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in Soccer
Sad decline of England legend Michael Owen from teenage hero to Real Madrid flop and ‘most boring’ TV pundit
by Philippa Kaur 3 June 2022, 06:00
MICHAEL OWEN has gone from the golden boy of English football to being considered the ‘most boring pundit’ in the sport. Back in 2002, Liverpool star Owen was fresh off his Ballon d’Or victory having catapulted his career with that stunning goal against Argentina at the 1998 World Cup. Owen was the golden boy of English football at the turn of the centuryCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Gemma Owen has been confirmed for the series
Gemma with her dad Michael
That summer, the 22-year-old took a trip to Alton Towers and, to escape his adoring fans, he wore a peaked cap and sunglasses. From the highs of being named the world’s best player, and sensationally signing for Real Madrid, Owen’s career slowly spiralled towards retirement and beyond. Now his daughter Gemma is set to make a name for herself by appearing on Love Island 2022. In 2019, Owen was involved in an explosive Twitter row with former pal Alan Shearer after the release of his autobiography. But where else to begin than with one of the most memorable goals in English football. In Saint-Etienne, France, in 1998, an 18-year-old Owen went on the most memorable mazy run around a helpless Argentine defence before giving England the lead.
ROARING LION
While Glenn Hoddle’s team were beaten on penalties, knocked out the tournament at the last-16 stage, Owen had announced himself to the world. Over the next six years, he scored an incredible 118 goals in 216 games for Liverpool, helping the club to an FA Cup, two League Cups, a Community Shield and Uefa Cup. Owen won both Young Player of the Year and Player of the Year in 1998 while also picking up his first Premier League Golden Boot. He is one of just two Englishmen to win the Ballon d’Or in over 40 years, with Kevin Keegan picking up the gong in 1978 and 1979. So it came as a devastating blow to the Anfield club in the summer of 2004 when Owen was plucked away to be a Galactico in Madrid.
Michael Owen announced himself to the world’s stage with a stunning goal against Argentina at the 1998 World CupCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Owen’s prolific ability helped Liverpool to Uefa Cup victory in 2001Credit: PA:Press Association
Owen was revered for a sensational goal against Arsenal in the 2001 FA Cup finalCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Owen is the only Englishman in over 40 years to win the Ballon d’OrCredit: ITN
Real president Florentino Perez said: “Signing Michael Owen is following our tradition. We are signing an excellent player with talent who is able to give us something special.” But the move didn’t go as planned. Owen was the subject of criticism from the Bernabeu fans and Spanish press due to his lack of form, and he spent much time as a substitute. He left Spain after just a year, having scored 13 goals in 36 games, before returning to England with Newcastle United for £15million. Over four years, Owen made just 71 appearances and scored only 26 goals for the Magpies.
WHY AYE?
And it was in the North East where Owen’s public fallout with Alan Shearer began. Despite forming a formidable strike partnership together for England, a feud was ignited because of Shearer’s belief that Owen let him down during his spell as Newcastle manager in 2009. Owen’s book Reboot: My Life accuses Shearer of slating him as well as describing his move to Newcastle as ‘one of the major regrets’ of his career. Newcastle’s most famous book shop, The Back Page, refused to stock Owen’s autobiography. In 2019, Owen told BT Sport: “For six or seven years, I hated it. I couldn’t wait to retire. “It wasn’t me. All I was doing is coming short, linking play and getting in the box. “It ended up with people thinking I was a great goalscorer who didn’t do much else. “Mentally I could do it, but physically I couldn’t.”
Owen sensationally signed for Real Madrid in 2004 but only stayed in Spain for a yearCredit: Reuters
Owen’s autobiography saw him enter into a public spat with Alan Shearer over their time together at NewcastleCredit: Rex Features
Owen has said he regrets his move to Newcastle, where he stayed for four yearsCredit: Getty – Contributor
Owen’s career became synonymous with injuries. Having torn his hamstring aged 19, leading to five months out, Owen broke a metatarsal in 2005, tore an anterior cruciate ligament and had persistent problems with his thigh and groin. He moved to Manchester United in 2009 where he won a Premier League title but scored just five goals in three years. His final year was spent at Stoke City before retiring in 2013. Having spent most of the season on the bench, Owen offered to resign and retire at Christmas but held on until the end of the season.
‘MOST BORING PUNDIT’
He hung up his boots and picked up the mic. It is as a pundit that Owen has had most criticism, with the former striker being labelled ‘boring’, ‘monotone’ and ‘annoying’ across social media. Armchair fans took offence to some of the less insightful comments produced by Owen during his punditry. An article by Football Faithful was dedicated to some pearls of wisdom, including: “If there’s a bit of rain about, it makes the surface wet”. Former Newcastle and Chelsea striker Joe Allon described Owen as having “the personality of a flip-flop”.
