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    Tyson Fury’s amazing six meal a day diet including CURRY which helped body transformation before Wilder fight

    TYSON FURY’S phenomenal body transformation is down to a diet of six meals a day – including a wholesome CURRY.The WBC champ, 33, lost an incredible 10st before his fights with Deontay Wilder.

    Apple cranberry stuffed porkloin, with butternut squash, quinoa, walnuts, and spinach is a favourite for dinnerCredit: Instagram
    George Lockhart flew over to the UK to help Fury again
    Tyson Fury still gets his intake of meat and fish – but it’s cooked to perfectionCredit: Instagram
    The nutritionist even makes cauliflower look appetisingCredit: Instagram
    Fury got in shape with his diet after snapping up UFC chef and Conor McGregor nutritionist George Lockhart.
    And Lockhart even took to Instagram to reveal he was flying back to the UK to help Fury back in 2020.
    Along with a picture of his British Airways ticket, he wrote: “Here we go again!!!! #tysonfury #lockhartandleith #cookingforthechamp #ufc #weightcut #takingover”
    Naturally-gifted 6ft 9in Fury has always used to appear as though he played fast and loose with the science of the sport.
    Friend and camp manager Timothy Allcock was also his personal cook ahead of his first fight against Wilder in December 2018 and peanut butter chicken was on the menu almost every night.
    Fighting man Fury showed little interest in the diet fads and micro meals that come in and out of fashion among fighters and celebrities.
    But he has handed over the pots and pans to former US marine and MMA fighter Lockhart to get in shape – and stay there.
    Lockhart makes salmon cakes with spicy jalapenos, coriander and Greek yogurt dressing for Fury.
    The heavyweight boxer is encouraged to wolf down Dijon,maple syrup, and greek yogurt dip with flaxseed lavish, black bean brown basmati puree, spinach, lemon juice, wrapped and seared with prosciuttoCredit: Instagram
    Tyson Fury has previously hired in his own artisan butcher to load up on meat before fights

    The expert cook even managed to make brussel sprouts look appetising in one social media post.
    Fury’s tastebuds would have been left tingling by Sriracha honey salmon laid out on a bed of quinoa and Greek rice and skewered chicken with tzatziki sauce was probably a big hit for the fighter.
    Team Fury were purring over a dish of strawberry and mango salsa with tomato and cilantro rice and chilli bean shrimp patty.
    And the once 28st food lover was allowed to pig out on a stunning pork dish of apple and cranberry stuffed loin with butternut squash, quinoa, walnuts, and spinach and topped with a citrus avocado vinaigrette.
    With Fury’s intense training leading to a calorie deficit, he would have been boosted by a meaty serving of dijon maple syrup seared wild salmon with rosemary, garlic, roasted sweet potatoes, and tomato, spinach and bean chilli.
    Lockhart even manages to make cauliflower appetising by jazzing it up with hummus patties with cilantro lime shrimp and rice, with macadamia nut, avocado, cilantro, lime sauce.
    And Fury might be able to deal with his next opponent a little easier after scoffing a healthy version of sausages.
    The Morecambe man had apple and chicken sausage with sweet potatoes, spinach quinoa, cooked in chicken broth with a side of baked kale chips and avocado.
    Even Fury’s favourite, a curry, makes the list, with Lockhart keen to make sure the boxer gets his red meat intake just right.
    Sriracha honey salmon is on the menu for the Gypsy KingCredit: Instagram
    Tyson Fury tells Anthony Joshua to ‘grow a pair’ and fight him in December in behind-closed-doors UK battle More

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    Inside F1 star Max Verstappen’s £12m private jet that Red Bull star bought from Virgin tycoon Richard Branson

    THIS Red Bull driver really does have wings.Max Verstappen, 24, showed yet again he was king of the circuit over the weekend – winning the Mexican Grand Prix by 16 seconds ahead of fierce rival Lewis Hamilton.
    Max Verstappen is the proud owner of a £12m Falcon-900EX private jet
    Verstappen currently leads the driver standings by 19 points
    Virgin boss and British business magnate, Richard Branson was the previous ownerCredit: AP
    The victory extended his lead to 19 points in the driver standings with just four races to go.
    And motor racing isn’t the only thing Verstappen is flying high in.
    For he is the proud owner of his own private jet, that he splashed the cash on in 2020.
    Max paid around £12million for the Falcon-900EX, that used to have a famous owner.
    It was previously in the hands of Virgin boss and British business magnate, Sir Richard Branson, according to reports.

