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      The amazing homes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Beckham, but which footballer owns the most expensive property?

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      THE life of an A-list footballer is one filled with luxury.The likes of David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have earned fortunes from the game – splashing the cash on some stunning homes.
      David Beckham has a plush pad with wife Victoria Beckham in central LondonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But which footballer has the most expensive house and how much is it worth?
      Join SunSport for the definitive countdown as we give you the most expensive footballers’ homes.
      7. John Terry, £5m
      In 2014, JT  sold his pad in Surrey to Omani royals for an incredible £16m – making a tidy £10million profit.
      But what John bought next was equally as impressive, and literally next door to where he previously resided.
      He splashed £4.35m on Colin Montgomerie’s former home after initially renting it.
      The property has seven bedrooms, six bathrooms, four receptions rooms and a two-bedroom staff annex.
      He has since added an astro-turf pitch, which has boosted the property’s value to £5million.
      All in all, JT boasts a property empire worth around £47million – with his latest venture in knocking down Tandem House in the area and turning it into two homes.
      John Terry sold his previous home for £16mCredit: Reuters
      JT’s new pad, with his former mansion with red brick walls on the right of it in this picture
      6. Nicky Butt, £5.5m
      The former Manchester United star is quids in with the sale of this property.
      Butt did live in a stunning luxury pad complete with an indoor swimming pool and a cinema room in an exclusive area of Greater Manchester.
      However, he just recently sold the six bedroom house for a whopping £5.5million.

      And the buyer is in for a treat with a luxury pad complete with an indoor swimming pool and a cinema room.

      Nicky Butt has sold his £5.5m mansion after two years on he market

      The home boasts an amazing cinema room
      The swimming pool completes the luxurious picture
      5. Lionel Messi, £6m
      Boasting sea views and being in a no-fly zone, Messi’s abode – valued at £5.5milion – in Barcelona offers a tranquil experience.
      Located in the exclusive suburb of Castelldefels, it’s the perfect spot for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner to reside.
      Just 12 miles away from the Camp Nou, Messi’s home has a small football pitch, a swimming pool, an indoor gym and a playground for his three children.

      Close friend Luiz Suarez used to live nearby while Philippe Coutinho still does, should a team debriefing be needed.

      The Messis live in a stunning mansion in the exclusive suburb of CastelldefelsCredit: Instagram @antoroccuzzo88

      The home boasts a stunning and spacious loungeCredit: Instagram @antoroccuzzo88

      Messi has a room dedicated to a collection of shirts in his home

      Messi often plays football in his garden with his Dogue de Bordeaux called HulkCredit: Instagram @leomessi
      4. Cristiano Ronaldo, £8m
      In 2018, Ronaldo moved to Juventus.
      And he needed a house that was fit for the new king of Turin.

      His current digs feature two adjoining villas found on a private road guarded by security, which leads to an entrance gate.

      The villas themselves have separate entrances, and are surrounded by lush gardens and vegetation.

      Ronaldo is believed to have fallen in love with the home because of its similarities with his Madrid property.

      There’s a state-of-the-art gym that he and former shop assistant Georgina love to use together. And there’s also a swimming pool, which Ronaldo cools down in by doing a few laps following a strenuous session lifting weights.

      The property is so high up, ‘it’s as if Turin were at the feet of CR7, a tribute of the city to the long-awaited and newly-arrived champion,’ La Gazzetta dello Sport reported at the time of purchase.

      Ronaldo’s home in Turin features two adjoining villasCredit: Instagram

      Ronaldo relaxes on one of the many terracesCredit: AFP or licensors

      The property boasts amazing views of the city of TurinCredit: Instagram

      Ronaldo has found a place to sunbathe in his current Italian homeCredit: Instagram / @cristiano

      The property boasts plenty of space for the whole Ronaldo familyCredit: Instagram

