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      in Soccer

      Inside Alisha Lehmann’s winter Maldives break with best pal Amira Arfaoui, from playing beach football to bikini photos

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      WHAT a way to spend the Christmas period.Stunning women’s footballer Alisha Lehmann jetted off to the Maldives, where she has been sunning her amazing bikini body.Alisha Lehmann is enjoying a winter break in the MaldivesCredit: InstagramLehmann is enjoying her downtime – sunning her incredible bikini body during the festive periodCredit: InstagramAlisha is with best pal Amira Arfaoui on the dream holiday, where they have enjoyed a kickabout on the beachCredit: InstagramThe Swiss forward, 25, was joined by her best pal and international team-mate, Amira Arfaoui.But, there was no sign of boyfriend Douglas Luiz who has had to stay in Turin and play for Juventus during the festive holidays.However, Lehmann was able to take advantage of the Serie A Femminile winter break to let her hair down.And she’s even managed to keep herself match-fit by playing a bit of beach football.Read more football news SunSport takes a look inside Lehmann’s dream getaway to a ‘lost island’.Staying activeHolidays are, essentially, for letting your hair down.But when you’re a super-fit athlete like Alisha, there’s absolutely no reason for downtime.She’s made full use of the facilities available at her Maldives resort.Most read in FootballMaking sure they don’t lose their touch, Alisha and bestie Arfaoui, who plays for Werder Bremen, enjoyed a kickabout on the beach in their modified training session.Glam footballer Alisha Lehmann looks stunning as she shows off skills in a bikini leaving fans ‘jealous of Douglas Luiz’Both women showed off their skills by performing kick-ups.While Alisha enjoyed showing off her dribbling talents as she bamboozled Arfaoui on the sand.Alisha captioned a video on social media: “POV: Celebrating so many years of friendship on a lost island.”The Blonde beauty also took to her Instagram stories to share a picture of some tennis balls and padel rackets, as she and Arfaoui continued to enjoy their time away.And when they weren’t on the beach, the pair took some bicycles out to cycle around the island, which Arfaoui shared a clip of.In her downtime, Alisha showed off her keepy uppy skillsCredit: InstagramAlisha dazzled onlookers with her football jugglingCredit: InstagramAmira Arfaoui also showed off her amazing skillsCredit: InstagramAlisha showed off some padel rackets, as well as tennis balls and drinksCredit: Instagramread more sport featuresShowing off her amazing bikini bodyAlisha is no stranger to flaunting her incredible curves in revealing swimwear.And with current temperatures in the Maldives at 27 degrees, the Juventus Women’s star has been eager to show off her range of bikinis.In one snap, which sees Alisha beaming for the camera, she is wearing a black and white ensemble – matched with a Santa hat – in fitting with the season.In another series of photos, we see her in a gorgeous pink bikini – performing a number of poses.From looking into the horizon to letting the sea touch her toes, Alisha appears perfectly relaxed.Her mate Arfaoui looks equally as chilled – resting against a palm tree while taking a selfie.Alisha enjoyed soaking up the sun and showing off her amazing bikini bodiesCredit: InstagramIn a series of photos shared on social media, Alisha dipped her toes into the seaArfaoui looked equally rested as she chilled against a palm tree and took a selfieGlam lookNoticeably missing from her Maldives getaway was boyfriend, Douglas Luiz.Unlike Alisha, the Brazilian midfielder didn’t get a winter break this year.He has been in action for his club, Juventus – who drew with Fiorentina 2-2 over the weekend.They did spend Christmas Day together – sharing a romantic snap in front of their tree in the home in Northern Italy.The loved-up duo wore matching pyjamas as they posed for pictures with a number of presents behind them.Despite being without her beau in the Maldives, Alisha has enjoyed dressing up.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere was no sign of boyfriend Douglas Luiz after the pair spent Christmas Day togetherCredit: InstagramAlisha enjoyed dressing up in a glam black dressCredit: InstagramIn one outfit, she can be seen wearing a figure-hugging black dress – complete with pink ribbons.She certainly looks like she’s having the time of her life. More

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      in Soccer

      How Liam Delap has blossomed into ‘best young English striker’ and has superfans in Enzo Maresca and Ed Sheeran

