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      in Soccer

      Jack Charlton’s widow refuses to blame football for his dementia diagnosis amid heading ban

      by

      ENGLAND’s victory in the 1966 World Cup is a moment so ingrained in the nation’s consciousness that it seems destined never to be forgotten.
      But for many of the heroes of that glorious day at Wembley Stadium it has now faded into a hazy mist, hard to recollect.

      Jack Charlton, pictured in 1970, died aged 85 earlier this yearCredit: Rex Features

      The towering defender was famous for his ability in the airCredit: Rex Features

      He was one of many players to be diagnosed with dementia, although his wife Pat believes the beautiful game isn’t to blame

      Nearly half of manager Sir Alf Ramsey’s illustrious 11 have succumbed to dementia, with Sir Bobby Charlton the latest to be diagnosed.
      This has reignited the long-running debate within the game about the link between heading the ball and brain disease, with England World Cup hat-trick hero Sir Geoff Hurst calling for a ban on children using their heads to strike a football.
      He has even offered to donate his own brain for dementia research after a year that has been “unbelievably brutal” for his 1966 team-mates.
      In the last 12 months 78-year-old Geoff has not only seen Sir Bobby diagnosed with dementia but also the deaths of team-mates Nobby Stiles and Bobby’s brother Jack, who both had the disease.

      The cruel reality of what this meant for the men involved is revealed in an intimate new documentary about Jack, who died in July.
      When he was recently shown his gold World Cup winner’s medal from 1966, he showed only ­surprise, saying: “Good grief, it’s me.”
      Towering defender Jack, 6ft 1½in, was famous for his ability in the air, often scoring goals with his head. But his family refuse to blame the beautiful game for his demise.
      His widow Pat says: “It’s like ­boxers getting hit in the head, nobody can actually prove it.

      “He’s enjoyed his football, would you take that away from him? I don’t think so.”
      BAD MEMORY
      In the film, Finding Jack Charlton, the star’s son John predicted it would not be the dementia which killed the England legend — and he was right. It was cancer which ended Jack’s life at the age of 85.
      The family were keen to show that while brain disease had diminished the once gregarious man, he was still living an active life to the end.

      Sir Geoff Hurst has called for a ban on children using their heads to strike a footballCredit: Getty

      Nearly half of the World Cup winning squad have succumbed to dementia

      Nobby Stiles (right), who also had the disease, died aged 78 in OctoberCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      Sir Bobby Charlton is the latest in the team to be diagnosedCredit: PA:Press Association
      In the documentary he is seen meeting fans at an event for his ­fishing charity, having fun with his grandchildren and going for a drink.
      The film, which will be released on DVD and streaming sites on ­Monday, was made by ITV football reporter Gabriel Clarke, who spent several days with Jack at his home on the outskirts of Newcastle in the year prior to his death.
      During that time medical experts recommended using music and archive footage as “trigger points” to help Jack to remember the past.
      If someone said the name Geoff Hurst he would go blank, but if he saw a picture of Sir Geoff he would recall his team-mate.

      He enjoyed his football, would you take that away from him? I don’t think so.
      Pat Charlton

      Pat did not tell Jack, her husband of six decades, that he had the ­condition because she didn’t want him to worry about it getting worse.
      She says: “I just wanted him to think he had a bad memory.”
      Gabriel believes brain damage may have been worse in the past, as the balls were heavier and players often played on, despite being concussed.
      And he tells The Sun: “My personal feeling is that there has to be more research, because five of the ten ­outfield players of the ’66 team have or had dementia.”
      As well as the Charlton brothers, holding midfielder Stiles, goal-scoring hero Martin Peters and left-back Ray Wilson also suffered from the disease.
      Yet in the population at large, only one in 14 people aged over 65 develops the condition.
      The other tragedy that Gabriel’s film highlights is the fall-out between the Charlton brothers.

      The link between heading a ball and brain disease is explored in new documentary Finding Jack Charlton

      Pat reveals she didn’t tell Jack that he had the ­condition because she didn’t want him to worry

      The pair had been married for six decadesCredit: PA:Press Association
      They might have been on the same side at Wembley against West Germany, but off the field the sibling rivalry was toxic.
      Jack admitted to resenting looking after his little brother, who was two years younger than him.
      And in one old interview Bobby told how his fiery sibling had punched him hard for questioning his decision-making.
      DIVIDED BROTHERS
      Bobby, 83, recalled: “I said, ‘You were stupid, giving that goal away’, and he punched me in the mouth straight off the couch.”
      The shy, softly spoken Bobby could not have been more different from the charismatic Jack, whose bellowing voice rang out along the corridors.
      In one interview Jack said of his brother: “I could have done more things without him than I could have done with him. I liked the sea, the countryside. Bobby didn’t.”
      Publicly those differences were glossed over. Jack chose Bobby as his best man at his wedding and presented him with the BBC Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sports Personality Of The Year ­ceremony in 2008.
      But in recent years the brothers stopped meeting altogether.

