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      in Soccer

      Meet FC Not Alone, an amateur team from London set up to raise awareness about mental health and wellbeing

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      IN 2017, university student Matthew Legg was suffering with severe depression that threatened to take over his life.He deferred his studies and picked up the phone to his cousin, Ian McKenzie in search of advice.
      Matthew Legg, left, was suffering depression and reached out to cousin Ian McKenzie, right, for helpCredit: Instagram @fcnotalone
      In 2018, the two set up FC Not Alone that aims to raise mental health awarenessCredit: Jack Margerison
      The two got talking, and through a mutual love of football, Legg, 24, was able to see light at the end of the tunnel.
      In 2018, they decided to create FC Not Alone, a team that aims to raise mental health awareness, as well as the wellbeing of the players involved.
      Their idea has encouraged men to be open about their feelings and any uncertainties in their lives.
      While the Duke of Cambridge Prince William and England boss Gareth Southgate have also lent their support to their cause.
      CLOSE TO GIVING UP
      At his lowest ebb, Legg told BBC Sport, “there were times when I thought I was near giving up in my fight to recover.”
      Suicide is the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45.
      Sad statistics reveal that 125 people in the UK take their own lives every week, with 75 per cent of those being male.
      “The depression was taking over every part of my psyche and life, and there were constant problems to tackle,” Legg revealed.
      “Football was massive. I had stopped playing out of shame, lack of energy and embarrassment.
      Through enjoying football, Legg, centre, saw light at the end of the tunnelCredit: Instagram @FCNotAlone
      The cousins played football together before setting up their own teamCredit: Instagram@FCNotAlone
      “But I did play with Ian, and it showed that all was not lost. Each time I played, I gained a glimmer of hope that I could tackle this problem, and I began to enjoy it again.
      “These small glimpses of enjoyment, something that had left my life for so long, were so important to inspire me to keep fighting and try to beat my depression and gave me belief that I could do so.”
      GETTING BETTER
      Through Footy Addicts, a social media platform that allows players to find, organise and play football in London, Legg was able to enjoy the beautiful game again.
      In 2018, Legg and McKenzie were inspired by a campaign from the mental health charity CALM, and wanted to raise funds and awareness about the organisation.
      They decided to launch their own Mental Health World Cup, which featured a team led by Sheffield United star Rhian Brewster.
      The Mental Health World Cup saw a huge turn outCredit: Instagram @fcnotalone
      Sheffield United star Rhian Brewster featured in a team in the tournamentCredit: Instagram @fcnotalone
      “Being huge football fans and with the 2018 World Cup around the corner, Matthew and I set up the team in April 2018, and then decided we would throw our own Mental Health World Cup in support of the charity,” McKenzie, 28, said.
      “It was a 36-team, one-day tournament, and it went better than we could have expected.
      “Rhian Brewster turned up and his team won. Things just took off from there.”
      THE BIRTH OF FC NOT ALONE
      Buoyed by the success and the feedback of their impromptu tournament, Legg and McKenzie were keen to take their idea one step further.
      FC Not Alone was birthed, a club created to tackle the issue of mental health.
      Playing their games in London, they compete in an 11-a-side league against other amateur sides.
      The team features friends, as well as scouted talent, all with the aim of uniting for the cause at hand.
      Credit: Jack Margerison
      “What we want a ‘mental health football club’ to be is a platform where we create friendly footballing scenarios for people from all walks of life to enjoy, and we continue to facilitate stories surrounding mental health,” McKenzie divulged.
      “Fundamentally, it is about becoming a useful resource for people struggling with their own mental wellbeing.
      “We do have a dream to go far in the football pyramid, but our core value is to promote positive men’s mental health.”
      SPEAKING UP
      In just a few years, Matthew and Ian have seen FC Not Alone enjoy a rapid growth.
      They were even invited by the FA to support the Heads Up campaign, where they got to meet Prince William and football manager Gareth Southgate.
      “One of the highlights for us was being part of the FA’s Heads Up campaign, where many celebrities, footballers and role models spoke openly about their experience,” McKenzie said.
      Credit: The FA via Getty Images
      Credit: Ian McKenzie
      You’re Not AloneEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
      It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
      It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
      And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
      Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
      That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
      The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
      Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
      If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:

      CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
      Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
      Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
      Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
      Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123
      Movember, www.uk.movember.com
      Anxiety UK www.anxietyuk.org.uk, 03444 775 774 Monday-Friday 9.30am-10pm, Saturday/Sunday 10am-8pm

      “My cousin and I had the honour of meeting the Duke Of Cambridge in the dressing rooms at Wembley, and Gareth Southgate at Abbey Stadium in Cambridge.
      “To see how quickly Matthew’s fortunes had turned in the space of the year was a nice feeling.
      “I never would have thought when I first reached out to speak to him during his struggles that life would take us there. That was a great moment and has inspired us to keep going.”
      Ex-Man Utd player Luke Chadwick claims his ‘stomach twisted’ whenever he appeared on TV as he battled depression More

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      in Soccer

      Could Chelsea star Timo Werner be the latest Blues striker flop, after glaring miss for Germany, joining Morata and Co?

