Sport Features

RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK is realising his potential in the heart of the Chelsea midfield.The Blues star, 25, excelled against Brentford as the Champions League holders held on for three points, and has become one of the first names on Thomas Tuchel’s teamsheet.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek attended Orchards Academy in Kent from 2007
His form wouldn’t have gone unnoticed at Orchards Academy in Swanley, Kent, where Loftus-Cheek went to school from the ages of 11-16.
SunSport dropped into the mixed secondary institution, approximately 15 miles southeast from Central London to find out more on the national team’s new hero.
Humble, focused and determined, we learned he was always destined to become a footballer, according to his former tutors who have watched his steady-rise from Chelsea youth player to first team starter and England international.

As a pupil at Orchards Academy, Ruben Loftus-Cheek excelled at number of sports
A natural-born athlete, Loftus-Cheek could’ve gone into a number of sports professionally, including tennis, Head of PE Stuart Nicholson revealed.
Nicholson, 45, taught his young protege for six years, helping him grow as a man and as a sportsman on the field.
Loftus-Cheek was already on Chelsea’s books by then, but that didn’t stunt his determination in conquering all at sports day in 2009.
Nicholson told SunSport: “As a young man, he was impressive. But on the football pitch, he was incredible.
At sports day, Ruben Loftus-Cheek was form captain and was victorious
“Ruben was a wonderful footballer from the first time I saw him, he had natural ability.
“First time I met him, he was already associated with Chelsea, who I believe he joined when he was eight or nine.
“He played for a local team in Swanley and was scouted very early and everyone could see in those days he had exceptional talent from day one.
“He played a few times, but he didn’t play every game. Most of the time he was training with Chelsea.
Orchards Academy’s Head of PE Stuart Nicholson taught Ruben Loftus-CheekCredit: Arfa Griffiths – The Sun
“But when he did play, he played with a very successful team. In that year group, he played with a good standard of boys.
“Many of those went on to play semi-professional and at a good standard locally.
“But they weren’t just good at football. They were all-rounders, good at cricket and cross-country.

“Ruben, himself, was very good at table-tennis, long-distance running and tennis.
“I think he had the potential to go into any sporting area he chose, but I think football was the one for him.
Stuart Nicholson revealed Ruben Loftus-Cheek was an all-round sportsmanCredit: Arfa Griffiths – The Sun
“He was so dedicated, you could see that from 12-years-old, to be the best he could be.
“Ruben was the form captain and his form group, unsurprisingly, won at sports day.
“He received the trophy because he was the captain.
“It wouldn’t have been just him, his classmates participated too, but he was certainly the top man in terms of the athletics events he was in.”
When Loftus-Cheek did turn out for his school team, he was literally head-and-shoulders above the rest. He didn’t quite fit his now 6’3″frame, but he wasn’t far off.
Nicholson recalled one performance that had a teacher from a rival school purring about his pupils’ skills.
“We played a school from Bromley away in the Kent Cup and I remember Ruben really stood out.
“It was an early round and his performance was incredible. He was playing this team almost entirely on his own.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek recently visited Orchards Academy to greet staff and their pupils
“The opposition’s PE teacher came up to me and asked me questions about who this boy was that he’d just seen because he was incredible.
“I don’t think he gave away a pass once in that game, and we were playing a school that was bigger and had a better football reputation.
“The opposing teacher couldn’t quite believe what he had witnessed.
“He played central midfield for us back then.
“He was always very athletic and extremely fit. At times he’d play passes that people didn’t even see.
Orchards Academy is in Swanley, KentCredit: Arfa Griffiths – The Sun
“He was a level beyond everyone else on the pitch. He’d see things on the pitch that other people, including myself, couldn’t see.
“But after a few seconds of the ball going into that area, you would realise. He was four, five, six steps ahead of everyone.”
In 2010, Loftus-Cheek was selected for the England under-15s team – a dream for any football-obsessed teenager.
However, when Nicholson pulled the aspiring footballer out of the classroom to share the good news, Loftus-Cheek was remarkably calm when told of his achievement.
The school football pitch which Ruben Loftus-Cheek showed off his skillsCredit: Arfa Griffiths – The Sun
It was almost like he had expected it to happen.
“On one occasion, when he was selected by the England under-15s team, I got notification via an email from the English Schools’ Football Association,” Nicholson explained.
“I was ecstatic for him, so I went to see Ruben in class, got him out of the lesson to tell him the incredible news.
“I shook his hand and said congratulations. He was quite nonchalant, he accepted it, but seemed to know it was going to happen.
PE teachers (from left-to-right) Mr. Wheeler, Mr. Nicholson, Miss Haworth and Mr. Halsey are all delighted by Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s progressCredit: Arfa Griffiths – The Sun
“He always knew he had a chance of making it professionally, I’m sure of that.”
Nicholson praised Loftus-Cheek for setting an example for students at Orchards Academy who fantasise about becoming a Premier League star.
He also confessed it’s inspiring for all the teachers too.
“It gives everybody a lift in the school.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek likes to return to Orchards Academy for sports day to hand out trophies
“Everyone is always talking about his achievements.
“And that’s not only the pupils, the staff get a lift too. It shows the students what they can achieve.