Owen won a Premier League title during a three-year spell at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Owen’s final year as a professional was at Stoke where he spent most of the season on the benchCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
Owen has been ridiculed for his work as a pundit since retiring in 2013Credit: Rex Features
Where Owen has enjoyed success in recent years is the stables, having invested in racing horses. In 2017, he even made his debut as a jockey, finishing second in the saddle at a charity race in Ascot. But, elsewhere, the general consensus is that Owen has had a mare. More
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in Boxing
How Anthony Joshua lives lavish life with private jets, holidays and luxury cars – without spending his £63m fortune
by Aurelia Butler 1 June 2022, 11:57
ANTHONY JOSHUA’s social feeds are littered with snaps of exotic holidays on private jets, custom-made sports cars and watches worth more than £350,000.But despite being worth £63million and living a life of luxury, the British star is so humble that he still lives in an ex-council house with his mum – and gets everything from his luxury holidays to his clothes for free.
Anthony Joshua doesn’t spend any of his own moneyCredit: Instagram, @anthony_joshua
AJ also has a humble two-bed flat in Sheffield that he uses when training, which features a master bedroom with a single bed, worn-out sofas in the living room and just one communal bathroom.
And while Joshua might be one of the few people in the country not to have to worry about the cost of his weekly supermarket shop, it seems he doesn’t even pay for his own cartons of eggs, with his sponsors paying for his meal prep as well.
The 6ft 6in 32-year-old banks all his money, only splashing out on treats for his family, not himself.
His right-hand man and marketing manager, Freddie Cunningham, says that despite having “a lot of money,” Joshua “doesn’t live the life that he could.”
The boxing champ dines out at a Paris hotspotCredit: Instagram
Anthony gets his holidays for free – and his food
Anthony Joshua is the former IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight world championCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“From the outside, it probably looks like he does. He’s seen in private jets, wearing expensive watches, and driving around in nice cars,” he told Business Insider.
“But the jets are all sponsored. We’ve never paid for a private jet, or a helicopter, in our life. He gets a signature car from Land Rover.
“He’s not spending that money. He’s accumulating money.
“He’s living a lifestyle that probably everyone wants him to live, or see him live, but he’s doing it in a smart way. Tactful.”
Joshua has 12 endorsement deals on the go – earning him an estimated £5m per year – ranging from clothing, electronics and cars that keep him in the money when he isn’t fighting opponents.
Anthony Joshua is happy living with just the basics in his Sheffield flatCredit: Instagram @Anthony Joshua
Anthony Joshua and his mum Yeta Odusanya in their humble house
A free £45million private jet
AJ is sponsored by US sportswear giant Under Armour – who provide him with a private jet, as well as paying him a seven-figure salary.
Showing the interior of the £45million black G550 ahead of his trip to the States to face Ruiz for the first time, AJ said: “These type of things aren’t ordinary, in my daily life and in many other people’s daily lives, so it’s a blessing.
“However, my view is even though I enjoy it and the door has been opened for me, I can’t forget to open the door for people who have come with me and the people who aren’t in a position to enjoy this type of luxury.
Anthony travels on a £45million private jet provided by one of his sponsorsCredit: Instagram, @anthony_Joshua
“I never get too lost in the source and get carried away with these types of things.”
The company also provide the former world heavyweight champion with his in-ring attire and training wear, including all tracksuits and trainers.
Anthony also has free use of a helicopter, provided to him by Beats by Dre, who he’s been the face of since 2017.
Free car when his was stolen
As a 17-year-old, Joshua’s first car was a Vauxhall Astra, which he saved up £1,500 to buy and claimed it was a “stable, sturdy car.”
Now, thanks to his partnership with Jaguar Land Rover – which is rumoured to be worth £790,000 a year – AJ rolls round London in his choice of a fleet of luxury wheels, including a customised white Jaguar XJR, worth £93,000.
Anthony has a deal with Jaguar – who give him free carsCredit: Instagram, @anthony_Joshua
His favourite motor is his personalised black Range Rover, which he says “looks very professional and sets a standard”
He was furious last year when, just days before his fight with Alexander Povetkin, his bespoke £150,000 motor – gifted to him by his sponsors – was stolen outside of his cousin’s house.
Luckily the company replaced it with a new one immediately.
Free trips to Dubai, Miami and Jamaica
When he isn’t sparring, AJ enjoys exotic holidays with his family and friends, with his Instagram showing him recently in Dubai, Jamaica and Miami.
Again, most of these trips are sponsored by countries and resorts who want the privilege of having the sporting icon spotted hitting their hottest tourist spots.
Anthony Joshua takes a ride on the XLine zipline in DubaiCredit: Instagram @Anthony_Joshua
Cunningham said: “We have a partnership with Dubai Tourism and they really like him and get his philosophy on life, his morals, everything.
“He resonates with that territory. They want to bring boxing there. Hopefully we can do something there.”
Anthony has even stayed at the Nobu Miami Beach Private Villa, which costs £5k per night and the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, where luxury villas are rented out for £4k a week.
A free watch worth more than a house
Anthony came from humble beginnings on a council estate in Watford.
