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      in Soccer

      Liverpool wonderkid Mateusz Musialowski, 17, is mesmerising Polish winger who scored 133 goals at youth level

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      LAST week, 12 academy players got the opportunity to train with Liverpool’s first team in front of Jurgen Klopp.One of those talents was the supremely gifted Polish youth star Mateusz Musialowski, 17, who has been turning heads since arriving on our shores.
      Lightning-quick Mateusz Musialowski, 17, is flying in Liverpool’s youth side since joining last yearCredit: Getty
      A winger who can play across the front three, Musialowski is lightning-quick and has dribbling skills he’s honed by watching countless clips of Lionel Messi running with the ball.
      Both were evidenced with an exceptional goal he recently scored against Newcastle in the U18 Premier League North.
      Newcastle’s defenders were unable to live with Musialowski, as he jinked past four players and hit an unstoppable shot in the corner.
      But he could’ve been turning out for Arsenal’s youth teams, after trialling with the Gunners.
      GUNNERS PIPPED
      Back in August, Liverpool moved fast to secure Musialowski’s signature.
      He had earned a glowing reputation in his homeland, where he starred at UKS SMS Lodz.
      In 88 matches the forward scored a staggering 133 goals, and Europe’s top clubs took note.
      Arsenal were the first British club to declare an interest, and they invited him to Hale End.
      However, their academy coaches were reportedly unsure whether to sign Musialowski, which opened up the door for Liverpool to swoop.
      Liverpool pipped Arsenal to secure Musialowski’s signatureCredit: Getty
      Musialowski arrived in Kirkby back in OctoberCredit: Instagram @mateuszmusialowski
      In Poland Musialowski scored 133 goals in 88 games at youth levelCredit: Instagram @mateuszmusialowski
      FLYING START
      Musialowski hasn’t wasted any time in settling in at Kirkby.
      Already, the flying wideman has seven goals to his name in 16 matches, the pick of the bunch was that mazy run followed by an emphatic finish against the Toon.
      There was an uncanny resemblance to the hero he wants to emulate about that strike.
      “I just ran with the ball,” Musialowski told Liverpool’s official website.
      “When I see the space, I just go for it. I have seen a lot of Lionel Messi goals like that, so I try to be like him and I want to repeat it!”
      Earlier this week, Musialowski followed his wonder goal up with two against Sutton United in a 6-0 rout in the FA Youth Cup.
      Recently, Musialowski scored twice in a FA Youth Cup win over Sutton UnitedCredit: Getty
      INTERNATIONAL BREAK
      With plenty of Liverpool stars away on international duty, some of the Reds promising youngsters have been drafted in to training sessions with the rest of the first team.
      But this isn’t a case of just making up the numbers. There’s a meticulous plan to including Musialowski and eleven others into drills with the likes of Fabinho and Alisson Becker, who reported to the AXA Training Centre after the Brazil World Cup qualifiers were postponed.
      Other first-teamers involved Naby Keita, James Milner, Nat Phillips and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ben Davies, Curtis Jones, Adrian, Rhys Williams and Neco Williams.
      “We use the time to give a proper impulse to our Academy process,” assistant manager Pep Lijnders said.
      “The best clubs in world football have something in common: a one-club mentality. Being split, you have nothing. That’s why it is so important for this club to be together.”
      Lijnders continued: “Everyone knows we believe in bringing and utilising the power of the youth. Jurgen and myself, we care so much about our talent, the inside pathway.
      Musialowski has seven goals this season in 16 youth gamesCredit: Getty
      This week, Musialowski was included in first team training sessionsCredit: Getty

      “It’s a special situation for such a club to create this week, so many talents together with Millie, Fabinho, Ox, Naby and Shaq.
      “Talent needs models, they need examples much more than criticism. It’s great to see when talent and experience come together.
      “The carrot is mightier than the stick, they say. They need to see our high values, our humbleness at the training ground.”
      Liverpool plan transfer raid on Sheff Utd for Sander Berge to replace Wijnaldum but face competition from Aston Villa More

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      in Soccer

      Real Madrid’s biggest transfer flops, as Eden Hazard continues to struggle including Kaka, Jovic and Woodgate

