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      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton’s blossoming friendship with stunning model Camila Kendra hits the skids

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      F1 star Lewis Hamilton’s relationship with model Camila Kendra has skidded to a halt — with the racer back on the grid.Pals claim the Mercedes team driver, who was knighted last December, grew close to her last year — but their relationship is no longer ticking over.
      Lewis Hamilton liked a string of her sexy snaps on social mediaCredit: INSTAGRAM/CAMILA KENDRA
      Lewis Hamilton’s relationship with Camila is no longer ticking overCredit: AP
      A source said: “Their friendship started to develop into something more.
      “She was staying at his home in Colorado and — although they had been pals for many years — Camila developed feelings for him and it became more romantic.
      “It’s cooled off now though and Camila is no longer with Lewis. She’s stopped following him on Instagram too.
      “Her mates thought they would make a great couple but it clearly wasn’t to be and they’re no longer as close as they were.”
      The Sun revealed last August how Lewis, 37, and Dominican Republic-born Camila, 28, had grown close.
      As well as taking pictures of the inside of his palatial home in Colorado where she was staying, fans of the model spotted her wearing one of Lewis’ plaid shirts in an Instagram photo.
      He also liked a string of her sexy snaps on social media.
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      Those close to Lewis insisted the pair were just pals.
      Seven-time World Drivers’ Championship winner Lewis has previously stayed quiet on his love life.
      Camila was spotted wearing one of Lewis’ plaid shirts in an Instagram snapCredit: Instagram
      Lewis Hamilton in the same plaid shirtCredit: Instagram
      He dated pop star Nicole Scherzinger, 43, for seven years until 2015 and admitted three years after their split he focused more on driving.
      He said: “I’ve just been throwing myself at work. I’ve worked harder than ever this year, I’ve travelled like crazy, I’ve experienced everything I wanted to experience.”
      Lewis, who is reported to be worth over £190million, was also linked to reality TV star Kendall Jenner, 26, and pop star Rihanna, 34.
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      in Soccer

      ‘Christian just wants to be normal’ – Brentford boss Frank tells fans to forget Euro scare and let Eriksen play football

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      THOMAS FRANK hopes Christian Eriksen will be allowed to let his feet do the talking from now on — after the midfielder’s emotional return put a smile on the face of football.Eriksen was given a standing ovation from fans and players on both sides when he arrived as a 52nd-minute substitute on Saturday.
      Brentford boss Thomas Frank says he wants Christian Eriksen to be treated as ‘normal’ nowCredit: Getty
      It completed a remarkable comeback, just 259 days after he suffered a cardiac arrest playing for Denmark against Finland at Euro 2020 in June.  
      Bees boss Frank said it felt like the club had been a circus sideshow in the days leading up to Eriksen’s return.
      So now he wants the talk to be all about how his fellow Dane can help keep the Bees in the Premier League.
      Frank said: “I completely understand the circumstances which make Christian coming back to football a really big event.
      “But now he has played his first game, he really wants to just speak about football and less about what happened in June.  
      “He wants to be treated like a normal football player — even though we know he will never be a normal football player because of what happened to him.
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      “For everyone involved in football, it was a big moment. It was fantastic to see the reception he received and it was a big moment for Christian and his family.  
      “Now he should only talk with his feet and speak about football instead of everything else.”
      Eriksen’s team-mates were a man and two goals down by the time he entered the arena.
      But nothing was going to overshadow his big day, played in front of his family and some of the doctors who nursed him back to fitness.
      Eriksen said: “Leaving aside the result, I am one happy man to have been through what I have been through and be here — it is a wonderful feeling.
      “Being on the pitch for the first time is very special.  
      “It has been very special since day one coming here. Everyone has been very helpful and taken care of me. It has been a pleasure.
      “Nobody is naive but everyone is focused on doing our job and staying up and the confidence is there.
      Brentford fans support for their new signingCredit: Rex
      “I want to get back that feeling of playing football and help Brentford stay in the Premier League.”  
      It was a bit of surprise that, despite their lack of match fitness, Frank did not start with Eriksen and star striker Ivan Toney. 
      But any gameplan went out of the window when Josh Dasilva was sent off on 11 minutes and Joelinton and Joe Willock put the visitors out of reach before half-time.
      The lift Eriksen gave his team was clearly visible and, with Norwich and Burnley next up, they will hope to end a run of seven defeats and one draw in their last eight matches.  
      Frank added: “I have had the privilege of seeing Christian train in the last three weeks and see his qualities. I am convinced that he will 100 per cent help us going forward.
      “He is a top player who will add big value to the team.  
      “He is an easy player to manage. He is calm, down-to-earth, humble, and he trains and works hard because he wants to do the best for the team.
      “Everyone wants to play with good players and players like him improve the team.” More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Superfit Galal Yafai ready to go distance on 10-round pro debut after Team GB star’s gold medal heroics at Tokyo 2020