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      WHEN you’re inheriting a shirt previously worn by Chelsea legend Didier Drogba, you’re going to feel the pressure.Timo Werner joined the Blues from RB Leipzig in a £53million deal, and was expected to propel the West London side to Premier League, as he was handed the No11 jersey.
      Timo Werner has struggled at Chelsea since arriving in a £53million dealCredit: Reuters

      In the Bundesliga, he was one of Europe’s most-feared strikers – netting 34 times in all competitions as he helped his side reach the Champions League semi-finals.
      Yet, in the Premier League it’s a different story for the 25-year-old forward. Just five league goals in 28 games doesn’t look like a good investment by owner Roman Abramovich so far.
      And on Wednesday, a glaring miss in Germany’s shock 2-1 defeat to North Macedonia just summed up his season and his confidence at the moment.
      But Werner isn’t the first high-profile marksman to suffer stage-fright at Stamford Bridge.
      Here’s some others who fell foul to Chelsea’s dreaded striker curse.
      ANDRIY SHEVCHENKO
      AT AC Milan, Shevchenko will always be thought of as one of their greatest strikers of all-time, mentioned alongside greats like Marco van Basten and Gianni Rivera.
      However, it’s a mystery how such a dominant player on the world stage flopped on our shores.
      He joined for £31m in 2006, two years after winning the Ballon d’Or, at his peak at 29.
      In his first season, Shevchenko managed just four Premier League goals in 30 games.
      Andriy Shevchenko was a £31million Stamford Bridge flopCredit: Reuters
      In his second, five goals. Incoming boss Luis Felipe Scolari decided enough was enough, and he was sent on loan back to Milan.
      Then, in 2009 he returned to Dynamo Kiev.
      ALVARO MORATA
      SPANISH centre forward Morata arrived from Real Madrid for £60m – a club record transfer fee.
      But it was the start of things to come after he missed a penalty in a shootout defeat to Arsenal on his debut in the Charity Shield.
      Although he scored 11 Premier League goals, his form on Europe was patchy with just one strike in seven.
      He finished his first season with 15 goals, before scoring 9 in 24 games in all competitions the following campaign.
      Somehow, Chelsea got most of their money back by selling him to Atletico Madrid for £58m.
      Alvaro Morata managed 15 goals in all competitions in his first season and nine the next, but didn’t justify his £60m price tagCredit: PA:Press Association
      FERNANDO TORRES
      SOME Chelsea fans will argue his goal against Barcelona at the Camp Nou in the Champions League semi-final in 2012 was worth his £50m transfer fee.
      But the reality is Torres was a shadow of the striker that defenders feared coming up against at Anfield when he led Liverpool’s forward line.
      The facts back that up too – with 45 goals in 172 games with the West Londoners.
      Eventually, after loans to AC Milan and Atletico Madrid, the Spaniard moved back to Spain.
      Since retiring, he looks fitter than ever and owns his own gyms in Madrid.
      Torres wasn’t a hit at Stamford Bridge, but fans will say his goal in the Champions League semi-final was worth his £50m transfer feeCredit: Reuters
      Since retiring, Torres has hit the gym and his now buff
      ROMELU LUKAKU
      THE giant Belgium striker is flying for club and country, scoring goals for fun at Inter Milan, who are gunning for the Serie A title.
      Lukaku joined Chelsea in 2011 from Anderlecht in a £17m deal, but struggled to dislodge Torres in the first team.
      In his following season, he joined West Brom on loan and was a big success – scoring 17 Premier League goals.
      He was then loaned out to Everton, where again he showed his class as a target man.
      In 2017, Lukaku joined Manchester United for £75m deal. Amazingly, in his six years as a Chelsea player he played just 15 times and failed to hit the back of the net.
      Romelu Lukaku never scored a goal for ChelseaCredit: AP:Associated Press
      RADAMEL FALCAO
      COLOMBIAN hitman Falcao scored goals everywhere he went, from Portugal to Spain to France and most recently in Turkey.
      But in England, nothing went right for the usually prolific striker.
      After a dismal spell at Manchester United, Chelsea gave Falcao another opportunity in our league on a season-long loan costing £4m – with the option of making the transfer permanent for £38m, as well as paying him a mega salary of £170,000-per-week.
      However, he struggled for injuries and played just 12 times – scoring one goal.
      Falcao returned back to Monaco, where he re-found his goalscoring touch.
      Radamel Falcao’s loan move to Chelsea proved to be an expensive disasterCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      GONZALO HIGUAIN
      FITNESS problems always seemed to be an issue for the Argentina poacher, who was used to the slower game in Italy.
      He was brought to Stamford Bridge on loan in January, 2019 by his former manager at Napoli, Maurizio Sarri.
      Sarri had got so much out of him in Italy, but in England the goals dried up.
      Five goals in 19 games, with the standout being a brace against Huddersfield, didn’t represent Higuain’s prowess in front of goal.
      Since 2020 he has played in the MLS for David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
      Maurizio Sarri couldn’t get the best out of Gonzalo Higuain when he managed him at ChelseaCredit: AFP or licensors
      ADRIAN MUTU
      THE Romanian striker’s penchant for getting into bother was his biggest undoing at Stamford Bridge.
      Mutu was a sensation for Parma in Serie A, before he arrived in a £15m deal in London the summer Abramovich arrived as a Premier League owner and changed the football landscape in this country.
      In 2004, he had a fallout with Jose Mourinho over his fitness and later was banned after testing positive for cocaine.
      His off-the-field antics, including allegedly sleeping with a porn star and sucking her blood in a newspaper sting didn’t help his cause either.
      Chelsea sacked him after the cocaine ban and are still seeking damages.
      Adrian Mutu’s off-the pitch antics caught up with the Romanian on the pitchCredit: AFP

      MATEJA KEZMAN
      A FOX in the box at Partizan Belgrade and PSV, Kezman arrived at Stamford Bridge as a reputation as an out-and-out goalscorer.
      Prior to his debut in England, the Serbian scored 38 times in all competitions in Eindhoven.
      At Chelsea, though, something got lost in translation when he was signed by Mourinho for £6m.
      Kezman managed seven goals in 41 games, and was sold for the following season to Atletico Madrid.
      Again, respect to the bean-counters in SW6 for getting their money back in the £6million sale.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Mateja Kezman lasted a season at Stamford Bridge before he was soldCredit: PA:Press Association
      New penalty taker Timo Werner bags brace as Chelsea beat Rennes in the Champions League More

