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      in Soccer

      16 weird football injuries, including De Jong’s swollen hand from bee sting and a broken jaw from eating a carrot

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      THEY don’t just get injured on the football pitch.Earlier this week, a Swedish footballer was ruled out of action for weeks after breaking his jaw eating a carrot.
      Rami Kaib will be out of action for a few weeks after his bizarre injury
      Rami Kaib had already taken a knock during a league match for Dutch side Heerenveen.
      But then he sustained the shock blow when getting his veggies in.
      Omrop Fryslan reporter Roelof de Vries told RTV Noord: “Kaib got a big knock on his jaw during a game a while ago.
      “He just continued training, and of course eating.
      “Well, he ate a carrot and that carrot was quite hard.
      “And then, crack – broken jaw. A carrot!”
      Here are some more of football’s most bizarre injuries!
      Frenkie De Jong
      Last year, Frenkie De Jong suffered a bizarre injury that looked painful and threatened to leave him sidelined.
      The Barcelona midfielder showed off a swollen hand in his side’s 3-1 win over Napoli in a Champions League tie.
      According to reports, the ailment was the result of a nasty bee sting that caused the severe reaction.
      Frenkie De Jong shows off horrific bee stingCredit: Instagram / @mikkykiemeney
      De Jong wore a bandage during Barcelona’s Champions League tie with NapoliCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The swelling can be seen clearly on De Jong’s hand in trainingCredit: FC Barcelona
      CHRIS SMALLING
      Ex-Manchester United defender Chris Smalling was on holiday in Bali, when disaster struck.
      After local reports claimed he was stung by a jellyfish while out surfing – the truth eventually came out, and it wasn’t as exciting.
      He fainted in the hot heat and banged his head, hence the bandages.
      Chris Smalling pictured in hospital in Bali
      DAVE BEASANT
      The Wimbledon FA Cup hero was at Chelsea when he suffered a hilarious foot injury.
      The keeper dropped a bottle of salad cream in his kitchen and tried to control it with his bare foot.
      The bottle ended up breaking and tearing a tendon in his big toe, causing Beasant to miss two months of football. Clearly, he should’ve used his hands.
      Dave Beasant attempted to control a bottle of salad
      RIO FERDINAND
      The former Manchester United and England captain managed to strain his knee while at Leeds.
      Ferdinand rested his leg for too long while playing a game of Pro Evolution Soccer on his PlayStation.
      We’ve all done it.
      Rio Ferdinand suffered a leg injury while playing a video game
      DAVID BATTY
      The ex-Leeds United enforcer had been out injured with a knee problem.
      Then, his two-year-old daughter ran over him while on her tricycle – causing a setback to his ankle.
      The hardman was crocked by a two-year-old, which must’ve taken some explaining to his team-mates.
      David Batty’s daughter ran into him on her tricycle
      BRYAN ROBSON
      Captain Dynamo was given the task of trying to wake mercurial star Paul Gascoigne from his slumber ahead of the 1990 World Cup.
      Robson tried but couldn’t wake the midfielder, instead tipping the bed to push Gascoigne out.
      Robson then dropped the bed onto his toe, breaking it.
      Bryan Robson broke a toe trying to wake up Paul Gascoigne
      ENNER VALENCIA
      The former West Ham forward didn’t impress Sam Allardyce with this injury.
      Somehow, Enner Valencia managed to badly cut his toe after stepping on a broken cup.
      The incident left ‘Big Sam’ striker-less for his next match.
      Enner Valencia seriously cut his toe stepping on a broken cup
      SANTIAGO CANIZARES
      The former Valencia No1 had waited an age to take over in the sticks of the Spanish national team.
      He was given an opportunity in 2002, but just before the World Cup was about to start he dropped a bottle of aftershave on his foot.
      Like Beasant, he severed a tendon and missed the tournament. Butter fingers, perhaps?
      Santiago Canizares missed out on the 2002 World Cup because of a bottle of aftershave
      ALAN WRIGHT
      The former Aston Villa left-back was a cult hero in the Midlands.
      But the 5ft 4in Wright once had a spell out the game after injuring his knee in the strangest way.
      He did it trying to reach the pedals on his Ferrari. True story.
      Former Aston Villa defender Alan Wright got injured driving his Ferrari
      KEVIN KYLE
      While at Sunderland, the former Scotland international was once seen ‘walking a bit like John Wayne’.
      It was all because his eight-month-old son knocked a bowl of boiling water onto his crotch.
      Ouch.
      Kevin Kyle’s son dropped hot water on his crotch
      LEROY LITA
      At Reading, the striker managed to hurt his back by stretching too vigorously.
      But this wasn’t done on the training pitch, no.
      It happened while laying in bed.
      Steve Coppell said at the time: “It’s not an injury that should be ridiculed or made light of.”
      Leroy Lita injured himself by stretching too far in bed
      DARIUS VASSELL
      We’d definitely avoid recreating this one.
      The ex-Aston Villa and England striker tried to get rid of a blood blister on his toe by using an electric drill.
      It didn’t go well.
      Darius Vassell tried to pop a blister with an electric drill
      ADAM CHAPMAN
      Former Oxford midfielder Chapman was heating some milk for his baby, a normally harmless job.
      But as he went to shake it the lid flew off, burning his chest and nipple.
      He had to go to hospital but was passed fit to play the next day.
      Adam Chapman burnt his nipple trying to heat baby milk
      DAVID JAMES
      The former England shot-stopper has two entries.
      He once pulled a muscle in his back while trying to reach for a remote control.
      Another time, James hurt his shoulder while fishing for carp.
      David James should stay away from remote controls… and carp

