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      Marcus Rashford offers olive branch to Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim after being told his exile is ‘best for the team’

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      MARCUS RASHFORD has made it known he bears no grudge towards Ruben Amorim.Sources close to the dumped striker insist he is ready, willing and able to face Rangers in Thursday night’s Europa League clash if selected.Ruben Amorim axed Marcus Rashford from the Manchester United squadCredit: GettyRashford admitted he was ready to leave Old Trafford in DecemberCredit: RexThe 27-year-old was axed by Amorim over his performances in training and his declaration last month that he was “ready for a new challenge” away from Old Trafford.He hasn’t played for Manchester United in nine games and has made the bench only once in that time.But it is understood that he has been putting in extra training sessions to keep fit during his absence and is available to play in the Battle of Britain clash.And that he has no issues with Amorim and is ready to give 100 per cent for the shirt.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAfter leaving him out again for Sunday’s 3-1 defeat by Brighton Amorim doubled-down on his stance over the home-grown star.The boss, who called his side “the worst in Manchester United’s history”, stressed: “It is his choice (not to play).“I don’t want to focus on this bad moment because in the games we lost, Rashford is not here.“I don’t want to put this moment on Rashford. Rashford is out because he is not playing.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”No matter what, I am not going to put out a player I don’t believe is the best for the team.”The Portuguese is unlikely to be moved by the attempt by Rashford’s camp to build bridges and is prepared to see him move on.Ruben Amorim says his team could be the worst in the history of Man Utd United, struggling to juggle finances so critical that they were close to being hit by a Prem points deduction over profit and sustainability rules, want his £315,000 wage off the books.Rashford refused to listen to approaches from Saudi Arabia despite the chance of a £35m per year deal because he fears such a switch would cost him any chance of regaining his England place.AC Milan have dropped interest in him while Borussia Dortmund would like to sign him on loan but would expect United to fund half of his salary.West Ham also have him on their radar with United looking for around £40m.Rashford’s brother and agent Dwaine Maynard wants him to go to Barcelona but the LaLiga club are barred from signing new players due to debts currently running to almost £850m.Why Rashford joining Arsenal is perfect fitBy Martin LiptonMARCUS RASHFORD is at a crossroads.But now the England star has to make the biggest choice he has ever faced – does he care about cash, or about his career?Rashford’s shock admission that he is “ready for a new challenge” after some two decades under the Manchester United umbrella has altered the dynamic around his future.That Rashford might not fit the blueprint of Ruben Amorim – who has now responded to Rashford’s comments – was not exactly a surprise.The Portuguese coach prefers a 3-4-3 formation but appears to have settled on Rasmus Hojlund as his starting central striker and wants two “narrow” inside forwards, with the width coming from the wing-backs.Rashford has always wanted to play through the middle but is often at his best exploiting spaces out wide – and that skillset does not necessarily suit the way Amorim wants to play.Even so, going public with his evident dissatisfaction at being bombed entirely from the squad for the Manchester derby was a major move, even if he vowed there would be “no hard feelings” if he does leave his boyhood club.In truth, Rashford has been leaving United almost from the moment he signed that new £325,000 per week contract in 2023.Something was broken in his connection to the club. His form dropped, his threat dissipated, his issues with the hierarchy deepened.When Erik ten Hag dropped him for hosting a birthday party after a derby defeat, and he later pulled a sickie to miss the FA Cup game with Newport, it felt even then that the writing was on the wall.The facts suggest the love affair has ended. After scoring 30 in all competitions to earn that new deal, he has scored just 15 in the 18 months since it was signed.Amorim’s arrival seems merely to have accelerated what was increasingly inevitable.Now, though, it is up to Rashford to determine what his future will bring.If it is only about the money, then his options might be somewhat limited.It is hard to see a Prem rival coughing up the same £16.9m annual salary – although Rashford’s comments have probably knocked £20m-plus off any transfer fee.But Real Madrid have their fill of big-money strikers and Barcelona’s budget remains restricted by LaLiga financial controls.In Europe, then, that probably leaves PSG – but a move to a one-club league.Or, in the wider world, he could follow the likes of Ivan Toney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Firmino and Co and head to the Saudi desert. Lucrative, yep. Certainly a different environment – and that may be exactly what Rashford both wants and needs. But the football? Not in a million years.What Rashford needs, above all, is to be able to play for trophies and showcase his talents.There is no better stage than the Premier League – which has far more global eyeballs on it than any other domestic competition.And in that Premier League there is one club crying out for a goalscoring No 9, especially if he can also play down the left channel to balance out the side and widen its threat.Rashford has always been more Longsight than London.Yet Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta, might be the perfect fit.The Gunners’ lack of a proper scorer is one of the major factors many fans feel has hurt their title challenge this year.Gabriel Jesus has never been a natural finisher, while Kai Havertz is still a converted midfielder.And while the link-up between Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka makes their right flank deadly, faith in Gabriel Martinelli on the left is waning.There have not been too many who succeeded at Arsenal after leaving United – although Danny Welbeck was not a flop.Rashford has all the attributes to change that history, if he can reproduce what everybody knows is inside him.And by breaking free, giving himself the chance to start all over, Rashford can make a point to Amorim that will resonate for a very long time. 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      Man City sign Abdukodir Khusanov, 20, in £34m deal with ‘tank’ as quick as Usain Bolt roped in to bolster Pep’s defence

