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    Inside Miami-based investment firm 777 Partners, who are set to buy Everton and have invested in a Hollywood film studio

    EVERTON are in the midst of a takeover.The fallen Premier League giant’s owners are reportedly ‘close’ to a deal with US investment firm, 777 Partners.
    Josh Wander is one of the co-founder’s of 777 PartnersCredit: AFP
    Entrepreneur Steven Pasko is Wander’s co-partner
    According to Bloomberg, Farhad Moshiri has been locked in talks with the Miami-based company who are desperate to add the prestigious English club to their business portfolio.
    777 Partners already boast several ties in football, including owning 70 per cent of CR Vasco da Gama, which was the biggest transaction in the history of the Brazilian game, as well as Genoa in Serie A.
    They have assets in aviation with low-budget airlines in Canada and Australia.
    But, more glamorously, their investment in Hollywood film studio STX Entertainment has seen them involved in the production of the Oscar-nominated The Irishman and the eagerly anticipated Ferrari biopic.
    Read more football news
    Formation
    777 Partners was formed in 2015 by business entrepreneurs Steven Pasko and Josh Wander.
    They focus their efforts on seven core industries: Insurance, Aviation, Sports, Media & Entertainment, Fintech, Litigation Finance, Private Credit, and Sustainability.
    To date, they have over 50 portfolio companies and operate in over 20 countries around the world.
    But it was sport where they realised they could capitalise financially.
    Most read in Football
    Sport
    Seeing an opportunity in LaLiga, they bought a minority stake at Spanish football club Sevilla in 2018.
    Two years later, they elevated their share to 7.5 per cent. That was just the beginning.
    In 2021, they bought 99.99 per cent of Italy’s oldest club, Genoa in an estimated deal worth around £130million.
    They followed that up with the purchase of a 70 per cent stake in Brazil’s Vasco da Gama.
    That R$700million (around £113million) deal was the biggest takeover in Brazilian football history.
    It valued the club at an astonishing £275million, although they are currently struggling in the Brazilian top flight.
    Belgium’s Standard Liege are 100 per cent owned by 777, while they have a majority ownership of German side Hertha Berlin and a minority stake in Melbourne Victory.
    They faced backlash when they bought France’s third tier side Red Star because of the club’s working-class and left-wing history, and concerns that the club would become a farm team for 777’s other assets.
    Former Genoa coach Alexander Blessin head coach jokes with Pasko and WanderCredit: Getty
    A deal for for Vasco da Gama was the biggest in Brazilian football history
    Elsewhere, their investment in basketball in the UK hasn’t gone unnoticed.
    They bought the London Lions, London’s sole men’s professional basketball team. They then invested £7million for 45 per cent of the British Basketball League.
    Aviation
    While Arsenal and Man City have significant investment from major airlines Emirates and Etihad respectively, 777 Partners have gone down the low-budget route with their investments.
    Their assets in aviation include Canadian company, Flair Airlines who operate with a fleet of Boeing 737’s.
    Australia’s Bonza is another backed by 777, another low-cost carrier who specialise in predominantly serving under-utilised domestic and regional routes within Australia.
    Expect to see one of those airlines pop up as a sponsor on a billboard at Goodison Park or on the famous blue shirt.
    Hollywood
    Last year, by far the most glam of their investments, 777 ploughed money into a Burbank, Hollywood film studio called STX Entertainment.
    STX scored a major worldwide distribution deal for the Oscar-nominated Martin Scorsese flick, The Irishman starring Al Pacino and Robert De Niro,
    However, this year they could be set for bigger acclaim.
    Their latest film, the Ferrari biopic, has just earned a seven-minute-standing ovation from an audience at the Venice Film Festival.
    It is already generating plenty of Oscar buzz.
    Flair Airlines boast a fleet of Boeing 737’sCredit: Getty
    Martin Scorsese’s flick The Irishman was distributed internationally by STX Entertainment, backed by 777 PartnersCredit: Splash News
    Ferrari, starring Adam Driver, is already earning critical buzzCredit: Alamy
    Drugs bust
    However, it has not always been plain-sailing for one of the entrepreneurs who fronts the business.
    According to Brazilian outlet O Globo, co-founder Josh Wander was arrested for cocaine trafficking in 2003, when he was a student.
    Police allegedly caught him with 31 grams of the white powder, which he claimed was for him and a friend.
    He was sentenced in 2004 and was released on a long period of parole that ended in 2019, the report revealed.
    In another damning article from Josimar football, there were alarming allegations that 777-affiliated companies have been involved in activities such as kidnapping, predatory lending, and fraud.
    777 Partners have dismissed these claims as “inaccurate and defamatory.”
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    As one of the oldest clubs in the Premier League, Everton deserve a new ownership that will nurture them back to financial health and Premier League stability.
    The test of time will tell if 777 are the right group for the job.
    Josh Wander was arrested for cocaine trafficking in 2003Credit: Getty More