      I just wanted him to think he had a bad memory.
      Pat Charlton

      Jack’s son John reveals: “I haven’t seen uncle Bobby for a long, long time. It’s a shame.”
      Gabriel, 56, had asked if Bobby would be in the film but was told he couldn’t, due to his dementia.
      The documentary focuses on the brothers’ post-player managerial careers, in which Jack proved ­superior to Bobby, whose time as a soccer boss was over in three years.

      The documentary also looks at Jack’s relationship with brother BobbyCredit: Getty

      In recent years the brothers, pictured with Nobby Stiles, stopped meeting altogetherCredit: Getty

      While Jack was charismatic and loud, Bobby was softly spokenCredit: Getty
      Jack’s coaching prowess took him to Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday, Newcastle United and finally the Republic of Ireland.
      While some pundits initially ­questioned the decision to put an Englishman in charge of the Irish national team in 1986, they soon changed their minds when he started winning games.
      Not only did Big Jack take the Republic to their first European Championship and two World Cup finals, his side also beat England 1-0 at Euro ’88.
      He was venerated in Ireland, becoming only the eighth person to be awarded honorary citizenship.
      Previously unseen footage shows Jack singing Irish songs, meeting the Pope at Italia ’90 and visiting Northern Ireland to try to smooth relations during the Troubles.
      These memories, though on film, are lost to him.
      While Jack looked through letters from Irish fans in the film, Pat said: “They think a lot of you in Ireland, don’t they?” and he replied: “I’ve no idea.”
      MISCHIEVOUS TWINKLE
      The first signs of dementia stretched back to the World Cup in the United States in 1994.
      Jack struggled to remember some of the players’ names and went for a brain scan, although the disease was not detected at that time.
      After Jack resigned as Ireland manager in 1996, when his side failed to qualify for the Euros, he suffered more health problems.
      In 2009 he fell during a holiday in Spain and three years later had a hip replacement following a collapse at home.
      The documentary shows him struggling to walk ­during a day out with the Jack Charlton Disabled Anglers Association in the summer of 2019.
      Despite being unsteady on his feet, he says in a jolly voice: “I’m falling down.”

      Players’ risk rates soar

      By Dr Willie Stewart

      By Dr WILLIE STEWART
      WE have shown that professional footballers are at high risk of death from neurodegenerative diseases – a five times higher rate with Alzheimer’s, four times higher with motor neurone ­disease and double with Parkinson’s.
      Other research we have conducted on the brains of former footballers with dementia often reveals a pathology that we recognise from boxers, rugby players and American Footballers whose only common denominator is exposure to brain injury and brain impacts.
       Dr Stewart, of Glasgow University, is a researcher into the dementia/football link.

      The film comes after a new study in the journal Science And ­Medicine In Football revealed heading a football just 20 times could affect the brain’s working memory by as much as 20 per cent.
      As for Jack, dementia did not rob him of that mischievous twinkle that fans came to love. It is just that as he said: “I could not remember a lot of the memories.”
      But now those moments will be stored forever on film.
      Finding Jack Charlton is available on DVD and download from November 23.

      Finding Jack Charlton is available from November 23Credit: Getty

      Trailer for Finding Jack Charlton
      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 Soccer

      Weirdest transfers in football history, from Bendtner signing for Juventus to Tevez and Mascherano joining West Ham

      by

      NEVER underestimate the power football has to surprise.
      Over the years, SunSport has seen it’s fair share of weird transfers. Players swapping their glamour days for a runout at Barnet, for example.

      Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano shocked the world when they signed for West Ham in 2006Credit: PA:Press Association

      And then there are some who the so-called big clubs take a punt on – swooping on an unsuspecting ‘smaller club’ to make an odd signing.
      In the wake of Barnsley being linked with an audacious move for Mario Balotelli, here’s some of the weirdest transfers we’ve ever come across.
      NICKLAS BENDTNER
      On the final day of the transfer window in August 2012, Juventus were short of a centre forward.
      But even Arsenal fans, who had grown tired of Nicklas Bendtner’s off-the-field antics, were shocked the Italian giants went for their Danish striker.

      Especially since the previous season he had failed to pull up any trees at Sunderland.
      That didn’t deter Juve who gambled on the forward, but injury problems restricted him to just 11 appearances – and he failed to score.
      Unsurprisingly, the Serie A side didn’t take up an option of buying him permanently.

      Arsenal fans were left stunned when Serie A giants Juventus took troubled striker Nicklas Bendtner off their handsCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Bendtner failed to score in 11 games for the club and a permanent move was quashedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      BOJAN KRCIC
      The former Barcelona man was the epitome of the question; can he do it on a rainy Tuesday night at Stoke?

      The simple answer was no, despite Bojan had the benefit of playing for the home side too.
      Mark Hughes concluded the surprise deal for the man labelled the next Messi in 2014 for just £1.8million.
      “Anyone who knows European football will be aware of him as a player and the fact that he sees his future at Stoke City is really exciting,” Hughes beamed at the time.
      16 goals in 85 games later he was flogged to MLS side Montreal Impact in 2019.

