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      in Soccer

      Amorim may have stumbled on to same path that fired Liverpool and Arsenal back to the top after Man Utd’s transfer gloom

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      THE pressure is on Ruben Amorim after the winter window closed without any significant Manchester United incoming business.It is hard to believe Amorim really only wanted to bring in a 20-year-old left-back and a kid from Arsenal’s youth team – even if he was evidently desperate to get shot of Marcus Rashford and Antony.Ruben Amorim was unable to welcome any significant players in JanuaryCredit: GettyPatrick Dorgu was the only player to be signed for the senior teamCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford left on loan to Aston VillaCredit: GettyAntony also left Manchester United to join Real Betis until the end of the seasonCredit: AlamyFinancial issues, it seems, lay at the heart of United’s lack of serious work in the market despite a miserable season so far.Many United fans were calling on Amorim and Ineos to do more in the winter window.But perhaps out of financial necessity, rather than choice, he may have stumbled on to the same path that propelled Liverpool and Arsenal back to where they are now.To do it properly, change takes time. It is about doing it right, rather than for the sake of acting, only to have to start all over a few months later.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe Old Trafford faithful, looking up from 13th, may not want to laud what happened at Anfield and The Emirates when those two clubs made their most important managerial changes of the past decade.Yet the initial actions of both Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta, where neither opted for a grand cull and revamp in terms of personnel at the first opportunity either, maybe the example Amorim can benefit from following.What mattered, at Liverpool and Arsenal, was a cultural reset. A reboot of attitude and mentality. Led from the top, filtering all the way through the club.Exactly what is required at Old Trafford now.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKlopp, in particular, inherited a mess when he replaced Brendan Rodgers at Anfield in October 2015.His first side, in a goalless draw at Spurs, included Martin Skrtel, Mamadou Sakha and Alberto Moreno at the back, Emre Can and Lucas Leiva in midfield and a bench that included Jordan Ibe, Jerome Sinclair and Kolo Toure.Ruben Amorim insists Man Utd are ‘trying everything’ to improve his squad after Crystal Palace defeat Jurgen Klopp won a Champions League title with LiverpoolCredit: GettyHe turned the struggling club into one of the bestCredit: Dave Pinegar – The SunArsenal were all over the place before Mikel Arteta arrivedCredit: AlamyThe Spaniard has transformed the club into title challengersCredit: AFPKlopp’s first decision, his key one, was to alter the mindset and approach of the players at his disposal, rather than a wholesale switch of personnel.Indeed, the only player signed by Liverpool in January 2016 was Serbian midfielder Marko Grujic, immediately loaned back to Red Star Belgrade and whose Liverpool career added up to just 16 appearances across three seasons.It was not until the summer window, when 16 players – including no fewer than six in that initial match day squad at White Hart Lane – departed and Joel Matip, Sadio Mane and Georginio Wijnaldum were among the arrivals, that the Klopp player makeover began in earnest.The real work, though, had already been started off the pitch, at the training ground and in the mentality of the dressing room.Klopp made a point of learning the names of all 80 staff at the club’s Melwood base, introducing them to the players.It was a signal of intent. One club. One goal. Together – from the humblest groundsman to the star striker. A bond was created.Likewise at Arsenal, Arteta, appointed just before Christmas 2019, dabbled only in the loan market in his first window.Three in, with Emile Smith Rowe and defender Mavropanos departing temporarily.The main squad changes came afterwards. January arrivals Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares had their loans made permanent, with Brazilian defender Gabriel, Thomas Partey and Willian added.Critically, also, the clear-out was ramped up over the second and third windows, with Henrikh Mkhitarian, Mesut Ozil and defenders Sokratis and Mustafi all out by January 2021, swiftly followed by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.Indeed, by August 2022, less than three years after he arrived, only five of the players on his first team-sheet – Bukayo Saka, Smith Rowe, Granit Xhaka, Gabriel Martinelli and Reiss Nelson – were still in the building.Like Klopp, too, Arteta was determined to force through, no matter how uncomfortable it was, an attitudinal change.Marking his fifth anniversary at the helm in December, the Spaniard recalled: “The first thing was that I got everyone together, the staff and the players, and I told them what I thought about them and why this wasn’t working.“If we were going to continue like this, it was never going to work.”He added: “We had to get back all together with the same agenda and with the same intentions.“The foundations have to be really strong in order to create something.“We had to create the right culture for our club, an environment where, first of all, everybody has to respect each other, that we work together and express the passion at how lucky we are to be where we are.”Of course, what helped both – unlike Amorim – was evidence on the pitch.Klopp lost just one of his first 11 games at the helm, Arteta had one defeat in his initial 14 games. It built a bulwark for when things became tougher.Amorim, by contrast, lost six out his first 11 after replacing Erik ten Hag.And successes have been in short supply since then, too, adding up to eight victories in 19 matches, only four wins out of 13, plus seven losses, in the Prem.Inconsistent team selection reached another level when he opted to play Kobbie Mainoo as an effective false nine in Sunday’s shocker against Palace, leaving both Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund on the bench for 70 minutes.That only six of the team that started Amorim’s first match at Ipswich were in the initial side on Sunday added to that sense of uncertainty.The one major signing, Danish left-back Patrick Dorgu, is now pitched into a club that seems unsure of its next steps.READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorim will want to believe that sending Rashford and Antony out of the door, seemingly for good, is a statement to the entire squad.It will have to be. Now, though, it is down to the manager. There is no room for excuses.Jurgen Klopp’s first steps at LiverpoolHere is a look at how Jurgen Klopp started to change Liverpool…Klopp first game v Spurs Oct 2015Mignolet; Clyne, Skrtel, Sakho, Moreno; Coutinho (Ibe), Can, Milner, Lallana (Allen), Lucas; OrigiBench:Teixeira, Bogdan, Randall, Sinclair, ToureTransfers that summer:James Milner, Robert Firmino, Joe Gomez, Danny Ings, Nathaniel Clyne, Christian BentekeJanuary:Marko Grujic (straight back out on loan)Season results:Finished 8th, lost CC final to City on pens, lost europa League final to SevillaReal change in summer:In: Matip, Karius Mane, Klavan, Manninger, Wijnaldum £67.9mOut: 16 inc J Enrique, Toure, Sinclair, Canos, Toure, Teixeira, Sinclair, Skrtel, Ibe, Allen, Benteke, Balotelli, Ilori £76.5mMikel Arteta’s first steps at ArsenalHere’s how Arteta slowly transformed Arsenal…Arteta first game v Everton Dec 2019Leno; Chambers, Luiz, Maitland-Niles, Saka; Torreira, Smith Rowe (Willock), Xhaka; Martinelli, Aubameyang (Lacazette), NelsonBench:Pepe, Mustafi, Guendouzi, Mavrapanos, MartinezSeason results:8th, FA Cup winTransfers:Jan in: (loan) Ceballos, Mari, SoaresOut (loan) Smith Rowe, MavrapanosSummer:In: Mari, Soares, Willian, Gabriel, Partey Total spend £81.6mOut: Mkhitarian, Martinez Total received £28mWinter:In: (loan) Dani Ceballos, Martin OdegaardOut: Ozil, Sokratis, Mustafi More

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      in Boxing

      Confessions of a ring girl: You get covered in blood, sweat & tears – and the way my boxer lover two-timed me was brutal