    LAVISH EXPENSE
    Verstappen already leads a life of luxury, and is said to have a £45million fortune.
    He lives in a stunning apartment in Monaco, like most F1 heroes, worth millions.
    Mad Max also has an incredible car collection, owning various Aston Martins through the years. And he’s awaiting their £2million Valkyrie, which he has on order and is due for delivery next year.
    But in the meantime, he has another toy to play with – and like his team’s drink’s motto, it gives him wings.
    Dutch star Verstappen paid around £12m for his own plane
    Inside the cockpit of Verstappen’s stunning plane
    Verstappen pays around £1m-per-year in up-keep of the Falcon-900EX
    Last year, Verstappen bought himself a Falcon-900EX private jet worth about £12m to travel in style with.
    Better still, you can bet it was very well looked after by its previous owner.
    That’s because it was said to be owned by Virgin Atlantic billionaire Sir Richard Branson.
    PLANE SPEC
    Incredibly, the Falcon-900EX costs about £1million-per-year to keep.
    But that won’t dent Verstappen’s bank balance, who is happy to fly in style and sometimes give mates like Daniel Ricciardo a lift to a Grand Prix.
    Made in 2008, it was given a significant upgrade before it was handed over to F1’s youngest ever Grand Prix winner.
    Now powered by three Honeywell TFE731-60 engines, it’s capable of a maximum range of 8,750 kilometres before it requires refuelling, can hit a top speed of 892 km/h, and cruising speed of 850 km/h.
    As for the interiors, it’s just as luxurious.
    Capable of seating up to 12 passengers, two seats can be reclined to make a full-size bed.
    Daniel Ricciardo hitches a ride on Verstappen’s private jet
    A fully equipped bar would allow Verstappen to celebrate victory in style
    The jet boasts a luxury bathroom
    Verstappen now has a stranglehold on the F1 World ChampionshipCredit: Rex

    There’s tables fitted to enjoy a meal and a drink.
    There’s even a bar to celebrate, in case you want to pop open some champagne after victory.
    You can bet Max’s flight home from Mexico last weekend was a fun one.
    Lewis Hamilton stuns group of kids by ditching disguise and giving inspirational speech More

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    Inside F1 legend David Coulthard’s former Monte Carlo hotel which he sold for £30m and where guests arrive by helicopter

