More stories

  • in

    Inside Tyson Fury’s six meal a day diet featuring CURRY which helped body transformation before Wilder fight

    TYSON FURY’S phenomenal body transformation before he fought Deontay Wilder was down to a diet of six meals a day – including a wholesome CURRY.The WBC champ, 34, lost an incredible 10st before his first fight with the Bronze Bomber back in 2018.

    Apple cranberry stuffed porkloin, with butternut squash, quinoa, walnuts, and spinach is a favourite for dinnerCredit: Instagram
    George Lockhart flew over to the UK to help Fury again
    Tyson Fury still gets his intake of meat and fish – but it’s cooked to perfectionCredit: Instagram
    The nutritionist even makes cauliflower look appetisingCredit: Instagram
    Fury got in shape with his diet after snapping up UFC chef and Conor McGregor nutritionist George Lockhart.
    And Lockhart even took to Instagram to reveal he was flying back to the UK to help Fury back in 2020.
    Along with a picture of his British Airways ticket, he wrote: “Here we go again!!!! #tysonfury #lockhartandleith #cookingforthechamp #ufc #weightcut #takingover”
    Naturally-gifted 6ft 9in Fury has used to appear as though he played fast and loose with the science of the sport.
    Friend and camp manager Timothy Allcock was also his personal cook ahead of his first fight against Wilder in December 2018 and peanut butter chicken was on the menu almost every night.
    Fighting man Fury showed little interest in the diet fads and micro meals that come in and out of fashion among fighters and celebrities.
    But he has handed over the pots and pans to former US marine and MMA fighter Lockhart to get in shape – and stay there.
    Lockhart makes salmon cakes with spicy jalapenos, coriander and Greek yogurt dressing for Fury.
    The heavyweight boxer is encouraged to wolf down Dijon,maple syrup, and greek yogurt dip with flaxseed lavish, black bean brown basmati puree, spinach, lemon juice, wrapped and seared with prosciuttoCredit: Instagram
    Tyson Fury has previously hired in his own artisan butcher to load up on meat before fights
    Most Read In Boxing

    The expert cook even managed to make brussel sprouts look appetising in one social media post.
    Fury’s tastebuds would have been left tingling by Sriracha honey salmon laid out on a bed of quinoa and Greek rice and skewered chicken with tzatziki sauce was probably a big hit for the fighter.
    Team Fury were purring over a dish of strawberry and mango salsa with tomato and cilantro rice and chilli bean shrimp patty.
    And the once 28st food lover was allowed to pig out on a stunning pork dish of apple and cranberry stuffed loin with butternut squash, quinoa, walnuts, and spinach and topped with a citrus avocado vinaigrette.
    With Fury’s intense training leading to a calorie deficit, he would have been boosted by a meaty serving of dijon maple syrup seared wild salmon with rosemary, garlic, roasted sweet potatoes, and tomato, spinach and bean chilli.
    Lockhart even manages to make cauliflower appetising by jazzing it up with hummus patties with cilantro lime shrimp and rice, with macadamia nut, avocado, cilantro, lime sauce.
    And Fury might be able to deal with his next opponent a little easier after scoffing a healthy version of sausages.
    The Morecambe-based man had apple and chicken sausage with sweet potatoes, spinach quinoa, cooked in chicken broth with a side of baked kale chips and avocado.
    Even Fury’s favourite, a curry, makes the list, with Lockhart keen to make sure the boxer gets his red meat intake just right.
    Sriracha honey salmon is on the menu for the Gypsy KingCredit: Instagram More

  • in

    David Beckham’s amazing £6m Cotswolds mansion is a converted Grade II-listed farmhouse with plunge pool and tennis court