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    Meet England’s rugby Wags including daughter of MOTD pundit who will be cheering team on at the Rugby World Cup 2023

    THE Rugby World Cup is upon us.England’s rugby team kick off their campaign against Argentina on September 9.
    Meet England rugby’s stunning WagsCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Beautiful Beth Dolling will be cheering on the RosesCredit: Instagram @bethdolling
    Beth is the partner of Marcus Smith
    The squad is currently in turmoil with captain Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola missing the start of the tournament after receiving bans.
    Add to that a dismal run of defeats to Ireland and Fiji that mean the Roses are low in confidence.
    But, there’s plenty of talent in the squad to cause a dent in France.
    Off the pitch, the Wags will be cheering their partners on. From a stunning model to a co-founder of an online community for mums, meet the Wags cheering on our boys…
    Read more England rugby news

    Beth Dolling
    Beautiful Beth, 23, is the girlfriend of Marcus Smith.
    She has appeared in campaigns for online fashion giants PrettyLittleThing.
    She’s also embracing a career as a singer and has an Instagram account dedicated to her music.
    The pair have been together for four years.
    Most read in Football
    Hollie Shearer
    Gorgeous Hollie, 28, is the daughter of England legend and Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer.
    Like Beth, she is a singer and songwriter – so surely a collaboration is on the cards.
    Hollie Shearer shows off her stunning bikini body to her 83,000 Instagram followers
    Hollie is the daughter of England legend Alan ShearerCredit: Instagram
    Joe Marchant and Hollie Shearer togetherCredit: https://www.instagram.com/hollieshearer/?hl=en
    She dates Joe Marchant, and they have been together for a year.
    Hollie’s Instagram has drawn 83,000 followers to her account, who are wowed by the incredible lifestyle she lives.
    Olivia Thomas
    Not much is known about very private Olivia Thomas, who is engaged to Harlequins hooker Jack Walker.
    The brunette beauty keeps her cards close to her chest by making her Instagram private.
    Brunette beauty Olivia keeps a private profileCredit: https://www.instagram.com/jwacker96/
    Jack Walker and Olivia recently got engagedCredit: https://www.instagram.com/jwacker96/
    However, she appears on Walker’s social media – often looking glam and fashionable.
    They share a dog they affectionately nickname ‘The Queen’, and revealed they are expecting a baby.
    Megan Ely
    Toulouse flanker Jack Willis is in a long term relationship with Meg, who lives in the South of France with her beau.
    They have a son together called Enzo, who was born in 2021.
    Meg Ely lives in the South of France, where her beau playsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/meganely_/?hl=en-gb
    Jack Willis and Meg are in a longterm relationshipCredit: https://www.instagram.com/meganely_/?hl=en-gb
    She is often seen at the Stadium de Toulouse – cheering on Willis and his team.
    No doubt she will be there supporting him in France.
    Annie Knowles
    Sadly, model Annie won’t at this year’s Rugby World Cup.
    The Wag of Sales Sharks star Ben Curry, he is a notable absentee after suffering a hamstring injury.
    Gorgeous Annie Knowles is a model with agencies in London and ManchesterCredit: https://www.instagram.com/anniekknowles/?hl=en-gb
    Ben Curry and Annie pose for a selfieCredit: https://www.instagram.com/anniekknowles/?hl=en-gb
    Annie is signed to J’adore Models in Manchester and BMA models in London.
    Her Instagram is full of glam images showcasing her beauty.
    Michelle Daly
    In 2021, Michelle and Elliot Daly said their ‘I do’s’ in a glitzy wedding ceremony.
    They posted a series of photos of their big day on Instagram, accompanied with the caption: “One month ago today I got to marry my soulmate. 10 years of knowing each other, four years engaged and now finally married.”
    Michelle Daly runs her own photography studio
    Michelle and Elliot Daly got married in 2021Credit: https://www.instagram.com/elliotdaly/?hl=en
    Michelle runs her own photography studio called Michelle Sylvia Photography.
    She is a graduate of the London School of Photography.
    Jessica Lawes
    Jessica is married to Northampton Saints star Courtney Lawes.
    They have four children together, and she is the co-founder of online community The Mum Club, which connects mums to various events close to them.
    Read More on The Sun
    She said on social media: “We honestly can’t believe the journey that The Mum Club has been on.
    “To think we started this driving across the country hosting brunches to 2.5 kids, and now we’ve six kids between the two of us, over 40 franchises, hosted over 500 plus events, a team of seven at HQ and now we’re entering international territory with a franchise opening in Dubai. Madness!”
    Jessica Lawes runs an online community for mums
    Jessica and Courtney Lawes have four children together More