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      GEMMA Jones has wowed fight fans as a ring girl for seven years and worked at around 700 events – but she has revealed it is far from the glamorous life people might think it is.From cheating boxers to wardrobe malfunctions and insane pre-fight diets, Gemma tells The Sun the truth about life in the ring. Gemma has worked as a ring girl for seven yearsShe has performed at over 700 fights and still loves it at the age of 37The stunning 37-year-old can perform at up to two events every weekend, sometimes working from 1pm until midnight.She earns up to £500 every time, covering mainly MMA, cage fighting and bare knuckle bouts – and juggles her work with being a mum-of-three and another job as a skin treatment expert.Here she lifts the lid on why the life of a ring girl is definitely not all superstars and stilettos….Why I’ll never date another boxerI’ve got a lovely boyfriend, he works in fashion and we were friends for five years before we started going out last year.But four years ago I did date a boxer for a few months until I found out in the worst way possible that he was a cheat.I love boxing and was in the audience for a fight when my friendtold me not to look behind me.I did and right behind me was my boyfriend and anotherwoman who it transpired was actually his girlfriend of years.It all kicked off and he even blamed me and tried to accuse me of causing problems – and it turned out I wasn’t the only woman he’d cheated with.While some of the boxers are lovely, others think they’re God’s gift to women and are very arrogant. I’m never going to risk getting one of the bad ones again.We’re a knockoutPart of the job description is looking great. I’m not one for make-up most of the time, but I’ll spend a good hour or more doing my hair and make-up before I go into the ring. I get my nails done regularly too and go on sunbeds.I carry a huge bag full of everything I need with me – including spare tights as they often get laddered getting into the ring.But it’s not glamorous, the big changing rooms are rightly reserved for the fighters, so sometimes we have a small dressing room, but others we’re doing it in the loos.Conor McGregor parties with his army of ring girls in club just weeks before comeback at UFC 303 vs Michael ChandleThere have been times when other girls have been sent away as they don’t look as good as their photographs.I have to look smiley even when I’ve got a huge wedgie up my bottomIt might sound awful, but I think it’s fine – the bottom line is it is about looking gorgeous in the ring. It would be like someone wanting to be an accountant who can’t do maths.I used to be a model before my best friend asked me to join her doing this. I love my job and don’t think it’s exploitative at all.There are boxers who for religious reasons don’t want us in the ring with them and that’s fine.And if there are going to be children at the show we cover up more and wear leggings rather than skimpy shorts and long sleeves.Gemma admits it’s ‘all about looking gorgeous in the ring’Suffer to be beautifulThere are days when I don’t feel my best. When I first started I used to only drink water for two days before a fight.I can’t do that any more but I’m fairly careful with what I eat. I start my day with a cup of tea, but then I drink lemon water for the rest of the day.I have a meal replacement shake and then a healthy supper. And I work out in the gym too.If I do have a day when I feel bloated, I’ll wear not one but two pairs of shapewear pants.I have to be up there looking smiley, while it feels like I’ve got a huge wedgie up my bottom.I’m just grateful we aren’t allowed to wear stilettos – there’s a worry they’d pierce the floor of the ring so we either wear block heels or trainers.Crowd pleasing… or notWe aren’t only there to announce the round they’re on. We lead in the boxers and get into the ring with them.And we get the crowd enthused, so we might blow kisses back to men who blow them at us, or go in and mingle with people who want to take selfies with us.We are often in front of an audience of over a thousand – the smallest venue I do is around 700.I’ve held the wrong number up or held it upside down, even though I never drink on the jobGenerally, they are pretty good. If women are there they are much more likely to shout abuse like calling us s**gs. I can only remember one occasion when a man shouted abuse at me, and then his girlfriend came and sat down next to him and I realised why.If that happens though, I can talk to one of the promoters and people will get removed – there’s no reason why we should put up with abuse for doing our job.Gemma has worked in most types of combat sports including MMAShe has also worked at bareknuckle bouts and cagefighting eventsBut it’s often far from glamorous, with the girls having to get ready in the toilets sometimesDanger zoneYou have to be prepared to be covered in blood, particularly at a bare knuckle fight – and then at the end you often get hugged by the fighters, and covered in sweat, and the loser sometimes ends up crying so you get soggy from their tears.I always feel sorry for the loser, they’ll have trained for months and it’s such a blow to their pride.The crowd can kick off in a fight and I’ve nearly been hit by a beer bottle.But my worst injury was during a cage fight. I was in there while they warmed up and one of the fighters accidentally pushed me and I ended up with my face pressed against the bar.The outfits are extremely revealing and risk wardrobe malfunctionsMishaps and mayhemI’ve made so many mistakes in my years. I’ve fallen down the stairs leading boxers in and got stuck getting into the ring.The first time I did it, I was so nervous. The other girl waslovely and very experienced and told me just to copy her walk. I looked like Bambi on ice skates, but I soon got used to it and now sashay like a pro.I’ve also held up the wrong number for the round, or held it upside down or even the wrong way round – despite the fact that I never drink on the job, though some girls can, it’s notgenerally forbidden.I live in fear of my boobs popping out when I bend over to get in the ring, so though I wear push up bras, I make sure they’re sturdy ones that will hold me in whatever.My other nightmare is when I’m on my period – our bottoms are so skimpy we cut the strings off our Tampax so they can’t accidentally be seen.For the love of itUnless you’re an absolute top ring girl, there isn’t a lot of money in it.I top up my income by being an aesthetics practitioner, though I don’t do my own Botox and lip fillers.Some ring girls are with agents, but my best friend and I have got great contacts so we sort our own bookings and I could work every weekend if I wanted to.If you use an agency, you might get to the bigger fights, but there’s loads of competition.And of course your agent takes a big slice of your money and you don’t get much unless it’s a massive fight.I usually get paid between £120 and £500. And the vast majority of ring girls are on the same as me.But I love doing the job, so don’t have any plans to give up.And though I’m 37, I’m by no means the oldest ring girl – some do it well into their 40s.It’s a huge buzz standing in the ring with everyone cheering and clapping and the atmosphere is great.And I’ve been doing it for so long that I’m friends with some of thepromoters and even the boxers. One of them I know really well and he finds it funny to lick my face after he’s won. And I love boxing too.Gemma juggles her ring girl work with another job and raising three girls, including Kacy, who is disabledFriends of daughter Caitlan, left, tease her about her ‘foxy’ mumGemma, with youngest daughter Olivia, says her kids are her ‘everything’Kid glovesLike any working single mum it’s a constant juggling act. But I’m incredibly lucky with their fathers.Caitlan, 18, and Kacy, 16, have the same father and Olivia, 10, has another one, but both dads are brilliant.And their mums have always been happy to help too – they have “nan fun” weekends. I’ve been estranged from my own mum though since I was 11 so she’s not part of their lives.I find it funny that my daughter’s friends found my Instagram and always go on about me being foxySome promoters are happy for your kids to come along, but I’ve never done that.The crowds can get unruly and I don’t want to risk their safety, however unlikely it is that they’d be hurt.But I have always made quality time for them, they are my everything and when I’m there, I’m 100 per cent present for them.I have them all through the week and try to have one weekend amonth with them. And if they are ever ill or need me, I’ll cancel my work to be with them.Kacy is disabled. She was 10 weeks premature and at six weeks old she got septicaemia and meningitis.So we have carers that help with her as she needs someone with her 24 hours a day.I don’t know whether Caitlan or Olivia will follow in my footsteps and be ring girls – at the moment neither of them are keen, but they think it’s a “cool” job.I find it funny that Caitlan’s friends found my Instagram and always go on about me being foxy.She isn’t embarrassed though, she’s good at banter and gives as good as she gets.Party timeI’m friendly with some of the boxers and know their ways.For example some of them hate being spoken to before a fight – they’re getting in the zone and focusing only on the fight. Others are nervous and want to chat.I’m actually really boring – I barely drink and have got three daughters, so I’m not up for partying after a fight. I’m usually knackered from all the adrenaline and often have a three-hour drive home to Wrexham from the fight.You do hear about wild parties and girls targeting boxers. But I don’t really experience that scene, the most I’ve done is go for a couple of drinks afterwards.And generally speaking, these men are athletes who don’t want to undo all their hard training by getting legless.At the end of the day we’ve all worked hard and want to get home to our beds… alone!Gemma doesn’t use an agent but still earns up to £500 a showGemma, on the right, said she is friends with some of the fighters but would never date one again More

