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      in Soccer

      Five reasons Koeman could be wrong for Barcelona, from causing player mutiny at Valencia to squandering cash at Everton

      by

      SO we have it.
      Former Southampton and Everton boss Ronald Koeman has been named the new Barcelona manager.

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      Ronald Koeman has been named as the new Barcelona managerCredit: AFP or licensors

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      Koeman returns to the club where he played his best footballCredit: Instagram @fcbarcelona

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      Barcelona won their first European Cup with a Koeman goalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The Dutch legend, who scored the winning goal for the Catalans in their first ever European Cup win, has taken over the reigns from Quique Setien after their 8-2 humbling at the hands of Bayern Munich.
      And he’s got a big job on his hands – first, convincing talisman Lionel Messi that his future belongs at the Camp Nou.
      Second, getting the fallen club back to winning ways after a disastrous season that’s saw Barça finish behind Real Madrid in La Liga and end 2019-20 without a trophy.
      But is Koeman, 57, the man for the job? SunSport gives you five reasons why he might not be.

      FALLOUT IN VALENCIA
      At a club where egos are rife, Koeman will have his hands full with managing the world’s best players.
      And at Valencia, during his stint as boss from 2007-08, he was blessed with a squad that featured the likes of David Villa, David Silva, Juan Mata and Spain legend David Albeda.
      It was with the latter who Koeman had the biggest disagreement with.
      When the Dutchman took over from Quique Sanchez Flores, Los Ches’ fortunes nose-dived.

      They crashed out of the Champions League, finishing bottom of their group and failed to qualify for the Uefa Cup.

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      At Valencia Koeman lost the dressing roomCredit: AFP

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      David Villa was one of the many players at Valencia Koeman had at his disposalCredit: Reuters
      From being four points off the top of the pace in La Liga, they soon dropped out of contention.
      Koeman called a public enquiry.
      “Valencia is a ship and those who don’t want to be on board, will be out,” he said ahead of the January transfer window.
      The public flogging of personnel caused a player mutiny – with Albeda and three other first team regulars humiliated by Koeman’s slaughtering of them.
      Albeda, the club captain, sued the club to terminate his contract.
      Two points off the relegation zone, Koeman was sacked by Valencia having lost the dressing room.

      SQUANDERED CASH
      After a successful stint at Southampton, thanks to the brilliant recruitment of Sadio Mane, Dusan Tadic and Graziano Pelle, a bigger Premier League job at Everton came around in 2016.
      And in his first season he guided the Toffees to a top seven finish – qualifying for the Europa League.
      Buoyed by his success, Koeman was handed a sizeable transfer kitty by the Everton board to boost his promising squad and push for a top four finish.

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      At Everton Koeman was handed a sizeable transfer kittyCredit: PA:Empics Sport

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      £140million was spent as Koeman tried to turn his team into a top four sideCredit: AFP or licensors

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      £40million was spent on Gylfi SigurdssonCredit: Getty – Contributor

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      Koeman was sacked after just 16 months in the jobCredit: Rex Features
      £140million was spent – with the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson (£40million) and Davy Klaasen for £23.6million coming in.
      However, that money would’ve been best served buying a striker to replace the departing Romelu Lukaku.
      Nine games into the new season and Everton were sat in 18th place, following a 5-2 thrashing by Arsenal.
      Koeman was given the chop, once again, just 16 months after taking over.
      THE STRESS
      Managing a club like Barcelona brings with it expectation among its fanbase to win La Liga every season.
      If not, a Copa del Rey win and a solid Champions League campaign are a must to appease trigger-happy board members.
      For Koeman, the job will bring him stress that could be detrimental to his health.
      Least we forget, it was only seven weeks ago that Koeman was rushed to an Amsterdam hospital for an emergency heart procedure.
      “As a result of this event you realise what really matters in life,” he said back in May.
      He added: “At this moment I feel great. Which means that I can face things with a lot of energy, as soon as the ball rolls again.”

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      Koeman suffered a heart scare only seven weeks agoCredit: https://www.instagram.com/ronaldkoeman/

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      Koeman steps on a private jet headed for Barcelona to take over the reignsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      According to De Telegraaf, Koeman has been told by doctors he has now made a full recovery and is ready to work again.
      But when the pressure mounts, and if results go awry, Koeman’s health will be put under strain.
      12-YEARS AND NO MAJOR TROPHY
      Koeman started off his management career strongly in his homeland.
      With Ajax he won the Dutch league twice, and scored a job in Portugal with Benfica.
      But after failing to land the Portuguese title, he was back in Holland with PSV, who he led to an Eredivisie win in 2007.
      The last major trophy Koeman won was with Valencia in 2008 – beating Getafe 3-1 in the Copa del Rey.
      Most recently, he led Netherlands to runners-up in the Nations League.
      Second place won’t cut it at Barcelona.