    DAVID BECKHAM loves showing off his stunning £6million Cotswolds mansion on social media.It’s where he celebrated recent birthdays, accompanied by wife Victoria, 48, and three of their children, including once when he was treated to a bacon-and-egg sandwich with presents wrapped in paper adorned by his own face.
    David Beckham poses alongside wife Victoria and their four children outside their Cotswolds homeCredit: INSTAGRAM
    The Beckhams often show the property off on social mediaCredit: Instagram
    The main living area boasts a huge fireplace for the famous family to keep cosyCredit: Instagram
    An outdoor firepit is on hand for family barbecuesCredit: Instagram
    The stunning Cotswolds retreat was a Grade II-listed farmhouse that was converted into the sprawling mansion-like building.
    Purchased in December 2016 for a reported £6.15million, 47-year-old David and Victoria took their youngest children Harper, 11, Romeo, 20, and Cruz, 17, to the country when lockdown was imposed last year.
    The Beckhams can boast a lengthy property portfolio featuring a London townhouse, Dubai beach property and Miami penthouse.
    Home comforts abound inside their Cotswold abode with chandeliers and an enormous roaring fireplace.
    The kitchen hosts long tables, gorgeous stone floors and an Aga oven, leading to a vast outdoor eating area to match the one inside.
    A tennis court can be found outside with a garden that holds a plunge pool and an interesting looking outhouse that could be a sauna.
    Victoria held a party for her family to celebrate her 46th birthday last year at their homeCredit: Instagram
    There is a plunge pool, modelled here by Cruz, in the gardenCredit: Instagram
    The £6m property was purchased in December 2016
    latest football news

    Meanwhile, SunSport exclusively revealed yesterday Beckham has landed yet another multi-million pound pay day for fronting a new Qatar World Cup advertising campaign.
    The ex-England captain is pocketing a seven figure sum with former NFL ace Peyton Manning, 46, to star in TV and print ads for sponsors Doritos.
    Becks and his American Football counterpart shot the campaign in the UK this week.
    The spoof jokes about the differences between the two forms of “football”.
    A source said: “This is a megabucks campaign for two of the most famous sportsmen in the world, centred around the planet’s biggest tournament.
    “It’s huge money for both of them — but fronting anything with a Qatar link is always going to have an element of controversy.”
    Becks’ wrapping paper featured his own faceCredit: Instagram
    Victoria’s birthday sarnie for her husband with special message in tomato sauce More

  • in

    Inside Lionel Messi’s £23million property empire, with PSG star owning mansions in Barcelona, Ibiza and Miami

    LIONEL MESSI has lived in some of the world’s most exclusive and luxurious homes.But that goes with the territory when you are the world’s most successful footballer and boast a £524million fortune.
    Lionel Messi has lived in homes worth a combined £23mCredit: AFP
    Messi is believed to rent an apartment in Villes de Neuilly in ParisCredit: Alamy
    The Argentinian legend, 35, currently stars for PSG and is reportedly renting an abode in Villes de Neuilly in Paris for £18,000-per-month.
    And over the years he’s had mansions in Barcelona and Miami. While recently he added Ibiza and Rosario to his property portfolio.
    SunSport takes a peek through Messi’s houses worth around £23million.
    Barcelona
    Read more in football
    Where it all began, Messi was a king in Catalonia – and he lived like one too.
    His digs there were located in the exclusive suburb of Castelldefels – where the richest of the rich reside.
    It boasted astonishing sea views, and was in a no-fly zone – meaning planes had to deviate their routes around it.
    And it was perfectly situated – just a 12mile drive from the Camp Nou.
    Messi’s Barcelona home was found in the exclusive suburb of Castelldefels
    Just a 12mile drive from the Camp Nou, it was perfectly situated
    Being in a no-fly zone, Messi was able to get plenty of sleep at his homeCredit: Instagram
    The garden boasted a small football pitch for Messi to hone his skillsCredit: Instagram
    In one of the rooms Messi has all the shirts he’s collected from opposition playersCredit: Instagram
    Most read in Football
    Messi, wife Antonella Roccuzzo and their three children also had plenty to love about the living area – from a small football pitch, a swimming pool, an indoor gym and even a playground.
    He was surrounded by good company too – with close pal Luiz Suarez once living nearby.
    It’s not known if he kept the property or sold it when he left for Paris. It is valued at the £5.5million mark.
    Miami
    In 2020, the diminutive footballer laid down roots in the US – splashing £5million on a massive Miami apartment.
    This, of course, sparked the rumour mill into overdrive with reports suggesting Messi was going to embark on a new journey in the MLS with David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
    The remarkable property sits on Sunny Isles Beach with beautiful views of the ocean – just ten miles from Miami Beach.
    The luxury condo has four bedrooms, four bathrooms, 360-degree views of the stunning Miami skyline and even a 1,000-bottle wine cellar in 511 square metres of indoor space.
    As well as its own private pool, the apartment boasts access to six pools in total.
    There is also a spa, fitness centre, yoga studio, children’s playhouse and a champagne bar in the complex.
    In 2020, Messi splashed £5m on a luxury Miami condoCredit: Regalia Miami Condos
    The kitchen has ample space for family diningCredit: Regalia Miami Condos
    Ocean views surrounded the luxury apartmentCredit: Regalia Miami Condos
    Messi reportedly put the apartment up for sale last yearCredit: Regalia Miami Condos
    And just to top it off, a private chef is on-site for when residents want to line their stomachs before delving into the expansive wine cellar.
    However, last year it was reported that Messi has put the property on the market.
    Ibiza
    From Miami to Ibiza, Messi’s recent addition is a £9.5million holiday home in the Balearic island, to go with his hotel there.
    Alas, it’s going to need a bit of work.
    It has been said that the mansion has planning problems and has not yet been granted a certificate of occupancy – a document issued by a local government agency certifying it is in a liveable condition.
    The planning issues are linked to the construction of several rooms in the property’s garage before Messi’s purchase according to a report by newspaper Periodico de Ibiza.
    Messi and wife Antonela Roccuzzo regularly spend their summers in IbizaCredit: Instagram @antonelaroccuzzo
    In 2018, Messi bought the Hotel MiM Ibiza and SpaCredit: Instagram @hotelesvive
    It is believed he may have to demolish the rooms that did not form part of the original plans in the new-build property.
    Messi will be hopeful the work will be done next summer – given he loves spending time in Ibiza when the season’s over.
    Rosario
    Home is where the heart is, even though Messi left Rosario when he was just 13 to follow his football dream in Barcelona.
    At the turn of the year, he is believed to have splashed £3million on a mansion called ‘The Fortress’ on the outskirts of where he was born.
    The enormous space has three adjoining plots of land and can be found in a gated community.
    There is a massive cinema, a fully-equipped gym, as well as an underground garage for 15 cars. Perfect to house Messi’s mega car collection.
    Argentinian media claim the house has between 20-25 rooms and a playroom that is the size of the whole top floor.
    This year, Messi reportedly splashed £3m on a gated home in Rosario
    Messi could retire in his Argentinian home with beauty AntonellaCredit: Instagram @antoroccuzzo10
    While reports also added that visitors will see a giant floor to ceiling portrait of the back of Messi wearing his famous No10 shirt for Argentina.
    Dad Jorge was reportedly in charge of designing the property – to let his son concentrate on his football career.
    By the sounds of it, it appears to be where he plans to retire. More

