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

    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 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 effortsCredit: 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, took his new motor for a spin as he arrived to training at United’s The AON Carrington Training Complex.
    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.
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    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

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    Inside Lewis Hamilton’s family from elusive mum who he wants to change his name to dad he sacked and racer brother

    LEWIS HAMILTON was rumored to be changing his name before the season started.The seven-time World Champion, 37, has declared he wants his mother’s surname Larbalestier to live on with him.
    Lewis Hamilton has equalled Michael Schumacher to win seven world championships – but now wants to get his hands on an eighth crown
    Hamilton has come a long way from his days as a young go-karting champCredit: Instagram @lewishamilton
    Lewis Hamilton grew up in this modest home in StevenageCredit: Steven Jensen
    Hamilton, whose parents Anthony and Carmen divorced when he was just two, has questioned why women lose their surname after they become married.
    Speaking onstage at the 2022 Dubai Expo, he said: “It would mean the world to my family [to win an eighth title].
    “It would mean a lot to me knowing that, for example, I am really proud of my family’s name, Hamilton.
    “Actually none of you might know that my mum’s [sur]name is Larbalestier. And I’m just about to put that in my name.
    “Because I don’t really fully understand the whole idea of why, when people get married, the woman loses her name.
    “I really want her name to continue on with the Hamilton name.”
    The one constant in Hamilton’s life has been his family, some of whom have been there from his go-karting youth to see him become one of the greatest F1 racers to ever set foot in a cockpit.
    Here we take a closer look at the Hamilton family…
    ANTHONY HAMILTON – Dad
    Anthony Hamilton was Lewis’ manager for 18 years from go-karting to F1Credit: PA:Press Association
    Anthony married second wife Linda and they had Lewis’ half-brother NicolasCredit: BBC
    HAMILTON’S dad, Anthony, is a major reason the Stevenage-born star even got into racing.
    He bought Lewis his first remote-controlled car when he was just six-years-old – and his first go-kart for Christmas when he was seven.
    Anthony would help Lewis break into the world of go-karting, where he spent seven years working his way from the Rye House Kart Circuit in Hertforshire to Formula Super A stardom.
    Hamilton Snr was Lewis’ manager throughout his racing career up until 2010, when he was ruthlessly sacked.
    Two weeks before the F1 season started, Lewis downplayed the incident, saying: “Dad will miss being here, but it was me who initiated the break.
    “He’s got other things to focus on, and I don’t want my dad being my manager anymore.”
    However, Anthony later revealed the true extent of the drama, admitting: “He thought, ‘Do you know what dad? I am fed up listening to you’.
    “He decided he wanted to be his own man. I was comfortable with that.”
    Anthony later suggested Lewis had withheld a £3million payment he’d promised him as a ‘thank you’ for his 18 years of service.
    He revealed: “It just never happened. I am comfortable with it. It’s not my business. If he says he’s going to do something and he doesn’t that’s his loss.”
    Anthony was married to Hamilton’s mum, Carmen Larbalestier, but the pair separated when Lewis was just two-years-old.
    CARMEN LARBALESTIER – Mum
    Lewis Hamilton lived with mum Carmen until he was 12, when he moved in with his dadCredit: PA:Press Association
    Hamilton hugged mum Carmen and step-mum Linda en route to his first F1 crownCredit: EPA
    WHILE Anthony was seen at almost every race of Lewis’ career in the early days, mum Carmen was always a more elusive figure in the racer’s life.
    But Lewis actually enjoyed more of his formative years living with his biological mum.
    The F1 superstar was raised by his mum until he was 12-years-old – along with half-sisters Nicola and Samantha.
    He then moved to live with dad Anthony, step-mother Linda and his half-brother Nicolas.
    While Carmen hasn’t been a regular at Lewis’ races – she has always been there for the big moments – with the pair said to enjoy an excellent relationship.
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    At the Chinese Grand Prix in 2008, two weeks before he became a world champion for the first time, Larbalestier was seen embracing her son and his stepmother Linda.
    And Hamilton’s mum shared another hug with him after he secured his fourth world title in Mexico in 2017.
    The world champ also went to the trouble of holding a surprise 60th birthday party in London in 2015 – even getting Jessie J to sing at the bash.
    Speaking about her break-up with Anthony, Carmen once revealed: “Lewis was the best thing to come out of my marriage. [The split] didn’t damage Lewis.
    “He is probably better for it than if we had stuck together in an unhappy marriage.
    “Tony wanted to be somebody and he has achieved that. I wanted the quiet life and that put a barrier between us. I couldn’t see myself in that busy, hectic lifestyle.
    “But I didn’t stop him making sure Lewis got what he wanted. Without his dad’s constant, constant work he would not have been able to continue.”LINDA HAMILTON – Step-mum
    Linda Hamilton has regularly been spotted at Lewis’ racesCredit: Getty
    Linda Hamilton started dating Anthony when Lewis was ten-years-oldCredit: Gary Stone – The Sun
    AFTER his early years with his mum, Lewis moved to live with his dad and brother aged 12 – joining step-mum Linda.
    Anthony had already been with Linda for two years – and she took an active role in raising Lewis before he moved in with her.
    Linda was regularly spotted at races alongside Anthony, even after he was sacked as Lewis’ manager.
    And she shared a sweet moment at the Chinese GP in 2008, when she hugged Lewis – along with his birth mum Carmen – following his victory just weeks before he sealed his first world crown.
    Linda is the birth mum of Lewis’ half-brother, Nicolas.
    NICOLAS HAMILTON – Half-brother
    Nicolas Hamilton, centre, is also a racer, now part of the BTCCCredit: Instagram @lewishamilton
    Nicolas, left, has cerebral palsy and grew up with Lewis during the latter’s teenage yearsCredit: Getty
    THE younger son born to Anthony, Nicolas lived with Lewis after he moved to join his dad and step-mum Linda aged 12.
    Nicolas was born with cerebral palsy – a disease affecting movement and coordination.
    However, he has never let that hold him back, with the 27-year-old also a racing driver.
    Nicolas drives a modified car in the British Touring Car Championship – where he has started 36 races.
    In 2015, he secured a deal with AmD Tuning to race an Audi S3 for five events in the BTCC – totalling 12 races – becoming the first-ever disabled driver to compete.
    And earlier this year, he secured his first full-time gig, signing up to drive for Motorbase Performance.
    As well as his two seasons in the BTCC, Hamilton also spent four years driving in the Renault Clio Cup UK and one in the European Touring Car Cup.
    In 2016, he was briefly a part of Channel 4’s F1 coverage team.
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}MORE F1 STORIES.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    NICOLA & SAMANTHA LOCKHART – Half-sisters
    LEWIS’ two half-sisters are the product of mum Carmen’s second marriage.
    Hamilton had lived with both Nicola and Samantha up until the age of 12, when he moved to live with his dad and half-brother.
    The sisters remain relatively out of the spotlight but are thought to have grown up in Sandy, Bedfordshire with mum Carmen.
    KAIDEN – Nephew
    Hamilton was slammed after he said he was ‘so sad’ nephew Kaiden was wearing a purple and pink dressCredit: Lewis Hamilton Instagram
    ON Christmas Day 2017, Kaiden went from unknown to a celebrity of his own after Hamilton’s lapse in judgement.
    Hamilton slammed his nephew for wearing a purple and pink dress, sharing a clip on Instagram, saying: “I’m so sad right now.
    “Why are you wearing a princess dress? Is this what you got for Christmas? Why did you ask for a princess dress for Christmas, boys don’t wear princess dresses!”
    But Kaiden melted fans’ hearts as he simply pointed his wand at Lewis and giggled for the camera.
    Hamilton later apologised for the insensitive post and went on to wear a kilt for GQ magazine, saying he wanted to “make amends”.
    The F1 star posted: “I meant no harm and did not mean to offend anyone at all. I love that my nephew feels free to express himself as we all should.
    “My deepest apologies for my behaviour as I realise it is really not acceptable for anyone, no matter where you are from, to marginalise or stereotype anyone.
    “I have always been in support of anyone living their life exactly how they wish and I hope I can be forgiven for this lapse in judgement.” More