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      Koeman’s last side to win a trophy were Valencia in 2008 with their Copa del Rey winCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Under Koeman Holland finished Nations League runners-upCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Koeman has signed a two-year deal with Barcelona but is joining a club in crisisCredit: Reuters
      TIME ISN’T ON HIS SIDE
      Koeman has signed a two-year deal with Barcelona.
      That doesn’t give the new boss much time to sort out his charges.

      He’s joining a club in crisis, fresh from Champions League humiliation and skint after the coronavirus pandemic stripped their economic muscle in the transfer market.
      Add to that Messi’s apparent unhappiness and request to leave, Luis Suarez being courted by Ajax, Arthur’s drink-driving arrest and the sacking of sporting director Eric Abidal – it looks like an impossible ship to steady.
      Is Koeman the right captain to steer them clear of trouble?
      Only time will tell. More

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      in Boxing

      Inside the Matchroom mansion, Eddie Hearn’s former home converted into office with gym, pool and helipad

      by

      THE Matchroom HQ in Essex is where boxing promoter Eddie Hearn makes all his key decisions.
      Originally bought by his dad Barry around 30 years ago, it’s was the family’s former house before it became the home of boxing, snooker and darts.

      The stunning Matchroom HQ where Eddie Hearn conducts his businessCredit: https://www.instagram.com/eddiehearn/

      Eddies dad Barry Hearn bought the property for £200,000Credit: Rex Features
      Then, it cost Hearn Sr a meagre £200,000 – and was an upgrade from the Dagenham council house he grew up in.
      The property boasts a gym and swimming pool, which Hearn’s staff and pool of fighters can use.
      While in the lush expansive garden, you’ll find a helipad and occasionally a boxer working out with pads or going for a run.
      Join SunSport for a tour inside.

      LEISURE COMPLEX
      Matchroom HQ isn’t just a place where Hearn meets his fighters, conducts media days and draws out his plans for boxing domination.
      It’s also a place that boasts a leisure complex, in which fighters can exercise with their trainers.
      “The key to a healthy mind is a healthy body,” Hearn told The Daily Mail.
      “We’ve got a pool and a gym upstairs, where the fighters come in for meetings, can have some sessions with their trainers and do some strength work in the pool.

      Originally, the Hearns lived in the stately home

      The leisure complex features a pool Hearn’s stable of fighters and staff take advantage ofCredit: Talksport

      Fight posters dominate Matchroom HQs officeCredit: Talksport

      Artwork from the first Froch v Groves fight sits pride of place in Hearn’s officeCredit: Talksport
      “This pool has been used by a number of great fighters over the years – Chris Eubank, Jim McDonnell, and Darren Barker.
      “It’s great to have this facility here, not only for our staff and our employers and our team, but also for our team of fighters.”
      INCREDIBLE GROUNDS
      Surrounding the stately property are some stunning grounds.
      It’s where Anthony Joshua and Co. love to go for a run, and even some outdoor pad work.
      “There’s some great runs in the forest,” Hearn revealed.
      “Many fighters have been seen through the years doing many a circuit.
      “In the summertime, actually, a lot of them come out here and do their pad work, circuits and strength work.
      “It’s a great feel and great to have the fighters here, when they are around.”

      Barry and Eddie Hearn pose in the lush gardensCredit: Action Images – Reuters

      Eddie Hearn is effectively in charge of the business these daysCredit: � Will Wintercross / eyevine.

      Dotted around Matchroom HQ are photographs of Hearn’s fighters’ most impressive momentsCredit: TalkSport
      THEY’VE COME A LONG WAY
      Eddie’s dad Barry has come a long way since his own childhood.
      He came from a Dagenham council estate, but made good as a promoter for the likes of Chris Eubank, Nigel Benn and Lennox Lewis.
      Although Eddie is effectively in charge of the business these days, Barry still has the better office.
      “This was the house my dad bought about 30 years ago,” he told TalkSport.
      “He was from a council house in Dagenham, did well, and this was his first major purchase.
      “I grew up here, so we feel great here and it’s been very good to us.
      “He paid two hundred grand for it at the time. Looks like a good investment now, but more than the money this has been a very lucky place for us.
      “We’re big believers in that and luck.”

      Self-confessed boxing fanatic Hearn collects the gloves of his fightersCredit: TalkSport

      Barry Hearn came from a Dagenham council estate before he made his millionsCredit: Rex Features

      Fittingly, Barry still has the better officeCredit: Rex Features
      FIGHT ISLAND
      Like Dana White has done with the UFC, Eddie has created his own ‘Fight Island’ to stage boxing matches.
      However, his plans are more personal. Hearn is turning the mansion’s garden into a fighting arena, and events started from August 1.
      Hearn said: “Our project restart is about staging live boxing from the garden there with a canopy.
      “You’ve heard of Madison Square Garden and this is the new garden.
      “We talked about doing boxing in studios and there’s a lot of people doing it. I just feel like when you are talking about a gladiatorial sport, like boxing, you need to create that moment, that energy, not just for the viewer at home but the fighter as well.
      “We’ve got big plans. It looks fantastic. There’s still a long way to go. I think it’s 90 per cent for us. Anything could happen at any time.
      HOW IT’LL WORK
      And Hearn has really thought it through.
      “There’s a hotel at the bottom of the road that we will take over. On the Wednesday, before the Saturday, everybody will turn up. Fighters, Sky team, corners, our team will all be tested at a facility,” he continued.