      Ronaldo relaxes in one of the many lounge areas of the homeCredit: Refer to Caption
      3. Kaka, £9m
      The Brazilian great may be retired, but if he’s looking to put his feet up at his luxury pad in Madrid then he may have a fight on his hands.
      Kaka bought this gem, which is situated near Ronaldo’s in the city’s exclusive La Finca area, for £6.4m.
      Since moving to the MLS, Kaka has rented the house out to Gareth Bale for a cool £16k a month and it’s unlikely that the Welshman will hand the keys back willingly.
      The brainchild of leading designer Joaquin Torres, this 16,000 square foot home is built on two-storeys.
      It also has a private indoor pool and a gym. Should Bale return to Spain after his loan move to Spurs, at least he goes back to a home he loves.
      Real Madrid team-mate Sergio Ramos is a neighbour. Even their boss Zinedine Zidane lives nearby.
      Kaka bought this beauty before heading to the MLSCredit: Instagram
      Kaka won the Ballon d’Or in 2007 – the last person other than Ronaldo or Messi to take home the awardCredit: Reuters
      Gareth Bale currently rents this Madrid home off KakaCredit: Getty – Contributor
      2. Wayne Rooney, £20m
      Worth around £20million, Rooney’s home has been nicknamed the Morrisons mansion, because it’s so big it looks like a superstore.
      The stately Cheshire pile boasts a garage with his collection of cars, a cinema, swimming pool, and even two man-made fishing lakes.
      Most recently, the Derby County boss laid down a full-size artificial pitch in his back garden – complete with a seating area.
      It was former horse riding arena, but Rooney didn’t need that.
      Instead, he built a brand new pitch with its own dugouts and changing rooms.
      Planners at East Cheshire Council ruled Rooney’s revised plans “onside”after there were no objections from neighbours.
      It also has huge indoor swimming pool surrounded by a glass pavilion, a hot tub, plunge pool, steam room and “his” or “hers” changing rooms.
      Wayne Rooney built his Cheshire home from scratchCredit: PA:Press Association
      Wayne Rooney’s huge football pitch has been builtCredit: Google
      The Rooneys’ new Cheshire home has been mocked for “looking like a Morrisons”Credit: The Mega Agency
      1. David Beckham, £39.5m
      Reportedly worth £339m, Becks can have any home he wants.
      So, it’s no surprise that the former Man United star tops our list with his stunning London abode.
      Bought for an incredible £31.5m in 2013, they added £8m worth of refurbishment on to the property value over the next 3 years.
      It has eight bedrooms, two dressing rooms, a catwalk style runway fit for any fashionista, a playroom, gym, spa and a salon-style room.
      Neighbours include Robbie Williams, Simon Cowell and Elton John, so he’s in good company.
      David Beckham spent an extra £8m renovating his £31.5m homeCredit: Rex Features
      David Beckham tops the property list for footballersCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Inside Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Perrie Edwards’ A-list life in £4million Cheshire home as they reveal baby news

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      IT’S official!Liverpool star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and his Little Mix girlfriend Perrie Edwards have revealed they are expecting their first baby together.
      Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Perrie Edwards have revealed they are expecting a babyCredit: Instagram
      The pair took to Instagram to share a photo of the singer’s growing bumpCredit: Instagram
      The pair took to Instagram to share a photo of the singer’s growing bump, as well as a sweet snap of the two in a loving clench.
      “Anyone got any advice on how to change nappies?” he captioned the photo.
      “So grateful and excited to become a dad. Bring on the sleepless nights.”
      They reportedly began dating in 2016 and live together in a £4million home in Cheshire on the same street as legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
      And they’ve been happy to share their superstar lifestyle on social media to their millions of followers.
      WHAT A LIFE
      When you have a lovely home, of course you’re going to show it off on social media.
      And in the past year, Perrie and Alex have had three!
      During the first lockdown, the pair were happy to reveal a property they previously lived in in the north and the luxury they had become used to.
      The hot couple showed a penchant for dance, when they performed a hilarious TikTok routine and posted it on Instagram.
      Then, the Ox posted pics online enjoying his former home’s amenities – a pool and a relaxing jacuzzi.
      They’ve been happy to share their lifestyle on social media to their millions of followersCredit: Refer to Caption
      In the last year, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Perrie Edwards have shared three propertiesCredit: Refer to Caption
      The two have a Surrey property that they have been renovatingCredit: Refer to Caption
      Oxlade-Chamberlain is used to living a life of luxuryCredit: Instagram
      Edwards and Oxlade-Chamberlain regularly share their life on social mediaCredit: Instagram
      But in August last year, the Ox and his pop star missus splashed £4m on a mansion on a private road in Wimslow, Cheshire – just a few doors away from Manchester United legend Fergie.
      However, the two have kept that one private for now.
      Alex and Perrie also have ANOTHER house in Surrey, which they’ve been renovating.
      NICE CAR
      Over the years, Oxlade-Chamberlain – who pockets around £120,000-a-week – has enjoyed driving some fine motors.
      Most recently, we’ve seen him with a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon that has a starting price of £90,000.
      The England star has also been seen behind the wheel of a Range Rover Autobiography worth £100,000 and driving into training in a £264,000 Rolls-Royce.
      With a new baby on the way, he may soon be investing in a more roomy SUV.
      Perrie also passed her driving test last year, so it’ll be a car they could share.
      The loved-up pair are often seen on the red carpet togetherCredit: Splash News
      Oxlade-Chamberlain poses with a £90,000 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon
      Perrie Edwards celebrates passing her driving licence in 2020
      AMAZING HOLIDAYS
      Last summer, Alex and Perrie put coronavirus worries aside to enjoy a luxury holiday in Ibiza.
      They took a private jet to the island on a no-expenses spared trip and were joined by his brother, Christian.
      There they rented a boat, with the Ox representing by wearing a retro Liverpool jersey.
      Alex also enjoyed some watersports on a flyboard, while soaking up some rays with his beloved.
      Of course, there was an obligatory swimwear pic of the pair too.
      Loved-up Alex and Perrie enjoyed a no-expenses spared trip to Ibiza last summerCredit: Instagram / @perrieedwards
      Oxlade-Chamberlain enjoyed some watersports on a flyboardCredit: Instagram
      Liverpool star Oxlade-Chamberlain also represented his club on board a private boat
      HIS INJURY HELL
      Like his time at Arsenal, Oxlade-Chamberlain has had his career at Liverpool blighted by injury.
      Edwards has nursed him to health, while he’s suffered two long-term problems, including a cruciate ligament rupture in 2018 and a knee injury in 2020.
      He has returned back to full fitness, but has been unable to force his way back into Jurgen Klopp’s plans.

