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    The rise and fall of Paulo Dybala from Lionel Messi’s successor and serial Serie A champion to Tottenham transfer target

    PAULO DYBALA was once heralded as the next Lionel Messi.Unfortunately for him, Messi had no intention of abdicating his crown as the king of Argentine football any time soon.
    Paulo Dybala was supposed to be the ‘next Lionel Messi’Credit: AFP or licensors
    His career has delivered trophies in Italy but is largely underwhelmingCredit: Getty
    And now a stumbling career will see Dybala released by Juventus as a free agent this summer – with the likes of Tottenham and Manchester United the frontrunners to land him.
    Yes, the 28-year-old has still enjoyed a largely successful career in Italy with five Serie A titles, four Coppa Italias and a Champions League final in seven seasons with Juventus.
    But it certainly has fallen well short of the heights many expected – and Dybala hoped – it would hit.
    Born in Laguna Larga in Cordoba, Argentina’s second city, Dybala’s surname links back to his grandfather Boleslaw Dybala, a Pole who fled his homeland during World War II and settled in South America.
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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;}BAL IN PLAY .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;}Man Utd and Tottenham on RED ALERT as Juventus confirm Dybala WILL leave
    But it was the side of his mother he followed by ending up in Italy – with his great-grandmother from Naples.
    He earned a move to Palermo after nine years with Instituto in his home city.
    Dybala joined the club’s academy aged ten in 2003 and made his professional debut for the first team at 17.
    His record-breaking prowess – as the youngest goalscorer, playing 38 consecutive league games, hitting two hat-tricks in the same season AND scoring in six straight matches – quickly earned him plenty of attention in Argentina.
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    His nickname was ‘La Joya’ – ‘The Jewel’ – and he was soon tipped as his country’s next big shining diamond, certain to follow in the footsteps of Messi and Sergio Aguero.
    So it was little surprise he made the £7million transfer to Europe still aged just 18, using his Italian ancestry to facilitate the deal and ready to show the rest of the world his talent.
    Three seasons with Palermo saw 21 goals in 93 appearances, a relegation, a promotion and a spot in Don Balon’s top 100 most promising young footballers.
    Juve came calling for an initial £26m in 2015 and, after previously turning down youth call-ups, he made his senior Argentina debut in October.
    Dybala started out as a left-winger with Instituto but his versatility saw him operate across the attacking positions – a perfect utility man but that meant he was not the No1 in any one given role.
    Arguably his best position is as a centre-forward or supporting the attack off the right flank but his stature and strengths meant Argentina’s managers – or Barcelona – rarely wanted both him and Messi in the side.
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    Both players have claimed it is ‘difficult’ to play alongside each other or build an on-pitch partnership because they want to operate in the same areas of the pitch – and Dybala was criticised for his comments before Messi backed him up.
    That has seen him become somewhat of a maligned figure in Argentine football with just two goals in 32 caps – instead, the likes of Lautaro Martinez, Angel Correa and now Julian Alvarez are taking centre stage.
    The trio, as well as Messi, Aguero and Angel Di Maria, were all part of the successful 2021 Copa America squad as Dybala watched his compatriots lift the trophy from home.
    At club level, Dybala enjoyed his best season in 2017-18 with 26 goals in 43 games.
    But the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo that summer saw him shifted away from his productive centre-forward role.
    Gonzalo Higuain’s return, then Alvaro Morata, Federico Chiesa and Dusan Vlahovic all arriving – coupled with loss of form and injuries – has seen his goals dry up somewhat with ten, 17, five and 13 this term going into the March international break.
    Ironically Dybala is Juventus’ top scorer this season but, even so, his spell at the Old Lady is fizzling out to a disappointing end.
    Paulo’s position was no longer at the centre of the projectJuventus CEO Maurizio Arrivabene
    The club are well off the pace in Serie A and were dumped out of the Champions League in humiliating fashion by Villarreal – although they could win yet another Coppa Italia.
    After more injury woes and a reported training group bust-up with boss Max Allegri, Juventus CEO Maurizio Arrivabene said: “The most important change is that Juventus have not renewed Paulo Dybala’s contract.
    “With the purchases made in January, with the arrival of Vlahovic, Paulo’s position was no longer at the centre of the project.
    “The decision is made. Today’s meeting was friendly, clear and respectful.”
    A free transfer to Tottenham appears the most likely next step as things stand – three years on from a last-minute collapse on a £65m switch to North London – while United may consider an offer to bolster their under-performing attack.
    Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, PSG and even Arsenal are also outside bets.
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    Regardless of where he ends up, though, Dybala must knuckle down and accept this is the direction his career that promised so much has taken.
    Then it will be time to rediscover his sparkling form and live up to his nickname once again.
    Dybala earned a move to Palermo after shining for InstitutoCredit: Getty
    Dybala celebrated the Coppa Italia win in 2021 but was left out of the Copa America squadCredit: Reuters
    Juventus are letting Dybala go as they plan to build the attack around Dusan VlahovicCredit: Alamy More

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    Footballers amazing body transformations, like Man Utd’s Ronaldo building mass muscle to Hazard shifting extra weight

