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      in Soccer

      Footballers who came out of retirement to relive their glory days, including Paul Scholes, Petr Cech and Johan Cruyff

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      THEY just didn’t want to hang up their boots.
      These 11 footballing stars were initially happy to retire, but performed a sensational u-turn when they were either needed to play, or simply missed the action.

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      Arjen Robben is the latest star to come out of retirementCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      From a Manchester United legend to one of the Premier League’s all-time greatest goalies, SunSport gives you the definitive names of players who came out of retirement to relive their glory days.
      PETR CECH
      The Chelsea legend was last seen pulling on the Arsenal keeper’s jersey in 2019, hanging up his gloves after four years at the Emirates at the end of the 2018-19 season.
      But it was with the Blues he was a cult hero, winning four Premier League titles in 11 years, which is why he returned to Stamford Bridge last year to take up a new role as technical and performance advisor.
      In 2020, Cech, now 38, was added to Chelsea’s Premier League squad as an emergency goalkeeper.

      Should Edouard Mendy or Kepa Arrizabalaga get injured, Cech will be in line for a call-up.

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      Petr Cech works with Chelsea No1 Edouard Mendy, who he could deputise forCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      PAUL SCHOLES
      Six months after he quit Old Trafford, Scholes decided he should pull on the Red Devils jersey once again in 2012.
      It was a no-brainer for the midfield dynamo, with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side having an injury crisis in the middle of the park having to play Phil Jones and Fabio Silva as a pair.
      Incredibly, no one knew he was returning when he was named on the bench for the Manchester derby, not even his team-mates who would’ve been shocked to see his shirt hanging up in the dressing room.

      United finished runners-up to their noisy neighbours that season, with Scholes playing 21 games.
      He returned the following year to help United win back the Premier League, and retired again – this time for good.

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      Scholes retired for a second time after helping United win back the titleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      JOHAN CRUYFF
      The Dutch master returned to the game out of a sense of necessity.
      Cruyff was 31, but was skint after an investment that was supposed to set him up for life after football went wrong.
      “I had lost millions in pig-farming and that was the reason I decided to become a footballer again,” he revealed.
      He returned the same year he retired – 1978 – with the Los Angeles Aztecs for an admitted pay day.
      Cruyff later returned to Holland and was successful with both Ajax and Feyenoord, before finally giving up the game in 1984.

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      Johan Cruyff signs for Los Angeles AztecsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      ARJEN ROBBEN
      Another flying Dutch winger, former Chelsea star Robben is the most recent addition to the list.
      And his reason is more sentimental.
      Robben has just signed on a free transfer for boyhood club FC Groningen, and will play for them from next season at the age of 36.
      “I was 12 when I started playing in FC Groningen’s youth academy,” he said in a video on the club’s Twitter site.
      “I made my home debut against Feyenoord when I was 16. After two years I made a transfer to PSV Eindhoven. After a wonderful adventure of 18 years, we’re coming home.”

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      Robben has rejoined boyhood club FC GroningenCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      JENS LEHMANN
      After leaving the Gunners in 2008, the legendary German goalie was back for a second stint between the sticks for Arsenal in 2011 – a year after he put away his gloves.
      Initially he was signed as a back-up to Manuel Almunia, after Arsene Wenger’s team suffered with injuries.
      At 42, Lehmann was called upon for a game against Blackpool, after Almunia got injured in the warm-up.
      His team were victorious – winning 3-1. But you can bet the competitive Jens would’ve been furious he didn’t keep a clean sheet.

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      Jens Lehmann appears for Arsenal against Blackpool age 42Credit: Action Images – Reuters
      ROBBIE ROGERS
      After he was released by Leeds at the age of just 25, Rogers wasn’t sure if his future belonged in the game.
      He then bravely came out as gay, revealing he felt like a coward for not doing it sooner.
      In 2013, Rogers joined MLS giants Los Angeles Galaxy to become the first openly gay American athlete to play in a major sport.
      Four years later, he announced his retirement because of persistent injuries.

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      Robbie Rogers became the first openly gay American sports starCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      CARLOS ROA
      Still one of the most bizarre moments in football EVER.
      Roa was an outstanding goalkeeper for the Argentinian national team, as well as La Liga giants.
      He starred for the Argies in the 1998 World Cup, and reached the final of the Copa Del Rey and Cup Winners’ Cup, as well as won the Spanish Supercup.
      But he believed that the world was going to end in 2000, so wouldn’t renew his contract beyond then.
      When it didn’t, he came back with his tail between his legs because he still had a contract to fulfil.

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      Carlos Roa returned to Mallorca with his family after quitting football thinking the world was going to endCredit: EPA
      STEPHEN CARR
      When the former Spurs full-back was released by Newcastle in 2008, he had had enough of chasing wingers up and down the park.
      With no takers wanting him as a free agent, Carr decided to call it a day.
      A year later, he returned to the Premier League with Birmingham City.
      In 2011, he captained the side to a famous League Cup final victory over Arsenal.

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      Stephen Carr celebrates winning the League Cup against ArsenalCredit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun
      ROGER MILLA
      The Cameroon legend is best remembered for his star turn at the 1990 World Cup, where he couldn’t stop scoring, not to mention that brilliant dance celebration at the corner flag for every goal.
      However, a year before Milla had decided he wasn’t fit for purpose and moved to the Indian Ocean island of Reunion.
      It wasn’t until Cameroon’s president Paul Biya pleaded with him to return that he came back at 38.
      He then returned four years later to become the oldest player to appear at the World Cup, a record which was beaten by Faryd Mondragon.

