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    Trailblazing boxer Inder Bassi won huge battle for Sikh fighters and now faces clash at legendary football ground

    INDER BASSI hopes to leave behind a lasting memory in the boxing ring – having already done so outside of it.Bassi is 14-2 in his career – turning professional in 2019 – off the back of a title-winning amateur career of 50 wins out of 75. Inder Bassi is a 14-2 professional boxerHe features on SunSport’s Contender series on YouTubeHere he is sparring in the famous Peacock Boxing gymBassi is hard at work preparing for his next boutBut one of the biggest fights Bassi had during his time in the unpaid ranks was the old rule that amateur boxers had to shave off all facial hair. The welterweight from Basildon is a proud Sikh – a religion which prohibits the cutting or shaving hair. Bassi helped campaign to change the the amateur boxing rule – which was in place to stop cuts due to the coarse texture of facial hair. And in 2019, the ban was lifted by England Boxing thanks to the help of Bassi, who features in SunSport’s latest Contender episode on YouTube. READ MORE IN BOXINGThe trailblazer told us: “The overturning of the beard ban – people associate that with my name. “It’s weird because you weren’t allowed a beard in the amateur boxing and like I said, in the professional game, you’re allowed. “In Muay Thai, kickboxing, in any other contact sport you were allowed just weren’t allowed in the amateur boxing. “That held a lot of Sikh boxers back. The belts are something every fighter wants and I want them myself, I’m hungry for belts. Most read in BoxingBassi had to shave his beard in the amateursBut he helped change the boxing ruleHe will be remembered for his work inside and outside the ringCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But it’s more so for people to remember me as a good man who done something for my community. “The more I fight, the more I win, the more belts I win I’m going to continue smashing them glass ceilings in. They are my belts as well.Moses Itauma: Future Heavyweight King is on Track to Break Mike Tyson’s Record I Contender Documentary”They are my belts that are metaphorical, I can’t see them, I can’t show nobody them but that’s what people are going to remember me for.” Bassi is training out of the Peacock Gym in East London – which has welcomed some of boxing’s greatest ever through its doors. He said: “It’s one of the most notorious gyms in the country. Floyd Mayweather’s been here, loads of legends. Prince Naseem’s trained here. “To belong to a gym where them kind of fighters have trained, it is quite special.” In our episode, Bassi spars hard rounds against an international German boxer in preparation for his next fight. The 28-year-old has won his last two fights having lost an English title bout against Sean Noakes in July. His promoter Jon Trethewey said: “I am a bit biased, Sean won on the night and he did deserve to win, can’t deny that. “But I don’t think we saw the best of Inder that night.” Bassi was beaten by Sean Noakes in an English title fightCredit: PAHe has bounced back with two wins sinceCredit: PANow Bassi has bounced back, he has landed himself a huge fight at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge. The event is headed up by American legend Roy Jones Jr and former European champion Spencer Oliver. Bassi will take on Lucas Ballingall from Portsmouth, who is 18-2, in the Battle of The Bridge event which is airing on Fight Zone. And Bassi said with a smile: “When I tell people I’m boxing at Stamford Bridge, some say, ‘Oh man, you could have picked a better stadium!’ “But it’s exciting. Everyone’s excited.” It is the first-ever boxing event staged at Chelsea’s West London home – and Bassi was blown away when he visited the SW6. He said: “Expect the unexpected and put in the work and opportunities will come. It’s genuinely a mad sport. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But to be boxing here, when I got the call up to say, you know what you’re on the show, it was a big thing for myself. “I was a bit shocked. It’s everyone’s dream to be boxing on the big shows in front of the bright lights.”Bassi is set to fight at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge groundHe was blown away on a visit to Stamford Bridge More

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    ‘Was he sent by Madrid?’ – Arsenal fans lose it as footage emerges of Norway coach WRESTLING Martin Odegaard

