Sport Features

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Man Utd wonderkid Largie Ramazani snubbed Old Trafford deal for Almeria transfer, where he is becoming a star

      by

      NOT many players are brave enough to leave the comfortable Old Trafford nest.But in 2019, ambitious wonderkid Largie Ramazani bravely rejected a contract with Manchester United and left the club for more first team football.
      Largie Ramazani has been a hit at Almeria in LaLigaCredit: Getty
      Ramazani was once a star of Man Utd’s youth sideCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The Belgium forward, now 21, moved to Spanish second division club Almeria as a free agent – signing a five-year contract.
      In his first campaign, his nine goals in all competitions helped his side earn promotion to LaLiga.
      And already he is proving to be a dangerous outlet for his new side – scoring against Real Madrid and Sevilla this campaign.
      Highly-rated
      Brussels-born Ramazani began his youth career at Charlton Athletic, before United swooped when he was 16.
      Part of a set of promising youngsters that included Brandon Williams, Angel Gomes, Tahith Chong and Ethan Laird, it was thought United had a ‘Class of 2020’ that could rival their infamous ‘Class of ’92’.
      Read more in sport
      In 2019, he made his first team debut – coming on as a sub in a 2-1 defeat to FC Astana in the Europa League.
      For the U23’s he was also flying – leading the scoring with nine goals in 13 games.
      But it wasn’t enough. Ramazani wanted first team football.
      In 2020, he didn’t start a single game for the club – it is believed he made his intentions to leave after rejecting several contract offers to stay.
      Most read in Football
      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      Plus, it was also reported United felt very little need to include a player in their development squad, when he was adamant he didn’t want to be there.
      In June, 2020 he was released from the club.
      Emotional goodbye
      Upon leaving the Premier League giants, Ramazani was thankful for his experience.
      He even penned an emotional goodbye on social media.
      He wrote: “I prepared a text for here today.
      Ramazani made his first team debut for United in 2019Credit: Getty
      In 2020, Ramazani bravely made the decision to leave Old Trafford for first team football elsewhereCredit: Getty – Contributor
      “The life of an athlete is made by challenges. Some are given to us. Others are fruits of our decision to keep the light that illuminates our career, which is short.
      “I want to thank the club for helping me become a better footballer/person and for making me and my family feel at home during my time here.
      “After all the years I can only say thank you to the club, to the fans that have supported me since the first day I wore this jersey and of course thank you and good luck to my team-mates, who helped me settle in since day one not only as a teammate but as friends/family.
      “Today I will say goodbye to Manchester United but I take with me many memories, lessons and great moments that will love with me forever. It has been one of the best years of my football career.
      “At last I want to wish the club many success for the future and thank the club for giving me the opportunity.
      “Thank you. Largie Ramazani”
      Fresh start
      In August, 2020 he signed for LaLiga2 club Almeria.
      Immediately he built a special rapport with Umar Sadiq, who moved to Real Sociedad on transfer deadline day and ironically gave United the run around in the Europa League last week.
      In 2020, Ramazani moved to Spain with Almeria
      Ramazani was an instant success at Almeria – helping the club earn promotionCredit: Getty
      Finding his feet in Andalusi, Ramazani was instrumental in the club’s promotion to LaLiga.
      Playing on either flank or as a central striker, the lightning-quick starlet scored nine times in 33 games in his debut season.
      Following his superb start to life at Almeria, Monaco reportedly tried to convince him to move to Ligue 1 this summer.
      However, Almeria didn’t want to lose their prized asset and he snubbed the French club’s advances.
      Continuing his rise
      And that was clearly a good decision.
      Ramazani has taken his form from last season into this one – scaring defences in Spain’s top flight with his rapid pace, excellent control with both feet, and dribbling skills that’s left LaLiga’s best defenders quaking in their boots.
      Case in point his LaLiga debut against the European Champions, Real Madrid.
      Within six minutes, his acceleration left Nacho and Antonio Rudiger for dead.
      Faced with in-form Thibaut Courtois to beat he remained ice cool – elegantly slotting the ball past him.
      The celebration wasn’t bad either – a flying somersault to the delight of the home faithful.
      Almeria were edged out 2-1, but a star was born.
      On his LaLiga debut Ramazani left Real Madrid’s defence for dead to scoreCredit: AFP
      Ramazani celebrates his goal with a trademark somersaultCredit: Getty
      Read More on The Sun
      Ramazani has since scored against Sevilla this season too – repeating his forward flip while becoming a fans’ favourite.
      To think he could have been a Man Utd favourite if things had turned out differently. More

