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    Lewis Hamilton fans slam ‘shameless’ F1 star George Russell for his cheeky request to Mercedes team-mate

    F1 FANS have slammed George Russell after his “shameless” request to Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton during the race.The 25-year-old Brit requested that he could pass team-mate Lewis Hamilton after he incurred a five-second penalty for a dangerous re-entry.
    Lewis Hamilton and George Russell during pre-season testing.Credit: Rex
    Russell got into trouble after rainfall from lap 51 onwards caused chaos for a number of drivers.
    The Brit had been on course for a podium finish but saw himself drop down the positions to fifth after running off track at the Mirabeau corner.
    He then compounded his mistake when Red Bull’s Sergio Perez struck his Mercedes’ when he re-entered the track.
    That collision ensured Russell incurred a five second penalty, which was the beginning of the controversy between him and Hamilton.
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    With Russell in fifth and Hamilton in fourth, Russell was heard on team radio requesting that he overtake his team-mate so he could better protect his five second lead on Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in sixth.
    Russell did promise, however, that he would not build a lead of over five seconds on Hamilton.
    That meant that Hamilton would technically still have been in fourth position despite his car being behind Russell.
    That didn’t stop fans raging about the request with many saying it reflected that Russell was “not a team player”.
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    One fan raged: “George Russell is not a team player. Makes it sound like it’s for the team but it’s purely self-served. Hope Mercedes chuck him next season!”
    Another said: “George Russell is a shameless t*** for asking team orders after bottling the position!”
    While another added: “George Russell, you almost have to respect the audacity to ask if you can get past Lewis to create a gap for your own 5 second time penalty.”
    Russell did not receive permission from Mercedes to complete the manoeuvre.
    He did manage to comfortably hold on to his fifth place finish however, with Leclerc unable to chase down the Englishman.
    Hamilton managed to hold on to fourth with Apline’s Esteban Ocon coming third, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso secured second, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen comfortably holding on to his pole position throughout the race.
    Verstappen’s victory was his latest as part of a fine season, with the Dutchman sitting top of the drivers’ standings on 144 points.
    His team-mate Sergio Perez sits on 104 points in second, with veteran Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso rolling back the years to sit in third.
    Hamilton and Russell’s positions are a carbon copy of where they finished at Monaco, sitting in fourth and fifth respectively. More

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    I’m a Man Utd star – I’m usually extremely disciplined but I’ve got a secret guilty pleasure

    ENGLAND and Manchester United player Katie Zelem has revealed the one guilty pleasure that helps take the edge off her gruelling training regime. The Oldham born midfielder who made the move from Juventus to Manchester United puts in around six training sessions a week running up to 40km.
    Katie told Metro that she enjoyed nights out with friendsCredit: Instagram
    Katie Zelem revealed there was one particular sweet treat that she looked forward toCredit: Getty
    The midfielder sticks to a healthy and clean diet during the weekCredit: Getty
    Zelem, who tops up the running with two weights sessions each week, winds down with stretching, yoga and swimming.
    But the highly rated player told the Metro that there was one particular sweet treat that she dreamed of during those gruelling sessions.
    She said: “If we have a Sunday afternoon kick off, when I get home, I’ll order myself an Oreo milkshake.”
    Zelem revealed that the Oreo shake was a rare diversion from a ultra clean diet during the week.
    She said that United normally provided breakfast and lunch on training days, which was typically poached eggs, chicken sausages, beans and spinach.
    For dinner the pro-player relied on the Green Chef meal delivery service.
    She said: “My favourite is the honey glazed sesame halloumi flat breads, I’ve had them before and they’re unreal.
    “I’ve got them on next week’s order so I can’t wait for that one.”
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    Zelem also revealed that there was one post-training ritual that she dreaded.
    She said: “I absolutely hate ice baths. Some of the girls are really good at getting in – there’s this whole submersion thing, where people go in right up to their necks
    “That’s not taken off for me yet.”
    The Man United star was also wary of social media , which she described as a ‘scary place.’
    She said : “There’s a lot of people who don’t have to put their name or face to what they’re saying, and they often say things on social media they would never say to you in real life.
    “I think it’s important to take it with a pinch of salt. I have my notifications turned off.
    “I think if you get too bogged down in other people’s opinions and what they think of you, then you can never focus on yourself.”
    The all action player, who began her career with the Red Devils Centre of Excellence aged eight, was now hoping to be included in the England squad for the Euros.
    She said: “I’m hoping to be selected.
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    “I feel like I’ve done everything I can, so it’s down to the manager to pick the team.”
    The popular player is wary of social mediaCredit: Instagram
    Katie subjects herself to a punishing training regime during the weekCredit: Instagram More

