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      Tragic story of Jean-Pierre Adams, who has died at 73 after being in a coma for 39 years following a failed knee surgery

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      IT was meant to be a routine surgery.A minor knee operation, that would’ve left ex-footballer Jean-Pierre Adams out of action for a few months.
      Former French defender Jean-Pierre Adams underwent knee surgery in 1982, but after an anaesthetist’s error he slipped into a coma before the operation and has now passed awayCredit: Getty
      However, a near lethal dose of anaesthetic before the procedure left the former French international in a coma.
      Some 39 years later, the defender who was in a long vegetative state, has passed away at the age of 73.
      THE BLACK ROCK
      Born in Dakar, Senegal in 1948, Adams moved to France aged ten and began his professional football career with Nimes in the 1970s.
      Before that he was hardened in the world of the non-league game, juggling a job working for a local rubber manufacturer, until scouts decided he was worth gambling on.
      Within a few seasons, Adams was a first team regular in the Gard helping his side challenge for the league title.
      Between 1972-73, the Crocodiles finished second in the First Division and reached the Coupe de France semi-finals – in what was a golden era for the club.
      Adams, christened ‘The Black Rock’, earned his first France call-up in 1972 and was sold to OGC Nice ahead of the 1973-74 season.
      The 5ft 10in centre half would spend four years on the Cote d’Azur and play 144 games for the team.
      Nicknamed ‘The Black Rock’ Adams made his international debut for France in 1972Credit: AFP
      Adams in action in a friendly match against Portugal in 1975Credit: Getty
      DREAM PARTNERSHHIP
      During his career, Adams would earn 22 caps for Les Bleus.
      He was regularly paired with French legend Marius Tresor between 1972-76.
      France’s Romanian manager at the time Stefan Kovacs nicknamed the partnership ‘The Black Guard’, after an impressive display shutting out a strong Poland side.
      However, despite their defensive prowess this French side wasn’t as good going forward.
      It was a period of disenchantment for the national team, who failed to qualify for the European Championships in 1976.
      That year saw Adams’ last appearance for his country – in a friendly against Denmark.
      Adams lines up alongside France legend Marius Tresor, who he formed ‘The Black Guard’ withCredit: Getty
      From 1972-76 Adams played 22 games for his countryCredit: Getty
      A BIG CONTRACT
      At 29, Adams signed his last big contract in football with PSG.
      In two years in the French capital, he appeared 42 times, scoring twice, and cemented his name as one of the most important players in the club’s first decade of existence.
      His ability was praised by international team-mates, including iconic midfielder Henri Michel.
      Michel described Adams as a ‘force of nature, very strong, full of good will and determination’ to Paris United.
      After a brief spell at Division 2 side Mulhouse, he would end his career with amateurs FC Chalon at 33 playing with Polish striker Josef Klose, the father of German legend Miroslav.
      OPERATION HORROR
      Following a ligament rupture injury, Adams checked into the Édouard Herriot Hospital in Lyon in 1982.
      He was booked in for a routine surgery and expected to leave hospital in the following days.
      PSG fans fondly remember Jean-Pierre Adams during his time with the clubCredit: AFP
      However, it all went tragically wrong when an anaesthetist made a near-fatal error and gave Adams the wrong dose ahead of the op.
      The healthy athlete suffered a bronchospasm, which starved his brain of oxygen.
      His wife Bernadette Adams spoke to CNN about the time her husband went in for the knee surgery.
      She said: “The female anesthetist was looking after eight patients, one after the other, like an assembly line.
      “Jean-Pierre was supervised by a trainee, who was repeating a year, who later admitted in court: ‘I was not up to the task I was entrusted with’.
      ‘”Given it was not a vital operation, that the hospital was on strike, they were missing doctors and this woman was looking after eight patients, in two different rooms, someone should have called me to say they were going to delay the operation.”
      In the 1990s, a court ruled that both the anaesthetist and trainee were given one-month suspended sentences, as well as a hefty fine.
      A WIFE’S VIGIL
      Bernadette and their two sons, Laurent and Frederic kept vigil at Adams’ bedside before his death.
      Bernadette Adams, pictured with Marius Tresor, kept vigil by her husband’s bedsideCredit: Twitter
      Although Jean-Pierre was unable to communicate and express emotion, he was still able to breathe, feel, eat and cough without the aid of medical equipment and lived at home near Nimes.
      His plight caused many to questions whether he should have been kept in a vegetative state for 39 years.
      “People on Facebook say he should be unplugged… But he is not plugged! I just don’t have the courage to stop giving him food and water,” Bernadette once revealed.
      “He has a normal routine. He wakes up at 7, eats… He may be in a vegetative state, but he can hear and sit in a wheelchair.”
      EUTHANASIA
      The suggestion of putting her husband’s suffering to an end was not one Bernadette entertained.
      She is against euthanasia and refused to give up on Jean-Pierre until his last moments.
      Tresor admitted he doesn’t have the courage to visit his former team-mate and friendCredit: AFP

      But her stance wasn’t one that former defensive partner Tresor agreed with. According to Paris United, Tresor never found the courage to visit his former team-mate since the awful incident.
      He said: “Even if Jean-Pierre woke up, he would not recognise anybody. So is it worth living like this?
      “If a similar thing happened to me, I told my wife not to keep me here.”
      Moise Kean shows off his super skill with training at PSG More

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      Footballers who were rich before they kicked a ball, like Vialli, Bamford and the Sultan of Brunei’s nephew