    • 175 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Loris Karius’s crazy journey, from tearful Champions League disaster to Thor lookalike’s body transformation

      by

      LORIS KARIUS has come a long way since his days as Liverpool’s No1.The German goalie, now 29, has signed for Newcastle United on a free transfer, where he will provide cover for England shotstopper Nick Pope.
      Handsome Loris Karius cuts a different figure today from his days at AnfieldCredit: Instagram
      Karius was distraught after his errors cost Liverpool in the 2018 Champions League finalCredit: Getty – Contributor
      In recent years, Karius has taken time to reflect upon his lifeCredit: Instagram
      It marks a new chapter in his life, following years away from Anfield rebuilding his career after an infamous error-strewn Champions League final appearance in 2018.
      But, in between loan spells at Besiktas and Union Berlin, Karius hasn’t let his Reds nightmare stop him from enjoying life.
      The fashionable Chris Hemsworth/Thor lookalike has been spotted letting his hair down at the Monaco Grand Prix, and enjoying lavish breaks away.
      However, he hasn’t neglected his fitness – and is a shadow of the lean keeper we remember from before.
      Read more in sport
      What a life
      Going by his Instagram account. Karius lives a life to envy.
      The handsome footballer is followed by almost two million people, and he receives plenty of notes from female admirers who comment about his good looks.
      And they will most certainly be wowed by the lifestyle he leads.
      Most read in Football
      Clearly an F1 fan, Karius has shared pictures enjoying the VIP treatment at the Monaco Grand Prix and the most recent Dutch Grand Prix.
      For both events he’s looked like the height of fashion – once wearing a fuschia pink denim jacket that would surely attract the attention of everyone in the paddock.
      Other fashionable outfits featured a fluffy brown cardigan, trendy hoodies over the top of the long coats, t-shirts and harem pants… Karius is a man with his finger on the pulse of style.
      boasting movie star looks, Karius is a ringer for Chris Hemsworth’s ThorCredit: Instagram
      Hemsworth as Thor… or is it Karius?Credit: Alamy
      Trendy Karius cuts a stylish figure in a fetching brown cardiganCredit: Instagram
      Outside the game, Karius enjoys getting on his bikeCredit: Instagram
      Loves a retreat away
      Sun, sand and see are good for the soul.
      And Karius knows that, taking in many trips abroad to recharge his batteries.
      On one visit to the beach, with the sunset as his backdrop, Karius was snapped taking in his surroundings.
      He posted the image on social media, captioning it: “My happy place.”
      Karius also uploaded a snap tanning his sculpted physique in Greece last year.
      He’s a man who understands what he needs to relax.
      Last week, Karius enjoyed the Dutch Grand PrixCredit: Instagram
      Fancy breaks away are not uncommon for KariusCredit: Instagram
      However, Karius always makes time to work outCredit: Instagram
      Karius shows off his incredible physique on a trip to GreeceCredit: Instagram
      Move over Arnie
      At Liverpool, Karius cut a svelte figure.
      But today’s Karius is a 6ft 2in mountain of a man – built like a bodybuilder.
      Often boasting about “double sessions” and showing off his gym workouts, the pin-up has muscles footballers around the globe will surely envy.
      And even when he’s on a holiday, he doesn’t miss a day in the gym and loves to get on an exercise bike.
      Fans on Instagram even compared him to The Terminator, made famous by Hollywood movie legend Arnold Schwarzenegger.
      One commented: “He’s like the terminator now nothings getting past him.”
      While another added: “Like Superman.”
      Newcastle will be hoping that their Thor doppelganger could be their very own superhero this season.
      Today, Karius looks more like a bodybuilder than footballerCredit: Instagram
      Exercise is very important to Karius who has transformed his bodyCredit: Instagram
      Karius loves sharing his workouts on social mediaCredit: Instagram More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo’s super fleet of cars worth £17m, including £8.5m Bugatti and new £200,000 Aston Martin

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO certainly knows how to treat himself.The Manchester United star added a £200,000 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera to his staggering car collection after his hat-trick heroics against Spurs back in March.
      Ronaldo drove his Aston Martin into Carrington after his brilliant Spurs hat-trickCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      The Portuguese star rewarded himself after his match-winning efforts back in MarchCredit: Zenpix
      Cristiano Ronaldo drives his Bentley Flying Spur to training with Manchester United
      Ronaldo is also believed to be one of 10 people lucky enough to buy the incredible Bugatti Centodieci, which costs £8.5m
      The amazing Bugatti is truly a one of a kind motorCredit: Bugatti