“I know he was exceptionally gifted, but fundamentally he’s just a normal young man who has worked hard and has gone to the top.”
Now that Loftus-Cheek has made it, you could be forgiven for thinking becoming a professional and earning a vast salary would’ve meant he lost touch with his roots.
Happy to stay in contact with teachers at the Orchards Academy, Ruben Loftus-Cheek signs autographs for the pupils
But that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, he regularly visits the school, often to attend his favourite event – sports day – to hand out medals to the kids.
“Ruben comes back for things like sports day to give out trophies,” Nicholson revealed.
“He stays in contact with the school, knows the developments we’re going through and is always interested in what’s going on.
“The pupils went on a school trip to Barcelona and he asked how that was and how well the football teams are doing.
Boys at Orchards Academy couldn’t believe their luck when Ruben Loftus-Cheek dropped into their schoolCredit: Arfa Griffiths – The Sun
“He also joked about wishing he got the chance to go to Barcelona during his time here.
“Our Year 10 won the local cup and he came in to present them with their trophies too.
“Then, he spent half an hour taking pictures with the guys and signing autographs.
“In the afternoon, he hung out with the teachers and after school he played football with the boys in the playground.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek worked his way into the England squad after impressing Gareth Southgate in friendly matchesCredit: Reuters
“The boys really loved it because they got to play with an England and Premier League footballer.
“It was a special moment for them they’re never likely to forget.”
Construction teacher Paul Gregory, a devout Chelsea fan, also spoke of his delight in seeing a former pupil come of age.
The 54-year-old echoed Nicholson’s feelings that Orchards Academy couldn’t have a better member of their alumni than Loftus-Cheek.
Construction teacher Paul Gregory called Ruben Loftus-Cheek an outstanding pupilCredit: Arfa Griffiths – The Sun
“He was an outstanding pupil,” Gregory said.
“What I liked about him was he was always immaculately dressed, always cared about how he looked and his appearance.
“He was really helpful with other students, as well as being a really nice kid.
“I taught woodwork to his really close friends more than him, but they’d all turn up together to class and he was a genuine lad.
“And being a Chelsea fan, I always used to talk to him about the academy there to see how he was getting on.
As a Chelsea fan, Paul Gregory had reason to cheer on Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s rapid riseCredit: Arfa Griffiths – The Sun
“He is a fantastic role model for these kids, and the fact he came back and spent hours with the kids, signed every single autograph speaks volumes for him.
“My son comes to the school and he had a kickabout with him in the playground.
“And the kids here need that sort of role model, especially in this school, because we are in an unprivileged area.
“They need that someone to focus on, someone that will help them aspire to be something.”
Ruben Loftus-Cheek is the perfect role model for kids at Orchards Academy, Paul Gregory revealedCredit: Arfa Griffiths – The Sun
Gregory, who used to coach the school football team, respects the amount of hard work Loftus-Cheek put in to get where he is today.
He was particularly pleased when he saw his former pupil find the net in a FA Cup against Scunthorpe back in 2016.
“When he scored his first goal for Chelsea, my wife and my son were all watching the game on the TV.
“We all cheered, we knew him and it was a great feeling to see someone achieve something like that from such a small school.
When he made his debut against Germany, Ruben Loftus-Cheek gave Ilkay Gundogan the run aroundCredit: Getty – Contributor
“I know how much effort he put in, I live locally and would see him running around town or kicking a ball around.
“He’s a great example of getting through to the kids that if you try hard enough, you can get there. That’s exactly what Ruben did.”
PE teachers Molly Haworth, 28, and Connor Halsey, 27, hope that Loftus-Cheek’s success rubs off on their current students.
They were also wowed by his down-to-earth attitude.
Molly Haworth and Connor Halsey hope Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s success rubs off on their studentsCredit: Arfa Griffiths – The Sun
“He came in to the school recently and all the kids got an instant buzz from him being there,” Molly revealed.
“He didn’t know then he was going to the World Cup in 2018, but we were sure he was going to get picked.
“He seemed quite laid-back about it all, but I think deep-down he was a bit nervous about it.
“When he was walking around the school, he was very cool and chilled out. He spoke a lot about Chelsea and Crystal Palace and enjoying his football.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek excelled on loan at Crystal Palace from 2017-18Credit: Reuters
“He grew up round the corner, so he’s just like one of these kids.
“Their aspirations were encouraged because he was just one of them once upon a time.”
Connor continued: “He’s very humble.

“He’s very relaxed, very down-to-earth. It was like we weren’t even sitting in a room with a Premier League footballer when he was with us in the staff room.
“The kids obviously knew about Ruben coming to Orchards Academy because he comes back regularly for sports day.
Despite reaching the lofty heights, Ruben Loftus-Cheek has remained humble and down-to-earthCredit: Reuters
“But you can see the boys who knew who Ruben was were really spurred on by meeting him and what he had to say.
“Hopefully, they can achieve what he did with that same drive and determination in the future.”
Before we head out the school gates, our heads dizzier than parents of a star pupil getting glowing references at a parents’ evening, we’re grabbed by Catherine Yelding.
