model eight years Aguero’s junior
    TIME FOR MATES
    If his girlfriend doesn’t profit from his time away from the game, then you can bet best pal Messi will.
    The pair’s bromance began in 2005 when they roomed together at the U20 World Cup.
    Messi, who moved to Barcelona as a young boy, acted as a sounding board for Aguero when he quizzed him about chasing football dreams in Spain.
    But it was the death of Sergio’s friend Emiliano Molina that brought them even closer, with the now-PSG ace being a shoulder to cry on for his team mate.
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    When international duty called, they would meet up and share stories and good times.
    Although they won’t be rooming together any more, Aguero will get more opportunity to visit him in Paris.
    Maybe they might just get a chance to play Fifa in person.
    Lionel Messi and Aguero are best pals
    Messi was a soundboard for Aguero when a close friend died and the pair have been tight sinceCredit: AFP More

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    Roy Keane’s best moments of 2021, from dressing up as a PAW Patrol character to clashing with Carragher on Super Sunday

    LOVE HIM or loathe him, you can’t argue that Roy Keane is box office when it comes to punditry.The Man Utd legend, 50, always offers good value on Super Sunday or ITV, livening up even the dullest game with his explosive views.
    Roy Keane has become box office viewing on Soccer Sunday on Sky SportsCredit: Sky Sports
    And if he’s not digging out a player, he’s rowing with his co-pundits and taking the Mickey out of them.
    But don’t be fooled, the former football hardman isn’t all bite. After all, he’s willing to dress up as his grandchildren’s favourite PAW Patrol character for a laugh.
    Here’s Keane’s best moments of 2021.
    CLASH WITH CARRAGHER
    Liverpool and Man Utd legends will always have their differences, long after they’ve retired.
    Last month, Keane went toe-to-toe with Jamie Carragher after Manchester United’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea.
    The pair locked horns over former caretaker manager’s decision to bench Cristiano Ronaldo for the Premier League clash.
    Keane was left open-mouthed by the decision and raged at Carragher after he suggested the Portuguese was best left out due to his lack of effort in defence.
    And after Carragher appeared to scoff at the suggestion Ronaldo should be picked because he has scored important goals since his Old Trafford return, the Irishman exploded.
    He raged: “What’s the game about?! You’re talking about [Mo] Salah… the game’s about goals Jamie!”

    Jamie Carragher and Keane getting into an argument as Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink looks onCredit: Sky Sports
    MAGUIRE’S CELEBRATION
    Score your goal, maybe crack a smile, and then get back into position for kick off – that’s Keane’s idea of a celebration.
    So, when Harry Maguire found the net for England against Albania and cupped his ears in response to his critics who had slammed his recent performances, the ex-hatchet man wasn’t impressed.
    Keane moaned: “Puts his hands to his ears like he shutting the critics up. But I think that’s embarrassing.
    “He’s been a disgrace the last couple months for Manchester United. He thinks if he scores there, he’s going to shut his critics up. Embarrassing.”
    Harry Maguire’s cupped ears celebration against Albania didn’t do it for KeaneCredit: Reuters
    Keane called the underfire Man Utd skipper’s goal celebration ’embarrassing’Credit: ITV
    SOFT SIDE
    For all his toughness and talk, Keane can be a big softy.
    And he will do anything for his grandchildren, who absolutely dotes on and shares family time on his brilliant Instagram account.
    Including dressing up as animated puppy Chase from popular kids’ cartoon PAW Patrol.
    Captioning the snap of him in a giant dog costume, Keane quipped he’s only doing it to pay for his pool heating bill.
    He joked: “Available for party hire. I don’t like parties or kids but the pool needs heating.”
    Earlier this year, Keane dressed up as PAW Patrol character Chase for his grandchildren
    WOUND UP BY RICHARDS
    Clearly, Keane has a soft spot for fellow Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards.
    But he couldn’t see the funny side when the former Man City star showed him a trending TikTok video of a video game animation of his FIFA 21 character performing a dance celebration.
    Richards shared a video of the moment on social media, bursting into laughter at Keane’s stoney-faced reaction.
    Even Graeme Souness couldn’t help crack a smile at the hilarious moment.
    Richards joked on Twitter: “A lot of fans asked me to show Roy a funny video from TikTok and I wasn’t going to let you all down… I just can’t play you the real audio.”
    Micah Richards shows Roy Keane his FIFA 21 clipCredit: Twitter @MicahRichards
    Keane was unamused by the clipCredit: Twitter @MicahRichards
    A lot of fans asked me to show Roy a funny video from TikTok and I wasn’t going to let you all down… I just can’t play you the real audio 🤣😡 pic.twitter.com/a4BbKH8UBo— Micah Richards (@MicahRichards) February 7, 2021

