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      in Soccer

      Marcus Rashford splits from childhood sweetheart of eight years after lockdown strain

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      MARCUS Rashford has split from school sweetheart Lucia Loi after eight years together.She was with him as he made his name with Manchester United and England.
      Marcus Rashford has split from his childhood sweetheart girlfriend after eight yearsCredit: Getty
      Marcus is said to be devastated following his split from PR executive Lucia Loi
      Sources say the pair, both 23, broke up amid lockdown pressures but still have a “mutual love and respect”.
      Anti-child poverty campaigner Marcus is said to be devastated following his split from PR executive Lucia.
      Lucia has moved out of the Manchester United forward’s plush pad.
      But pals say the split — which did not involve anyone else — was amicable.
      The pair are still keeping in touch and there are even hopes they might get back together if they can work through their issues.
      Friends blamed the breakdown on the pandemic forcing Marcus and Lucia, both 23, to spend too much time together.
      Marcus and Lucia, pictured in 2018, are said to have split due to the strain of being cooped up during lockdownCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      The couple jetted to Barbados and were pictured on a jet-ski together after the 2018 World Cup in RussiaCredit: Mega
      Lucia has moved out of the Manchester United forward’s plush padCredit: Getty
      A source close to the football hero said last night: “After eight years together, Marcus and Lucia have made the mutual decision to part ways.
      “It is a result of the pressures and strains of the Covid pandemic and lockdowns, and the confinement that has brought with it over the last 12 months.
      “There is a strong mutual love and respect for one another, having met at school, and there is a continued dialogue with the hope of a reconciliation in the future.”
      They first fell for each other at Ashton on Mersey School in Sale, Greater Manchester.
      Marcus — made an MBE in the Queen’s Honours list last year — has recently devoted much of his time to charity work on behalf of underprivileged children.
      Last year, he helped raise £20million for kids to receive free school meals during the pandemic.
      TOUGH UPBRINGING
      His campaign resulted in the Government providing summer vouchers for 1.3million children eligible for free school meals.
      Then he prompted Boris Johnson to agree to provide £400million of support to poor children and their families in a winter grant scheme.
      Marcus — who relied on free school meals during his tough upbringing in Wythenshawe, Manchester — said it would improve the lives of 1.7million.
      He has spoken to the PM about child poverty issues on several occasions.
      And in February he led attacks on a company providing measly school meal parcels.
      The source said: “Marcus has had so much going on, with his football and campaigning and people wonder whether that contributed to the situation with Lucia.
      Pals say the split — which did not involve anyone else — was amicable
      The pair are still keeping in touch and there are even hopes they might get back together
      “She has supported everything he has done on child poverty but it has added to his workload.
      “Maybe, after a break, they will be able to work things out and get back together.”
      Marcus broke into Manchester United’s first team in 2016 when he was just 18.
      He celebrated scoring two goals on his debut by playing pool in the common room of his and Lucia’s former school.
      Two years later, Lucia was seen supporting Marcus and his England teammates at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
      Sporting a Three Lions shirt with Rashford printed the back, she watched from the stands as England beat Sweden in the quarter-finals, in a match where Marcus came on as a sub.
      Last July Lucia graduated in Advertising and Brand Management with first-class honoursCredit: Refer to Caption
      And she posted a selfie — again in an England shirt — from the stands as the team lost to Croatia in the semis, with Marcus again coming on from the bench.
      After the tournament, the couple jetted to Barbados and were pictured on a jet-ski together off the west coast of the Caribbean island.
      Last July Lucia, who worked for Manchester-based PR company Sugar, graduated in Advertising and Brand Management with first-class honours.
      She has also carried out charity work in Zambia, helping to host educational and sports classes for impoverished children. And she has previously done charity work in Sri Lanka.
      Lucia and Marcus did not talk about their relationship publicly. And she removed an Instagram snap of Marcus taken to celebrate his birthday in 2016.
      In online biographies, Lucia says she loves “fitness, art and cooking” and also enjoys travelling.
      ‘MASSIVE DIFFERENCE’
      Marcus has scored 19 times for United this season, including in their 4-2 defeat to Liverpool on Thursday.
      He has helped the Red Devils qualify for next season’s Champions League and reach the final of the Europa League in Poland on May 26.
      He is also likely to play for England in this summer’s delayed Euro 2020 tournament, which will see some games — including the final — played in the UK.
      The pair are said to have split three months ago.
      Speaking about his food campaigning last month, Marcus said help during the summer holidays would have made a “massive difference” to his family.
      He added: “Is it fair if people go hungry? No, it’s not.”
      Marcus has recently devoted much of his time to charity work on behalf of underprivileged childrenCredit: marcusrashford
      Last year, Marcus helped raise £20million for kids to receive free school meals during the pandemic
      Marcus has scored 19 times for United this seasonCredit: Getty
      Marcus — the youngest of five siblings brought up by single mum Melanie — then received a special award at last December’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year for his tireless campaigning.
      He has also set up his own book club, with publisher Macmillan Children’s Books.
      In an interview with The Sun, he said: “I wasn’t to know that it was a normal thing for somebody to be read a bedtime story.
      “I only started reading books when I was 17 and it completely changed my outlook and mentality.”
      Friends say that Lucia loves travelling and is passionate about helping others.
      A source added: “She’s very good at her PR job because she’s got a great personality so things like networking and events organising come naturally to her.
      “She gets on really well with all of her colleagues.”
      Marcus received a special award at last December’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year for his tireless campaigningCredit: PA