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      REAL MADRID are never shy when it comes to spending big.It seems every summer the LaLiga giants make a marquee signing, adding someone who’s normally thought of as one of the world’s best to a squad packed full of internationals.
      Eden Hazard has proven to be a Real Madrid since moving from ChelseaCredit: Reuters
      But, with the pressure of succeeding at one of the most successful clubs in the game and justifying a hefty price tag, sometimes failure follows.
      These blockbuster additions have (as of now in one case) failed to set the Bernabeu alight.
      They are the biggest transfer flops in Real Madrid’s illustrious history…
      EDEN HAZARD
      IT might seem unfair to say it – but it’s now almost two summers since Eden Hazard move to Los Blancos from Chelsea in a deal reportedly worth around £130million.
      Any settling-in period the world class Belgium playmaker may have needed, has surely since passed?
      Hazard’s biggest problem has been his fitness – with complaints about his weight.
      He’s also had plenty of niggling injuries, as well as battled Covid-19.
      But still, the 30-year-old should’ve managed more than four goals in 36 appearances in his time at the club so far.
      Will things get better? It’s hard to imagine they can get any worse.
      Hazard has had injury problems during his time in MadridCredit: Getty
      LUKA JOVIC
      AFTER starring for Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga and in the Europa League, many were convinced Jovic was the next football superstar.
      The Serbian striker had power and pace, as well as an eye for goal that saw Real pay £54m for his services.
      Something went wrong somewhere though for the 23-year-old.
      With Karim Benzema enjoying a renaissance, as well as favouritism from manager Zinedine Zidane, Jovic found his opportunities in the first team limited.
      And when he did play, that ruthless nature he did have in front of goal seemed to have left him, as well as his confidence.
      After two goals in 32 games, he was loaned back to Frankfurt in January. He’s not quite hit the heights he did previously in Germany.
      Luka Jovic cost Real Madrid £54million, but failed to deliver goalsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      KAKA
      IF ever there was a footballer that belonged on the stage at the Bernabeu, it was Kaka – as graceful a player the world has ever seen.
      For some reason, though, that elegance left him as soon as the former Ballon d’Or winner joined Real from AC Milan for a record-breaking £56m in 2009.
      In truth, the brilliant Brazilian was hindered by injuries. In 2010, he had surgery on a serious knee injury.
      With his mobility affected, the dynamic playmaker didn’t have as much of an influence as he did when he played in Serie A.
      Kaka left after four seasons, scoring 29 goals and providing 32 assists in 120 games across all competitions.
      Kaka didn’t hit the heights he set at AC Milan at the BernabeuCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      DANILO
      IN 2015, Real Madrid added Brazilian full-back Danilo to their ranks.
      The fee they paid Porto for the right-back was a staggering £31million, and they believed he would be the ‘next Dani Alves’.
      He rarely played in his first campaign, and bizarrely EVERY game he did ended in a defeat.
      In his second he scored two comical own goals, including one that saw Real eliminated from the Copa del Rey against Celta Vigo.
      Amazingly, despite his poor showings the club managed to get £26.5million back when they sold him to Manchester City… he flopped there too.
      Danilo was touted as the ‘next Dani Alves’ when Real Madrid splashed £31m on the BrazilianCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      ANTONIO CASSANO
      THE Spanish press were never kind to Italian star Cassano.
      They christened him ‘Gordito’, which translates as ‘little fat one’. And although it’s meant affectionately, the former Roma legend wasn’t well liked in Madrid.
      He was picked on for putting on weight, and there was an extraordinary claim he gained 14 kilos in seven months eating Nutella direct from the jar.
      And when boss Fabio Capello arrived at the club, the £22m signing fell out with his fellow countryman and was duly suspended.
      In two seasons, he played just 29 times and scored four goals.
      Like Hazard, Antonio Cassano was criticised for being overweightCredit: EPA
      JONATHAN WOODGATE
      THE English defender regularly features in polls for worst ever Real Madrid signing.
      And it just got off to the worst possible start for the former Leeds United player.
      Signed for £13m from Newcastle in 2004, Woodgate was on the sidelines for his entire first season.
      He finally made his debut a year later against Athletic Bilbao, and it couldn’t have been worse.
      Aside from a comical own goal, Woodgate was then sent off for two bookable offences.
      In 2006, Woodgate returned to England on loan at Middlesbrough. That deal was made permanent a year later.
      Jonathan Woodgate had the worst debut of a Real Madrid new signing, scoring an own goal and getting sent offCredit: Reuters

      WESLEY SNEIJDER
      ANOTHER huge talent, Sneijder would have a big hand in helping his country reach a World Cup final in 2010 later in his career.
      But, before that, there were his lost years in Madrid from 2004-2006.
      A £27m signing from Ajax, Sneijder was one of three Dutchman who joined the club that summer, along with Royston Drenthe and Arjen Robben.
      However, he didn’t pose as much swagger as he did in his early years at Ajax.
      After a disappointing second season, Sneijder was sold to Inter Milan, where he would win the Champions League.
      Wesley Sneijder was a world beater everywhere but Real MadridCredit: Action Images
      Explosive moment journalist is kicked off TV show for calling Eden Hazard ‘fat’ during Real Madrid win over Atalanta More

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      Chelsea star Reece and Man Utd’s Lauren James become first brother and sister to play for England and are ‘living dream’