    BACK in his heyday, F1 legend David Coulthard fancied himself as a hotelier.He opened the amazing Columbus hotel in Monte Carlo, after buying a former three-star accommodation and renovating it.
    F1 legend David Coulthard was the king of Monte Carlo in the noughties and owned his own hotelCredit: columbushotels.com
    The lavish Columbus welcomed A-list guests during Grand Prix weekendCredit: Andrew Barr – The Sun Glasgow
    The beautiful hotel overlooks the MediterraneanCredit: columbushotels.com
    Supermodel Naomi Campbell and even David and Victoria Beckham were just some of the celebrity clientele, who took in its designer bedrooms and lavish lounge.
    In 2010, The Scottish driver sold the Columbus for £30million to the same hotel group who own Hilton Park Lane in London and the Fairmont Hotel in Monaco.
    A GOOD INVESTMENT
    In 2001, Coulthard – already enamoured by living in Monaco – bought a standard three-star hotel with the idea of turning it into a luxury place to stay.
    It already had a head-start with its location, being in the lavish Fontvieille district where the rich and famous prefer to hangout.
    Overlooking the Mediterranean and the Princess Grace Rose Gardens, the Columbus boasts 181 bedrooms.
    Award-winning interior designer Amanda Rosa was behind the decor in the rooms, using cools tones and the latest appliances.
    Even PlayStations were installed to entertain gamers who stayed.
    In terms of the hotel’s amenities, opposite the lobby is a bar, as well as a trendy terraced brasserie, which offers French and Italian cuisine.
    When it’s Grand Prix weekend, both are buzzing with locals and famous faces.
    Inside a standard bedroom at the ColumbusCredit: columbushotels.com
    A stylish lobby greets guests as they enter the ColumbusCredit: columbushotels.com
    An Art Deco outdoor swimming pool is perfect for guests to lounge aroundCredit: columbushotels.com
    While, there’s also a lush Art Deco outdoor swimming pool that guests can take a dip or lounge by.
    And a state-of-the-art gym, should they want to maintain their physiques.
    Over the years, guests have included Princess Stephanie of Monaco, the Beckhams, and Naomi Campbell.
    While F1 clients are who’s who of drivers, from Kimi Raïkonnen, Romain Grosjean, Jenson Button, Mark Webber, Sebastian Vettel, Paul di Resta, Daniel Ricciardo, Michael Schumacher, Niki Lauda, and Damon Hill.
    JET-SET
    Catering for the mega-wealthy, and being in Monte Carlo, the hotel offers plenty of activities that would appeal to the jet-set.
    Anyone arriving at Nice airport has the option of getting picked up helicopter and delivered to the Columbus.
    The Columbus caters for the mega-wealthy of Monte CarloCredit: columbushotels.com
    Upscale living has never been more comfortable than at the ColumbusCredit: columbushotels.com
    While management have also made a speedboat available for guests to rent that rests in the harbour.
    For the full VIP experience, they even supply canapes and champagne.
    As you can expect, staying at the Columbus will set you back. But it’s more reasonable given your surroundings.
    Roughly £250-per-night gets you a standard room.
    GOING, GOING, GONE
    According to reports, Coulthard sold his stake for a staggering £30m.
    That’s just £5million short of what he was said to have earned from his racing career over the years.
    The money allowed him to invest in an amazing car collection.
    Coulthard takes a seat inside his former hotelCredit: Andrew Barr – The Sun Glasgow
    In 2010, Coulthard sold his stake in the Columbus for £30mCredit: Andrew Barr – The Sun Glasgow

    Private hotel company London & Regional are the owners, whose portfolio includes the iconic Hilton Park Lane, the Hilton Trafalgar Square and the Hilton Green Park.
    Coulthard still has an apartment in Monaco, and enjoys spending time there.
    And you can bet he will always be welcome at the Columbus.
    F1 star Max Verstappen owns a £12m private jet that he bought from Richard Branson More

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    Man Utd youngster Marc Jurado holds record for fastest ever youth goal scored for Barcelona at just FIVE seconds

    HE’S no slouch, that’s for sure.Manchester United have an exciting player on their hands in Marc Jurado, 17, who joined from Barcelona in a deal reported to be worth £1.5million back in 2020.
    Man Utd have announced the signing of wonderkid Marc Jurado from BarcelonaCredit: PA:Press Association
    Jurado famously scored the fastest ever goal at youth levelCredit: PA:Press Association
    Jurado confirmed the move on Instagram at the time, and has since been given international clearance, and plays regularly for the Red Devils’ U18s.
    The Catalans were sad to see him go, after it was said they offered the galloping right back a three-year contract, which he snubbed.
    And Red Devils fans will be licking their lips reliving this clip of the incredible talent scoring the fastest recorded youth goal ever – just five seconds after kick off!
    Meet the talent that could become a star at Old Trafford.
    QUICK OFF THE MARK
    Back in 2013, in a game against Viladecans, Jurado made a statement for Barcelona’s U10 side.
    From kick off, the electric defender was switched on to intercept a pass, before racing past two players and cooly slotting the ball past the keeper.

