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12 players who have played for rivals Liverpool and Manchester City in the Premier League era from Fowler to Balotelli
by Philippa Kaur 8 April 2022, 13:47
MANCHESTER CITY and Liverpool are fighting on three fronts.Dominant in the Premier League, where they face off this weekend, they will go toe-to-toe in the FA Cup semi-final and could face off against each other in the Champions League showpiece in Paris at the end of May.
Current Man City star Raheem Sterling also played for LiverpoolCredit: Getty
But, there was a time when they weren’t such fierce rivals.
And, believe it or not, players either transferred between the two clubs, or at least played for both.
SunSport looks at the 12 pros who starred for both sides in the Premier League era.
Raheem Sterling
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A man who delivered impeccable service to both, Sterling was nabbed from QPR by the Reds in a deal worth around £600,000, although a huge sell-on fee was reportedly included.
The winger would star under Brendan Rodgers before a contract dispute would see him force a move to Man City for £50million.
Sterling has blossomed into one of his generation’s best players under Pep Guardiola – leading England to the final of the Euros last year.
He has also won the Premier League three times.
Sterling made his name in the Premier League with the RedsCredit: PA:Empics Sport
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Kolo Toure
Now first team coach at Leicester City, and a former Arsenal defender, Toure has been well-travelled on our shores.
He signed for Man City, as the revolution under Sheikh Mansour was beginning, in 2009 for £15million, and would win the league with the club in 2012.
After 102 appearances he signed for Liverpool in 2013 on a free transfer, but never won any major honours.
He was released in 2016 after 71 appearances and snapped up by Celtic, where he would win a league and cup double.
Kolo Toure would win the league with Manchester CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty
At Liverpool, Toure didn’t win any major honoursCredit: Action Images – Reuters
David James
It’s fair to say James provided a stellar service to both clubs.
He was snapped up by Liverpool from Watford in 1992 for £1million and appeared 277 times for them – winning the League Cup in 1995.
After spells at Aston Villa and West Ham, where he would begin to establish himself as England’s No1, he signed for Man City for an undisclosed fee to replace David Seaman in 2003.
A century of appearances later he moved to Portsmouth, where he would win the FA Cup and become a hero.
David James appeared 277 times for LiverpoolCredit: Getty Images – Getty
In 2003 James had a spell with Man CityCredit: PA:Press Association
Steve McManaman
McManaman came through the ranks at Anfield to become a legend – making 364 appearances and scoring 66 goals.
It was just a pity he played during their famous ‘Spice Boys’ era, otherwise he might’ve had more medals to show other than an FA Cup and League Cup.
Still, a move to Real Madrid allowed Macca to win LaLiga and the Champions League twice.
He moved to Man City in 2003, however niggling injuries saw him labelled one of the club’s worst ever free transfer signings by Manchester Evening News. He appeared just 44 times and failed to break his duck.
Steve McManaman was a legend at LiverpoolCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
McManaman’s best years were behind him when he joined CityCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Mario Balotelli
The enigma that is Balotelli was loved by the fans at Man City, but loathed my management for off-the pitch antics.
The man, famous for asking ‘Why Always Me’ on a T-shirt after scoring in the Manchester derby in response to his critics, signed for City in 2010 for £20million.
He would win the FA Cup in 2011 and the Premier League in 2012, but ultimately prove to frustrate and was sold to AC Milan.
Balotelli would return to our shores in 2014 – signing for the Reds for £16million to replace the departing Luis Suarez.
But, it proved to be a disastrous move – and he would score just four goals in 28 games before departing for Nice.
Now 31, he plays for Turkish side Adana Demirspor.
Mario Balotelli frustrated coaches at Man CityCredit: Getty – Contributor
Balotelli returned to England with Liverpool but was a flopCredit: PA:Empics Sport
Robbie Fowler
‘God’ as he was affectionately christened by the Kop was another who came through the ranks at Anfield.
He scored 183 goals in 369 games across two spells at Liverpool – winning various trophies, including the FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup, and Super Cup.
But before he rejoined Liverpool in 2005, there was a spell at Man City that began in 2002 when he joined from Leeds for around £6million.
Injuries were his biggest problem, although he did manage a 12-goal season in 2004-2005.
Robbie Fowler, nicknamed God by the Anfield faithful, scored 183 goals for the RedsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Injuries didn’t help Fowler at City as he struggledCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Nicolas Anelka
Bursting on to the scene with Arsenal as a teenager, Anelka would move to Real Madrid, flop, then go to PSG to discover his form.
In 2001, Liverpool got the French striker on loan – but he didn’t do enough to convince manager Gerard Houllier to offer him a permanent deal.
Man City, though, thought they could get a tune out of him in 2002 – paying £13million for his services from.
And they weren’t wrong – across three seasons he scored 45 goals in 103 games.
Nicolas Anelka returned to England with Liverpool on loan but didn’t do enough to earn a permanent move from PSGCredit: Getty
Anelka rediscovered his form at Man City, scoring 45 times in 103 gamesCredit: Getty
James Milner
Mr Reliable – Milner never let Man City down and continues to be Liverpool’s unsung hero at 36.
It was at the Etihad he starred at from 2010 to 2015, making 203 appearances, following a £26million move from Aston Villa.
The midfielder would win the Premier League twice, as well as an FA Cup before embarking on a new challenge with Liverpool, who scored a bargain free transfer.