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    Bizarre contract demands of footballers, from no space travel to weight clauses and free moves for Catalan independence

    PLAYERS are valuable commodities.So when they thrash out contracts with the world’s biggest clubs, it’s important to get everything right and nothing’s left to chance.
    Footballers like Lionel Messi reportedly have bizarre clauses written into their contractsCredit: Getty
    But there are times when stipulations are put in place by player and club to protect their interests, to let them fulfil their hobbies, or managers just don’t trust them.
    SunSport looks back at the wackiest clauses added by players and clubs.Messi business
    Back in 2020, with Lionel Messi’s future STILL up in the air before his free transfer move to Paris Saint-Germain, talk of what he would look for in his new contract away from Barcelona began to surface.
    Some of the clauses in his current deal were leaked by El Mundo.
    They included an agreement to learn how to speak Catalan, he must ‘adopt an adequate personal conduct and pace of life’ and not engage in doping, and if Catalonia became its own country he could leave on a free transfer.
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}LATEST FOOTBALL NEWS.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    Lew the outdoor adventurer
    When Robert Lewandowski was running down his contract at Borussia Dortmund both Bayern Munich and Real Madrid were jostling for his signature.
    And in leaked documents, Real Madrid’s offer seemed far more lucrative.
    Alongside a £166,000-per-week deal and a £10m signing-on fee were several requests they didn’t want daredevil Lewandowski to do while he was their property.
    Skiing, paragliding, climbing, going on a motorboat and even riding a motorbike were big ‘no-nos’ for Madrid’s hierarchy… so that’s why signed for Bayern instead.
    Should he move again this summer, which he is hankering for, expect more bizarre transfer clauses there.
    Robert Lewandowski is still able to continue his outdoor adventures at Bayern MunichCredit: Getty
    Reina toyed with
    When negotiating a contract, it’s important to be 100 per cent clear about what is being stipulated.
    When German forward Giuseppe Reina moved to Arminia Bielefeld in 1996, he demanded the club build him a house for every year of his contract.
    The club accepted.
    However, Reina didn’t specify what size he required.
    And Arminia provided him with a house made of Lego for the next three years.
    Giuseppe Reina in action for Arminia Bielefeld, who only joined under strict circumstances
    Redondo locked out
    Former Real Madrid and AC Milan midfielder Fernando Redondo was excluded from Argentina’s 1998 World Cup squad for a bizarre reason.
    Manager Daniel Passarella had refused to pick homosexuals or players with earrings and long hair.
    Redondo was ‘guilty’ of the latter.
    He said: “I was in great form. But Passarella had particular ideas about discipline and wanted me to have my hair cut.
    “I didn’t see what that had to do with playing football so I said no.”
    Fernando Redondo’s long hair cost him his international career
    Cooking up a treat
    Congolese midfielder Rolf-Christel Guie-Mien moved from Karlsruher to Eintracht Frankfurt in 1999.
    However, he had one simple request: that his new club pay for his wife to have cooking lessons.
    We’re not sure Mrs Guie-Mien took too kindly to this demand.
    She was not available for comment at the time.
    Rolf-Christel Guie-Mien made it very clear to his wife he kitchen skills needed improvement
    Brought down to Earth
    Swede Stefan Schwarz moved to Sunderland in 1999 — but the Wearsiders had one stipulation the former Arsenal man had to adhere to.
    Schwarz was told that any potential flights into space would not be tolerated.
    The Black Cats chief exec John Flicking said at the time: “One of Schwarz’s advisers has, indeed, got one of the places on the commercial flights [into space, due to take place in 2002].
    “And we were worried that he may wish to take Stefan along with him. So we thought we’d better get things tied up now rather than at the time of the flight.”
    In fact, rather than managing to go up, his career ended when Sunderland went down in 2003.
    Stefan Schwarz is presented as a Sunderland player, alongside Peter Reid in 1999
    Razor weighed down
    Former Premier League and England defender Neil Ruddock once admitted to eating 212 steak and kidney pies every year.
    And Crystal Palace were advised Razor did come with some extra baggage when they signed him on a free in 2000.
    Ex-Eagles chairman Simon Jordan wrote in his autobiography: “On approaching West Ham I discovered he was a free transfer, although he did have a weighty salary — which was not the only weighty thing about him.
    “Harry Redknapp, the West Ham manager at the time, told me to put in a weight clause.
    “So I decided to put a 10 per cent penalty on the contract we were proposing to offer him if he was over the recommended weight of 99.8kg, which by the way was still frigging huge.”
    Ruddock’s Palace debut was allegedly delayed because the club couldn’t find a pair of shorts big enough for him.
    Neil Ruddock has never been one of the slimmest footballers
    Driving a Honda
    Japanese legend Keisuke Honda joined Botafogo in January 2020.
    But moving to Brazil’s crime-ridden city of Rio de Janeiro had the midfielder fearing for his safety.
    So he stipulated he would need an ARMOURED VEHICLE as part of the deal.
    More incredibly, Botafogo agreed.
    But his stay in South America did not last long and the 35-year-old is now at Suduva in Lithuania.
    Keisuke Honda signed for Brazilian side Botafogo – but only after an unusual request was grantedCredit: AFP or licensors More