      Recently, Oxlade-Chamberlain has been linked with a move away from Anfield.
      Reports suggest Liverpool will accept £17million for the 27-year-old they bought for £35million from Arsenal.
      Should he move down south, at least he will have a lovely home he can settle in.
      In happier times with Liverpool, Oxlade-Chamberlain has won the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Two serious injuries have left Oxlade-Chamberlain’s career at Liverpool in tattersCredit: PA:Press Association
      With Perrie by his side, what will the Ox do next?Credit: Instagram / @perrieedwards More

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      The amazing homes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Beckham, but which footballer’s property is most expensive?

      by

      THE life of an A-list footballer is one that’s filled with luxury.The likes of David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have earned fortunes from the game – splashing the cash on some stunning homes.
      David Beckham has a plush pad with wife Victoria Beckham in central LondonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But which footballer has the most expensive house and how much is it worth?
      Join SunSport for the definitive countdown as we give you the most expensive footballers’ homes.
      7. John Terry, £5m
      In 2014, JT  sold his pad in Surrey to Omani royals for an incredible £16m – making a tidy £10million profit.
      But what John bought next was equally as impressive, and literally next door to where he previously resided.
      He splashed £4.35m on Colin Montgomerie’s former home after initially renting it.
      The property has seven bedrooms, six bathrooms, four receptions rooms and a two-bedroom staff annex.
      He has since added an astro-turf pitch, which has boosted the property’s value to £5million.
      All in all, JT boasts a property empire worth around £47million – with his latest venture in knocking down Tandem House in the area and turning it into two homes.
      John Terry sold his previous home for £16mCredit: Reuters
      JT’s new pad, with his former mansion with red brick walls on the right of it in this picture
      6. Nicky Butt, £5.5m
      The former Manchester United star is quids in with the sale of this property.
      Butt did live in a stunning luxury pad complete with an indoor swimming pool and a cinema room in an exclusive area of Greater Manchester.
      However, he just recently sold the six bedroom house for a whopping £5.5million.

      And the buyer is in for a treat with a luxury pad complete with an indoor swimming pool and a cinema room.

      Nicky Butt has sold his £5.5m mansion after two years on he market

      The home boasts an amazing cinema room
      The swimming pool completes the luxurious picture
      5. Lionel Messi, £6m
      Boasting sea views and being in a no-fly zone, Messi’s abode – valued at £5.5milion – in Barcelona offers a tranquil experience.
      Located in the exclusive suburb of Castelldefels, it’s the perfect spot for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner to reside.
      Just 12 miles away from the Camp Nou, Messi’s home has a small football pitch, a swimming pool, an indoor gym and a playground for his three children.

      Close friend Luiz Suarez used to live nearby while Philippe Coutinho still does, should a team debriefing be needed.

      The Messis live in a stunning mansion in the exclusive suburb of CastelldefelsCredit: Instagram @antoroccuzzo88

      The home boasts a stunning and spacious loungeCredit: Instagram @antoroccuzzo88

      Messi has a room dedicated to a collection of shirts in his home

      Messi often plays football in his garden with his Dogue de Bordeaux called HulkCredit: Instagram @leomessi
      4. Cristiano Ronaldo, £8m
      In 2018, Ronaldo moved to Juventus.
      And he needed a house that was fit for the new king of Turin.

      His current digs feature two adjoining villas found on a private road guarded by security, which leads to an entrance gate.

      The villas themselves have separate entrances, and are surrounded by lush gardens and vegetation.

      Ronaldo is believed to have fallen in love with the home because of its similarities with his Madrid property.