He now says he knows the value of the money he’s made.
“Don’t save what is left after spending, spend what is left after saving,” was the advice he gave his 8.8 million Instagram followers.
The boxing champ even gets free gym membership and meal plans
But despite keeping his purse strings shut, he still wears jewellery and clothes worth thousands.
He was gifted a £350,000 watch worth more than the average house, thanks to his partnership with luxury jewellers Audemars Piguet.
Free gym, concerts and food
In 2019, Joshua helped to open state of the art BXR gym in London’s Marylebone along with his promoter Eddie Hearn.
Joshua said: “I spend the majority of my life in the gym, so I know what is required to make a truly great one.”
Ahead of his first fight with Ruiz, he returned to train at his former gym, ABC Finchley, for free.
AJ doesn’t even have to spend much on his weekly shop.
The boxing champ is worth a whopping £35 millionCredit: Instagram, @anthony_Joshua
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His high protein diet is funded by his deal with Bulk Powders. He’s also sponsored by Lynx and Axe, so that’s his beauty and hygiene regime sorted.
And if he wants to treat his family and friends to a free dinner, he can flash his black card at Nando’s and get it for free.
He doesn’t even have to pay to attend gigs, concerts and sporting events, having the luxury of VIP suites through his endorsement with StubHub ticketing agency, while he gets free Sky TV through his deal with Sky Sports. More
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in Soccer
Inside Belgium star Hazard’s amazing £10m mansion with six bedrooms and pool bought from pop star Alejandro Sanz
by Philippa Kaur 30 May 2022, 10:00
EDEN HAZARD continues to endure a stop-start career at Real Madrid.The 31-year-old playmaker was an unused sub as Real Madrid won the Champions League final 1-0 against Liverpool.
Eden Hazard, pictured with his family, has struggled with life at Real Madrid after a series of injuriesCredit: Getty – Contributor
Plenty of Real Madrid stars choose to live in the areaCredit: ROCKEFELLER Luxury Collection
But he has struggled with injuries and loss of form since arriving from Chelsea in 2019 for £88.5million with bonuses that could take the fee to £130m
But despite his worries on the pitch, off it he lives in a home fitting for a Galactico – a £10m futuristic mansion in the plush La Finca neighbourhood, where his team-mates live.
Designed by Spanish architect Joaquin Torres, the property is distinctive for its black stone and state-of-the-art furnishings.
It boasts six bedrooms and 10 bathrooms for Hazard’s family – wife Natacha and their sons Yannis, Leo and Samy.
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JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED
Some of the walls are made of crystal which does not allow any light throughCredit: ROCKEFELLER Luxury Collection
What footballer’s mansion would be complete without a pool?Credit: ROCKEFELLER Luxury Collection
The whole house is kitted out with automated gadgetsCredit: ROCKEFELLER Luxury Collection
The Blues legend has a pool, as well as a gym – and the amenities don’t end there.
There’s a spa, should the family wish to wind down and a tennis court.
The family can also snuggle down together for movie night in their home cinema room.
Meanwhile, the entire house is automated with blackout blinds and other top-of-the-line gadgets able to be set and run by computer for optimal comfort.
There are TEN bathrooms to choose from in the stylish homeCredit: ROCKEFELLER Luxury Collection
A cinema room big enough for the whole family to relax inCredit: ROCKEFELLER Luxury Collection
Six bedrooms mean Hazard will have plenty of space for his Chelsea palsCredit: ROCKEFELLER Luxury Collection
Some of the walls are even made with giant crystals that give an impressive contrast to the stone without allowing any light to get through.
Hazard bought the home from famous Spanish singer, 17-time Grammy winner Alejandro Sanz.
However, it hasn’t brought him the luck he would’ve hoped for after failing to impress the Real Madrid fans.
He has vowed to stay at Real and turn it around.
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#dcdddd;background-color:#ffffff;}.css-14dqn90{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(4px/2);margin-right:calc(4px/2);}.css-12an5ma{font-family:The Sun;font-size:20px;line-height:1.2;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;padding:1px 0px;}.css-12an5ma::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.261875em + -1px);}.css-12an5ma::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:calc(-0.25em + -1.3px);}.css-1tob514{color:rgba(32,134,98,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;margin-right:4px;}.css-1tob514:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BALE BATTLE .css-1efa55o{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1efa55o:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Gareth Bale transfer news: Man Utd, Tottenham & Newcastle trail new favourites
At the team’s trophy parade after winning the Champions League, Hazard told the fans: “I’ve been here for three years with many injuries, with many things.
“But next year I’m going to give it all for you.” More
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in Boxing
Canelo Alvarez’s stunning Mexican wife Fernanda Gomez is doting mum to their five-year-old daughter Maria
by Aurelia Butler 29 May 2022, 09:00
HE’S one of the highest-earning boxers around today, but his private life is shrouded by mystery.Not much is known about the Mexican Canelo Alvarez’s wife, Fernanda Gomez.