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    How Man Utd star Cristiano Ronaldo’s girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez went from £250-a-week shop girl to Netflix superstar

    SHE’S one of the most famous Wags on the planet – but Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner Georgina Rodriguez hasn’t always lived a life of riches and luxury. The 28-year-old Spanish model lived in a cramped, shared house and worked as a £250-a-week shop girl before a chance encounter with football legend Ronaldo transformed her life.
    Georgina has gone from a £250-a-week shop girl to one of the world’s most famous WagsCredit: Instagram
    A chance encounter with football legend Ronaldo transformed Georgina’s lifeCredit: Instagram
    Now she is enjoying life on our shores, and on the big screen with her hit Netflix documentary, after the five-time Ballon d’Or winner agreed to rejoin Manchester United in a blockbuster move.
    In a candid interview with ITV in 2019, Ronaldo, now 37, described finding “true love” with Georgina after the pair met for the first time at a Gucci store, where she was a sales assistant.
    The Juventus star told Piers Morgan: “She helped me so much. Of course, I’m in love with her.”
    Ronaldo, thought to be worth around £300million, added that it would be his mum Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro’s dream to see him and Georgina walk down the aisle.
    “We’ll be [married] one day, for sure,” he said.
    “It’s my mum’s dream as well. So, one day. Why not? It’s great. She’s my friend. We have conversations. I open the heart for her and she opens the heart for me.”
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}LATEST FOOTBALL NEWS.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}

    Ronaldo becomes emotional during his candid interview with Piers Morgan
    He described Georgina as his “true love”Credit: Refer to Caption
    The footballer also says he’ll marry Georgina one day ‘for sure’Credit: The Mega Agency
    Georgina lives a life most of us can only dream of – holidaying in Ibiza and Iceland, wearing head-to-foot Chanel and Gucci, and enjoying her boyfriend’s mega yacht and fleet of luxury cars.
    She also stood by Ronaldo after he was accused of raping a model in a Las Vegas hotel room – claims he has emphatically denied and which he will not face any criminal charges over.
    But while Georgina could soon become Mrs Ronaldo, the Wag’s life used to be very different…
    Georgina kisses Ronaldo after a Real Madrid victory – but her life used to be very differentCredit: Getty – Contributor

    Grafting for goals
    The beauty hails from a very humble background, growing up in the tiny village of Jaca, northern Spain, with her Argentine former footballer father, Jorge, and Spanish mother, Ana.
    As a child, she longed to be a ballet dancer. But because her parents couldn’t afford to send her to dance school, Georgina set her sights on a career in fashion retail instead.
    It was clear from a young age that she was ambitious and like Ronaldo – who grew up in a tin-roofed house in Madeira – she did everything in her power to chase her dreams.
    Georgina grew up in a tiny village, Jaca, in the Spanish mountainsCredit: Alamy
    She was desperate to get out of her small town and achieve her dreamsCredit: Instagram
    Living in a cramped house share
    As soon as she was old enough, Georgina moved to Huesca, a small town an hour away, where she got her first job as a waitress.
    However, she soon got bored of the town, and became fed up of living in a tiny home with several other young people.
    Tired of her impoverished lifestyle,  Georgina moved again – this time three hours away to the seaside town of San Sebastian, where she got a job in mid-range shop, Massimo Dutti.
    But despite earning more money, the draw of living the high life saw her make her next big move.
    “I wanted to work in luxury and I understood that for that I had to speak English,” Georgina told XLSemanal. 