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      FOOTBALLERS today make massive money.With the average Premier League wage now exceeding £50k-per-week, it’s no wonder boys grow up dreaming of making it pro.
      Gianluca Vialli has always enjoyed the high-lifeCredit: Instagram @lucavialliHowever, this lot were already from wealthy backgrounds before they made it to the big league.Let SunSport guide you through the football stars that were already swimming in riches and didn’t need the beautiful game.GIANLUCA VIALLIChelsea and Italy legend Vialli was always recognised as a gentleman of the game.And it’s probably got to do with his upbringing.He was raised by his father, a self-made millionaire, in a 60-room castle called the Castello di Belgioioso in Cremona, along with four siblings.The Champions League and Serie A winner also loves a posh round of golf.He took part in the Alfred Dunhill links championship pro-am event, which is one of the richest golf tournaments played in Europe.Vialli was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017 but has successfully undergone treatment to be clear of the disease.He currently works alongside manager Roberto Mancini with the Italian national team. Vialli grew up in a 60-room castle called the Castello di Belgioioso in CremonaCredit: Alamy Dignified Vialli had a far from modest upbringingCredit: Instagram @lucavialli Gianluca Vialli scores for Chelsea against Nottingham Forest in 1996Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdFRANK LAMPARDThe ex-Chelsea manager didn’t have to go into football, although it was an easy step for him to make.Lampard came from a football family, with uncle Harry Redknapp and dad Frank Lampard Snr showing him the way at West Ham United.He intended the posh Brentwood School in Essex that would’ve cost a fortune in school fees.There, he scored 11 GCSE’s and could’ve been an accountant, according to a former teacher. Frank Lampard went to posh Brentwood High SchoolCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdGERARD PIQUEBeing half of a celebrity couple (his missus is Colombian singer Shakira), Barcelona defender Pique has made his own fortune.However, growing up life was easy for the defender who had a spell in England at Manchester United as a youth.He lived a comfortable existence in Catalonia. Dad Joan is a successful attorney and businessman, while mum Montserrat is the director of a hospital in Barcelona.Even Pique’s grandfather Amador Bernabeu was minted – as a former director of the La Liga champions. Gerard Pique’s dad Joan is a successful attorney and businessman, while mum Montserrat is the director of a hospital in BarcelonaCredit: AlamyFAIQ BOLKIAHFormerly of Leicester City, currently playing for Portuguese club Marítimo, Bolkiah is the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei, who has a fortune estimated to be worth £15bn.His dad is Jefri Bolkiah, a brother of the oil tycoon, so that makes Faiq a member of their royal family and in line to receive a nice inheritance.At his 50th birthday, to impress his son, he hired Michael Jackson to play a private gig just for them. Faiq Bolkiah is a former Leicester City trainee and nephew of the Sultan of BruneiCredit: Instagram @fjbolkiahAL-SAADI GADDAFIThe third son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, Al-Saadi played for Perugia, Udinese and was on the books at Sampdoria.In 2011, he retired and became the commander of Libya’s Special Forces and led the army in the Libyan Civil War. In 2018, he was cleared of murder charges after he was extradited from Niger back to Libya.During his playing days he once employed Diego Maradona as a technical consultant, and Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson as his personal trainer. Al-Saadi Gaddafi was the son of Colonel GaddafiCredit: AFP – Getty Gaddafi played in Italy before becoming an army generalCredit: Getty – ContributorHUGO LLORISThe Spurs goalie comes from an affluent background.Growing up in Nice in the South of France, his mother was an attorney, while his dad was a banker.He took tennis lessons as a kid, and was ranked high in his age range as a youngster.It meant football played second fiddle in his life until the age of 13.Lloris famously played through the pain of losing his mum, refusing bereavement leave to play for Nice. Hugo Lloris could have been a tennis star instead of a footballerCredit: AFP – GettyROBIN VAN PERSIEWealthy and artisanal, Van Persie’s parents afforded the former Arsenal striker a comfortable life growing up in Rotterdam.His father Bob is a renowned artist and sculptor, while his mother Jose Ras is a painter, teacher and jewellery designer.Van Persie’s parents split up when he was younger, and he was a troublesome teen.His dad expected him to become an artist too. Robin Van Persie’s parents were artisticCredit: Instagram @robinvanpersie Mother Jose Ras is a painter, teacher and jewellery designerCredit: Instagram @robinvanpersieMARIO BALOTELLIThe fiery Italian wasn’t born wealthy.Balotelli originally comes from Palermo and his parents where Ghanaian immigrants.But he was adopted by Francesco and Silvia Balotelli family when his mum and dad couldn’t afford him.They were a wealthy pair, who lived in an affluent part of Brescia called Concesio.His birth and adoptive parents fought for custody, but it was decided it was in Balotelli’s best interests to stay put. Mario Balotelli was adopted when he was a kidCredit: Instagram @mb459 Francesco and Silvia Balotelli lived wealthily in BresciaCredit: Getty Images – GettyANDREA PIRLOAn elegant footballer and man, Pirlo learned about the finer things in life when he was a kid.His dad Luigi set up a steel company in Brescia in 1982, which Andrea still has a stake in.The former Juventus star enjoyed an upper class life, which he later put to use in his own way.Pirlo, who ended his career in the MLS, also owns his own vineyard, as rich people do. Andrea Pirlo learned about the finer things in life as a youngsterCredit: Instagram @andreapirlo21 Today, refined Pirlo owns his own vineyardCredit: Instagram @andreapirlo21PATRICK BAMFORDHe doesn’t have to play centre forward for Leeds, you know.Bamford isn’t your typical footballer, being a skilled violin and piano player and attended fee-paying Nottingham High School, got five A*s at GCSE and went on to study French, history and biology at A Level.Bamford was even offered a scholarship at Harvard in the US, who recognised his academic prowess.However, he’s not related to JCB founder Joseph Bamford, as was once claimed. Patrick Bamford went to private school and was offered a scholarship to HarvardCredit: Instagram @patrick_bamford Bamford is a not relative of JCB founder Joseph Bamford as was once claimedCredit: Hulton Archive – GettyKAKAMost of Brazil’s best footballers lead a life that tells a rags-to-riches tale. But former Ballon d’Or winner Kaka is different.He was raised by father Bosco Izecson Pereira Leite, who was an engineer, while his mother Simone dos Santos was a school teacher.It has been reported that Kaka lived comfortably, and wasn’t raised in poverty like many of his teammates for his country. Brazilian legend Kaka lived a comfortable existence growing upCredit: Instagram @kaka Kaka’s father Bosco Izecson Pereira Leite was an engineerCredit: Instagram @kakaRef books Brazilian legend Kaka before taking a selfie with him during star studded charity match More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo’s amazing £20million Gulfstream G20 jet flies at 560mph and transports partner Georgina Rodriguez

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO lives a jet-set lifestyle, regularly travelling to and from his homeland of Portugal.So it makes sense the Manchester United star, 36, bought a Gulfstream G200 twin-engine jet in 2015 for £20million.
      Cristiano Ronaldo’s £20m private jet has a bedCredit: Instagram Ronaldo owns a Gulfstream G200Credit: Rex FeaturesHe and partner Georgina Rodriguez have been seen making the most of the luxury transport.And it’s worth every penny, as you’ll see here…IT’S FAST!Originally named the ‘Astra Galaxy’, the G200 is capable of reaching a top speed of 560mph.Its range is up to 3,910 miles with four passengers in tow, so it’s ideal for quick flights from his new base in England to hubs around Europe.But the G200 offers a generous seating configuration, and can fit as many as eight to 10 passengers for one flight. Ronaldo and partner Georgina Rodriguez often use their private jet to zoom around EuropeCredit: Instagram @georginagioCredit: Instagram Family games are easy for the Ronaldos on board the spacious aircraft[/caption] The Gulfstream G200 is capable of reaching a top speed of 560mphCredit: Alamy It takes two crew members to man the G200Credit: AvbuyerIT’S A RARITYAfter its first flight in 1997 was followed by certification from the US and Israeli aviation agencies in 1998, the G200 was made available in 1999.It was something of a rarity though, with only 250 ever made – making Ronaldo’s purchase even more exclusive.The final production G200 rolled off the production line in 2011, when the G250 started to gain popularity. So, it’s vintage!WHAT’S IT GOT?As you can imagine, and what £20m buys you, the G200 is filled with features that’ll make flying in it a luxury. Between eight to 10 passengers can travel at once on the private jetCredit: Instagram Ronaldo bought the G200 in 2015Credit: Instagram The G200 is vintage with only 250 ever madeCredit: Alamy Ronaldo’s luxury G200 is the height of luxuryCredit: PrivateflyAs well as being roomy, Ronaldo has a wardrobe where he can store his designer clothes.There’s Wi-Fi, a telephone, fax machine, electric oven, microwave, refrigerator, and an entertainment system.Perhaps those who fly with CR7 are treated with an elaborate in-flight movie of his greatest goals collection.Nike honours Cristiano Ronaldo’s achievement of 110 Portuguese goals with moving advert More

