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    Tottenham target Antonio Conte’s hair through the years, from full thatch at 20 to balding at Juventus to transplant

    HE could be hair today, gone tomorrow.Antonio Conte, 52, is believed to be leading the race to take over the reigns at Tottenham.
    Antonio Conte is the hot favourite to take over from Nuno Santo at Man Utd
    Nuno Santo has been given his marching orders after a woeful start to his reign.
    And while Spurs fans have been pulling their hair out in recent weeks, you can bet Conte won’t be grabbing at his if he replaces Nuno.
    The Italian tactician’s thatch has been the talk of the football world through the years.
    From when he started as a player at Lecce with fuller hair to a comb over at Juventus and now a mop as a manager, SunSport looks at Conte’s ever-changing hairstyles through the years.
    1988
    At the tender age of just 20, Conte began his football career with his hometown club Lecce.
    Ahead of the 1988-89 season, he posed for a club photo – showing off an impressively thick head of hair a Hollywood film star would’ve wanted.
    At this point, there was very little indication he was losing any.
    Aged 20, Conte sports movie star hairCredit: Getty
    1993
    Within five years, a bald spot appears to be forming on the top of Conte’s head.
    He decides the best thing for it is to shave his hair, perhaps to disguise the balding.
    Still, he is as competitive as ever – flying into a tackle against rivals Inter Milan.
    With a shaved head, Conte looks to be thinning up top in 1993Credit: Getty
    1994
    When representing your country, it’s imperative you look the part.
    Especially if that’s at a World Cup, like this snap from 1994 was.
    As Conte lined up against Mexico, there are some curls in there and although it’s bushy on the side you can’t help but see scalp on the front.
    At the 1994 World Cup, Conte’s curly locks appeared thinCredit: Getty
    1996
    Deciding to grow his hair long now, Conte has blonde locks added for distraction. His hairline has taken a huge hit – perhaps with the added pressure of playing for Italy’s most famous club.
    This photocall snap from the mid-90s shows a definite thinning up top.
    But he kept on growing it.
    A 1996 photocall snap at Juventus showed Conte was adamant he was growing his hairCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    1999
    A goal against Manchester United in the Champions League is wildly celebrated by Conte whose hair is flapping around as he wheels away.
    Interestingly, although there’s not much on top there’s lots to work with on the back and sides.
    You could say he’s just about getting away with it. Has he already had a hair transplant by this point?
    Conte celebrates scoring at Old Trafford with his hair flapping aroundCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    2003
    Four years later, Conte has come up with a clever plan – one that worked well for Bobby Charlton many moons ago.
    By growing longer strands of hair and splitting it into a side-parting coming out the sides it appears that he has more hair than before.
    Certainly less scalp on show, that’s for sure.
    To disguise the balding, Conte parted strands of longer hairCredit: Photo Alive
    2007
    Conte took on the Arezzo post for his first job in management.
    Many lose their hair after years of coaching in the game, but Antonio was a trend-setter in that regard.
    He sported a shaved head, with clues that he might’ve had Follicular Unit Transplantation.
    This is where strips of flesh are removed from the back of the head and then implanted into incisions in the area of the scalp affected by hair loss.
    An indication Conte had a hair transplant was when he showed off a completely shaved look as Arezzo bossCredit: Getty – Contributor
    2012
    Five years later, and it’s a miracle.
    Looking very much like a stylish Italian banker, Conte is managing Juventus with a thicker hairdo.
    There’s a slight side-parting that hints there’s more to come.
    By 2012, Conte’s hair was back with a vengeance
    2016
    Another few years down the line, Conte is happily wearing a thick fringe in press conferences as Chelsea boss.
    There’s no curls, though, like he had in his youth – it’s a dead straight hairdo.
    Still, he appears happy with the results.
    A thick fringe was on show when he became Chelsea bossCredit: MATTHEW CHILDS
    2018
    Confident Conte is now happy to lift his fringe and slick it back like an action hero.
    As he kisses the FA Cup, there’s absolutely no sign of thinning here – and he looks a bit like Dimitar Berbatov.
    Sadly, it wasn’t enough to avoid him getting the sack a few months later.
    Conte lifts the FA Cup with an action man slicked back haircutCredit: Alamy Live News