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      Roger Milla was a star at Italia ’90Credit: Bongarts – Getty
      LANDON DONOVAN
      Recognised as the greatest player to ever play for the States, Donovan had initially left the LA Galaxy in 2014 as a champion.
      But in 2016, he was asked to return to MLS action because of an injury crisis by the Galaxy.
      Ironically enough, Donovan was working as a pundit on his former club’s game where they suffered three injuries during the match.
      However, he couldn’t repeat his past success and the club ended up without a trophy and Donovan retired again.

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      Landon Donovan returned to LA Galaxy in 2016 after an injury crisisCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      MARC OVERMARS
      Although he had lost that electric pace that made him such a threat in the past, Overmars wasn’t going to give up the ghost of playing.
      After a brilliant career at Ajax, Arsenal and Barcelona, he retired in 2004.

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      Four years after retiring Overmars came back with Go Ahead EaglesCredit: Rex Features
      Then he starred in a testimonial for Jaap Stam some four years later, and was offered a route back into football.
      He initially declined, believing his best days were past him.
      However, he had a a change of heart when Go Ahead Eagles, his first ever club, offered him a deal.
      He played 24 games in one season before finally retiring for good.

      Arjen Robben makes sensational return to boyhood club FC Groningen More

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      in Soccer

      Troy Deeney relives prison stint that could have cost him football career as he launches brilliant new Sun column

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      EMERGING from his jail cell, Troy Deeney would seek out a copy of The Sun to keep him in touch with the outside world.
      But leafing through SunSport one day, he was dismayed to find that, following a spate of signings, he was now seventh-choice striker at Watford.

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      Troy Deeney is The Sun’s brilliant new columnist and forthright talkSPORT presenterCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

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      The Watford striker says he wants to bring ‘something unique and give a different perspective’Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd

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      In an interview to celebrate his column, Troy talks about being brought up by his mum EmmaCredit: Instagram

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      He was also raised by Paul Anthony Burke, pictured here with Troy and brother Ellis

      Shamed at being incarcerated for a drunken brawl, grieving for his dead father and now facing the loss of his livelihood, it may have crushed a lesser man.
      But today, as Troy is unveiled as The Sun’s brilliant new columnist and forthright talkSPORT presenter, he remembers the stark warnings from fellow cons that helped him turn his life around.
      In a soft Brummie lilt, he tells me: “Other prisoners would look at the pictures of my family that I had put on my cell wall and say, ‘What are you doing here? You’re a f***ing idiot’.
      “Prison gives you time to reflect. I’d embarrassed my family. You can sulk about it or you can man up and fix it.

      “And that’s what I did. I fixed it with the help of some good people around me. And I haven’t looked back since.”
      Now Troy, 32, is itching to write his first column for you.
      He says: “The Sun is a massive paper and I understand the roles and responsibilities that go with that.
      “I want to add something unique and give a different perspective, not only on sport but many areas.”

      Don’t expect him to be pulling punches. When I ask him about racism in football — he supports taking the knee and believes black managers are being passed over — he is quick to also point out the lack of diversity among journalists.
      TATTOOED MUSCLE
      And he’d welcome a gay player coming out at Watford, adding: “I’d be a hypocrite if I didn’t accept anyone from that community but expect anyone to take racism seriously.”
      Writing is important for Troy — and has been instrumental in healing the wounds of his past.
      Pointing at the head that has won so many Premier League aerial battles, he says: “All the madness that’s up here, I just try and write it out to make sense of it.”
      It has taken five years of counselling with a psychologist to help deal with “unresolved issues” that he once tried to soothe with alcohol.
      He says he hasn’t drunk for nine months and writes to help put his life in order.

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      Troy grew up in a flat in a tower block in Birmingham

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      His biological father left when he was nine months old

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      He says mum Emma, who worked three jobs to support Troy and his siblings, is his ‘warrior and angel’
      After leaving jail in 2012 Troy became “Mr Watford”, leading the club to the Premier League’s sunlit uplands as its captain, praised as an inspirational leader, loved by the fans.
      Now he will have a new audience as part of The Sun’s unrivalled team of football commentators and writers.
      And if lived experience is any guide to what makes a good columnist, then articulate Troy will go far.
      He was brought up in a tower block flat on tough Birmingham overspill estate Chelmsley Wood by his “warrior and angel” mum, Emma.
      His biological father left when Troy was nine months old. Although Troy sought him out as a teenager, the pair have no relationship now.

      Prison gives you time to reflect. I’d embarrassed my family. You can sulk about it or you can man up and fix it.

      Troy — six feet of tattooed muscle — says of the abandonment: “There’s still a bit in me, a nasty side of me, that’s like, ‘I hope you see every single thing I’m doing successfully, and metaphorically, it kills you’.”
      Emma worked three jobs to support Troy, his brother Ellis — now 29 and playing for Southern League Premier Division club Stourbridge — and his sister Sasha, 23.
      Their nan helped him buy his football boots with weekly payments through the Kays catalogue.
      In place of his biological father, the man who Troy calls Dad was Paul Anthony Burke — his “superhero”, despite being a violent career drug dealer whose jail sentences were explained away in the family as “business trips”.
      Aged ten, Troy and brother Ellis, then seven, were asleep in their bunk beds when the door was smashed off its hinges by police who then grappled with Burke.
      After he was arrested, mum Emma explained it away as Dad going off to play football with some mates.
      But soon afterwards she left Burke, prompting an outburst of violence by him that led to Troy being visited by concerned social workers.
      Burke had picked up Troy and his siblings from their auntie’s home and demanded to be shown where their mum was now living. They didn’t want to tell him but “had no choice”.
      Burke kicked in the door at the address and found Emma sitting in an armchair.