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      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo’s amazing £20m Gulfstream G20 jet flies at 560mph and transports partner Georgina Rodriguez

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO lives a jet-set lifestyle, regularly travelling to and from his homeland of Portugal.So it makes sense the Manchester United star, 36, bought a Gulfstream G200 twin-engine jet in 2015 for £20million.
      Cristiano Ronaldo’s £20m private jet has a bedCredit: Instagram Ronaldo owns a Gulfstream G200Credit: Rex FeaturesHe and partner Georgina Rodriguez have been seen making the most of the luxury transport.And it’s worth every penny, as you’ll see here…IT’S FAST!Originally named the ‘Astra Galaxy’, the G200 is capable of reaching a top speed of 560mph.Its range is up to 3,910 miles with four passengers in tow, so it’s ideal for quick flights from his new base in England to hubs around Europe.But the G200 offers a generous seating configuration, and can fit as many as eight to 10 passengers for one flight. Ronaldo and partner Georgina Rodriguez often use their private jet to zoom around EuropeCredit: Instagram @georginagioCredit: Instagram Family games are easy for the Ronaldos on board the spacious aircraft[/caption] The Gulfstream G200 is capable of reaching a top speed of 560mphCredit: Alamy It takes two crew members to man the G200Credit: AvbuyerIT’S A RARITYAfter its first flight in 1997 was followed by certification from the US and Israeli aviation agencies in 1998, the G200 was made available in 1999.It was something of a rarity though, with only 250 ever made – making Ronaldo’s purchase even more exclusive.The final production G200 rolled off the production line in 2011, when the G250 started to gain popularity. So, it’s vintage!WHAT’S IT GOT?As you can imagine, and what £20m buys you, the G200 is filled with features that’ll make flying in it a luxury. Between eight to 10 passengers can travel at once on the private jetCredit: Instagram Ronaldo bought the G200 in 2015Credit: Instagram The G200 is vintage with only 250 ever madeCredit: Alamy Ronaldo’s luxury G200 is the height of luxuryCredit: PrivateflyAs well as being roomy, Ronaldo has a wardrobe where he can store his designer clothes.There’s Wi-Fi, a telephone, fax machine, electric oven, microwave, refrigerator, and an entertainment system.Perhaps those who fly with CR7 are treated with an elaborate in-flight movie of his greatest goals collection.Nike honours Cristiano Ronaldo’s achievement of 110 Portuguese goals with moving advert More

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      in Soccer

      Footballers’ amazing body transformations from Man Utd’s Ronaldo building mass muscle to Hazard shedding excess weight

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      FOOTBALLERS will do anything to get an edge over their opponents.And that means more work in the gym, sculpting their perfect bodies and lifting heavy weights to gain extra muscle.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is sculpted like an AdonisCredit: AFP or licensors
      But these stars didn’t always look like body builders.
      In fact, these athletes have enjoyed a remarkable body transformation over the years, even when they could not train normally last year during the coronavirus lockdown.
      EDEN HAZARD
      When former Chelsea star Hazard moved to Real Madrid in a deal worth £130million, Los Blancos were delighted.
      But they wouldn’t have been happy when he turned up to training seven kilograms overweight.
      Even fans pointed out he looked chunky when he reported for preseason games.

      However, during the coronavirus lockdown Hazard took his fitness very seriously.
      “It’s complicated for me. I’m trying not to eat a lot,” he told RTBF.
      “I’m trying not to go into the pantry to eat a lot of buns, but it’s not easy.”
      Unfortunately for the Belgian he has still suffered to hit top form since for Madrid and has been linked with a move to Juventus.
      When Eden Hazard arrived at Real Madrid he was seven kilograms overweightCredit: Twitter @realmadrid
      CRISTIANO RONALDO
      As a youngster, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was often called too skinny by his coaches.
      But through the years, Ronaldo went from lanky winger to powerhouse forward thanks to a strict exercise regime.
      “I put it in my mind that my body can improve,” Ronaldo said.
      “With dedication and hard work in the gym I improved a lot on that – at the end of the day it’s down to the person’s mindset.”
      A Pilates-based routine that focuses on resistance work to strengthen his core is also key to his success – reportedly giving the Portuguese star the body of a 23-year-old.
      Now Manchester United will be hoping to reap the rewards after they forked out to bring him back to Old Trafford from Juventus at the age of 36.
      Ronaldo used to be called too skinny when he was an up and coming youngsterCredit: AFP
      Thanks to a strict diet and rigorous exercise regime Ronaldo has transformed his bodyCredit: Getty – Contributor
      MARCUS RASHFORD
      When Rashford emerged on the scene in 2017 as a fresh-faced 19-year-old, his body was still developing.
      But having Ronaldo as a role model at the club when he was a youngster was a big help.
      The striker watched his now teammate in training closely, adding strength and conditioning work to the technical training he does at Carrington, which has given him a more muscular physique today.
      When Marcus Rashford first emerged on the scene in 2017 he was skin and boneCredit: Reuters
      Today, with added strength and conditioning training Rashford has bulked upCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI
      The Bayern Munich striker has been sensational for the Bavarian giants, and it’s all down to his nutritionist wife Anna.
      Through his diet, as well as rigorous training regime with the Bundesliga side, he is now the perfect specimen.
      “We changed our diet step by step, first cutting out sweets and then milk,” Lewandowski explained.
      “Cows’ milk and soya milk isn’t good for me. Almond milk and rice milk is OK. I don’t really drink alcohol, either. Maybe wine but only sometimes.”
      When he started his career at Lech Poznan Lewandowski was skinnyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Lewandowski now flashes killer abs thanks to a diet enforced by his nutritionist wife AnnaCredit: Instagram @_rl9
      ADAMA TRAORE
      A devastating blend of pace and power, Traore’s game has come on leaps and bounds.
      And social media blew up when snaps of the Wolves winger emerged showing off a raging bicep that would’ve put any Hollywood action hero to shame.
      But despite his rippling muscles, Traore insists he doesn’t do any weight training.
      “My training? I don’t do weights,” he told Spanish outlet La Sexta.
      “It’s hard to believe, but I don’t do weights.
      “It’s genetic. I exercise, but I gain mass very quickly.”
      Spanish winger Adama Traore was a slight winger playing for Spain’s U16 teamCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Today, blossoming at Wolves, Traore is henchCredit: Getty – Contributor
      ADEBAYO AKINFENWA
      You don’t get the nickname ‘The Beast” for nothing, as well as a 98 strength rating in FIFA 20.
      Football’s strongest man Akinfenwa, 39, ruffles defenders feathers playing for Wycombe Wanderers in League One.
      To fuel his weights sessions, the striker eats like a beast too, although his weight does go up and down.
      “Breakfast is Weetabix with honey,” he told the Daily Mail.
      “At training there will be some kind of chicken. Our chef personally does chicken for me and that makes me very happy.
      “Then a shake in the afternoon. For dinner, again it’s probably chicken, potato and coleslaw. My partner is half-Nigerian, half-Caribbean so it may be the curry goat, rice and potato. It’s the carbs I need to eat.
      “I throw in the odd Nando’s. Quarter-chicken, medium breast, chips, corn on the cob and five wings. I don’t deviate.”
      Adebayo Akinfenwa had a smaller frame during his time at NorthamptonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Akinfenwa is now nicknamed The Beast because of his enormous size
      HULK
      The aptly named Brazilian striker has always been admired for his physical stature.
      Built like a truck, Hulk is still terrorising defenders back in Brazil for  Atlético Mineiro.
      But there was a time when the former Porto star looked a little overweight, rather than chiselled.
      He has toned up now, and looks fitter than his 35-years suggest.
      At Porto Hulk was a little rounder and squarerCredit: AFP – Getty
      Now plying his trade back in Brazil, Hulk is leaner, more muscular and fit as a fiddle
      SERGIO RAMOS
      The Real Madrid legend’s Instagram account is littered with videos of high-intensity workout videos.
      When he was at Sevilla, he was just a beanpole of a defender. Now, he’s the real deal.
      “My training routines at home are usually focused on functional and isometric exercises, always ending with some cardio work,” the recent Paris Saint-Germain signing revealed.
      And for Sergio, a healthy breakfast is the perfect to start the day.
      He revealed: “I usually take a coffee, some whole-grain bread with protein like turkey breast or a poached egg, and a piece of fruit.”
      When he began his career at Sevilla, Ramos was a beanpole of a defenderCredit: EPA
      Ramos is now one of the most chiselled footballers around
      GEORGE ELOKOBI
      There’s no doubt about it, Elokobi is hench.
      The former Wolves star, now playing for National League side Maidstone United, was always a crowd favourite because of his size.
      At only 5ft 9inches, he isn’t the tallest. But he earned the nickname of ‘The Body’ at Molineux because he was pure muscle.
      The defender even stripped down to his smalls on the catwalk during a charity fashion show at the club.
      Former Wolves star George Elokobi was nicknamed ‘The Body’
      Elokobi even stripped down to his smalls to show off his six-pack for a charity fashion showCredit: Matthew Ashton
      MARIO BALOTELLI
      The fiery former Manchester City striker was always tall and lean.
      But after celebrating scoring for Italy against Germany in Euro 2012, he was keen to show off a ripped torso as he flexed his muscles shirtless.
      However, the normally fit Balotelli was anything but in 2018 when he returned to training for Nice reportedly two stone overweight when a move to Marseille collapsed.
      He soon dropped half a stone and was back to normal and is now playing for Turkish outfit Adana Demirspor.
      When Mauro Balotelli first emerged on the scene he was leanerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      At Euro 2012 Balotelli flexes his muscles after scoring against GermanyCredit: Corbis – Getty
      ALEXIS SANCHEZ
      The Inter Milan striker takes his training very seriously.
      Former Manchester United star Sanchez enjoys working out alone, and shared a video online strutting his stuff at their Carrington training ground to the famous Rocky theme ‘Eye of the Tiger’ in 2019.
      Sanchez has also been seen in the past enjoying sprint drills on the beach. After all, even in pre-season you can’t down tools in the summer.
      Standing at 5ft 6in, the former Gunner knows he needs strength as an attribute for his game to thrive. And he looks the business after rediscovering his form in Italy.
      Alexis Sanchez has worked hard on building his muscle massCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Sanchez is happy to share his extra workouts on InstagramCredit: Instagram @alexis_officia1
      BETTING SPECIAL – GET £50 IN FREE BETS WITH WILLIAM HILL
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Wolves star Adama Traore sported a shirt on Wednesday without the club’s sponsor on the front More

