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      in Soccer

      Man Utd wonderkid Shola Shoretire, 17, makes long-awaited debut vs Newcastle after snubbing Barcelona and Juventus moves

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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 replaced Marcus Rashford for his debutCredit: PA:Press Association

      Shola Shoretire came on as a sub against NewcastleCredit: PA:Press Association

      Mason Greenwood warming up with Shola ShoretireCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with Shola ShoretireCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Shoretire was then fast-tracked to the first team and added to the club’s Europa League squad ahead of their tie against Spanish side Real Sociedad.
      He sat on the bench against Sociedad in Europe but his patience prevailed as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer brought him on against Newcastle in the league, handing the youngest his pro debut.
      Shoretire replaced Marcus Rashford with just a minute to go but got a sense of the big-time at Old Trafford.
      His rapid ascension through the youth ranks has United 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.”

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

      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 Boxing

      Mike Tyson went bankrupt but regained his fortune thanks to Hollywood roles and his own cannabis farm

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      MIKE TYSON’S comeback is complete.
      With a successful podcast, marijuana ranch and even Hollywood film cameos, Iron Mike, 54, appears to be living the good life again.

      Things appear to be going pretty well for Iron MikeCredit: Instagram

      But gone are the days of the sort of outlandish lavish spending that saw him blow his estimated £320million fortune and file for bankruptcy back in 2003, however.
      In fact, the Baddest Man on the Planet has even managed to become a millionaire again – having recovered from eye-watering debt of around £18m at one point.
      But how did Tyson – who returned to the ring to face off against Ray Jones Jr last November – manage to blow that fortune in the first place? And how has he managed to rebuild his wealth? SunSport takes a look.
      MANSIONS, CARS & PARTIES

      Tyson bought a 52-acre property in ConnecticutCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      He also shelled out on a luxury Vegas abodeCredit: Luxury Homes of Las Vegas

      Tyson enjoyed throwing lavish partiesCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Tyson would party with plenty of glamorous friendsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      At his 90s peak, Mike Tyson was one of the most famous men on the planet, having conquered the heavyweight division.

      And he certainly enjoyed the spoils of his success, throwing lavish parties and revelling in the taste of glory.
      These bashes included his 30th birthday party, attended by a star-studded 700-strong guest list including future president Donald Trump – with the night setting him back an eye-watering £320,000.
      He also built quite the car collection, including the rare Lamborghini LM002 – worth over £100,000 factoring in inflation.
      Tyson bought a Cadillac Escalade and Hummer H2 – adding another £140,000 worth of motors to his collection.

      It wasn’t just big SUVs that joined his fleet, however, as he also purchased a £400,000 Bentley Continental SC.
      Overall, The Richest claim that Tyson spent more than £3.5m on his luxury car collection.
      In addition to his wheels, Iron Mike collated an even more impressive collection of luxury mansions.

      And he bought plenty of stunning cars like this one
      These included a giant estate in Connecticut that he bought for £2.3m… and 18 months later unsuccessfully tried to flog for £17.5m.
      The property included 24 bathrooms, a four storey elevator, swimming pool, cinema room, disco and NBA standard outdoor basketball court.
      He also bought a £1.9m mansion in Nevada, and a similarly heftily-priced pad in Los Angeles.
      EXPENSIVE TREATS

      Tyson would drive to training in styleCredit: Michael Brennan
      Tyson treated ex-wife Robin Givens to an infamous £1.75m solid gold bathtub, enabling her to relax in style – but burning what would be a rather deep hole in the pocket of most sportsmen.
      Even more infamous than that, were his two pet tigers, which set him back £55,000 each – and a whole lot more in keeping them looked after – with just their food costing £150,000-a-year.
      Tyson also loved his jewellery, and was the proud owner of a stunning £635,000 Piaget watch.
      Following his 2003 bankruptcy Tyson, by this point sporting his iconic face tattoo, fought twice more professionally – losing bouts to Danny Williams and Kevin McBride respectively.
      BOUNCING BACK