    Georgina poses for a typical tourist snap near the London EyeCredit: Instagram
    Nanny in Bristol
    In 2012, aged just 17, Georgina flew to England and got a job as an au pair for a family in Bristol.
    Here, she focused on learning English, earning around £9.50 an hour.
    Once her language skills were up to scratch, she headed back to Spain to pursue her dreams of working in high-end retail in Madrid.
    Georgina lived in Bristol but visited Bath in her free timeCredit: Instagram
    “Love at first sight”
    Georgina finally got her dream job as a saleswoman at Gucci in 2016 – and it was while she was working here that she caught former Real Madrid star Ronaldo’s eye.
    Days later, the pair met again at another brand’s event, where they were able to “talk in a relaxed atmosphere”, outside of a work environment.
    “It was love at first sight for both,” Georgina previously told the Sun on Sunday.
    Georgina finally got her dream job in a designer store in Madrid in 2016Credit: Instagram
    It was “love at first sight” for the coupleCredit: AFP or licensors
    Hounded by fans
    The couple kept their relationship under wraps for the first few months, but once people found out they were dating, football fans started turning up at Georgina’s shop.
    Bosses feared the fans, who were trying to take pictures, would put off their rich clientele, and Georgina was dismissed from her dream job in December 2016 after just eight months.
    Ronaldo’s contacts got her another job in Prada in El Corte Ingles, the famous Spanish department store, where she earned about £1,000 a month plus commission.

    But once again, her relationship cost her a job. Customers kept coming into the shop in the hope of spotting Ronaldo – and begged Georgina for selfies.
    It wasn’t long before management and Georgina mutually agreed it was best if she left and stopped working for good.
    Speaking about her experience, she told Spanish outlet, XLSemanal: “I was hiding, but fans were looking for me at the store. They used to call up and ask about me, pretending to be clients.
    “There were always photographers waiting for me. The director told me to go down to the basement because he did not want to see me in the store. I started to be very uncomfortable and then I left.”
    Georgina’s high-profile relationship has cost her a number of jobsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    From selling Gucci to wearing it
    While Georgina used to sell designer clothes to the rich and famous, she’s now wearing them herself – from £1,400 Balmain jackets and £5,000 Chanel handbags to a priceless vintage fur coat.
    They were living in a gated mansion in Turin – similar to the £5 million mansion she and Ronaldo used to share in Madrid (but a far cry from the flat she once lived in with pals).
    Now, they will mostly likely be house-hunting in Cheshire’s Golden Triangle for an abode fit for a king and queen.
    Of course, Georgina is used to travelling in style too – jetting off in an £18 million private plane, sailing on a luxury yacht and driving sports cars like Ronaldo’s flashy Bugatti Veyron.
    Since she began dating Ronaldo, Georgina has become a star in her own right, gracing the cover of various fashion magazines while amassing 27 million Instagram followers.
    Georgina is often pictured wearing the most expensive designer clothesCredit: Rex Features
    Credit: Refer to Caption

    The Ronaldo clan enjoy their luxury £5.5m Azimut Grande yacht bought in 2020
    A lavish wedding
    If Ronaldo does fulfil his dream to wed Georgina “one day”, it will likely be a very grand affair.
    Wedding expert and founder of Wedding Ideas Magazine Rachel Southwood told Sun Online: “She’ll probably wear a fit and flare dress that hugs her curves and kicks out at the bottom.
    “It will be slinky and sexy but demure all at the same time – probably in lace, but possibly with some extra bling.
    Georgina loves designer clothingCredit: Rex Features
    “I think she will wear a long lace, scallop-edged veil. Something by a designer like Riki Dalal although I suspect it will be completely bespoke, from the head designer at one of the design houses she has worked with.
    “Their wedding will be lavish and include a church service and a huge feast. It will be family-focused with a few big names thrown in for good measure.”
    Rodriguez sparked engagement rumours last year when she showed off a huge ring in an Instagram post.
    They have so far remain tight-lipped over plans but are expected to tie the knot in the near future.
    Georgina Rodriguez showed off a huge ring on her finger during a holidayCredit: Instagram
    Running Ronaldo’s empire
    But Georgina is very keen not to be perceived as a typical WAG.
    She has previously said she has no interest in just shopping and spending Ronaldo’s money – in fact she might take a more active role in managing his vast fortune.
    Georgina and Ronaldo now have four children between them
    Georgina sparked engagement rumours when she was seen sporting a new ring during the 2018 World CupCredit: Getty – Contributor
    While most women spend their pregnancies decorating the nursery, Georgina spent hers studying financial accounting at the Centre for Financial Studies in Madrid.
    Her course, which started in October 2017 and finished the following March, cost her £780 and saw her attend three-hour long classes twice a week.
    According to El Mundo, it included modules on tax matters, legal obligations and wealth management.
    “I loved earning money for myself and I never let myself be helped when someone offered to lend me a hand,” Georgina previously said.
    “I am realistic and if I see that I can buy something not too expensive I do. If I can’t wear a Chanel, I buy a Zara. Why brag about something that does not belong to you?”
    Ronaldo and his family were living in Turin, northern Italy before returning to Manchester United
    Tens of millions in a divorce
    When Georgina and Ronaldo eventually tie the knot, it’s unlikely the model will ever have to return to her shop girl job – even if they divorce.
    Experts say all her financial worries would be taken care of in a pre-nup.
    Head of Family Law in leading Manchester firm, JMW, Elspeth Kinder told Sun Online: “A prenup would make sure it provides fairly for Georgina’s needs and that of their child in the event of a divorce. It would be tens of millions – but it won’t be a half share of everything he’s got- that’s the point of the pre-nup.
    “The Spanish jurisdiction in divorce is very different to here and tends to be less favourable to somebody like Georgina who comes to a marriage with less money than the other.”
    Yet there’s no sign of trouble on the horizon for Ronaldo and Georgina.
    “Being the partner of someone so famous is not easy but I wouldn’t change it for the world,” Georgina said. “What I feel for him is stronger than anything, any kind of pressure.” More