      CHARLIE GEORGE
      Arsenal legend George didn’t let this injury stop him. The 1971 FA Cup hero once cut off a finger with his lawnmower.
      Thankfully, it wasn’t a leg.
      Charlie George managed to cut off a finger while mowing the lawn
      KIERON DYER
      When at Newcastle the England man damaged his left eye – because he ran into a stationary training pole.
      It wasn’t an eye-for-an-eye in this case, leaving Dyer with a nasty shiner.
      Kieron Dyer ran into a training pole
      Gareth Bale urged to quit Real Madrid as Rio Ferdinand bemoans ‘generational talent’ being wasted on sidelines More

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      in Soccer

      Meet the man who could have bought Man Utd for just £10million in 1989, and missed out on a business now worth £3billion

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      TODAY, Manchester United is a business worth around £3billion.They are one of the world’s most valuable sports teams, thanks in part to a dominance of the British game in the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s, as well as clever marketing that means their name is recognised around the globe.
      Businessman Michael Knighton almost bought Man Utd for £10million in 1989Credit: PA
      Knighton’s takeover bid was accepted before he was forced to withdraw his offerCredit: Getty
      But in 1989, a then much-maligned club and starved of success, the Red Devils were on the verge of being taken over for just £10million.
      Property developer Michael Knighton, now 69, had announced the takeover a day before their opening game of the season at Old Trafford against Arsenal.
      Then, on the Saturday, he stood in front of the Stretford End and took in the cheers from some 48,000 fans before the game, appearing in an official team training kit and expertly juggling a football on the pitch.
      His plans were to turn Manchester United into a £150million business. He saw that with TV money on the horizon from an expected Sky TV bid, it could be a lucrative money-spinner.
      However, behind-the-scenes a secret plot schemed by the United hierarchy was desperate to dissuade Knighton from completing a deal.
      Some were said to be miffed by his flamboyant appearance on the sacred Theatre of Dreams turf before the opening Division One game of the 1989-90 season.
      While, private documents outlining a blueprint for his plans appeared at a well-known newspaper mogul’s home and ended up putting pressure on Knighton to withdraw his bid, thus ending his dream.
      BOARD RESENTMENT
      A former school teacher, Knighton made his fortune building a property portfolio in the 1980s.
      And in Manchester United he quite rightly saw their potential as an investment, and understood that ex-chief executive Martin Edwards would entertain an offer.
      Knighton laps up the applause at Old Trafford before the opening game of the 1989-90 seasonCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Property developer Knighton shows off his ball skills in a full United training kit ahead of the Division One opener against ArsenalCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty
      At Derby in the second game of the campaign, Knighton shakes hands with the fans in the standsCredit: Rex
      “The raison d’etre was very simple,” Knighton revealed.
      “There was a lot of resentment against the board. Edwards was incredibly unpopular and desperate to exit. The business was losing money and home gates had fallen to as low as 18-20,000.”
      United’s vast fanbase was key to Knighton’s theory. It’s what encouraged him to walk onto the pitch and orchestrate the crowd like a master politician would his voters.
      “I wanted to show the fans I was a football man first and a businessman second,” he said.
      “I wanted to bridge the gap between the boardroom and the terraces. Yes, it was novel. It was unorthodox. I knew it would attract interest and criticism. But I didn’t care. I needed the fans on my side more than I needed Bobby Charlton or Alex Ferguson, whose job was on the line at that time.
      “I knew there was a massive captive market. If you are going to exploit that market, not in a pejorative sense, to sell them everything in order to generate the profits to buy any player in the world, you need them on your side.