      Tyson in training ahead of his stunning comebackCredit: Instagram

      Tyson made an appearance in the hit 2009 comedy The HangoverCredit: Kobal Collection – Rex Features
      He pleaded guilty to charges of cocaine possession and driving under influence in two years later, serving 24 hours in jail and being made to take part in community service upon his release.
      But since then, things have looked up for Iron Mike.
      He properly launched his career on screen by playing an altered version of himself in the hit American comedy The Hangover.
      And he has since appeared in other titles including Ip man 3 – and even a 2015 Madonna track.
      Tyson has also launched his successful podcast, Hotboxin, as well as collaborating with Spike Lee on a touring one-man show.

      Alongside business partner Alki David, he has started a cannabis empire that reportedly earns £500,000-a-month – with plans for a 418-acre weed resort reportedly in the works.
      Tyson has now cleared his debts, and has a net worth of around £2.4m.
      Having learnt from previous mistakes, and with returning to the ring – you certainly wouldn’t bet against that figure rising once more.

      Mike Tyson beats Peter McNeeley via disqualification in first fight after prison stint for rape of Desiree Washington More

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      in Soccer

      Brighton sensation Tariq Lamptey was born with his rapid speed says former youth coach, who played him as a striker

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      BRIGHTON sensation Tariq Lamptey was born with electric pace which he showed at the tender age of just five, according to a former coach.
      The 20-year-old right wing-back has thrived with the Seagulls under the stewardship of Graham Potter, after ditching Chelsea in 2020.

      Tariq Lamptey began playing football with Larkspur Rovers in West London aged 5Credit: Run Durrant

      Lamptey was clocked at running at 22.8mph – making him the fastest player in Europe this seasonCredit: PA:Press Association

      And the Arsenal target’s blistering speed has been his biggest weapon – clocking 22.8mph in a sprint against Newcastle back in September that officially makes him the fastest player in Europe.
      But that wasn’t a surprise to Ron Durrant, chairman of Larkspur Rovers of West London, where Lamptey began playing his football.
      As an ambitious four-year-old, he first caught the eye of the Northolt side’s coaches with his boundless enthusiasm for the game.
      Then, when he was old enough, the young boy was thrown straight into the U6 team, where he scored goals for fun – always outrunning his opponents to score.

      “He was five when he joined us in our nursery set-up,” Ron, age, told SunSport exclusively.
      “But I remember first seeing him play a year before that in a park where we used to train when he was just four.
      “Tariq would be kicking a ball around with his dad next to us, but at the time he was too young to join us.
      “He kept coming back every week, until the coach who ran the nursery allowed him to join in.

      “Eventually, when he was old enough, he was able to train with us full-time and play games.”
      Durrant took Lamptey under his wing when he coached Larkspur’s U6 team.

      For Larkspur Rovers Lamptey played upfront and scored lots of goals

      For the 2006-07 season Lamptey was crowned Larkspur Rovers Player of the YearCredit: Ron Durrant

      When he was eight, Lamptey was scouted by Chelsea after starring with Larkspur Rovers
      Even at that age, Ron couldn’t believe how fast the kid was and was impressed by his determination to become a professional footballer.
      “I took over the under-6 team, and Tariq came into our age group.
      “He played with us for a couple of years, and he trained with us twice a week.
      “Tariq had that lighting pace that you just can’t teach. I think he was born with it!
      “Being that fast at that age can mean you stand out, because not many kids of that age group are that quick.
      “And when you play in small-sided games it gets you noticed, especially back then when the pitches the kids played on were bigger.
      “Tariq would play upfront for us and chase everything down. He might have 20 chances in a game and score 10 of them, but he created so many because of his pace.
      “The ball would get knocked through and Tariq would come out of nowhere and just race through on goal to score.