  • in

    Meet wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri who joined Arsenal at nine and is now youngest ever Premier League star at 15 yrs 181 days

    WITH the clock ticking down as Arsenal led Brentford 3-0 at the Gtech Community Stadium, manager Mikel Arteta looked to his bench at wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri and gave him the nod to come on.It was reward for a fine training session on Saturday, as the talented midfielder made his debut in the 91st minute for the final moments of a match already won.
    Ethan Nwaneri is the youngest ever Premier League playerCredit: Alamy
    Nwaneri came on for Fabio Vieira against Brentford in the final stagesCredit: Getty
    As he ran onto the pitch, Arteta whispered in his ear: “Congratulations and enjoy it.”
    His appearance at just 15 years and 181 days shattered Harvey Elliot’s record of youngest ever player to play in the Premier League.
    While the away faithful couldn’t help but rub salt into the wounds as they hilariously chanted in the direction of the home fans: “How s*** must you be, he’s only 15” and “he’s got school in the morning”.
    With the Monday off because of the Queen’s funeral and a national bank holiday, Nwaneri will have to wait to share his experience with his school pals at St John’s Prep and Senior School in Enfield, north London.
    Read more in football
    But his story has been quietly bubbling away as he’s risen through the ranks at Hale End.
    Academy star
    It was only last year that Nwaneri made his debut for Arsenal’s U18’s as a 14-year-old.
    Even better than that, he scored a superb solo goal that had Gooners take note and share on social media – calling him the future of their club.
    Most read in Football
    Born in 2007, he arrived in this world a year after the Emirates Stadium opened.
    He joined Arsenal at the age of nine when he was still in primary school.
    Earlier this month, he made his debut for the U21’s against Blackburn. He scored.
    Also in August, he came on as a sub for England’s U17’s. No surprises, he scored again.
    It’s led to academy coaches encouraging Arteta to carefully utilise Nwaneri with the first team.
    “We have been told in the last year or two from academy coaches and from Edu that we have certain talents that we need to look after,” Arteta told talkSPORT.

