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      in Soccer

      Man Utd starlet Shola Shoretire, 17, snubbed Barcelona and Juventus to sign deal and was added to Europa League squad

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      THE buzz around Shola Shoretire extended far beyond Old Trafford.
      The Manchester United wonderkid, 17, was being courted by the likes of European giants Barcelona and Juventus before he signed his first professional deal with the Red Devils recently.

      Shola Shoretire has signed a professional deal with Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      First team star Aaron Wan-Bissaka puts Shoretire through his paces ahead of the Europa League tie against Real SociedadCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And now, Shoretire has been fast-tracked to the first team and added to the club’s Europa League squad ahead of their tie against Spanish side Real Sociedad.
      His rapid ascension through the youth ranks has Old Trafford big-wigs purring that the Nigerian-born star could be the answer to the club’s problems out wide after missing out on Jadon Sancho.
      The skilful attacker’s game has also been compared to African football legend Jay-Jay Okocha, who graced Premier League pitches with Bolton Wanderers in the early 2000s.
      WHAT’S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT?
      The diminutive teen, comfortable with both feet, can play out wide and through the middle.

      It’s testament to his ability that United were already confident he has the ability to succeed at the highest level by eyeing him for a deal before he turned 17.
      Shoretire, pronounced Shor-ay-ti-reh, joined Manchester United’s youth set up at the age of nine from Newcastle and has continued to blossom.
      In last season’s FA Youth Cup, he fired United into the semi-final scoring at Old Trafford in the 2-1 defeat of Wigan Athletic.
      Incredibly, earlier that day he was studying for his GCSEs at school.

      “He was at school today, all day! Then he came over to Old Trafford to play,” Under-18 coach Neil Ryan revealed.
      “It’s incredible really. Different day for him compared to other players.”

      Starlet Shoretire has been added to Man Utds Europa League squadCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Shoretire is one of a number of promising United youngsters coming through the ranksCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Blessed with quick feet, Shoretire has been likened to Jay-Jay OkochaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      UEFA YOUTH LEAGUE HISTORY
      Shoretire appeared at the Milk Cup in Northern Ireland at the age of 13 in 2017. And in 2019 he made history.
      Aged just 14 years and 314 days he came on as a sub in United’s 2-1 win over Valencia, and became the  youngest player to appear in the UEFA Youth League – a competition reserved for Under-19 teams.
      “We want to keep them humble, hard-working,” Ryan explained.
      “It’s not just the coaching staff who do that, there are a number of staff throughout the academy, right throughout the place, feeding the same messages. It’s what we pride ourselves on.
      “When you see the professionalism of the likes of Marcus Rashford, he’s the shining example. Scott McTominay, so on. These boys are products of the academy and the staff who work with them. They are our examples.
      “Good players can enjoy the big stage. [Shoretire] is a really exciting player. He’s evolving and developing, can play a number of different positions, he showed a great maturity I thought.”

      In 2019 Shoretire made history as the youngest ever Uefa Youth League playerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Shoretire was born in NigeriaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Shoretire celebrates scoring at Old Trafford in the FA Youth Cup against WiganCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      NIGERIA OR ENGLAND?
      With the stage set, Shoretire has joined first teamers Rashford and McTominay in training at Carrington ahead of the Europa League fixture against Real Sociedad.
      Should he grasp his opportunity, like fellow youngster Mason Greenwood has, international honours will surely come to.

      But a tug-of-war between Nigeria and England will ensure for which country he represents.
      Although he was born in Africa, Shoretire has been invited to join England’s youth set-up in the past.
      At the age of 17, with the world at its feet, decisions on who he could play for can wait for now. His first step is to conquer United. More

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      in Soccer

      Pele reveals he had so many affairs he didn’t know how many kids he had

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      HE is the footballing legend who scored 12 goals in 14 World Cup matches — and had so many affairs that he must have lost count.
      Now, at the age of 80, Pele lays bare how he took advantage of women throwing themselves at his feet during the height of his sporting fame.

      Football legend Pele has revealed he had so many affairs he didn’t know how many kids he hadCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Now 80, Pele reveals all in a new Netflix documentaryCredit: Netflix

      And the Brazilian hero, who has been married three times, admits he has fathered so many children that he had been unaware that some of them even existed.
      He says: “In all honesty I’ve had a few affairs, some of which resulted in children, but I’ve only learned about them later.”
      Pele has seven known offspring, including Sandra Machado — who he refused to acknowledge even after the courts ruled in 1996 that she was his daughter.
      Five of his children — Kelly, 54, Edinho, 50, Jennifer, 42, and twins Joshua and Celeste, 24 — came from his first two marriages to Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi and Assiria Lemos Seixas.

      Sandra, who died from ­cancer in 2006, was the result of an illicit romance with housemaid Anisia Machado. An affair in 1968 with journalist Lenita Kurtz produced daughter Flavia, 52.
      But in a new documentary out next week, Pele claims that he told his wives and girlfriends that he was unfaithful.

      Pele has seven known offspringCredit: PA:Press Association

      Pele was first married to Rosemeri dos Reis, who knew he was unfaithful to herCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Assiria Lemos Seixas was Pele’s second wifeCredit: Time & Life Pictures
      He says: “My first wife, first girlfriend, knew about it. I never lied.”
      While that may be true, playing the field was a one-way street for Pele.

