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    Meet Neil Bath, the man behind Chelsea’s youth academy, who has developed £500 million worth of amazing talent

    IN 2004, after 12 years with the club, Chelsea named Neil Bath as their academy director.
    Little did anyone know at that time, if you fast-forward 17 years, the fruits of his labours would be dominating the football landscape in England and overseas.

    Chelsea’s head of youth development Neil Bath has run the club’s brilliant academy since 2004 moulding £500m worth of talentCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    When the die-hard Blues fan, now 55, was installed in his new position he set about completely restructuring the West Londoner’s youth programme – with a greater emphasis on procuring and developing the best talent in London and the South-East.
    In the last year, the likes of Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham, Reece James, Callum Hudson-Odoi have been testament to his work – heralding a new dawn in the Chelsea first team of talented youngsters.
    While another Bath protege, Andreas Christensen made his 100th appearance in a Chelsea shirt in the FA Cup fifth round tie against Barnsley – the first academy graduate since John Terry to achieve that feat.

    And just as impressive are the ones who the club let go, including Declan Rice, Nathan Ake, Ryan Bertrand, Tariq Lamptey and more.
    German website Transfermarkt, which offers conservative transfer values of players, crunched the numbers.

    However, taking into account Hudson-Odoi was subject to a £70million bid from Bayern Munich in 2020, the transfer fees could be at least double those suggested figures.

    All in all, through the years, SunSport believes Bath has remarkably overseen the development – on and off the pitch – of around £500million worth of football talent.

    ‘AN INSPIRATION’

    In 2020, Bath, now head of youth development, was recipient of the Eamonn Dolan award in recognition of his excellent work in youth development for Chelsea.
    His former students queued up to pay their tributes to the man who moulded them into the players they are today for a clip on Chelsea TV.

    Mason Mount called Neil Bath an inspiration to him who helped him achieve his dream to play for ChelseaCredit: AP:Associated Press

    Tammy Abraham, lifting the FA Youth Cup, revealed his years working with Bath were the “best of his life”Credit: Getty Images – Getty
    Mason Mount was one of the many graduates who shared his gratitude for his former coach. “I have nothing but praise to say about Neil,” he said.
    “He’s an inspiration to us all – all the academy players coming through.
    “I started in the academy when I was six-years-old and he helped me so much.
    “The way the academy is set up, the way we work, when we’re younger it puts us in the right mould to push us and keep getting better and better.
    “The winning mentality that he brings, it shows in every game we try to play and try to win, and it shows in the youth academy with how many trophies we’ve won.”
    While Tammy Abraham revealed his days working with Bath were the “best years of his life”.
    “He’s shown so much belief in the young lads and myself, and that’s what drew me to Chelsea,” he divulged.

    Bath chats with Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho in 2007Credit: AFP – Getty

    Former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard and his assistant Jody Morris show their appreciation for BathCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    ‘What they are doing at the academy is an amazing job, there’s nothing like it.
    “Them years I had in the academy were probably the best years of my life.”
    15 YEARS IN THE MAKING
    From the offset, Bath, who began working for Chelsea in 1992 as a part-time schoolboys’ coach, focused on developing Premier League talent, once a significant investment was made into the academy.
    In the exciting revamp, the club relocated its youth and first-team training facilities from Harlington to Cobham.
    As he put it on Chelsea’s website back in 2019, it was a plan that was 15 years in the making.
    “It’s what we’ve been working towards for 15 years since we restructured the Academy in 2004,” he said.
    “We’ve always been very clear that our job is not really to win youth trophies year after year, but to develop and produce Chelsea and Premier League players.”
    Bath added: “We have to set our ambitions high because we want to be the best football academy in the world and the number one choice for players and parents.”

    Chelsea fan Bath explained his masterplan was 15 years in the makingCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Bath oversees everything at the academy, here standing with Joe Edwards, ex-assistant manager Jody Morris and U23 Manager Andy MyersCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    PROOF IS IN THE WINNING
    Turning rough diamonds into winners is, perhaps, the hardest thing to do in youth football.
    But since 2010, Chelsea have proved their academy to be, if not the best, one of the most successful in world football.
    They’ve won the FA Youth Cup an astonishing seven times during that period, including five in a row from 2014 – equalling the record of the infamous Busby Babes of Manchester United that stood for 50 years.
    Their U18s have been national champions twice and southern champions four times.

    While on the European stage, the kids have won the Uefa Youth League twice.
    But it’s not all about making first class footballers. Developing the boy into a respectful and educated man is also part of the process.
    Bath has spoken in the past how he and his assistant Jim Fraser understand the importance of that.
    “We’re currently the reigning Premier League champions from Under-13 to U16, which is a really positive sign,” he said in 2019, “and we’ve just achieved our best-ever GCSE results.