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      in Boxing

      Shakur Stevenson aiming to become FIVE-WEIGHT world champion but sets immediate sights on WBC champ Oscar Valdez

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      SHAKUR STEVENSON, as he puts it, likes to dominate in the ring. No 3,000-punch wars, no close fights, zero competitiveness… and you can completely forget about losing.
      Shakur Stevenson, 23, beat Toka Kahn Clary on points back in DecemberCredit: Getty via Top Tank
      Shakur Stevenson won his first world title in October 2019 at featherweightCredit: Getty via Top Rank
      Stevenson deems himself to be the ultimate ring general, who puts in the most economic work. Not someone who purposefully boxes off the back foot, just someone who can do it effortlessly.
      From the age of five, it’s all Stevenson has ever done. Now he’s 23, a former world champion at featherweight and gunning for his second weight class trinket later this year.
      He just seems to be that good. But now he wants elite competition.
      The Newark-born fighter exclusively tells SunSport: “Oscar Valdez got to get it though, seriously. He’s the best fighter at 130lbs other than me.
      “I thought Miguel Berchelt would kill him.”
      Stevenson is talking about Valdez’s epic beatdown and knockout of the year contending stoppage over Berchelt in February, in which the Eddy Reynoso fighter picked up the WBC title at super-featherweight, setting up a huge clash with our main protagonist in the process.
      Mexicans are known for penchant to taste blood in the ring. But Stevenson says he’s too good for that to ever happen to him.
      “I ain’t that type of dude,” he adds.

      “I don’t want to hit you with some six-piece combo s*** and then you hit me back with the same. That don’t mean I’m not willing to dig deep and fight if I have to. I will.
      “But I’m a dominant person, I like to win. I don’t like nothing close, I don’t want competitive fights, I want to dominate my opponents.
      “My style is defensive but I’ve got an all-round style, really. It’s defence first… but if you watch somebody like Erislandy Lara, that’s real defence. He’s moving backwards and around the ring all the time.
      “With me, watch my last fight, I ain’t doing that, I’m right there in front of people but it’s just that they can’t hit me.”
      Floyd Mayweather epitomised the style many young fighters try to emulate, but to varying degrees of success. It looks like it’s working so far with Stevenson, who is backed by figureheads Andre Ward and Terence Crawford in his corner.
      Ward, one of the most defensively-gifted fighters of his generation, and Crawford, arguably boxing’s best finisher today, have both been there to help guide Stevenson’s career expertly until now.
      “From an offensive standpoint, having Terence is a big thing, he’s helped me all throughout my career,” Stevenson explains. “Watching him in camps, I learned more watching Terence than listening to anyone.
      Terence Crawford has helped mentor Shakur Stevenson throughout his careerCredit: Getty via Top Rank
      “I watch him spar, I see how he sits down on his punches, he’s a great role model, he’s one of the best boxers in the world and nobody can beat him.
      “We been playing ping pong, too. I started recently, I got really good and I love it. Terence is damn good and he loves it too, I been playing him a lot.”
      Not only does a fight with Valdez loom for Stevenson, the winner of this weekend’s WBO title fight between Carl Frampton and Jamel Herring will illuminate bright on Stevenson’s radar.
      The 23-year-old can pick whichever of the two he wants to fight later this year for a piece of the 130lbs division.
      He wants Valdez, but he’s ready for a trip to Belfast for Frampton if the situation presents itself.
      “I think Jamel Herring will win,” Stevenson says. “But if I have to travel for a Frampton fight, I would do it.”
      Oscar Valdez knocked out Miguel Berchelt in February and could face Stevenson this yearCredit: Getty via Top Rank
      And Stevenson won’t stop there. “I can go to 140lbs to 147lbs, for sure. A lot of people think I’m little but I’m not.
      “With my skillset, I know I won’t be outgunned going to the higher weights.”
      At lightweight, young American stars Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney, Gervonta Davis and undisputed champ Teofimo Lopez run things. But Stevenson warns he’ll be there sooner or later.
      “Maybe I’ll be the one on the back end at 135lbs to be the last man standing,” he says.
      “We’re going to have to see each other regardless. Tank [Davis] ain’t getting any bigger, I’m the one getting bigger.
      “So we got to sit back and wait and see how things play out.”
      Shakur Stevenson has been trained by Kay Koroma for his whole careerCredit: Getty via Top Rank
      The truth is, titles and glory look destined to fall into Stevenson’s lap. Trained by Kay Koroma and his grandfather Willie Moses, he admits his undying love for a sport in which fledgling fighters can become often become detached before reaching their projected levels.
      “My grandfather took me to the boxing gym that was it, I fell in love. I knew I would in this position now. I had my first fight at eight,” he says.
      “Around 14 or 15 I realised I’m gonna take boxing seriously and make some big money off it. And that’s what I’m doing.” More

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      in Soccer

      Sergio Aguero has dated a string of beautiful ladies, including Maradona’s daughter and is now with a 24-year-old model