Meet Fernanda Gomez, the Wag of Canelo AlvarezCredit: Getty Images
Stunning Fernanda is MexicanCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
But, thanks to Instagram, we’re beginning to get a picture of the lavish lifestyle the stunning Wag is now accustomed to living.
Clad in designer clothing, the hispanic beauty is every bit a boxer’s Wag, able to swim in the riches of Canelo’s £100m fortune.
However, it’s their five-year-old daughter Maria who comes first.
IT BEGAN SEVEN YEARS AGO
Fernanda reportedly met Canelo in 2016 at a charity gala, and instantly hit it off.
They soon started dating, although they kept their romance private and out of the spotlight.
That was, until, they were spotted celebrating his victory over Julio César Chávez Jr at Jewel Nightclub in Las Vegas.
The pair briefly split up when Fernanda was pregnant in 2017 but got back together again.
She’s been ringside ever since, with Canelo happy to share some of his success with her.
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Gomez met Canelo at a 2016 charity galaCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
She has been inseparable from Alvarez ever sinceCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
The loved-up pair initially kept their romance under wrapsCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
Not much is known about FernandaCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
ALONG CAME A DAUGHTER
In December 2017, Fernanda and Canelo welcomed their first child together, who they called Maria.
It was the famed brawler’s third child, he also has a daughter and a son from different relationships.
Maria is doted upon by Fernanda, and celebrated a no-expenses-spared Swan Lake-themed birthday that looked like it would cost as much as a wedding.
On the tables were party foods and lots of sweets.
But the best part was the hired swans roaming freely around the family’s grounds.
Fernanda reportedly dressed Maria in a Moschino sequinned blouse, while she was also clutching a Hermes pouch.
Canelo and Fernanda have five-year-old Maria togetherCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
Maria loves her designer wear like her mummyCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
Fernanda loves designer clothing and expensive accessoriesCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
Louis Vuitton scarves are one of Fernanda’s favourite accessories to wearCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
Fernanda is a devoted boxing Wag, often ringside cheering on CaneloCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
The loved-up pair took a break while she was pregnant in 2017Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
DESIGNER WAG
If you’re wondering how toddler Maria became such a designer-baby, look no further than her designer mummy.
Fernanda wears the most exclusive brands, carries around accessories from the world’s biggest fashion houses, and lives a jet-set life the envy of many.
Her go-tos are Louis Vuitton and Gucci, including a pair of £600 trainers made by the latter.
She usually wraps herself in Louis Vuitton scarves, and also has a large collection of expensive sunglasses.
As a sideline, Gomez also runs her own nail salon in Guadalajara. It pays to be a boxer’s Wag.
TYING THE KNOT
After several years of dating and having baby Maria together, Canelo and Gomez finally got married in 2021 before the champ beat Billy Joe Saunders.
Fernanda looked stunning as she wore an incredible sparkling dress and headpiece for the special day – matched with toddler Maria.
The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) congratulated the pair after pictures of their wedding surfaced online.
The post read: “The WBO Family wishes lots of love and happiness to the recently married couple, Unified WBO Super Middleweight Champion Saúl ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Fernanda Gómez.”
Last year, Alvarez spoke briefly of his marriage to Gomez.
“I feel way different, I am a happy man, more than before,” he told BT Sport.
Glam Fernanda lives a luxurious lifestyle often travelling with CaneloCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
Fernanda lives like a queenCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
Fernanda set up her own nail salon in GuadalajaraCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
Fernanda is one of boxing’s hottest WagsCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
Canelo and Gomez often post photos together on social mediaCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk More
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in Soccer
Three reasons Real Madrid out-thought and beat Liverpool despite have far fewer shots and being dominated
by Philippa Kaur 29 May 2022, 08:51
LIVERPOOL were the favourites coming into the Champions League final.And the news that both Fabinho and Thiago were fit to take their place in Jurgen Klopp’s midfield only added to their confidence.
Karim Benzema lifts the Champions League trophyCredit: Getty
Vinicius scored the winner after peeling off his marker Alexander-ArnoldCredit: GETTY
However the script did not go to plan.
Real Madrid broke Liverpool’s hearts and were able to battle out a 1-0 victory in Paris thanks to Vinicius Junior’s second half goal.
And Carlo Ancelotti’s men proved to be too strong again, having already beaten Man City, Chelsea and PSG on their way to the final.
Madrid sneaked it, despite having just two shots on target all game, compared to Liverpool’s nine.
So where did all go wrong for Klopp’s men on the biggest night of the season?
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1. Madrid keep cool despite Liverpool’s dominance
Liverpool were on top straight from kick off, and they dominated the early stages of the game.
With Thiago and Fabinho back in the midfield they had the base on which they could build.
But it was the positioning and presence of Trent Alexander-Arnold in the right channel that posed the most problems for the Spanish side.
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Alexander-Arnold was a constant early threat, forcing Real Madrid to come out of their ideal shape
His unpredictable movement was hard for the Real Madrid to cope with.