      She is said to have been “very supportive” of Marcus’s school meals campaigning but has kept out of the spotlight and tried to keep their relationship private over the years.
      A separate source said: “Marcus may want to get back with Lucia.
      “But if that does not happen, I am sure neither will stay on the shelf for long.”
      Marcus Rashford to teach kids how to cook cheap dinners as part of food poverty campaign More

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      in Boxing

      Josh Taylor buzzing for Manny Pacquiao clash after getting tattoo of beloved late dog PacMan

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      JOSH TAYLOR cannot stop th-INKING about his dream Manny Pacquiao fight – after having a touching tattoo tribute to his late dog ‘PacMan’.Scotland’s IBF and WBA super-lightweight king named his childhood Staffordshire Bull Terrier after his fellow southpaw and boxing idol.
      Josh Taylor, 30, was forced to say bye to his beloved dog last year
      The light-welterweight champ recently got his late pooch inked on his thigh
      And, when his beloved dog passed away last year, he had an inking of him etched on a thigh.
      Now, in a brilliant twist of fate, if he can become the undisputed 10st king by beating Jose Ramirez on Saturday night then a battle with a 42-year-old Filipino legend could become a reality.
      Ahead of his Las Vegas showdown, Taylor spoke of his sadness at losing his dog and why he named him after one of his heroes, known as PacMan.
      He said: “He was my wee best pal so to lose him the way we did was gutting so I had the tattoo done.
      “People say ‘dogs are man’s best friend’ I think that is definitely true.
      “What I really loved doing when I was home was taking the dog out for long walks.
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      “We would do miles and miles, sometimes five hours of just walking and chilling out together.
      “Manny is a hero of mine so when we named the dog it came about naturally, I could never have dreamed back then of fighting him but I would still love to now, 100 per cent.
      “As soon as that bell rang it would be down to business, even though he is an idol of mine and he isn’t as young as he used to be, he is still a dangerous top-level fighter so I would have to be ruthless.”
      Modest Taylor crept quietly on to the respected Ring magazine’s list of top-ten best pound-for-pound fighters on the planet after his 17th pro win last year.
      Victory over the 26-0 WBC and WBO American champ Ramirez will catapult him even higher.
      The Scot is yet to lose a professional boutCredit: The Sun

      The Scot said: “It is good but I am not bothered about being touted as the greatest this or that. I am not bothered about being recognised.
      “But I do see it as a little sense of achievement that a little guy from Prestonpans can force his way into that list.
      “I try not to but I do sometimes look at those lists and think ‘wow’ just because of how far I have come in a short space of time.
      “One day when I am safely retired I can say ‘Jesus Christ, I was one of the top-ten best fighters on the planet’.
      “But right now I’m just in the zone, I’m going to become the undisputed super-lightweight champion and then I’m going to go up in weight and win a world title there.”
      Tyson Fury takes barrage of body shots from world champ Josh Taylor as he prepares for Anthony Joshua More

