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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury was born premature and weighed just 1 Ib before becoming 6ft 9in heavyweight champion of the world

      by

      BEFORE Tyson Fury ruled the heavyweight division and became the most talked about sports star in the world, he was just another kid growing up in posh Cheshire.The Gypsy King, who has always spoke fondly of his traveller roots, actually enjoyed a self-confessed affluent upbringing in leafy Styal, Wilmslow, part of the ‘Golden Triangle’ privileged towns and villages that includes Alderley Edge.
      Tyson Fury enjoyed a posh upbringing in Wilmslow, CheshireCredit: Instagram @gypsyking101
      Fury went to Styal Primary School in affluent CheshireCredit: Styal Primary School
      He started his education at Styal Primary School, which scores as ‘Good’ on Ofsted’s strict report and was once visited by Prince Charles.
      But from birth, Tyson, 33, had to show the fighting tenacity that has made him the people’s champion.
      Born three months premature, and weighing just 1 Ib, his dad John Fury revealed that his son defied doctors who believed he had very little chance of survival.
      However, Tyson grew to 6ft by 14 – earning the nickname “Little John” amongst his pals.
      And for his first job aged between 10-16, he worked for his father’s car dealership cleaning motors.
      HOME LIFE
      Unlike his family, Fury was raised in a home and not a caravan. In fact, his father built their house with his bare hands.
      “We grew up in a posh area called Styal in Wilmslow, Cheshire,” Tyson told The Telegraph.
      “My dad provided us with a nice home. I was very privileged as a child.
      “We weren’t around all the travellers on the sites. The only travellers we knew were our own family and cousins.”
      Fury’s father John built the family home with his own bare handsCredit: Instagram @gypsyking101
      John Fury was a bareknuckled boxer in the 1980s and 90sCredit: PA:Press Association
      Through the late 80s to the mid 90s, John Fury competed as a bareknuckle boxer at both amateur and professional level.
      Heboasted an impressive record of eight wins from 13 fights, but suffered a brutal loss future WBO champion Henry Akinwande that made him think twice about a boxing career.
      “I got exploited in the boxing game by being overmatched for little or no money,” he once revealed.
      A SICKLY KID
      At three months premature, Tyson’s life hung in the balance when he was born in Wythenshawe Hospital.
      Medical professionals thought he was too weak to survive, but dad John believed his new-born son was going to pull through.
      “I told them God was looking down on him,” he said.
      “I said, ‘He’ll be alright. He will be 7ft, 20 stone and heavyweight champion of the world.’ And I named him Tyson, after Mike Tyson.”
      Tyson Fury was born three months premature and weighed just 1 Ib
      Doctors believed Tyson Fury had little chance of survival when he was born
      John could fit his son in the palm of his hand, and he sat in the hospital with baby Tyson, working his legs and arms.
      “I remember he would be lying on his back and have his fists up high,” he told BBC Sport.
      “When I think about where he has been and where he has got to, extraordinary things have happened.”
      But in his early years, Tyson suffered fevers and thought he was seeing things.
      “He used to get hallucinations and thought there were monsters in the house and the curtains were burning,” John recalled.
      “When he got to about six he just seemed to straighten out.”
      AN EDUCATION
      In 1993 Tyson enrolled at the charming Styal Primary School.
      “The school I went to had 47 kids in it. It was a really posh primary school – Prince Charles even visited us,” Fury said.
      “There was no racial prejudice or abuse or anything.”
      Prince Charles visited Styal Primary School when Fury was a kidCredit: Reuters
      Fury was a model student at Styal Primary SchoolCredit: Instagram @parisfury1
      And Fury was an exemplary student, according to his former teachers.
      “I think he has always had a positive mental attitude and that has helped him and I am delighted by his success,” Head Teacher Helen Smith told the Knutsford Guardian.
      While the school’s business manager Sally Hunt said: “I remember that Tyson was quite a character at a young age.
      “He was a big lad and good at sports including football, which the school actively encourages. His mother was always very supportive of the school.
      “He was with us from the age of five right through to 11 and was always a popular boy with other pupils.”
      HIS FIRST JOB
      Working on his dad’s car lot helped Tyson understand the importance of discipline, and he was rewarded for hard graft with money.
      Tyson told The Guardian: “My first job was working for my dad. He was a used-car dealer and I used to wash the cars down, clean them out and so on.

      Fury’s first job was washing cars in his dad’s car lotCredit: Instagram @gypsyking101
      Paris is Tyson Fury’s childhood sweetheartCredit: Instagram @parisfury1
      The Gyspy King has come a long way since Styal, and is the recognised as the people’s championCredit: Instagram @gypsyking101
      “I would do stuff for him pretty much every day, it was quite a good job to be honest.
      “It was great for me because it gave me discipline. I know how to work for money and I know how to appreciate it when I’ve got it.
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      “It also kept me out of trouble and kept me off the streets, drinking and all that stuff.
      “A lot of my friends when I was 14 or 15, they were all up and down, wanting to go out on a Friday night, and my dad had me working really late on Fridays and Saturday mornings and even on Sunday mornings.
      “And when I’d finished all that, we used to spend the rest of the time talking about boxing.”
      Fury faces off against Dillian Whyte at Wembley Stadium on April 23 – his first fight in the UK since 2018 when he faced Francesco Pianeta in Belfast.
      There are a host of exciting other boxers on the undercard, including his brother Tommy – who will take on Daniel Bocianski in his first fight since his bout with Jake Paul was called off at the last minute. More