At times he was wide, but his willingness to come towards the centre of the pitch posed problems for the Spanish side’s defence.
In the build-up phase Alexander-Arnold continually pushed inside into that position in the channel, to the extent that Jordan Henderson at times ended up outside him.
And as Mohamed Salah positioned himself more wide that we might normally expect there was no Madrid player in place to challenge the space that the Liverpool right-back was taking over.
Alexander-Arnold comes inside and Henderson takes up the wide right position to offer width
Alexander-Arnold was a powerful attacking force but could not capitalise
From this position the young English right-back probed the Madrid defence and controlled the pace of the match.
He has the passing range and technical ability to access all areas of the field from this inside-right position.
His ability to get on the ball and break lines with his driven passes for the dynamic Sadio Mane forced the Spanish side to collapse back and defend deep.
Gradually as the first-half wore on we saw Toni Kroos step into that space slightly more in order to close the space that Alexander-Arnold was utilising in the early stages.
However Liverpool failed to capitalise.
Party this was because when Alexander-Arnold was in possession in the final third his decision making was relatively poor.
Modric came out on top in the midfieldCredit: GETTY
Liverpool dominated but could not score against Real Madrid
2. Real know just the moment to pounce
In the first-half of the match there were points in which Real Madrid looked as though they were content to sit deep and look to absorb Liverpool pressure.
This was a strategy that had served the Spanish side well over the course of their Champions League campaign as they sat off and looked for opportunities to play in transition towards Vinicius Junior.
Nine Real Madrid players sit deep and allow Liverpool to have the ball in front of them
Casemiro kept his defensive discipline throughout
In the first-half in particular we saw the Spanish side drop deeper and deeper as Liverpool dominated possession.
With Madrid defending in a low block the three central midfielders sat deep and prevented Liverpool from finding pockets of space in the final third.
They were content to allow the English side to have possession in front of them and for a period of time it seemed as though Madrid would struggle to create any meaningful possession.
Modric beats the Liverpool press with a clever pass to Carvajal which led directly to Real Madrid’s winning goal
At the end of the first-half suddenly Madrid burst to life as they enjoyed their first real period of sustained possession.
This effectively forced Liverpool to adjust their approach in terms of how high they were willing to push their fullbacks.
With Alexander-Arnold forced to drop deeper he became less effective in terms of controlling the game.
The opening goal came in the second half when Madrid showed their quality in transition.
With Liverpool pressing aggressively we saw the Spanish side play through the pressure with short and incisive passing.
Suddenly the quality of the Madrid midfield showed in the game with Modric and Casemiro in particular showing their poise on the ball.
The sudden change in tempo and intent from Madrid caught Liverpool off balance as the Spanish side suddenly moved from passive positioning to incisive passing.
3. Real maintain discipline in frantic final minutes
With Liverpool behind in this match as the game entered the closing stages Klopp decided for a change in shape as he tried to unsettle the Madrid defensive structure.
As the season started to draw to a close the German coach rolled the dice with the introduction of Roberto Firmino and Naby Keita as Liverpool moved from their famous 4-3-3 shape to something approaching a 4-2-4.
Real Madrid kept their shape as the game moved on and Liverpool pushed more midfielders forward
With Salah moved inside to try to occupy the central spaces and Diogo Jota having already replaced the ineffective Luis Diaz we saw a more centrally focused Liverpool attack.
Liverpool were intent on finding overloads centrally with Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota looking to drop off to find space in which they could receive the ball.
While Salah and Mane threatened to run behind and break the lines of the Madrid defence.
Liverpool sub Firmino drops deep but the Real Madrid kept their defensive discipline
Essentially, however, despite all of their efforts Liverpool could not break down an effective defensive block from Madrid.
Liverpool were unable to sustain any effective possession and they found it too difficult to break through the defensive lines.
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The combination of the Brazilian midfielder Casemiro and the Belgian goalkeeper Thibault Courtois combined to deny Liverpool a fairytale ending.
Liverpool ended the game too frantic as they looked to play direct in order to force a breakthrough that never came. More
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Michael Owen’s sad decline from England teen hero to Real Madrid flop and ‘most boring’ TV pundit
by Philippa Kaur 28 May 2022, 10:00
MICHAEL OWEN has gone from the golden boy of English football to being considered the ‘most boring pundit’ in the sport.Back in 2002, Liverpool star Owen was fresh off his Ballon d’Or victory having catapulted his career with that stunning goal against Argentina at the 1998 World Cup.
Michael Owen announced himself to the world’s stage with a stunning goal against Argentina at the 1998 World CupCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Owen was the golden boy of English football at the turn of the centuryCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
That summer, the 22-year-old took a trip to Alton Towers and, to escape his adoring fans, he wore a peaked cap and sunglasses.
From the highs of being named the world’s best player, and sensationally signing for Real Madrid, Owen’s career slowly spiralled towards retirement and beyond.
In 2019, Owen was involved in an explosive Twitter row with former pal Alan Shearer after the release of his autobiography last summer.
