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      in Soccer

      How unlikely Casanova Sven-Goran Eriksson won over England with Germany rout – as fans show support amid cancer fight

      by

      SVEN-GORAN Eriksson is much-loved by England fans – for one night in Munich in September 2001.The Swede, 75, has received messages of support by supporters all over the world after he revealed he has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
      Legendary Sweden manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has revealed he has terminal cancer
      Eriksson and his coaching staff celebrate England’s famous 5-1 win over GermanyCredit: Rex
      At Lazio. in Italy Eriksson scored his greatest successCredit: Getty
      He told a radio station in his homeland that he has “at best a year” to live.
      He revealed to P1: “Everyone understands that I have an illness that is not good.
      “Everyone guesses it’s cancer and it is. But I have to fight as long as I can.”
      When asked about the prognosis, Eriksson said he has “maybe at best a year, at worst a little less, or at best maybe even longer”.
      Read more football news
      The decorated ex-Three Lions gaffer added: “You can’t be absolutely sure. It is better not to think about it.
      “But you can trick your brain. See the positive in things, don’t wallow in adversity, because this is the biggest adversity of course, but make something good out of it.”
      Eriksson – or just Sven as England fans call him – has enjoyed some incredible achievements in the game.
      After all, this was a man who beat Juventus and AC Milan to winning a Serie A title with unfashionable Lazio – only the second in their history – in 2000.
      Most read in Football
      And despite his admitted failings with not getting the best out of the ‘Golden Generation’ of England footballers from 2001-2006, the 5-1 demolition of Germany at the Olympiastadion in Munich is immortal.
      Sven also proved himself to be an unlikely Casanova, charming beauties Nancy Dell’Ollio, Ulrika Jonsson and Faria Alam.
      Legend in Italy
      Sven arrived back in Italy in 1992 with Sampdoria, following a successful spell with Benfica who he led to a European Cup final.
      He had previously scored success with Roma in the Coppa Italia in 1985, but a trophyless stint with Fiorentina meant he had unfinished business.
      For the Genoa giants he won the Coppa Italia in 1994, ripping up the Italian defensive blueprint of man-marking by introducing a zonal marking system.
      He left Sampdoria for Lazio in 1997, where he would become a legend.
      A talented squad, that included future Ballon d’Or winner Pavel Nedved, Argies Juan Sebastian Veron, Nestor Sensini and Diego Simeone, as well as top scorer Marcelo Salas proved too much for their rivals in 2000.
      They pipped Juventus to win Serie A by a point, also ousting the great AC Milan side of that era in the title race.
      Knowing how to make a team difficult to beat was Sven’s strength and it played to the style of the league he coached in.
      Eriksson’s love affair with Italian football began in the 1980s at RomaCredit: Alamy
      It was at rivals Lazio he would win multiple trophiesCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Eriksson, pictured with ex-Lazio Owner Sergio Cragnotti, won the Serie A title and European Cup Winners’ CupCredit: Rex
      Lazio won the double that year – making it a trio of Coppa Italia wins for the studious manager.
      He left in 2001 with his legacy in place, also adding the Cup Winners’ Cup and Super Cup to his CV.
      New challenge
      That same year, Sven landed the England job to become the first foreigner to take charge of the national team.
      The Scandinavian tactician had flirted with the idea of coaching in the UK – almost joining Blackburn Rovers in 1996, before opting to stay in Italy for family reasons.
      But, the allure of working with England’s ‘Golden Generation’ of Beckham, Scholes, Lampard and more would prove to be too hard to turn down.
      In truth, his cautious approach didn’t always work. Tournament failures – losing in the quarter-finals of two World Cups (2002 and 2006), and the Euros in 2004.
      Least we not forget we lost to two very good sides in Brazil and Portugal (twice) in those games.
      However, before those losses, we did have reason to cheer for one unforgettable night in Munich when it all came together.
      The Three Lions travelled to Germany to face off against their bitter rivals, after a poor start to their 2002 World Cup qualification campaign in a crucial game.
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      Eriksson coached England to a famous 5-1 win over GermanyCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Michael Owen was the hero scoring a hat-trick on that famous eveningCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Steven Gerrard also contributed towards Svenmania in the 5-1 routCredit: Reuters
      Wins against lesser opposition didn’t exactly fill us with confidence.
      But we took the Germans to the sword on their own soil. Spearheaded by Michael Owen who scored a hat-trick, and rounded off by Emile Heskey – it was an awesome display in a 5-1 win away from home.
      It kickstarted Svenmania. Unbelievably in his homeland, the game was watched by over a million football fans – double the amount that tuned in to watch Sweden take on Macedonia that night.
      Marks & Spencer, a longtime supporter of the England national team, printed 9,000 Germany 1 England 5 T-shirts, which sold out in a day.
      “I can’t remember a menswear product selling so well,” a spokesman revealed at the time – a testament to Sven’s greatest day.
      Unlikely Casanova
      Sven married Ann-Christine Pettersson in 1977, they had two children, before they divorced in 1994.
      The cause of their split, he admitted, was an extramarital affair with curvy beauty Graziella Mancinelli.
      It was a trait that followed Sven in his love life.
      By 1998, he began a romance with glam lawyer Nancy Dell’Ollio who left her husband for the unlikely Casanova.
      Eriksson had a longterm romance with Italian lawyer Nancy Dell’OlioCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He had an affair with fellow Swede Ulrika JonssonCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Glam FA secretary Faria Alam also fell for Eriksson’s charmsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Again, he would stray – enjoying a brief tryst with Italian actress Debora Caprioglio.
      Nancy forgave him, joining Sven in London at his £2million Regent’s Park.
      His wandering eye led to more well-publicised affairs – with TV personality Ulrika Jonsson in 2002 and FA secretary Faria Alam in 2004.
      Nancy stuck by Sven until 2006, when they finally called it quits.
      “People said the constant media attention was something I had to accept, but I never understood what was so interesting about my private life,” he wrote in a column in the Daily Mail.
      Plenty of support
      Former players have spoken in support of Sven after his shock cancer diagnosis.
      Wayne Rooney took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and wrote: “Sad news this morning. Thoughts are with Sven Goran-Eriksson and his family.
      “A brilliant coach and a special person. Loved and respected by everyone. We’re all with you Sven, keep fighting.”
      Ex-player Trevor Sinclair posted: “Upsetting to read my old boss Sven Goran-Eriksson has terminal cancer!
      “An absolute gentleman & excellent coach that I am eternally grateful to, as I earned all my England caps under him. I wish him love & comfort during his final battle.”
      While fans have united to wish Sven the best.
      Wayne Rooney has thrown his support behind Eriksson after his sad cancer revealCredit: AP
      Eriksson has revealed he has ‘at best’ a year to liveCredit: Reuters
      One shared: “Really sad news about Sven Goran Eriksson, I hope he finds the strength to fight as long as he can, as someone who cared for my grandad with terminal cancer it is the cruelest disease. Wishing him & his family the best.”
      A second added: “Cancer is just the most evil disease that take everything from not only the person suffering but everyone who loves them.
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      “Wishing Sven Goran Eriksson the best possible in his health & hope that he has the best support around him to help him fight it.”
      We, at SunSport, echo those thoughts. More