    FOOTBALLERS will do anything to get an edge over their opponents.And that means more work in the gym, sculpting their perfect bodies and lifting heavy weights to gain extra muscle.
    Cristiano Ronaldo is sculpted like an AdonisCredit: AFP or licensors
    But these stars didn’t always look like body builders.
    In fact, these athletes have enjoyed a remarkable body transformation over the years, even when they could not train normally last year during the coronavirus lockdown.
    EDEN HAZARD
    When former Chelsea star Hazard moved to Real Madrid in a deal worth £130million, Los Blancos were delighted.
    But they wouldn’t have been happy when he turned up to training seven kilograms overweight.
    Even fans pointed out he looked chunky when he reported for preseason games.
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    However, during the coronavirus lockdown Hazard took his fitness very seriously.
    “It’s complicated for me. I’m trying not to eat a lot,” he told RTBF.
    “I’m trying not to go into the pantry to eat a lot of buns, but it’s not easy.”
    Unfortunately for the Belgian he has still suffered to hit top form since for Madrid and has been linked with a move to Juventus.
    When Eden Hazard arrived at Real Madrid he was seven kilograms overweightCredit: Twitter @realmadrid
    CRISTIANO RONALDO
    As a youngster, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was often called too skinny by his coaches.
    But through the years, Ronaldo went from lanky winger to powerhouse forward thanks to a strict exercise regime.
    “I put it in my mind that my body can improve,” Ronaldo said.
    “With dedication and hard work in the gym I improved a lot on that – at the end of the day it’s down to the person’s mindset.”
    A Pilates-based routine that focuses on resistance work to strengthen his core is also key to his success – reportedly giving the Portuguese star the body of a 23-year-old.
    Now Manchester United will be hoping to reap the rewards after they forked out to bring him back to Old Trafford from Juventus at the age of 36.
    Ronaldo used to be called too skinny when he was an up and coming youngsterCredit: AFP
    Thanks to a strict diet and rigorous exercise regime Ronaldo has transformed his bodyCredit: Getty – Contributor
    MARCUS RASHFORD
    When Rashford emerged on the scene in 2017 as a fresh-faced 19-year-old, his body was still developing.
    But having Ronaldo as a role model at the club when he was a youngster was a big help.
    The striker watched his now teammate in training closely, adding strength and conditioning work to the technical training he does at Carrington, which has given him a more muscular physique today.
    When Marcus Rashford first emerged on the scene in 2017 he was skin and boneCredit: Reuters
    Today, with added strength and conditioning training Rashford has bulked upCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI
    The Bayern Munich striker has been sensational for the Bavarian giants, and it’s all down to his nutritionist wife Anna.
    Through his diet, as well as rigorous training regime with the Bundesliga side, he is now the perfect specimen.
    “We changed our diet step by step, first cutting out sweets and then milk,” Lewandowski explained.
    “Cows’ milk and soya milk isn’t good for me. Almond milk and rice milk is OK. I don’t really drink alcohol, either. Maybe wine but only sometimes.”
    When he started his career at Lech Poznan Lewandowski was skinnyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Lewandowski now flashes killer abs thanks to a diet enforced by his nutritionist wife AnnaCredit: Instagram @_rl9
    ADAMA TRAORE
    A devastating blend of pace and power, Traore’s game has come on leaps and bounds.
    And social media blew up when snaps of the Spain winger emerged showing off a raging bicep that would’ve put any Hollywood action hero to shame.
    But despite his rippling muscles, Traore insists he doesn’t do any weight training.
    “My training? I don’t do weights,” he told La Sexta.
    “It’s hard to believe, but I don’t do weights.
    “It’s genetic. I exercise, but I gain mass very quickly.”
    Spanish winger Adama Traore was a slight winger playing for Spain’s U16 teamCredit: Getty – Contributor
    At Wolves, Traore showed off his hench physiqueCredit: Getty – Contributor
    ADEBAYO AKINFENWA
    You don’t get the nickname ‘The Beast” for nothing, as well as a 98 strength rating in FIFA 20.
    Football’s strongest man Akinfenwa, 39, ruffles defenders feathers playing for Wycombe Wanderers in League One.
    To fuel his weights sessions, the striker eats like a beast too, although his weight does go up and down.
    “Breakfast is Weetabix with honey,” he told the Daily Mail.
    “At training there will be some kind of chicken. Our chef personally does chicken for me and that makes me very happy.
    “Then a shake in the afternoon. For dinner, again it’s probably chicken, potato and coleslaw. My partner is half-Nigerian, half-Caribbean so it may be the curry goat, rice and potato. It’s the carbs I need to eat.
    “I throw in the odd Nando’s. Quarter-chicken, medium breast, chips, corn on the cob and five wings. I don’t deviate.”
    Adebayo Akinfenwa had a smaller frame during his time at NorthamptonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Akinfenwa is now nicknamed The Beast because of his enormous size
    HULK
    The aptly named Brazilian striker has always been admired for his physical stature.
    Built like a truck, Hulk is currently terrorising defenders back in Brazil for Atlético Mineiro, who he led to the Brazilian title.
    But there was a time when the former Porto star looked a little overweight, rather than chiselled.
    He has toned up now, and looks fitter than his 35-years suggest.
    At Porto Hulk was a little rounder and squarerCredit: AFP – Getty
    Now plying his trade back in Brazil, Hulk is leaner, more muscular and fit as a fiddle
    SERGIO RAMOS
    The Real Madrid legend’s Instagram account is littered with videos of high-intensity workout videos.
    When he was at Sevilla, he was just a beanpole of a defender. Now, he’s the real deal.
    “My training routines at home are usually focused on functional and isometric exercises, always ending with some cardio work,” the  Paris Saint-Germain signing revealed.
    And for Sergio, a healthy breakfast is the perfect to start the day.
    He revealed: “I usually take a coffee, some whole-grain bread with protein like turkey breast or a poached egg, and a piece of fruit.”
    When he began his career at Sevilla, Ramos was a beanpole of a defenderCredit: EPA
    Ramos is now one of the most chiselled footballers around
    GEORGE ELOKOBI
    There’s no doubt about it, Elokobi is hench.
    The former Wolves star, now playing for National League side Maidstone United, was always a crowd favourite because of his size.
    At only 5ft 9inches, he isn’t the tallest. But he earned the nickname of ‘The Body’ at Molineux because he was pure muscle.
    The defender even stripped down to his smalls on the catwalk during a charity fashion show at the club.
    Former Wolves star George Elokobi was nicknamed ‘The Body’
    Elokobi even stripped down to his smalls to show off his six-pack for a charity fashion showCredit: Matthew Ashton
    MARIO BALOTELLI
    The fiery former Manchester City striker was always tall and lean.
    But after celebrating scoring for Italy against Germany in Euro 2012, he was keen to show off a ripped torso as he flexed his muscles shirtless.
    However, the normally fit Balotelli was anything but in 2018 when he returned to training for Nice reportedly two stone overweight when a move to Marseille collapsed.
    He soon dropped half a stone and was back to normal and is now playing for Turkish outfit Adana Demirspor.
    When Mauro Balotelli first emerged on the scene he was leanerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    At Euro 2012 Balotelli flexes his muscles after scoring against GermanyCredit: Corbis – Getty
    ALEXIS SANCHEZ
    The Inter Milan striker takes his training very seriously.
    Former Manchester United star Sanchez enjoys working out alone, and shared a video online strutting his stuff at their Carrington training ground to the famous Rocky theme ‘Eye of the Tiger’ in 2019.
    Sanchez has also been seen in the past enjoying sprint drills on the beach. After all, even in pre-season you can’t down tools in the summer.
    Standing at 5ft 6in, the former Gunner knows he needs strength as an attribute for his game to thrive. And he looks the business after rediscovering his form in Italy.
    Alexis Sanchez has worked hard on building his muscle massCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Sanchez is happy to share his extra workouts on InstagramCredit: Instagram @alexis_officia1 More