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    Man City youth stars who starred after leaving the Etihad, from Kieran Trippier to Romeo Lavia, as Cole Palmer is sold

    MAN CITY’s academy has produced plenty of talented players through the years.Stars like Phil Foden and Rico Lewis have managed to break into the first team and establish themselves under Pep Guardiola.
    Cole Palmer is the latest Man City youngster to leave for pastures new
    Palmer has signed for ChelseaCredit: Getty
    Kieran Trippier is now a bonafide Premier League star and England internationalCredit: Rex
    Trippier’s youth career began at CityCredit: Getty
    But some have found themselves on the fringes of the action, and have left the club.
    Cole Palmer is the latest youngster to leave the Etihad, after Chelsea pounced in a £45million deal.
    Palmer, 21, should be buoyed by these success stories who have made the move away from M11.
    Kieran Trippier
    Before he would become an England international and Newcastle star, Trippier spent his youth days at Man City.
    Read more football news
    He was there from the age of nine, appearing in a pre-season friendly in 2009 at the Camp Nou against Barcelona.
    However, after loans at Barnsley and Burnley, the right-back was deemed surplus to requirements .
    In 2012, the Clarets made 32-year-old Trippier’s move permanent for £400,000. Amazingly, City would earn a further £1.3million from a sell-on fee when Spurs signed him in 2015.
    Romeo Lavia
    It was only last summer that City sold the Belgium midfielder to Southampton for £18million.
    Most read in Football
    After joining as a 16-year-old from Anderlecht, he would appear just once – in a League Cup tie against Wycombe Wanderers.
    This summer, Chelsea paid a whopping £60million for him, with City reportedly earning 20 per cent in a sell on fee.
    Lavia, 19, is now an international and might have saved the club, who added Mateo Kovačić and Matheus Nunes to their midfield for this season, millions.
    Romeo Lavia starred for Man City’s youth side – winning the Premier League 2 trophyCredit: Getty
    Lavia signed for Chelsea in the summerCredit: Getty
    Michael Olise
    Blink and you might have missed it.
    Not many will know that the speedy Crystal Palace winger, 21, had a year at City’s academy from 2016-17, after failing at Arsenal and Chelsea.
    After he was released, he ended up joining Reading’s Academy scholarship program.
    Olise made his debut for The Royals in 2019, before Premier League Palace bought him for £9million.
    Michael Olise is now hot property at Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty
    Jadon Sancho
    While the jury is still out on his United career, it’s worth remembering that Sancho was one of the most feared wingers in European football at one point.
    He controversially left Man City in 2017 for a reported fee of £8million, and was a pioneer in young players in our country choosing ambition and seeking pastures new overseas for first team football.
    Various issues blighted his progress last season.
    However, in pre-season the 23-year-old’s looked sharp and you wouldn’t put it past him rediscovering his form this term.
    Jadon Sancho quit Man City for first team football overseasCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    Sancho is now hopeful of rediscovering his old form at crosstown rivals Man UtdCredit: Getty
    Brahim Diaz
    Diaz’s CV – playing for European giants Real Madrid and AC Milan – is impressive.
    He began in Manchester, after joining the club from Malaga in 2015.
    The attacking midfielder, 24, would play 15 times for the club, before Los Blancos paid £24million for his services.
    After three years on loan with the Serie A giants, he’s back at Madrid and appears to be in manager Carlo Ancelotti’s plans.
    Brahim Diaz came through the ranks at Man CityCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    Diaz has worked his way into Carlo Ancelotti’s plans at Real MadridCredit: Rex
    James Trafford
    It’s still early days in his career, but it might prove to be the making of the young goalkeeper.
    Trafford, 20, has already starred for England’s youth teams – saving a stoppage time penalty against Spain in the 2023 Euro U21 final to secure a 1-0 win.
    The 6ft6in shotstopper joined City aged just 12 ,but failed to make a first team appearance.
    A £19million summer move to Burnley has shown what he can do on the Premier League stage – already shining in his first two appearances for the Clarets.
    England U21 keeper James Trafford never got an opportunity at Man CityCredit: Rex
    Burnley have made Trafford their new No1 since signing him in the summerCredit: Getty
    Eric Garcia
    Snatched from Barcelona at 17, La Masia graduate Garcia seemed destined to be a Rolls-Royce in City’s backline.
    He appeared 35 times in all competitions for City from 2018-2021, before refusing to sign a contract extension and returning to the Catalans on a free transfer.
    Read More on The Sun
    Since then, he has been capped 19 times by Spain.
    Garcia, 22, is also a reportedly a target for Arsenal, with manager Mikel Arteta said to be a fan of the centre back.
    Eric Garcia left Man City on a free transfer after refusing a new deal
    Garcia now plays for Barcelona, although he has been linked with a move to ArsenalCredit: Rex More