    Chelsea’s youth teams have tasted incredible success since 2010Credit: Getty Images – Getty

    Mason Mount lifts the FA Youth Cup in 2017 alongside Reece James and Callum Hudson-Odoi who are now first team starsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Ola Aina, Nathaniel Chalobah, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Nathan Ake and Kurt Zouma pose with the Premier League trophy 2017Credit: Getty Images – Getty
    “We need to make sure these boys have all the characteristics and attributes, as footballers and as young men, to follow the likes of Ruben, Mason, Fikayo and Tammy.
    “When first-team coaching staff speak so highly about them as people, how they are humble and respectful, how they work so hard every day and set the standards in training, that’s also incredibly nice to hear and reinforces the culture we have built.”
    THE ONES THAT GOT AWAY
    Of course, not every young player is going to make it – that is the harsh reality of football.
    For every Mount, Loftus-Cheek, Abraham or Christensen there’s a Declan Rice, Eddie Nketiah, Tariq Lamptey and Nathan Ake that had to prove their worth elsewhere, and who would now command huge transfer fees.
    But perhaps the biggest star who slipped through the net was Kylian Mbappe.
    In 2012, the French superstar, then 13, was invited for a trial to Cobham. However, when he was asked to return for another trial, his mum refused point black.
    Daniel Boga, who worked as an international scout at Chelsea until 2014, explained to Goal: “He took a trial and didn’t end up convincing us because he didn’t offer enough defensively.
    “So, they asked his mother if he could come back for a second trial and she said no.”
    Mbappe was playing at a small club in the suburbs of Paris called Bondy at that time, and his mum Fayza believed he was destined for the top.

    Kylian Mbappe was on trial at Chelsea, but didn’t impress Blues coaches

    £70m-rated West Ham star Declan Rice was schooled at Chelsea’s academy before he was released in 2014Credit: Rex Features
    “My son will not go back, either they sign him now or within five years they’ll have to offer 50 million euros to tie him down,” she said as per Boga.
    The reason for Chelsea’s reluctance to sign Mbappe on the spot was that they didn’t see enough quality in him when he wasn’t with the ball.

    “Defensively, he wasn’t quite there,” Boga said.
    “When he received the ball he was incredible, but without the ball he didn’t do much.”
    It goes to show, you have to do more to impress Bath and his team to get your chance to learn at this fame academy.

    Mason Mount opens up over Chelsea sacking Frank Lampard and admits it’s tough More

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    Chelsea wonderkid Lewis Bate to follow Mount and Gilmour and has been called up to FA Cup squad to face Barnsley

    MASON Mount, Billy Gilmour, and Lewis Bate… the Chelsea midfield of the future might read as a homage to their excellent academy that keeps on producing gems.
    The latest to earn rave reviews and impress new boss Thomas Tuchel is 18-year-old Bate, who has become an integral part of the Blues U23 side.

    Brilliant Lewis Bate has been included in Chelsea’s FA Cup squad against BarnsleyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Midfielder Bate has impressed new Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel in trainingCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    The left-footer, likened to ex-Arsenal star Jack Wilshere, has been drafted into the squad for tonight’s FA Cup fifth round tie at Barnsley.
    He has already appeared twice on the bench for Chelsea – when former boss Frank Lampard took the youngster with the first team to Sheffield United and Bayern Munich.
    And it appears his time will certainly come soon.
    CLIMBING THROUGH THE RANKS
    Bate joined Chelsea at the age of eight, and has steadily progressed through the youth teams.

    He was captain of the U15 side that enjoyed success in 2017-18 season, winning the Floodlight Cup.
    Then he was pushed into the U18’s for his debut against Arsenal, and also starred for the U19 team.
    This season, Bate has been fast-tracked into Chelsea’s successful U23’s, where he has proven to be a key team member in a side riding high in Premier League 2.
    He was a standout in the 6-1 demolition of Manchester United in December, alongside fellow wonderkid Tino Anjurin, who made his first Chelsea start in the Champions League tie against Krasnodar earlier this campaign.

    Bate was duly named PL2 Player of the Month for December.

    This season Bate has starred for Chelsea’s U23 sideCredit: Alamy

    18-year-old Bate is primarily left-footed and has been compared to ex-Arsenal star Jack WilshereCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    In December Bate was named Premier League 2 Player of the Month
    WHAT KIND OF PLAYER IS HE?
    Standing at 5ft 7inches, with a low centre of gravity and impressive left-foot – Bate has been compared to Hale End academy graduate, Jack Wilshere.
    Good in possession, should he lose the ball (on the rare occasion) he races to win it back.
    Bate likes to pick up the ball deep from his centre backs, spin 180 degrees and drive forward.
    His weight of pass has impressed his coaches, as well as his ability to play difficult passes through the lines.
    And he’s not shy of working hard for the team, implementing a hard press on his opponents that’ll warm him to Tuchel, who demands high-energy from his teams.
    IMPRESSING THE FIRST TEAMERS
    Since last season, Bate has been included in first team training sessions.