      by

      GOLDEN boy Galal Yafai booked a brutal debut on Sunday — after being Team GB’s shock Olympic star.The Birmingham fighter, 29, was crowned flyweight champ in Tokyo last summer to cap a Cinderella story, having worked in a Land Rover factory.
      Yafai will make his professional debut on Sunday eveningCredit: Reuters
      Almost all Yafai’s amateur bouts — taking in two Olympic Games — were scheduled for three rounds and a pro bow is usually an easy four or six.
      But the superfit youngest of three boxing brothers is boldly launching himself into a ten-round clash against Carlos Bautista at London’s O2 as he attacks the 8st division.
      Ahead of facing the Mexican, he grinned: “I was sound with the idea. I am pretty fit and think I can do the ten rounds.
      “Hopefully it doesn’t go the full ten but I’m sure I’ll cope if it does. I don’t want to go out all guns blazing in the first few rounds and blow a gasket.
      “There is a lot of expectation on myself but the Olympic gold is in my past now.”
      Leaping in at the deep end is hopefully the springboard Yafai needs to land a world title inside just ten fights.
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      But he has seen enough of boxing’s dark side — in his own amateur  struggles and the careers of brothers Gamal and Kal — to know it will not be easy.
      He said: “I believe I am good enough to be a world champion, 100 per cent. But it doesn’t mean it is going to happen.
      “There are always ups and downs in boxing. I’ve seen first and second hand with my brothers.
      “So I will just try to work hard and see what happens.”
      Sections of the O2 roof were blown off by Storm Eunice but repairs have been a success and Sunday’s show is on.
      Yafai said: “I’m used to fighting in empty arenas in places like Bulgaria and Hungary, being bored all week in the hotel, so all this is a nice change.
      “This is a lot more fun, we’ve been put up in a nice hotel and I am just ready to go now.”
      Hackney’s WBO cruiserweight champ Lawrence Okolie, 29, headlines against Michal Cieslak.
      And he insists he did not panic when the venue’s roof blew off.
      Ahead of his fight with Polish slugger Cieslak, 32, Okolie said: “I was actually quite calm about it all.
      He will begin his pro journey in a 10-round contest at the 02Credit: Reuters
      “I thought the worst-case scenario would be the fight getting relocated and maybe it might be delayed.
      “But I never try to let anything get to me — I like to take everything as it comes.”
      Meanwhile, Okolie still cannot help laughing when anyone calls him a world champion.
      He claimed the cruiserweight crown last March and is now the proud owner of a faultless 17-0 start to his career.
      His story is even more surreal as he was bullied over his obesity as a child and — just ten years ago — worked in a McDonald’s and considered a career in social services.
      The inspirational turnaround from flipping burgers to headlining at the O2 still has him smiling.
      He explained: “It is starting to feel a bit more normal but I do still laugh when someone calls me ‘the world champion’.
      “I always felt I was meant to do something — but I did not know what that was. I was considering becoming a manager at McDonald’s and because my mum is involved in social work, that was also something that I was looking at.”
      The 14st 4lb ace is itching to unify against any of the three other champs with WBC, IBF and WBA belts.
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      But he has found it a frustrating struggle and so could leap up to the heavyweights sooner than expected.
      He warned: “Every­one knows I want to unify the division and, ideally, go for undisputed with all four belts.
      “But if these other champions avoid me, I’ll move up and get some real dance partners.” More