Catherine Yelding revealed he was a favourite among the girls at Orchards Academy, but he focused on his footballCredit: Arfa Griffiths – The Sun
“I knew Ruben all the way from first year to 16-years-old,” the 54-year-old, who works in student support told us,
“He was always a really lovely boy, quiet, academic and just really well behaved. He wasn’t a show-off and had a cool, calm, collected personality.
“I think the girls liked him, but he just had his mind on his career and getting his course work done. He was always very focused.”
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ONE of football’s most glam and controversial couples could be no more.On Sunday evening, stunning Argentine beauty Wanda Nara, 34, took to social media to post a cryptic message, ‘Another family that you have ruined for a s***.’
Wanda Icardi has reportedly split from husband Mauro IcardiCredit: Instagram / @wanda_icardi
The Icardis romance reportedly hit the skids after claims the PSG striker cheated on the Argentinian beautyCredit: Instagram / @mauroicardi
She then unfollowed husband and PSG striker Mauro Icardi on Instagram and reportedly left their home in Paris with her five children and went to Milan.
The pair’s fiery relationship has been perfect tabloid fodder around the world.
From the way their romance began with alleged team-mate infidelity to boasts about wild sex 12-times a day and the current cheating scandal, it’s been a rollercoaster of a love affair.
SunSport takes a look at Wanda and Mauro’s seven craziest moments together.
A BUMPY START
Before Mauro, Wanda was married to former Sampdoria and Argentina international Maxi Lopez.
Icardi arrived at Sampdoria in 2011, where he was warmly welcomed by his fellow countryman and his wife.
They enjoyed family holidays together and struck up a firm friendship, although by 2013 Lopez and Wanda’s marriage hit the rocks.
Soon after, Icardi and Wanda were an item, with rumours alleging that they were having an affair behind Lopez’s back.
But Mauro denied the accusation. “I was a friend of the couple, an acquaintance, and it was all very normal,” he said.
Maxi Lopez, centre, used to be pals with Icardi and he and Wanda welcomed him on their breaks togetherCredit: Twitter
Wanda has always denied accusations of infidelityCredit: Instagram / @wanda_icardi
“After that, Wanda split up and we kept in contact, and it just happened.”
Wanda seemingly backed up his claim.
“After the divorce, I had gone back to live in Argentina and already had the kids registered for the new school year,” she said.
“I had to come back to Milan to finalise some paperwork and he offered to lend me his car, leaving me the keys to his house, too.
“He asked if I wanted to have dinner with him, but the fridge was empty. I knocked up some pasta and the rest just happened spontaneously.”
THE WANDA DERBY
Ahead of the 2013-14 season, Icardi was sold to Serie A rivals Inter Milan.
It is not known if that deal happened because of friction between Lopez and Icardi, but it can’t have helped.
Before the campaign came to an end, the soap opera that was their personal lives was played out on the pitch.
Sampdoria took on Inter, with the Italian media humorously calling the game the ‘Wanda derby’.
Maxi Lopez snubs Icardi’s handshake in the ‘Wanda derby’Credit: Getty
Wanda was the object of desire for both Icardi and LopezCredit: Instagram / @wanda_icardi
As the teams took to the pitch, the players exchanged pleasantries. All except Lopez and Icardi, with the former snubbing his former pal’s handshake.
This would happen again two years later, when Lopez refused to shake Icardi’s hand in a match against Torino.
SHOTGUN WEDDING
Wanda began divorce proceedings in December 2013, when reports suggested it was because of Icardi.
Just five months later, Icardi and Nara walked down the aisle in Buenos Aires in an intimate ceremony.
Only 12 guests were invited, astonishingly none of those were his team-mates.
Eight months later, they welcomed their first child together, Francesca – adding to their brood.
For Mauro had already ‘adopted’ her children, Valentino, Constantino, and Benedicto from her previous marriage to Lopez as his own.
Icardi and Nara on their wedding day – just five months after she began divorce proceedings from LopezCredit: Instagram / @mauroicardi
Eight months after their wedding, Wanda and Mauro welcomed daughter Francesca into the worldCredit: Instagram / @mauroicardi
A TATTOOED DECLARATION
A new storyline in the episode of the drama of the Lopez/Icardi/Nara love triangle unravelled after their special day.
And it happened, in unlikely fashion, with some ink.
Icardi decided to get a tattoo that was bound to wind Lopez up with the names of his former team-mates three children on his arm.
A message underneath it says, ‘I love these three little angels’.
Lopez was already irked that Icardi was posting photos of his children on social media without his consent.
“I can understand that, being a public figure, he publishes photos. But I’m not comfortable with my kids being in those photos,” Lopez told Sky Sports.
Icardi wears the names of his children in ink on his torsoCredit: Instagram / @mauroicardi
PSG forward Icardi also caused controversy when he got Lopez’s children’s names tattooed on his armCredit: Instagram / @mauroicardi
‘BEST IN BED’
After complaining that she was sexually starved by Lopez during their marriage, Wanda has been very open about her love life with Icardi.
She boasted about her prowess between the bed sheets earlier this year with a Valentine’s Day message about how she likes to look after her man.
She wrote: “Saint Valentine is….cooking for your love every day, waiting for him with the best steak sandwich prepared by me at 3am after a match…or simply going down to the kitchen in the early hours and preparing the best sandwiches in the world with chicken and avocado…making your favourite deserts in the afternoon…and being the best in bed.”