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      MANCHESTER CITY have confirmed the signing of 20-year-old defender Abdukodir Khusanov.The rising star joins in a deal understood to be worth £34million – and he will become the first Uzbek to play in the Premier League.Abdukodir Khusanov has completed his £34m transfer from Lens to Manchester CityCredit: X/ ManCityThe defender put pen to paper on a deal until 2029Credit: X/ ManCityKhusanov will become the Premier League’s first Uzbek playerCredit: GettyKhusanov, 20, has enjoyed a stellar season in Ligue 1 and arrives at the Etihad to bolster Pep Guardiola’s back line. He put pen to paper on a four-and-a-half-year contract with City until 2029.The new No45 said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester City, a club that I have enjoyed watching for a long time.“This squad is full of the best players in the world, and I can’t wait to meet them and play alongside them.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“And of course Pep Guardiola is one of the greatest coaches ever and I am so excited to learn from him and improve my game even more.“This is a very proud moment for me and my family to be joining a great club like Manchester City and I’m more than ready for this challenge.”Director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: “We are very happy that he has joined us and we are all very excited about what he will bring. “For such a young defender, Abdukodir is already very intelligent, as well as being strong, aggressive and extremely quick.  Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“Working with Pep will only make him better and, speaking to him, he is determined to keep improving. “He is a really exciting signing as we aim to keep progressing to maintain one of the best squads in Europe.”How Brighton proved Man Utd don’t trust Ruben Amorim’s tacticsKhusanov left his homeland aged 18 to join Belarusian club Energetik-BGU in 2022.Less than 18 months later, he signed for Lens in July 2023 for £84,000 – and has now moved on for 400 TIMES that figure, having only established himself as a first-team regular starter this season.Under Will Still’s management, the defender has shone as an aggressive centre-back – prompting his gaffer to declare: “Kodir is a tank.”A physical specimen, he is tall, powerful, strong and lightning quick.In fact, his top speed of 37km/h this season is only just shy of the 37.58km/h pace Usain Bolt averaged to set the 100m world record. He is not the best with the ball at his feet, does have a distinct lack of experience – just 24 Ligue 1 appearances and two in the Champions League – and the language could be a barrier as he settles into a new side desperate for him to hit the ground running. City – who have somewhat stopped the rot with a 6-0 thumping at Ipswich to go five unbeaten in the Premier League – find themselves 12 points adrift of leaders Liverpool and seemingly well out of the title race.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey are still in the FA Cup, though, and will hope to scrape through into the play-off round of the Champions League.And Khusanov may not have to wait long to be thrown into the deep end, with City facing PSG and Chelsea this week. Khusanov will rival Micky van de Ven as one of the Prem’s quickest playersCredit: GettyHe will go up against the likes of Gabriel Martinelli againCredit: GettyKhusanov is not afraid to show his aggressive sideCredit: AFP More

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      Footy star’s wife posts sex calendar detailing couple’s bedroom routine as ex-LaLiga ace, 33, shares post

