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      How John Motson became the voice of football after a muddy afternoon at Hereford changed his life forever

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      BRITISH football lost its voice yesterday when legendary commentator John Motson died aged 77.For half a century, “Motty” and his sheepskin coat brought the beautiful game to life with his infectious enthusiasm, unmatchable statistics and iconic tones.
      British football lost its voice yesterday when legendary commentator John Motson died aged 77Credit: PA
      Motson takes the mic at Old Trafford in his first season of 1971/72
      And in his final season for the BBC at Arsenal in 2021Credit: Getty
      The former BBC broadcaster was behind the microphone for more than 2,000 games, including 29 FA Cup Finals, and covering ten World Cups and ten Euros.
      Last night tributes poured in from across the world to the commentator Piers Morgan hailed as the G.O.A.T — greatest of all time.
      Match of the Day host Gary Lineker called him “brilliant” and “the voice of football in this country for generations”. Ex-England star Alan Shearer wrote: “RIP Motty. An incredible career. The voice.”
      Prince William added: “Very sad to hear about the passing of John Motson — a legend whose voice was football. My thoughts are with his family and friends.”
      READ MORE ON JOHN MOTSON
      Motson’s success was down to preparation as much as perspiration in that heavy jacket, with wife Anne helping him collate information on players and games.
      They did not use a computer — preferring instead to draw on their own archive of press clippings, and Motson’s laser focus for detail produced many memorable moments.
      Before his first FA Cup Final in 1977, he walked up the Wembley steps to where the trophy would be collected and counted 39.
      Then, when Man United’s winning captain Martin Buchan strode up, Motson delivered a killer reference to John Buchan’s classic novel. He said to the millions at home: “How appropriate that a man called Buchan should be the first to climb the 39 steps to the Royal Box.”
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      However he may never have been there at all if not for a muddy FA Cup Third Round replay at non-league Hereford United against mighty Newcastle in 1972.
      When Ronnie Radford hit a late 30-yard screamer to equalise, an excitable Motson screamed into the mic: “Oh, what a goal! What a goal! Radford the scorer, Ronnie Radford, and the crowd, the crowd are invading the pitch and it will take some time to clear the field.”
      Having captured the moment so perfectly, Motson would no longer be a junior commentator.
      He later said: “I was on trial at Match of the Day for a year and I got given this game, and then Ronnie changed everything.
      “He changed his life, my life, the history of the FA Cup with a goal that came out of nowhere.”
      Born in Salford, Motson moved around the country as his Methodist minister dad William went from post to post.
      His first taste of football came in London aged seven when he watched Chelsea play at Charlton Athletic, near where he then lived.
      He was instantly hooked and became a Chelsea fan, although he later pretended to support Barnet to avoid accusations of bias. 
      Motson’s first job was on a local paper in Barnet, North London, in 1963, before moving to the Sheffield Morning Telegraph four years later.
      On reading his work, one cruel editor suggested he try broadcasting instead. He joined the BBC in 1968 — but it was not until Radford’s rocket that his own career took off. It landed him a three-year contract, covering a range of sports.
      In 1974 he co-commentated with heavyweight legend Muhammad Ali on a Joe Bugner fight in London. He tried to hand the mic to Ali only to discover he had vanished.
      Motson recalled: “He was in the ring trying to box Bugner.”
      Reporting on Wimbledon tennis in 1981 he landed an impromptu interview with actor Jack Nicholson. When Motson got a message in his ear from the studio demanding the tennis latest, Jack said in his scary Shining voice: “Just give ’em the score, Johnnnyy.” 
      But it is football for which Motson will be forever remembered. 
      A huge factor in his success was Anne, who he married in 1976. She kept a log detailing all his games.
      Motson said: “My research is based mainly on my wife’s wonderful record book which she keeps dutifully and diligently every day of the season with all the teams, matches, appearances, goalscorers, newspaper cuttings, you name it.”
      However Motson was not immune to the odd blunder. He once said: “Brazil — they’re so good it’s like they’re running round the pitch playing with themselves.” 
      In the 1990s his rival Barry Davies got two FA Cup Finals so the perfectionist felt he had to raise his game. Motson, awarded an OBE in 2001, said: “You felt that if you dropped a clanger you might be out of work. I would have sleepless nights sweating on getting it right. 
      “There were recriminations if something went wrong, naked fury.”
      Getting his MBE with wife Anne who helped him collate information on players and gamesCredit: PA:Press Association
      John in the hot seat during the 1986 World Cup finals in MexicoCredit: Getty
      It started at a muddy FA Cup Third Round replay at non-league Hereford United against mighty Newcastle in 1972Credit: PA
      The affable Motson also had to face occasional bouts of rage from angry managers. Then-Man United boss Alex Ferguson, who had been a good pal, snarled at him in 1995: “You’ve no right to ask me that question, John. You’re out of order.” 
      All he did was ask if Roy Keane would be punished for being sent off for the third time in 14 games.
      His toughest career moment was in 1989 commenting at the FA Cup semi between Nottingham Forest and Liverpool at Hillsborough. His son Fred said the disaster, where 96 fans were killed, “was really something that weighed on him”.
       Motson’s last day at the BBC came at Crystal Palace’s 2-0 home win against West Brom in 2018. Palace’s then-boss Roy Hodgson presented him with a framed copy of the programmes from his first and last matches. 
      He then joined TalkSport radio soon after and was awarded a Bafta that year to mark his contribution to broadcasting. 
      He and his wife, who lived in a village near Milton Keynes, both had major health scares.
      First Anne beat breast cancer and then ten years later in 2014 her husband was diagnosed with bowel cancer. Motson said: “I knew what courage she showed in the operation. I thought to myself, ‘Come on, keep yourself together and don’t make too much fuss.’ 
      “I was trying to be nearly as brave as she was.” 
      His family said yesterday: “It is with great sadness that we announce that John Motson OBE died peacefully in his sleep today.” 
      Huge rounds of applause are sure to ring out at grounds around the country tomorrow. As the BBC’s director-general Tim Davie said: “John had the right words, at the right time, for all the big moments.” 
      grant.rollings@thesun.co.uk
      ‘HE SET STANDARD’By NICK PARKER
      FELLOW commentators and pundits paid tribute to Motty yesterday.
      Sky’s Martin Tyler said: “John was the standard-setter for us all. 
      “We basically all looked up to him — his diligence, his dedication, his knowledge. He was a very serious broadcaster but he was a real fun guy to be around.”
      Clive Tyldesley said: “As a teenager I just wanted to be John Motson. Nobody else.” BT Sport’s Darren Fletcher posted: “An iconic commentator with his own distinctive and brilliant style.
      “The soundtrack to my youth watching football #RIPMotty.”
      BT Sport and ESPN commentator Ian Darke said: “Probably the most famous football commentator of them all. Meticulously researched and retaining boyish enthusiasm and love of the game over half a century of the biggest games — he set the gold standard.”
      Ex-Blackburn forward and pundit Chris Sutton said: “He was a legendary figure in the commentary box and will be sorely missed. 
      “Thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”