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      23 reasons we love Cristiano Ronaldo on his Man Utd return, from charity donations to no tattoos so he can give blood

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      CRISTIANO Ronaldo isn’t just loved by Manchester United fans.The Portuguese legend, 36, has sensationally rejoined the Red Devils and returned to the Premier League after leaving Juventus.
      Cristiano Ronaldo has agreed to rejoin Man UtdCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Man Utd confirmed Ronaldo’s capture on social media
      His years of success, first at United, then Real Madrid and formerly at Juventus have made the Portuguese one of the most divisive athletes in the world.
      Adored by fans for his ridiculous skill and achievement, Ronaldo also has an army of critics who hate his petulant behaviour and obsession with appearance and brand.
      But while many deride Ronaldo for his antics on the pitch, few know of his charity work off of it.
      Here’s why Ronaldo has one of the biggest hearts in all of sport.
      CORONAVIRUS PAYCUT
      With an estimated wealth of around £400million, you could argue that it wouldn’t hurt Ronaldo to take a pay cut.
      But not all footballers are in agreement with that idea.
      However, Ronaldo led the way with a wage cut for March, April, May, and June last year while we waited to see what the initial outbreak of the coronavirus would do in the football world.
      That’s said to have cost Ronaldo £3.8m personally.
      Ronaldo led the way by taking a pay cut during the coronavirus pandemicCredit: Refer to Caption
      GENEROUS DONATION
      According to various reports, Ronaldo teamed up with his agent Jorge Mendes last year to donate £1m to hospitals in Portugal to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
      Hospitals in Porto and Lisbon were recipients of the generous donation – receiving beds and ventilators to cope with the high-number of patients suffering with Covid-19.
      Daniel Ferro, president of Lisbon’s Santa Maria Hospital, revealed the selfless act.
      “We were contacted by Jorge Mendes, who volunteered with Cristiano Ronaldo to finance two intensive care units for critical patients suffering from Covid-19,” Ferro said.
      “There are fans, monitors, infusion pumps, beds … all the equipment that constitutes an intensive care unit equipped to provide care to a Covid-19 patient.”
      Teaming up with his agent Jorge Mendes, Ronaldo donated £1m to Portuguese hospitals for beds and ventilatorsCredit: Instagram
      BONUS PAY
      Ronaldo’s international team-mate Bernardo Silva let the cat out of the bag for this one.
      According to the Manchester City star, CR7 asked the Portugal squad to donate 50 per cent of their qualification bonus for Euro 2020 to help combat the coronavirus pandemic.
      “So we qualified to the 2020 Euros, which now is in 2021,” Silva said.
      “And he gave us the idea let’s donate part of our bonus, so I think our national team, our players will donate 50 per cent of our qualifying bonus.”
      Bernardo Silva revealed Ronaldo asked the Portugal squad to donate 50 per cent of their qualifying bonus for Euro 2020Credit: Getty – Contributor
      HIS EUROPEAN GOLDEN BOOT
      In 2011, Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded the European Golden Boot after scoring 40 goals under Jose Mourinho, although Los Blancos could only finish second in La Liga and crashed out in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
      Rather than keep the award in his already packed trophy room – Ronaldo opted to sell it for charity.
      The boot went for auction and raised a stunning £1.2m.
      The funds went towards building a number of schools in war-torn Gaza.
      Cristiano Ronaldo sold his European Golden Boot at a charity auction – raising £1.2million to build schools in GazaCredit: EPA
      THE BALLON D’OR
      Ronaldo repeated the trick of selling off one of his trophies in 2017, this time his 2013 Ballon d’Or trophy at a charity auction in London.
      The gala dinner, to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation – which grants wishes to children with life-threatening conditions – was a roaring success.
      Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or made a massive £530,000 for the organisation too.
      The Real Madrid star also sold off his 2013 Ballon d’Or in October, raising another £530,000 for the Make-A-Wish FoundationCredit: EPA
      AN AMBASSADOR
      Ronaldo continues to use his global platform as a force for good.
      He is an ambassador for three major charities, Save the Children, Unicef and World Vision, and has spoken up for countless more.
      At his 2014 Ballon d’Or speech, Ronaldo made a point of mentioning a group of children he had met with leukemia.
      He has continued to speak out in those roles.
      The Portuguese is a vocal ambassador for a number of different charities, including Save the Children and UnicefCredit: Wenn
      In 2016, he recorded a message to the children affected by the Syrian conflict, calling them “true heroes” and stating “I am with you”.
      He also made a secret donation which he asked Save the Children not to reveal.
      Ronaldo’s Ice Bucket Challenge video – the viral sensation that raised hundreds of millions of pounds in 2014 – was seen by more than a hundred million people across his social media platforms.WIN BONUSES
      Ronaldo has also been very generous with giving up money earned from his exceptional performances on the pitch.
      In 2013 he was named in the Uefa Team of the Year – earning a €100,000 (£89,000) bonus from the European governing body.
      But rather than cash the cheque, he donated it to the Red Cross.
      A year later the Portuguese star led Real Madrid to La Decima, their tenth Champions League victory, and picked up a £450,000 bonus from Los Blancos.
      But Ronaldo again decided against cashing the money, instead sharing it among the three charities he is an ambassador for, Unicef, World Vision and Save the Children.
      Ronaldo has donated a number of individual bonuses to charity – including this €100,000 cheque to the Red CrossCredit: UEFA
      GIVES BLOOD
      The 36-year-old, compared to a growing number of his peers, is remarkably tattoo-free.
      It’s all for a reason – Ronaldo regularly donates blood and has been involved in numerous campaigns to encourage others to do the same.