      There’s a state-of-the-art gym that he and former shop assistant Georgina love to use together. And there’s also a swimming pool, which Ronaldo cools down in by doing a few laps following a strenuous session lifting weights.

      The property is so high up, ‘it’s as if Turin were at the feet of CR7, a tribute of the city to the long-awaited and newly-arrived champion,’ La Gazzetta dello Sport reported at the time of purchase.

      Ronaldo’s home in Turin features two adjoining villasCredit: Instagram

      Ronaldo relaxes on one of the many terracesCredit: AFP or licensors

      The property boasts amazing views of the city of TurinCredit: Instagram

      Ronaldo has found a place to sunbathe in his current Italian homeCredit: Instagram / @cristiano

      The property boasts plenty of space for the whole Ronaldo familyCredit: Instagram

      Ronaldo relaxes in one of the many lounge areas of the homeCredit: Refer to Caption
      3. Kaka, £9m
      The Brazilian great may be retired, but if he’s looking to put his feet up at his luxury pad in Madrid then he may have a fight on his hands.
      Kaka bought this gem, which is situated near Ronaldo’s in the city’s exclusive La Finca area, for £6.4m.
      Since moving to the MLS, Kaka has rented the house out to Gareth Bale for a cool £16k a month and it’s unlikely that the Welshman will hand the keys back willingly.
      The brainchild of leading designer Joaquin Torres, this 16,000 square foot home is built on two-storeys.
      It also has a private indoor pool and a gym. Should Bale return to Spain after his loan move to Spurs, at least he goes back to a home he loves.
      Real Madrid team-mate Sergio Ramos is a neighbour. Even their boss Zinedine Zidane lives nearby.
      Kaka bought this beauty before heading to the MLSCredit: Instagram
      Kaka won the Ballon d’Or in 2007 – the last person other than Ronaldo or Messi to take home the awardCredit: Reuters
      Gareth Bale currently rents this Madrid home off KakaCredit: Getty – Contributor
      2. Wayne Rooney, £20m
      Worth around £20million, Rooney’s home has been nicknamed the Morrisons mansion, because it’s so big it looks like a superstore.
      The stately Cheshire pile boasts a garage with his collection of cars, a cinema, swimming pool, and even two man-made fishing lakes.
      Most recently, the Derby County boss laid down a full-size artificial pitch in his back garden – complete with a seating area.
      It was former horse riding arena, but Rooney didn’t need that.
      Instead, he built a brand new pitch with its own dugouts and changing rooms.
      Planners at East Cheshire Council ruled Rooney’s revised plans “onside”after there were no objections from neighbours.
      It also has huge indoor swimming pool surrounded by a glass pavilion, a hot tub, plunge pool, steam room and “his” or “hers” changing rooms.
      Wayne Rooney built his Cheshire home from scratchCredit: PA:Press Association
      Wayne Rooney’s huge football pitch has been builtCredit: Google
      The Rooneys’ new Cheshire home has been mocked for “looking like a Morrisons”Credit: The Mega Agency
      1. David Beckham, £39.5m
      Reportedly worth £339m, Becks can have any home he wants.
      So, it’s no surprise that the former Man United star tops our list with his stunning London abode.
      Bought for an incredible £31.5m in 2013, they added £8m worth of refurbishment on to the property value over the next 3 years.
      It has eight bedrooms, two dressing rooms, a catwalk style runway fit for any fashionista, a playroom, gym, spa and a salon-style room.
      Neighbours include Robbie Williams, Simon Cowell and Elton John, so he’s in good company.
      David Beckham spent an extra £8m renovating his £31.5m homeCredit: Rex Features
      David Beckham tops the property list for footballersCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Copa America under threat with the coronavirus pandemic still a problem in Argentina and Colombia, who are the co-hosts