      Ronaldo has reportedly spent £1.4m on an amazing Ferrari MonzaCredit: Alamy
      It joins a limited edition £8.5million Bugatti Centodieci – of which only ten have been made, he added to his incredible fleet last year.
      Ronaldo, 37, regularly takes his new motor for a spin as he arrives at training at United’s The AON Carrington Training Complex back in M
      While in 2020, he was spotted taking a tour of Ferrari’s Maranello company, where he posed for a picture with a F1 car and ordered himself a Ferrari Monza worth £1.4million.
      That puts his car collection now at around roughly £17million – with Bugattis being his favourite.
      Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo has a Bugatti Chiron and a Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse as part of his huge hoard.
      He has ‘CR7’ embroidered on the headrests of his other two Bugattis, but his latest model he bought is believed to be a tribute to the legendary Bugatti EB110 – Centodieci is Italian for 110.
      The 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.
      It can do 0-62mph in just 2.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 236mph.
      The Portuguese superstar has supercars likes Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Rolls Royces, admitting to Piers Morgan in an interview he likes to have two of everything.
      MOST READ IN FOOTBALL
      Join SunSport in revelling in just some of Ronaldo’s collection that his fortune can afford.ASTON MARTIN DBS SUPERLEGGER, £200,000
      The Manchester United ace 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 is certainly a worthy addition to Ronaldo’s stunning motor collection.
      Credit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      MERCEDES G-WAGON BRABUS, £600,000
      What 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 35th birthday ever – 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.
      Cristiano Ronaldo was the lucky recipient of a Mercedes G Wagon Brabus for his 35th birthdayCredit: Instagram @georginagio
      BUGATTI CHIRON, £2.15MILLION
      In 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, not that Turin will allow him the opportunity to drive it that fast with the city’s busy traffic.
      As we said, he likes two of everything – and this was the second Bugatti he bought, although he has denied buying a third  – the Bugatti La Voiture Noire – which was reckoned to be the most expensive car in the world EVER at £9.49million, and was snapped up by a mystery buyer last year.
      The 37-year-old loves posting images of his cars to social media, including the Bugatti ChironCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      BUGATTI VEYRON, £1.7M
      Only 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 June 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.
      Cristiano Ronaldo poses outside his former Madrid home on his £1.7m Bugatti VeyronCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      LAMBORGHINI AVENTADOR, £260,040
      Simply 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 has a matte-black Lamborghini Aventador worth over £200kCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      Ronaldo loves having two of every brand and has a separate LamborghiniCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      ROLLS ROYCE CULLINAN, FROM £330,000
      In 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.
      Ronaldo arrives anywhere in style with his Rolls Royce among the collectionCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      CHEVROLET CAMARO, £35,000
      Maybe 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.
      Ronaldo arrives at his old Madrid home in his white Mustang convertibleCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      FERRARI F12 TDF, £350,000
      In 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.
      The Portuguese superstar’s red Ferrari may not be the most appropriate car for his dogsCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      The Ferrari F12 is one of Ronaldo’s favouritesCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      Ronaldo poses on the boot of one of his white FerrarisCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      RANGE ROVER SPORT, £100,000
      A staple for every footballers’ garage, the Range Rover Sport is the ultimate SUV for the rich and famous.
      The model that Ronaldo drives is, of course, is the special edition, SVR.
      It’s Ronaldo’s go-to motor when he drove to the Continassa training ground in Turin.
      Ronaldo’s garage has also includes a giant Range RoverCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      MERCEDES AMG GLE 63, £127,000
      In 2016 Ronaldo filled his garage with supercar after supercar.
      His AMG GLE 63 was a gift to himself for Christmas, and some present it is.
      The SUV has a 612 horse power engine, and it can reach a top speed of 155 mph.

      Ronaldo has one of the most impressive car collections in footballCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      MCLAREN SENNA, £1MILLION
      A 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’.
      Powered 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.
      Ronaldo’s six years in Manchester saw him take a liking to McLarensCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT, FROM £151,000
      Ronaldo is believed to have started collecting cars from around 2009, when he was a Manchester United star.
      He had a penchant for Bentley Continental GTs in those early days, and collected several during his time at Old Trafford.
      Ronaldo’s was the GT Speed model, which was naturally the most expensive version ever.
      The interior was lush, filled with magnolia leather.
      And because it was a convertible, Ronaldo was often spied with the roof down – even in rainy Manchester.
      Ronaldo began to have a collection of supercars during his time at United, including this Bentley convertibleCredit: Cavendish
      Ronaldo’s car collection is worth around £17mCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      Cristiano Ronaldo ‘splashes out £8.5million on limited edition Bugatti Centodieci’ – with just ten models ever created More

    • 188 Shares199 Views

      in Boxing

      Canelo Alvarez’s lifestyle, includes cars worth £10m, dating beautiful women and owning an incredible home

      by

      SAUL ‘CANELO’ ALVAREZ’s life of luxury knows no bounds.The Mexican boxer, who takes on Gennady Golovkin on September 17, loves fast cars, boasts mega-sponsorship deals, and has dated the world’s most attractive women.
      A £170,000 Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series sits pride of place in Alvarez’s garageCredit: Instagram / @canelo
      Canelo Alvarez pictured with his red FerrariCredit: Instagram @Canelo
      Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez is set to become a sporting billionaireCredit: Getty – Contributor
      If that’s not enough, the 32-year-old’s projected career earnings could see him join the billionaire boys club – with sporting members including the only man to ever beat him in the ring, Floyd Mayweather Jr, Masters winner Tiger Woods, basketball legend Michael Jordan, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Jealous yet? You will be.
      LIVING LIFE IN THE FAST LANE
      You’ve seen what his old rival Mayweather drives, right? Well, not wanting to be left behind when it comes to motors, Alvarez boasts an equally as impressive garage full of supercars you’d die for.
      In 2019, he dropped £2.3m on a Bugatti Chiron – the world’s fastest car on the road. Only 500 are in existence, and Alvarez joins a select group of owners including Cristiano Ronaldo who can be reassured their investment is well spent, with value in those cars rising yearly.
      And that’s not all. You will find parked behind the gates of his Guadalajara mansion a Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series, Lamborghini Aventador, Mustang 500 Eleanor, Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6×6, Ferrari Testarossa, AMG C64 biTurbo, Rolls Royce Ghost, Ferrari 458 Italia, McLaren P1, Porsche 911 GT3 and a Lamborghini Gallardo (Renazzo Vorsteiner edition). More recently, Canelo posed with a red LaFerrai, which costs around £2m.  Total value of all that lot? About £10m.