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    How David Beckham turned Inter Miami into the must-see sports team in the States, with A-list pals flocking to see Messi

    A TICKET to Inter Miami is the hottest in town.Forget the Dolphins, the Heat or the Marlins – it’s the MLS franchise that is bringing A-listers to their games.
    David Beckham has made Inter Miami the hottest ticket in the States – thanks to Lionel Messi
    Pitchside at the DRV PNK Stadium has become a celebrity affair
    And it’s all because of owner David Beckham, who has had a helping hand by recent recruit Lionel Messi, in bringing the stars through the gates at the DRV PNK Stadium.
    In fact, pitchside at the Fort Lauderdale arena has become the MLS equivalent of courtside at the Staples Center.
    That has made Inter Miami the must-see sports team in the States.
    Beforehand…
    The excitement around Beckham, 48, owning a sports team was enough to attract his celeb pals who offered their support.
    Read more Inter Miami news
    His product might have been lacking in pizzazz, with early recruits Gonzalo Higuain and Blaise Matuidi not exactly setting the world on fire.
    But, Becks’ is an extremely well-connected man.
    Curious as to see what all the fuss was about, the rich and famous took in an Inter Miami game.
    Perhaps, they were passing through Florida, or on holiday, but they can say they were there.
    Most read in Football
    This goes for Jay-Z, Jennifer Lopez, Will Smith and Olympic legend Usain Bolt.
    Maybe the latter was seeking a contract.
    The fanfare was set.

    A star-studded debut
    While his lightning-delayed unveiling was a damp squib, Messi’s debut against Cruz Azul was the equivalent of an Oscars red carpet that ended with a dramatic Hollywood movie plot twist.
    The star attraction entered the fray in the second half, admittedly very short of match-fitness.
    That didn’t matter. Not for a man of Messi’s class who had to entertain his new fans, with some paying over £1,000 for a ticket.
    Inter Miami owners Jorge Mas, Jose Mas, and David Beckham pose alongside Lionel Messi at his unveilingCredit: Getty
    The Kardashians dropped in to offer the Beckhams their support,Credit: Instagram
    For Kim Kardashian and tennis legend Serena Williams, they had to be there to see Messi’s debut
    Sports pals LeBron James and David Beckham pose for a snap in Fort lauderdaleCredit: Instagram
    Deep into stoppage time, he stood over a free-kick some 30-yards from goal.
    A trademark free-kick followed, driving the fans into ecstasy, Messi’s team-mates wild and securing a win for his new club.
    Right before he made his appearance, Kim Kardashian, LeBron James, Serena Williams, DJ Khaled, Camila Cabello, Rick Ross, Derek Jeter, Diddy, Becky G, and Marc Anthony all watched in expectation of the spectacular.
    Even they were in awe of the Barcelona legend, with some of those whipping their camera phones out to film the moment.
    And it wasn’t a fad
    While his debut was something of make-believe, that enticed the A-listers furthermore.
    You could be fooled into thinking a match against Atlanta United isn’t exactly a glamour tie.
    Tell that to Diddy (again), DJ Khaled (again), Camila Cabello (again), and Puerto Rican singer Rauw Alejandro.
    DJ Khaled and rapper Diddy were seen enjoying Messi’s second game
    DJ Khaled’s son Asahd was overcome with emotion stood next to Lionel Messi
    Camila Cabello snatches a chat with Lionel Messi
    Before the action kicked off, Messi led out his team alongside Khaled’s son, Asahd.
    It was an occasion that was even too much for the boy, who weeped tears of joy to be stood next to his hero.
    Still, those tears would have been wiped as Messi’s second coming inspired a 4-0 demolition of an MLS rival.
    Messi was the architect again, scoring twice inside the opening 22 minutes.
    And he seemingly appeared to be enjoying his new-found status, sharing a chat with singer Cabello during proceedings.
    In recent weeks, Becks’ close pal NFL legend, Tom Brady and producer/rapper Pharrell Williams have also shown their love for Inter Miami.
    Read More on The Sun
    Messi’s Inter Miami odyssey is currently being followed by an Apple TV+ crew, who are watching developments closely.
    Expect it to feature a star-studded line-up, along with the main attraction.
    NFL legend Tom Brady and Pharrell Williams are recent A-listers who have have joined the Inter Miami celebrity fan clubCredit: Getty
    Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami odyssey is being filmed by a Apple TV+ crewCredit: Getty More

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    Strangest cars footballers drive from Djibril Cisse’s snakeskin Cadillac to Stephen Ireland’s bizarre fleet of motors