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      IN the case of the James clan, it’s very much about keeping it in the family.Last year, Reece and Lauren James made history when they became the first brother and sister to play for England.
      Reece and Lauren James have become professional footballers with the help of dad NigelCredit: Instagram / @rjames
      Lauren James followed in her brother’s footsteps when she was selected for EnglandCredit: Getty
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      It’s astounding that two talented footballers of the men’s and women’s game are even playing professionally, not to mention pulling on a Three Lions shirt and representing their country.
      But the London-born pair are living the dream. Part of their success is due to their incredible father, Nigel.
      A motorbike accident halted his promising career, after spells at Luton Town and Southampton.
      Nigel found his true calling through mentoring youngsters and later set up Nigel James Elite Coaching programme.
      It’s testament to him, his son and his daughter would eventually become pros.
      PARKLIFE
      Reece, 21, and Lauren, 19, grew up in London with football an ongoing backdrop in their lives.
      As well as a father with footballing aspirations, their elder brother Joshua was on the books of Fulham and Reading. Their mother Emma worked admirably for the NHS.
      If the three siblings weren’t kicking a ball against a wall, they would be down the park honing their skills.
      Often, their dad who would pass on his knowledge and put the three through training drills and exercises.
      Lauren and Reece have always shared a tight bond together
      The siblings grew up in London with football as their backdrop
      Dad Nigel coached Reece, Lauren and their brother Joshua in the local park
      “We grew up as a three,” Reece of Chelsea proudly told the Blues official website.
      “Obviously, Josh learned from my dad and then it just passed its way down. I started playing because my brother played, and my sister played because I played.
      “We all used to play every day together at the park and over time we all gradually got better. There was a field behind my house, with two pitches, and every day I’d be playing football, either in the field or in the street.”
      Lauren, a striker for Manchester United, echoes the sentiment that the beautiful game dominated their lives.
      “All I ever knew was football, football and football,” she told The Telegraph.
      “My brothers got me into football. Whether it was when Josh was at Fulham or when Reece was at the Chelsea academy, I was there kicking the ball against the fence.
      “I’ve always had a football and it has just taken me to where I am now.”
      PATHWAY TO SUCCESS
      Reece was an early bloomer when it came to his footballing talent.
      By the age of six he joined Chelsea’s impressive development academy, where he progressed through the ranks.
      James joined Chelsea’s youth set-up aged six
      James progressed through Chelsea’s youth teams and won a FA Youth CupCredit: Getty – Contributor
      However, it took him some time to find his best position. He started off as a striker, moved into midfield and then had to learn the art of defending.
      Once he cemented the right-back as his own, there was no stopping him. In the 2017-18 season, he appeared for England at U18, U19 and U20 level.
      A loan at Wigan Athletic the following campaign saw Reece named as their Player of the Year.
      Once he made his debut against Grimsby in the EFL Cup in 2019, scoring one and assisting two, he could no longer be ignored for a first team spot.
      Lauren might be slightly younger than Reece, but her achievements are just as impressive.
      At 13 she joined Arsenal, and because of her experience with playing with her brothers was encouraged to train with the boys’ team.
      Two years later, the prolific forward made her first team debut for the Gunners women’s team – beating Reece to the punch there.
      She created history in the process becoming the youngest player in Arsenal’s history male or female to make their bow for the club.
      In 2017, she moved to the newly reformed Manchester United women’s team to take on a new challenge in a city she never knew.
      In 2017, Lauren James joined Manchester United’s newly formed women’s teamCredit: Getty
      Since joining the Red Devils, James has thrived scoring 27 goals in 54 gamesCredit: Getty
      But that didn’t deter the brave teen, who scored 14 goals in 18 league games as the Red Devils won promotion from the Championship at the first time of asking to the Women’s Super League.
      BATTLING RACISM TOGETHER
      As is a sad indictment of our times, both Reece and Lauren have been targeted with online racist abuse.
      They are united in their efforts to encourage social media companies to do more with their platforms in stopping racism.
      “When we both get messages like that, we turn to each other and discuss it,” Reece said.
      “I think everyone agrees and knows that what’s happening with social media and racism is wrong. Everyone says they want to change, but not many things are changing.”
      MUTUAL RESPECT
      Although they share a competitive nature on the pitch, Reece and Lauren only have a mutual respect for each other’s achievements.
      But Lauren knew she had to emulate her brother by following his footsteps into the England squad.
      “We are not usually competitive,” she revealed.
      “When he got his senior England call-up, it was like, “Right, he got his, I’ve got to get mine now. That’s probably the only time and I laugh about it now.”
      Reece earned his first cap against Wales last October, while a month later Lauren received a senior national team call-up as part of a 29-player training camp at St George’s Park.
      Despite their careers mirroring one another, Reece is adamant they can’t be compared.
      Reece James has become a regular in the England squad since his first call-up last OctoberCredit: Marc Aspland – The Times
      His sister Lauren James celebrated an England call-up last NovemberCredit: Getty

      “I wouldn’t say there’s competition,” he said.
      “You know, she is my sister. Our games are the same, our professions are the same, but it’s still different. I play men’s football when she plays women’s football, you can’t compare them.”
      No. But you can applaud their success. They are, after all, living the dream.
      England boss Gareth Southgate says he hopes Jude Bellingham will join squad More

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      in Soccer

      Under-fire Newcastle boss Steve Bruce wrote three crime thriller books that became cult classics worth £200 on eBay