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      in Boxing

      How Ebanie Bridges became IBF champion, silencing critics and dazzling fans in sexy lingerie at her weigh-ins

      by

      EBANIE BRIDGES is bringing glam to boxing inside and outside of the ring.The outspoken, criminally underrated Aussie boxer, 35, emphatically saw off Maria Cecilia Roman last month to become IBF champion – and silence her critics.
      Ebanie Bridges was crowned IBF champions last monthCredit: Reuters
      Glam Bridges shows off her incredible physique in risqué lingerieCredit: PA
      It capped off a remarkable journey that began in 2016 as an amateur – but even then Bridges knew she was destined for the top, despite her relatively late start to the game and her first fight being just weeks before her 30th birthday.
      “When I first started out, I knew I wanted to be a world champion. That was my goal,” she exclusively told SunSport.
      “And during the training camp, I already believed I was going to be.
      “It wasn’t a shock (when I won), because I already felt like a champion. I made myself believe it.”
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      But before she defeated her Argentinian foe by unanimous decision after 10 gruelling rounds to become world champ, Bridges’ stunning looks brought her fighting ability into question.
      Her weigh-ins have become legendary among boxing fans – with her choice of lingerie sexing up the occasion, making promoter Eddie Hearn blush in the process.
      But after her famous victory, she let her critics who saw her just as the pretty face of women’s boxing have it. She roared in an interview ringside with DAZN, “Can I f****** fight or what?!”
      Not that proving her doubters wrong gave her extra motivation.
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      In defeating Maria Cecilia Roman, Bridges delivered a boxing masterclassCredit: Reuters
      Bridges blasted her doubters after winning the IBF beltCredit: Instagram @ebanie_bridges
      “People use different things for motivation. I don’t use people’s hate or disbelief of me to motivate myself,” she said.
      “A lot of people want to prove people wrong, but I’m not like that.
      “It wasn’t the motivation for my fight, but when I did win – and I beat the longest reigning champion in the division decisively – it was a very sweet f*** you.
      “You can’t say I can’t fight now. I put on a masterclass in boxing.”
      From the young age of five, Bridges was obsessed by combat sports.
      She took on martial arts, including Karate which she has a black belt in.
      Boxing was her No1 passion, and growing up she loved watching Mike Tyson and Kostya Tszu in action.
      However, due to strict fighting laws in her homeland women weren’t allowed to compete in combat sports until 2008.
      Desperate to be involved, she took a job as a ring girl and continued to train religiously.
      She said: “I wanted to be in the fights, but wasn’t allowed. So instead I got paid to show off my banging body.
      “Then I started doing competitive bodybuilding all the way through my 20s. By that time, combat sports for women became legal.
      “I liked punching people up, so it made sense for me to make the transition to amateur boxing.”
      Before she launched a boxing career, Bridges was a ring girlCredit: Instagram @ebanie_bridges
      Bridges boasts a degree in maths and a Masters in teachingCredit: Instagram @ebanie_bridges
      Gruelling training sessions and a dedication to be the best put Bridges on topCredit: Instagram @ebanie_bridges
      Bridges fought 30 times at amateur level – winning 26 times, before turning professional just three years ago.
      Alongside her sporting ambitions, she earned a degree in maths and a Master’s in teaching, and she teaches at a school – proving academia is just as important for Bridges.
      “It’s not just about boxing. It’s about setting your goals and achieving your dreams, so I feel like I’m setting example for my students,” she said.
      “To see their own teacher at this level and working hard, and also someone who has already done three degrees and a Masters, shows them that education is important.”
      Her rise to the top hasn’t been without its sacrifices. Her path to success has been helped by training in England’s boxing gyms.
      She is a 24-hour flight away and nine-hours behind in time from her family and partner when she’s on our shores.
      But her popularity in the UK knows no ends, as is proven by the seven million viewers that tune-in to watch her famous weigh-ins.
      Dressed in risqué underwear, Bridges made no apologies for who she is and what she wears.
      Bridges’ weigh-ins have become legendaryCredit: PA
      Wearing a g-string, Bridges dazzles before her big fightsCredit: PA
      Bridges makes no apologies for wearing sexy lingerie at her weigh-insCredit: Instagram @ebanie_bridges
      She said: “Why would I go and buy f****** underwear that I would never wear again?”
      “And because everyone else wears Calvin Klein matching underwear, should I go and buy the same? No way!
      “I want to wear underwear that I actually like. I was also a bodybuilder for 10 years of my life, so I would stand on stage with a g-string, flexing, posing and looking pretty.
      “For me, wearing a nice matching lingerie set is just like wearing a bikini like I did on stage.
      “I am standing there owning what I look like, and showing off my body that I’ve worked so hard to get.
      “I want to be myself and go and enjoy that one moment. A weigh-in for me is like a bodybuilding competition. I do my hair and make-up, wear a cute little g-string, and smile for the cameras.
      “It has absolutely nothing to do with, ‘oh, this is going to sell’. Thankfully it does. What I like to do sells. How I like to fight sells. But it’s just me being me and doing what I want to do.
      “I push that message. Be you, be real. It’s not female empowerment. But I’m not hiding my femininity because I’m in a male-dominated sport.
      “People think it’s me wearing lingerie that fans want to see, but it’s not the lingerie that gets the seven million views.
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      Bridges preaches that it is important to be yourself and be realCredit: Instagram @ebanie_bridges
      After defeating Maria Cecilia Roman, Bridges is now the queen of boxingCredit: Reuters
      “It’s the whole thing. The way I move, the confidence I have, because I am an ex-bodybuilder and is what I do naturally.
      “I do it because I f****** love it.” More

