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      Say ciao to Italy’s wags – from a Brit singer, beauty queen and brain box

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      ENGLAND go head to head with Italy tomorrow night in a historic footie final to become European champions. But behind each suave Italian player lies a stunningly beautiful Wag.Sure to be cheering the stars on will be the glamorous partners of England’s ­toughest rivals yet. From British pop singer Catherine Harding to former ­criminology student ­Jessica Melena, meet the Italy Wags.
      Jessica Aidi celebrates her 30th birthday on the day of the finalCredit: Jessica Aidi Instagram
      Swimsuit model
      FRENCH model Jessica Aidi is sure to be cheering on her fiancé Marco Verratti tomorrow night.
      The occasion will be doubly special as ­Jessica celebrates her 30th birthday tomorrow.
      In May 2019, she and Marco were spotted holding hands at the Monaco Grand Prix, but didn’t go public until Paris Fashion Week five months later.
      Marco Verratti is preparing to wed Jessica AidiCredit: Getty
      The athletic model showed off her figure in a strappy bikini in the 2020 swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated.
      Once the Euros are over, Jessica and Verratti will begin preparations for their wedding.
      Influencer
      Jessica Melena is married to striker Ciro ImmobileCredit: Jessica Melena Instagram
      AFTER just three dates with Jessica Melena, hotshot striker Ciro Immobile, 31, told the Italian beauty: “You will be the mother of my children.”
      Recalling the message, Jessica – who now has three children with her husband – revealed: “’I said that I thought it was a bit strong, but then soon after he kept his promise. His were true words.’”
      Ciro fell for gorgeous wife Jessica straight awayCredit: Getty
      Stunning Jessica, 30, who has 970,000 Instagram followers, was a student in criminology and forensic sciences at L’Aquila University when she met Immobile in a restaurant in Abruzzo, Italy.
      Soon after, Jessica quit her studies and married Immobile in 2014.
      Student
      Alessia Elefante inspires goalkeeper Gianluigi DonnarummaCredit: alessia_elefante_gossip
      LARGER-than-life goalie Gianluigi Donnarumma has ­conceded a mere three goals in six games and recently bagged a spot at top French team Paris St Germain.
      The 6ft 5in Italian stands head and shoulders above his fiancée Alessia Elefante, 21.
      Gianluigi Donnarumma has just clinched a move to PSGCredit: EPA
      The couple have shared heartwarming photos of Gianluigi bending down to share a kiss with his petite partner.
      While student Alessia keeps a low ­public ­profile, the 22-year-old has been in a relationship with Gianluigi ever since she was 16.
      TV broadcaster
      Giorgia Duro is a TV broadcasterCredit: isaanascimento/instagram
      Andrea Belotti has been with wife Giorgia for seven yearsCredit: EPA
      CAPTAIN of Serie A side Torino, Andrea Belotti, 27, welcomed his first child with wife Giorgia Duro in February – but had to wait to meet newborn daughter Vittoria after he tested ­positive for Covid.
      However, dazzling mum Giorgia, 28, said at the time that the couple were doing “fine” and the young family were later reunited.
      Giorgia, a TV broadcaster and model, met Andrea in Palermo in 2014, and they married in the church of San Francesco Di Paola, in Palermo, in June 2017.
      Beauty queen
      Rachele Risaliti is a former Miss ItalyCredit: Rachele Risaliti Instagram
      Rachele posts about her relationship with Gaetano Castrovilli on her Instagram pageCredit: Getty
      FORMER Miss Italy Rachele Risaliti hasn’t been shy about her relationship with ­midfield ace Gaetano Castrovilli.
      Sharing a snap on Instagram of the couple locked in a passionate embrace, Rachele posted the comment “miss you” as Castrovilli rushed off to take part in the Euro 2020 build-up in June.
      Born in Prato, Italy, Rachele, 26, rose to fame after being crowned Miss Italia 2016.
      And she’s been a keen supporter of her Italian beau, sharing pics of her with fellow Wag ­Benedetta Quagli online.
      Full time mum
      Genoveffa Darone is known as JennyCredit: jenny__darone/instagram
      ‘Jenny’ has been married to Lorenzo Insigne for almost a decadeCredit: Rex
      FULL-TIME mum Genoveffa Darone – known as Jenny – has been married to Napoli ­captain ­Lorenzo Insigne, 30, for nearly ten years.
      Friends since childhood, the couple started dating while Lorenzo played for Pescara in Italy.
      Their whirlwind romance saw the ­couple get engaged seven months later, before enjoying an elaborate ­wedding in their Naples hometown in 2012.
      An arts graduate and former saleswoman, ­dazzling Genoveffa, 28, now dedicates her time to looking after their children Carmine, eight, and six-year-old Christian.