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    Inside abandoned F1 track left frozen in time a decade after last Grand Prix with names of retired drivers still up

    AN ABANDONED F1 track has been frozen in time a decade on from its last race.And the names of retired drivers are still up over the garage doors in the pit lane in an eery nod to yesteryear.
    Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel’s name banners are still upCredit: Károly Méhes / F1Destinations.com
    The circuit was used for just three racesCredit: AFP
    Vettel, left, enjoyed a stunning perfect 100 per cent winning recordCredit: Getty
    Lewis Hamilton’s best result was fourth in 2012Credit: Getty
    The faded and antiqued signs for former Red Bull pair Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Australian Mark Webber remain in place from the 2013 race.
    Vettel won that Grand Prix – as he did the two previous times it was staged in 2011 and 2012 – during his dominant period in F1.
    But after just three editions, the race was cancelled in 2014 as part of a one-year hiatus to change the F1 schedule before a tax dispute saw its return postponed and then totally scrapped.
    The track in question is… the Buddh International Circuit in India.
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    The circuit, in the Gautama Buddha region on Uttar Pradesh in northern India – just outside New Delhi and 100 miles north of the Taj Mahal.
    It only opened in 2011, with an estimated construction cost of £320million, and had a capacity of 110,000 spectators.
    With 16 turns spanning the 5.125km track, Vettel held the lap record with a blistering 1:27.249 in 2011.
    Jenson Button said it was particularly tricky to maintain consistent high speeds throughout the track.
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    Vettel – who joined Webber in F1 retirement last year – agreed and added: “There is a lot of elevation change around the lap which adds to the fun, from as much as eight per cent downhill and up to ten per cent uphill.
    “It’s like a roller coaster. It really has emerged as one of the most challenging circuits on the calendar for the drivers.”
    Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton’s best result at Buddh came in 2012 with a fourth-placed finish – despite starting third on the grid.
    After the F1 Grand Prix was pulled from the calendar, there were no international events held at the circuit between 2014 and 2022 – except the 2016 Asia Road Racing Championship.
    However, the circuit will make its major return to motorsport in 2023 with the MotoGP Grand Prix of India – scheduled for round 13 of the season on September 24.
    Jenson Button recognised the difficulty of the 5.125km trackCredit: EPA
    The circuit cost a whopping £320m to buildCredit: AFP
    The circuit was used for a half marathon once the international races dried upCredit: Getty
    The circuit will be used in 2023 for the MotoGPCredit: Getty
    The Buddh International Circuit is located just outside New DelhiCredit: Getty More

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    F1 star Fernando Alonso flogging ultra-rare £3.5million Ferrari Enzo after Monaco GP success

    FERNANDO ALONSO is looking to cash in following his impressive Monaco GP finish.That’s by flogging his ultra-rare Ferrari Enzo, which could be set to fetch £3.5million at auction.
    F1 ace Fernando Alonso is set to sell his rare Ferrari Enzo at an auction in MonacoCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs0iZ8Cor2q/
    The Spaniard finished second in Sunday’s Monaco GP behind Max VerstappenCredit: Alamy
    Spanish F1 star Alonso, 41, is enjoying a fine season with Aston Martin.
    He finished second in Sunday’s Monaco race behind champion Max Verstappen.
    And Alonso is now up to third in the driver standings, 24 points ahead of old foe Lewis Hamilton.
    He is now hoping for homecoming success at this weekend’s Spanish GP.
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    But Alonso, romantically linked with pop star Taylor Swift last month, will also be turning his sights to a major pay day at an auction house.
    The veteran racer has an epic collection of luxury cars, including a McLaren P1 and a Maserati GranCabrio.
    However, Alonso is now looking to get rid of one at an upcoming auction in Monaco on June 8 – specifically his ultra-rare Ferrari Enzo.
    Only 399 of the cars were ever made, with Alonso managing to get his hands on a 2011 version.
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    It has clocked up just 2,982 miles, has a top speed of 218mph and can go from 0-60mph in 3.3 seconds.
    Alonso could pocket a tasty sum for it, with an older 2003 Ferrari Enzo – which also had more miles on the clock – recently selling for £3.5m in Paris.

