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      in Soccer

      Pep Guardiola’s emotional rock is wife and partner of 35 years Cristina Serra and family including model daughter Maria

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      MAN CITY boss Pep Guardiola is in need of his family’s support more than ever.The Catalonian tactician, 53, cut a frustrated figure after seeing his side throw away a 3-0 lead in the Champions League against Feyenoord.Pep Guardiola’s stunning wife Cristina Serra has been his support system for 35 yearsCredit: Getty – ContributorCristina and his children Marius, left, Valentina, centre, and Maria, right have celebrated his successes with himCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe Spaniard appeared with red scratch marks over his face and head at full-timeIncredibly, the Premier League champions are now winless in six games, and it has Guardiola scratching his head… literally.In an interview after the game, he was seen with scratches on his head and nose.Guardiola was quizzed about how he got the cut on his nose and responded by saying: “My finger, here [makes a scratching motion]. My nail.The Spaniard then joked that City’s woeful form over the last few weeks has driven him to self-harm, saying: “I want to harm myself.”Read more football newsGuardiola later apologised for his comments and insisted he wasn’t making light of mental health issues.In the wake of City’s bad form, and the worst run in Guardiola’s career, he will be able to lean on his wife and partner of 35 years Cristina Serra.While his kids will also offer a distraction away from the stresses of football management.SunSport looks at the support team behind the world’s greatest coach.Most read in FootballThe missusPep met beautiful Cristina in Catalonia, when they were just starry-eyed teenagers.Guardiola left scratching his head as City blow 3-0 lead against FeyenoordShe comes from a fashion family dynasty, who own the Serra Claret boutique in Barcelona.It was there their paths crossed for the first time.Guardiola, then a youth star, was doing a modelling shoot for the late Spanish designer Antonio Miro in the shop, when he fixed his gaze on his future missus.They finally walked down the aisle in 2014 at a town hall on the outskirts of Barcelona.Earlier in the year, he revealed his wife is his fashion guru.He said: “My wife is the best in the world at many things, but especially in fashion. So she says normally to me, don’t wear this or wear that, so I follow her.”I am smart enough to know that when people are much much better than me, follow their advice and hers is really good.”Whenever City taste success, Cristina is often seen at the Etihad alongside Guardiola.She happily poses with the trophies his team has won, alongside their kids.Cristina Serra comes from a fashion family dynastyCredit: Bongarts – GettyGuardiola and Cristina met when they were teenagers at her family’s fashion boutiqueCredit: AFP – GettyCristina, daughter Maria and Pep enjoyed Wimbledon earlier this summerCredit: APread more sport featuresModel daughterPep’s eldest child is daughter Maria, 23, who has branched out on her own.To almost one million followers on Instagram, she shares her glam lifestyle.Unsurprisingly, the beauty is a model and has appeared in sexy bikini shoots for swimwear brand iBilovesyou.She also once reportedly dated a footballer.Back in 2021, Maria was spotted with ex-Spurs star 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.Daughter Maria Guardiola has branched out on her ownCredit: INSTAGRAMUnsurprisingly, stunning brunette Maria is a modelCredit: INSTAGRAMMaria once dated Premier League footballer Dele AlliCredit: INSTAGRAMA 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.Family timeIn 2023, after Pep’s most gruelling and successful season as City boss – winning the treble – family time was important.Pep and Cristina took their three children on a trip of a lifetime to visit to Egypt.Maria, son Marius, 21, and youngest daughter Valentina, 16, joined their parents to tour Cairo and Luxor and visit the Sphinx and Great Pyramid of Giza.Wearing a white outfit and a red baseball cap bearing the letter P, Guardiola received a special ‘Pharaoh’ trophy in photos taken by officials at the Ministry of Tourism.READ MORE SUN STORIESMarius Guardiola is Pep’s only sonCredit: SuppliedThe Guardiola family enjoyed a once in a lifetime trip to EgyptPep and his family pose in front of the Great Pyramid of Giza in matching outfitsCredit: SuppliedShowing a family that all pull the same way together, they were all dressed in neutral shades of white, as they beamed for photos.They’re a support system for Pep that never wanes. More

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      in Soccer

      How Liam Delap has blossomed into ‘best young English striker’ thanks to famous dad and Ipswich superfan Ed Sheeran