      People with tattoos can donate blood, but are not able to do so immediately after getting new ink to reduce the risk of infection.
      Ronaldo is a frequent giver of blood and has advocated for others to do the same
      The Portuguese does not have any tattoos so he can donate blood more frequently
      He said in 2015: “We can all make a difference by donating blood.
      “Each donation can benefit up to three people in emergency situations and for long-term medical treatments… That’s why I am enthusiastic… to the importance of blood donation and to encourage people around the world to become lifelong blood donors and help save lives.”
      Ronaldo also donates bone marrow after a former team-mate revealed his struggles.
      Carlos Martins had a son who needed bone marrow and Ronaldo has been a donor since.
      He said donating bone marrow is ‘something a lot of people think is a difficult thing to do but it’s nothing more than drawing blood and doesn’t hurt.’
      MULTI-MILLION POUND RELIEF
      Ronaldo again donated a huge amount of money in 2015, to the relief efforts for the Nepalese earthquake in April 2015.
      The deadly natural disaster killed 9,000 people, injured 22,000 more and caused untold amounts of damage to the country.
      Ronaldo is reported to have given £5MILLION to Save the Children’s disaster relief fund – although those reports have remained unverified and were denied by the charity.
      He likely did make a donation, although the amount remains a mystery.
      Ronaldo is reported to have donated £5MILLION to the Nepal Earthquake relief fund after 9,000 people were killed in April 2015Credit: EPA
      HELPING A CANCER CENTRE
      Ronaldo’s mother, Dolores Aveiro, survived breast cancer in 2007.
      The Manchester United man decided to thank the care centre in Portugal that treated his mum – adding £120,000 to their coffers.
      Ronaldo’s mother Dolores beat breast cancer in 2007, with the forward giving £120,000 to the Portuguese care centre that treated herCredit: EPA
      INVITATION TO AN ORPHAN
      In Lebanese capital Beirut, Real Madrid fan Haidar was orphaned when both of his parents were killed by a suicide bomber.
      A local reporter got in touch with the Spanish giants and eventually the boy was invited to the club.
      It lead to a heart-rending video of Ronaldo cuddling the youngster as he burst into tears of sheer delight to meet his hero.
      HELPING A YOUNG FAN
      Ronaldo was alerted to the story of  Nuhuzet Guillen, a nine-year-old with terminal cancer in 2009.
      After hearing about the fan, Ronaldo decided to send a driver to bring the family to the hotel where the Real Madrid team were staying.
      After emerging from the lift, he is reported to have joked to the youngster: “Don’t you want to say anything?”
      He dedicated a goal to Nuhuzet, inviting him to watch the match in his private box at the Bernabeu, and after the game gave him his match shirt.
      Ronaldo paid the medical bill at an expensive private medical centre for terminally ill Nuhuzet GuillenCredit: Twitter @Ronaldo
      After speaking with his father, Ronaldo learned there was not much that could be done, although there was experimental treatment available in the US, which the star paid for.
      When Nuhuzet’s condition worsened, Ronaldo offered to pay for all of his medication, costing hundreds of thousands, and treatment at a private medical centre.
      Ronaldo paid that for more than a year, until the boy sadly passed away in March 2013.GENEROUS WITH HIS TIME
      Ronaldo is often targeted by pitch invaders for selfies and pictures.
      But rather than avoid the fans, CR7 knows he is an icon to these people and instead often stops for pictures.
      On numerous occasions he has stopped fans from being dealt with by heavy-handed security.
      Ronaldo also loves to interact with supporters inside stadiums, often staying to throw his shirt into the crowd, sign autographs and take pictures.
      Ronaldo is often seen taking time to speak and chat with fans and also protect pitch invaders from heavy-handed stewardsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      HELPING ANOTHER YOUNG FAN
      In 2014, the mother of another young fan, ten-month-old Erik Ortiz Cruz, asked Ronaldo to donate a shirt to the boy, who has cortical dysplasia.
      The brain abnormality causes up to 30 seizures a day.
      After hearing the full story Ronaldo paid £55,000 for initial brain surgery and pledged to cover the cost of any follow-up treatment – although none has so far been needed.
      He also helped raise extra money for Erik by donating a signed kit to sell at auction.
      Ronaldo paid £55,000 for surgery to help ten-month old Erik Ortiz Cruz beat a brain condition
      BROKEN ARM
      During a pre-season friendly at Bournemouth, Ronaldo blasted one of his trademark free-kicks into the crowd at the Vitality Stadium.
      Unfortunately for 11-year-old Charlie Silverwood, the shot broke the boy’s arm.
      Club president Florentino Perez called Charlie, while Ronaldo gave him a signed Real Madrid shirt.
      During a Champions League clash he also hit a shot into the crowd that made a young boy cry.
      He leapt into the stand to give the youngster his training top.
      Ronaldo appears in Save the Children video for World Refugee Day
      BEST FRIEND EVER
      Super-agent Jorge Mendes named Ronaldo as his best man when he married Sandra in 2015.
      And Ronaldo decided to reward his Portuguese friend handsomely, buying him a whole Greek Island as a wedding present.
      The island is said to have cost almost £40MILLION.
      INVITATION FOR RICKSEN
      Rangers legend Fernando Ricksen was suddenly diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2013.
      The former Netherlands international was wheelchair-bound and relied on his wife and carers to look after him until his death in September 2019.
      After his condition became well-known, Ronaldo contacted the Scottish title winner on social media to invite Ricksen and his family to a match at the Bernabeu.
      Ronaldo also presented a shirt to the former right-back after a Champions League win over Legia Warsaw in October 2016.
      Ronaldo invited former Rangers defender Fernando Ricksen, who has motor neurone disease, and his family to a Real Madrid gameCredit: @RicksenVeronika
      Cristiano Ronaldo meets Rangers hero Fernando Ricksen and gives him a shirtCristiano’s big donations