    THEY really, really simply cannot help it, can they?We all know footballers are paid ridiculous money in the modern game.
    Former footballer Stephen Ireland is a serial offender when it comes to car crimes
    And, put simply, sometimes footballers have so much they don’t know what to do with it all.
    And that has led to some rather outlandish decisions in the garages over the years.
    Case in point, these car-lovers who seem to deliberately do their best to ruin their class motors with the oddest customising imaginable, or they just have rather unique tastes.
    The likes of Mario Balotelli, Stephen Ireland and Djibril Cisse have all committed crimes against cars.
    But who do you think is the worst offender?
    Join SunSport in giving you the definitive run-down of footballers’ most astonishing-looking cars.
    Let’s start with Stephen Ireland…
    The ex-Stoke City midfielder has always been a little out there with his car choices, as you can see.
    Most read in football
    A pink-trim Ranger Rover did little for his street-cred, while his blue and white resprayed Audi R8 (when he played for Manchester City) was flashy.
    What made his R8 even more ridiculous was its Superman petrol cap! Why?
    He once bought his wife, Jessica Lawlor a £260k Bentley too, paying £1,000 to have the iconic ‘B’ motif on the bonnet changed to her initials.
    The car also featured red leather seats with ‘To Jess, Love from Stephen’ written in stitches on them, as well as hearts stitched on the headrests.
    Over the years, Ireland has splashed hundreds of thousands on garish motorsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The ex-Stoke City midfielder loved customising his carsCredit: Cavendish
    Ireland once got his missus a special £260k BentleyCredit: Eamon and James Clarke
    The trouble with El Hadji Diouf…
    The notorious Senegal star regularly found himself in hot water, whether it was with managers, referees or even the authorities.
    On the pitch, he liked to stand out from the crowd, showing off silky footwork with some crafty step-overs, sometimes bamboozling defenders.
    Off the pitch, he was equally as flamboyant and his gold-plated Cadillac Escalade was an ultimate statement of wealth.
    You could say he acted as inspiration for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who covered his Lamborghini in a gold wrap.
    El Hadji Diouf’s gold-wrapped Escalade was a fright for sore eyesCredit: Alamy
    On the pitch, Diouf was just as controversialCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Go, Go Power Ranger…
    Former Newcastle star Nile Ranger wasn’t afraid to wear his colours on his car.
    He had his own customised Range Rover in white with a black strip running through the middle of it. But that wasn’t why it was offensive to the eye.
    The fact the bad boy swapped out ‘Rover’ on the bonnet for his own surname was a bit too much to take for us.
    Nile Ranger wasn’t afraid to wear his colours on his carCredit: Rex Features
    Ranger’s customised Range even had his name on it
    The gall of Gallas…
    When you’ve got an amazing car – in this case a Mercedes McLaren SLR – its beauty speaks for itself.
    But if you’re ex-Arsenal and Chelsea star William Gallas, you’ll want to add your own personal touch to proceedings.
    He had his £200k-plus car wrapped in chrome, making it look more like a disco ball. What was he thinking?
    William Gallas had his car wrapped in chrome like a shiny disco ball
    Gallas committed a serious hate crime against his Mercedes McLaren SLRCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    Must train harder…
    When David James was at Portsmouth, then-manager Tony Adams made a rule that the worst trainer in the squad had to drive a 1992 Robin Reliant the next day to training.
    The ex-England goalie was reportedly behind the wheel most days because he was terrible.
    And over the years, Pompey’s pros threw money at the vehicle to customise it – once making it look like Mr T’s A-Team van!
    When David James was at Pompey he had to drive the club’s Robin ReliantCredit: The Digital South
    Balotelli has balls…
    The controversial Italian striker once asked, ‘Why Always Me?’ on a hidden shirt revealed after he scored against Man Utd for his old club, City.
    And when he was in Manchester, he loved going out – and whether or not he was trying to be inconspicuous with his camouflage Bentley, we don’t know.
    But the garish sight certainly meant he stood out from the crowd.
    It is unclear if Balotelli still owns the garish Bentley after he sold off a load of his supercar collection including a Lamborghini and Ferrari.
    Mario Balotelli’s camo Bentley always caused a stir in ManchesterCredit: Splash News
    Wayne Rooney’s first car…
    Since then, he’s definitely had an upgrade, eh? Over the years, we’ve seen Roon driving a Range Rover, a BMW i8 and even an Audi Q7.
    But when he was a whipper-snapper at Everton, the then-teenager invested in his first car.
    Rooney kept it sensible, getting himself a reliable Ford Ka – the sports model, need we add. Note the personalised reg plate.
    Wayne Rooney’s first car was a Ford Ka
    And finally…
    Djibril Cisse has always been a man who has been out there with his fashion choices.
    The ex-Liverpool striker, who is now a DJ, had a snakeskin wrap on his Cadillac Escalade that took pride of place in his car collection.
    But that wasn’t his ultimate statement of individuality.
    On his Chrysler he had a painting of his daughter, Ilona front and centre on the bonnet.
    As touching a sentiment as it is, it wouldn’t have done much for its re-sell value.
    Djibril Cisse got his Escalade decorated with a snakeskin interiorCredit: YouTube
    French star Cisse also had this paintwork of his daughter on his Chrysler
    Cisse is a big fan of customising his cars
    And Cisse also has a rather unique taste in motors unlike any other footballerCredit: Northpix – England More

