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      in Motorsport

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

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      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

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury: From glam partners to flash watches, famous brothers and private jets… who comes out on top?

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      ON December 18, reputations will be on the line when Tommy Fury fights YouTuber Jake Paul in the States.The grudge match will take place at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, with both looking to settle their heated feud.
      Tommy Fury shares his lifestyle on social media to his three million followersCredit: Instagram
      Future opponent Jake Paul loves sharing his swag on InstagramCredit: Instagram
      In the past year, the pair have constantly called each other out – with the bad blood bringing in Love Island beauty Molly-Mae Hague, who was dissed by the American.
      Outside the ring, Tommy, 22, and Jake, 24, have enjoyed celebrity status on TV and social media, as their stock and bank balances have risen.
      Here’s how the fighters compare.
      GIRLFRIENDS
      Famously, Fury met Molly-Mae, 22, on the fifth series of Love Island in 2019.
      They coupled up together and made it to the final, before finishing runners-up. However, the country soon fell in love with them.
      Molly-Mae has since gone on to become a creative director for online clothing giants PrettyLittleThing, where she is said to have signed a £500,000 contract to produce her own line.
      Model Julia Rose, 27, was first seen with ‘The Problem Child’ back in 2020.
      The 5ft 10in stunner has since been seen ringside, most recently taking in Paul’s fight against Tyron Woodley.
      Like Fury and Hague, Rose got famous through reality TV – appearing on MTV’s dating show Are You the One? 
      She also famously flashed her breasts on live TV during the 2019 MLB World Series.
      Paul and Fury are in glam romances with Julia Rose and Molly-Mae Hague respectivelyCredit: Instagram
      MUTUAL LOVE OF ROLLS-ROYCE
      Paul has a fine collection of motors, including a  £165k Lamborghini Huracan and a custom-wrapped £81k Tesla.
      But, it’s his love of British luxury car Rolls-Royce that he shares something in common with his fierce rival.
      His custom Phantom would’ve set him back somewhere north of £360,000.
      Tommy also posed with a Phantom, when he was in Las Vegas. But that doesn’t appear to be his motor.
      Back in the summer, he did splash £120,000 on a new BMW i8 Hybrid supercar – just weeks after passing his driving test.
      He followed that up by buying a £100,000 Mercedes S-Class.
      Both Paul and Fury share a mutual love of Rolls-RoyceCredit: Instagram
      Tommy Fury splashed £120,000 on a BMW i8Credit: instagram
      WATCH THIS
      Both boxers love their bling, especially smart watches.
      Fury has been seen wearing a fancy Rolex Yachtmaster II worth around £20,000.
      However, at the end of October Tommy and Molly-Mae were robbed of belongings worth a reported £800,000 from their Manchester flat.
      Last summer, Jake Paul trolled Conor McGregor with a special diamond necklace, said to have cost around £80,000, that featured an image of the UFC star knocked out on the canvas.
      Paul loves jewellery, and is said to have a £1million collection.
      The pick of the bunch is his 41mm Audemars Piguet worth £35,000.
      Paul shows off his amazing 41mm Audemars Piguet worth £35,000, while Fury boasts a £20,000 Rolex Yachtmaster IICredit: Instagram
      FAMOUS BROS
      Another thing Fury and Paul share is famous brothers.
      Tommy’s elder sibling is WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. The pair have a tight bond, with the younger Fury supporting his brother’s career and often seen ringside at his fights.
      But Tyson has said he will “disown” Tommy, if he loses to Paul. He also joked he will have to change his name to ‘Fumbles’ as a forfeit.
      Jake has a love/hate relationship with Logan Paul.
      He has called Logan, who also pursued a career in boxing, a “fake fighter”.
      Jake also revealed his brother slept with his ex-girlfriend Alyssa Violet.
      Interestingly, Logan has called out Tyson for an MMA fight, claiming “the bigger they are, the harder they fall.”
      Tyson Fury is Tommy’s more famous brother, while Jake lives in the shadow of Logan Paul
      JET-SET LIFE
      In early October, Jake trolled Tommy for taking a cheap connecting flight to Las Vegas.
      He shared an image of Fury standing at the desk of budget Spirit Airlines and joked about his rival’s earning power.
      “This is what happens when you turn down a $1m pay day,” Jake captioned a social media post sharing the photo.
      Although, Tommy has been known to travel by private jet with Tyson.
      Jake, who is said to be worth £13million, is often spotted taking private jets.
      He has taken his mates to Ibiza and boxing events, galavanting around the globe.
      Jake Paul and Tommy Fury fly differently, with the latter having a more modest incomeCredit: Instagram
      Paul often makes use of a private jetCredit: Instagram
      HARD GRAFT
      When it comes to training, Fury and Paul do not mess around.
      Paul had training camps in Big Bear California, Las Vegas and Miami for his first three fights, and moved to Puerto Rico ahead of the clash with Woodley to concentrate on his boxing.
      He once shared an amazing image that would befit a world’s strongest man contest – pulling a fire engine.
      A bit more old school, Fury opts for chains and heavy lifting when he’s bulking up and gets help from his older bro.
      While his dad John Fury revealed: “He don’t lift weights. All this is press-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups and road work.
      “People think he’s a bodybuilder, he’s no bodybuilder.”
      Training is important to both Paul and Fury, who go to extreme measures to keep fitCredit: Instagram
      DRESSING UP
      The Halloween festivities allow for celebrities to dress up in frightful outfiits.
      And Paul and Fury were no different, flooding their Instagram accounts with their scary costumes for the recent celebration of all things ghoulish.
      Tommy and Molly-Mae stayed close to his sport – with the former as a bloodied boxer, while the social media influencer went as a ring girl, also splattered in fake blood.
      Jake hilariously aimed a dig at Dana White with his costume – dressed as the UFC chief holding a bag of ‘(UFC) Unlimited Free Cocaine’.