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      A FOOTBALLER’s wife has shared a sex calendar on social media.The spicy venture details the bedroom routine of Deyverson and his partner Karina Alexandre throughout 2024.Karina Alexandre shared her sex calendar with DeyversonCredit: INSTAGRAM @kariina.mvThe calendar reveals when they were intimate with each other in 2024Credit: INSTAGRAM @kariina.mvKarina and Deyverson have three daughters with eachotherCredit: INSTAGRAM @kariina.mvDeyverson, 33, has starred for LaLiga clubs such as Levante, Deportivo Alaves and Getafe during his career.The striker’s best period came at the Brazilian outfit Palmeiras between 2017 and 2022.He made 144 league appearances for the club and scored 31 goals.But he has also enjoyed life off the pitch with his relationship with Karina.READ MORE SPORT NEWSShe has now given fans a glimpse into their intimate life with a post on social media.She shared an image of their sex calendar, which had love hearts on each day that they had been intimate with each other.Karina captioned the image: “My goal in life is to multiply love.”Deyverson shared the post on his own Instagram account and added three love heart emojis.Most read in FootballThe Brazilian went viral in 2021 during his time at Palmeiras after he dived to the ground after being patted by a referee.He is currently playing at Brazilian outfit Atletico Mineiro having joined in August 2024.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelHis contract is set to run until December and he has so far scored twice in 17 appearances for the club.Karina was at his unveiling as an Atletico Mineiro player and regularly shows her support at matches.The couple have three daughters.She is a digital influencerCredit: INSTAGRAM @kariina.mvShe is also a veterinarian according to her social mediaCredit: INSTAGRAM @kariina.mvShe has 246 followers on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM @kariina.mv More

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      in Soccer

      Erling Haaland and girlfriend Isabel are ‘going to be bigger than the Beckhams’ after he signs landmark £260m contract

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      ERLING HAALAND and girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen are set to be a ‘bigger couple that the Beckhams’.Last week, the Man City ace, 24, inked a bumper contract worth £260million over 10 years.Erling Haaland and Isabel Haugseng Johansen are set to become football’s next power coupleCredit: GettySerial winner Haaland recently inked a new 10-year contract at Man City worth £260mCredit: GettyAn insider believes Haaland and partner Isabel could be bigger than the BeckhamsCredit: InstagramIt could see the Norwegian hotshot play for the Premier League giants until he is 24.Incredibly, his new salary will see him earn an astonishing £500,000-per-week.It’s an astronomical amount that will make him one of the richest footballers ever.Those riches will also allow Haaland and his private partner Isabel, who recently welcomed a child into the world, to live an enviable lifestyle.Read more football newsIn terms of financial standing – an insider believes they could outshine David and Victoria Beckham – who boast a reported £455million fortune.A source close to the couple said: “They are going to be a bigger couple than the Beckhams.”Haaland’s new contract is a landmark deal which until now was unheard of and really puts them both in the spotlight, even though she’s very private and protective.”She knows this deal will attract a great deal of attention. It’s one of the most historic deals in the footballing world ever and means huge money as a result.”Most read in FootballHaaland and Isabel were childhood friends, before they became romantically involved.Erling Haaland signs stunning nine-and-a-half-year Man City contract and ‘one of sport’s most lucrative contracts ever’ They both played for the same football club when they were kids in their native Norway.As Haaland’s career took off, she joined him on his journey – from RB Salzburg to Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City.However, the pretty brunette – who played for Byrne FK in her homeland – has purposefully kept a low-profile.She is believed to work part-time at a fashion store.The source continued: “What is lovely about these two is unlike other football couples, they don’t even need to try and constantly promote themselves – it just comes effortlessly.They will be the wealthiest, most famous couple in the world of football. “She’s come from very humble beginnings, world’s away from what they have now. “She’s a girl who absolutely loves sport and football – that’s how they met and she’s a footballer herself, and is amazingly fit as well as stunningly beautiful and the brands are going to be all over her – not just sporting names but beauty too.   “For them things just happen, and unlike other football couples that are constantly promoting themselves, it just comes effortlessly for them.  “She’s such a lovely girl, who has no airs or graces and has been more than happy to support herself working part-time in a shop. She likes working – not because she has to, but because she wants to.Pretty Isabel grew with Haaland in their native NorwayHumble beauty Isabel played football for Norwegian club Byrne FKRomance blossomed when Haaland’s career took offCredit: Splashread more sport features“She’s known for her kindness, and is happy to talk to everyone. She’s so ‘normal’ by Wag standards – she doesn’t have to try hard and looks good even when playing football. “She’s got the world at her feet, but she’s so humble – she’ll keep both their feet firmly on the ground. With such a mega bucks deal he needs people he can trust and they met at a young age and that’s what’s so lovely about them, he can trust her completely.”With his new contract out there, Haaland could find himself the centre of attention for glam girls lining up to date him.But, family should help him avoid temptation – and the way the couple lead their life, out of the limelight, should make it easier for the lovebirds.The source said: “As with any footballing star there will of course be a string of girls lined up wanting to date him and she will have to have eyes in the back of her head, but she will keep him down to earth and they have a close knit family to support them. “They will be a powerhouse couple. They’ve done some red carpets together before but they don’t seek the limelight and are very choosy – they only do what they want to.”They don’t have to, and this makes her more interesting and creates more intrigue – she doesn’t show off or try to promote herself.”Last summer, Haaland and Isabel were spotted on board a luxury private yacht in Italy.He also owns a £6million holiday home in Marbella, which he visits regularly with Isabel.They enjoy all the trappings that one of the richest sports stars in the world could.But, Isabel isn’t with Haaland for what he offers.The insider explained: “Of course she enjoys the perks of that sort of money and the luxurious lifestyle – the holidays, the shopping – it can get you, but she’s with Haaland for all the right reasons.Isabel celebrates Haaland’s success but prefers to stay out of the limelightCredit: GettyVery rarely do the pair pose on the red carpet togetherCredit: GettyAn insider says Isabel is with Haaland for all the right reasons”She genuinely has a passion for the beautiful game, and that’s the difference – she’s a sports star in her own right and she’s not in it for the luxury. READ MORE SUN STORIES”She also really appreciates everything they have too – she doesn’t take anything for granted.”They’ve both worked hard to get to where they are and she’s not afraid of hard work. They’ll be a breath of fresh air to the footballing world.” More