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      It has taken five years of counselling to help Troy deal with ‘unresolved issues’Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

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      After his release from prison in 2012, football proved to be Troy’s salvationCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

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      He became ‘Mr Watford’ and has been praised as an inspirational leaderCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Troy recalls: “He kept telling her that she needed to come home. She said, ‘No’. And every time she did, he would punch her.
      “I kept jumping in front of him, trying to make him stop, only to take a punch myself and fall to the floor. Then I’d get back up and take another punch.”
      Police hauled Burke off and he returned to jail for that offence.
      Today Troy says: “I don’t mind talking about it because I think it raises awareness for others.”
      And he even forgave his father. He says: “He was still my Superman. If you’re from an area where violence, drugs and gambling isn’t prolific, then it looks weird.
      “But if it’s normal that everyone around you has had some form of trauma, then you don’t feel sorry for yourself.”
      Football eventually proved Troy’s salvation.
      The boyhood Birmingham City fan flunked a trial at Aston Villa’s academy and became a £120-a-week bricklayer, paying his mum £50 a week to live at home.
      A bustling, physical centre forward, he signed for local non-league team Chelmsley Town, moving to Walsall in 2007 and Watford in 2010.
      He says: “I went from £180 a week to four and a half grand a week, and I was still living in Chelmsley Wood.
      “Putting that into perspective, a year of my then wages could have bought two houses on the estate.”
      But Troy admits: “When the money and adulation came, I acted like a d***.”
      That could mean 15 shots of Jack Daniel’s and a scrap as he hit the town with friends and hangers on, while picking up the tab.
      Troy’s wild social life hurtled towards its perhaps inevitable conclusion in a haze of alcohol outside a nightclub in Birmingham’s Broad Street in February 2012.
      FEND FOR YOURSELF
      His dad had been diagnosed with terminal cancer of the oesophagus, leaving Troy “angry and hurt”.
      Hitting the town for a friend’s birthday the next evening, Troy and his brother were involved in a fight after knocking back £2 shots.

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      Today Troy lives happily with his partner Alisha Hosannah

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      The couple live with ten-month-old baby Clay and his step-daughter Isla
      He says: “We’d had a good night. I was going home, walking up the road and I was on the phone and someone just went, ‘You know your brother’s in a fight?’ As I turned round, there was a big melee, and I saw red.”
      He says he “forgot who I was” and “steamrollered” in.
      The following June, two days before Troy’s trial, his dad died. He was 47 and Troy read the eulogy at his funeral.
      Forty eight hours later, Watford’s star striker was jailed for ten months after admitting affray.
      Yet when the cell door slammed shut in Birmingham’s Winson Green prison, there were no tears from Troy.
      He says candidly: “I don’t cry. I struggle with it.
      “I was on K Wing. The guard who opened the door and pushed me in said, ‘Oh, by the way, the other prisoners know who you are’.
      “He shut the door. I thought, ‘Cheers, mate’. At that point, it’s just fend for yourself.”
      Troy was looked after by the other cons because his father had also served time there. And they were quick to give him a life lesson.
      He recalls: “My dad’s friends were like, ‘If we didn’t have the respect we have for your dad, we’d be filling you in. Do you know how much of an idiot you are? You were the hope for everybody else, and you’re in here with us’.
      “It was weird to be told you’re an idiot by criminals. It was a new low for me. So I went, ‘OK, I get it’.”
      Troy was fitted with an ankle tag which he wore while playing for Watford just ten days after his release after serving nearly three months.
      Fighting his way back into the team, he became the Hornets’ talisman and captain.

      It was weird to be told you’re an idiot by criminals. It was a new low for me.

      Today he lives happily with his partner and “best friend”, graphic designer Alisha Hosannah, 27, ten-month-old baby Clay and step-daughter Isla, five.
      He also has two children, Miles, ten, and five-year-old Amelia, with his ex-wife, Stacey.
      Worried for Clay’s health in the pandemic — he has suffered with breathing difficulties — Troy had initially baulked at football’s Project Restart before he was reassured by health experts and joined training.
      He bristles when I mention how internet trolls targeted Clay, saying they hoped he contracted Covid.
      He says: “Normally I laugh it off but this time my punch bag got it for an hour before I calmed down.

      “Just because footballers earn a lot of money, it doesn’t mean we’re not human.”
      Posing for photos for Sun snapper Dickie Pelham, Troy flexes a bicep with a tattoo reading: “I have fought a good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.”
      Listening to his incredible story of redemption, few would doubt it.

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      Now Troy will have a new audience as part of our unrivalled teamCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Troy Deeney calls Sky Sports reporter ‘cheeky b——’ as he asks if Watford captain, 32, will retire
      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

      Neymar is closing in on Pele’s all-time goalscoring record for Brazil, but still has lots to do to be an all-time great

      by

      LAST Tuesday Neymar scored a hat trick to carry Brazil to a 4-2 win away to Peru in a tense World Cup qualifier.
      It also meant that he has overtaken Ronaldo in Brazil’s list of all time top goalscorers.