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    Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s amazing Majorca holiday at secluded luxury villa after shipping over his £8.5m Bugatti

    IT’S holiday season, and that means another lavish break for Cristiano Ronaldo.The Man Utd star, 37, whisked partner Georgina Rodriguez and their brood off for some sunshine in the Spanish island of Majorca, where they visited last year.
    The Ronaldo family jet off for their Majorca holidayCredit: Instagram @georginagio
    The Ronaldos have been spending time at the stunning Cala Egos in Andratx
    The family are staying in a luxury villa, secluded from prying eyes, that sits at the foot of the Tramuntana mountains.
    Of course, they arrived by style – using his £20million G200 private jet to fly there.
    While, they also have use of TWO expensive cars should they want to venture out and explore.
    And if they are stumped travelling by land, there’s always the option of the sea – with Ronaldo having his £5.5million super yacht moored at the nearby Port Adriano.
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    Travelling in style
    The family of seven, including children Cristiano Jr, 11, Eva, 5, Matteo, 5, Alana Martina, 4, and Bella, two-months boarded a plane on Tuesday.
    And in an Instagram post Georgina showed herself holding on to Bella, the latest addition to the Ronaldo clan.
    But, the Ronaldos didn’t fly commercially. They travelled in style with in their Gulfstream G200 twin-engine jet the Portugal legend splashed £20million on in 2015.
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    Ronaldo and his family travelled to Majorca on their £20m private jetCredit: Rex
    The luxury Majorca mansion the Ronaldo clan is staying at is surrounded by the Tramuntana mountainsCredit: Ultima Hora
    Up to ten passengers can fly at one time, so there would have been plenty of leg room on board.
    As well as being roomy, Ronaldo has a wardrobe where he can store his designer clothes.
    There’s Wi-Fi, a telephone, fax machine, electric oven, microwave, refrigerator, and an entertainment system so the kids won’t get bored.
    Stunning villa
    Last year, the famous family stayed at a £10,000-per-night historic mansion on the seafront.
    This time round, they have gone for something more private. On the recommendation of Cristiano’s former team mate Sergio Ramos, they have chosen a luxurious rural retreat surrounded by the Tramuntana mountains in complete seclusion.
    The villa has its own gym, pool surrounded by palm trees, several jacuzzis, a beach volleyball court and a mini-football pitch, according to island newspaper Ultima Hora which has published aerial shots of the magnificent property.
    The newspaper also says the villa has its own chapel and a rumoured “erotic room” underneath.
    Yesterday, Georgina teased fans by sharing a snap on Instagram enjoying a family meal at a large wooden table at the property.
    Local reports also say he has TWO cars from his incredible fleet, which he arranged to have shipped over.
    On Wednesday, Georgina Rodriguez shared a snap of the family enjoying a mealCredit: instagram
    A rare Bugatti Centodieci worth £8.5m is said to have accompanied Ronaldo on his luxury holiday
    One is the limited edition Bugatti Centodieci – he reportedly spent £8.5million on in 2020, that can do 0-62mph in just 2.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 236mph and is believed to have ‘CR7’ embroidered on the headrests.
    Another – a Mercedes SUV will suit for a family excursion.
    The Ronaldos are said to be staying in Majorca for ten days, which will give them plenty of time to down tools and relax.
    Yacht life
    Which is seemingly what they did on Wednesday, taking their private super yacht for a spin from Port Adriano.
    The family headed for Cala Egos in Andratx, a small purpose built resort that’s an hour’s drive from Palma Airport and near the classy area of Cala d’Or.
    The Ronaldos have made full use of their Azimut Grande yacht in the past – it made its debut on The Tyrrhenian Sea off the western coast of Italy.
    Ronaldo has his £5.5m super yacht harboured in Port Adriano
    Ronaldo and Rodriguez lounge on board the Azimut GrandeCredit: TIM STEWART NEWS LIMITED
    The vessel offers the height of luxury and goes wherever Ronaldo does when he travels on his holidays
    It also appeared in Madeira, when the family took a trip to Portugal.
    And it’s any wonder why Ronaldo takes the £5.5million vessel everywhere he goes, when you consider the luxury it provides.
    Built in the Versilia shipyards of Azimut-Benett, it boasts five luxury cabins and six stunningly decorated bathrooms.
    There’s also a modern kitchen onboard, as well as two relaxation areas, a huge lounge, and a lavish dining room.
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15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The 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    The family often share their holiday snaps riding the Azimut Grande on social media, with Georgina taking on cooking duties for the family.
    It should be a holiday that dreams are made of, and just enough to help Ronaldo recharge his batteries before he reports to training with Man Utd under the new Erik ten Hag regime. More

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    I’m a footballer who won Love Island, but now I fear my fame will stop me ever returning to the game, says Finn Tapp