      by

      THE Euros is not the only international competition on the horizon. There is also the Copa America, co-hosted by Argentina and Colombia, which is due to take place between June 13th and July 10th.Like the Euros, it was put back from last year after the coronavirus pandemic struck. And with the situation in South America especially bad, the pandemic is still a problem.
      This year’s Copa America might be cancelled yet againCredit: AFP
      In the middle of last month Argentina’s president Alberto Fernandez sounded a note of caution, stating that the development of the pandemic would have to be followed closely before it could be confirmed that the competition could go ahead as planned.
      Certainly there would seem no chance of having fans inside the stadiums. Conmebol, the local Uefa equivalent, have been pushing for 30 per cent of stadium capacity, but this now seems wildly optimistic.
      Indeed, any predictions about the Copa are currently looking optimistic – because a fresh problem has emerged.
      When President Fernandez of Argentina was giving voice to his doubts, Colombia’s president Ivan Duque was adamant that the tournament could go ahead.
      The coronavirus situation is bad in his country, too.
      Local authorities in the capital, Bogota, have banned games from taking pace there – so alternative venues hurriedly had to be found for matches in the Copa Libertadores, South America’s Champions League.
      Conmebol hope this will not be a problem come the Copa.
      The organisation has negotiated the delivery of 50,000 doses of vaccine for those involved in international competitions – players, coaching staff, etc, allowing them to believe that the fixture list can be completed.
      Colombian people, already suffering from both health and economic consequences of Covid-19, riot after President Duque introduced a new taxCredit: AFP
      Argentinian president Alberto Fernandez has voiced his doubts that the Copa America can go ahead in his country with the pandemic still a problemCredit: Getty
      But now Colombia has erupted in a wave of social violence.
      President Duque has introduced a new tax, which has not pleased a population suffering from both the health and economic consequences of the pandemic.
      Many took to the streets to protest. 
      The police response was seen as unnecessarily heavy-handed, which had the effect of further inflaming the protests. Over 20 people have lost their lives.
      Last week, then, it was impossible for international matches to go ahead in Colombia, and not because of coronavirus.
      From the point of view of Conmebol, the worst case was that of the visit of Fluminense of Brazil to the Caribbean port of Barranquilla to meet Junior.
      Barranquilla has one of South America’s most impressive stadiums – built for the 1986 World Cup, which ended up not taking place in Colombia.
      It is the home of the Colombian national team, and is the venue for the final of the Copa America on July 10th.
      It was important for Conmebol that this game should go ahead. Fluminense checked with them before making the long journey.
      But once they had reached Barranquilla, it was clear that the match could not go ahead.
      Manchester City-bound Kayky celebrates scoring his first ever Copa Libertadores goal for FluminenseCredit: EPA

      It would have been an extra target for protestors.
      And so, at the last minute, it was switched to Ecuador – where Kaiky, the 17 year old winger who is on his way to Manchester City, scored his first Libertadores goal for Fluminense in a 1-1 draw.
      This, then, was a historic moment for a youngster of great promise. But the fact that it had to happen in Ecuador is very worrying.
      It means that with five weeks to go until the kick off, the venue for the Copa America final was unable to stage an international club game – an extra reason to question whether it is wise to go ahead with the tournament.
      Watch Man City’s new wonderkid Kayky score amazing solo goal after humiliating FOUR defenders More

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      Jayden Stockley desperate for permanent Charlton transfer after rediscovering lethal touch in loan spell from Preston

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      JAYDEN STOCKLEY wants to make his loan move to Charlton permanent this summer after rediscovering his lethal scoring touch.The striker, 27, had an incredible one-in-two career goals-to-starts ratio when he left Exeter for Preston North End almost two-and-a-half years ago in a £750,000 deal.
      Jayden Stockley is loving life at The Valley and wants to make his loan switch permanent
      But he found himself unable to get a regular run of starts under Alex Neil although he still scored nine league goals from 21 starts – but he made a total of 44 Championship sub appearances.
      Yet since moving to the Addicks in January he has fired eight goals in 19 starts.
      Today he hopes to shoot Charlton into the play-offs – although they need Portsmouth and Oxford to slip up.
      Stockley said: “That run of games at Preston never came unfortunately.
      “I scored in back-to-back matches against Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest then found myself back on the bench for Brentford.
      “To be fair to Alex Neil, I learned a lot from him tactically. He was very meticulous in his planning of games.
      “I feel for managers – they go out to win a game of football.
      “They don’t go to upset people or do things viciously. They’re under a lot of pressure. I don’t hold a grudge about it.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
      Jayden Stockley believes Charlton are going places and wants to put down roots in London