      Eddie Hearn has bold plans for boxing the boxing coronavirus pandemicCredit: Talksport

      Hearn is staging boxing fights from the Matchroom HQ gardenCredit: https://www.instagram.com/eddiehearn/

      Hearn showed off his plans on social mediaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/eddiehearn/
      “You don’t enter the hotel specifically, you enter a side building and you get tested and then you get your key, go into your room and don’t leave until you get the results.

      WHYTE NOISE
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      “Once you get a negative results, you are allowed into Matchroom Fight Camps. We create a sterile environment. No one is allowed to interact with anyone from outside fight camp during that period.
      “The problem with this virus is people are still learning. We are having a dozen calls a day with doctors and testing facilities. It’s such a mountain to climb.
      “We are going to be having around 90 people on site and everyone will be tested before they go into the facility.” More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Mykonos is luxury holiday island adored by footballers like Maguire, Alli and girlfriend Ruby Mae with clubs and beaches

      by

      THERE is no need to whisper it quietly, Mykonos is enjoying a renaissance among football’s elite.
      The glorious Greek island that boasts stunning beaches and nightclubs played by world-renowned international DJs has become the go-to place for the Premier League’s high-fliers.

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      Harry Maguire and partner Fern Hawkins have been staying in MykonosCredit: Instagram / @_fernhawkins

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      Ruby Mae, Dele Alli’s girlfriend, showed of their luxury holiday in Mykonos on InstagramCredit: instagram.com/rube_mae
      Particularly attractive this summer, because of its exclusion from the quarantine list (for now), England stars Harry Maguire and Dele Alli, plus Gunners pair Rob Holding and Callum Chambers have recently holidayed there.
      Manchester United trio Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Scott McTominay have also visited the island this summer.
      Danny Drinkwater, Ben Chilwell, Jack Grealish and Tammy Abraham also jetted out at the end of their seasons.
      And here’s what they’ve been enjoying.

      IT’S A BEACH LIFE
      After a long season on grass, nothing will beat the feeling of sand between the toes on the Platis Gialos Beach, while enjoying the searing heat.
      Temperatures in August average 29 degrees during the day, with a low of 24 degrees in the evening.
      So if you’re footballer looking for relaxation and a good tan, you can’t do any worse than Mykonos.
      Ornos is another wonderful spot for peace and quiet, ideal for a footy star and his missus to sunbathe on and enjoy a dip in the sea.

      But the beaches aren’t all about relaxation.
      Just like Ibiza, Mykonos has its own party beaches – Paradise, Super Paradise, and Paraga.
      At night these places come alive.

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      Footballers like Kaka are attracted to the beaches of MykonosCredit: The Mega Agency

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      Wayne Rooney tops up his tan on holiday in Mykonos in 2017Credit: Splash News

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      PSG star Kevin Trapp and Izabel Goulart enjoy a romantic beachside kissCredit: The Mega Agency

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      Platis Gialos Beach is commonly used for sunbathing by locals and footballersCredit: Rex Features

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      Footballers like Rob Holding enjoy the warm evening temperatures of MykonosCredit: Instagram / @rholding95
      NIGHTLIFE
      Of course, footballers love to let their hair down.
      And they deserve it after giving their all for club and country.
      Lucky for those headed to Mykonos, the nightlife on the island is off the charts – with incredible bars and exclusive nightclubs attracting the biggest VIPs.
      Cavo Paradiso has been regarded as one of the meccas of the dance music scene since it opened its doors 27 years ago.
      The likes of Calvin Harris, Carl Cox, Erick Morillo and Fatboy Slim have all played epic sets for punters at this superclub perched on a hill above Paradise Beach.
      Then there’s the Bonbonniere Mykonos nightspot that’s become the place to be seen since 2015, and has attracted celebrities including Nicole Scherzinger and Lindsay Lohan.
      It boasts the most expensive champagne on the island – delivered to your table in a giant Fabergé Egg.

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      Cavo Paradiso is one of the most famous nightclubs in the world

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      The Rooneys get ready for a night out on the tiles

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      Man Utd star Brandon Williams with girlfriend Shanice Eastmond get ready for a night on the Greek islandCredit: Instagram / @shaniceeastyy
      EATING OUT
      Greek fare – grilled meats and tasty seafood – fit perfectly into an athlete’s diet.
      So any food-conscious footballer will take delight in indulging in the local cuisine.
      The restaurant they tend to flock to is Nammos – a beachfront spot that offers a mix of Greek and Italian specialties, with the occasional Arabic dish tossed in for good measure.
      The Nammos meatballs are a must, while lavish diners will wolf down lobster or crab at prices as much as £100-per-head.
      Standard mains start at around £18, with light sushi also available. It’s not cheap, but you are amongst the jet-set.