    2021
    Today’s Conte cuts a thicker-haired figure.
    Bouffant up top, it’s a million miles away from his wispy look some 25 years earlier.
    At the unveiling of the Serie A title, Conte proudly showed off his mane – with not a bit of grey there.
    Could taking the Tottenham job affect that though?
    Today’s Conte with his thicker thatch on showCredit: Getty
    Gabby Agbonlahor says that Antonio Conte makes players run non-stop More

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    F1 star Lewis Hamilton’s stunning homes from £18m six-bedroom London mansion to £32m New York penthouse in celeb hotspot

    BEING an F1 driver, Lewis Hamilton is a natural globetrotter.Flying from circuit to circuit, the Brit has won the world championship SEVEN times.
    Globetrotter Lewis Hamilton boasts a proud property portfolioCredit: AFP or licensors
    Before he set off in pursuit of the 2021 title – having overtaken Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 career race wins last year – he at least had a choice of four luxury homes to self-isolate in.
    From a £32MILLION penthouse in New York to an £18MILLION London mansion and a Monte Carlo retreat, the 36-year-old racer knows how to live a life of luxury.
    NEW YORK, NEW YORK
    Lewis has an affinity to America, especially the east coast, where he has owned two properties in the Big Apple.
    In 2019, he splashed £32m on a Manhattan penthouse in a condo project part-owned by NFL great Tom Brady and his model wife Gisele Bundchen.
    His 6,547 square-foot home included a huge outdoor area and has views of the Hudson River, as well as a swimming pool, fitness centre, squash court, library and wine cellar.
    Neighbours include Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence and Austin Powers star Mike Myers.
    Around the same time, he listed his three-floor 8,900-square-foot penthouse that had its own swimming pool.
    Hamilton paid £34m for the five-bedroom, six-bathroom apartment in Tribeca in 2017, but incredibly never lived in it. It’s not known if he ever did sell it.
    Last year Hamilton splashed £32m on a Manhattan apartmentCredit: Vestry
    The glorious penthouse is part of a condo project part-owned by NFL great Tom Brady and his model wife Gisele BundchenCredit: Vestry
    The library will keep Hamilton book smartCredit: Vestry
    The bedroom boasts a view of the Hudson RiverCredit: Vestry
    Hamilton’s kitchen provides plenty of space for entertaining guestsCredit: Vestry
    Neighbours include Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence and Austin Powers star Mike MyersCredit: Vestry
    Hamilton has an affinity to buying property in the Big AppleCredit: Vestry
    Hamilton used to have a home in nearby Greenwich VillageCredit: refer to caption
    The property had a state-of-the-art gymCredit: refer to caption
    Many of the luxury apartments had their own swimming poolsCredit: refer to caption
    Harry Styles, Bella Hadid and The Weeknd were his former neighboursCredit: refer to caption
    LONDON
    So, this is what £18m buys you in England’s capital…
    In 2017, Hamilton snapped up this unique six-bedroom detached villa in West London from previous owners Burberry chief designer Christopher Bailey and his husband, actor Simon Woods.
    The stunning property has ‘generous entertaining space’ which opens out into a 200ft garden with an impressive summer house.
    It was built by the famous builder Samuel Johns in 1860.
    There are also four reception rooms, with two huge bathrooms.Again, it’s not known how much time Lewis spends living in the property.
    There are six spacious bedrooms inside
    Hamilton bought the mansion from Burberry chief designer Christopher Bailey and his husband, actor Simon Woods
    Famous builder Samuel Johns built the property in 1860
    The property boasts four reception rooms
    There are two bathrooms in Hamilton’s West London home