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    England new boy Marc Guehi used to play drums in dad’s church until football took over and he won World Cup aged 16

    CRYSTAL PALACE sensation Marc Guehi has been called up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad, after some impressive performances for the Eagles.The 21-year-old centre back, who was signed from Chelsea for £20million, could make his Three Lions debut with friendlies against Switzerland and Ivory Coast to come.
    Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi has been called up to Gareth Southgate’s England teamCredit: Getty
    It’s perhaps fitting that his international bow might come against the Ivory Coast, where his family left when he was just 12 months old in search of a better life.
    The Guehis settled in Lewisham, South London where Marc’s father worked as a minister in a local church.
    As a youngster, he would join his dad on a Sunday morning at service and play the drums.
    But football would soon take over his life when he was six years old.
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    Education came first
    Like team-mate Wilfried Zaha and Chelsea legend Didier Drogba, Guehi was born in Abidjan, called the ‘Paris of Africa’.
    One of four children, his family secured visas for the UK and moved to South London, now where their son is making great strides with his career.
    Although he got his enjoyment from football, religion and education mattered most in his household.
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    Football “made it to the front (of the queue) as I got older,” Guehi revealed.
    At six he started playing for local side Cray Wanderers, where his coach was a Chelsea scout.
    He joined the Blues at U8 level and worked his way up the age groups – playing in his favoured centre back position.
    But, school came first.
    “Football wasn’t something that was pursued as a family,” he revealed in an interview on Swansea City’s website, where he enjoyed two successful seasons on loan .
    “It wasn’t the main goal, it was more something for me to do and enjoy as a kid. Education was front of the queue, but football made its way to the front as I got older.
    “I started at Cray Wanderers at the age of six and the coach there was a scout for Chelsea.
    “He took me to Chelsea and I’ve gone through the different age groups ever since.
    “I remember people from Chelsea coming to my house to reassure my parents that everything would be okay and it would be enjoyable for me.
    “Even at that point, I didn’t get carried away with it. I just enjoyed playing football and thought nothing more of it.
    “It wasn’t until I got to about 15 where I thought ‘you know what, there is an opportunity here to make a living out of this.'”
    As a youth star Guehi won a treble and quadruple with Chelsea’s U18 sideCredit: Action Images
    Game time in the Chelsea first team was limited for GuehiCredit: Rex Features
    Watching the best
    Guehi continued to blossom in his teens at the back, showing a maturity beyond his years.
    He watched Chelsea captain and born leader John Terry, and took inspiration.
    He said: “John was someone who I did really pay attention to, because he was a very decorated player, captained England and Chelsea and someone who had an amazing career.
    “He’s a player who I’ve always looked up to as a young defender and definitely someone I’ve looked to try and model my game around.”
    2017 proved to be a pivotal year in Guehi’s development, when he proved to be a serial winner.
    With the Blues, he lifted an incredible treble with the U18s.
    Then, he captained England’s U17 team who reached the final of the European Championships but fell to defeat to Spain.
    Five months later, he would get his revenge against the Spaniards in the U17s World Cup final – scoring in a 5-2 rout.
    A natural leader like idol John Terry, Guehi captained England’s U17Credit: PA
    Guehi celebrates winning the U17 World Cup with team-mates Rhian Brewster, George McEarchran, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Tashan Oakley-Boothe and Conor GallagherCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Finding himself at Swansea
    Guehi would play for Chelsea just twice – in League Cup ties against Grimsby and Manchester United, before moving to Wales for valuable first team experience.
    His first spell from January, which saw him reunite with Steve Cooper who got the best out of him for England’s U17s, was so impressive the Swans pleaded with the Premier League giants for another.
    His commanding displays helped the Welsh club earn clean sheets against Preston North End, Birmingham City and Wycombe Wanderers in the opening three games of the 2020-21 Championship campaign.
    They would go on to keep a further 14 clean sheets in the league and finish fourth, before losing 2-0 to Brentford in the playoff final.
    With his spell over on the south coast of Wales, he returned to Chelsea… but not for long.
    Flying high
    Leaving Stamford Bridge might have been a wrench for some.
    But Guehi was happy to finalise a move to Selhurst Park – under the stewardship of a man with a new vision for the club, Patrick Vieira.
    And he has grown game-by-game alongside Joachim Andersen – with the pair forming a strong partnership at the back.
    More importantly, he has still been keeping the faith.
    Valuable first team football at Swansea gave Guehi a platform to build onCredit: Getty
    Guehi has formed a solid partnership with Joachim Anderson in the Eagles backlineCredit: Reuters
    Under boss Patrick Vieira, Guehi has flourished at Selhurst ParkCredit: Getty
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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;}SICK VLAD .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;}Nine chilling signs Putin is ‘suffering serious disease & on verge of breakdown’
    “I’ve grown up loving God and when I have had the chance I still go to church with my family, and my faith is definitely a big part of my life,” he said.
    “Faith is everything that I’m involved with, really; even in football, where I’m trying to be a role model and show God’s graciousness and God’s glory through my life.” More