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      UNCOMPROMISING centre half, Manchester United legend and hard-nosed manager are normally phrases used to best describe Steve Bruce.But the under-fire Newcastle United manager is also a canny and prolific writer, penning three crime thriller books published between 1999 and 2000.
      In 1999, Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce flirted with the idea of becoming a writerCredit: PA:Press Association
      Bruce was managing Huddersfield Town, when he wrote the epic trilogy Striker! Sweeper! and Defender!
      The books, which Bruce himself called “A laughing stock”, are semi-autobiographical – the lead character is called Steve Barnes.
      And the plots and the literature itself may be laughable too.
      However, somehow they’ve become cult classics that have fetched up to £200 on eBay and Amazon, if you can find the rarities that is.
      The first novel, originally costing £12, was the 127-page Striker!
      Written in the first person, it puts you straight into the action of Barnes, manager of the fictitious Leddersford Town – a small, historic club aiming for Premier League promotion.
      Manchester United legend Bruce made the decision after hanging up his boots in 1998Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      It opens with Barnes finding young Irish striker Pat Duffy stabbed to death in the dressing room.
      The front cover depicts this scene beautifully, except for the fact that Duffy looks like a giant super-imposed on a football pitch.
      Suspected of murder, Barnes has to clear his name – so he inexplicably decides to launch his own investigation, somehow while juggling a football career.
      He’s faced with Irish mobsters, and also becomes a target for a sniper in the stands while managing his side in a top-of-the-table clash against Fulham in the book’s finale, neatly wrapped in four pages.
      Steve Bruce’s first novel was Striker!, written 20 years ago
      Weirdly, Bruce loves mentioning facts about Barnes’ car all the way through the story, even when he’s on a discreet follow.
      “I drive a Jaguar XJ8, 3.2, the sports version,” he writes.
      “It’s a very nice motor; 3.2 litre AJ-V8 all alloy engine. Classic colour interior theme, fluted leather seats, contrast colour keyed facia, figured walnut veneer.
      “As good a motor as you can hope to drive.
      “But not a car you’d choose when trying to follow a Ford saloon in a discreet manner…my registration, license and all other statutory details are fully up to date.”
      In the same year, Bruce also published Sweeper!Credit: Paragon Press Publishing
      Later, he writes: “I locked the car with central locking. The XJ8 has a full security system with ultrasonic intrusion sensing, radio frequency remote control, and engine immobiliser.
      “All necessary: this is a desirable motor.”
      The thriller has become an unlikely classic on Amazon.
      One tongue-in-cheek reviewer wrote: “This is a book so bad it is good, dare I say great. It’s bursting out its bindings with moral truths.”
      Another said: “That Bruce has spent so much of his life on the football pitch and not behind his typewriter should be a tragedy for literature.”
      The follow-up was Sweeper! – a tale that takes us through a web of intrigue featuring Yugoslavian warlords, lesbian prostitutes, Nazi-hunting spies and more.
      Defender! was published by Steve Bruce in March 2000
      Again, the murder plot centres around Leddersford Town, who must be the unluckiest club in the football world.
      One Amazon reviewer wrote of Sweeper!: “One cannot do justice to how effective and gripping Bruce’s writing style is.
      “He is truly a modern day Arthur Conan Doyle. Wow!”
      Their beloved groundsman, Sam Milton is murdered, so Barnes (again) takes it upon himself to solve the crime.
      More bizarre set plays follow, including a moment where Barnes is kidnapped by British Secret Service agents who ask him to go undercover.
      He refuses, saying that his country never wanted him and that he didn’t get international caps so he wouldn’t be suitable for the role.
      Of course, Bruce himself is one of the most decorated players to never get an England cap.
      Bruce’s books were all semi-autobiographicalCredit: PA:Press Association
      Despite a career littered with honours, Bruce never won a cap for EnglandCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Proving Barnes has still got it, he manages to take out a villain with a trusted slide tackle in Sweeper!
      The last book of the trilogy was Defender! again featuring Steve Barnes.
      Its only review on Amazon states: “Does for the English language what the Luftwaffe did to Coventry.”
      Derry-born writer Seamas O’Reilly, a self-confessed Bruce literary expert, heralded the series of books.
      He published a review of Striker! in 2015, and by the end of the year a copy was listed on eBay for £200.
      “I loved it. There was just so much mad stuff,” he told the BBC about reading Striker!
      “The book is filled with kidnappings, betrayal and suspense.
      “Near the finish, a sniper shoots a football out from under the foot of Steve Barnes as he’s standing in the technical area at the end of a game.”
      The trilogy of rare books have been known to fetch up to £200 on eBay and AmazonCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      In 1999, Bruce published three murder/mystery novelsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Seamas called Sweeper! the “Magnus opus” but Defender! was “disappointing” and “incident-free.”
      “There are so many strange decisions made in the writing of these books, such as the way the world is constructed,” he continued.
      “So, for instance, there’s fake names that stand in for real places, like Leddersford for Huddersfield and Mulcaster for Manchester.
      “But, he also talks about Manchester United and mentions Alex Ferguson.
      “It’s like reading a Batman comic where he takes a train from Gotham to New York.”