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      in Soccer

      West Ham star whose ‘existence confuses me the most’ baffles fans in Chelsea clash as Cole Palmer trolled about him

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      CHELSEA fans were left baffled by West Ham’s trolling of Cole Palmer – in which they referenced one of their fringe players.The travelling Hammers supporters mocked the England international after he blazed a shot over the bar in Monday night’s London derby.Cole Palmer was on the receiving end of a surprise trolling from West Ham fansCredit: REXTravelling Hammers fans branded Palmer a “s**t Andy Irving” after he blazed a shot over the barCredit: REXSections of the travelling supporters chanted “You’re just a s*** Andy Irving!” after Palmer’s effort flew high over the bar.The chant was in reference to West Ham’s Scotland international Irving, who was given a surprise start at Stamford Bridge.And to say Blues fans were perplexed by the insult would be an understatement.One of the Stamford Bridge faithful wrote on X: “I can’t stress enough that I mean no disrespect whatsoever – but who is Andy Irving?”READ MORE FOOTIE NEWSAnother said: “I have no idea who this Andy Irving is.”And another said: “Who is Andy Irving and why is every chant from the away end about him?”One remarked: “I’m not even being sarcastic here. Who the f**k is Andy Irving?”Another chimed in: “Andy Irving is the football player whose existence confuses me the most.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAndy Iriving turned in a stellar display on his full Premier League debutCredit: REX”Where has a 24-year-old Scottish midfielder who I’ve never heard of come from, now playing at Stamford Bridge for West Ham?”Irving’s start at the Bridge marked only his tenth appearance for West Ham since he joined the East Londoners in the summer of 2023.Graham Potter makes five-word comment the moment he entered press conference after West Ham clashHammers boss Graham Potter was full of praise for the Scot, saying: “His spirit and his application and I think his training performances have merited that start.”Obviously, we lost Edson Alvarez quite late [to injury] so we had to adjust.”I think the decision was clear for Andy because he’s trained really well and I think it’s important for the group to know that. I’m pleased with him.”West Ham signed Irving in the summer of 2023, but he remained on loan at SK Austria Klagenfurt for the season.The strange part of the deal was that there was no official announcement of the transfer.It was only when he arrived for pre-season last summer that he did enough to convince now-sacked manager Julen Lopetegui that he was worthy of a spot in the squad for the season.Chelsea ran out 2-1 winners in the London derby, with a Pedro Neto strike and an own goal from Aaron Wan-Bissaka moving them above Manchester City into fourth place.CHELSEA PLAYER RATINGS: Levi Colwill’s sluggish performance saved by Pedro Neto’s best showing in a Blues shirtCHELSEA capitalised on the failures of their rivals to move up to fourth in the Premier League with a 2-1 win over West Ham.A host of changes from Enzo Maresca upped the tempo in the second half, and they paid dividends with Pedro Neto driving home an equaliser in the 63rd minute after a shot from Fernandez.Jarrod Bowen had capitalised on a Levi Colwill error to fire West Ham ahead.Fans grew optimistic as the home side grew into the game, which culminated in a deflected Cole Palmer effort sending the Bridge into raptures as they went 2-1 up.Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated Chelsea’s performance.Filip Jorgensen – 7It would’ve been a tough task to disappoint Chelsea fans after what they have seen from Robert Sanchez in recent weeks.There wasn’t an awful lot he could do about the opener, and actually made some pretty good stops to prevent his side being more than one goal down at the halfway point.Those saves proved vital, and he should expect to start against Brighton up next.Reece James – 6His crosses from the right were good throughout the first half, but there was no one clinical enough in the box to grab him an assist.Strong defensively, but ultimately didn’t have much to do in that aspect with Chelsea dominant on the flanks.Tosin Adarabioyo – 7Strong in the air and pretty good across the ground.Perhaps could have done a little more to prevent Bowen opening the scoring as he seemed to stand and watch him shoot, but overall was good and is growing into a good, consistent Premier League centre half.His vital block in added time might well have been the difference between three points and one.Levi Colwill – 3His awful backpass rolledBowen in perfectly to give the Hammers the lead just before first half-time.A lousy and sluggish performance improved in the second half after his side took the lead, but he was fortunate not to cost his side points tonight.Marc Cucurella – 7Inverted well from left back into midfield in a role that looks made for him, he was strong in his tackles and good in the air from start to finish.Got into dangerous positions going forward, but couldn’t add the finishing touches to his game on this occasion.Moises Caicedo – 7Tenacious tackling and energy is what the home fans have become accustomed to seeing from their Ecuadorian destroyer.Glimpses of that in the first half extended into a mature and controlled second 45 minutes where he looked to have Mo Kudus’ number.Enzo Fernández – 5Missed a huge chance to give Chelsea the lead which he rolled past the left hand post from a few yards out.It was his blocked effort which bounced out for Neto to level the scoring, but overall the Argentine looked a bit off the pace in midfield.Noni Madueke – 4Perhaps should’ve had a goal and assist in the first half an hour as he was set up by Nicolas Jackson and put the ball on a plate for Fernandez, but neither chance was converted.His best moment of the second half was when he bodied the referee, before being subbed for Christopher Nkunku.Cole Palmer – 7A quiet first half had the travelling fans comparing him to Andy Irving, but he soon showed them up.Almost scored a free-kick similar to the one we saw against Brighton this season, but it was well saved by Alphonse Areola.It was his deflected effort that put his side in the lead as he grew into the game more and more.Jadon Sancho – 4His quick feet made him a threat on the left-hand side in the first half, but again his end product or lack thereof would’ve cost Chelsea if his replacement didn’t bail them out.Was subbed five minutes into the second half for Pedro Neto.Nicolas Jackson – 3Showed some promising signs early on with a good ball into Noni Madueke, who narrowly missed the goal.Aside from that, he looked like a striker utterly devoid of any confidence and was poor before being hooked for 18-year-old Marc Guiu.SUBSMarc Guiu (Nicolas Jackson, 51) – 5Didn’t really do a lot wrong or right after coming on for Nicolas Jackson.Certainly looks more confident in the Conference League, but Premier League minutes in the tank will do him good.Pedro Neto (Jadon Sancho, 51) – 8His best performance in a Chelsea shirt since he joined.A composed finish saw him level the scoring before more great work in the build up sawPalmer rifle home a deflected effort.Great energy, work rate, and end product from Maresca’s own Portuguese magnifico.Malo Gusto (Reece James, 60) – 6Was energetic and strong after replacing captain Reece James, also playing a part in the goal that put his side in the lead.His passing was good and he looked more like the player who became a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge last campaign.Christopher Nkunku (Noni Madueke, 60) – 5Did a job for the team out of position on the left-hand side in Jadon Sancho’s position. More

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      in Soccer

      ‘World’s most beautiful footballer’ abruptly walks out on Braga after revealing she ‘hates football’ in tearful video