      Singer and songwriter
      Catherine Harding faces split loyalties between England and ItalyCredit: Mega
      BRITISH singer Catherine Harding will have to pick her side tomorrow as boyfriend Jorginho’s team battles England for the big prize.
      Born in Enfield, North London, Catherine rose to fame after reaching the knockout stages of ITV’s The Voice last year.
      Her ­mercurial rendition of I Put A Spell On You captivated judges in the blind auditions and won her a dedicated fan base in Britain.
      Spending much of her life in Ireland, Catherine, 30, also shared a fleeting romance with actor Jude Law and in 2015 gave birth to his fifth child, daughter Ada, now six.
      Catherina is loved up with Chelsea midfielder JorginhoCredit: Getty
      A few years later, Catherine and Jorginho quietly coupled up after the footballer split from his wife ­Natalia Lefteri.
      Catherine gave birth to the couple’s son last September, sharing a snap on Instagram of Jax’s tiny feet and the caption, “How crazy life is and how wonderful.”
      The singer’s latest flame has clearly fuelled her imagination, as Catherine admitted she has written “a lot of love songs, especially last year”.
      When announcing her pregnancy, she said: “I entered into a new relationship and that definitely gave me loads of creativity and inspiration.”
      Italian midfielder Jorginho, 29, will be counting on ­Catherine’s support for Italy tomorrow as his team take on the formidable England team.
      Born Jorge Luiz Frello Filho in Brazil, he moved to Italy aged 15, later choosing to play for the country.
      The Chelsea player has boosted Italy’s performance in this year’s Euros with his clever positioning and swift passing.
      Women’s right’s advocate
      Clarissa ­Franchi is a passionate campaigner of women’s rights
      Giovanni Di Lorenzo has been with Clarissa since 2013Credit: AFP
      THE long-term partner of defender Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Clarissa ­Franchi lives in Naples with the football star and their year-old daughter Azzurra.
      They have been together since 2013, when Di ­Lorenzo, 27, began playing for a club in Reggio Calabria, but are not married.
      A passionate campaigner of women’s rights, Clarissa, 26, works on the WeWorld campaign with Italian football league Serie A to end violence against women.
      London based mum
      Thaiany Xavier hails from Brazil and not ItalyCredit: thaixavier_/instagram
      LIKE her Chelsea player boyfriend Emerson Palmieri, London-based Thaiany Xavier, 27, is originally from Brazil.
      Defender Emerson, 26, has been drafted into Roberto Mancini’s side since Leonardo Spinazzola’s achilles injury in Italy’s quarter-final Euros match with Belgium.
      Chelsea defender Emerson helps Thaiany live a life of luxuryCredit: Rex
      Thaiany regularly shares snaps of her glitzy London life with her 62,100 followers on Instagram.
      In May, she cheered on her man at Stamford Bridge as the Champions League final saw Chelsea beat Man City 1-0. She posted in her native tongue: “What a joy to be part of this very special moment in your life my love @emerson palmieri.”
      Thaiany, who has a daughter from a previous relationship, had a son with Emerson in 2018.
      While she wears a ­diamond ring on her left hand, the couple have not confirmed if they married.
      In a recent picture of Thaiany’s birthday party, Emerson gush­ed: “You deserve the world, my girl, my woman. I love you so much.”
      Digital marketing expert
      Thessa Lacovich is dating rising star Manuel LocatelliCredit: Thessa Lacovich Instagram
      COSTA Rican Thessa Lacovich has been rooting for her boyfriend, midfielder Manuel ­Locatelli, throughout the tournament.
      Sharing a shot of the 23-year-old Italian hunk on her social media, the hazel-haired beauty celebrated her boyfriend’s long-range goal in their early match against Switzerland.
      Locattelli has been one of Italy’s best players at Euro 2020Credit: Getty
      Thessa, 23, who has a masters degree in digital communications strategy, is a digital marketing specialist who moved to Italy to study.
      The pair began dating aged 19.
      Sports scientist
      Brainy Federica Schievenin is studying sports scienceCredit: Federica Schievenin Instagram
      AFTER their semi-final with Spain went to penalties, midfielder Nicolo Barella scored a vital goal, helping secure Italy’s spot in the coveted Euros final.
      But off the pitch, the 24-year-old is supported by his wife Federica Schievenin, 31, who studies sports science, and their daughters Rebecca, four, Lavinia, two, and five-month-old ­Matilde.
      The tight-knit couple were childhood sweethearts and tied the knot in 2017 at the picturesque royal Villa d’Orri in Sardinia.
      Nico Barella has two daughters with FedericaCredit: Getty