      While his missus Julia was in a glam leopard print dress.
      The look was inspired by a forum post that read: “News – Brazilian Stripper Taped Dana White Banging her, Boyfriend…”
      Who do you think has a better lifestyle?
      Paul and Fury enjoyed the Halloween festivities and playing dress upCredit: Instagram
      Tyson Fury ‘really happy’ with first day as trainer to brother Tommy, who says Jake Paul is getting ‘knocked spark out’ More

    • 250 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea hero John Terry’s incredible Ferrari collection worth £4m, from rare £2m Enzo to 1960s 275 GTB priced at £1.5m

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      JOHN TERRY has fulfilled his childhood dream by owning a garage full of Ferraris worth around £4million.The Chelsea legend loves the Italian brand so much he has several of the classy motors sitting in the garage of his Surrey home.
      John Terry boasts a stellar Ferrari car collection
      From the incredibly rare Ferrari Enzo (only 400 were ever produced) that’s worth a stonking £2m to the sleek, sophisticated 275 GTB that dates back to the 1960s that can be worth as much as £1,5m, Terry, 38, is a Ferrari aficionado.
      And if that’s not enough, his everyday runner is a £170,000 458 Spider.
      FERRARI ENZO – £2m
      In 2013, after lifting the Europa League, he splashed out on the iconic Enzo – originally produced in 2002.
      It was developed using Formula One technology, has a carbon-fibre body, and can reach a top speed of 221 mph.
      The Ferrari Enzo is a limited edition 2003 super car named after its Italian founder.Originally Ferrari only made 399 models but they turned out a 400th for the Pope.I used to go to a showroom in Surrey, they had Enzos, and the Enzo had been my dream car growing up but could never afford it.”John Terry
      Terry’s Enzo was a display car at the 2003 Amsterdam Motor Show and it had 4,163 miles on the clock when the ex-England international bought it.

      Terry admitted in an interview with Petrolicious that he had always had his eyes on one, and wished he’d been able to buy one sooner.
      He said: “I was probably about 20, 21. I used to go to a showroom in Surrey, they had Enzos, and the Enzo had been my dream car growing up but could never afford it.
      “It’s one of those things on the bucket list. Unfortunately, they were a lot cheaper back then as well. Wish I’d have bought one back then.
      “I just loved the look and the limited availability of stuff like the Enzo. Not many on the road, one gets crashed per year as well, so they’re going down.
      “It was an investment as well for the sake of the kids and stuff like that, but just loved to look at the Enzo and the classic cars. I love it.”
      Terry has Ferraris including an Enzo and 275 GTB
      The Ferrari Enzo is said to be worth a staggering £2m
      FERRARI 275 GTB – £1.5m
      If you had money, and you lived in the swinging ’60s, the 275 GTB was one of the best cars on the market.
      And in popular culture the model became iconic when it was bought by ‘King of Cool’ Steve McQueen when he filmed classic movie, Bullitt.
      JT showed of his purchase in 2015 on Instagram, that could’ve cost him anything up to £1.5m.
      The Aston Villa assistant coach bought the car from dealer Tom Hartley Jr, who has helped him build his Ferrari collection over the years.
      “In England. I deal with Tom and he advises me on this stuff,” Terry revealed.
      “I’ve had my eye on a couple of his cars for a few years and just decided to take the plunge (on the 275 GTB). I’ve always appreciated it.”
      And despite being made a long time ago, the 275 GTB is no slouch either.
      It boasts a 0-60 mph time of just over six seconds, which is still faster than most cars today.
      Terry’s Ferrari 275 GTB is a 1960s icon worth around £1.5mCredit: Xposure
      In pop culture the Ferrari 275 GTB was owned by Steve McQueen, who bought one while making BullittCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      FERRARI 458 SPIDER – £170,000
      It’s not a bad every day runner is it?
      When Terry wants to go to the shops, he often takes his 458 Spider with him, and why not?
      Capable of hitting 0-60 in a staggering 3.3 seconds, it’ll get you where you want to go fast.
      And, of course, it doesn’t cheap with a price tag of around £170,000.
      Other footballers who love the 458 Spider include Mario Balotelli and Arsenal star Mesut Ozil, who all own one.
      Terry invested in the Spider back in 2012, and often travelled to Chelsea’s Cobham training ground in it.
      To zoom to the shops and training, Terry drove a stunning Ferrari 458 SpiderCredit: PA:Press Association
      The Ferrari 458 Spider costs around £170kCredit: Handout
      FERRARI TESTAROSSA – £150,000
      Although he hasn’t shared any images of them on social media, Terry’s Ferrari collection also includes a Testarossa (worth £150k in good nick), as made famous by Tom Selleck in Magnum PI, and a Lusso, that today costs around £200k.
      But Terry doesn’t just confine himself to supercars, and admittedly does like something a little more comfortable from time to time.
      That’s why he’s also been seen over the years driving motors including a Rolls-Royce Wraith (£250k), a Bentley Continental GT (£160k), as well as a special edition gold Range Rover Overfinch (£90k).

