Sport Features

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 150 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      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

    • 263 Shares149 Views

      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

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Antonio Conte’s craziest moments, from touchline rows and fighting his players to getting thrown in bath in his pants

      by

      ANTONIO CONTE will definitely bring plenty of passion to the sidelines as the new Tottenham manager.The Italian, 52, has been handed the reigns at Spurs, following the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo, on an 18-month deal worth £15million a year.
      Antonio Conte will provide plenty of passion and high jinks at TottenhamCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      That means fans can expect plenty of high jinks as Conte tries to turn the Premier League giants’ fortunes around.
      From wild goal celebrations, including diving into the crowd, to getting thrown into cold baths by his players, the former Chelsea boss has had some crazy moments in the game.
      Here’s some crazy moments that have stood out for SunSport.
      TOUCHLINE ANTICS
      There’s no doubt about it, Conte is a passionate man.
      If he’s not rowing with his staff on the bench or gesticulating wildly to his players and arguing with officials, he’s jumping for joy when his team scores.
      Case in point at Stamford Bridge in a 2017 tussle with Arsenal. After the Blues went 2-0 up thanks to an Eden Hazard solo goal, Conte was delirious.
      The enigmatic boss flung himself into the stands and hugged a group of enthusiastic supporters.
      He has also been known to swing off dugouts, throw himself to the ground in his technical area when unhappy and fling his hands in the air at the crowd to get fans behind his team.
      Conte dives into the fans to celebrate Chelsea’s goal against ArsenalCredit: AFP or licensors
      The dugout is like a playground for Conte, who hangs from itCredit: Rex Features
      Animated scenes on on the touchline are the norm for ConteCredit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun
      LET THEM EAT CAKE
      Press conferences can be dull affairs, although Conte does his best to liven things up.
      If he’s not laughing infectiously like cartoon dog Muttley to deflect questions, he’s eating cake in them.
      That happened in 2017, when Chelsea had just thrashed Leicester City 3-0 and their title credentials were being discussed.
      A peckish Conte noticed that one of the journalists had some cake, as he was quizzed.
      He revealed he hadn’t eaten and asked if he could try some.
      After grabbing a fork and tucking in, he told his audience: “It’s very good!”
      During a press conference Conte tucked into a journalist’s cakeCredit: Sky Sports
      TAKING ON MOURINHO
      There’s certainly no love lost between Conte and Jose Mourinho.
      When the pair were on our shores, it’s fair to say they never saw eye-to-eye. In fact, they were regularly at each other’s throats.
      The Special One stooped low by poking fun at Conte’s hair transplant, inferred he was a “clown” because of his goal celebrations, and alluded to his match-fixing scandal.
      However, Conte is no shrinking violet.
      He called Mourinho a “little man” and told him to concentrate on affairs at his own club (Manchester United at the time) because he spends too much time thinking about Chelsea.
      When the two sides met, there was even a coming together on the touchline with both barking at one another. It was settled, though, with a handshake.

      Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte lock horns on the touchlineCredit: Getty – Contributor
      KEEP YOUR HAIR ON
      Of course, Mourinho isn’t the first footballer to ‘discuss’ Conte’s thatch.
      During his playing days at Juventus, the Italian’s mane was thinning and it is believed he had a hair transplant.
      However, Sevilla star Ever Banega was convinced the coach was wearing a wig during the Europa League final clash between the LaLiga side and Inter Milan.
      The Argentine midfielder taunted Conte who was patrolling the touchline. And according to various outlets, he decided to mock Conte’s hair during a feisty exchange during the clash.
      Banega is reported to have started the row, saying: “Let’s see if that wig is real”.
      In response, Conte allegedly told Banega he would, “see him after the game.”
      Conte had a furious bust-up with Sevilla star Banega over his hair transplantCredit: BT Sport
      BOXING CLEVER
      Over the years, hard taskmaster Conte has had his clashes with players.
      But it was an incident with Argentinian star Lautaro Martinez last season that threatened to spoil Inter’s title-winning party.
      The forward took exception to being subbed off on with 13 minutes to spare – after being introduced as a 36th minute sub for the injured Alexis Sanchez.
      The fiery Martinez ignored his manager on the touchline and booted a water bottle before throwing his shirt to the ground.
      Conte then reportedly shouted at his striker: “You need to shut up, have you understood?”
      However, days later Conte and Martinez were seen stepping inside a makeshift ring at the training ground in a brilliant video.
      Romelu Lukaku channeled his inner Michael Buffer by being ring announcer.
      The pair were all smiles as they traded a few jabs, but all was forgotten and they had clearly moved on.
      Lautaro Martinez and Conte have a boxing match at Inter’s training ground after their bust-upCredit: YouTube / Inter
      BUT IT DIDN’T END HAPPILY WITH COSTA
      Not everyone toes the line.
      Diego Costa was famed for his fiery temperament, liking a beer and had a nightclub in his Surrey home.
      You can imagine that didn’t sit well with Conte, who had an almighty bust-up with the striker.
      First, the equally temperamental Conte told Costa he wasn’t part of his first team plans… by text message, which didn’t sit well
      Then, he refused to let him leave when he wanted to make a money-spinning move to China.
      Diego Costa rarely saw eye-to-eye with Conte at ChelseaCredit: Getty – Contributor
      PANTS OFF
      Proving he is game for a laugh, Conte was all smiles in 2013 when he was thrown into a cold bath by his players.
      The incident occurred after Juventus had claimed their 29th Serie A title.
      Stripped down to his tiny whites, the gaffer was carried by a group of stars into the shower area.
      Waiting for him was an ice bath, which he was dunked in before quickly emerging and wrapping himself up in a towel.
      Imagine what awaits if he wins something with Spurs.
      Conte was carried through the Juventus dressing room in his pantsCredit: Juventus Fc
      After he was dunked into a ice bath, Conte emerged smilingCredit: Juventus Fc
      Danny Murphy warns Tottenham fans to ‘forget about free flowing football’ if Antonio Conte takes charge from axed Nuno More

    • 250 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      I met Harry Kane and Jordan Pickford playing Fortnite – now they 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 old 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

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      The shortest managerial reigns in Premier League history as Nuno Espirito Santo is sacked by Spurs after four months