    Cesar Azpilicueta, closed down by Bate in training at Cobham, was impressed by the youngsterCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Bate has been capped at various levels for EnglandCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription

    The future for Bate at Chelsea looks brightCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    According to The Athletic, Bate was welcomed into the set-up by senior players Cesar Azpilicueta and Olivier Giroud, who were wowed by the teen’s ability.
    He was an unused sub in the 3-0 Premier League defeat to Sheffield United, as well as the 4-1 second leg Champions League match against Bayern Munich.

    Although he didn’t get any minutes on the pitch, the experience of being with the first team on a match day would’ve done Bate good.
    With Mason Mount, Billy Gilmour, Reece James, Callum Hudson-Odoi and more showing the way, Bate will be hopeful that he will get his chance.
    And maybe Chelsea will have yet another brilliant talent vying for a place in that midfield already crowded with first class footballers.

    Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel to unleash N’Golo Kante in new ‘double six’ role More

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    Ball boys who became footballers, including Manchester City star Phil Foden and Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi

    EVERY kid dreams of watching a game close to the action and being just yards away from their heroes.
    So these lads must’ve been delighted to have been ball boys for their local clubs and witnessed the pro’s skills in close quarters.

    But, going one better is actually being the star on the pitch – which these former ball boys achieved.
    Here are the ball boys who became footballers.
    PHIL FODEN
    As Stevan Jovetic celebrates scoring for Manchester City against Swansea, a boy in the background looks on.
    And it’s fair to say he hasn’t changed one bit!

    It is, of course, Phil Foden – who shared the image on social media next to a photo of him scoring against Liverpool.
    He captioned the snap: “How it started… how it’s going.”

    Phil Foden is instantly recognisable as a ball boy from 2014Credit: AFP – Getty
    CALLUM HUDSON-ODOI
    Every now and again a ball boy becomes a star of the show.
    And that’s exactly what happened to a 13-year-old Callum Hudson-Odoi when Samuel Eto’o scored the third goal of his hat-trick against Manchester United in 2014.

    The Cameroon star celebrated his strike with a smiling Hudson-Odoi as they held each other’s hands.

    A 14-year-old Callum Hudson-Odoi is overjoyed by Samuel Eto’o scoringCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    BERNARDO SILVA
    Before he became a Manchester City star, Portuguese international Bernardo Silva had Benfica in his blood.
    He was a graduate from their famed academy, where the likes of Ederson and Renato Sanches played at around the same time.
    And before that, in 2008, he was reportedly a ball boy in a Europa League tie against Napoli.

    Bernardo Silva had Benfica in his blood and was reportedly a ball boy for a 2008 Europa League tie against Napoli
    DONNY VAN DE BEEK
    At Ajax, being a ball boy is all part of the graduation progress and designed to teach you responsibilty.
    You also get to meet your heroes, as a keen Donny van de Beek was happy to share on social media in this throwback snap.
    And Luiz Suarez was happy to oblige for the quick photo with the aspiring youngster.

    At Ajax being a ball boy is part of your graduation from the youth team, as Donny van de Beek discovered
    MATTHIJS DE LIGT
    Like van de Beek, de Ligt rose through the ranks at Ajax to become a superstar at Juventus.
    And he also got his obligatory snap with Luis Suarez before a game for the Dutch giants.
    The pair could even face off against each other in this season’s Champions League.

    Matthijs de Ligt poses with Luis Suarez before an Ajax game
    BRAHIM DIAZ
    The Real Madrid forward was a ball boy at Malaga in 2012, where he can be seen in the background watching Santi Cazorla and Isco celebrating a goal.

    Fast forward seven years, he joins Real Madrid, and then teams up with the man he saw shining on the Costa del Sol.
    Diaz even provided the Spanish international with an assist for a goal against Huesca, prompting Isco to share the below image to his followers with the caption: “You make me old”.
    For the record, there’s only seven years between them.

    A young Brahim Diaz looks on as Isco and Santi Cazorla celebrate a Malaga goal in 2012Credit: AFP – Getty

    Callum Hudson-Odoi calls for ‘massive change in football’ as Chelsea winger talks racism with Paul Canoville More

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    Man City star Bernardo Silva’s Wag Ines is stunning model who Netflix and chilled with midfielder during first lockdown

    LOCKDOWN last year was kind to Manchester City star Bernardo Silva.
    Silva, 26, will have fond memories of the first lockdown last March as the UK battled to stop the spread of coronavirus.