    MONTE CARLO
    Like many F1 drivers, Hamilton also lives in Monaco.
    Although not much is known about his property, he once shared a snap of his wonderful view.
    He captioned a snap on social media: “A place I call home, Monte Carlo. I am so blessed to live in such an incredible place. God is really shining down on me today.
    “Sending you light & love for your day. On my way to Spa, let’s do this!!!”
    Hamilton lives tax free in Monaco most of the timeCredit: Instagram @lewishamilton
    It is believed Hamilton resides in the exclusive Fontvieille districtCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Hamilton once shared a view from his stunning Monaco apartment
    It is believed he resides in the exclusive Fontvieille district.
    Back in 2007, it was reported he was interested in a 2,000sq ft, four-bedroom duplex with views across the Mediterranean in Fontvieille’s Seaside Plaza.
    A top-floor apartment would have set him back somewhere in the region of £30m. Nice, if you’re a superstar racer.
    Mercedes release video of Lewis Hamilton’s new F1 2021 car which Brit helped engineers build to go for another title More

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    Brazilian football has welcomed back fans after the coronavirus pandemic, but tensions are high in the stands

    FOOTBALL without fans in the stadium is simply not the same thing.Following the action on the field is only part of the pleasure of going to a game; breathing in the atmosphere created by the supporters is also important to the experience. Football fans are not spectators. they are active participants.
    Fans of Flamengo cheer on their side against Atletico MineiroCredit: Reuters
    The mood they create in the stands has a profound effect on what happens on the pitch – for better or for worse.
    With the coronavirus pandemic now under relative control in Brazil, fans are gradually being allowed to return to the stadiums. It has come at a decisive moment.
    The league comes to a conclusion in early December. The campaign is now in the final straight, and emotions are running high.
    There is a built in level of insatisfaction in Brazilian football. The tradition of the game in such a giant country is strongly local – there was no genuinely national championship until 1971, and for years being champion of the local city was seen as more important than being champion of the country.
    These regional competitions have lost their importance. There are now three major titles on the table – the league, the cup and the Copa Libertadores, the Champions League equivalent.
    There is not enough silverware to go round to all of the clubs who, based on the regional exploits, claim to be giants. And so many fans feel cheated.
    They were brought up to think of their club as something immense. Mid table mediocrity, or worse, is more than they can cope with. There are plenty of stories in Brazil of fans physically attacking their own team.
    Winning, then, is a big deal. One of the biggest myths in football is the view that Brazilian football is all about self-expression, with no one caring about conceding goals. It is a serious business where results are the be all and end all.
    Brazilian giants Flamengo are fighting on three fronts, in the league, cup and Copa LibertadoresCredit: Reuters
    Having fans back in the stadiums has raised the stress level. Rio de Janeiro giants Flamengo were fighting on three fronts; in the final of the Libertadores, the semis of the domestic cup and in contention to retain their league title.
    But last week they were knocked out of the local cup at home, and the fans in the Maracana were quick to turn on the team and the coach.
    On Saturday, then, when they received league leaders Atletico Mineiro they had to bounce back – and after taking the lead in the first half they made sure they did not concede – with a level of time wasting, especially from the goalkeeper, that astonished Atletico striker Hulk, back in Brazil after many years abroad.
    At the other end of the table are Gremio, from the south of the country. Highly successful for the last few years, they have surprisingly run into serious problems.
    A local idol, former Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, was brought back to stop the rot. That did not work, and he was recently sacked.
    With the club second from bottom in the league (four go down) alarm bells are ringing, and having fans in the stadium may well be counter-productive.  The players are under so much pressure that it is as if they are running through treacle.
    On Sunday they took the lead at home to Palmeiras, a very strong side from Sao Paulo. But they ended up losing 3-1.
    One of the Palmeiras goals came from an iffy penalty awarded after consultation with VAR. This was too much for the Gremio fans to take.
    As the game came to an end a portion of the fans went on the rampage. They invaded the pitch and took out their uncontrolled fury on the VAR equipment. It could have gone further.
    Gremio’s supporters invade the pitch after a disappointing loss at home to PalmeirasCredit: AFP

