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      in Soccer

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

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      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

      Meet Roma owner Dan Friedkin, who is worth £3bn, is working with Scorsese and has huge collection of vintage warplanes

      by

      WHEN it comes to being box office nobody beats Jose Mourinho.The Special One was the star of the show on Amazon’s All or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur series released last year.
      Jose Mourinho’s new boss at Roma is Hollywood billionaire Dan FriedkinCredit: Getty
      𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 🤝The club are delighted to announce an agreement has been reached with Jose Mourinho for him to become our new head coach ahead of the 2021-22 season.#ASRoma pic.twitter.com/f5YGGIVFJp— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) May 4, 2021

      With his movie star looks, the 58-year-old wouldn’t look out of place in a Hollywood blockbuster.
      And if he wants to try his luck in the movies, luckily his new boss is a film-maker.
      Mourinho will take charge of Serie A’s fallen giants Roma next season, after getting sacked by Spurs.
      He will answer to the Italian club’s owner Dan Friedkin – a film director and producer, owner of a distribution company, as well as several other businesses that have earned him a £3billion fortune.
      And what has he spent some of that wealth on… a massive collection of vintage warplanes.
      WHEN IN ROME
      Back in August, Friedkin, 55, agreed to buy the faltering team – who haven’t won a league title since 2001 – off a fellow American.
      James Pallotta had failed to deliver the good times he promised, and was tempted into a sale.
      The deal was made for around £512million, and Friedkin described how it felt to finalise all the paperwork.
      “It was a wonderful, humbling moment, and we were delighted to join the AS Roma family,” he told the official Roma website.
      Back in August, Friedkin paid around £512m for RomaCredit: AP
      Dan Friedkin runs Roma with vice-president son RyanCredit: Rex
      “It was also a moment of great seriousness, as we have a tremendous responsibility; a moment that we couldn’t linger on, as there is so much work to do.”
      The first serious decision Friedkin has had to make is relieving current boss Paulo Fonseca from his duties, following an alarming slump in form that saw Roma fall from third in February to seventh and battling Sassuolo for a Europa League spot.
      HE’S HOLLYWOOD
      Friedkin, who is also CEO of Gulf States Toyota Distributors, doesn’t just do deals with the major stars of the football world, he’s also ensconced in the movie business.
      His first foray into the world of entertainment came in 2014, when he co-founded production house Imperative Entertainment in Santa Monica, California.
      Their critically-acclaimed 2017 film The Square won the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
      Ridley Scott thriller All the Money in the World and Clint Eastwood’s The Mule soon followed.
      In 2017, he set-up 30WEST – a financing company which gained a majority ownership in NEON, a theatrical marketing and distribution company, in 2018.
      Friedkin seen with Ridley Scott on the set of All the Money in the World in 2017Credit: Mega
      Friedkin distributed Oscar-winning South Korean movie ParasiteCredit: Getty
      Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio are currently working with Friedkin on Killers of the Flower MoonCredit: Getty – Contributor
      A year later, they distributed the Academy Award-winning South Korean film Parasite.
      Currently, Friedkin is working with legendary movie director Martin Scorsese on Killers of the Flower Moon, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
      FILM IS HIS PASSION
      As well as financing and producing, Friedkin has stepped behind the lens himself.
      In 2019, he directed war epic The Last Vermeer starring Aussie actor Guy Pearce.
      He was steered into the role by Ridley Scott, who thought he would be able to capture the drama needed to tell the story.
      It was pal Ridley Scott who convinced Friedkin to direct a movieCredit: Rex
      Friedkin directed Phantom Thread actress Vicky Krieps in The Last VermeerCredit: Getty
      The film follows an artist suspected of selling a valuable painting to the Nazis and is a true story.
      His debut was generally met with good reviews – and has a 6.7 out of 10 rating on IMDB.com.
      PLANES, NOT TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES
      Aside from film, Friedkin is obsessed with aviation.
      Incredibly, his hangars play host to over 40 aircraft of all types, including the North American F-86 Saber fighter jet and four Supermarine Spitfires produced on British shores in the 1930s.
      He’s also one of 10 civilian Heritage Flight pilots qualified to fly in formation with US Air Force single‐ship demonstration teams.
      Friedkin regularly participates in air shows throughout North America and Europe, flying right wing for the Horsemen Flight Team, the world’s only P‐51 formation aerobatic team.
      WHICH LEAD TO THIS…
      In 2017, Friedkin was able to combine his love of film and aviation by flying a WWII-era Spitfire in Christopher Nolan’s Oscar-winner Dunkirk.
      His big moment came in the crucial final beach scene, in which Tom Hardy’s plane runs out of fuel and attempts one final circle to attack a German plane.
      Over the years Friedkin has amassed hangars full of vintage warplanesCredit: Getty
      Friedkin, himself, is a skilled pilot and is one of only 10 pilots qualified to fly in formation with US Air Force single‐ship demonstration teamsCredit: Getty
      In the Oscar-winning Christopher Nolan movie Dunkirk, Friedkin was Tom Hardy’s stunt double – flying a SpitfireCredit: Alamy