Former Italy centre Daniele Adani also dished the dirt on a rumour he heard that Icardi and Nara have sex up to 12-times-a-day on Christian Vieri’s Twitch channel.
While, when she was bashed by trolls online she said she performs oral sex on Icardi every night.
Wanda has boasted about being the best in bed and says she knows how to look after her manCredit: Instagram / @wanda_icardi
When trolls online bashed her, Wanda revealed she gives Icardi oral sex every nightCredit: Instagram / @wanda_icardi
CHEATING SCANDAL
However, over the weekend Wanda and Mauro’s partnership seemed to have imploded.
The buxom blonde launched an angry rant on Twitter bearing the message, ”Another family that you have ruined for a s***.’
She then unfollowed Icardi on Twitter, before admitting she had split from him to a friend over a cheating storm.
Wanda’s “I’ve separated” message went viral after it was shared by Argentine showbiz journalist Ker Weinstein, who is said to be “close” to her.
Ker published the note which was reportedly sent to her privately by Paris-based Wanda and wrote alongside it: “‘Bomb’. Mauro and Wanda separated. A real shame. I hope they patch things up. There’s a woman who’s the third party in discordance. I’m in shock.”
Wanda also appeared to confirm she blames actress Maria Eugenia Suarez for trying to snatch Icardi from her, with the two allegedly texting one another.
Suarez has been widely identified as the “third party in discordance” in Argentine media, however the model herself denies the claims, saying: “I have no idea where all this came from. Whoever it may be. I don’t even know them. I myself have just separated.”
On Monday, Wanda shared a snap of her hand without her wedding ring on, captioning the photo: “Good day. I prefer my hand without a ring on it.”
Nara flew to Milan on a private jet with her five children, after reportedly leaving the family home in Paris.
Wanda posted ‘another family you have ruined for a s***’ in an apparent attack on husband Icardi
The next day, Wanda showed off her hand minus her wedding ringCredit: Instagram @wanda_icardi
Model Maria Eugenia Suarez has been suggested as the ‘third party’ that Icardi was texting – however she denies this
TWIST IN THE TALE
Seemingly, Icardi did not give up on Nara.
On Monday, he shared a photo of the two together wishing her ‘Happy Mother’s Day’ on his Instagram.
He also shared another snap of the pair cuddled on a couch together, prompting the belief that they may have reunited.
However, he was notably absent from training with PSG – perhaps using the day to win her love back.
Latest reports suggest that Wanda has flown back to Paris for showdown talks with her beau. However, Argentine press say that she plans to travel to Argentina to put space between her and her husband.
The French club later confirmed that the forward skipped Monday’s session for ‘family reasons’.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino did reveal that he would be in consideration for their important Champions League tie against RB Leipzig.

“Due to personal problems, Mauro hasn’t been able to train today, but is in tomorrow’s squad,” he said.
“Tonight we will analyse the situation and see if he can be with the group.”
Whether he’s welcomed back to his family group, though, is still up for debate.
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NEWCASTLE fans finally got their wish with Steve Bruce given the boot.His sacking comes after a dismal run of results, and more significantly, an ambitious Saudi takeover that is planning to completely overhaul the club.
Steve Bruce was sacked by Newcastle after a run of dismal resultsCredit: Getty
The ex Man Utd captain has always been a loveable figure in the gameCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
The fans will be delighted after voicing their unhappiness in the stands at St James’ Park for the past year.
But, whatever they say about the ex-Man Utd star, you can’t help but love some of the things he’s done, even if you don’t agree with some of his decisions in running the football club.
From hosting the worst house party EVER to writing Agatha Christie style mystery novels revolving around the beautiful game, here’s seven reasons why he’s loveable.
RUBBISH PARTY
In 1993, Manchester United ended a 26-year run without a title by lifting the Premier League without playing a game.
Once Oldham beat title rivals Aston Villa, Bruce rallied the troops round his for a tame house party.
Their Wags were there, as was Eric Cantona and Mark Hughes – sporting a backwards baseball cap.
The beer was flowing too, but they weren’t at a super club like many footballers would be today.
Most of them were parked in Bruce’s living room or kitchen. Astonishingly, someone decided to film it all on a camcorder.
Steve Bruce threw a rubbish house party after United’s title win in 1993
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MOVE OVER AGATHA CHRISTIE
Between 1999-2000, Bruce fancied himself as a writer – penning three books, Striker! Sweeper! and Defender!
The novels, which Bruce himself called “a laughing stock”, are semi-autobiographical – the lead character is called Steve Barnes.
And the plots and the literature itself are laughable too.
However, somehow they’ve become cult classics that have fetched up to £200 on eBay and Amazon, if you can find the rarities that is.
In the late 90s Bruce fancied himself as a novelistCredit: Newsteam
Bruce wrote a trilogy of books, including Sweeper!Credit: Paragon Press
DRIVING A TRACTOR
During lockdown some of us learned new skills.
Steve Bruce was not immune to developing himself further either. He relocated to a home in Cheshire, where he busied himself with a bit of farming.