      by

      THERE is a changing of the guard at Spurs.Tottenham have sacked manager Nuno Espirito Santo, after just four months in charge.
      Portuguese boss Nuno Espirito Santo was sacked by Spurs after just ten league gamesCredit: Getty
      The Portuguese boss, 47, lasted just ten league games until Daniel Levy wielded his axe.
      His reign is one of the shortest in Premier League history, but others were given their matching orders sooner.
      Here’s 11 bosses who took a bullet before they could get their feet under the door.
      PEPE MEL, 120 DAYS
      The former West Brom boss held his position from January 9 to May 12, but was relieved of his duties after the Baggies survived the drop by three points.
      However, his tenure was best remembered by the epic fallouts he had with playing staff.
      Mel sacked Nicolas Anelka, while Saido Berahino and James Morrison had a heated dressing room fight.
      West Brom won just three of his 17 games at the club.
      Pepe Mel arrived at West Brom with much fanfare but won just three of his 17 games at the clubCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      STEVE WIGLEY, 107 DAYS
      In 2004, Wigley was a surprise choice to replace Paul Sturrock on a permanent basis as Southampton manager.
      But the former Nottingham Forest star was highly thought of on the South Coast, already impressing as a youth team coach.
      Fans were also against Glenn Hoddle returning to the club, so the decision became easy.
      14 games later, though, and Saints fans soon changed their tune and turned on him after just one win.
      Steve Wigley went from youth coach to first team boss, but flopped at SaintsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      CLAUDIO RANIERI, 106 DAYS
      After the Leicester title-winning miracle, Ranieri’s return to our shores came at relegation threatened Fulham in 2019.
      But with just three wins from his 16 games, he was unable to save the Cottagers from the drop.
      In-squad fighting between Aboubakar Kamara and Aleksandr Mitrovic during a squad yoga session certainly didn’t help.
      Like Espirito Santo at Spurs, Ranieri was also faced with ‘you don’t know what you’re doing’ chants in his final game – a 2-0 defeat to Southampton.
      Claudio Ranieri faced chants of ‘you don’t know what you’re doing’ during his time at FulhamCredit: Reuters
      TONY ADAMS, 106 DAYS
      The Arsenal legend had a brief spell as Wycombe boss before being hired by Portsmouth to take over from Harry Redknapp in 2009.
      However, his cause wasn’t helped by the sales of Jermain Defoe and Lassana Diarra before the transfer window closed.
      Memorably, his Pompey side almost caused an upset in the UEFA Cup – leading 2-0 against the mighty AC Milan, before they were pegged back for a 2-2 draw.
      Two wins from 16 games wasn’t enough to save his bacon.
      Inexperienced Tony Adams endured a woeful spell at PortsmouthCredit: AFP
      COLIN TODD, 98 DAYS
      During the 2001-02 season, Todd was brought in to replace legendary Derby boss Jim Smith with the club lying in 19th place in the league.
      Matters weren’t helped with no financial support to bring in new players, and talented youngsters Malcolm Christie, Seth Johnson and Chris Riggott having their heads turned with links to bigger clubs.
      Johnson did go, in the end, to Leeds. But Christie and Riggot stayed for the fight.
      An FA Cup defeat to fourth tier Bristol City saw Todd fired.
      Colin Todd’s time at Derby County lasted just 98 daysCredit: PA:Press Association
      TERRY CONNOR, 91 DAYS
      With Wolves struggling in the Premier League in 2012, they turned to Connor after sacking his pal, Mick McCarthy.
      It was a mistake Jez Moxey, the club’s chief executive, would soon regret – promising before hiring Connor he would be looking to appoint an experienced hand.
      With 13 games left to play, Wanderers failed to pick up a win and finished the campaign rock bottom of the league.
      That summer, Connor was back as assistant – leaving the club just months later.
      Terry Connor managed Wolves for 13 games but didn’t win a single matchCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      QUIQUE SANCHEZ FLORES, 85 DAYS
      The suave Spaniard returned to Watford in 2019, when the Hornets disposed of Javi Gracia – who months earlier had led the club to an FA Cup final.
      In his first spell, Flores led the London side to a mid table finish.
      Second time around, though, he was unable to replicate the magic.
      In fact, it was a bit of a disaster all round, winning just once and getting hammered 8-0 by Manchester City.
      Quique Sanchez Flores’ second spell with Watford proved to be a disaster
      BOB BRADLEY, 84 DAYS
      Before Ted Lasso, there was Bob Bradley.
      The American beat Ryan Giggs to the vacant Swansea post in 2016. However, he was soon poked fun of by fans for calling away games “road games”.
      The “long term appointment” as chairman Huw Jenkins called it, was anything but.
      Bradley was given the boot after just 11 games, picking up just eight points from a possible 33.
      Bob Bradley’s Americanisms were poked fun at during his time as Swansea bossCredit: PA:Press Association
      FRANK DE BOER, 77 DAYS
      Palace should have known.
      Before turning up in South London in 2017, the Dutch legend failed spectacularly at Inter Milan and was fired 85 days in the job.
      Here, he bettered that by eight days – just fours games into the league season.
      In that time, Palace had lost all their games without scoring.
      Frank de Boer managed Crystal Palace for just four league games before he was sackedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      RENE MEULENSTEEN, 75 DAYS
      From being Sir Alex Ferguson’s right hand man and leading the coaching at Manchester United to being his own boss, Meulensteen got his opportunity with Brondby, first, but that was a disaster.
      Evidently asking his players to find their spirit animals and then quizzing each one about what animal they wanted to be alienated his Danish stars.
      He didn’t appear to make that mistake at Fulham from 2013, but couldn’t win for toffee.
      After 13 games, he was off probably counting his chickens.
      Rene Meulensteen was fired by the Cottagers after just 13 gamesCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      LES REED, 41 DAYS
      Ironically, the worst football manager in the Premier League wrote the handbook  ‘The Official FA Guide to Basic Team Coaching’ before taking on the role of Charlton boss in 2006.
      In just six weeks, the Addicks were beaten by lowly Wycombe in the league cup and won once in the league.

      His gloomy demeanour on the touchline also earned him the nickname ‘Les Miserables’ with things coming to a head before Christmas.
      He was sacked on December 24, with Alan Pardew soon appointed.
      Not quite the present Charlton fans would’ve wanted.
      Les Reed wrote the book on coaching, but he couldn’t hack the top job at CharltonCredit: Action Images More