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      Footballers like Callum Chambers will be conscious of what they eat and still manage a workout while on holiday

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      Haute cuisine is prepared at Nammos restaurant
      DELE’S DIGS
      When Dele Alli and his beautiful girlfriend Ruby Mae stay on the island, they opt for the exclusive KENSHŌ Boutique Hotels and Villas in Ornos Beach.
      And they aren’t the only famous faces to have dropped into the five-star resort.
      Over the years supermodels Bella Hadid and Alessandra Ambrosio have soaked in a hot tub or relaxed by their private pools found with their suites.
      And you’d have to be earning footballers’ wages to stay here.

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      Ruby Mae poses on the balcony of her suite at KENSHO Boutique Hotels and Villas

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      A suite at KENSHO Boutique Hotels and Villas costs around £550-per-night during peak seasonCredit: kenshomykonos.com

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      A-list clientele including supermodels Bella Hadid and Alessandra Ambrosio have stayed at KENSHO Boutique Hotels and VillasCredit: kenshomykonos.com

      With prices starting at around £550-per-night, that won’t make a dent in Alli’s £100k-per-week salary.
      KENSHO also boasts a charming restaurant with sea views, serving Asian and Latin dishes.
      If it’s good enough for Dele, it’s good enough for us.

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      Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham visited with his partnerCredit: Instagram / @tammyabraham1

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      Jack Grealish spent time at a training camp on the island

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      Danny Drinkwater and Ben Chilwell met up in MykonosCredit: Instagram @dannydrinkwater

      Dele Alli’s girlfriend Ruby Mae looks stunning as she shows off her hottest party wear More

    • 263 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      The amazing rise of Harry Maguire, from being England’s World Cup hero to Man Utd captain and dating a beautiful Wag

      by

      HARRY MAGUIRE has come a long way since dreaming of football stardom in Yorkshire.
      The Sheffield-born star has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the game – which culminated in his record-breaking move to Manchester United last summer, and becoming Red Devils captain.

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      Harry Maguire has enjoyed a meteoric rise Credit: EPA

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      Maguire, on holiday in Mykonos with Fern Hawkins, was arrested on the Greek Island following a brawlCredit: Instagram / @_fernhawkins
      Maguire, 27, is still the world’s most expensive defender following an £80million move from Leicester City, after his World Cup heroics with England.
      But he’s got himself in bother in Mykonos on holiday with his beautiful Wag, Fern Hawkins.
      The 6ft 4in centre half was arrested after am alleged bust-up with cops on the Greek Island.
      THE MAKING OF THE MAN
      Maguire fulfilled a childhood dream by playing for Sheffield United between 2011-14, where he came through their youth system.

      In his first full season, he helped the Blades into the playoffs as they attempted to gain promotion from League One.
      He was named both their Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year during a remarkable nine month spell.
      It was inevitable a move to a bigger club was on the cards, and in 2014 Steve Bruce made Maguire a Premier League player snapping him up for Hull City £2.5million.
      Despite the East Yorkshire club’s relegation, Leicester City were convinced that Maguire had quality to succeed at the top-level and splashed £17million on him.

      His commitment to the Foxes’ cause – he played every game of the 2017-18 campaign – earned him the Players’ Player of the Season, as well as Fans’ Player of the Year in his first season.

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      As a teenager, Maguire starred for boyhood club Sheffield UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Leicester City paid £17m for Maguire’s services in 2017Credit: Reuters
      And he became an England international, making his debut for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions in a 1-0 win away at Lithuania in the last group game of the 2018 World Cup qualification campaign.
      THE WORLD STAGE
      When Maguire was named in Southgate’s squad for the World Cup in Russia, it’s fair to say he wasn’t a household name on the global stage.
      But when the tournament was over, he was the best centre half on show.
      He became England’s hero – first assisting Harry Kane’s winner against Tunisia in the opening game.
      Then, ‘Slabhead’, as he affectionately became nicknamed because of his large forehead, got his bonce on an Ashley Young cross to set England on their way to a 2-0 win over Sweden in the quarter-final.
      His play was lauded. Not only was he a man who could defend bravely and put his body on the line.
      Maguire was also an assured reader of the game and comfortable bringing the ball out of defence and kick-starting England’s attacks from the back.
      After England’s semi-final exit, Maguire returned back home a hero.
      It was a matter of time before the big clubs came calling.