    Bernardo Silva’s incredible Wag is Ines Degener Tomaz

    The pair cemented their romance during lockdown back in April

    Stunning Tomaz is a model and loves showing off her bikini body on Instagram

    It was when he cemented his romance with stunning model Ines Degener Tomaz, 22.
    The pair snuggled down together in Portugal in a huge countryside home – just an hour away from the capital.
    There, they ‘Netflix and chilled’ with pals until restrictions were lifted and football returned in the summer.
    So who is the beauty that’s stole Bernardo’s heart?

    LISBON LIONESS
    Gorgeous Tomaz is believed to be from Lisbon, where Silva was also born and raised.
    Unsurprisingly, with her natural good looks she’s a model and regularly shows off her amazing body in several bikini shots on Instagram.
    The confident blonde has also amassed around 54,000 followers on the social media network, who follow her on her travels.
    In terms of work, she’s a fan of promoting green brands that promote respect and care for the environment.

    Most recently, Silva and Tomaz enjoyed a romantic break away in Formentera, one of the Balearic Islands of Spain.

    Tomaz is believed to be from Lisbon

    The 22-year-old has over 54,000 followers on Instagram

    Silva took Tomaz to Formentera for a needed break and hired a yacht

    The loved-up couple take to surfing in the sea

    Tomaz always thinks of the environment and prefers to represent green brands
    They lived the high-life, hiring a yacht during their lavish holiday as their love blossomed.
    But it was last year when things really started hotting up.
    NETFLIX AND CHILL
    Back in April, Silva took to Instagram to share how he was spending his time in quarantine.
    He shared a snap sat next to Tomaz with a group of pals telling his fans what he had been doing.
    “Hey guys, it’s been over a month that we’re all locked down in our homes so I have decided to show you a little bit of what our quarantine looks like,” he wrote.
    “This is the group of friends with whom I’m spending my quarantine since the beginning.

    Tomaz spent her lockdown in quarantine with Silva and friends

    Tomaz shows off the charms that attracted Silva

    Tomaz loves to live life in the fast lane

    “I’ve been watching Netflix, plenty of sports during the day, playing the piano and learning how to cook better.
    “It is a good opportunity. My friends are very good cooks, so they have been teaching me a lot of things. It is time to try and enjoy ourselves at home and that is what I have been trying to do.”
    With company like Tomaz, it’s no doubt he did.

    Dietmar Hamann fears Pep Guardiola has peaked at Manchester City and can’t see them winning the Prem More

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    Footballers’ stunning daughters including Estelle Bergkamp, Jade Leboeuf, Taylor Ward and many more beauties

    FORGET the Wags, it’s footballers’ daughters that are turning heads now.
    From the offspring of two Brazilian legends who starred in the 1994 World Cup to a topless model of a Chelsea legend, there’s no no doubt these fathers will have their work cut out vetting future boyfriends.

    Estelle Bergkamp’s famous father is Arsenal legend Dennis BergkampCredit: https://www.instagram.com/estellebergkamp/?hl=en

    And there is even one beauty who’s opted to live the life of a missionary.
    Meet them all now with SunSport.
    ESTELLE BERGKAMP
    The daughter of Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp, Estelle is a perfect 10 like her father.
    Estelle, 24, dates Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek and now lives in the north.

    She was born in London when her dad was starring in the Premier League.

    Beauty Estelle was originally born in LondonCredit: https://www.instagram.com/estellebergkamp/?hl=en

    She is the girlfriend of Manchester United star Donny van de BeekCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    JADE LEBOEUF
    Jade’s dad is Chelsea legend Frank Leboeuf.
    An aspiring actress, the model – who has starred in topless photo shoots – lived in Los Angeles for a short period before relocating to Paris.
    Six months ago, the 30-year-old welcomed a son called Elon.

    Jade Leboeuf’s dad is Chelsea legend Frank LeboeufCredit: Instagram @Jade_Leboeuf

    Gorgeous Jade is a model and aspiring actressCredit: Instagram @Jade_Leboeuf

    The 30-year-old is now based in Paris and recently became a mumCredit: Instagram @Jade_Leboeuf
    TAYLOR WARD
    Taylor Ward’s father is Ashley Ward and she stars in reality TV series Real Housewives of Cheshire.
    One of her famous exes was Katie Price’s former beau Kris Boyson, but now she’s dating Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez.
    Taylor, 22, has over 800,000 followers on Instagram and is a social media influencer.