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      LIAM Delap has been one of the Premier League’s standout signings this season.Ipswich Town parted with £20million to bring the ex-Man City youngster, 21, to Suffolk.Liam Delap has been scoring goals for fun at Ipswich Town this seasonCredit: GettyDelap was a handful for Man Utd last weekendCredit: PAIpswich Town minority owner Ed Sheeran helped bring Delap to the clubCredit: GettyBut that will be money well spent if his goals keep Kieran McKenna’s side in the top flight.Already, Delap has managed six goals in 12 league games, and was a handful for Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd side last weekend.The 6ft1in centre forward, who was handed a Premier League debut by Pep Guardiola in 2020, was in two minds in joining Ipswich in the summer.That was until minority owner Ed Sheeran got involved to get the transfer over the line.read more football newsAnd now Delap is being touted as Harry Kane’s successor for the striker role for England.BBC Sport pundit Danny Murphy said: “I’ve seen him a bit quite a lot this season and I’d probably go as far as I say, for me, he the obvious long-term successor to Kane.”I think he’s the best young English striker out there.”I know he’s got a bit to learn and wisdom comes with experience and game time in this league.Most read in Football”But he’s got all the attributes to be a top international player.”Ipswich Town Football Club announce plans to redevelop 53-year-old stand in ‘exciting project’ with hotel and aquatics centre Sheer brillianceIt’s not often one of the biggest pop stars in the world has a hand in getting a transfer deal over the line.However, when it’s Ipswich Town superfan Ed Sheeran, then it becomes more understandable.When he’s not gatecrashing Sky Sports interviews with new Man Utd boss Amorim, the singer/songwriter is asking players to join the club he has shares in.Back in the summer, Sheeran got on a Zoom call with Liam Delap and convinced the him his future belonged in East Anglia.Liam Delap has become one of the league’s hottest strikersIn a story told be the club’s CEO Mark Ashton at a Soccerex event, we learned: “A local man, global superstar, sponsor of the football club, now a shareholder and now officially part of our recruitment team.”In the summer we were trying to persuade one particular player to join the football club and realised very quickly that he was an Ed Sheeran fan.”Ed jumped on a Zoom call with him at the training ground, hopefully that was a key part of getting the player across the line.”While Ashton remained coy on who the player was, he let the cat out of the bag when asked how the footballer was getting on this season.He replied: “Certainly scoring a few goals!”Delap came through the ranks at Man CityCredit: GettyAlready, Delap has been touted as Harry Kane’s successor for EnglandCredit: Rexread more sport featuresIt’s in the genesFootball is in Delap’s blood. His dad Rory played for Stoke City, and Delap Jr appeared on the set of Soccer AM in 2014 alongside his father.The former Stoke City and Ireland midfielder is best remembered for his insane long throw-ins.As a youth player, that was something that Liam also had in his arsenal.However, when one parent took exception to the youngster’s long-throws he refused to take another throw again.“I think he was put off when he was about an under-10!” Delap Sr. revealed in an interview with Radio Stoke.“One of the parents shouted that he was ruining the game when he took a throw and he hasn’t taken one since.”I don’t think that will be part of his game.”However, one thing he has inherited from his dad’s game is aggression.”(Aggression) always been a part of my game. I need it in my game,” he said in an interview with  the Manchester Evening News.Former Stoke City hero Rory Delap is Liam’s dadCredit: AFPLiam seen on the set of Soccer AM in 2014Credit: Twitter / @RoryJDelapLike his dad, Liam Delap has an aggressive streakCredit: Getty”When I’m on that edge it’s when I’m at my best, it’s just not tipping over that edge and everyone has told me that they’d never want to take it out of me, it’s just controlling that final tipping point of what is acceptable and what’s not.”You can’t really teach it, it’s just something I have and I’m so grateful that I’ve got it but it’s just now working a mechanism that I can control it to keep myself on the pitch.”I’ve got a lot better. I was a lot worse when I was younger so I think it’s just maturing and understanding what’s right.”Inspired by RonaldoA different type of player to his dad, blessed with power and pace, Liam is inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo.”I’ve always looked up to Cristiano Ronaldo. Just the way he plays, the pace and the power.In the past Delap has revealed he is a fan of Cristiano RonaldoCredit: GettyDelap knows he has to continue to work at his game to reach the topCredit: Getty”For me, he’s the best in the world so aspiring to someone who is the best in the world, your dreams just have to be high.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Listening to people that he’s worked with, the extras and lengths that he goes to look after his body and get better every day just shows why he’s at the top level.”You can have talent but talent on its own doesn’t work without effort.” More

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      Inside Mo Salah’s insane car collection, from two Bentleys worth over £320k combined and a £270k Lamborghini