      Maria da Graca Xuxa — a 57-year-old former model who started seeing Pele when she was just 17 — revealed last month: “He said it was an open ­relationship, but open only to him.”
      In the Netflix film, simply entitled Pele, the South American shows a lack of ego normally associated with ­preening footballers.
      Shuffling carefully with his Zimmer frame, it is hard to believe elderly Pele was once the soccer superman who left countless defenders flat on their faces with his deft turns of speed.
      He has been dogged by health ­problems including a hip operation, infection and prostate condition.
      ‘We came from nothing, we didn’t have much’
      With his infectious grin, sublime skills and unmatched goal-scoring record, Pele has long been regarded as the best advert for the beautiful game.
      While his rival for the title of the greatest player of all time, the recently deceased Diego Maradona, was constantly dogged by scandal, the Brazilian has been venerated.
      A United Nations goodwill ambassador, he scored a remarkable 1,283 goals in 1,363 games, and is the only man ever to win three World Cups.
      Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, his parents were poor even though his father Dondinho played football for one of the top teams in the south eastern Brazilian state of Minas Gerais.
      As a young boy, Pele would play with a ball made from a sock stuffed with paper and earned money by shining shoes before turning professional.
      He says: “We came from nothing — we didn’t have much. We were poor but my father always worked.”

      Maria da Graca Xuxa is a former model who started seeing Pele when she was just 17Credit: Time & Life Pictures

      Pele scored 1,283 goals in 1,363 games, and is the only man ever to win three World CupsCredit: Alamy
      It didn’t take long before his goalscoring talents were noticed.
      When his youth team coach Waldemar de Brito took Pele to Sao Paolo side Santos, he told them the 15-year-old unknown would become the “greatest player in the world.”
      Less than a year after making his league debut, Pele was called up for the national side and earned his first cap aged 16.
      The following summer, in 1958, he played a major role in Brazil’s first World Cup victory.
      Back then, some locals at the tournament in Sweden had never seen or met someone black.
      Pele recalls: “This Swedish girl kept rubbing my skin to see if it would come off.”

      Pele is now a United Nations goodwill ambassadorCredit: Rex Features
      In the final, the striker scored two amazing goals, including one where he flicked the ball into the air before ­volleying it, as his side defeated the hosts 5-2.
      After that, everyone in the world had heard of Pele, with people calling him the king of Brazil.
      He says: “I couldn’t go outside. Everywhere I went, people came up to me.”Pele had women flocking to his door from a young age.
      The constant attention of young women, who would cuddle up to the hero to have their photos taken, was tough on his first wife, who he wed in February 1966 when he was 25.
      Pele had known Rosemeri for many years and he believes he was not ready to tie the knot with her. He explains: “I married her because I met her when I was too young. I liked her a lot. But that passion when you are madly in love — we didn’t have any of that.”
      Their son Edinho developed a serious drug problem when he grew up and got involved with the trade of illegal substances.

      Pele now lives in a mansion near Sao Paulo with his third wife MarciaCredit: Reuters
      In 2017, the former goalkeeper was jailed for 12 years after being found guilty of drug trafficking and money laundering.
      Pele’s first marriage ended in 1982 after he was romantically linked to Brazilian model Xuxa, who later dated Formula 1 star Ayrton Senna.
      It took him another 12 years to walk down the aisle again, this time with gospel singer Assiria, but that ended in divorce in 2008.
      With all that personal turmoil it is perhaps surprising that Pele describes “getting knocked out of the World Cup in England” in 1966 as “the saddest moment in my life”.
      Having won two World Cups in a row, Brazil arrived as the favourites to lift the Jules Rimet trophy at Wembley Stadium.
      But they could not cope with a much more physical approach to the game, which saw defenders hacking down Pele in full flow.
      ‘At that moment, I didn’t want to be Pele’
      After they were knocked out in the group stage, he announced, at the age of just 26: “I don’t intend to play in the World Cup again.”
      It needed a firm word from Brazil’s military junta to persuade their star player to change his mind four years later.
      Some critics claim that the conservative Pele was too cosy with the ­country’s brutal dictator Emilio Medici.
      The player, who met and shook hands with Medici, admits “my doors were always open” to the government and that he knew about the state-backed tortures.
      But he knew that speaking out against the regime could result in a person being “disappeared.”
      Having agreed to return to the pitch, the still ­brilliant player was now gripped by terrible self-doubt and asked his manager not to select him for the starting 11 in Mexico 1970.

      Pele has been dubbed the ‘greatest player in the world’Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      He recalls: “At that moment, I didn’t want to be Pele. I didn’t like it. I prayed this was my last World Cup.” Even half a century on from that tournament, he weeps in the documentary as he recalls seeing the Brazil fans ­lining up in the streets to celebrate their success in the group stage.
      Anyone who questions what the game means to Pele only needs to watch this film. Through tears, he says: “I needed this World Cup.”
      He got it through sheer strength of will, scoring a header plus two selfless assists in his side’s 4-1 victory over Italy in the final.
      Even though the star made a fortune through advertising deals — including famously, promoting Viagra — money was not his number one motivation.
      Turning down moves to top European sides, he stuck with his first team ­Santos throughout the majority of his career before joining New York Cosmos at the end. More then ten million people watched his debut on US TV in 1975.
      Pele now lives in a beachfront mansion near Sao Paulo with his third wife Marcia, 48, who he married in the summer of 2016, but is not seen publicly very often due to his health ­problems. Thanks to his artistry on the pitch, he will always be cherished by the fans.
      And the lack of vanity from the true king of football will continue to endear him to anyone with just a passing interest in the sport.

      Glory, Pele concludes, was not what the game gave him.
      He says: “The greatest gift from ­victory isn’t the trophy, it’s the relief.”
      Pele streams on Netflix from Tuesday.

      Maradona and Pele play header challenge on game show
      GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk More

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      in Boxing

      How Anthony Joshua went from humble Watford council estate to having £110m in the bank from boxing and sponsors

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has cleverly doubled his fortune in the past year through smart sponsorship deals and boxing clever.
      The heavyweight champ’s firm Sparta Promotions Ltd has £109,109,481 in the bank, according to new documents filed for the company.

