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      in Soccer

      Former Premier League star Jason McAteer, 53, breaks down as he bravely opens up on battle with depression

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      JASON MCATEER has bravely opened up on his battle with depression – admitting he contemplated taking his own life.The former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland international hung up his boots in 2007 following a three-year stint with Tranmere Rovers.Jason McAteer has bravely opened up on his battle with depression following his retirementCredit: BEIN SPORTSMcAteer had a 15-year professional career, in which he made over 100 appearances for LiverpoolCredit: GETTYMcAteer retired from football in 2007 following a stint with Tranmere RoversCredit: PAAdjusting to life after football, as it is for many former players, has proven difficult for McAteer – who often works as a pundit.But the sporadic nature of the work left him without a sense of “purpose” in his life, which he once contemplated ending while en-route to pick up his son.During an appearance on beIN SPORTS’ Tales, Tears and Trophies podcast, an emotional and teary-eyed McAteer recalled: “I just had no purpose, mate, it was no structure.”The TV stuff, I mean I wasn’t working every day of the week. It would be like maybe one show a week or maybe two shows a week. READ MORE IN SPORT”It was very sporadic. Days and days and days with nothing to do, yeah.”I got to the tunnel, that tunnel between the Wirral and Liverpool.”My child, who I was keeping this relationship with under difficult circumstances, lived on the other side of this tunnel.”And I was driving through the tunnel, and it upsets me because it takes me back to this moment because I can feel it.Most read in FootballIf you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.An emotional Jason McAteer shed a tear as he recalled his battle with depressionCredit: BEIN SPORTS”And as you go out the daylight into the tunnel light, it’s like this kind of light. I remember thinking to myself, ‘I’m just going to swing the car here and just end it.’ That’s how easy it is.”McAteer, 53, fought with every ounce of his being to not let the dark thoughts in his mind prevail and take his own life.He continued: “I was fighting myself not to do it, fighting going, ‘Do it, do it, do it, do it do it.’ And I’d be like, ‘No. Do it. No’.”And I’d be fighting the steering wheel and I remember coming towards the end of the tunnel and it was like the daylight was opening up.”And I remember coming out the tunnel thinking, ‘Thank God. Just thank God’.”And I went to get my little boy, because I always used to take him to the pictures. I took him to the pictures and I drove home.”Jason McAteer has struggled to fill the void football has left in his lifeCredit: GETTYMcAteer was overcome by a wave of emotion shortly afterwards and bravely opened up to his mum on her doorstep.He said: “I got to my mum’s, my mum lived 10 minutes around the corner.”And I knocked on a door and I remember just saying, ‘I can’t do it anymore. ‘That’s it, that’s it.’ And I was just at that point.”A visibly emotional McAteer then broke down as he said: “It was tough. Just like everything had gone – I don’t half miss it.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I miss – I miss everything about playing. I miss it. Yeah, I just miss it.”Just like running, just running out, just running out, just free on a footy pitch. No problems.”If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123. More

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      in Motorsport

      ‘I promised Lewis I wouldn’t speak to Max’ – Wolff reveals sweet Hamilton vow in chat with wife in new Drive To Survive