      Model and influencer
      Benedetta Quagli is five years older than boyfriend Federico ChiesaCredit: Benedetta Quagli Instagram
      BENEDETTA Quagli has been spotted cheering on her ­boyfriend, rising star Federico ­Chiesa, throughout the Euro 2020 tournament.
      While little is known about the ­elusive brunette, Benedetta and midfielder ­Federico, 23, are thought to have been together for two years – and often jet off for lavish trips abroad when Chiesa is off-duty.
      Boasting 90,000 followers on her Instagram, Benedetta, 28, loves to share shots of her posing on sun-soaked beaches or playing tennis.
      Federico Chiesa has been dating Benedetta for two yearsCredit: Getty
      England’s Wags support their partners in Wembley crowd More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson sits on £26.5million fortune after raking in £5million last year

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      SIR Alex Ferguson has seen the value of his personal company rise to more than £17.5million as he raked in £5million last year.The ex-Manchester United boss is still earning Premier League mega money despite retiring eight years ago.
      Sir Alex Ferguson has seen the value of his personal company rise to more than £17.5million as he raked in £5million last yearCredit: PA
      The legendary manager has made millions from book deals, appearances and public speaking since he quit footballCredit: AFP
      Latest books for ACF Sports Promotions, the company Fergie uses for his commercial pay, show his assets rose from £12.5million to £17.5million last year – the equivalent of £100,000 a week.
      The legendary manager,79, has made millions from book deals, appearances and public speaking since he quit football.
      Fergie receives £2m for 20 days a year as a United ambassador and up to £100,000 for the motivational speeches that he gives.
      Sir Alex Ferguson lifts the UEFA Champions League trophy after victory in 2008Credit: PA
      Alex Ferguson rallies his Aberdeen players at half time during the Scottish Cup Final in 1982Credit: Getty

      His autobiography has sold more than one million copies.
      In total, Fergie has £26.5m assets in his firms registered at Companies House – up from £21million last year.
      Assets in three other companies – Damaja 1983, 1991 and 1999 – named after the years Fergie led his Manchester United and Aberdeen teams to European trophies – rose £500,000 to £9million.
      Amazon release trailer for Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In More

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      Calling under-10s… help the Three Lions roar with your Euro 2020 messages of support

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      ARE you desperate to help the Three Lions heroes clinch glory in Sunday’s Wembley clash?Well, if you have a son or a daughter or grandchild under the age of ten who will be roaring on the England boys, send us their messages and why they desperately want them to win.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      if you have a son or a daughter or grandchild under the age of ten who will be roaring on the England boys, send us their messages and why they desperately want them to winCredit: Getty
      It could be the inspiration they need to send 55 years of hurt and beat Italy.
      Send an email on behalf of your footie mad kids telling us their name, age, where they’re from and why they love this England side and want them to win the Euros.
      Also, attach a picture of them wearing their England fan gear – and we’ll try and feature them in this weekend’s The Sun on Sunday.

      Send your emails to ben.griffiths@the-sun.co.uk

      Send an email on behalf of your footie mad kids telling us their name, age, where they’re from and why they love this England sidCredit: Getty

      Sweet moment England fan, 9, left in tears when Harry Kane scores winner in Euros semi-final More

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      Italy will be cheered by 1,000 fans flown in for Sunday’s Euro 2020 final after deal between the UK government and Uefa

