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      in Soccer

      Tottenham stars woken up at 2am before Hoffenheim clash with huge firework display right outside team hotel

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      TOTTENHAM stars were woken up at 2am by a firework display ahead of their crunch Europa League clash against Hoffenheim.Ange Postecoglou’s beleaguered side are in Germany tonight looking to move out of the playoff positions and into the top eight.Tottenham stars were woken up by loud fireworks set off outside their hotel at 2amCredit: GettyThe noises came as Ange Postecoglou’s men prepare to face HoffenheimCredit: APSpurs’ continental form has seen them win three of their six games so far.And victory tonight will go a long way to sealing a spot in the next stage without having to go through a play-off.However, any Tottenham stars hoping for a good night’s sleep beforehand were left disappointed.As Spurs snored into the early hours, cheeky Hoffenheim fans decided to let off a loud fireworks display outside their team hotel.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe explosive noises and dazzling colours started at 2am, according to the Mail.And they did not let up for a whole five minutes.It saw many members of Spurs’ travelling party rudely woken up.And some may now need a nap before kick-off to ensure they are in top condition for the game against Hoffenheim.Most read in Europa LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTottenham’s dismal Premier League form means it is likely to be a difficult task away from home.But Hoffenheim are also in a similar pickle domestically.Ange Postecoglou’s press conference interrupted by coughing fit amid Tottenham crisis They lie 18th in the Bundesliga, just three points above the drop zone, after winning only four of their 18 games this season.Unfortunately for Spurs, one of those victories came in their last match on Saturday — a 3-1 win at Holstein Kiel.There will also be a familiar face leading the line for Hoffenheim in former Leicester striker Andrej Kramaric, who netted four times in 20 games for the Foxes between 2015 and 2016. More

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      in Soccer

      I have THREE brothers in the Man Utd academy… one will be even better than Wayne Rooney, says MMA star

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have been told they already have the next Wayne Rooney on their hands.Rooney was just 16 when he broke onto the Premier League scene for Everton – scoring a famous goal for Everton. MMA star Ibragim Ibragimov with brother and Man Utd academy star AmirCredit: INSTAGRAM @ibragimWayne Rooney pictured in 2005Credit: AP:Associated PressTwo years later he joined United and an iconic career would follow – leaving as club legend and all-time top scorer. Nowadays though the glory years at Old Trafford are long gone with the Red Devils struggling for form and in desperate need of some inspiration. But MMA star Ibragim Ibragimov – whose three siblings all play for United – reckons his 16-year-old brother Amir as the man for the job.Ibragimov told SunSport: “My brother is the next big thing, I’ve already said that to everybody. READ MORE IN MMA”He’s ready for the first-team, he just needs the chance. Once he gets the chance, Inshallah he will make it, 100 per cent this year.”They are comparing him to Wayne Rooney, so he’s going to be the next Wayne Rooney. A better version than Wayne Rooney.” Amir, 16, Gazik, 15, and Muhammad, 12, are all products of United’s youth team and touted for big futures.Gazik once played with Cristiano Ronaldo’s son while Wayne Rooney’s eldest Kai is an academy team-mate. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd even Old Trafford icon Sir Alex Ferguson has given his endorsement to Amir, who has also scored for England at Under-16 level.Ibragimov said: “They need young fresh blood. They need more academy players.MMA star Ibragim Ibragimov is the eldest brother to three Man Utd players including one England international”They have a lot of academy players at the moment, really good, like dark horses and they’re on the bench.”Some of the guys on the bench already, some of the guys are playing for the academy, they got a good team.”So yeah, hopefully they have youngsters play for the first team and then they’ll show the levels of Manchester.”Ibragimov moved from Dagestan – where UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov hailed – to Manchester aged 13. And the 20-year-old was a talented footballer himself landing trials at Man City and Sheffield United – before focussing on just MMA. He said: “I used to play football. I think if I would have come to the UK a little earlier, I would’ve made it to a football 100 per cent.”I was doing both, doing well, so I could’ve done the football and I obviously I decided to do MMA.Muhammad, far left, next to Amir, middle left with Gazik and Ibragim, far rightAmir has scored for England U16sCredit: GettyAmir Ibragimov with Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Instagram @gazik_ibra4Gazik also plays with Wayne Rooney’s son Kai, rightCredit: Instagram @gazik_ibra4″I don’t know, but sometimes on a deep weight cause I’m thinking, ‘I should have done football!'”Because the way my brother live, all they need is just train, eat, sleep, repeat, all they need, they, they don’t need anything else.”They get good food. They don’t have to go away. They just need to train. “They say concentrate, focus, and then just go out there on the stadium and then play and enjoy this enjoy themselves.”Ibragimov is 8-0 in the cage and returns on Saturday in Dubai against 5-1 Irishman Kenny Mokhonoana. And the avid United fan has vowed to finally give Red Devils fans something to cheer about. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “All the guys from Manchester who supported me, I appreciate everything. “Guys, just keep watching on 25th of January I’ll bring the win for Manchester and Manchester United.”The MMA star once played football himselfCredit: Instagram @pfleuropeIbragimov is 8-0 as an MMA fighterCredit: Instagram @ibragim.60 More