He brilliantly told the Daily Star: “I have been busy on the tractor turning the land over.
“And I’ll be busy over the next few weeks, doing the house up as well.
“I’d far rather be at the Newcastle training ground with my staff and the players.
“But this gives me the opportunity to do something completely different.”
When lockdown halted football, Bruce took to farmingCredit: Reuters
SOCIAL MEDIA
It’s fair to say Bruce isn’t a fan of social media.
What with the constant abuse he received online from Magpies fans during his tenure, he can be forgiven.
But, it did help him find his lost dog, as he revealed once in a press conference.
“I was talking with my son about abuse a referee was getting and he said ‘Dad, it’s nothing compared to what you get.’ I looked and was like ‘wow’, Bruce said.
“But on the flip side social media got me my dog back after it ran away from a Firework display.”
Bruce revealed he isn’t a fan of social media, although it helped him get his lost dog backCredit: Social Media – Refer to Source
NOISY CHAIR SITTER
In fairness we all do it, so we’re not bashing Bruce.
And, if anything, it makes him completely relatable.
But, like your uncle might, every time he sits or gets up from a chair for a press conference, he’s certainly noisy with it.
The effort of getting up is sometimes too much for Bruce, who lets out an “ohoo” whenever he does. Just watch the video.

QUICKER THAN SAINT-MAXIMIN
If FIFA 22 would have you believe, Steve Bruce is grease lightning.
A clip from the popular video game showing Newcastle winning a penalty shootout and the coach running onto the pitch went viral last month.
Hilariously, the pixel version of Bruce outsprints ALL his subs as he legs it from his technical area to celebrate with his players on the pitch.
One fan tweeted: “I knew FIFA pace was a lie when Steve Bruce outpaced the whole Newcastle team.”
Video game Bruce is much faster than the real thing

NEARLY BECAME A PLUMBER
Bruce played for Newcastle schoolboys, but was rejected by the club when he turned 16.
There were also snubs from Sunderland, Bolton Wanderers, Sheffield Wednesday and Southport, who all deemed him too small to play centre back.
Thinking his football dream might be over, he signed on to be a trainee plumber at Swan Hunter shipyard.
As fate would have it, a week before he was due to start, Gillingham have him a call and offered him an apprenticeship. The rest is history.
Before Steve Bruce made it as a footballer, he almost became a plumberCredit: Alan Cozzi
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ONE of football’s most glam and controversial couples could be no more.On Sunday evening, stunning Argentine beauty Wanda Nara, 34, took to social media to post a cryptic message, ‘Another family that you have ruined for a s***.’
Wanda Icardi has reportedly split from husband Mauro IcardiCredit: Instagram / @wanda_icardi
The Icardis romance reportedly hit the skids after claims the PSG striker cheated on the Argentinian beautyCredit: Instagram / @mauroicardi
She then unfollowed husband and PSG striker Mauro Icardi on Instagram and reportedly left their home in Paris with her five children and went to Milan.
The pair’s fiery relationship has been perfect tabloid fodder around the world.
From the way their romance began with alleged team-mate infidelity to boasts about wild sex 12-times a day and the current cheating scandal, it’s been a rollercoaster of a love affair.
SunSport takes a look at Wanda and Mauro’s seven craziest moments together.
A BUMPY START
Before Mauro, Wanda was married to former Sampdoria and Argentina international Maxi Lopez.
Icardi arrived at Sampdoria in 2011, where he was warmly welcomed by his fellow countryman and his wife.
They enjoyed family holidays together and struck up a firm friendship, although by 2013 Lopez and Wanda’s marriage hit the rocks.
Soon after, Icardi and Wanda were an item, with rumours alleging that they were having an affair behind Lopez’s back.
But Mauro denied the accusation. “I was a friend of the couple, an acquaintance, and it was all very normal,” he said.
Maxi Lopez, centre, used to be pals with Icardi and he and Wanda welcomed him on their breaks togetherCredit: Twitter
Wanda has always denied accusations of infidelityCredit: Instagram / @wanda_icardi
“After that, Wanda split up and we kept in contact, and it just happened.”
Wanda seemingly backed up his claim.
“After the divorce, I had gone back to live in Argentina and already had the kids registered for the new school year,” she said.
“I had to come back to Milan to finalise some paperwork and he offered to lend me his car, leaving me the keys to his house, too.
“He asked if I wanted to have dinner with him, but the fridge was empty. I knocked up some pasta and the rest just happened spontaneously.”
THE WANDA DERBY
Ahead of the 2013-14 season, Icardi was sold to Serie A rivals Inter Milan.
It is not known if that deal happened because of friction between Lopez and Icardi, but it can’t have helped.
Before the campaign came to an end, the soap opera that was their personal lives was played out on the pitch.
Sampdoria took on Inter, with the Italian media humorously calling the game the ‘Wanda derby’.
Maxi Lopez snubs Icardi’s handshake in the ‘Wanda derby’Credit: Getty
Wanda was the object of desire for both Icardi and LopezCredit: Instagram / @wanda_icardi
As the teams took to the pitch, the players exchanged pleasantries. All except Lopez and Icardi, with the former snubbing his former pal’s handshake.
This would happen again two years later, when Lopez refused to shake Icardi’s hand in a match against Torino.