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      ITALY will be cheered on by 1,000 fans in Sunday’s Euro 2020 final who will have been specially flown in after an agreement was reached between the UK government and Uefa.They will arrive in special charter flights from Milan and Rome after the greenlight was given by authorities – providing Covid protocols are strictly followed.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Italy will be cheered on by 1,000 fans in Sunday’s Euro 2020 final who be specially flown in after an agreement was reached between the UK government and UefaCredit: Alamy
      The fans’ attendance will be a boost for the Italians as they take on England at Wembley on Sunday eveningCredit: Alamy
      As an amber country, anyone arriving from Italy has to quarantine for ten days – or take a test to release after five – meaning the majority of Italians at Wembley on Sunday will be ex-pats.
      There are around 600,000 Italians living in the UK with around 150,000 in London alone and a mad dash for tickets has already begun.
      Those arriving from Italy for the final had to register their interest by midnight last night with the package costing €650 plus ticket.
      They will have to show a negative Covid test on departure from Italy and they will be driven to a hotel where they will stay until they are transferred to the ground.
      Officials said they would remain in their ‘bubble’ and the five charter flights taking them back will leave from Luton immediately after the game.
      In a statement, the Italian FA said: “The initiative allows for travel providing a series of conditions are respected with regard to the British government’s quarantine regulations on spectators arriving from Italy.”
      Meanwhile yesterday Italian media ramped up the hype ahead of the final with top-selling Gazzetta Dello Sport saying brazenly on its front page “Let’s take the crown” adding that:”Denmark spooked the home team, who needed extra time and a disputed Kane penalty to win.”
      England fans will be packing out the stands at the home of English football as the Three Lions fight for gloryCredit: Getty
      Harry Kane’s penalty has been the subject of derision in the Italian pressCredit: Reuters

      Their match report claimed England won thanks to a ”gifted penalty” before saying that on Sunday Italy needed to ”dominate the Three Lions.”
      La Repubblica said: “The only mistake in a sensational match was from the referee and it’s a shame that England’s win was dampened thanks to the splash from Sterling’s dive, winning that was never there.”
      While Corriere della Sera said: “England had to work hard for their win, thanks also to a dubious penalty”.
      Denmark No1 Kasper Schmeichel has laser pen shined in face but still SAVES England ace Harry Kane’s penalty More

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      England kept ball for over two minutes with 54 passes to end chance of extra-time Denmark comeback and reach Euro 2020

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      THE extra-time clock ticked to 116 minutes 20 seconds against DenmarkThen something quite extraordinary happened.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      England kept the ball for over two minutes with 54 passes to see off DenmarkCredit: Getty

      For two minutes and 41 seconds, England did not lose the ball.
      They made 54 consecutive passes, knocking the ball around with all the ease of a training drill.
      Every Three Lions player touched the ball.
      The ball goes from right to left to right again — pulling the tired, spent Danes all over the turf at Wembley.
      Those 54 passes made up the longest possession at Euro 2020 so far, eclipsing a 43-pass move from Germany when they beat Portugal in the group stages.
      England also come third on the list, thanks to 42-pass  moves  against  Croatia in the group matches and Ukraine in the 4-0 quarter-final victory.
      In the last five minutes against Denmark, England enjoyed    an  incredible 75 per cent possession.
      They have averaged just shy of 54 per cent in the tournament so far.
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      And in extra-time, as a final place was secured, they completed 90 per cent of their passes.
      Gareth Southgate’s men now take on Italy in Sunday’s showpiece event.
      And after Roberto Mancini’s men commanded just 29 per cent of the ball in their semi-final win over Spain, England could expect to see more of the same.

      England vs Italy FREE – Live stream, TV channel and kick-off time for massive Euro 2020 Final More

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      England’s victories have ended 25 years of hurt for Gareth Southgate — and for his parents, old pal Tony Adams reveals

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      ENGLAND’S victories have ended 25 years of hurt for Gareth Southgate — and for his parents, his old pal Tony Adams has revealed.And now Tony, England’s Euro 1996 skipper, believes his former lieutenant is going to lead the team to glory as manager, declaring: “It is time for us to tell the world: ‘It’s our time’.”
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Gareth Southgate, centre, after missing a penalty in the semi-final of Euro 1996Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Tony, 54, was set to take England’s next penalty against Germany a quarter of a century ago until Gareth stepped forward for the nerve-shredding task.
      Gareth missed the spot kick to send his team crashing out and has felt guilty ever since.
      By beating the Germans on the way to reaching this year’s final, Tony feels his mate has “laid to rest demons of the penalty miss”.
      When he sent his congratulations in a text, Gareth replied: “Thank god my mum and dad don’t have to put up with all that pain anymore.”
      Tony Adams, 54, says England’s recent victories have ended a 25-year hurt for his old palCredit: The Sun
      Last night, Tony told The Sun: “I felt compelled to say it’s over and it’s just like Gareth to say, ‘I’m more pleased for my parents’.”
      He revealed that his old mate always had the mental strength to cope with the trauma of being blamed for England’s defeat.
      Tony says: “I have 25 years of therapy under my belt, but he seems to be able to process it.”
      Both players have now found redemption since that loss.
      Tony Adams and Gareth Southgate during an England match against GermanyCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Having suffered from alcoholism, Tony quit booze and went on to set up a charity to help football players with their mental health.
      Meanwhile, Gareth, 50, is using the pain of 1996 to drive the national side on to success.
      Tony says: “He was meant to be where he is today. Gareth has a purpose. He is very driven to making amends. Gareth is writing a story of redemption.”
      What Gareth soaked up about group dynamics 25 years ago is paying dividends now.