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      ANA MARIA MARKOVIC has walked out on Braga after just half a season.Markovic, 25, has often been dubbed by some as the “world’s most beautiful footballer”.Ana Maria Markovic has left BragaCredit: InstagramHer contract was mutually terminatedCredit: Instagram @anamxrkovicShe only joined the club in the summerCredit: Instagram @anamxrkovicShe is often hailed as the world’s most beautiful footballerCredit: Instagram @anamxrkovicShe has 3.1million followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram / @anamxrkovicLast month she made the shock admission that she “hates football” in a tearful video.She posted the clip as she said goodbye to her boyfriend and footballer Tomas Ribeiro, who signed for Farense.The stunning blonde has now made a change for herself after leaving Braga.She has insisted that she has been able to “develop” as a player before mutually agreeing to terminate her contractREAD MORE ON FOOTBALLTaking to social media, Markovic shared her statement on Instagram along witha pictures of her time at the club.She wrote: “Sometimes things don’t go as planned.”After just half a season, I decided to leave SC Braga.”It was a short but intense journey with ups and downs, but one in which I was able to grow and develop a lot as a footballer.Most read in Football”The best part? Definitely my teammates.”Thank you for your support, team spirit, and all the great moments on and off the pitch – you are amazing!”A big thank you to the club for their professionalism throughout my time here and to the fans, for the support.’World’s most beautiful footballer’ Ana Maria Markovic drives fans wild as she stuns in see-through outfit”The journey continues and I’m excited for what’s next!”Braga released their own statement to confirming her exit from the club.It read: “SC Braga informs that the Club and Ana Maria Marković have terminated, by mutual agreement, the contract that united the two parties.”The Croatian international played four games for the Gverreiras do Minho in her debut season in Portuguese football.”SC Braga thanks you for all the dedication, commitment and professionalism with which you have always represented the club and wishes you all the best in your professional and personal future.”Markovic hails from CroatiaCredit: InstagramShe used to play for GrasshoppersCredit: Twitter / @ana_markovic7The 25-year-old regularly posts stunning snapsShe recently stated that she ‘hates’ football sometimesCredit: Instagram @anamxrkovic More

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      in Soccer

      ‘Jack Grealish was a Tottenham player’ – Ex-Spurs chief reveals two huge transfers to ‘replace irreplaceable’ fell apart

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      JACK GREALISH came close to signing for Tottenham, claims the North Londoners’ former technical director Steve Hitchen.Grealish, 29, left Aston Villa for Manchester City for £100million in 2021.Jack Grealish nearly joined Tottenham in 2018Credit: RexSteve Hitchen previously worked as Tottenham’s technical directorCredit: X @DecisionMakrsThree years earlier, however, Spurs failed in a £25m bid.In September 2018, Grealish even admitted: “I thought I was leaving. Before the new owners, Villa needed the money so I kind of accepted that me going would save the club.”Hitchen played a major role in Tottenham’s recruitment at the time, before going to leave in 2022 following Fabio Paratici’s arrival.Recently appearing on the Decision Makers podcast, the 48-year-old relived Spurs’ failed bid for Grealish.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “We were very close to getting Jack Grealish, which would have been probably one of the best signings.”Jack Grealish was a ‘Tottenham player’. He would have set the place alight.”He had the skills, he would have got the fans off their seat. He would have been a difference in that time.”We had Dele at that time and I think those two would have pushed each other as well.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYHow Grealish could have looked at TottenhamCredit: Grok AIHitchen, right, was previously a big part of Spurs’ recruitment teamCredit: Getty”To miss out on that player was massive in that period.”Astonishingly, Tottenham did not sign a single player in that 2018 summer transfer window.Jack Grealish’s reaction to Cole Palmer becoming a manager says it all as he and Maguire apologise to Chelsea starThey then failed to recruit anyone in January 2019, despite Mousa Dembele leaving for Guangzhou R&F.Hitchen went on to reveal that Spurs nearly pulled off a huge deal for a Dembele replacement.He added: “We were really close to getting Frenkie de Jong.”I think Frenkie de Jong, again, is a ‘Tottenham player’. I think he would have made a big difference for us.”We had to replace the irreplaceable in Dembele. Probably Frenkie could’ve gone into that position and really succeeded at Spurs.”Since leaving Tottenham, Hitchen has become director of football at talent agency Unique Sports Group (USG). USG represent several high-profile stars, including the likes of Reece James, Anthony Gordon, Marc Guehi and Brennan Johnson.Frenkie de Jong was on Spurs’ radar in 2019Credit: Rex More

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      in Soccer

      From begging for McDonald’s burgers to global superstar… How Cristiano Ronaldo is STILL chasing World Cup glory at 41