      But Bruce has admitted he won’t be returning to writing anytime soonCredit: Reuters
      By the way @DFletcherSport cant keep it going any longer…. the old man did write the books 📚 great sleeping tablet!!!— Alex Bruce (@AlexBruce84) October 22, 2016

      Bruce actually called the novels “A laughing stock” and is concentrating on management nowCredit: Getty – Contributor
      At first, Bruce’s son Alex denied that his father had written them.
      However, he made a dramatic confession on Twitter later to BT Sport commentator Darren Fletcher.
      And back in 2016, when managing Aston Villa, Bruce revealed the books were absolutely genuine.
      “Have you read them?” he replied when asked by Sky Sports if there were anymore in the pipeline.
      “Go and read them and you’ll understand why.”
      Furious Steve Bruce on hunt for ‘treasonous’ Newcastle dressing room mole after explosive Matt Ritchie bust-up leaked More

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      in Soccer

      What Lionel Messi spends his £123m-per-year wages on, including a £5.5m home, £12m private jet, and crazy car collection

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      SO this is how Lionel Messi spends his money.The Barcelona legend’s contract has been leaked by Spanish outlet El Mundo.
      Messi has built an incredible lifestyle in Barcelona
      And the 30-page document has revealed the Argentine ace, 33, earns £123m per year with a host of bonuses too, including a £35m loyalty fee this coming summer even if he quits the club.
      It’s that salary that’s allowed Messi to live like a king in Catalonia.
      Here’s a glimpse into his amazing lifestyle, featuring a luxury mansion, fancy holidays, and plenty of flash cars.
      HIS HOME
      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.
      And he bought himself privacy by splashing out on his neighbour’s home, according to old team-mate Ivan Rakitic.
      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.
      There’s also the incredible sight of the Balearic Sea to wake up to every day – you won’t get that in Manchester, Paris or London.
      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
      Football is always on the TV and the family can keep warm by the fireCredit: Instagram @antoroccuzzo88
      Messi often plays football in his garden with his Dogue de Bordeaux called HulkCredit: Instagram @leomessi
      The Messi family regularly congregate in the kitchenCredit: Instagram @leomessi
      Family comes first for MessiCredit: Instagram @antoroccuzzo88
      PRIVATE JET
      If he’s planning on going anywhere in a hurry, Messi has the use of his own private jet that’s worth £12million and has his famous No10 on the tail.
      It was made by a company in Argentina and designed for Messi family with the names of his wife, Antonella, plus children Thiago, Ciro and Mateo featuring on the steps.
      It boasts a number of incredible features, including its very own kitchen.
      There are two bathrooms and enough seats for 16 people.
      Incredibly, the chairs can also be folded up and turned into eight beds too – providing ultimate comfort.
      Messi, however, doesn’t own it – he leases the jet. Still, it won’t come cheap.
      Lionel Messi has got a luxury planeCredit: Goal
      There are names on the steps and a No 10 on the tailCredit: Goal
      The plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Brussels after a technical fault was reported
      There are 16 chairs which can be folded into eight bedsCredit: Goal
      The private jet boasts a kitchen and two bathroomsCredit: Goal
      HOTEL
      With tourism being a huge trade in Barcelona (at least before the coronavirus pandemic hit), Messi has invested his money shrewdly.
      Like his footballing rival Cristiano Ronaldo, he has become a hotelier and bought a £26million hotel in the coastal town of Sitges – some 26 miles from the city.
      The four-star Hotel MiM Sitges is just 100m from the sea, has 77 bedrooms, including five junior suites and one suite, and costs around £105-per-night during high season to stay in a standard room.
      On top of that, there’s the rooftop Sky Bar that boasts panoramic views of the town and Mediterranean Sea, as well as a pool.
      If you’re looking to unwind even further, there’s a top-of-the-range spa that features a sauna, Turkish bath, sensory showers, a recreational pool, a cold plunge tub and a saltwater pool.
      Messi owns the Hotel MiM Sitges
      Sitges is a stunning coastal town just 26 miles from the city
      The hotel cost Messi around £26million
      CARS
      With Messi’s huge salary, he could probably afford to send his car collection over with him if he leaves Barcelona this summer.
      The pick of his motors, said to be worth around £3million, is a £1.5million Pagani Zonda.
      He also has a penchant for Maserati, with a £100,000 GranTurismo S and a GranTurismo MC Stradale in his garage.
      Messi has also been seen driving a Ferrari F43 Spider worth £173,000.
      Although with Barcelona’s deal with Audi ending last year, there were no more freebies from the German car giants.
      Messi boasts a car collection reportedly worth £3millionCredit: Getty – Contributor
      A rare Pagani Zonda worth £1.5million is the jewel of his car collectionCredit: Handout
      Messi seen behind the wheel of a Range RoverCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Messi loves Maseratis and has two different GranTurismosCredit: Xposure
      Barcelona’s sponsorship deal with Audi has since expiredCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      FANCY HOLIDAYS
      When it’s pre-season, Messi likes to let his hair down with a break away.
      But he doesn’t go too far – often picking to hire a private yacht and enjoy Ibiza and Formentera.
      In 2020, he and wife Antonella Roccuzzo were joined by pals Luis Suarez and Cesc Fabregas for a trip around the islands.
      They hired the stunning Seven C charter boat measuring nearly 92ft long that costs £40,000 per week to rent.
      Boasting luxury interiors throughout, the vessel sleeps ten guests in four rooms, including a master suite, a VIP stateroom and two twin cabins.
      Her sizeable deck area offers plenty of room for sunbathing and relaxing, while there’s an outdoor bar to cater for guest’s thirsts.
      Previously, Messi has also stayed at the luxury Caribbean holiday resort Jumby Bay, where private villas cost £5,000 per-night and Sir Paul McCartney has once stayed.
      Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Cesc Fabregas rented this stunning yacht in Formentera in 2020
      Suarez and Messi spent time on board the luxury Seven C yacht while in the Mediterranean with their WagsCredit: Splash News
      Seven C would’ve cost Messi, Suarez and Fabregas £40k-per-week
      Ten guests can sleep in the four cabins
      You can live like a king in the luxurious master bedroom
      All rooms are air-conditioned so guests are always in comfort
      No expense is spared with the luxurious interiors onboard the Seven C
      THE TRAINING GROUND
      Every day Messi hones his skills at the state-of-the-art Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.
      Since 2009, Barcelona have made this their training ground. It also acts as a multi-sport pavilion for the other sports teams at the club, including basketball, futsal, and handball.
      After training, Messi and Co can use the gym, sauna, and a full-sized pool – all aiding their recuperation.
      Costing roughly around £65million, there are also living quarters where future Barcelona prospects border.
      It was named in honour of Joan Gamper, the founder of the Spanish club.
      Messi trains at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan GamperCredit: FC Barcelona
      The Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper boasts state-of-the-art facilitiesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The facility boasts several training pitchesCredit: FC Barcelona
      Barcelona’s professional basketball team is also based hereCredit: FC Barcelona
      Barcelona’s stars are put through their pacesCredit: Rex Features
      LOVE OF HIS LIFE
      Barcelona shares a special place in the heart of Messi and his wife Antonella Roccuzzo.
      Although they were childhood friends in Rosario, Argentina, Messi and Roccuzzo’s love blossomed in the Spanish city in 2009.