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      Neymar’s hat trick saw him overtake Ronaldo as Brazil’s second highest goalscorerCredit: EPA

      Only Pele stands in front of him – and with 64 senior goals to Pele’s 77, it would seem only a matter of time before Neymar becomes the top marksman of the most successful team in the history of international football.
      And yet still the questions remain.
      FRIENDLY FIRE
      That match a week ago was a crunch World Cup qualifier – the only meeting in the opening two rounds of the South American campaign of two teams who both made it through to Russia 2018. These were clearly important goals.
      But so many of Neymar’s strikes for his country have come in less pressurised circumstances.

      Of his 64 Brazil goals, 42 were scored in friendlies. This high proportion, though, is hardly his fault.
      So many of his goals have come in friendlies because so many of his games – 66 of 102 caps – have been friendlies.
      BAD LUCK IN TOURNAMENTS
      Neymar has been part of the Brazil side since the first game after the 2010 World Cup.

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      Neymar’s 2014 World Cup campaign was brought short by injuryCredit: Getty – Contributor

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      While in Russia 2018 Neymar was easing his way back into fitness after a long lay offCredit: AFP
      As hosts of the next tournament they did not have to go through the qualifying process, and so for the first few years of his international career there was little else but friendlies.

      He missed the last two versions of the Copa America. In 2016 Brazil decided they would rather have him for the Olympic tournament, and injury forced him out of last year’s competition.
      His 2014 World Cup campaign was, of course, brought short by injury, and in Russia 2018 he was easing his way back from a lengthy lay off, and, histrionics aside, played at least as well as could have been expected.
      All this means that the second top scorer in Brazil’s history still has plenty to do if he is to be considered one of the all time greats.
      It is clearly a fabulous achievement to have netted more times than the likes of Ronaldo, Zico and Romario.
      LEAVING A LEGACY
      But so much of Neymar’s legacy will be determined but what his does just over two years from now in Qatar.

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      Neymar’s legacy will be determined by what happens in the next two years of his careerCredit: AFP or licensors
      Some of this also applies to his club career. True, Neymar won the Champions League in style with Barcelona. But it was Lionel Messi’s team.
      And since Neymar struck out on his own, he has to live with the limitations of the choice that he made.
      Paris Saint Germain are so dominant in France that some of his achievements there carry the weight of international friendlies.
      It is all about the knockout stages of the Champions League, in the last few months of the season. Except that this time Neymar and company may well be tested a little earlier than usual.
      Their Champions League group looks very interesting. True, Basaksehir of Turkey will be feeling their way in the competition.
      But the wonderfully coached Red Bull Leipzig will be full of confidence after their splendid exploits in the last campaign – and also had a close look at PSG in August when they lost to them in the semi final in August.
      And then there is Manchester United – not what they were, perhaps, but still much more of a threat than the teams PSG regularly brush aside in the French league.
      Paris Saint Germain came close to a first Champions League win before losing 1-0 to Bayern Munich.

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      Next up in Neymar’s sights are Manchester United in the Champions LeagueCredit: Icon Sport – Getty

      Their campaign emphasised the questions that are still hanging over Neymar – he was both brilliant and brittle, coming up with flashes of genius but collapsing under pressure in the final when the Germans took the lead.
      For both club and country, then, the jury is still out on Neymar – with no definitive decision until the next World Cup and the next couple of versions of the Champions League.
      But today’s game against United gives him an opportunity to start winning over some of the jurors.

      Everton’s Richarlison swarmed with 10,000 texts after Neymar shared his number during live-streamed video More

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      in Soccer

      Ex-Chelsea wonderkid Cameron McGeehan bought for £80k aged ten plays in Belgium and is dating MIC star Tiffany Watson

      by

      CAMERON McGEEHAN thought his Chelsea glory days were over after being released by the Blues aged 16 – until he scored off the field in West London.
      Signed from neighbours Fulham for an eye-watering £80,000 aged just TEN, the midfielder, 25, rubbed shoulders with Prem stars Nathan Ake, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Andreas Christensen while benefitting first-hand from Roman Abramovich’s millions. 

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      Cameron McGeehan and girlfriend Tiffany WatsonCredit: Instagram / @tiffanyc_watson

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      McGeehan, 25, plays in Belgium for KV OostendeCredit: Instagram / @cameronmcgheehan

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      McGeehan as a kid with Chelsea alongside club legend John TerryCredit: Instagram / @cameronmcgheehan

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      Tiffany Watson stars on reality show Made in ChelseaCredit: Instagram / @tiffanyc_watson

      Now, the former Championship player – who joined Belgian side KV Oostende from Barnsley in the summer – has bagged himself a worldie by hooking up with Made in Chelsea star Tiffany Watson, 26, during lockdown. 
      Kingston-born McGeehan told SunSport: “I’ve watched the show a couple of times and it’s quite funny seeing your girlfriend on TV – it’s an interesting career that she’s got. 
      “Girls come up to her in the street and tell her how amazing she is, which is nice to see. I’m very lucky to have met her and it’s going strong.”

      But the ex-Northern Ireland Under-21 international – who also qualifies for Scotland and the Republic of Ireland – dashed hopes he would appear alongside his new missus on the reality show. 

      He added: “I wouldn’t go on – it’s not something that is going to crossover into football.”
      McGeehan admits he threw “a spanner in the works” of his blossoming relationship by moving abroad after a loan spell at League One Portsmouth came to an end last season.
      However, after signing a three-year deal at Oostende, McGeehan has the perfect romantic weekend on his doorstep – courtesy of living In Bruges. 
      But the ace will NOT be sampling any Belgian waffles or chocolate as he maintains his vegan diet of three years – something he has in common with meat-free Tiff.