      Classic lines of icon
      ONE of Motty’s most famous quotes was a joke, not a gaffe.
      Commentating on a Tottenham game he said: “For those of you watching in black and white, Spurs are in the all-yellow strip”.
      It was a nod to Ted Lowe’s snooker line: “For those of you watching in black and white, the pink is next to the green.”
      Some of his other lines include: 
      “Villa . . . and still Ricky Villa! What a fantastic run! He’s scored!” — on the Argentine’s mazy winner for Spurs in the 1981 FA Cup Final replay.
      The ‘crazy gang’ of Wimbledon got the Motto treatment as they beat the stars of Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup finalCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      “And there it is, the Crazy Gang have beaten the Culture Club!” — when no-hopers Wimbledon beat the stars of Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup Final.
      “It’s there by David Platt. England have done it in the last minute of extra-time. England are through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup and Bobby Robson is ecstatic!” — late drama at the Italia 90 World Cup.
      “Oh dear, oh dear me . . . here is a moment that almost brings tears to his eyes” — on Paul Gascoigne after his booking against West Germany would rule him out of the final at Italia 90.
      Paul Gascoigne was hailed by Motson after his famous volleyed goal against Scotland at Euro 1996Credit: PA:Press Association
      “Here’s Gascoigne . . oh brilliant, oh yes!” — Gazza’s famous volley against Scotland in Euro 96.
      “Ohhh, this is getting better and better and better. One, two, three for Michael Owen!” — Owen gets his hat-trick in England’s 5-1 win over Germany in Munich 2001.
      David Beckham sends England to the 2002 World CupCredit: Allsport – Getty
      “Beckham . . . Yes! He’s done it!” — David Beckham’s brilliant last-gasp free-kick against Greece at Old Trafford in 2001 sends England to the 2002 World Cup.
      “Hold the cups and glasses at home . . . you can smash them now!” Beckham’s penalty beats Argentina at the 2002 World Cup in Japan, broadcast at breakfast time in the UK.
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      “Gerrard! He’s done it! Oh Steven Gerrard!” — injury-time thunderbolt for Liverpool against West Ham in the 2006 FA Cup Final.
      “And the referee has gone across now with his hand in his pocket. He’s been told about it. He’s off, it’s red, it’s Zidane! You can’t excuse that   —   Zidane’s career ends in disgrace!” — Zinedine Zidane’s sending-off for France after a headbutt in the 2006 World Cup Final against Italy. More