      Alvarez has a car collection worth £8.3mCredit: Instagram / @canelo
      In 2019 Alvarez splashed £2.3 on a stunning Bugatti ChironCredit: Instagram / @canelo
      Alvarez can go off-road in his £370,000 Mercedes G63 AMG 6x6Credit: Instagram / @canelo
      GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS
      Being a successful sports star is a big pull, especially when it comes to attracting the opposite sex.
      And Alvarez has dated some of the world’s most beautiful women – from a former Miss Universe to an actress who was mates with a drug baron to Colombian footballer James Rodriguez’s current flame.
      In 2012, he wined and dined TV star Kate del Castillo, who is 18-years his senior. Referring to their sex life during a chat show interview, she revealed: “There were some strong rounds and yes, there were sometimes knockouts.”
      Continuing to speak in boxing metaphors, she added: “He was the first to hit the canvas and ask for his corner to throw in the towel.”
      Incredibly, del Castillo’s name would come up again in 2015 as an intermediary between former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman and Sean Penn, four years after her split with Alvarez.
      She introduced ‘El Chapo’ to the Hollywood star after the drug lord escaped from a maximum-security prison in Mexico, and a huge TV interview followed.
      Before del Castillo there was Marisol Gonzalez, who competed in the 2003 Miss Universe beauty pageant.
      So loved up, they were engaged following a whirlwind nine-month romance in 2010. However, their love didn’t last and they called off the engagement a year later.
      In 2012, Alvarez dated actress Kate del Castilo who is 18-years his seniorCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Drug baron Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman later became a friend of Alvarez’s former flame del CastilloCredit: EPA
      Alvarez was engaged to TV personality Marisol Gonzalez, but it didn’t lastCredit: Instagram / @marisolglzc
      Alvarez also dated Shannon de Lima, who was once married to Jennifer Lopez’s ex Marc AnthonyCredit: Instagram / @shadelima
      Today, de Lima dates Colombian footballer James RodriguezCredit: Instagram / @shadelima
      In late 2017, Alvarez got together with Fernanda Gomez, and the pair had a daughter together called MariaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      In 2017, Alvarez wooed Venezuelan stunner Shannon de Lima, a runner up in the ‘Miss Earth Venezuela Pageant’ in 2005, after she divorced Jennifer Lopez’s ex-husband Marc Anthony.
      Then, he got into a on/off relationship with Fernanda Gomez, and they welcomed a daughter called Maria Fernanda last year. They are currently still together, but live a very private life.
      HIS DIGS
      Currently living in Guadalajara, where he was born, Alvarez has always valued his privacy, so not much is known about the current property he owns
      His previous home in Del Mar, San Diego, California was tucked away in a gated community. Only when it was listed for sale in 2015 did we get a window into his life of wealth.
      The 11,970-square-foot mansion was sold for around £6m, and featured six bedrooms, high-ceilings, raised wooden beams over the living room, a massive library and an ocean view.
      To entertain guests and his entourage, he also had a game room with a built-in bar.
      Alvarez used to live in a stunning home in San Diego before moving back to GuadalajaraCredit: Redfin
      In 2015, he put the house on the market for £6 millionCredit: Redfin
      The lavish mansion was fit for a kingCredit: Redfin
      The property offered high ceilings and wood beamsCredit: Redfin
      THE APPLE OF HIS EYE
      Despite his reputation as a ladies’ man, and someone who loves to live the high-life, family is important to the redheaded fighter.
      His eldest daughter Emily Cinnamon Alvarez, 14, is the most important person in the world to him. That’s why, before he took on Gennady Golovkin in their 2018 rematch, he got a tattoo of her image on his arm, just so she could be in the ring with him.
      But mystery shrouds the young girls’ mother. Mexican tabloid Clase claimed Emily was born from a relationship that Alvarez had in high-school with a young woman named Karen Beltran when they were 17-years-old.
      There are no public photos of Beltran, who has managed to stay away from the media. Clase also claimed the pair share their daughter.
      Emily Cinnamon Alvarez is the boxer’s beloved 14-year-old daughterCredit: Instagram / @canelo
      Alvarez has his daughter’s image tattooed on his armCredit: Instagram / @bolarttatoo
      SPONSORS KEEP ON COMING
      Alvarez is one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. While he doesn’t have the outrageous personality of his contemporary Mayweather Jr, or the knockout factor of Muhammad Ali, DAZN thought he was a worthy investment.
      They offered him around £277 million for 11 fights to be streamed exclusively by them, but recently backed out of the deal and is suing them.
      However, they have settled their differences – and DAZN will show Canelo’s next two fights.
      Despite his rather bizarre fashion choices, once flying in a private jet in a panda suit, he’s a poster boy for advertisers too.
      Alongside basketball whizz Steph Curry, Alvarez fronts campaigns for sportswear giant Under Armour, peddling their boxing range.
      Add to that deals with Cognac house Hennessy, beer company Tecate, and Everlast, it’s clear that Alvarez is rolling in it. And according to experts, it won’t be long before the orthodox brawler progresses from millionaire to billionaire. Still not jealous?