      “Range Rover, that’s my day to day with the kids, school run and stuff like that,” Terry revealed
      “I’ve got the Range Rover for the family, and I’ve obviously got my cars that I love, which is the Enzo.”
      When it comes to getting behind the wheel, it’s clear that Terry loves to live life in the fast lane.
      Terry has also been seen in more comfortable cars, like a Bentley Continental GT worth £160kCredit: Matrix
      A custom made gold Range Rover Overfinch is Terry’s family carCredit: Matrix
      In 2014 Terry showed off his £250k Rolls-Royce WraithCredit: Matrix
      John Terry works out at home by jogging in his jacuzzi More

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      in Soccer

      How Liverpool star Mo Salah became the world’s most feared striker thanks to a strict diet and rigorous exercise plan

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      MO Salah has become one of the most feared forwards on the planet.The Liverpool hotshot, 29, has been tipped to win the Ballon d’Or after a remarkable year with the Reds.
      Liverpool star Mo Salah follows a strict diet
      And this season he has been the standout performer in the Premier League, scoring 10 goals in as many games for Jurgen Klopp’s title-chasing side.
      The Egyptian star has achieved greatness thanks to a strict diet and rigorous exercise plan, including 3am workouts during Ramadan.
      It’s that sacrifice that has seen Salah emulate Cristiano Ronaldo as one of football’s most chiselled stars.
      Here’s how he did it.
      EATING RIGHT
      What Salah puts in his body daily is crucial to his success, although he allows himself a cheat day with pizza every so often.
      Speaking about his diet, Salah told CNN, “Nutrition is so important, it’s part of the game. It has helped with my recovery, allowed me to sleep better and helped my body adapt quickly.
      “My nutritionist says that because I don’t have any fat on my body, I can eat what I want. I also don’t drink so it’s fine.”
      And it’s fair to say, the devout Muslim is usually very careful with his food.
      For Breakfast, he will eat parathas – a puffy flatbread – with a glass of milk.
      Light meals and plenty of vegetables are key to Salah’s success
      Egyptian speciality kushari is one of Salah’s favourite meals
      Pizza is Salah’s guilty pleasure
      If he’s still hungry, he will then go for a bowl of fruit.
      When it comes to lunch, Salah tends to load up on more calories. He enjoys lentils, vegetables, bread, chicken, and will finish with a bowl of yogurt.
      His favourite dish is an Egyptian speciality called kushari, which is made from rice, macaroni and lentils and topped with spiced tomatoes, chickpeas and onions.
      “When I go back to Egypt, I call my friend from the airport to buy kushari for us to eat in the car. I pull my hoodie over my head, jump into the car and then I’m eating it straight away,” he once revealed.
      Dinner is usuallly a light affair – with soup, salad and vegetables preferred. He’ll wash that down with a glass of fresh fruit juice without sugar.
      NEVER MISSES A GYM SESSION
      Salah’s dedication to his craft is shown by his obsession with working out.
      If he’s not training with the Reds, he’s doing additional sessions of weight training, bodyweight work, plyometrics, yoga, swimming and stretching exercises.
      “Normally, I get up early to go for training which starts either in the morning or in the afternoon,” Salah told ON Ent.
      “Then I come for recovery for almost two hours. Therapy for any injuries or specific massage so you mitigate any suffering of your body.
      Home workouts are very important to Salah
      Strenuous weight training is key to building up Salah’s biceps
      Additionally, Salah likes to swim in his spare time
      “After that, I go to the gym here at the club which is optional for players. After training, I do stretching and recovery again. Finally, I go to the pool at the club or with Makka [his daughter] at home. I finish all these activities around 7 or 8pm.”
      During Ramadan, Salah made sure he didn’t miss a single minute to sculpt his abs.
      He was up at 3am after fasting during daylight hours to hit the weights in his home gym.
      AN INCREDIBLE BODY TRANSFORMATION
      When Salah was at Chelsea, he cut a skinny figure.
      Even when he found his form on loan at Fiorentina before securing a move to Roma, he was certainly less defined.
      However, thanks to following a diet plan and exercising religiously, he has seen a remarkable body transformation.
      Today’s Salah is bursting out of his Liverpool shirt with bulging biceps and shredded abs.
      Often, he’s not afraid to show off his torso on Instagram to his adoring fans.
      And even his team-mates can’t help but take pictures of his incredible physique.
      At Chelsea, Salah cut a slight figure
      When on loan to Fiorentina in 2015 he was far from the perfect athleteCredit: Rex
      Today, Salah is more ripped than everCredit: Reuters