Milner has been instrumental in Liverpool’s recent successes, adding another Premier League title and a Champions League medal to his honours.
Steady James Milner won two Premier League titles with Man CityCredit: AP:Associated Press
At 36 Milner shows no signs of slowing down at LiverpoolCredit: Getty
Dietmar Hamann
The German midfielder, famous for scoring the last goal at Wembley before it was demolished and rebuilt, clocked up 280 appearances for Liverpool from 1999-2006.
In that time, he won a Champions League and UEFA Cup, as well as the FA Cup and League Cup twice.
At 33, perhaps past his prime, he joined City and gave them good service with 71 appearances across three seasons.
Today, Hamann is a media commentator.
Dietmar Hamann was an incredible servant for the Reds from 1999-2006Credit: PA:Press Association
Hamann joined City at 33 with his best years behind himCredit: PA:Press Association
Craig Bellamy
In 2006 Bellamy agreed a deal to Liverpool for £6million, after a brilliant campaign with Blackburn.
His time at the club was blighted by scandal, when he was involved in a fight with team-mate John Arne Riise.
When Riise went to his hotel room before a crucial Champions League match with Barcelona, Bellamy followed him and attacked his team-mate with a golf club.
Bellamy would go on to score in that game and celebrate enthusiastically by swinging an imaginary golf club.
In 2009, following some time with West Ham, he was reunited with Mark Hughes at Man City in a £14million deal.
But, competition for places saw him frozen out and loaned to Cardiff City.
Incredibly, he would return to Anfield in 2011 for one season as a squad player under Kenny Dalglish.
Craig Bellamy had two spells at LiverpoolCredit: AFP – Getty
Bellamy was frozen out at Man City with competition for places fierceCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Daniel Sturridge
Man City fans never got to the see the best of Sturridge.
He came through the youth ranks and was the club’s Young Player of the Year, but when his contract expired in 2009 he moved to Chelsea.
Sturridge failed to make the grade at Stamford Bridge, and a loan to Bolton helped him discover his form.
In 2013, he joined Liverpool in a £12million move and his career exploded.
Partnering Luis Suarez, the pair were lethal. Sturridge would fly in his first full season with the club – scoring 24 goals in competitions.
Injuries took their toll, and his form soon dipped.
He was released in 2019, and signed for Turks Trabzonspor after a betting scandal in which he allegedly asked his brother to put a bet on him joining Sevilla.
Today, Sturridge plays his football in Australia for Perth Glory.
A youth product at Man City, Daniel Sturridge left the club for Chelsea as a youngsterCredit: Getty
Sturridge played his best football at LiverpoolCredit: Getty – Contributor
Albert Riera
Perhaps the forgotten man, Spanish midfielder Riera had a loan spell at Man City in 2006.
However, he didn’t pull up any trees – scoring once in 19 games and returned back to parent club Espanyol.
Liverpool were impressed though, and on transfer deadline day paid £8million to sign him.
Unhappy with the club, he ended up getting suspended after voicing his displeasure with boss Rafa Benitez’s management style.
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In 2010, he signed for Olympiacos for £5million and won the Greek title. He would then become a hero at Galatasaray, winning the Turkish league twice.
Riera is now Gala’s assistant manager.
Albert Riera’s loan spell at Man City convinced Liverpool to sign himCredit: PA:Press Association
After a fall out with boss Rafa Benitez, Rieira was soldCredit: Action Images – Reuters More
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14 ex-Man Utd stars as managers who have been sacked 17 times, and the ONE legend who has been a major success
by Philippa Kaur 5 April 2022, 15:16
RUUD VAN NISTELROOY is taking his first steps into management as boss of PSV Eindhoven.The Manchester United legend, 45, will take charge of the Dutch giants from next season, after coaching the clubs youth side.
Ruud Van Nistelrooy will take over the reigns at PSV from next seasonCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Many who played under legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson have made a foray into management, however most ended up flopping.
Although, there’s one who was a major success…
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER
THE super-sub was brought off the bench once again when things went wrong under Jose Mourinho.
After a great start, he was given the job permanently.
But a lack of trophies and with the side in dire straits earlier this season, he was regretfully given the boot.
He didn’t fare much better when he was manager of Cardiff, although did enjoy some success in his native Norway with Molde where he won the league twice and the cup.
VERDICT: A FLOP ON THESE SHORES
GARY NEVILLE
ASTONISHINGLY, after working mostly as a TV pundit and co-owner of Salford City, the ex-right-back was handed the reigns at Valencia in 2015.
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It was an appointment that lasted a meagre 28 games.
The biggest low including a 7-0 drubbing to rivals Barcelona.
“I never should have said yes to the job,” Neville said in 2019. “I wasn’t qualified for the job and didn’t wake up every morning and think about coaching.
“There was already far too much going on with the Sky stuff, writing articles for a newspaper and doing all the stuff in Manchester with Salford.”
VERDICT: FLOP DEBUT BUT TIME TO PROVE US WRONG
Gary Neville famously flopped as Valencia boss
STEVE BRUCE
A FORMER United captain, Bruce is now somewhat of a journeyman manager.
He’s managed 10 clubs, including Wigan Athletic twice. Major honours have escaped him though, with FA Cup runner-up at Hull City in 2014 perhaps a highlight.