    GRAB SOLSKJAER
    Keane, being a close pal of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, regularly backed his old team mate when the daggers were out over his management style.
    But even he was flabbergasted with his continued belief with Brazilian midfielder Fred.
    And it came to afoot at half-time during the Manchester derby, with United being bossed off the park and trailing 1-0.
    Keane said he would grab Solskjaer for his team selection and seethed: “If Ole walked in here now I’d grab him and say why are you playing Fred?”
    The performance was so bad at half time he also claimed ‘I give up.’ as he conceded: “These are international footballers I can’t understand the defending.
    “I give up. I’m driving down here today thinking, ‘I wonder, you know Man United will have their chance, they’re at home’. 
    “They’ve been like this all season, giving up chances, and City got a little bit arrogant and gave them one or two chances, but it’s two at the moment, unless United do something drastic it’ll be another four or five.”
    Although they are friends, Keane said he wanted to grab Ole Gunnar Solskjaer over his team selection
    STILL FIERY
    Back in October, Keane showed there’s still a bit of devil in him when he stood up to a supporter who abused him.
    A supporter called him “an absolute p****” as he signed autographs outsideOld Trafford.
    The fan is first heard saying in a video that appeared online: “You’re a legend of this club.”
    Keane replies: “What am I trying to do? Hang around all day and sign autographs? I’ve signed autographs!”
    The fan then asks: “What are you being like that?”
    Keane replies: “Like what? Like what? What did I do?”
    At that point the supporter says: “An absolute p***.”
    Keane tells him: “Oh, because you’ve had a few drinks and they [United] got beat you’re taking it out on me? What’s that got to do with me?
    “You’ve had a few drinks, I can tell. What have you had, two pints? Tell all your mates not to lecture me.”
    Keane was caught on camera showing off his famous temper when he was abused by a United fan

    ‘AVERAGE’ SPURS
    During a live video link with Jamie Redknapp, Keane just loved stirring the pot about average Spurs back in February.
    Roy’s view was that Tottenham did not have a good enough team to compete with Europe’s best.
    But Jamie wasn’t having any of it in a heated argument.
    And when Redknapp pointed to the fact the club had international footballers in their squad, Keane wasn’t impressed.
    “If you can trap the ball, you can play for your country these days,” he hilariously quipped.
    Roy Keane joked that anyone can play international football these days if they can ‘trap the ball’

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    STILL HAS A RIVALRY WITH VIEIRA
    Earlier in the campaign, Keane was at the Emirates Stadium for Arsenal’s clash with Chelsea.
    Banter of the highest order was exchanged with Gunners fans as he waited to shoot live link.
    One can be heard shouting, “Where’s Patrick? Where’s Vieira?”
    A smiling Keane then pointed to his pocket, implying that’s where the former French captain is.
    Keane also told Gary Neville that he believed he was a better player than his fierce rival.
    In their playing days, Roy Keane had a fierce rivalry with Patrick VieiraCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Micah Richards shares ‘Christmas Party’ clip with Roy Keane where Ireland legend jokes they’re ‘in a doll’s house’ More

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    Draws that went wrong, after Champions League farce that saw Man Utd paired with PSG before being declared void