    Nwaneri in action for the U21’s earlier this monthCredit: Getty
    Mikel Arteta was impressed by Nwaneri in training on the eve of the Brentford gameCredit: Getty
    “And the best way we need to reach something is to send a strong message that it’s not going to be about the age, the age doesn’t tell you a good player from a bad player.
    “When you look at that boy I have a feeling that he has something special and now he makes a step forward and now maybe he needs ten steps backwards… it’s a nice moment.”
    Injuries forced Arteta’s hand
    Injuries to first team personnel, including Martin Odegaard, Mohamed Elneny, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Emile Smith Rowe forced Arteta’s hand to name Nwaneri on the bench.
    Arteta said after the match: “He has trained a couple of times with us and I had a feeling yesterday (Saturday) that if the opportunity came I would do it.
    “I think it sends a strong message about who we are as a club. I told him he would be with us and he had to be ready. He is ready.”
    Amazingly, the speed of his promotion came before he has a profile on the first team page of the club’s official website.
    It was also reported because of his age, Nwaneri had to get changed in a room away from the first team.
    In the last month, Nwaneri has broken into Arsenal’s U21’sCredit: Getty
    Gabriel Martinelli points towards Nwaneri as Arsenal supporters applaud their teamCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Nwaneri is destined for a huge future at ArsenalCredit: Getty
    At the final whistle, Nwaneri was pushed towards the away section by goalie Aaron Ramsdale to soak up his moment.
    Brazilian youngster Gabriel Martinelli pointed towards Nwaneri’s direction as the players lapped up their supporter’s applause.
    You get the feeling that will be one of many salutes he will be given as his Arsenal career progresses. More

  • in

    Pep Guardiola’s daughter Maria models bikinis, once dated ex-Spurs ace Dele Alli and is a huge Man City fan

    SHE is the daughter of the best manager in the world – and she is branching out on her own.Stunning Maria Guardiola, 21, is building her own brand as dad Pep continues to assemble a team he hopes will win the Champions League this year.
    Maria Guardiola is the stunning daughter of Man City manager Pep GuardiolaCredit: Instagram @maria.guardiola
    Stunning Maria has amassed over 380,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @maria.guardiola
    Bikini model Maria promotes swimwear brands onlineCredit: Instagram
    On Instagram, the gorgeous brunette (recently turned blonde) has become a social media influencer – drawing over 380,000 followers to her account.
    Most recently, she was chosen to model bikinis for a swimwear brand, which she did with some style.
    But she first came to our attention when she was seen snogging former Spurs ace Dele Alli on a rooftop bar.
    The die-hard Man City fan has also joined her father on the pitch at the Etihad to celebrate a win – while Erling Haaland is said to be her favourite player.
    Read more in sport
    Bikini model
    Maria caused quite a stir among her fan base when she showed off her amazing bikini bod for an up-and-coming swimwear range.
    Wearing a skimpy bikini from iBilovesyou in a short video, the Barcelona-born beauty briefly flutters her eyes at the camera before turning away.
    The short snippet was enough to get her social media followers excited.
    Most read in Football
    One follower wrote: “Once a queen always a queen.”
    Another particularly enthusiastic fan said: “Wow delicious sensuality beauty I love you.”
    The video followed a picture weeks earlier when Maria, with dark hair, posed in a black bikini in a swimming pool.
    Dalliance with Dele
    Last year, Maria was spotted with ex-Spurs ace Dele Alli in a romantic clinch.
    As we exclusively revealed, the pair didn’t care who saw them as they snogged each other at Cloud 9 rooftop bar in front of the DJ booth.
    A few months later, they were spotted getting lunch at trendy Mayfair hotspot Novikov, before grabbing a coffee at Starbucks.
    However, six months later it was reported that Alli had split with Maria.
    Instead, he was said to have moved on with Made In Chelsea star Nicole Berry.
    Last year, Maria was spotting kissing Dele AlliCredit: Instagram @maria.guardiola
    Alli and Maria snogging on the rooftop of Cloud 9
    Maria was reportedly dumped by Alli after just six monthsCredit: Instagram @maria.guardiola
    Cultured Maria enjoys a lavish lifestyleCredit: Instagram @maria.guardiola
    C’mon Citeh!
    It could be a case of, where her father coaches she will support.
    But, Maria has been very vocal about her love of Man City, a club that dad Pep feels completely at home with.
    And she has, in fact, treaded on the hallowed turf at the Etihad.
    After Man City defeated Leicester in a league in 2019, Maria was spotted hugging her dad on the sidelines at the final whistle.
    She is also reportedly a big fan of City new boy, Erling Haaland – who her dad can’t stop raving about as he scores goals galore for the Premier League giants.
    Maria will have plenty to celebrate if Pep and Erling fire City to their first ever Champions League trophy in this campaign.
    When she’s not enjoying a luxury holiday, Maria is a devout Man City famCredit: Instagram @maria.guardiola
    Basking in her dad’s success, Maria has helped Pep celebrate gloryCredit: PA:Press Association
    Maria was spotted on the sidelines congratulating her dad after a Man City winCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    Maria Guardiola daughter of PepCredit: Instagram @maria.guardiola More