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      HE is the highest-paid football player in the world, with a net worth of over £229million and a portfolio of luxury properties across six countries.It’s a level of wealth that Cristiano Ronaldo could never have imagined when, aged 12, he relocated to mainland Portugal from Madeira to join the Sporting Lisbon academy.Portuguese goal machine Ronaldo is still banging them in for Al-Nassr in Saudi ArabiaCredit: AFPHis incredible rise comes after begging for burgers as a kid with Sporting Lisbon’s youth teamsCredit: Manuel RochaRonaldo now raises five children with stunning partner Georgina Rodriguez but still finds time to play footballCredit: InstagramRonaldo turns 40 tomorrow but shows no signs of slowing downCredit: GettyThe father-of-five’s humble upbringing was a million miles away from the Hollywood lifestyle he now enjoys, with the star admitting that food and money was scarce when he was a child and that he had to beg for burgers after training.Ronaldo – who turns 40 tomorrow – recalled how free fast food kept him and his friends going, revealing: “Late at night, 10.30 or 11, we are a little bit hungry.“So we have a McDonald’s next to the stadium where we lived.“And we always go to the back door and knocked on the door: ‘Hey, any burgers left?’”Fabio Paim, who was one of Ronaldo’s pals at the Sporting academy, confirmed: “At night we used to go to McDonald’s to pick up the burgers that no one wanted anymore so they weren’t good to sell.“We were there every night.”Ronaldo made an appeal in an emotional interview with Piers Morgan to find the McDonald’s staff who had taken pity on him.He said: “Edna and two more girls, they were unbelievable.“I never found the girls again. They closed that McDonald’s.”But as a result of the publicity, Edna Caldas came forward to say she was one of the workers.Edna said: “This was something that all happened such a long time ago.“I’m really happy at what he’s gone on to become. I never thought he would remember me so many years on.“It shows how wonderful he is that he hasn’t forgotten small things like this from his past.”Cristiano Ronaldo adds stunning £164,000 luxury BMW to £17MILLION car collection as he’s gifted motor by Al-Nassr From such humble beginnings and poor nutrition emerged one of the greatest athletes in sporting history.Pretty much from the day Ronaldo arrived at Manchester United as a skinny 17-year-old to his latest star turn as the £173m-a-year poster boy of the Saudi Pro League, he has devoted himself to self-improvement.Former United team-mate Nicky Butt revealed he and other players would “abuse” Ronaldo at first if he dived in training.But they never questioned his phenomenal work ethic.Butt said: “He was the last to leave the building.“In fact, you couldn’t get him off the training pitch as he worked relentlessly on his technique, as we were all walking off he was carrying a bag of balls to work on those techniques.“We would be having lunch in the canteen or getting ready to go home and you could hear the voice of Sir Alex bellowing across the training fields at two or three o’clock in the afternoon, shouting at Cristiano that it was time to get off the pitch as ‘We have a game in two days – enough now’.”Ronaldo had to leave his own family behind in Madeira when he moved to Sporting’s academy as a kidCredit: CollectRonaldo in 2002 after breaking into the Sporting side as a skinny wingerCredit: GettyHis form saw Sir Alex Ferguson sign him for Man Utd, where he stunned the Scottish manager with his dedicationCredit: AFPHis performances at United helped them win the Champions League in 2008 – and Ronaldo collected his first Ballon d’Or in that yearCredit: AFPA year later, after much speculation, he finally signed for Real Madrid for a then world record fee of £80mCredit: Action Images – ReutersBut at times even Ferguson had to admit he was fighting a losing battle against a player so devoted to getting better.Fergie said: “He sacrificed himself to be the best.“I remember we were playing Arsenal on the Saturday and it was pouring with rain at Carrington.“You know he would always practise after training and I said to him ‘We’ve got a game tomorrow and it’s too wet. The ground is too soft.’“So I went into my office, looked out of the window and what did he do? He went on the Astroturf.“I had no argument. I couldn’t say anything to him. He’s beat me.”To have that mentality he had at 18, he deserves everything he’s gotNemanja VidicWhen Ronaldo arrived at United in 2003, Wayne Rooney was the Premier League’s young superstar and would join him at Old Trafford a year later.But by the time Ronaldo left Old Trafford for Real Madrid in a world-record transfer in 2009, he was the better player, with his first Ballon d’Or already under his belt.Former United defender Nemanja Vidic was in no doubt why the Portugal star went on to become one of the game’s all-time greats – and why Rooney fell short.Vidic said: “You see Cristiano on Instagram, it’s all flashy stuff but he deserves it.”At that age – 18, 19, to 21 – to have that mentality to work hard, not go out, fight for your dream, the way he did it, he deserves everything he got.“For me, Wayne Rooney, he failed in terms of that.”In one moment they are similar, the same. What brought Cristiano Ronaldo much higher was his mentality to change, to work hard, to improve, to have goals.”I’m not saying Wayne didn’t have a mentality, but he played pure on his talent.“He didn’t invest in his body, invest in extra training, the physical side.”Ronaldo with former Man Utd team-mate Wayne RooneyCredit: GettyRonaldo won a host of trophies at Real under Zidane, who called him the best player he ever managedCredit: AFPRonaldo’s incredible stats may never be beatenAt Real, Ronaldo found new levels of achievement and recognition, breaking the club’s all-time goalscoring record, lifting the Champions League four times and winning four more Ballon d’Or crowns as the world’s best player.The Portugal winger claimed the first of his two LaLiga titles under countryman Jose Mourinho.Although the two Portuguese would sometimes clash over Mourinho’s tactical demands, the former Chelsea and Inter Milan boss could only marvel at the player’s dedication under him and throughout his career.Mourinho said: “Cristiano Ronaldo is the epitome of dedication.“His commitment to training is extraordinary. He’s the first to arrive and the last to leave.“He has a professional approach to every aspect of the game, from his physical fitness to his diet.“This relentless pursuit of perfection is what makes him exceptional. I’ve seen very few players with his level of determination and focus.”For him, there is no match more important than the one he’s playingCarlo AncelottiCarlo Ancelotti must have thought he had seen it all in his glittering career as a player and manager.But even he was taken aback by Ronaldo’s commitment to excellence and self-improvement.Ancelotti said: “Although I heard many compliments about Cristiano, I was still surprised.“For him, there is no training more important than the one he’s doing and no match more important than the one he’s playing.“He plays every match as if it was his last. It surprised me a lot.“One late night, we returned from an away game and we all wanted to go back home to sleep except for Cristiano who went to Valdebebas to take an ice bath as a recovery.“I was in total shock as I had never seen this much dedication from a player and couldn’t speak a word.”Ronaldo’s work ethic and dedication even impressed Jose MourinhoCredit: AFP – GettyHis strict diet helps explain why he is in such phenomenal shape as he heads into his 40sCredit: Refer to CaptionRonaldo’s workouts mean he could still be playing at next year’s World Cup – and have helped him become the most followed star on InstagramCredit: Instagram/cristianoRonaldo is a strict teetotaller, having seen the effects alcohol had on his father Dinis, aboveCredit: CollectAncelotti managed Ronaldo in two of the greatest seasons of his career.In 2013/14, he fired Real to LaLiga glory and La Decima, their tenth European title, and in 2014/15 hit 61 goals in 54 club appearances – the highest tally of his career.But perhaps the most telling verdict came from Zinedine Zidane.As one of Real Madrid and football’s all-time greats, and the manager who led Los Blancos and Ronaldo to three Champions League titles in a row, the Frenchman knows a player and competitor when he sees one.Zidane said of Ronaldo: “I think Cristiano is much better, although I had a good career.