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      in Soccer

      Meet Tottenham new boy Radu Dragusin who snubbed Chelsea, has sport star parents and whose Wag is a glam architect

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      FOR Spurs it promises to be a Rad signing.Tottenham have agreed a deal to bring the “Romanian Van Dijk” Radu Dragusin to the Premier League for £21.5million from Italian side Genoa.
      Radu Dragusin has agreed to join Tottenham in a £21.5m deal
      Standing at 6ft3in, Dragusin is a hulking presence at the backCredit: instagram @radudragusin5
      Dragusin is supported by his stunning Wag Iona StanCredit: instagram @radudragusin5
      Heading in the opposite direction is forgotten man Djed Spence, as Ange Postecoglou also closes in on a swoop for German forward Timo Werner.
      Dragusin could have been a star on our shores sooner – snubbing Chelsea as a teenager to sign for Juventus.
      He comes from sporting stock – with both his parents elite sports stars in their homeland.
      Meanwhile his glam girlfriend Iona Stan is an aspiring architect who is living the dream life of a Wag.
      Read more football news
      Start big
      Standing at 6ft3in with a striking top-knot and goatee beard, Dragusin cuts an imposing figure.
      It was in his blood to be an athlete, both his parents were involved in professional sport.
      Dad Dan played volleyball for Romania, while mum Svetlana also represented her country in basketball.
      But it was a cousin who introduced a young Radu to football.
      Most read in Football
      He joined local side Sportul Studentesc before moving on to Regal Sport Bucharest who have an affiliation with Atletico Madrid.
      But the LaLiga side missed the boat on the centre-half, who moved to Italy in 2018 to link up with Juventus and their academy.
      Chelsea and PSG were also interested, but the Serie A giants moved fast to secure the talent – paying around £215,000 to secure the services of the then Romania U16 captain.
      “My brother called me and told me there’s a good young player [in Romania] and I sent him to see with his own eyes,” Florin Manea, the agent who brokered the transfer, told TMW.
      “He confirmed that initial impression by telling me he is a star, so I quickly reported to Juventus.
      “After about an hour, Matteo Tognozzi, Juventus’ chief scout, called me to say that Radu impressed everyone. Other teams were interested too, but the Bianconeri really wanted him.
      “He asked me, ‘Where can I become a great central defender?’ Chelsea wanted him too, but that’s why he chose Juventus.”
      Dragusin worked his way up the ranks at JuventusCredit: AP
      Centre back Dragusin idolises Juve legends Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo BonucciCredit: Getty
      Following the legends
      In 2020, Dragusin told Juventus TV: “I am inspired by Van Dijk, as well as Bonucci and Chiellini.”
      It was the latter two that he would get the opportunity to learn from in Turin.
      After making his way through the youth ranks, he was called up to the first team for a game against Lazio.
      A month later he made his debut in a Champions League tie against Dynamo Kyiv, coming on as a second half substitute.
      But, despite signing a four-year contract and being highly thought of, he consistently found himself on the fringes of the first eleven.
      Loan spells at Sampdoria and Salernitana hindered his progress, which convinced the Old Lady to offer Dragusin to Serie B side Genoa with an obligation to buy at the end of another loan.
      It was that move at the start of the 2022-23 season that would be the making of him.
      Starring role
      Dragusin took all the plaudits as Genoa gained promotion from Serie B.
      Incredibly, he missed just 45 minutes of a tiring campaign – contributing to his club’s impressive defensive record of conceding the second least in the division.
      After leaving Juventus, Dragusin became a key player for GenoaCredit: Getty
      Dragusin celebrates winning Serie B with IonaCredit: instagram @ioanastan_
      And he managed to find the net four times, as his aerial prowess proved to be a threat from set-pieces.
      His impressive form alerted Romania boss Edward Iordănescu, who called him up to the international set-up for all of his nation’s Euro 2024 qualifiers.
      It would prove to be a successful period for Romania, who topped their group over favourites Switzerland.
      With Dragusin at the heart of the defence, the Romanians conceded just five times in their 10 games.
      Starring in Serie A
      The stopper has continued to progress with his side cementing their place in Italy’s top flight.
      His development has been aided by coach Alberto Gilardino, a once prolific marksman for Parma, AC Milan, and Fiorentina.
      Dragusin said: “Gilardino has given us a lot confidence in our abilities, he told us to play with heart and give everything on the pitch.”
      Stopper Dragusin has proven to be one of Serie A’s most impressive competitorsCredit: Getty
      Dragusin celebrates scoring against Inter in Genoa’s final game of 2023Credit: Reuters
      That was in evidence in Genoa’s final game of 2023, before the winter break.
      The underdogs secured a vital point against Inter Milan to move seven points clear of the relegation zone.
      It was Dragusin who displayed that fighting spirit, netting an equaliser.
      Beautiful missus
      Away from the pitch, Dragusin is ably supported by his stunning girlfriend, Iona.
      Not much is known about how the pair met.
      However, they both appear on each other’s Instagram pages from 2021.
      She is an inspiring architect, who is studying at The Ion Mincu University of Architecture and Urban Planning in Bucharest.
      When she’s not, she is living the life of a football Wag.
      On game day, you will find her cheering on her beloved in the stands.
      Gorgeous Iona lives the life of a WagCredit: instagram @ioanastan_
      Iona is Dragusin’s biggest fanCredit: instagram @ioanastan_
      Brunette beauty Iona is studying to be an architectCredit: instagram @ioanastan_
      Iona will be a big fan of London’s architecture when she moves to our shoresCredit: instagram @ioanastan_
      The artsy brunette looks and plays the part, dressing in designer fur coats and taking luxury holidays.
      Read more on The Sun
      Their next port of call is London, where she will be able to indulge her love for shopping and iconic architecture.
      While Dragusin’s game under Postecoglou will, no doubt, continue to improve. More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Alisha Lehmann and Douglas Luiz’s romance, from sour break up to rekindling love on New Year’s Eve