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    Not only did it get people talking about him, the strike earned him a place in the record books.
    Jurado’s goal was the fastest ever recorded at youth level – an impressive five seconds.
    WHO IS HE?
    Jurado was born in Sabadell, some 18 miles from Barcelona, in Catalunya.
    He showed promise playing for his local team, CFU Can Rull before he joined La Masia at the tender age of seven.
    Jurado was considered an important part of Barcelona’s future, and after tying down Ansu Fati and Ilaix Moriba to long-term contracts their hierarchy were hopeful Jurado would follow suit.
    But, it is believed that he feels he would have a better chance of first team football playing for United.
    After just five seconds from kick off Jurado scored in an U10 game for BarcelonaCredit: PA:Press Association
    WHAT KIND OF PLAYER IS HE?
    A modern full-back in the Spanish mould of Bellerin, Jurado does his best work going forward.
    Blessed with bags of pace, he constantly looks to overlap and provide an attacking threat on the right-hand side.
    He was one of the best players in Barcelona’s Cadet A team this season, and it was expected that he was going to promoted to their Juvenil B side.
    Jurado had been with Barcelona since he was sevenCredit: PA:Press Association
    HE’S GOT COMPETITION
    As good as Jurado is, he can’t expect to walk straight into United’s team anytime soon.
    Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 22, has made the right back position his own after arriving from Crystal Palace in a £50million deal, and will take some shifting.
    However, Jurado will offer the England defender the healthy competition for places that every good side needs.
    And in a few years, we might just see a United team dominating again – like they did in the 90s and noughties.
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
    Man Utd hero Eric Cantona, 53, rolls back the years as he scores amazing volley after effortlessly performing keepy-ups More

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    Aston Villa billionaire Wes Edens owns NBA champs the Milwaukee Bucks, and his daughter Mallory is top model

    ASTON VILLA part-owner Wes Edens is used to winning.After all, his basketball franchise the Milwaukee Bucks were crowned NBA champions this year.
    Wes Edens is part-owner of Aston VillaCredit: Rex Features
    The 60-year-old, believed to have a fortune of around £1billion, owns a luxury boutique hotel and ski resort in millionaire’s playground Jackson Hole, Wyoming – where the Kardashians once stayed.
    His stunning daughter Mallory, if not seen courtside cheering on the Bucks, is posing for fashion shoots as a model.
    Edens also went into business with NBA legend Michael Jordan and launched tequila brand Cincoro.
    While his next mission is to bring an MLS team to Las Vegas.
    BILLIONAIRE BOY
    Edens made his money as a private equity investor, before founding a energy company.
    His first foray in sport came in 2014, when he joined forces with partner Marc Lasry to buy the Bucks from Herb Kohl for around £400million.
    They said they would keep the team in Wisconsin, as well as build a new 18,000 capacity arena.
    The latter promise was delivered in 2018, when the Fiserv Forum opened its doors for the first time.
    This year, Edens tasted his first success as the Bucks won the NBA Finals by defeating the Phoenix Suns.
    Milwaukee Bucks owner Edens celebrates winning the NBA FinalsCredit: Getty
    Egyptian billionaire Nassef Sawiris and Edens took over from Chinese businessman Tony Xia in 2018Credit: Aston Villa
    Aston Villa were promoted to the Premier League in 2019 – with Edens in attendance at WembleyCredit: Getty
    It’s now been three years since he joined forces with Egyptian billionaire Nassef Sawiris to take over from Chinese businessman Tony Xia.
    In that time, they’ve eased Villa’s financial woes, made sensible board room decisions, including hiring Christian Purslow, who is credited with bringing Steven Gerrard to the club, as chief executive.
    Promotion from the Championship was also achieved in 2019.
    ON THE PISTE
    A keen skier, Edens was a regular visitor to beautiful, mountainous Jackson Hole in Wyoming, where A-list stars go to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
    He loved it so much, he decided to build his own sky lodge and alpine club called Caldera House.
    The hotel boasts four four-bedroom suites and four two-bedroom suites, so it’s incredibly intimate and private.
    There’s also a lobby lounge, two restaurants, and a spa that features a cedar sauna, fitness studio, heated outdoor infinity plunge, and lots of treatments.
    The smallest suite will set you back £1,200-per-night.
    The amazing Caldera House is a premium sky lodge in Jackson Hole, WyomingCredit: Caldera House
    The luxurious sky resort is often visited by A-list stars, including the KardashiansCredit: Caldera House
    Suites cost up to £1,200Credit: Caldera House
    Caldera House offers incredible views of the mountains of Jackson HoleCredit: Caldera House
    Caldera House featured in Keeping Up With The Kardashians in 2019, when Kim, Kourtney, Khloe, Kendall and Kris Jenner stayed there for an episode of their reality TV series.
    Other celeb fans include supermodel Gigi Hadid.
    MODEL DAUGHTER
    Mixing in similar circles, Eden’s daughter Mallory, 25, is a model too.
    She is signed up to Elite in New York, where she poses for photoshoots and at 5ft10in is catwalk ready.
    Mallory has over 500,000 followers on Instagram, who she shares her amazing lifestyle with.
    Often, she can be seen at her dad’s sky lodge.
    While, the stunner isn’t afraid to show off her amazing bikini body on social media.
    Mallory is a keen Bucks supporter, sometimes sat courtside, cheering the team on.
    Mallory Edens is a model for Elite in New York CityCredit: Instagtram malloryedens
    Edens and her dad are often seen courtside at the BucksCredit: Getty
    TEQUILA