Most recently, he was the brunt of Newcastle fans who lambasted his tactics.
His first sacking came at Huddersfield in 2000. Since then, he’s been fired from jobs at Aston Villa and the Toon.
VERDICT: FLOP – MOST OF THE TIME
Steve Bruce was recently sacked by Newcastle
PHIL NEVILLE
NEVILLE’S first taste of being boss came with England’s lionesses.
In 2018, he led the women’s team to glory in the SheBelievesCup.
However, a year later finishing fourth in the World Cup seemed to be a bit of a disappointment.
After stepping down from his role with the Three Lions, he was appointed as boss of David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
However, they finished fourth from bottom in the MLS Eastern Conference and failed to make the play offs.
VERDICT: FLOP SO FAR
Phil Neville is proving to be a dismal appointment for Inter Miami
RYAN GIGGS
IN 2014, after David Moyes was fired, Welsh legend Giggs was hired as United’s interim manager – winning two of his four games in charge.
Following a stint as Louis Van Gaal’s assistant, he took on the Wales national job in 2018 – leading his country to qualify for Euro 2020.
But in 2020, he was forced to take gardening leave.
VERDICT: TOO EARLY TO CALL
Jury’s out on Ryan Giggs’ career as a manager
ROY KEANE
AS a leader on the pitch, Keane appeared to be management material.
And things seemed to get off to a good start with Sunderland, who he helped gain promotion to the Premier League.
However, he stepped down in 2008 amidst a player mutiny and a dismal run of form.
Worse was to follow at Ipswich Town, where Keane was sacked when The Tractor Boys dropped to 21st in the Championship in 2011.
VERDICT: FLOP
Roy Keane was sacked by Ipswich Town in 2011
JAAP STAM
STAM played in the same sides as Keane, and himself was a tough competitor.
Most recently, he was dismissed as boss of MLS team FC Cincinnati having won four of just 25 games.
Before that, he handed in his resignation with Feyenoord bosses after 4-0 thrashing to rivals Ajax.
On our shores, Stam is remembered for his time at Reading. He enjoyed a successful first season, leading the Royals to the play offs.
However, it went downhill the following year. One win in 18 league matches was enough for Stam to be given his marching orders.
VERDICT: FLOP
At Reading Jaap Stam was given the bullet following a dismal run
BRYAN ROBSON
CAPTAIN Marvel has had a 17-year career as a manager, taking in jobs with the likes of Middlesbrough, Bradford City, West Brom, Sheffield United, Thailand, and then Thailand’s U23s.
His most successful period came at Boro, who he helped gain promotion. Between 1994-2001, Robson also led the club to three Wembley cup final appearances, although they lost each one.
A stint at Bradford City saw Robson officially sacked for the first time after just 28 games in charge and a winning percentage of just 25 per cent.
At West Brom he pulled off the great escape, with his side bottom of the Premier League at Christmas.
The following year, though, they were relegated and Robson left by mutual consent.
He also sacked by Sheffield United in 2008. He hasn’t managed anyone since the Thailand job ended in 2011.
VERDICT: FLOP
Captain Marvel Bryan Robson endured 17 years in management but hasn’t been in a job since 2011
MARK HUGHES
LIKE Robson, Hughes appeared to be tailor-made to be boss – doing decent jobs with Wales and Blackburn.
That scored him a big job at Manchester City in 2008, who were then taken over by Sheikh Mansour two months after he arrived.
However, after spending a fortune, including signing the disastrous Robinho for £32million, he was sacked after 18 months with nothing to show but a 10th place finish.
After a bust-up with Mohamed Al-Fayed, he resigned as Fulham boss 11 months after his appointment – with Al-Fayed labelling the Welshman a ‘strange man’.
Sackings at QPR, Stoke and Southampton then followed.
Officially, he’s the most sacked out of the United legends.
Now, he’s at Bradford City resurrecting his career.
VERDICT: BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT AFTER WALES AND BLACKBURN JOBS
Mark Hughes has been sacked four times – more than any other ex-Man Utd star
PAUL INCE
‘THE GUVNOR’ has been out of a job since 2014, since leaving Blackpool, where he was once handed a five game ban for berating an official in the tunnel.
In the lower leagues, Ince did a stellar jobs at Macclesfield Town in a player-manager role, before then getting Milton Keynes Dons promoted to League Two and winning the FA Trophy.
In 2008, however, when Blackburn Rovers asked him to make the step up to the Premier League, Ince proved to be out of his depth.
After three wins in 17 games, he was given the bullet.
VERDICT: FLOP
Paul Ince couldn’t hack it in the Premier League as a boss
PAUL SCHOLES
WITH one of the greatest football brains in the modern era, Scholes was surely going to make a decent coach?
Maybe too soon to tell. He spent just 31 days at crisis club Oldham between February and March 2019, until walking away following a disagreement with the owners.
“In the last week there was a couple of issues with a couple of players,” Scholes revealed in a chat with BT Sport in 2019.
“Experienced pros that I felt didn’t deserve to be treated the way the club wanted to treat them.
“I didn’t need the hassle of that. I really like the players, really respected them and would have done anything for them. But once I get told ‘don’t play him’, that’s when it is time for me to go…
“That only happened once, but that was the end of it. There were subtle hints along the way, but that was the end of it.”