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    Bizarre football injuries after Lampard breaks hand celebrating Everton goal including broken jaw from eating a carrot

    FOOTBALLERS and managers always find unique ways to injure themselves.Everton boss Frank Lampard is the latest star to suffer a freak accident, breaking his hand while celebrating Alex Iwobi’s late goal to clinch a vital victory against Newcastle.
    Frank Lampard jumps for joy after Alex Iwobi scores a last-gasp winnerCredit: Getty

    Lampard told Prime Video he broke his hand in the Everton celebrations afterwards

    Amid the chaos, Lamps took a whack to the left hand – it was shaking as he checked his watch in the final seconds.
    And as he came on air to discuss the all-important three points, the ex-England midfielder was sporting a nasty bruise and lump.
    He told Prime Video: “I’ve broken my hand in the celebrations. My bones must be going soft, I don’t remember the moment.
    “I didn’t realise at the time but as the game carried on I was a bit sore and shaky.
    “But I don’t care – I’ll take it for three points.”
    Super Frank isn’t the first to suffer a nasty scrape. Here are some more of football’s most bizarre injuries…
    Rami Kaib
    Last year, Swedish footballer Rami Kaib was ruled out of action for weeks after breaking his jaw eating a carrot.
    Kaib had already taken a knock during a league match for Dutch side Heerenveen.
    But then he sustained the shock blow when getting his veggies in. Omrop Fryslan reporter Roelof de Vries told RTV Noord: “Kaib got a big knock on his jaw during a game a while ago.
    “He just continued training, and of course eating. “Well, he ate a carrot and that carrot was quite hard.” And then, crack – broken jaw. A carrot!”
    Rami Kaib was out of action for a few weeks after his bizarre injury
    Frenkie De Jong
    Last year, Frenkie De Jong suffered a bizarre injury that looked painful and threatened to leave him sidelined.
    The Barcelona midfielder showed off a swollen hand in his side’s 3-1 win over Napoli in a Champions League tie.
    According to reports, the ailment was the result of a nasty bee sting that caused the severe reaction.
    Frenkie De Jong shows off horrific bee stingCredit: Instagram / @mikkykiemeney
    De Jong wore a bandage during Barcelona’s Champions League tie with NapoliCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The swelling can be seen clearly on De Jong’s hand in trainingCredit: FC Barcelona
    CHRIS SMALLING
    Ex-Manchester United defender Chris Smalling was on holiday in Bali, when disaster struck.
    After local reports claimed he was stung by a jellyfish while out surfing – the truth eventually came out, and it wasn’t as exciting.
    He fainted in the hot heat and banged his head, hence the bandages.
    Chris Smalling pictured in hospital in Bali
    DAVE BEASANT
    The Wimbledon FA Cup hero was at Chelsea when he suffered a hilarious foot injury.
    The keeper dropped a bottle of salad cream in his kitchen and tried to control it with his bare foot.
    The bottle ended up breaking and tearing a tendon in his big toe, causing Beasant to miss two months of football.
    Clearly, he should’ve used his hands.
    Dave Beasant attempted to control a bottle of salad
    RIO FERDINAND
    The former Manchester United and England captain managed to strain his knee while at Leeds.
    Ferdinand rested his leg for too long while playing a game of Pro Evolution Soccer on his PlayStation.
    We’ve all done it.
    Rio Ferdinand suffered a leg injury while playing a video game
    DAVID BATTY
    The ex-Leeds United enforcer had been out injured with a knee problem.
    Then, his two-year-old daughter ran over him while on her tricycle – causing a setback to his ankle.
    The hardman was crocked by a two-year-old, which must’ve taken some explaining to his team-mates.
    David Batty’s daughter ran into him on her tricycle
    BRYAN ROBSON
    Captain Dynamo was given the task of trying to wake mercurial star Paul Gascoigne from his slumber ahead of the 1990 World Cup.
    Robson tried but couldn’t wake the midfielder, instead tipping the bed to push Gascoigne out.
    Robson then dropped the bed onto his toe, breaking it.
    Bryan Robson broke a toe trying to wake up Paul Gascoigne
    ENNER VALENCIA
    The former West Ham forward didn’t impress Sam Allardyce with this injury.
    Somehow, Enner Valencia managed to badly cut his toe after stepping on a broken cup.
    The incident left ‘Big Sam’ striker-less for his next match.
    Enner Valencia seriously cut his toe stepping on a broken cup
    SANTIAGO CANIZARES
    The former Valencia No1 had waited an age to take over in the sticks of the Spanish national team.
    He was given an opportunity in 2002, but just before the World Cup was about to start he dropped a bottle of aftershave on his foot.
    Like Beasant, he severed a tendon and missed the tournament.
    Butter fingers, perhaps?
    Santiago Canizares missed out on the 2002 World Cup because of a bottle of aftershave
    ALAN WRIGHT
    The former Aston Villa left-back was a cult hero in the Midlands.
    But the 5ft 4in Wright once had a spell out the game after injuring his knee in the strangest way.
    He did it trying to reach the pedals on his Ferrari. True story.
    Former Aston Villa defender Alan Wright got injured driving his Ferrari
    KEVIN KYLE
    While at Sunderland, the former Scotland international was once seen ‘walking a bit like John Wayne’.
    It was all because his eight-month-old son knocked a bowl of boiling water onto his crotch.
    Ouch.
    Kevin Kyle’s son dropped hot water on his crotch
    LEROY LITA
    At Reading, the striker managed to hurt his back by stretching too vigorously.
    But this wasn’t done on the training pitch, no. It happened while laying in bed.
    Steve Coppell said at the time: “It’s not an injury that should be ridiculed or made light of.”
    Leroy Lita injured himself by stretching too far in bed
    DARIUS VASSELL
    We’d definitely avoid recreating this one.
    The ex-Aston Villa and England striker tried to get rid of a blood blister on his toe by using an electric drill.
    It didn’t go well.
    Darius Vassell tried to pop a blister with an electric drill
    ADAM CHAPMAN
    Former Oxford midfielder Chapman was heating some milk for his baby, a normally harmless job.
    But as he went to shake it the lid flew off, burning his chest and nipple.
    He had to go to hospital but was passed fit to play the next day.
    Adam Chapman burnt his nipple trying to heat baby milk
    DAVID JAMES
    The former England shot-stopper has two entries.
    He once pulled a muscle in his back while trying to reach for a remote control.
    Another time, James hurt his shoulder while fishing for carp.
    David James should stay away from remote controls… and carp