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      Bukayo Saka ‘tells Arsenal he wants to STAY with England star closing in on staggering £200k-a-week contract’

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      BUKAYO SAKA has allegedly agreed to stay at Arsenal.And he is now closing in on a bumper new contract worth £200,000-a-week.
      Bukaya Saka has reportedly agreed terms on a bumper new Arsenal dealCredit: Alamy
      The Gunners winger was in brilliant form for England during the World Cup in Qatar.
      Saka, 21, was named in L’Equipe’s team of the tournament – with the French newspaper a notoriously harsh critic.
      Since returning from the Middle East he has continued to shine for table-topping Arsenal despite entering the final 18 months of his deal.
      Saka has scored five goals since heading back to North London, with his latest helping his team to beat Aston Villa 4-2 last weekend.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      Now supporters have been dealt a huge boost ahead of the trip to Leicester on Saturday after a fresh report claimed he has agreed to commit his future to the club.
      The Athletic states he has reached “an agreement in principle over a new long-term contract”.
      However, the deal is still not officially signed and “may take some time to finalise”.
      But it adds that it is “now in place and will come as a huge boost to the club”.
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      The Daily Mail has also reported that Saka has “told Arsenal he wants to stay”.
      And they claim that his new package will earn him over £10m annually. More

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      World Cup’s sexiest fan Ivana Knoll drapes herself across police cars in busty see-through dress outside Parliament

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      THE World Cup’s hottest fan Ivana Knoll has been turning heads on the streets of London.The Croatian superfan shot to fame in Qatar and ever popularity is still on the rise.
      Ivana Knoll caught the eye on the streets on WestminsterCredit: Splash
      She posed in front of Big Ben and an iconic London busCredit: Splash
      She also took a cheeky snap on top of a police car
      The model also posed next to a telephone boxCredit: Splash
      Ivana wore a short skirt and huge heelsCredit: Splash
      The outfit allowed her to show off her long legsCredit: Splash
      Ivana turned heads outside Parliament
      She even caught the attention of on-duty police officers
      Since the tournament finished she has mingled with the likes of Drake and Jamie Foxx and partied in the United States.
      And now she has come over to sample life in London by posing around the streets of Westminster
      Donning a skimpy outfit and heels, Ivana embraced her surroundings by walking into a typically British telephone box.
      She showed off her long legs with one snap in front of Big Ben and an iconic red bus.
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      Ivana caught the attention of passers by, including police officers working outside Parliament.
      The former Miss Croatia strutted about in high heels and even pole danced on a lampost.
      She recently confessed that she is a passionate dancer with pole dancing and belly dancing her forte.
      Ivana occasionally shows off her moves on social media, much to the excitement of her 3.6million Instagram followers.
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      The model appears to be enjoying herself in London and took in Arsenal vs Manchester City last week, being gifted a shirt with her name on the back by the Gunners.
      She then went out in London, before attending the Baftas after-party on Sunday. More

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      From the Crazy Gang to Gazza’s tears, the seven most iconic moments of John Motson’s career as BBC legend passes away