VERDICT: TOO EARLY TO CALL
Paul Scholes spent just 31 days at crisis club Oldham
GORDON STRACHAN
THE Scot spent five years at Coventry City, mostly doing his best to avoid relegation.
Eventually, his luck would run out in 2001 when the club were demoted from the Premier League.
He was sacked the following season after a poor start in the First Division.
Within weeks, Strachan was back – this time in the Southampton hot seat. He resigned as Saints boss in 2004, after wanting to take a break from football
At Celtic he was victorious – winning three league titles in a row. But in his fourth season, the Hoops lost out Rangers and he handed in his resignation in 2009.
His time at Middlesbrough was forgettable. With the club languishing in 20th position, he commendably tore up his contract and refused compensation.
For his last act, Strachan walked away from the Scotland job after failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
VERDICT: MIXED BAG
On our shores, Gordon Strachan struggled at Coventry City and Middlesbrough
WAYNE ROONEY
Manchester United’s all-time top scorer, Rooney is the most recent former Red Devil star to try his hand at managing after being hired in 2020 by Derby County.
But it’s been a tumultuous time for the club, who are in dire financial trouble.
They narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of last season, but it looks highly unlikely they will be able to repeat that feat – after they were docked 21 points for financial irregularities and sit rock bottom of the Championship with four points and 22 games played.
Hard to judge Rooney on this though, given his hands are tied.
VERDICT: TOO EARLY TO TELL
Wayne Rooney’s first foray into management at cash-strapped Derby can’t be judged
LAURENT BLANC
The exception to the rule, Laurent Blanc is one of the world’s leading managers and has been linked with the Old Trafford job.
Currently in Qatar with Al-Rayyan, the France World Cup winner has won all his trophies in his homeland.
He landed the title with Bordeaux in 2009, then won three successive championships with PSG, as well as two French Cups and three French league cups with the latter in just three years.
The only blot on his copybook, perhaps, was his time as France boss, who he could only lead to a quarter-final of Euro 2012 before standing down.
But, he’s never been sacked.
VERDICT: HIT
Laurent Blanc is the exception to the rule, enjoying success as a boss More
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Arsenal wonderkid Khayon Edwards has been called the next Bukayo Saka and is set to sign his first professional contract
by Philippa Kaur 5 April 2022, 13:34
FORWARDS are all the rage in Arsenal’s youth team.In recent times the likes of Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun have broken into the Gunners’ first team after impressing youth level.
Arsenal wonderkid Khayon Edwards celebrates scoring against Spurs for the U18sCredit: Getty
Edwards is set to sign a new deal with the Gunners after starring at youth levelCredit: Getty
The next top talent who could follow in the footsteps of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe to make the transition to senior level is the free-scoring Khayon Edwards.
At the turn of the year, Edwards, 18, was called up to the U23s after blitzing all at U18 level.
And now talks have accelerated over offering the starlet his first pro contract – an upgrade on his current scholarship deal – with the likes of Chelsea and Leeds United monitoring the situation.
However, it is believed Arsenal are close to tying up the youngster’s future at the club.
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Prolific scorer
Back in September, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta promoted two youth stars to train with the first team.
One was Mexican playmaker Marcelo Flores, who was included in the squad for the Premier League clash with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
The other was Edwards, a prolific striker who just can’t stop scoring, who has been with the club since the age of five.
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This campaign he has shown he has outgrown the U18s with some blistering displays.
In the U18 Premier League, he has 16 goals in as many games – registering five assists in the process.
He scored a hat-trick against Norwich back in October, and was the hero against North London rivals in Tottenham by netting twice.
And when the young Gunners were missing Charlie Patino, Omari Hutchinson, and Mika Biereth, Edwards entered the fray at U23 level.
He wasn’t overawed either. The striker scored an equaliser to earn the Gunners a draw against a then table topping Hammers.
Guided by Mertesacker
Under the guidance of manager of the Arsenal Academy Per Mertesacker, Edwards is thriving.
Edwards revealed in the Arsenal programme: “Getting advice from someone like Per who’s played on the biggest stages and had an incredibly successful career means a lot to me – and I want to take everything he says on board.
On his U23 debut against West Ham prolific Edwards scoredCredit: Getty
In 16 games Edwards has netted 16 times and provided five assistsCredit: Getty
Edwards understands he has to continue to work hard and is happy at ArsenalCredit: Getty
“He’s created such a positive and welcoming environment in the academy and I’ve got to thank him and everyone else for that, because I love every moment I spend learning and training here.”
With that in mind, it’s no wonder he’s happy to sign on with the club.
And perhaps it won’t be long before he’s starring alongside Hale End graduates Saka and Smith Rowe in the first team. More
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Meet Asantewa Chitty, the stunning Instagram model who has charmed England sensation Jude Bellingham
by Philippa Kaur 4 April 2022, 12:00
MEET Asantewa Chitty, the Instagram beauty who is being courted by England sensation Jude Bellingham.SunSport exclusively revealed the midfielder, who plays in Germany, is smitten with the model.
Meet Instagram model Asantewa Chitty who has caught the eye of Jude Bellingham
Chitty shows off her stunning bikini body
Social media influencer Chitty is said to be very keen on the England ace
A source revealed that the Borussia Dortmund ace thinks she is “gorgeous”.
While, Chitty is equally interested.