      Scotland international Andy Robertson recently shared a snap of Salah topless in a swimming pool.
      Hilariously, he joked that his pal had a ‘bit of body fat to lose’ in the photo.
      If that’s the case, then SunSport better jump on an exercise bike lively.
      Brighton boss Graham Potter says Mo Salah is out of this world class More

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      in Soccer

      Son Heung-min boasts incredible £1.5million car collection, including ultra-rare £1m Ferrari LaFerrari

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      SON HEUNG-MIN is not the sort of player you would associate with spending a load of dosh on one of the world’s most exclusive cars.The Tottenham hero, 29, is unassuming and usually happy to let his boots do the talking.
      Heung-min Son has built up an amazing £1.5million car collection
      But the £110,000-a-week forward has a fleet of motors worth a staggering £1.5million.
      And pride of place in his garage in North London is a rare supercar available to just a few people.Ferrari LaFerrari
      Only 499 of these incredible cars have been made – and Son has one of them.
      But he ditched the usual red for black because Spurs told him he could not own a red one due to their rivalry with Arsenal.
      Worth around £1,150,000, even a Premier League footballer earning top whack would have to save up for a while to be able to afford it.
      Son stops in his Ferrari LaFerrari to sign a shirt for a fan
      Only 499 of the Ferrari supercars were made and potential purchasers must meet strict criteriaCredit: Alamy
      The most powerful street-legal supercar the Italian manufacturer has produced, buyers must fit in with the Ferrari brand.
      That means that, to purchase one, they must previously have owned a Ferrari – with some reports claiming potential buyers won’t be considered unless they have had FIVE Ferraris in their life.
      Son’s black model does 0-60mph in 2.9 secs and boasts a 6.3-litre V12 engine, electrically assisted by the HY-KERS system to deliver a total power output of 950bhp, with a top speed of 227mph.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has one sitting at home as well.
      Audi R8 Coupe
      The South Korea star was spotted with ex-girlfriend Minah, a pop sensation in their native country, getting behind the wheel of his white R8 in 2014.
      Son is the proud owner of a sleek Audi R8Credit: Handout
      Starting at £112,520 for the most basic model, Son is almost certain to have added a few luxuries to his.
      The 5.2L V10 engine packs an almighty punch and the sleek design turns heads – if you’re quick enough to see it whizz past when it does 0-60mph in 3.2 secs.Maserati Levante
      Son is the proud owner of Maserati’s first SUV, which has a starting price of £60,000.
      But there’s a catch.
      The Spurs star poses with his Maserati Levante
      Son is so popular in his home country that he was actually given the model by the Italian manufacturer as a gift.
      A statement from Korea’s official Maserati importer said they gifted the ex-Leverkusen man the motor because it “might be the most matching vehicle to Son, who can play with delicacy and unstoppable power”.
      Hard to argue with that.
      Although it is not the only 4×4 Son has…Range Rover
      The staple of the Premier League footballers’ diet, Son would not miss out on the chance to land a Range Rover.
      He has done his up in a classy matte black finish – a custom touch that also sees the tailgate script, grille and side vents finished in gloss black.
      Son keeps up the traditions of Premier League footballers by owning a Range RoverCredit: The Sun
      Son waves from the front seat of his 4x4Credit: Instagram

      The Evoque model starts at around £31,000.
      Though Son’s version likely cost a lot more with the extras he has, which include red seats and red trim on the steering wheel.Bentley Continental GT
      Son owns a Bentley Continental GT
      Another favourite of footballers, Son forked out around £160,000 for this supercar.
      It comes packing a 6L twin-turbocharged W12 engine which sees it do 0-60mph in 4.3 secs and can reach 198mph top speed – which could come in handy when he’s running late for training.
      Son Heung-min is unveiled as Ralph Lauren’s face of Wimbledon 2021 as Tottenham star poses in posh outfit More