      Anthony Joshua is sitting pretty on a £110 million fortuneCredit: PA:Press Association

      Sponsorship deals with the likes of Hugo Boss have added to his wealthCredit: PA:Press Association

      And that’s a massive increase on the numbers crunched the year prior, with his worth said to be £49,032,751.
      The 31-year-old, originally from a council estate in Watford, has seen the £60million rise thanks to lucrative contracts with huge brands, as well as picking his fights smartly.
      He may have only fought once in the past year, defeating Kubrat Pulev back in December, but in truth Joshua has never been out of our sights.
      Whether it’s showing us his North London lifestyle in a Google ad, or posing in the latest Under Armour campaign – AJ is a brand’s dream with his good looks and his prowess in the ring.

      The humble sports star is also known to be frugal with his cash – buying his mum Yeta Odusanya an ex-council estate home, as well as a property for his ex-girlfriend Nicola Osbourne, who is the mother of his son Joshua.
      NO LOSS IN DEFEAT
      In the financial year up to February 29, 2020 Joshua suffered the first blip in his career when he was shocked by Andy Ruiz Jr.
      But, if you learn from defeat you haven’t really lost.
      AJ exercised his right for a rematch with the Mexican brawler in a blockbuster fight in Saudi Arabia six months later and got revenge.

      AJ’s rematch with Andy Ruiz played a big factor in doubling his worth from £49mCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      His reputation was restored and Joshua won back his WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight belts.Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Reports at the time suggested he earned the biggest ever pay day in British boxing history – a whopping £46million purse.
      More importantly, Joshua won back his WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight belts.
      Not only did it mean his reputation was restored quickly, he was still an attractive option to brands.
      POSTER BOY
      With a physique to envy and his boy-next-door looks, Joshua’s marketing appeal is obvious.
      That’s why, over the years, the likes of Hugo Boss, Jaguar, Land Rover, Audemars Piguet, JD Sports, William Hill, Lucozade and Beats By Dre have put the poster boy of boxing front and centre of their campaigns.
      And on the TV, he’s equally as busy.
      He threw his weight behind local businesses in Golders Green by teaming up with Google for one ad.

      Joshua has become a poster boy for brands, as seen here in a Lynx advertCredit: @lynx

      Google included Joshua in their campaign to support local businessesCredit: YouTube

      JD Sports have Joshua signed up on an exclusive dealCredit: JD Sports

      Under Armour and Lucozade endorse JoshuaCredit: PA:Press Association

      William Hill is one of several companies who want Joshua to front their brandCredit: PR Handout
      While for Lynx, he happily sprays their Africa scent on his chiselled torso in another promo and washes himself with their shower gel.
      It is estimated that AJ earns around £10million-per-year through sponsorships.
      Last year, Anthony also launched content studio and production house, SBX Studios.
      They will develop and produce long-from sports and entertainment documentaries, brand campaigns, YouTube channels, live event content creation, as well as podcasts.
      Crucially, they will have access to Joshua’s archived behind-the-scenes footage dating all the way back to his first professional fight in 2013. That means Joshua can have greater control of his own media going forward.
      LIVES FRUGALLY
      As his right-hand man and marketing manager, Freddie Cunningham revealed despite having “a lot of money,” Joshua “doesn’t live the life that he could.”
      “From the outside, it probably looks like he does. He’s seen in private jets, wearing expensive watches, and driving around in nice cars,” he told Business Insider.

      Joshua’s Land Rover was included in his sponsorship deal with the car giantCredit: Instagram

      Despite being worth millions and seemingly living a life of luxury, AJ is frugal with his cashCredit: Instagram, @anthony_joshua

      Joshua travels on a £45million private jet provided by one of his sponsorsCredit: Instagram, @anthony_Joshua

      In 2013, Joshua bought his mum her ex-council flat for £175,000
      “But the jets are all sponsored. We’ve never paid for a private jet, or a helicopter, in our life. He gets a signature car from Land Rover.
      “He’s not spending that money. He’s accumulating money. He’s living a lifestyle that probably everyone wants him to live, or see him live, but he’s doing it in a smart way. Tactful.”
      And when he has spent money, he’s frugal with it.
      AJ is believed to have a small two-bed flat in Sheffield that he uses when training.
      In 2013, he bought a local authority flat for mother Yeta for £175,000 in North London, and splashed £500,000 on a penthouse for his former lover, Nicola and his four-year-old son, Joseph.
      But when it comes to himself, he isn’t so flash. AJ did rent a £20,000 per-week mansion when he was preparing to fight Wladimir Klitschko, but after the bout reportedly moved back to his mum’s flat.
      MORE TO COME
      Come next financial year, AJ could double the £110million wealth he boasts today.
      If, as is expected, he fights Tyson Fury – in what will be dubbed ‘The Battle of Britain’ – it has been suggested he could be due a £150m windfall.

      Joshua could be set for a £150m windfall for fighting Tyson FuryCredit: PA:Press Association

      This time next year Joshua could be worth double what he is todayCredit: PA:Press Association

      According to reports, the fight of the century is just weeks away from being finalised with only a “handful of issues” left to be ironed out.
      Contracts between AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn have been exchanged with Fury’s backers Bob Arum and Frank Warren.

      And for the first time in heavyweight history, all four of the WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO belts are set to be at stake.
      A deal will be cut down the middle 50/50 but a venue is still being discussed – with the Middle East and Asia being suggested as hosts.
      Even so, with pay-per-view figures taken into account, expect Sparta Promotions Ltd to file financial results much greater than £109,109,481 this time next year.