      by

      BOTH are at top of their game and both are lucky in love AGAIN.Alisha Lehmann, 24, is one of the stars of the WSL – gaining traction as a social media influencer and international women’s footballer for Switzerland.
      Football’s sexiest couple Douglas Luiz and Alisha Lehmann are seemingly back together
      Stunning Alisha has become a sex symbol outside of football
      Douglas Luiz is one of Aston Villa’s starsCredit: Rex
      While Brazilian midfielder and Arsenal target Douglas Luiz, 25, has been one of Aston Villa’s standout performers in a campaign that has seen Unai Emery’s outfit become unlikely Premier League title contenders.
      They made a glam pair until a sour break up in 2022, reportedly because of her raunchy calendar, saw them part ways.
      However, they rang in 2024 TOGETHER – celebrating their reunion with a loved-up Instagram post.
      It appears that the beautiful game now has its beautiful couple once more.
      Read more Alisha Lehmann news
      How they met
      They play for the same club, and are blessed with good looks, so you could be forgiven to think Alisha and Douglas met on a photoshoot to launch Aston Villa merch.
      But that wasn’t the case here.
      They like to let their hair down when they’re not working hard on the pitch and embrace the Birmingham nightlife.
      One evening, in a Midlands hotspot, their paths crossed.
      Most read in Football
      She was recently single, following a split from fellow Switzerland star Ramona Bachmann and open to love.
      Instantly, Alisha and Douglas clicked.
      They bonded over football and soon became inseparable.
      And they were sure to let their audience know.
      Insta love
      Smitten Alisha took to Instagram to share her news with her then five million followers (she has 16 million today) in 2021.
      She uploaded a boomerang on her Instagram story that showed her and Douglas sharing an intimate moment.
      He reciprocated by reposting the short and sweet clip on his own story adding the caption: “Princess”.
      It was then they became football’s sexiest couple.
      There were reports that their relationship might provide a distraction on the pitch.
      That was nonsense, though. Both continued to thrive, happy with the support they gave one another.
      Alisha and Douglas went Instagram official in 2021
      Their romance played out in front of their followers’ eyesCredit: INSTAGRAM @alishalehmann7
      On the defensive
      Alisha and Douglas continued to serenade each other online over the coming year, as their love played it out in front of our eyes.
      Selfies together and loving messages to each other were regularly appearing on their social media feeds.
      She soon gave up her rented penthouse apartment to move into his £1.5million five-bed house in Sutton Coldfield.
      Then, Douglas played the role of protective boyfriend.
      One particular incident showed loyalty and respect to his stunning partner.
      In 2022, South American TV host Milton Neves, 72, felt the wrath of the Brazil international.
      He tweeted a clip of Alisha scoring and celebrating a goal by jumping and turning her back.
      The video appeared to zoom in on her bum during the goal celebration in a game against Man City, which her team won 4-3.
      Aston Villa ace Alisha celebrates scoring for her clubCredit: Getty
      A disrespectful video of Alisha was shared by a Brazilian TV journalist
      Douglas Luiz leapt to the defence of his girlfriend and called out the sexist clip onlineCredit: Rex
      The sexist post ends with the question: “Without rewinding the video what number was on her shirt?”
      Neves posted the video alongside a caption: “Watch and comment.”
      Furious Douglas launched an attack on the presenter – calling his fellow countryman “disrespectful”.
      “You’re old, years in soccer and you post a video that does not respect women’s soccer or the player herself, who is also my girlfriend,” Luiz said on Twitter, now known as X.
      “You have not learned what respect is, that’s bulls***.”
      Sex symbol
      Alisha slowly become a pin-up outside of her glittering career.
      Her good looks landed her modelling shoots and notoriety.
      She celebrated her beauty – showcasing her incredible and athletic body wearing sexy bikinis in glamorous locations -and captured her fabulous lifestyle on Instagram.
      Alisha also became a fashion icon, revered for her sense of style – taking that on to the pitch by donning false eyelashes and make-up.
      Soon Alisha became a fashion icon off the pitchCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      She shares her glam outfits on Instagram to her 16 million followersCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7
      Beautiful Alisha shows off her stunning bikini bodyCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      Femininity is important to Alisha on the football pitchCredit: Rex
      Quite rightly, she was unapologetic about her appearance.
      “The message I want to give to people [is] that you can literally be however you want and still play football,” she told The Times.
      “Use make-up or do the things you like, do your nails, do your eyelashes, and still play football. It’s not a side you have to pick.
      “It’s really important that no one changes because people tell you to. When I was younger a lot of people told me, ‘Oh, you can’t wear make-up. You can’t wear your lashes when you play’. At one point I thought, ‘Why not?’ It’s normal and it doesn’t hurt anyone if I do it.
      “I feel like we should see this as normal. Because I’m someone that likes it a lot. I want to look really feminine. It’s my passion.”
      Trouble in paradise
      However, by November 2022 cracks in the romance of Alisha and Douglas began to appear.
      As we exclusively revealed, they called off their relationship after several heated arguments about the release of her 2024 calendar.
      A source close to the pair said: “Douglas was completely smitten with Alisha. When she first arrived, he was like, ‘Who is this girl?’.
      “He quickly asked her out and they became a footballing power couple. They were so loved up.
      Alisha’s glam lifestyle began causing rifts between her and DouglasCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      As Alisha became more in-demand, she and Douglas parted waysCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      “But, sadly, as Alisha became more in demand off the pitch, the cracks started to appear in their relationship.
      “When asked to do a calendar, she jumped at the chance to show off her sexy side but he was not happy.
      “He didn’t think it was something she should be doing. They rowed a lot and in the end Alisha simply had enough.”
      Water under the bridge
      Simply put, you can’t keep these two apart.
      The festive period has a habit of bringing out the romantic side in us all.
      Alisha and Douglas are clearly suckers for it too.
      It appears that they have rekindled their love – if a set of snaps together celebrating New Year’s Eve is anything to go by.
      She gave fans a glimpse of how she celebrated the arrival of 2024, pictured alongside loved ones and a host of white balloons.
      And in a couple of the images was her former beau.
      One showed the pair gazing into each other’s eyes while smiling.
      Alisha and Douglas recently appeared to be back together in this posed snaps with loved onesCredit: Instagram
      Love is well and truly back in the air for football’s sexiest coupleCredit: INSTAGRAM @alishalehmann7
      Another saw Luiz placing a hand around Lehmann’s waist.
      Lehmann added the caption: “Happy 2024 🎉♥️.”
      Read more on The Sun
      And Luiz responded: “I love you ❤️.”
      Football’s sexiest couple are, thankfully, back. More