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      LIAM Delay continued his epic rise in the Premier League with a demolition job of Chelsea.The 21-year-old was instrumental in leading Ipswich Town to a much-needed win over the Blues.Liam Delap has been scoring goals for fun at Ipswich Town this seasonCredit: GettyDelap blasted home a penalty against Chelsea in a 2-0 win for the Tractor BoysCredit: RexIpswich Town minority owner Ed Sheeran helped bring Delap to the clubCredit: GettyDelap got the Tractor Boys on their way by smashing home a first-half penalty.The centre forward, who has been linked with a move to the West Londoners, then provided the assist for Omari Hutchinson to put the seal on a surprise 2-0 win.That prompted Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca – who he saw first-hand playing for Man City’s youth side – to wax lyrical about Delap after the game.He hailed the man of the match, saying: “Liam is a fantastic player, and also for his age.read more football news “I think we spent one year together and he scored [about] 22 to 24 goals. He is a very good striker.”England have many good players, many good strikers [but] he’s working hard off the ball and on the ball, understands the game and can score goals.”I think he can be an important player for England.”Ipswich Town parted with £20million to bring the ex-Cityzen youngster to Suffolk.Most read in FootballBut that will be money well spent if his goals keep Kieran McKenna’s side in the top flight.Delap has already managed seven goals in 18 league games, and was a handful for Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd side last month.Ipswich Town Football Club announce plans to redevelop 53-year-old stand in ‘exciting project’ with hotel and aquatics centre The 6ft1in centre forward, who was handed a Premier League debut by Pep Guardiola in 2020, was in two minds over joining Ipswich in the summer.That was until minority owner Ed Sheeran got involved to get the transfer over the line.And now Delap is being touted as Harry Kane’s successor for the striker role for England.BBC Sport pundit Danny Murphy said: “I’ve seen him a bit quite a lot this season and I’d probably go as far as I say, for me, he the obvious long-term successor to Kane.”I think he’s the best young English striker out there.”I know he’s got a bit to learn and wisdom comes with experience and game time in this league.”But he’s got all the attributes to be a top international player.”Sheer brillianceIt’s not often one of the biggest pop stars in the world has a hand in getting a transfer deal over the line.However, when it’s Ipswich Town superfan Ed Sheeran, then it becomes more understandable.Delap came through the ranks at Man CityCredit: GettyDelap has been touted as Harry Kane’s successor for EnglandCredit: Rexread more sport featuresWhen he’s not gatecrashing Sky Sports interviews with new Man Utd boss Amorim, the singer/songwriter is asking players to join the club he has shares in.Back in the summer, Sheeran got on a Zoom call with Liam Delap and convinced the him his future belonged in East Anglia.In a story told by the club’s CEO Mark Ashton at a Soccerex event, we learned: “A local man, global superstar, sponsor of the football club, now a shareholder and now officially part of our recruitment team.”In the summer we were trying to persuade one particular player to join the football club and realised very quickly that he was an Ed Sheeran fan.”Ed jumped on a Zoom call with him at the training ground, hopefully that was a key part of getting the player across the line.”While Ashton remained coy on who the player was, he let the cat out of the bag when asked how the footballer was getting on this season.He replied: “Certainly scoring a few goals!”It’s in the genesFootball is in Delap’s blood. His dad Rory played for Stoke City, and Delap Jr appeared on the set of Soccer AM in 2014 alongside his father.The former Stoke City and Ireland midfielder is best remembered for his insanely long throw-ins.Former Stoke City hero Rory Delap is Liam’s dadCredit: AFPLiam seen on the set of Soccer AM in 2014Credit: Twitter / @RoryJDelapLike his dad, Liam Delap has an aggressive streakCredit: GettyAs a youth player, that was something that Liam also had in his arsenal.However, when one parent took exception to the youngster’s long-throws he refused to take another throw again.“I think he was put off when he was about an under-10!” Delap Sr. revealed in an interview with Radio Stoke.“One of the parents shouted that he was ruining the game when he took a throw and he hasn’t taken one since.”I don’t think that will be part of his game.”However, one thing he has inherited from his dad’s game is aggression.”(Aggression) always been a part of my game. I need it in my game,” he said in an interview with  the Manchester Evening News.”When I’m on that edge it’s when I’m at my best, it’s just not tipping over that edge and everyone has told me that they’d never want to take it out of me, it’s just controlling that final tipping point of what is acceptable and what’s not.”You can’t really teach it, it’s just something I have and I’m so grateful that I’ve got it but it’s just now working a mechanism that I can control it to keep myself on the pitch.”I’ve got a lot better. I was a lot worse when I was younger so I think it’s just maturing and understanding what’s right.”Inspired by RonaldoA different type of player to his dad, blessed with power and pace, Liam is inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo.In the past Delap has revealed he is a fan of Cristiano RonaldoCredit: GettyDelap knows he has to continue to work at his game to reach the topCredit: Getty”I’ve always looked up to Cristiano Ronaldo. Just the way he plays, the pace and the power.”For me, he’s the best in the world so aspiring to someone who is the best in the world, your dreams just have to be high.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Listening to people that he’s worked with, the extras and lengths that he goes to look after his body and get better every day just shows why he’s at the top level.”You can have talent but talent on its own doesn’t work without effort.” More

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      in Boxing

      Oleksandr Usyk’s tattoos explained, from his children’s names to Olympic rings, as he gets ready to fight Tyson Fury