    THE Champions League last-16 draw had to be done again on Monday after Uefa made an almighty mess of it.Astonishingly, a redraw was issued when Manchester United were seemingly left out of the pot and denied an opportunity to play Atletico Madrid.
    The Champions League draw was messed up with Man Utd seemingly being left out the potCredit: Reuters
    Instead, they were paired with PSG, however that draw has now been declared null and void.
    It’s not the first time a draw for a cup competition has gone completely wrong.
    Here’s five other disasters.
    1982 WORLD CUP DRAW
    What could possibly go wrong when you ask a group of Spanish schoolboys to do a World Cup draw?
    Well, Scotland found out when they had to fetch some mini Tango balls out from what looked like a tombola.
    The poor Scots were drawn in the wrong group and the whole thing had to be restarted.
    Eventually, they would be paired with New Zealand, Soviet Union and Brazil – getting tonked 4-1 in their final game and crashing out.
    Spanish school kids were drafted to help with the 1982 World Cup draw
    Overseen by a young Sepp Blatter, Scotland were mistakingly drawn in the wrong group
    THE ROD STEWART CUP DRAW
    When rocker Rod Stewart was asked to do the Scottish Cup fifth round draw for the 2016-17 season, no one could’ve imagined what would’ve happened next.
    The bleary-eyed rocker’s arm spun round, it swooped into the bowl, and he animatedly announced each number with glee.
    Later, Rod said he was doing an impression of Rod Hull and his Emu puppet.
    He also admitted, he’d had a few.
    “I did tell them, I said ‘Listen guys when I come and watch the football I do like a bevvy or two’. They said ‘Don’t worry about it,'” he told the Harry Redknapp Show podcast.
    Rod Stewart was hilarious during the Scottish Cup draw in the 2016-17 seasonCredit: PA:Press Association
    Later, Stewart admitted he’d had a few drinks beforehandCredit: PA:Press Association
    SEMI-FINAL MUDDLE
    Back in 2018, Lynsey Hipgrave had a moment to forget on the BBC.
    The BT Sport presenter even apologised for her gaffe to football fans on Twitter for her error, getting the fixtures of the last four all muddled up
    Manchester United were drawn against Tottenham, while Chelsea will face Southampton at Wembley in an FA Cup semi-final draw.
    But Hipgrave accidentally claimed Old Trafford boss Jose Mourinho would be taking on his former Blues.
    And after being the subject of ridicule from fans, Hipgrave tweeted: “That’s live tv, not my first mistake and certainly won’t be my last.
    “Really sorry. Just checking you were all listening.”
    Linsey Hipgrave got her semi-finalists muddled up back in 2018 for the FA Cup drawCredit: BBC
    HIPGRAVE AGAIN
    And it wasn’t Hipgrave’s last mistake.
    Last season’s FA Cup first round draw was also a complete disaster, who made a few mistakes as she hosted the event alongside Grant Holt.
    When No75 was drawn, she confused Havant and Waterlooville as Torquay United.
    Then, mixed up Skelmersdale and Crewe Alexandra in announcing Bolton’s opponents.
    Just to make matters worse, she revealed “they were up against Bolton Wanderers” when Bolton were supposed to be the home team.
    When No75 was drawn, Hipgrave also confused Havant and Waterlooville as Torquay United.Credit: BBC
    NUMBERS GAME
    In 2007, the Football Association were forced into launching an investigation after the wrong numbers were called out.
    Fans were left scratching their heads when Arsenal legend Sammy Nelson pulled out the No24 ball and said it was 25.
    That meant Aston Villa had to play Manchester United, when they thought they should’ve been playing Middlesbrough.
    Bizarrely, when Nelson did say the No25 his fingers were covering the number leaving viewers perplexed.
    @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);}
    An FA spokesman later said: “It’s a number 24 but because there’s a line underneath the numbers, at that angle on the film it does look like a 25. It’s been verified by our competitions department.
    “There’s no mystery and absolutely no problems with the draw. We can understand how the confusion might have taken place.
    “We can have a look at the ways the balls have been designed but we’ve never had a problem with them before.”
    Fans convinced Champions League last 16 draw is FIXED as Man Utd drawn out twice and end up with horror clash vs PSG More

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    Nine most explosive F1 title-deciding finales including Schumacher driving on two wheels ahead of Hamilton vs Verstappen