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      MO Salah is one of the most feared forwards in the Premier League.But his time at Anfield could be coming to an end when his deal contract finishes this summer.Liverpool star Mo Salah boasts an amazing car collectionEgypt star Salah has two Bentleys in his collection, including this £160k Continental GTWith the days ticking down, the 32-year-old has now stunned Reds fans by revealing he is “more out than in”.It is believed the Egyptian, who earns around £300,000-per-week, is looking for a pay hike on his current deal.Such a wage increase could even allow Salah to add to his already extensive car collection.Over the years, he has kept Bentleys, a Lamborghini and even a Porsche in his garage.Read more football news Join us in marvelling at the Prem legend’s amazing rides.Bentley Continental GT, £160kSalah loves Bentleys and he has owned two.Worth around £160,000, it boasts luxury interiors, including comfortable leather seats while performance-wise it has a top speed of 210 mph thanks to its UK-built V12 engine.And fans know it’s Salah’s wheels – with one Liverpool fan previously chasing the Bentley down to get a glimpse of his hero.Most read in FootballAfter colliding with a lamppost, and breaking his nose, the lad could’ve been disheartened, but his day was brightened up when Salah stopped the Bentley to check if the boy was alright, and then posed for a snap.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsBentley Bentayga, £170kOne of the most luxurious SUVs around, the Bentayga is Bentley’s first foray into that market.It was first released in 2015 and became the must-have motor for footballers around the globe.On our shores, Kyle Walker and Raheem Sterling reserved one each.The 2016 models boasted a simply huge twin-turbo W12 engine.The Bentley Bentayga was the most sought after motor by footballers in 2015Porsche 911 Turbo S, £180kA monster of a supercar, the 911 Turbo S boasts 640 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque from its 3.8-litre twin-turbo boxer-six engine.Incredibly, it’s the fastest Porsche have ever made in terms of acceleration.It accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 2.5 seconds and hits a top speed of 205mph.It is believed Salah still has this car.The Porsche 911 Turbo S can do 0-60 mph in just 2.5 secondsLamborghini Aventador, £270kLike many footballers, Salah also boasts a Lamborghini Aventador in his collection.Capable of hitting a top speed of 218 mph, the Italian supercar is certainly the fastest motor in his collection.The Aventador can reach 0-60 mph in an astonishing 2.9 seconds.It’s no surprise that a fast player like Salah also feels the need for speed off the pitch too.The Lamborghini Aventador is a popular choice among many Premier League starsMercedes-Benz AMG GLE Coupe, from £65kWhen they drive to training, footballers love to have a motor that’s roomy inside.That’s why they plump for SUVs like Range Rovers and the Bentley Bentayga.But Salah liked the look of the Mercedes AMG GLE Coupe, which boasts a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine that churns out 367 horsepower and 520 Nm of torque.It’s the perfect motor to cruise to Liverpool’s training ground, and get there on time in.The AMG GLE Coupe from Mercedes-Benz is a great training ground runnerread more sport featuresMercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster, from £175kAt a whopping £176,000, it is one of the most expensive cars Mercedes ever sold.But that didn’t bother Salah, who forked out on one in 2022.With a 6.3-litre V8 engine pushing out 571 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque, it’s a beast of a convertible.And it can reach a top speed of 197 mph, including 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds.Speedy two -seaters like this Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster feature highly in Salah’s amazing collectionAudi Q7, from £67kAn Audi is always a sensible choice of brand when buying a motor.Reliability and performance are two things the German car giants boast, and the Q7 is as steady as it gets.READ MORE SUN STORIESSeveral high-profile Barcelona stars used a Q7 to get to and from training until the Catalans’ sponsorship deal expired.Salah got one when he returned to the Premier League with Liverpool after starring at Roma.Five Mo Salah strops at LiverpoolFive times things have got heated during Mo Salah’s Liverpool career.West Ham 2 Liverpool 2 – April 28, 2024Salah gets into a heated argument with Klopp as he refuses to shake the manager’s hand before coming on at the London Stadium.Liverpool 3 Sheffield United 1 – April 4, 2024Salah shakes his head as he is subbed off during Liverpool’s 3-1 win over the basement club.Chelsea 1 Liverpool 1 – August 13, 2023Salah storms off the pitch after being replaced on 77 minutes on the first day of the season.Brighton 1 Liverpool 1 – November 28, 2020Salah throws his arms up in the air and barely looks at Klopp after being subbed off. Brighton go on to equalise with a last minute penalty.Burnley 0 Liverpool 3 – August 31, 2019Salah gets in a public spat with Sadio Mane after failing to pass to the winger. Team-mate Roberto Firmino says the row had been brewing for some time.Read the full article from Jack RosserThe reliable Audi Q7 is the ultimate family car More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd’s Ruben Amorim is latest Portuguese manager in Premier League – will he conquer like Mourinho or flop like AVB?