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      in Soccer

      Spurs star Dele Alli spotted snogging Man City manager Pep Guardiola’s daughter

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      DELE ALLI has been spotted snogging the daughter of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.The Spurs and England midfielder — who has not scored in the Premier League all season — cosied up with Maria, 20, at a rooftop bar.
      Dele Alli was spotted snogging Maria Guardiola
      Maria and Dele enjoyed a cosy night together at a rooftop bar in London
      The Spurs star recently became single after splitting with his long-term girlfriendCredit: Getty
      Dele, 25, was closely marking her as dozens of other drinkers looked on in London.
      Fittingly for a player who has spent most of the season as a sub, he made his move on Maria as they sat together on a bench.
      It appeared that he had put his bitter split from model Ruby Mae, 23, behind him.
      He leaned in for a smooch after he and Maria chatted for hours at the capital’s trendy Cloud 9 bar.
      Dele, in a white T-shirt and green baseball cap over his newly dreadlocked hair, hugged and kissed Maria, who was wearing a white hoodie.
      It is understood that Dele first met Maria last month.
      An onlooker told The Sun: “Dele and Maria didn’t seem to have a care in the world.
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      Maria, 20, is the daughter of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola
      It’s understood Dele first met Maria last monthCredit: Getty
      “They didn’t mind who saw them as they smooched in front of the DJ booth.
      “It was packed with hundreds of revellers watching on. All the tables had been booked and were completely full.
      “Strangers were wandering past and Dele and Maria didn’t blink an eye.
      “They were in a group together and it was very cosy. They looked so cute and could have been honeymooners.”
      Dele and Maria’s public smooch came last Sunday — a day after Tottenham’s 3-1 Premier League defeat at Leeds United.
      It was very cosy. Dele and Maria looked so cute and could have been honeymooners.
      Maria’s Spanish dad’s Man City side had also suffered a defeat a day earlier against Chelsea — but went on to be declared this season’s Premier League champions.
      A friend told The Sun: “Dele looked smitten and finally over being dumped by his long-term lover Ruby Mae.
      “Dele and Maria are young, free and single. Who knows where it will go from here?”
      Maria has become something of a style icon thanks to her impressive online following
      The student is the eldest of Pep’s three children with Cristine Serra
      Pep and his children have repeatedly posed together at his end-of-season trophy celebrationsCredit: PA:Press Association
      Maria has told pals about the rooftop encounter with Dele but says they are “just friends”.
      The Sun told how Ruby ended her relationship with Dele after growing tired of his behaviour — including spending hours playing online game Fortnite.
      She has shared repeated public posts with her followers alluding to her joy at finally being free from the footballer.
      Dele has struggled for form this season — prompting speculation that he could be sold to a rival team, possibly Manchester City.
      Meanwhile student Maria, who lives in London, has won an army of online fans. She is a Spanish style icon with snaps of her jetset lifestyle shared on social media.
      She is the eldest of Pep’s three children with businesswoman Cristina Serra.
      The couple met in a shop and dated for 20 years before marrying in 2014 in Matadepera — after their children were born.
      Model Ruby Mae ended her relationship with Dele after growing tired of him spending so much time on FortniteCredit: Getty

      Maria is close to her brother Marius, 18, and sister Valentina, 13, and the family have repeatedly posed together publicly at Pep’s end-of-season trophy celebrations.
      The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss has proudly beamed in front of cameras with his arm around Maria.
      Last night, a spokesman for Dele declined to comment.
      Dele Alli has split from model girlfriend Ruby Mae ‘because he spent too long playing Fortnite’ More

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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury quits booze for good after admitting drinking up to 12 pints a DAY