      “Look at what is happening now with the current owners and how the sponsors are being lobbied and some fans are not buying memorabilia and shirts.
      “Of course I loved it. Who wouldn’t? Despite how it all turned out, I don’t regret going on that pitch and if I had £5bn to buy Manchester United today, I would do exactly the same again. I was fulfilling every schoolboy dream in the world.
      “If you look at the pictures of that day and the smiles on the faces of the fans in the stadium, it worked.”
      ‘NOT VERY UNITED’
      Knighton’s entertaining turn at Old Trafford, that would’ve given Simply Red singer, United fan and 80s icon Mick Hucknall a run for his money even at that time, riled the stiff board.
      Former United chief executive Martin Edwards was said to have regretted his decision to sell after Knighton’s extravagant appearanceCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Behind the scenes, the United hierarchy were looking for a way out of the Knighton dealCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      “Ridiculous”, one senior official called it – and it was at this point it was said that Edwards began to regret his decision to sell to the extravagant businessman.
      Knighton’s way wasn’t the United way, despite Edwards revealing in his programme notes before a game against Norwich he wanted to sell the club and Knighton’s money would be put to use in developing the ground.
      “It is not a secret that we have wished to develop the Stretford End for a number of years now,” Edwards wrote.
      “The budget of £7.5m made me realise the commencement of the work is light years away.
      “What Mr Knighton’s offer has brought us is the opportunity to develop the stadium as well as the playing staff and this offer was impossible to refuse.”
      But privately Edwards was looking for a way out.
      SECRET DOSSIER
      With every TV appearance Knighton made talking about buying United, he irked senior figures more.
      Bizarrely, a document known as his ‘blueprint’ to help United become a £150million operation was mysteriously left at the house of newspaper owner Eddy Shah, who was a pal of the United hierarchy.
      Shah immediately got in touch and senior board members rushed to his Macclesfield home.
      A secret dossier outlining Knighton’s plans fell into the hands of newspaper mogul Eddy ShahCredit: Getty
      Knighton with United legend Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Getty
      Even United legend Bobby Charlton arrived at the scene, and was said to have had a calming influence on Shah’s aggressive dogs purely by his presence.
      The dossier was supposed to be private. The fact it had got out put Knighton under pressure to withdraw his bid.
      Knighton was offered a place on the board, if he opted out of a deal. He accepted.
      For the next three years, he was a quiet influence in the boardroom, until 1992 when he bought Carlisle, before finally walking away from football 10 years later.
      After that period, United went on to dominate the domestic game and adding European trophies to their trophy cabinet.
      “It is extraordinary how Martin Edwards has claimed credit for what happened in the following decade after my involvement. Unbelievable,” Knighton said..
      “I kept my mouth shut and my head down because my reputation had been hammered and it is virtually impossible to change a public image.
      After three years on the board at Old Trafford, Knighton left to become Carlisle chairmanCredit: Rex
      Now 69, Knighton isn’t involved in football anymoreCredit: The Sun

      “But Martin and the other people on the board decided to hide behind the fiasco Michael Knighton caused and claim the credit themselves.
      “If they could really see what was going to happen, why did they agree to sell the club for £10m?”
      Now, we’ll never know.
      Cristiano Ronaldo admits he was really nervous about second Man Utd debut More

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      in Soccer

      Weirdest guest appearances in sport with Trump to call Holyfield, like Gallaghers walking out Hatton and Jacko at Fulham