SHOTGUN WEDDING
Wanda began divorce proceedings in December 2013, when reports suggested it was because of Icardi.
Just five months later, Icardi and Nara walked down the aisle in Buenos Aires in an intimate ceremony.
Only 12 guests were invited, astonishingly none of those were his team-mates.
Eight months later, they welcomed their first child together, Francesca – adding to their brood.
For Mauro had already ‘adopted’ her children, Valentino, Constantino, and Benedicto from her previous marriage to Lopez as his own.
Icardi and Nara on their wedding day – just five months after she began divorce proceedings from LopezCredit: Instagram / @mauroicardi
Eight months after their wedding, Wanda and Mauro welcomed daughter Francesca into the worldCredit: Instagram / @mauroicardi
A TATTOOED DECLARATION
A new storyline in the episode of the drama of the Lopez/Icardi/Nara love triangle unravelled after their special day.
And it happened, in unlikely fashion, with some ink.
Icardi decided to get a tattoo that was bound to wind Lopez up with the names of his former team-mates three children on his arm.
A message underneath it says, ‘I love these three little angels’.
Lopez was already irked that Icardi was posting photos of his children on social media without his consent.
“I can understand that, being a public figure, he publishes photos. But I’m not comfortable with my kids being in those photos,” Lopez told Sky Sports.
Icardi wears the names of his children in ink on his torsoCredit: Instagram / @mauroicardi
PSG forward Icardi also caused controversy when he got Lopez’s children’s names tattooed on his armCredit: Instagram / @mauroicardi
‘BEST IN BED’
After complaining that she was sexually starved by Lopez during their marriage, Wanda has been very open about her love life with Icardi.
She boasted about her prowess between the bed sheets earlier this year with a Valentine’s Day message about how she likes to look after her man.
She wrote: “Saint Valentine is….cooking for your love every day, waiting for him with the best steak sandwich prepared by me at 3am after a match…or simply going down to the kitchen in the early hours and preparing the best sandwiches in the world with chicken and avocado…making your favourite deserts in the afternoon…and being the best in bed.”
Former Italy centre Daniele Adani also dished the dirt on a rumour he heard that Icardi and Nara have sex up to 12-times-a-day on Christian Vieri’s Twitch channel.
While, when she was bashed by trolls online she said she performs oral sex on Icardi every night.
Wanda has boasted about being the best in bed and says she knows how to look after her manCredit: Instagram / @wanda_icardi
When trolls online bashed her, Wanda revealed she gives Icardi oral sex every nightCredit: Instagram / @wanda_icardi
CHEATING SCANDAL
However, over the weekend Wanda and Mauro’s partnership seemed to have imploded.
The buxom blonde launched an angry rant on Twitter bearing the message, ”Another family that you have ruined for a s***.’
She then unfollowed Icardi on Twitter, before admitting she had split from him to a friend over a cheating storm.
Wanda’s “I’ve separated” message went viral after it was shared by Argentine showbiz journalist Ker Weinstein, who is said to be “close” to her.
Ker published the note which was reportedly sent to her privately by Paris-based Wanda and wrote alongside it: “‘Bomb’. Mauro and Wanda separated. A real shame. I hope they patch things up. There’s a woman who’s the third party in discordance. I’m in shock.”
Wanda also appeared to confirm she blames actress Maria Eugenia Suarez for trying to snatch Icardi from her, with the two allegedly texting one another.
Suarez has been widely identified as the “third party in discordance” in Argentine media, however the model herself denies the claims, saying: “I have no idea where all this came from. Whoever it may be. I don’t even know them. I myself have just separated.”
On Monday, Wanda shared a snap of her hand without her wedding ring on, captioning the photo: “Good day. I prefer my hand without a ring on it.”
Nara flew to Milan on a private jet with her five children, after reportedly leaving the family home in Paris.
Wanda posted ‘another family you have ruined for a s***’ in an apparent attack on husband Icardi
The next day, Wanda showed off her hand minus her wedding ringCredit: Instagram @wanda_icardi
Model Maria Eugenia Suarez has been suggested as the ‘third party’ that Icardi was texting – however she denies this
TWIST IN THE TALE
Seemingly, Icardi did not give up on Nara.
On Monday, he shared a photo of the two together wishing her ‘Happy Mother’s Day’ on his Instagram.
He also shared another snap of the pair cuddled on a couch together, prompting the belief that they may have reunited.
However, he was notably absent from training with PSG – perhaps using the day to win her love back.
Latest reports suggest that Wanda has flown back to Paris for showdown talks with her beau. However, Argentine press say that she plans to travel to Argentina to put space between her and her husband.
The French club later confirmed that the forward skipped Monday’s session for ‘family reasons’.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino did reveal that he would be in consideration for their important Champions League tie against RB Leipzig.

“Due to personal problems, Mauro hasn’t been able to train today, but is in tomorrow’s squad,” he said.
“Tonight we will analyse the situation and see if he can be with the group.”
Whether he’s welcomed back to his family group, though, is still up for debate.