      Eddie Hearn says Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury ‘close’ to official announcement More

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      in Soccer

      Liverpool can beat RB Leipzig but need Alisson to regain his nerve as he is still learning the sweeper-keeper role

      by

      JURGEN Klopp appears to have given up on Liverpool’s chances of defending their domestic title.
      But they can still save their season with a Champions League conquest – as long as keeper Alisson can regain his nerve.

      Liverpool star Alisson is suffering a crisis in confidenceCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Tuesday’s opponent Red Bull Leipzig will be targeting the 28 year old Brazilian, who is currently going through by far his worst spell at Anfield since joining the club in 2018.
      Under extreme conditions – the injury crisis which has hit Liverpool’s centre backs and prevented them from fielding a consistent defence – one aspect of Alisson’s game has collapsed.
      He is making basic mistakes in his role as an outfield player – in his passing out from the back and his decisions on when to come out of his goal.
      This perhaps indicates the value of a saying popularised by former England coach Terry Venables; under pressure, the last thing you learn can be the first thing you forget.

      It is not normal for goalies in Brazil to play the sweeper-keeper role.
      Things are starting to change, but anyone who watched Palmeiras in the recent Club World Cup and the final of the Copa Libertadores will have seen a faithful representation of Brazilian football of recent times – a counter attacking team who defend deep, with the centre backs close to the keeper. 

      Jurgen Klopp is going to need his usually reliable goalkeeper to regain his nerve as they resume their Champions League campaign against RB LeipzigCredit: PA:Press Association
      This is not a model of play that leaves much space for the keeper to play like Manuel Neuer.
      Ederson of Manchester City is a different case, because he developed in Portugal.

      When he was playing in Brazil for Internacional, then, Alisson could concentrate on being an old fashioned line goalkeeper – like his older brother Muriel, who is now a reserve with Fluminense of Rio.
      Muriel never had to grow into anything else.
      But in his time with Roma Alisson observed European football and saw that he would benefit from working on new aspects of his game.
      All of this sweeper-keeper stuff, then, is still new to him. Previously in his time with Liverpool there were few mistakes.
      But Virgil Van Dijk was there in front of him to organise things, the team kept winning and confidence was high.
      It’s different now.
      Alisson is entitled to lack confidence in the makeshift defence playing in front of him – and after recent events he is entitled to lack confidence in his own judgement and ability with the ball at his feet.

      After disappointment against Man City, Alisson blundered again against LeicesterCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Playing behind a makeshift defence hasn’t helped Alisson’s causeCredit: Getty – Pool

      Temperament has usually been one of his strengths.
      On the rare occasions he has made one mistake, he has never shown a tendency to make two – until now.
      Red Bull Leipzig can be counted upon to press in search of another slip up. Alisson will have to be sure of foot and sound of mind.

      RB Leipzig vs Liverpool – Watch LIVE for FREE, channel info and kick-off time More

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      in Soccer

      Seven times Joey Barton caused controversy, from attacking teammates to flashing his bum at fans and time in jail

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      EVEN though he’s no longer playing, Joey Barton is STILL courting controversy.
      The bad boy footballer, now 38, has never been afraid to speak his mind and has often been unable to control his temper on and off the pitch.

      Joey Barton has never been afraid to speak his mind, and famously fought teammate Ousmane DaboCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      Barton has offered Dabo, who was left with a detached retina in their scuffle, revenge in a charity boxing matchCredit: Ray Bradbury

      One of Barton’s most infamous acts was a training ground fight with former teammate Ousmane Dabo, which saw the hardman midfielder hit with a six-match ban by the Football Association in 2008.
      He was also given a four-month suspended sentence after admitting assault occasioning actual bodily harm after Dabo was left with cuts and bruises as well as a detached retina.
      Incredibly, on Robbie Fowler’s podcast he offered Dabo the opportunity to get revenge in the ring for a charity boxing fight.
      But that’s just one of many moments the red mist has descended over Barton’s eyes. And not even the cast of TOWIE was safe either!

      THE CHRISTMAS PARTY
      With the booze flowing to celebrate the festivities at Manchester City’s Christmas party, there was plenty of opportunity for footballers to behave badly.
      But Barton did more than that.
      After youth star James Tandy thought it would be hilarious to set Barton’s shirt on fire, the tempestuous bad boy was filled with rage.
      He retaliated by stubbing a lit cigar in Tandy’s eye, which resulted in a fine of six weeks’ wages and an apology to despondent boss Kevin Keegan.

      When he was a Man City player, Barton was fined six weeks’ wages for stubbing a cigar out on youth player James TandyCredit: PA:Press Association
      DOING TIME
      In 2008, Barton was sentenced to six months behind bars for common assault and affray during an incident in Liverpool City Centre.
      The incident didn’t leave Barton in the best light – punching a man 20 times and breaking a teenager’s teeth.
      CCTV captured the fight, and with the once-capped England star already on bail over an allegation of criminal damage involving a Liverpool taxi driver and THAT fight with Dabo, the book was thrown at him.
      Barton was convicted of assault and served 77 days in prison.

      CCTV caught Barton throwing punchesCredit: Enterprise News and Pictures

      Barton was sentenced to six months in prisonCredit: AFP – Getty
      REALITY BITES
      It’s fair to say Barton isn’t a fan of reality TV, especially if it’s TOWIE.
      He first called the cast “freaks”, which prompted a response from Mark Wright and James Argent who were miffed by Barton’s comments.
      And Joey didnt stop there. “TOWIE firm don’t mess with big boys, u and ur shallow, fake, pretentious lifestyles. In a year u’ll be opening s**tty poundshops if ur lucky,” he wrote.
      “I actually despise the whole of that firm, mentally deficient, turn up at the opening of an envelope, fame hungry, prized ball bags. #TOWIE”
      That prompted the TOWIE lot to send Barton a photo suggesting he had a small penis, swore at him and said he was “jel” of their success.