      They’ve set up camp, not only with a beautiful home and life, but three sons too – Thiago, Mateo and Ciro all Spanish-born.
      They shared their nuptials in their homeland in Rosario in a glitzy ceremony attended by Barcelona legends Xavi Hernandez, Carles Puyol and Samuel Eto’o.
      No expense was spared. And why not when banking a £123m a year salary.
      Antonella Roccuzzo is Messi’s love of his lifeCredit: Instagram, @antoroccuzzo88
      The stunning Wag was a childhood friend of Messi’s from RosarioCredit: Splash News
      The Messi family have settled in SpainCredit: Instagram @antonelaroccuzzo
      Will the Messi family move from Barcelona?Credit: Splash News
      Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta slams PSG for Messi transfer pursuit More

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      in Boxing

      Meet Alexander Povetkin’s stunning Wag Yevgenia, who is a Russian model, Miss Kursk winner and his biggest supporter

      by

      ASIDE his Russian fans, Alexander Povetkin will have the support of this stunning woman.The heavyweight boxer, 41, takes on Dillian Whyte in the ‘Rumble on the Rock’ this weekend.
      Gorgeous Yevgenia is the Wag of Alexander Povetkin
      Yevgenia Povetkina is a Russian model
      Blonde beauty Yevgenia is Povetkin’s biggest supporter
      And cheering him on will be his gorgeous wife, Yevgenia.
      The blonde bombshell made her name as a beauty pageant winner – and was once crowned Miss Kursk.
      She’s a model, mother, and the 6ft 2in brawler’s biggest supporter.
      A SOLID ROMANCE
      Not much is known about how Povetkin and Yevgenia met.
      However, we do know they got married in 2013 in a stunning ceremony in Prague, Czech Republic.
      The bride looked incredible in a long, flowing strapless white dress for the occasion.
      It was Povetkin’s second marriage, he was previously married to Irina – who mothered his first child, Arina.

      Last year Povetkin and Yevgenia welomed their first child together
      Yevgenia hugs her baby boy
      Eddie Hearn poses for a snap with Yevgenia
      Last year, Povetkin and Yevgenia welcomed their first child together into the world – a baby boy.
      A TRUE BEAUTY
      Blessed with naturally good looks, Yevgenia is unsurprisingly a model.
      Her biggest claim to fame came when she won the Miss Kursk beauty pageant, which is where Povetkin is from.
      A look through her social media, and you’ll see Yevgenia posing for many fashion campaigns in between being a mother.
      Yevgenia shows off her bikini body
      A former Miss Kursk winner, Yevgenia has 15,000 followers on Instagram
      Glam Yevgenia boasts a stunning collection of dresses
      She’s often seen attending fashion shows too – with a favourite being Alla Couture, a dress designer with stores in Moscow, Dubai and Baku.
      THE PRIVATE LIFE
      Although Yevgenia remains fairly private, she does share snippets of her glam life on Instagram.
      Her 15,000 followers are treated to glimpses of luxurious trips away, family moments and her bikini collection.
      Yevegnia loves showing off her amazing body on the beach, as well as a penchant for wearing incredible dresses that hug her figure.
      Although she’s fairly private, Yevgenia often shares snaps of her holidays to her Instagram followers
      Like any boxing Wag, Yevgenia lives a charmed lifestyle
      Yevgenia loves travelling around the world
      You can bet Yevgenia has her bags packed for a trip away soon