    Some of them wanted to force their way down the tunnel and attack the players, and it took around an hour to bring the situation under control.
    Might it be easier for Gremio to play without fans? This question will surely soon be put to the test.
    As a punishment for the events of Sunday the club will certainly be punished, and will probably have to play their next home matches behind closed doors.
    Tuchel hits out at Fifa over Thiago Silva’s Brazil call-up amid international quarantine chaos More

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    F1 ace Lewis Hamilton’s stunning homes from £18m six-bedroom London mansion to £32m New York penthouse in celeb hotspot

    BEING a Formula One driver, Lewis Hamilton is a natural globetrotter.Flying from circuit to circuit, the Brit has won the world championship SEVEN times.
    Globetrotter Lewis Hamilton boasts a proud property portfolioCredit: AFP or licensors
    Before he set off in pursuit of the 2021 title – having overtaken Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 career race wins last year – he at least had a choice of four luxury homes to self-isolate in.
    From a £32MILLION penthouse in New York to an £18MILLION London mansion and a Monte Carlo retreat, the 36-year-old racer knows how to live a life of luxury.
    NEW YORK, NEW YORK
    Lewis has an affinity to America, especially the east coast, where he has owned two properties in the Big Apple.
    In 2019, he splashed £32m on a Manhattan penthouse in a condo project part-owned by NFL great Tom Brady and his model wife Gisele Bundchen.
    His 6,547 square-foot home included a huge outdoor area and has views of the Hudson River, as well as a swimming pool, fitness centre, squash court, library and wine cellar.
    Neighbours include Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence and Austin Powers star Mike Myers.
    Around the same time, he listed his three-floor 8,900-square-foot penthouse that had its own swimming pool.
    Hamilton paid £34m for the five-bedroom, six-bathroom apartment in Tribeca in 2017, but incredibly never lived in it. It’s not known if he ever did sell it.
    Last year Hamilton splashed £32m on a Manhattan apartmentCredit: Vestry
    The glorious penthouse is part of a condo project part-owned by NFL great Tom Brady and his model wife Gisele BundchenCredit: Vestry
    The library will keep Hamilton book smartCredit: Vestry
    The bedroom boasts a view of the Hudson RiverCredit: Vestry
    Hamilton’s kitchen provides plenty of space for entertaining guestsCredit: Vestry
    Neighbours include Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence and Austin Powers star Mike MyersCredit: Vestry
    Hamilton has an affinity to buying property in the Big AppleCredit: Vestry
    Hamilton used to have a home in nearby Greenwich VillageCredit: refer to caption
    The property had a state-of-the-art gymCredit: refer to caption
    Many of the luxury apartments had their own swimming poolsCredit: refer to caption
    Harry Styles, Bella Hadid and The Weeknd were his former neighboursCredit: refer to caption
    LONDON
    So, this is what £18m buys you in England’s capital…
    In 2017, Hamilton snapped up this unique six-bedroom detached villa in West London from previous owners Burberry chief designer Christopher Bailey and his husband, actor Simon Woods.
    The stunning property has ‘generous entertaining space’ which opens out into a 200ft garden with an impressive summer house.
    It was built by the famous builder Samuel Johns in 1860.
    There are also four reception rooms, with two huge bathrooms.Again, it’s not known how much time Lewis spends living in the property.
    There are six spacious bedrooms inside
    Hamilton bought the mansion from Burberry chief designer Christopher Bailey and his husband, actor Simon Woods
    Famous builder Samuel Johns built the property in 1860
    The property boasts four reception rooms
    There are two bathrooms in Hamilton’s West London home