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      FOR some celebrities, attending a sports event is part and parcel of keeping up appearances.Donald Trump certainly thinks so, and will be on commentary duty for this weekend’s fight between Evander Holyfield and Vitor Belfot with son Don Jr chairing an alternative take on the exhibition bout.
      Donald Trump is set to turn his hands to boxing commentary this weekendCredit: AFP
      But the former US president isn’t the first or only celeb who’s weirdly showed up at a sporting event you’d least likely expect them to be at.
      From Hollywood stars to pop royalty, these famous faces were surprise guests at venues including Craven Cottage!
      SNOOP DOGG
      Snoop is already one of hip-hop’s GOATs. But as a boxing commentator, he’s second to none.
      The West Coast rapper famously sang a hymn while watching Jake Paul’s brutal knockout of Nate Robinson last year.
      And recently, he provided his expertise on US TV’s Olympics coverage – hilariously accusing a horse of “crip walking” during an equestrian event.
      Trump’s got his work cutout to follow in the Drop It Like It’s Hot singer’s shoes.
      Snoop Dogg has taken commentating duties on Jake Paul’s fightsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Snoop Dogg commentates and performs on the Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr fight
      TOM CRUISE
      In movies, Cruise has often shown his love of sport – most notably as a racing car driver in Days of Thunder and a sports agent in Jerry Maguire.
      Currently in the UK filming a new Mission:Impossible film, the legendary actor surprised us all when he turned up to three sporting events on the SAME day.
      His first stop was the Silverstone GP, before he headed to the Wimbledon final to watch Novak Djokovic.
      Later that evening, he was sat next to pal David Beckham cheering on the Three Lions in the Euros final at Wembley.
      Tom Cruise first went to Silverstone and met Lewis HamiltonCredit: Getty
      Hours later, Cruise was spotted taking his seat at WimbledonCredit: EPA
      On the same day, Cruise joined pal David Beckham at the Euro 2020 finalCredit: Getty
      MICHAEL JACKSON
      Imagine inviting the King of Pop to Fulham vs Wigan at Craven Cottage in a League Division Two game on a sunny day in 1999?
      That’s precisely what former owner Mohamed Al Fayed did, after the late Michael Jackson spent the morning shopping at Harrods.
      Then-Fulham boss Kevin Keegan recalled meeting Jacko in his autobiography, when Fayed brought him into the dressing room to meet the players.
      He said: “It was pointless trying to continue with my team-talk – the players weren’t listening to a word – so I walked the King of Pop through the corridors of the old Stevenage Road stand to make him a cup of tea in the players’ lounge.”
      Years later Al Fayed unveiled a statue of Jacko at Craven Cottage – but sadly Fulham’s current owners got rid of it.
      Mohamed Al Fayed’s friendship with Michael Jackson extended to an invite to watch Fulham playCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      SYLVESTER STALLONE
      In fairness to action movie legend Sly, he still carries a torch for the Toffees.
      Back in 2007, he appeared at Goodison Park as Everton entertained Reading and waved to fans on the pitch.
      He was a good friend of then-club director Robert Earl, who invited him to the game.
      Stallone has said in the past he regrets not investing money in the club, and reportedly still follows their games.
      Sylvester Stallone gets some love from the Everton faithful on the pitchCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Stallone was invited to Goodison Park by former club director Robert EarlCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      LIAM AND NOEL GALLAGHER
      When Liam and Noel Gallagher were still talking, they agreed on one thing… they would walk out pal Ricky Hatton for his 2008 fight against Paulie Malignaggi in Las Vegas.
      The warring brothers carried out their fellow Mancunian’s IBO and Ring Magazine belts to the ring at the MGM Grand Hotel before he beat his opponent in the 11th round.
      Honestly, if you didn’t know anything about the sport, you’d have thought it was Liam who was having the scrap – given the gesturing towards the other corner.
      The Gallaghers have always meant a lot to Hatton. “When I think of the most important things in my life, there’s my family first and Campbell my son, then I’ve got boxing, next comes Manchester City, then it’s Oasis,” he once said.
      Liam and Noel Gallagher walked Ricky Hatton into the ring back in 2008Credit: AP:Associated Press
      ROD STEWART
      As hilarious as it is novel.
      When rocker Rod Stewart was asked to do the Scottish Cup fifth round draw for the 2016-17 season, no one could’ve imagined what would’ve happened next.
      His arm spun round, it swooped into the bowl, and he animatedly announced each number with glee.