      Bojan Krcic swapped Barcelona for StokeCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      TEVEZ AND MASCHERANO
      Probably one of the most audacious double-signings in Premier League history.
      No wonder then West Ham boss Alan Pardew had a smile like a Cheshire cat at their unveiling back in 2006.
      The Argentinian duo were plucked from Corinthians, and only stayed with the Hammers for a season with Tevez joining Manchester United and Mascherano signing for Liverpool.
      Tevez would write his name in the history books by scoring a goal that secured the club’s Premier League safety.
      Later, Pardew revealed he had only asked his chief executive to buy James Milner and then his Christmas came early.

      Carlos Tevez helped save West Ham from relegationCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      LUTHER BLISSETT
      Cruelly called Luther ‘Miss it’ by away fans, Blissett is a Watford legend and their all-time top goalscorer.
      After winning the First Division Golden Boot in 1983, AC Milan paid £1million to bring him to Italy.
      But Blissett struggled to settle in Italy, scoring just five times in 30 appearances in the club.
      His dietary requirements were also unfulfilled.
      “No matter how much money you have here, you can’t seem to get Rice Krispies,” he said.

      AC Milan gambled on Watford legend Luther Blissett, who failed to settle in ItalyCredit: AP:Associated Press
      EDGAR DAVIDS
      One of the finest midfielders of his generation, it was a shock to see Edgar Davids end up at Barnet.
      After all, this was a former Dutch international who had won the Champions League with Ajax, and played for AC Milan, Juventus, Inter Milan and Barcelona in a star-studded career.
      Still, in 2012 – still living in North London after a spell at Spurs and then Crystal Palace – he became player manager of League Two Barnet.
      However, he struggled to keep his discipline on the pitch – getting sent off three times in his first eight games of the 2013-14 season and picking up a booking in every one of those matches.
      His bizarre managerial career took a new turn when he decided to wear the No1 jersey normally worn by goalkeepers, insisting he was setting a trend for midfielders to don that number. He resigned in 2014.

      After starring at Ajax, Juventus, AC Milan and Tottenham, Edgar Davids opted to end his career at League Two BarnetCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      FERNANDO HIERRO, YOURI DJORKAEF AND JAY JAY OKOCHA
      There was no doubt Sam Allardyce had big plans for Bolton Wanderers.
      Although they were in their twilight years, between 2002-2004 Real Madrid legend Fernando Hierro, France World Cup winner Youri Djorkaef and the remarkably gifted Jay-Jay Okocha all played for the club at the same time.
      Okocha joined from PSG on a free transfer, and soon became a fans’ favourite.
      Djorkaeff scored an impressive 21 goals from 87 games from midfield, initially snubbing interest from Manchester United and Liverpool for three years with the Trotters.
      While Hierro finished his career playing for Wanderers aged 37.

      Youri Djorkaef and Jay-Jay Okocha were part of a dream team of foreign signings at BoltonCredit: Reuters

      Real Madrid legend Fernardo Hierro enjoyed his final year as a pro with the TrottersCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      ROBERTO MANCINI
      Mancini enjoyed a stellar career at Sampdoria, where he helped the club win Serie A, four Coppa Italia titles, as well the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
      Three years followed at Lazio, but no one could’ve envisaged what was going to happen next.

      Mancini joined Peter Taylor’s Leicester City on loan – making his debut against Arsenal in 2001 at the grand old age of 36.
      However, he failed to complete 90 minutes in his only five games for the club.
      His contract was torn up in February, when Mancini decided he wanted to manage Fiorentina.

      Roberto Mancini joined Leicester City at 36 from Lazio, but failed to reach previous heightsCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      in Boxing

      Inside Canelo Alvarez’s humble gym in Guadalajara where he learned to box like his six brothers, close to childhood home

      by

      ON A RUNDOWN street in Guadalajara, Mexico, is a tiny gym that has become the stuff of legend in the world of boxing.
      Five world champions have trained at the Julian Magdaleno Gym, including Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, the Mexican megastar who is rated by many the best fighter on the planet.

      A young fighter trains under a photo of Saul Alvarez and his framed gloves at the gym in Guadalajara, MexicoCredit: Stephen Woodman

      Saul ‘Canelo’ Alavarez’s brother Rigoberto remembers teaching his younger sibling to box inside this gym in GuadalajaraCredit: Stephen Woodman

      Inside, a couple of teenagers are dancing in front of a Canelo mural, punching furiously at the duck tape-covered heavy bags.
      At the back of the gym is a creaky boxing ring.
      Two sparring partners exchange blows under the framed shorts of local legends, including the purple pair Canelo wore as he battered brave British contender Mathew Hatton for the light-middleweight title in 2011.
      Beneath the shorts is a sign with the gym’s motto, “The worst that can happen is you stop caring if you lose.”

      Canelo, 30, is already a world away from this gym. He is the biggest draw in boxing.
      With his clean-cut looks and good manners, Canelo fits the bill as boxing’s poster boy.
      He recently has confirmed his next fight will be against Brit Callum Smith on December 19.
      The Mexican superstar will return to the ring as a free agent having terminated his contract with DAZN and Golden Boy Promotions.

      He was 11 years old and a kid of that age shouldn’t be able to punch like that. ‘God this is a great gift you’ve given us,’ I remember saying.
      Rigoberto Alvarez

      But behind the squeaky-clean image is a very different story.
      From punch-ups, legal problems and even a brother accused of murder, the red-haired fighter is no stranger to scandal.
      Canelo’s rags-to-riches story — and the controversy that is part of it — is well-known in Mexico.