    CHARLIE GEORGE
    Arsenal legend George didn’t let this injury stop him.
    The 1971 FA Cup hero once cut off a finger with his lawnmower.
    Thankfully, it wasn’t a leg.
    Charlie George managed to cut off a finger while mowing the lawn
    KIERON DYER
    When at Newcastle the England man damaged his left eye – because he ran into a stationary training pole.
    It wasn’t an eye-for-an-eye in this case, leaving Dyer with a nasty shiner.
    Kieron Dyer ran into a training pole
    Gareth Bale urged to quit Real Madrid as Rio Ferdinand bemoans ‘generational talent’ being wasted on sidelines More

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    Sebastian Coe was the Olympics hero, who became a Tory Lord and London 2012 chief, and is now trying to buy Chelsea

    TRACK and field legend and lifelong Chelsea fan Sebastian Coe is rivalling the Americans once again.The four-time Olympic medallist, 65, has joined forces with Sir Martin Broughton’s consortium to buy the Blues.
    Sebastian Coe is part of Sir Martin Broughton’s consortium to buy ChelseaCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    Lord Coe looks to the heavens after pipping East Germany’s Jurgen Straub to gold at the 1980 GamesCredit: PA
    Coe said: “I am certain Sir Martin is the right man to lead Chelsea Football Club into its next chapter.
    “He has the vision, acumen and financial backing to ensure our club’s future success, keeping Chelsea Football Club at the top of European football and challenging for trophies.
    “But most importantly, like me, he is a lifelong Chelsea supporter and Shed End season-ticket holder.
    “This bid is for the millions of Chelsea fans around the world. We love our club and will always put the fans first.”
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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;}PAR FOR COURSE .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;}Parimatch Tech are latest sponsors to pause Chelsea deal after sanctions
    Coe’s move comes amid an American power struggle, with baseball baron Tom Ricketts launching the latest bid just 24 hours after former US diplomat Woody Johnson tabled a £2billion offer.
    Should the bid be successful, it would begin another chapter in Coe’s extraordinary life.
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    Coe won 1500m gold at the 1980 and 1984 Games,  became a Tory Lord, then spearheaded the 2012 London Olympics bid, where he was instrumental in getting the Queen to star opposite Daniel Craig as James Bond in a video for the Opening Ceremony.
    His personal life has been just as eventful, married twice with four children, Lord Coe has found love again with Los Angeles publicist Sarah Robarts 13 years his junior.
    Long-distance legend
    Coe was destined to become an athletics star – with his dad Peter taking over coaching duties when he became dissatisfied with his son’s training at Sheffield’s Hallamshire Harriers.
    His career took off in 1977, when the then 21-year-old competed in the 800m at the European Indoor Championships in San Sebastián, front-running the entire race and winning in 1:46.54, just short of the world indoor record.
    On a world scale though, he truly announced himself at the 1980 Olympics in Moscow.
    And a battle with fellow Brit Steve Ovett – reignited from their cross country days when they were rivals as teenagers – was centre stage.
    Coe snatched gold at the Games in Russia in the 1500m, Ovett’s speciality, but he had to settle for silver in his favourite event – the 800m – which Ovett won instead.
    A year later, Coe would shatter the 800m world record in Florence with a remarkable time of 1:41.73.
    It took sixteen years for it to be broken, but still remains the UK record and makes Coe joint-third with Nigel Amos as third-fastest man ever at the distance.
    Lord Coe in action in the 800m heat at Los Angeles 1984Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    Victorious Sebastian Coe celebrates winning gold in the 1500m in Los AngelesCredit: Allsport – Getty
    The 1984 Los Angeles Olympics was the last Games he appeared in, having not been selected for Seoul 1988.
    Like four years prior, he scooped gold in the 1500m – running the last 400m in 52.2 and the last 100m in 12.1 seconds, the fastest-ever finish in a championship final.
    Retirement and politics
    Coe hung up his spikes in early 1990 with an eye on a different pathway.
    He made the surprise move into politics in 1992, when he was elected as Conservative MP for Falmouth and Camborne.
    It was a seat he would hold for five years, until he lost out in the 1997 general election.
    Lord Coe would return to politics for a short period as Leader of the Opposition William Hague’s chief of staff, having accepted the offer of a Life Peerage in 2000.
    However, last month he quit the House of Lords permanently to take up a job working for Czech company Sazka Entertainment AG who will take over running the National Lottery.
    In the 1990s, Lord Coe moved into politics and represented the Conservatives as an MPCredit: Reuters
    Later, Lord Coe would work as William Hague’s chief of staffCredit: PA:Press Association
    2012 Olympics
    With a level of understanding of what it takes to stage an Olympics, Coe became an ambassador for London’s 2012, as well as a member of the board of the bid company.
    Upon Barbara Cassani’s resignation in 2004, he soon became chairman for the later stages of the bid.
    A year later, Coe was stood in front of the International Olympic Committee giving a presentation on why the Games should come to London.
    Facing stiff competition from Paris and Madrid, he managed to convince the IOC that his bid was the strongest and London was chosen.
    Then, he began planning – visiting the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver to see how the city coped with hosting the event.
    While the Olympics in London was recognised as a success, what kicked it off perfectly was film director Danny Boyle’s epic opening ceremony.
    A short film called Happy and Glorious was featured, starring the Queen, her corgis, and Daniel Craig as James Bond.
    Originally Boyle’s idea, when the Oscar-winning moviemaker proposed the storyline to Coe he immediately took it to his political contact Edward Young, the Queen’s Deputy Private Secretary.
    She fell in love with the idea and was seen jumping out of a helicopter in the hilarious clip.
    David Beckham and Lord Coe celebrate their winning 2012 Olympic bidCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    Lord Coe carries the Olympic torch ahead of the Games in 2012Credit: AP:Associated Press
    Personal life
    A success in his professional life, Coe’s personal life has had its ups and down.
    With two failed marriages, he certainly hasn’t had a smooth run when it’s come to romance.
    Coe first married Nicky McIrvine in 1990 – just a year after meeting a dinner party.
    She supported his move from athletics to politics, until they separated in 2002.
    In 2004 it was alleged Coe had an affair with fashion designer Vanessa Lander during their marriage.
    The revelation emerged as he was leading London’s 2012 Olympic bid, when she claimed he paid her to have an abortion.
    Coe then found love with Carole Annett, who was retail editor at House & Garden for five years and daughter of ex-England cricketer Mike Smith.
    But their relationship was marred in scandal when her first husband Andy Annett labelled Coe a “marriage wrecker” and alleged that Coe had an affair with his wife for a year before their split, claims that Coe denied.
    Eventually, Coe and Annett would walk down the aisle in 2011. But nine years later they would separate.
    “It is with regret that we announce today our separation to separate,” they revealed in a joint statement in 2020.
    Lord Coe married Nicky McIrvine in 1990Credit: Rex Features
    Carole Annett and Seb Coe’s romance was clouded in controversy with allegations they had an affairCredit: Alamy
    Los Angeles-based PR Sarah Robarts is Coe’s new girlfriendCredit: Getty
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    Coe has since found love with Los Angeles-based PR Sarah Robarts, a British-born mother of two who is 13 years younger than him.
    Should she share his love for Chelsea, we could well see the pair of them at Stamford Bridge in the director’s seats. More