      Even at such a young age Lamptey was blessed with lightning pace

      Lamptey, second from the left on the front row, with his Chelsea team mates in his youth days
      “I think he scored 30 or 40 goals for us one season. He was so far ahead of anyone else.
      “He was also willing to work hard, he was always at every training session and was never late.”
      In 2008, Lamptey joined the youth academy at Chelsea aged eight after training with other clubs, including Tottenham.
      Ron acknowledged that Lamptey’s father Ahmed played a vital role in his son’s success story.
      “Tariq’s dad certainly deserves credit because he did the mileage – taking his son all over London to different clubs and training sessions.
      “It was clear Tariq really wanted to be a footballer, and he never missed an opportunity to train.”
      Although Lamptey was training with Chelsea, he never forgot his roots.
      His appetite for the game would see the Blues youth star return to Larkspur in his teens and play in tournaments for them in the summer.

      At a young age Lamptey showed the dedication needed to be a footballer
      Durrant revealed: “When he had a break at Chelsea and had six weeks off before preseason, Tariq used to come to us to train – when he was around 14, 15, 16.
      “He also played a couple of tournaments for me, just to make up the numbers, and he was head and shoulders above everyone else.
      “He’s a local lad to Northolt and has always had an affinity with the club. He had to take it easy so he didn’t get injured, but he was still miles better than anyone else playing at half pace.”
      Last year, Lamptey shot a promo for Adidas, in which he returned to Larkspur and supplied the club with new kits.
      “Grassroots football definitely shaped me into the player I am today,” he says in the clip that was shown on Sky Sports.
      Durrant is proud of the part he played in Lamptey’s journey in becoming a Premier League star.
      “If I’m ever telling anyone a story, I can always say that one of my players used to play for Chelsea, now plays at Brighton and has represented England at youth level,” he said.
      “It’s a feather in the cap of Larkspur’s cap and the coaches here, and we’re really proud of him.

      Last year Lamptey left Chelsea for first team football at BrightonCredit: Paul Hazlewood

      The right wing-back has been sensational for Graham Potter’s side this seasonCredit: Getty – Pool

      “He’s a great lad with a first class attitude. I remember in the first lockdown we had last year I was walking with my dog, I looked up and saw Tariq running with his brother and we waved at one another.
      “It was funny to see him as a Premier League player just jogging around Northolt to keep fit.
      “That shows what kind of a guy he is and how determined he is to succeed. He’s not afraid to put in that extra bit of work to push himself further and is a model pro.”

      Man Utd pulled out of ‘clusterf***’ Moises Caicedo transfer allowing Brighton to poach 19-year-old Ecuador star More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea wonderkid Jude Soonsup-Bell, 17, scored four goals in a FA Youth Cup tie and is next academy star set to shine

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      GOALS haven’t been hard to come by for Chelsea’s impressive U18 team – averaging three a game in the Premier League.
      And in November last year they hit a Barnsley side for eight in an FA Youth Cup win – with one boy star of the show.

      Jude Soonsup-Bell, 17, grabs the match ball after his four goal haul against Barnsley in the FA Youth CupCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      A cheeky backheel goal was the pick of the bunch in Chelsea’s 8-1 winCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Jude Soonsup-Bell, 17, bagged four goals that day, including an outrageous backheel – scored after racing onto a through ball, cutting inside a Tykes centre half, drawing the goalkeeper and then applying the cheeky finish with his back to goal.
      Even more impressive was the fact it was the first time a youngster had managed a four goal haul in an FA Youth Cup tie in 59 years.
      And in the Premier League, Soonsup-Bell has been just as prolific netting 11 goals in nine appearances.
      Any wonder in January, as soon as he turned 17 and a month after scoring the U23’s in a 6-1 rout of Manchester United, the teen sensation was handed his first pro contract.

      MADE IN SWINDON
      Born and raised in Chippenham, Wiltshire – Soonsup-Bell was originally scouted by Swindon Town, who he joined aged nine.
      But his development was so rapid that by the age of 12 he was trialling with Chelsea, Southampton and Reading – with Swindon understanding the talent needed to play at a greater level.
      Chelsea’s youth coaches needed only a few training sessions to suss out Soonsup-Bell was a rough diamond they would polish for the future.
      An undisclosed sum was paid to Swindon, with the boy still under contract, and it was to Cobham where he would continue his football education.