    AT 16, Finn Tapp could have been forgiven for thinking he’d see his name in lights because of his football ability.Before he became a household name on Love Island in 2020, which he won alongside the stunning singer Paige Turley, the teenager was tipped for success at MK Dons.
    Finn Tapp as hotly-tipped at MK DonsCredit: Getty
    However, it was Love Island in which Tapp found fame and love with Paige TurleyCredit: PA
    He made his debut for the club against Norwich City – coming as a sub and scoring in a 4-1 defeat.
    But the heartthrob would suffer heartbreak a year before he would score a host of female admirers for his turn on the hit ITV reality show.
    At 19, Tapp was released by his boyhood club and fell out of love with the game.
    “I played football when I was knee-high and I was fortunate enough to join MK Dons,” the 22-year-old told SunSport.
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    “I worked my way through the academy, and as you progress the dream of becoming a footballer becomes that much more real.
    “Then I managed to get a scholarship, which meant I was part of the youth team – and was in a full-time environment where I was doing a bit of college work on the side.
    “In 2018, I signed my first professional contract with the club. It was the best time ever, and everything I was hoping for.
    “But when I got released a year after that and I was devastated.”
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Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea in horror openers
    Tapp found another club in Oxford City, but his love for football had waned.
    “I had a period between MK Dons and Oxford City, where I fell out of love with football,” he explained.
    “Because it had gone so wrong for me, and I was only there for a year, I thought I’d made it after I’d got the contract but the reality was I was still very far from achieving that dream.
    “A year later the deal was terminated. I fell back in love with the game when I started playing for Oxford City, which was why I played football in the first place – for enjoyment.
    “But when Love Island came along, it was a once in a lifetime experience that I knew I had to go for.”

    Tapp was happy playing for Oxford City, but understood that could end at any time.
    He also admitted it was worth a gamble – and he could go back to semi-pro football if things didn’t work out.
    Tapp said: “My thinking was I might get to the end of this season and Oxford City might let me go. It was one of those, the opportunity came up, and I had to take it.
    “When I started applying, I never thought I’d get on the show. I was 20 at the time, and if it didn’t pan out I could still go back and play semi-pro.
    “There was a lot more reward to the risk.”
    Oxford City were reportedly livid that Tapp had left them during the season to compete on Love Island.
    Worse still, they didn’t find out until he was at the airport jetting to South Africa to start recording.
    Tapp was an Oxford City player, when he found out he was heading to Love IslandCredit: Instagram / finn_tapp
    Oxford City were left in the dark when Tapp flew to South Africa to film Love IslandCredit: Instagram / finn_tapp
    “When I was working through the audition process at Love Island, it’s very confidential,” Tapp divulged.
    “I didn’t even tell my immediate family that I was going on there. I was worried that if I was to say something, it would scupper my chances of going on the show.
    “It came to the day of leaving, I got an hour’s notice, producers rang me and asked if I was ready and told me they would get me on a plane to South Africa that night.
    “I got to the airport and rang my agent at the time and explained the situation.
    “Fair play to him, he did and let my manager know what was going on.”
    The gamble of swapping football for reality TV paid off for Tapp, who scooped the £50,000 winner’s prize, as well as found love with blonde beauty Paige.
    He said: “I had no idea what I was in store for.
    “I didn’t go on to meet anyone, and I really didn’t think I could live up to what I’d seen on the TV before. I was just a bloke from Milton Keynes.
    “Looking back at it, everything that went right did. I am still with Paige, we are very happy, and it has worked out perfectly.”
    The experience of being on Love Island is one that Tapp admitted was surreal, with cameras rolling 24 hours a day.
    It means you never know what will be shown in the final broadcast.
    Tapp revealed: “There must have been 80-odd cameras in our villa and they do tell you these cameras are rolling 24/7.
    “There isn’t ever a time when they are off. You are constantly aware of that.
    With cameras constantly rolling, there was nowhere to hide for Tapp and TurleyCredit: Rex
    Tapp and Turley won scores of fans as well as the £50,000 prize
    “I don’t know if anyone felt this, but if you trip up the stairs or do something you instantly think, ‘Is that going to get shown on TV?’ You are never really sure what is getting shown or not.
    “And then when I come off and watch it back, it’s a surprise for me because when I watch it back – and they are trying to make a 45-minute show out of 24-hours of footage – it’s interesting what they did put in.
    “It’s a quiz for us as well, we don’t know what’s going to be on the show. So, you sort of play it like everything has a possibility of being shown.”
    Since winning Love Island, Tapp has been thrust into the spotlight. Fame has been good to him so far.
    “Paige and I are very lucky that we haven’t had many bad experiences that come with being in the public eye,” he said.
    “It’s one of those things, you know what you’re signing up for.
    “You’re asked that question by producers – is it something you are prepared for and you do think about it.
    “When you come out, what baffles me is I’m very much still the same person before the show.
    “But now people stop me in the street and ask for a picture. And I feel, ‘Why would they want a photo with me?’
    “You get used to it. I think it was that initial burst, when you first come out of the airport and the paparazzi are there… that was really overwhelming.
    “Six weeks before that I was walking through that very airport and no one knew who I was. It happens very quick.”
    While Tapp would love a return to football, and has been playing five-a-side, he realises his fame may get in the way of being taking seriously on the pitch.
    “With a lot of things going into a show and coming out of it, it’s a double-edged sword,” Tapp said.
    “Because you get the Instagram following and fanbase, some might think you go into a club and that might mean you get a few more tickets sold.
    “But I think there is a stigma attached to reality TV stars. People might think, ‘Oh he’s the Love Island guy’.
    “They might forget what I did before the show, that I had ambitions of being a player.
    On Love Island Tapp won plenty of female admirersCredit: Instagram / finn_tapp
    So far, fame has been kind to Tapp but he would love to get back into footballCredit: Getty
    “I put the most pressure on myself. I don’t want to be known as the person in the changing room who is playing just because of the show.
    “I want to be playing because I am putting 100 per cent in training.”
    For now, his pathway into football is mentoring youngsters who are thrown into the deep end in senior teams after starring in the youth set up – unaware of what awaits them.
    Tapp told us: “I started at MK Dons, I am going in and talking to young players in the youth team who are about to make that transition into the first team.
    “I think there’s a big bridge between youth team level and professional environment.
    “If you go from youth team playing with boys at 17/18 to the first team and guys who are 30-plus, making that transition can be a struggle.
    “It’s something I found hard, there were a lot of challenges and sacrifices that needed to be made.
    “I dealt with it, probably, in the wrong way and didn’t have the lengthy career I could have had.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}QUICK FIX .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}My $40 Shein bridesmaid dress came in the wrong color days before the wedding
    “So I want to get to more football clubs and help, but I don’t want to come across as that negative man who didn’t make it as a footballer.
    “It has to be relatable. And it’s not a case of you won’t make it, it’s more about this is what you can do to help yourself succeed.” More