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      TOTO WOLFF has appeared to hint Lewis Hamilton did not want Max Verstappen as a teammate at Mercedes. Seven-time F1 champion Hamilton has switched from Mercedes to Ferrari for the new 2025 season. Toto Wolff has indicated Lewis Hamilton didn’t want Max Verstappen as a teammateCredit: PAThe fierce rivals have been battling it out for almost a decadeCredit: GettyToto and his wife Susie discuss Hamilton’s Mercedes’ replacement in the new Drive to Survive documentaryCredit: GettyHamilton’s shock move is the subject of a new episode in Netflix’s hugely popular documentary series Drive to Survive. The 40-year-old has penned a two-year deal with the Italian giants.He announced he was leaving Mercedes after 13 years last February, stunning the world of F1.Hamilton has previously indicated he would “100 per cent” race in the same team as any other F1 driver, per Sky Sports.READ MORE ON F1But the new conversation between Wolff and his wife Susie appears to suggest the Brit was keen to avoid teaming up with rival Red Bull Verstappen. In the clip, Wolff and Susie are on the balcony of their home in Monaco. The pair are discussing who to replace Hamilton with – and whether George Russell is good enough to become Mercedes’ lead driver. Wolff said: “Carlos [Sainz] is somebody to look at. He’s had some really good performances.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Fernando [Alonso]? I mean, race pace, racecraft is still very good.”Susie pointed out Alonso, 43, would not constitute a “new era.”Inside Lewis Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari as he instantly surprises new bosses at first official day of F1 testing She then asks her husband: “You don’t think Max is an option?”Toto replied: “I think he is. But, if you win all the races in a season, I think he is.”I haven’t spoken to him because I promised Lewis I wouldn’t talk to him.”But I will have the conversation now.”After failing to land Verstappen, Wolff changed his approach. Mercedes opted for youngster Kimi Antonelli to step into Hamilton’s shoes with Russell as lead driver.Antonelli has been part of the Mercedes junior team for five years and began karting at the age of just seven.Hamilton drove his new Ferrari car in Bahrain ahead of the F1 season opener in Melbourne next week. And he insists there is “no bad blood” between himself and Mercedes after the split.Speaking to TIME Magazine, Hamilton said: “There is no bad blood. “Absolutely not. We won so many championships.”They have all the ingredients to win world championships, and they will win more World Championships.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I have no doubt.”Elsewhere on the new episode of Drive to Survive, Red Bull boss Christian Horner hit back in the wake of his sexting scandal. More

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      in Athletics

      ‘I’m ready, let’s go’ – Usain Bolt teases sensational comeback to race THREE big-name rivals… but Justin Gatlin snubbed

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      USAIN BOLT has teased a return to the track against three of his biggest rivals from back in the day.The eight-time Olympic gold medallist, 38, has been retired for over seven years and has claimed he would be open to racing again “just for the fun of it”.Usain Bolt has teased a return to the trackCredit: GettyBolt has snubbed a face-off with old rival Justin GatlinCredit: PA:Press AssociationHowever, athletics fans who want to see him go up against perhaps his biggest competitor, Justin Gatlin, will be disappointed to learn that Bolt has ruled that idea out.The Jamaican explained that Gatlin is “in too good of a shape” for him to even compete.Appearing on the Ready Set Go podcast, which is hosted by Gatlin and former Bahamas athlete Rodney Green, Bolt was asked if he would be up for a rematch with his old foe.He said: “I’m ready, just for the fun of it. I’m ready, let’s go. It’ll be fun.”READ MORE IN SPORTCaveating: “Nah man, Justin, him? He’s in too good of a shape.”Bro I see him doing starts all the time. I asked him, I text him, ‘Bro, why are you in such good shape?”Bolt and Gatlin had a longstanding rivalry on the track, with their head-to-heads starting at the London 2012 Games.That race ended in victory for Bolt with an Olympic record time of 9.63 seconds, whilst Gatlin finished in third.Most read in AthleticsBolt and Gatlin had their first major race against one and other at London 2012Credit: AFPCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBolt may not fancy going up against Gatlin, who finally got the better of him in his final season back in 2017, but there are some other rivals he wouldn’t made lining up against one last time.Naming his dream line-up of opponents, Bolt said: “Me, you, Tyson Gay, Asafa Powell, Yohan Blake.”Usain Bolt’s former rival reveals Olympics legend’s ‘bulls***’ tactic that showed ‘what he’s about’ mid-raceWhile he also suggested that he would like to roll back the years against some older sprinters and give new Olympic champion Noah Lyles a run for his money.Adding: “I would definitely like to compete against Maurice Green, Ben Johnson. “Let’s give Noah the spot just because I would love to race against him.”Lyles, 27, won gold in the Men’s 100m in Paris in the summer, running a personal best 9.79 seconds.That effort is still some 0.21 seconds off Bolt’s world record effort of 9.58 seconds set at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin.But Bolt thinks that the USA Olympian could come close to breaking his 200m world record of 19.19, with Lyles’ PB in that discipline just 0.12 off the Lightening Bolt.But the Jamaican isn’t going to give Lyles any tips on how to beat it.He told Citius Mag recently: “I think the possibility is there, because he came close at the world championships.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If he corrects a few things, he could get better. The possibility is there.”I won’t say [what he needs to correct]. I won’t tell you how to break the world record.”Bolt has said he would like to take on Tyson Gay againCredit: GettyHe would also like to line up against old Jamaican teammates Yohan Blake and Asafa PowellCredit: Getty – ContributorBolt reckons Noah Lyles could break his 200m world record timeCredit: Getty More