    MONTE CARLO
    Like many F1 drivers, Hamilton also lives in Monaco.
    Although not much is known about his property, he once shared a snap of his wonderful view.
    He captioned a snap on social media: “A place I call home, Monte Carlo. I am so blessed to live in such an incredible place. God is really shining down on me today.
    “Sending you light & love for your day. On my way to Spa, let’s do this!!!”
    Hamilton lives tax free in Monaco most of the timeCredit: Instagram @lewishamilton
    It is believed Hamilton resides in the exclusive Fontvieille districtCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Hamilton once shared a view from his stunning Monaco apartment
    It is believed he resides in the exclusive Fontvieille district.
    Back in 2007, it was reported he was interested in a 2,000sq ft, four-bedroom duplex with views across the Mediterranean in Fontvieille’s Seaside Plaza.
    A top-floor apartment would have set him back somewhere in the region of £30m. Nice, if you’re a superstar racer.
    Mercedes release video of Lewis Hamilton’s new F1 2021 car which Brit helped engineers build to go for another title More

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    Inside Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez’s extravagant romance, from a £105k LV jewellery trunk to having twins

    THE romance and bond between Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez just gets stronger.The loved-up pair have revealed they are expecting twins, as they shared the news on Instagram to their fans.
    Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez have announced they are having twins
    Ronaldo and Georgina already have four children
    The pair lead a lavish lifestyle
    Ronaldo stunned Rodriguez by gifting her a £105,000 Louis Vuitton jewellery trunkCredit: Instagram @georginagio
    Georgina in three months pregnant with twins, they revealed with a photo of the pregnancy scan.
    He captioned the snap: “Delighted to announce we are expecting twins👶🏻👶🏻. Our hearts are full of love – we can’t wait to meet you ❤️🏠”
    Earlier this month,the Man Utd legend, 36, left partner Georgina Rodriguez, 27, speechless with a gift for the Spanish beauty – a £105,000 Louis Vuitton jewellery trunk
    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.
    Man Utd star Cristiano Ronaldo fights ninjas in bizarre ad for new business venture alongside Salford shareholder More

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    The making of Man Utd target Antonio Conte, from choirboy to Red Devil, including match-fixing scandal and wig row

    ANTONIO CONTE is being lined up for a return to our shores.The former Chelsea boss, 52, is the hot favourite to take over from beleaguered Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Old Trafford.
    Former Chelsea Premier League winning manager Antonio Conte is the hot favourite for the Man Utd jobCredit: Getty
    Famously, the Italian won the Premier League title with the Blues, before falling out with the Stamford Bridge hierarchy and getting the boot.
    Last season, he restored Inter Milan’s name as the pride of Serie A, before leaving the club in a storm, after they were forced to sell off star talent in the wake of a financial crisis.
    Fiery Conte has come a long way since growing up in Leece as an altar boy, and as a devout catholic has been known to carry around holy water, which he sprinkles onto the pitch.
    It’s the divine intervention United might need if they are to regain some momentum in the title race.
    EARLY YEARS
    The deeply religious coach, who also captained Juventus in his playing days, showed he was a leader from a very young age.
    Growing up southern Italy, he took on a huge responsibility at Mass that endeared him to the priests.
    Conte revealed: “When I helped at Mass the priest would decide who got to carry the big candles and I always wanted to be picked.
    “When I was it made my day and I was so happy! I used to like being in charge and organising all the other altar boys.”