      Later, Rod said he was doing an impression of Rod Hull and his Emu puppet.
      He also admitted, he’d had a few.
      “I did tell them, I said ‘Listen guys when I come and watch the football I do like a bevvy or two’. They said ‘Don’t worry about it,'” he told the Harry Redknapp Show podcast.
      Rod Stewart had fans in hysterics when he conducted the Scottish Cup fifth round draw after a few drinksCredit: PA:Press Association
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      in Boxing

      Meet David Haye’s model girlfriend Sian Osborne who’s 11 years younger, joined him at Wimbledon and is a magazine star

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      WHEN David Haye fights Joe Fournier this Saturday in Florida, expect to see glamorous Sian Osborne ringside at Hard Rock Live.The retired British star, 40, is returning to boxing in an pro bout on the same card as Evander Holyfield’s match against Vitor Belfort.
      Sian Osborne is the model girlfriend of David HayeCredit: Instagram @sian.osborne
      Haye and Sian pictured on a rare outing togetherCredit: BackGrid
      And beautiful Sian will likely be there to cheer on her beau – who is 11 years older.
      The model, 29, was pictured with the former world heavyweight champion at the Wimbledon finals back in July.
      She has appeared on various magazine covers in the UK and Middle East, and was the poster girl for Chinese beer Tsingtao in an ad campaign.
      HOW THEY MET
      It’s not known exactly when Haye and Osborne began dating, with both remaining tight-lipped about their romance.
      However, it was reported they met when Sian began modelling for Haye’s Black Mask Company, which he launched last year during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
      Since then, a relationship blossomed and the pair have started to appear more regularly in public together.
      The two enjoyed the Wimbledon finals, and on the same day they were pictured with Haye’s son, Cassius.
      Beautiful Sian is 11 years younger than HayeCredit: Instagram @sian.osborne

      Most recently, Sian enjoyed a holiday with Haye in Mykonos – where his fight with Joe Fournier was hatchedCredit: Instagram @sian.osborne
      Sian has kept her romance with Haye under wrapsCredit: BackGrid
      Stunning Osborne stands at 5ft 11in tallCredit: Instagram @sian.osborne
      Sian flexes her muscles in the mirrorCredit: Instagram @sian.osborne
      Sian met Haye when she modelled for his Black Mask Company
      Haye and Sian went to Wimbledon togetherCredit: GC Images
      And they recently went on holiday to Mykonos, Greece with friends, model Jodie Kidd, food critic William Sitwell, as well as Fournier.
      In fact, that’s where the two hatched a plan to fight one another after a dispute about who would win in a boxing match.
      COVER STAR
      Over the years, Osborne has appeared in several photoshoots.
      Most famously, she was the face of Chinese brewery Tsingtao for their ad campaign.
      The 5ft 11in beauty has also been the cover star of fashion mags Nylon and Style.
      While in the US, Sian appeared on several episodes of hit American TV show Project Runway.

      Chinese beer Tsingtao featured Sian in their ad campaign
      Osborne appears on the catwalk in an episode of US TV show Project Runway
      Sian has appeared on the front cover of a variety of fashion magsCredit: Instagram @sian.osborne

      To keep herself catwalk ready, the stunner can often be seen in the gym.
      And she’s happy to share her workouts with her 20,000 plus followers on Instagram,
      Should Haye consider continuing a career in boxing, it seems like he’s found himself the perfect gym partner.
      David Haye tips Anthony Joshua to take out slick southpaw Oleksandr Usyk ‘inside six rounds’ in ‘brutal’ Tottenham triumph More

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      in Soccer

      Meet Anna Lewandowska, the stunning black belt in Karate who helped the Poland legend prolong his career at the top

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      ROBERT Lewandowski has his missus to thank for helping him remain as one of the world’s most feared strikers.The Bayern Munich forward, 33, leant on stunning Polish beauty Anna for advice about nutrition, as he looked at prolonging his career at the top.
      Anna Lewandowska is the health and fitness buff missus of Robert LewandowskiCredit: Instagram @annalewandowskahpba