    • 150 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Marcus Rashford hires minder to move in with him over security fears

      by

      MARCUS Rashford is so concerned for his safety that he has had his minder move in with him.The Manchester United ace, 24, is among the players who have stepped up security along after at least three first team stars were targeted in recent months.
      Worried England ace Marcus Rashford has hired a minder to help boost securityCredit: PA
      A source said: “Marcus got a bodyguard a while ago when his profile started to rise.
      “But now the minder has become part of the furniture.
      “It’s good for Marcus to know that he has someone on call 24/7 given the regularity with which footballers are being targeted and in increasingly violent ways.”
      One of the players targeted was Swedish defender Victor Lindelof, whose mansion was raided while his wife Maja was at home with just their three-year-old son and newborn baby.
      The attempted break-in took place while Lindelof, 27, was playing for United against Brentford on January 19.
      The Sun on Sunday understands that two other teenage stars were targeted around Christmas and New Year.
      One was left so shaken that he checked into a hotel for a few days until security measures at his apartment were improved.
      Another had his cars and electrical items stolen after his back patio doors were smashed.
      It was the second time he and his family had been attacked in such a way since he moved to the Old Trafford outfit.
      Players from other clubs have also been targeted, prompting United to splash out on arrangements to help keep them safe.
      Old Trafford bosses have asked a security company, which normally looks after the club, to recruit several teams to be on call 24/7 so they can help to keep an eye on the homes of the players.
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      These include England striker Rashford, who also owns a £25,000 protection dog, and Cristiano Ronaldo, 37, who employs twin bodyguards.
      The mobile units will provide further assurance to the footballers, many of whom live in semi-rural locations in Cheshire.
      Rashford was a substitute in United’s game with Watford yesterday.
      Marcus Rashford already has a protection dog and now his minder will further boost securityCredit: Getty
      Rashford’s Manchester United could only draw 0-0 with WatfordCredit: Reuters
      Rashford’s teammate Victor Lindelof’s home was raided while he played an away fixtureCredit: EPA More

    • 213 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League stars at greater risk of dementia from heading the ball than footballers in the past

      by

      PREMIER League stars are at greater risk of dementia from heading the ball than footballers in the past, experts fear.The danger is growing because the modern, plastic ball travels at greater speed and is headed more often.
      Previous studies suggest players from yesteryear were at up to five times higher risk. World Cup winners, including Jack Charlton, were among those affectedCredit: Rex
      It will lead to an explosion in dementia cases unless action is taken, say researchers, who have launched a ground-breaking study to find ways to lessen the effect.
      Brain expert Professor Willie Stewart said the dementia risk could be worse for players in the modern era.
      He warned: “It’s a car crash waiting to happen.”
      Previous studies suggest players from yesteryear were at up to five times higher risk.
      World Cup winners, including Jack Charlton, were among those affected.
      Now Prof Stewart is signing up 150 ex-pros from the 1990s and 2000s for his study at Glasgow University.
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      He told the Dementias 2022 conference in London: “The old balls were heavier when they got wet but they were also travelling slower.
      “Modern balls don’t absorb water and move fast through the air — the speed of the ball is a bigger problem.”
      We pay for your stories!Do you have a story for The Sun news desk? More