      But win or lose on Sunday, Tony and his charity Sporting Chance will be there if any of the team needs some mental health support.
      He concluded: “It won’t hit this squad when they leave the camp.
      “It will take a lot of emotional and mental support whether they win or not to make sure they are not affected like me and Gareth Southgate were.”
      Alan Shearer says everything England manager Gareth Southgate has done is perfect More

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      How an early investment in England star Raheem Sterling has paid dividends

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      IT was the blissful smile of a man with all of England at his feet.When star winger Raheem Sterling whipped a close-range shot against the flailing legs of the Denmark keeper in the dying seconds of Wednesday’s Euro 2020 semi-final win, he did not grimace or swear at a missed chance to seal the match.
      Raheem beams after an extra-time shot is saved against Denmark in the semi
      Raheem with fiancé Paige with whom he has two children
      He simply raised his hands to his head and flashed the radiant grin of a man whose childhood dream was to be “King of Wembley”.
      Known as Raz to his fellow players, 26-year-old Raheem personifies the sense of fun and solidarity the England team has tapped into.
      Amid the sweat and toil, it appeared he was simply relishing the occasion as the final whistle neared.
      And the internet has exploded in love for a player who had described himself as the #TheHatedOne in an Instagram post at Euro 2016.
      After the latest victory at this Euros, one tweeter wrote: “I dote on Raheem Sterling’s wondrous and sweet smile.”
      Another added: “Raheem Sterling: A god among men with the smile of an ANGEL.”
      Wembley had rocked to a bespoke version of song Freed From Desire by Gala in homage to Raheem.
      “Sterling’s on fire,” the crowd sang. “Your defence is terrified.”
      The Manchester City star has been England’s best player in the tournament, spearheading the team’s assent to their first major final in 55 years.
      With 67 England caps already under his belt, he is a national role model on and off the field.
      He’s the same lad he was when he was 16. He’s great to have around the place. He’s vocal. He’s a leader on the pitchJordan Pickford
      Last month he was awarded an MBE for his efforts in fighting for racial equality.
      Before the game, captain Harry Kane said: “People maybe underestimate him as a person and as a leader.”
      Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who first played alongside Raheem when they were teenagers, said: “He’s the same lad he was when he was 16. He’s great to have around the place.
      “He’s vocal. He’s a leader on the pitch.”
      For his part, Sterling has not forgotten his roots on his heady rise to England immortality.
      His tweets during the tournament have been signed off with the hashtag #BoyfromBrent.
      Like something from a tear-jerking movie, Raheem grew up just a decent goal kick away from Wembley Stadium in North West London.
      He told the Players’ Tribune website: “I grew up in the shadow of my dream. Literally.
      “I watched the new Wembley stadium go up from my back garden.
      “One day, I walked outside and I saw this massive arch in the sky. It was rising up over the top of the housing estates like a mountain.
      “I used to kick about in this green right by my house, and I could take a shot on goal then turn round to celebrate and the Wembley arch would literally be right above my head. It was like you were there.
      In control, Sterling on the ball at Wembley, a stadium he watched being rebuilt from his back gardenCredit: AP
      Raheem shares smiles with his two boys Thiago and Thai-CruzCredit: Refer to Caption
      Mentor Clive Ellington said: ‘I took him to the park one day and I thought, ‘He’s got something about him’, he was outshining all the others’Credit: The Sun
      “I was really like, I can play there. I can do it.”
      As well as dreaming of being “the King of Wembley one day”, Raheem even has a tattoo of the stadium’s iconic 133-metre arch on his forearm.
      But to realise his dream, he had to battle tragedy, poverty and adversity.
      Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Raheem Shaquille Sterling began life sharing a three-bedroom bungalow with his ten-strong extended family.
      His father, Phillip Slater, was gunned down in 1996 in Jamaica when Raheem was just two years old after being wrongly caught up in a gang turf war.
      The star would later say that losing his dad, “shaped my entire life”.
      When he was four, his mum Nadine Clarke travelled to the UK to forge a new life for her family.