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      Kyle Walker lands in Italy to complete AC Milan loan as glittering Man City career comes to an end

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      KYLE WALKER has landed in Italy ahead of completing his move to AC Milan.The Manchester City star flew out this morning to seal his initial six-month loan deal that includes a club option to make it a permanent stay.Kyle Walker has arrived in Italy ahead of completing his loan switchCredit: Simone Togna / The SunThe full-back was spotted arriving at Manchester Airport this morningCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeHe could be seen in the back of a Mercedes vanCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeWalker is set to join AC MIlan initially on loan until the end of the seasonCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe England defender flew to Italy on a private jetCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeWalker was pictured in the back of a Mercedes van that dropped him off at the airport this morning.He then boarded a private jet to Milan, with the transfer to be officially announced in the coming days.Upon arriving in Italy, Walker left the airport in a black BMW.A source told SunSport: “The deal is done. Walker is excited about the future and can’t wait to pull on the famous shirt.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWe also understand that the Serie A giants have agreed a deal that will see them pick up the majority of his £150,000 weekly pay packet.There has been interest in Walker from their city rivals Inter but a move could not be agreed due to his wage demands.Saudi Arabian clubs were also keen on the 34-year-old and offered him a lucrative contract.But Walker has aspirations to get back in the England setup under Thomas Tuchel and therefore was keen to still play at the highest level.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe right-back’s glittering seven-and-a-half year spell at Man City will come to an end – for now at least.Walker has lifted six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four Carabao Cups, the Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup a the club.Kyle Walker & Annie Kilner plotting move to Italy in bid to save marriage – as love rat lines up deal with Serie A giantsBut despite his contract not ending until 2026, he informed Pep Guardiola he wanted to leave this month amid a dip in form.Walker came close to leaving after City’s Treble win in 2023 when Bayern Munich wanted to sign him.His switch to Milan ends the club’s pursuit of Manchester United’s wantaway star Marcus Rashford as a little-known rule stops them from buying two English players this month.The club has just one spot remaining in their squad for a British player following a change in regulations after Brexit.Restrictions say Italian teams can only bring in two non-EU squad members each year, with one bonus English or Albanian ace permitted.Milan have now hit the threshold by signing Walker. More

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      in Motorsport

      Max Verstappen buys £12million super yacht called ‘Unleash the Lion’ that’s 108-foot long and boasts own beach club