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      SERGIO AGUERO deserves his title as one of the world’s most eligible bachelors.The Man City striker, a hero in his native Argentina who pockets around £250,000 a week, is set to leave the Premier League club after it was revealed his contract won’t be renewed.
      Sergio Aguero’s was pictured with heavily inked Zoe Cristofoli
      Etihad team-mates Benjamin Mendy and Fabian Delph admitted as much when they confirmed he is the club’s biggest ladies man in a Q&A organised by club sponsors Tinder in 2019.
      Aguero, 32, has been pictured with a bevy of beautiful ladies over the years – here are some of the most notable, including his current squeeze, model Sofia Calzetti.
      GIANINA MARADONA
      AGUERO married into footballing royalty when he got together with late Argentina legend Diego Maradona’s youngest daughter in 2008, after being introduced by the icon himself.
      They had baby boy Benjamin together in February 2009 when Aguero was still leading the front line for Atletico Madrid.
      Aguero has a child, Benjamin, with his first wife GianninaCredit: Getty – Contributor
      But things turned sour and they split in 2012, with some reports in their native Argentina claiming the pair argued over Giannina’s alleged ‘party lifestyle’.
      The Hand of God legend’s daughter – who regularly posts photos of her shapely bum online – confirmed their break-up on Twitter, saying they had ‘separated’ after a ‘difficult year with a lot of changes’.
      And it seemed like her followers took her side, with one writing: “Aguero doesn’t deserve you. He’s stupid and an idiot.”
      But Giannina defended her ex, replying: “Don’t say that, he’s the father of my son and he’s nothing like what you say he is.
      Giannina’s controversial belfie got a lot of attention onlineCredit: Golders/@giamaradona
      Maradona’s daughter was married to Aguero for four yearsCredit: Golders/@giamaradona
      “When a couple finish it’s both their faults.”
      But Maradona – who passed away after heart failure in November aged 60 – saw it differently, to say the least.
      Speaking of his former son-in-law, he called him a ‘wimp who I don’t even want to name’.
      And he blacked out a photo of Aguero holding Benjamin in a snap from inside his Dubai home with lawyer Matias Morla in February 2019.
      KARINA TEJEDA
      THE striker moved on from Giannina pretty quickly by hooking up with popular Argentinian singer Karina – known as the Little Princess – just months after his marriage ended.
      But his past could not escape him, with his new flame and Giannina having a Twitter spat.
      Aguero had to act as peacemaker when it was claimed son Benjamin had been insulted by Karina’s daughter, Sol, from a previous relationship.
      Aguero was with the Argentinian singer for four yearsCredit: Instagram @kariprinceoficial
      Aguero got with Karina after his marriage endedCredit: Instagram @kariprinceoficial
      The superstar couple suffered an acrimonious splitCredit: AP:Associated Press
      The singer is known as the Little Princess in her homeland
      Karina raged: “If you’ve got something to say about my daughter ring me and tell me.
      “I can put up with you trying to make me look back but don’t take it out on my daughter.”
      SunSport told you they split up after almost five years together just a month before Aguero’s car crash in Amsterdam, in which he broke two ribs.
      ZOE CRISTOFOLI
      IF you’re pulling up to a swanky Los Angeles nightclub in a £140,000 4×4, then you should not do so without an entourage.
      Aguero certainly didn’t when he rocked up to the Warwick with heavily tattooed Instagram model Zoe and pals back in 2018.
      Zoe Cristofoli and her amazing tattoos caught Aguero’s eye
      The Italian Instagram model partied the night away with AgueroCredit: Refer to Caption
      She did not appear to get serious with the striker

      She had previously dated Italian Big Brother contestant Andrea Ceroli and media personality Fabrizio Corona.
      It is unknown if she and Aguero ever attempted to get serious.
      But it appears doubtful given that she reportedly jetted back to Verona in her native Italy after the night out.
      TAYLOR WARD
      Back in March 2019, Aguero was said to have charmed stunning reality TV star Taylor Ward.
      Taylor, 22, appears on Real Housewives of Cheshire, and is famously the daughter of former Premier League star Ashley Ward.
      She was also the ex-girlfriend of Katie Price’s former lover, Kris Boyson.
      But their relationship soon fizzled out, and Aguero soon moved on.
      Incredibly, Taylor is now dating Aguero’s TEAM-MATE Riyad Mahrez and went Instagram official with her Algerian beau in October.
      Aguero had a brief liason with Taylor WardCredit: Refer to Caption
      She is the daughter of former footballer Ashley Ward
      Taylor Ward is now dating Aguero’s Etihad team-mate Riyad Mahrez
      SOFIA CALZETTI
      Aguero’s most recent love is 24-year-old model Sofia Calzetti.
      It was his first confirmed girlfriend since Tejeda, and they went Instagram official with a series of cute pictures on social media in 2019.
      Aguero whisked her to Miami at the tail-end of last summer, driving the gorgeous blonde in a blue McLaren Spider worth £166,000.

      They were even spied snogging in the Bahamas as their love affair continued.
      And she helped Aguero enjoy a Peaky Blinders-themed 31st birthday party, and they both shared snaps on social media.
      The picture-perfect couple enjoyed a tourist trip up The Shard while Aguero was rehabbing after the nasty knee injury he suffered in July.
      For Aguero, it seems that she’s a keeper… and we don’t mean Ederson.
      Aguero’s latest girlfriend is Sofia CalzettiCredit: Instagram
      Calzetti jetted to the Bahamas with Aguero in summer 2019Credit: Instagram
      Calzetti, 24, is a model
      Man City are willing to let Sergio Agüero leave this summer – if they fail to overturn UEFA ban More

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      in Soccer

      Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo saved brother Hugo Aveiro from drink and drug addiction and paid for his rehab