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      in Boxing

      How Ebanie Bridges became IBF champion, silencing the critics and dazzling fans in sexy lingerie at her weigh-ins

      by

      EBANIE BRIDGES is bringing glam to boxing inside and outside of the ring.The outspoken, criminally underrated Aussie boxer, 35, emphatically saw off Maria Cecilia Roman last month to become IBF champion – and silence her critics.
      Ebanie Bridges was crowned IBF champions last monthCredit: Reuters
      Glam Bridges shows off her incredible physique in risqué lingerieCredit: PA
      It capped off a remarkable journey that began in 2016 as an amateur – but even then Bridges knew she was destined for the top, despite her relatively late start to the game and her first fight being just weeks before her 30th birthday.
      “When I first started out, I knew I wanted to be a world champion. That was my goal,” she exclusively told SunSport.
      “And during the training camp, I already believed I was going to be.
      “It wasn’t a shock (when I won), because I already felt like a champion. I made myself believe it.”
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      But before she defeated her Argentinian foe by unanimous decision after 10 gruelling rounds to become world champ, Bridges’ stunning looks brought her fighting ability into question.
      Her weigh-ins have become legendary among boxing fans – with her choice of lingerie sexing up the occasion, making promoter Eddie Hearn blush in the process.
      But after her famous victory, she let her critics who saw her just as the pretty face of women’s boxing have it. She roared in an interview ringside with DAZN, “Can I f****** fight or what?!”
      Not that proving her doubters wrong gave her extra motivation.
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      In defeating Maria Cecilia Roman, Bridges delivered a boxing masterclassCredit: Reuters
      Bridges blasted her doubters after winning the IBF beltCredit: Instagram @ebanie_bridges
      “People use different things for motivation. I don’t use people’s hate or disbelief of me to motivate myself,” she said.
      “A lot of people want to prove people wrong, but I’m not like that.
      “It wasn’t the motivation for my fight, but when I did win – and I beat the longest reigning champion in the division decisively – it was a very sweet f*** you.
      “You can’t say I can’t fight now. I put on a masterclass in boxing.”
      From the young age of five, Bridges was obsessed by combat sports.
      She took on martial arts, including Karate which she has a black belt in.
      Boxing was her No1 passion, and growing up she loved watching Mike Tyson and Kostya Tszu in action.
      However, due to strict fighting laws in her homeland women weren’t allowed to compete in combat sports until 2008.
      Desperate to be involved, she took a job as a ring girl and continued to train religiously.
      She said: “I wanted to be in the fights, but wasn’t allowed. So instead I got paid to show off my banging body.
      “Then I started doing competitive bodybuilding all the way through my 20s. By that time, combat sports for women became legal.
      “I liked punching people up, so it made sense for me to make the transition to amateur boxing.”
      Before she launched a boxing career, Bridges was a ring girlCredit: Instagram @ebanie_bridges
      Bridges boasts a degree in maths and a Masters in teachingCredit: Instagram @ebanie_bridges
      Gruelling training sessions and a dedication to be the best put Bridges on topCredit: Instagram @ebanie_bridges
      Bridges fought 30 times at amateur level – winning 26 times, before turning professional just three years ago.
      Alongside her sporting ambitions, she earned a degree in maths and a Master’s in teaching, and she teaches at a school – proving academia is just as important for Bridges.
      “It’s not just about boxing. It’s about setting your goals and achieving your dreams, so I feel like I’m setting example for my students,” she said.
      “To see their own teacher at this level and working hard, and also someone who has already done three degrees and a Masters, shows them that education is important.”
      Her rise to the top hasn’t been without its sacrifices. Her path to success has been helped by training in England’s boxing gyms.
      She is a 24-hour flight away and nine-hours behind in time from her family and partner when she’s on our shores.
      But her popularity in the UK knows no ends, as is proven by the seven million viewers that tune-in to watch her famous weigh-ins.
      Dressed in risqué underwear, Bridges made no apologies for who she is and what she wears.
      Bridges’ weigh-ins have become legendaryCredit: PA
      Wearing a g-string, Bridges dazzles before her big fightsCredit: PA
      Bridges makes no apologies for wearing sexy lingerie at her weigh-insCredit: Instagram @ebanie_bridges
      She said: “Why would I go and buy f****** underwear that I would never wear again?”
      “And because everyone else wears Calvin Klein matching underwear, should I go and buy the same? No way!
      “I want to wear underwear that I actually like. I was also a bodybuilder for 10 years of my life, so I would stand on stage with a g-string, flexing, posing and looking pretty.
      “For me, wearing a nice matching lingerie set is just like wearing a bikini like I did on stage.
      “I am standing there owning what I look like, and showing off my body that I’ve worked so hard to get.
      “I want to be myself and go and enjoy that one moment. A weigh-in for me is like a bodybuilding competition. I do my hair and make-up, wear a cute little g-string, and smile for the cameras.
      “It has absolutely nothing to do with, ‘oh, this is going to sell’. Thankfully it does. What I like to do sells. How I like to fight sells. But it’s just me being me and doing what I want to do.
      “I push that message. Be you, be real. It’s not female empowerment. But I’m not hiding my femininity because I’m in a male-dominated sport.
      “People think it’s me wearing lingerie that fans want to see, but it’s not the lingerie that gets the seven million views.
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      Bridges preaches that it is important to be yourself and be realCredit: Instagram @ebanie_bridges
      After defeating Maria Cecilia Roman, Bridges is now the queen of boxingCredit: Reuters
      “It’s the whole thing. The way I move, the confidence I have, because I am an ex-bodybuilder and is what I do naturally.
      “I do it because I f****** love it.” More