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    Meet Nottingham Forest new boy Gonzalo Montiel’s stunning Wag Karina, who celebrated his World Cup win on the pitch

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST have a World Cup winner in their squad.Steve Cooper’s side have added Argentina international Gonzalo Montiel for £9.5million from Sevilla.
    Meet the latest Wag to join the Premier League
    Stunning Karina Nacucchio is from Argentina
    Karina is the emotional girlfriend of Nottingham Forest new boy Gonzalo Montiel
    Brunette beauty Karina is proud of her roots and her boyfriend’s success
    The defender, 26, famously scored his country’s winning penalty against France in the World Cup final.
    While last season, he showed a cool head to net ANOTHER decisive spot kick as his former LaLiga club edged out Roma in a shootout.
    Supporting him along the way is his stunning Wag, Karina Nacucchio.
    The busty brunette beauty, 29, joined her boyfriend on the pitch in Qatar and posed with his winner’s medal.
    Read more football news
    And she was moved to tears when he won the Europa League against the Italian side.
    His greatest supporter
    When Montiel shares his delight at joining a Premier League, expect his Wag to chime in with how pride she is.
    Karina has celebrated his career all the way through to when he starred for his first club, River Plate.
    The pair met in Buenos Aires in 2019 and have been inseparable ever since.
    Most read in Football
    She moved to Spain when he signed for Sevilla in 2021.
    And she is clearly his greatest supporter.
    Proud Wag
    After Argentina saw off France in one of the most dramatic World Cup finals ever, Montiel emerged as the hero.
    His calmly taken penalty sealed the win against the Europeans, after the game couldn’t be decided following extra time.
    Karina, from Buenos Aires, met Montiel went he played for River Plate
    Tattooed Karina shows off her amazing bikini body
    Karina has joined Montiel on the pitch for his greatest moments as a playerCredit: Instagram @Nacucchio.karina
    For Montiel and Karina it was a family affair when Argentina won the World Cup
    Montiel held the World Cup in his hands, and was awarded a shiny gold medal.
    Karina didn’t miss out on the moment. She was there, on the pitch and posed with his medal to share the emotional moment with her beau.
    Afterwards, she shared snaps on the Estadio Lusail pitch and declared her happiness.
    She captioned the photos: “This happiness is unexplainable!! This is crazy!!!
    “THANK YOU THANK YOU to life for letting me live this momentwith the love of my life ♥️ ♥️”.
    More tears
    Karina’s emotions got the better of her again when Montiel became a Europa League champion for Sevilla back in June.
    And once again he was the hero, netting the winning penalty in a shootout after an agonising night.
    Montiel helps Karina celebrate her 29th birthday
    Holding back tears, Karina celebrates Montiel winning the Europa League
    Karina and Montiel share a kiss in front of the Europa League trophy
    Karina will be a welcome addition to the Premier League
    She took to the pitch in Budapest to share her delight.
    Read More on The Sun
    Karina posed with the trophy, while giving Montiel a kiss.
    If Forest find themselves in a relegation battle again this campaign, but they survive by the skin of their teeth, expect Karina to cry tears of joy. More

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    Inside Ben Foster’s mad world, from being known as ‘The Cycling GK’ to Wrexham renaissance, as he announces retirement

    GOALKEEPER of the people Ben Foster has announced his retirement from football for a SECOND time.The former England and Manchester United shotstopper, 40, enjoyed a renaissance with Wrexham – forming a strong relationship with the club’s owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mcelhenney.
    Ben Foster has retired from football after a short spell with Wrexham
    Foster became a fans’ favourite with the Welsh club and was ‘loved’ by co-owner Ryan Reynolds
    Ex-England keeper Foster had an amazing career and played for Man UtdCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    He helped the Red Dragons earn promotion to League Two last season, before announcing he was hanging up his gloves.
    Foster started the season as No1, but has admittedly struggled as the Welsh club have conceded 13 goals in their first four games, including a 5-5 draw with Swindon at the weekend.
    Announcing his decision to quit, he admitted: “The honest truth is that my performances this season haven’t reached the level I demand of myself and I feel that now is the right time to retire.
    “At the forefront of my mind when making this decision, was not only what was best for me but also the club and making the decision now gives the club every opportunity to assess their options before the window closes. Wrexham will always have a special place in my heart.”