      Soon, coaches there saw attributes that would have him better suited to playing as a centre forward, rather than central midfield, where he originally played. He has prospered upfront ever since.

      Soonsup-Bell, with his proud mum Hannah, joined Chelsea as a 12-year-oldCredit: Instagram @judebell_

      Goals are Soonsup-Bell’s forte, and he has 11 in nine Premier League U18 games this termCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      His impressive form has seen him called up to Chelsea’s Premier League 2 team, where he plays for the U23 side tooCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      SETTING TARGETS
      A striker is measured by how many goals he scored, and ambitious Soonsup-Bell buries strikes for fun.
      Last season he scored 26 goals in just 17 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea’s various youth teams.
      He uses previous youth striker’s records as his motivation – vowing to shatter them.
      First team striker Tammy Abraham scored 72 goals from 2013-16 for the U18, U19, U21 and U23 teams – and that’s the yardstick Soonsup-Bell is measuring himself on.
      And he’s reportedly confident he can beat that total.
      LION IN WAITING
      With Asian heritiage, his mum Hannah is from Thailand and he lists his favourite dish as her green curry, Soonsup-Bell might not representing England at full level.

      This year, as soon as he turned 17, Soonsup-Bell inked a pro contract with the Blues that’ll keep him at Stamford Bridge till 2023Credit: Instagram @judebell_

      Soonsup-Bell trains with the Chelsea first team – taking on Fikayo TomoriCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      High-flying Soonsup-Bell is set for a big future in the gameCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But the Three Lions have already made sure he’s felt a part of their youth set-up and he has been capped at U15 and U16 level.
      Spectacularly, he introduced himself on the international stage in a friendly against Spain – scoring a hat-trick in a 3-1 win.

      That made him England’s second highest ever scorer at that level – alongside Jadon Sancho, who managed six goals in seven games.
      Had the coronavirus pandemic not interrupted proceedings and cancelled a year of the footballing calendar at U16 level internationally, he could have beaten Louie Barry’s record of seven strikes.
      You get the feeling, despite missing out on that record, he will surely break more in the future.

      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel left fuming over ‘reckless’ tackle on Tammy Abraham More

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      in Soccer

      Meet Sunderland chairman Louis-Dreyfus, the son of an ex-Marseille owner whose mum is worth over £4billion

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      IT’S another extraordinary chapter in the history of Sunderland football club, and should make riveting viewing for fans of the Netflix documentary following the fallen giant.
      Incredibly, 23-year-old Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, heir to a £4billion fortune, has been installed as the club’s new chairman following a successful takeover.

      23-year-old Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is the new chairman of SunderlandCredit: Reuters

      Louis-Dreyfus, pictured with Russian mum Margarita, is heir to a fortune worth upwards of £4bnCredit: Icon Sport – Getty

      He will lead the club alongside Stewart Donald, Juan Sartori and Charlie Methven, who retain minority shareholding of the Mackems.
      Kyril isn’t a complete unknown in the football world. His late father, who made billions as a shipping magnate, was Robert Louis-Dreyfus – Marseille’s largest shareholder from 1996 until his death from leukaemia in 2009.
      When he passed, control of the club was handed over to wife Margarita, who is now ranked as Russia’s sixth richest woman.
      And with football in his blood, Kyril spent his time studying the business aspects of the game on a course in Yorkshire. Is he the man to lead Sunderland forward?

      LOUIS DREYFUS COMPANY
      Ambitious Kyril comes from money.
      The family’s Louis Dreyfus Company is a worldwide empire, with dealings in agriculture, food processing and international shipping.
      In its recent financial year it recorded an amazing £33.6billion in sales. But Kyril and his twin brother Maurice, who is a DJ in Zurich, were made to realise that they couldn’t just spend their family money from a young age.
      Wanting them to be well-rounded individuals, the mother insisted they went on trips around the world to see what the business does first-hand.