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      RUBEN AMORIM is gearing up to lead Man Utd for the first time this season.The ex-Sporting Lisbon boss takes his Red Devils side to Portman Road to face off against Ipswich Town.Ruben Amorim will manage Man Utd for the first time this weekendCredit: GettyAmorim’s idol Jose Mourinho is the most successful Portuguese manager on our shoresCredit: GettyMourinho won the Europa League with Man Utd during his spell at Old TraffordIt promises to be an electric atmosphere for Amorim, who will have to quickly come to terms with the cut and thrust of the Premier League.The 39-year-old tactician is the seventh Portuguese boss to manage on our shores.But will he be a success like Jose Mourinho or a turkey like Andre Villas-Boas.Here’s how the coaches from Portugal compare.Read more football newsJose MourinhoA pioneer for Portuguese coaches, the iconic Mourinho was the first from his homeland to coach on our shores.He conquered Europe with Porto, then took over as Chelsea boss – winning two Premier League titles in a row from 2004 to 2006.He added cups to his resume with the Blues, including an FA Cup in 2016 and two League Cups in 2005 and 2007.After successful spells at Inter Milan and Real Madrid, he returned to Stamford Bridge and one ANOTHER Premier League title in 2015, as well as a League Cup in the same year.Most read in FootballDuring his spell at Man Utd from 2016 to 2018, he won the Europa League.Ruben Amorim tells Man Utd fans to expect ‘really hard moments’ as he admits it’s ‘a different world’ to anything before However, he was trophyless at Tottenham during a 17 month spell – getting sacked days before a League Cup final against Man City in 2021.André Villas-BoasIncredibly, Villas-Boas managed at the same clubs Mourinho did – Chelsea and Spurs.However, there are contrasting differences.Villas-Boas was a disaster at Chelsea from the offset, upsetting club captain John Terry by trying to get him to sit in economy on a plane to a preseason tour, while the youth side sat in first class.He was sacked after just eight months in charge, with Chelsea slipping out of the top four on his watch.Villas-Boas would then resurface in London – taking over at Tottenham from Harry Redknapp.That went pear-shaped 17 months in, when a 6-0 defeat to Man City and a 5-0 home thrashing against Liverpool saw him leave the club by mutual consent.Andre Villas-Boas infuriated players like John Terry during his tenure at ChelseaCredit: GettyVillas-Boas also flopped during his time at TottenhamCredit: EPA/PETER POWELLMarco SilvaSilva is currently having his most successful spell as a coach in England, guiding Fulham quietly above expectations.Before he won over the fans at Craven Cottage, he lost a few at Everton.His first season at Goodison Park saw the Toffees finish in eighth spot in the Prem.However, he couldn’t repeat those heroics in his second season, and following a 5-2 defeat to rivals Liverpool he was fired with the club languishing in 18th place.Prior to that, there was a sticky time at Watford who Everton were forced to pay compensation to following a public courting of Silva.That spell started well, until that possible distraction saw Watford flirt dangerously with relegation.Silva’s first appointment in the Prem came ALL the way back in 2017, when he was hired to save the club from relegation.Despite winning his last four home matches, it wasn’t enough to save the Yorkshire club who were rock-bottom when he took over.At Everton things didn’t go to plan for Marco SilvaCredit: REUTERS/David KleinHowever, Silva has proven to be a success at rejuvenated FulhamCredit: Javier Garcia/REX/ShutterstockNuno Espírito SantoLike Silva, Espírito Santo is a seasoned pro on our shores.After taking over Wolves in 2017, he lead the team to the Premier League when they won the Championship in his first season.Two consecutive seventh-placed finishes, as well as a good Europa League run to the quarter-finals in 2020 secured his legacy.He left the club by mutual consent at the end of the 2020-2021 season, joining Tottenham that summer.However, he was dismissed after just four months in charge – following a 3-0 home defeat to Man Utd, which was their fifth defeat in seven matches and left them ninth in the league.Currently, Espírito Santo is doing a first class job at Nottingham Forest, who he joined in 2023.After saving them from relegation last campaign, they’re now flying high in the top seven.Nuno Espirito Santo was a cult figure at Wolves and secured European footballCredit: PA:Empics SPORTSince saving Nottingham Forest from relegation, Espirito Santo has continued to do a good job thereCredit: GettyBruno LageLage came to the Prem with a Portuguese title winner’s medal in his pocket in 2021.But it counted for nothing during his 16 month tenure at Wolves.He ripped up what had been so successful under Espírito Santo by changing the team’s formation.They finished in tenth place in his first season, after a disappointing end to the campaign which saw then winless in seven games, as Lage insisted on imprinting his own style on his side.The following summer he was backed to the tune of over £100million, breaking the club’s transfer record with the signing of Matheus Nunes for £38million.After a defeat to West Ham just three months into the 2022-2023 season, Lage and his team were sacked.He said after that his team, “never lost a match with a striker in the initial line-up, [and] will surely improve as strikers become available.”Bruno Lage spent over £100m as Wolves boss to put his own stamp on the teamCredit: GettyLage was sacked, scratching his head, after a dismal run of resultsCredit: PACarlos CarvalhalCarvalhal proved his chops at Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship, until he left the club by mutual consent in 2017.Four days later, he was named as the new Swansea City manager – following the sacking of Paul Clement – three days after Christmas.He was nominated Premier League Manager of the Month for the month of January, after masterminding consecutive home victories over Liverpool and Arsenal.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, despite those heroic performances, he couldn’t save the Welsh club from relegation.He left the Liberty Stadium, returned to Portugal, and took up a job at Rio Ave.Carlos Carvalhal was brought into Swansea to save them from relegationCredit: GettyDespite beating Liverpool and Arsenal at home, Swansea were relegatedCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

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      in Boxing

      Inside Tommy Fury’s single life, from playing the role of doting dad to daughter Bambi to snubbing I’m A Celeb offer