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      in Soccer

      Top 25 Barcelona youth players from La Masia academy, including Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas and Mauro Icardi

      by

      IN 1979, Barcelona decided they wanted a steady stream of homegrown talents to one day blossom in their first team.They launched their now famed La Masia (Catalan for ‘The Farmhouse’), a state-of-the-art academy designed to train youngsters the Barça way, and has since produced a slew of top-class footballers.
      Lionel Messi (in the mask), Cesc Fabregas (back row, second right) and Gerard Pique (back row, third left) are Barcelona youth productsCredit: PA:Press Association
      They were schooled at Barcelona’s famous La Masia AcademyCredit: Simon Jones – The Sun
      Many have gone on to become legends at the club, while others have slipped away and grown at pastures new.
      Here are their best 25 best academy trainees.
      25. ALEX GRIMALDO
      The Spanish left-back is one of the most sought-after defenders in world football at the moment.
      Currently starring at Benfica, he has been linked with a move to Tottenham.
      Barcelona let him go for £1.5million in 2015, without playing a game in the first team.
      Originally, he was plucked from Valence in 2008 – spending four years with the Catalans until he was sold.
      Alex Grimaldo has made his name at BenficaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      24. DANI OLMO
      Olmo is the most recent promising youngster that left Spain for a new challenge.
      The Spanish 21-year-old midfielder, who moved in January 2020 to Bundesliga club RB Leipzig, arrived at La Masia aged just nine.