      A year later, Friedkin performed a stunt in a Gulfstream for US TV series Lethal Weapon.
      If Jose needs reminding who’s ‘Hollywood’ now, he should look no further than his new boss.
      And for his sake, he better get off to a flying start.
      Jose Mourinho named Roma manager on three-year contract More

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      in Soccer

      The amazing homes of Messi, Beckham and Ronaldo, 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

      Man City new signing Kayky, 17, has been thrown in at the deep end at Fluminense, appearing in the Copa Libertadores

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      LIAM GALLAGHER made it very clear last week on social media that he is not a fan of Neymar, which amusingly made Spanish TV.But the former Oasis frontman may prove better disposed to the so-called ’17 year old Neymar’ who will be joining Manchester City at the end of the year.
      The Premier League leaders have completed a deal for the Brazilian wonderkid, 17, in what is seen as a major coup by Pep Guardiola’s side – said to be for a fee of £9million
      Teen wonderkid Kayky has been called the ‘next Neymar’ and is Man City’s latest Brazilian acquisition
      His name is Kayky, and he has come through the ranks with Fluminense of Rio.
      He was a youth star – City have had him on their radar screen for a while – and in the last two months he has been promoted to the first team.
      The start was relatively gentle. Fluminense’s opposition in the Rio State Championship has mostly consisted of tiny teams.
      Even so, the promise was impossible to ignore. He scored a magnificent solo goal against Nova Iguacu, cutting in from his favoured position wide on the right, dribbling through the defence and beating the keeper with rare composure.
      The striking thing was the gift of time – like Robert de Niro as Jake La Motta in the film ‘Raging Bull’, it was as if he was seeing the options in slow motion, thinking his way through the massed ranks of defenders.
      Fluminense coach Roger Machado was so enthused that he has thrown Kayky into the deep end.
      The club have qualified for the Copa Libertadores, South America’s Champions League, for the first time since 2013. The group is tough, but the 17 year old winger has gone straight into the starting line up.
      Kayky has appeared in the Copa Libertadores this campaign for FluminenseCredit: Reuters
      Kayky was part of Fluminense’s ‘dream generation’ of talent coming throughCredit: Instagram / @kaykysc10
      Kayky celebrates winning last year’s U17 Brazilian championshipCredit: Instagram
      The front pairing are both old enough to be his father – 2014 World Cup centre forward Fred, now 37, and playmaker Nene, who once had a brief spell with West Ham and is now 39.
      Fielding these veterans puts a strain on the younger members of the side. Kayky, a slightly built adolescent, has to put in a full defensive shift as well, running back to mark the opposing full back.
      Pep Guardiola would be very pleased with the way that Kayky stuck to his task, both in the 1-1 draw at home to River Plate of Argentina and the 2-1 win away to Independiente Santa Fe of Colombia.
      And he would be just as delighted with the flashes of attacking talent – the quick bursts into space, the tight dribbling and the ability to combine. He had a hand in both of Fred’s goals against Santa Fe.
      There were a couple of dives, though, which might not be to the liking of Mr Gallagher.
      On a personal note, Kayky was top scorer in the Brazilian U17 championshipCredit: Instagram
      Liam Gallagher’s tweet on Neymar, who Kayky has been compared to, made it live on to Spanish TV