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      in Soccer

      Seven of the weirdest excuses in football, from grey kits to croaking frogs and Michael Jackson

      by

      FOOTBALLERS, managers and club owners do not like losing.And if they do, some might try and find an excuse – like injuries, fixture congestion or bad refereeing decisions.
      Even the mighty Pep Guardiola has come up with a lame excuse for poor performanceCredit: AFP
      But these stars of the game went with the strangest reasons we’ve ever heard for a poor result.
      SunSport wades through seven of the weirdest excuses in football.
      Pep Guardiola
      Normally you sing when you’re winning, but not Pep Guardiola.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Man Utd news .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Ten Hag ‘wants’ Harry Kane & Declan Rice, Shaw could be OUT for the season
      After City scraped past Wolves on penalties in the Carabao Cup in 2017, the Spanish boss went on the attack about the ball.
      “It is not acceptable, the ball was unacceptable for a high-level competition,” he blasted.
      “It is too light, it moves all over the place, it is not a good ball. It is impossible to score with a ball like that and I can say that because we won, I’m not making excuses.
      “All of my players said: ‘What is that?’ I’m sorry Carabao Cup is not a serious ball for a serious competition. It’s [for] marketing, money, OK but it’s not acceptable – [it has] no weight, nothing.”
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      Guardiola thought the special Mitre ball used in the Carabao Cup in 2017 was too lightCredit: AFP
      Jose Mourinho
      The Special One was once left miffed when a floodlights operator and the fans were “asleep” during a Chelsea game against QPR at Loftus Road in 2014.
      The Blues would labour to a 2-1 win, but Mourinho wasn’t happy with the lighting or the supporters.
      “I think the man responsible for the lights was in the same mood as the crowd because everyone was sleeping,” he moaned.
      “It took him 20 minutes to understand that it was dark, but it took me 30 minutes to understand that the stadium was not empty. When we scored was when I realised the stadium was full.”
      Jose Mourinho is a stickler for lighting and noiseCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Mourinho was left miffed by the floodlights operator and fans at Loftus RoadCredit: Rex
      Sir Alex Ferguson
      Back in 1996, Southampton took Manchester United to the cleaners in the first half of a Premier League game.
      3-0 down at half-time, United came out for the second half wearing a completely different strip.
      The reason? Because United’s stars couldn’t find a pass wearing a grey kit.
      Fergie confirmed after the final whistle: “The players don’t like the grey strip. They find it difficult to pick each other out. We had to change the strip.”
      Man Utd were all at sea in a grey shirt which they blamed for a defeatCredit: Getty
      United’s star changed their jerseys at half-time, with Sir Alex Ferguson complaining his stars couldn’t find a pass wearing greyCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Alan Pardew
      When Alan Pardew’s Newcastle side were beaten 2-0 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in 2012, it was all the Notting Hill Carnival’s fault.
      He revealed: “Today was a little bit unfair on us. We couldn’t move the game to Sunday because of the Notting Hill Carnival.”
      Pards also once complained about the length of the grass in a preseason friendly against Rangers.
      And he whinged about a quiet transfer market – saying the Olympics coverage was providing a distraction.
      Alan Pardew has often found an excuse for defeatCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The Notting Hill Carnival was once to blame for his Newcastle side losing a matchCredit: AFP or licensors
      Mohamed Al Fayed
      The former Fulham owner was besties with Michael Jackson.
      He loved the King of Pop, who spent mega-money in Harrods, so much he bizarrely had a statue built in his honour at Craven Cottage.
      However, when it came down the Cottagers were relegated.
      Al Fayed complained: “This statue was a charm and we removed the luck from the club and now we have to pay the price”.
      Ex-Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed blamed the removal of Michael Jackson’s statue at Craven Cottage for their relegationCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Barry Fry
      Always game for a laugh, we didn’t take Barry Fry to be the superstitious type or believing in gypsy curses, which had descended upon St Andrews.
      But to end a losing streak at Birmingham City in 1994, the enigmatic manager decided on watering the grass on the pitch… with his urine.
      “We went three months without winning … We were desperate, so I pissed in all four corners, holding it in while I waddled round the pitch,” he said.
      “Did it work? Well, we started to win and I thought it had, then they f****** sacked me, so probably not.”
      Barry Fry once took to peeing on the St Andrews pitch at Birmingham City to break a gypsy curseCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Vladislav Vashchuk
      Spain had a brilliant side at the 2006 World Cup, and inflicted the Ukraine’s worst ever defeat in a 4-0 thrashing in the group stages.
      But defender Vashchuk had the most amazing excuse for his country’s loss.
      It was outside interference from the surrounding wildlife at their hotel keeping them awake the night before the game.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}SLAPPED DOWN .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Thandiwe Newton axed from film after row with Channing Tatum over Oscars slap
      “Because of the frogs’ croaking we hardly got a wink of sleep,” he said.
      “We all agreed that we would take some sticks and go and hunt them,” he added bravely.
      Vladislav Vashchuk of Ukraine hardly covered himself in glory during Ukraine’s 4-0 defeat to SpainCredit: Getty
      Frogs were blamed by Ukrainian stars for keeping their stars awake before the gameCredit: Alamy More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea’s Levi Colwill has starred at Huddersfield, is rated as ‘next Rio’, but could be set for Stamford Bridge exit