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      HE’S one of the greatest footballers of all-time, and a five-time Ballon d’Or winner.But for Cristiano Ronaldo’s troubled brother Hugo Aveiro, 10-years CR7’s senior, life has been more challenging.
      Hugo Aveiro and mum Dolores Aveiro celebrate Cristiano Ronaldo winning a European Golden ShoeCredit: Reuters
      Living in the shadow of the superstar sibling was daunting for the one-time promising footballer, who fell into a life of drink and drugs in the late 1990s.
      It was an addiction gene that ran in the family, with their late father Jose Dinis Aveiro also a recovering alcoholic.
      But thanks to Cristiano’s support, Hugo, 46, is now sober and managing the Ballon d’Or winner’s CR7 museum in Madeira, Portugal.
      They are closer than ever, go on holidays together, while Ronaldo is godfather to Hugo’s son.
      Hugo was also part of Cristiano’s entourage, boarding a private plane to head to the 2017 Ballon d’Or ceremony.
      Cristiano Ronaldo and brother Hugo Aveiro stand beside a waxwork at the museumCredit: AFP – Getty
      Cristiano Ronaldo and Hugo Aveiro make their pact at the Champions League FinalCredit: YouTube
      Hugo Aveiro dons a Real Madrid jersey with Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Instagram, @cristiano
      However, it all unfolded publicly at the Champions League Final in 2014, when Ronaldo stole the show in a 4-1 win over rivals Atletico Madrid at the Estadio da Luz.
      An emotional hug caught on camera between the pair celebrating Real’s crowning glory reportedly culminated in a pact.
      Cristiano told Hugo now he’s fulfilled his part of the bargain and won a Champions League for Los Blancos, it’s his brother’s turn to stop boozing.
      It was a tough demand on a man who had spent most of his adult life struggling with substances.
      Hugo Aveiro is told by Cristiano Ronaldo he must quit drinkingCredit: YouTube
      Mum Dolores Aveiro and brother Hugo Aveiro pose with Cristiano Ronaldo and the Ballon d’OrCredit: Getty – Contributor
      But it was a wish Hugo has since maintained, blessed by Cristiano’s love and support.
      And as anyone in recovery will tell you, you’re always an addict and every day is a fight.
      Which makes Hugo’s journey, with the aid of his little bro, a remarkable one all the same.
      Hugo was born the year their father Jose Dinis went to Angola with the Portuguese army.
      He left school before 17, and worked for a aluminium company before later running a painting crew.
      However, trouble was only around the corner for Hugo, who then started abusing substances, according to writer Guillem Balague in his Ronaldo biography.
      Cristiano Ronaldo strikes a poolside pose with his familyCredit: Instagram, @doloresaveiroofficial
      Hugo Aveiro is sober today after battling addictionsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      At this time, Hugo was playing ‘street football’ and was said to be a decent player. A left-footed striker, he played in the informal street leagues of Santo Antonio.
      Mixing it up against older men, childhood friend Joel Santos claimed that Hugo stood out.
      “I didn’t know Hugo back then. But everybody who knew says he was a better footballer than Ronaldo,” he said.
      C.S. Maritimo president Carlos Pereira, who has known Ronaldo for most of his life, was more sceptical about Hugo’s abilities.
      “Nowadays, people say that Hugo was a good player, but that has nothing to do with the kind of football that Ronaldo plays,” he said.
      Hugo Aveiro cheers on Portugal and his brother Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Instagram, @katiaaveiroofficial
      Cristiano Ronaldo supported his brother Hugo Aveiro during his drug battleCredit: Getty – Contributor
      “Hugo was a street player. He played. He drank. He slept. When Ronaldo started to play, he played in a club with structure, with coaches and directors.
      “It is a different kind of football. Hugo may have been skillful, but it was as a street footballer, playing against his friends in an amateur way. Nothing like Ronaldo.”
      The influence of Cristiano’s father, better known as Dinis, left a long-lasting impression on both boys growing up.
      While Cristiano set out to become a pro, vowing never to drink after seeing how it destroyed his own family, Hugo succumbed to the same demons as his dad.
      Cristiano Ronaldo shares a joke with Hugo Aveiro at his museum in MadeiraCredit: AFP – Getty
      Cristiano Ronaldo let Hugo Aveiro enjoy his European Championship successCredit: Instagram, @cristiano
      Dinis died from liver failure when Ronaldo was just 20-years-old and failed to see his son’s meteoric rise.
      It left Ronaldo scarred, according to his mum Dolores. “Cristiano has seen what drink and drugs can do to people close to him.
      “And it’s part of the reason why he’s become who he is today.”
      Dolores continued: “Dinis drank himself into an early grave which left Cristiano devastated.
      “Time and again, Cristiano offered to pay to get him treatment but Dinis kept on drinking.
      Hugo Aveiro now lives the high-life with caring Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Instagram, @cristiano
      “He was still so young, just 52, when he died. Cristiano was very close to his dad.
      “He would have loved him to still be around to see the player he is today. It’s very sad.”
      As a young boy, Cristiano and his father were inseparable. From the ages of six and nine, Dinis was the kit man at his boys’ team Andorinha in Funchal.
      Despite his death in 2005, Ronaldo revealed it spurred him on to become the best.
      “Obviously the death of my father influenced everything.
      “I knew the pain would pass and the most important thing was for me to continue with my work.”
      Hugo Aveiro enjoys holidays with Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Instagram, @katiaaveiroofficial
      When Cristiano moved to Lisbon at 11-years-old, earning £170 a month as an apprentice, Hugo’s life also began to spiral out of control.
      Mom Dolores realised something had to be done and she packed him off to rehab.
      “I paid to send Hugo away to a specialist clinic for treatment. I was working as a cleaner, earning only £400 a month and I had to take out a loan,” she said.
      But Hugo soon returned to his old ways, and this time it was his brother who stepped in to save the day by paying for more treatment.
      Hugo Aveiro has turned his life around and runs a Cristiano Ronaldo museum in MadeiraCredit: Instagram, @katiaaveiroofficial
      Cristiano Ronaldo and his family are now very close after their woesCredit: Instagram, @cristiano
      “Cristiano was 16 then. He was earning more and paid for his brother’s treatment,” Dolores said.
      “There’s no doubt his money helped to save Hugo.
      “Things might have turned out a lot differently if Cristiano hadn’t been a footballer.”
      In a self-titled 2015 documentary about the Portuguese forward, Hugo briefly addressed his own issues.
      He revealed that working with his father in construction was the catalyst for his woes.
      Hugo also admitted he was influenced by drug pushers growing up in a neighbourhood rife with narcotics.
      “Growing up, Ronaldo’s two sisters were much closer to him than his brother because his brother was becoming like his father,” close pal Pereira divulged.
      Hugo Aveiro and Cristiano Ronaldo meet Conor McGregorCredit: Instagram, @cristiano
      Cristiano Ronaldo is godfather to the son of Hugo AveiroCredit: Instagram, @katiaaveiroofficial
      “The guys who surrounded Hugo were a different kind of people, the junkies of the neighbourhood. They were all taking drink and drugs.”
      And that’s a sentiment former neighbour Joao Ornelas shared, and how the brothers went down different roads.
      “Ronaldo got lucky; Hugo had bad luck,” he said.
      “Hugo tried drugs, and he got hooked. Once or twice, he stole things from home to sell and buy drugs, but nowadays he’s OK. He’s a nice guy. He’s clean.
      “The difference is that Hugo always lived here in the neighbourhood. Ronaldo went to Lisbon when he was only 12.
      How much do you know about the Ballon d’Or?
      Hugo Aveiro struggled living in the shadow of Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Instagram, @katiaaveiroofficial