The insider added: “She is also very keen on him.
“She is excited to see where this goes.”
But who is the stunner that could be joining England’s Wags in Qatar for this year’s World Cup?
She’s Insta famous
Although she’s only posted 18 images online, Chitty (who calls herself santchitty on Instagram and Twitter) has amassed almost 10,000 followers.
Her account is awash with lifestyle snaps showcasing a love for fashion.
She lists ‘Art’ on her account as something that means a lot to her.
Chitty appears well-travelled, sharing numerous snaps on foreign shores.
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But she remains coy about the destinations she travels to and never discloses them online.
However, she’s quick to show off her abs and bikini body in a series of pics on Instagram.
And of course, she follows Jude on the social media platform.
Chitty might be headed to Qatar with England’s Wags
Beauty Chitty has amassed almost 10,000 followers on Instagram
Chitty rocks streetwear fashion
TikTok
Amazingly, it’s Chitty’s TikTok videos that are more popular.
She has amassed over 330,000 likes in clips ranging from hotel visits to London and shopping trips to Zara.
Chitty also loves to soundtrack her life to various R&B hits, showing sass as she lip syncs along to the music.
But, she is yet to share any content with Bellingham.
With their relationship being in the early stages, we might have a wait on our hands to see them as a double-act.
On TikTok Chitty has over 330,000 likes for her videos
Selfies like this fill Chitty’s Instagram page
A keen shopper, Chitty likes to buy clothes from high-street chain Zara
Glam Chitty appears ready for Wag status More
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in Soccer
Meet Margaux Alexandra, the stunning Wag of Man Utd legend Patrice Evra who is a model and 14-yrs his junior
by Philippa Kaur 1 April 2022, 15:24
ON April 30, Patrice Evra will step into the boxing ring for the first time in an exhibition fight.The Man Utd and France legend, 40, is set to face YouTube boxer Adam Saleh at the O2 in London.
Meet Margaux Alexandra, the stunning fiancée of Patrice EvraCredit: Instagram @margauxalexandra
Gorgeous Margaux is a Danish modelCredit: Instagram @margauxalexandra
Patrice Evra and girlfriend Margaux have dated since 2020Credit: Instagram @margauxalexandra
And likely to be cheering him on ringside is his beautiful fiancee, Margaux Alexandra.
The 26-year-old stunner is a Danish model and social media influencer.
Despite an age gap of 14-years, the pair have been inseparable since getting together in 2020.
Last year, they welcomed a baby son together they called Lilas.
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Happy Evra after
Before Evra found love with Margaux, he was married to long-term partner Sandra.
However, their romance was rocked by cheating allegations.
Evra was accused of fathering two children with Las Vegas-based doctor, Gabriella Birley, who he reportedly had a secret romance with.
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His marriage was rocked again when he was said to have cheated on Sandra with Margaux.
Evra moved out of the Paris home he shared with his ex-wife and their two children Lenny and Maona.
Soon, he and Margaux were officially an item.
‘Universe, my everything’
The pair showed off their love on Instagram and were seen hitting holiday destinations together, and partying on a private yachts.
By November, 2020 the pair announced their engagement.
He took to social media to share his happiness.
He captioned a photo of Margaux showing off her ring: “It’s been more than a YEAR we are together, I mean since you stole my heart.
“After the second time we see each other I told you you going to be my wife for the rest of my life.
“I can’t live without you now, even when you’re next to me I miss you!
Margaux Alexandra was alleged to have been Evra’s mistressCredit: Instagram @margauxalexandra
Alexandra is 14-years Evra’s juniorCredit: Instagram @margauxalexandra
“You think I was crazy when I asked your hand only after 3 months we meet… I wish to all the men to love their women the way I love you.
“It’s just amazing, I can’t describe it, you are my universe, my soul, my peace you make me realise being soft its strength not weakness.
“I feel more safe when you hold my hand. Happiness, it’s a choice! I choose you for the rest of my life my little mushroom.”
Evra also gave her a glowing reference in a chat with GQ magazine.
He revealed: “Finally, I am with someone where I can be myself and open myself up. And I don’t feel like crying is a weakness, but actually that it’s a strength.”
Family of three
Two months after they revealed they were engaged, Margaux and Evra told their social media followers they were expecting their first child together.
Lilas Latyr was born in May 2021, much to the delight of couple who once again shared their news on Instagram.
Since meeting Evra, Margaux is living the high-life and attending events including F1Credit: Instagram @margauxalexandra
Last year Evra and Margaux welcomed baby boy Lilas into the worldCredit: Instagram @margauxalexandra
Margaux Alexandra, Patrice Evra girlfriend/partnerCredit: Instagram @margauxalexandra
Alongside a photo of him holding his baby boy, he wrote: “Special moments skin to skin with our son Lilas Latyr Evra aka mister “I love this game”.
He added: “I can’t describe how lucky, blessed and proud I’m of Margaux. You were powerful not because you weren’t scared but because you went on so strongly despite your fear. You’re my rock my universe my everything!”
And as he steps into the ring for the first time, it’s Evra who will need no fear going in. More
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in Soccer
Football’s elite swears by FirstLuxe, a concierge service that provides stars with fancy restaurant bookings and more
by Philippa Kaur 1 April 2022, 08:47
WHEN it comes to wanting a booking at the most sought-after restaurant last minute, tickets for the upcoming Tyson Fury fight, or a personal shopper, FirstLuxe are footballers’ first port of call.A concierge service like no other, they have become the one-stop shop for Arsenal stars Ben White and Emile Smith Rowe, England international Kalvin Phillips, West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen, Olympic legend Usain Bolt and more.