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      OLEKSANDR Usyk is gearing up for the biggest fight of his life.The WBA, WBO and WBC belts are on the line as he faces Tyson Fury at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday.Oleksandr Usyk shows off his impressive tattoos and chiselled torsoCredit: GettyUsyk’s tattoos will be on display when he fights Tyson Fury this weekendCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom BoxingUsyk will have three belts on the line when he faces off against Fury for a second timeCredit: ReutersBoxing fans will be praying it is as eventful as the first bout between the pair, which ended in the Ukrainian winning by split decision.Amusingly, whoever wins, the pair could end up going for a pint together.Usyk joked about it in a recent TV interview where he said he would entertain having a beer with his rival.The trash talk has ramped up in recent weeks but there remains a healthy respect between the pair, so much so that Usyk is willing to put all the Gypsy King’s “rabbit” jokes aside and visit the boozer with him.Read more boxing newsDuring a chat with Sky Sports, Usyk said: “Listen I can go to the pub, drinking beer.”After, we go to play golf and then we go to play football. Then we go horse racing.”As he fought back fits of laughter, the fan favourite added: “Yes [a few beers]. No problem.”The Cat and Fury could even talk about his incredible tattoos that decorate his chiselled torso.Most read in BoxingSunSport wades through his ink to explain what some of them mean below.Oleksandr Usyk puts Tyson Fury rivalry aside and invites Gypsy King to the pub to ‘drink beer’ and cheer on Man Utd Family manUsyk is one of sport’s great characters.Loveable, goofy at times, and certainly a lot smarter than people realise.However, beneath his joker in the pack exterior is a proud man whose roots firmly belong to Ukraine.He is also a father, which he takes great joy in being.Usyk’s dedication to his children is obvious, as he has their names, Yelizaveta and Kyrylo, etched on to his skin in Ukrainian script.These names roughly translate to Elizabeth and Kyrill in English.Usyk married Yekaterina in 2009.They have four children in total, including Mykhalio and a daughter who was born this year.Usyk’s children’s names appear on his biceps in Ukrainian scriptCredit: EPA/ALI HAIDERUsyk is married to Yekaterina and they share four kidsCredit: Instagramread more sport featuresA true UkrainianIt was little wonder Usyk returned to his native country to fight the ongoing war against Russia.But, he’s best served representing his country on the global stage as one of the world’s most popular sportsman.When he’s in the ring, fans will get to see his right shoulder inked with the Simferopol, the national coat of arms of Ukraine.Known as the tryzub, it wasn’t until 1979 that it was considered a national symbol.Usyk’s tributes to his homeland don’t end there.On his left lower-back, he has an angel tattooed that looks like the iconic statue of Archangel Michael atop Lach Gates at the Independence Square in Kyiv.It is holding a sword, which signifies its role in protecting the country from invasion or danger.Famously, after defeating Anthony Joshua, Usyk dedicated his victory to the soldiers of Kyiv’s territorial defence forces.“They (injured soldiers) were asking me to go, to fight, to fight for the country, fight for your pride and if you’re going to go there, you’re even going to help more for our country,” he said.On his lower left back, Usyk has an angel tattoo , while Ukraine’s national coat of arms is on his right shoulderCredit: InstagramAfter beating Anthony Joshua, Usyk dedicated his victory to Kyiv’s territorial defence forcesCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom BoxingOlympic heroUsyk rose through the ranks by competing at the Olympics.Famously, he won gold at London 2012 in the heavyweight class.On both of his arms he has Olympic rings, with one of those labelled ‘London 2012’.They symbolise how far Usyk has come as he has conquered the professional boxing world, as both cruiserweight an heavyweight king.READ MORE SUN STORIESNext, it’s time to conquer Tyson Fury again.Maybe there will another tattoo designed already for that honour.Usyk’s Olympic success features on his arms with the Olympic ringsCredit: Reuters More

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      in Soccer

      Meet ‘new Match of the Day host’ Kelly Cates, who is the daughter of a Liverpool icon and studied maths at university