      Selling his 2011 European Golden boot – £1.2milion
      Selling his 2013 Ballon d’or – £530,000
      Donating to the Nepalese earthquake – £5million* (reported)
      Uefa Team of the Year bonus – £100,000
      Champions League 2014 win bonus – £450,000
      Portugese cancer centre – £120,000
      Helping Erik Oritz Cruz – £55,000

      SUPER TEAM-MATE
      After La Decima, Real Madrid’s players not only got that win bonus from the club, but also a special gift from Ronaldo.
      The player of the tournament decided to reward his team-mates with personalised watches from luxury watch brand Bvlgari.
      Each watch was personalised and said to have cost him £5,000 each.
      After winning La Decima, Ronaldo presented all of his team-mates with a personalised Bvlgari watch, costing around £5,000 eachCredit: @aarbeloa17
      BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING
      Ronaldo’s father, Denis was an alcoholic who battled with his addiction for years before his death in 2005.
      Older brother Hugo Aveiro was heading down that same path, addicted to alcohol and drugs.
      But as Ronaldo’s fame grew he decided to intervene – promising to dedicate La Decima to his older brother if he kicked his destructive habits.
      He did and then came on to the pitch to share an emotional embrace with Ronaldo after full-time.
      Hugo, who is ten years older than Cristiano, has since been pictured alongside Ronaldo at numerous events, including the 2016 Ballon d’Or ceremony.
      Ronaldo is also godfather to Hugo’s son, while the Juventus and Portugal star decided to put his older brother in charge of the Ronaldo Museum in Madeira.
      So next time someone mentions how much they hate Ronaldo’s preening on the field, just remember how much he helps out off it.
      Cristiano Ronaldo’s older brother Hugo (right) battled alcohol and drug addiction but now runs the CR7 Museum in MadeiraCredit: Getty Images

      PATIENCE OF A SAINT
      Humble Cristiano Ronaldo happily waited 40 minutes for a table in a restaurant and is a ‘decent boy’, reveals chefCredit: Instagram / @georginagio
      Humble Ronaldo showed he is just like the rest of us when he went out for a pre-Christmas dinner with girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez and son Cristiano Jr in December 2018.
      Turin chef Davide Fiore offered the exclusive party a spot at 9.30pm – only for the Ronaldo clan to rock up 90 minutes early and have to wait FOURTY minutes for a table.
      But the forward didn’t throw his toys out of the pram like some critics might’ve expected, instead waiting patiently with no sign of arrogance and Fiore described him as a ‘decent boy’.
      A GREAT TIPPER
      Ronaldo is a massive fan of the luxury Costa Navarino resort in southern Greece and has stayed there multiple times.
      The area comprises several sites, with two five-star hotels, as well as luxury private residences, conference facilities, spas and golf courses.It is not clear exactly where Ronaldo was staying – the owners enforced a media blackout to allow Ronaldo and his family some privacy – but he clearly loved it.
      After week long stays in 2018 and 2019, Ronaldo left a massive tip for the staff who had looked after him, paying £20,000 on top of his bill to be shared among ten staff on both occasions.
      NEVER FORGETS A KIND GESTURE
      Ronaldo revealed he was given free burgers by three women when he used to beg for food as a child.
      After a massive appeal, one of the women was found – after Ron claimed he would knock on the door of a McDonald’s next to Sporting Lisbon’s stadium.
      After days of searching, Paula Leca came forward to say she was one of the three women – calling Ronaldo ‘timid’.
      And Ronaldo has offered to take generous Paula out for dinner either in Turin or Lisbon as a token of his gratitude.
      PAYING FOR LIFE-SAVING TREATMENT
      Youngster Tomas required life-saving treatment
      Alongside Georgina, Ronaldo helped pay for a child’s cancer treatment.
      Portuguese youngster Tomas was diagnosed with rare cancer neuroblastoma in September 2019.
      After suffering a relapse in October last year, Tomas’ parents appealed to try and get funding for their brave child’s operations.
      And it appears that Cristiano and Georgina discreetly stepped up in the time of need. A message, shared by Georgina’s sister Ivana, confirmed the star couple’s involvement.
      It thanks ‘various people of great humanity’ for their generosity in the time of need.
      And it goes on to add: “Thank you Georgina and Cristiano for your help, solidarity and great heart.
      “Infinite thanks for helping us so that Tomas can access treatment.”
      The brave kid then checked in to D’Hebron Hospital in Barcelona for tests and oncology consultations. But it wouldn’t have been possible, if not for Ronaldo.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is hoping to track down a lady called Edna who used to give him free burgers as a kid when he had no money and was impoverished More

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      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner Georgina Rodriguez went from £250-a-week shop girl to Instagram star and top Wag at Man Utd

      by

      SHE’S one of the most famous Wags on the planet – but Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner Georgina Rodriguez hasn’t always lived a life of riches and luxury. The 27-year-old Spanish model lived in a cramped, shared house and worked as a £250-a-week shop girl before a chance encounter with football legend Ronaldo transformed her life.
      Georgina has gone from a £250-a-week shop girl to one of the world’s most famous WagsCredit: Instagram
      A chance encounter with football legend Ronaldo transformed Georgina’s lifeCredit: Instagram
      Now, she is set for our shores after the five-time Ballon d’Or winner agreed to rejoin Manchester United in a blockbuster move.
      In a candid interview with ITV in 2019, Ronaldo, now 36, described finding “true love” with Georgina after the pair met for the first time at a Gucci store, where she was a sales assistant.
      The Juventus star told Piers Morgan: “She helped me so much. Of course, I’m in love with her.”
      Ronaldo, thought to be worth around £300million, added that it would be his mum Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro’s dream to see him and Georgina walk down the aisle.
      “We’ll be [married] one day, for sure,” he said.
      “It’s my mum’s dream as well. So, one day. Why not? It’s great. She’s my friend. We have conversations. I open the heart for her and she opens the heart for me.”
      Ronaldo becomes emotional during his candid interview with Piers Morgan
      He described Georgina as his “true love”Credit: Refer to Caption
      The footballer also says he’ll marry Georgina one day ‘for sure’Credit: The Mega Agency
      Luxury holidays with four kids
      Today, Georgina has been raising Ronaldo’s four children –  their three-year-old daughter Alana Martina, surrogate twins Eva and Mateo, four, and 11-year-old Cristiano Jr – in Turin, Italy.
      She lives a life most of us can only dream of – holidaying in Ibiza and Iceland, wearing head-to-foot Chanel and Gucci, and enjoying her boyfriend’s mega yacht and fleet of luxury cars.
      She has also stood by Ronaldo after he was accused of raping a model in a Las Vegas hotel room – claims he has emphatically denied and which he will not face any criminal charges over.
      But while Georgina could soon become Mrs Ronaldo, the Wag’s life used to be very different…
      Georgina kisses Ronaldo after a Real Madrid victory – but her life used to be very differentCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Grafting for goals
      The beauty hails from a very humble background, growing up in the tiny village of Jaca, northern Spain, with her Argentine former footballer father, Jorge, and Spanish mother, Ana.
      As a child, she longed to be a ballet dancer. But because her parents couldn’t afford to send her to dance school, Georgina set her sights on a career in fashion retail instead.
      It was clear from a young age that she was ambitious and like Ronaldo – who grew up in a tin-roofed house in Madeira – she did everything in her power to chase her dreams.
      Georgina grew up in a tiny village, Jaca, in the Spanish mountainsCredit: Alamy
      She was desperate to get out of her small town and achieve her dreamsCredit: Instagram
      Living in a cramped house share
      As soon as she was old enough, Georgina moved to Huesca, a small town an hour away, where she got her first job as a waitress.
      However, she soon got bored of the town, and became fed up of living in a tiny home with several other young people.
      Tired of her impoverished lifestyle,  Georgina moved again – this time three hours away to the seaside town of San Sebastian, where she got a job in mid-range shop, Massimo Dutti.
      But despite earning more money, the draw of living the high life saw her make her next big move.
      “I wanted to work in luxury and I understood that for that I had to speak English,” Georgina told XLSemanal. 