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      Ex-Man United ace Wes Brown secretly splits from reality TV star wife Leanne after 12 years

      by

      FORMER Man United ace Wes Brown and his reality star wife Leanne have split.The couple secretly separated last year, it has emerged.
      Wes Brown and his reality star wife Leanne have splitCredit: Matthew Pover
      A source said: ‘Leanne has flourished in single life and has removed her wedding ring’Credit: Splash
      Real Housewives of Cheshire star Leanne, 45, has removed her wedding ring and Wes, 42, has moved out of the mansion they shared with their three children.
      The couple were together for more than 20 years and wed in 2009.
      A source said yesterday: “Wes and Leanne split before Christmas.
      “There were no third parties involved; it is just a sad fact that their marriage has run its course.
      “Leanne has flourished in single life and has removed her wedding ring.
      “She has told people she feels free and is working hard on her businesses and flourishing as an independent woman.
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      “Wes meanwhile is carrying on as best he can.
      “There have been rumours of trouble in their marriage for a while but they put a brave face on publicly.
      “Now it is officially over and they are doing their best to co-parent their children as they build their lives as separate individuals.”
      Leanne was seen without her wedding ring as she partied with pals at top Manchester eaterie Menagerie earlier this month.
      The day before she had posted a cryptic message on Instagram.
      Alongside a picture of her without the wedding band, Leanne wrote: “When you realise that the one relationship in your life that needs the most attention, love, kindness, respect and compassion, is the one with yourself, your life will improve dramatically.”
      The Wag is close pals with Coleen Rooney and was absent from the premiere of husband Wayne’s documentary in Manchester earlier this month, which Wes attended alone.
      Leanne, who has daughters Halle, 19, Lilia, 14, and Lola, 11, with Wes, previously spoke about the difficulties of dating a footie star.
      Defender Wes signed for Manchester United aged 14 and played for the club until he was 32.
      He went on to star for Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers and made 23 England appearances, scoring once.
      Leanne said in 2019: “Yes we’ve got a lovely life and all this money and I’m not saying the money isn’t great, but when you’re in it you’re living in this bubble.
      “Although the fans can be amazing they can also be very cruel.
      “It must be hard [for footballers] to deal with to be on top one minute and hated the next for a bad kick or missing the goal.
      “We are the ones that are left to pick up the pieces and bear the brunt of whatever is left at the end of their careers.
      “Sometimes it’s hard being alone a lot. The lads are away a lot, especially if involved in a high profile club and England international too.”
      A representative for Wes refused to comment on the split.
      A source said: ‘Now it is officially over and they are doing their best to co-parent their children as they build their lives as separate individuals’
      Reality star Leanne, middle, with Cheshire housewivesCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Leicester City ace James Maddison is flogging pearl jewellery for fellas

      by

      FOOTIE ace James Maddison has netted some gems in his time — but now he is flogging pearl jewellery for fellas.The 25-year-old fashion-conscious Leicester City ace has already scored a modelling deal with online fashion giant Boohoo.
      James Maddison is flogging earrings, bracelets and chains for net store Cernucci
      The Iced Smiley Pearl Necklace, worn by the Leicester City ace, costs £60Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Now he is selling men’s necklaces, earrings and bracelets for “urban jewellery” online store Cernucci, with his own JM10 range.
      They have been going well, with many items selling out almost as soon as they appear.
      As he modelled several gems, the midfielder told fans: “The pearls from the @madders @cernucci collection restocked tonight at 6pm. Be quick.”
      His collection has a smiley face diamond necklace for £200, with a pearl chain for £60 and a £40 bracelet.
      A white gold ring is £100 and smiley face earrings are £50. Buyers are told of the pearl necklace: “Cernucci James Maddison, designed by Madders. Made with white freshwater pearls & 925 Sterling Silver.”
      Maddison, who has turned out for England once, has been linked with a £50million move away from Leicester City this summer.
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      He has attracted admirers with 27 goals in 121 appearances for the FA Cup holders.
      He and partner Kennedy Alexa, 27, announced news of the birth of his son Leo last July.
      Maddison has been linked with a £50million move away from Leicester City this summerCredit: GettyWe pay for your stories!Do you have a story for The Sun news desk? More