      In both Libertadores games he was substituted around the hour mark – no reflection on his performance, but a recognition that a lot is being asked of him very soon.
      This Thursday night Fluminense are in Libertadores action once more.
      They are still in Colombia, this time in the coastal city of Barranquilla against Junior – another opportunity for Kayky to show that he already belongs in the senior ranks. More

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      in Soccer

      How Man Utd rejects including brilliant Lukaku saw Conte’s Inter Milan end Juventus dominance to win Serie A

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      FOR Antonio Conte, it was the better the Red Devil you know.The former Chelsea boss, a Premier League winner with the Blues, is now the toast of Milan (the black and blue side) for leading the club to their first scudetto since 2010.
      Romelu Lukaku and Antonio Conte are two men responsible for Inter Milan winning their first Serie A since 2010Credit: Reuters
      Inter fans celebrate in Duomo Square after their unlikely triumphCredit: Rex
      Not only has Conte managed to wrestle the stranglehold Juventus had on Serie A – who won nine titles straight – he did it with a host of Manchester United rejects and others familiar to Premier League audiences.
      Leading the line was the brilliant and rejuvenated Romelu Lukaku, who has 21 league goals to his name – only trailing Cristiano Ronaldo in the goalscoring charts.
      While the experienced pair Ashley Young and Matteo Darmian gave Conte defensive stability that the Nerazzurri needed to end their long-wait to be champions.
      Even arguably Manchester United’s worst ever signing Alexis Sanchez pitched in.
      CONTE ARRIVES
      Almost a year after he was fired by Chelsea, Conte arrived at Inter in 2019 with a point to prove.
      The sleeping giant hadn’t toasted success for years – with a Coppa Italia title win in 2011 being their last major trophy win.
      He described the challenge of breaking the hoodoo of underachievement that hung over Inter as the toughest of his career.
      That, coupled with a Juventus side used to winning Serie A, made the task even harder.
      And in his first season, it seemed like he had bitten off more than he could chew.
      In his first season at Inter, it appeared Antonio Conte had bitten off more than he could chewCredit: Getty
      Conte and his stars look on after defeat to Sevilla in the Europa League FinalCredit: Reuters
      Inter, the perennial underachievers, finished runners-up in Conte’s first season. A 3-2 defeat in the Europa League Final to Sevilla might’ve left Conte with the feeling that his side were cursed.
      However, a seed was sowed.
      PREMIER LEAGUE EXPERIENCE
      As Conte began to build his side, one thing became quite noticeable.
      The tactician was looking to England to provide the warriors he needed in his quest for the Italian championship.
      In his first season, Manchester United trio Lukaku, Young and Sanchez – who’s notched five league goals this term – arrived at the San Siro.
      They were joined by former Chelsea star Victor Moses (on-loan) and Christian Eriksen.
      Discarded by Manchester United, Ashley Young joined Conte’s Inter in 2019Credit: Getty
      Matteo Darmian, a former Manchester United player, joined from Parma last summerCredit: AP
      Manchester United flop Alexis Sanchez was also signed by ConteCredit: Getty
      Ahead of this campaign, former Manchester United full-back Darmian joined from Parma and ex-Manchester City star Aleksandar Kolarov were brought in.
      Conte’s time at Stamford Bridge was a scouting mission all along for turning Inter, often a bridesmaid, into a bride.
      SHREDDED LUKAKU
      Despite a reasonable record at Old Trafford of 42 goals in 96 games, Lukaku was often criticised at Manchester United.
      Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville called him “overweight” because of his “unprofessionalism”.
      So when he was shown the exit door, not many fans were disappointed.
      With a point to prove, Lukaku got to work on his fitness. He enlisted the services of famed nutritionist Matteo Pincella.
      With the Nerazzurri sitting pretty atop Serie A, he is on the verge of a first piece of silverware since leaving England.