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    Meet mum-of-two Angela Cullen who is Lewis Hamilton’s confidante in paddock with matching ‘Loyalty’ tattoo

    WHEN Lewis Hamilton lost his crown as the king of F1 back in December, he was comforted by confidante and performance coach Angela Cullen.The 47-year-old New Zealand mum-of-two has been a constant presence in the seven-time world champion’s life in the paddock since 2016.
    Lewis Hamilton and Angela Cullen share a special bondCredit: Rex
    Cullen has been a constant presence in the paddock for Hamilton since 2016Credit: Rex
    Their bond is so strong they share matching ‘Loyalty’ tattoos on their wrists.
    If he is to wrestle back supremacy this season from Max Verstappen, he will need to lean on Cullen, who he has called “the greatest thing to happen to him”, for sage advice.
    The only lady for Lewis
    Last October, Hamilton forced his way into the title reckoning by winning three races in a row.
    After a wretched start to the season, he was back on the trail of Verstappen.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}NO MERC-Y .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Lewis Hamilton breaks silence over back injury amid Mercedes struggles
    His attentions for his thrilling comeback to keep his season alive went straight to Cullen.
    Hamilton revealed: “Angela and I are naturally incredibly close. We pretty much live together.”
    Previously, he said: “People for sure won’t understand it, naturally, because they see it from a distance, but she has been one of the greatest things that’s happened to me in my life.
    “I’ve been fortunate to work with a lot of people… and she’s the single hardest-working woman that I get to be around.
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    “She’s focused, selfless, and she makes my weekends peaceful. Every day I wake up, whatever time it is, she’s just positive – never a single day has she been negative, so that’s very, very important.”
    A physiotherapist by trade
    Born and raised in Auckland, Cullen played hockey for New Zealand between the ages of 15 and 21.
    She completed a health science degree, majoring in physiotherapy, in her homeland before moving to the UK.
    When Cullen arrived on our shores, she worked with track and field athletes, cyclists, and triathletes on the British Olympic team and at the English Institute of Sport. 
    Cullen cheers on Hamilton at the Mexican Grand Prix in 2018Credit: Rex
    Hamilton’s beloved bulldog Roscoe is trusted with CullenCredit: Rex
    But it was colleague Peter McKnight who pushed her towards the direction of Hamilton, suggesting the pair should work together.
    “At the time, Angela was mainly working with corporate clients, but when the opportunity to work with Lewis came up we thought, ‘Why not give this a go?'” McKnight told Telegraph Sport.
    “It has worked out perfectly.
    “There’s also just something quirky about it: a woman in her forties, with a family at home, two young kids, and then there’s this mid-thirties racing driver. It might seem a really weird match, but it just works.”
    Glam life
    Now based in Switzerland, Cullen is married to a cycling coach and has two children.
    Although, working in F1 means she enjoys the jet-set lifestyle and is rarely home when the season commences.
    The outdoor adventure-type often shares her exploits on Instagram, where she has an astonishing 320,000 followers.
    “I am so blessed in my job for many things but one of the most significant in terms of well-being is being on the move the entire day,” she once posted.
    “On any given race weekend day I can do up to 18,000 steps, this is such a blessing… and I don’t sit down at all.
    “This is a choice… staying upright, moving keeps my body fit and mobile, in a world where computers and devices are making us more sedentary, to be able to move constantly throughout the day is such a blessing.”
    When she’s not travelling around the world with Hamilton, Cullen enjoys the outdoor life in Switzerland
    Cullen helps Hamilton remain focused and alleviates the pressures of race day
    With Cullen by his side, Hamilton will be hopeful he can retain his title from fierce rival Max VerstappenCredit: Rex
    What she provides Lewis is simple. She blocks out the pressures and demands on him during a race day.
    She said: “I see my role as removing the noise of the race weekend to ensure things run as smoothly as possible, managing schedules, and timings of travel, nutrition, focusing on energy management to ensure the driver arrives on Sunday with the best possible perpetration to give the optimal performance.” More

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    I’m a footballer who won Love Island, now I fear my fame stops me ever returning to the game, says Finn Tapp