  • in

    Tottenham billionaire owner Joe Lewis has an amazing £113m superyacht, which features a full sized tennis court

    WHEN you have an estimated wealth of around £4.3billion, you aren’t going to skimp on boys’ toys.And billionaire Spurs owner Joe Lewis is testament to that fact – owning an astonishing £113million superyacht which measures 321-feet long.
    Spurs owner Joe Lewis owns a £113m yacht called AvivaCredit: Tom Stockill
    The Aviva, once seen on the River Thames in 2018, is 321-feet longCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The East End-born businessman is believed to live on board the Aviva, once spotted docked on the Thames, which has been referred to as his mobile office.
    Better still, it has everything an 85-year-old would need in terms of amenities, including the very first full-size indoor tennis court ever installed on a yacht.
    Join SunSport for a tour.
    NEW BALLS, PLEASE
    Lewis does not need to  be on dry land to get his tennis fix.
    After all, he has an incredible tennis court built into the Aviva – the first of its kind – that he and his guests can play on.
    At 20 metres long and 10 metres wide, the court area goes up to 6.65 metres high.
    And it’s not just for tennis, as the yacht’s designer Reymond Langton explained.
    “It is not only a lifestyle change for the owner but also for the crew as this is also the largest gym of any yacht,” the British design studio told Yacht Harbour.
    Most read in football
    The superyacht is the first boat to have a full-size indoor tennis court
    Crew on board the Aviva have been known to enjoy the tennis court found in the bottom of the boatCredit: Abeking Rasmussen
    “The crew is encouraged to play with the owner and guests and when the court is not in use for padel (tennis), the net can be removed and the crew plays football and use other exercise equipment in the space.
    “It is after all a sports hall.”A MOBILE OFFICE
    Lewis, who made his millions in currency trading after running several restaurants and nightclubs from the 1960s, spends most of the year on his boat.
    For the Spurs boss, it’s not just a place where he can enjoy a luxurious life, the Aviva is perfect for working remotely.
    “Communication and information are critical to me.” Lewis said in an interview with regards to his requirements for his floating office.
    “To be effective, I need reliable phones and internet, these have improved much over the past few years, but, it is too expensive, too slow and not consistently reliable.
    “Aviva is more than an office; it is also my home for much of the year. So for me, it is relaxing working from home, wherever Aviva may be in the world.”
    It can also be used to entertain, just as it was when he invited the Spurs team on board in 2013 during their tour of the Bahamas.
    Then-skipper Michael Dawson said: “I had never met him before, so it was nice to go over there and a great experience.
    “What a really nice guy. And that yacht is unreal! But he’s just a normal guy. You could chat to him about anything. He tunes into all the games, he loves it. We just sat there chatting. He made us feel so welcome over there. It was relaxed. A lot of team-bonding together.”
    Lewis lives on the Aviva for most of the yearCredit: Abeking Rasmussen
    Lewis has called the Aviva his modern day office in the pastCredit: Abeking Rasmussen
    Dotted around its decks are sun loungersCredit: Abeking Rasmussen
    BAHAMAS-READY
    It’s mostly in the Bahamas where Lewis – among the richest men in the UK – spends his days as a tax exile.
    And the Aviva, which can house up to 16 guests, is fully equipped for the Caribbean lifestyle.
    The exterior relaxation area features a circular set of lounging pads on the sun deck, as well as smaller lounging pads towards the yacht’s bridge.
    A cool swimming platform can also open up into the sea, that means you can have your own beach area with Aviva’s tenders coming out of side doors.
    Talking about boys’ toys, the superyacht even has a speedboat and jet skis on board.
    The Aviva is Bahamas-ready, has its own speedboat and a swimming platform opens up into the seaCredit: Abeking Rasmussen
    The lower deck boasts circular lounging areasCredit: Abeking Rasmussen
    PERFORMANCE
    The German-built Aviva, the 46th longest yacht in the world, took three years to complete.
    And it’s certainly not lacking in spec, either.
    Powered by an eco-friendly drive system, it can reach a top speed of 20 knots.
    The unique hull design that comes together with an electric propulsions system means that less fuel is used.
    Unbelievably, the Aviva can cruise at 11 knots purely on electric power only.
    Now, where can we get one?
    The Aviva can be powered using just electronic powerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The Aviva is the 46th longest yacht in the worldCredit: Abeking Rasmussen
    German-built, the Aviva took three years to completeCredit: Abeking Rasmussen More