      Reaity TV show TOWIE isn’t on Barton’s watchlistCredit: Action Images – Reuters

      The TOWIE cast sent Barton a nasty message on Twitter after he slammed the showCredit: Mercury Press Agency
      A 12-GAME BAN
      The stakes were high going into the last Premier League game of the season in 2012 between Barton’s QPR and title-chasing Manchester City.
      Joey didn’t help his teams’ cause surviving relegation though, after he was sent off for elbowing Carlos Tevez in the throat.
      He also kicked out at Sergio Aguero, before a red card was shown AND squared up to Vincent Kompany and Mario Balotelli as he left the pitch.
      Barton was suspended for 12 games by the FA following the incident.

      Barton lost his cool against Man City and was sent offCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And Barton didn’t leave the pitch quietly, kicking out at Sergio Aguero and scuffling with Vincent KompanyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      FIGHT OF THE DAY
      On Match of the Day the evening of the above disgrace, pundits Alan Shearer, Alan Hansen and Gary Lineker slammed Barton for his behaviour against Manchester City.
      Not happy with Shearer’s assessment, Barton took to Twitter.
      He wrote: “I’d take it off Hansen and @GaryLineker but not from that bell, same fella that stamped on Neil Lennon,then threatened FA if they banned him.”
      He added: “I really don’t like that p****, in fact I honestly despise him… Goodnight.”
      Lineker later stood up for Shearer responding: “Still raging then? Still kicking out? And still, presumably, misunderstood? But only by yourself I suspect.”
      Hilariously, Barton replied to Lineker’s note calling him an “odious little toad”.

      I’d take it off Hansen and @GaryLineker but not from that bell, same fella that stamped on Neil Lennon,then threatened FA if they banned him
      — Joey Barton💙 (@Joey7Barton) May 13, 2012

      @joey7bartonStill raging then? Still kicking out? And still, presumably, misunderstood? But only by yourself I suspect.
      — Gary Lineker 💙 (@GaryLineker) May 14, 2012

      A BUM NOTE
      It’s fair to say through the years, Barton was a target for rival fans.
      And in a game against Everton playing for Manchester City, the local boy got all sorts of abuse.
      However, it didn’t call for this sort of reaction – exposing his bare bum towards abusers.
      He was fined for the incident, and a police investigation was called.

      Barton shows off his bare bum to Everton fans at Goodison Park
      MELLOW MANAGER? NO CHANCE
      Not even management mellowed Barton.
      Just ask ex-Barnsley boss Daniel Stendel – who the former Fleetwood Town boss allegedly headbutted and punched during an altercation in the tunnel of a League One match.
      Stendel lost two teeth in the fight, after reportedly calling Barton a “f****** scally”.

      Barnsley striker Cauley Woodrow was particularly incensed.
      He said in a now deleted tweet after the game: “To have a manager that can physically assault another manager in the tunnel is disgusting, causing our manager to have blood pouring from his face!
      “People like you don’t deserve a place in the game of football, you are foul.”

      Barton faces off against Daniel Stendel after Barnsley’s match with Fleetwood TownCredit: Rex Features

      Daniel Stendel was allegedly headbutted and punched by Barton in the tunnel after the gameCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      Joey Barton says QPR were the least favourite of his ex-clubs More

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      in Boxing

      Canelo Alvarez’s amazing lifestyle, including cars worth £8m, dating beautiful women and owning an incredible home

      by

      SAUL ‘CANELO’ ALVAREZ’s life of luxury knows no bounds.
      The Mexican boxer, who defeated Callum Smith in his last fight, loves fast cars, boasts mega-sponsorship deals, and has dated the world’s most attractive women.

      A £170,000 Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series sits pride of place in Alvarez’s garageCredit: Instagram / @canelo

      Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez is set to become a sporting billionaireCredit: Getty – Contributor

      If that’s not enough, the 30-year-old’s projected career earnings could see him join the billionaire boys club – with sporting members including the only man to ever beat him in the ring, Floyd Mayweather Jr, Masters winner Tiger Woods, basketball legend Michael Jordan, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Jealous yet? You will be.
      LIVING LIFE IN THE FAST LANE
      You’ve seen what his old rival Mayweather drives, right?
      Well, not wanting to be left behind when it comes to motors, Alvarez boasts an equally as impressive garage full of supercars you’d die for.

      Last year, he dropped £2.3m on a Bugatti Chiron – the world’s fastest car on the road.
      Only 500 are in existence, and Alvarez joins a select group of owners including Cristiano Ronaldo who can be reassured their investment is well spent, with value in those cars rising yearly.
      And that’s not all. You will find parked behind the gates of his Guadalajara mansion a Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series, Lamborghini Aventador, Mustang 500 Eleanor, Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6×6, Ferrari Testarossa, AMG C64 biTurbo, Rolls Royce Ghost, Ferrari 458 Italia, McLaren P1, Porsche 911 GT3 and a Lamborghini Gallardo (Renazzo Vorsteiner edition).
      Total value of all that lot? Around £8.3m.