    Taylor Ward’s dad is Barnsley legend Ashley Ward

    The reality TV star has amassed over 800,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram
    PAMELA HIGUITA
    She’s a keeper, and so was her dad.
    Colombian legend Rene Higuita’s daughter Pamela, 28, recently undressed for Marca with just a pair of gloves covering her modesty.
    The photo was taken in response to her father posing in a similar fashion years ago.

    Pamela Higuita recently appeared naked in a photoshoot for Marca

    Colombian beauty Pamela is 28
    DANIELLE FAVATTO
    Danielle, 23, is one of six children of legendary Brazilian forward Romario.
    The bikini babe has become a hit on Instagram – sharing an enviable lifestyle that has got her over 264,000 followers.
    Like her dad, Danielle is also great with her feet – and has videos playing footvolley (a cross between football and volleyball) on the beach.

    Danielle Favatto is one of six children of legendary Brazilian forward Romario

    Bikini babe Danielle is a keen footvolley player

    Romario and daughter Danielle Favatto play footvolley on sun-kissed beach
    STEPHANNIE OLIVEIRA
    Romario’s strike partner at that 1994 World Cup, Bebeto also boasts a beautiful daughter.
    Stephannie, 29, is a model, actress, musician… and a missionary.
    She splits her schedule with travelling around the world promoting Christianity in poor countries.

    Brazilian star Bebeto’s daughter is stunning musician StephannieCredit: Instagram

    Stephannie Oliveira is also a missionaryCredit: Instagram
    CHARLOTTE CANIGGIA
    With 2.5 million followers on Instagram, Charlotte, 27, is the most popular footballers’ daughter on our list.
    She is a TV personality, who has appeared on the Argentine version of Strictly Come Dancing and Italian Celebrity Big Brother.
    The daughter of Rangers legend Claudia Caniggia also starred in her own show on MTV in her homeland opposite her brother, Alex.

    Charlotte Caniggia is a reality TV starCredit: Instagram

    Charlotte has amassed over 2.5 million followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram
    CLAUDIA HIERRO
    Bolton legend Fernando Hierro appears regularly alongside hot Claudia, 25, on her Instagram page.

    The pair appear to have a close relationship and share a love of the beautiful game – with Claudia once wanting to be a footballer herself.
    Instead, she went into fashion – first modelling for the designer José Luis Carreño.
    Then, she launched her own fashion range – all this while juggling a degree at a university in Madrid, where she studied advertising and public relations.

    Fernando Hierro’s talented daughter now works in fashionCredit: Instagram

    Claudia Hierro, 25, was first a modelCredit: Instagram

    In recent years, the leggy brunette set up her own fashion labelCredit: Instagram More

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    Chelsea legend John Terry’s amazing £4m Ferrari collection, including rare £2m Enzo and 1960s 275 GTB priced at £1.5m

    JOHN TERRY has fulfilled his childhood dream by owning a garage full of Ferraris worth around £4million.
    The Chelsea legend, linked with the vacant Bournemouth job, loves the Italian brand so much he has several of the classy motors sitting in the garage of his Surrey home.

    John Terry boasts a stellar Ferrari car collection

    From the incredibly rare Ferrari Enzo (only 400 were ever produced) that’s worth a stonking £2m to the sleek, sophisticated 275 GTB that dates back to the 1960s that can be worth as much as £1,5m, Terry, 38, is a Ferrari aficionado.
    And if that’s not enough, his everyday runner is a £170,000 458 Spider.
    FERRARI ENZO – £2m
    In 2013, after lifting the Europa League, he splashed out on the iconic Enzo – originally produced in 2002.
    It was developed using Formula One technology, has a carbon-fibre body, and can reach a top speed of 221 mph.

    The Ferrari Enzo is a limited edition 2003 super car named after its Italian founder.Originally Ferrari only made 399 models but they turned out a 400th for the Pope.

    I used to go to a showroom in Surrey, they had Enzos, and the Enzo had been my dream car growing up but could never afford it.”
    John Terry

    Terry’s Enzo was a display car at the 2003 Amsterdam Motor Show and it had 4,163 miles on the clock when the ex-England international bought it.
    Terry admitted in an interview with Petrolicious that he had always had his eyes on one, and wished he’d been able to buy one sooner.
    He said: “I was probably about 20, 21. I used to go to a showroom in Surrey, they had Enzos, and the Enzo had been my dream car growing up but could never afford it.
    “It’s one of those things on the bucket list. Unfortunately, they were a lot cheaper back then as well. Wish I’d have bought one back then.
    “I just loved the look and the limited availability of stuff like the Enzo. Not many on the road, one gets crashed per year as well, so they’re going down.