      Rows of boxing gloves and head protectors in the gym where Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez turned his anger into boxing talentCredit: Stephen Woodman

      Five world champions have trained at the Julian Magdaleno Gym, including Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez

      Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez’s childhood home where he lived with his six brothersCredit: Stephen Woodman

      The boxing ring at the Julian Magdaleno Gym in Guadalajara is surrounded by framed shorts from Canelo’s title fightsCredit: Stephen Woodman

      The small house in Juanacatlan on the outskirts of Guadalajara where Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez grew upCredit: Stephen Woodman
      The youngest of seven brothers who all fought as professional boxers, Alvarez is nicknamed Canelo (cinnamon) because of his red hair.
      As a youngster, the Mexican brawler learned to fight off teasing classmates.
      “He was always bullied for being red-haired,” Canelo’s brother Gonzalo told SunSport.
      “He used to lose control and get into fights.”
      As a child Canelo worked with his family selling ice lollies in the tiny town of Juanacatlan, western Mexico.

      Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez has trained hard to become one of the biggest stars of world boxingCredit: Splash News

      The humble area of Juanacatlan where Canelo grew up with this six brothersCredit: Stephen Woodman

      Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez poses with his six supercars to show how far he has come from his humble rootsCredit: Instagram @canelo
      “It was a tough upbringing. We were always working,” said Gonzalo. “He didn’t enjoy secondary school. He preferred fighting.”
      Rigoberto, the eldest Alvarez brother, who also became world champion, gave Canelo his first pair of boxing gloves.
      “I helped him and another kid, who was a bit bigger, put the gloves on. In that moment, I had no idea what I was about to see,” Rigoberto said.
      “He was 11 years old and a kid of that age shouldn’t be able to punch like that.
      ” ‘God this is a great gift you’ve given us,’ I remember saying.”

      It was not long before Canelo was ready to train at the Magdaleno, where he sparred with world champions.
      Because of its reputation, business is still booming at the ramshackle gym, with 70 students stopping in daily.

      For the town he should be a hero and a source of pride. But sometimes instead of support you, people want to knock you down. There’s a lot of jealousy.
      Gonzalo Alvarez

      “Saul motivates us, we can all learn from him,” said trainer Jose Barrera.
      “Lots of troubled children take up boxing and become much more disciplined… I had my vices too. I used to drink and take cocaine until I started coming here.”
      Alvarez turned professional when he was only 15, because he ran out of suitable amateur opponents.
      A year later, he had a daughter, which added more pressure to succeed.

      Canelo Alvarez beat Amir Khan in a WBC middleweight title fight in Las Vegas lin 2016Credit: Getty Images

      ‘I’m tired but not defeated’… Graffiti near the gym where Saul Alvarez learned to boxCredit: Stephen Woodman

      Canelo Alvarez punches Liam Smith during the eight round of the WBO Junior Middleweight title fight in Arlington, Texas in 2016Credit: AP:Associated Press

      Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez’s only defeat was to Floyd Mayweather in September 2013 in Las VegasCredit: Getty Images
      His brutal style meant he was soon knocking out opponents much older than himself.
      Canelo’s popularity soared in 2013, when he paid a visit to support hurricane victims on Mexico’s southern coast.
      The boxing star spent the day talking to locals and stacking up sandbags.
      But Gonzalo admits Canelo is not popular with everyone, including with some people in his hometown.
      “For the town he should be a hero and a source of pride,” he said.
      “But sometimes instead of support you, people want to knock you down. There’s a lot of jealousy.”
      Canelo has also faced legal problems of his own.

      Canelo Alvarez’s stunning girlfriend reveals on TV he is on bonk ban ahead of Gennady Golovkin fight

      Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez jabs at Erislandy Lara in a bout in Las Vegas in 2014Credit: Getty Images

      Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez raises the Mexican flag and his belt after beating Liam SmithCredit: Reuters
      Former bantamweight world champion Ulises ‘Archie’ Solis accused the bigger boxer of assaulting him and breaking his jaw in 2011.
      Solis was out of the ring for more than a year, and a lengthy legal battle led to an out-of-court settlement.
      As a result of the agreement, Solis cannot talk about the incident.
      He said Canelo as a boxer was “a strong guy, with a lot of potential.”
      Canelo has fully delivered on that potential, and his record currently stands at 53 wins, and one defeat, from his 56 fights.
      A long way from the young tearaway learning his trade in a humble gym in Guadalajara.

      Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez uses an ice bath to help him recover from a training session

      Canelo poses with his £250,000 Mercedes G-Class jeep, one of his fleet of cars More

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      in Soccer

      When Wags say too much about their footballer’s bedroom secrets, featuring Wanda Icardi, Abbey Clancy and Rebekah Vardy

      by

      IN these cases, it’s not what happens behind closed doors, stays behind close doors.
      These gorgeous Wags have all embarrassed their footballing beau’s by revealing their intimate bedroom secrets.