      Georgina poses for a typical tourist snap near the London EyeCredit: Instagram
      Nanny in Bristol
      In 2012, aged just 17, Georgina flew to England and got a job as an au pair for a family in Bristol.
      Here, she focused on learning English, earning around £9.50 an hour.
      Once her language skills were up to scratch, she headed back to Spain to pursue her dreams of working in high-end retail in Madrid.
      Georgina lived in Bristol but visited Bath in her free timeCredit: Instagram
      “Love at first sight”
      Georgina finally got her dream job as a saleswoman at Gucci in 2016 – and it was while she was working here that she caught former Real Madrid star Ronaldo’s eye.
      Days later, the pair met again at another brand’s event, where they were able to “talk in a relaxed atmosphere”, outside of a work environment.
      “It was love at first sight for both,” Georgina previously told the Sun on Sunday.
      Georgina finally got her dream job in a designer store in Madrid in 2016Credit: Instagram
      It was “love at first sight” for the coupleCredit: AFP or licensors
      Hounded by fans
      The couple kept their relationship under wraps for the first few months, but once people found out they were dating, football fans started turning up at Georgina’s shop.
      Bosses feared the fans, who were trying to take pictures, would put off their rich clientele, and Georgina was dismissed from her dream job in December 2016 after just eight months.
      Ronaldo’s contacts got her another job in Prada in El Corte Ingles, the famous Spanish department store, where she earned about £1,000 a month plus commission.

      But once again, her relationship cost her a job. Customers kept coming into the shop in the hope of spotting Ronaldo – and begged Georgina for selfies.
      It wasn’t long before management and Georgina mutually agreed it was best if she left and stopped working for good.
      Speaking about her experience, she told Spanish outlet, XLSemanal: “I was hiding, but fans were looking for me at the store. They used to call up and ask about me, pretending to be clients.
      “There were always photographers waiting for me. The director told me to go down to the basement because he did not want to see me in the store. I started to be very uncomfortable and then I left.”
      Georgina’s high-profile relationship has cost her a number of jobsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Proud parents
      In November 2017, Georgina gave birth to their first daughter, Alana Martina – and revealed that the football star had spoiled her rotten.
      She told Hola!: “When we got home from hospital, he’d organised a surprise dinner, with all our nearest and dearest. I felt like the luckiest woman in the world.”
      Little Alana Martina joined Ronaldo’s adorable clan – with twins Eva and Mateo having been previously carried by a surrogate mother and Cristiano Jn being born to a mystery mother. 
      Today, Georgina is raising all the youngsters.
      Georgina gave birth to her and Ronaldo’s first daughter, Alana Martina, in 2017Credit: Social Media – Refer to Source
      Ronaldo posted this photo on Instagram, featuring Georgina and his four kidsCredit: Refer to Caption
      “I have always been mature and for me to have four children is not a burden,” she said.
      “I wear it very well and, in fact, I no longer imagine my life without my children. It has definitely brought us closer. We’re happier together than ever. The children are our joy.”
      Ronaldo has famously talked about wanting seven children.
      However, Georgina has different ideas. When previously asked where she saw herself in 10 years, she said: “I do not see myself with more children.”
      The couple are pictured with two of the childrenCredit: Instagram
      Georgina has given up her career to look after the kidsCredit: Instagram
      Georgina loves raising her family
      From selling Gucci to wearing it
      While Georgina used to sell designer clothes to the rich and famous, she’s now wearing them herself – from £1,400 Balmain jackets and £5,000 Chanel handbags to a priceless vintage fur coat.
      They were living in a gated mansion in Turin – similar to the £5 million mansion she and Ronaldo used to share in Madrid (but a far cry from the flat she once lived in with pals).
      Now, they will mostly likely be house-hunting in Cheshire’s Golden Triangle for an abode fit for a king and queen.
      Of course, Georgina is used to travelling in style too – jetting off in an £18 million private plane, sailing on a luxury yacht and driving sports cars like Ronaldo’s flashy Bugatti Veyron.
      Since she began dating Ronaldo, Georgina has become a star in her own right, gracing the cover of various fashion magazinez while amassing 27 million Instagram followers.
      Georgina is often pictured wearing the most expensive designer clothesCredit: Rex Features

      Credit: Refer to Caption

      The Ronaldo clan enjoy their luxury £5.5m Azimut Grande yacht bought in 2020
      A lavish wedding
      If Ronaldo does fulfil his dream to wed Georgina “one day”, it will likely be a very grand affair.
      Wedding expert and founder of Wedding Ideas Magazine Rachel Southwood told Sun Online: “She’ll probably wear a fit and flare dress that hugs her curves and kicks out at the bottom.
      “It will be slinky and sexy but demure all at the same time – probably in lace, but possibly with some extra bling.
      Georgina loves designer clothingCredit: Rex Features
      “I think she will wear a long lace, scallop-edged veil. Something by a designer like Riki Dalal although I suspect it will be completely bespoke, from the head designer at one of the design houses she has worked with.
      “Their wedding will be lavish and include a church service and a huge feast. It will be family-focused with a few big names thrown in for good measure.”
      Rodriguez sparked engagement rumours last year when she showed off a huge ring in an Instagram post.
      They have so far remain tight-lipped over plans but are expected to tie the knot in the near future.
      Georgina Rodriguez showed off a huge ring on her finger during a holidayCredit: Instagram
      Running Ronaldo’s empire
      But Georgina is very keen not to be perceived as a typical WAG.
      She has previously said she has no interest in just shopping and spending Ronaldo’s money – in fact she might take a more active role in managing his vast fortune.
      Georgina and Ronaldo now have four children between them
      Georgina sparked engagement rumours when she was seen sporting a new ring during the 2018 World CupCredit: Getty – Contributor
      While most women spend their pregnancies decorating the nursery, Georgina spent hers studying financial accounting at the Centre for Financial Studies in Madrid.
      Her course, which started in October 2017 and finished the following March, cost her £780 and saw her attend three-hour long classes twice a week.
      According to El Mundo, it included modules on tax matters, legal obligations and wealth management.
      “I loved earning money for myself and I never let myself be helped when someone offered to lend me a hand,” Georgina previously said.
      “I am realistic and if I see that I can buy something not too expensive I do. If I can’t wear a Chanel, I buy a Zara. Why brag about something that does not belong to you?”
      Ronaldo and his family were living in Turin, northern Italy before returning to Manchester United
      Tens of millions in a divorce
      When Georgina and Ronaldo eventually tie the knot, it’s unlikely the model will ever have to return to her shop girl job – even if they divorce.
      Experts say all her financial worries would be taken care of in a pre-nup.
      Head of Family Law in leading Manchester firm, JMW, Elspeth Kinder told Sun Online: “A prenup would make sure it provides fairly for Georgina’s needs and that of their child in the event of a divorce. It would be tens of millions – but it won’t be a half share of everything he’s got- that’s the point of the pre-nup.