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      McGeehan spent time in the Chelsea academy before being released at 16Credit: Instagram / @cameronmcgheehan

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      McGeehan quit Barnsely for Belgium this summerCredit: Rex Features

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      McGeehan and Tiff found love during lockdownCredit: Instagram / @tiffanyc_watson

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      McGeehan’s partner Tiff helps him keep up his vegan dietCredit: Instagram / @tiffanyc_watson

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      McGeehan takes on Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah while on loan at Portsmouth last seasonCredit: AFP or licensors

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      McGeehan was brought into the Blues set-up for £80,000 aged just TENCredit: Instagram / @cameronmcgheehan
      McGeehan said: “I’m having to avoid it. The idea of eating meat now makes me feel a little bit sick. I feel a lot lighter and have a lot more energy for football. 
      “I’m the only one in the team who is vegan. But because all the other food is mass produced a few of the lads try and nick my meals at the club as they put a bit more care and attention into them.
      “Tiff’s a proper vegan advocate and she’s helped me if I’m ever slipping – there’s plenty of vegan cafes in Bruges.” 
      As a youngster McGeehan modelled his game on the midfield runs of hero and Chelsea boss Frank Lampard. 
      And he aims to return to England to compete at the highest level possible after proving himself against the top sides in the “most scouted league”, including Vincent Kompany’s Anderlecht and Champions League qualifiers Club Brugge.
      He is now enjoying something that no Premier League player currently can – running out in front of fans in stadiums.

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      McGeehan is hoping to catch the eye with his displays in BelgiumCredit: Instagram / @cameronmcgheehan

      He said: “We did the first three or four games with no crowd and then started doing 35 per cent capacity. We played at a 20,000-seat stadium and there was about 6/7,000 there and it made a massive difference.
      “I can’t understand why that can’t be done back in England and other countries as well. It’s all done safely, fans are segregated and they have to wear masks.”
      McGeehan has scored two goals in his last two games and is keen to taste more success after a stunning 2013 FA Youth Cup victory with Norwich City. 
      He captained the Canaries to a two-legged triumph over his old side Chelsea in the final – converting a penalty in both games.
      He said: “I was there when I was a kid and went back and won – it was a bit of an ‘up yours’.
      “Everyone’s journey is different – I don’t think I’ve reached the peak of my club football career yet.
      “I believe I can kick onto the next level, you never know where you could be playing in a few years.”

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      McGeehan with former England captain David BeckhamCredit: Instagram / @cameronmcgheehan

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      McGeehan played for Northern Ireland at youth level Credit: Pacemaker Press

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      McGeehan slides in against ex-Chelsea team-mate Andreas ChristensenCredit: Action Images – Reuters

      Chelsea ace Ruben Loftus-Cheek joins Fulham on season-long loan transfer with Frank Lampard wanting him to get game time More

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      in Boxing

      Kubrat Pulev was banned from boxing for kissing a reporter, dated pop star Andrea and is now accused of racism

      by

      THE date is set.
      Kubrat Pulev will fight Anthony Joshua on December 12 in London, and already the Bulgarian has been accused of racism as we count down the days till the bout.

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      Pulev, with ex-girlfriend Andrea, has been accused of racismCredit: Supplied

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      Kubrat Pulev will be Anthony Joshua’s next opponent on December 12Credit: Getty – Contributor

      The 39-year-old will be battling the British champ for his WBA, IBF and WBO titles – in what promises to be a fascinating contest.
      But when he was asked for his thoughts on Joshua, 31, in a press conference, Pulev was accused of racism after referencing the colour of his opponents skin.
      “His strengths? I’d say he has a very powerful punch undeniably,” said Pulev.
      “What are his other strengths? His tan is better than mine.”

      It’s not the first time Pulev has over-stepped the mark
      In 2019, he had his boxing licence suspended when he forcibly kissed a female reporter on the lips during an interview, and that’s not all…
      ROUND 2
      Almost three years ago, Pulev and Joshua were supposed to fight each other at Cardiff’s Principality.
      However, 11 days before the scheduled bout Pulev injured his shoulder in training and had to pull out.

      Carlos Takam stepped in at short notice, and Joshua finished the tough Frenchman in ten rounds.
      Later Pulev said he could’ve made it to the ring for the £4m payday, but knew he wouldn’t have been able to give the best account of himself.
      “It wasn’t easy for me to make that decision,” Pulev said.

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      Joshua and Pulev were supposed to fight each other in 2017Credit: AFP or licensors

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      A shoulder injury sustained in training meant Pulev had to pull out 11 days before the Anthony Joshua fightCredit: Getty – Contributor
      ”I know, in my place, almost everyone would choose to get into the ring in Cardiff, despite everything, and collect a few million.
      “Anyone else, but not me. I can beat Joshua … but I can’t beat him if I’m injured.”
      The two were also originally meant to lock horns back in June at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but the fight was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
      KISSGATE
      Last year, after defeating Bogdan Dinu in Costa Mesa, California, Pulev forcibly kissed female journalist Jennifer Ravalo, as well as reportedly “groped her buttocks”.
      She asked: “If Tyson Fury gets through Tom Schwarz, do you think you should have a shot?”
      He immediately replied “yes” before he put his hand on her chin and kissed her on the lips.
      The California State Athletic Commission immediately suspended Pulev, however his brother responded by sharing a video of Ravalo dancing with a member of Pulev’s entourage on that same night.
      Pulev denied any wrongdoing.
      He told BILD: “Everyone knows me as a friendly and polite person.
      “The woman came to me [at the weigh-in] and said, ‘After the fight, we party.'”