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      FOOTBALL has lost its most iconic voice after John Motson passed away, aged 77.Fans across the country are mourning the legendary BBC commentator, who hung up his mic – and famous sheepskin coat – five years ago.
      BBC commentary legend John Motson has passed away, aged 77Credit: PA:Press Association
      During his distinguished 48-year career, Motty covered ten World Cups, ten European Championships, 29 FA Cup finals and more than 200 England games.
      But there are some moments that stand out more than others and will NEVER be forgotten.
      Here are SunSport’s favourite memories from the ‘Voice of Football’…
      You can’t fault his appetite for the game
      The famous sheepskin John Motson wore at Adams Park became synonymous with the BBC legend
      It was an image that became synonymous with Motty.
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      And was always a running joke when the weather mimicked arctic conditions.
      In December 1980, Motty reported live from Adams Park before Wycombe Wanderers entertained Peterborough United.
      Battling the elements, he delivered his message with aplomb and the sheepskin became a regular fixture.
      His commentating was something quite poetic
      John Motson delivered the famous line, “The Crazy Gang have beaten the Culture Club” when Wimbledon beat LiverpoolCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Motty tapped into popular culture too.
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      One of the biggest Cup Final shocks of all time came when Wimbledon beat Liverpool 1-0 thanks to a Lawrie Sanchez goal in 1988.
      Cue scenes of hysteria and disbelief at the final whistle and a distraught looking Kenny Dalglish as The Reds missed out on doing the double.
      “The Crazy Gang have beaten the Culture Club,” he delivered when the ref called time.
      And it is a line that has gone down in history.
      And he loved it when England did well
      The favourite game John Motson ever commentated on was England’s 5-1 drubbing of GermanyCredit: PA:Press Association
      When Michael Owen scored his third goal, John Motson was particularly vocalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Motty confessed that his favourite match he ever commentated on was England’s 5-1 drubbing of Germany in Munich.
      You could really tell too, because he took so much delight in Michael Owen grabbing a hat-trick at the Olympiastadion during the 2002 World Cup qualifiers.
      He bellowed: “Ohhh, this is getting better and better and better. One, two, three for Michael Owen!”
      But arguably his most famous commentary line came when he first started out
      Ronnie Radford’s goal for Hereford United defined John Motson’s careerCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      It was the goal that changed Motty’s life, he admitted.
      Effectively, he was on trial at the BBC and he confessed that he “hadn’t pulled up too many trees at that point.”
      “What a goal, what a goal,” Motson screamed as Ronnie Radford hit a screamer for Hereford United in their famous FA Cup shock against Newcastle.
      “Radford the scorer. Ronnie Radford.” Motty then became a permanent voice.
      Don’t mention Brian Clough though
      John Motson loved interviewing Brian Clough
      Brian Clough was prickly with John Motson in a awkward interview in 1979
      In 1979, the legendary Nottingham Forest manager gave Motty a particularly prickly interview.
      Cloughy wasn’t happy about the BBC over-analysing the beautiful game, so he let rip on the journalist.
      “I think what you do to referees is nothing short of criminal,” Cloughy told him in no uncertain terms.
      Despite that, Clough and Motty always had fun jousting over the years and Motty always said he was his favourite manager to interview.
      Gazza’s tears at Italia 90
      Paul Gascoigne’s tears were best described by John Motson during England’s semi final game against Germany at Italia 90Credit: Getty – Contributor
      TURIN – JULY 4: Paul Gascoigne of England bursts into tears after losing the FIFA World Cup Finals 1990 Semi-Final match between West Germany and England played at the Stadio Delle Alpi, in Turin, Italy on July 4, 1990. The match ended in a 1-1 draw after extra-time, with West Germany winning 4-3 in the […]Credit: Getty – Contributor
      When Paul Gascoigne launched into a mistimed tackle and earned a booking that would rule him out of a possible World Cup Final appearance, we were shot to pieces.
      Gazza soon got emotional on the pitch, and his Spurs colleague Gary Lineker gestured to manager Bryan Robson to keep an eye on him.
      “Oh dear. Oh dear me,” Motty reasoned with the nation. “He’s going to be out of the final, if England get there.”
      “Here is a moment that almost brings tears to his eyes.”
      Finally, he wasn’t afraid to call it how it was
      John Motson was scathing of Zinedine Zidane in the 2006 World Cup FinalCredit: AFP
      John Motson will be sorely missedCredit: Getty – Contributor
      When Zinedine Zidane got sent off against Italy at the 2006 World Cup the world was stunned by what they’d seen.
      The world’s greatest player threw a headbutt towards Italian defender Marco Materazzi who collapsed to the ground.
      “And the referee has gone across now with his hand in his pocket,” Motty told us as we awaited the official’s decision.
      Read More on The Sun
      “He’s been told about it. He’s off, it’s red, it’s Zidane! You can’t excuse that, Zidane’s career ends in disgrace!”
      Motty, you’ll be missed. More