      Lukaku lost 16 pounds on a new diet and has never looked sharperCredit: AP
      His favourites, pineapple on pizza and carbonara pasta were ditched in favour of chicken, shirataki noodles and fish.
      Lukaku dropped 16 pounds and his game went from strength-to-strength.
      THE COMPLETE FORWARD
      In England, especially at West Brom and Everton, we were used to seeing Lukaku as a target man.
      Even at United he was somewhat of a battering ram for smaller players around him to flourish.
      This season, with a new lease of life, the Belgium striker has become much more than that though.
      A leader for the team, he inspired his team-mates to believe in a Serie A triumph.
      Not only did he chip in with those 21 league goals, his link play contributed to 10 assists.
      Lukaku has been unstoppable in Serie A contributing 21 goals and 10 assists this seasonCredit: AP
      Conte’s management has seen Lukaku achieve his best formCredit: Rex
      Conte’s relentless training sessions focused on fitness helped Lukaku regain his sharpness.
      And it was telling after a 2-1 triumph over Sassuolo back in April that the Italian coach reminded those who doubt his £70million signing.
      “I have not forgotten how a lot of people turned their nose up when we signed Lukaku and said he was overrated,” Conte said.
      “But I always said that he arrived here with potential and that if he worked hard he could do extraordinary things. Lukaku has made exceptional improvements and can make even more.”
      PERFECT PARTNERSHIP
      Alongside Lukaku, Argentina international Lautaro Martinez has continued to prosper in Italy.
      He and his strike-mate pose an attacking threat few teams in world football, never mind Italian, have an answer for.
      Between them, they have been involved in 54 of Inter’s 74 Serie A goals this season – either scoring or assisting.
      Lautaro Martinez has been the perfect strike-partner for Lukaku, chipping in 15 goalsCredit: Getty
      Between them, Lukaku and Martinez have contributed towards 54 of Inter’s 74 Serie A goals this seasonCredit: AFP
      The Italian press described dubbed their partnership ‘LuLa’.
      At the back, the three centre backs – Milan Skriniar, Stefan de Vrij and Alessandro Bastoni were aided by Matteo Darmian and Arsenal target Achraf Hakimi in giving Inter a defensive stability.
      They have the best defensive record in Serie A with just 29 goals in 34 games conceded.
      CONTE THE MASTER
      A man with a penchant for success, Conte is being lauded by Inter fans for delivering a success they’ve waited long enough for.
      Incredibly, some of those supporters were calling for his head back in November – with the hashtag #ConteOut trending on Twitter after a poor start.
      But he delivered, helping the team improve mentally and win those all important big games.
      Inter lost just one game in 10 against the top seven sides, winning five of those.
      Conte’s latest triumph shows he’s a master tacticianCredit: Reuters
      Inter fans are now toasting his name after some wanted him to be sacked last NovemberCredit: Getty
      Managing to accommodate Christian Eriksen and Ivan Perisic into his team, when it looked like they were heading for the exit door, also showed his tactical brilliance.
      All that said, Conte has refused to confirm if he will be with Inter next season.