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      Maguire heads in England’s opener during the 2-0 win over Sweden at the 2018 World CupCredit: Reuters

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      Maguire’s heroics at the 2018 World Cup put him on the mapCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      RED DEVIL
      Every player has their price.
      But Maguire could never have imagined how desperately Manchester United wanted him to be the linchpin of their side.
      In what was one of the longest running transfer sagas of the summer of 2019, he finally became a United player with record-breaking transfer fee for a defender.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer parted with an astonishing £80million to make Maguire their man – eclipsing the £75million rivals Liverpool paid for Virgil Van Dijk.
      “When Manchester United come knocking on your door, it is an incredible opportunity,” Maguire revealed.
      Five months into his six-year deal Solskjaer officially made him his captain – replacing the departing Ashley Young, who he had deputised for.
      “He’s come in and been a leader in the group,” the Norwegian boss said.
      “I’ve been, not surprised, but I’ve been impressed by his leadership skills, so Harry will keep on wearing the armband.”

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      Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made Maguire the most expensive defender ever when he signed himCredit: Getty

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      Maguire has since become Manchester United captain because of his leadership qualitiesCredit: AP:Associated Press
      GENEROUS LEADER
      While the world was in lockdown because of the coronavirus pandemic, Maguire knew he had to step up to the plate.
      He led as a captain.
      Maguire asked his fellow professionals to dig deep into their pockets and donate 30 per cent of their hefty wages to charity.
      The Players Together fund was created, generating an incredible £4million to the NHS.
      The donations were handed over to NHS staff, volunteers and coronavirus patients to tackle the UK’s worst national health crisis in a generation.
      That act of kindness led to players around the world taking note and doing their bit.
      He had done as a leader should.

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      Maguire created the Players Together fund to aid the NHSCredit: EPA
      BEHIND EVERY GREAT MAN…
      Gorgeous Fern Hawkins has been by Maguire’s side during his epic rise.
      Like Harry she’s from Sheffield, and they met in 2011 – before he became a global superstar.

      In 2018, romantic Maguire whisked Fern to Paris where he got down on one knee and proposed.
      Later that year she was seen at the World Cup flashing a sparkling diamond ring, while supporting her beau in an England shirt cheering the Three Lions on from the stands.
      The pair, who have two daughters – Lillie and Piper – were seen enjoying their holiday in Mykonos before his arrest.

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      Fern Hawkins has been by Maguire’s side during his epic rise

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      Gorgeous Hawkins hails from Sheffield like MaguireCredit: Instagram @_fernhawkins

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      Hawkins and Maguire met in 2011Credit: Refer to Caption

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      In 2018 Maguire popped the questionCredit: Instagram @_fernhawkins

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      Hawkins and Maguire have two children togetherCredit: Instagram

      Footage of Manchester United’s Harry Maguire smiling with fans in a bar day before arrest in Mykonos More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Mykonos is the luxury hotspot loved by footballers like Maguire, Alli and girlfriend Ruby Mae with clubs and beaches

      by

      THERE’S no need to whisper it quietly, Mykonos is enjoying a renaissance among football’s elite.
      The glorious Greek island that boasts stunning beaches and nightclubs played by world-renowned international DJs has become the go-to place for the Premier League’s best.

      18

      Harry Maguire and partner Fern Hawkins have been staying in MykonosCredit: Instagram / @_fernhawkins

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      Ruby Mae, Dele Alli’s girlfriend, showed of their luxury holiday in Mykonos on InstagramCredit: instagram.com/rube_mae
      Particularly attractive this summer, because of its exclusion from the quarantine list (for now), England stars Harry Maguire and Dele Alli, plus Gunners pair Rob Holding and Callum Chambers have recently holidayed there.
      Manchester United trio Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Scott McTominay have also visited the island this summer.
      Danny Drinkwater, Ben Chilwell, Jack Grealish and Tammy Abraham also jetted out at the end of their seasons.
      And here’s what they’ve been enjoying.

      IT’S A BEACH LIFE
      After a long season on grass, nothing will beat the feeling of sand between the toes on the Platis Gialos Beach, while enjoying the searing heat.
      Temperatures in August average 29 degrees during the day, with a low of 24 degrees in the evening.
      So if you’re footballer looking for relaxation and a good tan, you can’t do any worse than Mykonos.
      Ornos is another wonderful spot for peace and quiet, ideal for a footy star and his missus to sunbathe on and enjoy a dip in the sea.

      But the beaches aren’t all about relaxation.
      Just like Ibiza, Mykonos has its own party beaches – Paradise, Super Paradise, and Paraga.
      At night these places come alive.