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      in Boxing

      Inside boxing legend Manny Pacquiao’s amazing car collection including a £180k Ferrari and £130k Porsche Cayenne Turbo

      by

      MANNY PACQUIAO has amassed a staggering £200million fortune thanks to his incredible career.PacMan, now 45, is a boxing legend – and the only eight-division world champion in the history of the sport.
      Manny Pacquaio boasts an amazing car collectionCredit: Getty
      The most expensive motor in Pacquiao’s car collection is a £180k Ferrari 458 Italia
      The Ferrari 458 Italia can reach 0-62 mph in just three secondsCredit: Alamy
      Alongside a life in the ring, Pacquiao became a politician and was Senator of the Philippines until 2022.
      But, alongside his charity work, he has not been afraid to flaunt his wealth.
      And he has splashed the cash on an amazing array of motors that would make him the envy of many.
      Ferrari 458 Italia, £180k
      The quickest of Pacquiao’s motors, the Ferrari 458 Italia can reach 0-62 mph in just three seconds.
      Read more car collections
      Costing a whopping £180,000 – it’s a pricey supercar.
      But it’s definitely worth it in the style stakes because nothing looks as sleek as a Ferrari.
      It’s powered by a 4.5 litre V8 engine that produces 562 horse power.
      Footballers including Neymar, Mesut Ozil and Mario Balotelli have all been seen with a 458 Italia.
      Most read in Boxing
      Porsche Cayenne Turbo, £130k
      Driving around Los Angeles when he was on at training camp, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo was an ideal ride.
      First of all, it provides ample space for the 5ft5in southpaw to relax in after a gruelling session in the gym.
      Second, it’s one of most luxurious SUV’s on the market – capable of hitting 0-62 mph in a very zippy 3.7 seconds.
      It’s got plenty of punch, just like it’s owner.
      The Porsche Cayenne Turbo is one of the most luxury SUV’s on the marketCheck out these amazing collections