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      TOMMY FURY is a man on a mission.Not only is he planning on knocking out Darren Till, when the pair meet on January 18 in a huge Misfits boxing event, he also hopes to win back Molly-Mae Hague.Tommy Fury has been a man on a mission since embracing single lifeCredit: Instagram/@tommyfuryBack in August, Fury and Molly-Mae Hague split upCredit: GettyFury is now gearing up for a fight against Darren Till at a Misfits Boxing eventCredit: Instagram @misfitsboxingIt was back in the summer when the Love Island alumni revealed they were going their separate ways.Since then, Fury, 25, has branched out on his own.Not only has he moved into a £15,000-per-month bachelor pad, he has set up his own media firm.Already, Fury has fielded offers from reality TV shows, snubbing I’m A Celebrity.Read more Tommy Fury newsInstead, he’s been focusing on training, as he eyes a rematch with KSI.He has vowed to win Molly-Mae back revealing: “I know what I have to do in order to resolve things”.But for the moment, he’s content to play doting dad to their daughter Bambi in the meantime.SunSport looks at Fury’s single life since bombshell reports of infidelity rocked his marriage.Most read in BoxingMoving onFury and Molly-Mae had built an idyllic life for themselves, before their split.Tommy Fury in line for huge KSI rematch after agreeing return with Misfits Boxing for Darren Till fight They lived in a stunning £3.5million home in Cheshire, until their world came crashing down.It was reported that Molly-Mae confronted him about rumours that he had cheated on her.He soon moved out to a £15,000-per-month six-bedroom home in Knutsford.The detached 5,700sq ft mansion also features a huge garden coach house, which can be converted into a huge gym.Back in September, Fury shot a video from the house before a morning run.He said: “That has been a nice four-mile run to start the day off. I feel incredible.”The best way of therapy for me is getting out first thing, clearing your head, going on a nice long run, fresh air. There’s nothing better.”He also treated himself to a £3,500 Apple Vision Pro VR headset.Meanwhile, despite all the training at the gym, preparation for his next fight, and splashing the cash on gadgets – Fury makes sure he indulges his daughter.He and Molly co-parent their girl, Bambi and the boxing star has been seen taking her to the park and sharing ice cream.Recently, Fury splashed £3.5k on a Apple Vision Pro VR headsetCredit: InstagramFury always makes time for his daughter BambiCredit: InstagramRecently, Fury shared a picture on Instagram in his living roomSnubbing TV offersForget Barry McGuigan, it could have been Tommy Fury who was I’m A Celeb’s resident boxer.That’s if TNT took up ITV’s offer to appear in the current series.As The Sun exclusively revealed, Fury pulled out of the reality TV hit – just two weeks before the stars were expected to fly out to the Australian jungle.A TV insider said: “Bosses are surprised Tommy has chosen to pull out of I’m A Celebrity at this late stage as it would have been a great opportunity for him too.”Recent reports suggested he fancies a money-spinning rematch against KSI, instead.While it has also been mooted that he could appear on Celebrity Big Brother.Fury turned down the opportunity to appear on this year’s I’m A CelebrityCredit: Getty
      read more sport featuresDay time TV appearancesLast month and earlier this month, Fury appeared on two daytime TV favourites.First, he joined Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley on the This Morning couch to discuss his new book, Lightning Can Strike Twice: My Life as a Fury.But instead of quizzing him about the book, Shephard fired out a number of stinging questions, asking Tommy: “It has been a turbulent few months for you, Tommy.”How are you feeling after everything you have been through in the summer?”Tommy remained calm on the sofa opposite Ben and his This Morning co-host Cat Deeley, and said: “I’m feeling OK. I’m feeling good.”But he admitted: “It doesn’t take a genius to figure out it has been hard for me and it has been very hard times.”At the end of the day I have been knuckling down so training, taking me daughter to ballet, swimming, and whatever else. So I’ve been keeping myself busy.”And of course the book, you know, I’m very excited to launch that today. It’s going to be an amazing day.”On Loose Women, Fury wasn’t given an easy ride too.Fury was given a grilling during an appearance on This Morning about Molly-MaeCredit: ITVOn Loose Women, Fury said he was moving forward after breaking up with Molly-MaeCredit: RexWhen questioned about the split, Tommy looked unimpressed and awkwardly stressed: “I don’t listen to anything in the press and on social media because its all, that’s one story, very apart from the real story, and like I said moving forward.’Everyone is entitled to a private life and me and Molly we got together when we was very young.”And we just think going forward everything should be private now because everyone is entitled to that and that’s what I want.”‘Only have eyes for Molly’Last month, Fury said he was determined to win Molly-Mae back.In an interview with the Mail, he revealed that the couple still love each other.Fury is determined to win Molly-Mae backCredit: InstagramFury has insisted he still loves Molly-Mae and knows what he has to do to win her backCredit: InstagramHe said: “It is proper love. Do I still love Molly. 100 per cent. I will love her until my final breath.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd the boxer even said that he’ll find to win her back.He said: “100 per cent. I know what I have to do in order to resolve things. And that’s down to me. Nobody else can do that other than me.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Inside Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet’s romance, from the ‘magical night’ they met to a PDA at US Grand Prix