      “He had more comfort than he had here on this street. He had other people looking after him.
      “He had rules that he had to follow. Everything changed in that moment.”
      Maritimo chairman Pereira added: “Ronaldo got a different chance in life than Hugo.
      “Hugo always lived there. He stayed in that environment. Since Ronaldo was really young, people noticed he had a special talent. Along the way, people took care of him.
      “He was nurtured. It made him feel special. It made him believe he could take a different path in life than his brother and his father.”
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      Footballers’ strange nicknames, from Messi being called the flea to Paul Pogba known as the octopus and Aguero as Kun

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      THE Atomic Ant, anyone?Footballers are often given nicknames – in his heyday the late Diego Maradona earned the moniker El Pibe de Oro which means the golden boy.
      Lionel Messi has his own unique football nicknameCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Even Cristiano Ronaldo’s was cool, often being labelled The Sultan of the Stepover by the press, which sounds more like a band than a term of endearment.
      But nicknames haven’t always been that favourable, as SunSport can happily testify.
      Here’s ten prime athletes at the top of their game that have been given some, quite frankly, bizarre handles.
      Alexis Sanchez A.K.A. The Squirrel
      His current nickname, which is obviously favourable given his current star status, is El Nino Maravilla. That translates as the wonder child.
      But we prefer that he was called La Ardilla, which means the squirrel.
      He was given that gem because as a kid he loved climbing trees.
      Alexis Sanchez was called an unusual nickname when he was a childCredit: Reuters
      Friends would call Alexis Sanchez La Ardilla when he was a kid because he liked to climb treesCredit: Alamy
      Sebastian Giovinco A.K.A. The Atomic Ant
      The former Juventus player, currently playing in Saudi Arabia, was christened Formica Atomica by the Turin faithful.
      Meaning The Atomic Ant, it was a reference to a famous cartoon character that the Juve fans thought he resembled because of his stature, pace and dynamic abilities.
      The name has stuck ever since.
      Sebastian Giovinco playing for former club Toronto in the MLSCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The Atom Ant character that Sebastian Giovinco is nicknamed after
      Cesar Azpilicueta A.K.A. Dave
      When Chelsea signed the Spanish defender from Marseille in 2013, many of their players struggled to pronounce Cesar’s name.
      So, according to the man himself, they affectionately called him ‘Dave’ simply because it was easier on their tongues.
      It’s a clear reference to Trigger’s famous name for Rodney in Only Fools and Horses.
      Trigger from Only Fools and Horses coined the name ‘Dave’ for RodneyCredit: Handout
      Chelsea players called Cesar Azpilicueta Dave because they couldn’t pronounce his nameCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Sergio Aguero A.K.A. Kun
      For years the Argentine forward has had the name Kun on the back of his jersey.
      But the Man City striker’s name isn’t Kun at all, it’s just a nickname.
      When he was a small child, his grandparents called him Kun because he resembled the character Kum-Kum from his favourite Japanese cartoon.
      “I have grown to appreciate it because it’s unique,” he said. “It’s not every day an athlete is nicknamed after a cartoon character!”
      Kum-Kum bares a striking resemblance to Man City star Sergio Aguero
      Sergio wears ‘Kun’ on the back of his jersey as a reference to a character from his favourite cartoon as a kidCredit: Reuters