    AT 16, Finn Tapp could have been forgiven for thinking he would see his name in lights because of his football ability.Before he became a household name on Love Island in 2020, which he won alongside the stunning singer Paige Turley, the teenager was tipped for success at MK Dons.
    Finn Tapp as hotly-tipped at MK DonsCredit: Getty
    However, it was Love Island in which Tapp found fame and love with Paige TurleyCredit: PA
    He made his debut for the club against Norwich City – coming as a sub and scoring in a 4-1 defeat.
    But the heartthrob would suffer heartbreak a year before he would score a host of female admirers for his turn on the hit ITV reality show.
    At 19, Tapp was released by his boyhood club and fell out of love with the game.
    “I played football when I was knee-high and I was fortunate enough to join MK Dons,” the 22-year-old told SunSport.
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football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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    “I worked my way through the academy, and as you progress the dream of becoming a footballer becomes that much more real.
    “Then I managed to get a scholarship, which meant I was part of the youth team – and was in a full-time environment where I was doing a bit of college work on the side.
    “In 2018, I signed my first professional contract with the club. It was the best time ever, and everything I was hoping for.
    “But when I got released a year after that and I was devastated.”
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    Tapp found another club in Oxford City, but his love for football had waned.
    “I had a period between MK Dons and Oxford City, where I fell out of love with football,” he explained.
    “Because it had gone so wrong for me, and I was only there for a year, I thought I’d made it after I’d got the contract but the reality was I was still very far from achieving that dream.
    “A year later the deal was terminated. I fell back in love with the game when I started playing for Oxford City, which was why I played football in the first place – for enjoyment.
    “But when Love Island came along, it was a once in a lifetime experience that I knew I had to go for.”
    Tapp was happy playing for Oxford City, but understood that could end at any time.
    He also admitted it was worth a gamble – and he could go back to semi-pro football if things didn’t work out.
    Tapp said: “My thinking was I might get to the end of this season and Oxford City might let me go. It was one of those, the opportunity came up, and I had to take it.
    “When I started applying, I never thought I’d get on the show. I was 20 at the time, and if it didn’t pan out I could still go back and play semi-pro.
    “There was a lot more reward to the risk.”
    Oxford City were reportedly livid that Tapp had left them during the season to compete on Love Island.
    Worse still, they didn’t find out until he was at the airport jetting to South Africa to start recording.
    Tapp was an Oxford City player, when he found out he was heading to Love IslandCredit: Instagram / finn_tapp
    Oxford City were left in the dark when Tapp flew to South Africa to film Love IslandCredit: Instagram / finn_tapp
    “When I was working through the audition process at Love Island, it’s very confidential,” Tapp divulged.
    “I didn’t even tell my immediate family that I was going on there. I was worried that if I was to say something, it would scupper my chances of going on the show.
    “It came to the day of leaving, I got an hour’s notice, producers rang me and asked if I was ready and told me they would get me on a plane to South Africa that night.
    “I got to the airport and rang my agent at the time and explained the situation.
    “Fair play to him, he did and let my manager know what was going on.”
    The gamble of swapping football for reality TV paid off for Tapp, who scooped the £50,000 winner’s prize, as well as found love with blonde beauty Paige.
    He said: “I had no idea what I was in store for.
    “I didn’t go on to meet anyone, and I really didn’t think I could live up to what I’d seen on the TV before. I was just a bloke from Milton Keynes.
    “Looking back at it, everything that went right did. I am still with Paige, we are very happy, and it has worked out perfectly.”
    The experience of being on Love Island is one that Tapp admitted was surreal, with cameras rolling 24 hours a day.
    It means you never know what will be shown in the final broadcast.
    Tapp revealed: “There must have been 80-odd cameras in our villa and they do tell you these cameras are rolling 24/7.
    “There isn’t ever a time when they are off. You are constantly aware of that.
    With cameras constantly rolling, there was nowhere to hide for Tapp and TurleyCredit: Rex
    Tapp and Turley won scores of fans as well as the £50,000 prize
    “I don’t know if anyone felt this, but if you trip up the stairs or do something you instantly think, ‘Is that going to get shown on TV?’ You are never really sure what is getting shown or not.
    “And then when I come off and watch it back, it’s a surprise for me because when I watch it back – and they are trying to make a 45-minute show out of 24-hours of footage – it’s interesting what they did put in.
    “It’s a quiz for us as well, we don’t know what’s going to be on the show. So, you sort of play it like everything has a possibility of being shown.”
    Since winning Love Island, Tapp has been thrust into the spotlight. Fame has been good to him so far.
    “Paige and I are very lucky that we haven’t had many bad experiences that come with being in the public eye,” he said.
    “It’s one of those things, you know what you’re signing up for.
    “You’re asked that question by producers – is it something you are prepared for and you do think about it.
    “When you come out, what baffles me is I’m very much still the same person before the show.
    “But now people stop me in the street and ask for a picture. And I feel, ‘Why would they want a photo with me?’
    “You get used to it. I think it was that initial burst, when you first come out of the airport and the paparazzi are there… that was really overwhelming.
    “Six weeks before that I was walking through that very airport and no one knew who I was. It happens very quick.”
    While Tapp would love a return to football, and has been playing five-a-side, he realises his fame may get in the way of being taking seriously on the pitch.
    “With a lot of things going into a show and coming out of it, it’s a double-edged sword,” Tapp said.
    “Because you get the Instagram following and fanbase, some might think you go into a club and that might mean you get a few more tickets sold.
    “But I think there is a stigma attached to reality TV stars. People might think, ‘Oh he’s the Love Island guy’.
    “They might forget what I did before the show, that I had ambitions of being a player.
    On Love Island Tapp won plenty of female admirersCredit: Instagram / finn_tapp
    So far, fame has been kind to Tapp but he would love to get back into footballCredit: Getty
    “I put the most pressure on myself. I don’t want to be known as the person in the changing room who is playing just because of the show.
    “I want to be playing because I am putting 100 per cent in training.”
    For now, his pathway into football is mentoring youngsters who are thrown into the deep end in senior teams after starring in the youth set up – unaware of what awaits them.
    Tapp told us: “I started at MK Dons, I am going in and talking to young players in the youth team who are about to make that transition into the first team.
    “I think there’s a big bridge between youth team level and professional environment.
    “If you go from youth team playing with boys at 17/18 to the first team and guys who are 30-plus, making that transition can be a struggle.
    “It’s something I found hard, there were a lot of challenges and sacrifices that needed to be made.
    “I dealt with it, probably, in the wrong way and didn’t have the lengthy career I could have had.
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 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    “So I want to get to more football clubs and help, but I don’t want to come across as that negative man who didn’t make it as a footballer.
    “It has to be relatable. And it’s not a case of you won’t make it, it’s more about this is what you can do to help yourself succeed.” More