Calaum Jahraldo-Martin, left, and Steven Haziza Metta run concierge service FirstLuxeCredit: Courtesy of FirstLuxe
The business was conceived by school friends Steven Haziza Metta and former Hull City defender Calaum Jahraldo-Martin around four years ago.
Members can pay £1,080 a year for exclusive experiences in London’s finest hotspot, which can be accessed by the FirstLuxe app.
Or, they can upgrade to a platinum membership for £2,400 a year which includes bespoke travel – with a planned expansion to incorporate sports star havens Marbella, Mykonos and Dubai in the near future.
This also gives them access to a company-hired personal shopper, who takes clientele around the likes of Harrods, Selfridges or Harvey Nichols for Dior trainers at £890 a pop to a full-styling experience which can run into the thousands.
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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;}WHITE NOISE .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;}Arsenal star White claims Neville and Carragher criticism helped to inspire him
SunSport sat down with Haziza Metta and Jahraldo-Martin, who told us why they launched FirstLuxe.
“Calaum and I were best friends through school, and always wanted to set up a business together,” Haziza Metta revealed.
“With his contacts in the football and celebrity world and mine in the high net-worth world, we thought we were best-placed to do it. And there was a market for it.
“We also found ourselves acting as a concierge service for friends so it seemed a natural thing to do.
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“What people really want is something where you know the person you’re speaking to knows the market.
“You are speaking to a human within minutes, knowing essentially that that person is a one-stop shop all your local needs.”
FirstLuxe’s most popular membership for high-earners and football’s elite is their platinum offering.
Haziza Metta told SunSport: “That gives you access to all our services, bespoke travel, and even preferential rates on things like hotels.
“And all these travel benefits we have – we do it on a global scale, including chartering private jets and hotels and villas, which we do globaly.
“Where we separate ourselves from competition is we provide a much more localised approach.
“So restaurant bookings, bars, a personal shopper, chauffeurs, tickets for events, even investment properties, we tend to do that currently in London and Paris.
“We know we’re not an expert in everything. But what we’ve done is taken time to shortlist the right businesses and people to be aligned with.”
As Jahraldo-Martin explained, the service they provide allows footballers to concentrate on their game and not their social life.
Usain Bolt was one of FirstLuxe’s first clientsCredit: Instagram / @firstluxegroup
England international Kalvin Phillips poses with Jahraldo-MartinCredit: Courtesy of FirstLuxe
“A lot of footballers will have a family member or a friend who can do all these things for them,” he said.
“But they may be reaching out to three or four people. That’s time consuming for players, when they’ve got to be focusing on games or training.
“And are they getting the best prices? Do they have time to negotiate for better deals?
“A footballer recently told me that it takes them more time to do it themselves, so they would rather go on the app, talk to us directly on our chat option, and whatever they want would be sorted quicker.”
FirstLuxe prides itself on being able to deliver an A-list life to clients, where normal civilians might struggle to get a restaurant booking or entry to a club.
“Calling the mainline of a popular restaurant is often not going to get you what you want,” Haziza Metta said.
“The demand is so high. And unfortunately there are certain doors that can be opened by having certain relationships.
“So, we’ve personally built relationships with senior level people at high-end establishments.
“And we’re very confident to say, if we can’t do it it can’t be done.”
Already, FirstLuxe are taking orders for events – from seats on centre court at Wimbledon to front row at the Tyson Fury’s fight against Dillian Whyte next month.
Arsenal star Ben White booked a table at Novikov through FirstLuxeCredit: Instagram / @firstluxegroup
West Ham star Jarrod Bowen travels in style thanks to FirstLuxeCredit: Courtesy of FirstLuxe
While they are consistently on the phone to Mayfair’s incredibly exclusive Novikov ensuring their clients get a table for posh nosh.
“Most footballers want to be seen in the best spots,” Jahraldo-Martin explained.
“When they have a day off from their busy schedules, they want to let their hair down and have a good time.
“This is something we can obviously facilitate.”
For the moment, FirstLuxe are happy to stay in their lane. But they certainly see growth in their future.
They want to engage in more event-planning – from engagements to birthdays.
Bespoke hampers, sourcing perfect pieces of jewellery to even supplying personal chefs during the busy Christmas period are also soon to be in the offing.
Haziza Metta and Jahraldo-Martin are still to secure their dream client – both name-checked rapper Drake.
They want to expand to the artist side, but it will remain a strict process to be accepted into the FirstLuxe client database.
“We have an approval process and are selective with clients,” Haziza Metta divulged.
“We don’t necessarily approve everyone, we see who they are and see if they fit the brand. We have a waiting list of over hundred users but we can’t approve any until we’ve done our due diligence.”
Hard to come by restaurant bookings are sourced by the FirstLuxe team at London’s finest hotspotsCredit: Courtesy of FirstLuxe
FirstLuxe give a shouthout to clients including Kalvin Phillips and Emile Smith RoweCredit: Instagram / @firstluxegroup
Calaum Jahraldo-Martin is a former footballer who understands what footballers wantCredit: Rex
Lending themselves to a Soho House aesthetic, FirstLuxe are going places.