    ARSENAL fans lost it as footage emerged of Martin Odegaard being WRESTLED by his own Norway coach.And that prompted some to even question if he had been sent by Real Madrid as a secret agent to hurt the Gunners captain.Stale Solbakken gave Martin Odegaard a tight hug as he subbed him offCredit: RexThe Norway boss then got his captain in a headlockCredit: XThey then wrestled but it was the gaffer who hit the floorCredit: XOdegaard, 26, led his country to a 4-2 victory over Israel in their World Cup qualifier played in Hungary on Tuesday.The playmaker racked up a hat-trick of assists before being subbed off by manager Stale Solbakken in injury time.Solbakken was clearly delighted with his star’s performance – and has a great relationship with Odegaard.So much so that he shook hands with the Arsenal hero and gave him a hug as he shared some words of encouragement.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLEx-Wolves boss Solbakken, 57, then jokingly got Odegaard in a headlock in the technical area at the side of the pitch.And he suddenly escalated the prank by yanking the footballer down in an apparent wrestling move to try and floor his skipper. Hilariously, though, it was Solbakken who hit the deck before releasing his grip as Odegaard somehow managed to stay on his feet. The pair were both laughing as the Gunners man walked to the dugout to take his seat and watch the last few minutes of action.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Arsenal fans did not see the funny side as much.Mikel Arteta’s men have an important run of fixtures coming up – to keep their faint Premier League titles hopes alive but more importantly their Champions League quarter-final with Real Madrid.Footballers are great role models… but they need to be able to go partying, like I did, says Jack WilshereThe Gunners host the reigning Kings of Europe on April 8 before the return leg at the Bernabeu on April 16.And fans are desperate to see their injury-hit captain wrapped up in cotton wool to face his former team – rather than flung around in a wrestling match on international duty.After seeing the video clip with Solbakken, one quipped on social media: “Was this coach sent by Madrid to take out Odegaard??”Another wrote: “This man must be a Madrid fan… he wants our captain injured.”A third added: “I’d be flying to Norway to chin him if he injured him.”A fourth commented: “Get tf off my captain man we can’t afford any more injuries.”And a final user replied: “Dear coach, please stop doing that. Sincerely, all Arsenal fans.”Odegaard registered three assists in the 4-2 win over IsraelCredit: AFP More

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    Premier League rich list revealed with two Man Utd flops and surprising manager cracking top three in L’Equipe ranking

    THE Premier League’s highest-earning players and managers have been revealed – with one surprise inclusion.French publication L’Equipe has looked at which stars take home the most amount of money each week.Erling Haaland is the highest-earning player in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyKevin De Bruyne is also on the rich listCredit: GettyAnd it’s no surprise that Manchester City striker Erling Haaland tops the list by quite a margin.The 24-year-old put pen to paper on a huge nine-and-a-half year deal earlier this year.In doing so, he also increased his weekly wage from £375,000 to £500,000.Also joining Haaland on the rich list are players from Liverpool and Manchester United.Read More in FootballPLAYER RICH LISTAs already mentioned, Haaland earns the most money in the Premier League by far.L’Equipe has revealed that he takes home an estimated gross monthly salary of around £2.2million.Mohamed Salah pockets £1,505,000-a-monthCredit: GettyCasemiro earns the same as SalahCredit: GettyThat includes guaranteed add-ons, loyalty bonuses and image rights payments.Ranked second in the list is Haaland’s Man City team-mate Kevin De Bruyne.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe 33-year-old is currently estimated to be earning £1.7m monthly, which equates to £432,000-a-week.However, he might not be making that for much longer.I plucked Thomas Tuchel out of his job working in a bar in Stuttgart before he became England boss, reveals Man Utd flopDe Bruyne has been heavily linked with a move away from the Etihad this summer, with his contract set to expire in June.He is yet to agree terms for a new deal with the Cityzens.Joint-third in the rankings are Casemiro and Mohamed Salah.Brazil midfielder Casemiro became Man Utd’s highest earner when he joined the club in a £70m transfer from Real Madrid in 2022.And he recently revealed that he intends to see out his contract despite receiving criticism from fans for his underwhelming form.Meanwhile, Liverpool fans are hoping that Salah extends his stay at Anfield.The winger’s contract is due to expire in June and he is yet to agree terms for a renewal.Both Casemiro and Salah pocket £1.5m-a-month, which works out as £376,250-per-week.Joint-fifth on the list are loan stars Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling.The duo each take home £1.4m every month (£349,000-a-week) which is split between their parent club and their loan club.United allegedly pay 75% of Rashford’s wages, with Aston Villa covering the rest.Meanwhile, Chelsea are covering the bulk of Sterling’s earnings, with Arsenal paying a smaller amount.Marcus Rashford is joint-fifth on the listCredit: GettyRaheem Sterling also earns £1.4m each monthCredit: GettyMANAGER RICH LISTWith Haaland topping the player rich list, his Man City boss Pep Guardiola leads the manager list.The Spaniard is reported to be earning £1.7m-a-month, which equates to £416,000-a-week.Meanwhile, his former assistant and current Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is the second highest-earning boss in the Prem.The Gunners boss allegedly banks £1.2m every month (£309,000 weekly) at the Emirates.And arguably the most surprising inclusion across both lists is that of David Moyes.The 61-year-old returned to Goodison Park earlier this year following the departure of Sean Dyche.READ MORE SUN STORIESL’Equipe has reported that Moyes earns £1m every month (£257,000-a-week).The Scot has enjoyed an impressive start to his time at Everton, lifting the club away from the relegation zone.David Moyes is among the top-earning managersCredit: Getty More