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN is making waves after splashing £12MILLION on a new super yacht.The four-time Formula One world champion has flexed his financial muscles by splashing out on the incredible boat.Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet have taken ownership of a new super yachtCredit: RexThe couple were seen in Italy’s Overmarine shipyardCredit: https://x.com/BRredbullracingThere they took ownership of the vesselCredit: https://x.com/BRredbullracingThe cost for it is estimated to be around £12mCredit: https://x.com/BRredbullracingIt is a Mangusta Gransport 33Credit: https://www.youtube.com/@MangustaYachtsAnd it has suitably been named ‘Unleash the Lion’Credit: https://www.youtube.com/@MangustaYachtsVerstappen and partner Kelly Piquet were seen at the Overmarine shipyard in Italy to check out their extravagant new purchase.And there the Dutchman was seen with his 33-metre Mangusta GranSport 33, suitably named: “Unleash the Lion” for the first time.The showstopper yacht was commissioned two years ago and is big enough to host TWELVE guests.According to reports, the marine behemoth has five staterooms and three cabins for crew members.READ MORE IN F1On top, there are multiple lounging areas and a spacious sundeck while also having a BEACH CLUB at its stern for easy access to water.Monaco harbour will be the perfect home for the yacht given it is close to where Verstappen lives and the stunning weather there.The yacht is the latest purchase of Verstappen’s super toy range.He previously splashed out on a Dassault Falcon 900EX private jet.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMeanwhile, his car collection is conservatively estimated to be worth around £4.9m ($6m), including a private collection of James Bond cars.Verstappen isn’t the only F1 driver to have splashed the cash on a new yacht, with Fernando Alonso doing the same with a 60 Sunreef Power Eco yacht early last year.Geri Horner and Kelly Piquet steal the show as they join Christian Horner and Max Verstappen at plush FIA AwardsIt features a spacious interior with a sundeck and lounging areas on the exteriorCredit: https://www.youtube.com/@MangustaYachtsIt can accommodate up to 12 guestsCredit: https://www.youtube.com/@MangustaYachtsIt also has a beach club at the sternCredit: https://www.youtube.com/@MangustaYachtsThere are fears it could be an indicator of retirement before longCredit: https://www.youtube.com/@MangustaYachtsHowever, former F1 team boss Eddie Jordan believes buying a yacht is an indicator of retirement.He told the Formula For Success podcast: “I just feel now he [Alonso] is probably calculating.“He’s bought a new boat, that’s often an indication to me because I know you [David Coulthard] bought a boat at the time and then retired gracefully after that, and I did the same.“People have a habit of buying boats and retiring. So let’s see what happens.”Verstappen threatened to quit Red Bull last year amid the power struggle between Christian Horner and dad Jos.His contract with the Racing Bulls runs to 2028, but Aston Martin were forced to deny reports last week that Verstappen was set to join them in a deal worth £1billion.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      in Soccer

      Former Premier League star, 41, makes major career change after retirement as he becomes professional cyclist

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      FORMER Premier League star Jelle van Damme has swapped pitches for pedals by becoming a PROFESSIONAL CYCLIST.The Belgian defender spent two years on Southampton’s books, making nine appearances.Jelle van Damme has switched football for professional cyclingCredit: AlamyVan Damme retired from football in 2020 after a brief stint in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty Images – GettyVan Damme moved to the Premier League for SouthamptonCredit: Getty Images – GettyVan Damme also played for Wolves during his 22-year careerCredit: Getty Images – GettyVan Damme, 41, later played six times for Wolves in late 2010 – scoring once.Capped 31 times by his country, his other clubs include Ajax, Anderlecht, Standard Liege and LA Galaxy. He retired in 2020.Van Damme has since built his amateur interest in cycling up to professional levels – training alongside Belgian superstar Greg van Avermaet.And he plans to compete in a series of events, including Unbound – the World Cup of gravel cycling – in the US later this year.Read More on FootballHe said: “If I could have my time over again I would set out to be a racing cyclist – despite all I have experienced in football.”I think I would succeed given my mindset and personality. I always compare myself to [Belgian pro] Tim Declercq.”I’m not someone who looks to win the races, but a good ‘servant’ who helps my teammates achieve the best possible finish.”My passion for the sport has grown. I have taken on a coach, and I now have full sponsorship.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusives”I want to peak this year at the Unbound event in the US.”I began cycling with my brothers and nephews, doing 40-50km rides, but now I can do 120km distances.Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City star”Just like in football, I can suffer on the bike. I can break down, but I’ll recover quickly. As an athlete I will want more when I see that I’m getting better.”I can be a right bastard at times. I was like that as a footballer, and I’m the same now when I get on my bike.”I think I can ride well, and when I’m in a peloton I am not afraid to throw myself around.”My family group calls me Kamikaze, as I’ll go from zero to flying round bends at top speed.”Once an athlete, always an athlete.”Van Damme was a flop at Southampton, with the Saints relegated at the end of his one full season.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe went on loan to Germans Werder Bremen before returning home to win five trophies with Anderlecht.The Brussels club sold him to Wolves for £2.5million in 2010. However Van Damme failed to settle at Molineux, and left for Standard Liege after just six months.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      in Soccer