      Alvarez has a car collection worth £8.3mCredit: Instagram / @canelo

      In 2019 Alvarez splashed £2.3 on a stunning Bugatti ChironCredit: Instagram / @canelo

      Alvarez can go off-road in his £370,000 Mercedes G63 AMG 6x6Credit: Instagram / @canelo
      GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS
      Being a successful sports star is a big pull, especially when it comes to attracting the opposite sex.
      And Alvarez has dated some of the world’s most beautiful women – from a former Miss Universe to an actress who was mates with a drug baron to Colombian footballer James Rodriguez’s current flame.
      In 2012, he wined and dined TV star Kate del Castillo, who is 18-years his senior.
      Referring to their sex life during a chat show interview, she revealed: “There were some strong rounds and yes, there were sometimes knockouts.”
      Continuing to speak in boxing metaphors, she added: “He was the first to hit the canvas and ask for his corner to throw in the towel.”
      Incredibly, del Castillo’s name would come up again in 2015 as an intermediary between former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman and Sean Penn, four years after her split with Alvarez.
      She introduced ‘El Chapo’ to the Hollywood star after the drug lord escaped from a maximum-security prison in Mexico, and a huge TV interview followed.
      Before del Castillo there was Marisol Gonzalez, who competed in the 2003 Miss Universe beauty pageant.
      So loved up, they were engaged following a whirlwind nine-month romance in 2010. However, their love didn’t last and they called off the engagement a year later.

      In 2012, Alvarez dated actress Kate del Castilo who is 18-years his seniorCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Drug baron Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman later became a friend of Alvarez’s former flame del CastilloCredit: EPA

      Alvarez was engaged to TV personality Marisol Gonzalez, but it didn’t lastCredit: Instagram / @marisolglzc

      Alvarez also dated Shannon de Lima, who was once married to Jennifer Lopez’s ex Marc AnthonyCredit: Instagram / @shadelima

      Today, de Lima dates Colombian footballer James RodriguezCredit: Instagram / @shadelima

      In late 2017, Alvarez got together with Fernanda Gomez, and the pair had a daughter together called MariaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      In 2017, Alvarez wooed Venezuelan stunner Shannon de Lima, a runner up in the ‘Miss Earth Venezuela Pageant’ in 2005, after she divorced Jennifer Lopez’s ex-husband Marc Anthony.
      Then, he got into a on/off relationship with Fernanda Gomez, and they welcomed a daughter called Maria Fernanda last year.
      They are currently still together, but live a very private life.
      HIS DIGS
      Currently living in Guadalajara, where he was born, Alvarez has always valued his privacy, so not much is known about the current property he owns.
      His previous home in Del Mar, San Diego, California was tucked away in a gated community.
      Only when it was listed for sale in 2015 did we get a window into his life of wealth.
      The 11,970-square-foot mansion was sold for around £6m, and featured six bedrooms, high-ceilings, raised wooden beams over the living room, a massive library and an ocean view.
      To entertain guests and his entourage, he also had a game room with a built-in bar.

      Alvarez used to live in a stunning home in San Diego before moving back to GuadalajaraCredit: Redfin

      In 2015, he put the house on the market for £6 millionCredit: Redfin

      The lavish mansion was fit for a kingCredit: Redfin

      The property offered high ceilings and wood beamsCredit: Redfin
      THE APPLE OF HIS EYE
      Despite his reputation as a ladies’ man, and someone who loves to live the high-life, family is important to the redheaded fighter.
      His eldest daughter Emily Cinnamon Alvarez, 12, is the most important person in the world to him.
      That’s why, before he took on Gennady Golovkin in their 2018 rematch, he got a tattoo of her image on his arm, just so she could be in the ring with him.
      But mystery shrouds the young girls’ mother.
      Mexican tabloid Clase claimed Emily was born from a relationship that Alvarez had in high-school with a young woman named Karen Beltran when they were 17-years-old.
      There are no public photos of Beltran, who has managed to stay away from the media.
      Clase also claimed the pair share their daughter.

      Emily Cinnamon Alvarez is the boxer’s beloved 12-year-old daughterCredit: Instagram / @canelo

      Alvarez has his daughter’s image tattooed on his armCredit: Instagram / @bolarttatoo
      SPONSORS KEEP ON COMING
      Alvarez is one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.
      While he doesn’t have the outrageous personality of his contemporary Mayweather Jr, or the knockout factor of Muhammad Ali, DAZN thought he was a worthy investment.
      They offered him around £277 million for 10 fights to be streamed exclusively by them, but he recently backed out of the deal and is suing them.
      Despite his rather bizarre fashion choices, once flying in a private jet in a panda suit, he’s a poster boy for advertisers too.
      Alongside basketball whizz Steph Curry, Alvarez fronts campaigns for sportswear giant Under Armour, peddling their boxing range.

      Add to that deals with Cognac house Hennessy, beer company Tecate, and Everlast, it’s clear that Alvarez is rolling in it.
      And according to experts, it won’t be long before the orthodox brawler progresses from millionaire to billionaire.
      Still not jealous?

      Despite a bizarre choice in fashion, sponsors are queuing up for AlvarezCredit: Instagram / @canelo

      New king of the ring Alvarez has deals with the likes of Under Armour, Everlast, Tecate and HennessyCredit: Instagram / @canelo

      Alvarez can now afford to live a life of luxuryCredit: Instagram / @canelo

      It’s hard not to envy Alvarez’s first-class lifestyleCredit: Instagram / @canelo

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      Aubameyang, Bale, Messi and Kane prefer to lease cars… how much do they pay each month and what’s their down payment

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      LEASING is the new buying.
      Today, many savvy footballers prefer to lease a new motor rather than buy one.

      Savvy footballers of today like Harry Kane are leasing their motorsCredit: The Sun

      It gives the world’s biggest stars the option of swapping cars, if they’re bored of their old one – either before their lease runs out or after.
      And it’s often a more modest vehicle that football’s biggest names will prefer to lease in the incredible car collections.
      Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Gareth Bale and more are believed to have deals on leased motors.
      Auto Trader’s Rory Reid says: “Leasing is a great way to get celebrity style without the huge down payment which comes with buying more expensive cars.