      Abbey Clancy is one of many Wags who have embarrassed their partners by revealing their bedroom secretsCredit: Getty – Contributor

      From sexy nicknames to sex bans, we’ve heard it all.
      Let SunSport remind you of when Wags have said too much about their sex lives.
      WANDA NARA
      Wanda isn’t afraid of telling the world about what goes on in her boudoir.
      Earlier this year, the Argentinian beauty said she gives oral sex every night after a fan tried to taunt her about a rumoured x-rated sex tape.

      But, when it comes to Icardi, she revealed she won’t try to lure him into the bedroom when his team have lost a game.
      She was asked her thoughts on ex- boss Antonio Conte’s claims that footballers should make as little effort as possible during sex.
      Nara said: “I do not know what to say.
      “He should try it before a match but Mauro is very professional and does not do anything before a match.

      Argentine beauty Wanda Nara once revealed she gives oral sex every nightCredit: Instagram

      The wife of Mauro Icardi also revealed if her husband’s team lose he doesn’t want to have sex with herCredit: Refer to Caption
      “Only after and if the match went well.
      “If it does not go well, he does not even want to look at me.”
      ABBEY CLANCY
      This year, Abbey made the startling revelation that she didn’t have sex with husband Peter Crouch while she was pregnant with their fourth child, because they “hated each other.”
      The blonde beauty  revealed the two barely got on during the early stages of her pregnancy with youngest son Jack.
      Speaking during the couple’s livestream with Love Magazine: “In seven weeks we haven’t had one argument.
      “When I got pregnant with Jack we hated each other – we didn’t even have sex.”
      Clancy also banned Crouch from having sex with her in 2013, while she was filming Strictly Come Dancing for 13 weeks.
      And after winning the Glitterball Trophy, she revealed they were going to make up for last time.
      She told the Daily Star: “Let’s just say Peter is looking forward to having me back.
      “He just kissed me and twirled me around when I won. I need to spend some quality time with him.”

      Clancy revealed she didn’t have sex with Crouch when she was pregnant with their fourth childCredit: Refer to Caption

      Clancy said the pair “hated each other”
      MELISSA SATTA-BOATENG
      The incredibly beautiful Wag wasn’t afraid to dish the dirt on husband, Kevin-Prince Boateng.
      Football fans will know Boateng has had his problems with injuries over the years.
      And believe it or not, Melissa said she had the answer. They were having too much sex.
      “The reason why he is always injured is because we have sex seven to ten times a week,” Satta-Boateng once claimed.
      She added: “I’m afraid that’s the reason for the strain,” with Kevin-Prince out of action for most of 2012 with a thigh complaint.

      Melissa Satta-Boateng revealed the reason behind husband Kevin-Prince Boateng’s injury problemsCredit: Instagram

      Melissa-Satta Boateng said the pair were having too much sex Credit: Instagram
      VERA RIBEIRO
      When your missus is a sex therapist, you can expect your love life to be an open forum.
      So, Portugal goalie Rui Patricio knew just what he was doing when he shacked up sexologist Vera.
      Ribeiro hit the headlines in 2018 when she advised Portugal stars to masturbate at the World Cup to relax.
      “Nothing positive can come from abstinence”, she said.
      “The football player should not abstain from having sex before games, but we also know that in terms of routine they are not in contact with families either.
      “We cannot associate sports performance with the occurrence of sex.”
      And in 2019, Vera released a book called The Manual of Seduction, that included sex tips like using an electric tooth brush, Halls cough sweets, and a water balloon in the bedroom.

      Rui Patricio’s Wag Vera Ribeiro is a sex therapistCredit: Instagram

      Ribeiro once said players should not abstain from masturbation before big gamesCredit: Instagram
      VICTORIA BECKHAM
      When it comes to talking about sex, Mrs Beckham isn’t shy about discussing her bedroom antics with the former Manchester United.
      After all, this is a man she once called “Golden Balls” and said she had a mirrored-ceiling in their former Hertfordshire estate ‘Beckingham Palace.’
      “There’s a room like a tart’s boudoir, with leopard print everywhere and a mirrored ceiling,” she once said.
      “Then there’s our bedroom, which is quite virginal and white, with a big four-poster, old-oak bed.”
      And when David posed for an underwear ad for Emporio Armani in 2008, Victoria gushed about his manhood after questions were raised that Becks had some photoshop help in the tackle department.
      She even likened his penis to a piece of farm machinery.
      “I’m proud I still have a really good sex life with David. He is very much in proportion,” she enthused.
      “He does have a huge one, though. He does. You can see it in the advert. It is all his. It is like a tractor exhaust pipe!”

      Saucy Victoria Beckham isn’t afraid to dish about her sex lifeCredit: Victoria Beckham / instagram

      Victoria once boasted about David Beckham’s manhoodCredit: INSTAGRAM
      REBEKAH VARDY
      As a regular on ITV’s Loose Women and columnist for various celebrity magazines, Vardy has happily discussed her sex life openly.
      But her most famous revelation was the reveal that Gareth Southgate hadn’t put his players on a sex ban during the 2018 World Cup.

      “Gareth Southgate has been amazing with allowing the families and players lots of contact,” she told OK! Magazine.
      Rebekah brought along her children for the occasion, which she admitted might’ve got in the way of their sex life.
      “There is no sex ban, but I think we’d struggle to do it anyway with the kids around – it wouldn’t work logistically!”