      Despite a bizarre choice in fashion, sponsors are queuing up for AlvarezCredit: Instagram / @canelo
      New king of the ring Alvarez has deals with the likes of Under Armour, Everlast, Tecate and HennessyCredit: Instagram / @canelo
      Alvarez can now afford to live a life of luxuryCredit: Instagram / @canelo
      It’s hard not to envy Alvarez’s first-class lifestyleCredit: Instagram / @canelo More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Boxing

      Mike Tyson had an amazing 52-room mansion, sold to 50 Cent for £3.3million, that has two pools and a nightclub

      by

      WHEN Mike Tyson was declared bankrupt in 2003, he was forced to sell up.With reported debts of £17million, his prized home in Connecticut was one of his first possessions to be sacrificed.
      Mike Tyson’s former home in ConnecticutCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      In 2003, Tyson was forced to sell the property for £3.3m after declaring bankruptcyCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      And it would’ve been a bitter pill for the 56-year-old to swallow, looking at this mega mansion.
      Boasting 52 rooms, including 21 bedrooms, as well as its own nightclub the property is as lavish as Tyson has ever owned.
      But it was needs must for the heavyweight boxing legend and in came rapper 50 Cent who bought it from him for £3.3m the same year it was revealed he blew his fortune.
      PROPERTY DEETS
      When the In Da Club singer bought the house from Tyson, it set a record for the most expensive home ever sold in the area of Farmington – and it’s easy to see why.
      MOST READ IN BOXING
      Along with those 21 bedrooms we mentioned earlier, the 50,000-square-foot abode has a 25 bathrooms, an indoor pool and hot tub, an indoor court, multiple game rooms, a green-screen room, and a recording studio.
      And the opulence doesn’t end there.
      Entering the property through a stately front gate, you’re greeted by a lion statue.
      Walking into the home on the marble floor, a duelling wood-panelled staircase leads you to another level of the property.
      At the entrance of the property you’re faced with opulent gates and a statue of a lionCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      Two staircases lead you to the first floorCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      The ground floor features marble floorsCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      The master bedroom offers incredible views of the gardensCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      As can be seen, the decor is as lavish as it gets throughout the property.
      The master bedroom has a scenic view of the garden landscape.
      From there, you have your own steel staircase that leads to another floor that features a massive walk-in closet with glass doors, so you can see your designer wardrobe.
      One of the many en-suites has a huge bathtub that overlooks the gardens, and it also features a glass door shower.
      MOST READ IN SPORT
      A steel staircase in the master bedroom leads to another floorCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      The walk-in closets are glass frontedCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      Astonishingly, there are 25 bathroomsCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      This bathroom features a huge bathtub overlooking the gardensCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      The master bedroom has a scenic view of the garden landscape.
      From there, you have your own steel staircase that leads to another floor that features a massive walk-in closet with glass doors, so you can see your designer wardrobe.
      One of the many en-suites has a huge bathtub that overlooks the gardens, and it also features a glass door shower.
      The bathroom has a glass showerCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      The reception room features a Weber grand pianoCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      The property also boasts its own nightclubCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT
      The home is fit for someone who loves having friends round.
      There are outdoor and indoor basketball courts that complete the recreational feel to the property.
      There’s a room with pool tables, and another games room with poker and roulette tables – meaning you’ll never have to go to Las Vegas again.
      Next to the outdoor basketball court is a pond that has an elaborate water feature spouting out and a guesthouse.
      However, this property does have a chequered history in sales.
      50 Cent had the outdoor basketball court personalised with his group’s name onCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      A second basketball court can be found indoorsCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      The indoor swimming pool is one of two at the homeCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      The outdoor pool features its own grottoCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      It’s the perfect spot to top up your tanCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      The kitchen has enough space for the most avid chefCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      One games room features pool tablesCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      Another games room has poker and roulette tablesCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      TOO EXPENSIVE
      Over the years, the property has dropped in value rapidly – mostly because of its running costs that 50 Cent complained cost him around £50,000 per month.
      In fact, it was on the market for 12 years – starting at £14m before it was finally sold in 2019 for just £2.3m – an 84 per cent price drop.
      “It’s just oversized for the market,” estate agent Jonathan Miller told Realtor.com.
      “When you have a property that is well outside the norm, it takes a lot longer to sell.”
      In the end, it was reportedly snapped up by US businessman Casey Askar, who owns several fast-food businesses.
      Another of Mike Tyson’s amazing homes, complete with cages for his tigers, was left abandoned before it was converted into a church.
      A cinema room adds to the lavish offerings this property hasCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      The property also has a pond next to the basketball courtCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      There’s a guest house overlooking the pondCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      A water feature spouts into the pondCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      Over the years the property has struggled to sell and was on the market for 12 yearsCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      Eventually it sold in 2019 for just £2.3m – decreasing 84 per cent in valueCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea boss Graham Potter’s inner circle, from wife Rachel who has a pilates business to loyal assistant Billy Reid