      “I back my ability and just feel I should’ve played a lot more.
      “But he brought me to the club and gave me the chance to play Championship football. It cuts both ways.”
      Stockley has one year left on his contract in the North West and would like to move to South East London.
      He said: “It’s up in the air at the moment. I don’t know what fees are circling around and they don’t even know who their manager is going to be next season.
      “What I can say is I absolutely am loving my time here.
      “And this hopefully isn’t the end of my time playing for Charlton.
      “If it works for everyone, I would love it. I feel I have so much to give and these are my prime years.”
      Jayden Stockley fires home as Charlton see off Lincoln to give them a play-off chance
      Charlton is his 14th different club – although nine of them were loan spells while he was a young player coming through the ranks at Bournemouth.
      But after moving permanently from the Cherries to Aberdeen to Exeter then to Preston, he wants to put down roots – and South East London is a perfect home for him and his family.
      He said: “I’ve always looked for that club where I could stay and become a real name.
      “I’m getting to that age now where I want to give my peak years to that team.
      “My partner and I have two children – a five-year-old and two-year-old. They’ve spent a lot of time away from grandparents and other family members – it’s been tough.
      “I don’t want them all moving around too much – but in football you often have to understand that the best choice isn’t always the best fit in terms of location.
      “You only get one career so you have to balance a lot of things.”
      But Stockley has been impressed with Charlton under the new ownership of Thomas Sandgaard and management of Nigel Adkins, who took over from Lee Bowyer after he left for Birmingham.
      The Danish owner wants to take the club from League One to the Premier League – a journey that Adkins enjoyed while in charge of Southampton.
      Jayden Stockley had limited chances while playing for Preston in the Championship
      And Stockley said: “It’s not until you’re down here that you realise what a very big club Charlton are.
      “I love the training ground, I love the area. The stadium is incredible too.
      “It’s been disappointing not to experience playing in front of fans – I did as a visiting player. Hopefully the Accrington game won’t be the last time that the fans see me in their shirt.
      “Nigel has come in and the lads have taken to him straight away.
      “On a personal level, he has been great. His demeanour and the way he works is something I’ve been looking at for a long time.
      “His communication skills are great. Some managers have lacked that human touch. I have found that sometimes during my career.
      “It’s nice for a manager to talk to you, be honest with you and tell you what he wants and expects.
      “And give clear instructions of what he wants and I think that brings out the best in individuals, especially me.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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      The amazing homes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi and Beckham, but which footballer has the most expensive property?

      by

      THE life of an A-list footballer is one that’s filled with luxury.The likes of David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have earned fortunes from the game – splashing the cash on some stunning homes.
      David Beckham has a plush pad with wife Victoria Beckham in central LondonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But which footballer has the most expensive house and how much is it worth?
      Join SunSport for the definitive countdown as we give you the most expensive footballers’ homes.
      7. John Terry, £5m
      In 2014, JT  sold his pad in Surrey to Omani royals for an incredible £16m – making a tidy £10million profit.
      But what John bought next was equally as impressive, and literally next door to where he previously resided.
      He splashed £4.35m on Colin Montgomerie’s former home after initially renting it.
      The property has seven bedrooms, six bathrooms, four receptions rooms and a two-bedroom staff annex.
      He has since added an astro-turf pitch, which has boosted the property’s value to £5million.
      All in all, JT boasts a property empire worth around £47million – with his latest venture in knocking down Tandem House in the area and turning it into two homes.
      John Terry sold his previous home for £16mCredit: Reuters
      JT’s new pad, with his former mansion with red brick walls on the right of it in this picture
      6. Nicky Butt, £5.5m
      The former Manchester United star is quids in with the sale of this property.
      Butt did live in a stunning luxury pad complete with an indoor swimming pool and a cinema room in an exclusive area of Greater Manchester.
      However, he just recently sold the six bedroom house for a whopping £5.5million.

      And the buyer is in for a treat with a luxury pad complete with an indoor swimming pool and a cinema room.

      Nicky Butt has sold his £5.5m mansion after two years on he market

      The home boasts an amazing cinema room
      The swimming pool completes the luxurious picture
      5. Lionel Messi, £6m
      Boasting sea views and being in a no-fly zone, Messi’s abode – valued at £5.5milion – in Barcelona offers a tranquil experience.
      Located in the exclusive suburb of Castelldefels, it’s the perfect spot for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner to reside.
      Just 12 miles away from the Camp Nou, Messi’s home has a small football pitch, a swimming pool, an indoor gym and a playground for his three children.

      Close friend Luiz Suarez used to live nearby while Philippe Coutinho still does, should a team debriefing be needed.

      The Messis live in a stunning mansion in the exclusive suburb of CastelldefelsCredit: Instagram @antoroccuzzo88

      The home boasts a stunning and spacious loungeCredit: Instagram @antoroccuzzo88

      Messi has a room dedicated to a collection of shirts in his home

      Messi often plays football in his garden with his Dogue de Bordeaux called HulkCredit: Instagram @leomessi
      4. Cristiano Ronaldo, £8m
      In 2018, Ronaldo moved to Juventus.
      And he needed a house that was fit for the new king of Turin.

      His current digs feature two adjoining villas found on a private road guarded by security, which leads to an entrance gate.

      The villas themselves have separate entrances, and are surrounded by lush gardens and vegetation.

      Ronaldo is believed to have fallen in love with the home because of its similarities with his Madrid property.

      There’s a state-of-the-art gym that he and former shop assistant Georgina love to use together. And there’s also a swimming pool, which Ronaldo cools down in by doing a few laps following a strenuous session lifting weights.