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    Rise of Lando Norris, born into wealth with dad worth £205m, to starring in F1 and dating model Luisinha Oliveira

    LANDO NORRIS is fast-becoming the poster boy of F1.The British-born driver, 22, raced to four podium finishes last season as he emerged as a potential contender for the World Championship.
    Lando Norris was recently shot by Vanity Fair for a fashion magazine spreadCredit: Nick Riley Bentham/Vanity Fair
    Norris is the rising star of F1 and is tipped for more success this seasonCredit: Rex
    His talents, and boyish good looks, were recognised by fashion bible Vanity Fair, who had him front and centre of a glossy photoshoot with fellow drivers, Daniel Ricciardo, George Russell, Pierre Gasly, and Esteban Ocon.
    He was born in Bristol to wealthy dad Adam – who amassed a £205million fortune – and mum Cisca from Belgium.
    While as his professional life seemingly knows no bounds, his love life is thriving with the stunning Luisinha – a Portuguese model who accompanied him to the Brit Awards back in February.
    Idolised Valentino Rossi
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    Norris was raised in South-West England, attending school in Somerset.
    However, he left without sitting his GCSEs and later studied physics and maths with the help of a personal tutor.
    His burning desire was to follow in the footsteps of Valentino Rossi, as he developed a love of motorsport.
    But when his father took him to watch a round of the Super 1 National Kart Championships, he was hooked on four wheel racing.
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    Like many F1 drivers, a sport for the rich and famous, Norris grew up affluently.
    Dad Adam amassed a personal wealth of £205million after selling his successful pensions advising company.
    Today, he continues to build on his success with his investment group, Horatio Investments Ltd and in 2016 was 18th in the Bristol Rich List.
    Big break
    Karting was the making of Norris. In 2013, he won the CIK-FIA Karting European Championship and the WSK Euro Series in the KFJ class, while, in 2014, he gained the most prestigious title, the CIK-FIA Karting World Championship in the main KF category.
    With a natural flair for winning, he followed up that success in more powerful vehicles – landin the MSA Formula championship in 2015, and the Toyota Racing Series, Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 and Formula Renault 2.0 Northern European Cup in 2016.
    It made McLaren take note. He signed a junior driver contract in 2017, scarcely believe his achievment.
    “I never knew (I could make it),” he told Autocar.
    “Even in F2, I never went ‘I’ve got this, 100%, I can do this’. You always have a bit of doubt. But the biggest thing was joining McLaren, and my first test in Hungary.”
    He set the second fastest lap in the second day of testing at the Hungaroring.
    Adam Norris is Lando’s dad, who has amassed a £205million fortuneCredit: Alamy
    Like many F1 stars, Norris got his grounding in go kartingCredit: Alamy
    In 2019 Norris made his F1 debut at the Australian GP and became youngest ever British driverCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Two years later, he would partner Carlos Sainz Jr as a McLaren driver in the World Championship.
    Making his debut in the Australian Grand Prix, he would become Britain’s youngest ever F1 driver at 19 years, four months and four days old.
    His debut campaign, finishing eleventh, was enough to convince McLaren Norris was their future.
    Success story
    It was last season where Norris really kicked on.
    At one point, it appeared he would challenge for the title after finishing fourth in the British Grand Prix.
    It moved him into third place in the drivers’ championship.
    Although he faded away in the remaining eight races, he did record four podium finishes in his first 14.
    His highest position – second at the Italian Grand Prix secured the top two positions for McLaren with Daniel Ricciardo eventually winning the race.
    Norris finished sixth in the drivers’ championship in the end, which convinced McLaren to offer him another deal.
    Last season, Norris earned four podium finishesCredit: Rex
    Norris signed a four-year contract worth £80m with McLarenCredit: Splash
    Interestingly, only Max Verstappen has a longer contract in the sport at the moment – with Norris inking a four-year contract worth a staggering £80million.
    But still, he lives frivolously.
    Free ride
    Astonishingly, for someone so wealthy Norris doesn’t actually own a car.
    As is one of the perks of the job, McLaren has loaned him several over the years.
    Speaking to Scott Mills and Chris Stark on their BBC Sounds podcast, however, he confessed his not materialistic.
    Lando said: “I don’t own many things. I’ve not really treated myself.”
    Famously, Norris lived modestly in Woking before moving in the winter to the millionaire’s playground Monte Carlo.
    “It’s something that obviously a lot of drivers go to do, and especially with how racing is – I think you’ve seen it with a lot of the drivers, how quickly things can also go downhill,” he revealed.
    “I still have to look after my life and things for my future so that’s why I had to make the decision.
    Last winter Norris moved to Monte Carlo’s Fontvieille districtCredit: Getty
    Norris doesn’t own a car but is loaned his motors by McLaren
    “I went with my managers and my trainer and we had a little look around a few different apartments and stuff.
    “I was like ‘I don’t want to be in the same place as Max!’. I don’t know where Lewis is? He’s on the opposite side… I don’t know anybody else over there.
    “But I’m around that area in Fontvieille, which is a nice, quiet place.”
    Model Wag
    Norris cemented his status as F1’s rising star recently on the showbiz circuit – where he took the red carpet for the Brit Awards.
    Later, he would join Jamie Winstone on stage to hand out an award to pop superstar Dua Lipa.
    As he rubbed shoulders with music glitterati, alongside him stood his beautiful Portuguese girlfriend, Luisinha.
    A month earlier, he confirmed his romance with the fashion model on social media during a trip to Dubai.
    Portuguese model Luisinha Oliveira is dating Norris
    Norris and Oliveira shared an intimate moment together on social media last January
    Back in February, Norris and Oliveira attended the Brit Awards togetherCredit: Instagram @luisinhaoliveira99
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-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 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    Sharing a photo of them kissing in the desert, he captioned the post “my sunshine”.
    With a model girlfriend, bags of talent, a Monaco residence and fashion shoots with Vanity Fair to support his case, Norris might just be ready to take up the mantle as next F1 superstar. More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo’s amazing fleet of cars worth £17m, including new £200,000 Aston Martin he drives to Carrington