      by

      GRAHAM POTTER is the new manager of Chelsea.The English boss, 47, has taken over the reigns from sacked Thomas Tuchel, following successful talks with the club’s owner Todd Boehly.
      Graham Potter is the new man at Chelsea – and has a backroom team to support him
      In the past, Potter has been a hit coaching Swedish minnows Ostersund, Swansea and most recently Brighton.
      During that period, he has developed his own inner circle of people he considers confidantes.
      From his wife who runs a pilates business to assistant manager Billy Reid, these are who he trusts the most as he takes control at Stamford Bridge.
      Billy Reid
      Making the move to Stamford Bridge with Potter, like he has at Ostersund, Swansea and Brighton, is the ex-Hamilton Academical boss.
      Reid has been Potter’s trusted assistant – a man he can lean on for advice in training sessions and during games, as well as encourage to perform ballet Swan Lake with his players.
      Read more in sport
      He was a No1 for eight years in Scotland, before opting to be Potter’s No2.
      Of Potter, Reid has said: “He lets me get on with my job. He is easy going, with a temper. When he turns he turns and the players will know that.
      Brighton assistant manager Billy Reid has joined Potter at Stamford Bridge
      “He is very clear in his mind of the idea he puts across to his players. That’s why he’s had the success he’s had and he knows how to delegate really well.”
      Bjorn Hamberg
      When he was just 20, Hamberg showed his love of football by setting up his own team, BK Bjorner with pals.
      Before he got his break at Ostersund, the Swede was a supermarket manager.
      But at 26 he’s been with Potter – focusing mostly on match analysis.
      He too has made the move to the Blues.
      Bjorn Hamberg worked at a supermarket until he got his break under Potter
      Most read in Football
      Kyle Macaulay
      Recruitment analyst Macaulay has also joined Potter’s Chelsea revolution.
      He has been credited with finding gems at Brighton, from Yves Bissouma to Moises Caicedo.
      Macaulay will be tasked with looking at the current squad and drawing a list of potential targets to correct any weaknesses.
      Any potential talents that could be sold on for profit would also be part of his remit.
      Kyle Macaulay, right, has been Potter’s talent spotter through the years
      Rachel Potter
      Potter is married to Rachel, a Pilates enthusiast and the mother of his three children.
      They began dating when he was a player in the 1990s.
      She has her own successful business and has been the football manager’s rock through the years.
      In fact, Rachel ditched her first business in the UK to start all over in Sweden when he landed the Ostersund job in 2011.
      Rachel Potter is a Pilate enthusiastCredit: Instagram
      Ben Roberts
      A former Middlesbrough favourite, Roberts will be joining Chelsea as a goalkeeping coach.
      In fact, he was in goal for Boro when Roberto di Matteo scored for Chelsea after just 43 seconds in the 1997 FA Cup final
      He holds a degree in sports science and coaching and worked with Potter at Brighton from 2015.
      Most notably, he helped the careers of Matt Ryan and now Robert Sanchez blossom.
      Could be just the tonic Edouard Mendy needs to regain his form and confidence.
      Ex-Middlesbrough keeper Ben Roberts will be joining the Blues as keeper coach
      Ben Roberts conceded one of the most famous goals in Chelsea historyCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Bruno Saltor Grau
      Known simply as Bruno, the Spanish coach had an impressive career in LaLiga – playing right back for Espanyol, Almeria and Valencia.
      He also played over 200 games for Brighton – so was a firm fans’ favourite.
      In 2019, he became senior player development coach with the Seagulls.
      He once told Sky Sports: “I never thought I was going to get into coaching this quickly,.
      “The manager’s leadership is amazing as he allows every one of us the freedom to contribute whatever knowledge and experience we have.”
      Coach Bruno has praised boss Potter and his approach
      John Morris
      The man at the centre of Potter’s negotiations with Chelsea and Brighton is Morris.
      An agent for Wasserman, he famously also has Jamie Vardy, Brendan Rodgers, Tyrone Mings, and many more as clients.
      He began working with fellow Solihull-born Potter in 2017, after flying to Sweden to meet him.
      Instantly, he understood his qualities as a coach and has beaten his drum for top jobs in the Premier League ever since.
      John Morris is Potter’s longstanding agent More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury’s amazing £1.7million Morecambe mansion – with gold curtains and radiators and a red marble kitchen

      by

      IT is a home fit for the Gypsy King.Back in 2020, Tyson Fury upgraded from his £550,000 abode to a stunning £1.7million home in Morecambe.
      Tyson and Paris Fury live in a £1.7m home in Morecambe
      The elaborate property cost the boxer a reported £1.7m
      And the heavyweight champ, 33, known for his love of flashy cars, has given glam wife Paris free rein to decorate.
      Clearly crafted with an open cheque book, the mansion has gold curtains and radiators throughout.
      There are huge chandeliers dangling from the ceilings, and the kitchen is decked out in red marble.
      It’s no wonder Fury, who has amassed a net worth believed to be over £100million, says he’s retiring and wants to put his feet up in his huge house.