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      KELLY CATES is reportedly set to quit Sky Sports and move to the BBC.The 49-year-old, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman will reportedly share hosting duties of Match of the Day and MOTD 2 next season, when Gary Lineker stands down.Kelly Cates has built a stellar career in the media over the past 20 yearsCredit: HandoutCates is familiar to Sky Sports viewers as the host for Super SundayLiverpool legend Kelly Dalglish poses with his familyCredit: PA:Press AssociationCates has worked for the BBC on and off since 2013, for Radio 5 Live.She presented iconic fan phone-in show 606 alongside Ian Wright on Sunday’s between 2013 and 2018.After joining Sky Sports her role was reduced, but Cates returned to host midweek sports show, 5 Live Sport, mostly on Tuesday’s, while she also provided coverage of the 2022 World Cup.The daughter of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish became a TV presenter at Sky Sports, working on several Premier League shows including Friday Night Live.Read more football newsSky Sports bosses are reportedly sad to see her leave – but she was understood to be the BBC’s leading external candidate to take over from icon Lineker.It completes a remarkable journey for Cates, who has had an impressive rise in sports broadcasting.It was a role she had no intention of taking when she was at university studying maths!She comes from footballing royaltyKelly grew up with football around her.Most read in FootballIt was mum, Marina who would take her to games dad Kenny was playing in.”When I was a baby my mum took me to matches to watch my dad play,” she said in an interview with magazine When Saturday Comes.Kelly Cates on Super Sunday amid reports she’s leaving for BBC”I don’t remember a time when I didn’t go to football games – my earliest memories are of being in the players’ lounge with the other players’ children.”However, that didn’t make Kelly a Liverpool fan.When her father moved to clubs, including Blackburn and Newcastle United as a manager, she hoped they did well – even against the Reds.Despite football being in her blood, she revealed she didn’t have as much of a flair for it as her famous father.She laughed: “I ran down the wing thinking ‘Oh, this will be easy’, tripped over and knocked myself out!”That was the end of my football career.”Thought of a different lifeAlthough she has become football broadcasting royalty, Cates nearly snubbed a chance to work in the game.At university being a sports TV presenter was far from her mind.She said: “I did a degree in maths but after I left university I wanted to do something different.When she was at university Cates studied mathsCredit: GettyHowever, when Sky Sports News launched she decided to give presenting a goCredit: PA:Press AssociationFather and daughter share a laugh during Sky Sports’ coverageCredit: PAread more sport features”The Sky Sports News channel was being launched and they were looking for young people who loved football.”It was new and no one was watching so they pretty much said to us: ‘Go and play at being on the telly!”‘Family came firstSince the Millennium, Cates’ career rise has followed a steep trajectory.She initially left Sky Sports in 2016, after wanting to start a family with then fiancé Tom Cates, who she shares two children with.”I left Sky Sports News in 2006, after the Germany World Cup,” she told The Overlap’s ‘Not Just Football’ podcast back in October.”I’d been there for eight years and I had just turned 30, or I was just turning 31. I was engaged, but not yet married. I knew I wanted to have children quite soon at that point.”It had just been, for a long time, kind of filtering away and running in the back of my head. I came to the end of my contract and was working under my new contract and within the space of about three days, made the decision.Kelly got married to Tom Cates in 2007, although they divorced in 2021Credit: Luke InmanCates has worked at ESPN, ITV, Setanta Sports and more through the years tooCredit: Getty”I was driving into work one day, I walked in and I said, ‘I don’t want to sign this new contract, I want to go!’ I had nothing to go to.”I just walked away, but I was so sure that I had to go and make that change. I did it when I left university to go to Sky, which is different, because then you get something that’s really exciting, shiny and new, dangled in front of you and you think, ‘I’m going to take this jump'”.Cates got married in 2007, although they sadly divorced in 2021.That same year she began a job at the now defunct Setanta Sports – bouncing around jobs at ESPN, ITV, and STV.However, in 2016 she made her return back to Sky Sports – feeling she had unfinished business.Initially, she fronted their EFL coverage before becoming the main anchor for the Premier League.Cates has been a huge success for the channel, alongside Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher.Who can forget when she hilariously turned her back on them, after they turned their back on her during a segment that went wrong.READ MORE SUN STORIESSky’s loss is BBC’s gain, as Kelly will divide her time between MOTD and her role working for Radio 5 Live.It could be a match made in heaven.Kelly will divide her time between MOTD and BBC Radio 5 LiveCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdSky’s loss will be BBC’s gain – as Super Sunday will need a new hostCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      in Soccer