    “It was an investment as well for the sake of the kids and stuff like that, but just loved to look at the Enzo and the classic cars. I love it.”

    Terry has Ferraris including an Enzo and 275 GTB

    The Ferrari Enzo is said to be worth a staggering £2m
    FERRARI 275 GTB – £1.5m
    If you had money, and you lived in the swinging ’60s, the 275 GTB was one of the best cars on the market.
    And in popular culture the model became iconic when it was bought by ‘King of Cool’ Steve McQueen when he filmed classic movie, Bullitt.
    JT showed of his purchase in 2015 on Instagram, that could’ve cost him anything up to £1.5m.
    The Aston Villa assistant coach bought the car from dealer Tom Hartley Jr, who has helped him build his Ferrari collection over the years.
    “In England. I deal with Tom and he advises me on this stuff,” Terry revealed.
    “I’ve had my eye on a couple of his cars for a few years and just decided to take the plunge (on the 275 GTB). I’ve always appreciated it.”
    And despite being made a long time ago, the 275 GTB is no slouch either.
    It boasts a 0-60 mph time of just over six seconds, which is still faster than most cars today.

    Terry’s Ferrari 275 GTB is a 1960s icon worth around £1.5mCredit: Xposure

    In pop culture the Ferrari 275 GTB was owned by Steve McQueen, who bought one while making BullittCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    FERRARI 458 SPIDER – £170,000
    It’s not a bad every day runner is it?
    When Terry wants to go to the shops, he often takes his 458 Spider with him, and why not?
    Capable of hitting 0-60 in a staggering 3.3 seconds, it’ll get you where you want to go fast.
    And, of course, it doesn’t cheap with a price tag of around £170,000.
    Other footballers who love the 458 Spider include Mario Balotelli and Arsenal star Mesut Ozil, who all own one.
    Terry invested in the Spider back in 2012, and often travelled to Chelsea’s Cobham training ground in it.

    To zoom to the shops and training, Terry drove a stunning Ferrari 458 SpiderCredit: PA:Press Association

    The Ferrari 458 Spider costs around £170kCredit: Handout
    FERRARI TESTAROSSA – £150,000
    Although he hasn’t shared any images of them on social media, Terry’s Ferrari collection also includes a Testarossa (worth £150k in good nick), as made famous by Tom Selleck in Magnum PI, and a Lusso, that today costs around £200k.
    But Terry doesn’t just confine himself to supercars, and admittedly does like something a little more comfortable from time to time.
    That’s why he’s also been seen over the years driving motors including a Rolls-Royce Wraith (£250k), a Bentley Continental GT (£160k), as well as a special edition gold Range Rover Overfinch (£90k).

    “Range Rover, that’s my day to day with the kids, school run and stuff like that,” Terry revealed
    “I’ve got the Range Rover for the family, and I’ve obviously got my cars that I love, which is the Enzo.”
    When it comes to getting behind the wheel, it’s clear that Terry loves to live life in the fast lane.

    Terry has also been seen in more comfortable cars, like a Bentley Continental GT worth £160kCredit: Matrix

    A custom made gold Range Rover Overfinch is Terry’s family carCredit: Matrix

    In 2014 Terry showed off his £250k Rolls-Royce WraithCredit: Matrix

    John Terry works out at home by jogging in his jacuzzi More

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    Liverpool of Uruguay will be taking part in this year’s Copa Libertadores, following bizarre rule as a result of Covid

    Liverpool will be taking part in this year’s Copa Libertadores, South America’s Champions League.
    This, of course, has nothing to do with Jurgen Klopp’s red army. There is a club in Uruguay called Liverpool.

    Liverpool of Uruguay will be competing in this season’s Copa LibertadoresCredit: AFP – Getty

    It was founded over a hundred years ago, when it was fashionable for South Americans to give English names to their clubs – like River Plate in Argentina (there are others around the continent) and Everton in Chile.
    The fact that Merseyside is prominent is no coincidence. Liverpool was the main port sending ships back and forth from South America. 
    The Uruguayan version play in blue and black stripes – though red is one of their change kits – and they will kick off the 2021 Libertadores with a home game against Universidad Catolica of Ecuador on February 23rd.
    This would be a good story even if the club were not called Liverpool. Because Uruguay have four slots in the competition. And Liverpool are not in the top four. So why are they taking part?

    When the coronavirus pandemic struck last March, South American football administrators had a headache. Europe had the problem of how to finish its competitions.
    But in South America almost everyone plays by the calendar year, and so the leagues had only just started after the summer break when the action was halted.
    Most countries opted to improvise a shortened competition that could be completed by the end of the year.
    Uruguay did things differently. They decided to keep their normal calendar – with three separate competitions per year – and just push everything back.