    IT will go down to the final race.Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen go head-to-head in Abu Dhabi level on points in the drivers’ standings.
    Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton go head-to-head in the most exciting climax to the F1 season in yearsCredit: PA
    It promises to be the most exciting F1 race in years, with the winner taking all.
    But we’ve seen explosive title-deciding finales in the past that have had motorsport fans on the edge of their seats.
    Here’s nine of the best that have gone down in history.
    Juan Manuel Fangio, 1956
    Monza was the venue for the final race of the 1956 season.
    Three drivers were in contention for the tile, Ferrari’s Fangio and Peter Collins, as well as Maserati’s Jean Behra.
    Behra was forced to retire, while it looked dicey for Fangio when a broken steering arm forced him into the pits.
    However, in an incredible moment of sportsmanship Collins gave him his car to finish second and claim the crown.
    No22 Fangio leads Stirling Moss at Monza in 1956Credit: Getty
    John Surtees, 1964
    Again, it boiled down to the final race – this time in the heat of Mexico City.
    British drivers Surtees, of Ferrari,  BRM’s Graham Hill and Lotus’ Jim Clark were all vying for the World Championship.
    Clark led for 63 of 65 laps until his engine failed on the final lap.
    Hill could have been champion, if Lorenzo Bandini hadn’t driven into the back of him and dropped out the points places.
    Surtees, in the end, got through to finish second and pip Hill by one point in the standings.
    John Surtees clinches the 1964 World ChampionshipCredit: LAT Photographic
    Emerson Fittipaldi, 1974
    This was the last and only other time two drivers have been level pegging on points going into the final race in the World Championship.
    However, it wasn’t quite the Grand Prix at Watkins Glen with a damper problem meaning Fittipaldi’s rival  Clay Regazzoni finished in 11th.
    The Brazilian finished fourth, winning his second title by three points.
    However, the win was overshadowed by the fatal crash of Austrian racer Helmuth Koinigg.
    Brazilian Emerson Fittipaldi celebrates finishing fourth at the US Grand Prix to clinch his second championshipCredit: Getty
    James Hunt, 1976
    So good, and involving two great personalities, it made the astonishing film Rush.
    Niki Lauda and James Hunt fought it out at the 1976 Japanese Grand Prix in a thrilling climax to the season.
    Lauda, who two months earlier had a suffered the horror fiery crash at the German Grand Prix, retired on lap two because of the horrific weather conditions.
    Hunt, however, prevailed in the rain and managed to finish third to get the four points he needed to be champion.
    The appalling weather conditions made the Japanese Grand Prix in 1976 hell for the driversCredit: LAT Photographic
    James Hunt pipped rival Niki Lauda to the titleCredit: Getty
    Michael Schumacher, 1994
    It was a move that looked like it belonged in an action movie.
    Adelaide was the setting for Britian’s Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher to lock horns and even cars.
    The German was leading when he turned sharply at the East Terrace corner on lap 36.
    He then pulled sharply across Hill, who tried to work his way up the inside as they approached the next corner.
    Schumacher was knocked onto two wheels and out the race. However, Hill’s suspension forced him out allowing him to win over his Williams rival by one point.
    Michael Schumacher is knocked onto two wheelsCredit: Sutton Motor Sport Images
    Jacques Villeneuve, 1997
    Another unsavoury incident involving Schumacher that saw him disqualified from the year’s drivers’ standings.
    Williams’ Villeneuve was behind the Ferrari driver by one single point as they headed to Jerez.
    On lap 48, Villeneuve spotted Schumacher had left the door open for him to pass, but he sharply turned into him – ricocheting off the Williams car and into the gravel.
    Schumacher couldn’t get out, and the Canadian went on to finish third.
    Jacques Villeneuve and Michael Schumacher collideCredit: Sutton Motor Sport Images
    Lewis Hamilton, 2008
    The most extraordinary final lap in Hamilton’s driving career.
    Lewis went to the Brazilian Grand Prix leading by seven points from Felipe Massa.
    Massa was brilliant and won the race – his second ever home win.
    However, Hamilton saw Timo Glock slow down and zipped past him right at the end to claim fifth and four points for his first title.
    Lewis Hamilton finishes in fifth to claim his first titleCredit: EPA
    Sebastian Vettel, 2012
    Interlagos, again, provided a remarkable season finale.
    Vettel and Fernando Alonso were up against one another – with Vettel leading by 13 points in an era when 25 points were given for a win.
    Alonso fought hard, going from sixth in the grid to end up with a respectable second placed finish.
    Vettel, however, performed a miracle after dropping from 22nd following a crash with Williams’ Bruno Senna.
    He somehow finished sixth to claim his title.
    Sebastian Vettel celebrates winning his title in nail-biting fashionCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Nico Rosberg, 2016
    Hamilton has previous in Abu Dhabi, this time with Rosberg who led by 12 points going into their battle at the Yas Marina circuit.
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    Needing just a podium finish, Hamilton started the race from pole and won it.
    However, Rosberg was keen to sit just behind his team mate to secure the title.
    Afterwards, the German-Finnish driver announced his retirement from Formula One.
    Nico Rosberg retired after winning the title in 2016 in dramatic styleCredit: EPA
    F1 star Max Verstappen arrives in Abu Dhabi for nail bitting show down with Lewis Hamilton More