    In 2016, Edens set up Cincoro Tequila, along with Chicago Bulls icon Michael Jordan and basketball rivals, Wyc Grousbeck, Jeanie Buss and Emilia Fazzalari.
    It was born out of a chance meeting between the five at an Italian restaurant, when they exchanged pleasantries and talked about their favourite alcoholic drinks.
    Tequila was the common denominator, so they put their allegiances to one side and established the business.
    It’s one of the most expensive tequilas around, with bottles sold for around £100.
    There’s also a special £1,500 bottle for the real tequila connoisseurs.
    VIVA LAS VEGAS
    Edens has clearly caught the football bug.
    His next project is to set up an MLS franchise in Las Vegas, with the expansion of the league in 2023 to 30 teams.
    Sacramento pulled out, which gave Edens an in and he quickly registered the name Las Vegas Villains and declared his interest.
    The idea could see a football team share the 60,000 capacity Allegiant Stadium, home of the NFL team the Raiders.
    Edens owns Cincoro Tequila with NBA rivals’ bosses and Michael JordanCredit: Getty
    Under Edens and Sawiris Aston Villa have a bright futureCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    With the attraction of tourists, it would possibly be a huge pull for overseas fans.
    However, they face competition from other cities including San Diego and Phoenix.
    But if successful, Villa fans could find themselves having a second team – and having a jolly in Nevada.
    Steven Gerrard confirmed as new Aston Villa boss in huge move from Rangers More

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    Meet West Ham investor Daniel Kretinsky, who is Royal Mail’s biggest shareholder and dates an Olympic showjumper