      And she came to his aid by encouraging him to incorporate beetroot juice and fresh fish into his diet – a recipe that’s seen Lewandowski break Gerd Muller’s longstanding record of most goals in a Bundesliga season last campaign.
      While, he’ll also be Poland’s danger man as England come to the National Stadium in Warsaw looking to all but clinch a place at the World Cup.
      But he couldn’t have done it all without Anna, 33, who is a health and fitness whizz.
      As well as being a PE graduate, she has also represented her country in karate championships around the world.
      A fan of the UK, she even travelled  to London to promote healthy living by running a fitness seminar in a Hammersmith gym back in 2018.
      Back home in Poland, Anna Lewandowska is a national starCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Anna Lewandowska is a karate champ who has competed in World Championships for PolandCredit: Youtube – Gazeta.PL
      Fitness fanatic Anna Lewandowska is also a PE graduateCredit: Instagram @annalewandowskahpba
      Recently, Anna Lewandowska gave a health and fitness seminar in LondonCredit: Getty – Contributor

      It’s her knowledge in wellness that has helped her man continue to raise the bar.
      In charge of Lewandowski’s meals, Anna prefers to utilise fresh herbs and spices while totally avoiding lactose foods.
      She told Bild: “The most important thing is training and nutrition.
      “We refrain from lactose and wheat flour. It’s about quality food.
      “Pancakes, brownies, vegetable spaghetti, porridge or millet. We also like to eat high-quality fish.
      “Sometimes after training we drink beetroot juice with cinnamon or cayenne pepper.
      “When we mix many foods at once, sometimes we aren’t doing the right thing.
      “We feel bloated, have to loosen our trousers. The mix is ​​too much for our body.”
      Both Anna Lewandowska and Robert Lewandowski have spoken of their desire to move to LA towards the end of his careerCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Along with being a karate expert, Anna Lewandowska is also a personal trainerCredit: Instagram @annalewandowskahpba
      In 2017, Anna Lewandowska gave birth to her daughter KlaraCredit: Instagram @annalewandowskahpba
      Not just a pretty face, Anna Lewandowska writes a health and fitness blogCredit: Instagram @annalewandowskahpba
      Inbetween writing, Anna Lewandowska teaches workout classesCredit: Instagram @annalewandowskahpba
      Robert Lewandowski and Anna Lewandowska have been together since 2007Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      In 2016, Anna Lewandowska launched her own brand called Foods by AnnCredit: Instagram @annalewandowskahpba
      Anna Lewandowska is a member of the Pruszkow Karate ClubCredit: Instagram @annalewandowskahpba
      Anna also studied nutrition, recently releasing her own food brand called Foods by Ann.
      Her company, which sells everything from smoothies to energy bars to supplements, has been thriving since she set it up in 2016.
      Anna’s greatest success, however, has come in the shape of martial arts.
      The Lodz-born stunner, who first met Robert in 2007, is a member of the Pruszkow Karate Club.
      It’s in karate where Anna Lewandowska has enjoyed her greatest successCredit: Rex Features
      Anna Lewandowska joins husband Robert Lewandowski at Oktoberfest in MunichCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Robert Lewandowski and Anna Lewandowska got married in 2013
      Anna Lewandowska won 29 medals in karate in the Polish ChampionshipsCredit: Youtube – Gazeta.PL
      As the national face of fitness in Eastern Europe, Anna Lewandowska has launched her own health and nutrition bookCredit: Instagram @annalewandowskahpba
      She stepped away from competition after giving birth to daughter Klara in 2017, but she certainly left her stamp on the karate world.
      Anna managed to win three medals in the senior World Championships and six European Championship medals in different age categories.

      In her homeland, she’s revered for winning 29 Polish Championship medals.
      In 2010, Anna set up her own blog called Healthy Plan by Ann.
      Not only does it give an incite into her life, the website offers workout tips and food recipes for the health-conscious.
      Anna Lewandowska and Robert Lewandowski are the biggest celebrity couple in PolandCredit: Getty – Contributor
      A talented martial arts expert, Anna Lewandowska shows off her skills that led to her representing Poland on the international stageCredit: Youtube – Gazeta.PL
      Anna Lewandowska has released her own DVD based on a karate workoutCredit: Instagram @annalewandowskahpba
      Always red carpet ready, Anna Lewandowska will never be a shy, retiring WagCredit: Rex Features
      She’s written workout books, promotes her own exercise DVDs and is face of fitness in Eastern Europe.
      To top off her list of achievements, Anna is also the President of the Special Olympics for Poland.
      Maybe her greatest success story, though, lies in turning her hubby into the world’s best striker. More