      Mercedes Benz SL550, £80k
      This classically designed Merc is a staple among the rich and famous.
      It debuted in 2006, with the latter models boasting a 4.7-litre twin-turbo V-8 engine.
      The SL550 is surprisingly quick – capable of 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds.
      Inside it’s plush, with Mercedes Benz always providing lavish interiors.
      The Mercedes-Benz SL550 boasts lavish interiorsCredit: Reuters
      read more sport features
      Lincoln Navigator, £90k
      A classic American SUV, the Lincoln was long-associated with Hollywood A-lister Matthew McConaughey, who was an ambassador for the brand.
      Called a ‘Palace on wheels’, the Navigator is their most impressive model.
      Many joke it has an apartment size interior, and it is capable of seating eight passengers.
      However, be warned – it’s not a sporty drive and handles like a barge.
      The Lincoln Navigator has been described as an apartment on wheelsCredit: Getty
      Cadillac Escalade, £150k
      For Pacquiao, big is clearly best.
      Not content with owning a massive Lincoln Navigator, he also rules the road with a beautiful Escalade.
      In Los Angeles, where Pacquiao spent a lot of his time training at the Wildcard gym, they are often seen as limos for Hollywood’s elite.
      Measuring 17ft long and weighing 2.6 tonnes, the engine is a massive 6.2-litre, naturally aspirated V8.
      The Cadillac Escalade is often seen ferrying A-list celebs around LACredit: Cadillac
      Hummer H2, from £50k
      There was a time when you couldn’t move for Hummers in the US, especially among the sporting elite.
      However, the car manufacturer GM stopped making the Army-inspired SUVs in 2010.
      That’s now made the Hummer a collector’s item, which Pacquiao will be well aware of.
      Although he bought his bulletproof vehicle for protection for himself and his family in the Philippines.
      Pacquiao owns a bulletproof Hummer in his homelandCredit: Handout – Getty
      M2 Cyclone 1200cc Motorcycle, £4k
      Not content with four wheels, Pacquiao enjoyed riding two with this custom-made motorcycle.
      It was made by Harley Davidson’s sister operation, Buell.
      Read more on The Sun
      Design-wise, it features imagery of Manny’s legendary bouts against Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton.
      It boast a 1200cc size, V-twin, four stroke, 5 gears engine and reaches a top speed of 135 mph.
      Pacquiao also has a M2 Cyclone 1200cc Motorcycle custom-designedCredit: motorcyclephilippines.com/forums/ More

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      in Soccer

      Bruno Fernandes’ luxury car collection includes a speedy £150k Porsche Panamera and a stunning £85,000 BMW SUV

      by

      BRUNO Fernandes has often been praised for his engine. But, it’s his cars that certainly boast more power.The Man Utd captain, 29, is believed to earn £240,000-per-week at Old Trafford.
      Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes boasts an amazing array of motorsCredit: Getty
      Fernandes boasts a Porsche Panamera Turbo S Sports car in his garageCredit: Porsche
      The interiors for the Porsche are futuristic and stunningCheck out these amazing collections

      Porsche Panamera Turbo S, £150k
      The jewel of Fernandes’ car collection, the playmaker owns a stunning Porsche Panamera Turbo S, which has been described as one of the world’s great driving cars.
      It boasts blistering speed – able to reach a staggering 195 mph. Better still, it reaches 0-60 mph in just 2.8 seconds.
      Powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V-8 engine that pumps out 620 horsepower, it’s an absolute beast.
      But, at £150,000 it’s a costly one.
      Read more car collections
      BMW X5 M50i, £85k
      Steady and reliable, Fernandes also had this ‘Beamer’ SUV at his disposal.
      BMW launched it to rival the infamous Range Rover and knock it off its perch.
      It’s a huge vehicle – having a 4 litre, twin-turbo V8 engine under the bonnet.
      And it can move some, carrying it’s 2.3 tonnes weight from 0-62 mph in just 4.3 seconds.
      Most read in Football
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      The BMW X5 M50i costs £85kCredit: BMW
      Audi Q7, from £64k
      A complete family car, Fernandes joined an army of footballers who favoured the Q7.
      Reliability and performance are two things the German car giants boast, and the Q7 is again a steady choice.
      Several high-profile Barcelona stars used a Q7 to get to and from training until the Catalans’ sponsorship deal expired.
      Fernandes is no different – pulling up to Carrington in style and comfort.
      The Q7 is a favourite among footballersCredit: Audi
      Mercedes Benz GLC 300 4matic AMG, £60k
      Another training ground runner, Fernandes doubled up by using this Merc as a family car.
      It’s as luxury as it gets, but unlike his Porsche and BMW a more slower drive.
      But it’s the interiors where it really exceeds itself.
      Plush leather seats and a state-of-the-art entertainment system let you forgive the fact it reaches 0-62 mph in 5.4 seconds.
      The spacious Mercedes Benz GLC 300 4matic Coupe is the perfect training ground carCredit: Mercedes
      Mini Cooper JCW Hardtop 2 door, from £32k
      Fernandes was seen behind the wheel of a very special Mini Cooper modified by John Cooper Works.
      Because of Cooper’s F1 heritage, this model handles like a race car – boasting Brembo brakes and aggressive suspension, although the latter can make for a bumpy ride on rough roads.
      Read more on The Sun
      A 0-60 mph dash can be reached in 5.7 seconds, which isn’t too shabby.
      It’s size also makes it the ideal car to find parking when shopping on Manchester’s more exclusive streets.
      The John Cooper Works Mini Cooper is a special edition More

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      in Soccer

      Adventure nut Sir Jim Ratcliffe has trekked to North and South poles, climbed Matterhorn and did Ironman triathlon at 64