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      Kissgate threatened to end Pulev’s careerCredit: Refer to Caption

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      Pulev had his boxing licence suspended after a sexual harassment claimCredit: Getty – Contributor

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      Pulev was supported by his pop star ex-missus AndreaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/andreabulgaria/

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      Pulev soon had his boxing license reinstatedCredit: Instagram @andreabulgaria
      The heavyweight contender was slapped with a £2,000 fine, as well as the six month suspension from boxing and could only regain a license if he completed a sexual harassment awareness course.
      Four months later, Pulev had his boxing licence reinstated by the CSAC after he completed the class.
      He was warned if he pulled the same stunt again, he’d have his licence revoked again.
      POWER COUPLE
      Pulev’s long-term girlfriend was a blonde bombshell with a big voice, until they split last year.
      The fighter began dating pop star Andrea, 33, since 2006, but they broke off their romance after she accused him of cheating on her on social media.
      Andrea, real name Teodora Rumenova Andreeva, won numerous beauty pageants including Miss Sofia and Miss Tourism Bulgaria.

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      Andrea is a huge pop star in BulgariaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/andreabulgaria/

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      When Andrea was a teenager she won Miss Sofia and Miss Tourism Bulgaria beauty pageantsCredit: Instagram @andreabulgaria

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      Andrea was one half of Bulgaria’s most famous celebrity couplesCredit: Instagram @andreabulgaria

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      Bulgarian beauty Andrea has also amassed over 320,000 followers on InstagramCredit: https://www.instagram.com/andreabulgaria/

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      Andrea’s real name is Teodora Rumenova Andreeva

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      Andrea reportedly began dating Pulev in 2006

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      Andrea stuck by her man when he was accused of sexual harassment

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      Like many boxing Wags, Andrea enjoyed jumping into the ring when her partner’s fights endedCredit: Instagram @andreabulgaria
      She has won over 30 awards like “Balkan Star” on “Beogradski Pobednik” in Belgrade, “European Performer of the Year on “Kralevski Festival” in Kraljevo Serbia, “Balkan Star” on “Montefolk Awards” in Montenegro.
      And Andrea is hugely popular on social media, amassing over 350,000 followers on Instagram.
      ONE BLIP ON HIS RECORD
      Pulev boasts a professional fighting record of 28-1, with the only man to defeat him being someone Joshua has beat in the past.
      In 2014, Pulev fought Wladimir Klitschko at the O2 World Arena in Hamburg and met his match.
      In a one-sided duel he was knocked down three times before Klitschko put him out of his misery and knocked him down one final time with a devastating left-hook in the fifth.
      “Wladimir is a really good opponent, but he was lucky. I want a rematch,” Pulev said after the fight.
      He never got one.

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      Pulev boasts a 28-1 record and hails from BulgariaCredit: Getty – Contributor

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      Like Anthony Joshua Pulev has gone toe-to-toe with Wladimir Klitschko in the ringCredit: AFP – Getty

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      Pulev was floored by Klitschko three times before being knocked outCredit: Getty – Contributor

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      A left hook finished Pulev off in the fifth roundCredit: Getty – Contributor
      SNUBBED GERMANY
      He’s not called ‘The Pride of Bulgaria’ for nothing.
      Named after a Bulgarian medieval ruler, and born in Sofia, Pulev could never align himself with another nation.

      ‘SHAMEFUL’
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      HUNTING IT DOWN
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      MIKE DROP
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      But over the years, he has declined several lucrative financial offers to fight for Germany.
      However, Pulev views it as a matter of principle and has said he would never change his national allegiance.
      Germany’s loss is Bulgaria’s gain, and he will be wearing their flag when he steps into the ring with Joshua next.

      Tyson Fury tells Anthony Joshua to grow a pair and step up to fight More

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      in Boxing

      Mike Tyson’s most controversial moments, from serving time in prison to biting Holyfield’s ear and drug addiction hell

      by

      IT’S no wonder Hollywood loves his story too.
      Mike Tyson, 54, if he’s not already immortalised through boxing, will have his name in lights with a biopic – and Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx taking on the lead role.

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      Mike Tyson’s life has been dogged by controversial momentsCredit: Instagram

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      Jamie Foxx is playing Tyson in a Hollywood movie based on the boxer’s colourful lifeCredit: Instagram

      And it will, surely, feature Iron Mike’s most controversial moments during what has been the most colourful career a sports star could ever have.
      Accusations of being violent towards a former wife, a self-confessed addiction to cocaine and a rape conviction that led to time behind bars add to his mystique outside the ring.
      In the ring, he famously bit the ear off an opponent and spat it out – and bragged about putting opponents in a body bag.
      Controversy has dogged Tyson, set to make his long-awaited comeback on November 28 in an exhibition fight against Roy Jones Jr, throughout his life.

      YOUNG THUG
      Tyson grew up in modest surroundings in Brooklyn and immediately fell into trouble.
      Constantly bullied as a kid because of his weight and a lisp, he found his identity by robbing houses, beating people up and doing drugs.
      He ran with the local Rutland Road crew – a gang of youths who called themselves the ‘Cats’.
      He claimed in his book Undisputed Truth that he snorted his first line of coke aged 11.

      Before he turned 13, Tyson had been arrested an astonishing 38 times.