      by

      CHELSEA may not get to see the best of Levi Colwill.The talented youngster, 19, has been a revelation on-loan at Huddersfield Town, as The Terriers push for promotion from the Championship.
      Chelsea loanee Levi Colwill has become a key player at HuddersfieldCredit: Getty
      His form, and current situation with the Blues, has alerted Premier League clubs that he could be available in the summer.
      Everton, Leicester City, and Southampton are all keeping tabs on the centre-half, dubbed the ‘next Rio Ferdinand’.
      And it could be that Colwill leaves Stamford Bridge and establishes himself as an England international, just like his pal Marc Guehi has done some eight miles away at Crystal Palace.
      First team opportunity
      Southampton-born, Colwill joined the Blues as an U9 and thrived through Chelsea’s youth set-up.
      He turned heads in the U18s, as well the U23s before the club decided that they needed to keep hold of their prized asset.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BLUES NEWS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Pagliuca announces NBA chairman as bidding partner, Lukaku PSG transfer latest
      In 2021, he signed a four-year deal and was promised a loan deal to get some valuable first team experience with senior pros, who he’d only come up against playing in the EFL Trophy.
      Huddersfield gave him that opportunity, installing the 6ft2in defender into their backline.
      It’s fair to say, he hasn’t looked back – appearing 27 times and helping the club cement their place in the playoff positions.
      Unlike Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori, Colwill will be hopeful of getting his club promoted to the Premier League at the end of the campaign.
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      Just like Rio
      His presence from a defensive point of view has stood out, and he’s efficient in the tackle and comfortable in the air.
      But where Colwill really stands out is on the deck.
      He reads the game beautifully, and like central defenders of the modern era he’s comfortable bringing the ball out.
      His performances have led to comparisons to Rio Ferdinand, by none other than Rio’s brother, Anton.
      “When I’ve looked at him and watched him, the first thing I saw was his presence, his stature, his build,” he said.
      “For someone so young, 19 years old, to have the stature he’s got. He looks like he plays with an older head, which is also a good thing as a centre-back.
      “Blessed to be left-footed, there’s not many left-footed centre-backs about.
      “The ball at his feet is a major, major asset to his armoury.
      “He’s very good on the ball, he’s calm and collected, he’s assertive with his passing, he’s someone that can start attacks.
      Bringing the ball out of defence is one of Colwill’s many attributesCredit: PA
      Colwill in action for England’s U21 side last monthCredit: Rex
      “When you look at a modern day centre-back he’s got everything to go to the very top.
      “The word Rolls-Royce was associated with Rio, and he’s got similar attributes to Rio.”
      What’s next?
      Colwill’s future is currently in the balance.
      Chelsea are reportedly braced for a number of approaches for their wonderkid.
      So, it’s a question of how they can fit him in.
      Already a crowded position in the squad, some space will be filled up when Andreas Christensen leaves in the summer.
      The ageless Thiago Silva doesn’t appear to be slowing down, while Trevoh Chalobah has impressed at times.
      While Antonio Rudiger’s contract talks are still up in the air, following a breakdown in discussions.
      Chelsea however may be tempted to cash in now.
      Whatever he decides, there are plenty of suitors.
      His performances at Huddersfield Town have earned Colwill comparisons with Man Utd legend Rio FerdinandCredit: Getty
      With his future up in the air, Chelsea would loathe to lose ColwillCredit: Getty
      Aware of his ability in Chelsea’s youth teams, Frank Lampard is believed to be interested in bringing him to Goodison Park.
      Southampton want to add him to their collection ex-Chelsea youths, having already seen success with Tino Livramento.
      If he does decide to leave, Chelsea’s loss will certainly be their gain. More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Motorsport