    Conte showed leadership as a altar boy at Mass in his local church in Lecce
    PLAYING CAREER
    Conte began a life in football with his hometown club, Lecce.
    A tenacious and hard-working midfielder who kept things simple, he made his debut at the age of 16 – showing maturity beyond his years.
    A fractured tibia in 1987 threatened to derail his career, but he returned to the pitch a year later and went on to make 99 appearances for the club.
    In 1991, he secured a dream move to Juventus when Giovanni Trapattoni signed him.
    They would form such a strong bond Conte would later refer to him as his second father.
    The ball-winner became a servant to Juventus for 13 years, amassing 420 appearances for the club.
    He won Serie A five times, while on the European stage he added the Champions League and Uefa Cup medals to his glittering trophy cabinet.
    For many years he was Juve’s captain during their most historic moments.
    Conte appeared 20 times for his country too, and was a member of both the 1994 World Cup and Euro 2000 squads that finished runners-up.
    Midfielder Conte began his football career at hometown Lecce, pictured here aged 20Credit: Getty
    At Juventus, Conte became a legend as a player – captaining the sideCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    NATURAL PROGRESSION
    Given his nature, it was expected that Conte would make the step into management.
    However, he had to cut his teeth at a lower level – first with Serie B’s Arezzo, who he couldn’t save from relegation.
    Then, more successfully with Bari, who he did get out of a relegation fight. Remarkably, a season later, he would achieve the unthinkable and lead the club to promotion.
    In 2009, he was snubbed for the vacant position at Juventus. Instead, he joined Atalanta but under pressure from their ultras tendered his resignation four months later with the club in 19th place in Serie A.
    He returned with Siena in Serie B, again showing his nous to gain promotion to the top flight – doing so in his first season.
    In 2011, Conte finally got the call to return to his spiritual home and was installed as Juventus boss.
    Despite some doubt whether he had the experience, the club won three Serie A titles in a row under the tactician.
    However, following disappointment on the European stage, Conte resigned from his post during preseason in 2014.
    Many believed it was because of his lack of support in the transfer market. A belief he fuelled.
    “Well, you cannot go to eat at a €100 restaurant with just €10 in your pocket, can you?” he responded about Juve’s plans for the coming season, which was seen as an attack at the club’s directors and said just days before he walked.
    Conte cut his teeth in management in Serie B, first with ArezzoCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Conte celebrates winning the Scudetto in 2013Credit: EPA
    CONTROVERSY
    During his three-year tenure in charge of the Old Lady, Conte was hit with a scandal that dated back to his Siena days.
    He was accused of failing to report attempted match-fixing by ex-Siena star Filippo Carobbio, who was connected with the betting debacle that tarnished the reputation of the Italian game in the 2011-12 season.
    Carobbio said during a meeting before a match against Novara, Siena owner Massimo Mezzaroma indirectly sent a message to the players asking them to ensure the game finished in a draw.
    Mezzaroma allegedly wanted to turn a large profit on a bet he had made. The match finished 2–2 and Carobbio testified Conte was present when the message was relayed to the players.
    Carrobio also claimed the result of the final match of the season, in which Siena lost 1–0 to AlbinoLefee, was prearranged after Siena’s assistant manager asked he and another player “contact someone at AlbinoLeffe to reach an agreement over the return match”.
    Further allegations were aimed at Conte in regards to a 5-0 win over Varese, a match Carrobio accused his coach of knowing he was asked to lose, but didn’t report it.
    Conte denied all accusations through his lawyer, and took on their advice of taking a plea bargain, which would’ve seen him serve a three month ban and receive a fine.
    But it was rejected by the Italian authorities and he was slapped with a 10-month ban, although Conte maintained his innocence.
    Juventus appealed weeks later, and Conte’s touchline ban was shortened to four months.
    Their players would later dedicate their Supercoppa Italiana win to their under fire manager.
    In 2016, the preliminary hearing judge of the court of Cremona eventually acquitted Conte of all charges in regard to his alleged involvement in the match-fixing scandal.