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      in Soccer

      Chris Kamara joins choir in bid to get voice back as Sky Sports legend, 67, gives health update

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      CHRIS KAMARA has joined a choir as he continues his journey to recover his speech.The popular TV star and former midfielder stepped away from his broadcasting roles in 2022 when he was diagnosed with apraxia. Chris Kamara joined a choir to help improve his speechCredit: RexApraxia is a rare neurological disorder which sees sufferers unable to get their words out – even though they know what they want to say. Kamara’s difficult journey has included intense speech therapy.But he has now issued a positive update on his health – with the revelation about his singing exploits. Kamara, 67, told BBC Breakfast he signed up for a choir of Bradford City fans for an upcoming TV series Bantam of the Opera. READ MORE ON CHRIS KAMARAThe ex-Bantams player and manager joked his new venture may not have helped his ability to hit the right notes or sing in tune.But it has certainly helped his confidence and fluency with his words.Kamara said: “Well, the good news is, I could never sing before so it’s not made any difference!”But the truth of the matter is, you get more fluency in your voice when you sing so it’s a form of rehab when you’re trying to get your voice back. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”Singing helps me.”The Bantam of the Opera choir are being supported by legendary composer Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber and will be involved in Bradford’s 2025 UK City of Culture celebrations.Watch Chris Kamara fight back tears as Soccer Saturday legend receives hero’s welcome from crowd at Leeds vs BrentfordWhat is apraxia of speech?CHRIS KAMARA has been diagnosed with apraxia of speech – but what is it?Apraxia of speech is a condition which makes talking difficult, with sufferers knowing what they’d like to say, but having trouble communicating their words.The NHS says that the condition can be extremely frustrating for people.They explained: “Frequently the person with apraxia will have difficulties with conversational speech. “However they may be good at ‘automatic’ speech tasks such as counting, swearing, repeating rhymes, greetings and farewell.”It’s usually caused by damage to the left side of the brain, such as a stroke.The condition does not affect a person’s understanding and the symptoms of the condition can vary occurring to the severity of the disorder.But this is not Kamara’s first venture into TV singing.Because the ex-Swindon and Brentford man appeared in the 2023 season of The Masked Singer, putting on a Scottish accent, and also on Get Britain Singing. Kamara’s popularity soared during his 24 years on Soccer Saturday, where he had a superb relationship with host Jeff Stelling. The pair were reunited in emotional scenes on Boxing Day when Kammy returned to TV to help Amazon Prime’s coverage of Nottingham Forest’s 1-0 win over Tottenham. Kammy returned to TV screens on Boxing Day to cover Nottingham Forest vs TottenhamCredit: Amazon PrimeBantam of the Opera will follow the Bradford fans’ singing ventureCredit: PA More