    So Uruguay’s 2020 season will not finish for some time. But the Libertadores kicks off in two weeks. How, then, could the country allocate its four slots?
    The answer, depending on opinion, is either ingenious or absolutely bizarre. A ‘photo’ was taken of the overall league table at a certain point.

    Liverpool found themselves in the Copa Libertadores after a bizarre rule decided because of the coronavirusCredit: AFP – Getty
    And then a place in the Libertadores was offered to the team at the top of the table.
    But this place comes with a disadvantage. The team that takes the field on February 23rd will be playing in the first qualifying round.
    It will have to fight its way through Universidad Catolica and then two more opponents in order to make it through to the group phase.
    The leaders of the overall table are Nacional, one of the traditional giants. They turned down the chance to go into the Libertadores at this early stage.
    They are betting that they will claim one of the country’s two automatic places in the group phase.
    Second place Montevideo City Torque did likewise (and yes, City are competing with Liverpool even in Uruguay), as did Penarol, the other traditional giant, and fourth placed Rentistas.
    The next in line for the offer were Liverpool, and they snapped it up.  They have only taken part in the Libertadores once before – ten years ago, when they fell in the qualifying stage.

    Uruguayan giants Penarol declined the opportunity to enter the Copa Libertadores at this stageCredit: AFP – Getty

    As did Apertura champions Rentistas, who believe they can claim one of the Uruguay’s two automatic places in the group phase.

    And so they were delighted with the chance of a continental adventure, and will presumably be happy whatever the outcome of their matches.
    One of the teams above them will not be happy, though. Four clubs have gambled. Three slots are left.
    Someone has to miss out, because one of  Uruguay’s places in the Copa Libertadores is on a boat bound for Liverpool.

    Watch as Gremio and Internacional derby ends in chaos with eight red cards during brutal Copa Libertadores clash More

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    Derby boss Wayne Rooney’s amazing property portfolio includes £20m ‘Morrisons’ mansion and secret luxury Barbados pad

    THEY might be worth an estimated £115million, but Wayne and Coleen Rooney’s Cheshire mansion has been mocked for ‘looking like a Morrisons’.
    However, the six-bedroom palatial home – which cost £20m – isn’t the only property in the couple’s lavish portfolio, which also includes pads in Florida and the Caribbean.

    The Rooneys’ Cheshire home has been mocked for “looking like a Morrisons”Credit: The Mega Agency

    Wayne and Coleen splashed out £20million on their latest residenceCredit: Instagram

    Manchester United legend Wayne, who has now hung up his boots aged 35  to take his first managerial job at Derby, grew up in a council house in Liverpool – but has shown off his real estate skills with his sprawling Barbados villa, which he rents out for £25,000 a week.
    He also snapped up a £320,000 waterfront apartment in the Sunshine State of Florida in 2007 – and even splashed out £450,000 on a detached home in Liverpool for his parents to live in.
    Today, he and Coleen, have properties across the globe.
    Below, SunSport looks at the couple’s impressive property portfolio…

    Secret £5m Barbados pad
    The Rooneys’ housing portfolio stretches to overseas – where they rent out a spectacular Barbados villa for more than £25,000 a week in the high season.
    The five-bedroom property boasts an infinity pool, a media room and a shared golf course.
    Inside, the walls feature pictures of Hollywood icons Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe.

    The Rooneys own this spectacular villa in Barbados, which they rent out to wealthy guests

    The magnificent residence boasts an infinity pool, a media room and a shared golf courseCredit: Splash News

    It cost the couple a cool £5 million – but is rented out for as much as £25,000 a week
    The paradise pad sits on the island’s exclusive Jasmine Ridge estate, with celebrity neighbours including Ant and Dec and Roo’s old United team-mate Rio Ferdinand.

    Boxer Joe Calzaghe, and motorcycle racer Carl Fogarty are also said to own homes there.
    Over the years, the swish Bajan resort has become so popular with Manchester’s rich and famous that its residents have dubbed it the Northern Quarter.
    The Rooneys bought the villa for £5million in 2010, but put it on the rental market as a holiday home several years ago, the Manchester Evening News reported.

    The mansion has some famous neighbours – including Ant and Dec and Rio Ferdinand

    Its outdoor dining area is perfect for entertaining family and friends
    United fans who want to live like Wayne himself will need to cough up around £10,000 to stay at the Royal Westmoreland pad during low season.
    And those staying at high season will have to fork out up to £25,410 a week.
    Based on the Rooneys renting out the property from 2015, they could have netted more than £5m from wealthy guests by now – an amount likely to soar this summer should Covid travel restrictions get lifted in time.
    It won’t be long until they’ve reached the price they paid for it a decade ago after renting was no doubt affected by the pandemic over the past 12 months.