And it’s the Premier League’s superstars that are reaping the benefits. More
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in Boxing
How Money Kicks went from Dubai’s richest kid with personal zoo to boxer linked with Floyd Mayweather fight
by Aurelia Butler 30 March 2022, 12:00
RASHED BELHASA, better known as social media sensation Money Kicks, fancies a fight against one of his pals who visited his famed zoo in Dubai.The 20-year-old, who has started to carve out a career for himself in boxing, was in talks to take on Floyd Mayweather in an exhibition bout on the helipad of the famous Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.
Instagram star Money Kicks was set to face Floyd Mayweather but talks broke downCredit: Instagram @rsbelhasa
Money Kicks is looking to carve a career for himself in boxingCredit: Instagram @rsbelhasa
Belhasa, better known as Money Kicks, always wore The Money Team caps growing upCredit: Instagram
Money Kicks told Sky Sports: “I never thought I would ever fight Floyd. He is the best fighter ever.
“When I was young, I would collect his ‘The Money Team’ caps.
“Mayweather’s team asked my team for a meeting. We thought: ‘No way will this happen!’
“The same day of the meeting, I saw Mayweather saying, ‘I would love to fight Rashed’.
“He is serious. It is an honour that he has called me out. I thought: ‘This will go viral!'”
Those talks have since stalled, but Mayweather is still keen to bag the fight in Dubai.
Anthony Joshua and Money Kicks square up with the social media star wanting to take on boxing’s eliteCredit: Instagram @rsbelhasa
Wealthy Money Kicks shows off his wheelsCredit: Instagram @rsbelhasa
Inside his family mansion in Dubai he has a zooCredit: Channel 4
Footballers like Paul Pogba have visited him and his chimpanzeesCredit: Instagram
David Luiz had fed his tigersCredit: Instagram
While Luiz has also larked about with Belhasa’s giraffes Bert and ErnieCredit: Instagram @davidluiz_4
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On Instagram, Money Kicks has over two million followers. He lives in a mansion in the UAE that has its own private zoo filled with over 500 exotic animals.
Because of that, the son of construction mogul Saif Ahmed Belhasa, worth around £4billion, can count the world’s greatest footballers and sports stars as his friends, including Mayweather.
Inside the private zoo, you’ll find lions, tigers, panthers, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, and even bears.
Hilariously, he has even named some of them after A-list celebrities and cartoon characters.
Jesse Lingard couldn’t wait to pose for a photo op at Belhasa’s family zooCredit: Instagram
Brazilian Willian got close to a bear cubCredit: Instagram
Lionel Messi is a friend of Belhasa tooCredit: Instagram
There’s two giraffes named after Sesame Street’s Bert and Ernie.
While there is a monkey called Paris Hilton, who incidentally has visited Belhasa.
Other celebrities including Ronaldo, Jackie Chan, Rihanna and Mariah Carey have also had animals named after them, as well as made the pilgrimage to the astonishing grounds you need a go-kart to negotiate around.
Footballers come in their droves, wowed by Belhasa’s wealth and the opportunity to feed a beast they’d never encounter otherwise.
Jesse Lingard, John Terry, David Luiz, Luka Modric and more have all fed a tiger or a cub some milk for a photo op.
Regular Dubai visitor John Terry has fed tigers at the mansionCredit: Instagram
Pogba now considers Belhasa as a friendCredit: Instagram
While Belhasa has also struck up a friendship with Anthony Joshua and Logan PaulCredit: Instagram
While Paul Pogba loved nothing more than hanging out with Belhasa and his chimpanzees.
Even boxers Anthony Joshua and Floyd Mayweather have gone toe-to-toe with some bears and orangutans.
The zoo itself can be seen from the lavish home’s living room and was featured on Channel 4’s World’s Weirdest Homes back in December.
Belhasa revealed that the zoo isn’t open to the public, the family don’t make a profit from it and the animals aren’t badly treated.
Floyd Mayweather has visited the lavish home of BelhasaCredit: Channel 4
Belhasa is the son of construction mogul Saif Ahmed Belhasa, said to be worth around £4 billionCredit: Instagram @rsbelhasa
Belhasa revealed the animals are all very well cared forCredit: Instagram
He has animals named after celebrities, including RonaldoCredit: Instagram
Recently, Belhasa rubbed shoulders with Mo SalahCredit: Instagram
“We take care of all our animals,” he said.
“When I went to Kenya, I see a lot of lions dying because they eat once a month and here they eat every single day.”
Because of his wealth, Belhasa rubs shoulders with celebrities who make him their first port of call when they arrive in Dubai.
“They all want to spend time on our family farm and see our tigers,” he told Dubai’s English-speaking newspaper, The National.
Floyd Mayweather fed the bears on a visitCredit: Instagram @floydmayweather
Belhasa’s home featured on Channel 4’s World’s Weirdest Homes back in DecemberCredit: Channel 4
And Belhasa is the first port of call for celebrities visiting DubaiCredit: Instagram
The zoo can be seen from the lavish mansion’s living roomCredit: Channel 4
Wealthy Belhasa has a pool with its own waterfallCredit: Channel 4
“Wiz Khalifa is my friend. Steve Aoki is my friend. They have all come to our farm.