    DANIEL KRETINSKY has completed his purchase of a 27 per cent stake of West Ham United to become their second largest shareholder.Kretinsky, 46, has now joined the board with his business associate Pavel Horsky, along with joint-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold and vice-chair Karren Brady.
    Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky has bought a 27 per cent stake at West HamCredit: PA
    “I am delighted this detailed process has now been successfully concluded,” he said.
    “I am passionate about football. I greatly appreciate and respect the exceptional history and tradition of West Ham United as well as its loyal and passionate supporter base and also the highly inspiring role it plays in many social programmes and initiatives.”
    The Czech businessman, believed to be worth £3billion, already has a stranglehold on British business.
    He owns the most shares in Royal Mail and second most in supermarket chain Sainsbury’s.
    In 2004, he became chairman of Czech giants Sparta Prague, and he’s a media tycoon – owning newspapers in his homeland, as well as in France.
    Although he keeps his personal life private, he is reportedly dating Olympic showjumper Anna Kellnerova, who is 22 years his junior.
    SPECIAL DELIVERY
    The ‘Czech Sphinx’, as Kretinsky has been called because of his inscrutable nature, made his money in energy through his company EPH, which he expanded to our shores.
    EPH owns four power plants in the UK, in Eggborough in North Yorkshire, Lynemouth in Northumberland, Langage in Devon and South Humber Bank in Lincolnshire.
    Worth £3billion, Kretinsky has been nicknamed the ‘Czech Sphinx’ in businessCredit: AFP
    In 2020, Kretinsky amassed a £250million stake in Royal MailCredit: Getty
    Kretinsky has a 10 per cent stake in British supermarket Sainsbury’sCredit: Getty
    In 2020, the law graduate increased his shares in Royal Mail – amassing a £250million stake in the historic FTSE250 company.
    A month later, his holding company Vesa Equity Investment Sarl became the second largest shareholder of J Sainsbury, when they acquired a ten per cent stake in the supermarket chain.
    Kretinsky, who appears to be playing real-life Monopoly, also struck deals to own US trainer store Foot Locker, as well as American shopping centre Macy’s.
    Expect West Ham merch to feature highly in both.
    FAMOUS WAG
    The talk of the Czech tabloids is Kretinsky’s romance with Olympic showjumper Anna Kellnerova.
    Just 24, she is the daughter of his former EPH business partner Petr Kellner, who died in a helicopter crash earlier this year and was the richest man in Czech Republic.
    She also attended the International School of Prague, the same as Kretinsky’s son.
    A twice national champion, Kellnerova recently competed at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with the Czech Equestrian Team.
    It was her father Petr who installed her hardworking values and encouraged her to follow her equestrian dream.
    Anna Kellnerova is Kretinsky’s girlfriendCredit: Getty
    The 24-year-old is the daughter of Kretinsky’s former business partner Petr KellnerCredit: Getty
    Kellner was formerly the richest man in Czech Republic before his death in a helicopter crashCredit: EPA
    She said: “He told me that I have to work hard in life, I have to be kind, respectful and happy with what I do.
    “Because if you are not happy, you will never be able to put as much energy into work as you need.”
    MEDIA MOGUL
    The media landscape in Czech Republic and France has a Kretinsky flavour to it.
    EPH owns several publications, including the daily tabloid Blesk, which is run out of Prague.
    While over in Paris, magazines Elle and Marianne are also under the Kretinsky umbrella.
    French afternoon newspaper Le Monde is also part of his media stable.
    HE’S ALREADY IN FOOTBALL
    For 17 years, Kretinsky has been chairman of world-renowned Czech club Sparta Prague, where the likes of Tomas Rosicky and Pavel Nedved made their name.
    However, his time there hasn’t gone as smoothly as hoped, with only four league titles since taking over in 2004.
    There was also a fallout with former West Ham favourite, Tomas Repka.
    After the hot-headed defender was dumped by the club, he sensationally revealed how he conceded a penalty against a title-rival on purpose.
    “At that precise moment I was not thinking straight. I hurt the team as a whole. But I was fuelled by human vanity, and I wanted to settle a score with Mr Kretinsky,” Repka said.
    Kretinsky owns several media publications in his homeland and FranceCredit: AFP
    Sparta Prague legend Tomas Rosicky meets with KretinskyCredit: PA
    Kretinsky will be hoping for more success with West Ham than he’s had at Sparta PragueCredit: PA

    “He didn’t behave fairly to me when I was leaving Sparta, so I promised him I’d get him back. Hopefully I succeeded.”
    With West Ham flying high in the Premier League, Kretinsky will be hopeful for bigger and better things with the Hammers.
    While Kurt Zouma seems far more amiable than ex-hardman Repka.
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    The 10 top stars who won the Premier League title but missed out on a winners’ medal, including Gary Neville TWICE

    MANCHESTER CITY are the reigning Premier League champions – with their top stars adding another winner’s medal to their collection.Under current rules, 23 players are guaranteed to bag a medal.
    Not every member of a Premier League-winning squad is entitled to a winner’s medalCredit: Getty
    Stars must make at least five Prem appearances to get their hands on the personal silverware.
    But unfortunately, not everyone makes the cut and are forced to go without – just like these past title winners below.
    GARY NEVILLE
    The legendary Manchester United right back has eight Premier League winners’ medals with the club, which is nothing to sneeze at.
    But the Sky Sports pundit could have had ten in seasons 17 years apart.
    Neville made his debut during the 1993-94 season, but only managed one appearance at a time when you needed ten league appearances to qualify – a rule that changed in 2012 to five.
    Then, in the 2009-10 season when United were crowned champions, Neville was stuck on four before he retired midway through the campaign.
    Gary Neville has missed out on two Premier League winners’ medalsCredit: Getty – Contributor