      18

      Footballers like Kaka are attracted to the beaches of MykonosCredit: The Mega Agency

      18

      Wayne Rooney tops up his tan on holiday in Mykonos in 2017Credit: Splash News

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      PSG star Kevin Trapp and Izabel Goulart enjoy a romantic beachside kissCredit: The Mega Agency

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      Platis Gialos Beach is commonly used for sunbathing by locals and footballersCredit: Rex Features

      18

      Footballers like Rob Holding enjoy the warm evening temperatures of MykonosCredit: Instagram / @rholding95
      NIGHTLIFE
      Of course, footballers love to let their hair down.
      And they deserve it after giving their all for club and country.
      Lucky for those headed to Mykonos, the nightlife on the island is off the charts – with incredible bars and exclusive nightclubs attracting the biggest VIPs.
      Cavo Paradiso has been regarded as one of the meccas of the dance music scene since it opened its doors 27 years ago.
      The likes of Calvin Harris, Carl Cox, Erick Morillo and Fatboy Slim have all played epic sets for punters at this superclub perched on a hill above Paradise Beach.
      Then there’s the Bonbonniere Mykonos nightspot that’s become the place to be seen since 2015, and has attracted celebrities including Nicole Scherzinger and Lindsay Lohan.
      It boasts the most expensive champagne on the island – delivered to your table in a giant Fabergé Egg.

      18

      Cavo Paradiso is one of the most famous nightclubs in the world

      18

      The Rooneys get ready for a night out on the tiles

      18

      Man Utd star Brandon Williams with girlfriend Shanice Eastmond get ready for a night on the Greek islandCredit: Instagram / @shaniceeastyy
      EATING OUT
      Greek fare – grilled meats and tasty seafood – fit perfectly into an athlete’s diet.
      So any food-conscious footballer will take delight in indulging in the local cuisine.
      The restaurant they tend to flock to is Nammos – a beachfront spot that offers a mix of Greek and Italian specialties, with the occasional Arabic dish tossed in for good measure.
      The Nammos meatballs are a must, while lavish diners will wolf down lobster or crab at prices as much as £100-per-head.
      Standard mains start at around £18, with light sushi also available. It’s not cheap, but you are amongst the jet-set.

      18

      Footballers like Callum Chambers will be conscious of what they eat and still manage a workout while on holiday

      18

      Haute cuisine is prepared at Nammos restaurant
      DELE’S DIGS
      When Dele Alli and his beautiful girlfriend Ruby Mae stay on the island, they opt for the exclusive KENSHŌ Boutique Hotels and Villas in Ornos Beach.
      And they aren’t the only famous faces to have dropped into the five-star resort.
      Over the years supermodels Bella Hadid and Alessandra Ambrosio have soaked in a hot tub or relaxed by their private pools found with their suites.
      And you’d have to be earning footballers’ wages to stay here.

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      Ruby Mae poses on the balcony of her suite at KENSHO Boutique Hotels and Villas

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      A suite at KENSHO Boutique Hotels and Villas costs around £550-per-night during peak seasonCredit: kenshomykonos.com

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      A-list clientele including supermodels Bella Hadid and Alessandra Ambrosio have stayed at KENSHO Boutique Hotels and VillasCredit: kenshomykonos.com

      With prices starting at around £550-per-night, that won’t make a dent in Alli’s £100k-per-week salary.
      KENSHO also boasts a charming restaurant with sea views, serving Asian and Latin dishes.
      If it’s good enough for Dele, it’s good enough for us.

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      Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham visited with his partnerCredit: Instagram / @tammyabraham1

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      Jack Grealish spent time at a training camp on the island

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      Danny Drinkwater and Ben Chilwell met up in MykonosCredit: Instagram @dannydrinkwater

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea signing Xavier Mbuyamba has been called the ‘new Van Dijk’ and was schooled by Barca at La Masia academy

      by

      BARCELONA’s loss might be Chelsea’s gain.
      The Blues have added towering defender Xavier Mbuyamba to their ranks, after he reportedly cancelled his contract with the La Liga giants.

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      Dutch defender Xavier Mbuyamba has been snapped up by ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And the 18-year-old Dutch defender comes with the some pedigree.
      Standing at 6ft 5in, not only is he a man-mountain, his composed style has drawn comparisons to Liverpool star Virgil Van Dijk.
      However, he is something of a late bloomer.
      AN UNKNOWN ENTITY
      As is standard with Dutch players coming through the youth system, it’s normally the big two – Ajax and PSV – who have first dibs on the best talents coming through.

      But Mbuyamba slipped through the cracks.
      And he was ignored by the national team at youth level too.
      “It is strange that they never came, but the same applies to the KNVB,” Mbuyamba told Dutch TV station RTL.
      “I was called up for the first time [to the Under-19s squad] in November 2019. The staff immediately said that they thought it strange that I had never been noticed before.”

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      At 16 Mbuyamba broke into the MVV Maastricht first teamCredit: Getty – Contributor

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      Impressed by his talents, Patrick Kluivert recruited Mbuyamba to the La Masia academyCredit: Instagram mbuyamba.x
      CLUB BREAKTHROUGH
      Mbuyamba made his debut at the age of 16 in the unfashionable Dutch second division with MVV Maastricht.
      Soon, the world’s biggest clubs starting taking notice of him.
      Barcelona academy director Patrick Kluivert invited him for a trial at La Masia.
      Chelsea also registered their interest, and he trained with the West Londoners for a week.
      But, swayed by the prospect of appearing in Barcelona’s B side and then the first team, he opted for the move to Spain in 2019.