      Nikita Mazepin’s playboy lifestyle from £100m mansion to glam friends now in ruins after ex-F1 ace hit by sanctions

      by

      RUSSIAN driver Nikita Mazepin’s glam life away from the F1 circuit is under threat.The ex-Haas star, 23, and his oligarch father Dmitry – who is worth £730million – have had their assets seized by Italian authorities after sanctions were placed on the pair.
      Russian driver Nikita Mazepin’s glam life is under threat after recent sanctionsCredit: Getty
      The prized possession, a luxury villa with a £100million price tag in the Portisco area of Olbia on the north-east coast of Sardinia, was also taken from them by Italian financial police, following Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
      Mazepin, who had his contract terminated by Haas ahead of the 2022 season, boasts incredible riches away from the circuit – driving luxury motors, flying in private jets, and hanging out with the A-list.
      However, now he’s sanctioned he may have to get ready to live the simple life.
      Putin links
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a:not(.nk-card-link){z-index:2;position:relative;}.css-1uyse24{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border:none;}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,114,238,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(34,37,38,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-xpuujo{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-tqcu81{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-bq4915{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,97,108,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}OUT ON HIS HAAS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Mazepin AXED by Haas as Russian is banned from racing under neutral flag
      Mazepin was accustomed to a jet-set life with dad Dmitry at one stage worth over £1billion thanks to his booming chemicals business, Uralchem.
      But Mazepin Sr’s life came crashing down last month when the EU revealed he was “a member of the closest circle” of Putin allies, and that his business was providing “substantial revenue” to the Russian government.
      He and his son were then added to the EU’s list of Russians sanctioned by the European Union.
      Mazepin jr was subsequently sacked by Haas too, even though he was due to race for the American team.
      Nikita Mazepin and dad Dmitry, second from the left, seen with Vladimir PutinCredit: Alamy
      The heir to a £720m fortune, Mazepin ‘sand his father’s life has come crashing downCredit: Instagram @nikita_mazepin
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      Nikita was furious. He wrote on Instagram: “Dear fans and followers, I am very disappointed to hear that my F1 contract has been terminated.
      “While I understand the difficulties, the ruling from the FIA plus my ongoing willingness to accept the conditions proposed in order to continue were completely ignored, and no process was followed in this unilateral step.
      “To those who have tried to understand, my eternal thanks.
      “I have treasured my time in F1 and genuinely hope we can all be together again in better times.
      “I will have more to say in the coming days. Nikita.”
      Playboy lifestyle
      What that did to Nikita, who enjoys the playboy life like many F1 stars, is ultimately rob him of his £1million-per-year salary.
      But, judging by how he leads his life on Instagram, his street cred and lifestyle will suffer too.
      Priding himself on living an unobtainable existence for most, he has the nice cars – a £1million McLaren 720S, Audi RS Q8 worth around £500,000, as well as a Lamborghini Aventador (£300,000), and a collector’s item, Bugatti Veyron (£1million).
      Immaculately dressed in designer wear, he loves his watches – often seen wearing brands like Blancpain that could set him back around £100,000.
      Fashionable Mazepin loves designer wearCredit: Instagram @nikita_mazepin
      Flash cars and expensive watches are also Mazepin’s ticketCredit: Instagram @nikita_mazepin
      Famous pals
      Ultimately, it’s his A-list friends that could soon disappear from his life.
      Across social media, there are multiple snaps of Mazepin with a host of celebrities.
      Yes, there’s one with Putin, he’s been seen with Cruz Beckham, UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov and Cristiano Ronaldo.
      And although he’s remained coy about his relationship status, he is said to be close to Andrea Del Val.
      Back in December, the pair were seen arm-in-arm at a theatre in Moscow.
      Describing herself as a travel consultant, she also enjoys the jet-set lifestyle.
      Cristiano Ronaldo and Mazepin work out togetherCredit: Instagram @nikita_mazepin
      Cruz Beckham appears to be pals with MazepinCredit: Instagram @nikita_mazepin
      UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov and Mazepin hang outCredit: Instagram @nikita_mazepin
      Groping incident
      However, back in 2020 they were embroiled in a controversy that got Mazepin in hot water with Haas.
      On a night out with Del Val and pals, he was seen grabbing a woman’s breast in the back seat of a car, which led to her giving him the middle finger in a video initially shared and quickly deleted on Instagram.
      Del Val claimed she was the one who uploaded the video.
      “Hi guys, I just want to let you know Nikita and I have been good friends for a long time and nothing from that video was serious at all!” she wrote.
      “We trust each other so much and this was a silly way of joking between us.
      “I posted this video on his story as an internal joke. I am truly sorry.
      “I can give you my word he’s a really good person and he would never do anything to hurt me or humiliate me.”
      Andrea Del Val and travel consultant Mazepin are reportedly closeCredit: Instagram @nikita_mazepin
      Del Val was forced to apologise after a video of Mazepin groping a woman appeared onlineCredit: Instagram @almadelcaribe
      Rocky Ram
      While friends may come and go, it’s his possessions Mazepin will be mostly wary of losing.
      The prized one being that £100million home called Rocky Ram, which was registered in his name and his father’s when it was confirmed to be seized.
      It was bought in 2012 from an Italian newspaper editor for an undisclosed amount. But think substantial.
      The seafront villa, on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean, has 25 rooms, luxurious gardens and a large swimming pool.
      A spokesperson for the Italian Financial Police told MailOnline: “Following verifications on subjects that are part of the current European Union sanctions list, an impounding order was served on Dmitry Mazepin and his son Nikita Mazepin, a driver with the Formula 1 team Haas until March 5, on a residential complex worth 105 million Euro and traceable to both through an overseas company.”
      For now, the high-life including private jets will be on hold for MazepinCredit: Instagram @nikita_mazepin
      Mazepin’s glam life appears to be in tattersCredit: Instagram @nikita_mazepin
      He is said to own other properties, including a mansion in Moscow, apartment in Paris, and a place in Monaco.
      So, it’s not as if he’ll be kipping on his mate’s settee.
      But, with his career and dream in tatters, it might be a while before he’s back rubbing shoulders with the glitterati. More