      “We certainly focused on the present, as this was too important to get it done and bring Inter back to winning the scudetto after so many years out.
      “The president has arrived now, there are four games left. As I have more experience, I now also want to enjoy this moment, because in the past I got myself caught up in other problems and didn’t really enjoy it enough.”
      Inter fans will be hoping Conte enjoys it enough to wish to return for a title defence. More

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      Man City’s Brazilian ace Yan Couto has been called the ‘next Dani Alves’ and has starred on loan at Girona this season

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      THERE is a Brazilian legion at Manchester City, and we’re not talking about Ederson, Fernandinho and Gabriel Jesus.Fluminense ace Kayky is the latest talent from South America to sign on the dotted line for Pep Guardiola’s side.
      Man City youngster Yan Couto, currently on loan at Girona, is an exciting right-back in the mould of Dani Alves and CafuCredit: Getty
      Brazilian youngster Couto is also an U17 World Cup winnerCredit: Getty
      And he could be joined by exciting Palmeiras wonderkid Gabriel Veron, who has been linked with both Manchester clubs.
      But, somewhat under the radar, was the signing of Yan Couto – easily done when you understand his nickname is ‘The Flash’ in 2020.
      Dubbed the ‘next Dani Alves’ the marauding right-back is typical of Brazil’s defenders of the past in that he loves to gallop forward.
      And the 18-year-old has taken his talents to Spanish second division side Girona this campaign, where he has starred.
      CITY SHELLED OUT
      For the moment, City seem invested in spending money on potential.
      And when scouts alerted them to exciting Couto, who made his debut for Cortiba aged just 17, they had to make a move fast.
      With Barcelona circling, the Premier League giants pulled the trigger on a move worth an initial £5million.
      That figure could double, should he play a certain amount of games for the first team.
      City paid £5m for Couto, a fee that could double if he makes the first teamCredit: Getty
      Couto was talent-spotted at the age of 10 by Brazil club CortibaCredit: Instagram / @yan.couto
      “The clause is to [play] five Champions League or Premier League games in five years,” he told Gazeta Do Povo.
      “I hope I can do it, then the amount doubles. I think it is very possible and Coritiba will get the other part of the fee.”
      HE’S A WINNER
      Despite his tender years, Couto has already tasted success with his country.
      In 2019, he was a key member of Brazil’s victorious U17 World Cup winning side.
      His performances even earned him the nickname ‘The Flash’ and comparisons to past stars Cafu and Dani Alves.
      What stood out most with his game was his blistering pace, offering an attacking threat from the right.
      The defender created more chances than any other player at the U17 World Cup, including an assist for Lazaro’s late winner in the 2-1 victory over Mexico in the final.
      “I’m a modern right-back,” Couto has said of his game.
      A modern full-back, Couto leaves England youth star Harvey Elliot in his wake with his paceCredit: Getty
      In 2019, Couto was one of Brazil’s U17 team’s key components in their World Cup winCredit: Instagram / @yan.couto
      Fans have nicknamed Couto ‘The Flash’ because of his blistering speedCredit: Instagram / @yan.couto
      “As a Brazilian player, I’m skilled technically, quick and consistent defensively. I help the team a lot in defence.
      “My strongest point is the offensive side. I’m an attacking full-back who helps the team to create chances.”
      LOAN STAR
      Couto has spent the current campaign on loan at City’s sister club Girona, who play in the Spanish second tier.
      The move was to help the youngster acclimatise to European football, which was his dream to play in.
      “I always loved watching European football,” Couto said.
      “Because of the time difference, I used to wake up early in the morning so I could watch the Premier League, La Liga or Serie A.
      “It was always a dream to come to play here one day.”
      Couto has been gaining valuable first team experience at City’s sister club Girona in the Spanish second tierCredit: Getty

      Couto could light up the Etihad next season, if he’s given a chanceCredit: Instagram / @yan.couto
      After a slow start, Couto soon forced himself into the first team – and has 18 appearances to his name this term, with three assists.
      And he scored his professional goal in a win over Las Palmas back in March.