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WHAT do you get the girl who has everything?Well, if you have Cristiano Ronaldo’s millions the answer is simple… a £105,000 Louis Vuitton jewellery trunk, of course.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez lead an expensive romance
Ronaldo stunned Rodriguez by gifting her a £105,000 Louis Vuitton jewellery trunkCredit: Instagram @georginagio
The Man Utd legend, 36, left partner Georgina Rodriguez, 27, speechless with his latest gift for the Spanish beauty.
But it should come as no surprise that this loved-up pair lead an extravagant romance.
After all, they live a life of luxury and are accustomed to ONLY the finer things in life.
SunSport takes a peak at their glam lifestyle, as well as a penchant for spoiling each other.
BEST BIRTHDAY EVER
Now, not only is Georgina beautiful, she’s also incredibly generous.
Just ask Cristiano what the former Gucci shop assistant got him for his 35th birthday.
The pair first went on a dinner-date, before she had a present waiting outside the restaurant in Turin for him.
As he walked outside, in front of his eyes was a customised Mercedes G-Class Brabus SUV worth a staggering £300,000 waiting for him.
Even better, it was gift-wrapped with a big red bow.
For date night on Ronaldo’s 35th birthday Georgina had a special gift waiting outside a restaurantCredit: Social Media – Refer to Source
Georgina gave her beau a £300,000 Mercedes G-Class Brabus SUV on his special dayCredit: BackGrid
GLAM HOLIDAYS
While you and I might be happy with a week in Benidorm, Georgina and Cristiano do things a bit differently, and certainly with more sophistication.
In recent years, the pair have enjoyed Mediterranean breaks away on board their luxury £5.5m yacht, as you do.
After the Euros, Ronaldo whisked Georgina away to Madeira last summer, where they lounged on board their Azimut Grande boat.
It boasts five luxury cabins and six stunningly decorated bathrooms.
There’s also a modern kitchen onboard, as well as two relaxation areas, a huge lounge, and a lavish dining room.
Before that, the jet-set couple stayed in a £10,000-per-night mansion in Majorca with a helipad, tennis court, pool and spa.
Ronaldo and Rodriguez also love going to Greece, and once went to Costa Navarino where they were said to have tipped hotel staff a whopping £18,000.
Glam breaks away on board their £5.5m yacht have become the norm for Ronaldo and partner Rodriguez
Georgina Rodriguez is certainly making the most of her holidayCredit: Instagram @georginagio
The Juventus striker has been resting ahead of the new season with partner Georgina Rodriguez and his four children with trips out on his luxury yacht.
Ronaldo splashed out a whopping £10k-a-night to stay at a luxury resort in Majorca last summer
The mansion in Majorca even has its own helipad
RUN THE JEWELS
Between them, Cristiano and Georgina have amassed a jewellery collection to die for.
In fact, we roughly estimated between them their extravagant pieces were worth a combined £3million.
Last year, Ronaldo gifted his beloved an engagement ring from Cartier said to be valued at £615,000.
The ring is emblazoned with a large sapphire stone and encrusted with diamonds, and the most expensive a footballer has gifted their Wag ever.
Georgina often pairs the ring on nights out with a £33,000 Patek Philippe TWENTY 4 in 18 carat rose gold watch, as well as three diamond bracelets worth £25,000 each.
Cristiano’s love of jewellery extends further than the pair of diamond studs he wears in his ears.
At the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards in 2020 he was spotted wearing the most expensive Rolex ever – a £380,000 GMT Master Ice.
But that’s not his most expensive timepiece. Back in 2018, he wore a £1.2million Franck Muller timepiece during a press conference ahead of a match for Juventus against United.
Georgina loves spending money on expensive jewelleryCredit: Splash
Spanish beauty Rodriguez shows off her £615,000 sparkler on board a private jetCredit: Instagram
While Ronaldo wore a £1.2m Franck Muller watch for a press conferenceCredit: Reuters
NICE ALLOWANCE
Maintenance is key for any self-respecting Wag.
But when your footballing other half is Cristiano Ronaldo, the limit of your spending is unimaginable.
When the ex-Real Madrid star was playing for Juventus, earning a staggering £28million-per-year, he ensured Georgina was looked after.
According to a report in Italy, the all-time international goalscorer gives her an £80,000-per-month allowance.
Georgina does have one child together with Ronaldo, two-year-old daughter Alana Martina. However, she also raises his three other children, so the money will be spent on them.
However, fashion is of importance too.
Ronaldo reportedly gives Rodriguez a £80,000-per-month allowanceCredit: Instagram
Rodriguez is the world’s best-kept WagCredit: PrettyLittleThing
DESIGNERWEAR
With all that money at her disposal, Georgina isn’t afraid to go on a spending spree – with Prada being a big beneficiary.
In the summer of 2020, on board their lavish yacht, she was snapped ‘lounging’ in a £2,500 outfit.
Impressively, she was head-to-toe in the Italian designer.
Her socks alone cost £140, along with £510 shorts, £705 shoes, and a pricey £1,120 leather jacket.
While, handbags are also this girl’s best friend. Her extensive collection, as seen on Instagram, features a £146,000 crocodile Birkin bag.
Rodriguez shows off a £2,500 Prada outfit on board their yachtCredit: Instagram
Fashionable Rodriguez sports a Louis Vuitton coatCredit: Getty
Ronaldo and Rodriguez cut stylish figures on the red carpetCredit: Getty – Contributor
PET SMART
Forget a designer dog, Cristiano and Georgina are more into cats.