“There are no more words to define him. What he does every day, every game, is phenomenal.“There have been many players who have made history at this club. But nobody has done what he has – the statistics speak for that.“He is the best player I have had as a coach.”Yet Real allowed Ronaldo to leave in 2018, not long after he had become the first player to win the Champions League five times.The £105m Juventus paid for him was the biggest fee ever for a player over the age of 30.Yet boss Max Allegri detected a deterioration in Ronaldo’s form, urging the club to move him on at the end of his first season despite a Serie A title.One of his plates was quinoa, avocado and a couple of boiled eggs. This guy is in incredible shapeLee GrantIt was Allegri who left, however, and Ronaldo added another Italian championship to his tally of trophies.But after Allegri returned in 2021, the writing seemed to be on the wall. So Ronaldo rejoined Manchester United in the most sensational transfer of the summer.And his ongoing dedication to staying fit and healthy, especially through his diet, made a big impression on the United dressing room.Back-up goalkeeper Lee Grant said: “To give you one instance of the impact he is having on the group, this was Friday night in the hotel.”So, as you guys will be aware, you finish your dinner and usually on a Friday night you’ve got some cheat stuff out. You’ve got some apple crumble and custard or you’ve got a bit of brownie and cream.”I tell you now, not one player touched the apple crumble and custard, not one player went up for that brownie because everybody was sat down.”One of the lads said to me, ‘What has Cristiano got on his plate?’ Obviously it is the cleanest, most healthy plate you can imagine.”Grant added: “I’ll tell you one of his plates – he had several. One of them was quinoa, avocado and a couple of boiled eggs.“This guy is in incredible shape.”Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible lifeAS arguably the greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo lives a life befitting such a superstar.Nothing is too much effort for Ronaldo – who had a £40,000 cryotherapy chamber installed at his homeCredit: InstagramHe even paints his toenails to keep them in top shapeHis regime means he also shares plenty of pics of workouts with GeorginaCredit: InstagramRonaldo has sometimes shared details of the regime that has built and maintained his incredible physique and kept him going into a third decade as a professional footballer.To match a demanding, carefully-tailored set of cardiovascular and strength-building exercises, he has up to six meals per day, with an emphasis on protein, wholegrains and fresh fruit and vegetables, and tries to drink six litres of water while avoiding all alcohol.Ronaldo has a £40,000 cryotherapy chamber at home and has been known to follow a pattern of taking five naps of 90-minutes each, rather than one long sleep.It is literally a head-to-toe approach to health and wellbeing – like other athletes, especially MMA fighters, he paints his toenails to keep out fungal and other infections.Unlike many footballers of his generation, Ronaldo does not have tattoos, a stance that forms part of his efforts to help others’ well-being.He is a regular blood donor and knows that having ink applied under his skin would lead to a delay in him being able to donate.Ronaldo has also given blood and bone marrow since he was 24 after learning that the son of former international team-mate Carlos Martins required regular transfusions.Over the years, the superstar has stepped in to help fund treatment for a number of individuals, including terminally-ill children.He has also handed over cash or donated items for auction to raise money for good causes such as Save the Children and Unicef. In 2017, his 2013 Ballon d’Or trophy raised £530,000 for the Make-A-Wish foundation.But perhaps Ronaldo’s biggest contribution to other people’s health came during the Covid-19 pandemic.Ronaldo, seen here on a summer yachting holdiay with Georgina, has an incredible life away from the pitchCredit: InstagramThe couple travel in style, with private jet their favoured choice of planeCredit: instagramAll those hours in the gym paid off for their trip to St Tropez in the summerCredit: The Mega AgencyRonaldo and Georgina with their five kidsCredit: instagramOne of the hospitals in Lisbon which Ronaldo donated huge sums toCredit: Darren Fletcher – The SunHe and agent Jorge Mendes provided £1million to fund life-saving equipment at hospitals in Lisbon and Porto.Daniel Ferro, president of Lisbon’s Santa Maria Hospital, said: “We were contacted by Jorge Mendes, who volunteered with Cristiano Ronaldo to finance two intensive care units for critical patients suffering from Covid-19.“There are fans, monitors, infusion pumps, beds … all the equipment that constitutes an intensive care unit equipped to provide care to a Covid-19 patient.”Ronaldo also persuaded his Portugal team-mates to donate 50 per cent of their bonus for qualifying for Euro 2020, which was postponed until 2021 because of the pandemic, to Covid-19 relief.Ronaldo’s commitment to his and others’ physical well-being is linked to harrowing experiences with his close family.Father Dinis was an alcoholic who died from liver failure in 2005 at the age of just 52.Older brother Hugo, 10 years his senior, suffered from addiction to drink and drugs but got sober with the help and support of Ronaldo.Their mum Dolores, who has twice overcome breast cancer, said: “Cristiano has seen what drink and drugs can do to people close to him.”And it’s part of the reason why he’s become who he is today.”Ronaldo now has a family of his own. Cristiano Jr was born in 2010, with his mother’s name kept secret at her request.The 14-year-old is attempting to follow in his father’s footsteps, scoring goals for fun in Al Nassr’s youth academy.And it is often speculated that Ronaldo may hold off retirement until he can share a pitch with his eldest child.In 2017, twins Eva and Mateo came into the world through a surrogacy arrangement. Later the same year, Ronaldo and glamorous partner Georgina Rodriguez welcomed their first child together into the world, Alana.Tragedy struck in 2022 when Georgina gave birth to more twins and the boy sadly did not survive.Ronaldo was back at United at the time and received a touching tribute from Liverpool fans during a match between the bitter rivals days later – a mark of his status and impact on the game.Surviving Bella, Ronaldo’s youngest, will celebrate her third birthday in April.Ronaldo and Georgina, 31, are among the most photographed and best known people on the planet, thanks to huge social media followings and high-profile roles and endorsements.Ronaldo himself is by far and away the world’s most popular figure on Instagram, with an incredible 647million followers and counting – over 140million clear of old rival Lionel Messi in 2nd.But even at 40, dad-of-five Ronaldo still sees his future on the pitch.He continues to play football and score goals for Al Nassr and Portugal, long after team-mates like Rooney, who is nearly 10 months younger, hung up their boots.And Ronaldo is still eyeing up one last go at winning the World Cup in 2026, when he would be 41.Although CR7 is mocked for a perceived obsession with his image, there is no doubt that his devotion to his body has given him a career unprecedented in football.Not bad for a kid who once relied on hamburger hand-outs.Ronaldo could go out with the ultimate bang – by helping Portugal win the World Cup next yearCredit: Kenny RamsayBLINDING DATERONALDO shares his birth date, February 5, with a host of footballing namesNeymar – (born 1992)Carlos Tevez – (born 1986)Gheorghe Hagi – (born 1965)Adnan Januzaj – (born 1995)Patrick Roberts – (born 1997)Jordan Rhodes – (born 1990)Vedran Corluka – (born 1986)Rodrigo Palacio – (born 1982)Giovanni van Bronckhorst – (born 1975)Billy Sharp – (born 1986) More