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      MAX Verstappen and Kelly Piquet’s romance knows no bounds.As recently as the US Grand Prix, they packed on the PDA as the world champion finished on the podium and edged closer to winning another title.Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet pack on the PDA on a race dayCredit: RexDutch champion Verstappen and Piquet have been together for four yearsCredit: InstagramVerstappen celebrates becoming world champion with Piquet in 2021Credit: GettyVerstappen can now secure his fourth consecutive championship at the Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend by bettering rival Lando Norris.Sure to be cheering the Dutchman on from the Red Bull paddock is Brazilian Wag, Kelly.The pair met in 2016 – bonding over having fathers who were F1 drivers.Love blossomed in 2020 and they soon moved in together in a £13million Monaco mansion overlooking the Med.Read more F1 newsSunSport looks at their relationship, from that ‘magical moment’ when they first laid eyes on each other.Magic momentIn 2016 Verstappen had dinner with Kelly’s brother, Nelson Jr.The pretty brunette joined them for the occasion in Monaco, which she spoke about to Vogue Netherlands.He was 19 at the time, while she was 28.Most read in Motorsport”Max was friends with my brother Nelson and we all went out for dinner in Monaco one night,” she said in an interview with the fashion magazine in 2022.Inside Max Verstappen’s incredible love for his cats who are named after his favourite Monaco nightclubs”That was six years ago, in 2016. But there was already something magical that evening.”She added: “Our connection started then. And I’ll leave it at that for now.”However, instead of Max – Kelly began dating Russian driver Daniil Kvyat from 2017.They had a daughter together called Penelope, but split just two years after getting together.In 2020, Kelly and Max reconnected and became Instagram official on 2021.Max shared a photo of the pair together on social media on New Year’s Day.”Let’s make 2021 a year to remember in many ways,” he captioned the cute snap.”Wishing you all success, love and happiness just as I found mine.”Piquet and Verstappen went Instagram official in 2021 with his New Year’s snapCredit: InstagramPiquet has a daughter called Penelope from a previous relationshipCredit: InstagramGlam Piquet is the daughter of F1 legend Nelson PiquetCredit: instagram/@kellypiquet/Kelly’s thoughtsFor her part, Kelly has been very open about her relationship with Max.In that same interview with Vogue Netherlands she spoke about their nine-year age difference. “I think we have a very healthy relationship, easygoing, we have a lot of understanding and support for each other,” she said.”You would think the age difference could be a challenge, but so far things are going really well.”I also really appreciate how he treats Penelope. It’s so sweet to see.”He always asks for her, always visits her to say hello when he leaves, and gets her love back. So cute!”As well as bonding over her daughter, Kelly has grown up around motor racing.Her father is Nelson Piquet, a three-time F1 champion from Brazil.While Verstappen’s dad Jos was an F1 racer from 1994 to 2003.Beauty Piquet has been open about her relationship with VerstappenCredit: instagram @kellypiquetBoth Verstappen’s and Piquet’s fathers were in motorsportCredit: GettyJos Verstappen competed in F1 from 1994 to 2003Credit: GettyThree time world champion Nelson Piquet poses with his daughterCredit: GettyHow they liveFor all the snippets they share on Instagram, in the whole Verstappen and Kelly keep their personal life fairly private.Declarations of love appear on Valentine’s Day, and most recently, when they celebrated four years together.After their intimate kiss in Texas at the US Grand Prix in October, Kelly took to Instagram to celebrate their anniversary as she posted a bikini picture next to Verstappen, who also soaked up the sun.She captioned the photo: “4 years and countless happy moments.”The photo appeared to be taken from the balcony of their £13million Monaco home.He has shared glimpses of his chic pad, which he and Kelly also share with their Bengal cats.In his spare time he likes to take to the water on a Red Bull-branded jet ski, said to be worth around £16,000.For all his travels around the world, Max is said to have bought a private jet from Sir Richard Branson, worth £12million, which costs over £830,000 to maintain.Max has made sure the Falcon-900EX is customised to his expensive taste – it has a matt finish and has Max’s logo of a lion on the tail fin, paying homage to the national animal of the Netherlands.Piquet and Verstappen live a glam life in MonacoCredit: instagram/@kellypiquet/The hot couple reside in a £13million home in MonacoCredit: instagram/kellypiquetPiquet is one of the most desirable F1 WagsCredit: Instagram / @kellypiquetread more sport featuresKelly often joins him when he flies privately.What the future holdsAs it stands, there is no wedding on the horizon just yet.Previously, Verstappen has said “time will tell” if he and Piquet are to get married, and he hinted he wasn’t ready yet.But as a stepdad, Verstappen has excelled and has spoken of the possibility of having children with Piquet.He told Brazilian journalist Mariana Becker: “At the end of the day, it’s not something you decide. Sometimes it needs to happen.”Piquet plays the role of supportive Wag – championing Verstappen when she canCredit: Instagram / @kellypiquetThere are no wedding plans on the horizon for Piquet and Verstappen as of yetCredit: Instagram @kellypiquetBoth Verstappen and Piquet have hinted that they wanted to have kids togetherCredit: RexHe added: “I don’t know if there’s any God or not, who decides when it’s time to have a baby. But it would be great to have a child.”READ MORE SUN STORIESKelly, herself, has spoken about having a baby with Max too.Watch this space because their family might just grow soon. More