      But in a surprising move, Olmo decided to leave Barça when he turned 16 and signed for Dinamo Zagreb.
      Barcelona were rumoured to be looking at bringing him back to Catalonia before he moved to Germany.
      He has since starred in the Bundesliga and is a regular in the Spain squad.
      Dani Olmo gambled with his career leaving Barcelona aged 16 for Dinamo ZagrebCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      23. NAYIM
      Arsenal fans won’t want to be reminded of Nayim’s most famous moment in his career.
      But before he was lobbing David Seaman from the halfway line, he was a young hopeful at La Masia.
      He joined Barcelona aged 12 – leaving his hometown Cueta.
      But his chances were limited in a team that was managed by Terry Venables.
      He later joined the former Three Lions boss at Spurs.
      Former La Masia product Nayim scored the winner the Cup Winners’ Cup final against ArsenalCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      22. LUIS GARCIA
      The former Liverpool midfielder had two spells with Barcelona.
      First as a 12-year-old youth player, where he starred in their reserve team.
      But having failed to break into the first team, he was sold to Atletico Madrid in 2002.
      However, after impressing with Atletico, Barcelona exercised a clause in Garcia’s contract to buy him back a season later.
      Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez moved for the playmaker in 2004 – having had him at Tenerife on loan in 2000-01.
      Luis Garcia had two spells at Barcelona but never made the gradeCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      21. ANDRE ONANA
      Another surprise, in-demand Ajax keeper Andre Onana had a spell at Barcelona from 2010-15.
      He joined the club after starting out at the Samuel Eto’o Academy, but failed to make the grade there.
      Five years ago he signed for the Dutch giants, and has since become their No1.
      He was suspended for 12 months for a doping violation, returning to first team training on November 4.
      In-demand Andre Onana had five years at La Masia before moving to AjaxCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      20. ALBERT FERRER
      It was right-back Ferrer’s dream to play for Barcelona – having grown up in the city.
      And he appeared in 221 La Liga games during nine seasons with his boyhood club, after he was signed as a 13-year-old.
      In 1998 he moved to Premier League with Chelsea in a £2.2m deal, where he retired aged 33.
      Albert Ferrer was a local lad who got to represent his boyhood clubCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      19. PEPE REINA
      The son of former Barcelona goalkeeper Miguel Reina, Pepe was always destined to follow in his father’s footsteps.
      He joined La Masia in 1995, and from 1999 he was playing for their reserve side in the third tier of the Spanish football pyramid.
      Reina was never more than an understudy at the Camp Nou, and was told he could leave in 2002.
      Pepe Reina was surplus to requirements to Barcelona in 2002 after being an understudy for yearsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      18. GUILLERMO AMOR
      Benidorm-born Amor became one of Barcelona’s most important players under Cruyff in the 1990s.
      He joined La Masia in 1980 – winning five league titles and a European Cup.
      With Barcelona in his blood, it is unsurprising he is now responsible for the club’s youth system.
      Former youth product Amor now manages Barcelona’s youth set-upCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      17. HECTOR BELLERIN
      The Arsenal full-back might speak like a cockney, but he’s Barcelona through and through.
      Bellerin was also eight when he joined the club – but after eight years at La Masia he moved to the Gunners.
      He was vice-captain of the Premier League giants, until moving back to LaLiga with Real Betis on loan.
      His Arsenal career looks all but over now.
      Hector Bellerin left Barcelona for Arsenal and played against his old side several timesCredit: PA:Press Association
      16. SERGI
      The marauding Spanish left-back joined Barcelona in 1988, and went on to become a club legend – appearing 382 times and winning three league titles.
      He was handed his Barça debut by Cruyff in a heated Champions League match away at Galatasaray
      From then on, he became a mainstay before he was sold to Atletico Madrid. He hadn’t lost that nastiness that made him a tricky player to play against either – earning 33 yellow cards in his three seasons there.
      Sergi won three La Liga titles after coming through La MasiaCredit: Icon Sport – Getty
      15. THIAGO MOTTA
      Barcelona never really saw the best of Motta.
      Like Pedro, he was signed late – aged 17 from local side Clube Atlético Juventus – and was assigned to the B side.
      He made his debut in 2001, but his time at Barcelona was robbed from him by a serious knee injury.
      Eventually, he found himself at Inter Milan, where Jose Mourinho got the best out of him – winning the Champions League in 2010.
      Thiago Motta never fulfilled his potential at BarçaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      14. IVAN DE LA PENA
      The hype around De La Pena, nicknamed “Little Buddha”, was immense when he was a teen.
      The child prodigy joined La Masia in 1991 from Racing Santander and initially looked to have a big future at the club.
      But fallouts with Cruyff and Van Gaal, who were frustrated with his work-rate, saw his progress curtailed and he had more success with city rivals Espanyol.
      De La Pena had fallouts with Johan Cruyff and Louis Van GaalCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      13. ADAMA TRAORE
      Wolves winger Traore has finally shown the potential Barcelona youth managers believed he had.
      He joined the Spanish champions aged just eight, making his debut aged 17, but failed to break into the first team under managers Gerard Martino and Luis Enrique.
      The speedy winger then moved to England, and had an ill-fated spell at Aston Villa before rediscovering himself at Middlesbrough.
      Adama Traore moved to England to get first team footballCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      12. MIKEL ARTETA
      The Arsenal manager is best known for his time in the Premier League playing for both the Gunners and Everton.
      But before he made it in England, Arteta dreamt of becoming pro in San Sebastian playing football on the beaches with childhood friend Xabi Alonso.
      He joined Barcelona aged 15, but struggled to break into the first team – joining PSG on loan before starring at Glasgow Rangers and returning to play for Real Sociedad with Alonso.
      Mikel Arteta struggled to break into the Barcelona first team
      11. VICTOR VALDES
      Valdes is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the club’s history – having played 535 games and winning 21 major titles, including La Liga six times and three Champions League’s.
      But it looked like his time at the club had come to an end in 1995 when his family moved to Tenerife.
      However, Barça re-signed him and quickly progressed through the youth teams – making his debut aged 20.
      Victor Valdes left La Masia academy only to return three years laterCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      10. PEDRO
      The ex-Chelsea winger was a late-comer when it came to joining La Masia.
      Pedro arrived from Canary Islands team CD San Isidro aged 17 in 2004.
      But soon, he became a key member of the first team once he was promoted by Pep Guardiola.
      In the 2018-19 season Pedro became the first player to score in six different club competitions during a single season and in the same year.
      Pedro was a late-comer to La Masia, joining aged 17Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      9. MAURO ICARDI
      Argentina striker Icardi had a spell at La Masia from 2008-11, after rejecting overtures from Real Madrid, Arsenal and Liverpool.
      But the goal poacher failed to show his class in Spain and was shipped out on loan to Sampdoria in 2011, which became a permanent move six months later for just £400,000.
      He has since become one of the most sought-after strikers in European football, boasting a remarkable goalscoring record.
      Icardi always stood by his decision to leave Barça, because it ultimately benefitted his career.
      Super poacher Mauro Icardi failed to impress at La MasiaCredit: FC Barcelona
      8. GERARD PIQUE
      Another one that got away, but returned to become a hero.
      Pique played in the same youth teams as Messi and Fabregas from 1997, although he was deployed as a defensive midfielder in his early years.
      Manchester United snapped him up in 2004 on a pro-contract, without having to pay a fee.
      In 2008, he returned to Catalonia for a fee of £5million and has gone on to play 531 times for the club, as well as bag a celebrity wife in Shakira.
      Pique returned to Barcelona after a spell at Man Utd and bagged a celebrity missus in ShakiraCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      7. SERGIO BUSQUETS
      One-club man Busquets has become one of the greatest defensive midfielders of his generation.
      At youth level though he bounced around a few teams playing for the likes of Badia, Barbera Andalucia, Lleida, and Jàbac Terrassa, before settling at Barcelona in 2005,
      Guardiola promoted Busquets to his first team in 2008, but it’s his former international manager Vincente Del Bosque who provided this accurate quote about his abilities.
      He said: “If you watch the whole game, you won’t see Busquets – but watch Busquets, and you will see the whole game.”
      Sergio Busquets has established himself as the best defensive midfielder of his generationCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      6. CESC FABREGAS
      Fabregas trained at La Masia for six years before making the bold move to Arsenal in 2003, believing his chances would be limited at the Nou Camp.
      With the Gunners he soon established himself into one of the Europe’s most promising players – replacing Patrick Vieira in the heart of their midfield, before eventually being named captain.
      In 2011 he returned to Barcelona for £35m, and in three seasons played 96 times for them before moving to Chelsea for £30m in 2014.
      Cesc won the World Cup and the Euros twice, and has been capped 110 times by Spain.
      Fabregas returned to Barcelona after making his name at ArsenalCredit: Action Images – Reuters