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      in Boxing

      Wayne Bridge PULLS OUT of KSI Misfits fight with lengthy statement on John Terry jibes which ‘crossed a line’

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      WAYNE BRIDGE has PULLED OUT of his fight with KSI.The former Chelsea, Manchester City and England left-back was due to step into the ring with the YouTuber on March 29.Wayne Bridge pulled out of his Misfits boxing fight with KSICredit: X formerly Twitter / @@MF_DAZNXSeriesThe two men had to be separated by security guardsCredit: X formerly Twitter / @@MF_DAZNXSeriesBridge was due to face his new rival on March 29Credit: GettyThe pair went face to face on Saturday night at Misfits 20 – where KSI made a brutal jibe at Bridge’s previous relationship with Vanessa Perroncel.In 2010, it was claimed John Terry – a former team-mate of Bridge – had an affair with Vanessa the year before – although the ex-model has always denied it.KSI taunted: “Wayne Bridge, aren’t you the guy that let John Terry smash your ex?”That is what you are known for.”READ MORE ON WAYNE BRIDGEHe then sang: “Vanessa Woah, she jumped on Terry’s d***, it made the big boy feel sick.”KSI also pushed the former footballer in the chest while Bridge had to be held back by three security guards. Bridge – who famously refused to shake Terry’s hand in the wake of the public scandal – initially appeared to let the comments slide, first responding on Saturday night: “I think that’s just him, innit?”It’s the cameras, what he does, put him in a room on your own he probably doesn’t do it, something could happen.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKSI took to social media on Sunday: “From playing with him in FIFA Ultimate Team to knocking out Wayne Bridge in the ring at the end of March, what a life.”But now Bridge has said the fight is OFF – insisting the “deeply personal comments crossed a line”. ‘Doesn’t actually look half bad’ – Fans stunned as footage of Wayne Bridge boxing TV star emerges ahead of KSI fightBridge, 44, took to his Instagram story on Monday afternoon where he made the shock statement.The 36-cap Three Lions international said: “I’m sure a lot of you have seen what happened on Saturday night at the Misfits Boxing event. “Firstly, I think it’s important that I explain my reason for accepting the fight. “I always like to challenge myself. This felt like a good opportunity to go up against an interesting opponent on a big stage. “I have always loved boxing as part of my everyday training routine. “I was fully prepared to train hard and have some fun. “Of course, I expected to face some criticism, but I feel like what was said on Saturday crossed a line. “These are deeply personal comments that affect mine and other families involved in the situation. “I’m a family man first and my priority is protecting them. “My opponent is someone that many children look up to around the world, including my kids. “I hope one day he will look back on this differently. “I personally don’t want to be involved in these exchanges. “I will no longer be fighting on 29th March. “I’m still looking out for my next big challenge and have some exciting things coming up in 2025. “Thanks for all the love. The support has been overwhelming. I want my friends and family to know how special they are. “Deep down I know this is the right thing to do.”Bridge has some boxing experience since retiring from football in 2014.He has twice stepped into the ring and even had an England Boxing licensed amateur bout.The ex-defender beat Made In Chelsea’s Spencer Matthews on points in 2018 – even impressing some fans with his boxing skills. READ MORE SUN STORIESBut fellow former footballer Danny Simpson – who drew on his Misfits Boxing debut last year – supported Bridge’s decision to back out following KSI’s controversial comments.The Leicester City Premier League title winner tweeted: “Disrespecting the ballers. Can’t be having that @KSI @MamsTaylor 😡🥊 @MisfitsBoxing.”Bridge explained his reason for backing outCredit: INSTAGRAM @waynebridge03KSI angered Bridge with his ‘deeply personal comments’Credit: X formerly Twitter / @@MF_DAZNXSeriesKSI’s comments caused a stir onlineCredit: PAVanessa Perroncel denies an affair with John TerryCredit: GettyThe former team-mates famously refused to shake handsCredit: AFPBridge beat Spencer Matthews in a fight for Sports Relief in 2018Credit: Getty More

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      Meet the ‘Hampstead socialite’ who captured Mark Chapman’s heart, five years after his beloved wife died