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      in Motorsport

      Inside Valtteri Bottas’ wild three weeks after being dumped by F1 team from back garden Ironman to mad side quests

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      VALTTERI BOTTAS has not blown his engine out over the news he would not be racing in Formula One next season.It was announced days after the Brazil Grand Prix that the Finn would not retain his seat with Sauber for 2025, with it instead going to 20-year-old F2 star Gabriel Bortoleto.Valtteri Bottas has had wild three weeks since his F1 exit was announcedAfter getting a ‘What’s next?’ tattoo on his leg Bottas was seen sharing a coffee with Sir Mark CavendishCredit: InstagramBottas was seen gravel riding to kick off a series of stunning eventsCredit: InstagramThis was followed by Bottas playing Ultimate Frisbee with Australia’s national teamCredit: InstagramNext up was a more low-key Sunday night Pool gameCredit: InstagramBottas swapped warm weather for hiking before finding some ‘fresh bear poo’Credit: InstagramBottas’ latest wild excursion saw him cycling in the infamous Death ValleyCredit: InstagramAnd days after the news, Bottas shared a video of him doing a staggering Ironman triathlon challenge in his own back garden.However, it proved to be the tip of the iceberg for the 35-year-old as it gave way to a mad three-week break involving some crazy side quests.Bottas documented his break on his Instagram page with a suitably titled series called “What’s next?”Following the Ironman challenge, Bottas was seen grimacing in pain while getting a tattoo on his left thigh of the text “What’s next?”READ MORE IN F1After getting his tattoo, Bottas was seen in a video sharing a coffee with Tour de France winner Sir Mark Cavendish as both asked one another “What’s next?”The next video in the series saw Bottas kitted out in cycling gear as he went “gravel riding in the wild west”, accompanied by Valkirias de Cine’s Wild West song in the background.This was followed by a stunning switch to a sandy beach setting where Bottas then revealed he would be playing ultimate frisbee with Australia’s national team.The video showed Bottas in action jumping and diving about as he tried to catch the frisbee.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUp next was a more low-key event by the former Mercedes driver’s standards, as he was seen in a cowboy hat drinking a beer before saying he was participating in a Sunday night pool tournament.Another 180-degree twist to the series saw Bottas now wearing a thick coat as he got ready to go hiking.F1 star Valtteri Bottas completes Ironman triathlon in his own back garden just days after being axed by SauberWhile on the hike, Bottas came across a fresh batch of bear poo, before he ended the video by bursting into a run.The latest video in the series saw Bottas back in cycling gear.But rather than cold weather or gravel riding, Bottas was now cycling in Death Valley.Located in eastern California in the Mojave Desert, it is thought to be the hottest place in the world in the summer with the record temperature reaching a scorching 57°C.Bottas has since arrived in the Las Vegas F1 paddock with his tattoo on show for all to see.He has also been seen wearing a cyan-coloured top with black text on it reading “What’s next?”F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconIn terms of what’s next for his motorsport career, reports suggest Bottas is being considered as a Mercedes reserve driver for next season.Speaking about his F1 exit, Bottas said: “Life goes on. There’s lots of exciting things ahead. And yeah, I’m fine with it.“It’s a tricky sport. You know, I think I got into a bit of an unlucky situation, in terms of hanging on to the last seat on the grid. And when that doesn’t happen, then obviously you’re out for now.“The closer we’re getting to that date, I did definitely figure out that there was other drivers as candidates as well. And of course, you start to hear rumours. “So then in the end, I still thought it’s maybe 50-50 chance. And yeah, I got the call on the Monday. But yeah, at least I know now. I just need to figure out what’s next…”The way my active F1 driving career ended for now, it wasn’t the best way that you can’t really decide yourself.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁“I feel like still I have lots to give for the sport and I still love it. I love the racing against the best drivers in the world, in the best cars in the world. That’s what I love.“So I’m just trying to figure out now what is the next move. So yeah, I don’t really have that much more. I’m taking it day by day. There’s some interesting stuff on the table and then we’ll see.”However, he did not seem overly keen on the idea of switching to another motorsport, but said he was always up for a new challenge, as he did with the Ironman.He added: “For me, at the moment, I feel like jumping into a new category comes quite quick.”You know, we’re almost in December. So yeah, I think that would be more realistic that if I didn’t find a seat in F1 during ‘25 or for ‘26, then probably would be from ‘26.“But it’s all these things that I need to kind of try and plan. But the picture is starting to form in my head what is the ideal situation. I’ve raced all my life, you know, since I was six, five, six years old and I still love it.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So I’ll be always driving something. I just sometimes like to challenge myself. I just decided on the evening before that tomorrow I want to be an Ironman. “And I just did it in a small pool and indoor bike and treadmill. I’d actually never done a marathon before, so now that’s done as well. So, yeah, things sometimes just happen.”Bottas has turned ‘What’s next?’ into his catchphraseCredit: GettyBottas has his ‘What’s next?’ tattoo on full displayCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Three winners and three losers as Ruben Amorim immediately makes his mark on Man Utd ahead of first game vs Ipswich