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      TYSON Fury has gone teetotal as he bids to keep his mental health demons at bay.The boxing champ, 32 — who confessed to drinking 12 pints a day — has vowed to family and friends he will stay off booze.
      Boxer Tyson Fury has gone teetotal in a bid to keep his mental health demons at bayCredit: Getty
      Champ Tyson confessed to drinking 12 pints a day but has vowed to family and friends he will stay off boozeCredit: Xposure
      “Gypsy King” Fury has spoken openly about his drink, drugs, and mental health issues in the past.
      He was spotted this week with his boxer half-brother Tommy, 22, relaxing by a pool in Miami — with Fury sipping from a bottle of alcohol-free lager.
      A source said: “Tyson has kicked the booze on the head for good.
      “It is not because of the boxing, because he can always get in shape for fights and obviously doesn’t drink during training camps.
      “Tyson is doing this for himself and his family — especially his wife Paris.
      “And he reckons it is the best way to be a great dad and stay in shape physically and mentally.”
      Undefeated heavyweight Fury said in March he was drinking up to a dozen beers a day and had quit training as he was fed up with fights collapsing.
      The 6ft 9in star said: “I have stopped training at the moment, I am on holiday.
      “I am drinking between eight, ten, 12 pints of lager a day.”
      Sources said he could have been joking in a bid to speed up big-fight negotiations.
      And he is set to fight Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia, in August, in a unification bout worth up to £100million each.
      ‘Gypsy King’ Fury has spoken openly about his drink, drugs, and mental health issues in the pastCredit: Getty
      A source said: ‘Tyson has kicked the booze on the head for good’Credit: Getty

      Paris, 31, is pregnant with the couple’s sixth child.
      She sparked fears by posing without her wedding ring on Instagram.
      But our source insisted: “They are rock-solid.”
      Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua likely to start at 9pm UK time More

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      in Soccer

      Brendan Rodgers says Leicester are the ‘people’s club’ in FA Cup final against Big Six money-grabbers Chelsea

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      BRENDAN RODGERS claims Leicester have the backing of every neutral in the land for Saturday’s FA Cup final with Chelsea.The Foxes boss believes he is in charge of the ‘people’s club’, as the Foxes aim to lift the trophy for the first time in their 137-year history.
      Rodgers feels neutral fans will be cheering his side on to lift the FA CupCredit: PA
      Leicester are looking to lift the FA Cup for the first time in their historyCredit: Getty
      Chelsea are members of the Big Six whose failed money-grabbing Super League project last month saw more supporters turn on the plotters.
      Rodgers, whose club also won the nation’s hearts and captured the imagination worldwide with their 2015-16 Prem title triumph, said: “We would love to continue growing and be the people’s club.
      “We want to be the club other supporters around the country look at and hope that their club can ‘do a Leicester.’
      “People will look at Chelsea versus Leicester and they will see us as the underdog and, in most walks of life, everyone likes to see the underdog to do well.
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      “It has been pretty clear with the talk around the Super League and Super Clubs and how they have been defined.
      “The story here since winning the title has been one that has gone round the world. What we have tried to do here is build our own map and make the club sustainable.
      “I sense there is a lot of good will for a club like us challenging the elite of the game. We are the pioneers for the clubs outside the top six, as such.”
      Leicester are playing in their first FA Cup final since 1969, having lost all four of their previous finals.
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      Chelsea beat Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finalsCredit: PA
      Claudio Ranieri was manager when they lifted the Prem title five years ago and Rodgers has taken them back into the top four of the Prem again this season.
      And he believes the whole city is riding high.
      Rodgers, 48, added: “I’m looking at Leicester as a city this year and you’ve got the Leicester Riders basketball team who are in the play-offs and have won their first play-off game.
      “Then you’ve got Mark Selby winning the World Snooker Championship and he’s a Leicester boy.
      “We’ve also got the Leicester City women’s team who have got promoted to the first level.
      “Hopefully we can match all of their achievements at Wembley and go on to achieve something special for the city as well.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Take a look at the key numbers ahead Chelsea v Leicester’s FA Cup final More

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      in Soccer

      Footballer Charlie Austin’s wife snubs Wag lifestyle to become children’s nurse

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      FOOTIE star Charlie Austin’s wife is snubbing the Wag lifestyle by training to become a children’s nurse.Bianca, 31, has been offered a University of West London place.
      Charlie Austin’s wife is snubbing the Wag lifestyle by training to become a children’s nurseCredit: Social Media refer to Source
      Striker Charlie, 31, on loan at QPR from West Brom, tweeted a heart and “Well done Mrs”.
      Bianca tweeted: “Working my absolute ass off all year, struggling to work whilst home schooling and studying from home has finally paid off!
      “Offer officially accepted — UWL — Paediatric Nursing.”