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    Chelsea fans push Premier League to investigate their OWN OWNER Todd Boehly over ‘unauthorised ticket website’

    CHELSEA fans have demanded the Premier League investigate their OWN OWNER Todd Boehly.The American billionaire fronted the £4.25billion purchase of the West London club from Roman Abramovich in 2022.Chelsea Supporters’ Trust complained about Todd Boehly to the Premier LeagueCredit: AlamyThe American owner was the subject of an angry protest last monthCredit: EPAHe has since gone on a staggering transfer rampage, splashing out more than £1.2bn on new signings.Boehly, 51, is also trying to figure out what the future home of Chelsea will look like amid hopes of building a bigger, more modern stadium to replace Stamford Bridge.However, the LA Dodgers owner is not universally popular among Blues supporters – as demonstrated with a protest march against him and the Clearlake Capital and BlueCo groups who make up the consortium.And now the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust have launched a scathing attack on Boehly by reporting him.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe organisation sent a letter to Premier League chief executive Richard Masters.And the centre of their fury is around Boehly’s connection to the controversial company Vivid Seats. Since investing in 2021, Boehly has been a director at the business which resells tickets for Premier League matches, including Chelsea fixtures, at hugely inflated prices, often thousands of pounds above face value. The American firm is listed by the Prem as an “unauthorised ticket website” and tells fans to “exercise extreme caution” if dealing with them and other exchange sites. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTickets for Chelsea’s London derby at home to Tottenham on April 3 are available to buy on Vivid Seats for more than £2,000 at the time of writing.For the Liverpool game on May 2, prices range from £442 to more than £3,200. Todd Boehly gives major Chelsea stadium update and vows to leave Stamford BridgeJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeIt is against British law to resell tickets in this way, making it illegal for UK-based fans to buy Premier League tickets from Vivid Seats. It comes against the backdrop of the Stamford Bridge hierarchy proudly boasting of their crackdown on ticket touts outside the stadium on a matchday. And Blues fans are furious with Boehly’s direct involvement in a website ripping off supporters wanting to watch their team in action live.CST labelled it as a “breach of trust” and a “clear conflict of interest”. The letter to Prem boss Masters said: “Mr Boehly’s connection with Vivid Seats is totally inappropriate and significantly undermines the efforts of Chelsea FC, The Premier League, and The Metropolitan Police to combat ticket touting. ‘NO EXCUSE’“Vivid Seats continues to list Premier League tickets for above face value at significantly inflated rates.“Not only does this undermine the efforts of Chelsea FC, The Premier League, and The Metropolitan Police to combat ticket touting, but Vivid Seats contravenes the Chelsea FC ticketing policy, and is explicitly named by the Premier League as a known unauthorised ticket website.“We believe that now is the time for the Premier League to act swiftly and ensure that a major shareowner of a Premier League club ceases facilitating the sale of tickets for significantly above face value.”The Football Supporters’ Association threw their support behind the CST and added: “It is clear the Premier League needs to take action.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Clubs, supporters’ groups, the police and the Premier League itself has worked hard in recent years to combat ticket touting – there is no excuse for a club owner to be involved in such activity.”SunSport has contacted Chelsea for comment. Boehly is a director at Vivid Seats, a company that resells football tickets way above face valueCredit: PATickets are available to buy for Chelsea vs Tottenham on April 3 for huge pricesCredit: Vivid SeatsThe LA Dodgers owner is not universally popular at ChelseaCredit: EPAHome tickets are notoriously tricky for genuine Chelsea fans to buy at Stamford BridgeCredit: Reuters More