      Although travelling hasn’t been possible for most people during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Yevgenia hasn’t let that deter her from trips away.
      Whether it’s a break in Sochi at a spa, or a stay at a five-star resort in Greece – Yevgenia loves pampering herself.
      With Povetkin probably taking a break from training after his Whyte fight, you can bet Yevgenia has her bags packed for another trip away soon.
      Dillian Whyte vs Alexander Povetkin 2 – Live stream, UK start time, TV channel, ring walks and undercard for Gibraltar event More

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      in Soccer

      Ronaldo and Messi’s incredible lifestyles, with luxurious homes and expensive cars – but who is living their best life?

      by

      FOOTBALL icons Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are still at the top of their game and have lives that would make anyone envious.The Portuguese legend, 36, recently celebrated overtaking Pele’s goal record with a hat-trick against Cagliari – and now has a staggering 740 career goals to his name.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is still top of his gameCredit: PA
      Like Ronaldo, Lionel Messi is a football billionaire and has an amazing lifestyleCredit: Rex
      While the Barcelona ace, 33, beat Xavi’s appearance record against Real Sociedad – the 768th time he’s played for the Catalans – and for good measure he scored twice too in a 4-1 win.
      Because of their brilliance over the years, the pair have seen their bank accounts swell and boast vast fortunes.
      And according to Forbes, they are the ONLY two footballers who have become billionaires.
      So what do they spend their money on?
      HOMES
      Cristiano has lived in some amazing homes through the years – and has a come a long since his humble beginnings in Madeira.
      After making it at Old Trafford, Ronaldo splashed £3m on an incredible estate in Alderley Edge.
      Then, when he moved to Real Madrid in 2009 for £80million he bought a stunning £4.8million mansion in the exclusive La Finca neighbourhood.
      Currently he lives in Turin in 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.
      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
      The property boasts amazing views of the city of TurinCredit: Instagram
      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
      Ronaldo works out in the state-of-the-art gym
      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.
      Ronaldo also has a £1.4million holiday home in the Costa del Sol, as well as a £7million home in Madeira his mum and brother live in.
      Messi’s modern £5.5million Barcelona mansion he lives in with Antonella Roccuzzo features incredible views of the Balearic Sea, and due to environmental restrictions a no-fly zone is in place over the Castelldefels property.
      Just 12 miles away from the Camp Nou, Messi’s abode also has a small football pitch, a swimming pool, an indoor gym and a playground for his three children.
      Earlier this year, Messi was also said to have splashed £7.25m on a luxury apartment in the Porsche Design Tower in Miami.
      Amazingly, the building boasts three car lifts allowing residents to park their vehicle on the same floor as their suite.
      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
      Lionel Messi reportedly bought an apartment at the Porsche Design Tower – which boasts stunning views of the Miami coastlineCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Each suite has a lift that allows residents to park their cars on the same floor as their home
      A spacious living room and open plan kitchen can be seen in this showhome
      CARS
      Juventus forward Ronaldo is a car collector, and SunSport has estimated in the past his garage is worth £16million.
      The two standouts of his collection are his Bugatti Centodieci that cost £8.5million, and is one of only 10 in the world.
      He also owns a Bugatti Chiron worth £2.5million and a £1.7million Bugatti Veyron.
      For his 35th birthday, his gorgeous Wag Georgina Rodriguez gifted him a Mercedes G-Class Brabus, an SUV that can cost up to £600,000.
      A £260,000 Lamborghini Aventador and a Ferrari F12 TDF that would’ve set CR7 back £350,000 are also kept in pristine condition in his collection.
      Ronaldo is believed to be one of 10 people lucky enough to buy the incredible new Bugatti Centodieci, which costs £8.5m
      Cristiano Ronaldo poses outside his former Madrid home on his £1.7m Bugatti VeyronCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      The Ferrari F12 is one of Ronaldo’s favouritesCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      Messi also loves luxury cars – although he isn’t in the same bracket as Ronaldo in terms of being a collector.
      The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has a £1.5million Pagani Zonda, which is the most expensive in his collection.
      He has a penchant for Maserati, with a £100,000 GranTurismo S and a GranTurismo MC Stradale among his fleet.