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      in Soccer

      Poland legend Robert Lewandowski became his country’s leading scorer but before his debut his sports-mad dad passed away

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      HE’S Poland’s greatest ever footballer and stands between England all but securing their qualification for the World Cup on Wednesday night with a win.But behind Robert Lewandowski’s remarkable success story for both club and country is a heartbreaking story.
      Behind Robert Lewandowski’s success is a heartbreaking storyCredit: Getty
      The Bayern Munich striker, who is his nation’s all-time leading scorer with 72 goals, will have one regret when he steps onto National Stadium pitch in Warsaw.
      A year before Robert, 33, made his professional debut, his hero and sports-obsessed father passed away, missing the opportunity to see his son play professionally.
      Krzysztof Lewandowski was well recognised for his sporting achievements in his homeland.
      Aside from being a judo champion in the 1970s, Krzysztof played second division football for Hutnik Warszawa.

      And sport was very much the main focus for the Lewandowski family, with mother Iwona a former pro volleyball player too.
      With such a heritage, it seemed inevitable that Robert would follow in his parents’ footsteps.

      He caught the football bug at a young age, so Krzysztof happily accompanied his boy to Partyzant Leszno’s training sessions, spotting young Robert’s talent with a ball early on.
      By the age of nine, Lewandowski was training with local team Varsovia Warszawa, honing the skills that would serve him well in the future.
      Robert Lewandowski as a baby with his mother, IwonaCredit: Facebook @rl9official
      Playing on hard, sandy, grassless pitches, the close control he’s now known for began to develop in the poor footballing conditions he was first introduced to.
      And if the quality of the turf was lacking, the changing rooms weren’t much better either.
      Unheated old barracks with broken windows while playing during the cold, winter months didn’t deter Robert’s drive and determination to make it to the top.
      Within seven years, he signed for Delta Warsaw – a fifth tier Polish side known to be a direct supplier of players to one of the country’s biggest teams, Legia Warsaw.
      As a boy, Robert Lewandowski, right, was a gifted footballerCredit: Instagram @_rl9
      It was then that a 16-year-old “Lewy”, as he was known to his teammates, started to realise his potential.
      Legia’s scouts were impressed. His attitude and appetite for the game resulted in rapid progress.
      He scored goals for fun, stood out from the crowd and whispers were reverberating around the club that Legia were interested in signing him up.
      However, Robert’s world came crashing down at a critical time when football was starting to become his chosen career path.
      Family man Robert Lewandowski with his grandmaCredit: Instagram @_rl9
      In 2005, his dad Krzysztof underwent a potentially life-saving operation,  but the long-time cancer sufferer died just a few days after when he suffered a stroke.
      Lewandowski told Bild: “His death was the toughest time for me. 
      “Suddenly, I was the man of the house and had to be a grown-up. The memory of my father still drives me on.”To lessen the financial burden on his mum, brave Robert left his family home and moved into a small flat with his sister Milena in Warsaw.
      Gradually, Robert Lewandowski earned himself a move to Lech PoznanCredit: AFP – Getty
      Whatever he earned with Delta, he shared with his mum and sister, who later achieved her dream in becoming a professional volleyball player.
      Legia decided to give Lewandowski a one-year deal with their reserves, and he often trained with the first team.
      But an increase in training levels, coupled with his then-slight frame, saw him struggle with injuries.
      After a year, Legia decided to cut their losses. Lewandowski was released, without making his senior bow and his football ambitions seemed in tatters.
      As a success at Lech Poznan, Robert Lewandowski attracted interest from other European clubsCredit: AFP – Getty
      Desperate for a goalscorer, third division Znicz Pruszków gave Lewandowski another shot.
      It was a decision that both parties will forever be thankful for.
      In his first season, he put aside his injury problems to fire his new team into the second division – scoring 16 goals in 29 games in all competitions, aged just 17.
      A year later, he was the leading goalscorer in Poland’s second division – finding the net 21 times in 32 league games.
      He was snapped up by Lech Poznań for 1.5 million złotys in 2008, the equivalent today of around £300,000.
      Robert Lewandowski’s skills were honed in the blistering cold of Poland’s wintry conditionsCredit: AFP – Getty
      Sadly for Robert Lewandowski his father never saw him play professionallyCredit: AFP – Getty