    CRISTIANO RONALDO certainly knows how to treat himself.The Manchester United star has just added a £200,000 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera to his staggering car collection after his hat-trick heroics against Spurs.
    Ronaldo drove his Aston Martin into Carrington after his brilliant Spurs hat-trickCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
    The Portuguese star rewarded himself after his match-winning effortsCredit: Zenpix
    Cristiano Ronaldo drives his Bentley Flying Spur to training with Manchester United
    Ronaldo is also believed to be one of 10 people lucky enough to buy the incredible Bugatti Centodieci, which costs £8.5m
    The amazing Bugatti is truly a one of a kind motorCredit: Bugatti

    Ronaldo has reportedly spent £1.4m on an amazing Ferrari MonzaCredit: Alamy
    It joins a limited edition £8.5million Bugatti Centodieci – of which only ten have been made, he added to his incredible fleet last year.
    Ronaldo, 37, took his new motor for a spin as he arrived to training at United’s The AON Carrington Training Complex.
    While in 2020, he was spotted taking a tour of Ferrari’s Maranello company, where he posed for a picture with a F1 car and ordered himself a Ferrari Monza worth £1.4million.
    That puts his car collection now at around roughly £17million – with Bugattis being his favourite.
    Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo has a Bugatti Chiron and a Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse as part of his huge hoard.
    He has ‘CR7’ embroidered on the headrests of his other two Bugattis, but his latest model he bought is believed to be a tribute to the legendary Bugatti EB110 – Centodieci is Italian for 110.
    The Centodieci boasts an 8 litre W16 engine, with special models having 1600hp – some 100hp more than the Chiron and, overall, three times the price of that model.
    It can do 0-62mph in just 2.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 236mph.
    The Portuguese superstar has supercars likes Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Rolls Royces, admitting to Piers Morgan in an interview he likes to have two of everything.
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    Join SunSport in revelling in just some of Ronaldo’s collection that his fortune can afford.ASTON MARTIN DBS SUPERLEGGER, £200,000
    The Manchester United ace turned heads at Carrington as he rocked up to the gates in an amazing Aston Martin DBS Superleggera convertible.
    The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera boasts a 5.2 litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine, providing a mind-boggling 715 hp.
    It has a top speed of 211mph, and can also go from 0-60mph in just 3.4 seconds.
    The car is certainly a worthy addition to Ronaldo’s stunning motor collection.
    Credit: Eamonn and James Clarke
    MERCEDES G-WAGON BRABUS, £600,000
    What do you buy your boyfriend if he has everything?
    Well if you’re Georgina Rodriguez you get a massive, gift-wrapped Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
    The gorgeous former shop assistant made sure CR7’s had the best 35th birthday ever – gifting him a stunning Mercedes G Wagon Brabus that can cost as much £600,000.
    And the brilliant SUV can reach top speeds of 137mph.
    Cristiano Ronaldo was the lucky recipient of a Mercedes G Wagon Brabus for his 35th birthdayCredit: Instagram @georginagio
    BUGATTI CHIRON, £2.15MILLION
    In 2017, Ronaldo’s need for speed saw the mercurial forward splash the cash on a stunning silver Bugatti Chiron.
    Incredibly, it can reach speeds of 260 mph, and does 0-60 in just under 2.5 seconds, not that Turin will allow him the opportunity to drive it that fast with the city’s busy traffic.
    As we said, he likes two of everything – and this was the second Bugatti he bought, although he has denied buying a third  – the Bugatti La Voiture Noire – which was reckoned to be the most expensive car in the world EVER at £9.49million, and was snapped up by a mystery buyer last year.
    The 36-year-old loves posting images of his cars to social media, including the Bugatti ChironCredit: Instagram @cristiano
    BUGATTI VEYRON, £1.7M
    Only 450 Veyron 16.4 Grand Sports were built, so of course Ronaldo wanted a slice of that rarity pie.
    It cost him £1.7m, and will only increase in value as the years go by.
    The Portuguese legend bought the car as a treat after winning Euro 2016 with his country.
    In terms of performance, it does 0-62 mph in 2.6 seconds, and has an outer skin completely made of carbon fibre.
    Cristiano Ronaldo poses outside his former Madrid home on his £1.7m Bugatti VeyronCredit: Instagram @cristiano