      The property is so high up, ‘it’s as if Turin were at the feet of CR7, a tribute of the city to the long-awaited and newly-arrived champion,’ La Gazzetta dello Sport reported at the time of purchase.

      Ronaldo’s home in Turin features two adjoining villasCredit: Instagram

      Ronaldo relaxes on one of the many terracesCredit: AFP or licensors

      The property boasts amazing views of the city of TurinCredit: Instagram

      Ronaldo has found a place to sunbathe in his current Italian homeCredit: Instagram / @cristiano

      The property boasts plenty of space for the whole Ronaldo familyCredit: Instagram

      Ronaldo relaxes in one of the many lounge areas of the homeCredit: Refer to Caption
      3. Kaka, £9m
      The Brazilian great may be retired, but if he’s looking to put his feet up at his luxury pad in Madrid then he may have a fight on his hands.
      Kaka bought this gem, which is situated near Ronaldo’s in the city’s exclusive La Finca area, for £6.4m.
      Since moving to the MLS, Kaka has rented the house out to Gareth Bale for a cool £16k a month and it’s unlikely that the Welshman will hand the keys back willingly.
      The brainchild of leading designer Joaquin Torres, this 16,000 square foot home is built on two-storeys.
      It also has a private indoor pool and a gym. Should Bale return to Spain after his loan move to Spurs, at least he goes back to a home he loves.
      Real Madrid team-mate Sergio Ramos is a neighbour. Even their boss Zinedine Zidane lives nearby.
      Kaka bought this beauty before heading to the MLSCredit: Instagram
      Kaka won the Ballon d’Or in 2007 – the last person other than Ronaldo or Messi to take home the awardCredit: Reuters
      Gareth Bale currently rents this Madrid home off KakaCredit: Getty – Contributor
      2. Wayne Rooney, £20m
      Worth around £20million, Rooney’s home has been nicknamed the Morrisons mansion, because it’s so big it looks like a superstore.
      The stately Cheshire pile boasts a garage with his collection of cars, a cinema, swimming pool, and even two man-made fishing lakes.
      Most recently, the Derby County boss laid down a full-size artificial pitch in his back garden – complete with a seating area.
      It was former horse riding arena, but Rooney didn’t need that.
      Instead, he built a brand new pitch with its own dugouts and changing rooms.
      Planners at East Cheshire Council ruled Rooney’s revised plans “onside”after there were no objections from neighbours.
      It also has huge indoor swimming pool surrounded by a glass pavilion, a hot tub, plunge pool, steam room and “his” or “hers” changing rooms.
      Wayne Rooney built his Cheshire home from scratchCredit: PA:Press Association
      Wayne Rooney’s huge football pitch has been builtCredit: Google
      The Rooneys’ new Cheshire home has been mocked for “looking like a Morrisons”Credit: The Mega Agency
      1. David Beckham, £39.5m
      Reportedly worth £339m, Becks can have any home he wants.
      So, it’s no surprise that the former Man United star tops our list with his stunning London abode.
      Bought for an incredible £31.5m in 2013, they added £8m worth of refurbishment on to the property value over the next 3 years.
      It has eight bedrooms, two dressing rooms, a catwalk style runway fit for any fashionista, a playroom, gym, spa and a salon-style room.
      Neighbours include Robbie Williams, Simon Cowell and Elton John, so he’s in good company.
      David Beckham spent an extra £8m renovating his £31.5m homeCredit: Rex Features
      David Beckham tops the property list for footballersCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea star Mason Mount was determined to succeed John Terry as Blues academy product after his dad told him to leave

      by

      MASON MOUNT’S determination to become a Chelsea star is shown through a tale that brings a smile to his father’s face.It was 2014 and Mount, one of the most sought after 15-year-olds in the country, had to choose between a scholarship with the Blues and a raft of tempting offers to leave.
      Mason Mount has starred for Chelsea since 2019Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Uncles, aunts and grandparents offered advice to the talented teenager after dad Tony called a family meeting at their Portsmouth home.
      “I told Mason I thought he needed to move on to get the best opportunity,” Tony told SunSport.
      “I said, ‘No one at Chelsea’s academy has got into the first-team since John Terry — what chance have you got?’
      “Mason shot back, ‘I’ll be the next one.’ He said, ‘I’m not leaving Chelsea, it’s my club. I’ve been here since the age of six and I’m going all the way.’”
      Five years on and Mason — so named by his mum as it means ‘man of stone’ — has fulfilled that promise, having made himself a regular in the Blues’ first team this season.
      I’m not leaving Chelsea, it’s my club. I’ve been here since the age of six and I’m going all the way.Chelsea academy product Mason Mount