      Rebekah Vardy talks about her sex life in columns and on ITV show Loose WomenCredit: Instagram

      Jamie Vardy’s wife revealed that England players weren’t on a sex ban at the 2018 World CupCredit: Instagram

      Wanda Nara sizzles with topless selfie leaving little to imagination as Mauro Icardi’s wife sends Instagram crazy More

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      in Boxing

      Floyd Mayweather’s incredible lifestyle boasts homes in LA, Miami and Las Vegas, a £20m car collection and £14m watch

      by

      DON’T call it a comeback!
      Floyd Mayweather, 43, will say he’s never been away from boxing, keeping up his impressive training regime even when he’s not got a scheduled fight on.

      Floyd Mayweather is making a comeback on February 28 at MEGA 2021 in Tokyo

      Through the years, Mayweather hasn’t been afraid of flaunting his wealthCredit: Refer to Caption

      And now he has confirmed he will appear at a new MMA event MEGA 2021 at the Tokyo Dome on February 28.
      It’s unclear if ‘Money’ will be boxing or competing in mixed martial arts. But what is clear is Mayweather won’t be doing it for free!
      His paydays over the years have afforded him an amazing lifestyle, sharing video and photos inside his incredible homes, showing off his latest rides, as well as his expensive jewellery.
      It’s a life he’s built all himself – being one of only six sportsman in the world ever to earn over $1billion (£760million) in his career – with reports saying it might be as much as £2.4billion.

      Here’s where some of that money went…
      THREE AMAZING HOMES
      Mayweather doesn’t skimp when it comes to property.
      That’s why he’s got THREE incredible mansions dotted around the country – in LA, Las Vegas, and Miami.
      His most recent purchase is his Nevada compound that cost a whopping £7.8million.

      The undefeated boxing champ’s Vegas mansion features 11 bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a gym.
      There’s also a wine cellar and his own vineyard, as well as two detached underground garages that house his mega car collection – more to come on that later.
      His LA abode in Beverly Hills set him back an eye-watering £19million.

      Mayweather splashed £19m on this incredible Beverly Hills mansionCredit: Jim Bartsch

      The property features six lavish bedroomsCredit: Jim Bartsch

      Mayweather’s fight against Conor McGregor is celebrated with artwork on the wallsCredit: Instagram @floydmayweather

      The wine rack stores up to 225 bottlesCredit: Jim Bartsch

      Mayweather can relax in his 12-seat cinemaCredit: Jim Bartsch

      Snacks are always on hand at his sweet shopCredit: Instagram @floydmayweather

      Mayweather built his Las Vegas compound in 2018 for £7.8m

      The property boasts 11 bedrooms

      Mayweather spends the majority of his time in his Las Vegas home

      This Miami holiday home is also part of Mayweather’s property portfolioCredit: Prestige Lifestyle Co.

      A waterfront property, it cost Mayweather £5.3m in 2015Credit: Prestige Lifestyle Co.

      Mayweather is hardly seen at his Miami abodeCredit: Prestige Lifestyle Co.
      The six-bed, 10-bathroom property has everything a sports superstar could want, and his love of wine continues with a 225 wine rack he’s showed off before on social media fixed on the kitchen wall.
      There’s also a 12-seat cinema room, complete with its very own sweet shop loaded with popcorn, chocolate and liquorice.
      While his Miami beachfront five-bedroom house is the perfect holiday home.
      Mayweather bought the 5,200-square-foot £5.3million digs in 2015, but is rarely seen there.
      It features a sleek design, with an open-plan layout and floor-to-ceiling windows in place of walls.
      Outside, there’s a ‘zero-edge’ swimming pool and spa, and the mansion also comes with a private dock as part of its boatload of features.
      SO MANY CARS
      It’s no secret that Mayweather loves his motors.
      But he often only gets them in two colours – white or black. Either way, he has to have two of each stored in LA and Las Vegas.
      And it’s reckoned that his car collection is worth around £20million.

      Mayweather loves fast cars, including expensive BugattisCredit: Refer to Caption

      Floyd Mayweather likes his cars in white in Las Vegas

      But the motors in Mayweather’s LA garage are blackCredit: Instagram @floydmayweather

      Mayweather also owns several Rolls-RoycesCredit: Refer to Caption

      One of Mayweather’s most recent purchases is a £155,000 Mercedes G63 AMGCredit: Refer to Caption

      Mayweather travels in his motors with wads of cashCredit: Refer to Caption

      The Money Team logo is emblazoned on his vanCredit: Insight News and Features

      Mayweather is believed to own three private jets, including ‘Air Mayweather’Credit: Instagram @tmtpilot

      The £50million Gulfstream G650 jet can seat around 14 peopleCredit: Instagram @tmtpilot

      Mayweather bought the private plane in 2018 as a birthday presentCredit: Instagram @floydmayweather