  • in

    Ex-Man Utd star Ramon Calliste was dubbed ‘the next Giggs’, but now owns luxury watch business making £5m a year

    BIG things were expected of Ramon Calliste.  The former Man United starlet was labelled the next Ryan Giggs and trained with the first team alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.
    Ramon Calliste is owner of Global Watches, a company that rakes in around £5m a year
    Delivering a bespoke service, Global Watches sells high-end time pieces
    However, when it didn’t work out at the Red Devils the former Welsh wizard moved onto Liverpool and became their top scorer in reserve football.
    Frustrated with his lack of first team opportunities, and taking on advice from then-Wales manager John Toshack, he moved to Scunthorpe in 2006.
    But in a cruel twist of fate during his first preseason game Ramon dislocated his ankle, cracking a bone and severely damaging his ligaments.
    After bouncing around at a few clubs, including Farnborough and Cambridge City, Ramon was conscious that the horror injury meant he’d never return to the same level again.
    TIME FOR CHANGE
    He turned his attentions to watches, and in 2013 launched Global Watches – a company that sells high-end timepieces, including Rolex, Audemars Piguet and Hublot.
    Ramon’s business is now making around £5MILLION-per-year, selling products to footballers, celebrities and other high-rollers.
    “When I realised football wasn’t going to give me the life I desired, it was about setting up something else and moving fast,” Ramon, 36, told SunSport.
    “I started to get involved in watches through contacts I had in the world of football.
    Global Watches lists timepieces for tens of thousands of pounds
    With a base in North London, business is booming for Global WatchesCredit: Global Watches
    “Once I saw it could become a viable business, I set up Global Watches in 2013 and it’s become a really strong company that’s now turning over millions.
    “The idea is to keep it growing and hopefully sell the company in five or ten years time, just like Watchfinder did recently.”
    BACKED BY FOOTBALLERS
    Ramon admitted that he was a complete novice when it came to setting up a business.
    But it helped having a contacts book of footballers, who valued his trust because of his past playing career.
    “Running any business is very difficult,” Ramon said.
    “When you’re dealing with high-value goods, there’s a lot of compliance and regulations to bear in mind.
    “We do everything by the book here and it’s very important to be clear on what you’re doing.
    “I was lucky it was very lucrative from the beginning. Some watches we sell can go from £250,000.
    Limited edition and rare Richard Mille watches can be found at Global WatchesCredit: Instagram
    Former footballer Ramon Calliste launched Global Watches in 2013Credit: Global Watches
    Global Watches sell pieces for as much as £250,000Credit: Global Watches
    “Having my footballing history has also helped.
    “I dealt with footballers in the beginning, selling them watches and I already had that trust there.
    “Even today, clients come online and they see it’s me and they feel comfortable buying from me.
    “There might be other companies that are stronger than mine, but because I played the game it does help the business.
    “We have a bespoke service where we go out to the clients, and it’s not just footballers.
    “We started with an office in Mayfair. Now, we’ve got a shop front in North London.
    “When you can take your inventory to a room of footballers, perhaps ten millionaires, that’s better for all concerned.
    “They prefer that service and it’s an easier chance to sell goods
    Ramon Calliste was able to use his footballing contacts to ensure Global Watches started off successfully
    .
    Didier Drogba is just one of many satisfied clients that have bought watches from Global WatchesCredit: Instagram, @globalwatches
    “I have a great relationship with the players and make sure they are looked after.”IT’S A BIG EARNER
    On a regular day, Ramon revealed he sells watches from around £50,000-£70,000.
    Occasionally, he gets a £150,000-£250,000 sale in a market where clients can make money from pieces that are collector’s items.
    “They appreciate, watches have become commodities,” Ramon said.
    “It’s nice for my clients to make money if they’ve bought a watch from me, if they want to sell the watch in the future.
    “I see myself as a consultant. I know watches inside out and try to advise them on what to buy.
    “So sometimes when my clients come to me with what they’ve want, I will tell them straight if it’s a good or bad idea.
    “I don’t want any of my clients to lose lots of money, when they come to sell their timepiece.”
    Some watches are collector’s items that appreciate with age, Global Watches owner Ramon Calliste revealedCredit: Global Watches
    Ramon Calliste hopes to make Global Watches a world-renowned brandCredit: Global Watches
    Going forward, Ramon hopes to open more stores to ensure Global Watches becomes a worldwide renowned name.