But where else to begin than with one of the most memorable goals in English football.
In Saint-Etienne, France, 22 years ago, an 18-year-old Owen went on the most memorable mazy run around a helpless Argentine defence before giving England the lead.
ROARING LION
While Glenn Hoddle’s team were beaten on penalties, knocked out the tournament at the last-16 stage, Owen had announced himself to the world.
Over the next six years, he scored an incredible 118 goals in 216 games for Liverpool, helping the club to an FA Cup, two League Cups, a Community Shield and Uefa Cup.
Owen won both Young Player of the Year and Player of the Year in 1998 while also picking up his first Premier League Golden Boot.
He is one of just two Englishmen to win the Ballon d’Or in over 40 years, with Kevin Keegan picking up the gong in 1978 and 1979.
So it came as a devastating blow to the Anfield club in the summer of 2004 when Owen was plucked away to be a Galactico in Madrid.
Owen’s prolific ability helped Liverpool to Uefa Cup victory in 2001Credit: PA:Press Association
Owen was revered for a sensational goal against Arsenal in the 2001 FA Cup finalCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Owen is the only Englishman in over 40 years to win the Ballon d’OrCredit: ITN
Real president Florentino Perez said: “Signing Michael Owen is following our tradition. We are signing an excellent player with talent who is able to give us something special.”
But the move didn’t go as planned.
Owen was the subject of criticism from the Bernabeu fans and Spanish press due to his lack of form, and he spent much time as a substitute.
He left Spain after just a year, having scored 13 goals in 36 games, before returning to England with Newcastle United for £15million.
Over four years, Owen made just 71 appearances and scored only 26 goals for the Magpies.WHY AYE?
And it was in the North East where Owen’s public fallout with Alan Shearer began.
Despite forming a formidable strike partnership together for England, a feud was ignited because of Shearer’s belief that Owen let him down during his spell as Newcastle manager in 2009.
Owen’s book Reboot: My Life accuses Shearer of slating him as well as describing his move to Newcastle as ‘one of the major regrets’ of his career.
Newcastle’s most famous book shop, The Back Page, refused to stock Owen’s autobiography.
In 2019, Owen told BT Sport: “For six or seven years, I hated it. I couldn’t wait to retire.
“It wasn’t me. All I was doing is coming short, linking play and getting in the box.
“It ended up with people thinking I was a great goalscorer who didn’t do much else.
“Mentally I could do it, but physically I couldn’t.”
Owen sensationally signed for Real Madrid in 2004 but only stayed in Spain for a yearCredit: Reuters
Owen’s autobiography saw him enter into a public spat with Alan Shearer over their time together at NewcastleCredit: Rex Features
Owen has said he regrets his move to Newcastle, where he stayed for four yearsCredit: Getty – Contributor
Owen’s career became synonymous with injuries.
Having torn his hamstring aged 19, leading to five months out, Owen broke a metatarsal in 2005, tore an anterior cruciate ligament and had persistent problems with his thigh and groin.
He moved to Manchester United in 2009 where he won a Premier League title but scored just five goals in three years.
His final year was spent at Stoke City before retiring in 2013.
Having spent most of the season on the bench, Owen offered to resign and retire at Christmas but held on until the end of the season.’MOST BORING PUNDIT’
He hung up his boots and picked up the mic.
It is as a pundit that Owen has had most criticism, with the former striker being labelled ‘boring’, ‘monotone’ and ‘annoying’ across social media.
Armchair fans took offence to some of the less insightful comments produced by Owen during his punditry.
An article by Football Faithful was dedicated to some pearls of wisdom, including: “If there’s a bit of rain about, it makes the surface wet”.
Former Newcastle and Chelsea striker Joe Allon described Owen as having “the personality of a flip-flop”.
Owen won a Premier League title during a three-year spell at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Owen’s final year as a professional was at Stoke where he spent most of the season on the benchCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
Owen has been ridiculed for his work as a pundit since retiring in 2013Credit: Rex Features
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Where Owen has enjoyed success in recent years is the stables, having invested in racing horses.
In 2017, he even made his debut as a jockey, finishing second in the saddle at a charity race in Ascot.
But, elsewhere, the general consensus is that Owen has had a mare. More
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Karim Benzema’s amazing car collection is worth £6m, including £2.5million Bugatti Chiron and £1.5million Veyron
by Philippa Kaur 28 May 2022, 09:00
HE’S a real petrol head…As one of the world’s leading forwards, Karim Benzema has made a packet out of the game.
Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has an incredible car collectionCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
On Instagram Benzema happily shows off his famous cars
So is it any wonder that he houses these sweet rides in his garage.
The Real Madrid star, who now has his sights set on Liverpool in the Champions League final, drives a car collection worth an estimated £6million.
Last year he added a £2.5 Bugatti Chiron to his fleet, and he also has a very rare Bugatti Veyron worth £1.5million, as well as a Ferrari 458 Spider and many more cool cars.
Feast your mince pieces on the 34-year-old French striker’s enviable motors.