“But sometimes I have to say no to celebrities who want to come here. I don’t have the time and it is tiring.”
Alongside being heir to a home zoo, Belhasa also boasts an incredible trainer collection worth around £800,000 that he loves to show off to his sporting mates.
In fact, he has an entire room dedicated to his shoes – that include limited editions Yeezys, Bapes and Air Jordans kept in secure cases so they’re well preserved.
As well as a zoo, Belhasa has a stunning trainer collectionCredit: Channel 4
The sneakers are housed in their own room in the mansion and are said to be worth around £800kCredit: Instagram
It all adds to Belhasa’s popularity in the sports worldCredit: Instagram
Belhasa has become a social media phenomenon and has over two million followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram
He isn’t afraid to show off his wealth to his fans and make friends with footballers like Jesse LingardCredit: Instagram
It’s all part of Belhasa’s masterplan, to eventually open his own trainer store in Dubai.
“Whatever I make from my clothing line and YouTube ads, I put into buying sneakers,” he revealed.
“But this isn’t just me wasting money, this is a serious business investment.”
Back in 2017, Belhasa made headlines when he showed off his birthday present – a £200k Ferrari F12 Berlinetta – to his followers on social media.
Belhasa loves cars and befriending footballersCredit: Instagram
He had the supercar custom-wrapped in Louis Vuitton Supreme logos, flaunting his lavish lifestyle.
However, with the legal driving age being 18 in Dubai, Belhasa had to wait a year before he could drive it.
Honestly, it’s not that hard a life, is it? More
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in Soccer
Man Utd manager target Erik ten Hag lives above supermarket, studies Guardiola’s teams and loves Van Gaal and Cruyff
by Philippa Kaur 30 March 2022, 11:25
ERIK TEN HAG famously lives above a supermarket in Amsterdam, but the only shelf he wants to stack is his club’s trophy cabinet.The Ajax boss, who is reportedly a manager target for Manchester United, has won two Eredivisie titles with the Dutch giants.
Erik ten Hag is the Dutchman who has revived European giants AjaxCredit: PA:Empics Sport
The quiet Dutchman, fairly unknown across the continent after a 13-year playing career in Holland, has revived the glory days at Ajax with a vibrant young team.
In 2019, with a side that featured homegrown talents like Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt, Donny van de Beek and Hakim Ziyech, he reached a Champions League semi-final.
Ten hag, a keen golfer with a high-pitched voice, worked wonders given Ajax had not even competed in the knockout stages since 2005-06.
Having already surpassed par, Ten Hag is becoming a Master. That’s why he is a serious contender for the Old Trafford hot-seat.
AJAX ICONS
On the wall of his modest office at the club’s De Toekomst training ground hang photos of Johan Cruyff, Rinus Michels and Louis van Gaal.
In an era when Ajax are surrounded by financially beefed up opponents, he has ensured the club have stayed competitive. This season, they were narrowly beaten by Benfica over two legs to exit the Champions League in the Round of 16 stage.
So how has the former centre-back from a rural town in Twente transformed their fortunes?
Ten Hag’s education in coaching goes some way to explain.
In 2013, having spent his entire career in Holland, he moved abroad to work with the master of management.
At Bayern Munich, ten Hag cut his coaching teeth with the reserves while watching closely as Pep Guardiola revolutionised the German giants’ style.
“Every day I get to work with him, I look forward to it. He inspires me,” he gushed.
Ten Hag worked closely with Pep Guardiola for two years as Bayern Munich II’s managerCredit: Getty – Contributor
Ten Hag is a disciple of Guardiola with his focus on attacking and attractive footballCredit: AFP or licensors
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And his approach to training shows ten Hag is a disciple of Guardiola, such is the obsession with detail.
He has a particular focus on the character of a player.
Ten Hag will note down how each individual responds to minor errors, losing the ball or committing a foul, and works out the mentality of his team to suit their opponent.
Before being appointed at Ajax in 2017, these skills helped him guide Utrecht into the Europa League.
DEVELOPING YOUTH
Ten Hag suited Ajax due to his ability to nurture young talent into stars.
Frenkie de Jong, 21, joined Barcelona in a deal worth £65million in 2019. Matthijs de Ligt, 19, joined Juventus for the same fee – boosting the club’s coffers.
Ten Hag played a key role in the development of players like Memphis Depay, at PSV, and Marko Arnautovic, at FC Twente.
He transformed Depay from a central midfielder to a wide position, with the coach’s focus constantly on attacking and attractive football.
Yet, Ten Hag is also able to identify what his team needs.
Among his youthful stars, are seasoned veterans including former Man United man Daley Blind and ex-Southampton midfielder Dusan Tadic.
Both were brought in 2018 by Ten Hag to redress the team’s inexperience.
Ten Hag’s first managerial job was with Dutch side Go Ahead EaglesCredit: Getty – Contributor
Ten Hag rose to prominence in Holland by taking Utrecht to the Europa LeagueCredit: Rex Features
Former defender Ten Hag focuses on developing youth by gaining their trustCredit: Getty – Contributor
The Dutchman has spoken of his lofty ambitions to manage a bigger club.
And with Ajax now firmly established back as one of Europe’s big guns under ten Hag, he might feel his work in Amsterdam is done.
Could a new challenge in the Premier League with Man Utd await him? More

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