      ‘Even my translator’s injured’ – Ange Postecoglou’s press conference interrupted by coughing fit amid Tottenham crisis

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU saw the funny side as his press conference was interrupted by a coughing fit.The Tottenham boss, 59, faced the media ahead of his side’s Europa League trip to Hoffenheim.Ange Postecoglou saw the funny side of his team’s injury crisisThe Aussie has 11 senior players missing with injuryCredit: ReutersSpurs are set to face the Bundesliga strugglers without several key men available.Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie, Pape Matar Sarr, Yves Bissouma, Brennan Johnson, Wilson Odobert, Timo Werner and Dominic Solanke are all unavailable due to injury.While Antonin Kinsky, Sergio Reguilon, Yang Min-hyeok and Djed Spence cannot feature as they are not registered in Tottenham’s 25-man Europa League squad.Despite Spurs’ woes, Postecoglou was still able to see the funny side of the situation.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDuring his press conference, the German translator present briefly paused mid-sentence as he began coughing.This led Postecoglou to quip: “We’ve lost the translator as well, even my translator is injured.”Tottenham have plunged to 15th in the Premier League table, with their Aussie boss coming under fire following Sunday’s 3-2 defeat at Everton.They go into this evening’s match ninth in the Europa League league phase – needing to secure a top eight finish to secure automatic progression to the round of 16, thus avoiding two extra matches.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYPostecoglou revealed that he hopes Bissouma and Sarr can return in time for Sunday’s Prem clash with Leicester.He then gave an update on Van de Ven and Romero, saying: “Cuti (Romero) and Micky van de Ven are probably the closest of the long-term injuries to come back next. The rise and fall of Ange Postecoglou as Spurs boss”It was good that Cuti trained with the team today, we didn’t do too much, so he was able to join in.”Hopefully over the next week to 10 days, they are both back in training.”He then added on Romero: “Cristian is training, yes, but he’s not travelled, he’s not playing – it’s probably another week to 10 days for him.”Bentancur has travelled and could feature for the first time since his worrying head injury suffered against Liverpool earlier this month. More

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      ‘Devoted’ football fan, 63, suddenly died at ground while watching his favourite team as heartbreaking tributes pour in