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      Separate rooms, no goodbye & a ‘big f*** you’ – pals reveal brutal truth of Kyle Walker’s crisis talks with Annie Kilner

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      WHEN the black Mercedes people carrier pulled out of the driveway to take Kyle Walker to the airport ahead of a life-changing flight to Italy, talk naturally turned to a fresh start.For those invested in this long-running scandal – and indeed, the uninitiated – that’s certainly how it was framed.As he departed for Italy, it had been hoped this was the fresh start footballing ace Kyle Walker desperately needed – but behind closed doors the atmosphere is anything but positiveCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeAfter 12 miserable months, the former Manchester City skipper was finally on the cusp of escaping a scandal of his own making – and one that has hooked the country with every one of its twists and turns.But as the car eased through the gates of the family’s sprawling Cheshire mansion, there was little euphoria – and even less optimism – about his move to Italian giants AC Milan.Beneath the murky slate grey skies above Manchester, he left a home devoid of any joy or excitement. In fact, friends tell me he and estranged wife Annie Kilner were in separate rooms and could not even bring themselves to say goodbye to one another.One said: “That’s how strained things are at the moment. It’s as bad as it’s ever been.”He didn’t even sit her down and discuss moving to Italy. He just said ‘I’m going, it’s up to you if you come with me’.”They’re not in a great place and are barely talking. “It’s still unclear if Annie will actually join him permanently in Italy. “Everything is up in the air but, then again, it’s been like this ever since the scandal was exposed.”In the days that followed, Kyle was pictured smiling as he signed for his new club on loan and pulled on the iconic shirt of the Rossoneri.Annie Kilner seen for 1st time since REFUSING to watch Kyle Walker’s AC Milan debut as she steps out without ringIt’s believed Walker and wife Annie are barely on speaking terms, and things are ‘as bad as ever’Credit: BackGridInsiders claim the Man City star didn’t even discuss his move to AC Milan with Annie, and made the decision aloneCredit: GettyA new crisis brewing He even asked for the number 32 – a nod to David Beckham who was the same age when he arrived at the San Siro.Fans mobbed him in the street outside Milan’s Via Dante flagship store as he posed for selfies.But despite the 1,000-mile difference, for all the talk of a fresh start, the drama back home was rumbling on in the background and a new crisis brewing.Instagram influencer Lauryn Goodman, 34, the ex-mistress whom he secretly fathered two children with, was naturally at its core.She wanted to move abroad too (although she floated the Middle East as a possible destination rather than Italy) and hoped to use the proceeds from renting out the £2.4million mansion he bought her in East Sussex to fund it.Annie hit the roof, and who could blame her? Ex-mistress Lauryn Goodman was said to also be eyeing up a move abroad with her kids – an idea Walker quickly put an end toThe social media influencer shares two children with the footballer after a fling, and has been a source of contention for Walker and his understandably upset wifeCredit: social.saviour/Instagram’A big f*** you’ She was also less than pleased after learning he had flown some of his pals out to Milan to join him.Annie had planned to fly out to Italy with their boys – Roman, 12, Riaan, nine, seven-year-old Reign and baby Rezon – to watch Kyle unveiled to an adoring crowd in the San Siro.But she pulled out at the last minute. Another source bluntly said: “She had other plans.”She went out partying to celebrate a pal’s 40th birthday and they all dressed up as stars from the 90s. Annie, her hair in braids, went as pop singer Christina Aguilera (minus the leather chaps, of course).One pal described it as a “big f*** you”.But as the row deepened, Annie also threatened to miss Kyle’s Serie A debut in the 1-1 Milan derby on Sunday .She eventually relented and flew out from Manchester Airport on a private jet.Annie and the boys were photographed arriving in Italy before being reunited with Kyle in the lobby of the five star Melia Milano hotel.Kyle held his toddler son Rezon in his arms and beamed the biggest grin as he waved to fans. The family were later pictured having dinner together. But beneath the surface, ahead of his San Siro bow, all was not well.’They live in a vacuum of volatility’One source said: “For a long time now they have operated in a vacuum of volatility.”They don’t know any other way of living.”That’s how they function. If you look back over the last year they’ve lurched from one crisis to another.”It’s not healthy and everyone around them can see it.”No one, not even those closest to them, want Annie to join him in Italy.”Kyle’s family think the space will do him the world of good, whilst Annie’s family can’t bear what he’s done to her.”They would rather they had a complete break from one another.”If that leads to divorce then so be it, it may be what’s best for everyone involved.”Instead of flying out to Italy, Annie decided to attend a pal’s birthday bashCredit: annievkilner/InstagramAnnie missed Kyle’s Serie A debut in the Milan derby, with the pair said to be barely speakingCredit: GettyCanyon-like chasmThe latest row and its fallout was more proof, if any were needed, that a fresh start was only ever an illusion.Take Christmas, for example. Kyle and Annie smiled for a family photo at the foot of their sweeping staircase wearing matching pyjamas.Again, there was talk of a fresh start: a New Year, a new us.Beyond anyone’s wildest expectations (even his), here he was in the family home – albeit banished to the third floor guest room – enjoying Christmas Day a year after he had turned their lives upside down.”[Annie] wants half of his £27million fortune, nothing less. She thinks she’s earned it, given everything that he’s put her through.An insider But the harmonious snapshot belied the canyon-like chasm opened up by his many affairs, not least with Lauryn – one which widened ever more after Annie served him divorce papers in August last year.At the time, when I broke the news, the couple were said to be found enjoying a quiet night in at their sprawling home in Cheshire, watching TV in the living room and sharing a sofa together (the only thing missing was a roaring fire).Friends scoffed at the idea and insisted the image of them curled up together was yet another careful piece of highly spun choreography to present an image of togetherness. It could not have been further from the truth.The pair have put on a united front for the sake of the kids, but are reportedly at loggerheads away from the camerasCredit: Instagram’She wants half… nothing less’ Two weeks after the Christmas snap was taken, pals say Annie and Kyle were once again sharing a room together, only this time they were across a table from one another in a solicitor’s office to discuss the splitting of assets.A source said: “Lawyers from both sides were there.”An offer was presented to Annie which was far lower than she had expected.”She wants half of his £27million fortune, nothing less. She thinks she’s earned it, given everything that he’s put her through.”And she’s determined to stop any share she is entitled to falling into Lauryn’s hands.”She refused to accept the offer outright. Kyle’s lawyer turned to him and said ‘the only thing left then is divorce’.”Kyle just shrugged his shoulders.”The Sun understands Kyle refused to part with half of his fortune during the round table and instead offered to put her name on his bank accounts.In the days that followed, Kyle sought out Manchester City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, and asked to exit the Etihad after eight glorious years at the top.City boss Pep Guardiola revealed his captain’s bombshell in his post-match press conference after his side hit eight past Salford in the FA Cup third round.He said: “I prefer to play players whose mind is here.”Now in his mind, for many reasons, he would like to explore if he can go to another country to play his last years.”Annie believes, given everything she’s been through, she’s entitled to half Kyle’s fortune – and she doesn’t want to settle for lessCredit: instagram/annievkilner’Pain and emotion’Kyle’s head was, indeed, elsewhere. After a year of headlines and near constant firefighting, he wanted an escape route.He had tried to leave before – when Lauryn fell pregnant with his second child – but his £15million move to Bayern Munich collapsed.In an interview with me this time last year he said: “Did I want to leave City? No, of course I didn’t.”We’re the best team in the world at the minute, but for me it was a chance to get away from England and the media I was going to get.”I was acutely aware the clock was ticking.”I came very close to moving. We were having conversations. The numbers were there. I was going to a great club, a massive club.”But in the end I couldn’t go.”There is pain and emotion at the moment but I can go to the house, pick the kids up, take them to school, I can take my little lad to football.”I can do the normal stuff that makes me feel normal.”This time round he wanted the move and signed a loan deal with AC Milan that will keep him at the iconic San Siro stadium until the end of the season.There is every chance it will be made permanent, too.For the time being Walker is living out of a suitcase and away from his family, but is said to be settling in as best he canCredit: AFP or LicensorsYet another crossroad For the time-being, Kyle is living out of a suitcase (not for the first time) in a five-star Milan hotel and settling into his new surroundings like a duck to water.He has already found a place to live and has picked up a new BMW motor.Those close to him have seen a marked change already. He appears happier and more content, they say.And so, three years after they married at Mottram Hall in Cheshire in a less than romantic union conducted after the school run, they have reached yet another crossroad.But this one has the feel of something altogether more final.Annie’s decision to file for divorce was designed to provoke a reaction. Friends say she never intended or wanted them to split up for good – she just wanted what she thought was rightfully hers. A ‘no-split’ financial divorce.To begin with, it achieved all that she had hoped.Kyle was at home when the doorbell rang and was naturally stunned to find a man standing on the porch nervously waiting to ‘serve’ the papers.The summer had been eventful both on and off the pitch, but this moved it to fever pitch.Timeline of Kyle Walker & Annie Kilner’s relationshipEarly years – Kyle and Annie first meet in Sheffield when she was 15 and he was 17Euro 2016 – Walker caught messaging Playboy model Carla HoweApril 2019 – Annie dumps Kyle after his alleged romps with reality TV star Laura BrownApril 2020 – Kyle allegedly hosts sex party with two escorts during covid-19 lockdownFebruary 2020 – Lauryn Goodman gives birth to Kairo, her son with WalkerNovember 2021 – Walker and Kilner marry in secretMarch 2023 – Lauryn announces her second pregnancySpring 2023 – Kyle allegedly flashes and kisses another woman in a Vodka Revolution bar in CheshireAugust 2023 – Lauryn gives birth to a daughterJanuary 2024 – Annie announces split from Kyle after two years of marriage. It emerges Kyle is the dad of Lauryn’s second child. Kyle begs for forgiveness in exclusive Sun interview. Lauryn brands him a ‘pathological narcissist’October 2024 – Annie files for divorceJanuary 2025 – Kyle moves to Italy alone, with Annie refusing to join him. Villain to victim Defeat to Spain in the Euros final had been closely followed by a thumping court win over Lauryn (the judge referring to her use of Kyle as an ‘open-ended chequebook’ summed up his impression of the influencer).Judge Edward Hess branded her an “unreliable” witness who chose to further her own case rather than tell the truth.He even accused her of cashing in on his betrayal of wife Annie, 31.She knew he was desperate to keep the birth of their one-year-old daughter Kinara Storm a secret and used it as “leverage” to get what she wanted, the judge said.Her demands included £33,000 for air conditioning at her £2.5million seven-bedroom mansion in Sussex, a £22,000 furnishing fund, £70,000 for a Mercedes GLE, to be replaced every three years, and a £30,000 car allowance for a nanny.On top of that she wanted £14,750 a month in child maintenance for both children, £3,900 a month in childcare costs, a bespoke wood and glass baby gate – and even an iron. Kyle secretly hoped the judgement – scathing of his former lover’s long list of demands – would somehow elevate him from villain to victim.But Annie was seething – she had no idea of the vast sums being funnelled to her love rival.Kyle had hoped his court win against Lauryn over child maintenance would help vindicate him, and turn him from ‘villain to victim’Credit: PAAnnie was said to be fuming about the staggering sums of money being paid to the mother of his two other childrenCredit: Social MediaDish best served coldNevertheless, divorce papers were the last thing Kyle was expecting to receive.The long(est)-running soap opera featuring him as the (reluctant) lead man had just delivered a cliff-hanging sting in the tale.Annie had spoken to friends during the summer months – she had been pictured looking stony-faced at the Euros – and had floated the idea.They had holidayed together as a family in Turkey and on the Llyn Peninsula in Wales.But she needed little encouragement to act and so, out of the blue, served the coldest of dishes to her wayward husband.It set in train a series of events that Annie had not planned for or expected and now has no control over.As Kyle embarks on the next chapter of his footballing career alone, one pal summed it up perfectly: “Their best chance of staying together now is being apart.” More