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    Man Utd starlet Zidane Iqbal idolised Arsenal ace Mesut Ozil and Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong before making debut

    THERE is now more than one Zidane.This week, Manchester United starlet Zidane Iqbal made his debut for the Red Devils.
    A late substitution in the 1-1 draw against Young Boys, the Iraqi U23 international made history by becoming the first ever South Asian footballer to pull on the famous red shirt.
    Zidane Iqbal is the latest youngster that has Man Utd fans purringCredit: Getty
    Talented Iqbal grew up idolising ex-Arsenal star Mesut OzilCredit: Getty
    However, it wasn’t United legends like Wayne Rooney or Cristiano Ronaldo who inspired Iqbal growing up.
    Ex-Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil was Iqbal’s idol growing up because of his Muslim background.
    PAKISTANI HERITAGE
    Iqbal was asked on Manchester United’s official website who he looked up to as he rose through the ranks at the club.
    “Mesut Ozil, because he’s a Muslim like me. Just seeing another Muslim footballer is a good thing,” he revealed.
    “The journey is different for everyone, and I can tell you it’s not easy. It’s like a rollercoaster, up and down. You just have to enjoy the ride and whatever’s meant to be is meant to be.”
    While the box-to-box midfielder also revealed Barcelona’s Dutch ace Frenkie de Jong is someone he likes to model is own game on.
    The exciting talent was born in Manchester to a Pakistani father and Iraqi mother.
    “I come from such a hard-working family. My parents are always working hard, my brother, my grandparents
    “When we came to this country, they all inspired me to give my best at everything I do.”
    Iqbal made his debut for the Red Devils in the Champions League dead against Young BoysCredit: Getty
    Earlier this year, Iqbal signed his first pro contract with the club he’s been with since nineCredit: Twitter @z10ane
    SALE THROUGH LIFE
    At grassroots level he played for Sale United, until he was plucked by United scouts to join their academy aged just nine – the earliest age legally permitted.
    His former coach Stewart Hamer previously praised Iqbal’s attitude to the Manchester Evening News.
    “He had a great attitude, he was always willing to learn and he played with a big smile on his face,” he said.
    “He was quite happy to do whatever we challenged him to do.
    “Everyone took their part in being a goalkeeper, for example, and he’d take his part in the net just like everyone else.”
    Even at the age of six he was running rings around the opposition, which his coach deemed “unfair”.
    “We had quite a bit of success if you can call it that at that stage, and Zidane was at the heart of that,” Hamer continued.
    “There were times when we would play six-a-side competitions and he would be basically ripping it up.
    Iqbal has risen through the youth ranks at UnitedCredit: Getty
    For the U23 side Iqbal has been a revelationCredit: Getty
    “We would take him off and substitute him because it wasn’t fair to the other side.
    “Or sometimes we’d put him in goal so he wasn’t causing the danger.”
    INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL BECKONS
    Being born in the UK, Iqbal could represent England.
    But, for the moment, it’s Iraq who are profiting from the skilful youngster.
    Back in September, he was called up to their U23 team for the first time.
    A month later, he starred as captain in a 2-2 draw against Lebanon – scoring his first goal.
    According to reports, the Iraq Football Association are desperate for Iqbal to commit his future to the national team.
    Back in August, England manager Gareth Southgate stressed the importance of incorporating more British South Asian players in the game.
    “Sometimes the Asian voice has been lost in the anti-discrimination argument,” Southgate said
    “And when you look at the percentages of the population that we’re talking about, it’s high numbers. Frankly, it’s a big talent pool that we’re missing within football. We don’t have high numbers of English-qualified players playing anyway, clubs in their academies are always searching for talent.
    “It’s like in any business. If you’re only selecting from a smaller section of the population, then what are you missing?
    Iqbal became the first British South Asian to play for Man UtdCredit: Getty
    As a practicing Muslim, Iqbal is hoping to be a role modelCredit: PA
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    “What I’ve noticed with the England team in recent seasons is that dynamic in terms of the supporters coming up to me has changed a lot, far more Asian people, coming up to me, talking about their pride in the team, talking about the diversity of the team
    “That could only be even more powerful if someone from the Asian community was in the team as well, and we had that greater representation across the board.”
    Could Iqbal be the trailblazer to make that break through? Manchester United fans will certainly hope so.
    Man United’s Charlie Savage becomes the latest football son with a very famous father! More