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      Man Utd takeover by Qataris will be great for club as Sheikh is ‘very good person’ – reveals Barcelona boss Xavi

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      XAVI believes a Qatar takeover will be good for Manchester United.The Barcelona coach played for Qatar side Al Sadd between 2015-19 and went on to coach them from 2019-21.
      Barcelona and Spain legend Xavi warmed up for Thursday’s Europa League second leg at Old Trafford by praising United bidder Sheikh JassimCredit: EPA
      Man Utd would flourish if Sheikh Jassim took over, Xavi suggests
      He was also an ambassador for the recent World Cup and knows United bidder Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani.
      Ahead of Barca’s Europa League match against United he said the club-owning Glazers would do well to accept his bid.
      Xavi said: “I have a good relationship with the Sheikh and I think he would do a good job.
      “I think he is a very good person with serious responsibilities.”
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      Sheikh Jassim is up against Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group to take control of the club after the Glazer’s put it up for sale for around £6billion.
      In a statement last week Sheikh Jassim made his intentions clear to buy the club out right and make it number one again.
      His statement said: “The bid plans to return the club to its former glories both on and off the pitch, and – above all – will seek to place the fans at the heart of Manchester United Football club once more.
      “The bid will be completely debt free via Sheikh Jassim’s Nine Two Foundation, which will look to invest in the football teams, the training centre, the stadium and wider infrastructure, the fan experience and the communities the club supports.
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      “The vision of the bid is for Manchester United Football Club to be renowned for footballing excellence, and regarded as the greatest football club in the world.”
      Xavi also believes that the Sheikh would be buying a club on the up again under Erik Ten Hag’s management.
      He said: “Manchester United are one of the best teams in Europe at the minute, showing their quality and competitiveness through great results.
      “They’re the best United I’ve seen in the last few years, with a great coach, and great players who show a lot of personality and passion.”
      To beat them tonight Barcelona will have to try and keep Marcus Rashford quiet.
      He scored in the 2-2 first leg of this tie, which has a place in the last 16 of the competitions as the reward.
      After his double at the weekend against Leicester he now has 16 in his last 17 games since returning from the World Cup and 24 in all for the season.
      Centre-back Joules Kounde had a tough time handling him in the first leg and Ten Hag was furious that he had not been sent off when coming into contact with the England international as he broke away in the second-half.
      But Kounde said: “I think it was 50-50. There is contact but I think it’s very light.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I think it’s very light and the referee decided to not give me a red card, so I don’t feel lucky. I feel it’s part of the decision of the referee.
      “It’s true that I think I could have been sent off because it was 50-50 but the referee made the decision and obviously I’m very happy.” More

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      Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun urged to QUIT England and switch international allegiance to become ‘poster boy’

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      ARSENAL prodigy Folarin Balogun has been told to snub England and instead become America’s new poster boy.The 21-year-old is the joint-leading scorer in Ligue 1 alongside PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe and Lille’s Jonathan David with 14 goals for loan club Stade de Reims.
      Folarin Balogun is eligible to play for England, USA and NigeriaCredit: AFP
      The Gunners could be ready to cash in on the hotshot, who only has 18 months left on his contract, this summer after his exploits surprised many at the club.
      However, at international level, the USA is ready and waiting to convince him to switch his allegiance.
      Balogun was born in New York, America, to Nigerian parents and raised in England and is eligible to represent all three nations at international level. 
      He has represented the States four times for their Under-18s, but he has also been capped by the Three Lions at youth level and has seven goals in 13 appearances for the U21s.
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      But with a host of young talents such as Christian Pulisic, Timothy Weah and Yunus Musah, USA legend Eric Wynalda says that the forward can be the man to fire his country to glory.
      And he is adamant that the US Soccer Federation should be promising him all-sorts of endorsements and incentives to get him to turn his back on England.
      Speaking to The Action Network’s Wondergoal Podcast, Wynalda, who scored 34 goals in 107 caps, said: “If we get Folarin Balogun him we solve a lot of problems. 
      “I’m impressed with everything about him. The power that he has, the timing of his runs.
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      “We have to appeal to his ego which is the reality of this. We should let him know that he will be a star.
      “An absolute star at a World Cup, in his own country as he was born in New York.”
      Wynalda added: “We need to lock him in with some sponsors too. 
      “He will be a star with us. He won’t necessarily be a star with England.
      “It will come down to how important it is for him to be in the spotlight. That’s the only chance we’ve got to get him.” 
      “Everything from the Mastercards, the Budweisers, the Coca-Cola’s, the big ones that will be sponsors of this World Cup. They have to figure out how to fit him into the budget.” More