      Sneak peek
      It’s missus Paris, 32, who often gives us a glimpse into her fab property.
      On Instagram, she regularly shares snaps in different rooms – dressed head-to-toe in designer clobber.
      One photo showed the blonde clutching a Chanel handbag while stood in front of a set of ornate gold curtains.
      Most read in Boxing
      In another, the beauty is surrounded by family in her kitchen – sipping a coffee and laughing.
      Behind her, red-topped marble decorates the surfaces. And there’s also a silver chandelier, fit for a queen, hanging from the ceiling.
      In the hallway, Paris – wearing a patterned blouse – leans on a gold radiator that’s clearly a statement piece. Next to her is an outstanding floor to ceiling mirror.
      For the musical, underneath the wood staircase is a grand black piano that sits on marble flooring.
      Height of luxury
      The Furys don’t skimp when it comes to high-end luxury.
      Tyson practically lives in a set of £390 Versace gowns, while Paris is a huge fan of the Italian fashion brand.
      Paris told us her favourite part of the house was her walk-in wardrobe.
      Paris Fury regularly shares images of the home on social media
      Sweeping gold curtains adorn the property
      A lavish gold radiator and and grand piano can be seen in the hallway
      “Having this walk-in wardrobe was a big dream of mine. I got it and I do appreciate it,” she said.
      Incredibly, it houses her mega shoe collection that’s worth an estimated £50,000.
      And they are certainly proud of their digs – keeping on top of housekeeping in-between looking after their six children.
      Paris once described Tyson as ‘a bit of a clean freak’, so you can bet you won’t find a spec of dust anywhere.
      Plot twist
      According to land registry records, Fury bought the property for £1.695million in December 2020.
      It was paid for by their firm Tyson Fury Ltd, and is mortage-free.
      The kitchen boasts hanging chandeliers and red-topped marble kitchen counters
      One of the kids’ rooms has a pink and blue themeCredit: instagram
      The Furys have six children
      They used to live in a £550,000 house that overlooked Morecambe Bay, before moving to a new plot that was once home to a static caravan-style.
      However, the previous owner had it demolished and replaced it with a stone-clad palace – complete with a water fountain on the driveway.
      In terms of security, the property has a castellated front wall, and a wrought-iron black and gold fence. Of course, that boasts its own lavish decor – with lion motifs and four eagle sculptures on the gate posts.
      Unwanted burglars are warned off by signs that reveal the home is guarded by CCTV.
      Tyson Fury has previously boasted about having an expensive property portfolio.
      He once revealed he had bought a mansion in Marbella for £6million, although that was never confirmed.
      While last year, he claimed to have splashed the cash on a home in Las Vegas, which again was never substantiated.
      But Fury’s love affair with Morecambe knows no bounds.
      He recently agreed to sponsor League One side Morecambe FC. And he appeared at the nearby Sultan of Lancaster Experience restaurant where he cut the red ribbon to open the establishment.
      Glam Paris is the height of fashion and the decor in her home reflects that
      For Fury there’s no place like home More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Graham Potter’s new-look Chelsea will be dynamic and full of energy but it’s bad news for several key players