      In June, he turns 19 and will be back in Manchester. But Couto is under no illusions that he will able to walk straight into the first team.
      “I think I still have to improve a lot to be able to play for them. Man City is one of the best teams in the world, so I need to reach a high level,” he said.
      “I still need to develop in many areas of my game to be able to play for them one day.”
      Kevin De Bruyne reacts after Man City beat PSG 2-1 in first leg of Champions League semi-final More

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      Meet Leicester City star James Maddison’s pregnant girlfriend Kennedy Alexa, who is a model and lived in Los Angeles

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      LEICESTER CITY ace James Maddison has always been a hit with the ladies.Famously, he dated Love Island star and current girlfriend of Tommy Fury, Molly-Mae Hague.
      Kennedy Alexa is the stunning girlfriend of Leicester City ace MaddisonCredit: Instagram @kennedyalexa
      England ace Maddison is smitten with Alexa and recently revealed they were expecting a baby togetherCredit: Instagram @kennedyalexa

      But now it’s stunning model Kennedy Alexa, 26, who the playmaker has charmed.
      The pair became Instagram official when they shared a snap on Christmas Eve wearing matching pyjamas.
      And Maddison, 24, revealed at the turn of the year that he loved his new girlfriend in a romantic social media post of the pair taking a stroll.
      Better still, he recently announced the couple are expecting their first child together.
      LA LADY
      The pair have remained tight-lipped on when they first began dating one another.
      And they’re so private, we’re not even sure how they met. But, we can assume it was in late 2020.
      According to her social media, English-born Alexa only moved back to the UK in February.
      Previously, she lived in Los Angeles where she enjoying hiking on Runyon Canyon.
      Gorgeous brunette Alexa is a modelCredit: Instagram @kennedyalexa
      Alexa used to live in Los Angeles, where she enjoyed hikingCredit: Instagram @kennedyalexa
      The brunette stunner also got into American sports, like baseballCredit: Instagram @kennedyalexa
      Alexa shows off her curves in a sexy swimwear photoshootCredit: Instagram @kennedyalexa
      On Instagram Alexa gives followers a glimpse of her fashion shootsCredit: Instagram @kennedyalexa
      Alexa got into American sports, including baseball.
      She also marched on a Black Lives Matter rally in West Hollywood.
      MODEL CITIZEN
      It’s no surprise that Alexa models for a living.
      A quick glimpse through her Instagram, that has 37,000 followers, shows the gorgeous brunette posing in various fashion shoots.
      Most recently, she shot a campaign for the Princess Polly online boutique.
      Maddison and Alex went Instagram official in matching pyjamas on Christmas eveCredit: Instagram @kennedyalexa
      In recent years Alexa has modelled for the likes of American swimwear brand MontceCredit: Instagram @kennedyalexa
      Alexa moved back to England from America in FebruaryCredit: Instagram @kennedyalexa
      It is not known when Alexa began dating MaddisonCredit: Instagram @kennedyalexa
      Alexa also showed off her amazing bikini body for American swimwear brand Montce.
      In terms of her own fashion style, she has a penchant for Nike Air trainers – showing off her collection online.
      LOVES TO TRAVEL
      Being a model, Alexa gets to travel to some amazing destinations.
      On Instagram, she shared some incredible holidays – from stays in Hawaii to once in a lifetime trips to Prickly Pear Island in the Caribbean island of Anguilla.
      Add trips to Miami for glam photoshoots, life is beautiful for Alexa.
      Alexa loves to travelCredit: Instagram @kennedyalexa
      On Instagram Alexa regularly shares her trips to glam placesCredit: Instagram @kennedyalexa
      Alexa and Maddison have been gushing about each other on social mediaCredit: Instagram @kennedyalexa
      Maddison recently told Alexa he loved her on InstagramCredit: Instagram @kennedyalexa

      And being a footballers’ Wag will, no doub’t bring plenty more where that came from.
      In a recent post, ‘Madders’ told Alexa: “Love you.”
      Judging by these snaps, it’s easy to see why.
      Frank Lampard shock candidate to become new England U21s boss with Chelsea hero seen as possible Boothroyd replacement More