    He’s also looking at getting into the property business and hopes to retire by the age of 50.
    BOY WONDER
    Looking back at his football career, Ramon spoke of how it all began without any regrets.
    “I was watched by Man United scout Tony Hopkins for two years when I was at a high school in Cardiff.
    “Originally, I signed for Coventry, but I didn’t feel happy there.
    “I got picked for the Wales under-19s aged 13, and Coventry stopped me from playing.
    “I found out that was because someone could’ve poached me if they’d saw me play and I impressed other scouts.
    “I got out of that contract, went back to school and then I was off to Manchester United in 2000.
    In 2000, Ramon Calliste signed a deal with Manchester United
    A promising talent, Welshman Ramon Calliste was once compared to Ryan GiggsCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    “When I got to Old Trafford I met Sir Alex Ferguson, which was an incredible experience.
    “Seeing everything for the first time, I went into the famous room where everyone meets him.
    “It was a special, I wasn’t fazed by much when I was young, but he had the aura of a great man.”
    ROONEY, RONALDO AND BALE
    Ramon didn’t play for the United first team, but he got his chance to train with some of their superstars.
    “We didn’t always train with the first team, but sometimes we’d have five-a-side games.
    “I aspired to train with them permanently, and it was amazing when I did get the opportunity.
    “I trained with Rooney and Ronaldo, which was a big deal.”
    He also saw Gareth Bale’s potential first-hand and knew straight away the winger was a star in the making.
    While he didn’t always train with the first team, Ramon Calliste did occasionally play alongside Wayne Rooney and Cristiano RonaldoCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    But now, Ramon Calliste would rather shift watches over playing football
    “I remember seeing Gareth Bale when we had an under-21 Wales training session at Wrexham’s training ground.
    “I didn’t really know who he was at the time, but knew he was at Southampton.
    “But after training we were having a kickabout and I could see him practising free kicks.
    “You could see from that moment that he was a special player. It was great to play alongside him and some other of the world’s great players.”
    INJURY WRECKED HIS CHANCE
    After Ramon was released from Old Trafford, he starred for Liverpool’s reserves.
    He was their leading goalscorer in the 2005-2006 season, but left for Scunthorpe for first team opportunities.
    “It wasn’t initially what I wanted to do, but Toshack told me I needed to play competitive football if I wanted to break into the Wales first team.
    “I thought, let’s do this and took a contract. Preseason I got injured straight away and I never really recovered from it.”
    Global Watches are hoping to expand by launching more shops around the UKCredit: Instagram, @globalwatches
    Ramon Calliste has no regrets that his football career was cut short by injuryCredit: Instagram, @globalwatches
    Ramon’s horrendous dislocated ankle injury with ligament damage and broken bone to boot still plagues the entrepreneur.
    “I have trouble with that ankle today,” he revealed.
    “I see a specialist regularly and I’m probably going to have to have another operation.
    “If I would’ve had the injury at Man United and Liverpool, I might have been alright.
    “But because I had the treatment at Scunthorpe, I don’t think I got the right medical attention.”
    In 2009, Ramon had decided he’d had enough. Spells at Cambridge City and West London Saracens in the Middlesex County Football League followed.
    Man United released Ramon Calliste when his contract expired in 2005Credit: Getty – Contributor
    Ramon Calliste in action in a reserve game against Liverpool at Man United’s Carrington Training GroundCredit: Getty – Contributor
    HE LOST HEART
    But by his mid-2os, his heart wasn’t in it.
    “To come back, I would’ve had to look at going into semi-pro.
    “That just wasn’t for me. From being the creme de la creme at the top and then being at the bottom of the chain, it wasn’t something that’s in my genetics.
    “If I wanted to be involved with something, I want it to be the best. I thought, at that point football was just a distraction and I needed to build a real life.
    “In the end, football just wasn’t meant for me. With all the ability I had, it just wasn’t my destiny.
    “I wouldn’t have met my wife, I wouldn’t have met my children because I wouldn’t have come to London at the time I did. That alone is the most important thing for me.
    Setting up Global Watches was Ramon Calliste’s destiny
    Global Watches has given former footballer Ramon Calliste a life he couldn’t have had playing the gameCredit: Global Watches
    “You have to go through a hell of a lot of steps to get through life. I don’t regret anything that happened to me in football, I learned a lot.
    “I still have great friends from that world, but it wasn’t to be.”
    Visit the Global Watches website here More