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      RUBEN AMORIM has sparked a lot of excitement before he has even taken charge of his first game as Manchester United manager.The two-time league winner with Sporting Lisbon saw his team beat Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League before departing at the start of the international break to take over at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim has been getting to grips with his new Man Utd squad in their first training sessionsCredit: GettyKobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo and Marcus Rashford are among those who Amorim has already worked withCredit: GettyRashford is set to be one of the big winners under the Amorim regimeCredit: RexBut the new change of coach could be bad news for Joshua ZirkzeeCredit: GettyThe 39-year-old has drawn many similarities to ex-Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho, particularly in his demeanour.This is something which SunSport revealed has left stars “blown away” even before he took his first training session at Carrington with stars who are not on international duty.However, to add to the excitement before the Portuguese tactician makes his bow on Sunday against Ipswich, the club released a video of him taking training that has gone viral on social media.But we actually don’t need a video to know what players will benefit and who may find themselves out in the cold. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThroughout his career so far at Casa Pia, Braga and Sporting, Amorim has favoured a 3-4-3 shape with two so-called No 10s rather than wingers.Below, we consider which three players are likely to benefit from the new tactical approach and which three players will find playing time hard to come by under Amorim.Winner: Bruno FernandesBruno Fernandes joined Man Utd from Sporting in January 2020 only months before Amorim arrived in Lisbon, and has been a talismanic figure at Old Trafford since.The 30-year-old has made no secret of the fact he still considers himself a fan of the Portuguese club.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis means that out of all of the squad at United, he is the one who probably best understands what Amorim is all about from a tactical point of view.When Amorim was first announced as the new coach at United there was an immediate sense that Fernandes would be one of the players most at threat from a tactical perspective. Ruben Amorim gives first Man Utd interview and reveals number one priority to revive fallen giantsAfter all, he does not fit as one of two deeper midfielders and there was an initial understanding that Amorim favoured wingers as the main support for the main striker. Instead, given Amorim prefers to use two narrow 10s behind the striker who have freedom to drift and move, this suddenly feels like the perfect role for Fernandes to fill at United.Bruno Fernandes will be able to get into zones where he is most effective like he managed against LeicesterA free role in the final third of the pitch is where Fernandes has thrived since arriving in England, with his maverick approach to attacking too unpredictable for defenders to read.We fully expect to see Fernandes continue to be one of the most important attacking players at United going forward.Winner: Manuel UgarteIf Fernandes is likely to benefit from an understanding of Amorim’s game mode, then arguably Manuel Ugarte has an even bigger benefit in that he previously played for Amorim in Lisbon.He made the initial move to Paris Saint-Germain following his time in Portugal and then moved to United this summer after struggling to adapt to life in Ligue 1 – though still had the most tackles per 90 from anyone in the league with at least 900 minutes played.Amorim has a clear preference for playing a two-man double pivot in the midfield with two players who are combative but comfortable covering a lot of ground. This is essentially the perfect role for Ugarte who is not the most progressive passer or most attacking of midfielders.Manuel Ugarte will be expected to cover a lot of ground, which he is used to from his time at SportingInstead, he is at his best when working to break up play and cover space before playing it simply when he does take possession of the ball.Ugarte has shown more of what he can do paired with Casemiro in a two-man midfield under Ruud van Nistelrooy, and more of the same can be expected doing forward as he will likely become the key midfielder enforcer for United under Amorim.Winner: Marcus RashfordWhile the more central positions the two most advanced midfielders will take under Amorim will be beneficial to the likes of Fernandes, it is less clear how this will affect Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo, Antony and Marcus Rashford. The aforementioned training video appeared to show Rashford leading the attack as a central striker in a training drill.With neither Rasmus Hojlund nor Joshua Zirkzee really impressing so far this season, the positioning of Rashford as a true No 9 may be a move of genius.While Rashford is not the most comfortable when playing with his back to goal and looking to link the play and bring others into the game, he is dangerous with his movement when looking to make runs to attack space in behind. Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for.This is the role that we are likely to see for Rashford under Amorim. At Sporting, we saw Viktor Gyokeres score an incredible number of goals under Amorim playing as a striker who wants to pull on the shoulder of the last defender and make runs beyond to attack space. With Rashford set to be a more central option going forward, his on-the-shoulder runs should prove effective in Amorim’s systemRashford is likely to have a similar profile as the main striker which may allow him to fully realise his potential and become a key attacking player at United.Being reinvented as a central striker with two close 10s to support him may see Rashford regain his form in front of goal.Loser: Joshua ZirkzeeThis one may come as something of a surprise given the fact Zirkzee only moved to United this summer from Bologna.Zirkzee is a forward who is very much more comfortable when dropping into deeper positions to support in the midfield and link the play in deeper areas. In this regard, he is almost the exact opposite to Rashford or Hojlund who are more aggressive attacking players.Zirkzee has struggled to fully establish himself as an attacking player at United so far this season, with just one goal to his name on his debut against Fulham.Indeed, there has been a lot of talk in recent weeks about the possibility of Zirkzee making a move back to Serie A on loan. For the attacking shape and system under Amorim to work fully he needs a more aggressive striker who will play on the shoulder of the last defender and threaten to attack space behind the defensive line with space. Zirkzee’s style of linking the midfield means he does not fit being the lead striker in Amorim’s systemWith Rashford and Hojlund playing as central strikers it is likely Zirkzee will struggle for game time in that position going forward under Amorim.Although, given Amorim is known to be flexible with the players at his disposal, and may see fit to retrofit Zirkzee as one of his two No10s in an effort to get the best out of him.Loser: Christian EriksenFor this choice we could have gone with either Christian Eriksen or Casemiro. Both are midfielders that are coming closer to the end of their careers than the start and neither are well known, at this stage in their career at least, for their mobility in central areas. The tactical system used by Amorim will often see the two central midfielders outnumbered centrally.Consequently, they will be expected to cover a great deal of space in both the defensive and attacking phases of the game to compensate for this.This means that the likes of Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo – who showed strong defensive stats before his injury this season – will be more suited to the style of play and the system than Eriksen. The Dane is still a good passer who can progress the play, break lines and bring value in the final third when breaking down teams playing in a deeper block. Christian Eriksen is prone to being exposed in midfield when left isolated to defend spaceThe issue is that the two more advanced midfielders will come inside and play in the areas Erkisen would typically look to occupy as he moved forward.Therefore, Eriksen will likely struggle to force his way into the team regularly, with Casemiro likely to be the first backup to Mainoo and Ugarte as the two midfielders.Loser: Alejandro GarnachoWith the change of system and game model under Amorim we will see a change in expectations and profiles of the players that will thrive under the Portuguese coach. This could mean a high profile player at United will struggle to get regular game time and nail down a specific role across the rest of the season. That player is Alejandro Garnacho. The 20-year-old winger has three goals and one assist in the league this season.But he is much more suited to a more traditional winger role where he is free to play in space and look to stretch opposition defences with his pace.Under Amorim, as we have already touched upon, the likes of Bruno Fernandes fit the profile of advanced and attacking midfielders.But Garnacho is more of an individual player than one who looks to connect and combine with teammates. While Garnacho is likely to be tried in this role we believe that it is unlikely that he will be effective given that he wants to play on the shoulder of the defenders to make runs to attack space, and this is the role of the striker under Amorim. There is an argument that Garnacho could also be used as wing-back but we do not believe that he would be strong here given his lack of defensive instincts.Garnacho is wide on the left against Leicester and has three options to combine with teammates but tries to drive to the line in possession and is easily dispossessedWe believe that under Amorim it is likely that Garnacho will be played in the first instance but given his specific profile we believe that he is likely to drop out of the starting team in the short to medium term.READ MORE SUN STORIESConclusionAt this stage of their career at United, it is likely Amorim and his coaching staff will be painstakingly assessing the squad to decide which players fit what they are looking to do.It will be interesting to see whether Amorim can conjure up any surprises for stars who could become a key part of his system.Ten Hag’s Man Utd signingsThe Dutchman has brought in 21 players since moving to Old Trafford in 20222022-23:Antony, (Ajax) £86mCasemiro, (Real Madrid) £70mLisandro Martinez, (Ajax) £46mTyrell Malacia, (Feyenoord) £13mChristian Eriksen, (Brentford) freeMartin Dubravka, (Newcastle) loanWout Weghorst, (Burnley) loanJack Butland, (Crystal Palace) loanMarcel Sabitzer, (Bayern Munich) loan2023-24:Rasmus Hojlund, (Atalanta) £72mMason Mount, (Chelsea) £60mAndre Onana, (Inter Milan) £47mSofyan Amrabat, (Fiorentina) loanAltay Bayindir, (Fenerbahce) £4.3mJonny Evans, (Leicester) freeSergio Reguilon, (Tottenham) loan2024-25:Leny Yoro, (Lille) £52mManuel Ugarte, (Paris Saint-Germain) £50mMatthijs de Ligt, (Bayern Munich) £45mJoshua Zirkee, (Bologna) £36.5mNoussair Mazraoui, (Bayern Munich) £12.8m More