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      SIR Jim Ratcliffe’s sense of adventure knows no ends.The billionaire businessman, 71, is a 25 per cent owner of Manchester United, and has delved into the world of cycling, sailing and more.
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe conquered the North Pole with sons Sam Ratcliffe, left, and George Ratcliffe, centreCredit: iceaxetv
      Man Utd investor Ratcliffe is an enthusiastic adventurerCredit: Getty
      But, although rebuilding a crumbling Old Trafford might seem like a challenge, that pales into what Ratcliffe has put his 6ft 4in frame through
      A lover of the outdoors, as well as a pub owner, he has trekked BOTH the North and South poles.
      A keen long-distance runner, the petrochemicals tycoon has also competed the gruelling Marathon Des Sables across the Sahara Desert.
      Add to that climbing the Matterhorn, and completing the Ironman triathlon aged 64 – the sense you get of Ratcliffe is a man who sees no barriers.
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      Risk taker
      As man who has conquered the business world, Ratcliffe might have taken a few risks.
      When it has come to his own personal adventures, he has admitted caution in the past.
      “I don’t take risks unnecessarily,” he once said.
      “To give you an example, I won’t and would never jump out of an aeroplane, because you either live or die depending upon how well someone’s packed your parachute.
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      ‘I’ve done a bungee jump because I don’t think there’s too much risk attached.
      “I’m quite careful, but you’re only here once so you get more out of life if you challenge yourself a bit more.”
      That philosophy hasn’t stopped him from taking on life’s hardest tasks.
      Forget sea and sand
      Although his £30billion wealth means he belongs in the jet-set, and he does reside in a mansion in Monaco, it’s colder expeditions that get Ratcliffe excited.
      In 2009, he and his sons Sam and George climbed the North Pole – embarking on a treacherous journey through broken and shifting ice,
      “You pull a big heavy sledge and it’s very cold and uncomfortable,” he told The Times.
      “The ice cap’s always moving with the currents and the wind and parts of it break off. Then you encounter mountains of ice and you’ve got to drag your sledge over them.”
      Two years later, they returned to do the South Pole The date, December 14, 1911, they trekked it was significant.
      It was the 100-year anniversary of Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen’s historic expedition, who was the first to plant a flag there.
      “It was one of the more miserable experiences of my life,” Sir Jim said.
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe, left, crosses open water on the Arctic Ocean on his North Pole voyageCredit: iceaxetv
      The Ratcliffes pose for a picture on their treacherous journeyCredit: iceaxetv
      “There’s nothing uplifting about spending all day [on skis] pulling an 80-kilo sledge over ice waves.
      “But there’s no feeling quite like getting to the South Pole after you’ve walked 200 kilometres.
      “It’s the highs and lows of life, isn’t it? The highs are better if you’ve experienced a few lows beforehand. You can’t just have highs all the time.”
      Climbing the Matterhorn
      The splendid Matterhorn mountain of the Alps stands at 14,692 ft above the sea level.
      Accompanied by a guide, Sir Jim and his sons decided to climb it. They, like him, share the same sense of daring.
      He chooses his guides carefully.
      He revealed: “Yeah, they grew up understanding risk and a bit of adventure and just getting out there and challenging yourself a bit really.
      “If you go up the Matterhorn there’s obviously risk, but you’re going up with a guide who’s been climbing all his life.
      “I always try to pick a guide who’s got a wife and children because they have the most to lose. What you don’t want is a 25-year-old gung-ho guide.”
      However, there was a dicey moment when his youngest son George was almost lost on the Matterhorn.
      “George was only 13 when we climbed the Matterhorn. Sam was 15. It was a nice moment, sitting at the top, having a sandwich,” he said.
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      The stunning Matterhorn provided Ratcliffe another challenge he enduredCredit: Getty
      Ratcliffe also navigated the Northwest Passage, dodging icebergs along the way in a small vesselCredit: AP:Associated Press
      “Then on the way down George slipped. The guide had to arrest him on the rope really quickly, but he survived. The most dangerous bit of the Matterhorn is after you leave the summit, because it’s seriously vertical and it’s ice and you’re on crampons.
      “If you slip when you’re going up you just fall forward, but when you’re going down and you slip you don’t stop until you hit the ski resort a couple of miles below.”
      The treacherous trip through the Northwest Passage is not one for the faint-hearted.
      In the explorer vessel, Sherpa he dodged icebergs in isolation.
      “For three weeks I didn’t see another ship or meet another human being, only polar bears,” he said.
      Endurance tester
      When he’s not travelling around the globe, Ratcliffe is putting his body through the ringer.
      Astonishingly, at the age of 64, he completed an Ironman triathlon.
      He swam 2.4 miles, cycled 112 miles, then ran a full marathon in a very respectable 14 hours and 44 minutes.
      While in 2013, he completed the Marathon Des Sables – an ultramarathon in South Morocco regarded as the toughest foot race on earth.
      Endurance zapping challenges are Ratcliffe’s meat and drinkCredit: PA:Press Association
      At 64 Ratcliffe complated an Ironman TriathlonCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Competitors must trek across the Sahara Desert in scorching energy-zapping conditions, which is the length of SIX normal marathons.
      To celebrate his 60th birthday in 2012, Ratcliffe took a group of 12 companions, including his sons and daughter on a 6,000 motorcycle trip around southern Africa over 100 days.
      Though it wasn’t all plain sailing for Ratcliffe.
      He broke three bones in his foot, and when a local hospital bandaged his injury too tightly he feared amputation.
      There was only one thing to do. He took a chainsaw, cut off the cast, to allow the blood supply to repair his broken appendage.
      Read more on The Sun
      Instead of the cast, he ordered a ski boot to be shipped to him so the bones could set.
      “I think I’m the only person ever to have worn a ski boot in Namibia,” he joked.
      Ratcliffe nearly came a cropper in Namibia when he broke bones in his footCredit: YouTube/INEOS
      The gruelling Marathon Des Sables was another foot race Ratcliffe competed inCredit: Jim Carnegie/British Photography Awards More