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      in Motorsport

      Footage of Christian Horner’s X-rated reaction to Redbull sexting scandal revealed in bombshell Drive To Survive trailer

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      CHRISTIAN HORNER hit back at his Formula One rivals by blasting “f*** all of them” in the wake of his sexting scandal.Red Bull boss Horner, 51, was the main story at the beginning of the 2024 season.Christian Horner hit out at his F1 rivals in the wake of his sexting scandal last yearCredit: GettyThe Red Bull team principal was cleared of wrongdoing after internal probes into his conductCredit: NETFLIXLeaked photos and messaging allegedly showed him sexting an unnamed colleague behind wife Geri Halliwell’s backCredit: NETFLIXThe team chief was initially internally investigated amid complaints to HR of alleged “coercive behaviour” towards an anonymous employee.Then the day after the allegations were thrown out and on the eve of the curtain-raising race in Bahrain, a dossier of texts and photographs were leaked to key figures and journalists in F1.That included grubby flirty messages of a sexual nature and pestering requests for images from an unnamed colleague. The bombshell leaks became the talk of the sport – with barristers heavily involved and Max Verstappen’s dad Jos pushing for his dismissal – as question marks hung over Horner’s future, both for his job as Red Bull chief and his marriage to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell.READ MORE IN F1An appeal to the original findings was launched but the Red Bull probe again cleared their chief Horner of wrongdoing in August.At the time, he said he was “relieved” to put the scandal behind him.But in the new series of Netflix’s Drive To Survive, behind-the-scenes reaction to the saga makes for dramatic viewing as Horner slammed his fellow team principals who criticised him.The season covering the 2024 F1 campaign launches on March 7 – and Horner makes use of the cameras to give his verdict.Most read in MotorsportAccording to the Daily Mail, Horner says: “The higher you rise, the sharper the knives. “I’ve reached the top of my game and I never thought in a million years I’d have a challenge like this in my career.Christian Horner brutally booed at F1 75 launch event a year on from sext scandal”It was obvious that the end goal was for me to leave Red Bull.”It’s a crucial time of year, in a job that I do, you’re the front face of the organisation. “You can either hide away or you can get out there and face it.”Mercedes boss Toto Wolff called for greater transparency over the Red Bull investigation.His McLaren counterpart Zak Brown insisted it was crucial to “make sure that all the racing teams and the personnel and the drivers and everyone else involved in the sport are operating in a manner which we all live by”.But Horner snapped back at Brown and added: “Zak’s a p****. I’ll get through it.”You find out who your friends are, don’t you?”Horner and Halliwell arrived at the Bahrain Grand Prix last March hand in hand – determined to put on a united front.And when the racing finally got underway, Horner and Red Bull put the distractions aside to secure a 1-2 finish with Verstappen claiming the chequered flag ahead of Sergio Perez.And that was exactly what Horner wanted.He boasted: “That’s the best way to f*** them all. Shut the f*** up.”Horner received a CBE from King Charles in December despite the seedy allegations into his behaviour. But ahead of the new 2025 season getting underway, the principal – who has worked at Red Bull since 2005 – was booed at a launch event in London.READ MORE SUN STORIESTeams unveiled their liveries and various key individuals spoke on stage at the F1 75 live show at the O2 Arena.But when controversial Horner took the microphone, he was resoundly booed by many in the audience.Horner slammed McLaren boss Zak BrownCredit: NetflixBrown had demanded greater transparency over the Red Bull internal investigationsCredit: AP More

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      in Motorsport

      ‘It’s almost ready…’ – F1 chief confirms major grid change announcement is on the horizon to shake up the sport