    LAMBORGHINI AVENTADOR, £260,040
    Simply because a Bugatti Veyron won’t fulfil Ronaldo’s love of fast cars, in the same year he bought that motor he splashed on a Lamborghini Aventador.
    Made in 2011, it’s the most celebrated model by the Italian car designer – and owned by footballers all over the world, not scared of the outlandish price.
    Ronaldo celebrated his purchase on Instagram in 2016, with a picture with the caption: “Bom dia (good morning)”.
    Ronaldo has a matte-black Lamborghini Aventador worth over £200kCredit: Instagram @cristiano
    Ronaldo loves having two of every brand and has a separate LamborghiniCredit: Instagram @cristiano
    ROLLS ROYCE CULLINAN, FROM £330,000
    In 2020, Ronaldo added a Cullinan to his collection, having previously owned a Rolls Royce Phantom worth around £363,000.
    Showing his loyalty to his new employers, CR7 even personalised the interior with black and white leather.
    Standing at five metres long, the Cullinan boasts a V12 engine and a horse power of 571.
    It is the only SUV Rolls Royce have ever produced.
    Ronaldo arrives anywhere in style with his Rolls Royce among the collectionCredit: Instagram @cristiano
    CHEVROLET CAMARO, £35,000
    Maybe he learned something from Sir Alex Ferguson about American cars, after all the former Manchester United boss drove a Chevrolet to training when he was Red Devils manager.
    A more economic motor than others in his garage, the Camaro has a 6.2-litre V8 engine that delivers 453 horsepower.
    It’s cheaper than anything else he owns, and was bought in 2016 as a family car.
    Ronaldo arrives at his old Madrid home in his white Mustang convertibleCredit: Instagram @cristiano
    FERRARI F12 TDF, £350,000
    In 2017, Ronaldo bought an F12 TDF – another collector’s item with only 799 made in the world.
    It is certainly one of the favourites he owns, and is zippy with a top speed of 211 mph, and capable of doing 0-62 in 2.9 seconds.
    Needless to say, pet-friendly Ronaldo won’t let his pooches in though.
    The Portuguese superstar’s red Ferrari may not be the most appropriate car for his dogsCredit: Instagram @cristiano
    The Ferrari F12 is one of Ronaldo’s favouritesCredit: Instagram @cristiano
    Ronaldo poses on the boot of one of his white FerrarisCredit: Instagram @cristiano
    RANGE ROVER SPORT, £100,000
    A staple for every footballers’ garage, the Range Rover Sport is the ultimate SUV for the rich and famous.
    The model that Ronaldo drives is, of course, is the special edition, SVR.
    It’s Ronaldo’s go-to motor when he drove to the Continassa training ground in Turin.
    Ronaldo’s garage has also includes a giant Range RoverCredit: Instagram @cristiano
    MERCEDES AMG GLE 63, £127,000
    In 2016 Ronaldo filled his garage with supercar after supercar.
    His AMG GLE 63 was a gift to himself for Christmas, and some present it is.
    The SUV has a 612 horse power engine, and it can reach a top speed of 155 mph.

    Ronaldo has one of the most impressive car collections in footballCredit: Instagram @cristiano
    MCLAREN SENNA, £1MILLION
    A car made as a dedication to the legendary Brazilian racing driver Ayrton Senna, it would’ve set Ronaldo back around £1million – with only 500 models ever made.
    So enamoured by its performance on Top Gear, former presenter Jeremy Clarkson said of the McLaren Senna it has ‘rewritten the supercar rule book’.
    Powered by a twin-turbo charged V8 engine that produces 800 horse power, it can hit 0-62 mph in just 2.8 seconds.
    Mika Hakkinen is another sports star who owns one of these beauties.
    Ronaldo’s six years in Manchester saw him take a liking to McLarensCredit: Instagram @cristiano
    BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT, FROM £151,000
    Ronaldo is believed to have started collecting cars from around 2009, when he was a Manchester United star.
    He had a penchant for Bentley Continental GTs in those early days, and collected several during his time at Old Trafford.
    Ronaldo’s was the GT Speed model, which was naturally the most expensive version ever.
    The interior was lush, filled with magnolia leather.
    And because it was a convertible, Ronaldo was often spied with the roof down – even in rainy Manchester.
    Ronaldo began to have a collection of supercars during his time at United, including this Bentley convertibleCredit: Cavendish
    Ronaldo’s car collection is worth around £17mCredit: Instagram @cristiano
    Cristiano Ronaldo ‘splashes out £8.5million on limited edition Bugatti Centodieci’ – with just ten models ever created More

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

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