      Mayweather likes to play high-stakes poker on his placeCredit: Instagram @floydmayweather
      He has a series of Rolls-Royces worth over a staggering £3million, as well as four Bugatti Veyron supercars that cost £1.7million.
      Other notable rides include a Lamborghini Aventador (£275,000), as well as a Ferrari 488 worth around £238,000.
      Recent additions to Mayweather’s LA fleet are his Mercedes G63 AMG (£155,000), and he even has his own branded van.
      And if it’s not wheels he’s after, wings work too.
      Mayweather is believed to own three private jets, including one he calls ‘Air Mayweather.’
      He bought a £50million Gulfstream G650 jet as a birthday present for himself in 2018.
      Often, he shares snaps online playing high-stakes poker with mates on board.
      The plane is, of course, emblazoned with his TMT ‘The Money Team’ logo and his undefeated 50-0 professional boxing record.
      AND THE JEWELLERY
      When you live the lifestyle Mayweather leads, you’ve got to look the part.

      Over the years Mayweather has built up an extensive jewellery collection Credit: Instagram / @floydmayweather

      Mayweather revealed he owns 41 expensive watchesCredit: Instagram / @floydmayweather

      The most impressive watch in his collection is Jacob & Co’s ‘The Billionaire Watch’Credit: Jacob & Co.

      Mayweather paid somewhere in the region of £14million for this amazing timepieceCredit: Refer to Caption

      Mayweather is often courtside watching an NBA game covered in jewelleryCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Diamonds are Mayweather’s best friendCredit: Instagram

      These gold and platinum chains aren’t too heavy for MayweatherCredit: Refer to Caption

      ‘Money’ Mayweather lives a lifestyle many sports stars will envyCredit: Instagram

      How ‘broke’ Floyd Mayweather won and lost $1bn career earnings from lavish parties to love for jewellery
      And the Michigan-born ringmaster loves jewellery, including having a penchant for watches… expensive ones, at that.
      It is believed he has up to 41 in his collection – but nothing beats his “One and Only” worth a staggering £14million bought from Japanese jeweller Tadashi Fukushima.
      Made by Jacob & Co, it’s actually called ‘The Billionaire Watch’ and was made in 2015.

      It features 239 emerald-cut baguette diamond stones, each weighing up to 3 carats and looks bedazzling.
      While, when Mayweather is courtside catching an NBA game he’s often seen draped in pure gold necklaces weighing up to 11kg.
      Diamonds are certainly this man’s best friend. More

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      Inside Tottenham billionaire owner Joe Lewis’ £113m superyacht with full sized tennis court

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      WHEN you have an estimated wealth of around £4.3billion, you aren’t going to skimp on boys’ toys.
      And billionaire Spurs owner Joe Lewis is testament to that fact – owning an astonishing £113million superyacht which measures 321-feet long.

      Spurs owner Joe Lewis owns a £113m yacht called AvivaCredit: Tom Stockill

      The Aviva, once seen on the River Thames in 2018, is 321-feet longCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The East End-born businessman is believed to live on board the Aviva, once spotted docked on the Thames, which has been referred to as his mobile office.
      Better still, it has everything an 83-year-old would need in terms of amenities, including the very first full-size indoor tennis court ever installed on a yacht.
      Join SunSport for a tour.
      NEW BALLS, PLEASE
      With fans banned from Wimbledon this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, Lewis need not worry about getting his tennis fix.

      After all, he has an incredible tennis court built into the Aviva – the first of its kind – that he and his guests can play on.
      At 20 metres long and 10 metres wide, the court area goes up to 6.65 metres high.
      And it’s not just for tennis, as the yacht’s designer Reymond Langton explained.
      “It is not only a lifestyle change for the owner but also for the crew as this is also the largest gym of any yacht,” the British design studio told Yacht Harbour.

      The superyacht is the first boat to have a full-size indoor tennis court

      Crew on board the Aviva have been known to enjoy the tennis court found in the bottom of the boatCredit: Abeking Rasmussen
      “The crew is encouraged to play with the owner and guests and when the court is not in use for padel (tennis), the net can be removed and the crew plays football and use other exercise equipment in the space.
      “It is after all a sports hall.”
      A MOBILE OFFICE
      Lewis, who made his millions in currency trading after running several restaurants and nightclubs from the 1960s, spends most of the year on his boat.
      For the Spurs boss it’s not just a place where he can enjoy a luxurious life, the Aviva is perfect for working remotely.
      “Communication and information are critical to me.” Lewis said in an interview with regards to his requirements for his floating office.
      “To be effective, I need reliable phones and internet, these have improved much over the past few years, but, it is too expensive, too slow and not consistently reliable.
      “Aviva is more than an office; it is also my home for much of the year. So for me, it is relaxing working from home, wherever Aviva may be in the world.”
      It can also be used to entertain, just as it was when he invited the Spurs team on board in 2013 during their tour of the Bahamas.
      Then skipper Michael Dawson said: “I had never met him before, so it was nice to go over there and a great experience.
      “What a really nice guy. And that yacht is unreal! But he’s just a normal guy. You could chat to him about anything. He tunes into all the games, he loves it. We just sat there chatting. He made us feel so welcome over there. It was relaxed. A lot of team-bonding together.”