    Throughout the Scommessopoli investigations, Conte expressed his gratitude to his wife Elisabetta and daughter, Vittoria for their support.
    Of them, he has said: “I have a great woman by my side, one who always tries to understand me. As for my daughter, she is the other woman in my life. She is beginning to understand that her dad gets nervous when he does not win [a match].”
    After allegations of match-fixing, Conte was forced to watch Juventus from the stands
    After coming through the match-fixing scandal vindicated, Conte thanked his wife Elisabetta and daughter Vittoria for their supportCredit: Getty – Contributor
    BLUE IS THE COLOUR
    A month after leaving Juve, Conte was handed the reigns of the Italian national job, following Cesare Prandelli’s resignation.
    It was only ever going to be a two-year deal, with Conte reluctant to commit further.
    He suffered his first defeat after 10 games, 1-0 to Portugal in a friendly.
    However, he managed to guide Italy comfortably to Euro 2016 qualification, and then out of the group stage at the competition, where he drew praise for his team’s defensive strength and team organisation.
    But, after they fell to defeat to Germany in the quarter-final on penalties, he admitted his time was up and he was desperate for a “return to the cut and thrust of club football”.
    Two months later, he would take Stamford Bridge hotseat after just 25 games coaching the Azzuri.
    In 2016, after just two years, Conte walked away from the Italian national team jobCredit: AFP or licensors
    LONDON CALLING
    Roman Abramovich came calling in 2016, and Conte’s debut season at Chelsea couldn’t have been better.
    A title win in his debut Premier League campaign, in which the West Londoners won an incredible 30 league wins from 38 games, was only slightly blighted by an FA Cup final loss to Arsenal.
    Still, he was handed a new contract for a further two years.
    His second season was disappointing, with the club finishing in fifth – out of the Champions League places.
    They did win silverware, though, lifting the FA Cup by defeating Manchester United 1-0.
    But things began to unravel when Conte fell out with Diego Costa, who he sent an infamous text telling the centre forward he wasn’t part of his plans.
    Then, there were clashes with the hierarchy over transfers – with the Italian saying in an interview Chelsea had “lost momentum” after failing to sign players he wanted, including Romelu Lukaku and Virgil van Dijk.
    Conte was sacked in 2018 and replaced by Maurizio Sarri, but received a staggering £26.6million payout in compensation for his team and legal fees.
    Under Conte Chelsea won the Premier League title in his first full seasonCredit: Rex Features
    A fallout with Diego Costa marred Conte’s time at ChelseaCredit: Getty – Contributor
    INTER REDEMPTION
    Conte’s habit of winning transferred to Inter, but he had to wait a season for it to happen.
    A promising first campaign saw i nerazzurri finish runners-up in both Serie A and the Europa League.
    There was an epic square-up between Sevilla star Ever Banega and Conte during that European final, who taunted him about his hair transplant and shouted towards him on the touchline: “Let’s see if his wig is real.”
    But the groundwork was in place for a title challenge the next year, as Conte’s masterplan began to come to fruition.
    With the signing he wanted at Chelsea, Lukaku, leading his line Inter were champions for the first time in eleven years.
    They also ended Juventus’s run of nine consecutive titles, storming to the championship with 91 points – some 12 clear of rivals AC Milan.
    Conte left in a blaze of glory in the summer – with the club confirming his departure was by mutual consent.
    Rumblings of lack of transfer support before he left were a constant, with rumours of unrest growing.
    During the Europa League final Conte was taunted by Sevilla star Ever Banega about having a hair transplantCredit: BT Sport
    Conte helped Inter return to winning ways by winning last season’s Serie A titleCredit: Getty
    Inter were also stripped of star assets, including Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi with owners Suning Holdings Group having to balance the books after the coronavirus pandemic hit their finances.
    With that in mind, wherever Conte goes, he will want assurances on the budget he will be given for his next challenge.
    Surely choosing the richest club in the world as his next project is a no-brainer.
    Gabby Agbonlahor says that Antonio Conte makes players run non-stop More