      5. PEP GUARDIOLA
      Johan Cruyff called him one of the best midfielders of his generation, and it’s hard to argue with that seeing he was a major influence in playing style of the likes of Xavi, Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas.
      Guardiola joined La Masia at 13, and within six years the deep-lying playmaker made his debut against Cadiz.
      In 1998 Louis van Gaal made him captain, but in 2001 he left for Serie A side Brescia after years of injury problems with a troublesome calf.
      Pep Guardiola became Barcelona captain after making it through their youth ranksCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      4. CARLES PUYOL
      Arguably the most un-Barcelona-like player.
      But Puyol became a cult hero as an inspirational captain with his uncompromising style of defending.
      He joined La Masia in 1995, playing as a defensive midfielder before converting to full-back and then centre-half.
      But Puyol almost left the club three years later when Barça accepted an offer from Malaga after deeming him surplus to requirements.
      However, seeing Xavi getting a chance in the first team encouraged Puyol to stay, and the rest is history.
      Puyol became a cult figure at Barcelona but nearly left the clubCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      3. ANDRES INIESTA
      Plucked from Albacete at the age of 12, Iniesta never looked back.
      He steadily climbed up the youth ranks, making his debut aged 18 in 2002.
      Iniesta would go on to become the most decorated Spanish footballer in history – winning 35 trophies, including nine LaLiga titles and four Champions Leagues.
      Famously, he helped Spain win the 2010 World Cup – scoring the winner against Holland.
      Iniesta joined La Masia as a 12-year-oldCredit: Rex Features
      2. XAVI
      The greatest playmaker of his generation, and the embodiment of their tiki-taka passing style, Xavi joined La Masia at 10.
      At that age though it wasn’t Michael Laudrup he idolised, but in fact British-based stars like John Barnes, Paul Gascoigne, and Matt Le Tissier.
      “I’ve been lucky enough to be brought up on the Barcelona ethos,” he once revealed.
      “Which has taught me the value of being part of a team. ‘Today for you, tomorrow for me.’ Those qualities are essential for life in general.”
      Xavi idolised Paul Gascoigne, Matt Le Tissier and John Barnes growing upCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      1. LIONEL MESSI
      Without doubt the best youngster to come from Barcelona’s youth set-up, and the best to ever play for the club.
      Messi joined the LaLiga giants in 2001 from Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina, who he had trained with since the age of six.
      Realising they had such a prodigious talent on their hands, Barcelona agreed to pay for his treatment after he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency.
      However his love affair with the club came to an end in the summer and he moved to French giants PSG.
      Messi graduated from La Masia to become Barcelona’s greatest ever playerCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      in Soccer

      I met Harry Kane and Jordan Pickford playing Fortnite – now they both give me thousands to buy them designer gear

      by

      HIS knack for finding limited edition and sold-out clothing for top footie stars has seen him nicknamed the Garms Dealer.At just 20 years of age Sam Morgan has more than 1,500 big names in his phone including England midfielder Jack Grealish.
      Personal shopper Sam Morgan and regular customer Pogba show off Paul’s haulCredit: sammorgan/Instagram
      Sam with Man City ace Jack GrealishCredit: sammorgan/Instagram
      The young entrepreneur’s business is so successful that he now has his own Channel 4 show, Garms Dealer, where Premier League players chat all things fashion and challenge him to deliver designer outfits in less than 24 hours.
      Among his finds are a £7,300 Prada jacket for Crystal Palace attacker Wilfried Zaha, a £1,600 Saint Laurent jacket for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, and £1,500 vintage 1993 Chanel sunglasses for Grealish.
      Man City’s record British signing reveals on the show how he likes to spend some of his £300,000-a-week wages on eccentric clothing.
      Grealish, who just signed a six-figure deal with online retailer boohooMAN, says: “People say I am confident on the pitch, I’d say I’m the same off it. I like wearing ‘out there’ clothes.”
      The 26-year-old footie ace is on his way to becoming the new David Beckham thanks to his changing haircuts and quirky fashion sense.
      The Birmingham-born ace’s wardrobe staples include flowery tracksuits, colourful bucket hats and ultra-bright label hoodies all thrown together.