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    ‘Of course, it’s difficult’ – Ben Chilwell opens up on being bombed out by Chelsea before Crystal Palace lifeline

    BEN CHILWELL refused to let membership of Chelsea’s ‘bomb squad’ drag him down.The defender was frozen out completely by boss Enzo Maresca this season but kept his head up high in order to secure a move away.Ben Chilwell is enjoying a fresh start at Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyHe was frozen out of the squad at ChelseaCredit: GettyFull-back Chilwell is now on loan at Crystal Palace and one win away from Wembley in the FA Cup semi finals – a huge turnaround from the dark days in isolation at Stamford Bridge.Chilwell said to ITV: “Between the start of the season and January I was training by myself a lot of the days. “You’re not involved in the matchday squads and you kind of just wait for the opportunity when you’re going to go somewhere.“If you go somewhere in January and you’re miles off the pace or you’ve not put the work in, the only person that’s losing out is you.READ MORE ON CHELSEA“Of course, it’s difficult. Training by yourself a lot for a number of months isn’t easy. But the only person that was going to lose out if I wasn’t ready was myself. “So these past four or five months have given me an opportunity to mentally and physically just realign, refocus, reset. To go again.“There were a lot of circumstances and things going on at Chelsea that weren’t in my control, which I completely respect.“The things I could control was how I came into training every day and how I trained, whether by myself or with the group.Most read in FA CupJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge“That’s just a reflection of myself and I wasn’t going to let myself down in those moments you can control you just control as best as you can.”Maresca bluntly told Chilwell that he simply did not fit into his tactical plans. It was nothing personal but it will have hurt.Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell completes loan transfer to Crystal PalaceChilwell, 28, is big on the mental side of professional sports and kept his chin up, finally bagging a loan move to Palace in January.Whether or not a permanent deal is struck at the end of the season, there is no way back for him at Chelsea while Maresca is manager.He held a Zoom call with Eagles boss Oliver Glasner about a temporary switch and knew straightaway he fancied moving to South London for a fresh start.Chilwell has played five times at Wembley at club level. With only one win so far.The Champions League winning left-back made his Palace debut as a sub in the FA Cup fourth round win over Doncaster Rovers. He has featured in the two rounds since.The fifth round win over Millwall was overshadowed by serious injury to Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who needed 25 stitches to a cut ear after a collision with keeper Liam Roberts.The Frenchman is declared fit to play at Fulham on Saturday and Chilwell says it is a huge boost both physically and mentally.He said: “He’s the glue of the place. He’s the loudest one in the changing room. The loudest one around here. You need a few of those don’t you?“You need those characters around the place always cracking jokes making people laugh. They’re the loudest ones when their team loses or their team wins.“They’re the most important figures in the changing room, so it’s definitely noticeable when he’s not in the building. Having him back this weekend will be a massive boost.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Before coming here I knew a lot of the players previously through the national team, through playing against them in the league. It seemed a pretty easy choice. I spoke to the manager also.“We had a talk over Zoom and kind of agreed on lots of lots of different things. So I think with the manager and the people that I knew here previously It was a pretty easy decision to come.” More