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    David Beckham endorsements: From £115m lifetime Adidas deal to £150m to be face of Qatar World Cup

    THE endorsements keep on coming for David Beckham.The England football legend, 46, has been announced as the face of the Qatar World Cup in 2022.
    David Beckham has made a fortune through endorsements though the yearsCredit: Adidas
    He will reportedly be paid a staggering £150million over the next decade to become the country’s ambassador.
    Ex Manchester United star Becks, said to be worth around £330million, has been an ad man’s dream over the years, even after retiring from the game.
    Here’s who has put their money in their pocket to get the former midfielder to peddle their products.
    ADIDAS
    Back in 2003, Beckham penned a lifetime deal with Adidas.
    It was later revealed that he was paid a whopping £115million by the German sport giants.
    At the time it was one of the biggest sponsorship deals in sport.
    Since then, that figure was surpassed when Adidas paid Beyonce for her Ivy Park range.
    In 2003 Beckham signed a lifetime deal with AdidasCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    England legend Beckham’s deal with Adidas is said to be worth £150mCredit: Adidas
    TUDOR
    Becks had a long-established relationship with watchmakers Breitling.
    And when they were bought by Tudor, he soon appeared with one of their smart timepieces on his wrist from 2017 – thus both getting their man.
    It’s never been revealed how much David earns from the deal, and it’s worth noting he also collects Rolex watches.

    Becks models Tudor watchesCredit: Splash News
    HAIG CLUB
    In 2014, Beckham helped create whiskey brand Haig Club.
    So, it made sense that they made him the global ambassador, where he travels around the globe promoting the brand.
    His stake in the business is believed to be worth £50million.
    Haig Club is part-owned by Beckham and now worth around £50mCredit: Handout
    EMPORIO ARMANI
    Famously, at the height of Posh and Becks fame, David modelled for the Italian designer, Armani.
    He posed in their undies in 2007 on a messy bed, and later admitted he stuffed socks down them to appear bigger down below.
    It was reported he was paid £20million for the privilege.
    Emporio Armani paid Beckham £20m to model pantsCredit: Handout
    The deal with Armani was signed in 2007Credit: Handout
    GILLETTE
    In 2004, Becks inked a deal with American shaving company Gillette that was said to be worth over £3million-per-year.
    Three years later he walked away from the deal, after reports he wanted to sign profit-share agreements for his sponsorship deals moving forward.
    Tiger Woods, Roger Federer and Thierry Henry have all followed in Beckham’s footsteps.
    In three years with Gillette, Beckham made around £10millionCredit: Gillette
    KONAMI
    The Japanese video game maker signed up Becks as a PES ambassador in 2017 on a longterm contract.
    It means Beckham appears as a Legend player in the myClub mode of the Pro Evolution Soccer series.
    The value of the deal has never been disclosed.
    Konami signed Beckham up exclusively for PES 2018Credit: Konami
    PEPSI
    Pepsi have always had their fingers in the pie of football, after all they sponsor the Champions League.
    Becks’ association with the American soft drink company began in 1998, and he appeared in an ad walking down the tunnel after being subbed off, seeing a kid with a can of Pepsi in his hand and asking for a sip.
    After 10 years, they cut ties, but it was supposed to be worth £2million-per-year.
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    KENT & CURWEN
    Back in 2015, fashion house Kent & Curwen relaunched, with Becks modelling their expensive clothing.
    But four years later, after the company reported an £18m loss, he walked away from the deal.
    He did have a stake in the brand until his departure.
    After a loss of £18m across three years, Beckham cut ties with Kent & CurwenCredit: Getty – Contributor
    SAINSBURY’S
    When the supermarket ditched Jamie Oliver in 2011, there was only one man they wanted.
    They secured Beckham on a reported £3.5million deal, as he took on an ambassadorial role.
    The Three Lions hero is still believed to be tied with Sainsbury’s, selling his deodorant range through them.
    Beckham replaced Jamie Oliver as a Sainsbury’s ambassador in 2011Credit: Sainsburys
    JAGUAR
    Getting a car sponsorship gives you a lovely company motor – hence Beckham added a limited edition £140,000 F-TYPE Project 7 to his extensive car collection with this one.
    His relationship with the luxury British car manufacturers started in 2014, and he supported several product launches in China.
    It is not known how much the deal is worth, or how long he will be Jaguar’s brand ambassador.
    However, for the sake of being first in line to receive a new fancy car you would do it for free.
    Beckham was picked by Jaguar to represent their brand in ChinaCredit: Alamy
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