      He used to kick a juice carton aroundJoy Morris
      He and elder stepsister Lakima were cared for by his gran, Joy Morris.
      She said of her grandson: “His life hasn’t been easy. It was a tough place to grow up and he had to be sharp.
      “We didn’t have lots of money but we were a very close family and we helped one another out with raising the children.
      “His love for football came from playing at the front of the house when he was three. He used to kick a juice carton around.”
      Raheem and Lakima then joined their mum in London, where she worked as a cleaner to help pay for a degree course.
      Sterling remembers waking at 5am before school to help his mum clean toilets at a hotel in North London.
      Raheem’s childhood street with Wembley Stadium in the background – where he dreamt of being ‘the King of Wembley one day’Credit: Tim Stewart
      Lakima was also instrumental in helping him achieve his dreams, travelling miles by three buses to get him to football training.
      Raheem told Players Tribune: “Mum would never let me go to training alone. And she always had to work, so my sister would have to take me all the way out to Heathrow.
      “Three buses. The 18 to the 182 to the 140. The red double-deckers with the blue wool Eighties vibe on the seats. Spent ages on those.
      “We’d leave at 3.15pm and get home at 11pm. Every. Single. Day. She’d sit upstairs in the little cafe and chill until I was done with training.
      “Imagine being 17 years old and doing that for your little brother. And I never once heard her say, ‘Nah, I don’t wanna take him’.
      “At the time, I didn’t understand how much she was sacrificing.”
      Aged eight, Raheem was referred to Vernon House, a school for children struggling because of behavioural issues.
      He’s as humble as they come. It was never about the money, it was about the football. He was one of the nicest boys I’ve ever mentoredClive Ellington
      There he was assigned mentor Clive Ellington, who he credits with kickstarting his career.
      The youth worker said: “I took him to the park one day and I thought, ‘He’s got something about him’, he was outshining all the others.”
      Raheem was not even playing for a team at the time, so Clive invited him to a training session at local club Alpha & Omega FC.
      Clive added: “As coaches we stood there, arms folded, just thinking ‘What on earth have we unearthed here?’, because he was a gem.”
      And he insists that Raheem has never been motivated by money.
      He said: “He never discussed money or cars. He’s as humble as they come. It was never about the trimmings, it was about the football.
      “He was one of the nicest boys I’ve ever mentored.”
      When Clive drove his young protege to games he would hold out a pen as a pretend microphone and say: “Raheem Sterling, how do you feel about making your debut for England at 16?”
      Star man Sterling in action with Denmark’s Kasper SchmeichelCredit: Reuters
      Raheem would look at him, “like I was a nutter”.
      But Clive was only a year out, as Raheem made his Three Lions debut aged 17 against Sweden.
      The star says of his mentor: “He was the person who made me realise there’s more to life than being a naughty kid.”
      The 5ft 7in striker joined QPR at the age of 11 and moved to Liverpool at 15 in a £500,000 deal.
      Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard told The Times: “He was a very respectful kid. He was someone who hung on to every word.
      “He always wanted to learn, he used to take information on.”
      In 2015, then an England regular, he joined Manchester City in a £50million deal.
      Shortly before the 2018 World Cup he was pictured with a tattoo of an MI6 assault rifle on his right leg.
      Raheem explained on Instagram: “When I was two my father died from being gunned down.
      “I made a promise to myself I would never touch a gun in my lifetime. I shoot with my right foot, so it has a deeper meaning.”
      When the dust finally settles on his stellar career, he will perhaps be remembered as much for fighting racism as the trophies he has won.
      Having been subjected to a barrage of abuse, he has used his profile to call for equality.
      When some fans booed the England players for taking the knee before games, he expressed his “disappointment”.
      Now reportedly earning £300,000 a week, Raheem lives with his fiancée Paige Milian, 26, and their sons, Thiago, three, and Thai-Cruz, one, in a Cheshire village.
      Raheem Sterling celebrates the win with his sonCredit: Getty
      Raheem lives with his fiancée Paige Milian and their two sons in a Cheshire villageCredit: paigemilian/Instagram
      Raheem and team mate Jordan Henderson pose having both received their MBECredit: Getty