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    ‘The ship has sailed’ – Jake Paul brutally hits back at Tommy Fury after Love Island star calls for rematch

    JAKE PAUL has brutally hit back at Tommy Fury’s call for a rematch. Fury became the first and so far only fighter to defeat YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul – winning a split-decision in Saudi Arabia in 2023.Jake Paul has brutally hit back at Tommy Fury’s call for a rematchCredit: GettyAnd he took to Instagram to hit out at his American rival for recently calling out Anthony Joshua. But Paul – after announcing four new female signings to his Most Valuable Promotions banner – countered back at Fury. He posted: “Tommy Fumbles Fury…the ship has sailed mate. I’m trying to build the sport. You are trying to make a payday and hit the pub.”No judgement. We are just different.” READ MORE IN BOXINGIt followed on the same day Fury – who underwent hand surgery last year to repair an injury – slammed Paul for challenging AJ. He said on Instagram: “Just wanted to give a little opinion on everything I’ve been seeing on social media lately.”Jake Paul versus Anthony Joshua – just wanted to come on here and remind everybody that that bum couldn’t even beat me when I basically had a broken hand.”I had one hand and he still lost. Jake Paul, I’m still your daddy and everybody weighing this fight up, don’t bother because he ain’t worth a shilling.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”And a loss will always be there Mr Paul. Take it easy and have a good day.”Paul, 28, most recently beat Mike Tyson, 58, in November with the fight marred in controversy amid the huge age gap between them.Jake Paul reveals talks for Tommy Fury rematch and slams Canelo Alvarez over failed fight But still over 100 MILLION watched on Netflix – prompting shock talks to fight Canelo Alvarez in May in Las Vegas.But Canelo walked away from the bout to instead sign a four-fight deal with Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh.And with Paul looking for his next opponent, he called out two-time heavyweight world champion Joshua, 35, on his podcast.Paul said: “I want to fight Anthony Joshua – exclusive – because I know I will f***ing beat Anthony Joshua’s ass.”He doesn’t have a chin, and he has no skill and he’s stiff. I love you Anthony, we’e friends, all this s*** but I want to fight you.”AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn is open to talks and suggested it would earn Joshua £100MILLION and break pay-per-view records.Fury, 25, meanwhile beat Paul’s arch rival KSI, 31, via disputed decision in October 2023 but has not returned since following his surgery.He was due to do so against Darren Till in January but he pulled out after the ex-UFC star threatened to KICK him in the head.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Fury told fans in a written message: “I’m in the best shape of my life, fit and ready to go.”Got some really big fight news on the way for you guys. Stay tuned!!”Tommy Fury has not returned since beating KSI in October 2023Credit: Getty More

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    ‘I can’t wait’ – Gary Neville buzzing as Man Utd legend starts new job that has nothing to do with football