    The villa is a far cry from Rooney’s childhood home, picturedCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
    £300k Florida apartment
    Not all of Wayne and Coleen’s purchases have seemingly done as well as their Barbados one.
    In 2007, the couple splashed out around £320,000 on a luxurious waterfront apartment at Harbor Pointe in Port Charlotte, Florida – but property prices later collapsed.
    They bought the pad via Your Place Abroad – whose former clients also include footie star Michael Owen and former cricketer Andrew Flintoff, the Daily Mail reported.

    Wayne and Coleen bought a Florida apartment for £320,000 12 years agoCredit: Zillow
    The firm has since gone into liquidation.
    Public records list Rooney as being the owner of a three-bedroom condo in the riverside resort, which has a balcony and more than 1,750 sq ft of living space.
    It also boasts a master suite with a study and an ‘oversized walk-in closet’, with a fitness centre and in-ground heated pool available in the resort’s grounds.
    It is thought the ‘spacious’ condo is currently being rented out.

    This swimming pool is believed to be shared among residents at the apartment complexCredit: Zillow

    This image appears on an online rental listing for an apartment in Rooney’s nameCredit: Zillow
    In the years after the Rooneys snapped up their apartment, property prices in the area collapsed, with some homes dropping in price by more than £150,000.
    Waynesor Castle
    The Rooneys lived happily in a £6m home in Prestbury, Cheshire, for more than a decade before they were the victims of an attempted burglary.
    A former serviceman tried to break in while Wayne played in a testimonial match in August 2016,  leaving a worried Coleen fearing for her kids’ safety.
    Dubbed ‘Waynesor Castle’ among other nicknames, the Rooneys’ home reportedly featured six en-suite bedrooms, a cinema, a Jacuzzi and a swimming pool.
    There have also been rumours of under-lawn heating and a hairdressing salon.

    The Rooneys’ Prestbury home, which they lived in for more than a decadeCredit: Cavendish
    ‘Beautiful’ Maryland home
    In 2018, the Rooneys were rumoured to be set to move into a stunning £12m Washington DC mansion, after Wayne joined DC United.
    The property, in Wesley Heights, boasted a wine cellar, a home gym, an outdoor swimming pool, a recreation room and even a massive cinema screen.
    But it was since been reported that the family opted to live in Maryland instead. They were thought to be living around a 50-minute drive from the US capital.

    The Rooneys were rumoured to be moving into this DC mansion – but apparently chose Maryland insteadCredit: Fortitude Press

    The mansion in Wesley Heights boasted this home gymCredit: Fortitude Press
    One source close to Coleen told SunSport: “They live in Maryland, which is really quiet, so if they do go out it’s bowling or cinema with the kids.”
    They added: “They have a massive house and it’s beautiful.”
    New £20m Cheshire mansion
    Features: Man-made fishing lakes, an orangery and a football pitch
    The Rooneys’ new pad sits on a 40-acre plot in Cheshire.
    The £20m property, includes a number of buildings, stables, two man-made fishing lakes and an orangery.
    But we reported how the luxurious new home has been compared to a Morrisons supermarket and even a Travelodge because of its exterior.

    The impressive new pad, featuring two man-made fishing lakes and an orangery, is nearing completionCredit: The Mega Agency

    Social media users have compared the Rooneys’ new property to a supermarket

    They have likened the home to this Morrisons store in SunderlandCredit: Wikipedia
    One person wrote online: “Looks like my local Morrisons supermarket. £20million for that?”
    Another said: “Surely that is a new Tesco build…?’  while a third quipped: “More of a Morrisons I’d say”.
    The mansion boasts a TV room, snooker room, bar, wine store, cinema, gym and swimming pool, as well as an underground tunnel to a six-car garage.
    And there are believed to even be separate lifts – one for the family, the other for visitors.
    It is thought that former England striker Wayne has also requested a panic bunker in the home over fears his family will be hit by another attempted burglary.

    What the sprawling site looked like as work beganCredit: Flynet Pictures

    A mansion for Wayne’s parents.. and one for Coleen
    As well as his own properties, Wayne bought his parents, Wayne Snr and Jeanette Rooney, a £450,000 detached home in West Derby, which reportedly has three reception rooms.
    Several years ago, reports claimed he’d also bought his wife a £5m villa in Portugal.
    And with a net worth of more than £100m (Coleen is worth an estimated £13m), it’s likely Wayne’s portfolio of luxury properties will only continue to expand.

    Wayne Rooney admits he wants to be Manchester United manager one day More