      by

      IT’S good to see the new Chelsea ownership are at least keeping some tradition at the club – the manager only ever being two bad results away from the sack.A 1-0 defeat away to Dinamo Zagreb on the opening matchday of the Champions League group stage signalled the end of the line for Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea.
      Graham Potter faces a massive job at Chelsea
      Next coach Graham Potter has to come into an environment where Chelsea are already five points off the pace in the Premier League and off to a losing start in the Champions League.
      Add to that the fact that there will be no possibility of adding players to change the dynamic of the squad.
      Potter is an incredibly modern coach and it certainly feels as though his work at Brighton has earned him the right to a chance at a top-six club but what would Chelsea be getting in the Englishman?
      He is flexible in his approach from a tactical perspective but how exactly would this fit with this Chelsea squad?
      Read more on Chelsea
      Progressive passing out from the back
      For all that Chelsea were relatively possession based under Thomas Tuchel, you would not have said that any of their central defenders were particularly progressive in their approach.
      They did not typically have an approach that saw their central defenders taking responsibility for moving the ball through the thirds.
      Instead, the Italian international midfielder Jorginho tended to take the role as the main ball progressor for Chelsea.
      Under Graham Potter, however, this would likely change. Potter is very flexible from a tactical perspective although he does tend to prefer to play with a back three system as opposed to a back four.
      We believe that this would be the case at Chelsea where he would have the players needed to make this system a success already at the club.
      Adam Webster in possession, ironically against Chelsea, as the first line of the attack. As he is pressed Webster has the composure to drive through the press and carry the ball into the final third.
      Most read in Football
      At Brighton the central defenders play an important role when it comes to building the attack with the likes of Adam Webster and, when he was still at the club, Ben White playing progressively with the ability to step out towards the midfield areas in possession of the ball and find ways to break a line with passes into advanced areas.
      This summer saw Chelsea invest £34m in the signing of the Senegalese international central defender Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli.
      He is the type of central defender who would thrive under Potter’s management with his willingness to be aggressive in possession and move the ball forward and through the thirds.
      Indeed, while he was at Napoli he took the responsibility on a regular basis to move the ball forward and through lines.
      Kalidou Koulibaly has been played on the left of defence by Tuchel
      Pass maps for Adam Webster and Kalidou Koulibaly from their 2021/22 seasons. They were both very active and progressive with their passing
      With Thiago Silva less inclined to pass aggressively and new signing Wesley Fofana more comfortable in the defensive phase of the game, it is entirely likely that we would see Koulibaly take on an important role in the build-up.
      Dynamic wingbacks
      One of the biggest criticisms of Tuchel at the start of this season was the way that the English international right-back Reece James was being used.
      James, when at his best, is a real force down the right-hand side with a blend of technical skill and physicality that not many players can match.
      At times this season, however, he has been used as a right-sided central defender in a role that does not necessarily meet his strengths.
      Leandro Trossard has stayed out wide and when he receives the ball he can drive into space with the entire flank to drive forward
      Reece James spent most of the game v Zagreb in the opposition half
      At Brighton one of the most striking aspects of Graham Potter’s time has been his ability to get the most out of wingbacks.
      Brighton’s most recent game, the 5-2 demolition of Leicester City, is a case in point as they played with Solly March as the right wingback and Leandro Trossard as the left wingback.
      Neither of these players are natural wingbacks but Potter trusts himself to be able to work on the training ground to teach players how to play in these areas in his system.
      At Chelsea, he would immediately come into a situation where he would have two players ideally suited to his style of play with the ability to play as wingbacks in Reece James and Marc Cucurella, the Spanish international who has recently been signed by Chelsea from Brighton.
      These heatmaps show the average positions in which Cucurella and James touched the ball last season. Both are all action wingbacks who not only control the wide areas but come into the channels and effectively combine the play as well.
      James is a wingback who can control the entire right side of the pitch on his own and this creates the opportunity for the midfielders within the system to stay centrally and to look for opportunities to overload the centre of the pitch.
      On the opposite side, Potter will be able to choose between Cucurella, who he already knows inside and out, and the England international Ben Chilwell. 
      The smart money would be on Potter turning to Cucurella, a player who played several different positions under Potter as the English coach changed the system seamlessly within matches, as his first choice.
      Crucially the role of the wingbacks under Potter are designed to control entire sides of the pitch both in the attacking and defensive phases of the game.
      This means that Potter can concentrate his resources in the central areas of the pitch.
      Energy is king in the midfield
      With the main ball progression coming from the wide central defenders and the wingbacks controlling the wide areas we then see Brighton’s central midfielders play in a dynamic all-purpose role. 
      Indeed, this season you could easily make the argument that the midfield unit at Brighton has been the key to their strong performances in the Premier League with Moises Caicedo, Enock Mwepu and Alexis Mac Allister all performing exceptionally well.
      The key for the Brighton midfield and the way that Potter likes to play in these areas is that all players are capable of performing in all phases of the game.
      Under Potter the central midfielders are expected to be active in all phases of the play. The exception is Moses Caicedo who is positioned to engage the ball carrier in order to regain possession
      They do not have midfield players that we would typically classify as only attacking or defensive midfielders and instead they rotate and cover ground across the central areas.
      For us, this is the biggest challenge that Potter would face when taking over this Chelsea squad.
      Other than N’Golo Kante, who has significant injury issues, there are no midfielders at Chelsea who fit the profile of the Brighton midfield.
      Jorginho is too static and Mateo Kovacic flatters to deceive. How would the Chelsea midfield look under Potter and how would it function?
      Would the Englishman be able to pull off his preferred style of play with a midfield that does not function the way that he would want it to?
      Jorginho is one of the star names under threat by Potter’s appointment
      The midfielders also have to be able to drive through the centre of the pitch. Enock Mwepu has runners ahead of the ball and he times his pass to break the opposition defensive line and find the advanced player
      If Potter is not able to create a midfield structure with the players that Chelsea already have at the club then we may see Chelsea struggle to perform effectively going forward.
      While at Brighton we see Potter typically look for his strikers to play high and tight against the opposition defender it is the role of the midfielders to then work up and down the centre and the channels of the pitch in order to fully connect all parts of the team.
      What does all this mean?
      If Potter does decide that the temptation of Chelsea is too big to turn down, fans of the Blues can be quite excited.
      Expect plenty of clever build-up from the back, the wingbacks being fully utilised and lots of energy needed in the middle of the park.
      Read More on The Sun
      Hang on, that does sound very like Thomas Tuchel doesn’t it?
      Get the latest Total Football Analysis Digital Magazine for more tactical insight on the Premier League and more. More