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      A DEVOTED football fan has died suddenly at the ground while watching his favourite team play.Heartbreaking tributes are pouring in for Alec Lumb, 63, a fierce Pompey supporter and “proud” Royal Navy veteran. Alec suddenly died at the ground while watching his favourite teamCredit: GofundmeThe ‘caring’ dad was a Pompey supporter since the age of eight when his dad took him to his first football matchCredit: FacebookFlowers and cards have since been laid by the statue of former footy player Jimmie Dickinson in memory of the dadCredit: RexAlec, from Gospel, Hampshire, tragically died of what is believed to have been a heart attack at the Portsmouth and Middlesbrough game on Saturday, January 18.The family man was described as “very caring” and a “lovely person”, who would always help people out whenever he could. Portsmouth Football Club honoured the fan with a photo of him up on the big screen and a note which said: “Remembering Alec Lumb”.This was followed by a round of applause by the whole stadium.Read more on SportA fellow fan and friend posted: “Alec Lumb what a send off… and the boys did you proud on the pitch for the second time in five days… “I held it together for the minute’s applause but when the players ran over to Sharon Jayne after scoring the second the tears were welling up for you.”Flowers and cards have since been laid by the statue of former footy player Jimmie Dickinson in memory of the dad. His partner of 15 years Sharon said she noticed Alec was slumped in his seat when the players came out onto the pitch.Most read in FootballShe quickly performed CPR on him and alerted paramedics to the incident. Players stopped the game and signalled to the referee and medical staff who treated Alec in the stand.But despite everyone’s best efforts Alec tragically passed away soon after.The cause of death hasn’t been confirmed but the family believe it was due to cardiac arrest. He left behind Sharon, his daughters Hannah and Rebecca, step-daughters Lauren and Shannon – and brother and sister, Ian and Sue. Sue said the family were incredibly touched by the support they’ve received, which has included a whopping £8,900 in donations.Despite the emotional turmoil of losing her elder brother she said she took comfort in the fact he died doing what he loved.Shortly before the game he posted on Facebook about his excitement.She told The News: “He was in his favourite place when it happened. I saw his post on Facebook that he was at the match and that was probably the last thing he ever wrote. He was so pleased to be there.”Alec’s devotion to Pompey began when his dad started taking him to games at the age of eight. The passion for his football team was so strong, his whole family began supporting Pompey too.The 63-year-old dad was also a Navy veteran, having served for 25 years.Sue, who works at Navy HQ, recalled her emotional first day back at work, as lots of people shared fond memories of her brother.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn their heartwarming tributes, colleagues referred to Alec as a caring and lovely man, adding he would always help others. Sue said: “Loads of people came up to give me hugs, It’s a good job I had a box of tissues on my desk.”Portsmouth Football Club honoured the fan with a photo of him up on the big screenCredit: Rex More

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      Man City CONFIRM £64m transfer of Omar Marmoush as Pep Guardiola’s struggling side take January spending over £127m

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      MANCHESTER CITY have completed the signing of Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush in a deal that could be worth £64 million.The 25-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt star has been one of the stand-out players in the German league this season.Omar Marmoush has excelled in the Bundesliga this seasonCredit: GettyHe has signed a four-and-a-half year deal at the Etihad and Pep Guardiola hopes he will fill the gap left by Julian Alvarez – who left to join Atletico Madrid in the summer.City will pay an initial £59 million for Marmoush – while his former club could net another £5 million in add ons.And it takes the spending of the champions this window to more than £120 million – following the arrivals of Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis earlier this weeks.Marmoush – who is an international team-mate of Mo Salah – has scored 37 goals and made 20 assists for Frankfurt since he joined them in summer 2023.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Guardiola will be desperately hoping he can help to get his team back on track after a nightmare couple of months for them.Marmoush said: “This is a day I will never forget. To sign for Manchester City – one of the best teams in the world – is an amazing feeling.“With Pep, his technical staff and the world-class facilities here, players have everything they need to become better. That was really enticing for me when I had the chance to come here.“And I cannot deny I also want to win trophies. City have been the most successful club in England for many, many years, so I know I am joining a winning environment and winning culture.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY“I really am looking forward to getting going, meeting the other players and showing the Manchester City fans what I can do.”Director of football Txiki Begiristain said: “He has all the attributes a top-class attacker requires.Omar Marmoush shows his goal scoring skills at Eintracht Frankfurt training “He has outstanding pace and awareness, and he is exceptional in front of goal. He can also play a number of different positions, which is a really valuable asset.“He’s had an outstanding season, and every time we have watched him, he has influenced matches.”City’s January spending may not be finished yet as they still would like to sign a defensive midfielder to cover for the injured Rodri. More