      And Grealish relies on Sam to make sure his purchases are “legit” and that he nabs exclusive lines before anyone else.
      Other big names to hire Sam to fill their wardrobes include Tottenham striker Harry Kane, Man United midfielder Paul Pogba, Man City ace Kevin De Bruyne and Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
      Personal shopper Sam doesn’t stop at clothes either — he can get hold of luxury bags and watches and organise private jets and last-minute bookings at top-end restaurants.
      His talents have even seen him become friends with some of his famous clients, who have invited him to their multi-million pads to play table football and pool.
      Sam says his ability to hustle goes back to his school days.
      He said: “I’ve always been selling. When I was in year seven, I’d come home with three or four pounds and it is the same now — but on a much bigger scale.”
      His clothes-selling business started when he bought a batch of Kanye West’s sought-after Yeezy trainers and sold them on for a profit of £5,000 via Instagram.
      The wheeler dealer’s contact book then expanded through word of mouth.
      After Arsenal reserve player Cohen Brammall, now at Lincoln City in division one, followed Sam on the social media site, he offered to find him clothing.
      He soon found more senior players and stars from Premier League teams were lining up to use Sam’s services.
      I’ve played with Harry Kane and Jordan Pickford. All these players have become clients from playing Fortnite.Sam Morgan
      He has known one of his clients, Rice, since the West Ham player was in the under-18 squad and went to watch him at this summer’s Euro championship with the midfielder’s brother.
      But it was Spurs ace Dele Alli that really drew in the A-listers.
      Sam said: “Dele introduced me to multiple England players. It just went from one to player to another player, and as long as you provide a good service you’re set.”
      Another way he managed to secure Everton goalie Jordan Pickford as a client and fill up his contacts is the online video game, Fortnite, where players can talk to one another.
      Sam said: “I’ve played with Harry Kane and Jordan Pickford. All these players have become clients from playing Fortnite.”
      The middle man is also the aces’ lucky charm, claiming strikers tend to score on the weekend he sells them clothes.
      One such star was Pogba, who is known for his garish haircuts and clothes.
      Two days before France beat Croatia at the 2018 World Cup final, Sam told the player to pay on the day of the match and Pogba went on to score the team’s third goal.
      Sam later hand-delivered several Gucci jackets and vintage glasses to the legend’s hotel room in Paris where they posed for a celebratory selfie.
      He also has clients outside of sports, including rappers and a sheikh who ordered a hard-to-get Rolex.
      Sam agreed to find the watch as long as he could deliver it in person so the billionaire promptly lined up a private jet to fly him in style.
      On The Garms Dealer, Grealish is super-excited about the designer items Sam has sourced for him, especially some sunglasses. He describes the pair as “rascal” and a Chrome Hearts cap as “ledge”.
      Aces’ £33,700 haul . . .
      JACK GREALISH ordered a £1,100 Louis Vuitton jumper, two Gallery Dept hats for £800 and four pairs of vintage glasses worth £2,320.
      Total: £4,220.
      DECLAN RICE bought a Saint Laurent jacket for £1,600, two Dior hoodies together priced at £2,350, Dior trainers for £810 and Givenchy sneakers for £495.
      Total: £5,255.
      WILFRIED ZAHA purchased a £1,100 Amiri tracksuit “for chilling”, Prada tracksuit £2,020, Palm Angels tracksuit £700, Yeezy foams £1,760 and Prada jacket, of which there were only two in the UK, at £7,300.
      Total: £12,880.
      PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG has ordered a £4,200 Louis Vuitton Prism backpack and Amiri hoodie and shorts for £1,700.
      Total: £5,900.
      PAUL POGBA once ordered Korean brand 99%IS trousers at £1,000, £400 Rhude T-shirts, and another time a pink Amiri leather jacket worth £2,000, Dior B22 trainers worth £980 and Amiri ripped jeans that retail around £1,000.
      Total: £5,380.
      Man City ace Jack models for boohooMANCredit: BOOHOO
      Sam with World Cup winner and former Arsenal ace Mesut OzilCredit: sammorgan/Instagram
      Wheeler dealer Sam with Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick AubameyangCredit: Refer to Caption
      Dior B22 trainers worth £980, Gallery Dept hat £380, Louis Vuitton Prism Backpack £4,200, Amiri tie dye hoodie
      Trevor Sinclair says that there is no desire within the Man Utd team More