      “The Spanish jurisdiction in divorce is very different to here and tends to be less favourable to somebody like Georgina who comes to a marriage with less money than the other.”
      Yet there’s no sign of trouble on the horizon for Ronaldo and Georgina.
      “Being the partner of someone so famous is not easy but I wouldn’t change it for the world,” Georgina said. “What I feel for him is stronger than anything, any kind of pressure.”
      Cristiano Ronaldo sobs in TV interview as he reveals alcoholic dad never got to see him turn into a star More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea target Saul Niguez’s amazing recovery from horror injury that left him ‘pee blood’ from kidney trauma for years

      by

      CHELSEA target Saul Niguez put his health at risk to play for Atletico Madrid after suffering a kidney trauma and internal bleeding.The courageous Spain midfielder, 26, has reportedly been offered to the Blues in a loan deal.
      Saul Niguez is being lined up for a loan move to ChelseaCredit: Getty
      In 2015, Niguez suffered a critical kidney injury during a Champions League gameCredit: Getty
      But, after an accidental kick to stomach from Bayer Leverkusen defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos during a 2015 Champions League match, Saul’s career hang in the balance.
      He was forced to wear a catheter to empty his bladder for two years and admittedly ‘p***ed blood’ as he played well beyond the pain barrier.
      Saul recovered from his ordeal to become one of Diego Simeone’s most trusted allies.
      BORN TO BE A FOOTBALLER
      It was Saul Niguez’s destiny to become a footballer.
      His dad, Jose Antonio (better known as Boria) was a legend at Elche in the 1980s.
      So it was natural for Saul to follow in the family business, as have brothers Jonathan and Aaron, who both made it pro.
      However, it was Jose Antonio’s youngest son who appeared to have the most talent.
      Saul was scouted by Real Madrid aged 11, before moving to their crosstown rivals in 2008.
      He made his senior debut two years later in a third division game with the reserves, before appearing for the first team in a Europa League match against Besiktas in 2012 aged just 17.
      Saul’s father Jose Antonio Niguez, better known as Boria, was an Elche legend
      Jonathan, mum Pilar, Saul, Boria and Aaron pose for a family snap
      A bicycle kick in a 4-0 rout of crosstown rivals Real Madrid put Saul on the map in 2015Credit: AFP
      A season-long loan at Rayo Vallecano in 2013-14 established his credentials as one of the more promising players of his generation.
      When Saul returned to the club, Simeone was ready to thrust the exciting talent into his line-up.
      An early standout performance came in the 2015 Madrid derby, when he scored a bicycle kick to set Atletico up for a 4-0 win over Real, after replacing the injured Koke 10 minutes in.
      HEALTH RISK
      On no less than his Champions League debut, Saul’s football career was turned upside down.
      An innocuous clash with Kyriakos Papadopoulos in a game against German side Bayer Leverkusen left him writhing in agony.
      The blow to his chest “destroyed” his kidney, according to Atletico president Enrique Cerezo.
      Astonishingly, Saul carried on but was substituted just before half-time, before his body began to shake, he lost feeling in his legs and arms in the dressing room and was rushed to hospital by ambulance.
      He stayed in a German hospital for four days, while the blood was drained. Within a month, he was back on the pitch.
      Secretly, though, Saul was playing with an internal catheter. Remarkably, something he managed for two years.
      The sacrifice saw him play in huge discomfort, while putting his life at risk for his club.
      “In every training session and every game I p***ed blood,” he revealed.
      A blow to his kidney left Saul writing in agonyCredit: Getty
      Incredibly, Saul continued before he was helped off the pitch before half-timeCredit: Getty
      Saul spent four days in a Leverkusen hospital recovering
      “It was pretty bad, something difficult that people do not know or understand.
      “I was risking my health to put on the club colours, to chase the dream.”
      He later explained to The Guardian: “The catheter gives you functionality but it was sore, you’d feel it running, and I was urinating blood.
      “The problem was when we took it out, my kidney didn’t work properly. I was given options: play for a month, stop for a month … I said: ‘No, no, that’s no good. Put the catheter back in, I can function.’ But they said: ‘Saúl, it’s not that simple.’
      “I was tired of it all and I said: ‘Doc, just take the kidney out. Take it out. I’ll be out for a month, but then I’ll be back again. The doctor was saying: ‘I’m not taking your kidney out;’ ‘Try this;’ ‘Try that.’
      “I said: ‘Yeah, I’ll try things but if they don’t work, then what? More of the same?
      “No. I just want to get back to playing well, feeling well. Forget it all. Be normal. Play football. I can’t be worrying about getting a knock. I just want to play. Take it out.’”
      SOUND ADVICE
      It was Simeone’s former assistant, the hulking German Burgos, who delivered sage advice to Saul and made him think more about his future.
      The Argentina coach, nicknamed El Mono, is a cancer survivor after seeking treatment in 2003 during his playing days.
      Saul played through the pain barrier and secretly wore a catheter for two years on the pitchCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Atletico Madrid’s former assistant manager German Burgos convinced Saul that his health was more important than footballCredit: Atletico Madrid
      “Mono Burgos was so important,” Saul revealed.
      “He came to me: ‘The doctor says you’re talking about taking out your kidney. You’re 22! What are you talking about? Use your head.’
      “I was just thinking about football: take this out and play. I thought: lose a kidney, it’s fine, I’ve got another one.
      “But Mono told me what he went through, he looked me in the eye: ‘Saúl, think about your life.’ I saw. The seriousness, the future.
      “What if you get a problem with the other one? There’s no way out. And we put the catheter back in.”
      Saul’s kidney problems have longtime ceased, and he was an integral part of Atletico’s LaLiga campaign – helping his team reclaim the title.

      Since his ordeal, he has also vowed to give back to the game by setting up Club Costa City – a centre that’ll pride itself on grooming the stars of tomorrow, while giving them a good education and lessons on nutrition.
      Whatever happens next in Saul’s life, you can bet he will tackle it head on.
      A move to the physical Premier League certainly won’t deter Simeone’s warrior in the middle of the park.
      Saul now plays catheter free and his kidney problems have ceasedCredit: Rex Features
      Last season Saul was an integral part of Atletico’s LaLiga winning side and celebrated landing the title on the pitch with Wag Yaiza and their son
      Rio Ferdinand tips Man Utd to make last transfer and urges Solskjaer to sign ‘perfect’ Saul Niguez or Declan Rice More