    He will be missed. Wrexham co-chairman Ryan Reynolds already took to X to write: “He built memories I’ll never let go of for as long as I live. I love this guy. Thank you for everything, Ben.”
    Outside the game, Foster’s personality has shone.
    His YouTube channel, the “Cycling GK” , has allowed him to comment on the game, share entertaining video comment and more.
    It has drawn almost 1.5million subscribers, who love his irreverent take on the game.
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    Second thoughts
    It appeared for all intents and purposes Foster was a retired man, when he quit Watford in 2022 age 39.
    He played for Manchester United, was a hero for Watford and was capped by England eight times.
    It could have been more had he not put his international career on hold, following a falling out with Fabio Capello who reluctantly let him leave a training camp when his wife Kate went into labour.
    Even an offer from Newcastle United in 2022 to join as a back-up keeper to Nick Pope was swiftly turned down, as Foster looked forward to time off with his family and his media commitments.
    However, Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mcelhenney proved to be a bigger draw than the Premier League.
    Foster answered an SOS call when the then National League club suffered a goalkeeping crisis, returning to the Welsh outfit 17 years after a 2005 loan spell.
    Foster said: “I’m over the moon. I’ve been at the Club an hour this morning and it seems a really nice place. Everyone is down to earth and the manager’s top class.
    A fallout with Fabio Capello saw Foster put his England career on holdCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
    When his wife went into labour, Capello was reluctant to let him leave an England training camp
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    “It’s changed a lot since I was last here, but it’s nice to be back and it’s nice to be back as a player too. It will be interesting to see how my body feels after training today! I’m looking forward to getting started.
    “The first time I was here, it was genuinely the springboard to the rest of my career – on the back of the loan move, playing in the LDV Vans Trophy Final at the Millennium Stadium, I got my move to Manchester United at the start of the next season. It was absolutely bonkers!
    “If you’d told me 18 years ago that I’d have gone on to have the career that I have had, I probably wouldn’t have believed you to be honest so I do owe a lot to Wrexham.”
    Reynolds bromance
    Foster was signed on a short-term deal till the end of last season, where he played eight times.
    In that short space of time, he made himself a fan and owners’ favourite.
    Wrexham earned promotion to the EFL, which we all know about now and is the perfect Hollywood ending to the tale (although there’s surely more to come).
    But during that period there was a definite bromance breaking out between Foster and co-chairman Reynolds.
    After the club sealed promotion, the Deadpool star interrupted Foster’s press conference to ask for his shirt.
    In return, Foster was gifted a glove worn by the Canadian actor’s superhero character.
    Reynolds gatecrashed Foster’s press conference to ask the goalie for his shirt
    A-lister Reynolds joked that the shirt smelled worse than his underwear he wore on the set of Deadpool
    Foster revealed that Reynolds gifted him his Deadpool glove in return
    Speaking on his Fozcast podcast, Foster revealed: “This is incredible right so, Ryan Reynolds text me the day of the [Boreham Wood] game to say, “can I have your shirt?
    “I was like ‘yeah cool’ and he was like ‘cool, because I’ve got something for you as well’. 
    “I was like ‘what on earth’s this?’ So anyway he texted me yesterday and said ‘I forgot to tell you what it is’.
    “He says, ‘I was going through my memorabilia the other day of Deadpool and I found the original gloves that I wore in the film'”. 
    Reynolds gave one of the gloves to Jay Fear, a Wrexham fan with terminal cancer, prior to the Boreham Wood game.
    The other ended up with the Foster household.
    Reynolds also had another surprise in store for the goalie.
    In a comment reply, Reynolds wrote: “I’m also gifting you the Deadpool underwear. Which, to be fair, smells better than the shirt you gave me.”
    YouTube star
    In 2020, Foster set up his own YouTube channel, ‘The Cycling GK’.
    In 2020, Foster set up his own YouTube channel called ‘The Cycling Goalkeeper’
    Arsenal goalie Aaron Ramsdale dropped in for a chat on ‘The Cycling GK’