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      Mbuyamba had hoped to break into Barcelona’s B side this seasonCredit: Instagram mbuyamba.x

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      Despite impressing for Barcelona’s under-19 team, Mbuyamba found his chances of progression limitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Mbuyamba bravely decided to leave Barcelona by mutual consentCredit: Instagram mbuyamba.x
      WHERE DID IT ALL GO WRONG?
      Mbuyamba’s hopes of prospering with Barça hit a halt when the B side refused to give him a starting role.
      Having starred for their under-19 team in central defence and at right-back, it was hard for the ambitious centre half to stomach.
      However, a divide between La Masia and the B team was said to be one of the reasons for Mbuyamba’s lack of opportunity at a higher level.
      He also had hoped a loan deal would help him gain valuable first team experience, but Barcelona saw it differently.
      Initially, they demanded around £1.8million for his talents. But his contract was cancelled by mutual consent, and he is now available as a free agent.
      WHAT’S NEXT?
      Chelsea were one of four Premier League clubs who made offers to Mbuyamba.
      Real Madrid, Juventus and other European giants were also monitoring the situation.
      And what are the Blues getting for their money?

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      Mbuyamba has been compared to Virgil Van DijkCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      West London is Mbuyamba’s next destinationCredit: Instagram mbuyamba.x

      Powerful aerially, Mbuyamba boasts that same rapid recovery speed Van Dijk utilises to snuff out danger.
      He’s also remarkably comfortable in possession, given his height, and is at ease playing the ball out of defence.
      Lampard will enjoy getting a tune out of him at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground.

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      in Boxing

      Dillian Whyte was shot twice, stabbed three times, and was a dad at just 13 – but still he achieved his boxing dream

      by

      DILLIAN Whyte is set to return to the ring in Eddie Hearn’s back garden to fight Alexander Povetkin this Saturday in a Matchroom Fight Camp finale.
      The plush surroundings are a long way from how far he has come.

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      Dillian Whyte’s road to the glory has been anything but smoothCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      The Body Snatcher Whyte was shot twice and stabbed three times before making it in the ringCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      ‘The Body Snatcher’, as he is frighteningly nicknamed, grew up in the concrete jungle of Brixton as a self-confessed thug, where he had to use his fists to get himself out of bother.
      But that didn’t always work when guns and knives were brought to the fight.
      As a street kid, the 31-year-old British heavyweight boxer was shot twice and stabbed three times on the mean streets of South London, as gangs ran rife.
      And as soon as he became a teenager, Whyte’s life changed dramatically when he became a father for the first time.

      However, that hasn’t stopped the 6ft 4in brawler from succeeding in life – who recently saw his name cleared of any doping charges as he still targets a world championship title fight.
      GUNS OF BRIXTON
      Whyte was born in Jamaica in poverty, and his mum left the family home in Portland when he was just a toddler to find a job in London.
      “Man when I was growing up in Jamaica we suffered, suffered, suffered,” he told BBC Sport last year.
      “Some days we couldn’t eat, we’d go to bed hungry. She left me with people who didn’t take very good care of me.

      “They were taking the money my mum was sending and was telling me she wasn’t sending anything.”
      By the age of 12, Whyte and his brother Dean joined his mother in Brixton. But soon he was wayward, corrupted by the cruel, impoverished surroundings he was growing up in.

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      Whyte’s mum left the boxer when he was two-years-old in Jamaica and moved to LondonCredit: Instagram

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      When Whyte was 12 he moved to Brixton to rejoin his mum
      He was stabbed three times, once sewing himself back together instead of heading to his local A&E at King’s College Hospital in Camberwell.
      Whyte was also shot twice after getting caught in a gang war in Clapham, and painfully had to remove a bullet from his leg because he didn’t want to bother his hard-working mum.
      “I took the bullet out and hid out,” Whyte told The Telegraph.
      “It was out of respect for my mum. I didn’t ever want to bring police to her house.
      “Doesn’t matter what I did or how bad I was, I showed respect for her. If I was ever injured, I couldn’t go to the hospital in case they alerted my mum, so I did what I had to do.”
      At school and growing up on an estate, Whyte was often asked to take on bullies, who he gladly put on their backsides in exchange for change and sandwiches.
      “I’ve always been a fighter,” Whyte told the Daily Mirror. “I’ve never had a choice. Growing up I had to fight to survive.
      “Kids used to pay me to fight bullies for them, I swear. At schools and around my estate. The bullies were older and bigger than me.
      “Sometimes they gave me food, it could be sandwiches or it could be money. I think £2 was the most I got and £2 was a lot back then. You could buy a hell of a lot of sweets for £2 back then.”
      TIME INSIDE CHANGED EVERYTHING