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      Despite the knee, I still get online racist abuse EVERY DAY

      by

      TROY DEENEY had hoped the very public stand taken by professional footballers against racism might have ended the torrent of abuse faced by black players.Yet racist bile continues to scar the game he loves — and wider society.
      Troy Deeney has revealed he gets online racist abuse every dayCredit: The Sun
      The Watford FC hero believes players taking the knee has helped ‘create the conversation’ around racism but believes there hasn’t been ‘enough change’ to show for itCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Sun columnist Troy, 33, is still subjected to vile abuse “30 to 40 times a week”, he has revealed.
      Some comes at him in the street as Troy goes about his business, but the majority is on social media.
      The Watford FC hero, now with Birmingham City, says he ran into a brick wall after reporting the abuse to online giants.
      Now Troy, a dad of four, is campaigning to get black, Asian and minority ethnic history taught in schools.
      He has launched a petition and issued an open letter to Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi stressing “the importance of education at an early age to inform identity and combat racist beliefs and stereotypes”.
      He writes: “As my mum always says to me, ‘You can’t understand where you’re going if you don’t understand where you’ve come from’. This is an issue I don’t want repeated for my own children.
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      “We need to lay a pathway for longer-lasting change for our kids, as I believe the current system is failing children from ethnic minorities.”
      Troy draws experience from his own upbringing in making the case.
      At the tough Birmingham comprehensive Troy attended, the Archbishop Grimshaw school in Chelmsley Wood, lessons in black history amounted to watching a US-made slavery mini-series.
      Troy said in a Zoom interview: “They wheeled in the VCR and said, ‘Here you go, watch Roots’. That was about it.”
      There were no lessons about ethnic minority authors or the British Empire and little to “empower” a boy from his background.
      Troy was left feeling that he was destined to failure. He was expelled from school, leaving at the age of 15 without sitting exams.
      He revealed: “I kept getting in trouble — too many little detentions and getting thrown out of classes for being stupid.
      “I think I held the record for the amount of detentions you could get in one year. I wasn’t allowed to sit my exams but I was allowed to play in school football matches.”
      Now the bustling attacker is trying to prevent another generation of youngsters suffering the same fate of being excluded from school and missing out on the chance to learn.
      He added: “I wasn’t taught about people who looked like me. If we did talk about race and slavery, it was as an American issue.
      “There was no one I heard about in lessons who made me think I could be successful.”
      Troy’s talent for football would take him from what was then Europe’s biggest council estate to shaking hands with Prince William before the 2019 FA Cup Final.
      But it is as a campaigner for equality that he now wants to make his mark.
      Troy believes players taking the knee has helped “create the conversation” around racism but believes there hasn’t been “enough change” to show for it.
      Footballers here began taking a knee before kick-off in the wake of George Floyd’s death in the US. The 46-year-old black man was killed in May 2020 by white police officer Derek Chauvin in an event that sparked protests around the world.
      For now, teaching ethnic minority history and experiences is optional in England, with the choice being made by individual teachers and schools.Black history will be added to the curriculum in Welsh schools from September this year.
      As part of his campaign, Troy commissioned a YouGov survey in which 80 per cent of teachers polled agreed that “introducing more culturally diverse, representational topics are vital and enriching”.
      ‘SYSTEM FAILING ETHNIC MINORITIES’
      He said: “Despite the Government’s assertions that diverse topics are already in place on the curriculum and sufficient teacher training is provided, this is clearly not the case and the support and desire to do more is there.”
      He added: “The current system in England is failing ethnic minorities. It’s not about removing Sir Winston Churchill from the curriculum or forgetting World War Two happened. It’s about adding more diverse topics to kids’ lessons.”
      Troy wrote in his letter to the Education Secretary: “As the proud father of four children, three of which are currently in the education system, this topic has moved front and centre in my own life.
      “I have seen more and more how important it is for my children to be able to see themselves represented in what they are being taught and to learn about the contribution and background of people who look like them.”
      The footballer said he would be more than happy to meet Mr Zahawi to discuss the campaign, adding: “He can give me a call now and I’ll start driving down.”
      And what of the “stick to football” brickbats Troy is sure to receive from online trolls?
      He said: “I get abuse daily anyway, it comes with the territory.”

      Troy has launched a petition and issued an open letter to Education Secretary Nadhim ZahawiCredit: The Mega Agency More