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      FORMULA ONE chief Stefano Domenicali has claimed it is a “formality” an 11th team will be on the grid in 2026.The new F1 season gets underway next week with the Australian Grand Prix from Melbourne. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has given an update on Cadillac’s bid to be on the gridCredit: AFPThere could soon be an 11th team on the grid for 2026Credit: GettyFans are eager to see Lewis Hamilton make his debut for Ferrari following a shock switch from Mercedes.While defending champion Max Verstappen is targeting a record fifth-straight title. It was announced last year that F1 had signed an “agreement in principle” with Cadillac and parent company General Motors.F1 CEO Domenicali has now provided an update following numerous delays. READ MORE ON F1And it appears the US-based team will be lining up on the grid from next season. Domenicali said: “There is the formality that is related to the process that [is] almost ready. “Together with the FIA there has to be an update and whenever this will be ready, it should be not too long, there will be an update to formalise what basically has already happened. “So they will be ready to fight against or together with the other teams for next year.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCadillac will initially use Ferrari engines, with the team hoping to build their own power units in the future. In a statement last November, F1 confirmed they had kept a constant “dialogue” open with General Motors. Random bus enters F1 testing in Bahrain as Lewis Hamilton and Co are forced to abruptly stop It read: “Formula One has reached an agreement in principle with General Motors (GM) to support bringing GM/Cadillac as the eleventh team to the Formula 1 grid in 2026.”Formula 1 has maintained a dialogue with General Motors, and its partners at TWG Global, regarding the viability of an entry following the commercial assessment and decision made by Formula 1 in January 2024.”Over the course of this year, they have achieved operational milestones and made clear their commitment to brand the eleventh team GM/Cadillac, and that GM will enter as an engine supplier at a later time.”Formula 1 is therefore pleased to move forward with this application process and will provide further updates in due course.”General Motors remains the largest car-maker in the United States.The company was the biggest in the world until 2008 when it was overtaken by Japanese company Toyota. More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Boxing

      Dillian Whyte pulls OUT of Joe Joyce fight just weeks before bout leaving rival in last-minute scramble to find opponent

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      DILLIAN WHYTE has pulled out his bout against Joe Joyce due to injury.The 36-year-old was set to fight his London rival in a highly-anticipated all-British clash on April 5 in Manchester.Dillian Whyte has pulled out the bout due to a finger injuryCredit: GettyJoe Joyce is willing to fight ‘anyone’Credit: GettyBut Whyte, 36, has reportedly pulled out the clash, citing a finger injury.Joyce, 39, is still set to fight as the headline on a bill that includes the former cruiserweight world champion Lawrence Okolie coming up against Richard Riakporhe.Chiefs are now scrambling to find a new opponent to replace Whyte.A source close Olympic silver winner Joyce told SunSport: “It’s gutting for Joe.READ MORE IN BOXING”He has trained – as usual – incredibly hard for this and Dillian was an ideal opponent.“If there is one thing British boxing fans know about Joe, it’s that he will fight anyone and, thankfully, there are lots of good heavyweights out there.“Joe has no interest in dropping below world level – Joe will take on anyone.”Whyte needed a marquee opponent after having his last big fight taken away due to a failed drugs test.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Body Snatcher had secured a mega-money rematch with Anthony Joshua at a sold-out O2 in August 2023.But he failed a VADA test and the bout was binned at the start of fight week, leaving Robert Helenius to step in.Dillian Whyte leaves boxing fans in stitches with rude question to Anthony JoshuaWhyte rebuilt with an untelevised fight in Ireland last March, beating Christian Hammer.He was then in a slugfest with Ebenezer Tetteh at the end of last year in Gibraltar.As for Joyce, he has lost three of his last four fights since claiming the vacant WBO interim heavyweight title against Joseph Parker in 2022.He was defeated twice by Zhilei Zhang before responding with victory over Kash Ali.But Joyce then lost via a unanimous decision to Derek Chisora last summer in his most recent appearance. More

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      How Real Madrid could line up with THREE England stars next season with two players tipped for huge transfers