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      Before Tyson was 13 he was arrested 38 times

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      Tyson lived in Brooklyn in a modest home and ran with the Cats gangCredit: YouTube
      Later, he would spend time in and out of a juvenile detention centre in the Bronx called Spofford.
      At 14, Tyson met legendary trainer Cus D’Amato – who channeled the boy’s aggression and moulded him into the meanest fighter the world has ever seen.
      Cus gave Tyson a mantra – “The best fighter in the world. Nobody can beat me,” which the aspiring boxer would repeat over and over again.
      TRAPPINGS OF FAME
      As Tyson became one of the most famous and wealthiest sports stars on the planet, he had women throwing themselves at him.
      His most explosive love affair was with first wife Robin Givens from 1988 to 1989.
      They married 11 months after their first date, on which they were reportedly joined by her mother and publicist.
      According to Tyson, they had a hastily arranged wedding when Givens announced she was pregnant.
      He had already given Givens and her mum £3million to buy a New Jersey estate, as well as put £6.5million in another account for the pair.
      But shortly after money was exchanged, Robin told Mike she’d had a miscarriage.

      Robin Givens and Mike Tyson had an explosive love affair from 1988Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Givens allegedly brought her mum along to her first date with TysonCredit: AP:Associated Press

      The pair walked down the aisle just 11 months after meetingCredit: AP:Associated Press

      In a TV interview Givens called Tyson intimidating and said she was scared of himCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The pair later appeared in a cringe-worthy interview with US journalist Barbara Walters, where Givens revealed her three-month marriage to Tyson was “torture, pure hell, worse than anything I could possibly imagine”.
      Asked if Tyson ever hit her, Givens said: “He shakes, he pushes, he… swings. Sometimes I think he’s trying to scare me.
      “There were times that it happened that I thought I could handle it, and just recently, I have become afraid. I mean, very, very much afraid.”
      Givens filed for divorce soon after the interview.
      Years later, Tyson admitted in another book Fire and Fear: The Inside Story of Mike Tyson that Givens was on the receiving end of the best punch he’s ever thrown.
      CAREER IN TATTERS
      In 1991, Tyson was arrested for the rape of 18-year-old model Desiree Washington, a former Miss Black Rhode Island, in a hotel room in Indianapolis.
      He was soon put on trial at the Marion County superior court, with his career and future in jeopardy.
      Washington’s story was corroborated by Tyson’s then-chauffeur Virginia Foster, who revealed the beauty’s state of shock moments after the incident.
      ER physician Thomas Richardson, who examined Washington, provided further testimony that her physical condition was consistent with rape.

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      Miss Black Rhode Island Desiree Washington accused Tyson of rapeCredit: Rex Features

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      In 1992 Tyson was sentenced to six years in prisonCredit: AFP
      Despite Tyson’s protestations that Washington had given him full consent, he was sentenced to six years in prison in 1992 along with four years of probation.
      He was just 25 at the time and it looked like he had wasted his early potential.
      SEX OFFENDER
      In the past, Tyson has been open about his sexual endeavours.
      He confessed to enjoying orgies and sleeping with multiple women in his heyday.
      And in prison he got his fix too.
      Random female visitors would visit him in prison just to have sex with him, which he happily obliged with.
      Then, Tyson got involved with a prison drug counsellor after he gave her around £8,000 to fix her roof.
      ”I was having so much sex that I was too tired to even to go the gym and work out,” Tyson wrote.
      “I’d just stay in my cell all day.”

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      Tyson, who once owned tigers, saw his life come crashing down when he went to prisonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      However, Tyson managed to get his sex fix in prison sleeping with random visitors and a counsellorCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      HOLYFIELD SCANDAL
      After serving three years of his sentence, Tyson was on the comeback trail and regained his crown as the king of the heavyweight division.
      He dispensed of Peter McNeeley, Buster Mathis Jr, Frank Bruno and Bruce Seldon with ease – winning both the WBC and WBA belts along the way.
      However, he met his match against Evander Holyfield.
      After losing the first fight, the rematch became infamous for a shocking moment that shook the boxing world.
      At the end of the third round, Tyson was disqualified for biting Holyfield on both ears.
      The final chomp was so severe a piece of Holyfield’s right ear was found on the ring floor after the fight.
      Tyson’s purse was suspended, his boxing licence was rescinded and he was fined around £2million.

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      His infamous fight against Evander Holyfield resulted in disqualification for ear bitingCredit: AFP – Getty

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      A piece of Holyfield’s ear was later found in the ringCredit: Allsport
      DETACHABLE PENIS
      Tyson has admitted his problems with drug abuse – most notably cocaine.
      He used throughout his career, even before big fights as his habit spiralled out of control.
      “I was a full-blown cokehead,” Tyson said in Undisputed Truth.
      “The history of war is the history of drugs. Every great general and warrior from the beginning of time was high.”
      And Tyson found a novel way to cheat drug tests, while he snorted lines of powder before stepping in the ring.
      He would use a fake penis filled with someone else’s urine he and his entourage called the ‘whizzer’.
      However, the ‘whizzer’ failed him in 2000 when he tested positive for marijuana and was fined £150,000.

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      Tyson, a self-admitted drug addict, would get his entourage to carry around a fake penis filled with their urine to cheat drug testsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

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      Tyson was often high before big fightsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      NOW A DRUG DEALER
      After finding redemption in Hollywood – starring in films including The Hangover – Tyson has rebuilt his life.
      But it’s by drugs – once his scourge – he’s now making his millions from.
      In 2016, he set up Tyson Holistic – selling cannabis products as potent as one of his uppercuts.
      Tyson is believed to earn around £500,000-per-month through his business – based in California where growing and selling cannabis products is regulated and legal – that offers premium marijuana strains, edibles and extracts.
      In 2019, he launched a small pop-up music extravaganza he called the Kind Music Festival.
      He walked around the site, greeting revellers, who enjoyed acts including Miguel and A$AP Ferg, while smoking joints.