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    MO SALAH
    The Egyptian forward picked up a medal in 2019-20 as his goals helped propel Liverpool to their debut Prem crown.
    But having left title-chasing Chelsea halfway through the 2014-15 season for a loan move to Fiorentina, he missed out on another with the Blues.
    Salah had just three appearances to his name, and was ineligible to receive a medal, when he was swapped for Juan Cuadrado.
    Ironically, Cuadrado – a Chelsea flop – DID get one after appearing 14 times for the club.
    Mo Salah could have had more than one Premier League medalCredit: Instagram @mosalah
    OWEN HARGREAVES
    Given the former Bayern Munich midfielder’s injury problems, it’s no surprise that Hargreaves missed out on medals at Manchester United.
    The BT Sport pundit also had the misfortune of missing out on a Premier League winners’ medal at Manchester City too.
    He did get one for his star turn during the 2007-08 season for the Red Devils, but the seasons he missed out were in 2009 and 2011.
    And he only played once for City when they stormed to the title in 2012.
    Owen Hargreaves missed on a Premier League winners’ medal with Manchester United twice, and Manchester CityCredit: Getty – Contributor
    DAVID BATTY
    The former England international and Leeds legend was part of the Blackburn Rovers side that shocked the world to win the Premier League in 1994-95.
    Although he was an integral squad member, an injury kept him on the sidelines and he played just five times – again, when he needed ten.
    Rovers did offer Batty a medal, but he declined because he felt he didn’t contribute enough during the season.
    He never won a Premier League winner’s medal after that, finishing runners-up with Newcastle in 1996 and 1997.
    David Batty refused a medal with Blackburn feeling he didn’t contribute enough after getting injuredCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    FEDERICO MACHEDA
    Macheda can, perhaps, count himself a little unlucky not to have one.
    Especially given what he did for Manchester United, when they seemed dead and buried against Aston Villa.
    His winning goal in the dying moments to secure a miraculous comeback and a 3-2 win helped United stay on track to win the Premier League in 2009.
    He played four times that season, scoring twice, but was unfortunate to miss out.
    Macheda would miss out again in 2010-11.
    Despite his heroics, Federico Macheda didn’t get a medal for keeping Man Utd in the title raceCredit: Getty – Contributor
    SCOTT PARKER
    The Fulham manager didn’t quite fit in at the Blues after he was signed by Jose Mourinho from Charlton in 2004.
    And he didn’t get enough appearances under his belt in Chelsea’s 2004-05 title-winning season – managing just four games.
    Parker left West London the following summer, playing for Newcastle, West Ham, Tottenham and Fulham along the way.
    He never got a sniff of a title ever again.
    Scott Parker found himself out of favour under Jose MourinhoCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    NEMANJA MATIC
    It’s fair to say defensive midfielder Matic made up for his early disappointment by winning Premier League winner’s medals in 2015 and 2017 for Chelsea.
    But in his first year with the West London giants, Carlo Ancelotti only gave him two run outs as they stormed to the Double in 2009-10.
    He left Chelsea in 2011 for Benfica, winning the Portuguese league in 2013.
    Matic returned to the Premier League after moving back to the Blues in 2014 with unfinished business.
    Nemanja Matic missed out on a title medal when Chelsea won the Double in 2010Credit: Getty – Contributor
    WES BROWN
    The United defender won five Premier League titles under Sir Alex Ferguson.
    However, he was limited to just eight appearances in 2008-09 because of injury.
    It meant Brown missed out adding a fifth medal to his collection.
    Two years later, history repeated itself when he missed out on another.
    In 2009 Wes Brown missed out on his fifth winners’ medalCredit: PA:Press Association
    MICAH RICHARDS
    In 2012, Richards could do no wrong – helping Man City to their first ever Premier League title.
    The defender was even shortlisted for the club’s Player of the Year award that season – losing in the end to Sergio Aguero.
    But his contribution in 2013-14 was minimal.
    Injury and bad form saw him slip down the pecking order at the club.
    Just two league appearances meant he missed out on a medal, and he was soon loaned out to Fiorentina before he was released in 2015.
    Micah Richards missed out when Manchester City won their first Premier League titleCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    ANDREJ KRAMARIC
    Leicester made Kramaric their record signing in 2015, splashing £9million on the Croatian striker.
    But, as it turned out, they didn’t really need him.
    A certain Jamie Vardy rose to prominence and kept Kramaric out of the side, as they miraculously won the Premier League in the 2015-16 season.
    He was loaned out in the January transfer window in 2016 to Hoffenheim, having only appeared twice before then.
    It meant no winner’s medal for Kramaric.
    Leicester City record signing Andrej Kramaric played second fiddle to Jamie VardyCredit: PA:Press Association More