    A statement from Monaco Car Auctions confirmed: “This Enzo gathers several major particularities.
    “In addition to being ‘Scocca n.1’ as mentioned in its Ferrari Classiche certification, there’s only 4,800km on the clock and it belongs until now to Fernando Alonso.” More

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    Former Premier League cult hero became DJ and Paris Fashion Week model after retiring from football

    DIJIBRIL CISSE became a Paris Fashion Week model and DJ after retiring from football in 2017.The former Liverpool man called time on his career at the age of 35 to focus on becoming a DJ.
    Cisse has been focusing on a career as a DJ since retiring from football in 2017Credit: Instagram @rinsefrance
    Cisse has pursued his love of music since retiringCredit: Instagram @djibrilcisse1981
    Cisse modelled for Jean-Paul Galtier at the Paris Fashion Week in 2020Credit: AFP
    The ex France international’s DJ career appears to be going from strength and strength.
    He regularly shares pictures of him behind the decks to his two million Instagram followers.
    Its not just DJing that Cisse has been pursuing since his retirement with the former Premier League ace also trying his hand at modelling.
    The 41-year-old has always had a love for fashion regularly endorsing some of the world’s biggest designers and has his own clothing brand called Mr Lenoir.
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    He is no stranger to modelling having appeared as a ‘gourmet model’ at the Salon du Chocolat in Paris in 2018.
    Cisse appeared at the event wearing chocolate which was raising money for the Association Mecenat Cardiac Surgery.
    In 2020 he modelled at Paris Fashion Week taking to the runway in a Gaultier suit in the final show of famous designer Jean-Paul Gaultier.
    He sported a suave blue Gaultier suit and blazer combination as he strutted his stuff down the catwalk.
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    The former striker excited the crowd as he removed the blazer to show off his heavily tattooed torso.
    Cisse was followed on the catwalk by some of the biggest names in modelling which included Gigi and Bella Hadid and Karlie Kloss.
    He also modelled for Lidl’s clothing range in 2022.
    He is best known by English football fans for his spells in the Premier League with Sunderland, QPR and Liverpool.
    He bagged 32 Premier League goals during his time in England and was part of the Liverpool side that won the Champions League in 2005.
    Cisse played for 11 different clubs over the course of his career and won 41 caps for France scoring on nine occasions.
    Cisse wore an outfit made out of chocolateCredit: Reuters
    Cisse scored 24 goals for LiverpoolCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The 41 year old also had spells at Sunderland and QPR in the Premier LeagueCredit: AP:Associated Press More

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    Fulham working on £2m transfer for 17-year-old wonderkid who graduated from Gheorghe Hagi Academy

    FULHAM are working on a £2m deal for Romanian teenage sensation Andrei Borza.The 17-year-old left-back currently plays in his native country’s top division for Farul Constanta, who won their first SuperLiga title this season.
    Andrei Borza is wanted by FulhamCredit: Getty
    Borza – an Under-20 international – scored three goals with as many assists during an historic campaign for the club.
    SunSport understands that the Cottagers have had scouts monitoring the defender, and feel now is the time to bring him to West London to further develop his potential.
    Borza signed his first professional contract with Farul last summer, expiring in June 2026.
    Fulham’s main concern in sealing the deal is interest from Dutch giants PSV, who are also preparing a move for him.
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    Borza is a product of the Gheorghe Hagi Academy, named after Farul’s current owner – the legendary Romanian midfielder who played for Real Madrid and Barcelona.
    Fulham need new recruits with loanees Layvin Kurzawa and Cedric Soares returning to PSG and Arsenal respectively this summer.
    It means they have just one recognised left-back in Antonee Robinson.
    However, it is believed Borza would be loaned out next season with a view to getting him more first-team experience in one of Europe’s top five divisions.
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    It could be a busy summer for Marco Silva’s side with them linked with Manchester United midfielder Fred.
    Meanwhile, SunSport exclusively revealed that West Ham are interested in Joao Palhinha.
    Gheorghe Hagi is manager and owner of Farul ConstantaCredit: Getty More

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    Agent Jorge Mendes breaks silence over Cristiano Ronaldo split and says ‘he’ll always be in my heart’