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      Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s historic haunted pub where drinkers stick money on the ceiling for ghost of murdered soldier

      by

      BEFORE Sir Jim Ratcliffe became a Man Utd investor, the billionaire tycoon bought a pub.The 71-year-old petrochemicals tycoon – who has bought 25 per cent of club for £1.3bn – enjoyed a regular tipple at the Grenadier in London’s Belgravia.
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe enjoys a pint at his pub the GrenadierCredit: Jon Bond – The Sun
      Man Utd investor Ratcliffe bought the pub in 2022
      So enamoured by its history, he approached brewery Greene King to take it off their hands, and then named his foray into the SUV market by the same name.
      The landmark boozer was built in 1720 and is a hidden gem in the capital – visited by Prince William and pop queen Madonna in recent times.
      While it also hides a secret story that adds to its mystique.
      According to folklore, the pub is the most haunted in the city.
      Read more Man Utd news
      And, there’s a reason why…
      Rich history
      Found in a secluded street in Belgrave Square, the Grenadier served as an officers’ mess in the 18th century.
      Meaning, it was used by military for meals, drinks and recreational activities.
      Word has it, the pub was visited by King George IV during his reign between 1820-1830.
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      However, there’s a more sinister story involving a brutal murder of a solider.
      That’s the same soldier that’s said to haunt the premises.
      Caught cheating
      In 1818, a group of officers were enjoying a game of cards.
      But the night turned ugly when one, called Cedric, was reportedly caught cheating.
      He was taken outside by his comrades, who beat him to a pulp outside the doors.
      The pub is named after Cedric, himself, who was a Grenadier guard.
      Allegedly, the incident happened in a September.
      That is the month when most paranormal activity is reported, with a ghostly figure apparently seen walking through the pub’s rooms.
      The Grenadier is said to be haunted
      Punters pay tribute to a murdered soldier by sticking money on the ceiling
      A ghost of the soldier is said to haunt the boozer
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      Fitting tribute
      Because of tradition, punters who flock to the Grenadier, some tourists, have found a novel way of celebrating Cedric, who is featured in a painting behind the bar.
      Plenty stick money to the ceiling to pay off his debts, with currency from all over the world plastered all over the pub.
      Over 200 years later, and visitors are still making donations to the cause.
      But, that hasn’t stopped Cedric from continuing to play pranks on staff and drinkers.
      ‘Tables and chairs rattle inexplicably’
      Staff at the Grenadier have fed into the tale over the years.
      Cedric’s ghostly presence is certainly felt when it comes to glasses breaking and the like.
      The Grenadier is decorated in military regalia
      A painting, believed to be of Cedric, hangs in the pub
      A spokesperson previously told the Culture Trip: “Objects seem to either disappear or move without explanation. Tables and chairs rattle inexplicably, as well as an icy chill that befalls the pub that can last for days.
      “Footsteps have been heard wandering around empty rooms, and every so often, low sighing moans are heard from the depths of the cellar.
      “Famously, on one occasion, it was reported that whilst the Chief Superintendent from New Scotland Yard was enjoying a drink in the pub, smoke began to waft around him.
      Ratcliffe’s obsession
      “As he reached towards the smoke, it is said that an invisible cigarette burnt his hand.”
      The Grenadier has been a haven for the wealthy locals of Knightsbridge through the years.
      Ratcliffe came up with an idea to find a spiritual successor to the Land Rover DefenderCredit: Jon Bond – The Sun
      The idea for his Grenadier SUV was scribbled down on a beer mat in the pubCredit: Jon Bond – The Sun
      Ratcliffe, who boasts an estimated £30billion fortune, was a regular.
      It was there where he came up with the idea of building a sturdy 4×4 seen as the successor to the Land Rover Defender.
      Amusingly, he is believed to have scribbled down plans for the motor on a beer mat while drinking with a group of pals.
      Read more on The Sun
      He then decided to buy it in 2022.
      As they say, the best ideas come in the pub. More

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      Jose Mourinho was my PE teacher, loads of the kids hated him but even then he proved he was a tactical mastermind

      by

      JOSE MOURINHO has always been a Marmite character – just ask his former PE students. The Special One continues to divide opinion, nearly 20 years on from leading Porto to Champions League glory.
      Jose Mourinho was a PE teacher before his football coaching career took offCredit: Empics
      Armenio Anjos was one of his students at Zeca Afonso Secondary SchoolCredit: Joshua Jones / SunSport
      The future manager still had the same incredible intensity and demands at the schoolCredit: PA:Press Association
      But his my-way-or-the-highway methods and demand for respect were not reserved for just elite-level footballers.
      Armenio Anjos, 50, can testify to that.
      Anjos attended the school Escola Secundaria Zeca Afonso in Alhos-Vedros just outside Lisbon when Mourinho spent a year teaching PE in his early 20s between the end of his brief playing career and the beginning of his managerial career.
      Mourinho, 60, was not even the school’s football team manager but he still made quite the impression on his pupil – producing one of his very first tactical masterstrokes. 
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      Anjos told SunSport: “Jose Mourinho was my PE teacher for one year before he went to Sporting. 
      “He was 23 or 24, I was 14 or 15. I didn’t expect Mourinho to be what he is now.
      “He was the same. It’s one thing I love about him: Mourinho has never changed. He is always in your face. Whatever he thinks about you, he will tell you.
      “I love him. I have never stopped loving him, even at school. I was not the only one. There was a lot of people like me who loved him but a lot of people hated him. It’s like now.
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      “Even at that time, a lot of my schoolmates said, ‘This guy is too rude for me.’
      “In Portugal, if you don’t pass, you repeat the year so some of the girls were older.