    Robbie Williams appears as a guest on Foster’s Fozcast podcast
    His plan was to give a unique insight into his life as a professional footballer, as well as show off his cycling adventures.
    It included matchday vlogs, GoPro footage from his matches, football challenges like Foster taking on Arsenal’s Women.
    Of course, his old mucka Reynolds popped up a few times in some of the clips.
    It seemed that along with his podcast, that was his future mapped out.
    But the lure of putting on Wrexham’s No1 jersey in League Two was too much, so in the summer he signed an extension to his contract to star.
    His bosses even agreed to his stipulations of more time off.
    Speaking on The Fellas Podcast, Foster said: “They’d have to be flexible with me with sort of days off basically.
    “Like I said earlier I live a couple hours away from Wrexham.
    “So if I’m driving to training then that’s two hours and then I’ll train, and then to get home you’ve got to get through M6 through Birmingham, take you three hours sometimes. 
    “In the six weeks I did the club were so good with me. They were so flexible. They gave me sort of extra days off. 
    Foster celebrates promotion with WrexhamCredit: Getty
    Foster originally revealed he had signed a contract extension this seasonCredit: YouTube / Ben Foster – The Cycling GK
    “We would play on a Saturday, they’d give me Sunday and Monday off.
    “I’d train on Tuesday, we’d all have a day off on Wednesday anyway. i’d only be training really three days.”
    However, now Foster feels he has to walk away.
    After letting in five goals against Swindon Town, the second time he’s done that in four games this season, he has retired, gracefully.
    Manager Phil Parkinson said: “Ben has been the model professional while at Wrexham and has done everything we have asked of him.
    “It takes a big person to make the decision he has and one who really understands this Football Club, with the timing of his decision.
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    “I am sure I speak for everyone, when thanking him for his contribution that went far beyond that one magnificent penalty save against Notts County to help us gain promotion last season. Wrexham AFC was a better place for having Ben Foster around the club.”
    For now, the focus will be on his burgeoning YouTube career. Fitting for a great character and smashing bloke.
    Foster appears dejected after conceding five at home to MK Dons earlier this monthCredit: Getty
    However, Foster can leave the game with his head held high after a Hollywood ending to his careerCredit: Getty More

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    Laura Woods’ top outfits as ITV host leaves Women’s World Cup fans ‘swooning’ each morning

    LAURA WOODS has proven why she’s such a fan favourite during the Women’s World Cup.The glam host, 36, has been a breath of fresh air as she’s presented ITV Sport’s coverage in New Zealand and Australia.
    ITV Sport presenter Laura Woods has fronted their Women’s World Cup coverageCredit: ITV
    Woods has cut an elegant figure during ITV’s coverageCredit: ITV
    Fans have marvelled at her expertise in front of the camera, as her broadcasting career continues to thrive.
    While, her fashion sense has also caught the eye on social media.
    SunSport takes a look at the best outfits the ex talkSPORT star has worn during ITV’s coverage.
    Staying classy
    Woods impressed in classy attire for the Women’s World Cup opening game.
    Read more Lionesses news
    She appeared alongside Eni Aluko and Karen Carney wearing an elegant black dress that hugged her figure.
    One fan said: “What an added treat on a Saturday morning. Tuned into the Women’s World Cup footy to find Laura Woods on the screen. Made my Saturday morning!!”
    Another added: “Laura Woods looking incredible as always.”
    Feeling blue
    For China v Haiti, Woods went with a daring colour.
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    The blonde beauty went with a bright blue two-piece, as she showed she wasn’t afraid to go bold with her fashion choices.
    She was joined by pundits Siobhan Chamberlain and Carney for the group stage contest.
    As they discussed England’s win over Denmark, it was the outfit that stole the plaudits over the Lionesses.
    For China v Haiti, Woods was feeling blueCredit: ITV
    Woods was joined by pundits Siobhan Chamberlain and Karen CarneyCredit: ITV
    Leaving fans ‘swooning’
    Dazzling in a white top and tan trousers, with her hair wavy in style, Woods made fans swoon when England took on China.
    The laid-back look had fans on X singing her praises.
    One fan wrote: “Laura Woods… swoons.”
    A second thanked ITV for putting Woods on hosting duty “from the whole nation”.

    Fans swooned over Woods’ relaxed lookCredit: ITV
    On point with a jumpsuit
    Fashionista Woods was told her “new look is amazing” for her next outfit.
    The presenter wore a green jumpsuit ahead of the United States vs Sweden last-16 clash.
    One fan replied to a clip posted by ITV on Twitter: “Your new look is amazing.”
    Another added: “Laura Woods.” alongside a red love heart emoji.
    Woods looked on point in a green jumpsuit for the USA’s game against SwedenCredit: ITV
    Daring combo
    For her most outrageous outfit next, Woods looked amazing in a pink (and cream) suit.
    The much-loved star shone on the small screen during Colombia’s last-16 showdown with Jamaica in the trendy suit.
    And her legion of fans were quick to hit Twitter with compliments for her.
    “Looking amazing Laura,” declared one tweet.
    A pink and cream suit showed Woods wasn’t afraid to go bold with her looksCredit: ITV
    Pretty in pink
    “Perfection”, as one social media called her.
    Woods seemingly saved her best outfits for Colombia’s games – this time rocking a pink suit as the Lionesses took on the South Americans.
    One tweeted: “Ngl could get very used to football coverage presented by Laura Woods & Katie Shanahan tbh.”
    Read More on The Sun
    Another commented: “Classy Laura Woods classy.”
    We can’t wait to see what she wears for Sunday’s showpiece.
    Pretty in pink, Woods looked stunning as England faced ColombiaCredit: ITV
    Fans will be eagerly awaiting what Woods wears for the World Cup finalCredit: ITV More