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      in Soccer

      Biggest comebacks from British teams in Champions League history, as Chelsea take on Real Madrid

      by

      CHELSEA face an uphill battle to qualify for the semi-finals of the Champions League.The Blues head to the Bernabeu looking to reverse a 3-1 defeat by Real Madrid on Tuesday night.
      N’Golo Kante and his Chelsea team-mates face an uphill struggle to overturn Real Madrid’s 3-1 leadCredit: Rex
      It really is a mission impossible for Thomas Tuchel’s side, if they want to retain any hope of reclaiming the trophy they won last season.
      But, they should take heart from these amazing comebacks from these British teams in the competition.
      Milan 3-3 Liverpool (L’pool win 3-2 on pens)
      Arguably the greatest ever, and it happened in the final of 2005.
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      Milan raced to a 3-0 lead at half-time, and seemingly had the game won thanks to goals from Paolo Maldini and two from Hernan Crespo.
      However, the Reds weren’t done. Between the 54th and 60th minute the scoreline was level with Steven Gerrard, Vladimir Smicer and Xabi Alonso.
      The match went to extra-time, where Polish goalie Jerzy Dudek pulled off a miraculous double save.
      Liverpool then triumphed on penalties, breaking Milan’s hearts.
      Liverpool’s goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek stops Andriy Shevchenko’s penaltyCredit: Corbis – Getty
      Steven Gerrard kisses the Champions League trophy after the epic comebackCredit: Getty
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      Man Utd 2-1 Bayern Munich
      It’s the stuff of folklore. And another final in 1999.
      After being battered for 91 minutes, Man Utd won a corner – trailing Germans Bayern Munich, who will still rue only being 1-0 up into the dying moments.
      David Beckham whipped in the delivery, Bayern couldn’t clear the ball, it fell to Ryan Giggs whose mis-hit shot found Teddy Sheringham to side-foot into the corner.
      Same idea for the winner. A Beckham delivery was this time met by the head of Sheringham who flicked the ball to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s toe who diverted it into the roof of the net in the 93rd minute.
      As Sir Alex Ferguson said afterwards in his post-match interview. “Football, bloody hell.”
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer completed an amazing turn around against Bayern MunichCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Manchester United and Alex Ferguson celebrate winning the Champions LeagueCredit: Alamy

      Arsenal 2-1 Barcelona
      It goes without saying, Arsenal were up against a very good Barcelona team in 2011 – Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta, Messi, Villa and co.
      Understandably largely outplayed by the better technical side, it would be English grit that would give them a narrow first leg lead.
      Robin Van Persie’s 78th minute near post strike cancelled out David Villa’s first half strike.
      Then a sweeping move ended with Andrey Arshavin sending Arsenal fans into ecstasy.
      Andrey Arshavin completes a sweeping Arsenal move to put the Gunners 2-1 upCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      Arshavin celebrates the memorable comebackCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Ajax 2-3 Tottenham
      After losing the first leg 1-0 at home to an Ajax side who had dumped out Cristiano Ronaldo’s Juventus, the odds were stacked against Spurs in 2019.
      And it got worse in Amsterdam, when the hosts went 2-0 up (3-0 on aggregate).
      Still, no Harry Kane, who was missing through injury, no problem.
      Lucas Moura turned the game on its head with two goals in five mad minutes. Then, six minutes into injury time, the Brazilian completed his hat-trick.
      Lucas Moura’s amazing hat-trick in Amsterdam downed AjaxCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Ajax’s captain Matthijs de Ligt was left stunned by the amazing fightback at full-timeCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona
      In this two-legged semi-final in 2019, the Catalans had one foot in the final after a devastating 3-0 win at the Camp Nou inspired by Lionel Messi.
      But Jurgen Klopp’s side had other ideas, even if their squad was depleted and without talisman Mo Salah and his strike partner Roberto Firmino.
      An early goal from Divock Origi gave them a glimmer of hope, before Georginio Wijnaldum struck twice to bring the tie level.
      Origi would finish the comeback to send the Kop wild.
      “The belief in the changing room is incredible,” captain Jordan Henderson revealed. “We knew we could pull something off.”
      Liverpool’s Divock Origi puts Liverpool 1-0 upCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      The Anfield scoreboard shows 4-0 as Lionel Messi looks dejectedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      PSG 1-3 Man Utd
      The Red Devils were battered by Neymar and Kylian Mbappe at Old Trafford, and were lucky to trail just 2-0 from the first leg from the 2018-19 season.
      When Juan Bernat equalised a Romelu Lukaku strike, United’s heads could’ve dropped. But they didn’t.
      Lukaku added a second before United were awarded a controversial penalty after Presnel Kimpembe was adjudged to have handled a Diogo Dalot shot in the area.
      Step-forward a brave 21-year-old Marcus Rashford, who confidently slammed the ball past Gianluigi Buffon for an unlikely 94th minute winner.
      Marcus Rashford was the match-winner for Man Utd against PSG from the penalty spotCredit: AFP or licensors
      Rashford consoles PSG’s Kylian MbappeCredit: AFP or licensors
      Chelsea 4-1 Napoli
      In 2012 Chelsea were in a chaos similar to where they are now.
      Soundly beaten 3-1 in a last-16 clash in Naples, Andre Villas Boas was subsequently sacked and replaced with Roberto Di Matteo.
      Didier Drogba, John Terry and Frank Lampard all scored to take the game into extra-time.
      Branislav Ivanovic was the hero firing home from Drogba’s cross.
      That year, Chelsea would be victorious and win the competition beating Bayern Munich in the final.
      Clearly, it was written in the stars. Could history repeat itself?
      Branislav Ivanovic scores Chelsea’s fourth in extra-time to complete a famous comebackCredit: Graham Hughes – The Times
      Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard of Chelsea celebrate their team’s unlikely victory after the final whistleCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Footballers who eat fast food, after Kevin De Bruyne buys McDonald’s for wife and kids following Man City draw