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    Inside glam lives of F1 WAGS ahead of Lewis Hamilton & Max Verstappen’s Abu Dhabi showdown, from Olympian to Miss Italia

    THEY quite literally live life in the fast lane – so it’s little wonder the stars of Formula One all have very glamorous lifestyles away from the track too.The likes of Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will battle it out this weekend at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and no doubt many of their stunning wives and girlfriends will be trackside to cheer them on.
    Max Verstappen is hoping to take his first F1 title on Sunday – cheered on by his stunning girlfriend Kelly PiquetCredit: Instagram @kellypiquet
    Kelly is the daughter of F1 legend Nelson PiquetCredit: Instagram/@kellypiquet/
    Here, we take a closer look at the talented, glamorous partners behind the drivers…
    Racing royalty
    Max Verstappen’s girlfriend Kelly Piquet
    Red Bull’s title-chasing driver Max, 24, is very loved up with 33-year-old Brazilian model and journalist Kelly Piquet, who this week celebrated her birthday.
    Max went public with their relationship on New Year’s Day this year, sharing a romantic snap of them together on a beach in Brazil, though it’s thought they’ve been an item since October 2020.
    Even before dating Max, Kelly had strong ties to Formula One racing, as she is the daughter of three-time F1 world champion Nelson Piquet and Dutch model Sylvia Tamsma.
    Nelson drove for Ensign, McLaren and Brabham before moving to Williams, where he won his final championship in 1987, beating teammate Nigel Mansell.
    Kelly was previously in a relationship with Russian driver Daniil Kvyat, and the former couple share a young daughter.
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    The stunning model has a whole host of social media advertising deals, with the likes of Pepe Jeans and silver jewellery brand APM Monaco.
    Bilingual beauty
    Charles Leclerc’s girlfriend Charlotte Sine
    Charles Leclerc is dating Charlotte SineCredit: Instagram/@charlottesiine/
    Charles Leclerc, 24, and architecture student Charlotte, 22, went official in December 2019 with a series of loved up skiing holiday snaps, and were most recently spotted holidaying together in Mykonos.
    The student has declared fellow Monegasque Charles as “the one” and her “world”.
    Charlotte is also an influencer with over 376,000 Instagram followers, and she speaks three languages – French, English and Italian.
    Jewellery designer
    Lance Stroll’s girlfriend Sara Pagliaroli
    Sara Pagliaroli is dating Lance StrollCredit: Instagram
    Aston Martin driver Lance, 23, is dating stunning Italian model Sara Pagliaroli, 26.
    She has cheered on her Canadian-Belgian fella from the side of the track over recent months and was seen with him at the circuit last Saturday ahead of the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.
    The couple also attended the world premiere of James Bond in London, with Sara looking radiant in a shimmering gold gown.
    Sara, who has 166,000 Instagram followers, launched her jewellery brand Blue Lemon during lockdown as a way to “express my creativity”.
    She recently shared a romantic series of snaps with Lance, captioned: “Thank you the day you arrived. Love you #1.”
    Childhood sweethearts
    Sebastian Vettel’s wife Hanna Prater
    The Vettels met at school and like to keep a low profileCredit: AFP – Getty
    German racing driver Sebastian Vettel, 34, met childhood sweetheart Hanna Prater at school.
    The couple have been together ever since, and they wed in 2019.
    Hanna is a former industrial design student who prefers to stay away from the spotlight.
    The couple reportedly live in a medieval-style farmhouse in Switzerland and have two daughters together. 
    Model student
    George Russell’s girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt
    Brit driver George Russell is dating Carmen Montero MundtCredit: Getty
    Next season, rising British F1 racer George Russell, 23, will be teaming up with Lewis Hamilton and driving for Mercedes.
    He’ll be cheered on by his gorgeous girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt, who he was spotted holidaying in St Barts with earlier this year.
    She graduated from the University of Westminster with a Bachelor’s degree in business management and finance.
    George was previously in a relationship between 2017 and 2019 with Seychelle de Vries – the sister of his former teammate Nick de Vries.
    Miss Italia finalist
    Fernando Alonso’s partner Linda Morselli