The new addition…
Benzema showed off his most recent cool whip – a £2.5million Bugatti Chiron – on Instagram.
The hypercar absolutely trounces the already brilliant Veyron in terms of performance.
It’s top speed is limited to 261 mph, while it’s capable of reaching 0-62 mph in just under 2.5 seconds and 186 mph in 13.6 seconds.
It’s not just a hypercar, it’s a hyper hyper car.
Suits you, sir! Benzema shows off his new £2.5m Bugatti Chiron
His boy racer…
In 2017, Karim Benzema showed off his limited edition Mercedes Benz-SLRCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
The Mercedes Benz-SLR goes from 0-60mph in only 3.5 secondsCredit: Handout
Benzema’s Mercedes Benz-SLR sits pride and place in his garage, and so it should.
Worth around £750k, it’s the special Stirling Moss edition version which can go from 0-60mph in just 3.5 seconds.
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Karim showed off the motor in 2017 on his social media, shortly after crashing his Audi RS6.
The show pony…
Footballers like Karim Benzema love FerrariCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
The Ferrari 458 Spider costs around £200,000Credit: Alamy
Footballers love Ferrari and Benzema is no different.
He’s been seen regularly darting around the streets of Madrid in a class Ferrari 458 Spider, which has a value of around £200k.
Other Ferrari 458 Spider drivers include Mesut Ozil, Frank Lampard and Theo Walcott.
The company cars…
As part of Real Madrid’s sponsorship deal with Audi, Karim Benzema can get his hands on any of their cars he wantsCredit: Getty – Contributor
Benzema has been spotted in Audi’s RS6 Avant C7, which is worth £90,000Credit: Getty Images – Getty
A keen Audi driver, Karim Benzema also owns a Q5Credit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
Corporate sponsorship is a wonderful thing for a footballer.
Especially if you play for Real Madrid and Audi want a piece of you.
Thanks to their marketing geniuses, Benzema has been seen in two of their cars – their RS6 Avant C7 model worth around £90k.
As well as their standard SUV, the Q5, that retails for a modest £40k.
A true gentleman’s car…Credit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
A Rolls Royce Wraith worth £250,000 sits pride and place in Karim Benzema’s garage
Karim Benzema isn’t afraid of parking his backside on top of his Rolls RoyceCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
After all, you wouldn’t be a real millionaire without one, right?
Benzema has the Wraith model, estimated at £250k, sitting pride of place in his Madrid mansion.
He’s posted moody shots on social media of the beauty, which he hardly seems to drive.
But he has parked his backside firmly on the car’s bonnet, which is surely sacrilegious.The statement car…
The Lamborghini Gallardo is a firm favourite with footballers, including Karim BenzemaCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
Able to reach a top speed of 202mph, Karim Benzema loves cruising around in his LamborghiniCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
Karim Benzema can’t decide which car to drive to the supermercadoCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
Popping down to the shops in a red Lamborghini will get you noticed.
And if it’s a super-speedy Gallardo model, you’ll be sure that Benzema is in and out of the supermercado in minutes.
Wayne Rooney once had one, as did Robinho when he was at Manchester City.
It can reach a top speed of 202mph and is Italian craftmanship at its finest.And the Sunday car…
The Mercedes-AMG Classe G63 is worth around £140,000Credit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
Karim Benzema added the G-Wagen to his car collection in 2017Credit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
Well, if your Sunday car is worth £140k!
Benzema rides a very well looked-after Mercedes-AMG Classe G63 on his downtime.
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Often nicknamed the G-Wagen, it’s a comfortable ride that’s been described as one of the best SUVs in the world by motor experts.
It certainly tickles Karim’s fancy, who added it to his car collection in 2017.Another Bugatti…
Only 450 Bugatti Veyron cars were made by the French car manufacturerCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
Karim Benzema’s astonishing Bugatti Veyron is worth around £1.5 millionCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
Living life in the fast lane, Karim Benzema’s Bugatti Veyron is fastCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
Benzema’s Bugatti Veyron can reach a top speed of 267.86mphCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
Big-spender Karim Benzema drives a car collection worth around £6millionCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
What will Benzema drive next?
His first Bugatti purchase was the ridiculously super Bugatti Veyron.
Worth £1.5 million, and one of those cars that’s a collectors’ item that grows in price, Benzema clearly loves the stylish supercar.
It’s the fastest roadworthy car in existence, able to hit a top speed of 267.86mph. Only 450 were ever made.
Karim Benzema shows off his goal scoring skills in Real Madrid training More
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Chelsea’s new co-owner Mark Walter owns an animal park with two tigers in Florida
by Philippa Kaur 27 May 2022, 10:39
AMERICAN businessman Mark Walter is a member of the consortium buying Chelsea – and is very much a tiger king.Like infamous zoo keeper Joe Exotic, the billionaire philanthropist operates his own wildlife conservation park which has TWO tigers.