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      Ex-Liverpool star Daniel Agger is now a tattoo artist and invested in sewers when his career came to an end

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      DANIEL AGGER’S retirement is much like his playing career – mixing dirty work and artistry.Following his premature retirement in 2016, at the age of 31, the former Liverpool hard-man decided to put money into his passion and necessity: tattoos and poop.
      Former Liverpool defender Daniel Agger is now a qualified tattoo artist
      The Danish defender trained to be a tattoo artist and is now part of one of the biggest parlours across the world, called Tattoodo.
      But for Agger that was not it, as he had more money to invest in s***.
      Now 36, Agger launched a company in 2013 called KloAgger, putting £450,000 into a company that manages sewage systems in Denmark.
      So how did they come up with the name? KloAgger translates to ‘Agger toilet’.
      Danish defender Agger has also invested in a sewage companyCredit: Kloagger
      He runs it alongside his brother Marco and a friendCredit: Kloagger
      The name KloAgger translates directly to ‘Toilet Agger’Credit: Kloagger
      Agger’s sewage company is only based in his homeland of DenmarkCredit: Kloagger
      Agger leaves the daily running of the company to his brotherCredit: Kloagger
      Agger is regularly involved with the firm but his younger brother Marco and their friend Rune Rasmussen oversee it day-to-day.
      Inked-up Agger is more interested in the tats.
      He started and finished his career at Danish club Brondby, and it was as a 15-year-old youth player that he got his first work done.
      “I was about 15 and on a school trip to Paris,” Agger said in an interview on Tattoodo’s website.
      The 36-year-old is more into his tattoosCredit: Twitter @danielagger
      Agger got his first tattoo while a 15-year-old boy on a school tripCredit: Action Images
      The former Liverpool centre-back has a vikings graveyard across his backCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Agger signed for Liverpool in 2006, brought in by Rafael BenitezCredit: AFP – Getty
      He won the Community Shield and League Cup during his 12 years at the clubCredit: PA:Press Association
      “It wasn’t something I’d thought about before. Me and a friend went into the shop and said that’s what we’re going to have and we got it. I still have it today.”
      But it’s been added to dramatically, with almost every inch of his body containing a tattoo.
      There’s the viking graveyard across his back, the love hearts on his calves, Latin proverbs all over his body and the names of his family members etched in.
      “I see it as one piece,” Agger, a qualified tattooist, said. “When I speak to people I talk about my tattoo as one piece but obviously every tattoo has a story, some better than others.”
      Agger sees his tattoos as just one big art workCredit: Instagram @danielagger22
      The Dane is a qualified tattoo artist and invested in a big parlour called TattoodoCredit: Instagram @danielagger22
      Agger left Liverpool for Brondby in 2014Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      One of the more recent is the ‘YNWA’ stamped onto his knuckles – the well-known Liverpool acronym for Anfield’s anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone.
      “Timing was quite good,” Agger said. “[There were] a lot of rumours sending me to another club for a lot of money but I knew I was staying.
      “Somehow I wanted to show that to the footballing world and this was a way I wanted to show it.”
      Agger did eventually leave Liverpool in 2014 and spent two years at Brondby before ending his career earlier than expected.
      Back problems throughout his career saw Agger relying on painkillers to see him through, but he believes they were his downfall.
      Agger got YNWA printed onto his knuckles during speculation over his future at LiverpoolCredit: Instagram @danielagger22
      Agger wanted to show that he did not plan to leave Anfield
      He was part of a strong Liverpool side alongside Steven GerrardCredit: Instagram @danielagger22
      Agger retired in 2016 at the age of 31 which he believes was due to painkillersCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

      “I have taken too many anti-inflammatories in my career,” he told Jyllands-Posten.
      “I know that full well, and it sucks, but I did stop it [in the end]. I am not gaining anything personally from saying this but I can only hope that other athletes do.
      “It could be that others take a pill or two less.”
      Agger: England have a strong squad More