      “Mourinho was always good looking and he was driving a Renault 18 which was a very nice, popular car.”
      Anjos continued: “He wasn’t the manager but he told me to go in goal.
      “I went in goal and I was good and then I was the goalkeeper for the school team. 
      “He taught me everything. Basketball, volleyball. 
      “We always think PE is a subject we don’t need to work hard in. It’s just running about and kicking the ball. Not with him. 
      “He said, ‘I went to uni like your English teacher, Portuguese teacher, maths teacher. You have to respect me the same way.
      “You need to learn from me, I’m not here wasting my time.’ Everyone was in shock. 
      “In the breaks between lessons, usually the teachers went to the staff room but he was outside with us, seeing what we were doing, talking to us. He was really motivating.”
      I will do more for Mourinho than I would for my kidsArmenio Anjos
      As he has done with many in the nearly four decades since, Mourinho left a lasting impression on Anjos.
      The former student has always tracked his old teacher’s career – from getting his big break as Sir Bobby Robson’s translator at Sporting in 1992 then to Porto and Barcelona, where his pragmatic football ideology dovetailed with Robson’s attacking style. 
      Mourinho stayed on at the Nou Camp under Louis van Gaal, who gave him the chance to develop his management skills.
      Then in September 2000, Mourinho was appointed Benfica’s first-team boss, resigning just three months later before shining at Uniao de Leiria which saw him land the Porto job in January 2002.
      He promised to make the club league champions in his first full season and delivered – alongside the Taca de Portugal and Uefa Cup – and backed it up with the Premeira Liga and Champions League double in 2003-04.
      From there it was Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham and now Roma – collecting 20 trophies along the way including three Premier League crowns at Stamford Bridge. 
      Anjos reunited with Mourinho just once since he became famous when he flew from England to Lisbon for a book-signing session. 
      But he has been cheering him on every step of the way – even while on family holidays.
      He worked as Sir Bobby Robson’s translator at Sporting, Porto and BarcelonaCredit: Reuters
      Mourinho stayed on at Barcelona under Louis van GaalCredit: Reuters
      Mourinho carries the Uefa Cup after leading Porto to glory in his first full seasonCredit: Lusa
      He secured a memorable Champions League triumph with Porto in 2004Credit: Empics
      Mourinho won three Premier League titles with ChelseaCredit: AFP – Getty
      Anjos – who dreams of watching Mourinho’s Roma in the Stadio Olimpico this season – said: “Just to show you how much I love him, Real Madrid’s first game in the 2012-13 season was home to Valencia. 
      “I was on holiday in the Algarve. On the Saturday afternoon, I told my wife we were going to watch Real Madrid tomorrow. 
      “She said, ‘What? It’s 40C and you want to drive from here to Madrid just to watch Mourinho?’ 
      “I said, ‘Wherever he goes, I am going.’ I bought tickets for seven people, we had a seven-seater car. It took eight hours. We got there ten minutes after kick-off because I was looking for parking. 
      “We went in, watched the game, it was a draw. Then we drove back for another eight hours.
      “Then after Real Madrid lost in the 2013 Champions League semi-finals against Borussia Dortmund, Mourinho was on his knees. 
      “I felt so sorry for him and felt I had to support him so the Sunday after I flew to Madrid, went to Santiago Bernabeu, paid £300 for a ticket to see Real Madrid beat Sevilla then took the plane back.
      “I was there to watch Mourinho, I don’t care about Madrid. For that man, I will do more than I would for my kids.” 
      ANJ BALL
      Anjos was inspired by Mourinho to quit basketball after six years and get into football, initially as a player and now as a coach.
      After moving to England 17 years ago, he now manages Barking FC’s Under-18s and invited compatriot Fabio Paim to speak to his players about the importance of work ethic to make it as a footballer.
      Paim revealed to SunSport he earned £6,500 per week aged 13 and was better than Sporting pal Cristiano Ronaldo but his career fizzled out into obscurity due to the pitfalls of money and fame before he ended up watching his old friend from prison.
      And Anjos, nicknamed Dos, likes to channel his inner Jose with his players – including replicating the iconic kneeslide celebration. 
      Wearing his ‘Special 1’ Roma top under his Barking training kit, he added: “Mourinho is the greatest manager ever. He is amazing. I love him, I just love him so much.
      “The way he talked so passionately made me have a go at football.
      Read more on The Sun
      “I show the boys a lot of videos and most of them are Mourinho. I do speeches like him. 
      “I did a kneeslide once. We went to play in Kent last season and we were down 1-0 then in the last second, one of our guys scored from outside the box – that was my moment.”
      Anjos dreams of seeing his hero at the Stadio Olimpico this seasonCredit: Joshua Jones / SunSport
      Anjos, far right, is the Barking FC Under-18s coachCredit: Joshua Jones / SunSport
      Anjos even replicated the famous kneeslide after a dramatic late goal for his sideCredit: Pixel 8
      Mourinho’s Real Madrid were dumped out of the 2012-13 Champions League by Borussia DortmundCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      Mourinho’s love affair with European competitions continued with Conference League glory at RomaCredit: Getty More