      Lionel Messi A.K.A. The Flea
      The Barcelona fans have always supported Messi, but giving him the nickname La Pulga isn’t complimentary at all!
      Fleas are considered filthy specimens, which just isn’t fair on the free-scoring Argentine whizz.
      The nickname stuck because he’s a pest to the opposition, not to mention his diminutive size.
      Lionel Messi is a constant menace for the oppositionCredit: Getty – Contributor
      That’s why Lionel Messi is nicknamed the fleaCredit: Alamy
      Paul Pogba A.K.A. The Joker A.KA. Il Polpo Paul
      The French midfielder has two nicknames, the first one is La Pioche, which in English is The Joker.
      But it’s got nothing to do with Batman and his evil nemesis at all.
      Pogba explained: “I took it. It’s from a movie, but it wasn’t used the same way (as Batman).
      Paul Pogba has two nicknames – The Joker and The OctopusCredit: AFP or licensors
      Paul Pogba is nicknamed The Octopus because of his long limbsCredit: Image Bank – Getty
      “In the film, it’s a con man who tricked the village. I’m tricking you now. I’m doing the Pog Trick.”
      When he starred at Juventus he was also known as ‘The Octopus’ because of his long limbs and gangly frame.
      Philipp Lahm A.K.A. The Magic Dwarf A.K.A Wireless
      The sign of a true worldy, the now retired Bayern Munich legend has TWO weird nicknames.
      Lahm was first called Wireless, not because he had 5G capability, but because he could play anywhere on the pitch.
      He has former Mehmet Scholl to blame for that.
      The Magic Dwarf is a reference to his size. Despite being a giant on the pitch, he’s only 5’6″ tall.
      Philipp Lahm was called Wireless and The Magic Dwarf at Bayern MunichCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Givanildo Vieira de Sousa better known as Hulk
      He’s gone by the name Hulk wherever he’s gone.
      Even commentators call him by that name, but it’s a nickname with his real last name being de Sousa.
      However, he was given the strange moniker because of his resemblance to Lou Ferrigno, who played The Incredible Hulk in the TV series from the 70s.
      It does help that he’s built more like a boxer than a footballer too.
      Hulk’s real name is Givanildo Vieira de SousaCredit: Rex Features
      Hulk got his nickname because of his resemblance to Lou Ferrigno who played The Incredible Hulk in the 70s TV showCredit: Channel 5
      Fitz Hall A.K.A. One Size
      Probably the funniest nickname, and well worth a mention for its comedic quality.
      The former Crystal Palace defender’s mates gave him the ultimate nickname.
      Obviously, because One Size fits all, it stuck with the stopper ever since he was a small child growing up in Leytonstone.
      Mind you, Fitz was a big lad at 6’4″ so it necessarily isn’t totally true, is it?
      Fitz Hall was amusingly nicknamed One SizeCredit: Action Images – Reuters

      Sead Kolasinac A.K.A. The Tank
      When Arsenal added the Bosnian left back to their ranks they thought they were adding some real heavy artillery.
      After all, Kolasinac was nicknamed De Panzer (The Tank) in Germany by the Schalke fans because of his bulky frame.
      He’s now back at Schalke, where he’s probably looking for a war… on the pitch.
      Sead Kolasinac is called De Panzer (The Tank) because of his frameCredit: Reuters
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      Sir Alex Ferguson transfer flops: Seven worst buys Man Utd icon made including hopeless keeper and last ever signing

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON is widely considered to be the greatest Premier League manager of all time.The Scot absolutely dominated the division with Manchester United, winning 13 of the first 21 editions of the re-branded league before retiring in 2013.
      Not all of Ferguson’s buys were as successful as others…Credit: PA:Press Association