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      MARK CHAPMAN and his younger girlfriend’s romance is moving fast.The Match of the Day host, 51, appeared to be looking in estate agent’s windows in Altrincham, Greater Manchester with Claire Collier, 43, over the weekend.Match of the Day presenter Mark Chapman has fallen for the charms of Claire CollierCredit: Facebook / Clere CollierChapman and Claire were seen walking hand-in-hand in Altrincham, Great ManchesterCredit: BackGridClaire is a Dubai-based – but often visits Chapman in ManchesterCredit: Instagram / Clere CollierPals say he has found happiness with Claire, five years on from being widowed.The pretty blonde regularly posts loved-up snaps of them together on social media as their romance continues to blossom.In October last year, when Mark celebrated his birthday, she gushed over her man on Instagram, calling him “my one love”.Posting an image of the couple together as they went on a country walk, she wrote: “Happy birthday to this one. My one love.read more football news“So proud of all you do, the biggest heart, the kindest soul, the leader of our pack and not to mention devilishly handsome. I love you, happy 51.”The estate agent, who works in Dubai, is twice-divorced, a mother of two, and was once linked with singer Dane Bowers.Despite being based in Dubai — she makes regular UK trips for work and to see Mark in Manchester, where the BBC broadcaster is based.Before she established her career, Claire worked at the Benham & Reeves agency in Hampstead, North London.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA ‘Hampstead socialite’ – she had an inner circle of celebrity friends.This included drinking pals, radio DJ Chris Moyles and Jason Brown of boyband 5ive.Mark Chapman opens Match of the Day with cheeky one-liner as he is confirmed as one of Gary Lineker’s three successors While she was a close pal of former Eastenders star Christopher Parker, appearing on several red carpet events together.Claire also helped Premier League footballers find rental homes in North London.Meet the woman who has captured Chappers’ heart.Famous tiesClaire grew up in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire.She soon moved to London, where she scored a job at Benham & Reeves in Hampstead, North London.Thanks to the area’s wealthy clientele, she helped the rich and famous find homes.This included sourcing rental homes for wealthy Premier League footballers.Young, and in her early 20s, she frequented the bars and high-end eateries of Hampstead, Belsize Park, and Primrose Hill.Claire has been referred to as a ‘Hampstead socialite’Claire has enjoyed living a glam lifestyle through the yearsHer job and good looks attracted celebrity pals, and she became friends with many showbiz names.A source told The Sun: “Claire was a hugely popular fun time girl among her set of friends.”She loved meeting new people and living in Hampstead, and enjoyed letting her hair down in the bars there.”Because of her good looks and outgoing personality she became a magnet for celebrities.”She knew many famous people and was a real Hampstead socialite.”One of her drinking pals was radio DJ Chris Moyles, who she would often meet up with in the pubs around Belsize Park, as well as 5ive boyband member Jason Brown.Another famous friend was TV presenter Jayne Sharp, a former girlfriend of Chris Evans.Often, Claire would find herself on the red carpet of events supporting famous friends.That included former Eastenders star, Christopher Parker.As he found fame as Spencer Moon on the BBC soap, as well as on Strictly Come Dancing in the noughties, Claire would join the actor at glitzy parties, including at Capital FM’s Rock On! Xmas Party in 2005.However, she soon left London for pastures new.Over the years, Claire has associated with celebs including rugby legend Martin OffiahDJ Chris Moyles was one of Claire’s drinking pals in North LondonClaire poses with pal Jason Brown of boyband 5ive fameCredit: Facebook / Clere CollierActor Christopher Parker pose on the red carpet together in 2005Credit: GettyJayne Sharp and Clere Collier party together at the launch of Room 68 in Hampstead, North London in 2006Credit: Ed Watts / Retna UKread more sport featuresMoving to DubaiFor over 15 years Claire has been working in the Middle East.She initially worked for Benham & Reeves, and has over two decades of experience in international real estate.This included running a Dubai property brokerage, managing a portfolio of investors based in East Africa and working with a US based private equity real estate fund.She has since moved to the American company, Lion Real Estate Group – where she is Director of Capital Markets for the Middle East and Europe.But while things have gone well in her professional life, she has been unlucky in love.Claire has been married twice – most recently to ex-husband James for three years, before they split in 2019.She also had a failed marriage with Dubai-based businessman Tomas Kristiansen Wallin.Claire has two children, Freddie, 12, and Florence, 2, from those former relationships.Claire has been married twice and has two childrenAccording to LinkedIn, Claire works for Lion Real Estate GroupCredit: LinkedinNew loveBefore she fell for Chapman, Claire was reported to have dated Another Level boyband star Dane Bowers.A source revealed to the Mail in 2023: “Dane and Claire have been getting to know each other in recent weeks.”They mix in similar circles and have bumped into each other on a few occasions.”However, it’s new Match of the Day host Chapman she is now smitten with.A source told us in early 2024: “It’s early days but Mark and Claire are in a good place and enjoying each other’s company.”Mark’s focus has always been his children and work, so a relationship was unexpected.”He and Claire are taking things slow and just seeing how it all plays out, but it’s clear to see they are really into each other.”READ MORE SUN STORIESChapman was recently revealed as one of the three presenters of Match of the Day, alongside Kelly Cates and Gabby LoganCredit: PAChapman was previously married to Sara for 19 years, before her life was tragically cut by cancerCredit: TwitterIt is Chapman’s first romance since wife Sara, 44, died of cancer in 2020.He had three children with Sara, who he was married to for 19 years. More