      When former Marseille owner Robert Louis-Dreyfus died, his fortune went to wife Margarita, as well as ownership of the French clubCredit: AFP – Getty

      Margarita Louis-Dreyfus made sure Kyril understood the value of money growing upCredit: Icon Sport – Getty

      Kyril, pictured with twin brother Maurice, attend a Marseille game in honour of their late father in 2009Credit: AFP – Getty
      They toured plantations and juice factories in Brazil, went to Russia and spent some time in boarding school in Singapore.
      But it was football that was always going to be Kyril’s number one interest.
      A REGULAR AT STADE VELODROME
      Kyril often accompanied his father to the Stade Velodrome, where he saw Marseille enjoy some success.
      Even though he was in Singapore at boarding school in 2012, he flew back for an all-important last-16 Champions League tie the French side were playing against Inter Milan.
      They won too. “That was worth it,” he was reported as saying to media after.
      Louis-Dreyfus also grew close to some of the playing staff, often visiting the club’s dressing room to talk to the stars.

      As a regular at the Stade Velodrome, Louis-Dreyfus saw it all at MarseilleCredit: Rex Features

      Benjamin Mendy, first from the left on the front row, considers Kyril to be like a brotherCredit: Instagram @kyrillouisdreyfus

      Louis-Dreyfus is close to many sports, posing here with Floyd MayweatherCredit: Instagram @kyrillouisdreyfus

      Lewis Hamilton hangs out with Kyril and his twin brotherCredit: Instagram @kyrillouisdreyfus
      Manchester City’s Benjamin Mendy, as well as French international Florian Thauvin were two who thought of Kyril as a younger brother.
      In 2016, mum Margarita sold Marseille to American businessman Frank McCourt, but a five per cent stake was kept for Kyril.
      LEARNING THE TRADE
      As a business, Sunderland was run into the ground by Ellis Short – with the club saddled with a debt of around £200million and losing £35million per-year.
      The ship has been steadied in recent years, but Kyril will need to know everything about football as a business to ensure that doesn’t happen again, as the club attempt to restore their Premier League status from League One.
      He is an avid player of Football Manager, the popular video game, which puts the gamers in charge of a club. But this is different.
      His education at the Yorkshire campus of the Richmond International Academic & Soccer Academy could hold him in good stead though.
      In 2017, Kyril began studying sport and business management at the Leeds Beckett University for a year, before moving to Richmond, London for his second year.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Kyril, right, with French legend Franck Ribery, studied football business managementCredit: Instagram @kyrillouisdreyfus

      Louis-Dreyfus attended the Richmond International Academic & Soccer Academy at Leeds Beckett University for two years from 2017Credit: Instagram
      A conscientious student, he kept himself to himself and wasn’t one for bragging about his wealth.
      However, Louis-Dreyfus didn’t complete the four year course, dropping out after two.
      MOVING FORWARD
      Although he’s only 23, Kyril is mature beyond his years.
      Last summer, he got engaged to his beautiful girlfriend Alexandra Nowikovsky.
      Marseille might have been his first love, but Alexandra is clearly his new one – with the pair all smiles on a glam ski trip in Switzerland over New Year’s.
      His next project, however, won’t be organising his glitzy nuptials. He’ll dedicate his time to Sunderland.

      Mature beyond his years, Louis-Dreyfus got engaged to stunner Alexandra NowikovskyCredit: Instagram @kyrillouisdreyfus

      The pair went on a ski trip to Switzerland over New Year’sCredit: Instagram @kyrillouisdreyfus

      Hipster Kyril has big ambitions for SunderlandCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “I am proud to become a custodian of this esteemed institution, but I also recognise the significant responsibility that comes with it,” he said in the club’s official statement.
      He continued: “Today marks the start of an exciting new chapter in Sunderland AFC’s history and although the current landscape facing football dictates that there are challenges to overcome, I am confident that together we can weather the present storm and put solid foundations in place to bring sustainable and long-term success to the club.”
      Should Netflix bring Sunderland ‘Till I Die back for a third series, you might want to grab some popcorn for another compelling watch.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds More

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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

      by

      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

      by

      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
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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

      by

      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