      Lewis lives on the Aviva for most of the yearCredit: Abeking Rasmussen

      Lewis has called the Aviva his modern day office in the pastCredit: Abeking Rasmussen

      Dotted around its decks are sun loungersCredit: Abeking Rasmussen
      BAHAMAS-READY
      It’s mostly in the Bahamas where Lewis – the 12th richest man in the UK – spends his days as a tax exile.
      And the Aviva, which can house up to 16 guests, is fully-equipped for the Caribbean lifestyle.
      The exterior relaxation area features a circular set of lounging pads on the sun deck, as well as smaller lounging pads towards the yacht’s bridge.
      A cool swimming platform can also open up into the sea, that means you can have your own beach area with Aviva’s tenders coming out of side doors.
      Talking about boys’ toys, the superyacht even has a speedboat and jet skis on board.

      The Aviva is Bahamas-ready, has its own speedboat and a swimming platform opens up into the seaCredit: Abeking Rasmussen

      The lower deck boasts circular lounging areasCredit: Abeking Rasmussen
      PERFORMANCE
      The German-built Aviva, the 46th longest yacht in the world, took three years to complete.
      And it’s certainly not lacking in spec, either.

      Powered by an eco-friendly drive system, it can reach a top speed of 20 knots.
      The unique hull design that comes together with an electric propulsions system means that less fuel is used.
      Unbelievably, the Aviva can cruise at 11 knots purely on electric power only.
      Now, where can we get one?

      The Aviva can be powered using just electronic powerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Aviva is the 46th longest yacht in the worldCredit: Abeking Rasmussen

      German-built, the Aviva took three years to completeCredit: Abeking Rasmussen

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      Brazil’s forwards Firmino, Richarlison and Jesus struggled against Venezuela, and next face acid test against Uruguay

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      Brazil kicked off their World Cup qualifier at home to Venezuela on Friday night with seven Premier League players in the starting line up.
      Ederson was in goal – surprisingly selected ahead of Alisson. 

      Firmino celebrates scoring against VenezuelaCredit: AFP or licensors

      Thiago Silva was at the heart of the defence, with Allan and Douglas Luiz providing the midfield protection. And up front were Roberto Firmino, Richarlison and Gabriel Jesus.
      But this all Premier League attack failed to fire. Brazil had almost all the possession.
      Against cautious opponents the game often seemed like an exercise in attack versus defence.
      But there were few clear chances, and only a single second half goal from Firmino to preserve Brazil’s 100 per cent record after three rounds of the competition.

      In part Brazil’s difficulties were understandable. Venezuela have secured some goalless draws against Brazil in recent times, most notably in last year’s Copa America.
      And the lack of time for training clearly harms the team that wants to attack.
      A CENTRE FORWARD PROBLEM
      But there is also a centre forward problem. Brazil appear to lack a natural for the number nine role.

      Richarlison played as a centre forward in the World Cup qualifierCredit: AFP or licensors
      Indeed, the centre forward position has passed around all three of the Premier League stars.

      Going into the last World Cup Gabriel Jesus seemed to have solved the problem.
      But he, very rarely for a Brazil centre forward, failed to score in Russia.
      Brazil coach Tite has since decided that he is a striker at his best attacking from wide positions rather than a penalty area specialist. 
      Roberto Firmino was then given the role. But, as Liverpool fans well know, he works best as a facilitator, lying deep and threading through his passes.
      For this game, with Neymar absent, Tite used Firmino in this role, describing him memorably as “more bow than arrow.”
      And so this time Richarlison moved into a central role. This can work – but not against opponents such as Venezuela, who lie so deep.
      Richarlison is a front to goal striker who needs space to shine, and his back to goal game lacks subtlety when the team are trying to pass their way through massed defensive ranks.

      Richarlison struggles against opposition who sit back and defendCredit: AFP or licensors
      URUGUAY UP NEXT
      The next match, on Tuesday, may be more to his liking, Brazil are away to Uruguay, whose morale is soaring after a superb 3-0 win away to Colombia on Friday.
      One thing that Uruguay do not lack is centre forwards. They still have the old firm of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, who scored the first two goals against the Colombians.
      And they have prepared some long term replacements. Maxi Gomez of Valencia is injured at the moment.
      But they can also count on recent Benfica signing Darwin Nunez, who came off the bench on Friday to score a cracking third goal.
      The striking thing about Uruguay’s strikers is the way they are prepared to sacrifice themselves for the team.
      They began Friday’s game in their customary 4-4-2, with Suarez staying high and Cavani occasionally dropping into midfield. 
      Cavani gave them the lead, but with Colombia throwing everything at them, coach Oscar Washington Tabarez reorganised at half time. 
      On came Nunez. But Uruguay were not playing with three up front. Nunez played on the left wing, tracking back the runs of the Colombian right back.

      Brazil face Edinson Cavani and Uruguay nextCredit: AFP or licensors

      Cavani did the same on the left – and the fact that a player with more than 50 international goals is prepared to work this hard speaks volumes for Uruguay’s team spirit, and for the mentality of Manchester United’s recent acquisition.
      So who comes out on top on Tuesday?  Will it be another triumph for Edinson Cavani?
      Or, against less defensive opponents than Venezuela, might Brazil’s Premier League attack find the space to show their stuff?

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