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    South America reluctant to back Arsene Wenger’s World Cup plans, with qualifiers offering fans a glimpse of their stars

    WHEN the idea of a World Cup every two years was first floated, South America initially expressed a slight interest.But the continent had a quick rethink.
    Arsene Wenger’s idea of a World Cup every two years hasn’t been welcomed in South AmericaCredit: PA
    World Cup qualifiers give South American fans to see their European based stars, like Lional Messi, play in their countries they are fromCredit: AFP
    Towards the end of last month, Conmebol, the South American Confederation, announced that its ten nations could see “no motive, benefits or justification” for the proposal, accused Fifa of “turning its back on a century of tradition” and affirmed that they would not take part in a World Cup every two years.
    Even though the continent has just ten votes, this is a serious blow to the prestige of the proposal launched by Arsene Wenger.
    South America started the World Cup back in 1930, and its traditional big three – Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay – have nine titles between them, as well as some of the biggest and most exciting names in the global game.
    Brazil have played at every tournament. Could a World Cup without them really be a World Cup?
    Why, then, has the continent turned against the biennial idea so quickly and radically?
    It would seem to be because they have looked at the small print. Wenger’s proposal would seem to be a war on the qualification tournament, fearing that it has too many games and involves too much travelling. South America can hardly agree.

    First, the qualifiers are the main moment when the continent gets to see the players it produces. Every weekend and often in midweek the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez are parading their talents for a European audience to enjoy.
    The qualifiers are when they come home, a rare moment for their own public to enjoy them. And if the travelling is the price, then the players seem willing to pay it.
    And then there is the question of too many games. World Cup qualification in South America is indeed a marathon, with 18 rounds of matches. But in normal circumstances – when not derailed by a pandemic – it uses the same Fifa dates as anywhere else.
    The Copa America has no qualifiers, so when Europe is working out who will make it to the Euros, South America has already started on the next World Cup.
    BENEFITS FOR SMALLER NATIONS
    And the marathon format, all ten nations playing each other home and away, has done wonders for the smaller and less traditional nations. It was introduced in 1996, and the consequences are clear.
    Ecuador had never made it to a World Cup before 2002. Four years later they gave England a game in the second round. 2010 was the best World Cup in the history of Paraguay, 2014 was the same thing for Colombia.
    2010 and 14 were the best ever for Chile, with the exception of 1962, which it hosted. Uruguay have returned to the top table, something which seemed unthinkable some twenty years ago.
    All of this has been based on the World Cup qualifiers. They provide a regular calendar of competitive games, with guaranteed income, making it possible for the countries to hire better coaches and invest in youth development.
    This week the thirteenth round of the current campaign is played. All five games are live affairs, with plenty at stake for one, or – in most cases – both sides.
    The qualifiers work as they are in South America, both a source of income and as a stepping stone to improving the teams.
    It is hardly a surprise that South America does not want to give them up and cut them back in exchange for a World Cup every two years.
    With Luis Suarez leading their line, Uruguay have enjoyed success at recent World CupsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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