      Sat in the garden of his Waterlooville home, Tony flicks through photographs on his iPhone which highlight his son’s rise.
      The snaps show him signing for Chelsea aged eight, bonding with best mate Declan Rice, representing England Under-21s and winning the 2018 player of the year at Vitesse Arnhem in Holland while on loan.
      But a photograph of a two-year-old Mason in the arms of his dad, who was a non-League manager in 2001, shows where his footballing education began.
      Mount vowed to become the first academy product since John Terry to make it in the first-teamCredit: Supplied
      An eight-year-old Mount joins ChelseaCredit: Tony Mount
      Mount, aged two, would watch his dad’s non-League side Havant Town
      Mount, with dad Tony, signing with Vitesse Arnhem in Holland on loan in 2017Credit: Tony Mount
      Tony, then boss of Havant Town, said: “I’m old-school and Mason has sat in dressing rooms with me kicking cups and doors while we’re 3-0 down at Kettering, and the language has been blue.”
      In 2004, Tony took a five-year old Mason to a club in Farnham for his first experience of playing on grass.
      “They started age six and Mason was five,” the father-of-four said. “I took him over there and they said, ‘He’s a bit small. Is he six?’ I said, ‘Yeah!’
      “Within two sessions he was playing with the Under-8s and dribbling round all of them.”
      Chelsea quickly spotted his talent. Mason was training with the Blues as well as the club his family raised him to support, Portsmouth.
      SAINT TO WINNER
      So when a friend invited them to rivals Southampton, so coaches could assess their trialists against a Chelsea player, the future starlet was hesitant.
      Tony said: “We were driving there and Mase said, ‘I won’t have to wear that shirt will I?!’ It’s embedded in him. I said he’d just have a bib on.
      “They split the boys into four teams and took them away to get changed. The first team came out wearing black, another in blue and then another in yellow.
      “I’m looking for Mason and thinking, ‘Please don’t come out in red and white! PLEASE don’t come out in red and white!’ And he’s come out in this red and white kit with a face like thunder.
      “He’s going ‘Dad! Dad!’ and pointing at the shirt. He played like a man possessed that night because he was so unhappy about this kit. He scored 14 goals.”
      Mount’s dad Tony told SunSport about his son’s rapid rise at ChelseaCredit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun
      Mount became best mates with West Ham’s Declan Rice, left, in Chelsea’s academyCredit: Tony Mount
      Rice and Mount’s friendship endured as the two holidayed together this summerCredit: Instagram @masonmount10
      Despite attempts by Saints and Pompey to sign Mount, it was too late. He’d fallen in love with Chelsea.
      He signed with the Blues aged eight and met fellow midfielder Rice at their Cobham academy. The duo quickly became inseparable.
      Tony, now a partner in an electronics manufacturer, said: “When Declan got released aged 14, we were all devastated. [Mason’s mum] Debbie was in tears and Mason was gobsmacked.
      “One minute you’re there and had been with Declan since the age of seven, travelling across Europe with the family and holidaying together, and all of a sudden he’s gone.
      “Declan is very strong mentally and got what he deserved at West Ham.”RAM RAID
      It was at the academy that Mason first met Jody Morris, Lampard’s assistant at Derby and then Chelsea.
      Former midfielder Morris was manager of the youth team when Mason stepped up. He thrived off Morris’ old-school approach and was appointed captain.
      Tony said: “I asked Mason about Jody and he said, ‘Dad, he’s very good. He’s a tough taskmaster, I love him and if I do something well he wants me to do it better.’”
      So when Morris called in 2018 to say Lampard wanted to meet, he jumped at the invite.
      Mount signed a five-year deal at Chelsea last summerCredit: PA:Press Association
      Mount signed a five-year deal at Chelsea in 2019. Both father and son travelled up to a London hotel and listened to Lampard’s pitch about going to Derby.
      “Talk about inspired! I wanted to play for Frank after that,” Tony said, laughing.
      “Frank was brilliant, explaining what he could give Mason. He knew him inside-out, was talking about games he’d watched Mason play.
      “We spoke to Steven Gerrard about going to Rangers, too, and he was similar: ‘I’ve watched Mason, know him and want him to come on a journey with me.’
      “Frank said the same: ‘Come with me and be my player, you’ve got everything I love.’

      “I said to Mason, ‘Don’t rush into it, we’ve got to think about it. I like Werder Bremen, and Norwich was a good meeting.’ He said, ‘No, Dad. I’m going to Derby. I want to work for Frank Lampard.’”
      Mount scored nine goals and got four assists at Pride Park, where he formed a strong bond with the Chelsea legend.
      And Mount asserted himself on the Blues’ first team since being handed his opportunity by his mentor Lampard, now excelling under Thomas Tuchel.
      Chelsea manager Frank Lampard is hoping to rely on youngsters Zouma and Mount this season More