      He also has an eight-year-old daughter, Melody Rose, from a previous relationship.
      When England reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, Raheem had failed to find the net.
      Now, with three goals already this time, the smiling “King of Wembley” returns to his beloved Brent for Sunday’s final, ready to take his place among England’s sporting immortals.
      Raheem Sterling is ‘world class’ and England’s’ ‘most effective player’ beam Ferdinand and Lampard More

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      Mason Mount RECOGNISED me when we drove past him last month says girl, 10, who got his shirt – and now won’t take it off

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      THE starstruck schoolgirl who cried tears of joy after Mason Mount gave her his England shirt beamed yesterday: “It was a dream come true.” Belle McNally, ten, captured the nation’s hearts after Three Lions ace Mount picked her out in  the Wembley crowd following England’s historic 2-1 victory over Denmark.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Belle tries out her prized shirt given to her by Mason Mount at WembleyCredit: The Sun
      Three Lions ace Mason Mount picked Belle out in the Wembley crowd following England’s historic 2-1 victory over DenmarkCredit: AFP
      Belle, a model for brands including Burberry, reckons Mount may even have recognised her from an encounter on a motorway a month ago. She and her dad saw the team bus as it headed to Wembley for the Group D opener against Croatia. Belle filmed as they drove past — and was left giddy and excited when Mount waved at her.
      In heart-warming video footage from the Euro 2020 semi-final thriller, Belle is seen sobbing with happiness as Mount jumps the security barriers to personally give her his jersey.
      The open-mouthed youngster cries and embraces stunned dad Tommy, 36, in the viral clip — which has been viewed more than three million times.
      Chelsea star Mount, 22, is then seen walking away before looking back at Belle with a cheeky smile.
      Yesterday the schoolgirl, who is Mason Mount-mad despite being an Arsenal fan, said: “It was the best night of my life.
      Mount spots Belle in crowd after England’s semi-final victory over Denmark
      In heart-warming video footage, Belle is seen sobbing with happiness as Mount jumps the security barriers to personally give her his jersey
      The 10-year-old sobbed after the kind gestureCredit: Twitter/@remmiewilliams
      “It was so crazy when he gave me the shirt that I started crying and my leg wouldn’t stop shaking.
      “I wore the shirt to school yesterday and I haven’t taken it off since.
      “All my friends recognised me from the video and have been saying how brilliant it is.”
      Last night, Mount told The Sun that it marked a “special moment” for him, too.
      He said: “Winning the game was a big achievement but to see that reaction from Belle topped it off for me. That level of support really means a lot.”  
      Belle with dad Tommy McNallyCredit: The Sun
      Belle recreates the joyful moment after being picked out by MountCredit: The Sun
      In the clip taken of the England coach on the motorway, Belle can be heard screaming with excitement as her dad asks: “Who can you see?” The ecstatic youngster replies: “Mason Mount!” Her dad responds: “Whoa, can you? He’s waving!” 
      Belle thinks Mount might have recognised her red hair in the Wembley crowd as she held a banner bearing his name. 
      The sporty youngster, of Bromley, South East London, added: “After we saw him on the team coach, it made me really want to see him again at the game.
      “I thought it was really nice of him to smile and wave as we drove past so dad and I made an England flag for the Denmark match and wrote his name on it with love hearts.
      “Luckily he saw it and came over and everyone knows what happened next. It was a dream come true and I just want to say thank you to Mason for what he did and good luck to the team on Sunday.”
      Belle’s prized shirt from England star MountCredit: The Sun
      Belle thinks Mount might have recognised her red hair in the Wembley crowd as she held a banner bearing his nameCredit: The Sun

      Dad Tommy said Belle cried into the shirt all the way home. He added: “It was a really special evening and an amazing experience for her.
      “It was even better for me. Seeing your daughter experience pure joy like that is the best thing for any father. 
      “She’s on Cloud Nine and hasn’t taken the shirt off since he gave it to her.”
      Girl, 10, who cried tears of joy after Mason Mount gave her his shirt ‘bunked off school’ to watch her England heroes More