      Football team-mates’ best fights, from Le Saux punching Batty, Hartson kicking Benayoun to brutal Bowyer vs Dyer scrap

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      WHEN tensions run high and the pressure is on, these footballers could not help but fall out with one another.Man Utd were the latest club to see two of their stars get in a barney on the pitch.Rasmus Hojlund and Amad Diallo got into a row after Man Utd’s Europa League clashCredit: TNT SPORTSTeammates stepped in to break it up but it’s not the first time footballers have foughtCredit: TNT SPORTSTeam-mates Rasmus Hojlund and Amad Diallo were involved in a furious row after full-time in Plzen after their Europa League clash.Substitute Hojlund, 21, was United’s game-winning hero but was left raging as he accused Amad of wrecking his chance at a first club hat-trick by refusing to pass to him when in front of goal deep into injury time.While Amad was also angry that Hojlund did something similar moments before.However, United boss Amorim could only see positives in their actions. Read more football newsAmorim said: “It’s a positive thing, a healthy thing, perfect. In this moment, we need to feel something, if we need to fight each other it’s like a family, for me it’s a very, very good sign.“When you don’t care, you do nothing, when you care, you fight with your brother, with your father, with your mother.“It’s a normal thing, so I leave it to the players and captain to calm things down.“If it’s too much I will go inside the dressing room. But it’s their space, they have to talk, to fight — it’s very important.Most read in Football“I am happy we win the game and still fight each other, that is a very good thing.Club mascot provokes opposition players, starts a fight, gets sent off and then does Ronaldo’s siu celebration“When you win and you fight with your team-mate because you want to score one more. It’s a very good day for us.”While Hojlund and Amad’s row was just a squabble, there have been times when things have got further out of hand, as SunSport explains.White and ZinchenkoBack in January, Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko had to be held back by set-piece coach Nicolas Jover following Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest.Gunners boss Mikel Arteta revealed why they fell out after the match.Taking the Amorim approach, Arteta said: “I love it. They are demanding more from each other. They are not happy with the way they conceded and they are just trying to resolve it.”It got a bit heated. But that means that it’s enough. Playing the way we played the result has to be bigger and the clean sheet has to be there.”Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko are separated by Arsenal coach Nicolas JoverCredit: TNT SPORTSMings and El-GhaziAt the beginning of the 2019-2020 season, Aston Villa’s Tyrone Mings and Anwar El-Ghazi locked horns during a game against West Ham.The Aston Villa bad-boys’ disagreement was put to bed at half-time, according to then captain Jack Grealish.Ming was said to be livid with El-Ghazi for not tracking back, and shouted at him on the pitch.The Dutchman retaliated by pushing his head into the face of Mings.Anwar El Ghazi feels Tyrone Mings’ wrath after not tracking backCredit: Getty – ContributorEl Ghazi leans his head towards Mings after their war of wordsCredit: AFP or licensorsBatty and Le SauxOne of the infamous, and most shocking, saw a Blackburn Rovers Champions League game momentarily halted.David and Graeme Le Saux accidentally collided when going for the same ball in a match against Spartak Moscow in 1995.The game was just four minutes in when Le Saux aimed a punch at the tigerish midfielder.Tim Sherwood stepped in to separate them, but Le Saux had already broken his hand at that point.Tim Sherwood has to step in to stop David Batty and Graeme Le Saux scrappingCredit: PAThe pair made up pretty quickly after their fisticuffsCredit: PA:Press AssociationMitrovic and KamaraYou could say it all started when Aboubakar Kamara snatched the ball off regular Fulham penalty taker Aleksandar Mitrovic and missed a vital spot-kick against Huddersfield in a 2019 Premier League match.Then, just two weeks later during a supposedly calming yoga session, the pair got into a heated row as boss Claudio Ranieri looked on.Mitrovic believed Kamara had insulted the yoga teacher, and he let Kamara know about it.Talk about holding a grudge.Fulham’s Aboubakar Kamara and Aleksandar Mitrovic’s argument began over a squabble over a penaltyCredit: PA:Press Associationread more sport featuresHartson and BerkovicWhile a lot happens during in the heat of a game, this astonishing fight happened in a training session!John Hartson and Eyal Berkovic, as centre forward and playmaker respectively, are supposed to tee each other up for goals.However, that seemed far-fetched when Hartson lost his temper with Berkovic and kicked his West Ham team-mate in the head in 1998.The training ground outburst was caught on film and Hartson, who was fined £20,000, called it his “biggest regret”.John Hartson’s infamous kick to Eyal Berkovic’s face was caught on cameraCredit: SkyBerkovic and Hartson soon made up after their bust-upCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdBowyer and DyerAnother to be filed under the Batty and Le Saux category, Lee Bowyer’s scrap with Kieron Dyer also escalated to punches being landed.In a match their Newcastle team would lose to Aston Villa 3-0, Dyer reportedly called Bowyer “s***”.The outrageous melee saw players from both sides try to intervene as they ripped each other to shreds.They were sent off and tried to get at each other in the changing rooms but stopped when boss Graeme Souness allegedly offered to fight them both!Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer have to be held back by players after a furious fightCredit: GettyBellamy and Arne RiiseCraig Bellamy often lost his cool.While, John Arne Riise was an uncompromising defender who didn’t suffer fools.But, they were supposed to be letting their hair down on a team bonding trip with Liverpool to the Algarve in 2007.A row over Riise’s refusal to take part in karaoke led to Bellamy attacking the Norwegian in his hotel room with a golf club. Bellamy later used it in his goal celebration.Craig Bellamy made fun out of his incident with a golf celebrationCredit: GettyAdebayor and BendtnerAdebayor wasn’t going to let Arsenal’s departure out of the Carling Cup go without growling at a team-mate in 2008.And it was Danish star Bendtner who was on the receiving end of the Togo-born striker’s frustrations.Arsenal had a corner, but rather than concentrate on making space Adebayor and Bendtner began shoving each other.Bendtner was left with a cut above his nose, and they had to be separated by club captain William Gallas.Allegedly, Adebayor – a second half substitute – told the starting Bendtner, “I’m on because you’re s***.”Emmanuel Adebayor confronts Nicklas Bendtner and slams his performanceCredit: MARC ASPLANDSon and LlorisFormer team-mates Hugo Lloris and Son Heung-min got particularly aggy at half-time in Spurs’ 1-0 loss to Everton in a match in 2020.The two were spotted on Sky Sports’ cameras in an angry exchange – shouting and pushing each other,READ MORE SUN STORIESIt was later revealed the Frenchman was livid that the Korean wasn’t tracking back.They made up during the interval, but didn’t face the wrath of boss Jose Mourinho who applauded their passion, even calling the moment “beautiful.”Hugo Lloris and Son Heung-Min argued over the Korean allegedly not tracking backCredit: Sky Sports More