      Messi has also been seen driving a Ferrari F43 Spider worth £173,000 around Barcelona.
      Before Barcelona’s deal with Audi expired, he wasn’t afraid to drive their sponsored cars too.
      Although with Barcelona’s deal with Audi ending last year, there were no more freebies from the German car giants.
      A rare Pagani Zonda worth £1.5million is the jewel of Messi’s car collectionCredit: Handout
      Messi loves Maseratis and has two different GranTurismosCredit: Xposure
      Barcelona’s sponsorship deal with Audi has expired, so Messi doesn’t get a company car anymoreCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      PRIVATE JET
      Both Ronaldo and Messi enjoy a jet-set lifestyle, so it’s no wonder they have their own planes.
      In 2015, CR7 reportedly paid £20million for a a Gulfstream G200 twin-engine jet.
      Originally named the ‘Astra Galaxy’, the G200 is capable of reaching a top speed of 560mph.
      Its range is up to 3,910 miles with four passengers in tow, so it’s ideal for quick flights from Italy to hubs around Europe.
      And the G200 offers a generous seating configuration, and can fit as many as eight to 10 passengers for one flight.
      Ronaldo reportedly owns a Gulfstream G200Credit: Rex Features
      Ronaldo and partner Georgina Rodriguez often use their private jet to zoom around EuropeCredit: Instagram @georginagio
      Family games are easy for the Ronaldos onboard the spacious aircraftCredit: Instagram
      Messi leases a £12million Gulfstream V jet, which he first started using in 2018.
      The plane was infamously forced to make an emergency landing in Brussels due to a technical fault last year.
      It boasts a number of incredible features, including its very own kitchen. There are two bathrooms and enough seats for 16 people.
      Messi even has the names of his family adorned on the jet, with wife Antonella, plus children Thiago, Ciro and Mateo all having their names etched on the steps.
      Lionel Messi has got a luxury plane tooCredit: Goal
      There are names on the steps and a No 10 on the tailCredit: Goal
      The plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Brussels after a technical fault was reported last year
      YACHT
      In 2019, Ronaldo took to the seas to expand on his empire of amazing things.
      He added a £5.5million superyacht to his life, and why not?
      Built in the Versilia shipyards of Azimut-Benett, it boasts five luxury cabins and six stunningly decorated bathrooms.
      There’s also a modern kitchen onboard, as well as two relaxation areas, a huge lounge, and a lavish dining room.
      Juventus legend Ronaldo is the proud owner of the Azimut Grande.
      The superyacht cost around £5.5million
      It has five luxury cabins
      Ronaldo releaxes on board his yacht with Wag Georgina
      No stranger to a life at sea, Messi doesn’t own a yacht – but often holiday with pals including Luis Suarez and Cesc Fabregas onboard the Seven C yacht in
      Measuring nearly 92ft long, it was first built in 2003 before having a refit in 2011.
      Boasting luxury interiors throughout, the vessel sleeps ten guests in four rooms, including a master suite, a VIP stateroom and two twin cabins.
      Her sizeable deck area offers plenty of room for sunbathing and relaxing, while there’s an outdoor bar to cater for guest’s thirsts.
      Astonishingly, it costs £40,000 a week to rent.
      Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Cesc Fabregas regularly rent this stunning yacht in Formentera
      Suarez and Messi spent time on board the luxury Seven C yacht while in the Mediterranean with their WagsCredit: Splash News
      You can live like a king in the luxurious master bedroom
      No expense is spared with the luxurious interiors onboard the Seven C
      HOTELS
      With an eye on retirement, Ronaldo and Messi are both hoteliers now.
      The Argentine’s business MiM is run by brother, Rodrigo and features three hotels in Spain.
      There’s his Hotel MiM Sitges, in a coastal area of Barcelona which SunSport had the pleasure to visit, which he bought in 2017.
      Messi added an Art-Deco Ibiza resort to his portfolio the same year – with rooms costing £250-per-night.
      His reasonable MiM Mallorca costs £70-per-night, and was snapped up in 2019.
      While the most recent addition to the group is the Himalaia hotel at the Spanish ski resort Baqueira-Beret.
      Ronaldo is slowly building his hotel empire.
      Messi owns the Hotel MiM Sitges, a coastal town of Barcelona
      The same year Messi purchased Hotel Es Vive in IbizaCredit: Golders/@HotelEsVive
      The recently-renovated hotel is situated along the stunning Figueretas beachCredit: Golders/@HotelEsVive
      There are 52 rooms in Messi’s Ibiza hotel, which boasts a luxury pool, rooftop bar and burlesque roomsCredit: Golders/@HotelEsVive
      Ronaldo opened his first hotel in Funchal, Madeira in 2016Credit: Pestana CR7 Funchal
      Rooms at the Pestana CR7 Funchal can cost as little as £79-per nightCredit: Pestana CR7 Funchal
      The Pestana CR7 Funchal is located on the waterfront and boasts views of Madeira’s mountainous landscapeCredit: Pestana CR7 Funchal
      Ronaldo opened his second hotel in Portugal in the capital LisbonCredit: PestanaCR7
      Designs for Ronaldo’s Marrakech hotel show it’ll be a place for the jet set when it launches

      Through the Pestana CR7 Group, the forward already has budget places to stay in Funchal and Lisbon.
      But plans are afoot to open hotels in New York, Madrid, Paris and Marrakech.
      Where would you stay?
      Dominant Juventus beat Barcelona 3-0 as Ronaldo betters Messi by scoring twice More