      “Most people take pride in the car that they drive and want this to suit their style and taste, whether that be a fast sports car or a climate-friendly vehicle, so it’s great that leasing makes otherwise relatively expensive cars more accessible to buyers with more modest budgets.”
      So, how much are footballers paying monthly and what did they put down as a down payment?
      SunSports reveals all, subject to a 36 month contract with initial payments equivalent to six months payment.
      PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG
      The Arsenal striker is known for his love of amazing cars.

      Aubameyang has been seen behind the wheels of a £2million LaFerrari and various Lamborghinis outrageously wrapped, which is believed he owns.
      One of his fleet is an impressive Audi R8, that has a £160,000 price tag that is said to be leased.
      For an initial payment of £11,118 expect to pay a monthly sum of £1,853 – well within Aubameyang’s reach thanks to a bumper pay rise with the Gunners.
      The Gunners captain took to Instagram to flaunt five of his stunning fleet – which have been wrapped in silver, gold… and just about every colour of the rainbow.

      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is known for his fleet of cool carsCredit: Instagram / @aubameyang97

      Nestled in Aubameyang’s fleet of motors is a £160,000 Audi R8
      LIONEL MESSI
      The Barcelona ace has a car collection to envy.
      One of his luxury vehicles is a Lexus RX450h, alongside a fleet of supercars worth millions.
      Leasing that £58,484 Lexus would require an initial payment of £3,552.
      Monthly he’s looking at a paltry £592 per month. Peanuts for the little Argie.

      Lionel Messi has a fleet of cars to envyCredit: Reuters

      Messi has a Lexus RX450h worth £58,484Credit: Lexus
      HARRY KANE
      The England marksman is a fan of British motors.
      Kane gets behind Jaguar cars, and has a F-Pace worth £44,431 fresh out the showroom.
      However, putting down just £3,245 – nothing for the Spurs man – affords him a very decent lease deal
      It’s just £540.99 a month on an F-Pace then.

      Harry Kane stands proudly next to his F-PaceCredit: Instagram @HarryKane
      N’GOLO KANTE
      The most modest Premier League footballer ever?
      Possibly. When Chelsea midfielder Kante was at Leicester, he drove a Mini Cooper Hatch.
      Most recently, the French international has been seen behind the wheels of a Mercedes, but the Mini was his pride and joy, and it was said that he bought it.
      However, to lease the car it’ll cost an initial payment of £1,536, which is only £256 per month. Bargain.

      Modest N’Golo Kante behind the wheel of his Mini CooperCredit: Jim Bennett
      JESSE LINGARD
      The Manchester United winger, on loan at West Ham, likes the finer things in life – after all, we saw his lovely home on MTV Cribs during lockdown.
      He’s been seen behind the wheel of a Range Rover Sport SVR – the ultimate SUV – costing £107,988.
      Leasing it offers a better deal – with a down payment of £5,772.
      Monthly, it’s £962.

      Jesse Lingard loves the finer things in lifeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      One of his many motors is a Range Rover Sport SVR that can cost £962 per month to leaseCredit: Alamy
      GARETH BALE
      The Welsh wing wizard is back at Spurs, and ready to show off his impressive car collection to his team mates.
      But before he left Real Madrid, Bale treated himself to a Audi Q7 SUV that costs £61,000 when new.
      The reliable family car can cost £520 per month, with a £3,468 initial payment put down.
      And there’s plenty of space for Bale’s golf clubs too.

      JORDAN HENDERSON
      The Liverpool ace loves the German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz.
      Henderson drives a AMG GT – a perfect car for a midfielder of the Reds star’s ilk.
      It’s an expensive motor worth £124,346.
      But putting down £13,452 brings down the monthly payment to £2,257.

      Jordan Henderson loves Mercedes-Benz Credit: Reuters

      The AMG GT costs £124,346 newCredit: press photo, do not use for advertising purposes
      TYRONE MINGS
      The England international is another player who wasn’t afraid to drive a regular motor.
      Aston Villa defender Mings, a £25million signing from Bournemouth, used to squeeze his 6ft 5in frame into a Vauxhall Corsa.
      Famously, the centre half revealed he knew he made it as a footballer after signing for Ipswich Town when he upgraded from a Citroen Saxo to a Corsa.
      A brand new Corsa costs around £18,499.
      £920 down, you’ll be paying no more than £155 per month.

      Villa star Tyrone Mings drove a modest Vauxhall CorsaCredit: Reuters

      To lease a Vauxhall Corsa you could pay as little as £155 per month
      KEVIN-PRINCE BOATENG
      The former Spurs and Portsmouth star has had spells in Italy during his career, most notably with AC Milan, Sassuolo and Fiorentina.
      Currently plying his trade at Monza, Boateng’s choice of car is suitably Italian – he drives a Fiat Abarth 595.
      The cheapest car on this list, it’s worth £17,000.
      An initial payment of £1,200 gives you a very reasonable lease rate over a 36-month period.

      Kevin-Prince Boateng’s ride is suitably ItalianCredit: Splash News

      For £200 per month, the car is yours.
      Prices were worked out using AutoTrader’s brilliant Stars and their Cars tool, that allows you to see what celebrity car you can afford.
      Visit www.autotrader.co.uk/cars/leasing/drive-like-stars to learn more.

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      A-list stars who invested in football clubs, after Hollywood hunk Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney takeover Wrexham

      by

      FOR A-list celebrities money is no object – which makes them perfect candidates to invest in football clubs.
      Everyone knows you don’t dip into your pocket and plough cash into a side if you are looking for handsome returns.