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      in Motorsport

      Inside Eddie Jordan’s fast paced life from owning F1 team, to presenting on Top Gear and circling globe on a £32m yacht

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      EDDIE JORDAN has revealed he’s been battling an “aggressive cancer”.The F1 legend, 76, was diagnosed with bladder and prostate cancer earlier this year which then spread.Eddie Jordan has revealed his cancer battleCredit: GettyKeen musician Jordan also plays drums in a rock and roll bandCredit: GettyEddie Jordan had a successful career as a team owner in F1 with Jordan Grand PrixCredit: GettyHe said he’s had some “dark days” and urged people to go out and get tested and spoke about the importance of looking after one’s body.In an appearance on his Formula For Success podcast, which he hosts alongside David Coulthard, Jordan said: “We’ve kind of alluded to it David, over the shows. Way back in March and April, I was diagnosed with bladder and prostate cancer.”And then it spread into the spine and the pelvis, so it was quite aggressive. And we’ve all heard about our wonderful friend Sir Chris Hoy, who is an absolute megastar, and he [was] coming out and talking about illness such as like what I’ve got, but he’s a far younger man.”But this is a little message for all the anchors and everybody listening to this: don’t wait or put it off.Read more motosport news”Go and get tested, because in life you’ve got chances and there is so much medical advice out there and so many things that you can do to extend your lifetime. Go and do it.”Don’t be stupid, don’t be shy. It’s not a shy thing – look after your body, guys.“We’ll move on, but yes, some very dark days in there – but we pulled out of it, thankfully.”Jordan has enjoyed an epic life in racing, from launching his own career to owning F1 teams, and becoming a pundit and TV host.Most read in MotorsportAway from the sport, he’s a keen sailor and boating enthusiast – who once splashed the cash on a boat formerly owned by a US politician, and has circumnavigated the world.Max Verstappen claims he has ‘lost all respect’ for F1 star George Russell in X-rated rantRock and roll fan Jordan, who’s understood to be worth around £470million, also loves music and plays drums in a band, while his art collection is mint.Racing careerAge 15, Jordan contemplated becoming a priest. Then, he toyed with the idea of accountancy, taking a course, before getting a job at a bank in Ireland.During a work trip in Jersey, he discovered go-karting – returning to his native country and buying a go-kart.He had a natural flair for the sport.Jordan entered the Irish Kart Championship in 1971 – winning it.In ’74, he moved to Formula Ford, the Irish Formula Ford Championship and, in 1975, to Formula Three.However, he was forced to sit out the entire ’76 season after shattering his leg in a crash.Jordan soon switched to Formula Atlantic, where he won three races in the 1977 season.In ’78 he won the Irish Formula Atlantic Championship – racing in British Formula Three a year later for Team Ireland.Jordan had his own racing career in the 70’s after discovering a love of motorsportCredit: GettySoon, Jordan, a former accountant, would want to be a team owner himself.Credit: GettyIn the late 70s Jordan raced once in Formula Two and did some test driving for McLaren.But, soon his thoughts began drifting towards life away from behind the wheel.Team ownerCome 1979, he founded his own team – Eddie Jordan Racing.Touring car drivers David Leslie and David Sears ran for him, as did James Weaver in European F3.Jordan also hired Martin Brundle, now famed for his celebrity grid walk interviews, who finished second to Ayrton Senna in British F3.In 1987, Johnny Herbert won the team the British Formula Three Championship.In 1991, Jordan had grander plans. After hiring Reynard chief designer Gary Anderson, he founded Jordan Grand Prix and entered Formula 1.They quickly punched above their weight thanks to the quality of drivers that drove for the team.Jordan memorably gave Michael Schumacher his first start in F1 in the team’s debut season.Jordan famously launched the career of Michael SchumacherCredit: GettyEddie Jordan celebrates success at the Belgian Grand PrixCredit: Gettyread more sport featuresAfter one start, the German was lured to Benetton.However, in 1998 the team achieved its best ever result when Damon Hill and Ralf Schumacher finished first and second at the Belgian Grand Prix.A year later, they had Heinz-Harald Frentzen as a genuine contender for the world championship, until he fell away.In 2005, Jordan finally sold up – Midland Group, financed by wealthy Russian-Canadian businessman Alex Shnaider, bought the team and renamed it MF1 Racing.Following a hiatus from motor racing, Jordan returned to F1 as a pundit and has worked for BBC Sport, Channel 4, and is a regular now on Sky Sports.Yacht ownerAway from racing, Jordan loves sailing.He has owned several boats, including the biggest Sunseeker Yacht ever built.Sailing enthusiast has circumnavigated the world thanks his love of boatsCredit: Rex FeaturesBlush eddie jordan yachtCredit: BLUEI PRODUCTIONSIt featured a nightclub and a parking garage for jet skis as well as opulent dining rooms, lounges, bars, viewing decks, jacuzzis, bedrooms and ensuite bathroomsIt reportedly set him back £32million, but he decided to sell it in 2017.He revealed to Boat International that his busy schedule only allowed him to enjoy two weeks a year on it, and it wasn’t worth the £1.2m running costs, including fuel, dockage, maintenance, insurance and crew salaries.Jordan also owned a 45-metre sailing boat called Blush, which he recently sold for around £9m.His passion for sailing allowed him to tick off a dream on his bucket list.“I was very lucky to circumnavigate the world so that’s no longer on the bucket list,” Jordan revealed.Back in the paddockFor all his love of the ocean, motorsport is still clearly his biggest love.In 2016, he became a presenter for the revamped Top Gear, alongside Chris Evans and Matt LeBlanc.But he’s at home when he’s in the paddock – working as an analyst.In recent years, he’s been a regular on Sky Sports – delivering his expert opinion.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile he remains outspoken on his podcast Formula For Success, alongside David Coulthard.Long may we continue hearing Jordan’s expertise on the world of F1.Jordan starred opposite Chris Evans and Matt LeBlanc on the revamped Top GearCredit: BBCIn recent years, Jordan has worked as a punditCredit: GettyJordan was diagnosed with bladder and prostate cancer earlier this yearCredit: Getty More

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      Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s amazing £19m car collection which features a rare £9m Bugatti and two luxury Rolls-Royces