In 2018, the Portugal legend splashed £2,600 on a bald Sphynx, the ultimate accessory for any mansion.
The hairless creature called ‘Pepe’, after a former team-mate, became a hit on Instagram – often appearing in snaps with the two.
However, in 2021 the cat escaped from their Turin home and was sadly hit by a car.
Luckily though, Pepe survived the encounter and was taken to Spain on a private plane after it was released from intensive care.
The family pet is a £2,600 Sphynx catCredit: Instagram/georgiagio
Ronaldo reportedly named it Pepe after his international team-mate of the same nameCredit: Instagram @cristiano
HOMES FIT FOR A KING & QUEEN
Over the years, as Ronaldo has moved clubs the couple have lived in lavish homes in Madrid, Turin, and now Manchester.
When Georgina and Cristiano first began dating, he lived in a £4.8million abode in the expensive La Finca neighbourhood, designed by renowned architect Joaquin Torres.
However, when his time at Los Blancos came to an end – it was time for them to move country together.
Their Italian adventure saw them move to a home that featured two adjoining villas found on a private road guarded by security.
It boasted a state of the art gym, which they used together during lockdown.
In 2019, Ronaldo reportedly spent £1.4million on a holiday home in the Costa del Sol.
The area the lavish house sits in is called ‘The Superstars Cul-De-Sac’ because of the number of famous residents who live there, including UFC star Conor McGregor.
Ronaldo lived in a stunning £4.8m home in the posh La Finca region of MadridCredit: Instagram @cristiano
Ronaldo’s former home in Turin featured two adjoining villasCredit: Instagram
A view of Cristiano Ronaldo’s plush villa in MarbellaCredit: OTERO Group

Now, the pair are living in a £3million home in Cheshire, although it’s already the second place they’ve lived in since Ronaldo returned to Manchester.
As SunSport reported, the first house they lived in was too noisy for Ronaldo, who was being kept awake by nearby sheep.
They’ve got followers on social media, as well as in the field.
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FOOTBALL boots have become essential to a Premier League star’s peformance.The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Mo Salah rake in millions through sponsorship deals with Nike and Adidas respectively.

But, have you ever wondered what is the most popular football boot worn by footballers in England’s top flight?
Thank to the Football Boots Database, SunSport can give you the answer.
And unsurprisingly, it’s a pair of cleats that Manchester United legend Ronaldo gets behind that are the most commonly used by the pros.
MOST POPULAR
Incredibly, 111 Prem players wear the Nike Mecurial range, which are also worn by European superstars Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.
Most prominently on our shores it’s Cristiano who favours a pair of the Superfly VIII Elite CR110’s that cost £250.
His United team-mates Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho also prefer Mercurials – specifically the Superfly VIII Elite that can cost as much as £230.
While Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang wears the Superfly Heritage range, which boot collectors are charging up to £375 online.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Nike Mercurials are most popular boots in PremCredit: Getty
Ronaldo’s Superfly VIII Elite CR110 cost £250
The Superfly VIII Elite are worn by Ronaldo’s team-mates Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes
SECOND PLACE
In second spot, and only by the smallest of margins, is the Adidas X boots.
106 top-flight stars wear their different varieties of models, which seem to favour quick forwards.
Liverpool’s Salah is the poster boy for the X Speedflow.1 boot. They retail at around £180.
Tottenham’s South Korean international Heung-min Son goes with the Speedflow+, which are a bit pricier at £230.
Adidas X Speedflow.1 is a favourite among many Prem footballers
Liverpool star Mo Salah models the £180 Adidas X Speedflow.1Credit: Getty
A FAVOURITE FOR PLAYMAKERS
There certainly aren’t a shortage of No10s in our football.
And 72 of them are fans of Nike’s Phantom GT boots, which are favoured by the likes of Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne, and Mason Mount.
The most quintessential boot for playmakers, because of its super grip to maximise control, their GT 2 Elite DF will set you back around £185.
If it’s good enough for De Bruyne…
Nike’s Phantom GT 2 Elite DF boots are a favourite among the skilful playmakers
Kevin De Bruyne is a fan of Nike’s GT seriesCredit: Getty
OLD SCHOOL
It’s amazing to think that the Adidas Predator range began back in 1994 – some 27 years ago.
And still 51 players in the Prem today are wearing their boots.
Paul Pogba is the biggest name with his Pulse UCL. They cost an eye-watering £300.
Plenty of goalkeepers wear the £185 Freak+ too, including Gunners keeper Aaron Ramsdale.
The Adidas Predator Pulse UCL cost an eye-watering £300
Paul Pogba favours the Predator Pulse UCL bootsCredit: Getty
THE SLOW BURNER
In recent years, New Balance have entered the football boot market.
However, there are only eight pros wearing their boots in the Premier League.

It’s the Furon model that is the ticket for the likes of Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling and Sadio Mane.
All pacy wingers, their lightweight Furon 6+ boots will set you back £180.
Which boots do you swear by?
New Balance’s Furon 6+ boots are worn by the likes of Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, and Sadio Mane

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