      Little Mix’s Jade Thirwall has invested in South Shields FCCredit: Instagram @southshieldsfc

      Jade was named South Shields’ honorary president in August 2020Credit: Instagram @southshieldsfc

      Jade Thirwall has had phenomenal success in girlband Little Mix after they won X Factor in 2011Credit: Splash News

      But many Hollywood actors, pop stars and big names have chosen to divert their wealth into football teams for a variety of reasons.
      Little Mix’s Jade Thirwall is the latest superstar to cough up after she became a shareholder in her local non-league side South Shields FC.
      SunSport takes a look at the other celebs to have dabbled in footy ownership.
      RYAN REYNOLDS – WREXHAM

      Canadian Deadpool actor Ryan Reynolds recently completed a takeover at WrexhamCredit: Reuters

      Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney voice their plans for Wrexham on Zoom
      Hollywood hunk Ryan Reynolds and pal Rob McElhenney shocked the world in 2020 when they announced their intention to take over Wrexham.

      The A-list duo intend to make the club a ‘global force’ while producing a Netflix-style documentary and boozing with fans.
      The supporter-owned National League club voted in favour of Deadpool star Reynolds and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia actor and producer McElhenney’s proposed takeover after they voiced their plans over Zoom.
      The duo are prepared to use their own money to resurrect the club they see as a ‘sleeping giant’ and want to kickstart the side’s route into league football using their resources and exposure.
      LOUIS TOMLINSON – DONCASTER

      Tomlinson’s takeover bid with ex-chairman John Ryan collapsedCredit: Rex Features

      One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson appeared for Doncaster’s reserves in 2014Credit: Nigel Bennett
      One Direction pop sensation Louis Tomlinson joined boyhood side Doncaster Rovers as a PLAYER after impressing in a charity game.

      He appeared off the bench for the reserve side in 2014 – living out a childhood dream.
      The 1D singer – who had run a pub team called Three Horseshoes while growing up in the area – made a bid to takeover the club with former chairman John Ryan in the same year.
      But the deal collapsed despite the pair exchanging contracts on the deal after the Football League said they were not presented with a satisfactory business plan.
      NATALIE PORTMAN – ANGEL CITY

      Natalie Portman, Eva Longoria and other celeb pals are ‘extremely passionate’ about setting up the Angel City women’s team

      Star Wars actress Natalie Portman is founding Angel CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Star Wars actress Natalie Portman is pushing ahead with plans for her new women’s football team Angel City.
      The Oscar winner has drafted in a bunch of her A-lister pals Eva Longoria, Jessica Chastain, Jennifer Garner, Uzo Aduba and America Ferrera as owners.
      The side are due to kick off in the NWSL in 2022.
      WILL FERRELL – LOS ANGELES FC

      Will Ferrell is a part-owner in MLS team Los Angeles FCCredit: Splash News
      Comedian and actor Will Ferrell bought a stake in MLS side Los Angeles FC in 2016.
      But the funnyman’s reputation meant many people didn’t actually believe he was on the board of LAFC – who began their inaugural season in 2018.
      LEBRON JAMES – LIVERPOOL

      Basketball icon LeBron James owns a stake in LiverpoolCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The Times
      Basketball colossus LeBron James became a part owner of Liverpool in 2011.
      The La Lakers icon received a 2 per cent stake in the Reds when his marketing firm signed off on a joint venture with Anfield owners Fenway Sports Partners.
      James’ initial investment of around £5million was valued at over £24m by Bloomberg in 2019.
      Baller James was delighted when Liverpool switched kit provider to Nike in August as he is sponsored by the Oregon-based sports giants and can now don the colours of the Premier League champs.
      MATTHEW McCONAUGHEY – AUSTIN FC

      Actor Matthew McConaughey is a part owner of Austin FC and visited Chelsea in 2019
      American actor Matthew McConaughey is part owner of future MLS team Austin FC.
      He revealed he was on the search for players during a visit to Chelsea in 2019 to watch compatriot Christian Pulisic play.
      Austin FC will begin their journey in the MLS in 2021 with McConaughey – who won an Oscar for his role in Dallas Buyers Club – as one of the investors in the burgeoning outfit.

      ELTON JOHN – WATFORD

      Sir Elton John at Vicarage RoadCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Singing legend Sir Elton John became Watford’s chairman and director in 1976 and appointed Graham Taylor as manager.
      He bankrolled the club as they jumped three leagues into what then was the First Division.
      Sir Elton sold to Jack Petchey in 1987 but remained president before buying his beloved Hornets back in 1997 and returning as chairman.
      The lifelong fan stepped down in 2002 when the club needed a full-time chair but again continued as president.
      DIPLO – PHOENIX RISING FC

      DJ Diplo invested in Phoenix Rising FCCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Superstar DJ Diplo led a group that purchased a minority stake in Phoenix Rising FC.
      The music star was one of the side’s initial investors in 2014 – when they were known as Arizona United.
      The club play in the USL Championship – the second tier of the US system.
      HUGH JACKMAN – NORWICH

      Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman missed the chance to invest in NorwichCredit: Getty – Contributor
      It doesn’t always work out for celebs, with X-Men star Hugh Jackman revealing he regretted not investing in Norwich.
      The Australian actor revealed in 2011 that his mother lives in Norfolk and he is a self-proclaimed Canaries fan.
      He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Sometimes I make big mistakes.
      “I got a letter about a year ago saying, ‘Being such a huge Norwich City fan would I like to be a celebrity investor?’, like a small part-owner.
      “I said, ‘I think that’s a little stretched, I’ve been to Carrow Road once, my mum took me’, so I decided not to invest.”
      Jackman is one of a number of celebrity canaries alongside joint majority shareholder and chef Delia Smith, actor and writer Stephen Fry and BT Sport’s Jake Humphrey.

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