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      REAL MADRID could include an English backbone in their starting XI next season.Los Blancos are reportedly tracking both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Adam Wharton.Jude Bellingham could be getting two more English team-mates this summerCredit: GettyLiverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold was approached by Madrid in JanuaryCredit: GettyLos Blancos are reportedly tracking Crystal Palace playmaker Adam WhartonCredit: GettyThree Lions star Jude Bellingham has already established himself as a regular at the Bernabeu.The former Birmingham youngster made the switch to Spain from Dortmund for £115million in July 2023.He has since gone on to become an England standout, helping Gareth Southgate’s men reach the Euros final last season.Bellingham could be joined in the Spanish capital by two familiar faces over the summer.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGood pal Alexander-Arnold, 26, was the subject of interest from Madrid in the January transfer window.He is out of contract in the summer, with Carlo Ancelotti keen on a move for the full-back. Liverpool already have a ready-made replacement in Conor Bradley, with the youngster set for a mega 650 per cent pay rise at Anfield.Crystal Palace midfielder Wharton is also being “closely monitored” by Madrid scouts. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 21-year-old recently returned to action after three months out following groin surgery.He has impressed since moving to Selhurst Park from Blackburn for £22m in January 2024.The meteoric rise of England star Adam WhartonMadrid chief scout Juni Calafat is also said to be a big fan of the midfielder.Wharton is expected to be named in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad later this month, alongside Bellingham.Madrid veterans Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez are both out of contract at the Bernabeu in the summer.Central midfielder Wharton and full-back Alexander-Arnold would fit the bill in replacing those departing stars. But a Three Lions reunion in Madrid would not come cheap. Southgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024Wharton is also being tracked by Manchester United and Liverpool.He would cost in the region of £70m, per ESPN. Should the pair end up in Spain, Madrid’s potential XI next season could feature a strong backbone of English players.In our predicted line-up, ex-Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois starts between the sticks. Alexander-Arnold slots in at right back, alongside fellow defenders Raul Asencio, Aurelien Tchouameni and Ferland Mendy.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn midfield, Wharton could partner Bellingham and Brahim Diaz.While upfront, the feared trio of Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo would spearhead the attack. More

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      in Soccer

      Ex-Man Utd coach Benni McCarthy, 47, lands new manager job months after he was let go from Ten Hag’s staff

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      FORMER Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy has landed a huge new job after being let go by the Red Devils last summer.McCarthy, 47, worked under Erik ten Hag for two years at Old Trafford before leaving the club during a coaching shakeup last summer.Benni McCarthy has been named as the new manager of the Kenya National TeamCredit: GettyNow the former Blackburn and Porto striker is taking his first steps into international management after being named as the new boss of Kenya.McCarthy has penned a two-year deal with the Harambee Stars, securing his position in charge of the side for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.Prior to his stint as a coach at Man Utd, McCarthy held two management roles with first division South African sides AmaZulu FC and Cape Town City.The retired bagsman represented South Africa 80 times as a player, playing in both the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, and is the nation’s top goalscorer.READ MORE ON MAN UTDNow he is aiming to get Kenya to the World Cup in 2026, hoping to take the nation to the world’s biggest stage for the first time in their history.He told the BBC: “Participating in the World Cup, it is one of the most special feelings in the world and I want to give them that.”With the right mindset and dedication from the players, and the willingness to learn and willingness to give everything they’ve got for the course,”I think we can surprise a lot of people by still qualifying for the World Cup.”Most read in FootballBenni McCarthy’s careerA brief look into Benni McCarthy’s career so far…Playing Career1996 – 1997: Seven Stars1996 – 1997: Cape Town Spurs (loan)1997 – 1999: Ajax1999 – 2003: Celta Vigo2003 – 2006: Porto2006 – 2010: Blackburn Rovers2010 – 2011: West Ham2011 – 2013: Orlando PiratesCoaching Career2015 – 2016: Sint-Truiden (Assistant Manager)2017 – 2019: Cape Town City (Manager)2020 – 2022: AmaZulu FC (Manager)2022 – 2024: Manchester United (Forward Coach)2025 – present: Kenya National Team (Manager)CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKenya are currently fourth in their six-team Group F for qualification to the 2026 tournament in North America.They sit some five points of leaders Ivory Coast, with only the group winners qualifying automatically for the tournament, and the best four runners-up given another chance in the playoffs.Gary Lineker blames Sir Alex Ferguson for Man Utd’s decline as he points to ‘state’ club left in More