  • in

    Ivan Toney’s amazing tattoos, including family portraits, his squad number, Heath Ledger as The Joker and a cute kitten

    IT’S a new experience, so maybe Ivan Toney will get a new tattoo to celebrate.The in-form Brentford striker, 26, has been called up to the England squad by Gareth Southgate for the upcoming Nations League matches against Italy and Germany.
    Ivan Toney shows off his impressive body inkCredit: Getty
    Should he score, he might just whip off his top and reveal his amazing ink.
    Toney’s body is a real work of art – and many of his tattoos have personal meanings.
    Here’s a selection and what they all mean.
    Family portraits
    Aside from his football, family is important to Toney.
    Read more in football
    Proudly painted on his abs are portraits of his grandparents Elma and Benjamin.
    Next to them is his son, Ivan Jr.
    Toney’s grandparents Elma and Benjamin feature on his torso, as does his son Ivan Jr
    Ivan’s mantra
    Toney has reached the heights coming up through clubs including Northampton Town, Scunthorpe United and Peterborough United.
    It’s meant he’s had to work hard to get there. Written across his chest are the words: ‘Suffer the pain of discipline or suffer the pain of regret.’
    They are words of motivation to continue to give his all.
    Written under his neck and across his chest is Toney’s mantra
    The Joker
    Nothing to do with his favourite film character.
    But featured on the back of his bicep is a portrait of Heath Ledger’s The Joker from The Dark Knight.
    Toney has once said: “I’m confident, a winner, a joker and someone who will help anyone.”
    So, clearly it alludes to his care-free personality.
    The Joker tattoo is a reflection of Toney’s personalityCredit: Getty
    Lion
    Afraid of no one, Toney plays with heart on his sleeve. He’s a true lion, which is why he has a lion with a crown on his arm.
    The lion is, of course, the king of the jungle, while the hotshot forward is the king of the Gtech Community Stadium
    Written with the tattoo is the motto: “If he bleeds the same blood, never fear him.”
    A lion tattoo on his arm depicts Toney’s courageous nature
    Mask
    A riddle – on Toney’s forearm is a portrait of a woman taking a mask off.
    The mask has a smile on it, but underneath the mask the woman is wearing a frown.
    It suggests there are two sides to everyone – and when you scratch the surface you don’t know what someone is feeling deep down.
    The masked woman on Toney’s arm has a unique meaning
    Most read in Football
    Squad number
    For the Bees, Toney wears the No17.
    It’s also the digits emblazoned front and centre on his chest.
    He’s had the number since his days at Peterborough, so it’s been lucky for him.
    Kitten and Tiger
    A unique inking of a cat staring into a puddle and seeing the reflection of a tiger is also found on Toney’s torso.
    Hotshot Toney has been called up by England
    “It shows it doesn’t matter how others see you,” he explained to The Guardian about its meaning last year.
    “If you see yourself as a winner, you’re going to be a winner, you’re going to make sure you become a winner. If you see yourself as fearless, you’ll be fearless.
    “I think that goes far, not just in football but in everything. If you want to achieve something, it doesn’t matter what others think, you have got to make sure you achieve it.”
    Ticking timer
    On the inner bicep of his left arm fans may have spotted a ticking timer etched on his body.
    ‘Direction is more important than speed. Some people are going nowhere fast,’ can be read on it.
    Toney has had to be patient for his time in the spotlight, but is now reaping the rewards and heading in the right direction.
    On the inner bicep of Toney’s left arm is a ticking timerCredit: Getty
    ‘Fearless’
    Exactly what Toney is – and marries well with his Lion tattoo.
    Drawn on the side of his torso is the word, ‘Fearless’.
    He once told the Daily Mail, “I think that one speaks for itself.”
    Crown
    Fit for a king – which Toney is.
    Below his right ear, the Three Lions call-up has a crown tattooed on the side of his neck.
    While he hasn’t commented on it, it was best seen last season as Brentford entertained Chelsea.
    We can only assume that it is befitting of his current status – and as England’s new striker.
    A crown is befitting of Toney’s status as king of the Gtech Community StadiumCredit: Rex More