      She will start her course in September.
      Bianca spoke four years ago about the “extremely traumatic” loss of their unborn baby Tayton-Grace in 2010 after she suffered brain damage in the womb.
      They have since had two other children.
      21-year-old student fulfils her dream of becoming a nurse as strangers raise nearly 40k after her plea went viral More

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      in Soccer

      Southampton want Ruben Loftus-Cheek on loan transfer with midfielder failing to earn Chelsea chance in Fulham spell

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      RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK has emerged as a loan target for Southampton this summer.Saints were keen on the England midfielder a year ago but lost out when Fulham borrowed him from Chelsea.
      Fulham loanee Ruben Loftus-Cheek is fancied by Premier League rivals Southampton for another temporary spell away from ChelseaCredit: PA
      Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has remained a big admirer of Ruben Loftus-Cheek despite the midfielder’s modest season for relegated FulhamCredit: Getty
      Loftus-Cheek, 25, has struggled for form with the Cottagers, scoring just once and registering no assists as Scott Parker’s side were relegated.
      Yet Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl remains a fan and is confident he can bring the best out of RLC should he land him in the close season.
      The Austrian even namechecked Loftus-Cheek ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Fulham when discussing the talent at Parker’s disposal.
      Just last month Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel had seemingly offered Loftus-Cheek hope of a long-term future at Stamford Bridge – with a glowing tribute.
      And he even compared the ten-cap star to all-time great Germany hero Michael Ballack.
      Tuchel said of RLC: “I was quite a fan of him when he was younger.
      “He reminded me of Michael Ballack. There were links with him moving to Germany. We are well aware of his talent.
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      “I don’t know why things have not worked out as he wished but now he is doing good.
      “I cannot judge him from TV and hearsay. I love to work with players then to give my opinion.”
      But as well as big-money Blues’ buys, fellow academy products like Mason Mount, 22, and 19-year-old Billy Gilmour are now well ahead of Loftus-Cheek in a congested battle for midfield spots.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel to be given massive £150M transfer war chest More

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      in Soccer

      Casey Stoney shocked the WSL by quitting Man Utd but she is a top boss and has a HUGE future ahead

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      CASEY STONEY’S decision to quit Manchester United at the end of the season came as a shock to me.She has done an incredible job during her three seasons with the club, leading them to promotion into the WSL from the Championship and then consecutive fourth-place finishes.
      Stoney announced her shock departure earlier this weekCredit: Getty
      Scott and Stoney were team-mates at international level but often rivals at club levelCredit: Getty
      But she deemed it a “personal failure” when the Red Devils missed out by a point on a spot in Europe for the first time in the club’s history this term.
      Stoney, 39, has done a remarkable job considering Man Utd only reformed their women’s side in 2018 after a 13-year hiatus.
      She had just ten days to create a whole squad and recruit her backroom staff when she took over.
      The former England and Arsenal icon resigned from the top job following frustration over a lack of resources and the budget for the women’s side.
      Time and time again we saw her fighting for more in the battle for women’s football to be treated fairly.
      Stoney was also left gutted when her side’s first ever game at Old Trafford was not broadcast on television or even the club’s own MUTV channel.
      She said: “We’ve missed a massive opportunity. We’re so short-sighted in the women’s game.”
      I said this before but I feel like in the women’s game you’re always expected to feel grateful for everything.
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      Stoney and Scott lined up alongside one another for EnglandCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Stoney is expected to embark on a new managerial challenge in the USCredit: Reuters
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      I’ve felt it at times, that you should just be grateful because everyone’s going out of their way to go above and beyond for you.
      Everyone is hailing the women’s top flight for how far it has come, which it has.
      But there are still leaps and bounds to be made and often Stoney was a lone voice in the fight for change.
      She called out the cancellation of the Women’s FA Cup while the men played on amid the coronavirus crisis.
      And she also spoke out about the closure of girls’ academies while the boys continued to train.
      I’m proud that she stood up for the darker side of women’s football that still needs to be worked on.
      Stoney has now been linked with USA women’s team San Diego.
      She bids farewell to the United dugout as her side take on Leicester City in the FA Cup fifth round tomorrow in her final game in charge.
      And I know my old team-mate has got a HUGE future ahead.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      WSL champs Chelsea sign PSV Eindhoven star Aniek Nouwen More