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO’S car collection is the most formidable we’ve ever seen.The Portugal star, still going strong at 39, is raking in millions and loves adding cars to his garage.Cristiano Ronaldo boasts a car collection worth £19millionRonaldo’s £9m Bugatti Centodieci has appeared in Saudi ArabiaThe £400k Ferrari Purosangue was unveiled by Ronaldo earlier this yearCredit: Instagram @cristianoRonaldo was also gifted a BMW XM worth £164k by Al Nassr’s latest sponsorCredit: Instagram @cristianoIncredibly, he is now believed to be worth over £500million thanks to his bumper contracts over the years at clubs including Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and now Al Nassr.Ronaldo has made no secret of his love of cars, splashing an astonishing amount on them over the years.It is believed he has amassed a fleet worth over £19million, and that includes a new BMW XM Red Label that carries a £164,000 price tag – thanks to the German car giants now sponsoring Saudi club.Earlier this year, he showed off a dark blue Ferrari Purosangue worth £400,000 from his lavish home.Read more car collectionsBut the pick of his cars has to be a £9million Bugatti, that is one of only 10 ever made.While he also loves a Range Rover as his family car.SunSport takes a look at some motors decorating his amazing garage.Bugatti Centodieci, £9mBack in 2021, CR7 added the most extravagant and expensive car to his collection.Most read in FootballThe £9million Centodieci boasts an 8 litre W16 engine, with special models having 1600hp – some 100hp more than the Chiron and, overall, three times the price of that model. Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s former Cheshire home on sale for £5m with seven bedrooms, padel courts, pool and guest barnIt can do 0-62mph in just 2.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 236mph.His Centodieci has been spotted in Saudi.Ronaldo was recently seen in Riyadh behind the wheel of Range Rover’s new SUV.Bigger than the Evoque, but smaller than the Sport, it’s the perfect family car for the forward.It’s electric, so it’s good for the environment.It’s acceleration is quite slouchy though, measuring 0-62mph from 5.4 seconds.This stunning Range Rover Velar is now part of Ronaldo’s Middle East fleetAston Martin DBS, £200kWhen Ronaldo played for Manchester United, he turned heads at Carrington as he rocked up to the gates in an amazing Aston Martin DBS Superleggera convertible.The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera boasts a 5.2 litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine, providing a mind-boggling 715 hp.It has a top speed of 211mph, and can also go from 0-60mph in just 3.4 seconds.The car was certainly a worthy addition to Ronaldo’s stunning motor collection.When Ronaldo played for Man Utd, he had a Aston Martin DBSCredit: AlamyMercedes G-Wagon Brabus, £600What do you buy your boyfriend if he has everything?Well, if you’re Georgina Rodriguez you get a massive, gift-wrapped Mercedes-Benz G-Class.The gorgeous former shop assistant made sure CR7’s had the best birthday ever for his 35th – gifting him a stunning Mercedes G Wagon Brabus that can cost as much £600,000.And the brilliant SUV can reach top speeds of 137mph.This customised Mercedes G-Wagon was gifted to Ronaldo by Wag Georgina RodriguezBugatti Chiron, £2.15mIn 2017, Ronaldo’s need for speed saw the mercurial forward splash the cash on a stunning silver Bugatti Chiron.Incredibly, it can reach speeds of 260 mph, and does 0-60 in just under 2.5 seconds.As we said, he likes two of everything – and this was the second Bugatti he bought, although he denied buying a third  – the Bugatti La Voiture Noire.That was reckoned to be the most expensive car in the world EVER at £9.49million, and was snapped up by a mystery buyer.In 2017, Ronaldo bought a Bugatti Chiron – now worth over £2mBugatti Veyron, £1.7mOnly 450 Veyron 16.4 Grand Sports were built, so of course Ronaldo wanted a slice of that rarity pie.It cost him £1.7m, and the Portuguese legend bought the car as a treat after winning Euro 2016 with his country.Though the car was involved in a crash in 2022 in Majorca. The driver, who was reportedly not Ronaldo, lost control and the car skidded into a wall.The front of the Bugatti was believed to have been wrecked with investigators revealed no other vehicle was involved.The driver of the car did not suffer any injuries and signed an accident report.In 2022, Ronaldo’s Bugatti Veyron was involved in a crashLamborghini Aventador, £260kSimply because a Bugatti Veyron won’t fulfil Ronaldo’s love of fast cars, in the same year he bought that motor he splashed on a Lamborghini Aventador.Made in 2011, it’s the most celebrated model by the Italian car designer – and owned by footballers all over the world, not scared of the outlandish price.Ronaldo celebrated his purchase on Instagram in 2016, with a picture with the caption: “Bom dia (good morning)”.Ronaldo poses with his £260k Lamborghini AventadorCredit: Instagram @CristanoRolls-Royce Cullinan, £330kIn 2020, Ronaldo added a Cullinan to his collection, having previously owned a Rolls Royce Phantom worth around £363,000.Showing his loyalty to his new employers, CR7 even personalised the interior with black and white leather.Standing at five metres long, the Cullinan boasts a V12 engine and a horse power of 571.It is the only SUV Rolls Royce have ever produced.CR7 is a huge fan of Rolls-Royce and has a stunning CullinanFerrari F12 TDF, £350KIn 2017, Ronaldo bought an F12 TDF – another collector’s item with only 799 made in the world.It is certainly one of the favourites he owns, and is zippy with a top speed of 211 mph, and capable of doing 0-62 in 2.9 seconds.Needless to say, pet-friendly Ronaldo won’t let his pooches in though.A lover of supercars, this amazing Ferrari costs £350kChevrolet Camaro, £35kMaybe he learned something from Sir Alex Ferguson about American cars, after all the former Manchester United boss drove a Chevrolet to training when he was Red Devils manager.A more economic motor than others in his garage, the Camaro has a 6.2-litre V8 engine that delivers 453 horsepower.It’s cheaper than anything else he owns, and was bought in 2016 as a family car.Showing that he doesn’t have to always drive flashy cars, Ronaldo was seen in an affordable ChevroletMORE sport featuresMcLaren Senna, £1mA car made as a dedication to the legendary Brazilian racing driver Ayrton Senna, it would’ve set Ronaldo back around £1million – with only 500 models ever made.So enamoured by its performance on Top Gear, former presenter Jeremy Clarkson said of the McLaren Senna it has ‘rewritten the supercar rule book’.READ MORE SUN STORIESPowered by a twin-turbo charged V8 engine that produces 800 horse power, it can hit 0-62 mph in just 2.8 seconds.Mika Hakkinen is another sports star who owns one of these beauties.This McLaren Senna, worth £1m, was another Ronaldo’s favourite toys More

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      Cole Palmer’s funniest moments, from Chelsea star’s love of ‘chippy chips’ to deadpan interviews live on TV