      Legends Alan Shearer and Ian Wright unanimously agreed on a recent MOTD Top Ten podcast that Ferguson was easily the league’s greatest ever boss – and it’s easy to see why.
      A master motivator, a psychological genius, Fergie was a supreme decision maker in the Old Trafford hot-seat.
      From Bruce and Pallister to Ronaldo and Rooney – Ferguson was adept at making perfect acquisitions all over the pitch.
      But not all of them came off…
      We take a look at some of those rough diamonds that could never quite be polished.
      Bebe sadly failed to make the grade at Old Trafford
      BEBE
      Bebe’s whirlwind rise from a shelter in one of Lisbon’s poorest areas to £7.4million Manchester United signing was inspiring… his Old Trafford career was a disaster.
      In just 18 months the 20-year-old had gone from playing amateur football for local club Loures to being a multi-million pound signing for the champions of England.
      After a year starring in the third-tier of Portuguese football, Bebe earned a move to top-flight club Vitoria Guimaraes in the summer of 2010.
      Following good performances in pre-season, however, he found himself packing his bags once again just five weeks after arriving – because the Red Devils had matched his release clause.
      He clearly wasn’t ready for the step up, and suffered the humiliation of being substituted as a replacement himself against Wolves in November 2010.
      This quickly lead to Bebe becoming a joke figure at Old Trafford, although he did manage cup goals against Bursaspor and Wolves.
      He was swiftly farmed out on various loan spells before leaving United in 2014, signing for Portuguese giants Benfica but finding their first-team equally hard to crack.
      After a spell at Eibar, the 29-year-old currently resides in the Spanish second tier with Rayo Vallecano – for whom he has scored three goals for this season.
      Kleberson struggled to adapt to the rigours of the Premier LeagueCredit: Reuters
      KLEBERSON
      Brazilian Kleberson arrived at Manchester United amid much fanfare in 2003, having starred in his country’s World Cup win the year before – even playing all 90 minutes of the final.
      The Red Devils beat off competition from the likes of Barcelona, Leeds United and Celtic for his signature – but his time at Old Trafford was an unfortunate failure.
      A lack of fellow Portuguese speakers led to the £6.5m signing growing isolated, swiftly losing the confidence to produce the flair that he had so often illustrated for Atletico Paranaense and Brazil.
      He departed Old Trafford for £2.5m after just two years and 30 appearances, later telling the MEN: “When the team isn’t doing well, it’s hard to change your style, I couldn’t do it, when I came to Man United I tried to change the player I was, more passes, more aggression, more tackles, but it’s too hard and wasn’t what my game was about.
      “From 17 to 24 years old, I was playing that fluent Brazilian style, to move the ball quickly and receive it in space.
      “At Man United I had tough moments a lot of the time, I got a lot of injuries and struggled a lot.”
      Now 40, Kleberson coaches the academy at American side Philadelphia Union.
      Massimo Taibi could never replace the legendary Schmeichel
      MASSIMO TAIBI
      In 1999, Ferguson had a problem.
      In the afterglow of achieving the pinnacle of his career, a historic treble sealed on that famous night in Barcelona, Peter Schmeichel left Old Trafford for Sporting Lisbon.
      The Dane had been a pillar of United’s success and his gloves were always going to be tough to fill.
      Unfortunately, Taibi didn’t even come close.
      It is easily forgotten that he earned man of the match in the first of his four United appearances following his £4.5m switch from Venezia.
      This is because of his horrendous mistake against Southampton, with which he would become synonymous.
      A pee-roller of a Matt Le Tissier effort was trundling harmlessly towards the Italian, before skipping off a divot and farcically bouncing over his hapless frame.
      After also featuring in a 5-0 loss to Chelsea, Taibi was shunted back to Serie A initially on loan less that six months after arriving – and was not seen on these shores again after a £2.5m departure in 2000.
      Now aged 50, Taibi is a director at Reggina.
      Zaha signed for Ferguson… but arrived under Moyes
      WILFRIED ZAHA
      On January 26 2013, Sir Alex Ferguson made his final signing as Manchester United manager.
      A 20-year-old Wilfried Zaha had been tearing up the Championship, illustrating the kind of tricky wing-play that Sir Alex absolutely loved.
      The Ivorian signed for United for £15m before returning to Palace on loan for the remainder of the season.
      He subsequently succeeded in getting his boyhood club promoted, but there was just one problem when he got back to Old Trafford.
      Ferguson was gone.
      Zaha was never fancied by Fergie’s successor David Moyes, only making four appearances before being ditched and eventually allowed to re-join Palace for just £6m in 2014.
      He has since grown and improved as a player,and the Ivory Coast international has a number of top clubs chasing his services again after some impressive displays for the Eagles.
      Many ‘f***ing idiots’ believed that Veron floppedCredit: PA:Press Association
      JUAN SEBASTIAN VERON
      In 2001, United smashed the English transfer record to sign Juan Sebastian Veron from Lazio.
      The £36m deal rocked the Premier League and much was expected of the Argentine.
      There were initially good moments, he won the division’s Player of the Month award in September of that year – showing flashes of brilliance, particularly in the Champions League.
      Fitness struggles followed, however, with Veron failing to cope with the relentless pace of English football.
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      Criticism of his performances began to grow, but Ferguson defended his man, once ranting at the end of a press conference: “He [Veron] is a f***ing great player and you’re all f***ing idiots.”
      But the consensus was that United’s expensive gamble hadn’t come off, and they took an enormous £21m hit on him when he was allowed to move to Chelsea in 2003.
      Former team-mate Rio Ferdinand recently opened up on what may have cost Veron in his time at Old Trafford, telling the Mail: “He was an unbelievable player, great passer.
      “The only thing I think that killed him was Roy Keane was probably a bit more of a dominant personality and was picking the ball up in his positions.”
      Nick Powell’s United career didn’t turn out as hoped…
      NICK POWELL
      At just 18 years of age, Powell had become one of English football’s hottest young properties when he capped off a remarkable season with Crewe Alexandra by scoring an absolute beauty in the League Two play-off final.
      Manchester United, for so long the best place for top English talents to be nurtured and helped to flourish, agreed a deal worth up to £6m to bring him to the Theatre of Dreams.
      The creative midfielder had Old Trafford jaws on the floor when he scored another blockbuster strike on his United debut, belting one in from 20 yards against Wigan Athletic.
      But things quickly began to fizzle out for Powell at United, particularly after Ferguson’s departure in 2013.
      After a number of injuries and loans, the once hotly-tipped talent’s United appearances swiftly became sporadic… and notorious.
      He played 57 minutes of the Red Devils’ humiliating 4-0 defeat by MK Dons under Louis van Gaal – and gained mocking status when brought on for Juan Mata against Wolfsburg with United chasing a crucial Champions League goal.
      Van Gaal’s side lost that match, crashing out of Europe, and Powell found himself moving to Wigan on a free transfer in 2016.
      After playing well in League One and the Championship for the Latics, the now-27-year-old finds himself at Stoke City in the second-tier.
      Djemba-Djemba enjoyed a nomadic career after leaving Old Trafford
      ERIC DJEMBA-DJEMBA
      Cameroonian Djemba-Djemba arrived to little fanfare from first club Nantes in 2003, with Ferguson splashing £3.5m on a man that he saw as a potential successor to Roy Keane.
      While he was certainly willing to put his 5ft 11in frame about in the same manner as the Irishman, Djemba-Djemba lacked the ability to control games like his skipper did.
      He used to share a post-training Nando’s with team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, but the pair’s careers were about to go on very different trajectories.
      After 39 Red Devils appearances, Djemba-Djemba moved to Aston Villa for £1.5m, embarking on a nomadic career that would take him everywhere from Chennai to St Mirren.

      Djemba-Djemba recently told SunSport about playing the Swiss fifth-tierCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Now 38, he turns out for Swiss fifth-tier side FC Vallorbe-Ballaigues, recently telling SunSport: “I understand the game. I don’t have to run a lot and I just have to manage my stamina.
      “But I don’t think I’m any different to my teammates.
      “I just love playing and when I finish training, I’m happy to carry the balls or the water bottles.”
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