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      A threat of spending life behind bars changed Whyte foreverCredit: Dave Pinegar – The Sun
      In his late teens, Whyte found himself in prison in Bristol awaiting trial and facing up to 20 years behind bars.
      An emotional visit from his mum and sister opened his eyes, and he hated seeing them upset.
      “My older brother died and she was saying she didn’t want to lose another son,’ Whyte told the Daily Mail.
      “As bad as I was, I never wanted to disappoint my mum.
      “When she came to the prison in Bristol, she said, ‘Son, we’ve been through so much in life’. I looked at my mum’s face and the tears rolling down her cheeks and I felt bad and I felt ashamed.”
      It made Whyte change his ways for the better.
      BOXING BECAME HIS REDEMPTION

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      A life in the ring was soon to save Whyte

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      Whyte began life as a kickboxer training at Miguel’s GymCredit: PA:Press Association

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      Whyte also competed in the MMA, flooring his only opponent Will Riva
      Whyte needed something to channel his anger and aggression growing up, and he found it in the discipline of boxing.
      It’s fair to say that Miguel’s Gym provided him with the platform to build another life for himself.
      “I didn’t do too well at school, to be honest, but boxing saved me and changed my life,” Whyte once said.
      “And it was going well, because I knew it was my best chance in life.”
      But originally, Whyte tried his hand at professional kickboxing. And he was a success too.
      He was a two-time British heavyweight kickboxing champion, claiming the BIKMA Super Heavyweight British Championship title, and was also a one-time European K1 champion.
      He ended his K1 career with an impressive record of 20 wins and just one loss, before turning to MMA.
      In 2008, he fought at the Ultimate Challenge MMA – defeating Mark Stroud with a hugely destructive left hook only 12 seconds into the first round.
      DADDY DAYCARE
      When he was just 13-years-old, Whyte became a father for the first time. He has since had two more children.
      But it was becoming a teenage dad that meant he had to grow up quick.
      “I was a dad at 13-years-old so I have been looking after kids and I had to rush my mental state, growing up a lot faster,” he told 1 News.

      “When you become a dad it changes everything, where most kids were running around I’m working two jobs and doing other things to get money to feed my children.

      “I’m trying to win these fights so my kids have a good life and make sure they don’t have to struggle the way I struggled.”

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      At the age of 13 Whyte became a father for the first time. He has since had two more children
      AMATEUR HOUR
      In 2009, Dillian began a career in boxing at amateur level.
      And for his first fight, at the age of 20, he couldn’t of fought anyone tougher.
      Whyte squared off against future heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua, and in truth he battered him.
      Joshua was floored in one round, with his opponent on the front foot throughout their three-round fight. In the end, Whyte was the victor by unanimous decision.
      In another contest, he left another amateur opponent in a coma after knocking him out – thus earning his vicious ‘The Body Snatcher’ moniker.
      But Whyte’s amateur career was short-lived after a dispute with the ABA regarding his kickboxing background, and he was forced to turn pro in 2011.

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      As an amateur, Whyte famously defeated Anthony Joshua

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      Whyte, posing with Tyson Fury, also one put an opponent in a coma after knocking him out in a amateur fightCredit: Instagram
      JUST SAY NO
      In 2012, Whyte failed a drug test after his victory over Hungary’s Sandor Balogh.
      He tested positive for the banned stimulant methylhexaneamine (MHA), which he claimed he mistakingly took with a nutritional supplement called Jack3D, and was handed a two-year ban.
      Whyte appealed a year later, but the ban was upheld even though a tribunal accepted he didn’t knowingly take MHA.
      “The supplement was described on the container as ‘an ultra-intense muscle supplement, giving strength, energy, power and endurance’,” Charles Flint QC, the chairman of the appeal tribunal, said in 2013.
      “It was plainly intended to be a performance-enhancing supplement which an athlete should only take after having taken great care to ensure that it does not contain a prohibited substance.

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      ANT-AGONIST
      Whyte threatens to CHIN Joshua at Fight Camp and blasts ‘it’s not WWE’

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      LUKE HERE
      Whyte claims Tyson Fury’s real name is LUKE.. and he changed it to sound ‘harder’

      WEIGH TO GO
      Whyte’s amazing body transformation having spent lockdown training in Portugal

      WBC CLASH
      Whyte vs Povetkin: UK start time, live stream, TV channel, undercard & ring walks

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      WHYTE NOISE
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      “The athlete took no steps to make any proper enquiries of his manager or coach, any person with medical or anti-doping expertise, or the sports authorities, as to whether the supplement was safe to take.”
      Although that set him back, Whyte is now stronger than ever.
      From life experience alone, he’s certainly worth it.

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      Despite a drugs ban in 2012, Whyte has got his career back on trackCredit: Getty Images – Getty More