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      Where Arsenal’s transfer window went wrong with Mikel Arteta more reliant on Havertz than ever and no back-up striker

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      BETWEEN now and May 25, Arsenal will be relying on Kai Havertz more than they wanted to.The January transfer window was supposed to bring relief to a Gunners squad stricken by injuries in attacking areas ahead of a daunting task of catching Liverpool in the Premier League title race.Mikel Arteta did not sign a striker in the January transfer windowCredit: GettyArsenal will now rely on Kai Havertz for the remainder of the seasonCredit: GettyOllie Watkins was one option for the GunnersCredit: PAInstead, it teased, it taunted, and ultimately, it disappointed with no incomings, only flirtations, for a variety of reasons.It leaves boss Mikel Arteta praying that his one and only fit striker in Havertz stays that way until their last Prem game of the campaign away at Southampton. An undeniably huge risk.Reach the Champions League final in Munich, and the German will be required again six days later, having already started 29 of Arsenal’s 37 games in all competitions so far this term.So, what happened this month? Why has Arteta opted for nothing over something with his squad teetering on the brink of collapse?READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTHE INJURIESBukayo Saka requiring hamstring surgery just before Christmas after hobbling off during the 5-1 win at Crystal Palace on December 21 was a big blow.But the turning point of this whole window for Arsenal was Gabriel Jesus’ ACL rupture against Manchester United in the FA Cup third round on January 12 – putting him out for most of 2025.Before then, Arteta was perfectly happy to wait for Saka’s return in early March, safe in the knowledge that he had two strikers in Jesus and Havertz to carry the burden until then.But the Brazilian’s woe was the turning point. From there, Arteta and the club’s hierarchy switched to potential targets, but it is fair to suggest they were already playing catch-up.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSUMMER PLANSWith time running out, Arteta revealed on several occasions that plans for the summer may have to be brought forward in order to bring in the right man in January.That came with complications. Tens of millions would be added on to any summer target they wanted to bring in six months early by selling clubs. Mikel Arteta enjoyed every minute of Arsenal’s thrashing of Man City The Arsenal manager also suggested he had been given “no guarantees” that their summer kitty would not be impacted by a winter splurge.As a result, it would not be worth spending money on a short-term “body” for the sake of it that would hamper what they wanted to accomplish in the off-season.With around £50m already put aside to bring in Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi – due to expiring contracts for Jorginho and Thomas Partey – there was not a lot of wriggle room, especially having passed on selling the likes of Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko this month.And then there was the added blow of Jesus’ injury – a player Arsenal potentially could have sold in the summer to offload his high wages for a replacement, but who now is likely out until Christmas.The decision was made to be financially prudent, especially with a domestic loan out of the question following temporary summer deals for Bournemouth’s Neto and Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling.Come the summer, in Arsenal’s grand plan, they will now have options and financial flexibility when it comes to a new No9.MISSING EDUEdu left Arsenal for Nottingham ForestCredit: ReutersThis window was always going to be tough, especially without the man who had masterminded and pushed through so many of the club’s most important deals over the past few years.Edu resigned as sporting director on November 4 – a huge blow to Arsenal’s chances of recruiting in January, such was his aura and smooth-talking nature in meetings with players and agents.It also came just days before a crucial recruitment meeting in LA with owners Stan and Jose Kroenke.His No2 Jason Ayto stepped in as interim sporting director, with the club convinced they could muddle through without Edu, instead relying on a leadership team of Arteta, managing director Richard Garlick and executive vice-chair Tim Lewis.This appears to have backfired, with Arsenal falling short in this window when it came to timing and decision-making, while Ayto’s lack of experience and market nous was evident.Edu’s replacement will be ready for the summer, an appointment that cannot come soon enough.TOO LONG ON BIG TARGETSBenjamin Sesko was one of Arsenal’s big targetsCredit: ReutersArsenal were prepared for the possibility of needing a striker. The issue came in deciding how far to push and when to step back.The case of Alexander Isak was simple. Arsenal and Arteta highly rate the player, but there was thought to be zero chance Newcastle would let the Swedish star go, while their transfer valuation of over £100m was steep even for a summer bid, let alone January.But in Benjamin Sesko, it can be argued that Arsenal spent too long deciding whether to stick or twist. The Slovenian striker – rated at around £60m – is one they have targeted for the summer.Sesko, 21, has a gentleman’s agreement with Red Bull Leipzig that he can depart at the end of the season, having missed the chance to join Arsenal last term after signing a new long-term contract.Arsenal explored signing him this month, but realised Leipzig were incredibly unwilling given their own top four Bundesliga push, as well as demanding around £80m to even consider it.By the time Arsenal accepted defeat, it was late January, leaving them with limited options elsewhere.It must also be pointed out that Arsenal have spent time focusing on other positions for the future, including trying to convince Rosenberg midfield sensation Sverre Nypan, 18, to choose North London instead of Spanish side Girona – a deal that is not yet tied up.THE WATKINS TEASEArsenal saw a bid turned down for Ollie WatkinsCredit: PAArteta often spoke of being prepared with a list of targets, and deviating from those with a last-gasp bid on someone out of the blue would show they were becoming desperate.But when Arsenal were made aware of Aston Villa’s openness to sell Ollie Watkins, 29, halfway through January, a £45m approach was made nine days later.It was quickly shot down by Villa. They wanted £60m, while those in North London saw that as too hefty for a player turning 30 this year.It was hoped that Villa’s PSR worries would see them buckle, only for Jhon Duran to be sold to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr for a fee that could hit £71m.How aware Arsenal were of Duran’s future when approaching Watkins is unknown, but perhaps something the club – including Ayto – should have considered when spending valuable time on the negotiations.Desperation also came into play when Alvaro Morata’s name came up very late in the day, only for Galatasaray to show more conviction for the 32-year-old from AC Milan.NWANERI’S EMERGENCEEthan Nwaneri can fill the void left by the injured Bukayo SakaCredit: GettyArteta has been searching for a Saka replacement on the right wing for several weeks now, going through his options one by one to find the best solution.Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling were all tested, but it seems Ethan Nwaneri has proven to the Arsenal boss why he doesn’t need to splash the cash just yet.Since the turn of the new year, the 17-year-old midfielder has scored twice in the Prem – including a curling beauty in the 5-1 demolition of Manchester City – and once in the Champions League.READ MORE SUN STORIESAll three goals have come off the right – an invaluable option to have, one that Arteta could not have predicted he would possess given Nwaneri’s inexperience and youthfulness.Who knows, the injuries to Saka and Jesus may well be the making of Nwaneri in an Arsenal shirt, and he has not cost the club a penny. 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