Mark Walter is part of the consortium set to buy ChelseaCredit: Getty
Walter owns a conservation park in the US that houses rare tigersCredit: https://www.instagram.com/whiteoakconservation/
Famed Joe Exotic poses with a tigerCredit: Alamy
Walter, 62, is one of the three billionaires who are fronting the consortium that has bought Chelsea for £4.25billion, along with Todd Boehly and Hansjorg Wyss.
He is a self-made billionaire from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, who is worth around £3billion.
But he is famous in America for being generous with his wealth, and owns a park in Florida dedicated to animal conservation.
Walter bought the 7,400-acre space for an undisclosed sum back in 2013.
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It houses over 200 animals – with many endangered or threatened species cared for.
And that includes two incredible male tigers, cheetahs, and black and white rhino.
White Oak Conservation was founded in 1982 by American paper producer Howard Gilman.
Previous guests who have visited White Oak include Madonna, Julia Roberts, Al Gore, Colin Powell, and John Travolta.
The previous owner built a nine-hole golf course on the land, and US President Bill Clinton visited in 1999.
It boasts two tigers, making Walter a tiger kingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/whiteoakconservation/
Rhinos are among the endangered species at the parkCredit: White Oak Conservation
Around 20 former performing elephants live at White OaksCredit: White Oak Conservation
Mark and his wife Kimbra got involved almost 10 years ago when they took over the park.
They have focussed on saving endangered wildlife and habitats through sustainable conservation breeding, education, and responsible land stewardship.
They revealed when they bought it: “Our primary mission is to build upon the work already under way at White Oak to create an international model for the humane and effective breeding and repopulation of endangered species.
“We also envision White Oak as a gathering point to inspire ideas and collaborations among individuals and organisations interested not only in conservation but issues such as environmental sustainability, land stewardship, arts and education.”
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Both of those have been established – as they have continued to protect and propagate rare animals.
And they also have their own educational programme for local students, which has run from 2019.
White Oak Conservation share their animals on an Instagram account that’s followed by 23,000 people.
And it’s their tigers who feature predominantly – play-fighting and flashing their big teeth for the cameras.
They also took in around 20 elephants that had previously lived in circuses.
In a statement, Mark and Kimbra Walter said: “We are thrilled to give these elephants a place to wander and explore.
“We are working to protect wild animals in their native habitats. But for these elephants that can’t be released, we are pleased to give them a place where they can live comfortably for the rest of their lives.”
But, the park isn’t the only business Walter has in his portfolio.
White Oak is on the banks of the St. Marys River, 30 miles north of Jacksonville, Florida
Two tigers that White Oak are supportingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/whiteoakconservation/
White Oak Conservation was bought by Walter and his wife Kimbra in 2013Credit: https://www.instagram.com/whiteoakconservation/
Guggenheim Partners
Where Walter has made his billions is through global financial services firm Guggenheim Partners, which he set up in 2000.
They boast headquarters in New York and Chicago and have more than £250billion of assets under their management.
In 2012, he led the Guggenheim Baseball Management consortium alongside Peter Guber, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Stan Kasten, Todd Boehly, and Bobby Patton in buying the storied Los Angeles Dodgers.
They splashed around £1.7billion on the MLB team that has enjoyed considerable success since, including winning the World Series in 2020.
“We focused on the team. We focused on the fans in the stadium. Then we focused on the community,” team president and Walter’s business partner Stan Kasten said.
“The thing that makes me proudest about my partners is that we enunciated all those things clearly on the day we first took over. And they have lived up it.
“It’s easy to articulate that kind of plan. It’s maddeningly difficult to execute, especially on a sustained basis.”
Philanthropist Walter has amassed a fortune of around £3billionCredit: Getty
Chelsea won’t be his only new project
Extending his sports arm, Walter is not just keen on working with Premier League giants Chelsea.
Along with the Dodgers, Guggenheim also own WNBA team the Los Angeles Sparks.
And they are reportedly looking at the prospect of launching a professional women’s ice hockey league as early as next year.
Tennis legend Billie Jean King, who joined Walter’s group in 2019, is exploring the possibility with the company CEO, and have discussed plans with the Professional Women’s Hockey Players’ Association.
The Associated Press claimed the PWHPA has signed an agreement with Billie Jean King Enterprises and the Mark Walter Group to expand the association’s effort to establish what would become North America’s second women’s pro league.
It would feature six teams – with the average salary for players at around £44,000.
Tennis legend Billie Jean King and Walter are planning on launching a women’s ice hockey leagueCredit: AP
LA Dodgers have spent big under Walter and won the World Series in 2020Credit: Rex
Loves spending
Although we don’t know much about his personal life, which he keeps very private, professionally he isn’t afraid of splashing his cash.
If the Dodgers are anything to go by, who he took out of bankruptcy, he could easily invest his fortune into the Blues.
Refurbishment of Stamford Bridge is a must – with talks about a potential move to a new stadium on ice.
Intriguingly, Walter signed off on around £100million on bringing Dodger Stadium up to modern standards.
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