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      ‘Gonna cause accidents on the streets’ – World Cup’s hottest fan Ivana Knoll dances around lamppost in skimpy outfit

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      THE World Cup’s hottest fan Ivana Knoll is living her best life as she holidays in London.The Croatia megafan gathered a huge fanbase during the tournament in Qatar as she stunned in a series of creative outfits.
      Ivana Knoll has gotten into the London spiritCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Co7xsuFIzew/?hl=en
      The Croatia megafan performs a twirlCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Co7xsuFIzew/?hl=en
      Since the tournament finished she has mingled with celebs and partied in the United States.
      And now, she has come over to sample life in London.
      Ivana took in Arsenal vs Manchester City last week, being gifted a shirt with her name on the back by the Gunners.
      She then went out in London, before attending the Baftas after-party on Sunday.
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      As is customary, she also had to go and see Big Ben.
      Donning a skimpy outfit and heels, Ivana embraced her surroundings by walking into a typically British telephone box.
      She then strutted up to a street sign, performing a twirl around it.
      Ivana captioned her post: “Someone said: ,,London got a bit warmer today” 🥵”
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      And her 3.5million Instagram followers are loving her London exploits.
      One joked: “Gonna cause accidents on the streets.”
      A second commented: “Typical British weather.”
      While a third added: “London got hotter that day.”
      And a fourth gushed: “You’re the most beautiful woman in the world.”
      In addition to exploring London, Ivana has also recently taken in some warmer climates.
      She recently visited St Tropez, donning orange swimwear in the nice weather.
      Ivana loves wearing Croatia-themed outfitsCredit: Instagram / @knolldoll
      The World Cup’s hottest fan wore an Arsenal shirt last weekCredit: https://www.instagram.com/knolldoll/
      She wore a sparkly dress for the Baftas after-partyCredit: Splash
      Ivana took in the sunshine in St TropezCredit: Instagram @knolldoll More

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      Diego Maradona ‘Hand of God’ ball fails to sell at auction for SECOND time as 1986 World Cup ref holds out for more cash

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      DIEGO MARADONA’S “Hand of God” ball has failed to sell at auction for a second time in four months.Bids were made but fell short of the £2.5million asking price.
      Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ ball has failed to sell at auction againCredit: The Mega Agency
      It is the ball from the 1986 World Cup quarter final against EnglandCredit: Getty
      Ali Bin Nasser is hoping to make £2.5million from the ballCredit: AFP
      The person selling the ball is Ali Bin Nasser, the referee from the 1986 World Cup clash between Argentina and England when the iconic moment happened.
      He failed to spot Maradona using his hand to beat England’s Peter Shilton to the ball and guide it into the goal to help his side win the quarter-final 2-1
      Despite the incident being one of the most controversial and iconic of football history, bids for the ball only reached £1.4m.
      In November, the ball failed to sell at London-based auction house Graham Budd Auctions.
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      Bids then reached a monumental £2m.
      However, that was £500,000 under the asking price set by Bin Nasser.
      Maradona’s shirt from that game was sold for £7.7 million last May.
      This sale is believed to be the highest price ever paid at an auction for a piece of sports memorabilia.
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      Argentina went on to win the World Cup in 1986 after dumping out England.
      Maradona scored twice against Belgium in the semi-finals to help his side to a 2-0 win.
      He did not get on the scoresheet in the final, but goals from Jose Luis Brown, Jorge Valdano and Jorge Burruchaga were enough to edge out West Germany 3-2 to win the trophy. More