    SUPER-AGENT Jorge Mendes insists Cristiano Ronaldo will “always be in my heart” despite their recent split.The Portuguese legend, 38, was represented by Mendes for most of his legendary career.
    Jorge Mendes represented Cristiano Ronaldo for most of the star’s careerCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    The super-agent and legendary forward parted ways earlier this yearCredit: Reuters
    However, their relationship became strained last summer after he failed to get Ronaldo a switch to either Bayern Munich or Chelsea as he tried to secure his exit from Manchester United.
    A transfer to the Bundesliga giants or Premier League outfit never materialised.
    And instead Ronaldo ended up joining Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr in January after an explosive fall-out with United following an interview with Piers Morgan.
    That decision to appear on Piers Morgan Uncensored was not supported by Mendes.
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    It led to an official parting of the ways soon after Ronaldo had negotiated his own deal to head to the Middle East.
    But there does not appear to be any ill-feeling towards the forward from Mendes as he broke his silence on the split.
    He said: “How do I see this phase of his life? Cristiano will always be in my heart. He is a special player and a special person for me. If I, a few years ago, thought that I could have a player with half the value of Cristiano, I would sign for less!
    “And all of us Portuguese should be proud to have had and still have a player like him. I’ve always said it and I’ll say it all my life: he was and is the best player in the entire history of world football! I don’t have the slightest doubt, even compared to others.”
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    Mendes added: “You have to see what he managed to do. Football is goals! There’s a lot of strength there and a lot of work too.
    “He’s an example for young people and he’s done everything a great professional would have to do… because he’s the best of them all! But it is also true that he was a virtuous player when he was young: you were talking about Ronaldinho Gaucho and Messi, but when he was young, Cristiano was also virtuous!
    “And strong in the ‘one on one’, and explosive! Cristiano has turned into a machine! Many people never really thought about that growth process that led him, in fact, to be the best in history. And for me, he will always be the best in history.”
    Ronaldo’s first season at Al-Nassr has ended in major disappointment after they were pipped to the title last week to end the season trophyless. More

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    Which ex-footballers are playing at Soccer Aid 2023?

    SOCCER AID 2023 is just around the corner and there will be many familiar faces in action.Celebrities and former professional footballers will take to the turf at Old Trafford as England take on World XI.
    World XI were victorious at Soccer Aid 2022Credit: GETTY
    England have lost the last FOUR Soccer Aids, with three defeats coming on penalties.
    A management team led by rapper Stormzy have been tasked to end the Three Lions’ torrid run of form.
    In the opposing dugout will be new Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino.
    Which ex-footballers are playing at Soccer Aid 2023?
    There are a number of former professionals from both the women’s and men’s game that are taking in Soccer Aid this year.
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    Here are all of the confirmed ex-footballers involved so far:
    England’s ex-pros:

    Jill Scott
    Jermain Defoe
    Gary Cahill
    Jack Wilshere
    Gary Neville
    Paul Scholes
    Eni Aluko
    Karen Carney
    David James
    Nicky Butt

    World XI’s ex-pros:
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    Ben Foster
    Roberto Carlos
    Nani
    Francesco Totti
    Gabriel Batistuta
    Kaylyn Kyle
    Heather O’Reilly

    What are the full Soccer Aid line-ups?
    Here are the full Soccer Aid line-ups so far:
    The England line-up: Stormzy, Harry Redknapp, Emma Hayes, Vicky McClure, David Seaman are all part of the England Management Team.
    Jill Scott (Captain), David James (Professional GK), Paddy McGuinness (Celebrity GK), Gary Neville, Gary Cahill, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, Jack Wilshere, Jermain Defoe, Eni Aluko, Karen Carney, Scarlette Douglas, Alex Brooker, Chunkz, Tom Grennan, Sir Mo Farah, Bugzy Malone, Joel Corry and Liam Payne.
    The Soccer Aid World XI line-up: Mauricio Pochettino, Martin Compston and Robbie Keane are part of the World XI Management Team.
    Usain Bolt (Captain), Ben Foster (Professional Goalkeeper), Patrice Evra, Nani, Maisie Adam, Kaylyn Kyle, Heather O’Reilly, Mo Gilligan, Lee Mack, Steven Bartlett, Kem Cetinay, Noah Beck and Tommy Fury.
    When is Soccer Aid 2023?

    Soccer Aid 2023 is taking place on Sunday, June 11.
    It will kick-off at 7.30pm.
    74,000 fans are expected to attend at Old Trafford.
    The match will be broadcast live on ITV 1 and streamed on ITVX. More