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      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton turns up for first day of work at Ferrari as F1 star posts awe-inspiring statement after realising dream

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has arrived for his first day of work at Ferrari ahead of the 2025 Formula One season.Hamilton shocked the world when the deal that would see him ditch Mercedes to drive in the scarlet red of the Scuderia was announced almost 12 months ago.Lewis Hamilton has been pictured on his first official day working at FerrariCredit: Instagram / scuderiaferrariHamilton was seen in a stylish suit as he posed in front of Enzo Ferrari’s houseCredit: PAThis had come following an official visit to the Ferrari factory in MaranelloCredit: GettyHamilton wore a beaming smile as he greeted eager fansCredit: GettyHamilton said he had always dreamed of driving for the ScuderiaCredit: GettyBut after getting back to winning ways with the Silver Arrows last season and taking in a skiing holiday, Hamilton has now headed to Italy for his first day of work with his new employer.Taking to social media, Hamilton was seen in a stylish suit outside the house of the team’s founder Enzo Ferrari.On X, formerly known as Twitter, the 40-year-old said: “New era @ScuderiaFerrari.”However, on Instagram, he wrote a far more detailed post where he said he had always dreamed of driving for Ferrari.READ MORE IN F1Hamilton wrote: “There are some days that you know you’ll remember forever and today, my first as a Ferrari driver, is one of those days. “I’ve been lucky enough to have achieved things in my career I never thought possible, but part of me has always held on to that dream of racing in red. “I couldn’t be happier to realise that dream today.”Today we start a new era in the history of this iconic team, and I can’t wait to see what story we will write together.”Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHamilton reportedly arrived at Maranello at 10am local time this morning, where he was snapped for photographs that quickly spread across social media.He was accompanied by several people on his way into the factory with a full day of meetings scheduled as part of a “daylong total immersion programme” to get the Brit integrated.F1 fans convinced Ferrari are changing iconic red livery for Lewis Hamilton’s debut season after week-long teaseShortly after midday local time, the official pictures of the superstar in front of Ferrari’s house were published on social media with Hamilton seen posing with his favourite supercar, the Ferrari F40.A team statement cheekily said the wet weather would help him feel at home with “some typically British overcast skies and drizzle”.He was then given the grand tour of the Fiorano House, including Enzo Ferrari’s office, and the pit garage before visiting different departments ahead of technical meetings tomorrow.He was then mobbed by members of the Tifosi as he showed off a beaming smile outside of the factory.Hamilton will become the 13th British driver to race for Ferrari in F1, following in the footsteps of the likes of Nigel Mansell, Eddie Irvine and John Surtees – the last Brit to win the world title with Ferrari in 1964.Ollie Bearman, who will drive for Haas on the 2025 grid, became the shock 12th-ever British driver for Ferrari at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix and the first in the 21st century.Hamilton’s deal, reported to be worth £363million including salary, bonuses, image rights and sponsorships, will run for the 2025 and 2026 F1 seasons.It will be the first time in his F1 career that Hamilton has not raced backed by Mercedes power, with his time at McLaren coming with a Mercedes engine before joining the main works team in 2013.He is statistically the most successful driver in the history of the motorsport, with a joint-record seven world driver’s titles, a record 105 race wins, a record 202 podiums and a record 104 pole positions.READ MORE SUN STORIESFans will get their first taste of Hamilton in a Ferrari car during pre-season testing in Bahrain in March, while the first race of season commences in Australia on March 16.He will partner Charles Leclerc throughout the season.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