    Fernando Alonso is dating model Linda MorselliCredit: Instagram @lalindaa
    Linda Morselli, 32, is an Italian model and was one of 30 finalists for Miss Italia in 2006.
    From there, she began a TV career in her homeland and has appeared in films including The Paramedic.
    She previously embarked on a four-year romance with motorcycle legend Valentino Rossi, which thrusted her into the limelight.
    However, since 2016, Linda has been two-time F1 champ Fernando Alonso’s girlfriend.
    She loves skydiving and calls herself an “adventure traveller” on social media.
    Crypto expert
    Esteban Ocon’s partner Elena Berri
    Elena Berri is dating Esteban OconCredit: Instagram/@elenaberri_/
    Italian beauty Elena Berri, 23, describes herself as a “fashion lover”, “fitness addicted” and a “crypto expert” on her Instagram account, followed by 57,000 fans.
    She’s been dating Alpine driver Esteban Ocon, 24, since 2017 and previously studied business management in Geneva.
    She’s often seen cheering on her man, and she regularly posts glamorous photos trackside.
    Influencer
    Pierre Gasly’s girlfriend Katerina Berezhna
    Gasly is dating Katerina BerezhnaCredit: Instagram/@katerinaberezhna/
    Ukrainian beauty Berezhna is dating French driver Pierre Gasly, following his split from Caterina Masetti Zannini earlier this year.
    The 22-year-old calls Madrid and Marbella her home and has her own jewellery line, Imerelli Jewelry, along with 115,000 Instagram followers.
    She tends to keep her romance with Gasly on the down-low, rarely sharing any snaps together.
    She did share a photo of her sat in her fella’s Alpha Tauri car last month, following the Qatar Grand Prix.
    Olympic cyclist
    Valtteri Bottas’ girlfriend Tiffany Cromwell
    Mercedes driver Bottas is dating Olympian Tiffany CromwellCredit: Getty
    Talk about a power couple! Finnish Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas is dating distinguished road cyclist Tiffany Cromwell.
    Australian Tiffany regularly takes part in Grand Tours and is a Tokyo 2020 Olympian.
    Valtteri, 32, clearly likes sporty women – he was previously married to Emilia Pikkarainen, a Finnish Olympic swimmer he had dated since 2010.
    They shocked fans in 2019 when they announced they were getting divorced after three years of marriage – just days before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
    Air hostess-turned-PT
    Kimi Raikkonen’s wife Minttu
    Kimi Raikkonen is married to model MinttuCredit: Getty
    F1’s famous playboy Kimi and Minttu Vertanen wed in 2016 after meeting through personal friends.
    A former air-hostess, she is now a personal trainer and model, and the couple share two children.
    According to reports, sparks instantly flew when they met – sounds like she melted the heart of the “ice man” Finn.
    He was previously married to Miss Scandinavia 2001 Jenni Dahlman, but they separated in February 2013.
    Socialite
    Sergio Perez’ wife Carola Martinez
    Checo is married to Carola MartinezCredit: INSTAGRAM
    The wife of Mexican driver Sergio Perez, 31, is Carola Martinez, 24, a relatively private socialite from Guadalajara.
    The Christian pair exchanged vows on June 3 2018, with Red Bull racer Sergio proposing the year before.
    They share two children – three-year-old son Sergio Perez Jr and two-year-old daughter Carlota.
    Carola regularly shares adorable family photos, including romantic wedding snaps from their big day, with her 81,000 Instagram followers.
    ‘Too busy for love’
    He’s one of the leading men on the track, but whether Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, 36, is the leading man in anyone’s life away from racing remains to be seen.
    He’s had a slew of high profile romances, most famously his seven-year relationship with former Pussycat Doll singer Nicole Scherzinger.
    Most recently, it was thought he was dating model Camila Kendra, 27 – however she’s since sparked romance rumours with Chelsea star Ben Chilwell.
    Speaking about his love life in 2018, Lewis said: “I’m a workaholic. I don’t have time for it.”
    Lewis Hamilton is currently single, it’s believedCredit: Splash
    Charles Leclerc and Charlotte have been together since December 2019Credit: Instagram
    Lance Stroll and girlfriend Sara at the Bond premiere in LondonCredit: Getty
    Esteban Ocon and girlfriend Elena BerriCredit: AFP
    Alonso and girlfriend Linda Morselli
    Pierre Gasly keeps his relationship quite privateCredit: AFP
    David Beckham risks angering F1 pal Lewis Hamilton as he poses with rival Max Verstappen’s Red Bull ahead of Qatar GP More