      Lewandowski was soon on his way, playing in Poland’s top league, the Ekstraklasa.
      The sad thing was, his proud dad Krzysztof wasn’t around to see his son’s rise to becoming one of the most feared forwards in the world.
      “After his death I quickly had to become an adult,” Robert said in a candid interview on a Polish TV chat show hosted by Magda Molek in 2015.
      In a candid interview, Robert Lewandowski opened up about his father to Polish TV presenter Magda MolekCredit: Facebook
      At Lech Poznan, Robert Lewandowski scored 41 goals in 82 gamesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Robert Lewandowski has gone to become one of the world’s best strikersCredit: Getty – Contributor
      “He always knew that I would be playing abroad. He said that was why he gave me the name Robert so that no one would mistake my name.
      “I regretted many times that I did not talk to him about something, that I did not say something to him.
      “I regret the most that he did not see my first match in seniors and that he cannot be at my matches live.
      “I hope, however, that he looks down on me and helps me in all this. I believe it.”
      Simon Jordan says signing Bayern Munich’s Lewandowski for £100m wouldn’t be good business More

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      Inside Poland legend Robert Lewandowski’s incredible £7million apartment in Warsaw complete with a golf simulator

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      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI knows where his roots are.Despite being based in Germany since 2010, the Bayern Munich striker was happy to splash £7million on a deluxe pad in his home city of Warsaw back in 2016.
      Robert Lewandowski owns a stunning apartment in Warsaw that cost £7mCredit: CEN/ Zlota44
      Lewandowski’s apartment comes equipped with a golf simulatorCredit: CEN/ Zlota44
      The deluxe pad comes with access to a state-of-the-art sports and recreation centreCredit: CEN/ Zlota44
      A HEFTY PRICE
      Standard flats in the Zlota 44 tower block range between £242,000 to £1.9m, with the more pricey apartments costing up to £7m.
      Polish-American architect Daniel Libeskind designed the 192-metre tall block and ensured the property was fully stocked with all Lewandowski will need.
      There’s a state-of-the-art sports and recreation centre, a private cinema, golf simulator and wine tasting room, according to Luxurious Magazine.
      Lewandowski, who rakes in about £352-000-per-week, said: “Choosing my new apartment was based on practical considerations.”
      WORLD CLASS FACILITIES
      He continued: “The tower provides some of the best residences in Poland, whilst the sports and recreation centre allows me to complete my training program in the highest quality surroundings.
      “It is important in my profession to always have world-class training facilities on-hand and now I’m just a short elevator ride from a full-size swimming pool, fully-equipped gym, luxury spa area, as well as treatment and massage rooms.
      The living room is spacious and comfortable
      The flat boasts incredible views of the city of Warsaw
      The bedroom boasts floor to ceiling windows
      Standard flats in the Zlota 44 tower block range between £242,000 to £1.9m, with the more pricey apartments costing up to £7m
      A grand piano sits in a reception room

      “This was essential for me as it allows me at any given moment to complete my training program in the best surroundings.”
      Lewandowski, 33, stands between England all but securing their place at the World Cup.
      Poland’s all-time record goalscorer will be looking to add to his 72 international goals when the two sides clash at the National Stadium in Warsaw on Wednesday night.
      Lewandowski bought the apartment back in 2016
      Lewandowski is originally from Warsaw
      The home boasts modern decor throughout
      Robert Lewandowski takes a cheeky picture of and wife Anna as they work out togetherCredit: CEN / Robert Lewandowki
      Simon Jordan says signing Bayern Munich’s Lewandowski for £100m wouldn’t be good business More

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

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO lives a jet-set lifestyle, regularly travelling to and from his homeland, Portugal.So it makes sense the Manchester United ace, 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 Features
      He 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 @georginagio

      Family games are easy for the Ronaldos on board the spacious aircraftCredit: Instagram
      The Gulfstream G200 is capable of reaching a top speed of 560mphCredit: Alamy
      It takes two crew members to man the G200Credit: Avbuyer
      IT’S A RARITY
      After 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: Privatefly
      As 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. More