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      Today, Tyson is a fully-fledged drug dealerCredit: Refer to Caption

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      The former heavyweight champion owns Tyson Holistic and sells legal cannabis products

      MIKE DROP
      Slurring Mike Tyson shocks GMB viewers during ‘car crash’ interview with Piers

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      And in his sights Tyson has a cannabis-themed theme park called the Tyson Ranch in the works.
      Described as the “wonderland of weed”, guests will be able smoke marijuana anywhere within the resort, except where alcohol is sold.
      Tyson just can’t stop courting controversy.

      Mike Tyson in car crash interview with Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid as pair struggle to get coherent answers from ex-champ More

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      in Soccer

      Mike Tyson’s most shocking TV interviews, from slurring on GMB to cringing chat with an ex-wife who called him violent

      by

      JUDGING by these chats, interviewing Mike Tyson should come with a health warning.
      ‘Iron Mike’, who is making his long-awaited return to the ring against Roy Jones Jr on November 28, has had a checkered past when it comes to chats with journalists.

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      Mike Tyson gave a cringing interview on GMBCredit: ITV

      7

      ‘Iron Mike’ appeared slurry in his chat with Piers Morgan and Susanna ReidCredit: ITV

      On Tuesday, he gave a car-crash interview to Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid on GMB as he promoted his next fight.
      And it’s not the first time Tyson has been difficult to manage.
      These interviewers got more than they bargained for, when they asked the wrong question.
      ‘YOU’RE A PIECE OF S***!’
      Back in 2014, Mike appeared on a live news show on Canadian TV to promote his stand-up tour Undisputed Truth.

      While in Toronto, he was seen hanging out with infamous mayor Rob Ford, who at the time was running for re-election.
      Asked by the host if that would harm Ford’s chances with Tyson being a “convicted rapist,” the heavyweight boxing legend was riled.
      After answering calmly, he stewed for a while before unleashing: “You know, you come across as a nice guy but really you’re a piece of s***!”
      The interviewer appears to have calmed Tyson down, until right at the end Mike barks “f*** you!”

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      Tyson turned the airwaves blue on Canadian TV
      [embedded content]
      THE ONE WITH THE EX-WIFE
      In his joint-interview with Barbara Walters for ABC news show 20/20 with ex-wife Robin Givens from 1988, Mike doesn’t say anything.
      But, if looks could kill…
      During the chat, Givens revealed her three-month marriage to Tyson is “torture, pure hell, worse than anything I could possibly imagine” as he sits there looking furious.
      Asked if Tyson has ever hit her, Givens said: “He shakes, he pushes, he… swings. Sometimes I think he’s trying to scare me.
      “There were times that it happened that I thought I could handle it, and just recently, I have become afraid. I mean, very, very much afraid.”

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      Ex-wife Robin Givens left Tyson furious when she revealed he was violent towards her
      [embedded content]
      ‘YOU’VE GOT TO GO’
      In 2009, Tyson’s daughter Exodus tragically died after accidentally strangling herself on a treadmill cord.
      He bravely appeared on TV to emotionally discuss the incident, as well as his own issues with drugs.
      But as Tyson was moved to tears by the line of questioning, he eerily told the reporter “you’ve got to go” before taking off his mic and leaving the interview.
      Tyson chilling added, “you understand,” as the journalist looked stunned.

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      An emotional Tyson speaks openly about his daughter’s death
      [embedded content]
      BEDSIDE MANNER
      At times, Tyson struggled to handle fame.
      And he had his own unique way of asking people to stop bothering him – while wanting oral sex.
      “I may like to fornicate more than other people – it’s just who I am,” Tyson said in another interview.
      “I sacrifice so much of my life, can I at least get laid?
      “I mean, I been robbed of my most of my money, can I at least get a blowjob without the people wanting to harass me and wanting to throw me in jail?”
      [embedded content]
      A DEATH ON HIS RECORD
      Forget what Deontay Wilder once said.
      Before the Bronze Bomber declared he wanted a death on his knockout record, Tyson in his prime was happy to declare that he puts his opponents in body bags.
      He once stated at a press conference: “Y’all guys know what I do…I put people in body bags.”
      And in a chilling chat before a bout with Donovan Ruddock, he laid out his plans for the Canadian boxer.
      “If he doesn’t die, it doesn’t count,” he said about defeating his foe.

      Mike Tyson’s amazing homes

      BOXING legend Mike Tyson bought and sold some amazing properties during his phenomenal career.

      [embedded content]

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      Mike Tyson is renowned for giving explosive interviews
      SKY’S THE LIMIT
      In 2009, Tyson appeared on Sky News and was quizzed by Dermot Murnaghan about his incredible rise to the top.
      But when the conversation turned to Tyson’s rape conviction, a red mist descended over the Hangover actor.
      “I was a young kid then,” he retailiated.
      “I’m 43 years old and you’re still dwelling on something I did when I was 20.
      “What do you want to get from this interview?

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      Tyson was left bemused by some of Dermot Murnaghan’s questions in an interview on Sky News
      [embedded content]
      [embedded content]

      “I don’t know if I am (a different person now) or not. I don’t want to be the person I was but change comes in time.
      “You’re irritating me now. I guess I did change because I’m not assailing you.
      “You’re irritating me right now because I feel as though you’re evoking stuff from the past — that stuff is from 15 or 20 years ago.” More