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      HE is Chelsea’s talisman and is clearly loving life at the moment.On the pitch, Cole Palmer has fired the Blues into title contention with goals and assists.Cole Palmer has his own personal celebration, for being so chilled on the pitchCredit: GettyOff the pitch, several funny moments have established Palmer as comedy goldCredit: Instagram @colepalmer10Palmer hilariously halted an interview with Sky Sport to ask Marc Cucurella what he’d done with his bootsCredit: Sky SportsOff it, he has become a cultural phenomenon – with clips on social media drawing millions of views.Some of those videos involve Palmer being rinsed for not being smart, although that couldn’t be further from the truth – with the forward certainly in on the game.Brilliantly, the search word ‘Palmercore’ has been invented for fans to view a number of these amazing moments.Palmer most recently caused hilarity when he stopped a TV interview halfway through to quiz Marc Cucurella about his boots, following two costly slips that allowed Tottenham to score.Read more football newsMoments later, he was educated by Belgian TV on how the Panenka penalty earned its name.Needless to say, Palmer never knew who Antonin Panenka was – the scorer of the first chipped spot-kick in the Euro 1976 final for the Czechs against West Germany.It’s not the first time the England star has provided the laughs, as SunSport can reveal.Monkeying aroundAt the turn of the year, Palmer and his teammates were in Dubai for some warm-weather training.Most read in FootballEnjoying a bit of downtime, the former Man City man took a trip to the famous Dubai Safari Park.It was there he encountered a chimpanzee , which he was seen holding in a clip.Amusingly, the baby chimp wouldn’t sit still – and when it slapped it’s own hand it. made Palmer squeal.Chelsea Cole Palmer reveals his favourite post-match meal which includes ‘chippy chips’ Instantly, he handed the animal over to its handlers and ran off camera.Meal timeIn an interview with the BBC Sport, Palmer was asked what his favourite post-match meal is.Instantaneously and understandably, he chose a filling Chinese meal. Listing his order, he said: “Salt and pepper chicken, rice, not salt and pepper chips. Too much that.”Then he asked the interviewer, “You know chippy chips?””They have to be them chips, or you don’t get them. Curry sauce, noodles…”Happy with his answer, Palmer then nods towards the interviewer.He later posted a photo of his Panenka penalty against Spurs with the caption: “Chippy chips”.Cole Palmer reveals his love of ‘chippy chips’ on BBC SportCredit: YouTube/BBC SportBy ‘chippy chips’ he means thick-cut chips with curry sauceCredit: InstagramFishing for complimentsSometimes the best humour can be found in just doing nothing.Which is precisely what Cole did in his Burberry ad campaign.Now picture this; he’s starring in a series of ads alongside the likes of Olivia Colman, Barry Keoghan, Little Simz and Cara Delevigne.But it’s the footballer whose video on the fashion house’s YouTube channel that draws the most views.And what is the nine-minute video of? Just Cole, on his own, sat down, in peace, fishing.Occasionally, he’ll get up check his rod, fix his coat, but for most – he’s stood motionless.Behind the scenes, in the same shoot, Palmer also wowed fans with how he makes a cup of tea.Palmer mastered the art of silent comedy in a 9-minute clip for BurberryCredit: YouTube/BurberryBehind the scenes, Palmer showed the art of making the perfect cuppaCredit: TikTok @Burberryread more sport featuresLeave The Cold To ColeFresh off his success with Burberry, Chelsea did right to include Palmer in a Christmas campaign to support the homeless.It was called Leave The Cold To Cole, and was aimed at providing clothing for those sleeping rough.British rapper Central Cee was involved, as was Blues super fan Suggs from Madness.In the video, a young boy is seen walking through a snowy Stamford Bridge wearing a Chelsea shirt with Palmer’s name and number on the back.Palmer then appears by his side to put a coat over him and shelter the lad from the cold.Behind the scenes, Palmer was spotted on camera sharing a joke with Central Cee.”That kid nicked my jacket,” he’s heard saying as the Sprinter singer begins to laugh.In a Chelsea ad campaign supporting the homeless Palmer was front and centreCredit: X @vsrsusBehind the scenes, Palmer got a laugh out of rapper and Chelsea fan Central CeeBeauty expertOne of Palmer’s favourite words to use when he’s confused is, “What?”His sister Hallie drew it out of him when he appeared on her TikTok to answer her ‘girly questions’.She asked, “what’s the difference between bronzer and contour?”Some of Palmer’s replies were hilarious, as he answered the above: “How the f**k am I meant to know that?”But as the questions about make-up and clothes continued, Palmer started getting the answers right — much to his sister’s surprise.The two were left in fits of giggles.And after Palmer correctly guessed what a “kitten heel” was, he turned to the camera and said: “To everyone that says I’m dumb, I’m not dumb!”Hallie Palmer and Cole Palmer discussed beauty products on her TikTokCredit: TikTok @halliejenniferpalmerMore fun with CucarellaMany comedians have a sidekick.For funnyman Palmer, Spanish star Marc Cucurella is his – as was proven in an amazing clip.It appeared on Chelsea’s social and they were asked the meanings of BRB, AM, and PM.But Palmer didn’t know what PM stood for, causing him to issue a gawping: “What?”Cucurella giggled, before helping his mate out and saying the Latin phrase: “Post meridiem.”READ MORE SUN STORIES”Post what?” Palmer then said as everyone in the studio laughed.Whatever you do, Cole. Don’t change.Palmer was confused for what AM and PM stood forTeammate and comedy sidekick Marc Cucurella had to bail Palmer out More