    GARY NEVILLE has landed a new job outside of football as he expands his growing business portfolio away from the game.Neville, 50, is joining the board of Swiss watchmaker Norqain – a brand founded by former ice hockey player Mark Streit.Gary Neville has joined the board of Swiss watchmaking company NorqainCredit: PAFormer Man Utd star Neville joins the company as they prepare to launch in the UK.He said: “I’ve been following Norqain for some time now and really admire the brand’s values and innovative, sporty timepieces.”As a challenger brand in the Swiss watch industry, Norqain is a perfect fit for me, and I’m thrilled to join Ben [Kuuffer, CEO] and the team as a partner in the business here in the UK and Ireland. “We share the same vision and challenger spirit, and I can’t wait to get started.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSNorqain watches are listed on their website for prices ranging from £1,920, up to £10,900.While fellow retired footballer Gianluigi Buffon is also involved with the company, and can even be spotted modelling the watches on the brand’s website.Norqain CEO Ben Kuffer added: “I’ve played and followed football all my life. Gary’s leadership and captaincy on the pitch were legendary, and he is not only a fantastic person but also an outstanding entrepreneur.”Norqain becomes another string in the impressive bow of Neville’s business ventures.Most read in FootballFormer Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is also involved in the companyCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe 85-time England international is already involved in a property development company, his podcast with The Overlap, two hotels in Manchester and the co-ownership of Salford City.Miroma, the marketing agency that acts as a parent company to Neville’s Overlap series, just announced a revenue of £275.6m between June 2023 and 2024.’Absolute s***fest of management’ – Gary Neville follows Roy Keane in unleashing angriest Man Utd rant yetHowever, The Stock Exchange Hotel and Hotel Football – two hotels co-owned by Neville and Ryan Giggs – are both in the red, according to City AM.Hotel Football remains in the red despite achieving a record financial year, while The Stock Exchange Hotel has fallen further into the red after the closure of TV chef Tom Kerridge’s restaurant in the hotel.Neville’s impressive business acumen even saw him invited to join the team on Dragon’s Den last year.Neville recently tried his hand at something completely new, swapping the studio for the stage.The retired right-back stunned fans by appearing on stage with rock band Reytons at Aviva Studios in Manchester just hours before covering Man Utd’s Premier League clash with Arsenal for Sky Sports earlier this month.Neville’s business acumen saw him invited to join the team on Dragon’s DenCredit: PANeville joined rock band the Reytons on stage in ManchesterCredit: https://x.com/TheReytons More

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    Man Utd legend Ryan Giggs’ son, 18, making his own way in football after fifth international call-up

    RYAN GIGGS’ son Zach has made a major step in his career after earning his fifth cap for Wales at under-19 level.Zach, 18, featured in Wales’ 3-1 win over Turkey at the Belle Vue in Rhyl during their final Euro Qualifying Elite Round match.Ryan Giggs’ son Zach played five games for Wales’ under-19sZach is following in his father’s footstepsGoals from Plymouth starlet Freddie Issaka, Manchester United striker Gabriele Biancheri and Norwich City’s Elliot Myles were enough to seal victory for the young Dragons.After slumping to defeats at the hands of England and Portugal, Chris Gunter’s under-19s side finished third in Group G, with three wins and three defeats. England, by virtue of winning the group, have booked their place in the finals in Romania in June.Zach, who can play as a centre-back or full-back, was named in the starting XI and received a yellow card just before the final whistle.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe is also eligible for England, but has so far progressed through the age grades with Wales.Zach didn’t feature in Wales’ 2-0 defeat to England last week, but played the full 90 minutes in their 1-0 loss to Portugal.He is one of several young Welsh stars hoping to follow in their fathers footsteps.Others include, Robbie Savage’s son Charlie and Jason Koumas’ boy Lewis, who have already featured at senior level.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordZach has been on the books at Sheffield United since leaving Man Utd’s academy in 2023.His mum is Gigg’s first wife Stacey Cooke, who also has daughter Libby with the former footballer.Ryan Giggs helps with training session for Salford CityDad Ryan previously managed Wales’ senior side but stood down due to off-pitch issues.At the time, Giggs Sr was facing trial for alleged abuse of his ex-girlfriend, but was since cleared of all charges.The Premier League legend always denied assault and controlling or coercive behaviour towards his former partner.Giggs was replaced by his assistant Robert Page for Euro 2020, who has since been sacked for Craig Bellamy.He spent 25 years at Old Trafford and helped the club to win every major trophy, including 13 titles and the Champions League twice.Giggs also set an incredible record of scoring in 23 consecutive campaigns playing in the Premier League.But he has personally lost £100,000 after a trendy restaurant he backed went bust in recent weeks. More