      by

      FOR plenty of footballers, a strict diet is crucial to how they perform on the pitch.Many boast their own private chefs who rustle up healthy meals.
      Kevin De Bruyne headed to McDonald’s with his family after a Man City gameCredit: TikTok / @kevindebruyne via Instagram
      While when others fine dine, they gorge on fish, salads and high-protein dishes.
      But, every now and again, a footballer will have a cheat day and indulge in some fast food.
      Here’s some footballers who couldn’t resist eating junk.
      Kevin De Bruyne
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      You could say Man City’s Belgium star earned his fast food fix, following another brilliant performance in the engine room for Pep Guardiola’s side against Liverpool.
      After the final whistle, he took his wife and kids to McDonald’s – documenting his trip on TikTok.
      In the video, he appears to pick up a couple of Happy Meals.
      There is absolutely no confirmation that he pinched a few chips from them.
      Belgium star De Bruyne drops by the golden arches with his familyCredit: TikTok / @kevindebruyne via Instagram
      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      Eden Hazard
      Spare a thought for another Belgium star, ex-Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard.
      At Real Madrid he’s constantly faced jibes about his weight, admitting himself he’s partial to the odd bun or two.
      But in 2011, furious about being subbed off by his country during a game against Turkey, he left the stadium and was later seen scoffing a burger.
      The shocking pictures were splashed across newspapers in Belgium causing manager Georges Leekens to dish out a two-game suspension for the star’s unprofessionalism.
      Eden Hazard was subbed against Turkey in 2011 and left the match to eat a burger
      David Beckham
      He may have retired in 2013, but David Beckham shows no signs of letting himself go and remains trim.
      Amazing really considering he loves fish and chips.
      Once, when watching a Champions League match, he shared a plate of food, which had a saveloy, cod and chips, as well as a loaf of bread and big bottle of ketchup.
      Of course, there was no forgetting the curry sauce either.
      David Beckham picks up fish and chips from his local shop in OxfordshireCredit: Instagram
      David Beckham once shared a feast he enjoyed while watching PSGCredit: Instagram
      Cristiano Ronaldo
      CR7 loves pizza. Just ask his mum.
      Last year, Dolores Aveiro revealed on Portuguese TV: “My son also likes pizza. He eats one once a week but afterwards he does loads of sit-ups.”
      In the past, Ronaldo told of how he likes to eat pizza with son Cristiano Jr.
      However, he claimed it’s something that happens only “sometimes” – not to make life boring.
      Cristiano Ronaldo’s mum reveals he binges on pizza once a week, although this photo is a mock-up
      Bate Borisov
      Belarusian side Bate Borisov have won 15 league titles in their homeland, including 13 consecutively.
      They’ve also managed to qualify for the group stages of the Champions League five times, and the Europa League four times.
      How have they done it?
      By sneaking in a Burger King meal on their travels in Europe.
      Bate Borisov’s stars tuck into a Burger KingCredit: Twitter
      Alex Song
      Former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder was partial to a KFC BEFORE he played home games at the Emirates.
      His former team-mate Emmanuel Frimpong made the astonishing claim back in 2018.
      Speaking to The Telegraph about players eating habits, he said: “Then there was [Alex] Song, who used to go to KFC before every home game.
      “On the bus to the team hotel the night before the game, he would be eating chicken nuggets.”
      Alex Song liked to scoff KFC before games with Arsenal, according to an ex-team-mateCredit: Bongarts – Getty
      Rio Ferdinand
      For ex-Man Utd defender Ferdinand, a cheeky Nando’s is his poison.
      He’s even got himself a fancy Nando’s High-Five card which allows the former England star free grub for him and his pals.
      “When I come down to London by train, I always stop in at the Nando’s in Euston for a bite,” he once tweeted.
      While on another visit, he wrote on social media, “OMD this nandos is gonna get destroyed!”
      And back in 2019, Ferdinand and wife Kate hired out a Nando’s in Camberwell, South London for a Christmas feast with their pals.
      Rio and Kate Ferdinand enjoy a meal in Nando’sCredit: @xkateferdinand
      The Nandos Black card is getting a bit of usage, medium spice it is tonight! Then watch the boys hopefully win in Romania, come on the boys!— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) October 18, 2011 More